191 of 2974 (6.4%) diabetic patients in a managed care plan with evidence of peripheral arterial occulsive disease (PAOD), as demonstrated by at least one non-palpable pedal pulse, were subjected to doppler studies for further vascular evaluation. ABI’s <0.80 were considered abnormal, between 0.80-1.20 were normal and >1.20 with non-compressible vessels. Patients with an abnormal ABI and an open wound were referred to a vascular surgeon for a consultation and an angiogram, as needed.
98 (51.4%) patients demonstrated abnormal ABI results, 26 (13.6%) were normal and 67 (35.0%) had non-compressible vessels. While 51.4% (98/191) of the patients with evidence of peripheral arterial occulsive disease demonstrated an abnormal ABI, only 18.3% (35/191) received a lower extremity bypass. Among this cohort, 12 patients required either a below or above knee amputation. Among them 6 patients had a bypass that failed (6/35, 17.1%) and 6 patients were not considered bypass candidates.
Learning Objectives: The goal of this study is to rationalize the effectiveness of a bi-directional doppler study in assessing the vascular status of high risk diabetic patients
Keywords: Diabetes, Minority Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.