The effect of transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells to spinal cord on the recovery of urinary bladder function in patients having spinal cord injuries: a urodynamic study

Introduction Stem cells transplantation, as a therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury (SCI), has been extensively studied by researchers in recent years. Our study aimed to study the effect of transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells into spinal cord by intrathecal injection on the recovery of urinary bladder function assessed by a urodynamics study in patients having SCIs. Patients and methods A total of 69 patients who had cervical incomplete tetraplegia were divided into two groups: group 1 had 37 patients who were treated with adipose-derived stem cells transplanted into spinal cord via intrathecal injection and were assessed by a urodynamic study before stem cell transplantation and then 6 months and 1 year after transplantation, and group 2 had 32 patients who underwent rehabilitation program only and were assessed by a urodynamic study before starting rehabilitation and then 6 months and 1 year after program. Results Eight (21.62%) patients benefitted from stem cells transplantation into spinal cord regarding urinary bladder function as assessed by urodynamics in varying degrees, but there was no significant difference between both groups. Conclusion Stem cells transplantation is a promising treatment for patients having SCI

Formal caregivers' competence of Alzheimer patients in long-term care institutions

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a major public health problem and the most common cause of dementia that cripples the cognitive and physical aspects of a person’s life. Formal caregivers' competence highly affects providing proper care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Aim: The study aimed to assess the formal caregivers' competence of Alzheimer Patients in long-term care institutions. Design: Descriptive research design was applied in this study. Sample: A Convenient sample of 70 formal caregivers dealing with Alzheimer patients. Setting: The study conducted at six geriatric homes (Minia –Egypt). Tools: Two tools were used, first tool: structured interviewing questionnaire covered demographic characteristics of formal caregivers and formal caregiver’s knowledge regarding Alzheimer, second tool: Formal caregiver’s attitude regarding Alzheimer, third tool: Formal caregiver’s competence regarding Alzheimer. Result: The study showed that, 50% of studied caregivers had poor Knowledge, 60% studied caregivers had negative attitude and 55% of studied caregivers had higher competence regarding Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: there were high statistically significant relation between total knowledge and total attitude, total knowledge and total competence, total competence and total attitude. Recommendation: Disseminating health education booklets,poster to increase caregivers awarness about Alzheimer's disease

Caregivers burnout of their children with thalassemia

Background: Thalassemia has a negative influence on emotional and social life of caregivers as it is associated with significant social disruption, emotional or psychological stress and highly involved with children's psychological problems. Aim: The study aimed to assess caregivers` burnout of their children with thalassemia. Design: Descriptive research design was applied in this study. Sample: Purposive sample was equal 116 caregivers. Setting: The outpatient clinics at Mustafa Hassan university hospital for pediatric (Al-fayoum, Egypt). Tools: Two tools were used, first tool: includes structure interviewing questionnaire of demographic characteristics of caregivers and their children, past and present medical history and caregivers` knowledge regarding thalassemia. Second tool: caregivers` burnout tool for thalassemia Result: The study showed that, 60% of studied caregivers had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding thalassemia while, 40% of them had satisfactory knowledge regarding thalassemia. 70% of studied caregivers had high burnout while, 30% of them had low burnout regarding thalassemia. Conclusion: there were significant positive correlation between studied caregivers’ total knowledge scores and total burnout scores of their children with thalassemia. Recommendation: implementation of health education program for caregivers for management of thalassemia at out-patient clinics