OAR@UM Collection:

The Maltese version of the DN4 questionnaire : initial validation to assess neuropathic pain in patients with chronic spinal or spinal-radicular pain

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Maltese version of the DN4 questionnaire : initial validation to assess neuropathic pain in patients with chronic spinal or spinal-radicular pain Authors: Schembri, Emanuel; Massalha, Victoria; Camilleri, Liberato; Casha, Marilyn Abstract: Background: Neuropathic pain is frequently encountered in patients with spinal and spinal-related pain which needs specific treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to do an initial linguistic translation and validation of the Maltese DN4 questionnaire to diagnose neuropathic pain in this population. Methods: The study was designed as a single-blinded, observational, prospective collected data and retrospective analysis. The English and French DN4 questionnaires underwent forward and backward translation, literal assessment and adaptation of the semantic equivalence into the Maltese language, followed by assessment of the Maltese DN4 during the initial patient assessment in patients who met the inclusion criteria. Results: The total Maltese DN4 score obtained a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.735 therefore having satisfactory internal consistency. Test-retest using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (95% CI) ranged from 0.975 to 0.991 (p=0.000), while inter-rater agreement using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (95% CI) ranged from 0.986 to 0.995 (p=0.000). Test-retest reliability yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient (95% CI) ranging from 0.975 to 0.991 (p < 0.001), while inter-rater reliability yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient (95% CI) ranging from 0.986 to 0.995 (p < 0.001). Both the English and the Maltese DN4 questionnaires obtained the same sensitivity and specificity values of 0.422 and 0.941 respectively, and a positive likehood ratio of 7.153 and a negative likehood ratio of 0.614, at a cutoff score of 4. Conclusion: The results of this study support the transcultural internal consistency, inter-rater, test-retest reliability, validity of the Maltese DN4 questionnaire to differentiate between neuropathic and nociceptive pain in patients with chronic spinal and spinal-radicular pain. Therefore, this simple tool can be used both in daily clinical practice but also in the clinical research setting to quickly screen for neuropathic pain.

A survey of energy drinks consumption amongst medical students and foundation year doctors in Malta

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A survey of energy drinks consumption amongst medical students and foundation year doctors in Malta Authors: Grech, Anton; Axiak, Sally; Pace, Lara; Vella Fondacaro, Daniel Abstract: Objectives: To explore the consumption patterns of energy drinks and associated factors, amongst medical students and foundation year doctors in Malta. Methods: Data was collected from medical students and foundation year doctors from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, by means of an electronically administered cross-sectional, self-reported survey. The response rate was 42% (n=305). IBM SPSS 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Energy drinks consumption amongst the sample was 68.2% (n= 208). Most participants (60.1%) started consuming energy drinks between 16-20 years, followed by those between 11-15 years (34.6%). Males are more likely to consume energy drinks than females. Participants who consume energy drinks are more likely to also drink coffee (85.1%), alcohol (88.0%) and smoke tobacco (18.3%). Common reasons for drinking energy drinks were for mixing with alcohol (37.5%) and during studying/major projects (30.8%). The majority of the participants (52.1%) experience psychological side effects due to energy drinks, the most common being stimulating/hyperactivity (42.6%), followed by anxiety (14.8%). Over half of the participants (54.8%) claimed to suffer from physical side effects Conclusions: Energy drink consumption is common amongst this population and certain aspects of consumption are a cause for concern. Greater public education of the risks of these drinks is recommended especially to young age groups. Legislation may be required to control the marketing and sales and accessibility of these drinks.

Corinthia Group Prize in Paediatrics, 2019

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Corinthia Group Prize in Paediatrics, 2019 Editors: Grech, Victor E. Abstract: The Corinthia Group Prize in Paediatrics for 2019 was awarded to Dr Daniel Lawrence Fiott, who obtained the highest aggregate mark over the combined examinations in Paediatrics in the fourth and final year of the undergraduate course. Whilst offering our congratulations to Dr Daniel Lawrence Fiott, we would also like to congratulate all those who performed admirably during the undergraduate course in Paediatrics. In the accompanying photograph, Dr Daniel Lawrence Fiott is seen receiving his prize of €232 from Professor Simon Attard Montalto, Head of Paediatrics, in the Medical School. Finally, the Academic Department of Paediatrics and Medical School remain indebted and are extremely grateful to the Corinthia Group for their ongoing support.Professor Simon Attard Montalto.

The outcome of the follow-up of consolidations on chest radiographs in a Maltese population, presenting from the community, aged 50 or over : a retrospective study

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The outcome of the follow-up of consolidations on chest radiographs in a Maltese population, presenting from the community, aged 50 or over : a retrospective study Authors: Delicata, Julian; Degiorgio, Sophie; Sultana, Luke; Gatt, Simon; Zammit, Christopher; Mizzi, Adrian Abstract: Background: The British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) suggest a repeat chest radiograph 6 weeks after treatment for patients over the age of 50 to screen for lung malignancy. The benefit of this practice is not well determined. Method: We conducted a retrospective study involving patients from the community over 50 years old with consolidations on chest radiography. These patients presented in Mater Dei Hospital, Gozo General Hospital and Maltese Health Centres during the months of January 2013-2017 and August 2013-2016. The occurrence of follow-up imaging and subsequent diagnosis of lung malignancy was documented. All chest radiographs were reviewed by a radiologist. Results: 402 patients met our inclusion criteria. Follow-up imaging was done in 214 patients (53.2%) within 12 weeks. There was no statistical significance in the follow-up rates when matched for the presenting month, whether radiologists recommended repeat imaging, whether patients were admitted to hospital, and for the patients’ age and gender. The diagnostic yield of lung malignancy was 1.74% (7 patients) within 12 weeks with all malignancies being at an advanced stage at diagnosis (lowest stage being IIIA) when detected. All seven patients had a smoking history. Conclusion: 53.2% of community-acquired pneumonia patients over the age of 50 had follow-up imaging within 12 weeks. No clinical variables explaining this low rate could be identified. This practice results in a low diagnostic yield. Moreover, the diagnosis of lung malignancy is achieved at an advanced stage, making it a poor screening tool.