Rehabilitative of COVID-19 patients with acute lower extremity Ischemia and amputation

J Rehabil Med. 2020 Sep 2;52(9):jrm00094. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2714.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and rehabilitation management of patients who undergo amputation for COVID-19-associated coagulopathy.

Methods: Clinical and laboratory data for 3 patients were analysed and their rehabilitative management discussed.

Results: The medical records of 3 patients who had undergone amputation due to acute lower extremity ischaemia and who were provided with rehabilitation in our COVID-19 unit were reviewed.

Conclusion: Coagulation changes related to SARS-CoV-2 may complicate recovery from this devastating disease. The rehabilitation management of amputated patients for COVID-19 acute lower extremity ischaemia is based on a multilevel approach for clinical, functional, nutritional and neuropsychological needs. Based on this limited experience, a dedicated programme for this specific group of patients seems advantageous to warrant the best functional outcome and quality of life.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 coagulopathy; SARS-CoV-2; amputation; ischaemia; rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amputation, Surgical / rehabilitation*
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / surgery
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / virology*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Coronavirus Infections / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / rehabilitation
  • Ischemia / surgery
  • Ischemia / virology*
  • Italy
  • Lower Extremity / blood supply*
  • Lower Extremity / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / rehabilitation*
  • Quality of Life
  • SARS-CoV-2