Immediate and Long-Term Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for People With Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (12) ◽  
pp. 1774-1779
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Kendall ◽  
Carolyn Ehrlich ◽  
Kelsey Chapman ◽  
Camila Shirota ◽  
Gary Allen ◽  
...  

Some people with disabilities may have greater risk of contracting COVID-19 or experiencing worse outcomes if infected. Although COVID-19 is a genuine threat for people with disabilities, they also fear decisions that might limit lifesaving treatment should they contract the virus. During a pandemic, health systems must manage excess demand for treatment, and governments must enact heavy restrictions on their citizens to prevent transmission. Both actions can have a negative impact on people with disabilities. Ironically, the sociotechnical advances prompted by this pandemic could also revolutionize quality of life and participation for people with disabilities. Preparation for future disasters requires careful consideration.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 78-84
Author(s):  
M. Bakos ◽  
T. Jankovic ◽  
M. Vidiscak ◽  
S. Durdik

Introduction:Quality of life in cancer patients and probably also long term survival is negatively affected with fear of the recurrence of cancer and consequences of aggressive therapy. This is the reason for anxiety, depressions, and frustration which are accompanied by cognitive, emotional and behavioral disorders in their physical, relationship, sexual and social func- tioning. The aim of our study is to analyze the dynamics of evolution of the psychosocial loads and qualitative changes its symptomatology in cancer patients who survival 1-4 years after surgery. Material and methods:For assessment of psychosocial mor- bidity ́s in measure in surgery patients standardized question- naires of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer- questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30.3 (Quality of Life- C.30.3) and its module EORTC QLQ- BR23 were used. Results:The degree of psychosocial mortality in survival pa- tients one year after MRM in our group clearly demonstrated that these patients suffered because of consequences of psy- chosocial loads. It results from fear of recurrence of cancer and next functional, emotional, cognitive and social disorders with- out regard for surgery range. The degree of psychosocial loads in patients after MRM is still more than 4 years after end of treatment. Results show, that after the end of treatment there are many changes in their lives - anxiety and depressions can lead to psychical lability because of higher doubts, nervous- ness, irritability, helplessness and loneliness in their sufferers. Conclusion:Out-patient psychosocial interventions and pre- ventions because of negative impact of ongoing and changing psychosocial loads becomes necessary. It means that there is negative impact on quality of life; of long term cancer remis- sion and survival of patients after surgery.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Daperno ◽  
Alessandro Armuzzi ◽  
Silvio Danese ◽  
Walter Fries ◽  
Giuseppina Liguori ◽  
...  

Background. The lifelong and remitting nature of ulcerative colitis results in considerable disability and a substantial negative impact on quality of life. The major goal of the therapy of ulcerative colitis is considered to be the modification of the course of the disease, so that the patient’s quality of life can be improved while minimising disease-related disability. Although considerable progress in understanding the molecular pathways involved in ulcerative colitis has led to improved treatment options, there is currently no definitive cure for ulcerative colitis, there remain considerable unmet needs in terms of long-term efficacy and safety, and there are many patients who continue to be burdened by physical and psychological symptoms. Defining unmet needs can help to increase the awareness of the shortcomings of current therapeutic management and highlight the need to achieve not only a control of clinical symptoms but also control of mucosal healing, in order to attain the best possible long-term outcomes. Methods. With the aim of providing a better understanding of the unmet needs of patients towards improving overall care, a Delphi process was used to obtain consensus among a group of Italian ulcerative colitis experts. The consensus group met with a major focus of delineating the unmet needs of current treatment strategies and overall management of ulcerative colitis, while also focusing on quality of life and patient care. Results. Three main areas were identified: (i) treatment, (ii) monitoring and risk management, and (iii) patient-related issues. A high level of consensus was reached on all but one of the statements identified. Conclusions. The findings arising from the Delphi process provide valuable insights into the unmet needs in the management of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis from the clinician’s perspective, while emphasising the benefits of therapeutic individualization and suggesting areas that need additional study with the aim of optimising the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis.


Author(s):  
Sabine Schütze ◽  
Benedikt Hohlfeld ◽  
Thomas W. P. Friedl ◽  
Stephanie Otto ◽  
Katrina Kraft ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) increase the risk for pelvic floor dysfunctions. The goal of this study was to examine the long-term outcomes after OASIS on pelvic floor functions and quality of life. Material and methods Between 2005 and 2013, 424 women had an OASIS at the Women University Hospital Ulm. Out of these 71 women completed the German pelvic floor questionnaire, which includes questions regarding prolapse symptoms as well as bladder, bowel and sexual function. In addition, 64 women were physically examined, including a speculum examination to evaluate the degree of prolapse, a cough test to evaluate urinary stress incontinence (SI) and an evaluation of both pelvic floor sphincter (modified Oxford score) and anal sphincter contraction. Results A high rate of pelvic floor disorders after OASIS was found, as 74.6% of women reported SI, 64.8% flatus incontinence and 18.3% stool incontinence, respectively. However, only few women stated a substantial negative impact on quality of life. The clinical examination showed that a positive cough test, a weak anal sphincter tone and a diagnosed prolapse correlated with the results of the self-reported questionnaire. Conclusion On one hand, OASIS has an influence on pelvic floor function going along with lots of complaints, while on the other hand, it still seems to be a taboo topic, as none of the participants spoke about the complaints after OASIS with a doctor. Therefore, the gynecologist should actively address these issues and offer therapy options for the women with persisting problems.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 838-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayem Borhan ◽  
Alexandra Papaioannou ◽  
Olga Gajic‐Veljanoski ◽  
Courtney Kennedy ◽  
George Ioannidis ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 653-659
Author(s):  
Amy Pate ◽  
Jan Lowery ◽  
Kristin Kilbourn ◽  
Patrick J. Blatchford ◽  
Monica McNulty ◽  
...  

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Barrash ◽  
Taylor J Abel ◽  
Katrina L Okerstrom-Jezewski ◽  
Mario Zanaty ◽  
Joel E Bruss ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Some patients experience long-term declines in quality of life following meningioma resection, but associated factors are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether long-term declines in quality of life (specifically impaired adaptive functioning) after meningioma resection are associated with specific personality disturbances that often develop with lesions in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). METHODS  We studied 38 patients who underwent resection of meningioma, 18 of whom had vmPFC lesions and 20 with lesions elsewhere (non-vmPFC). A total of 30 personality characteristics were rated by spouse or family, and a neuropsychologist blindly rated adaptive functioning an average of 3.8 yr postresection. Relevant personality disturbance was defined by a priori process: the presence of “conjoint personality disturbance” required specific disturbances in at least 2 of 4 types of disturbance: executive disorders, disturbed social behavior, emotional dysregulation, and hypoemotionality. RESULTS Fourteen patients had impaired adaptive functioning: 12 had vmPFC lesions and 2 had non-vmPFC lesions. Fourteen patients had conjoint personality disturbance, and 12 of them had impaired adaptive functioning. By contrast, among the 24 patients who did not have conjoint personality disturbance, only 2 had impaired adaptive functioning. Mediation analysis showed that the association between vmPFC lesions and impaired adaptive functioning was mediated by the negative impact of acquired personality disturbance on adaptive functioning. CONCLUSION Anterior skull base meningiomas plus resection surgery may result in specific personality disturbances that are highly associated with impaired adaptive functioning at long-term follow-up. These patients may benefit from early counseling regarding potential personality changes and their implications for adaptive functioning.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
William N Malatestinic ◽  

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition that has a significant negative impact on the physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being of those affected. This study aimed to assess the speed of onset and long-term clinical and quality of life (QOL) outcomes among Ixekizumab (IXE) treated plaque psoriasis patients. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single US dermatology referral center. Medical charts were reviewed for adult psoriasis patients starting IXE (index date) between March 22, 2016, and February 28, 2018.Disease severity and QOL data were collected up to one-year pre-IXE initiation and up to 35 months post-IXE initiation. Static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were summarized at 1-month post-index and at 3-month intervals. Logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the 1-month response in relation to long-term sPGA, BSA, and DLQI outcomes. Results: A total of 153 patients (median age at index: 47.7 years; 65.4% male; 93.5% Caucasian) were included in the study. Majority of patients (69%; n=106) were biologic-experienced prior to IXE initiation. At 1-month post-index 58.8% of patients achieved sPGA (0,1), 55.9% achieved DLQI (0,1), and 66.9% achieved BSA≤1%. Patients with sPGA (0,1) at 1-month post-index had greater odds of remaining sPGA (0,1) and BSA≤1% at 24-month (sPGA 0,1: OR=10.1; 95% CI: 2.1-47.9; BSA≤1%: OR=13.3; 95% CI: 2.2-80.2). Among patients who achieved sPGA (0,1) at 1-month post-index, the observed proportion of patients with sPGA (0,1), DLQI (0,1), and BSA≤1% remained largely the same for the 24-month follow-up. Conclusion: This real-world study demonstrated that the majority of patients initiating IXE achieved sPGA (0, 1), DLQI (0, 1) and BSA ≤1% targets within the first month of treatment and were able to maintain treatment response for up to 24 months independent of prior biologic exposure.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii432-iii432
Author(s):  
Regina M Navarro-Martin del Campo ◽  
Jorge L Macias-Toscano ◽  
Erika Toral-Casillas ◽  
Fernando Sánchez-Zubieta ◽  
Ana L Orozco-Alvarado

Abstract BACKGROUND Treatment of children with medulloblastoma (MB) can lead survivors to lidiate with long term sequelae and affect their quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates QoL in long term MB survivors. DESIGN/ METHODS Clinical files of MB survivors from 1997 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. QoL was defined by Schipper Criteria in a five dimensional evaluation: clinical data, physic effects of treatment, academic develop, functional state and self welfare report. RESULTS Clinical data: Twenty eight survivors were identified, mean age at review was 18 years, median follow up was 106 months. Functional state: Last visit Karfnosky/lansky were 90 to 80% in 25% of patients. Physic effects of treatment: Cerebellar Mutism or ataxia were present in 25% of cases. Two patients required external dispositives. Audiometry detected an auditive tonal decrease in 25% of cases. An endocrine disfunction was present in 46% of cases, 32% required hormone replacement and 28% having short size. Renal damage without dialysis was detected in 7% and 10% had a transient tubulopaty. One case had bilateral amaurosis and 14% uses glasses. Three patients had a life partner. One female has offspring and two males had azoospermia. Academic development: While 90% attends to school, 35.7% complained of learning difficulties and 18% needed special education. Self welfare report: Difficulties in social environment were described in 21% and 14% still feeling sick during years. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of MB had adverse physical effects, followed by academic development, functional state and self welfare report and all this has a negative impact in their QoL.


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