Burden Of Medical Comorbidity Research Articles

The Role of Hemostatic Therapy in Anticoagulation-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Previous studies have shown that patients with anticoagulation (warfarin)-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (WAICH) have poor outcome and greater mortality. The mechanisms by which warfarin worsens intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcome are not clearly defined and include larger hematoma volumes at presentation, ongoing bleeding leading to greater hematoma expansion, and greater age and burden of medical comorbidities among warfarin users.1 The intuition that hematoma expansion is a consistent predictor of poor outcome after ICH and is potentially modifiable led to the general recommendation that correcting the international normalized ratio (INR) as rapidly as possible to stop ongoing bleeding in these patients should be the goal of therapy. Warfarin reduces the availability of vitamin K and the maturation of its dependent coagulation factors (VKDCF) II, VII, IX, and X and is thought to exert its anticoagulant effects mostly through reductions in factors II (prothrombin) and X levels. Therefore, vitamin K should be given to reverse the effects of warfarin. However, the full effect of vitamin K may take up to 24 hours to develop. Faster reversal requires restoration of VKDCF, in particular factors II and …

Cardiac Disease Evaluation and Management Among Kidney and Liver Transplantation Candidates

The challenges inherent in conducting accurate, clinically effective, and cost-effective cardiac evaluations among transplantation candidates relate to the large size of the target population, the prevalence of disease, the limited number of donated organs, and the often extended waiting periods between initial evaluation and transplantation surgery. According to Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) records, nearly 85 000 candidates were on the waiting list for kidney transplantation in 2010, and ≈17 700 kidney transplantations (including 828 kidney-pancreas transplantations) were performed.1 Also in 2010, 16 000 people were awaiting liver transplantation and 6000 received liver allografts.1 Marked shifts in the age composition of transplant waitlists toward older adults are also raising the average medical complexity and comorbidity burden among listed candidates. In 2011, 62% of kidney transplantation candidates were ≥50 years of age compared with 28.7% of kidney transplantation candidates in 1991.1 A similar shift in age distribution has occurred among liver transplantation candidates; now, 77% are ≥50 years of age.1 Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with end-stage failure of noncardiac organs before and after transplantation. Estimates of the cumulative incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) based on Medicare billing claims have ranged from 8.7% to 16.7% by 3 years after kidney transplant listing and from 4.7% to 11.1% after kidney transplantation.2,3 Observational data suggest particularly high frequencies of cardiovascular events in the first months after kidney transplantation.2,4,5 Cardiovascular diseases in aggregate make up the most common cause of death in patients with functioning allografts at all times after kidney transplantation, accounting for 30% of mortality overall, with highest rates in the peritransplantation period.6 Guidelines and position papers by national organizations can serve as useful tools for informing cardiac evaluation practices before …

Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia in Houston Outreach Medicine, Education, and Social Services (HOMES) Clinic Patients

Psychiatric conditions require aggressive management that is challenging to provide in free clinics. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of certain mental illnesses and comorbid conditions among the patients of a student-managed free clinic for the homeless. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of the records of patients who visited the student-run Houston Outreach Medicine, Education, and Social Services (HOMES) Clinic from May 2007 through May 2008. They assessed the prevalence of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia among patients. They compared demographics, health insurance status, comorbid medical conditions, and social habit data of patients with these mental illnesses with those of other clinic patients. Of 286 patients (74.5% male, mean age 45.8 years), 25 (8.7%) had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 45 (15.7%) had bipolar disorder. Compared with other clinic patients, patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia were less likely to be male (P < .0001) and were more likely to have publicly funded insurance (P = .024). They were also more likely to have certain comorbid conditions, including asthma (P = .0004), seizures (P = .0007), kidney disease (P = .01), and heart disease (P = .02). The high prevalence of these mental illnesses combined with the increased burden of medical comorbidity among HOMES Clinic patients has implications for student-managed free clinics, which often operate on limited budgets. Strategies for providing care for these patients in this setting include integrated care, street medicine, and case management.

Outcomes of Community-dwelling Seniors Vary by Type of Emergency Department

The specific objectives were: 1) to compare the characteristics and 6-month outcomes of community-dwelling seniors in Quebec, Canada, who visited three different emergency department (ED) types and 2) to explore whether the differences in outcomes by ED type were seen among subgroups of seniors. The three types of ED were most specialized, less community-oriented (n = 12); moderately specialized, less community-oriented (n = 28); and least specialized, more community-oriented (n = 28). Administrative databases were used to create a cohort of 223,120 seniors who visited these 68 EDs during a 14-month period. Using a multilevel approach, the following patient characteristics were compared across ED types: sociodemographic (age, sex, urban vs. rural residence, proximity to ED); medical diagnoses and comorbidity burden; and utilization of hospital and physician services during the 16 months before the index ED visit. Cox regression analysis was used to model the relationships between ED type and two 6-month outcomes, adjusting for patient characteristics: 1) serious outcomes (death, acute or long term-care admission) among all individuals who made an index visit and 2) outpatient ED visits (without hospital admission) among those discharged either from the ED or hospital. Interactions between ED type and patient age, sex, urban-rural residence, and comorbidity burden were explored. Compared to patients treated at the least specialized EDs, those at the most specialized EDs were more often urban-dwelling, resided outside the health service area of the ED, and had the highest disease burden and prior specialist utilization. Those treated at the moderately specialized EDs were intermediate between these two groups. During the 6 months after the ED visit, the rate of serious outcomes was higher and the rate of outpatient ED visits was lower for the most specialized compared to the least specialized EDs, even after adjustment for patient characteristics. The differences in these outcomes by ED type were attenuated among older patients and those with greater comorbidity. More vulnerable community-dwelling seniors tend to be treated in more specialized EDs, which have worse linkages to community services. Improved linkages between more specialized EDs and the community (physicians, home care, and other services) and increased access to community services may improve outcomes in this population. Seniors treated at more specialized EDs were more likely to experience serious outcomes, but were less likely to make a return outpatient ED visit.

Design and rationale of a randomized controlled trial to reduce cardiovascular disease risk for patients with bipolar disorder

BackgroundPersons with bipolar disorder (BD) experience a disproportionate burden of medical comorbidity, notably cardiovascular disease (CVD), contributing to decreased function and premature mortality. We describe the design, rationale, and baseline findings for the Self-Management Addressing Heart Risk Trial (SMAHRT), a randomized controlled effectiveness trial of an intervention (Life Goals Collaborative Care; LGCC) designed to reduce CVD risk factors and improve physical and mental health outcomes in patients with BD. MethodsPatients with BD and at least one CVD risk factor were recruited from a VA healthcare system and randomized to either LGCC or usual care (UC). LGCC participants attended four weekly, group-based self-management sessions followed by monthly individual contacts supportive of health behavior change and ongoing medical care management. In contrast, UC participants received monthly wellness newsletters. Physiological and questionnaire assessments measured changes in CVD outcomes and quality of life (QOL) over 24months. ResultsOut of the 180 eligible patients, 134 patients were enrolled (74%) and 118 started the study protocols. At baseline (mean age=54, 17% female, 5% African American) participants had a high burden of clinical risk with nearly 70% reporting at least three CVD risk factors including, smoking (41%) and physical inactivity (57%). Mean mental and physical HRQOL scores were 1.5 SD below SF-12 population averages. ConclusionSMAHRT participants experienced substantial CVD morbidity and risk factors, poor symptom control, and decreased QOL. LGCC is the first integrated intervention for BD designed to mitigate suboptimal health outcomes by combining behavioral medicine and care management strategies.

Abstract 3257: Prevalence and Correlates of PTSD After Stroke

Background Stroke survivors may be at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet detailed data on prevalence and contributing factors are lacking. Harlem residents and local researchers, alarmed by high rates of stroke in their community and frustrated by the difficulty of engaging stroke survivors in prevention programs, aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of PTSD in a cohort of survivors of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods Harlem residents and researchers employed community-based participatory research to develop a recurrent stroke prevention intervention. English and Spanish speaking adults over 40 were eligible for inclusion if they reported a stroke or TIA within the past five years. Baseline assessments included blood pressure, direct LDL cholesterol and validated self-report scales for demographics, stroke impact (modified Rankin scale), medical co-morbidities (Charlson co-morbidity index), and the widely-used 17-item PTSD Checklist Specific for stroke (PCL-S). A PCL-S score of 25 connotes a positive screening test, while a score greater than 50 is highly specific for PTSD. We recruited participants from community and clinical sites. To create a model of correlates for PTSD (PCL-S score &gt; 50), we used logistic regression. Results The 379 enrollees had a mean age of 64 years, 62% were women, 79% were Black or Latino, 28% never completed high school, and more than half earned under $15,000 yearly. Most (75%) had PCL-S scores greater than 25, including 69 (18%) who scored above 50. Using logistic regression, and controlling for gender, race, education, and income (c-statistic of 0.835, p&lt;0.0001), PTSD was associated with younger age (odds ratio 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97), increased disability post-stroke (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.49-2.51), and greater burden of medical co-morbidities (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.09-4.31). In addition, participants with PTSD were more likely to smoke (30% vs. 13%, p=0.0003) and have elevated LDL cholesterol &gt; 100 mg/ dl (59% vs. 39%, p=0.003), both major risk factors for recurrent stroke. There was no significant difference in blood pressure control between the patients with and without PTSD. Conclusion PTSD is common after stroke, especially in younger people with more disability and more co-morbidity. We recommend that clinicians screen patients for PTSD after stroke and offer supportive therapy.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcomes

Medical comorbidities (CM) contribute to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) underutilization. Whether individuals with coronary heart disease and an increased CM burden achieve similar benefits from CR as those with a low CM burden is unknown. We analyzed 794 patients with coronary heart disease completing CR from 1/96 to 4/08. Medical CM burden was assessed using a comorbidity index (CMI) previously validated in a CR population. Distance achieved on a 6-minute walk test, body mass index, and the physical and mental component scores on the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 were measured at baseline and at CR completion. We performed multivariable linear regression to compare changes in these parameters between individuals with a low CM burden (CMI = 0) and those with a moderate (CMI = 1-2) or high (CMI > 2) CM burden by age group (<56, 56-65, and >65 years of age). Mean age was 61.6 ± 10.6 years, 29% were women, 31% nonwhite; 305 individuals had a CMI = 0, 305 had a CMI = 1 to 2, and 184 had a CMI > 2. All subgroups, regardless of age or CMI, demonstrated improvements with CR on virtually all parameters measured. Among individuals younger than 56 years, those with a CMI = 0 had greater improvements in these parameters after multivariable adjustment than those with a CMI of 1 to 2 or more than 2. In contrast, in older age groups, the degree of improvement was similar regardless of CMI. All patient groups, regardless of CM burden, benefited from CR. Medical CM burden, especially among older patients, should not discourage referral to CR.

Non-psychiatric comorbidity associated with Alzheimer's disease

The burden of medical comorbidity in individuals with Alzheimer's disease is greater than that observed in matched individuals without dementia. This has important implications for all clinicians and healthcare providers who deal with this common condition. The prevalence of vascular risk factors and vascular disease is particularly high. Additionally, associations with a number of other chronic medical conditions have been described, including thyroid disorders, sleep apnoea, osteoporosis and glaucoma. This review gives an overview of evidenced medical (non-psychiatric) comorbidity associated with Alzheimer's disease and briefly explores the underlying mechanisms that may account for these associations.

Factors associated with receptivity to deep brain stimulation surgery among essential tremor cases

Background A sizable proportion of essential tremor (ET) patients suffer from medically-refractory ET. Although deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is a safe and highly effective treatment, it may be under-utilized. We are unaware of studies that assess ET patients’ attitudes toward DBS surgery and the factors that motivate them toward or away from such surgery. Methods ET cases, enrolled in an ongoing clinical–pathological study, underwent an in-person evaluation. They were asked “What is the likelihood that you would allow yourself to have DBS surgery?”, thus rating their ‘surgical receptivity’ from 0 to 100. Results One-third (47/146, 32.2%) of ET cases reported that they would consider DBS surgery. In univariate analyses, younger age ( p = 0.017), self-reported embarrassment ( p = 0.001), more depressive symptoms ( p = 0.008), more dysthymia ( p = 0.029), higher total tremor score (marginal p = 0.13) and lower burden of medical comorbidity (marginal p = 0.16) were associated with greater surgical receptivity. In multivariate logistic regression models, only self-reported embarrassment ( p = 0.006) and, marginally, younger age ( p = 0.059) were independently associated with surgical receptivity. Conclusions We identified a number of factors that were associated with increased receptivity to DBS surgery. Interestingly, psychosocial variables (dysthymia, depressive symptoms, self-reported embarrassment) featured prominently among these factors; indeed, self-reported embarrassment was the most robust factor. Tremor severity, though associated in univariate analyses with increased surgical receptivity, was not as robust of a predictor as was self-reported embarrassment. Future studies, which are community-based as well as those which also assess the patient’s level of understanding about DBS will further add to the literature on this topic.

Of sound mind and body: depression, disease, and accelerated aging

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with a high rate of developing serious medical comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. These are conditions that typically occur late in life, and it has been suggested that MDD may be associated with "accelerated aging." We review several moderators and mediators that may accompany MDD and that may give rise to these comorbid medical conditions. We first review the moderating effects of psychological styles of coping, genetic predisposition, and epigenetic modifications (eg, secondary to childhood adversity). We then focus on several interlinked mediators occurring in MDD (or at least in subtypes of MDD) that may contribute to the medical comorbidity burden and to accelerated aging: limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis alterations, diminution in glucocorticoid receptor function, altered glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, excitotoxicity, increases in intracellular calcium, oxidative stress, a proinflammatory milieu, lowered levels of "counter-regulatory" neurosteroids (such as allopregnanolone and dehydroepiandrosterone), diminished neurotrophic activity, and accelerated cell aging, manifest as alterations in telomerase activity and as shortening of telomeres, which can lead to apoptosis and cell death. In this model, MDD is characterized by a surfeit of potentially destructive mediators and an insufficiency of protective or restorative ones. These factors interact in increasing the likelihood of physical disease and of accelerated aging at the cellular level. We conclude with suggestions for novel mechanism-based therapeutics based on these mediators.

The Relationship Between Adverse Events During Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and Nonremission in the Suicide Assessment Methodology Study

Little is known about the association between antidepressant treatment-emergent adverse events and symptom nonremission in major depressive disorder. The objective of the current analysis was to determine whether particular baseline symptoms or treatment-emergent symptoms (adverse events) during the first 2 weeks are associated with nonremission after 8 weeks of treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).Outpatients clinically diagnosed with nonpsychotic major depressive disorder were recruited from 6 primary and 9 psychiatric care sites. Participants (n = 206) were treated with an SSRI antidepressant (citalopram [20-40 mg/d], escitalopram [10-20 mg/d], fluoxetine [20-40 mg/d], paroxetine [20-40 mg/d], paroxetine CR [25-37.5 mg/d], or sertraline [50-150 mg/d]) for 8 weeks. Remission was defined as having a score of 5 or less on the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician-Rated at week 8, or using last observation carried forward. Adverse events were identified using the 55-item Systematic Assessment for Treatment Emergent Events-Systematic Inquiry completed by participants at baseline and week 2.Findings indicated that the emergence of adverse events of weakness/fatigue, strange feeling, and trouble catching breath/hyperventilation at week 2 were independently associated with lack of remission even after controlling for the potential confounders of baseline depressive severity, anxious symptoms, antidepressant medication, chronic depression, race, burden of general medical comorbidity, and time in study. Hearing/seeing things appeared to have a protective effect. In conclusion, during SSRI treatment, the adverse events of weakness/fatigue, feeling strange, and trouble catching breath/hyperventilation are associated with nonremission, possibly due to lower adherence, early attrition, difficulty increasing the dose, and reduced efficacy.

Ethnicity and Cultural Issues

This special journal issue was devised to solicit original manuscripts on current research findings, review studies, or conceptual papers pertaining to clinical or community level interventions, innovative treatment approaches, and discussions of cross-cultural issues pertinent to reducing ethnic disparities while improving care provided to patients with depression. Envisioning a collection of quality studies that encompassed a range of diverse topics reflecting the complexity of this issue, we broadly sought papers on areas including, but not limited to health beliefs, stigma, the care-seeking process, genetics and pharmacodynamics, financial barriers or other access problems, informal sources of care, healthcare reform and policy implications for mental health parity, the contribution and burden of medical comorbidities and care coordination, therapeutic alliance and cultural views of clinical power dynamics, unique issues regarding age, gender, and religious or sexual orientation, treatment retention and medication adherence, familial or social dynamics, specific treatment modalities, and special concerns of community patients and large insured populations alike.

Impact of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pathology on Older Adults: A Study of Differences between Knee OA and Low Back Pain

The study aimed to compare the psychological and physical characteristics of older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA) vs those of adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and to identify psychological and physical predictors of function as measured by gait speed. Secondary data analysis. Eighty-eight older adults with advanced knee OA and 200 with CLBP who had participated in separate randomized controlled trials were selected for this study. Inclusion criteria for both trials included age > or =65 and pain of at least moderate intensity that occurred daily or almost every day for at least the previous 3 months. Psychological constructs (catastrophizing, fear avoidance, self-efficacy, depression, affective distress) and physical measures (comorbid medical conditions, pain duration, pain severity, pain related interference, self-rated health) were obtained. Subjects with CLBP had slower gait (0.88 m/s vs 0.96 m/s, P = 0.002) and more comorbid conditions than subjects with knee pain (mean 3.36 vs 1.97, P < 0.001). All the psychological measures were significantly worse in the CLBP group except the Multidimensional Pain Inventory-Affective Distress score. Self-efficacy, pain severity, and medical comorbidity burden were associated with slower gait regardless of the location of the pain. Older adults with chronic pain may have distinct psychological and physical profiles that differentially impact gait speed. These findings suggest that not all pain conditions are the same in their psychological and physical characteristics and may need to be taken into consideration when developing treatment plans.

Neuropathic Pain

A number of different diseases or injuries can damage the central or peripheral nervous system and produce neuropathic pain (NP), which seems to be more difficult to treat than many other types of chronic pain. As a group, patients with NP have greater medical co-morbidity burden than age- and sex-adjusted controls, which makes determining the humanistic and economic burden attributable to NP challenging. Health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) is substantially impaired among patients with NP. Patients describe pain-related interference in multiple HR-QOL and functional domains, as well as reduced ability to work and reduced mobility due to their pain. In addition, the spouses of NP patients have been shown to experience adverse social consequences related to NP. In randomized controlled trials, several medications have been shown to improve various measures of HR-QOL. Changes in HR-QOL appear to be tightly linked to pain relief, but not to the development of adverse effects. However, in cross-sectional studies, many patients continue to have moderate or severe pain and markedly impaired HR-QOL, despite taking medications prescribed for NP. The quality of NP treatment appears to be poor, with few patients receiving recommended medications in efficacious dosages. The substantial costs to society of NP derive from direct medical costs, loss of the ability to work, loss of caregivers' ability to work and possibly greater need for institutionalization or other living assistance. No single study has measured all of these costs to society for chronic NP. The cost effectiveness of various interventions for the treatment or prevention of different types of NP has been assessed in several different studies. The most-studied diseases are post-herpetic neuralgia and painful diabetic neuropathy, for which tricyclic antidepressants (both amitriptyline and desipramine) have been found to be either cost effective or dominant relative to other strategies. Increasing the use of cost-effective therapies such as tricyclic antidepressants for post-herpetic neuralgia and painful diabetic neuropathy may improve the HR-QOL of patients and decrease societal costs. Head-to-head clinical trials comparing NP therapies are needed to help assess the relative clinical efficacy of treatments, ideally using HR-QOL and utility outcomes. The full costs to society of NP, including productivity loss costs, have not been determined for chronic NP. Improved relative efficacy, utility and cost estimates would facilitate future cost-effectiveness research in NP.

Medical and substance use comorbidity in bipolar disorder

Objective: National Comorbidity Survey data indicate that bipolar disorder is characterized by high lifetime rates of co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders (SUDs). Although compelling evidence suggests SUD comorbidity predicts non-response to treatment, the relationship between medical comorbidity and treatment response has not been studied adequately. In an attempt to understand the impact of medical comorbidity on treatment outcome, an analysis was conducted to inform the relationship between co-occurring medical illness, the phenomenology of bipolar disorder, and response to treatment with mood stabilizers. Method: A total of 98 adult outpatients with rapid-cycling bipolar I or II disorder and co-occurring SUDs were prospectively treated with the combination of lithium and valproate for up to 24 weeks. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between phenomenology, response to mood stabilizers, and medical comorbidity as assessed by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). High and low medical comorbidity burden were defined as a CIRS total score ≥ 4 and ≤ 3, respectively. Results: Every patient enrolled into this study had at least 1 medical illness (most commonly respiratory, 72%) and on average had 4.9 different medical conditions. Over half of patients (52%) exhibited illnesses across four or more different organ systems, 24% had uncontrollable medical illnesses, and the mean overall total CIRS score was 5.56. The average body mass index (BMI) was 28.1 with 38% being overweight and 29% being obese. High medical burden was observed in 64% and was most strongly predicted by a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder (OR = 34.9, p = 0.002, 95%CI = 3.9–316.1). A history of attempted suicide (OR = 10.3, p = 0.01, 95%CI = 1.7–62.0), a history of physical abuse (OR = 7.6, p = 0.03, 95%CI = 1.3–45.7) and advancing age (OR = 1.2, p < 0.001, 95%CI = 1.1–1.3) also independently predicted a high burden of general medical problems. Only 21% ( N = 21) of subjects enrolled into this study showed a bimodal response to treatment with lithium plus valproate, and neither BMI nor any summary CIRS measure predicted response. Conclusion: Rapid cycling with co-occurring substance use is not only associated with poor response to mood stabilizers, but is also a harbinger of serious medical problems. A high burden of medical comorbidity was associated with the bipolar I subtype, a history of attempted suicide, a history of physical abuse, and advancing age.

The burden of general medical conditions in patients with bipolar disorder

We reviewed the current literature on medical comorbidity burden in bipolar disorder. Overall, current studies suggest that numerous medical conditions may occur disproportionately within bipolar disorder patient populations, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hepatitis C infection. In addition, the determinants of increased burden of medical comorbidity in patients with bipolar disorder include metabolic-related factors, health care access barriers, and patient behavioral and treatment factors. Overall, interventions specifically designed to reduce the burden of medical comorbidity in bipolar disorder are needed, especially those that emphasize changes at the health system level to facilitate coordination of medical and psychiatric care.

General-Medical Conditions in Older Patients With Serious Mental Illness

The burden of medical comorbidities was compared between older (> or =60 years) and younger patients with serious mental illness. Patients (N=8,083) diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder in 2001 were identified from VA facilities in the mid-Atlantic region. Medical comorbidities were identified by an ICD-9-based clinical classification algorithm. Older, versus younger, patients were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions, and less likely to be diagnosed with substance-use disorders or hepatic conditions. More aggressive detection and management of general-medical comorbidities in older patients with serious mental illness is paramount.

General-Medical Conditions in Older Patients With Serious Mental Illness

Objective The burden of medical comorbidities was compared between older (≥60 years) and younger patients with serious mental illness. Methods Patients (N = 8,083) diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder in 2001 were identified from VA facilities in the mid-Atlantic region. Medical comorbidities were identified by an ICD-9–based clinical classification algorithm. Results Older, versus younger, patients were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions, and less likely to be diagnosed with substance-use disorders or hepatic conditions. Conclusions More aggressive detection and management of general-medical comorbidities in older patients with serious mental illness is paramount.

The Impact of Medical Comorbidity on Acute Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder

Objective: The authors investigated the impact of medical comorbidity on the acute phase of antidepressant treatment in subjects with major depressive disorder. Method: A total of 384 outpatients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for major depressive disorder enrolled in 8-week open treatment with fluoxetine, 20 mg/day. The authors used the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale to measure the burden of medical comorbidity and the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression to assess changes in depressive symptoms. The outcome measures were response to treatment (≥50% reduction in score) and clinical remission (score ≤7 at the end of the trial). Results: Compared to responders to fluoxetine, nonresponders had significantly higher Cumulative Illness Rating Scale scores and a greater number of Cumulative Illness Rating Scale categories were endorsed. Compared to subjects who achieved remission with antidepressant treatment, those who did not achieve remission had significantly higher Cumulative Illness Rating Scale scores and a greater number of Cumulative Illness Rating Scale categories were endorsed (i.e., more organs were affected by medical illness). The final Hamilton depression scale score was directly correlated with the total Cumulative Illness Rating Scale score and the number of Cumulative Illness Rating Scale categories endorsed. Conclusions: The total burden of medical illness and the number of organ systems affected by medical illness had a significantly negative predictive value for clinical outcome in the acute phase of treatment in major depressive disorder.

Burden of general medical conditions among individuals with bipolar disorder.

Treatment of coexisting medical comorbidities may reduce the risk of adverse outcomes among patients with bipolar disorder. We determined the prevalence of general medical conditions in a population-based sample of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the Veterans Administration (VA). We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients (n = 4310) diagnosed with bipolar disorder in fiscal year 2001 receiving care at VA facilities located within the mid-Atlantic region. General medical conditions were assessed using ICD-9 codes, and we compared the prevalence of each condition in our bipolar sample with national data on the VA patient population. The mean age was 53 (SD = 13), 10% were women, and 12% African-American. The mean age of the VA national patient population was higher (58 years). The most prevalent conditions among patients with bipolar disorder included cardiovascular (e.g. hypertension, 35%), endocrine (e.g. hyperlipidemia, 23%; diabetes, 17%), and alcohol use disorder (25%). When compared with national data, the prevalence of diabetes was higher in the bipolar cohort than in the national cohort (17.2% versus 15.6%; p = 0.0035). Hepatitis C was more common in the bipolar group than the national cohort (5.9% versus 1.1%; p < 0.001). Lower back pain (15.4% versus 10.6%; p < 0.0001) and pulmonary conditions (e.g. COPD: 10.6% versus 9.4%; p = 0.005) were also more prevalent among the bipolar cohort than the VA national cohort. Individuals with bipolar disorder possess a substantial burden of general medical comorbidity, and are occurring at an earlier age than in the general VA patient population, suggesting the need for earlier detection and treatment for patients with bipolar disorder.