Patient Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation: Why Physicians Need to Be Trauma-Informed.

Introduction: Many people experience trauma, and its cumulative effects throughout the life span can alter health, development, and well-being. Despite this, few publications focusing on interpersonal trauma include a holistic understanding of the nature and widespread exposure of trauma experiences for patients. We developed an educational resource to teach residents about identifying and intervening with patients who experience trauma across the life span using a trauma-informed care (TIC) perspective. Methods: We created a 4-hour educational session for residents that included didactics, a virtual visit with a domestic violence shelter, a discussion with a person who had experienced trauma, and role-playing. A pretest/posttest retrospective survey assessed resident confidence level in identifying and intervening with patients who may have experienced trauma. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank test to compare pretest and posttest scores and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare responses by residency type and year. Free-text questions were analyzed for thematic content. Results: During the 2021-2022 academic year, 72 of 90 residents (80%) from four residency programs attended and evaluated the session. More than 90% of respondents reported the session met their educational needs and provided them with new ideas, information, and practical suggestions to use in their clinical endeavors. The results demonstrated significantly increased confidence on most of the metrics measured. Discussion: This session significantly improved residents' confidence in identifying and intervening with patients who have had trauma experiences using a TIC perspective, which may lead them to provide improved patient care to those who have experienced trauma.

Longitudinal Fluctuations in Treatment Response After OnabotulinumToxinA and Sacral Neuromodulation for Refractory Urgency Incontinence.

PURPOSE: We compared fluctuations in treatment response after onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation for urgency incontinence using Markov models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We fit data from a randomized trial to Markov models to compare transitions of success/failure over 6 months between 200 U onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation. Objective failure was <50% reduction in urgency incontinence episodes from baseline; subjective failure "strongly disagree" to "neutral" to the Patient Global Symptom Control questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 357 participants (median baseline daily urgency incontinence episodes 4.7 [IQR 3.7-6.0]) 61% vs 51% and 3.2% vs 6.1% reported persistent states of objective success and failure over 6 months after onabotulinumtoxinA vs sacral neuromodulation. Participants receiving onabotulinumtoxinA vs sacral neuromodulation had lower 30-day transition probabilities from objective and subjective success to failure (10% vs 14%, ratio 0.75 [95% CI 0.55-0.95]; 14% vs 21%, ratio 0.70 [95% CI 0.51-0.89]). The 30-day transition probability from objective and subjective failure to success did not differ between onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation (40% vs 36%, ratio 1.11 [95% CI 0.73-1.50]; 18% vs 17%, ratio 1.14 [95% CI 0.65-1.64]). CONCLUSIONS: Over 6 months after treatment, 2 in 5 women's symptoms fluctuate. Within these initial 6 months, women receiving onabotulinumtoxinA transitioned from success to failure over 30 days less often than sacral neuromodulation. For both treatments, there was an almost 20%-40% probability over 30 days that women returned to subjective and objective success after failure. Markov models add important information to longitudinal models on how symptoms fluctuate after urgency incontinence treatment.

Can mild traumatic brain injury alter cognition chronically? A LIMBIC-CENC multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: While outcome from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is generally favorable, concern remains over potential negative long-term effects, including impaired cognition. This study examined the link between cognitive performance and remote mTBIs within the Long-term Impact of Military-relevant Brain Injury Consortium-Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (LIMBIC-CENC) multicenter, observational study of Veterans and service members (SMs) with combat exposure. METHOD: Baseline data of the participants passing all cognitive performance validity tests (n = 1,310) were used to conduct a cross-sectional analysis. Using multivariable regression models that adjusted for covariates, including age and estimated preexposure intellectual function, positive mTBI history groups, 1-2 lifetime mTBIs (nonrepetitive, n = 614), and 3 + lifetime mTBIs (repetitive; n = 440) were compared to TBI negative controls (n = 256) on each of the seven cognitive domains computed by averaging Z scores of prespecified component tests. Significance levels were adjusted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Neither of the mTBI positive groups differed from the mTBI negative control group on any of the cognitive domains in multivariable analyses. Findings were also consistently negative across sensitivity analyses (e.g., mTBIs as a continuous variable, number of blast-related mTBIs, or years since the first and last mTBI). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that the average veteran or SM who experienced one or more mTBIs does not have postacute objective cognitive deficits due to mTBIs alone. A holistic health care approach including comorbidity assessment is indicated for patients reporting chronic cognitive difficulties after mTBI(s), and strategies for addressing misattribution may be beneficial. Future study is recommended with longitudinal designs to assess within-subjects decline from potential neurodegeneration. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Utilization and outcomes of a Whole Health model of care by Veterans with psychiatric illness.

OBJECTIVES: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is implementing a model of healthcare known as Whole Health (WH). The goal of WH is to shift from a disease-oriented system to one that emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention as well as promotes the use of Complementary and Integrative Health. The aim of this project was to investigate utilization and outcomes of WH programming among Veterans with psychiatric disorders. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. Subjects were 7138 Veterans who had a mental health diagnosis. Descriptive data, as well as within- and between-subjects analyses were conducted to investigate utilization and outcomes. SETTING: The study was conducted at a large VHA medical center. INTERVENTIONS: Whole health interventions considered in this study were mindfulness training, health education, wellbeing, and nutrition classes as well as health coaching. Other whole health interventions, such as acupuncture and message were not evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Utilization of mental health treatment services, medication prescriptions, pain scores and suicide-related behaviors were the primary outcome measures. RESULTS: There were 305 Veterans with at least one WH appointment. The existence of several specific psychiatric disorders was associated with WH utilization. The mean number of appointments completed per individual was 6.9 for all WH programming. Finally, WH participation was associated with decreased risk of suicide as well as reduced use of mental health services. There were no significant changes to other outcome variables. CONCLUSIONS: WH programming shows promise to reduce suicide risk and the need for mental health services among this population. Additionally, WH services were underutilized and there was a lack of treatment engagement.

Protocol for a randomized clinical trial investigating early sacral nerve stimulation as an adjunct to standard neurogenic bladder management following acute spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic bladder (NGB) dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI) is generally irreversible. Preliminary animal and human studies have suggested that initiation of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) immediately following SCI can prevent neurogenic detrusor overactivity and preserve bladder capacity and compliance. We designed a multicenter randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of early SNM after acute SCI. METHODS/DESIGN: The scientific protocol comprises a multi-site, randomized, non-blinded clinical trial. Sixty acute, acquired SCI patients (30 per arm) will be randomized within 12 weeks of injury. All participants will receive standard care for NGB including anticholinergic medications and usual bladder management strategies. Those randomized to intervention will undergo surgical implantation of the Medtronic PrimeAdvanced Surescan 97,702 Neurostimulator with bilateral tined leads along the S3 nerve root in a single-stage procedure. All patients will undergo fluoroscopic urodynamic testing at study enrollment, 3 months, and 1-year post randomization. The primary outcome will be changes in urodynamic maximum cystometric capacity at 1-year. After accounting for a 15% loss to follow-up, we expect 25 evaluable patients per arm (50 total), which will allow detection of a 38% treatment effect. This corresponds to an 84 mL difference in bladder capacity (80% power at a 5% significance level). Additional parameters will be assessed every 3 months with validated SCI-Quality of Life questionnaires and 3-day voiding diaries with pad-weight testing. Quantified secondary outcomes include: patient reported QoL, number of daily catheterizations, incontinence episodes, average catheterization volume, detrusor compliance, presence of urodynamic detrusor overactivity and important clinical outcomes including: hospitalizations, number of symptomatic urinary tract infections, need for further interventions, and bowel and erectile function. DISCUSSION: This research protocol is multi-centered, drawing participants from large referral centers for SCI and has the potential to increase options for bladder management after SCI and add to our knowledge about neuroplasticity in the acute SCI patient. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03083366 1/27/2017.

Enterocolitis and bowel function in children with Hirschsprung disease and trisomy 21.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to study the effect of trisomy 21 (T21) on enterocolitis rates and bowel function among children with Hirschsprung disease (HD). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with HD treated at our tertiary children's hospital (2000-2015) and a cohort of patients with HD treated in our pediatric colorectal center (CRC) (2011-2015) were performed. RESULTS: 26/207 (13%) patients with HD had T21. 70 (41%) with HD alone were diagnosed with enterocolitis episodes compared to 9 (38%) with HD+T21 (p=0.71). 55/207 patients were managed in the CRC. 11/55 patients (20%) had HD+T21. 25 (58%) with HD had one or more enterocolitis episodes compared to 4 (36%) with HD+T21 (p=0.20). Number of hospitalizations for enterocolitis was similar between all groups. Toilet training was assessed in 32 CRC patients (25 HD, 7 HD+T21). One child with HD+T21 was toilet trained by age 4years versus 12 with HD (p=0.20). Laxative or enema therapy was required for constipation management in 57% HD versus 64% HD+T21. CONCLUSION: Enterocolitis rates in children with HD+T21 did not differ from rates in children with HD alone. The majority of patients with CRC follow-up had constipation requiring laxative or enema therapy, which demonstrates the need for consistent postoperative follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Study - Level II.

The incidence of postoperative hyponatremia and associated neurological sequelae in children with intracranial neoplasms.

OBJECT: Intracranial tumors are common pediatric neoplasms and account for substantial morbidity among children with cancer. Hyponatremia is a known complication of neurosurgical procedures and is associated with higher morbidity among neurosurgical patients. The authors aimed to estimate the incidence of hyponatremia, identify clinical characteristics associated with hyponatremia, and assess the association between hyponatremia and patient outcome among children undergoing surgery for intracranial tumors. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of children ranging in age from 0 to 19 years who underwent an initial neurosurgical procedure for an intracranial tumor between January 2001 and February 2012. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium ≤ 130 mEq/L during admission. RESULTS: Hyponatremia during admission occurred in 39 (12%) of 319 patients and was associated with young age and obstructive hydrocephalus (relative risk [RR] 2.9 [95% CI 1.3-6.3]). Hyponatremic patients were frequently symptomatic; 21% had seizures and 41% had altered mental status. Hyponatremia was associated with complicated care including mechanical ventilation (RR 4.4 [95% CI 2.5-7.9]), physical therapy (RR 4 [95% CI 1.8-8.8]), supplemental nutrition (RR 5.7 [95% CI 3.3-9.8]), and infection (RR 5.7 [95% CI 3.3-9.5]). Hyponatremic patients had a 5-fold increased risk of moderate or severe disability on the basis of their Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score at discharge (RR 5.3 [95% CI 2.9-9.8]). Obstructive hydrocephalus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.24 [95% CI 1.38-8.94]) and young age (aOR 0.92 [95% CI 0.85-0.99]) were independently associated with hyponatremia during admission. Hyponatremia was independently associated with moderate or worse disability by Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score at discharge (aOR 6.2 [95% CI 3.0-13.03]). CONCLUSIONS: Hyponatremia was common, particularly among younger children and those with hydrocephalus. Hyponatremia was frequently symptomatic and was associated with more complicated hospital courses. Hyponatremia was independently associated with worse neurological outcome when adjusted for age and tumor factors. This study serves as an exploratory analysis identifying important risk factors for hyponatremia and associated sequelae. Further research into the causes of hyponatremia and the association with poor outcome is needed to determine if prevention and treatment of hyponatremia can improve outcomes in these children.