Health Scores Research Articles

Milk replacer feeding once or twice a day did not change the ruminal metabolomic profile and the microbial diversity of dairy calves from birth to weaning

In commercial dairy production systems, feeding calves once a day could be an alternative to reduce labor expenses. Several studies comparing once (OAD) versus twice (TAD) a day milk feeding systems have not evidenced differences in calf growth, rumen development, blood parameters or health scores, but impact on ruminal microbiota remains to be investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of OAD or TAD on the establishment of the ruminal microbiota and its metabolic activity. Sixteen male calves (45.9 ± 5.7 kg at birth) were involved in the trial from birth to weaning (63 d). After the colostrum phase, 2 feeding programs based on a milk replacer were tested and calves were allocated to these programs on d 5. To study the establishment of the bacterial community, ruminal fluid was obtained from each calf one hour after the morning meal at 7 (d 7), 35 (d 35) and 63 (d 63) days of age. The ruminal metabolome was evaluated at a 7 d interval from d 1 to d 63. Ruminal microbiota and metabolite profiles were characterized by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing- and by H-NMR spectroscopy, respectively. Our results showed that feeding milk replacer once or twice a day did not change the ruminal microbiota and metabolites of dairy calves from birth to weaning. Microbial data showed that diversity and richness increased with age, suggesting a shift from an heterogeneous and less diverse community after birth (d 7) to a more diverse but homogeneous community at 35 and 63 d. These findings suggest that feeding milk once a day can be successfully applied to a calf feeding system without compromising microbial establishment and functions.

The relationship and affecting factors between oral health and frailty in the older people: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the connection between oral health and frailty in older people and to determine the affecting factors. The research was a community-based cross-sectional study. A Family Health Center conducted a study on 321 older people. Data were collected face-to-face using the Personal Information Form, Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, and Edmonton Frailty Scale. Factors affecting oral health and frailty were examined using the MANOVA test and the relationship between them was examined using Pearson's correlation test. It was determined that 52.6% of the participants had poor oral health and 56.1% had different levels of frailty. Education was effective on the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index scale score. The presence of chronic disease, frequency of tooth/denture brushing, age, education, and sex were effective on the Edmonton Frailty Scale. When the partial eta square values were examined, it was determined that the variable that had the highest impact on the GOHAI and EFS scale scores was educational status. It was determined that there was a significant negative relationship between participants' oral health and frailty scores (r=-0.539, p<.001). It was determined that more than half of the older individuals included in the study had poor subjective oral health and varying levels of frailty. The influencing factors were determined through multivariate advanced analysis. This relationship and affecting factors are important in providing appropriate early detection and care to older people.

Associations between adiposity measures and depression and well-being scores: A cross-sectional analysis of middle- to older-aged adults.

Obesity and mental health are significant global health concerns. Evidence has linked increased adiposity with depression and well-being; however, there is limited documented evidence in Ireland. Research also suggests lifestyle factors and disease conditions to be related to mental health. These may modulate relationships between adiposity and depression and well-being. This was a cross-sectional study of 1,821 men and women aged 46-73 years, randomly selected from a large primary care centre. Depression and well-being were assessed using the 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the World Health Organization-Five (WHO-5) Well-Being Index. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine relationships between mental health scores (dependent variable) and adiposity (independent variable) defined using body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio while adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and disease conditions. BMI and waist-height ratio had a significant positive association with depression scores and a significant inverse association with well-being scores in males and females. These associations were maintained following adjustment for demographic variables and lifestyle factors. In final models where disease conditions were adjusted for, BMI (β = 0.743, p < .001) and waist-height ratio (β = 0.719, p < .001) associations with the CES-D score remained significant. In stratified analyses, relationships between measures of adiposity and depression were found to be stronger in females (BMI: β = 0.806, p = .007; waist-height ratio: β = 0.768, p = .01) than males (BMI: β = 0.573, p = .049; waist-height ratio: β = 0.593, p = .044) but no effect modification was identified. These findings suggest that increased adiposity is significantly associated with poorer mental health, independent of lifestyle factors and disease conditions. Targeted interventions for reducing depression should include better population-level weight management measures.

Differences in Baseline Physical Function and Mental Health PROM Scores in Patients With Foot and Ankle Conditions.

This study sought to establish normative values for baseline physical and mental health by foot and ankle diagnosis using validated PROMIS scores and to compare the correlation between these 2 outcomes across common diagnoses. Additionally, it investigated the effects associated with chronic vs acute conditions and specific diagnoses on mental health. We reviewed baseline PROMIS Physical Function 10a (PF10a) and PROMIS Global-Mental (PGM) scores of 14,245 patients with one of the 10 most common foot and ankle diagnoses seen at our institution between 2016 and 2021. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between PF10a and PGM by diagnosis. A multivariable regression model including age, sex, language, race, ethnicity, education level, income, and Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to determine the associated effect of diagnosis on PGM score. On unadjusted analysis, patients diagnosed with an ankle fracture had the lowest mean physical function, whereas patients with hallux valgus had the highest (PF10a = 33.9 vs 46.7, P < .001). Patients with foot/ankle osteoarthritis had the lowest mean self-reported mental health, whereas patients with hallux rigidus had the highest (PGM = 49.9 vs 53.4, P < .001). PF10a and PGM scores were significantly positively correlated for all diagnoses; the correlation was strongest in patients diagnosed with foot/ankle osteoarthritis or hammertoes (r = 0.511) and weakest in patients with ankle fractures (r = 0.232) or sprains (r = 0.280). Chronic conditions, including hammertoes (β = -5.1, 95% CI [-5.8, -4.3], P < .001), foot/ankle osteoarthritis (β = -5.0, 95% CI [-5.7, -4.3], P < .001), and hallux valgus (β = -4.8, 95% CI [-5.5, -4.1], P < .001) were associated with the largest negative effects on patients' mental health. Self-reported physical function and mental health varied across common foot and ankle diagnoses and were more tightly correlated in chronic conditions. The associations between diagnosis and mental health scores appear larger for more chronic diagnoses, including those that are generally associated with relatively unimpaired physical function. Level IV, retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Shoulder balance in Lenke type 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: correlations among radiological indices, cosmetic indices, and patient-reported outcomes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between radiological indices of shoulder balance (SB) and cosmetic indices of shoulder deformity in patients with Lenke type 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to determine the extent to which patient-reported outcomes (PROs) correlate with these measurements. Current management decisions and outcomes for SB in AIS are primarily based on radiological measurements. It is crucial to understand how these radiological parameters and cosmetic indices relate to patient satisfaction. The authors analyzed the preoperative radiological and photographic indices of SB, along with PROs, in patients with Lenke type 2 AIS. Lateral SB parameters included the radiological shoulder height (RSH) and clavicle angle, while medial SB parameters included the first rib angle and T1 tilt angle. Photographic indices included the shoulder height angle (SHA), axilla height angle (AHA), and the left/right trapezius angle (LRTA) ratio. The authors assessed the self-image, mental health, and total score domains of the Korean version of the 22-item Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire. In their analysis of Lenke type 2 patients, the authors found that correlation coefficients between radiological measurements and photographic indices ranged from -0.25 to 0.47, among which only lateral SB including clavicle angle and RSH showed a significant correlation with anterior and posterior photographic indices. No statistically significant correlations were found between radiological measurements and PROs. Anterior photographic indices including SHA and AHA significantly correlated with all three PROs (p < 0.05). Radiological shoulder parameters did not accurately reflect the perceived SB. Anterior photographic indices were reliable for evaluating clinical SB in patients with Lenke type 2 AIS and correlated with PROs. Spine surgeons may benefit from paying more attention to anterior photographic indices when making surgical decisions regarding clinical SB.

Healthy behaviors and gestational diabetes mellitus in an Iranian setting: A cross-sectional study.

The objective of this study is to determine the healthy behaviors of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Ardabil in 2020. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 mothers with GDM in Ardabil in 2020. Self-reported data was collected using a sociodemographic and a lifestyle questionnaire (LSQ) with assistance from health staff. Univariate and multivariate linear regression tests were used to assess risk variables associated with health behaviors and GDM. The total score of the LSQ was 123.6 ± 9.9, which was considered fair or average. The participants' age had a significant relationship with physical health (beta = -.093, P = .004), weight control and nutrition (beta = .094, P = .010), and psychological health (beta = .081, P = .005). Higher educational level was associated with accident prevention (beta = .453, P = .001). Participants' occupation had a significant positive relationship with the prevention of diseases (beta = .925, P = .003). A gravida of the participants was associated with weight control and nutrition (beta = -.497, P = .016). Body mass index was associated with physical health (beta = -.179, P = .001), exercise and fitness (beta = -.149, P = .016), psychological health (beta = -.158, P = .001), accident prevention (beta = .098, P = .023), and total score of LSQ (beta = -.559, P = .006). The findings of this study showed that mothers with GDM had LSQ subscales scores considered fair or average, except for the prevention of diseases and avoidance of drugs, alcohol, and opiates subscales, which were considered good.

Hierarchy of demographic and social determinants of mental health: analysis of cross-sectional survey data from the Global Mind Project

ObjectivesTo understand the extent to which various demographic and social determinants predict mental health status and their relative hierarchy of predictive power in order to prioritise and develop population-based preventative...

Associations between paramedics' salutogenic health experience and the intention to stay in the profession: A cross-sectional survey.

To investigate the association between paramedics' salutogenic health and their intentions to stay in their profession. A cross-sectional survey. Paramedics from eight purposively selected organizations participated in this study (n = 433). The data were collected in 2022 with the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale and validated single questions that assessed work ability, recovery and self-rated stress. Intention to stay was measured using two questions about the intention to leave prehospital emergency medical service work and leave the nursing sector completely during the next 2 years. Data were analysed using logistic regression and statistical significance tests. Men had higher mean salutogenic health scores than women. No significant differences in salutogenic health were observed across work experience or occupational groups. Paramedics intending to stay in their profession exhibited higher salutogenic health scores than those intending to leave. In the logistic regression models, increasing levels of salutogenic health and work ability were associated with intention to stay in the profession.

Using reference equations to standardise incremental shuttle walk test performance in children and young people with chronic conditions and facilitate the evaluation of exercise capacity and disease severity

AimsThe aim was to evaluate whether standardised exercise performance during the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) can be used to assess disease severity in children and young people (CYP) with...

Women’s Social Health and Related Factors in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Women’s health is the foundation of society’s health and it can be achieved only by addressing all aspects of their health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the prevalence of social health of Iranian women and related factors. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used for reporting; the terms “social health,” “women,” “Iran,” and related keywords were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsychoInfo, ProQuest and local databases, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Elmnet, and Noormags up to August 2022. The published English or Persian quantitative primary studies which were conducted in Iran and reported social health or its dimensions among Iranian women were included. The studies were assessed by quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies developed by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. From the 786 studies retrieved, 22 studies were finally included surveying different groups of women. Age, marital status, education, employment, socioeconomic status, social support, social participation, social trust, social security, communication skills, and self-esteem were the factors affecting women’s social health. Five studies entered meta-analysis and mean score of social health was 98.54 (95% CI: 87.56–109.51) and it was the lowest among women who were the head of households. Since women’s social health has been less considered in the society and research studies, further policies, legislations, and capacity building in mentioned fields are necessary. As social health is an important aspect of health, it is necessary for governments to address the known determinants of women’s social health in order to plan and promote the health of women, family, and finally society.

Biocompatible formulation of a hydrophobic antimicrobial peptide L30 through nanotechnology principles and its potential role in mouse pneumonia model infected with Staphylococcus aureus

Hydrophobic antimicrobial peptide L30, a potential antibiotic candidate, has poor water solubility and hemolytic activity. Herein, a biocompatible nano-formulation composed of liposomes and dendritic mesoporous silica encapsulation (LDMSNs@L30) was constructed for L30 to solve the limits for its clinical development. The characterization, antimicrobial activity and therapeutic effect of LDMSNs@L30 on Staphylococcus aureus 9 (cfr+) infected mice models were investigated. LDMSNs@L30 displayed a smooth, spherical, and monodisperse nanoparticle with a hydrodynamic diameter of 177.40 nm, an encapsulation rate of 56.13%, a loading efficiency of 32.26%, a release rate of 66.5%, and effective slow-release of L30. Compared with free L30, the formulation could significantly increase the solubility of L30 in PBS with the maximum concentration from 8 μg/mL to 2.25 mg/mL and decrease the hemolytic activity of hydrophobic peptide L30 with the HC5 from 65.36 μg/mL to more than 500 μg/mL. The nano delivery system LDMSNs@L30 also exhibited higher therapeutic effects on mice models infected with S. aureus 9 (cfr+) than those of free L30 after 7 days of treatment by reducing the lung inflammation and the inflammatory cytokines levels in plasma, showing better health score and pulmonary pathological improvement. Our research suggests that nano-formulation can be expected to be a promising strategy for peptide drugs in therapeutic applications.

Youth Incarceration in Adult Facilities and Mental Health in Early Adulthood

PurposeTo examine the relationship between youth incarceration in adult correctional facilities and mental health in early adulthood. MethodsWe analyzed nationally representative data from 1997 through 2019 (N = 8,961) using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. An ordinary least squares regression model using inverse probability weights was used to assess the influence of youth incarceration in an adult facility on average mental health scores from age 18 to 37. ResultsRespondents incarcerated in an adult facility as a youth had poorer average mental health than those not held in adult prisons or jails over the course of the study period. Those incarcerated for longer in adult facilities also exhibited more mental health symptoms. DiscussionYoung people incarcerated in adult correctional facilities experience poorer long-term mental health related to depression and anxiety in early adulthood.

Investigation into the safety, and serological responses elicited by delivery of live intranasal vaccines for bovine herpes virus type 1, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza type 3 in pre-weaned calves.

Despite the fact that pneumonia remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in pre-weaned calves, relatively little is known regarding the effects of the concurrent administration of intranasal pneumonia virus vaccines, particularly in calves with high levels of maternally derived antibodies. The objective of this study was to use a cohort of 40 dairy and dairy-beef female and male calves (27 females and 13 males) to determine serological responses to concurrent administration at 3 weeks of age (22 ± 4.85 days) of two commercially available intranasal (IN) vaccines for the viruses: bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine herpes virus 1 (BoHV-1), and parainfluenza-3-virus (PI3-V). The study groups were as follows: (i) Bovilis IBR Marker Live only® (IO), (ii) Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live® only (RPO), (iii) Concurrent vaccination with Bovilis IBR Marker Live® & Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live® (CV), and (iv) a control group of non-vaccinated calves (CONT). The calves' serological response post-IN vaccination, clinical health scores, rectal temperatures, and weights were measured. Data were analyzed in SAS using mixed models and logistic regression. The CV calves had an average daily weight gain (ADG) of 0.74 (±0.02) kg, which was similar to CONT (0.77 ± 0.02 kg). Despite no significant differences in the antibody levels between study groups 3 weeks post-IN vaccination, following the administration of subsequent parenteral injections in the form of Bovilis Bovipast RSP®(antigens; inactivated BRSV, inactivated PI3-V, inactivated Mannheimia haemolytica) and Bovilis IBR Marker Live®, the antibody levels of the BRSV and PI3-V increased in both the CV and RPO study groups. Concurrent vaccination resulted in no increase in fever and no difference in health scores when compared to CONT.

An analysis of influencing factors of oral frailty in the elderly in the community

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the current situation of oral frailty (OF) in the elderly in the community in China and analyse its influencing factors.MethodsUsing convenience sampling, 380 elderly people from three communities in our city were selected as participants in the study. The Oral Frailty Index-8, the Frailty Scale, the Oral Health Assessment Tool, the Mini-nutritional Assessment Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to investigate and analyse OF influencing factors.ResultsIn this study, the 380 elderly participants were categorized into three groups: frailty, pre-frailty, and non-physical frailty, based on their responses to the questionnaires.The influencing factor analysis showed that age, gender, education level, frailty score, frailty stage, number of dentures, dry mouth, subjective chewing difficulty, oral health score and sleep quality were the influencing factors of OF in the elderly in the community (R2 = 0.712, F = 434.73, P < 0.05). The evaluation of the prediction results showed that the frailty score (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.751, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.683–0.862), subjective chewing difficulty (AUC: 0.765, 95% CI: 0.655–0.831) and sleep quality (AUC: 0.736, 95% CI: 0.652–0.781) had a higher predictive value for OF.ConclusionThe main OF influencing factors in the elderly in the community are age, gender, education level, physical frailty (PF) score, PF stage, number of dentures, dry mouth, subjective chewing difficulties, oral health score and sleep quality. Nursing staff should pay attention to the OF of the elderly in the community and take targeted intervention measures in time to reduce and control OF occurrence and progression.

Reliability and construct validity of the ACTIVLIM-Hemo and Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) questionnaires in individuals with haemophilia.

The objective of this study is to assess the reliability and construct validity of ACTIVLIM-Hemo, a newly developed Rasch-built questionnaire designed to evaluate activity limitations in people with haemophilia (PwH), in comparison with the Haemophilia Activities List (HAL), which was developed using Classical Test Theory. A total of 130 participants with haemophilia A or B were included. They underwent various assessments, including joint health scoring (HJHS), functional tests (TUG and 2MWT) and completed questionnaires such as the BPI, IPAQ, HAL and ACTIVLIM-Hemo. Reliability indices and the minimum detectable change (MDC95) were determined for ACTIVLIM-Hemo and for HAL. Construct validity was evaluated through correlations and multiple linear regression, considering demographic and clinical factors. Both ACTIVLIM-Hemo (Person Separation Index=0.92) and HAL (Cronbach's α=0.98) demonstrated high reliability. The MDC95 for ACTIVLIM-Hemo represented 11.6% of its measurement range, while for HAL, it amounted to 18/100 score points. Activity limitations measured by both instruments were significantly correlated with demographic and clinical factors. Joint health (HJHS), pain severity (BPI) and walking performance (2MWT) emerged as the main predictors of activity limitations, explaining 75% of the variance in ACTIVLIM-Hemo and 60% in HAL. ACTIVLIM-Hemo stands as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing activity limitations in PwH. Both instruments exhibited significant correlations with demographic and clinical factors, but ACTIVLIM-Hemo displayed a more homogeneous construct. Given its linear scale and lower MDC95 and better targeting, ACTIVLIM-Hemo shows promise as a patient-centric instrument for assessing responsiveness to treatment during individual follow-up.

Sepsis one-hour bundle management combined with psychological intervention on negative emotion and sleep quality in patients with sepsis.

Sepsis is a serious infectious disease caused by various systemic inflammatory responses and is ultimately life-threatening. Patients usually experience depression and anxiety, which affect their sleep quality and post-traumatic growth levels. To investigate the effects of sepsis, a one-hour bundle (H1B) management was combined with psychological intervention in patients with sepsis. This retrospective analysis included 300 patients with sepsis who were admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital between June 2022 and June 2023. According to different intervention methods, the participants were divided into a simple group (SG, n = 150) and combined group (CG, n = 150). H1B management was used in the SG and H1B management combined with psychological intervention was used in the CG. The changes of negative emotion, sleep quality and post-traumatic growth and prognosis were compared between the two groups before (T0) and after (T1) intervention. After intervention (T1), the scores of the Hamilton Anxiety scale and Hamilton Depression scale in the CG were significantly lower than those in the SG (P < 0.001). Sleep time, sleep quality, sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction, sleep disturbance dimension score, and the total score in the CG were significantly lower than those in the SG (P < 0.001). The appreciation of life, mental changes, relationship with others, personal strength dimension score, and total score of the CG were significantly higher than those of the SG (P < 0.001). The scores for mental health, general health status, physiological function, emotional function, physical pain, social function, energy, and physiological function in the CG were significantly higher than those in the SG (P < 0.001). The mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit stay time, and 28-d mortality of the CG were significantly lower than those of the SG (P < 0.05). H1B management combined with psychological intervention can effectively alleviate the negative emotions of patients with sepsis and increase their quality of sleep and life.

The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence, Mental Health, and the English Achievement of College Students Based on Big Data Statistical Analysis

This article explores the association between emotional intelligence, mental health, and English proficiency among college students. Survey results reveal that the gender ratio of college students is roughly equal, and the number of participants is stable each year. Humanities majors comprise 31% of the total. The authors collected data from nearly 1000 college students, which was analyzed using a matrix model. Results suggest that while there is a weak correlation between emotional intelligence scores and English grades, there is a strong correlation between mental health scores and English grades. The researchers conducted a 3-month psychological intervention experiment on 60 sophomore students. These students showed improvement in both mental health scores and English scores. Additionally, survey results indicate student satisfaction with the testing and psychological intervention. Overall, this study demonstrates that mental health and English proficiency are closely related, and psychological interventions can positively affect language skills.

Predictive Criterion Validity of the Parsley Symptom Index Against the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-10 in a Chronic Disease Cohort: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Approximately 60% of US adults live with chronic disease, imposing a significant burden on patients and the health care system. With the rise of telehealth, patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) have emerged as pivotal tools for managing chronic disease. While numerous PROMs exist, few have been designed explicitly for telehealth settings. The Parsley Symptom Index (PSI) is an electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM) developed specifically for telehealth environments. Our aim is to determine whether the PSI predicts changes in the established Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-10 (PROMIS-10) Global Health, a 10-question short form. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 367 unique patients, amassing 1170 observations between August 30, 2017, and January 30, 2023. Patients completed the PSI and the PROMIS-10 multiple times throughout the study period. Using univariate regression models, we assess the predictive criterion validity of the PSI against PROMIS-10 scores. This study revealed significant relationships between the PSI and PROMIS-10 physical and mental health scores through comprehensive univariate analyses, thus establishing support for the criterion validity of the PSI. These analyses highlighted the PSI's potential as an insightful tool for understanding and predicting both mental and physical health dimensions. Our findings emphasize the importance of the PSI in capturing the nuanced interactions between symptomatology and health outcomes. These insights reinforce the value of the PSI in clinical contexts and support its potential as a versatile tool in both research and practice.

Associations of nuptiality perceptions, financial difficulties, and socio-demographic factors with mental health status in Australian adults: Analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey.

This study examined the association of nuptial/relationship factors, financial difficulties, and socio-demographic factors with the mental health status of Australian adults. Cross-sectional quantitative study design. Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey wave 19, 6846 adults were included in the analysis. Mental health was measured using the mental component summary (MCS) subscale of the Short-Form Health Survey SF-36. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were used to examine the predictors of mental health status. Overall, 7.1% of the participants reported poor mental health status. Individual financial difficulty factors explained 3.2% (p<0.001) of the variance in mental health scores. In addition, financial difficulties were negatively associated with mental health status. Nuptiality and relationship factors accounted for 9.8% (p<0.001) of the variance in mental health status. The study suggests negative marital or relationship perceptions and financial difficulties are significant factors accounting for poor mental health. This finding suggests the need for more policy attention toward the social determinants of poor mental health especially nuptiality or relationship perceptions which have received less policy and research attention in Australia.

The frequency of sarcopenia in haemophilia patients: Effects on musculoskeletal health and functional performance.

In patients with haemophilia A, chronic arthropathy develops over time as a result of recurrent joint bleeds, which leads to restricted mobility and disability in the affected joints. There are limited studies in the literature evaluating sarcopenia in patients with haemophilia. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in severe haemophilia-A patients and to evaluate musculoskeletal health and functional performance. Thirty haemophilia-A patients and 26 adult male volunteers were enrolled in the study. For detection of sarcopenia, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was divided by height squared (m2 ) to obtain the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) value. The thighs of both lower extremities were measured using the Modified Sonographic Tight Adjustment Ratio (STAR) method, which was obtained by adding the bilateral rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscle thicknesses measured by ultrasound. Hand and quadriceps muscle strength (MS) were measured with a dynamometer. Physical performance was determined using the walking speed (WS), timed up-and-go test (TUGT), 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (5RSTS), and 6-min walk test (6MWT). Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection-Ultrasonography (HEAD-US) were also used to assess the musculoskeletal system. According to the modified STAR values calculated based on body mass index, sarcopenia was present in 15 (50%) of 30 patients. However, based on the ASMI-BIA values, sarcopenia was present in only two (6.6%) patients. A weak correlation was found between ASMI and HJHS, HEAD-US, WS, TUGT, and hand MS (left), while a moderate correlation was found with knee MS (right), knee MS (left), and 5RSTS. A strong correlation was found between the modified STAR score and HEAD-US, HJHS, knee MS (left), 5RSTS, TUGT, and WS, while a moderate correlation was found with hand MS (left), hand MS (right), and knee MS (right). This study showed muscle loss, joint mobility restrictions, and decreased functional capacity in haemophilia patients and demonstrated the presence of sarcopenia in these patients. The STAR measurement method showed stronger relationships with MS and functional performance values than ASMI measurements in terms of evaluating sarcopenia.