Cognitive Dysfunctions in Chronic Schizophrenia Patients in Relationship with Clinical and Functional Capacity

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
C. Tintila ◽  
I.V. Miclutia ◽  
C. Popescu ◽  
I. Barsan

Aims:The aims of the current study are:•To examine the clinical symptoms and functional capacity of the patients.•To evaluate the cognitive dysfunctions and to see how they develop in 6 month.•To examine the relationship between clinical and functional capacity and the cognitive dysfunctions of the chronic schizophrenia patients.Method:24 people with chronic schizophrenia were followed up 6 month along with a control group of 50 individuals free from schizophrenia. Patients were diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria, assessed with the PANSS, GAF, to evaluate psychiatric symptoms, respectively functionality. Rey Memory Test, Trail Making, Spatial Recognition Memory (SRM),Spatial Working Memory (SWM), Paired Associated Learning (PAL), Spatial Spam (SSP) and Stoking of Cambridge (SOC) from the CANTAB were applied to all patients at the start point of the study and after 6 month, in order to evaluate the cognitive functions.Results:The overall performance of chronic schizophrenia patients was significantly lower compared to healthy individuals on all cognitive tasks. the cognitive dysfunction is independent of age and intellectual level, but does correlate with global functioning and remain stable. CANTAB is a useful tool to detect and estimate the cognitive impairments.Conclusions:The current study reveals that cognitive impairments are a central feature of schizophrenia and a major cause of poor functioning of the patients. the chronic schizophrenia patients perform worse on all investigated cognitive domains (memory, attention and executive function). the reviewed studies show different opinions about the development of these impairments. Further longitudinal studies are required in order to settle if they remain stable or progress in time.

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1421-1421
Author(s):  
D. Kontis ◽  
E. Theochari ◽  
S. Kleisas ◽  
I. Makris ◽  
S. Kalogerakou ◽  
...  

IntroductionAlthough it is well established that patients with schizophrenia demonstrate cognitive impairments, little is known about their complaints concerning their cognition. We investigate the association of these complaints with clinical symptoms, global functioning and cognitive performance.Method93 patients with chronic schizophrenia (mean age = 42,59 years, SD = 9,83; mean illness duration = 18,43 years, SD = 11,84) were recruited from one psychiatric department. Their cognitive complaints (Subjective Scale to Investigate Cognition in Schizophrenia-SSTICS), clinical symptoms (Calgary depression scale-CDS, PANSS, GAF), and neuropsychological performance (7 non-verbal CANTAB tests involving psychomotor speed, attention, memory, and executive function and WAIS-III) were assessed at a time that they were able to cooperate with neuropsychological testing. Correlation analyses were performed between SSTICS scores and measures of symptoms, functioning or cognition, using the SPSS.ResultsSSTICS total score positively correlated with CDS total score (Spearman's rho = 0.311, p = 0.03). Positive correlations were also found between the SSTICS items and CDS total score. Similarly, SSTICS total score positively correlated with PANSS total score (Pearson r = 0,294, p = 0.04). PANSS negative and general psychopathology scores (r = 0,219, p = 0.035 and r = 0.333, p = 0.01, respectively), but not PANSS positive scores accounted for this relationship. SSTICS total score negatively correlated with GAF (rho = −0.251, p = 0.017). No significant associations were revealed between SSTICS total scores and PANSS insight item, PANSS cognitive score, CANTAB or WAIS scores.ConclusionsThe complaints of patients with schizophrenia about their cognitive impairments are mostly related to their depressive, negative, general psychopathological symptoms and global functioning, rather than their actual cognitive deficits.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 248-252
Author(s):  
K. Shevchenko-Bitensky

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH MIXED DEMENTIA COMPLICATED BY HALLUCINATORY-PARANOID DISORDERS Shevchenko-Bitensky K. The study involved 72 patients with mixed dementia complicated by hallucinatory-paranoid disorders (main group) and 61 patients with mixed dementia not complicated by psychotic disorders (control group). It was established and proved that patients with mixed dementia complicated by psychotic disorders were characterized by more expressed cognitive impairments, which were manifested in impairments of praxis, gnosis, memory, skills of counting, attention process, thinking and orientation. Keywords: mixed dementia, diagnosis, hallucinatory-paranoid disorders, cognitive dysfunctions.     Анотація. ДІАГНОСТИЧНІ КРИТЕРІЇ КОГНІТИВНИХ ПОРУШЕНЬ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ З ЗМІШАНОЮ ДЕМЕНЦІЄЮ, УСКЛАДНЕННОЮ ГАЛЮЦИНАТОРНО-ПАРАНОЇДНИМИ РОЗЛАДАМИ Шевченко-Бітенський К. У дослідженні прийняло участь 72 пацієнтів зі змішаною деменцією, ускладненою галюцинаторно-параноїдними розладами (основна група) та 61 пацієнт зі змішаною деменцією, не ускладненою психотичними розладами (контрольна група). Встановлено та доведено, що пацієнти зі змішаною деменцією, ускладнених психотичними розладами, характеризувались більш вираженими когнітивними порушеннями, що проявлялось в порушеннях праксису, гнозису, пам’яті, навичок рахування, процесу уваги, мислення та орієнтації. Ключові слова: змішана деменція, діагностика, галюцинаторно-параноїдні розлади, когнітивні дисфункції   Аннотация. ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКИЕ КРИТЕРИИ КОГНИТИВНЫХ НАРУШЕНИЙ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ СО СМЕШАННОЙ ДЕМЕНЦИЕЙ, ОСЛОЖНЕННОЙ ГАЛЛЮЦИНАТОРНО-ПАРАНОИДНЫМИ РАССТРОЙСТВАМИ Шевченко-Битенський К. В исследовании приняло участие 72 пациентов со смешанной деменцией, осложненной галлюцинаторно-параноидными расстройствами (основная группа) и 61 пациент со смешанной деменцией, не осложненной психотическими расстройствами (контрольная группа). Установлено и доказано, что пациенты со смешанной деменцией, осложненной психотическими расстройствами, характеризовались более выраженными когнитивными нарушениями, проявляющимися в нарушениях праксиса, гнозиса, памяти, навыков счета, процесса внимания, мышления и ориентации. Ключевые слова: смешанная деменция, диагностика, галлюцинаторно-параноидные расстройства, когнитивные дисфункции


1962 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. E. Arosenius ◽  
G. Nylander

ABSTRACT The capillary pattern of the thyroid gland was studied in the rat: one group had undergone hemithyroidectomy, one was treated with propyl thiouracil, and one subjected to both these experimental measures. Histological and microangiographic observations were compared with those in an intact control group. Epithelial hyperplasia and other morphological signs of activity were seen to a moderate extent in the hemithyroidectomized group, were marked in the rats treated with thiouracil, and most marked in the group subjected to both thiouracil medication and hemithyroidectomy. The appearances of the interfollicular capillaries showed no perceptible changes in the group subjected solely to hemithyroidectomy. Changes of the interfollicular capillaries were marked in all the animals treated with propyl thiouracil. In the group only treated with propyl thiouracil, the capillaries were dilated to sinusoid-like blood pools in limited segments between which the capillaries were of normal width. In the group subjected to both hemithyroidectomy and propyl thiouracil treatment the interfollicular capillaries were dilated throughout their course. The significance of these morphological and microangiographic observations is discussed.


1974 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristian F. Hanssen

ABSTRACT Twenty newly diagnosed, but as yet untreated patients of both sexes with classical juvenile diabetes were investigated by determining the mean plasma immunoreactive growth hormone (IRHGH) and urinary IRHGH for a 24 hour period before and during initial insulin treatment. The plasma IRHGH was significantly higher (0.05 > P > 0.01) before than during initial insulin treatment. During initial insulin treatment, the mean plasma IRHGH was significantly higher (0.01 > P > 0.001) than in a control group. The urinary IRHGH was significantly higher (0.01 > P > 0.001) before than during insulin treatment. The increased urinary IRHGH observed before insulin treatment is thought to be partly due to a defective renal tubular reabsorption of growth hormone. No significant correlation was found between the mean blood sugar and plasma or urinary IRHGH either before or during insulin treatment.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Mahmoodi ◽  
Mojtaba Yousefi ◽  
Omid Sadeghi ◽  
Ali Mahmoodabadi ◽  
Mohammadreza Sadriirani ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The current randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to assess the effect of green tea intake on disease symptoms and laboratory parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and complete blood count (CBC) in patients with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 infection. Trial design Randomized, double-blinded, parallel (1:1 ratio) clinical trial exploratory study Participants We will recruit patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to Yasuj Shahid Jalil Hospital in Yasuj City, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Participants’ inclusion criteria are as follows: Inclusion Criteria Patients aged ≥18 years COVID-19 diagnosis according to real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Exclusion Criteria Pregnancy or lactation Disseminated intravascular coagulation or any other types of coagulopathy Severe congestive kidney failure Having a history of participating in a clinical trial during the last 30 days Intervention and comparator Intervention: Two capsules containing 450 mg green tea extract along with routine treatment for COVID-19 patients in the intervention group. Two capsules containing placebo plus routine treatment for patients with COVID-19 infection. Capsules will be taken twice a day, after lunch and dinner, for 14 days. Main outcomes Changes in disease symptoms and laboratory parameters including CRP, ESR, and CBC after 14 days of the intervention compared to control group. Randomisation Eligible patients will be randomly assigned into the intervention or control group in a 1:1 ratio. Randomization will be performed based on 8 permuted blocks with block sizes of 10, and patients in the intervention and control groups will be matched according to sex and age categories. Randomization will be done using computer-generated random numbers (Randomization.com) Blinding (masking) The appearance of placebo and green tea capsules will be similar in terms of shape and color, and they will be packed in the same bags that will be prepared by the company. Also, the researcher and all participants will not be aware of the divisions until the end of the study. Numbers to be randomised (sample size) The total sample was determined based on CRP MCID in which high CRP levels were considered >2.6 mg/L. Accordingly, a total sample size of 37 patients for each intervention group was required. Trial Status The protocol is Version 1.0, on June 5, 2021. Recruitment will start on July 11, 2021, which is anticipated to be completed by September 21, 2021. Trial registration IRCT20150711023153N3 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/55948) retrospectively registered on June 4, 2021 Full protocol The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting was eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Élida Pereira Silva ◽  
Bruno Alvarenga Soares ◽  
Mariana M. Reimberg ◽  
Raphael Ritti-Dias ◽  
Karina Silva Nascimento ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Inflammation caused by chronic lung disease in childhood may lead to delayed heart rate recovery (HRR) however, there is lack of evidence on HRR in this population. The aim was to assess HRR after functional capacity testing in asthmatic children and adolescents and to compare with severity and disease control. Method This was a study secondary to a randomized control trial. The modified shuttle test (MST) was performed to assess functional capacity and HRR. This is an externally cadenced test in which the distance walked is the outcome. HRR was assessed after MST and was defined as HR at exercise peak minus HR in the second minute after the end of exercise. Asthma control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Data normality was tested by Shapiro Wilk and the comparison between groups was made by Student’s t test or Mann Whitney test for numerical variables, and by Chi-square test for categorical variables. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05. SPSS version 20 was used in the analyzes. Results The sample included 77 patients diagnosed with asthma (asthma group - AG) who were regularly treated for asthma. Control group (CG) consisted of 44 volunteers considered healthy, matched in age and gender to AG. The median age of CG was 12 (10–14) years and in AG 11 (9–13 years) being classified as mild to moderate asthmatic, and 57% of the sample had controlled asthma by ACT. Distance walked in the CG was 952 ± 286 m and AG 799 ± 313 m, p = 0.001. HRR was more efficient in CG (79 ± 15 bpm) compared to AG (69 ± 12 bpm), p = 0.001. The mild (69 ± 12 beats) and severe (72 ± 15 beats) AG presented worse HRR compared to control group (79 ± 15 bpm), p < 0.05. Conclusions Asthmatic children and adolescents have delayed HRR after modified Shuttle test compared to their peers, suggesting that asthma leads to autonomic nervous system imbalance. Trial registration: Registered in Clinical Trials under number NCT02383069 and approved by the Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE Research Ethics Committee, protocol number 738192/2014.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Marta Pérez-Rodríguez ◽  
Saleky García-Gómez ◽  
Javier Coterón ◽  
Juan José García-Hernández ◽  
Javier Pérez-Tejero

Background and objectives: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the first cause of disability and physical activity (PA) is a key element in functional recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the subacute and chronic phases. However, it is necessary to develop PA programs that respond to the heterogeneity and needs of this population. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a PA program on the HRQoL in this population. Materials and Methods: With regard to recruitment, after baseline evaluations, participants were assigned to either the intervention group (IG, n = 38) or the control group (CG, n = 35). Functional capacity, mood, quality of life and depression were measured pre- and post-intervention. The IG underwent the “Physical Activity and Sport for Acquired Brain Injury” (PASABI) program, which was designed to improve HRQoL (1-h sessions, two to four sessions/week for 18 weeks). The CG underwent a standard rehabilitation program without PA. Results: Results for the IG indicated significant differences and large effect sizes for the physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, as well as mood and functional capacity, indicating an increase in HRQoL. No significant differences were found for the CG across any variables. Conclusions: The PASABI program was feasible and beneficial for improving physiological and functionality variables in the IG. The wide range of the activities of the PASABI program allow its application to a large number of people with ABI, promoting health through PA, especially in the chronic phase.


Author(s):  
Sofia Ainonen ◽  
Mysore V Tejesvi ◽  
Md. Rayhan Mahmud ◽  
Niko Paalanne ◽  
Tytti Pokka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is widely used, but the evidence of the long-term effects on the gut microbiota and subsequent health of children is limited. Here, we compared the impacts of perinatal antibiotic exposure and later courses of antibiotic courses on gut microbiota. Methods This was a prospective, controlled cohort study among 100 vaginally delivered infants with different perinatal antibiotic exposures: control (27), IAP (27), postnatal antibiotics (24), and IAP and postnatal antibiotics (22). At 1 year of age, we performed next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene of fecal samples. Results Exposure to the perinatal antibiotics had a clear impact on the gut microbiota. The abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum was significantly higher in the control group, whereas the relative abundance of Escherichia coli was significantly lower in the control group. The impact of the perinatal antibiotics on the gut microbiota composition was greater than exposure to later courses of antibiotics (28% of participants). Conclusions Perinatal antibiotic exposure had a marked impact on the gut microbiota at the age of 1 year. The timing of the antibiotic exposure appears to be the critical factor for the changes observed in the gut microbiota. Impact Infants are commonly exposed to IAP and postnatal antibiotics, and later to courses of antibiotics during the first year of life. Perinatal antibiotics have been associated with an altered gut microbiota during the first months of life, whereas the evidence regarding the long-term impact is more limited. Perinatal antibiotic exposure had a marked impact on the infant’s gut microbiota at 1 year of age. Impact of the perinatal antibiotics on the gut microbiota composition was greater than that of the later courses of antibiotics at the age of 1 year.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Williams ◽  
Charlotte L. Hall ◽  
Sue Brown ◽  
Boliang Guo ◽  
Marilyn James ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be closely monitored to ensure optimisation. There is growing interest in using computerised assessments of ADHD symptoms to support medication monitoring. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of one such computerised assessment, the Quantified Behavior (Qb) Test, as part of medication management for ADHD. Methods This feasibility multi-site RCT conducted in child and adolescent mental health and community paediatric settings recruited participants aged 6–15 years diagnosed with ADHD starting stimulant medication. Participants were randomised into one of two arms: experimental (QbTest protocol) where participants completed a QbTest at baseline and two follow-up QbTests on medication (2–4 weeks and 8–10 weeks later) and control where participants received treatment as usual, including at least two follow-up consultations. Measures of parent, teacher, and clinician-rated symptoms and global functioning were completed at each time point. Clinicians recorded treatment decision-making and health economic measures were obtained. Data were analysed using multi-level modelling and participants (children and parents) and clinicians were interviewed about their experiences, resulting data were thematically analysed. Results Forty-four children and young people were randomised. Completion of study outcome measures by care-givers and teachers ranged from 52 to 78% at baseline to 47–65% at follow-up. Participants reported the questionnaires to be useful to complete. SNAP-IV inattention scores showed greater reduction in the intervention than the control group (− 5.85, 95% CI − 10.33, − 1.36,). Engagement with the intervention ranged from 100% at baseline, to 78% follow-up 1 and 57% follow-up 2. However, only 37% of QbTests were conducted in the correct time period. Interview data highlighted that the objectivity of the QbTest was appreciated by clinicians and parents. Clinicians commented that the additional time and resources required meant that it is not feasible to use QbTest for all cases. Conclusion The trial design and protocol appear to be feasible and acceptable but could be improved by modifying QbTest time periods and the method of data collection. With these changes, the protocol may be appropriate for a full trial. Adding QbTest may improve symptom outcome as measured by SNAP-IV. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03368573, prospectively registered, 11th December 2017, and ISRCTN, ISRCTN69461593, retrospectively registered, 10th April 2018


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Mario Luciano ◽  
Luca Steardo ◽  
Gaia Sampogna ◽  
Vito Caivano ◽  
Carmen Ciampi ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most burdensome psychiatric illnesses, being associated with a negative long-term outcome and the highest suicide rate. Although affective temperaments can impact on BD long-term outcome, their role remains poorly investigated. The aims of the present study are to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with BD more frequently associated with the different affective temperaments and to assess the relation between affective temperaments and severity of clinical picture in a sample of patients with BD. Materials and Methods: A total of 199 patients have been recruited in the outpatients units of two university sites. Patients’ psychiatric symptoms, affective temperaments, and quality of life were investigated through validated assessment instruments. Results: Predominant cyclothymic and irritable temperaments are associated to higher number of relapses, poorer quality of life, higher rates of aggressive behaviors, and suicide attempts. Conversely, the predominant hyperthymic disposition was a protective factor for several outcome measures, including relapse rate, severity of anxiety, depressive and manic symptoms, suicidality, and earlier age at onset. One limitationo of the present study is that the recruitment took place in two university sites; therefore, our findings cannot be fully generalized to the whole community of BD patients. Other limitations are the lack of a control group and the cross-sectional design of the study. Conclusions: The early identification of affective temperaments can help clinicians to identify those BD patients who are more likely to show a poor long-term outcome. An early screening of affective temperaments can be useful to develop targeted integrated pharmacological and psychosocial interventions.


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