# Absolute Lymphocyte Count Predicts Bypass Surgery Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

## TL;DR

Higher absolute lymphocyte counts are linked to better survival and limb salvage after bypass surgery in patients with severe leg ischemia.

## Contribution

This study identifies absolute lymphocyte count as a novel predictor of outcomes in chronic limb-threatening ischemia bypass surgery.

## Key findings

- Higher ALC groups showed significantly better survival rates (cut-off 1030/μL, p = 0.0009).
- Limb salvage rates were significantly higher in higher ALC groups (cut-off 1260/μL, p = 0.0081).
- ALC was independently associated with limb loss in multivariate analysis.

## Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and outcomes of infrainguinal bypass surgery for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

Methods: From 2004 to 2020, 209 limbs of 189 patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass surgery for CLTI and whose ALCs were available were included. Patients with survival >2 years and limb salvage >2 years were considered discriminant groups, and an ALC cut-off value was calculated. The relationship between preoperative ALC and outcomes was evaluated.

Results: Survivorship of the higher ALC group was significantly higher than that of the lower ALC group (cut-off value 1030/μL, p = 0.0009). The limb salvage rate of the higher ALC group was significantly higher than that of the lower ALC group (cut-off value 1260/μL, p = 0.0081). In the dialysis patient group (103 limbs), the limb salvage rate of the higher ALC group was significantly higher than that of the lower ALC group (cut-off value 1170/μL, p = 0.026). ALC was independently associated with limb loss in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion: ALC is promising as a predictor of outcomes after bypass surgery in CLTI. In particular, ALC is expected to be useful for limb prognosis in hemodialysis patients.