Met Criteria (met + criterion)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


A question for DSM-V: which better predicts persistent conduct disorder , delinquent acts or conduct symptoms?

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2002
Jeffrey D. Burke PhD
Background Conduct disorder (CD), a psychiatric index of antisocial behaviour, shares similarities with delinquency, a criminological index. This study sought to examine which factors in childhood predict a repeated diagnosis of CD in adolescence, and whether self-reported delinquent acts enhance the utility of symptoms of CD in predicting later persistent CD. Method Longitudinal data used in this paper come from a clinic-referred sample of 177 boys, along with their parents and teachers, who were assessed using a structured clinical interview. The boys also reported on their delinquent behaviours, as well as a broad range of other family and life events. Results Before age 13, 77 boys met criteria for CD according to their parent, 69 according to their own report, and 36 reported three or more delinquent acts. Forty-eight boys (29%) met criteria for CD three or more times between 13 and 17. In childhood, delinquency overlapped, but was distinct from CD. Both were present in 28 cases, while 41 cases had CD without delinquency, and eight had delinquency without CD. When tested as predictors of later persistent CD, child-reported CD was the strongest predictor of later persistent CD, but self-reported delinquency was stronger than parent-reported CD. A final model of significant predictors included child-reported CD, delinquency, poor child communication with parents, and maternal prenatal smoking. Conclusions It appears that delinquency does add uniquely to the prediction of persistent CD. It may be useful to expand the diagnostic criteria for CD accordingly. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source]


Previous experience of spontaneous or elective abortion and risk for posttraumatic stress and depression during subsequent pregnancy

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 8 2010
Lydia Hamama
Abstract Background: Few studies have considered whether elective and/or spontaneous abortion (EAB/SAB) may be risk factors for mental health sequelae in subsequent pregnancy. This paper examines the impact of EAB/SAB on mental health during subsequent pregnancy in a sample of women involved in a larger prospective study of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) across the childbearing year (n=1,581). Methods: Women expecting their first baby completed standardized telephone assessments including demographics, trauma history, PTSD, depression, and pregnancy wantedness, and religiosity. Results: Fourteen percent (n=221) experienced a prior elective abortion (EAB), 13.1% (n=206) experienced a prior spontaneous abortion (SAB), and 1.4% (n=22) experienced both. Of those women who experienced either an EAB or SAB, 13.9% (n=220) appraised the EAB or SAB experience as having been "a hard time" (i.e., potentially traumatic) and 32.6% (n=132) rated it as their index trauma (i.e., their worst or second worst lifetime exposure). Among the subset of 405 women with prior EAB or SAB, the rate of PTSD during the subsequent pregnancy was 12.6% (n,51), the rate of depression was 16.8% (n=68), and 5.4% (n,22) met criteria for both disorders. Conclusions: History of sexual trauma predicted appraising the experience of EAB or SAB as "a hard time." Wanting to be pregnant sooner was predictive of appraising the experience of EAB or SAB as the worst or second worst (index) trauma. EAB or SAB was appraised as less traumatic than sexual or medical trauma exposures and conveyed relatively lower risk for PTSD. The patterns of predictors for depression were similar. Depression and Anxiety, 2010.© 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Prevalence and correlates of comorbidity 8 years after a first psychotic episode

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2007
S. Farrelly
Objective:, While rates and correlates of comorbidity have been investigated in the early course of psychosis, little is known about comorbidity in the medium-to-longer term or its relationship with outcome. Method:, A total of 182 first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients who met DSM-IV criteria for a current psychotic disorder 8 years after index presentation were grouped according to concurrent comorbidity [no concurrent axis I disorder; concurrent substance use disorder (SUD); other concurrent axis I disorder; concurrent SUD and other axis I disorder]. Outcomes were compared between groups controlling for relevant covariates. Results:, As much as 39% met criteria for one or more concurrent axis 1 diagnoses. Comorbidity was associated with greater severity of general psychopathology, but not with measures of functioning, treatment or negative symptoms. Conclusion:, Specific combinations of comorbid disorders may influence patterns of psychotic symptomatology. Routine examination of axis I disorders is warranted in the ongoing management of psychosis. [source]


Illicit tranquilliser use and dependence among female opiate users

DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 5 2006
GAIL GILCHRIST
Abstract This study determined the predictors of 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillisers among female opiate users attending three services in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Twelve-month drug dependence was measured using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. The Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R) measured current neurotic symptoms. 60% (159/266) had used illicit tranquillisers in the past 30 days, and 50% (132/266) met criteria for 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillisers. Polydrug use, injecting drug use, childhood and adulthood abuse, adverse life experiences and current and previous mental health problems were associated with 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillisers. Using multiple logistic regression, polydrug use in last 30 days (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.5,7.0), history of deliberate self-harm (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.4), history of injecting drug use (OR 2.5, 1.2,5.2) and likely to need treatment for current neurotic symptoms (CIS-R , 18) (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3,4.4) predicted 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillisers. Drug users in general and female drug users in particular who are using illicit tranquillisers are also particularly likely to have psychiatric symptoms requiring treatment. Mental health problems should be assessed and monitored among this client group and counselling and psychosocial support should be provided when indicated. [source]


Patterns of co-morbidity between alcohol use and other substance use in the Australian population

DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 1 2003
Dr. LOUISA DEGENHARDT
Abstract The present study describes patterns of co-morbidity between alcohol use and other substance use problems in the Australian population using data from the 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being. Multiple regression analyses examined whether the observed associations between alcohol and other drug use disorders were explained by other variables, including demographic characteristics and neuroticism. We also assessed whether the presence of co-morbid substance use disorders affected treatment seeking for a mental health problem. Alcohol use was related strongly to the use of other substances. Those who did not report alcohol use within the past 12 months were less likely to report using tobacco, cannabis, sedatives, stimulants or opiates. Higher rates again were observed among those with alcohol use disorders: half (51%) of those who were alcohol-dependent were regular tobacco smokers, one-third had used cannabis (32%); 15% reported other drug use; 15% met criteria for a cannabis use disorder and 7% met criteria for another drug use disorder. These associations were not accounted for by the demographic and other variables considered here. Co-morbid substance use disorders (sedatives, stimulants or opioids) predicted a high likelihood of seeking treatment for a mental health problem among alcohol-dependent people. [source]


Adolescent inhalant use, abuse and dependence

ADDICTION, Issue 7 2009
Brian E. Perron
ABSTRACT Aims To compare adolescent inhalant users without DSM-IV inhalant use disorders (IUDs) to youth with IUDs (i.e. abuse or dependence) across demographic, psychosocial and clinical measures. Design Cross-sectional survey with structured psychiatric interviews. Setting Facilities (n = 32) comprising the Missouri Division of Youth Services (MDYS) residential treatment system for juvenile offenders. Participants Current MDYS residents (n = 723); 97.7% of residents participated. Most youth were male (87%) and in mid-adolescence (mean = 15.5 years, standard deviation = 1.2, range = 11,20); more than one-third (38.6%, n = 279) reported life-time inhalant use. Measurements Antisocial behavior, temperament, trauma-exposure, suicidality, psychiatric symptoms and substance-related problems. Findings Among life-time inhalant users, 46.9% met criteria for a life-time DSM-IV IUD (inhalant abuse = 18.6%, inhalant dependence = 28.3%). Bivariate analyses showed that, in comparison to non-users, inhalant users with and without an IUD were more likely to be Caucasian, live in rural or small towns, have higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, evidence more impulsive and fearless temperaments and report more past-year antisocial behavior and life-time suicidality, traumatic experiences and global substance use problems. A monotonic relationship between inhalant use, abuse and dependence and adverse outcomes was observed, with comparatively high rates of dysfunction observed among inhalant-dependent youth. Multivariate regression analyses showed that inhalant users with and without an IUD had greater levels of suicidal ideation and substance use problems than non-users. Conclusions Youth with IUDs have personal histories characterized by high levels of trauma, suicidality, psychiatric distress, antisocial behavior and substance-related problems. A monotonic relationship between inhalant use, abuse and dependence and serious adverse outcomes was observed. [source]


Domestic Violence and Out-of-hospital ProvidersA Potential Resource to Protect Battered Women

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2000
M. Elaine Husni MD
Abstract Objective: The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) in a subset of women presenting to the Boston emergency medical services (EMS) system and to evaluate documentation. A secondary objective was to determine the rate of refusal of transport to the hospital for DV-positive patients, compared with the general population. Methods: A retrospective chart review of ambulance run sheets from a nonconsecutive, convenience sample between July and December 1995 was performed. Women presenting with injury, obstetric/gynecologic complaints, or psychiatric complaints were included. Records were reviewed, and labeled as positive, probable, suggestive, or negative for DV, based on a previously used classification system. A weighted kappa test was performed, and data were analyzed using chi-square and t-test. Results: Among 1,251 charts reviewed, 876 met criteria for inclusion. The percentage of positive cases was 5.4% (95% CI = 3.9% to 6.9%), probable 10.8% (8.8% to 12.9%), suggestive 2.6% (1.6% to 3.7%), and negative 81.2% (78.6% to 83.6%). Among DV-positive patients, the refusal to transport rate was 23.4% (11.3% to 35.5%), compared with a 7.1% (5.8% to 9.3%) rate for the entire study population (n= 876), and 4.7% for the general Boston EMS population during the same year. More DV patients presented during the night shift compared with other shifts. Conclusions: Domestic violence is common in this high-risk population. A substantial proportion of women in this population refuse transport to the hospital. Out-of-hospital personnel should be trained with the tools to identify and document DV, assess patient safety, offer timely resources, and empower victims to make choices. [source]


Maintenance Treatment for Old-Age Depression Preserves Health-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Paroxetine and Interpersonal Psychotherapy

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 9 2007
Alexandre Y. Dombrovski MD
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether maintenance antidepressant pharmacotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy sustain gains in health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) achieved during short-term treatment in older patients with depression. DESIGN: After open combined treatment with paroxetine and interpersonal psychotherapy, responders were randomly assigned to a two (paroxetine vs placebo) by two (monthly interpersonal psychotherapy vs clinical management) double-blind, placebo-controlled maintenance trial. HR-QOL outcomes were assessed over 1 year. SETTING: University-based clinic. PATIENTS: Of the referred sample of 363 persons aged 70 and older with major depression, 210 gave consent, and 195 started acute treatment; 116 met criteria for recovery, entered maintenance treatment, and were included in this analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Paroxetine; monthly manual-based interpersonal psychotherapy. MEASUREMENTS: Overall HR-QOL as measured using the Quality of Well-Being Scale (QWB) and six specific HR-QOL domains derived from the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) subscales. RESULTS: All domains of HR-QOL except physical functioning improved with successful acute and continuation treatment. After controlling for any effects of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy was superior to placebo in preserving overall well-being (P=.04, effect size (r)=0.23), social functioning (P=.02, r=0.27), and role limitations due to emotional problems (P=.007, r=0.30). Interpersonal psychotherapy (controlling for the effects of pharmacotherapy) did not preserve HR-QOL better than supportive clinical management. CONCLUSION: Maintenance antidepressant pharmacotherapy is superior to placebo in preserving improvements in overall well-being achieved with treatment response in late-life depression. No such benefit was seen with interpersonal psychotherapy. [source]


Validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test in College Students

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2004
Patricia K. Kokotailo
Background: High-risk alcohol use among college students is associated with accidents, partner violence, unwanted sexual encounters, tobacco use, and performance issues. The identification and treatment of high-risk drinking students is a priority for many college campuses and college health centers. The goal of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in college students. Methods: A convenience sample of students coming into a college health clinic was asked to complete the 10-question AUDIT and then participate in a research interview. The interview focused on assessing students for alcohol abuse and dependence by using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module and timeline follow-back procedures to assess a 28-day drinking history. Results: A total of 302 students met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The sample consisted of 185 females (61%) and 117 males (39%), with a mean age of 20.3 years. Forty students were abstinent, 88 were high-risk drinkers, and 103 met criteria for a 12-month history of dependence. Receiver operator curves demonstrated that the AUDIT had the highest area under the cure for detecting high-risk alcohol use (0.872) and the lowest for identifying persons with a lifetime history of alcohol abuse or dependence (0.775). An AUDIT cutoff score of 6 or greater demonstrated a sensitivity of 91.0% and a specificity of 60.0% in the detection of high-risk drinkers. Conclusions: The AUDIT has reasonable psychometric properties in sample of college students using student health services. This study supports the use of the AUDIT in this population. [source]


Factors associated with trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder among homeless youth in three U.S. cities: The importance of transience,

JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 1 2010
Kimberly Bender
Homeless youth experience disproportionately high rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined correlates of trauma and PTSD among homeless youth with a focus on the impact of homeless culture, substance addiction, and mental health challenges. Homeless youth (N = 146) from Los Angeles, California, Denver, Colorado, and St. Louis, Missouri, were recruited from organizations providing services to homeless youth using comparable methods. Results indicate that 57% of respondents had experienced a traumatic event and 24% met criteria for PTSD. A multinomial logistic regression model revealed greater transience, alcohol addiction, mania, and lower self-efficacy predicted PTSD whereas trauma exposure was associated with alcohol addiction only. Findings have implications for screening and intervening with traumatized homeless youth across service settings. [source]


Posttyphoon prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder in a Vietnamese sample,

JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 3 2009
Ananda B. Amstadter
In 2006, typhoon Xangsane disrupted a multiagency health needs study of 4,982 individuals in Vietnam. Following this disaster, 798 of the original participants were reinterviewed to determine prevalence and risk factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder (PD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Posttyphoon prevalences were PTSD 2.6%, MDD 5.9%, PD 9.3%, and GAD 2.2%. Of those meeting criteria for a disorder, 70% reported only one disorder, 15% had two, 14% had three, and 1% met criteria for all four disorders. Risk factors for posttyphoon psychopathology differed among disorders, but generally were related to high typhoon exposure, prior trauma exposure, and in contrast to Western populations, higher age, but not gender. [source]


Recurrence of autoimmune liver disease after liver transplantation: A systematic review

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 12 2006
Manjushree Gautam
Recurrence of autoimmune liver disease in allografts has long been a topic of debate. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine the reported incidence of recurrence after liver transplantation of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic databases were used to identify articles. The inclusion criteria used were articles on patients with at least 90 days of posttransplantation follow-up, histologic criteria for diagnosis of PBC and AIH recurrence, radiologic or histologic criteria or both for diagnosis of PSC recurrence, and exclusion of other causes of liver disease causing similar histologic findings. Incidence in individual studies was combined to calculate the overall recurrence. Risk factors were analyzed whenever crude data were available. Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias. Out of 90 articles identified, 43 met criteria for systematic review (PBC, 16; PSC, 14; AIH, 13). The calculated weighted recurrence rate was 18% for PBC, 11% for PSC, and 22% for AIH. No difference was found in PBC and AIH recurrence by type of primary immunosuppression. There were not enough data to assess this issue in PSC studies. There was evidence of publication bias among PSC and AIH studies but not among PBC studies. In conclusion, recurrence of autoimmune liver disease after liver transplantation appears to be a real concern. As these patients are followed long-term, recurrence of disease may become the primary cause of morbidity. Liver Transpl 12:1813-1824, 2006. © 2006 AASLD. [source]


A prospective study on downstaging of hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation,

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 12 2005
Francis Y. Yao
In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exceeding conventional (T2) criteria for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), the feasibility and outcome following loco-regional therapy intended for tumor downstaging to meet T2 criteria for OLT are unknown. In this first prospective study on downstaging of HCC prior to OLT, the eligibility criteria for enrollment into a downstaging protocol included 1 lesion >5 cm and ,8 cm, 2 or 3 lesions at least 1 >3 cm but ,5 cm with total tumor diameter of ,8 cm, or 4 or 5 nodules all ,3 cm with total tumor diameter ,8 cm. Patients were eligible for living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) if tumors were downstaged to within proposed University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) criteria.13 A minimum follow-up period of 3 months after downstaging was required before cadaveric OLT or LDLT, with imaging studies meeting criteria for successful downstaging. Among the 30 patients enrolled, 21 (70%) met criteria for successful downstaging, including 16 (53%) who had subsequently received OLT (2 with LDLT), and 9 patients (30%) were classified as treatment failures. In the explant of 16 patients who underwent OLT, 7 had complete tumor necrosis, 7 met T2 criteria, but 2 exceeded T2 criteria. No HCC recurrence was observed after a median follow-up of 16 months after OLT. The Kaplan-Meier intention-to-treat survival was 89.3 and 81.8% at 1 and 2 yr, respectively. In conclusion, successful tumor downstaging can be achieved in the majority of carefully selected patients, but longer follow-up is needed to further access the risk of HCC recurrence after OLT. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:1505,1514.) [source]


Dysautonomia rating scales in Parkinson's disease: Sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation,Critique and recommendations by movement disorders task force on rating scales for Parkinson's disease,

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 5 2009
Marian L. Evatt MD
Abstract Upper and lower gastrointestinal dysautonomia symptoms (GIDS),sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and often socially as well as physically disabling for patients. Available invasive quantitative measures for assessing these symptoms and their response to therapy are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, can cause patient discomfort and present patients with risk. The Movement Disorders Society commissioned a task force to assess available clinical rating scales, critique their clinimetric properties, and make recommendations regarding their clinical utility. Six clinical researchers and a biostatistician systematically searched the literature for scales of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation, evaluated the scales' previous use, performance parameters, and quality of validation data (if available). A scale was designated "Recommended" if the scale was used in clinical studies beyond the group that developed it, has been specifically used in PD reports, and clinimetric studies have established that it is a valid, reliable, and sensitive. "Suggested" scales met at least part of the above criteria, but fell short of meeting all. Based on the systematic review, scales for individual symptoms of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation were identified along with three global scales that include these symptoms in the context of assessing dysautonomia or nonmotor symptoms. Three sialorrhea scales met criteria for Suggested: Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS), Drooling Rating Scale, and Sialorrhea Clinical Scale for PD (SCS-PD). Two dysphagia scales, the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) and Dysphagia-Specific Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL), met criteria for Suggested. Although Rome III constipation module is widely accepted in the gastroenterology community, and the earlier version from the Rome II criteria has been used in a single study of PD patients, neither met criteria for Suggested or Recommended. Among the global scales, the Scales for Outcomes in PD-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT) and Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire for PD (NMSQuest) both met criteria for Recommended, and the Nonmotor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) met criteria for Suggested; however, none specifically focuses on the target gastrointestinal symptoms (sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation) of this report. A very small number of rating scales have been applied to studies of gastrointestinal-related dysautonomia in PD. Only two scales met "Recommended" criteria and neither focuses specifically on the symptoms of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation. Further scale testing in PD among the scales that focus on these symptoms is warranted, and no new scales are needed until the available scales are fully tested clinimetrically. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society [source]


Gender differences in the association of overweight and asthma morbidity among urban adolescents with asthma

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
C. L. M. Joseph
Asthma and obesity disproportionately affect US African-American youth. Among youth with asthma, obesity has been associated with poor control. The impact of gender on this association is unclear. We examined these relationships in a sample of urban, African-American adolescents with asthma. Questionnaires were used to identify high school students with asthma, and to examine the association of body mass index (BMI) to asthma morbidity, by gender. Of 5967 students completing questionnaires, 599 (10%) met criteria for asthma and 507 had data sufficient for inclusion in further analyses (46% male, mean age = 15.1 yr). Univariately, BMI > 85th percentile was significantly related only to reported emergency department visits (ED) and school days missed for any reason, Odds Ratio (95%Confidence Interval) = 1.7(1.1,2.7), p = 0.01 and 1.8(1.1,3.0), p = 0.01, respectively. A significant gender-BMI interaction (p < 0.05) was observed in multivariate models for ED visits, hospitalizations and school days missed for asthma. In gender-specific models, adjusted Risk Ratios for BMI > 85th and ED visits, hospitalizations, and school days missed because of asthma were 1.7(0.9,3.2), 6.6(3.1,14.6) and 3.6(1.8,7.2) in males. These associations were not observed in females. Gender modifies the association between BMI and asthma-related morbidity among adolescents with asthma. Results have implications for clinical management as well as future research. [source]


Service provision for men with antisocial personality disorder who make contact with mental health services

PERSONALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 3 2009
Mike J. Crawford
Concerns have been raised about the quality of health services for people with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). As part of a randomized trial of cognitive behaviour therapy for men with ASPD, we collected prospective data on service utilization over a 12-month period. Among the 52 men that participated, 96% had evidence of anxiety disorder and 64% met criteria for probable alcohol misuse. Almost half the sample presented to emergency medical services and 21% were admitted to a mental health inpatient unit during the following year. Despite this, only 11 (21%) were provided with follow-up care from mental health services. Levels of alcohol and drug misuse were lower among those that were given follow-up (27.3% compared with 63.4%, p < 0.05). Although services for people with personality disorder in Britain have expanded, most men with ASPD do not receive follow-up care from mental health services. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Community Violence and Urban Families: Experiences, Effects, and Directions for Intervention

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2005
Karyn Horowitz MD
The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of community-level stressors (particularly violence), coping strategies, and resources to prevent exposure to violence or to mitigate its effects in an inner-city community. Parents and children participated in focus groups, and children also completed standardized instruments. In the focus groups, parents and children identified several areas of concern related to "helpers," schools, community safety, and emotional distress. They identified protective resources including intensive monitoring and social supports. Fifty percent of the children met criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and another 21% met criteria for partial PTSD. The mental health issues in children living with ongoing community violence necessitate that researchers use a qualitative approach to inform future interventions. [source]


Maternal smoking during pregnancy predicts nicotine disorder (dependence or withdrawal) in young adults , a birth cohort study

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 4 2009
Frances V. O'Callaghan
Abstract Objective: To investigate whether maternal smoking during pregnancy predicts offspring nicotine disorder (dependence or withdrawal) at 21 years. Method: Participants comprised a prospective birth cohort involving 7,223 singleton children whose mothers were enrolled between 1981 and 1983 at the first antenatal visit to the Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland. The present sub-cohort consisted of 2,571 youth who completed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-computerised version (CIDI-Auto) that assesses nicotine dependence and withdrawal according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria at the 21-year follow-up. Results: 12.8% of offspring met criteria for nicotine dependence and 8.5% met criteria for withdrawal. 16.6% met criteria for either dependence or withdrawal. Smoking during pregnancy resulted in offspring being more likely to have dependence or withdrawal at 21 years than offspring of mothers who never smoked (age adjusted odds ratio 1.53 (95% CI: 1.19-1.96). Conclusions: Findings emphasise the long-term adverse effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy, including nicotine dependence in young adult offspring. Implications: Public health approaches should strengthen arguments for mothers to cease smoking during pregnancy in view of the long-term health implications for offspring, and reinforce measures to help smokers among pregnant women and women of childbearing age to stop. [source]


Impact of axis II comorbidity on the course of bipolar illness in men: a retrospective chart review

BIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 4 2002
Joanne H Kay
Objectives: ,The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the presence of comorbid personality disorder influences the course of bipolar illness. Methods: ,Fifty-two euthymic male bipolar I out-patients were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders (SCID II). Bipolar patients with an axis II diagnosis were compared with those without an axis II diagnosis on retrospectively obtained demographic, clinical and course of illness variables. Results: ,Thirty-eight percent of the bipolar patients met criteria for an axis II diagnosis. Two (4%) met criteria for (only) a Cluster A disorder, four (8%) for (only) a Cluster B, and six (12%) for (only) a Cluster C disorder. One (2%) bipolar patient met criteria a disorder in both Clusters A and B, and one (2%) for a disorder in Clusters B and C. Five (10%) met criteria for at least one disorder in Clusters A and C, and one met criteria for disorders in Clusters A, B, and C. The presence of a personality disorder was significantly associated with a lower rate of current employment, a higher number of currently prescribed psychiatric medications, and a higher incidence of a history of both alcohol and substance use disorders compared with the bipolar patients without axis II pathology. Conclusions: ,Our results extend previous findings of an association between comorbid personality disorder in bipolar I patients and factors that suggest a more difficult course of bipolar illness. [source]


Predictive Value of T-wave Abnormalities at the Time of Emergency Department Presentation in Patients with Potential Acute Coronary Syndromes

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2008
Kathy B. Lin BA
Abstract Objectives:, T-wave abnormalities on electrocardiograms (ECGs) are common, but their ability to predict 30-day cardiovascular outcomes at the time of emergency department (ED) presentation is unknown. The authors determined the association between T-wave abnormalities on the presenting ECG and cardiovascular outcomes within 30 days of presentation in patients with potential acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Methods:, This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of ED patients that presented with a potential ACS. Patients were excluded if they had a prior myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation or depressions, right or left bundle branch block, or Q-waves on the initial ECG. Data included demographics, medical and cardiac history, and ECG findings including the presence or absence of T-wave flattening, inversions of 1,5 mm, and inversions >5 mm. Investigators followed the hospital course for admitted patients, and 30-day follow-up was performed on all patients. The main outcome was a composite of death, acute myocardial infarction, revascularization, coronary stenosis greater than 50%, or a stress test with reversible ischemia. Results:, Of 8,298 patient visits, 5,582 met criteria for inclusion: 4,166 (74.6%) had no T-wave abnormalities, 721 (12.9%) had T-wave flattening in two or more leads, 659 (11.8%) had T-wave inversions of 1,5 mm, and 36 (0.64%) had T-wave inversions >5 mm. The composite endpoint was more common in patients with T-wave flattening (8.2% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; relative risk [RR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 1.9), T-wave inversions 1,5 mm (13.2% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.8 to 3.1), and T-wave inversions >5 mm (19.4% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.7 to 6.1), or any T-wave abnormality (10.8% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.6 to 2.3), even after adjustment for initial troponin. This association also existed in the subset of patients without known coronary artery disease. Conclusions:, In patients with potential ACS presenting to the ED, T-wave abnormalities are associated with higher rates of 30-day cardiovascular events. [source]


Epidemiologic critique of literature on post-transplant neoplasms in solid organ transplantation

CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2009
Lee L. Lanza
Abstract:, As survival of transplant recipients improves, long-term complications become more important. We reviewed epidemiologic literature on real-world risks of de novo neoplasia post-transplant. We searched the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for population-based studies on risk of neoplasia from 1998 to 2005. Selection criteria included: solid organ transplants, neoplastic outcomes, n > 500 subjects, age ,18 yr, and study design. Of 187 abstracts, 64 met criteria for study size, age range, topic, and design. We classified the articles by quality of reporting on components of cohort studies. Twelve of 64 studies reported cohort eligibility and exclusion criteria, defined time at risk, and ascertained incident neoplasms. Twenty-one studies reported prevalence of neoplasms for unspecified time periods, and only eight incidence studies reported person yr at risk. Three studies of all types of neoplasms in kidney recipients reported incidence ranging from 11.0 to 17.3 cases per 1000 person yr. Two studies of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders reported incidence of 0.4 to 2.5 cases per 1000 person yr in kidney recipients. More precise estimation of risks and rates, better description of study population, and more attention to confounding in comparisons of rates would make studies more meaningful. Reports should adhere to established guidelines for presenting methods and results in epidemiologic studies. [source]