European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the patient and to assess the severity of Buerger’s disease.
MATERIAL & METHODS: A Randomized control trial includes Forty patients in the age group of 20-50 years who were smokers, presenting with symptoms of ischemia in limbs and were admitted in Gandhi Medical College and Hospital were taken up for study for the period of 27 months The treatment of each patient was individualized with the aim to achieve limb salvage wherever feasible. A record of patient’s progress and response to various modalities of treatment was made to evaluate severity of disease, in long term prognosis and also evaluate the efficacy of treatment. Patients who returned for follow up were followed up for minimum of six months during each follow up detailed history was taken and progress of the disease was assessed.
RESULTS: Among the 40 patients studied 65% of patients were diagnosed in the third decade and 9 cases were diagnosed after the age of 40 years. Out of 40 patients 75% were from low socio-economic status, shows that there is predisposition of TAO in patients of lower socio-economic status. Heavy smokers, constituting 90% who smoked more than 20-25 beedis per day and 10% were moderate smokers who smoked between 10-20 beedis / day were diagnosed with this disease. Out of the 40 cases studied gangrene was present in 75% & ulceration was present in 25% patients.
CONCLUSION: Thromboangiitis obliterans is a peripheral vascular disease which usually affects young males, involves predominantly the lower limbs than upper limbs mainly occurs  in the third decade with lower socio-economic strata  & smokers are commonly involved.