ABSTRACT
[Introduction]There are few studies on the effect of acupuncture on QOL and work ability. Therefore, by this prospective study, we examined the effect of acupuncture treatment for QOL and work ability of visual display terminal (VDT) workers. <BR>[Methods]Sixty-one VDT workers participated as subjects (41 males, 20 females). Acupuncture sessions were performed once a week for 4 weeks. Acupuncture points were decided by individualized VDT workers neck and shoulder symptoms points. Disposable press tack needles were used. Improvement of SF-36 and the work ability index were evaluated. <BR>[Results]All VDT workers completed follow-up. There were statistically significant improvements in Mental Component Score (MCS), Physical Component Score (PCS), Role Physical and Body-Pain of the SF-36, and WAI. Regular correlations between before WAI and MCS, PCS, and 8 subscales of the SF-36 were observed. In addition improvement rate of WAI and Body-Pain were observed.<BR>[Conclusion]Symptoms in the neck shoulder stiffness of the VDT workers was improved by acupuncture, and QOL/work ability improved.
ABSTRACT
A 37-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of haemoptysis. She had undergone descending thoracic aorta-abdominal aorta bypass grafting 11 years previously. Then the diagnosis was atypical coarctation due to aortitis syndrome. No follow up had been continued. Angiogram and CTscan disclosed a false aneurysm at the anastomotic site of the descending thoracic aorta, which was ruptured into the left lung. An emergency operation was performed. A new extra-anatomical ascending aorta abdominal aorta bypass was constructed using 16mm Dacron prosthesis, and three permanent clamps were employed for thromboexclusion of the descending aorta, previous bypass graft and the ruptured aneurysm. At present, three years after the operation, she is leading normal life with medication of hypotensive drugs. Pathogenesis, surgical approach and long-term postoperative care were discussed.