The Mental Health Quality of Life Questionnaire (MHQoL): development and first psychometric evaluation of a new measure to assess quality of life in people with mental health problems.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate a new quality of life measure for use in people with mental health problems-the Mental Health Quality of Life questionnaire (MHQoL). METHODS: The MHQoL dimensions were based on prior research by Connell and colleagues, highlighting the seven most important quality of life dimensions in the context of mental health. Items were generated following a systematic review we performed and through inviting expert opinion. A focus group and an online qualitative study (N = 120) were carried out to assess the face and content validity of the MHQoL. The MHQoL was further tested for its internal consistency, convergent validity, known-group validity and test-retest reliability among mental healthcare service users (N = 479) and members of the general population (N = 110). RESULTS: The MHQoL consists of a descriptive system (MHQoL-7D), including s items covering seven dimensions (self-image, independence, mood, relationships, daily activities, physical health, future) and a visual analogue scale of general psychological well-being (MHQoL-VAS). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's ∝ = 0.85) and correlations between MHQoL-7D scores and related measures (EQ-5D-5L, MANSA, ICECAP-A, and BSI) supported convergent validity. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the MHQoL-7D sum score for test-retest reliability was 0.85. Known-group validity was supported by the ability to detect significant differences in MHQoL-7D levels between service users and the general population, and between groups with different levels of psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The MHQoL demonstrated favourable psychometric properties and showed promise as a simple and effective measure to assess quality of life in people with mental health problems.

Instruments to assess quality of life in people with mental health problems: a systematic review and dimension analysis of generic, domain- and disease-specific instruments.

OBJECTIVES: The importance of economic evaluations of mental healthcare interventions is increasingly recognized. Despite the multitude of available quality of life instruments, concerns have been raised regarding the content validity of these instruments, and hence suitability for use in mental health. The aim of this paper, therefore, was to assess the content validity and the suitability of existing quality of life instruments for use in economic evaluations in mental health problems. METHODS: In order to identify available quality of life instruments used in people with mental health problems, a systematic review was performed using the Embase, Medline and PsycINFO databases (time period January 2012 to January 2018). Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and executed data extraction. The evaluation framework of Connell and colleagues was used to assess whether the identified quality of life instruments cover the dimensions valued highly by people with mental health problems. Two reviewers independently mapped the content of each identified instrument onto the evaluation framework and indicated the extent to which the instrument covered each of the dimensions of the evaluation framework. RESULTS: Searches of databases yielded a total of 5727 references. Following duplicate removal and double-independent screening, 949 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. A total of 44 unique quality of life instruments were identified, of which 12 were adapted versions of original instruments. The best coverage of the dimensions of the evaluation framework of Connell and colleagues was by the WHOQOL-100, S-QoL, SQLS, EDQoL, QLI and the IMHQOL, but none fully covered all dimensions of the evaluation framework. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the multitude of available quality of life instruments used in people with mental health problems and indicate that none of the available quality of life instruments fully cover the dimensions previously found to be important in people with mental health problems. Future research should explore the possibilities of refining or expanding existing instruments as well as the development and testing of new quality of life instruments to ensure that all relevant quality of life dimensions for people with mental health problems are covered in evaluations.

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Spectacle Lens for Macular Degeneration.

SIGNIFICANCE: E-Scoop, a spectacle lens, provides no clinically relevant improvements on quality of life, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity for patients with AMD. Because patients' burden is high and therapeutic options are scarce, the incentive to develop effective vision rehabilitation interventions remains. PURPOSE: Patients with AMD experience low quality of life due to vision loss, despite angiogenesis inhibitor interventions that slow down progression for some patients. E-Scoop, which includes low-power prisms, 6% magnification, yellow tint, and antireflection coating, might aid in daily activities by improving distance viewing. Separately, these features have little proven effectiveness. E-Scoop has not been formally tested. This study aimed to determine the impact of E-Scoop on quality of life and the effect on visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. METHODS: In this randomized controlled, open-label trial, 190 of 226 eligible patients were included. The primary outcome was quality of life measured with the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The follow-up for quality of life was after 6 weeks for controls and after 3 weeks of use for E-Scoop wearers. The visual measures were repeated after 6 weeks, with optimal refractive correction, with and without E-Scoop. RESULTS: Randomization resulted in 99 E-Scoop and 86 control group patients for intention-to-treat analysis. No differential change was found between the E-Scoop and control groups on the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire using Rasch analysis (Cohen d = -0.07, P = .53). Statistically significant but small effects were found in favor of E-Scoop on binocular visual acuity (mean difference, 0.05 logMAR [2.5 letters, P < .001]) and contrast sensitivity (mean difference, 0.10 logCS [2 letters, P < .001]). CONCLUSIONS: No effect of E-Scoop on quality of life was found. E-Scoop showed effects that were statistically significant, although not clinically meaningful and within typical variability, on visual measures.

Measuring outcomes on a Medical Psychiatric Unit: HoNOS,, CANSAS and costs.

OBJECTIVE: To study the course of the functional status and healthcare needs of patients on a Medical Psychiatric Unit (MPU). METHODS: In a single-centre observational prospective design the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) and Camberwell Assessment of Needs Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS) instruments were administered at admission and discharge. Functional status and healthcare needs were assessed utilizing the HoNOS and CANSAS respectively. The total costs of healthcare claims related to the admission were calculated based on claims data. RESULTS: In total 50 patients were included with a mean improvement of 4.6 on the HoNOS and an effect size of 0.6.The total number of unmet needs fell from 208 to 115. The median costs per decreased HoNOS point were €2.842 and €6.880 per unmet need. DISCUSSION: Many patients improved, but due to a large standard deviation at baseline and a low Cronbach's alpha, only 4 patients showed a reliable improvement on functional status. That substantial remission was achieved was shown by the decrease in unmet needs of 93 (44.7%) for the whole group. These observations support the implementation of MPUs, although more research is warranted to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Shared Decision-Making in Kidney Patients: Involvement in Decisions Regarding the Quality of Deceased Donor Kidneys.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether kidney patients want to participate in decisions regarding the minimal acceptable quality of deceased donor kidneys. We also explored patients' opinions about the trade-off between a higher-quality organ with a longer waiting time vs a lower-quality organ with a shorter waiting time. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed among kidney patients. Additionally, a sub-sample of these patients participated in in-depth interviews, which were analyzed using the grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent of the patients wished to participate in decisions concerning the quality of a deceased donor kidney. The majority of the respondents indicated that they prefer a kidney of good quality and would therefore accept a longer waiting time. Responses to the qualitative interviews illustrated a more balanced choice regarding this trade-off. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients wish to be involved in deciding on the quality of the kidney, but it may evoke the experience of decisional conflicts when they have to make rational trade-offs between the desire for the best kidney at the expense of a longer waiting time.

Developing a decision tool to identify patients with personality disorders in need of highly specialized care.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend referral to highly specialized care for patients with severe personality disorders. However, criteria for allocation to highly specialized care are not clearly defined. The aim of the present study was to develop a decision tool that can support clinicians to identify patients with a personality disorder in need of highly specialized care. METHODS: Steps taken to develop a decision tool were a literature search, concept mapping, a meeting with experts and a validation study. RESULTS: The concept mapping method resulted in six criteria for the decision tool. The model used in concept mapping provided a good fit (stress value = 0.30) and reasonable reliability (ρ = 0.49). The bridging values were low, indicating homogeneity. The decision tool was subsequently validated by enrolling 368 patients from seven centers. A multilevel model with a Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) was applied. In this way, an easily implementable decision tool with relatively high sensitivity (0.74) and specificity (0.69) was developed. CONCLUSIONS: A decision tool to identify patients with personality disorders for highly specialized care was developed using advanced methods to combine the input of experts with currently available scientific knowledge. The tool appeared to be able to accurately identify this group of patients. Clinicians can use this decision tool to identify patients who are in need of highly specialized treatment.

A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing infliximab and etanercept in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis: the Psoriasis Infliximab vs. Etanercept Comparison Evaluation (PIECE) study.

BACKGROUND: There are currently no independent data available comparing infliximab and etanercept for the treatment of psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To compare these biologics without funding from pharmaceutical companies. METHODS: Overall, 50 patients were randomized to etanercept (n = 23) 50 mg subcutaneously twice weekly or infliximab (n = 25) 5 mg kg-1 intravenously at week 0, 2, 6, 14 and 22. After 24 weeks, 19 patients stopped and 22 continued treatment and were followed up to week 48. The primary outcome was ≥ 75% improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) at week 24. The secondary outcomes included PASI 75 at week 6 (onset of action) and week 12, Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), Patient Global Assessment, impact on quality of life (Skindex-17 and SF-36), Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire of Medication, duration of remission, maintenance treatment and safety. RESULTS: At week 24, PASI 75 was achieved in 72% (infliximab) vs. 35% (etanercept) (P = 0·01). The onset of action was achieved in 52% (infliximab) and 4% (etanercept). At week 12, 76% (infliximab) and 22% (etanercept) achieved PASI 75 (P < 0·001). At week 24, IGA 'clear or almost clear' was observed in 76% (infliximab) and 30% (etanercept) (P = 0·01). Skindex-17 symptom score was significantly better for infliximab. Maintenance treatment achieved PASI 75 for 67% (n = 6) infliximab vs. 50% (n = 5) etanercept, at week 48 (P = 0·65). Mild adverse events were reported in 76% (infliximab) vs. 66% (etanercept). CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab showed a rapid and significant higher level of efficacy until week 24 compared with etanercept. Long-term data showed no significant differences between both groups at week 48. Safety parameters were comparable.

Bullying, abuse and family conflict as risk factors for chronic pain among Dutch adolescents.

PURPOSE: Psychosocial stress seems to serve as an important risk factor for the occurrence of pain. The present study aims to examine if early adversities, e.g. bullying, abuse and family conflict are risk factors for chronic pain in adolescents. The secondary aim of the present study was to describe the pain characteristics of chronic pain in adolescents in a community sample of Dutch adolescents. METHODS: Participants in the present study were 15,220 adolescents, attending schools (grade 7 and 8) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Chronic pain was measured with a newly developed questionnaire; the Pain Barometer. Early adversities were measured using single-item questions from the Rotterdam Youth Monitor, a longitudinal youth health surveillance system. Cross-sectional associations between early adversities and chronic pain were investigated using logistic multilevel analysis, adjusted for potential confounding. RESULTS: In school year 2010-2011, 9.2% of the 15,220 adolescents reported chronic pain. Physical abuse by others (OR = 1.51, 95% CI =  1.07-2.14), sexual abuse (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.05-2.05), family conflict (OR = 1.79, 95% C = 1.61-1.99) and being bullied (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.17-1.29) are more common in adolescents with chronic pain. Physical abuse (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.95-1.71) by parents and parental divorce (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.93-1.22) were not significantly related to chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that bullying, abuse and family conflict may be risk factors for chronic pain in adolescents. Early signalling these stressors might prevent chronic pain. IMPLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTION: Early adversities, i.e. physical and sexual abuse, being bullied and family conflict, might be risk factors for developing chronic pain. In addition, the present study suggests that chronic pain is common among Dutch adolescents and interferes with their daily activities. If future studies confirm our results, this knowledge can be used to improve the signalling and prevention of chronic pain in adolescents.

Psychosocial consequences for partners of patients after total laryngectomy and for the relationship between patients and partners.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the long-term impact of a Total Laryngectomy (TL) on the partner and on the relationship between laryngectomees and their partners. METHODS: 151 laryngectomees and 144 partners completed questionnaires assessing the psychosocial impact of a TL on the partner (quality of life, anxiety and depression, loss of control, fear, hopelessness, post-traumatic growth, caregiving burden) and on the spousal relationship (change in the quality of the spousal relationship and openness to discussion of the illness in the family). RESULTS: A considerable number of partners of laryngectomees experience a psychosocial impact of the consequences of the TL, specifically on their social life (35%) and on their sexual relationship (31%). Also, the tendency of other people to neglect their laryngectomized life companion, affects more than half of the partners negatively. Clinical levels of anxiety and depression were found in around 20% of the partners. The consequences of a TL has a negative change on the sexual functioning for more than 30% of both laryngectomees and partners, the communication for around one fifth of both laryngectomees and partners, and feelings of dependency of the partner for one third of the laryngectomees. CONCLUSIONS: A TL has a considerable impact on the psychosocial life of partners of laryngectomees and on the spousal relationship. The findings of this explorative study sets the stage for structural screening on the need for support, not only for patients, but also for their partners. Sexuality and intimacy should be part of this screening.

Mental health among living kidney donors: a prospective comparison with matched controls from the general population.

The impact of living kidney donation on donors' mental health has not been sufficiently nor comprehensively studied. Earlier studies demonstrated that mental health did not change in the majority of donors, however they often lacked a suitable control group and/or had other methodological limitations. Consequently, it remains unclear whether changes in mental health found among a minority of donors reflect normal fluctuations. In this study we matched 135 donors with individuals from the general Dutch population on gender and baseline mental health and compared changes in mental health over time. Mental health was measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory and Mental Health Continuum Short Form. Primary analyses compared baseline and 6 months follow-up. Secondary analyses compared baseline and 9 (controls) or 15 months (donors) follow-up. Primary multilevel regression analyses showed that there was no change in psychological complaints (p = 0.20) and wellbeing (p = 0.10) over time and donors and controls did not differ from one another in changes in psychological complaints (p = 0.48) and wellbeing (p = 0.85). Secondary analyses also revealed no difference in changes between the groups. We concluded that changes in mental health in the short term after donation do not significantly differ from normal fluctuations found in the Dutch general population.

Home-based family intervention increases knowledge, communication and living donation rates: a randomized controlled trial.

Our aim was to develop and test an educational program to support well-informed decision making among patients and their social network regarding living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). One hundred sixty-three patients who were unable to find a living donor were randomized to standard care or standard care plus home-based education. In the education condition, patients and members of their social network participated in home-based educational meetings and discussed renal replacement therapy options. Patients and invitees completed pre-post self-report questionnaires measuring knowledge, risk perception, communication, self-efficacy and subjective norm. LDKT activities were observed for 6 months postintervention. Patients in the experimental group showed significantly more improvements in knowledge (p < 0.001) and communication (p = 0.012) compared with the control group. The invitees showed pre-post increases in knowledge (p < 0.001), attitude toward discussing renal replacement therapies (p = 0.020), attitude toward donating a kidney (p = 0.023) and willingness to donate a kidney (p = 0.039) and a decrease in risk perception (p = 0.003). Finally, there were significantly more inquiries (29/39 vs. 13/41, p < 0.001), evaluations (25/39 vs. 7/41, p < 0.001) and actual LDKTs (17/39 vs. 4/41, p = 0.003) in the experimental group compared with the control group. Home-based family education supports well-informed decision making and promotes access to LDKT.

Thirty down, only ten to go?! Awareness and influence of a 10-year time frame in TTO.

BACKGROUND: Time trade-off (TTO) exercises typically present respondents with a limited time horizon, for example 10 years, thus implicitly considerably reducing remaining life expectancy for the average respondent. It is unclear how this affects health state valuations. AIM: The aim of the study is to investigate how awareness of the reduced life span implied by a 10-year TTO affects health state valuations, using an experimental design. METHODS: Two Web-based questionnaires (Q1 and Q2) were administered in a sample representative of the Dutch population. Both questionnaires contained three 10-year TTO exercises valuing three distinct health states, specified using the EQ-5D. Q1 used a TTO instruction not explicitly emphasizing the fact that remaining life expectancy was reduced to 10 years, while in Q2 respondents were explicitly made aware of this fact by emphasizing their implied age of death. Respondents answering Q1 were asked retrospectively whether they had been aware of their reduced life span due to the 10-year TTO. RESULTS: In total, 656 respondents completed the questionnaires (Q1: 339 and Q2: 317). The average age of the respondents was 43 years and 51 % of respondents were male. The average numbers of years traded off for the respondents of Q1 were for TTO1 0.443, TTO2 0.552, and TTO3 2.083 years. For the respondents of Q2, these averages were lower, i.e., TTO1 0.401 (p = 0.085 vs. Q1), TTO2: 0.546 (p = 0.036 vs. Q1), and TTO3: 1.467 years (p = 0.000 vs. Q1). Fifty-seven percent of respondents in Q1 confirmed that they were aware of the reduced life span. This spontaneous awareness had a limited and mixed influence on results. The generalized negative binomial regression analysis, explaining the time traded off showed that age, subjective life expectancy, and questionnaire Q2 (vs. Q1) were negatively associated with the years traded off, whereas education and worse health states in the TTO exercise had a significant positive impact on the years traded off. The probit model investigating the impact on the willingness to trade showed that age (-), education (+), subjective life expectancy (-), questionnaire Q2 versus Q1 (-), the interaction between Q2 and male gender (+), and worse health states in the TTO exercise (+) had a significant impact on the willingness to trade. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the importance of expected and implied life expectancy in TTOs.

Anxiety and depressive symptoms before and after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has suboptimal postoperative results in terms of Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs), and psychological factors could contribute to these suboptimal results. OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing primary THA or TKA preoperatively and postoperatively, and the relationship between preoperative anxiety and depressive symptoms on PROs of THA and TKA. DESIGN: In this prospective study patients were measured preoperatively, and 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Patients filled in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) or Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) and a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 149 hip and 133 knee patients. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms decreased significantly from 27.9% to 10.8% 12 months postoperatively in hip patients, and from 20.3% to 14.8% in knee patients. Depressive symptoms decreased significantly from 33.6% to 12.1% 12 months postoperatively in hip patients, and from 22.7% to 11.7% in knee patients. In hip and knee patients, preoperative depressive symptoms predicted smaller changes in different HOOS or KOOS subscales and patients were less satisfied 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperatively, the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was high. At 3 and 12 months postoperatively, the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was decreased in both hip and knee patients. However, patients with preoperative anxiety and depressive symptoms had worse PROs 3 and 12 months after THA and TKA and were less satisfied than patients without anxiety or depressive symptoms.

Quality of life among patients with severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The disease burden of patients with severe aortic stenosis is not often explored, while the incidence is increasing and many patients who have an indication for aortic valve replacement are not referred for surgery. We studied the quality of life of 191 patients with severe aortic stenosis, hypothesising that symptomatic patients have a far worse quality of life than the general population, which could enforce the indication for surgery. METHODS: The SF-36v2 Health Survey was completed by 191 consecutive patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. RESULTS: Asymptomatic patients (n = 59) had health scores comparable with the general Dutch population but symptomatic patients (n = 132) scored significantly lower across different age categories. Physical functioning, general health and vitality were impaired, as well as social functioning and emotional well-being. There was no relation between degree of stenosis and physical or mental health scores. CONCLUSIONS: Both physical and emotional problems have a major impact on normal daily life and social functioning of symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis, regardless of age. If the aortic stenosis is above the 'severe' threshold, the degree of stenosis does not predict disease burden. These results encourage to reconsider a conservative approach in symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis. Using the SF-36v2 Health Survey together with this study, an individual patient's quality of life profile can be assessed and compared with the patient group or with the general population. This can assist in decision making for the individual patient.

The effect of aortic valve replacement on quality of life in symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Although symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis have a high disease burden and guidelines recommend aortic valve replacement, many are treated conservatively. This study describes to what extent quality of life is changed by aortic valve replacement relative to conservative treatment. METHODS: This observational study followed 132 symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis who were subjected to an SF-36v2TM Health Survey. RESULTS: At baseline 84 patients were treated conservatively, 48 were referred for aortic valve replacement. In the conservatively treated group 15 patients died during a mean follow-up of 18 months (Kaplan-Meier survival was 85 % and 72 % at one and 2 years respectively) and 22 patients crossed over to the surgical group. Of the resulting 70 patients in the surgical group 3 patients died during a mean follow-up of 11 months (survival 95 % at 1 year). Physical functioning, vitality and general health improved significantly 1 year after aortic valve replacement. In conservatively treated patients physical quality of life deteriorated over time while general health, vitality and social functioning showed a declining trend. Mental health remained stable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve replacement improves physical quality of life, general health and vitality in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Besides having a low life expectancy, conservatively treated patients experience deterioration of physical quality of life. Health surveys such as the SF-36v2TM can be valuable tools in monitoring the burden of disease for an individual patient and offer additional help in treatment decisions.

In search of patient characteristics that may guide empirically based treatment selection for personality disorder patients-a concept map approach.

Using the concept map method, this study aimed to summarize and describe patient characteristics pertinent to treatment selection for patients with personality disorders (PDs). Initial patient characteristics were derived from the research literature and a survey among Dutch expert clinicians. Concept mapping is a formalized conceptualization procedure that describes the underlying cognitive structures people use in complex tasks, such as treatment allocation. Based on expert opinions of 29 Dutch clinicians, a concept map was generated that yielded eight domains of patient characteristics, i.e., Severity of symptoms, Severity of personality pathology, Ego-adaptive capacities, Motivation and working alliance, Social context, Social demographic characteristics, Trauma, and Treatment history and medical condition. These domains can be ordered along two bipolar axes, running from internal to external concepts and from vulnerability to strength concepts, respectively. Our findings may serve as input for the delineation of algorithms for patient-treatment matching research in PD.

Pregnancy and liver adenoma management: PALM-study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) in pregnant women requires special considerations because of the risk of hormone induced growth and spontaneous rupture, which may threaten the life of both mother and child. Due to scarcity of cases there is no evidence-based algorithm for the evaluation and management of HCA during pregnancy. Most experts advocate that women with HCA should not get pregnant or advise surgical resection before pregnancy. Whether it is justified to deny a young woman a pregnancy, as the biological behavior may be less threatening than presumed depends on the incidence of HCA growth and the subsequent clinical events during pregnancy.We aim to investigate the management and outcome of HCA during pregnancy and labor based on a prospectively acquired online database in the Netherlands. METHODS/DESIGN: The Pregnancy And Liver adenoma Management (PALM) - study is a multicentre prospective study in three cohorts of pregnant patients. In total 50 pregnant patients, ≥ 18 years of age with a radiologically and/or histologically proven diagnosis of HCA will be included in the study. Radiological diagnosis of HCA will be based on contrast enhanced MRI. Lesions at inclusion must not exceed 5 cm. The study group will be compared to a healthy control group of 63 pregnant patients and a group of 63 pregnant patients with diabetes mellitus without HCA. During their pregnancy HCA patients will be closely monitored by means of repetitive ultrasound (US) at 14, 20, 26, 32 and 38 weeks of gestation and 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Both control groups will undergo US of the liver at 14 weeks of gestation to exclude HCA lesions in the liver. All groups will be asked to fill out quality of life related questionnaires. DISCUSSION: The study will obtain information about the behaviour of HCA during pregnancy, the clinical consequences for mother and child and the impact of having a HCA during pregnancy on the health related quality of life of these young women. As a result of this study we will propose a decision-making model for the management of HCA during pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch trial register: NTR3034.

Deriving reference values and utilities for the QoL-AGHDA in adult GHD.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) measures are important in growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in adults. Ideally, for use in health economics, QoL should be expressed in utilities. The aim of this study was to obtain reference values and utilities for QoL of GHD in adults in Belgium and the Netherlands. METHODS: The study was conducted in three stages: (1) The Quality of Life-Assessment for Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults (QoL-AGHDA) and the EQ-5D were administered in a representative sample of 6,875 individuals from the Belgian and 1,400 individuals from the general Dutch population. The EQ-5D(index) can be used to estimate utilities. Using a regression, utilities were predicted from the QoL-AGHDA. (2) QoL-AGHDA scores were obtained from 299 Belgian and 234 Dutch adult patients with GHD and no GH replacement. These scores were converted to utilities and compared the burden of disease with other patient groups. (3) To test the criterion validity, the 'standard' EQ-5D(index) was used in a subsample of 64 Dutch GHD patients and compared with the predicted utilities. RESULTS: We obtained data from 1,026 Belgian (response rate = 15%) and 1,038 Dutch respondents (response rate = 74%). The Belgian mean QoL-AGHDA value was 6.95 (90% range = 14.00), and the Dutch mean was 5.48 (range = 13.00). The R (2) of the regression model to predict the EQ-5D(index) was 0.360 (Belgium) and 0.482 (the Netherlands). We demonstrated a considerable burden of disease in GHD patients, comparable to patients with hypertension or with type II diabetes. The criterion validity was 0.407 (intraclass correlation, ICC). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions in GHD can now be evaluated more validly in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Metamemory and memory test performance in stroke patients.

Memory Self-Efficacy (MSE) has been shown to be related to memory performance and social participation in a healthy elderly population. This relation is unclear in stroke. As about 30% of all stroke survivors report memory complaints, there is an urgent need for effective treatment strategies. Before implementing MSE as a potential target in memory training, it should be examined whether the association between MSE and memory performance demonstrated in healthy elderly people also applies in stroke patients. This study therefore explored the predictive value of MSE on two kinds of memory tests in stroke patients; adjusted and unadjusted for age, gender, education and location of stroke. In 57 stroke patients, the Metamemory in Adulthood Questionnaire (MIA), an everyday memory test (RBMT) and a more traditional memory test (AVLT) were completed. The results show that MSE significantly predicts memory test performance on both memory tests (RBMT: beta = .34; p = .01 AVLT: beta = .28; p = .04). When adjusted for gender, age, education and location of stroke, the predictive value of MSE remained significant for the AVLT (RBMT: beta = .23; p = .07; AVLT: beta = .23; p = .05). The results support the hypothesis that MSE predicts test performance in stroke patients and, by consequence, enables improving memory performance in post-acute memory rehabilitation after stroke.

Large-scale screening and subsequent effects of migraine treatment on the work floor in the Netherlands.

In a large retail business group the ID Migraine Screening Test was sent to employees with three or more absences from work in the past year (n = 2893). Employees with positive results were invited for a neurological consultation and migraine patients were randomly assigned to: first attack 'treated as usual' and the second attack treated with 40 mg eletriptan, or reversed order. Of the 2893 employees, 799 responded (28%), 260 were positively screened for migraine (33%), 84 patients were diagnosed by a neurologist and 41 of the 75 included patients completed the protocol. Eletriptan induced pain-free response in 33.3% of the patients at 4 h compared with 0% after 'non-specific' treatment (P = 0.03). Eletriptan also significantly improved quality of life, but differences in absence from work and productivity loss could not be detected. In conclusion, in-company screening can be beneficial for undertreated employees, but implementation obstacles can reduce the effectiveness of screening.