Pressure and pain In Systemic sclerosis/Scleroderma - an evaluation of a simple intervention (PISCES): randomised controlled trial protocol

Background: foot problems associated with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)/Scleroderma have been reported to be both common and disabling. There are only limited data describing specifically, the mechanical changes occurring in the foot in SSc. A pilot project conducted in preparation for this trial confirmed the previous reports of foot related impairment and reduced foot function in people with SSc and demonstrated a link to mechanical etiologies. To-date there have been no formal studies of interventions directed at the foot problems experienced by people with Systemic Sclerosis. The primary aim of this trial is to evaluate whether foot pain and foot-related health status in people with Systemic Sclerosis can be improved through the provision of a simple pressure-relieving insole. Methods: the proposed trial is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomised controlled clinical trial following a completed pilot study. In four participating centres, 140 consenting patients with SSc and plantar foot pain will be randomised to receive either a commercially available pressure relieving and thermally insulating insole, or a sham insole with no cushioning or thermal properties. The primary end point is a reduction in pain measured using the Foot Function Index Pain subscale, 12 weeks after the start of intervention. Participants will complete the primary outcome measure (Foot Function Index pain sub-scale) prior to randomisation and at 12 weeks post randomisation. Secondary outcomes include participant reported pain and disability as derived from the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Questionnaire and plantar pressures with and without the insoles in situ. Discussion: this trial protocol proposes a rigorous and potentially significant evaluation of a simple and readily provided therapeutic approach which, if effective, could be of a great benefit for this group of patients

The loneliness level of patients with gynecological cancer

WOS: 000236269900088PubMed ID: 16515647The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the loneliness levels and the variables that have an effect on the loneliness of women with a gynecological cancer diagnosis. The main questions that the study addressed were as follows: (1) What is the loneliness level of patients with gynecological cancer? and (2) What kind of relationships are there between general demographic characteristics of patients with gynecological cancer and their loneliness? This descriptive study was conducted at Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Application and Investigation Hospital, Maternity and Women Diseases Gynecology Clinic, from July to December 2002. Maternity and Women Diseases Clinic Oncology Service treated 161 patients during this time period. While all patients hospitalized between the specified dates constituted the universe of the investigation; the actual sample was 94 patients. As data collection tools, a questionnaire form, which aimed at identifying sociodemographic characteristics of patients and the features related to their diseases relevant to the literature and the UCLA-loneliness scale were used. The general loneliness mean score of women with gynecological cancer was 35.85 +/- 9.302. Women's mean scores of loneliness were affected by whether psychologic support was needed, genital organ diseases were treated, or a family member had a gynecological operation, and by the income situation. The disease of cancer, which creates the most fear and anxiety in the community, has adverse psychologic effects on both the patient and the family. In societies where men dominate, as is the case in our society, women's place in the society has been reduced to their reproductive capacity and thus, the health of their genital organs is very important

Hospital in Turkey

Objective: To evaluate the patients with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) seen at Pamukkale University Hospital between 2005-2013.Methodology: 489 (236 female, 253 male) patients with SCIs were evaluated retrospectively.Results: Their mean age was 48.20 +/- 18.95 years. SCIs were caused by trauma in 316(64.6%), spinal tumors in 119(24.3%) and congenital anomalies in 54(11%) patients. Injury levels were as follows: 155(31.7%) lumbar level, 144(29.4%) thoracic, 114(23.3%) cervical, 35 (7.2%) both thoracic and lumbar spine, 10(2%) both cervical and thoracic and 31(6.3%) in the other levels.Conclusion: The main reason for SCIs was trauma. Thus, public education is vital in order prevent to trauma

The muscle power in obese women; its correlation with body composition

There are various methods in evaluation of muscle power (MP). One of these is manuel method discovered by Lovett. İn this study we aimed to investigate MP and its correlations with body composition in both obese and non-obese women. 27 obese (mean age 35.5±7.9 years) and 7 non obese (mean age: 25.7±3.7 years) women included the study. MP was carried out by manuel method. Acoording to this method, MP was evaluated among 0 and 5 score. Zero score shows complete paralysis and 5 score shows the most power muscle. Body composition was measured by means of bioelectric impedance analysis(BİA). MP of various region in body (trunk, hip, knee, elbow, shoulder and forearm) was examined. MP was similar in both groups. It was found no correlation between MP and BMI, FM, FFM, I and BW. This study shows that MP in obese women is the same as non obese subjects. At the same time there is no correlation between MP and BMI, FM, FFM, I and B

Dystonia: Case Report

The aim of our study is to examine the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery on severity of dystonia, mobility, emotional status, and health-related quality of life (QOL) in patient with dystonia. This study was carried out on a case of 41-year-old female with complaints of neck and arm pain, involuntary contraction for 30 years. GPI-DBS was applied to the patient bilaterally in 2010. Global Dystonia Scale (GDS) was used to assess the severity of the patient's dystonia, effects on body parts and functions. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was applied to detect emotional status. 12-Meter Walking Test (mobility) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used to evaluate quality of life. All assessments were repeated prior to surgery, after surgery 1st year and 3rd years. Prior to surgery, GDS was 112. Postoperative 1st and 3rd years, GDS was respectively 69/84. Prior to surgery, the total BDI score was 31. Postoperative 1st and 3rd years, GDS was respectively 28/40. 12-Meter Walking Test results were respectively 18/10/15 sec. for the prior to surgery, postoperative 1st. and 3rd years. General health status and physical function subscales of SF-36, respectively, prior to surgery were 30/75, postoperative 1st year was 60/85 and 3rd years were 20/35. GPI-DBS is a surgical procedure, which has positive effect on mobility, emotional status and QOL, in patient with dystonia

Hospital in Turkey

Objective: To evaluate the patients with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) seen at Pamukkale University Hospital between 2005-2013.Methodology: 489 (236 female, 253 male) patients with SCIs were evaluated retrospectively.Results: Their mean age was 48.20 +/- 18.95 years. SCIs were caused by trauma in 316(64.6%), spinal tumors in 119(24.3%) and congenital anomalies in 54(11%) patients. Injury levels were as follows: 155(31.7%) lumbar level, 144(29.4%) thoracic, 114(23.3%) cervical, 35 (7.2%) both thoracic and lumbar spine, 10(2%) both cervical and thoracic and 31(6.3%) in the other levels.Conclusion: The main reason for SCIs was trauma. Thus, public education is vital in order prevent to trauma