SF-36 Quality Of Life Research Articles

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION DISORDER

Background. Positive effect of physical activity on mental health has been proven by scientific research, whereas the quality of life scale is an important instrument for the assessment of the overall functioning of people with mental disorders. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the quality of life and physical activity in patients with depressive disorder. Methods. The survey involved randomly selected subjects (n = 38) with depression aged 20–75. The subjects were assessed using quality of life SF-36 and physical activity questionnaires. Results. The survey results showed that patients with mental disorders evaluated their physical health much better than mental health (p < .01). General health perception and social functioning improve with increasing energy and vitality. Subjects who were more physically active at home rated their general physical activity better in quality of life questionnaire. Conclusions. Higher physical activity at work has a positive influence on vitality and general health perception.

Quality of Life among Medical Students in Tanta University, EGYPT

Background: The quality of life of medical students could be affected by many educational stressors and improving it may have a positive effect on their physical, mental health and their academic achievements. Objectives: To assess the quality of life (QOL) of medical students at Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, at the six educational levels and the most important factors related to their quality of life. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 431 medical students at Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt, during the academic year 2016/ 2017. A multistage random sampling technique was performed. The WHO Quality of Life Health Survey- Short Form SF-36 was used. Results: Regarding Quality of Life SF-36; medical students had good quality mean score regarding the role emotional limitation domain (85.9±28.8) and physical functioning domain (66.1± 22.9). There were no significant difference between the six grades regarding physical health component, the mental health component and the total quality of life scores. Lower quality of life score were confined to female students with rural background and lack of sleep and physical activity (p <0.05). Conclusions: The medical students

A comparative study of the effects of medical versus surgical androgen deprivation therapy on health-related quality of life in patients with metastatic carcinoma prostate.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is known to adversely affect the quality of life (QoL). One may choose between surgical and medical forms depending on his economic status, education status, and taboos. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of medical versus surgical ADT on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with metastatic cancer prostate in Indian population. From July 2012 to December 2014, 50 patients (10 medical castration and 40 surgical castration) of hormone-naïve metastatic prostate cancer who were started on combined ADT were included in this study. Before starting therapy, baseline data and QoL score (short form [SF-36] scale) were noted and all patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Baseline data and HRQoL at all time intervals between surgical and medical castration groups were compared. All patients, except two, completed the 1-year follow-up period. Patients who opted for medical castration were more educated and belonged to higher socioeconomic status. For all the domains of SF-36 QoL questionnaire, a similar improvement in the score was noted at first 3-month follow-up which deteriorated in the next follow-up at 6 months and then further at 1 year. There was no difference in HRQoL after medical or surgical castration. In patients with metastatic cancer, prostate initiation of ADT, irrespective of method, causes an initial improvement in HRQoL followed later by a more gradual decline below the baseline.

Diaphragm relaxation surgery

To develop examination algorithm and to determine the indications for various options for surgical treatment. It is presented analysis of surgical treatment of 25 patients with unilateral diaphragm relaxation for the period from 1963 to 2016. There were 15 men and 10 women aged from 39 to 65 years. Diagnosis included predominantly radiological methods. All patients were operated openly through thoracotomy. Procedure consisted of creation of new diaphragmatic cupola at the usual level with two flaps of diaphragm and prosthesis between them. In 12 (48%) patients who were operated before 1990 xenopericardial patch was used. Further, synthetic materials (Teflon, polypropylene) were preferred. Postoperative morbidity and mortality was 20% (n=6) and 4% (n=1) respectively. Long-term results were followed-up within terms from 8 months to 12 years. Recurrent relaxation was absent. Most of patients had improved dyspnea, increased vital capacity and FEV1 in long-term period. Certain and general values of SF-36 life quality questionnaire were high in long-term postoperative period and similar to those in general population.

Difference of clinical course between cases with bone union and those with delayed union following osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Delayed union following osteoporotic vertebral fracture displayed as an intravertebral cleft on plain X-rays was reported to be a factor for prolonged severe pain. However, the difference of clinical course between bone union and delayed union cases still remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify how OVF delayed union following conventional conservative treatment influences the clinical course with a prospective multicenter study. A total of 324 OVF patients from 25 institutes in Osaka, Japan, were included in the study. At the 6-month follow-up after initial visit to each institute, the patients were classified into bone union and delayed union groups based on plain X-ray findings. The outcome assessments included a VAS for back pain, SF-36 for quality of life (QOL), severity of bed-ridden state for activities of daily living (ADL), MMSE for cognitive functions, and degree of vertebral collapse on plain X-rays. Overall, 280 patients were included into the union group and 44 into the delayed union group. The VAS score at 6months was significantly worse in the delayed union group (p = 0.01). The scores for the SF-36 scales of physical functioning and bodily pain at 6months were significantly lower in the delayed union group (p = 0.019, p = 0.01, respectively). The percentage of nearly or completely bed-ridden patients was significantly higher in the delayed union group. The percentage of newly developed cognitive impairment was significantly higher in the delayed union group (p = 0.02). Progression of vertebral collapse during the 6-month follow-up was more pronounced in the delayed union group (p < 0.01). The present results revealed that delayed union following OVF causes prolonged pain, QOL impairment, ADL impairment, cognitive status deterioration, and vertebral collapse progression.

EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON BODY COMPOSITION AND LIFE QUALITY IN OBESE INDIVIDUALS

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 12-week exercise, applied to obese individuals, on body composition and life quality. Experimental group between the ages 23-66 n:21 (10 men, 11women) average of ages: 44,52 ±9.88 and control group n:25 (12 men, 13 women) average of ages: 43.68±10.93, totally 46 obese individuals joined in this study. Aerobic exercise program including 12-week of walking and running which is 4 days a week has been applied to the experimental group. Any exercise program hasn't been applied to the control group. In order to determine the body compositions, both groups have been measured with bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody230, InBody Co. Ltd., USA) a week before and a week later. In order to determine the life quality, test of SF-36 has been applied. For the analysis of data, the comparison of the binary groups, t-test has been applied after finding the differences between first test and the last test. For the comparison of the first test and the last test of each group, paired sample t-test has been applied. Our findings show that, when the first and the last test results of the experimental group are analyzed, statistically in a positive way a significant variation in the whole body composition and SF-36 life quality scale parameters has been detected (p 0.05), decline in a negative way has been determined in the SF-36 life quality scale results (p<0.05). When the first and last test results of experimental and control groups are compared, a significant variation in the whole body composition parameters and sub-dimensions of SF-36 life quality scale on behalf of experimental group has been detected (p<0.05). In conclusion, it can be said that 12- week of walking and running exercises affect body composition parameters and life quality of obese individuals positively. Article visualizations:

LIFE QUALITY AMONG ELDERLY WITH OBESITY IN OUTPATIENT CLINIC, DR. SOETOMO HOSPITAL, SURABAYA

Obesity is one of the chronic diseases that may have significant impact and affect the quality of life, especially in elderly who already have multidimensional problems. This study aimed to provide information about the influence of obesity in elderly on every component of his quality of life by using the SF-36 quality of life. This study was conducted on 105 patients in outpatient Medical Rehabilitation, Geriatrics and Diabetes at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya. Patients aged 60-75 years, consisting of 62 men and 43 women. The number of patients with obesity was 49 persons (46.7%) with an average body mass index (BMI) of 27.16 kg / m2. Whereas, non-obese patients were 56 persons (53.3%) with an average BMI of 21.23 kg/m2. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in the SF-36 life quality of obesity and non-obesity groups after being analyzed using t-test.

What are the strategies for maintaining horizontal gaze in asymptomatic subjects?

Introduction Maintaining horizontal gaze is essential for activities of daily living. In subjects with postural malalignment, compensatory mechanisms are recruited to maintain horizontal gaze, especially at the cervical level [1] . While the cervical curvature had been typically considered to be lordotic, recent studies have shown that different forms of curvatures can occur even in asymptomatic subjects [2] . It is still not known how asymptomatic subjects achieve horizontal gaze. The aim was to investigate the different cervical strategies for maintaining horizontal gaze. Materiel et methodes Overall, 144 asymptomatic subjects (age: 29 ± 11 years, 71F) filled the SF36 quality of life (QoL) questionnaire and underwent full body biplanar X-rays in free standing position. Typical global postural and spino-pelvic alignment parameters were assessed. Head and cervical parameters were measured: radiographic chin brow vertical angle (CBVA), C0C2, C1C2, C2C7, C2 slope, C2C7 SVA, T1 slope, neck tilt, thoracic inlet angle (TIA). Subjects were divided into 3 groups of cervical curvature forms per C2C7 angle: kyphotic (K: 5°). Demographics, SF36 parameters and CBVA were compared between groups (Kruskal–Wallis test). Global postural, spino-pelvic, head and cervical parameters were compared between groups, while controlling for confounding factors (ANCOVA). Resultats Forty-six (32%) subjects had kyphotic (−12 ± 7°), 39 (27%) straight (0 ± 3°) and 59 (41%) lordotic (12 ± 7°) cervical spines. While demographic and SF36 parameters did not differ between groups, CBVA was found to be significantly different between lordotic and kyphotic groups (2° vs. 6.5° resp., P = 0.002), Subjects in the 3 groups had similar PI, PT, SS, LL and knee flexion ( P > 0.05). However, SVA (L: −2, S: −11, K: −26 mm, P P P Discussion Kyphotic cervical spine subjects presented more posterior global alignment, with smaller TK and decreased T1 slope. These subjects compensated at the lower cervical level with a kyphotic C2C7 and a hyperlordotic upper cervical spine (increased C0C2 and C1C2) in order to maintain horizontal gaze. In contrast, lordotic cervical spine subjects had more anterior global alignment, with larger TK and increased T1 slope. These subjects compensated at the lower cervical level with a lordotic C2C7 and a hypolordotic upper cervical spine (decreased C0C2 and C1C2). Straight cervical spine subjects had an intermediate profile. Asymptomatic subjects can employ different cervical strategies in order to compensate for differences in global alignment in order to maintain horizontal gaze, without alteration of QoL.

Zumba dancing can improve the pain and functional capacity in women with fibromyalgia

IntroductionThe importance of physical exercise for patients with fibromyalgia (FM) is very clear in the literature. Dancing is a type of aerobic exercise that has great acceptance. In addition to the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise, Zumba works on motor coordination and also has socializing as a part that should be included in patients with fibromyalgia. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of Zumba dancing in improving pain, functional capacity, quality of sleep and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia. DesignA pre-post treatment design. MethodsWe evaluated 19 women with fibromyalgia, selected by convenience. Data were collected in the second half of 2016. Zumba dancing was performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated at week 0 (T0) and at week 12 (T12), by the following instruments: VAS (Visual Analogic Scale), Likert Scale, TUG (Timed Up an Go Test), 6MWT (Six-minute Walk Test), FIQ (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and SF-36 quality of life. ResultsWe found differences in pain (VAST0 = 6.21 and VAST12 = 4.53) with p = 0.001 and in the domain physical functioning of SF36 (T0 = 42.37 and T12 = 52.11) with p = 0.04. No differences were found for the other variables between the times. ConclusionZumba dancing as a form of treatment for three months for patients with fibromyalgia was effective in improving pain and physical functioning. Future controlled and randomized clinical trials should be performed to improve the evidence of Zumba dancing in women with fibromyalgia.

Intérêt clinique du traitement ostéopathique chez les patientes ayant une endométriose colorectale : classification fondée sur les symptômes et la qualité de vie

ObjectivesA prospective study to evaluate the clinical impact of osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) on symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of patients with colorectal endometriosis. MethodsForty-six patients with colorectal endometriosis completed the SF-36 QOL and symptoms questionnaire before and after OMT. A comparison and clustering analysis was performed to identify subgroups of patient's profile and symptom classification. ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 32±6.2 years. Prior surgery for endometriosis was recorded in 73.9 % of cases but none for deep infiltrating endometriosis. About three-quarters of the patients were nulliparous. The time between pre- and post-OMT completion of questionnaires was 28 days (15–63), A significant improvement in SF-36 QOL physical component summary (P<0.001) and mental component summary (P<0.001) was observed after OMT. Similarly, a significant improvement in gynecological, digestive and general symptoms values was observed. A clustering analysis allowed to identify four profiles of patients with colorectal endometriosis based on symptoms and a respective OMT gain of 30 %, 60 %, 64 % et 45 %. ConclusionsOur results support that OMT improve QOL and endometriosis symptoms of patients with colorectal endometriosis. Moreover, this symptom classification based on OMT gain can serve to design future randomized trial.

Quality of life and posttraumatic growth after adult burn: A prospective, longitudinal study

Posttraumatic growth is positive psychological change that occurs beyond pre-trauma levels. Understanding the relationship between growth, stress and quality of life after burn improves understanding about the nature of postburn psychological growth and associated quality of life factors. This study aimed to determine the nature of these relationships, and whether posttraumatic growth changed over time in individuals. Two hundred and seventeen surveys were collected from 73 adult burn patients. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Score, SF-36 quality of life and Burns Specific Health Score − Brief surveys, together with demographic and clinical information was collected over a six month period. Acute and non-acute burns were equally represented. Growth and stress were positively correlated (p=0.004), but depression and growth had a curved relationship (p=0.050). Growth scores reduced as affect (p=0.008) and mental health improved (p<0.0001), and were highest at mid-levels of physical recovery (p=0.001). This supports the concept that PTG is linked to coping as higher growth is reported with more stress, and that depression is a barrier to growth. As patients recover both physically and mentally from burn, less growth is reported. Early identification and management of depression is important to optimise growth outcomes.

Low-dose methotrexate in sickle-cell disease: a pilot study with rationale borrowed from rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundInflammation is a major feature of sickle cell disease (SCD). Low-dose methotrexate (MTX) has long been used in chronic inflammatory diseases. This pilot study examined the MTX effect on acute vaso-occlusive pain crises (VOC) in SCD patients.MethodsFourteen adults on hydroxyurea with severe and refractory VOC received one intramuscular injection of 10 mg of MTX per week for 12 weeks. A single weekly dose of 5 mg of leucovorin was administered orally 48 h after each MTX injection. The primary outcome was reduction in number/intensity of acute pain episodes. The secondary outcomes were improvement of quality of life (QOL) and reduction of the inflammatory status.ResultsMTX did not significantly change the median VOC frequency (12 before vs 10.5 during treatment, P = 0.6240) or the median McGill pain index (45 at week 0 vs 39.5 at week 12, P = 0.9311). However, there was a decrease of ≥50% in chronic pain resulting from avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) in 5 out of 7 patients with radiologic evidence of AVN, with the perception of longer pain-free periods. There was a 44.4% median gain in physical function in the SF-36 QOL questionnaire (P = 0.0198). MTX treatment up-regulated two C-X-C motif chemokines (CXCL), CXCL10 (P = 0.0463) and CXCL12 (P < 0.0001), without significant effect on 14 additional plasma inflammatory markers. Adverse events: One individual had fever of unknown origin. Respiratory tract infections were recorded in five patients. Among the latter, one also had dengue fever and another had a central venous line infection and died of pneumonia and septic shock. Three patients with previous history of hydroxyurea-induced hematological toxicity developed low blood platelet counts while receiving simultaneously MTX and hydroxyurea.ConclusionsAlthough MTX did not reduce acute VOC frequency/intensity, it decreased chronic pain and led to QOL improvement.Trial registrationhttp://www.who.int/ictrp/en/ and http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br, RBR-2s9xvn, 19 December 2016, retrospectively registered

Quality of life impairment in Behçet's disease and relationship with disease activity: a prospective study.

Our aim was to prospectively investigate the impact of Behçet's disease (BD), disease activity, and clinical and demographic characteristics on different aspects of quality of life (QoL) measured by the short-form (SF)-36 QoL scale. We administered the SF-36 to 37 consecutive BD patients in different moments of disease activity, and to 23 healthy controls (HC). The eight subcategories of the SF-36 underwent statistical analysis for identifying differences and correlations. Compared to HC, BD patients showed significantly lower mean scores in all SF-36 QoL subscales except mental health and role-emotional. Females showed a poorer QoL compared to males. Disease activity evaluated by the BD Current Activity Form inversely correlated with physical functioning (ρ=-0.68, p<0.0001), bodily pain (ρ=-0.68, p<0.0001), role-physical (ρ=-0.64, p<0.0001), vitality (ρ=-0.64, p<0.0001), general health (ρ=-0.64, p<0.0001), social functioning (ρ=-0.50, p=0.0002), mental health (ρ=-0.48, p=0.0004), and role-emotional (ρ=-0.40, p=0.003). Mucosal, central nervous system (CNS), musculoskeletal and ocular manifestations were the main factors that negatively affected QoL in BD. For ocular disease, physical functioning was significantly impaired in patients with panuveitis compared to other ocular manifestations (p=0.0002). Best-corrected visual acuity was inversely correlated with social functioning (ρ=-0.53, p<0.0001), role-physical (ρ=-0.48, p<0.0001), bodily pain (ρ=-0.46, p=0.02), and mental health (ρ=-0.43, p<0.0001). Patients with BD have a poorer QoL compared to HC, particularly for women, while the decline of QoL is closely related to the overall disease activity of BD. Single organ involvements may affect independently specific SF-36 subscales, especially mucosal, CNS, musculoskeletal, and ocular manifestations.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurrences and quality of life in symptomatic patients: A crossover study of flecainide and pilsicainide

BackgroundThe therapeutic goals of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are to reduce symptoms and prevent severe complications associated with AF. This study compared the efficacy of flecainide versus pilsicainide in reducing the frequency of AF and improving quality of life (QOL) in symptomatic paroxysmal AF patients without structural heart disease. MethodsThe Atrial Fibrillation and Quality Of Life (AF-QOL) study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label crossover study that compared flecainide and pilsicainide as antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Patients were randomized to receive 3 months of treatment with flecainide twice daily or pilsicainide 3 times daily. Each treatment consisted of a dose-finding phase (weeks 1–4) and an efficacy phase (weeks 5–12). Forty-three patients completed the trial. The main outcome was the number of days with documented AF episodes using a patient-operated electrocardiogram. QOL questionnaires (SF-36 and AF-specific QOL scores) were also completed. ResultsThe median (range) AF frequencies (days/8 weeks) were 2 (0–50) in the flecainide treatment group and 1 (0–54) in the pilsicainide treatment group (no significant between-group difference). No significant difference in the first recurrence of AF during the efficacy phase was noted between flecainide and pilsicainide treatments. The frequency and severity scores of AF-related symptoms improved from baseline to the end of the treatment periods. No significant differences in SF-36 or AF-related QOL scores were noted between the treatment groups. ConclusionsThis study found no difference in AF frequency or QOL between symptomatic paroxysmal AF patients who received flecainide or pilsicainide.

Assessment of palliative patients with chemoresistance pulmonary tuberculosis life quality in the conditions of specialized hospital at the corrective labour colony

Objective – to evaluate the quality of life of palliative patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis at a specialized hospital penal colony in terms of the questionnaire of the MOS SF-36 and justify the appropriateness of its application for a differentiated approach in dependence of physical or mentally health components oppression, monitoring their health status. Materials and Methods. Quality of life assessment was performed in 95 patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis who were treated in a specialized tuberculosis hospital at the penal colony. 53 patients of them were on palliative treatment and included into main observation group and comparison group consisted of 42 patients who received antimycobacterial chemotherapy in the maintenance phase of treatment. To determine the norms of quality studied indicators in our region, we have formed a control group consisted of 40 healthy volunteers. For quality of life assessment the questionnaire of the MOS SF-36 was used. Results. Increase the intensity of pain in palliative patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis contributes physical functioning limitation. Acute emotional instability (depression, anxiety and negative emotions) with limited social activity causes low self-esteem of mental state. Such changes ultimately result in inhibition of the viability and general health deterioration. For these patients particular attention should be paid to such scale of life quality assessment asPF,VT and MH as they were significantly lower compared with those drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients with antimycobacterial chemotherapy in maintenance phase of treatment. Conclusions. Drug-resistant tuberculosis in patients who are in palliative care leads to a drastic reduction of all quality of life parameters. Using the questionnaire of the MOS SF-36 for quality of life in palliative patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis assessment is reasonable for a differentiated approach in dependence of physical or mentally health components oppression, health monitoring of these patients.

Effects of mirtazapine on quality of life of Thai patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a physical and mood disorder that affects quality of life (QoL). Mirtazapine, which improves monoaminergic neurotransmission, may benefit patients with FMS. Objectives: To compare the QoL between Thai patients with FMS and healthy Thais, and investigate the effects of mirtazapine in a pilot study. Methods: We compared the QoL between 76 Thai patients with FMS and 80 healthy Thai volunteers (HVs). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial using 40 patients with FMS was conducted using a block design with parallel assignment. QoL data were obtained at week 0 (baseline), and repeatedly for 13 weeks after receiving placebo or mirtazapine 15 or 30 mg/day. Results: The mean baseline of SF-36 QoL was significantly lower in all domains in patients with FMS than in HVs (bodily pain 33 vs 87, general health 36 vs 84, mental health 63 vs 82, physical functioning 59 vs 96, role limitation because of emotional problems 41 vs 92, role limitation because of physical problems 30 vs 96, social functioning 53 vs 93, and vitality 48 vs 75 (scale 0–100, P significantly reduced pain scores and improved all domains except social functioning, while placebo produced no change from baseline. Eight patients withdrew because of adverse events including somnolence and weight gain; no benefit, or lack of compliance. Conclusions: The QoL of patients with FMS is lower than for healthy Thais. Mirtazapine is effective for reducing pain and improving QoL in patients with FMS. Trail registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT00919295. Funding: Office of the Higher Education Commission, Thailand. Keywords: Fibromyalgia, mirtazapine, noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant, pain, quality of life

A prospective study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of symbiotic supplementation (probiotic and prebiotic combination) in stage 5D chronic kidney disease patients

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the major health disorders associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This was a 6 week’s interventional study of orally administered, symbiotic supplement (probiotic with prebiotic) in stage 5D patients of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on twice a week hemodialysis. The objective was to look for safety of symbiotics (Nitrophage ForteTM) and for its anti-inflammatory effects measured by serum hsCRP (Highly specific C reactive protein), IL-6 (Interleukin- 6) and TNF-α (Tumour Necrosis Factor- α) levels. This translating to improvement in the Quality of life (QOL) assessed using SF-36 QOL questionnaire and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scoring. Methods: Subjects on twice a week dialysis for at least 3 months were included. Parameters at baseline (representing previous 3 months) were compared to that at the end of treatment. Oral supplementation of strain specific and unique composition of symbiotic sachet supplementation were administered twice daily containing Lactobacillus acidophilus 400mg, Bifidobacterium longumm 400mg, Streptococcus thermophilus with Fructooligosaccharide 100mg adding to 1 gram was given for 6 weeks.Results: 38 patients out of total 48 enrolled completed the study. Symbiotic therapy was found to be well tolerated with no significant adverse effects. 60.52%, 55.26%, 44.7% of the patients had a decrease in hsCRP, TNF-α and IL-6 respectively. Among responders hsCRP and TNF-α showed significant decrease in levels from the baseline (p &lt;0.05). Modified SF-36 QOL questionnaire mean score revealed significant improvement in general health (p &lt; 0.05). Among secondary parameters renal biomarkers like urea, BUN and sodium showed statistically significant decrease (p &lt;0.05).Conclusions: This study establishes the safety and anti-inflammatory efficacy of this symbiotic supplement. To our knowledge this is the first study looking at anti-inflammatory role of symbiotic in CKD 5D Patients. A placebo controlled, double blinded study with a larger sample size is warranted in future to further establish these findings.

Association of low back pain on physical, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors across a general population sample within Greece.

Although low back pain (LBP) is a debilitating problem internationally, there is not a lot of research on its impact on physical, psychosocial and lifestyle factors. Especially in mediterranean countries, such as Greece, it is not sufficiently explored whether physical (pain location, activity limitation etc.), sociodemographic (education, smoking etc.) or lifestyle factors (i.e. quality of life or anxiety) are influenced by LBP. To estimate LBP prevalence in the Greek general population and explore its association with particular sociodemographic, physical and lifestyle factors. A sample of 3125 people of the Greek adult population was randomly selected by stratified sampling encompassing rural and urban representation within the Greek mainland. An extended survey form was developed entailing three sections; personal (sociodemographic) information, questions on symptomatology and physical factors (i.e. pain characteristics, recurrence, physical disability etc.) and 3 self-administered questionnaires (including mostly lifestyle factors); Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale for anxiety and depression, SF-12 for quality of life (QoL) and Roland-Morris for disability. A total of 471 (15%) people reported LBP (210 males, mean age: 47.04 ± 15.03). Amongst them 60% reported sciatica, 76% suffered recurrent LBP and 70% received specialist care. Low disability levels, moderate to high pain intensity, gender differences and good self-reported QoL and psychosocial status were reported. Sociodemographic characteristics (income, smoking, marital status etc.) were not associated with LBP physical factors, apart from age which correlated with physical disability and wellness (r being 0.446 and 0.405, respectively, p< 0.001). Physical factors (particularly pain intensity and location) correlated with lifestyle factors (QoL) and disability (r ranging between 0.396 and 0.543, p< 0.001). Mental wellness, anxiety and depression (as lifestyle factors) were not associated with sociodemographic or physical factors. Physical parameters were amongst the most prevalent characteristics of the Greek sample, thus offering a direction towards a more targeted treatment and rehabilitation planning. Unlike previous literature, most sociodemographic characteristics were not correlated with any LBP physical or lifestyle factors, thus possibly indicating a different socioeconomic background and aetiology domain to that of the usual non-specific LBP spectrum.

THE EFFECT OF FATIGUE SYNDROME ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF A PATIENT AFTER AN ISCHEMIC STROKE

Background: Fatigue is usually defined as a subjective lack of physical and/or mental energy necessary for doing everyday activities. Fatigue is a subjective condition, and there is not a valid definition of fatigue after a stroke at the moment. Aim: The analysis of frequency of fatigue syndrome in 200 patients after an ischemic stroke and its effect on cognitive functioning and quality of life after an ischemic stroke was conducted. The measuring instruments for the assessment of fatigue used were the Chalder Fatigue Scale, for cognitive functioning the Mini-Mental State Examination, and for the quality of life SF-36, scale for measuring quality of life. Neurological and neuropsychological testings of the participants were conducted three months after an ischemic stroke – first testing, six months after an ischemic stroke – second testing, and twelve months after an ischemic stroke – third testing. Results: Fatigue syndrome was noted in 68% of the patients three months after an ischemic stroke, in 71% in testing after six months, and 70% after twelve months. The mean values of MMSE score in the patients with and without fatigue syndrome was between 28 and 29 in all testings, which indicates that they had normal cognitive functioning. The significance of differences in the MMSE score in the patients with and without fatigue syndrome in the first, second and third testing was tested using HI-squared test and the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.005). In comparison of quality of life between the patients with and without fatigue the results showed that the patients without fatigue syndrome had significantly better quality of life in comparison with the patients with fatigue syndrome in the field of mental and physical health (p< 0.0001). Conclusion: Fatigue syndrome after an ischemic stroke has a significant frequency (68-71%) and duration. Fatigue syndrome does not affect cognitive functioning of patients after an ischemic stroke but it leads to impaired quality of life of patients in all areas.

The effect of applying pressure to the LIV3 and LI4 on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of simple acupressure protocol in LIV3, LI4 and placebo points on the quality of life (QOL) in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). MethodThis paper reports a randomized, single blinded clinical trial. 97 participants (students in of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Iran) with PMS were allocated to three groups to receive 20min acupressure on different acupoints for 14days before menstruation for three consecutive menstrual cycles (training and then two cycles self applied acupressure). The acupoints were LIV3 and LI4; one group received acupressure at a placebo point. Each participant completed the PSST scale (to determine PMS severity), HADS scale (for depression and anxiety), and quality of life SF12. ResultsThe number of people with moderate/severe PMS decreased in LIV3 and LI4 acupressure groups by the second and third cycles compared with the placebo group (p<0.04).Moreover, depression and anxiety scores significantly decreased in the LIV3 and LI4 groups by the second and third cycles compared with the placebo group (p<0.05).Analyzing the score of SF12 fields in the second and third cycles showed a significant difference in all dimensions between the intervention and placebo groups. There was no significant difference between LIV3 and LI4 acupressure groups in decrease of PMS symptoms, anxiety and depression and improving SF12scores (p<0.05). ConclusionPerforming the simple acupressure protocol at LIV3 and LI4 is an effective method to decrease the severity of PMS symptoms, anxiety and depression, and to improve the QOL. Pressure at LIV3 and LI4 appears to be equally effective.