Study results from C. Decoster and colleagues update understanding of ophthalmology
2007 NOV 21 -- According to recent research published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology - Journal Canadien D Ophtalmologie, "Although visual impairment has been associated with falls, fractures, and other injuries, the relation between cataract surgery and injuries is unclear. This study assesses whether persons waiting for cataract surgery are at increased risk of requiring health care services for an injury compared with a control group, and, if so, whether the risk changes after cataract surgery This is a retrospective case-control study of first-eye cataract surgery recipients in Manitoba in fiscal 1999-2000." "Health care administrative data and cataract waiting list registry data were the data sources. Cataract surgery recipients were matched 3:1 with controls on age, sex, and region. The outcome measure was a diagnosis of injury identified using International Classification of Diseases 9 (Clinical Modification) codes in the physician or hospital claims. Data were analyzed for 2 years before and after cataract surgery. A multivariate logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders, such as burden of illness, presence of diabetes, stroke or dementia, number of different medications, and use of psychoactive mediations There were 3811 cases and 11 359 controls. Cases were found to be much more likely to have a history of stroke, diabetes, or dementia, and were more likely to have been prescribed multiple medications or a psychoactive drug. After adjustment for comorbidities and pharmaceutical use, cases had a significantly higher probability of an injury before surgery (0.2784 vs. 0.2538; chi(2) = 5.01, p = 0.03). This decreased significantly after surgery to 0.2333 (chi(2) = 18.05, p< 0.0001). After surgery, the adjusted probability of injury was lower among cases (0.2333) than controls (0.2385), though this was not significant," wrote C. Decoster and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "The adjusted odds ratio for having an injury was 1.032 (95% confidence interval 1.026, 1.039) per week of waiting." Decoster and colleagues published their study in Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology - Journal Canadien D Ophtalmologie (Health care utilization for injury in cataract surgery patients. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology - Journal Canadien D Ophtalmologie, 2007;42(4):567-572). For additional information, contact C. Decoster, Calgary Health Reg, Qual Safety & Health Informat, 4520-16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0M6, Canada. The publisher's contact information for the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology - Journal Canadien D Ophtalmologie is: Canadian Ophthal Society, 1525 Carling Avenue Suite 610, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8R9, Canada. Keywords: Canada, Calgary, Life Sciences, Ophthalmology. This article was prepared by Physician Law Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Physician Law Week via NewsRx.com.
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