scholarly journals Cerebrospinal fluid closing pressure-guided tap test for the diagnosis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: A descriptive cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 315
Author(s):  
Diego Fernando Gómez-Amarillo ◽  
Luis Fernando Pulido ◽  
Isabella Mejía ◽  
Catalina García-Baena ◽  
María Fernanda Cárdenas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus ◽  
Normal Pressure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Opening Pressure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tap Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Closing Pressure

Background: Tap test improves symptoms of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH); hence, it is widely used as a diagnostic procedure. However, it has a low sensitivity and there is no consensus on the parameters that should be used nor the volume to be extracted. We propose draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during tap test until a closing pressure of 0 cm H2O is reached as a standard practice. We use this method with all our patients at our clinic. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study where all patients with presumptive diagnosis of iNPH from January 2014 to December 2019 were included in the study. We used a univariate descriptive analysis and stratified analysis to compare the opening pressure and the volume of CSF extracted during the lumbar puncture, between patients in whom a diagnosis of iNPH was confirmed and those in which it was discarded. Results: A total of 92 patients were included in the study. The mean age at the time of presentation was 79.4 years and 63 patients were male. The diagnosis of iNPH was confirmed in 73.9% patients. The mean opening pressure was 14.4 cm H2O mean volume of CSF extracted was 43.4 mL. Conclusion: CSF extraction guided by a closing pressure of 0 cm H2O instead of tap test with a fixed volume of CSF alone may be an effective method of optimizing iNPH symptomatic improvement and diagnosis.

How Much Cerebrospinal Fluid Should We Remove Prior to Measuring a Closing Pressure?

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Son H. McLaren ◽  
Michael C. Monuteaux ◽  
Atima C. Delaney ◽  
Assaf Landschaft ◽  
Amir A. Kimia
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Pressure Change ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Opening Pressure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Csf Pressure ◽  
Fractional Polynomial ◽  
Closing Pressure

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify a relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume removal and change in CSF pressure in children with suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of children 22 years and younger who underwent a lumbar puncture (LP) and had a documented opening pressure, closing pressure, and volume removed. Relationship between volume removal and pressure change was determined using a fractional polynomial regression procedure. Results: In the 297 patients who met the inclusion criteria, CSF pressure decreased by 1 cm H2O for every 0.91 mL of CSF removed if the maximum change in pressure was less than 15 cm H2O ( R2 = 0.38). Conclusion: A linear relationship exists between the volume of CSF removed and the amount of pressure relieved when the desired pressure change is less than 15 cm H2O.

Comparison of Heffner Criteria and Light Criteria in Differentiating Exudative and Transudative Pleural Effusion

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-145
Author(s):  
Krishna Chandra Devkota ◽  
S Hamal ◽  
PP Panta
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pleural Space ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Exudative Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is present when there is >15ml of fluid is accumulated in the pleural space. It can be divided into two types; exudative and transudative pleural effusion. Tuberculosis and parapneumonic effusion are the common cause of exudative pleural effusion whereas heart failure accounts for most of the cases of transudative pleural effusion. This study was a hospital based cross sectional study performed at Nepal Medical College during the period of January 2016-December 2016. A total of 50 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pleural effusion was confirmed by clinical examination and radiology. After confirmation of pleural effusion, pleural fluid was aspirated and was analysed for protein, LDH, cholesterol. The Heffner criteria was compared with Light criteria to classify exudative or transudative pleural effusion. Among 50 patients, 30 were male and 20 were female. The mean age of patient was 45.4±21.85 years. The sensitivity and specificity of using Light criteria to detect the two type of pleural effusion was 100% and 90.9%, whereas using Heffner criteria was 94.87%, 100% respectively(P<0.01). There are variety of causes for development of pleural effusion and no one criteria is definite to differentiate between exudative or transudative effusion. In this study Light criteria was more sensitive whereas Heffner criteria was more specific to classify exudative pleural effusion. Hence a combination of criteria might be useful in case where there is difficulty to identify the cause of pleural effusion.

Effect of Medialization of the Trochlear Groove and Lateralization of the Tibial Tubercle on TT-TG Distance: A Cross-sectional Study of Dysplastic and Nondysplastic Knees

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652098781
Author(s):  
Mathias Paiva ◽  
Lars Blønd ◽  
Per Hölmich ◽  
Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod
Keyword(s):  
Trochlear Dysplasia ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Mean

Background: Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is often used as a measure of lateralization of the TT and is important for surgical planning. Purpose: To investigate if increased TT-TG distance measured on axial magnetic resonance images is due to lateralization of the TT or medialization of the TG. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 84 knees (28 normal [NK], 28 with trochlear dysplasia [TD], and 28 with patellar dislocation without TD [PD]) were examined. The medial border of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was chosen as the central anatomic landmark. The distance from the TT to PCL (TT-PCL) was measured to examine the lateralization of the TT. The distance from the TG to the PCL (TG-PCL) was measured to examine the medialization of the TG. Between-group differences were investigated by use of 1-way analysis of variance. Results: The mean values for TT-TG distance were 8.7 ± 3.6 mm for NK, 12.1 ± 6.0 mm for PD, and 16.7 ± 4.3 mm in the TD group ( P < .01). The mean values for TT-PCL distance were 18.5 ± 3.6 mm for NK, 18.5 ± 4.5 mm for PD, and 21.2 ± 4.2 mm in the TD group ( P = .03). The mean values for TG-PCL distance were 9.6 ± 3.0 mm for NK, 7.1 ± 3.4 mm for PD, and 5.1 ± 3.3 mm in the dysplastic group ( P < .01). Conclusion: The present results indicate that increased TT-TG distance is due to medialization of the TG and not lateralization of the TT. Knees with TD had increased TT-TG distance compared with the knees of the control group and the knees with PD. The TT-PCL distance did not differ significantly between groups, whereas the TG-PCL distance declined with increased TT-TG.

West Nile Virus Chorioretinitis in the Presence of Negative Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction Results

2021 ◽  
pp. 247412642097925
Author(s):  
Kareem Moussa ◽  
Karen W. Jeng-Miller ◽  
Leo A. Kim ◽  
Dean Eliott
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Serum ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Purpose: This work aims to evaluate the utility of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and serology in confirming West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in patients with suspected WNV chorioretinitis. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted of a cluster of patients who presented to the Retina Service of Massachusetts Eye and Ear between September and October 2018. Results: Three patients were identified with classic WNV chorioretinitis lesions with negative cerebrospinal fluid NAAT and positive serum serology findings. The diagnosis of WNV chorioretinitis was made based on the appearance of the fundus lesions and the presence of characteristic findings on fluorescein angiography as previously described in the literature. Conclusions: This report highlights 3 unique cases of WNV chorioretinitis in which NAAT of cerebrospinal fluid failed to identify WNV as the inciting agent. These cases stress the importance of serum serologic testing in diagnosing WNV infection.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study to identify the determinants of non-communicable diseases among fishermen in Southern India

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhila Doddamani ◽  
A. B. Kirthinath Ballala ◽  
Sharath P. Madhyastha ◽  
Asha Kamath ◽  
Muralidhar M. Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases ◽  
Dietary Practice ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background India is currently facing a rising epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Identification of modifiable risk factors is of paramount importance to curb this menace. Fishermen are one of the most vulnerable occupational groups with unique characteristics that make them prone to acquire NCDs, as a significant share of their life is spent at sea. Hence, this study was planned to ascertain the burden of NCDs, determine various risk factors of NCDs, and measure the association between risk factors and NCDs among fishermen of Coastal Karnataka in South India. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 681 fishermen aged 18 years and above as per the semi-structured interview schedule for two years (2017–2019). A convenience sampling strategy was adopted. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v.15.0. The results were described in terms of proportions and their 95% confidence intervals. Continuous data were summarized using the mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range depending on the skewness of data. Chi-square test was used to study the association between NCDs and modifiable risk factors. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of NCDs. Results The mean (SD) age of the population was 42.5 (SD 12.5) years. The mean years involved in fishing was 19.8 years (SD 10.9). More than half (59.5%) of the study participants had severe stress and most (80.3%) were ever substance users. Advancing age, not being able to contact family while at sea, poor dietary practice, ever substance use, increasing waist circumference were significant correlates of NCDs. Conclusions The commonly prevalent risk factors of NCDs among fishermen included poor dietary practice, higher stress levels, substance use, increasing waist circumference, and inability to contact with family while at sea. Hypertension and Diabetes were the two common NCDs in the study population. There is a need for immediate attention in managing NCDs’ risk factors by promoting a healthy lifestyle by primary health care providers through a sustainable community awareness program targeting fishermen at a convenient time and location, either at the sea-port or meeting places. Harmful effects of substance use, healthy dietary practices, and the importance of physical activity outside their job need emphasis. In addition, screening programs should be organized with the help of boat owners and fishing associations at-least once a year to pick up NCDs at an early stage.

A cross sectional study: The association between sleeping quality and stress among second and third medical students at the University of Jordan

2021 ◽  
pp. 009121742110112
Author(s):  
AA Toubasi ◽  
BR Khraisat ◽  
RB AbuAnzeh ◽  
HM Kalbouneh
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
University Of Jordan ◽  
The University

Objective Medicine is considered one if not the most stressful educational field. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of stress and poor sleeping quality among medical students and the association between them. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Jordan on second- and third-year medical students. The questionnaire consisted of: 1) Demographics; 2) The assessment tools which were Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index (PSQI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Status (K10). Binary logistic regression, chi-square and linear regression were used to investigate the association between PSQI, K10, and their determinants. Results The mean for PSQI score was 6.76 ± 3.32. PSQI scores interpretation revealed that 61.7% of the 282 participants of this study were poor sleepers. Logistic regression results showed that only the category of not napping at all from the napping hours variable was significantly associated with sleeping quality. Furthermore, the mean of K10 scores was 24.5 ± 8.5. K10 scores revealed that 66.3% of the participants were stressed. Logistic regression results showed that gender and regular exercise were significantly associated with psychological distress. Additionally, chi-square test, logistic regression and linear regression showed that PSQI was significantly associated with K10 (P <0.01). Conclusions Stress and poor sleeping quality in medical students at the University of Jordan were highly prevalent and strongly associated. What determined PSQI was daytime napping, and for K10 were regular exercise and gender. Further investigations into stress and sleep quality in the Arabian region are needed.

scholarly journals Ultra-processed food consumption in Barbados: evidence from a nationally representative, cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Harris ◽  
Angela M. C. Rose ◽  
Suzanne Soares-Wynter ◽  
Nigel Unwin
Keyword(s):  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Sweetened Beverages ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Our objective was to describe, for the first time in an English-speaking Caribbean country, the contribution of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to nutrients linked to non-communicable disease. Using a cross-sectional study design, dietary data were collected from two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Recorded food items were then classified according to their degree of processing by the NOVA system. The present study took place in Barbados (2012–13). A representative population-based sample of 364 adult Barbadians (161 males and 203 females) aged 25–64 years participated in the study. UPFs represented 40⋅5 % (838 kcal/d; 95 % CI 791, 885) of mean energy intake. Sugar-sweetened beverages made the largest contribution to energy within the UPF category. Younger persons (25–44 years) consumed a significantly higher proportion of calories from UPF (NOVA group 4) compared with older persons (45–64 years). The mean energy shares of UPF ranged from 22⋅0 to 58⋅9 % for those in the lowest tertile to highest tertile. Within each tertile, the energy contribution was significantly higher in the younger age group (25–44 years) compared with the older (45–64 years). One-quarter of persons consume ≥50 % of their daily calories from UPF, this being significantly higher in younger persons. The ultra-processed diet fraction contained about six times the mean of free sugars and about 0⋅8 times the dietary fibre of the non-ultra-processed fraction (NOVA groups 1–3). Targeted interventions to decrease the consumption of UPF especially in younger persons is thus of high priority to improve the diet quality of Barbadians.

scholarly journals Evaluating the cerebrospinal fluid tap test with the Hellström iNPH scale for patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Rydja ◽  
Andreas Eleftheriou ◽  
Fredrik Lundin
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus ◽  
Postoperative Outcome ◽  
Normal Pressure ◽  
Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus ◽  
Urinary Continence ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Tap Test ◽  
Total Scale Score

Abstract Background The cerebrospinal fluid tap test (CSF TT) is used for selecting shunt surgery candidates among patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the CSF TT, by using the Hellström iNPH scale for shunted iNPH patients with a standardized method. Methods One hundred and sixteen shunt-operated iNPH patients were retrospectively included in this study. The gait and balance domains in the iNPH scale were used as outcome measures for the CSF TT and the total iNPH scale score as the postoperative outcome. A positive response to CSF TT was defined as a change of ≥ 5 points in the gait domain and ≥ 16 points in the balance domain. Differences between CSF TT responders and non-responders, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and correlations between changes from baseline to post CSF TT and from baseline to the postoperative follow-up, were calculated. Results In the CSF TT there were 63.8% responders in the gait domain and correspondingly 44.3% in the balance domain. CSF TT responders had a significantly better postoperative outcome in the total scale score (gait P ≤ 0.001, balance P ≤ 0.012) and gait CSF TT responders improved more in gait (P ≤ 0.001) and balance CSF TT responders in balance (P ≤ 0.001). No differences between CSF TT gait or balance responders could be found in neuropsychological or urinary continence assessments postoperatively. The sensitivity and specificity of the CSF TT and the outcome of the total iNPH scale score postoperatively were 68.1% and 52.0% for gait and 47.8% and 68.0% for balance, respectively. Conclusions The CSF TT, with the Hellström iNPH scale as the outcome measure, has clear limitations in predicting postoperative results. The gait domain may be used to predict outcomes for gait, but the balance domain is too insensitive.

scholarly journals Association between Diabetic Retinopathy and Chronic Periodontitis—A Cross-Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veena H. R. ◽  
Sribhargava Natesh ◽  
Sudhir Patil
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Glycated Haemoglobin ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Condition ◽  
The Mean

Periodontal disease (PD), a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth, increases the risk of complications in diabetics. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of prolonged hyperglycaemia. There appears to be a similarity in the pathogenesis of DR and PD. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association, if any, between DR and PD, correlate the severity of DR with the severity of PD, and investigate the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine and periodontal variables. The periodontal status of 200 adult diabetic patients in the age group of 30–65 years with varying severity of DR was assessed. Evaluation of the severity of PD was assessed by recording clinical parameters. Haematological investigations including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum creatinine were estimated before the initiation of treatment for DR. A statistically significant association between the mean duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the severity of DR and PD was found. The severity of PD was directly correlated with the severity of DR. There was a significant association between the levels of HbA1c and serum creatinine and severity of DR and PD. There could be a plausible relationship between DR and PD. Further prospective studies on a larger population with longer follow-ups are required to ascertain whether PD and its severity directly affect the progression and severity of DR.

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