Platelet-hemoglobin ratio can predict amputation risk in PAD patients: Study

Turkey: Platelet-hemoglobin ratio (PHR) is a good predictor for below-knee amputation (BKA), says a recent study published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. The findings imply that high-risk patients for amputation can be identified using the PHR. 

In recent times, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) causes significant morbidity. PAD has similar risk factors as coronary artery disease as atherosclerosis is evident in the pathophysiological process in most patients. PHR has been shown to predict mortality in atherosclerotic heart disease. Therefore, Nail Burak Ozbeyaz, Pursaklar State Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, and colleagues aimed to determine the relationship between PHR and below-knee amputation in a single-center retrospective study.

Platelet count/hemoglobin amount formula was used for PHR. The study included only PAD patients with below-knee critical extremity ischemia and unsuitable for revascularization. A total of 235 patients were included in the study retrospectively. The mean age was 65.7 ± 9.9 years and 175(74.5%) of them were male. 

"We found that the platelet-hemoglobin ratio is a good predictor for below-knee amputation. With whole blood analysis, PHR parameters can be easily reached, routinely evaluated, and easy to access, especially in clinical applications," the researchers wrote. "PHR calculation can contribute to determining the risk status of BK-PAD quickly and easily."

"There is a need for a larger patient population and prospective studies to confirm the study results," they concluded. 

Reference:

Ozbeyaz, N.B., Gokalp, G., Algul, E. et al. Platelet-hemoglobin ratio predicts amputation in patients with below-knee peripheral arterial disease. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 22, 337 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-022-02788-2