scholarly journals How often do primary care veterinarians record the overweight status of dogs?

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola C. Rolph ◽  
Peter-John M. Noble ◽  
Alexander J. German
Keyword(s):  
Relative Frequency ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Control Study

AbstractObesity is a prevalent medical condition in dogs caused by the excess accumulation of fat, with negative effects on quality of life, longevity and the risk of developing associated pathologies. However, it is unclear how frequently first-opinion veterinarians record dogs as overweight (OW) or obese in medical records, and what factors determine when they do. Data sourced through the Small Animal Surveillance Network were used to determine the relative frequency of recording OW status (obesity or OW) in dogs presented to the UK first-opinion practices. Cases were identified using a search of clinical record-free text for relevant keywords. A case–control study was then conducted, comparing dogs where the OW status was recorded with a control group of obese dogs with no diagnosis recorded. Of 49 488 consultations, the OW status was recorded in 671 dogs (relative frequency 1·4 %). Using multiple logistic regression, the OW status of a dog was more likely to be recorded when the consultation was for osteoarthritis (OR 5·42; 95 % CI 2·09, 14·07; P < 0·001) or lameness (OR 2·02; 95 % CI 1·20, 3·42; P = 0·006). Furthermore, the OW status was more commonly recorded in dogs that were members of a practice health scheme (OR 5·35; 95 % CI 1·57, 18·17; P = 0·04) and less commonly recorded in microchipped dogs (OR 0·43; 95 % CI 0·41, 0·91; P = 0·02). These results suggest that OW and obesity are underdiagnosed in the first-opinion practice. However, a presentation for orthopaedic disease appears a key prompt for recording the OW status. Further studies are now warranted to determine the reasons for such marked underdiagnosis.

scholarly journals The Effects of Menorrhagia on Women’s Quality of Life: A Case-Control Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sule Gokyildiz ◽  
Ergul Aslan ◽  
Nezihe Kizilkaya Beji ◽  
Meltem Mecdi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Sanitary Pads ◽  
Control Study

Objective. The purpose of this study is to identify menstruation characteristics of the women and the effects of menorrhagia on women’s quality of life. Methods. The study was designed as a descriptive, case-control one. Results. Of the women in the case group, 10.9% stated that their menstrual bleeding was severe and very severe before complaints while 73.2% described bleeding as severe or very severe after complaints. Among those who complained about menorrhagia, 46.7% pointed that they used hygienic products that are more protective than regular sanitary pads. Women also stated that their clothes, bed linens, and furniture got dirty parallel to the severity of the bleeding. In all subscales of SF-36 scale, quality of life of the women in the menorrhagia group was significantly lower than the ones in the control group (). Conclusion. Menorrhagia has negative effects on women’s quality of life. Therefore, quality of life of the women consulting the clinics with menorrhagia complaint should be investigated and effective approaches should be designed.

scholarly journals What will ‘taking back control’ mean for social policy in the UK? Brexit, public services and social rights

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-517
Author(s):  
Kitty Stewart ◽  
Kerris Cooper ◽  
Isabel Shutes
Keyword(s):  
Social Policy ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Social Rights ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Decision To Leave ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Eu Membership ◽  
Take Back ◽  
The Uk

While social policy falls predominantly under national rather than European Union (EU) jurisdiction, there are nonetheless multiple ways in which social policy and social outcomes in EU member states have been affected by EU membership. This paper draws on existing evidence and analysis to review the consequences for UK social policy of the decision to leave the EU. We focus predominantly on the implications of the British government’s pledge to ‘take back control’ of money, borders and laws. Our conclusion is that Brexit is likely to have negative effects on the quality of public services and, for some groups in particular, social rights, and that these effects are likely to be greater the more distant are the future trading and wider relationships between the UK and the EU27.

scholarly journals Use of cefovecin in a UK population of cats attending first-opinion practices as recorded in electronic health records

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 687-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Burke ◽  
Vicki Black ◽  
Fernando Sánchez-Vizcaíno ◽  
Alan Radford ◽  
Angie Hibbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Body System ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Alternative Antimicrobials

Objectives The objective was to use electronic health records to describe the use of cefovecin (Convenia; Zoetis UK), a third-generation long-acting injectable antimicrobial, in a UK population of cats attending first-opinion practices, and to compare the use of Convenia with the licensed uses described on the UK Convenia datasheet. Methods Data were obtained as an Excel database from the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network for all feline consultations containing the word Convenia and/or cefovecin from 1 September 2012 to 23 September 2013 inclusive. Entries were classified according to body system treated, confirmation or suspicion of an abscess, evidence of microbiological evaluation being performed, any concurrent therapies given and whether any reason was given for use of Convenia over alternative antimicrobials. Data were exported to IBM SPSS Statistics and descriptive analysis performed. Results In total, 1148 entries were analysed. The most common body system treated was skin in 553 (48.2%) entries, then urinary (n = 157; 13.7%) and respiratory (n = 112; 9.8%). Microbiological evaluation was recorded in 193 (16.8%) entries, with visible purulent material most commonly cited (in 147 [12.8%] entries). A reason for prescribing Convenia over alternative antimicrobials was given in 138 (12.0%) entries; the most cited was an inability to orally medicate the cat in 77 (55.8%) of these entries. Excluding 131 entries where no body system or multiple body systems were described, the use of Convenia complied with a licensed use in the UK datasheet in 710 (69.8%) of 1017 entries. Conclusions and relevance Most administrations were licensed uses; however, most entries did not describe any microbiological evaluation, or a reason for prescribing Convenia over alternative antimicrobials. Further education of the public and the veterinary profession is needed to promote antimicrobial stewardship in the UK. Health records provide a valuable tool with which to monitor, both locally and at scale, the use of important therapeutics like antimicrobials. Information relevant to decision-making should be recorded in individual animal health records.

Serum ischemia-modified albumin levels in adolescent smokers

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Battal ◽  
Mustafa Tekin ◽  
Hakan Aylanç ◽  
Şule Yıldırım ◽  
Hakan Türkön ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ischemia Modified Albumin ◽  
Tissue Ischemia ◽  
Adolescent Smokers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background: It is known that the biochemical marker linked to tissue ischemia, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), is related to oxidative stress. Cigarette smoking is a situation with increased oxidative stress causing cell damage and it is thought that many of the negative effects linked to smoking may occur after the biological material in the body is exposed to oxidative damage. This study aimed to identify variability in serum IMA levels in adolescents who smoke. Methods: This case-control study comprised 60 adolescents without any chronic disease. The smoking group was 30 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17 years who smoked, while the control group was 30 healthy adolescents who did not smoke. Blood samples were collected from all subjects and serum IMA levels and serum nicotine metabolites were determined. Results: The serum IMA levels in the adolescents who smoked were 0.452±0.094 absorbance unit (ABSU), while the control group had ASBU levels of 0.427±0.054. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of serum IMA levels (p=0.210). There was a significant difference between the control and smoking groups in terms of serum nicotine metabolite levels (p<0.001). Conclusions: Among adolescents who smoke, serum IMA levels may not be a good marker for oxidative stress.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Eating Habits and Quality of Life in Postbariatric Surgery Patients and Their Family Members: A Case-Control Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Carla Ibrahim ◽  
Joane Matta ◽  
Kàtia Lurbe i Puerto ◽  
Yonna Sacre
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Lifestyle Management ◽  
Bariatric Patients ◽  
Control Study

Background. Obesity is a major health problem worldwide. Today, bariatric surgery is considered as the last option and most effective treatment for severe obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m2 or BMI ≥35 kg/m2 with metabolic conditions). Aims. We aimed to evaluate the medium-term effect (>36 months) of bariatric surgery and assess postbariatric nutritional and lifestyle management among Lebanese patients who underwent bariatric surgeries in Jbeil and Keserwan hospitals. Methods. This study is a quantitative case-control study. The case group includes a couple of patients who have undergone sleeve or bypass surgery 6 months ago and above, along with the main family caregivers. The control group constitutes a couple of obese patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 who did not proceed to any surgical intervention with their main caregivers. The final samples consisted of 53 cases and caregivers and 50 controls and caregivers. The assessment was made by an online questionnaire. Results. Compared to obese patients, bariatric patients were less likely to have high energy intake (54% versus 34%, P value 0.012). Moreover, 35.8% of the caregivers of bariatric patients had a low physical activity level compared to those of the control group who had a lower level (70%). In addition, cases’ main caregivers (75.5%) had much higher quality of life compared to the cases (56.6%), and also, higher quality of life was seen among the case’s main caregivers (75%) compared to the controls (72%). Conclusion. In Jbeil and Keserwan regions of Lebanon, there is a lack of postbariatric nutritional and lifestyle management leading to less desirable outcomes in the medium to long term. A set of recommendations are developed based on this study.

scholarly journals Mortality, functional outcomes and quality of life after hip fractures complicated by infection: a case control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 347-354
Author(s):  
Antonios A. Koutalos ◽  
Christos Baltas ◽  
Vasileios Akrivos ◽  
Christina Arnaoutoglou ◽  
Konstantinos N. Malizos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hip Fractures ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Deep Infection ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Infection Group ◽  
Control Study

Abstract. Introduction: Infection is a detrimental complication of operatively treated hip fractures. The objective of this retrospective case-control study was to evaluate the mortality, the physical function and the quality of life of hip fractures complicated with infection and determine risk factors for deep infection in hip fractures. Patients and methods: All patients with hip fractures (31A and 31B OTA/AO) that were operatively managed over a 10-year period that subsequently developed deep infection were included in the study. Thirty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. These patients were compared with a matched control group of 198 patients without infection. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Mortality, Barthel index score, EQ-5D-5L, Parker mobility score and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score were compared between groups. Results: Mortality at 1 month was 20.5 % and 43 % at 1 year. Half of the infections were acute and 28 % were polymicrobial. Mortality was greater in the infection group (43 % vs. 16.5 %, p<0.0014), and Barthel index was inferior in the infection group (14 vs. 18, p<0.0017) compared to control group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that time from admission to surgery was a negative factor that predisposed to infection. Conclusions: Patients complicated with infection after a hip fracture have higher mortality and inferior functional results. Delay from admission to surgery predisposes to infection.

Quality of Life in Children with Migraine: A Case–Control Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeid Sadeghian ◽  
Aliakbar Momen ◽  
Gholamreza Jelodar ◽  
Shahram Nasiri ◽  
Azin Khalafinia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Quality Of Life Inventory ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Control Study

AbstractWe conducted a case–control study to determine the effects of migraine on quality of life (QOL) in children. Participants, aged between 6 and 18 years, were assigned to migraine (n = 70) and control (n = 70) groups. We used a translated version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 questionnaire. From the children's perspective, the overall QOL scores in all domains were lower in children with migraine. Children in the migraine group had significant lower scores in the social, emotional, and physical functioning (p-value < 0.05) than control group. Interestingly, a significant difference in the educational performance was not seen (p-value = 0.101). Relative to the parents' responses and children, the overall scores in all domains were lower in children with migraine. Statistically significant lower scores were found only in emotional and physical domains (p-value < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that migraine imposes a substantial negative impact on the different aspects of QOL in children.

scholarly journals P106 Psychological and self-management support for people with systemic vasculitis or CTDs: a mixed methods study of health professionals’ perception of provision in Rheumatology and Nephrology departments in the UK

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna C Robson ◽  
Michael Shepherd ◽  
Mwidimi Ndosi ◽  
Lorraine Harper ◽  
Caroline Flurey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professional ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Support ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Management Support ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background People with a connective tissue disease (CTD) or systemic vasculititis have diseases which can be life and organ threatening, require complicated medication regimens and impact on all aspects of health-related quality of life. People are routinely managed across multiple medical specialities and have to navigate their way through complex health care systems. The aim of this study was to investigate current psychological and self-management support available for people with CTDs and vasculitis in rheumatology and nephrology departments in the UK. Methods An online survey of health professionals in rheumatology and nephrology departments was conducted with follow-up interviews. The survey comprised 45 multiple-choice and free-text questions. Quantitative material was analysed descriptively. Follow-up interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically, together with free-text survey responses, to identify health professionals’ perceptions on unmet needs and key improvements required. Results The online survey included 120 health professional respondents (34 % specialist nurses, 51% doctors and 12 % allied health professionals and pharmacists). Respondents worked primarily in rheumatology (52.9%) and nephrology (21.5%). Access to self-management programmes or clinics for people with CTD and vasculitis was available in 23% of rheumatology and 8% of nephrology departments. In response to the question “How well is your team providing self-management support to people with CTD and vasculitis?”, 38% of respondents reported not very well, or not well at all. Direct access to psychological support (either within their department or within the hospital) was available for patients in 76.9% of nephrology and 32.8% of rheumatology departments. Where psychological referrals were direct, the assessment of the quality of the service by health professionals was higher than when the referrals were indirect (i.e when patients were either referred to primary care or asked to self-refer) (X2=13.83, p &lt; 0.001). Over 80% of health-professional respondents reported they would like additional training in providing self-management support. Key themes from the qualitative data included the need for dedicated psychological support within departments, self-management programmes (specifically for people with CTD and vasculitis or opening up established programmes for people with other conditions), the benefits of a whole team approach (specialist teams not individual clinicians working to empower patients to take a lead in managing their own care), individual staff training needs ( training in brief psychological interventions and support for health professionals to set up self-management programmes) and signposting to additional resources for patients and their families ( disease-specific written and online information and support from patient charities). Conclusion People with CTD and vasculitis have complex needs and systemic improvements in support are required. Patients in nephrology departments are more likely to have access to psychological support than those in rheumatology. There is inadequate access to structured self-management programmes in both nephrology and rheumatology. Disclosures J.C. Robson None. M. Shepherd None. M. Ndosi None. L. Harper None. C. Flurey None. S. Logan None. K. Austin None. E. Dures None.

scholarly journals Selective thoracolumbar/lumbar fusion for Syringomyelia-associated scoliosis: a case-control study with Lenke 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan Feng ◽  
Hongxing Shen ◽  
Xiuyuan Chen ◽  
Zude Liu ◽  
Jianwei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽  
Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽  
Thoracic Kyphosis ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background Selective thoracolumbar/lumbar fusion technique was introduced to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with major thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. Theoretically, this surgical strategy could also be applied to syringomyelia patients. No previous study has specifically addressed the effectiveness of selective thoracolumbar/lumbar fusion for patients with syringomyelia-associated scoliosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of selective thoracolumbar/lumbar fusion for the surgical treatment of patients with syringomyelia-associated scoliosis. Methods From February 2010 to September 2016, 14 syringomyelia-associated patients with major thoracolumbar/lumbar curves were retrospectively reviewed. Besides, 30 Lenke 5C AIS patients were enrolled as a control group. Posterior selective thoracolumbar/lumbar fusion was performed for both groups. Patients’ demographic, operative, radiological, and quality of life data were reviewed with follow-up. Intragroup comparisons were performed for each parameter. Results The two groups were matched by age, gender, curve characteristics, duration of follow-up, and all preoperative radiographic parameters except for thoracic kyphosis. After surgery, the average correction rate of the major thoracolumbar/lumbar curve was 82.2 ± 7.8% in the syringomyelia group, which was not significantly different from that of AIS group (82.5 ± 10.6%, P = 0.47). A similar improvement of unfused thoracic curve was observed between the two groups (50.1 ± 16.5% vs. 48.5 ± 26.9%, P = 0.29). During the follow-up, the correction effect of scoliosis was well maintained, without aggravation of the original neural symptoms or fresh permanent neurological deficits. Of note, the number of fusion levels was significantly larger in syringomyelia group than that in AIS group (7.6 ± 1.4 vs. 6.5 ± 1.2, P < 0.01). The average follow up was 47.6 months (36–81 months). Conclusion Similar to AIS cases, syringomyelia-associated scoliosis can be effectively and safely corrected by selective thoracolumbar/lumbar fusion with satisfactory surgical outcomes. However, the syringomyelia group, on average, required an additional fused segment for treatment as compared to the AIS group (7.6 versus 6.5 in the AIS group).

The number of patients “worse than death” while waiting for a hip or knee arthroplasty has nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Nick D. Clement ◽  
Chloe E. H. Scott ◽  
James R. D. Murray ◽  
Colin R. Howie ◽  
David J. Deehan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Waiting List ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health State ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Uk

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients on the waiting list for a total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (KA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary aims were to assess whether length of time on the waiting list influenced quality of life and rate of deferral of surgery. Methods During the study period (August and September 2020) 843 patients (THA n = 394, KA n = 449) from ten centres in the UK reported their EuroQol five dimension (EQ-5D) scores and completed a waiting list questionnaire (2020 group). Patient demographic details, procedure, and date when listed were recorded. Patients scoring less than zero for their EQ-5D score were defined to be in a health state “worse than death” (WTD). Data from a retrospective cohort (January 2014 to September 2017) were used as the control group. Results The 2020 group had a significantly worse EQ-5D score compared to the control group for both THA (p < 0.001) and KA (p < 0.001). Over one-third (35.0%, n = 138/394) of patients waiting for a THA and nearly a quarter (22.3%, n = 100/449) for KA were in a health state WTD, which was significantly greater than the control group (odds ratio 2.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83 to 2.93) and 2.08 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.70), respectively; p < 0.001). Over 80% (n = 680/843) of the 2020 group felt that their quality of life had deteriorated while waiting. Each additional month spent on the waiting list was independently associated with a decrease in quality of life (EQ-5D: -0.0135, p = 0.004). There were 117 (13.9%) patients who wished to defer their surgery and the main reason for this was health concerns for themselves and or their family (99.1%, n = 116/117). Conclusion Over one-third of patients waiting for THA and nearly one-quarter waiting for a KA were in a state WTD, which was approaching double that observed prior to the pandemic. Increasing length of time on the waiting list was associated with decreasing quality of life. Level of evidence: Level III retrospective case control study

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