Good Functional Outcome (good + functional_outcome)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Association of growth factors with arterial recanalization and clinical outcome in patients with ischemic stroke treated with tPA

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 7 2010
T. SOBRINO
Summary.,Background: Growth factors (GF) such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) have been associated with greater efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in experimental studies. Objectives: To study the association of these GF with arterial recanalization and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with tPA. Methods: We prospectively studied 79 patients with ischemic stroke attributable to MCA occlusion treated with i.v. tPA within the first 3 h from onset of symptoms. Continuous transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) was performed during the first 2 h after tPA bolus to assess early MCA recanalization. Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) was classified according to ECASS II definitions. Good functional outcome was defined as a Rankin scale score of 0,2 at 90 days. GF levels were determined by ELISA. Results: Mean serum levels of VEGF, G-CSF and Ang-1 at baseline were significantly higher in patients with early MCA recanalization (n = 30) (all P < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, serum levels of VEGF (OR, 1.03), G-CSF (OR, 1.02) and Ang-1 (OR, 1.07) were independently associated with early MCA recanalization (all P < 0.0001). On the other hand, patients with parenchymal hematoma (PH) (n = 20) showed higher levels of Ang-1 (P < 0.0001). Ang-1 (OR, 1.12; P < 0.0001) was independently associated with PH, whereas patients with good outcome (n = 38) had higher levels of G-CSF (P < 0.0001). G-CSF was independently associated with good outcome (OR, 1.12; P = 0.036). Conclusions: These findings suggest that GF may enhance arterial recanalization in patients with ischemic stroke treated with t-PA, although they might increase the HT. [source]


Lateral Tympanoplasty for Total or Near-Total Perforation: Prognostic Factors,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2006
Dr. Simon I. Angeli MD
Abstract Objective: To identify prognostic factors affecting outcome in lateral tympanoplasty for total or near-total tympanic membrane perforation. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Patients were those presenting with total or near-total tympanic membrane perforation undergoing lateral tympanoplasty from 1999 to 2004. We systematically collected demographic, clinical, audiologic, and outcome information. Student t test was used to determine group differences. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between success of grafting (dependent variable) and the independent variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) and independent variables. Results: There were seventy-seven cases (58 primary and 19 revision cases) with average follow-up of 17 months. Successful tympanic membrane grafting occurred in 91% of cases. None of the independent variables studied was predictive of the success of graft incorporation (P > .05). The mean preoperative ABG was 29.8 ± 10 dB and improved to a postoperative ABG of 16.5 ± 11 dB (P < .001). Smaller preoperative ABG and normal malleus handle were associated with smaller postoperative ABG. In revision cases, mastoidectomy was associated with better functional results. Conclusions: Successful grafting of near-total and total tympanic membrane perforations occurred in 91% of the cases and was independent of demographic, disease, and technical variables. Disease variables (preoperative ABG and status of malleus handle) had a greater prognostic value on postoperative ABG than other variables. In revision tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy is associated with a better functional outcome. [source]


Early physical and occupational therapy in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients resulted in better functional outcomes at hospital discharge

AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2009
Tammy Hoffmann
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


The natural history of asthma from childhood to adulthood

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 8 2007
M. S. Koh
Summary Medical Practitioners are often questioned regarding the prognosis of a child with asthma. We have performed a literature review of the natural history of childhood asthmatics. Factors which affect the natural history and prognosis of childhood asthma are discussed. Current evidence suggests that evolution of asthma severity is fairly predictable. Features of childhood asthma such as severity, duration, atopy, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and exposure to smoking can predict the course of asthma into adulthood. Most children with mild intermittent asthma will outgrow their asthma, or have mild episodic asthma. Early commencement of anti-inflammatory therapy, such as inhaled corticosteroids may prevent the progression of the disease. Most patients with mild asthma have good functional outcome and low healthcare utilisation. [source]


Association of Pretreatment ASPECTS Scores with tPA-Induced Arterial Recanalization in Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

JOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 1 2008
Georgios Tsivgoulis MD
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT-Score (ASPECTS) assesses early ischemic changes within the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and predicts poor outcome and increased risk for thrombolysis-related symptomatic ICH. We evaluated the potential relationship between pretreatment ASPECTS and tPA-induced recanalization in patients with MCA occlusions. SUBJECTS & METHODS Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to MCA occlusion were treated with standard IV-tPA and assessed with transcranial Doppler (TCD) for arterial recanalization. Early recanalization was determined with previously validated Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) flow-grading system at 120 minutes after tPA-bolus. All pretreatment CT-scans were prospectively scored by trained investigators blinded to TCD findings. Functional outcome at 3 months was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS IV-tPA was administered in 192 patients (mean age 68 ± 14 years, median NIHSS-score 17). Patients with complete recanalization (n= 51) had higher median pretreatment ASPECTS (10, interquartile range 2) than patients with incomplete or absent recanalization (n= 141; median ASPECTS 9, interquartile range 3, P= .034 Mann-Whitney U-test). An ASPECTS ,6 was documented in 4% and 17% of patients with present and absent recanalization, respectively (P= .019). Pretreatment ASPECTS was associated with complete recanalization (OR per 1-point increase: 1.54; 95% CI 1.06,2.22, P= .023) after adjustment for baseline characteristics, risk factors, NIHSS-score, pretreatment TIBI grades and site of arterial occlusion on baseline TCD. Complete recanalization (OR: 33.97, 95% CI 5.95,185.99, P < .001) and higher ASPECTS (OR per 1-point increase: 1.91; 95% CI 1.17,3.14, P= .010) were independent predictors of good functional outcome (mRS 0,2). CONCLUSIONS Higher pretreatment ASPECT-scores are associated with a greater chance of complete recanalization and favorable long-term outcome in tPA-treated patients with acute MCA occlusion. [source]


Virtual 3D planning of acetabular fracture reduction

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008
Musa Citak
Abstract Displaced acetabular fractures are best treated with open reduction to achieve anatomic reduction and maximize the chance of a good functional outcome. Because of the anatomic complexity and often limited visualization, fracture reduction can be difficult. Virtual planning software can allow the surgeon to understand the fracture morphology and to rehearse reduction maneuvers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a novel virtual fracture reduction module on time and accuracy of reduction. Four acetabular fracture patterns were created in synthetic pelves, which were implanted with fiducial markers and were registered with CT scan. Ten surgeons used virtual fracture reduction software or conventional 2D planning methods and immediately reduced the fractures blindly in a viscous gel medium. 3D imaging was again performed and the accuracy of reduction was assessed. The average malreduction was significantly improved following planning with the virtual software compared to the standard technique. The time taken for reduction was also significantly less for two of the four fracture patterns. Virtual software may be useful for visualizing and planning treatment of fractures of the acetabulum, potentially leading to more accurate and efficient reductions, and may also be an effective educational tool. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:547,552, 2008 [source]


Clinical presentation and prognosis of childhood Guillain,Barré syndrome

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 7-8 2008
Jung Hwan Lee
Aim: Guillain,Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy commonly characterised by rapidly progressive, symmetric weakness and areflexia. This study is to assess the clinical characteristics of paediatric GBS, as well as its long-term functional prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the clinical manifestations, results of electrodiagnostic tests, functional status and prognosis of 56 children diagnosed with GBS. Based on clinical and electrophysiological findings, the patients were classified as having acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy ([AIDP]n = 34), acute motor axonal neuropathy ([AMAN]n = 14), acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (n = 1) and Miller Fisher syndrome ([MFS]n = 7). Results: Upper respiratory infection was the most frequent preceding event, and limb weakness was the most frequent symptom at GBS onset. There was no significant difference in the mean time from the onset of illness to nadir between any of these groups. Both the AIDP and AMAN groups showed significantly poorer functional status, measured by the Hughes scale, than the MFS group. Two years after nadir, however, the three groups did not differ significantly. Functional status at nadir, as estimated by the Hughes scale, is a more important factor than electrophysiological types in predicting long-term outcome. Conclusion: The most common symptom at onset in paediatric GBS was limb weakness. Functional status at nadir in AMAN was not significantly different from that of AIDP, and both types achieved good functional outcome for ambulation after 2 years. Functional status at nadir was more important than the electrophysiological type in predicting long-term outcomes. [source]


Functional outcome and quality of life of Gustilo IIIB open tibial fractures requiring free tissue transfers: A report of eight cases ,

MICROSURGERY, Issue 7 2005
Terumasa Boku M.D.
Eight patients with type IIIB open tibial fractures requiring free tissue transfers were retrospectively reviewed. The functional outcome was evaluated by using a scoring system developed by Puno et al. (Microsurgery 17:167,173, 1996). Short Form 36 (SF-36) was used as a measurement of individuals' quality-of-life (QOL) scores. The average total score of all cases was 77.6. An excellent or good functional outcome was achieved in 37.5% (3/8). Six patients were evaluated by SF-36. The average physical health summary (T-PH) score was 47.9, the average mental health summary (T-MH) score was 53.5, and the average total general health summary (T-GH) score was 50.7. The mean T-MH score was significantly higher than the mean T-PH score (P < 0.05). Treated cases showed an acceptable QOL, considering the results of the T-GH. The mental QOL was higher than the physical QOL. In severe open tibial fractures, it is difficult to obtain a good or excellent functional outcome, even with reconstruction using free tissue transfers. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 25:532,537, 2005. [source]


External Beam Radiation Followed by Planned Neck Dissection and Brachytherapy for Base of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2000
David M. Kaylie MD
Abstract Background Surgical resection of tongue base cancer can leave the patient with significant functional deficits. Other therapies, such as external beam radiation followed by neck dissection and radiation implants, have shown equal tumor control with good functional outcome. Methods Between March 1991 and July 1999, 12 patients at Oregon Health Sciences University, the Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center and West Virginia University School of Medicine Hospital were treated with external beam radiation followed by neck dissection and Ir192 implants. Two patients had T1 disease, two had T2, five patients had T3 tumors, and three had T4 tumors. Six had N2a necks, three had N2b necks, and three had N2c. Follow-up ranged from 13 months to 8 years. Results After external beam radiation, five patients had complete response and seven had partial response in the neck without complications. One patient underwent a unilateral radical neck dissection, eight had unilateral selective neck dissections involving levels I to IV, and three had dissections involving levels I to III. One of the five patients who had a complete clinical response in the neck had pathologically positive nodes. One patient had a pulmonary embolus that was treated and had no permanent sequelae. There were three complications from brachytherapy. Two patients had soft tissue necrosis at the primary site and one patient had radionecrosis of the mandible. All healed without further therapy. One patient had persistent disease and underwent a partial glossectomy but died of local disease. Distant metastasis developed in two patients. All others show no evidence of disease and are able to eat a normal diet by mouth. Conclusion This combination of therapies should be considered when treating tongue base cancer. [source]


Treatment of long ureteric strictures with buccal mucosal grafts

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 10 2010
Darko Kroepfl
Study Type , Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To describe the reconstruction of long ureteric strictures using buccal mucosal patch grafts and to report the intermediate-term functional outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between November 2000 and October 2006 reconstruction of seven long ureteric strictures using buccal mucosal patch grafts and omental wrapping was performed in five women (one with bilateral strictures) and one man. The surgical steps of stricture reconstruction and wrapping with omentum are described in detail. Stricture recurrence was defined as persistent impaired ureteric drainage as displayed by imaging techniques or the necessity to prolong JJ stenting. Patency rates and stricture recurrence-free survival rates are provided. RESULTS With a median follow up of 18 months five of the seven strictures were recurrence-free. Graft take was good in all patients. In one asymptomatic patient, there was impaired ureteric drainage on the reconstructed side, and in one patient with reconstruction of both ureters prolonged JJ stenting of one side was necessary. In both patients, the impaired drainage was caused by persistent stricture below the reconstructed ureteric segments. CONCLUSIONS At intermediate-term follow-up in a small group of patients with long ureteric strictures, treatment with buccal mucosal patch grafts and omental wrapping showed good functional outcome. [source]


Clinical, physiological and radiological assessment of rectovaginal septum reinforcement with mesh for complex rectocele

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 10 2008
A. D'Hoore
Background: Rectocele can be part of a more complex rectal prolapse syndrome including rectal intussusception and enterocele. This reflects insufficiency at different levels of support in the posterior pelvic compartment. A new technique involving reinforcement of the rectovaginal septum with mesh by a combined laparoscopic and perineal approach was evaluated. Methods: The study included 18 patients with a complex rectocele and grade 2,3 rectal intussusception and enterocele (eight patients). Patients had clinical, physiological and radiological follow-up. Results: There was no major perioperative morbidity and mean hospital stay was 4·5 (range 3,7) days. After a mean of 24·2 (range 13,35) months there was no clinical recurrence of rectocele. Symptoms of obstructed defaecation resolved in 14 of 17 patients. The Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms score decreased from a mean(s.d.) of 12·6(5·9) to 3·9(4·2), and a rectocele symptom score from 14·3(3·3) to 2·3(2·8). No new-onset constipation, urge or faecal incontinence nor new-onset dyspareunia was reported. Radiological investigation in eight patients revealed a sufficient anatomical repair at the different levels of support. A slight decrease in rectal compliance was measured, with no significant reduction in rectal capacity. Conclusion: Complete rectovaginal septum reinforcement with mesh corrected complex rectoceles, with good functional outcome. Copyright © 2008 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Open-magnet MR defaecography compared with evacuation proctography in the diagnosis and management of patients with rectal intussusception

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 1 2004
L. S. Dvorkin
Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether open-magnet magnetic resonance (MR) defaecography could provide more useful clinical information than evacuation proctography (EP) alone in the evaluation of a cohort of patients with full-thickness rectal intussusception and could assist in decisions concerning management. Methods Ten patients (4 male; median age 43, range 30,65) with symptomatic circumferential rectal intussusception diagnosed on EP, underwent open-magnet MR defaecography. Pathologies visible with each technique were recorded and 12 parameters of anorectal configuration and morphology measured and compared. Results There was discordance in the diagnosis of rectal intussusception in three cases. In another two patients, MR defaecography demonstrated mucosal descent only. Measurements of anorectal configuration and morphology were similar between techniques; only rectal size and lateral dimensions of the rectocoele were significantly different, being smaller on MR defaecography than EP. Two patients were shown on MR defaecography to have significant bladder descent and two female patients had significant vaginal descent. Conclusion EP remains the first line investigation for the diagnosis of rectal intussusception, but may not distinguish mucosal from full-thickness descent. MR defaecography further complements EP by giving information on movements of the whole pelvic floor, 30% of the patients studied having associated abnormal anterior and/or middle pelvic organ descent. If surgery is planned for patients with rectal intussusception, MR defaecography provides useful information regarding the presence and degree of anterior pelvic compartment descent that may need to be addressed if a good functional outcome is to be achieved. [source]