RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF PATIENTS WITH OBLITERATING ATHEROSCLEROSIS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIES IN THE ABAI REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Background and Objectives. Obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries (OALEA) is a severe vascular condition that leads to impaired blood supply to the limbs, reduced quality of life, and a high risk of amputations. This study presents a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with OALEA in the Abai region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The objective of the study is to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, as well as to identify the disease course features and treatment approaches. Materials and Methods. For the retrospective analysis, data from the medical records of patients were obtained from the archive of the University Hospital of Non-profit joint-stock company «Semey Medical University» for the period from 2019 to 2023. The study included patients diagnosed with obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries, confirmed through clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examinations. Inclusion criteria for the study were patients aged 18 years and older. A total of 170 patients diagnosed with obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries were included in the study. Results. The study included 170 patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries, the majority of whom were male (67.6%) with a mean age of 69.55 ± 9.87 years. Most patients (78.2%) were urban residents, and 64.1% were retired and unemployed. Comorbidities were present in 98.8% of cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 96.5% of patients, including above-knee amputations in 44.1% of cases. Conservative therapy was administered to 25.7% of patients. A total of 76.5% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, complications were recorded in 3.5% of cases, and the mortality rate was 4.1%. Conclusions. The study results reflect the significant clinical severity of patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries in the Abai region, characterized by a high rate of amputations and limited access to reconstructive interventions. The identified patterns highlight the need to implement an integrated care system focused on early diagnosis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the expansion of vascular surgery services at the regional level.