Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa: an observational study conducted in Brazil / Viabilidade, aceitação e eficácia do tratamento familiar para anorexia nervosa em adolescentes: um estudo observacional no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: There is strong evidence that family-based treatment is effective in cases of adolescent anorexia nervosa. Although family-based treatment has been studied in English-speaking countries, there is a need to examine the generalizability of this approach to non-English speaking cultures. This pilot-study aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of family-based treatment in Brazil. METHOD: Observational study of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (excluding menstrual criteria), as determined with the Diagnostic and Well-Being Assessment, referred for treatment at a specialized center in São Paulo, Brazil. The following data were collected at baseline, at the end of treatment, and after six months of follow-up: weight; height; body mass index; menstrual status; Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire score; and Children Global Assessment of Functioning Scale score. RESULTS: Of 11 eligible patients/families, 9 (82 percent) enrolled in the study, and 7 (78 percent) completed the treatment. The mean patient age was 14.64 ± 1.63 years (range, 12.33-17.00 years). The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed statistically significant improvement in weight and body mass index at the end of treatment, as well as after six months of follow-up, at which point none of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for any eating disorder. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that family-based treatment is acceptable and feasible for Brazilian families. Outcomes suggest that the approach is effective in this cultural context, leading to improvements similar to those reported in previous studies conducted in other cultures.

OBJETIVO: Estudos prévios demonstram fortes evidências de eficácia do Tratamento Familiar para anorexia nervosa em adolescentes. Os estudos disponíveis a respeito do tratamento familiar foram conduzidos em países de língua inglesa. É necessário avaliar a aplicabilidade deste método em países de língua não-inglesa. Este estudo piloto tem como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade, a aceitação e a eficácia do tratamento familiar no Brasil. MÉTODO: Estudo observacional de adolescentes com diagnóstico anorexia nervosa (exceto critério amenorréia) segundo o Levantamento sobre Diagnóstico e Bem-Estar de crianças e adolescentes encaminhadas para tratamento em um centro especializado na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Dados coletados no início do estudo, ao final do tratamento e seis meses após o término: peso, estatura, índice de massa corporal, menstruações, Questionário de Exame para Transtornos Alimentares e Escala de Funcionamento Global para Crianças. RESULTADOS: Nove de 11 famílias elegíveis entraram no estudo (82 por cento) e sete (78 por cento) completaram o tratamento. A idade média foi 14,64 anos (DP = 1,63; 12,33-17,00). Teste dos sinais de Wilcoxon demonstrou melhora estatisticamente significativa no peso e índice de massa corporal ao final do tratamento e seis meses após o término. Nenhum dos pacientes preencheu critérios diagnósticos para qualquer transtorno alimentar no seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que tratamento familiar é aceitável e viável para as famílias brasileiras. A evolução sugere que este método pode ser eficaz nesse contexto cultural com resultados positivos semelhantes a estudos prévios realizados em outras culturas.

Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa: an observational study conducted in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: There is strong evidence that family-based treatment is effective in cases of adolescent anorexia nervosa. Although family-based treatment has been studied in English-speaking countries, there is a need to examine the generalizability of this approach to non-English speaking cultures. This pilot-study aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of family-based treatment in Brazil. METHOD: Observational study of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (excluding menstrual criteria), as determined with the Diagnostic and Well-Being Assessment, referred for treatment at a specialized center in São Paulo, Brazil. The following data were collected at baseline, at the end of treatment, and after six months of follow-up: weight; height; body mass index; menstrual status; Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire score; and Children Global Assessment of Functioning Scale score. RESULTS: Of 11 eligible patients/families, 9 (82%) enrolled in the study, and 7 (78%) completed the treatment. The mean patient age was 14.64 +/- 1.63 years (range, 12.33-17.00 years). The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed statistically significant improvement in weight and body mass index at the end of treatment, as well as after six months of follow-up, at which point none of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for any eating disorder. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that family-based treatment is acceptable and feasible for Brazilian families. Outcomes suggest that the approach is effective in this cultural context, leading to improvements similar to those reported in previous studies conducted in other cultures.

Aortic valvuloplasty in the fetus: technical characteristics of successful balloon dilation.

OBJECTIVES: To describe technical aspects of successful fetal aortic valvuloplasty, with particular attention to balloon size. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed all procedural records and echocardiograms pertaining to 26 attempts at fetal aortic valve dilation performed at a single center over a period of 4 years. We assessed the effect of valvuloplasty as determined by echocardiographic appearance at the time of intervention and in follow-up. RESULTS: In 20 of 26 fetuses who had technically successful aortic valve dilation (median balloon:annulus ratio=1.1), all had improved antegrade flow and 12 had at least mild regurgitation after dilation. Use of an oversized balloon was associated with the onset of moderate or severe aortic regurgitation, seen in 5 fetuses. This aortic regurgitation was well tolerated and improved through the remainder of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: These data imply that fetal aortic valves can be dilated safely with larger balloons than are commonly used for postnatal dilation. The observation of spontaneous improvement in postdilation aortic regurgitation further suggests that fetal valve tissue behaves uniquely.