Parenting children with neurodevelopmental disorders and/or behaviour problems.

BACKGROUND: Parenting behaviours influence child well-being and development. However, much of the research on parenting behaviours and their correlates has focused on caregivers of healthy, typically developing children. Relatively less is known about the parenting behaviours of caregivers of children with chronic health conditions. OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare three parenting behaviours (positive interactions, consistency and ineffective parenting) among caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and/or externalizing behaviour problems, before and after accounting for child and family socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS: Participants (n= 14 226) were drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, a long-term study of Canadian children that follows their development and well-being from birth to early adulthood. Children (and their caregivers) were divided into four groups according to the presence of a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD; n= 815), the presence of an externalizing behaviour problem (EBP; n= 1322), the presence of both conditions (BOTH; n= 452) or neither of these conditions (NEITHER; n= 11 376). RESULTS: Caregivers of children in the NEITHER group reported significantly higher positive interaction scores and lower ineffective parenting behaviours than caregivers of children in any of the other three groups. Caregivers of children in the EBP and BOTH groups reported similar levels of consistency, but significantly lower levels than caregivers of NDD or NEITHER children. These associations largely remained after accounting for child and family socio-demographic characteristics, with two exceptions: caregivers' reports of positive interactions were no longer significantly associated with child's NDD and BOTH conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Parenting children with multiple health conditions can be associated with less positive, less consistent and more ineffective parenting behaviours. Understanding the factors that are associated with the challenges of caring for these children may require additional research attention.

Neighbourhood income gradients in hospitalisations due to motor vehicle traffic incidents among Canadian children.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate income gradients in motor vehicle traffic injury hospitalisation for vehicle occupants and pedestrians/cyclists among children in urban and rural Canada. DESIGN: Four years (2001/02-2004/05) of acute-care hospitalisation discharge records for children aged 0-19 years were analysed. International Classification of Disease codes were used to determine hospitalisations due to motor vehicle traffic incidents for occupants and pedestrians/cyclists. Rates of injury (per 10 000 person years) were calculated by neighbourhood income quintiles for urban and rural areas. RESULTS: Among children (0-19 years), rates of vehicle occupant hospitalisation were higher in rural (5.07, 95% CI 4.90 to 5.25) than urban areas (2.08, 95% CI 2.03 to 2.14). In rural areas, children from lower income neighbourhoods had higher vehicle occupant hospitalisation rates than those from the richest neighbourhoods (5.52, 95% CI 5.13 to 5.93 vs 4.30, 95% CI 3.97 to 4.66). In urban areas vehicle occupant hospitalisation rates were similar among children from the poorest and richest neighbourhoods--but higher among children from middle income neighbourhoods. In urban areas, but not rural areas, the hospitalisation rate for pedestrians/cyclists systematically increased with decreasing neighbourhood income. In urban areas the pedestrian/cyclist hospitalisation rate was four times higher for children from the poorest (1.40, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.57) than from the richest (0.34, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.43) neighbourhoods. CONCLUSIONS: While vehicle occupant and pedestrian/cyclist motor vehicle traffic injuries are more frequent among children from lower income neighbourhoods, gradients are most pronounced for pedestrians/cyclists in urban areas.

Genetic association studies of schizophrenia using the 8p21-22 genes: prepronociceptin (PNOC), neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptor alpha polypeptide 2 (CHRNA2) and arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1).

Schizophrenia is a common, genetically heterogeneous disorder with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 1% in the general population. Linkage studies of affected families have now strongly implicated a susceptibility locus on chromosome 8p21-22. Tests of allelic association with markers on 8p21-22 should be able to localise any quantitative trait nucleotides (QTN's) or susceptibility mutations to within a few hundred kilobases. Three brain expressed candidate susceptibility genes, prepronociceptin (PNOC), neuronal cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha polypeptide 2 (CHRNA2) and arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) have been mapped to chromosome 8p21-22. A case-control, allelic association study was performed using a novel highly polymorphic dinucleotide repeat, D8S2611 near the PNOC gene, two previously characterised dinucleotide repeats, D8S131 and D8S131P at the CHRNA2 locus and an RFLP at the 3'UTR of the arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) gene. No differences were found in allele frequencies between the patient and control groups. DNA variations or mutations at or near the three genes under study are unlikely to increase susceptibility to schizophrenia in our population sample.

Retinal pigment epithelial detachments in the elderly: classification and outcome.

Sixty-four eyes of 57 elderly patients with pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) were studied with the aim of describing their morphological features and identifying prognostic factors. They were classified into four groups according to the following characteristics: early fluorescence, late fluorescence, shallow detachment with limited fluorescence ('drusen type'), irregular fluorescence. The following conclusions were drawn: 30% developed demonstrable subretinal new vessels; all groups except the drusen type were susceptible, the irregular group being particularly prone. 10% developed retinal pigment epithelial tears, and these occurred almost exclusively in the slow fluorescent group. Flattening of PEDs was a feature of drusen type and early fluorescent groups. Most patients lost vision. RPE tears occurred within a few months of presentation with immediate loss of vision; likewise rapid loss of vision followed the development of demonstrable new vessels, though not necessarily in those with changes thought to imply the presence of new vessels. Flattening after prolonged detachment was associated with pigment epithelial atrophy and invariable loss of vision. Visual acuity was maintained consistently only in those eyes with persistent detachment.

Eltoprazine in aggressive mentally handicapped patients: a double-blind, placebo- and baseline-controlled multi-centre study. The Eltoprazine Aggression Research Group.

The efficacy of eltoprazine, a mixed 5-HT1 agonist, in treating aggressive behaviour in mentally handicapped patients was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo- and baseline-controlled study. In the total sample of 160 patients who entered the 8 week double-blind treatment phase, efficacy was not demonstrated. Also in a 28 week double-blind follow-up study, efficacy could not be demonstrated. Post-hoc exploratory analyses suggested eltoprazine was significantly better than placebo in reducing aggression scores of a subgroup of severely aggressive patients. There was no evident relationship between the plasma level of eltoprazine and therapeutic effect or safety and tolerance. The overall safety and tolerance of chronic eltoprazine treatment was good. In the discussion, several issues and pitfalls of aggression research are dealt with.

Relaxation/mental imagery (self-hypnosis) and pelvic examinations in adolescents.

A first pelvic examination in a teenage woman is often an anxiety-producing and/or a terrifying event. The anxiety of this first examination, coupled with the inherent stresses of adolescence, creates important crucial expectations for future examinations. Self-hypnosis, i.e., relaxation/mental imagery has been extremely useful as an adjunct in achieving comfort and relaxation for the adolescent during the examination. In addition, it assists in developing an increased sense of self-control. Approaches and techniques of relaxation/mental imagery are illustrated in four representative case reports. Current theories and applications of clinical hypnosis are briefly discussed.

Hypnotherapeutic management of pediatric and adolescent trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania in children is regularly described as analogous to a habit disorder. As such, it is thought at times to be benign in a manner analogous to habits such as thumb sucking and nail biting. It is also considered by some to be an obsessive-compulsive disorder, to be more recalcitrant to intervention, and to be more socially disabling than simple habits, particularly when persistence and intensity eventuate in obvious alopecia. This report presents five cases of trichotillomania in which self-monitoring, dissociative hypnotic techniques, and self-hypnosis (relaxation/mental imagery) practice were used in teaching children successful management of this vexing problem. Specific emphasis is placed on the nature and importance of modifying the described techniques for the personal and specific developmental needs of individual patients.

Diurnal and nocturnal enuresis in a 6 year old.

Justin is a 6-year-old boy diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who presented with daytime and night-time wetting. He had been toilet trained at the age of 3 years but was back in diapers as a result of the enuresis. His bowel movements were normal. The initial evaluation consisted of a urinalysis, urine culture, serum creatinine level, and renal/bladder ultrasound examination. The urine studies were normal. The serum creatinine level was elevated at 1.0 mg/dL. The ultrasound examination revealed bilateral mild hydronephrosis and a thickened bladder wall. A voiding cystourethrogram was ordered to evaluate anatomy, but Justin would not allow a Foley catheter to be inserted, so the procedure, along with cystoscopy, was performed under anesthesia. Cystoscopy revealed a highly trabeculated bladder, as is seen in either high-grade obstruction or a neurogenic bladder. The cystogram did not show any obstruction or vesicoureteral reflux. Meanwhile, Justin's symptoms continued to increase to the point at which he was constantly wet, and he no longer made any attempts to void on his own. A spinal magnetic resonance imaging study did not show any occult neurologic lesions. Urodynamic studies revealed a high-pressure bladder, poor emptying, and inappropriate voluntary contraction of the striated, urinary sphincter during micturition. Despite institution of anticholinergic medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapy, Justin continued to do poorly. He could not tolerate clean intermittent catheterization, and he eventually required a suprapubic tube for urinary drainage and preservation of his kidneys.

The use of relaxation-mental imagery (self-hypnosis) in the management of 505 pediatric behavioral encounters.

This report assessed outcomes of hypnotherapeutic interventions for 505 children and adolescents seen by four pediatricians over a period of one year and followed from four months to two years. Presenting problems included enuresis, acute pain, chronic pain, asthma, habit disorders, obesity, encopresis, and anxiety. Using strict criteria for determination of problem resolution (e.g., all beds dry) and recognizing that some conditions were intrinsically chronic, the authors found that 51% of these children and adolescents achieved complete resolution of the presenting problem; an additional 32% achieved significant improvement, 9% showed initial or some improvement; and 7% demonstrated no apparent change or improvement. Children as young as three years of age effectively applied self-hypnosis techniques. In general, facility in self-hypnosis increased with age. There was an inverse correlation (p less than 0.001) between clinical success and number of visits, suggesting that prediction of responsivity is possible after four visits or less.

Concordance of maternal and teacher ratings of school and behavior problems in children of varying birth weights.

To examine the concordance of mother and teacher ratings of children born at different birth weights on measures of school functioning, behavioral problems, and social competencies, we used a prospective cohort study involving children in two previously studied multisite birth cohorts whom we recontacted at 8 to 10 years of age. This provided a multisite sample of 784 low birth weight children and 334 normal birth weight children. Teacher reports of children's behaviors were obtained from 80% of the 1400 teachers contacted. We found that birth weight and neonatal health were associated with both maternal and teacher reports; that maternal characteristics, e.g., low levels of education and poor mental health, were associated with the greatest discrepancies in reports; and that although mothers' reports of objective measures were accurate, their assessments of behavioral problems and social competence often differed from those of teachers.

Hypnobehavioral approaches for school-age children with dysphagia and food aversion: a case series.

The purpose of this article is to describe hypnobehavioral treatment of five school-age children with maladaptive eating behaviors, including functional dysphagia, food aversion, globus hystericus, and conditioned fear of eating (phagophobia). The unique treatment approach described emphasizes the successful use of self-management techniques, particularly hypnosis, by all five children. Common etiological factors, treatment strategies, and proposed mechanisms of change are discussed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first such case series in the mainstream pediatric literature describing the use of a hypnobehavioral approach for children with these maladaptive eating problems.

Electrocardiographic findings in 24 patients with myasthenia gravis.

Twenty four myasthenia gravis patients, 14 females and 10 males, aged between 5 and 65 years (average 29) were studied electrocardiographically. The abnormalities found in the ECG were: prolonged "Q-T" intervals (10 cases, 44.1%), sinus tachycardias (5 cases, 20.8%), sinus arrhythmias (5 cases, 20.8%), right bundle branch block (4 cases, 16.6%), and non-specific "T" wave changes (2 cases, 8.3%). Among our 24 patients with myasthenia gravis, in contrast to previous reports, only two had non-specific "T" wave abnormalities. But prolonged "Q-T" intervals, right bundle branch block, sinus tachycardias and sinus arrhythmias, when compared to normal population incidence, were found to be quite significant. In pathogenesis, primary myocardial histo-pathological abnormalities, and the role of extracardiac factors in producing the changes were discussed.

"Cyberphysiologic" strategies for children: the clinical hypnosis/biofeedback interface.

This article presents an in-depth discussion of the integrated use of self-hypnosis and biofeedback in the treatment of pediatric biobehavioral disorders. The rationale for integrating these techniques and their similarities and differences are discussed. The concepts of children's imaginative abilities, mastery, and self-regulation are examined as they pertain to these therapeutic strategies. Three case studies are presented that illustrate the integrated use of self-hypnosis and biofeedback in the treatment of children with psychophysiologic disorders. The authors speculate on the specific aspects of these self-regulation or "cyberphysiologic" techniques that appear particularly relevant to positive therapeutic outcomes.

The power of words: communicating effectively with young patients.

Communication skills are the cornerstone of the doctor-patient relationship. This article provides clinically helpful hints to practitioners working with children and families. Specific examples of clinical phrases are presented along with alternative phrases that may enhance the clinical process.

Applying hypnosis in a preschool family asthma education program: uses of storytelling, imagery, and relaxation.

A Preschool Asthma Program was conducted 4 times for children 2 to 5 years of age and their parent(s). Twenty-five (25) child-parent(s) participated in the 7-session program. Data were collected prior to participation and again one year after completion of classes. Following participation, physician visits for asthma were reduced (p = 0.0013) and parents reported increased confidence in self-management skills. Symptom severity scores improved significantly after participation (p < 0.001). A possible association was noted between participation in the program and parental expectations or projections of future outcome (0.05 < p < 0.1). No changes were observed in the frequency of asthma episodes or in pulmonary function tests before and after the program. With the hypnotherapeutic approach of imagery, preschoolers developed new cooperation in asthma-care skills, including cooperative and consistent performance of peakflow measurements.

Facilitating facilitators' facilitation: experience with a model for teaching leaders of hypnosis practice groups.

We developed a 6 hour training seminar for leaders of small group practice sessions integral to introductory hypnosis workshops. It has been offered annually for 3 years to prepare new faculty for our Introductory Workshop. Applicants met specific experience criteria. Participation was limited to 8 to match and model 8 learners/small group in workshops. Learners reviewed principles of adult education, group dynamics, and guidelines for leaders. Each had the opportunity to role-play small group participant and small group leader in two 3 hour evening periods a week apart. Twenty-four learners participated. Some had taught before. Most were new to teaching small groups and desired specific training. Extensive evaluation of the training was integral to the process. Training was evaluated by examining ratings of leaders by participants in our Annual Introductory Workshop. Ratings used the same parameters taught and evaluated during the training seminar. The training curriculum is presented with the results of evaluations of group leaders' performances in the Annual Workshop. Ratings of "experienced" leaders who did not participate in the training are compared to those of newly trained teachers. Leaders with training plus experience were more effective then leaders with many years of experience.

Sleep-terror disorder in children: the role of self-hypnosis in management.

This paper describes four children, ages 8 to 12 years, with frequent, prolonged, or dangerous disorders of arousal. None had any significant psychological or behavioral problems. Each had a polysomnogram that showed sudden arousals out of slow-wave sleep associated with complex behavior. All responded to a short course of imipramine, 20 to 60 mg at bedtime, followed by and in conjunction with training in relaxation and mental imagery (self-hypnosis). Once the correct diagnosis was made, the treatment strategy was to (1) demystify the symptom complex through education, (2) establish prompt control of the symptoms with the use of imipramine, (3) train the children in self-regulation with self-hypnosis, and (4) discontinue the medication while maintaining control of the arousals. Over a 2-3 year follow-up all children remain asymptomatic. This is the first report of successful use of self-hypnosis for the treatment of polysomnogram-proven disorders of arousal in the pediatric population. Also reported are seven additional children who were treated equally successfully with hypnosis without the use of medication.

Using hypnosis to help deaf children help themselves: report of two cases.

This is a report of deaf children who demonstrated the ability to quickly learn hypnotic skills and apply them effectively to the management of their problems. The children were taught hypnosis through American Sign Language, their preferred mode of communication. As with hypnosis with hearing children, we focused upon induction with fantasy and imaginative involvement, creation in imagination of a metaphor for, or imagery of, the desired outcome, and associated sense of pride (ego-strengthening), positive expectation, and teaching self-hypnosis to emphasize the importance of repeated, daily practice. Case examples presented are an 11-year-old deaf girl who used hypnosis to eliminate multiple warts, and a 9-year-old deaf boy with mild developmental disability whose self-hypnosis skills were applied to the management of myoclonus. In the former, the clinician is also the sign language communicator and in the latter, a professional sign language interpreter and parent are both intimately involved in the communication and hypnosis process.

[Retinal detachment recurrences. 2. Mechanisms and treatment (author's transl)]. / Les récidives de décollement de rétine. 2. Mécanismes et traitements.

Retinal detachment recurrences are almost always caused by vitreous tractions or vitreo-retinal retractions. Classical methods of prevention: as atraumatic surgery as possible, no superfluous subretinal fluid drainage, prevention of intraocular bleeding during drainage were employed in the series reported but with a 10.5 per cent recurrence rate. Prevention is based on two methods: encircling laser photocoagulation in the postoperative period when possible and if it is not dangerous for the vitreous, and preventive vitrectomy which has the following indications: bullous detachment, important pre or peroperative intraocular bleeding, or presence of clear signs of impending vitreo-retinal retraction. Using the classical therapeutic methods of indentation, the treatment a 50 per cent success rate for of recurrence was obtained. Treatment can be improved by vitrectomy in every case of recurrence, with combined internal retinal contention, preferably by silicone injection, recurrences due to massive vitreo-retinal retraction.

[Retinal detachment recurrences. 1. Frequency and risk factors (author's transl)]. / Les récidives de décollement de rétine. 1. Fréquence et facteurs de risque.

Retinal detachment recurrence is defined the reappearance of a detachment after an initial complete success, whatever the delay between surgery and recurrence. This eliminates immediate failures due to inadequate buckles or major complications during surgery, exsudative retinal detachments that reattach spontaneously within a few days and cases where it is not sure that the retina had been completely reattached initially (cloudy media). Employing these criteria, a retrospective study demonstrated 130 eyes with recurrences out of a total of 1237 eyes operated between 1-10-69 and 31-12-79 (10,5 per cent rate); recurrences occurred in this series between 3 days and 7 years after initial surgery, 53,5 per cent of them within an interval of less than 3 months. The most important recurrence risk factors appear to be: detachment due to a retinal tear and not a hole, bullous detachment, abnormal vitreous but not full blown, massive vitreo-retinal retraction and massive intraocular bleeding during subretinal fluid drainage.