Complementary and Integrative Medicine Use in Individuals Seeking Conventional Medical Oncology Care in Chile: Prevalence and Patient Characteristics

PURPOSE Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) use during cancer care has increased in Western medical settings. Little is known about interest in and use of CIM approaches by oncology patients in Chile and South America. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients presenting for conventional outpatient or inpatient medical oncology care at the Clinica Alemana in Santiago, Chile, from March to June 2017 were asked to complete a survey about their interest in and use of CIM approaches. Goals included determining the prevalence of CIM use and exploring associations between CIM use and patient characteristics. Statistical analyses included a two-tailed t test for continuous variables, Fischer’s exact test for categorical variables, and logistic regression for association between CIM use and other variables. RESULTS Of 432 patients surveyed, 66.9% were diagnosed with breast cancer, 84.8% were women, the majority of patients (58.1%) were between age 40 and 60 years, and 51.5% (n = 221) reported CIM use. No association was found between CIM use and the sociodemographic variables of sex, age, education, or income. In all, 44.6% of patients with breast cancer reported CIM use compared with 64.8% of patients with other cancer types ( P > .001). Most commonly reported types of CIM used included herbals (49.1%), vitamins and minerals (40.8%), and prayer or meditation (40.4%). Most frequent reasons for CIM use were to “do everything possible” (72%) and to “improve my immune function” (67.8%). Most patients (43.4%) reported starting CIM use at the time of cancer diagnosis, with only 55.4% sharing information regarding CIM use with their medical team. CONCLUSION The majority of patients surveyed reported engaging in CIM use, with just over half the users communicating with their oncology team about their CIM use. Increased awareness of regional differences in CIM use may help increase communication regarding this subject and contribute to improved outcomes.

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Complementary and integrative medicine use for individuals seeking conventional medical oncology care in Chile: Prevalence and patient characteristics.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2018.36.34_suppl.110 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (34_suppl) ◽

pp. 110-110

Author(s):

Gabriel Lopez ◽

Claudio Alejandro Salas ◽

Fernando Cadiz ◽

Carolina Barriga ◽

Pilar Gonzalez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Integrative Medicine ◽

Medical Oncology ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Exact Test ◽

Improved Outcomes ◽

Complementary And Integrative Medicine ◽

Oncology Care

110 Background: Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) use during cancer care has increased in western medical settings. Little is known about interest in and use of CIM approaches by oncology patients in South America. Methods: Patients presenting for conventional outpatient or inpatient medical oncology care at the Clinica Alemana in Santiago, Chile (March-June, 2017) were asked to complete a survey about their interest in and use of CIM approaches. Goals included determining prevalence of CIM use and exploring associations between CIM use and patient characteristics. Statistical analyses included two-tailed t-test for continuous variables, Fischer’s exact test for categorical variables, and logistic regression for association between CIM use and other variables. Results: Of 432 patients surveyed, 66.7% had a diagnosis of breast cancer, 84.8% were women, the majority between ages 40-60 (32.7%). Of those surveyed, 221 (51.5%) reported CIM use. No association was found between CIM use and sociodemographic variables (sex, age, education, income). Patients with breast cancer (44.6%) reported CIM use, compared to 64.8% of other cancer types (p=0.0001). Most commonly reported CIM types used included herbals (49.1%), vitamins/minerals (40.8%), prayer/meditation (40.4%), and special diets (38.5%). Most frequent reasons for CIM use included “do everything possible” (72%), “improve my immune function” (67.8%), “reduce treatment related side effects” (32.7%), and “recommended by family/friend” (32.7%). Most (43.4%) reported starting CIM use at the time of cancer diagnosis, with only 55.4% sharing information regarding CIM use with their medical team. Majority reported benefits from CIM use (60%). No differences were observed in self-reported quality of life between those using versus not using CIM. Conclusions: The majority of patients receiving conventional oncology care reported engaging in CIM use, with just over half of users communicating with their oncology team about their CIM use. Increased awareness of regional differences in CIM use may help increase communication regarding this topic and contribute to improved outcomes.

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P047: Emergency department practice patterns of UTI investigation among the delirious elderly: a retrospective chart review

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2020.253 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (S1) ◽

pp. S81-S81

Author(s):

R. Pinnell ◽

P. Joo

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Chart Review ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Urinary Symptoms ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Indwelling Catheter ◽

Exact Test

Introduction: Delirium is a common emergency department (ED) presentation in elderly patients. Urinary tract infection (UTI) investigation and treatment are often initiated in delirious patients in the absence of specific urinary symptoms, despite a paucity of evidence to support this practice. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of UTI investigation, diagnosis and treatment in delirious elderly patients in the ED. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of elderly patients presenting to the ED at The Ottawa Hospital between January 15-July 30, 2018 with a chief complaint of confusion or similar. Exclusion criteria were pre-existing and current UTI diagnosis, Glasgow Coma Scale <13, current indwelling catheter or nephrostomy tube, transfers between hospitals, and leaving without being seen. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients for whom urine tests (urinalysis or culture) or antibiotic treatment were ordered. Secondary outcomes were associations between patient characteristics, rates of UTI investigation, and patient outcomes. Descriptive values were reported as proportions with exact binomial confidence intervals for categorical variables and means with standard deviations for continuous variables. Comparisons were conducted with Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Results: After analysis of 1039 encounters with 961 distinct patients, 499 encounters were included. Urine tests were conducted in 324 patients (64.9% [60.6-69.1]) and antibiotics were prescribed to 176 (35.2% [31.1-39.6]). Overall 57 patients (11.4% [8.8-14.5]) were diagnosed with UTI, of which only 12 (21.1% [11.4-33.9]) had any specific urinary symptom. For those patients who had no urinary symptoms or other obvious indication for antibiotics (n = 342), 199 (58.2% [52.8-63.5]) received urine tests and 62 (18.1% [14.2-22.6]) received antibiotics. Patients who received urine tests were older (82.4 ± 8.8 vs. 78.3 ± 8.4 years, p < 0.001) but did not differ in sex distribution from those than those who did not. Additionally, patients who received antibiotics were more likely to be admitted (OR = 2.6 [1.48-4.73]) and had higher mortality at 30 days (OR = 4.2 [1.35-12.91]) and 6 months (OR = 3.2 [1.33-7.84]) than those who did not. Conclusion: Delirious patient without urinary symptoms in the ED were frequently investigated and treated for UTI despite a lack of evidence regarding whether this practice is beneficial.

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A multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response team (PERT)—experience from a national multicenter consortium

Pulmonary Circulation ◽

10.1177/2045894018824563 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 204589401882456 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jacob Schultz ◽

Nicholas Giordano ◽

Hui Zheng ◽

Blair A. Parry ◽

Geoffrey D. Barnes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Risk Groups ◽

The United States ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

P Value ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Exact Test ◽

Advanced Therapy ◽

Chi Squared

Background We provide the first multicenter analysis of patients cared for by eight Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERTs) in the United States (US); describing the frequency of team activation, patient characteristics, pulmonary embolism (PE) severity, treatments delivered, and outcomes. Methods We enrolled patients from the National PERT Consortium™ multicenter registry with a PERT activation between 18 October 2016 and 17 October 2017. Data are presented combined and by PERT institution. Differences between institutions were analyzed using chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, and ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables, with a two-sided P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results There were 475 unique PERT activations across the Consortium, with acute PE confirmed in 416 (88%). The number of activations at each institution ranged from 3 to 13 activations/month/1000 beds with the majority originating from the emergency department (281/475; 59.3%). The largest percentage of patients were at intermediate–low (141/416, 34%) and intermediate–high (146/416, 35%) risk of early mortality, while fewer were at high-risk (51/416, 12%) and low-risk (78/416, 19%). The distribution of risk groups varied significantly between institutions ( P = 0.002). Anticoagulation alone was the most common therapy, delivered to 289/416 (70%) patients with confirmed PE. The proportion of patients receiving any advanced therapy varied between institutions ( P = 0.0003), ranging from 16% to 46%. The 30-day mortality was 16% (53/338), ranging from 9% to 44%. Conclusions The frequency of team activation, PE severity, treatments delivered, and 30-day mortality varies between US PERTs. Further research should investigate the sources of this variability.

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Improving risk assessment of obesity-associated breast cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.1544 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 1544-1544

Author(s):

Neil M. Iyengar ◽

Ayca Gucalp ◽

Xi K. Zhou ◽

Hanhan Wang ◽

Dilip D. Giri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Body Fat ◽

Menopausal Status ◽

Postmenopausal Breast Cancer ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Exact Test ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Adipocyte Hypertrophy

1544 Background: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive postmenopausal breast cancer. The risk is also elevated in women with a normal BMI but excess body fat. These risks may be driven by breast white adipose tissue inflammation (WATi), which is associated with elevated aromatase levels and systemic metabolic dysfunction (e.g. hyperinsulinemia). We hypothesized that body fat assessment is superior to BMI for detecting the pathophysiology that promotes obesity-related breast cancer, particularly among normal BMI women. Methods: Non-tumorous breast tissue was collected from women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or prevention. Breast WATi was detected by the presence of crown-like structures in the breast, which are composed of a dead/dying adipocyte surrounded by CD68+ macrophages. Body composition was measured prior to mastectomy via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Exercise behavior was also assessed prior to surgery using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Associations among categorical variables were examined using Χ2 or Fisher’s exact test. Relationships between continuous variables were examined using the Spearman correlation. Results: From April 5, 2016 to August 31, 2018, 100 patients were enrolled; median age 49 (range 29 to 82) years. Breast WATi was present in 56/100 (56%) women and was associated with elevated BMI and body fat levels, breast adipocyte hypertrophy, postmenopausal status, metabolic syndrome and decreased physical activity (P < 0.05). Among 39 women with normal BMI, breast WATi was present in 14 (36%) and was associated with elevated body fat levels, breast adipocyte hypertrophy, dyslipidemia, and decreased physical activity (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant association between BMI and breast WATi in the normal BMI group. Menopausal status and total fat mass had greater sensitivity and specificity for the detection of breast WATi compared to a BMI-based model (AUC 0.843 vs. 0.779, respectively). Conclusions: Measurement of body fat is superior to BMI for predicting breast inflammation, which has been shown to promote obesity-related breast cancer.

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Outcomes For Hand Burns Treated With Autologous Skin Cell Suspension In 20% Tbsa And Smaller Injuries

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/irab113 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

G Malcolm Taylor ◽

Scott A Barnett ◽

Charles T Tuggle ◽

Jeff E Carter ◽

Herb A Phelan

Keyword(s):

Wound Closure ◽

Exclusion Criterion ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Dermal Substitute ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Exact Test ◽

Skin Cell ◽

Returning To Work ◽

Hand Burns ◽

Sheet Graft

Abstract Hypothesis In order to address the confounder of TBSA on burn outcomes, we sought to analyze our experience with the use of autologous skin cell suspensions (ASCS) in a cohort of subjects with hand burns whose TBSA totaled 20% or less. We hypothesized that the use of ASCS in conjunction with 2:1 meshed autograft for the treatment of hand burn injuries would provide comparable outcomes to hand burns treated with sheet or minimally meshed autograft alone. Methods A retrospective review was conducted for all deep partial and full thickness hand burns treated with split thickness autograft (STAG) at our urban verified burn center between April, 2018 to September, 2020. Exclusion criterion was a TBSA greater than 20%. The cohorts were those subjects treated with ASCS in combination with STAG (ASCS(+)) versus those treated with STAG alone (ASCS(-)). All ASCS(+) subjects were treated with 2:1 meshed STAG and ASCS overspray while all ASCS(-) subjects had 1:1, piecrust, or unmeshed sheet graft alone. Outcomes measured included demographics, time to wound closure, proportion returning to work (RTW), and length of time to RTW. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons of continuous variables, and Fishers Exact test for categorical variables. Values are reported as medians and 25 th and 75 th interquartile ranges. Results Fifty-one subjects fit the study criteria (ASCS(+) n=31, ASCS(-) n=20). The ASCS(+) group was significantly older than the ASCS(-) cohort (44 yrs [32, 54] vs 32 [27.5, 37], p=0.009) with larger %TBSA burns (15% [9.5, 17] vs 2% [1, 4], p <0.0001), and larger size hand burns (190 cm2 [120, 349.5] vs 126 cm2 [73.5, 182], p=0.015). Comparable results were seen between ASCS(+) and ASCS(-), respectively, for time to wound closure (9 days [7, 13] vs 11.5 [6.75, 14], p=0.63), proportion RTW (61% vs 70%, p=0.56), and days for RTW among those returning (35 [28.5, 57] vs 33 [20.25, 59], p=0.52). The ASCS(+) group had two graft infections with no reoperations, while ASCS(-) had one infection with one reoperation. No subjects in either group had a dermal substitute placed. Conclusion Despite being significantly older, having larger hand wounds, and larger overall wounds within the parameters of the study criteria, patients with 20% TBSA burns or smaller whose hand burns were treated with 2:1 mesh and ASCS overspray had comparable time to wound closure, proportion of returning to work, and time to return to work as subjects treated with 1:1 or pie-crust meshed STAG. Our group plans to follow this work with scar assessments for a more granular picture of pliability and reconstructive needs.

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Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis scintigraphy, experience in a reference cardiology center

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jeab111.059 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

I Carvajal ◽

E Berrios-Barcenas ◽

E C-Guerra ◽

A Barajas-Paulin ◽

A Luna-Alvarez Amezquita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Cardiac Amyloidosis ◽

Multimodality Imaging ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Exact Test ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Imaging Characteristics ◽

Septal Thickness ◽

The Face

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Ignacio Chavez Introduction. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is a progressive disease that significantly reduces patients" quality of life and survival.1 In our country there are no statistics of this disease, only isolated cases. The ability to diagnose it has dramatically improved since the 2019 Multisociety Consensus for Multimodality Imaging.2,3 The study aimed to know patients" demographic and imaging characteristics in suspected ATTR-CA and the prevalence of positive cases in a reference Cardiology Center using 99mTc-pyrophosphate scintigraphy (99mTc-PYP). Methods. Prospective, observational study approved by Institutional committees. We studied with 99mTc-PYP patients from November 2019 to December 2020 sent to the Nuclear Cardiology Department with clinical suspicion of ATTR-CA and negative light chain quantification. We included parameters as red flags, ECHO suggestive findings (septal thickness >12 mm, diastolic dysfunction), and MRI suggestive findings. ATTR-CA was diagnosed by clinical suspicious, positive scintigraphy, and negative serum studies. 99mTc-PYP were acquired according to current recommendations. Frequency distribution of categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages; continuous variables are presented in mean. Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted for continuous variables, while Fisher"s exact test was performed for categorical variables. Results. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our Cardiology Hospital reconverted to covid attention; we studied a reduced number, and they were mainly inpatients: total 35 (28-inpatients, 7-outpatients). 21 (60%) were male, 14 (40%) were female, average age was 56.5 yo. 31%-heart failure diagnosis, 6%-history of carpal tunnel syndrome and 3%-spinal stenosis. ECHO: 26% had suggestive imaging, 43% with diastolic dysfunction, and 37% had a septal thickness >12mm. MRI: 42.9% had suggestive CA findings. No significant differences were found in the characteristics of suspicion between positive and negative patients. Regarding of the 35 patients scintigraphy, 7 (20%) were positives, establishing ATTR-CA diagnosis, 28 (80%) were negatives. The positivity probability was significant by H/Cl ratio, Perugini score, and SPECT findings (p 0.001). Until this protocol started and we share it among hospital physicians, we had never been asked to acquired this type of scintigraphy. Our study shows that if we purposely search for the disease, it can be found. The sample is small due to the limitations we had in the face of the pandemic; however, the study findings are significant for ATTR-CA diagnosis. It is striking that the ECHO and MRI suggestive findings were not statistically significant for the diagnosis. Conclusions. We present the initial experience of the first study of cardiac amyloidosis in our country, to show the disease"s presence and that the diagnosis can be made effectively, quickly, economically, and non-invasively by nuclear medicine scintigraphy.

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Age-stratified Analysis of Associations Between Participant’s Characteristics and NAFLD

10.21203/rs.3.rs-287354/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Syed H. Naqvi ◽

Anthony P. Nunes

Keyword(s):

Fatty Liver ◽

Mexican Americans ◽

Age Groups ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Excessive Alcohol Consumption ◽

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Prevalence Ratios

Abstract Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent and a leading cause of liver transplantation. In clinical settings, diagnosis is often inferred based on patient attributes and generalized algorithms that haven’t been tailored to patients’ age. This study aims to understand age-dependent associations between NAFLD and patient characteristics. Methods: Subjects were identified from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2016. NAFLD status was established through the U.S. Fatty Liver Index in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption and viral etiology. Descriptive patient attributes' distributions are reported relying on the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Prevalence estimates and prevalence ratios for NAFLD are provided in the following age stratifications: 18 and younger, 19-49, 50-64, 65-74, and 75+. Results: A total of 4,560 NHANES participants from 2007-2016 were included, with a mean age of 42.9. Prevalence ratios of NAFLD in the context of clinical/demographic characteristics varied between age groups. The NAFLD prevalence ratio for Mexican Americans compared to Non-Hispanic White was 3.44 in respondents 18 years old or younger (95%CI: 2.48-4.77) and 1.60 in respondents 75 or older (95%CI: 1.30-1.97). The magnitude of the association between albumin and NAFLD was negative. It ranged from a prevalence ratio of 0.32 (0.20 – 0.51) for respondents under 19 years of age to 1.15 (0.86-1.53) over the age of 74. Conclusion: The significant differences between participant characteristics and NAFLD within different age groups suggest that age plays an essential role in the magnitude of the association between risk factors and NAFLD. This study highlights that the accuracy of a NAFLD diagnosis in the absence of imaging and histological conformation may depend on the patients' age. Additional work should evaluate the need for diagnostic and management guidelines formally tailored to patients’ age.

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Evaluation of the Risk of Clinical Deterioration among Inpatients with COVID-19

Advances in Virology ◽

10.1155/2021/6689669 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Víctor O. Costa ◽

Eveline M. Nicolini ◽

Bruna M. A. da Costa ◽

Fabrício M. Teixeira ◽

Júlia P. Ferreira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Laboratory ◽

Lung Parenchyma ◽

Clinical Deterioration ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Chi Square ◽

Exact Test ◽

Laboratory Confirmation ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Imaging Markers

This study aims to assess the risk of severe forms of COVID-19, based on clinical, laboratory, and imaging markers in patients initially admitted to the ward. This is a retrospective observational study, with data from electronic medical records of inpatients, with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19, between March and September 2020, in a hospital from Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil. Participants (n = 74) were separated into two groups by clinical evolution: those who remained in the ward and those who progressed to the ICU. Mann–Whitney U test was taken for continuous variables and the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Comparing the proposed groups, lower values of lymphocytes ( p = <0.001) and increases in serum creatinine ( p = 0.009), LDH ( p = 0.057), troponin ( p = 0.018), IL-6 ( p = 0.053), complement C4 ( p = 0.040), and CRP ( p = 0.053) showed significant differences or statistical tendency for clinical deterioration. The average age of the groups was 47.9 ± 16.5 and 66.5 ± 7.3 years ( p = 0.001). Hypertension ( p = 0.064), heart disease ( p = 0.048), and COPD ( p = 0.039) were more linked to ICU admission, as well as the presence of tachypnea on admission ( p = 0.051). Ground-glass involvement >25% of the lung parenchyma or pleural effusion on chest CT showed association with evolution to ICU ( p = 0.027), as well as bilateral opacifications ( p = 0.030) when compared to unilateral ones. Laboratory, clinical, and imaging markers may have significant relation with worse outcomes and the need for intensive treatment, being helpful as predictive factors.

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Knowledge of medical students about perioperative nutritional care in Bahia, Brazil: a transversal study

International Journal of Health Education ◽

10.17267/2594-7907ijhe.v5i1.3433 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 62-70

Author(s):

Rodrigo Fernandes Weyll Pimentel ◽

Leonardo Castro Dantas Macêdo ◽

Sérgio Diniz Gonçalves Queiroz Filho ◽

Pedro Carlos Muniz de Figueiredo ◽

Magno Conceição das Merces

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Nutritional Therapy ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Institutions ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Surgical Patient ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Care ◽

Exact Test

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the medical students’ knowledge about perioperative nutritional care. These students are from public and private academic institutions in the state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study to analyze medical students based on an online instrument regarding topics related to perioperative care. For data analysis, absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation were calculated for continuous variables. Fisher's Exact Test and G Test were used to analyze the association. Results: 209 responses were obtained. Regarding the learning on nutritional preparation of the patient submitted to a surgery, 25 (64.9%) students of public institutions and 90 (52.3%) students of private ones reported not knowing or not having been exposed to such knowledge. Regarding the importance of addressing topics related to nutritional therapy (NT), 37 (100%) students from public institutions and 168 (97.7%) from private ones recognize the importance of spreading this knowledge. Unnecessary absolute preoperative fasting, shortening techniques of fasting and bronchoaspiration prevention and reintroduction time of a diet in the postoperative period are unknown to most of the population studied. CONCLUSION: Most students included in this study do not have satisfactory knowledge in NT and for preparing the surgical patient.

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0798 “Uncovering My Feet Alleviates My Restless Legs”: Impact of Different Activities and Conditions on Restless Legs Symptoms

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.794 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. A303-A304

Author(s):

E G Karroum ◽

S Leu-Semenescu ◽

R Amdur ◽

I Arnulf

Keyword(s):

Ambient Temperature ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Sign Test ◽

Fisher Exact Test ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Exact Test ◽

Restless Legs ◽

Professional Activities ◽

Wide Range ◽

Activity Condition

Abstract Introduction The restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a resting wake state disorder with inactivity/decreased movement as an aggravating factor and activity/increased movement as an alleviating factor. Other activities and conditions may impact RLS symptoms but have not been systematically studied. Methods Fifty-six patients with primary severe RLS (age: 64.1±11.3; 66% women) responded about the effect of 20 activities/conditions on their RLS symptoms. Responses were assigned a numerical value: Aggravation (-1), No effect/Don’t know (0), Alleviation (+1), with calculating a mean effect score for each activity/condition and using a sign test to determine if that score was significantly above or below zero (no effect). Responses were further analyzed based on age, age at RLS onset, duration of RLS, RLS severity, gender, Familial/Non-familial RLS, and Painful/Non-Painful RLS. Association of continuous variables and categorical variables with each activity/condition was examined using Spearman correlation test and Fisher exact test, respectively. Bonferroni p threshold was set at p=0.00036. Results Activities/conditions with significant (p<0.0001) positive mean effect scores were: Feet uncovering (0.70); Leg massaging (0.63); Cold showers (0.54); and Manual activities (0.46). Activities with significant negative mean effect scores were: Vehicle passenger (-0.80); Show attendance (-0.70); Bedsheets weight on legs (-0.57); Watching TV (-0.54); High ambient temperature (-0.45); During meals (-0.39) (all p<0.0001); and Bedsheets rubbing on legs (-0.34; p=0.0002). Activities/conditions with no significant (all p>0.00036) mean effect scores were: Driving (0.00); Gambling (0.02); Professional activities (0.13); Hot showers (0.13); Using computer (0.14); Low ambient temperature (0.21); Sexual activities (0.27); Mental activities (0.29); and Sports activities (0.34). There was no significant association between each activity/condition and age, age at RLS onset, duration of RLS, RLS severity, gender, Familial/Non-familial RLS, or Painful/Non-Painful RLS. Conclusion There is a wide range of impact of different activities/conditions on RLS symptoms. These could be further considered in the non-pharmacological treatment or prevention of RLS symptoms. Support This study was not funded.

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