Irish journal of medical science
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Hepatitis C virus infection is often asymptomatic, and many patients may be unaware they are infected. Community-based, birth cohort screening has been advocated to identify these patients. It has been estimated that 0.7-1% of individuals born between 1965 and 1985 in Ireland are infected. The cost-effectiveness of screening is critically dependent on the population prevalence. ⋯ Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence was much lower than previously estimated. The proportion of antibody positive patients with hepatitis C antigen was also lower than expected suggesting the effects of treatment and/or high spontaneous viral clearance. Universal birth cohort screening is unlikely to be cost-effective. Targeted birth cohort screening in high prevalence areas could be considered.
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To describe the percutaneous image-guided treatment of mucoid degeneration of the ACL causing deep knee pain on flexion in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. ⋯ Emphasises Image guided percutaneous treatment of Mucoid degeneration of ACL in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
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Telerehabilitation (TR) is an innovative approach that can address the limited availability and restricted access to rehabilitation services, particularly during challenging times such as pandemics and natural disasters. This study focuses on understanding the desires, perceptions, and barriers that physiotherapists face when implementing TR in a developing country. ⋯ The study reveals that physiotherapists in the developing country exhibit a positive attitude towards TR and recognize its potential benefits. However, various barriers, such as training deficiencies, need to be addressed to facilitate a broader adoption of TR in their practices. Overcoming these barriers is anticipated to heighten physiotherapists' readiness to embrace TR, ultimately enhancing the accessibility and delivery of rehabilitation services.
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Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is utilised in the management of a limited number of paediatric renal conditions. Despite its widespread acceptance and advancements in the practice of apheresis, there remains a paucity of data pertaining to paediatrics. We present a large retrospective review of our cohort of paediatric patients undergoing TPE for renal indications, outlining their outcomes and complications. ⋯ Our experience of TPE, spanning 1137 exchanges, proved a safe, well-tolerated therapy. Most complications were minor, and with therapy conducted in specialised centres, there are very low levels of adverse events.
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Spinal fusion, which is widely used in the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), limits the movements of the vertebral column. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between spinal mobility in the postoperative period with functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance in individuals with AIS. ⋯ In AIS, limitation of movement in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes is observed after fusion surgery. Spinal ROM is affected by the level of fusion performed at surgery. Postoperative spinal limitation of motion adversely affected functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance. We believe that comprehensive rehabilitation approaches that improve postoperative range of motion and increase functionality are important for optimal postoperative recovery.