Secondary prevention of arteriosclerosis in lower limb vascular amputees: A missed opportunity

Objectives. To determine the numbers of patients with peripheral vascular disease prescribed secondary prevention agents following a lower limb amputation. Design. A retrospective cross sectional study. Methods. The clinical documentation of 107 vascular amputees (mean age 69.5, 2:1 male:female ratio) referred for prosthesis provision in 2004 and 2005 were analysed to determine levels of prescribing of anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulants and cholesterol lowering drugs. Results. Analysis of vascular amputees referred in 2004 and 2005 reveals that 41% were prescribed a statin and 39% were prescribed a statin and 60% an anti-platelet agent. While 39% of these patients were on both drugs, 32% had been prescribed neither. Conclusions. The medical management of patients with severe peripheral vascular disease, even where their disease has led to an amputation, is sub-optimal.