Third-Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Produces Similar Clinical and Radiological Outcomes as Scarf-Akin Osteotomy at 2 Years: A Matched Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110491
Author(s):  
Adriel You Wei Tay ◽  
Graham S. Goh ◽  
Kevin Koo ◽  
Nicholas Eng Meng Yeo
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Physical Component Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Component Score ◽  
Vas Score ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Akin Osteotomy ◽  
New Generation

Background: The minimally invasive chevron-Akin (MICA) osteotomy is an increasingly popular technique for the correction of hallux valgus. However, there is a paucity of literature comparing it with traditional open techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the MICA osteotomy using a new-generation MICA screw and scarf-Akin osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. Methods: Thirty cases of MICA osteotomy were propensity score matched 1:1 with a control group of 30 scarf-Akin osteotomy cases. The groups were matched for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (MTP-IP) score, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS), preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and concomitant procedures. Outcomes were compared at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. Early postoperative VAS scores were also compared. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS score, AOFAS score, and SF-36 PCS and MCS at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. For the MICA group, HVA improved from 23.5 to 7.7 degrees, and IMA improved from 13.5 to 7.5 degrees. For the scarf-Akin osteotomy group, HVA improved from 23.7 to 9.3 degrees, and IMA improved from 13.6 to 7.8 degrees. The first 24-hour postoperative VAS score was significantly lower in the MICA group compared with the scarf-Akin group (2.0 ± 2.0 vs 3.4 ± 2.6, P = .029). However, there was no significant difference in clinical or radiological outcomes between the groups at 6 and 24 months. Conclusion: The MICA procedure with the new-generation MICA screw is an attractive option for the correction of hallux valgus, yielding similar midterm radiological and clinical outcomes compared with the well-established scarf-Akin osteotomy. The first 24-hour postoperative VAS score in the MICA group was also statistically lower, although its clinical significance remains to be determined. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Influence of Depressive Symptoms on Hallux Valgus Surgical Outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 795-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Shakked ◽  
Elizabeth McDonald ◽  
Ryan Sutton ◽  
Mary-Katherine Lynch ◽  
Kristen Nicholson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Physical Component Score ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Component Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Scores

Background: The relationship between depressive symptoms and patient outcomes after hallux valgus surgery has not been well-studied. We hypothesized that patients with depressive symptoms would have greater subjective dysfunction preoperatively and less functional improvement and satisfaction after surgery when compared with patients without depressive symptoms. Methods: A total of 239 adult patients who had surgical hallux valgus correction over a 2-year period were retrospectively enrolled. A telephone survey was administered prospectively at least 11 months postoperatively inquiring about overall satisfaction level with surgery and satisfaction with postoperative pain level. A scale of 0 to 6 was used, with 0 indicating complete dissatisfaction and 6 indicating complete satisfaction. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on depressive symptoms; a Short Form–12 mental component score (SF-12 MCS) of less than 45.6 points was considered indicative of active depressive symptoms based on literature correlating SF-12 scores with Patient Health Questionnaire–9 for depression. Given the great variability of depressive symptoms in patients with or without self-reported depression and medicated or unmedicated status, we elected to use the MCS classification of depressive symptoms for our analysis. Data from 239 patients were available for analysis, with an average age of 51.6 years and 207 women (87%). Two hundred eighteen patients (91%) completed preoperative functional scores, 160 patients (67%) completed the satisfaction survey at an average of 23 months postoperatively (range 11 to 43 months), and 154 patients (64%) completed postoperative functional scores an average of 21 months postoperatively (range, 11-44 months). Results Thirty-six of 239 patients (15%) with baseline functional scores exhibited depressive symptoms. There was no significant difference in baseline functional scores and pain levels between groups with the exception of the SF-12 MCS ( P < .001). Most outcomes improved significantly over time, including the SF-12 physical component score ( P = .013), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM; P = .013), and FAAM Activities of Daily Living ( P = .046). The patients with depressive symptoms generally had lower scores at baseline and final follow-up in all functional scores, with the exception of visual analog scale (VAS). VAS pain scores started higher in the group of patients with depressive symptoms and ended lower. Satisfaction with postoperative pain was lower in the group with depressive symptoms when compared with patients without depressive symptoms (3.6 vs 4.5, P = .042). There was no significant difference in satisfaction after surgery between groups ( P = .251). Conclusion: Patients with depressive symptoms had greater pain at baseline and less pain postoperatively when compared with patients without depressive symptoms; however, satisfaction levels with postoperative pain were lower in these patients. Furthermore, most functional scores were lower in patients with depressive symptoms, with the exception of the MCS. Reported history of depression was not associated with any significant difference in functional outcome scores or satisfaction. Further study is warranted to determine why patients with depressive symptoms fare worse after surgical hallux valgus correction by most subjective measures. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.

Relationship Between Preoperative Opioid Use and Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Stand-Alone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Neurosurgery ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Kim ◽  
Alp Ozpinar ◽  
Nitin Agarwal ◽  
Emily Hacker ◽  
Nima Alan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
The United States ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Vas Score ◽  
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract BACKGROUND Opioid use in the management of pain secondary to spinal disorders has grown significantly in the United States. However, preoperative opioid use may complicate recovery in patients undergoing surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE To test our hypothesis that prolonged preoperative opioid use may lead to poorer patient outcomes following minimally invasive stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for lumbar degenerative disc disease. METHODS A consecutive series of patients from a single institution undergoing LLIF between December 2009 and January 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized according to the presence or absence of prescribed preoperative opioid use for at least 3 mo. Outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and Short Form 36 Physical and Mental Summary Scores (SF-36 PCS, SF-36 MCS). RESULTS Of 107 patients, 57 (53.1%) were prescribed preoperative opioids. There was no significant difference in preoperative ODI, VAS score, SF-36 PCS, or SF-36 MCS between opioid use groups. Mean postoperative ODI was greater in patients with preoperative opioid use at 41.7 ± 16.9 vs 22.2 ± 16.0 (P = .002). Mean postoperative VAS score was greater in patients prescribed preoperative opioids, while magnitude of decrease in VAS score was greater in opioid-naïve patients (P = .001). Postoperative SF-36 PCS was 33.1 ± 10.6 in the opioid use group compared to 43.7 ± 13.1 in the nonuse group (P = .001). CONCLUSION Following LLIF, patients prescribed preoperative opioids had increased postoperative lumbar pain, disability, and subjective pain.

Exercise Training for Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
pp. 109980042098237
Author(s):  
Alsaeedi L. Albanaqi ◽  
Gholam Rasul Mohammad Rahimi ◽  
Neil A. Smart
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mental Component Score ◽  
Physical Component Score ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Component Score ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Sf 36

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease with a notable health burden; regular exercise may improve specific health outcome measures. Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the effectiveness of exercise training for PH patients. Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, SportDiscuss and Google Scholar databases and reference lists of included studies were searched. Study selection: The selection criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) employing an exercise training intervention. Data were extracted from the entered studies for analysis. The primary outcomes were peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), and quality of life (QoL) measures (physical component score and mental component score). The analysis included 9 articles with a total of 302 participants: intervention (n = 154), and control (n = 148). Results: In the pooled analysis, improvements were seen in: VO2peak, mean difference (MD) 2.79 ml/kg/min (95% CI 2.00 to 3.59, p < 0.00001); AT, MD 107.83 ml/min (95% CI 39.64 to 176.00, p = 0.002); and 6-MWD, MD 46.67 meters (95% CI 32.39 to 60.96, p < 0.00001). Differences were found in the SF-36 physical component score MD 3.57 (95% CI 2.04 to 5.10, p < 0.00001) and the SF-36 mental component score MD 3.92 (95% CI 1.92 to 5.91, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates exercise training has a beneficial effect on fitness, walking performance, and self-reported QoL in PH patients.

scholarly journals Treatment of thoracolumbar trauma by short-segment percutaneous transpedicular screw instrumentation: prospective comparative study with a minimum 2-year follow-up

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Vanek ◽  
Ondrej Bradac ◽  
Renata Konopkova ◽  
Patricia de Lacy ◽  
Jiri Lacman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Cobb Angle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Working Ability ◽  
Short Segment ◽  
Transpedicular Screw ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Screw Group

Object The main aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes after stabilization by a percutaneous transpedicular system and stabilization from the standard open approach for thoracolumbar spine injury. Methods Thirty-seven consecutive patients were enrolled in the study over a period of 16 months. Patients were included in the study if they experienced 1 thoracolumbar fracture (A3.1–A3.3, according to the AO/Magerl classification), had an absence of neurological deficits, had no other significant injuries, and were willing to participate. Eighteen patients were treated by short-segment, minimally invasive, percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation. The control group was composed of 19 patients who were stabilized using a short-segment transpedicular construct, which was performed through a standard midline incision. The pain profile was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS), and overall satisfaction by a simple 4-stage scale relating to performance of daily activities. Working ability and return to original occupation were also monitored. Radiographic follow-up was defined by the vertebral body index (VBI), vertebral body angle (VBA), and bisegmental Cobb angle. The accuracy of screw placement was examined using CT. Results The mean surgical duration in the percutaneous screw group was 53 ± 10 minutes, compared with 60 ± 9 minutes in the control group (p = 0.032). The percutaneous screw group had a significantly lower perioperative blood loss of 56 ± 17 ml, compared with 331 ± 149 ml in the control group (p < 0.001). Scores on the VAS in patients in the percutaneous screw group during the first 7 postoperative days were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in VBI, VBA, and Cobb angle values during follow-up. There was no significant difference in screw placement accuracy between the groups and no patients required surgical revision. There was no significant difference between groups in overall satisfaction at the 2-year follow-up (p = 0.402). Working ability was insignificantly better in the percutaneous screw group; previous working position was achieved in 17 patients in this group and in 12 cases in the control group (p = 0.088). Conclusions This study confirms that the percutaneous transpedicular screw technique represents a viable option in the treatment of preselected thoracolumbar fractures. A significant reduction in blood loss, postoperative pain, and surgical time were the main advantages associated with this minimally invasive technique. Clinical, functional, and radiological results were at least the same as those achieved using the open technique after a 2-year follow-up. The short-term benefits of the percutaneous transpedicular screw technique are apparent, and long-term results have to be studied in other well-designed studies evaluating the theoretical benefit of the percutaneous technique and assessing whether the results of the latter are as durable as the ones achieved by open surgery.

The effects of breathing exercises on respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in vehicle spray painters

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Burak Yilmaz ◽  
Cagtay Maden ◽  
Begümhan Turhan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Respiratory Exercises

Background/aims Workers engaged in vehicle spray painting are at a risk of developing respiratory problems because of the solvents in the spray paints. Changes in respiratory functions and functional capacities caused by spray painting can be improved with respiratory exercises. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of respiratory exercises on the respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in vehicle spray painters. Methods A total of 70 volunteers with similar characteristics participated in the study. The groups were divided into two groups randomly (35 study group, 35 control group). Respiratory functions (value of forced expiratory volume percentage in 1 second [FEV1]), forced vital capacity percentage [FVC], FEV1/FVC percentage, peak expiratory flow percentage [PEF (%)] and maximum voluntary ventilation percentage [MVV (%)]), functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test) and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) were evaluated. The study group undertook supervised breathing exercises 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The same exercises were given to the control group as a home programme. Home programmes were followed up by telephone calls. Evaluations were performed again after 6 weeks. Results In the study group, FEV1 (%) increased more than in the control group (P<0.05). The increase in PEF (%) was similar in both groups (P>0.05). In the study group, FEV1/FVC (%) and MVV (%) were significantly different before and after the intervention (P<0.05), but there was no difference in the control group (P>0.05). There was a greater increase in the study group than in the control group (P<0.05). 6-Minute Walk Test distance (m) before and after the intervention in both groups were similar (P>0.05). Before and after the intervention, a significant difference was found in the vitality and the social function domains of the SF-36 in the study group. In the comparisons of groups, a significant difference was found in the study group in the role-emotional, social function and bodily pain domains of the SF-36 after the intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions Breathing exercises can be recommended for vehicle spray painters to avoid an increase in respiratory resistance and to improve their quality of life.

Risk of Damaging Anatomical Structures During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Correction (Bösch Technique): An Anatomical Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1355-1359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Kaipel ◽  
Lukas Reissig ◽  
Lukas Albrecht ◽  
Stefan Quadlbauer ◽  
Joachim Klikovics ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Metatarsal Osteotomy ◽  
Anatomical Structures ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Background: Percutaneous, transverse distal metatarsal osteotomy with K-wire fixation (the Bösch technique) is an established technique for hallux valgus correction. Nevertheless, the risk of damaging the anatomical structures during the operation is unknown. Methods: Forty fresh-frozen anatomical foot specimens with hallux valgus deformity underwent a percutaneous corrective procedure. Specimens of group A (n = 20) were operated by an experienced surgeon while specimens of group B (n = 20) were done by untrained residents. Results: The dorsal cutaneous nerve was injured in 1 of 20 cases in group A and 6 of 20 cases in group B ( P = .037). There was a significant difference in overall complication rate between specimens of group A and group B ( P = .043). Conclusions: The results show an increased risk of perioperative injury of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the deep peroneal nerve as well as a significant effect of the surgeon’s experience on the overall complication rate. Clinical Relevance: Results of this study are highly relevant for all surgeons who perform percutaneous, minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery to avoid damage to the peripheral nerves. In addition, the data suggest an intensive training for surgeons before minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery is performed without supervision.

scholarly journals Radiological Outcomes of Third Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomies (MICA) for Hallux Valgus

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0032
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Lewis ◽  
Robbie Ray; David Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Deformity Correction ◽  
Third Generation ◽  
Radiographic Measurements ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus has significantly increased in popularity recently due to smaller incisions, reduced soft tissue trauma, and the ability to achieve large deformity corrections compared to traditional treatments. This study aimed to investigate the radiological outcomes and degree of deformity correction of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and the hallux valgus angle (HVA) following third generation (using screw fixation) Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus. Methods: A single surgeon case series of patients with hallux valgus underwent primary, third generation MICA for hallux valgus. Pre- and post-operative (6 weeks after surgery) radiological assessments of the IMA and HVA were based on weight-bearing dorso-plantar radiographs. Radiographic measurements were conducted by two foot & ankle fellowship trained consultant surgeons (RR, DG). Paired t-tests were used to determine the statistically significant difference between pre- and post-operative measurements. Results: Between January 2017 and December 2019, 401 MICAs were performed in 274 patients. Pre- and post-operative radiograph measurements were collected for 348 feet in 232 patients (219 female; 13 male). The mean age was 54.4 years (range 16.3-84.9, standard deviation (s.d.) 13.2). Mean pre-operative IMA was 15.3° (range 6.5°-27.0°, s.d. 3.4°) and HVA was 33.8° (range 9.3°-63.9°, s.d. 9.7°). Post-operatively, there was a statistically significant improvement in radiological deformity correction; mean IMA was 5.3° (range -1.2°-16.5°, s.d. 2.7°, p<0.001) and mean HVA was 8.8° (range -5.2°-24.0°, s.d. 4.5°, p<0.001). The mean post-operative reduction in IMA and HVA was 10.0° and 25.0° respectively. Conclusion: This is the largest case series demonstrating radiological outcomes following third generation Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus to date. These data show that this is an effective approach at correcting both mild and severe hallux valgus deformities. Longer term radiological outcome studies are needed to investigate whether there is any change in radiological outcomes. Correlation with patient reported outcomes is planned.

scholarly journals Ultrasound-Guided Inactivation of Trigger Points Combined with Muscle Fascia Stripping by Liquid Knife in Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia Complicated with Abdominal Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Prospective and Controlled Clinical Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Xiang-Hong Lu ◽  
Xiao-Lan Chang ◽  
Si-Lan Liu ◽  
Jing-Ya Xu ◽  
Xiao-Jun Gou
Keyword(s):  
Myofascial Pain ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Myofascial Pain Syndrome ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Vas Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Muscle Fascia

Objective. To evaluate ultrasound-guided inactivation of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) combined with abdominal muscle fascia stripping by liquid knife in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) complicated with abdominal myofascial pain syndrome (AMPS). Methods. From January 2015 to July 2018, non-head-and-neck PHN patients in the Pain Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, were treated with routine oral drugs and weekly paraspinal nerve block for two weeks. Patients with 2 < VAS (visual analogue scale) score < 6 were subjects of the study. They were assigned into control group 1 (C1, n = 33) including those with PHN and without myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and control group 2 (C2, n = 33) including those with PHN complicated with MPS and observation group 1 (PL, n = 33) including those with PHN complicated with limb myofascial pain syndrome (LMPS) and observation group 2 (PA, n = 33) including those with PHN complicated with AMPS. All groups received zero-grade treatment: routine oral drugs and weekly paraspinal nerve block. PL and PA groups were also treated step by step once a week: primary ultrasound-guided inactivation of MTrPs with dry needling, secondary ultrasound-guided inactivation of MTrPs with dry and wet needling, and tertiary ultrasound-guided dry and wet needling combined with muscle fascia stripping by liquid knife. At one week after primary treatment, patients with a VAS score > 2 proceeded to secondary treatment. If the VAS score was <2, the treatment was maintained, and so on, until the end of the four treatment cycles. Pain assessment was performed by specialized nurses at one week after each treatment, including VAS score, McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) score, pressure pain sensory threshold (PPST), and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PPTT). VAS score was used as the main index and VAS <2 indicated effective treatment. At 3 months after treatment, outpatient and/or telephone follow-up was performed. The recurrence rate was observed and VAS > 2 was regarded as recurrence. Results. At one week after primary treatment, the effective rate was 66.7% in PL group, significantly higher than that in PA group (15.2%, P<0.05). At one week after secondary treatment, the effective rate was 100% and 37.5% in PL and PA groups, respectively, with significant difference between the groups (P<0.05). The effective rate increased to 90.6% in PA group at one week after tertiary treatment. At one week after the end of treatment cycles, the scores of VAS and MPQ were significantly lower in C1, PL, and PA groups than in C2 group (P<0.05), while PPST and PPTT were significantly higher than in C2 group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between C1 group and PL group (P>0.05). At follow-up at 3 months after treatment, the recurrence rate was low in each group, with no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion. About 57% of PHN patients with mild to moderate pain are complicated with MPS, and ultrasound-guided inactivation of MTrPs with dry and wet needling can effectively treat PHN patients complicated with LMPS. However, patients with PHN complicated with AMPS need to be treated with ultrasound-guided MTrPs inactivation combined with muscle fascia stripping by liquid knife as soon as possible.

scholarly journals Assessment of anxiety and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tathiana Pagano ◽  
Luciana Akemi Matsutani ◽  
Elisabeth Alves Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Amélia Pasqual Marques ◽  
Carlos Alberto de Bragança Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Outpatient Service ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

CONTEXT: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, and by a low pain threshold at specific anatomical points. The syndrome is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness and anxiety. Because of its chronic nature, it often has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life and anxiety level of patients with fibromyalgia. TYPE Of STUDY: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Rheumatology outpatient service of Hospital das Clínicas (Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo). METHODS: This study evaluated 80 individuals, divided between test and control groups. The test group included 40 women with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The control group was composed of 40 healthy women. Three questionnaires were used: two to assess quality of life (FIQ and SF-36) and one to assess anxiety (STAI). They were applied to the individuals in both groups in a single face-to-face interview. The statistical analysis used Student's t test and Pearson's correlation test (r), with a significance level of 95%. Also, the Pearson chi-squared statistics test for homogeneity, with Yates correction, was used for comparing schooling between test and control groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.000), thus indicating that fibromyalgia patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety. The correlations between the three questionnaires were high (r = 0.9). DISCUSSION: This study has confirmed the efficacy of FIQ for evaluating the impact of fibromyalgia on the quality of life. SF-36 is less specific than FIQ, although statistically significant values were obtained when analyzed separately, STAI showed lower efficacy for discriminating the test group from the control group. The test group showed worse quality of life than did the control group, which was demonstrated by both FIQ and SF-36. Even though STAI was a less efficient instrument, it presented significant results, showing that fibromyalgia patients presented higher levels of anxiety, both on the state and trait scales. Thus, patients with fibromyalgia had higher levels of tension, nervousness, preoccupation and apprehension, and higher propensity towards anxiety. CONCLUSION: The three instruments utilized showed efficiency in evaluating fibromyalgia patients. FIQ was found to be the most efficient instrument for discriminating and assessing the impact of fibromyalgia on their quality of life. It can be concluded that such patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety.

Quality of Life Scores Predict Survival Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (16) ◽  
pp. 2754-2760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie A. Karvonen-Gutierrez ◽  
David L. Ronis ◽  
Karen E. Fowler ◽  
Jeffrey E. Terrell ◽  
Stephen B. Gruber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Physical Component Score ◽  
Component Score ◽  
Sf 36

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine whether quality of life (QOL) scores predict survival among patients with head and neck cancer, controlling for demographic, health behavior, and clinical variables. Patients and Methods A self-administered questionnaire was given to 495 patients being treated for head and neck cancer while they were waiting to be seen for a clinic appointment. Data collected from the survey included demographics, health behaviors, and QOL as measured by Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical and mental component scores and the Head and Neck QOL scores. Clinical measures were collected by chart abstraction. Kaplan-Meier plots and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between QOL scores and survival time. Results After controlling for age, time since diagnosis, marital status, education, tumor site and stage, comorbidities, and smoking, the SF-36 physical component score and three of the four Head and Neck QOL scales (pain, eating, and speech domains) were associated with survival. Controlling for the same variables, the SF-36 mental component score and the emotional domain of the Head and Neck QOL were not associated with survival. Conclusion QOL instruments may be valuable screening tools to identify patients who are at high risk for poor survival. Those with low QOL scores could be followed more closely, with the potential to identify recurrence earlier and perform salvage treatments, thereby possibly improving survival for this group of patients.

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