RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and severity of low back pain (LBP) in 13-16-year-old pupils in relation to selected factors, such as anthropometry, physical activity, smoking, hypermobility, and tightness of hamstring muscles. METHODS: The study was designed as a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey and all the pupils were examined by the school doctor for height, weight, mobility of joints, and general health status. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of non-specific LBP was 58.9% and the one-year prevalence was 50.8% with no differences between the sexes. Recurrent/continuous LBP in a moderate to severe degree was recorded in 19.4% of the school children (182 F, 88 M). This was positively correlated to a female gender, a BMI of more than 25 kg/square meter, competitive sports for boys, poor physical fitness, daily smoking, heavy jobs in leisure time, increased use of the health system, and reduced life quality. DISCUSSION: Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicates that a female gender, daily smoking, and heavy jobs are important associated factors for severe LBP in adolescents, with an observed probability of 46% if all factors are present. We do not know yet whether these factors have any causal importance for the development of severe LBP.
Asunto(s)
Dolor de la Región Lumbar/epidemiología , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/etiología , Servicios de Salud Escolar , Adolescente , Niño , Estudios de Cohortes , Estudios Transversales , Dinamarca/epidemiología , Ejercicio Físico , Femenino , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/diagnóstico , Masculino , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Factores Sexuales , Fumar , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Recent reports have stated that low back pain (LBP) among children is a common problem comparable with that in adults. This 25-year prospective cohort study confirms that 11% of the cohort have had a history of LBP in adolescence with an 84% lifetime prevalence of LBP in these subjects as adults compared with 70% in the rest of the cohort. LBP was associated with increased morbidity and decreased working capacity. Thirteen percent of the cohort had radiological abnormalities, mainly Scheuermann changes, in the thoracic and lumbar spine as adolescents, with no positive correlation to LBP in this period. Unlike other reports our results did not show any association between X-ray changes in the lower spine in adolescents and a higher prevalence of LBP in adults. Stepwise logistic regression analyses showed that LBP in the growth period and familial occurrence of back disease are important risk factors for LBP later in life, with an observed probability of 88% if both factors are present. Preventive measures in the school period seem to be of great importance.
Asunto(s)
Dolor de la Región Lumbar/diagnóstico , Vértebras Lumbares/diagnóstico por imagen , Adolescente , Adulto , Niño , Estudios de Cohortes , Dinamarca/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/diagnóstico por imagen , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/epidemiología , Masculino , Prevalencia , Estudios Prospectivos , Radiografía , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
A case history is presented of a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, sepsis and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Conventional treatment was supplemented with intravenous human immunoglobulin with remarkable effect. The treatment is discussed.
Asunto(s)
Inmunoglobulinas Intravenosas/administración & dosificación , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Neumocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neumonía Neumocócica/tratamiento farmacológico , Sepsis/inmunología , Adulto , Quimioterapia Combinada , Femenino , Humanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/complicaciones , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Infecciones Neumocócicas/complicaciones , Infecciones Neumocócicas/inmunología , Neumonía Neumocócica/complicaciones , Neumonía Neumocócica/diagnóstico por imagen , Radiografía , Sepsis/tratamiento farmacológico , Streptococcus pneumoniaeRESUMEN
Forty patients participated in a study of the importance of early occupational therapy for the prognosis in stable Colles' fractures. Seventeen patients were treated by an occupational therapist 1-3 days after the injury, and the need for appliances and home-care was estimated. Twenty-three patients completed the usual treatment. Five weeks after the injury, we found significantly (p less than 0.05) better function of the hand in the 17 patients with early occupational therapy. This difference in function could not be found after 13 weeks. The rate of complications was the same in the two groups. The results indicate that contact with the occupational therapist shortly after the injury is valuable in patients with stable Colles' fractures.