1
|
Xie W, Chen X, Ma X, Song S, Ma H, You J, Huang C. Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on vascular cognitive impairment: a randomised controlled trial protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073532. [PMID: 37963686 PMCID: PMC10649391 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has an increasing prevalence worldwide, accounting for at least 20%-40% of all diagnoses of dementia. The decline in cognitive function seriously impairs patients' activities of daily living and social participation and reduces their quality of life. However, there is still a lack of advanced, definitive rehabilitation programmes for VCI. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are recognised treatments for improving cognitive impairment. The former can restore oxygen supply in the brain by increasing oxygen partial pressure in brain tissue, while the latter can enhance neuronal excitability and promote synaptic plasticity. However, no studies have explored the effect of HBO combined with rTMS on VCI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is designed as a single-centre, assessor-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial with four parallel arms. A total of 72 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to the control group, HBOT group, rTMS group and HBOT combined with rTMS group at a ratio of 1:1:1:1. All enrolled participants will receive conventional treatment. The entire intervention period is 4 weeks, with a 3-week follow-up. Outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), after a 4-week intervention (T1) and after an additional 3-week follow-up period (T2). The primary endpoint is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. The secondary endpoints are Mini-Mental State Examination score, Modified Barthel Index score, latency and amplitude of P300, cerebral cortical oxygenated haemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxygenated haemoglobin (HbR) concentrations as measured by task-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was obtained from the West China Hospital Clinical Trials and Biomedical Ethics Committee of Sichuan University (ethics reference: 2022 (1972)). The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through scientific conferences and seminars. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2300068242.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinxin Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xichao Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sihui Song
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiuhong You
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
De Lima B, Lindauer A, Eckstrom E. Age-Friendly Research: promoting inclusion of older adults in clinical and translational research. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e200. [PMID: 37830011 PMCID: PMC10565191 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Older adults have a high disease burden but are often underrepresented in research studies due to recruitment and retention obstacles, among others. Geriatric research specialists have identified solutions to these challenges and designed frameworks to help other researchers. Our team utilized three frameworks to create an interactive webinar series aimed to educate research team members on Age-Friendly practices. Methods We recruited 40 non-aging-trained research team members to participate in a six-session, real-time webinar series from October to November 2022. Sessions were comprised of 20-30 minute didactics and 30-40 minute group discussions. Participants completed pre- and post-program surveys, commitment to change forms, and post-webinar session surveys. Responses were examined for strengths and areas for improvement. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed differences in confidence scores. Results Self-reported confidence scores improved after the webinar series. Most participants provided positive feedback and high likeliness to use what they learned and recommend the webinar to others. The strengths were practical tips, applicable tools, and real-world examples. The major area for improvement was information on industry-sponsored trials. The commitment to change responses varied from pledging to use more inclusive language to adapting materials to improve the consent process. Conclusion This interactive Age-Friendly Research webinar series was feasible and well received by participants. We created an Age-Friendly Research community fostering commitment to change clinical and translational research to be more inclusive of older adults. Future work will include more information on industry-sponsored trials and expand to other research centers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryanna De Lima
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Allison Lindauer
- Oregon Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Elizabeth Eckstrom
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barry HE, Hughes CM. An Update on Medication Use in Older Adults: a Narrative Review. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2021; 8:108-115. [PMID: 34306966 PMCID: PMC8294219 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-021-00274-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The global phenomenon of population aging is impacting the health and care needs of society. The use of medications by older adults is acknowledged to be the most common form of medical intervention for many acute and chronic conditions and prescribing in this population continues to increase. In this narrative review, we summarise the age-related factors that should be considered when prescribing for older adults, address some of the perennial challenges related to medicine use in older people, and highlight important emerging research in this area. RECENT FINDINGS A range of age-related factors should be considered when prescribing for older adults. However, the evidence base still lacks data pertaining to older adults due to their continued under-representation in clinical trials. Multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and inappropriate prescribing continue to remain prevalent among older adults, although recent research has been focused on the development and evaluation of complex interventions to address these challenges. SUMMARY Further high-quality studies of interventions to improve and support medication use in older adults are needed, ensuring that older adults are well represented in such trials and consideration is given to the measurement of patient- and provider-focused outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E. Barry
- Primary Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL UK
| | - Carmel M. Hughes
- Primary Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Voit K, Timmermann C, Steger F. Medication of Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir and Convalescent Plasma during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany-An Ethical Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115685. [PMID: 34073254 PMCID: PMC8197849 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to analyze the ethical challenges in experimental drug use during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, using Germany as a case study. In Germany uniform ethical guidelines were available early on nationwide, which was considered as desirable by other states to reduce uncertainties and convey a message of unity. The purpose of this ethical analysis is to assist the preparation of future guidelines on the use of medicines during public health emergencies. The use of hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and COVID-19 convalescent plasma in clinical settings was analyzed from the perspective of the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy. We observed that drug safety and drug distribution during the pandemic affects all four ethical principles. We therefore recommend to establish ethical guidelines (i) to discuss experimental treatment options with patients from all population groups who are in urgent need, (ii) to facilitate the recording of patient reactions to drugs in off-label use, (iii) to expand inclusion criteria for clinical studies to avoid missing potentially negative effects on excluded groups, and (iv) to maintain sufficient access to repurposed drugs for patients with prior conditions.
Collapse
|