https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/189 2026-04-12T13:00:25Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/847 Title: The use of urodynamic studies to help sort out bladder problems Authors: German, Karl Andrew Abstract: Urodynamic studies are performed as part of the clinical investigation of selected patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction. These studies provide the clinician with information about lower urinary tract function and allow a more scientific approach to the management of the individual patient. This article will concentrate on situations involving video-urodynamic studies. 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/623 Title: Hepatitis C : an emerging concern Authors: Falzon, Dennis; Portelli, Alfred V.; Mallia Azzopardi, Charles; Gauci, Charmaine Abstract: Hepatitis C has surfaced worldwide as a formidable concern to public health. Recent developments have sharpened methods of serological detectability, epidemiological study and patient treatment. In the light of the global situation, this article briefly presents known local epidemiology about hepatitis C derived from routine data and personal communication from some key workers. The occurrence of a serious, potentially progressive, transmissible condition in a young population will incur high-costs to patients, contacts and care services. The article concludes by highlighting the areas offering greatest scope to check this condition through prevention and patient management. 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/619 Title: Domiciliary nasal respiratory support : first experiences in Malta Authors: Montefort, Stephen; Galea Debono, Anthony Abstract: Nasal respiratory support is a non-invasive alternative to conventional assisted ventilation with endotracheal intubation, or the more cumbersome negative pressure ventilators. The two main types of this relatively new therapy are nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) respiratory support, which are mostly used in chronic hypoventilatory states and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) respectively. We have introduced these two types of respiratory support to five patients suffering from neuromuscular disorders and twenty-four patients with OSA with marked improvement in the quality of life of all patients concerned. Our experiences with these patients should hopefully lead to further development in the diagnostic and therapeutic facilities in this field in Malta. 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/617 Title: Declining mortality from congenital heart disease in Malta Authors: Grech, Victor E.; Savona-Ventura, Charles; Attard Montalto, Simon Abstract: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly occurring in approximately 10/1000 live births. Analysis of official Maltese Health Division statistics listing CHD as the primary cause of death on death•certificates has shown a significant fall in mortality from CHD in Malta from 1952 to 1993 (r = -0.84, p<0.0001). This decline has persisted despite the steady incidence of CHD and has not yet plateaued. The decreasing mortality from CHD may be attributed to advances in paediatric cardiology and paediatric cardiac surgery over the past four decades. 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z