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Kortbeek S, Johara FT, Kwan K, John T, Ng VL. Determining the minimally clinically important difference for the pediatric liver transplant quality of life questionnaire. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 79:119-125. [PMID: 38801021 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12256] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Pediatric Liver Transplant Quality of Life (PeLTQL) questionnaire is a disease-specific patient reported outcome measure for pediatric liver transplant (LT) recipients. To-date, threshold values above which a change in PeLTQL score is considered meaningful to patients are unavailable. This study proposes the first values for the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) for the PeLTQL. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, anchor and distribution-based methods were used to estimate the MCID for the PeLTQL. Questionnaires completed between March 2013, and July 2022 were included if data from two sequential visits were available. An internal anchor question was used for anchor-based determination of the MCID. A final MCID estimate was ascertained from triangulation of all methods. RESULTS PeLTQL data from 65 LT recipients (26 [40%] male, 17 [42%] biliary atresia, median age at LT 3.08 years [interquartile range 0.99-7.30]), and their caregivers were included for analysis. Median patient age at time of baseline PeLTQL completion was 13.84 (10.90-15.86) years. The MCID for self-PeLTQL total scores ranged from 4.53 to 8.46, and from 4.47 to 8.85 for proxy responses. By triangulation, the MCID of the PeLTQL total score was 6.45 and 6.78 for self and proxy responses respectively. CONCLUSION A change in PeLTQL score of 6.5 or more points suggests a change in health status that is meaningful to the patient, providing the clinical team an opportunity to engage the patient's voice in reassessing current health status and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kortbeek
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fatema T Johara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karina Kwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tomisin John
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vicky L Ng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Skjevling L, Goll R, Hanssen HM, Johnsen PH. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in Norwegian outpatients with mild to severe myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): protocol for a 12-month randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e073275. [PMID: 38858151 PMCID: PMC11168185 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073275] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The observed alteration of the intestinal microbiota in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and the effect of transferring a healthy gut flora from a faecal donor using a faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) will be explored in this trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single-centre trial, with 12 months follow-up. 80 participants will be included and randomised (1:1:2) to either donor FMT (from two different donors) or placebo (autologous FMT). Participants will be included by the International Clinical Criteria for ME/CFS. The clinical measures of ME/CFS and disease activity include Modified DePaul Questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), ROMA IV criteria, Food Frequency Questionnaire, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, heart rate variability testing and reports on the use of antibiotics and food supplements, as well as biobanking of blood, urine and faeces.The primary endpoint is proportion with treatment success in FSS score in donor versus autologous FMT group 3 months after treatment. Treatment success is defined as an FSS improvement of more than 1.2 points from baseline at 3 months after treatment. Adverse events will be registered throughout the study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics Northern Norway has approved the study. The study has commenced in May 2019. Findings will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journal(s), submitted to relevant conferences, and trial participants will be informed via phone calls. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03691987.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Skjevling
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Troms, Norway
- Medical Department, University Hospital of North Norway, Harstad, Troms, Norway
| | - Rasmus Goll
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Troms, Norway
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Troms, Norway
| | - Hege Marie Hanssen
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Troms, Norway
- Medical Department, University Hospital of North Norway, Harstad, Troms, Norway
| | - Peter Holger Johnsen
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Troms, Norway
- Medical Department, University Hospital of North Norway, Harstad, Troms, Norway
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Gaunt DM, Brigden A, Harris SRS, Hollingworth W, Jago R, Solomon-Moore E, Beasant L, Mills N, Sinai P, Crawley E, Metcalfe C. Graded exercise therapy compared to activity management for paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:2343-2351. [PMID: 38429546 PMCID: PMC11035451 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05458-x] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The MAGENTA pragmatic parallel groups randomized controlled trial compared graded exercise therapy (GET) with activity management (AM) in treating paediatric myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Children aged 8-17 years with mild/moderate ME/CFS and presenting to NHS specialist paediatric services were allocated at random to either individualised flexible treatment focussing on physical activity (GET, 123 participants) or on managing cognitive, school and social activity (AM, 118 participants) delivered by NHS therapists. The primary outcome was the self-reported short-form 36 physical function subscale (SF-36-PFS) after 6 months, with higher scores indicating better functioning. After 6 months, data were available for 201 (83%) participants who received a mean of 3.9 (GET) or 4.6 (AM) treatment sessions. Comparing participants with measured outcomes in their allocated groups, the mean SF-36-PFS score changed from 54.8 (standard deviation 23.7) to 55.7 (23.3) for GET and from 55.5 (23.1) to 57.7 (26.0) for AM giving an adjusted difference in means of -2.02 (95% confidence interval -7.75, 2.70). One hundred thirty-five participants completed the mean SF-36-PFS at 12 months, and whilst further improvement was observed, the difference between the study groups remained consistent with chance. The two study groups showed similar changes on most of the secondary outcome measures: Chalder Fatigue, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: Depression, proportion of full-time school attended, a visual analogue pain scale, participant-rated change and accelerometer measured physical activity, whether at the 6-month or 12-month assessment. There was an isolated finding of some evidence of an improvement in anxiety in those allocated to GET, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at 6 months, with the 12-month assessment, and the Spence Children's Anxiety scale being aligned with that finding. There was weak evidence of a greater risk of deterioration with GET (27%) than with AM (17%; p = 0.069). At conventional UK cost per QALY thresholds, the probability that GET is more cost-effective than AM ranged from 18 to 21%. Whilst completion of the SF-36-PFS, Chalder Fatigue Scale and EQ-5D-Y was good at the 6-month assessment point, it was less satisfactory for other measures, and for all measures at the 12-month assessment. Conclusion: There was no evidence that GET was more effective or cost-effective than AM in this setting, with very limited improvement in either study group evident by the 6-month or 12-month assessment points. Trial registration: The study protocol was registered at www.isrctn.com (3rd September 2015; ISRCTN 23962803) before the start of enrolment to the initial feasibility phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy M Gaunt
- Bristol Medical School, Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
| | - Amberly Brigden
- Digital Health, School of Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 5DD, UK
| | - Shaun R S Harris
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - William Hollingworth
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Russell Jago
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Emma Solomon-Moore
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Lucy Beasant
- Bristol Medical School, Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Nicola Mills
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Parisa Sinai
- Bristol Medical School, Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- Bristol Medical School, Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Chris Metcalfe
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
- Bristol Medical School, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK.
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Diab MM, Patel S, Young C, Allen IE, Harris HW. Quality of life measures and cost analysis of biologic versus synthetic mesh for ventral hernia repair: The Preventing Recurrence in Clean and Contaminated Hernias randomized clinical trial. Surgery 2024; 175:1063-1070. [PMID: 38135553 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the most durable method for ventral hernia repairs involves using mesh, whether to use biologic mesh versus synthetic mesh remains controversial. This study aimed to compare synthetic and biologic meshes with respect to patient-reported quality of life scores and costs after ventral hernia repair surgeries. METHODS This study is part of the Preventing Recurrence in Clean and Contaminated Hernias (PRICE) pragmatic randomized control trial conducted from March 2014 through October 2018. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo ventral hernia repair using either a biologic or synthetic mesh. The coprimary outcomes were 2-year changes in Visual Analog Scale, Activities Assessment Scale, Hernia-Related Quality-of-Life Survey, and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) quality-of-life scores from repair. The secondary outcome was the overall cost per patient. RESULTS Among the 165 patients included in the study, 82 were randomized to biologic meshes and 83 to synthetic meshes. There were no significant differences in the performance between the 2 mesh types with regard to quality-of-life measures using a mixed model approach. This result was consistent even when performing subgroup analysis based on wound contamination. However, nonparametric tests comparing the differences in quality-of-life measures from preoperative to 24-month postoperative timepoints revealed that the synthetic mesh group showed a greater reduction in disability than biologic mesh for the SF-36 (median [interquartile range] of 20 [5-30] vs 6 [1-20], P = .025). This difference was due to reductions in the physical role limitations (62 [0-100] vs 0 [0-50], P = .018) and the pain (38 [12-50] vs 12 [0-25], P = .012) domains of the SF-36. Overall cost per patient was greater for biologic meshes (mean [95% confidence interval] of $80,420 [$66,485-$94,355] vs $61,036 [$48,946-$73,125], P = .038), regardless of insurance type. CONCLUSION In this randomized clinical trial, there were no differences in changes in quality-of-life scores at the 2-year timepoint except for the SF-36, where the synthetic mesh may be associated with less pain and physical role limitations than the biologic mesh. Overall costs per patient were less for synthetic than biologic mesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mustafa Diab
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA; Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Sohil Patel
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Charlotte Young
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Isabel Elaine Allen
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Hobart W Harris
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA.
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Spiering TJ, Firth AD, Mousoulis C, Hallstrom BR, Gagnier JJ. Establishing the Minimally Important Difference for the KOOS-Joint Replacement and PROMIS Global-10 in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty. Orthop J Sports Med 2024; 12:23259671231218260. [PMID: 38313752 PMCID: PMC10838042 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231218260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the overall prevalence and success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a significant portion of patients are dissatisfied with their outcomes. Purpose To assess the responsiveness and determine the minimally important difference (MID) of 2 patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)-the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 (PROMIS 10)-in patients after TKA. Study Design Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods Included were patients who underwent TKA from August 2015 through August 2019 and completed baseline and postoperative KOOS-JR and PROMIS 10 surveys. The PROMIS 10 consists of 2 domains: physical health and mental health. Estimates for the reliable change index (RCI) and MID, using anchor-based and distribution-based methods, were calculated for each PROM. Regression modeling was used to determine whether patient and clinical factors predicted MID thresholds or MID achievement. Results A total of 1315 patients were included. Distribution-based MIDs, calculated using various methods from baseline scores, ranged from 19.3 to 31 for the KOOS-JR, and the RCI was 4.38. Of these patients, 293 (22.3%) demonstrated small or moderate improvement, and this cohort was included in the calculation of anchor-based MIDs. The anchor-based MIDs were 16.9 and 24.3 at 3-month and 1-year follow-up, respectively, and 66% of patients achieved the MID at 12 months. Higher preoperative PROM score, male sex, non-White race, and current smoker status were predictive of failing to achieve the anchor-based MID for KOOS-JR at 1 year postoperatively (P < .05). Higher preoperative PROM score and any 90-day adverse event predicted lower thresholds of important change in anchor-based MIDs. Higher baseline PROM scores, younger age, male sex, non-White ethnicity, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, preoperative narcotics use, not smoking, and longer hospital stay were all associated with lower odds of achieving the MID on the KOOS-JR or either of the PROMIS 10 subscales. Conclusion The study results demonstrated relevant values for interpretation of the KOOS-JR and PROMIS 10. While patient demographics did not accurately predict which patients would achieve the MID, some potential factors predicting successful patient-reported outcomes after TKA were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Spiering
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrew D Firth
- Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christos Mousoulis
- Division of Experimental Surgery, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brian R Hallstrom
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Joel J Gagnier
- Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Lattimore P, Harrison F. Pilot study of an online-delivered mindfulness meditation in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS): effect on quality-of-life and participant lived experience. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:3833-3840. [PMID: 36326346 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2140843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are connective tissue disorders with multi-systemic symptoms. Management of chronic pain and other symptoms of EDS is a challenge for patients and clinicians. Mindfulness-based approaches for chronic pain produce improvement in pain symptoms. Mindfulness meditation could be an acceptable and readily accessible therapy for pain in EDS. This study evaluated the effect of daily practice of mindfulness meditation on pain experience and quality-of-life in EDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS A pre-post design enabled assessment of change in quality-of-life (SF-36) after practicing internet-delivered mindful meditation for two weeks. Thematic analysis of interviews (n = 10) documented lived experience of meditation practice for pain symptoms. One hundred fifty-seven were recruited from UK EDS charities mailing lists. Seventy six completed the two-week intervention. RESULTS There was a statistically significant improvement in the SF-36 mental component summary score of medium effect size; the change was clinically important. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes of lived experience relating to increased body awareness, reduction in pain intensity, and barriers to practicing meditation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence about the effect and experience of meditation for symptoms in people with EDS. The outcomes warrant further research with appropriate control groups to determine efficacy.Implications for rehabilitationMindfulness-based interventions are effective for chronic pain relief.Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) patients experience chronic pain that affects quality-of-life.Online-delivered mindfulness meditation was clinically significant in reducing pain intensity and improving quality-of-life outcomes.hEDS patients found the online-delivered intervention acceptable and recommended development to make it flexible to meet their specific needs by varying types and duration of meditations offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Lattimore
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Fay Harrison
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- The Ehlers-Danlos Support, Devonshire House, Borehamwood, UK
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Lyssikatos C, Wang Z, Liu Z, Warden SJ, Bonewald L, Brotto M. γ-Aminobutyric acids (GABA) and serum GABA/AABA (G/A) ratio as potential biomarkers of physical performance and aging. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17083. [PMID: 37816783 PMCID: PMC10564855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41628-x] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Declining physical performance with age and disease is an important indicator of declining health. Biomarkers that identify declining physical performance would be useful in predicting treatment outcomes and identifying potential therapeutics. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a muscle autocrine factor, is a potent inhibitor of muscle function and works as a muscle relaxant. L-α-aminobutyric acid (L-AABA) is a biomarker for malnutrition, liver damage, and depression. We sought to determine if GABA and L-AABA may be useful for predicting physical performance. Serum levels of GABA and L-AABA were quantified in 120 individuals divided by age, sex, and physical capacity into low, average, and high performer groups. Analyses explored correlations between serum levels and physical performance. Both GABA and the ratio of GABA/AABA (G/A), but not AABA, were highly positively associated with age (Pearson correlations r = 0.35, p = 0.0001 for GABA, r = 0.31, p = 0.0007 for G/A, n = 120). GABA showed negative associations in the whole cohort with physical performance [fast gait speed, 6 min walk test (6MWT), PROMIS score, and SF36PFS raw score] and with subtotal and femoral neck bone mineral density. L-AABA was positively associated with usual gait speed, 6MWT, total SPPB score, and SF36PFS raw score in the total cohort of 120 human subjects, also with 6MWT and SF36PFS raw score in the 60 male subjects, but no associations were observed in the 60 females. As both GABA and L-AABA appear to be indicative of physical performance, but in opposite directions, we examined the G/A ratio. Unlike GABA, the G/A ratio showed a more distinct association with mobility tests such as total SPPB score, usual and fast gait speed, 6MWT, and SF36PFS raw score in the males, regardless of age and metabolic status. Serum G/A ratio could be potentially linked to physical performance in the male population. Our findings strongly suggest that GABA, L-AABA, and the G/A ratio in human serum may be useful markers for both age and physical function. These new biomarkers may significantly enhance the goal of identifying universal biomarkers to accurately predict physical performance and the beneficial effects of exercise training for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Lyssikatos
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Zhiying Wang
- Bone-Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas-Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell Street, Science-Engineering-Innovation Research (SEIR) Suite 272, Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Ziyue Liu
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stuart J Warden
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lynda Bonewald
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Marco Brotto
- Bone-Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas-Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell Street, Science-Engineering-Innovation Research (SEIR) Suite 272, Arlington, TX, 76010, USA.
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Stein E, Heindrich C, Wittke K, Kedor C, Kim L, Freitag H, Krüger A, Tölle M, Scheibenbogen C. Observational Study of Repeat Immunoadsorption (RIA) in Post-COVID ME/CFS Patients with Elevated ß2-Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibodies-An Interim Report. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6428. [PMID: 37835071 PMCID: PMC10573450 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence for an autoimmune aetiology in post-infectious Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). SARS-CoV-2 has now become the main trigger for ME/CFS. We have already conducted two small proof-of-concept studies on IgG depletion by immunoadsorption (IA) in post-infectious ME/CFS, which showed efficacy in most patients. This observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy of IA in patients with post-COVID-19 ME/CFS. The primary objective was to assess the improvement in functional ability. Due to the urgency of finding therapies for post-COVID-Syndrome (PCS), we report here the interim results of the first ten patients, with seven responders defined by an increase of between 10 and 35 points in the Short-Form 36 Physical Function (SF36-PF) at week four after IA. The results of this observational study will provide the basis for patient selection for a randomised controlled trial (RCT), including sham apheresis, and for an RCT combining IA with B-cell depletion therapy. Trial registration number: NCT05629988.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Stein
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany (K.W.); (C.K.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Cornelia Heindrich
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany (K.W.); (C.K.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Kirsten Wittke
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany (K.W.); (C.K.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany (K.W.); (C.K.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Laura Kim
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany (K.W.); (C.K.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Helma Freitag
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany (K.W.); (C.K.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Anne Krüger
- Department of Nephrology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (M.T.)
| | - Markus Tölle
- Department of Nephrology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.K.); (M.T.)
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany (K.W.); (C.K.); (L.K.); (H.F.); (C.S.)
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Gaunt D, Brigden A, Metcalfe C, Loades M, Crawley E. Investigating the factors associated with meaningful improvement on the SF-36-PFS and exploring the appropriateness of this measure for young people with ME/CFS accessing an NHS specialist service: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069110. [PMID: 37620254 PMCID: PMC10450087 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Paediatric myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is relatively common and disabling, but little is known about the factors associated with outcome. We aimed to describe the number and characteristics of young people reaching the 10-point minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of SF-36-Physical Function Subscale (SF-36-PFS) and to investigate factors associated with reaching the MCID. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING A specialist UK National Health Service ME/CFS service, Southwest England; recruitment between March 2014 and August 2015. PARTICIPANTS 193 eligible patients with ME/CFS aged 8-17 years reported baseline data. 124 (65%) and 121 (63%) with outcome data at 6 and 12 months, respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES SF-36-PFS (primary outcome). Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, school attendance, visual analogue pain scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Spence Young People Anxiety Scale, Clinical Global Impression scale and EQ-5D-Y (secondary). RESULTS At 6 months 48/120 (40%) had reached the MCID for SF-36-PFS. This had increased to 63/117 (54%) at 12 months. On the Clinical Global Impressions, 77% and 79% reported feeling either a little better, much better or very much better. Those with worse SF-36-PFS at baseline assessment were more likely to achieve the MCID for SF-36-PFS at 6 months (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.96 to 0.99, p value 0.003), but there was weaker evidence of effect at 12 months (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.00, p value 0.038). No other factors at baseline were associated with the odds of reaching the MCID at 6 months. However, at 12 months, there was strong evidence of an effect of pain on MCID (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p value 0.001) and SF-36-PFS on MCID (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.98, p value 0.001). CONCLUSIONS 40% and 54% of young people reached the MCID at 6 and 12 months, respectively. No factors at assessment (other than SF-36-PFS at 6 months, and pain and SF-36-PFS at 12 months) are associated with MCID of SF-36-PFS at either 6 or 12 months. Further work is needed to explore the most appropriate outcome measure for capturing clinical meaningful improvement for young people with ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Gaunt
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amberly Brigden
- Digital Health, School of Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Metcalfe
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Maria Loades
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Zhang Y, Xi X, Huang Y. The anchor design of anchor-based method to determine the minimal clinically important difference: a systematic review. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2023; 21:74. [PMID: 37454099 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-023-02157-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive results for clinical outcomes should be not only statistically significant, but also clinically significant. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is used to define the minimum threshold of clinical significance. The anchor-based method is a classical method for ascertaining MCID. This study aimed to summarise the design of the anchors of the anchor-based method by reviewing the existing research and providing references and suggestions. METHOD This study was mainly based on literature research. We performed a systematic search using Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts to identify relevant articles. Data were extracted from eligible articles using a predefined data collection form. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion and the involvement of a third reviewer. RESULT Three hundred and forty articles were retained for final analysis. For the design of anchors, Subjective anchors (99.12%) were the most common type of anchor used, mainly the Patient's rating of change or patient satisfaction (66.47%) and related scale health status evaluation items or scores (39.41%). Almost half of the studies (48.53%) did not assess the correlation test between the anchor and the research indicator or scale. The cut-off values and grouping were usually based on the choice of the anchor types. In addition, due to the large number of included studies, this study selected the most calculated SF-36 (28 articles) for an in-depth analysis. The results showed that the overall design of the anchor and the cut-off value were the same as above. The statistical methods used were mostly traditional (mean change, ROC). The MCID thresholds of these studies had a wide range (SF-36 PCS: 2-17.4, SF-36 MCS: 1.46-10.28), and different anchors or statistical methods lead to different results. CONCLUSION It is of great importance to select several types of anchors and to use more reliable statistical methods to calculate the MCID. It is suggested that the order of selection of anchors should be: objective anchors > anchors with established MCID in subjective anchors (specific scale > generic scale) > ranked anchors in subjective anchors. The selection of internal anchors should be avoided, and anchors should be evaluated by a correlation test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639, Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xi
- China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639, Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuankai Huang
- China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639, Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu Province, China.
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11
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Mc Carthy M, Burrows K, Griffiths P, Black PM, Demanuele C, Karlsson N, Buenconsejo J, Patel N, Chen WH, Cappelleri JC. From Meaningful Outcomes to Meaningful Change Thresholds: A Path to Progress for Establishing Digital Endpoints. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2023; 57:629-645. [PMID: 37020160 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-023-00502-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the use of digital endpoints (DEs) derived from digital health technologies (DHTs), focusing primarily on the specific considerations regarding the determination of meaningful change thresholds (MCT). Using DHTs in drug development is becoming more commonplace. There is general acceptance of the value of DHTs supporting patient-centric trial design, capturing data outside the traditional clinical trial setting, and generating DEs with the potential to be more sensitive to change than conventional assessments. However, the transition from exploratory endpoints to primary and secondary endpoints capable of supporting labeling claims requires these endpoints to be substantive with reproducible population-specific values. Meaningful change represents the amount of change in an endpoint measure perceived as important to patients and should be determined for each digital endpoint and given population under consideration. This paper examines existing approaches to determine meaningful change thresholds and explores examples of these methodologies and their use as part of DE development: emphasizing the importance of determining what aspects of health are important to patients and ensuring the DE captures these concepts of interest and aligns with the overarching endpoint strategy. Examples are drawn from published DE qualification documentation and responses to qualification submissions under review by the various regulatory authorities. It is the hope that these insights will inform and strengthen the development and validation of DEs as drug development tools, particularly for those new to the approaches to determine MCTs.
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12
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Wu X, Chen Y, Wan C, Yu L, Lei P, Sun X. Establishing minimal clinically important differences for the Quality of Life Instrument of Chronic Gastritis QLICD-CG(V2.0) based on distribution-based methods. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:149. [PMID: 37173655 PMCID: PMC10182708 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To establish the lowest score reflecting meaningful changes from the perspective of patients is very important for explaining the results of patient reports. The measurement scale of quality of life in patients with chronic gastritis has been used in clinical practice, but the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) has not been worked out. In this paper, we use a distribution-based method to calculate the MCID of the scale QLICD-CG (Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases- Chronic Gastritis) (V2.0). METHODS The QLICD-CG(V2.0) scale was used to evaluate the quality of life in patients with chronic gastritis. Since the methods for developing MCID were diverse and there was no uniform standard, we took MCID developed by anchor-based method as the gold standard, and compared the MCID of QLICD-CG(V2.0) scale developed by various distribution-based methods for selection. Standard deviation method (SD), effect size method (ES), standardized response mean method (SRM), standard error of measurement method (SEM) and reliable change index method (RCI) are given in the distribution-based methods. RESULTS A total of 163 patients, with an average age of (52.37 ± 12.96) years old, were calculated according to the various methods and formulas given by the distribution-based method, and the results were compared with the gold standard. It was suggested that the results of the SEM method at the moderate effect (1.96) should be taken as the preferred MCID of the distribution-based method. And thus the MCID of the physical domain, psychological domain, social domain, general module, specific module and total score of the QLICD-CG(V2.0) scale were 9.29, 13.59, 9.27, 8.29, 13.49 and 7.86, respectively. CONCLUSIONS With anchor-based method as the gold standard, each method in distribution-based method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, 1.96SEM was found to have a good effect on the minimum clinically significant difference of the QLICD-CG(V2.0) scale, and it is recommended as the preferred method to establish MCID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wu
- School of Humanities and Management, Research Center for Quality of Life and Applied Psychology, Key Laboratory for Quality of Life and Psychological Assessment and Intervention, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Chonghua Wan
- School of Humanities and Management, Research Center for Quality of Life and Applied Psychology, Key Laboratory for Quality of Life and Psychological Assessment and Intervention, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Lei Yu
- Huadu District People's Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510800, China
| | - Pingguang Lei
- People's Hospital of Songgang, Baoan, Shenzhen, 518105, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Sun
- School of Humanities and Management, Research Center for Quality of Life and Applied Psychology, Key Laboratory for Quality of Life and Psychological Assessment and Intervention, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
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13
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Brigden A, Parslow RM, Gaunt D, Collin SM, Jones A, Crawley E. Correction: Defining the minimally clinically important difference of the SF-36 physical function subscale for paediatric CFS/ME: triangulation using three different methods. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2023; 21:16. [PMID: 36800963 PMCID: PMC9938964 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-02078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amberly Brigden
- Population Health Sciences, Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK.
| | - Roxanne M Parslow
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU UK
| | - Daisy Gaunt
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Simon M Collin
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU UK
| | - Andy Jones
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU UK
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14
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Beard N, Frese M, Smertina E, Mere P, Katelaris C, Mills K. Interventions for the long-term prevention of hereditary angioedema attacks. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 11:CD013403. [PMID: 36326435 PMCID: PMC9632406 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013403.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that causes acute attacks of swelling, pain and reduced quality of life. People with Type I HAE (approximately 80% of all HAE cases) have insufficient amounts of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) protein; people with Type II HAE (approximately 20% of all cases) may have normal C1-INH concentrations, but, due to genetic mutations, these do not function properly. A few people, predominantly females, experience HAE despite having normal C1-INH levels and C1-INH function (rare Type III HAE). Several new drugs have been developed to treat acute attacks and prevent recurrence of attacks. There is currently no systematic review and meta-analysis that included all preventive medications for HAE. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of interventions for the long-term prevention of HAE attacks in people with Type I, Type II or Type III HAE. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 3 August 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials in children or adults with HAE that used medications to prevent HAE attacks. The comparators could be placebo or active comparator, or both; approved and experimental drug trials were eligible for inclusion. There were no restrictions on dose, frequency or intensity of treatment. The minimum length of four weeks of treatment was required for inclusion; this criterion excluded the acute treatment of HAE attacks. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. HAE attacks (number of attacks per person, per population) and change in number of HAE attacks; 2. mortality and 3. serious adverse events (e.g. hepatic dysfunction, hepatic toxicity and deleterious changes in blood tests). Our secondary outcomes were 4. quality of life; 5. severity of breakthrough attacks; 6. disability and 7. adverse events (e.g. weight gain, mild psychological changes and body hair). We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We identified 15 studies (912 participants) that met the inclusion criteria. The studies included people with Type I and II HAE. The studies investigated avoralstat, berotralstat, subcutaneous C1-INH, plasma-derived C1-INH, nanofiltered C1-INH, recombinant human C1-INH, danazol, and lanadelumab for the prevention of HAE attacks. We did not find any studies on the use of tranexamic acid for prevention of HAE attacks. All drugs except avoralstat reduced the number of HAE attacks compared with placebo. For breakthrough attacks that occurred despite prophylactic treatment, intravenous and subcutaneous forms of C1-INH and lanadelumab reduced attack severity. It is not known whether other drugs have a similar effect, as the severity of breakthrough attacks in people taking drugs other than C1-INH and lanadelumab was not reported. For quality of life, avoralstat, berotralstat, C1-INH (all forms) and lanadelumab increased quality of life compared with placebo; there were no data for danazol. Four studies reported on changes in disability during treatment with C1-INH, berotralstat and lanadelumab; all three drugs decreased disability compared with placebo. Adverse events, including serious adverse events, did not occur at a rate higher than placebo. However, serious adverse event data and other adverse event data were not available for danazol, which prevented us from drawing conclusions about the absolute or relative safety of this drug. No deaths were reported in the included studies. The analysis was limited by the small number of studies, the small number of participants in each study and the lack of data on older drugs, therefore the certainty of the evidence is low. Given the rarity of HAE, it is not surprising that drugs were rarely directly compared, which does not allow conclusions on the comparative efficacy of the various drugs for people with HAE. Finally, we did not identify any studies that included people with Type III HAE. Therefore, we cannot draw any conclusions about the efficacy or safety of any drug in people with this form of HAE. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The available data suggest that berotralstat, C1-INH (subcutaneous, plasma-derived, nanofiltered and recombinant), danazol and lanadelumab are effective in lowering the risk or incidence (or both) of HAE attacks. In addition, C1-INH and lanadelumab decrease the severity of breakthrough attacks (data for other drugs were not available). Avoralstat, berotralstat, C1-INH (all forms) and lanadelumab increase quality of life and do not increase the risk of adverse events, including serious adverse events. It is possible that danazol, subcutaneous C1-INH and recombinant human C1-INH are more effective than berotralstat and lanadelumab in reducing the risk of breakthrough attacks, but the small number of studies and the small size of the studies means that the certainty of the evidence is low. This and the lack of head-to-head trials prevented us from drawing firm conclusions on the relative efficacy of the drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Beard
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia
| | - Michael Frese
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia
| | - Elena Smertina
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia
| | - Peter Mere
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia
| | - Constance Katelaris
- Department of Medicine, Campbelltown Hospital and Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Kerry Mills
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia
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15
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A meta-analysis on the structure of pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance programmes on COPD patients' functional capacity. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2022; 32:38. [PMID: 36192398 PMCID: PMC9530215 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-022-00302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves functional capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in COPD patients, and maintenance programmes are relevant in preserving those improvements. However, little is known about the structure of maintenance programmes after PR. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental and quasi-experimental studies evaluating individuals with COPD admitted to a maintenance PR programme, delivered after an initial PR programme. We reported functional capacity evaluation (6-minute-walking-test), HRQoL, dyspnoea and symptom control. Searches were performed on the 11th April 2021 using MEDLINE, Embase, EBSCO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. We extracted summary-level data from trial publications and used a random-effects model, predicting that severe heterogeneity was detected. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021247724). Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 1151 participants. Maintenance programmes were associated with a pooled mean increase of 27.08 meters in 6mWT (CI: 10.39 to 43.77; I2 = 93%; p < 0.0001), being better in supervised, long (>12 month) home-based programmes; and having a potential MD of -4.20 pts in SGRQ (CI: -4.49 to -3.91; I2 = 0%; p = 0.74). Regarding dyspnoea and exacerbations, we found a nonsignificant trend for improvement after maintenance PR programmes. Severe COPD patients showed smaller improvements in programmes up to a year. Overall, the strength of the underlying evidence was moderate. Despite limitations of risk of bias and heterogeneity, our results support that home-based, supervised, long-term maintenance PR programmes may significantly improve functional capacity in COPD patients and HRQoL.
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16
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Coussy A, Jambon E, Le Bras Y, Combe C, Chiche L, Grenier N, Marcelin C. The Safety and Efficacy of Hepatic Transarterial Embolization Using Microspheres and Microcoils in Patients with Symptomatic Polycystic Liver Disease. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101624. [PMID: 36294764 PMCID: PMC9605116 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We investigated the long-term safety and efficacy of hepatic transarterial embolization (TAE) in patients with symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD). Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients were included, mean age of 52.3 years (range: 33−78 years), undergoing 32 TAE procedures between January 2012 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Distal embolization of the segmental hepatic artery was performed with 300−500 µm embolic microspheres associated with proximal embolization using microcoils. The primary endpoint was clinical efficacy, defined by an improvement in health-related quality of life using a modified Short Form-36 Health Survey and improvement in symptoms (digestive or respiratory symptoms and chronic abdominal pain), without invasive therapy during the follow-up period. Secondary endpoints were a decrease in total liver volume and treated liver volume and complications. Results: Hepatic embolization was performed successfully in 30 of 32 procedures with no major adverse events. Clinical efficacy was 73% (19/26). The mean reduction in hepatic volume was −12.6% at 3 months and −27.8% at the last follow-up 51 ± 15.2 months after TAE (range: 30−81 months; both ps < 0.01). The mean visual analog scale pain score was 5.4 ± 2.8 before TAE and decreased to 2.7 ± 1.9 after treatment. Three patients had minor adverse events, and one patient had an adverse event of moderate severity. Conclusion: Hepatic embolization using microspheres and microcoils is a safe and effective treatment for PLD that improves symptoms and reduces the volume of hepatic cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Coussy
- Department of Radiology, Pellegrin Hospital, Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Eva Jambon
- Department of Radiology, Pellegrin Hospital, Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Yann Le Bras
- Department of Radiology, Pellegrin Hospital, Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Christian Combe
- Departement of Nephrology, Pellegrin Hospital, Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Laurence Chiche
- Department of Digestive surgery, Haut Leveque, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicolas Grenier
- Department of Radiology, Pellegrin Hospital, Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Clément Marcelin
- Department of Radiology, Pellegrin Hospital, Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-556-795-599; Fax: +33-557-821-650
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17
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Liu H, Zhang X, Chen B, Fang B, Lou VWQ, Hu J. The Differential Impact of Multimorbidity Patterns and Subsequent Accumulation on Longitudinal Trajectories of Physical Function Decline in a Population-based Cohort of Older People. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 77:1629-1636. [PMID: 34951651 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although both the patterns and accumulation of multimorbidity are important for predicting physical function, studies have not simultaneously examined their impact on functional decline. This study aimed to associate multimorbidity patterns and subsequently developed conditions with longitudinal trajectories of functional decline, and it tested whether the effects of newly developed conditions on functional decline varied across distinct multimorbidity patterns. METHODS We included 6,634 participants aged at least 60 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. Latent class analysis identified multimorbidity patterns from 14 chronic conditions. Mixed negative binomial models estimated the changes in physical function measured across four waves as a function of multimorbidity patterns, subsequently developed conditions and their interactions. RESULTS Five distinct patterns were identified three years before wave 1: stomach/arthritis (15.7%), cardiometabolic (6.7%), arthritis/hypertension (47.9%), hepatorenal/multi-system (18.3%), and lung/asthma (11.4%). The hepatorenal/multi-system and the lung/asthma pattern were associated with worse baseline physical function, and the hypertension/arthritis pattern was associated with greater decline of physical function. The effect of developing new conditions on decline of physical function over time was most evident for individuals from the cardiometabolic pattern. DISCUSSION Considering both the combinations and progressive nature of multimorbidity is important for identifying individuals at greater risk of disability. Future studies are warranted to differentiate the factors responsible for the progression of chronic conditions in distinct multimorbidity patterns and investigate the potential implications for improved prediction of functional decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Liu
- Department of Sociology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China.,Sau Po Centre on Ageing, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinyan Zhang
- Department of Sociology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Beizhuo Chen
- Department of Sociology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Boye Fang
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Sociology & Anthropology, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, CN
| | - Vivian W Q Lou
- Sau Po Centre on Ageing, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
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18
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Ogura K, Bartelstein MK, Yakoub M, Nikolic Z, Boland PJ, Healey JH. Minimal clinically important differences in SF-36 global score: Current value in orthopedic oncology. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:2116-2123. [PMID: 33617087 PMCID: PMC9348556 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The SF-36 is widely used to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with musculoskeletal tumors. Instead of typical methods, calculating the SF-36 Global Score has recently become an increasingly common reporting approach. However, numerical changes lack clear clinical relevance. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is useful for interpreting changes in functional scores by defining the smallest change patients may perceive as clinically meaningful. The aim of this study is to determine the MCID of the SF-36 Global Score in orthopedic oncology patients, which has not been reported to date. Three-hundred ten patients who underwent surgery and completed two surveys during postoperative follow-up were reviewed. The two most common methods for calculating the SF-36 Global Score were used: (1) anchor-based methods and receiver operating characteristic analysis based on one-half of the SD of change score and standard error of measurement at baseline and; (2) distribution-based methods. Using anchor-based methods, the MCIDs of SF-36 Global Scores #1 and #2 were 2.7 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85) and 2.5 (AUC = 0.79) for improvement, and -1.5 (AUC = 0.81) and -0.6 (AUC = 0.83) for deterioration, respectively. Using distribution-based methods, the MCIDs of SF-36 Global Scores #1 and #2 were 4.1 and 4.4 by half SD, and 4.1 and 4.5 by standard error of measurement, respectively. Our findings provide benchmark values, which can serve as a reference for future studies in musculoskeletal tumor patients using the SF-36 Global Score as a single measure for HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Ogura
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Meredith K. Bartelstein
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mohamed Yakoub
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zarko Nikolic
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Patrick J. Boland
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - John H. Healey
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Ogura K, Yakoub MA, Christ AB, Fujiwara T, Nikolic Z, Boland PJ, Athanasian EA, Healey JH. The critical difference in the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) outcome measure after essential upper extremity tumor surgery. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2021; 30:e602-e609. [PMID: 33484830 PMCID: PMC8289920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) is a scored questionnaire that is widely used to evaluate the health-related quality of life of patients with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. However, numerical changes in the measure scores lack clinical significance without meaningful threshold change values of outcome measures that are diagnostically specific. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is useful for the interpretation of scores by defining the smallest change that a patient would perceive. However, the MCIDs of the scores in orthopedic oncology patients has not been reported. We aimed to determine the MCIDs of the measure in orthopedic oncology patients. METHODS Data from our health-related quality of life database from 1999 to 2005 were retrospectively reviewed after institutional review board approval. Seventy-eight patients who underwent surgery and completed 2 surveys during postoperative follow-up were evaluated. Two different methods were used to estimate the MCIDs: distribution-based and anchor-based approaches (the latter used receiver operating characteristic analysis). RESULTS Using distribution-based methods, the MCIDs of the DASH questionnaire were 7.4 and 8.3 by half standard deviation and the 90% interval of minimal detectable change, respectively. By anchor-based method (receiver operating characteristic analysis), the MCID was 8.3. CONCLUSION The MCID values calculated by each method validates that the results for upper extremity oncology patients were similar to those reported in other orthopedic conditions. These results identify the threshold for meaningful improvements in DASH scores in orthopedic oncology patients and establish the reference to evaluate health-related quality of life and the outcomes of upper extremity oncology surgery. These data should be further refined for disease- and reconstruction-specific analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Ogura
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohamed A. Yakoub
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander B. Christ
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tomohiro Fujiwara
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zarko Nikolic
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick J. Boland
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - John H. Healey
- Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,Corresponding author: John H. Healey, Chief, Department of Surgery, Orthopaedic Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA, TEL: +1-212-639-7610; FAX: +1-212-717-3573;
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20
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McCrea MA, Cramer SC, Okonkwo DO, Mattke S, Paadre S, Bates D, Nejadnik B, Giacino JT. Determining minimally clinically important differences for outcome measures in patients with chronic motor deficits secondary to traumatic brain injury. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1051-1058. [PMID: 34402352 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1968299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine minimally clinically important differences (MCIDs) for Disability Rating Scale (DRS), Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Subscale (FM-UE), Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Subscale (FM-LE), and Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale (FMMS) in patients with chronic motor deficits secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS Retrospective analysis from the 1-year, double-blind, randomized, surgical sham-controlled, Phase 2 STEMTRA trial (NCT02416492), in which patients with chronic motor deficits secondary to TBI (N = 61) underwent intracerebral stereotactic implantation of modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal (SB623) cells. MCIDs for DRS, FM-UE, FM-LE, and FMMS were triangulated with distribution-based, anchor-based, and Delphi panel estimates. RESULTS Triangulated MCIDs were: 1) -1.5 points for the Disability Rating Scale; 2) 6.2 points for the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Subscale; 3) 3.2 points for the Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Subscale; and 4) 8.4 points for the Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale. CONCLUSIONS For the first time in the setting of patients with chronic motor deficits secondary to TBI, this study reports triangulated MCIDs for: 1) DRS, a measure of global outcome; and 2) Fugl-Meyer Scales, measures of motor impairment. These findings guide the use of DRS and Fugl-Meyer Scales in the assessment of global disability outcome and motor impairment in future TBI clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A McCrea
- Co-Director, Center For Neurotrauma Research; And Professor, Department Of Neurosurgery, Medical College Of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Steven C Cramer
- Professor, Department Of Neurology, University Of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, Ca; And Medical Director Of Research, California Rehabilitation Institute; Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David O Okonkwo
- Director, Neurotrauma Clinical Trials Center; And Professor, Department Of Neurological Surgery, University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Soeren Mattke
- Director, Center For Improving Chronic Illness Care, USC Dornsife, Los Angeles, Ca, USA
| | - Susan Paadre
- Associate Director, Biostatistics, Biostatistical Consulting Inc., Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Damien Bates
- Consultant, SanBio, Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Bijan Nejadnik
- Chief Medical Officer, Global Head Of Regulatory, Medical Affairs, Research and Clinical Development, SanBio Inc., CA, USA
| | - Joseph T Giacino
- Director Of Rehabilitation Neuropsychology; Director, SRN Disorders Of Consciousness Program; Project Director, Spaulding-Harvard TBI Model System, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA; And Consulting Neuropsychologist, Department Of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; And Professor, Department Of Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Neela N, Olavarria OA, Rondon AP, Bernardi K, Shah P, Dhanani N, Lyons N, Matta EJ, Hasapes JP, Liang MK. Validation of the minimal clinically important difference for modified activities assessment scale. Am J Surg 2021; 223:770-773. [PMID: 34325909 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.07.042] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is the smallest change in patient-derived scores that is clinically important. We sought to validate the MCID of the modified activities assessment scale (mAAS). METHODS Patients were surveyed prior to undergoing abdomen/pelvis CT scans and resurveyed one year later. Before resurvey, patients were asked if they had no change, worsening, or improvement in AW-QOL. The anchor-based MCID was calculated by taking a weighted mean of the difference between control (no change) and study (worsening/improved) groups. Distribution-based approach was calculated by one-half of the standard deviation in the QOL change. RESULTS 52.8% of 181 patients self-reported no change, 39.2% reported improvement, and 8.3% reported worsening AW-QOL. The anchor-based approach MCID was 4. The distribution-based MCID was 16. CONCLUSION Our study results validate prior work demonstrating similar ranges of the mAAS MCID. We recommend adopting an MCID of 5 and 15 for AW-QOL with mAAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Neela
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-Based Practice, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States.
| | - Oscar A Olavarria
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-Based Practice, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexis P Rondon
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-Based Practice, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Karla Bernardi
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-Based Practice, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Puja Shah
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Naila Dhanani
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-Based Practice, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nicole Lyons
- Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eduardo J Matta
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joseph P Hasapes
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mike K Liang
- Department of Surgery, University of Houston, HCA Healthcare Kingwood, Kingwood, TX, United States
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22
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Serafimova T, Loades M, Gaunt D, Crawley E. Who should we ask about mental health symptoms in adolescents with CFS/ME? Parent-child agreement on the revised children's anxiety and depression scale. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 26:367-380. [PMID: 33586480 PMCID: PMC8172254 DOI: 10.1177/1359104521994880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One in three adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) have mental health problems. Multi-informant perspectives are key to psychological assessment. Understanding parent-child agreement is crucial to accurate diagnosis, particularly where severe fatigue limits self-report. METHODS Agreement on the revised children's anxiety and depression scale (RCADs) was assessed between parents and children with CFS/ME (n = 93) using Bland-Altman plots, cross tabulations and regression analyses. RESULTS Diagnostic thresholds were met more frequently based on child-report. Parent- and child-report had similar sensitivity and specificity on RCADS compared to gold-standard diagnostic interviews. Regression analysis found similar accuracy between both reports. For anxiety diagnoses, odds ratio (OR) for child-report was 1.10 (CI = 1.06-1.14), and 1.10 (CI = 1.05-1.14) for parent-report. For depression, OR for child report was 1.26 (CI = 1.11-1.43), while for parent-report is was 1.25 (CI = 1.10-1.41). For total score, OR for child-report was 1.10 (CI = 1.05-1.13) while OR for parent-report was 1.09 (CI = 1.05-1.13). CONCLUSIONS Reasonable agreement was observed between parent- and child-report of mental health symptoms in paediatric CFS/ME. While parent-report can facilitate psychological evaluation in CFS/ME, this is not a substitute for a child's own report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teona Serafimova
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Maria Loades
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - Daisy Gaunt
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK
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23
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Vink M, Vink-Niese F. Graded exercise therapy does not restore the ability to work in ME/CFS - Rethinking of a Cochrane review. Work 2021; 66:283-308. [PMID: 32568149 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cochrane recently amended its exercise review for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in response to an official complaint. OBJECTIVE To determine if the amended review has addressed the concerns raised about the previous review and if exercise is an effective treatment that restores the ability to work in ME/CFS. METHOD The authors reviewed the amended Cochrane exercise review and the eight trials in it by paying particular interest to the objective outcomes. We also summarised the recently published review of work rehabilitation and medical retirement for ME/CFS. RESULTS The Cochrane review concluded that graded exercise therapy (GET) improves fatigue at the end of treatment compared to no-treatment. However, the review did not consider the unreliability of subjective outcomes in non-blinded trials, the objective outcomes which showed that GET is not effective, or the serious flaws of the studies included in the review. These flaws included badly matched control groups, relying on an unreliable fatigue instrument as primary outcome, outcome switching, p-hacking, ignoring evidence of harms, etc. The review did also not take into account that GET does not restore the ability to work. CONCLUSION GET not only fails to objectively improve function significantly or to restore the ability to work, but it is also detrimental to the health of≥50% of patients, according to a multitude of patient surveys. Consequently, it should not be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Vink
- Family and Insurance Physician, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Tack M, Tuller DM, Struthers C. Bias caused by reliance on patient-reported outcome measures in non-blinded randomized trials: an in-depth look at exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. FATIGUE: BIOMEDICINE, HEALTH & BEHAVIOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2020.1848262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Tack
- ME/CFS patient not affiliated with an academic institution, Oudenaarde, Belgium
| | - David M. Tuller
- Center for Global Public Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Caroline Struthers
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford: Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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25
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What Are the Minimum Clinically Important Differences in SF-36 Scores in Patients with Orthopaedic Oncologic Conditions? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2020; 478:2148-2158. [PMID: 32568896 PMCID: PMC7431256 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000001341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SF-36 is widely used to evaluate the health-related quality of life of patients with musculoskeletal tumors. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is useful for interpreting changes in functional scores because it defines the smallest change each patient may perceive. Since the MCID is influenced by the population characteristics, MCIDs of the SF-36 should be defined to reflect the specific conditions of orthopaedic oncology patients. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) What is the MCID of SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores in patients with orthopaedic oncologic conditions when calculated with distribution-based methods? (2) What is the MCID of SF-36 PCS and MCS scores in patients with orthopaedic oncologic conditions when calculated by anchor-based methods? METHODS Of all 960 patients who underwent surgery from 1999 to 2005, 32% (310) of patients who underwent musculoskeletal oncologic surgery and completed two surveys during postoperative follow-up were reviewed. We evaluated a dataset that ended in 2005, completing follow-up of data accrued as part of the cooperative effort between the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Council of Musculoskeletal Specialty Societies to create patient reported quality of life instruments for lower extremity conditions. This effort, started in 1994 was validated and widely accepted by its publication in 2004. We believe the findings from this period are still relevant today because (1) this critical information has never been available for clinicians and researchers to distinguish real differences in outcome among orthopaedic oncology patients, (2) the SF-36 continues to be the best validated and widely used instrument to assess health-related quality of life, and unfortunately (3) there has been no significant change in outcome for oncology patients over the intervening years. SF-36 PCS and MCS are aggregates of the eight scale scores specific to physical and mental dimension (scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores representing better health). Their responsiveness has been shown postoperatively for several surgical procedures (such as, colorectal surgery). Two different methods were used to calculate the MCID: the distribution-based method, which was based on half the SD of the change in score and standard error of the measurement at baseline, and anchor-based, in which a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. The anchor-based method uses a plain-language question to ask patients how their individual conditions changed when compared with the previous survey. Answer choices were "much better," "somewhat better," "about the same," "somewhat worse," or "much worse." The ROC curve-derived MCIDs were defined as the change in scores from baseline, with sensitivity and specificity to detect differences in patients who stated their outcome was, about the same and those who stated their status was somewhat better or somewhat worse. This approach is based on each patient's perception. It considers that the definition of MCID is the minimal difference each patient can perceive as meaningful. RESULTS Using the distribution-based method, we found that the MCIDs of the PCS and MCS were 5 and 5 by half the SD, and 6 and 5 by standard error of the measurement. In the anchor-based method, the MCIDs of the PCS and MCS for improvement/deterioration were 4 (area under the curve, 0.82)/-2 (area under the curve, 0.79) and 4 (area under the curve, 0.72)/ (area under the curve, 0.68), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Since both anchor-based and distribution-based MCID estimates of the SF-36 in patients with musculoskeletal tumors were so similar, we have confidence in the estimates we made, which were about 5 points for both the PCS and the MCS subscales of the SF-36. This suggests that interventions improving SF-36 by less than that amount are unlikely to be perceived by patients as clinically important. Therefore, those interventions may not justify exposing patients to risk, cost, or inconvenience. When applying new interventions to orthopaedic oncology patients going forward, it will be important to consider these MCIDs for evaluation purposes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, diagnostic study.
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26
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Huemer M. Beitrag von Leitlinien zur Standardisierung in der Medizin. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-020-00933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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27
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Pintér D, Janszky J, Kovács N. Minimal Clinically Important Differences for
Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden
Dystonia Rating Scale and
36‐Item Short‐Form
Health Survey. Mov Disord 2020; 35:1218-1223. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.28057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Pintér
- Department of Neurology, Medical SchoolUniversity of Pécs Pécs Hungary
| | - József Janszky
- Department of Neurology, Medical SchoolUniversity of Pécs Pécs Hungary
- MTA‐PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group Pécs Hungary
| | - Norbert Kovács
- Department of Neurology, Medical SchoolUniversity of Pécs Pécs Hungary
- MTA‐PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group Pécs Hungary
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28
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Sully K, Trigg A, Bonner N, Moreno-Koehler A, Trennery C, Shah N, Yucel E, Panjabi S, Cocks K. Estimation of minimally important differences and responder definitions for EORTC QLQ-MY20 scores in multiple myeloma patients. Eur J Haematol 2019; 103:500-509. [PMID: 31444815 PMCID: PMC6852250 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Thresholds for the minimally important difference (MID) or responder definition (RD) in health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) scores are required to interpret the impact of an intervention or change in the trajectory of the condition which is meaningful to patients. This study aimed to establish MID and RD for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Multiple Myeloma questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐MY20). Methods A novel mixed‐methods approach was applied by utilizing both existing clinical trial data and prospective patient interviews. Anchor‐based, distribution‐based, and qualitative‐based estimates of meaningful change were triangulated to form recommended RDs for each scale of the EORTC QLQ‐MY20. Anchor‐based MIDs were summarized using weighted correlation. Results Recommended MIDs were as follows: Disease Symptoms (DS 10 points), Side Effects of Treatment (SE 10 points), Body Image (BI 13 points), and Future Perspective (FP 9 points). Recommended RDs were as follows: DS (16 improvement; 11 worsening), SE (6 improvement; 9 worsening), BI (33 improvement; 33 worsening), and FP (11 improvement; 11 worsening). Conclusions The study generated estimates of the MID and RD for each scale of the EORTC QLQ‐MY20. Published estimates will enable investigators and clinicians to adopt these as standard for interpretation and for hypothesis testing. Consequently, analyses from trials of different interventions can be more comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nina Shah
- Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.,University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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29
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Liu X, Williams G, Kostner K, Brown WJ. The Effect of Tai Chi on Quality of Life in Centrally Obese Adults with Depression. J Altern Complement Med 2019; 25:1005-1008. [PMID: 31448950 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2019.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effects of a t'ai chi program on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in centrally obese adults with depression. Methods: Two hundred thirteen participants were randomly allocated to either a t'ai chi intervention group (n = 106) or a usual medical care control group (n = 107). The t'ai chi group involved 3 × 1.5 h supervised and group-based training sessions per week for 24 weeks. Indicators of HR-QOL were assessed by questionnaire at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Results: There were significant improvements in favor of the t'ai chi group for the SF-36 subscales of physical functioning (p < 0.01), role physical (p < 0.01), and role emotional (p < 0.01) at 12 and 24 weeks. Scores for bodily pain were improved in the control group at 12 weeks (p < 0.01) and 24 weeks (p < 0.05), but not in the t'ai chi group. There was also a significant improvement in favor of the control group in general health (p < 0.05) at 12 weeks, but not at 24 weeks. A further analysis showed clinically significant changes in favor of the t'ai chi group in physical functioning (p < 0.05 or p = 0.05), role physical (p < 0.05), and role emotional (p < 0.05), and in favor of the control group in bodily pain (p < 0.05) at 12 and 24 weeks. Conclusions: The findings show that t'ai chi exercise improved indicators of HR-QOL including physical functioning, role physical, and role emotional in centrally obese adults with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,School of Wushu, Wuhan Sport University, Wuhan, China.,The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gail Williams
- The University of Queensland School of Public Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Karam Kostner
- The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Mater Health Services, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wendy J Brown
- The University of Queensland School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
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30
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Loades ME, Rimes K, Lievesley K, Ali S, Chalder T. Cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: A case-control study nested within a cohort. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2019; 24:564-579. [PMID: 30873864 PMCID: PMC7099937 DOI: 10.1177/1359104519835583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND What adolescents think about symptoms and what they do in response could contribute to fatigue maintenance. We compared the cognitive and behavioural responses of adolescents and their parents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS; N = 121) and asthma (N = 27) and explored the predictive value of these variables on fatigue and functioning in CFS. METHOD Consecutively referred adolescents with CFS were recruited. Questionnaires, completed by adolescents and parents, assessed fatigue, functioning, mood and cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms. Age-matched adolescents with asthma completed the same questionnaires. Adolescents with CFS completed questionnaires again approximately 3 months later. RESULTS Adolescents with CFS scored higher on all unhelpful cognitive and behavioural subscales than adolescents with asthma. Parents' cognitions about their child's symptoms were associated with adolescent's own cognitions. Unhelpful cognitive and behavioural responses, particularly, damage beliefs, predicted subsequent fatigue in CFS, and all-or-nothing behaviour, catastrophising and damage beliefs predicted subsequent physical functioning. CONCLUSION Unhelpful cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms appear to be particularly prominent in adolescents with CFS. There is some consistency but not a perfect match between cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms reported by adolescents and their parents. These responses could be contributing to fatigue maintenance and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elizabeth Loades
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Sheila Ali
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- King’s College London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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31
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Solomon-Moore E, Jago R, Beasant L, Brigden A, Crawley E. Physical activity patterns among children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. BMJ Paediatr Open 2019; 3:e000425. [PMID: 31206075 PMCID: PMC6542452 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2018-000425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic fatigue syndromemyalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is relatively common among children and adolescents; however, little is known about the physical activity levels and patterns of this population. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying patterns of physical activity among youth with mild-to-moderate CFS/ME. Cross-sectional associations between physical activity patterns with self-reported physical function, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression were also examined. DESIGN Baseline cross-sectional data from the Managed Activity Graded Exercise iN Teenagers and pre-Adolescents randomised controlled trial. PATIENTS Children and adolescents (aged 8-17 years) diagnosed with mild-to-moderate CFS/ME who wore an accelerometer for at least three valid weekdays. ANALYSES Latent profile analysis was used to identify physical activity patterns. Linear regression models examined associations between physical activity classes and self-reported physical function, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression. RESULTS 138 children and adolescents (72.5% females) had valid data. Overall, participants did less than half the government recommended level of physical activity for children and adolescents, but not all were inactive: three (2.2%) did more than 1 hour of physical activity every day, and 13 (9.4%) achieved an average of 60 min a day. Adolescents (≥12 years) were less active than younger children, but activity levels were similar between genders. Three latent classes emerged from the data: 'active', 'light' and 'inactive'. Compared with being 'inactive', being in the 'light' class was associated with greater self-reported physical function (10.35, 95% CI 2.32 to 18.38) and lower fatigue (-1.60, 95% CI -3.13 to -0.06), while being 'active' was associated with greater physical function (15.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 30.40), but also greater anxiety (13.79, 95% CI 1.73 to 25.85). CONCLUSIONS Paediatricians need to be aware that physical activity patterns vary widely before recommending treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN registry: 23 962 803.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Russell Jago
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucy Beasant
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Heath, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Amberly Brigden
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Heath, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Heath, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
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Harland MR, Parslow RM, Anderson N, Byrne D, Crawley E. Paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome patients' and parents' perceptions of recovery. BMJ Paediatr Open 2019; 3:e000525. [PMID: 32500105 PMCID: PMC7245384 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is common in children and adolescents; however, little is known about how we should define recovery. This study aims to explore perceptions of recovery held by paediatric patients with CFS/ME and their parents. METHODS Children with CFS/ME and their parents were recruited through a single specialist paediatric CFS/ME service. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with children and parents. The interview questions explored how participants would know if they/their child had recovered from CFS/ME. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns within the data. RESULTS Twenty-one children with CFS/ME, twenty mothers and two fathers were interviewed. Some children found it hard to define recovery as the illness had become a 'new normal'. Others thought recovery would indicate returning to pre-morbid levels of activity or achieving the same activity level as peers (socialising, education and leisure activities). Increased flexibility in routines and the absence of payback after activities were important. The interviews highlighted the concept of recovery as highly individual with wide variation in symptoms experienced, type and level of activity that would signify recovery. Parents describe how changes in mood and motivation would signify their child's recovery, but children did not reflect on this. CONCLUSION Some parents and children struggle to define what would constitute complete recovery. However, signs of recovery were more easily identifiable. Definitions of recovery went far beyond symptom reduction and were focused towards rebuilding lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina Anderson
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Danielle Byrne
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Crawley EM, Gaunt DM, Garfield K, Hollingworth W, Sterne JAC, Beasant L, Collin SM, Mills N, Montgomery AA. Clinical and cost-effectiveness of the Lightning Process in addition to specialist medical care for paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial. Arch Dis Child 2018; 103:155-164. [PMID: 28931531 PMCID: PMC5865512 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-313375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Lightning Process (LP) in addition to specialist medical care (SMC) compared with SMC alone, for children with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalitis (ME). DESIGN Pragmatic randomised controlled open trial. Participants were randomly assigned to SMC or SMC+LP. Randomisation was minimised by age and gender. SETTING Specialist paediatric CFS/ME service. PATIENTS 12-18 year olds with mild/moderate CFS/ME. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey Physical Function Subscale (SF-36-PFS) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included pain, anxiety, depression, school attendance and cost-effectiveness from a health service perspective at 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS We recruited 100 participants, of whom 51 were randomised to SMC+LP. Data from 81 participants were analysed at 6 months. Physical function (SF-36-PFS) was better in those allocated SMC+LP (adjusted difference in means 12.5(95% CI 4.5 to 20.5), p=0.003) and this improved further at 12 months (15.1 (5.8 to 24.4), p=0.002). At 6 months, fatigue and anxiety were reduced, and at 12 months, fatigue, anxiety, depression and school attendance had improved in the SMC+LP arm. Results were similar following multiple imputation. SMC+LP was probably more cost-effective in the multiple imputation dataset (difference in means in net monetary benefit at 12 months £1474(95% CI £111 to £2836), p=0.034) but not for complete cases. CONCLUSION The LP is effective and is probably cost-effective when provided in addition to SMC for mild/moderately affected adolescents with CFS/ME. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN81456207.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther M Crawley
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Daisy M Gaunt
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Kirsty Garfield
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - William Hollingworth
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Jonathan A C Sterne
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Lucy Beasant
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Simon M Collin
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Nicola Mills
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Alan A Montgomery
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol,Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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