Health related quality of life in cystic fibrosis: To work or not to work?

Education, employment, and income among people living with cystic fibrosis across three decades - A matched cohort study using Danish health registries

BACKGROUND

Past and ongoing advancements in cystic fibrosis (CF) care warrant long-term analysis of the societal impact of the condition. This study aims to evaluate changes in key socioeconomic factors across three decades among people living with CF (pwCF), compared with both the general population and an early-onset chronic disease population.

METHODS

This nationwide, registry-based, matched cohort study included all pwCF ≥ 18 years in Denmark in the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2018. Each person living with CF was matched to five individuals in the general population and five individuals living with type 1 diabetes or juvenile arthritis based on age, sex, and municipality.

RESULTS

The Danish adult CF population increased nearly fourfold from 88 in 1990 to 331 in 2018, and mean age increased by ten years. The educational level of pwCF was similar to the two comparator cohorts, while pwCF were less often in employment and more often permanently outside the labor force. Personal and household income levels of the CF cohort were higher than those of the comparator cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

The disadvantage in employment for pwCF remained, but, over time, the societal profiles of the one-year CF cohorts increasingly converged with those of the comparator cohorts, indicative of improved clinical management, extended life expectancy, and the supportive role of the Danish welfare system in reducing health inequalities. Further research should be done to evaluate the effects of the newly introduced modulator therapies on employment, considering the broader societal impact and impact on quality of life.

Wellness in the modulator era: An observational study of the impact of CFTR modulator therapy on the well-being of people with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

People with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) have experienced substantial improvements in health following use of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies. However, less is known about how modulator therapies impact well-being.

METHODS

We used a cross-sectional observational study to identify relationships between CFTR modulator therapies, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and well-being. Adult PwCF and caregivers of children with CF completed the Wellness in the Modulator Era (Well-ME) survey between June 22 and July 31, 2022. HRQoL was measured with PROMIS Global 10/Global 7 + 2 Parent Proxy. We used a mixed methods analysis to compare experiences and concerns of PwCF who currently (n = 665), no longer (n = 51), or never (n = 184) took modulator therapy.

RESULTS

Adult PwCF taking a modulator (n = 416) reported better PROMIS global physical health than those who no longer (n = 37) or never took a modulator (n = 94) and better PROMIS global mental health than those who never took a modulator. Caregiver-reported HRQoL was similar across children with CF who currently, no longer, or never took a modulator. PwCF taking a modulator reported larger improvements in physical health, quality of life, social well-being, and treatment burden than those who no longer or never took a modulator. Nearly one-quarter (23 %) of PwCF taking modulator therapy reported worsening of mental well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

This study expands our knowledge of well-being among PwCF in the CFTR modulator era as reported by patients and parents. Findings lay the groundwork for establishing future research priorities, policy efforts, and communications in areas that improve well-being for PwCF.

How workplaces produce or reduce disability along the career paths of young people with cystic fibrosis

Using the theoretical perspective of "social participation" as considered in the Human Development-Disability Creation Process, this article examines certain obstacles and facilitators to sustainable access to work among young French adults with cystic fibrosis. Drawing from the analyses of 29 qualitative interviews, the results show how such obstacles do not depend solely on their health status or on the medical management of the illness, but also on the work environments that these young professionals have recently entered or are trying to access. In these contexts, managing information about the illness can represent a means of obtaining cooperation from colleagues and superiors to reduce material or organizational obstacles (e.g. adapted work schedules), as well as a means of preventing socially uncomfortable or disabling situations. In this light, the social participation model can complement Corbin and Strauss' illness trajectory model, by setting the multi-factorial disabling or participatory situations along illness or medical trajectories. This enables dynamic consideration of how workplaces contribute to producing or reducing disability, in interaction with the actions taken by young people with cystic fibrosis to manage their career paths but also the evolution of illness, symptoms, or medical requirements.

Education-related needs for children with cystic fibrosis: Perspectives of US pediatric care teams

OBJECTIVE

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) often bring education-related concerns to their medical teams. Concerns around the ability for CF care teams to identify and address these concerns exist. We sought to describe CF care team perceptions of (1) patient and family education-related needs, (2) how these needs are identified, documented and addressed, and (3) education-related resource gaps.

METHODS

A survey was emailed to pediatric care teams in the CF Foundation Care Center Network in April 2022. Individuals or care teams could complete the survey. Responses were aggregated for descriptive analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven programs responded representing 52% of United States pediatric CF centers. Most centers (88%) indicated social workers primarily address school concerns. Care teams often complete school forms (99%), coach families to communicate with schools (96%), communicate with schools directly (90%), and develop educational plans (76%). Formal education risk assessment and support programs are relatively uncommon (19%). Common student-specific needs include carrying medications (75%) and leaving class for gastrointestinal issues (54%). Needs reported are informational materials for families and schools (94%), staff education about school concerns and how to address them (91%), additional staff for education-related issues (65%), and expertise in education plan development (62%).

CONCLUSION

CF care teams often lack comprehensive resources to identify and address education-related concerns. Systematically performing needs assessments, improving training for providers, and evaluating the benefits of education specialists on care teams may better identify and address education-related needs. Supporting educational progression will foster continued independence and well-being in adulthood.

How personality influences health outcomes and quality of life in adult patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluates personality traits in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and correlates these results with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and other clinical parameters indicative of disease severity.

METHODS

Seventy adults completed the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R 14+), a CF-specific measure of HRQoL, and a self-administered questionnaire about personality traits and disorders. Mean subscale scores and the prevalence of extreme personality traits on the `Persönlichkeits-Stil- und Störungs-Inventar (PSSI)´ were compared to the norming sample. Moreover, a cluster analysis was conducted to identify personality styles among people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). The relationship between mean PSSI subscale scores and personality clusters with HRQoL and clinical outcomes, e.g., percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1), and body mass index (BMI), was studied by regression analysis considering important confounders.

RESULTS

On several of the subscales of the personality questionnaire, people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) showed either significantly higher or lower scores than the norm sample. In further analyses, two personality clusters could be identified. PwCF from the cluster with predominantly low scores on the subscales 'negativistic', 'schizoid', 'borderline', 'depressed', and 'paranoid' showed better HRQoL than pwCF from the other cluster with mainly high normal or elevated scores. The studied health outcomes proved to be independent of the respective personality clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

In pwCF, HRQoL is mainly determined by psychological factors, including personality. Since more recent personality theories assume that personality is modifiable, our findings imply that patients with accentuated personality traits may benefit from psychosocial support.

Work participation in adults with rare genetic diseases - a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Work participation is a crucial aspect of health outcome and an important part of life for most people with rare genetic diseases. Despite that work participation is a social determinant of health and seems necessary for understanding health behaviours and quality of life, it is an under-researched and under-recognized aspect in many rare diseases. The objectives of this study was to map and describe existing research on work participation, identify research gaps, and point to research agendas in a selection of rare genetic diseases.

METHODS

A scoping review was performed by searching relevant literature in bibliographic databases and other sources. Studies addressing work participation in people with rare genetic diseases published in peer reviewed journals were assessed using EndNote and Rayyan. Data were mapped and extracted based on the research questions concerning the characteristics of the research.

RESULTS

Of 19,867 search results, 571 articles were read in full text, and 141 satisfied the eligibility criteria covering 33 different rare genetic diseases; 7 were reviews and 134 primary research articles. In 21% of the articles the primary aim was to investigate work participation. The extent of studies varied between the different diseases. Two diseases had more than 20 articles, but most had only one or two articles. Cross-sectional quantitative studies were predominant, with few utilizing prospective or qualitative design. Nearly all articles (96%) reported information about work participation rate, and 45% also included information about factors associated with work participation and work disability. Due to differences in methodologies, cultures and respondents, comparison between and within diseases are difficult. Nevertheless, studies indicated that many people with different rare genetic diseases experience challenges related to work, closely associated to the symptoms of the disease.

CONCLUSION

While studies indicate high prevalence of work disability in many patients with rare diseases, the research is scarce and fragmented. More research is warranted. Information about the unique challenges of living with different rare diseases is crucial for health and welfare systems to better facilitate work participation. In addition, the changing nature of work in the digital age, may also open up new possibilities for people with rare genetic diseases and should be explored.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Familial, Occupational, Social, and Mental Health Predictors

Background: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) adult patients experience daily physical symptoms and disabilities that may impact their quality of life and mental health. Methods: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the relative contribution of the familial, occupational, and social environment, besides that of the main physical and mental health factors, to the quality of life of CF adult patients using the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) in a multivariate model. Results: Fifty patients were analyzed (70% of men; median age of 25 years; median body mass index of 21 kg/m²; median FEV1 of 57%). Anxiety and depression scores were negatively associated with 9 of the 12 CFQ-R domains. When controlling for anxiety and depression, FEV1% and BMI were significant positive predictors of several domains of the CFQ-R. All the familial, occupational, and social components analyzed but one (professional training) were predictors of at least one domain of the CFQ-R. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression explained a greater proportion of the variance than physical variables (age, sex, BMI, FEV1%, and exacerbation in the last year) in CF HRQoL. Many familial, occupational, and social components were also specifically and independently predictors of some HRQoL domains. Their screening might help identifying CF patients eligible for specific interventions, focusing on the impaired QoL dimensions.

Exploring Associations Between Self-Compassion, Self-Criticism, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Informing Future Interventions

Self-compassion is increasingly recognised as an important and beneficial factor in quality of life and mental health-related research, but research within the adult cystic fibrosis (CF) population is scarce. In a cross-sectional study, 114 (56 female, 58 male) adults with CF completed and returned a series of validated questionnaires that assessed CF-related quality of life, negative emotional states (depression, anxiety and stress), self-compassion, and self-criticism. Quality of life and self-compassion were positively correlated, and each in turn were inversely correlated with negative emotional states and self-criticism. Negative emotional states correlated positively to self-criticism. Self-compassion and/or self-criticism moderated ten relationships between various sub-domains of quality of life and negative emotions. Psychological interventions that increase self-compassion may be beneficial for enhancing mental health and quality of life for adults with CF.

Social support and social isolation in adults with cystic fibrosis: An integrative review

Background Adults with cystic fibrosis have unique barriers that may decrease their ability to receive adequate social support and socialization, leading to social isolation. Social isolation has been correlated with negative health outcomes in other populations. In those with cystic fibrosis, social isolation may present additional physiological and psychological challenges, potentially interfering with clinical outcomes and quality of life. However, there is a lack of understanding as to how social isolation presents in this population. Methods The purpose of this integrative review is to identify and critically analyze how social support and social isolation are reported for adults with cystic fibrosis. PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL Complete were searched for related publications, resulting in an initial yield of 1767 articles. After eligibility screening, 21 studies met the criteria for this review, which were all then critically analyzed and synthesized. Results There is a scarcity of literature focusing on social isolation and social support in this population. Reduced physical and mental health were the most commonly reported variables associated with reduced social functioning and social support. Conclusion Preliminary studies are warranted to understand how adults with cystic fibrosis experience social isolation, as well as its relationship to social support. This knowledge can guide future research focusing on physical and psychological effects of social isolation, along with interventions that facilitate socialization and support.

The impact of cystic fibrosis on the working life of patients: A systematic review

Advances in the treatment and management of cystic fibrosis (CF) have led to a substantial increase in patient life expectancy, thus facilitating healthier lives and labour force participation. This review aimed to address the impact of CF on the occupational functioning of patients. A significant proportion of patients were reported to retain a job on a full- or part-time schedule. Less physically demanding occupations were most frequently performed, perhaps due to CF-related inability to sustain a heavy workload. Disease severity parameters (e.g., lung function measurements, or personal, psycho-social, or economic conditions) have been reported as determinant or co-determinant factors for the development of work-related disability. Although further research is necessary, our results may be useful to inform interdisciplinary CF healthcare management, including the assessment of work function, and to define career counselling plans and workplace risk assessment and management strategies to support the personal, social and professional lives of patients.

The associations between pediatric weight status and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes status and health-related quality of life among children and young adults with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening genetic disease, yet life expectancy has recently increased, shifting the focus to disease management and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Identification of clinical factors, such as weight status and CF-related diabetes (CFRD), that are associated with HRQoL can inform clinicians about the patient's health perception. The goal of this systematic review was two prong: identify the association of pediatric weight status and HRQoL and determine how CFRD status impacts HRQoL.

METHODS

A systematic review of published research was conducted following the methodology in the Cochrane Handbook on Systematic Reviews for Interventional Studies. Results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute tool. A meta-analysis was not performed due to variability of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, differences in outcome reporting, and insufficient primary outcome data to pool.

RESULTS

Nine studies met inclusion criteria (n = 6 explored weight status and n = 3 studied CFRD), for a total of 1585 subjects (CFRD cases = 87). Pediatric weight status was positively associated with HRQoL, most commonly the Body Image and Eating Disturbance domains. CFRD was negatively associated with HRQoL, specifically the Treatment Burden and Weight domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the limited data available, improved pediatric weight status appears to increase HRQoL while a CFRD diagnosis appears to decrease HRQoL. More research is needed to fully understand the role of these clinical factors on HRQoL, especially with life expectancy increasing among those with CF.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Objective:

To verify the association between quality of life, functional capacity and clinical and nutritional status in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods:

Cross-sectional study, including patients from eight to 18 years old with CF. Quality of life, functional capacity, nutritional status and clinical status were evaluated with the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire; the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and manual gripping force (MGF); the height percentiles for age and body mass index for age and respiratory function test, respectively. Pearson and Spearman correlation tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results:

A total of 45 patients, 13.4±0.5 years old, 60% female, 60% colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 57.8% with at least one F508del mutation participated in the study. When assessing the perception of quality of life, the weight domain reached the lowest values, and the digestive domain, the highest. In the pulmonary function test, the forced expiratory volume of the first second was 77.3±3.3% and the 6MWT and MGF presented values within the normal range. There was an association between quality of life and functional capacity, nutritional status and clinical status of CF patients.

Conclusions:

The study participants had good clinical conditions and satisfactory values of functional capacity and quality of life. The findings reinforce that the assessment of quality of life may be important for clinical practice in the management of treatment.

Genetic Variation Near chrXq22-q23 Is Linked to Emotional Functioning in Cystic Fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease that affects many organ systems, most notably the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems. Through genome-wide association studies, multiple genetic regions modifying CF-related pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms have been identified, but translation of these findings to clinical benefit remains elusive. Symptom variation in CF patients has been associated with changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but the relationship between CF symptom-modifying genetic loci and HRQOL has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to determine whether two previously identified genetic modifiers of CF-related pathology also modify the subscales of HRQOL.

METHODS

HRQOL and genotype data were obtained and analyzed. Linear regressions were used to examine the amount of variance in HRQOL subscales that could be explained by genotype for each modifier locus.

RESULTS

A significant regression equation was found between genotype for rs5952223, a variant near chrXq22-q23, and emotional functioning in a sample of 129 CF patients.

DISCUSSION

These data suggest that genotype for this single-nucleotide polymorphism is associated with emotional functioning in CF patients and highlight this genetic region as a potential therapeutic target, irrespective of CF transmembrane conductance regulator genotype.

Cystic fibrosis and career counselling

OBJECTIVE

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects mostly lungs but also other organs. Modern treatment has transformed once fatal disease of childhood into the chronic disease of adulthood. Hence more patients enter the job market. Very few adolescents with cystic fibrosis receive some formal career guidance. There is still no professional career guidance for them in Slovenia.

METHODS

Literature on workability of patients with cystic fibrosis was reviewed. Following the articles and Slovenian and foreign manuals the guidelines on career counselling of young patients with cystic fibrosis is proposed, as well as the suggestions for professional qualification of these patients.

RESULTS

The results of the studies present that workability of patients with cystic fibrosis is associated to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) (p < 0.05), the achieved educational level more than 3 years of faculty study (p < 0.001-p < 0.013), self-assessment of quality of life (p = 0.005), age (p = 0.01), and the number of admissions to the hospital (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The interactions among work, quality of life and survival require that healthcare workers strive to help their patients with cystic fibrosis to succeed in their professional lives. The young patients should achieve the highest level of education possible and follow their wishes in line with the realistic possibilities.

Chemically modified hCFTR mRNAs recuperate lung function in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis

Gene therapy has always been a promising therapeutic approach for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). However, numerous trials using DNA or viral vectors encoding the correct protein resulted in a general low efficacy. In the last years, chemically modified messenger RNA (cmRNA) has been proven to be a highly potent, pulmonary drug. Consequently, we first explored the expression, function and immunogenicity of human (h)CFTR encoded by cmRNA^hCFTR in vitro and ex vivo, quantified the expression by flow cytometry, determined its function using a YFP based assay and checked the immune response in human whole blood. Similarly, we examined the function of cmRNA^hCFTR in vivo after intratracheal (i.t.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection of the assembled cmRNA^hCFTR together with Chitosan-coated PLGA (poly-D, L-lactide-co-glycolide 75:25 (Resomer RG 752 H)) nanoparticles (NPs) by FlexiVent. The amount of expression of human hCFTR encoded by cmRNA^hCFTR was quantified by hCFTR ELISA, and cmRNA^hCFTR values were assessed by RT-qPCR. Thereby, we observed a significant improvement of lung function, especially in regards to FEV_0.1, suggesting NP-cmRNA^hCFTR as promising therapeutic option for CF patients independent of their CFTR genotype.

More than a job: Career development of individuals with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis and its employment corollaries have received little attention despite the fact that complications of CF represent numerous theorized barriers to optimal career outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to conduct grounded theory research that results in an understanding of the employment experiences of people with CF and ultimately a substantive grounded theory of career development applicable to individuals with this disease.

METHODS

This study utilized the grounded theory method of qualitative inquiry. A purposive sample of ten young adults with CF participated in in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews. Analysis of the interview transcripts followed the constant comparative approach to coding, which identified core themes and sub-themes and culminated in a conceptual framework of variables influencing employment and career development.

RESULTS

An ecologically-based grounded theory of career development was developed. Major themes that influenced employment and career development were illness appraisal, occupational compromise, persistence, and altruism. Two patterns of career development outcomes emerged - the uninterrupted and the interrupted.

CONCLUSIONS

A complicated interaction of numerous ecological variables (individual characteristics, personal contextual factors, mediating factors, and the environment) collectively influenced career development. The presence of CF alone did not guarantee negative effects on career development.

Illness Perceptions of Cystic Fibrosis: A Comparison of Young Adults with CF and Same-Aged Peers

In the last two decades, the life expectancy for individuals with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) has increased significantly. The limited research examining the psychosocial experiences of young adults with CF indicates that other young adults lack awareness and understanding of CF. Using the Illness Perception Questionnaire, perceptions of CF were examined in individuals with CF aged 16 to 25 and two groups of same-aged peers: those who did, or did not, know someone with CF. ANOVA with pairwise comparisons revealed that individuals with CF perceived significantly fewer physical symptoms of illness and fewer emotional and practical consequences of CF than both groups of peers. Individuals with CF also perceived significantly more personal control and greater understanding of CF than peers without experience of CF. Implications for enhancing opportunities for social engagement and for the provision of social support for young people with CF are identified.

Gender Differences in Clinical Presentations of Cystic Fibrosis Patients in Azeri Turkish Population

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder with several clinical presentations. This study was undertaken in the Azeri Turkish population in Iran, to investigate gender differences in the age at onset and diagnosis, age of death, and duration of illness of CF.

METHODS

The data of 331 CF patients from 2001 to 2015 was surveyed. Parameters including age, sex, ΔF508 mutation, age at onset, age at diagnosis, age of death and clinical presentations were evaluated for both sexes, using descriptive analysis. The association of gender with these variables was studied using logistic regression, chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test by SPSS version 18. Odds ratio with a confidence interval of 95% and p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The study included 191 males (57.7%) and 140 females (42.3%), all showing statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Age duration differed between genders. Male and female patients were further under 9 and 4 years, respectively. The occurrence of ΔF508 mutation was 0.51 times more in females than in males. Age, diagnosis and sex were closely associated: males were diagnosed at a significantly later age than females (p=0.05). While this compression performed based on clinical presentations, males with respiratory disease had a later median age at diagnosis than females at lifespan (p=0.001). The risk of infertility in males was approximately two times greater than in females (p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate gender differences in CF patients. Future studies are needed to establish other differences and evaluate the causes for the gender variations.

Lifestyle treatments in cystic fibrosis: The NHS should pay

With the NHS under increasing financial pressure and healthcare costs soaring year on year, it is perhaps not surprising that assessment agencies focus on cost-effectiveness analysis when assessing new therapies. Such an approach does not however, always take sufficient account of treatment burden, lifestyle and patient choice and therefore new equally effective but perhaps "easier to take" formulations and faster delivery systems for current therapies do not always take precedence in current treatment guidelines. In arguing that the NHS should pay for so-called lifestyle treatments in cystic fibrosis the counterintuitive nature of some of the current decision making is discussed and a more holistic approach to improve NHS efficiency is presented.

Depression and anxiety in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis in the UK: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The International Depression/anxiety Epidemiological Study (TIDES) in the UK aimed: (i) to establish the prevalence of anxiety and depression amongst people with CF compared to a normative sample; (ii) to establish the association between mood, demographic and clinical variables; and (iii) to provide guidance for specialist-referral decision-making.

METHODS

Patients (≥12years) completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). CF-HADS scores, expressed as percentiles, were compared with a normative sample. Multiple-regression analysis explored associations between demographic, clinical and mood variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine CF centres recruited 2065 patients. Adults with CF were similar in terms of anxiety and depression to the general population. Adolescents with CF were less anxious and depressed. For adult patients, older age, unemployment for health reasons and poor lung function were associated with disordered mood. Gender-specific CF-percentile scores were calculated.

CONCLUSION

Surveillance, with attention to gender and risk factors is advocated. This work provides unique benchmark scores to aid referral decision-making.

Employment in adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic ill-health may significantly impact on an individual's ability to work. This not only relates to disease severity but also to psychosocial factors such as illness perception and coping strategies.

AIMS

To explore the factors associated with employment status in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).

METHODS

Subjects recruited from adult CF clinics in Aberdeen, Birmingham and Newcastle completed questionnaires assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL), workplace productivity (presenteeism) and employment. Clinical data indicative of disease severity were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 254 subjects were recruited, 41 from Aberdeen, 63 from Birmingham and 150 from Newcastle. Sixty-five per cent of subjects were in employment or education. If employed/self-employed, median hours worked was 37.3h/week. Forty per cent reported stopping a job due to CF; 47% felt CF had affected career choice and 24% changed duties because of CF. Ten per cent had taken a pay cut and 23% reported workplace discrimination due to CF. Multivariate modelling demonstrated that employment status was independently associated with educational attainment, centre and the HRQoL domains of role and health perception and is independent of clinical parameters of disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with CF reported that CF impacted on their ability to work. Employment appeared to be most strongly associated with educational attainment, locality and HRQoL domains and not clinical parameters of severity. Specific guidance is needed for both adults with CF and potential employers, with appropriate targeted interventions aimed at improving health perceptions and coping strategies.

Adults with cystic fibrosis - responding to a new ageing population

Worldwide, the life expectancy of adults with cystic fibrosis has increased substantially over the last two decades and cystic fibrosis can no longer be regarded as a paediatric condition. Adults with cystic fibrosis are becoming a new ageing population and are working, having families of their own and are likely to retire due to old age rather than ill health. Despite this progress, little is known about how people with cystic fibrosis are experiencing ageing with this long-term condition and how prepared they are for older age. This paper highlights the implications that ageing with cystic fibrosis may have for specialist health services and in particular the individual with cystic fibrosis, as well as providing pointers for future research.

A longitudinal study of the impact of social deprivation and disease severity on employment status in the UK cystic fibrosis population

BACKGROUND

People with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in the UK and elsewhere are increasingly surviving into adulthood, yet there is little research on the employment consequences of having CF. We investigated, for the first time in a UK-wide cohort, longitudinal employment status, and its association with deprivation, disease severity, and time in hospital.

METHODS

We did a longitudinal registry study of adults with CF in the UK aged 20 to 40 (3458 people with 15,572 observations between 1996 and 2010), using mixed effects models.

RESULTS

Around 50% of adults with CF were in employment. Male sex, higher lung function and body mass index, and less time in hospital were associated with improved employment chances. All other things being equal, being in the most deprived quintile was associated with a reduction of employment prevalence of 17.6 percentage points compared to the prevalence in the least deprived quintile. Having poor lung function was associated with a reduced employment prevalence of 7.2 percentage points compared to the prevalence for people with relatively good lung function. Acting synergistically, deprivation modifies the effect of lung function on employment chances - poor lung function in the least deprived group was associated with a 3 percentage point reduction in employment chances, while poor lung function in the most deprived quintile was associated with a 7.7 point reduction in employment chances.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater deprivation, disease severity, and time in hospital are all associated with employment chances in adults with CF. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that deprivation amplifies the harmful association of disease severity on employment. Future studies should focus on understanding and mitigating the barriers to employment faced by people with CF.

Psychosocial Adaptation and Adherence Among Adults With CF

Based on Moos and Holahan’s “Coping With Chronic Illness and Disability” model, we examined the contribution of medical impairment, illness perception, sense of coherence (SOC), relationship with the professional team, and adherence to treatment to the psychosocial adaptation (social adjustment and life satisfaction) of young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). We also examined adherence, an important goal in and of itself for patients with CF. Seventy-one participants completed the following questionnaires: Social Adjustment, Life Satisfaction, Perceived Illness Severity, SOC, Relationship With Team, and Compliance. The legal criteria for medical impairment were also examined. Findings indicate that female patients and patients with high SOC reported better psychosocial adaptation. Participants with more severe medical impairments reported higher levels of adherence, and those who perceived their illness to be less severe reported lower levels of adherence and greater satisfaction in life. Relationship with the team was found to contribute to social adjustment. Psychosocial adaptation is associated with internal and external resources, but not necessarily with adherence to treatment. The rehabilitation counselor’s role is, therefore, to help adults with CF bridge between the contrasting dimensions of their lives, namely adherence to strict treatment protocols and psychosocial adaptation.

[Adults with cystic fibrosis. It's not just about longevity]

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one example of serious disorders for which medical progress and the integration of chronic treatment into the patients' daily routines have led to markedly better longevity. Formerly known as a 'killer disease' of childhood, CF is now considered a disorder with childhood onset, but is well known in adult medicine. Since 2009, for the first time CF adults have made up the majority of patients in the German CF registry. The drawbacks of improved longevity are long-term complications (e.g., CFRD, osteoporosis) that were rarely seen before. In particular, unwanted effects of treatments that today are performed for decades rather than years are becoming pressing problems. Unwanted effects as well as the ever-increasing treatment burden must be carefully weighed against the expected benefits of treatment. However, CF medicine has always been aware that it is not just about longevity, but that prolonged life has to have meaning. Therefore, the marked increase in longevity is also a psychosocial challenge. So far, empirical data suggest that the majority of people with CF courageously struggle for a normal life.

Health-related quality of life in Cystic Fibrosis patients infected with transmissible Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains: cohort study

Objectives

To assess the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients of chronic infection with the Liverpool Epidemic Strain (LES) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Psa).

Design

Cohort study.

Participants

Adult CF patients attending a single CF centre.

Setting

Outpatient clinic.

Main outcome measures

HRQoL measures of adult CF patients chronically infected with LES and Psa strains measured by CFQ-UK.

Results

Patients infected by transmissible Psa strains had worse physical functioning, respiratory symptoms, treatment burden, vitality, role, health perception and emotion than those with unique Psa strains (P < 0.01), and significantly poorer physical functioning, respiratory symptoms, treatment burden, body image, weight, role, and emotion than those without any Psa infection (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in a matched cohort of 39 patients, those with LES infection reported significantly worse physical functioning, treatment burden, respiratory symptoms and health perception than those with unique Psa infection (P < 0.02).

Conclusion

Chronic infection with transmissible Psa strains, particularly LES, confers a worse quality of life in adult CF patients. Coupled with the established poorer clinical outcome, this reinforces the need to prevent the spread of such strains in CF community.

Body image and cystic fibrosis: a critical review

A slight frame and poor appetite are common among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) yet healthy body weight has been related to a better prognosis. A review of studies exploring body image (BI) among adults and adolescents with CF was conducted. Seven electronic databases were searched for potential papers. They located 128 references, of which 24 were read in full and 12 included in the review. Accepted papers suggested females with CF had a better BI compared to males, but this could compromise survival, given their preference for a low body weight. Males may be more motivated to adhere to nutritional advice because they favor a larger form. Practitioners should broach the topic of BI at clinic appointments to ensure this does not have a detrimental impact on self-management, although more research is required to guide professionals in this task.

Employment and work disability in adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

As a result of prolonged survival, more patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) participate in the labour force. The aim of this study was to evaluate their education, occupation levels and risk factors for work disability.

METHOD

207 patients answered a self-administered questionnaire about their educational level and work status. Independently, medical records were reviewed for illness severity indicators.

RESULTS

39 patients (19%) were students, 117 (57%) were in the labour force, 13 (6%) were seeking employment and 38 (18%) were inactive. CF patients had a higher educational level and were more likely to hold skilled jobs and to work part time than the general population. FEV1 and educational level were the strongest predictive factors of disability.

CONCLUSION

Many CF patients have access to professional life. Their higher educational levels improve the chances of attaining employment, which highlights the need for career counselling. Working part time helps to maintain employment despite declining health.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com fibrose cística por meio do Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV) de pacientes com fibrose cística (FC) acompanhados em um centro universitário de referência em atendimento a FC. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com a aplicação do Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire (CFQ) e escore de Shwachman em pacientes com FC entre abril de 2008 e junho de 2009. RESULTADOS: Participaram 75 pacientes, com média de idade de 12,5 ± 5,1 anos (variação: 6,1-26,4 anos). Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a idade: grupo I (< 12 anos), II (12-14 anos) e III (> 14 anos). As pontuações mais altas e mais baixas no CFQ foram para o domínio alimentação do grupo III (89,3 ± 16,2) e para o domínio social no grupo II (59,5 ± 22,3), respectivamente. Houve uma diferença significativa no domínio tratamento entre os grupos III e I (p = 0,001). Pacientes com escore de Shwachman < 70 apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação aos domínios social (grupo I; p = 0,045), respiratório (grupo II; p = 0,053) e digestivo (p = 0,042) quando comparados aqueles com escores > 70. No grupo III, não se observou associação entre gravidade e QV. Nos grupos I e II, não se observou diferenças entre os pacientes com VEF1 < 80% do previsto e os demais pacientes em todos os domínios do CFQ. Entretanto, no grupo III, as médias dos pacientes com VEF1 < 80% do previsto foram significativamente menores nos domínios físico (p = 0,012), imagem corporal (p = 0,031), respiratório (p = 0,023), emocional (p = 0,041) e papel social (p = 0,024). CONCLUSÕES: A avaliação da QV em pacientes com FC é importante, pois contribui para uma melhor aderência ao tratamento.

Relationships among health-related quality of life, pulmonary health, and newborn screening for cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to examine relationships between pulmonary health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) evaluated longitudinally in the Wisconsin Newborn Screening Project.

METHODS

Patients aged 8 to 18 years (mean ± SD, 13.5 ± 2.8) in early diagnosis (n = 45) and control (n = 50) groups completed Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaires (CFQs) to measure HRQOL at three data points over a 2-year period. Pulmonary health was evaluated concurrently by the Wisconsin chest x-ray scoring system (WCXR) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs).

RESULTS

WCXR showed significant group differences (P ≤ .023), with the early diagnosis group showing more-severe lung disease. When adjusted for group differences in mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa status and pancreatic status, however, WCXR differences and PFT data were not significant. Most patients (74%) had FEV(1) values ≥ 80% predicted (within normal range). For patients aged < 14 years, as WCXR scores worsened CFQ respiratory and physical domain scores decreased (both P ≤ .007). FEV(1)/FVC showed a positive relationship with the respiratory and physical domains (both P ≤ .006). WCXR scores for patients aged ≥ 14 years were associated with CFQ weight, respiratory, and health domains (all P ≤ .011). FEV(1) was associated with CFQ weight, respiratory, health, and physical domains (all P ≤ .003). Changes in pulmonary health were not associated with changes in CFQ over time. Significant group differences on the CFQ-Child social functioning domain favored the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this study is the first to compare pulmonary outcomes with HRQOL indicators assessed by serial, standardized, patient-reported outcome measures for patients with CF identified either through newborn screening or diagnosed by use of traditional methods. This study found no benefits of newborn screening for pulmonary health or HRQOL after controlling for risk factors. Using WCXR and PFT data collectively helped to identify associations between pulmonary health and HRQOL.

Hedonic and motivational roles of opioids in food reward: implications for overeating disorders

Food reward can be driven by separable mechanisms of hedonic impact (food 'liking') and incentive motivation (food 'wanting'). Brain mu-opioid systems contribute crucially to both forms of food reward. Yet, opioid signals for food 'liking' and 'wanting' diverge in anatomical substrates, in pathways connecting these sites, and in the firing profiles of single neurons. Divergent neural control of hedonic and motivational processes raises the possibility for joint or separable modulation of food intake in human disorders associated with excessive eating and obesity. Early findings confirm an important role for 'liking' and 'wanting' in human appetitive behaviors, and suggest the intriguing possibility that exaggerated signals for 'wanting,' and perhaps 'liking,' may contribute to forms of overeating.