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PubMed2003

Correlation between body mass index and others risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women compared with men.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we examine the association between body mass index and a wide range of metabolic coronary heart disease risk factors in a female population of South Italy. DESIGN: Observational study named "VIP Project" divided in three phases: collection of data, follow-up of the population and new controls within five and ten years. Data presented are about the transversal phase of the study. SUBJECTS: 1200, 600 males and 600 females, age ranging from 25 to 74 years, were enrolled at random from the electoral lists of the towns of Mercato San Severino and Baronissi, near Salerno, in Southern Italy. MEASUREMENTS: Weight (electronic scale), height (ruler attached to the wall), blood pressure (sphygmomanometer), fasting venous blood to determine: total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, blood glucose, haemocrome, insulinaemia, fibrinogen, C3 and creatinine. Smoking habit and the practice of sports were determined by an interview. RESULTS: The distribution of BMI in the population, increases with reference to the age. Between BMI and the classical risk factors, there is a significant correlation with triglycerides, glycaemia, total cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, insulin, C3. In the decades from 35-44 years to 45-54 years, it can be observed a notable increasing of the following risk factors in percentage for female population: hypertriglyceridemia from 3.9% to 33.9%, diabetes from 4.4% to 10.2%, hypertension from 9.1% to 25.8%, obesity from 22.5% to 42.5% and hypercholesterolaemia from 3.6% to 25%. Only the number of smokers is decreasing from 38.3% to 19.2%. CONCLUSION: The association between body mass index and increasing coronary heart disease risk in women is partly explained by a rise in blood pressure, lipid profile and blood glucose across the range of body mass index. Most approaches to weight loss recommend a target or optimal weight based on body mass index alone. Our data show that this assumption is unwarranted and that body mass index should not be used as the sole basis for intervention in individuals. Successful weight loss should be defined in terms of a reduction in metabolic risk, which can often be achieved by relatively modest weight loss.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Caveat emptor. "Probiotics" might not be what they seem.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether commercially prepared probiotic products contain viable organisms, as claimed by their manufacturers, particularly whether products labeled as containing Lactobacillus did so. To identify and quantify as many species as feasible and to compare them with the contents listed on labels. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind trial. SETTING: Community hospital in Chilliwack, BC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trial of 10 randomly chosen brands of probiotic preparations bought over-the-counter in British Columbia's lower mainland. Only products claiming to contain lactobacillus were included in this study. Viable organisms in each probiotic brand and quantities of Lactobacillus in each product. RESULTS: None of the 10 products tested matched their labeled microbiologic specifications. Two brands grew nothing aerobically or anaerobically. No Lactobacillus grew in five brands, although their labels stated that this was the main species. Eight brands contained viable cells, but only 10% of the number stated by their manufacturers. CONCLUSION: Most product labels did not adequately identify or quantify microbes. Use of probiotics should not be recommended at this time.

British Columbia↗

PubMed2004

[Survey on changes in asthma treatment and management].

A total of 518 chest physicians selected at random from a national list participated in a survey on asthma management. This paper dealt with queries about diagnostic procedures, methods for recognizing life-threatening asthma attacks, patient education and treatment for acute asthma in adults and in children older than 6 years. A total of 198 replies were received (38.2% of questionnaires mailed). A mean score of frequency of use (from 0 = never to 3 = always) was used for assessing the responses. Results were compared with a similar survey performed in 1994, disclosing a satisfactory trend in diagnostic tests with the bronchodilator test and in oral steroid courses (2.74 +/- 2.3 vs 2.30 +/- 1.05 and 1.26 +/- 0.96 vs 0.98 +/- 0.84, respectively). Skin tests were less used (0.50 +/- 0.83 vs 0.88 +/- 1.08). Results reporting how to assess the severity of asthma attacks, such as taking into account symptoms or drop in PEFR, were more frequent in the present study (2.65 +/- 0.66 vs 2.29 +/- 0.90 and 1.93 +/- 1.05 vs 1.51 +/- 1.20, respectively). PEFR or spirometry used by the physician for assessing severity of asthma attacks was not always performed and its comparison was no better than in 1994 (2.14 +/- 1.04 vs 2.13 +/- 0.70). Data regarding patient information and education ranked equal or better than in the 1994 survey. For the treatment of acute severe episodes, almost all responders in the present study chose inhaled 12 agonists (IBA) for adults and children, thus improving with respect to the previous study (first option 85.3 vs 57.5% and 81.0 vs 63.4%, respectively). For maintenance therapy, a good trend was also observed with more responders who now chose inhaled steroid (IS) as a first choice formulation, specially in children (2.09 +/- 1.01 vs 1.61 +/- 1.00). The average normal and maximal daily doses of IS for adults and children were higher than in 1994 and were now in agreement with recommended doses. The recommendation of short acting IBA for treating and preventing symptoms was noticeably less frequent in the present study either for adults or for children (0.40 +/- 0.78 vs 1.23 +/- 1.10 and 0.21 +/- 0.58 vs 1.23 +/- 1.00, respectively). Hyposensitization was less recommended than in 1994. Despite a tendency to improve treatment and management, considerable differences with asthma guidelines still remain.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2004

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome: a community survey.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common health problem affecting a substantial proportion of the population. Many individuals with symptoms of IBS do not seek medical attention or have stopped consulting because of disillusionment with current treatment options. Such patients may choose to re-consult with the advent of new therapies with a resulting impact on health services. AIM: To generate reliable estimates of the prevalence of IBS by age, sex and symptom group. DESIGN OF STUDY: Postal survey. SETTING: Patients selected from registers of eight general practices in north and west Birmingham. METHOD: Eight thousand six hundred and forty-six patients aged >or=18 years were randomly selected from practice lists. Selected patients received a questionnaire, which included diagnostic criteria for IBS. A second questionnaire, seeking more detailed information, was sent to those whose responses indicated the presence of IBS symptoms. RESULTS: Of the 8386 patients surveyed 4807 (57.3%) useable replies were received. The community-based prevalence of IBS was 10.5% (6.6% of men and 14.0% of women). Overall the symptom profiles were characterised by diarrhoea (25.4%), constipation (24.1%) and alternating symptoms (46.7%). Over half (56%) of all patients had consulted their general practitioner within the past 6 months and 16% had seen a hospital specialist. A quarter of patients consulted more than twice and 16% were referred to secondary care; almost half were on prescribed medication. However, the majority of patients were self-treated. Less than half of those currently reporting symptoms of IBS according to the Rome II criteria had received a diagnosis of IBS. Reduced quality of life and a previous diagnosis of a stomach ulcer were identified as predictors of consultation. CONCLUSION: Quality of life was significantly reduced in patients with IBS. There is a substantial burden on primary healthcare services despite over half of those with symptoms also self- medicating. The Rome II diagnostic criteria identified those most affected by their symptoms and are a valid clinical tool. Population-based health surveys will need to supplement the Rome criteria with questions aiming to identify patients formally diagnosed but whose symptoms are currently under control if prevalence is to be reliably estimated.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Access to electronic health records in primary care-a survey of patients' views.

BACKGROUND: The NHS is moving towards electronic access to health records for patients from 2004 and needs to involve patients in the development process. The aim of the study was to explore the views of a large sample of patients about online access to EPRs and health information in primary care. Areas covered included: accuracy rights of access; security; confidentiality and smart cards. MATERIAL/METHODS: The questionnaire was sent to 1050 patients selected at random from the practice list after stratification for age and sex. RESULTS: 66% of patients aged over 20 years old responded. Patients know they have the right to see their records although few have done so. Overall they feel the advantages of electronic health records outweigh the disadvantages. They have concerns about security, confidentiality, understanding their records, their accuracy and completeness. The patients recognised the potential benefits to their healthcare and relationships with health professionals. There was a majority view that parents / guardians and carers should have access to their dependants' records. CONCLUSIONS: Patients need to be confident that access is limited to those who have the right to see the records. The majority were confident they would understand their records and about half were familiar with computer use. However these are major issues for older patients who will require assistance in order to benefit from accessing their EPRs. It is essential that patient involvement takes place at every stage of the development of EPRs and that their views are taken into account.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practice of Italian beef and dairy cattle veterinarians concerning the use of antibiotics.

Between June and September 2002 a telephone survey of Italian beef and dairy cattle veterinarians was made to obtain information about their use of antibiotics and their perception of the problem of antimicrobial resistance. A total of 106 veterinarians, selected at random from the membership lists of two professional societies, were interviewed by telephone, using a structured questionnaire concerning their background, training and continuing education activities, and current type of practice; their diagnostic, treatment, and prophylactic practices for mastitis, calf scours and respiratory disease; and their perception of the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance. The median age of the interviewees was 42.5 (range 28 to 75) years; 62 per cent treated only dairy cattle, 10 per cent treated only beef cattle and 28 per cent treated both. Laboratory support was requested 'frequently' or 'always' by 67 per cent of the veterinarians when treating mastitis, by 37 per cent when treating calf scours and by 17 per cent when treating respiratory diseases. Twenty per cent reported using prophylactic antibiotics 'often' or 'sometimes' for calf scours, 28 per cent for respiratory diseases, and 62 per cent reported their use 'always' or 'often' for mastitis. Fluoroquinolones, phenicols or third/fourth-generation cephalosporins were prescribed as first-choice drugs by 54 per cent for calf scours, by 12 per cent for bacterial respiratory diseases and by 6 per cent for mastitis. Therapeutic failure was reported 'often' (21 per cent) or 'sometimes' (64 per cent) and was the main predictor in a multivariate model of the use of newer antibiotics. The level of awareness of the problem of antibiotic resistance was high, although more than half of the interviewees were confident that new antimicrobial drugs were already available to replace those of lower effectiveness.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Health status of young-adolescents in Italy].

OBJECTIVE: This study presents the prevalence of different somatic and psychological complains in a sample of Italians early-adolescents and adolescents. Aim of the study is to verify sex and age (11, 13 and 15) differences in a variety of symptoms. DESIGN: The survey is part of the larger Health Behaviour in School Aged Children (HBSC) trans-national study co-ordinated by the European Office of the World Health Organization. The data were gathered through self-completion questionnaire. The main areas covered in the questionnaire were health and health behaviour. SETTING: 151 middle school and 92 high school randomly retrieved from the list of the Italian public and private school. PARTICIPANTS: The questionnaire was filled out by a representative sample of 4,386 (48.4% males) Italian early adolescents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Psychological and somatic complains. RESULTS: Results revealed an increase of health problem with age, and these increases being greater for females than males. CONCLUSION: Increasing morbidity for female occurs during transitions phase of early-adolescence.

Abdominal Pain↗

PubMed2005

Removal, replacement and placement of amalgam restorations by Ontario dentists in 2002.

AIM: To determine the patterns of removal, replacement and placement of amalgam restorations by Ontario dentists. METHODS: A structured self-administered postal survey was sent to dentists randomly selected from the list of all dentists licensed to practise dentistry in Ontario. The questionnaire sought information on the numbers of 1-, 2-, 3- and > or = 4-surfaced amalgam restorations and core amalgam build-ups that each dentist removed, replaced and placed during a 7-day period. RESULTS: A total of 878 (44%) of 1,994 dentists responded to the survey. Most dentists (82%) who returned completed questionnaires (n = 837) had removed, replaced or placed at least one amalgam restoration during the 7-day period. Most respondents (90%) were general practitioners; respondents practised for a mean of 45.7 weeks each year and had practised for a mean of 20.1 years. On average, each dentist removed 8.91 (standard deviation [SD] 17.32) amalgam restorations during the 7-day period. However, the mean number of new amalgam restorations placed was just 6.64 (SD 18.88): 2.99 (SD 8.74) new restorations in previously unrestored teeth and 3.65 (SD 11.40) replacements of amalgam restorations removed from previously restored teeth. For the year 2002, it was estimated that the 6,915 dentists registered to practise in Ontario had removed 2,855,178 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2,484,566-3,225,790) amalgam restorations. Overall, the dentists placed 2,112,800 (95% CI 1,682,307-2,543,292) amalgam restorations; 1,163,665 (95% CI 919,204-1,408,126) to replace amalgams in previously restored teeth and 949,135 (95% CI 763,103-1,135,166) as new amalgam restorations. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of old amalgam restorations by Ontario dentists exceeds current levels of placement and replacement of amalgam restorations.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2006

Satisfaction with the oral health services. A qualitative study among Non-Commissioned Officers in the Malaysian Armed Forces.

INTRODUCTION: Patient satisfaction is critical for the growth and prosperity of any oral health service or practice. The success of any oral health service can be assessed by an evaluation of the degree of satisfaction/dissatisfaction of its patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the oral health services among Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). METHOD: A qualitative study using the Nominal Group Technique was undertaken. Eighty subjects from the Rasah Camp, Seremban were randomly selected from four lists, namely privates, male and female corporals and sergeants and were grouped into 10 discussion groups of eight participants each. Of the 10 groups, four groups comprised male corporals, three groups of privates, two groups of sergeants and one group of female corporals. Two separate discussion sessions were conducted to elicit factors/items causing dissatisfaction and satisfaction expressed by the participants. Every participant then scored all the factors perceived as important by members of the group. The score ranged from 0-9 i.e., the least to the most important. Scores were weighted, and the weighted score of every participant for each item was added. The ratings of the factors were determined by comparing the sum of the weighted scores. RESULTS: The six most important factors/items rated in the satisfaction discussion were modem equipment (9.07), friendly dentist (8.27), pleasant surgery (8.23), good quality treatment (7.93), friendly staff (7.18) and pain alleviation (6.07). These factors were further regrouped into three broad categories i.e. (1) Clinic set-up, (2) Patient-personnel interaction (PPI) and (3) Technical competency (TC). In the dissatisfaction discussion six factors/items were rated i.e. long waiting time (10.39), sequence of treatment not followed (7.18), non-availability of dentist (7.16), unfriendly staff (7.05), poor quality treatment (6.80) and restricted time for treatment (5.98). The three most important categories in the dissatisfaction discussion were (1) Administrative efficiency, (2) PPI and (3) TC. CONCLUSION: A conceptual model was developed to explain the factors affecting patients' satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the oral health services. It is recommended that a questionnaire survey be undertaken to validate and reflect the entire population of the MAF. Remedial measures highlighted in the areas of dissatisfaction should be addressed accordingly based on the quantitative study.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Evaluation of blood bank practices in Karachi, Pakistan, and the government's response.

BACKGROUND: National legislation in Pakistan regulating blood banks has been introduced several times, but has never been passed. To support provincial-level efforts to develop legislation we conducted a study to evaluate blood-banking practices in Karachi, Pakistan, to identify areas that could be improved. METHODS: Thirty-seven blood banks were randomly selected from a list of 87 Karachi blood banks. The research team interviewed blood bank personnel, inspected available facilities and equipment, and observed blood collection using structured questionnaires and observation forms. RESULTS: Of the 37 selected facilities, 25 were operational and 24 agreed to participate. Twelve (50%) of the facilities reported regularly utilizing paid blood donors, while only six (25%) actively recruited volunteer donors. During observation only 8% of facilities asked donors about injecting drug use, and none asked donors any questions about high-risk sexual behaviour. While 95% of blood banks had appropriate equipment and reagents to screen for hepatitis B, only 55% could screen for HIV and 23% for hepatitis C. Twenty-nine percent of the facilities were storing blood products outside the WHO recommended temperature limits. IMPLICATIONS: Practives at most Karachi blood banks fell well below WHO standards. Findings from this study were instrumental in developing and passing legislation to regulate blood transfusion throughout Sindh Province, and suggest a method for improving blood transfusion practices in other developing countries (HPP 15 (2):217-22).

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Vaccination coverage survey in Dhaka District.

A survey was conducted in Dhaka District to measure the level of routine immunization coverage of children (12-23 months), to assess the tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization coverage among mothers of children (12-23 month), to evaluate EPI program continuity (dropout rates) and quality (percent of Invalid doses, vaccination card availability etc.) For this purpose, a thirty cluster cross-sectional survey was conducted in October 2002 to assess the immunization coverage in Dhaka. In this survey 30 clusters were randomly selected from a list of villages in 63 Unions of Dhaka following probability proportion to size (PPS) sampling procedure. A total of 210 children was studied using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was employed using software SPSS package for data analysis. The study showed that the routine immunization coverage in Dhaka among children by 12 months of age by card + history was 97% for BCG, 97% for Diphtheria, Pertussis Tetanus (DPT 1) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV 1), 75% for DPT3 and OPV3 and 67% for measles. Sixty six percent of all children surveyed had received valid doses of all vaccines by 12 months (fully immunized child). Programme access as measured by crude DPT1 coverage was better in Keranigonj (97%). Vaccination cards retention rate for children was 84%. Invalid DPT (1,2 or 3) doses were given to 25% of vaccinated children; 18% of measles doses were invalid. Surprisingly, major cause for invalid doses were not due to early immunizations or due to card lost but for giving tick in the card, instead of writing a valid date. DPT1 and DPT3 and DPT1- Measles drop out rates were 5% and 13% respectively. Major reason parents gave for never vaccinating their children (zero dose children) was (43%), major reasons for incomplete vaccination was lack of knowledge regarding subsequent doses (46%). TT surveys were also conducted for mothers of the children surveyed for vaccination coverage (mothers between 15-49 year old). Valid TT 1-5 coverage by card+ history was 97%, 55%, 44%, 24% and 11%, respectively. Card retention rate for TT was 67%. The findings of this study revealed that access to child and TT immunizations were good. But high dropouts and invalid doses reduced these percentages of fully immunized child to 66%. Programmatic strategy must be undertaken to reduce the existing high dropout rate in both child and TT immunizations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Prevalence of atypical swallowing: a kinesiographic study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of kinesiographic coincidence between the most cranial position during deglutition of mandible and habitual occlusal position and to evaluate the distribution of clinical diagnosis according to the kinesiographic pattern of deglutition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 201 random patients in waiting list for dental treatment and classified as orthodontic patients, prosthetic patients, TMD patients and control patients, were evaluated. Kinesiographic records were acquired using K7I and positioning a magnetic sensor frame integral with the head and with the sensory field balanced on an artificial magnet adhering to the mucosa covering the roots of the lower mandibular incisors. The kinesiographic occlusal position was compared to the kinesiographic most cranial position of the mandible during swallowing. RESULTS: 99 patients displayed a discrepancy between the most cranial position during swallowing and the occlusal position. 102 patients did not show any discrepancy. In this group the kinesiographic most cranial position during swallowing coincided with the occlusal position. CONCLUSION: The finding suggests that computerised kinesiography could be useful to study deglutition, detecting in a reliable way the movement pattern. Atypical deglutition seems to be less atypical than previously though in dental patient population and, despite these data confirm its correlation with malocclusion, we noted an inverse correlation with necessity of prosthetic treatment and no higher prevalence in TMD patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Psychiatric side effects of non-psychiatric drugs.

Many drugs prescribed for somatic diseases are capable of causing psychiatric symptoms in patients, especially in the elderly, the demented and probably in those who already suffer from a mental illness. In this study a random sample of drugs listed in the PDR was reviewed. In 65% of the drugs the manufacturer lists potential psychiatric side effects.

Aged↗

PubMed1987

[Follow-up of patients with chloracne in the Seveso area].

Three follow-up surveys from 1976 to 1985 were carried out on 193 subjects who developed chloracne following the Seveso accident (1976). A comparison group, age and sex matched, was selected randomly from the municipal list of Varedo (in the same health district but out of dioxin polluted zone). At each follow-up a questionnaire was administered and biochemical tests, skin examination and electrophysiologic measurements were performed. Biochemical indicators of hepatic function and nerve conduction studies did not show either significant differences between groups or temporal trends. Chloracne was shown to be clinically reversible: all the chloracne cases (except for one subject) clinically recovered by 1983. The discrepancy between our results and the previous experiences can be related to: different type of exposure, target population and interval since exposure.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMed1984

Increased prevalence of mitral valve prolapse in patients with migraine.

Patients with classic migraine (69 women and 31 men) selected randomly from a practice list of over 1000 were matched for age, sex and neighbourhood with 100 people who did not have headache problems, and both groups underwent M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography and clinical examination by cardiologists blinded to the subjects' clinical status. The mean ages were 34.9 +/- 11.3 years for the migraine group and 33.1 +/- 9.9 years for the control group. Definite and possible mitral valve prolapse (MVP), diagnosed according to predefined echocardiographic criteria, were found about twice as often in the migraine group as in the control group (in 15 v. 7 and 16 v. 8 patients respectively); the echocardiograms were definitely normal in 69 migraine patients and 85 controls (chi 2 = 8.39, p less than 0.025). Altogether 25% of the migraine group and 11% of the control group had evidence of MVP from a combination of the echocardiographic and auscultatory findings (chi 2 = 5.72, p less than 0.025). The odds ratio was 2.7, with 95% confidence limits of 1.17 and 6.29. The association between migraine and MVP has implications for the understanding of platelet abnormalities and episodes of cerebral ischemia occurring in both these conditions.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nursing education and job effectiveness.

The purpose of this multiple regression study was to determine whether nurses with different educational preparation differ in job effectiveness. The dependent variable job effectiveness was ascertained by asking head nurses to rate their staff nurses on job effectiveness by comparing them to each other and to ideal best and worst possible nurses. Job effectiveness was not defined; rather, a profile of the effective nurse was constructed from the study data. Questionnaire data were analyzed for 299 staff nurses (75 percent return): 53 practical nurses, 63 associate degree nurses, 134 diploma nurses and 49 baccalaureate nurses. The sample was obtained from 52 units located in 12 Chicago area hospitals chosen randomly from a stratified list.

Education, Nursing↗

PubMed1978

Appropriateness of the use of serum digoxin and digitoxin assays.

The use of 145 digoxin and digitoxin assays was studied in a teaching hospital to determine if performance of assays was appropriate and therapeutically beneficial. Patient charts (121) were randomly selected from a list of all patients for whom digoxin or digitoxin assays were performed. Charts were compared with established criteria to determine whether the assay was indicated and performed correctly and whether dosage was adjusted correctly based on assay results. Of the assays reviewed, 49% were performed for irrational indications; 86% were performed appropriately under steady-state conditions; and 96% used serum samples appropriately drawn more than six hours after administration of the last digitalis glycoside dose. Of the assays performed at appropriate times in relation to dose and at steady-state plasma concentrations (120), 31 should have and 89 should not have resulted in a dosage change. Of the latter, 98% were evaluated correctly. Of the former, 36% were not evaluated correctly (i.e., indicated dosage adjustments were not made). Control of the use of digitalis glycoside assays is needed. Pharmacists should become involved in monitoring drug assays to assure appropriateness of assay request, interpretation and follow-up.

Digitoxin↗

PubMed1995

The effect of surgical wound infection on postoperative hospital stay.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of surgical wound infection on postoperative duration of hospital stay. DESIGN: A case-control study nested within a cohort. SETTING: A tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS: Selected from a cohort of 4702 inpatients who underwent surgical procedures over a 12-month period. There were 3602 patients, 1100 having been excluded because of lack of infection associated with a particular surgical procedure, because of "lumping" of procedures under a nonhomogeneous heading or because a procedure was unlikely to be the reason for the patient's hospitalization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Postoperative duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: In the cohort 89 wound infections were identified, 73 of these occurring with procedures selected for study. Five patients were excluded from the study because of data deficiencies, leaving 68 patients who underwent 15 different procedures. These were compared with 136 control patients selected by stratified random sample from a list of patients who underwent the same risk-indexed procedure in the same surgical division. Wound infection patients and controls did not differ in anesthetic risk score or procedure duration. Patients with infection remained in hospital 19.5 days longer than controls (95% confidence interval, range from 11.0 to 27.9 days). Deep-seated infections prolonged the hospital stay more than superficial incisional infections (24.3 versus 13.2 days). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical wound infection markedly prolonged the duration of hospitalization in the University of Alberta Hospitals, longer than that documented in previous studies in other countries. Maximizing opportunities to prevent wound infection would be beneficial to both patients and hospitals.

Case-Control Studies↗