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PubMed2000

Quantification of progressive joint space narrowing in osteoarthritis of the hip: longitudinal analysis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The rate of progressive joint space narrowing in the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (OA) and the factors which may predispose patients to more aggressive joint space narrowing remain undefined. The current study sought to evaluate the rate and pattern of, and risk factors for, progressive joint space narrowing in the contralateral hip after THA for OA. METHODS: Each patient who underwent THA for OA in 1984-1985 was followed up longitudinally, and annual anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs were obtained. The radiographic joint space width (JSW) of each contralateral hip joint was quantified, and the rates of JSW narrowing were determined. Evaluation of potential risk factors for accelerated progression of joint space narrowing included age, sex, side of surgery, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), hip pain, etiology of OA, and Kellgren/Lawrence radiographic grade. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients and 619 AP pelvis radiographs were evaluated. The median initial JSW was 3.48 mm (interquartile range 1.55). JSW declined in a linear manner at a median rate of 0.10 mm/year. The rate of decline between baseline and followup in 20 months was predictive of the overall slope. Two subpopulations were identified. Eighty-five percent of patients maintained a slow decline in JSW (< or =0.2 mm/year), and 15% exhibited an accelerated decline in JSW (>0.2 mm/year). Kellgren/ Lawrence radiographic grade > or =2 and a diagnosis of primary OA were each associated with a more rapid decline in JSW (P = 0.006 and P = 0.02, respectively). Initial JSW, age, sex, weight, height, BMI, and hip pain were not risk factors for rapid decline in JSW. CONCLUSION: Radiographic hip JSW may be reliably quantified and followed up longitudinally using standard AP radiographs. Progression of JSW narrowing in the contralateral hip after THA for OA proceeds in a linear manner over several years. A subpopulation of patients with accelerated narrowing of contralateral JSW may be identified within 20 months, and may represent a suitable population with which to assess the potential efficacy of new disease-modifying agents.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Longitudinal analysis of feline leukemia virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes: correlation with recovery from infection.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a common naturally occurring gammaretrovirus of domestic cats that is associated with degenerative diseases of the hematopoietic system, immunodeficiency, and neoplasia. Although the majority of cats exposed to FeLV develop a transient infection and recover, a proportion of cats become persistently viremic and many subsequently develop fatal diseases. To define the dominant host immune effector mechanisms responsible for the outcome of infection, we studied the longitudinal changes in FeLV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in a group of naïve cats following oronasal exposure to FeLV. Using (51)Cr release assays to measure ex vivo virus-specific cytotoxicity, the emerging virus-specific CTL response was correlated with modulations in viral burden as assessed by detection of infectious virus, FeLV p27 capsid antigen, and proviral DNA in the blood. High levels of circulating FeLV-specific effector CTLs appeared before virus neutralizing antibodies in cats that recovered from exposure to FeLV. In contrast, persistent viremia was associated with a silencing of virus-specific humoral and cell-mediated host immune effector mechanisms. A single transfer of between 2 x 10(7) and 1 x 10(8) autologous, antigen-activated lymphoblasts was associated with a downmodulation in viral burden in vivo. The results suggest an important role for FeLV-specific CTLs in retroviral immunity and demonstrate the potential to modulate disease outcome by the adoptive transfer of antigen-specific T cells in vivo.

Adoptive Transfer↗
PubMed1998

Group identification and intergroup attitudes: a longitudinal analysis in South Africa.

Social identity theory (SIT) and realistic conflict theory (RCT) suggest that group identification and out-group negativity will be correlated when intergroup relations involve competition and perceived threat, but the theories differ in their predictions about the direction of causality. The authors assessed Black African students' ethnic group identification and their attitudes toward English Whites, Afrikaans Whites, and Whites in general before and after South Africa's transitional election in April 1994. As predicted, Black African identification was significantly related only to attitudes toward Afrikaans Whites. Longitudinal analyses, however, suggested causal impacts from attitudes to identification and not the reverse, contradicting the SIT prediction. The authors discuss evidence for the existence of two distinct modes of group identification with different implications for intergroup behavior.

Attitude↗
PubMed2006

Longitudinal analysis of cryptosporidium species-specific immunoglobulin G antibody responses in Peruvian children.

Cryptosporidium species are ubiquitous in the environment and are frequently detected in the stools of children who live where sanitation conditions are poor. To better characterize the immune response to these parasites, we monitored immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels in a cohort of children from Lima, Peru. Two new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays based on the C. parvum (bovine, subtype IIa) Iowa strain 17-kDa and 27-kDa antigens were used to measure IgG antibody levels in longitudinal serum samples. Antibody responses were detected during infections with C. parvum, C. felis, and C. meleagridis and with four different subtypes of C. hominis. We also noted that the magnitude of the antibody response was related to the number of previous infections and that older children generally had higher levels of antibodies to the two C. parvum antigens. Antibody responses were not associated with infections with either Cyclospora sp. or Giardia sp. We believe the antibody assays will be important tools for monitoring the success of future public health interventions.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Health risk assessment for diabetes mellitus based on longitudinal analysis of MHTS database.

This study was designed with a follow up of 16 years to provide the epidemiological model evaluating the risk of developing diabetes mellitus in Japan. A cohort of 2573 subjects (1851 males and 722 females) from a MHTS in Tokyo, who were nondiabetic (fasting blood glucose (FBS) less than 110 mg/dl) in the initial year, were selected. This cohort was followed every year to identify the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus was defined as fasting blood glucose over 110 mg/dl, or the initiation of diabetic therapy. We compared two prognosis groups (a normal group and a diabetic group) in terms of age, examination findings, and prevalence of health risks (lifestyle, stress, and working form). We also assessed family history of diabetes and past histories including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperuricemia. After assessing each variable by univariate analysis (t-test, chi 2 test), we employed Cox's proportional hazards model analysis. We used stepwise model adopting risk factors. The diabetic group had significant differences compared to the normal group in age, BMI (body mass index), FBS, smoking, drinking, not eating breakfast, dairy intake, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricemia, and family history by univariate analysis. According to proportional hazards model analysis, FBS, age, family history, hypertension, smoking, and BMI were incorporated into significant risk factors for diabetes in males, and not eating breakfast, FBS, age, drinking, and hypertension were incorporated in females. Diabetes seemed to be related to fixed factors (age), or genetic factors (family history and FBS) in males. For females, lifestyle (not eating breakfast and drinking habit) seemed to play an important role. It will be worthwhile to assess the risks of developing diabetes mellitus by this epidemiological model.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Longitudinal analysis of arterial Doppler parameters in growth retarded fetuses].

Doppler parameters enable noninvasive and direct detection of placental insufficiency and brain sparing effect, which occurs as an adaptive mechanism to chronic hypoxemia. It is of great interest if further changes of Doppler parameters, which occur after the detection of the first pathologic value, can anticipate a moment of fetal distress. We investigated growth-restricted fetuses with the brain sparing effect in the time interval between the detection of blood flow redistribution until the distress. The aim of our study was to evaluate longitudinally Doppler parameters in umbilical (Aum), medial cerebral (MCA), renal (AR) and femoral (AF) artery, and find: 1) if there are significant changes in their value; 2) the character and time interval of these changes; and 3) if they differ from changes in biophysical profile (BFP). Prospective clinical study evaluated 35 pregnancies with fetal growth restriction. Fetuses were selected for the study if: 1) there were pathologic cerebral/umbilical (C/U) ratio, 2) at least four Doppler examinations in 3-4 days interval were performed and 3) prepartal fetal distress, defined as silent fetal heart rate pattern with spontaneous and late decelerations, was present. In 28 neonates after delivery umbilical artery gas and acid-base status was determined. Blood flow velocity waveforms were evaluated in Aum, MCA, AR, and AF. Arterial blood flow was estimated by pulsatility index (Pi), while in Aum we also used: present end-diastolic velocity (PEDV), absent end-diastolic velocity (AEDV) and reverse end-diastolic velocity (REDV). All of the fetuses were monitored by cardiotocogram (CTG) once to twice a day and by BFP twice a week. Elective Cesarean section was done in the presence of distress, except if severe immaturity or extreme malnutrition occurred. Etiological factors of placental insufficiency were: 1) hypertensive syndrome (n = 26), 2) chronic renal disease (n = 3), 3) primary antiphospholipid syndrome (n = 2), 4) diabetes mellitus (n = 1), 5) cardiac disease (n = 1) and 6) unknown (n = 2). Initial Doppler examination, with the detection of pathological C/U, was done in time interval between 26. to 32. weeks of gestation (wg) (29.4 +/- 2.5); delivery was between 29. to 34. wg (32.2 +/- 1.9); and average body weight was 1327 +/- 245 g. Pathological BFP was registered in 91.4% of fetuses. Cesarian section has not been done, in spite of distress, in two fetuses (5.7%) due to their extreme immaturity and/or malnutrition, so they died "in utero". Hypoxemia was registered in 96.4% (27/28) neonates, while acidosis in 71.4% (20/28). Neonatal morbidity was 93.9% (31/33), neonatal mortality 8.6%, while perinatal mortality was 14.3%. We found high significant difference (P < 0.001) in Pi Aum, Pi ACM and Pi AR in the time interval between the detection of pathological C/U ratio and fetal distress, while the difference was insignificant for the values of Pi AF (table). The value changes are characterized by: continuing increase of Pi Aum, with a maximum in the last week before the distress; biphasic character of PI MCA--tendency to decrease in the first two and significant increase in the last week; and significant increase of Pi AR one and a half week before the distress (table, graphic). Three weeks before the distress in 7 (53.8%) cases we registered PEDV, in 6 (46.2%) AEDV, while we didn't register REDV in any case. In the last week there were 3 (8.6%) PEDV, 23 (65.7%) AEDV and 9 (25.7%) REDV. Significant changes in Doppler parameters suggest that even after the blood redistribution in growth restricted hypoxemic fetuses further haemodynamic changes occur. Preterminal increase in Pi Aum can be due to: 1) release of leucotrien, tromboxan and free oxygen radicals and consecutive vasoconstriction in villous arteries; 2) increase of diastolic arterial pressure as a result of hypoxic-ischemic central nervous system (CNS) insult; 3) decreased combined heart minute volume in preterminal phase of hypoxemia. The increase of Pi MCA values is a result of hypoxic-ischemic CNS insult. As a consequence of hypoxia ischemia occurs by two mechanisms: local vasodilatatory agents production decrease, or due to the brain edema. The increase of Pi AR values can be explained by severe hypoxemia with the failure of local autoregulation of renal blood flow. The greatest changes in BFP values were registered in the first half, while in Doppler parameters in the second half of the studied interval suggesting that Doppler parameters more accurately announce fetal distress. We can conclude the following: 1) fetal distress appears after the presence hypoxic-ischemic CNS insult, and therefore late when sequels are concerned; 2) if the fetus is mature, elective delivery should be planed after the appearance of pathological C/U ratio, or with the pathological BFP at the latest, in order to avoid post-hypoxic sequels; 3) if the fetus is immature, pregnancy can be prolonged safely, in spite of pathological C/U ratio and BFP, with intensive monitoring of Doppler parameters until the detection of their increased values.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1999

Perceived overqualification and health: a longitudinal analysis.

The authors examined the effects of perceived overqualification on health and health decline by means of a 2-wave panel study of members of a midwestern American Postal Workers Union local. The 1st hypothesis was that overqualification was negatively related to health at Time 2 (T2); the second hypothesis was that overqualification was positively related to perceived health decline at T2. Neither was supported by the data. However, the relationships were in the expected direction for perceived mismatch but not for the perceived no grow dimension of overqualification. The results imply that perceived no grow may have immediate threats to health, whereas perceived mismatch may have longer term implications for health. The stability of perceived health between Time 1 (T1) and T2 could overshadow a longitudinal effect of overqualification on health and health decline at T2.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Longitudinal analysis of intermediate outcomes in adolescent hemodialysis patients.

In 2000 and 2001, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Clinical Performance Measures (CPM) project collected data on all in-center hemodialysis (HD) patients in the United States aged >or=12 and <18 years. There were 433 of 486 (89%) patients and 435 of 516 (84%) patients who had the minimum required data submitted and were included in the 2000 and 2001 study years, respectively. There were 188 patients (43%) who had data submitted in both study years, providing longitudinal data on this cohort. A comparison of clinical parameters on these 188 patients in the 2000 and 2001 study years reveals significant improvement in mean calculated spKt/V (1.50+/-0.36 vs. 1.58+/-0.30, P<0.01), mean hemoglobin (11.0+/-1.6 g/dl vs. 11.5+/-1.3 g/dl, P<0.001), mean ferritin (286+/-278 ng/ml vs. 460+/-353 ng/ml, P<0.001), mean transferrin saturation (27.8+/-15.1% vs. 31.3+/-15.0%, P<0.05), mean serum albumin as measured by the bromocresol green method (3.83+/-0.54 g/dl vs. 3.95+/-0.42 g/dl, P<0.01), and mean height standard deviation score (-1.814+/-1.756 vs. -1.699+/-1.657, P<0.05). In addition, 20 of 29 (69%) patients who had a spKt/V <1.2 in the 2000 study year had a spKt/V >1.2 in the 2001 study year. Of 68 (44%) patients who had a catheter as their HD access in the 2000 study year, 30 had an arteriovenous fistula or graft in the 2001 study year and 49 of 80 (61%) patients who had a mean hemoglobin <11 g/dl in the 2000 study year had a hemoglobin >11 g/dl in the 2001 study year. In summary, these longitudinal data demonstrate significant improvements in nearly all clinical parameters studied in these adolescent HD patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Genetic and environmental influences on social support in later life: a longitudinal analysis.

The present study assessed the etiology of individual differences in social support over a six-year period. The availability of friend support, family support, and the perceived adequacy of the social support network was assessed three times using identical and same-gender fraternal twins reared together and reared apart from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging. Results are based on the pairwise responses at the three occasions of measurement (labeled Q1, Q2, and Q3): 462 pairs at Q1 (assessed October 1984), 474 pairs at Q2 (October 1987), and 431 pairs at Q3 (October 1990). The longitudinal phenotypic correlations (ranging from .49 to .77) indicate that social support is a moderately stable characteristic. Qualitative genetic model-fitting analyses resulted in significant heritability estimates for the social support measures at all three measurement occasions. Results also indicate considerable stability in genetic effects across measurement occasions, with genetic correlations ranging from .65 to .97. Nonshared environmental influences were substantial contributors to social support, but were less stable across the measurement occasions, with correlations ranging from .07 to .52.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Self-efficacy, social support, and depression in aging: a longitudinal analysis.

This study examines the relationship of self-efficacy and social support to adjustment in aging. Fifty-two community residents participated in an initial structured interview and a follow-up interview one year later. Measures of depression and self-efficacy relating to social support were included in the initial interview, with measures of depression and actual social support included at follow-up. Results showed that initial self-efficacy was related to social support one year later. A path analysis showed that self-efficacy functions directly as well as indirectly through its effect on social support in preventing depression. A partial correlational analysis showed that the relationships between initial self-efficacy and depression one year later and between social support and depression at follow-up hold when ongoing depression is controlled.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

Longitudinal analysis of haplotypes and polymorphisms of the APOA5 and APOC3 genes associated with variation in serum triglyceride levels: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Polymorphisms in the APOC3 and APOA5 genes, from the APOA1/APOC3/APOA4/APOA5 gene cluster on chromosome 11q23, have been associated with interindividual variation in plasma triglycerides. APOA5 polymorphisms implicated include 2 in the promoter region (-1131 T/C and -3 A/G) and 1 in exon 2 (+56 C/G). APOC3 polymorphisms implicated include 1 (SstI) in the 3' untranslated region and 1 (-2854 G/T) in the APOC3-APOA4 intergenic region. We analyzed the associations of haplotypes and multilocus genotypes of these polymorphisms on longitudinal serum triglyceride profiles in 360 African American and 823 white subjects from the Bogalusa Heart Study. Subjects were examined from 2 to 8 times (mean +/- SD, 5.4 +/- 1.3) between 1973 and 1996, at ages ranging from 4 to 38 years, with 1978 observations in African Americans and 4465 in whites. Serum triglycerides were significantly higher among whites across all ages. Allele frequencies differed significantly between African Americans and whites at all but the APOA5 +56 C/G locus. Linkage disequilibrium among the loci was higher in whites and haplotype diversity lower: 6 haplotypes had estimated frequencies of more than 1% in African Americans, 5 in whites. Individually, all polymorphisms except APOC3 -2854 G/T showed significant associations with triglyceride levels in the full sample. However, genotype models including all 5 loci showed significant triglyceride associations for only 3 (APOC3 SstI, APOA5 -1131 T/C, and APOA5 +56 C/G); significant interactions among them indicated their effects were not independent. Neither APOC3 -2854 G/T nor APOA5 -3 A/G had significant effects when the other 3 loci were in the models. The EM algorithm was used to estimate haplotype frequencies and assign haplotype probabilities to individuals, which is conditional on their genotypes; individuals' haplotype probability vectors were then used as predictors in multilevel mixed models of longitudinal triglyceride profiles. Of haplotypes comprising, in order, APOC3 SstI and -2854 G/T and APOA5 -1131 T/C, -3 A/G, and +56 C/G, 3 were significantly associated with higher triglycerides, even after adjusting for multiple tests: GGTAG (P = .002), GTTAG (P < .0001), and CGCGC (P = .0002). Each GGTAG haplotype carried would be expected to raise triglyceride levels (relative to those of GTTAC homozygotes) by approximately 19 mg/dL, each GTTAG haplotype by approximately 15 mg/dL, and each CGCGC haplotype by approximately 7 mg/dL. Haplotypes comprising the 3 loci implicated by genotype analyses (SstI, -1131 T/C, and +56 C/G) were also tested: haplotypes C_C_C and G_T_G significantly raised triglycerides, even after adjustment for multiple comparisons (P < .002 for both), with each copy of C_C_C expected to raise triglycerides by approximately 7 mg/dL and each copy of G_T_G by approximately 15 mg/dL. Overall, our findings support those of others in associating specific polymorphisms and haplotypes in the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 gene cluster with higher serum triglyceride levels. However, the degree to which polymorphisms in the APOC3 and APOA5 genes may be independently associated with triglyceride levels remains to be determined.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Maternal education and adolescent drug use: a longitudinal analysis of causation and selection over a generation.

Current evidence indicates that in the USA illegal drug use among adolescents between the 1980s and 1990s became significantly more prevalent in families with lower maternal education in comparison to families with higher maternal education. In this study, we examine whether this inter-generational change results from either (a) a changing influence of socioeconomic status on drug use, as predicted by the inter-generational social 'causation' hypothesis, or (b) a negative influence of drug use on socioeconomic status, as predicted by the inter-generational social 'selection/drift' hypothesis. The analyses are based on the US National Longitudinal Study of 1979, which includes information on drug use for both a nationally representative sample of respondents aged 19-27 in 1984, as well as drug use information for the children of these respondents, who were aged 18-27 in 1998. The results indicate that inter-generation change in cocaine and marijuana use resulted almost entirely from social causation. These findings support illegal drug use as a good candidate for analyses in the 'fundamental cause' tradition that seek to understand the social factors that concentrate poor health and health behaviors in the lower social strata over historical time.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Longitudinal analysis of CD8+ T cells specific for structural and nonstructural hepatitis B virus proteins in patients with chronic hepatitis B: implications for immunotherapy.

The cytotoxic T-cell response in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been described as weak and mono- or oligospecific in comparison to the more robust virus-specific T-cell response present in resolved infection. However, chronic hepatitis B is a heterogeneous disease with markedly variable levels of virus replication and liver disease activity. Here we analyzed (both directly ex vivo and after in vitro stimulation) the HBV-specific CD8 T-cell responses against structural and nonstructural HBV proteins longitudinally in patients with different patterns of chronic infections. We found that the profiles of virus-specific CD8(+)-T-cell responses during chronic infections are highly heterogeneous and influenced more by the level of HBV replication than by the activity of liver disease. An HBV DNA load of <10(7) copies/ml appears to be the threshold below which circulating multispecific HBV-specific CD8(+) T cells are consistently detected. Furthermore, CD8(+) T cells with different specificities are differentially regulated during chronic infections. HBV core-specific CD8(+) T cells are associated with viral control, while CD8(+) T cells specific for envelope and polymerase epitopes can occasionally be found in the setting of high levels (>10(7) copies) of HBV replication. These findings have implications for the design of immunotherapy for chronic HBV infections.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Correlated measures in longitudinal analysis of daily drug use patterns in a general intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study is to compare two different study designs (with and without corrections for correlated measures) to identify possible determinants of psychotropic drug use in an intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: In a logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (OR) were calculated for days in which patients were exposed to psychotropics compared with non-exposed days. In order to adjust for correlated measures, logistic regression with a logistic binomial model was applied. RESULTS: We found that adjustment for correlated measures did not result in major changes in the OR. However, with more observations per patient parameter, adjustment for correlation has greater effect. CONCLUSIONS: Adjustment for correlated measures may be useful in longitudinal drug analyses.

APACHE↗
PubMed2003

Constructing a database of individual clinical trials for longitudinal analysis.

Individual patient data are often required to evaluate how patient-specific factors modify treatment effects. We describe our experience combining individual patient data from 1946 subjects in 11 randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of angiotensin-enzyme converting (ACE) inhibitors for treating nondiabetic renal disease. We sought to confirm the results of our meta-analysis of group data on the efficacy of ACE inhibitors in slowing the progression of renal disease, as well as to determine whether any study or patient characteristics modified the beneficial effects of treatment. In particular, we wanted to find out if the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors could be explained by adjusting for follow-up blood pressure and urine protein. Each trial site sent a database of multiple files and multiple records per patient containing longitudinal data of demographic, clinical, and medication variables to the data coordinating center. The databases were constructed in several different languages using different software packages with unique file formats and variable names. Over 4 years, we converted the data into a standardized database of more than 60,000 records. We overcame a variety of problems including inconsistent protocols for measurement of key variables; varying definitions of the baseline time; varying follow-up times and intervals; differing medication-reporting protocols; missing variables; incomplete, missing, and implausible data values; and concealment of key data in text fields. We discovered that it was easier and more informative to request computerized data files and merge them ourselves than to ask the investigators to abstract partial data from their files. Although combining longitudinal data from different trials based on different protocols in different languages is complex, costly, and time-intensive, analyses based on individual patient data are extremely informative. Funding agencies must be encouraged to provide support to collaborative groups combining databases.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed2005

Longitudinal analysis of the relationship between regular eye examinations and changes in visual and functional status.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether regular eye examinations are associated with a greater or lesser rate of loss of ability to read newsprint, onset of blindness or low vision, or onset of limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and activities of daily living (ADLs). DESIGN: A sample of 14,215 Medicare beneficiaries observed between 1994 and 1999 linked to the 1994 and 1999 National Long-Term Care Surveys (NLTCS). Effects of annual examinations were assessed using instrumental variables. SETTING: The Medicare-linked NLTCS is representative of U.S. elderly persons from 1994 to 1999. PARTICIPANTS: Longitudinal observational study of persons aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Change in self-reported and provider-reported vision and change in functional limitations associated with vision related to the number of years with eye examinations and other factors. RESULTS: Persons with more-regular eye examinations between 1994 and 1998 were less likely to have experienced a decline in vision or in functional status between 1994 and 1999. On average, an additional year with an eye examination was associated with a decrease in the probability of becoming unable to read newsprint of 0.12 (P=.03), a lower probability of onset of low vision or blindness of 0.009 (P=.06), and a decrease in the probability that the number of functional limitations increased of 0.13 (P=.002) for IADLs and 0.05 (P=.003) for ADLs. CONCLUSION: Elderly persons who have regular eye examinations experience less decline in vision and functional status.

Activities of Daily Living↗