Medical Research Council Scale Research Articles

Effects and Safety of Wearable Exoskeleton for Robot-Assisted Gait Training: A Retrospective Preliminary Study.

Wearable devices for robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) provide overground gait training for the rehabilitation of neurological injuries. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of RAGT in patients with a neurologic deficit. Twenty-eight patients receiving more than ten sessions of overground RAGT using a joint-torque-assisting wearable exoskeletal robot were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Nineteen patients with brain injury, seven patients with spinal cord injury and two patients with peripheral nerve injury were included. Clinical outcomes, such as the Medical Research Council scale for muscle strength, Berg balance scale, functional ambulation category, trunk control tests, and Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of the lower extremities, were recorded before and after RAGT. Parameters for RAGT and adverse events were also recorded. The Medical Research Council scale scores for muscle strength (36.6 to 37.8), Berg balance scale (24.9 to 32.2), and functional ambulation category (1.8 to 2.7) significantly improved after overground RAGT (p < 0.05). The familiarization process was completed within six sessions of RAGT. Only two mild adverse events were reported. Overground RAGT using wearable devices can improve muscle strength, balance, and gait function. It is safe in patients with neurologic injury.

Effect of internet-based pulmonary rehabilitation on physical capacity and health-related life quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is now recognized as the most effective treatments for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), internet-based PR arises a promising method. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing the effect of internet-based PR programs on physical capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with COPD. Materials and methods Randomized controlled trials were identified through systematically searches in PubMed, EMBASE, web of science, CENTRAL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Results Twelve studies (1433 patients) were included. For physical capacity, there was no significant difference between groups was found according to the 6-min walk test (6MWT) (MD10.42, 95% CI −2.92 to 23.77, p = 0.13, I2 = 0%). For the health-related quality of life, no significant difference between groups was found regarding the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) (MD −0.64, 95% CI −3.52 to 2.23, p = 0.66), COPD assessment test (CAT)(MD −0.34, 95% CI −1.62 to 0.94, p = 0.60), modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC)(MD 0.17, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.39, p = 0.15) and Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ)(MD 1.32 95% CI −5.88 to 8.53, p = 0.72). Conclusions: This study has established the potential for delivery of PR via the internet in demonstrating non-inferiority of physical capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with conventional PR. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Long-term rehabilitation training for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease needs a more convenient and feasible way. In this study, internet-based rehabilitation showed similar effects as conventional rehabilitation on physical activity and health-related quality of life. Internet-based rehabilitation strategies would be helpful for this population. All internet-based rehabilitation strategies should be simple and sustainable.

Modified MRC assessment and FEV1.0 can predict frequent acute exacerbation of COPD: An observational prospective cohort study at a single-center in Japan

IntroductionAcute exacerbation (AE) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a fatal event, leading to poor outcomes among COPD patients. However, exact frequency and poor prognostic factors are not well known in Japan. Methodsand patients, To assess the frequency and risk factors of AE, we performed this prospective cohort study at the Kameda Medical Center in Japan between during 2011 and 2013. AE was defined as an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms according to the GOLD guideline. Furthermore, we compared the exacerbation-free time between the groups. ResultsA total of 330 patients (230 COPD patients and 100 smoking controls) were enrolled in the study. The mean age in the study was 73 years, and 94% of the patients were male. As for the frequency of AE, 0.17 times/patients/year was found in all patients. The frequency of AE increased as the COPD disease severity (p = 0.042 by Jonch-Heere terpla test). GOLD I patients had longer exacerbation-free time than GOLD II, and GOLD II grade COPD patients had longer exacerbation-free time than GOLD III grade COPD patients. In terms of risk factors for AE, logistic regression analysis showed that Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale ≥3 and FEV1.0% <50% were independent poor prognostic factors for moderate grade of AE events, and mMRC scale ≥3 was independent poor prognostic factor for severe AE events. ConclusionThe frequency of AE increases as the disease severity becomes more severe. We found mMRC scale >3 and FEV1 <50% were risk factors for AE-COPD.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Manual Muscle Testing to Identify Nerve Transfer Candidates in Children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis.

Manual muscle testing is a mainstay of strength assessment despite not having been compared with intraoperative electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves. Intraoperative electrical stimulation served as the reference standard in evaluating predictive accuracy of the Active Movement Scale (AMS) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Retrospective consecutive sampling of all patients with AFM who underwent exploration or nerve transfer at a pediatric multidisciplinary brachial plexus and peripheral nerve center from March of 2016 to July of 2020 were included. The nonparametric area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Optimal cutoff score (Youden J ) and diagnostic accuracy values were reported. The AMS and MRC scale were directly compared for predictive superiority. A total of 181 upper extremity nerves (73 donor nerve candidates and 108 recipient nerve candidates) were tested intraoperatively from 40 children (mean age ± SD, 7.9 ± 4.9 years). The scales performed similarly ( P = 0.953) in classifying suitable donor nerves with satisfactory accuracy (AUC AMS , 71.5%; AUC MRC , 70.7%; optimal cutoff, AMS >5 and MRC >2). The scales performed similarly ( P = 0.688) in classifying suitable recipient nerves with good accuracy (AUC AMS , 92.1%; AUC MRC :, 94.9%; optimal cutoff, AMS ≤3 and MRC ≤1). Manual muscle testing is an accurate, noninvasive means of identifying donor and recipient nerves for transfer in children with acute flaccid myelitis. The utility of these results is in minimizing unexpected findings in the operating room and aiding in the development of contingency plans. Further research may extend these findings to test the validity of manual muscle testing as an outcome measure of the success of nerve transfer. Diagnostic, I.

Validation of the Medical Research Council sum score (MRCss) for use in Russian-speaking patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Background. The use of rating scales and questionnaires is essential in an evaluation of disease course, treatment response, the disability level and quality of life in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and its modification Medical Research Council sum score (MRCss) are widely used for measurement of motor deficit in patients with neuromuscular disorders. However, its usage is limited by the absence of the validated version for Russian-speaking patients.Aim. To validate MRCss scale in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with development of a Russian version.Materials and methods. We enrolled 50 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (25 with typical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and 25 with Lewis–Sumner syndrome). At the first step we conducted linguocultural ratification according to the standard protocol. At the second step the psychometric parameters were evaluated, such as reliability, validity and sensitivity.Results. The developed Russian version of MRCss scale demonstrated the high level of reliability, validity and sensitivity.Conclusion. As a result, we developed a validated Russian version of MRCss scale, recommended for clinical practice and research.

The effect of a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface in older adults: A randomized controlled pilot study.

Balance training on an unstable support surface has been known to improve postural control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface in older adults. A total of 28 older people were assigned to participate in a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface (experimental group) or on firm ground (control group). All participants received the training program for 55 minutes per session, 2 sessions per day for 5 days. The primary outcomes were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and single-leg stance (SLS) test. Secondary outcomes were Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), Motricity Index (MI) of the lower extremities, and medical research council (MRC) scale of lower extremities. SLS with eyes open and the MRC of the left and right ankles showed a large effect size whereas the MI of the left and right lower extremities and MRC of the left and right knees showed a medium effect size in the experimental group. Intergroup differences in changes from baseline to after the exercise program included a large effect size of the SLS with eye open and MI of the right lower extremity and a medium effect size of the MI of the left lower extremity and MRC of the right ankle and left hip. Muscle strength and balance of older people could be improved with gait and balance training on an unstable mudflat surface.

Evaluation and Management of Dyspnea in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Generalized Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder: Protocol for a Pilot and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

Dyspnea is a prevalent symptom in individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder (G-HSD), yet its contributors have not been identified. One known contributor to dyspnea is respiratory muscle weakness. The feasibility and effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in combination with standard-of-care rehabilitation (aerobic, resistance, neuromuscular stabilization, and balance and proprioception exercises) in improving respiratory muscle strength and patient-reported outcomes in patients with hEDS or G-HSD have not been evaluated. This study aims to evaluate dyspnea, respiratory muscle strength, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in hEDS or G-HSD compared with healthy controls and to assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of IMT and standard-of-care rehabilitation for improving respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, and PROMs compared with standard-of-care rehabilitation in hEDS and G-HSD. The study will include 34 participants with hEDS or G-HSD and 17 healthy, age- and sex-matched controls to compare respiratory muscle structure and function and PROMs. After baseline assessments, participants with hEDS or G-HSD will be randomized into the intervention group and provided IMT combined with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome standard-of-care rehabilitation or into the usual care group, and provided only standard-of-care rehabilitation for 8 weeks. The intervention group will be prescribed IMT in their home environment using the POWERbreathe K5 IMT device (POWERbreathe International Ltd). IMT will comprise 2 daily sessions of 30 breaths for 5 days per week, with IMT progressing from 20% to 60% of the baseline maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) over an 8-week period. Feasibility will be assessed through rates of recruitment, attrition, adherence, adverse events, and participant satisfaction. The primary pilot outcome is MIP change over an 8-week period in hEDS or G-HSD. Secondary outcomes will include the evaluation of dyspnea using Medical Research Council Scale and 18-point qualitative dyspnea descriptors; diaphragmatic thickening fraction using ultrasound; respiratory muscle endurance; pulmonary function; prefrontal cortical activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy; aerobic capacity during cardiopulmonary exercise testing; quality of life using Short Form-36; and scores from the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale-21. These measures will also be performed once in healthy controls to compare normative values. Multivariable regression will be used to assess the contributors to dyspnea. Paired 2-tailed t tests will be used to assess the changes in MIP and secondary measures after 8 weeks of IMT. Study recruitment began in August 2021 and, with several disruptions owing to COVID-19, is expected to be completed by December 2023. This study will provide a better understanding of the factors associated with dyspnea and the feasibility and effectiveness of IMT combined with standard-of-care rehabilitation. IMT may be a novel therapeutic strategy for improving respiratory muscle function and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with hEDS or G-HSD. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04972565; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04972565. DERR1-10.2196/44832.

Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine versus Clarithromycin in the Improvement of Dyspnea and Cough in Patients after the Treatment of Acute-Phase COVID-19

Background: Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome involves the persistence of the patient’s symptoms due to the residual inflammation of the acute phase. Objectives: In the current study, we aimed to evaluate medication intervention to accelerate the improvement of prolonged respiratory symptoms in this phase. Methods: Thirty-four patients, aged 20-50 years, in the recovery phase of COVID-19, were enrolled, who still suffered from respiratory problems even two weeks after being discharged from Rasool Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran. They were divided into three groups based on the type of treatment for eliminating the remaining symptoms: hydroxychloroquine (HCQ, 200 mg twice daily for four weeks), clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily for four weeks), and control (receiving a placebo similar to the last two groups). At the beginning and end of the treatment, patients’ dyspnea and cough were assessed using Medical Research Council and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively, their laboratory tests were checked, and they took a 6-min walk test. Results: At the end of the treatment, the VAS of cough was 0.74 in the HCQ group, which was higher than that in the clarithromycin group. In addition, dyspnea decreased in the HCQ and clarithromycin groups by 64% and 40%, respectively, compared to the control group. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between residual dyspnea at the end of the treatment and the severity of initial lung involvement in the acute phase. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that HCQ was more effective in reducing dyspnea, compared to clarithromycin, in the recovery phase, especially in patients with milder lung involvement in the acute phase. Additionally, clarithromycin was found to be more effective in improving coughs.

Combined endoscopic treatment of patient with «terrible triade»: decompression of brachial plexus in thoracic aperture and interscalene space and arthroscopic subacromial spacer implantation. Clinical case

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus injury (plexopathy) is a fairly common problem in neurology, neurosurgery, traumatology and orthopedics. Compression of the brachial plexus usually develops in a narrow anatomical space: in the area of the small pectoral muscle, thoracic aperture, interspinous space. In several cases there is a combination of plexopathy and shoulder joint pathology. In a failure of conservative treatment, surgical intervention such as revision and decompression of the brachial plexus can be used. The development of endoscopic methods of decompression allows the minimization of soft tissue trauma, reduces the risk of complications, and accelerates and facilitates the recovery period.&#x0D; CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: Our aim was to describe a clinical case and monitor the results of combined endoscopic intervention in a patient with the "terrible triad": endoscopic decompression of the brachial plexus in the thoracic aperture and interlumbar space and arthroscopy of the shoulder joint with subacromial spacer placement at 6 months after surgery. Patient M., aged 64 years, with the consequences of right shoulder joint trauma: dislocation of the humeral head, damage of the shoulder rotator cuff and development of posttraumatic plexopathy of the right brachial plexus. The patient underwent repeated courses of conservative treatment without any pronounced effect for 1 year after injury. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient underwent electroneuromyography and ultrasound examination of the brachial plexus on the right side and magnetic resonance imaging of the right shoulder joint. After the examination, the patient underwent combined endoscopic intervention: arthroscopy of the shoulder joint with subacromial spacer placement and endoscopic decompression of the brachial plexus in the thoracic aperture and interlumbar space. According to the visual analogue scale (VAS) the intensity of pain syndrome before surgery was 7 cm, 6 months after surgery the intensity of pain decreased to 1 cm according to VAS. According to the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scale (DASH), the degree of upper extremity dysfunction before surgery was 48 points; 6 months after surgery, it decreased to 16 points. The British Medical Research Council scale (BMRC) rated the degree of motor impairment at 3 preoperatively and 0 postoperatively. The degree of sensory impairment according to the Seddon Nerve Damage Rating Scale was 2 preoperatively and 3+ postoperatively. Range of motion in the shoulder joint before surgery: flexion 110, abduction 95, external rotation 15. Six months after surgery: flexion 165, abduction 165, external rotation 45.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The findings allow us to characterize the technique of one-stage arthroscopy of the shoulder joint and endoscopic decompression of the brachial plexus in the thoracic aperture and interlumbar space as low-traumatic and effective, creating conditions for restoration of the shoulder joint and upper extremity function as well as elimination of pain syndrome in the upper extremity.

Association of Days Alive and at Home at Day 90 After Intensive Care Unit Admission With Long-term Survival and Functional Status Among Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Many conventional end points in randomized clinical trials of interventions for critically ill patients do not account for patient-centered concerns such as time at home, physical function, and quality of life after critical illness. To establish whether days alive and at home at day 90 (DAAH90) is associated with long-term survival and functional outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. The RECOVER prospective cohort study was conducted from February 2007 to March 2014, using data from 10 intensive care units (ICUs) in Canada. Patients were included in the baseline cohort if they were aged 16 years or older and underwent invasive mechanical ventilation for 7 or more days. The follow-up cohort analyzed here comprised RECOVER patients who were alive and had functional outcomes ascertained at 3, 6, and 12 months. Secondary data analysis occurred from July 2021 to August 2022. Composite of survival and days alive and at home at day 90 after ICU admission (DAAH90). Functional outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months were evaluated with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale for Muscle Strength, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical component summary (SF-36 PCS). Mortality was evaluated at 1 year from ICU admission. Ordinal logistic regression was used to describe the association between DAAH90 tertiles and outcomes. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the independent association of DAAH90 tertiles with mortality. The baseline cohort comprised 463 patients. Their median age was 58 years (IQR, 47-68 years), and 278 patients (60.0%) were men. In these patients, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, ICU intervention (eg, kidney replacement therapy or tracheostomy), and ICU length of stay were independently associated with lower DAAH90. The follow-up cohort comprised 292 patients. Their median age was 57 years (IQR, 46-65 years), and 169 patients (57.9%) were men. Among patients who survived to day 90, lower DAAH90 was associated with higher mortality at 1 year after ICU admission (tertile 1 vs tertile 3: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.18 [95% CI, 0.07-0.43]; P < .001). At 3 months of follow-up, lower DAAH90 was independently associated with lower median scores on the FIM (tertile 1 vs tertile 3, 76 [IQR, 46.2-101] vs 121 [IQR, 112-124.2]; P = .04), 6MWT (tertile 1 vs tertile 3, 98 [IQR, 0-239] vs 402 [IQR, 300-494]; P < .001), MRC (tertile 1 vs tertile 3, 48 [IQR, 32-54] vs 58 [IQR, 51-60]; P < .001), and SF-36 PCS (tertile 1 vs tertile 3, 30 [IQR, 22-38] vs 37 [IQR, 31-47]; P = .001) measures. Among patients who survived to 12 months, being in tertile 3 vs tertile 1 for DAAH90 was associated with higher FIM score at 12 months (estimate, 22.4 [95% CI, 14.8-30.0]; P < .001), but this association was not present for ventilator-free days (estimate, 6.0 [95% CI, -2.2 to 14.1]; P = .15) or ICU-free days (estimate, 5.9 [95% CI, -2.1 to 13.8]; P = .15) at day 28. In this study, lower DAAH90 was associated with greater long-term mortality risk and worse functional outcomes among patients who survived to day 90. These findings suggest that the DAAH90 end point reflects long-term functional status better than standard clinical end points in ICU studies and may serve as a patient-centered end point in future clinical trials.

Long-term physical impairments in survivors of COVID-19-associated ARDS compared with classic ARDS: A two-center study

PurposeThis work aimed to compare physical impairment in survivors of classic ARDS compared with COVID-19–associated ARDS (CARDS) survivors. Material and methodsThis is a prospective observational cohort study on 248 patients with CARDS and compared them with a historical cohort of 48 patients with classic ARDS. Physical performance was evaluated at 6 and 12 months after ICU discharge, using the Medical Research Council Scale (MRCss), 6-min walk test (6MWT), handgrip dynamometry (HGD), and fatigue severity score (FSS). We also assessed activities of daily living (ADLs) using the Barthel index. ResultsAt 6 months, patients with classic ARDS had lower HGD (estimated difference [ED]: 11.71 kg, p < 0.001; ED 31.9% of predicted value, p < 0.001), 6MWT distance (ED: 89.11 m, p < 0.001; ED 12.96% of predicted value, p = 0.032), and more frequent significant fatigue (OR 0.35, p = 0.046). At 12 months, patients with classic ARDS had lower HGD (ED: 9.08 kg, p = 0.0014; ED 25.9% of predicted value, p < 0.001) and no difference in terms of 6MWT and fatigue. At 12 months, patients with classic ARDS improved their MRCss (ED 2.50, p = 0.006) and HGD (ED: 4.13 kg, p = 0.002; ED 9.45% of predicted value, p = 0.005), while those with CARDS did not. Most patients in both groups regained independence in ADLs at 6 months.COVID-19 diagnosis was a significant independent predictor of better HGD (p < 0.0001) and 6MWT performance (p = 0.001), and lower prevalence of fatigue (p = 0.018). ConclusionsBoth classic ARDS and CARDS survivors experienced long-term impairments in physical functioning, confirming that post-intensive care syndrome remains a major legacy of critical illness. Surprisingly, however, persisting disability was more common in survivors of classic ARDS than in CARDS survivors. In fact, muscle strength measured with HGD was reduced in survivors of classic ARDS compared to CARDS patients at both 6 and 12 months. The 6MWT was reduced and fatigue was more common in classic ARDS compared to CARDS at 6 months but differences were no longer significant at 12 months. Most patients in both groups regained independent function in ADLs at 6 months.

Stabilotraining in Motor Rehabilitation of Patients after Stroke: a Prospective Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION. Proprioceptive deficits are one of the common sensory impairments after stroke and have a negative impact on motor activity. AIM. Evaluation of the effect of stabilization training on the dynamics of clinical and functional indices and the efficiency of motor rehabilitation in patients after stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The dynamics of motor (motor functions, activity) and non-motor (cognitive and emotional volitional) consequences of stroke, as well as the quality of life under the influence of complex application of stabilization training with the use of scales (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Medical Research Council Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale of muscle spasticity, «Memory for images» and «10 words», Schulte-Platonov Table, Lusher Color Test, The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), International Classification of Functioning (ICF), EQ-5D questionnaire and stabilography method. The effectiveness of motor rehabilitation was evaluated by the dynamics of the integral index of health level. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. After complex rehabilitation in stroke patients the regression of neurological disorders was detected (almost half of patients after rehabilitation showed mild degree of impairment, in 6 % of cases full recovery of paretic leg muscle strength was achieved, the share of patients with severe and moderate paresis decreased, hypertonicity of paretic muscles decreased). Complementing the complex of motor rehabilitation with stable exercise led to a decrease in the degree of functional limitations (in 48.5 % of patients after rehabilitation the Hauser walking index indicated a mild degree of walking disorder, patients became able to walk around the room without using aids, reduced dependence on others in everyday life), improved quality of balance function and quality of life, a positive impact on the psychoemotional state of patients and increased effectiveness of rehabilitation measures. CONCLUSION. Stabilotraining application in the complex of motor rehabilitation of patients allowed to improve walking and balance functions, psycho-emotional state of patients, to increase their quality of life and, accordingly, to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures after stroke.

Perfil de un paciente con enfermedad obstructiva crónica tratado con la combinación de un agonista β2 adregénico de acción prolongada y un corticoide inhalado en un dispositivo presurizado en la práctica clínica habitual: estudio ARIES

Background and objectiveThe study aimed to describe the profile of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and maintenance treatment with a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid (LABA/ICS) in a pressurised device (pMDI), and to assess the quality of life (HRQoL). Materials and methodsObservational, multicentre, cross-sectional study in routine clinical practice, conducted in 50 sites in Spain. 390 patients aged ≥ 40 years, treated with LABA/ICS in a pMDI device for at least the previous 3 months before the inclusion, were assessed. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records and patient-reported COPD Assessment Test (CAT). ResultsThe patients analysed in the study were mostly male (71.3%); 84.9% in GOLD 2-3 groups; and 32.6% and 38.2% of participants with dyspnoea grade 1 and 2 according to the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, respectively. The mean CAT questionnaire score (standard deviation [SD]) was 16.3 (8.4). ConclusionsThe profile of the patients treated with LABA/ICS in a pMDI device is mainly male, with no or low comorbidities, moderate-severe functional severity, and mild-moderate dyspnoea. Patients reported a medium impact on their quality of life.

Risk factors for impaired respiratory function post COVID-19: A prospective cohort study of nonhospitalized and hospitalized patients.

Severe COVID-19 increases the risk for long-term respiratory impairment, but data after mild COVID-19 are scarce. Our aims were to determine risk factors for reduced respiratory function 3-6 months after COVID-19 infection and to investigate if reduced respiratory function would relate to impairment of exercise performance and breathlessness. Patients with COVID-19 were enrolled at the University Hospitals of Umeå and Örebro, and Karlstad Central Hospital, Sweden. Disease severity was defined as mild (nonhospitalized), moderate (hospitalized with or without oxygen treatment), and severe (intensive care). Spirometry, including diffusion capacity (DLCO ), was performed 3-6 months after hospital discharge or study enrollment (for nonhospitalized patients). Breathlessness (defined as ≥1 according to the modified Medical Research Council scale) and functional exercise capacity (1-min sit-to-stand test; 1-MSTST) were assessed. Between April 2020 and May 2021, 337 patients were enrolled in the study. Forced vital capacity and DLCO were significantly lower in patients with severe COVID-19. Among hospitalized patients, 20% had reduced DLCO , versus 4% in nonhospitalized. Breathlessness was found in 40.6% of the participants and was associated with impaired DLCO . A pathological desaturation or heart rate response was observed in 17% of participants during the 1-MSTST. However, this response was not associated with reduced DLCO . Reduced DLCO was the major respiratory impairment 3-6 months following COVID-19, with hospitalization as the most important risk factor. The lack of association between impaired DLCO and pathological physiological responses to exertion suggests that these physiological responses are not primarily related to decreased lung function.

Development and validation of an intensive care unit acquired weakness prediction model: A cohort study.

At present, intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICU-AW) has become an important health care issue. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an ICU-AW prediction model for adult patients in intensive care unit (ICU) to provide a practical tool for early clinical diagnosis. An observational cohort study was conducted including 400 adult patients admitted from September 2021 to June 2022 at an ICU with four ward at a medical university affiliated hospital in China. The Medical Research Council (MRC) scale was used to assess bedside muscle strength in ICU patients as a diagnostic basis for ICUAW. Patients were divided into the ICU-AW group and the no ICU-AW group and the clinical data of the two groups were statistically analyzed. A risk prediction model was then developed using binary logistic regression. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the model. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the model fit. The bootstrap method was used for internal verification of the model. In addition, the data of 120 patients in the validation group were selected for external validation of the model. The prediction model contained five risk factors: gender (OR: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.682-11.042), shock (OR: 3.473, 95% CI: 1.191-10.122), mechanical ventilation time (OR: 1.592, 95% CI: 1.317-1.925), length of ICU stay (OR: 1.085, 95% CI: 1.018-1.156) and age (OR: 1.075, 95% CI: 1.036-1.115). The AUC of this model was 0.904 (95% CI: 0.847-0.961), with sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 85.8%, and Youden index of 0.733. The AUC of the model after resampling is 0.889. The model verification results showed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 71.4, 92.9, and 92.9%, respectively. An accurate, and readily implementable, risk prediction model for ICU-AW has been developed. This model uses readily obtained variables to predict patient ICU-AW risk. This model provides a tool for early clinical screening for ICU-AW.

A multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of dl-3-butylphthalide in treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

A multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of dl-3-butylphthalide in treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Restoring the function in neuralgic shoulder amyotrophy by modified Somsak nerve transfer

Background and ObjectivesNeuralgic amyotrophy (NA), also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is a rare and acute neuropathy of the shoulder and/or arm. It is characterized by sudden pain attacks, followed by patchy muscle paresis in the upper extremity. The frequency of remaining neurological deficits varies in the literature between 10% and 66%. In addition to other therapeutic strategies, nerve branch transposition might be a possible treatment option to improve muscle strength and reduce pain symptoms. Transposition of the first motor triceps branch to the axillary nerve was first described in 2003 to regain the deltoid muscle function in patients with C5 (C6) root injury.To our knowledge, this is the first description of nerve transfer for treating permanent paresis in NA. MethodsWe present the case and the surgical treatment of a 16-year-old male with loss of axillary nerve function due to NA on both upper extremities. Neurological examination before surgery, 6 and 12 months after surgery included analysis of the upper extremity range of motion and muscle strength evaluated using the Medical Research Council Scale. ResultsShoulder function and muscle strength improved significantly 12 months after surgery. The range of motion of arm abduction improved from 90° preoperatively, to as high as 120° at 6 months, and to 130° at 12 months. Muscle strength was strength grade 2/5 preoperatively, 3/5 at 6 months, and 4+/5 at 12 months. Subjectively, the patient also has a significantly improved quality of life. ConclusionNerve transfer is a promising treatment method for patients suffering from NA.

A Surgical Framework for the Management of Incomplete Axillary Nerve Injuries.

Axillary nerve injury is the most common nerve injury affecting shoulder function. Nerve repair, grafting, and/or end-to-end nerve transfers are used to reconstruct complete neurotmetic axillary nerve injuries. While many incomplete axillary nerve injuries self-resolve, axonotmetic injuries are unpredictable, and incomplete recovery occurs. Similarly, recovery may be further inhibited by superimposed compression neuropathy at the quadrangular space. The current framework for managing incomplete axillary injuries typically does not include surgery. This study is a retrospective analysis of 23 consecutive patients with incomplete axillary nerve palsy who underwent quadrangular space decompression with additional selective medial triceps to axillary end-to-side nerve transfers in 7 patients between 2015 and 2019. Primary outcome variables included the proportion of patients with shoulder abduction M3 or greater as measured on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, and shoulder pain measured on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcome variables included pre- and postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) scores. A total of 23 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent nerve surgery a mean 10.7 months after injury. Nineteen (83%) patients achieved MRC grade 3 shoulder abduction or greater after intervention, compared with only 4 (17%) patients preoperatively (p = 0.001). There was a significant decrease in VAS shoulder pain scores of 4.2 ± 2.5 preoperatively to 1.9 ± 2.4 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The DASH scores also decreased significantly from 48.8 ± 19.0 preoperatively to 30.7 ± 20.4 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Total follow-up was 17.3 ± 4.3 months. A surgical framework is presented for the appropriate diagnosis and surgical management of incomplete axillary nerve injury. Quadrangular space decompression with or without selective medial triceps to axillary end-to-side nerve transfers is associated with improvement in shoulder abduction strength, pain, and DASH scores in patients with incomplete axillary nerve palsy.

The Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Pain, Respiratory Functions and Activities of Daily Living in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires a multidisciplinary approach owing to its multisystem involvement. Pulmonary rehabilitation may be required in patients with COVID-19. In our study, we aimed to examine the effect of the pulmonary rehabilitation program applied after the acute period of back pain in patients with severe pulmonary involvement, dyspnea and health profiles of the patients. Method: In our retrospectively planned study, 50 patients with advanced pulmonary involvement who were treated for COVID-19 and discharged from the hospital and who were diagnosed with shortness of breath, back pain and difficulties in daily living activities in the 1st month chest diseases polyclinic controls and who were given a pulmonary rehabilitation program for a period of 1 month were included in our study. Before and 1 month after the pulmonary rehabilitation program, back pain was evaluated with the VAS, respiratory functions were evaluated with the Modified Medical Research Council Scale, and activities of daily living were evaluated with the Notthingham scale. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the beginning and the end of the pulmonary rehabilitation program in the Modified Medical Research Council Scale scores (p

Clusters of individuals recovering from an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and response to in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation

Introduction and ObjectivesDue to the present low availability of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for individuals recovering from a COPD exacerbation (ECOPD), we need admission priority criteria. We tested the hypothesis that these individuals might be clustered according to baseline characteristics to identify subpopulations with different responses to PR. MethodsMulticentric retrospective analysis of individuals undergone in-hospital PR. Baseline characteristics and outcome measures (six-minute walking test - 6MWT, Medical Research Council scale for dyspnoea -MRC, COPD assessment test –CAT) were used for clustering analysis. ResultsData analysis of 1159 individuals showed that after program, the proportion of individuals reaching the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was 85.0%, 86.3%, and 65.6% for CAT, MRC, and 6MWT respectively. Three clusters were found (C1-severe: 10.9%; C2-intermediate: 74.4%; C3-mild: 14.7% of cases respectively). Cluster C1-severe showed the worst conditions with the largest post PR improvements in outcome measures; C3-mild showed the least severe baseline conditions, but the smallest improvements. The proportion of participants reaching the MCID in ALL three outcome measures was significantly different among clusters, with C1-severe having the highest proportion of full success (69.0%) as compared to C2-intermediate (48.3%) and C3-mild (37.4%). Participants in C2-intermediate and C1-severe had 1.7- and 4.6-fold increases in the probability to reach the MCID in all three outcomes as compared to those in C3-mild (OR = 1.72, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.2 – 2.49, p = 0.0035 and OR = 4.57, 95% CI = 2.68 – 7.91, p < 0.0001 respectively). ConclusionsClustering analysis can identify subpopulations of individuals recovering from ECOPD associated with different responses to PR. Our results may help in defining priority criteria based on the probability of success of PR.