Publications by authors named "Kate Wan-Chu Chang"
Aim: To demonstrate the trajectory of long-term recovery of upper-extremity movement and determine optimal timing of evaluation at multidisciplinary specialty centers in children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).
Method: All children with conservatively managed NBPP seen at one institution from 2005 to 2020 were considered for inclusion. The cohort was divided according to age at formal evaluation (≤30 or > 30 days).
Article Synopsis
- Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a serious neurological condition primarily affecting children, leading to limb weakness and paralysis, with no standardized treatment protocols established despite heightened awareness since 2014.
- A systematic review analyzed 99 articles, revealing a strong association between AFM and nonpolio enterovirus infections, with common clinical signs including viral symptoms, spinal cord lesions, and sudden onset of weakness.
- Management strategies emphasize supportive care and rehabilitation, with emerging evidence suggesting that nerve transfer surgery may improve functionality in patients with ongoing weakness.
Article Synopsis
- Early referral of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is crucial for better outcomes, but a lack of knowledge about the condition causes delays, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
- A survey of 273 North American healthcare providers evaluated their understanding of NBPP, revealing similar levels of knowledge to Saudi providers, yet notable gaps in the recognition of NBPP's natural history and referral timing between different healthcare settings.
- Despite generally adequate knowledge, both North American and Saudi providers tend to overestimate the likelihood of spontaneous recovery, highlighting a global need for improved education on NBPP diagnosis and management.
Background: The term self-determination refers to decision-making, goal setting, and perseverance to achieve those goals. Numerous studies have established the importance of self-determination to enhance learning and improve postschool outcomes. However, most studies evaluate students with learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, or behavioral disabilities.
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- * Researchers examined infants under one year old with NBPP, measuring their cranial shape and dividing them into groups based on whether they had plagiocephaly or not.
- * Results showed that 64% of the infants had positional plagiocephaly, with delivery type potentially influencing its occurrence, and those without plagiocephaly had better arm mobility; the study suggests promoting movement to prevent cranial asymmetry.
Introduction: We investigated interrater reliability of overall assessment of nerve root lesions by electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).
Methods: Two blinded, board-certified reviewers retrospectively reviewed de-identified EDX data from 37 infants with NBPP for 2005-2012. Only nerve conduction and electromyography needle data were included.
OBJECTIVE The effectiveness of contralateral C-7 (CC7) transfer is controversial, yet this procedure has been performed around the world to treat brachial plexus injuries. The authors performed a systematic review to study whether Asian countries reported better outcomes after CC7 transfer compared with "other" countries. METHODS A systematic literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and 3 Chinese databases was completed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: In academia, women remain underrepresented. The authors' sought to examine differences in faculty position and professional satisfaction among academic physicians by gender.
Methods: From 2008 to 2012, academic faculty members at a single institution were surveyed (2008, n = 737; 2010, n = 1151; and 2012, n = 971) regarding current position, choice of position, professional satisfaction, and desire for leaving.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the prevalence of language delays in toddlers with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, a condition affecting arm movement, which has not been previously linked to language impairment.
- Twentytoddlers were assessed using language scales, and 30% exhibited language delay, significantly higher than the typical 5-15% observed in normally developing children.
- The findings suggest a need for further research and highlight the importance of early detection and intervention for language issues in this group to enhance communication skills.
Purpose: Outcomes of distal radius fractures can be measured radiographically, functionally, or via patient-rated questionnaires, but previous studies report conflicting results regarding the relationship between these outcomes. Our specific aim was to explore the role that functional outcomes have in the score of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), a patient-rated hand instrument.
Methods: We obtained data for 207 patients.
Article Synopsis
- The study aims to create a standardized tool for evaluating scientific presentations by reviewing literature on effective presentation components and organization.
- Evaluations of 69 presentations at a medical conference were conducted by independent reviewers using a specific rating system assessing content, style, and overall quality.
- Results showed high agreement among reviewers on content evaluation but varied opinions on delivery and structure, with speaker delivery and slide appearance being the most crucial factors for overall presentation quality.
Background: Toe-to-thumb transfer is an established procedure for reconstruction of traumatic thumb amputations. The four types of toe-to-thumb transfers are the second toe, the great toe, the wrap-around great toe and the trimmed great toe transfers. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature to compare outcomes amongst different methods of toe-to-thumb transfers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObject: The rate of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) remains 0.4%-4% despite improvements in perinatal care. Among affected children, the extent of brachial plexus palsy differs greatly, as does the prognosis.
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