The Expanding Role of the Canadian Nurse Practitioner in Medical Aesthetics.

Advanced practice in nursing is well established and has been active since the 1800s. In most cases, the role was developed because of a specific need or gap in patient care. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) have been experts in medical aesthetic injections for more than 30 years. The APNs' independence became increasingly common as a mechanism of continuity of care for the non-surgical-medical aesthetic patients. The APN role has evolved, and nurse practitioners (NPs) are now collaborating with nurses safely and effectively in nurse-led clinics in medical aesthetics. There are specific education and college regulations that are required to ensure patient safety in this collaborative care model. The role of the NP in a nurse-led medical aesthetic clinic is an accepted and recognized independent practice role that creates an innovative and well-regulated approach to patient care.

Advances in Aesthetic Therapies: Plasma-Rich Protein Procedure for the Treatment of Alopecia.

Predominance of aesthetic options is growing and evolving to include procedures that have traditionally been much more invasive and fiscally challenging for the average patient. It is not uncommon now for the Canadian consumers to begin to look for lesser invasive options that show results significant enough to improve their appearance but that may not fall under the traditional health care coverage. One area that is evolving quickly is the nonsurgical treatment of hair loss. This is not a new condition, but generally the methods of treatment are not under the current health coverage; therefore, consumers are paying out of pocket to reduce or replace their hair loss. Recently, more options have evolved, and utilizing platelet-rich plasma has become more prevalent as a method to support hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Manuka Honey: A Case Study of Severe Atopic Eczematous Dermatitis Reaction to Henna Tattoo.

Many mainstream medications were derived from plants and originally utilized in patient management well prior to the extensive research and testing processes of current pharmaceutical standards. The evolution of therapeutic management within the pharmaceutical and skin care industry often uses synthetic processing of products with less of a focus on the natural ingredients from which they were originally derived. However, more recently there has been a shift in pharmacological management to include the therapeutic use of more holistic medicines and practices and thus a broadening of the uses of nontraditional medical treatment options. This has been seen in the use of treatments, such as Manuka honey, for skin conditions and dermal injuries. It is often with off-label uses, or conditions resistant to other treatments, that then prompt the use of holistic products and the true value of the product is validated. As with the following case study, the example of the use of Manuka honey on a severe atopic contact dermatitis eczematous reaction provides further documentation and supportive evidence of the potential efficacy of the properties of this particular natural product.

Hyaluronidase: Understanding Its Properties and Clinical Application for Cosmetic Injection Adverse Events.

The recent global consensus on the management of cosmetic aesthetic injectable complications from hyaluronic acid (HA) has increased the focus on the use of hyaluronidase more than ever before (M. Signorini et al., 2016). A comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy, including structural positioning of facial arteries and veins, and an extensive knowledge of HA products available for injection procedures, combined with best practice protocols, will assist to prevent adverse events. Despite the growing number of patients using cosmetic fillers for facial restoration, the incidents incidence of adverse events remains low. Indeed, the avoidance of complications through safe and effective injection practice remains the key to preventing the need to use hyaluronidase.

Healthcare needs of adults with congenital heart disease: study of the patient perspective.

BACKGROUND: More than 90% of infants born with congenital heart disease reach adulthood. International medical recommendations outline patient care needs in an effort to optimize patient health. There are, however, limited data focusing on the patient perspective. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated adult congenital heart disease patient-reported (1) barriers to medical care, (2) healthcare behaviors, and (3) concerns regarding medical, psychosocial, and lifestyle matters. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was distributed to all patients who attended a patient education conference. RESULTS: There were 123 adult congenital heart disease participants (58% female; mean age, 37 [SD, 13] years). The most common self-reported cardiac diagnoses were tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the great arteries. Most patients did not report transportation or financial barriers to care, but did report the following: not wanting further surgery even if it was recommended (18%), not liking to think or talk about one's heart (17%), and not understanding doctors' information; 8% of patients inaccurately considered themselves to be "cured." With regard to healthcare behaviors, more than 80% of patients reported annual family physician and dentist visits, but 34% of patients were unaware when to seek urgent medical attention. Patients reported moderate to extreme concern about the following medical topics: heart rhythm problems (82%), infections (74%), and understanding treatment options (71%). Patients most often reported moderate to extreme concern about the following lifestyle and psychosocial topics: physical activity (77%), insurance (72%), assuming increased health responsibility (73%), diet (71%), mental health (60%), and death and dying (57%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important information about 3 specific areas. First, there are potential barriers to care beyond financial and transportation challenges. Second, many patients require education regarding when to seek urgent medical attention. Third, the concerns of this patient population are not limited to medical information. A patient-centered educational program is recommended.

Prevalence and determinants of anemia in adults with complex congenital heart disease and ventricular dysfunction (subaortic right ventricle and single ventricle physiology).

Anemia is well recognized as a marker of poor prognosis in patients with acquired heart disease and heart failure. Adults with complex congenital heart disease and ventricular dysfunction (subaortic right ventricle or single-ventricle physiology) represent a different population, because they are typically much younger and have less co-morbidity compared with patients with acquired forms of heart disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of anemia in this population. Baseline hemoglobin levels were recorded at the time of the initial clinic visit, and final hemoglobin levels were those recorded before death or transplantation or at study completion. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <135 g/L in men and <120 g/L in women. One hundred sixty-seven patients (100 men, mean age 34 +/- 8 years, mean ejection fraction 35 +/- 9%) were included, 66 with atrial switch operations, 42 with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, and 59 with Fontan physiology. The mean hemoglobin level at baseline was 149 +/- 22 g/L and at follow-up was 139 +/- 29 g/L. The overall prevalence of anemia was 29% at completion. Hyponatremia, decreased renal function, and the use of warfarin were independent predictors of anemia. In conclusion, anemia is common in patients with complex congenital heart disease and ventricular dysfunction, in particular those with Fontan physiology.

Development of an international research agenda for adult congenital heart disease nursing.

BACKGROUND: Since the population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) is growing, the role of nurse specialists is expanding. In order to advance ACHD nursing, the establishment of an international nursing research agenda is recommended. We aimed to investigate research priorities as perceived by nurse specialists and researchers in ACHD. METHODS: We applied a sequential quan-qual design. In the quantitative phase, a two-round Delphi study was conducted, in which 37 nurse specialists and nurse researchers in ACHD care participated. Respondents assessed the level of priority of 21 research topics using a 9-point rating scale (1 = no priority at all; 9 = very high priority). In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were performed with six selected Delphi panelists, to scrutinize pending research questions. RESULTS: This study revealed that priority should be given to studies investigating knowledge and education of patients, outcomes of Advanced Practice Nursing, quality of life, transfer and transition, and illness experiences and psychosocial issues in adults with CHD. A low priority was given to post-operative pain, sexual functioning, transplantation in ACHD, and health care costs and utilization. Agreement about the level of priority was obtained for 14 out of 21 research topics. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, we could develop an international research agenda for ACHD. Researchers ought to focus on these areas of highest priority, in order to expand and strengthen the body of knowledge in ACHD nursing.

Stenosis of the superior limb of the systemic venous baffle following a Mustard procedure: an under-recognized problem.

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrioventricular concordance and ventriculoarterial discordance (DTGA) and a Mustard procedure may develop stenosis of the superior limb of the systemic venous baffle (SLSVB). The frequency of this complication in an adult cohort was evaluated. METHODS: Patients >18 years with DTGA and a Mustard procedure with and without a pacemaker (PM)/implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) were identified through an institutional database. Subjects were included following a cardiac imaging study (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, venography or cardiac catheterization) and follow-up in the PM/ICD or congenital cardiac clinics from 2001 to 2007. The primary end-point was narrowing of the SLSVB (<10mm) on cardiac imaging. Hemodynamically significant narrowing was defined by: azygous vein dilatation with retrograde flow or superior vena cava syndrome or the need for dilatation ± stenting of the SLSVB. RESULTS: Narrowing of the SLSVB was observed in 49/112 patients (70 males) age 31 ± 6 years (range 18-49) and was hemodynamically significant in 15/49. Of 29 patients with a PM (23) or ICD (6) and cardiac imaging, 17 had narrowing of the SLSVB which was hemodynamically significant in 8. Non-echocardiographic imaging had a sensitivity of 88% at detecting narrowing of the SLSVB in contrast to pulse-wave Doppler, which yielded a sensitivity of 16% (61% negative predictive value, 88% positive predictive value). CONCLUSIONS: In our adult cohort of Mustard patients, narrowing of the SLSVB had a prevalence of 44% and was more likely to be detected by non-echocardiographic imaging. Baffle patency should be evaluated before transvenous device implantation.

Adults with congenital heart disease: psychological needs and treatment preferences.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately one-third of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients have mood or anxiety disorders, the majority of which go untreated. The extent to which this group of patients is interested in psychological services is, however, unknown. This study investigated the perceived psychological needs of patients and their mental health treatment preferences. DESIGN: Participants completed an anonymous survey with items regarding mental health treatment history, preferences for future treatment, Internet use, and interest in peer support. RESULTS: A total of 155 ACHD patients completed study questionnaires (mean age = 39 years; 50% female). Forty percent of patients reported previous mental health treatment. Some 51% of patients (73/142) indicated significant interest in at least 1 of 7 defined areas of psychological treatment (managing mood and/or anxiety, coping with a cardiac condition, stress management, anger management, relationship difficulties, substance use, and smoking cessation). Patients were most interested in stress management and coping with heart disease; one-third of patients (48/141 and 47/141, respectively) expressed high interest in these 2 topics. There was a consistent preference for psychological treatment to be provided over the Internet vs. in person or over the telephone; 94% of the patients had Internet access. In total, 35% of patients (51/145) were interested in receiving peer support. CONCLUSIONS: It is not only health providers who recognize the importance of psychological care for ACHD patients. As a group, patients are also interested in psychological treatment and peer support. Programs are encouraged to provide psychological services and maximize opportunities for interactions with other patients.

Depression and anxiety in adult congenital heart disease: predictors and prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients face unique medical and social challenges that may contribute to psychological difficulties. The goals of this study were to identify predictors of symptoms of depression and anxiety and evaluate the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders among North American ACHD patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients were recruited from two ACHD outpatient clinics. All patients completed self-report psychosocial measures and a subset was randomly selected to participate in structured clinical interviews. Linear regression models were used to predict symptoms of depression and anxiety. RESULTS: A total of 280 patients (mean age=32 years; 52% female) completed self-report measures. Sixty percent had defects of moderate complexity and 31% had defects of great complexity. Significant predictors of depressive symptoms were loneliness (p<0.001), perceived health status (p<0.001), and fear of negative evaluation (p=0.02). Predictors of anxiety symptoms were loneliness (p<0.001) and fear of negative evaluation (p<0.001). Disease severity and functional class did not predict mood or anxiety symptoms. Fifty percent of interviewed patients (29/58) met diagnostic criteria for at least one lifetime mood or anxiety disorder, of whom 39% had never received any mental health treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm an increased risk and under-treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in ACHD patients. Social adjustment and patient-perceived health status were more predictive of depression and anxiety than medical variables. These factors are modifiable and therefore a potential focus of intervention.

Effect of angiotensin receptor blockade on systemic right ventricular function and size: a small, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor on systemic right ventricular size and function are unknown. METHODS: Prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 1-year therapy with Ramipril in adult patients with DTGA status postatrial baffle procedure. Primary endpoints were change in systemic right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and right ventricular size assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Seventeen patients were enrolled into the study. Mean age at study enrollment was 26.4+/-5.2 years. Mean baseline RVEF was 44+/-6.5%, mean RVEDV was 206.3+/-75.5 ml. Eight patients were randomized to the treatment group and 9 patients were randomized to the placebo group. RVEF did not improve in the Ramipril group from baseline to 1 year (43.8+/-7.1% vs. 40.9+/-13.3%, p=0.52) and remain unchanged in the placebo group (44.3+/-6.3 vs. 46.3+/-9.6%, p=0.42). RVEDV (184.5+/-56.4 ml vs. 179.6+/-66.4 ml, p=0.64) and RVESV (109.5+/-19.4 ml vs. 111.8+/-30.1, p=0.74) remained unchanged in the Ramipril group from baseline to 1 year as well as in the placebo group (228.1+/-89.2 ml vs. 204.5+/-50.4 ml, p=0.42 and 117.5+/-36.9 ml vs. 117.4+/-26.2 ml, p=0.99, respectively). CONCLUSION: One-year treatment with Ramipril does not seem to affect right ventricular function or size in adult patients with systemic right ventricles after a Mustard or Senning procedure. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: 17 Adult patients (mean age of 26.4 +/- 5.2 years) with systemic right ventricles were blindly randomized to 1-year treatment with Ramipril placebo. Systemic right ventricular function (RVEF) and size (RVEDV) were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 1 year. RVEF failed to improve in the Ramipril group (43.8+/-7.1% vs. 40.9+/-13.3%, p=0.52) and remain unchanged in the placebo group (44.3+/-6.3 vs. 46.3+/-9.6%, p=0.42). RVEDV remained unchanged in the study group (184.5+/-56.4 ml vs. 179.6+/-66.4 ml, p=0.64 as well as in the placebo group (228.1 +/- 89.2 ml vs. 204.5 +/- 50.4 ml, p = 0.42). One-year treatment with Ramipril does not improve right ventricular function or attenuate remodeling in adult patients with systemic right ventricles.