scholarly journals Caregiving during the Covid-19 pandemic: Factors associated with caregiver stress and cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 806-806
Author(s):  
Rachael Turner ◽  
Celinda Reese-Melancon ◽  
Erin Harrington

Abstract Caregivers are critical in helping persons with dementia (PWD) live at home longer, but the caregiving experience is associated with increased risk of physical (Vitaliano et al., 2003; Son et al., 2007; Fonareva & Oken, 2014) and cognitive decline among caregivers (Pertle et al., 2015; Lathan et al., 2016; Vitaliano et al., 2017). The present study examined the caregiver experience during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic including factors associated with caregiver stress, burden, and self-reported cognition (i.e., prospective and retrospective memory errors). In a sample of 56 caregivers of PWD, caregiver stress was positively associated with reports of greater life change resulting from Covid-19 and a greater frequency of care recipient depressive and disruptive behaviors; however, caregiver stress was not associated with care recipient memory problems. Additionally, caregiver burden was negatively associated with ratings of preparedness for the pandemic, but not with availability of support services or the amount of time spent caregiving. Further, frequencies of prospective and retrospective memory mistakes were positively associated with perceived stress, but not with caregiver burden. These findings reveal that caregivers of PWD report greater experiences of stress associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and other facets of their caregiving responsibilities (e.g., care recipient depressive and disruptive behaviors, frequency of memory mistakes). This work is a first step in identifying areas in which caregivers need assistance and expanding the literature on caregiver cognition by measuring self-reported everyday memory performance.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S576-S577
Author(s):  
Thomas Holowka ◽  
Harry Cheung ◽  
Maricar F Malinis ◽  
Sarah Perreault ◽  
Iris Isufi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ibrutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat hematologic malignancies that may increase the risk of serious infection including invasive fungal infections (IFI). In a study of 378 patients with hematologic malignancy on ibrutinib, serious infection and IFI occurred in 11% and 4% respectively (Varughese et al. Clin Infect Dis). The primary aims of our study were to determine the incidence of serious infection and associated risk factors in patients on ibrutinib. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with hematologic malignancy prescribed ibrutinib for ≥ 1 week at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2014 to 2019 to identify serious infections defined as those requiring inpatient management. We collected demographic, clinical and oncologic data. Chi-squared tests were used to determine factors associated with an increased risk of infection. Results A total of 254 patients received ibrutinib including 156 with CLL, 89 with NHL and 9 with other leukemias. Among these, 21 underwent HSCT, 9 complicated by GVHD. There were 51 (20%) patients with serious infections including 45 (17.7%) bacterial, 9 (3.5%) viral and 5 (2%) IFI (1 pulmonary cryptococcosis, 4 pulmonary aspergillosis). Anti-mold prophylaxis was prescribed to 7 (2.8%) patients, none of whom developed IFI. Risk factors associated with serious infection included ECOG score ≥ 2 (OR 4.6, p < 0.001), concurrent steroid use (≥ 10 mg prednisone daily for ≥ 2 weeks; OR 3.0, p < 0.001), neutropenia (OR 3.6, p < 0.01), lymphopenia (OR 2.4, p < 0.05) and maximum ibrutinib dose of 560 mg (OR 2, p < 0.05). There was a dose dependent increase in infections based on number of chemotherapy regimens prior to ibrutinib initiation: 14.3% with 0, 19.7% with 1-2 and 28.7% with ≥ 3 prior treatments. Conclusion The incidence of serious infection in hematologic patients on ibrutinib was higher than previously reported (20% versus 11%) but the rate of IFI was lower (2% versus 4%). High ECOG score, leukopenia, steroids, and higher ibrutinib doses were associated with an increased risk for serious infection. Targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis should be considered for patients on ibrutinib with these risk factors. Improving functional status may also reduce the risk of infection in patients on ibrutinib. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 484-493
Author(s):  
Jukapun Yoodee ◽  
Aumkhae Sookprasert ◽  
Phitjira Sanguanboonyaphong ◽  
Suthan Chanthawong ◽  
Manit Seateaw ◽  
...  

Anthracycline-based regimens with or without anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 agents such as trastuzumab are effective in breast cancer treatment. Nevertheless, heart failure (HF) has become a significant side effect of these regimens. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and factors associated with HF in breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab. A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with breast cancer who were treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of HF. The secondary outcome was the risk factors associated with HF by using the univariable and multivariable cox-proportional hazard model. A total of 475 breast cancer patients were enrolled with a median follow-up time of 2.88 years (interquartile range (IQR), 1.59–3.93). The incidence of HF was 3.2%, corresponding to an incidence rate of 11.1 per 1000 person-years. The increased risk of HF was seen in patients receiving a combination of anthracycline and trastuzumab therapy, patients treated with radiotherapy or palliative-intent chemotherapy, and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction <65%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in other risk factors for HF, such as age, cardiovascular comorbidities, and cumulative doxorubicin dose. In conclusion, the incidence of HF was consistently high in patients receiving combination anthracyclines trastuzumab regimens. A reduced baseline left ventricular ejection fraction, radiotherapy, and palliative-intent chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of HF. Intensive cardiac monitoring in breast cancer patients with an increased risk of HF should be advised to prevent undesired cardiac outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Ostergaard ◽  
M.H Smerup ◽  
K Iversen ◽  
A.D Jensen ◽  
A Dahl ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high mortality. Surgery may improve survival, but the intercept between benefit and harm is hard to balance and may be closely related to age. Purpose To examine the in-hospital and 90-day mortality in patients undergoing surgery for IE and to identify differences between age groups and type of valvular intervention. Methods By crosslinking nationwide Danish registries we identified patients with first-time IE undergoing surgical treatment in the period from 2000 to 2017. The study population was grouped in patients &lt;60 years, 60–75 years, and ≥75 years of age. High-risk subgroups by age and surgical valve intervention (mitral vs aortic vs mitral+aortic) during IE admission were examined. Kaplan Meier estimates was used to identify 90-day mortality by age groups and multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to examine factors associated with 90-day mortality. Results We included 1,767 patients with IE undergoing surgery, 735 patients &lt;60 years (24.1% female), 766 patients 60–75 years (25.8% female), and 266 patients &gt;75 years (36.1% female). The proportion of patients with IE undergoing surgery was 35.3%, 26.9%, and 9.1% for patients &lt;60 years, 60–75 years, and &gt;75 years, respectively. For patients with IE undergoing surgery, the in-hospital mortality was 6.4%, 13.6%, and 20.3% for patients &lt;60 years, 60–75 years, and ≥75 years of age, respectively and mortality at 90 days were 7.5%, 13.9%, and 22.3%, respectively. Factors associated with an increased risk 90-day mortality were: mitral valve surgery and a combination of mitral and aortic valve surgery as compared with isolated aortic valve surgery, patients 60–75 years and &gt;75 years as compared with patients aged &lt;60 years, prosthetic heart valve prior to IE admission, and diabetes, Figure. Patients &gt;75 years undergoing a combination of mitral and aortic valve surgery had an in-hospital mortality of 36.3%. Conclusion In patients undergoing surgery for IE, a stepwise increase in 90-day mortality was seen for age groups, highest among patients &gt;75 years with a 90-day mortality of more than 20%. Patients undergoing mitral and combined mitral and aortic valve surgery as compared to isolated aortic valve surgery were associated with a higher mortality. These findings may be of importance for the management strategy of patients with IE. Mortality risk Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 77-78
Author(s):  
S. Do ◽  
J. H. Du ◽  
J. X. An ◽  
J. Wang ◽  
A. Lin

Background:Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is commonly used for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. The medication is generally well-tolerated. However, long-term use after 5 years may increase the risk of retinopathy. One study in 2014 has demonstrated the risk can be as high as 7.5%. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has become a major modality in screening retinopathy.Objectives:To evaluate the prevalence of retinal toxicity among patients using hydroxychloroquine and to determine various risk factors associated with hydroxychloroquine-associated retinal toxicity.Methods:We performed a retrospective chart review on a cohort of adult patients with long-term use (≥ 5 years cumulative) of HCQ between January 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2018 from the Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County and Riverside medical center areas in Southern California, USA. Patients were excluded if they had previously been diagnosed with retinopathy prior to hydroxychloroquine use, were deceased, or had incomplete OCT exam. Our primary endpoint was the prevalence of patients who developed retinal toxicity detected by OCT, and later confirmed by retinal specialist. Potential risk factors (age, duration of therapy, daily consumption per actual body weight, cumulative dose, confounding diseases and medication) for developing retinopathy were also evaluated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors associated with retinal toxicity.Results:Among 676 patients exposed to more than 5 years of HCQ, the overall prevalence of retinal toxicity was 6.8%, and ranged from 2.5% to 22.2% depending on the age, weight-based dosing, duration of use and cumulative dose. Duration of therapy for 10 years or more increased risk of retinopathy by approximately 5 to 19 folds. Similarly, weight-based dose of 7 mg/kg/day or greater was assciated with increased risk of retinopathy by approximately 5 times. Patients with cumulative dose of 2000 grams or more had greater than 15 times higher risk of developing retinopathy. Duration of use for10 years or more (odd ratio 4.32, 95% CI 1.99 – 12.49), age (odd ratio 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 - 1.08), cumulative dose of more than 1500 g (odd ratio 7.4; 95% CI 1.40 – 39.04) and atherosclerosis of the aorta (odd ratio 2.59; 95% CI, 1.24 – 5.41) correlated with higher risk of retinal toxicity.Conclusion:The overall prevalence of retinopathy was 6.8%. Regular OCT screening, especially in patients with hydroxychloroquine use for more than 10 years, daily intake > 7 mg/kg, or cumulative dose > 1500 grams is important in detecting hydroxychloroquine-associated retinal toxicityReferences:[1]Hobbs HE. Sorsby A, & Freedman A. Retinopathy Following Chloroquine Therapy. The Lancet. 1959; 2(7101): 478-480.[2]Levy, G. D., Munz, S. J., Paschal, J., Cohen, H. B., Pince, K. J., & Peterson, T. Incidence of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy in 1,207 patients in a large multicenter outpatient practice. Arthritis & Rheumatism: 1997; 40(8): 1482-1486.[3]Ding, H. J., Denniston, A. K., Rao, V. K., & Gordon, C. Hydroxychloroquine-related retinal toxicity. Rheumatology. 2016; 55(6): 957-967.[4]Stelton, C. R., Connors, D. B., Walia, S. S., & Walia, H. S. Hydrochloroquine retinopathy: characteristic presentation with review of screening. Clinical rheumatology. 2013; 32(6): 895-898.[5]Marmor, M. F., Kellner, U., Lai, T. Y., Melles, R. B., & Mieler, W. F. Recommendations on screening for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine retinopathy (2016 revision). Ophthalmology. 2016; 123(6): 1386-1394.[6]Melles, R. B., & Marmor, M. F. The risk of toxic retinopathy in patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine therapy. JAMA ophthalmology. 2014; 132(12): 1453-1460.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Author(s):  
Kelli L. Dickerson ◽  
Helen M. Milojevich ◽  
Jodi A. Quas

AbstractRecent decades have seen an alarming increase in rates of suicide among young people, including children and adolescents (“youth”). Although child maltreatment constitutes a well-established risk factor for suicidal ideation in youth, few efforts have focused on identifying factors associated with maltreated youths’ increased risk for suicidal ideation, especially across development. The present study examined the relations between maltreated youths' (N = 279, M = 12.06 years, 52% female, 53% Latinx) perceptions of their social status and suicidal ideation and compared those relations between pre-adolescents and adolescents. Findings revealed unique developmental patterns: Perceived social status was associated with suicidal ideation, but only in adolescents, who showed greater risk for suicidal ideation if they viewed themselves as lower ranked in society and lower risk for suicidal ideation if they viewed themselves as higher ranked in society. Findings have implications for scientific and practical efforts aimed at better understanding and preventing suicide in a high-risk developmental population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 155798832110090
Author(s):  
Jessica Thames Chambliss ◽  
Retta Evans ◽  
Anneliese Bolland ◽  
Martha S. Wingate ◽  
John M. Bolland

Risky sexual behaviors among adolescents can increase adverse outcomes including unplanned pregnancy or contraction or transmission of disease. Adolescents who engage in risky sexual activities are at increased risk for adverse health and social outcomes compared to those who do not engage. Despite declines in adolescent pregnancy and birth rates, the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is steadily increasing among adolescents. Moreover, African American adolescent boys in the United States, specifically in the southeastern region are disproportionally at greater risk for STIs, and STI diagnosis within this population has increased over time, compared to their white counterparts. This study sought to identify factors associated with condom use among adolescent boys in the Deep South. Using data from the Mobile Youth Survey, a longitudinal adolescent community-based survey, this study assessed the relationship between personal, behavioral, and environmental factors and condom use among African American adolescent boys (14–19 years). Younger participants (14–15 and 16–17) were more likely to use a condom during the last sexual intercourse compared to older participants (18–19 years). High positive attachment to boy/girlfriend was associated with increased condom use. The number of sexual partners, age at their first sexual encounter, recent sexual behavior, and having an STI were also associated with increased condom use among participants. The study provides further insights into factors associated with condom use among African American adolescent boys and results can inform the development of sexual health interventions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamar Gefen ◽  
Allegra Kawles ◽  
Beth Makowski-Woidan ◽  
Janessa Engelmeyer ◽  
Ivan Ayala ◽  
...  

Abstract Advancing age is typically associated with declining memory capacity and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Markers of AD such as amyloid plaques (AP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are commonly found in the brains of cognitively average elderly but in more limited distribution than in those at the mild cognitive impairment and dementia stages of AD. Cognitive SuperAgers are individuals over age 80 who show superior memory capacity, at a level consistent with individuals 20–30 years their junior. Using a stereological approach, the current study quantitated the presence of AD markers in the memory-associated entorhinal cortex (ERC) of seven SuperAgers compared with six age-matched cognitively average normal control individuals. Amyloid plaques and NFTs were visualized using Thioflavin-S histofluorescence, 6E10, and PHF-1 immunohistochemistry. Unbiased stereological analysis revealed significantly more NFTs in ERC in cognitively average normal controls compared with SuperAgers (P &lt; 0.05) by a difference of ~3-fold. There were no significant differences in plaque density. To highlight relative magnitude, cases with typical amnestic dementia of AD showed nearly 100 times more entorhinal NFTs than SuperAgers. The results suggest that resistance to age-related neurofibrillary degeneration in the ERC may be one factor contributing to preserved memory in SuperAgers.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Vittoria Cammisotto ◽  
Cristina Nocella ◽  
Simona Bartimoccia ◽  
Valerio Sanguigni ◽  
Davide Francomano ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress may be defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant system to counteract or detoxify these potentially damaging molecules. This phenomenon is a common feature of many human disorders, such as cardiovascular disease. Many of the risk factors, including smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and obesity, are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, involving an elevated oxidative stress burden (either due to enhanced ROS production or decreased antioxidant protection). There are many therapeutic options to treat oxidative stress-associated cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have focused on the utility of antioxidant supplementation. However, whether antioxidant supplementation has any preventive and/or therapeutic value in cardiovascular pathology is still a matter of debate. In this review, we provide a detailed description of oxidative stress biomarkers in several cardiovascular risk factors. We also discuss the clinical implications of the supplementation with several classes of antioxidants, and their potential role for protecting against cardiovascular risk factors.


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