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Nguyen TQ, Kerley CI, Key AP, Maxwell-Horn AC, Wells QS, Neul JL, Cutting LE, Landman BA. Phenotyping Down syndrome: discovery and predictive modelling with electronic medical records. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2024; 68:491-511. [PMID: 38303157 PMCID: PMC11023778 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a heightened risk for various co-occurring health conditions, including congenital heart disease (CHD). In this two-part study, electronic medical records (EMRs) were leveraged to examine co-occurring health conditions among individuals with DS (Study 1) and to investigate health conditions linked to surgical intervention among DS cases with CHD (Study 2). METHODS De-identified EMRs were acquired from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and facilitated creating a cohort of N = 2282 DS cases (55% females), along with comparison groups for each study. In Study 1, DS cases were one-by-two sex and age matched with samples of case-controls and of individuals with other intellectual and developmental difficulties (IDDs). The phenome-disease association study (PheDAS) strategy was employed to reveal co-occurring health conditions in DS versus comparison groups, which were then ranked for how often they are discussed in relation to DS using the PubMed database and Novelty Finding Index. In Study 2, a subset of DS individuals with CHD [N = 1098 (48%)] were identified to create longitudinal data for N = 204 cases with surgical intervention (19%) versus 204 case-controls. Data were included in predictive models and assessed which model-based health conditions, when more prevalent, would increase the likelihood of surgical intervention. RESULTS In Study 1, relative to case-controls and those with other IDDs, co-occurring health conditions among individuals with DS were confirmed to include heart failure, pulmonary heart disease, atrioventricular block, heart transplant/surgery and primary pulmonary hypertension (circulatory); hypothyroidism (endocrine/metabolic); and speech and language disorder and Alzheimer's disease (neurological/mental). Findings also revealed more versus less prevalent co-occurring health conditions in individuals with DS when comparing with those with other IDDs. Findings with high Novelty Finding Index were abnormal electrocardiogram, non-rheumatic aortic valve disorders and heart failure (circulatory); acid-base balance disorder (endocrine/metabolism); and abnormal blood chemistry (symptoms). In Study 2, the predictive models revealed that among individuals with DS and CHD, presence of health conditions such as congestive heart failure (circulatory), valvular heart disease and cardiac shunt (congenital), and pleural effusion and pulmonary collapse (respiratory) were associated with increased likelihood of surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS Research efforts using EMRs and rigorous statistical methods could shed light on the complexity in health profile among individuals with DS and other IDDs and motivate precision-care development.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Q Nguyen
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - C I Kerley
- School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - A P Key
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - A C Maxwell-Horn
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Q S Wells
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - J L Neul
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - L E Cutting
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - B A Landman
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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De La Garza E, Scott A, Hillerstrom H, Hendrix J, Rubenstein E. Caregivers' concerns and supports needed to care for adults with Down syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2024; 196:e32041. [PMID: 37072379 PMCID: PMC10583264 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Research regarding caregivers for individuals with Down syndrome mainly focuses on outcomes for the pediatric population and not on the experience of caregivers themselves. Our objective was to understand caregiver-reported experiences and concerns for themselves and the individual they care for through a survey of caregivers of adults with Down syndrome. We conducted a survey of N = 438 caregivers of adults with Down syndrome and asked about the perspectives of the respondents surrounding caregiving and demographics. The most common concerns among caregivers were planning for future needs (72.1%) and what happens when they (the caregiver) are gone (68.3%). Concerns they had for the individual they cared for were employment (63.2%) and friendships/relationships (63.2%). We found no significant difference in responses based on caregiver education level. Our survey identified six themes for the feedback about what clinical and research professionals should know to better serve individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and those who support them. Many caregivers discussed topics including healthcare, coordination, competence, and ability. More efforts for research into the caregiver experience for adults with Down syndrome are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica De La Garza
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashley Scott
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - James Hendrix
- LuMind IDSC, Eli Lily, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Rubenstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Berger H, Wittman J, Smith K, Horick N, Norris K, Young A, Magana Gomez J, Ocampo KKE, Skotko BG. Health care satisfaction and medical literacy habits among caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2024; 196:e32074. [PMID: 37946659 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Patients with Down syndrome have significant specialized health care needs. Our objective was to understand the needs, satisfaction, and online habits of caregivers as they care for persons with Down syndrome. A mixed-method survey was distributed through REDCap from April 2022 to June 2022 in the United States; a Spanish-translated version was distributed through SurveyMonkey from August 2022 to March 2023 in Mexico. We received 290 completed responses from the United States and 58 from caregivers in Mexico. We found that current health care options are not meeting the needs of many individuals with DS in both the United States (39.7%) and Mexico (46.6%). Caregivers expressed frustrations with the inaccessibility and inapplicability of health care information. In particular, they often found the volume of information overwhelming, given their limited medical background. Additionally, health care recommendations were not customized and lacked practical recommendations. Most caregivers in both the United States (72.1%) and Mexico (82.8%) believe it is not easy to find answers to medical questions about their loved ones with DS. Online platforms with customized, specific health information related to DS could offer innovative solutions to these unmet needs for families and primary care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Berger
- Simpson College, Department of Mathematics, Indianola, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Katelyn Smith
- Simpson College, Department of Mathematics, Indianola, Iowa, USA
| | - Nora Horick
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kenneth Norris
- Simpson College, Department of Mathematics, Indianola, Iowa, USA
| | - Allison Young
- Simpson College, Department of Mathematics, Indianola, Iowa, USA
| | - Javier Magana Gomez
- Nutrition Faculty, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | - Brian G Skotko
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Bowness B, Henderson C, Akhter Khan SC, Akiba M, Lawrence V. Participatory research with carers: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Health Expect 2024; 27:e13940. [PMID: 39102730 PMCID: PMC10734554 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As patient and public involvement (PPI) in research has become increasingly common, research-based recommendations on its principles and impacts have been established. The specifics of conducting PPI are likely to differ when involving different groups. Family/informal carers for those with health conditions or disabilities have a lot to contribute to research, but instances of their involvement have yet to be reviewed. OBJECTIVE To systematically review and synthesize studies where family/informal carers have been involved in the research process, to develop an understanding of the benefits, barriers and facilitating factors. METHODS A search of five electronic databases was conducted using a combination of terms relating to carers, involvement and research. A grey literature search, expert consultation and hand-searching were also used. Following screening, data extraction and quality assessment, a narrative synthesis incorporating thematic analysis was conducted. FINDINGS A total of 55 studies met the inclusion criteria, with diverse design and participatory approaches. Four themes were identified, relating to the outcomes, challenges, and practicalities of involving carers: (re) building relationships with carers; carers as equals not afterthoughts; carers have unique experiences; carers create change. Full involvement throughout the research was not always possible, due to barriers from the research world and responsibilities of the caring role. The literature demonstrated ways for carers to contribute in ways that suited them, maximizing their impact, while attending to relationships and power imbalances. CONCLUSION By summarizing the reported instances of carer involvement in research, this review brings together different examples of how successful research partnerships can be built with carers, despite various challenges. Carers are a heterogeneous group, and participatory approaches should be tailored to specific situations. Wider understanding of the challenges of conducting empowering research with carers, and the resources required to address these, are needed. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT The initial findings and themes were presented to a group of carers who had been involved in research and whose reflections informed the final synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryher Bowness
- King's College London, Institute of PsychiatryPsychology and NeuroscienceLondonUK
| | - Claire Henderson
- King's College London, Institute of PsychiatryPsychology and NeuroscienceLondonUK
| | | | - Mia Akiba
- King's College London, Institute of PsychiatryPsychology and NeuroscienceLondonUK
| | - Vanessa Lawrence
- King's College London, Institute of PsychiatryPsychology and NeuroscienceLondonUK
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Van Riper M, Cosgrove B, Fleming L. Adaptation at the Family Level in Families of Individuals With Down Syndrome: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2023; 29:324-347. [PMID: 37066798 PMCID: PMC10629249 DOI: 10.1177/10748407231163236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disorder associated with intellectual and physical disabilities and has historically been viewed by health care providers through a negative lens when considering the effect the condition has on the individual, family, and community. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide an overview of recent research concerning adaptation in families of individuals with DS with a focus on family adaptation rather than individual or dyadic adaptation. Three literature indexes were searched from 2017 to 2022, with 41 articles included. Foci of the studies included strength/resilience, stress/coping, and negative/challenge. Thirteen studies reported using a family framework. Multiple methodological approaches and family measures were used in the studies and are outlined. Findings from this review show there has been a shift in focus when researching families of individuals with DS from a negative and challenging experience to one of strength and resilience.
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Santoro SL, Baker S, Blake JM, Cabrera MJ, Caughman K, Chung J, Cullen S, Gallagher M, Haugen K, Hoke-Chandler R, Krell K, Maina J, McLuckie D, Merker VL, Michael C, O’Neill K, Peña A, Pless A, Royal D, Slape M, Spinazzi NA, Torres A, Torres CG, Skotko BG. Views on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health in people with Down syndrome from diverse backgrounds. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:2045-2056. [PMID: 37264986 PMCID: PMC10524618 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) has a unique medical and psychological profile. To date, few studies have asked individuals with DS about their views of health, and fewer have explored the impact of COVID-19 on the health of individuals with DS and their families. We used a mixed methods approach including two studies on the health of individuals with DS and their parents conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) eight virtual focus groups, comprised of 20 parents and 8 individuals with DS to obtain participants' views of health, and (2) a 20-item questionnaire on health care experience of patients with DS who are African American or come from primarily Spanish-speaking homes. Focus group transcripts were coded using a hybrid inductive/deductive framework and thematically analyzed using the Framework Method. This questionnaire included questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on caregivers and their loved ones with DS; responses to these questions were summarized using descriptive statistics. Individuals with DS discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their physical and social health including masking, online learning, and online communication with friends and family. Parents of individuals with DS discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted their child's physical, social, and mental health, as a result of virtual schooling and decreased socialization. There were unexpected positives of the pandemic such as improved hygiene and eased scheduling with telehealth visits. Caregivers noted COVID-19 impacted their own anxiety, employment, and other domains that have potential ripple effects on the health of their children. The COVID-19 pandemic had a pervasive impact on the mental health and wellness of caregivers as well as the physical, social, and mental health of individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Santoro
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jasmine M. Blake
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Maria J. Cabrera
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jeanhee Chung
- Laboratory of Computer Science, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah Cullen
- Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, Burlington, MA
| | | | - Kelsey Haugen
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Kavita Krell
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Vanessa L. Merker
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Carie Michael
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Kate O’Neill
- LuMind IDSC Down Syndrome Foundation, Burlington, MA
| | - Angeles Peña
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Albert Pless
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Noemi Alice Spinazzi
- Division of Primary Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA
| | - Amy Torres
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Brian G. Skotko
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Finkelstein A, Bachner YG, Stein E, Benisti L, Tenenbaum A. Challenging and Facilitating Factors When Coping with the News of a Newborn's Down Syndrome Diagnosis: Perceptions of Activist Israeli Mothers. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:1349-1358. [PMID: 34894913 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.2010326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that healthcare professionals (HP) play a significant role in parents' experience when informed of the birth of a child with Down Syndrome (DS). Past studies have focused on faith dilemmas of religious mothers that were informed that their child was born with DS and on understanding how faith was a source of emotional support for them. Studies that focus on religious activist mothers are scarce. We utilized a qualitative methodology to explore the experiences of Jewish mothers who are religious and activists. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 17 religious Jewish mothers of children with DS, who participated in an activist, self-support group. The data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Most mothers felt unsupported by the HP although a few mentioned being congratulated on the birth and empowered by a physician who focused on their child's potential to develop. The mothers appreciated when HPs considered their opinions and values. They shared the common goal of changing the existing pathological, statistics-based discourse concerning children with DS. The study reinforces the important role of HP and policymakers' in collaborating with parents and their support groups early in the diagnostic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Finkelstein
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Jerusalem College of Technology
| | | | - Elkie Stein
- Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center and the Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | | | - Ariel Tenenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center and the Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Coleman J, Thompson T, Riley K, Allen K, Michalak C, Shields R, Berry-Kravis E, Hessl D. The comparison of expressed emotion of parents of individuals with fragile X syndrome to other intellectual disabilities. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2023; 36:394-404. [PMID: 36647196 PMCID: PMC10381095 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenting children and young adults with intellectual disabilities, including individuals with fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome, is challenging, joyful, and complicated. Exploring how parents talk about their children, and the quality of the parent/child relationship can provide insight into the home environment and interactional patterns of the family. METHOD Expressed emotion (EE) is a measurement of a family's emotional climate based on a parent or caregiver's report of warmth, emotional overinvolvement, hostility, and criticism. The purpose of this study was to describe EE for a sample of parents of individuals with intellectual disabilities and to determine any differences in EE amongst individuals within subgroups. Based on previous research about fragile X syndrome and family systems, we hypothesized that there would be significant differences between the disability groups (higher EE in families with children/young adults with fragile X syndrome). RESULTS Results showed relatively high proportions of EE across groups of individuals with intellectual disabilities, however, there were no significant differences between the subgroups. Null findings suggest that differences in EE may not relate directly to a child's specific genetic condition. Rather, increased EE in caregiver populations may simply reflect well-documented stressors related to stigma, caregiver burden, and limited community supports. Critical statements were infrequent, however, over half of the participants reported dissatisfaction with their situation, and many were categorized as having emotional overinvolvement, as measured by frequent statements of intense worry and self-sacrifice. CONCLUSION Findings point to potential utility in family-level interventions focused on providing structured caregiver therapy to manage excessive worry and grief related to a diagnosis of intellectual disability, and respite care to encourage caregiver independence and pursuit of personal care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Talia Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Korrie Allen
- Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Shields
- Davis Medical Center, Translational Psychophysiology and Assessment Laboratory, MIND Institute, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - David Hessl
- Davis Medical Center, Translational Psychophysiology and Assessment Laboratory, MIND Institute, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
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