Factors Associated with Therapeutic Outcomes in the Treatment of Nontraumatic Acute Upper Limb Ischemia at a Tertiary Care Center in South India: A Prospective Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background: The outcomes of acute upper extremity ischemia (AUEI) demonstrated lower rates of limb loss (0%–3.1%) and mortality (~6%) compared to acute lower extremity ischemia. However, AUEI still is a challenge for a vascular surgeon as delays in diagnosis and treatment are likely to result in severe functional disability, even in the absence of overt tissue loss. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to determine the association of factors affecting the clinical outcomes of acute upper limb ischemia treatment. Methodology: A single-center prospective observational study was done between July 2021 and July 2023 on patients with AUEI who came to our emergency medicine department at a tertiary care center in South India. The demography, risk factors, duration of ischemia, time from onset of complaints, and primary intervention chosen were recorded. Functional improvement on subsequent follow-up intervals was analyzed to describe the surgical outcome. Results: Of 53 patients with AUEI, 31 (58.5%) had atrial fibrillation. In 81.1% of patients, thrombosis was the primary cause of acute limb ischemia. Most patients belonged to the 2A Rutherford classification (47.2%), followed by 2B (26.4%). Regardless of the severity of ischemia, the patients (n = 10) who arrived after 36 h had a higher rate of amputation (5; 50%). Lower levels of preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase were associated with better postoperative outcomes (P = 0.007) and lesser amputation rates (P = 0.017). Lower grades of ischemia, prompt intervention, and early consultation were all linked to better postoperative functional outcomes (P = 0.026). Conclusion: At our facility, AUEI due to cardiac or noncardiac emboli, thrombosis, or both was a significant cause of inhospital morbidity. An important risk factor for worse outcomes was hypertension. The availability of appropriate interventional care, and the timing of presentation after the onset of symptoms are thus significant modifiable factors in lowering the rates of amputation.