Surgical Rib Fixation of Multiple Rib Fractures and Flail Chest: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple rib fractures and flail chest are common in trauma patients and may result in significant morbidity and mortality. While rib fractures have historically been treated conservatively, there is increasing interest in the benefits of surgical fixation. However, strong evidence that supports surgical rib fixation and identifies the most appropriate patients for its application is currently sparse. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines was performed to identify all peer-reviewed papers that examined surgical compared to conservative management of rib fractures. We undertook a subgroup analysis to determine the specific effects of rib fracture type, age, the timing of fixation and study design on outcomes. The primary outcomes were the length of hospital and ICU stay, and secondary outcomes included mechanical ventilation time, rates of pneumonia, and mortality. RESULTS: Our search identified 45 papers in the systematic review, and 40 were included in the meta-analysis. There was a statistical benefit of surgical fixation compared to conservative management of rib fractures for length of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation, mortality, pneumonia, and tracheostomy. The subgroup analysis identified surgical fixation was most favorable for patients with flail chest and those who underwent surgical fixation within 72 h. Patients over 60 y had a statistical benefit of conservative management on length of hospital stay and mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical fixation of flail and multiple rib fractures is associated with a reduction in morbidity and mortality outcomes compared to conservative management. However, careful selection of patients is required for the appropriate application of surgical rib fixation.

Associations between prenatal maternal mental health indices and mother-infant relationship quality 6 to 18 months' postpartum: A systematic review.

Maternal mental disorders can significantly impact on children's psychosocial and psychological development, incurring substantial ongoing economic and personal costs. A key mediating mechanism is mother-infant relationship quality (MIRQ). Research studies and perinatal mental health screening initiatives have predominantly focused on depressive symptoms and perinatal depression as predictors of MIRQ. While maternal depression is associated with suboptimal MIRQ, the findings have not been consistent. Personality characteristics are associated with parenting and proneness to depression, presenting a potential addition to prenatal mental health assessment. We conducted a systematic review of studies that have examined the link between prenatal depressive symptoms and/or personality characteristics with postnatal MIRQ. Our findings suggest that both maternal personality traits and depressive symptoms measured in early pregnancy are associated with postnatal MIRQ. A measure of personality characteristics may enhance prenatal mental health assessment, affording opportunities for targeted intervention commencing in pregnancy to improve MIRQ, parenting, maternal mental health outcomes, and infant psychosocial and psychological development, and thereby contributing to the reduction of human and economic cost burdens.

Los trastornos mentales maternos pueden impactar significativamente el desarrollo sicosocial y sicológico de los niños lo cual conlleva considerables continuos costos económicos y personales. Un mecanismo mediador clave es la calidad de la relación madre-infante (MIRQ). Los estudios investigativos y las iniciativas de exámenes de salud mental perinatales predominantemente se enfocan en los síntomas depresivos y la depresión perinatal como factores de predicción de MIRQ. Mientras que la depresión materna se asocia con una MIRQ inferior al nivel óptimo, los resultados no son consistentes. Las características de la personalidad se asocian con la crianza y la tendencia a la depresión, lo cual presenta un posible punto adicional a la evaluación de salud mental prenatal. Llevamos a cabo una revisión sistemática de estudios que examinaron la conexión entre síntomas depresivos prenatales y/o características de la personalidad con MIRQ postnatal. Nuestros resultados sugieren que tanto las características maternas de la personalidad como los síntomas depresivos medidos durante el temprano embarazo se asocian con MIRQ postnatal. Una medición de las características de la personalidad pudiera mejorar la evaluación de salud mental prenatal lo cual permitiría oportunidades para la intervención enfocada a partir del embarazo con miras a mejorar MIRQ, la crianza, los resultados de salud mental maternos, así como el desarrollo sicosocial y sicológico del infante, contribuyendo así a reducir la carga humana y económica.

Les troubles mentaux maternels peuvent avoir un impact important sur le développement psychosocial et psychologique des enfants menant à des coûts personnels et économiques continus et importants. Un mécanisme de médiation clé est la qualité de la relation mère-nourrisson (ici abrégé en français QRMN). Les études de recherché et les initiatives de dépistage en santé mentale périnatale ont surtout porté sur les symptômes dépressifs et la dépression périnatale en tant que prédicteurs de la QRMN. Mais alors que la dépression maternelle est liée à une QRMN sous-optimale, les résultats ne sont pas uniformes et constants. Les caractéristiques de personnalité sont liées au parentage et à la propension à la dépression, présentant un ajout potentiel à l'évaluation de santé mentale prénatale. Nous avons passé en revue systématiquement toutes les études ayant examiné le lien entre les symptômes dépressifs périnataux et / ou les caractéristiques de personnalité avec une QRMN postnatale. Nos recherches suggèrent que les traits de personnalité maternelle et les symptômes dépressifs mesurés durant le début de la grossesse sont à la fois liés à la QRMN postnatale. Une mesure de caractéristiques de personnalité pourrait améliorer l'évaluation de la santé mentale prénatale et offrir des possibilités d'intervention ciblée commençant durant la grossesse, afin d'améliorer la QRMN, le parentage et les résultats de santé mentale maternelle, ainsi que le développement psychosocial et psychologique du nourrisson, contribuant donc à la réduction de la charge du coût humain et économique.

Defining short and long sleep duration for future paediatric research: A systematic literature review.

Short and long sleep patterns in children have been associated with a range of poor health outcomes. However, there is no consensus regarding the definitions of these abnormal sleep parameters in childhood for use in paediatric research. Given that there is a clear lack of definitions for sleep duration throughout paediatric sleep literature, this review aimed to establish recommendations for standard cut-offs of short and long sleep for children aged 1-16 years to enable homogeneity in future studies of paediatric sleep duration. Four databases were systematically searched to identify prospective studies that defined short or long sleep patterns in children. Included papers (38) were assessed for methodological quality, and their definitions were extracted to examine the current applied cut-offs in the literature for short or long sleep duration. The definitions were analysed in a regression model to summarize applied cut-offs from subjective data into cut-offs for short and long sleep duration. These models were fitted to reference values of three commonly cited paediatric population studies to establish new definitions of sleep duration for future use in research. Across the age groups there was little consensus in applied cut-offs for short and long sleep duration. This study found the best compromise for short sleep was defined as the 2.5th centile (hours = 0.25*age + 11) and long sleep as the 97.5th centile (hours = 0.017*age2  - 0.68*age + 16) of sleep duration in children. Recommendations for the hourly cut-offs of short and long sleep duration based on these percentiles were described.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between poor oral health and substance abuse.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Substance use disorders are associated commonly with comorbid physical illness. There are fewer data on dental disease in these conditions, in spite of high rates of dry mouth (xerostomia), as well as the associated indirect or life-style effects such as poverty and lack of access to care. We compared the oral health of people with substance use disorders (SUDs) with non-using controls. METHOD: This was a systematic search for studies from the last 35 years of the oral health of people reporting SUDs. We used MEDLINE, PsycInfo, OVID, Google Scholar, EMBASE and article bibliographies. Results were compared with the general population. Oral health was assessed in terms of dental caries and periodontal disease using the following standardized measures: the mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) or surfaces (DMFS) and probing pocket depth. Non-carious tooth loss was assessed clinically. RESULTS: We identified 28 studies that had sufficient data for a meta-analysis, comprising 4086 SU patients and 28 031 controls. People with SUD had significantly higher mean scores for DMFT [mean difference = 5.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.61-7.69 and DMFS (mean difference = 17.83, 95% CI = 6.85-28.8]. They had more decayed teeth but fewer restorations, indicating reduced access to dental care. Patients with SUD also exhibited greater tooth loss, non-carious tooth loss and destructive periodontal disease compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Patients with substance use disorders have greater and more severe dental caries and periodontal disease than the general population, but are less likely to have received dental care.

A systematic review of randomized trials for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by burning of the oral mucosa in the absence of underlying dental or medical causes. The results of previous systematic reviews have generally been equivocal. However, findings for most interventions are based on searches of 5-10years ago. This study therefore updates previous searches of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for pain as assessed by Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). Secondary outcomes included quality of life, mood, taste and salivary flow. METHODS: A search of MEDLINE and Embase up to 2016. RESULTS: 24 RCTs were identified. Meta-analyses were impossible because of wide variations in study method and quality. The commonest interventions were alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) (8 comparisons), capsaicin or an analogue (4 comparisons), clonazepam (3 comparisons) and psychotherapy (2 comparisons). ALA and capsaicin led to significantly greater improvements in VAS (4 studies each), as did clonazepam (all 3 studies), at up to two month follow-up. However, capsaicin led to prominent dyspepsia. Psychotherapy significantly improved outcomes in one study at two and 12month follow-up. Catauma and tongue-protectors also showed promise (one study each). There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes except in the one study of tongue protectors. CONCLUSIONS: At least in some studies and for some outcomes, ALA, clonazepam, capsaicin and psychotherapy may show modest benefit in the first two months. However, these conclusions are limited by generally short follow-up periods, high study variability and low participant numbers. Further RCTs with follow-up of at least 12months are indicated.

The oral health of people with anxiety and depressive disorders - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many psychological disorders are associated with comorbid physical illness. There are less data on dental disease in common psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety in spite of risk factors in this population of diet, lifestyle or antidepressant-induced dry mouth. METHODS: We undertook a systematic search for studies of the oral health of people with common psychological disorders including depression, anxiety and dental phobia. We searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE and article bibliographies. Results were compared with the general population. Outcomes included partial or total tooth-loss, periodontal disease, and dental decay measured through standardized measures such as the mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) or surfaces (DMFS). RESULTS: There were 19 papers on depression and/or anxiety, and seven on dental phobia/anxiety (total n=26). These covered 334,503 subjects. All the psychiatric diagnoses were associated with increased dental decay on both DMFT and DMFS scores, as well as greater tooth loss (OR=1.22; 95%CI=1.14-1.30). There was no association with periodontal disease, except for panic disorder. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design of included studies, heterogeneity in some results, insufficient studies to test for publication bias. CONCLUSION: The increased focus on the physical health of psychiatric patients should encompass oral health including closer collaboration between dental and medical practitioners. Possible interventions include oral health assessment using standard checklists that can be completed by non-dental personnel, help with oral hygiene, management of iatrogenic dry mouth, and early dental referral. Mental health clinicians should also be aware of the oral consequences of inappropriate diet and psychotropic medication.

The Mental Health of Older Persons After Human-Induced Disasters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Data.

BACKGROUND: Older people are increasingly "in harm's way" following human-induced disasters (HIDs). There is debate in the literature as to the relative impact of disasters on their psychological health compared with other age groups. Natural disasters and HIDs are thought to affect survivors differentially, and this may extend to older adults as a group. In the absence of existing systematic reviews, we aimed to synthesize the available evidence and conduct meta-analyses of the effects of HIDs on the psychological health of older versus younger adults. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted on papers identified through a systematic review. The primary outcomes measured were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, and psychological distress. RESULTS: We identified 11 papers from 10 studies on HIDs (N = 26,753), of which 8 had sufficient data for a random-effects meta-analysis. Older adults were 2.85 times less likely to experience PTSD symptoms following HID (95% CI: 1.42-5.70) when compared with younger adults. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of anxiety and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Health and emergency services need to be increasingly prepared to meet the psychological needs of older people, given the global rise in the numbers of older adults affected by disasters of all kinds. Preliminary evidence suggests that old age may be a protective factor for the development of PTSD in the wake of HID.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of depot antipsychotic frequency on compliance and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Depot antipsychotics are commonly used to improve adherence and clinical outcomes such as relapse and readmission. Dosing regimens vary but are commonly two- and four-weekly. To date, the effect of administration at two-weekly or four-weekly intervals on outcome has not been examined in a meta-analysis. AIMS: A systematic review and meta-analysis on whether the frequency of depot antipsychotic administration (e.g., two- vs four-weekly) makes any difference to compliance and outcome. METHODS: A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE and PsycInfo for RCTs that compared the frequency of depot administration (e.g., two- vs four-weekly) for an equivalent dose. Outcomes were compliance, psychiatric symptomatology, quality of life, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), patient preference, admission rates, bed-days and costs. RESULTS: Seven studies from eight papers (n=3994) were found covering olanzapine, paliperidone, risperidone, haloperidol and fluphenazine enanthate/decanoate with follow-up of up to one year. Meta-analyses were possible for psychotic symptoms and ADRs. There were no differences in psychotic symptoms or quality of life between two- and four-weekly doses. Health service use was not reported. For ADRs, the only significant difference detected was that two-weekly injections were less likely to lead to site pain (RR 0.16, 95% CI 0.07-0.38; 2 studies n=1667). There were no differences in other ADRs. CONCLUSIONS: There were surprisingly little data on the effect of dosing frequency for an equivalent dose on clinical outcomes. There is a need for long-term studies of a wide range of outcomes including cost-effectiveness. Claims for advantages of new preparations over others require careful evaluation.

Napping, development and health from 0 to 5 years: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Duration and quality of sleep affect child development and health. Encouragement of napping in preschool children has been suggested as a health-promoting strategy. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess evidence regarding the effects of napping on measures of child development and health. DESIGN: This study is a systematic review of published, original research articles of any design. SUBJECTS: Children aged 0-5 years. METHOD: Electronic database search was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and assessment of research quality was carried out following a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) protocol. RESULTS: Twenty-six articles met inclusion criteria. These were of heterogeneous quality; all had observational designs (GRADE-low). Development and health outcomes included salivary cortisol, night sleep, cognition, behaviour, obesity and accidents. The findings regarding cognition, behaviour and health impacts were inconsistent, probably because of variation in age and habitual napping status of the samples. The most consistent finding was an association between napping and later onset, shorter duration and poorer quality of night sleep, with evidence strongest beyond the age of 2 years. LIMITATIONS: Studies were not randomised. Most did not obtain data on the children's habitual napping status or the context of napping. Many were reliant on parent report rather than direct observation or physiological measurement of sleep behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence indicates that beyond the age of 2 years napping is associated with later night sleep onset and both reduced sleep quality and duration. The evidence regarding behaviour, health and cognition is less certain. There is a need for more systematic studies that use stronger designs. In preschool children presenting with sleep problems clinicians should investigate napping patterns.

Adapting services to engage young adults in ICCD clubhouses.

TOPIC: This article describes efforts to develop and offer supports for young adults within two clubhouse programs affiliated with the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD). PURPOSE: In response to a need to address service gaps and create supports to engage young adults transitioning to the adult mental health system, the authors describe the background, development, and adaptations of services and supports for young adults within their respective clubhouse programs. The authors highlight details and challenges associated with program adaptation and success stories of transition aged youth actively engaged in their clubhouses. SOURCES USED: Published literature, personal observation, and member feedback. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These clubhouse programs share successful strategies used to engage young adults including outreach efforts led by young adults, developing supports and linkages with local educational institutions, addressing housing issues specific to young adults, and using current technologies that young adults find appealing. These strategies may prove useful to other service models that serve this population. Clubhouses affiliated with the ICCD show promise in expanding their approach and services to engage and support young adults.