Outpatient Clinics In Denmark Research Articles

Which self-reported measures are useful to explore diabetes support needs among adults with diabetes and severe mental illness?

To construct and test patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for identifying diabetes support needs of adults with co-existing diabetes and severe mental illness (SMI) provided by mental health professionals at psychiatric outpatient clinics. Design thinking was used to identify, select, and modify PROMs in collaboration with 18 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and SMI and 10 healthcare experts. The PROMs were then tested with 86 adults with diabetes and SMI recruited from eight psychiatric outpatient clinics in Denmark. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation (questionnaire construction) and descriptive statistics (testing). Four principles for PROMs were identified: (a) be modified to be relevant for the target group, (b) be concise and simple to complete, (c) have a clear and unambiguous wording, and (d) be designed to measure topics that are perceived as meaningful. Test of the questionnaire contained 49 items in four domains. Missing response rates in the test were 1.2-4.7% in three domains and 4.7-11.6% in a domain addressing potential sources of diabetes support. PROMs can successfully be constructed in collaboration with this vulnerable population that yield low rates of missing responses.

Prevalence, Safety, and Metabolic Control Among Danish Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Using Open-Source Automated Insulin Delivery Systems.

Background: Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has become increasingly technical with rapid developments in integration of pumps and sensors to regulate insulin dosage, and patient-initiated solutions as open-source automated insulin delivery (OS-AID) systems, have gained popularity in people with diabetes. Studies have shown increased glycemic control and mental wellbeing in users of OS-AID systems. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, the effect on metabolic control, the risk, and the effect on everyday life for users and their parents of OS-AID systems in Danish children and adolescents with T1DM. Methods: This retrospective cohort study recruited participants through pediatric diabetes outpatient clinics and social media. Surveys were distributed and current and retrospective data on glycemic control (HbA1c, time in range [TIR] etc.) were collected. Results: Fifty-six users of OS-AID systems out of 2950 Danish children and adolescents with T1DM were identified from all outpatient clinics in Denmark. Thirty-one responded on contact and were included (55% of the identified), median age 12 [interquartile range: 11-14] years, 51% females, and mean duration of use of OS-AID systems 2.37 ± 0.86 years. Glycemic control increased significantly with TIR increasing from mean 62.29% ± 13.68% to 70.12% ± 10.08%, *P < 0.01, and HbA1c decreasing from mean 50.13 ± 5.76 mmol/mol (6.7% ± 2.7%) to 47.86 ± 6.24 mmol/mol (6.5% ± 2.7%), **P < 0.05. No changes were found in safety parameters. Parents reported better quality of sleep evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Conclusion: This study is the first to provide knowledge on pediatric users of OS-AID systems in Denmark and found a prevalence of 1.89% for OS-AID systems, improved TIR, and no increased risk associated with use of OS-AID systems.

Virtual reality-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with alcohol use disorder: a randomized feasibility study.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Exposure to high-risk situations in virtual reality (VR) has been suggested to have a potential therapeutical benefit, but no previous study has combined VR and CBT for AUD. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of using VR-simulated high-risk environments in CBT-based treatment of AUD. We randomized ten treatment-seeking AUD-diagnosed individuals to three sessions of conventional CBT or VR-assisted CBT performed at two outpatient clinics in Denmark. In each session, patients randomized to VR-CBT were exposed to VR-simulations from a restaurant to induce authentic thoughts, emotions, physiological reactions, and craving for CBT purposes. The primary outcome measure was feasibility: Drop-out rate, psychological reactions, and simulator sickness. Secondary outcomes were assessment of preliminary short-term changes in alcohol consumption and craving from baseline to one-week and one-month follow-up. In addition, the study was conducted for training in operationalization of VR equipment, treatment manuals, and research questionnaires. The majority of patients completed all study visits (90%). VR induced authentic high-risk related thoughts, emotions, and physiological reactions that were considered relevant for CBT by patients and therapists. Four of five patients randomized to VR-CBT experienced cravings during VR simulations, and most of these patients (3/5) experienced mild simulator sickness during VR exposure. The preliminary data showed that patients receiving VR-CBT had more reduction in alcohol consumption than patients receiving conventional CBT at one week- (median 94% vs. 72%) and one-month follow-up (median 98% vs. 55%). Similar results were found regarding changes in cravings. We demonstrated VR-CBT to be a feasible intervention for patients with AUD which supports continued investigations in a larger randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of VR-CBT. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04990765?cond=addiction%20CRAVR&rank=2, identifier NCT05042180.

Levels of health literacy among people living with HIV in outpatient care: a cross-sectional study from Denmark

BackgroundLow health literacy (HL) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) encounter more disease related complications, more difficulty understanding health-related information and low adherence. Considering that, the HL levels among PLWHIV needs to be further investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of HL and patient involvement among PLWHIV in an outpatient clinic in Denmark. A second objective was to examine differences in HL levels across socio-demographic characteristics.MethodsIn 2019, a population of 682 PLWHIV from a Danish outpatient hospital clinic were enrolled in cross-sectional study. Patients who had a digital postbox received an electronic questionnaire including following domains; health literacy, patient involvement, and socio-demographic status. Health literacy was measured using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) through scores on three subscales: social support for health (HLQ4), engaging with healthcare providers (HLQ6), and understanding health information (HLQ9). An unpaired t-test was used to investigate mean differences in the HLQ scores across socio-demographic variables.ResultsA total of 338 (55%) patients responded to the questionnaire. The included participants demonstrated high levels of HLQ4 (mean = 4.2) and HLQ6 (mean = 4.2), but lower for HLQ9 (mean = 2.9). In total 70–80% reported being involved in decisions about their health. We found a positive association between high level of HL (HLQ9) and living with a partner and higher levels of HL (HLQ4, HLQ6, and HLQ9) and employment.ConclusionPLWHIV in a Danish out-patient care population were found to have high levels of HL despite differences in demographic characteristics. Further research is needed to examine the levels of HL among non-responders to develop HL approaches and strategies to meet the needs of individuals with different HL skills.

Pilot study protocol of a randomized controlled trial for the potential effects of creatine monohydrate on persistent post-concussive symptoms.

Mild traumatic brain injury or concussion is a global public concern, with an estimated annual incidence between 48 million and 96 million worldwide. It is a socioeconomical problem, and almost one-third of individuals with concussion suffer from severe persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS), with an increased risk of unemployment or terminating their studies. To date, no single treatment is available with guaranteed success. Creatine monohydrate (CrM) has shown potential as a treatment for post-concussive symptoms, having a positive impact on cognitive function, chronic fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of CrM on PPCS assessed using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). The study is designed as a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Study participants are found through neurological outpatient clinics in Denmark or through social media. They will be between 25 and 35 years of age, will have suffered from PPCS for 6-12 months prior to inclusion, and will have no comorbidities. The participants will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group (INT), placebo group (PLA), or control group (CG). Baseline data will be collected immediately after inclusion, and the study period will be 7 weeks. Follow-up data will be collected 1 week after the end of the study period. The primary outcome of the study is changes in RPQ score. Changes in weight and training status will be adjusted for as potential confounders. This protocol is approved by the National Committee on Health Research (97508) and by the Danish Data Protection Agency 11.651. The investigators intend to submit their study findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and disseminate the findings via presentation at academic meetings/conferences.Clinical Trial registration: NCT05562232, registered September 30, 2022.

Virtual reality-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy for outpatients with alcohol use disorder (CRAVR): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a brain disorder linked to over 200 health conditions. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered the best practice in the treatment of AUD, but more...

Psychotherapy readiness domains as predictors of psychotherapy outcome in trauma-affected refugees

IntroductionLittle is known about predictors of psychotherapy outcome in trauma-affected refugees. Knowledge on outcome predictors can help clinicians identify patients prior to treatment who are not likely to benefit from standardized psychotherapy and take additional measures to adjust treatment to the individual patient. Given the dynamic nature of psychotherapy readiness domains, they represent potential targets to be worked with in therapy in order to improve outcomes. MethodsPsychotherapy readiness domains (locus of control, cognitive functioning, motivation for therapy, and personality functioning) were examined as potential predictors of psychotherapy outcome in trauma-affected refugees. Secondary analyses were conducted on data from a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Study participants (N = 190) were refugees with PTSD who received flexible manual-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at a psychiatric outpatient clinic in Denmark. Psychotherapy readiness domains were assessed via semi-structured interviews at the beginning of psychotherapy. Outcome variables were pre-post change in PTSD symptomology and global level of functioning. ResultsMultiple regression analyses revealed that higher motivation for psychotherapy predicted improvement in PTSD symptomology and global level of functioning. Moreover, higher cognitive functioning predicted improvement in global level of functioning. LimitationsThe predictor rating scales need further psychometric evaluations in cross-cultural contexts. ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of considering motivation in psychotherapy offered to trauma-affected refugees. Further research is needed to identify potential barriers to motivation in this diverse patient population and to determine whether motivational interventions can lead to improved treatment outcomes.

Hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia: association with the dose of inhaled corticosteroids. A nation-wide cohort study of 52 100 outpatients

ObjectivesInternational guidelines only advocate the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiencing recurring exacerbations and eosinophilic inflammation. However, ICSs are commonly used in patients with COPD and without exacerbations and signs of eosinophilic inflammation, thus possibly increasing the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. Thus, we aimed to determine the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia associated with increasing cumulated ICS doses among patients with COPD to establish whether there is dose dependency. MethodsA retrospective cohort study included all patients with COPD treated at a respiratory outpatient clinic in Denmark. The patients were divided into four groups based on their average daily ICS exposure. The dose-response relationship was investigated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. ResultsIn total, 52 100 patients were included, who were divided into the no-use (n = 15 755), low-dose (n = 12 050), moderate-dose (n = 12 488), and high-dose (n = 11 807) groups. ICS use was strongly associated with hospitalization for pneumonia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.3; CI, 1.2–1.3) (ICS vs. no ICS). The risk of hospitalization for pneumonia increased with every dosing group step: low dose: HR, 1.1 (CI, 1.0–1.2); moderate dose: HR, 1.2 (CI, 1.1–1.3), and high dose: HR, 1.5 (CI, 1.4–1.6); “no use” was the reference. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings. ConclusionsIn the dose-response relationship analysis, ICS dose were associated with a substantially increased risk of hospitalization for pneumonia of up to 50%. Our data support that ICSs should be administered at the lowest possible dose and only to patients with COPD who have a documented need.

Risk of cardiovascular events associated with pathophysiological phenotypes of type 2 diabetes.

Hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes is caused by varying degrees of two defects: low insulin sensitivity and beta-cell dysfunction. We assessed if subgrouping of patients into three pathophysiological phenotypes according to these defects could identify individuals with high or low risk of future cardiovascular events. This is a prospective cohort study. We assessed estimates of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function from the homeostasis model assessment-2 in 4209 individuals with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes enrolled from general practitioners and outpatient clinics in Denmark. Individuals were followed for a composite cardiovascular endpoint (either atherosclerotic outcomes (myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, stroke, coronary or peripheral revascularization), heart failure, or cardiovascular death) and all-cause mortality. Totally 417 individuals with the insulinopenic phenotype (high insulin sensitivity and low beta-cell function) had substantially lower risk of cardiovascular events (5-year cumulative incidence: 4.6% vs 10.1%; age-/sex-adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.49; 95% CI: 0.30-0.82) compared with 2685 individuals with the classical phenotype (low insulin sensitivity and low beta-cell function), driven by atherosclerotic events. Conversely, 1107 individuals with the hyperinsulinaemic phenotype (low insulin sensitivity and high beta-cell function) had more cardiovascular events (5-year cumulative incidence: 12.6%; aHR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.05-1.69), primarily driven by increased heart failure and cardiovascular death and increased all-cause mortality. Simple phenotyping based on insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function predicts distinct future risks of cardiovascular events and death in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results suggest that precision medicine according to underlying type 2 pathophysiology potentially can reduce diabetes complications.

Potential drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral drugs and comedications, including dietary supplements, among people living with HIV: A clinical survey.

Age-related comorbidities, polypharmacy and thereby the risk of potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) among people living with HIV (PLWH) have increased over the years. We estimated the prevalence of comedications, including dietary supplements, and evaluated PDDIs among PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Denmark in an outpatient setting. Information on prescription medication, over-the-counter medication and dietary supplements was obtained from adult PLWH receiving ART attending two outpatient clinics in Denmark. The PDDIs were identified using the University of Liverpool's drug interaction database. Associations between PDDIs and relevant variables were compared using logistic regression models. A total of 337 PLWH receiving ART with a median age of 53 years (interquartile range: 45-61) were included; 77% were male and 96% had a HIV-RNA viral load < 50 copies/mL. Twenty-six per cent of participants received five or more comedications and 56% consumed dietary supplements. Co-administration of drugs requiring dose adjustment or monitoring was identified in the medication lists of 52% of participants, and 4.5% were on drugs that should not be co-administered. Male sex [odds ratio (OR) = 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-3.4], being on a protease inhibitor (OR=4.3, 95% CI: 1.9-9.7), receiving five or more comedications (OR=3.3, 95% CI: 1.5-7.2), taking over-the-counter medications (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.3) and dietary supplements (OR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.3) were independent predictors of PDDIs. Potential drug-drug interactions were common among our study population Our study confirms that polypharmacy and being on a protease inhibitor-based regimen increase the risk of PDDIs considerably and highlights the importance of questioning PLWH about dietary supplement intake.

Efficacy of open dialogue about complementary and alternative medicine compared with standard care in improving quality of life in patients undergoing conventional oncology treatment (CAMONCO 2): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been shown to reduce symptoms and adverse effects and improve quality of life of patients undergoing conventional oncology treatment, but CAM might also cause...

Need for improved diabetes support among people with psychiatric disorders and diabetes treated in psychiatric outpatient clinics: results from a Danish cross-sectional study

IntroductionPeople with psychiatric disorders have increased risk of premature death partly due to diabetes. This study aims to explore the quality of diabetes care, diabetes management, diabetes support and well-being...

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Attentional Control Training for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder.

Background: There is consistent evidence that community and clinical samples of individuals with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) have attentional biases toward alcohol cues. The alcohol attentional control training program (AACTP) has shown promise for retraining these biases and decreasing alcohol consumption in community samples of excessive drinkers. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of ACTP in clinical AUD samples. The main aim of the present study is to investigate whether primary pharmacological and psychological, evidence-based alcohol treatment can be enhanced by the addition of a gamified AACTP smartphone application for patients with an AUD.Design and Methods: The study will be implemented as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 317 consecutively enrolled patients with AUD will be recruited from alcohol outpatient clinics in Denmark. Patients will be randomized to one of three groups upon initiation of primary alcohol treatment: Group A: a gamified AACTP smartphone application + treatment as usual (TAU); Group B: a gamified AACTP sham-control application + TAU; or Group C: only TAU. Treatment outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Repeated measures MANOVA will be used to compare the trajectories of the groups over time on alcohol attentional bias, alcohol craving, and drinking reductions. It is hypothesized that Group A will achieve better treatment outcomes than either Group B or Group C.Perspectives: Because attentional bias for alcohol cues is proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed, and these biases are not addressed within current evidence-based treatment programs, this study is expected to provide new evidence regarding the effectiveness of the gamified AACTP in a clinical population. Furthermore, due to promising results found using AACTP in community samples of excessive drinkers, there is a high probability that the AACTP treatment in this study will also be effective, thereby allowing AACTP to be readily implemented in clinical settings. Finally, we expect that this study will increase the effectiveness of evidence-based AUD treatment and introduce a new, low-cost gamified treatment targeting patients with an AUD. Overall, this study is likely to have an impact at the scientific, clinical, and societal levels.Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05102942?term=NCT05102942&draw=2&rank=1, identifier: NCT05102942.

Biochemical, clinical and genetic characteristics in adults with persistent hypophosphatasaemia; Data from an endocrinological outpatient clinic in Denmark

BackgroundHypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inborn disease caused by pathogenic variants in ALPL. Low levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are a biochemical hallmark of the disease. Scarce knowledge about the prevalence of HPP in Scandinavia exists, and the variable clinical presentations make diagnostics challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ALPL variants as well as the clinical and biochemical features among adults with endocrinological diagnoses and persistent hypophosphatasaemia. MethodsA biochemical database containing ALP measurements of 26,121 individuals was reviewed to identify adults above 18 years of age with persistently low levels of ALP beneath range (≤ 35 ± 2.7 U/L). ALPL genetic testing, biochemical evaluations and assessment of clinical features by a systematic questionnaire among included patients, were performed. ResultsAmong 24 participants, thirteen subjects (54.2%) revealed a disease-causing variant in ALPL and reported mild clinical features of HPP, of which musculoskeletal pain was the most frequently reported (n = 9). The variant c. 571G > A; p.(Glu191Lys) was identified in six subjects, and an unreported missense variant (c.1019A > C; p.(His340Pro)) as well as a deletion of exon 2 were detected by genetic screening. Biochemical analyses showed no significant differences in ALP (p = 0.059), the bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (p = 0.056) and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) (p = 0.085) between patients with an ALPL variant and negative genetic screening. Patients with a variant in ALPL had significantly higher PLP levels than healthy controls (p = 0.002). We observed normal ALP activity in some patients classified as mild HPP, and slightly increased levels of PLP in two subjects with normal genetic screening and four healthy controls. Among 51 patients with persistent hypophosphatasaemia, fifteen subjects (29.4%) received antiresorptive treatment. Two patients with unrecognized HPP were treated with bisphosphonates and did not show complications due to the treatment. ConclusionsPathogenic variants in ALPL are common among patients with endocrinological diagnoses and low ALP. Regarding diagnostics, genetic testing is necessary to identify mild HPP due to fluctuating biochemical findings. Antiresorptive treatment is a frequent reason for hypophosphatasaemia and effects of these agents in adults with a variant in ALPL and osteoporosis remain unclear and require further studies.

Prognostic Calibrations Throughout Outpatient Encounters for Families Living with Congenital Heart Defects in Denmark

Although many suffering from congenital heart defects (CHDs) have seen their conditions become chronic in Denmark today, the risk of complications, deteriorations, and further surgical interventions often lurk in the future. Building on fieldwork in outpatient clinics in Denmark and the homes of families living with CHDs, I explore the role outpatient encounters play in families’ efforts to understand and navigate the prognoses of CHDs by examining how they become routine punctuations and images of uncertainty, and how they play into families’ efforts to prepare for futures where CHDs might develop negatively while also trying to keep such scenarios at bay. I argue that these encounters exemplify, generate, and tentatively curb the particular uncertainties of living with CHDs. Hence, I suggest that they can be thought of as prognostic calibrations—a conceptual oxymoron that encapsulates the anxiety and uncertainty that I show persist around CHD prognoses despite many efforts by families and healthcare staff to establish routine, a sense of security, and certainty.

Facilitating participation in cardiovascular preventive initiatives among people with diabetes: a qualitative study

BackgroundType 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The DIAbetic CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DIACAVAS) was designed to clarify whether advanced imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis combined with medical treatment is an effective strategy to develop individualised treatment algorithms for Danish men and women with T2D aged 40–60. But in the DIACAVAS pilot study, the uptake was only 41%. Consequently, we explored how people experienced living with T2D to understand how to improve the uptake in initiatives targeting the prevention of CVD.MethodsWe used semi-structured interviews to obtain information on how the respondents experienced having T2D. For supplementary information, we used structured interviews on e.g. socioeconomic factors. From April to October 2019, 17 participants aged 40–60 years were recruited from general practices and diabetes outpatient clinics in Denmark. Several levels of analysis were involved consistent with inductive content analysis.ResultsThe participants’ experiences of living with T2D fell along two continuums, from an emotional to a cognitive expression and from reactive to proactive disease management. This led to identification of four archetypal characteristics: (I) powerlessness, (II) empowerment, (III) health literacy, and (IV) self-efficacy. These characteristics indicated the importance of using different approaches to facilitate participation in cardiovascular preventive initiatives. Additionally, findings inspired us to develop a model for facilitating participation in future preventive initiatives.ConclusionEncouraging people with T2D to participate in cardiovascular preventive initiatives may necessitate a tailored invitation strategy. We propose a model for an invitational process that takes into consideration invitees’ characteristics, including powerlessness, empowerment, health literacy and self-efficacy. This model may enhance participation in such initiatives. However, participation is a general concern, not only in relation to cardiovascular prevention. Our proposed model may be applicable in preventive services for people with T2D in general.

Effect of Routine Cytochrome P450 2D6 and 2C19 Genotyping on Antipsychotic Drug Persistence in Patients With Schizophrenia

Genetic polymorphism of genes encoding the drug metabolizing enzymes, cytochrome P450 2D6 and 2C19 (CYP2D6 and CYP2C19), is associated with treatment failure of and adverse reactions to psychotropic drugs. The clinical utility of routine CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotyping (CYP testing) is unclear. To estimate whether routine CYP testing effects the persistence of antipsychotic drug treatment. This single-masked, 3-group randomized clinical trial included patients aged 18 years or older who had been diagnosed within the schizophrenic spectrum (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes, F20-F29) and not previously genotyped. A total of 669 of 1406 potentially eligible patients from 12 psychiatric outpatient clinics in Denmark were approached between July 2008 and December 2009. Overall, 528 patients were genotyped and randomly allocated to 1 of 3 study groups or exclusion in a sequence of 1:1:1:3 using a predictive enrichment design, aiming to double the proportion of poor or ultrarapid metabolizers for CYP2D6 or CYP2C19. Outcome measurements were recorded at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Data analysis was performed in December 2012 and updated March 2019. The trial included 2 intervention groups, where antipsychotic drug treatment was guided by either CYP test (CYP test-guided [CTG]) or structured clinical monitoring (SCM), in which adverse effects and factors influencing compliance were systematically recorded at least once quarterly, and 1 control group. Primary outcome was antipsychotic drug persistence, ie, days to first modification of the initial treatment. Secondary outcomes were number of drug and dose changes, adverse effects, and psychotic symptoms, ie, hallucinations and delusions. A total of 528 participants were genotyped, and 311 (median [interquartile range {IQR} age, 41 [30-50] years; 139 [45%] women; median [IQR] duration of illness, 6 [3-13] years) were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 study groups. Overall, 61 participants (20%) were extreme metabolizers. There was no difference in antipsychotic drug persistence between the CTG group and the control group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.71-1.45) or SCM and the control group (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.61-1.26). Subanalyses among extreme metabolizers showed similar results (CTG: HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.48-2.03; SCM: HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.44-1.96). The results of this randomized clinical trial do not support routine CYP testing in patients with schizophrenia. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00707382.

Identification of Risk Markers for Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study with Focus on Quality Assurance Based on Real World Data

Poor glycemic regulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly increases the risk of complications. Therefore, we determined the prevalence of poorly controlled T2DM at a large inner-city out-patient clinic in Denmark and identified risk markers for poorly controlled T2DM.

HIV – “an uninvited visitor"; a qualitative study of HIV-infected African migrants with missed appointments in an outpatient clinic in Denmark

Background: Lower adherence and lower retention to HIV-care among migrant populations is an emerging problem among people with HIV, probably due to social and cultural disparities. The aim was to explore reasons for missed appointments and non-adherence to treatment among African HIV-infected migrants in Denmark to identify important areas for optimizing healthcare. Method: We conducted a qualitative study and semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 HIV-infected African migrants who had missed appointments in the outpatient clinic. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The major finding was that participants experienced that the HIV diagnosis was accompanied by a complex life situation and patients faced several challenges constituting barriers to non-adherence and retention to care. Five themes emerged: (1) Trauma, (2) Religion, (3) HIV-related stigma, (4) Loneliness/lack of support and (5) Competing problems. The lack of acceptance of HIV was a key aspect across all themes. Complexity and social context of patients’ lives added to the challenges, as well as the hospital setting not providing a health literacy responsive environment. Conclusion: There are several barriers at both individual, social and system level to adherence to treatment and care, thus it is important to address the specific cultural background and specific conditions of life of patients infected with HIV. Future development of migrant-friendly interventions should be more person-centered and socially and culturally targeted to increase attendance, adherence and health literacy.

Resistance Training Increases Muscle Strength and Muscle Size in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is often complicated by reduced muscle mass and strength, which limits the ability to perform daily activities and affects quality of life. Resistance training can increase muscle strength and mass in elderly and chronically ill patients. We performed a randomized controlled trial to investigate whether resistance training increases muscle strength and size in patients with compensated cirrhosis. We performed a prospective study of 39 patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A or B) seen at an outpatient clinic in Denmark from January 2015 through March 2017. Participants protein intake and activity levels were registered daily. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to a group that performed 36 1-hour sessions of physical exercise (supervised progressive resistance training for 1 hour, 3 times weekly for 12 weeks) or a control group (no change in daily activity level). Maximal muscle strength was measured as the peak torque in isokinetic knee extension and muscle size was measured as the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscle, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging of the thigh. The exercise group increased their muscle strength by 13% (from a mean 119 Nm to 134 Nm)-an 11 Nm greater gain in mean strength than that of the control group (P = .05). The exercise group increased their quadriceps cross-sectional area by 10% (from a mean 58.5 cm2 to 64.6 cm2)-a 4.4 cm2 greater gain than that of the control group (P < .01). The exercise group had significant increases in whole-body lean mass and body cell mass, and significant increases in 6-minute walking distance and the mental component summary of the short form-36 questionnaire. Adverse events were minor and equal between groups. In a randomized trial of patients with compensated cirrhosis, we found that 12 weeks of supervised progressive resistance training increased muscle strength and size and had beneficial effects on general performance measures, compared with patients who did not change their daily activity routine (control subjects). ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT02343653.