INTRODUCTIONThis study reviews the differences in demographics and surgical outcomes between ectropion in Asian and non-Asian eyes.

MATERIALS AND METHODSMedical records of surgically corrected ectropion cases from January 2002 to December 2006 were reviewed. Preand postoperative lid-globe apposition was graded: grade 0 with normal lid-globe apposition, grade 1 with punctal ectropion, grade 2 with partial lid eversion and scleral show, grade 3 with conjunctival hyperemia and thickening and grade 4 as for grade 3 with exposure keratitis.

RESULTSSixty-nine eyes in 50 patients underwent surgical correction of lower lid ectropion, making up 3.3% of all lid procedures performed. Eighty-four percent of patients were above 50 years of age, 72% were males and 88% were Chinese. Involutional change was the commonest aetiology, accounting for the majority of bilateral cases. The mean duration to surgery was 10.0 ± 16.0 months. The most frequent preoperative severity grade was 2. Lateral tarsal strip (LTS) was the commonest procedure performed, comprising 91.3% of eyes. The mean duration of postoperative review was 19.4 ± 19.2 months (range, 1 to 74 months). Postoperative improvement of at least one grade was observed in 98% while normal lid-globe apposition was achieved in 76% of eyes.

CONCLUSIONSInvolutional change is the most common cause of ectropion amongst both Asians and non-Asians. Ectropion is less prevalent amongst Asians as a result of anatomical differences and possibly reduced sun exposure. The LTS procedure is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for the successful correction of ectropion in both Asians and non-Asians.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Blepharoplasty ; methods ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ectropion ; surgery ; Eyelids ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Preoperative Care ; Retrospective Studies ; Time Factors ; Young Adult

INTRODUCTIONThis study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the incidence of falls among individuals with stroke living in the community one year after discharge from a rehabilitation hospital in Singapore.

METHODSA cross-sectional telephone survey of individuals with stroke living in the community was carried out one year after discharge. The interview covered aspects such as incidence and circumstances of fall, use of walking aids, and presence of environmental obstacles. Each participant's case record was retrospectively reviewed using discharge Fugl-Meyer (FM) assessment of the upper and lower limbs, functional independence measure (FIM) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS).

RESULTSA total of 126 individuals with stroke were interviewed. Overall, 24% fell in the year following their discharge. Factors associated with falls were longer length of hospital stay, lower BBS and lower-limb FM scores, and lower discharge FIM scores for the Bladder and Bowel Management, Transfer, Mobility, Communication, and Social Cognition domains (p < 0.05). The fallers were more likely to use walking aids, and required help with basic activities of daily living after discharge (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only the Transfer domain was an independent factor for falls.

CONCLUSIONDischarge FIM outcomes, especially for the Transfer domain, can be used to identify communitydwelling individuals with stroke who have a high fall risk after discharge. Identification of such individuals will enable early fall prevention management, which will in turn minimise fall events in the community.

Accidental Falls ; statistics & numerical data ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Disability Evaluation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Discharge ; Postural Balance ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Stroke ; complications ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; Surveys and Questionnaires