scholarly journals Accuracy of prognostic scores in decision making and predicting outcomes in metastatic spine disease

2012 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Majeed ◽  
S Kumar ◽  
R Bommireddy ◽  
Z Klezl ◽  
D Calthorpe
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
Cell Cancer ◽  
Prognostic Scores ◽  
Survival Prediction ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Score ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Spine Disease

INTRODUCTION Management of metastatic spinal disease has changed significantly over the last few years. Different prognostic scores are used in clinical practice for predicting survival. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of prognostic scores and the role of delayed presentation in predicting the outcome in patients with metastatic spine disease. METHODS Retrospectively, four years of data were collected (2007–2010). Medical records review included type of tumour, duration of symptoms, expected survival and functional status. The Karnofsky performance score was used for functional assessment. Modified Tokuhashi and Tomita scores were used for survival prediction. RESULTS A total of 55 patients who underwent surgical stabilisation were reviewed. The mean age was 63 years (range: 32–87 years). The main primary sources of tumours included myeloma, breast cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer, renal cell cancer and prostate cancer. Of the cases studied, 29 patients had posterior instrumented stabilisation alone, 10 patients had an anterior procedure alone and 16 patients (with an expected survival of more than one year) had both anterior and posterior procedures performed. Twenty-three patients presented with spinal cord compression. The mean follow-up duration was 9 months (range: 1–39 months). Patients who were treated within one week of referral survived longer than anticipated. Patients were divided into three groups based on their expected survival. Actual survival was better in all three groups after surgery. Discrepancies in scores were prominent in patients with myeloma, breast and prostate cancers. Functional outcome was better in patients under 65 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The prognostic scoring systems are not uniformly effective in all types of primary tumours. However, they are useful in decision making for surgical intervention, taking other factors into account, in particular the age of the patient, the type and stage of the primary tumour and general health.

scholarly journals Clinical profile of cardiac myxoma: 11 years’ experience of 90 cases

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Md Toufiqur Rahman ◽  
Md Zulfikar Ali ◽  
Md Humayun Kabir ◽  
STM Abu Azam ◽  
AAS Majumder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Cardiac Myxoma ◽  
Benign Neoplasm ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Pedal Oedema ◽  
Mechanical Interference ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Cardiac myxoma is a benign neoplasm that represents the most common primary tumour of the heart. Because of nonspecific symptoms, early diagnosis may be a challenge. Although the left atrium is the most commonly involved site of origin in 75% of cases, it can arise from any of the cardiac chambers. Symptoms from a cardiac myxoma are more pronounced when the myxomas are left-sided, racemosus, and over 5 cm in diameter. Symptoms are produced by mechanical interference with cardiac function or embolization. Being intravascular and friable, myxomas account for most cases of tumor embolism. The site of embolism is dependent upon the location (left or right atrium) and the presence of an intracardiac shunt. Most atrial myxomas are benign and can be removed by surgical resection.Objectives: To see clinical presentation and echocardiographic profile of cardiac myoxomas.Methods: 90 cardiac myxoma patients who admitted both in cardiology and cardiac surgery departments of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka from August 2003 to July, 2014 were studied clinically and by echocardiogram. Clinical histories were reviewed, noting age, gender, and clinical presentation.Results: There were 30 males and 60 females, ages ranged from 17 to 76 years. The commonest clinical feature was dyspnoea (94.44%), followed by palpitation (76.67%), chest discomfort (74.44%), constitutional symptoms (50%), pedal oedema (20%), syncope (14.44%), and embolization (7.7%). The mean duration of symptoms was 09.7 months.Conclusion: The clinical presentation of cardiac myxoma is often nonspecific, so high index of clinical suspicion is important for its early and correct diagnosis. The size and appearance of the myxomas correlated with the presenting symptoms.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(1) : 18-22

scholarly journals Clinical profile of parkinsonian disorders in the tropics: Experience at Kano, northwestern Nigeria

2012 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. 237-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owolabi Lukman Femi ◽  
A Ibrahim ◽  
S Aliyu
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Clinical Profile ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Male Preponderance ◽  
Idiopathic Parkinsonism ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT Background: No data exists on Parkinson’s disease (PD) and secondary Parkinsonism in Northwestern Nigeria. This study was designed to create a database, document the clinical profile of PD in Kano, northwestern Nigerian, and compare this to prior observations within and outside Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A database was documented on prospective patients presenting consecutively to the Neurology out-patients clinic of the two tertiary health facilities in Kano northwestern Nigeria over a period of 4 years. Demographic and clinical data at presentation were documented for all patients. Cases were classified as PD or secondary Parkinsonism. The severity at presentation and at last visit was classified using the H and Y scale. Results: Over a period of 4 years, out 1153 a total of 96 patients comprising 74 males and 22 females were enrolled. Eighty (83.3%) of them had clinically diagnosed PD while 16 (16.7%) had clinical features compatible with secondary Parkinsonism. The mean age at onset of symptoms in the PD patients (mean 58.2 ± 6.72 yrs ) was more than in secondary Parkinsonism (mean 51.4 ± 10.04 and P = 0.001). There was male preponderance in both idiopathic Parkinsonism (PD) (m:f = 3.2:1) and secondary Parkinsonism (m:f = 4.3:1). Out of the patients with secondary Parkinsonism, 10 (62.5%) and 5 (31.3%) had vascular Parkinsonism and drug-induced Parkinsonism, respectively. Duration of symptoms prior to presentation ranged between 3 months and 16 years. The mean (SD) time interval from the onset of motor symptoms to diagnosis of PD was 3.6 ± 3.4 yrs and time interval for men and women (male 3.8 ± 3.7; female 2.8 ± 2.1; P = 0.249). Conclusions: Clinical profile of patients with PD and secondary Parkinsonism in Kano is similar to that from other populations within Nigeria and other developing countries. However, delayed presentation, less frequent family history, lower frequency of Young-onset PD as well as treatment challenges occasioned by poverty, inadequacy of expert, and lack of newer drugs and treatment options contrasts the situation in western populations.

scholarly journals Incomplete Kawasaki disease - a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 30-35
Author(s):  
S Datta ◽  
S Maiti ◽  
G Das ◽  
A Chatterjee ◽  
P Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Kawasaki Disease ◽  
Intravenous Immunoglobulin ◽  
Incomplete Kawasaki Disease ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Echocardiographic Finding ◽  
2D Echocardiography ◽  
Acquired Heart Disease ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Background The diagnosis of classical Kawasaki Disease was based on clinical criteria. The conventional criteria is particularly useful in preventing over diagnosis, but at the same time it may result in failure to recognize the incomplete form of Kawasaki Disease. Objective To suspect incomplete Kawasaki Disease, because early diagnosis and proper treatment may reduce substantial risk of developing coronary artery abnormality which is one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in children. Method Nine cases of incomplete Kawasaki Disease were diagnosed over a period of one year. The diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki Disease was based on fever for five days with less than four classical clinical features and cardiac abnormality detected by 2D- echocardiography. A repeat echocardiography was done after 6 weeks of onset of illness. The patients were treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin and/or aspirin. Result The mean age of the patients was 3.83 years and the mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 12.1 days. Apart from other criteria all of our patients had edema and extreme irritability. All the patients had abnormal echocardiographic finding. Five patients received only aspirin due to nonaffordability of Intravenous Immunoglobulin and four patients received both aspirin and Intravenous Immunoglobulin, but the outcome was excellent in all the cases. Conclusion Incomplete Kawasaki Disease can be diagnosed with more awareness and aspirin alone may be used as a second line therapy in case of non affordability of Intravenous Immunoglobulin. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-4, 30-35 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i4.10234

scholarly journals POS1281 HOW DOES OBESITY INFLUENCE THE FEATURES OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS?

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 923.4-924
Author(s):  
H. Hachfi ◽  
D. Khalifa ◽  
M. Brahem ◽  
N. Ben Chekaya ◽  
M. Younes
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Obese Group ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Lequesne Index ◽  
The Mean

Background:Knee osteoarthritis and obesity are both major health problems. It is now admitted that the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis gets higher with obesity and that weight loss helps knee function and allows patients to avoid surgery.Objectives:The aim of this study was to study the influence of obesity on knee osteoarthritis features.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the university hospital Taher Sfar of Tunisia over a period of 6 months. Patients who had knee osteoarthritis confirmed by radiographs were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiological and therapeutic data were collected from medical records and visits. Obesity was defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥30. Functional impairment was assessed by the Womac index and Lequesne index.Results:The study included 186 patients. There were 31 males and 155 femmes. The mean age was 60±10 years. The percentage of obese patients was 53,8%. The mean age was similar in both groups obese and non obese. There were more women in the obese group compared to the non obese group (p=0.0001), more patients who had diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia (p=0.002). Non-obese patients had a shorter duration of symptoms with no statistical significance (p=0.151). Obese patients had more involvement of both knees (p<0.0001). Obesity did not have an impact on pain severity. Severity of radiological images (p=0,0001) were more frequent in obese patients. Functional impairment was similar in both groups. However, the percentage of patients having a very important functional impairment with Lequesne index was higher in obese patients (p<0.029). Obese patients also needed more physical therapy sessions (p=0.035).Conclusion:Knee osteoarthritis in obese patients is characterized with the femlae gender predominance, bilateral knee involvement, and a more severe images on radiographs. Thus the need for better control of weight and the importance of physical activity.References:[1]Coggon D, Reading I, Croft P, et al. Knee osteoarthritis and obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord J Int Assoc Study Obes 2001; 25: 622–627.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Chronic vulval problems: A gynaecologist’s perspective

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akanksha Sharma ◽  
Saritha Shamsunder ◽  
Geetika Khanna ◽  
Neeti Khunger ◽  
Vijay Zutshi
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
Blue Dye ◽  
Lichen Sclerosus Et Atrophicus ◽  
Cell Hyperplasia ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Chronic vulval symptoms are common complaints in women seeking health care and can significantly interfere with a woman’s sexual function and sense of well being. Many practitioners feel diagnostically challenged, particularly by chronic or recurrent forms of vulval disease. The aim of this study was to assess the role of various diagnostic modalities in evaluation of chronic vulval symptoms. Methods: Between August 2012 and February 2014, 100 women presenting with chronic vulval symptoms (i.e. ≥ 3 months duration) were evaluated. All of them had a thorough clinical history taken including use of vulval washes and creams, a general and gynaecological examination. Patients having chronic vaginal discharge in addition had urethral, vaginal and cervical smear and culture. All women had a careful examination of the vulva with and without magnification. Vulval scrape cytology was taken after moistening the vulva with normal saline and stained by Pap stain. Colposcopy of the vulva was then carried out after applying 5% acetic acid and 1% toluidine blue dye. Vulval biopsy was taken from suspicious areas on colposcopy and further management was based on histopathology report. Results: The mean age of women in our study was 43.57 years (range 22-80 years.), 70% women were pre-menopausal and 30% were post-menopausal. The mean duration of symptoms was 1.625 years (range 6 months - 15 years) and atypical vulval hygiene practices (excessive washing with soaps) was used in 77% of women. The commonest presenting complaint was pruritus in 92% of women; visible lesions on vulva were seen in 20%, pain in 6% and burning sensation in vulva in 5% of women. The histopathology was abnormal in 77 patients; the most common histopathological finding was non-neoplastic epithelial disorders in 64 women {Squamous cell hyperplasia (n=52), Lichen Sclerosus et atrophicus (n=6), other dermatoses including lichen Planus (n=6)}. Vulvar Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (VIN) was seen in 6 patients, 5 were squamous type VIN and 1 was non-squamous type (Paget’s disease). Squamous cell carcinoma was seen in 3 patients; malignant melanoma, benign appendiceal tumor, angiofibroma and neurofibroma in 1 patient. Examination without magnification had sensitivity of 25.97% and with magnification was 29.87% and specificity was 100% for both of them. Cytology had sensitivity and specificity of 75.32% and 86.95% respectively and sensitivity and specificity of colposcopy was 77.92% and 17.39% respectively. Conclusion: Clinical examination with and without magnification had low sensitivity but were highly specific in diagnosing vulvar lesions. A normal vulval smear and colposcopy have a high negative predictive value and are very reassuring. Colposcopy and biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, however clinical examination with naked eyes and magnifying glass are invaluable and can diagnose most of the neoplastic lesions.

Multiple Outbreaks of Gastroenteritis That Were Associated with 16 Funerals and a Unique Caterer and Spanned 6 Days, 2011, Québec, Canada

2013 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 1582-1589 ◽  
Author(s):  
COLETTE GAULIN ◽  
SOULYVANE NGUON ◽  
MARIE-ANDREE LEBLANC ◽  
DANIELLE RAMSAY ◽  
SOPHIE ROY
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Viral Gastroenteritis ◽  
Epidemiological Investigation ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Over Time

In January 2011, multiple acute gastroenteritis outbreaks that spanned many days and were related to attendance at funerals were reported to public health units in Quebec. An epidemiological investigation was initiated to identify the source of the contamination and to explain the extent of the contamination over time. Thirty-one cohorts of individuals attended different funerals held between 14 and 19 January. All attendees were served a cold buffet made by the same caterer. Of these 31 cohorts, 16 (with a total of about 800 people) contained individuals who reported being ill after the funeral. Symptoms were mainly diarrhea (89 to 94% of individuals), vomiting (63 to 90%,) and fever (26 to 39%), with a median incubation period of 29 to 33 h and a median duration of symptoms of 24 to 33 h, suggesting norovirus-like infection. Among the 16 cohorts, 3 were selected for cohort studies. Among those three cohorts, the mean illness rate was 68%. Associations were found between those who fell ill and those who had consumed pasta salad (relative risk [RR] = 2.4; P = 0.0022) and ham sandwiches (RR = 1.8; P = 0.0096). No food handlers reported being sick. No stool samples were provided by individuals who became ill. Environmental and food samples were all negative for causative agents. Although the causative agent was not clearly identified, this investigation raised many concerns about the importance of preventing foodborne transmission of viral gastroenteritis and generated some recommendations for management of similar outbreaks.

scholarly journals Different chest CT scoring systems in patients with COVID-19: could baseline CT be a helpful tool in predicting survival in patients with matched ages and co-morbid conditions?

2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110063
Author(s):  
Okan Dilek ◽  
Emin Demirel ◽  
Hüseyin Akkaya ◽  
Mehmet Cenk Belibagli ◽  
Gokhan Soker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Severity Score ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Scoring Systems ◽  
Survival Prediction ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Early Decision ◽  
Age Range

Background Computed tomography (CT) gives an idea about the prognosis in patients with COVID-19 lung infiltration. Purpose To evaluate the success rates of various scoring methods utilized in order to predict survival periods, on the basis of the imaging findings of COVID-19. Another purpose, on the other hand, was to evaluate the agreements among the evaluating radiologists. Material and Methods A total of 100 cases of known COVID-19 pneumonia, of which 50 were deceased and 50 were living, were included in the study. Pre-existing scoring systems, which were the Total Severity Score (TSS), Chest Computed Tomography Severity Score (CT-SS), and Total CT Score, were utilized, together with the Early Decision Severity Score (ED-SS), which was developed by our team, to evaluate the initial lung CT scans of the patients obtained at their initial admission to the hospital. The scans were evaluated retrospectively by two radiologists. Area under the curve (AUC) values were acquired for each scoring system, according to their performances in predicting survival times. Results The mean age of the patients was 61 ± 14.85 years (age range = 18–87 years). There was no difference in co-morbidities between the living and deceased patients. The survival predicted AUC values of ED-SS, CT-SS, TSS, and Total CT Score systems were 0.876, 0.823, 0.753, and 0.744, respectively. Conclusion Algorithms based on lung infiltration patterns of COVID-19 may be utilized for both survival prediction and therapy planning.

Diagnostic Utility of Lower Extremity Radiographs of Young Children With Gait Disturbance

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-140
Author(s):  
Steven D. Blatt ◽  
Bruce M. Rosenthal ◽  
Douglas C. Barnhart
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Failure To Thrive ◽  
Gait Disturbance ◽  
Diagnostic Utility ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Soft Tissue Swelling ◽  
Chief Complaints ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Limiting Condition

The diagnostic utility of lower extremity radiographs was evaluated using 84 outpatients 1 to 5 years of age with gait disturbance whose lower extremities appeared physically normal. Chief complaints included limp (65 children [77%]), refusal to walk or stand (37 children [44%]), and frequent falling (6 children [7%]). A total of 43 children (51%) had more than one complaint. The mean age of patients was 26 months and the median duration of symptoms was 1 day. Trauma was reported in 43 (51%) cases and fever in 14 (17%). Results of radiographical studies appeared normal in 81 children (96%), demonstrated soft tissue swelling in 2 children, and revealed a bony island in 1 child. In 1 patient admitted to the hospital for failure to thrive and irritability, and whose radiographic results appeared normal, findings consistent with osteomyelitis later developed. Of the remaining children, 68 (81%) were available for follow-up observation 4 to 28 months after the initial visit and all reported spontaneous resolution of the initial complaint. It was concluded that in a well-appearing child with an otherwise normal physical examination results, an acute gait disturbance is likely to be a self-limiting condition and radiographs are unlikely to contribute to the diagnosis.

Pregnancy and Fertility Trends Among Female Otolaryngologists

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110645
Author(s):  
Makenzie Huguet ◽  
Angela Beliveau ◽  
Sandra L. Taylor ◽  
Debbie A. Aizenberg
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
General Population ◽  
Career Decision ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Career Decision Making ◽  
Workplace Support ◽  
Fertility Trends ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
The Mean

Objective This study sought to determine childbearing patterns and decision making among female otolaryngologists. Study Design Anonymous survey. Setting An anonymous survey was sent in 2020 to female otolaryngologists identified through their membership with the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Methods Data were analyzed concerning individual fertility and childbearing history, reflections regarding decision making, perceptions of workplace support, and estimations of objective childbearing potential. Results There were 398 responses. The mean age at first pregnancy was 32.3 years. Almost one-third of respondents who attempted to conceive (30.4%) were diagnosed with infertility. Of those who had their first pregnancy during training, 55% reported having substantial workplace support, as opposed to 70% of those whose first pregnancies followed completion of training ( P = .01). When asked what they would do differently in retrospect, most women with infertility (65.0%) would have attempted conception earlier; 41 (41.0%) would have used cryopreservation to extend fertility; and 14 (14.0%) would have gone into a different specialty. Conclusion Female otolaryngologist respondents have children later in life than the general population, and a substantial proportion face infertility or have regrets about family planning decisions and career decision making. Increased awareness, further investigation, and targeted programs are needed to support the growing number of female otolaryngologists who desire both a career and a family.

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