Humera Latif, Kishwar Ali, Hafiz Khalid Parvaiz But.
A probe to diagnose the mis-diagnosis of acute limb ischemia.
Pak J Surg Jan ;35(4):288-93.

Objective: The aim of this study was to see the level of awareness and existing practices of health care providers in Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI). Study design: Cross sectional descriptive study Place and duration of study: Feedback of different doctors working across the country from March 2018 to October 2018 Material and Methods: An online questionnaire regarding the early diagnosis and management of acute limb ischemia was designed. It was sent to doctors from all over the country via social media like WhatsApp and messenger and they were requested to answer according to their daily practice. Results: 350 responses were received. 36.3% from residents, 35.3% from consultants,19.4% from general practitioners and 9% from house officers. 84% doctors thinks of acute limb ischemia in every limb pain while 16% do not think acute limb ischemia. 79.7% expose the limbs while 20.3% do not expose the limb. 92% palpate the limb while 8% do not palpate the limb. 69.4% check the pulses while 30.6% do not check the pulse. 76.6% suspect acute limb ischemia in cardiac patients with limb pain while 23.4% do not. 34% suspect acute limb ischemia in patient with history of sciatica while 66% do not think ischemia. 70.6% check the pulses in limb trauma while 29.4% do not check the pulse. 87.7% perform arterial doppler while 12.3% do not perform arterial doppler. Majority of the doctors (83%) give stat heparin while shift ing but 17% do not. 93% doctors do proper counselling while 7% do not do the proper counselling. Conclusion: Th e health care providers should keep acute limb ischemia on the top of their differential list whenever they encounter a patient with sudden onset of limb pain.

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