Article

The majority of lower limb amputations are undertaken in people with
peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and approximately 50% have diabetes.
Quality of life is an important outcome in lower limb amputations; little is
known about what influences it, and therefore how to improve it. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the factors that influence quality
of life after lower limb amputation for peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane databases
were searched to identify articles that quantitatively measured quality of life
in those with a lower limb amputation for peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Articles were quality assessed by two assessors, evidence tables summarised each
article and a narrative synthesis was performed. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review.
RESULTS: Twelve articles were included. Study designs and outcome measures used
varied. Quality assessment scores ranged from 36% to 92%. The ability to walk
successfully with a prosthesis had the greatest positive impact on quality of
life. A trans-femoral amputation was negatively associated with quality of life
due to increased difficulty in walking with a prosthesis. Other factors such as
older age, being male, longer time since amputation, level of social support and
presence of diabetes also negatively affected quality of life. CONCLUSION: Being
able to walk with a prosthesis is of primary importance to improve quality of
life for people with lower limb amputation due to peripheral arterial occlusive
disease. To further understand and improve the quality of life of this
population, there is a need for more prospective longitudinal studies, with a
standardised outcome measure. Clinical relevance This is of clinical relevance to
those who are involved in the rehabilitation of persons with lower limb
amputations. Improved quality of life is associated with successful prosthetic
use and focus should be directed toward achieving this.

Langue : ANGLAIS