scholarly journals Evaluation of balance, fall risk, and related factors in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-415
Author(s):  
Köksal Sarıhan ◽  
Hülya Uzkeser ◽  
Akın Erdal

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether fibromyalgia patients had a higher fall risk compared to healthy individuals and to identify its relationship, if there was an increase, with clinical features. Patients and methods: Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 50 consecutive female patients with fibromyalgia (median age: 35 years; interquantile range [IQR], 27 to 40 years) and 50 healthy female volunteers (median age: 30 years; IQR, 23 to 40 years) were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), life quality with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), balance functions with the Berg Balance Test (BBT), and the risk of falls with a posturography device. Disease activity of fibromyalgia patients was evaluated with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results: The mean fall risk index of the fibromyalgia patients was 45%. The fall risk index was significantly higher (p=0.010) and the BBT scores were significantly lower in the patient group (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in terms of fall risk between the control group and drug-free fibromyalgia patients; however, no significant difference was found between the balance scores of the two groups. In the fibromyalgia group, a weak positive relationship was determined between the fall risk index and the social isolation subscale of the NHP. Conclusion: Our study results showed an increased risk of loss of balance and falls in fibromyalgia patients, compared to healthy individuals. This fall risk increase was also detected in fibromyalgia patients who did not use drugs. These findings suggest a possible relationship between social isolation and an increased risk of falls.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-41
Author(s):  
Zeynab Ahmadihosseini ◽  
Morteza Moeinian ◽  
Saeed Nazemi ◽  
Sepideh Elyasi ◽  
Amir Hooshang Mohammadpour

Objectives: Fetuin-A is a circulating calcification inhibitor that prevents coronary artery calcification (CAC) by increasing calcium phosphate solubility and inhibiting VSMC differentiation and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the correlation between rs4918 and CAC in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Forty-two healthy individuals and eighty-one CAD patients were recruited in the present study. The CAC score (CACS) was measured by CT angiography and the genotype analysis of rs4918 single-nucleotide polymorphism SNP was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Results: The CACS was significantly higher in CAD patients compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between the mean CACS in the presence and absence of rs4918 (p = 0.792). The mean calcium score of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) was significantly lower in carriers of the rs4918 allele (p = 0.036). The frequency of rs4918 SNP was almost similar in the control group and CAD patients (p = 0.846). Conclusions: in patients with CAD, we found no significant association between rs4918 SNP and CACS, indicating that carriers of this allele are not at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared with those without.


2021 ◽  
pp. 088506662199275
Author(s):  
Rupesh Raina ◽  
Nirav Agrawal ◽  
Kirsten Kusumi ◽  
Avisha Pandey ◽  
Abhishek Tibrewal ◽  
...  

Objective: Continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is the primary therapeutic modality utilized in hemodynamically unstable patients with severe acute kidney injury. As the circuit is extracorporeal, it poses an increased risk of blood clotting and circuit loss; frequent circuit losses affect the provider’s ability to provide optimal treatment. The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the extracorporeal anticoagulants in the pediatric CKRT population. Data Sources: We conducted a literature search on PubMed/Medline and Embase for relevant citations. Study Selection: Studies were included if they involved patients under the age of 18 years undergoing CKRT, with the use of anticoagulation (heparin, citrate, or prostacyclin) as a part of therapy. Only English articles were included in the study. Data Extraction: Initial search yielded 58 articles and a total of 24 articles were included and reviewed. A meta-analysis was performed focusing on the safety and effectiveness of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) vs unfractionated heparin (UFH) anticoagulants in children. Data Synthesis: RCA had statistically significantly longer circuit life of 50.65 hours vs. UFH of 42.10 hours. Two major adverse effects metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalance seen more commonly in RCA compared to UFH. There was not a significant difference in the risk of systemic bleeding when comparing RCA vs. UFH. Conclusion: RCA is the preferred anticoagulant over UFH due to its significantly longer circuit life, although vigilant circuit monitoring is required due to the increased risk of electrolyte disturbances. Prostacyclin was not included in the meta-analysis due to the lack of data in pediatric patients. Additional studies are needed to strengthen the study results further.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Cheuk Kei Lao ◽  
Bing Long Wang ◽  
Richard S. Wang ◽  
Hsiao Yun Chang

Background and objectives: Faced with the serious problem of an aging population, exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain the health of the elderly. In recent years, with the popularization of smartphones, the elderly have increasingly accepted technological products that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI). However, there is not much research on using artificial intelligence bracelets to enhance elders’ motivation and participation in exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs on the motivation of the elderly in Macau. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with a randomized trial design in a 12 week multi-sport exercise training intervention. According to the evaluation, a total of sixty elders’ pre- and post-test data were included in this study. Results: After 12 weeks of multi-sport exercise training, the evaluation scores on the exercise motivation scale (EMS) increased significantly in the group wearing exercise bracelets and those taking part in the multi-component exercise program, and the degree of progress reached a statistically significant level, but the control group did not show any statistically significant difference. The influence of the combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs on elders’ motivation is clearer. Conclusions: The use of sports smart bracelets by elderly people in conjunction with diverse exercise training can effectively enhance elders’ motivation and increase their participation in regular exercise. The combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs is worth promoting in the elderly population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Jafaripour ◽  
Z Aryanian ◽  
S Hosseinzadeh ◽  
R Pourkia ◽  
MM Ansari Ramandi ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Lichen planus (LP) which is a chronic inflammatory disease can cause impaired atrial electromechanical coupling, leading to increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate atrial electromechanical coupling in LP patients by using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Methods Forty-six LP patients were investigated in this cross-sectional case-control study. The control group comprised healthy individuals selected in age and gender-matched manner. Echocardiography and ECG were done for all patients to show inter and intra-atrial electromechanical delays and P wave dispersion respectively. The electromechanical delays were calculated by using the difference between the delays from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler recordings of the different areas. Results The baseline characteristics of the case and control group were similar and did not differ significantly. The P wave dispersion was 45.63 ± 3.48 milliseconds in the LP group in comparison to 36.56 ± 2.87 milliseconds in the control group (p &lt; 0.001). As shown in the table, the intra and inter-atrial electromechanical delays were also significantly prolonged in LP patients when compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference between the left and right ventricular systolic function and diastolic function of the two groups. Conclusion The results of the study indicate the presence of significant impaired atrial electromechanical coupling in patients with LP confirmed by both electrocardiographic and echocardiographic tools. Electromechanical delays Case N = 46 (mean ± SD) Control N = 46 (mean ± SD) P value Septal - PA (msec) 59.71 ± 13.24 44.39 ± 11.07 0.002 Lateral - PA (msec) 55.71 ± 13.26 48.89 ± 11.21 0.009 Tricuspid - PA (msec) 52.37 ± 13.12 43.28 ± 10.58 0.002 Inter-atrial delay (msec) (lateral PA−RV PA) 8.47 ± 1.62 6.37 ± 1.36 &lt;0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (LA) [lateral PA−septal PA] 4.80 ± 1.48 3.83 ± 0.82 &lt;0.001 Intra-atrial delay (msec) (RA) [septal PA−RV PA] 3.91 ± 0.96 2.02 ± 0.71 &lt;0.001 PA Delay from the onset of the P wave on ECG to the onset of A wave on tissue Doppler, N: number, SD: Standard Deviation, LA: Left Atrium, RA: Right Atrium, RV: Right Ventricle


Author(s):  
Suélem B. de Lorena ◽  
Angela L.B.P. Duarte ◽  
Markus Bredemeier ◽  
Vanessa M. Fernandes ◽  
Eduardo A.S. Pimentel ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The effects of stretching exercises in fibromyalgia (FM) deserves further study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Physical Self-Care Support Program (PSCSP), with emphasis on stretching exercises, in the treatment of FM. METHODS: Forty-five women with FM were randomized to the PSCSP (n= 23) or to a control group (n= 22). The PSCSP consisted of weekly 90-minute learning sessions over 10 weeks, providing instructions on wellness, postural techniques, and active stretching exercises to be done at home. The control group was monitored through 3 medical appointments over 10 weeks and included in a waiting list. The primary outcomes were the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Sit and Reach Test (SRT) at the end of the study. RESULTS: Nineteen and 21 patients completed the trial in PSCSP and control groups, respectively. After 10 weeks, the PSCSP group showed significantly better FIQ (difference between adjusted means, -13.64, 95% CI, -21.78 to -5.49, P= 0.002) and SRT scores (7.24 cm, 3.12 to 11.37, P= 0.001) than the CONTROL group, but no significant difference in pain VAS (-1.41, -3.04 to 0.22, P= 0.088). Analysis using multiple imputation (MI) and delta-adjusted MI for missing outcomes rendered similar results. CONCLUSIONS: A PSCSP emphasizing stretching exercises significantly improved FIQ and SRT scores, and may be a helpful therapy for FM.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. BIC.S6040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia A. Savitskaya ◽  
Genaro Rico ◽  
Luis Linares ◽  
Roberto González ◽  
René Téllez ◽  
...  

Background Tumor immunology research has led to the identification of a number of tumor-associated self antigens, suggesting that most tumors trigger an immunogenic response, as is the case in osteosarcoma, where the detection of natural serum IgM antibodies might achieve the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Natural IgM antibodies to tumor-associated proteins may expand the number of available tumor biomarkers for osteosarcoma and may be used together in a serum profile to enhance test sensitivity and specificity. Natural IgM antibodies can be consistently detected in the peripheral blood sera months to years before the tumor is diagnosed clinically. The study of the level of a potential biomarker many months (or years) prior to diagnosis is fundamentally important. Integrated circulating and imaging markers in clinical practice treating osteosarcoma have potential applications for controlling tumor angiogenesis. Objectives To study the expression of natural IgM antibodies to the tumor antigens of angiogenesis in the peripheral blood sera of osteosarcoma patients and healthy individuals, and to develop serum-based predictive biomarkers. Methods Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 117 osteosarcoma patients and 117 patients with other tumors. All diagnosis was histologically confirmed. Staging of patients was performed according to the Enneking Surgical Staging System. The control group consisted of 117 age- and sex- matched healthy individuals. In this study, novel immunoconjugates were designed, synthesized and then used to develop a rapid, specific and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to detect angiogenin (ANG)–IgM directly in the peripheral blood sera of humans. Results Serum ANG–IgM levels are significantly higher in osteosarcoma patients than in healthy individuals ( P < 0.005). Serum ANG–IgM levels varied widely, but were highly dependent on the concentration of IgM (r = 0.85; P < 0.0005). We found ANG–IgM in the sera of 85% of newly diagnosed osteosarcoma patients and ANG–IgM levels were significantly higher in osteosarcoma patients compared to any other tumors ( P < 0.001). Conclusions These results demonstrated that the combined biomarker ANG–IgM has greater sensitivity and specificity in early diagnosis of osteosarcoma patients than the traditional biomarkers (ANG and vascular endothelial growth factor). Circulating ANG–IgM immune complexes can potentially serve as a biomarker for increased risk of osteosarcoma, because relatively high serum levels were also detected in otherwise healthy individuals with a first degree family history of osteosarcoma and in patients with a diagnosis of benign conditions. Immunological aspects of angiogenesis for managing osteosarcoma will have a practical value in early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring response to antiangiogenic therapy.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Ranavolo ◽  
Lorenzo M. Donini ◽  
Silvia Mari ◽  
Mariano Serrao ◽  
Alessio Silvetti ◽  
...  

The coordinative pattern is an important feature of locomotion that has been studied in a number of pathologies. It has been observed that adaptive changes in coordination patterns are due to both external and internal constraints. Obesity is characterized by the presence of excess mass at pelvis and lower-limb areas, causing mechanical constraints that central nervous system could manage modifying the physiological interjoint coupling relationships. Since an altered coordination pattern may induce joint diseases and falls risk, the aim of this study was to analyze whether and how coordination during walking is affected by obesity. We evaluated interjoint coordination during walking in 25 obese subjects as well as in a control group. The time-distance parameters and joint kinematics were also measured. When compared with the control group, obese people displayed a substantial similarity in joint kinematic parameters and some differences in the time-distance and in the coupling parameters. Obese subjects revealed higher values in stride-to-stride intrasubjects variability in interjoint coupling parameters, whereas the coordinative mean pattern was unaltered. The increased variability in the coupling parameters is associated with an increased risk of falls and thus should be taken into account when designing treatments aimed at restoring a normal locomotion pattern.


Cholesterol ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Tavoosi ◽  
Hemen Moradi-Sardareh ◽  
Massoud Saidijam ◽  
Reza Yadegarazari ◽  
Shiva Borzuei ◽  
...  

ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes encode the cholesterol transporter proteins that play a key role in cholesterol and phospholipids homeostasis. This study was aimed at evaluating and comparing ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes expression in metabolic syndrome patients and healthy individuals. This case-control study was performed on 36 patients with metabolic syndrome and the same number of healthy individuals in Hamadan (west of Iran) during 2013-2014. Total RNA was extracted from mononuclear cells and purified using RNeasy Mini Kit column. The expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes was performed by qRT-PCR. Lipid profile and fasting blood glucose were measured using colorimetric procedures. ABCG1 expression in metabolic syndrome patients was significantly lower (about 75%) compared to that of control group, while for ABCA1 expression, there was no significant difference between the two studied groups. Comparison of other parameters such as HDL-C, FBS, BMI, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure between metabolic syndrome patients and healthy individuals showed significant differences (P<0.05). Decrease in ABCG1 expression in metabolic syndrome patients compared to healthy individuals suggests that hyperglycemia, related metabolites, and hyperlipidemia over the transporter capacity resulted in decreased expression of ABCG1. Absence of a significant change in ABCA1 gene expression between two groups can indicate a different regulation mechanism for ABCA1 expression.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 104-110
Author(s):  
V. S. Uchaeva ◽  
Yu. A. Vasiliev ◽  
A. S. Gracheva ◽  
O. V. Gulenko ◽  
I. G. Udina

Aim. This research was designed to conduct an associative population genetic study for the consideration of the impact of SNP C677T of the gene MTHFR in the congenital maxillofacial developmental anomalies (CMDA): congenital cleft lip (CCL), congenital cleft palate (CCP), congenital cleft lip and palate (CCLP) in the Krasnodar territory. The aim of the study is to establish the associations between SNP C677T of the gene MTHFR and the development of congenital cleft lip and/ or palate.Materials and methods. In this research, the peculiarities of distribution of SNP C667T of the gene MTHFR in children with congenital cleft lip and/or palate (n=223) and their mothers (n=78) in comparison with the control group (n=124) were studied in the Krasnodar territory. The genetic demographic questionnaires were gathered for children with CMDA, the information about diagnosis was obtained from the medical records. The biological samples, including blood or scrapings of oral mucosa, were collected from children with the pathology and their mothers. The DNA was extracted from the samples by the standard method. The study of the peculiarities of distribution of alleles of SNP C677T of the gene MTHFR was performed by PCR-PFLP with endonuclease Hinf I or by tetra-primer ARMS-PCR method in children with CCL, CCP, CCLP, their mothers and the control group. Statistical processing of the obtained data was performed by the algorithms of the “Statistica” program.Results. While comparing the profiles of frequencies of SNP C677T in children with CCL, CCP and CCLP with the control group, there were identified no significant differences in the frequency of this SNP and no peculiarities of genotypes distribution. There was identified a significant difference in the peculiarities of genotypes distribution with the control group (G=19,5232, d.f.=1, p<0,001) as well as united genotypes (С/C и С/T) in accordance to T/T (G=10,4657, d.f.=1; p<0,001) and united genotypes (C/T и T/T) in accordance to C/C (G=15,1896, d.f.=1, p<0,001) for the mothers of children with CCL, CCP and CCLP.Conclusion. As a result of the study, we established the association of SNP C677T of the MTHFR gene with the development of congenital cleft lip and/or palate: mothers’ T/T genotype is associated with the increased risk of giving birth to a child with CCL, CCP and CCLP (in comparison with mothers with C/C+C/T genotype): odds ratio [OR]=16,63, 95% CI: 3,86-71,71; p=0,0003 and also for mothers with genotypes (C/T+T/T) in comparison with mothers with genotypes C/C: OR=3,22, CI:1,71-6,08; p=0,0002. The amount of risk is not significant in children with CMDA for T/T genotype. So it is possible to make a conclusion about the impact of C677T of the gene MTHFR in the development of CCL, CCP and CCLP only in mother’s genotype. 


PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e8329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byeong-Yeon Moon ◽  
Jae Hyeok Choi ◽  
Dong-Sik Yu ◽  
Sang-Yeob Kim

Background and Purpose Fall accidents are a social challenge in Korea and elsewhere. Most previous studies have focused on the effects of reduced visual acuity due to myopia on falls and body balance. The objective of this study was to investigate whether uncorrected hyperopia was a major risk factor for falls and to establish whether the risk of falls was absolutely correlated with visual acuity. Methods Fifty-one young subjects with a mean age of 22.75 ± 2.13 years were enrolled in this study. To induce hyperopic and myopic refractive errors, spherical lenses of ±1.0–6.0 D (1.0 D stepwise) were used. Under each induced condition, fall risk index and sway power were assessed via Fourier transformation of postural sway using a TETRAX system. Results The fall risk index for eyes-closed was significantly greater than that of eyes-open with full correction (t = −5.876, p < 0.05). The fall risk index increased significantly from hyperopia induced with −4.0 D lenses (with visual acuity of 0.69 ± 0.32) compared to eyes-open with full correction (F = 3.213, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in the induced myopia conditions, despite a drastic decline in decimal visual acuity. Sway power increased significantly in the low-to-medium frequency band derived from the peripheral vestibular system when hyperopia was induced. A significant difference was detected in hyperopia induced with −6.0 D lenses compared to eyes-open with full correction (F = 4.981, p = 0.017). Conclusion An uncorrected hyperopia rather than myopia may increase the risk of falls, although eyes may show normal visual acuity due to the inherent accommodation mechanism. Our findings suggest that the corrected state of refractive errors is more important than the level of visual acuity as the criteria for appropriate visual input, which contributes to stable posture. Therefore, clinicians should consider the refractive condition, especially the characteristics of hyperopia, when analyzing body balance, and appropriate correction of uncorrected hyperopia to prevent falls.


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