Social Activities Of Patients Research Articles

Electrocautery versus Ultracision versus LigaSure in Surgical Management of Hyperhidrosis.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the sympathectomy procedures for primary hyperhidrosis in terms of complications and effectiveness. From January 2010 to September 2012 we performed 130 sympathectomies in 65 patients, 27 males (42%) and 38 females (58%). Electrocoagulation was used in 20 procedures (15%), ultrasonic scalpel in 54 (42%), and radiofrequency dissector in 56 (43%). Seven patients (11%) underwent bilateral sympathectomy in the same surgical session, while in 58 (89%) the right surgical approach was delayed 30 days from the first procedure. We noticed 12 complications (9%): (a) chest pain in 6 patients (4 with electrocoagulation, 1 with ultrasonic scalpel, and 1 with radiofrequency dissector), which disappeared in 20 ± 1 day; (b) paresthesias in 3 electrocoagulation patients, was solved in 23 ± 5 days; (c) bradycardia in 1 ultrasonic patient, normalized in 4th postoperative hour; (d) unilateral relapse in 2 electrocoagulation patients after the second side approach, positively treated in 1 patient by resurgery in video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT). The quality-adjusted life year and the quality of life evaluation revealed a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.02) in excessive sweating and general satisfaction after surgery, with Ultracision and LigaSure showing better findings than electrocoagulation. The latest generation devices offered greater efficacy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, minimizing complications and facilitating the resumption of normal work and social activity of patients.

Association of cognitive impairment with magnetic resonance imaging findings and social activities in patients with multiple sclerosis

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the association of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and social activity with cognitive function in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsThe Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological tests (BRB‐N) was carried out in 184 Japanese patients with MS, and 163 controls matched for age, sex and education. MRI findings of cerebral, brainstem, and cerebellar lesions and social activities of MS patients were further examined.ResultsMS patients with higher numbers of cerebral lesions on MRI had lower scores in most BRB‐N tests. BRB‐N scores in the majority of tests were significantly lower in patients with brainstem and cerebellar lesions. Data from an analysis of variance model in which only the main effects of cerebral, brainstem and cerebellar lesions were hypothesized showed an association of cerebral lesions with decreased scores in all BRB‐N tests, except symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT). In contrast, cerebellar lesions were associated with decreased SDMT and PASAT scores. Patients categorized as “unemployed because of MS” had lower BRB‐N scores than other social activity groups. Lower SDMT scores had an effect on the “unemployed because of MS” group, whereas the Expanded Disability Status Scale had a significantly greater negative impact on patients in this social category.ConclusionsHigher numbers of brain lesions on MRI could have an impact on cognitive function in patients with MS, and impairment of information processing appears significantly associated with cerebellar lesions. Cognitive impairment affects the employment status of patients with MS.

Relationship between Exercise Habits and Social Activities of Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancers after Discharge from Hospital

〔目的〕がんの進行や治療の過程で生じた能力低下により，がん患者は罹患前と同様に社会活動を行うことは難しい．本研究では消化器がん患者の退院後の社会活動に習慣的な運動が関与するかを検討した．〔対象〕外来診察時に調査が可能であった術後消化器がん患者53名を対象とした．〔方法〕自己記入式アンケートを実施し，community integration questionnaire（CIQ）日本語版を用いて社会活動状況の運動習慣の有無による違いを評価した．〔結果〕対象の43.4％に運動習慣があったが，CIQ総得点は運動習慣の有無による統計学的有意差を示さなかった．〔結語〕今回の対象者は健常者より社会活動が減少していた．要因として運動以外の身体活動の減少が考えられ，性や家族構成を配慮した介入が必要である．

Quality of life in women with female pattern hair loss and the impact of topical minoxidil treatment on quality of life in these patients

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common hair loss disorder in women and it may impact on the psychological and social activities of patients, thereby reducing their quality of life (QoL). Topical minoxidil has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of patients with FPHL. The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of patients with FPHL and investigate whether topical minoxidil solution treatment improves the QoL of these patients. In this study, we enrolled 125 female patients aged 16–72 years to answer visual analog scale (VAS) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaires. Of these patients, 31 were recruited for the follow-up study after 12 months of treatment with 2% minoxidil. Each index and the change in QoL prior to and following treatment were statistically analyzed. There was identified to be a correlation between clinical severity and the values of the indices in all patients. There was a statistically significant difference between the VAS and DLQI scores prior to and following treatment with 2% minoxidil. A comparison between the good responders (n=23) and the poor responders (n=8) revealed no significant difference in the improvement of VAS and DLQI scores. The QoL of the patients was severely impaired by FPHL. The DLQI and VAS used in this study were validated as useful indices for the evaluation of QoL due to their high reliability, sensitivity and simplicity. This evaluation is recommended for the management of FPHL treatment. The results of the study demonstrated that topical minoxidil improved the QoL of the patients.

Influence of Fuzheng Huayu Tablet (扶正化瘀片) on mental state and social function of patients with post-hepatitis B liver cirrhosis

To observe the influence of Fuzheng Huayu Tablet on mental state and social activity of patients with post-hepatitis B liver cirrhosis (LC-HB). Adopting grouped randomized double-blinded control method, 180 LC-HB patients in 3 research centers were distributed to 2 groups, the treated group and the control group, 90 in each group. Patients in the treated group were administered with FZHYT; while those in the control group treated with conventional therapy combined with placebo, the course for all patients were 6 months. Their mental state and social activity were evaluated before treatment, after 3 months' treatment and at terminal of the 6-month therapeutic course by estimating with Zung self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and social deficit screening scale (SDSS). Additionally, the basic demographic materials, liver function, cirrhosis index, hepatic and splenic images, blood coagulation function, etc. in the patients were tested and compared as well. As compared with before treatment, the normal rate of SAS and SDS scores increased and the social deficit rate decreased in the treated group significantly after treatment, showing statistical significance (P<0.05 or P<0.01); while in the control group, change was only shown in the social deficit (P<0.01), inter-group comparisons after treatment showed significant differences in all the three indexes (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, after treatment, levels of liver function, cirrhosis, blood coagulation function and splenomegaly in the treated group were all improved significantly P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the improvements were better than those in the control group (P<0.01) in levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), type IV collagen (IV-C), prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA). Most patients of LC-HB have mental disturbance and social activity deficit, which could definitely be improved by intervention with Chinese FZHYT.

Promoting social activities in patients with meningomyelocele

Promoting social activities in patients with meningomyelocele

La vie quotidienne et sociale des patients insuffisants respiratoires chroniques sévères pris en charge dans le réseau ANTADIR

Chronic respiratory failure (CRF) has an impact on quality of life because of respiratory handicap. The purpose of this study was to analyse the daily life and social activities of patients with CRF. A questionnaire was addressed to over 9000 patients being cared for in the ANTADIR homecare network, with over a 60% response rate. The data showed that patients were old, and frequently had comorbidity. The predominant diagnosis was chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD) and the number of women in this population continues to increase. Respiratory handicap led to a loss of autonomy, a reduction in social activity and mobility of patients, but the impact differed markedly according to the cause of the respiratory failure, as well as age and social class. A typological study of behavioural characteristics revealed three groups of patients with contrasting profiles. These results lead to recommendation for better management of social aspects of patient care in the ANTADIR network.

Surgical Management of Ameloblastoma in the Mandible: Segmental Mandibulectomy and Immediate Reconstruction With Free Fibula or Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Flap (Evaluation of the Long-Term Esthetic and Functional Results)

Ameloblastoma is responsible for 1% of all the oral and maxillomandibular cysts and tumors. It is odontogenic in origin and benign in nature but it has a high percentage of local recurrence rate and possible malignant development when treated inadequately. With the advancement of craniofacial surgical techniques, use of free flaps for mandibular reconstruction, and dental rehabilitation (such as osseointegration), the segmental mandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction with free flaps are beginning to be used more effectively for the treatment of the mandibular ameloblastoma. The aim of this article is to evaluate the clinical results of the patients with mandibular ameloblastoma who were treated with segmental mandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction with free flaps. We present 11 patients who had segmental mandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction with free deep circumflex iliac artery or fibular flap for treatment of mandibular ameloblastoma. The average age of the patients was 25.4 years (range, 18-38 years). The patients were followed up for a mean of 29.3 months (range, 17-38 months). The functional and esthetic results were also evaluated by using a questionnaire in the long term. The questionnaire consisted of questions addressing oral continence, diet, social activities, speech, and facial appearance. All flaps survived totally. Recurrence was not detected during the follow-up period. It was found that all patients had good esthetic and functional results after immediate reconstruction. The social activities of patients also were not affected after treatment. We experienced that segmental mandibulectomy with safe borders and immediate reconstruction with free fibula flap or deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap is an ideal treatment method for mandibular ameloblastoma. The functional and esthetic results are also detected as very satisfactory for the patients.

Successful surgical management and long-term follow-up of epidermolysis bullosa.

Esophageal stenosis and hand deformity are serious complications of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa that influence the prognosis of patients. To control such complications we have used surgical treatments with favorable results. Additional objectives were to summarize the results of long-term follow-up. Six patients with esophageal stenosis and nine patients (13 hands) with hand deformity (contracted fingers, mitten-like deformity) were treated surgically after anemia and malnutrition were corrected by intravenous iron infusion, high-energy diet, and blood transfusion. As intubation was contraindicated, topical anesthesia was used (eg., lidocaine spray to the nasopharyngeal mucosa for esophageal dilatation and brachial block, ketamine drip, and nitrous oxide inhalation for reconstruction of contracted fingers). We established a new method for esophageal dilatation using a microvasive rigiflex balloon catheter. This catheter was advanced to the stenotic area under radiography and then expanded by injecting contrast medium into the balloon. For reconstruction of hand deformities, the epidermal glove was initially peeled off, and then the combined digits separated carefully by hand. If the release of the contracture was not sufficient, a skin incision was made avoiding injury to nerves and blood vessels. Any skin defects that appeared after the release of the contracture were covered with skin grafts taken from the abdominal wall. K-wire fixation was used to maintain the extended position of the fingers. Three weeks after the operation, the K-wires were removed and rehabilitation was commenced. The esophageal stenosis was successfully dilated with the balloon catheter; in all six cases the dysphagia was relieved immediately. There was no recurrence in any of the patients on long-term follow-up. After reconstruction of the hand, daily activity improved in 12 of the 13 hands. The remaining hand was difficult to reconstruct due to severe mutilation and bone deformity. During follow-up, 6 of the 12 hands maintained successful reconstruction, whereas the remaining 6 hands showed slight to moderate recontraction of the fingers. Esophageal dilatation with a balloon catheter is safer and has fewer side effects compared to other surgical procedures. This method can provide favorable results and can be carried out repeatedly in a short time. Daily and social activities of patients can be improved upon reconstruction of hand deformities.