QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Oct 1, 2021
Background HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and especially ... more Background HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and especially in Egypt. However, there is numerous complications to HCV infection (e.g. liver cirrhosis, ascites, portal hypertension, encephalopathy …. etc.) but there is multiple unseen complication (e.g. sarcopenia, loss of electrolytes, loss of protein …etc.) Objective To evaluate value of handgrip strength in assessment of sarcopenia in HCV related chronic liver disease patients Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 64 adult persons older than 18 years. They were randomly collected from the outpatient clinics at department of internal Medicine in Ain Shams University during the period from June 2018 to August 2019. Results In our study there was a great significance relation between handgrip strength and child score in evaluating nutritional status more than anthropometric parameter. Therefore, even that several methods to evaluate nutritional and functional capacity status in patients with cirrhosis have been tested, they have reported diverse results. Conclusion Our study we can conclude that HGS is a simple, easy to be applied and more accurate method in evaluation of sarcopenia in chronic HCV patients.
Background: With the aging of the population, more caregivers are elderly, yet the potential risk... more Background: With the aging of the population, more caregivers are elderly, yet the potential risks of caregiving process is less addressed among old aged caregivers. Objectives: to assess potential risks of caregiving process among old aged caregivers compared to non-caregivers Methods: A Case-control study was conducted on 90 elderly subjects 60 caregiver cases (30 males and 30 females) and 30 non-caregiver controls (14 males and 16 females). All of whom were ≥ 60 years recruited from either inpatient wards or outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Data regarding demographic characteristics, medical history and physical examination were taken. Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-mental Status Examination, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, Spielberger anxiety scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and assessment of some of cardiovascular risks (fasting blood sugar, high sensitivity C reactive protein, serum lipids, and glycated hemoglobin) was performed. Results: Compared to controls; elderly caregivers had significantly higher anxiety and poorer sleep (p value < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between caregivers and controls regarding depression (p = 0.07) or cognitive impairment (p = 0.05). Caregivers were more prone to cardiovascular risk factors. They had higher levels of fasting blood sugar (P = 0.004), high sensitivity C-reactive protien (P = 0.001), triglycerides (P = 0.003), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.00), and glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.03). Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale showed no significant difference between males and females regarding caregiver burden (P = 0.2). Interpretation & Conclusion: caregiving process in elderly population is significantly associated with anxiety, sleep problems and cardiovascular risk factors. Introduction Caregiver burden is the strain borne by a person who takes care of a disabled, chronically ill or elderly family member (Stucki and Mulvey, 2000). The caregiver’s perception of the load, rather than the perception of others as family members or healthcare providers, determines its effect on his/her life (Kasuya, Polgar-Bailey and Takeuchi, 2000). Caregivers need support for themselves as they often feel neglected, overwhelmed, ignored, and this augments their feeling of burden (Courts, Newton and McNeal, 2005). Caregiving has physical, psychological, social and financial aspects (Kasuya et al. 2000). Caregivers have been found to have higher levels of psychological disorders as depression, anxiety, anger and hostility when compared with noncaregivers (Vitaliano, Scanlan, Zhang, Savage, Hirsch, et al. 2002). Caregiving moreover has bad effects on cardiovascular system (Rozanski, Blumenthal, Davidson, Saab, and Kubzansky 2005). As being elderly mandates a special type of medical, psychological, and social care; being both an elderly and a caregiver at the same time mandates more care. This issue is insufficiently addressed in research. Hence the aim of this study was to illustrate potential risks that elderly caregivers may be subjected to. Material & Methods Study Design: A case-control study was conducted on 90 elderly subjects aged 60 years and older. They were recruited from the inpatient wards and outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University hospitals. The studied population was divided into 2 groups: Case group: A sample of 60 caregivers (30 males and 30 females). Control group: A sample of 30 non-caregivers (14 males and 16 females). Exclusion criteria of the study participants were as follows: Well-established diagnosis of coronary or cerebral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, previous diagnosis of cancer or other comorbidities that could markedly affect the results of the assessment tools introduced in the study. These exclusion criteria were confirmed by full medical history, clinical examination and available investigations. Methods: Approval of the ethical committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University was obtained. Every participant was subjected to comprehensive geriatric assessment including; full medical history, physical examination, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Minimental Status Examination (MMSE), Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS) (Zarit, Orr and Zarit, 1985), Spielberger Anxiety Scale (SAS) (Spielberger, Gorusch and Lushene, 1970) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (Buysse, Reynolds, Monk, Berman and Kupfer, 1989) and biochemical tests of some of the common coronary risk factors including: Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (Gerwutz, Morley and Kushner, 1982), serum triglycerides(TG) (Dryer, 1970),
1. Adamson SB, Lorimer R, Cobley JN et al. Extremely short-duration highintensity training substa... more 1. Adamson SB, Lorimer R, Cobley JN et al. Extremely short-duration highintensity training substantially improves the physical function and selfreported health status of elderly adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2014;62:1380– 1381. 2. Boyd JC, Simpson CA, Jung ME et al. Reducing the intensity and volume of interval training diminishes cardiovascular adaptation but not mitochondrial biogenesis in overweight/obese men. PLoS One 2013;8:e68091. 3. Klein C, Cunningham DA, Paterson DH et al. Fatigue and recovery contractile properties of young and elderly men. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1988;57:684–690. 4. Clarkson PM, Tremblay I. Exercise-induced muscle damage, repair, and adaptation in humans. J Appl Physiol 1988;65:1–6. 5. Herbert P, Sculthorpe NF, Baker JS et al. Validation of a six-second cycle test for the determination of peak power. Res Sports Med. In press. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2015.1005294
Background: The ongoing scientific debate regarding the association between physical function and... more Background: The ongoing scientific debate regarding the association between physical function and cognitive impairment has focused mainly on global cognitive performance rather than specific cognitive functions tests and the importance of recognition of its associations and any factors that could play a role later in the prevention of such decline. Objective: This study examined the association between physical function, using handgrip strength (HGS) and Timed Up-and-Go test (TUGT), and executive function (EF), using Clock Drawing Test (CDT), among community-dwelling Egyptian elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 social clubs in Cairo, Egypt and included a sample of 136 elderly males and females aged≥55 years old. All participants had their physical function assessed using TUGT, and measurement of HGS using a pneumatic hand-held dynamometer. Assessment of EF using CDT was also done. Results: Higher CDT scores were significantly associated with both better HGS,...
Mediterranean rim countries are united by historical, geographical and cultural links, but more i... more Mediterranean rim countries are united by historical, geographical and cultural links, but more importantly by common values of solidarity. In many Mediterranean countries, there is still little knowledge about the problems surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, which remains underestimated and insufficiently documented. This situation is set to have a drastic impact on health and society in years to come. The objective of this report, conducted by the Monegasque Association for research on Alzheimer’s disease (AMPA), is to gain an initial understanding of these countries’ needs, to understand the measures already in place and to identify innovative initiatives in the Mediterranean region. This report will also highlight the issues and challenges for both the medical and social sectors and identify paths for re ection and action. Lastly, this report makes recommendations and call for those concerned to anticipate the impact that Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders will have on the M...
Background Elderly persons are prone to frequent hospitalization for a longer period of time. It ... more Background Elderly persons are prone to frequent hospitalization for a longer period of time. It has been reported that approximately 5% of elderly die during hospital stay, whereas 20%– 30% die within one year following hospital discharge. Many factors including aging-associated diseases, chronic diseases, drug abuse, poly pharmacy, functional disability, feeding problems, prolonged length of hospital stay are associated with increasing mortality risk. In addition, symptoms and signs are significantly variable in the elderly and usually atypically represented. Objective To identify predictive factors associated with in-hospital mortality in elderly patients admitted to Ain Shams University Geriatric hospital wards and intermediate care unit. Methods A prospective cohort study of all Egyptian elderly patients (aged 60 years old or above) admitted at Geriatric Hospital (general ward and intermediate care unit), Ain Shams University Hospitals (Cairo, Egypt), over a period of 6 months ...
Background HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and especially ... more Background HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and especially in Egypt. However, there is numerous complications to HCV infection (e.g. liver cirrhosis, ascites, portal hypertension, encephalopathy …. etc.) but there is multiple unseen complication (e.g. sarcopenia, loss of electrolytes, loss of protein …etc.) Objective To evaluate value of handgrip strength in assessment of sarcopenia in HCV related chronic liver disease patients Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 64 adult persons older than 18 years. They were randomly collected from the outpatient clinics at department of internal Medicine in Ain Shams University during the period from June 2018 to August 2019. Results In our study there was a great significance relation between handgrip strength and child score in evaluating nutritional status more than anthropometric parameter. Therefore, even that several methods to evaluate nutritional and functional capacity status in patients...
QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Oct 1, 2021
Background HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and especially ... more Background HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and especially in Egypt. However, there is numerous complications to HCV infection (e.g. liver cirrhosis, ascites, portal hypertension, encephalopathy …. etc.) but there is multiple unseen complication (e.g. sarcopenia, loss of electrolytes, loss of protein …etc.) Objective To evaluate value of handgrip strength in assessment of sarcopenia in HCV related chronic liver disease patients Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 64 adult persons older than 18 years. They were randomly collected from the outpatient clinics at department of internal Medicine in Ain Shams University during the period from June 2018 to August 2019. Results In our study there was a great significance relation between handgrip strength and child score in evaluating nutritional status more than anthropometric parameter. Therefore, even that several methods to evaluate nutritional and functional capacity status in patients with cirrhosis have been tested, they have reported diverse results. Conclusion Our study we can conclude that HGS is a simple, easy to be applied and more accurate method in evaluation of sarcopenia in chronic HCV patients.
Background: With the aging of the population, more caregivers are elderly, yet the potential risk... more Background: With the aging of the population, more caregivers are elderly, yet the potential risks of caregiving process is less addressed among old aged caregivers. Objectives: to assess potential risks of caregiving process among old aged caregivers compared to non-caregivers Methods: A Case-control study was conducted on 90 elderly subjects 60 caregiver cases (30 males and 30 females) and 30 non-caregiver controls (14 males and 16 females). All of whom were ≥ 60 years recruited from either inpatient wards or outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Data regarding demographic characteristics, medical history and physical examination were taken. Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-mental Status Examination, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, Spielberger anxiety scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and assessment of some of cardiovascular risks (fasting blood sugar, high sensitivity C reactive protein, serum lipids, and glycated hemoglobin) was performed. Results: Compared to controls; elderly caregivers had significantly higher anxiety and poorer sleep (p value < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between caregivers and controls regarding depression (p = 0.07) or cognitive impairment (p = 0.05). Caregivers were more prone to cardiovascular risk factors. They had higher levels of fasting blood sugar (P = 0.004), high sensitivity C-reactive protien (P = 0.001), triglycerides (P = 0.003), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.00), and glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.03). Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale showed no significant difference between males and females regarding caregiver burden (P = 0.2). Interpretation & Conclusion: caregiving process in elderly population is significantly associated with anxiety, sleep problems and cardiovascular risk factors. Introduction Caregiver burden is the strain borne by a person who takes care of a disabled, chronically ill or elderly family member (Stucki and Mulvey, 2000). The caregiver’s perception of the load, rather than the perception of others as family members or healthcare providers, determines its effect on his/her life (Kasuya, Polgar-Bailey and Takeuchi, 2000). Caregivers need support for themselves as they often feel neglected, overwhelmed, ignored, and this augments their feeling of burden (Courts, Newton and McNeal, 2005). Caregiving has physical, psychological, social and financial aspects (Kasuya et al. 2000). Caregivers have been found to have higher levels of psychological disorders as depression, anxiety, anger and hostility when compared with noncaregivers (Vitaliano, Scanlan, Zhang, Savage, Hirsch, et al. 2002). Caregiving moreover has bad effects on cardiovascular system (Rozanski, Blumenthal, Davidson, Saab, and Kubzansky 2005). As being elderly mandates a special type of medical, psychological, and social care; being both an elderly and a caregiver at the same time mandates more care. This issue is insufficiently addressed in research. Hence the aim of this study was to illustrate potential risks that elderly caregivers may be subjected to. Material & Methods Study Design: A case-control study was conducted on 90 elderly subjects aged 60 years and older. They were recruited from the inpatient wards and outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University hospitals. The studied population was divided into 2 groups: Case group: A sample of 60 caregivers (30 males and 30 females). Control group: A sample of 30 non-caregivers (14 males and 16 females). Exclusion criteria of the study participants were as follows: Well-established diagnosis of coronary or cerebral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, previous diagnosis of cancer or other comorbidities that could markedly affect the results of the assessment tools introduced in the study. These exclusion criteria were confirmed by full medical history, clinical examination and available investigations. Methods: Approval of the ethical committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University was obtained. Every participant was subjected to comprehensive geriatric assessment including; full medical history, physical examination, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Minimental Status Examination (MMSE), Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS) (Zarit, Orr and Zarit, 1985), Spielberger Anxiety Scale (SAS) (Spielberger, Gorusch and Lushene, 1970) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (Buysse, Reynolds, Monk, Berman and Kupfer, 1989) and biochemical tests of some of the common coronary risk factors including: Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (Gerwutz, Morley and Kushner, 1982), serum triglycerides(TG) (Dryer, 1970),
1. Adamson SB, Lorimer R, Cobley JN et al. Extremely short-duration highintensity training substa... more 1. Adamson SB, Lorimer R, Cobley JN et al. Extremely short-duration highintensity training substantially improves the physical function and selfreported health status of elderly adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2014;62:1380– 1381. 2. Boyd JC, Simpson CA, Jung ME et al. Reducing the intensity and volume of interval training diminishes cardiovascular adaptation but not mitochondrial biogenesis in overweight/obese men. PLoS One 2013;8:e68091. 3. Klein C, Cunningham DA, Paterson DH et al. Fatigue and recovery contractile properties of young and elderly men. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1988;57:684–690. 4. Clarkson PM, Tremblay I. Exercise-induced muscle damage, repair, and adaptation in humans. J Appl Physiol 1988;65:1–6. 5. Herbert P, Sculthorpe NF, Baker JS et al. Validation of a six-second cycle test for the determination of peak power. Res Sports Med. In press. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2015.1005294
Background: The ongoing scientific debate regarding the association between physical function and... more Background: The ongoing scientific debate regarding the association between physical function and cognitive impairment has focused mainly on global cognitive performance rather than specific cognitive functions tests and the importance of recognition of its associations and any factors that could play a role later in the prevention of such decline. Objective: This study examined the association between physical function, using handgrip strength (HGS) and Timed Up-and-Go test (TUGT), and executive function (EF), using Clock Drawing Test (CDT), among community-dwelling Egyptian elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 social clubs in Cairo, Egypt and included a sample of 136 elderly males and females aged≥55 years old. All participants had their physical function assessed using TUGT, and measurement of HGS using a pneumatic hand-held dynamometer. Assessment of EF using CDT was also done. Results: Higher CDT scores were significantly associated with both better HGS,...
Mediterranean rim countries are united by historical, geographical and cultural links, but more i... more Mediterranean rim countries are united by historical, geographical and cultural links, but more importantly by common values of solidarity. In many Mediterranean countries, there is still little knowledge about the problems surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, which remains underestimated and insufficiently documented. This situation is set to have a drastic impact on health and society in years to come. The objective of this report, conducted by the Monegasque Association for research on Alzheimer’s disease (AMPA), is to gain an initial understanding of these countries’ needs, to understand the measures already in place and to identify innovative initiatives in the Mediterranean region. This report will also highlight the issues and challenges for both the medical and social sectors and identify paths for re ection and action. Lastly, this report makes recommendations and call for those concerned to anticipate the impact that Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders will have on the M...
Background Elderly persons are prone to frequent hospitalization for a longer period of time. It ... more Background Elderly persons are prone to frequent hospitalization for a longer period of time. It has been reported that approximately 5% of elderly die during hospital stay, whereas 20%– 30% die within one year following hospital discharge. Many factors including aging-associated diseases, chronic diseases, drug abuse, poly pharmacy, functional disability, feeding problems, prolonged length of hospital stay are associated with increasing mortality risk. In addition, symptoms and signs are significantly variable in the elderly and usually atypically represented. Objective To identify predictive factors associated with in-hospital mortality in elderly patients admitted to Ain Shams University Geriatric hospital wards and intermediate care unit. Methods A prospective cohort study of all Egyptian elderly patients (aged 60 years old or above) admitted at Geriatric Hospital (general ward and intermediate care unit), Ain Shams University Hospitals (Cairo, Egypt), over a period of 6 months ...
Background HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and especially ... more Background HCV is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and especially in Egypt. However, there is numerous complications to HCV infection (e.g. liver cirrhosis, ascites, portal hypertension, encephalopathy …. etc.) but there is multiple unseen complication (e.g. sarcopenia, loss of electrolytes, loss of protein …etc.) Objective To evaluate value of handgrip strength in assessment of sarcopenia in HCV related chronic liver disease patients Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 64 adult persons older than 18 years. They were randomly collected from the outpatient clinics at department of internal Medicine in Ain Shams University during the period from June 2018 to August 2019. Results In our study there was a great significance relation between handgrip strength and child score in evaluating nutritional status more than anthropometric parameter. Therefore, even that several methods to evaluate nutritional and functional capacity status in patients...
The Mediterranean Alzheimer Alliance is the only network composed of Alzheimer
associations, scie... more The Mediterranean Alzheimer Alliance is the only network composed of Alzheimer associations, scientific experts and healthcare professionals from each country. The Mediterranean Alzheimer Alliance’s main objectives are to: • Support Mediterranean Alzheimer’s Alliance members in the development of their initiatives • Defend interests, needs and specificities of Mediterranean people with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, and their family carers • Ensure that Alzheimer’s disease becomes a priority in this region • Encourage and promote associative, scientific and academic collaborations in the Mediterranean region • Share, exchange and disseminate knowledge and practices in the Mediterranean region • Improve the well-being and quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families in the Mediterranean region
Uploads
Papers by Samia A Abdul-Rahman
associations, scientific experts and healthcare professionals from each country.
The Mediterranean Alzheimer Alliance’s main objectives are to:
• Support Mediterranean Alzheimer’s Alliance members in the development of their
initiatives
• Defend interests, needs and specificities of Mediterranean people with Alzheimer’s
disease and related disorders, and their family carers
• Ensure that Alzheimer’s disease becomes a priority in this region
• Encourage and promote associative, scientific and academic collaborations in the
Mediterranean region
• Share, exchange and disseminate knowledge and practices in the Mediterranean region
• Improve the well-being and quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their
families in the Mediterranean region