CHANGES IN LOWER LIMB FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION OF STANDARD AND MODIFIED TREATMENT PROTOCOLS. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS.

INTRODUCTION

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a dangerous manifestation of ASCVD, often leading to amputations, cardiovascular complications, and mortality. The effectiveness of revascularization is not always predictable, necessitating the refinement of treatment and monitoring approaches.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Comparative assessment of the effectiveness of standard and modified (adjuvant-supplemented) postoperative treatment protocols, based on the analysis of lower limb functional activity (Fontaine classification) and quality of life indicators (MOS SF-36) in patients with PAD.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The study involved 114 patients divided into two groups: Group I (n=58) received standard post-revascularization management, Group II (n=56) received modified management with adjuvant neurometabolic and endothelioprotective therapy. All patients were assessed for lower limb functional activity (Fontaine classification) at the study baseline as well at 1, 3 and 12 months after surgery. The quality of life (MOS SF-36) scoring was performed at the study baseline as well at 3 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Assessments performed 3 and 12 months after surgery showed that patients receiving modified management maintained significantly better functional activity and higher quality of life scores compared to the standard treatment group. In the standard treatment group, a trend of regression was observed at 12 months, whereas the modified therapy group patients cohort demonstrated the maintenance of the positive trend. Statistical analysis confirmed a strong positive association between the modified treatment protocol and superior long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The addition of neurometabolic and endothelioprotective adjuvant therapy to standard postoperative care improves lower limb functional activity and quality of life for up to 12 months. This approach may complement current clinical guidelines for PAD management.