Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 253 in total

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  1. Khoo TB, Yusniza MY, Chern PM
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Mar;62(1):3-5.
    PMID: 17682560 MyJurnal
    A study was carried out to determine the clinical effectiveness of intramuscular botulinum toxin type A (BTX) in the treatment of spasticity or dystonia in 58 consecutive children with cerebral palsy (CP). The effectiveness of the treatment was determined by the reduction of spasticity and global parental perception scale. The mean age of treatment was six years and the most frequent aim of treatment (91.1%) was functional improvement. The median reduction of spasticity as measured by modified Ashworth scale was 1. The short term outcome was graded as excellent or good by 44.6% and satisfactory by 38.4% of parents. Patients with dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy had the best response. Adverse effects were minimal. BTX treatment is modestly effective in the majority of our patients with spastic and dyskinetic cerebral palsy.
  2. Janahiraman S, Tay CY, Lee JM, Lim WL, Khiew CH, Ishak I, et al.
    BMJ Open Gastroenterol, 2020 05;7(1).
    PMID: 32371502 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2020-000376
    OBJECTIVE: Preprocedural bowel preparation is necessary for optimal colonoscopy visualisation. However, it is challenging to achieve high-quality bowel preparation among patients scheduled for colonoscopy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an intensive patient educational programme on the quality of bowel preparation.

    DESIGN: An accessor-blinded randomised controlled trial was carried out at the outpatient surgical clinic of a tertiary hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to the control group (received standard written and verbal instructions) or the experimental group (received an intensive and structured educational programme). All subjects completed a questionnaire before colonoscopy to assess their compliance, acceptability, and tolerability towards bowel preparation regime. Quality of bowel preparation was determined using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS).

    RESULTS: A total of 300 subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited. The experimental group had a significantly higher proportion of good quality bowel preparation than the control group (98.7% vs 52.3%, p<0.001). The median total BBPS score was also significantly higher in the experimental group (8 vs 5, p<0.001). Factors associated with good quality of bowel preparation included educational programme (OR: 22.79, 95% CI: 4.23 to 122.85, p<0.001), compliance to bowel cleansing agent (OR: 24.98, 95% CI 3.12 to 199.71, p<0.001), very difficult acceptability of preparation (OR: 0.11, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.38, p<0.001), tolerability towards bowel preparation (OR: 4.98, 95% CI 1.44 to 17.20, p<0.011) and hypomotility drugs (OR: 3.03, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.91, p<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: An intensive patient educational programme can significantly improve the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

  3. Khalid F, Chong LA
    Indian J Palliat Care, 2019 3 2;25(1):135-141.
    PMID: 30820116 DOI: 10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_111_18
    Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate palliative care needs and to describe the cohort of children with life-limiting illnesses (LLI) dying in hospitals.

    Design: This study was a retrospective cohort study. The national hospital admissions database was reviewed and children who had died who had life-limiting illnesses were identified.

    Setting: This study was conducted at Ministry of Health hospitals, Malaysia.

    Patients: Children aged 18 years and below who had died between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014.

    Main Outcome Measures: Life-limiting diagnoses based on Hain et al.'s directory of LLI or the ACT/RCPCH categories of life-limiting disease trajectories.

    Results: There were 8907 deaths and 3958 (44.4%) were that of children with LLI. The majority, 2531 (63.9%) of children with LLI were neonates, and the most common diagnosis was extreme prematurity <28 weeks with 676 children (26.7%). For the nonneonatal age group, the median age at admission was 42 months (1-216 months). A majority, 456 (32.0%) had diagnoses from the ICD-10 chapter "Neoplasms" followed by 360 (25.3%) who had a diagnoses from "Congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities" and 139 (9.7%) with diagnoses from "Disease of the nervous system." While a majority of the terminal admissions were to the general ward, there were children from the nonneonatal age group, 202 (14.2%) who died in nonpediatric wards.

    Conclusion: Understanding the characteristics of children with LLI who die in hospitals could contribute toward a more efficient pediatric palliative care (PPC) service development. PPC service should include perinatal and neonatal palliative care. Palliative care education needs to extend to nonpediatric healthcare providers who also have to manage children with LLI.

  4. Ovesen C, Jakobsen JC, Gluud C, Steiner T, Law Z, Flaherty K, et al.
    BMC Res Notes, 2018 Jun 13;11(1):379.
    PMID: 29895329 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3481-8
    OBJECTIVE: We present the statistical analysis plan of a prespecified Tranexamic Acid for Hyperacute Primary Intracerebral Haemorrhage (TICH)-2 sub-study aiming to investigate, if tranexamic acid has a different effect in intracerebral haemorrhage patients with the spot sign on admission compared to spot sign negative patients. The TICH-2 trial recruited above 2000 participants with intracerebral haemorrhage arriving in hospital within 8 h after symptom onset. They were included irrespective of radiological signs of on-going haematoma expansion. Participants were randomised to tranexamic acid versus matching placebo. In this subgroup analysis, we will include all participants in TICH-2 with a computed tomography angiography on admission allowing adjudication of the participants' spot sign status.

    RESULTS: Primary outcome will be the ability of tranexamic acid to limit absolute haematoma volume on computed tomography at 24 h (± 12 h) after randomisation among spot sign positive and spot sign negative participants, respectively. Within all outcome measures, the effect of tranexamic acid in spot sign positive/negative participants will be compared using tests of interaction. This sub-study will investigate the important clinical hypothesis that spot sign positive patients might benefit more from administration of tranexamic acid compared to spot sign negative patients. Trial registration ISRCTN93732214 ( http://www.isrctn.com ).

  5. Tran AT, Nguyen HA, Vu DL, Pham MT, Tran C, Le HK, et al.
    Acta Neurol Belg, 2020 Feb;120(1):99-105.
    PMID: 31679149 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-019-01223-2
    Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), thanks to large vessel occlusion (LVO), especially in case of anterior cerebral artery with many randomized clinical trials (RCTs) every year. On the other hand, there is a limited number of basilar artery occlusion (BAO)-related studies which have been conducted. The fact prompts our range of case studies, which furnish BAO understanding with our experience, results and some prognosis factors of MT. This retrospective and single-center study was conducted on 22 patients who were diagnosed with BAO and underwent the treatment of MT from October 2012 to January 2018. Clinical feature such as radiological imaging, procedure complications, and intracranial hemorrhage were all documented and evaluated. All the studies' results based on performance using modified Rankin scale score (mRS) and mortality at 90 days. The results from these BAO patients study indicated that the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pcASPECTS) recorded before the intervention was 7.7 ± 1.6, while the admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 17.5 ± 5.4. 15/22 cases achieved successful recanalization (TICI, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale, of 2b-3), accounting for 68.2%. The results highlighted 50% of the favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) occupying 11 out of 22 patients in total and the overall mortality was 36.4%. The intracranial hemorrhagic complication was detected in three cases (13.6%). Placing in juxtaposition the poor-outcome group and the favorable-outcome group, we could witness statistically significant difference (P 
  6. Dao-Tran TH, Lam LT, Balasooriya NN, Comans T
    J Adv Nurs, 2023 Dec;79(12):4521-4541.
    PMID: 37449790 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15786
    AIMS: To evaluate and synthesize psychometric properties of the MOS-SSS and to identify quality versions of MOS-SSS for use in future research and practice.

    DESIGN: A psychometric systematic review.

    DATA SOURCES: Articles about the translation, adaptation, or validation of the MOS-SSS in Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science and their reference lists published before 11 November 2022.

    REVIEW METHODS: The review followed the Consensus Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments guidelines.

    RESULTS: The review included 35 articles. Eleven versions of MOS-SSS (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, and 22 items) have been validated in various populations and 13 languages. Of 14 studies developing a translated version of MOS-SSS, four studies performed both an experts' evaluation of content validity and a face validity test; two studies reported translation evaluation in the form of a content validity index. Of 35 studies, six performed both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis for structural validity; hypotheses and measurements for construct validity testings were often not clearly stated; two examined criterion validity; and four assessed cross-cultural validity. Internal consistency reliabilities were commonly examined by calculating Cronbach's alpha and reported satisfactory. Five studies analysed test-retest reliabilities using intra correlation coefficient. Methodological concerns exist.

    CONCLUSION: The English 19-item, Farsi Persian 19-item, and Vietnamese 19-item versions are recommended for future use in research and practice. Italian 19-item and Malaysian 13-item versions are not recommended to be used in future research and practice. All other versions considered in this review have potential use in future research and practice. Proper procedures for developing a translated version of MOS-SSS and validating the scale are recommended.

    IMPACT: The review identified quality versions of MOS-SSS to measure social support in future research and practice. The study also indicated methodological issues in current validation studies. Application of the study findings and recommendations can be useful to improve outcome measurement quality and maximize the efficiency of resource use in future research and practice.

    NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This systematic review synthesized the evidence from previous research and did not involve any human participation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Outcome Assessment (Health Care)*
  7. Baba A, Webbe J, Butcher NJ, Rodrigues C, Stallwood E, Goren K, et al.
    Pediatrics, 2023 Sep 01;152(3).
    PMID: 37641881 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-060751
    OBJECTIVES: Clear outcome reporting in clinical trials facilitates accurate interpretation and application of findings and improves evidence-informed decision-making. Standardized core outcomes for reporting neonatal trials have been developed, but little is known about how primary outcomes are reported in neonatal trials. Our aim was to identify strengths and weaknesses of primary outcome reporting in recent neonatal trials.

    METHODS: Neonatal trials including ≥100 participants/arm published between 2015 and 2020 with at least 1 primary outcome from a neonatal core outcome set were eligible. Raters recruited from Cochrane Neonatal were trained to evaluate the trials' primary outcome reporting completeness using relevant items from Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-Outcomes 2022 pertaining to the reporting of the definition, selection, measurement, analysis, and interpretation of primary trial outcomes. All trial reports were assessed by 3 raters. Assessments and discrepancies between raters were analyzed.

    RESULTS: Outcome-reporting evaluations were completed for 36 included neonatal trials by 39 raters. Levels of outcome reporting completeness were highly variable. All trials fully reported the primary outcome measurement domain, statistical methods used to compare treatment groups, and participant flow. Yet, only 28% of trials fully reported on minimal important difference, 24% on outcome data missingness, 66% on blinding of the outcome assessor, and 42% on handling of outcome multiplicity.

    CONCLUSIONS: Primary outcome reporting in neonatal trials often lacks key information needed for interpretability of results, knowledge synthesis, and evidence-informed decision-making in neonatology. Use of existing outcome-reporting guidelines by trialists, journals, and peer reviewers will enhance transparent reporting of neonatal trials.

  8. Nor MBM, Richards GA, McGloughlin S, Amin PR, Council of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine
    J Crit Care, 2017 12;42:360-365.
    PMID: 29129538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2017.11.004
    The aetiology of community acquired pneumonia varies according to the region in which it is acquired. This review discusses those causes of CAP that occur in the tropics and might not be readily recognizable when transplanted to other sites. Various forms of pneumonia including the viral causes such as influenza (seasonal and avian varieties), the coronaviruses and the Hantavirus as well as bacterial causes, specifically the pneumonic form of Yersinia pestis and melioidosis are discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Outcome Assessment (Health Care)*
  9. Alhadidi MM, Lim Abdullah K, Yoong TL, Al Hadid L, Danaee M
    Int J Soc Psychiatry, 2020 09;66(6):542-552.
    PMID: 32507073 DOI: 10.1177/0020764020919475
    BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is one of the most complicated psychiatric disorders, and, although medication therapy continues to be the core treatment for schizophrenia, there is a need for psychotherapy that helps in providing patients comprehensive mental health care. Psychoeducation is one of the most recognized psychosocial interventions specific to schizophrenia. Further knowledge about the impact of this type of intervention on patients diagnosed with schizophrenia needs to be acquired.

    AIM: This review aimed to explore the effects of psychoeducational interventions on improving outcome measures for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

    METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline was used in this systematic review. Two reviewers were involved in screening articles for inclusion and in the data extraction process. The selected studies were assessed for quality using the 'Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial (CONSORT)' checklist. Out of the 441 records identified, 11 papers were considered for full review (from 2000 to 2018).

    RESULTS: The psychoeducational interventions showed a consistent improvement in many outcome measures. Most of the reviewed studies focused on outpatients and the method of delivering the psychoeducational interventions was mostly in lecture format.

    CONCLUSION: This systematic review of randomized controlled trial studies emphasizes the positive impact of psychoeducational interventions for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia concerning various outcome measures. The findings of this review have important implications for both nursing practice and research, as the information presented can be used by the administrators and stakeholders of mental health facilities to increase their understanding and awareness of the importance of integrating psychoeducational interventions in the routine care of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

  10. Ali N, Aziz SA, Nordin S, Mi NC, Abdullah N, Paranthaman V, et al.
    Subst Use Misuse, 2018 01 28;53(2):239-248.
    PMID: 29116878 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1385630
    BACKGROUND: Opioid misuse and dependence is a global issue with a huge negative impact. In Malaysia, heroin is still the main illicit drug used, and methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been used since 2005.
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of MMT.
    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 103 treatment centers between October and December 2014 using a set of standard questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 20.
    RESULTS: There were 3254 respondents (93.6% response rate); of these 17.5% (n = 570) transferred to another treatment center, 8.6% (n = 280) died, 29.2% (n = 950) defaulted, and 7.6% (n = 247) were terminated for various reasons. Hence, 1233 (37%) respondents' baseline and follow-up data were further analyzed. Respondents had a mean age of 39.2 years old and were mainly male, Malay, Muslim, married (51.1%, n = 617), and currently employed. Few showed viral seroconversion after they started MMT (HIV: 0.5%, n = 6; Hepatitis B: 0.3%, n = 4; Hepatitis C: 2.7%, n = 29). There were significant reductions in opioid use, HIV risk-taking score (p < 0.01), social functioning (p < 0.01), crime (p < 0.01), and health (p < 0.01). However, there were significant improvements in quality of life in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Factors associated with change were being married, employed, consuming alcohol, and high criminality at baseline. Lower methadone dosage was significantly associated with improvements in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains.
    Conclusion/Importance: The MMT program was found to be successful; hence, it should be expanded.
  11. Wan Kasim SH, Midin M, Abu Bakar AK, Sidi H, Nik Jaafar NR, Das S
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S38-45.
    PMID: 23602390 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.03.011
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the rate and predictive factors of successful employment at 3 months upon enrolment into an employment program among patients with severe mental illness (SMI).
    METHODS: A cross-sectional study using universal sampling technique was conducted on patients with SMI who completed a 3-month period of being employed at Hospital Permai, Malaysia. A total of 147 patients were approached and 126 were finally included in the statistical analyses. Successful employment was defined as the ability to work 40 or more hours per month. Factors significantly associated with successful employment from bivariate analyses were entered into a multiple logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of successful employment.
    RESULTS: The rate of successful employment at 3 months was 68.3% (n=81). Significant factors associated with successful employment from bivariate analyses were having past history of working, good family support, less number of psychiatric admissions, good compliance to medicine, good interest in work, living in hostel, being motivated to work, satisfied with the job or salary, getting a preferred job, being in competitive or supported employment and having higher than median scores of PANNS on the positive, negative and general psychopathology. Significant predictors of employment, from a logistic regression model were having good past history of working (p<0.021; OR 6.12; [95% CI 2.1-11.9]) and getting a preferred job (p<0.032; [OR 4.021; 95% CI 1.83-12.1]).
    CONCLUSION: Results showed a high employment rate among patients with SMI. Good past history of working and getting a preferred job were significant predictors of successful employment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Outcome Assessment (Health Care)*
  12. Ho JJ, Subramaniam P, Davis PG
    PMID: 26141572 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002271.pub2
    BACKGROUND: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. In infants with progressive respiratory insufficiency, intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) with surfactant is the standard treatment for the condition, but it is invasive, potentially resulting in airway and lung injury. Continuous distending pressure (CDP) has been used for the prevention and treatment of RDS, as well as for the prevention of apnoea, and in weaning from IPPV. Its use in the treatment of RDS might reduce the need for IPPV and its sequelae.

    OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of continuous distending pressure (CDP) on the need for IPPV and associated morbidity in spontaneously breathing preterm infants with respiratory distress.Subgroup analyses were planned on the basis of birth weight (> or < 1000 or 1500 g), gestational age (groups divided at about 28 weeks and 32 weeks), methods of application of CDP (i.e. CPAP and CNP), application early versus late in the course of respiratory distress and high versus low pressure CDP and application of CDP in tertiary compared with non-tertiary hospitals, with the need for sensitivity analysis determined by trial quality.At the 2008 update, the objectives were modified to include preterm infants with respiratory failure.

    SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of the Neonatal Review Group. This included searches of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2015 Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to 30 April 2015) and EMBASE (1980 to 30 April 2015) with no language restriction, as well as controlled-trials.com, clinicaltrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform of the World Health Organization (WHO).

    SELECTION CRITERIA: All random or quasi-random trials of preterm infants with respiratory distress were eligible. Interventions were continuous distending pressure including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by mask, nasal prong, nasopharyngeal tube or endotracheal tube, or continuous negative pressure (CNP) via a chamber enclosing the thorax and the lower body, compared with spontaneous breathing with oxygen added as necessary.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methods of The Cochrane Collaboration and its Neonatal Review Group, including independent assessment of trial quality and extraction of data by each review author.

    MAIN RESULTS: We included six studies involving 355 infants - two using face mask CPAP, two CNP, one nasal CPAP and one both CNP (for less ill babies) and endotracheal CPAP (for sicker babies). For this update, we included no new trials.Continuous distending pressure (CDP) is associated with lower risk of treatment failure (death or use of assisted ventilation) (typical risk ratio (RR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 0.81; typical risk difference (RD) -0.20, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.10; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 5, 95% CI 4 to 10; six studies; 355 infants), lower overall mortality (typical RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.87; typical RD -0.15, 95% CI -0.26 to -0.04; NNTB 7, 95% CI 4 to 25; six studies; 355 infants) and lower mortality in infants with birth weight above 1500 g (typical RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.84; typical RD -0.28, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.08; NNTB 4, 95% CI 2.00 to 13.00; two studies; 60 infants). Use of CDP is associated with increased risk of pneumothorax (typical RR 2.64, 95% CI 1.39 to 5.04; typical RD 0.10, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.17; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 17, 95% CI 17.00 to 25.00; six studies; 355 infants). We found no difference in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined as oxygen dependency at 28 days (three studies, 260 infants), as well as no difference in outcome at nine to 14 years (one study, 37 infants).

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants with respiratory distress, the application of CDP as CPAP or CNP is associated with reduced respiratory failure and mortality and an increased rate of pneumothorax. Four out of six of these trials were done in the 1970s. Therefore, the applicability of these results to current practice is difficult to assess. Further research is required to determine the best mode of administration.

  13. Ho JJ, Subramaniam P, Henderson-Smart DJ, Davis PG
    PMID: 12076445
    BACKGROUND: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants (Greenough 1998, Bancalari 1992). Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) with surfactant is the standard treatment for the condition. The major difficulty with IPPV is that it is invasive, resulting in airway and lung injury and contributing to the development of chronic lung disease.

    OBJECTIVES: In spontaneously breathing preterm infants with RDS, to determine if continuous distending pressure (CDP) reduces the need for IPPV and associated morbidity without adverse effects.

    SEARCH STRATEGY: The standard search strategy of the Neonatal Review group was used. This included searches of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2002), MEDLINE (1966-January 2002), and EMBASE (1980-January 2002), previous reviews including cross references, abstracts, conference and symposia proceedings, expert informants, journal hand searching mainly in the English language.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: All trials using random or quasi-random allocation of preterm infants with RDS were eligible. Interventions were continuous distending pressure including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by mask, nasal prong, nasopharyngeal tube, or endotracheal tube, or continuous negative pressure (CNP) via a chamber enclosing the thorax and lower body, compared with standard care.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and its Neonatal Review Group were used, including independent assessment of trial quality and extraction of data by each author.

    MAIN RESULTS: CDP is associated with a lower rate of failed treatment (death or use of assisted ventilation) [summary RR 0.70 (0.55, 0.88), RD -0.22 (-0.35, -0.09), NNT 5 (3, 11)], overall mortality [summary RR 0.52 (0.32, 0.87), RD -0.15 (-0.26, -0.04), NNT 7 (4, 25)], and mortality in infants with birthweights above 1500 g [summary RR 0.24 (0.07, 0.84), RD -0.281 (-0.483, -0.078), NNT 4 (2, 13)]. The use of CDP is associated with an increased rate of pneumothorax [summary RR 2.36 (1.25, 5.54), RD 0.14 (0.04, 0.23), NNH 7 (4, 24)].

    REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants with RDS the application of CDP either as CPAP or CNP is associated with benefits in terms of reduced respiratory failure and reduced mortality. CDP is associated with an increased rate of pneumothorax. The applicability of these results to current practice is difficult to assess, given the intensive care setting of the 1970s when four out of five of these trials were done. Where resources are limited, such as in developing countries, CPAP for RDS may have a clinical role. Further research is required to determine the best mode of administration and its role in modern intensive care settings

  14. Ho JJ, Subramaniam P, Henderson-Smart DJ, Davis PG
    PMID: 10908543
    Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants (Greenough 1998, Bancalari 1992). Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) with surfactant is the standard treatment for the condition. The major difficulty with IPPV is that it is invasive, resulting in airway and lung injury and contributing to the development of chronic lung disease.
  15. Ho JJ, Subramaniam P, Henderson-Smart DJ, Davis PG
    PMID: 11034747
    BACKGROUND: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants (Greenough 1998, Bancalari 1992). Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) with surfactant is the standard treatment for the condition. The major difficulty with IPPV is that it is invasive, resulting in airway and lung injury and contributing to the development of chronic lung disease.

    OBJECTIVES: In spontaneously breathing preterm infants with RDS, to determine if continuous distending pressure (CDP) reduces the need for IPPV and associated morbidity without adverse effects.

    SEARCH STRATEGY: The standard search strategy of the Neonatal Review group was used. This included searches of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE (1966-Jan. 2000), previous reviews including cross references, abstracts, conference and symposia proceedings, expert informants, journal hand searching mainly in the English language.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: All trials using random or quasi-random patient allocation of newborn infants with RDS were eligible. Interventions were continuous distending pressure including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by mask, nasal prong, nasopharyngeal tube, or endotracheal tube, or continuous negative pressure (CNP) via a chamber enclosing the thorax and lower body, compared with standard care.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and its Neonatal Review Group, including independent assessment of trial quality and extraction of data by each author, were used.

    MAIN RESULTS: CDP is associated with a lower rate of failed treatment (death or use of assisted ventilation), overall mortality, and mortality in infants with birthweights above 1500 g. The use of CDP is associated with an increased rate of pneumothorax.

    REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants with RDS the application of CDP either as CPAP or CNP is associated with some benefits in terms of reduced respiratory failure and reduced mortality. CDP is associated with an increased rate of pneumothorax. The applicability of these results to current practice is difficult to assess, given the outdated methods to administer CDP, low use of antenatal corticosteroids, non-availability of surfactant and the intensive care setting of the 1970s when these trials were done. Where resources are limited, such as in developing countries, CPAP for RDS may have a clinical role. Further research is required to determine the best mode of administration and its role in modern intensive care settings

  16. Ho JJ, Subramaniam P, Davis PG
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2020 10 15;10:CD002271.
    PMID: 33058208 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002271.pub3
    BACKGROUND: Respiratory distress, particularly respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), is the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. In infants with progressive respiratory insufficiency, intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) with surfactant has been the usual treatment, but it is invasive, potentially resulting in airway and lung injury. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been used for the prevention and treatment of respiratory distress, as well as for the prevention of apnoea, and in weaning from IPPV. Its use in the treatment of RDS might reduce the need for IPPV and its sequelae.

    OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of continuous distending pressure in the form of CPAP on the need for IPPV and associated morbidity in spontaneously breathing preterm infants with respiratory distress.

    SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search CENTRAL (2020, Issue 6); Ovid MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Daily and Versions; and CINAHL on 30 June 2020. We also searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of preterm infants with respiratory distress were eligible. Interventions were CPAP by mask, nasal prong, nasopharyngeal tube or endotracheal tube, compared with spontaneous breathing with supplemental oxygen as necessary.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methods of Cochrane and its Neonatal Review Group, including independent assessment of risk of bias and extraction of data by two review authors. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. Subgroup analyses were planned on the basis of birth weight (greater than or less than 1000 g or 1500 g), gestational age (groups divided at about 28 weeks and 32 weeks), timing of application (early versus late in the course of respiratory distress), pressure applied (high versus low) and trial setting (tertiary compared with non-tertiary hospitals; high income compared with low income) MAIN RESULTS: We included five studies involving 322 infants; two studies used face mask CPAP, two studies used nasal CPAP and one study used endotracheal CPAP and continuing negative pressure for a small number of less ill babies. For this update, we included one new trial. CPAP was associated with lower risk of treatment failure (death or use of assisted ventilation) (typical risk ratio (RR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 0.82; typical risk difference (RD) -0.19, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.09; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 6, 95% CI 4 to 11; I2 = 50%; 5 studies, 322 infants; very low-certainty evidence), lower use of ventilatory assistance (typical RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.96; typical RD -0.13, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.02; NNTB 8, 95% CI 4 to 50; I2 = 55%; very low-certainty evidence) and lower overall mortality (typical RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.83; typical RD -0.11, 95% CI -0.18 to -0.04; NNTB 9, 95% CI 2 to 13; I2 = 0%; 5 studies, 322 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). CPAP was associated with increased risk of pneumothorax (typical RR 2.48, 95% CI 1.16 to 5.30; typical RD 0.09, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.16; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 11, 95% CI 7 to 50; I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 274 infants; low-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of a difference in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, defined as oxygen dependency at 28 days (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.35 to 3.13; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 209 infants; very low-certainty evidence). The trials did not report use of surfactant, intraventricular haemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotising enterocolitis and neurodevelopment outcomes in childhood.

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants with respiratory distress, the application of CPAP is associated with reduced respiratory failure, use of mechanical ventilation and mortality and an increased rate of pneumothorax compared to spontaneous breathing with supplemental oxygen as necessary. Three out of five of these trials were conducted in the 1970s. Therefore, the applicability of these results to current practice is unclear. Further studies in resource-poor settings should be considered and research to determine the most appropriate pressure level needs to be considered.

  17. Chan CY, Kwan MK, Saravanan S, Saw LB, Deepak AS
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Mar;62(1):33-5.
    PMID: 17682567 MyJurnal
    Assessment of the curve flexibility is a crucial step in a surgeon's pre-operative planning for scoliosis surgery. Many techniques have been described. These include traction films, supine side bending films, push prone techniques, traction under general anaesthesia as well as fulcrum bending film. In this study, we studied the pre- and immediate post-operative radiographs of twenty eight adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients who were corrected using pedicle screw systems between January 2004 and August 2006. There were twenty two females and six male patients. The mean age of the patients were 17.5 years with a range of 12 to 38 years. Skeletal maturity of the patients was assessed by Risser's score. The majority was Risser 4 (15 cases, 53.6%). Based on King and Moe's classification, the most common curve was type 3 curve (15 cases, 53.6%). Among the twenty eight patients, twenty three patients underwent only posterior correction, while 5 patients underwent additional anterior release surgery. The mean pre-operative Cobb's angle for the posterior surgery group was 65.5 +/- 13.9 degrees and the mean post-operative Cobb's angle was 32.9 +/- 12.6 degrees. There was no difference between the mean correction estimated by fulcrum bending films (Fulcrum Flexibility) and the post- operative Correction Rate figures (44.2% vs. 49.9%). The mean Fulcrum Bending Correction Index (FBCI) in this group of patients is 112.8%. In the group of patients who underwent additional anterior release, their curves were noted to be larger and less flexible with the mean pre-operative Cobb's angle and Fulcrum Flexibility of 90.4 degrees +/- 9.3 degrees and 23.4% respectively. The Fulcrum Bending Correction Index (FBCI) for this group of patients was significantly higher than the posterior surgery group: i.e. 164.0% vs 112.8%. Thus, anterior release does help to improve the correction significantly. The fulcrum bending films give good pre-operative estimation of the amount of correction to be expected post-operatively. The fulcrum bending films can help to identify the curve types which might require anterior release in order to improve the scoliosis correction. Using the Fulcrum Bending Correction Index (FBCI) will also enable surgeons to quantify more accurately the amount of correction achieved by taking into account the inherent flexibility of the spine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Outcome Assessment (Health Care)*
  18. Hatah E, Braund R, Tordoff J, Duffull SB
    Br J Clin Pharmacol, 2014 Jan;77(1):102-15.
    PMID: 23594037 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12140
    The aim was to examine the impact of fee-for-service pharmacist-led medication review on patient outcomes and quantify this according to the type of review undertaken, e.g. adherence support and clinical medication review.
  19. Teh AH, Symonds E, Bull C, Clifton P, Fenech M
    Mutat Res Rev Mutat Res, 2012 05 22;751(1):64-75.
    PMID: 22627043 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2012.05.001
    Folate and methionine are critical for one-carbon metabolism impacting DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation processes, as well as polyamine synthesis. These micronutrients have been implicated in colorectal cancer risk. There are, however, inconsistencies within the literature, with some studies showing restriction to have tumour-inhibitory effects, whereas others suggest excess to have adverse outcomes. We conducted a review of the published data to examine the accumulated evidence for involvement of dietary folate and/or methionine restriction or excess in intestinal tumour development in the Apc(Min/+) mouse model, which is genetically prone to develop such cancers. Thirteen publications were selected for evaluation based on the following inclusion criteria: (i) use of Apc(Min/+) mouse model; (ii) interventions using dietary folate and/or methionine; and (iii) primary outcome measures focused on intestinal tumour development. We found that nutritional modulation of folate and methionine was shown to have different effects on intestinal cancer in the Apc(Min/+) mouse, depending on the dosage, duration and timing of intervention, and interaction of the Apc(Min/+) genotype with other genetic factors affecting folate and DNA methylation metabolism. Although some studies showed that folate deficiency before tumorigenesis tended to increase risk of tumour formation, there are inconsistencies regarding whether excess folate post-weaning or after tumour initiation increases intestinal tumour burden. Altogether, the pooled data do not appear to indicate a difference in effect on intestinal tumour incidence between post-weaning diets that are folate deficient or folate adequate. The Apc(Min/+) mouse is a useful model for assessment of the impact of dietary folate on intestinal tumour development, but further research is required to understand the reasons for these inconsistencies amongst studies based on likely mechanisms, including modulation of nucleotide synthesis, DNA methylation, and chromosomal instability, which may affect the rate of cellular division and its control.
  20. Nijagal MA, Wissig S, Stowell C, Olson E, Amer-Wahlin I, Bonsel G, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2018 Dec 11;18(1):953.
    PMID: 30537958 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3732-3
    BACKGROUND: Value-based health care aims to optimize the balance of patient outcomes and health care costs. To improve value in perinatal care using this strategy, standard outcomes must first be defined. The objective of this work was to define a minimum, internationally appropriate set of outcome measures for evaluating and improving perinatal care with a focus on outcomes that matter to women and their families.

    METHODS: An interdisciplinary and international Working Group was assembled. Existing literature and current measurement initiatives were reviewed. Serial guided discussions and validation surveys provided consumer input. A series of nine teleconferences, incorporating a modified Delphi process, were held to reach consensus on the proposed Standard Set.

    RESULTS: The Working Group selected 24 outcome measures to evaluate care during pregnancy and up to 6 months postpartum. These include clinical outcomes such as maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, stillbirth, preterm birth, birth injury and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health, mother-infant bonding, confidence and success with breastfeeding, incontinence, and satisfaction with care and birth experience. To support analysis of these outcome measures, pertinent baseline characteristics and risk factor metrics were also defined.

    CONCLUSIONS: We propose a set of outcome measures for evaluating the care that women and infants receive during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While validation and refinement via pilot implementation projects are needed, we view this as an important initial step towards value-based improvements in care.

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