Trickle Down Effects of Covid-19 on Glaucoma Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amna Rizwan ◽  
Mahmood Ali ◽  
Farah Akhtar ◽  
Ume Sughra ◽  
Syed Ali Hasan Naqvi
Keyword(s):  
Medical Therapy ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Fiber Layer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Glaucoma Therapy ◽  
Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Hospital Patients ◽  
Ocular Pressure

Purpose:  To report the adherence of Glaucoma patients to anti-glaucoma medical therapy during lockdown period of covid-19 and to evaluate the factors that lead to non-adherence to medical therapy. Study Design:  Cross sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study:  Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi from August 2020 to October 2020. Methods:  A total of 210 patients diagnosed with glaucoma were included. Exclusion criteria was newly diagnosed cases of glaucoma and patients who were non-compliant before lockdown. Patients’ age, gender, marital status, occupation, residence, monthly income bracket, type of glaucoma, duration of glaucoma, number and type of anti-glaucoma medication and any other co-morbidity like diabetes or hypertension were asked from the patient. The patients were evaluated for best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL). Before lockdown, BCVA, IOP and RNFL thickness were taken from computerized data of our hospital. Patients were asked about the compliance of the anti-glaucoma therapy and the factors that lead to non-compliance (if any). Results:  Out of 210 individuals, there were 131 (62.4%) males and 79 (37.6%) females. About 169 (80.5%) patients reported non-compliance to anti-glaucoma drugs during the lockdown period. Non-availability of medicines was the most common reason given by 77 (57.5%) individuals, followed by lack of money by 44 (32.8%) patients. Conclusion:  A high proportion of non-compliance to anti-glaucoma therapy was seen in glaucoma patients during pandemic. Low literacy rate, non-availability of medicines and lack of money were major reasons for non-compliance. Key Words:  Covid-19, Glaucoma, Intra ocular Pressure.

scholarly journals Emerging public health challenge in UK: perception and belief on increased COVID19 death among BAME healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 486-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arumugam Moorthy ◽  
Thangasamy K Sankar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Adequate Provision

Abstract Background Coronavirus infection Disease 19 impacted every part of the world and routine life. Recent report from the Office of national statistics in UK reported disproportionate death among Black Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) population. NHS is heavily relied on the BAME work force both in front line and in the community. We attempted to explore the beliefs and perception about reported worrying issue among BAME health work force in a Diverse city of Leicester. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey using 20 questions in an electronic format. The target population was identified through Leicester Asian Doctors Society and Leicester Asian Nurses Society. The questionnaire was then distributed electronically to the members. Survey questionnaire was accessed by 372, incomplete response (172) were excluded and 200 completed responses were analysed. Results Majority of BAME workforce are routinely involved in front line duties. More than 70% were anxious about their role during this pandemic. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supply was adequate, and the support received from the local healthcare providers was more than satisfactory. The work force perceived co-morbidity, lack of PPE and testing were one of the few reasons for increased death in BAME. BAME group felt adequate provision of PPE, increased testing and improving mental health well-being is required to alleviate concerns and improve BAME working life in NHS. Conclusion BAME workforce are routinely involved in front line work and current anxiety level is very high. Adequate provision of mental health support with clear risk stratification for return to work is required urgently.

scholarly journals Correlation between optic disc deformation and retinal vasculature in non-pathological high myopia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiao Sun ◽  
Jialin Wang ◽  
Yanling Wang
Keyword(s):  
Optic Disc ◽  
High Myopia ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Foveal Avascular Zone ◽  
Flow Density ◽  
Retinal Vasculature ◽  
Fiber Layer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness ◽  
Retinal Microvasculature

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between optic disc deformation and retinal vasculature in high myopia.Methods: One hundred and thirty eyes with non-pathological high myopia were included in this cross-sectional study. The optic disc tilt ratio, and horizontal and vertical disc diameters were analyzed using fundus color photography. A 3 × 3 mm2 grid and a 4.5 × 4.5 mm2 grid were used to scan parafoveal and peripapillary regions, respectively, using optical coherence tomography angiography. Vessel flow density (VFD) and fractal dimension of the retina and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were analyzed and quantified using en face projection images. Optic disc parameters that were associated with vascular changes were determined using multiple linear regression analysis.Results: Results from the multivariate analysis revealed that the tilt ratio (β = -2.291, p = 0.025) was negatively correlated with three sectors in the deep layer. Age was negatively correlated with the VFD of the retina (β = -2.161; p < 0.034). Additionally, FAZ was not significantly correlated with any factors in the current study. Further, there was a positive correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and VFD of the optic nerve head (β = -2.146, p = 0.035).Conclusions: Overall, our results demonstrated that optic disc deformation was negatively correlated with the retinal microvasculature in non-pathological high myopia. Therefore, optic disc deformation may be used to predict the retinal vasculature in high myopia.

scholarly journals Ocular biomarkers for cognitive impairment in nonagenarians; a prospective cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacoba Alida van de Kreeke ◽  
Nienke Legdeur ◽  
Maryam Badissi ◽  
H. Ton Nguyen ◽  
Elles Konijnenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fundus Photography ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Retinal Layer ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Fiber Layer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness

Abstract Background: Ocular imaging receives much attention as a source of potential biomarkers for dementia. In the present study, we analyze these ocular biomarkers in cognitively impaired and healthy participants in a population aged over 90 years (= nonagenarian), and elucidate the effects of age on these biomarkers. Methods: For this prospective cross-sectional study, we included individuals from the EMIF-AD 90+ study, consisting of a cognitively healthy (N=67) and cognitively impaired group (N=33), and the EMIF-AD PreclinAD study, consisting of cognitively healthy controls aged ≥60 (N=198). Participants underwent Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and fundus photography of both eyes. OCT was used to asses total and individual inner retinal layer thickness in the macular region (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study circles) as well as peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, fundus images were analyzed with Singapore I Vessel Assessment to obtain 7 retinal vascular parameters. Values for both eyes were averaged. Differences in ocular biomarkers between the 2 nonagenarian groups were analyzed using linear regression, differences between the individual nonagenarian groups and controls were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results: Ocular biomarkers did not differ between the healthy and cognitively impaired nonagenarian groups. Both nonagenarian groups differed in most ocular biomarkers from the younger controls. Conclusion: Ocular biomarkers were not associated with cognitive impairment in nonagenarians, making their use as a screening tool for dementing disorders in this group limited. However, ocular biomarkers were significantly associated with chronological age, which were very similar to those ascribed to occur in Alzheimer’s Disease.

Hospital Patients Are Not Eating Their Full Meal: Results of the Canadian 2010–2011 nutritionDay Survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza Kent-Smith ◽  
Corinne Eisenbraun ◽  
Heather Wile
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Nutrition Therapy ◽  
Nutrition Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Weight History ◽  
Nutrition Care ◽  
Hospital Patients ◽  
Nutrition Intake

nutritionDay is a 1-day cross-sectional survey identifying how nutrition care is provided. This paper provides results of the first 2 Canadian nutritionDay surveys. In November 2010 and 2011, data from standardized questionnaires were collected from 193 units in Canadian hospitals consisting of unit demographics and patient information including weight history, health status, nutrition assessment, nutrition therapy, food intake and 30-day outcomes. Results indicated that overall, 46% of the 1905 patients reported weight loss in the previous 3 months, and in half of these it was greater than 5 kg. Only 50% of the units had nutrition teams and nutrition therapy was provided to less than 14% of patients. More than 50% of patients ate less than normal in the previous week and 57% ate less than half of their meal on nutritionDay. Within the next 30 days the majority of patients went home, 10% remained in hospital, and 6% were readmitted. In this study, nutritionDay provided relevant information on nutrition assessment, weight history, food intake, nutrition therapy, length of stay, and outcomes in participating Canadian institutions. Data from 2010 and 2011 can help to both reflect on current practices and define continuous improvements through benchmarking with the overall goal of mitigating suboptimal nutrition intake during hospitalization.

scholarly journals Assessing the Diagnostic Imaging needs for Five Selected Hospitals in Uganda

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G Kawooya ◽  
George Pariyo ◽  
Elsie K Malwadde ◽  
Rosemary Byanyima ◽  
Harrient Kisembo
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Pregnancy ◽  
Specific Objective ◽  
Beliefs And Values ◽  
Hospital Patients ◽  
Limited Health

Introduction: Uganda has limited health resources. It is important to measure the need for imaging in order to set policy and plan for imaging services. Objectives: The first specific objective was to develop and apply four imaging needs indices on a case study basis, in five selected Ugandan hospitals. The indices were: Imaging Load (IL), Imaging Burden (IB), Type Specific Imaging Burden (TSIB), and Disease Specific Imaging Burden (DSIB). The second objective was to explore the perceptions of the patient, referring clinician, and radiologist regarding the values, meaning, and objective of imaging in patient care. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey employing triangulation methodology, conducted in 5 Ugandan hospitals over a period of 3 years during 2005 - 2008. The subjects were divided into four clusters: Obstetrics and gynecology (obs/gynae), surgery, internal medicine, and pediatrics. For the quantitative component of the study, data from case notes was used to calculate the indices. The qualitative component explored the non-measurable aspects of imaging needs from the clinician's, radiologist's, and patient's perspective. Results: A total of 1961 patient case notes were studied. The IB was 460 per 1000 hospital patients per year. The highest TSIB was for ultrasound at 232 per 1000 hospital patients per year, followed by 191 patients for general X-ray. The majority of the patients interviewed had special desires, expectations, and misconceptions. Conclusions: There is a high IB of 460 per thousand patient populations per year, mainly due to ultrasound. The majority of the patients have perceptions, misconceptions, beliefs, and values which influence the need for imaging. There is a need to address the medical and non-tangible imaging needs of the patient and to counteract imaging-related misconceptions and over-expectations. Public awareness of the value, capabilities, limitations, and adverse effects of various imaging modalities need to be addressed to ensure that the patients make informed imaging choices and readily avail themselves of interventions in situations when imaging is crucial, for example in suspected high-risk pregnancy.

scholarly journals Medication use among pregnant women at a secondary health institution: utilisation patterns and predictors of quantity

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 1206-1216
Author(s):  
Stella T Obadeji ◽  
Adetunji Obadeji ◽  
Janet O Bamidele ◽  
Felix T Ajayi
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lower Education ◽  
Level Of Significance

Background: Despite the lack of adequate studies on the safety of drugs in pregnancy, surprisingly, available evidence shows that pregnant women still take large number of drugs. Objectives: The study aim was to determine drug utilization pattern and predictors of number of medications used by pregnant women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 369 pregnant women attending a secondary health facility. Data were collect- ed using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics using the Chi-Square test were carried out with level of significance set at p<0.05. Results: Three hundred and sixty-nine women were interviewed. Their mean age was 27.7 years (SD± 4.78) and the mean number of pregnancies was 2.46 (SD± 1.34). On average, 2.62 medications were taken, with the lowest being 1 and the highest being 12 different medications during the course of pregnancy. Those who were on more than 2 medications were more likely to be older than 30 years, had lower education and with history of associated medical conditions. All participants were on one form of supplements or the other, nearly half had used antimalarials, 12.8%, 5.8% 2.4% were on antibiotics, anti-hypertensive and anti-retroviral medications respectively. All the medications prescribed were from category A, B, C, N, and none from category D and X. Conclusion: Varieties of medications were used during the course of pregnancy among this population, however, most of these drugs were still within safety profile. Keywords: Medications; pregnancy; pattern; predictors; co-morbidity.

scholarly journals Effects of Misalignments in the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measurements with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Kleyton A. Barella ◽  
Fernanda Cremasco ◽  
Camila Zangalli ◽  
Vital P. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Fiber ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer ◽  
Fiber Layer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nerve Fiber Layer ◽  
Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sd Oct ◽  
Retinal Nerve Fiber

Purpose. To investigate misalignments (MAs) on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) measurements obtained withCirrus©SD-OCT.Methods. This was a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Twenty-seven healthy and 29 glaucomatous eyes of 56 individuals with one normal exam and another showing MA were included. MAs were defined as an improper alignment of vertical vessels in the en face image. MAs were classified in complete MA (CMA) and partial MA (PMA), according to their site: 1 (superior, outside the measurement ring (MR)), 2 (superior, within MR), 3 (inferior, within MR), and 4 (inferior, outside MR). We compared RNFLT measurements of aligned versus misaligned exams in all 4 sectors, in the superior area (sectors 1 + 2), inferior area (sectors 3 + 4), and within the measurement ring (sectors 2 + 3).Results. RNFLT measurements at 12 clock-hour of eyes with MAs in the superior area (sectors 1 + 2) were significantly lower than those obtained in the same eyes without MAsP=0.043. No significant difference was found in other areas (sectors 1 + 2 + 3 + 4, sectors 3 + 4, and sectors 2 + 3).Conclusion. SD-OCT scans with superior MAs may present lower superior RNFLT measurements compared to aligned exams.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document