Biomedical subjects

I D Cameron

Publications and source records attributed to I D Cameron.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Influence of fall related factors and bone strength on fracture risk in the frail elderly.

INTRODUCTION: When subjects are selected on the basis of fall risk alone, therapies for osteoporosis have not been effective. In a prospective study of elderly subjects at high risk of falls, we investigated the influence of bone strength and fall risk on fracture. METHODS: At baseline we assessed calcaneal bone ultrasound attenuation (BUA) as well as quantitative measures of fall risk in 2005 subjects in residential care. Incident falls and fractures were recorded (median follow-up 705 days). RESULTS: A total of 6646 fall events and 375 low trauma fracture events occurred. The fall rate was 214 per 100 person years and the fracture rate 12.1 per 100 person years. 82% of the fractures could be attributed to falls. Although fracture rates increased with decreasing BUA (incidence rate ratio 1.94 for lowest vs. highest BUA tertile, p<0.002), incident falls also affected fracture incidence. Subjects who fell frequently (>3.15 falls/per person year) were 3.35 times more likely to suffer a fracture than those who did not fall. Some fall risk factors such as balance were associated with the lowest fracture risk lowest in the worst performing group. Multivariate analysis revealed higher fall rate, history of previous fracture, lower BUA, lower body weight, cognitive impairment and better balance as significant independent risk factors for fracture. CONCLUSIONS: In the frail elderly, both skeletal fragility and fall risk including the frequency of exposure to falls are important determinants of fracture risk.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2006

Spinal-injured neuropathic bladder antisepsis (SINBA) trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Methenamine Hippurate (MH) or cranberry tablets prevent urinary tract infections (UTI) in people with neuropathic bladder following spinal cord injury (SCI). STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind factorial-design randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 2 year recruitment period from November 2000 and 6 month follow-up. SETTING: In total, 543 eligible predominantly community dwelling patients were invited to participate in the study, of whom 305 (56%) agreed. METHODS: Eligible participants were people with SCI with neurogenic bladder and stable bladder management. All regimens were indistinguishable in appearance and taste. The dose of MH used was 1 g twice-daily. The dose of cranberry used was 800 mg twice-daily. The main outcome measure was the time to occurrence of a symptomatic UTI. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that patients randomized to MH did not have a significantly longer UTI-free period compared to placebo (HR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.68-1.35, P=0.75). Patients randomized to cranberry likewise did not have significantly longer UTI-free period compared to placebo (HR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.67-1.31, P=0.70). CONCLUSION: There is no benefit in the prevention of UTI from the addition of MH or cranberry tablets to the usual regimen of patients with neuropathic bladder following SCI.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Calcaneal ultrasound but not bone turnover predicts fractures in vitamin D deficient frail elderly at high risk of falls.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical markers of bone turnover have been reported to predict fracture risk independent of bone mass in postmenopausal women. We investigated their use in predicting fractures in the frail elderly. METHODS: Cases were 151 low trauma fractures. For each case, a control was selected marched for sex, age, institution type and follow-up period. We measured two bone resorption markers (serum ICTP and serum CTX-I) and two bone formation markers (serum PINP and serum BAP). Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) was measured in the calcaneus. Fractures were ascertained by x-ray reports. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects was 86.8 years (+/- 5.8 SD) and 86% were female. 76% had hypovitaminosis D (a serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) level < 39 nmol/L) and 81% had BUA < 67.4 dB/MHz (corresponding to a BMD T-score < -2.5). No significant differences in bone turnover markers were detected between fracture cases and their matched controls. In contrast, there was a significant difference between cases and controls for both broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and velocity of sound (VOS) (both P < 0.05). These results remained the same after adjusting for weight, lower leg length and walking aids as well as the higher falls incidence in cases than controls (average 2.7 vs 0.9 falls respectively; P < 0.001) during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: In the frail elderly with vitamin D deficiency and high falls risk, calcaneal ultrasound but not markers of bone turnover were associated with fractures.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2006

Acupuncture for neck disorders.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is one of the three most frequently reported complaints of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments for neck pain are varied, as are the perceptions of benefits. Acupuncture has been used as an alternative to more traditional treatments for musculoskeletal pain. This review summarizes the most current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture for acute, subacute and chronic neck pain. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of acupuncture for individuals with neck pain. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL (2006, issue 1) and MEDLINE, EMBASE, MANTIS, CINAHL from their beginning to February 2006. We searched reference lists and the acupuncture database TCMLARS in China. SELECTION CRITERIA: Any published trial using randomized (RCT) or quasi-randomized (quasi-RCT) assignment to the intervention groups, either in full text or abstract form, were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers made independent decisions for each step of the review: article inclusion, data abstraction and assessment of trial methodological quality. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad criteria. Consensus was used to resolve disagreements. When clinical heterogeneity was absent, we combined studies using random-effects meta-analysis models. MAIN RESULTS: We did not find any trials that examined the effects of acupuncture for acute or subacute pain, but we found 10 trials that examined acupuncture treatments for chronic neck pain. Overall, methodological quality had a mean of 2.3/5 on the Jadad Scale. For chronic mechanical neck disorders, there was moderate evidence that acupuncture was more effective for pain relief than some types of sham controls, measured immediately post-treatment. There was moderate evidence that acupuncture was more effective than inactive, sham treatments measured immediately post-treatment and at short-term follow-up (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.61 to -0.12). There was limited evidence that acupuncture was more effective than massage at short-term follow-up. For chronic neck disorders with radicular symptoms, there was moderate evidence that acupuncture was more effective than a wait-list control at short-term follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate evidence that acupuncture relieves pain better than some sham treatments, measured at the end of the treatment. There is moderate evidence that those who received acupuncture reported less pain at short term follow-up than those on a waiting list. There is also moderate evidence that acupuncture is more effective than inactive treatments for relieving pain post-treatment and this is maintained at short-term follow-up.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

PubMed2006

A prospective cohort study of health outcomes following whiplash associated disorders in an Australian population.

OBJECTIVE: To define health outcomes of whiplash associated disorders (WAD) at three months, six months, and two years after injury and to examine predictors of these outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: New South Wales, Australia. SUBJECTS: People with compensable motor crash injuries who reported whiplash as one of their injuries. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional Rating Index (FRI), Short Form 36 (SF-36) at three months, six months, and two years after injury, ascertained by telephone interview. RESULTS: At three months, 33.6% of the cohort was recovered (as defined by FRI<or=25), increasing marginally at six months (38.9% recovered), but more significantly at two years (51.7% recovered, p = 0.001). The mean physical component score of the SF-36 improved at each time point (p = 0.002), while the mean mental component score did not (p = 0.59). Predictors of recovery at two years (as defined by global perceived effect) included a lower FRI index at baseline (p = 0.001) and closure of the claim at two years (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Whiplash injury had a large effect on the health of this Australian cohort of whiplash sufferers, with only 50% of the cohort recovered at two years. Physical measures of health appear to improve over time, whereas mental measures of health did not. Despite this, this cohort is largely able to participate in activities and work at two years. Prevention of chronic disability may lie with concentration of resources to those who score highly on the FRI at baseline. In addition, chronic psychological ill health may be prevented by directing treatment to those with poor scores on sensitive measures of psychological ill health at baseline.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Treadmill training and body weight support for walking after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Treadmill training, with or without some body weight supported using a harness, is a method of treating walking after stroke. A systematic review is required to assess the cost, effectiveness, and acceptability of this treatment. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of treadmill training and body weight support, individually or in combination, in the treatment of walking after stroke. The primary outcomes investigated were walking speed, endurance and dependency. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched 2 March 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2005), EMBASE (1980 to February 2005), CINAHL (1982 to February 2005) and PEDro (last searched 2 March 2005). In addition, we handsearched relevant conference proceedings, screened reference lists and contacted trialists to identify further published and unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled and cross-over trials of treadmill training and body weight support, individually or in combination, for the treatment of walking after stroke were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed quality. We contacted trialists for additional information. We used a fixed-effect model for analysis, but if heterogeneity existed a random-effects model was used. We analysed the results as weighted mean differences (WMD) for continuous variables and relative risk (RR) for dichotomous variables. MAIN RESULTS: Fifteen trials (622 participants) were included. There were no statistically significant differences between treadmill training, with or without body weight support, and other interventions for walking speed or dependence. Among participants who could walk independently at the start of treatment, treadmill training with body weight support tended to produce higher walking speeds (WMD 0.09 m/s, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.02 to 0.20 for speed; fixed-effect), but this result was not statistically significant. An individual trial tended to support the use of treadmill training with body weight support for dependent walkers as compared to treadmill training alone. One of three individual trials indicated that independent walkers may benefit from treadmill training combined with other task-orientated exercise. However, data are very limited. Adverse events occurred more frequently in participants receiving treadmill training but these were not judged to be clinically serious events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Overall no statistically significant effect of treadmill training with or without body weight support was detected. Although individual studies suggested that treadmill training with body weight support may be more effective than treadmill training alone and that treadmill training plus task-oriented exercise may be more effective than sham exercises, further trials are required to confirm these findings.

Body Weight↗

PubMed2005

A multivariate regression model predicted falls in residents living in intermediate hostel care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether individual falls risk could be predicted in a frail elderly population. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We developed and tested an assessment tool and falls risk score for predicting falls based on a multivariate regression model in a prospective cohort study of intermediate care residents. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 1,736 falls by 1,107 subjects were recorded with an average of 170 falls per 100 person-years. Fifty percent of the study population had at least one fall within a year. Significant independent risk factors were poor balance, cognitive impairment, incontinence, higher illness severity rating, and older age. Twenty-two percent of participants with a falls risk score > or =7 accounted for 42% of the total falls, with a falls rate of 317 per 100 person-years. This rate was a sixfold increase from the falls rate of 52 per 100 person-years observed in participants with a score < 3. A high score (> or =7) indicated almost a 2 in 3 chance of falling, while a low score (<3) indicated approximately a 1 in 7 chance of falling within 6 months. CONCLUSION: The assessment tool and falls risk score could identify individuals in this frail elderly population at high risk of falls.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2005

Determinants of health-related quality of life in institutionalised older persons in northern Sydney.

It is recognised that the focus of health-care interventions for frail older persons should not be restricted to increasing longevity, but should encompass measures aimed at improving or maintaining the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of these individuals. We studied the HRQoL profile of 612 frail older persons residing in nursing homes and hostels in northern Sydney, Australia, and sought to ascertain some of the factors that affect their perceived quality of life. Our findings suggest that common health states that may cause loss of independence and dignity (e.g. presence of osteoarthritis, presence of urinary incontinence, previous fracture, Parkinson's Disease and increasing frailty as reflected by residence in nursing homes) are strongly, and independently, associated with the HRQoL of institutionalised older persons. Some of these conditions may be amenable to intervention.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

What constitutes success in preventive health care? A case study in assessing the benefits of hip protectors.

The economic success of preventive health programs is typically assessed by the net health-related utility gain or loss to society relative to the cost. Issues relating to the positive or negative utility associated with participating in a preventive health program are often ignored. However, it is likely that calls for informed consumer choice and respect for patient autonomy will provide an impetus to examine utility associated with the process and outcomes of preventive health programs. In this paper, we outline the nature of the ex ante and ex post perspective in evaluating benefits and the presence of process utility and the utility of gambling in individual's utility function for preventive health care. The implications of including process attributes and psychological states when assessing benefits to society are discussed in relation to an empirical study on the value of external hip protectors for the prevention of hip fractures. We demonstrate that wearing hip protectors and the psychological outcomes of being a participant in the program can have a significant impact on individual's assessment of the benefits. Furthermore, point of reference plays a crucial role in their valuation. Individuals who did not consent to participate in a trial of hip protectors valued all states significantly lower than those who did participate in the trial. We argue that the utility associated with adherence to the intervention is an important issue for preventive health policy. From the viewpoint of applied welfare economics, evaluation of preventive health programs should allow for both process and outcome utility when assessing benefits. In this context, success might be viewed as maximising the opportunity for individuals to make an informed choice.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Serum parathyroid hormone predicts time to fall independent of vitamin D status in a frail elderly population.

Very frail older people constitute an increasing proportion of ageing populations and often have vitamin D deficiency. Falls are frequent in this population and have usually been associated with vitamin D deficiency. In this prospective study we measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), serum PTH, and falls in 637 ambulatory subjects living in institutional aged care facilities (intermediate-care hostels or nursing homes). The study sample comprised 121 men (mean age, 82.1 yr) and 516 women (mean age, 86.7 yr). Two hundred and seventy-four subjects fell one or more times over a mean duration of follow-up of 10.2 months. Vitamin D deficiency, defined as a serum 25OHD level below 39 nmol/liter was present in 73.6%. Baseline serum 25OHD and PTH were significantly associated with falls in univariate analyses. In multivariate analyses that also corrected for balance and health status, PTH remained a significant predictor of falls independent of 25OHD. Serum PTH is a predictor of time to first fall in the frail elderly independent of vitamin D status and measures of general health.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2004

Serum parathyroid hormone is associated with increased mortality independent of 25-hydroxy vitamin d status, bone mass, and renal function in the frail and very old: a cohort study.

Very frail older people constitute an increasing proportion of the aging population and often have vitamin D deficiency and impaired renal function. Primary hyperparathyroidism has been associated with increased mortality, but it is unclear whether secondary hyperparathyroidism is associated with increased mortality independent of renal function and vitamin D status. This study aimed to examine the effect of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism on mortality in frail older people after accounting for renal function and general measures of health. We evaluated 842 subjects (182 men with a mean age of 81.9 yr and 660 women with a mean age of 86.2 yr) living in residential aged care facilities in Sydney, Australia in a prospective, cohort study. Over a mean duration of follow-up of 31 months, 345 subjects died. Baseline serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, serum PTH, and bone ultrasound attenuation were significantly associated with mortality in univariate and multivariate analyses (for PTH, a hazard ratio of 1.39 for time to death) after correcting for age and gender. In multivariate analyses that corrected for health status, nutritional status, and renal function, PTH remained a significant predictor of mortality but not 25-hydroxy vitamin D or bone ultrasound attenuation. Serum PTH appears to be associated with increased mortality in the frail elderly independent of vitamin D status, renal function, bone mass, and measures of general health. The mechanism of this effect requires further investigation.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Adherence with hip protectors: a proposal for standardised definitions.

Definitions of adherence, also termed compliance, with use of hip protectors have varied in published studies, making interpretation of results difficult. This paper proposes standard definitions of adherence with the use of hip protectors. Adherence is the wearing of hip protectors in accordance with the recommendations of the study protocol, and is measured as the amount of time hip protectors are worn. When reporting use of hip protectors in clinical trials investigators should indicate the specific definition of adherence used, explicitly state the recommendation that was made for use of hip protectors during the study, and describe the methods of recording adherence.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2003

Treadmill training and body weight support for walking after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Treadmill training, with some body weight supported using a harness, is a method of treating walking after stroke. Systematic review is required to assess the cost, effectiveness and acceptance of this treatment. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of treadmill training and/or body weight support in the treatment of walking after stroke. The primary outcomes investigated were walking speed and walking dependency. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched 21 March 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library, Issue 1 2003), MEDLINE (1966-March 2003), EMBASE (1980-March 2003), CINAHL (1982-February 2003) and PEDro (last searched 21 March 2003). In addition, we handsearched relevant conference proceedings, screened reference lists and contacted trialists to identify further published and unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised, or quasi-randomised, controlled and cross-over trials of treadmill training and/or body weight support for the treatment of walking after stroke were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently selected trials and extracted data. Trialists were contacted for additional information. A fixed effects model was used for analysis, but if heterogeneity existed (Chi squared statistic) a random effects model was used. Results were analysed as weighted mean differences (WMD) for continuous variables and relative risk (RR) for dichotomous variables. The main outcome variables were walking speed and dependency. MAIN RESULTS: Eleven trials (458 participants) were included. There were no statistically significant differences between treadmill training, with or without body weight support, and other interventions for walking speed or dependence. There was a small trend toward the effectiveness of treadmill training with body weight support for participants who could walk independently (WMD: 0.24 m/sec, 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.66 for speed; random effects). The one trial which compared treadmill training with and without body weight support showed benefit at the end of follow-up (mean difference: 0.22 m/sec, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.39). Adverse events occurred slightly more frequently in participants receiving treadmill training, although statistically there were no differences. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Overall, no statistically significant effect of treadmill training and body weight support was detected. However, among people who could walk independently, treadmill training with body weight support appeared to be more effective than other interventions at improving walking speed, but this conclusion was not robust.

Body Weight↗

PubMed2003

A randomised trial of hip protector use by frail older women living in their own homes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of hip protectors in frail community living older women. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Aged care health services in New South Wales, Australia. PATIENTS: 600 women 74 years of age or more (mean age 83 years), who had two or more falls or one fall requiring hospital admission in the previous year, and who lived in their own homes. INTERVENTION: Use of hip protectors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adherence with use of hip protectors, falls, incidence of hip fracture, and adverse effects of use of hip protectors. RESULTS: Adherence was approximately 53% over the duration of the study and hip protectors were worn at the time of 51% of falls in the intervention group. The risk of hip fracture when falling while wearing hip protectors, compared with a fall with no hip protectors in place, was significantly reduced (relative risk (RR) 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.67). On an intention to treat analysis, 21 and 22 hip fractures occurred in the intervention and control groups respectively (adjusted RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.68). Three users of hip protectors sustained a hip fracture while wearing properly applied protectors, while 16 hip protector users (5%) developed minor local complications. CONCLUSIONS: Hip protectors prevent hip fractures in community dwelling older women if worn at the time of a fall. The overall effectiveness of hip protectors was not established in this study, because of incomplete adherence with use of the protectors, and limited statistical power.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2003

Aged care issues and services in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: This paper examines aged care issues and the provision of aged care services in Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Medline search and review of Australian government publications was undertaken and complemented by a review of local Australian resources. RESULTS: Australia has seen major development of aged care services over the last 60 years. These services were originally focused on a residential care model, but have since evolved to become a mixed provision of services that are shaped by legislative or regulatory requirements. Geriatric health services are well-developed in some parts of Australia, with a comprehensive regional service that includes hospital-based and community-based components (including an Aged Care Assessment Team). CONCLUSION: The rapidly ageing population in Australia is exerting pressure on the aged care system and geriatric health services. A major identified problem with available services is their fragmentation and limited co-ordination.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneus and falls risk in the institutionalized elderly: sex differences and relationship to vitamin D status.

Very frail older people constitute an increasing proportion of aging populations and are likely to contribute substantially to costs due to osteoporosis. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus is potentially a simple method for assessing fracture risk in frail elderly, but there have been few studies of male/female differences in QUS or its relationship to falls risk or vitamin D status, which is often subnormal in this population. We studied QUS, falls risk and serum 25(OH)-vitamin D in subjects living in institutional aged care facilities (hostels or nursing homes). The study sample comprised 294 men (mean age 81.2 years, range 65-102 years) and 899 women (mean age 86.7 years, range 65-104 years). Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and velocity of sound (VOS) were higher in men than women by approximately 30% and 2% respectively ( p<0.0001) and this difference was maintained at all ages. Serum 25(OH)D levels were higher in men than women ( p<0.001) but vitamin D deficiency was very common in both sexes and serum 25(OH)D was not associated with QUS in either sex. There was no significant decline in BUA or VOS with age in men; however, for women BUA declined by 2.8-4.7% per decade and VOS by 1% per decade (both p<0.001). Mean BUA T-scores were -1.55 and -2.48 at age 90 years in men and women. Quadriceps strength and weight but not serum 25(OH)D were significantly associated with BUA. These data suggest only minor loss occurs at the calcaneal site in BUA and VOS with very old age in either sex.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2001

End-of-life issues: case 1.

Consulting the family of an incompetent patient is necessary in order to ensure that you take into account (a) any information that is known about what the patient would have wanted; (b) any signs as to what the patient wants now; (c) the capacity of the family and/or nursing home to look after the patient; and (d) the views of the family and primary caregivers on the appropriateness of various forms of treatment and care. Futile or overly burdensome treatment should not be administered. Social prejudices against elderly and/or demented people may unjustly deny them appropriate medical and nursing care. The ethical challenges facing families/caregivers of incompetent patients should be framed in ways that genuinely help them to come to reasonable solutions.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

EBM in practice: aged care.

Clinical trials often exclude older people, and complex interventions are incompletely studied, making it difficult to implement evidence-based medicine in some areas of aged care. There is good-quality evidence to guide the treatment of many of the common clinical problems encountered in older people. Use of outcome measures in trials (eg, quality-adjusted life-years or disability-adjusted life-years) that are normally applied to the general population may disadvantage older people, for whom regaining independence is the chief concern. There is a gap between the availability of evidence and its application in routine provision of medical care for older people.

Aged↗