Pubertal timing in adolescents with ADHD: extension and replication in an all-female sample.

Pubertal timing predicts a miscellany of negative mental and physical health outcomes. Prior work examining pubertal timing in youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has failed to investigate potential sex specificity of results. Therefore, we aim to extend past findings in a sample of female adolescents with ADHD. We compare pubertal timing (1) between females with and without carefully diagnosed ADHD and (2) between females with ADHD who do vs. do not have a history of stimulant medication use during childhood. We examine 127 adolescent females with childhood-diagnosed ADHD and 82 matched neurotypical peers (Mage: 14.2 years, range: 11.3-18.2) from the Berkeley Girls with ADHD Longitudinal Study (Wave 2). We measured pubertal timing using self-reported Tanner staging and age at menarche. Three strategies compared pubertal timing across groups: (1) χ 2 tests of Tanner Stages, (2) t tests of residuals of pubertal status regressed on age, and (3) t tests of age at menarche. Pubertal timing of girls with and without ADHD did not differ significantly across methods and measures. Yet females with ADHD who had received stimulant medication during childhood menstruated later than those without a stimulant history, potentially related to differences in BMI across groups. On the other hand, no significant differences between medicated vs. non-medicated participants emerged for the two Tanner staging indicators. Our findings extend prior work, suggesting that females with ADHD are developing physically at a similar time as their peers, which parallels findings from previous mixed-sex samples that did not examine effects separately by sex.

Genetics of non-isolated hemivertebra: A systematic review of fetal, neonatal, and infant cases.

Hemivertebra is a congenital vertebral malformation caused by unilateral failure of formation during embryogenesis that may be associated with additional abnormalities. A systematic review was conducted to investigate genetic etiologies of non-isolated hemivertebra identified in the fetal, neonatal, and infant periods using PubMed, Cochrane database, Ovid Medline, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception through May 2022 (PROSPERO ID CRD42021229576). The Human Phenotype Ontology database was accessed May 2022. Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if they addressed non-isolated hemivertebra or genetic causes of non-isolated hemivertebra identified in the fetal, neonatal, or infant periods. Cases diagnosed clinically without molecular confirmation were included. Systematic review identified 23 cases of non-isolated hemivertebra with karyotypic abnormalities, 2 cases due to microdeletions, 59 cases attributed to single gene disorders, 18 syndromic cases without known genetic etiology, and 14 cases without a known syndromic association. The Human Phenotype Ontology search identified 49 genes associated with hemivertebra. Non-isolated hemivertebra is associated with a diverse spectrum of cytogenetic abnormalities and single gene disorders. Genetic syndromes were notably common. Frequently affected organ systems include musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, central nervous system, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and facial dysmorphisms. When non-isolated hemivertebra is identified on prenatal ultrasound, the fetus must be assessed for associated anomalies and genetic counseling is recommended.

Annual Research Review: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women: underrepresentation, longitudinal processes, and key directions.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - and its underlying behavioral dimensions of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity - have been understudied in females. We first cover the conceptual issues of prevalence, diagnostic practices, diversity, comorbidity, and causal factors, plus forces limiting awareness of ADHD in females. After a narrative review of cross-sectional and longitudinal findings, we conclude the following. (a) Girls meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD at just under half the rates of boys, a ratio that becomes much closer to equal by adulthood. (b) Girls and women with ADHD show a predominance of inattention and associated internalizing problems; boys and men display greater levels of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and associated externalizing problems. (c) Sex differences in ADHD symptoms and related outcomes depend heavily on the clinical versus nonreferred nature of the samples under investigation. (d) Females with ADHD experience, on average, serious impairments, with a particularly heightened risk for problems in close relationships and engagement in self-harm. (e) Clinicians may overlook symptoms and impairments in females because of less overt (but still impairing) symptom manifestations in girls and women and their frequent adoption of compensatory strategies. Our review of predictors and mediators of adult outcomes highlights (a) the potential for heterotypically continuous pathways in females with childhood ADHD and (b) developmental progressions to self-harm, intimate partner violence, unplanned pregnancy, and comorbid psychopathology. Focusing on ADHD in females is necessary to characterize causal and maintaining mechanisms with accuracy and to foster responsive interventions, as highlighted in our closing list of clinical implications and research priorities.

Motor ability, function, and health-related quality of life as correlates of symptom burden in patients with sclerotic chronic graft-versus-host disease receiving imatinib mesylate.

PURPOSE: To explore improvement in motor ability, function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and symptom severity in patients with sclerotic chronic graft-versus-host disease (ScGVHD) in response to treatment as well as the relationship among changes on such measures. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of data from 13 individuals with severe ScGVHD enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of imatinib mesylate (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00702689). Self-reported, clinician-reported, and performance-based indicators of motor ability, function, HRQOL, and symptom severity were assessed at baseline and 6 months following the administration of imatinib mesylate. RESULTS: Participants did not show statistically significant improvement on any measures over time. Approximately one-third of patients displayed clinically significant improvement on measures of motor ability (palmar pinch strength, dominant hand, 30.8%), functioning (Manual Ability Measure-36, 41.7%), HRQOL (Short Form 36 [SF-36] Mental Component Summary, 33.3%), and symptom severity (Lee Symptom Scale, 38.5%). Improvement in cGVHD symptom burden was correlated with improvement in function (Assessment of Motor and Process Skills [AMPS] and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [DASH] scores) and HRQOL (SF-36 Physical Component Summary scores). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest the potential utility of administering patient-reported and performance-based functional measures, such as the DASH and the AMPS, to patients with cGVHD. By understanding the functional consequences of ScGVHD, interdisciplinary teams of health care providers, including rehabilitation professionals, can work to improve long-term outcomes.

Patient Perspectives on the Learning Health System: The Importance of Trust and Shared Decision Making.

We conducted focus groups to assess patient attitudes toward research on medical practices in the context of usual care. We found that patients focus on the implications of this research for their relationship with and trust in their physicians. Patients view research on medical practices as separate from usual care, demanding dissemination of information and in most cases, individual consent. Patients expect information about this research to come through their physician, whom they rely on to identify and filter associated risks. In general, patients support this research, but worry that participation in research involving randomization may undermine individualized care that acknowledges their unique medical histories. These findings suggest the need for public education on variation in practice among physicians and the need for a collaborative approach to the governance of research on medical practices that addresses core values of trust, transparency, and partnership.

Does Emotion-Related Impulsivity Relate to Specific ADHD Symptom Dimensions, and Do the Effects Generalize Across Comorbid Internalizing and Externalizing Syndromes?

BACKGROUND: Recent work highlights the role of emotion dysregulation in the pathology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As such, emotion-related impulsivity (ERI), the trait-like tendency toward disinhibited thoughts (Pervasive Influence of Feelings, PIF) and actions (Feelings Trigger Action, FTA) during heightened emotional states, may be particularly relevant. We explored whether Inattention (IN) and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (HI), two core symptom dimensions of ADHD, would relate to distinct facets of ERI, and whether externalizing and internalizing symptoms would moderate these relations. METHOD: Using structural equation modeling, we examined hypotheses among 364 adults recruited for high internalizing and externalizing symptoms. RESULTS: We identified significant paths for FTA regressed on HI and PIF regressed on IN, supporting our hypotheses about main effects. Moderating paths were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: IN and HI correlate with distinct forms of ERI, These effects appear to generalize across co-occurring internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Developing a Women's Health track within addiction medicine fellowship: reflections and inspirations.

BACKGROUND: Women who use drugs face sexism and intersectional stigma that influence their drug use experiences and treatment needs. There is a need to build the capacity of addiction medicine specialists who can deliver gender-responsive services and advance research and policy in women-focused addiction care. We describe the development of a Women's Health track within an addiction medicine fellowship program and reflect on successes, challenges, and future directions. MAIN BODY: The Women's Health track was developed in collaboration between program leaders in Addiction Medicine and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Implementing the track led to the development of women-focused rotations and continuity clinics, as well as enrichment of women's health didactic education for all fellows. The fellowship track spurred interdepartmental mentorship and collaboration on research and advocacy projects. CONCLUSION: Addiction medicine fellowships can replicate this curriculum model to advance women-focused education, research, and policy. Future curricula should focus on structural sexism in drug use and addiction treatment throughout a woman's life course.

Green polymer chemistry: living dithiol polymerization via cyclic intermediates.

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of disulfide polymers obtained by oxidation of 2-[2-(2-sulfanylethoxy)ethoxy]ethanethiol (DODT) using a benign, synergistic system comprised of air, dilute hydrogen peroxide and triethylamine as a catalyst that can be recycled. The dn/dc value of the polymer in THF was determined to obtain absolute molecular weight measurements. High molecular weight disulfide polymers (up to M(n) = 250000 g/mol) with polydispersity indices as low as M(w)/M(n) = 1.15 were obtained. Thermal analysis by DSC and TGA demonstrated that the rubbery polymers had a T(g) of -50 °C and began to degrade at 250 °C. Dithiothreitol reduced the polymers back to the original monomeric units in 33 h. MALDI-ToF showed the involvement of oligodisulfide rings (2-14 mers) in the polymerization that displayed the characteristics of a living/controlled polymerization; poly(DODT) was readily chain extended with 1,2-ethanedithiol. The chain extension indicates a class of living polymerization which is governed by radical recombination.

Birthing ball for reducing labor pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple factors are thought to affect a woman's sensation of pain during the process of labor. Birthing balls are round exercise balls upon which a woman sits during labor and performs different movements such as rocking back and forth and pelvic rotation. Midwives and nurses have been using birthing balls (also known as Swiss balls) to increase maternal comfort, widen the pelvic outlet, and facilitate progression of labor for women laboring without an epidural. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials is to assess whether the use of the birthing ball in labor decreases maternal pain during labor. DATA SOURCES: Research was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library as electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials were identified using the following search strategy: "birthing ball" OR "birth ball" OR "swiss ball" OR "exercise ball" AND labor from the inception of each database to June 2019. No restrictions for language or geographic location were applied. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Selection criteria included randomized trials of pregnant women with a singleton, cephalic fetus who were randomized to either birthing ball or control group (i.e. no birthing ball) for use in labor. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Seven trials with 533 pregnant women were included. 287 (53.8%) were randomized to the intervention group (birthing ball) and 246 (46.2%) were randomized to the control group (no birthing ball). All analyses were done using an intention-to-treat approach, evaluating women according to the treatment group to which they were randomly allocated in the original trials. The primary outcome was labor pain in the first stage of labor. The summary measures were reported as summary relative risk (RR) or as summary mean difference (MD) with 95% of confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model of DerSimonian and Laird. RESULTS: Labor pain significantly decreased by 1.70 points in the birthing ball group compared to the control group (MD -1.70 points; 95% CI -2.20 to -1.20). Use of the birthing ball versus no birthing ball did not result in a significant difference in incidence of spontaneous vaginal delivery, operative vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, or perineal lacerations. CONCLUSION: The birthing ball is an effective method of pain reduction during labor for women laboring without an epidural.

Racial inequity in methadone dose at delivery in pregnant women with opioid use disorder.

BACKGROUND: Medications for opioid use disorder, including methadone, combined with comprehensive wraparound services, are the gold standard for treatment in pregnancy. Higher methadone doses are associated with treatment retention in pregnancy and relapse prevention. Given known inequities where individuals of color tend to be prescribed lower doses of opioids for other conditions, the purpose of this study was to determine whether there is racial inequity in methadone dose at delivery in pregnant women with opioid use disorder. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical charts identified pregnant women (N = 339) treated with methadone for opioid use disorder during pregnancy at one center from 2012 to 2017. Variables extracted from medical records included race, demographic and relevant clinical information (e.g., methadone dose at delivery, height, weight, etc.). Analyses used simple and multiple linear regressions to determine associations between these characteristics and methadone dose at delivery. RESULTS: The mean methadone doses at delivery among women of color and white women were 105.8 mg and 144.9 mg, respectively (p < .0001). After adjusting for maternal age, gestational age at delivery, body mass index, type of opioid used, and parity, race was significantly and independently associated with methadone dose at delivery, with women of color receiving 36.2 mg less than white women (p = .0003). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women of color with opioid use disorder received 67% of the dose of methadone at delivery that white women received. Antiracist responses to prevent provider bias in evaluating dose needs are needed to correct this inequity and prevent undertreatment of opioid use disorder among women of color.

Association between cognition and function in patients with Parkinson disease with and without dementia.

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often have cognitive deficits from the time of diagnosis. Except in patients with dementia, the impact of cognitive symptoms on daily function is not well documented. This study had two objectives: (1) to determine the functional significance of cognitive deficits in nondemented patients with PD and (2) to assess the sensitivity of two measures of global cognitive abilities to identify individuals with impaired ADL function. One hundred eleven subjects with PD and a range of cognitive abilities were included. Of these, 20 were diagnosed with PDD. All subjects were assessed with the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale to two (DRS-2) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). ADL function was reported by an informant using the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living Inventory (ADCS-ADL). The ability of the DRS-2 and MMSE to capture the impact of cognitive impairment on ADL function was assessed in the entire cohort and in subsets of nondemented individuals. After adjustment for covariates, cognition as measured by the DRS-2 was strongly related to ADL function in the entire cohort (partial correlation coefficient = 0.55, P < 0.001). The association remained strong when only nondemented subjects were included (r = 0.42, P < 0.001). The DRS-2 was significantly more accurate than the MMSE, particularly for detecting milder degrees of ADL impairment (ROC area = 0.87 vs. 0.75, P = 0.0008). Cognition is associated with impairment in ADL function, even in nondemented patients with PD. However, sensitive cognitive assessment measures may be needed to identify these functionally relevant impairments.

Preeclampsia and low sodium (PALS): A case and systematic review.

Normal physiologic changes in pregnancy include mild hyponatremia. In some cases of preeclampsia, more significant hyponatremia has been associated with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and hypervolemic hyponatremia. A 45-year-old gravida 2, para 0010 with a dichorionic twin gestation was diagnosed with preeclampsia at 30 weeks 6 days and noted to have concomitant hyponatremia of 125 mEq/L at our institution. Her hyponatremia was initially managed with furosemide and water restriction. She was delivered at 33 weeks 5 days due to worsening preeclampsia and continued significant hyponatremia despite treatment. Her hyponatremia resolved within 48 h after delivery. Our objectives were to discuss trends, treatment, and outcomes of cases with hyponatremia in preeclampsia. We performed a systematic review of the literature using Ovid Medline (1963-2017), Scopus (1962-2017), and PubMed (1963-2017, including Cochrane database). Relevant articles describing any case report of hyponatremia in preeclampsia were identified from the above databases without any time, language, or study limitations. Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if they described a case of hyponatremia in the setting of preeclampsia. 18 manuscripts detailing 55 cases were identified. Pertinent demographic data and laboratory values were extracted. Maternal management strategy, diagnosis, delivery, and neonatal outcome data were also collected. Mean, range, standard deviation, and percentage calculations were used as applicable. Advanced maternal age (46 %), nulliparity (79 %), and multifetal gestation (34 %) were noted in patients with preeclampsia and low sodium. Hyponatremia was detected on average at 34 weeks gestation. 64 % were diagnosed with preeclampsia with severe features. When reported, diagnoses related to hyponatremia were syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (41 %) or hypervolemic hyponatremia (59 %). Indications for delivery included severe hyponatremia unresponsive to conservative measures in addition to other known obstetric or preeclamptic indications. Hyponatremia resolved within 48 h on average in cases where postpartum resolution was reported. It may be prudent to screen women with preeclampsia for electrolyte disturbances as part of their evaluation, especially in the setting of severe features. Initially, hyponatremia may be treated with medical management. In addition to established obstetric or preeclamptic indications, delivery may be considered if severe hyponatremia no longer responds to conservative measures.

Obstetric management of women with opioid use disorder.

Pregnancy presents a window of opportunity for effecting positive change in the lives of women with opioid use disorder (OUD). Care should be empathetic and nonjudgmental with a focus on counseling for initiation and maintenance of beneficial health behaviors as well as development of a strong patient-provider relationship.1 These include adherence to treatment of OUD through pharmacotherapy and behavioral counseling, smoking cessation, healthy nutrition, treatment of coexisting medical and psychosocial conditions, as well as preparation for the postpartum period through breastfeeding education and antenatal discussion of contraception. Women will also benefit from anticipatory guidance with regard to neonatal abstinence syndrome (see Chapter 7). This may include a consultation with pediatric or neonatal providers who will be caring for their infants. In the absence of other obstetric indications, minimal additional fetal assessment outside that of standard prenatal care is recommended for OUD.

Peanut ball for decreasing length of labor: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged length of labor is associated with increased maternal and neonatal complications. Therefore, great attention has been given to interventions aimed at reducing the length of labor. One such intervention is the peanut ball, a large elongated exercise ball placed between a woman's legs during labor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to assess the effect of the use of peanut ball in reducing length of labor. STUDY DESIGN: Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library were searched from inception until January 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA: Selection criteria included RCTs of laboring women with singleton gestations in cephalic presentation at term (≥37weeks) who were randomized to either use of peanut ball or control group (no peanut ball). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Four trials with 648 nulliparous and multiparous women in spontaneous or induced labor were identified and included. 330 women were randomized to the intervention (peanut ball between the knees during labor) and 318 women to the control. Summary measures were reported as mean difference (MD) with 95% of confidence interval (CI) using the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird. The primary outcome was total length of labor. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42018082438 RESULTS: Total length of labor was 79min shorter in the peanut ball group, but this was not significant (MD -79.1 min, 95% CI -204.9, 46.7). Peanut ball use showed trends toward higher incidence of spontaneous vaginal deliveries (RR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0, 1.2) and lower incidence of cesarean deliveries (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6, 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Peanut ball use was not associated with a significant decrease in total length of labor. Since there were trends toward reductions in length of labor, an increased incidence in spontaneous vaginal deliveries, and lower incidence of cesarean deliveries, more research is needed.

Contraception and postpartum follow-up in patients with gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to review the effect of immediate provision of postpartum contraception on postpartum follow-up and screening for type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). STUDY DESIGN: We performed multivariate logistic regression to identify the association between immediate provision of postpartum contraception and attendance at the 6-week postpartum visit and performance of a 6- to 12-week oral glucose tolerance test, controlling for age, type of insurance, parity and race. RESULTS: Women who received contraception prior to hospital discharge were less likely to attend their postpartum visit [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.88], but just as likely to participate in postpartum diabetes screening (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-2.06). Attendance at the postpartum visit was associated with private insurance (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.31-2.99). CONCLUSION: Receiving contraception while admitted postpartum did not affect follow-up for diabetes screening for women with GDM.

Disparities in Care for Publicly Insured Women With Pregestational Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association among public health insurance, preconception care, and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with pregestational diabetes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of pregnant women with pregestational type 1 or type 2 diabetes from 2006 to 2011 in Massachusetts-a state with universal insurance coverage since 2006. Women delivering after 24 weeks of gestation and receiving endocrinology and obstetric care in a multidisciplinary clinic were included. Rates of preconception consultation, our primary outcome of interest, were then compared between publicly and privately insured women. We used univariate analysis followed by logistic regression to compare receipt of preconception consultation and other secondary diabetes care measures and pregnancy outcomes according to insurance status. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent (n=106) of 197 women had public insurance. Publicly insured women were younger (median age 30.4 compared with 35.3 years, P<.01) with lower rates of college education (12.3% compared with 45.1%, P<.01). Women with public insurance were less likely to receive a preconception consult (5.7% compared with 31.9%, P<.01), had lower rates of hemoglobin A1C less than 6% at the onset of pregnancy (37.2% compared with 58.4%, P=.01), and experienced higher rates of pregnancies affected by congenital anomalies (10.4% compared with 2.2%, P=.02) compared with those with private insurance. In adjusted analyses controlling for educational attainment, maternal age, and body mass index, women with public insurance were less likely to receive a preconception consult (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.58), although the odds of achieving the target hemoglobin A1C (adjusted OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20-1.02) and congenital anomaly (adjusted OR 2.23, 95% CI 0.37-13.41) were similar after adjustment. CONCLUSION: Despite continuous access to health insurance, publicly insured women were less likely than privately insured women to receive a preconception consult-an evidence-based intervention known to improve pregnancy outcomes. Improving use of preconception care among publicly insured women with diabetes is critical to reducing disparities in outcomes.

The Relationship Between Intertwin Membrane Separation and Pregnancy Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of intertwin membrane separation and pregnancy outcome. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of women with dichorionic twins who were diagnosed with spontaneous intertwin membrane separation between 2004 and 2013 at a large tertiary care maternity hospital. Control participants were selected as the next two sets of dichorionic twins that delivered at the study institution after a case participant delivered and that did not have an intrauterine procedure. Maternal, fetal, and delivery characteristics were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Logistic regressions were used to assess the association of membrane separation and preterm delivery. RESULTS: Among the 27 cases of spontaneous intertwin membrane separation, the median gestational age at diagnosis was 28 weeks (interquartile range 25.5-28.8) and the median gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks (interquartile range 35.3-37.0). The rate of preterm delivery, our primary outcome, was 48% for the case group and 76% for the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.29, P=.01). The rate of spontaneous preterm delivery was also lower for the case group (19% compared with 44%; OR 0.25, P=.26) as was the rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (37% compared with 61%; OR 0.37, P=.04). CONCLUSION: Our retrospective cohort study demonstrates that intertwin membrane separation is not associated with adverse outcomes in dichorionic twin pregnancies. Thus, it is reasonable to manage these pregnancies expectantly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.