In total, 1,518 patients participated, yielding a response rate of 70.6%. The average age was 56.7 years, and the proportion of females 58.6%.
Results: Despite receiving recommended therapy, many patients still suffered from MG-related impairments. In particular, mobility and mental well-being were reduced; moreover, quality of life was markedly reduced. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed illness stability, impairments, mental conditions, comorbid diseases, and employment to be determinants of QoL.
Conclusion: Results indicate that despite prolonged life expectancy among MG patients, health-related Selleckchem HM781-36B quality of life is low. This outcome
resulted mainly from impaired mobility and depression. Physical and mental well-being might be improved by additional therapy options. Additionally, health care resources could be used more efficiently in these patients.”
“QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of supplementary health insurance on the incidence of hospitalisations for musculoskeletal conditions in Switzerland.
METHODS:
Cross sectional and small area analyses of surgical interventions for major musculoskeletal disorders in Switzerland were conducted. The regional distributions of populations with basic and basic plus supplementary insurance were estimated using census data for the period of 2002-2005. Effects of insurance class on the incidence of orthopaedic interventions were Selleck TH-302 learn more calculated with logistic regression using the complete discharge dataset of hospitalisations for orthopaedic conditions performed in the years 2002 to 2005.
RESULTS:
The data show significant differences in the age-and gender-adjusted incidence of surgery between populations with compulsory basic health insurance and those with basic plus supplementary cover.
CONCLUSIONS: The study provides evidence that health insurance status accounts for variation in surgery for musculoskeletal problems in Switzerland. There are indications that supplementary health insurance – as a proxy for higher socioeconomic status – is related to lower need for surgery. There are signs that resources for spinal surgery and arthroscopy are diverted to the private sector at the expense of social health insurance. The results are only partially consistent with the hypothesis that volume of services increases with comprehensiveness of coverage.”
“Background: The major aim of this study was to establish the molecular epidemiology dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6A in acute otitis media, before the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Methods: Acute otitis media in Jewish and Bedouin children <5 years old undergoing tympanocentesis during 1999 to 2006, were studied. Serotype 6A was identified by the Quellung reaction and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the wciN gene, to differentiate between 6A and 6C.