Limited data are available about disability associated with upper extremity complications in patients who receive haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease. In this study of 123 patients receiving haemodialysis, the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 31 ± 22 points, indicating markedly greater disability than in a normal population. Dupuytren's contracture was the most frequent deformity. Brachial, radial and ulnar pulses were present in most upper limbs, but 14 (14%) of 102 patients had poor arterial perfusion pressures. Diabetic patients had residual or complete loss of protective sensation more frequently than nondiabetic patients. Motor testing with the index finger abduction and fifth finger flexion tests showed a significantly greater frequency of weakness in diabetic than nondiabetic patients. In summary, upper extremity disability was noted in haemodialysis patients, including loss of protective sensation and motor strength, both in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects.
The percentage of overweight and obese patients (OPs) waiting for a liver transplant continues to increase. Despite the significant advances occurred in bariatric medicine, obesity is still considered a relative contraindication to liver transplantation (LT). The main aim of this review is to appraise the literature on the outcomes of OPs undergoing LT, treatments that might reduce their weight before, during or after surgery, and discuss some of the controversies and limitations of the current knowledge with the intent of highlighting areas where future research is needed.
Core tip:The prevalence of obesity in the general population has doubled and the number of obese patients (OPs) affected by end-stage liver disease has increased with the same pace. There is conflicting data on the outcomes of OPs undergoing liver transplantation (LT) and the main aim of this review is to appraise the literature on the outcomes of OPs undergoing LT, treatments that might reduce their weight before, during or after surgery, and discuss some of the controversies and limitations of the current knowledge with the intent of highlighting areas where future research is needed.
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