ECT rekindles pharmacological response in schizophrenia

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 521-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Hustig ◽  
R. Onilov

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our naturalistic-observational study was to determine the efficacy and utility of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in clinical population of individuals with schizophrenia where pharmacological response was suboptimal.MethodsThe cohort comprised 27 patients suffering from schizophrenia with refractoriness to antipsychotic agents and with severe, disabling symptoms. They only interventional assessing tool was clinical global impression (CGI-S) performed at the baseline and at the end of the treatment.ResultsThe administration of ECT resulted in overall clinical improvement reflected in CGI scales and descriptions in clinical notes. On 12 months follow-up period, 10 patients (37.1%) maintained improvement and were able to continue with pharmacological therapy only, suggesting its rekindling effect, especially with Clozapine. Conversely, 17 patients (62.9%) deteriorated and required an additional course of ECT to maintain improvement. In some cases, maintenance ECT treatment was required. The group who engaged in self-harming behaviour at baseline demonstrated they were more likely to relapse into psychosis at the end of the first course of ECT, their self-harming behaviour abated, especially when maintenance ECT was undertaken.ConclusionsAlthough limited by lack of control group, small sample size, heterogeneous symptom profiles and various concurrent neuroleptic agents, the ECT proved as valuable and safe augmentative procedure when unsatisfactory response to pharmacological interventions had been demonstrated prior to interventions. This effect was evident despite the chronicity of the illness.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Rajewska-Rager ◽  
Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz ◽  
Pawel Kapelski ◽  
Natalia Lepczynska ◽  
Joanna Pawlak ◽  
...  

AbstractMood disorders have been discussed as being in relation to glial pathology. S100B is a calcium-binding protein, and a marker of glial dysfunctions. Although alterations in the S100B expression may play a role in various central nervous system diseases, there are no studies on the potential role of S100B in mood disorders in adolescents and young adults . In a prospective two-year follow-up study, peripheral levels of S100B were investigated in 79 adolescent/young adult patients (aged 14–24 years), diagnosed with mood disorders and compared with 31 healthy control subjects. A comprehensive clinical interview was conducted which focused on clinical symptoms and diagnosis change. The diagnosis was established and verified at each control visit. Serum S100B concentrations were determined. We detected: lower S100B levels in medicated patients, compared with those who were drug-free, and healthy controls; higher S100B levels in a depressed group with a family history of affective disorder; correlations between age and medication status; sex-dependent differences in S100B levels; and lack a of correlation between the severity of depressive or hypo/manic symptoms. The results of our study indicate that S100B might be a trait-dependent rather than a state-dependent marker. Due to the lack of such studies in the youth population, further research should be performed. A relatively small sample size, a lack of exact age-matched control group, a high drop-out rate.


Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Yiwen Zhang ◽  
Jiajun Zhong ◽  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Shuisheng Zhou ◽  
...  

Objective: The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in acetaminophen-induced liver injury has been investigated in animal experiments, but individual studies with a small sample size cannot be used to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies to explore the potential of using MSCs in acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Methods: Eight databases were searched for studies reporting the effects of MSCs on acetaminophen hepatoxicity. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies was applied to assess the methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 and STATA/SE 16.0 software. Results: Eleven studies involving 159 animals were included according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Significant associations were found for MSCs with the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) (standardized mean difference (SMD) − 2.58, p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD − 1.75, p = 0.001), glutathione (GSH) (SMD 3.7, p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD 1.86, p = 0.022), interleukin 10 (IL-10) (SMD 5.14, p = 0.0002) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (SMD − 4.48, p = 0.011) compared with those in the control group. The subgroup analysis showed that the tissue source of MSCs significantly affected the therapeutic efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis results demonstrate that MSCs could be a potential treatment for acetaminophen-related liver injury.


2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1337-1344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra C Jones ◽  
Lisa Kervin

AbstractObjectiveThe present study sought to determine the feasibility of an experimental research design to investigate the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices.DesignChildren were randomized to read either a magazine with food advertisements or a magazine with no food advertisements. They then chose two food items from the intervention ‘store’ to eat after the session. Data were also collected on attitudes to advertising and snack food preferences. Finally, participants’ parents were provided with a self-completion survey on food choices and other variables (n24).SettingThree vacation care centres in regional New South Wales, Australia.SubjectsChildren aged 5–12 years (n47).ResultsChildren in the experimental condition were more likely to choose advertised foods than those in the control group. Interestingly, the majority reported taste and healthiness as the most important factors in snack food choices; however, when faced with the actual food choice, they predominantly chose unhealthy foods (eighty-two unhealthy and only twelve healthy items were chosen).ConclusionsThis was the first study to assess the effects on children of exposure to food advertising within the context of reading a child-targeted magazine. Importantly, even with the small sample size and venue limitations, we found that exposure to magazine advertising influenced food choices. Children's magazines are an under-researched and poorly regulated medium, with considerable potential to influence children's food choices. The present study shows that the methodology is feasible, and future studies could replicate this with larger samples.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luise Borch ◽  
Mette Holm ◽  
Maria Knudsen ◽  
Svend Ellermann-Eriksen ◽  
Soeren Hagstroem

Abstract Background: Most children have a mild course of acute COVID-19, but only a few mainly non-controlled studies with small sample size, have evaluated the long-term recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (‘long COVID’).Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 37,522 children age 0-17 years with RT-PCR verified SARS-CoV-2 infection and a control group of 78,037 randomly selected children. An electronic questionnaire was sent to both groups of children from March 24th until May 9th 2021.Results: Long COVID symptoms were reported by 12-51% of SARS-CoV-2 infected children. Among pre-school children, fatigue Risk Difference (RD) 0.05 (CI 0.04-0.06), loss of smell RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01), loss of taste RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.02) and muscle weakness RD 0.01 (CI 0.00-0.01) were statistically significant symptoms of ‘long COVID’.Among school children the most significant symptoms were loss of smell RD 0.12 (CI 0.12-0.13), loss of taste RD 0.10 (CI 0.09-0.10), fatigue RD 0.05 (CI 0.05-0.06), respiratory problems RD 0.03 (CI 0.03-0.04), dizziness RD 0.02 (CI 0.02-0.03), muscle weakness RD 0.02 (CI 0.01-0.02), and chest pain RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01). Children in the control group experienced significantly more concentration difficulties, headache, muscle- and joint pain, cough, nausea, diarrhea and fever than the SARS-CoV-2 infected. In most children ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolved within 1-5 months.Conclusions: This study provides new evidence of ‘long COVID’ symptoms in children.Trial registration number: The study was approved by The Danish Health Data Authority and registered at Central Denmark region (# 1-16-02-621-20).


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabila Jones ◽  
Hannah Bartlett

The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature that has investigated the impact of visual impairment on nutritional status. We identified relevant articles through a multi-staged systematic approach. Fourteen articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The sample size of the studies ranged from 9 to 761 participants. It was found that visual impairment significantly affects nutritional status. The studies reported that visually impaired people have an abnormal body mass index (BMI); a higher prevalence of obesity and malnutrition was reported. Visually impaired people find it difficult to shop for, eat, and prepare meals. Most studies had a small sample size, and some studies did not include a study control group for comparison. The limitations of these studies suggest that the findings are not conclusive enough to hold true for only those who are visually impaired. Further studies with a larger sample size are required with the aim of developing interventions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-405
Author(s):  
Junaid Ali Thebo Junaid Ali Thebo ◽  
Shaista Khan Shaista Khan ◽  
Abdul Aziz Shaikh Abdul Aziz Shaikh ◽  
Nasren Thebo Nasren Thebo ◽  
Ghulam Nabi Ghulam Nabi ◽  
...  

The aim of this research work was to measure the concentration of essential trace elements, including serum copper, iron and zinc in children suffering from anemia, and also to investigate the effect of heavy metal like lead on causing anemia. The study has been performed on school going children living in Hyderabad, which is a mini industrialized city. The study was carried out in anemic children studying in different schools of Hyderabad having different age groups. 10 ml venous blood samples were obtained after an informed consent form was signed.The samples were used to analyzed the trace elements (Fe,Cu, Zn) and toxic metal Lead (Pb). Trace elements include zinc and copper were found elevated in anemic children than healthy one, Copper is involved in many vital mechanisms in the body, energy production, connective tissue formation, and Fe metabolism, whereas copper found low with relation to the iron in anemic children because copper helps in the absorption of iron. Zinc is an essential micronutrient demanded by living being because of its significant position in-cooperation with structural constituent of proteins and as a cofactor in enzyme catalysis, there is difference between zinc and iron, they have been found to inhibit each other’s absorption due to their competitive absorption pathways. Increased zinc levels found in children with low iron content, whereas control group have normal results of these elements which may be due to their dietary management. The results revealed the environmental pollution and the associated health risks on exposure to lead. Pb concentrations whereas the current research stated a considerable relationship of mild and severe anemia with 10-42.2μg/dl Pb concentrations, the variation in results may be due to a small sample size in the current study, Drinking water from corrosion of plumbing systems through the use of lead sellers and other lead containing materials in connecting household plumbing to public water supplies. Ground and surface water are also contaminated by lead consuming industry and agricultural activities. The concentrations of Pb greater than or equal to (≥)10 μg/dl in children related with an increased threat of mild and severe anemia, diminishing iron absorption . High Lead levels were related with lower concentrations of iron, ferritin and copper, in this study it was found that high levels of lead were found mostly in boys. Lead levels have also found in control group which was below 5 ug/dl, according to WHO ≥ 10 ug/dl is considered as high.


Author(s):  
Yuanjin Zhang ◽  
Daniel Laskowitz ◽  
Dongsheng Fan

Objective: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase which has been shown to be involved in the pathogens of atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is apleiotropic growth factor involved in neurovascular remodeling in the cerebral ischemia disease. ADMA has been validated to be a risk marker of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). VEGF has been demonstrated associated with risk of stroke. This pilot study aimed to verify the correlation between serum ADMA, VEGF levels and ABCD2 score which has been validated to predict short term risk of stroke following transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: TIA was defined as a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord or retinal ischemia, without acute infarction even the focal transient neurologic symptoms last less than one hour. We enrolled 40 TIAs and 40 healthy controls in Peking University Third Hospital Neurology wards and clinics since May to July 2013. The TIA diagnosis and ABCD2 score evaluation is conducted by the same neurology physician. The mean age of TIAs and controls was 61.9±12.9yrs and 63.4±10.9yrs respectively (P=0.544). Blood samples were drawn within 24 hours after the TIA diagnosis clarified. ADMA and VEGF levels were measured by ELISA. Result: The ADMA levels in TIAs and control group are 0.52±0.06mmol/L and 0.23±0.04mmol/L (t=24.14, P<0.01). The VEGF levels in TIAs and control group are 272.01±26.36mmol/L and 148.87±21.05mmol/L (t=24.65, P<0.01). In the non-stroke history TIAs (23 cases) sub-group the spearman correlation coefficient between ADMA and ABCD2 score is 0.6(P=0.002). Conclusion: ADMA and VEGF are absolutely increased in TIAs. There is no correlation between ADMA, VEGF, age, sex, blood pressure, glucose and ABCD2 in this small sample size population. But ADMA is probably associated with risk of TIA with no-stroke history. Thus, these findings reveal a possibly new challenging potential of the ADMA and VEGF role in the pathogenesis of TIA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (20) ◽  
pp. 1425-1432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Maria Stroppa ◽  
Ilaria Toscani ◽  
Chiara Citterio ◽  
Elisa Anselmi ◽  
Elena Zaffignani ◽  
...  

Background: We describe cancer patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection treated at the Piacenza’s general hospital (north Italy). Materials & methods: 25 cancer patients infected by COVID-19 admitted at the Piacenza’s general hospital from 21 February to 18 March 2020. Outcome from the infection were compared with infected noncancer patients. Results: 20 patients (80%) were treated with antiviral therapy and hydroxychloroquine and five (20%) received hydroxychloroquine alone. Nine (36%) patients died, while 16 (64%) overcome the infection. In the control group the mortality was 16.13% and the overcome from infection was 83.87%. Conclusion: Mortality for COVID-19 was greater in cancer patients when compared with noncancer patients, worse prognosis for older age, women and patients treated with hydroxychloroquine alone. However, the comparisons did not reach statistical significance in most cases. This could be due to the small sample size that is the main limitation of the study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Callegari ◽  
Celeste Isella ◽  
Ivano Caselli ◽  
Nicola Poloni ◽  
Marta Ielmini

Despite the enormous costs associated to mood disorders’, few studies evaluate potential cost saving from the use of pharmacogenetic tests (PGT). This study compares 12 months before the execution of the PGT versus 12 months after, in terms of number and days of hospitalization and accesses to emergency services, in a sample of 30 patients affected by bipolar disorder. Secondarily, the study gives an economic value to the data based on the diagnosis-related group (DRG). Patients included in the study were required to be aged ≥18 years, sign an informed consent, have a score of Clinical Global Impression item Severity (CGIs) ≥3, and have a discordant therapy compared to the PGT in the 12 months preceding it and a therapy consistent with it for the following 12 months. Cost saving has been evaluated by paired t-tests in a mirror analysis. Statistically significant differences in all the comparisons (p < 0.0001) emerged. Important cost saving emerged after the use of PGT (€148,920 the first year versus €39,048 the following year). Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group in this study, the potential role of PGT in cost saving for the treatment of bipolar disorder treatment emerged. To confirm this result, larger and clinical trials are needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fushui Liu ◽  
Jianyu You ◽  
Qi Li ◽  
Ting Fang ◽  
Mei Chen ◽  
...  

Objectives. Acupuncture has been widely used to relieve chronic pain-related insomnia (CPRI). However, the efficacy of acupuncture for CPRI is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for CPRI. Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if acupuncture was compared to sham acupuncture or conventional drug therapies for treating CPRI. Two reviewers screened each study and extracted data independently. Statistical analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. Results. A total of nine studies involving 944 patients were enrolled. The pooled analysis indicated that acupuncture treatment was significantly better than control group in improving effective rate (OR = 8.09, 95%CI = [4.75, 13.79], P < 0.00001) and cure rate (OR = 3.17, 95%CI = [2.35, 4.29], P < 0.00001), but subgroup analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and sham acupuncture in improving cure rate (OR =10.36, 95% CI [0.53, 201.45], P=0.12) based on one included study. In addition, meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture group was superior to control group in debasing PSQI score (MD = -2.65, 95%CI = [-4.00, -1.30], P = 0.0001) and VAS score (MD = -1.44, 95%CI = [-1.58, -1.29], P < 0.00001). And there was no significant difference in adverse events (OR =1.73, 95%CI = [0.92, 3.25], P =0.09) between the two groups. Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for CPRI, and this treatment can be recommended for the management of patients with CPRI. Due to the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, more rigorously designed RCTs with high quality and large sample size are recommended in future.


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