Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2021
Factors Affecting Quality of Life at Discharge among Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures.
This study aimed to identify factors, including physical functions and activities that affect quality of life (QOL) at discharge among patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. ⋯ Our results suggest that if patients have high bone mineral density, intense pain, and low cognitive function at admission, then low QOL at discharge will be predicted; however, improvement of pain catastrophizing and knee extension muscle strength during first the 4 weeks of admission may be able to improve QOL at discharge. Because patients in this study were Japanese only, it is important to exercise caution when applying our results to other populations.
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2021
ReviewOsteoporosis in Adult Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Special Considerations for Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management.
As medical care progresses, patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities are living longer and beginning to experience diseases that commonly afflict the aging population, such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis and resultant fractures increase disability and threaten the independence of this vulnerable population. In addition, the diagnosis, prevention, and management of osteoporosis present unique challenges in these patients. ⋯ Commonly used in diagnosis and treatment monitoring, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan of the hip and spine may not be feasible, whereas peripheral DXA or computed tomography may be more accessible for patients with physical disabilities. Pharmacological treatment should be tailored to the individual patient, considering factors such as adherence and comorbidities. Finally, bone turnover markers are a noninvasive, cost-effective option for monitoring treatment response in patients who cannot undergo DXA.
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Southern medical journal · Mar 2021
Effects of Norepinephrine Infusion on Cutaneous Surface Temperatures of the Distal Extremities.
The etiology of vasopressor-induced digital necrosis is poorly understood, but the skin changes resemble those of frostbite, and it is known from experience that patients taking vasopressors have decreased digital temperatures. We aimed to examine the effects of norepinephrine use on surface temperatures of the distal extremities because there have been no studies examining this relation. ⋯ Norepinephrine use was associated with greater core-to-fingertip temperature gradients and were more pronounced in the toes compared with the fingers.