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Tang ASP, Tan C, Lim WH, Ng CH, Tan DJH, Zeng R, Xiao J, Ong EYH, Cho E, Chung C, Lim WS, Chee D, Nah B, Tseng M, Syn N, Bonney G, Liu K, Huang DQ, Muthiah M, Siddiqui MS, Tan EXX. Impact of Pretransplant Diabetes on Outcomes After Liver Transplantation: An Updated Meta-analysis With Systematic Review. Transplantation 2024; 108:1157-1165. [PMID: 37899382 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliver transplant diabetes mellitus (pre-LT DM) is a common comorbidity in LT recipients associated with poorer post-transplant survival. However, its relationship with other important outcomes, including cardiovascular and renal outcomes, remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to provide an updated analysis of the impact of pre-LT DM on key post-LT outcomes. METHODS A search was conducted in Medline and Embase databases for articles comparing the post-transplant outcomes between patients with and without pre-LT DM. Pairwise analysis using random effects with hazard ratios (HRs) was used to assess the longitudinal post-LT impacts of pre-LT DM. In the absence of HR, pooled odds ratios analysis was conducted for secondary outcomes. RESULTS Forty-two studies involving 77,615 LT recipients were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of pre-LT DM amongst LT recipients was 24.79%. Pre-LT DM was associated with significantly lower overall survival (HR, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.81; P <0.01) and significantly increased cardiovascular disease-related mortality (HR, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.85; P =0.03). Meta-regression of other patient characteristics identified Asian ethnicity and hypertension to be significant predictors of worse overall survival, whereas African-American ethnicity was associated with significantly improved overall survival in patients with pre-LT DM. Further analysis of secondary outcomes revealed pre-LT DM to be a significant predictor of post-LT cardiovascular events and end-stage renal disease. CONCLUSIONS The present study illustrates the impact of pre-LT DM on post-LT survival, and cardiovascular and renal outcomes and provides a sound basis for revision of preoperative management of pre-LT DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansel Shao Pin Tang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caitlyn Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Hui Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Jun Hao Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rebecca Zeng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jieling Xiao
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elden Yen Hng Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elina Cho
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charlotte Chung
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Shyann Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Douglas Chee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Nah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Nicholas Syn
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Glenn Bonney
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ken Liu
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark Muthiah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mohammad Shadab Siddiqui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Eunice X X Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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Lim WS, Teoh SE, Tang ASP, Tan BJM, Lee JY, Yau CE, Thumboo J, Ng QX. The effects of anti-TNF-α biologics on insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An update systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2024; 18:103001. [PMID: 38604059 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2024.103001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Increasing evidence demonstrates a link between the chronic inflammatory state in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the development of insulin resistance. It is thought that anti-TNF-α biologic therapy may improve insulin sensitivity and ameliorate insulin resistance by the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, however, pre-clinical and clinical studies have yielded conflicting results. A meta-analysis on this topic is necessary to summarize current evidence and generate hypotheses for future research. METHODS Literature search was performed in four databases, namely PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library, from inception till April 9, 2023, querying studies reporting peripheral insulin resistance with and without anti-TNF-α use in patients with RA. Peripheral insulin resistance or sensitivity was quantified by the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA) index or the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) respectively. The difference in insulin resistance or sensitivity between the treatment and control group was calculated using standardized mean difference (SMD) for the purposes of the meta-analysis. RESULTS Twelve articles were reviewed, with 10 longitudinal studies with a total of 297 patients included in the meta-analysis. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) from baseline HOMA was -0.82 (95% CI: -1.38 to -0.25) suggesting significant beneficial effects of anti-TNF-α therapy on insulin resistance. CONCLUSION Current evidence supports the significant clinical efficacy of anti-TNF-α biologics in alleviating insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity in patients with active RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shyann Lim
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seth En Teoh
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ansel Shao Pin Tang
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Beatrice Jia Min Tan
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jasmine Yiling Lee
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chun En Yau
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Julian Thumboo
- Health Services Research Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; SingHealth Duke-NUS Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Qin Xiang Ng
- Health Services Research Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore.
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Piodena-Aportadera MRB, Lau S, Tan CN, Chew J, Lim JP, Ismail NH, Ding YY, Lim WS. Yubi-Wakka Test for Sarcopenia Screening in the Community: Comparative Agreement, Diagnostic Performance and Validity with Calf Circumference Measurements. J Frailty Aging 2024; 13:98-107. [PMID: 38616365 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2024.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening tools such as calf circumference (CC) and Yubi-wakka (finger-ring) test have been recognized as effective tools by Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS'19) for sarcopenia screening but their comparative agreement, diagnostic performance and validity are unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine: (i)agreement between calf and finger-ring circumference, (ii)diagnostic performance for low muscle mass and AWGS'19 sarcopenia diagnosis, (iii)correlation with muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, and (iv)association with frailty, life space mobility and physical activity. METHODS We studied 187 healthy community-dwelling older adults (mean age=66.8+7.0years) from the GERILABS-2 study. CC was measured via (i) both calves in sitting and standing positions, and (ii) Yubi-wakka test by encircling the thickest part of the non-dominant calf with index fingers and thumbs of both hands. We performed Cohen's kappa to check for agreement, area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to compare diagnostic performance, partial correlations adjusted for age and gender to compare convergent validity, and logistic regression to determine predictive validity for outcome measures. RESULTS Sarcopenia prevalence was 24.0% (AWGS'19). Yubi-wakka identified 16.6% of participants as screen-positive ("smaller"), showing moderate agreement only with non-dominant sitting CC measurements (k=0.421,p<0.001) and having lower diagnostic performance in determining low muscle mass (AUC=0.591 vs 0.855-0.870,p<0.001; sensitivity=57.1% vs 75.5-90.8%; specificity=58.4% vs 70.8-80.9%) and sarcopenia diagnosis (AUC=0.581 vs 0.788-0.818,p<0.001; sensitivity=55.6% vs 57.5-71.8%; specificity=74.4% vs 75.6-88.9%) compared to CC measurements. Yubi-wakka correlated significantly with muscle mass, grip strength and knee extension but not physical performance. When adjusted for age, gender and hypertension, Yubi-wakka was significantly associated with frailty (OR=3.96,95%CI:1.09-14.38), life space mobility (OR=2.38,95%CI:1.08-5.24) and physical activity (OR=2.50,95%CI:1.07-5.86). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Yubi-wakka provides a self-administered, low-cost and practicable community screening tool for sarcopenia. Our study affirmed the convergent and predictive validity of Yubi-wakka, albeit with lower sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic performance compared to CC measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R B Piodena-Aportadera
- Wee Shiong Lim, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Aging, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433,
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Lee JY, Yau CY, Loh CYL, Lim WS, Teoh SE, Yau CE, Ong C, Thumboo J, Namasivayam VSO, Ng QX. Examining the Association between Coffee Intake and the Risk of Developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:4745. [PMID: 38004138 PMCID: PMC10674416 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent disorder of brain-gut interaction with a significant impact on quality of life. Coffee is a widely consumed beverage with numerous bioactive compounds that have potential effects on human health and disease states. Current studies on the effect of regular coffee consumption on the risk of developing IBS symptoms have yielded conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether coffee intake is associated with developing IBS. A systematic literature search was performed in three electronic databases, namely PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library, from inception until 31 March 2023. All original studies reporting associations between coffee intake and IBS were considered for inclusion. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for each study, and estimates were pooled, and where appropriate, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and p-values were calculated. Eight studies comprising 432,022 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. Using a fixed-effects model, coffee drinkers (any intake) had a reduced likelihood of developing IBS compared to controls, with a pooled OR of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.84). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the estimates. Future research should prioritise prospective cohort studies that are robust and closely track the development of incident IBS in previously healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Yiling Lee
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Chun Yi Yau
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Caitlin Yuen Ling Loh
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Wei Shyann Lim
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Seth En Teoh
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Chun En Yau
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Clarence Ong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Julian Thumboo
- Health Services Research Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | | | - Qin Xiang Ng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
- Health Services Research Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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Liew JJL, Lim WS, Koh FH. Unusual phenomenon-“polyp” arising from a diverticulum: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:3070-3075. [PMID: 37215427 PMCID: PMC10198085 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i13.3070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sealed perforation of colonic diverticulum is a common clinical condition and may be differentiated from an underlying malignant perforation using interval endoscopy. We present an uncommon colonoscopy finding of a healed diverticular perforation, mimicking a polyp, 6 wk post-diverticulitis-something that has not been reported in literature. We aim to shed light on the likely process that resulted in the trompe l'œil after diverticulitis. This also introduces the possibility of more targeted colonic resection in the event of a similar recurrence.
CASE SUMMARY A middle-aged Chinese female presented with a 3-d history of non-colicky left iliac fossa pain. It was associated with fever (Tmax 37.6 ºC), non-bloody diarrhoea and non-bloody, non-bilious vomiting. She had a history of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, well controlled on metformin. Tenderness was noted on the left iliac fossa region with no guarding or mass. Total white cell count (11.45 × 109/L) and C-reactive protein levels (213.9 mg/L) were elevated. Computed tomography imaging of the abdomen revealed pericolonic fat stranding and extraluminal air pockets fluid density with peritoneal thickening at the sigmoid colon, likely representing a sealed perforation. Six weeks after the episode, she underwent a follow-up colonoscopy. An exophytic polypoid lesion closely associated with a diverticulum was seen in the sigmoid colon. The lesion was easily “pinched” off without much effort using endoscopic forceps and sent for histology which revealed granulation tissue suggesting a healed diverticular perforation.
CONCLUSION Granulation tissue associated with healed diverticular perforations resemble polyps. Tattooing around these sites may allow for future targeted colonic resections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Jin Li Liew
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Wei Shyann Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Frederick H Koh
- Colorectal Service, Department of General Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore 544886, Singapore
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Chong E, Ong T, Lim WS. Editorial: Front-Door Geriatrics: Frailty-Ready Emergency Department to Achieve the Quadruple Aim. J Frailty Aging 2023; 12:254-257. [PMID: 38008974 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2023.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E Chong
- Edward Chong, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore,
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Chew J, Chia JQ, Kyaw KK, Fu JK, Ang J, Lim YP, Ang KY, Tan HN, Lim WS. Association of Oral Health with Frailty, Malnutrition Risk and Functional Decline in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Frailty Aging 2023; 12:277-283. [PMID: 38008977 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2023.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor oral health is known to be associated with adverse outcomes, but the frequency and impact of poor oral health on older adults in the acute inpatient setting has been less well studied. OBJECTIVES We examined the association between oral health, frailty, nutrition and functional decline in hospitalized older adults. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We included data from 465 inpatients (mean age 79.2±8.3 years) admitted acutely to a tertiary hospital. METHODS We evaluated oral health using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG), frailty using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), malnutrition risk using the Nutritional Screening Tool (NST) and functional status using a modified Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale. We examined cross-sectional associations of oral health with frailty, malnutrition risk and functional decline on admission, followed by multivariate logistic regression models evaluating the association between poor oral health and the aforementioned outcomes. RESULTS 343 (73.8%), 100 (21.5%) and 22 (4.7%) were classified as low, moderate and high risk on the ROAG, respectively. Poorer oral health was associated with greater severity of frailty, functional decline on admission and malnutrition risk. Abnormalities in ROAG domains of voice changes, swallowing difficulty, xerostomia, lips and tongue appearance were more frequently present at greater severity of frailty. Poor oral health was associated with frailty [odds ratio (OR): 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.97; P=0.034]; malnutrition risk [OR: 2.76, 95% CI 1.46-5.19, P=0.002] and functional decline [OR: 1.62, 95% CI 1.01-2.59, P=0.046]. CONCLUSIONS Poor oral health is significantly associated with frailty, malnutrition risk and functional decline in older inpatients. Oral health evaluation, as part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment may be a target for interventions to improve outcomes. Further research including longitudinal outcomes and effectiveness of specific interventions targeted at oral health are warranted in older adults in the inpatient setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chew
- Dr Justin Chew, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, , Telephone number: +65 63596474
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Pereira MJ, Chong E, Molina JAD, Ng SHX, Goh EF, Zhu B, Chan M, Lim WS. Evaluating Quality-of-Life, Length of Stay and Cost-Effectiveness of a Front-Door Geriatrics Program: An Exploratory Proof-of-Concept Study. J Frailty Aging 2023; 12:214-220. [PMID: 37493382 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2022.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Emergency Department Interventions for Frailty (EDIFY) program was developed to deliver early geriatric specialist interventions at the Emergency Department (ED). EDIFY has been successful in reducing acute admissions among older adults. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the effectiveness of EDIFY in improving health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) and length of stay (LOS), and evaluate EDIFY's cost-effectiveness. DESIGN A quasi-experiment study. SETTING The ED of a 1700-bed tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS Patients (≥85 years) pending acute hospital admission and screened by the EDIFY team to be potentially suitable for discharge or transfer to low-acuity care areas. INTERVENTION EDIFY versus standard-care. MEASUREMENTS Data on demographics, comorbidities, premorbid function, and frailty status were gathered. HRQOL was measured using EQ-5D-5L over 6 months. We used a crosswalk methodology to compute Singapore-specific index scores from EQ-5D-5L responses and calculated quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. LOS and bills in Singapore-dollars (SGD) before subsidy from ED attendances (including admissions, if applicable) were obtained. We estimated average programmatic EDIFY cost and performed multiple imputation (MI) for missing data. QALYs gained, LOS and cost were compared. Potential uncertainties were also examined. RESULTS Among 100 participants (EDIFY=43; standard-care=57), 61 provided complete data. For complete cases, there were significant QALYs gained at 3-month (coefficient=0.032, p=0.004) and overall (coefficient=0.096, p=0.002) for EDIFY, whilst treatment cost was similar between-groups. For MI, we observed only overall QALYs gained for EDIFY (coefficient=0.102, p=0.001). EDIFY reduced LOS by 17% (Incident risk ratio=0.83, p=0.015). In a deterministic sensitivity analysis, EDIFY's cost-threshold was SGD$2,500, and main conclusions were consistent in other uncertainty scenarios. Mean bills were: EDIFY=SGD$4562.70; standard-care=SGD$5530.90. EDIFY's average programmatic cost approximated SGD$469.30. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory proof-of-concept study found that EDIFY benefits QALYs and LOS, with equivalent cost, and is potentially cost-effective. The program has now been established as standard-care for older adults attending the ED at our center.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Pereira
- Michelle Jessica Pereira, National Healthcare Group, Health Services and Outcomes Research, Singapore,
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Lim WS, Liew JJL, Loh CYL, Teoh SE, Koh FHX. How does artificial intelligence-aided colonoscopy help to improve adenoma detection rates? ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:3130-3131. [PMID: 36468306 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shyann Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Seth En Teoh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Frederick Hong-Xiang Koh
- Colorectal Service, Department of General Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, SingHealth Services, Singapore
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Ong M, Pek K, Tan CN, Chew J, Lim JP, Yew S, Yeo A, Lim WS. Social Frailty and Executive Function: Association with Geriatric Syndromes, Life Space and Quality of Life in Healthy Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Frailty Aging 2022; 11:206-213. [PMID: 35441199 PMCID: PMC8542364 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2021.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite emerging evidence about the association between social frailty and cognitive impairment, little is known about the role of executive function in this interplay, and whether the co-existence of social frailty and cognitive impairment predisposes to adverse health outcomes in healthy community-dwelling older adults. OBJECTIVES We aim to examine independent associations between social frailty with the MMSE and FAB, and to determine if having both social frailty and cognitive impairment is associated with worse health outcomes than either or neither condition. METHODS We studied 229 cognitively intact and functionally independent community-dwelling older adults (mean age= 67.2±7.43). Outcome measures comprise physical activity; physical performance and frailty; geriatric syndromes; life space and quality of life. We compared Chinese Mini Mental State Examination (CMMSE) and Chinese Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) scores across the socially non-frail, socially pre-frail and socially frail. Participants were further recategorized into three subgroups (neither, either or both) based on presence of social frailty and cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was defined as a score below the educational adjusted cut-offs in either CMMSE or FAB. We performed logistic regression adjusted for significant covariates and mood to examine association with outcomes across the three subgroups. RESULTS Compared with CMMSE, Chinese FAB scores significantly decreased across the social frailty spectrum (p<0.001), suggesting strong association between executive function with social frailty. We derived three subgroups relative to relationship with socially frailty and executive dysfunction: (i) Neither, N=140(61.1%), (ii) Either, N=79(34.5%), and (iii) Both, N=10(4.4%). Compared with neither or either subgroups, having both social frailty and executive dysfunction was associated with anorexia (OR=4.79, 95% CI= 1.04-22.02), near falls and falls (OR= 5.23, 95% CI= 1.10-24.90), lower life-space mobility (odds ratio, OR=9.80, 95% CI=2.07-46.31) and poorer quality of life (OR= 13.2, 95% CI= 2.38-73.4). CONCLUSION Our results explicated the association of executive dysfunction with social frailty, and their synergistic relationship independent of mood with geriatric syndromes, decreased life space and poorer quality of life. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the association between social frailty and executive dysfunction merits further study as a possible target for early intervention in relatively healthy older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ong
- Ms. Melissa Ong, TTSH Annex 2, Level 3, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Telephone: +65 6359 6327,
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Lim WS, Cheong CY, Lim JP, Tan MMY, Chia JQ, Malik NA, Tay L. Singapore Clinical Practice Guidelines For Sarcopenia: Screening, Diagnosis, Management and Prevention. J Frailty Aging 2022; 11:348-369. [PMID: 36346721 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2022.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present the local evidence and final recommendations of the Clinical Practice Guidelines workgroup convened by the Chapter of Geriatricians and the Society for Geriatric Medicine Singapore. The aim is to develop contextualized evidence-based recommendations that facilitate adoption of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 consensus into current practice in Singapore. METHODS The workgroup drew upon the AWGS'2019 consensus, updated literature review of Singapore studies till 31 Dec 2020, and evidence from recent systematic reviews. From 40 local studies included for data extraction, we constructed evidence tables organized as: definition and epidemiology; diagnosis and evaluation; and treatment and intervention. Twenty recommendations - case-finding, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, research - were developed, and graded for strength and quality using the GRADE approach. Consensus from an expert panel(N=23) was achieved after two rounds of the modified Delphi process. RESULTS The local prevalence of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults ranged from 13.6% to 25%. Most studies adopted the AWGS'2019 and AWGS'2014 criteria. Reported case finding tools include SARC-F, calf circumference (CC) and SARC-CalF. Gender-specific AWGS cut-offs for appendicular skeletal mass were used to define low muscle mass. Different protocols and dynamometers were used to assess handgrip strength, whilst gait speed and 5-times chair stand were commonly used to assess physical performance. RECOMMENDATIONS We conditionally recommend a case-finding approach in at-risk older adults using validated case-finding tools. Screen-positive individuals should be assessed for 'possible sarcopenia' and underlying causes. For diagnosis, we conditionally recommend using the AWGS'2019 algorithm, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry when necessary to determine low lean mass for a confirmatory diagnosis of sarcopenia. For treatment, we strongly recommend resistance-based exercises and conditionally recommend a quality protein-rich diet/protein supplementation, with Vitamin D supplementation for insufficiency (<30 micrograms/L). For prevention, we recommend regular resistance-based physical activity and adequate protein intake (≥1.0g/kg bodyweight). We encourage more research to address local evidence gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Lim
- Wee Shiong Lim, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Aging, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Annex, Level 2, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Novena, Singapore 308433. Phone: +65-6357-6474; Fax: +65-6359-6294;
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Yaow CYL, Teoh SE, Lim WS, Wang RSQ, Han MX, Pek PP, Tan BYQ, Ong MEH, Ng QX, Ho AFW. Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder after cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Resuscitation 2021; 170:82-91. [PMID: 34826580 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Quality of life after surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is poorly understood, and the risk to mental health is not well understood. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following OHCA. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) were searched from inception to July 3, 2021, for studies reporting the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among OHCA survivors. Data abstraction and quality assessment were conducted by two authors independently, and a third resolved discrepancies. A single-arm meta-analysis of proportions was conducted to pool the proportion of patients with these conditions at the earliest follow-up time point in each study and at predefined time points. Meta-regression was performed to identify significant moderators that contributed to between-study heterogeneity. RESULTS The search yielded 15,366 articles. 13 articles were included for analysis, which comprised 186,160 patients. The pooled overall prevalence at the earliest time point of follow-up was 19.0% (11 studies; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.0-30.0%) for depression, 26.0% (nine studies; 95% CI = 16.0-39.0%) for anxiety, and 20.0% (three studies; 95% CI = 3.0-65.0%) for PTSD. Meta-regression showed that the age of patients and proportion of female sex were non-significant moderators. CONCLUSION The burden of mental health disorders is high among survivors of OHCA. There is an urgent need to understand the predisposing risk factors and develop preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clyve Yu Leon Yaow
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Seth En Teoh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Wei Shyann Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Renaeta Shi Qi Wang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Ming Xuan Han
- Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, Building H McMahons Road, Frankston, Vic 3199, Australia
| | - Pin Pin Pek
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 8 College Rd, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Yong-Qiang Tan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Marcus Eng Hock Ong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Health Services & Systems Research, Singapore, 1 Outram Rd, Singapore 169608, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Qin Xiang Ng
- Emergency Medical Services Department, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore, 91 Ubi Ave 4, Singapore 408827, Singapore
| | - Andrew Fu Wah Ho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Pre-hospital and Emergency Research Centre, 1 Outram Rd, Singapore 169608, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
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Cheng HM, Zhao X, Lim WS, Tan BJM, Tey HL. Factors affecting duration of SARS-Cov-2 viral shedding in mildly symptomatic patients isolated in a community facility. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257565. [PMID: 34570805 PMCID: PMC8476038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mildly symptomatic cases of Covid-19 in previously-well individuals form the majority of infections and also serve as potent vectors of transmission. The factors affecting the duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral shedding (DVS) in these patients remain largely unknown. Objectives To perform a systematic analysis of the clinical, radiologic, laboratory investigations in patients with few comorbidities infected with mild Covid-19 to identify factors associated with the DVS. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients with mild or asymptomatic Covid-19 were included. Baseline characteristics including age, nationality, comorbidities, concomitant medications, and type of isolation arrangement in the facility (single or in pairs) were collected. Clinical features and radiologic/haematologic findings were also collected. Taking day 28 as the cut-off, 187 patients who had a negative swab result up to day 28 (no prolonged DVS) were compared to 126 patients with a persistently positive result on or after day 28 (prolonged DVS). Results Of 964 consecutive patients included, 851 (88.3%) patients were symptomatic. 266 patients had a documented negative RT-PCR assay with a median DVS of 25 days (range: 13 to 96 days; interquartile range (IQR): 22 to 33 days). Patients isolated in pairs were associated with prolonged DVS (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.7 to 4.5; p<0.0001) compared to those isolated individually. Among vital signs, only tachycardia was associated with prolonged DVS (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.0 to 7.1; p = 0.03). Amongst investigations, only a raised CRP was associated with prolonged DVS (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.1 to 6.8; p = 0.02). Conclusions In young, mildly symptomatic Covid-19 patients, prolonged DVS was associated with being isolated in pairs compared to individually. In situations where a negative RT-PCR test result is required, retesting in patients who were not isolated individually, or who had baseline tachycardia or a raised CRP, may be delayed to increase the yield of a negative result.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wei Shyann Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Beatrice Jia Min Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Liang Tey
- National Skin Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: ,
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Lim JP, Chew J, Ismail NH, Lim WS. Letter to the Editor: Obesity Definition for Muscle Outcomes in Sarcopenic Obesity: Utility of Waist Circumference Revisited. J Frailty Aging 2021; 10:334-336. [PMID: 34549247 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2021.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is defined as the concomitant presence of sarcopenia and obesity (1). Studies have employed different obesity definitions to understand the relation of SO to cardiometabolic outcomes, with more recent studies examining muscle-related outcomes (2, 3). The leading candidates amongst obesity definitions are waist circumference (WC), percentage fat mass (FM%), and fat mass index (FMI). The last two measures are derived from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bioelectrical impedance (BIA), and adjust for fat quantity irrespective of distribution (4).
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Lim
- Jun Pei Lim, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Aging, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Annex 2 Level 3, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, , Telephone: +65-6359 6474, Fax: +65-6359 6294
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Lim JP, Yew S, Tay L, Chew J, Yeo A, Hafizah Ismail N, Ding YY, Lim WS. Grip Strength Criterion Matters: Impact of Average Versus Maximum Handgrip Strength on Sarcopenia Prevalence and Predictive Validity for Low Physical Performance. J Nutr Health Aging 2021; 24:1031-1035. [PMID: 33155633 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1461-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Muscle strength has been elevated to the forefront of sarcopenia diagnosis, with handgrip strength the preferred measure. Extant handgrip protocols adopt different handgrip strength (HGS) criteria. Paucity of direct comparison studies assessing the impact of HGS criterion on prevalence of sarcopenia and predictive validity on physical performance contributes to the lack of standardisation of HGS criteria in sarcopenia diagnosis. OBJECTIVES Our study aims to compare the effect of average (HGSave) versus maximum (HGSmax) HGS criterion on: (1) prevalence of low HGS and sarcopenia; and (2) association with physical performance at baseline and at 2 years. METHODS We recruited 200 community dwelling, cognitively intact, and functionally independent older adults. Muscle strength, physical performance measures, cognitive tests and nutritional assessments were performed. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was administered at baseline and at 2 years. We compared HGSave and HGSmax to assess the prevalence of low HGS and sarcopenia. Univariate analysis was performed comparing baseline characteristics between low and normal groups for each HGS criterion. Significantly different variables were included in logistic regression analysis to examine association of low HGS and SPPB at baseline. Predictive validity of low HGS for SPPB<10 at 2 years was examined by performing logistic regression analysis for HGSave and HGSmax. RESULTS The prevalence of low HGS and sarcopenia incorporating HGSave criterion is 40% and 33% respectively, whereas that of HGSmax criterion is 21% and 19.5% respectively. There is moderate agreement between the 2 HGS criteria for sarcopenia diagnosis (kappa=0.604) and poorer agreement for low HGS (kappa=0.570). There was no significant association with baseline SPPB for both HGS criteria. At 2 years, only low HGSmax was significantly associated with low SPPB (adjusted OR 3.91, 95% CI 1.24 - 12.33). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that HGS criteria matters in diagnosis of sarcopenia and we support extant HGS protocols using HGSmax criterion in view of better predictive validity for poor physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Lim
- Jun Pei Lim, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Aging, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Annex 2 Level 3, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, , Telephone: +65-6359 6474, Fax: +65-6359 6294
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Pek K, Tan CN, Yew S, Yeo A, Lim JP, Chew J, Lim WS. Letter to the Editor: COVID-19 Pandemic Control Measures: Impact on Social Frailty and Health Outcomes in Non-Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Nutr Health Aging 2021; 25:816-818. [PMID: 34179939 PMCID: PMC8096157 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-021-1635-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Pek
- Kalene Pek, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore,
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to address the knowledge gap and summarise the measurement for intrinsic capacity for the five WHO domains across different populations. It specifically aims to identify measurement tools, methods used for computation of a composite intrinsic capacity index and factors associated with intrinsic capacity among older adults. METHODS We performed literature review in Medline, including search terms "aged" or "elderly" and "intrinsic capacity" for articles published from 2000 - 2020 in English. Studies which assessed intrinsic capacity in the five WHO domains were included. Information pertaining to study setting, methods used for measuring the domains of intrinsic capacity, computation methods for composite intrinsic capacity index, and details on tool validation were extracted. RESULTS Seven articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Of these, the majority were conducted in community settings (n=5) and were retrospective studies (n=6). The most commonly used tools for assessing intrinsic capacity were gait speed test and chair stand test (locomotion); handgrip-strength and mini-nutritional assessment (vitality); Mini-Mental State Examination (cognition); Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (psychological), and self-reported vision and health questionnaires (sensory). Among the tools used to operationalise the domains, we found variations and non-concordance, especially in the vitality and psychological domains, which make inter-study comparison difficult. Validated scales were less commonly used for vitality and sensory domains. Biomarkers were used for locomotion, vitality, and sensory domains. Self-reported measures were mostly used in the psychological and sensory domains. Three studies operationalised a global score for intrinsic capacity, whereby scores from the individual domains were used to create a composite intrinsic capacity index, using two approaches: a) Structural equation modelling, and b) Sub-scores for each domain which were combined either by arithmetic sum or average. CONCLUSION We identified considerable variations in measurement instruments and processes which are used to assess intrinsic capacity, especially among the vitality and psychological domains. A standardized intrinsic capacity composite score for clinical or community settings has not been operationalised yet. Further validation via prospective studies of the intrinsic capacity concept and computation of composite score using validated scales are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P George
- Pradeep Paul George, Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group, Singapore,
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Chong E, Bao M, Goh EF, Lim WS. SARC-F at the Emergency Department: Diagnostic Performance for Frailty and Predictive Performance for Reattendances and Acute Hospitalizations. J Nutr Health Aging 2021; 25:1084-1089. [PMID: 34725665 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-021-1676-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sarcopenia is associated with adverse health outcomes including mortality, functional loss, falls, and poorer quality of life. However, the value of screening sarcopenia at the Emergency Department (ED) remains unclear. We aimed to examine the SARC-F questionnaire for its (1) diagnostic ability in identifying frailty, and (2) predictive ability for adverse health outcomes. DESIGN A secondary analysis of a quasi-experimental study. SETTING An ED within a 1700-bed tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS ED patients aged ≥85 years (mean age 90.0 years) recruited into the Emergency Department Interventions of Frailty (EDIFY) study. MEASUREMENTS Data of demographics, premorbid function, frailty status [Frailty Index (FI), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), FRAIL], comorbidities, medications, and cognitive status were gathered. We also captured outcomes of mortality, acute hospitalization, and ED reattendance at 1-, 3-, and 6-month. We then compared area under the operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for the abovementioned measures against the FI (reference) for diagnosis of frailty. Lastly, we performed univariate analyses and logistic regression to compare SARC-F and other measures against the adverse outcomes of interest. RESULTS Amongst the various instruments, the SARC-F (AUC 0.92, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.86-0.98, P<0.001; Sensitivity 79.0%, and Specificity 88.9%) performed best for frailty detection as defined by FI. Optimal cutoff was ≥3 (Sensitivity 91.4%, Specificity 83.3%, and Negative Predictive Value 68.2%). Only SARC-F was predictive of acute hospitalization [Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 4.00, 95% CI 1.47-10.94, P=0.007] and ED-reattendance [Adjusted OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.26-8.56, P=0.015] at 3-month. CONCLUSIONS The SARC-F demonstrated excellent diagnostic ability for frailty detection and predictive validity for ED reattendance and acute hospitalization at 3 months. Lowering cutoff score to ≥3 may improve case-finding at the ED to facilitate early identification and management of sarcopenia. Further studies are required to validate the diagnostic and predictive performance of SARC-F at ED settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Chong
- Edward Chong, Department of Geriatric Medicine and Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore, Contact number: (65) 63596330/1, Fax number: (65) 63596294,
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Lu Y, Gwee X, Chua DQ, Lee TS, Lim WS, Chong MS, Yap P, Yap KB, Rawtaer I, Liew TM, Pan F, Ng TP. Nutritional Status and Risks of Cognitive Decline and Incident Neurocognitive Disorders: Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies. J Nutr Health Aging 2021; 25:660-667. [PMID: 33949634 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-021-1603-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest that nutritional interventions using the whole diet approach such as the Mediterranean diet may delay cognitive decline and dementia onset. However, substantial numbers of older adults are non-adherent to any ideally healthy dietary pattern and are at risk of malnutrition. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the relationship between global malnutrition risk and onsets of cognitive decline and neurocognitive disorders (NCD), including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS Participants aged ≥ 55 years in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies (SLAS) were assessed at baseline using the Elderly Nutritional Indicators for Geriatric Malnutrition Assessment (ENIGMA) and followed up 3-5 years subsequently on cognitive decline (MMSE drop ≥ 2) among 3128 dementia-free individuals, and incident neurocognitive disorders (NCD) among 2640 cognitive normal individuals. RESULTS Individuals at high nutritional risk score (≥ 3) were more likely to develop cognitive decline (OR=1.42, 95%CI=1.01-1.99) and incident MCI-or-dementia (OR=1.64, 95%CI=1.03-2.59), controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, low education, APOE-e4, hearing loss, physical, social, and mental activities, depressive symptoms, smoking, alcohol, central obesity, hypertension, diabetes, low HDL, high triglyceride, cardiac disease, and stroke. Among ENIGMA component indicators, low albumin at baseline was associated with cognitive decline and incident NCD, and 5 or more drugs used, few fruits/vegetables/milk products daily, and low total cholesterol were associated with incident NCD. CONCLUSION The ENIGMA measure of global malnutrition risk predicts cognitive decline and incident neurocognitive disorders, suggesting the feasibility of identifying vulnerable subpopulations of older adults for correction of malnutrition risk to prevent neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lu
- Tze Pin Ng, Gerontology Research Programme and Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, 9th Floor, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Fax: 65-67772191, Tel: 65-67723478,
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Chew J, Lim JP, Yew S, Yeo A, Ismail NH, Ding YY, Lim WS. Disentangling the Relationship between Frailty and Intrinsic Capacity in Healthy Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cluster Analysis. J Nutr Health Aging 2021; 25:1112-1118. [PMID: 34725670 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-021-1679-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty and intrinsic capacity (IC) are distinct but interrelated constructs. Uncertainty remains regarding how they are related and interact to influence health outcomes. We aim to understand the relationship between frailty and IC by identifying subgroups based on frailty criteria and IC domains and studying one-year outcomes. METHODS We studied 200 independent community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.9±7.9 years, Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score 99±2.6). Frailty was defined by modified Fried criteria. Scores (range: 0-2) were assigned to individual IC domains (cognition, psychological, locomotion, and vitality) to yield a total IC score of 8. To identify subgroups, two-step cluster analysis was performed with age, frailty and IC domains. Cluster associations with one-year outcomes (frailty, muscle strength (grip strength, repeated chair stand test), physical performance (gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery), function (MBI) and quality-of-life (EuroQol (EQ)-5D)) were examined using multiple linear regression adjusted for age, gender and education. RESULTS Three distinct clusters were identified - Cluster 1: High IC/Robust (N=74, 37%); Cluster 2: Intermediate IC/Prefrail (N=73, 36.5%); and Cluster 3: Low IC/Prefrail-Frail (53, 26.5%). Comparing between clusters, IC domains, cognition, depressive symptoms, nutrition, strength and physical performance were least impaired in Cluster 1, intermediate in Cluster 2 and most impaired in Cluster 3. At one year, the proportion transitioning to frailty or remaining frail was highest in Cluster 3 compared to Cluster 2 and Cluster 1 (39% vs 6.9% vs 2.8%, P<0.001). Compared to Cluster 1, Cluster 3 experienced greatest declines in grip strength (β=-4.1, P<.001), MBI (β=-1.24, P=0.045) and EQ-5D utility scores (β=-0.053, P=0.005), with Cluster 2 intermediate between Cluster 1 and Cluster 3. CONCLUSIONS Amongst independent community-dwelling older adults, IC is complementary to frailty measures through better risk-profiling of one-year outcomes amongst prefrail individuals into intermediate and high-risk groups. The intermediate group merits follow-up to ascertain longer-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chew
- Justin Chew, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore,
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Ng TP, Lee TS, Lim WS, Chong MS, Yap P, Cheong CY, Yap KB, Rawtaer I, Liew TM, Gao Q, Gwee X, Ng MPE, Nicholas SO, Wee SL. Development, Validation and Field Evaluation of the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study (SLAS) Risk Index for Prediction of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2021; 8:335-344. [PMID: 34101792 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2021.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a critical pre-dementia target for preventive interventions. There are few brief screening tools based on self-reported personal lifestyle and health-related information for predicting MCI that have been validated for their generalizability and utility in primary care and community settings. OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a MCI risk prediction index, and evaluate its field application in a pilot community intervention trial project. DESIGN Two independent population-based cohorts in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study (SLAS). We used SLAS1 as a development cohort to construct the risk assessment instrument, and SLA2 as a validation cohort to verify its generalizability. SETTING community-based screening and lifestyle intervention Participants: (1) SLAS1 cognitively normal (CN) aged ≥55 years with average 3 years (N=1601); (2) SLAS2 cohort (N=3051) with average 4 years of follow up. (3) 437 participants in a pilot community intervention project. MEASUREMENTS The risk index indicators included age, female sex, years of schooling, hearing loss, depression, life satisfaction, number of cardio-metabolic risk factors (wide waist circumference, pre-diabetes or diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia). Weighted summed scores predicted probabilities of MCI or dementia. A self-administered questionnaire field version of the risk index was deployed in the pilot community project and evaluated using pre-intervention baseline cognitive function of participants. RESULTS Risk scores were associated with increasing probabilities of progression to MCI-or-dementia in the development cohort (AUC=0.73) and with increased prevalence and incidence of MCI-or-dementia in the validation cohort (AUC=0.74). The field questionnaire risk index identified high risk individuals with strong correlation with RBANS cognitive scores in the community program (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The SLAS risk index is accurate and replicable in predicting MCI, and is applicable in community interventions for dementia prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Ng
- A/P Tze Pin Ng, Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 9, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Fax: 65-67772191,
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Tan H, How AX, Wang XX, Lee JE, Lim WS. Letter to the Editor: COVID-19 and Persons with Dementia in Acute Care Settings: How to "EVADE" Challenging Behaviors. J Frailty Aging 2020; 10:73-74. [PMID: 33331627 PMCID: PMC7539550 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2020.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The double whammy of dementia and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised huge concerns for healthcare systems which are already struggling to cope with care demands of persons with dementia (PWD) in non-pandemic times (1). PWD who are admitted to acute care services are particularly vulnerable to behavioural changes and adverse outcomes from delirium (2, 3). During the COVID-19 period, ward relocation is frequently encountered due to COVID-19 screening and segregation; this constant changing of environment and care teams puts PWD at risk of behavioural exacerbations. This is aggravated by restrictive visitor policies in hospitals, depriving PWD of the reassuring presence of family members. Not surprisingly, caring for persons with dementia (PWD) with behavioral issues in acute care settings has become extremely challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tan
- Hongyun Tan, Woodland Health Campus, Nursing Service, Level 5, Tower E, 2 Yishun Central 2, Singapore 768024, Phone: +65-97688748 ,
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Lawrence H, Lim WS, McKeever TM. Variation in clinical outcomes and process of care measures in community acquired pneumonia: a systematic review. Pneumonia (Nathan) 2020; 12:10. [PMID: 32999854 PMCID: PMC7517805 DOI: 10.1186/s41479-020-00073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Variation in outcomes of patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been reported in some, but not all, studies. Although some variation is expected, unwarranted variation in healthcare impacts patient outcomes and equity of care. The aim of this systematic review was to: i) summarise current evidence on regional and inter-hospital variation in the clinical outcomes and process of care measures of patients hospitalised with CAP and ii) assess the strength of this evidence. Methods Databases were systematically searched from inception to February 2018 for relevant studies and data independently extracted by two investigators in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Included studies enrolled adults hospitalised with CAP and reported a measure of variation between two or more units in healthcare outcomes or process of care measures. Outcomes of interest were mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS) and re-admission rates. A structured synthesis of the studies was performed. Results Twenty-two studies were included in the analysis. The median number of units compared across studies was five (IQR 4–15). Evidence for variation in mortality between units was inconsistent; of eleven studies that performed statistical significance testing, five found significant variation. For LOS, of nine relevant studies, all found statistically significant variation. Four studies reported site of admission accounted for 1–24% of the total observed variation in LOS. A shorter LOS was not associated with increased mortality or readmission rates. For readmission, evidence was mixed; of seven studies, 4 found statistically significant variation. There was consistent evidence for variation in the use of intensive care, obtaining blood cultures on admission, receiving antibiotics within 8 h of admission and duration of intravenous antibiotics. Across all outcome measures, only one study accounted for natural variation between units in their analysis. Conclusion There is consistent evidence of moderate quality for significant variation in length of stay and process of care measures but not for in-patient mortality or hospital re-admission. Evidence linking variation in outcomes with variation in process of care measures was limited; where present no difference in mortality was detected despite POC variation. Adjustment for natural variation within studies was lacking; the proportion of observed variation due to chance is not quantified by existing evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lawrence
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - W S Lim
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre/Nottingham Clinical Research Facilities, Nottingham, UK
| | - T M McKeever
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre/Nottingham Clinical Research Facilities, Nottingham, UK
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Khor EQ, Lim JP, Tay L, Yeo A, Yew S, Ding YY, Lim WS. Obesity Definitions in Sarcopenic Obesity: Differences in Prevalence, Agreement and Association with Muscle Function. J Frailty Aging 2020; 9:37-43. [PMID: 32150212 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2019.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is associated with poorer physical performance in the elderly and will increase in relevance with population ageing and the obesity epidemic. The lack of a consensus definition for SO has resulted in variability in its reported prevalence, poor inter-definitional agreement, and disagreement on its impact on physical performance, impeding further development in the field. While sarcopenia definitions have been compared, the impact of obesity definitions in SO has been less well-studied. OBJECTIVES To compare 3 widely-adopted definitions of obesity in terms of SO prevalence, inter-definitional agreement, and association with muscle function. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING GERILABS study, Singapore Participants: 200 community-dwelling, functionally-independent older adults. MEASUREMENTS We utilized three commonly-used definitions of obesity: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and DXA-derived fat mass percentage (FM%). Sarcopenia was defined using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. For muscle function, we assessed handgrip strength, gait speed and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Subjects were classified into 4 body composition phenotypes (normal, obese, sarcopenic and SO), and outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS The prevalence rate for SO was lowest for BMI (0.5%) compared to FM% (10.0%) and WC (10.5%). Inter-definitional agreement was lowest between BMI and WC (κ=0.364), and at best moderate between FM% and WC (κ=0.583). SO performed the worst amongst body composition phenotypes in handgrip strength, gait speed and SPPB (all p<0.01) only when defined using WC. In regression analyses, SO was associated with decreased SPPB scores (β=-0.261, p=0.001) only for the WC definition. CONCLUSION There is large variation in the prevalence of SO across different obesity definitions, with low-to-moderate agreement between them. Our results corroborate recent evidence that WC, and thus central obesity, is best associated with poorer muscle function in SO. Thus, WC should be further explored in defining obesity for accurate and early characterization of SO among older adults in Asian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Q Khor
- Ezra Qi-En Khor, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Email address: , Telephone number: +65 63596474
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Chua KY, Lim WS, Lin X, Yuan JM, Koh WP. Handgrip Strength and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) Test are Predictors of Short-Term Mortality among Elderly in a Population-Based Cohort in Singapore. J Nutr Health Aging 2020; 24:371-378. [PMID: 32242204 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Asian studies on how physical tests predict short-term mortality in elderly are scarce. We assessed handgrip strength and timed-up-and-go (TUG) as such predictors among elderly Chinese in Singapore. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Community-dwelling Chinese elderly in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS We used data from 13,789 subjects in the prospective, population-based Singapore Chinese Health Study, who had a mean age of 74 (range 63 to 97) years at time of measurements. MEASUREMENTS Subjects underwent assessment for handgrip strength and TUG. They were followed for mortality via linkage with nationwide death registry through 2018. RESULTS In multivariable analyses, handgrip strength was inversely associated with risk of mortality in a dose-dependent manner: the hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] comparing extreme quartiles was 2.05 (1.44-2.90) (Ptrend<0.001). TUG was positively associated with mortality in a stepwise manner: the HR (95% CI) comparing extreme quartiles was 3.08 (2.17-4.38) (Ptrend<0.001). Compared to those with stronger handgrip and faster TUG, participants who either had weaker handgrip or slower TUG had a significant 1.59 to 2.11 fold increase in risk of mortality; while the HR (95% CI) for those who had both weaker handgrip and slower TUG was 3.93 (3.06-5.05). In time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, adding handgrip strength and TUG time to a Cox model containing sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and body measurements significantly improved the area under the curve for the prediction of mortality from 0.5 to 2 years (P≤0.001). CONCLUSION Among elderly in a Chinese population, handgrip strength and TUG test were strong and independent predictors of short-term mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Y Chua
- Woon-Puay Koh, Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, 8 College Road Level 4, Singapore 169857, Singapore. Phone: (65) 6601 3147; Fax: (65) 6222 7453;
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Lim WS, Lim JP, Chew J, Tan AWK. Letter to the Editor: Influence of Obesity on Diagnostic Accuracy and Optimal Cutoffs for Sarcopenia Screening in Non-Frail Older Adults: A Comparison of SARC-F versus SARC-CalF. J Nutr Health Aging 2020; 24:914-916. [PMID: 33009545 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W S Lim
- Wee Shiong Lim, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Aging, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Annex 2 Level 3, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, , Telephone: +65-6359 6474, Fax: +65-6359 6294
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Chew J, Yeo A, Yew S, Lim JP, Tay L, Ding YY, Lim WS. Muscle Strength Definitions Matter: Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Predictive Validity for Adverse Outcomes Using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) Criteria. J Nutr Health Aging 2020; 24:614-618. [PMID: 32510114 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EWGSOP2 criteria for sarcopenia recommends the use of either handgrip strength (GS) or 5-times repeated chair stand test (RCS) as a muscle strength measure. We aim to compare the impact of different muscle strength definitions on sarcopenia prevalence and predictive validity for 2-year outcomes, using the EWGSOP2 clinical algorithm. METHODS We studied 200 community-dwelling older adults, comparing sarcopenia prevalence using three muscle strength definitions: 1) maximum GS (Asian Working Group cutoffs); 2) RCS-1 (standard cutoff >15s); and 3) RCS-2 (ROC-derived cutoff >12.5s). Two-year outcomes include: 1) Incident frailty (modified Fried criteria); 2) Physical performance [Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score <10]; and 3) Quality of life [EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) <25th percentile]. We performed logistic regression on 2-year outcomes adjusted for age, gender, cognition and mood. RESULTS Prevalence of confirmed sarcopenia was 14.5%, 4% and 9% for GS, RCS-1 and RCS-2 respectively. For 2-year outcomes (N=183), RCS-2 predicted incident frailty (OR: 5.7, 95% CI 1.4-22.8, p=0.013), low SPPB (OR: 4.4, 95% CI 1.4-13.1, p=0.009), and trended towards predicting low QOL (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 0.9-4.9, p=0.095). In contrast, GS and RCS-1 did not predict frailty nor low QOL, but predicted low SPPB only (GS: OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.3-10.6, p=0.01; RCS-1: OR: 8.8, 95% CI 2.2-35.0, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Sarcopenia prevalence varies with muscle strength definitions, with GS being significantly higher vis-à-vis RCS definitions. Our results also support the use of population-specific over standard cutoffs for RCS to obtain intermediate estimates of sarcopenia prevalence and the best predictive validity for two-year outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chew
- Dr. Justin Chew, Department of Geriatric Medicine, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433.
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Lawrence H, Hunter A, Murray R, Lim WS, McKeever T. Cigarette smoking and the occurrence of influenza - Systematic review. J Infect 2019; 79:401-406. [PMID: 31465780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The association of current smoking with influenza infection is not widely recognised. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise published evidence and quantify the risk of influenza infection in tobacco smokers compared to non-smokers. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS and Web of Science, from inception to 7 November 2017, to identify relevant randomised control trials, cohort and case-control studies. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We included studies defining influenza as a clinical syndrome and those using confirmatory microbiological tests. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by using random effects model. RESULTS The mean quality score across the nine included studies (n = 40,685 participants) was 5.4 of 9 (SD 1.07). Current smokers were over 5 times more likely to develop laboratory-confirmed influenza than non-smokers (pooled OR 5.69 (95% CI 2.79-11.60), 3 studies). For studies reporting the occurrence of an influenza-like illness (ILI), current smokers were 34% more likely to develop ILI than non-smokers (pooled OR 1.34 (95% CI 1.13-1.59), 6 studies). CONCLUSION Current smokers have an increased risk of developing influenza compared to non-smokers. The association was strongest in studies examining cases with laboratory confirmed influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lawrence
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Clinical Sciences Building, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1 PB, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS), School of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - A Hunter
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS), School of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - R Murray
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS), School of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - W S Lim
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Clinical Sciences Building, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1 PB, UK; Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre NIHR, UK
| | - T McKeever
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS), School of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre NIHR, UK
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Chan EY, Lim ZX, Ding YY, Chan YH, Lim WS. Development of a Brief Caregiver-centric Screening Tool to Identify Risk of Depression among Caregivers of Hospitalized Older Adults. J Nutr Health Aging 2019; 23:578-585. [PMID: 31233081 PMCID: PMC6586909 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-019-1197-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caregivers of hospitalized older adults experience elevated levels of stress and are at risk of poor health outcomes. There is a lack of screening tools based on self-reported caregiver variables incorporating both protective and risk factors, for early identification of at-risk caregivers. This study reports the development of a caregiver-centric screening tool to identify risk of depression at admission and predicts 3-month risk of depression and quality of life amongst caregivers of older adults with an unplanned admission. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective cohort study was conducted in the medical wards of a tertiary-care hospital from July 2015 to May 2017. We recruited family caregivers of patients aged 65 years and above who fulfilled the following criteria: a) unplanned admission, b) not residing in nursing homes; and c) requiring assistance in activities of daily living. MEASUREMENTS We examined 11 candidate caregiver variables (mastery, burden and nine demographic variables). Risk of depression (score ≥8 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) depression subscale) was the primary outcome, and was assessed during the index admission. Logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors and risk scores (weights). The total risk scores were then stratified into three risk levels. Predictive validity of the screening tool was assessed using 3-months post-discharge risk of depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS The study included 274 caregiver-patient dyads. The mean (SD) age of the caregivers was 59 (10) years with 33.6% caregivers screening positive for risk of depression. The final model comprised three caregiver variables: mastery, burden and education. The total risk scores ranged from 0 to 6 and showed good discrimination (AUC:0.82, 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.87). Caregivers were classified into low-risk (0-1 points), intermediate-risk (2-4 points), and high-risk (5-6 points) groups, with corresponding rates of risk of depression (HADS-D≥8) of 10.7%, 44.6% and 73.3%, during admission. Relative risk rates of the intermediate- and high- risk group using the low-risk group as reference were 4.16 and 6.84 respectively. At 3-months post-discharge, the rates of caregivers at risk of depression or having poor HRQoL also increased corresponding to the three risk levels as per baseline, supporting the predictive validity of the tool. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS The caregiver-centric tool is a novel, practical, self-administered, relatively brief caregiver-centric instrument that can be used for rapid screening and stratification of caregivers at risk of depression. Uniquely, the tool comprised of assessment of protective factor (mastery) in addition to risk factors to provide a holistic assessment of the caregiver. It can be incorporated as part of older adults' admission evaluation so that prompt intervention can be rendered to their at-risk caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- E-Y Chan
- Ee-Yuee Chan, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Nursing Service, Annex 1, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Email address: , Telephone number: (65)63573185, Fax number: (65)63578515
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Chew J, Tay L, Lim JP, Leung BP, Yeo A, Yew S, Ding YY, Lim WS. Serum Myostatin and IGF-1 as Gender-Specific Biomarkers of Frailty and Low Muscle Mass in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Nutr Health Aging 2019; 23:979-986. [PMID: 31781728 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-019-1255-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (i) To investigate serum myostatin (absolute and normalized for total body lean mass (TBLM)) and IGF-1 as biomarkers of frailty and low relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass (RASM) in older adults, and; (ii) to examine gender differences in the association of serum myostatin and IGF-1 levels with frailty and low RASM. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING The "Longitudinal Assessment of Biomarkers for characterization of early Sarcopenia and predicting frailty and functional decline in community-dwelling Asian older adults Study" (GERI-LABS) study in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS 200 subjects aged 50 years and older residing in the community. MEASUREMENTS Frailty was assessed using the modified Fried criteria. Low RASM was defined using cutoffs for height-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry as recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Comorbidities, cognitive and functional performance, physical activity and nutritional status were assessed. Blood samples collected included serum myostatin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and markers of inflammation (total white cell count, CRP, IL-6 and TNFaR1). Subjects were classified into 4 groups: Frail/Prefrail with low RASM (Frail/Low RASM), Frail/Prefrail with normal RASM (Frail/Normal RASM), Robust with low RASM (Robust/Low RASM) and Robust with normal RASM (Robust/Normal RASM). RESULTS 63 (32%) subjects were classified as Frail/Low RASM, 53 (27%) Frail/Normal RASM, 28 (14%) Robust/Low RASM and 56 (28%) Robust/Normal RASM respectively. Frail/Low RASM subjects were older and had lower BMI compared to Frail/Normal RASM and robust subjects. Mean (SE) normalized myostatin levels were higher in Frail/Low RASM compared to Frail/Normal RASM subjects (1.0 (0.04) versus 0.84 (0.05) ng/ml/kg, P=0.01). Median (IQR) IGF-1 level was lower amongst Frail/Low RASM subjects compared to Frail/Normal RASM subjects (102.3, (77.7, 102.5) vs 119.7 (82.7, 146.0) ng/ml, P=0.046). No differences in myostatin or IGF-1 were observed among robust individuals with or without low muscle mass. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression models with Robust/Normal RASM as the reference group, myostatin (P=0.05) and IGF-1 (P=0.043) were associated with Frail/Low RASM status in the whole cohort. When stratified by gender, myostatin was significantly associated with Frail/Low RASM status in men only (P=0.03). In women, serum IGF-1 was associated with Frail/Low RASM status (P=0.046), but not myostatin (P=0.53). CONCLUSION Serum myostatin, normalized for TBLM in men and IGF-1 in women are potential biomarkers for frail individuals with low RASM, and may identify a target group for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chew
- Dr Justin Chew, Department of Geriatric Medicine, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433,
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Heyzer L, Ali NB, Chew AP, Chan M, Lim WS. Worry about Performance: Unravelling the Relationship between 'Doing More' and 'Doing Better'. J Nutr Health Aging 2019; 23:843-848. [PMID: 31641734 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-019-1225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies have described worry about caregiver performance (WaP) as a distinct dimension of caregiver burden. We aimed to explore care recipient and caregiver characteristics between the concordant and discordant WaP groups in a population of caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment. The secondary objective is to explore if there are differences between high and low WaP subsets in the 'doing more' and 'doing better' groups. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This is a retrospective study of 936 dyads of community-dwelling older adults with cognitive complaints and their primary family caregiver from a hospital in Singapore. MEASUREMENTS We performed descriptive and inferential statistics of the characteristics of caregivers and patients. We categorized caregiver-patient dyads into four groups, namely concordant (high vs low WaP) and discordant ('doing more' vs 'doing better') groups. For both concordant and discordant groups, we further defined low and high WaP subgroups using tertile cutoffs. RESULTS The concordant low WaP group is predicted by the spousal relationship (p<.001) and care recipients with fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms (p<.001). There is no significant difference between the discordant groups, which were predominantly the adult children. Further analysis of subgroups found that in the 'doing better' group, there were more spouses in the high as compared to low WaP subgroups, with the reverse true in the 'doing more' group. In the 'doing more' group, caregivers with high WaP also had higher total ZBI (p<0.05) with higher factors (F1, F2 and F3) scores (p<0.05). They also endorsed higher NPI-Q scores (p=0.045) particularly in the domain of depression / dysphoria (p=0.034). These differences are not seen in the 'doing better' group. CONCLUSION Our study suggests an association with caregiver characteristics (adult child) and disruptive behavior in the 'do more' high WaP discordant group. Delineating into the high and low WaP subgroups can help us identify the 'do more' high WaP subgroup that merits further attention and early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Heyzer
- Louise Heyzer, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Annex 2 , Level 3, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Novena, Singapore 308433,
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Lim
- W.S. Lim,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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Goh WY, Chan D, Ali NB, Chew AP, Chuo A, Chan M, Lim WS. Frontal Assessment Battery in Early Cognitive Impairment: Psychometric Property and Factor Structure. J Nutr Health Aging 2019; 23:966-972. [PMID: 31781726 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-019-1248-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) is a reliable and valid bedside tool for testing executive function in dementia. Given the increasing interest in utility of FAB as a screening tool in early cognitive impairment (ECI), there is a surprising lack of studies evaluating its psychometric property and factor structure, nor the influence of factors such as age, education and gender, in ECI. OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties and factor structure of FAB in older adults with ECI, as well as the influence of age, gender and education. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This is a retrospective, observational cross-sectional study with 300 community dwelling, predominantly Chinese older adults (14 normal, 130 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 156 mild dementia) who presented to Memory Clinic from January 2011 to December 2013. Measurements and Analysis: We collected data on demographic, cognitive, functional and behavioral evaluation. To examine the psychometric properties of FAB, we examined the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity; internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha; and factor structure by exploratory factor analysis. The influence of age, education and gender was examined using unadjusted and adjusted correlational analyses with CDR-SOB. We performed analysis for the whole group and for MCI subgroup. RESULTS FAB total score decreases significantly from normal to dementia group attesting to concurrent validity. It correlated significantly with digit span backwards and Chinese Mini Mental State Examination (r=0.38 and 0.47 respectively, p<0.01) and poorly with Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire and depression (r=0.004 and -0.02 respectively), supporting its convergent and discriminant validity. Factor analysis yielded a single-factor solution for FAB with fair Internal consistency (alpha=0.610). FAB is relatively unaffected by age, gender and education level. These good psychometric properties extend to MCI, albeit with greater influence by education level. FAB items of conceptualization and mental flexibility have good discriminatory ability between MCI and normal subjects. CONCLUSION FAB has good concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity with fair internal consistency in ECI that is premised on a one-factor structure. It is relatively unaffected by age, gender or education. Taken together, FAB is a useful bedside screening tool for executive function in ECI.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Y Goh
- Wen Yang Goh, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Aging, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Annex, Level 2, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Novena, Singapore 308433. Phone: +65-6357-6474; Fax: +65-6359-6294.
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Alimi Y, Lim WS, Lansbury L, Leonardi-Bee J, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS. Systematic review of respiratory viral pathogens identified in adults with community-acquired pneumonia in Europe. J Clin Virol 2017; 95:26-35. [PMID: 28837859 PMCID: PMC7185624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2017.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses are potentially implicated in one quarter to one-third of adult cases of community-acquired pneumonia. In such cases influenza is the most frequently detected viral pathogen. Failure to test for respiratory viruses in hospitalised patients may lead to missed opportunities for early therapeutic intervention.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important respiratory disease and the fifth leading cause of mortality in Europe. The development of molecular diagnostic tests has highlighted the contributions of respiratory viruses to the aetiology of CAP, suggesting the incidence of viral pneumonia may have been previously underestimated. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to describe the overall identification of respiratory viruses in adult patients with CAP in Europe, following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO; CRD42016037233). We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, WHOLIS, COCHRANE library and grey literature sources for relevant studies, and screened these against protocol eligibility criteria. Two researchers performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments, independently, using a piloted form. Results were synthesised narratively, and random effects meta-analyses performed to calculate pooled estimates of effect; heterogeneity was quantified using I2. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria of which 21 were included in the primary meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of patients with identified respiratory viruses was 22.0% (95% CI: 18.0%–27.0%), rising to 29.0% (25.0%–34.0%) in studies where polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostics were performed. Influenza virus was the most frequently detected virus in 9% (7%–12%) of adults with CAP. Respiratory viruses make a substantial contribution to the aetiology of CAP in adult patients in Europe; one or more respiratory viruses are detected in about one quarter of all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Alimi
- Health Protection and Influenza Research Group, Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, UK
| | - W S Lim
- University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - L Lansbury
- Health Protection and Influenza Research Group, Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, UK
| | - J Leonardi-Bee
- Health Protection and Influenza Research Group, Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, UK
| | - J S Nguyen-Van-Tam
- Health Protection and Influenza Research Group, Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, UK.
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Yang YX, Chong MS, Lim WS, Tay L, Yew S, Yeo A, Tan CH. Validity of estimating muscle and fat volume from a single MRI section in older adults with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. Clin Radiol 2017; 72:427.e9-427.e14. [PMID: 28117037 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Y X Yang
- Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
| | - M S Chong
- Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - W S Lim
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - L Tay
- Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - S Yew
- Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - A Yeo
- Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - C H Tan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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Daniel P, Ashton D, Sheppard C, Eletu S, Sandu P, Litt D, Fry N, Lim WS. S105 Pneumococcal serotypes implicated in adult pneumococcal pneumonia, 9 years following the introduction of the infant vaccine programme in the uk. Thorax 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209333.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Chong MS, Tay L, Chan M, Lim WS, Ye R, Wong WC, Lim JP, Tan EK, Ding YY. Stage-Specific Relationship between Frailty and Cognitive Impairment in a Specialist Memory Clinic Setting. J Frailty Aging 2016; 3:113-9. [PMID: 27049904 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2014.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear if the complex relationship between physical frailty and cognition varies across the severity of cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVES We therefore aimed to explore if there are stage-specific differences in the relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A specialist Memory Clinic setting. PARTICIPANTS Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) community-dwelling subjects. MEASUREMENTS We obtained data on demographics, multimorbidity, cognition-related measures, nutrition, neuroimaging measures, muscle mass, Vitamin D level, apolipoprotein - e (APOE) status and physical performance measures. Frailty measures of gait speed, hand grip strength, question on exhausation and weight loss, classified subjects according to the Buchmann criteria into non-frail and frail categories. RESULTS Forty-five MCI, 64 mild AD and 13 moderate AD subjects (total n=122) were studied. The prevalence of frailty for MCI, mild AD and moderate AD was 35.6%, 21.9% and 46.2% respectively, indicating a u-shaped trend. Significant differences were noted in fatigue, grip strength and gait speed frailty sub-items. Significant correlation of frailty with cognition were noted in mild-moderate AD (Spearman's coefficient 0.26, p<0.05) but not in MCI (0.01, p=0.6). No other differences in multimorbidity, Vitamin D, APOE, nutritional measures, white matter lesions were observed. Sarcopenia interestingly had an inverse stage-specific relationship unlike frailty. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a U-shaped relationship between frailty and cognition, characterized by initial dissociation with cognitive impairment and subsequent convergence at later stages. Future studies incorporating immune markers and endocrine pathways with longitudinal follow-up could potentially elucidate intermediary mechanisms in the frailty cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Chong
- Dr Chong Mei Sian, Senior Consultant, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, S308433, Singapore, Email address: , Telephone: (65)63596251, Fax number: (65)63596294
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Tay L, Lim WS, Chan M, Ye RJ, Chong MS. The Independent Role of Inflammation in Physical Frailty among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. J Nutr Health Aging 2016; 20:288-99. [PMID: 26892578 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-015-0617-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the independent and combined effects of inflammation and endocrine dysregulation on (i) baseline frailty status and (ii) frailty progression at one year, among cognitively impaired community dwelling older adults. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary Memory Clinic. METHODS We recruited patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Physical frailty status was assessed at baseline and 1-year. Blood biomarkers of systemic inflammation [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and anabolic hormones [insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS)] were measured at baseline and examined in relation to physical frailty status at baseline and progression at 1-year. Each subject was categorized as (i) neither pro-inflammatory nor endocrine deficient, (ii) pro-inflammatory (IL-6 or TNF-α, or both, being in highest quartile) but not endocrine deficient, (iii) endocrine deficient (IGF-1 or DHEAS, or both, being in lowest quartile) but not pro-inflammatory and (iv) both pro-inflammatory and endocrine deficient. RESULTS Twenty (20.2%) of 99 subjects were physically frail at baseline. There was no association between severity of cognitive impairment and baseline frailty status, but the frail group had significantly greater hippocampal atrophy (median MTA: 2 (2-3) vs 1 (1-2), p=0.010). TNF-α was significantly higher in subjects who were physically frail at baseline (median TNF-α: 1.30 (0.60-1.40) vs 0.60 (0.50-1.30) pg/mL, p=0.035). In multiple logistic regression adjusted for age and gender, a pro-inflammatory state in the absence of concomitant endocrine deficiency was significantly associated with physical frailty at baseline (OR=4.99, 95% C.I 1.25-19.88, p=0.023); this was no longer significant when MTA score was included in the model. Isolated pro-inflammatory state (without endocrine deficiency) significantly increased the odds of frailty progression (OR=4.06, 95% CI 1.09-15.10, p=0.037) at 1-year. The combination pro-inflammatory and endocrine deficient state was not significantly associated with either baseline or progressive physical frailty. CONCLUSION A pro-inflammatory state exerts differential effects on physical frailty, contributing to the increased risk of baseline and progressive frailty only in the absence of a concomitant endocrine deficient state, with potential mediation via neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Tay
- Dr Laura Tay, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433. Phone: 65-6359 6474, Fax: 65-6359 6294, E-Mail:
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Ali N, Anthony P, Lim WS, Chong MS, Poon EWH, Drury V, Chan M. P-99 Benefits of advance care planning for caregivers of persons with mild dementia of predominantly chinese ethnicity. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-000978.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
This report describes a care bundles implementation project for COPD undertaken during 2013 in England and Wales. High-level data were collected on outcomes of care for 11 748 patients admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). Patient-level data on processes and outcomes of care were collected on 3272 COPD admissions, among which 1174 bundles were delivered. Analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in mortality and length of hospital stay from some bundle elements. Outcomes, including bundle completion rates, were better when specialist respiratory review occurred. The results support wider use of care bundles for AECOPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Turner
- Centre for Translational Inflammation Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK Department of Respiratory Medicine, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - W S Lim
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - C Rodrigo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - J M Calvert
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
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Lim WS, Smith DL, Wise MP, Welham SA. British Thoracic Society community acquired pneumonia guideline and the NICE pneumonia guideline: how they fit together. Thorax 2015; 70:698-700. [PMID: 25977290 PMCID: PMC4484256 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-206881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The British Thoracic Society (BTS) guideline for the management of adults with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) published in 2009 was compared with the 2014 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Pneumonia Guideline. Of the 36 BTS recommendations that overlapped with NICE recommendations, no major differences were found in 31, including those covering key aspects of CAP management: timeliness of diagnosis and treatment, severity assessment and empirical antibiotic choice. Of the five BTS recommendations where major differences with NICE were identified, one related to antibiotic duration in low and moderate severity CAP, two to the timing of review of patients and two to legionella urinary antigen testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Lim
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - D L Smith
- Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Lung Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - M P Wise
- Department of Adult Critical Care, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
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Lim WS, Smith DL, Wise MP, Welham SA. British Thoracic Society community acquired pneumonia guideline and the NICE pneumonia guideline: how they fit together. BMJ Open Respir Res 2015; 2:e000091. [PMID: 26019876 PMCID: PMC4442154 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2015-000091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The British Thoracic Society (BTS) guideline for the management of adults with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) published in 2009 was compared with the 2014 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Pneumonia Guideline. Of the 36 BTS recommendations that overlapped with NICE recommendations, no major differences were found in 31, including those covering key aspects of CAP management: timeliness of diagnosis and treatment, severity assessment and empirical antibiotic choice. Of the five BTS recommendations where major differences with NICE were identified, one related to antibiotic duration in low and moderate severity CAP, two to the timing of review of patients and two to legionella urinary antigen testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Lim
- Department of Respiratory Medicine , Nottingham City Hospital , Nottingham , UK
| | - D L Smith
- Southmead Hospital , North Bristol Lung Centre , Bristol , UK
| | - M P Wise
- Department of Adult Critical Care , University Hospital of Wales , Cardiff , UK
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rodrigo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, , Nottingham, UK
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Ali MM, Lim KS, Yang HZ, Chong WY, Lim WS, Ahmad H. Direct period measurement for fiber Bragg grating using an optical imaging technique. Appl Opt 2013; 52:5393-5397. [PMID: 23913056 DOI: 10.1364/ao.52.005393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes an approach based on an optical imaging technique for the period measurement of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG). The simple, direct technique involves a differential interface contrast (DIC) microscope and a high-resolution CCD camera. Image processing is performed on the microscope images to obtain low-noise grating profiles and then the grating periods. Adopting a large image sample size in the image processing can reduce uncertainty. During the investigation, FBGs of different grating periods are fabricated by prestraining the photosensitive fibers during the UV-writing process. A good linearity between the measured Bragg wavelengths and grating periods is observed and the measured strain-optics coefficient was found to be in agreement with reported literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Ali
- Photonics Research Centre, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Binte Ali N, Chan M, Anthony P, Lim WS, Chong MS. Advance care planning for subjects with early dementia – a pilot study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000250.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Nicholson KG, Abrams KR, Batham S, Clark TW, Hoschler K, Lim WS, Medina M, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, Read RC, Warren FC, Zambon M. A randomised, partially observer blind, multicentre, head-to-head comparison of a two-dose regimen of Baxter and GlaxoSmithKline H1N1 pandemic vaccines, administered 21 days apart. Health Technol Assess 2011; 14:193-334. [PMID: 21208550 DOI: 10.3310/hta14550-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the immunogenicity of a two-dose schedule of Baxter cell-cultured, non-adjuvanted, whole-virion H1N1 vaccine, and GlaxoSmithKline AS03(A)-adjuvanted split-virion H1N1 vaccine with respect to the EU Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensing criteria. DESIGN An age-stratified, randomised, observer-blind, parallel-group, multicentre controlled trial was carried out in volunteers aged ≥ 18-44, ≥ 45-64 and ≥ 65 years. SETTING Three teaching hospitals in the UK (Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester; Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham; and Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield). PARTICIPANTS Three hundred and forty-seven subjects were identified and randomised to AS03(A)-adjuvanted split-virion H1N1 vaccine or whole-virion (WV) vaccine in age groups [≥ 18-44 years (n = 140), ≥ 45-64 years (n = 136) and ≥ 65 years (n = 71)]. INTERVENTIONS Vaccine was administered by intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle of the non-dominant arm. One hundred and seventy-five randomised subjects were allocated AS03(A)-adjuvanted split H1N1 vaccine; one hundred and sixty-nine subjects had a second dose of the same vaccine 21 days later. One hundred and seventy-two subjects were allocated WV vaccine; one hundred and seventy-one subjects had a second dose of the same vaccine 21 days later. Serum samples for antibody measurements were collected on days 0 (before the first vaccination), 7, 14, 21 (before the second vaccination), 28, 35, 42 and 180. Subjects were observed for local and systemic reactions for 30 minutes after each injection, and for the next 7 days they recorded, in self-completed diaries, the severity of solicited local (pain, bruising, erythema and swelling) and systemic symptoms (chills, malaise, muscle aches, nausea and headache), oral temperature and use of analgesic medications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Vaccine immunogenicity using the CHMP and the FDA licensing criteria. Antibody titres were measured using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and microneutralisation (MN) assays at baseline and 7, 14 and 21 days after each vaccination and at day 180. The three immunogenicity criteria end points were the seroprotection rate, the seroconversion rate and the mean-fold titre elevation. RESULTS Both vaccine doses were given in 340 subjects (98%). Data from 680 (99%) of 687 issued diary cards were returned. Sera were obtained from 340 (98.0%), 333 (96.0%), 341 (98.3%), 331 (95.4%), 329 (94.8%) and 332 (95.7%) subjects on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42, respectively. Three hundred and forty-six and 345 subjects were included in the safety and immunogenicity analyses, respectively. Prevaccination antibody was detected by HI (titre ≥ 1 : 8) and MN (titre ≥ 1 : 10) in 14% and 31% of subjects, respectively. Among the 298 (85.9%) subjects without baseline antibody on HI assay, a titre of ≥ 1 : 40 (seroprotection) was achieved after a single dose of AS03(A)-adjuvanted vaccine and WV vaccine by day 21 in 93.0% and 65.5%, respectively, of subjects between 18 and 44 years, 76.4% and 36.1% of subjects between 45 and 64 years, and 53.1% and 30.0% of subjects ≥ 65 years. Among all 347 subjects, a titre of ≥ 1 : 40 was achieved after a single dose of AS03(A)-adjuvanted vaccine and WV vaccine by day 21 in 94.0% and 71.4%, respectively, of subjects between 18 and 44 years, 77.3% and 38.8% of subjects between 45 and 64 years, and 51.4% and 32.4% of subjects ≥ 65 years. The age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for adjuvanted compared with WV vaccine, in terms of seroprotection, was 4.42 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.63 to 7.44, p < 0.001]. On day 42, among subjects without baseline antibody on HI assay, a titre of ≥ 1 : 40 was achieved after the second dose of AS03(A)-adjuvanted vaccine and WV vaccine by 100% and 67.9%, respectively, of subjects between 18 and 44 years, 89.3% and 41% of subjects between 45 and 64 years, and 76.5% and 34.5% of subjects ≥ 65 years. Among all 347 subjects, a titre of ≥ 1 : 40 was achieved on day 42 after the second dose of AS03(A)-adjuvanted vaccine and WV vaccine in 100% and 73.1%, respectively, of subjects between 18 and 44 years, 90.8% and 43.9% of subjects between 45 and 64 years, and 75.7% and 36.4% of subjects ≥ 65 years. The age-adjusted OR for adjuvanted vaccine compared with WV vaccine, in terms of seroprotection, was 11.21 (95% CI 5.80 to 21.64, p < 0.001). Age-related decline in antibody response occurred after both doses of both vaccines. WV vaccine was associated with fewer local and systemic reactions and lower immune responses than was AS03(A)-adjuvanted vaccine. The most frequent solicited local event was pain, reported by 28% and 76% of subjects after either dose of WV or adjuvanted vaccine, respectively (OR 7.71, 95% CI 4.48 to 13.24, p < 0.0001). The most common systemic event was myalgia, reported by 24% and 49% of subjects after either dose of WV or adjuvanted vaccine (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.86 to 4.80, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS AS03(A)-adjuvanted 2009 H1N1 vaccine is more immunogenic and provides greater antigen-sparing capacity than WV 2009 H1N1 vaccine. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN92328241. FUNDING This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 14, No. 55. See the HTA programme website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Nicholson
- Vaccine Evaluation Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Department of Inflammation, Infection and Immunity, University of Leicester, UK.
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Chong MS, Lim WS, Chan SP, Feng L, Niti M, Yap P, Yeo D, Ng TP. Diagnostic performance of the Chinese Frontal Assessment Battery in early cognitive impairment in an Asian population. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2011; 30:525-32. [PMID: 21252547 DOI: 10.1159/000321665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) has been shown to be useful in evaluating frontal dysfunction. There is a paucity of studies validating cutoffs in the early cognitive impairment. We aim to validate the Chinese FAB in Asian subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia. METHODS Eighty subjects with MCI and mild dementia and 100 cognitively healthy community subjects were studied. ROC analysis was done to determine the Chinese FAB's optimal cutoff scores for age- and education-adjusted subgroups. RESULTS Chinese FAB scores were significantly lower in early cognitive impairment compared with cognitively normal controls. The optimal cutoff score was 12/13 (sensitivity 92%, specificity 78.7%). A similar cutoff score was obtained following age-adjustment and for subjects with <6 years' education. Of note, the optimal cutoff for subjects with ≥6 years' education was 13/14 (sensitivity 91.8%, specificity 70.3%), an improved diagnostic performance compared to the earlier reported 11/12 cutoff. In comparison, the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) had lower rule-out accuracy (77% sensitivity, 91.2% specificity). The combination of the Chinese FAB and MMSE was superior to either test in isolation. CONCLUSION The education-adjusted Chinese FAB has good diagnostic performance, which can supplement the MMSE in early cognitive impairment evaluation with construct differences observed between the Chinese FAB and MMSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Chong
- Clinical Research Unit, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore.
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Killingley B, Greatorex J, Cauchemez S, Enstone JE, Curran M, Read RC, Lim WS, Hayward A, Nicholson KG, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS. Virus shedding and environmental deposition of novel A (H1N1) pandemic influenza virus: interim findings. Health Technol Assess 2011; 14:237-354. [PMID: 20923613 DOI: 10.3310/hta14460-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relative importance of different routes of influenza transmission, including the role of bioaerosols, and ability of masks and/or hand hygiene to prevent transmission, remains poorly understood. Current evidence suggests that infectious virus is not typically released from adults after 5 days of illness, however, little is known about the extent to which virus is deposited by infected individuals into the environment and whether deposited virus has the ability to infect new hosts. Further information about the deposition of viable influenza virus in the immediate vicinity of patients with pandemic influenza is fundamental to our understanding of the routes and mechanisms of transmission. OBJECTIVES To collect data on patients infected with pandemic H1N1 2009 (swine flu). Primary objectives were to correlate the amount of virus detected in a patient's nose with that recovered from his/her immediate environment, and with symptom duration and severity. Secondary objectives were to describe virus shedding and duration according to major patient characteristics: adults versus children, and those with mild illness (community patients) versus those with more severe disease (hospitalised patients). METHODS Adults and children, both in hospital and from the community, who had symptoms of pandemic H1N1 infection, were enrolled and visited every day during follow-up for a maximum of 12 days. Symptom data was collected and samples were taken, including nose swabs and swabs from surfaces and objects around patients. Samples of air were obtained using validated sampling equipment. The samples were tested for the presence of pandemic H1N1 virus, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect virus genome and an immunofluorescence technique to detect viable virus. RESULTS Forty-three subjects were followed up, and 19 of them were subsequently proven to be infected with pandemic H1N1 virus. The median duration of virus shedding from the 19 infected cases was 6 days when detection was performed by PCR, and 3 days when detection was performed by a culture technique. Over 30% of cases remained potentially infectious for at least 5 days. Only 0.5% of all community and none of the hospital swabs taken revealed virus on surfaces. Five subjects had samples of the air around them collected and virus was detected by PCR from four; some of the air particles in which virus was detected were small enough to be inhaled and deposited deep in the lungs. LIMITATION Small number of subjects recruited. CONCLUSIONS The finding that over 30% of infected individuals have infectious virus in their noses for 5 days or more has infection control implications. The data suggest that contact transmission of pandemic influenza via fomites may be less important than previously thought, but transmission via bioaerosols at short range may be possible, meaning that high-level personal protective equipment may be needed by health-care workers when attending patients with pandemic influenza. Further work is being undertaken to consolidate these findings, as they have important potential implications for the protection of health-care workers and the formulation of advice to households, nationally and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Killingley
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Chin LF, Lim WS, Kong KH. Evaluation of robotic-assisted locomotor training outcomes at a rehabilitation centre in Singapore. Singapore Med J 2010; 51:709-715. [PMID: 20938611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine whether robotic-assisted locomotor training, a new clinical service introduced at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Rehabilitation Centre, Singapore is effective at improving the ability to transfer and the ambulatory status of patients with an acquired brain injury. METHODS This was a retrospective review of data collected from patients with an acquired brain injury, before and after robotic-assisted locomotor training from September 2008 to May 2009. The primary outcome measures used were the functional independence measure (FIM) for transfer and ambulation, and the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA) gross function subscale. The secondary outcome measures used were the Motricity Index (MI) and Modified Ashworth Scale of the lower limb. Statistical analysis was performed on this data to evaluate whether robotic-assisted locomotor training was effective at improving the functional mobility of these patients. RESULTS Significant improvement was observed in the scores of FIM transfer (p is less than 0.05), FIM ambulation (p is less than 0.05) and RMA (p is less than 0.05) after robotic-assisted locomotor training. Significant improvements in the MI of hip flexion (p is less than 0.05), knee extension (p is less than 0.05) and ankle dorsiflexion (p is less than 0.05) post training have also been noted. CONCLUSION Robotic-assisted locomotor training was found to be effective at improving the transfer, ambulation and functional mobility of patients with an acquired brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Chin
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, 17 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9, Singapore 569766.
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Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, Openshaw PJM, Hashim A, Gadd EM, Lim WS, Semple MG, Read RC, Taylor BL, Brett SJ, McMenamin J, Enstone JE, Armstrong C, Nicholson KG. Risk factors for hospitalisation and poor outcome with pandemic A/H1N1 influenza: United Kingdom first wave (May-September 2009). Thorax 2010; 65:645-51. [PMID: 20627925 PMCID: PMC2921287 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2010.135210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background During the first wave of pandemic H1N1 influenza in 2009, most cases outside North America occurred in the UK. The clinical characteristics of UK patients hospitalised with pandemic H1N1 infection and risk factors for severe outcome are described. Methods A case note-based investigation was performed of patients admitted with confirmed pandemic H1N1 infection. Results From 27 April to 30 September 2009, 631 cases from 55 hospitals were investigated. 13% were admitted to a high dependency or intensive care unit and 5% died; 36% were aged <16 years and 5% were aged ≥65 years. Non-white and pregnant patients were over-represented. 45% of patients had at least one underlying condition, mainly asthma, and 13% received antiviral drugs before admission. Of 349 with documented chest x-rays on admission, 29% had evidence of pneumonia, but bacterial co-infection was uncommon. Multivariate analyses showed that physician-recorded obesity on admission and pulmonary conditions other than asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were associated with a severe outcome, as were radiologically-confirmed pneumonia and a raised C-reactive protein (CRP) level (≥100 mg/l). 59% of all in-hospital deaths occurred in previously healthy people. Conclusions Pandemic H1N1 infection causes disease requiring hospitalisation of previously fit individuals as well as those with underlying conditions. An abnormal chest x-ray or a raised CRP level, especially in patients who are recorded as obese or who have pulmonary conditions other than asthma or COPD, indicate a potentially serious outcome. These findings support the use of pandemic vaccine in pregnant women, children <5 years of age and those with chronic lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Nguyen-Van-Tam
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK.
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