Objective

The aim of this study was to compare all cause mortality across three time periods with a focus on sex differences after revascularisation for chronic limb threatening ischaemia between 1994 and 2013 in Sweden.

Methods

In this observational registry study, patients registered in the Swedish vascular registry (Swedvasc), revascularised between 1994 and 2013 with open or endovascular infra-inguinal procedures, were divided into three time periods: 1994 – 1999, 2000 – 2006, and 2007 – 2013. Patients were followed for five years. Poisson regression was used to compare 30 day mortality, presented as adjusted relative risk ratio (aRR). Adjusted restricted mean survival time (aRMST) differences at five years were compared with a generalised linear model. The analyses were adjusted for age, comorbidities, and endovascular or open surgery. Comparison with the general Swedish population was also conducted with age adjusted standardised mortality ratios. Results are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The study showed increasing 30 day mortality, with an aRR of 1.47 (95% CI 1.31 – 1.65) for women and aRR of 1.20 (95% CI 1.06 – 1.35) for men, per time period. In women, the five year RMST decreased from the first to the third period, with an aRMST of –45 (95% CI –59 – –32) days per period. In men, the aRMST increased 32 (95% CI 18 – 47) days per period. When comparing sexes, women showed lower 30 day mortality and higher five year survival than men in the first time period, but a significantly worse development over time periods than for men. Corresponding findings were observed in comparison with the general Swedish population.

Conclusion

This study showed an increased 30 day mortality in women and men across the periods, most evident in women. Men showed an increased five year survival across the periods, whereas opposite findings were recorded for women. The dismal trend over time for women could not be explained by increased age or a higher prevalence of comorbidities.