The impact of diabetes on the outcomes of lower extremity arterial disease in patients with vascular surgical interventions in Kosovo
Summary: This observational study in Kosovo evaluated how type 2 diabetes affects outcomes in patients undergoing vascular surgery for lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). Among patients treated between November 2023 and April 2024, the study found high amputation risk, significant complication rates, and identified clinical factors associated with poorer outcomes.
Key Highlights:
- Patient demographics: Most were between ages 62–71; ~63% male; nearly all (96.3%) were managed with insulin.
- Adverse events: Toe gangrene requiring amputation occurred in ~25.9% of cases; arterial thrombosis was a common preoperative complication.
- Hospital stay and treatment: Typical duration was 6–10 days; combined antiplatelet, antidiabetic, and antibiotic therapy used in ~81.5% of patients.
- Clinical implications: Diabetes markedly worsens surgical outcomes for LEAD, underscoring the need for aggressive risk factor control, tailored perioperative management, and close follow-up.
Read the full article in the Italian Journal of Medicine
Keywords:
Dion Haliti,
Dea Haliti,
Laura Leci Tahiri,
Nora Shabani-Behrami,
Elena Hajdari,
Naim Haliti,
Ragip Shabani,
Fehim Haliti,
Qenan Maxhuni,
Rrahman Ferizi,
type 2 diabetes mellitus,
lower extremity arterial disease,
vascular surgery outcomes