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Normative Reference Values (normative + reference_value)
Selected AbstractsEuropean Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on the use of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy.JOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 2 2010Report of a joint task force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies, the Peripheral Nerve Society Revision of the guidelines on the use of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, published in 2005, has become appropriate due to publication of more relevant papers. Most of the new studies focused on small fiber neuropathy (SFN), a subtype of neuropathy for which the diagnosis was first developed through skin biopsy examination. This revision focuses on the use of this technique to diagnose SFN. Task force members searched the Medline database from 2005, the year of the publication of the first EFNS guideline, to June 30th, 2009. All pertinent papers were rated according to the EFNS and PNS guidance. After a consensus meeting, the task force members created a manuscript that was subsequently revised by two experts (JML and JVS) in the field of peripheral neuropathy and clinical neurophysiology, who were not previously involved in the use of skin biopsy. Distal leg skin biopsy with quantification of the linear density of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF), using generally agreed upon counting rules, is a reliable and efficient technique to assess the diagnosis of SFN (level A recommendation). Normative reference values are available for bright-field immunohistochemistry (level A recommendation) but not yet for confocal immunofluorescence or the blister technique. The morphometric analysis of IENF density, either performed with bright-field or immunofluorescence microscopy, should always refer to normative values matched for age (level A recommendation). Newly established laboratories should undergo adequate training in a well established skin biopsy laboratory and provide their own stratified age and gender-matched normative values, intra- and interobserver reliability, and interlaboratory agreement. Quality control of the procedure at all levels is mandatory (Good Practice Point). Procedures to quantify subepidermal nerve fibers and autonomic innervated structures, including erector pili muscles, and skin vessels are under development but need to be confirmed by further studies. Sweat gland innervation can be examined using an unbiased stereologic technique recently proposed (level B recommendation). A reduced IENF density is associated with the risk of developing neuropathic pain (level B recommendation), but it does not correlate with its intensity. Serial skin biopsies might be useful for detecting early changes of IENF density, which predict the progression of neuropathy, and to assess degeneration and regeneration of IENF (level C recommendation). However, further studies are warranted to confirm the potential usefulness of skin biopsy with measurement of IENF density as an outcome measure in clinical practice and research. Skin biopsy has not so far been useful for identifying the etiology of SFN. Finally, we emphasize that 3-mm skin biopsy at the ankle is a safe procedure based on the experience of 10 laboratories reporting absence of serious side effects in approximately 35,000 biopsies and a mere 0.19% incidence of non-serious side effects in about 15 years of practice (Good Practice Point). [source] Normative reference values for lung transfer factor in Isfahan, IranRESPIROLOGY, Issue 4 2006Babak AMRA Objectives and background: Transfer factor or carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) is a particularly valuable test of the appropriateness of gas exchange across the alveolocapillary membrane. The purpose of this study is to derive predictive equations for DLCO and its derivative volume-corrected DLCO (DLCO/VA) measured by single-breath method in a large non-smoking population sample in Isfahan. Methodology: We evaluated 1429 randomly selected subjects (732 men, aged 5,85 years). Gender-specific linear prediction equations were developed by multiple regression analysis; with measured DLCO, and DLCO/VA values (mmol/min/kPa), as dependent variables regressed against age (A), height (H) and body surface area (BSA). Results: For both genders, age had negative effects on DLCO, while height had a positive effect on DLCO and DLCO/VA (P < 0.01). The prediction equations for DLCO and DLCO/VA are: ,0.152 × height , 0.056 × age , 11.595' and ,,0.12 × age + 2.467', for men and: ,,0.035 × age , 0.133 × height , 10.707' and ,,0.012 × age , 0.02 × height + 2.755', for women, respectively. Conclusions: Our results therefore provide an original frame of reference for either DLCO or DLCO/VA in Iranian population, obtained from a standardized single-breath technique. [source] Factors with independent influence on the ,timed up and go' test in patients with hip fracturePHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2009Morten Tange Kristensen Abstract Background and Purpose.,Data on performance times for the ,timed up and go' (TUG) test with analyses of factors, that eventually could affect the result in patients with hip fracture, have not been published to date. The aims of the present study, therefore, were to assess normative reference values of TUG performances and determine the influence of individual and clinical factors on TUG-test scores in patients with hip fracture.,Method.,In this prospective, descriptive study, a total of 196 consecutive patients over the age of 60, and able to perform the TUG when discharged directly to their own homes from a specialized orthopaedic hip fracture unit, were evaluated. The association between TUG scores and categorical variables were examined, and linear regression was used to investigate the factors influencing performance times.,Results.,Univariate analysis showed significant differences between all categorical variables, except gender, but multivariate linear regression analyses showed that only a high pre-fracture function level, evaluated by the New Mobility Score (B = ,11), was independently associated with having a good TUG score, while older age (B = 0.49), having an intertrochanteric fracture (B = 7), performing TUG with a walker (B = 15), and performing TUG in the later postoperative period (B = 0.39) were independently associated with having a poorer TUG score.,Conclusions.,These preliminary normative reference values of TUG performances in patients with hip fracture can be used as references, to which individuals can expect to perform. Multivariate testing suggests that clinicians should use age, pre-fracture function, fracture type and walking-aid specific data when interpreting the TUG test results. Physiotherapists should be aware of this if TUG scores are to be used predictively or as an outcome measure in patients with hip fracture, especially in research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||