Functional Status Scale Scores Research Articles

Short-Term Outcomes, Functional Status, and Risk Factors for Requiring Extracorporeal Life Support After Norwood Operation: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Patients requiring extracorporeal life support (ECLS) post-Norwood operation constitute an extremely high-risk group. We retrospectively described short-term outcomes, functional status, and assessed risk factors for requiring ECLS post-Norwood operation between January 2010 and December 2020 in a high-volume center. During the study period, 269 patients underwent a Norwood procedure of which 65 (24%) required ECLS. Of the 65 patients, 27 (41.5%) survived to hospital discharge. Mean functional status scale (FSS) score at discharge increased from 6.0 on admission to 8.48 (p < 0.0001). This change was primary in feeding (p < 0.0001) and respiratory domains (p = 0.017). Seven survivors (26%) developed new morbidity, and two (7%) developed unfavorable functional outcomes. In the regression analysis, we showed that patients with moderate-severe univentricular dysfunction on pre-Norwood transthoracic echocardiogram (odds ratio [OR] = 6.97), modified Blalock Taussig Thomas (m-BTT) shunt as source of pulmonary blood flow (OR = 2.65), moderate-severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation on transesophageal echocardiogram (OR = 8.50), longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR = 1.16), longer circulatory arrest time (OR = 1.20), and delayed sternal closure (OR = 3.86), had higher odds of requiring ECLS (p < 0.05). Careful identification of these risk factors is imperative to improve the care of this high-risk cohort and improve overall outcomes.

Comparison of local versus intramuscular steroid injection in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective open label randomized clinical trial

AimThis study compared the efficacy and safety of local corticosteroid injection (LCI) vs intramuscular (IM) corticosteroid injection in mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). MethodsThis is an open labeled, randomized controlled trial conducted during December 2021 to August 2023. Eighty-six patients with CTS were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive either single 40 mg methylprednisolone (MP) injection at the wrist (LCI arm), or single 40 mg MP intramuscular injection (IM arm) in the deltoid. Primary outcome was absolute Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were SSS score at 1-month, Functional Status Scale (FSS) score at 1 and 3 months, and recurrence at 3 months and injection site pain assessed on visual analog (VAS) scale. ResultsMedian age was 45 (range 22 – 80) years, and 86 % were females. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Mean SSS score at 3 months was similar in two arms (1.72 ± 0.71 vs 2.0 ± 0.93) with mean difference (MD) −0.03 (-0.31 to 0.25, p = 0.83) after adjusting for baseline SSS scores. LCI, however, resulted in significantly better SSS (1.48 ± 0.51 vs 1.88 ± 0.69, adjusted p = 0.04), and FSS scores (1.57 ± 0.44 vs 1.80 ± 0.66, adjusted p = 0.03) at 1 month compared to IM arm. Response rate (67.4 % vs 55.8 %; p = 0.30) and recurrence rate (17.1 % vs 22.6 %, p = 0.74) at 3 months were similar. Injection site pain was severe in LCI arm[median 5 (range 3 – 8) vs median 3 (range 2 – 6)]. ConclusionsIn patients with mild to moderate CTS, LCI resulted in better improvement in the BCTQ scores at 1 month compared to IM steroid. However, 3-month’s outcome was similar. Intramuscular steroid injection was better tolerated.

Social determinants of health and COVID-19 recovery after inpatient rehabilitation.

Neighborhoods with more social determinants of health (SDOH) risk factors have higher rates of infectivity, morbidity, and mortality from COVID-19. Patients with severe COVID-19 infection can have long-term functional deficits leading to lower quality of life (QoL) and independence measures. Research shows that these patients benefit greatly from inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) admission, but there remains a lack of studies investigating long-term benefits of rehabilitation once patients are returned to their home environment. To determine SDOH factors related to long-term independence and QoL of COVID-19 patients after IRF stay. Multisite cross-sectional survey. Two urban IRFs. Primary outcome measures were Post-COVID Functional Status Scale (PCFS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores. Secondary outcomes were quality indicator (QI) scores while at IRF and a health care access questionnaire. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Participants (n = 48) who were greater than 1 year post-IRF stay for severe COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. Higher SF-36 scores were associated with male gender (p = .002), higher income (≥$70,000, p = .004), and living in the city (p = .046). Similarly, patients who were of the male gender (p = .004) and had higher income (≥$70,000, p = .04) had a greater odds of a 0 or 1 on the PCFS. Age was not associated with differences. Women were more likely to seek follow-up care (p = .014). Those who sought follow-up care reported lower SF-36 overall and emotional wellness scores, p = .041 and p = .007, respectively. Commonly reported barriers to health care access were financial and time constraints. Patients with SDOH risk factors need to be supported in the outpatient setting to maintain functional gains made during IRF stays. Female gender, income, and urban setting are potential predictors for long-term QoL and independence deficits after rehabilitation for COVID-19 infection. Low emotional wellness is an indicator for patients to seek out care as far out as 1 year from their rehabilitation stay.

Accuracy of Early Neuroprognostication in Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

BackgroundChildren with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) are at risk for neurological sequelae impacting function. Clinicians are tasked with neuroprognostication to assist in decision-making. We describe a single-center study assessing clinicians’ neuroprognostication accuracy. MethodsClinicians of various specialties caring for children with sTBI were asked to predict their patients' functioning three to six months postinjury. Clinicians were asked to participate in the study if their patient had survived but not returned to baseline between day 4 and 7 postinjury. The outcome tool utilized was the functional status scale (FSS), ranging from 6 to 30 (best-worst function). Predicted scores were compared with actual scores three to six months postinjury. Lin concordance correlation coefficients were used to estimate agreement between predicted and actual FSS. Outcome was dichotomized as good (FSS 6 to 8) or poor (FSS ≥9). Positive and negative predictive values for poor outcome were calculated. Pessimistic prognostic prediction was defined as predicted worse outcome by ≥3 FSS points. Demographic and clinical variables were collected. ResultsA total of 107 surveys were collected on 24 patients. Two children died. Fifteen children had complete (FSS = 6) or near-complete (FSS = 7) recovery. Mean predicted and actual FSS scores were 10.8 (S.D. 5.6) and 8.6 (S.D. 4.1), respectively. Predicted FSS scores were higher than actual scores (P < 0.001). Eight children had collective pessimistic prognostic prediction. ConclusionsClinicians predicted worse functional outcomes, despite high percentage of patients with near-normal function at follow-up clinic. Certain patient and provider factors were noted to impact accuracy and need to be studied in larger cohorts.

Office-Based Carpal Tunnel Release With Ultrasound Guidance: 6-month Outcomes From the Multicenter ROBUST Trial

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of office-based carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance (CTR-US). In this prospective multicenter observational study, patients were treated with CTR-US in an office setting. Outcomes were time to resume normal daily activities, time to return to work, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale scores, Michigan Hand Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Scale, EuroQoL-5 Dimension 5-Level score, procedure satisfaction, and adverse events over 6 months. A total of 149 participants (226 hands) from seven centers underwent office-based CTR-US. The mean age was 58 years, 52% were women, and 68% were employed. The mean incision length was 5 mm, 52% had simultaneous bilateral procedures, and wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet was used in all cases. All procedures were completed as planned, with no conversions to open repair and mean intraoperative pain severity of 1.6 ± 1.5. The median time to resume normal activities was 2 days (interquartile range: 1-4 days) and return to work was 4 days (interquartile range: 1-5 days). Over 6 months, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale decreased by a mean of 1.7 points, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Scale decreased by 1.1 points, Michigan Hand Questionnaire Global score increased by 35 points, Numeric Pain Scale decreased by 3.7 points, and EuroQoL-5 Dimension 5-Level score increased by 0.11 points. At 6 months, 94% reported procedure satisfaction. Unilateral and simultaneous bilateral procedures were similarly effective. There was one (0.4%) adverse event, a nerve contusion treated with neurolysis and nerve wrap where the patient fully regained normal function within 7 weeks. There were no revisions for persistent or recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Office-based CTR-US, performed either unilaterally or as simultaneous bilateral procedures, is well tolerated with a low complication rate and associated with rapid recovery, sustained improvement in symptoms and function, and high procedure satisfaction. Therapeutic III.

Corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome: A meta-analysis comparing ultrasound guided approach with landmark approach.

To assess and compare the clinical and functional outcomes of corticosteroid injections in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, focusing on two different approaches: ultrasound-guided and landmark-guided. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases for relevant studies published prior to 30th April 2023. Studies that were either randomized controlled trials or had a cohort design were included. The review assessed symptom severity, functional status, electrodiagnostic parameters, complications, need for surgical intervention, visual analogue score, and grip strength. Pooled effect sizes were reported as relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD). A total of 8 articles were included. Compared to those that received steroid injection using landmark approach, those with ultrasound guided approach had lower symptom severity scale (SSS) score on Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) [WMD -0.50, 95% CI: -0.94, -0.07; I2=78.0%, N=7], lower risk of "any complications" [RR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.93; I2= 22.9%, N=3] and lower risk of need for surgical intervention [RR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.89; I2= 3.0%, N=2]. All other parameters were similar in the two groups i.e., functional status scale (FSS) score, visual analogue score (VAS) and grip strength. The electrophysiological findings were similar in the two groups. Findings suggest that ultrasound guided approach may be better than landmark guided approach especially in terms of alleviation of symptoms, reducing the risk of complications and need for surgical intervention. However, larger trials with long term follow up may provide conclusive evidence.

Laser Acupuncture Versus Electroacupuncture for Nonsevere Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Electroacupuncture (EA) is commonly employed for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), whereas laser acupuncture (LA) seems to offer a safer and more convenient alternative. Nevertheless, transitioning from EA to LA requires evidence. This study aims to compare their clinical efficacy and safety. A randomized single-blind controlled trial was conducted on 76 CTS patients, with 38 patients assigned to receive EA (EA group) and 38 assigned to receive LA (LA group). Acupoints selected for both groups included PC4, PC6, PC7, PC8, LI4, LI10, LI11, HT3, HT7, and LU10. The intervention consisted of 20 sessions over 4 weeks. Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) scores, patients' satisfaction, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. The LA group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in SSS and FSS scores than the EA group, with mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of -4.29 (-5.40 to -3.18) and -0.73 (-1.24 to -0.24), respectively, after 4 weeks of treatment. Complete symptom, functional recovery, and both were also significantly better in the LA group (relative risks [RR] [95% CI]: 14.00 [1.94 to 101.22], 1.58 [1.24 to 2.02], and 14.00 [1.94 to 101.22], respectively). Overall treatment effectiveness and satisfaction levels were notably higher in the LA group. Six patients experienced AEs in the EA group, whereas no AEs were reported in the LA group. In this study, the findings indicate that LA may offer a safer and more effective alternative to EA. Further studies with longer follow-up periods and assessment of electrodiagnostic changes after intervention are needed.

Recovery Trajectories in Children Requiring 3 or More Days of Invasive Ventilation.

To characterize health-related quality of life (HRQL) and functional recovery trajectories and risk factors for prolonged impairments among critically ill children receiving greater than or equal to 3 days of invasive ventilation. Prospective cohort study. Quaternary children's hospital PICU. Children without a preexisting tracheostomy who received greater than or equal to 3 days of invasive ventilation, survived hospitalization, and completed greater than or equal to 1 postdischarge data collection. None. We evaluated 144 children measuring HRQL using proxy-report Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and functional status using the Functional Status Scale (FSS) reflecting preillness baseline, PICU and hospital discharge, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after hospital discharge. They had a median age of 5.3 years (interquartile range, 1.1-13.0 yr), 58 (40%) were female, 45 (31%) had a complex chronic condition, and 110 (76%) had normal preillness FSS scores. Respiratory failure etiologies included lung disease ( n = 49; 34%), neurologic failure ( n = 23; 16%), and septic shock ( n = 22; 15%). At 1-month postdischarge, 68 of 122 (56%) reported worsened HRQL and 35 (29%) had a new functional impairment compared with preillness baseline. This improved at 3 months to 54 (46%) and 24 (20%), respectively, and remained stable through the remaining 9 months of follow-up. We used interaction forests to evaluate relative variable importance including pairwise interactions and found that therapy consultation within 3 days of intubation was associated with better HRQL recovery in older patients and those with better preillness physical HRQL. During the postdischarge year, 76 patients (53%) had an emergency department visit or hospitalization, and 62 (43%) newly received physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Impairments in HRQL and functional status as well as health resource use were common among children with acute respiratory failure. Early therapy consultation was a modifiable characteristic associated with shorter duration of worsened HRQL in older patients.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome among orthopedic surgeons working in Riyadh, KSA

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and its associated risk factors among orthopedic surgeons working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among orthopedic surgeons working in multiple hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from the participants through Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). Results: This study enrolled 151 orthopedic surgeons. Around 39.1% were aged between 25 and 29 years old, with males being dominant (88.1%). And 39.7% were overweight (25 – 29.9 kg/m2). Most of them were right-handed (93.4%). The prevalence of surgeons who were diagnosed with CTS was 3.3%. Around 20.5% were consultant surgeons with 57.6% had 1 to 5 years of experience and 55.6% had 5 or less performed surgeries per week. The overall mean score of the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) domain was 13 (SD 4.12), with 62.3% considered as having no symptoms. Regarding the Functional Status Scale (FSS) domain, the total mean score was 8.38 (SD 1.49), with nearly all categorized as no difficulty (83.4%). It was observed that increasing SSS score was associated with increasing BMI level (Z=2.164; p=0.030) and performing arthroscopic procedures (Z=2.653; p=0.008), while a higher FSS score was more associated with conducting arthroscopic procedures (Z=1.438; p=0.021) Conclusion: The prevalence of mild to severe CTS symptoms among orthopedic surgeons was 37.7%. Increased severity was more prevalent among surgeons with elevated body mass index, while those regularly dealing with arthroscopic procedures had increased symptom severity and functional difficulties.

Admission Functional Status is Associated With Intensivists Perception of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Candidacy for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Failure.

To determine the association between admission Functional Status Scale (FSS) category and perceived extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) candidacy for pediatric acute respiratory failure. Prospective, cross-sectional study. Single-center, quaternary, and ECMO referral academic children's hospital between March 2021 and January 2022. Pediatric intensivists directly caring for patients admitted with acute respiratory failure secondary to shock or respiratory disease. None. Pediatric intensivists were surveyed about current patients within 72 hours of initiation or escalation of invasive mechanical ventilation on whether they would offer ECMO should their patient deteriorate. Baseline functional status was assessed using trichotomized admission FSS: 1) normal/mild dysfunction (6-9), 2) moderate dysfunction (10-15), and 3) severe dysfunction (> 16). Multivariable logistic regression clustered by physician was used to assess the association between admission FSS category with perceived ECMO candidacy. Thirty-seven intensivists participated with 76% (137/180) of survey responses by those with less than 10 years of experience. 81% of patients (146/180) were perceived as ECMO candidates and 19% of patients (34/180) were noncandidates. Noncandidates had worse admission FSS scores than candidates (15.5 vs. 9, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, admission FSS category of severe dysfunction had lower odds of perceived ECMO candidacy compared with normal to mild dysfunction (odds ratio [OR] 0.18 [95% CI, 0.06-0.56], p < 0.003). Patients with an abnormal communication subscore domain had the lowest odds of being considered a candidate (unadjusted OR 0.44 [95% CI, 0.29-0.68], p < 0.0001). In this prospective, single-center, cross-sectional study, admission FSS category indicating worse baseline functional status impacted pediatric intensivists' perceptions of ECMO candidacy for patients with acute respiratory failure. Abnormal FSS subscores in the neurocognitive domains were the most important considerations. Future studies should better seek to define the decision-making priorities of both parents and medical specialists for the utilization of ECMO in children with acute respiratory failure.

New Functional Impairment After Hospital Discharge by Traumatic Brain Injury Mechanism in Younger Than 3 Years Old Admitted to the PICU in a Single Center Retrospective Study.

Children who suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk of morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that in patients with TBI, the abusive head trauma (AHT) mechanism vs. accidental TBI (aTBI) would be associated with higher frequency of new functional impairment between baseline and later follow-up. Retrospective single center cohort study. Children younger than 3 years old admitted with TBI to the PICU at a level 1 trauma center between 2014 and 2019. None. Patient characteristics, TBI mechanism, and Functional Status Scale (FSS) scores at baseline, hospital discharge, short-term (median, 10 mo [interquartile range 3-12 mo]), and long-term (median, 4 yr [3-6 yr]) postdischarge were abstracted from the electronic health record. New impairment was defined as an increase in FSS greater than 1 from baseline. Patients who died were assigned the highest score (30). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between TBI mechanism with new impairment. Over 6 years, there were 460 TBI children (170 AHT, 290 aTBI), of which 13 with AHT and four with aTBI died. Frequency of new impairment by follow-up interval, in AHT vs. aTBI patients, were as follows: hospital discharge (42/157 [27%] vs. 27/286 [9%]; p < 0.001), short-term (42/153 [27%] vs. 26/259 [10%]; p < 0.001), and long-term (32/114 [28%] vs. 18/178 [10%]; p < 0.001). Sensory, communication, and motor domains were worse in AHT patients at the short- and long-term timepoint. On multivariable analysis, AHT mechanism was associated with greater odds (odds ratio [95% CI]) of poor outcome (death and new impairment) at hospital discharge (4.4 [2.2-8.9]), short-term (2.7 [1.5-4.9]), and long-term timepoints (2.4 [1.2-4.8]; p < 0.05). In patients younger than 3 years old admitted to the PICU after TBI, the AHT mechanism-vs. aTBI-is associated with greater odds of poor outcome in the follow-up period through to ~5 years postdischarge. New impairment occurred in multiple domains and only AHT patients further declined in FSS over time.

Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome in Abusive and Accidental Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a mechanism of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) with high morbidity and mortality. Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS), defined as organ dysfunction in two or more organ systems, is also associated with morbidity and mortality in critically ill children. Our objective was to compare the frequency of MODS and evaluate its association with outcome between AHT and accidental TBI (aTBI). This was a single center, retrospective cohort study including children under 3 years old admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with nonpenetrating TBI between 2014 and 2021. Presence or absence of MODS on days 1, 3, and 7 using the Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 score and new impairment status (Functional Status Scale score change > 1 compared with preinjury) at hospital discharge (HD), short-term timepoint, and long-term timepointwere abstracted from the electronic health record. Multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the association between MODS and TBI mechanism with new impairment status. Among 576 children, 215 (37%) had AHT and 361 (63%) had aTBI. More children with AHT had MODS on days 1 (34% vs. 23%, p = 0.003), 3 (28% vs. 6%, p < 0.001), and 7 (17% vs. 3%, p < 0.001) compared with those with aTBI. The most common organ failures were cardiovascular ([AHT] 66% vs. [aTBI] 66%, p = 0.997), neurologic (33% vs. 16%, p < 0.001), and respiratory (34% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). MODS was associated with new impairment in multivariable logistic regression at HD (odds ratio 19.1 [95% confidence interval 9.8-38.6, p < 0.001]), short-term discharge (7.4 [3.7-15.2, p < 0.001]), and long-term discharge (4.3 [2.0-9.4, p < 0.001])]. AHT was also associated with new impairment at HD (3.4 [1.6-7.3, p = 0.001]), short-term discharge (2.5 [1.3-4.7, p = 0.005]), and long-term discharge (2.1 [1.1-4.1, p = 0.036]). Abusive head trauma as a mechanism was associated with MODS following TBI. Both AHT mechanism and MODS were associated with new impairment at all time points.

What is the role of sensitization in carpal tunnel syndrome where pain impacts functional capacity?

Aims: Expression of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) caused by the entrapped median nerve includes pain, paraesthesia and numbness. Extra median spread of pain can furthermore be seen as a clinical requirement defined by neuro inflammation. Central sensitization (CS) constructs a similar mechanism. This study aims to evaluate sensitization in patients diagnosed with CTS.&#x0D; Methods: A total number of 152 patients diagnosed with CTS were evaluated, prospectively. Patients data such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, pain severity (NRS), painDETECT questionnaire, Boston CTS symptom severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS), CS scale, electroneuromyography results have been collected by the author and then the patients are divided into three groups.&#x0D; Results: Regarding the age, BMI and CS rate, there was no statistical difference between the three patient groups (p&gt;0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found between these groups in disease duration, day-time and night-time NRS, Boston SSS, FSS, and pain DETECT scores (p0.05). Yet, statistically significant differences were found in a comparison of the patients with and without CS, in disease duration, NRS night scores, and painDETECT scores (p

Predictors of Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale in Hospitalized Patients Recovering From SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The study aimed to investigate whether peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength and architecture, functional capacity, functional mobility, fatigue, and health-related quality of life are predictors of the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale score in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome who were hospitalized. A cross-sectional study included 69 patients (53.3 ± 13.2 yrs, 36 men) with post-COVID-19 syndrome. The following outcomes were assessed: peripheral (dynamometry) and inspiratory (manovacuometry) muscle strength, muscle architecture (ultrasound), functional capacity (six-minute walk test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy), health-related quality of life (36-item Short-Form Health Survey), and functional status (Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale). Functional mobility (β = 0.573, P < 0.001), vastus intermedius echogenicity (β = -0.491, P = 0.001), length of stay (β = 0.349, P = 0.007), and female sex (β = 0.415, P = 0.003) influenced the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale. Functional mobility, muscle quality of the vastus intermedius, length of stay, and female sex influence the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale score in this population. It is noteworthy that functional mobility is an independent predictor of Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale.

Parental Perception and Measured Functional Status Following Pediatric Critical Illness: A Secondary Analysis of the Survivor Outcomes Study.

We evaluated the concordance between parent/guardian perception of child long-term function and objectively scored long-term functional status using the Functional Status Scale (FSS) among PICU survivors. Secondary analysis of prospective cohort study. Urban, tertiary, academic PICU. PICU patients less than 18 years old were admitted between June and August 2012. None. We conducted telephone interviews of parents/guardians of PICU survivors ( n = 77) 6 months post-PICU discharge. We asked parents/guardians to characterize their child's functional status, and we determined FSS scores using scripted interview questions. Concordance between parent/guardian perceptions and FSS scores was assessed, revealing that parent/guardian perceptions of their child's functional status aligned poorly with FSS scores at 6 months (kappa coefficient 0.16). These findings shed light on a critical disconnect between parent/guardian perspective and our current tools to measure a child's functional status following critical illness. In an era of decreased PICU mortality and increased long-term morbidity, the discordance between parent/guardian perception and available scoring tools in the assessment of long-term functional status highlights a key opportunity to improve communication and anchor expectations for long-term outcomes among PICU survivors.

Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Parents Caring for Pediatric Patients with a Tracheostomy.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of parents of children who underwent placement of a tracheostomy while in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) through postdischarge use of a standardized questionnaire, Functional Status Scale (FSS) for patients, and WHOQoL-BREF (a QOL scale) for parents. Methods The parents were initially contacted by telephone, postdischarge, during which the standardized questionnaire was completed. The functional status of the patients was evaluated using the FSS, and the QOL of parents was determined through use of the WHOQoL-BREF scale. Results From 2011 to 2021, tracheostomy was performed in 119 PICU patients. Overall, 93 patients were excluded due to death in 66 (56%), decannulation in 24 (20%) and, 3 (2%) were not available for follow-up. The parents of 26 (22%) patients were available for follow-up and for which the standardized questionnaire FSS and WHOQoL-BREF QOL scales were completed. The mean FSS score of the patients was elevated at 17.84. In comparison, reduced mean scores were observed for parental physical health of 20.61, psychological health of 20.57, social health of 11.15, and environmental health of 29.00. As a result, a moderate ( r < 0.80), yet significant ( p ≤ 0.004) negative correlation was found between the FSS scores of patients and the physical, social relationships, environmental, and psychological health QOL scores of parents. Conclusion This study is unique in that, to our knowledge, it is the first to compare parental QOL with the FSS of pediatric patients who have undergone a tracheostomy while hospitalized in the PICU. Our findings indicate that the parental QOL was reduced in four areas and correlates with an elevation in FSS score (indicating a greater functional disorder) of pediatric patients who had previously undergone a tracheostomy while hospitalized in the PICU.

Functional status of pediatric patients with trauma and risk factors for mortality from a single center in China.

The influence of reduced functional status has become increasingly relevant because of the gradual decline in mortality rate over the recent years. Nonetheless, only a few studies investigating the functional status of patients with trauma at hospital discharge have been conducted. This study aimed to identify the risk factors influencing the mortality rate in pediatric trauma survivors at a pediatric intensive care unit and analyze their functional status using the Functional Status Scale (FSS). A retrospective analysis was conducted at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit between January 2015 and January 2020 who met the trauma diagnostic criteria were included. The FSS score and the Injury Severity Score (ISS) were recorded upon admission and discharge, respectively. Clinical data were compared between the survival and non-survival groups to identify the risk factors for poor prognosis. The risk factors for mortality were identified using multivariate and univariate analyses. A total of 246 children {59.8%, male; median [interquartile range (IQR)] age: 3 [1-7] years} were diagnosed with trauma (including head trauma, chest trauma, abdominal trauma, and extremity trauma). Of these patients, 207 were discharged, 11 dropped out mid-treatment, and 39 died (hospital mortality rate, 15.9%). Upon admission, the median FSS and trauma scores were 14 (IQR, 11-18) and 22 (IQR, 14-33) points, respectively. At discharge, the FSS score was 8 (IQR, 6-10) points. The patient clinical status improved with a ΔFSS score of -4 (IQR, -7, 0) points. At hospital discharge, 119 (48.3%), 47 (19.1%), 27 (11.0%), 12 (4.8%), and 2 (0.9%) survivors had good, mildly abnormal, moderately abnormal, severely abnormal, and very severely abnormal function, respectively. Reduced functional status in patients was categorized as follows: motor, 46.4%; feeding, 26.1%; sensory, 23.2%; mental, 18.4%; and communication, 17.9%. In the univariate analysis, ISS >25 points, shock, respiratory failure, and coma were independently associated with the mortality rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that the ISS was an independent risk factor for mortality. The mortality rate of patients with trauma was high. ISS was an independent risk factor for mortality. Mildly reduced functional status remained at discharge and was reported in nearly half of the discharged patients. Motor and feeding functions were the most severely impacted domains.

Long-Term Functional Outcomes at 1-Year After Hospital Discharge in Critically Ill Neonates With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect associated with long-term morbidity. Our objective was to examine longitudinal change in Functional Status Scale (FSS) after hospital discharge in CDH survivors. Single-center retrospective cohort study. Center for comprehensive CDH management at a quaternary, free-standing children's hospital. Infants with Bochdalek CDH were admitted to the ICU between January 2009 and December 2019 and survived until hospital discharge. None. One hundred forty-two infants (58% male, mean birth weight 3.08 kg, 80% left-sided defects) met inclusion criteria. Relevant clinical data were extracted from the medical record to calculate FSS (primary outcome) at hospital discharge and three subsequent outpatient follow-up time points. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) FSS score at hospital discharge was 8.0 (7.0-9.0); 39 patients (27.5%) had at least moderate impairment (FSS ≥ 9). Median (IQR) FSS at 0- to 6-month ( n = 141), 6- to 12-month ( n = 141), and over 12-month ( n = 140) follow-up visits were 7.0 (7.0-8.0), 7.0 (6.0-8.0), and 6.0 (6.0-7.0), respectively. Twenty-one patients (15%) had at least moderate impairment at over 12-month follow-up; median composite FSS scores in the over 12-month time point decreased by 2.0 points from hospital discharge. Median feeding domain scores improved by 1.0 (1.0-2.0), whereas other domain scores remained without impairment. Multivariable analysis demonstrated right-sided, C- or D-size defects, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and chromosomal anomalies were associated with impairment. The majority of CDH survivors at our center had mild functional status impairment (FSS ≤ 8) at discharge and 1-year follow-up; however, nearly 15% of patients had moderate impairment during this time period. The feeding domain had the highest level of functional impairment. We observed unchanged or improving functional status longitudinally over 1-year follow-up after hospital discharge. Longitudinal outcomes will guide interdisciplinary management strategies in CDH survivors.

Area Deprivation Index Is Not Associated With the Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

While living in a socially disadvantaged neighborhood is linked with numerous health outcomes, its effect on patient-reported outcome scores and diagnostic measures in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is not fully understood. This study examines the effect of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation on CTS severity as measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), 6-item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale (CTS-6), and diagnostic testing modalities. This was a retrospective analysis of patients who presented to the hand clinic at a single hospital system with symptoms consistent with CTS. Ultrasound cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve, CTS-6, Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) of the BCTQ, and the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) national rank percentile were collected. Patients were grouped into 4 quartiles based on their ADI national percentile. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted to test for statistical differences between the 4 quartiles based on the average values of median nerve CSA, CTS-6, SSS, and FSS score. The bottom quartile was compared with the upper 75% of the sample (26th-100th percentile) and to the upper quartile via Student t test. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Analyses of variance revealed no statistically significant differences between the 4 quartiles for either median nerve CSA, CTS-6, SSS, or FSS. When comparing the bottom quartile with the upper 75% of the sample and the upper quartile, no significant statistical differences were identified. No relationships were found between social deprivation (ADI) and patient-reported outcomes, CTS-6 scores, or median nerve CSA.

The therapeutic potential of carpal tunnel syndrome by laser acupuncture: a before-after interventional study

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common pathology that affects the quality of human life. It is essential to promote clinical intervention studies. Our initial step in this study focused on the cure for CTS and the safety of Laser Acupuncture (LA), which is a type of acupuncture uses low-level laser instead of metal acupuncture needles. This is a before-after interventional study based on a group of 38 CTS patients, ranging from mild to moderate. Intervention using LA 5 times per week for 4 weeks, using low-level laser with a continuous wavelength of 655 nm, wattage of 5 mW/point, dose of 6 J/point, and direction perpendicular to the skin surface, in 10 pressure points on the affected hand, including PC4, PC6, PC7, PC8, LI4, LI10, LI1, HT3, HT7, LU10. The change in the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), Functional Status Scale (FSS) through the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) and adverse events were monitored to assess the effectiveness and safety of LA. At the second and fourth weeks, respectively, the SSS score decreased from 28 (27-33) to 14 (14-21) and 12 (11-13); this difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0001). Similarly, the FSS score decreased from 13 (13-15) to 8 (8-10), 8 (8-8), and the difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0001). Following the intervention, 37% (CI 95%, 23-53%) of patients experienced complete symptom recovery and 100% experienced complete functional recovery. No side effects were noted during the treatment. LA was initially shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of CTS by improving symptoms and rehabilitation.