scholarly journals FRI0601-HPR IMPACT OF LIFE STYLE MODIFICATION TECHNIQUE IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (SSC) PATIENTS: A STUDY BY RHEUMATOLOGY NURSES COUNSELOR

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 907.1-907
Author(s):  
S. Baghel ◽  
R. Thakran ◽  
C. Messi ◽  
V. Yadav ◽  
S. Kapoor ◽  
...  

Background:Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune the disease of the connective tissue that is clinically characterized by the involvement of skin (fibrosis, contractures of the finger joints), microvascular abnormalities (Raynaud’s phenomenon and complications), gastrointestinal involvement (gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD, the lower GI tract involvement), musculoskeletal involvement (polyarthralgia, muscle disease), and involvement of internal organs (especially lungs, heart, and kidneys). Lifestyle modification techniques could have significant impact on various aspects of the disease including early disease control, increased drug adherence, positive attitude towards life, decreased financial burden of treatment, maintaining mobility and joints range of motion, minimizing or delaying joint contractures and decreased dependency with regular physical therapy. Counselling explaining the benefits of lifestyle modification related to these aspects of daily living may make a major difference in the quality of life of the patients with SSc.Objectives:To assess the benefits of lifestyle modification technique in improving the quality of life in patients with SSc.Methods:Patients with SSc attending the Rheumatology clinic of this institution, willing to participate in the survey, were enrolled in this study. All the information including the follow-up details were recorded in a pre-designed form. Their demographic information (age, gender) and disease characteristics (diagnosis, duration, treatment) were recorded, All the patients were explained the lifestyle modifications and their benefits, reinforced at each follow-up visit using posters (visual), written lifestyle modification techniques (using printed material) to raise their awareness of how to improve several of the above manifestations of SSc.Results:One hundred fifty (n=150) consecutive SSc patients were included in the study. It was observed that with repeated counselling 125 (83.3 %) patients adopted the lifestyle modification technique according to the advice imparted and felt a positive benefit in their daily life. However, 25 (16.6%) could not or did not follow the imparted lifestyle change advice on a regular basis. Those who were able to modify the life-style as counselled showed the following results:80 % were able to avoid exposure to cold by adopting the following measures: Wearing gloves and extra woolen socks, using mittens most of the time, wearing woollen undergarments to keep the central regions of the body region warm. These patients noted 55% decrease in the episodes of Raynaud’s phenomenon.Early evening meals and raising the head-end of the bed: 60% decrease in gastrointestinal symptoms.Regular physiotherapy: 65 % decrease dependency on others; 55% could maintain flexibility with physical exercises.Regular application and rubbing of the skin with lanoline-containing skin moisturizers 60 % improve your skin’s health80% were able to avoid active and passive tobacco use.Conclusion:The lifestyle modification techniques are important to control disease and its complications. Thus, after intense and regular counselling by the specialist rheumatology nurses on the lifestyle modification technique (83.3%) adapted the advised lifestyle modifications. The study showed the important role specialist rheumatology nurses can play in educating patients and helping them improving their quality of life.References:[1] Hudson M, Thombs BD, Steele R. at ell. Canadian Scleroderma Research G. QOL in patients with systemic sclerosis compared to the general population and patients with other chronic conditions. J Rheumatol. 2009;36(4):768–72.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariane L Herrick

Raynaud’s phenomenon can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to underlying disease including systemic sclerosis. Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon is very common, affecting approximately 3%–5% of the general population. Although much rarer, systemic sclerosis–related Raynaud’s phenomenon can be particularly severe, progressing to digital ulceration in approximately 50% of patients. Raynaud’s phenomenon can have a major impact on quality of life. This review has a focus on the systemic sclerosis–related Raynaud’s phenomenon (which is the most researched form of Raynaud’s phenomenon and probably the most challenging to treat) and on recent advances. Epidemiology (including transition from ‘isolated’ to systemic sclerosis–related Raynaud’s phenomenon), pathogenesis, diagnosis and assessment are discussed, followed by the treatment of both ‘uncomplicated’ and ‘complicated’ Raynaud’s phenomena (i.e. Raynaud’s phenomenon which has progressed to digital ulceration and/or critical ischaemia). Finally, some of the major challenges for the next 5–10 years are highlighted.


VASA ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Linnemann ◽  
Matthias Erbe

Abstract. The primary goal of therapy is to reduce the frequency and intensity of Raynaud’s attacks and to minimize the related morbidity rather than to cure the underlying condition. Treatment strategies depend on whether Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is primary or secondary. All patients should be instructed about general measures to maintain body warmth and to avoid triggers of RP attacks. Pharmacologic intervention can be useful for patients with severe and frequent RP episodes that impair the patient’s quality of life. Calcium channel blockers are currently the most prescribed and studied medications for this purpose. There has been limited evidence for the efficacy of alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, angiotensin receptor blockers, topical nitrates or fluoxetine to treat RP. The intravenously administered prostacyclin analogue iloprost can reduce the frequency and severity of RP attacks and is considered a second-line therapy in patients with markedly impaired quality of life, critical digital ischaemia and skin ulcers who are at risk for substantial tissue loss and amputation. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) can also improve RP symptoms and ulcer healing whereas endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (e.g., bosentan) are mainly considered treatment options in secondary prevention for patients with digital skin ulcers related to systemic sclerosis. However, their use in clinical practice has been limited by their high cost. Antiplatelet therapy with low-dose aspirin is recommended for all patients who suffer from secondary RP due to ischaemia caused by structural vessel damage. Anticoagulant therapy can be considered during the acute phase of digital ischaemia in patients with suspected vascular occlusive disease attributed to the occurrence of new thromboses. In patients with critical digital ischaemia, consideration should be given to hospitalisation, optimisation of medical treatment in accordance with the underlying disease and evaluation for a secondary, possibly reversible process that is causing or aggravating the clinical symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (14) ◽  
pp. 91-97
Author(s):  
Zamzaliza Abdul Mulud ◽  
Nor Masita Esa

Lifestyle modification is essential to improve quality of life among patients with coronary artery disease. However, it is one of the challenges for patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of the study to assess the adherence level and factors affecting lifestyle modifications. A cross-sectional study among 113 patients was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The findings of the study indicated that the level of adherence to lifestyle modification was low 2.09(±.19). The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics significantly affected lifestyle modification (p<.001). This study found factors affecting lifestyle modification that essential to initiate development interventions to improve quality of life. Keywords: Lifestyle modification; adherence; quality of life; coronary artery disease. eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2222


Author(s):  
Moteab Alotaybi ◽  
Bashaer Almahdi ◽  
Abdulaziz Bokhari ◽  
Mohammed Altaf ◽  
Faisal Alagbari ◽  
...  

Acne vulgaris is a widespread health issue affecting teenagers, young adults, and adults. The prevalence of this unpleasant condition varies between populations. A thorough literature review was carried out to discuss this underestimated issue through multiple perspectives. The search found that acne vulgaris has a substantial negative psychological impact on individuals leading to low quality of life and less productivity, yet it is usually neglected. Various factors, modifiable and non-modifiable) were associated with the progression of acne, such as family history, genetics, and diet, yet others were controversial. Lifestyle modifications are of high importance since they may contribute to the development of acne. Numerous anti-acne drugs are available in the form of topical and systemic, however, topical treatment options in general are preferred thanks to their effectiveness and less severe side effects.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-222
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Gacuta ◽  
Mateusz Cybulski ◽  
Jacek Kita ◽  
Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak

2016 ◽  
Vol 157 (13) ◽  
pp. 488-494
Author(s):  
Enikő Wenczl

Due to the increased number of cancer patients and the progress in cancer treatment, there are more cases with cancer-related lymphedema. Lymphedema treatment became part of oncological patients’ care. Basic therapy for lymphedema is the complex decongestive therapy, which should be embedded into the patient’s comprehensive medical care and should always be determined individually. Results of therapy are influenced by the experience of the doctor and the physiotherapist in lymphedema care, patient’s complience, tumor behavior and the accompanying diseases. Lymphedema is a chronic disease, requires lifelong follow-up and treatment. For prevention and better care, it would be important to inform patients about lymphedema risk and appropriate life-style (e.g. weight control) preoperatively and during oncological follow-up. Early diagnosis is important. Lymphedema treatment should be integrated into palliative programmes. If therapy is started in time, complications may be avoided, healthcare costs may be reduced and better quality of life may be achieved. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(13), 488–494.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1255.2-1256
Author(s):  
D. Pereira ◽  
M. Freschi ◽  
R. Frittoli ◽  
A. C. Londe ◽  
T. Amaral ◽  
...  

Background:Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease characterized by functional and structural abnormalities of small blood vessels, fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In addition, volume reduction and shape abnormality of the hippocampus have been demonstrated in rheumatic and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the neuroanatomy of the hippocampus is complex and is not a uniform structure, consisting of subfields with distinct morphology: cornu ammonis (CA) subfields CA1–4, dentate gyrus (DG), fimbria, and adjacent subiculum and presubiculum [1].Objectives:To investigate the hippocampal subfields volumes reduction in SSc patients using MRI.Methods:In this study we included 37 SSc patients (33 women, mean age of 53.46, SD ± 12.29; range 30 - 78) and 37 healthy controls (HC) (31 women, mean age of 48.41, SD±12.20; range 29 - 80). Cognitive evaluation was performed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), mood disorders were determined through Beck’s Depression (BDI) and Beck’s Anxiety Inventories (BAI). SSc patients were further assessed for clinical and laboratory SSc manifestations, disease activity (Valentini Activity Index), severity activity (Medsger Severity Index). MRI protocol consisted of: Sagittal T1-weighted images performed with a Philips 3.0T MRI scanner. MRI brain structure volumetric was done through volBrain [2]. After 48 months MRI acquisition were repeated in 26 SSc patients and 12 healthy volunteers. Statistics was performed according nature of the variable.Results:We observed a significant reduction in hippocampal subfields volumes in SSc patients when compared to controls: Total hippocampi (SSc: mean volume = 4.78 cm3; SD = 0.38; HC: mean volume = 5.01 cm3; SD = 0.38; p = 0.033). Reduction in volume of the total hippocampi was associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon (p = 0.006). A longitudinal study showed a reduction in volume of the hippocampus subfields volumes when compared to patient’s baseline: Total hippocampi (mean initial volume = 4.78 cm3; mean follow-up volume = 4.50 cm3, p = 0.027); Total CA1 (mean initial volume = 1.59 cm3; mean follow-up volume = 1.58 cm3, p < 0.0001); Reduction in volume of the total hippocampi was associated with presence of current use of prednisone (p = 0.008). Reduction in left CA1 left associated with current use of prednisone (p = 0.014). Reduction in total subiculum was associated with presence of calcinosis (p = 0.023). No significant changes were observed in hippocampal subfields volumes in controls over the follow-up period.Conclusion:This study provides evidence of hippocampus subfields volumes reductions in SSc patients when compared to controls and was associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon, current use of losartan and correlated with BAI scores. Also, a longitudinal study showed a reduction in volume of the hippocampus subfields volumes when compared to patient’s baseline associated with calcinosis and current use of prednisone.References:[1]Eichenbaum, Howard. “A cortical–hippocampal system for declarative memory.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience 1.1 (2000): 41-50.[2]Manjon JV, Coupe P (2016) volBrain: an online MRI brain volumetry system. Front Neuroinform 10:30.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.


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