Skin autofluorescence as a factor of adverse prognosis in patients with peripheral atherosclerosis

Objective: to determine the prognostic value of skin autofluorescence (SAF) as a factor of cardiovascular complications and mortality. Materials and Methods. Our prospective study included 122 patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD): atherosclerotic stenosis of the brachiocephalic trunk was detected in 95 patient (77.9%), while chronic arterial insufficiency (CAI) of the lower limbs was found in 47 study participants (38.5%). SAF was measured by an original device developed by the authors. Clinical, anthropometric and biochemicalparameters, along with instrumental parameters of the heart and blood vessels, were studied via ultrasound examination. The prospective part of the study (follow-up) was carried out for up to 1,043 (on average, 736) days. Results.The SAF parameter correlated directly and significantly with scores on the scale of clinical prognostic signs, CAIof the lower limbs, and history of surgeries on the leg arteries. In the course of the follow-up period, there were seven deaths and at least one hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons in 42 patients. The most common were hospitalizations due to conservative treatment of CAI, the need for coronary artery bypass grafting, and coronary stenting. Using the logistic regression method, we determined that the incidence of hospitalization or mortality was associated with SAF values, plasma glucosecontent, and the presence of chronic heart failure above functional class 1. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 71% and 68%, respectively. Conclusion.The SAF parameter can be used as an integral independent predictor in patients with multifocal atherosclerosis.