Comparison of quality of life in patients with peripheral arterial disease caused by atherosclerosis obliterans or Buerger’s disease

OBJECTIVE Buerger's disease and atherosclerosis obliterans (ASO) are two peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) that are frequently encountered. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life (QOL) in patients with Buerger's disease and ASO. METHODS We prospectively followed 86 patients who were admitted to our hospital due to ASO or Buerger's disease. Their ischaemia was evaluated according to the clinical category chronic limb ischaemia at the time of hospital admission and at six and 12 months. The QOL was measured at the time of hospital admission and at six and 12 months with the Short Form Health Status Survey (SF-36) and Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire (VASCUQOL). RESULTS A total of 86 patients with ASO or Buerger's disease (47 and 39, respectively) were included in the study. Pain parameters from both SF-36 and VASCUQOL scores were lower in patients with Buerger's disease at the time of hospital admission and at six months. The impairment in QOL was found to be proportional to the extent of chronic limb ischaemia. Conversely, when patients with critical limb ischaemia were evaluated, no difference was observed between those with ASO or Buerger's disease in terms of QOL. Amputations were found to have a negative effect on quality of life. CONCLUSION Buerger's disease had a more pronounced negative effect on QOL than ASO, particularly in terms of pain score. When critical limb ischaemia was considered, ASO and Buerger's disease impaired quality of life at the same rate.