Patient Assessment Of Quality Research Articles

Quality-of-Life Outcomes Following Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma.

There is growing interest in assessing patient quality of life (QOL) following treatment of sinonasal tumors, including inverted papilloma (IP). We aimed to elucidate the natural history of postoperative QOL outcomes in IP patients treated with surgery. Cases of sinonasal IP treated surgically at 4 tertiary academic rhinology centers were retrospectively reviewed. SNOT-22 scores were used to evaluate QOL preoperatively and postoperatively (1, 3, 6, 12 months). Repeated-measures ANOVA assessed for differences in mean scores over time. Linear regression identified factors associated with QOL longitudinally. 373 patients were analyzed. Mean preoperative SNOT-22 score was 20.6 ± 20.4, which decreased to 16.3 ± 18.8 (p = 0.041) and 11.8 ± 15.0 (p < 0.001) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. No further changes in SNOT-22 scores occurred beyond 3 months postoperatively (p > 0.05). When analyzed by SNOT-22 subdomains, nasal, sleep, and otologic/facial subdomain scores (all p < 0.05) demonstrated improvement at 12-month follow-up compared with preoperative scores; this was not observed for the emotional subdomain score (p = 0.800). Recurrent cases were associated with higher long-term SNOT-22 scores (β = 7.08; p = 0.017). Age, sex, degree of dysplasia, prior surgery, primary site, and smoking history did not correlate with symptoms (all p > 0.05). QOL outcomes related to IP resection are largely driven by nasal, sleep, and otologic/facial subdomains, though patients appear to experience enduring improvement as early as 3 months postoperatively. Recurrent disease is a major driver of negative QOL. 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Creation of a Limb Loss and Preservation Registry for Improving the Quality of Patient Care in the United States

ObjectiveTo describe the development of a national Limb Loss and Preservation Registry (LLPR) designed to collect, standardize, and report patient outcomes data on limb loss and limb difference in the United States. DesignClinical Data Registry SettingThe LLPR was developed through consensus of key stakeholders from academia, industry, patient advocacy, and payers as well as the available scientific evidence. Data are collected from multiple sources, including hospitals, providers, and patients. ParticipantsData are collected from all 50 states. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresMore than 1100 trigger codes are used to identify patients who have limb difference or have received a limb preservation or amputation procedure. Once a patient is identified, all subsequent episodes of care are collected for the life of the patient. An integrated model is used for collecting, validating, cleaning, transforming, aggregating, and storing the data received from all sources. The information contained is then provided in a thorough and easily comprehensible manner. ResultsTo date, the LLPR has captured data from >435,000 patients and >11.5 million episodes of care. ConclusionsThe LLPR creates opportunities to apply large-data analytical methodologies to provides caregivers, researchers, manufacturers, payers, and policy makers the tools needed to improve the quality of clinical care, quantify patient-centric outcomes, develop clinical practice guidelines, assess patient quality of life, identify appropriate technology, and guide creation of national policies to allocate scarce sources appropriately.

Abstract PO5-23-03: Impact of prosthetic nipple reconstruction after mastectomy on quality of life

Abstract Introduction Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) is considered complete after nipple-areola complex (NAC) restoration, which is pivotal in restoring body image, and enhancing the psychosocial and sexual well-being of women treated for Breast Cancer (BC). Various methods, including nipple sharing, skin grafts, and local flaps with or without augmenting materials, have been proposed to achieve optimal aesthetic results. Despite these strategies, NAC flattening remains a common complication, leading to diminished aesthetic outcomes. To address this issue, a nipple reconstruction implant (NRI) (FixNip NRI™) has been developed. This study aims to assess patient quality of life (QoL) following prosthetic nipple reconstruction. Materials and Methods A multinational (Tor Vergata University and Israel) multicentric retrospective study with a prospectively maintained database was designed. The primary outcome was the comparative analysis of patients who underwent NRI with patients who received PMBR without NAC reconstruction. The Nipple Reconstruction (NR) group included patients with grade I and II capsular contracture, no active BC, and NAC reconstruction with NRI between 2019 and 2022. All patients were assessed post-surgery at 1-week, 3-months, 6-months, and 1-year intervals to measure NAC projection. In addition, satisfaction with Breasts, Physical Well-being, Psychosocial Well-being, and Sexual Well-being were evaluated using the Breast-Q score at each time interval. The NR group was compared using a propensity match score (PMS) from a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing mastectomy without NAC reconstruction in the same time frame in Tor Vergata University. Breast Q score Within group and Between group analysis were performed with Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Results Eleven patients were enrolled in the NR group. A total of 53 female patients were considered for the NN group. Following a PMS analysis, 11 patients were included in this study group to achieve a 1:1 ratio with the NR Group, accounting for confounding variables (Table I). In the NR group, the mean procedure time was 21 minutes. Mean NAC projections were 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, and 3.6 mm at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. No statistically significant difference in nipple projection over time was observed. Table II presents the Breast Q score among groups at 1 week and 1 year. in the between group analysis NR group showed a statistically significant difference in all the descriptors analyzed. Within-group analysis revealed a higher value of sexual well-being in the NR group at 1 year. Conclusion Despite the small sample size, the NRI offers a promising solution for NAC reconstruction, maintaining nipple projection, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Table I: Confounding Variable Table II: Breast Q score analysis Citation Format: Oreste Claudio Buonomo, Jonathan Caspi, Marco Materazzo, Marco Pellicciaro, Gianluca Vanni. Impact of prosthetic nipple reconstruction after mastectomy on quality of life [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-23-03.

Assessment of quality of life in patients after surgery for pancreatic and periampullary malignancies. Systematic review

Aim. To analyze the current methods of life quality assessment in patients undergoing surgical treatment for pancreatic and periampullary cancer, to study the influence of surgical treatment and postoperative complications on the quality of life. Materials and methods. The study involves a systematic review of the literature available in MEDLINE, Embase and e-Library electronic databases for 2015–2022. The methodology of the systematic review is reflected in the study protocol, designed according to PRISMA guidelines. Results. The systematic review embraces 26 studies including 4937 patients met the inclusion criteria. The present study examines design and objectives, survey forms, methods of surgical interventions and drug treatment, survey frequency and data collection methodology, risk of systematic error, etc. Conclusion. When choosing a survey form, most authors favored EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-PAN26. Even the most complex surgeries such as pancreaticoduodenal resection and pancreatectomy can provide a satisfactory quality of life. Many current studies appear methodologically-challenged thereby increasing the risk of systematic error and reducing the reliability of the data. The quality of life of patients in this category is to be further investigated, the optimal principles and methodology of such studies are to be standardized, in particular, in Russian healthcare system.

Sleep quality assessment in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Sleep quality assessment in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Evaluation of emergency hospital admissions for inflammatory bowel disease as a possible marker of quality of care of British IBD inflammatory bowel disease units

BackgroundKey performance indicators (KPIs) are required to facilitate quality improvement for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Emergency admissions for IBD may represent a possible KPI.MethodsIBD emergency admissions for 2018–2019 from Hospital...

Green and gold kiwifruit powders consumed for 28 days by healthy individuals with occasional constipation are safe and well-tolerated: A randomized controlled trial

Constipation is a global issue which impacts quality of life. Therapeutic laxatives are used to rescue constipation, but they may have side effects such as urgency, gas, bloating or gastrointestinal discomfort. Kiwifruit are thought to promote laxation without the urgency induced by therapeutic laxatives. The objective of this study was to examine the safety and tolerability of a 2,400 mg daily dosage of green kiwifruit powder or gold kiwifruit powder, a 600 mg of green kiwifruit powder or gold kiwifruit powder combined with cellulose, and a combination of 600 mg green kiwifruit powder plus 1,400 mg xylo-oligosaccharide. This randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel study for 28 days across four North American sites (NCT03462199) enrolled 288 participants with non-pathological constipation who had ≤3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) per week. Baseline demographics, anthropomorphic and vital signs, clinical chemistry and hematology, and patient assessment of quality-of-life questionnaire, and adverse events data were collected at baseline and end of intervention. All investigational products had no clinically relevant changes to blood chemistry or hematology, and no adverse events linked to the investigational products. However, there were significant (p < 0.05) within-group improvements in patient-assessed quality of life scores in physical discomfort, psychosocial discomfort, worries/concerns, and satisfaction, and overall PAC-QoL scores for all products and placebo. These kiwifruit-derived products were safe and well-tolerated.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Itch and Pain in Patients Suffering from Chronic Hand Eczema.

Hand eczema (HE) is a frequent chronic inflammatory dermatosis. Itch and pain are considered two of the most common and burdensome symptoms of the disease. Yet, the data related to these symptoms are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of itch and pain in adults suffering from HE. The study group comprised 100 adult HE patients. An original questionnaire designed by the authors was used to survey the patients. It included questions regarding demographic characteristics such as the duration of the disease, exacerbation count, past diagnostics and treatment, as well as atopic predispositions. Additionally, the itch and pain intensity (numerical rating scale-NRS) during '3 days prior to the study' and the 'entire disease' period was implemented. The clinical assessment of the disease severity was performed according to two specific measurement instruments: Investigator Global Assessment for Chronic Hand Eczema (IGA-CHE) scale and Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI). To assess patient quality of life (QoL), the DLQI tool was used and to determine the level of stigmatization and for its impact on patients' life the 6-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS) was employed. Within the period of 3 days prior to the examination, itch was reported by 81.0% of patients (n = 81), whereas 53.0% (n = 53) of them experienced pain. Both symptoms were reported more frequently in females (itch: p = 0.022; pain: p = 0.033). When sexes were compared, females reached higher scores in both IGA-CHE and HECSI. Itch and pain intensity correlated positively with disease severity. The intensity of itch and pain significantly influences HE patients' QoL. A positive correlation between the 6-ISS score and the intensity of itch in the 'last 3 days' period was revealed (r = 0.221; p = 0.027). Itch and pain are common symptoms in HE patients, significantly contributing to the feeling of stigmatization. Providing characteristics of itch and pain may improve HE management. Symptom-decreasing treatment would definitely have a positive influence on patients' well-being.

A Comparison of the Toxicities in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers Treated With Concomitant Boost Radiotherapy Versus Conventional Chemoradiation.

To compare the objective and patient-reported toxicities of concomitant boost radiotherapy (CBRT) and concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers. In this prospective study, 46 patients with histologically proven stage III-IVA head and neck cancer were randomly assigned to receive either concurrent chemoradiation to a dose of 66 Gy in 33 fractions over 6.5 weeks with concurrent cisplatin (40 mg/m2 IV weekly; control arm) or accelerated radiotherapy with concomitant boost radiotherapy (study arm) to a dose of 67.5 Gy in 40 fractions in five weeks. Acute toxicity was evaluated using RTOG toxicity criteria. The assessment was done weekly after initiation of treatment, at the first follow-up (six weeks), and at three months. The four main patient-reported symptoms of pain, hoarseness of voice, dryness of mouth, and loss of taste were also compared between the two groups to assess patient quality of life during treatment. The mean treatment duration was 37 days in the CBRT arm and 49 days in the CRT arm. Treatment-related interruptions were less in the study group,17.3% in the study, and 27.2% in the control with insignificant P-value. Grade III laryngeal toxicity was significantly higher in the study group (P=0.029). Other acute grade I-III toxicities (pharyngeal, skin, mucositis, and salivary) were comparable in both CRT and CBRT arms. Grade IV toxicities were seen only in the CBRT arm but were resolved at the first follow-up. Haematological toxicities and renal toxicities were significantly higher in the CRT arm, with significant P-values of 0.0004 and 0.018, respectively. In patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, concomitant boost radiotherapy is well tolerated with acceptable local toxicity and minimal systemic toxicity as compared to conventional chemoradiation. It is a feasible option for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer not fit for concurrent chemoradiation.

Patient-Assessed Quality of Virtual Consultations as Follow-Up on Long-Term Oxygen Therapy for Patients With COPD.

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) can increase survival time and relieve symptom burden in patients with COPD and chronic hypoxemia. The Department of Respiratory Medicine at Odense University Hospital invites patients with LTOT and COPD to the out-patient clinic for treatment evaluation every 6 months to regulate or terminate treatment and support patients' treatment adherence. The out-patient clinic, however, experiences many absences or cancellations from patients. For that reason, patients were offered virtual consultation as an alternative to physical attendance. This study was initiated to uncover reasons for absences and the patients' experiences of virtual consultation to promote a more patient-centered clinical practice for patients with COPD and LTOT. A qualitative study encompassing semi-structured interviews with 20 subjects was conducted in the winter of 2021. The subjects had tried or been given the opportunity of virtual consultation. Data were analyzed inspired by Kvale and Brinkmann focusing on the subject's perspectives on virtual consultation. The analysis resulted in 3 main themes: limitations and vulnerabilities, independence and quality of life, and personal strategies. Subjects expressed that everyday life with LTOT and COPD was characterized by limited resources in terms of energy, oxygen, and time. LTOT was perceived as a necessary means to maintain a sense of independence and quality of life. However, LTOT also meant additional limitations due to cumbersome equipment and feelings of isolation. Most subjects considered the virtual consultation to be oxygen-, energy-, and time-preserving, as it meant avoiding stressful transportation and handling of oxygen cylinders, COVID-19 exposure, waiting time, and not having to involve others for help. The subjects' perspective showed that follow-up on LTOT as a virtual consultation was considered a valuable offer. The chosen method was found to be relevant in uncovering subjects' attitudes toward clinical practice procedures.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for care quality assessment of a breast cancer Care Pathway

Abstract Background Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer among women in Europe, accounting for around 28% of newly diagnosed female cancers. A clinical Pathway (CP) is an effective tool able to deliver high quality care especially if linked to a Monitoring System. Still, it is essential to integrate them with the patient’s perspective according to Value-Based Care. This paper aims to define and test a tool for care quality assessment in patients with breast cancer, in a value-based perspective. Methods A scoping search of the main databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and official websites of institutions and organizations (AIOM, CIPOMO, EORTC, ICHOM, Istat) was carried out. A Delphi survey was conducted to assess the tool, according to four criteria (general relevance, evidence-based, measurability, actionability). We only included indicators that achieved strong agreement. Time-points for data collection were defined and validated in relation to the different steps of the CP. Results The final tool consists of 21 questions coming from the following sources: BREAST-Q and EORT QLQ-BR23 questionnaire. BREAST-Q’s questions, have to be administered at T0 (first medical contact) and T12 (follow-up), while the EORT QLQ-BR23’s questions have to be administered at T0 (first medical contact) T Surgery, T6 (follow-up) and T12 (follow-up). The survey will be administered to a sample of 152 BC patients (MOE 5%; CL 95%) undergoing surgery in the period June-September 2021. Conclusions The present tool will give a quick view of Value provided by the CP to these patients. In light of the high volume of patients treated at our center (1008 breast cancer surgery hospitalisations in 2020), this study acquires further public health relevance. Additionally, this approach can be extended for further evaluation of other CPs. Key messages • We assess care quality for Breast Cancer patients in a large hospital in Italy through Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, based on an evidence-based, Value-based, Delphi-validated tool. • Assessing Value brought to patients with Breast Cancer gives a unique perspective on care quality assessment and paves the way for further quality improvements and extension to other health issues.

Fracture risk, underlying pathophysiology, and bone quality assessment in patients with Turner syndrome.

Turner syndrome (TS), the most common type of X chromosomal disorder, has various, clinical manifestations. Among these, primary hypogonadism, which may lead to osteoporosis, is a life-long health issue. A high prevalence of fractures associated with osteoporosis is a major problem in patients with TS, where it may be 1.4-2.2 times higher than in healthy individuals and increases with age. Among the risk factors associated with fractures in TS, hypogonadism is arguably the most important. Estrogen deficiency due to hypogonadism leads to low bone mineral density (BMD), resulting in a high prevalence of bone fractures. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in patients with TS reportedly improved their BMD. However, other causes of low BMD may exist, given that this condition begins in the prepubertal period in patients with TS. Most previous studies have reported low BMD in patients with TS using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), but this method has some limitations. Areal BMD values assessed by DXA were influenced by bone size and short stature, resulting in an underestimation of BMD. Currently, volumetric BMD values may be accurately obtained using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). pQCT, high-resolution pQCT, and the trabecular bone score can also be used to evaluate bone quality, including bone geometry and microarchitecture, in TS. The present review discusses the high fracture risk, role of estrogen deficiency in low BMD, advantages and disadvantages of various bone assessment methods, and characteristics of bone quality in TS.

Clinical effect of day case arthroscopic surgery in tibial-eminence fracture in adults using button plates

BackgroundThe tibial-eminence fracture (TEF) is an anterior cruciate-ligament avulsion fracture with a low incidence. Many surgical techniques have been described, but none of them allow early functional exercise, and there are many postoperative complications.PurposesThis study aimed to evaluate the early clinical efficacy and complications of day case arthroscopic-surgery treatment of adult TEF with button plates.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients with TEF treated with arthroscopic surgery. Clinical subjective evaluation included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm Knee Score, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. Knee joint scores were evaluated by Lysholm score. Clinical objective assessment included the Lachman test, anterior-drawer test (ADT), IKDC, and range of motion. We assessed patient quality of life using a life summary table. Assessment of fracture healing and internal fixation was based on lateral x-rays of the knee joint. We measured and evaluated patient satisfaction at the last follow-up in accordance with Marsh criteria.ResultsAt final follow-up (average follow-up time, 28.23 ± 3.14 months), we evaluated results from 22 patients (22 knees). Average patient age during surgery was 33.64 ± 6.96 years. Average time from injury to surgery was 6.59 ± 1.47 h. Postoperative function was better than pre-operative function in all patients. IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score, and VAS score were better at final follow-up than before surgery. Differences in Lachman test and ADT scores before and after surgery were statistically significant. According to Intra-articular button position classification, 6 patients (6 knees) showed ideal position (A), 16 patients (16 knees) showed nearly ideal position (B), and none of the patients had nonideal position (C). The fractures of 22 patients healed completely; 2 patients had a 5°–10° knee joint dysfunction, and 1 had an abnormal knee sound. According to intra-articular button position classification, the rate of ideal position was 100%. Patient satisfaction rate was 81.8%.ConclusionDay surgery using double-button plates to treat TEF could achieve anatomical reduction, power and stability, as well as good clinical efficacy.

RWD32 Comparative Analysis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life (HISQOL) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Scores Using Data from Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality Of Life (HiSQOL) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) are tools which can be used to assess patient quality of life (QoL) in those diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). This research aims to develop a comparative analysis of the HiSQOL to the DLQI, and vice versa, in HS patients.

Herbal medicinal product Sinupret extract (BNO 1016) is safe and effective in the treatment of acute viral rhinosinusitis

Aim. The pooled efficacy data of two similar randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials were analyzed. Safety was evaluated on the basis of the individual trials.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The efficacy analysis was based on 589 patients. Treatment was performed orally with either 3160 mg BNO 1016 (n=294) or 31 tablet placebo (n=295) for 15 days. In both trials patients underwent five visits to the investigational sites. Symptoms were evaluated according to the EPOS 2012 guideline. Ultrasonography was used to confirm the diagnosis at onset of treatment and the remission of symptoms at the last visit. Efficacy was evaluated by the investigator as the mean major symptom score (MSS) at the end of treatment (visit 5, day 14). Patients reported symptoms and social/emotional consequences of rhinosinusitis using a quality of life questionnaire (SNOT-20 GAV).&#x0D; Results. MSS improved during the treatment period by a mean of 10.021.61 score points to 2.472.55 for BNO 1016 and of 9.871.52 to 3.633.63 for placebo. Differences between treatment groups at end of therapy (1.163.14 score points; p0.0001) and patient-assessed quality of life (p=0.0015) were statistically significant in favor of BNO 1016.&#x0D; Conclusion. Daily intake of 480 mg of BNO 1016 for 15 days is an effective treatment in acute viral rhinosinusitis.

The Indices of Instantaneous Pulse Rate Variability Are Indicators for Daily Life Quality Assessment in Patients with COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory illness. Questionnaires such as modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale and COPD assessment test (CAT) are useful for COPD condition and life quality assessment. These questionnaires reflect how respiratory disorder affects daily life. Breathing and autonomic nervous system (ANS) usually regulate each other. Few studies discussed the ANS activity and daily life quality in patients with COPD. Therefore, this study aimed to find the relationship between daily life quality assessed by mMRC or CAT and ANS assessed by a novel method, instantaneous pulse rate variability (iPRV), a method indicating not only the ANS activity but also the peripheral response. The result showed that the change in mMRC and the change in low frequency power to high frequency power ratio, which usually represents the sympathetic activity in conventional heart rate variability analysis, had significant correlation (r = 0.63; p < 0.05). The change in CAT and the change in high frequency power (regulated by vagal nervous and respiratory system) or very high frequency power (new frequency band can be indicated in iPRV spectrum) had significant negative correlation (r = −0.64 and −0.55, respectively; p < 0.05 for both). This study showed the change in iPRV indices when the condition of COPD was improvement or exacerbation. This study presents a possible way to show how cardiovascular activity affects daily life quality in patients with COPD. Increase in LF or decrease in HF and VHF would cause poorer quality of daily life in patients with COPD. The result can also be a reference for patients with COPD to choose the breathing type to adjust rehabilitation and therapy program for ANS regulation to indicate or improve their daily life quality.

Quality of life in elderly ICU survivors before the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

ObjectivesThe influence of age on intensive care unit (ICU) decision-making is complex, and it is unclear if it is based on expected subjective or objective patient outcomes. To address recent...

ОЦЕНКА КАЧЕСТВА РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ ОРТОДОНТИЧЕСКОГО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ В КЛИНИКАХ Г.САНКТ-ПЕТЕРБУРГА

To date, various methods of qualitative and quantitative assessment of dental-facial anomalies have been described in the medical literature. They describe the causes of dental anomalies, determine the localization of disorders, consider the functional state of the dental system, as well as quantify the degree of violations of facial aesthetics, occlusion, morphology and function in various dental-facial anomalies. To assess the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, it is necessary to conduct a quality assessment in patients with dentofacial anomalies who have completed orthodontic treatment. The essence of the proposed method is that on the basis of tables developed and structured according to several blocks, an assessment of the quality of orthodontic treatment is proposed, including an assessment of the aesthetics of the face and smile, articulation and occlusal ratios, malocclusion anomalies in the sagittal, vertical and transversal directions, the state of periodontal tissues and hard tissues of the teeth, as well as the state of the temporomandibular joint in patients who have completed orthodontic treatment. The assessment of the quality of orthodontic treatment consists of three blocks: assessment of the quality of the results of orthodontic treatment, assessment of the process of orthodontic treatment, assessment of the maintenance of medical records. According to the results of filling in which, a conclusion is made about the quality of the orthodontic treatment. The overall assessment of the quality of orthodontic treatment is obtained by summing up the results of the three assessments received, and the assessment of the quality of clinical work is crucial. The method developed by us allows us to make an expert assessment of the process of orthodontic treatment, the quality of its results and the maintenance of medical records in patients who have completed orthodontic treatment. The article presents the results of the assessment of the quality of orthodontic treatment in the clinics of St. Petersburg.

Optical Quality Assessment in Patients with Unilateral Congenital Ptosis: A Matched Case-Control Study

Background. To evaluate the differences in the corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and optical quality of the ptosis eyes compared with the normal fellow eyes in the unilateral congenital ptosis patients. Methods. A matched case-control study was performed in 17 pairs of eyes in 17 unilateral congenital ptosis patients. The ptosis eye was enrolled in the ptosis group while the normal fellow eye was enrolled in the normal group. The HOAs obtained from Pentacam HR and the optical quality parameters obtained from Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) were compared between the two groups. Results. There were significant differences in a vertical coma and vertical trefoil on the anterior corneal surface between the ptosis group and the normal group p &lt; 0.05 . The OQAS parameters in the ptosis group were significantly different from those in the normal group p &lt; 0.05 . The vertical fissure height (VFH) showed a significant correlation with the total HOAs, 3rd HOAs, and vertical coma on the anterior corneal surface p &lt; 0.05 . Conclusions. Compared with the normal fellow eyes, the ptosis eyes showed significantly degraded optical quality. The eyelid position was important for the changes of corneal HOAs in the ptosis eyes. The reasons for the discrepancy of the OQAS parameters between the ptosis eyes and normal fellow eyes were multiple.

Evaluating Quality of Life After Facial Reanimation Using the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale in a Series of Pediatric Patients.

Facial palsy can have significant functional and psychological impact. Dynamic facial reanimation methods have provided means of restoration of smile. There remains a dearth of quality of life data in children. The authors aim to assess patient reported outcomes in this underreported population. A retrospective review was performed of pediatric patients with facial palsy who had dynamic facial reanimation from 2009 to 2017 at a single institution. Patients were sent a digital Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) questionnaire, a validated tool to assess patient quality of life. FaCE statements are grouped into 6 categories: facial movement, facial comfort, oral function, eye comfort, lacrimal control, and social control. Twenty patients met inclusion criteria. Fourteen successfully completed the survey. With normal function being 100, our cohort scored: facial movement 38.7 ± 14.3; facial comfort 67.3 ± 23, oral function 75 ± 22.7, eye comfort 68.75 ± 18.2, lacrimal control 53.6 ± 32.5, social function 64.3 ± 25.6. The overall FaCE score was 61.07 ± 10.85. The facial movement subscores were lower for brow raise 16.1 ± 33.4 relative to smiling 53.6 ± 29.2 and lip pucker, 46.4 ± 23.7. No correlation was found between facial movement scores and total scores (R2 < 0.01). There was a strong negative correlation between total scores and time since procedure (Spearman's rho R = -0.45). Our pediatric facial reanimation cohort demonstrated excellent social function, in contrast to a relatively lower facial movement score. The low facial movement score was mediated by low score for brow raise and was not correlated to overall FaCE score. Interestingly, overall FaCE score tended to decrease with time from procedure.