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A Meta-analysis

Ankle Brachial Index Collaboration

JAMA. 2008;300(2):197-208.

Context  Prediction models to identify healthy individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease have limited accuracy. A low ankle brachial index (ABI) is an indicator of atherosclerosis and has the potential to improve prediction.

Objective  To determine if the ABI provides information on the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality independently of the Framingham risk score (FRS) and can improve risk prediction.

Data Sources  Relevant studies were identified. A search of MEDLINE (1950 to February 2008) and EMBASE (1980 to February 2008) was conducted using common text words for the term ankle brachial index combined with text words and Medical Subject Headings to capture prospective cohort designs. Review of reference lists and conference proceedings, and correspondence with experts was conducted to identify additional published and unpublished studies.

Study Selection  Studies were included if participants were derived from a general population, ABI was measured at baseline, and individuals were followed up to detect total and cardiovascular mortality.

Data Extraction  Prespecified data on individuals in each selected study were extracted into a combined data set and an individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted on individuals who had no previous history of coronary heart disease.

Results  Sixteen population cohort studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included. During 480 325 person-years of follow-up of 24 955 men and 23 339 women, the risk of death by ABI had a reverse J-shaped distribution with a normal (low risk) ABI of 1.11 to 1.40. The 10-year cardiovascular mortality in men with a low ABI (0.90) was 18.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.3%-24.1%) and with normal ABI (1.11-1.40) was 4.4% (95% CI, 3.2%-5.7%) (hazard ratio [HR], 4.2; 95% CI, 3.3-5.4). Corresponding mortalities in women were 12.6% (95% CI, 6.2%-19.0%) and 4.1% (95% CI, 2.2%-6.1%) (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.4-5.1). The HRs remained elevated after adjusting for FRS (2.9 [95% CI, 2.3-3.7] for men vs 3.0 [95% CI, 2.0-4.4] for women). A low ABI (0.90) was associated with approximately twice the 10-year total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and major coronary event rate compared with the overall rate in each FRS category. Inclusion of the ABI in cardiovascular risk stratification using the FRS would result in reclassification of the risk category and modification of treatment recommendations in approximately 19% of men and 36% of women.

Conclusion  Measurement of the ABI may improve the accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction beyond the FRS.

Ankle Brachial Index Collaboration Authors: F. G. R. Fowkes , G. D. Murray , I. Butcher , C. L. Heald , R. J. Lee (coordinating center); L. E. Chambless , A. R. Folsom , A. T. Hirsch (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] Study); M. Dramaix , G. deBacker , J-C. Wautrecht , M. Kornitzer (Belgian Physical Fitness Study); A. B. Newman , M. Cushman , K. Sutton-Tyrrell (Cardiovascular Health Study); F. G. R. Fowkes , A. J. Lee , J. F. Price (Edinburgh Artery Study); R. B. d’Agostino , J. M. Murabito (Framingham Offspring Study); P. E. Norman , K. Jamrozik (Health in Men Study); J. D. Curb , K. H. Masaki , B. L. Rodríguez (Honolulu Heart Program); J. M. Dekker , L. M. Bouter , R. J. Heine , G. Nijpels , C. D. A. Stehouwer (Hoorn Study); L. Ferrucci , M. M. McDermott (InCHIANTI Study); H. E. Stoffers , J. D. Hooi , J. A. Knottnerus (Limburg PAOD Study); M. Ogren , B. Hedblad (Men Born in 1914 Study); J. C. Witteman , M. M. B. Breteler , M. G. M. Hunink , A. Hofman (Rotterdam Study); M. H. Criqui , R. D. Langer , A. Fronek (San Diego Study); W. R. Hiatt , R. Hamman (San Luis Valley Diabetes Study); H. E. Resnick (Strong Heart Study); J. Guralnik , M. M. McDermott (Women's Health and Aging Study).

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BMJ 2008;337:a774-a774.
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