Abstract
Background: We tested a screening algorithm of lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) for general practitioners (GPs) with a 1-year follow-up examination. Besides, patients were referred for vascular specialists to verify the presence of LEAD with specific tools.
Method: 327 patients were followed-up. We recorded the differences in the anamnesis. Ankle brachial index was re-measured. Patients repeated walking-test. We compared our results to the specialist control.
Results: Specialists confirmed LEAD in 73.7%. 63.1% reported IC symptoms. Our screening algorithm had a sensitivity of 92%, and a specificity of 96%, positive and negative predictive values were 91% and 96%. Most LEAD-positive patients received LEAD-specific medications (94.2%) and antiplatelet therapy (91.7%). Improvement in walking test were shown in 96 cases (29.3%).
Conclusion: Our screening algorithm combined with specialist control has proven to be an easy-to-apply, and efficient methodology for GPs with excellent sensitivity and specificity in identifying individuals at risk of LEAD.
License
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Type: Original Article
ELECTRON J GEN MED, Volume 19, Issue 6, December 2022, Article No: em399
https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/12278
Publication date: 26 Jul 2022
Article Views: 1531
Article Downloads: 1425
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