BACKGROUND

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a tool to measure muscle strength, which is an important component in sarcopenia and frailty. Grip strength (GS) in midlife can predict physical disability in senior years and help evaluate a patient's overall health.

The general purpose of this study is to validate the HGS using an aneroid sphygmomanometer and Jamar dynamometer as a diagnostic tool for sarcpenia. The specific aims of this study are (a) to determine the concurrent criterion validity, (b) to determine the reliability, and (c) to measure the inter-rater agreement of the aneroid sphygmomanometer against the Jamar dynamometer in measuring HGS.

This prospective validation study measures HGS using an aneroid sphygmomanometer and Jamar dynamometer obtained from seventy participants 50 years old and above. Statistical methods used in data analysis include Spearman Rho, univariate linear regression analyses, intra-class correlation, inter-rater reliability, intra-rater reliability, Bland-Altman plots, and Lin’s concordance.

There was a significant correlation of HGS with the Jamar dynamometer and aneroid sphygmomanometer regardless of the rater [Spearman Rho (rs=0.762 to 0.778, p=0.001)]. Jamar GS is comparable to GS using a sphygmomanometer with the formula of [Jamar = 0.54 x sphygmomanometer (mmHg) - 45.12].

Aneroid sphygmomanometer can be used as an option to measure GS and has a valid value to predict the Jamar GS value. Hence, it can be an alternate tool for diagnosing sarcopenia.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus and a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple organ systems including the joints, skin, the cardiovascular system and even the central and peripheral nervous system. Although rare, these patients may present with neuropsychiatric symptoms. This patient presented initially with an SLE flare associated with sudden focal to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Further rheumatologic workup was done which revealed that the patient also has scleroderma, an autoimmune connective tissue that causes inflammation of the skin and other key internal organs. Due to the seizure occurrence, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done which showed incidental mesial temporal sclerosis, which is the scarring of the medial part of the said lobe of the brain. Her overlap syndrome was managed with Hydrocortisone and she was given Valproic acid as her anti-epileptic drug with no recurrence of seizure afterwards.

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern leading to significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly population. However, this disease is underdiagnosed and, as a result, undertreated. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of physicians in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, which would help identify key areas of improvement in the care of patients with this disease. One hundred and nine physicians answered an online questionnaire looking at their KAP on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, and their answers were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and the Chi-square test. More than half of the participants obtained satisfactory scores on knowledge, and majority had neutral to positive attitude regarding osteoporosis. A statistically significant correlation was seen between having low knowledge and negative attitudes on osteoporosis screening and management.

Background: An accurate, quantifiable assessment of hand grip strength (HGS) can predict overall strength and health with a good predictor for identifying populations at higher risk for any medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, neuromuscular diseases and stroke that helps clinicians establish realistic treatment goals and provides treatment outcome data. The purpose of the study is to determine the percentile scores of HGS of healthy adult individuals of various age groups using Jamar dynamometer and modified sphygmomanometer. Methods: This descriptive study measures HGS using Jamar dynamometer and modified sphygmomanometer obtained from one hundred twenty healthy participants 20 years old and above. Comparative analyses of the 2 apparatuses were conducted using One-Way ANOVA. The reference intervals at different percentiles were calculated using the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Grip strength (GS) using Jamar dynamometer (JD) and modified sphygmomanometer (MS) among younger (20- 29 years old) participants, the 50th percentile (Q2) JD score was 28.29 kg with an equivalent MS score of 161.38 mmHg, were significantly higher compared to those across older age groups especially among the ≥70 years old with a JD Q2 score of 16.74 kg and MS Q2 score of 101.33 mmHg. These findings suggest that HGS decreases with increasing age. Conclusion Scores obtained from this study can serve as preliminary baseline values or guide for interpreting GS measurements.
Hand Strength ; Sphygmomanometers

Objectives: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition.The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach. Methods: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and anti resorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches. Results: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to anti resorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for in dividuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.

Objective: Musculoskeletal ultrasound has gained recognition in early identification of crystal deposits in the joints and soft tissues. This study aims to validate the sonographic features of 1st metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) in gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH). Methods Patients with gout (n=20) and AH (n=16) underwent a gray-scale ultrasound assessment of both 1st MTPJs on 3 positions (dorsal, medial, plantar) in longitudinal view. The static images were read by 2 blinded trained sonologists for the presence of double contour sign (DCS), erosions, and tophi.
Gout ; Validation Study

Objective: The project aims to develop a community kitchen manual for public health emergencies.

Participants: The officers and members of the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ng BASECO served as community respondents for this project. These eight women were in charge of the community kitchen operations, particularly the feeding program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implementation: The whole project comes in three phases. The design stage was executed in phase one of this project. The phase one also focused on the development of manual content based on available literatures and considered the interviews conducted with respondents.

Discussion: The manual contains guidelines on food safety and meal preparations. Based on the interview, the proponents identified specific contents that must be included in the guidelines, as compared with the need to improve current operations of the group's community kitchen. Looking at the activities of the community, the proponents indicated the food flow guidelines to ensure a safe, nourishing and accessible community kitchen (S.N.A.C.K).

Conclusion: The designed community kitchen manual may be of use to lay groups putting up community kitchens, since there is no existing manual in the Philippines. However, phases two and three must be conducted to validate its usefulness and accuracy in the field.

The Covid pandemic nearly brought our lives into a different dimension beyond our imagination. Measures to ensure the safety of everyone have never been stricter. The education system had to deal with similar restrictions. Everyone shifted to online virtual classes, which has never been easy to both the teachers and students. Not only are we concerned of our responsibilities as educators but responsive to the needs of students and patients as well during these times of uncertainties. This article briefly describes my personal insight on teaching medicine and how patients continue to take part in the learning process of students despite restrictions.

Objective: Double contour sign (DCS) is considered part of the new gout classification. This study aims to determine the agreement of blinded musculoskeletal sonologists in identifying the double contour sign among asymptomatic hyperuricemic patients. Methods: Participants with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (n=65) underwent a gray-scale ultrasound assessment of both of their 1st metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) done on 3 positions (dorsal, medial, plantar) in longitudinal view. The static images were read by 2 independent blinded sonologists for presence of double contour sign. Results: Among the 130 1st MTPJs, the sonologists were able to positively identify DCS on 48R and 52L, negative in 10R and 10L, with discordant readings in 7R, 3L. The overall kappa agreement was statistically significant at 0.674 (substantial agreement) and 0.842 (almost perfect agreement) on the right and left respectively, (both p<0.001). Conclusion and Recommendation There is a high proportion of positive double contour sign seen among persistently asymptomatic hyperuricemic patients. It might be prudent to perform musculoskeletal ultrasound early on to detect monosodium urate crystal deposits in similar patients. A close follow up to monitor clinical gouty arthritis maybe necessary or consider utility of urate lowering drugs in crystal dissolution in prospective studies.
Hyperuricemia ; Gout

Objectives: This study is designed to estimate appropriate intervention thresholds for the Philippines Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) model to identify postmenopausal women with high fracture risk. Methods: Age dependent intervention thresholds were calculated for a woman of body mass index 25 kg/m2 aged 50e80 years with a previous fragility fracture without other clinical risk factors. Fixed thresholds were developed using a database of 1546 postmenopausal women who underwent dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry for clinical reasons. Major and hip fracture risks were estimated using clinical risk factors with and without bone mineral density (BMD) input. Women were categorized to high risk and low risk groups according to the age dependent thresholds. The best cut-points were determined considering the optimum sensitivity and specificity using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: The age dependent intervention thresholds of major fracture risk ranged from 2.8 to 6.9% while hip fracture risk ranged from 0.4 to 3.0% between 50 and 80 years of age. Major fracture threshold of 3.75% and hip fracture threshold of 1.25% were the best fixed thresholds observed and non-inclusion BMD in the fracture risk estimations did not change the values. As a hybrid method, 3% major fracture and 1% hip fracture risks for those < 70 years old and age-dependent thresholds for those aged 70 years and above can be recommended. Conclusions The intervention thresholds estimated in the current study can be applied to identify Filipino postmenopausal women with a high fracture risk. Clinicians should decide on the type of thresholds most appropriate.