Reflective functioning and mother-infant relationships among mothers with Borderline Personality Disorder post-therapy.

The stressful nature of parenting infants exacerbates the characteristics of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Consequently, mothers with BPD tend to be emotionally dysregulated, respond impulsively to their infants, and have poorer mother-infant relationships. Few parenting interventions target the specific skill deficits observed in mothers with BPD. This study explored the differences in parental reflective functioning (PRF) and mother-infant relationship quality at baseline and following a 24-week, group parenting intervention for mothers with BPD. PRF and mother-infant relationship quality were assessed from quantitative (N = 23) and qualitative (N = 32) perspectives. Quantitative data (Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire) showed a significant improvement in one of the three subscales, Interest and Curiosity, between baseline and post-intervention, and a significant moderate positive association between the subscale Certainty of Mental States and maternal-infant interaction quality post-intervention. Improvements in mother-infant relationship quality were not evident from the observational measure, Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Teaching scale. In contrast, semi-structured interview qualitative data found maternal improvements in parental reflection, coping strategies implemented post-intervention, and quality of mother-infant relationships. Overwhelmingly positive intervention feedback suggested perceived maternal benefits of group format and skills taught. Future studies with larger sample sizes would allow further clarification of such parenting interventions for mothers with BPD.

La naturaleza estresante de criar infantes agudiza las características del Trastorno Límite de la Personalidad (BPD). Por tanto, madres con BPD tienden a estar emocionalmente no reguladas, responder impulsivamente a sus infantes y tener relaciones madre-infante de menor calidad. Pocas intervenciones de crianza se centran en los específicos déficits de habilidades observados en madres con BPD. El presente estudio exploró diferencias en el funcionamiento con reflexión del progenitor y la calidad de la relación madre-infante al punto inicial y al del seguimiento a 24 semanas de la intervención de crianza en grupo para madres con BPD. Se evaluó el funcionamiento con reflexión del progenitor y la relación madre-infante desde la perspectiva cuantitativa (N=23) y cualitativa (N=32). Datos cuantitativos (Cuestionario del Funcionamiento con Reflexión del Progenitor) mostraron un significativo adelanto en una de tres subescalas, Interés y Curiosidad, entre el punto inicial y posterior a la intervención, y una significativa moderada asociación positiva entre la subescala Certeza de Estados Mentales y la calidad de la interacción materno-infantil al momento posterior a la intervención. Las mejoras en la calidad de la relación madre-infante no fueron evidentes con la medida de observación, la escala de la Enseñanza Satélite de Evaluación del Niño Lactante. En contraste, datos cualitativos de entrevista semiestructurada encontraron mejoras maternas en la reflexión del progenitor, estrategias de cómo arreglárselas puestas en práctica después de la intervención, y en la calidad de las relaciones madre-infante. La abrumadoramente positiva información sobre la intervención sugirió que había una percepción materna de beneficios del formato de grupo y las habilidades que se enseñaban. Estudios futuros con grupos mayores permitirán clarificaciones adicionales de tales intervenciones de crianza para madres con BPD.

La nature stressante du parentage des nourrissons exacerbe les caractéristiques du Trouble de la Personnalité Limite (TPL). Par conséquent les mères avec un TPL ont tendance à être émotionnellement dérégulées, réagissant de manière impulsive à leurs bébés et ont des relations mère-bébé moins bonnes. Peu d'interventions de parentage visent les déficits de compétence spécifiques qui sont observés chez les mères avec un TPL. Cette étude a exploré les différences qu'on trouve dans le fonctionnement de réflexion parental et la qualité de la relation mère-bébé au départ et après une intervention de groupe de parentage pour des mères avec un TPL, de 24 semaines. Le fonctionnement parental de réflexion et la qualité de la relation mère-bébé ont été évalués à partir de perspectives quantitatives (N=23) et qualitatives (N=32). Les données quantitatives (Questionnaire de Fonctionnement de Réflexion parental ont montré une amélioration importante dans l'une des trois sous-échelles, Intérêt et Curiosité, entre le départ de l'intervention et la post-intervention, ainsi qu'un lien positive modéré important entre la sous-échelles Certitude des Etats Mentaux et la qualité de l'interaction maternelle-bébé après l'intervention. On n'a pas trouvé d'améliorations de la qualité de la relation mère-bébé à partir de la mesure d'observation échelle d'Formation Satellite de l'Evaluation du Nourrisson. Par contre les données qualitatives de l'entretien semi-structuré a révélé des améliorations maternelles dans la réflexion parentale, dans des stratégies d'adaptation mises en place après l'intervention et dans la qualité des relations mère-bébé. Les retours de l'intervention extrêmement positifs ont suggéré que des bénéfices maternels perçus du format de groupe et des compétences enseignées. Des études avec des échantillons plus grands permettraient une clarification plus poussée sur de telles interventions avec des mères avec un TPL.

Perinatal care for women with refugee backgrounds from African countries: a qualitative study of intersections with psychological wellbeing.

BACKGROUND: Experiences with healthcare services, including perinatal healthcare services, contribute to psychological wellbeing for refugees post-resettlement. To address the paucity of literature examining the relationship between perinatal healthcare and psychological wellbeing in women with refugee backgrounds from African countries this study aimed to: (1) understand the relationship between psychological wellbeing and perinatal care amongst this population, and; (2) identify areas for improved perinatal healthcare services to ensure positive wellbeing outcomes in this population. METHODS: A total of 39 participants were included in the study. Nineteen women from seven African countries participated in interviews - seven both prior to and after having their babies, two only while pregnant and ten only after their baby had been born. In addition, interviews were conducted with 20 service providers. Interviews were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Four key themes were identified, covering continuity of care, cultural safety of care, agency in decision making, and ongoing impacts of perinatal care experiences. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the need for changes to perinatal healthcare provision at the systems level, including implementing a continuity of care model, and ensuring women's access to individualised, trauma-informed perinatal services which attend to the cultural and psychosocial resettlement needs of this population. These findings informed recommendations for improving perinatal healthcare services and better psychological outcomes - and in turn broader health outcomes - for African-background refugee mothers.

The likelihood of total knee arthroplasty following arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic surgery is a common treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA), particularly for symptomatic meniscal tear. Many patients with knee OA who have arthroscopies go on to have total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Several individual studies have investigated the interval between knee arthroscopy and TKA. Our objective was to summarize published literature on the risk of TKA following knee arthroscopy, the duration between arthroscopy and TKA, and risk factors for TKA following knee arthroscopy. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for English language manuscripts reporting TKA following arthroscopy for knee OA. We identified 511 manuscripts, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria and were used for analysis. We compared the cumulative incidence of TKA following arthroscopy in each study arm, stratifying by type of data source (registry vs. clinical), and whether the study was limited to older patients (≥ 50) or those with more severe radiographic OA. We estimated cumulative incidence of TKA following arthroscopy by dividing the number of TKAs among persons who underwent arthroscopy by the number of persons who underwent arthroscopy. Annual incidence was calculated by dividing cumulative incidence by the mean years of follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, the annual incidence of TKA after arthroscopic surgery for OA was 2.62% (95% CI 1.73-3.51%). We calculated the annual incidence of TKA following arthroscopy in four separate groups defined by data source (registry vs. clinical cohort) and whether the sample was selected for disease progression (either age or OA severity). In unselected registry studies the annual TKA incidence was 1.99% (95% CI 1.03-2.96%), compared to 3.89% (95% CI 0.69-7.09%) in registry studies of older patients. In unselected clinical cohorts the annual incidence was 2.02% (95% CI 0.67-3.36%), while in clinical cohorts with more severe OA the annual incidence was 4.13% (95% CI 1.81-6.44%). The mean and median duration between arthroscopy and TKA (years) were 3.4 and 2.0 years. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians and patients considering knee arthroscopy should discuss the likelihood of subsequent TKA as they weigh risks and benefits of surgery. Patients who are older or have more severe OA are at particularly high risk of TKA.

Wellbeing Outcomes and Risk and Protective Factors for Parents with Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds from the Middle East in the First 1000 Days: A Systematic Review.

The First 1000 Days (the period from conception to a child's second birthday) is an important developmental period. However, little is known about experiences of parents with refugee and migrant backgrounds during this period. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Publications were identified through searches of the Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases, critically appraised, and synthesised using thematic analysis. A total of 35 papers met inclusion criteria. Depressive symptomatology was consistently higher than global averages, however maternal depression conceptualisations differed across studies. Several papers reported changes in relationship dynamics as a result of having a baby post-migration. Consistent relationships were found between social and health support and wellbeing. Conceptualisations of wellbeing may differ among migrant families. Limited understanding of health services and relationships with health providers may impede help-seeking. Several research gaps were identified, particularly in relation to the wellbeing of fathers, and of parents of children over 12 months old.

The Effect of Abobotulinum Toxin A on the Symptoms of Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Case Series.

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a relatively common syndrome occurring alone or in combination with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It is characterized by pain and ulceration due to vasospasm in response to cold and stress, most often affecting the digits. Although pharmacologic treatment for this condition exists, it is not always efficacious. Our case series demonstrates the use of abobotulinum toxin A in the treatment of RP. We report the cases of four patients who received injections of abobotulinum toxin A to treat their mild to severe RP symptoms. They experienced clinical improvement for up to one year after treatment.

Efficacy of intralesional sodium thiosulfate for the treatment of dystrophic calcinosis cutis: A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Intralesional injection of sodium thiosulfate has emerged as a promising therapy for calcinosis cutis, but to our knowledge there are no randomized controlled trials evaluating its efficacy as a treatment. OBJECTIVE: Conduct a prospective, double-blinded investigation of intralesional sodium thiosulfate versus normal saline in the treatment of dystrophic calcinosis cutis. METHODS: This prospective pilot study injected normal saline or sodium thiosulfate at 0.1 mL/cm2 into lesions at baseline and at 1- and 2-month follow-up. Subjects were followed for a total of 12 weeks. An in-person Physician Global Assessment score was assigned by the injecting physician at each visit and was repeated by an independent observer. RESULTS: Of 4 subjects who completed the study, only 1 experienced improvement in the size and Physician Global Assessment score of the lesion. By 3-month follow-up, there was no difference between the average size of the treatment and control lesions (P = .39). LIMITATIONS: This was a small single-center study with limited demographic diversity and a short follow-up period. Only dystrophic calcinosis cutis subjects were included, and subjects received only 3 monthly injections of sodium thiosulfate. CONCLUSIONS: With only 1 positive response, our results highlight the need for further study of sodium thiosulfate treatment for dystrophic calcinosis.

Influence of Baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features on Outcome of Arthroscopic Meniscectomy and Physical Therapy Treatment of Meniscal Tears in Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is used to treat meniscal tears, although its efficacy is controversial. PURPOSE: This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine characteristics that lead to greater benefit from APM and physical therapy (PT) than from PT alone among patients with meniscal tear and knee osteoarthritis. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Using data from the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial, the authors first assessed whether the effect of treatment on pain scores at 6 months differed according to baseline MRI features (bone marrow lesions, cartilage and meniscal damage). Second, the authors summed MRI features associated with differential pain relief between APM and PT to create a "damage score," which included bone marrow lesion number and cartilage damage size with possible values of 0 (least damage), 1 (moderate), and 2 (greatest). The authors used linear models to determine whether the association between damage score and pain relief at 6 months differed for APM versus PT. RESULTS: The study included 220 participants: 13%, had the least damage; 52%, moderate; and 34%, greatest. Although treatment type did not significantly modify the association of damage score and change in pain ( P interaction = .13), those with the least damage and moderate damage had greater improvement with APM than with PT in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale-by 15 and 7 points, respectively. Those with the greatest damage had a similar improvement with APM and PT. CONCLUSION: Among patients with osteoarthritis and meniscal tear, those with less intra-articular damage on MRI may have greater improvement in pain with APM and PT than with PT alone. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously owing to the limited sample size.

Financial Incentives and Health Coaching to Improve Physical Activity Following Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Most persons who undergo total knee replacement (TKR) do not increase their physical activity following surgery. We assessed whether financial incentives and health coaching would improve physical activity in persons undergoing TKR. METHODS: We designed a factorial randomized controlled trial among persons undergoing TKR for osteoarthritis. Subjects underwent normal perioperative procedures, including postoperative physical therapy, and were assigned to 1 of 4 arms: attention control, telephonic health coaching (THC), financial incentives (FI), or THC + FI. We objectively measured step counts and minutes of physical activity using a commercial accelerometer (Fitbit Zip) and compared the changes from pre-TKR to 6 months post-TKR across the 4 study arms. RESULTS: Of the 202 randomized subjects, 150 (74%) provided both pre-TKR and 6 months post-TKR accelerometer data. Among completers, the mean ± SE daily step count at 6 months ranged from 5,619 ± 381 in the THC arm to 7,152 ± 407 in the THC + FI arm (adjusting for baseline values). Daily step count 6 months post-TKR increased by 680 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] -94, 1,454) in the control arm, 274 (95% CI -473, 1,021) in the THC arm, 826 (95% CI 89, 1,563) in the FI arm, and 1,808 (95% CI 1,010, 2,606) in the THC + FI arm. Weekly physical activity increased by mean ± SE 14 ± 10, 14 ± 10, 16 ± 10, and 39 ± 11 minutes in the control, THC, FI, and THC + FI arms, respectively. CONCLUSION: A dual THC + FI intervention led to substantial improvements in step count and physical activity following TKR.

Measures of the Appropriateness of Elective Orthopaedic Joint and Spine Procedures.

Total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty are 2 of the most commonly performed elective orthopaedic procedures. They are remarkably successful in relieving pain and improving function in individuals with advanced, symptomatic arthritis. Since, in addition to providing benefits, these procedures pose risks, it is important to provide clinicians with guidance in determining which patients should undergo total joint replacement surgery. The development of the RAND approach in 1986 and its application to total hip and knee replacement have enabled clinicians, payers, and others to assess the appropriateness of past and current procedures for particular patients. However, current appropriateness criteria for elective orthopaedic procedures have important limitations that suggest that they be used cautiously. New approaches to the assessment of appropriateness that overcome many of these limitations are under development.