Treatment outcomes in non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia and post-treatment return to social activities

Purpose To investigate the treatment outcomes of patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) at our institution, we focused on their post-treatment return to social activities. Methods This study included patients with suspected NOMI who were referred to our department between 2011 and 2023. In-hospital mortality was also investigated as a prognostic factor. The Glasgow–Pittsburgh Outcome Categories (GPOC) score was used to evaluate the return to social activities. The relationship between in-hospital mortality and GPOC scores and patient background and treatment factors was examined. Results Eighty-two patients were included in the study. Among them, 54 (65.9%) died during hospitalization. Only 9 patients (11%) returned to their social activities. In the multivariate analysis, non-surgical management was found to be the only independent factor for in-hospital mortality. Positive portal venous gas on computed tomography, no open abdomen, no pre-onset catecholamine administration, platelet count < 100,000/µL, lactate level < 5 mmol/L, APTT < 46 s, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score < 11 were factors significantly associated with an increased likelihood of return to social activities. Conclusion This is the first study to assess the post-treatment return to social activities among patients with NOMI. Our findings highlight the concerning reality that survivors may face prolonged dependence on medical care.