Testing the effectiveness and acceptability of online supportive supervision for mental health practitioners in humanitarian settings: a study protocol for the caring for carers project.

BACKGROUND: Local humanitarian workers in low and middle-income countries must often contend with potentially morally injurious situations, often with limited resources. This creates barriers to providing sustainable mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to displaced individuals. Clinical supervision is an often neglected part of ensuring high-quality, sustainable care. The Caring for Carers (C4C) project aims to test the effectiveness and acceptability of online group-based supportive supervision on the well-being of MHPSS practitioners, as well as service-user-reported service satisfaction and quality when working with displaced communities in Türkiye, Syria, and Bangladesh. This protocol paper describes the aim, design, and methodology of the C4C project. METHOD: A quasi-experimental, mixed-method, community-based participatory research study will be conducted to test the effectiveness of online group-based supportive clinical supervision provided to 50 Syrian and 50 Bangladeshi MHPSS practitioners working with Syrian and Rohingya displaced communities. Monthly data will be collected from the practitioners and their beneficiaries during the active control (six months) and supervision period (16 months over two terms). Outcomes are psychological distress (Kessler-6), burnout (the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory), compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and secondary traumatic stress (Professional Quality of Life Scale), perceived injustice, clinical self-efficacy (Counseling Activity Self-Efficacy Scale), service satisfaction, and quality (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and an 18-item measure developed in this project). A realist evaluation framework will be used to elucidate the contextual factors, mechanisms, and outcomes of the supervision intervention. DISCUSSION: There is a scarcity of evidence on the role of clinical supervision in improving the well-being of MHPSS practitioners and the quality of service they provide to displaced people. By combining qualitative and quantitative data collection, the C4C project will address the long-standing question of the effectiveness and acceptability of clinical supervision in humanitarian settings.

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass graft surgery versus percutaneous coronary intervention of the LAD: costs and long-term outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Outcomes and treatment costs for coronary artery disease involving the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) are influenced by the type of treatment, which can be either isolated minimally invasive revascularization of the LAD using the internal thoracic artery (ITA) (MIDCAB) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the LAD. This retrospective study sought to evaluate long-term survival, freedom from re-intervention and cost analysis after MIDCAB compared to PCI on the LAD. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2012, from a total of 561 patients, 106 consecutive patients with LAD stenosis underwent a MIDCAB procedure whereas 100 patients underwent elective PCI. Urgent and emergent cases were excluded from the present study (n = 355). Detailed analysis of the outcome data was performed for both groups. A Kaplan-Meier survival estimation with up to 10-year follow-up was applied for both groups for survival analysis and freedom from re-intervention. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in terms of clinically relevant baseline characteristics. The outcome in the MIDCAB group was superior regarding long-term overall survival, accounting for 100% versus 92.8% at 1 year, 98.5% versus 82.1% at 6 years and 79.6% versus 61.5% at 10 years (Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) p = 0.011) and freedom from re-intervention at 10 years (97.2% vs. 86.7%, Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) p = 0.001). Intensive care unit (ICU) stay (p = 0.020) and total hospital stay (p<0.001) were significantly longer in the MIDCAB group, which was also associated with higher in-hospital costs (10,879 € vs. 4009 €, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Whereas patients undergoing MIDCAB remained longer on ICU and in hospital, causing higher costs, this procedure was associated with a significantly lower incidence of repeat revascularization and significantly lower mortality compared to PCI on the LAD.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. Experience from the Western Province of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience implementing decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) for eligible patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarcts. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of malignant MCA infarction patients requiring DH at King Abdulaziz University Hospital & King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between October 2010 and July 2015. Clinical outcome was assessed immediately postoperatively using Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), and at 12 months using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and Barthel index. Survival was evaluated at thirty-days and one year after surgery. RESULTS: Six out of 10 patients diagnosed with malignant MCA infarction underwent DH. Among the surgically treated patients (n=6), 4 were males (66%), and the median age was 22.5 years. The median time from admission to surgery was 35.5 hours. The median post-operative GCS was 6.5. Three patients (50%) died within 30 days of DH. In those who survived, the median mRS was 4.5 and BI was 7.5. CONCLUSION: Decompressive hemicraniectomy saves life and has the potential of improving survival functional outcome when done fast and in carefully selected patients. We call for national awareness of the management of such cases and early intervention.

Measuring the effectiveness of hybrid diabetes care over 90 days through continuous data monitoring in type 2 diabetic patients.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus, a global health challenge, affects 537 million individuals. Traditional management relies on periodic clinic visits, but technological advancements, including remote monitoring, offer transformative changes. Telemedicine enhances access, convenience, adherence, and glycemic control. Challenges include trust-building and limitations in face-to-face interactions. Integrating remote monitoring with in-person healthcare creates a hybrid approach. This study evaluates the impact on Type 2 Diabetes patients over 3 months. Methods: A retrospective case-control observational study. Inclusion criteria involved previous Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis and a minimum 3-month GluCare model period with two physical visits. Patients in the case group had in-clinic visits, bi-weekly app engagement, and monthly body weight readings. Control group had in-clinic visits only. Outcomes measured included HbA1c, lipid profile, CV risk, eGFR, urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio, Uric Acid, and CRP. Results: Case group showed significant HbA1c improvements (-2.19%), especially in higher baseline levels. Weight, BMI, LDL, total cholesterol, and CVD risk also improved. Controls showed smaller improvements. Higher digital interactions correlated with better outcomes. Patients with ≥11 interactions showed significant reductions in HbA1c (-2.38%) and weight (-6.00 kg). Conclusion: The GluCare.Health hybrid model demonstrates promising outcomes in Type 2 diabetes management. The integration of in-clinic consultations with continuous remote monitoring leads to substantial improvements in glycemic control and clinical parameters. The study highlights the importance of patient engagement in achieving positive outcomes, with higher digital interactions associated with greater reductions in HbA1c and weight. The hybrid approach proves more effective than digital-only interventions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, end-to-end solutions in diabetes care.

Effectiveness of a hybrid technology enabled care model as measured by ICHOM standard set on established and managed type 2 diabetes already using medications: A RWE retrospective study.

Aims: Diabetes is a pressing global health issue, demanding innovative strategies for improved treatment. However, traditional care often falls short of patient goals. To address this, digital health solutions, including smartphone apps and remote monitoring, have emerged as crucial in diabetes management. This study aims to assess a comprehensive intervention, combining remote continuous data monitoring (RCDM) with in-clinic care, for enhancing diabetes-related outcomes. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital RCDM component by comparing adherent and non-adherent patients. Methods: Conducted in the United Arab Emirates, a retrospective study involved 89 patients primarily on anti-diabetic medications. They were split into two groups based on adherence to RCDM. Over time, significant improvements were observed across various parameters. Results: Notably, patients exhibited weight loss (-4.0 ± 5.3, p < 0.001), reduced waist circumference (-4.74 ± 7.8, p < 0.001), lowered HbA1c levels (-1.00 ± 1.3, p < 0.001), decreased systolic BP (-3.1 ± 13.1, p = 0.035), and diminished diastolic BP (-3.4 ± 9.9, p = 0.002) annually. Furthermore, patients adhering to the GluCare model demonstrated substantial HbA1c reductions (-1.53 ± 1.5, p < 0.001), improved lipid profiles, notably decreased total Cholesterol (-16.6 ± 50.3, p = 0.034), and lowered LDL levels (-18.65 ± 42.6, p = 0.006). Conclusions: The intervention model effectively managed T2D patients through a comprehensive approach, yielding notable improvements in HbA1c levels and other outcomes within a year. The study underscores the limitations of traditional care and reliance simply on pharmacotherapy, and emphasizes the need for a hyper-personalized, and continuous approach for T2D management.

Severe proximal myopathy with remarkable recovery after vitamin D treatment.

BACKGROUND: Osteomalacia is an uncommon cause of muscle weakness. Our objectives were to describe features of myopathy associated with Vitamin D deficiency and examine the contributing factors leading to osteomalacic myopathy in our region. METHODS: Patients identified retrospectively for the six year period ending in December 2006 with the diagnosis of osteomalacia and/or Vitamin D deficiency associated proximal muscle weakness were included. They were followed in three major centers in western Saudi Arabia. Clinical, biochemical, radiological, and electrophysiological findings were collected before and after Vitamin D treatment by chart review. RESULTS: Forty seven female patients aged 13-46 years (mean 23.5, SD 4.5) were included. All were veiled and covered heavily when outside the house for social and cultural reasons. Only eight (17%) had adequate varied diet with daily milk ingestion. All patients presented with progressive proximal muscle weakness lasting 6-24 months (mean 14) prior to our evaluation. The weakness was severe in six (13%) patients leading to wheel chair bound states. Associated musculoskeletal pain involving the back, hips, or lower limbs was common (66%). Osteomalcia was the referral diagnosis in only 11 patients and the remaining 36 (77%) patients were misdiagnosed. All patients had metabolic and radiological profiles suggestive of osteomalacia. Remarkable recovery was documented in all patients following oral cholecalciferol and calcium supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is an important treatable cause of osteomalacic myopathy in Saudi Arabia. The diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed. Screening for Vitamin D deficiency in patients with acquired myopathy is needed to identify this treatable disorder.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis presenting with unilateral periodic myoclonic jerks.

BACKGROUND: Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare complication of measles virus infection. The disease is characterized by behavioural abnormalities, intellectual deterioration, motor weakness, and generalized myoclonic jerks progressing to coma and death in one to two years in 80% of the cases. The myoclonic jerks are associated with characteristic generalized slow periodic complexes on electroencephalography (EEG). The symptoms and signs of SSPE are frequently quite variable. The clinical course is equally variable and difficult to predict. The characteristic periodic myoclonus can rarely occur unilaterally particularly in the early stages of the disease. As well, the periodic EEG complexes have been reported unilaterally in up to 3% of cases. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old boy, who was seen at a later stage with atypical manifestation of myoclonic body jerks confined entirely unilaterally, combined with contralateral periodic EEG complexes. One could assume clinically that the more diseased hemisphere was responsible for generating the jerks. However, brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed asymmetric hemispheric changes suggesting that the less neurologically damaged hemisphere is responsible for generating the unilateral myoclonic jerks. This has led to the interpretation that the more severely damaged hemisphere has lost the neuronal connectivity required to generate these periodic myoclonic jerks. CONCLUSIONS: Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis may have asymmetric hemispheric involvement, not only early, but also in the advanced stages of the disease, which can result in unilateral periodic myoclonic jerks.

Central fever due to hypothalamic lesion in a patient with tuberculous meningitis.

Abnormalities of body temperature are perhaps the most common features in many systemic pathologic processes. Such pathologic alterations are nearly always the result of extrinsic factors (for example, systemic pyrogens) which affect the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center by way of circulatory system. Much less common is alterations in temperature regulation resulting from intrinsic lesions of the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus. We report a patient with tuberculous meningitis who continued to have persistent fever despite the satisfactory treatment of her tuberculosis. A central thermoregulatory defect was documented and was attributed to a small structural lesion in the anterior hypothalamus.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) 2008-2009: report on behalf of the Eastern Mediterranean Bone Marrow Transplantation (EMBMT) Group.

BACKGROUND: The Eastern Mediterranean Bone Marrow Transplantation (EMBMT) Group has accumulated over 25 years of data and experience in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), most particularly in hemoglobinopathies, severe aplastic anemia (SAA), and inherited metabolic and immune disorders, in addition to hematologic malignancies peculiar to the region and where recent updates in trends in activities are warranted. OBJECTIVES: To study trends in HSCT activities in the World Health Organization-Eastern Mediterranean (EM) region surveyed by EMBMT between 2008 and 2009. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the survey data, mainly of the cumulative number of transplants, types of transplants (autologous vs. allogeneic), types of conditioning as myeloablative (MAC) vs. reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) and trends in leukemias, hemoglobinopathies, SAA, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes amongst others. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Fourteen teams from ten Eastern Mediterranean Region Organization (EMRO) countries reported their data (100% return rate) to the EMBMT for the years 2008-2009 with a total of 2608 first HSCT (1286 in 2008; 1322 in 2009). Allogeneic HSCT represented the majority (63%) in both years. The main indications for allogeneic HSCT were acute leukemias (732; 44%), bone marrow failure syndromes (331, 20%), hemoglobinopathies (255; 15%) and immune deficiencies (90; 5%). There was a progressive increase in the proportions of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cases transplanted beyond the first chronic phase (3; 7% of all CML cases in 2008 vs 13; 29% in 2009). The main indications for autologous transplants were plasma cell disorders (345; 36%) Hodgkin disease (256; 27%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (207; 22%) and solid tumors (83; 9%). RIC continued to show a progressive increase over the years (7% in 2007, 11% in 2008 and 13% in 2009), yet remained relatively low compared to contemporary practices in Europe published by EBMT. The vast majority (95%) of allo-HSCT sources were from sibling donors with a continued dominance of peripheral blood (PB) (1076; 63%), while cord blood transplant (CBT) increased to 83 (5% of allo-HSCT), matched unrelated donor (MUD) remained underutilized (1; 0%) and there were no haploidentical transplants reported. Large centers with >50 HSCT/year showed a plateau of the total number of allo-HSCT over the last 5 years that may be related to capacity issues and needs further study. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: There is an overall increased rate of HSCT in the EMRO region with a significant increase in utilization of CBT and allogeneic PB-HSCT as a valuable source. However, further research on outcome data and development of regional donor banks (CB and MUD) may help facilitate future planning to satisfy the regional needs and increase collaboration within the group and globally.