BACKGROUND

Blood pressure (BP) is a vital sign that is essential in the management of hypertension, thus, there is a need for accurate measurement of BP. This will allow for proper diagnosis and management of hypertension preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among Filipino patients.

METHODOLOGY

This validation study utilized the US Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/European Society of Hypertension/International Organization for Standardization (AAMI/ESH/ISO) protocol for BP monitors. A total of eighty-five (85) participants had their BP measured using both the HEM 7156 and a validated aneroid sphygmomanometer. The same-sequential BP measurement was recommended to be used and a total of nine readings were collected per individual. The mean average of BP and standard deviation were extracted from the measurements. The AAMI/ESH/ISO recommends the use of certain criteria for individual BP readings (criterion 1) and individual participants (criterion 2). Appropriate statistical analysis was used for other demographic data.

RESULTS

The participants had an average age of 34 years, more than half were females, and not diagnosed with hypertension. Individuals who were diagnosed with hypertension had no other comorbidities and were on single pill only. The average arm circumference was 26.9 cm. Blood Pressure (BP) readings were adequate based on the protocol. Validity results showed that for criterion 1, systolic blood pressure (SBP) difference was 3.4 ± 7.4 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 2.0 ± 8.0 mmHg. The results for criterion 2 showed for SBP was 3.3 ± 5.3 mmHg, while DBP was 1.9 ± 6.6 mmHg. The results satisfied a passing grade on the validation protocol set by the AAMI/ESH/ISO.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that OMRON HEM 7156 is validated as a BP apparatus and may be recommended for Philippine use.

Human ; Hypertension

Background: Common variants in the fat mass and obesity-related transcript (FTO) gene are related to body mass index and obesity, suggesting its potential association with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. This study sought to define the association between FTO gene variants and the following phenotypes: (1) BMD; (2) bone loss; and (3) fracture risk. Methods: This analysis was based on the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study that included 1,277 postmenopausal women aged ≥60 years living in Dubbo, Australia. BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine was measured biennially by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar). Fractures were radiologically ascertained. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1421085, rs1558902, rs1121980, rs17817449, rs9939609, and rs9930506) of the FTO gene were genotyped using TaqMan assay. Results: Women homozygous for the minor allele (GG) of rs9930506 had a significantly higher risk of hip fracture (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–3.23) than those homozygous for the major allele (AA) after adjusting for potential confounding effects. Similar associations were also observed for the minor allele of rs1121980. However, there was no significant association between the FTO SNPs and BMD or the rate of bone loss. Conclusions Common variations in the FTO gene are associated with a hip fracture risk in women, and the association is not mediated through BMD or bone loss.

We report two infants with neonatal cholestasis and hepatosplenomegaly secondary to congenital syphilis. The onset of jaundice of the first infant was at six weeks of life and the second case on the 28th hour of life with associated neurologic and bone involvement. The diagnosis was suspected based on a maternal history of untreated syphilis, clinical findings, and a reactive rapid plasma reagin. Early recognition and treatment can lead to clinical improvement but prevention by mandatory testing and treatment of maternal syphilis is a more effective strategy
Congenital syphilis ; neonatal cholestasis

Introduction : Health care providers must develop awareness and understanding of the rights of patients in order to render quality care. The study aimed to assess the awareness of students of the College of Medicine of the Patient's Bill of Rights. Methods : Medical students selected by stratified sampling were asked to answer a questionnaire on patients' rights. Respondents with scores of at least 80% were considered "aware". The proportion of respondents who were "aware" was determined. Results : The results revealed that 84.6% of the respondents have >80% awareness level. More than 90% of the medical students sampled were aware of the right to choose a physician, followed by the rights to be shown respect, dignity, and consideration, to be provided healthcare service of best quality by skilled healthcare professionals, to be included in decisions and choices about one's care, and to religious assistance. Less than 70% were aware of the right of the unconscious or legally incompetent patient and right to access and transfer of care and continuity of care. Conclusion More than 80% of medical students exposed to patients are aware of the Patient's Bill of Rights.
Awareness ; Education, Medical

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the project is to develop water safety plan (WSP) guidelines specific for water refilling station (WRS) operators. The guidelines will serve as model for future formulation of WSP among WRS across the country.
METHODS: A criteria was developed for selecting WRS. Site visits were initially done along with the selection of eight (8) water refilling stations from pre-identified areas across the country. The operators of the selected WRS together wih their respective local sanitary inspectors underwent a workshop where they were trained and guided on the step-by-step process of devising a WSP. Coaching and mentoring was then conducted for the improvement of the draft WSPs. A guideline manual on how to develop WSPs for WRS was drafted to serve as reference for other WRS in the country.
RESULTS: The study developed a WSP model specifically made for WRS setting. Eight (8) final drafts of WSP were also accomplished. WRS operators and local sanitary inspectors were trained on how to develop WSP which will support and facilitate appropriate implementation of these functional WSPs.
CONCLUSION: The formulation of WSPs among WRS ensures delivery of safe drinking-water among its consumers. It serves as an initial step in realizing the vision of DOH of institutionalizing WSPs among all water utilities in the country. The guidelines developed will be a useful tool for other WRS in the country for preparing their own WSPs.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Diarrhea ; Gastroenteritis ; Safety ; Models, Theoretical ; Motor Vehicles ; Water ; Water Supply ; Risk Management

Objective. To present preliminary data on the effects of intravenous pamidronate in children with moderate to severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). Methods. This is a restrospective study wherein a review of medical records and available serial radiographs of children (N=14) with moderate to severe IO started on pamidronate from 2006 to 2010 was done. Results. Two children have IO Type I, 8 have IO Type III and 4 have IO Type IV. At baseline, 2 had normal height, 8 had height less than minus 2SD and the rest with less than minus 1SD. Twelve out of 14 had vertebral compression fractures. Mean age at start of pamidronate was 5.4 years (range 0.5-11 years). First infusion fever in five patients and transient generalized macular rash in one child were noted. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were normal at baseline and remained stable. Based on parental report, improvement of motor function was noted. In the 10 children who had at least a year of treatment, long bone fractures decreased from mean annualized fracture rate of 2.6 at baseline to 0.9. In patients with vertebral compression fractures, serial radiographs showed improvement of vertebral shape. Conclusion. This preliminary study shows that treatment was generally well tolerated and led to decrease in long bone fractures, improved vertebral shape and improved function.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child Preschool ; PAMIDRONATE ; OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA ; MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES ; BONE DISEASES ; BONE DISEASES, DEVELOPMENTAL ; BONE DISEASES, METABOLIC ; OSTEOCHONDRODYSPLASIAS ; THERAPEUTICS ; THERAPY ; OSTEOPOROSIS

medical profession ; Economics

Adjudication ; salaried ; Medical Indigency

organizational ; Medical ; Central

Medical ; Central ; Mental association