scholarly journals Retrospective Long-Term Comparison of Naturopathic Fasting Therapy and Weight Reduction Diet in Overweight Patients

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
André-Michael Beer ◽  
Lena Elisabeth Ismar ◽  
Dominik Karl Wessely ◽  
Tanja Pötschke ◽  
Beate Weidner ◽  
...  

In a follow-up study overweight and obese patients fasting according to Buchinger (modified) and a control group treated by a weight reduction diet in the context of an inpatient naturopathic complex treatment were compared using a questionnaire developed for a standardized phone interview6.8±1.1years after inpatient treatment. During the inpatient treatment the fasting patients significantly more body weight, but at the time of the interview significantly more weight was gained again. 10.7% of the fasting patients and 31.9% of the control group lowered their weight at least 5% of their initial weight up to the interview. 42% of the fasting and 74% of the control group persistently changed their diet. The control group followed a significantly higher number of trained nutritional aspects. 21% of the fasting and 40% of the control group increased their leisure activity permanently. Continued improvement in quality of life was achieved by 16% of the fasting patients and 28% of the control group. The fasting therapy, carried out as part of the inpatient naturopathic complex treatment, turned out to be less suitable for the treatment of overweight and obesity compared to standard therapy. One likely determinant is the minor poststationary lifestyle modification.

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-173
Author(s):  
Karl Rüdiger Wiebelitz ◽  
Dominik Karl Wessely ◽  
Lena Elisabeth Ismar ◽  
Tanja Pötschke ◽  
Beate Weidner ◽  
...  

Background: Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for many chronic diseases in modern societies. A retrospective follow-up study showed an advantage of weight reduction diet (WRD) to fasting therapy  concerning long-term weight loss.Objective: Prospective comparison of WRD to fasting therapy concerning long-term weight loss. Methods: From 08/2007 to 02/2009 90 patients with overweight or obesity were observed with a follow-up period of 6 months, who received either a fasting therapy or a WRD in the context of naturopathic complex in-patient treatment including physical activity.Results: During the in-patient treatment the fasting patients loosed significantly more weight than the WRD patients, but regained weight during the follow-up, while the weight loss of the WRD patients persisted. 32% of the fasting and 81% of the WRD patients achieved a 5% weight loss after 6 months. Total and LDL-cholesterol were significantly more reduced, controlled eating habits, physical leisure activity and tendentially physical quality of life increased more after 6 months in the WRD group, while the systolic blood pressure declined more in the fasting patients.Conclusion: Weight loss and improvement of obesity-associated parameters were long-term significantly inferior in fasting patients compared to patients treated with a WRD. The reduced success of the fasting patients is probably caused by the minor lifestyle modification.


2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 544-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Aoun Tannuri ◽  
Mariana Aparecida Elisei Ferreira ◽  
Arthur Loguetti Mathias ◽  
Uenis Tannuri

Summary Introduction: Patients operated for correction of anorectal malformations (ARM) can develop fecal incontinence, constipation, and soiling, with loss in quality of life. Objective: To evaluate, through the use of questionnaires, fecal continence, and quality of life of children in the late postoperative follow-up of ARM correction, both high and low. In addition, the levels of fecal continence and quality of life were compared with those of a control group. Method: A Fecal Continence Index Questionnaire (ICF) and a Questionnaire for Assessment of Quality of Life Related to Fecal Continence in Children and Adolescents (QQVCFCA) were administered to 63 patients with ARM, aged from 7 to 19 years, whose surgical treatment had been completed for at least 6 months. The patients were compared to a control group of 59 children. Results: In the control group, 25 (42.4%) patients had good continence and 34 (57.6%), normal continence. We found that the quality of life in children with ARM is compromised globally, in all areas and in the ICF questionnaire, compared to controls (p<0.001). There was no difference between patients with high and low defects. Thirty-two (50.8%) patients had other associated anomalies. Conclusion: In patients operated for ARM correction, quality of life and ICF were compromised, and there was no difference between patients with high-type and low-type of the disease. In about half the cases there are other associated malformations.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 357-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica S Voerman ◽  
Cora de Klerk ◽  
Saskia YM Mérelle ◽  
Elise Aartsen ◽  
Reinier Timman ◽  
...  

Background Behavioral migraine approaches are effective in reducing headache attacks. Availability of treatment might be increased by using migraine patients as trainers. Therefore, Mérelle and colleagues developed and evaluated a home-based behavioral management training (BMT) by lay trainers ( 1 ). The maintenance of effects at long-term follow-up is studied in the present study. Method Measurements were taken pre-BMT (T0), post-BMT (T1), at six-month follow-up (T2), and at long-term follow-up, i.e. two to four years after BMT (T3). Data of 127 participants were analyzed with longitudinal multi-level analyses. Results Short-term improvements in attack frequency and self-efficacy post-BMT were maintained at long-term follow-up ( dT0–T3 = −.34 and dT0–T3 = .69, respectively). The level of internal control that increased during BMT decreased from post-BMT to long-term follow-up ( dT0–T3 = .18). Quality of life and migraine-related disability improved gradually over time ( dT0–T3 = .45 and dT0–T3 = −.26, respectively). Conclusions Although the results should be interpreted with caution because of the lack of a follow-up control group and the inability to gather information about additional treatments patients may have received during the follow-up period, the findings suggest that lay BMT for migraine may be beneficial over the long term. If so, this could make migraine treatments more widely available.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2793-2793
Author(s):  
Nastaran Noroozi ◽  
Donna E. Reece ◽  
Suzanne Trudel ◽  
Vishal Kukreti ◽  
Peter Anglin ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2793 Poster Board II-769 Introduction: Over the past decade, survival of MM patients (pts) has improved significantly, with median survival currently estimated at 4-4.5 years (yrs). Much of this improvement can be attributed to the introduction of novel agents such as bortezomib and the immunomodulatory drugs in the late 1990's (Kumar et al, Blood 2008). Despite these therapeutic advances, long-term survivors of ≥10 yrs in MM are uncommon and account for <10% of pts. In this report, we identified 39 MM pts diagnosed over a 4 yr period (1994-1998) at our institution who have survived ≥10 yrs and aimed to define disease/treatment characteristics. Methods: Between January 1994 and November 1998, 39 MM pts diagnosed at Princess Margaret Hospital were identified as long-term survivors (≥10 years) with median follow-up of 12.3 years (range 11.2-13.6 yrs). Pt demographics, disease and treatment characteristics, and response outcomes were collected from a MM database and by retrospective chart review. An additional 47 MM pts diagnosed during the same 4 year time frame with <10 year survival were reviewed as controls. The median follow-up for these control pts was 6.9 yrs (range 5.3-8.3). Results: Patient and disease characteristics: Median age at diagnosis for the 39 long-term survivors was 51 yrs (range 46-57), 22 pts (56%) male. Myeloma subtypes included: IgG 21(54%), IgA 9(23%), IgD 1(3%), light chain only 6(15%), Non-secretory 2(5%). Most pts (97%) had undergone autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), 13 of whom (37%) received a second salvage transplant at relapse. Median age at first transplant was 53 yrs (range 45-61). At diagnosis, 27 pts (73%) had bone lesions and only 1 pt (2.6%) had renal failure (serum creatinine ≥177umol/L (2mg/dL). Baseline lab values at diagnosis: median hemoglobin 115g/L (range 45-149), WBC 5.2/uL (range 3.1-9.4), platelets 230/uL (range 153-402), creatinine 90umol/L(52-315), beta2-microglobulin 145 nmol/L (range 43-391; normal <170), BM plasmacytosis 51% (range 15-80). Cytogenetics were not routinely available. No differences in baseline variables were noted from the 47 control pts diagnosed during the same 4 year period. Treatment characteristics: Of all 86 pts, 54 pts (63%) were exposed to one or more of the novel agents including thalidomide (59%), bortezomib (31%) and lenalidomide (39%). During the time period when first relapse was anticipated, thalidomide was the primary novel agent available at our institution. Although significantly fewer longterm survivors vs controls received thalidomide (41 vs 79%; p=0.002), the duration of thalidomide exposure was significantly longer with the long-term survivors (median 28 vs 8.5 mos; p=0.03). The lower rates of thalidomide exposure in longterm survivors were not explained by earlier introduction of either lenalidomide or bortezomib to this group with longer time to both bortezomib and lenalidomide in the long-term survivors. In fact, time from diagnosis to exposure to any of the 3 novel agents was significantly longer for the long-term survivors than the control group (88mos (range 35-169) vs 67mos (range 13-133); p=0.009). However, as with thalidomide, long-term survivors were exposed to bortezomib for longer duration than the control group (median 5 vs 2 mos; p=0.009). No difference in rates or duration of exposure to lenalidomide between the 2 groups was noted. Of note, long-term survivors were more likely to have responded to any of the 3 novel agents (overall response 83% vs 53%, p=0.02) and were able to achieve a better quality of response than the control group (VGPR/CR 38% vs 3%; p=0.003). Conclusion: Long-term survivors of MM (≥10 years) are uncommon, even in the current era of novel agents (thalidomide, bortezomib, lenalidomide). In our review, we did not find that exposure alone or earlier use of novel agents (ie. shorter time from diagnosis to any novel agent) was associated with long-term survival. However, when compared to MM pts living <10 yrs, long-term survivors had significantly longer duration of exposure to novel agents and were able to achieve higher rates of response with better quality of responses (VGPR/CR). Our data support the hypothesis that prolonged therapy may be required to achieve durable and high quality responses in MM pts. Hence, further studies of “maintenance” schedules are warranted. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Pascal Victor ◽  
Tobias Teismann ◽  
Ulrike Willutzki

Background: Interventions focusing on positive experiences have moderate effects on distress, protective factors and quality of life. Aims: To evaluate the ‘Personal Model of Resilience’ (PMR) intervention by Padesky and Mooney (2012) with a focus on resilience strategies the person already possesses. Method: In a pre–post design, intervention and control samples of college students (n = 53) are compared with regard to distress, protective factors and quality of life. Results: Compared with the control group, the PMR group shows significant improvements in distress, protective factors and quality of life with medium to large effect sizes. Conclusions: The PMR is a promising intervention module. It requires further evaluation in clinical contexts, with larger samples, and long-term follow-up assessments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charalampos Loutradis ◽  
Pantelis Sarafidis ◽  
Robert Ekart ◽  
Ioannis Tsouchnikas ◽  
Christodoulos Papadopoulos ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Hypertension is highly prevalent and independently associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The main mechanism leading to BP elevation in these individuals is their inability to maintain water homeostasis. This study examines the long-term effects of dry-weight reduction with a standardized lung-ultrasound-guided strategy on ambulatory BP in hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Method This is the report of the 12-month trial phase of a randomized controlled trial in 71 clinically euvolemic, hemodialysis patients with hypertension. Patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) in the active group (23 male and 12 female), following dry-weight reduction guided by the total number of US-B lines prior to a mid-week dialysis session and the control group (24 male and 12 female), following standard-of-care treatment. A 48-hour ABPM was performed in all study participants at baseline and after 12 months. Results During follow-up more patients in the active compared to control group had dry weight reduction (71.4% vs 22.2%; p&lt;0.001). US-B lines -4.83±13.73 vs 5.53±16.01; p=0.005) and dry-weight (-1.68±2.38 vs 0.54±2.32; p&lt;0.001) decreased in the active and slightly increased in the control group. At 12 months, 48-hour SBP (136.19±14.78 vs 130.31±13.57; p=0.034) and DBP (80.72±9.83 vs 76.82±8.97; p=0.008) were lower compared to baseline in the active but similar in the control group. Changes in 48-hour SBP (-7.78±13.29 vs -0.10±14.75; p=0.021) were significantly greater in the active compared to the control group. Comparisons for intradialytic, 44-hour, Day-1, Day-2 and day- and night-time BP were to the same direction. The proportion of patients experiencing at least one episode of intradialytic hypotension was numerically lower in the active group (71.4% vs 88.9%, p=0.065). Conclusion A lung-ultrasound-guided strategy for dry-weight reduction can effectively and safely decrease ambulatory BP levels during a 12-month follow-up period This method is a simple treatment approach to improve hypertension management in hemodialysis patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Lang ◽  
Kaiwei Cao ◽  
Ting Liu ◽  
Jiao Pan ◽  
Jian Ye

Abstract Background To investigate long-term refractive visual quality outcomes and vision-related quality of life after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in the treatment of high myopia.Methods Thirty patients (60 eyes) with high myopia who underwent SMILE more than 5 years previously were selected as the SMILE group. Another 30 high myopia patients (60 eyes) who had worn corrective spectacles for more than 5 years were selected as the control group. In the SMILE group, the postoperative follow-up times were 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 5 years. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), and ocular axial length (AL) were analysed. The Chinese version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (CHI-NEI-VFQ-25) was used to evaluate the vision-related quality of life in the SMILE group and the control group.Results In the SMILE group, the mean preoperative SE was -7.29±0.87 D (range -6.00 to -9.125 D). The efficacy index and safety index of SMILE were 1.09±0.18 and 1.19±0.12, respectively. Five years postoperatively, 44 eyes (73%) obtained a visual acuity of 20/20 or better. There were no eyes with CDVA loss of one or more Snellen lines. Forty-nine eyes (82%) and 57 eyes (95%) were within ±0.50 D and ±1.00 D of attempted correction, respectively. Forty-eight eyes (80%) had astigmatism < 0.50 D. The postoperative mean SE values at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years were 0.11±0.44 D, 0.07±0.45 D, -0.02±0.41 D, and -0.15±0.46 D, respectively. No significant change was observed in the ocular axial length from before operation to 5 years postoperatively (26.08±0.96 mm vs 26.01±0.94 mm, p>0.05). Compared to the control group, the SMILE group showed a significantly higher total score on the CHI-NEI-VFQ-25 (90.14 vs 81.43, p < 0.001).Conclusions In the present study, in a long-term follow-up, we demonstrated that correcting high myopia with SMILE is safe, effective, and predictable. In addition, there is slight undercorrection.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grelz Henrik ◽  
Midlöv Patrik ◽  
Håkansson Anders ◽  
Jakobsson Ulf ◽  
Rivano Fischer Marcelo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Opioids are still widely prescribed to long-term pain patients although they are no longer recommended for long-term treatments due to poor evidence for long-term efficacy, risks of serious side effects, and the possibility of inducing opioid hyperalgesia. In a Cochrane study from 2017, the authors identified an urgent need for more randomized controlled trials investigating the efficiency and effects of opioid tapering. The study aimed to assess (1) the efficiency of a structured intervention in causing stable reductions of opioid consumption in a population with long-term non-malignant pain and (2) effects on pain, pain cognitions, physical and mental health, quality of life, and functioning in response to opioid tapering. Methods The study is a randomized controlled trial. The sample size was set to a total of 140 individuals after estimation of power and dropout. Participants will be recruited from a population with long-term non-malignant pain who will be randomly allocated to (1) the start of tapering immediately or (2) the control group who return to usual care and will commence tapering of opioids 4 months later. A 12-month follow-up is included. When all follow-ups are closed, data from the Swedish drug register of the National Board of Health and Welfare will be collected and individual mean daily opioid dose in morphine equivalents will be calculated at three time points: baseline, 4 months, and 12 months after the start of the intervention. At the same time points, participants fill out the following questionnaires: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and RAND-36. At baseline and follow-up, a clinical assessment of opioid use disorder is performed. Discussion A better understanding of the efficiency and effects of opioid tapering could possibly facilitate attempts to taper opioid treatments, which might prove beneficial for both the individual and society. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03485430. Retrospectively registered on 26 March 2018, first release date. “Tapering of Long-term Opioid Therapy in Chronic Pain Population. RCT with 12 Months Follow up (TOPIO).” First patient in trial 22 March 2018.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 1365-1370
Author(s):  
Min Lang ◽  
◽  
Ting Liu ◽  
Ying Zhu ◽  
Jian Ye ◽  
...  

AIM: To evaluate the long-term visual, refractive outcomes and vision-related quality of life after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for the correction of high myopia. METHODS: Thirty patients (60 eyes) with high myopia who underwent SMILE more than 5y were selected as the SMILE group. Another 30 high myopia patients (60 eyes) who had worn corrective spectacles for more than 5y were selected as the control group. In SMILE group, the postoperative follow-up time were 3, 6mo, 1 and 5y. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), and ocular axial length (AL) were analyzed. The Chinese version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (CHI-NEI-VFQ-25) was used to evaluate the vision-related quality of life in the SMILE group and the control group. RESULTS: In SMILE group, the mean preoperative SE was -7.29±0.87 D (range -6.00 to -9.125 D). At 5-year follow up, the efficacy index and safety index of SMILE were 1.09±0.18 and 1.19±0.12, respectively. Five years postoperatively, 44 eyes (73%) obtained a visual acuity of 20/20 or better. There were no eyes with CDVA loss of one or more Snellen lines. Forty-nine eyes (82%) and 57 eyes (95%) were within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of attempted correction at 5-year follow-up, respectively. Forty-eight eyes (80%) had astigmatism <0.50 D at 5-year follow-up. The postoperative mean SE values at 3, 6mo, 1, and 5y were 0.11±0.44, 0.07±0.45, -0.02±0.41, and -0.15±0.46 D, respectively. No significant change was observed in the ocular AL from before operation to 5y postoperatively (26.08±0.96 mm vs 26.01±0.94 mm, P=0.068). Compared to the control group, the SMILE group showed a significantly higher total score on the CHI-NEI-VFQ-25 (90.14 vs 81.43, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the present study, in a long-term follow-up we demonstrate that correcting high myopia with SMILE is safe, effective, and predictable. Vision-related quality of life after SMILE is better in the SMILE group than in the control group who wore corrective spectacles.


2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Kammerer ◽  
M Höhn ◽  
AH Kiessling ◽  
S Becker ◽  
FU Sack

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document