Murat Ersöz

Effects of chronic pain on quality of life and depression in patients with spinal cord injury.

Design:A cross-sectional study.Objective:To assess the effects of pain on quality of life (QoL), functional independence and depression in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting:An inpatient rehabilitation center.Methods:A total of 140 patients (104 M, 36 F) with SCI who underwent inpatient rehabilitation treatment were examined. A questionnaire including clinical variables was applied. Motor score of Functional Independence Measure was used to assess daily-life activities, the 36-Item Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health (SF-36) for QoL and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression. Patients were then divided into those having chronic pain (Group I) and those without any pain (Group II), and groups were compared according to demographic and clinical variables.Results:The most common causes of SCI were falls (35.0%) and motor vehicle accidents (34.2%). Chronic pain was present in 78% of patients. Patients employed before injury and patients who had complete injury had lower Numerical Rating Scale scores (P<0.05). SCI patients with chronic pain had higher depression ratings and their BDI scores were correlated with some of the SF-36 domains (general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health). Only bodily pain and social functioning (P<0.05) scores were found to be lower in Group I (P<0.05) when compared with Group II.Conclusion:As mood and QoL are negatively affected with pain in SCI patients, we suggest that chronic pain should always be treated in a multidisciplinary setting where pharmacological, physical and psychological therapies are combined.

The risk factors related to falling in elderly females.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between muscle strength and functional mobility and falls in women aged 65 and over. Thirty-one female subjects with a mean age of 69.57 +/- 4.89 years (65-78) were enrolled in the study. Demographic properties, body mass index, comorbid medical conditions, smoking, the number of medications taken, and fall characteristics were recorded. Knee flexor and extensor strength of the dominant extremity was measured by Biodex isokinetic system, and physical capacity was assessed with a 6-minute walk test. Cognitive status was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination, and disability in daily activities was determined with the Barthel Index. Twelve subjects (38.7%) reported experiencing a fall in the previous year. Eight (25.8%) had experienced a fall outside the home and 4 (12.9%) inside the home. Nine subjects had fallen once, 2 subjects twice, and 1 subject had fallen 3 times. Six (19.4%) subjects reported a fracture after falling. Muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors and work capacity was similar between those who had fallen and those who had not. The risk factors related to falling were evaluated, but no related factor was determined. Fear of falling was found to be high in patients who had fallen in the previous year. In conclusion, knee extensor and flexor strength are not significant factors in falls or the risk of falling for elderly women, particularly those who are able to function independently. Balance tests in current use are not effective predictors of falls in older adults who live independently and who do not have any significant health problem. These results suggest that there may be a significant interactive effect of the many causal factors that we need to address. Further study is needed to develop new assessment tools for active elderly people to help prevent falls and fall-related injuries.

Urinary tract infection and bacteriurua in stroke patients: frequencies, pathogen microorganisms, and risk factors.

Ersoz M, Ulusoy H, Oktar MA, Akyuz M: Urinary tract infection and bacteriurua in stroke patients: frequencies, pathogen microorganisms, and risk factors. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2007;86:734–741. Objective:To investigate the frequencies, pathogen microorganisms involved, and possible risk factors of urinary tract infections, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and significant bacteriuria in subacute and chronic stroke patients. Design:The frequencies were determined and compared for subgroups with respect to age, gender, level of education, type of lesion, side of lesion, bladder-emptying method, postvoid residual urine, ambulation-level class, and Brunnstrom recovery stage class of upper and lower extremities in 110 consecutive stroke patients. Results:Frequencies were 27.3, 11.8, and 39.1% for urinary tract infections, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and significant bacteriuria, respectively. Bladder-emptying method (P < 0.05), presence of postvoid residual urine >50 ml (P < 0.04), and Brunnstrom recovery stage class of upper extremity (P < 0.02) were significant factors for the frequency of urinary tract infections. Bladder-emptying method, ambulation-level class, Brunnstrom recovery stage class of upper and lower extremities (P < 0.01), presence of postvoid residual urine >50 ml (P < 0.02), gender, and level of education (P < 0.05) were significant factors for the frequency of significant bacteriuria. Conclusions:Early treatment of urinary dysfunction for elimination of indwelling catheter use and high postvoid residue, early physical rehabilitation for better ambulation and hand function, patient education about prevention, and close monitoring of patients with unmodifiable risk factors may decrease the frequency of urinary tract infections and significant bacteriuria in stroke patients.

Relationship between knee range of motion and Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scores in knee osteoarthritis

Ersoz M, Ergun S: Relationship between knee range of motion and Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scores in knee osteoarthritis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2003;82:110–115. Objective To investigate the relationships between the joint range of motion and Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scores of knee joint compartments in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design Forty knees of 20 consecutive bilateral, primary knee osteoarthritis patients were examined in the study. Maximal flexion, extension, and internal and external rotation were assessed using a goniometer. Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scores were determined for medial tibiofemoral, lateral tibiofemoral, and patellofemoral compartments of the knee joint on lateral, tangential, and standing anteroposterior radiographs. Results Statistically significant negative correlations were found between the range of motion and radiographic scores. Specifically, internal rotation was correlated with lateral compartment scores (r = −0.439, P < 0.01), and external rotation and flexion were correlated with medial compartment scores (r = −0.361, P < 0.05;r = 0.338, P < 0.05; respectively). Extension values were correlated with patellofemoral (r = −0.533, P < 0.01), medial (r = −0.456, P < 0.01), and lateral (r = −0.327, P < 0.05) compartment scores. Conclusions A clear relationship is present between joint range of motion and Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scores in knee osteoarthritis patients. Examination of the joint range of motion can give information about the compartmental distribution of the disease and help the physician focus on the compartment or compartments involved when performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Evaluation of the compartments of the knee joint in radiographs can be informative about the joint range of motion in knee osteoarthritis.

Risk factors for developing heterotopic ossification in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the possible risk factors of heterotopic ossification (HO) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Methods: A total of 151 patients with TBI were included. Demographical variables, laboratory investigations and risk factors for HO including spasticity, walking ability (using Functional Ambulation Category (FAC)), pressure ulcer, neurogenic bladder and systemic infection were recorded. Results: Fifty-six patients (37.1%) had HO. Time since injury and serum ALP and ESR levels were significantly higher in HO patients than in non-HO patients. Hip (73.2%) and knee (44.6%) were the most commonly involved joints. This study has detected significant associations between FAC scores (FAC 0-1-2 vs. FAC 3-4-5, p < 0.001), degree of spasticity (p = 0.01), pressure ulcer (Absent/Grade 1 vs. Grade 2, 3 and 4, p = 0.001), presence of neurogenic bladder (p < 0.001) and systemic infection (p = 0.002) with the development of HO. According to the final logistical regression analysis, only lower FAC score was independently associated with HO development (p = 0.006). Conclusion: As lower scores of FAC is an independent risk factor for HO formation and is related to the severity and consequences of injury, ambulation and regular/cautious mobilization of the joints are of paramount importance in the early period of the rehabilitation in TBI patients.

Bladder storage and emptying disorder frequencies in hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients with bladder dysfunction.

Background: Bladder dysfunction is common in stroke patients and it has a considerable impact on their lives. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequencies of urine storage and emptying disorders in hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients with persistent bladder dysfunction. Methods: A total of 48 stroke patients who underwent urodynamic tests because of persistent bladder dysfunction were evaluated retrospectively. Urine storage and emptying disorder frequencies were determined and compared in hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke subgroups. Results:Storage disorder frequencies were 73.3 and 63.6% in hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke groups, respectively (p > 0.05), while emptying disorder frequencies were 13.3 and 51.5% (p < 0.02). Conclusions: Evaluation of the stroke type may be helpful in the determination of the type of urinary dysfunction and in choosing the appropriate bladder management strategy, but further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

Effects of different bladder management methods on the quality of life in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

Study design:Multi-center, cross-sectional study.Objectives:To investigate the effects of different bladder management methods on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting:Turkey.Methods:Consecutive SCI patients (n=195, 74.4% males), for whom at least 6 months had elapsed since the injury, were included and evaluated in five groups: normal spontaneous micturition (NSM), micturition with assisted maneuvers (MAM), aseptic intermittent catheterization by patient (IC-P), aseptic IC by an attendant/caregiver (IC-A) and indwelling catheterization. The King’s Health Questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients’ QoL.Results:The bladder management groups were similar regarding age, time elapsed since injury, education level, marital and occupational status. There was no difference among the groups in general health perception, personal relationships and sleep/energy domain scores. While the NSM group had generally the lowest scores, that is, better QoL, the IC-A group had the highest scores, that is, poorer QoL, in most of the domains. When the patients were grouped according to the frequency of urinary incontinence or American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grades, no difference was found in the domain scores of the groups except the symptom severity domain scores. No significant difference was found between paraplegic and tetraplegic patients in the King’s Health Questionnaire domains.Conclusion:The QoL was notably affected in SCI patients in IC-A group and negative effects on emotional status, physical and social activity limitations were observed, as well.

Noninvasive evaluation of lower urinary tract function in children with cerebral palsy.

Ersoz M, Kaya K, Erol SK, Kulakli F, Akyuz M, Ozel S: Noninvasive evaluation of lower urinary tract function in children with cerebral palsy. Objective: The aim of this study was noninvasive evaluation of voiding function in children with cerebral palsy. Design: Sixty children with cerebral palsy were enrolled in the study. Urinary system symptoms were recorded. Uroflowmetric tests were carried out, and postvoid residual volume was measured immediately after voiding by using a portable ultrasonic device developed for children. The expected age-related bladder capacity was calculated and compared with the observed bladder capacity. Uroflowmetric curves were evaluated and classified as normal (bell-shaped) and abnormal. Results: Thirty-three of the children (55%) were symptomatic. In 17 (28.3%) of the children, postvoid residual urine was observed. There was a statistically significant difference between the expected bladder capacity (271.6 ± 38.3 ml) and the observed bladder capacity (154.5 ± 111.8 ml) (P < 0.001). Observed bladder capacity was lower than the expected bladder capacity in 56 (93.3%) of the children. In the evaluation of the uroflowmetric charts, 22 (36.7%) children had abnormal curves. Conclusions: Bladder capacity is decreased in most children with cerebral palsy, and postvoid residue is present in an important proportion. Uroflowmetry and portable ultrasonic device combination is a noninvasive, well-tolerated, and efficient method in the first line evaluation of lower urinary tract function in children with cerebral palsy.

Neurogenic bladder in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury: treatment and follow-up

Study design:Multi-center, cross-sectional study.Objectives:Our aim was to evaluate the treatment methods and follow-up of neurogenic bladder in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury retrospectively using a questionnaire.Setting:Turkey.Methods:Three hundred and thirty-seven patients who had spinal cord injury for at least 2 years were enrolled from six centers in the neurogenic bladder study group. They were asked to fill-out a questionnaire about treatments they received and techniques they used for bladder management.Results:The study included 246 male and 91 female patients with a mean age of 42±14 years. Intermittent catheterization (IC) was performed in 77.9% of the patients, 3.8% had indwelling catheters, 13.8% had normal spontaneous micturition, 2.6% performed voiding maneuvers, 1.3% used diapers and 0.6% used condom catheters. No gender difference was found regarding the techniques used in bladder rehabilitation (P>0.05). Overall, 63.2% of patients used anticholinergic drugs; anticholinergic drug use was similar between genders (P>0.05). The most common anticholinergic drug used was oxybutynin (40.3%), followed by trospium (32.6%), tolterodine (19.3%) darifenacin (3.3%), propiverine (3.3%) and solifenacin (1.1%). The specialties of the physicians who first prescribed the anticholinergic drug were physiatrists (76.2%), urologists (22.1%) and neurologists (1.7%). Only four patients had previously received injections of botulinum-toxin-A into the detrusor muscle and three of them stated that their symptoms showed improvement. Most of the patients (77%) had regular follow-up examinations, including urine cultures, urinary system ultrasound and urodynamic tests, when necessary; the reasons for not having regular control visits were living distant from hospital (15.3%) and monetary problems (7.7%). Of the patients, 42.7% did not experience urinary tract infections (UTI), 36.4% had bacteriuria but no UTI episodes with fever, 15.9% had 1-2 clinical UTI episodes per year and 5% had ⩾3 clinical UTIs. The clinical characteristics of patients with and without UTI (at least one symptomatic UTI during 1 year) were similar (P>0.05). The frequency of symptomatic UTI was similar in patients using different bladder management techniques (P>0.05).Conclusion:The most frequently used technique for bladder rehabilitation in patients with SCI was IC (77.9%). In all, 63.2% of patients used anticholinergic drugs, oxybutynin being the most commonly used drug. Also, 77% of patients had regular control visits for neurogenic bladder; 42.7% did not experience any UTIs.

Comparison of urodynamic findings in patients with upper and lower cervical spinal cord injury.

Study design:Retrospective study.Objectives:To analyze the neurogenic bladder characteristics and treatment approaches in patients with upper and lower cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) in order to make proper and reasonable decisions to the relevant patients.Setting:Rehabilitation center in Ankara, Turkey.Method:Ninety patients with cervical SCI were included. The urodynamic analyses of the patients were conducted retrospectively by using the urodynamic laboratory records. The patients were divided into two groups as the upper cervical SCI (UCSCI) group (C1-C5) and lower cervical SCI (LCSCI) group (C6-C8).Results:In this study, 82 male (91.1%) and 8 (8.9%) female patients were included. There were 51 UCSCI patients with the mean age of 34.2±16.1 years and 39 LCSCI patients with the mean age of 30.4±12.5 years. Detrusor overactivity and preservation of the bladder-filling sensation were significantly more frequent in the UCSCI group than in the LCSCI group (P=0.048, P=0.000 respectively). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the bladder-emptying methods, residual volume and the frequency of anticholinergic and alpha blocker use (all P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups regarding the frequency of autonomic dysreflexia, detrusor hypocompliancy and the bladder-storage and -emptying disorders (all P>0.05).Conclusion:Our results demonstrate that there are differences in the upper and lower SCI cases in terms of neurogenic bladder characteristics and treatment approaches.