scholarly journals Posttraumatic Psychiatric Disorders and Resilience in Healthcare Providers following a Disastrous Earthquake: An Interventional Study in Taiwan

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Ting Ke ◽  
Hsiu-Chin Chen ◽  
Chien-Ho Lin ◽  
Wen-Fu Kuo ◽  
An-Chi Peng ◽  
...  

Background. Posttraumatic psychiatric disorders (PTPDs) are common in disaster workers; however, their incidence and resilience in healthcare providers (HCPs) following a disastrous earthquake are still unclear. Therefore, we conducted an interventional study to clarify this issue. Methods. After a medical response to the scene of a collapsed huge building, we conducted an assessment of the HCPs using an immediate self-administered questionnaire and a follow-up questionnaire 1 month later. Psychological support after the operation was implemented. We performed analysis of the risk for PTPDs and comparison between immediate and follow-up questionnaires. Results. The mean age (standard deviation) of the HCPs was 32.7 (5.2) years, with 33.5 (5.8) years for nurses and 32.4 (4.4) years for physicians. The proportion of females among the nurses and physicians was 94.3% and 12.5%, respectively. In total, 16.4% (11/67) of HCPs fit the criteria of PTPDs. Nurses had a trend of higher incidence than physicians. Female HCPs had a trend of higher incidence than male HCPs. After intervention, none of the HCPs reported PTPDs in the follow-up questionnaire (p<0.05). Conclusion. This study delineated that PTPDs were common in HCPs following medical response to an earthquake; however, the resilience was good after the early intervention.

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110206
Author(s):  
Pablo Felipe Rodrigues ◽  
Bernardo Kaplan Moscovici ◽  
Guilherme Ferrara ◽  
Luciano Lamazales ◽  
Marcela Mara Silva Freitas ◽  
...  

Objective: Evaluation of central corneal densitometry changes following Ferrara corneal ring segment implantation in patients with keratoconus, especially the correlation between corneal densitometry and keratometry. Methods: Retrospective, non-comparative, interventional study based on the review of medical records of patients diagnosed with keratoconus who underwent Ferrara corneal ring segment implantation. Pre and post-operative corneal densitometry measurements obtained with Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) were analyzed. The follow-up time was 3 months, and data comparison was made, using specific statistical analysis, with the data of 3 months postoperatively. Results: The study sample consisted of 43 eyes of 36 patients. The mean corrected visual acuity improved from 0.82 LogMAR preoperatively (SD ± 0.33) to 0.19 LogMAR (SD ± 0.13) postoperatively. The mean spherical equivalent varied from −4.63 (SD ± 3.94) preoperatively to −2.16 (SD ± 2.63) postoperatively. Asphericity varied from −0.69 (SD ± 0.32) preoperatively to −0.27 (SD ± 0.31) postoperatively. The mean maximum K was 54.01D (SD ± 3.38) preoperatively and 51.50D (SD ± 2.90) postoperatively. The mean anterior densitometric value was 18.26 (SD ± 2.03) preoperatively and 17.66 (SD ± 1.84) postoperatively. Conclusion: Corneal densitometry is an interesting technology that should be studied in keratoconus patients. Our results suggest that the corneal densitometry in the cornea’s anterior layer reduces after ICRS implantation and correlates with corneal keratometry. Further studies should be performed to increase the knowledge in this field.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Cristiana Valente ◽  
Elisa D’Alessandro ◽  
Michele Iester

Aim. To evaluate the agreement between different methods in detection of glaucomatous visual field progression using two classification-based methods and four statistical approaches based on trend analysis. Methods. This is a retrospective and longitudinal study. Twenty Caucasian patients (mean age 73.8 ± 13.43 years) with open-angle glaucoma were recruited in the study. Each visual field was assessed by Humphrey Field Analyzer, program SITA standard 30-2 or 24-2 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA). Full threshold strategy was also accepted for baseline tests. Progression was analyzed by using Hodapp–Parrish–Anderson classification and the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study visual field defect score. For the statistical analysis, linear regression (r2) was calculated for mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), and visual field index (VFI), and when it was significant, each series of visual field was considered progressive. We also used Progressor to look for a significant progression of each visual field series. The agreement between methods, based on statistical analysis and classification, was evaluated using a weighted kappa statistic. Results. Thirty-eight visual field series were analyzed. The mean follow-up time was 6.2 ± 1.53 years (mean ± standard deviation). At baseline, the mean MD was −7.34 ± 7.18 dB; at the end of the follow-up, the mean MD was −9.25 ± 8.65 dB; this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The agreement to detect progression was fair between all methods based on statistical analysis and classification except for PSD r2. A substantial agreement (κ = 0.698 ± 0.126) was found between MD r2 and VFI r2. With the use of all the statistical analysis, there was a better time-saving. Conclusions. The best agreement to detect progression was found between MD r2 and VFI r2. VFI r2 showed the best agreement with all the other methods. GPA2 can help ophthalmologists to detect glaucoma progression and to help in treatment decisions. PSD r2 was the worse method to detect progression.


2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
G J Watson ◽  
S Glover ◽  
S Allen ◽  
R M Irving

AbstractObjective:This study investigated whether patients who remain symptomatic more than a year following idiopathic facial paralysis gain benefit from tailored facial physiotherapy.Methods:A two-year retrospective review was conducted of all symptomatic patients. Data collected included: age, gender, duration of symptoms, Sunnybrook facial grading system scores pre-treatment and at last visit, and duration of treatment.Results:The study comprised 22 patients (with a mean age of 50.5 years (range, 22–75 years)) who had been symptomatic for more than a year following idiopathic facial paralysis. The mean duration of symptoms was 45 months (range, 12–240 months). The mean duration of follow up was 10.4 months (range, 2–36 months). Prior to treatment, the mean Sunnybrook facial grading system score was 59 (standard deviation = 3.5); this had increased to 83 (standard deviation = 2.7) at the last visit, with an average improvement in score of 23 (standard deviation = 2.9). This increase was significant (p < 0.001).Conclusion:Tailored facial therapy can improve facial grading scores in patients who remain symptomatic for prolonged periods.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S534-S534
Author(s):  
C Amor Costa ◽  
C Suárez Ferrer ◽  
J Poza Cordón ◽  
J L Rueda García ◽  
M Sánchez Azofra ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Thiopurines (TP) are widely used in monotherapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), mainly for the maintenance of remission in case of corticodependence or corticoresistance after cyclosporine use. However, these are drugs with significant side effects, especially in the long term. The optimal duration of treatment with TP remains unknown, so it is important to determine the risk factors for relapse in order to identify the group of patients in which treatment can be withdrawn. Methods A retrospective study was performed. Patients with UC in remission, in maintenance treatment with TP, who had discontinued the drug due to either maintained remission or the onset of adverse effects were included. Results 26 patients were included, 1 with proctitis, 9 with left colitis and 16 with pancolitis. 24 (92.31%) were treated with azathioprine and 2 (7.69%) with mercaptopurine. The mean treatment time with TP was 68.09 months (standard deviation 56.65). 11 patients (42.31%) discontinued TP due to adverse effects and the remaining patients (57.69%) discontinued it by medical decision because they were in prolonged remission. After withdrawal of TP, 92.34% of patients continued treatment with mesalazine and the remaining 7.69% without concomitant treatment. During follow-up, 10 patients (38.4%) relapsed and 16 patients (61.53%) had no relapse until the end of follow-up. The mean time from TP withdrawal to the onset of relapse was 69.15 months (standard deviation 52.53). Of the 10 patients who presented a flare, 5 (50%) were controlled by optimizing the dose of mesalazine, 4 (40%) required the addition of oral corticosteroids and 1 (10%) required biologics. No significant differences were found when comparing the time to relapse if the reason for discontinuation of TP was having had an adverse effect (65.05 months) or maintained remission (79.79 months) (p=0.42). No statistically significant differences were found in time to relapse when comparing time on TP treatment, presence of concomitant treatment with mesalazine or active smoking. Conclusion One third of patients relapsed after TP withdrawal. Discontinuation of TP in patients with UC in remission should be individualized according to the patient’s risk factors, the indication and the duration of treatment.


Author(s):  
Pravin Agrawal ◽  
Samadhan Mundhe ◽  
Sajal Mitra

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Various modalities of fixation are available for management of distal end radius fractures. Assessment of the functional and radiological outcomes of intra-articular distal end radius fractures managed with volar locking plate was attempted with the present study.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In this prospective interventional study, thirty adult patients with closed distal radius fractures with intra-articular extension were comprehensively evaluated and managed. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed via volar approach (modified Henry`s approach) using 2.7mm volar locking compression plates (LCPs). Patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. The patients were evaluated functionally by Mayo score and radiologically by Lidstrom classification.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> There were 18 (60%) patients having excellent, 8 (26.7) good, 2 (6.7%) fair and 2 (6.7%) with poor result according to Mayo scoring. According to Lidstrom scoring, at the last follow up, 16 (53.3%) patients had excellent, 11 (36.7%) patients good, 2 (6, 7%) patients fair and 1 (3.3%) patient had poor result. The functional status of the patient improved significantly from at 1month (20±3.47) to 6 months post-operative follow up (23.67±2.91). The mean range of motion improved significantly at 1 month, 6 months and last post-operative follow-up.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Volar locking plate gives good to excellent clinico-radiological and functional outcomes in most of the fractures of the distal end radius with intraarticular extension.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 745-751
Author(s):  
Marika Salminen ◽  
Jonna Laine ◽  
Tero Vahlberg ◽  
Paula Viikari ◽  
Maarit Wuorela ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To examine the effect of predictive factors on institutionalization among older patients. Methods The participants were older (aged 75 years or older) home-dwelling citizens evaluated at Urgent Geriatric Outpatient Clinic (UrGeriC) for the first time between the 1st of September 2013 and the 1st of September 2014 (n = 1300). They were followed up for institutionalization for 3 years. Death was used as a competing risk in Cox regression analyses. Results The mean age of the participants was 85.1 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.5, range 75–103 years), and 74% were female. The rates of institutionalization and mortality were 29.9% and 46.1%, respectively. The mean age for institutionalization was 86.1 (SD 5.6) years. According to multivariate Cox regression analyses, the use of home care (hazard ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval 1.80–3.27, p < 0.001), dementia (2.38, 1.90–2.99, p < 0.001), higher age (≥ 95 vs. 75–84; 1.65, 1.03–2.62, p = 0.036), and falls during the previous 12 months (≥ 2 vs. no falls; 1.54, 1.10–2.16, p = 0.012) significantly predicted institutionalization during the 3-year follow-up. Conclusion Cognitive and/or functional impairment mainly predicted institutionalization among older patients of UrGeriC having health problems and acute difficulties in managing at home.


2002 ◽  
Vol 60 (2A) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana Agapejev

OBJECTIVES: to propose standardisation of fourth ventricle dimensions and to study its characteristics in neurocysticercosis. METHOD: a control group (CG) constituted by 114 individuals with normal CT, and 80 patients with neurocysticercosis composed the group with neurocysticercosis (GN). Measures of the inner cranial diameter (Cr), fronto-polar distance between both lateral ventricles (FP), antero-posterior (AP) and latero-lateral (LL) fourth ventricle width based the standardisation of six indexes. RESULTS: AP/Cr, AP/LL and AP/FP were the more discriminative indexes, presenting in CG the mean values of 0.063, 0.267 and 0.582, respectively. The indexes in GN had values statistically higher than in CG. From GN, 51patients had increased indexes values above 2 standard deviation of the CG mean. AP/Ll was > or = 1 in 95% of patients with ventricular shunting and in 88% with depression. It also occurred in 73% patients with satisfactory follow-up and in everybody who died. CONCLUSION: AP/Cr, AP/LL and AP/FP may represent fourth ventricle dimensions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 09 (03) ◽  
pp. 298-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Osita Okpala

ABSTRACT Background: Several attempts (radiographic and nonradiographic) have been made to measure the lumbar lordosis (LL), but the results differ substantially as investigators have used different parameters. Radiography is the gold standard, and the methods include lumbosacral angle (LSA), lumbosacral joint angle (LSJA), Cobb angle, and tangential radiologic assessment of LL (TRALL) angle. The traditional method, the Cobb technique, has a wide range of normal mean values, with a large standard deviation. Using a more reliable radiographic angle will hopefully simply and standardize LL measurement in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients. Aim: To compare in normal individuals with fully developed LL the LSA, LSJA, TRALL, and Cobb angles, by determining (a) if any correlation exists between them and (b) the most reliable measures of LL, based on, least (i) number of measurement lines, (ii) range of values, (iii) mean, (iv) standard deviation, and (v) variance. Materials and Methods: The four angles were retrospectively measured in each supine lateral lumbosacral radiograph of 100 males and 100 females, aged 15 years and above. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 (NY, USA); P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No correlation existed between the mean values of the four angles, and in each angle, there was no male-versus-female correlation. LSJA had the best reliability criteria for LL measurement. Conclusion: The mean LSA, LSJA, TRALL, and Cobb angles have no significant Pearson's correlation, and of the four angular measures of LL, LSJA was the most reliable.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 142-149
Author(s):  
Bedani Yumlembam ◽  
Arline Beshra

Background: Puerperal sepsis is a postpartum complication, occurs when a recently delivered mother gets an infection while giving birth due to unhygienic practices and poor quality healthcare. If not treated properly in time may lead to death. Lack of awareness among healthcare providers can lead to higher rates of infection. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of information booklet on knowledge regarding puerperal sepsis and its prevention among nurses working in selected hospitals of Kamrup (M), Assam. Methods: The pre experimental one group pre-test post-test research designed was adopted in the study. 100 nurses were selected as sample by using convenience sampling technique in selected hospitals of Kamrup (M), Assam. To assess the nurses’ knowledge regarding puerperal sepsis and its prevention structured knowledge questionnaire was used. Results: In pre-test, the mean knowledge score was 11.76 with standard deviation 2.90. In post-test, the mean knowledge score was 19.81 with standard deviation 1.96. The calculated paired t test value of t = 33.352 was found to be statistically significant at p<0.001. Hence, information booklet on puerperal sepsis was found to be effective in improving the knowledge regarding puerperal sepsis and its prevention. There was significant association between pre-test knowledge regarding puerperal sepsis and its prevention and educational qualification. Conclusions: Majority of the nurses gained knowledge after referring the information booklet. Hence, awareness program in regular period will help in improving knowledge regarding puerperal sepsis among nurses to provide quality health care for a healthy society. Key words: Knowledge, Information booklet, puerperal sepsis, prevention.


2010 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-94
Author(s):  
G. Steven Rhiel

In 2007, Rhiel presented a technique to estimate the coefficient of variation from the range when sampling from skewed distributions. To provide an unbiased estimate, a correction factor ( an) for the mean was included. Numerical correction factors for a number of skewed distributions were provided. In a follow-up paper, he provided a proof he claimed showed the correction factor was independent of the mean and standard deviation, making the factors useful as these parameters vary; however, that proof did not establish independence. Herein is a proof which establishes the independence.


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