Nottingham Health Profile scores predict the outcome and support aggressive revascularisation for critical ischaemia

Abstract

Aims: To assess changes in health related quality of life (HRQoL) following peripheral arterial reconstruction for critical limb ischaemia (CLI). Methods: Sixty patients with CLI were prospectively evaluated with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) before and 3 and 12 months after arterial reconstruction. In addition, at 12 months, patients were asked if their expectations of the revascularisation had been met and whether they considered the surgical treatment had been worthwhile. Results: Primary amputations and mortality were 5% and 3% and after 12 months 12% and 12% respectively. Three months after surgery scores on the pain and sleep sections of the NHP had improved significantly (p < 0.05). These improvements were maintained at 12 months. Conclusion: Revascularisation for CLI improves HRQoL and pre-operative health perceptions are related to surgical outcome. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.