Limitations In Activities Of Daily Research Articles

LIMITATIONS IN DAILY ACTIVITIES AS THE STRONGEST PREDICTOR OF PHARMACOTHERAPY USAGE FOR PAIN IN INDONESIA

Background: Many factors have been reported to contribute to a decrease in the use of pharmacotherapy to control pain, including the complexity of the medication regime, lack of efficacy, side effects, and cost considerations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the significant factors associated with the use of pharmacotherapy in pain relief among Indonesian population. Methods: The data was obtained from the fifth wave of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS-5). The sample size was 11,516 persons aged 21-60 years with recent pain. Logistic regressions were utilized to explore the associations between independent characteristics and the outcome of medication use for pain complaints. Results: The majority of the participants were females between the ages of 31 and 40, had a high school diploma or less, were working, practiced Islam, and had no restrictions on their daily activities. The proportions of pharmacotherapy users and non- pharmacotherapy users were 51.44% and 48.56%, respectively. Female gender, older age, poor education level, and limitations in daily activities were all linked with a higher usage of medication. Conclusion: In the Indonesian population, having limitations in daily activities was the strongest predictor of pharmacotherapy usage for recent pain. Implication: People who are older, female, or have a poorer level of education should be the primary focus of education to enhance the pharmacological management of their pain.

The CO-MIND Study: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Management in Daily Practice and Its Implications for Improved Outcomes According to GOLD 2019 Perspective.

PurposeGOLD 2019 proposed a novel treatment decision tool for follow-up based on the predominant trait (exacerbation or dyspnea) of patients, alongside treatment escalation and de-escalation strategies. This study was designed to provide an up-to-date snapshot of patient and disease characteristics, treatment pathways, and healthcare resource use (HRU) in COPD in real life, and comprehensively examine patients considering GOLD 2019 recommendations.Patients and MethodsThis mixed design, observational, multicenter (14 pulmonology clinics) study included all patients with a documented COPD diagnosis (excluding asthma-COPD overlap [ACO]) for ≥12 months, aged ≥40 years at diagnosis who had a COPD-related hospital visit, spirometry test and blood eosinophil count (BEC) measurement under stable conditions within the 12 months before enrollment between February and December 2020. Data were collected cross-sectionally from patients and retrospectively from hospital medical records.ResultsThis study included 522 patients (GOLD group A: 17.2%, B: 46.4%, C: 3.3%, D: 33.1%), of whom 79.5% were highly symptomatic and 36.2% had high risk of exacerbation. Exacerbations (n = 832; 46.6% moderate, 25.5% severe) were experienced by 57.5% of patients in the previous 12 months. Inter-rater agreement between investigators and patients regarding the reason for visit was low (κ coefficient: 0.338, p = 0.001). Inhaled treatment was modified in 88 patients at index, mainly due to symptomatic state (31.8%) and exacerbations (27.3%); treatment was escalated (57.9%, mainly switched to LABA+LAMA+ICS), inhaler device and/or active ingredient was changed (36.4%) or treatment was de-escalated (5.7%). 27% had ≥1 hospital overnight stay over 12 months. Emergency department visits and days with limitation of daily activities were higher in group D (p < 0.001).ConclusionDespite being on-treatment, many patients with COPD experience persistent symptoms and exacerbations requiring hospital-related HRU. A treatable trait approach and holistic disease management may improve outcomes by deciding the right treatment for the right patient at the right time.

Validation of the pedHALshort and HALshort in Dutch children and adults with haemophilia.

The Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) and paediatric HAL assess self-reported limitations in various daily activities. To reduce patient burden, shorter versions of the pedHAL (22 items) and HAL (18 items) have been developed. This study aimed to determine the agreement between the pedHAL/HALfull and pedHAL/HALshort and construct validity and internal consistency of the pedHAL/ HALshort in persons with haemophilia (PWH). A cross-sectional secondary analysis of the Hemophilia in the Netherlands-6 national survey was performed. Adult and paediatric PWH completed the original pedHAL/HALfull , from which pedHAL/ HALshort were derived. Score differences between the original and short versions were calculated. Construct validity was studied by testing hypotheses regarding the relationship of the pedHAL/HALshort with the pedHAL/HALfull , Haemophilia & Exercise Project Test-Questionnaire (HEP-Test-Q), Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes-Kids' Life Assessment Tool (CHO-KLAT) and RAND 36-item Health Survey (RAND-36) (convergent/discriminant validity) as well as its ability to discriminate between subgroups (known-group validity). Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α. We included 113 children (median 10y [range 4-17], 53% severe haemophilia) and 691 adults (median 51y [range 18-88], 35% severe). Scores of the pedHAL/HALfull and pedHAL/HALshort were similar with high correlations (>0.9). Construct validity was confirmed for the pedHAL/HALshort . The HALshort was able to discriminate between different disease severities and ages. Cronbach's α of the pedHAL/HALshort was 0.95-0.97. This study confirmed the agreement between the pedHAL/HALfull and the pedHAL/HALshort and the construct validity of the pedHAL/HALshort . The next step is to study construct validity of the pedHAL/HALshort when administered as short forms.

Risk of symptomatic osteoarthritis associated with exposure to ergonomic factors at work in a nationwide Italian survey

ObjectiveThe risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported to increase with exposure to various ergonomic factors at work, although this finding is still debated in the literature. Aim of this study was to assess the association between prevalence of symptomatic OA and exposure to workplace ergonomic factors assigned through a job-exposures matrix (JEM).MethodsThe study population was composed of 24,604 persons of 40–69 years who participated in the National Health Survey 2013 and were employed at that occasion. Exposure to ergonomic factors was assigned to the study population through a JEM constructed from the Italian O*NET database, consisting of 17 physical factors, which were summed and averaged by job title (796 jobs) to obtain a combined exposure index. The outcome was self-reported OA characterized by moderate or severe limitations in daily activities. The relationship between OA prevalence and the combined exposure index in quartiles was examined using robust Poisson regression models adjusted for socio-demographics and potential confounders.ResultsIn the analysis adjusted for age and gender, the risk of OA was increased by approximately 20–30% in the second and third quartiles, and by 80% in the highest exposure quartile, compared to the least exposed, with a risk attenuation by approximately 15–20% controlling for other significant covariates.ConclusionOur results support a causal role of exposure to physical factors at work in the development of OA. As OA is associated with a great burden of disability, any effort should be made to reduce workers’ exposure to ergonomic factors.

Physical frailty in patients with systemic sclerosis

IntroductionSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy and fibrosis of several organs, such as skin, lungs, and heart. During the disease course, patients with SSc are prone to accumulating multiple organ damage and increasing their vulnerability to adverse outcomes. This increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes when exposed to a stressor among people of the same age is known as frailty. One of the most used definitions of frailty is the physical frailty phenotype (PFP), including 5 components: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, muscle weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity. There is scarce data about frailty in patients with SSc. ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and clinical profile of PFP in a sample of patients with SSc. To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness and Loss of weight (FRAIL) scale, Edmonton frailty scale (EFS) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) using the PFP as the reference standard. MethodsCross-sectional study including 94 patients with SSc according to the 2013 ACR-EULAR classification criteria or the criteria suggested by Le Roy and Medsger for early disease. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed by the UCLA GIT 2.0 questionnaire, malnutrition was defined according to European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) recommendations, and physical performance was assessed by SPPB. PFP assessment was according to the original definition, except for physical activity domain, assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). FRAIL scale and EFS were also applied to the same individuals. For diagnostic assessment of FRAIL, EFS and SPPB, we estimated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), considering PFP as the reference standard and dichotomizing the results in frail vs. non-frail. ResultsAccording to PFP, 33 patients (35.1%) were considered frail and 53 patients (56.4%) pre-frail. According to FRAIL scale, 27 patients (28.7%) were considered frail and 53 patients (56.4%) pre-frail. According to EFS, 28 patients (29.7%) were classified as vulnerable and 15 (15.9%) as frail: mild in 8 (8.5%), moderate in 5 (5.3%) and severe in 2 (2.1%). According to SPPB, 19 patients (20.2%) were considered frail. The AUC against PFP was: 0.829 (95% CI 0.743-0.916) for FRAIL scale, 0.859 (95% CI 0.784-0.934) for EFS and 0.791 (95% CI 0.697-0.885) for SPPB. The PFP was associated with current use of glucocorticoids (p=0.011), UCLA GIT 2.0 score (p=0.001), HAQ (p<0.0001), patient and physician-assigned VAS (p<0.0001, both), malnutrition (p=0.007), hospitalizations in the past year (p=0.008) and dependence on BADL and IADL (p=0.027 and p<0.0001, respectively). The PFP was not associated with gender (p=0.679), age (p=0.303), disease duration (p=0.504), Rodnan skin score (p=0.918), diffuse subtype (p=0.116), polypharmacy (p=845) and sarcopenia (p=0.328). ConclusionFrailty is prevalent in patients with long-standing SSc and is associated with disability, limitations in daily activities and hospitalizations in the past year. Also, malnutrition and more severe gastrointestinal symptoms were more common in frail patients. Both FRAIL scale and EFS showed excellent diagnostic accuracy against PFP as the reference standard, however the FRAIL scale presents a higher sensitivity and seems to be more feasible and practical than EFS and SPPB in clinical practice.

Pomalidomide in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: multicenter retrospective study

Background. The treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma who refractory to previous bortezomib and lenalidomide therapy are limited. Pomalidomide is ап immunomodulatory agent that was registered for the treatment of patients with double refractory multiple myeloma.Aim. To evaluate efficacy, safety and optimal course of the therapy with pomalidomide in routine practice in patients with double refractory multiple myeloma.Materials and methods. Overall, 71 patients with double refractory multiple myeloma were included in the retrospective analysis. There were 36 males and 35 females. The median age was 61 years (range 35-79). According to Durie-Salmon staging system, there were 53 (79.1 %) patients in stage III, 13 (19.4 %) - stage II, and 1 (1.5 %) - stage I.The stage was unknown in 4 patients. Kidney impairment at the onset was in 10 (15 %) patients, the normal function was in 57 (85 %) patients and 4 patients had no data. Most patients (n = 68, 95.8 %) received pomalidomide in one therapy line, in 3 (4.2 %) patients - drug was given in two lines, totally 74 episodes of use. Median number of drugs prescribed prior to pomalidomide were 4 (2-9) drugs, including target ones - 2 (2-5). In the first remission 31 (43.6 %) patients received high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation. pomalidomide was administered in combination with low doses of dexamethasone (PomDex, n = 44; 59.4 %) and as a part of triple regimens (n = 30; 40.6 %). previously exposed (n = 22; 73.3 %) and new drugs (n = 8; 26.7 %) were used in the combination treatment. In 44 (61.9 %) patients pomalidomide was administered more than 3 years after the onset of the disease, median 63.5 (37-184) months. In 27 (38.1 %) patients it was given within less than 3 years after the onset, median 21 (6-36) months. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints - pomalidomide tolerability, response rate and optimal third drug in the triple regimen. The dependence of progression-free survival, frequency of response and adverse events from the pretreatment, the choice of the third drug, gender, age, immunochemical variant, stage according to the International Staging System and to Durie-Salmon classification was studied.Results. The median time from the diagnosis to the start of pomalidomide therapy was 44.5 (6-184) months. The median of cycles with pomalidomide was 3 (1-30). The response was achieved in 52 (70 %) patients. The median progression-free survival was 4 (1-30) months, overall survival - 6 (0.5-42) months. Adverse effects were noted in 34 (46.5 %) patients. The most frequent adverse events were neutropenia grade III-IV (n = 14; 41.3 %), infection (n = 7; 20.7 %) and fatigue with limitation of daily activity (n = 6; 20.6 %). The rate of adverse events was higher in patients with triplets than doublets regimens of therapy: 43.3 % (n = 13) and 27.2 % (n = 12) respectively (p = 0.008). There were no statistically significant differences in progression-free survival between pomalidomide treatment options (two- or three-component regimen).Conclusion. Compared to the three-component therapy consisting of drugs to which refractoriness was previously diagnosed the PomDex scheme is less toxic and equally effective. Therapy with pomalidomide is effective in the majority of patients with double refractory multiple myeloma even in heavily pretreated. The toxicity is acceptable.

Detection of hidden atrial fibrillation in primary care using a long-term band-based ECG registration system: The DESCUUBRE-FA study

ObjectiveTo assess whether the use of a band-based electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring system improves the diagnostic accuracy of traditional diagnostic methods for the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsMulticenter and observational study of primary care patients at risk of AF. To be included, patients had to be aged ≥70 years, with no known AF, and have at least 1 major criterion (obesity, hyperthyroidism, heart failure) or 2 minor criteria (hypertension, diabetes, female sex, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack or systemic embolism, COPD, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease). All patients were monitored using the Nuubo™ system for a single 2-week period. ResultsA total of 600 patients were included (median age 77 years; 70% women; 84.3% hypertension, 27.2% diabetes, 9.2% prior stroke). The global rate of diagnosis of new AF in the overall population was 2.83%. All patients with AF were anticoagulated. In numerical terms, patients with AF (vs no AF) had a higher number of supraventricular extrasystoles and episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, as well as longer P wave duration; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Overall, participants were very satisfied with the device, and no relevant limitations in daily activities were observed during the 2-week study period. ConclusionsIn an elderly population at risk of AF, a band-based ECG monitoring approach applied for only 2 weeks detected approximately 3% of new cases of AF, leading to a change in antithrombotic therapy. Most participants considered the device easy to use and comfortable.

Cannabinoid extract in microdoses ameliorates mnemonic and nonmnemonic Alzheimer’s disease symptoms: a case report

BackgroundCannabinoid-based therapy has been shown to be promising and is emerging as crucial for the treatment of cognitive deficits, mental illnesses, and many diseases considered incurable. There is a need to find an appropriate therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, and cannabinoid-based therapy appears to be a feasible possibility.Case presentationThis report addresses the beneficial effect of cannabinoids in microdoses on improving memory and brain functions of a patient with mild-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The patient is a 75-year-old white man presenting with main symptoms of memory deficit, spatial and temporal disorientation, and limited daily activity. The experimental therapeutic intervention was carried out for 22 months with microdoses of a cannabis extract containing cannabinoids. Clinical evaluations using Mini-Mental State Examination and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale were performed.ConclusionsHere we provide original evidence that cannabinoid microdosing could be effective as an Alzheimer’s disease treatment while preventing major side effects. This is an important step toward dissociating cannabinoids’ health-improving effects from potential narcotic-related limitations.

Quality of Life Outcomes Over Time in Patients With Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms With and Without Preventive Occlusion: A Prospective Cohort Study.

In counseling patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA), quality of life (QoL) outcomes are important for informed decision making. We evaluated QoL outcomes in patients with and without preventive aneurysm occlusion at multiple time points during the first year after UIA diagnosis and studied predictors of QoL outcomes. We performed a prospective cohort study in patients aged ≥18 years with a newly diagnosed UIA in 2 tertiary referral centers in the Netherlands between 2017 and 2019. Patients were sent QoL questionnaires at 7 (aneurysm occlusion) or 5 (no occlusion) moments during the first year after diagnosis. We collected baseline data on patient and aneurysm characteristics, passive coping style (Utrecht Coping List), occlusion modality, and neurologic complications. We assessed health-related QoL (HRQoL) with the EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D), emotional functioning with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and restrictions in daily activities with the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P). We used a linear mixed-effects model to assess the course of QoL over time and to explore predictors of QoL outcomes. Of 153 eligible patients, 99 (65%) participated, of whom 30/99 (30%) underwent preventive occlusion. Patients undergoing occlusion reported higher baseline levels of passive coping, anxiety and depression, and restrictions than patients without occlusion. During recovery after occlusion, patients reported more restrictions compared with baseline (adjusted USER-P decrease 1 month post occlusion: -12.8 [95% CI -23.8 to -1.9]). HRQoL and emotional functioning gradually improved after occlusion (EQ-5D increase at 1 year: 8.6 [95% CI 0.1-17.0] and HADS decrease at 1 year: -5.4 [95% CI -9.4 to -1.5]). In patients without occlusion, the largest HRQoL improvement occurred directly after visiting the outpatient aneurysm clinic (EQ-5D increase: 9.2 [95% CI 5.5-12.8]). At 1 year, QoL outcomes were comparable in patients with and without occlusion. Factors associated with worse QoL outcomes were a passive coping style in all patients, complications in patients with occlusion, and higher rupture risks in patients without occlusion. After UIA diagnosis, QoL improves gradually after preventive occlusion and directly after counseling at the outpatient clinic in patients without occlusion, resulting in comparable 1-year QoL outcomes. A passive coping style is an important predictor of poor QoL outcomes in all patients with UIA.

Long-term functioning status of COVID-19 survivors: a prospective observational evaluation of a cohort of patients surviving hospitalisation

ObjectivesThe study investigated the long-term functional status of hospitalised COVID-19 survivors to explore and document their functional situation.DesignThis prospective observational study assessed 801 COVID-19 survivors at 3–11 months after hospital...

Doença de Kienbock profissional- Relato de um Caso Clínico

Introduction Semilunar avascular osteonecrosis/Kienböck’s disease has been associated with endogenous (ulnar negative variant and univocal vascularization) and/or extrinsic risk factors, such as prolonged exposure to vibrations and mechanical forces causing microtrauma. Case report The authors report a Kienböck disease case likely related to occupational hazards’ exposition. 44-year-old automechanic previously submitted to right wrist surgery in 2006 to pain relieve. Eight years after, he reports progressive worsening, especially upon active movement with incapacity for work and extreme limitation of daily life activities. He was evaluated by an orthophysiatric team who diagnosed Kienböck disease grade 3B according to Lichtman’s classification by magnetic resonance. He underwent semilunar arthroplasty, with tunneling of the flexor carpi radialis, but had to be reintervened six months after, due to scafolunar instability, with open ligamentoplasty with a graft from the extensor carpi radialis longus. Excision of the prosthesis and proximal row of the carpus was performed, due to persistent symptoms with functional limitation. Pain improvement at rest was observed but the worker maintained significant pain upon mobilization. Wrist arthrodesis was proposed, but the patient refused. Currently, he maintains absolute permanent incapacity for his usual work, despite a slight functional improvement under physiotherapy. Occupational disease was reported. Discussion Kienböck disease has a multifactorial pathophysiology so, as anatomical factors are hardly changeable, it’s crucial to adopt a preventive policy addressing potentially modifiable environmental aspects, as mechanical vibrations and/or microtrauma. Conclusion A careful clinical assessment, paying particular attention to critical anatomical structures, and controlling the mechanical hazards involved, helps to prevent/minimize the occurrence of injuries that can lead to profound implications on functionality and work capacity. Wrist image screening on workers exposed to physical/mechanical hazards or who manifest suggestive Kienböck disease’s symptoms, could help to avoid delayed diagnosis. Finally, the authors emphasize the importance of educating workers about occupational risk factors, as well as availability of personal protective equipment and providing training for its use. KEYWORDS: Kienböck disease; semilunar osteonecrosis; professional disease; occupational hazards; vibration; microtrauma.

Does the relative importance of the OxCAP-MH’s capability items differ according to mental ill-health experience?

BackgroundSome capability dimensions may be more important than others in determining someone’s well-being, and these preferences might be dependent on ill-health experience. This study aimed to explore the relative preference weights of the 16 items of the German language version of the OxCAP-MH (Oxford Capability questionnaire-Mental Health) capability instrument and their differences across cohorts with alternative levels of mental ill-health experience.MethodsA Best–Worst-Scaling (BWS) survey was conducted in Austria among 1) psychiatric patients (direct mental ill-health experience), 2) (mental) healthcare experts (indirect mental ill-health experience), and 3) primary care patients with no mental ill-health experience. Relative importance scores for each item of the German OxCAP-MH instrument were calculated using Hierarchical Bayes estimation. Rank analysis and multivariable linear regression analysis with robust standard errors were used to explore the relative importance of the OxCAP-MH items across the three cohorts.ResultsThe study included 158 participants with complete cases and acceptable fit statistic. The relative importance scores for the full cohort ranged from 0.76 to 15.72. Findings of the BWS experiment indicated that the items Self-determination and Limitation in daily activities were regarded as the most important for all three cohorts. Freedom of expression was rated significantly less important by psychiatric patients than by the other two cohorts, while Having suitable accommodation appeared significantly less important by the expert cohort. There were no further significant differences in the relative preference weights of OxCAP-MH items between the cohorts or according to gender.ConclusionsOur study indicates significant between-item but limited mental ill-health related heterogeneity in the relative preference weights of the different capability items within the OxCAP-MH. The findings support the future development of preference-based value sets elicited from the general population for comparative economic evaluation purposes.

Double-level Intraperiosteal Derotational Osteotomy for Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis.

Many operative methods have been reported for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) and their indications remain controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, radiologic, and functional results of the 2-stage derotational osteotomy with periosteal preservation for CRUS in children. From a total of 102 children with CRUS, a retrospective evaluation of 14 consecutive patients (18 forearms) who underwent 2-stage derotational osteotomy of the distal third radius and proximal third ulna with periosteal preservation, bone segment removal, morselization and grafting and cast immobilization was performed. Children with bilateral involvement and/or pronation (>60 degrees), and substantial functional limitations in daily activities were considered candidates for surgery to obtain the desired position of 0 to 20 degrees of pronation. Electronic medical records, preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic examinations were reviewed. Also, functional results and parental satisfaction were assessed and statistically analyzed. The median age at the time of surgery was 6.87 (5.02 to 11.22) years. The median follow-up was 38.62 (24.79 to 81.20) months. The median preoperative pronation deformity was 80 (70 to 90) degrees, while the final position was 0 (0 to 10) degrees of pronation ( P <0.01). Elbow flexion and extension showed no changes after surgery. All patients successfully achieved union at 8 (6 to 10) weeks. No complications were observed, and no patient required revision surgeries. The ability to perform daily activities improved markedly, and all patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. Two-stage double-level intraperiosteal derotational osteotomy is a safe, simple, and effective procedure in children with CRUS with severe deformity and limitation in performing basic daily living activities. Functional improvement and patient satisfaction are total, and so far no complications have been reported. Level III-treatment study, retrospective comparative study.

Results after skin traction for femur shaft fractures in children below the age of four years

PurposeNonsurgical management has been identified as the treatment of choice for femoral shaft fractures in children below four years of age. For various reasons, the surgical approach has become increasingly popular in recent years. The aim of this study is to report results after vertical skin traction and analyze the benefits of this technique as well as to point out advantages compared with surgery in this age group.MethodsThe authors performed a retrospective data analysis, including all patients with femoral shaft fractures below the age of four who were treated with vertical skin traction at our institution between January 2006 and December 2016.ResultsSkin traction for a femoral shaft fracture was performed for 36 patients (mean age 1.6 years; 1 day–3.5 years). The mean duration of traction was 18.5 days (14–30). Complications included soft tissue affections (n = 5), which all healed spontaneously. Consolidation was observed in all fractures. Initial axial deviations and shortening did not change during traction until consolidation (p > 0.05), and no relevant torsion deformity occurred (p = 0.01). Patients gained full weight-bearing within 12.3 days (7–40) following end of traction. At the final follow-up, after a mean of 29.3 months (12–192), leg-length discrepancy (mean 7.1 mm; 5–20) was found on radiograms in nine cases, and axial deviations (mean 7.7°; 5–25) were documented in seven cases. None of the patients had limitations in daily activities or sports.ConclusionSkin traction is a technically easy, safe, and non-invasive treatment modality for femoral shaft fractures in children below the age of four years. Strong results are obtained benefited from a high potential of growth-related correction, and in principle no anesthesia is needed. A prolonged hospitalization and socio-economic factors maintain the ongoing debate in comparison with the surgical approach.Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective.

Effects of Physical therapy Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence among Postnatal Women-A quasi experimental study

BACKGROUND &amp; OBJECTIVE: During delivery, stress incontinence develops due to weakness of pelvic floor muscles. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of physiotherapy among post-natal women having stress urinary incontinence.&#x0D; METHODOLOGY: This Quasi-Experimental study was conducted on 40 post-natal women in the age of 25-40 years. The data was collected using a convenient sampling technique. After an informed consent, participants were assessed on the day of the visit, and pelvic floor muscle exercises [kegel exercise] were performed. First, they were assessed on 1st visit and the final assessment was made at end of treatment by using the same physical examination. The assessment was done on 1st visit and after 12 weeks, with 3-5 sessions/week. SPSS version 20.0 was used for analysis of data and paired–t test was used for comparing pre and post intervention.&#x0D; RESULTS: The current study comprised 22 (55%) participants with 25-32 years of age group and 18(45%) in 32-40 years of age. The results showed that 2 (5%) had no urine leakage, while 20(50%) had 3-4 times leakage, 25(62.5%) left their pads /garments during the treatment period. Of them 18(45%) had no restriction and 15(37.5%) had some restriction in daily activities and 19 (47.5%) have fair squeeze, 12 (30%) had a weak squeeze, p-value had shown statistically significant difference at p&lt;0.05, stating that Kegel exercise were found effective than routine interventions for the management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Kegel exercise (Pelvic floor muscle exercises) appeared to be an effective treatment protocol for postnatal women presenting with stress urinary incontinence with statistically significant differences on pre and post intervention analysis.

Insertion procedure assessment, sensing and detection performance of a novel miniaturized implantable cardiac monitor with a long sensing vector

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): unrestricted grant by Biotronik Background The Biotronik BioMonitor III (BM III) is a novel implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) with a miniaturized profile, long sensing vector and simplified implantation technique. Objective We assessed insertion procedure, reliability of sensing quality and detection performance of the BM III. Methods The ICM was implanted in the left parasternal region between the suprasternal notch and the nipple, preferentially at a 45° angle to the sternum. R-wave amplitude was recorded immediately post implantation and at day 1. Follow-up was after 3 months or an event. All episodes, R-wave amplitude and noise burden were documented. The anatomical ICM position was determined at day 1 and after 3 months. A patient questionnaire on pain after implantation, prolonged paresthesia, restriction of daily activity, handling of the HomeMonitoring system and overall satisfaction was conducted after 3 months. Results In 30 patients (age 67 years, 40% male) a BM III was successfully inserted, without complications. Indications were: unexplained syncope (80%), suspected AF (3%) and cryptogenic stroke (17%). Median implantation time was 6 min. Mean R-wave amplitude was 0.73 mV at insertion, 0.77 mV at day 1 (p=0.59) and 0.81 mV after 107 days (p=0.39). At day 1 and at follow-up visit, an anatomically stable device position was demonstrated. Vertical distance from fossa jugularis to the lowest part of the ICM was 14.5 cm at implantation and 14.5 cm at follow-up (p=0.94). The horizontal cranial sternal-to-device distance was 4.4 cm and 4.3 cm at follow-up (p=0.87). The horizontal caudal sternal-to-device distance was 6.0 cm and 5.7 cm at follow-up (p=0.7). Median time to first event was 12 days. In 13 (43%) patients, true episodes were detected. False arrhythmia alerts were detected in 12 (40%) patients, in 7/12 false AF alerts due to recurrent premature atrial contractions (PAC) were recorded. Total number of false detections was low. Patient-satisfaction rate was high, with very few limitations in daily activity. Conclusion Insertion of the novel Biotronik BioMonitor III ICM is fast, uncomplicated and keeps an anatomically stable position of the device over time. Initial sensing values are good and remain stable over time. False arrhythmia alert, mainly due to PACs, occurred in 40% of patients, with a low total number of false detections.

Prospective evaluation of social risks, physical function, and cognitive function in prediction of non-elective rehospitalization and post-discharge mortality

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that social factors and problems with physical and cognitive function may contribute to patients’ rehospitalization risk. Understanding a patient’s readmission risk may help healthcare providers develop tailored treatment and post-discharge care plans to reduce readmission and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate whether including patient-reported data on social factors; cognitive status; and physical function improves on a predictive model based on electronic health record (EHR) data alone.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study of 1,547 hospitalized adult patients in 3 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals. The main outcomes were non-elective rehospitalization or death within 30 days post-discharge. Exposures included patient-reported social factors and cognitive and physical function (obtained in a pre-discharge interview) and EHR–derived data for comorbidity burden, acute physiology, care directives, prior utilization, and hospital length of stay. We performed bivariate comparisons using Chi-square, t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and assessed correlations between continuous variables using Spearman’s rho statistic. For all models, the results reported were obtained after fivefold cross validation.ResultsThe 1,547 adult patients interviewed were younger (age, p = 0.03) and sicker (COPS2, p < 0.0001) than the rest of the hospitalized population. Of the 6 patient-reported social factors measured, 3 (not living with a spouse/partner, transportation difficulties, health or disability-related limitations in daily activities) were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the main outcomes, while 3 (living situation concerns, problems with food availability, financial problems) were not. Patient-reported cognitive (p = 0.027) and physical function (p = 0.01) were significantly lower in patients with the main outcomes. None of the patient-reported variables, singly or in combination, improved predictive performance of a model that included acute physiology and longitudinal comorbidity burden (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.716 for both the EHR model and maximal performance of a random forest model including all predictors).ConclusionsIn this insured population, incorporating patient-reported social factors and measures of cognitive and physical function did not improve performance of an EHR-based model predicting 30-day non-elective rehospitalization or mortality. While incorporating patient-reported social and functional status data did not improve ability to predict these outcomes, such data may still be important for improving patient outcomes.

EFFECTIVENESS OF VERTIGO REHABILITATION EXERCISE, DIZZINESS AND BALANCE DISORDERS (VDB) IN ELDERLY : NARRATIVE REVIEW

Vertigo, Dizziness and Balance Disorders (VDB)cause disturbances in the perception of motion or feelings of instability that can affect the ability to see and an unstable gait that causes balance disorders so that immobility can be disturbed, limitations in daily activities, decreased function and can increase the risk of falling. There has been no review of articles that discuss the effectiveness of rehabilitation exercises in patients with Vertigo, Dizziness and Balance Disorders (VDB) in the elderly. To determine the effectiveness of exercise in patients with Vertigo, Dizziness and Balance Disorders (VDB) in the elderly.Narrative review with PICO framework , Identify articles using databases (Google Scholar, Pubmed, and ScienDirect). Selection of articles using PRISMA Flowchart . A total of 434 articles were identified . Articles are limited to 10 years. There were 12 articles that met the inclusion criteria and with the highest prevalence in Brazil 292 population . which states that Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) exercises and Vestibular Rehabilitation with exercise Cawthorne &amp; Cookseycan improve balance .In the practice of Rehabilitation Vestibular Therapy (VRT) and Vestibular Rehabilitation with exercise Cawthorne &amp; Cookseycan reduce symptoms in conditions of balance disorders and produce good results so that it can improve postural stability, self-confidence, can reduce symptoms of dizziness. Functional independence of daily activities can be done at home every day with supervision and doing exercises according to complaints or perceived functional limitationsKeywords: Balance disorders, Cawthorne &amp; Cooksey, Dizziness, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) and Vertigo

Diagnosis of Abusive Head Trauma : Neurosurgical Perspective.

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the most severe form of physical abuse in children. Such injury involves traumatic damage to the head and/or spine of infants and young children. The term AHT was introduced to include a wider range of injury mechanisms, such as intentional direct blow, throw, and even penetrating trauma by perpetuator(s). Currently, it is recommended to replace the former term, shaken baby syndrome, which implicates shaking as the only mechanism, with AHT to include diverse clinical and radiological manifestations. The consequences of AHT cause devastating medical, social and financial burdens on families, communities, and victims. The potential harm of AHT to the developing brain and spinal cord of the victims is tremendous. Many studies have reported that the adverse effects of AHT are various and serious, such as blindness, mental retardation, physical limitation of daily activities and even psychological problems. Therefore, appropriate vigilance for the early recognition and diagnosis of AHT is highly recommended to stop and prevent further injuries. The aim of this review is to summarize the relevant evidence concerning the early recognition and diagnosis of AHT. To recognize this severe type of child abuse early, all health care providers maintain a high index of suspicion and vigilance. Such suspicion can be initiated with careful and thorough history taking and physical examinations. Previously developed clinical prediction rules can be helpful for decision-making regarding starting an investigation when considering meaningful findings. Even the combination of biochemical markers may be useful to predict AHT. For a more confirmative evaluation, neuroradiological imaging is required to find AHT-specific findings. Moreover, timely consultation with ophthalmologists is needed to find a very specific finding, retinal hemorrhage.

Work, daily activities and leisure after cancer.

ObjectiveDetermine if cancer survivors have lower participation in paid work, more limitations in daily activities or more limitations in leisure compared with those without cancer, stratified by age (working age ≤65 years; retirement age >65 years). Secondary objectives are identifying sociodemographic or clinical factors associated with work, daily activities or leisure and analysis of the relationship between work, daily activities and leisure.MethodsSecondary analyses, using logistic regression, were performed on three cohorts (lymphoma, prostate and thyroid cancer) from the Dutch Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial treatment and Long‐term Evaluation of Survivorship (PROFILES) registry and a nationally representative non‐cancer sample.ResultsWorking‐age cancer survivors (n = 926) were significantly (p < 0.001) less likely to participate in paid work and more likely to report limitations in daily activities and leisure compared to the non‐cancer cohort (n = 1279). Among retirement aged cancer survivors (n = 1046), paid work was significantly more likely (p < 0.001), as were limitations in leisure (p < 0.05), compared with the non‐cancer controls (n = 334).ConclusionsCancer impacts daily activities and leisure, as well as paid work. These roles are important for cancer survivors' quality of life, suggesting support to return to these activities may be an important component of survivorship care.