scholarly journals The impact of meningitis on the motor function of adult survivors in Harare, Zimbabwe

1999 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-10
Author(s):  
Jennifer Jelsma ◽  
Helen Lilley ◽  
Helen Smith ◽  
Jens Mielke ◽  
James Hakim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Disability ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Adult Survivors ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Forward Stepwise ◽  
The One ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
The Impact

Objective: The study aimed to document the spectrum of motor impairments and the degree of functional limitation of those who survived adult meningitis and to identify which factors were associated with a poor functional outcome and mortality.Methods: A prospective study was undertaken in the central hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe. Twenty six adult patients who had survived meningitis were interviewed between one and five months post-admission. Seventeen of these were examined in the clinic for signs of impairment. Nine did not attend the follow-up session and were interviewed at home. The Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index (BI) was administered to all twenty six subjects.Results: Twenty subjects were HIV sero-positive. Eight subjects died in the time period between the one month interview and the final follow-up five months later. The majority of the seventeen examined in the clinic, demonstrated sensory and motor disturbances. Seven of the twenty six subjects scored eighteen or less on the BI. Forward stepwise logistic regression revealed that a low BI was the only variable which significantly predicted mortality (p.<0.01). The odds of a patient with a low BI dying were 63 times the odds of a patient dying who had a normal BI.Discussion and Conclusions: Survivors of meningitis in this study displayed a diversity of impairments and disabilities. Rehabilitation intervention is recommended to provide functional reeducation and support for those with a low BI and to mitigate against the effects of the impairments. A measure of functional disability should be included in the examination of these clients as functional impairment appears to be a predictor of mortality.

Vascular anastomoses in intrauterine growth in monochorionic twins

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 539-543
Author(s):  
Michał Lipa ◽  
Przemysław Kosinski ◽  
Paweł Stanirowski ◽  
Mirosław Wielgos ◽  
Dorota Bomba-Opon
Keyword(s):  
Injection Technique ◽  
Digital Analysis ◽  
Monochorionic Twins ◽  
Intrauterine Growth ◽  
Blood Exchange ◽  
Sharing Patterns ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Umbilical Cords

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of placental anastomoses on the intrauterine growth of monochorionic (MC) twins.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in a group of 53 MC twins. Intrapartally umbilical cords were clamped to identify placental sides corresponding to each twin. The postnatal dye injection technique was administered to evaluate vascular anastomoses, their number and type and visualize placental territory sharing patterns. Data from digital analysis were correlated with obstetrical follow-up.ResultsVascular anastomoses were revealed in 88.7% of cases. Arteriovenous (AV) anastomoses occurred in 75.4% and arterioarterial (AA) in 71.1% while venovenous (VV) in 26.4%. In the subgroup of MC twins without placental anastomoses, significantly higher birthweight difference and discordance were revealed when compared to MC twins without anastomoses (382.0 vs. 22 g; P = 0.03 and 49.14% vs. 16.02%; P = 0.03). On the other hand, in subgroups of MC twins with at least one AA anastomosis, twins’ birthweights were similar (p = ns) despite significantly higher placental territory sharing discordance (30.44% vs. 15.81%; P = 0.31).ConclusionsVascular anastomoses have a major impact on the intrauterine growth of MC twins. In certain cases, they may cause specific complications; however, in general, they regulate intertwin blood exchange and may compensate unequal placental territory.

Feasibility of telemedicine in the management strategy of patients with lymphoma amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, a prospective study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Cordoba ◽  
Alberto Lopez-Garcia ◽  
Daniel Morillo ◽  
Maria-Angeles Perez-Saenz ◽  
Elham Askari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Patient Portal ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Hospital Visits ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Recurrent hospital visits were potential risk factors for COVID-19 contagion. OBJECTIVE The aims of this prospective observational study was to analyze the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic in the health care of patients with lymphoma and the impact of telemedicine strategies such as the patient portal in their management. METHODS All data were obtained from the electronic medical record (EMR). Variables such as age, sex, matter of the visit, use of patient’s portal, changes in management, impact in clinical trials and suffering from COVID-19 contagion were recorded. RESULTS 290 patients were attended in the lymphoma clinic accomplishing 437 appointments. The median age was 66 years (range 18-94), and 157 (54.13%) were male. Of them, 109 out of 290 (37.58%) were aged older then 70 years. Regarding number of visits, 214 patients (73.79%) had only 1 visit to the hospital. Only 23 patients (7.93%) didn’t have access to patient’s portal. During the follow-up, only 7 patients (2.41%) suffered from COVID-19, with a median age of 66 years (51-80). CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine such as patient’s portal are feasible strategies in the management of patients with lymphoma during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a reduction of in-person visits to hospital and a very low contagion rate. This experience allowed us to continue with a new digital health strategy in the follow up of patients with hematologic malignancies. CLINICALTRIAL Not registered.

scholarly journals Risk factors for and outcomes of postoperative complications in adult patients with moyamoya disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 531-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Zhao ◽  
Xiaofeng Deng ◽  
Dong Zhang ◽  
Shuo Wang ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Moyamoya Disease ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Cerebral Hyperperfusion ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVEThe risk factors and clinical significance of postoperative complications in moyamoya disease are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of postoperative complications in moyamoya disease and examine the impact of complications on outcomes.METHODSThe authors reviewed consecutive cases involving adult moyamoya disease patients who underwent indirect, direct, or combined bypass surgery in their hospital between 2009 and 2015. Preoperative clinical characteristics and radiographic features were recorded. Postoperative complications within 14 days after surgery were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for either postoperative ischemia or postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion. Outcome data, including recurrent strokes and neurological status (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) during follow-up, were collected. Outcomes were compared between patients who had complications with those without complications, using propensity-score analysis to account for between-group differences in baseline characteristics.RESULTSA total of 500 patients (610 hemispheres) were included in this study. Postoperative complications were observed in 74 operations (12.1%), including new postoperative ischemia in 30 cases (4.9%), hyperperfusion in 27 (4.4%), impaired wound healing in 12 (2.0%), and subdural effusion in 6 (1.0%). The complication rates for different surgery types were as follows: 12.6% (n = 25) for indirect bypass, 12.7% (n = 37) for direct bypass, and 10.0% (n = 12) for combined bypass (p = 0.726). Postoperative ischemic complications occurred in 30 hemispheres (4.9%) in 30 different patients, and postoperative symptomatic hyperperfusion occurred after 27 procedures (4.4%). Advanced Suzuki stage (OR 1.669, 95% CI 1.059–2.632, p = 0.027) and preoperative ischemic presentation (OR 5.845, 95% CI 1.654–20.653, p = 0.006) were significantly associated with postoperative ischemia. Preoperative ischemic presentation (OR 5.73, 95% CI 1.27–25.88, p = 0.023) and admission modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.06–3.10, p = 0.031) were significantly associated with symptomatic postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS). Compared with patients without postoperative complications, patients who experienced any postoperative complications had longer hospital stays and worse mRS scores at discharge (both p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up, no significant differences in functional disability (mRS score 3–6, 11.9% vs 4.5%, p = 0.116) and future stroke events (p = 0.513) between the 2 groups were detected.CONCLUSIONSAdvanced Suzuki stage and preoperative ischemic presentation were independent risk factors for postoperative ischemia; the mRS score on admission and preoperative ischemic presentation were independently associated with postoperative CHS. Although patients with postoperative complications had worse neurological status at discharge, postoperative complications had no associations with future stroke events or functional disability during follow-up.

Autoantibody Formation and Alloimunization in Sickle Cell Disease Patients.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 4099-4099
Author(s):  
Marcia C.Z. Novaretti ◽  
Eduardo Jens ◽  
Thiago Pagliarini ◽  
Andreia L. Rodrigues ◽  
Pedro E. Dorlhiac-Llacer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
The One ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Transfusion History ◽  
Autoantibody Formation

Abstract Background: Alloantibody and autoantibody formation to red blood cell (RBC) antigens is one of the observed complications in sickle cell disease patients (SCD). The incidence of alloimmunization and autoantibodies in this selected group of patients is particularly high, although the clinical implication of autoantibodies in sickle cell disease patients is not clear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of alloantibody and autoantibody formation in SCD patients. Study design and methods: A retrospective analysis of transfused sickle cell disease patients followed at Fundacao Pro-Sangue Hemocentro de Sao Paulo between 1988 and 2004 were retrieved. Data on transfusion history, were correlated with development of alloantibodies and autoantibodies. Results: The study group was composed by 43 sickle cell disease patients followed for a mean of 89 months (22–116). The number of RBC units transfused (mean) was 64 (4–208). The development of the first alloantibody was detected after a mean of 40 months (1–107) after the first transfusion in our institution. Out of these patients, 31 (72.1%) were identified with RBC alloantibodies; 9 of these patients (21%) had both allo and autoantibodies to RBC antigens, whereas 5 (55.6%) developed autoantibodies after alloimmunization. The one remainder had only autoantibodies. Conclusion: The alloimmunization rate was extremely high (72.1%) and can be partially explained because of the extended time of follow-up (mean of 89 months). Different from the literature the development of autoantibodies preceeded alloantibodies in 44.4%. The impact of this observation in clinical practice warrants further investigation.

Attachment-oriented Endoscopic Surgical Strategy for Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 629-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roee Landsberg ◽  
Oren Cavel ◽  
Yoram Segev ◽  
Avi Khafif ◽  
Dan M. Fliss
Keyword(s):  
Frozen Section ◽  
Attachment Site ◽  
Nasolacrimal Duct ◽  
Surgical Strategy ◽  
Nasolacrimal Duct Stenosis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The One ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Duct Stenosis

Background It is well documented that inverted papillomas (IP) have a localized attachment site. Still, instead of concentrating on the attachment site, endoscopic surgeons often perform an extended resection similar to the one achieved after external surgery. Objective Our objective was to evaluate an attachment-oriented endoscopic surgical strategy and to determine IP attachment diameter and location. Methods A prospective study was conducted. Thirty-three consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic IP excision (2001-2007) were enrolled. Thirty patients had adequate follow-up. Attachment diameters were measured in 25/33 patients. Surgery included debulking, identifying the precise mucosal attachment site, subperiosteal dissection and excision of the attachment, frozen section control, and resection/drilling of underlying bone. Results The mean measured attachment diameter (n = 25) was 8.4 ± 6 mm (range, 3-23 mm). Attachment locations included maxillary sinus (39%), ethmoid sinus (21%), nasal cavity (21%), frontal sinus (6%), sphenoid sinus (6%), lamina papyracea (3%), and cribriform plate (3%). The mean follow-up (n = 30) was 40 ± 21 months. Three patients had Krouse stage 1, 10 patients had stage 2, and 17 patients had stage 3. Nine patients had undergone previous surgeries. After attachment-oriented endoscopic surgery, three patients had persistent disease. Nasolacrimal duct stenosis was the only complication (n = 1). Conclusion Even advanced IP have small attachments. Their Identification facilitates efficacious resection with minimal morbidity.

Adult CHD patients under clinical follow-up have a similar quality of life to the general population in Malta

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1051-1059
Author(s):  
Maryanne Caruana ◽  
Victor Grech
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Adult Survivors ◽  
Cardiac Medication ◽  
Self Reporting Questionnaire ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundThe improved survival of patients born with CHD has led to increasing interest in research on quality of life of adult survivors. We report the findings of the first study in Malta carried out to investigate quality of life in adults with CHD under follow-up.MethodsA self-reporting questionnaire modelled on the basis of the European Health Interview Survey 2008, including questions on mental health and vitality, was administered to consecutive adult CHD outpatients, aged 16 years and over, between May, 2013 and May, 2014. Foreigners and patients with learning difficulties or cognitive impairment were excluded. Quality-of-life data were compared with that from 371 age- and sex-matched 2008 survey responders – general population cohort. The impact of congenital lesion complexity, hospitalisation in the preceding 12 months, arrhythmias, co-morbidities, and cardiac medication use on quality of life of the CHD cohort was also investigated.ResultsThere were a total of 120 patient responders (63 males; mean age 30.53, SD 12.77 years). Overall, there were no significant differences in mental health and vitality between patient and general population cohorts, although older patients had better mental health scores compared with age-matched controls. Within the adult CHD cohort, hospitalisation in the preceding 12 months was the only factor associated with a poorer quality of life.ConclusionsOverall, CHD has no negative impact on mental health and vitality in Maltese adult patients under follow-up. Patients needing frequent hospitalisations might warrant closer attention by clinical psychologists.

scholarly journals The effect of diabetes mellitus on evolution and outcome of tuberculosis in a prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 16-20
Author(s):  
Alina Malic ◽  
◽  
Evelina Lesnic ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Similar Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
The Impact

Background: In the Republic of Moldova almost 5% of the cases with tuberculosis are diagnosed annually among diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of diabetes mellitus on the evolution and anti-tuberculosis treatment effectiveness in a prospective study. Material and methods: A prospective, longitudinal and case-control study, which included a total number of 252 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and distributed in a study group, consisting of 93 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and a control group, consisting of 159 patients without glycemic disorders, was performed. Results: This study identified that one half of the group with diabetes was detected by active screening and one third received anti-tuberculous treatment before actual episode. A similar rate of diabetic and non-diabetic patients was microbiologically positive, as well confirmed with drug-resistance. The anti-tuberculous treatment effectiveness was lower in diabetic patients, the death rate and the low treatment outcome (lost to follow-up and failed) were higher than in non-diabetic patients. The main causes of unfavorable evolution were: glycemic disorders (hyperglycemia), diabetes complications and the history of the anti-tuberculous treatment in the anamnesis. Conclusions: The individualized approach and a tight follow-up should be performed regularly in all patients with glycemic disorders and tuberculosis for the improvement of the disease outcome.

scholarly journals Sex differences in psychotropic and analgesic drug use before and after initiating treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0243804
Author(s):  
Anne Sverdrup Efjestad ◽  
Hege Ihle-Hansen ◽  
Vidar Hjellvik ◽  
Knut Engedal ◽  
Hege Salvesen Blix
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors ◽  
Prescription Database ◽  
Prescription Pattern ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Norwegian Prescription Database ◽  
Total Prescription ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
The Impact

Background/aims The aim was to explore the impact of sex on prevalence, patterns and trends in the prescription of psychotropics and analgesics in users of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), before and after AChEI initiation, compared to the general population. Methods A prospective study applying data from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD) in the period 2004–2016. Prescription of antidepressants, antipsychotics, analgesics including opioids, benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics in persistent AChEI users was studied in a follow-up period from four years before to two years after AChEI initiation in men and women of four age groups: 37–64, 65–72, 73–80 and 81–88 years. Results Use of antidepressants, antipsychotics and weaker analgesics increased in both sexes during the follow-up period in 11.764 persistent AChEI users. Women with pre-dementia and dementia stages of AD showed a prescription pattern with more use of psychotropics and opioids than men, except for antipsychotics. Conclusion Female sex showed to have a significant influence on the prescriptions of psychotropics and analgesics in AD patients in a pre-dementia and dementia stage. The exception is for antipsychotics, that men used more than women. The prescription pattern showed a higher extent of polypharmacy of psychotropics and/or opioids in women than in men. The total prescription pattern of analgesics could indicate an undertreatment of pain in pre-dementia and dementia stages, most pronounced in men.

A prospective study tracking longitudinal changes in genome-wide cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation to identify early nonresponders to cancer treatment.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3042-3042
Author(s):  
Andrew A. Davis ◽  
Wade Thomas Iams ◽  
David Chan ◽  
Michael S Oh ◽  
Robert William Lentz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Cancer Pathogenesis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The One ◽  
A Prospective Study

3042 Background: Methylation is an epigenetic modification linked to cancer pathogenesis. The aim was to determine if changes in cfDNA methylation patterns before and after initiation of treatment could predict non-response to treatment prior to routine imaging and clinical follow-up. Methods: We prospectively collected clinical data and blood from 28 patients with metastatic malignancies (13 lung, 11 breast, 4 other). Blood was drawn prior to start of a new treatment, after first cycle (median 30 days), and/or second cycle (median 57 days). We performed whole-genome (WG) bisulfite sequencing (median depth 18X) on plasma cfDNA to determine methylation levels. By tracking how methylation levels deviate from unaffected individuals, from baseline to subsequent timepoints, we classified patients as either progressors (greater deviance) or non-progressors. Treatment response at first follow-up imaging (FUI) was determined by RECIST 1.1. Study endpoints were agreement with first FUI and progression-free survival (PFS) by cfDNA classification. Results: The cohort consisted of 68% females and the median age was 70. Main treatment regimens were chemo- (N = 12), immuno- (6), endocrine (5), or targeted-therapy (5). PFS was significantly shorter (log-rank p = 8 x 10-7) in patients classified as progressors by cfDNA (N = 8; median: 62 days) compared to non-progressors (N = 20, median: 263 days). For patients classified as progressors, the cfDNA assay preceded imaging and clinical evaluation by a median of 34 days. 7 out of 8 patients classified as cfDNA progressors were later confirmed to progress at first follow-up evaluation (88% positive predictive value). The one patient who was classified as progressor based on cfDNA was stable based on FUI (day 93 of treatment) but was later confirmed as progression on day 128 by FUI. For the remaining patients, 18 of 20 did not progress (90% negative predictive value). Thus, sensitivity for the assay for identifying progression was 78% and specificity was 95%. Conclusions: Our results show that WG cfDNA methylation change is a novel signature with potential to identify patients whose treatment regimen is ineffective prior to imaging.

Correlation Between MRI Findings and Clinical Impairment In Patients With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: A Prospective Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain GILLET ◽  
Francois ZHU ◽  
Pierre PADOIN ◽  
Gabriella HOSSU ◽  
Aymeric RAUCH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Adhesive Capsulitis ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Clinical Impairment ◽  
Pain Duration ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One ◽  
A Prospective Study

Abstract Objectives: MRI diagnostic criteria of shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC) are widely used, but there is little information available on the association between MRI findings and clinical impairment. The aim of our study was to determine the correlation of MRI findings with the Constant-Murlay Score (CMS), pain duration, and symptoms at the one-year follow-up in AC patients. Methods: MRI of 132 patients with a clinical diagnosis of shoulder AC were prospectively studied. A radiologist examined all patients and completed the CMS just prior to MRI. Pain duration was assessed. The signal intensity and the maximal thickness of the inferior glenohumeral (IGHL) and coracohumeral (CHL) ligaments were measured by two radiologists. Medical record analysis was performed in a sub-group of 49 patients to assess correlation approximately one year after the MRI examination. Results: There was a significant difference in mean pain duration score (3.8 ± 1.2 versus 3.2 ± 0.9 and 3.8 ± 1.2 versus 3.2 ± 0.9 respectively for readers 1 and 2) and in mean mobility scores (15.7 ± 8 points versus 19.6 ± 10.1 points and 15.8 ± 8.2 points versus 19.4 ± 10 points respectively for readers 1 and 2) in patients with a high IGHL signal compared to those with a low signal (P < .05). IGHL was thicker in patients with clinical improvement at one-year follow-up compared to those presenting clinical stability or worsening (P < .05). Conclusion: In shoulder AC patients, the degree of signal intensity at the IGHL was inversely related to shoulder pain duration and range of motion, and a thickened IGHL indicated a favorable outcome at one-year follow-up.

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