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1.
Diabet Med ; 38(4): e14425, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33064854

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To investigate diabetic retinopathy screening attendance and trends in certified vision impairment caused by diabetic eye disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of attendance in three urban UK diabetic eye screening programmes in England. A survival analysis was performed to investigate time from diagnosis to first screen by age and sex. Logistic regression analysis of factors influencing screening attendance during a 15-month reporting period was conducted, as well as analysis of new vision impairment certifications (Certificate of Vision Impairment) in England and Wales from 2009 to 2019. RESULTS: Of those newly registered in the Routine Digital Screening pathway (n = 97 048), 80% attended screening within the first 12 months and 88% by 36 months. Time from registration to first eye screening was longer for people aged 18-34 years, and 20% were unscreened after 3 years. Delay in first screen was associated with increased risk of referable retinopathy. Although 95% of participants (n = 291 296) attended during the 15-month reporting period, uptake varied considerably. Younger age, social deprivation, ethnicity and duration of diabetes were independent predictors of non-attendance and referable retinopathy. Although the last 10 years has seen an overall reduction in vision impairment certification attributable to diabetic eye disease, the incidence of vision impairment in those aged <35 years was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst the majority of participants are screened in a timely manner, there is considerable variation in uptake. Young adults, have sub-optimal attendance, and levels of vision impairment in this population have not changed over the last 10 years. There is an urgent need to explore barriers to/enablers of attendance in this group to inform policy initiatives and tailored interventions to address this issue.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Diabetic Retinopathy/diagnosis , Mass Screening/trends , Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data , Vision Disorders/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Cohort Studies , Diabetes Mellitus/diagnosis , Diabetic Retinopathy/epidemiology , England/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Mass Screening/methods , Middle Aged , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Patient Participation/statistics & numerical data , Retrospective Studies , Vision Disorders/etiology , Vision Screening/methods , Vision Screening/trends , Young Adult
2.
Diabet Med ; 35(10): 1308-1319, 2018 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29790594

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To identify and synthesize studies reporting modifiable barriers/enablers associated with retinopathy screening attendance in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and to identify those most likely to influence attendance. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and the 'grey literature' for quantitative and qualitative studies to February 2017. Data (i.e. participant quotations, interpretive summaries, survey results) reporting barriers/enablers were extracted and deductively coded into domains from the Theoretical Domains Framework; with domains representing categories of theoretical barriers/enablers proposed to mediate behaviour change. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted within domains to describe the role each domain plays in facilitating or hindering screening attendance. Domains that were more frequently coded and for which more themes were generated were judged more likely to influence attendance. RESULTS: Sixty-nine primary studies were included. We identified six theoretical domains ['environmental context and resources' (75% of included studies), 'social influences' (51%), 'knowledge' (51%), 'memory, attention, decision processes' (50%), 'beliefs about consequences' (38%) and 'emotions' (33%)] as the key mediators of diabetic retinopathy screening attendance. Examples of barriers populating these domains included inaccurate diabetic registers and confusion between routine eye care and retinopathy screening. Recommendations by healthcare professionals and community-level media coverage acted as enablers. CONCLUSIONS: Across a variety of contexts, we found common barriers to and enablers of retinopathy screening that could be targeted in interventions aiming to increase screening attendance.


Subject(s)
Communication Barriers , Diabetic Retinopathy/diagnosis , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Patient Participation , Attitude of Health Personnel , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology , Diabetic Retinopathy/epidemiology , Diabetic Retinopathy/psychology , Gray Literature/statistics & numerical data , Guideline Adherence , Humans , Professional Role
3.
BMJ Open ; 6(10): e011934, 2016 10 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27798000

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To explore views of all stakeholders (patients, optometrists, general practitioners (GPs), commissioners and ophthalmologists) regarding the operation of community-based enhanced optometric services. DESIGN: Qualitative study using mixed methods (patient satisfaction surveys, semi-structured telephone interviews and optometrist focus groups). SETTING: A minor eye conditions scheme (MECS) and glaucoma referral refinement scheme (GRRS) provided by accredited community optometrists. PARTICIPANTS: 189 patients, 25 community optometrists, 4 glaucoma specialist hospital optometrists (GRRS), 5 ophthalmologists, 6 GPs (MECS), 4 commissioners. RESULTS: Overall, 99% (GRRS) and 100% (MECS) patients were satisfied with their optometrists' examination. The vast majority rated the following as 'very good'; examination duration, optometrists' listening skills, explanations of tests and management, patient involvement in decision-making, treating the patient with care and concern. 99% of MECS patients would recommend the service. Manchester optometrists were enthusiastic about GRRS, feeling fortunate to practise in a 'pro-optometry' area. No major negatives were reported, although both schemes were limited to patients resident within certain postcode areas, and some inappropriate GP referrals occurred (MECS). Communication with hospitals was praised in GRRS but was variable, depending on hospital (MECS). Training for both schemes was valuable and appropriate but should be ongoing. MECS GPs were very supportive, reporting the scheme would reduce secondary care referral numbers, although some MECS patients were referred back to GPs for medication. Ophthalmologists (MECS and GRRS) expressed very positive views and widely acknowledged that these new care pathways would reduce unnecessary referrals and shorten patient waiting times. Commissioners felt both schemes met or exceeded expectations in terms of quality of care, allowing patients to be seen quicker and more efficiently. CONCLUSIONS: Locally commissioned schemes can be a positive experience for all involved. With appropriate training, clear referral pathways and good communication, community optometrists can offer high-quality services that are highly acceptable to patients, health professionals and commissioners.


Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Community Health Services , Delivery of Health Care/methods , Eye Diseases , Optometry , Patient Satisfaction , Professional Role , England , Eye Diseases/diagnosis , General Practitioners , Glaucoma , Humans , Ophthalmologists , Optometrists , Referral and Consultation
4.
BMJ Open ; 6(8): e011832, 2016 08 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27515757

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The establishment of minor eye conditions schemes (MECS) within community optometric practices provides a mechanism for the timely assessment of patients presenting with a range of acute eye conditions. This has the potential to reduce waiting times and avoid unnecessary referrals to hospital eye services (HES). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness, impact on hospital attendances and patient satisfaction with a minor eye service provided by community optometrists. METHODS: Activity and outcome data were collected for 12 months in the Lambeth and Lewisham MECS. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was given to patients at the end of their MECS appointment. A retrospective difference-in-differences analysis of hospital activity compared changes in the volume of referrals by general practitioners (GPs) from a period before (April 2011-March 2013) to after (April 2013-March 2015) the introduction of the scheme in Lambeth and Lewisham relative to a neighbouring area (Southwark) where the scheme had not been commissioned. Appropriateness of case management was assessed by consensus using clinical members of the research team. RESULTS: A total of 2123 patients accessed the scheme. Approximately two-thirds of patients (67.5%) were referred by their GP. The commonest reasons for patients attending for a MECS assessment were 'red eye' (36.7% of patients), 'painful white eye' (11.1%) and 'flashes and floaters' (10.2%). A total of 64.1% of patients were managed in optometric practice and 18.9% were referred to the HES; of these, 89.2% had been appropriately referred. First attendances to HES referred by GPs reduced by 26.8% (95% CI -40.5% to -13.1%) in Lambeth and Lewisham compared to Southwark. CONCLUSIONS: The Lambeth and Lewisham MECS demonstrates clinical effectiveness, reduction in hospital attendances and high patient satisfaction and represents a successful collaboration between commissioners, local HES units and primary healthcare providers.


Subject(s)
Community Health Services , Delivery of Health Care , Eye Diseases/diagnosis , Optometry , Patient Satisfaction , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Eye Diseases/therapy , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Ophthalmology , Referral and Consultation , State Medicine , United Kingdom , Young Adult
5.
Eye (Lond) ; 30(9): 1160-9, 2016 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27518543

ABSTRACT

Childhood cataract is an avoidable cause of visual disability worldwide and is a priority for VISION 2020: The Right to Sight. There is a paucity of information about the burden of cataract in children and the aim of this review is to assess the global prevalence of childhood cataract. The methodology for the review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed a literature search for studies reporting estimates of prevalence or incidence of cataract among children (aged<18 years) at any global location using the Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase up to January 2015. No restrictions were imposed based on language or year of publication. Study quality was assessed using a critical appraisal tool designed for systematic reviews of prevalence. Twenty prevalence and four incidence studies of childhood cataract from five different geographical regions were included. The overall prevalence of childhood cataract and congenital cataract was in the range from 0.32 to 22.9/10000 children (median=1.03) and 0.63 to 9.74/10000 (median=1.71), respectively. The incidence ranged from 1.8 to 3.6/10000 per year. The prevalence of childhood cataract in low-income economies was found to be 0.42 to 2.05 compared with 0.63 to 13.6/10000 in high-income economies. There was no difference in the prevalence based on laterality or gender. This review highlights substantial gaps in the epidemiological knowledge of childhood cataract worldwide, particularly from low and lower middle-income economies. More studies are needed using standard definitions and case ascertainment methods with large enough sample sizes.


Subject(s)
Cataract/epidemiology , Global Health/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Cataract/congenital , Cataract Extraction/statistics & numerical data , Child , Child, Preschool , Databases, Factual , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Prevalence
6.
S Afr Med J ; 106(6 Suppl 1): S82-6, 2016 May 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27245535

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDS) has more than 180 associated phenotypic features, yet genotype-phenotype correlation remains obscure. Since many of the clinical characteristics are serious, yet treatable (including congenital heart disease), clinicians must maintain a high index of clinical suspicion to recognise a suite of co-occurring phenotypic features that suggest a diagnosis of 22qDS. Óskarsdottir's scoring schedule (the 'O score') is generally used to suggest the need for confirmatory fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) testing, using the TUPLE 1 probe. An O score of two or more indicates the need for FISH testing. Objectives. A previous audit of FISH-positive results of patients with congenital heart disease at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH) revealed a clinical recognition rate of 1.7%. However, we were concerned that the syndrome may be under-recognised in our setting. Our aims were therefore to assess the predictive value of 'O scoring' and to accurately determine the prevalence of 22qDS in our patient population. Methods. A prospective trial of FISH testing every new patient with congenital heart disease presenting to RCWMCH was undertaken to accurately determine the prevalence of 22qDS. The results were then compared with the ability of the O score to indicate the need for FISH testing. RESULTS: Testing of 125 patients detected deletions in six (4.8%, 2.8 times the previously determined clinical detection rate), thereby vindicating our concern that 22qDS is under-diagnosed. Of these 125 patients, 37 had an O score of 2 or 3, yet only 6 were FISH-positive, giving the O score a positive predictive value of only 14%. Conclusion. Until a more robust alternative recognition tool is available, South African clinicians should use all clinical recognition criteria liberally to suggest the need for formal testing for 22qDS.


Subject(s)
DiGeorge Syndrome/epidemiology , Heart Defects, Congenital/genetics , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , DiGeorge Syndrome/diagnosis , DiGeorge Syndrome/genetics , Female , Genetic Association Studies , Heart Defects, Congenital/epidemiology , Humans , Infant , Male , Predictive Value of Tests , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , South Africa/epidemiology
8.
BMJ Open ; 4(5): e004781, 2014 May 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24875489

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To explore the views of optometrists, general practitioners (GPs) and ophthalmologists regarding the development and organisation of community-based enhanced optometric services. DESIGN: Qualitative study using free-text questionnaires and telephone interviews. SETTING: A minor eye conditions scheme (MECS) and a glaucoma referral refinement scheme (GRRS) are based on accredited community optometry practices. PARTICIPANTS: 41 optometrists, 6 ophthalmologists and 25 GPs. RESULTS: The most common reason given by optometrists for participation in enhanced schemes was to further their professional development; however, as providers of 'for-profit' healthcare, it was clear that participants had also considered the impact of the schemes on their business. Lack of fit with the 'retail' business model of optometry was a frequently given reason for non-participation. The methods used for training and accreditation were generally thought to be appropriate, and participating optometrists welcomed the opportunities for ongoing training. The ophthalmologists involved in the MECS and GRRS expressed very positive views regarding the schemes and widely acknowledged that the new care pathways would reduce unnecessary referrals and shorten patient waiting times. GPs involved in the MECS were also very supportive. They felt that the scheme provided an 'expert' local opinion that could potentially reduce the number of secondary care referrals. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated strong stakeholder support for the development of community-based enhanced optometric services. Although optometrists welcomed the opportunity to develop their professional skills and knowledge, enhanced schemes must also provide a sufficient financial incentive so as not to compromise the profitability of their business.


Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Community Health Services/organization & administration , General Practice , Ophthalmology , Optometry , England , Humans , Qualitative Research , Referral and Consultation , Surveys and Questionnaires
9.
Eye (Lond) ; 26(7): 967-71, 2012 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22562188

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We have established one model for community care of glaucoma clinic patients. Community optometrists received training and accreditation in glaucoma care. Once qualified they alternated between running half day glaucoma clinics in their own High Street practices and assisting in a hospital-based glaucoma clinic session. This paper reports the cost of this model. METHODS: Micro-costing was undertaken for the hospital clinic. A consensus meeting was held to agree costs for community clinics involving all optometrists in the project along with representatives of the multiple chain optometry practices who had participated. Costs to patients both indirect and direct were calculated following structured interviews of 197 patients attending hospital clinics and 194 attending community clinics. RESULTS: The estimated cost per patient attendance to the hospital clinic was £63.91 and the estimated cost per attendance to the community clinic was £145.62. For patients the combined direct and indirect cost to attend the hospital clinic was £6.15 and the cost to attend the community clinic £5.91. DISCUSSION: The principal reason for the higher cost in the community clinic was higher overhead costs in the community. Re-referral to the hospital system only occurred for 9% of patients and was not a large contribution to the increased cost. Time requested to next appointment was similar for the two clinics. Sensitivity analysis shows a strong effect of increasing patients seen per clinic. It would, however, require 25 patients to be seen per clinician per day in the community in order to make the costs comparable.


Subject(s)
Community Health Services/economics , Glaucoma/economics , Health Care Costs , Optometry/economics , Outpatient Clinics, Hospital/economics , Cost of Illness , England , Female , Glaucoma/therapy , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Optometry/education
11.
Eye (Lond) ; 24(9): 1509-14, 2010 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20467448

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To develop a competency framework, using a modified Delphi methodology, for optometrists with a specialist interest in glaucoma, which would provide a basis for training and accreditation. METHODS: A modified iterative Delphi technique was used using a 16-member panel consisting almost exclusively of sub-specialist optometrists and ophthalmologists. The first round involved scoring the relevance of a draft series of competencies using a 9-point Likert scale with a free-text option to modify any competency or suggest additional competencies. The revised framework was subjected to a second round of scoring and free-text comment. The Delphi process was followed by a face-to-face structured workshop to debate and agree the final framework. The version of the framework agreed at the workshop was sent out for a 4-month period of external stakeholder validation. RESULTS: There was a 100% response to round 1 and an 94% response to round 2. All panel members attended the workshop. The final version of the competency framework was validated by a subsequent stakeholder consultation and contained 19 competencies for the diagnosis of glaucoma and 7 further competencies for monitoring and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Application of a consensus methodology consisting of a modified Delphi technique allowed the development of a competency framework for glaucoma specialisation by optometrists. This will help to shape the development of a speciality curriculum and potentially could be adapted for other healthcare professionals.


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence , Glaucoma , Optometry/education , Specialization , Accreditation , Delphi Technique , Education, Medical, Continuing/organization & administration , Humans
12.
Eye (Lond) ; 24(6): 999-1005, 2010 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19960038

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the costs to patients attending hospital-based glaucoma clinics. METHODS: A patient-based costs questionnaire was developed and completed for patients attending six ophthalmology units across London (Ealing General Hospital, St Georges Hospital, Mile End Hospital, Upney Centre Barking, St Ann's Hospital and the Royal London Hospital). The questionnaire considered age, sex, ethnicity as well as patient-based costs, opportunity costs, and companion costs. All patients visiting for review or appointments were approached non-selectively. A total of 100 patients were sampled from each unit. RESULTS: The mean age of the full sample was 69.6 years (SD 12.6), with little variation between sites (68.5-71.8 years). There was an almost equal sex distribution (male (298 (50.6%)). There was no major difference in occupational distribution between sites. The majority of people came to hospital by bus (40%) or car (26%). Female patients went slightly more by cab or car, whereas male patients went slightly more by foot or train. There was some variability in transport method by site. The data showed that the Royal London hospital had the highest mean cost per visit (pound16.20), whereas St Georges had the lowest (pound12.90). Upney had the second highest mean cost per visit (pound15.20), whereas Ealing and St Ann's had similar mean costs of (pound13.25) and (pound13), respectively. Travel costs accounted for about one-fifth of the total patient's costs. For all glaucoma clinics, total societal costs were higher than the sum of patients' costs because of the high frequency of companions. A surprising finding was that two-thirds of the population (392 or 66.6%) reported no qualification-considerably higher than the national census statistics for the same population. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this paper presents direct and indirect patient costs in attending hospital glaucoma units for the first time. It highlights the significance of opportunity costs when considering health-care interventions as they amount to a third or more of the total costs of patient attendances to clinics.


Subject(s)
Glaucoma/economics , Health Expenditures , Outpatient Clinics, Hospital/economics , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cost of Illness , Female , Humans , London , Male , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Transportation/economics , Transportation/statistics & numerical data , Travel/economics
13.
SA Heart Journal ; 7(1): 4-9, 2010.
Article in English | AIM (Africa) | ID: biblio-1271315

ABSTRACT

objective: to evaluate paediatric cardiac services in south Africa with respect to referral base; services provided and human resources. study design: A descriptive study design was used. An audit of the referral base; personnel and activity of paediatric cardiac units throughout south Africa was conducted by means of a questionnaire. A specialist from each centre was asked to provide the relevant data. Where accurate data was not available; estimates were provided by practitioners within each centre. results: All identified units participated in the audit. three were private sector units while the other five were primarily public sector units. twenty four paediatric cardiologists; equally distributed between public and private sector units; were practicing in the country as at end 2008; with a further eight paediatricians undergoing training in paediatric cardiology. this is significantly less than the 88 paediatric cardiologists required for the population of south Africa. Eight paediatric cardiac surgeons were operating predominantly on children in public hospitals and five in private institutions. An estimated 1370 operations for congenital heart disease were performed over a one year period; with 800 of these in the public sector. Extrapolating from accepted estimates of congenital heart disease incidence; this represents conservatively; less that 40of operations required for the population. Additionally; only 26of the estimated 114 simple transposition of great arteries born annually were operated on; indicating serious deficiencies in the ability to adequately detect and intervene in serious congenital heart disease presenting in the neonatal period. conclusion: the infrastructure and resources to detect and manage heart disease in children in south Africa; particularly within the public sector; are grossly inadequate


Subject(s)
Management Audit , Pediatrics
14.
SA Heart Journal ; 7(1): 10-16, 2010.
Article in English | AIM (Africa) | ID: biblio-1271316

ABSTRACT

Most children with congenital heart disease have a good outcome if treated appropriately; however the majority of children with heart disease in south Africa do not receive appropriate care. this is related to serious deficiencies in as a major shortage of skilled personnel to care for these children at all levels .Most public sector hospitals are unable to cope with the number of patients requiring surgery; mainly due to inadequate theatre time allocation and intensive care facilities. Key interventions to address these deficiencies include: 1. strategies to improve both the training and the retention of all professionals involved in the care of congenital heart disease. 2. Programmes to increase awareness of both congenital and acquired heart disease in children among health care personnel. 3. Ensuring appropriate infrastructure and equipment designed for children with congenital heart disease are available. 4. Development of congenital heart surgery as an independent subspecialty with dedicated resources and personnel. 5. Dedicated intensive care facilities for paediatric heart surgery. In addition; development of appropriate patterns of referral; timulation of research and positive private-public partnerships are all necessary to ensure that appropriate care is delivered


Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care , Health Personnel , Management Audit , Pediatrics , Workforce
15.
SA Heart Journal ; 7(4): 252-257, 2010.
Article in English | AIM (Africa) | ID: biblio-1271326

ABSTRACT

Rheumatic heart disease remains a major cause of disability and death in developing countries. careful re-analysis of mid- 20th century data as well as the juxtaposition of well-funded research units and populations at risk have generated information that resulted in radical departures from standard approaches to the prevention; clinical recognition and treatment of acute rheumatic fever. As a result; rheumatic heart disease may be eliminated in the future


Subject(s)
Disease Management , Rheumatic Fever/diagnosis , Rheumatic Fever/prevention & control , Rheumatic Fever/therapy
16.
Rev. Síndr. Down ; 24(94): 121-123, sept. 2007. ilus
Article in Es | IBECS | ID: ibc-72048

ABSTRACT

El 40-50% de los niños con síndrome de Down tienen cardiopatía congénita que pueden ser corregida quirúrgicamente. Existe el riesgo de que haya discriminación contra ellos si existen pocos recursos al considerar que suponen una carga mayor sobre el sistema público de salud o que la cirugía va a tener peores resultados que en los niños sin síndrome de Down. Existe en ciertos medios la creencia de que la contribución que un niño con síndrome de Down hace a la sociedad, percibida como menos importante, no garantiza la utilización de los recursos en este niño, cuando son escasos. En ocasiones se niega la cirugía cardíaca a un niño con SD. El debate persiste si bien los datos demuestran que se va generalizando la oferta de intervención quirúrgica a los niños con síndrome de Down de modo similar a los que no lo tienen. En la actualidad, en África del Sur el Red Cross War Memorial Children´s Hospital (RHX) de patías congénitas. En este Hospital se mantiene que no hay razones importantes para discriminarlos frente a los demás. Pero algunas otras instituciones públicas del país capaces de ofrecer estos servicios quirúrgicos no siguen esta política. Nuestro estudio va a comparar la carga que tienen en relación con la reparación o corrección de la cardiopatía en el RHX. Nuestra revisión va a cuantificar esta carga (en términos de los parámetros que se detallan a continuación) sobre los grupos de niños con y sin síndrome de Down que fueron sometidos a cirugía cardíaca en nuestro hospital durante un período de 5 años (enero 1998- junio 2003). Se recogieron 50 casos de niños con síndrome de Down, cada uno de éstos operado justo después de uno que tenía síndrome de Down. Para valorar la carga generada al sistema público de salud, se analizó el número de días que los niños pasaron en la sala hospitalaria y en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). El beneficio obtenido por la cirugía cardíaca fue evaluado mediante la determinación del número de días que pasaron en la sala hospitalaria y en la Unidad de cuidados Intensivos (UCI). El beneficio obtenido por la cirugía cardíaca fue evaluado mediante la determinación del número de días que pasaron el en Hospital antes de la primera intervención quirúrgica, entre dos intervenciones (cuando fue necesario realizar dos intervenciones) y después de realizada la última corrección. El cuso postoperatorio fue evaluado mediante la determinación de la frecuencia de reintervenciones, complicaciones de cirugía y tasa de mortalidad precoz en ambos grupos. La mortalidad precoz se definió como muerte tras la cirugía anterior a la salida del hospital. Las admisiones con fines diagnósticos (p.ej., cateterización) fueron incluidas en el número de admisiones, antes o después de la cirugía (AU)


No disponible


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , Down Syndrome/complications , Case-Control Studies , Length of Stay , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology
17.
S Afr Med J ; 96(9 Pt 2): 914-9, 2006 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17077918

ABSTRACT

About 1 in 1,000 children has Down syndrome. Extra chromosomal material results in a myriad of potential problems for the affected individual. About 40% of Down syndrome children will have cardiac abnormalities, ranging from the simple arterial duct to the complex atrioventricular septal defect. Virtually all these defects are amenable to surgical correction and extended survival is possible. In South Africa many of these children do not undergo cardiac surgery.


Subject(s)
Cardiac Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Delivery of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Down Syndrome/complications , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , Child , Heart Defects, Congenital/complications , Humans , South Africa
18.
S Afr Med J ; 96(9 Pt 2): 924-30, 2006 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17077919

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare children with Down syndrome and children without Down syndrome and investigate whether there is a significant difference in the burden that is placed on the health care system between these two groups only in respect of the repair of congenital heart disease at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective case control review. SETTING: Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. SUBJECTS: The sample group of 50 Down syndrome children who had received cardiac surgery between January 1998 and June 2003 was compared with a control group of 50 nonsyndromic children who had received cardiac surgery during the same period. OUTCOME MEASURES: Sex and diagnoses (cardiac and noncardiac), number of days spent in hospital and in ICU, complication rates, re-operation rates, early mortality rates, planned further cardiac surgery. Costs of these outcomes were not quantified in exact monetary terms. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the burden that was placed on the health care system. Similar complication rates, re-operation rates and early mortality rates were recorded for both groups. The Down syndrome group appeared to benefit more from cardiac surgery than the non-Down syndrome group. CONCLUSION: Denying cardiac surgery to children with Down syndrome does not improve the efficiency of resource allocation. It is therefore not reasonable to suggest that the problem of scarce resources can be ameliorated by discriminating against children with Down syndrome.


Subject(s)
Cardiac Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Delivery of Health Care/standards , Down Syndrome/complications , Health Services Needs and Demand , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Heart Defects, Congenital/complications , Heart Defects, Congenital/epidemiology , Humans , Infant , Male , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , South Africa/epidemiology , Treatment Outcome
19.
S Afr Med J ; 96(9 Pt 2): 931-40, 2006 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17077920

ABSTRACT

Conjoined twins represent a rare but fascinating congenital condition, the aetiology of which remains obscure. Over the past four decades, the paediatric surgeons at Red Cross Children's Hospital have been involved in the management of 46 pairs of conjoined twins, of which 33 have been symmetrical and 12 asymmetrical. Seventeen symmetrical twins have undergone separation with 22 children (65%) surviving; all of the live asymmetrical twins survived separation. We describe the important features of this unique cohort, outline our approach to management and present the results of this approach. We consider some of the ethical and moral dilemmas we have confronted, and discuss the prenatal diagnosis, obstetric implications and postnatal care of these children, including the relevant investigations and anaesthetic and surgical management. Specific aspects related to the cardiovascular system, hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tracts, urogenital tract, central nervous system and musculoskeletal system are highlighted.


Subject(s)
Diseases in Twins/epidemiology , Hospitals, County/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Pediatric/statistics & numerical data , Twins, Conjoined , Adolescent , Adult , Diagnosis, Differential , Diseases in Twins/diagnosis , Diseases in Twins/surgery , Elective Surgical Procedures/methods , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Middle Aged , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , South Africa/epidemiology
20.
Dev Med Child Neurol ; 47(11): 771-5, 2005 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16225742

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to describe post-streptococcal movement disorders that form part of the acute rheumatic fever complex. The clinical records of patients diagnosed with Sydenham's chorea were analyzed retrospectively to investigate epidemiology, the significance of socioeconomic deprivation, clinical manifestations, treatments, outcomes, long-term morbidity, and disease evolution. Forty-two patients (21 males, 21 females) were diagnosed with Sydenham's chorea. The median presentation age was 9 years 8 months (range 3y 5mo to 13y 2mo). Nineteen patients were of indigenous African ancestry; 23 were of mixed ancestry. All patients lived in poverty and had poor access to medical care. Twelve of the total group had disabling symptoms for longer than 2 years; six of these patients developed paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with Streptococcus (Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with Streptococcus [PANDAS]), five Tourette syndrome (TS), and one learning difficulties. Poor outcome was significantly more prevalent in patients of mixed ancestry, in those with a positive family history, previous behavioural problems, or a failure to complete 10 days of penicillin and 'bed-rest'/hospitalization. Sydenham's chorea is one manifestation of post-streptococcal neuropsychiatric movement disorders. This study demonstrates that patients can present with one diagnosis and evolve other neuropsychiatric conditions such as TS and PANDAS. In the South African context, it is important to delineate neuropsychiatric movement disorders associated with streptococcal infections. The potential genetic susceptibility should be explored.


Subject(s)
Chorea/etiology , Streptococcal Infections/complications , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Chorea/epidemiology , Chorea/pathology , Disease Progression , Female , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Male , Morbidity , Poverty , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , South Africa , Treatment Outcome
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