Irish journal of medical science
-
This study aimed to determine the absolute and relative test-retest reliability of the functional reach test (FRT) and the handgrip strength test (HGST) in older adults using nursing homes. ⋯ Findings show that the FRT and the HGST are reliable, have acceptable measurement error, and may be used for research and clinical purposes to assess functional balance and strength of the hands in older adults using nursing homes.
-
The methods used in the diagnosis and screening of sarcopenia are not available everywhere. There is a need for more practical tests that can be used especially in the first step. ⋯ Our study indicated the relationship between blink rate with dynapenia and grip strength. Especially in patients with limited mobilization and where it is not possible to reach the hand dynamometer to measure grip strength, the blink rate can be used as an alternative test to detect dynapenia.
-
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused worldwide upheaval from early 2020. Trauma and orthopaedic services are no different. A fundamentally important and significant portion of trauma services is the treatment of fragility fractures of the proximal femur, otherwise known as hip fractures. The hip fracture "Blue book Standards", the key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with appropriate hip fracture care are challenging during non-crisis times. We aim to review Blue Book compliance during the Covid-19 crisis and review outcomes of hip fractures, including Covid-19 infection rates. ⋯ Despite improvements in hip fracture care KPIs, the Covid-19 crisis was associated with increased 30-day mortality in hip fracture patients. A positive Covid-19 swab was associated with higher mortality. These observations are of paramount importance to ensure adequate service planning and provision in the face of a potential "second wave" of Covid-19 infections leading into the winter months of 2020.
-
Diagnosing the aetiology of interstitial lung disease (ILD) may require histology via a surgical lung biopsy (SLB). SLB is associated with significant complications. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) can provide large, adequate biopsies with fewer complications offering a potential alternative to SLB. ⋯ TBLC aids the diagnosis of ILD in the appropriate patient and may be an acceptable alternative to SLB with fewer complications. Further work on standardizing the procedure is required.
-
Little body of research has focused on the epidemic transmissibility and language interface. ⋯ The findings of this study can offer a tentative picture of how speaking specific sounds can be associated with COVID-19 transmissibility.