Long-term cardiovascular consequences of adolescent anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with maladaptive cardiovascular changes. This study investigated whether individuals who recovered from AN during adolescence experience long-term cardiovascular risk in early adulthood. METHODS: Former AN patients discharged from the Royal Children's and Monash Children's Hospital Eating Disorder Services in Melbourne, Australia underwent cardiovascular testing. Measurements were performed using an oscillometric device for blood pressure and pulse wave velocity, ultrasound for carotid wall structure/function, resting electrocardiogram for heart-rate variability, and the EndoPat 2000 (Itamar) system for endothelial function. Patient measures were compared to healthy controls and/or normal thresholds. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of the former AN patients (N = 22) and controls (N = 66) were female, aged approximately 25 years, with a healthy body mass index. The mean time interval from AN recovery to participation was 7.4 years. Pulse wave velocity was lower in the former AN patients than controls. Carotid intima-media thickness was not different; however, carotid distensibility and compliance were lower, and the elastic modulus higher in the former AN patients. Greater vagal tone was observed and endothelial dysfunction was evident in 46% of the former patients. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults who recovered from adolescent AN exhibit persistent cardiovascular adaptations. Routine cardiovascular monitoring could manage potential disease risk. IMPACT: Cardiovascular complications are common in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and population studies have revealed that developmental adaptations in response to undernutrition have long-term consequences for cardiovascular health. In this study of young adults treated for AN during adolescence, there was evidence of increased carotid artery stiffness, reduced aortic stiffness, vagal hyperactivity, and endothelial dysfunction in early adulthood when compared to healthy controls. It is important to consider the cardiovascular health of patients with AN beyond achieving medical stability. Interventions that monitor cardiovascular health could minimise the burden of future cardiovascular disease.

Family-based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A long-term psychological follow-up.

AIM: Family-based treatment (FBT) has the greatest evidence base for the treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, little is known about the long-term outcomes for patients who receive FBT. The current study aimed to investigate the long-term psychological health of former patients who received FBT for AN during adolescence. METHODS: Former patients diagnosed and treated for AN at the Royal Children's Hospital and Monash Children's Hospital (N = 36) in Melbourne, Australia completed self-report questionnaires to assess eating, exercising, mood and the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Patient scores were compared to healthy controls (N = 29) and normative data. RESULTS: The eating and exercising behaviours of the patients who formerly had AN were comparable to controls. However, the former patients experience significantly greater levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than the controls (P < 0.05). The COVID-19 pandemic appeared to impact the former patients and controls to a similar extent across quantifiable criteria. CONCLUSIONS: This study extends previous research highlighting FBT as an effective intervention for adolescents with AN. Positive short- and long-term patient outcomes can be achieved with this form of treatment.

How much do rheumatologists and orthopaedists doctors' modalities impact the cost of arthritis in Cyprus?

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is one of the primary causes of long-term functional disability. With an estimated 13.5% prevalence in the general population contributes to a significant financial burden both for patients and healthcare systems. The purpose of this research is to highlight the direct annual cost of the disease to the private healthcare sector of Nicosia. METHODS: A questionnaire based on Greek and international research was completed between 10/1/2012 and 11/30/2012, with a sample of 20 doctors specialists in orthopaedics and rheumatology (50% of practising physicians in the private sector). An assessment of the annual cost of medical procedures and tests, pharmacologic therapies (modalities) and supplies per patient followed, based on current costs. Direct costs were assessed through the micro-costing "bottom-up" approach. We isolated and separately priced the original diagnosis, followed by each stage of the disease. RESULTS: The cost for the six predominant medical tests to establish a diagnosis and exclude mainly RA such as ESR, CPR, and X-ray as well as a physician's office visit was 150€ per patient. The average direct cost per patient during stages 1, 2 and 3 of the disease was 280.54€, 1,834.64€ and 5,641.72€ annually, respectively, with an annual average of 2,573€ per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Even though during the period of the study, the country had not yet established clinical guidelines, the participating physicians followed international practices. Significant rise in the cost in each stage of the disease was found, with additional increases in the following years as a result of the expected increased prevalence of the disease. It is noted here that uninsured patients, as well as those who qualified for free medical care, they seek these services in the private sector, and had to pay out of pocket money for examination and treatment. These patients, thus, contended with a serious financial burden. Therefore, it is important to inform them very extensively regarding evidence-based management of the disease to aid them in coping with this chronic illness.