The perception of the Illness with Subsequent Outcome Measure in More Favorable in Continuos Peritoneal Dialysis vs Hemodialysis in the Framework of Appraisal Model of Stress

The aim of the study was to use the appraisal model of stress to compare hemodialysis (HD) and continuous peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with special focus on the perception of end-stage renal disease and subsequent emotional profile and health related quality of life (HQoL) in. We hypothesize that different circumstances related to both modes of therapies will result in dissimilar perception of chronic illness with subsequent changes in emotional profile and heath related quality of life. The total of 88 patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) enrolled in hemodialysis (n=52; HD) or continuous peritoneal dialysis (n=36; CAPD) were given a battery of psychological tests: The Profile of Mood States, The Nottingham Health Profile, The Stress Situation Assessment Questionnaire, The Social Appreciation Questionnaire and The Situation and Trait and Anxiety Inventory. All patients perceived ESRD in terms of a loss and a threat. Moreover, CAPD patients evaluated ESRD as a challenge. Despite different perception of ESRD no significant difference in the level of fear, anxiety or emotional profile was found. Both HD and CAPD patient were reported more fatigue/inertia and confusion/bewilderment than control groups. The main health related complaints were similar in both ESRD patients with major complaints of sleeping disturbances, motor limitations and lack of energy. From the psychological point of view, CAPD treatment seems more like challenge to the enrolled patient which is positive outcome. Despite different appraisal of stress mood and health related complaints were similar in both groups. This may be a result of optimal regulation of cognitive perception of the stress depending on the circumstances of therapy.     

Provision of healthcare in the context of financial crisis: approaches to the Greek health system and international implications

Both healthcare professionals and the healthcare system must defend each patient's health individually while simultaneously seeking to protect the population's health in general. Nowadays, there is an important increase in the cost of healthcare supply, mainly due to the developments of medical science, the public's expectations and the demographic ageing. Since healthcare resources are not unlimited, it is obvious that immoderate consumption of them by certain patients limits the use of the same funds by others. Therefore, we have to seek an optimal distribution of the existing resources in order to manage a constriction of expenses, especially under the circumstances of the modern economic crisis. The criteria of effectiveness and efficiency should be used. Health policies focus on both the public's behaviour and the rules of medical practice. Under the modern challenges the physician's role is particularly important for the protection of the patient's health and the promotion of public health.     

Does the magnetic anal sphincter device compare favourably with sacral nerve stimulation in the management of faecal incontinence?

Aim The magnetic anal sphincter (MAS) is a recent surgical innovation for severe faecal incontinence (FI). With its place in the treatment algorithm of FI yet to be defined, we report a nonrandomized comparison between MAS and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in a single‐centre cohort of patients with FI. Method Data were reviewed from prospective databases. From December 2008 to December 2010, 12 women [median age 65 (42–76) years], having FI for a median of 6.5 years, were implanted with a MAS. Sixteen women, of similar age, preoperative function scores, aetiology and duration of incontinence, and implanted with a permanent SNS pulse generator during the same period, served as a reference group. The duration of hospital stay, complications, change in incontinence and quality of life scores and anal physiology were compared between the two groups. Results The duration of follow up was similar [MAS = 18 (8–30) months vs SNS = 22 (10–28) months; P = 0.318]. Four patients with MAS experienced a 30‐day complication, and the device was removed from one patient in each group. A significant improvement in incontinence (P < 0.001) and quality‐of‐life scores (P < 0.04) occurred in both groups. Mean anal resting pressure increased significantly in patients implanted with a MAS (P = 0.027). Conclusion In this single‐centre nonrandomized cohort of FI patients, MAS was as effective as SNS in improving continence and quality of life, with similar morbidity. These results can now serve as a prelude to a randomized trial comparing the procedures.     

Impairment of nutritional,educational status and quality of life among children infected with and belonging to families affected by human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has ramified impact on family members of people living with the disease, especially in vulnerable groups such as children, which has been neglected while addressing the overt burden in infected individuals. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of HIV on the nutritional and educational status in HIV-infected and -affected children and to compare quality of life (QoL) in these children with controls. A cross-sectional controlled study was conducted among children aged 5–11 years. HIV-infected children and children accompanying parents seeking treatment in an antiretroviral treatment (ART) centre were sampled. Controls were obtained from the field practice area of a teaching hospital. A semi-structured questionnaire and anthropometric measures were used to evaluate the impact on the nutritional and educational status. The General Health Assessment for Children (GHAC) instrument was used to measure QoL. Thirty-eight infected children, 149 children living with family members infected with HIV and 200 controls were sampled. The mean age was 8.55 ± 1.78, with 203 male children and 184 female children. The mean nutritional Z-scores were impacted in the affected and infected groups and significant differences were obtained on the domains of educational status on a proportions test. Most QoL domains were affected and the significance was retained in multivariate regression analysis after controlling for sociodemographic factors. HIV-infected and -affected children have poorer outcome on nutritional and educational indicators with impaired QoL. Identifying and defining vulnerability in these children can help mitigate the wider impact of HIV.     

血液透析与腹膜透析在病人生命质量与费用方面的对比研究

随着终末期肾病病人的增加,血液透析和腹膜透析病人也越来越多,因此从透析病人生命质量及经济负担方面进行了比较总结,为病人合理选择治疗方法提供依据.