Assessment of intensive care unit-acquired weakness in young and old mice: An E. coli septic peritonitis model.

INTRODUCTION: There are few reports of in vivo muscle strength measurements in animal models of ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW). In this study we investigated whether the Escherichia coli (E. coli) septic peritonitis mouse model may serve as an ICU-AW model using in vivo strength measurements and myosin/actin assays, and whether development of ICU-AW is age-dependent in this model. METHODS: Young and old mice were injected intraperitoneally with E. coli and treated with ceftriaxone. Forelimb grip strength was measured at multiple time points, and the myosin/actin ratio in muscle was determined. RESULTS: E. coli administration was not associated with grip strength decrease, neither in young nor in old mice. In old mice, the myosin/actin ratio was lower in E. coli mice at t = 48 h and higher at t = 72 h compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: This E. coli septic peritonitis mouse model did not induce decreased grip strength. In its current form, it seems unsuitable as a model for ICU-AW.

Electroestimulación neuromuscular: una nueva opción terapéutica en la mejoría de la condición física de los pacientes en hemodiálisis / Neuromuscular electrostimulation: a new therapeutic option in the improvement of the physical condition of patients on hemodialysis

Introducción: Los pacientes en hemodiálisis se caracterizan por una progresiva pérdida muscular y deteriorada condición física. Recientemente, la electroestimulación neuromuscular resulta de gran interés como tratamiento coadyuvante del ejercicio físico en estos pacientes. No existen muchos estudios que avalen el papel de la electroestimulación en el paciente en hemodiálisis. Objetivos: Analizar el efecto de un programa de electroestimulación neuromuscular sobre la fuerza muscular, capacidad funcional y calidad de vida en nuestros pacientes en hemodiálisis. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 12 semanas de duración. 22 pacientes fueron incluidos. 62.8% hombres. Edad media 67.8 años y 35.6 meses de permanencia en hemodiálisis. Índex de Charlson medio: 9. Principales etiologías de la Insuficiencia renal crónica terminal: Hipertensión (13.6%), Diabetes Mellitus (27.3%), Glomerular (18.2%). Los pacientes incluidos realizaron un programa adaptativo de electroestimulación de ambos cuádriceps mediante el dispositivo Compex® Theta 500i. Analizamos: 1.-Datos musculares: Fuerza extensión máxima cuádricep y «Handgrip». 2.-Test funcionales: «Sit to stand to sit» y «Six-minutes Walking test». 3.- Síntomas en las extremidades inferiores: Cuestionario Electroestimulación. 4.- Grado satisfacción: Escala Valoración Subjetiva y. Escala Visual Analógica 5.-Calidad de vida: EuroQoL-5D. Resultados: Al finalizar el estudio, observamos una mejoría significativa (*p<0,05) de la fuerza máxima extensión del cuádriceps* (10.2 ± 6.7 vs 13.1 ± 8.1kg), Six minuters walking test* (9.5%, 290.5 vs 312.4m). En relación al grado de satisfacción observamos mediante una escala de valoración subjetiva una mejoría del 44% del estado general, un 72% de la condición física y un 80% de las molestias en miembros inferiores, así como la puntuación en el cuestionario de electrostimulación *(8.5 vs 5.8 sint/pac). El grado de satisfacción medio fue 7.8. En relación a la calidad de vida, observamos una mejoría significativa mediante el EuroQol5D* (52.7 vs 65.5%). No se observaron cambios relevantes en los datos bioquímicos o adecuación dialítica al finalizar el estudio. Conclusiones: La electroestimulación neuromuscular intradiálisis de ambos cuádriceps mejoró la fuerza muscular, la capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida de nuestros pacientes en hemodiálisis. Con los resultados obtenidos, la electroestimulación neuromuscular constituye una nueva alternativa terapéutica para mejorar la condición física y la calidad de vida de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction: Haemodialysis patients are characterized by progressive muscle wasting and impaired physical condition. Recently, the neuromuscular electrostimulation is of great interest as adjunctive therapy of exercise in these patients. There are many studies that support the role of the electrostimulation in patients on haemodialysis. Objectives: To analyse the effect of a program of neuromuscular electrostimulation on muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in our patients on haemodialysis. Methods: Prospective study of 12 weeks of duration. 22 patients were included. 62.8% male. Mean age of 67.8 years and 35.6 months of haemodialysis vintage. Mean Charlson index was 9. Main aetiologies of chronic renal failure: hypertension (13.6%), diabetes mellitus (27.3%), Glomerular (18.2%). Included patients performed an adaptive electrostimulation program in both quadriceps by the Compex® Theta 500i device. Most relevant analyzed data: 1. Muscular data: Maximum length quadriceps strength and "hand-grip". 2. Functional capacity tests: «Sit to stand to sit» and «six-minutes walking test». 3. Symptoms in the lower extremities: Questionnaire of electrostimulation. 4. Level of satisfaction: Subjective Rating Scale and Visual Analogic Scale. 5. Quality of Life: EuroQoL-5D. Results: At the end of the study, we observed a significant improvement (p<0.05) of the maximum length quadriceps strength* (10.2 ± 6.7 vs 13.1 ± 8.1 kg), Six minutes walking test* (9.5%, 290.5 vs. 312.4 m). In relation to the level of satisfaction by subjective rating scale, an improvement of 44% of the overall, 72% of the physical condition and 80% of the discomfort in the lower limbs, and the score on the questionnaire of electrostimulation* were observed. *(8.5 vs 5.8 sint/pat). The mean level of satisfaction was 7.8. Relative to the quality of life, we observed a significant improvement through the EuroQol5D* (52.7 vs 65.5%). No significant changes were observed in biochemical data or dialysis adequacy at study end. Conclusions: The intra-dialytic neuromuscular electrostimulation of both quadriceps, improved muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of our patients on haemodialysis. With the results, neuromuscular electrostimulation is a new therapeutic alternative to improve fitness and quality of life of these patients (AU)

Onset aging conditions of adults with an intellectual disability associated with primary caregiver depression.

Caregivers of adults with an intellectual disability experience depressive symptoms, but the aging factors of the care recipients associated with the depressive symptoms are unknown. The objective of this study was to analyze the onset aging conditions of adults with an intellectual disability that associated with the depression scores of their primary caregivers. A cross-sectional survey was administered to gather information from 455 caregivers of adults with an intellectual disability about their symptoms of depression which assessed by a 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The 12 aging conditions of adults with an intellectual disability include physical and mental health. The results indicate that 78% of adults with an intellectual disability demonstrate aging conditions. Physical conditions associated with aging include hearing decline (66.3%), vision decline (63.6%), incontinence (44%), articulation and bone degeneration (57.9%), teeth loss (80.4), physical strength decline (81.2%), sense of taste and smell decline (52.8%), and accompanied chronic illnesses (74.6%). Mental conditions associated with aging include memory loss (77%), language ability deterioration (74.4%), poor sleep quality (74.2%), and easy onset of depression and sadness (50.3%). Aging conditions of adults with an intellectual disability (p<0.001) was one factor that significantly affected the presence of depressive symptom among caregivers after controlling demographic characteristics. Particularly, poor sleep quality of adults with an intellectual disability (yes vs. no, OR=3.807, p=0.002) was statistically correlated to the occurrence of significant depressive symptoms among their caregivers. This study suggests that the authorities should reorient community services and future policies toward the needs of family caregivers to decrease the burdens associated with caregiving.

Early onset multiple sclerosis: a review for nurse practitioners.

Research demonstrates that 3.5% to 5% of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) present before the age of 18 years. MS can present in early childhood through adolescence and must be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with motor impairment, sensory changes, and cognitive disability. The diagnosis of early-onset MS is based on findings from a complete history and physical examination along with brain and spine imaging. The purpose of this article is to review recent literature on early-onset MS and offer suggestions or clinical practice in the identification and management of patients with this debilitating disease.

Physical therapy on the wards after early physical activity and mobility in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Weakness and debilitation are common following critical illness. Studies that assess whether early physical activity initiated in the intensive care unit (ICU) continues after a patient is transferred to a ward are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess whether physical activity and mobility initiated during ICU treatment were maintained after patients were discharged from a single ICU to a ward. DESIGN: This was a cohort study. METHODS: Consecutive patients who were diagnosed with respiratory failure and admitted to the respiratory ICU (RICU) at LDS Hospital underwent early physical activity and mobility as part of usual care. Medical data, the number of requests for a physical therapy consultation or nursing assistance with ambulation at ICU discharge, and mobility data were collected during the first 2 full days on the ward. RESULTS: Of the 72 patients who participated in the study, 65 had either a physical therapy consultation or a request for nursing assistance with ambulation at ward transfer. Activity level decreased in 40 participants (55%) on the first full ward day. Of the 61 participants who ambulated 100 ft (30.48 m) or more on the last full RICU day, 14 did not ambulate, 22 ambulated less than 100 ft, and 25 ambulated 100 ft or more on the first ward day. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include lack of data regarding why activity was not performed on the ward, lack of longitudinal follow-up to assess effects of activity, and lack of generalizability to patients not transferred to a ward or not treated in an ICU with an early mobility program. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the majority of participants having a physical therapy consultation or a request for nursing assistance with ambulation at the time of transfer to the medical ward, physical activity levels decreased in over half of participants on the first full ward day. The data suggest a need for education of ward staff regarding ICU debilitation, enhanced communication among care providers, and focus on the importance of patient-centered outcomes during and following ICU treatment.

Psychometric testing of the Gordon Facial Muscle Weakness Assessment Tool.

School nurses may be the first health professionals to assess the onset of facial paralysis/muscle weakness in school-age children. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Gordon Facial Muscle Weakness Assessment Tool (GFMWT) developed by Gordon. Data were collected in two phases. In Phase 1, 4 content experts independently rated each of the 22 items on the GFMWT for content relevance. The ratings were used to generate Item and Scale Content Validity Index (CVI) scores. In Phase 2, school nurses (N = 74) attending a state conference independently rated referral urgency on a set of 10 clinical scenarios using the GFMWT. The GFMWT had an item and scale CVI of 1.0. Overall, the interrater reliability was .602 (p < .001). When used by school nurses, the GFMWT was shown to be both a reliable and a valid tool to assess facial muscle weakness in school-age children.

Supporting people with severe myalgic encephalomyelitis.

This article aims to raise nurses' awareness of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Key symptoms are presented along with possible service responses and treatment options. It emphasises that this condition is often misunderstood but that it can be serious and more research is needed to promote better understanding of the physical symptoms.

Inactivity and inflammation: selected cytokines as biologic mediators in muscle dysfunction during critical illness.

Muscle dysfunction leads to activity intolerance, prolonged hospitalization, and additional days of mechanical ventilation. The etiology of muscle dysfunction in the critically ill patient is multifactoral. Inactivity and inflammation, common phenomena to patients in the intensive care unit, are associated with myopathy and muscle dysfunction. Cytokines are small biological active molecules that regulate inflammation and have a direct effect on muscle wasting. The purpose of this article is to describe selected cytokines (ie, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor), explain their role in muscle dysfunction, and explore the role of therapeutic activity as a moderator of muscle dysfunction and cytokine-mediated muscle damage.

Neurovascular assessment.

The outcome of an injured extremity is affected primarily by initial assessment and immediate treatment of the extremity. Delaying the recognition of neurovascular compromise can cause the amputation of an extremity, or even the death of the patient. However, having the foundation of knowledge regarding total neurovascular function can equip the nurse with accurate assessment skills and the knowledge of the need for immediate action. This essential orthopaedic knowledge is used daily by the orthopaedic nurse to provide the best patient care possible with the best possible outcome.

The value of strength training for older adults.

Health in older adults can best be measured in terms of functional status. Skeletal muscle strength has been reported to be a determinant of functional status in older individuals. Two major contributors to the decline in muscle function as a person ages are disuse and physical inactivity. Declining muscle function through a loss of muscular strength may decrease functional independence and mobility and increase the risk for falls and injuries, physical frailty, and disability. Older individuals lacking an appropriate amount of muscular strength may not be able to perform various activities of daily living, which are important indicators of independence.

Isokinetic strength testing in research and practice.

Age-related losses in lower extremity strength result in functional disabilities that diminish the quality of life for many older adults. Multiple factors, including type of muscle fiber, size of the muscle, length and speed of the muscle at contraction, age, and gender, affect the magnitude of strength generated. Assessment in clinical practice, in order to be cost and time effective, screens older adults for loss in strength. Further evaluation of strength loss requires the use of sophisticated procedures and equipment. Research into the causes of loss of strength and interventions to lessen or prevent loss of strength requires valid and reliable assessment tools. This article examines components of isokinetic muscle strength, the measurement of strength in clinical practice, methods to measure isokinetic strength, and validity and reliability of these measures.

Fatigue and weakness in cancer patients: the symptoms experience.

OBJECTIVES: To distinguish between fatigue and weakness and review symptom management for both and to suggest directions for research and practice. DATA SOURCES: Articles and book chapters pertaining to fatigue and weakness. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue and weakness are important but long-neglected symptoms, and comparatively little effort has been invested in developing techniques to mitigate these symptoms. Research is needed to differentiate between these concepts, to determine the relation between fatigue and weakness, to delineate their causes, and to develop interventions aimed at the prevention and treatment of these symptoms. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Early assessment of risk factors, mobility and sensory problems, and usual level of activity will help identify those patients who may benefit from nursing interventions or referrals for occupational or physical therapy. It is important to repeatedly evaluate these symptoms in relation to treatment, situational changes, interventions used to manage other symptoms, and tumor progression. Developing clinical guidelines and intervention strategies will contribute greatly to the functional independence and the quality of life of patients.