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Biomedical subjects

Patrick J P Poels

Publications and source records attributed to Patrick J P Poels.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Variation in spirometry utilization between trained general practitioners in practices equipped with a spirometer.

OBJECTIVE: To explore spirometry utilization among general practitioners and identify practitioner and practice-related factors associated with spirometry utilization. DESIGN: Multivariate multilevel cross-sectional analysis of a questionnaire survey. SETTING: Some 61 general practices involved in a spirometry evaluation programme in the Netherlands. All practices owned a spirometer and were trained to perform spirometry. SUBJECTS: A total of 144 general practitioners and 179 practice assistants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Extent of spirometry utilization for five indications from national COPD/asthma guidelines, practitioner and practice-related factors associated with spirometry utilization. RESULTS: The response rate was 97%. General practitioners used spirometry mostly to evaluate treatment with inhaled steroids (58%). Significant practitioner-related factors associated with spirometry utilization were: general practitioners' job satisfaction, general practitioners' general interest in research, and prior participation in spirometry training. Practice-related factors associated with spirometry utilization were: presence of a practice nurse, delegation of medical tasks to practice assistants, use of spirometry in different rooms, and use of protocols in practice. CONCLUSION: Practitioner- as well as practice-related factors were associated with the extent of spirometry utilization. In particular, it is essential to improve practice-related factors (e.g. presence of a practice nurse, more delegation of medical tasks to the practice assistant).

Adult↗

Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis.

Children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis have a high risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment can relieve symptoms and morbidity. Little is known about the development and natural history of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome through life. The aim of this study was to investigate our experience of clinical history and treatment modalities concerning obstructive sleep apnea syndrome from birth until the current age in children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis. Children with one of the three syndromal craniofacial synostoses (Apert, Crouzon, or Pfeiffer) born between 1984 and 2001 were evaluated. The medical history and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were assessed by retrospective analysis of the medical records. The present and past complaints were explored by means of a questionnaire. Retrospective analysis of the medical records showed a suspicion for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 26% of the children compared with 53% in the questionnaire. The severity and presentation of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were not related to the age of the child. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome symptoms occurred in almost half of the children during colds. Several symptoms were significantly more common in children with a high suspicion for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Treatment modalities consisted of adenotonsillectomies, continuous positive airway pressure, and Le Fort III surgery. Use of a standard questionnaire showed that the suspicion for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis is much higher than reported in the medical records. Regular screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with a standard questionnaire could be of additional value for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with syndromal craniofacial synostosis.

Acrocephalosyndactylia↗

Evaluation of a new device for home cardiorespiratory recording in children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of using a new home cardiorespiratory recording device (HCRD) in children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PATIENTS: Consecutive children scheduled for adenotonsillectomy to treat habitual snoring and/or apneas at otorhinolaryngology clinics in 2 academic and 7 general hospitals. INTERVENTION: Single-night unattended home cardiorespiratory recording prior to adenotonsillectomy using the HCRD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of technically acceptable recordings and successful recordings with artifact-free signals (respiration, saturation, and nasal flow) present for sufficient duration to allow scoring of the polysomnogram and to make a diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 53 eligible children, 24 participated in the study. The main reason for nonparticipation was refusal of caregivers (n = 16). Mean (SD) age of participants was 4.2 (1.6) years; median Brouillette obstructive sleep apnea score was 2.54. Technically acceptable recordings were obtained in 18 children (75%). Only 7 recordings (29%) were classified as successful. The poorest signal quality was obtained from the nasal cannula. CONCLUSION: Based on strict scoring criteria in this study, the results of single-night unattended recordings at home with the HCRD fell short of expectations.

Adenoidectomy↗

Consistency of the preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis of benign vocal fold lesions.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis of benign vocal fold lesions for consistency. The diagnosis was made in 221 consecutive patients with benign vocal fold lesions for which a microlaryngoscopy was carried out in a general ENT-clinic. The preoperative diagnosis was obtained by both white halogen and stroboscopic light. The intraoperative diagnosis was obtained by direct microscopic visualization and palpation of the vocal folds. In 36% of the patients, the preoperative diagnosis was changed intraoperatively. In 31% of the patients, a lesion was missed at the preoperative examination and a lesion was diagnosed only during microlaryngoscopy. Bilateral lesions were found in 53% of the patients preoperatively, and in 82% of the patients intraoperatively. Specially intracordal lesions constituted a diagnostic pitfall. Because the preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis often differed, both the patients and the ENT-surgeon must keep an open mind about what may need to be done at surgery.

Adolescent↗