Differences Between Centers in Psychosocial Evaluations for Living Kidney Donors Do Not Influence Outcome: Results From an Observational Multicenter Study.

Rather little is known about how psychosocial evaluations for living kidney donation (LKD) are performed. We aimed to explore whether Swiss transplant centers (STCs) vary regarding the rate of living kidney donors refused for psychosocial reasons, the psychosocial evaluation process, and the characteristics of the donors. Methods: We investigated 310 consecutive candidates for LKD in 4 of 6 existing STC during mandatory psychosocial evaluations. We registered (i) sociodemographic data, (ii) the type of the decision-making process regarding LKD (ie, snap decision, postponed, deliberate, other), (iii) the evaluator's perception of the donor's emotional bonding and his/her conflicts with the recipient, (iv) the donor's prognosis from a psychosocial perspective, (v) time taken for the psychosocial evaluation, and (vi) its result (eligible, eligible with additional requirements, not eligible). Results: Centers had comparable proportions of noneligible donors (2.9%-6.0%) but differed significantly in the percentage of donors accepted with additional requirements (3.4%-66%, P < 0.001). Significant differences emerged between centers regarding the time needed for evaluation (75-160 min [interquartile range (IQR) 75-180 min] per single exploration, P < 0.001), the perception of the donor's emotional bonding (visual analogue scale [VAS] 8-9 [IQR 6-10], P < 0.001), his/her conflicts with the recipient (VAS 1.5-2 [IQR 0-3], P = 0.006), the donor's psychosocial prognosis (VAS 8-9 [IQR 7-10], P < 0.001), and the type of decision concerning LKD (59%-82% with snap decision "yes," P = 0.008). However, despite differences in the psychosocial evaluation process, the rates of patients accepted for transplantation (eligible and eligible with additional requirements versus noneligible) were comparable across STC (P = 0.72). Conclusions: Our results emphasize that it is more important to establish clear guidelines to identify potential psychosocial risks than to stringently standardize the procedure for psychosocial evaluation of living kidney donors.

Health-related quality of life and stress-related post-transplant trajectories of lung transplant recipients: a three-year follow-up of the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study

Background: Lung transplantation (LTx) provides a viable option for the survival of end-stage lung diseases. Besides survival as a clinical outcome measure, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress have become important outcomes in studies investigating the effectiveness of LTx in the short- and long-term. Objective: To assess and compare HRQoL trajectories of patients after LTx prior to and over a follow-up period of three years post-transplant, and to identify differences regarding distress, HRQoL and patient-related outcomes. Methods: In this longitudinal study, 27 lung transplant recipients were prospectively examined for psychological distress (Symptom Checklist short version-9; SCL-K-9), health-related quality of life (EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire; EQ-5D), depression (HADS-Depression scale), and socio-demographic and medical outcomes at two weeks, three months, six months and three years following LTx. Additionally, potential outcome-related predictors for LTx-outcomes at three years post-transplant were assessed. Data were collected in accordance with guidelines set by the STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) statement. Results: Lung transplant recipients showed the most pronounced improvements in HRQoL and reduction in psychological distress between two weeks and three months post-transplant, with relative stable HRQoL and distress trajectories thereafter. The most important predictors of poor somatic health trajectories over time were the pre-transplant disease severity score and the pre-transplant HADS-Depression score. In addition, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and pre-transplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-use predicted poorer survival, while cystic fibrosis was associated with better survival three years post-transplant. Conclusion: Lung transplantation yields significant survival and HRQoL benefits, with its peak improvement at three months post-transplant. The majority of patients can preserve these health changes in the long-term. Patients with a worse HRQoL and higher psychological distress at six months post-transplant tended to have a poorer survival post-transplant. Other risk factors for poorer survival included IPF, pre-transplant ECMO-use, pre-transplant symptoms of depression, high pre-transplant disease severity and worse somatic disease severity trajectories. The majority of LTx-recipients were unable to work due to illness-related reasons.

Trauma exposure and the mediating role of posttraumatic stress on somatic symptoms in civilian war victims.

BACKGROUND: It has been well documented that the exposure to war has a negative effect on the psychological health of civilian. However, little is known on the impact of war exposure on the physical health of the civilian population. In addition, the link between trauma exposure and somatic symptoms remain poorly understood. This cross-sectional study examined levels of somatic symptoms in the aftermath of war, and the mediating role of posttraumatic stress symptoms in the relationship between trauma exposure and somatic symptoms. METHODS: Civilian war survivors (N = 142) from Kosovo were assessed for potentially traumatic events, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and somatic symptoms. Data were analyzed using mediation analyses. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were categorized based on King's four factor model (Psychol Assessment. 10: 90-96, 1998). RESULTS: Participants reported on average more than 5 types of traumatic exposure. The cut-off indicative for PTSD was exceeded by 26.1% of participants. Symptom levels of PTSD were associated with somatic symptoms. The relationship between trauma exposure and somatic symptoms was partly mediated by the active avoidance and hyperarousal symptom clusters of PTSD. CONCLUSION: Active avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms seem to play a key role in traumatized people suffering from somatic symptoms.

Sedation for magnetic resonance imaging using propofol with or without ketamine at induction in pediatrics-A prospective randomized double-blinded study.

INTRODUCTION: Deep sedation using propofol has become a standard technique in children. This double-blinded randomized clinical trial aims to compare the clinical effects of propofol-mono-sedation vs a combination of propofol and ketamine at induction and a reduced propofol infusion rate for maintenance in children undergoing diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Children aged from 3 months to 10 years scheduled as outpatients for elective magnetic resonance imaging with deep sedation were included. They were randomized into 2 groups, receiving either 1 mg/kg ketamine at induction, then a propofol infusion rate of 5 mg/kg/h or a propofol infusion rate of 10 mg/kg/h without prior ketamine. Time to full recovery (modified Aldrete score = 10) was the primary outcome. Further outcomes were quality of induction, immobilization during image acquisition, recovery, postoperative nausea and vomiting, emergence delirium using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale, vital signs and adverse cardiorespiratory events. All patients and parents as well as anesthetists, imaging technicians, and postsedation personnel were blinded. Data are given as median (range). RESULTS: In total, 347 children aged 4.0 (0.25-10.9) years, weighing 15.6 (5.3-54) kg, ASA classification I, II, or III (141/188/18) were included. The ketamine-propofol group showed significantly shorter recovery times (38 (22-65) vs 54 (37-77) minutes; median difference 14 (95% CI: 8, 20) minutes; P < .001), better quality of induction, and higher blood pressure, but higher incidence of movement requiring additional sedative drugs. There were no significant differences in respiratory side effects, cardiovascular compromise, emergence delirium, or postoperative nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: Both sedation concepts proved to be reliable with a low incidence of side effects. Ketamine at induction with a reduced propofol infusion rate leads to faster postanesthetic recovery.

Wide range of age of onset and low referral rates to psychiatry in a large cohort of acne excoriée at a Swiss tertiary hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive skin manipulation is the key symptom in skin picking disorder (SPD) or acne excoriée des jeunes filles Brocq. The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) has recognized SPD as an independent disease, namely an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Thus, psychiatric treatment is indicated. Therefore, in a large cohort of SPD, we asked whether dermatologists' treatment strategy includes routine referrals to psychiatry. In addition, we describe epidemiological data, treatments and follow up. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study, searching in our hospital database between January 1 2011 and December 31 2016. RESULTS: A total of 154 (141 female, 13 male) patients were included in our study. In less than 5% a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist occurred. More than 90% of all patients received topical and almost 40% systemical anti-acne treatment. The loss of follow-up was very high. DISCUSSION: Our study shows that dermatologists focus on treating acne-like lesions in SPD, but rarely refer to psychiatry. Possible reasons include considerations of patients' reactions who often reject the idea of a psychological origin of the disease. Our results suggest that new treatment strategies should be created to address SPD correctly, i.e. by combined consultations with psychiatrists or specific training of dermatologists in psychiatric therapy and diagnostics.

Pipamperone and delirium: a preliminary evaluation of its effectiveness in the management of delirium and its subtypes.

INTRODUCTION: Delirium has been recognised as an underdiagnosed and undermanaged syndrome with substantial prevalence rates and potentially deleterious consequences in the medically ill population. Despite its frequent administration in the management of delirium, the effectiveness of pipamperone has not yet been evaluated. METHODS: In this retrospective, descriptive cohort study of 192 patients, pipamperone as monotherapy and as an adjunct to haloperidol, haloperidol alone, or atypical antipsychotics were compared with respect to their effectiveness in the management of delirium and its subtypes over the course of 20 days. RESULTS: In this elderly patient population, pipamperone alone and as an adjunct to haloperidol was as effective as haloperidol or atypical antipsychotics in the management of delirium. Management with low-dose pipamperone monotherapy achieved delirium resolution in 70% of patients, over a mean of 6.4 (2-20) days. With pipamperone as an adjunct to haloperidol, delirium resolved in 59% of patients, over a mean of 7.4 (2-20) days. When haloperidol or atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine or quetiapine) were used, the delirium resolution rates were 72 and 67%, over a mean of 5.2 (2-11) and 6.4 (2-20) days, respectively. The addition of pipamperone to haloperidol decreased the requirement for lorazepam. Pipamperone proved to be equally effective in all delirium subtypes - hypoactive, hyperactive and mixed. Nonetheless, potential bias could not be excluded in this observational design. CONCLUSION: From these initial results, low-dose pipamperone was as effective as haloperidol or atypical antipsychotics in the management of delirium and its subtypes, and was benzodiazepine-sparing when used as an adjunct to haloperidol.

Tinnitus functional index: validation of the German version for Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Different standardized questionnaires are used to assess tinnitus severity, making comparisons across studies difficult. These questionnaires are also used to measure treatment-related changes in tinnitus although they were not designed for this purpose. To solve these problems, a new questionnaire - the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - has been established. The TFI is highly responsive to treatment-related change and promises to be the new gold standard in tinnitus evaluation. The aim of the current study was to validate a German version of the TFI for a German-speaking population in Switzerland. METHODS: At the ENT department of the University Hospital Zurich, 264 subjects completed an online survey including the German version for Switzerland of TFI, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and sociodemographic variables. Internal consistency of the TFI was calculated with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Pearson correlation coefficients were used for the test-retest reliability of the TFI and to investigate convergent and discriminant validity between the THI and the BDI and BAI, respectively. Factor analysis was assessed using a principal component analysis with oblique rotation. The different factors extracted were then compared with the original questionnaire. RESULTS: The German version of the TFI for Switzerland showed an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.97) and an excellent test-retest reliability of 0.91. The convergent validity with THI was high (r = 0.86). The discriminant validity with BAI and BDI showed moderate results (BAI: r = 0.60 and BDI: r = 0.65). In the factor analysis only five factors with one main factor could be extracted instead of eight factors as described in the original version. Nevertheless, relations to the original eight subscales could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: The German version of the TFI for Switzerland is a suitable instrument for measuring the impact of tinnitus. The reliability and validity of this version are comparable with the original version of the TFI. Although this study showed only five factors in the factor analysis, relations to the original eight subscales were identified. Therefore, the German version of the TFI for Switzerland can deliver relevant information regarding the different tinnitus domains. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration number on clinicaltrial.gov: NCT01837368 .

Trichotillomania: the impact of treatment history on the outcome of an Internet-based intervention.

BACKGROUND: Many patients suffering from trichotillomania (TTM) have never undergone treatment. Without treatment, TTM often presents with a chronic course. Characteristics of TTM individuals who have never been treated (untreated) remain largely unknown. Whether treatment history impacts Internet-based interventions has not yet been investigated. We aimed to answer whether Internet-based interventions can reach untreated individuals and whether treatment history is associated with certain characteristics and impacts on the outcome of an Internet-based intervention. METHODS: We provided Internet-based interventions. Subjects were characterized at three time points using the Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 105 individuals, 34 were untreated. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was markedly impaired in untreated and treated individuals. Symptom severity did not differ between untreated and treated individuals. Nontreatment was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (P=0.002). Treatment history demonstrated no impact on the outcome of Internet-based interventions. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate that Internet-based interventions can reach untreated TTM individuals. They show that untreated individuals benefit as much as treated individuals from such interventions. Future Internet-based interventions should focus on how to best reach/support untreated individuals with TTM. Additionally, future studies may examine whether Internet-based interventions can reach and help untreated individuals suffering from other psychiatric disorders.

Gastric ultrasound as a preoperative bedside test for residual gastric contents volume in children.

BACKGROUND: Emergency situations and conditions with impaired gastric emptying enhance the risk of perioperative pulmonary aspiration due to increased residual gastric contents volume (GCV). Gastric ultrasonographic (US) measurement of the gastric antral cross-sectional area (CSA) has been proposed to estimate preanesthetic GCV. However, only few healthy children and fasted pediatric patients have been investigated so far, predicting GCV with considerable imprecision. This study aimed to compare GCV assessed by US in different patient positions for measuring CSA, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as reference, and to evaluate its potential as diagnostic test. METHODS: Healthy volunteer children were examined in a crossover design on 2 days. After baseline examination, they received a light breakfast, followed by 7 ml·kg-1 clear fluid after 2 or 4 h. Gastric emptying was examined with MRI over 4 or 6 h, respectively. US was performed immediately after MRI in right lateral decubital (RLD) and supine with upper body elevated (SUBE) positions. Correlation coefficients (Pearson R; 95%CI) between CSA and body weight corrected GCV (GCVw ) as determined by MRI volumetry were calculated. Data are presented as median (range). RESULTS: Eighteen children aged 9.8 (6.8-12.2) years had 72 US examinations completed. CSA was 401 (101-1311) mm2 and 271 (118-582) mm2 , and R between CSA and GCVw was 0.76 (0.76-1) and 0.57 (0.41-0.88) for the RLD and SUBE positions, respectively. The corresponding GCVw was 2.1 (0.1-13.8) ml·kg-1 . A linear regression model from RLD was similar to one previously derived. Bland-Altman analysis and ROC plots are presented. CONCLUSION: CSA correlated with GCVw in healthy children over a wide range of gastric filling, with the RLD position clearly superior to the SUBE position, confirming a previously derived formula. Although direct calculation of GCVw is imprecise, this technique has the potential to become a diagnostic risk assessment test.

Patients' Early Post-Operative Experiences with Lung Transplantation: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lung transplantation is a complex medical treatment, and for patients with end-stage lung diseases it is often the last therapeutic option available for survival. However, lung transplantation poses not only a physical but also a psychological challenge for patients. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of patients' individual concerns related to their lung transplantation within the first 6 months post-transplant. METHODS: Forty lung transplant patients were interviewed at three different measurement timepoints post-transplant (T1: 2 weeks; T2: 3 months; and T3: 6 months) using semi-structured interviews to address their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes with respect to the transplantation process, their new lungs, and their medication. Interviews were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: "Physical complaints", "fear of organ rejection", "side effects of medication", and "restrictions in everyday life" were the most frequently named concerns within the first 6 months post-transplant. Most themes remained unchanged over time, whereas mentions of restrictions in everyday life increased significantly over the three assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of the patients experienced considerable improvements in physical health after transplantation, they simultaneously reported that they were suffering from physical complaints, fear of organ rejection and infections, medication adverse effects, and restrictions in everyday life. For patients, lung transplantation therefore often means replacing one disease with another. Healthcare providers are challenged to support patients in dealing with this unresolvable dilemma.

Obsessive-compulsive and posttraumatic stress symptoms among civilian survivors of war.

BACKGROUND: Several psychological sequelae have been identified in civilian war survivors. However, little is known about the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and their relationship to trauma in this population. METHOD: Fifty-one adult civilian survivors of the Kosovo War (28 males) who had immigrated to Switzerland completed the Revised Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory Scale, the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Data were analysed using multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 35 and 39% of the sample scored above the cut-offs for likely obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, respectively. Participants with high levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms were significantly more likely to have obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and vice versa. In multiple regression analysis, gender and severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms were predictors of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, whereas number of traumatic life event types and depressive symptoms were not. CONCLUSION: Given the small sample size, the results of this study need to be interpreted cautiously. Nevertheless, a surprisingly high number of participants in our study suffered from both obsessive-compulsive and posttraumatic stress symptoms, with obsessive-compulsive symptoms tending to be more pronounced in women. It remains, therefore, critical to specifically assess both obsessive-compulsive and posttraumatic stress symptoms in civilian war survivors, and to provide persons afflicted with appropriate mental health care.

Affective regulation in trichotillomania before and after self-help interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Trichotillomania (TTM) is characterized by recurrent hair-pulling behaviours that cause significant distress. Deficits in affective regulation have been reported in individuals with TTM. We aimed to investigate temporal stability of affective regulation in TTM individuals. METHODS: Eighty-one TTM individuals underwent an online intervention. Affective Regulation Scale (ARS), Massachusetts General Hospital Hair-Pulling Scale (MGH-HPS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were obtained at baseline, post-treatment (4 weeks), and follow-up (6 months). We examined the effect of phenotypes including hair-pulling severity and depressive symptoms on absolute and relative stability of affective regulation over time, using multiple linear and hierarchical regression analyses. RESULTS: The ARS total-score from the present TTM sample was significantly lower than the score from non-hair pullers (p < 0.001). ARS total-scores inversely correlated with the MGH-HPS total-scores at baseline (p = 0.001) and post-treatment (p = 0.02), and with BDI total-scores at all time-points (p < 0.001). Although ARS total-scores significantly increased, all ARS sub-scores, except guilt sub-scores, did not change over time, indicating absolute stability. Baseline ARS total-, and sub-scores (except tension) were found to predict their ARS follow-up scores (all p < 0.01), confirming relative stability (i.e., the extent to which the inter-individual differences remained the same over time). The relative stability of ARS total-scores and all but two sub-scores (irritability and guilt) were independent from BDI baseline scores. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with TTM reported deficits in affective regulation that demonstrated mostly high relative stability and partly absolute stability. Therefore, targeting to improve affective regulation in individuals with TTM during therapy is warranted.

A systematic review of health-related quality of life and psychological outcomes after lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation (LTx) aims to reduce physical disability and mental distress, extend survival, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In this systematic review we aimed to: (1) augment evidence regarding measures to assess HRQoL and psychological outcomes after LTx; and (2) summarize HRQoL and psychological outcomes after LTx. METHODS: Validated and standardized instruments with well-known psychometric properties used for assessing HRQoL and psychological outcomes after LTx were identified by means of comprehensive literature searches of PsychINFO and Medline/PubMed, up through March 2014, using the following search terms in various combinations: lung transplantation; physical functioning; symptom experience; mental health; anxiety; depression; distress; social functioning; life satisfaction; and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 371 titles and abstracts. Of these, 279 were retrieved for further assessment and 63 articles selected for final review. Thirty-nine studies were found for HRQoL, 15 for physical functioning, 5 for mental health and 4 for social functioning. A total of 50 psychometric instruments were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable heterogeneity exists in methodology, operational concepts and applied outcome measures in the existing literature on HRQoL and psychological outcomes after LTx. Nevertheless, the studies generally point to significant improvements in both mental health and HRQoL post-transplant. Further research is warranted utilizing consistent outcome measures, including LTx-specific measures and longitudinal study designs.

Post-transplant outcome-clusters of psychological distress and health-related quality of life in lung transplant recipients.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: To (1) assess distinct clusters of psychological distress and health-related quality of life during the first 6 months following lung transplantation; (2) identify patients with poor psychosocial outcomes; and (3) determine potential predictors regarding psychological distress and health-related quality (HRQoL) of life at 6 months post-transplant. METHODS: A total of 40 patients were examined for psychological distress (Symptom Checklist short version-9) and quality of life (EuroQOL five-dimension health-related quality of life questionnaire) during their first 6 months post-transplant. Hierarchical cluster analyses were performed to identify specific types of post-transplant outcomes in terms of psychological distress and HRQoL over the first six post-transplant months. Correlational analyses examined medical and psychosocial predictors of the outcome at 6 months post-transplant. RESULTS: Three distinctive clusters were identified, summarizing either groups of patients with (1) optimal (35%), (2) good (42%), and (3) poor outcome-clusters (23%). The latter tended to be older, to suffer from more severe disease, to have more co-morbidities, to have had a prolonged intensive care unit and/or hospital stay, to have more hospital admissions and were more frequently treated with antidepressants post-transplant. Disease severity, length of stay, quality of life two weeks post-transplant, hospital admissions and use of antidepressants were strong predictors of psychological distress and impaired health-related quality of life at six months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Almost a quarter of the investigated patients suffered from elevated distress and substantially impaired HRQoL, with no improvements over time. Results underscore the psychosocial needs of patients with poor post-transplant outcomes.

Internet-based self-help for trichotillomania: a randomized controlled study comparing decoupling and progressive muscle relaxation.

BACKGROUND: Trichotillomania (TTM) is characterized by recurrent hair-pulling that results in substantial hair loss. A previous pilot study demonstrated that the online self-help intervention 'decoupling' (DC) might be effective at reducing hair-pulling symptoms, with a stronger effect than progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). We aimed to extend these findings using a more robust randomized clinical trial design, including diagnostic interviews by phone, a 6-month follow-up and e-mail support. METHODS: One hundred five adults with TTM were recruited online and randomly allocated to either DC (n = 55) or PMR (n = 50). The intervention lasted 4 weeks, with severity of TTM assessed at 3 time points (before intervention, immediately after intervention and at the 6-month follow-up) using the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair-Pulling Scale (MGH-HPS). Both intention-to-treat and completer analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated highly significant and comparable symptom reductions (MGH-HPS) in both the DC and PMR groups (p < 0.001, partial x03B7;2 = 0.31) that persisted through 6 months of follow-up. Participants' subjective appraisals favoured DC in some areas (e.g. greater satisfaction with DC than PMR). Completer analyses demonstrated the same pattern as the intention-to-treat analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Despite subjective appraisals in favour of DC, symptom reduction was comparable in the two groups. While the results suggest that even short Internet-based interventions like DC and PMR potentially help individuals with TTM, a partial effect of unspecific factors, like regression towards the mean, cannot be ruled out. Therefore, longitudinal studies with non-treated controls are warranted.

Viscoelastic blood coagulation measurement with Sonoclot predicts postoperative bleeding in cardiac surgery after heparin reversal.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if Sonoclot with its sensitive glass bead-activated, viscoelastic test can predict postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at predefined time points. DESIGN: A prospective, observational clinical study. SETTING: A teaching hospital, single center. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery (N = 300). INTERVENTIONS: Besides routine laboratory coagulation studies and heparin management with standard (kaolin) activated clotting time, additional native blood samples were analyzed on a Sonoclot using glass bead-activated tests. Glass bead-activated clotting time, clot rate, and platelet function were recorded immediately before anesthesia induction and at the end of surgery after heparin reversal but before chest closure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Primary outcome was postoperative blood loss (chest tube drainage at 4, 8, and 12 hours postoperatively). Secondary outcome parameters were transfusion requirements, need for surgical re-exploration, time of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and hospital morbidity and mortality. Patients were categorized into "bleeders" and "nonbleeders." Patient characteristics, operations, preoperative standard laboratory parameters, and procedural times were comparable between bleeders and nonbleeders except for sex and age. Bleeders had higher rates of transfusions, surgical re-explorations, and complications. Only glass bead measurements by Sonoclot after heparin reversal before chest closure but not preoperatively were predictive for increased postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Sonoclot with its glass bead-activated tests may predict the risk for postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the end of surgery after heparin reversal but before chest closure.

Mutual associations between patients' and partners' depression and quality of life with respect to relationship quality, physical complaints, and sense of coherence in couples coping with cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to examine the mutual associations between patients' and partners' depression and quality of life (QOL) in couples facing cancer with respect to potential resources (sense of coherence and relationship quality (RQ)) and stressors (physical complaints). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Questionnaires rating depression, QOL, sense of coherence, RQ, and physical complaints were completed by 207 couples facing different cancer types and stages. Multiple regression models were used to assess the mutual associations between patient and partner variables. RESULTS: In female patients, 40.7% of the variance in depression score was explained by male partners' stressors and resources, whereas only 3.5% of the variance in male patients' depression was explained by female partners' stressors and resources. In male and female partners, respectively, the patients' stressors and resources explained 34.9% versus just 15.8% of the variance in depression. Regarding QOL in female patients, 30.1% of the variance was explained by the partners' stressors and resources, versus only 3.7% in male patients. Meanwhile, in male and female partners, respectively, the patients' stressors and resources explained 25.6% and 12.9% of the variance in QOL. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a couples-centered approach to psycho-oncological counseling and treatment. Particularly in depressed couples with low RQ, couples therapy or counseling should be considered because of the mutual adverse association between depression and QOL in these couples.

Fully automated atlas-based hippocampal volumetry for detection of Alzheimer's disease in a memory clinic setting.

Hippocampal volume is a promising biomarker to enhance the accuracy of the diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whereas hippocampal volume is well studied in patient samples from clinical trials, its value in clinical routine patient care is still rather unclear. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to evaluate fully automated atlas-based hippocampal volumetry for detection of AD in the setting of a secondary care expert memory clinic for outpatients. One-hundred consecutive patients with memory complaints were clinically evaluated and categorized into three diagnostic groups: AD, intermediate AD, and non-AD. A software tool based on open source software (Statistical Parametric Mapping SPM8) was employed for fully automated tissue segmentation and stereotactical normalization of high-resolution three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. Predefined standard masks were used for computation of grey matter volume of the left and right hippocampus which then was scaled to the patient's total grey matter volume. The right hippocampal volume provided an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 84% for detection of AD patients in the whole sample. This indicates that fully automated MR-based hippocampal volumetry fulfills the requirements for a relevant core feasible biomarker for detection of AD in everyday patient care in a secondary care memory clinic for outpatients. The software used in the present study has been made freely available as an SPM8 toolbox. It is robust and fast so that it is easily integrated into routine workflow.

The length of stay in the post-anaesthesia care unit correlates with pain intensity, nausea and vomiting on arrival.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) with respect to an early detection of postoperative complications is beyond dispute. From a patient perspective, prevention and optimal management of pain, nausea and vomiting (PONV) are also of utmost importance. The aims of the study were therefore to prospectively measure pain and PONV on arrival to the PACU and before discharge and to determine the relationship of pain and PONV to the length of stay in the PACU. METHODS: Postoperative pain was assessed over 30 months using a numeric rating scale on admittance to the PACU and before discharge; in addition, PONV was recorded. Statistical analysis was done considering gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, surgical speciality, anaesthesia technique, duration of anaesthesia, intensity of nursing and length of stay. RESULTS: Data of 12,179 patients were available for analysis. The average length of stay in the PACU was 5.7 ± 5.9 h, whereas regular PACU patients stayed for 3.2 ± 1.9 h and more complex IMC patients stayed for 15.1 ± 6.0 h. On admittance, 27% of patients were in pain and the number decreased to 13% before discharge; 3% experienced PONV. Risk factors for increased pain determined by multivariate analysis were female gender; higher ASA classification; general, cardiac and orthopaedic surgery and prolonged case duration. In more complex IMC patients, pain scores were higher on arrival but dropped to similar levels before discharge compared to regular PACU patients. Female gender and postoperative pain were risk factors for postoperative vomiting. Pain and PONV on arrival correlated with length of stay in the PACU. Pain- or PONV-free patients stayed almost half of the time in the PACU compared to patients with severe pain or vomiting on arrival. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of PACU patients had good pain control, both on admittance and before discharge, and the overall incidence of PONV was low. Managing patients in the PACU could achieve a significant reduction of pain and PONV. The level of pain and presence of PONV on admittance to the PACU correlate with and act as predictors for increased length of PACU stay.

Trichotillomania and emotion regulation: is symptom severity related to alexithymia?

Previous research on trichotillomania (TTM) has demonstrated an emotion regulation function of hair pulling behavior. One condition that can impede the regulation of emotions is alexithymia. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between the degree of alexithymia and the severity of hair pulling behavior in individuals with TTM. Multiple strategies were used to recruit a sample of 105 participants via the internet. All participants were diagnosed with TTM by an experienced clinician via a subsequent phone-interview. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to test the potential predictive value of the different facets of alexithymia (20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale) on the severity of TTM (Massachusetts General Hospital Hair-Pulling Scale). Both the difficulty in identifying feelings (DIF) facet of alexithymia (p=0.045) and depression (p=0.049) were significant predictors of the severity of TTM. In conclusion, alexithymia seems to play a role in hair pulling behavior in individuals with TTM. However, the significant association was small in terms of the overall variance explained, thus warranting further research. If replicated in prospective studies, then these results indicate that therapeutic approaches aimed at supporting patients in recognizing and differentiating feelings might be useful for the treatment of TTM.