Patients Of Working Age Research Articles

Return to work after hip and knee arthroplasty: qualitative outcome from the Netherlands

Abstract Background Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) are performed daily worldwide. More younger working-age patients are receiving a THA and/or TKA. Outcomes, including Quality-of-Life (QOL), patient satisfaction and Return-to-Work (RTW) are becoming more important and have implications for healthcare budget and health workforce. Clinical recovery pathways should improve patient outcomes and cost-effective care. Insight in patient experiences and expectations regarding RTW remains behind. This study aims to gain insight into influenceable factors in the recovery pathway after THA or TKA that could lead to improved care and enhanced patient participation. Methods In this single-center qualitative study, performed at Zuyderland Medical Center (Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands), 12 patients (n = 6 THA; n = 6 TKA) aged under 65 years were approached to participate. During interviews 6-weeks after arthroplasty, this research explored their RTW experiences in both pre-, and postoperative, in- and outpatient settings. Results In total, 12 employed patients who received a THA (n = 6, mean age 56 ± 7.4 years; female: n = 4, 66%) or a TKA (n = 6, mean age 61 ± 2.6 years; female n = 3, 50%) participated. Own control regarding RTW and a minimal recovery time after the operation was necessary for all patients. During this time, focus on physical therapy and strengthening was most important. RTW was not expected to be the primary goal during the clinical recovery pathway. The RTW topic was said to belong to the occupational physician (OP) and employer. Patients however knowledge that the type of work should gain importance in the consultation room. Patients missed accessible communication between the orthopedic surgeon and OP. Conclusions Overall, patients are satisfied with the current clinical recovery pathway. Intercollegiate communication should be made more accessible. Own control and strengthening self-management in the RTW remain important for all patients. Key messages • Own control and strengthening self-management should have importance in the guidance of working-age patients after THA or TKA. • Intercollegiate communication should be made more accessible.

Long-term phenobarbital treatment is effective in working-age patients with epilepsy in rural Northeast China: a 10-year follow-up study.

Effective management of epilepsy in working-age patients is essential to reduce the burden on individuals, families, and communities. This study aimed to assess the long-term efficacy of phenobarbital (PB) in working-age patients with epilepsy in rural Northeast China and identify the risk factors for seizures during treatment. Patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with convulsive epilepsy in rural areas of Jilin Province between 2010 and 2024 were included, and demographic and clinical data were recorded. Seizure frequency, self-efficacy, adherence, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed monthly. Of the 3,568 participants, 288 (8.1%) withdrew from the study and 159 (4.5%) died. During the first year of treatment, 75.2% of patients experienced a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency compared with baseline (considered as treatment effectiveness); 53.7% of patients were seizure-free. By the tenth year, 97.7% of patients showed treatment effectiveness, and 89.6% were seizure-free. Self-efficacy was improved in 37.8% of patients in the first year and in 72% of patients by the tenth year. The independent risk factors for seizures during treatment were higher baseline seizure frequency [odds ratio (OR) = 1.431, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.122-1.824], presence of multiple seizure types (OR = 1.367, 95% CI: 1.023-1.826), and poor adherence (OR = 14.806, 95% CI: 3.495-62.725), with significant differences observed in the first, third, and fifth years. The most commonly reported AEs were drowsiness (43.3%), dizziness (25.0%), and headaches (17.0%), most of which were mild and decreased over time. Age at enrollment was the only factor influencing withdrawal (hazard ratio = 0.984, 95% CI: 0.973-0.996, p = 0.010), with a substantial number of patients who withdrew (32.6%) relocating for work. Cardiovascular disease was the primary cause of death, and age at enrollment was the only risk factor (hazard ratio = 1.026, 95% CI: 1.009-1.043, p = 0.002). Working-age adults with epilepsy demonstrated a favorable response and tolerability to PB monotherapy. Baseline seizure frequency, seizure type, and adherence consistently predicted prognosis throughout the treatment period. Withdrawal was mainly explained by work-related pressures in this age group. Therefore, it is essential to implement interventions that support patient adherence to therapy and maintain stable regimens.

Work trajectories of patients with persistent complaints after a COVID-19 infection receiving allied healthcare in the Netherlands: a secondary analysis of the ParaCov cohort.

This study identifies work trajectories of patients with persistent complaints after a COVID-19 infection receiving allied healthcare and predictors of return work. A prospective cohort of 1,333 Dutch working-age patients with persistent complaints after a COVID-19 infection receiving allied healthcare between 2021 and 2022 were used. Sequence analysis was conducted to identify work trajectories over time and logistic regression to investigate predictors of return to work. 552 unique work trajectories were identified. The proportion of return to work was 31.4% (n = 419). High health-related quality of life was associated with higher odds of return to work (OR = 1.02; 95%-CI 1.00 to 1.04). Only one-third of patients returned to work 9 months after receiving allied healthcare. Return to work was best predicted by health-related quality of life although the model's accuracy was poor.

Lived experiences of working-age polytrauma patients in Germany - A qualitative Analysis

BackgroundSurvivors of a major trauma experience a range of difficulties in relation to the reduction in physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functions, which can result in a reduced health-related quality of life. This study aims to explore lived experiences of major trauma survivors in the German healthcare system. MethodsSemi-structured exploratory interviews were performed with nine major trauma survivors (18–55 years; Injury Severity Score ≥16). For exploratory analyses, an artificial intelligence-based coding software was used. Further, results were clustered by using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework (ICF). ResultsCommunication was one of the major topics concerning amongst others diverting opinions between different healthcare disciplines and a general lack of information. The participants showed a high demand for a contact person. Furthermore, social support was essential during recovery for those interviewed. Social network was not only important as emotional and physical support but also for overcoming of gaps in the healthcare system. The support by employers and colleagues seemed to be beneficial for our participants in relation to returning to work. Further, psychological consequences of trauma, and that mobility is a key factor for quality of life, self-efficacy and return to work were discussed. DiscussionThe qualitative analyses highlight several topics such as communication, burden of sickness, support systems that the participants mentioned as important along their journey through the German healthcare system during recovery. Through the ICF model the interplay of certain components that influenced the outcome of the major trauma survivors was visualized. ImplicationsThese results might offer a deepened understanding of modifiable components of a patient pathway in recovery process such as improvements of patient communication, provision of a contact person and others.

Working Status in Patients With Untreated Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Descriptive Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) remain untreated if the risk of treatment exceeds the estimated risk of aneurysm rupture, potentially leading to diagnosis-related stress and anxiety. Working status may serve as a marker for the total level of function including mental health and psychological burden of the condition. The aim of the study was to assess the working status before and after a diagnosis of an untreated UIA. METHODS: This was a retrospective nationwide registry-based descriptive longitudinal study. It included all working-age patients diagnosed with an UIA in Norway between 2008 and 2018 and 1:1 age-matched and sex-matched controls without a diagnosis of an intracranial aneurysm that were randomly selected from the Norwegian population. The history of sickness absence in the period of 1 year before and after diagnosis was retrieved from The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration records and compared between the groups. RESULTS: In total, 2141 patients and 2141 controls were included in the study. Proportion of working patients decreased from 62.1% (95% CI 60.0%-64.1%) 1 year before the diagnosis to 51.3% (95% CI 49.1%-53.4%) 1 year after the diagnosis (P < .001). In comparison, the proportion of working controls decreased from 77.9% (95% CI 76.1%-79.6%) 1 year before day 0 to 73.4% (95% CI 71.5%-75.2%) 1 year after day 0 (P = .001). The odds of working were 86.7% lower among the patients than among the controls (odds ratio 0.133, 95% CI 0.091-0.194; P < .001) when controlled for the baseline working status. The older the individuals, the less likely they were to work (odds ratio 0.908, 95% CI 0.889-0.926; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The work participation of patients diagnosed with UIA is low prediagnosis compared with the general population and decreases significantly postdiagnosis.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors and their association with outcomes in working-age patients with arterial hypertension

Most epidemiological studies are devoted to studying the prevalence of risk factors (RFs) for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the general population, but this problem has not been sufficiently studied in people of working age. Purpose. To study the prevalence of CVD risk factors and their relationship with outcomes in working-age patients with arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. Data from 13,994 working-age patients with hypertension who were observed on an outpatient basis were analyzed. The analysis was carried out according to the following CVD risk factors: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, diabetes mellitus (DM), levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, glucose, glomerular filtration rate, risk on the SCORE scale. The effect of risk factors on unfavorable outcome of the disease was also studied. Results. Patients with AH of working age, who were observed and treated on an outpatient basis, had fairly good control of AH (average values – 135/80 mm Hg). Women had lower systolic BP, total cholesterol levels and BMI were higher than men. Men were more likely to have a history of smoking and T2DM. Among all patients, T2DM was detected in 4.7% of cases, while patients with DM were older in age, had a higher BMI, and were more likely to smoke compared to patients without DM. In patients with T2DM, BP control was better (average value – 130/80 mm Hg), the level of total cholesterol did not differ significantly from patients without DM. During the observation period, 234 (1.7%) patients died (from coronary heart disease – 69.7%, from CVD – 30.3%). The following risk factors for unfavorable outcome were identified: age, male gender, increased systolic BP, smoking, presence of diabetes, increased risk score on the SCORE scale.

Patient and Physician Perspectives of Treatment Burden in Multiple Sclerosis.

The number of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has greatly increased in recent decades, leading to higher treatment complexity. DMTs can differ in mode and frequency of administration, benefit-risk profile, and associated costs. Patients with MS contend not only with the burden of their chronic disease but also with the treatment burden of their MS therapy. Adhering to dosing schedules and infusion appointments can be difficult for busy, working-age patients or those with limited access to transportation. Patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) may have differing priorities, concerns, and preferences when selecting treatment, potentially affecting treatment satisfaction and, importantly, adherence. Additionally, patients face direct and indirect costs related to treatment. These factors can all contribute to a high treatment burden on patients, impacting their quality of life and potentially leading to worse patient outcomes. HCPs, patients, and caregivers must work together to alleviate treatment burden through effective communication, shared decision-making, appreciating each other's perspectives, and additional HCP support. Consideration of treatment burden into clinical guidelines is also warranted. In this review, we examine key factors impacting treatment burden for patients with MS, with a focus on the patient perspective as provided by our patient authors, and provide strategies to minimize treatment burden.

Personal independence payments among people who access mental health services: results from a novel data linkage.

Personal independence payment (PIP) is a benefit that covers additional daily living costs people may incur from a long-term health condition or disability. Little is known about PIP receipt and associated factors among people who access mental health services, and trends over time. Individual-level data linking healthcare records with administrative records on benefits receipt have been non-existent in the UK. To explore how PIP receipt varies over time, including PIP type, and its association with sociodemographic and diagnostic patient characteristics among people who access mental health services. A data-set was established by linking electronic mental health records from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust with administrative records from the Department for Work and Pensions. Of 143 714 working-age patients, 37 120 (25.8%) had received PIP between 2013 and 2019, with PIP receipt steadily increasing over time. Two in three patients (63.2%) had received both the daily living and mobility component. PIP receipt increased with age. Those in more deprived areas were more likely to receive PIP. The likelihood of PIP receipt varied by ethnicity. Patients diagnosed with a severe mental illness had 1.48 odds (95% CI 1.42-1.53) of having received PIP, compared with those with a different psychiatric diagnosis. One in four people who accessed mental health services had received PIP, with higher levels seen among those most likely in need, as indicated by a severe mental illness diagnosis. Future research using this data-set could explore the average duration of PIP receipt in people who access mental health services, and re-assessment patterns by psychiatric diagnosis.

Estimation of the Clinical, Economic, and Social Burden of Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Mexico.

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of death among cancer patients worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the clinical, economic, and social burdens of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in private and public healthcare centers in Mexico, utilizing real-world evidence. The study population included patients >18 years of age diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC who received cancer treatment at the Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI (IMSS), the Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre" (ISSSTE), the Mexican Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), and the Medical Center ABC (American British Cowdray) from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. The analysis included evaluation of epidemiological data, treatment regimens, and clinical outcomes, and emphasized pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, including detailed follow-up investigations, as part of comprehensive clinical management. Additionally, the study assessed the social burden through variables such as working-age absenteeism and presenteeism and caregiver productivity loss, as well as economic burden, considering both clinical and social components, with costs adjusted to 2022 Mexican pesos (MXN) values. A total of 188 patients with metastatic NSCLC were studied. The main type of NSCLC tumor found in the sample was adenocarcinoma (81%). Treatment regimens included pharmacological treatments (78%), non-pharmacological treatments (25%), and palliative care (24%). Complications were present in 73% of the cohort, while 60% presented adverse events. Clinical management costs of up to MXN1,001,579 per patient in the public sector and MXN2,140,604 in the private sector were reported. It was estimated that working-age patients lose 84-335 days yearly due to absenteeism and presenteeism, while caregivers report a productivity loss equivalent to 13-30 days due to the management of NSCLC patients. These indirect costs of NSCLC contribute to the social burden. A working-age patient with stage IV disease is associated with an average indirect cost of MXN49,731-178,287 in public institutions, while in private institutions, the cost elevates to MXN438,103. This study highlights the substantial clinical, economic, and social burdens of stage IV NSCLC in Mexico, revealing significant disparities between public and private healthcare sectors. It underscores the urgent need for standardized practices and equitable care across all systems.

Earnings and work loss after colon and rectal cancer: a Swedish nationwide matched cohort study

Colorectal cancer is common and prognosis is improving. The conditions of survivors of treatment, including financial consequences, are thus important. The aim of this study was to quantify loss of earnings and work loss in working-age patients with colon and rectal cancer relative to matched comparators. The study utilised data from the CRCBaSe database that is generated from the nationwide Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Register and includes data from several Swedish nationwide registers. The study period was 1995-2020 for rectal cancer patients and 2007-2020 for colon cancer patients. A retrospective population-based nationwide cohort study on earnings, disposable income, and work loss, in survivors of stage I-III colorectal cancer treatment was undertaken. Median regression was used to analyse earnings and disposable income, and logistic regression to analyse the probability of work loss. A cohort of 8863 colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed before 2017 and 52,514 comparators matched on birth year, legal sex, and county of residence, was analysed. There was a clear reduction in earnings between the calendar year prior to and the calendar year after diagnosis, from € 31,319 to € 23,924 for colon cancer patients and from € 32,636 to € 22,647 for rectal cancer patients, and earnings never fully recovered during the 5-year follow-up. Disposable income was practically unaltered. The probability of work loss increased in the calendar year of diagnosis, from 29.8% to 25.3% the previous year to 83.3% and 84.4% for colon and rectal cancer patients respectively, and never fully recovered. The probability of work loss was similar between colon and rectal cancer survivors, but was higher among patients with rectal cancer who had received neoadjuvant therapy. This study shows that despite an extensive welfare system providing maintained disposable income, there is a financial burden in the form of increased risk of work loss and a reduction in earnings among survivors of colorectal cancer. The study was supported by the Swedish Cancer Society, the Swedish Cancer and Allergy Foundation, and the Stockholm Cancer Society, and supported by grants provided by the Regional Agreement on Medical Training and Clinical Research (ALF) between the Stockholm County Council and Karolinska Institutet.

Labor Market Participation Among Working-Age Heart Failure Patients With a Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device.

Labor market participation is an important rehabilitation goal for working-age patients living with heart failure (HF). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces mortality and HF hospitalizations and improves quality of life, but no studies have investigated labor market participation following CRT. We therefore aimed to describe labor market participation in patients with HF before and after CRT implantation. This region-wide register-based cohort study comprised patients with HF aged 40 to 63 yr, with ejection fraction ≤35% and QRS duration >130 milliseconds, who received a CRT system from 2000 to 2017 in the Central Denmark Region. Using unambiguous, individual-level linkage in Danish medical and administrative registries, we assessed weekly employment status from 1 yr prior to CRT implantation until 2 to 5 yr of follow-up and conducted stratified analyses by sociodemographic and disease-related risk factors. We identified 546 patients, of whom 42% were in early retirement 1 yr prior to implantation. Active employment decreased from 45% to 19% from 1 yr before until implantation, declining primarily in the last 8 wk before implantation. The proportion of patients in active employment increased in the first 8 wk after CRT implantation and then stabilized, reaching 31% at 1-yr follow-up. We observed lower labor market participation in patients with older age, multimorbidity, lower educational level, and upgrade procedures, but higher in later calendar year. In working-age patients with HF, labor market participation increased after CRT implantation, despite many patients being retired prior to implantation. We observed differences in active employment related to several sociodemographic and disease-related factors.

Influence of age on financial toxicity in cancer patients

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the level of financial toxicity (FT) experienced by the following three age groups of cancer patients in China: young working-aged patients (age < 40 years), middle-aged patients (40–64 years), and older patients (≥ 65 years). MethodsThe data used for this study were collected via a cross-sectional survey conducted in China. FT was assessed using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST). ANOVA was used to examine the differences in FT status between age groups. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to assess the association between age and FT, adjusted by socioeconomic and other clinical characteristics. ResultsA total of 556 cancer patients completed the survey. Approximately 54.3% of the participants were male and 45.7% were female. The majority (61.5%) were aged 40–64 years, while 27.7% were aged 65 or older. The mean FT scores for young patients (< 40 years), middle-aged patients (40–64 years), and older patients (≥ 65 years) were 16.7, 12.8, and 12.4, respectively. The results of the regression analysis revealed that, without adjusting for background characteristics, young patients had significantly higher mean COST scores. This suggests they experienced lower levels of FT compared to patients in other age groups. Stratified analysis revealed that, for older patients, only educational level and type of insurance scheme were significant factors in predicting the COST score. ConclusionsThis study provides empirical evidence for developing targeted interventions and policies to reduce the FT for patients in different age groups. Given that FT is complicated, a longitudinal study should be conducted to explore the long-term impact of FT on cancer patients' quality of life and well-being.

278 Outpatient "Did Not Attend" Episodes: A Cohort Study Investigating Influencing Factors

Abstract Aim Outpatient "Did Not Attend" (DNA) episodes represent a significant financial burden to healthcare systems, with an estimated cost of £1 billion for the NHS. Understanding factors that contribute to DNA episodes is crucial for optimizing healthcare resource utilization. We examined a cohort of outpatient clinics within the general surgery department at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to identify factors associated with DNA episodes. Method A prospectively collected database of all outpatient clinics was interrogated from 01/01/2021, to 31/03/2023. Information on patient age, gender, appointment type (new vs. follow-up, face-to-face vs. remote), index of multiple deprivation (IMD) decile, and driving distance was recorded for each clinic attendance. Results Of 19,769 clinic appointments, 1,509 (8%) resulted in DNAs. Disproportionate number of patients with DNAs resided in the lowest IMD decile (19%), compared to other deciles (range: 6.4%-10%). Driving distance did not differ between attended (median: 16 km, IQR: 6-30 km) and DNA groups (median: 15 km, IQR: 5-30 km). DNA rates did not vary between remote (8%) and face-to-face (7%) clinics. Multivariable binary logistic regression found older age, IMD, and hospital site as predictors of outpatient DNA. Individuals who were younger and from the lowest IMD decile were more likely to DNA. Conclusions Outpatient DNA is multifactorial. Travel distance/duration and remote consultations did not influence attendance in our cohort. Working-age patients and those residing in lower IMD deciles were more likely to DNA. Solely relying on remote consultations may not be sufficient to effectively address DNA episodes.

Universal Credit receipt among working-age patients who are accessing specialist mental health services: results from a novel data linkage study

BackgroundIn 2013, Universal Credit (UC) was introduced by the UK Government. Understanding of how UC provision is allocated among people with mental disorders, and its intersection with protected characteristics is...

Predictors of work inability after acute myocardial infarction in Switzerland

This study aimed to examine whether acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in Switzerland return to work and identify factors associated therewith. Data of 4315 working-age AMI patients enrolled in the Swiss AMIS Plus registry between 01/2006 and 09/2021 with 1-year follow-up and self-reported work status were analyzed. Patient characteristics were compared between those who did not reduce their work hours, those who reduced, and those who were no longer working 1 year after AMI. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze independent predictors of working ability. Of the patients, 3204 (74.3%) did not reduce their work hours, 592 (13.7%) reduced and 519 (12.0%) were no longer working 1 year after AMI. Women were more likely to reduce or stop working. Patients who did not reduce were more frequently young and male. Multinomial logistic regression showed that work reduction was associated with female sex and a Killip class > 2 at admission whereas stopping work was associated with female sex and comorbidities. A high rate of AMI patients in Switzerland (88%) return to work 1 year after AMI. Approximately 1 in 8 did not return to work and approximately 1 in 7 reduced their work hours. Important factors associated with reducing or no longer working after AMI were female sex, older age and a higher proportion of comorbidities.

Cumulative costs of severe traffic injuries in Finland: a 2-year retrospective observational study of 252 patients

Road traffic injuries cause considerable financial strain on health care systems worldwide. We retrospectively analyzed injury-related costs of 252 severely injured (New Injury Severity Score, NISS ≥ 16) patients treated at Tampere University Hospital (TAUH) between 2013 and 2017, with 2-year follow-up. The costs were divided into direct treatment, indirect costs, and other costs. We analyzed various injury- and patient-related factors with costs. The total costs during the 2-year study period were 20 million euros. Median cost was 41,202 euros (Q1 23,409 euros, Q3 97,726 euros), ranging from 2,753 euros to 549,787 euros. The majority of costs (69.1%) were direct treatment costs, followed by indirect costs (28.4%). Other costs were small (5.4%). Treatment costs increased with the severity of the injury or when the injury affected the lower extremities or the face. Indirect costs were higher in working age patients and in patients with a higher level of education. The relative proportions of direct and indirect costs were constant regardless of the amount of the total costs. The largest share of costs was caused by a relatively small proportion of high-cost patients during the 1st year after injury. Combined, this makes planning of resource use challenging and calls for further studies to further identify factors for highest costs.

Analysis of the quality of surgical care for patients with consequences of gunshot combat wounds of the maxillofacial area

One of the most pressing problems of maxillofacial surgery (MFS) is the provision of specialized medical care to the wounded and injured in combat conditions. Even more complex tasks are reconstructive surgical treatment at the stages of evacuation and the most complete rehabilitation of patients with the consequences of combat injuries to the maxillofacial area (MFA). Gunshot combat wounds of the MFA are characterized by severe anatomical and functional disorders, they can manifest themselves as significant defects and severe deformations, which in turn leads to an increase in sanitary losses of army personnel, disability of young and middle (working) age patients, a decrease in the quality of their life, long-term and expensive treatment that requires special knowledge and manual skills from specialists. All this determines not only the medical, but also the socio-economic significance of the topic of this study.Objective. Present an analysis of the quality of surgical care provided to patients with consequences of gunshot combat wounds of the MFA.Methods. The study was carried out by specialists from the State Budgetary Healthcare Institution «Maxillofacial Hospital for War Veterans» of the Moscow Department of Health, under the guidance of the chief, PhD, professor, main specialist in MFS – V.A. Belchenko, for the period from October 2022 to July 2023. Diagnosis, planning and surgical treatment of adult patients with the consequences of gunshot combat wounds of the MFA were carried out at the stages of treatment and evacuation measures. A sample of medical documentation was made, the data obtained was processed by the generally accepted statistical method. The results were analyzed and compared with data from similar studies.Results. The study group included 55 males, aged from 23 to 56 years, the average age of the patients was 36.16±7.79 years. We divided the studied patients into subgroups according to the conditional zones of damage to the MFA: 1st – upper zone of the face (n=3, 5.45%), 2nd – middle zone of the face (n=28; 50.91%), 3rd – lower zone of the face ( n=32; 58.18%). The number of patients with isolated injuries is 18.18% (n=10); with multiple – 81.81% (n=45); with combined – 72.72% (n=40). The article presents the characteristics of patients with the pathology under study, discusses some features of diagnosis and planning, discusses tactics and problems associated with the surgical stage of treatment, as well as further rehabilitation measures.Conclusion. Despite the emergence of new medical equipment, equipment for diagnostics, planning and solving complex problems of surgical intervention, there is a clear need for training specialists, developing and improving the applied medical recommendations, with a clear indication of the method of choosing tactics and methods of surgical treatment. Medical care for adult patients with the consequences of gunshot combat wounds of the MFA must be comprehensive and carried out on the basis of specialized centers, and must include both surgical and orthopedic components, which will minimize the number of errors and complications, increase the effectiveness of treatment and, as a result, make rehabilitation as complete as possible.

Beyond VEGF: Angiopoietin-Tie Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Retinopathy.

Complications from diabetic retinopathy such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) constitute leading causes of preventable vision loss in working-age patients. Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of these complications, VEGF inhibitors have been the cornerstone of their treatment. Anti-VEGF monotherapy is an effective but burdensome treatment for DME. However, due to the intensive and burdensome treatment, most patients in routine clinical practice are undertreated, and therefore, their outcomes are compromised. Even in adequately treated patients, persistent DME is reported anywhere from 30% to 60% depending on the drug used. PDR is currently treated by anti-VEGF, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or a combination of both. Similarly, a number of eyes, despite these treatments, continue to progress to tractional retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Clearly there are other molecular pathways other than VEGF involved in the pathogenesis of DME and PDR. One of these pathways is the angiopoietin-Tie signaling pathway. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) plays a major role in maintaining vascular quiescence and stability. It acts as a molecular brake against vascular destabilization and inflammation that is usually promoted by angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). Several pathological conditions including chronic hyperglycemia lead to Ang2 upregulation. Recent regulatory approval of the bi-specific antibody, faricimab, may improve long term outcomes in DME. It targets both the Ang/Tie and VEGF pathways. The YOSEMITE and RHINE were multicenter, double-masked, randomized non-inferiority phase 3 clinical trials that compared faricimab to aflibercept in eyes with center-involved DME. At 12 months of follow-up, faricimab demonstrated non-inferior vision gains, improved anatomic outcomes and a potential for extended dosing when compared to aflibercept. The 2-year results of the YOSEMITE and RHINE trials demonstrated that the anatomic and functional results obtained at the 1 year follow-up were maintained. Short term outcomes of previously treated and treatment-naive eyes with DME that were treated with faricimab during routine clinical practice suggest a beneficial effect of faricimab over other agents. Targeting of Ang2 has been reported by several other means including VE-PTP inhibitors, integrin binding peptide and surrobodies.

Factors Affecting the Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Over time, it can lead to serious complications in the eyes, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and nerves, being the leading cause of blindness among working-age patients. This descriptive observational cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the factors affecting the awareness of the general adult diabetic population about their chronic disease and its complications. A survey was distributed anonymously among diabetic patients in different parts of Jordan over four months (January 2023-April 2023), targeting diabetic patients (DMT2 or adults DMT1). The link was sent via WhatsApp to willing candidates. Data collected included age, sex, region, education, home blood sugar (BS) testing, knowledge about cumulative blood sugar test (HbA1c), eye affection by DM, optician role, and doctor and nutritionist follow-up visits. A chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test explored the association between categorical data; a z-test was applied for column proportion differences. An alpha level of 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28 (Released 2021; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) was used for data analysis. The sample comprised 447 diabetic adults aged 18-80 years. The majority were school-educated or school leavers (278; 62.2%); 20 (4.5%) held a master's or PhD degree. The largest group had DM for one to five years. Insulin was the sole treatment for 188 patients (42.1%), while oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) were used by 170 patients (38%) as the only anti-DM medication. A total of 174 patients (38.9%) had never been seen by an ophthalmologist, and 153 (34.2%) believed an optometrist checkup suffices. Although 381 (85.2%) reported knowing DM affects the eyes, 272 (60.9%) believed they needed to see an ophthalmologist only when experiencing eye symptoms. Less than half (186; 41.6%) had an HbA1c reading of 7% or less. There was a significant correlation between education level and awareness of DM and diabetic retinopathy (DR): HbA1c, regular home BS checkups, early DR symptoms, and optometrist visits. Significant variations in awareness were noted across Jordan's major areas. Diabetics with abnormal HbA1c who visited a nutritionist were almost triple those who did not. The main information source about DM and DR was the treating physician for 298 (66.7%) respondents. Awareness of DM and DR in Jordan is not satisfactory for assisting patients in their long journey with minimal complications. A national awareness campaign utilizing social media and a sustainable screening program prioritizing the north, south, and middle regions of Jordan are needed.

Employment rates for working-age patients receiving hemodialysis increasing: Changing economic environment.

This study explored employment trends among working-age patients undergoing hemodialysis using 5-year surveys from 1996 to 2021. Policy changes affecting individuals with disabilities, the economic environment, and employment status among the general population in Japan were considered. Differences in trends by gender and health status were examined. Employment status was categorized into employment and nonemployment; and regular, nonregular, and self. Analytical data with similar characteristics were generated over the six surveys using the propensity score method. The employment rate, especially among women, increased from 1996 to 2021. However, the employment rate ratio to the general population was approximately 80% for men and 50% for women, even in 2021. The employment rate increased with an expansion in nonregular employment. Women's employment trends could be explained by changes in real gross domestic product and employment quotas for individuals with disabilities. Employment trends differ by gender and by regular versus nonregular employment.