Adolescent Female Patients Research Articles

Lower genital tract infections in young female juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients

BackgroundTo evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients.MethodsAfter exclusion, 33 female adolescent and young JIA patients (ILAR criteria) and 28 healthy controls were selected for this study. Demographic data, gynecological, sexual function, cervical cytology and histological abnormalities were evaluated. JIA clinical/laboratorial parameters and treatment were also assessed. HPV-DNA, CT-DNA and NG-DNA testing in cervical specimens were performed by Hybrid Capture 2 assays.ResultsThe mean current age was similar in JIA patients and controls (23.3 ± 6.24 vs. 26.1 ± 6.03 years, p = 0.09). The frequencies of sexual intercourse (76% vs. 89%, p = 0.201) and abnormal cervical cytology (24% vs. 11%, p = 0.201) were similar in JIA compared to controls. The higher frequency of HPV infection in JIA patients than controls (30% vs. 11%, p = 0.155) did not reach statistical significance. CT (0% vs. 7%, p = 0.207) and NG infections (0% vs. 4%, p = 0.459) were also alike in both groups. Further evaluation of JIA patients with abnormal and normal cervical cytology showed that the former group had a higher frequency of HPV infection (87% vs. 12%, p = 0.0002) with a low frequency of HPV vaccination (0% vs. 8%, p = 1.0). No differences were evidenced between these two JIA groups regarding demographic data, sexual function and clinical/laboratorial parameters. The frequencies of methotrexate (p = 0.206) and biological agent use (p = 0.238) were similar in both JIA groups.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this was the first study to assess lower genital infections in JIA patients allowing the identification of HPV as main cause of cervical dysplasia. Methotrexate and biological agents do not seem to increase risk of lower genital tract infections in JIA patients.

Functional connectivity underlying hedonic response to food in female adolescents with atypical AN: the role of somatosensory and salience networks

Atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) usually occurs during adolescence. Patients are often in the normal-weight range at diagnosis; however, they often present with signs of medical complications and severe restraint over eating, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem. We investigated functional circuitry underlying the hedonic response in 28 female adolescent patients diagnosed with atypical AN and 33 healthy controls. Participants were shown images of food with high (HC) or low (LC) caloric content in alternating blocks during functional MRI. The HC > LC contrast was calculated. Based on the previous literature on full-threshold AN, we hypothesized that patients would exhibit increased connectivity in areas involved in sensory processing and bottom-up responses, coupled to increased connectivity from areas related to top-down inhibitory control, compared with controls. Patients showed increased connectivity in pathways related to multimodal somatosensory processing and memory retrieval. The connectivity was on the other hand decreased in patients in salience and attentional networks, and in a wide cerebello-occipital network. Our study was the first investigation of food-related neural response in atypical AN. Our findings support higher somatosensory processing in patients in response to HC food images compared with controls, however HC food was less efficient than LC food in engaging patients’ bottom-up salient responses, and was not associated with connectivity increases in inhibitory control regions. These findings suggest that the psychopathological mechanisms underlying food restriction in atypical AN differ from full-threshold AN. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of eating behavior in atypical AN might help designing specific treatment strategies.

Adipokines, cortisol and cytokine alterations in recent onset anorexia nervosa. A case–control study

IntroductionPsychological and neuroendocrine alterations are typical characteristics in anorexia nervosa patients. The role of adipokines and cytokines as mediators of body systems’ adaptations to the patients’ abnormal eating behavior is not well understood. The duration of disease seems to be a determinant of nutritional status and associated hormone changes. We aimed to assess whether alterations in adipokines, cytokines and cortisol do already exist in patients with a recent disease onset by means of a case–control study. MethodsForty-one adolescent female patients on their first-episode and diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, were matched by age and socioeconomic status (SES) (1:1) with healthy girls. Leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), adiponectin, cortisol, and the cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α were examined. ResultsThe results showed reduced leptin and increased sOB-R and cortisol levels in AN patients. Adiponectin was also increased but opposite to the previous biomarkers did not correlate with BMI Z-score. Serum TNF-α and IL-2 showed significantly lower and higher values, respectively, in the AN patients than in the controls. Cortisol showed the strongest correlation with sOB-R (r=0.436; P=0.005). ConclusionsOur study confirms previous findings on adipokine and cortisol alterations in AN patients, while overall cytokine results did not show a clear disruption in AN patients with short disease duration. The results highlight the need to disentangle the role of the sOB-R in the interactions between leptin and cortisol secretion.

Public perception towards bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation

ObjectiveBystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) improves survival and neurological outcomes. Nonetheless, many OHCA patients do not receive bystander CPR during a witnessed arrest. Our aim was...

Characteristics of Diffuse Leptomeningeal Glioneuronal Tumor With First-Episode Headache and Rapid Blindness Misdiagnosed as Viral Meningoencephalitis

Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor has a high degree of malignancy and high mortality. The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of atypical diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor and analyze the causes of misdiagnosis as viral meningoencephalitis. An adolescent female patient presented with headache, nausea, vomiting, sharp vision loss and cognitive dysfunction. After poor therapeutic effect of standard antiviral treatment, further inspection found that malignant cells were detected by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology; and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive enhancement of the leptomeningeal. In conclusions, when patient with unexplained high intracranial pressure, it is necessary to be alert to the diagnosis of diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor. Multiple examinations of fresh CSF are helpful to increase the positive detection rate of tumor cells. Early diagnosis and active treatment are conducive to improving survival rate. J Med Cases. 2019;10(8):241-245 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3347

Dysfunction of inflammatory pathways in adolescent female patients with anorexia nervosa

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of Eating Disorders is still unknown. However, a growing body of evidence shows that there are changes in cytokine levels and an alteration in the stress response in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). For this reason, we decided to test whether there are differences in immune parameters involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response between female adolescents with AN and healthy adolescents. MethodsThe sample 27 drug-naïve AN patients the study sample included 27 AN patients at a very early stage of the disease and 23 healthy controls. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained for biochemical study. ResultsPlasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased in patients with AN, while the levels of prostaglandins PGE2 (proinflammatory) and 15d-PGJ2, (anti-inflammatory) were lower compared with controls. Protein expression in PBMCs of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the activated forms of the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and ERK were also increased in the AN group. Expression levels of the anti-inflammatory factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) were significantly decreased in patients. Plasma levels of lipid peroxidation markers –TBARS- were not increased in patients with AN.Components of the biochemical inflammatory response (COX-2, PGE2, TBARS, 15d-PGJ2, ERK, p65 NFκB) and glucocorticoid receptor –GR- expression and the scores on the impulsivity measures in the BARRATT, EDI and BITE questionnaires showed a significant correlation within the AN patients group. ConclusionsThe results for female adolescent patients with AN indicate that there is a dysfunction of intra- and intercellular inflammatory pathways characterized by higher levels of pro-inflammatory parameters in plasma and a decrease in one of the controlling cytoplasmic-nuclear pathways implicated in their modulation (i.e. PPARγ) with, at this very early stage of the disease, no effect on oxidative stress markers plasma levels. Most notably, higher severity of illness (restrictive and purging behaviour) correlated with higher levels of inflammatory markers.

Brain-based Classification of Negative Social Bias in Adolescents With Nonsuicidal Self-injury: Findings From Simulated Online Social Interaction

BackgroundInterpersonal stress and perceived rejection have been clinically observed as common triggers of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), with self-injury behavior regulating both affective and social experiences. We investigated whether the subjective interpretation of social interaction in a simulated online environment might be biased in the NSSI group, and the brain mechanisms underlying the experience. MethodsThirty female adolescent patients with NSSI and thirty female age-matched controls were investigated in this case–control study. In our novel task that simulates interaction on current social media platforms, participants indicated whether they liked or disliked pictures of other players during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. Participants also viewed positive and negative feedback directed toward them by others. The task also assessed the subjective effects of the social interaction. Finally, subjects underwent a separate facial electromyography session, which measured facial expressions processing. OutcomesBehaviorally, the NSSI group showed a negative bias in processing social feedback from others. A multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) identified brain regions that robustly classified NSSI subjects and controls. Regions in which mutual activity contributed to the classification included dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, a region implicated in mood control. In the NSSI group, multi-voxel classification scores correlated with behavioral sensitivity to negative feedback from others. Results remained significant after controlling for medication, symptoms of depression, and symptoms of borderline personality disorder. InterpretationThis study identified behavioral and neural signatures of adolescents with NSSI during social interaction in a simulated social media environment. These findings highlight the importance of understanding social information processing in this clinical population and can potentially advance treatment approaches.

Cardiac angiosarcoma in a female adolescent: a case report

We report a rare case of cardiac angiosarcoma in a female adolescent patient that is an unusual case of cardiac angiosarcoma. As the initial symptoms are nonspecific our case demonstrated difficulty to establish the correct diagnosis. Our patient has in addition to these, malaise, diarrhea and hemoptysis which was mistakenly diagnosed with pneumonia. Here, we discuss aspects of computed tomography with a definitive diagnosis confirmed by immunohistochemistry, through a transthoracic radioguided biopsy. The patient presented improvement after urgent chemotherapy, however, she died 4 months after initial symptoms. In view of these aspects, it is clear the need for early diagnosis and a definition of optimized treatment in order to extend the survival of these patients.

Imperforate hymen: Retrospective review from a single tertiary centre of presenting symptoms and diagnostic process.

To review presentations, diagnostic processes and time to diagnosis of presentations of imperforate hymen at one tertiary paediatric hospital over a 10-year period. The aim was to improve knowledge, enable targeted education and reduce unnecessary tests and diagnostic delay for this congenital obstructive disorder of the female reproductive tract. A pragmatic, retrospective, observational study was conducted of all female patients, aged younger than or equal to 18 years of age, presenting to the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, over an 18-year period. Presenting symptom(s), time to diagnosis, investigations ordered and number of health-care professionals consulted prior to diagnosis were recorded. A total of 27 patients met eligibility criteria, and 85% presented with pain (23/27). Pain was frequently associated with other symptoms (15/23). Over three quarters of patients consulted more than one health-care professional prior to diagnosis (22/27). Of the 27 patients, 19 had imaging undertaken prior to diagnosis. Paediatric and adolescent females managed at our tertiary paediatric hospital are experiencing diagnostic uncertainty and the unnecessary ordering of imaging prior to a diagnosis of imperforate hymen. Targeted education is recommended to health professionals managing female paediatric and adolescent patients.

Parental Attitudes Toward Fertility Preservation in Female Adolescent Cancer Patients in Lebanon.

To measure parental attitudes toward fertility preservation (FP) in female adolescent cancer patients in a Middle Eastern country to understand barriers to decision-making and decisional conflicts. A questionnaire was distributed to parents of all female adolescents at a tertiary care center from February 2018 to September2018. A total of 70 families. None. Parental attitudes toward FP. The educational level of parents was associated with the knowledge about the side effects of treatment (P<.001). FP options were not offered to parents in 60/70 (85.6%) of cases. Oocyte cryopreservation was an acceptable option for 23/70 (32.9%) of interviewed parents who agreed on collecting the oocytes using vaginal ultrasound. The fear of disrupting the hymen was the main reason for disapproval in 20/70 (28.6%) of cases. The religious preference of the family was a significant factor in the acceptance of vaginal ultrasound and vaginal oocyte retrieval. The educational level of parents, the monthly income, and the current employment status were not linearly associated with their acceptance to approve their daughters' undergoing oocyte cryopreservation through the vaginal route (χ2=100.651; P<.001). Parents are not aware of the effect of cancer treatment on future fertility of their daughters. Ethical, social, and religious barriers affect the decision-making for FP. However, a major interest exists among parents for FP, highlighting the importance of development of an oncofertility program, involving a multidisciplinary team to initiate proper counseling and guidance.

Cost Comparison of Ultrasound Versus MRI to Diagnose Adolescent Female Patients Presenting with Acute Abdominal/Pelvic Pain Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing

To compare the cost of ultrasound (US) versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using time-driven activity-based costing in adolescent female patients with suspected appendicitis. Process maps were created using data from electronic medical record review and patient shadowing for adolescent female patients undergoing US or noncontrast MRI exams of the abdomen and pelvis for suspected appendicitis. Capacity cost rates for all personnel, equipment, facilities, and supplies in each exam pathway were established from institutional accounting data. The cost of each process step was determined by multiplying step-specific capacity cost rates by the mean time required to complete the step. Total pathway costs for US and MRI were computed by summing the costs of all steps through each pathway, and a direct cost comparison was made between the two modalities. Process maps for US and MRI pathways were generated from 231 and 52 patient encounters, respectively. Patients undergoing US exams followed one of six pathways depending on exam order (abdomen versus pelvis performed first) and whether additional time was needed for bladder filling. Mean total US pathway time was 91 minutes longer than for MRI (US = 166 minutes; MRI = 75 minutes). Total MRI pathway cost was $209.97 compared to a mean US cost of $258.33 (range = $163.21-$293.24). MRI can be a faster and less costly alternative to US for evaluating suspected appendicitis in adolescent female patients. While precise costs will vary by institution, MRI may be a viable and at times preferable alternative to US in this patient population.

A clinical case-control comparison of epidermal innervation density in Rett syndrome.

IntroductionRett syndrome (RTT), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder occurring primarily in females (1:10–15,000 female live births), is most often caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the X‐linked methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 gene (MECP2). Clinical observations and preclinical findings indicate apparent abnormal sensory and nociceptive function. There have been no direct investigations of epidermal sensory innervation in patients with RTT.MethodsWe compared 3 mm epidermal punch biopsy specimens from adolescent female RTT patients (N = 4, aged 12–19 years) against an archived approximate age‐, sex‐, body‐site matched comparison sample of healthy adolescent females (N = 8, ages 11–17).ResultsConfocal imaging revealed, on average, statistically significant increased epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) peptidergic (co‐stained calcitonin gene‐related protein [CGRP]) innervation density compared with healthy female control individuals.ConclusionsGiven the clinical phenotype of disrupted sensory function along with diagnostic criteria specific to cold hands/feet and insensitivity to pain, our preliminary observations of ENF peptidergic fiber density differences warrants further investigation of the peripheral neurobiology in RTT.

Adipokines, cortisol and cytokine alterations in recent onset anorexia nervosa. A case–control study

IntroductionPsychological and neuroendocrine alterations are typical characteristics in anorexia nervosa patients. The role of adipokines and cytokines as mediators of body systems’ adaptations to the patients’ abnormal eating behavior is not well understood. The duration of disease seems to be a determinant of nutritional status and associated hormone changes. We aimed to assess whether alterations in adipokines, cytokines and cortisol do already exist in patients with a recent disease onset by means of a case–control study. MethodsForty-one adolescent female patients on their first-episode and diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, were matched by age and socioeconomic status (SES) (1:1) with healthy girls. Leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), adiponectin, cortisol, and the cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α were examined. ResultsThe results showed reduced leptin and increased sOB-R and cortisol levels in AN patients. Adiponectin was also increased but opposite to the previous biomarkers did not correlate with BMI Z-score. Serum TNF-α and IL-2 showed significantly lower and higher values, respectively, in the AN patients than in the controls. Cortisol showed the strongest correlation with sOB-R (r=0.436; P=0.005). ConclusionsOur study confirms previous findings on adipokine and cortisol alterations in AN patients, while overall cytokine results did not show a clear disruption in AN patients with short disease duration. The results highlight the need to disentangle the role of the sOB-R in the interactions between leptin and cortisol secretion.

Sexual function in female juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate sexual function female adolescents and young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and healthy controls.MethodsAfter exclusion, 21 female adolescent and young JIA patients and 25 healthy controls were selected for this study. Sexual function was assessed by the Sexual Quotient Questionnaire for Females (SQQ-F) score, which is a validated tool and adapted for Brazilian Portuguese language. Demographic data, JIA clinical/laboratory parameters and treatment were also assessed.ResultsThe median current age [26.5 (17–38.1) vs. 29.3 (19.7–35.8) years, p = 0.700)] as well as age at the first sexual activity [18 (14–30) vs. 17 (10–24) years, p = 0.158] were similar in JIA patients and healthy controls. The median of SQQ-F score was alike in both groups [75.9 (50–92) vs. 78.2 (58–94), p = 0.529], as well as frequencies of sexual dysfunction (14% vs. 12%, p = 1.000). The frequencies of all sexual domains (desire/sexual fantasies, desire/interest, arousal/foreplay, arousal/lubrication, arousal/in tune with partner, penetration/relaxation, pain/penetration, desire/involvement, orgasm and general satisfaction scores) were similar in JIA patients and healthy controls (p > 0.05).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this was the first study using a validated sexual score in a chronic arthritis population suggesting a low frequency of overall sexual dysfunction in young JIA patients. Future multicenter studies with a large sample will be necessary to confirm this finding.

FAI SURGERY IN THE ADOLESCENT POPULATION: MILD DEFORMITIES AND LACK OF SPORTS PARTICIPATION ARE ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF TREATMENT FAILURE

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is as prevalent in adolescents as in adults, yet few studies have analyzed treatment outcomes in the adolescent population. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of FAI surgery in adolescent patients and to identify predictors of treatment failure. Methods: A cohort of 126 adolescent patients (&lt;18 years) undergoing surgery for symptomatic FAI were prospectively assessed among a larger multicenter cohort. The adolescent subgroup included 74 (58.7%) males and 52 (41.3%) females, had a mean age of 16.1 years (range 11.3-18.0), and a mean follow-up of 3.7 years. Mild cam FAI was defined by an alpha angle less than 55 degrees. Clinical outcomes were analyzed with the mHHS, HOOS (5 domains), and UCLA activity score. Failure was defined as revision surgery or clinical failure (failure to reach MCID (minimally clinically important difference) or PASS (patient acceptable symptoms state) for modified Harris Hip score. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors significantly associated with failure. Results: There was clinically important improvement in all PROs (mHHS, all HOOS domains) for the overall cohort and 81% of patients met criteria for a successful outcome. The failure rate (revision surgery or clinical failure) of the overall cohort was 19%, including revision surgery in 8.7%. Female patients were significantly more likely than male patients to be classified as a failure (25.7% vs. 9.1%, p=0.017, OR 2.6), in part because of a lower preoperative mHHS (59.1 vs. 67.0, p&lt;0.001). Mild cam FAI (alpha less than 55 degrees) was present in 31.5% of cases including 39.1% of females and 14.5% of males. Maximal alpha angle was significantly inversely associated with the failure rate (37.5% for alpha&lt;55, 19.2% for alpha 55-63, and 6.8% for alpha&gt;63, p&lt;0.005). Non-athletes were at a significantly greater risk of failure compared to athletes (26.5% vs. 10.3%, p=0.043, OR 2.3). Multivariable logistic regression identified mild cam FAI and lack of participation in sports as predictive of failure (p=0.005 and p=0.04), while gender was no longer significantly associated with failure after controlling for other variables. Conclusions: Adolescent patients undergoing surgical treatment of FAI demonstrate significant improvement at early followup. However, mild cam FAI deformities (which are common in adolescent female patients) and lack of participation in sports are independently associated with higher rates of treatment failure. These factors associated with treatment failure should be considered in surgical treatment decision-making and patient counseling.

SEX DIFFERENCES IN QUADRICEPS STRENGTH AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITHIN 1 YEAR OF ACL RECONSTRUCTION

Background Female patients with ACLR are 40% less likely to return to preinjury levels of sport after subsequent ACLR when compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, 24-30% of young female athletes who do return to sport will go on to experience a second ACL injury to the ipsilateral or contralateral knee within 2 years of ACLR. Despite these findings, sex-based differences in clinical outcomes following ACLR are not currently well understood within the adolescent population. Involved limb knee extension weakness, contralateral limb knee extension weakness, and between limb strength asymmetry persist months to years following ACLR among adolescent patients. Improvements in unilateral and symmetry-based measures of knee extension strength during and after the rehabilitation process have been linked to improved patient-reported knee related function, lower extremity functional performance, and decreased risk of subsequent ACL injury among individuals with recent ACLR. Currently, there is a lack of evidence describing the role that sex plays in persistent quadriceps weakness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of patient sex on unilateral and symmetry-based measures of knee extension strength, and patient-reported knee function among adolescent individuals with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) within the first year after surgery. Methods: Fifty-two male participants (age = 16.8±1.3 years, BMI = 25.6±5.6 kg/m2, time since surgery = 6.3±1.4 months) and 66 female participants (age = 16.7±1.4 years, BMI = 23.9±3.9kg/m2, time since surgery = 6.8±1.7 months) with unilateral ACLR, 4-12 months prior to enrollment were recruited for this multi-site cross-sectional study. Participants completed bilateral knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque assessments using a multimodal dynamometer with continuous verbal encouragement from the tester and visual feedback on a nearby monitor. Peak knee extension MVIC torque was identified for each of 3 trials and was normalized to body mass (Nm/kg). Limb symmetry indices were also calculated by dividing the MVIC torque obtained for the involved limb by the MVIC torque obtained for the contralateral limb. Participants also completed the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form to assess patient-reported knee function. Sex-based comparisons of quadriceps strength outcomes and IKDC score were made using separate ANCOVAs where time since surgery was utilized as a covariate. Cohen’s d effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI95) were calculated to assess the magnitude of sex difference for all outcome measures. Odds ratios and CI95 were also calculated to assess the odds of an adolescent female achieving clinical threshold for acceptable involved limb quadriceps strength (MVIC = 3.0 Nm/kg), quadriceps limb symmetry (LSI = 90.0%), and patient-reported knee function (IKDC = 90.0). Results: The involved limb (male = 2.08±0.95 Nm/kg, female = 1.69±0.63 Nm/kg, p = 0.01, d = -0.50, CI95 = -0.13 to -0.87) and contralateral limbs (male = 2.75±0.75 Nm/kg, female = 2.31±0.64 Nm/kg, p = 0.001, d = -0.64, CI95 = -0.26 to -1.01) of male participants were stronger when compared to female participants but limb symmetry (male = 74.7±22.6%, female = 74.7±24.6%, p = 0.95, d = 0.00, CI95 = 0.36 to -0.36) and IKDC score (male = 84.4±16.1, female = 79.4±13.7, p = 0.08, d = -0.34, CI95 = 0.03 to -0.71) was not significantly different between the sexes. Male participants were 5.66 times (CI95 = 1.46 to 21.87) more likely to meet the clinical threshold for acceptable involved limb quadriceps strength and 3.52 times (CI95 = 1.54 to 8.05) more likely to report acceptable knee related function. The likelihood of achieving clinically acceptable limb symmetry was not significantly different between the sexes (OR = 1.17, CI95 = 0.48 to 2.83). Conclusion/Significance: Adolescent female patients may experience significantly worse involved limb and contralateral quadriceps weakness when compared to adolescent male patients despite displaying equally poor limb symmetry and patient-reported knee function during the first 12 month following surgery. Given the importance of involved limb quadriceps strength as a predictor of patient-reported function and movement quality, clinicians should incorporate patient education regarding the importance of quadriceps function and recommend progressive lower extremity loading when implementing patient-centered rehabilitation plans that promote safe return to healthy levels of physical activity following ACLR.

Estrogen-Mediated MicroRNA-101-3p Expression Represses Hyaluronan Synthase 2 in Synovial Fibroblasts From Idiopathic Condylar Resorption Patients

Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is an aggressive form of osteoarthritis that is frequently observed in adolescent female patients. We hypothesized that an estrogen-mediated pathway may contribute to ICR development. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of estradiol (E2) and hyaluronan in synovial fluid. Immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and related genes after transfection of miRNA-101-3p mimics, inhibitor, or short interfering RNA into synovial fibroblasts.Dual-luciferase activity was determined to identify the direct effect of miRNA-101-3p on hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2). Linear regression analysis, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, the Student t test, and 1-way analysis of variance were carried out to analyze the results of each group. The relationship between hyaluronan and E2 was negatively correlated in synovial fluid (Pearson r=-0.3179, P=.0230). Among the screened miRNAs, miRNA-101-3p was the most overexpressed in ICR. E2 mostly upregulated the expression of miRNA-101-3p at a dose of 10nmol/L 12hours after transfection in synovial fibroblasts of patients with ICR. However, E2 induction of miRNA-101-3p expression was significantly repressed by estrogen receptor α interference (P = 0.0286).The dual-luciferase assay showed that miRNA-101-3p regulated the expression of HAS2 by directly targeting its 3' untranslated region. We speculate that E2 regulates HAS2 expression by targeting miRNA-101-3p in synovial fibroblasts of patients with ICR. Thus, the E2-miRNA-101-3p-HAS2 pathway might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ICR.

Non-suicidal self-injury and electroconvulsive therapy: Outcomes in adolescent and young adult populations

BackgroundElectroconvulsive (ECT) therapy is a highly effective treatment for severe depression. Although the clear majority of patients respond to ECT, not all do, and we still lack good predictors for ECT outcome, especially in adolescents and young adults. One clinical variable that has been associated with reduced likelihood of ECT antidepressant response in adults is comorbid borderline personality disorder. As self-injurious behavior is often a feature of borderline personality disorder, we hypothesized that adolescent and young adult patients with a history of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), who were being treated for major depression with ECT, would have a poorer response than patients without such a history. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of 48 patients treated with ECT for depression at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between the ages of 14 and 25. ResultsInitial analyses showed that the presence of NSSI was not associated with ECT outcomes. However, sub-group analyses suggested that it was associated with response to ECT and overall remission among female patients. Specifically, the results suggested that in adolescent and young adult female ECT patients, the presence of NSSI was associated with lower odds of response (OR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.0004, 0.81, p = 0.03) and remission (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.0000, 0.81, p = 0.03), and a greater mean number of treatments (5.83; 95% CI: 0.27, 11.39, p = 0.04) compared with patients without NSSI. ConclusionsClearly, the finding that NSSI may be associated with poorer ECT outcomes among female patients needs to be replicated. Nonetheless, our data suggest caution when considering an adolescent or young adult woman for a course of ECT.

250. The Development of A Theory-Based, User-Informed, Digital Intervention To Promote Pregnancy Prevention Among Adolescent Female Emergency Department Patients

Over 18 million adolescents use the emergency department (ED) each year. High risk of unintended pregnancy is associated with frequent use of the ED and lack of a primary care provider, making the ED visit an important potential site for intervention. With few adolescent preventive health interventions being implemented and evaluated in the ED setting, the description of the rigorous development of an ED-based pregnancy prevention intervention can guide future adolescent emergency medicine researchers. The objective of this study is to describe a systematic approach, intervention mapping, to develop a theory-based, user-informed, digital intervention aiming to increase contraception use among adolescent female ED patients at high risk of unintended pregnancy. We followed the 6 iterative steps of intervention mapping to create a blueprint for designing, implementing, and evaluating an ED-based, digital, pregnancy prevention intervention: (1) Developed a Logic Model of the Problem—teen pregnancy in the ED setting—based on a needs assessment; (2) Stated the outcomes and objectives of our intervention via a Logic Model of Change, including our theoretical framework; (3) Developed the pregnancy prevention curriculum and plan, including the digital strategy and brand; (4) Produced the intervention, including designing the branched-logic texting algorithms, website, videos, and cartoons; (5) Planned program use, such as implementation strategies in the ED setting; and (6) Developed an evaluation plan. Using the process of intervention mapping, we developed Dr. Erica (Emergency Room Intervention to improve the Care of Adolescents). Dr. Erica is a relatable, empathetic, straightforward and reliable virtual female doctor who sends 10 weeks of personalized and interactive evidence-based text messages that aim to promote healthy sexual behaviors and decrease teen pregnancy risk. Texts are based on key stakeholder input, participatory design, and the Social Cognitive Theory as well as incorporate social media, relatable characters and Motivational Interviewing techniques. Following the outline of intervention mapping led to the development of a theory-based, user-informed, digital pregnancy prevention intervention. Outlining this method may be helpful to future investigators interested in designing and evaluating adolescent preventive health interventions in both the acute and outpatient setting.

209. Perception of Gender And Mental Health In Transgender And Cisgender Adolescents And Young Adults

Emerging data suggest that transgender individuals have higher rates of anxiety, depression, tobacco use, and other risk behaviors compared to their cisgender counterparts. Prior research has suggested that stigma associated with transgender identities is a contributing factor. Experiences of adverse experiences based on misgendering and lack of gender affirmation by others might also contribute. The purpose of this study is to examine whether mismatch between gender expression self-perception and perceptions of others is associated with mental health outcomes for cisgender and transgender adolescents. This study combined data from a cross-sectional chart review of 15 randomly selected transgender and 30 age-matched cisgender (1 male, 1 female) adolescent patients receiving care at an Adolescent Medicine Clinic at the University of Utah from 2015 through 2018 who also filled out an in-clinic survey. The survey included information about sex at birth, current gender identity, their own and others’ perceptions of their gender expression. Patients aged 10 to 19 years were included in the study. Survey results were combined with electronic medical record (EMR) mental health profile (presence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm). We performed t-tests and calculated 95% confidence intervals around means. Statistical significance was set at p-value ≤ .05. Of the 42 patients included in this study (3 were missing survey data), 12 (28.6%) were transgender, 30 (71.4%) were cisgender. We found higher rates (p=0.03, 1-tailed test) of anxiety in transgender patients compared to cisgender adolescents. We found no difference with respect to depression, suicidality, self-harm behavior, or substance use. Patients in this study reported relatively low rates of mismatch between their gender expression assessment and how others see them. We found no differences in rates of gender-perception mismatch between cisgender (mean=0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.39) and transgender youth (mean=0.42, 95%CI: 0.09-0.74). We also found no association between mental health outcomes or substance use and gender perception mismatch. Among patients seeking care in the same clinic, we found only limited evidence that transgender patients have significantly worse mental health outcomes compared to cisgender patients. We also found that the transgender patient population in this study does not report higher rates of mismatch between gender self-perception and perception by others. Transgender patients who receive gender-affirming care early in life might be less at risk for negative mental health outcomes compared to the overall trans* population. Our results also suggest that young patients report that others’ perception of their gender is consistent with their self-perceptions of gender. Additional research needs to examine the potential protective effects of this congruency.