scholarly journals Is staged bilateral thalamic radiosurgery an option for otherwise surgically ineligible patients with medically refractory bilateral tremor?

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (2) ◽  
pp. 617-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Niranjan ◽  
Sudesh S. Raju ◽  
Edward A. Monaco ◽  
John C. Flickinger ◽  
L. Dade Lunsford
Keyword(s):  
Median Time ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Maximum Dose ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Status ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Complete Restoration ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Median Maximum

OBJECTIVEUnilateral Gamma Knife thalamotomy (GKT) is a well-established treatment for patients with medically refractory tremor who are not eligible for invasive procedures due to increased risk of compications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether staged bilateral GKT provides benefit with acceptable risk to patients suffering from disabling medically refractory bilateral tremor.METHODSEleven patients underwent staged bilateral GKT during a 17-year period (1999–2016). Eight patients had essential tremor (ET), 2 had Parkinson's disease (PD)–related tremor, and 1 had multiple-sclerosis (MS)–related tremor. For the first GKT, a median maximum dose of 140 Gy was delivered to the posterior-inferior region of the nucleus ventralis intermedius (VIM) through a single isocenter with 4-mm collimators. Patients who benefitted from unilateral GKT were eligible for a contralateral GKT 1–2 years later (median 22 months). For the second GKT, a median maximum dose of 130 Gy was delivered to the opposite VIM nucleus to a single 4-mm isocenter. The Fahn-Tolosa-Marin (FTM) clinical tremor rating scale was used to score tremor, drawing, and drinking before and after each GKT. The FTM writing score was assessed only for the dominant hand before and after the first GKT. The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) was used to assess quality of life and activities of daily living before and after the first and second GKT.RESULTSThe median time to last follow-up after the first GKT was 35 months (range 11–70 months). All patients had improvement in at least 1 FTM score after the first GKT. Three patients (27.3%) had tremor arrest and complete restoration of function (noted via FTM tremor, writing, drawing, and drinking scores equaling zero). No patient had tremor recurrence or diminished tremor relief after the first GKT. One patient experienced new temporary neurological deficit (contralateral lower-extremity hemiparesis) from the first GKT. The median time to last follow-up after the second GKT was 12 months (range 2–70 months). Nine patients had improvement in at least 1 FTM score after the second GKT. Two patients had tremor arrest and complete restoration of function. No patient experienced tremor recurrence or diminished tremor relief after the second GKT. No patient experienced new neurological or radiological adverse effect from the second GKT. Statistically significant improvements were noted in the KPS score following the first and second GKT.CONCLUSIONSStaged bilateral GKT provided effective relief for medically refractory, disabling, bilateral tremor without increased risk of neurological complications. It is an appropriate strategy for carefully selected patients with medically refractory bilateral tremor who are not eligible for deep brain stimulation.

scholarly journals A-079 Hand Preference in Men and Women with Parkinson’s Disease: A Preliminary Investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 871-871
Author(s):  
Ryan J ◽  
Kreiner D ◽  
Gontkovsky S ◽  
Paolo A
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Hand Preference ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objective Research has identified common genetic influences on handedness and neurological/mental health phenotypes. It also has been shown there may be increased risk for development of neurological disorders/diseases among individuals naturally left-handed or demonstrating non-right-hand preference. This investigation examined prevalence of right-handed versus non-right-handed individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) compared to controls. Method Participants were 264 patients with PD (mean age = 69.83 years) and 256 control volunteers (mean age = 71.42 years). Mean Dementia Rating Scale composites for the groups were 123.68 and 136.00, respectively. Participants self-identified their dominant hand for writing and usage was confirmed during the session. Results Proportions of non-right- and right-handed controls (7.0% and 93.0%) versus individuals with PD (6.8% and 93.2%) did not differ. Changes in proportions of non-right- and right-handedness across age ranges were not significant for controls or patients. There was a trend for a larger proportion of women (55.9%) versus men among controls (44.1%), □ 2 (1) = 3.29, p < .10; whereas, the proportion of men (64.4%) with PD was larger than that of women. (35.6%), □ 2 (1) = 21.31, p < .001. For controls and patients, non-right and right handedness gender proportions were similar. Conclusions This study is the first to assess handedness prevalence rates in PD. Results suggest prevalence of non-right handedness is similar in PD and healthy individuals and does not appear to differ markedly by gender or with advancing age. The occurrence of a trend for a larger proportion of women than men among controls is consistent with census-based statistics.

Depressive symptoms in a treated multiple sclerosis cohort

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 616-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott B Patten ◽  
Shanika Fridhandler ◽  
Cynthia A Beck ◽  
Luanne M Metz
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The University ◽  
Depression Ratings

Background: Recent side effect data from clinical trials of interferon beta in multiple sclerosis (MS) have failed to confirm that these medications are associated with an increased risk of depression. However, these studies have used highly selected samples and the results may not be generalizable to real world settings. Methods: C linical data on subjects from southern A lberta who have applied for, or are receiving, public reimbursement for MS treatment are maintained in a database at the University of C algary Multiple Sclerosis C linic. Depression ratings obtained using the C enter for Epidemiological Studies Depression Rating Scale (C ES-D) are included in this database. In the current analysis, these longitudinal data were used to determine whether depressive symptoms were associated with disease-modifying treatments. Results: A t baseline, ratings were available for 163 subjects. Those choosing interferon beta resembled those choosing glatiramer acetate in most respects. During follow-up, no differences were observed in the prevalence or incidence of depression and C ES-D scores were not found to differ between the treatment groups. Conclusions: The failure to identify higher rates of depression both in previous intervention studies and in the current observational study provides confirmation that these drugs are not substantially associated with the occurrence of depression.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes after Neonatal Mechanical Ventilation

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Ahmed Zaky ◽  
Hebatallah AM Shaaban ◽  
Mohamed OA Dawoud ◽  
Kareem SEF Madbouly ◽  
Shaymaa M Deifalla
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Delay ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Extremely Preterm ◽  
Extremely Preterm Infants ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background A majority of extremely preterm infants are treated with mechanical ventilation, which is associated with an increased risk for future development of chronic lung disease, neonatal brain damage, and neurodevelopmental impairments. Objectives The aim of the current study was to evaluate the current and follow up neurodevelopmental status of an Egyptian sample of newly and previously discharged mechanically ventilated infants following them up for a period of 6 months for the earlier group and a year for the latter. Patients and Methods The current study was designed to be a descriptive study with retrospective (50 infants) and prospective (50 infants) domains. It was carried out on 100 neonates who were recruited from the Pediatric Neonatology Clinic, Children's Hospital and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ain Shams University using clinical evaluation, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).. Results There was statistically significant negative correlation between CARS score and Bayley Scale by using Composite Score (Cognitive, Language and Motor) on first assessment and follow up in the Prospective group while no correlation was found in the retrospective group. The study results showed that there was no statistical significant difference between two groups as regards gestational age, gender, residency, consanguinity, maternal disease, maturity, mode of delivery, respiratory distress, duration of stay in NICU, duration on mechanical ventilation, weight on admission, audiometry and fundus examination (P > 0.05). Conclusion Using a mechanical ventilator in the neonatal period for a prolonged duration increased the risk for ASD and neurodevelopmental delay. Future studies on large samples are recommended from multicenters to confirm the validity of such findings, Bayley scale is a predicative for neurodevelopmental delay in neonates with long duration stay at NICU especially preterms with low birth weight.

Abstract 158: Progression of Microvascular Brain Disease and Stroke Incidence in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Koton ◽  
Andrea L Schneider ◽  
B. Gwen Windham ◽  
Thomas H Mosley ◽  
Rebecca F Gottesman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Brain Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Health Study ◽  
Stroke Incidence ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk ◽  
Unit Increase

Background and Purpose: Data on the significance of combined white matter hyperintensities (WMH)/lacunar brain infarcts measures progression for the incidence of clinical stroke are scarce. We aimed to study associations between the progression in measures of microvascular brain disease over time and risk of stroke in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Methods: We analyzed data on 907 ARIC participants who underwent a brain MRI in 1993-95, a second brain MRI in 2004-6, and were subsequently followed for incident stroke through December 31 st , 2017 (median [IQR] follow-up of 12.6 [8.9-13.4] years from the second brain MRI in 2004-6). At each MRI, WMH was categorized according to the Cardiovascular Health Study 0-9 rating scale and scans were centrally reviewed for lacunar infarcts. A combined measure of microvascular brain disease was defined, and progression from the first to the second brain MRI, manifesting as new WMHs and lacunes at the second brain MRI, was categorized as: no progression; increase of ≥1 unit in WMH grade or incident lacune; increase of ≥1 unit in WMH grade and incident lacune. All fatal and non-fatal strokes occurring in the participants during the study period, and adjudicated as definite/probable ischemic or hemorrhagic incident stroke, were included in this analysis. Associations between progression of microvascular brain disease and incidence of stroke were studied with Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for age, gender, race, education level, BMI, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease. Results: At the second brain MRI (mean age 72y), no progression in the combined measure of microvascular disease was found in 38% of participants, while 57% showed ≥1 unit increase in WMH grade or new lacune, and 5% showed increased WMH grade and new lacune. Sixty-four incident strokes occurred during follow-up. Compared to no change in the combined measure, progression of microvascular brain disease expressed as ≥1 unit increase in WMH grade and incident lacune was significantly associated with higher risk of stroke (adjusted HR 3.01, 95% CI 1.30-6.95). Conclusion: Progression of combined measures of microvascular brain disease over a decade is associated with a significant increased risk of stroke.

Attitudes, knowledge and sexual behavior among Finnish adolescents before and after an intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 821-830
Author(s):  
Marja Pakarinen ◽  
Jari Kylmä ◽  
Mika Helminen ◽  
Tarja Suominen
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Class Room ◽  
Information Materials

Abstract Adolescents are an important target group for sexual health promotion, and there are numerous programs and interventions carried out in this field. The aim of this study is to describe adolescents’ attitudes, knowledge and sexual behavior before and after a sexual health promotion intervention. The intervention was developed in the study and consisted of three elements: (i) class-room session, (ii) information materials and (iii) free condom distribution. The study was carried out in eight randomly selected vocational schools in Finland. The participants were first year students aged 15–19 years. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire before intervention (intervention baseline n = 500, control baseline n = 183) and two times after the intervention (intervention first follow-up n = 173/second follow-up n = 202, control first follow-up n = 115/second follow-up n = 46). There were significant differences before and after the intervention concerning better knowledge and more frequent testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Schools are an important environment to reach adolescents during the phase where their sexual health is developing and there is an increased risk of STI transmission. More school-based interventions are therefore needed, and the results of this study can be utilized when developing sexual health promotion interventions among adolescents.

scholarly journals P510 Postoperative enterocoutaneous fistula after surgery for Crohn’s disease performed in a tertiary centre over 15 years: analysis of the long-term outcomes and predictors of fistula closure

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S490-S491
Author(s):  
D Parlanti1 ◽  
G Poggioli ◽  
S Cardelli ◽  
M Tanzanu ◽  
L Boschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Intestinal Failure ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Tertiary Centre ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) have an increased risk to develop enterocoutaneous fistula (ECF) after surgery. Although conservative therapy could be advisable, in some cases surgery is unavoidable, despite there might be greater risks of intestinal failure associated with redo surgery. Methods CD patients affected by postoperative ECF (within 90 days from surgery) between 2004 and 2020, and followed for at least 3 months after the onset of the ECF, were retrospectively included. Variables were presented as median (range) or number (%).Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used as appropriate. The Kaplan-Meier method was performed to analyse the rate of ECF closure over the follow-up time, and to compare the outcome between subgroups of patients. Results Eighteen patients were included in the study. The perioperative variables are reported in Figure 1. The median follow-up time was 29.5 months (range 0–204), and the median time to ECF closure was 104 days (24–954), although a clinical remission (defined as an ECG non requiring hospitalization) was obtained after a median time of 41 days (15–768). The comparison of the rates of ECF closure between subgroups of patients over the follow-up are reported in Figure 2 and 3. Conclusion The ECF output is the only variable which is significantly associated with the rate of ECF closure. The origin of ECF from an ileo-colic or a colo-colic anastomosis seems to be associated with a faster progression towards fistula healing as compared to an origin from the small bowel (ECF closure at 3 and 6 months: 56.3% vs 22.2% and 70.8% vs 33.3%, respectively; p=0.19). The use of NPWT and, when feasible, an early surgical treatment, might increase the chance of ECF closure within 3 months (55.5% vs 12.5%, p=0.43 and 66.7% vs 29.9%, p=0.32, respectively). Although postoperative ECF represents a challenging complication in CD, the present study shows that a complete closure is obtainable in the long-term in all patients treated in a referral centre.

scholarly journals Infection-related morbidity and mortality among older patients with DLBCL treated with full- or attenuated-dose R-CHOP

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 2229-2236
Author(s):  
Toby A. Eyre ◽  
William Wilson ◽  
Amy A. Kirkwood ◽  
Julia Wolf ◽  
Catherine Hildyard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
International Prognostic Index ◽  
Prognostic Index ◽  
Dose Intensity ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Infection-related morbidity and mortality are increased in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) compared with population-matched controls. Key predictive factors for infection-related hospitalization during treatment with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and deaths as a result of infection in older patients during and after treatment with R-CHOP remain incompletely understood. For this study, 690 consecutively treated patients age 70 years or older who received full-dose or attenuated-dose R-CHOP treatment were analyzed for risk of infection-related hospitalization and infection-related death. Median age was 77 years, and 34.4% were 80 years old or older. Median follow-up was 2.8 years (range, 0.4-8.9 years). Patient and baseline disease characteristics were assessed in addition to intended dose intensity (IDI). Of all patients, 72% were not hospitalized with infection. In 331 patients receiving an IDI ≥80%, 33% were hospitalized with ≥1 infections compared with 23.3% of 355 patients receiving an IDI of <80% (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.25; P = .006). An increased risk of infection-related admission was independently associated with IDI >80% across the whole cohort. Primary quinolone prophylaxis independently reduced infection-related admission. A total of 51 patients died as a result of infection. The 6-month, 12-month, 2-year, and 5-year cumulative incidences of infection-related death were 3.3%, 5.0%, 7.2%, and 11.1%, respectively. Key independent factors associated with infection-related death were an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score of 3 to 5, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) score ≥6, and low albumin, which enabled us to generate a predictive risk score. We defined a smaller group (15%) of patients (IPI score of 0-2, albumin >36 g/L, CIRS-G score <6) in which no cases of infection-related deaths occurred at 5 years of follow-up. Whether patients at higher risk of infection-related death could be targeted with enhanced antimicrobial prophylaxis remains unknown and will require a randomized trial.

scholarly journals Thrombosis and Risk of Mortality in Newly Diagnosed High-Risk Polycythemia Vera: An Analysis of the Medicare Claims Database in the United States

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 9-10
Author(s):  
Naveen Pemmaraju ◽  
Aaron T. Gerds ◽  
Shreekant Parasuraman ◽  
Jingbo Yu ◽  
Anne Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Index Date ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Publicly Traded ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

Background Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events (TEs), a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients aged ≥60 years and/or with a history of thrombosis are considered to have high-risk PV. There is limited contemporary, real-world evidence exploring the effect of TEs on mortality in patients with PV. The aim of this analysis was to compare the risk of mortality in patients newly diagnosed with high-risk PV who experienced a TE vs those who did not experience a TE. Study Design and Methods All data from the Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) claims database (Parts A/B/D) from January 2010-December 2017 were used to identify patients with a PV diagnosis (all high risk based on cohort being ≥65 years of age) with ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 outpatient claims. The index date was the date of the first qualifying PV claim. Patients with a PV diagnosis or use of cytoreductive therapy within 12 months before the index date (pre-index period) were excluded; ≥12-months continuous medical and pharmacy enrollment pre-index dates was required. The study sample was categorized into TE and non-TE groups based on the occurrence of any of the following events during follow-up: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack, peripheral arterial thrombosis, or superficial thrombophlebitis. TEs were evaluated from the index date to the end of follow-up. Cox regression analyses with time-varying effects were used to assess mortality risk among patients with PV, with post-index TE as a time-dependent variable, stratified by pre-index TE, and adjusting for patient demographic characteristics and comorbid conditions. Results A total of 56,176 Medicare FFS beneficiaries with PV diagnoses met inclusion criteria. The median age was 73 years, 51.9% were men, and 90.7% were white; 10,110 patients (18.0%) had a history of TE before diagnosis (ie, pre-index). In the follow-up period, 20,105 patients (35.8%) had a TE and 36,071 patients (64.2%) did not have a TE. In the comparison between the TE vs non-TE groups, the median (range) age (75.0 [65-104] vs 73.0 [65-106] years, respectively), mean (SD) Charlson comorbidity index score (3.1 [2.6] vs 2.2 [2.3]), and percentage of patients with a history of cardiovascular events (34.1% vs 23.8%), bleeding (13.3% vs 10.4%), or anemia (28.6% vs 23.4%) were higher (Table 1). Among all patients with PV, the median time from diagnosis to first post-index TE was 7.5 months. Among those with pre-index TE (n=10,093), median time from index to first post-index TE was 0.6 months, whereas patients without pre-index TE (n=46,083) had a median time to first post-index TE of 14.2 months. Among all patients with TE during follow-up, the most common TEs were ischemic stroke (47.5%), transient ischemic attack (30.9%), and acute myocardial infarction (30.5%). The risk of mortality was increased for patients who experienced a TE compared with those who did not (hazard ratio [HR; 95% CI], 9.3 [8.4-10.2]; P<0.0001). For patients who experienced a pre-index TE, the risk of mortality was increased for patients who experienced a subsequent TE during follow-up compared with patients who did not (HR [95% CI], 6.7 [5.8-7.8]; P<0.0001). Likewise, for patients who did not experience a pre-index TE, the risk of mortality was increased for patients who experienced a TE during follow-up compared with patients who did not (HR [95% CI], 13.1 [11.4-15.0]; P<0.0001). Conclusions In this real-world study, approximately one-third of patients with newly diagnosed high-risk PV experienced a TE during follow-up and had a 9-fold increased risk of mortality vs those who did not experience a TE. TE risk mitigation remains an important management goal in patients with PV, particularly in those with prior TE. Disclosures Pemmaraju: Samus Therapeutics: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; SagerStrong Foundation: Other: Grant Support; Affymetrix: Other: Grant Support, Research Funding; MustangBio: Honoraria; Blueprint Medicines: Honoraria; LFB Biotechnologies: Honoraria; Plexxikon: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Stemline Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pacylex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Honoraria; Roche Diagnostics: Honoraria; Cellectis: Research Funding; DAVA Oncology: Honoraria. Gerds:Sierra Oncology: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Imago Biosciences: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche/Genentech: Research Funding; Apexx Oncology: Consultancy; AstraZeneca/MedImmune: Consultancy; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding. Parasuraman:Incyte Corporation: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Yu:Incyte Corporation: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Shah:Avalere Health: Current Employment. Xi:Incyte Corporation: Other: Avalere Health is a paid consultant of Incyte Corporation; Avalere Health: Current Employment. Kumar:Avalere Health: Current Employment; Incyte Corporation: Other: Avalere Health is a paid consultant of Incyte Corporation. Scherber:Incyte Corporation: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Verstovsek:Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; CTI Biopharma Corp: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Blueprint Medicines Corp: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Sierra Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding; Protagonist Therapeutics: Research Funding; ItalPharma: Research Funding; PharmaEssentia: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Five year follow-up of non-psychotic adults with frequent auditory verbal hallucinations: are they still healthy?

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 1897-1907 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Daalman ◽  
K. M. J. Diederen ◽  
L. Hoekema ◽  
R. van Lutterveld ◽  
I. E. C. Sommer
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Auditory Hallucinations ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Need For Care ◽  
Auditory Verbal Hallucinations ◽  
Peak Incidence ◽  
Increased Risk

BackgroundPreviously, we described 103 adults (mean age 41 years) who experienced frequent, auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), in the absence of a need for mental healthcare. Importantly, these adults were largely past the peak incidence age for psychosis (15–35 years). It is unclear if these older individuals with AVH are still at increased risk for psychosis or other psychopathology. To address this question, we conducted a 5-year follow-up of previously included individuals (103 with AVH, 60 controls).MethodEighty-one adults with AVH (78.6%) and forty-nine controls (81.7%) could be contacted and were willing to participate. Participants were screened for psychosis and a need for mental healthcare at follow-up using the Comprehensive Assessment of Symptoms and History interview (CASH). Need for mental healthcare was defined as a clinical diagnosis as identified using the CASH and/or treatment by a mental healthcare specialist. Phenomenology of AVH was assessed with the PSYRATS Auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale.ResultsFive individuals with AVH (6.2%) had developed psychosis and 32 (39.5%) had developed a need for mental healthcare. Voice-related distress at baseline significantly predicted need for mental healthcare. AVH persisted in most individuals (86.4%), without significant changes in phenomenology. None of the controls had developed psychotic symptoms, and need for mental healthcare (n = 6, 12.2%) was significantly lower in this group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that frequent AVH in non-psychotic adults past the peak incidence age for psychosis constitute a rather static symptom and that individuals with AVH may be best viewed as situated on a need for care continuum.

Waist-to-Height Gain and Triiodothyronine Concentrations in a Cohort of Socially Vulnerable Short-Stature Women: A Four-Year Follow-Up Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 298-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Telma M.M.T. Florêncio ◽  
Nassib B. Bueno ◽  
Revilane A.P. Britto ◽  
Fabiana C.A. Albuquerque ◽  
Isabela L.L. Lins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Stature ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Height Ratio ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Waist To Height Ratio ◽  
A Prospective Study

Background: Short stature that results from undernourishment during perinatal period is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, particularly in poor populations. The present study investigated changes on anthropometric and metabolic parameters of socially vulnerable women with short stature. Methods: A prospective study with 48 women (19-45 years) who were mothers of undernourished children was conducted. Twenty-five of them were short (height ≤150 cm), and 23 were not short, to serve as a control (height >159 cm). Biochemical, anthropometric and dietary intake data were collected, before and after 4 years of follow-up. A mixed within-between analysis of covariance was used to assess the interaction between ‘group' and ‘time'. Results: Waist-to-height ratio increased only in the short stature group, with significant interaction (+0.03 ± 0.03 in short group vs. +0.01 ± 0.03 in control; p for interaction = 0.04). The short stature group showed a significant decrease in the plasma triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations, without significant interaction (-0.16 ± 0.23 ng/ml in short group vs. -0.04 ± 0.29 ng/ml in control; p for interaction = 0.20). Conclusion: Women of short stature presented an increase in waist-to-height ratio, with a simultaneous decrease in total plasma T3. These alterations may lead them to increased risk of comorbidities.

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