Processing speed is affected by early impairment in kidney function in the general elder population.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive dysfunction are common in the elder population. There is evidence of a connection between these conditions, possibly by a shared vascular pathogenesis. Processing speed is commonly impaired in cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: The data was obtained from the population based study "Good aging in Skåne" (GÅS), and included 905 individuals (mean age = 68 years). We investigated the impact of impaired kidney function at baseline on the development of dementia, MCI, and impairment in specific cognitive domains at follow up 6 years later, using logistic regression models. Impaired kidney function was defined as GFR < 60 ml/min/1,73 m2. GFR was estimated from creatinine and cystatin C, using the CKD-EPI formula. Function in the cognitive domains learning and memory, language, complex attention, executive function, perceptual-motor, as well as meta-memory, and global cognitive function, was assessed using a neuropsychological test battery consisting of 12 tests. We compared the test results from follow up, with the results obtained at baseline, using linear regression models in order to assess changes in performance in cognitive domains. RESULTS: At follow up, 14 and 158 participants had developed dementia and MCI, respectively. We did not find evidence that moderately impaired eGFR at baseline increased the odds of dementia or MCI. A decline in processing speed was associated with impaired kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: The effect on processing speed could represent early vascular implications on cognition. Even at moderately impaired kidney function, overview of cardiovascular risk factors could potentially prevent further cognitive impairment.

Use of Medications for Treating Anxiety or Depression among Testicular Cancer Survivors: A Multi-Institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: This study examined sociodemographic factors, cisplatin-related adverse health outcomes (AHO), and cumulative burden of morbidity (CBMPt) scores associated with medication use for anxiety and/or depression in testicular cancer survivors (TCS). METHODS: A total of 1,802 TCS who completed cisplatin-based chemotherapy ≥12 months previously completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographic features and cisplatin-related AHOs [hearing impairment, tinnitus, peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN), and kidney disease]. A CBMPt score encompassed the number and severity of cisplatin-related AHOs. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the relationship of individual AHOs and CBMPt with medication use for anxiety and/or depression. RESULTS: A total of 151 TCS (8.4%) used medications for anxiety and/or depression. No cisplatin-related AHOs were reported by 511 (28.4%) participants, whereas 622 (34.5%), 334 (18.5%), 287 (15.9%), and 48 (2.7%), respectively, had very low, low, medium, and high CBMPt scores. In the multivariable model, higher CBMPt scores were significantly associated with medication use for anxiety and/or depression (P < 0.0001). In addition, tinnitus (P = 0.0009), PSN (P = 0.02), and having health insurance (P = 0.05) were significantly associated with greater use of these medications, whereas being employed (P = 0.0005) and vigorous physical activity (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with diminished use. CONCLUSIONS: TCS with higher CBMPt scores had a higher probability of using medications for anxiety and/or depression, and conversely, those who were employed and physically active tended to have reduced use of these medications. IMPACT: Healthcare providers should encourage TCS to increase physical activity to improve both physical and mental health. Rehabilitation programs should assess work-related skills and provide career development counseling/training.

Assessing Nephrology Fellows' Skills in Communicating About Kidney Replacement Therapy and Kidney Biopsy: A Multicenter Clinical Simulation Study on Breaking Bad News.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Interpersonal communication skills and professionalism competencies are difficult to assess among nephrology trainees. We developed a formative "Breaking Bad News" simulation and implemented a study in which nephrology fellows were assessed with regard to their skills in providing counseling to simulated patients confronting the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) or kidney biopsy. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study of communication competency in the setting of preparing for KRT for kidney failure, for KRT for acute kidney injury (AKI), or for kidney biopsy. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 58 first- and second-year nephrology fellows assessed during 71 clinical evaluation sessions at 8 training programs who participated in an objective structured clinical examination of simulated patients in 2017 and 2018. PREDICTORS: Fellowship training year and clinical scenario. OUTCOME: Primary outcome was the composite score for the "overall rating" item on the Essential Elements of Communication-Global Rating Scale 2005 (EEC-GRS), as assessed by simulated patients. Secondary outcomes were the score for EEC-GRS "overall rating" item for each scenario, score < 3 for any EEC-GRS item, Mini-Clinical Examination Exercise (Mini-CEX) score < 3 on at least 1 item (as assessed by faculty), and faculty and fellow satisfaction with simulation exercise (via a survey they completed). ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Nonparametric tests of hypothesis comparing performance by fellowship year (primary goal) and scenario. RESULTS: Composite scores for EEC-GRS overall rating item were not significantly different between fellowship years (P = 0.2). Only 4 of 71 fellow evaluations had an unsatisfactory score for the EEC-GRS overall rating item on any scenario. On Mini-CEX, 17% scored < 3 on at least 1 item in the kidney failure scenario; 37% and 53% scored < 3 on at least 1 item in the AKI and kidney biopsy scenarios, respectively. In the survey, 96% of fellows and 100% of faculty reported the learning objectives were met and rated the experience good or better in 3 survey rating questions. LIMITATIONS: Relatively brief time for interactions; limited familiarity with and training of simulated patients in use of EEC-GRS. CONCLUSIONS: The fellows scored highly on the EEC-GRS regardless of their training year, suggesting interpersonal communication competency is achieved early in training. The fellows did better with the kidney failure scenario than with the AKI and kidney biopsy scenarios. Structured simulated clinical examinations may be useful to inform curricular choices and may be a valuable assessment tool for communication and professionalism.

Incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into dialysis policy: Current initiatives, challenges, and opportunities.

Governments at national and state levels regulate dialysis care in the United States to ensure safe practices, and continually elevate the quality of care. An objective of these regulatory policies is the independent evaluation of dialysis unit outcomes by patients, caregivers, and the community to facilitate choices as well as to advance equal access to high quality dialysis care. These polices recognized decades ago that it was fundamental to include the patient perspective in the assessment and evaluation of dialysis care quality by requiring both individual and aggregate patient reported outcomes (PROs). Although there is support for integrating the patient perspective, concerns persist about the implementation of these polices including selection of PRO measures, administration timing and reach, as well as interpretation of results including benchmarking to permit comparisons across organizations. The experience from the early adoption of PROs into dialysis policies in conjunction with advances in electronic health records, personal data capture and monitoring, and analytics is poised to address these concerns. The dialysis community has the opportunity to lead the way in innovation related to PRO implementation not only in kidney disease care, but also for other healthcare conditions or contexts such as oncology, surgical, and acute care.

Predictors of quality of life for families of children and adolescents with severe physical illnesses who are receiving hospital-based care.

AIM: There is strong evidence regarding the impact of medical treatments on hospitalised children and their families after being diagnosed with a serious illness. Even though survival rates have increased for children and adolescents with illnesses such as cancer, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal diseases, lengthy medical procedures and symptom management may have an impact on the well-being and quality of life for families. Little is known, however, about promoting family quality of life in hospital-based paediatric settings. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictors of quality of life (QOL) across physical health conditions among families of children and adolescents with cancer, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal diseases. Further, to evaluate the difference in perception on QOL among families of children with cancer compared to families of children with kidney, liver and gastrointestinal diseases. METHOD: The study design was cross-sectional. Thirty-eight families of children with cancer, kidney, liver or gastrointestinal diseases participated at a University Hospital. Data were collected using valid and reliable instruments to measure the study variables from March 2015 to May 2016. FINDINGS: The main result from the stepwise regression analysis indicated perceived family support and illness beliefs, significantly predicted quality of life of the family; approximately 41% of the variance in the families' perception of their quality of life was explained by the model. CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasise the importance of supporting and maintaining quality of life for families of children with physical illnesses. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Family level interventions within the healthcare system are needed for families of children with severe physical illnesses, since that can result in better outcomes for the child or adolescent and their family. Such an intervention would need to emphasise therapeutic conversations within a relational context, highlighting illness management, illness beliefs, and cognitive and emotional family support.

Obstáculos y estrategias de afrontamiento en la atención renal: estudio cualitativo en jóvenes con enfermedad renal crónica en diálisis peritoneal / Obstacles and coping strategies in renal care: a qualitative study in young people with chronic kidney disease in peritoneal dialysis

Resumen Este trabajo se propone identificar los obstáculos que enfrentan individuos jóvenes en tratamiento de diálisis peritoneal, así como examinar las estrategias de afrontamiento que utilizan en la atención renal. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo desde una perspectiva crítico-interpretativa. Participaron 12 jóvenes con insuficiencia renal y en tratamiento de diálisis peritoneal, viviendo en Guadalajara, México. Mediante un muestreo por bola de nieve, se seleccionaron siete hombres y cinco mujeres. La información se obtuvo mediante entrevistas narrativas y observación participante, además de conversaciones en WhatsApp y Facebook. Se hizo análisis de contenido. Además del consentimiento informado, se aseguró el anonimato y la confidencialidad de la información. Los resultados desvelan cuatro ejes temáticos que emergen del análisis de la información: Enfrentando dificultades económicas, Viviendo las deficiencias de los servicios de salud, Interferencias en la comunicación con los profesionales sanitarios y En búsqueda permanente de estrategias. Múltiples estrategias se emplean para enfrentar los problemas económicos, la falta de información y el control emocional. Se observó que la falta de recursos económicos es el principal obstáculo que enfrentan los jóvenes en diálisis. Estos jóvenes impulsan estrategias, junto con familiares y sus pares, para afrontar las dificultades.

Abstract This study aims at identifying the obstacles faced by young individuals on peritoneal dialysis treatment, as well as to examine the coping strategies they use in renal care. A qualitative study was carried out from a critical-interpretative approach. Participants were 12 young people with kidney failure, under peritoneal dialysis treatment, who lived in Guadalajara, Mexico. Using a snowball sampling, seven men and five women were selected. The data was obtained through narrative interviews and participant observation, as well as conversations on WhatsApp and Facebook. Content analysis was conducted. In addition to informed consent, anonymity and confidentiality of the information were ensured. Four main themes emerged from data analysis: Facing economic difficulties, Living the health services deficiencies, Interference in communication with health professionals, and The permanent search for strategies. Several strategies are used mainly to solve economic problems, lack of information and emotional control. Lack of economic resources is the main obstacle faced by young people under dialysis treatment. Young people employ strategies together with family members and their peers to face the difficulties encountered.

Delirium following total joint replacement surgery.

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication associated with increased resource utilization, morbidity and mortality. Our institution screens all postsurgical patients for postoperative delirium. The study aim was to perform an automated interrogation of the electronic health records to estimate the incidence of and identify associated risk factors for POD following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Adult patients who underwent TJA with a multimodal analgesia protocol, including peripheral nerve blockade, from 2008 through 2012, underwent automated chart review. POD was identified by routine nursing assessment and administrative billing codes. Of 11,970 patients, 181 (1.5%) were identified to have POD. Older age (odds ratio, 95% CI 2.20, 1.80-2.71 per decade, p < 0.001), dementia (7.44, 3.54-14.60, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (1.70, 1.1.5-2.47, p = 0.009), renal disease (1.68, 1.03-2.65, p = 0.039), blood transfusions (2.04, 1.14-3.52, p = 0.017), and sedation during anesthesia recovery (1.76, 1.23-2.51, p = 0.002) were associated with POD. Anesthetic management was not associated with POD risk. Patients who developed POD required greater healthcare resources. Dementia is strongly associated with POD. The association between POD and transfusions may reflect higher acuity patients or detrimental effect of blood. Postoperative sedation should be recognized as a warning sign of increased risk.

Level of Education and Knowledge of Skin Cancer Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: An increased risk of skin cancer is particularly important in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD), who are potential transplant recipients. In transplant recipients who are exposed to immunosuppressive therapy, neoplastic skin disease my take a more aggressive course. Increased exposure to photoradiation, elderly age, a low skin phototype, sunburn during childhood, and a history of smoking are the main factors contributing to the development of skin neoplasms. Knowledge of these risk factors as well as education on sun protection should be important for such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 105 HD patients (57 men, 48 women) with a mean age of 60.8 (range 25-94) years. Knowledge of skin cancer risk factors was assessed on the basis of a questionnaire regarding skin cancer risk factors. RESULTS: In the study group, 23.8% of patients claimed that they frequently and intensively engage in sunlight exposure. However, only 11.4% have started to apply sunblockers recently. Sunburn during adolescence was reported by 12.4% patients. Among the patients studied, 65.7% had skin phototype I or II, and only 34.3% had phototype III. In the investigated study group, 55.2% admitted smoking: 30.5% smoked more than 20 pack-years. Among the patients studied only 2.86% could name 3 skin cancer risk factors, 29.5% 2 risk factors, 60% 1 risk factor, and 7.6% could not name any risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented prove that patients undergoing HD lack knowledge regarding skin cancer risk factors, which explains the necessity of education, particularly on the dangers of sun radiation.

Validation of the IPOS-Renal Symptom Survey in Advanced Kidney Disease: A Cross-sectional Study.

CONTEXT: The significant symptom burden in advanced renal disease is often poorly recognized by clinicians. Recently, the Integrated Palliative Outcome Score (IPOS)-renal survey was developed from pre-existing tools to capture these symptoms and other common concerns. OBJECTIVES: We studied the validity and reliability of the IPOS-renal survey (patient and staff versions) in an Australian population. METHODS: Adult patients with advanced renal disease and nurses caring for them were participated. We initially administered the IPOS-renal survey simultaneously with other validated surveys and then retested the IPOS-renal after seven to 14 days. We tested the construct validity of 1) IPOS-renal patient version in relation to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Survey-revised and the Kidney Diseases quality of life-short form version 1.3 questionnaire and 2) IPOS-renal staff version in relation to the Support Team Assessment Schedule survey. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (65 hemodialysis, 10 peritoneal dialysis, and six on supportive care; average age 64.9 years) and 53 nurses (average renal nursing experience 10.9 years) were participated. Intraclass coefficients for test-retest reliability were >0.7 for most queries; Cronbach's alphas for internal consistency were 0.84 (patient version) and 0.91 (staff version). In tests of construct validity, Spearman's coefficient of correlation between surveys and their comparators for similar questions was significant, at 0.61 to 0.77 (patients) and 0.24 to 0.76 (staff). As expected, symptom scores and total symptom burden were negatively correlated with summary scores of quality of life. CONCLUSION: The IPOS-renal surveys, patient and staff versions, have good test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity in patients with advanced kidney disease and their nurses. We recommend their use in symptom assessment.

Moon phases and moon signs do not influence morbidity, mortality and long-term survival, after living donor kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 11% of the German population are convinced that certain moon phases and moon signs may impact their health and the onset and clinical course of diseases. Before elective surgery, a considerable number of patients look to optimize the timing of the procedure based on the lunar cycle. Especially patients awaiting living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) commonly look for an adjustment of the date of transplantation according to the moon calendar. This study therefore investigated the perioperative and long-term outcome of LDKT dependent on moon phases and zodiac signs. METHODS: Patient data were prospectively collected in a continuously updated kidney transplant database. Two hundred and seventy-eight consecutive patients who underwent LDKT between 1994 and December 2009 were selected for the study and retrospectively assigned to the four moon phases (new-moon, waxing-moon, full-moon, and waning-moon) and the corresponding zodiac sign (moon sign Libra), based on the date of transplantation. Preexisting comorbidities, perioperative mortality, surgical outcome, and long-term survival data were analyzed. RESULTS: Of all LDKT procedures, 11.9, 39.9, 11.5, and 36.5% were performed during the new, waxing, full, and waning moon, respectively, and 6.2% during the moon sign Libra, which is believed to interfere with renal surgery. Survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years after transplantation were 98.9, 92, and 88.7% (patient survival) and 97.4, 91.6, and 80.6% (graft survival) without any differences between all groups of lunar phases and moon signs. Overall perioperative complications and early graft loss occurred in 21.2 and 1.4%, without statistical difference (p > 0.05) between groups. CONCLUSION: Moon phases and the moon sign Libra had no impact on early and long-term outcome measures following LDKT in our study. Thus, concerns of patients awaiting LDKT regarding the ideal time of surgery can be allayed, and surgery may be scheduled independently of the lunar phases.

Da paralisação dos rins ao movimento da vida: percepções de pessoas em tratamento de hemodiálise / From the kidney's paralisation to the life's movement: the perceptions patients of hemodialysis / El cierre de los riñones para el movimiento de la vida: la percepción de las personas en tratamiento de hemodiálises

A insuficiência renal crônica é considerada um grave problema de saúde pública no mundo. Este artigo tem como objetivo conhecer as percepções de pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) a partir do seu processo de adoecimento e tratamento. Tem como base para as reflexões o referencial teórico de Carl Rogers, a Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, de cunho exploratório e descritivo. O instrumento utilizado foi uma entrevista semi-estruturada, com o uso de um roteiro contendo uma parte destinada a caracterização do participante e outra composta por questões norteadoras. A partir da análise de conteúdo foram criadas quatro categorias: 1) Percepções sobre Doença e Tratamento; 2) Transformações no Modo de Viver; 3) Recursos de Enfrentamento; 4) Mudanças nas Relações. De forma geral, o estudo apontou que além das mudanças na condição física, que resultam na limitação de atividades laborais e de lazer, evidenciam-se mudanças relacionadas ao estado de humor e maneira de relacionar-se no mundo. A dificuldade de integração da doença como parte da vida mostra-se relacionada à dificuldade de atualização do self. Em contrapartida, o potencial de superação mostra-se relacionado à aceitação das limitações e à construção de um significado positivo para o tratamento.

The chronic renal insufficiency is considered a grave problem of public health in the world. This paper has as goal to know the patient's perceptions with chronic renal insufficiency the process of illness and treatment. It has as base the theoretic referential of Carl Rogers, The Person Centered Approach. It is a qualitative research, of exploratory and descriptive nature. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview, with the use of a roadmap containing a part designed to characterize the participant and another composed of guiding questions. From the content analysis it was created four categories: 1) Perceptions of Disease and Treatment; 2) Changes in the Way of Life; 3) Coping Resources; 4) Changes in Relations. Overall, the study found that in addition to changes in the physical condition, resulting in the limitation of labor and leisure activities show up changes related to mood and way of relating to the world. The difficulty of integration of the disease as part of life appears to be related to self-actualization of difficulty before the new condition. In contrast, overcoming potential appears to be related to the acceptance of the limitation and the construction of a positive meaning for the treatment.

La insuficiencia renal crónica se considera un problema grave de salud pública en todo el mundo. Este artículo tiene como objetivo evaluar las percepciones de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) desde el proceso de su enfermedad y tratamiento. Su base para la reflexión del marco teórico de Carl Rogers, el Enfoque Centrado en la Persona. Se trata de un carácter cualitativo, exploratorio y descriptivo. El instrumento utilizado fue una entrevista semi-estructurada, con el uso de una hoja de ruta que contiene una parte diseñada para caracterizar el participante y otro compuesto por preguntas de orientación. A partir del análisis de contenido que se ha creado cuatro categorías: 1) La percepción de enfermedad y el tratamiento; 2) Los cambios en la forma de vida; 3) recursos de afrontamiento; 4) Los cambios en las relaciones. En general, el estudio encontró que, además de los cambios en la condición física, lo que resulta en la limitación de las actividades laborales y de ocio, se presentó cambios relacionados con el estado de ánimo y la manera de relacionarse con el mundo. La dificultad de la integración de la enfermedad como parte de la vida parece estar relacionada con la auto-realización de dificultad. En contraste, el potencial superación parece estar relacionada a la aceptación de las limitaciones y la construcción de un sentido positivo para el tratamiento.

Kidney dysfunction, systemic inflammation and mental well-being in elderly post-myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate whether mild kidney dysfunction and low-grade inflammation in post-myocardial infarction patients are independently associated with markers of mental well-being (i.e. depressive and apathy symptoms, and dispositional optimism). METHODS: In post-myocardial infarction patients, kidney function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from the combined CKD-EPI formula based on serum levels of both creatinine and cystatine C. Systemic inflammation was assessed using high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the 3-item apathy subscale and the 4-item optimism questionnaire (4Q) were used to measure mental well-being and were analyzed using linear multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 2355 patients, mean age was 72.3 (range 63-84) years and 80.1% were men. After multivariable adjustment, a poorer kidney function was associated with more depressive symptoms (ß = -0.084, p < 0.001), more apathy symptoms (ß = -0.101, p < 0.001), and less dispositional optimism (ß = 0.072, p = 0.002). Moreover, higher levels of hs-CRP were associated with more depressive symptoms (ß = 0.051, p = 0.013), more apathy symptoms (ß = 0.083, p < 0.001) and less dispositional optimism (ß = -0.047 p = 0.024). Apathy showed the strongest independent relation with both low eGFR and high hs-CRP. CONCLUSIONS: In post-myocardial infarction patients, impaired kidney function and systemic inflammation showed a stronger association with apathy than with depressive symptoms and dispositional optimism.

Adolescer e adoecer na perspectiva de jovem e família / To be an adolescent and sicken in the youth's and family's perspective / Ser un adolescente enfermo en la perspectiva del joven y de la familia

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo busca enfatizar a vivência do adolescer concomitante ao adoecer através de linha de ado ecimento e desenvolvimento de jovem que, na adolescência, experienciou a instauração de condição crónica por agravos concomitantes -doença renal e câncer. Método: Pesquisa de abordagem compreensiva, modelado como estudo de situação, através da História de Vida, operacionalizada por Entrevista em Profundidade e ob servação de campo; sendo sujeitos do estudo um jovem adoecido e alguns membros de sua família. Resultados: O desenho de linhas imbricadas do adoecimento e do adolescer possibilitou compreender as diferentes fases da condição crónica por agravos concomitantes e suas significativas repercussões para a vida do jovem. Dessa imbricação entre o adolescer e o adoecer, emergiram diversos enfrentamentos mediante as modificações físico-biológicas, comportamentais e sociais vivenciadas, configurando essa experiência única e complexa. Conclusão: Tal compreensão se mostra importante aos profissionais de saúde, de modo que busquem atender as necessida des do ser humano em desenvolvimento como um todo, não apenas as manifestações da doença.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study seeks to highlight the experience of being an adolescent and concomitantly suffer a chronic condition. The study focuses on a teenager who experienced the establishment of a chronic condition due to concomitant aggravations -kidney disease and cancer during adolescence. Methodology: A comprehensive study modeled as a situational analysis of Life History was performed by means of in-depth interviews and field observations. The test subjects were a teenager suffering from a chronic disease and some of his family members. Results: By intertwining the realities of suffering a chronic condition and going through adolescence, we were able to understand the different stages of said chronic condition due to concomitant aggravations and its significant impact on the life of the teenager. Several conflicts emerged from this overlap of adolescence and disease due to physical, biological, behavioral, and social changes; which make such experience complex and unique. Conclusion: This understanding proves important to health professionals allowing them to holistically meet the needs of a developing human being and not only pay attention to the manifestations of the disease.

RESUMEN Objetivo: En este estudio se pretende dar a conocer la experiencia de ser un adolescente concomitante de caer enfermo a través de la línea de enfermedad y desarrollo del joven, que en la adolescencia ha experimentado el establecimiento de una condición crónica con enfermedades concomitantes: dolencia renal y cáncer. Método: Investigación con enfoque integral modelado como estudio de situación mediante la Historia de Vida, realizada por la Entrevista en Profundidad y observación de campo; el sujeto de estudio fue un joven enfermo y algunos miembros de su familia. Resultados: El diseño de líneas entrelazadas de la enfermedad y del adolescente ha per mitido entender las diferentes etapas de la condición crónica resultante de las enfermedades concomitantes y su impacto significativo en la vida de los jóvenes. De este entrelazamiento entre el adolescente y la enfermedad surgieron varios enfrentamientos por los cambios físicos y biológicos, ajuste conductual y social, vividos en esta experiencia compleja y única. Conclusión: Tal entendimiento es importante para los profesionales de la salud, permitiéndoles satisfacer las necesidades del ser humano en desarrollo en su conjunto, y no sólo las manifesta ciones de la enfermedad.

Associação entre bem-estar espiritual e autoestima em pessoas com insuficiência renal crônica em hemodiálise / Association between spiritual well-being and self-esteem of people with chronic kidney failure in hemodialysis

ResumoEste estudo quantitativo teve por objetivo avaliar o bem-estar espiritual e a autoestima de pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica em tratamento hemodialítico e investigar a relação entre ambos. Foi desenvolvido em uma unidade de hemodiálise de um hospital filantrópico do Sul de Minas Gerais, com amostra por conveniência (N=118), predominância de mulheres e média de idade de 57 anos. A coleta de dados deu-se por meio de entrevista, de outubro a novembro de 2013, com utilização do instrumento de caracterização sociodemográfica, clínica e espiritual, da Escala de Avaliação da Autoestima de Rosenberg e da Escala de Bem Estar Espiritual. Foi aplicada estatística descritiva, coeficiente de correlação de Spearman e o teste de Mann-Whitney. A média de autoestima foi de 31,70, classificada como alta e o bem-estar espiritual, 92,91, classificado como moderado. Houve correlação estatística significativa ao nível de 1%, ou seja, quanto maior foi o nível de bem estar espiritual encontrado, maior foi a autoestima. Além disso, quanto maior foi a importância que o indivíduo denotou à religiosidade/espiritualidade maior foi seu nível de autoestima e de bem-estar espiritual (p=0,001). Dessa forma, pode-se considerar a espiritualidade como um recurso possível a ser considerado no enfrentamento da condição crônica e seu tratamento (AU).

AbstractThis quantitative study evaluates the spiritual well-being and self-esteem of patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis and investigates the relationship between them. Developed in a hemodialysis unit of a philanthropic hospital in the South of Minas Gerais, with convenience sample (N=118), predominance of women and mean age of 57 years. Data collection was carried out through interviews between October-November 2013, using the sociodemographic, clinical and spiritual instrument, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Rating Scale and Welfare Spiritual Scale. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficient and the Mann-Whitney test were applied. The average self-esteem was 31.70, classified as high, and the spiritual well-being, 92.91, rated as moderate. There was a statistically significant correlation at 1%, that is, the greater the level of spiritual well-being found, the higher the self-esteem. In addition, the higher the importance religiosity / spirituality for the individual, the higher their level of self-esteem and spiritual well-being (p=.001). Thus, the use of spirituality can be considered as a coping strategy to face the disease and treatment (AU).

Renal function is a determinant of subjective well-being in active seniors but not in patients with subjective memory complaints.

BACKGROUND: During our whole life span, factors influencing health and functioning are accumulated. In chronic kidney disease, quality of life is adversely affected. We hypothesized that biomarkers of renal function could also be determinants of subjective well-being (SWB) in Swedish elderly subjects. SWB was assessed by the Psychological General Well-Being index (PGWB index) in two study groups: Active seniors (AS) consisted of community-dwelling elderly Swedes leading an active life (n = 389), and the DGM cohort (n = 300) consisted of subjects referred to the Memory Unit at the Department of Geriatrics for memory problems, Serum creatinine, cystatin C, and eGFR (CKD-EPI) were used as biomarkers of renal function. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in cystatin C and eGFR values between the two cohorts: cystatin C medians 0.88 vs 0.86 mg/L and eGFR 73 vs 80 mL/min/1.73 m2 (AS vs DGM). In the AS cohort cystatin C was negatively related to PGWB index in women (P < 0.001, R2 ≈ 5%), and the covariates age and BMI did not improve the models. The renal biomarkers were unrelated to the PGWB index in the DGM cohort. Cystatin C in the AS cohort was adversely related to the PGWB subdimensions anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, and vitality in women, but in men only to depressed mood (P < 0.006; R2 ≈ 6%). In the DGM cohort, depressed mood in men was also significantly related to cystatin C (P = 0.050), but not in women. CONCLUSIONS: Renal function even within the normal range, measured by serum cystatin C concentration, has significant and sex specific associations with subjective well-being and its subdimensions in healthy elderly subjects. Maintenance of good renal function in aging may be of importance in maintaining a high subjective well-being.

Pregnancy and postpartum following a prenatal diagnosis of fetal thoracoabdominal malformation: the parental perspective.

PURPOSE: The study's aim was to evaluate how information related to a prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformation could modify parenthood experience descriptions during pregnancy and after the child's birth. METHODS: A longitudinal case-control clinical study was conducted. Data on parenthood experience descriptions collected using a validated semantic differential technique during pregnancy and after the child's birth were compared between seven couples of parents receiving a prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformation and seven couples without any fetal diagnosis. RESULTS: Our results show that during pregnancy parents in the clinical group describe themselves as more fragile, passive, and timid [p=0.007] than those in the control group. On the other hand, after the child's birth, there are no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Data are discussed with reference to better knowledge of the psychological dynamics involved in becoming a parent and to rational planning of support for parents receiving a diagnosis of fetal malformation.

Living "anyway:" stories of access.

Elana Dykewomon's 1974 novel, Riverfinger Women, was among the first lesbian books with a "happy ending." Her seven books of fiction and poetry include the Lambda Award winner Beyond the Pale (now an audio and e-book) and Lambda nominee, Risk. She was an editor of the lesbian-feminist journal, Sinister Wisdom, for eight years. Her literary work foregrounds the lesbian heroic as integral to women's communities. As a social justice activist, she has organized and participated in anti-war, anti-racist, anti-classist, fat and disability rights work since the 1970s. She is now working with Old Lesbians Organizing for Change. She is happy to live embedded in dyke community as a lesbian radical committed to a loving justice. While she suffered psychiatric abuse at 13 (and acknowledges long-term adaptive behavior on that account), she has not experienced disabling mental illness since. Her primary disabilities are mobility impairment through severe, progressive arthritis and constant low-to-powerful pain, sometimes diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Her acute illnesses include pancreatitis and a rare-in-adults kidney disease currently in remission.

The role of diet and physical activity in post-transplant weight gain after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Long-term survival of renal transplant recipients (RTR) has not improved over the past 20 yr. The question rises to what extent lifestyle factors play a role in post-transplant weight gain and its associated risks after transplantation. METHODS: Twenty-six RTR were measured for body weight, body composition, blood lipids, renal function, dietary intake, and physical activity at six wk, and three, six, and 12 months after transplantation. RESULTS: Weight gain ranged between -2.4 kg and 19.5 kg and was largely due to increase in body fat. RTR who remained body fat stable, showed more daily physical activity (p = 0.014), tended to consume less energy from drinks and dairy (p = 0.054), consumed less mono- and disaccharides (sugars) (p = 0.021) and ate more vegetables (p = 0.043) compared with those who gained body fat. Gain in body fat was strongly related to total cholesterol (r = 0.46, p = 0.017) and triglyceride (r = 0.511, p = 0.011) at one yr after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Gain in adiposity after renal transplantation is related to lifestyle factors such as high consumption of energy-rich drinks, high intake of mono- and disaccharides and low daily physical activity. RCTs are needed to investigate potential benefits of lifestyle intervention on long-term morbidity and mortality.

Early life stress induces renal dysfunction in adult male rats but not female rats.

Maternal separation (MatSep) is a model of behavioral stress during early life. We reported that MatSep exacerbates ANG II-induced hypertension in adult male rats. The aims of this study were to determine whether exposure to MatSep in female rats sensitizes blood pressure to ANG II infusion similar to male MatSep rats and to elucidate renal mechanisms involved in the response in MatSep rats. Wistar Kyoto (WKY) pups were exposed to MatSep 3 h/day from days 2 to 14, while control rats remained with their mothers. ANG II-induced mean arterial pressure (MAP; telemetry) was enhanced in female MatSep rats compared with control female rats but delayed compared with male MatSep rats. Creatinine clearance (Ccr) was reduced in male MatSep rats compared with control rats at baseline and after ANG II infusion. ANG II infusion significantly increased T cells in the renal cortex and greater histological damage in the interstitial arteries of male MatSep rats compared with control male rats. Plasma testosterone was greater and estradiol was lower in male MatSep rats compared with control rats with ANG II infusion. ANG II infusion failed to increase blood pressure in orchidectomized male MatSep and control rats. Female MatSep and control rats had similar Ccr, histological renal analysis, and sex hormones at baseline and after ANG II infusion. These data indicate that during ANG II-induced hypertension, MatSep sensitizes the renal phenotype in male but not female rats.

Estágios do pesar nos discursos de jovens em tratamento renal substitutivo / Stages of grief in the discourse of young people in renal replacement therapy / Etapas de la aflicción en los discursos de jóvenes en tratamiento renal substitutivo

A doença renal crônica figura entre asque mais geram impacto na qualidade de vida de seus portadores.O presente trabalho, realizado no Rio Guaribas, Piauí, buscou desvelar de que maneira se dá a relação entre o ser-jovem-portador de doença renal crônica e a experiência por ele vivida, utilizando como eixo investigatório a Teoria da Interpretação proposta por Paul Ricoeur. Estudo fenomenológico-hermenêutico,de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com cinco jovens sob tratamento dialítico em uma unidade de assistência de alta complexidade, especializada em terapia renal substitutiva. Adotou-se a entrevista em profundidade, cujos depoimentos foram coletados durante o mês de outubro de 2010e analisados à luz da literatura revisada. Significados de ser-portador de doença renal crônica foram descritos pelos entrevistados de maneira bastante simplória, denotando desconhecimento acerca da complexidade que envolve a temática, mas revelando metáforas que evidenciam negação, raiva, barganha, depressão e aceitação, denominados estágios do pesar.

Chronic kidney disease is among those that generate the most impact on patient quality of life. This study, conducted in the Rio Guaribas valley, Piauí, aimed to reveal the nature of the relationship between young beings with chronic kidney disease and their lived experience of the disease, using as its investigative framework the interpretation theory proposed by Paul Ricoeur. The study, hermeneutic and phenomenological, with a qualitative approach, was conducted with five young people on dialysis therapy in a care unit specializing in highly complex renal replacement therapy. In-depth interviews were conducted during October 2010 and transcripts analyzed in the light of the literature reviewed. The meanings of having chronic kidney disease were described by respondents very simplistically, showing ignorance of the complexity of the subject, but revealing metaphors that demonstrate denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, termed stages of grief.

La enfermedad renal crónica es una de lasque generan más impacto en la calidad de vida de sus portadores. El objetivo del presente estudio es poner de manifiesto cómo la relación entre el estado de ser joven portador de enfermedad renal crónica y la experiencia que vivió, utilizando como eje for scientific research la interpretación teoría propuesta por Paul Ricoeur. Estudio hermenéutico-fenomenológico, un enfoque cualitativo, realizado con cinco jóvenes en tratamiento de diálisis en una unidad de asistencia especializada en terapia de reemplazo renal muy complejo. Aprobada la entrevista en profundidad, cuyos testimonios fueron recogidos durante el mes de octubre de 2010 y analizada a la luz de la literatura revisada. Los significados de ser portador de enfermedad renal crónica fueron descritas por los entrevistados de forma muy simplista, lo cual denota que la ignorancia acerca de la complejidad que implica el tema, pero revelando metáforas que demuestran la negación, ira, negociación, depresión y aceptación, llamado etapas del pesar.