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Ritchie LA, Penson PE, Akpan A, Lip GYH, Lane DA. 1208 FEASIBILITY OF A PHARMACIST-LED INTERVENTION FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN LONG-TERM CARE: THE PIVOTALL STUDY. Age Ageing 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac322.006] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Older people in care homes with atrial fibrillation (AF) have complex health needs and would benefit from taking part in research. This study assessed the feasibility of pharmacist implementation of the Atrial Fibrillation Better Care (ABC: Anticoagulation; Better symptoms; Cardiovascular comorbidity management) pathway, and collection of an AF-specific, resident-centred outcome.
Methods
Older residents (aged ≥65 years) with AF were recruited from care homes within Liverpool and Sefton and randomised to receive the pharmacist intervention, or continue their existing treatment. Resident quality of life was assessed using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life Questionnaire (AFEQT).
Results
Twenty-two care homes were approached about the study, and seven signed up to take part between 28 September 2020 and 29 April 2021. Time taken to recruit care homes ranged from 0 to 122 days. There were 83 residents identified as potentially eligible to take part, but after screening only 28 residents (34%) were invited. Overall, 21 residents were recruited. Eleven residents received the pharmacist intervention and three had ABC recommendations made to their GPs. Two out of four recommendations were implemented. The pharmacist administered the AFEQT questionnaire to 17 residents with capacity and completion rates were 94% and 93% at baseline and six-months, respectively. Residents found the questionnaire difficult; most were unable to distinguish if symptoms were AF-related (n=3), or did not know they had AF (n=8), and questions related to physical activity were not applicable to any of the residents who were bed bound (n=5) or had severely limited mobility (n=12).
Conclusion
There were procedural (encountered before research starts), system (encountered during research) and resident-specific barriers that impacted this study. Barriers need addressing before wider implementation, and AF-specific quality of life measures need to be developed and validated for care home residents. A detailed commentary has been submitted for publication.
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Abstract
Barriers to care home research have always existed, but have been thrown into sharp relief by the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing infrastructure failed to deliver the research, or outcomes, which care home residents deserved and we need to look, again, at how these barriers can be taken down. Barriers can be categorised as procedural (encountered before research starts), system (encountered during research) or resident-specific. To tackle these, research regulatory bodies need to adopt a standardised approach to how care home research is developed and designed, reviewed and regulated, and how such approaches can enable recruitment of as wide a range of residents and their representatives as possible, including those without the mental capacity to consent for research. Establishment of local, inter-disciplinary collaborations between universities, general practices, health and social care providers and care homes is another priority. This should be based on pre-existing models such as the 'Living lab' model developed in The Netherlands and now being implemented in the UK and Austria. These changes are critical to develop a sustainable research model. If well designed this will deliver better outcomes for residents and align with the individual and organisational priorities of those who care for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona A. Ritchie
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX UK ,Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - A. L. Gordon
- Academic Unit of Injury, Inflammation and Recovery Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK ,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East Midlands (ARC-EM), Nottingham, UK
| | - P. E. Penson
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX UK ,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - D. A. Lane
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX UK ,Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK ,Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - A. Akpan
- Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK ,Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK ,NIHR Clinical Research Network North West Coast, Liverpool, UK
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Ritchie L, Harrison SL, Penson PE, Akbari A, Torabi F, Hollinghurst J, Harris D, Oke OB, Akpan A, Halcox JP, Rodgers SE, Lip GYH, Lane DA. Factors associated with prescription of oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in older people living in care homes in Wales: a routine data linkage study 2003–2018. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.617] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Prescription of oral anticoagulants (OAC) is paramount for stroke prevention in people with atrial fibrillation (AF), but treatment decisions in older care home residents are complicated by frailty, multi-morbidity and heightened stroke and bleeding risk. There is a paucity of data on factors influencing the decision to prescribe OAC in this high-risk population who are under-represented in research studies.
Purpose
To explore the factors associated with OAC prescription for care home residents aged ≥65 years with AF.
Methods
Nationwide retrospective cohort study of people aged ≥65 years entering a care home in Wales between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2018, using anonymised individual-level electronic health record and administrative data sources available within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to explore the association between resident characteristics and OAC prescription or non-prescription.
Results
Between 2003 and 2018, 14,493 people with AF aged ≥65 years became new residents in care homes in Wales and 7,057 (48.7%) were prescribed OAC (32.7% in 2003 compared to 72.7% in 2018), Figure 1. Increasing age and prescription of antiplatelet therapy were associated with lower odds of OAC prescription (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.96 per one year age increase [95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 0.96] and aOR 0.91 [0.84 to 0.98], respectively). Conversely, prior venous thromboembolism (aOR 4.06 [3.17 to 5.20]), advancing frailty (mild: aOR 4.61 [3.95 to 5.38]; moderate: aOR 6.69 [5.74 to 7.80]; severe: aOR 8.42 [7.16 to 9.90]) and year of care home entry in the post-non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) era from 2011 onwards (aOR 1.91 [1.76 to 2.06]) were associated with higher odds of OAC prescription, Figure 2.
Conclusions
The proportion of care home residents prescribed OAC therapy has increased over time with the introduction of NOACs in 2011, but OAC prescription rates are still sub-optimal. Although there is an expected rise in OAC prescribing for increasingly frail people, further work is needed to investigate the interaction with deprivation and other socio-economic and demographic factors to assess potential inequalities in prescribing across these groups. Targeted educational tools for clinicians are needed to address barriers to OAC prescription for AF, such as older age and separate indications for antiplatelet therapy.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ritchie
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - S L Harrison
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - P E Penson
- Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - A Akbari
- Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - F Torabi
- Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | | | - D Harris
- Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - O B Oke
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - A Akpan
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - J P Halcox
- Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - S E Rodgers
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - G Y H Lip
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - D A Lane
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
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Ritchie LA, Harrison SL, Penson PE, Akbari A, Torabi F, Hollinghurst J, Harris D, Oke OB, Akpan A, Halcox JP, Rodgers SE, Lip GYH, Lane DA. Prevalence and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in older people living in care homes in Wales: a routine data linkage study 2003–2018. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.2543] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Older care home residents are a high-risk group of people with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are under-represented in clinical trials. Improved understanding of AF epidemiology and management in this population is paramount for health and social care organisations to strategically plan services.
Purpose
To determine the trends in AF prevalence and compare adverse health outcomes in older care home residents aged ≥65 years with AF compared to those without AF.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study of people entering a care home between 2003–2018 using nationwide, population-scale anonymised health and administrative data, provisioned from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (1 January 2000–31st December 2018). Direct standardisation was used to calculate AF prevalence by year of care entry (2010–2018). Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of adverse health outcomes.
Results
Between 2003 and 2018, 86,602 people aged ≥65 years became new residents in care homes in Wales. Residents with AF (n=14,493) had a significantly higher risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 95% confidence interval [CI]) of cardiovascular (aHR 1.27 [1.17 to 1.37], p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (aHR 1.14 [1.11 to 1.17], p<0.001), Figure 1. The risk (sub-distribution hazard ratio [sHR], 95% CI) of ischaemic stroke (adjusted sHR 1.55 [1.36 to 1.76], p<0.001) and cardiovascular hospitalisation (adjusted sHR 1.28 [1.22 to 1.34], p<0.001) was also higher in residents with AF, even when mortality was considered a competing event, Figure 1. There was no significant change in age- and sex-standardised prevalence of AF between 2010 and 2018, 16.79% (95% CI 15.85 to 17.94) and 17.02% (95% CI 16.05 to 17.98), respectively (absolute change 2010–2018: 0.06% [95% CI: −1.38 to 1.50], p=0.93), Figure 2.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates unique data on the epidemiology of AF and associated outcomes in older care home residents. Whilst the prevalence of AF remained stable between 2010–2018, residents with AF had significantly higher risk of adverse health events. Treatment of AF in accordance with guidelines is critical in this population to optimise management and reduce adverse health outcomes.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Ritchie
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - S L Harrison
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - P E Penson
- Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - A Akbari
- Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - F Torabi
- Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | | | - D Harris
- Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - O B Oke
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - A Akpan
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - J P Halcox
- Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - S E Rodgers
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - G Y H Lip
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
| | - D A Lane
- University of Liverpool , Liverpool , United Kingdom
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Babaremu KO, Okoya SA, Hughes E, Tijani B, Teidi D, Akpan A, Igwe J, Karera S, Oyinlola M, Akinlabi ET. Sustainable plastic waste management in a circular economy. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09984. [PMID: 35874054 PMCID: PMC9304725 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09984] [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] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of plastics as useful materials for human existence, providing comfort and ease has now turned into a menace in the society and a pain in the neck as plastics have also become co-habitat of the human ecosystem. Plastics were made by men, but plastics now live way longer than the men who gave them the privilege of existence. Since these colonies of materials cannot be eradicated, it is very pertinent to discover possible ways of useful diversion through recycling by converting plastic bottle waste into useful raw materials for other sectors of the economy. This paper has stirred the pool of relevant literature to extract some of the innovative efforts that have been deployed into redirecting the potential of plastic waste into useful applications like engineering and building construction, horticulture in agriculture, and the most advanced application is the 3D printing using plastics as filaments. Following the trend of technology, 3D printing is a grey area of plastic recycling, it is quite expensive however, it worth exploring. Plastics are not biodegradable in nature because they can live up to hundreds of years. Incineration of plastics is not environmentally healthy because of the harmful gases emitted during the process. The circular economy has provided the possibilities for recycling and sustainable management of plastic wastes. Waste pet bottles are used for arts, crafts and reinforcement aggregate for building construction. Plastics are also used as filaments for 3D printing of various items.
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Affiliation(s)
- K O Babaremu
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Directorate of Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - S A Okoya
- De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - E Hughes
- Directorate of Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - D Teidi
- Co-Creation HUB, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - A Akpan
- Co-Creation HUB, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - J Igwe
- Co-Creation HUB, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - M Oyinlola
- De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - E T Akinlabi
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Directorate of Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Essa H, Oguguo E, Douglas H, Foster A, Walker L, Hadcroft J, Bellieu J, Kahn M, Rao A, Cuthbertson D, Akpan A, Wong C, Sankaranarayanan R. One year outcomes of heart failure multispecialty multidisciplinary team virtual meetings. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0971] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Heart Failure is frequently associated with several comorbidities such as ischaemic heard disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease and frailty. This level of complexity is best dealt with by a multispecialty multidisciplinary team (MDT) model.
This was a single centre observational study (January 2020-December 2020) that was undertaken in a British university hospital looking at effect of HF multispecialty virtual MDT meetings on HF outcomes. Patients acted as their own controls outcomes compared for equal period pre versus post MDT meeting. The multi-specialty meeting was conducted once monthly via video-conferencing. It consisted of heart failure cardiologists (from primary secondary and tertiary care), heart failure specialist nurses (hospital and community), nephrologist, endocrinologist, palliative care specialists, chest physician, pharmacist, pharmacologist and geriatrician. Recommendations were made as consensus from the multispecialty meeting. The main outcome measures were 1) number of hospitalisations and 2) outpatient clinic attendances 3) cost savings.
A total of 189 patients were discussed from January-December 2020. This was uninterrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean age was 70.3±18.1 years and median follow-up 6 months (range 1–13 months). The mean Charlson Co-morbidity score was 5.3±1.2 and Rockwood Frailty Score was 4.9±1. The mean number of outpatient clinic attendances avoided was 1.7±0.4. This reduced inconvenience to patients, saved patients money (transport and parking costs) and led to carbon footprint reduction. The MDT meeting total costs were £15,400 and the 31 clinic appointments they generated cost an estimated £3720. However, the MDT meetings prevented 277 clinic appointments (cost saving £33,352). Finally, the mean number of hospitalisations pre-MDT was 0.7 Vs 0.2 post MDT (p<0.01) with a saving of around 730 bed days (estimated cost-saving £260,000).
The HF multispecialty virtual MDT approach provides seamless integration of primary care community services with secondary and tertiary care. Consensus decision from MDT meetings provides holistic approach for HF patients with comorbidities and frailty, and reduces inconvenience to patients by preventing the need to attend multiple specialty clinics. This approach can also lead to significant cost-savings to the healthcare system.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Essa
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - E Oguguo
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - H Douglas
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - A Foster
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - L Walker
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - J Hadcroft
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - J Bellieu
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - M Kahn
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - A Rao
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - D Cuthbertson
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - A Akpan
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - C Wong
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Neoh K, Sevdynidis L, Hatherley J, Tay J, Douglas H, Akpan A, Sankaranarayanan R. Do Rockwood frailty score and Charlson comorbidity index help to risk stratify outpatient versus inpatient management of acute decompensated heart failure? Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1190] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is associated with frailty and co-morbidities which influence prognosis. The Rockwood Frailty Score (RFS) and age-adjusted Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) have been used to predict outcomes in hospitalised ADHF patients.
Purpose
To describe the relationship of CCI, RFS and clinical risk score -Get With The Guidelines Score (GWTG) with mortality in ADHF treated as outpatients (OP) versus hospitalised inpatients (IP).
Methods
This retrospective analysis compared 2 cohorts of consecutive ADHF patients - hospitalised in-patients (IP) versus outpatients (OP) who were treated with bolus intravenous diuretics in a specialist heart failure nurse delivered OP HF unit (Ambulatory HF Unit -AHFU) with input from various specialties (renal, palliative, ascitic, pleural teams) from Nov 16 to Dec 17. Mean follow-up duration was similar for both groups (IP=19.5±4.1 months; OP=19.3±3.9 months, p=0.6). Mortality was compared at 1, 3 and 12 months based on RFS (no frailty <5, mild to moderate frailty 5/6, severe frailty - 7 to 9). Results were expressed as mean±SD and analysed using One-Way ANOVA and Chi-squared with Fisher's exact test test.
Results
410 consecutive patients (482 admissions) were hospitalised (inpatients -IP) and 231 OP (289 OP visits) were treated in the AHFU. IP group had significantly higher mean CCI (IP=6.55±2; OP=6.10±1.9; p=0.006) and mean RFS (IP 5.2±1.2; OP 4.9±1.1; p=0.002). Mean Clinical Risk Score GWTG was similar (IP=38.9±7.2; OP=38.4±6.6; p=0.44). Mean survival was significantly lower in IP (IP=378±270 days; OP=437±228; P=0.003). As shown in the table higher RFS predicts increased mortality risk (1 month, 3 month and 12 month).
Conclusions
Rockwood Frailty Score predicts mortality in ADHF and assessment of RFS can play an important role in risk stratifying and decision-making in addition to clinical risk-scores, with regards to suitability for outpatient treatment of ADHF.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
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Affiliation(s)
- K.A.I Neoh
- Aintree University Hospital, Cardiology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - L Sevdynidis
- Aintree University Hospital, Cardiology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - J Hatherley
- Aintree University Hospital, Cardiology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - J Tay
- Aintree University Hospital, Cardiology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - H Douglas
- Aintree University Hospital, Cardiology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - A Akpan
- Aintree University Hospital, Cardiology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Akpan A, Banerjee J, Roberts C. DEFINING A STANDARD SET OF PATIENT-CENTERED OUTCOMES FOR OLDER PERSONS. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Akpan
- Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree, United Kingdom,
- ICHOM Older Person Working Group, London, United Kingdom,
| | - J. Banerjee
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
- ICHOM Older Person Working Group, London, United Kingdom,
| | - C. Roberts
- ICHOM Older Person Working Group, London, United Kingdom,
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Banerjee J, Akpan A, Reynish E, Roberts C. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ICHOM STANDARD SET OF OUTCOMES. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.1078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Akpan A, Roberts C, Turner G, Banerjee J. 136Developing An Internationally Agreed Standard Set Of Health Outcome Measures For Older People. Age Ageing 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afx068.136] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
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Ekpe EE, Ette VF, Akpan A. Pattern of cardiothoracic surgical diseases in a new cardiothoracic surgery unit in Nigeria. Niger J Med 2014; 23:77-82. [PMID: 24946459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiothoracic surgical pathologies are available in all geographical regions of the world. Human and material resources are necessary for prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of these cases. METHODOLOGY Retrospective analysis of cardiothoracic surgical cases in the first five years of our new cardiothoracic surgery unit was done. RESULTS A total of 714 cases were seen during the study period with age range one month to 76 years with mean age of 37.12 +/- 11.24 and male female ratio of 2:1. The yearly admissions from 2007 to 2011 were 14%, 17%, 21%, 21% and 26% respectively. Cardiovascular diseases occurred in 22.30%, with 6% of children suffering from congenital heart defect and 6% of men suffering from acquired vascular disease. Surgical complications of pleuropulmonary tuberculosis occurred in 21.4% while thoracic trauma occurred in upto 21% of the patients. Aerodigestive tract foreign bodies were encountered in 10.1% of cases and Pyogenic diseases occurred in 8.68%. Oesophageal lesions were diagnosed in 6.4% of the patients, pulmonary tumours including primary and secondary tumours were found in 4.3% while nontraumatic chest wall pathologies which included chest wall tumours, congenital deformities and chronic osteomyelities accounted for 3.2%. Mediastinal pathologies occurred in 0.98% and in the remaining 1.5% rare diseases were diagnosed such as third degree heart block, pulmonary embolism and thoracic endometriosis syndrome. CONCLUSION This study shows that cardiothoracic surgical pathologies are common in our centre with predominance of thoracic pathologies, and therefore need to prioritize and ensure manpower development for treatment of all kinds of thoracic pathologies.
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Akpan A. Bowel Care in Older People. Research and Practice. Age Ageing 2004. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afh079] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
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Abstract
Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection of the oral cavity caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, the commonest being Candida albicans. The incidence varies depending on age and certain predisposing factors. There are three broad groupings consisting of acute candidiasis, chronic candidiasis, and angular cheilitis. Risk factors include impaired salivary gland function, drugs, dentures, high carbohydrate diet, and extremes of life, smoking, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, malignancies, and immunosuppressive conditions. Management involves taking a history, an examination, and appropriate antifungal treatment with a few requiring samples to be taken for laboratory analysis. In certain high risk groups antifungal prophylaxis reduces the incidence and severity of infections. The prognosis is good in the great majority of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Akpan
- Arrowe Park Hospital NHS Trust, Upton, Wirral, UK.
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14
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Spencer B, Akpan A, King D. A rare cause of recurrent melaena in an elderly women. Postgrad Med J 2000; 76:718, 727-8. [PMID: 11060155 PMCID: PMC1741821 DOI: 10.1136/pmj.76.901.718] [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: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Spencer
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Wirral Hospital NHS Trust, Arrowe Park, Wirral, UK
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