Limited predictive value of admission time in clinical psychiatry.

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of admissions to psychiatric hospitals happen as emergency admissions and many of them occur out of core working hours (during the weekends, on public holidays and during night time). However, very little is known about what determines admission times and whether the information of admission time bears any relevance for the clinical course of the patients. In other words, do admission times correlate with diagnostic groups? Can accumulations of crises be detected regarding circadian or weekly rhythms? Can any differences between workdays and weekends/public holidays be detected? May it even be possible to use information on admission times as a predictor for clinical relevance and severity of the presented condition measured by the length of stay? METHODS: In the present manuscript we analyzed data derived from 37'705 admissions to the Psychiatric District Hospital of Regensburg located in the Southern part of Germany covering the years 2013 to 2018 with regard to ICD-10 diagnostic groups and admission times. The hospital provides 475 beds for in-patient treatment in all fields of clinical psychiatry including geriatrics and addiction medicine. RESULTS: Several core questions could be answered based on our analysis: 1st Our analysis confirms that there is a high percentage of unheralded admissions out of core time showing broad variation. 2nd In contrary to many psychiatrists' misconceptions the time of admission has no relevant impact on the length of stay in the hospital. 3rd The predictive value of admission time regarding the allocation to ICD-10 diagnostic groups is low explaining only 1% of variability. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data reveal the enormous variation of admission times of psychiatric patients accounting for the need of adequate and consistent provision of personnel and spatial resources.

Somatic symptom severity, depression and anxiety associations with pancreatitis and undifferentiated abdominal pain in surgical inpatients.

BACKGROUND: Somatic Symptom Disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes the experience of physical symptoms and associated distress, that is disproportionate to recognized organic pathology. Somatic symptom severity (SSS) may be associated with some surgical diagnoses; particularly the complex pain associated with pancreatitis, or the diagnostic ambiguity of undifferentiated abdominal pain (UAP). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of SSS in different diagnostic groups in surgical inpatients with abdominal pain; and to estimate the magnitude and direction of any association of SSS, anxiety and depression. METHODS: Cross sectional analysis (n = 465) of adult admissions with non-traumatic abdominal pain, at a tertiary hospital in Australia. We estimated SSS with the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety with the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), at standard cut-points ≥ 10; comparing acute pancreatitis (n = 20), chronic pancreatitis (n = 18) and UAP (n = 64) versus other causes of abdominal pain. RESULTS: Somatic symptoms were common, 52% having moderate and 19.6% severe SSS. There was an association between moderate SSS and pancreatitis (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.05-4.25) and depressive symptoms and chronic pancreatitis (OR = 3.47, 95% CI 1.31-9.24). There was no significant association between the four mental health categories and UAP. CONCLUSIONS: SSS and psychological comorbidity were common in a surgical inpatients admitted for abdominal pain and equally represented across most diagnostic sub-groups. However, the pancreatitis sub-group had greater proportions with clinically significant SSS and depression, suggesting that they have a higher requirement for psychological assessment and intervention.

Hospitalizations Among Chernobyl-Exposed Immigrants to the Negev of Israel, 1992-2017: A Historical Follow-Up Study.

On April 26th, 1986 the nuclear reactor at Chernobyl, Ukraine exploded, causing the worst radiation disaster in history. The aim was to estimate hospitalization rates among exposed civilians who later immigrated to Israel. We conducted a historical follow-up study, among persons exposed to Chernobyl (n = 1128) using linked hospitalization records from Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC), compared with immigrants from other areas of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) (n = 11,574), immigrants not from FSU (n = 11,742) and native-born Israelis (n = 8351), matched on age and gender (N = 32,795). Hospitalizations for specific ICD-10 coded diagnostic groups were analyzed by exposure and comparison groups by gender and age at accident. In addition, the rate of hospitalization, and the duration of hospital days and the number of hospitalizations for these selected diagnostic groups was also calculated. Hospitalizations for specific ICD-10 coded diagnostic groups and for any hospitalization in these diagnostic groups in general were analyzed by exposure and comparison groups and by covariates (gender and age at accident). The rate of any hospitalization for the selected diagnostic groups was elevated in the low exposure Chernobyl group (51.1%), which was significantly higher than the immigrant (41.6%) and the Israel-born comparison group (35.1%) (p < .01) but did not differ from either the high exposure group (46.9%) or the FSU comparison group (46.4%), according to the post-hoc tests. The total number of hospitalizations in the low exposure Chernobyl group (2.35) differed from the immigrant (1.73) and Israel comparison group (1.26) (p < .01) but did not differ from the FSU comparison group (1.73) or the high exposure group (2.10). Low exposure women showed higher rates of circulatory hospitalizations (33.8%) compared to immigrants (22.8%) and Israeli born (16.5%), while high exposure women (27.5%) only differed from Israelis (p < .01). Neither exposure group differed from FSU immigrant women on the rate of circulatory hospitalizations. Post-hoc tests showed that among women in the low exposure group, there was a significant difference in rate of hospitalizations for neoplasms (28.6%) compared to the three comparison groups; FSU (18.6%), immigrants (15.7%) and Israel (13.1) (p < .01). Those among the low exposure group who were over the age of 20 at the time of the accident showed the higher rates of circulatory (51.2%) and neoplasm hospitalizations (33.3%), compared to the other immigrant groups (p < .01). When controlling for both age at accident and gender, hospitalizations for neoplasms were higher among Chernobyl-exposed populations (RR = 1.65, RR = 1.77 for high and low-exposure groups, respectively) compared to other FSU immigrants (RR = 1.31) other immigrants (RR = 1.11) and Israeli born (RR = 1.0) after controlling for gender and age at accident. High RRs attributable to Chernobyl exposure were also found for circulatory diseases compared to other immigrants and Israeli born (RRs = 1.50, 1.47 for high and low exposure compared to 1.11. and 1.0, other immigrants and Israeli born, respectively). Endocrine problems and disorders of the eye also showed elevated RR compared to the immigrant comparison groups. Respiratory and mental disorders did not show any consistent association with Chernobyl exposure. The findings support unique Chernobyl morbidity associations only in some diagnostic groups, particularly for low exposure women. General immigration effects on hospitalizations compared to the Israeli born population were found on all diagnostic groups. There is a need to improve the services and medical follow-up for these Chernobyl exposed groups in specific diagnostic groups.

Trend of emergency department presentations with a mental health diagnosis in Australia by diagnostic group, 2004-05 to 2016-17.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends of ED presentations with a mental health (MH) diagnosis in Australia and its jurisdictions by diagnostic group between 2004-05 and 2016-17. METHODS: Data comprised ED presentations with a principal diagnosis of ICD-10-AM F00-F99 (MHdx ) captured within the National Non-Admitted Patient Emergency Department Care Database. Trends in absolute number and rates of MHdx presentations per 10 000 population were assessed as differences (x-fold) and annual growth rates (average and compound). RESULTS: Increased presentation rates were observed for most diagnostic groups, except for mental retardation (F70-F79) and mood disorders (F30-F39). The greatest absolute increase was for psychoactive substance use-related disorders (F10-F19), and relative increase, unspecified mental disorder (F99). There was differentiation across jurisdictions regarding rates of and growth in presentations. In 2016-17, rates at least twice the national average were observed for psychoactive substance-use (F10-F19), schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (F20-F29) and childhood and adolescence onset disorders (F90-F98) in the Northern Territory, F90-F98 in South Australia, personality disorders (F60-F69) in Tasmania and unspecified mental disorder (F99) in New South Wales. The most marked growth was observed for F99 in New South Wales. CONCLUSION: Between 2004-05 and 2016-17, rates of ED presentations increased across most MH diagnostic groups, but particularly psychoactive substance use-related disorders. To reduce the need for MH crisis care in Australian EDs, strategies are required to reduce psychoactive substance use in the community, and policies may be needed to strengthen the capability of community MH services and primary care professionals to recognise, diagnose and treat earlier in the course of illness.

Accounting for differences in risk of HCV re-infection by mental health diagnoses.

INTRODUCTION: There is widespread concern regarding the potential for hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection among key populations, particularly among people who inject drugs (PWID) and those living with a mental health condition. Area Covered: In this editorial we discuss the potential for specific mental health diagnoses (e.g., bipolar vs. substance use associated mania, vs. schizophrenia related disorders) to impact reinfection risk. This is an important consideration given distinct variations in risk behaviors for blood-borne virus infections (e.g., needle sharing) and patterns of health service use between diagnoses. Consideration of psychotropic agents may also have an effect on HCV reinfection given the supplemental influence of certain agents (e.g., typical antipsychotic drugs) on risk behaviours. Expert Commentary: An improved understanding of these effects may foster the beginning of a new era in the response to the optimal delivery of harm reduction programs and HCV care among PWID and those living with a mental health condition.

Noncommunicable chronic diseases clusters in Brazilian adults and older adults: correlations as multimorbidity / Agrupamento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em adultos e idosos brasileiros: correlações como multimorbidade

Abstract Background Health has dynamic conditions and overlapping pathophysiological factors. For health prevention and promotion, actions are necessary to understand the most common risk combinations. Objective Describe noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) clusters and investigate specific multimorbidity combinations in Brazilian adults and older adults. Method This study used data from Vigitel 2013 survey held in the Brazilian capitals (52,929 interviews). A self-report of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity was used. The analyses were the descriptive cluster of NCDs and an adjusted binary logistic regression (odds ratio [OR]), stratified by age. Results Among adults, the clusters of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity (O/E = 18.74) and diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (O/E = 16.83) were higher. There was a higher clustering between diabetes and obesity (O/E = 7.25). Among adults, diabetes was associated with dyslipidemia (OR: 3.04), hypertension (OR: 3.84), and hypertension with obesity (OR: 3.34). In older adults, hypertension was associated with diabetes (OR: 2.79), dyslipidemia (OR: 2.06), and obesity (OR: 2.26). Conclusion Other diseases combined with diabetes and hypertension were more frequent in adults and older adults. It is suggested to combine preventive and control measures for these diseases for the non-occurrence of new diagnoses.

Resumo Introdução A saúde apresenta condições dinâmicas e fatores fisiopatológicos sobrepostos. Para ações de prevenção e promoção da saúde é necessário entender as combinações comuns de risco. Objetivo Descrever os agrupamentos de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) e investigar combinações específicas de multimorbidade em adultos e idosos no Brasil. Método Este estudo utilizou dados da pesquisa Vigitel 2013, realizada nas capitais brasileiras (total de 52.929 entrevistas). Foi utilizado um relato de diabetes, dislipidemia, hipertensão e obesidade. Nas análises foram utilizados o agrupamento descritivo de DCNT e uma regressão logística binária ajustada (razão de odds [RO]), estratificada por idade. Resultados Entre os adultos, os grupos de diabetes, dislipidemia, hipertensão e obesidade (O / E = 18,74), bem como diabetes, hipertensão e obesidade (O / E = 16,83) foram maiores. Nos idosos, houve maior agrupamento entre diabetes e obesidade (O / E = 7,25). Entre os adultos, o diabetes foi associado à dislipidemia (RO: 3,04) e hipertensão (RO: 3,84), enquanto a hipertensão à obesidade (RO: 3,34). Nos idosos, a hipertensão foi associada a diabetes (RO: 2,79), dislipidemia (RO: 2,06) e obesidade (RO: 2,26). Conclusão Os agrupamentos de outras doenças combinadas com diabetes e hipertensão foram mais frequentes em adultos e idosos. Sugere-se que além das medidas existentes de prevenção para essas doenças também sejam propostas medidas de controle para a não ocorrência de novos diagnósticos.

Síndrome metabólica em adolescentes: comparação entre três diferentes critérios diagnósticos / Metabolic syndrome in adolescents: comparison between three different diagnostic criteria

Objetivo: verificar a diferença na proporção de adolescentes com síndrome metabólica, identificada por três diferentes critérios diagnósticos. Metodologia: estudo descritivo e transversal, realizado com 716 adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos, de escolas municipais e estaduais da cidade de Picos, Piauí. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se um instrumento para verificação de dados socioeconômicos, antropométricos, bioquímicos e da pressão arterial. A síndrome metabólica foi definida por três critérios diagnósticos diferentes: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Cook e Ferranti. Para a análise da diferença entre as médias utilizouse o teste t, e o coeficiente Kappa para a concordância entre os critérios. Resultados: A síndrome foi observada em 3,1, 8,5 e 1,4 % dos adolescentes, de acordo com as definições de Cook, Ferranti, e da International Diabetes Federation, respectivamente. Na verificação dos critérios em pares a concordância entre: IDF e Cook foi 98,3% (Kappa = 0,618; p = 0,000); IDF e Ferranti foi 91,4% (Kappa = 0,228; p = 0,000); Cook e Ferranti foi 92,9% (Kappa = 0,425; p = 0,000). Conclusão: Foi possível observar considerável diferença entre os critérios para o diagnóstico, sugerindo pouca prevalência da síndrome por falta de consenso dos critérios diagnósticos em adolescentes.

Objective: To verify the difference in the proportion of adolescents with metabolic syndrome, identified by three different diagnostic criteria. Methodology: Descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with 716 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old from state and municipal schools in the city of Picos, Piauí. For data collection, an instrument was used to verify socioeconomic, anthropometric, biochemical and blood pressure data. Metabolic syndrome was defined by three different diagnostic criteria: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Cook and Ferranti. For the analysis of the difference between the averages we used the ttest and the Kappa coefficient for agreement between the criteria. Results: The syndrome was observed in 3.1, 8.5 and 1.4% of adolescents, according to the definitions of Cook, Ferranti, and the International Diabetes Federation, respectively. In the paired criteria verification the agreement between IDF and Cook was 98.3% (Kappa = 0.618; p=0.000); IDF and Ferranti was 91.4% (Kappa = 0.228; p=0.000); Cook and Ferranti was 92.9% (Kappa = 0.425; p=0.000). Conclusion: It was possible to observe considerable difference between the criteria for the diagnosis of the syndrome, suggesting low prevalence of the syndrome due to lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria in adolescents.

Clinical results of 40 years of paediatric keratoplasty in a single university eye clinic.

PURPOSE: To evaluate indications for paediatric keratoplasty in recipients aged ≤16 years and assess long-term clinical outcome. METHOD: Recipients were identified from records of the Danish Cornea Bank. Data were collected from patient journals, clinical follow-up examinations and questionnaires and stratified into pre-, peri- and postoperative variables. Diagnoses were classified into acquired traumatic, acquired nontraumatic and congenital groups. Recipients were divided into groups of <8 and ≥8 years. Data were analyzed using relative percentages and Kaplan-Meier survival plots. RESULTS: Thirty-three out of sixty identified recipients (73 keratoplasties in 63 eyes) were invited. Twenty-four accepted, seven still attended follow-up in our clinic. Follow-up data reached 95% of the eligible recipients (median follow-up 11 years). Twenty-three per cent were <8 years and 77%≤8 years. Diagnoses were mainly acquired nontraumatic (69%), acquired traumatic (12%) and congenital (7%). Indications were primarily optical (52%) or tectonic (41%). Graft survival was best in the acquired nontraumatic group (except regrafts) (median survival 15-20 years) and poorest in the regraft subgroup as well as the acquired traumatic and congenital groups (median survival 1-2 years). Graft failure was higher in the youngest with predisposing risk factors and in combined procedures. In terms of indications, visual improvement and eye preservation was achieved in 70%. CONCLUSION: Paediatric keratoplasty was successful regarding indication. Graft survival was best in the acquired nontraumatic group and poorest in the congenital group. Vascularization and/or combined risk factors, additional surgeries and young recipient age influenced negatively on graft survival.