General and health-related life satisfaction of patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

When assessing the quality of care, patients' characteristics such as general and health-related life satisfaction, are of major significance. Our study examined the general and health-related life satisfaction of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). To quantify the general and health-related life satisfaction, we used the validated instrument Questions on Life Satisfaction(Modules) by Henrich and Herschbach.

Determinants of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in patients with chronic lung diseases.

Unlabelled: Despite strong recommendations, immunization rates for influenza and pneumococci are low. We aimed to analyse the vaccination status and its determinants in patients with chronic lung diseases.

Methods: Information about actual influenza (IV) and pneumococcal (PV) vaccination status was obtained by a standardised questionnaire from 2491 patients presenting to a specialised centre of respiratory medicine in Rotenburg/Wuemme (Germany).

Configuration of the optic chiasm in humans with albinism as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: To determine whether the size and configuration of the optic chiasm in humans with albinism is different from that in normal control subjects.

Methods: Seventeen patients and 15 control subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the entire head. Images were reformatted to the chiasm region and analyzed with observer-independent morphometry and measurements by a blinded observer.