Association of remoteness and ethnicity with major amputation following minor amputation to treat diabetes-related foot disease.

Introduction: Minor amputation is commonly needed to treat diabetes-related foot disease (DFD). Remoteness of residence is known to limit access to healthcare and has previously been associated with poor outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations between ethnicity and remoteness of residency with the risk of major amputation and death following initial treatment of DFD by minor amputation.

Outcomes of Revascularisation for Treating Lifestyle-Limiting Intermittent Claudication in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Non-Indigenous Patients from North Queensland: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This retrospective analysis of an ongoing prospective cohort study aimed to assess the outcome of revascularisation for treating lifestyle-limiting intermittent claudication caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous North Queenslanders. Consenting patients with PAD who underwent endovascular or open revascularisation procedures for treating lifestyle-limiting intermittent claudication were included. The primary outcome measure was major adverse limb events (MALEs), defined as major amputation or the requirement for repeat open or endovascular revascularisation.

Network Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Comparing the Outcomes of Different Endovascular Revascularisation Treatments for Infra-inguinal Peripheral Arterial Disease Causing Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different endovascular revascularisation procedures for treating chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) using network meta-analysis (NMA).

Data Sources: The databases PubMed and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials were searched on 14 March 2023.

Review Methods: A NMA of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy of different endovascular revascularisation techniques for treating CLTI was performed according to PRISMA guidelines.

The potential involvement of glycocalyx disruption in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weakening and expansion of the abdominal aorta. Currently, there is no drug treatment to limit abdominal aortic aneurysm growth. The glycocalyx is the outermost layer of the cell surface, mainly composed of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans.

Pathogenesis and management of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) causes ∼170 000 deaths annually worldwide. Most guidelines recommend asymptomatic small AAAs (30 to <50 mm in women; 30 to <55 mm in men) are monitored by imaging and large asymptomatic, symptomatic, and ruptured AAAs are considered for surgical repair. Advances in AAA repair techniques have occurred, but a remaining priority is therapies to limit AAA growth and rupture.

Comparative efficacy of growth factor therapy in healing diabetes-related foot ulcers: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: This study examined the relative efficacy of growth factor therapies in healing diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU).

Methods: PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials testing growth factor therapies for treating DFU. The primary outcome was complete wound closure.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Incidence and Risk Factors for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Unrepaired Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and cardiovascular death, cause substantial morbidity and mortality. This review assessed the incidence rate of MACE and the association with modifiable risk factors (diabetes, hypertension) and medication use (aspirin, statins) in patients with unrepaired abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Electronic databases were searched systematically for observational studies reporting the incidence of MI, stroke or cardiovascular death in patients with unrepaired AAAs.

Editor's Choice - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Incidence and Risk Factors for Re-admission to Hospital in People with Diabetes Related Foot Disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review the incidence and risk factors for 30 day re-admission to hospital following an index admission to treat diabetes related foot disease (DFD).

Data Sources: A literature search was conducted using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases.

Methods: The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Immunosuppressive drugs for nontransplant comorbidities are not associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm growth.

Background: In the present study, we examined the association of immunosuppressant drug prescriptions with the growth of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Methods: Participants with an AAA measuring between 30 and 50 mm were recruited from four Australian centers. AAA growth was monitored by ultrasound.

Association Between Serum MicroRNAs and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosis and Growth.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between serum microRNAs (miRNAs) and diagnosis and growth of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and to test their diagnostic and prognostic value.

Methods: The expression levels of 800 miRNA tags were assessed in 108 patients with AAA, 12 age and sex matched healthy controls (HCs), and 12 patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) using NanoString technology. Findings were assessed in an independent sample of 66 patients with AAA and 29 age and sex matched HCs by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Network Meta-Analysis of Trials Testing If Home Exercise Programs Informed by Wearables Measuring Activity Improve Peripheral Artery Disease Related Walking Impairment.

This study aimed to investigate whether home exercise programs informed by wearable activity monitors improved walking ability of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A systematic literature search was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT) testing home exercise that were or were not informed by wearable activity monitors. The primary outcome was the change in walking distance measured by a six-minute walking test or treadmill test over the course of the trial.

Potential of Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs to Limit Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth.

Inflammation is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). This review examined the potential role of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) as repurposed drugs for treating AAA. Published evidence from clinical and preclinical studies was examined.

Role of Sclerostin in Cardiovascular Disease.

Sclerostin is most recognized for its role in controlling bone formation but is also expressed in the heart, aorta, coronary, and peripheral arteries. This review summarizes research on sclerostin's role in cardiovascular disease. Rodent studies have found sclerostin to be expressed at sites of arterial calcification.

Athero-occlusive Disease Appears to be Associated with Slower Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth: An Exploratory Analysis of the TEDY Trial.

Objective: The role of atherosclerosis in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathogenesis is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare AAA growth in patients who did and did not have concurrent athero-occlusive disease (AOD).

Methods: Patients with an AAA measuring 35 - 49 mm in maximum diameter were recruited as part of the TElmisartan in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (TEDY) trial.

Novel therapeutic targets for diabetes-related wounds or ulcers: an update on preclinical and clinical research.

Introduction: Diabetes-related wounds, particularly diabetes-related foot ulcers, are mainly caused by lack of foot sensation and high plantar tissue stress secondary to peripheral neuropathy, ischemia secondary to peripheral artery disease, and dysfunctional wound healing. Current management of diabetes-related wounds involves the offloading of high foot pressures and the treatment of ischemia through revascularization. Despite these treatments, the global burden of diabetes-related wounds is growing, and thus, novel therapies are needed.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Pentagalloyl Glucose Administration on Aortic Expansion in Animal Models.

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to pool evidence from studies testing if pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) limited aortic expansion in animal models of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. The primary outcome was aortic expansion assessed by direct measurement.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions in people with peripheral artery disease.

Objective: This review aimed to systematically pool evidence from randomized clinical trials on the efficacy of interventions in assisting smoking cessation in participants with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Methods: Publicly available databases were searched for randomized clinical trials testing the effect of interventional programs in achieving smoking cessation in participants with PAD who were current smokers. The primary outcome was smoking cessation at the end of follow-up.

Editor's Choice - Association Between Metformin Prescription and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth and Clinical Events: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: A meta-analysis of the association between metformin prescription and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth and events (rupture or surgical repair) was performed.

Methods: Open source databases were searched for observational studies reporting the association between metformin prescription and AAA growth or events. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models.