Biomedical subjects

Tracie C Collins

Publications and source records attributed to Tracie C Collins.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Lower extremity nontraumatic amputation among veterans with peripheral arterial disease: is race an independent factor?

OBJECTIVES: To determine if race/ethnicity is independently associated with an increased risk for nontraumatic lower extremity amputation versus lower extremity bypass revascularization among patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: Data were analyzed from the National VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and from the Veterans Affairs Patient Treatment File (PTF). Race/ethnicity was defined as non-Hispanic white, black, or Hispanic. Variables that were univariately associated (P < or = 0.05) with the outcome of amputation were placed into a multiple logistic regression model to determine independent predictors for the dependent variable, lower extremity amputation versus lower extremity bypass revascularization. RESULTS: Three thousand eighty-five lower extremity amputations and 8409 lower extremity bypass operations were identified. Among all cases included, there were 416 Hispanic patients (3.6%), 2337 black patients (20.3%), and 8741 non-Hispanic white patients (76.1%). Among all variables within the model, Hispanic and black race were each associated with a greater risk for amputation than a history of rest pain/gangrene (Hispanic race 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.9; black race 1.5, 95% CI 1.4, 1.7; rest pain/gangrene 1.1, 95% CI 1.0, 1.3). The final model had a c statistic of 0.83. CONCLUSION: Hispanic race and black race were independent risk factors for lower extremity amputation in patients with PAD. Although the burden of certain atherosclerotic risk factors (eg, diabetes and hypertension) is higher in minority patients, the impact of this burden does not account for the increased risk for the outcome of lower extremity amputation in these two populations. Further research is needed to better understand the reason(s) why race/ethnicity is independently associated with poor outcomes in PAD.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A qualitative approach to developing a patient-derived intervention to increase exercise in peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: In designing a patient-physician communication intervention, we explored patients' perceptions of the role of exercise in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: We conducted qualitative interviews (5 focus groups and 13 one-on-one interviews) involving 35 patients with known PAD. We analyzed verbatim transcripts for significant dimensions of patients' explanatory models of PAD and exercise, perceptions of patient-physician communication, and other factors that would increase their participation in exercise (ie, walking). We used Atlas.ti software to facilitate data sorting and storage. RESULTS: Based on 30 emerging codes, we identified primary themes that constitute patients' perceptions of (1) the causes and outcomes of PAD, (2) the importance of patient-physician communication, (3) the impact of PAD on their lives, and (4) the factors that would lead to their exercise participation to treat PAD. From this information, our conceptual model focuses on an intervention plan that includes addressing the known causes of PAD, the patient's behavior prior to the diagnosis of PAD, and the factors that shape a patient's overall assessment of the role of exercise for PAD. An integral aspect of our model is the impact of the physician's perception of PAD coupled with the patient's perception in order to shape the intervention-a partnership between the physician and the patient-that we posit is likely to lead to behavior change. CONCLUSION: Based on qualitative data analysis, we developed a patient-derived model to influence exercise participation. This model highlights those factors most likely to influence behavior change in patients with PAD. The next step is to enact and assess an intervention based on this model, to increase physical activity in patients with PAD.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Diabetes mellitus, smoking, and the risk for asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease: whom should we screen?

OBJECTIVE: To describe coexisting medical conditions and lifestyle factors associated with asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a population of white, African American, and Hispanic patients. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: White, African American, and Hispanic patients 50 years or older were recruited for this cross-sectional study from 4 primary care clinics in Houston, TX. Patients with an ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.9 and without leg symptoms typical of PAD were diagnosed with asymptomatic PAD. RESULTS: 403 patients were screened for PAD. Of these, 25 (6.2%) had asymptomatic PAD. Compared with patients without PAD, diabetes mellitus ([OR] 3.8; 95% CI 1.6, 9.0) and a history of smoking at least 1 pack of cigarettes per day ([OR] 2.5; 95% CI 1.1, 6.0) were significantly associated with asymptomatic PAD. An interaction effect existed between diabetes mellitus and smoking at least 1 pack of cigarettes per day. Diabetes mellitus combined with heavy smoking showed the highest predicted value positive (15%) and the highest specificity (92%). A lack of both demonstrated low rates for predicting asymptomatic PAD (predicted value positive, 1%). CONCLUSION: The ankle-brachial index could become routine screening among patients with diabetes mellitus and/or who smoke.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Gender and peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine gender differences in the risk factor profile and leg symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: We identified men and women with PAD from a cohort of patients within a primary care clinic setting. We screened patients 50 years of age and older. We diagnosed PAD based on an ankle-brachial index (ABI) level of less than 0.9; the ABI is the ratio of ankle and arm systolic blood pressure measurements. Patients completed 4 questionnaires, one of which was used to ascertain leg symptoms related to compromised blood flow, the San Diego Claudication Questionnaire (SDCQ). Additional questionnaires were used to determine the patient's medical history, walking impairment, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: We enrolled 403 patients stratified by race and gender including 55 white women, 82 African American women, and 71 Hispanic women. There were no significant differences by gender in the prevalence of disease. The prevalence of PAD was 9.1% in white women, 21.9% in African American women, and 14.1% in Hispanic women (P = .11). Risk factors for PAD were the same for women and men (ie, diabetes mellitus, current smoking, and use of blood pressure medication). Walking impairment subscale scores were lower for women with PAD when compared with women without PAD and to men with disease. Scores for physical function and general health were lower for women versus men with PAD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PAD, a common disease within primary care clinics, does not vary by gender. Women with PAD are at greater risk for a compromise in daily function and quality of life. Future research is needed to prevent walking impairment and improve limb functioning in patients, particularly women, with PAD.

Atherosclerosis↗