Psychosocial Complications Research Articles

Association of psychological distress with health-related quality of life in Asian adolescents seeking obesity treatment.

There is limited research on the psychosocial health of Asian adolescents undergoing obesity treatment. Our study examined the predictors of psychological distress, disordered eating and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in these adolescents and the associations between them. A total of 82 adolescents aged 11-17 years were recruited from the Weight Management Clinic in KK Women's and Children's Hospital between June 2022 and January 2023. Participants completed the following questionnaires: (a) Young Person's Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (YP-Core) assessing for psychological distress, (b) Children's Eating Attitude Test (ChEAT) evaluating for disordered eating behaviours, and (c) Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) measuring HRQoL. Participating adolescents had a mean body mass index of 31.9 ± 5.1 kg/m2. Of the participants, 40% reported significantly symptomatic psychological distress (YP-Core score ≥14) and 16% were at risk of eating disorders (ChEAT score ≥20). A higher YP-Core score was the only significant determinant of poorer HRQoL, after controlling for demographic variables and ChEAT scores. Malay (regression coefficient: 6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6-12.6, P = 0.031) and Indian (regression coefficient: 8.9, 95% CI: 3.8-14.0, P = 0.001) adolescents were more likely to report disordered eating and psychological distress, respectively, as compared to Chinese adolescents. Adolescents whose parent(s) had obesity (regression coefficient: 3.4, 95% CI: 0.1-6.7, P = 0.043) were also more likely to experience greater psychological distress. Understanding the determinants of psychological distress, disordered eating and HRQoL will facilitate targeted screening and management of the psychosocial complications of adolescent obesity.

Social cognition, psychosocial development and well-being in galactosemia

BackgroundClassic galactosemia is a rare inherited metabolic disease with long-term complications, particularly in the psychosocial domain. Patients report a lower quality of social life, difficulties in interactions and social relationships, and a lower mental health. We hypothesised that social cognition deficits could partially explain this psychological symptomatology. Eleven adults with galactosemia and 31 control adults participated in the study. We measured social cognition skills in cognitive and affective theory of Mind, and in basic and complex emotion recognition. We explored psychosocial development and mental well-being.ResultsWe found significant deficits on all 4 social cognition measures. Compared to controls, participants with galactosemia were impaired in the 2nd-order cognitive theory of mind, in affective theory of mind, and in basic and complex emotion recognition. Participants with galactosemia had a significant delay in their psychosexual development, but we found no delay in social development and no significant decrease in mental health.ConclusionSocial cognition processes seem impaired among our participants with galactosemia. We discuss the future path research may follow. More research is needed to replicate and strengthen these results and establish the links between psychosocial complications and deficits in social cognition.

Psychiatric Safety of Semaglutide for Weight Management in People Without Known Major Psychopathology

Obesity is associated with numerous psychosocial complications, making psychiatric safety a consideration for treating people with obesity. Few studies have investigated the psychiatric safety of newly available antiobesity medications. To evaluate the psychiatric safety of subcutaneous semaglutide, 2.4 mg, once weekly in people without known major psychopathology. This post hoc analysis of pooled data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 3a STEP 1, 2, and 3 trials (68 weeks; 2018-2020) and phase 3b STEP 5 trial (104 weeks; 2018-2021) included adults with overweight or obesity; STEP 2 participants also had type 2 diabetes. Trial designs have been published previously. Semaglutide, 2.4 mg, vs placebo. Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation/behavior were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, respectively. Psychiatric and nervous system disorder adverse events were investigated. This analysis included 3377 participants in the STEP 1, 2, and 3 trials (2360 women [69.6%]; mean [SD] age, 49 [13] years) and 304 participants in STEP 5 (236 women [77.6%]; mean [SD] age, 47 [11] years). In the STEP 1, 2, and 3 trials, mean (SD) baseline PHQ-9 scores for the semaglutide, 2.4 mg, and placebo groups were 2.0 (2.3) and 1.8 (2.3), respectively, indicating no/minimal symptoms of depression. PHQ-9 scores at week 68 were 2.0 (2.9) and 2.4 (3.3), respectively; the estimated treatment difference (95% CI) between groups was -0.56 (-0.81 to -0.32) (P < .001). Participants treated with semaglutide vs placebo were less likely to shift (from baseline to week 68) to a more severe category of PHQ-9 depression (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.50-0.79; P < .001). Based on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, 1% or fewer of participants reported suicidal ideation/behavior during treatment, with no differences between semaglutide, 2.4 mg, and placebo. Psychiatric disorder adverse events were generally balanced between groups. Similar results were observed in STEP 5. The results of this post hoc analysis suggest that treatment with semaglutide, 2.4 mg, did not increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation/behavior vs placebo and was associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms (not considered clinically meaningful). People with obesity should be monitored for mental health concerns so they can receive appropriate support and care. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: STEP 1 (NCT03548935), 2 (NCT03552757), 3 (NCT03611582), and 5 (NCT03693430).

Diabetes Stigma and Clinical Outcomes: An International Review.

Diabetes stigma is the social burden of living with diabetes. People with diabetes may experience or perceive an adverse social judgment, prejudice, or stereotype about living with diabetes at work, school, in healthcare settings, popular culture, or relationships. This review describes the methods that have been used to assess diabetes stigma, and explores the prevalence of diabetes stigma, associated sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, and how diabetes stigma is associated with clinical outcomes, including HbA1c levels, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, and chronic complications, in addition to psychosocial complications in youth, adolescents, and adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The prevalence of diabetes stigma has been reported as high as 78% in adults with T1D, 70% in adults with T2D, 98% in youth and adolescents with T1D, and is unknown in youth and adolescents with T2D. Diabetes stigma has been associated with lower psychosocial functioning, decreased self-care behaviors, higher HbA1c levels, and higher frequency of diabetes complications in adults with T1D and T2D. In adolescents and young adults with T1D, diabetes stigma is associated with lower psychosocial functioning, higher HbA1c levels, and higher frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia episodes in addition to chronic complications. In youth and adolescents with T2D, one study demonstrated an association of diabetes stigma with lower psychosocial functioning, higher HbA1c levels, and presence of retinopathy. Gaps exist in our understanding of the mechanisms of diabetes stigma, particularly in youth and adolescents with T2D.

Serious Medical and Psychosocial Complications in Pregnant and Postpartum Adolescents at a Pediatric Emergency Department.

This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and serious medical and psychosocial complications of pregnant and postpartum adolescent patients at a pediatric emergency department (PED). Demographic and clinical data of all pregnant and postpartum adolescents who presented to the PED of a single tertiary referral hospital between January 2020 and January 2023 were collected and documented retrospectively. Twenty-seven patients with a mean age of 16.7 ± 0.8 years were included in the study. The main presenting complaints were abdominal pain (n = 9), suspicion of pregnancy (n = 5), cough, seizure, and vomiting (3 patients each). Potentially life-threatening medical complications included stroke (n = 3), placental abruption (n = 1), and carbon monoxide intoxication (n = 1). Sexual assault (n = 4), physical assault (n = 2), recurrent pregnancies (n = 5), and suicide attempts (n = 4) were serious psychological and social complications in our patient group. Pregnant and post-partum adolescents may present to PED with serious lifethreatening complications, and permanent sequelae may occur. In addition to sexual and physical violence, various psychological problems are comorbid conditions. These patients should be managed with a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial approach, and these issues considered in their acute treatment and follow-up at emergency departments.

The signaling pathways in obesity-related complications.

Obesity, a rapidly expanding epidemic worldwide, is known to exacerbate many medical conditions, making it a significant factor in multiple diseases and their associated complications. This threatening epidemic is linked to various harmful conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), dyslipidemia, and cancer. The rise in urbanization and sedentary lifestyles creates an environment that fosters obesity, leading to both psychosocial and medical complications. To identify individuals at risk and ensure timely treatment, it is crucial to have a better understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity and its comorbidities. This comprehensive review highlights the relationship between obesity and obesity-associated complications, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, (CVDs), dyslipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, gastrointestinal complications, and obstructive sleep apnea. It also explores the potential mechanisms underlying these associations. A thorough analysis of the interplay between obesity and its associated complications is vital in developing effective therapeutic strategies to combat the exponential increase in global obesity rates and mitigate the deadly consequences of this polygenic condition.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may be the most morbid inherited bleeding disorder in women

AbstractHereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is the second-most common inherited bleeding disorder (BD) worldwide and remains without approved therapies. HHT causes serious mucosal bleeding resulting in severe iron-deficiency anemia, major psychosocial complications, and visceral arteriovenous malformations in the brain, lung, and liver, which can cause life-threatening hemorrhagic complications. No study has examined the relative morbidity of HHT and von Willebrand disease (VWD), which is the most common inherited BD in women. We performed an observational cohort study of women with HHT or VWD, comparing a representative sample of 100 randomly selected women with HHT to 100 randomly selected age-matched women with VWD. In HHT vs VWD, recurrent epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding were more likely (odds ratio [OR], 32.73 [95% confidence interval, 13.81-71.80]; P < .0001 and 5.69 [2.59-12.89]; P < .0001) and heavy menstrual bleeding was less likely (OR, 0.32 [0.18-0.57]; P < .0001). Iron-deficiency anemia was significantly more likely, and the lowest hemoglobin was significantly lower in HHT than in VWD. The odds of iron infusion dependence, requirement for red cell transfusion, and hemostatic surgical procedures were significantly higher—17-fold, threefold, and eightfold higher, respectively—and hospital admissions to manage disease complications were both ∼14 times more frequent in women with HHT vs those with VWD. In conclusion, much higher disease-related morbidity, mortality, and health care use were observed in women with HHT vs VWD, providing evidence that HHT may be the most clinically significant inherited BD in women. Given the vast gap in research funding for HHT compared with both hemophilia (a disease primarily of men) and VWD, these findings have significant implications for gender equity in hematology.

Management of pediatric obesity as a pathway towards kidney transplantation.

Obesity is an increasing problem in pediatrics, leading to cardiovascular, metabolic and psychosocial complications. Additionally, for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), obesity can lead to CKD progression towards end-stage renal disease (ESRD) needing renal-replacement therapy (RRT). It is well-established that the optimal type of RRT for children with ESRD is kidney transplantation, as it provides significantly better life expectancy and quality of life. Unfortunately, pediatric patients with CKD/ESRD and obesity face barriers getting to kidney transplantation and often remain on dialysis for a long time, which negatively impacts their life expectancy and quality of life. One barrier to kidney transplant is that Body Mass Index (BMI) is still considered by most transplant centers as the main criterion for obesity assessment, although more recent evidence suggests that BMI is not the best measure of adiposity. Clearcut evidence is lacking that obesity has a long-term negative impact upon the graft. Another barrier to transplant can be bias on the part of referring providers that can deter or delay referral to an obesity treatment program. Our article describes the barriers that pediatric obese patients with CKD and ESRD face in their way towards kidney transplantation. In addition, our article encourages pediatric nephrologists to early refer their patients with CKD and ESRD who suffer from obesity to a specialized obesity treatment program and/or bariatric surgery. Our article also describes the treatment options for pediatric patients with CKD and ESRD who suffer from obesity in order to make them eligible for a kidney transplant.

Effect of COVID-19 on sexual function and activities among reproductive-age women in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, the environment, families, individuals, and their ways of living have been affected. Social distancing was one of the strategies for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It led to limited social interactions for fear of contracting the infection, which ultimately affected relationships, among which is sexual health. To determine the risk of female sexual dysfunction and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual function and activities among women of reproductive age in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. This cross-sectional study of 218 reproductive-age women evaluated the sexual function before, during, and after the COVID-19 disease pandemic and lockdown. Pretested semistructured self-administered questionnaires with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used for data collection. Information collected included sociodemographic and gynecologic characteristics and COVID-19 experiences, as well as sexual history and function before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The level of significance was set at P < .05. Respondents were aged 20 to 50years (95%) with a mean ± SD age of 34.82 ± 8.52 years; the majority were married (75.58%); one-fifth (21.9%) tested positive for COVID-19 infection; and participants who tested positive for COVID-19 infections were mostly health care workers. An absence of sexual activity was reported in 9.18% of participants during lockdown, 7.73% before lockdown, and 4.18% after lockdown. The risk of female sexual dysfunction was prevalent among participants, especially those who tested positive for COVID-19 infection. The prevalence was worse during the pandemic lockdown (53.57%) than before (48.39%) or after (51.61%), and a similar pattern was seen among those who tested negative. There was no statistically significant difference in risk of developing sexual dysfunction during the COVID-19 pandemic between those who tested positive and negative to COVID-19. The arousal and desire domains contributed the highest proportion of low FSFI scores. Nationwide lockdowns, which may be a method of control for pandemics, may result in psychosocial complications such as female sexual dysfunction. Most respondents had tertiary education and were able to respond to self-administered questionnaires, yet the risk of recall bias remains a concern whereas the pandemic met the world unprepared and baseline FSFI prior the pandemic was not available for participants. There are no local validation studies for the FSFI in Nigeria, which could have aided interpretation of results. A low FSFI score is prevalent in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria, with a higher incidence reported during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Komplikasi Sindrom Stevens-Johnson (SSJ) dan Nekrolisis Epidermal Toksik (NET)

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening mucocutaneous reactions with severe skin involvement; may affect many internal organ systems with significant psychosocial complications. Several studies have documented physical complications associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). SJS/TEN patients require multidisciplinary care to deal with psychological complications and reduced quality of life.

Comparing quality of life, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and associated factors in vitiligo and alopecia areata patients.

Vitiligo and alopecia areata (AA) are two autoimmune skin diseases that affect patients' quality of life (QoL) and give rise to psychosocial complications, such as depression, negative self-image, less joyful social engagements, and low self-esteem. These two disorders have common and uncommon characteristics. Therefore, in this study, we tried to evaluate the similarities and differences in the psychological parameters including quality of life, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression levels between, vitiligo and AA patients. Patients with either vitiligo or AA visiting the outpatient dermatology clinic from November 2017 to December 2020 have been included in this study. Persian versions of three questionnaires including the dermatology life quality index (DLQI), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), have been used to assess the QoL, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression levels in patients. In total, 188 patients, including 94 (50%) cases of AA and 94 (50%) patients with vitiligo, met the criteria. In AA patients, a significantly higher DLQI score was found (p-value = 0.002) compared to the vitiligo cases, which means a better QoL in vitiligo patients. Additionally, AA patients had higher scores of anxiety (P-value<0.001) and depression (p-Value<0.001). However, sleep disturbance (64.9% of AA patients vs. 59.3% of vitiligo patients; p-Value = 0.4888) was not significantly different between the two groups. Our data showed lower QoL and higher levels of anxiety and depression in AA patients compared to vitiligo cases, but no difference was seen in sleep disturbance in the PSQI-P score.

The long-term effects of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes on growth and development: systematic review

The increasing prevalence of childhood-onset type-1 diabetes (T1D) has brought to light its multifaceted implications on growth and development. This necessitates a holistic understanding of its long-term effects on physical, neurological, metabolic, and psychosocial aspects. Thus, this study systematically reviewed the long-term effects of childhood-onset T1D on growth and development in children and adolescents. Using the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted mainly on PubMed for studies in English, resulting in the inclusion of nine studies with a collective participant count of 24,880. These studies spanned across various geographical locations, with a predominant focus on the younger demographic, averaging around 11 years of age. The findings indicated significant associations of T1D with altered physical growth patterns, neurological and cognitive implications, metabolic outcomes, and psychosocial challenges. Notably, growth complications and cognitive patterns seemed to intertwine with T1D onset and management. Studies showed that poor glycemic control and early T1D onset, negatively impact the projected adult height of the child. Additionally, poor glycemic control implications such as diabetic ketoacidosis have a negative impact on cognitive functions. Finally, psychosocial complications of T1D and obesity, particularly in adolescent girls, highlighted the importance of parental education and perceived stress on these vulnerable children. Childhood-onset T1D has profound implications on growth and development. While effective glycemic control is beneficial to reduce these complications, a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing endocrinology, neurology, and psychology, is essential for comprehensive care and improved life quality in these children.

Psychosocial Burden and Coping Abilities of Caregivers of Children with Sickle Cell Disease Attending Government-Owned Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria

Objective: Sickle cell disease is a chronic inherited haematological disorder affecting predominantly people of African, Arab and Indiana ancestries with the highest reported burden of 150,000 children in Nigeria. The chronicity and physical and psychosocial complications of the disease pose a significant psychosocial burden on children and their caregivers. This study assessed the psychosocial burden and coping abilities of primary caregivers of children with sickle cell disease. Method: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in two public tertiary health institutions in Ogun State. Semi-structured interview-based validated questionnaires were administered to assess their psychosocial and health burden. The coping ability of the caregivers was determined. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used for data analysis. Results: Two hundred and twenty-four primary caregivers were interviewed. The moderate to severe psychosocial burden was 34.4%. Some (21.4%) found it difficult to cope with the care of the children and 12.1% believed it had a severe impact on their health. Major factors reported were frequent hospitalization, emergencies, school absenteeism, crisis and hospital bills. Caring for these children caused a general atmosphere of tension and marital disharmony in 17.4% and 17.9% of the respondents, respectively. The stress level was higher among female caregivers, low socio-economic class, single parenthood and older caregivers. Female child, age and severity of illness had a significant impact on the burden and coping levels. Conclusion: The caregivers experienced some psychosocial burden and difficulty in coping. Frequent hospitalization and the high cost of health care placed significant strain on them.

The psychological, social, and quality of life outcomes of people with a cardiac implantable electronic device: an umbrella review.

To synthesize the psychological, social, and quality of life outcomes of people with a cardiac implantable electronic device. An umbrella review of systematic reviews that reported the psychological, social, or quality of life outcomes of adults with a cardiac implantable electronic device was conducted. This umbrella review was pre-registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023437078) and adhered to JBI and PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, EmCare, PsycINFO, PubMed, and the Web of Science) were searched alongside citation and bibliographic searches. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Checklist of Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. Due to the heterogeneity of the included reviews, the findings were reported narratively. A total of 14 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria; 11 considered quality of life outcomes, and 3 considered psychological outcomes. Little difference in quality of life was found between people with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and controls; however, a high prevalence of psychological disorders was present. Cardiac resynchronization therapy devices demonstrated improvements in quality of life compared with control groups, alongside possible cognitive benefits. Quality of life did not differ between subcutaneous and transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Pacemakers were associated with improved post-implantation quality of life. Research on the psychosocial and quality of life outcomes of people with a cardiac implantable electronic device is limited and inconsistent. Given the heterogeneity of the current research, conclusions are uncertain. Nevertheless, some recipients may experience adverse psychosocial complications. Further research employing rigorous methodologies is needed, and healthcare practitioners should provide care that acknowledges the potential for adverse psychosocial experiences. PROSPERO: CRD42023437078.

Trial in Progress: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in the Prospective Observational Cohort Study of Patients at Risk for Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease in the United States (THRIVE)

Background and Significance: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is a curative immunotherapy for patients with hematologic disorders. However, graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is a major limitation to the success of alloHCT, with chronic GVHD (cGVHD) as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The pleomorphic nature of cGVHD makes the diagnosis and patient management challenging for clinicians; thus, patient-reported symptoms often guide in diagnosing and determining the severity of cGVHD. Our current understanding of cGVHD is largely based on data from registries, single-institution prospective studies, and the cGVHD Consortium with representation from tertiary care academic centers. Prospective studies including patient-reported outcomes and a focus on a more representative and generalizable sample of patients with cGVHD are needed to better understand cGVHD symptoms, disease burden, and practice patterns for management. This trial in progress focuses on broad patient-centered assessment of post-alloHCT medical and psychosocial complications and patient-reported caregiver involvement in a diverse and contemporary patient population. This study uses multiple organ- or system-directed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to help identify cGVHD symptoms, severity, and impact on patient quality of life including financial impact. The primary objective of THRIVE is to assess the clinical course and burden of cGVHD, including diagnosis and severity recorded in electronic case report forms (eCRFs) and PROMs. Secondary objectives include measuring healthcare resource utilization and patient economic and employment impact associated with cGVHD management, as well as patient-reported organ-specific symptoms. Study Design and Methods: THRIVE is a prospective, longitudinal, observational study (NCT05919511) of alloHCT recipients in the United States that uses a hybrid model designed to work with HCT centers and a virtual platform. Eligible patients are ≥18 years old, received alloHCT 90-180 days before enrollment, and are able to complete patient-assessment questionnaires provided in their preferred language either alone or with minimal caregiver assistance. Up to 1500 alloHCT recipients will be recruited at HCT sites (with the expectation that ~500 will have cGVHD symptoms at enrollment; ~500 are estimated to develop cGVHD during the course of the study; ~500 are estimated not to develop cGVHD during the study; Figure). Patients have the option to participate on a virtual platform. Patients will be followed for 36 months from date of enrollment or until the earliest of study termination, withdrawal, or death. Data from 13 PROMs (Table) divided into 3 groups will be collected every 3 months using a decentralized virtual platform. To reduce survey burden, patients will be randomized into 1 of 6 sequence groups to capture 4-5 PROMs per month in year 1 and every 2 months in years 2 and 3. Clinical data, including medications and adverse events, will be collected and abstracted into eCRFs every 3 months. In general, reporting of results will be descriptive for variables of interest. Summary statistics for continuous variables and for categorical variables will be calculated for all patients as well as for subgroups of interest. Whenever applicable, 95% confidence intervals will be calculated for endpoint estimates. Univariate, multivariate, or repeated-measurement analyses will be performed to assess factors associated with evolution of clinical manifestations of and complications from cGVHD. Recruitment for this study is ongoing.

Comparing botulinum toxin and 4-duct ligation for Sialorrhea in children — A systematic review

IntroductionSialorrhea or drooling can result in physical and psychosocial complications, such as aspiration and social isolation. Treatment options include botulinum toxin into the salivary glands and 4-duct ligation (i.e., simultaneous ligation of the bilateral parotid and submandibular ducts). This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy and complication rates of botulinum toxin and 4-duct ligation for the treatment of drooling in children. MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception through June 17, 2021 for studies examining the efficacy of botulinum toxin or 4-duct ligation for drooling in children. Data were summarized by pooled counts, percentages, and means. Complication rates were compared by a chi-squared test. ResultsA total of 22 studies (n = 606) examining botulinum toxin and 5 studies (n = 124) examining 4-duct ligation were included. From 12 botulinum toxin studies (n = 211), mean drooling frequency and severity scores was 7.5 at baseline. Mean difference from baseline was −2.6 (n = 92) at 4 weeks follow-up, −2.1 at 8 weeks (n = 41), −2.1 at 12 weeks (n = 56), and − 2.1 at 16 weeks (n = 58). From 4 4-duct ligation studies (n = 103), mean baseline drooling frequency and severity score was 8.4. Mean difference was −3.7 at mean follow-up of 35.6 months (n = 103). Eighteen botulinum studies (n = 343) recorded 53 (15.5 %) complications, including thickened saliva (n = 9), dysphagia (n = 4), and cheek abscesses (n = 4). Four 4-duct ligation studies (n = 108) recorded 25 (23.1 %) complications, including parotid gland swelling (n = 4), aspiration pneumonia (n = 3), and oxygen desaturation (n = 3). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between botulinum toxin and four-duct ligation (p = 0.065). ConclusionBotulinum toxin injection and 4-duct ligation are both effective in improving sialorrhea in children and have comparable complication rates.

Assessment of quality of life in patients with surgically treated maxillofacial fractures.

Background: The complex nature of maxillofacial injuries can affect the surgical treatment outcomes and general well-being of the patient. To evaluate the efficiency of the surgical treatment, assessment of the quality of life (QOL) of the patients is of vital importance. Due to the absence of an exclusive QOL assessment tool for maxillofacial fractures, we introduce the 'Twenty-point quality of life assessment in facial trauma patients in Indian population'. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the QOL following surgical management of maxillofacial trauma patients based on the severity of the injury. Methods: The study consisted of 182 subjects divided into two groups of 91 each (Group A: severe facial injury and Group B: mild to moderate facial injury). The Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS) was used to determine the severity of facial fractures and injuries. The twenty-point quality of life assessment tool includes Zone 1 (Psychosocial impact) and Zone 2 (Functional and aesthetic impact), with ten domains each to assess QOL. Results: In Zone 1, the mean scores for Group A and Group B were 38.6 and 39.26, respectively. In Zone 2, Group B (44.56) had higher mean scores compared to Group A (32.92) (p< 0.001). Group B (83.8) had higher mean scores compared to Group A (71.58) when the total of both Zone 1 and Zone 2 were taken into consideration (p<0,001). In Group A, 9 out of 91 patients had a total score of 81- 100 compared to 68 in the same range in Group B. Conclusions: Proper surgical management with adequate care to the hard and soft tissues can improve the QOL by reducing postoperative psychosocial and functional complications. Aesthetic outcomes play an important role in determining the QOL. Mild/ Moderate injuries show better QOL compared to severe maxillofacial injuries.

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia May be the Most Clinically Significant and Morbid Inherited Bleeding Disorder of Women

Background Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is the second most common inherited bleeding disorder (1 in 5000 people) behind von Willebrand disease (VWD) and has no FDA- or EMA-approved therapies. HHT causes serious bleeding resulting in severe iron deficiency anemia, major psychosocial complications, and visceral arteriovenous malformations in brain, lung, and liver that can cause life-threatening hemorrhage, stroke, and other morbid complications. While HHT prevalence is equal in men and women, manifestations may be worse in women (as evidenced by a female predominance in HHT clinical trials). Due to the focus on hemophilia (an X-linked disease nearly exclusive to men) in the hemostasis research community, no study has examined the relative morbidity of the most common inherited bleeding disorders in women: HHT and VWD. Methods We performed an observational cohort study of women with HHT or VWD cared for at our institutional Comprehensive Hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease Treatment Center or HHT Center of Excellence. Using an electronic patient data registry, a representative sample of 100 randomly selected women with HHT were age-matched to 100 randomly selected women with VWD for analysis. All data was extracted and confirmed using manual chart review; we quantified and compared bleeding and healthcare utilization outcomes. Results Patient Population. The mean (range) age in both groups was 49 (14-87) years. Mean BMI was 27 in both groups, and racial/ethnic breakdown was similar in both groups. Mean follow-up durations were 9.07 years (HHT) and 14.83 years (VWD) per patient. The VWD group included 86 patients with type 1 VWD and 14 with type 2 VWD. Bleeding Outcomes. Bleeding outcomes are detailed in TABLE 1. In women with HHT compared with VWD, recurrent epistaxis and GI bleeding were more likely (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI] = 32.73 [13.81-71.80], P&amp;lt;0.0001 and 5.69 [2.59-12.89], P&amp;lt;0.0001, respectively), and heavy menstrual bleeding was less likely (OR 0.32 [0.18-0.57], P&amp;lt;0.0001). Iron deficiency anemia was significantly more likely, and lowest hemoglobin significantly lower, in HHT versus VWD. Requirements for IV iron and RBC transfusion were significantly more likely in HHT versus VWD. Women with HHT had 17-fold higher odds of iron infusion dependence and 8-fold higher odds of requiring hemostatic surgical procedures than women with VWD. Healthcare Utilization for HHT or VWD Management. Healthcare utilization is detailed in TABLE 2. In women with HHT compared with VWD, emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions specifically to manage disease complications were significantly more likely (OR [95% CI] = 3.83 [1.67-8.48], P=0.001 and 7.33 [3.57-14.73], P&amp;lt;0.0001, respectively). Rates of ED visitation, admission, and outpatient encounters specifically for HHT or VWD management were significantly higher in women with HHT vs. women with VWD: ED visits, 10.3 per 100 patient-years (pt-yrs) vs. 0.74 per 100 pt-yrs, P=0.001; admissions, 14.4 per 100 pt-yrs vs. 1.0 per 100 pt-yrs, P&amp;lt;0.0001; outpatient encounters, 386.5 per 100 pt-yrs vs. 43.7 per 100 pt-yrs, P&amp;lt;0.0001. Adjusting these rates for the prevalence of HHT (1 in 5000) and VWD (1 in 1000) at the population level, all rates were still higher in the HHT group. Infusion visits, radiology encounters, and nearly all subspecialty provider visit types were much higher in women with HHT ( TABLE 2). Conclusions Analyzing matched populations of women at a health system that serves as a tertiary referral center for both diseases, HHT, a historically neglected bleeding disorder, was responsible for much higher morbidity and healthcare utilization in women than VWD, certainly at the individual patient level and possibly at the population level (prevalence-adjusted). Overall incidence of disease complications in each group was consistent with the published literature for both HHT and VWD, supporting the generalizability of our findings. These findings are critically important in achieving gender equity in the hemostasis field, given that both government and industry funding for VWD research is many times greater than for HHT research and such funding for hemophilia research, a disease of men, is at least 10-fold greater than for HHT research. Continued neglect of funding for clinical care and research of HHT within the hemostasis academic community and industry will only sustain and exacerbate gender inequities in hematology.

The Efficacy of Intradermal Injection of Botulinum Toxin Type-A on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review.

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of neuropathy. Morbidity and mortality increase in patients suffering from diabetic polyneuropathy and are experienced by approximately 10 to 54% of diabetic patients. Severe pain, loss of sensation, increased risk of ulceration, and even amputation are the complications of diabetic neuropathy. Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) is a relatively novel method for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. This method is becoming popular considering its acceptable and long-lasting pain control and minimal systemic side effects. This narrative systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intradermal BTX-A injection on painful diabetic neuropathy. The queried databases included PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The final search was performed in February 2022, and no time limits were set for the search. All the relevant clinical trials were included. The inclusion criteria and search strategy were set as follows: Type of study: Randomized clinical trial (RCT) or other types of interventional studies; publication date: All published studies until February 22, 2022; sample size: No restrictions; outcomes: Effect on diabetic neuropathy pain; quality: Earning a minimum acceptable score based on critical appraisal; and language: English. The searches and article screening were performed by two independent reviewers to minimize the possibility of bias. In case of disagreement about a study, the comments of an expert (as a third person) were used to resolve the ambiguity. In a review of 4 RCTs and 1 case-control study on the effectiveness of BTX-A in reducing the pain of diabetic neuropathy, 273 patients were evaluated in total. The lowest and highest number of subjects was 18 and 141. The sex distribution included 43.22% men and 56.77% women, all of whom were 47.8 to 74.8 years old. Three studies were conducted in Iran, Taiwan, and Egypt. The results of this review showed significant improvement in pain reduction, e.g., based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS). A few studies evaluated sleep and psychosocial complications, and their results indicated a statistically significant improvement in the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and the physical subscale of the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). The results of this systematic review demonstrated that intradermal injection of BTX-A causes significant and long-term (up to 12 weeks) improvement in diabetic neuropathy pain. The improvement in sleep and mental or physical functions was not consistent, and no conclusive result could be reached.

Returning to employment following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: A major problem among survivors.

Quality of life (QoL) is an important aspect of cancer survivorship. One of the most acute problems that impact survivors in many aspects of activities of daily living and compromise their QoL is the inability to return to employment following successful cancer therapy. This is most prominent among survivors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT). More than 50% of the survivors following allo-HSCT remain unemployed one year after the procedure. This problem extends beyond the initial few years; unemployment rates among those who underwent allo-HSCT during their childhoods or adolescence have remained high. The inability to return to employment imposes a financial burden. Survivors following allo-HSCT also experience a multitude of chronic psychosocial complications that may be both contributing and consequential to the inability to return to employment. However, many transplant programs and cancer centers do not have return-to-employment programs. In this review paper, we discuss the prevalence of unemployment following allo-HSCT. We examine the psychosocial symptoms experienced by survivors and how they may affect survivors' ability to return to employment. Finally, we propose a multi-disciplinary multi-pronged occupation-focused approach to address the complex and inter-related psychosocial symptoms to help alleviate the problem.