Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (Sep 2020)

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

  • Luigia Brugliera,
  • Alfio Spina,
  • Paola Castellazzi,
  • Paolo Cimino,
  • Pietro Arcuri,
  • Maria Grazia Deriu,
  • Chiara Zanetta,
  • Sara Monica Angelone,
  • Jody Filippo Capitanio,
  • Federica Alemanno,
  • Carlo Meloni,
  • Giuseppe D'Angelo,
  • Elise Houdayer,
  • Jubin Abutalebi,
  • Pietro Mortini,
  • Sandro Iannaccone

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2714
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 52, no. 9
p. jrm00094

Abstract

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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.

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