Effects of adductor-canal-blockade on pain and ambulation after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with intense post-operative pain. Besides providing optimal analgesia, reduction in side effects and enhanced mobilization are important in this elderly population. The adductor-canal-blockade is theoretically an almost pure sensory blockade. We hypothesized that the adductor-canal-blockade may reduce morphine consumption (primary endpoint), improve pain relief, enhance early ambulation ability, and reduce side effects (secondary endpoints) after TKA compared with placebo. METHODS: Patients aged 50-85 years scheduled for TKA were included in this parallel double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. The patients were allocated to receive a continuous adductor-canal-blockade with intermittent boluses via a catheter with either ropivacaine 0.75% (n = 34) or placebo (n = 37) (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01104883). RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio and 71 patients were analyzed. Morphine consumption from 0 to 24 h was significantly reduced in the ropivacaine group compared with the placebo group (40 ± 21 vs. 56 ± 26 mg, P = 0.006). Pain was significantly reduced in the ropivacaine group during 45 degrees flexion of the knee (P = 0.01), but not at rest (P = 0.06). Patients in the ropivacaine group performed the ambulation test, the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, at 24 h significantly faster than patients in the placebo group (36 ± 17 vs. 50 ± 29 s, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The adductor-canal-blockade significantly reduced morphine consumption and pain during 45 degrees flexion of the knee compared with placebo. In addition, the adductor-canal-blockade significantly enhanced ambulation ability assessed by the TUG test.

Patient satisfaction with treatment in first-episode psychosis.

PURPOSE: To examine first-episode psychotic patients' satisfaction with elements of a comprehensive 2-year treatment program. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The TIPS (Early Treatment and Intervention in Psychosis) project provided a 2-year treatment program consisting of milieu therapy (inpatient), individual psychotherapy, family intervention and medication. Of 140 patients at baseline, 112 were included at 2-year follow-up. Eighty-four participants were interviewed using a questionnaire eliciting levels of satisfaction with different treatment elements at two of the four sites. RESULTS: Participants and non-participants did not differ on demographic or clinical data at baseline. Of those participating, 75% were satisfied with treatment in general. Individual and milieu therapy received higher rating than medication or family intervention. No predictors of general satisfaction with treatment were found, but continuously psychotic patients were the least satisfied with medication treatment. DISCUSSION: As in most patient satisfaction studies within mental health treatment networks, there was high level of general satisfaction with the total package of treatment but considerable variation in satisfaction for specific interventions. In this sample of first-episode psychosis patients, there was general satisfaction with treatments based on one-to-one relationships while multi-family group intervention was consistently valued less enthusiastically.

Impact of childhood trauma on antipsychotic effectiveness in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A prospective, pragmatic, semi-randomized trial.

Antipsychotic medications are generally effective in ameliorating psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Identifying predictors associated with poor treatment response is important for a personalized treatment approach. Childhood trauma (CT) may have a general and differential effect on the effectiveness of different types of antipsychotics in SSDs. The Bergen-Stavanger-Trondheim-Innsbruck (BeSt InTro) study is a pragmatic, researcher-initiated, semi-randomized trial. The present study aimed to investigate symptom change (the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) from baseline to 1, 3, 6, 12, 26, 39 and 52 weeks of antipsychotic treatment (amisulpride, aripiprazole and olanzapine) by group (CT/no CT). Participants (n = 98) with diagnoses within the schizophrenia spectrum (F20-29 in the International Classification of Diseases - 10th Revision) were randomized to receive amisulpride, aripiprazole or olanzapine, and for this study categorized into groups of none and low CT, and moderate to severe CT according to thresholds defined by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short-Form manual. CT in SSDs predicted an overall slower treatment response and less antipsychotic effectiveness after 26 weeks of treatment, which was statistically nonsignificant at 52 weeks. Secondary analyses showed a differential effect of CT related to type of antipsychotic medication: patients with SSDs and CT who received olanzapine showed less antipsychotic effectiveness throughout 52 weeks of treatment. The intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were convergent. Our findings indicate that in patients with SSD and CT, delayed response to antipsychotics could be expected, and a longer evaluation period before considering change of medication may be recommended.

Early detection of psychosis: positive effects on 5-year outcome.

BACKGROUND: During the last decades we have seen a new focus on early treatment of psychosis. Several reviews have shown that duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is correlated to better outcome. However, it is still unknown whether early treatment will lead to a better long-term outcome. This study reports the effects of reducing DUP on 5-year course and outcome. METHOD: During 1997-2000 a total of 281 consecutive patients aged >17 years with first episode non-affective psychosis were recruited, of which 192 participated in the 5-year follow-up. A comprehensive early detection (ED) programme with public information campaigns and low-threshold psychosis detection teams was established in one healthcare area (ED-area), but not in a comparable area (no-ED area). Both areas ran equivalent treatment programmes during the first 2 years and need-adapted treatment thereafter. RESULTS: At the start of treatment, ED-patients had shorter DUP and less symptoms than no-ED-patients. There were no significant differences in treatment (psychotherapy and medication) for the 5 years. Mixed-effects modelling showed better scores for the ED group on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale negative, depressive and cognitive factors and for global assessment of functioning for social functioning at 5-year follow-up. The ED group also had more contacts with friends. Regression analysis did not find that these differences could be explained by confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment had positive effects on clinical and functional status at 5-year follow-up in first episode psychosis.

Involuntary hospitalization of first-episode psychosis with substance abuse during a 2-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether substance abuse (alcohol or illegal drugs) in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) influenced treatment outcomes such as involuntary hospitalization during follow-up. METHOD: First-episode psychosis patients (n = 103) with consecutive admissions to a comprehensive early psychosis program were included and followed for 2 years. Assessment measures were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning, and the Clinician Rating Scale (for substance abuse). RESULTS: Twenty-four per cent of patients abused either alcohol or drugs at baseline. The dropout rate at 2 years was the same for substance abusers as for non-abusers. Substance use was not reduced over the 2-year period. At 2-year follow-up, 72% of substance abusers and 31% of non-abusers had experienced at least one occasion of involuntary hospitalization. Patients with substance abuse had significantly higher risk for involuntary hospitalization during follow-up (OR 5.2). CONCLUSION: To adequately treat patients with FEP, clinicians must emphasize treatment of the substance abuse disorder, as well as the psychotic illness. Patients with defined comorbid substance use disorders and FEP are likely to have poorer treatment response than those with psychosis alone.

Contrasting monosymptomatic patients with hallucinations and delusions in first-episode psychosis patients: a five-year longitudinal follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study was to identify subgroups of patients characterized by having hallucinations only or delusions only and to examine whether these groups differed with regard to demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and outcome factors, including suicidality. METHODS: Out of 301 consecutively admitted patients with first-episode psychosis, individuals with delusions only (D) and hallucinations only (H) were identified based on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) items P1 (delusions) and P3 (hallucinations) scores at baseline and through 4 follow-up interviews over 5 years. The subgroups were compared with regard to demographic data, premorbid functioning, duration of untreated psychosis, clinical variables, time to remission and suicidality. RESULTS: Two groups of patients were identified; H (n = 16) and D (n = 106). 179 patients experienced both hallucinations and delusions (dual symptom group). The H group was significantly younger, had a longer duration of untreated psychosis, poorer premorbid function and better insight than the D group. Notably, the H group scored higher on measures of suicidality, and at 5 years follow-up a significantly higher proportion of patients was lost to suicide in this group. The dual symptom group was closer to the D group on significant parameters, including suicidality and suicide rate. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hallucinations only can be separated from patients with delusions only and the subgroups differ with regard to demographical data, clinical variables and notably with regard to suicidality. These findings suggest distinctions in the underlying biological and psychological processes involved in hallucinations and in delusions.

A 2-year follow-up of involuntary admission's influence upon adherence and outcome in first-episode psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: To see, if voluntary admission for treatment in first-episode psychosis results in better adherence to treatment and more favourable outcome than involuntary admission. METHOD: We compared consecutively first-admitted, hospitalised patients from a voluntary (n = 91) with an involuntary (n = 126) group as to psychopathology and functioning using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Global Assessment of Functioning Scales at baseline, after 3 months and at 2 year follow-up. Moreover, duration of supportive psychotherapy, medication and number of hospitalisations during the 2 years were measured. RESULTS: More women than men were admitted involuntarily. Voluntary patients had less psychopathology and better functioning than involuntary patients at baseline. No significant difference as to duration of psychotherapy and medication between groups was found. No significant difference was found as to psychopathology and functioning between voluntarily and involuntarily admitted patients at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Legal admission status per se did not seem to influence treatment adherence and outcome.

Early identification of non-remission in first-episode psychosis in a two-year outcome study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of non-remission in first-episode, non-affective psychosis. METHOD: During 4 years, we recruited 301 patients consecutively. Information about first remission at 3 months was available for 299 and at 2 years for 293 cases. Symptomatic and social outcomes were assessed at 3 months, 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients (43%) remained psychotic at 3 months and 48 patients (16.4%) remained psychotic over 2 years. When we compared premorbid and baseline data for the three groups, the non-remitted (n = 48), remitted for <6 months (n = 38) and for more than 6 months (n = 207), duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was the only variable that significantly differentiated the groups (median DUP: 25.5, 14.4 and 6.0 weeks, respectively). Three months univariate predictors of non-remission were being single, longer DUP, core schizophrenia, and less excitative and more negative symptoms at baseline. Two-year predictors were younger age, being single and male, deteriorating premorbid social functioning, longer DUP and core schizophrenia. In multivariate analyses DUP, negative and excitative symptoms predicted non-remission at 3 months, but only DUP predicted at 2 years. CONCLUSION: Long DUP predicted both 3 month and 2-year non-remission rates in first-episode psychosis.

Are multi family groups appropriate for patients with first episode psychosis? A 5-year naturalistic follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcome over 5 years for patients who participated in multi family groups (MFGs) to those who refused or were not offered participation. METHOD: Of 301 first episode psychotic patients aged 15-65 years, 147 participated in MFGs. Outcome was measured by drop-out rates, positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) symptom scores, and duration of psychotic episodes during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Multi family group participants had a significantly lower drop-out rates at 5-year follow-up than patients who did not participate. However, the MFG participants had significantly less improvement in PANSS positive and excitative symptoms and had significantly longer duration of psychotic symptoms during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Multi family groups appear to increase the chance of retaining patients in a follow-up study, but adjustment of the programme may be necessary with first episode psychosis patients to meet their needs better.

Baseline profiles of adolescent vs. adult-onset first-episode psychosis in an early detection program.

OBJECTIVE: Psychotic disorders often start in adolescence. We aim to investigate premorbid and baseline differences characterizing patients with an onset of psychosis in adolescence versus adulthood. METHOD: We compare first-episode, DSM-IV non-affective psychosis with onset before (n = 43) and after (n = 189) 18 years on duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), level of symptoms, suicidal behaviour, and other baseline clinical and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Adolescent onset patients had poorer premorbid functioning, a longer DUP, higher suicidality, and more depressive symptoms. They also had better cognition, fewer psychotic symptoms, and were more likely to be treated on an out-patient basis. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with first-episode psychosis may have a slower and more silent, i.e. insidious onset, and are at risk of experiencing longer treatment delays than adults. They fit the description of what used to be labeled process (versus reactive) schizophrenia.

Measuring quality of life in first-episode psychosis.

Quality of life (QoL) measures are increasingly recognized as necessary parts of outcome assessments in psychosis. The present paper is a comprehensive study of patients with first-episode psychosis where QoL is measured by the commonly used Lehman Quality of Life Interview (L-QoLI). The aim is to examine if the L-QoLI maintain its original structure when used in a group of patients with first-episode psychosis, and to investigate what determines global subjective QoL with a specific emphasis on premorbid adjustment, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and clinical symptoms. The study indicates that the psychometric properties of the L-QoLI do not change significantly when used in first-episode samples. The patients report subjective and objective QoL in the fair to good range, with only a moderate association between the objective and subjective measures. Poor global satisfaction is predicted by being single, abusing drugs, being depressed, having a diagnosis of psychotic affective disorder, having poor premorbid social adjustment and DUP over 10 weeks. The study supports the notion that patients with first-episode psychosis construct QoL in the same way as other groups, and that longer durations of compromised function at this stage produces poor satisfaction with life rather than a downward readjustment of expectations.

Shortened duration of untreated first episode of psychosis: changes in patient characteristics at treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether duration of untreated psychosis can be shortened in patients with first episodes of DSM-IV schizophrenia spectrum disorders and whether shorted duration alters patient appearance at treatment. METHOD: Two study groups were ascertained in the same Norwegian health care sector: one from 1993-1994 with usual detection methods and one from 1997-1998 with early detection strategies that included education about psychosis. RESULTS: Patients with early detection had a shorter median duration of untreated psychosis by 21.5 weeks than patients with usual detection. The number with psychosis was greater in the early detection group; the number with schizophrenia was less. Early detection patients had more substance abuse and were younger, better adjusted premorbidly, and less ill. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection can shorten duration of untreated psychosis and help more patients when they are less severely ill. Given the devastation of psychosis, this is a significant treatment advance.

Premorbid functioning versus duration of untreated psychosis in 1 year outcome in first-episode psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines 1year outcome in patients having first-episode non-affective psychosis, with emphasis on Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) and premorbid functioning, in order to clarify how these factors interact. METHOD: Forty-three consecutively admitted patients were all rated on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), both upon hospitalization and at 1year follow-up. In addition, premorbid functioning, DUP, duration of hospitalization, and social functioning were rated. RESULTS: Fifty-six per cent were in remission, 18% suffered multiple relapses and 26% were continuously psychotic at 1 year follow-up. Both poor premorbid functioning and long DUP are significantly correlated with more negative symptoms and poorer global functioning at follow-up. Long DUP is also significantly correlated with more positive symptoms. Even when we control for other factors, including premorbid functioning and gender, DUP is a strong predictor of outcome. To a limited degree premorbid functioning and DUP interact, but DUP has an independent influence on outcome. CONCLUSIONS: these findings strengthen the rationale for establishing health service programs for early detection and treatment of first-onset psychosis

Early detection strategies for untreated first-episode psychosis.

Some studies in first-episode schizophrenia correlate shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) with better prognosis, suggesting that timing of treatment may be important. A three-site prospective clinical trial in Norway and Denmark is underway to investigate the effect of the timing of treatment in first-episode psychosis. One health care sector (Rogaland, Norway) is experimental and has developed an early detection (ED) system to reduce DUP. Two other sectors (Ullevål, Norway, and Roskilde, Denmark) are comparison sectors and rely on existing detection and referral systems for first-episode cases. The study ultimately will compare early detected with usual detected patients. This paper describes the study's major independent intervention variable, i.e. a comprehensive education and detection system to change DUP in first onset psychosis. System variables and first results from the four-year inclusion period (1997-2000) are described. It includes targeted information towards the general public, health professionals and schools, and ED teams to recruit appropriate patients into treatment as soon as possible. This plus easy access to psychiatric services via ED teams systematically changed referral patterns of first-episode schizophrenia. DUP was reduced by 1.5 years (mean) from before the time the ED system was instituted (to 0.5 years). The ED strategies appear to be effective and to influence directly the community's help-seeking behaviour.

First-episode schizophrenia: I. Early course parameters.

Concepts and definitions pertaining to the early course of schizophrenia are reviewed, along with recent illustrative studies of first-episode schizophrenia. Early course parameters of a Norwegian first-episode sample are presented. This sample (n = 43) demonstrated strong gender differences, with male patients having significantly higher frequency of single marital status, lower educational status, schizophrenia, early age at onset, and lower Global Assessment of Functioning scores the last year before hospitalization. The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was long (mean = 114 weeks), as in other studies. Longer DUP was associated with poorer work, social, and global functioning in the year before admission, with more insidious onset of psychosis, and with more negative symptoms at first clinical presentation. Longer DUP was not associated with the age at onset of psychosis. These findings were mostly gender independent. The data help to frame questions about why patients can be psychotic for so long before getting help. Finally, suggestions are offered for the definition and measurement of early course parameters for schizophrenia.

First-episode schizophrenia: II. Premorbid patterns by gender.

This article describes the application of the Premorbid Adjustment Scale to Norwegian subjects with first-episode schizophrenia. The scale measures premorbid functioning from several perspectives: functioning at different developmental periods, change of functioning over time, and distinctive patterns of functioning over time. Gender differences were striking, with males scoring poorer and deteriorating faster than females, especially closer to onset. While the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was significantly longer in males, correlations between DUP and premorbid functioning within gender were largely nonsignificant, as were the analyses of premorbid functioning and age at onset. On the other hand, we replicated studies that found associations between poorer premorbid functioning and insidious onset and negative symptoms. Overall, our premorbid patterns suggest that a process of asymptomatic premorbid deficit formation precedes onset by some period, especially among males. The patterns also suggest that active symptom formation does not always precede this deteriorative process.

Duoderm application on scalp donor sites in children.

In a search for an invisible skin donor site and a comfortable dressing for the donor site, a study was designed in which the scalp was used as the donor site and Duoderm was applied as the dressing. The study contained 18 children with minor burns. A Duoderm dressing on scalp donor sites showed a normal healing time. In using the scalp as a donor site the patient can be mobilized very quickly after the operation and the scar is hidden and invisible 1 month postoperation.

A comparative analysis of burn injuries at two burns centres in Denmark.

In order to compare the epidemiology of burns and predisposing factors to burns at two burn centres representing the cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen, Denmark, a prospective study was set up at the University Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Aarhus and the Centre of Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark. Several significant differences in the epidemiology of burns in the two populations were found. Considering the social circumstances, the situation in Aarhus was characterized by the fact that most patients lived in their own houses, had a larger family and a larger family income. At the Hvidovre Hospital, the patients more often lived in a flat, had a smaller family and a lower family income than the average.

Delayed neutropenic enterocolitis in a 12-year-old girl treated with total colectomy and J-pouch reservoir.

Neutropenic enterocolitis (NE) is a clinicopathologic condition characterized by bowel wall inflammation, which can proceed to necrosis and perforation. It is mostly seen in neutropenic patients with leukemia who undergo induction treatment with chemotherapy. Most often the cecum is involved. The authors present a 12-year-old girl with acute lymphocytic leukemia who, under maintenance therapy, experienced NE. The disease was localized to the left side of colon, and even the rectum was involved, which is an unusual localization of the disease. An ileoanal anastomosis with a J-pouch was done in a second operation with a good outcome.

Gait with light and heavy fracture bandages on the lower leg.

Using an instrumented treadmill which measured ground reaction forces, ten normal subjects were tested wearing conventional plaster-of-Paris bandages on the lower leg and lightweight crus-plastic bandages. Two different types of heels were also tested. From calculation of gait parameters it was found that the free walking speed was lowest with a conventional bandage with heel. The external work of gait was lowest with the lightweight bandage. Ataxia was least while wearing the lightweight bandage. The lightweight bandage is preferable from a biomechanical point of view, in accordance with the opinion of the subjects.