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1.
Musculoskeletal Care ; 22(1): e1876, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38511963

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Globally, back pain is the leading cause of years of disability. In the United Kingdom, over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, with low back pain being one of the most common causes. National strategies promote self-management and the use of digital technologies to empower populations. AIMS: To evaluate the uptake and impact of providing the SelfSTart approach (STarT Back and SelfBACK App) when delivered by a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) to people presenting with low back pain in primary care. METHODS: Patients presenting with a new episode of low back pain underwent routine assessment and completion of a STarT Back questionnaire. Patients with low/medium scores were offered the SelfBACK App. A control population was provided by the MIDAS-GP study. Patient Experience, outcome measures, healthcare utilisation and retention were captured through the app and clinical systems (EMIS). Interviews with five FCPs explored the experiences of using the SelfSTart approach. RESULTS: SelfSTarT was taken up by almost half (48%) of those to whom it was offered. Compared to MIDAS-GP, users were more likely to be younger, male, in work, and with higher health literacy. SelfSTarT users reported significant improved experiences relating to receiving an agreed care plan and receiving sufficient information. There were no significant differences in treatments offered. FCPs were positive about the app and felt it had value but wanted feedback on patient progress. They recognised that a digital solution would not be suitable for all. CONCLUSION: This approach offers an opportunity to empower and support self-management, using robustly evaluated digital technology.


Subject(s)
Low Back Pain , Musculoskeletal Pain , Physical Therapists , Humans , Male , Low Back Pain/therapy , Back Pain/therapy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Outcome Assessment, Health Care
2.
World J Pediatr ; 2023 Dec 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38085470

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Optimising the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines to improve their protection against disease is necessary. Fractional dosing by intradermal (ID) administration has been shown to be equally immunogenic as intramuscular (IM) administration for several vaccines, but the immunogenicity of ID inactivated whole severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the full dose is unknown. This study (NCT04800133) investigated the superiority of antibody and T-cell responses of full-dose CoronaVac by ID over IM administration in adolescents. METHODS: Participants aged 11-17 years received two doses of IM or ID vaccine, followed by the 3rd dose 13-42 days later. Humoral and cellular immunogenicity outcomes were measured post-dose 2 (IM-CC versus ID-CC) and post-dose 3 (IM-CCC versus ID-CCC). Doses 2 and 3 were administered to 173 and 104 adolescents, respectively. RESULTS: Spike protein (S) immunoglobulin G (IgG), S-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG, S IgG Fcγ receptor IIIa (FcγRIIIa)-binding, SNM [sum of individual (S), nucleocapsid protein (N), and membrane protein (M) peptide pool]-specific interleukin-2 (IL-2)+CD4+, SNM-specific IL-2+CD8+, S-specific IL-2+CD8+, N-specific IL-2+CD4+, N-specific IL-2+CD8+ and M-specific IL-2+CD4+ responses fulfilled the superior and non-inferior criteria for ID-CC compared to IM-CC, whereas IgG avidity was inferior. For ID-CCC, S-RBD IgG, surrogate virus neutralisation test, 90% plaque reduction neutralisation titre (PRNT90), PRNT50, S IgG avidity, S IgG FcγRIIIa-binding, M-specific IL-2+CD4+, interferon-γ+CD8+ and IL-2+CD8+ responses were superior and non-inferior to IM-CCC. The estimated vaccine efficacies were 49%, 52%, 66% and 79% for IM-CC, ID-CC, IM-CCC and ID-CCC, respectively. The ID groups reported more local, mild adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate superior antibody and M-specific T-cell responses by ID inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and serves as the basis for future research to improve the immunogenicity of inactivated vaccines.

3.
J Gen Intern Med ; 35(10): 2907-2916, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32016702

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Disability and falls are common following fall-related lower limb and pelvic fractures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an exercise self-management intervention on mobility-related disability and falls after lower limb or pelvic fracture. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred thirty-six community dwellers aged 60+ years within 2 years of lower limb or pelvic fracture recruited from hospitals and community advertising. INTERVENTIONS: RESTORE (Recovery Exercises and STepping On afteR fracturE) intervention (individualized, physiotherapist-prescribed home program of weight-bearing balance and strength exercises, fall prevention advice) versus usual care. MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcomes were mobility-related disability and rate of falls. KEY RESULTS: Primary outcomes were available for 80% of randomized participants. There were no significant between-group differences in mobility-related disability at 12 months measured by (a) Short Physical Performance Battery (continuous version, baseline-adjusted between-group difference 0.08, 95% CI - 0.01 to 0.17, p = 0.08, n = 273); (b) Activity Measure Post Acute Care score (0.18, 95% CI - 2.89 to 3.26, p = 0.91, n = 270); (c) Late Life Disability Instrument (1.37, 95% CI - 2.56 to 5.32, p = 0.49, n = 273); or in rate of falls over the 12-month study period (incidence rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.34, n = 336, p = 0.83). Between-group differences favoring the intervention group were evident in some secondary outcomes: balance and mobility, fall risk (Physiological Profile Assessment tool), physical activity, mood, health and community outings, but these should be interpreted with caution due to risk of chance findings from multiple analyses. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant intervention impacts on mobility-related disability and falls were detected, but benefits were seen for secondary measures of balance and mobility, fall risk, physical activity, mood, health, and community outings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000805077.


Subject(s)
Accidental Falls , Leg , Accidental Falls/prevention & control , Australia , Exercise , Humans , Lower Extremity , Middle Aged
4.
Acupunct Med ; 33(6): 440-1, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26508661
5.
J Complement Integr Med ; 12(1): 95-9, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25581768

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aims to further elucidate the demographic and diabetes characteristics of diabetic patients in Australia who use complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of 149 patients with diabetes attending a general endocrine clinic in a tertiary referral hospital in Sydney, Australia. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (25%) stated they had used CAM therapies within the past 5 years. Vitamins (53%) were the most common CAM therapy used. A greater number of CAM nonusers reported calf pain whilst walking (21% vs. 9%, p=0.051), and HbA1c values were lower for CAM nonusers (7.7% vs. 8.1%, p=0.057). Amongst CAM users, a majority of patients (85%) did not consult with their specialist or general practitioner prior to starting CAM therapy. CONCLUSIONS: With the increasing burden of diabetes, health practitioners will need to be more vigilant and understanding of the potential impact of CAM use on diabetes management.


Subject(s)
Complementary Therapies , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Disease Management , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Australia , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disclosure , Female , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Health Care Surveys , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pain , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vitamins/therapeutic use
6.
Clin J Pain ; 31(9): 788-793, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29498627

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adequate pain management following hip fracture surgery reduces length of stay, reduces incidence of delirium, promotes recovery, and improves mobility. Previous research suggests that hip fracture pain is undertreated in some patient subgroups, and that hypovitaminosis D can further aggravate pain which could hinder active rehabilitation. We provide a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline characteristics of participants in the REVITAHIP study with the aim of documenting pain intensity and its associations after hip fracture and to explore the characteristics of people who report higher levels of pain. METHOD: We analyzed the baseline characteristics with a focus on pain scores in patients admitted with a hip fracture (undergoing surgery) to 3 teaching hospitals over New South Wales, Australia, between January 2011 and April 2013. Patients were evaluated using the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS). Secondary measures including 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at baseline, hip fracture subtype, type of surgical intervention, quality of life score, and cognitive and mobility status were correlated with the VRS using the Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and regression analysis. RESULTS: The 218 participants had a mean age of 83.9±7.2 years and 77.1% were women of whom 16.0% had a Mini Mental State Examination score of ≤23 of 30. The mean and SD VRS pain score was 3.5±2.3. More than half (61.9%, n=113) had VRS≥3 and 18.1% (n=52) had VRS≥5. Using the EuroQOL pain subscore, 78.1% had moderate pain or discomfort and 7.9% had extreme pain or discomfort. Using a multivariate regression model, postoperative VRS was significantly higher in persons with a higher comorbidity count, those previously living independently alone, and surgical fixative modality with hemiarthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the levels of pain reported by this cohort are acceptable although approximately 10% to 15% had higher than reasonable levels of pain. This study provides an insight into pain assessment and management by identifying certain patient subtypes who are vulnerable to undertreatment of pain.

7.
BMC Geriatr ; 14: 101, 2014 Sep 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25200552

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is particularly common among older people with a proximal femoral (hip) fracture. There are currently no agreed strategies for vitamin D replenishment after hip fracture surgery. The REVITAHIP Study is a multisite, double-blinded randomized-controlled trial investigating the effects of an oral vitamin D loading dose on gait velocity after hip fracture surgery. We describe the baseline characteristics of participants, aiming to document hypovitaminosis D and its associations after hip fracture. METHODS: Participants, over 65, recruited within 7 days following hip fracture surgery from 3 Australia hospitals, were randomly allocated to receive a loading dose of vitamin D3 (250,000IU) or placebo, followed by oral maintenance vitamin D3/calcium (800 IU/500 mg) and the usual hip fracture rehabilitation pathway. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including surgical procedure, pre-fracture functional status, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) for pain, grip strength and gait velocity. The associations of baseline 25-OHD levels with demographic and clinical data were assessed using Pearson's correlation, ANOVA and regression analyses. RESULTS: Two-hundred-and-eighteen people with hip fracture participated in the study. Mean age was 83.9+/-7.2 years, 77% were women and 82% lived in private homes. Fifty-six percent had a subcapital fracture. Mean comorbidity count was 3.13+/-2.0. Mean MMSE was 26.1+/-3.9. Forty-seven percent of participants had hypovitaminosis D (<50 nmol/L). Multivariate regression models demonstrated higher baseline vitamin D levels were significantly associated with higher premorbid Barthel index scores, lower post-operative VRS pain levels and use of vitamin D. CONCLUSION: This study cohort shared similar demographic characteristics and comorbidities with other cohorts of people with hip fracture, with the probable exception of less cognitive impairment. Hypovitaminosis D was not as prevalent as previously documented. Patients taking vitamin D supplements and with higher premorbid Barthel index, reflecting greater independence and activity, tended to have higher 25-OHD levels at baseline. Further, lower VRS pain ratings following surgery were associated with higher vitamin D levels. Such associations will need further investigation to determine causation. (ANZCTR number, ACTRN12610000392066). TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTRN ACTRN12610000392066.


Subject(s)
Hip Fractures/drug therapy , Hip Fractures/surgery , Vitamin D/administration & dosage , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cohort Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Double-Blind Method , Female , Hip Fractures/blood , Humans , Male , Placebo Effect , Vitamin D/blood , Vitamin D Deficiency/blood , Vitamin D Deficiency/drug therapy
8.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev ; (4): CD000227, 2014 Apr 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24729336

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D and related compounds have been used to prevent osteoporotic fractures in older people. This is the third update of a Cochrane review first published in 1996. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of vitamin D or related compounds, with or without calcium, for preventing fractures in post-menopausal women and older men. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (to December 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2012, Issue 12), MEDLINE (1966 to November Week 3 2012), EMBASE (1980 to 2012 Week 50), CINAHL (1982 to December 2012), BIOSIS (1985 to 3 January 2013), Current Controlled Trials (December 2012) and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised trials that compared vitamin D or related compounds, alone or with calcium, against placebo, no intervention or calcium alone, and that reported fracture outcomes in older people. The primary outcome was hip fracture. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial risk of selection bias and aspects of methodological quality, and extracted data. Data were pooled, where possible, using the fixed-effect model, or the random-effects model when heterogeneity between studies appeared substantial. MAIN RESULTS: We included 53 trials with a total of 91,791 participants. Thirty-one trials, with sample sizes ranging from 70 to 36,282 participants, examined vitamin D (including 25-hydroxy vitamin D) with or without calcium in the prevention of fractures in community, nursing home or hospital inpatient populations. Twelve of these 31 trials had participants with a mean or median age of 80 years or over.Another group of 22 smaller trials examined calcitriol or alfacalcidol (1-alphahydroxyvitamin D3), mostly with participants who had established osteoporosis. These trials were carried out in the setting of institutional referral clinics or hospitals.In the assessment of risk of bias for random sequence generation, 21 trials (40%) were deemed to be at low risk, 28 trials (53%) at unclear risk and four trials at high risk (8%). For allocation concealment, 22 trials were at low risk (42%), 29 trials were at unclear risk (55%) and two trials were at high risk (4%).There is high quality evidence that vitamin D alone, in the formats and doses tested, is unlikely to be effective in preventing hip fracture (11 trials, 27,693 participants; risk ratio (RR) 1.12, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.98 to 1.29) or any new fracture (15 trials, 28,271 participants; RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.11).There is high quality evidence that vitamin D plus calcium results in a small reduction in hip fracture risk (nine trials, 49,853 participants; RR 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 0.96; P value 0.01). In low-risk populations (residents in the community: with an estimated eight hip fractures per 1000 per year), this equates to one fewer hip fracture per 1000 older adults per year (95% CI 0 to 2). In high risk populations (residents in institutions: with an estimated 54 hip fractures per 1000 per year), this equates to nine fewer hip fractures per 1000 older adults per year (95% CI 2 to 14). There is high quality evidence that vitamin D plus calcium is associated with a statistically significant reduction in incidence of new non-vertebral fractures. However, there is only moderate quality evidence of an absence of a statistically significant preventive effect on clinical vertebral fractures. There is high quality evidence that vitamin D plus calcium reduces the risk of any type of fracture (10 trials, 49,976 participants; RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99).In terms of the results for adverse effects: mortality was not adversely affected by either vitamin D or vitamin D plus calcium supplementation (29 trials, 71,032 participants, RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.01). Hypercalcaemia, which was usually mild (2.6 to 2.8 mmol/L), was more common in people receiving vitamin D or an analogue, with or without calcium (21 trials, 17,124 participants, RR 2.28, 95% CI 1.57 to 3.31), especially for calcitriol (four trials, 988 participants, RR 4.41, 95% CI 2.14 to 9.09), than in people receiving placebo or control. There was also a small increased risk of gastrointestinal symptoms (15 trials, 47,761 participants, RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08), especially for calcium plus vitamin D (four trials, 40,524 participants, RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09), and a significant increase in renal disease (11 trials, 46,548 participants, RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.33). Other systematic reviews have found an increased association of myocardial infarction with supplemental calcium; and evidence of increased myocardial infarction and stroke, but decreased cancer, with supplemental calcium plus vitamin D, without an overall effect on mortality. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D alone is unlikely to prevent fractures in the doses and formulations tested so far in older people. Supplements of vitamin D and calcium may prevent hip or any type of fracture. There was a small but significant increase in gastrointestinal symptoms and renal disease associated with vitamin D and calcium. This review found that there was no increased risk of death from taking calcium and vitamin D.


Subject(s)
Bone Density Conservation Agents/therapeutic use , Fractures, Spontaneous/prevention & control , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Vitamin D/therapeutic use , Vitamins/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Calcitriol/therapeutic use , Dietary Supplements , Female , Fractures, Spontaneous/etiology , Frail Elderly , Humans , Hydroxycholecalciferols/therapeutic use , Male , Osteoporosis/complications , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/prevention & control , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives
10.
ANZ J Surg ; 84(1-2): 17-24, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23496209

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the evidence for different interventions in the preoperative, perioperative and post-operative care for people undergoing elective total hip (THR) and knee (TKR) replacement surgery. METHOD: A multidisciplinary working group comprising consumers, managers and clinicians from the areas of orthopaedics, rheumatology, aged care and rehabilitation evaluated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses concerning aspects of preoperative, perioperative and post-operative clinical care periods for THR/TKR through systematic searching of Medline, Embase, CENTRAL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from May 2007 to April 2011. Multiple reviewers determined study eligibility and one or more members extracted primary study findings. The body of evidence were assessed and specific recommendations made according to NHMRC guidelines. RESULTS: Twenty-five aspects were identified for review. Recommendations for 16 of 25 areas of care were made: impact of waiting, multidisciplinary preparation, preoperative exercise, smoking cessation, interventions for comorbid conditions, predictors of outcome, clinical pathways, implementation of a blood management programme, antibiotic prophylaxis, regional anaesthesia and analgesia, use of a tourniquet in knee replacement, venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, early post-operative cryotherapy, early mobilization and continuous passive motion. In the post-operative period, study heterogeneity across all aspects of care precluded specific recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: There was a deficiency in the quality of the evidence supporting key aspects of the continuum of care for primary THR/TKR surgery. Consequently, recommendations were limited. Prioritization and funding for research into areas likely to impact clinical practice and patient outcomes after elective joint replacement surgery are the next important steps.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Elective Surgical Procedures , Perioperative Care/methods , Continuity of Patient Care , Evidence-Based Medicine , Humans
13.
Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil ; 2(2): 45-50, 2011 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23569669

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To correlate analgesia use among patients with hip fracture requiring surgery with hip fracture subtype, cognitive status, and type of surgery in the postacute period. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective review of patients with hip fractures requiring surgical intervention. A total of 415 patients (mean age: 81.2 ± 9.1 years, 74.3% women) presented with 195 subcapital fractures (39 undisplaced, 156 displaced) and 220 trochanteric fractures (136 stable, 84 unstable) requiring surgery. SETTING: Inpatient orthopedic units in 4 Australian hospitals. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measures were mean analgesia usage (oral morphine equivalent) for 4 defined time intervals and total amount 36 hours following surgery. RESULTS: Patients with subtrochanteric fractures required more analgesia compared with displaced-subcapital, undisplaced-subcapital, basicervical, stable-pertrochanteric, and unstable-pertrochanteric fractures in the 24 to 36 hours following operation (24.7 vs 11.3 vs 8.8 vs 12.1 vs 7.6 vs 9.7, P = .001). Total analgesia requirements were higher in patients treated with an intramedullary nail, increasing by 1.3- to 3.3-fold in the 36 hours postsurgery. Patients with cognitive impairment utilized markedly less analgesia at all time periods measured. At 24 to 36 hours, higher levels of analgesia were noted in patients with higher premorbid level of mobility (P = .015) and activities of daily living function (P = .007). CONCLUSION: Important differences in utilization of analgesia following hip fracture across readily defined clinical groups exist. Proactive pain management for those with cognitive impairment, certain hip fracture subtypes, and surgical procedures may enable early functional mobility and other activities.

14.
Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil ; 2(3): 94-9, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23569677

ABSTRACT

Hypovitaminosis D is particularly common among older people with a proximal femoral (hip) fracture and has been linked with poorer lower extremity functioning, falls, and fractures. There is evidence that disability severity and fall rates may be reduced by adequate vitamin D replacement. However, the ideal regimen for vitamin D administration to have these benefits in older people who have been in the hospital has not been established. This randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of an oral vitamin D loading dose with maintenance oral vitamin D and calcium on lower extremity function (gait velocity), correction of hypovitaminosis D, falls, and fractures among older people after hip fracture surgery. The cost-effectiveness of the REVITAHIP program from the health and community service provider's perspective will also be established, as will predictors of adherence with the treatment. A total of 450 older people who have recently had a hip fracture requiring surgical intervention will be screened to achieve 250 participants for the study. Participants will have no medical contraindications to vitamin D replacement. The primary outcome measure will be mobility-related disability as measured with the 2.4-m gait velocity test. Secondary measures will be 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels at 2, 4, and 26 weeks, number of falls and fractures, and additional measures of mobility, disability, quality of life, health system and community-service contact, adherence to the intervention, and adverse events. After surgical fixation and being deemed medically stable, participants will be randomly allocated to an intervention or placebo-control group. Participants of the intervention group will receive initial oral 250 000 IU (5 × 50 000 IU) vitamin D3 tablets. Both groups will receive oral maintenance vitamin D3 and calcium and will follow the usual hip fracture rehabilitation pathway. The study will determine the impact of a vitamin D loading dose on mobility-related disability in older people following hip fracture and will discuss the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a loading dose vitamin D replacement more generally. The results will have direct implications for future use of vitamin D therapy for this high-risk group.

16.
Med J Aust ; 192(12): 719-20, 2010 Jun 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20565354

ABSTRACT

A 90-year-old man presented to the emergency department with multiple symptoms including double vision, reduced mobility, dysphagia, recent rapid weight loss, ear discharge and deafness. He had diabetes and other chronic medical problems, including otitis media with mastoiditis. This case highlights the difficulty of investigating weight loss in older people, who may not show the usual clinical features of infection, and of distinguishing between infection and malignancy when radiological findings are inconclusive. His eventual diagnosis was osteomyelitis of the skull base with cranial nerve involvement.


Subject(s)
Abducens Nerve Diseases/etiology , Osteomyelitis/complications , Osteomyelitis/diagnosis , Otitis Media, Suppurative/complications , Skull Base , Weight Loss , Aged, 80 and over , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Ciprofloxacin/therapeutic use , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Osteomyelitis/drug therapy , Otitis Media, Suppurative/drug therapy
17.
J Altern Complement Med ; 16(5): 579-84, 2010 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20491514

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have become increasingly popular and are used regularly by patients with osteoporosis in Australasia and worldwide. This study was done to determine the prevalence and patterns of use of CAM in an Australian osteoporosis clinic. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of 202 patients attending an academic osteoporosis clinic in Sydney, Australia. RESULTS: Subject had a mean age of 68.5 +/- 10.9 years, 79.7% were female, and 55.9% were born overseas. CAM use was reported by 104 patients (51.5%) using the standard and 62 patients (30.7%) using the stringent definition of CAM. The most frequent CAM were multivitamins (24.0%), acupuncture (19.2%), t'ai chi (14.4%), and yoga (12.5%). Seventy-three percent (73%) did not consult a physician before starting CAM and 23.1% stated that their treating specialists were unaware of CAM use. The most common reasons for using CAM were having a holistic approach (53.0%) and inadequate pain control (29.0%). CAM users were associated with Asian country of birth (23.1% versus 12.2%, p = 0.03), more frequent clinic visits over a 12-month period (1.8 versus 1.5 times, p = 0.03), and a trend for a worse lumbar spine T-score (-2.35 versus -2.20 SD, p = 0.05) and higher rates of university education (26.0% versus 14.3%, p = 0.05). It is estimated that $696 million is spent annually on CAM by patients with osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients attending osteoporosis clinics frequently use CAM. Physicians may need to routinely inquire about a history of CAM use to ensure better screening for possible adverse clinical interactions.


Subject(s)
Complementary Therapies/statistics & numerical data , Motivation , Osteoporosis/therapy , Vitamins/therapeutic use , Acupuncture Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Asian People , Australia , Cross-Sectional Studies , Educational Status , Emigrants and Immigrants , Female , Health Care Surveys , Health Expenditures , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Office Visits , Pain Management , Prospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Surveys and Questionnaires , Tai Ji , Treatment Failure , Yoga
20.
Med J Aust ; 192(1): 37-41, 2010 Jan 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20047547

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To update evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures published in the Journal in 2003. DATA SOURCES: Systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE for articles published from October 2001 to June 2008, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (most recent issue searched - Issue 2, 2008). STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses of all aspects of acute-care hospital treatment and rehabilitation for proximal femoral fractures among participants aged 50 years or older with proximal femoral fractures not associated with metastatic disease or multiple trauma. DATA EXTRACTION: All studies were reviewed independently by two assessors, who recorded individual study results, and an assessment of study quality and treatment conclusions was made according to Cochrane Collaboration protocols. If necessary, a third review was performed to reach consensus. RESULTS: 128 new studies were identified and 81 met our inclusion criteria. Recommendations for time to surgery, thromboprophylaxis, anaesthesia, analgesia, prophylactic antibiotics, surgical fixation of fractures, nutritional status, mobilisation and rehabilitation have been updated. Also, recommendations regarding surgical wound closure, management of postoperative delirium, osteoporosis treatment and hip protectors have been added. The guidelines include the current National Health and Medical Research Council grades of recommendations for clinical guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes in recommendations have been made, particularly in relation to surgery, rehabilitation and tertiary prevention. Hip fracture should be treated according to the most up-to-date evidence to achieve the best possible outcomes and optimal use of limited resources.


Subject(s)
Evidence-Based Medicine , Hip Fractures/therapy , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Femoral Neck Fractures/surgery , Femoral Neck Fractures/therapy , Hip Fractures/surgery , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Osteoporosis/complications , Osteoporosis/prevention & control , Risk Factors
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