Routine Medical Examination Research Articles

A rare case of “coronary slow-flow phenomena” in an aviator: An approach to aeromedical disposition – A case report

Introduction: Coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) is a frequent angiographic finding with obscure pathophysiology. Although recognized for decades, the incidence of such a clinical entity is rare in aviation environment and poses unique aeromedical challenges in disposition of the aircrew. Case Details: A 53-year-old asymptomatic pilot from a helicopter stream was detected to have ECG abnormality during a routine medical examination. His treadmill test was borderline positive for inducible myocardial ischemia, whereas angiography revealed proximal ectasia with a slow flow. He was diagnosed as a case of “Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon,” started on antiplatelets and was observed on ground for 36 weeks. A comprehensive cardiological evaluation following that revealed an asymptomatic status, controlled modifiable risk factors and no progression of ECG changes. Echocardiography, 24 h Holter, and stress MPI were essentially normal. Based on an evidence-based approach, the aircrew were reflighted back to flying in a multicrew aircraft. Discussion: This case study discusses our approach to aeromedical evaluation and disposition of a helicopter pilot with CSFP, which is unique, yet rarely encountered disability among aircrew.

Predicting Cardiovascular Risk in Athletes: Resampling Improves Classification Performance.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide. The aim of the present study is to verify the performances of a data mining methodology in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in athletes, and whether the results may be used to support clinical decision making. Anthropometric (height and weight), demographic (age and sex) and biomedical (blood pressure and pulse rate) data of 26,002 athletes were collected in 2012 during routine sport medical examinations, which included electrocardiography at rest. Subjects were involved in competitive sport practice, for which medical clearance was needed. Outcomes were negative for the largest majority, as expected in an active population. Resampling was applied to balance positive/negative class ratio. A decision tree and logistic regression were used to classify individuals as either at risk or not. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess classification performances. Data mining and resampling improved cardiovascular risk assessment in terms of increased area under the curve. The proposed methodology can be effectively applied to biomedical data in order to optimize clinical decision making, and—at the same time—minimize the amount of unnecessary examinations.

Comparison of the manual blood pressure record with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in young patients found to be hypertensive during routine medical examination before induction to high altitude areas

Background: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) measurements has been found to be superior to Outpatient Department (OPD) blood pressure measurements (OBPM) for predicting clinical outcomes. There have been various indications of ABPM like to exclude white coat hypertension, evaluation of symptomatic hypotension and hypertension, pregnancy induced hypertension etc. We studied use of ABPM in evaluation of young subjects who were found to be hypertensive in OBPM.Methods: This prospective study was performed at Command Hospital, Kolkata, India from December 2017 to November 2019.This study had a total of 100 subjects. All patients were young healthy individuals and found to have high blood pressure (BP) readings during routine examination done before induction to high altitude areas (>9000 feet). All subjects who were found to be hypertensive in OBPM were evaluated with 24 hours ABPM at least one week after cessation of all medications. Data expressed as the mean±SD. Comparisons of (a) the peripheral hospital mean systolic and diastolic BP over 01 week and (b) 24 hours mean ABPM. Results: In the study, the Mean Systolic BP was 143.33±11.82 with corresponding ABPM 123.92±13.17 which is statistically significant. The mean diastolic BP was 87.30±7.20 mm with corresponding ABPM as 71.55±4.11 MAP in manual blood pressure is 125.55 mm and 103.6 mm in ABPM. The results are highly significant.Conclusions: The study concludes that automated BP recordings may provide a more accurate estimate of a patient's BP status and may prevent unnecessary labelling of young patients as hypertensive.

Vaccination knowledge, attitudes and practices in patients with HIV: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract Background Infectious diseases are more common and severe in patients with HIV, which show different response to vaccines and a diminished protection. It is therefore very important to assess knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination in people with HIV, since precise vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy are not well established in this subgroup of patients. Methods A sample of 119 patients with HIV completed a cross-sectional survey. Patients were recruited during their routine medical examination at the infectious diseases clinic in Turin. The survey explored these main areas: demographics and history of HIV infection, vaccination history, attitudes towards vaccination, confidence in the public health system, contagion risk and disease seriousness perception. In this preliminary phase descriptive analysis were conducted. Results Preliminary data show that mean age of the participants was 49.51 years, 80% were males. The median of HIV infection duration was 10 years, while the median of the lymphocyte count was 762.50 cells/mm3. The disease with the highest vaccination coverage was tetanus (88.7%), considered a serious or very serious disease by 85.6% of the participants, despite low or very low contagion risk perception (84.1%). The disease with the lowest vaccination coverage was Herpes Zoster (7.3%), despite high or very high seriousness perception (70%). Furthermore, 99.1% of the participants showed high or very high confidence toward public health system professionals, and the majority of them (59.5%) stated that vaccines are more useful for the community than for the single person. Conclusions Vaccination coverage is still not fully satisfactory regarding diseases considered infrequent or mild. Considering the high level of confidence toward the public health system that has emerged, it is necessary to implement informative and operative strategies about vaccination for European HIV patients, which are particularly at risk regarding infectious diseases. Key messages Vaccination coverage and risk perception in HIV patients is not satisfactory for many diseases and an effort to implement informative strategies in Europe is needed. The role of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases in HIV patients should be recognized and strengthened by relying on the high level of confidence toward European public health systems.

The health of immigrant children: a cohort study in the Metropolitan area of Lisbon - Portugal

Abstract Background Studies in Europe show immigrant children to be more vulnerable to health problems. Portugal has a gap in knowledge about the health of immigrant children. The objective of this paper is to present results on a cohort study for health trajectories of immigrant children in the Amadora Municipality which has one of the highest numbers of immigrants in Portugal. We will analyse health profile characteristics of immigrant and native children and their utilisation of health services. Methods Prospective cohort study in Amadora health units (questionnaires and patient registers data). Participants: 420 native and immigrant children born in 2015 registered in Amadora Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC); recruitment from June 2019 to March 2020. Main outcomes: psychomotor development (Mary Sheridan); emotional and behavioural problems (SDQ); BMI; vaccination; Results From the 420 children recruited, 48,3% were immigrant mostly from Brazil and Portuguese speaking African countries, 41 children were born outside the EU (1st generation). From the 126 children who had no routine medical examination at the age of 4, 59% were immigrant. Almost all immigrant children had vaccinations up to date (90%). Around 70% of native and 60% of immigrant children achieved all parameters in Mary Sheridan's test (p = 0.09). Overweight was found in 28% of native and 22% of immigrant children (p = 0.2). Median SDQ score for externalizing behaviours is different for 1st generation immigrants suggesting higher behaviour problems for this group of children (p = 0,003). Conclusions Most differences in overall outcomes occur between 1st generation immigrant and other children; immigrants showed significantly higher emotional and behaviour problems. Early identification of above difficulties and higher utilisation of routine health examinations should be a priority. Key messages 1st generation immigrant children appear more at risk for emotional and behaviour difficulties. Early identification of above difficulties and higher utilisation of routine health examinations should be a priority.

Rotary Ventricular Assist Device Control With a Fiber Bragg Grating Pressure Sensor

Current ventricular assist devices (VADs) are rotary blood pumps used to treat end-stage heart failure. VADs are operated at a constant speed that is manually adjusted by a clinician based on the patient's cardiac demand during routine medical examinations. VADs operated at a constant speed have inadequate passive flow regulation due to the inherent mechanical pressure-flow characteristics of the pump; this can lead to harmful situations where the VAD is overpumping or underpumping. Typically, patients on long-term VAD support are discharged to an outpatient setting where the VAD speed can remain the same for weeks or months at a time, impacting patient safety and quality of life. Previously, physiological controllers for VADs have been proposed, which automatically adjust VAD speed to meet patient cardiac demand. Clinical implementation of physiological control is currently hindered by the lack of clinically available, implantable, and continuous hemodynamic sensors. This study describes the physiological control of a VAD using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor previously developed for measuring VAD inlet pressure. The FBG sensor was used as a feedback to a Starling-like physiological controller, and the control quality was compared against the same controller with feedback from a nonimplantable industrial pressure sensor (Omega sensor). Experiments were conducted in a bench-top cardiovascular simulator under various simulated patient scenarios. The average steady-state difference in VAD flow across all experiments was 0.1 L/min with a maximum difference of -0.4 L/min. Similarly, the average steady-state difference in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was 0.02 mmHg with a maximum difference of -0.2 mmHg. The clinically insignificant differences found between the two feedback methods indicate that the FBG pressure sensor is viable for the physiological control of VADs.

"Making Sense of a Disease That Makes No Sense": Understanding Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Among Caregivers and Providers Within Alaska Native Communities.

With the rate of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) increasing among Alaska Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, the Alaska Native Health system is ill-prepared to meet the challenges associated with the growing population at risk of ADRD. The high cost of care, inadequate training of health care providers, and lack of supportive services for caregivers are especially concerning. Interviews were conducted with 22 AN caregivers for ANs with ADRD and 12 ANs and non-Native health care providers in communities across Alaska. Interviews lasted approximately 60 min and were transcribed verbatim. We employed directed content analysis to examine the major agreements and disagreements between the participants' understandings of ADRD in each of the domains of Kleinman's Explanatory Model of Illness. Caregivers and health care providers expressed concerns about the lack of understanding, resources, and awareness of ADRD among ANs in rural and urban communities. Both caregivers and providers recognized the need to obtain an early diagnosis, blend Western and traditional medicines, promote lifestyle and dietary changes, and foster training for caregivers. Health care providers acknowledged their limited exposure to AN understanding of ADRD and wish to receive culturally relevant training to better serve AN. As the older AN adult population grows, the need for culturally responsive training and support services will continue to increase. We recommend establishing rural outreach and support groups for caregivers, developing an understanding of how ANs view ADRD to train and educate health care providers, and implement screening early for memory loss during routine medical examinations.

Age-related hypogonadism and cardiovascular disease risk

Aim. To study the relationship between age-related androgen deficiency and the level of cardiovascular risk in healthy middle-aged men.Materials and Methods. We enrolled 200 men of 44-55 (median 48.44, interquartile range 45.02- 52.50) years who underwent a routine medical examination, having additionally measured age-related androgen deficiency.Results. A decrease in total testosterone of < 12.1 nmol/L indicative of age-related hypogonadism was detected in 98 (49.0%) men. In 42 (42.8%) men, a decrease in total testosterone was accompanied by loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. Relatively high prevalence of lipid metabolism disorders and subclinical atherosclerosis was diagnosed in men without established cardiovascular disease. Analysis according to the SCORE scale showed a predominance of patients with moderately increased risk, with only a small number of high-risk patients. Notably, all high-risk cases were identified in the age-related hypogonadism group. The distribution of cardiovascular risk score significantly differed in groups with and without age-related androgen deficiency.Conclusion. We demonstrate a relatively high prevalence of age-related testosterone deficiency, which is also associated with increased cardiovascular risk, among healthy middle-aged men.

Medical examination of detainees in Catalonia, Spain, carried out in the presence of police officers.

On 14th October 2019, the Supreme Court of Spain issued a court judgment convicting social and political leaders in Catalonia, of crimes of embezzlement, sedition and disobedience. Following this, wide- spread protests in Catalonia began. During these protests, there were also numerous clashes between protesters and members of different Catalan and Spanish police forces, which ended with more than 600 people suffering injuries to varying degrees. Semi-structured interviews in prison (n=22) with people injured and detained during demonstrations. No detainees were informed of their right to a medical examination. 50% of detainees reported access to medical examinations in police custody. In all cases this was carried out in primary healthcare centres in the presence of police in the examination room. In all cases the report was given to the police instead of the detainee.The whereabouts of this documentation is unknown despite attempts from the detainees and their lawyers to obtain them. 31% of detainees reported being medically examined in the courthouse, with police presence at all examinations. Finally, all detainees reported routine medical examinations at the entrance to prison for pre-trial detention, none of which were carried out in the presence of police forces. Detainees reported good treatment once in the prison. The results show a serious breach of regional, national and international, regulations and in particular the Istanbul Protocol principles relating to the medical examination of detainees.

AB1284-HPR RELIABILITY OF STEP TEST IN SUBJECTS WITH TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Background:Patients with TKA show impairments in standing balance up to 1 year after surgery. The impaired standing balance in TKA patients was found to be associated with falls risk and decreased functional level. Assessing of standing balance with objective and reliable assessments tools would therefore be extremely useful for determining accurate exercise program, and risks of falling, especially during the rehabilitative period when ambulation is at its most unsteady (1, 2). The stepping maneuver requires adequate strength and motor control to stabilize the body over the stance limb while the other leg is stepping, therefore the Step Test (ST) provides significant information for dynamic standing balance and lower limb motor control (3). The reliability of ST is reported in patient groups such as stroke, however, there is not any study that investigates the reliability of ST in patients with TKA in the current literature.Objectives:The purposes of this study were to determine the test-retest reliability and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of the ST in patients with TKA.Methods:40 patients with TKA due to knee osteoarthritis, operated by the same surgeon, were included in this study. Patients performed trials for ST twice on the same day. Between the first and second trials, patients waited for an hour on sitting position to prevent fatigue. The ST assesses an individual’s ability to place one foot onto a 7.5-cm-high step and then back down to the floor repeatedly as fast as possible for 15 seconds. The score is the number of steps completed in the 15-second period for each lower extremity. Scores for each lower extremity were recorded separately. Prior to the testing, the ST was demonstrated by the tester and all participants were allowed to a practice trial.Results:The ST showed an excellent test-retest reliability (ICC2,1=0.95) in this study. Standard error of measurement (SEM) and MDC95for ST were 0.37 and 1.02, respectively.Conclusion:This study found that the ST has an excellent test–retest reliability in patients with TKA. It is an effective and reliable tool for measuring dynamic standing balance and participant falls. As a performance-based clinical test, the ST is easy to score, can be applied in a short time as part of the routine medical examination. Therefore, inclusion of ST into a more comprehensive battery of performance-based measures of standing balance and lower limb motor control function in subjects with TKA should be considered.

The status of menopause outpatient clinics in maternal and children health institutions and general hospitals in 11 provinces of China

Objective: To understand the status of menopause outpatient clinics in maternal and children health (MCH) institutions and general hospitals. Methods: A total of 314 health administrative departments, MCH health institutions and general hospitals in 11 provinces of China were enrolled by using multi-stage random sampling method. A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate the development of normative documents for menopausal health work, and the establishment, services, health resources, system and information management of menopause outpatient clinics. The current situation of menopause outpatient clinics in MCH institutions was compared with that in general hospitals. Results: All health administrative departments did not formulate normative documents for menopausal health care. Among MCH health institutions and general hospitals, 53.4% (111/208) established menopause outpatient clinic. About 60.9% (64/105) of MCH institutions established menopause outpatient clinic, which was higher than that of general hospitals [45.6% (47/103)] (P<0.05). From high priority to less, the services of menopause outpatient clinics were menopausal disease diagnosis and treatment, counseling, health education and disease referral. 90.1% (100/111) of menopause outpatient clinics provided routine medical examinations, and only 55.9% (62/111) and 59.5% (66/111) of them provide psychological and nutritional status assessment. The allocation rate of commonly used examination equipment in menopause outpatient clinics was 81.1%-96.4%, while only 28.8%-37.8% of them had psychological status assessment tool, human body composition analyzer and nutrition status assessment tool. Among 111 menopause outpatient clinics, 46.8% (n=52), 36.0% (n=40), and 34.2% (n=38) of them established outpatient consultation process, referral (consultation) work system, and follow-up work system, and 49.5% (n=55), 29.7% (n=33), 42.3% (n=47), and 17.1% (n=19) of them established visit registration, health records, follow-up records of referrals, and reported outpatient services, respectively. Conclusion: Menopause outpatient clinics in 11 provinces of China have been initially established, and policy guidance and human resources allocation should be further strengthened.

Coexisting schwannoma of the gallbladder and sarcoidosis: a case report

BackgroundSchwannomas originate from Schwann cells, which are constituents of peripheral nerve sheaths, and can occur anywhere in the body at any age. Most occur in soft tissues such as subcutaneous tissues and muscles, occurrence in the abdominal cavity being relatively rare. In particular, schwannomas of the gallbladder are extremely rare. We herein report a rare case of a schwannoma that coexisted with systemic sarcoidosis and presented as a steroid-resistant mass in the gallbladder wall.Case presentationA 40-year-old woman was found to have thickening of the gallbladder wall during a routine medical examination and was referred to our hospital, where she was found to have granular shadows in the lungs; mediastinal, cervical, intraperitoneal, and inguinal lymphadenopathy; parotid gland enlargement; and an erythematous skin rash. She was diagnosed as having systemic sarcoidosis by transbronchial lung biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage. All her systemic mass lesions except for the one in the gallbladder resolved or became smaller with steroid treatment. The steroid-resistant gallbladder lesion showed enhancement on contrast-enhanced computed tomography and was shown by endoscopic ultrasonography to be a 30-mm-diameter gallbladder wall lesion. We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which resulted in diagnosis of the steroid-resistant tumor as a schwannoma. Five months after surgery, the patient’s prednisolone dosage had been gradually reduced to 5 mg/day and she was doing well with no evidence of recurrence.ConclusionResection of a steroid-resistant tumor resulted in diagnosis of schwannoma, enabling reduction in the patient’s steroid dosage for sarcoidosis.

Hypertension in working age population: influence of gender and education

Introduction Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a major cause of premature death. Study of age/gender-related and social aspects of the disease, and the assessment of the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment are essential elements of the epidemiological monitoring of hypertension and support a reasonable approach to planning further therapeutic and preventive interventions.Objective Assess the prevalence of hypertension in the working-age population, examine the relationship between hypertension patterns and level of education of respondents taking into account age, gender, and the main aspects of lifestyle.Materials and Methods The study included industrial workers who underwent a routine medical examination in September-November 2015. A total of 2432 subjects (59% males and 41% of females) were surveyed. The study design is cross-sectional, analytic. Methods used: anonymous questionnaire surveys using the WHO STEPS questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, BP measurement. Questions about hypertension included awareness of the presence of the disease and the administration of antihypertensive drugs. Hypertension was diagnosed with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mm Hg, or in the case of the administration of antihypertensive drugs. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by the percentage of patients who had reached the target BP values (&lt;140/90 mm Hg), including treated with antihypertensive drugs. The control of hypertension was judged by the percentage of patients with the target BP levels among all respondents with hypertension.Results Hypertension was diagnosed in 40% of the study subjects. The disease was more prevalent in males (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21), overweight, and obese patients (OR = 2.5) and less prevalent in subjects with higher education (OR = 0.6). No significant association of lifestyle (smoking, alcohol abuse, eating fruits and vegetables, physical activity) with the prevalence of hypertension was revealed. 76% of respondents with hypertension knew about their disease (51% among those who did not take antihypertensive drugs). Awareness was higher in patients with severe hypertension (OR = 2.5), overweight and obese patients (OR = 1.96), and respondents with higher education (OR = 1.55), being significantly lower in males (OR = 0.44). 50% of respondents with hypertension (52% of those with severe hypertension) took antihypertensive drugs with males twice less often than females (OR = 0.49). The target BP levels were detected in 39% of patients taking antihypertensive drugs, less frequently in males (OR = 0.63) and overweight patients (OR = 0.48), and significantly more frequently in patients with higher education (OR = 2.28), regardless their lifestyle.Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension in working patients was 40%. Males were more likely to suffer hypertension and less aware of their disease. The target blood pressure levels were less frequently observed in males during the treatment. On the other hand, patients with higher education had a lower prevalence of hypertension, significantly higher awareness of the disease and efficacy of the treatment than those who had secondary or primary school education. Overall, the study confirmed that the sample of industrial workers could be a reliable source for monitoring hypertension. The significant gender differences and an independent protective effect of the level of education were identified in the epidemiology of hypertension, which should be taken into account in further studies.

Usefulness of the Inferior Articular Process's Cross-Sectional Area as a Morphological Parameter for Predicting Central Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Hypertrophy of facet joints is associated with a high risk of central lumbar spinal stenosis (CLSS). However, no research has reported the effect of inferior articular process hypertrophy in CLSS. We hypothesize that the inferior articular process’s cross-sectional area (IAPCSA) is larger in patients with CLSS compared to those without CLSS. Data on IAPCSA were obtained from 116 patients with CLSS. A total of 102 control subjects underwent lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (LS-MRI) as part of a routine medical examination. Axial T1-weighted images were obtained from the two groups. Using an imaging analysis system, we investigated the cross-sectional area of the inferior articular process. The average IAPCSA was 70.97 ± 13.02 mm2 in control subjects and 88.77 ± 18.52 mm2 in patients with CLSS. CLSS subjects had significantly greater levels of IAPCSA (p < 0.001) than controls. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the validity of IAPCSA as a predictor of CLSS. The most suitable cut-off point of IAPCSA for predicting CLSS was 75.88 mm2, with a sensitivity of 71.6%, a specificity of 68.6%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72–0.84). Greater IAPCSA levels were associated with a higher incidence of CLSS. These results demonstrate that IAPCSA is a useful morphological predictor in the evaluation of CLSS.

Анализ экономической эффективности диспансеризации и диспансерного наблюдения в территориальной поликлинике Краснодара

Study Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of preventive measures —routine medical examinations and follow-up — for health group IIIa patients with known cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the ambulatory and outpatient department of the Research Institute of Territorial Clinical Hospital No. 1 (a Krasnodar Government-funded Healthcare Institution) in 2015-2018. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using data collected in 2015 and 2018 during routine medical examinations of adults registered in the territory covered by the ambulatory and outpatient department of Research Institute of Territorial Clinical Hospital No. 1 (a Krasnodar Government-funded Healthcare Institution), as well as 2015-2018 follow-up data on health group IIIa patients with CVD. Comprehensive analysis was done, including estimation of the number of potentially prevented deaths from cardiocirculatory diseases (CCD) of working-age (WA) and economically active (EA) persons for a ten-year period; estimation of costs of years of life saved, including the direct costs of regular medical examinations, using a cost-effectiveness modification of cost-benefit analysis; and comparison of the total cost of years of life saved for CVD patients with average per capita income. Study Results: Regular medical examinations performed in 2015 prevented a total of 33.25 deaths from CCD in a ten-year period: 2.14 deaths within 10 years among WA persons and 5.90 deaths within 10 years among EA persons (up to age 72). Regular medical examinations performed in 2018 and three-year follow-up (of patients with CVD) prevented a total of 38.36 deaths from CCD in a ten-year period: 3.77 deaths within 10 years among WA persons and 13.21 deaths within 10 years among EA persons. For the period 2015-2018 the number of years of life saved in WA patients increased from 22.74 to 49.05. In EA persons the number of years of life saved increased from 25.04 to 63.80. The gain in years of life saved was observed primarily in women, for whom it increased by 30.72, from 21.83 in 2015 to 52.55 in 2018. The costs of the first step of regular medical examinations per patient increased by 36 rubles and 73 kopecks from 2015 to 2018. Over this period the cost of a year of life saved decreased by 50.65%, which suggests that regular medical examinations are effective. This trend towards reduction in the cost of a year of life saved was observed in both WA and EA persons. The cost of treatment for health group IIIa patients with CVD increased by 81,48% in 2015-2018. Calculation of the total costs of a year of life saved, including the direct cost of regular medical examinations and follow-up of health group III patients with CVD, showed that this parameter decreased by 42.1% (22,253 rubles and 95 kopecks) in 2015-2018. This is explained by the increased number of years of life saved and an increase in the number of health group IIIa patients. This trend towards reduction in the cost of a year of life saved was observed both in WA and EA patients. Reduction in the total cost of a year of life saved for health group IIIa patients with CVD was observed simultaneously with an increase in per capita income by 44.7% (from 31,440 rubles to 45,499 rubles) in 2015-2018. Conclusion: Regular medical examinations in 2015 and 2018 and three-year follow-up had a clear economic effect, namely reduction in the cost of a year of life saved by 50.65% for WA and EA persons and reduction in the total cost of a year of life saved by 42.1% for health group IIIa patients with CVD who were followed up. Keywords: regular medical examinations, medical follow-up, economic effect.

Biochemical pattern of thyroid function test and clinical impression of thyroid disorder in a rural tertiary health institution in Nigeria.

Background:Thyroid disorders are one of the most common endocrine disorders seen globally. Diagnostic challenge may arise both clinically and biochemically because of the multiple function of thyroid hormones (THs). Request for thyroid function test (TFT s) may be based on clinical impression that may suggest thyroid dysfunction or obvious symptoms and signs that are diagnostic of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study looks at the biochemical patterns of TFTs and the clinical impression of thyroid disorders in a rural tertiary institution. Information extracted from the laboratory register includes indication for the test, the hospital number, the gender, the age, and the THs assayed. The corresponding biochemical pattern of the TFT result was established.Results:A total of 297 requests were submitted for TH assay; 34 were excluded from the present study because there were no clinical information. There were 239 females and 24 males giving a female-to-male ratio of 9.9:1. Majority of the requests (36.5%) were for goiters, followed by gynecological disorders (20.9%) and clinical thyroid disorders (17.9%). About 46% (45.8%) of the goiter cases were biochemically euthyroid, whereas 13.5% were biochemically primary hyperthyroid. Among the 47 cases of thyroid disorders by the physician’s clinical impression, 27.7% were euthyroid, 17% were biochemically hyperthyroid, and 10.6% were hypothyroid. Of the 55 gynecological disorders assessed, only 7.3% show biochemical evidence of TH alteration with 56.4% being euthyroid. About 47% (46.6%) of those that did routine medical examination had altered TH level that includes hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.Conclusion:Goiter is the most prevalent thyroid disorder in this environment. Biochemical pattern of thyroid function test in our environment was mostly euthyroid despites clinical features suggestive of thyroid disorders.

Hearing loss among military personnel in relation to occupational and leisure noise exposure and usage of personal protective equipment.

Context:Hearing loss (HL) is a major health concern among military personnel due to noise from shooting, blasts, military vehicles, and noisy training environments. Nevertheless, one’s exposure can be partially reduced by using personal protective equipment (PPE). The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of HL among military personnel, to analyse associations between HL and self-reported occupational and leisure noise exposure, and use of PPEs.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 military personnel during their routine medical examinations. First, all participants filled in a questionnaire about their exposure to noise and later the respondents went through an audiometric test. The diagnostic criteria for slight, moderate, and severe HL was HL of 25–40, 41–60, and >60 dB at 4 and 6 kHz, respectively. The associations between noise exposure and HL were studied with multinomial logistic regression analysis.Results:The prevalence of slight to severe HL in high frequencies (4 and 6 kHz) among study participants was 62.7%. Nevertheless, the majority of it was slight, as the prevalence of severe HL was 9.3%. The prevalence of any kind of HL was highest in the Navy and the prevalence of severe HL was highest in the Central Command Units. The relative risk ratios (RRRs) for HL were higher among those who had been working for a long time in a noisy environment, working with noise-producing equipment, driving in a PASI or a Bandvagn or had been shooting with blanks at least once per week. It also appeared that military personnel who had HL, reported tinnitus more often. Respondents’ previous health problems, music-listening habits, and amount of exposure to loud noise in non-military environments were not independently associated with HL, but in several cases it increased the RRRs together with military exposure. We also found significantly more frequent HL among those never using PPEs.Conclusion:HL loss was more prevalent among personnel who are more often exposed to military noise, especially among those who never use PPEs. The effect was enhanced by leisure time noise, but it was not independently associated to HL.

One-year follow-up study on associations between dental caries, periodontitis, and metabolic syndrome.

There have been few prospective studies on the relationship between oral health conditions and the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This prospective cohort study was performed at a Japanese company over one year. Routine medical health examinations, oral health examinations, and a questionnaire pertaining to education, job type, and health behaviors was administered. Participants aged ≥35 years who had no MetS components at baseline were re-examined after one year. Modified Poisson regression analyses were performed to calculate the relative risks (RRs) associated with oral health variables, including periodontitis, decayed and missing teeth, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) in relation to the development of MetS. Of 152 eligible participants, 136 were re-examined after one year; 30 exhibited one or more newly developed MetS components upon re-examination. Decayed teeth at baseline were significantly associated with development of at least one MetS component (adjusted RR 3.25, 95% confidence interval 1.59-6.63). There were no associations between periodontitis, missing teeth, or DMFT and the development of MetS. The association between decayed teeth and MetS was independent of other risk factors, including age and body mass index; therefore, decayed teeth may be associated with the development of MetS.

Routine medical and dental examinations: a case study of adults in Tema community 20 in Ghana

ABSTRACT Routine medical and dental examinations are important and effective measures in the prevention of diseases and promotion of good health. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among adult residents in Community 20, Tema. The study randomly sampled 216 adults aged over 18 years. These participants were interviewed after informed consent was obtained. Socio-demographic factors associated with routine medical and dental examinations were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Weighted mean was used to determine the level of perceived importance of medical and dental examination. A total of 68.1% and 31.9% of the adults have ever undergone routine medical and dental examination, respectively. Personal reasons constituted 35.4% for medical examination and 55.1% for dental examination. Medical and dental examinations encourage adults to be health conscious was ranked highest with a weighted mean of 3.78. Routine medical and dental examinations were higher among adults over 50 years, males, higher educated adults, higher income earners and the unmarried. Most of the adults indicated that medical and dental examinations were very important. Routine medical and dental examinations encourage adults to be health conscious. Routine medical and dental examinations were higher among adults over 50 years. Public health education programs should educate and encourage the general public especially among the younger population to undergo routine medical and dental examinations annually.

Bimbingan Konseling dalam Menangani Penderita Skizofrenia Melalui Pendekatan Nilai dan Spiritual

The purpose of this study is to find out how to deal with schizophrenia patients using a spiritual approach. Data collection was carried out by observation, interviews and documentation at the Rehabilitation Home for Pondok Tetirah Dzikir Kuton Tegaltirto Berbah Sleman Yogyakarta. In fostering schizophrenia patients, the Institution for Rehabilitation uses a therapeutic service program which is also an integrated service program, spiritually carried out by religious methods namely Tareqat Qadariyah al-Naqsyabandiyah (TQN) Suryalaya which is therapeutic: bathing repentance, prayer, dzikr, khataman, manaqiban, fasting, pilgrimage, religious studies and other practices. Then physically, it is carried out with routine medical examinations, exercise, and community service. All of that is done to train the physical and spiritual health of a patient with schizophrenia. From the results of the study, it can be seen that this approach is able to handle schizophrenia patients through planting values and spirituality into their souls, although it cannot be said to be fully healed, but this development can minimize the occurrence of undesirable things and when the soul is sick the treatment starts with his soul also.