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Results for “Functional outcome”

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PubMed2003

Prospective, age-related analysis of surgical results, functional outcome, and quality of life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate how age affects functional outcome and quality of life after ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Because of the limited number of older patients undergoing IPAA, it has been difficult to assess functional outcome and quality of life stratified by age. METHODS IPAA was performed in 1895 patients. Patients were stratified by age into <45 (n = 1410), 46-55 (n = 289), 56-65 (n = 154), and more than 65 years (n = 42). Outcome was assessed prospectively. Results are presented at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after surgery.RESULTS Patients were followed for 4.6 +/- 3.7 years (maximum, 17 years). Pouch failure occurred in 4.1% (pouch excision or permanent diversion). Incontinence and night time seepage were more common in older patients. There were minor differences in the quality of life, health, energy and happiness between age groups, with a slight benefit for those under 45 years. Fourteen percent or fewer patients experienced social, sexual or work restrictions. Overall, 96% of patients were happy to have undergone their surgery, and 98% recommended it to others. Although the respective figures were 89% and 96% in the over-65 age group, the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS These data provide a unique assessment of outcome after IPAA at multiple time points. Although functional outcome after IPAA is not as good in older patients, appropriate case selection confers acceptable function and quality of life to patients of all ages.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

PubMed1999

Functional outcome of patients with spinal cord injury: rehabilitation outcome study.

OBJECTIVE: To increase our knowledge of neurological recovery and functional outcome of patients with spinal cord injuries in order to make more successful rehabilitation programmes based on realistic goals. DESIGN: Descriptive analysis of data gathered in an information system. SETTING: Rehabilitation centre in The Netherlands with special department for patients with spinal cord injuries. SUBJECTS: Fifty-five patients with traumatic spinal cord lesions admitted to the rehabilitation centre from 1988 to 1994. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The functional improvement was presented in terms of progress in independence in nine daily activity skills. Independence was rated on a four-point scale. RESULTS: From admission to discharge, lesions in 100% of patients with tetraplegia and 96% of patients with paraplegia remained complete. Significant progress in independence was made in self-care, ambulation and bladder and bowel care. Differences were found in the extent of functional improvement between subgroups of patients with different levels and extent of lesion. Contrary to expectations based on theoretical models, patients with complete paraplegia did not achieve maximal independence in self-care. Independent walking was only attained by patients with incomplete lesions. Regarding outcome of bladder and bowel care, poor results were found, especially the independence in defaecation and toilet transfers. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provided more insight into the functional outcome of a group of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. More research is needed to evaluate the rehabilitation programmes for these patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2002

The influence of lumbar lordosis on spinal fusion and functional outcome after posterolateral spinal fusion with and without pedicle screw instrumentation.

The aim of the current study was to examine the correlation between lumbar lordosis, spinal fusion, and functional outcome in patients suffering from severe low back pain, treated by posterolateral spinal fusion with or without pedicle screw instrumentation. One hundred thirty patients were randomly allocated to posterolateral lumbar fusion with or without Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation. Functional outcome was assessed preoperatively, and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Lordosis angles of the lumbar spine and fusion rates were assessed at the 1- and 2-year follow-up. No difference in lordosis angle was found between the two groups at any time. Lordosis was unchanged at 2 years compared with preoperative status in both groups. In the instrumented group, nonunion (23%) was followed by a decrease in lordosis at follow-up (p < 0.05). However, in the noninstrumented group, nonunion (14%) resulted in increased lordosis (p < 0.05). No correlation was found between functional outcome and lordosis angle. The current study showed no correlation between functional outcome and lordosis angle either before or after posterolateral spinal fusion. Use of instrumentation did not influence lumbar spinal alignment compared with noninstrumented fusions. The sagittal alignment was stable both 1 and 2 years after solid fusion. The failure mode of instrumented fusions was a reduced degree of lordosis in contrast to an increased degree of lordosis in patients with noninstrumented fusion.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Does obesity predict functional outcome in the dysvascular amputee?

Limited information is available concerning the effects of obesity on the functional outcomes of patients requiring major lower limb amputation because of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive ability of body mass index (BMI) to determine functional outcome in the dysvascular amputee. To do this, 434 consecutive patients (mean age, 65.8 +/- 13.3, 59% male, 71.4% diabetic) undergoing major limb amputation (225 below-knee amputation, 27 through-knee amputation, 132 above-knee amputation, and 50 bilateral) as a complication of PAD from January 1998 through May 2004 were analyzed according to preoperative BMI. BMI was classified according to the four-group Center for Disease Control system: underweight, 0 to 18.4 kg/m2; normal, 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2; overweight, 25 to 29.9 kg/m2; and obese, > or = 30 kg/m2. Outcome parameters measured included prosthetic usage, maintenance of ambulation, survival, and maintenance of independent living status. The chi2 test for association was used to examine prosthesis wear. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to assess maintenance of ambulation, survival, and maintenance of independent living status. Multivariate analysis using the multiple logistic regression model and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to predict variables independently associated with prosthetic use and ambulation, survival, and independence, respectively. Overall prosthetic usage and 36-month ambulation, survival, and independent living status for the entire cohort was 48.6 per cent, 42.8 per cent, 48.1 per cent, 72.3 per cent, and for patients with normal BMI was 41.5 per cent, 37.4 per cent, 45.6 per cent, and 69.5 per cent, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes for overweight patients (59.2%, 50.7%, 52.5%, and 75%) or obese patients (51.8%, 46.2%, 49.7%, and 75%) when compared with normal patients. Although there were significantly poorer outcomes for underweight patients for the parameters of prosthetic usage when compared with the remaining cohort (25%, P = 0.001) and maintenance of ambulation when compared with overweight patients (20.8%, P = 0.026), multivariate analysis adjusting for medical comorbidities and level of amputation showed that BMI was not a significant independent predictor of failure for any outcome parameter measured. In conclusion, BMI failed to correlate with functional outcome and, specifically, obesity did not predict a poorer prognosis.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Esophageal reconstruction for benign disease: self-assessment of functional outcome and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Little information exists regarding functional outcome and quality of life after esophagectomy and subsequent esophageal reconstruction for benign disease as evaluated by the patients themselves. METHODS: Eighty-one patients completed a combined two-part questionnaire regarding esophageal function and quality of life (MOS SF-36) a median of 9.8 years (range, 10 months to 18.9 years) after esophageal reconstruction for benign disease. There were 43 men (53.1%) and 38 women (46.9%). Median age at time of esophageal reconstruction was 51 years (range, 6 to 78 years). Intestinal continuity was established with stomach in 58 patients (71.6%), colon in 16 patients (19.8%), and small bowel in 7 patients (8.6%). RESULTS: Dysphagia to solids was present in 48 patients (59.3%) and 27 patients (33.3%) required at least one postoperative dilatation. Heartburn was present in 50 patients (61.7%) which required medication for control in 37 patients (45.7%). The number of meals per day was three to four in 58 patients (71.6%), more than four in 15 patients (18.5%), less than three in 6 patients (7.4%), and unknown in 2 patients (2.5%). The size of each meal was smaller than preoperatively in 46 patients (56.8%), larger in 22 patients (27.2%), unchanged in 12 patients (14.8%), and unknown in 1 patient (1.2%). The number of bowel movements per day increased in 37 patients (45.7%), was unchanged in 36 patients (44.4%), and decreased in 8 patients (9.9%). Resection for perforation was associated with smaller postoperative meals compared with resection for stricture (p < 0.05). Age, sex, and type of esophageal reconstruction did not affect late functional outcome. Regarding quality of life, physical functioning, social functioning, and health perception were decreased (p < 0.05). No significant change was observed in role-physical, mental health, bodily pain, energy/fatigue, and role-emotional scores. CONCLUSIONS: Self-assessment of postoperative esophageal symptoms after esophagectomy and reconstruction for benign disease demonstrates that symptoms are frequently present at long-term follow-up and unaffected by the type of reconstruction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Gait analysis and functional outcomes following ankle arthrodesis for isolated ankle arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The functional outcomes following ankle arthrodesis are not known. The purpose of the present study was to compare the intermediate-term clinical results for a group of patients in whom an ankle arthrodesis had been performed with use of modern surgical techniques with the findings for a group of healthy gender and age-matched controls on the basis of validated outcome measures and gait analysis. METHODS: Twenty-six patients who had undergone ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of isolated unilateral ankle arthritis were identified and retrospectively assessed clinically and radiographically. The mean age at the time of surgery was fifty-four years, and the mean interval between surgery and assessment was forty-four months. A gender and age-matched control group of twenty-seven individuals was recruited for comparison. All subjects were evaluated with gait analysis, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale, the Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management Systems (MODEMS) questionnaire, and the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS). RESULTS: On preliminary review, twenty of the twenty-six patients were completely satisfied or satisfied with their surgical outcome. All patients but one stated that they would undergo the surgery again. Five patients stated that they did not notice a gait abnormality. Twelve patients wore orthotics, and all believed that the use of the orthotics improved their gait. When the functional outcome scores in the arthrodesis group were compared with those in the control group, specific scores assessing hindfoot pain and satisfaction were similar. However, scores focusing on ankle-hindfoot function and disability revealed significant differences. Gait analysis also identified significant differences between the two groups with regard to cadence and stride length. In addition, there was significantly decreased sagittal, coronal, and transverse range of motion of the hindfoot and midfoot during the stance and swing phases of gait in the arthrodesis group. Radiographic review demonstrated that four of the twenty-six patients had development of moderate to severe arthritis of the subtalar joint. CONCLUSIONS: In the intermediate term following an arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis, pain is reliably relieved and there is good patient satisfaction. However, there are substantial differences between patients and the normal population with regard to hindfoot function and gait. On the basis of these results, patients should be counseled that an ankle fusion will help to relieve pain and to improve overall function; however, it is a salvage procedure that will cause persistent alterations in gait with a potential for deterioration due to the development of ipsilateral hindfoot arthritis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Swallowing and functional outcome after partial laryngectomy: a literature review.

There is a wide range of partial surgical resections for the treatment of laryngeal tumours. In addition to good cure rates, the main aim is to preserve a competent and functional larynx. Functional outcomes have proven to have a substantial effect on postoperative quality of life and are usually included in clinical studies. This article reviews reported functional outcomes after partial laryngectomies, particularly when related to swallowing. In the majority of patients, reports indicate acceptable feeding without the presence of a permanent tracheostomy. However, a wide variety of methods and variables are used to describe these functional outcomes, making the comparison of functional outcome after different treatment modalities and resections difficult. More objective evaluation procedures are needed for swallowing to reveal the exact pathophysiology, spontaneous progression and prognostic factors after well-defined laryngeal resections.

Deglutition↗

PubMed2001

Manometric squeeze pressure difference parallels functional outcome after overlapping sphincter reconstruction.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of overlapping anal sphincter reconstruction and to determine the manometric parameters that correlate with a successful functional outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who had undergone overlapping sphincter reconstruction for anal incontinence from 1988 to 1999 was undertaken. Only patients with preoperative and six-months-postoperative anal manometry were included in this study. Standard statistical tests were used to compare pre- and postoperative findings. RESULTS: A total of 52 overlapping sphincter reconstructions were performed on 49 patients (46 females). The mean age was 44 (+/- standard error, 15.8; range, 20-81) years, with follow-up at six months. Forty-two patients had a history of complicated vaginal delivery (episiotomies, tears, forceps delivery); 36 patients had a history of anal or perineal surgery; and two patients had perianal Crohn's disease. Nine patients (17 percent) had undergone prior sphincter repair. Incontinence grade improved in 37 patients (71 percent), and complete continence returned in 21 patients (40 percent). The presence of a rectovaginal fistula, postoperative complications, previous sphincter repair, and increase in pudendal nerve terminal motor latency did not affect functional outcome (P = not significant). Patients older than 50 years had a better functional outcome than their younger counterparts after sphincter repair (P = 0.02). Although mean maximal squeeze pressure and mean anal sphincter length increased significantly after sphincter reconstruction (P = 0.0006 and 0.004, respectively), only squeeze pressure difference correlated with functional outcome (r = 0.37; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Overlapping sphincter reconstruction improved anal function in the majority of patients. The most important factor in the return to normal sphincter function is an increase in squeeze pressure.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Clinical and functional outcome of the Thrust Plate Prosthesis: short- and medium-term results.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to objectively assess the functional outcome after implantation of a Thrust Plate Prosthesis. DESIGN: This retrospective study compared the gait patterns of 33 patients to a control group. BACKGROUND: Few studies have been published about this type of prosthesis describing clinical and radiographic outcome. Even though the evaluation of the functional outcome is a commonly accepted way to measure the success of an implant it has not been reported in previous studies. METHODS: Beside clinical (SF-36, and Harris Hip Score) and radiographic evaluation subjects were examined by three dimensional gait analysis and surface electromyography from seven leg and trunk muscles bilaterally. RESULTS: The average Harris Hip Score was 85.7 points, and the SF-36 only differed significantly from controls regarding physical functioning. The radiography showed considerable radiolucencies under the Thrust Plate. Kinematic parameters indicated a slight impairment of the operated limb. The analysis revealed a decreased hip (28.2%) and knee (51.2%) range of motion during gait. The joint moments on the operated side were reduced in hip (72%) and knee abduction (59%) in comparison to controls. The average electromyographic parameters indicated a significantly higher mean and peak amplitude of the tensor fasciae latae (mean 56%, peak 54%), and gluteus medius (mean 33%, peak 21%) and a lower peak activity of the gluteus maximus (19%). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a generally good functional outcome even though a slightly asymmetrical loading was observed. No major limitations in physical functioning and health-related quality of life was seen. The radiographic signs of loosening might indicate difficulties in achieving the proximal load transfer of this implant. RELEVANCE: The data provided in this study may serve to establish the Thrust Plate Prosthesis as an alternative procedure in total hip replacement in younger patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1994

Functional outcomes in limb salvage vascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: The crisis in health care brings a new focus to defining successful outcomes of medical treatments. The surgical literature has been criticized for not assessing functional outcomes in addition to technical success. METHODS: We evaluated the functional outcomes of limb salvage surgery over 3 years in 38 patients 65 years of age and older with limb-threatening ischemia. The RAND-36-Item Health Survey 1.0 was used as a health assessment tool. RESULTS: In spite of an 80% limb salvage rate, only 58% of patients survived 3 years and only 25% survived with the index limb and were able to walk. The RAND scores of patients whose limbs were amputated did not significantly differ from those of patients whose surgery was successful. CONCLUSION: Functional outcome goals need to be better defined for patients who need limb salvage vascular operations to enhance the quality of care given these patients and to be in concert with emerging health policy.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2002

[Functional outcome and quality of life after ray amputation versus amputation through the proximal phalanx of the index finger].

Little data is available about the long-term functional outcome and quality of life after ray amputation or amputation at the level of the proximal phalanx of the index finger. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome and postoperative quality of life after ray amputation or amputation through the proximal phalanx to create a database which is helpful in the decision whether to amputate a digital ray or to preserve a stump.58 patients with amputation of the second ray and 12 patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx of the index finger between 1987 and 1996 were included in the study and examined with respect to hand strength, sensibility, range of motion, pain, and aesthetic result of the hand. Subjective functional outcome was evaluated using the DASH-questionnaire. The majority of patients were male (78 % with ray amputation/83 % with amputation through the proximal phalanx). In 55 %/58 % the operation was performed on the dominant hand. Average age was 45 years and average follow-up was 44.2 months after ray resection and 22.1 months after amputation through the proximal phalanx. Patients lost an average of 10.7 weeks of work after ray amputation and 8.1 weeks after digital amputation. There was no significant loss of grip strength after ray amputation (29 % to 34 % loss of grip strength, 32 % loss of pinch grip) compared with patients after amputation through the proximal phalanx (21 % to 28 % loss of grip strength, 17 % to 35 % loss of pinch grip). DASH-score was 31.3 after ray amputation and 21.7 after digital amputation. Patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx reached a significantly better result in part B of the DASH-questionnaire. 65.5 % of the patients after ray amputation and 91.7 % after digital amputation complained of postoperative pain in the operated hand. Decreased sensibility was found in 55.2 % after ray resection and in 33.3 % after digital amputation. All patients after amputation through the proximal phalanx but only 82.8 % after ray amputation showed a free range of motion of the operated hand. The aesthetic appearance of the operated hand was rated higher after ray amputation. The results show that there is no significant loss of strength after ray amputation compared to amputation through the proximal phalanx as mentioned in the literature. Patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx demonstrate a better functional outcome, while the aesthetic appearance was rated higher after ray amputation. A significant difference was only found in part B of the DASH-questionnaire. This should be considered when the indication for ray amputation is pending.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Quality of life, functional outcome, and voice handicap index in partial laryngectomy patients for early glottic cancer.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aim to gather information about the quality of life issues, functional outcomes and voice problems facing early glottic cancer patients treated with the surgical techniques such as laryngofissure cordectomy, fronto-lateral laryngectomy, or cricohyoidopexi. In particular, consistency of life and voice quality issues with the laryngeal tissue excised during surgery is examined. In addition, the effects of arytenoidectomy to the life and voice quality are also studied. METHODS: 29 male patients were enrolled voluntarily in the study. The average age was 53.9 years. Three out of 10 patients with laryngofissure cordectomy also had arytenoidectomy. 11 patients had fronto-lateral laryngectomy with Tucker reconstruction, two of which also had arytenoidectomy. There were eight patients with cricohyoidopexi and bilateral functional neck dissection. Three of these patients also had arytenoidectomy. In bilateral functional neck dissection cases, spinal accessory nerve was preserved and level V of the neck was not dissected. None of the patients had neither radiotherapy nor voice therapy. Cordectomy patients never had a temporary tracheotomy or were connected to a feeding tube. Data was collected for 13 months for the cordectomy group, 14 months for fronto-lateral laryngectomy and cricohyoidopexi groups on average post-operatively. Statistical analysis in this study was carried out using the one-way analysis of variance, and the Post-Hoc group comparisons were made after Bonferroni and Scheffe-procedures.In order to determine the effects of arytenoidectomy, a regression analysis is carried out to see if there are statistical differences in answers given to the survey questions among patients who were arytenoidectomized during their surgeries. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between cordectomy and cricohyoidopexi group in answers to the University of Washington- Quality of Life- Revised survey part 1. (p = 0). A statistically significant difference was also established between cordectomy and fronto-lateral laryngectomy groups, as well as between cordectomy and cricohyoidopexi groups in answers to the University of Washington- Quality of Life- Revised survey part 2. (p = 0,036 and p = 0.009, respectively). Cricohyoidopexi group has given the lowest scores and the cordectomy group has given the highest scores in three survey questions representing the quality of life, performances and new voices. These ranges are also consistent with the laryngeal tissue excised during surgery (cricohyoidopexi > fronto-lateral laryngectomy > cordectomy). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck cancer patients instrument. The difference between the Voice Handicap Index and Voice Handicap Index (functional); Voice Handicap Index (physical) and Voice Handicap Index (emotional) scores in three patient groups was not significant either. All of the patients evaluated that their new voices have similar functional, physical and emotional impact on their life. Decanulation and oral feeding times of cricohyoidopexi and fronto-lateral laryngectomy patients are found to be significantly longer than cordectomy patients. Lastly, the removal of arytenoid does not have any significant adverse effects on the quality of life, the functional outcomes, or the quality of voice. CONCLUSION: In the present study, all patients with early glottic cancer, treated with different surgical technics reported fairly good quality of life outcomes, functional results and voice qualities. This study also finds that the removal of arytenoid does not have any adverse effects on the quality of life and voice from the patients' point of view.

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A retrospective study of functional outcomes after successful replantation versus amputation closure for single fingertip amputations.

PURPOSE: To compare the functional outcome of successful microsurgical replantation versus amputation closure for single fingertip amputations. METHODS: Forty-six fingertip amputations in 46 patients (23 were replanted successfully, 23 had amputation closure) were included in this study. Thumb amputations were excluded. Grip strength and active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint were evaluated. The patients were questioned about their symptoms of pain, paresthesia, and cold intolerance. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was given and the disability/symptom score was evaluated. Patients' satisfaction with the surgical result was assessed. Time spent in the hospital and time off from work were reviewed. RESULTS: Active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint was greater in the successful replantation group. Although the existence of paresthesia and cold intolerance were not statistically different between the 2 groups, pain in the affected fingers was more frequent in the amputation closure group. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of the successful replantation group was statistically better. All patients in the successful replantation group were highly or fairly satisfied with the surgical results, whereas 14 patients in the amputation closure group were highly or fairly satisfied. The time spent in the hospital and the time off from work for the successful replantation group were longer. CONCLUSIONS: Successful replantation of single fingertip amputations can result in minimal pain, better functional outcome, better appearance, and higher patient satisfaction. We recommend attempting fingertip replantation not only to obtain the best appearance but also to gain better functional outcome. If the patient requests the simple surgery and earlier return to work amputation closure is an accepted method despite the disadvantage of digital shortening and the risk for a painful stump. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The role of the Rolimeter in quantifying knee instability compared to the functional outcome of ACL-reconstructed versus conservatively-treated knees.

The purpose of this study is to correlate the measurement of anterior knee laxity using the Rolimeter with the functional outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees. We tested 29 patients (12 males/17 females) with an average age of 33 years (range 19-47) that had been treated for ACL rupture, either by reconstruction or conservatively. The average follow-up at time of testing was 33 months (range 6-67).Functional outcome was graded by means of a questionnaire based on the IKDC score, the sports activity rating scale (SARS), the Cincinnati knee-rating system and the activities of daily living (ADL) scale, and by two functional knee tests (the one-leg hop test and the cross-over hop test). The anterior knee laxity was measured for both knees with the Rolimeter, and the side-to-side difference was calculated. We have found no correlation between the joint laxity and the functional outcome score.(P>0.05). When we compared both groups, we found a significant, though very low, correlation between the laxity and the functional questionnaire for the reconstructed group. (r=0.51, P=0.036). Therefore, the joint laxity measurement does not necessarily reflect the functional outcome of ACL-deficient knees. An explanation can be found in the importance of the proprioception and neuromuscular control in compensating the ACL-deficient knee.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Protein S-100b as serum marker for prediction of functional outcome in metastatic spinal cord compression.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the significance of protein S-100b as a serum marker for the prediction of functional outcome in the event of symptomatic spinal cord compression due to epidural metastases. METHOD: 34 patients with paresis due to metastatic spinal cord compression were included in this prospective study. Venous blood samples for protein S-100b were taken after admission and regularly after operative decompression. The individual time course of protein S-100b levels was correlated with the clinical outcome by means of motor function. Outcome was considered to be favourable in case of neurological improvement and preservation or retrieval of walking ability whereas non-improvement or further neurological deterioration without restoration of function of ambulation was regarded to be unfavourable. FINDINGS: Patients with favourable outcome had serum levels of S-100b which were either normal all the time or which were initially increased but normalised within 2 to 3 days. Patients with unfavourable outcome, however, had increased levels throughout which showed either a further increase or only a slow decrease within approximately two weeks (p=0.0001). INTERPRETATION: These preliminary results suggest that, analogous to cerebral disorders, protein S-100b might be a promising serum marker to predict functional outcome in symptomatic spinal cord compression.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed2000

Early predictors of poor functional outcome in systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the ability of a previously described set of criteria to predict poor functional outcome in a large, multicenter cohort of children with systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). METHODS: All children who were diagnosed with systemic-onset JRA since 1980 at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto), since 1983 at the Isaac Walton Killam Hospital for Children (Halifax), and since 1981 at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa) were evaluated. Patients were included in the study if they had been evaluated clinically within 6 months of diagnosis and had been followed up for at least 2 years. Patients were divided into 4 cohorts according to their length of followup: 2-4 years, 4-7 years, 7-10 years, and >10 years. Using previously described criteria for destructive arthritis in children with systemic-onset JRA, the patients were classified as either high risk or low risk for poor functional outcome based on the data from their 6-month visit. High-risk patients had active systemic disease (persistent fever or corticosteroid requirement for control of systemic disease) and a platelet count > or =600 x 10(9)/liter. Poor outcome was defined as moderate or severe disability (defined as a score of > or =0.75 on the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire) or disease-associated death. RESULTS: Among 122 eligible patients with systemic-onset JRA, we were able to contact 111 (91%) for outcome data. The mean followup period was 7.7 years (SD 3.7). The mean age at outcome assessment was 13.5 years (SD 5.3). There were 51 boys and 60 girls. Twenty-four patients (22%) had moderate-to-severe disability and 2 patients died; these 26 patients were considered to have had a poor outcome. We could determine risk classification for 104 patients. Twenty-four patients (23%) met the criteria for high risk at the 6-month visit. Overall, the risk of a poor functional outcome was significantly higher in the high-risk group (relative risk 3.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.73-6.43, P = 0.0004). This risk was most marked in the cohort with > 10 years of followup (relative risk 4.3, 95% CI 1.82-10.29, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The presence of active systemic disease at 6 months, as characterized by fever or the need for corticosteroids, and thrombocytosis strongly predicted the development of a poor functional outcome in these patients. This was especially apparent with longterm followup. Our study validates the previously developed prognostic criteria for systemic-onset JRA.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2005

First-episode psychosis: psychopathology, quality of life, and functional outcome.

The burgeoning interest in investigating the first episode of schizophrenia and related disorders provides an opportunity to examine how this approach has assisted our understanding of the heterogeneity of psychopathology of this disorder and the trajectories of its outcome. We present a review of relevant literature on categorical versus dimensional perspectives on psychopathology, with special reference to early signs, its relationship with other patient- and system-related characteristics, and the status and determinants of functional outcome and quality of life. The findings from longitudinal studies of the dimensional psychopathology of first-episode psychosis suggest continuity of some psychopathological dimensions from premorbid through prodromal to post-onset phases of psychosis and some aspects of longer-term course. Short-term functional outcome improves after treatment of the first episode, but longer-term outcome remains relatively poor for a substantial proportion of patients and is associated with preadolescent onset, poor premorbid adjustment, poor cognitive functioning, cerebral asymmetry, and negative symptoms during prodromal and post-onset phases. Poor quality of life is related to residual psychopathology, long delays in treatment, and poor premorbid adjustment. The potential effects of improved treatment and/or early intervention on functional outcome and quality of life have not been adequately examined, nor have the interrelationships between predictors and the underlying processes involved in determining variations in outcome. Studies of functional outcome still lack the rigor of operational definitions, choice of specific instruments for measurement, and use of large enough samples to generate meaningful results.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2006

Predictive value of ischemic lesion volume assessed with magnetic resonance imaging for neurological deficits and functional outcome poststroke: A critical review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemic lesion volume is assumed to be an important predictor of poststroke neurological deficits and functional outcome. This critical review examines the methodological quality of MRI studies and the predictive value of hemispheric infarct volume for neurological deficits (at body function level) and functional outcome (at activities level). METHODS: Using Medline, PiCarta, and Embase to identify studies, 13 of the 747 identified studies met the authors' inclusion criteria. Subsequently, studies were tested for adherence to the key methodological criteria for internal, statistical, and external validity. Each criterion was weighted binary, and studies with 6 points or more were judged to be valid for assessing the predictive value of MRI for outcome. RESULTS: The 13 included studies had several methodological weaknesses with respect to internal validity, and none of them took lesion location into account. Only a few used outcome measures according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and followed patients beyond 6 months. Correlation coefficients between MRI lesion volume and outcomes were higher for outcomes defined at body function level (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; median 0.67; range: 0.57-0.91) than for those defined at the level of activities (Barthel Index; median -0.49; range: -0.33 to -0.74). CONCLUSIONS: Methodological shortcomings of most studies confound the prognostic value of MRI in predicting stroke outcome, and few studies have focused on functional outcome. Future studies should investigate the added value of MRI volume over clinical neurological variables in predicting functional outcome beyond 6 months poststroke.

Brain↗