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Liver Cancer Dec 2023Sarcopenia is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Image-based sarcopenia assessment allows a standardized...
Computed Tomography-Defined Sarcopenia in Outcomes of Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Radioembolization: Assessment with Total Abdominal, Psoas, and Paraspinal Muscles.
INTRODUCTION
Sarcopenia is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Image-based sarcopenia assessment allows a standardized method to assess abdominal skeletal muscle. However, which is an index muscle for sarcopenia remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether sarcopenia defined according to different muscle groups with computed tomography (CT) scans can predict the prognosis of HCC after radioembolization.
METHODS
In this retrospective study, we analyzed patients who underwent radioembolization for unresectable HCC between January 2010 and December 2019. Before treatment, the total abdominal muscle (TAM), psoas muscle (PM), and paraspinal muscle (PS) areas were evaluated using a single CT slice at the third lumbar vertebra. In previous studies, sarcopenia was determined using the TAM, PM, and PS after stratifying by sex. Finally, we investigated each muscle-defined sarcopenia to decide whether or not it can serve as a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS).
RESULTS
We included 92 patients (74 men and 18 women). TAM, PM, and PS areas were significantly higher in the men than in the women (all < 0.05). The patients with sarcopenia defined using PM, but not TAM and PS, exhibited significantly poorer OS than those without sarcopenia (median 15.3 vs. 23.8 months, = 0.034, 0.821, and 0.341, respectively). After adjustment for clinical variables, such as body mass index, liver function, alpha-fetoprotein level, clinical staging, treatment response, and posttreatment curative therapy, PM-defined sarcopenia (hazard ratio: 1.899, 95% confidence interval: 1.087-3.315) remained an independent predictor for the poor OS.
CONCLUSION
CT-assessed sarcopenia defined using PM was an independent prognostic factor for the poorer prognosis of unresectable HCC after radioembolization.
PubMed: 38058418
DOI: 10.1159/000529676 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Feb 2024Parameters obtained from two-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional images have been used to determine body composition. However, data from three-dimensional (3D) volumetric...
BACKGROUND
Parameters obtained from two-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional images have been used to determine body composition. However, data from three-dimensional (3D) volumetric body images reflect real body composition more accurately and may be better predictors of patient outcomes in cancer. This study aimed to assess the 3D parameters and determine the best predictive factors for patient prognosis.
METHODS
Patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) between 2010 and 2016 were included in this study. Preoperative computed tomography images were analysed using an automatic segmentation program. Body composition parameters for muscle, muscle adiposity, subcutaneous fat (SF) and abdominal visceral fat (AVF) were assessed using 2D images at the third lumbar (L3) level and 3D images of the abdominal waist (L1-L5). The cut-off points for each parameter were determined using X-tile software. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify the association between the parameters and the treatment outcomes, and the relative influence of each parameter was compared using a gradient boosting model.
RESULTS
Overall, 499 patients were included in the study. At a median follow-up of 59 months, higher 3D parameters of the abdominal muscles and SF from the abdominal waist were found to be associated with longer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (all P < 0.001). Although the 3D parameters of AVF were not related to survival outcomes, patients with a high AVF volume and mass experienced higher rate of postoperative complications than those with low AVF volume (27.4% vs. 18.7%, P = 0.021, for mass; 27.1% vs. 19.0%, P = 0.028, for volume). Low muscle mass and volume (hazard ratio [HR] 1.959, P = 0.016; HR 2.093, P = 0.036, respectively) and low SF mass and volume (HR 1.968, P = 0.008; HR 2.561, P = 0.003, respectively), both in the abdominal waist, were identified as independent prognostic factors for worse OS. Along with muscle mass and volume, SF mass and volume in the abdominal waist were negatively correlated with mortality (all P < 0.001). Both AVF mass and volume in the abdominal waist were positively correlated with postoperative complications (P < 0.05); 3D muscle volume and SF at the abdominal waist were the most influential factors for OS.
CONCLUSIONS
3D volumetric parameters generated using an automatic segmentation program showed higher correlations with the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with CRC than conventional 2D parameters.
Topics: Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Body Mass Index; Body Composition; Colorectal Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38123148
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13404 -
Physical Therapy Sep 2023The objective of this study was to describe adherence to behavioral and pelvic floor muscle training in women undergoing vaginal reconstructive surgery for organ... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to describe adherence to behavioral and pelvic floor muscle training in women undergoing vaginal reconstructive surgery for organ prolapse and to examine whether adherence was associated with 24-month outcomes.
METHODS
Participants were women ≥18 years of age, with vaginal bulge and stress urinary incontinence symptoms, planning to undergo vaginal reconstructive surgery for stages 2 to 4 vaginal or uterine prolapse. They were randomized to either sacrospinous ligament fixation or uterosacral ligament suspension and to perioperative behavioral and pelvic floor muscle training or usual care. Measurements included anatomic failure, pelvic floor muscle strength, participant-reported symptoms, and perceived improvement. Analyses compared women with lower versus higher adherence.
RESULTS
Forty-eight percent of women performed pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) daily at the 4- to 6-week visit. Only 33% performed the prescribed number of muscle contractions. At 8 weeks, 37% performed PFMEs daily, and 28% performed the prescribed number of contractions. No significant relationships were found between adherence and 24-month outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Adherence to a behavioral intervention was low following vaginal reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. The degree of adherence to perioperative training did not appear to influence 24-month outcomes in women undergoing vaginal prolapse surgery.
IMPACT
This study contributes to the understanding of participant adherence to PFMEs and the impact that participant adherence has on outcomes at 2, 4 to 6, 8, and 12 weeks and 24 months postoperatively. It is important to educate women to follow up with their therapist or physician to report new or unresolved pelvic symptoms.
Topics: Female; Humans; Behavior Therapy; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Prolapse; Plastic Surgery Procedures
PubMed: 37318279
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzad059 -
Radiologie (Heidelberg, Germany) Nov 2023Pelvic floor dysfunction is common in women. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pelvic floor dysfunction is common in women.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the role of ultrasound in the urogynecological examination and imaging of the pelvic floor.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Analysis and summary of current recommendations and literature on the role of pelvic floor ultrasound.
RESULTS
Pelvic floor ultrasound is a dynamic and real-time imaging modality. It is readily available, allows for a realistic assessment of anatomy and morphology, and poses minimal patient burden.
CONCLUSIONS
Pelvic floor ultrasound is of great value in preoperative diagnostics as well as in the postoperative management of complications.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Ultrasonography; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Postoperative Period
PubMed: 37789193
DOI: 10.1007/s00117-023-01215-7 -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... Sep 2023Abdominal bracing is a maneuver widely used by rehabilitation specialists and sports trainers to improve spinal stability. This study aimed to investigate how lifting...
BACKGROUND
Abdominal bracing is a maneuver widely used by rehabilitation specialists and sports trainers to improve spinal stability. This study aimed to investigate how lifting tasks with and without abdominal bracing affect the respiratory function of the diaphragm.
METHODS
M-mode ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic motion combined with spirometry was performed on 31 healthy adults. Participants were asked to breathe continuously whilst lifting a load with spontaneous abdominal muscle contraction (natural loaded breathing) and abdominal bracing (AB loaded breathing).
RESULTS
Pearson's correlations revealed strong correlations between ultrasonography and spirometry measures (p < 0.001) for all types of breathing: tidal breathing (r = 0.709, r = 0.503), natural loaded breathing (r = 0.731, r = 0.534) and AB loaded breathing (r = 0.795, r = 0.632). Using paired-samples t-tests, the natural loaded breathing ultrasonography revealed more caudal diaphragm positions during inspiration (p < 0.001) but not during expiration (p = .101). Spirometry demonstrated lower lung volumes (L) at the end of inspiration and expiration (p < 0.001), with no changes in total lung volume (p = 0.06). The AB loaded breathing ultrasonography revealed more caudal diaphragm positions during inspiration (p = 0.002) but not during expiration (p = 0.05). Spirometry demonstrated lower lung volumes at the end of inspiration (p < 0.001), expiration (p = 0.002), and total lung volumes (p = 0.019).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that abdominal bracing performed during a lifting task reduces lung volume despite an increase in diaphragmatic motion. Diaphragm excursions strongly correlate with lung volumes even under postural loading.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was prospectively registered on 8 April 2021 at ClinicalTrials.gov with identification number NCT04841109.
PubMed: 37715283
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00729-w -
BMC Oral Health Dec 2023To summarize the reliability and validity of ultrasonography in evaluating the stiffness, excursion, stiffness, or strain rate of diaphragm, intercostals and abdominal...
Reliability and validity of ultrasonography in evaluating the thickness, excursion, stiffness, and strain rate of respiratory muscles in non-hospitalized individuals: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the reliability and validity of ultrasonography in evaluating the stiffness, excursion, stiffness, or strain rate of diaphragm, intercostals and abdominal muscles in healthy or non-hospitalized individuals.
LITERATURE SEARCH
PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to May 30, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA
Case-control, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies were included if they investigated the reliability or validity of various ultrasonography technologies (e.g., brightness-mode, motion-mode, shear wave elastography) in measuring the thickness, excursion, stiffness, or strain rate of any respiratory muscles.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Relevant data were summarized based on healthy and different patient populations. The methodological quality by different checklist depending on study design. The quality of evidence of each psychometric property was graded by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations, respectively.
RESULTS
This review included 24 studies with 787 healthy or non-hospitalized individuals (e.g., lower back pain (LBP), adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)). Both inspiratory (diaphragm and intercostal muscles) and expiratory muscles (abdominal muscles) were investigated. Moderate-quality evidence supported sufficient (intra-class correlation coefficient > 0.7) within-day intra-rater reliability of B-mode ultrasonography in measuring right diaphragmatic thickness among people with LBP, sufficient between-day intra-rater reliability of M-mode ultrasonography in measuring right diaphragmatic excursion in non-hospitalized individuals. The quality of evidence for all other measurement properties in various populations was low or very low. High-quality evidence supported sufficient positive correlations between diaphragm excursion and forced expiratory volume in the first second or forced vital capacity (r > = 0.3) in healthy individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the reported sufficient reliability and validity of using ultrasonography to assess the thickness, excursion, stiffness, and strain rate of respiratory muscles in non-hospitalized individuals, further large-scale studies are warranted to improve the quality of evidence regarding using ultrasonography for these measurements in clinical practice. Researchers should establish their own reliability before using various types of ultrasonography to evaluate respiratory muscle functions.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO NO. CRD42022322945.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Intercostal Muscles; Reproducibility of Results; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ultrasonography; Respiratory Muscles
PubMed: 38042780
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03558-y -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences Aug 2023This study aims at examining the effects of Pilates training on the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal obliques (IO) muscle thickness and core endurance in...
BACKGROUND
This study aims at examining the effects of Pilates training on the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal obliques (IO) muscle thickness and core endurance in different positions in patients with Parkinson's Disease.
METHODS
Patients were divided into 2 groups as Pilates training (n = 13) and control (n = 10) groups. Pilates training was performed twice a week for 6 weeks. The participants' muscle thickness and core endurance were measured at the beginning of the study (pretraining), and the effectiveness of Pilates training was then assessed in the 6th week (posttraining) and in the 12th-week follow-up. The thickness of the TrA and IO muscles was measured with a two-dimensional ultrasonography device. Core endurance was assessed with prone bridge and sit-ups tests.
RESULTS
The assessments of the Pilates training group after the 6-week showed a statistically significant increase in the prone bridge and sit-ups test performances, and an increase in the thickness of the IO muscle [during resting in the supine position and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) in standing position] and the TrA muscle (during ADIM in the standing position) (p < 0.05). Pilates exercises were also shown to have improved core muscle endurance and thickness (IO thickness during ADIM in the standing position and TrA thickness during resting in the supine position, ADIM in the supine and standing position) in the Pilates training group after a period of 18 weeks (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
Pilates training has a favorable effect on the core endurance, and the TrA and IO muscle thickness of patients with Parkinson's disease and this effect can be maintained until three months after the training.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Single-Blind Method; Abdominal Muscles; Exercise Therapy; Ultrasonography; Exercise Movement Techniques; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 38031945
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5663 -
International Urogynecology Journal Nov 2023This manuscript from Chapter 2 of the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) reviews the literature involving the clinical... (Review)
Review
International Urogynecology consultation chapter 2 committee 3: the clinical evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse including investigations into associated morbidity/pelvic floor dysfunction.
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
This manuscript from Chapter 2 of the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) reviews the literature involving the clinical evaluation of a patient with POP and associated bladder and bowel dysfunction.
METHODS
An international group of 11 clinicians performed a search of the literature using pre-specified search MESH terms in PubMed and Embase databases (January 2000 to August 2020). Publications were eliminated if not relevant to the clinical evaluation of patients or did not include clear definitions of POP. The titles and abstracts were reviewed using the Covidence database to determine whether they met the inclusion criteria. The manuscripts were reviewed for suitability using the Specialist Unit for Review Evidence checklists. The data from full-text manuscripts were extracted and then reviewed.
RESULTS
The search strategy found 11,242 abstracts, of which 220 articles were used to inform this narrative review. The main themes of this manuscript were the clinical examination, and the evaluation of comorbid conditions including the urinary tract (LUTS), gastrointestinal tract (GIT), pain, and sexual function. The physical examination of patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) should include a reproducible method of describing and quantifying the degree of POP and only the Pelvic Organ Quantification (POP-Q) system or the Simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (S-POP) system have enough reproducibility to be recommended. POP examination should be done with an empty bladder and patients can be supine but should be upright if the prolapse cannot be reproduced. No other parameters of the examination aid in describing and quantifying POP. Post-void residual urine volume >100 ml is commonly used to assess for voiding difficulty. Prolapse reduction can be used to predict the possibility of postoperative persistence of voiding difficulty. There is no benefit of urodynamic testing for assessment of detrusor overactivity as it does not change the management. In women with POP and stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the cough stress test should be performed with a bladder volume of at least 200 ml and with the prolapse reduced either with a speculum or by a pessary. The urodynamic assessment only changes management when SUI and voiding dysfunction co-exist. Demonstration of preoperative occult SUI has a positive predictive value for de novo SUI of 40% but most useful is its absence, which has a negative predictive value of 91%. The routine addition of radiographic or physiological testing of the GIT currently has no additional value for a physical examination. In subjects with GIT symptoms further radiological but not physiological testing appears to aid in diagnosing enteroceles, sigmoidoceles, and intussusception, but there are no data on how this affects outcomes. There were no articles in the search on the evaluation of the co-morbid conditions of pain or sexual dysfunction in women with POP.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical pelvic examination remains the central tool for evaluation of POP and a system such as the POP-Q or S-POP should be used to describe and quantify. The value of investigation for urinary tract dysfunction was discussed and findings presented. The routine addition of GI radiographic or physiological testing is currently not recommended. There are no data on the role of the routine assessment of pain or sexual function, and this area needs more study. Imaging studies alone cannot replace clinical examination for the assessment of POP.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pelvic Floor; Reproducibility of Results; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Intussusception; Dysuria; Pain
PubMed: 37737436
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05629-8 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Dec 2023: Abdominal muscle exercises with limb movements are more effective for trunk stabilization than traditional exercises involving trunk flexion alone. This study examined... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
: Abdominal muscle exercises with limb movements are more effective for trunk stabilization than traditional exercises involving trunk flexion alone. This study examined the effects of abdominal exercises incorporating sprinter pattern and crunch exercises on changes in the lordotic curve and abdominal muscle activation in individuals with low back pain caused by hyperlordosis resulting from weak abdominal muscles. : In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial, a total of 40 participants with hyperlordosis were recruited and randomly assigned to perform either sprinter-pattern abdominal exercises or crunch exercises. The participants assigned to each group performed three sets of ten abdominal exercises. The lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) and sacrohorizontal angle (SHA) were assessed prior to and following the intervention, whereas abdominal muscle activity was gauged throughout the intervention period. Changes in the LLA and SHA were measured by radiography. Abdominal muscle activity was measured using electromyography. : The LLA and SHA decreased significantly in both groups ( < 0.001), while the sprinter-pattern exercise group showed a statistically significant decrease compared to the crunch exercise group ( < 0.001). In the activity of the abdominal muscles, there was no significant difference in the rectus abdominis muscle between the two groups ( > 0.005). However, a significant difference between the external and internal oblique muscles was observed, and the activities of both muscles were significantly higher in the sprinter-pattern exercise group than in the crunch exercise group ( < 0.005). : Abdominal exercise using a sprinter pattern may be effective in reducing lumbar lordosis by strengthening the abdominal muscles in patients with hyperlordosis.
Topics: Humans; Lordosis; Single-Blind Method; Abdominal Muscles; Exercise; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 38138280
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122177 -
Medicine Oct 2023Currently, numerous treatment measures exist for postpartum stress urinary incontinence (PSUI); however, the study results are inconsistent. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Currently, numerous treatment measures exist for postpartum stress urinary incontinence (PSUI); however, the study results are inconsistent.
METHOD
Computer searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CKNI, and Wanfang databases were conducted to search the literature on 13 different intervention modalities for PSUI from the date of establishment to January 2023 for analysis. The literature was independently screened, and the information was extracted by 2 researchers. A reticulated meta-analysis was conducted using Stata software.
RESULTS
The findings of the reticulated meta-analysis revealed that, in terms of the effectiveness of the 13 interventions for treating PSUI from highest to lowest, the most effective was acupressure + pelvic floor muscle training (94.6%). Following this, the interventions ranked from best to worst were electroacupuncture + trans moxibustion (79.1%), pelvic floor muscle training + acupuncture (64.3%), pelvic floor muscle training + pelvic floor electrical stimulation (60.3%), biofeedback electrical stimulation + acupuncture (60.0%), pelvic floor muscle training + biofeedback electrical stimulation (59.8%), biofeedback electrical stimulation + acupuncture + herbal hot compresses (56.6%), moxibustion + pelvic floor muscle training (56.6%), pelvic floor muscle training + pelvic floor electrical stimulation + acupuncture (53.1%), biofeedback electrical stimulation + moxibustion (52.1%), pelvic floor muscle training (17.6%), biofeedback electrical stimulation (16.1%), and health coaching (0.2%). The evidence indicates that acupressure + pelvic floor muscle training may be the most effective intervention for treating PSUI occurrence.
CONCLUSION
Improvement in 13 clinical indicators was observed in patients with PSUI, and significant enhancement was achieved through acupressure + pelvic floor muscle training.
Topics: Female; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Pelvic Floor; Urinary Incontinence; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Biofeedback, Psychology; Postpartum Period; China; Exercise Therapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37800777
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035473