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Showing papers by "Atlantic Health System published in 2010"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Whether a Pilates exercise program and a pelvic floor muscle-training program could provide similar improvements in pelvic muscle strength is investigated to determine if Pilates can actually treat pelvic floor dysfunction.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine whether a Pilates exercise program and a pelvic floor muscle-training (PFMT) program could provide similar improvements in pelvic muscle strength. Sixty-two women with little or no pelvic floor dysfunction were randomized to Pilates or PFMT. Each group had 24 biweekly 1-h sessions with either a physical therapist or Pilates instructor. Strength was measured via perineometry (cmH2O). Two questionnaires—pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI-20) and pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7)—were also collected. At baseline, the Pilates and PFMT groups measured 14.9 ± 12.5 and 12.5 ± 10.4 cmH2O, respectively (p = 0.41). Both the Pilates and PFMT groups got stronger (6.2 ± 7.5 cmH2O, p = 0.0002 and 6.6 ± 7.4 cmH2O, p = 0.0002, respectively), with no difference between groups p = 0.85. PFIQ and PFDI scores improved from baseline but not between groups. Further study is required to determine if Pilates can actually treat pelvic floor dysfunction.

117 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Aug 2010-Sleep
TL;DR: A higher prevalence of snoring and high risk of OSA in patients diagnosed with acute PE, in comparison with patients in whom PE was suspected but ruled out, might be independent of other risks factors common to both OSA and PE.
Abstract: THE ANNUAL INCIDENCE OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE) EXCEEDS 1 PER 1000 IN THE UNITED STATES, WITH AN ASSOCIATED MORTALITY OF UP TO 40%.1 PE is thought to account for 5% to 10% of deaths in hospitalized patients.2,3 If untreated, approximately one third of those who survive an initial PE die of a future embolic episode. Although risk factors for the development of PE are well established, up to 30% of cases have no identifiable cause.4 Moreover, risk-factor assessment may have important implications for both prevention and treatment of PE.5 Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodes of recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to repetitive sleep disruption, with or without concomitant oxygen desaturation.6 Recent studies estimate that OSA affects up to 25% of the adult population in the United States.7,8 OSA is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.9–12 Some of the proposed mechanisms whereby OSA contributes to cardiovascular complications include hemodynamic alterations,13 sympathetic nervous system activation,14 oxidative stress,15 systemic inflammation,16 hypercoagulability,10 and vascular endothelial dysfunction.17 These same pathophysiologic derangements are prothrombotic and could promote the development of venous thromboembolic disease. Several previous case reports and uncontrolled cohort studies have suggested a possible association between OSA and PE.18–23 We hypothesized that patients with PE might have an increased prevalence of OSA. We performed a prospective cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of snoring and the risk of having OSA in patients suspected of having an acute PE.

52 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A positive perception about participation in research is not stratified by successful completion of a PCT, and investigators and institutional review boards should encourage them that if properly designed and conducted, pediatric PCTs can result in a positive experience for parents.
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Investigators may have concerns that parents will not allow their children to participate in placebo-controlled trials (PCTs). The aim of the present study was to identify potential differences between parental perceptions in families who successfully completed (CO) a clinical trial compared with those who were noncompleters (NC). Patients and Methods: Parents of both CO and NC children enrolled in pediatric gastrointestinal studies performed in the previous year were eligible. NC were defined as those who were screen failures or treatment nonresponders or had adverse events. One hundred seven parents were identified and mailed a 26-item questionnaire eliciting perceptions regarding participation in research. Questionnaires were sent 6 months after participation in research ended. Results: Seventy-eight (69%) parents returned the survey. Characteristics included maternal responders (98%), English as primary language (97%), and education beyond high school (85%). Five parents (4.7%) had children involved in previous research trials. There were no significant differences in responses found between CO (n = 49; 63%) and NC (n = 29; 37%) in regard to importance of research, perceptions of risk to child, benefits to child, and more attention in the study. Statistical significance was approached in regard to the comfort with the research team, with a greater portion of CO stating that the researcher put the parent at ease and the NC feeling less positive about the interaction (P=0.05). Conclusions: A positive perception about participation in research is not stratified by successful completion of a PCT. These results should encourage investigators and institutional review boards that if properly designed and conducted, pediatric PCTs can result in a positive experience for parents.

7 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
19 Nov 2010-Blood
TL;DR: In pediatric AML, the ITD allelic ratio (ITD-AR) has been shown to have prognostic significance, and patients with ITd-AR >0.4 demonstrate a worse prognostic outcome than those with ITD- AR.

1 citations