New Study Reveals Racial Disparities in Treatment and Outcomes for Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease ActAgainstAmputation #DiabeticFoot @ALPSlimb @USC @USC_vascular @ResearchatUSC @KeckSchool_USC

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New Study Reveals Racial Disparities in Treatment and Outcomes for Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

Los Angeles, CA – March 10, 2023 – Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have published a new study in the journal Advanced Therapeutics revealing significant disparities in the treatment and outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) based on race. The study included co-senior author David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, Professor of Surgery at USC and the Director of the Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA).

Peripheral artery disease is a common condition in which plaque buildup in the arteries limits blood flow to the limbs, often resulting in pain, wounds, and amputation. The study aimed to determine whether there were racial differences in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of PAD among commercially insured patients in the United States.

The study analyzed Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database from January 2016 to June 2021, identifying 669,939 patients with PAD, including 454,382 White patients and 96,162 Black patients. The study found that Black patients with PAD had higher disease severity at the time of diagnosis and were at increased risk of experiencing adverse outcomes following diagnosis.

The study revealed that Black patients were younger on average but had a higher comorbid burden, concomitant risk factors, and cardiovascular medication use at baseline. Although Black patients had a numerically higher prevalence of diagnostic testing, revascularization procedures, and medication use, they were more likely to receive medical therapy without a revascularization procedure. Additionally, Black patients with PAD had a higher incidence of major adverse limb events and cardiovascular events than White patients.

“These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and programs to address the racial disparities in PAD diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes,” said Prof. Armstrong. “We need to better understand the underlying factors driving these disparities and work to eliminate them to ensure that all patients receive equitable and high-quality care.”

The study underscores the importance of addressing racial disparities in healthcare and improving outcomes for patients with PAD.