Aspirin,other antiplatelet agents,and anticoagulant drugs are used across a wide spectrum of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.A concomitant proton pump inhibitor(PPI)treatment is often prescribed in these p...Aspirin,other antiplatelet agents,and anticoagulant drugs are used across a wide spectrum of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.A concomitant proton pump inhibitor(PPI)treatment is often prescribed in these patients,as gastrointestinal complications are relatively frequent.On the other hand,a potential increased risk of cardiovascular events has been suggested in patients treated with PPIs;in particular,it has been discussed whether these drugs may reduce the cardiovascular protection of clopidogrel,due to pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions through hepatic metabolism.Previously,the concomitant use of clopidogrel and omeprazole or esomeprazole has been discouraged.In contrast,it remains less known whether PPI use may affect the clinical efficacy of ticagrelor and prasugrel,new P2Y12 receptor antagonists.Current guidelines recommend PPI use in combination with antiplatelet treatment in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding,including advanced age,concurrent use of anticoagulants,steroids,or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,and Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection.In patients taking oral anticoagulant with risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding,PPIs could be recommended,even if their usefulness deserves further data.H.pylori infection should always be investigated and treated in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease(with or without complication)treated with antithrombotic drugs.The present review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the widespread combined use of platelet inhibitors,anticoagulants,and PPIs,discussing consequent clinical implications.展开更多
BACKGROUND Since 2010,the European Society of Cardiology has extended prescription criteria for oral antithrombotic therapy(OAT)in atrial fibrillation(AF).Direct oral anticoagulants(DOACs)were upgraded from an IIAa re...BACKGROUND Since 2010,the European Society of Cardiology has extended prescription criteria for oral antithrombotic therapy(OAT)in atrial fibrillation(AF).Direct oral anticoagulants(DOACs)were upgraded from an IIAa recommendation in 2012 to an IA in 2016.In real-world scenarios,however,OAC prescription is still suboptimal,mainly for DOACs.AIM To evaluate OAT temporal prescription patterns in a cohort of patients hospitalized with AF in a Cardiology Department.METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of hospitalized patients in a secondary setting(Trapani,Italy)from 2010 to 2021 with AF as the main or secondary diagnosis.For 4089 consecutive patients,the variables extracted from the Cardiology department database were:Sex,age,time of hospitalization,antithrombotic therapy(warfarin,acenocoumarol,apixaban,dabigatran,edoxaban,rivaroxaban,aspirin,clopidogrel,other antiplatelet agents,low molecular weight heparin,and fondaparinux),diagnosis at discharge and used resources.Basal features are presented as percentage values for categorized variables and as mean+/-SD for categorized once.RESULTS From January 1st,2010 to October 6th,2021,25132 patients were hospitalized in our department;4089(16.27%,mean age 75.59+/-10.82)were discharged with AF diagnosis;of them,2245 were males(54.81%,mean age 73.56+/-11.45)and 1851 females(45.19%,mean age 78.06+/-9.47).Average length of stay was 5.76+/-4.88 days;154 patients died and 88 were moved to other Departments/Structures.AF was the main diagnosis in 899 patients(21.94%).The most frequent main diagnosis in patients with AF was acute myocardial infarction(1973 discharges,48.19%).The most frequent secondary cardiac diagnosis was chronic coronary syndrome(1864 discharges,45.51%),and the most frequent secondary associated condition was arterial hypertension(1010 discharges,24.66%).For the analysis of antithrombotic treatments,the final sample included 3067 patients,after excluding in-hospital deaths,transferred out or self-discharged patients,as well as discharges lacking indications for prescribed treatments.OAC treatment increased significantly(35.63%in 2010-2012 vs 61.18%in 2019-2021,+25.55%,P<0.0001),in spite of any antiplatelet agent use.This rise was due to increasing use of DOACs,with or without antiplatelet agents,from 3.04%in 2013-2015 to 50.06%in 2019-2021(+47.02%,P<0.0001)and was greater for factor Xa inhibitors,especially apixaban.In addition,treatment with a vitamin K antagonist,in spite of any antiplatelet agent use,decreased from 35.63%in 2010-2012 to 11.12%in 2019-2021(-24.48%,P<0.0001),as well as any antiplatelet therapy,alone or in double combination,(49.18%in 2010-2012 vs 34.18%in 2019-2021,-15.00%,P<0.0001);and patients not receiving antithrombotic therapy declined with time(14.58%in 2010-2012 vs 1.97%in 2021,P<0.0001).CONCLUSION Real-world patients with AF are elderly and affected by cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases.The percentage of patients on OAT and DOACs increased.These data suggest a slow,gradual guidelines implementation process.展开更多
Classical risk factors only partially account for variations in cardiovascular disease incidence;therefore,also other so far unknown features,among which meteorological factors,may influence heart diseases(mainly coro...Classical risk factors only partially account for variations in cardiovascular disease incidence;therefore,also other so far unknown features,among which meteorological factors,may influence heart diseases(mainly coronary heart diseases,but also heart failure,arrhythmias,aortic dissection and stroke)rates.The most studied phenomenon is ambient temperature.The relation between mortality,as well as cardiovascular diseases incidence,and temperature appears graphically as a"U"shape.Exposure to cold,heat and heat waves is associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndromes.Other climatic variables,such as humidity,atmospheric pressure,sunlight hours,wind strength and direction and rain/snow precipitations have been hypothesized as related to fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular diseases incidence.Main limitation of these studies is the unavailability of data on individual exposure to weather parameters.Effects of weather may vary depending on other factors,such as population disease profile and age structure.Climatic stress may increase direct and indirect risks to human health via different,complex pathophysiological pathways and exogenous and endogenous mechanisms.These data have attracted growing interest because of the recent earth’s climate change,with consequent increasing ambient temperatures and climatic fluctuations.This review evaluates the evidence base for cardiac health consequences of climate conditions,and it also explores potential further implications.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the incidence of urethral stricture during the early period after transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP)and correlate its incidence with intra-operative urethral mucosal injury during T...Objective:To investigate the incidence of urethral stricture during the early period after transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP)and correlate its incidence with intra-operative urethral mucosal injury during TURP.Also to compare the other established risk factors affecting the development of urethral stricture among patients undergoing monopolar or bipolar TURP over a period of 6 months follow-up as the prospective randomized study.Methods:One hundred and fifty men older than 50 years with lower-urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to undergo either standard monopolar TURP with glycine as the irrigation fluid or bipolar TURP with normal saline as irrigant.The prostate size,operative time,intra-operative mucosal rupture,catheter time,catheter traction duration,uroflowmetry,and post-operative stricture rate were compared.Results:A total of 150 patients underwent TURP,including 74 patients undergoing monopolar TURP(one patient was excluded as his post-operative histopathological examination report was of adenocarcinoma prostate)and 75 patients undergoing bipolar-TURP,all of which were performed using a 26 Fr sheath resectoscope.The mean International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum urinary flow rate score at post-operative 3 months and 6 months were comparable between the groups.Out of 149 patients,nine patients(6.0%)developed urethral stricture.The severity of the injury(urethral mucosal injury)correlated with the likelihood of developing a subsequent complication(stricture urethra).Patients with stricture had significantly larger prostate volume than patients without stricture(65.0 mL vs.50.0 mL;p=0.030).Patients with stricture had longer operative time than patients without stricture(55.0 min vs.40.0 min;p=0.002).In both procedures,formation of post-operative stricture urethra was independently associated with intra-operative mucosal injury.Conclusion:Intra-operative recognition of urethral mucosal injury helps in prediction of stricture urethra formation in early post-operative period.展开更多
Design reliable and safe LED (light emitting diode) lighting equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres should require knowledge about the possible failure modes of LED sources. Nowadays, LED technology potenti...Design reliable and safe LED (light emitting diode) lighting equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres should require knowledge about the possible failure modes of LED sources. Nowadays, LED technology potential is not adequately considered by IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission system for certification to standards relating to equipment for use in explosive atmospheres) yet. Standards only consider LEDs adequate for Zone 1 when luminary is realized by the Ex-d protection strategy, or ifa big limitation in terms of power is guarantee, for Ex-i mode. In particular, Ex-d LED luminaries are obtained by using heavy, thick and expensive flameproof enclosures, entrusting safety only to the mechanical strength of the case. Luminous efficiency's also reduced since the glass used is very thick (10% reduction of approximately every 10 mm of thickness of the glass). The paper shows a study about different possible causes of LED failure and their implication with explosive atmospheres, investigating whether LED technology can be used safely with other safety strategy like Ex-e, which can guarantee better performance and less cost.展开更多
Aim: Hip fracture implies severe problems to older people;special concerns regard persons with dementia, due either to cognitive impairment, or to behavioral and psychic symptoms. This study illustrates rehabilitative...Aim: Hip fracture implies severe problems to older people;special concerns regard persons with dementia, due either to cognitive impairment, or to behavioral and psychic symptoms. This study illustrates rehabilitative outcomes of these patients discharged by a special care unit ruled by “GentleCare” principles. Method: 54 patients [89% females, aged 82.3 years (range 66 - 94)] followed a post-surgery rehabilitative program carried out by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, supported by a psychologist. The multidimensional assessment consisted of cognition evaluation (Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Global Deterioration Scale), functional evaluation (Barthel Index, Tinetti Gait and Balance, Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity scale), behavioral evaluation (UCLA Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and comorbidity evaluation (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale). Results: All parameters improved, including the 5 most frequent behavioral and psychic symptoms that usually preclude admission in ordinary rehabilitation units. 24% of improvement in Barthel Index total score was explained by agitation and apathy at discharge, in a multiple linear regression model: better functional levels corresponded to smoother behavioral problems. Most patients improved;70.5% of them were discharged to home. Conclusion: A prosthetic approach enables valuable results in the rehabilitation of severely demented patients with hip fracture also in presence of behavioral symptoms.展开更多
The coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19)has greatly affected the overall health of the elderly population through direct biological(infection-related)and indirect psychosocial(quarantine-and isolation-related)effects.Beca...The coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19)has greatly affected the overall health of the elderly population through direct biological(infection-related)and indirect psychosocial(quarantine-and isolation-related)effects.Because the severe form of COVID-19 most frequently targets this population,the prevalence of long-term sequelae is expected to rise consequentially in people≥65 years old.The prominent neuropsychiatric consequences of COVID-19 and the cognitive frailty seen in older adults can both have a negative impact on their mental health.To explore the behavioral,neurological,and psychosocial consequences of COVID-19,we conducted separate studies on different populations of older adult people residing in Lombardy-the Italian epicenter of the first pandemic wave in spring 2020.展开更多
The aim of the study was to verify the efficacy of the Tone-Control method in inducing a reduction in the tension of the muscles of the shoulder girdle,and therefore a normalisation of posture in the segment.The autho...The aim of the study was to verify the efficacy of the Tone-Control method in inducing a reduction in the tension of the muscles of the shoulder girdle,and therefore a normalisation of posture in the segment.The authors analysed the change in posture,which was related to the muscle tension of the pectoralis major muscle and the trapezius muscle,resulting from the administration of a programme of encoded exercises known as the Tone Control method.The study was conducted on 70 patients with postural back pain,aged between 25 and 81 years and with a mean age of 61.9 years,11 male patients and 59 female patients,who attended group rehabilitation for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 sessions.Acute phase patients,patients on anti-inflammatory pharmacological treatment and patients with hernias or bulging causing thecal sac impingement were excluded from the study.Measurements were taken of the angles of the joints in the scapulohumeral segment during the first and last sessions.The NRS(numeric rating scale)pain scale was administered at the start and end of the cycle of sessions.Conclusions:Patients in the study group experienced improvements in the angle measurements that were proportionally greater than those of the control group,together with a considerable reduction in perceived pain,with an overall improvement in posture and shoulder girdle function.展开更多
Aim: Person-centered care is a core issue in rehabilitation;the study aims at: 1) enquiring the outcome expectations of patients in a geriatric rehabilitation ward;2) matching outcome expectations with actual outcomes...Aim: Person-centered care is a core issue in rehabilitation;the study aims at: 1) enquiring the outcome expectations of patients in a geriatric rehabilitation ward;2) matching outcome expectations with actual outcomes. Methods: Expectations of 186 patients [79.4 (8.7) years, 70% females] analyzed through a questionnaire. 80.6% of patients were discharged home;functional recovery = 17.7 (22) points in Barthel Index total score, and 5 (4.2) points in Barthel Index walking subscore;also conditions with nursing needs improved significantly. Results: Patients’ expectations were coded as: functional (31.4%), overall (29.6%), and clinical improvement (21.5%), discharge home (7%);no answers or explicit lack of expectations (7.5%). Walking ability recovery differed according to outcome expectations. Highest improvements were achieved by patients wishing clinical improvement, followed by those expecting functional or overall improvement (5 points) [p = 0.009 (Welch)/p = 0.041 (Brown- Forsythe)];worst improvement in walking ability (2.8 points) were got by patients faulting or declaring explicit failure of expectations. Conditions with nursing needs improved most in those expecting clinical improvements [p = 0.029 (Brown-Forsythe)], and less in case of expectation default. No further matching was found. Conclusions: Improvement in actual outcomes matched expected improvements in two circumstances: recovery in walking ability and in conditions with nursing needs. The high yield of different favorable outcomes may have masked the statistical significance for correspondence between actual and expected results. Special attention is worthy towards patients short of expectations, as their actual outcomes result poorer.展开更多
文摘Aspirin,other antiplatelet agents,and anticoagulant drugs are used across a wide spectrum of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.A concomitant proton pump inhibitor(PPI)treatment is often prescribed in these patients,as gastrointestinal complications are relatively frequent.On the other hand,a potential increased risk of cardiovascular events has been suggested in patients treated with PPIs;in particular,it has been discussed whether these drugs may reduce the cardiovascular protection of clopidogrel,due to pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions through hepatic metabolism.Previously,the concomitant use of clopidogrel and omeprazole or esomeprazole has been discouraged.In contrast,it remains less known whether PPI use may affect the clinical efficacy of ticagrelor and prasugrel,new P2Y12 receptor antagonists.Current guidelines recommend PPI use in combination with antiplatelet treatment in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding,including advanced age,concurrent use of anticoagulants,steroids,or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,and Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection.In patients taking oral anticoagulant with risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding,PPIs could be recommended,even if their usefulness deserves further data.H.pylori infection should always be investigated and treated in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease(with or without complication)treated with antithrombotic drugs.The present review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the widespread combined use of platelet inhibitors,anticoagulants,and PPIs,discussing consequent clinical implications.
文摘BACKGROUND Since 2010,the European Society of Cardiology has extended prescription criteria for oral antithrombotic therapy(OAT)in atrial fibrillation(AF).Direct oral anticoagulants(DOACs)were upgraded from an IIAa recommendation in 2012 to an IA in 2016.In real-world scenarios,however,OAC prescription is still suboptimal,mainly for DOACs.AIM To evaluate OAT temporal prescription patterns in a cohort of patients hospitalized with AF in a Cardiology Department.METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of hospitalized patients in a secondary setting(Trapani,Italy)from 2010 to 2021 with AF as the main or secondary diagnosis.For 4089 consecutive patients,the variables extracted from the Cardiology department database were:Sex,age,time of hospitalization,antithrombotic therapy(warfarin,acenocoumarol,apixaban,dabigatran,edoxaban,rivaroxaban,aspirin,clopidogrel,other antiplatelet agents,low molecular weight heparin,and fondaparinux),diagnosis at discharge and used resources.Basal features are presented as percentage values for categorized variables and as mean+/-SD for categorized once.RESULTS From January 1st,2010 to October 6th,2021,25132 patients were hospitalized in our department;4089(16.27%,mean age 75.59+/-10.82)were discharged with AF diagnosis;of them,2245 were males(54.81%,mean age 73.56+/-11.45)and 1851 females(45.19%,mean age 78.06+/-9.47).Average length of stay was 5.76+/-4.88 days;154 patients died and 88 were moved to other Departments/Structures.AF was the main diagnosis in 899 patients(21.94%).The most frequent main diagnosis in patients with AF was acute myocardial infarction(1973 discharges,48.19%).The most frequent secondary cardiac diagnosis was chronic coronary syndrome(1864 discharges,45.51%),and the most frequent secondary associated condition was arterial hypertension(1010 discharges,24.66%).For the analysis of antithrombotic treatments,the final sample included 3067 patients,after excluding in-hospital deaths,transferred out or self-discharged patients,as well as discharges lacking indications for prescribed treatments.OAC treatment increased significantly(35.63%in 2010-2012 vs 61.18%in 2019-2021,+25.55%,P<0.0001),in spite of any antiplatelet agent use.This rise was due to increasing use of DOACs,with or without antiplatelet agents,from 3.04%in 2013-2015 to 50.06%in 2019-2021(+47.02%,P<0.0001)and was greater for factor Xa inhibitors,especially apixaban.In addition,treatment with a vitamin K antagonist,in spite of any antiplatelet agent use,decreased from 35.63%in 2010-2012 to 11.12%in 2019-2021(-24.48%,P<0.0001),as well as any antiplatelet therapy,alone or in double combination,(49.18%in 2010-2012 vs 34.18%in 2019-2021,-15.00%,P<0.0001);and patients not receiving antithrombotic therapy declined with time(14.58%in 2010-2012 vs 1.97%in 2021,P<0.0001).CONCLUSION Real-world patients with AF are elderly and affected by cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases.The percentage of patients on OAT and DOACs increased.These data suggest a slow,gradual guidelines implementation process.
文摘Classical risk factors only partially account for variations in cardiovascular disease incidence;therefore,also other so far unknown features,among which meteorological factors,may influence heart diseases(mainly coronary heart diseases,but also heart failure,arrhythmias,aortic dissection and stroke)rates.The most studied phenomenon is ambient temperature.The relation between mortality,as well as cardiovascular diseases incidence,and temperature appears graphically as a"U"shape.Exposure to cold,heat and heat waves is associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndromes.Other climatic variables,such as humidity,atmospheric pressure,sunlight hours,wind strength and direction and rain/snow precipitations have been hypothesized as related to fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular diseases incidence.Main limitation of these studies is the unavailability of data on individual exposure to weather parameters.Effects of weather may vary depending on other factors,such as population disease profile and age structure.Climatic stress may increase direct and indirect risks to human health via different,complex pathophysiological pathways and exogenous and endogenous mechanisms.These data have attracted growing interest because of the recent earth’s climate change,with consequent increasing ambient temperatures and climatic fluctuations.This review evaluates the evidence base for cardiac health consequences of climate conditions,and it also explores potential further implications.
文摘Objective:To investigate the incidence of urethral stricture during the early period after transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP)and correlate its incidence with intra-operative urethral mucosal injury during TURP.Also to compare the other established risk factors affecting the development of urethral stricture among patients undergoing monopolar or bipolar TURP over a period of 6 months follow-up as the prospective randomized study.Methods:One hundred and fifty men older than 50 years with lower-urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to undergo either standard monopolar TURP with glycine as the irrigation fluid or bipolar TURP with normal saline as irrigant.The prostate size,operative time,intra-operative mucosal rupture,catheter time,catheter traction duration,uroflowmetry,and post-operative stricture rate were compared.Results:A total of 150 patients underwent TURP,including 74 patients undergoing monopolar TURP(one patient was excluded as his post-operative histopathological examination report was of adenocarcinoma prostate)and 75 patients undergoing bipolar-TURP,all of which were performed using a 26 Fr sheath resectoscope.The mean International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum urinary flow rate score at post-operative 3 months and 6 months were comparable between the groups.Out of 149 patients,nine patients(6.0%)developed urethral stricture.The severity of the injury(urethral mucosal injury)correlated with the likelihood of developing a subsequent complication(stricture urethra).Patients with stricture had significantly larger prostate volume than patients without stricture(65.0 mL vs.50.0 mL;p=0.030).Patients with stricture had longer operative time than patients without stricture(55.0 min vs.40.0 min;p=0.002).In both procedures,formation of post-operative stricture urethra was independently associated with intra-operative mucosal injury.Conclusion:Intra-operative recognition of urethral mucosal injury helps in prediction of stricture urethra formation in early post-operative period.
文摘Design reliable and safe LED (light emitting diode) lighting equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres should require knowledge about the possible failure modes of LED sources. Nowadays, LED technology potential is not adequately considered by IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission system for certification to standards relating to equipment for use in explosive atmospheres) yet. Standards only consider LEDs adequate for Zone 1 when luminary is realized by the Ex-d protection strategy, or ifa big limitation in terms of power is guarantee, for Ex-i mode. In particular, Ex-d LED luminaries are obtained by using heavy, thick and expensive flameproof enclosures, entrusting safety only to the mechanical strength of the case. Luminous efficiency's also reduced since the glass used is very thick (10% reduction of approximately every 10 mm of thickness of the glass). The paper shows a study about different possible causes of LED failure and their implication with explosive atmospheres, investigating whether LED technology can be used safely with other safety strategy like Ex-e, which can guarantee better performance and less cost.
文摘Aim: Hip fracture implies severe problems to older people;special concerns regard persons with dementia, due either to cognitive impairment, or to behavioral and psychic symptoms. This study illustrates rehabilitative outcomes of these patients discharged by a special care unit ruled by “GentleCare” principles. Method: 54 patients [89% females, aged 82.3 years (range 66 - 94)] followed a post-surgery rehabilitative program carried out by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, supported by a psychologist. The multidimensional assessment consisted of cognition evaluation (Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Global Deterioration Scale), functional evaluation (Barthel Index, Tinetti Gait and Balance, Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity scale), behavioral evaluation (UCLA Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and comorbidity evaluation (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale). Results: All parameters improved, including the 5 most frequent behavioral and psychic symptoms that usually preclude admission in ordinary rehabilitation units. 24% of improvement in Barthel Index total score was explained by agitation and apathy at discharge, in a multiple linear regression model: better functional levels corresponded to smoother behavioral problems. Most patients improved;70.5% of them were discharged to home. Conclusion: A prosthetic approach enables valuable results in the rehabilitation of severely demented patients with hip fracture also in presence of behavioral symptoms.
基金partially funded by ‘Fondo di Beneficenza’ Intesa Sanpaolo (Italy).Project code:B/2020/0045 (to TEP)
文摘The coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19)has greatly affected the overall health of the elderly population through direct biological(infection-related)and indirect psychosocial(quarantine-and isolation-related)effects.Because the severe form of COVID-19 most frequently targets this population,the prevalence of long-term sequelae is expected to rise consequentially in people≥65 years old.The prominent neuropsychiatric consequences of COVID-19 and the cognitive frailty seen in older adults can both have a negative impact on their mental health.To explore the behavioral,neurological,and psychosocial consequences of COVID-19,we conducted separate studies on different populations of older adult people residing in Lombardy-the Italian epicenter of the first pandemic wave in spring 2020.
文摘The aim of the study was to verify the efficacy of the Tone-Control method in inducing a reduction in the tension of the muscles of the shoulder girdle,and therefore a normalisation of posture in the segment.The authors analysed the change in posture,which was related to the muscle tension of the pectoralis major muscle and the trapezius muscle,resulting from the administration of a programme of encoded exercises known as the Tone Control method.The study was conducted on 70 patients with postural back pain,aged between 25 and 81 years and with a mean age of 61.9 years,11 male patients and 59 female patients,who attended group rehabilitation for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 sessions.Acute phase patients,patients on anti-inflammatory pharmacological treatment and patients with hernias or bulging causing thecal sac impingement were excluded from the study.Measurements were taken of the angles of the joints in the scapulohumeral segment during the first and last sessions.The NRS(numeric rating scale)pain scale was administered at the start and end of the cycle of sessions.Conclusions:Patients in the study group experienced improvements in the angle measurements that were proportionally greater than those of the control group,together with a considerable reduction in perceived pain,with an overall improvement in posture and shoulder girdle function.
文摘Aim: Person-centered care is a core issue in rehabilitation;the study aims at: 1) enquiring the outcome expectations of patients in a geriatric rehabilitation ward;2) matching outcome expectations with actual outcomes. Methods: Expectations of 186 patients [79.4 (8.7) years, 70% females] analyzed through a questionnaire. 80.6% of patients were discharged home;functional recovery = 17.7 (22) points in Barthel Index total score, and 5 (4.2) points in Barthel Index walking subscore;also conditions with nursing needs improved significantly. Results: Patients’ expectations were coded as: functional (31.4%), overall (29.6%), and clinical improvement (21.5%), discharge home (7%);no answers or explicit lack of expectations (7.5%). Walking ability recovery differed according to outcome expectations. Highest improvements were achieved by patients wishing clinical improvement, followed by those expecting functional or overall improvement (5 points) [p = 0.009 (Welch)/p = 0.041 (Brown- Forsythe)];worst improvement in walking ability (2.8 points) were got by patients faulting or declaring explicit failure of expectations. Conditions with nursing needs improved most in those expecting clinical improvements [p = 0.029 (Brown-Forsythe)], and less in case of expectation default. No further matching was found. Conclusions: Improvement in actual outcomes matched expected improvements in two circumstances: recovery in walking ability and in conditions with nursing needs. The high yield of different favorable outcomes may have masked the statistical significance for correspondence between actual and expected results. Special attention is worthy towards patients short of expectations, as their actual outcomes result poorer.