Browsing by Author "Pais, S."
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- Comparative study of patients knowledge on osteoarthritis treatment options to ACR guidelinesPublication . Pais, S.; Cordeiro, C.; Pacheco, G.Portuguese population is growing older, according to national data in 2011 the aging index was 129. The number of elderly population is higher than the younger; average life expectancy is 79,2 years (1). Because knee Osteoarthritis increases with age, and according to WHO 80% of these subjects will have some degree of impairment and 25% will not be able to do their daily living activities (2), OA has a big impact on the sustainability of both health and social care as populations grow older. Our goal was to compare current guidelines of managing knee OA, to the degree of information each patient has about their treatment options.
- Correlation between sarcopenia and atherosclerosis/cardiovascular risk factors in the elderlyPublication . De Sousa-Coelho, Ana Luísa; Botelho, M.; Guerreiro, C.; Pais, S.Abstract Introduction Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function. Uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, chronic inflammation and lipid abnormalities, cause decreases in muscle strength, which contributes to disease-related morbidity. Objectives The main goal of this study was to correlate the prevalence of sarcopenia with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors, mainly estimated by cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP) and HbA1c levels, in the elderly. Methodology A quantitative observational cross-sectional study was performed in a convenience sample of individuals aged over 60 years old recruited non-randomly. Main study variables were body composition (seca® mBCA515), muscle strength (peak torque, Humac NORM isokinetic dynamometer), risk of falls (TUG test), muscle function (LEFS) and lipids, inflammation and glycaemic profile (cobas b101-Roche®). Results Total cholesterol levels fully correlated with LDL and non-HDL cholesterol, and partially with triglycerides, but not with HDL-cholesterol levels, HbA1c, or BMI. LDL-cholesterol levels did not correlate with muscle mass (free-fat mass (%)), strength, function, or risk of falls. Similarly, HDL-cholesterol levels did not correlate with muscle function or falls risk. Cholesterol ratio, obtained by dividing total cholesterol by HDL-cholesterol levels, was significantly higher in individuals with CRP levels above 3 mg/L. Interestingly, when compared to normal values, individuals with triglycerides above 150 mg/dL showed a statistically significant decrease in muscle strength. Conclusion From the biochemical measured parameters, our data showed that only high triglycerides levels positively correlated with sarcopenia risk, demonstrated by reduced muscle strength. While cholesterol ratio positively correlated with increased inflammation, blood cholesterol levels seem to be independent factors regarding sarcopenia prevalence.
- Self-reported quality care for knee osteoarthritis: comparisons across Denmark, Norway, Portugal and the UKPublication . Osteras, N.; Jordan, K. P.; Clausen, B.; Cordeiro, C.; Dziedzic, K.; Edwards, J.; Gronhaug, G.; Higginbottom, A.; Lund, H.; Pacheco, G.; Pais, S.; Hagen, K. B.Objectives: To assess and compare patient perceived quality of osteoarthritis (OA) management in primary healthcare in Denmark, Norway, Portugal and the UK. Methods: Participants consulting with clinical signs and symptoms of knee OA were identified in 30 general practices and invited to complete a cross-sectional survey including quality indicators (QI) for OA care. A QI was considered as eligible if the participant had checked 'Yes' or 'No', and as achieved if the participant had checked 'Yes' to the indicator. The median percentage (with IQR and range) of eligible QIs achieved by country was determined and compared in negative binominal regression analysis. Achievement of individual QIs by country was determined and compared using logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 354 participants self-reported QI achievement. The median percentage of eligible QIs achieved (checked 'Yes') was 48% (IQR 28%, 64%; range 0-100%) for the total sample with relatively similar medians across three of four countries. Achievement rates on individual QIs showed a large variation ranging from 11% (referral to services for losing weight) to 67% (information about the importance of exercise) with significant differences in achievement rates between the countries. Conclusions: The results indicated a potential for improvement in OA care in all four countries, but for somewhat different aspects of OA care. By exploring these differences and comparing healthcare services, ideas may be generated on how the quality might be improved across nations. Larger studies are needed to confirm and further explore the findings.
- The influence of age, strength and stiffness on proprioception in knee osteoarthritisPublication . Espanha, M. M.; Pais, S.; Teles, J.; Silva, C.