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Initial Clinical Findings (initial + clinical_finding)
Selected AbstractsThe German version of the chronic urticaria quality-of-life questionnaire: factor analysis, validation, and initial clinical findingsALLERGY, Issue 6 2009ynek Background:, Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder that causes a substantial burden on patients' quality-of-life (QoL). The aim of this work was to generate and validate a German version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) and to provide reference assessments of QoL. Methods:, The Italian CU-Q2oL was translated into German and administered to 157 CU patients. They also completed two well-established general dermatology QoL questionnaires, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-29. Factor analysis was used to identify scales of the German CU-Q2oL. Correlation to the DLQI and Skindex-29 was used for validation. Multiple linear regression was used to determine which patient characteristics were associated with which dimensions of QoL. Results:, The factor analysis identified six scales of the German CU-Q2oL: functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, mental status, swelling/eating, and limits looks, which accounted for 70% of the data variance. Five of these six scales showed good internal consistency, and another five demonstrated convergent validity. On a percentile scale, they had these median CU-Q2oL scores: 29 functioning, 44 sleep, 50 itching/embarrassment, 50 mental status, 31 swelling/eating, 31 limits looks. Disease severity significantly predicted scores on all scales. Age predicted functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, and swelling/eating. Sex predicted itching/embarrassment and limits looks. Conclusion:, This study yielded a robust validation of the German version of the CU-Q2oL. It confirmed previous studies that CU has a clinically meaningful burden on QoL, especially for sleep and mental health, and that women are more severely affected by pruritus. The German CU-Q2oL should be widely adopted in clinical research on the treatment of CU. [source] How should we quantify the performance of KPro's?ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009Purpose To report a method of standardized data collection and reporting and statistical assessment that can be used for all KPro´s available on the market. The database (will be presented) should be , Usable for different types of KPro´s , Easily adaptable to changes in technique , Allow for complete entry of relevant data Methods Visual Acuity data should be reported in different international surgical centres in a standardized manner: Best spectacle corrected VA, unless BCVA only possible with CL (> useful time of wear). A complete entry of all relevant data is possible in this database. The statistical analysis should be agreed upon by all centres. For Survival Time = Retention of KPro > the Kaplan-Meier method For Visual Acuity over the Course of Time > the Monte-Carlo method Results A database will be demonstrated that can be used free of charge by all KPro centres interested. The VISUAL ACUITY BY TIME- INDEX (VAT- Index) will also be presented, whose theoretical basis published in: Journal of Theoretical Medicine, 2002 / 4, 183-190, W. Hitzl and G. Grabner [bdquo]Application of the Monte Carlo Method for the Assessment of Long-term Success in Keratoprosthesis Surgery". Example of its use will be give, based in data, courtesy Barraquer Eye Clinic, Barcelona. Conclusion With the Kaplan-Meier method: + analysis is done quickly, uses all data available, hypotheses tests are available for comparisons and mean and median survival time can be computed - no information about relation between time and best corrected visual acuity and the definition of terminal event is arbitrary to a certain extent. Monte-Carlo method (VAT-index): + Method is based on a so-called non-parametric longitudinal model + Reliabel estimation of relation between time and best corrected visual acuity at any given time point (patient as well as surgeon is basically interested in this relation). + statistically valid analysis and better comparison of different KPro techniques + easy comparison of defined postoperative periods + comparison of different initial clinical findings and diseases possible + long-time follow-up of BCVA - shorter follow-up time as compared with Kaplan-Meier method (e.g. with strict [bdquo]80%data complete" criteria) [source] Clinical decision paths in KPro SurgeryACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009G GRABNER Purpose To analyse the currently available methods for treating very severe anterior segment disease, such as stem cell transplantation with amniotic membrane transplantation, lamellar and penetrating keratoplasty techniques, and the different Kpro´s currently available, in regard to the initial clinical findings, the potential complications encountered and the surgical requirements needed for the different techniques. Factors considered are: uni- or bilaterality, limbal stem cell status, dry eye status and availability of healthy teeth. Methods A systematic analysis of surgical options available for different stages of a variety of anterior segment diseases and currently published results of VA and complications Results With a systematic approach it becomes clear that some popular reconstructive surgical techniques should be avoided in cases where a very low chance of success is to be expected (e.g. amniotic membrane and stem cell transplantation and /or PKP in very dry eyes ,> these would have to be treated with OOKP). Conclusion Following a simple the clinical decision path the anterior segment surgeon will be presented with standardized guidelines for treating those patients where conventional surgical procedures have to be avoided and replaced by rather rarely performed KPro techniques. [source] Cardiomyopathy in newborns and infants: a broad spectrum of aetiologies and poor prognosisACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 11 2008Andrea Badertscher Abstract Aim: This study set out to describe the initial clinical findings, morbidity, mortality and aetiology of infant cardiomyopathy focusing on potential risk factors for an adverse outcome. Methods: We retrospectively analysed clinical and laboratory findings of all patients diagnosed at our institution from 1995 to 2004 with cardiomyopathy within their first year of life. Results: Of the 35 patients, cardiomyopathy was classified as dilated in 18, hypertrophic in 14 and unclassified in 3. The aetiologies were genetic syndromes (8), metabolic diseases (5), familial isolated cardiomyopathy (3) and myopathy (1). During a median follow-up of 1.5 years (range 0,9 years), 13 patients died from progressive heart failure and two underwent heart transplants. Estimated survival and freedom from transplant was 69, 66, 58 and 50% after 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 years, respectively. Patients with severe heart failure symptoms within the first month of life had significantly worse outcomes than patients without heart failure symptoms. Conclusion: High morbidity and poor prognosis result through progressive heart failure. Aetiology and clinical course are especially heterogeneous in infants. The most commonly identified aetiologies are genetic syndromes and metabolic diseases. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for defining the aetiology and developing individual treatment strategies. [source] | ||||||||||