Physical activity levels before and after the COVID-19 restrictions among Danish adolescents: a retrospective cohort study

AIMS

It has been suggested that the COVID-19 restrictions may have negatively impacted physical activity (PA) levels, especially among adolescents, who often use organised sports to support their intrinsic motivation for staying active. This study aimed to investigate whether adolescents were less physically active after the COVID-19 restrictions compared with before and examine whether participation in organised sports has changed since the COVID-19 restrictions.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of Danish adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. Data was collected using a questionnaire in SurveyXact. The primary variable of interest was moderate or high-intensity PA frequency before and after COVID-19 restrictions (from March 11, 2020, to September 10, 2021). Secondary variables of interest included whether the PA was self-organised (e.g. running, hiking, going to a gym or cycling) or part of an organised sport delivered by a club or other association, before versus after the restrictions.

RESULTS

A total of 324 participants responded to the questionnaire. The relative risk of not performing PA at least twice per week after COVID-19 restrictions compared with before was significantly larger (1.44; 95%CI: 1.19 to 1.85, p = 0.005). Before the lockdowns, 190 (59%) were engaged in organised sports compared with 152 (47%) after the restrictions (relative risk: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.19 to 1.92, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with activity levels before the pandemic, adolescents became significantly less physically active following the COVID-19 restrictions, beyond what is typically observed during adolescence. These results emphasise a need for strategies to increase PA levels among adolescents to minimise the long-term negative effects of physical inactivity during adolescence.

Required elements for an educational programme for lay exercise instructors in charge of community-based exercise targeting young adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders - A stakeholder focus group study

BACKGROUND

Exercise plays a crucial role in addressing the increased cardiometabolic morbidity and premature mortality in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. When delivered in community-based settings, exercise may also reduce loneliness, while promoting overall physical activity behaviours. Skilled instructors are essential to deliver effective community-based exercise; however, knowledge about their roles and required training is lacking. We aim to explore various stakeholders' perspectives regarding lay exercise instructors' roles, and the required elements in an educational programme supporting the delivery of community-based exercise for young adults with SSD.

METHODS

We used semi-structured homogeneous focus groups with representatives from different stakeholder groups (i.e., including representatives of clinical staff within mental health, physiotherapists, exercise instructors, young adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and relatives of individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders) targeted or affected by a community-based exercise intervention. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

We conducted six focus groups comprising a total of 30 individuals representing five different stakeholder groups The analysis identified three categories: (i) awareness and understanding of mental illness, i.e., providing basic knowledge to dispel common myths and stigma regarding mental illness (ii) protecting youth identity, i.e., supporting the feeling of being more than just a patient, and (iii) promoting exercise as a shared activity, i.e., a communal pursuit, fostering personal growth among participants, their peers and the instructors.

CONCLUSIONS

An educational programme for lay exercise instructors delivering community-based exercise targeting young adults with SSD should empower the instructors to assume the role of guardians of an inclusive exercise culture. Educational elements identified were adapted and integrated into an educational programme implemented and evaluated as a part of the Vega trial. Our results may be transferable to the education of lay workers in mental health care where the aim is to facilitate sustainable, recreational, community-based activities.

Therapists' experiences with implementing new documentation practices for low back pain in electronic health care records: an interview study

OBJECTIVE

Clinical practice is constantly changing with new guidelines being published, changes in patients' preferences but also by new qualitative requirements for therapists and institutional surveys on delivered care. Electronic health records (EHR) are used for all these purposes. We involved physiotherapists and occupational therapists in an intervention to change documentation practice in their electronic health record for low back pain (LBP) and later evaluated the feasibility of the new health records. The aim of the present study was to explore therapists' experiences working with the new EHR.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified thru interviews: (I) Facilitators and motivators towards implementation, (II) Changing routines as a group and (III) Obstacles against successful implementation. This study identifies a need for involving therapists and management for successful change of electronic health care records usage in municipalities. However, difficulties were encountered in meeting documentation of practice requirements and obtaining sufficient data quality in the EHR for data to be used for daily use, quality assessment and research. In this small descriptive study, developing an EHR that simultaneously serves treatment plans, quality assessment, and research purposes was not expressed being feasible. Further research in this area is needed.

Perspectives of professional experts in relation to the development of community-based exercise for young adults with schizophrenia: a qualitative study

Physical activity is a key modifiable factor in protecting physical and mental health in people with severe mental illness including schizophrenia. Therefore, early promotion of physical activity is recommended and programmes supporting long-term maintenance of physically active behaviour are warranted. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of professional experts in relation to the development of a sustainable community-based exercise programme tailored to young adults with schizophrenia and intended to promote change and adoption of physical activity. We conducted 9 semistructured interviews with 11 clinical and professional experts. Qualitative content analysis, as described by Graneheim and Lundman, was applied to analyse data. We identified four categories: (1) living a physical active life with schizophrenia, (2) exercise as promotor of personal recovery, (3) prescribing safe and relevant exercise and (4) instructors' qualifications and formation. When developing sustainable community-based exercise programmes tailored to young adults with schizophrenia, developers should ensure instructors' qualifications and provide an exercise protocol. In addition, developers should consider providing an inclusive and recovery-oriented exercise environment.

Difference in postural stability between STarT Back Tool subgroups of patients with low back pain under conditions of sensory deprivation and cognitive load

Objective

We explored differences in postural stability between subgroups of patients with low back pain (LBP) and varying risk levels for developing chronicity measured using the Subgroups for Targeted Treatment (STarT) Back Tool.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, single-session, double-blind experimental study among 65 participants who had LBP for more than 14 days. Postural stability was assessed by measuring the center of pressure (COP) range, displacement area, and velocity in anterior–posterior and mediolateral directions under four sensory and cognitive conditions: (i) eyes open and counting forward, (ii) eyes closed and counting forward, (iii) eyes closed and counting forward in multiples of seven, and (iv) eyes closed and counting backward in multiples of seven. The participants were stratified into low-/medium- (n = 53) and high-risk (n = 9) subgroups.

Results

There were no significant between-group differences among patients with LBP stratified as having a low/medium or high risk of chronicity in postural stability and sensory and cognitive conditions.

Conclusions

Impaired postural stability is important to consider when treating patients with LBP. However, we found that these impairments were not strongly aggravated in groups with a higher risk of chronicity, as measured using the STarT Back Tool.

Perspectives on the treatment of sequelae after cancer: protocol of an interview study of primary care physiotherapists

INTRODUCTION

An increasing number of patients are living with fatigue, pain and other sequelae after cancer. About 30% of these patients express a need for physical rehabilitation and patients prefer to be involved in medical decision-making. This includes being offered individualised treatment with patient-defined goals and education during all aspects of treatment by physiotherapists with empathic skills. However, physiotherapists are often unaware of the relationship between cancer and its presenting symptoms. This can lead to inappropriate care and unrealistic goalsetting for rehabilitation. This calls for greater attention towards physiotherapist's treatment and their current perspectives on how treatment can be improved in physiotherapy clinics. The aim of this study is to explore physiotherapists perspectives on barriers, facilitators and potential solutions to improve the care of sequelae after cancer in physiotherapy clinics.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a qualitative interview study using individual semistructured interviews with physiotherapists using a phenomenological approach to explore their lifeworld at work. We will recruit physiotherapists working in private clinics based on a variation in gender and years of working experience in private clinics. We will conduct between 10 and 16 interviews online via Microsoft Teams and thematically analyse data supported by NVivo software. Interviewing is scheduled to take place from April 2022.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This is a non-intervention and qualitative study, and the local Ethics Committee in the North Denmark Region has stated that their approval is not needed. Informants will provide a written informed consent. Study information will be sent to the informant at least 3 days prior to the interview session and information will be summarised by the interviewer before the interview.Aside from publication, results will be disseminated by two teaching institutions, a regional health care provider and DEFACTUM (a public Danish research institution focusing on increasing social equality in health).

Involving practice nurse and other assistant clinical staff members in the management of low back pain: A qualitative interview study from Danish general practice

Objectives

Involving practice nurse and other assistant clinical staff members in providing information and education to patients with low back pain at follow-up appointments may release more time and improve care in general practice. However, this requires a shift in the division of tasks, and general practitioners' barriers and facilitators for this are currently unknown. The objectives were to explore general practitioners' experiences and perceptions of including assistant clinical staff members in the management of low back pain.

Methods

This is a semi-structured interview study in Danish general practice. General practitioners with a variation in demographics and experience with task-delegation to clinical staff were recruited for in-depth interviews. We used a phenomenological approach to guide the data collection and the analysis in order to gain insight into the subjective experiences of the general practitioners and to understand the phenomenon of 'delegating tasks to practice staff' from the perspective of the general practitioners' lifeworld. Analysis was conducted using an inductive descriptive method. The sample size was guided by information power.

Results

We conducted five interviews with general practitioners. All general practitioners had experience with task delegation, but there was a variation in which tasks the general practitioners delegated and to which types of clinical staff members. The following themes were derived from the analysis: general practice organisation, delegating to clinical staff members, doctor-patient relationship, exercise instruction, clinical pathway for patients and external support.

Conclusion

General practitioners consider patients with low back pain to be a heterogeneous group with a variety of treatment needs and a patient group without any predetermined content or frequency of consultations; this can be a barrier for delegating these patients to clinical staff members.

The Online Patient Satisfaction Index for Patients With Low Back Pain: Development, Reliability, and Validation Study

Background

Low back pain is highly prevalent, and most often, a specific causative factor cannot be identified. Therefore, for most patients, their low back pain is labeled as nonspecific. Patient education and information are recommended for all these patients. The internet is an accessible source of medical information on low back pain. Approximately 50% of patients with low back pain search the internet for health and medical advice. Patient satisfaction with education and information is important in relation to patients’ levels of inclination to use web-based information and their trust in the information they find. Although patients who are satisfied with the information they retrieve use the internet as a supplementary source of information, dissatisfied patients tend to avoid using the internet. Consumers’ loyalty to a product is often applied to evaluate their satisfaction. Consumers have been shown to be good ambassadors for a service when they are willing to recommend the service to a friend or colleague. When consumers are willing to recommend a service to a friend or colleague, they are also likely to be future users of the service. To the best of our knowledge, no multi-item instrument exists to specifically evaluate satisfaction with information delivered on the web for people with low back pain.

Objective

This study aims to report on the development, reliability testing, and construct validity testing of the Online Patient Satisfaction Index to measure patients’ satisfaction with web-based information for low back pain.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional validation study of the Online Patient Satisfaction Index. The index was developed with experts and assessed for face validity. It was subsequently administered to 150 adults with nonspecific low back pain. Of these, 46% (70/150) were randomly assigned to participate in a reliability test using an intraclass correlation coefficient of agreement. Construct validity was evaluated by hypothesis testing based on a web app (MyBack) and Wikipedia on low back pain.

Results

The index includes 8 items. The median score (range 0-24) based on the MyBack website was 20 (IQR 18-22), and the median score for Wikipedia was 12 (IQR 8-15). The entire score range was used. Overall, 53 participants completed a retest, of which 39 (74%) were stable in their satisfaction with the home page and were included in the analysis for reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient of agreement was estimated to be 0.82 (95% CI 0.68-0.90). Two hypothesized correlations for construct validity were confirmed through an analysis using complete data.

Conclusions

The index had good face validity, excellent reliability, and good construct validity and can be used to measure satisfaction with the provision of web-based information regarding nonspecific low back pain among people willing to access the internet to obtain health information.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03449004; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03449004

Patients' Expectations of Physiotherapeutic Treatment for Long-Term Side Effects After Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Objective

This study aims to explore the expectations of physiotherapeutic treatment of long-term side effects (LTSEs) after cancer among patients treated in physiotherapy clinics.

Methods

This a qualitative interview study based on a phenomenological approach. Adult patients with LTSEs after cancer were recruited through The Danish Cancer Society and a private physiotherapy clinic in Denmark. Individual semi-structured interviews were carried out using Microsoft Teams based on an interview guide piloted before the interviews. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Sampling was conducted with a focus on variation in LTSE. The data were analyzed using Malterud’s principles of systematic text condensation and coded in NVivo 12.

Results

2 males and 8 females with an average age of 55.8 years were interviewed for between 40 and 60 minutes from October to November 2020. Four main themes emerged from the interviews¹: The importance of the physiotherapist’s approach,² the benefits of meeting patients with similar symptoms,³ the importance of receiving knowledge, and⁴ patients seeking to maintain their current state more often than aiming to improve their condition.

Conclusions

Patients consulting a physiotherapy clinic with LTSE after cancer prefer the physiotherapist to have knowledge about cancer and to be emphatic. Furthermore, patients prefer to meet like-minded people and expect support to maintain their current condition rather than improve their condition.

European knowledge alliance for innovative measures in prevention of work-related musculoskeletal pain disorders (Prevent4Work Project): protocol for an international mixed-methods longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION

Work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a highly prevalent condition and one of the main contributors to disability and loss of work capacity. Current approaches to the management and prevention of work-related MSK pain do not consistently integrate current evidence-based knowledge and seem to be outdated. The Prevent4Work (P4W) Project aims to collect and spread evidence-based information to improve the management and prevention of work-related MSK pain. P4W will longitudinally investigate (1) risk factors associated with the prevalence of work-related MSK pain, (2) predictive factors for new events of work-related MSK pain in the short term and (3) the modification of pain beliefs after participating in evidence-based e-learning courses.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This project employs a mixed-methods design with international cohorts of workers from Spain, Italy and Denmark. All participants will be assessed using self-reported variables at baseline (ie, cross-sectional design) with follow-up after 3 and 6 months (ie, prospective-predictive design). Throughout the first phase (0-3 months), all participants will be offered to self-enrol in e-learning courses on work-related MSK pain. Changes in pain beliefs (if any) will be assessed. The dataset will include sociodemographic characteristics, physical and psychological job demands, lifestyle-related factors, MSK pain history and pain beliefs. At baseline, all participants will additionally complete the P4W questionnaire developed to detect populations at high risk of suffering work-related MSK pain.Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and analysis of variance will be used to identify the significant factors that influence the history of work-related MSK pain, evaluate the short-term prediction capacity of the P4W questionnaire, and investigate whether workers' participation in e-learning courses will modify their pain beliefs.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study received ethical approval from the Ethical Committee of San Jorge University (USJ011-19/20). The results will be made available via peer-reviewed publications, international conferences and P4W official channels.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire into Danish using the dual-panel approach: comparison with outcomes from an alternative translation approach

Objective

Physical activity reduces the risk of pregnancy-related complications. However, pregnant women often reduce their physical activity levels and do not follow the WHO’s physical activity recommendations during pregnancy. To support pregnant women in monitoring physical activity, the self-administered Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was developed in the US. We translated and cross-cultural adapted the questionnaire using the dual approach method. Meanwhile, and without knowing this, another Danish group simultaneously translated the questionnaire using the method described by Beaton et al. The aim is to present our data and discuss the unplanned purpose of comparing the results from using two different translation methods.

Results

We translated and cross-culturally adapted the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire to Danish with the following findings. Two additional items for cycling were included. Three items about spending time on a computer, reading, writing or talking on the phone were not feasible in terms of differentiating between them and these were merged into one item. The item ‘Taking care of an older adult’ was found to be irrelevant in a Danish setting and was removed. Adaptions were similar comparing the two methods. Consequently, using the dual-panel and the methods suggested by Beaton et al. yield similar results when translating and cultural adapting the PPAQ.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-021-05640-6.

The association between believing staying active is beneficial and achieving a clinically relevant functional improvement after 52 weeks: a prospective cohort study of patients with chronic low back pain in secondary care

BACKGROUND

According to clinical guidelines, advice to stay active despite experiencing pain is recommended to patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP). However, not all patients receive guideline-concordant information and advice, and some patients still believe that activity avoidance will help them recover. The purpose was to study whether guideline-concordant beliefs among patients and other explanatory variables were associated with recovery. The main aim was to investigate whether believing staying active despite having pain is associated with a better functional outcome.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study involving adults with non-specific LBP referred from general practices to the Spine Centre at Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Denmark. Patients reported on their beliefs about the importance of finding the cause, the importance of diagnostic imaging, perceiving to have received advice to stay active, pain duration, pain intensity, and STarT Back Tool. Agreeing to: 'An increase in pain is an indication that I should stop what I'm doing until the pain decreases' adjusted for age, gender, and education level was the primary explanatory analysis. A 30% improvement in the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score after 52 weeks was the outcome.

RESULTS

816 patients were included and 596 (73.0%) agreed that pain is a warning signal to stop being active. Among patients not considering pain as a warning signal, 80 (43.2%) had a favourable functional improvement of ≥30% on the RMDQ compared to 201 (41.2%) among patients considering pain a warning signal. No difference was found between the two groups (adjusted P = 0.542 and unadjusted P = 0.629). However, STarT Back Tool high-risk patients had a less favourable functional outcome (adjusted P = 0.003 and unadjusted P = 0.002). Chronic pain was associated with less favourable functional outcome (adjusted P < 0.001 and unadjusted P < 0.001), whereas beliefs about finding the cause, diagnostic imaging, perceiving to have received advice to stay active, or pain intensity were not significantly associated with outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Holding the single belief that pain is a warning signal to stop being active was not associated with functional outcome. However, patients characterised by having multiple psychological barriers (high-risk according to the STarT Back Tool) had a less favourable functional outcome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number: NCT03058315), 20 February 2017.

Feasibility study on recruitment in general practice for a low back pain online information study (part of the ADVIN Back Trial)

OBJECTIVE

In a future full-scale randomised controlled trial, we plan to compare satisfaction with a standard website versus satisfaction with a participatory driven web-application. The participatory driven web-application may facilitate the delivery of targeted evidence-based advice and information to patients with low back pain in general practice (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03088774). This feasibility study is intended to inform a future randomised controlled trial. The aim is to report on the lessons learned from recruitment to report on reasons for loss to follow-up.

RESULTS

We recruited 12 women and 8 men from two general practices with each practice recruiting for 3 months. Full follow-up data was available in only three patients (15%). Based on the high loss to follow-up, we do not consider it feasible to conduct the full-scale confirmatory trial as planned. Modifying inclusion criteria to include only patients expressing an interest in using online health information or randomising patients directly at the general practice, supporting them in accessing the web-application, and letting patients respond with their immediate satisfaction may improve the speed of recruitment and follow-up rates. Furthermore, the participatory driven web-application can be included in a larger multi-faceted intervention, making the combined intervention seem more relevant to study participants.

Poor prognosis of child and adolescent musculoskeletal pain: a systematic literature review

OBJECTIVES

To identify baseline patient characteristics that are (1) associated with a poor outcome on follow-up regardless of which treatment was provided (prognosis) or (2) associated with a successful outcome to a specific treatment (treatment effect modifiers).

DESIGN

Systematic literature review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane, SportDiscus, OT Seeker and PsychInfo were searched for prospective cohort studies up to February 2019 without limitation in publication date.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Prospective cohort studies reporting either prognostic factors or treatment effect modifiers on persistent musculoskeletal pain in 0-year-old to 19-year-old children and adolescents. Pain caused by tumours, fractures, infections, systemic and neurological conditions were excluded.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Our primary outcome was musculoskeletal pain at follow-up and identification of any baseline characteristics that were associated with this outcome (prognostic factors). No secondary outcomes were declared.

METHOD

Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and titles. We included prospective cohort studies investigating the prognosis or treatment effect modifiers of 0-year-old to 19-year-old children and adolescents with self-reported musculoskeletal pain. Risk of bias assessment was conducted with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies yielding a total of 111 unique prognostic factors were included. Female sex and psychological symptoms were the most frequent investigated prognostic factors. Increasing age, generalised pain, longer pain duration and smoking were other identified prognostic factors. No treatment effect modifiers were identified.

CONCLUSION

Several prognostic factors are associated with a poor prognosis in children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain. These prognostic factors may help guide clinical practice and shared decision-making. None of the included studies was conducted within a general practice setting which highlights an area in need of research.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016041378.

Requirements for implementing online information material for patients with low back pain in general practice: an interview study

OBJECTIVE

To identify general practitioners' (GPs) barriers and facilitators regarding the use of health information technology (HIT) in the treatment of patients with low back pain (LBP).

DESIGN

A qualitative study employing a participatory design approach, with an inductive analytical thematic approach utilising semi-structured interviews. Empirical data was analysed using the qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) Nvivo.

SETTING

General practices in Denmark.

SUBJECTS

Eight interviews were conducted with an average duration of 60 min. The interviewees were GPs from different geographical settings and different organisational structures, varying in age and professional interests.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Barriers and facilitators for future use of the HIT application for patients with LBP.

RESULTS

Through the inclusion of healthcare professionals in the design process, this study found that in order for GPs to recommend a HIT application it is essential to target the application towards their patients. Furthermore, GPs required that the HIT application should support patient self-management. Additionally, the content of the HIT application should support the initiated treatment and it should be easy for GPs to recommend the HIT application. Finally, healthcare professionals need to be involved in the design process.

CONCLUSION

When designing health IT applications for patients with LBP in general practice it is important to include both patients and GPs in the design process. GPs would be more willing to recommend a HIT application that: applies content in line with frequently used recommendations; targets patients; supports patients' self-management; and supports the patients' needs. KEY POINTS Online information is currently applied in general practice to some patients with low back pain Online information cannot replace the GP, but can rather be a bonding tool between the patient and the GP It is important to address both GP and patient barriers to applying new technology and to consider the literacy level Participatory methods could play a central role in the future development of online information material.

A conceptual framework for increasing clinical staff member involvement in general practice: a proposed strategy to improve the management of low back pain

BACKGROUND

Low back pain affects about 80% of all adults, many of whom consult general practice. Providing management can be challenging, in part due to the scarcity of effective treatment methods. There is broad consensus in international clinical practice guidelines to provide patients with information about the nature of their pain and recommend them to stay active despite discomfort. Delivering this information is time-demanding and challenged by the limited available resources in general practice in many countries. Furthermore, general practice settings are highly variable in size and in their composition of clinical staff members - which presents difficulties, but also opportunities for developing alternative approaches to clinical management. Expanding the patient consultation time by involving clinical staff members (aside from the general practitioner) has been found feasible for other conditions. We propose that this approach is applied for non-specific low back pain. Consequently, we suggest the involvement of clinical staff members as part of a new strategy for managing low back pain in general practice.

MAIN TEXT

Multifaceted implementation strategies have the potential to effectively enable change in the clinical management of patients with low back pain in general practice if they are based on theory and are tailored to stake holders. Inspired by the Medical Research Council's guidance for complex interventions and the ChiPP (Change in professional performance) statement, we suggest applying the following two policy categories: organizational change (environmental/social planning) and service provision. This will involve attention to environmental restructuring, modelling, enabling, education, training, persuasion, and incentivising of general practices, with an over-arching strategy of involving clinical staff members in the management of low back pain.

CONCLUSION

This is a pre-clinical proposal of a multifaceted strategy to support the delivery of evidence-based treatment for patients with low back pain in general practice. As an original idea, we suggest it would be feasible to involve clinical staff members in the delivery of information and advice to patients, whilst the general practitioner remains responsible for diagnostic decision-making.

Comparing satisfaction with a participatory driven web-application and a standard website for patients with low back pain: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (part of the ADVIN Back Trial)

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder and a leading cause of disability worldwide. It impacts daily life and work capacity and is the most common reason for consulting a general practitioner (GP). According to international guidelines, information, reassurance, and advice are key components in the management of people with LBP; however, the consultation time available in general practice for each patient is often limited. Therefore, new methods to support the delivery of information and advice are needed and online technologies provide new opportunities to extend the consultation beyond the GP’s office. However, it is not known whether GPs and people consulting their GP because of LBP will accept online technologies as part of the consultation. By involving patients in the development of online information, we may produce more user-friendly content and design, and improve patient acceptance and usage, optimising satisfaction and clinical outcomes. The purpose is to study satisfaction in people consulting their GP with LBP depending on whether they are randomised to receive supporting information through a new participant-driven web application or a standard reference website containing guideline-based information on LBP. It is hypothesised that patients offered information in a new web application will be more satisfied with the online information after 12 weeks compared to patients allocated to a standard website.

Methods

Two hundred patients with LBP aged ≥ 18 years consulting Danish general practice will be randomly allocated 1:1 to either the new web application or standard online information in permuted blocks of two, four, and six. Patients with serious spinal diseases (cancer, fractures, spinal stenosis, spondyloarthritis), those without Danish reading skills or without online access, and pregnant women will not be included in the trial. Patient satisfaction measured by the Net Promotor Score after 12 weeks is the primary outcome. Patients will be aware of their allocation. GPs will be blinded unless informed by the patient. Assessors are blinded.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first trial evaluating whether involving LBP patients in the development of an online web application will result in higher patient satisfaction.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03088774. Registered on 23 March 2017. Last updated on 14 March 2018.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2795-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Preferences for Web-Based Information Material for Low Back Pain: Qualitative Interview Study on People Consulting a General Practitioner

Background

Information on self-management, including addressing people’s fears and concerns, are core aspects of managing patients with low back pain (LBP). Web apps with patient information may be used to extend patient-physician consultations and encourage self-management outside of the consultation room. It is, however, important to identify the end users’ needs and preferences in order to maximize acceptance.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify preferences for the content, design, and functionality of a Web app with evidence-based information and advice for people with LBP in Denmark.

Methods

This is a phenomenological qualitative study. Adults who had consulted their general practitioner because of LBP within the past 14 days were included. Each participated in a semistructured interview, which was audiotaped and transcribed for text condensation. Interviews were conducted at the participant’s home by 2 interviewers. Participants also completed a questionnaire that requested information on age, gender, internet usage, interest in searching new knowledge, LBP-related function, and pain.

Results

Fifteen 45-min interviews were conducted. Participants had a median age of 40 years (range 22-68 years) and reported a median disability of 7 points (range 0-18) using the 23-item Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Participants reported that Web-based information should be easy to find and read, easily overviewed, and not be overloaded with information. Subjects found existing Web-based information confusing, often difficult to comprehend, and not relevant for them, and they questioned the motives driving most hosting companies or organizations. The Patient Handbook, a Danish government-funded website that provides information to Danes about health, was mentioned as a trustworthy and preferred site when searching for information and advice regarding LBP.

Conclusions

This study identified important issues to consider when developing and supplementing existing general practice treatment with Web-based information and advice for patients with LBP. Development of a Web app should consider patient input, and developers should carefully address the following domains: readability, customization, design, credibility, and usability.

Effect of differentiating exercise guidance based on a patient's level of low back pain in primary care: a mixed-methods systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the health conditions that lead to the most disability worldwide. Guidelines aimed at management of LBP recommend non-invasive and non-pharmacological management, including patient education, advice to stay active and exercise therapy; however, the guidelines offer no recommendation as to the allowable level of pain during exercise or how specific levels of pain should be reflected in the stage and progression of exercises or activities. The purpose of this review is to study the effect of differentiation of exercise guidance based on the level of LBP in patients in primary care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search will be performed on PubMed, EMBASE, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDRO), Cochrane and PROSPERO from their inception until September 2017. Published peer-reviewed human experimental and observational studies with quantitative or qualitative designs will be included. Two independent reviewers will identify papers by reviewing titles and abstracts. Papers passing the initial selection will be appraised by two reviewers, based on their full texts. Furthermore, the reference lists of included studies will be snowballed for identification of other relevant studies. Data will be extracted using a standard extraction sheet by two independent reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion and consensus with a third reviewer. The methodological quality of studies will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation risk of bias tool, or the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Results will be reported narratively. Search histories will be documented on EndNote X8 (Clarivate Analytics).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for this review was not required as primary data will not be collected. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed international journal and conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017074880.

Predictive ability of the start back tool: an ancillary analysis of a low back pain trial from Danish general practice

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a common cause of contact with the primary healthcare sector. In some patients, symptoms quickly resolve, but others develop long-lasting pain and disability. To improve the care pathway for patients with LBP, the STarT Back Tool (STarT) questionnaire has been developed. It helps initial decision-making by subgrouping patients on the basis of their prognosis and helps to target treatment according to prognosis. An assumption behind the use of STarT is the ability to predict functional improvement. This assumption has never been tested in a population that consists exclusively of patients enrolled when consulting a Danish general practitioner for LBP. The aim of this study was to investigate STarT’s ability to predict a 30% improvement in the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score.

Methods

This was an ancillary analysis using data from a Danish guideline implementation study (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01699256). An inclusion criterion was age 18 to 65 years of age. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, fractures, and signs of underlying pathology. Patient-reported STarT score and the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire were administered at baseline and again after 4, 8, and 52 weeks.

Results

Between January 2013 and July 2014, 475 patients from the original trial participated with questionnaires. From this subpopulation, 441 (92.8%) patients provided information regarding STarT. Baseline and eight-week RMDQ data were available for 304 (64.0%) patients. After 8 weeks, 61 (65.6%) in the low-risk group, 67 (54.9%) in the medium-risk group, and 33 (37.1%) in the high-risk group had achieved a 30% improvement in the RMDQ score. After 8 weeks, high-risk patients were at 61% (95% CI: 20–125%, P < 0.001) higher risk of not achieving a 30% improvement in the RMDQ score compared with patients in either the low-risk group or the medium-risk group.

Conclusion

STarT was predictive for functional improvement in patients from general practice with LBP.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01699256, Nov 29, 2016 (registered retrospectively).

A multifaceted implementation strategy versus passive implementation of low back pain guidelines in general practice: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Background

Guidelines are often slowly adapted into clinical practice. However, actively supporting healthcare professionals in evidence-based treatment may speed up guideline implementation. Danish low back pain (LBP) guidelines focus on primary care treatment of LBP, to reduce referrals from primary care to secondary care. The primary aim of this project was to reduce secondary care referral within 12 weeks by a multifaceted implementation strategy (MuIS).

Methods

In a cluster randomised design, 189 general practices from the North Denmark Region were invited to participate. Practices were randomised (1:1) and stratified by practice size to MuIS (28 practices) or a passive implementation strategy (PaIS; 32 practices). Included were patients with LBP aged 18 to 65 years who were able to complete questionnaires, had no serious underlying pathology, and were not pregnant. We developed a MuIS including outreach visits, quality reports, and the STarT Back Tool for subgrouping patients with LBP. Both groups were offered the usual dissemination of guidelines, guideline-concordant structuring of the medical record, and a new referral opportunity for patients with psycho-social problems. In an intention-to-treat analysis, the primary and secondary outcomes pertained to the patient, and a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from a healthcare sector perspective. Patients and the assessment of outcomes were blinded. Practices and caregivers delivering the interventions were not blinded.

Results

Between January 2013 and July 2014, 60 practices were included, of which 54 practices (28 MuIS, 26 PaIS) included 1101 patients (539 MuIS, 562 PaIS). Follow-up data for the primary outcome were available on 100 % of these patients. Twenty-seven patients (5.0 %) in the MuIS group were referred to secondary care vs. 59 patients (10.5 %) in the PaIS group. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was 0.52 [95 % CI 0.30 to 0.90; p = 0.020]. The MuIS was cost-saving £−93.20 (£406.51 vs. £499.71 per patient) after 12 weeks. Conversely, the MuIS resulted in less satisfied patients after 52 weeks (AOR 0.50 [95 % CI 0.31 to 0.81; p = 0.004]).

Conclusions

Using a MuIS changed general practice referral behaviour and was cost effective, but patients in the MuIS group were less satisfied. This study supports the application of a MuIS when implementing guidelines.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01699256

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-016-0509-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Recruitment of general practices: Is a standardised approach helpful in the involvement of healthcare professionals in research?

INTRODUCTION

Health service research often involves the active participation of healthcare professionals. However, their ability and commitment to research varies. This can cause recruitment difficulties and thereby prolong the study period and inflate budgets. Solberg has identified seven R-factors as determinants for successfully recruiting healthcare professionals: relationships, reputation, requirements, rewards, reciprocity, resolution, and respect.

METHOD

This is a process evaluation of the seven R-factors. We applied these factors to guide the design of our recruitment strategy as well as to make adjustments when recruiting general practices in a guideline implementation study. In the guideline implementation study, we studied the effect of outreach visits, quality reports, and new patient stratification tools for low back pain patients.

RESULTS

During a period of 15 months, we recruited 60 practices, which was fewer than planned (100 practices). In this evaluation, five of Solberg's seven R-factors were successfully addressed and two factors were not. The need to involve (reciprocity) end users in the development of new software and the amount of time needed to conduct recruitment (resolution) were underestimated.

CONCLUSION

The framework of the seven R-factors was a feasible tool in our recruitment process. However, we suggest further investigation in developing systematic approaches to support the recruitment of healthcare professionals to research.

Systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of implementing guidelines on low back pain management in primary care: is transferability to other countries possible?

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim is to identify, summarise and quality assess the available literature on the cost-effectiveness of implementing low back pain guidelines in primary care. The secondary aim is to assess the transferability of the results to determine whether the identified studies can be included in a comparison with a Danish implementation study to establish which strategy procures most value for money.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

The search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Scopus, CINAHL and EconLit. No restrictions were made concerning language, year of publication or publication type. The bibliographies of the included studies were searched for any studies not captured in the literature search.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

To be included, a study must be: (1) based on a randomised controlled trial comparing implementation strategies, (2) the guideline must concern treatment of low back pain in primary care and (3) the economic evaluation should contain primary data on cost and cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

The title and abstract were assessed for 308 studies; of these, three studies were found eligible for inclusion. The Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) list showed that the 3 studies were of moderate methodological quality while application of Welte's model showed that cost results from two studies could, with adjustments, be transferred to a Danish setting. It was questionable whether the associated effects could be transferred.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the resemblance of the implementation strategies, the 3 studies report conflicting results on cost-effectiveness. This review showed that transferring the results from the identified studies is not straightforward and underlines the importance of transparent reporting. Future research should focus on transferability of effects, for example, development of a supplement to Welte's model.

Low grading of the severity of knee osteoarthritis pre-operatively is associated with a lower functional level after total knee replacement

The optimal timing of total knee replacement (TKR) in patients with osteoarthritis, in relation to the severity of disease, remains controversial. This prospective study was performed to investigate the effect of the severity of osteoarthritis and other commonly available pre- and post-operative clinical parameters on the clinical outcome in a consecutive series of cemented TKRs. A total of 176 patients who underwent unilateral TKR were included in the study. Their mean age was 68 years (39 to 91), 63 (36%) were male and 131 knees (74%) were classified as grade 4 on the Kellgren–Lawrence osteoarthritis scale. A total of 154 patients (87.5%) returned for clinical review 12 months post-operatively, at which time the outcome was assessed using the Knee Society score.

A low radiological severity of osteoarthritis was not associated with pain 12 months post-operatively. However, it was significantly associated with an inferior level of function (p = 0.007), implying the need for increased focus on all possible reasons for pain in the knee and the forms of conservative treatment which are available for patients with lower radiological severity of osteoarthritis.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1498–1502.

Study protocol of an economic evaluation of an extended implementation strategy for the treatment of low back pain in general practice: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Background

In Denmark, guidelines on low back pain management are currently being implemented; in association with this, a clinical trial is conducted. A health economic evaluation is carried out alongside the clinical trial to assess the cost-effectiveness of an extended implementation strategy to increase the general practitioners’ adherence to the guidelines. In addition to usual dissemination, the extended implementation strategy is composed of visits from a guideline facilitator, stratification tools, and feedback on guideline adherence. The aim of this paper is to provide the considerations on the design of the health economic evaluation.

Methods/design

The economic evaluation is carried out alongside a cluster randomised controlled trial consisting of 60 general practices in the North Denmark Region. An expected 1,200 patients between the age of 18 and 65 years with a low back pain diagnosis will be enrolled. The economic evaluation comprises both a cost-effectiveness analyses and a cost-utility analysis. Effectiveness measures include referral to secondary care, health-related quality of life measured by EQ-5D-5L, and disability measured by the Roland Morris disability questionnaire. Cost measures include all relevant additional costs of the extended implementation strategy compared to usual implementation. The economic evaluation will be performed from both a societal perspective and a health sector perspective with a 12-month time horizon.

Discussion

It is expected that the extended implementation strategy will reduce the number of patients referred to secondary care. It is hypothesised that the additional upfront cost of extended implementation will be counterbalanced by improvements in clinical practice and patient-related outcomes, thereby rendering the extended implementation strategy cost-effective.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01699256

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-014-0140-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Quality management is associated with high quality services in health care]

In these years, quality management has been the focus in order to meet high quality services for the patients in Danish health care. This article provides information on quality management and quality improvement and it evaluates its effectiveness in achieving better organizational structures, processes and results in Danish health-care organizations. Our findings generally support that quality management is associated with high quality services in health care.

Enhanced implementation of low back pain guidelines in general practice: study protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial

Background

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines may improve treatment quality, but the uptake of guideline recommendations is often incomplete and slow. Recently new low back pain guidelines are being launched in Denmark. The guidelines are considered to reduce personal and public costs. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a complex, multifaceted implementation strategy of the low back pain guidelines will reduce secondary care referral and improve patient outcomes compared to the usual simple implementation strategy.

Methods/design

In a two-armed cluster randomised trial, 100 general practices (clusters) and 2,700 patients aged 18 to 65 years from the North Denmark region will be included. Practices are randomly allocated 1:1 to a simple or a complex implementation strategy. Intervention practices will receive a complex implementation strategy, including guideline facilitator visits, stratification tools, and quality reports on low back pain treatment. Primary outcome is referral to secondary care. Secondary outcomes are pain, physical function, health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction with care and treatment outcome, employment status, and sick leave. Primary and secondary outcomes pertain to the patient level. Assessments of outcomes are blinded and follow the intention-to-treat principle. Additionally, a process assessment will evaluate the degree to which the intervention elements will be delivered as planned, as well as measure changes in beliefs and behaviours among general practitioners and patients.

Discussion

This study provides knowledge concerning the process and effect of an intervention to implement low back pain guidelines in general practice, and will provide insight on essential elements to include in future implementation strategies in general practice.

Trial registration

Registered as NCT01699256 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Abacavir and risk of myocardial infarction in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy: a population-based nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine whether exposure to abacavir increases the risk for myocardial infarction (MI).

DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS

This was a prospective nationwide cohort study which included all Danish HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) from 1995 to 2005 (N = 2952). Data on hospitalization for MI and comorbidity were obtained from Danish medical databases. Hospitalization rates for MI after HAART initiation were calculated for patients who used abacavir and those who did not. We used Cox's regression to compute incidence rate ratios (IRR) as a measure of relative risk for MI, while controlling for potential confounders (as separate variables and via propensity score) including comorbidity.

MAIN OUTCOME

Relative risk of hospitalization with MI in abacavir users compared with abacavir nonusers.

RESULTS

Hospitalization rates for MI were 2.4/1000 person-years (PYR) [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-3.4] for abacavir nonusers and 5.7/1000 PYR (95% CI 4.1-7.9) for abacavir users. The risk of MI increased after initiation of abacavir [unadjusted IRR = 2.22 (95% CI 1.31-3.76); IRR adjusted for confounders = 2.00 (95% CI 1.10-3.64); IRR adjusted for propensity score = 2.00 (95% CI 1.07-3.76)]. This effect was also observed among patients initiating abacavir within 2 years after the start of HAART and among patients who started abacavir as part of a triple nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the association between abacavir use and increased risk of MI. Further studies are needed to control for potential confounding not measured in research to date.

Antipsychotic drugs and short-term mortality after peptic ulcer perforation: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer perforation is a serious surgical emergency with a substantial short-term mortality, but the influence of antipsychotic drug use on the prognosis remains unknown.

AIM

To examine the association between antipsychotic drug use and 30-day mortality following peptic ulcer perforation.

METHODS

This cohort study comprised 2033 patients with a first-time hospitalization with peptic ulcer perforation, in Northern Denmark, between 1991 and 2004. Data on preadmission use of antipsychotics and other medications, psychiatric disease, other comorbidities and mortality were obtained through population-based medical databases. We used Cox regression analyses to compute adjusted mortality rate ratios (MRRs).

RESULTS

One hundred and sixteen (5.7%) patients with peptic ulcer perforation were current users of antipsychotic drugs at the time of hospital admission and 205 (10.1%) were former users. The overall 30-day mortality was 27%. Among current users of antipsychotics 30-day mortality was 39%. The adjusted 30-day MRR for current users of antipsychotic drugs compared with non-users was 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2-2.3). Former use was not a predictor of mortality. The increase in mortality was equal in users of conventional and atypical antipsychotics.

CONCLUSION

Use of antipsychotic drugs is associated with substantially increased mortality following peptic ulcer perforation.

A randomised comparison of oral desmopressin lyophilisate (MELT) and tablet formulations in children and adolescents with primary nocturnal enuresis

AIMS

Desmopressin is a useful treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), a common childhood condition that can persist into adolescence. This open-label, randomised, cross-over study evaluated the preference of children and adolescents with PNE for sublingual desmopressin oral lyophilisate (MELT) vs. tablet treatment, and the efficacy, safety, compliance and ease of use associated with each formulation. In total, 221 patients aged 5-15 years who were already receiving desmopressin tablets were randomised 1 : 1 to receive desmopressin treatment in the order MELT/tablet (n = 110) or tablet/MELT (n = 111) for 3 weeks each. Each formulation was administered in bioequivalent doses (0.2/0.4 mg tablets identical with 120/240 microg MELT). Following treatment, patients were questioned regarding treatment preference. Diary card data and 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale scores were also recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, patients preferred the MELT formulation to the tablet (56% vs. 44%; p = 0.112). This preference was age dependent (p = 0.006); patients aged < 12 years had a statistically significant preference for desmopressin MELT (p = 0.0089). Efficacy was similar for both formulations (MELT: 1.88 +/- 1.94 bedwetting episodes/week; tablet: 1.90 +/- 1.85 episodes/week). Ease of use of both formulations was high. Compliance (> or = 80%) was 94.5% for MELT patients vs. 88.9% for the tablet (p = 0.059). No serious/severe adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an overall preference for the MELT, and a statistically significant preference for desmopressin MELT in children aged 5-11 years. Desmopressin MELT had similar levels of efficacy and safety at lower dosing levels than the tablet, and therefore facilitates early initiation of PNE treatment in children aged 5-6 years.

Introduction of newer selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors and rates of hospitalization with bleeding and perforated peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist on the impact of the introduction of newer selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors into clinical practice in 1999 on overall non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and hospitalization rates of complicated peptic ulcer disease at the population level.

AIM

To examine these issues, we conducted a population-based study in western Denmark, within a population of 1.2 million.

METHODS

All patients with perforated (n = 1488) or bleeding peptic ulcer (n = 6017) between 1996 and 2004 were identified in hospital discharge registries. We computed standardized annual hospitalization rates and hospitalization rate ratios using Poisson regression. Data on annual number of prescriptions for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were obtained through population-based prescription databases. Results Introduction of newer selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors was followed by a 44% increase in the annual number of prescriptions for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs--almost entirely due to increased use of newer selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors. Annual standardized hospitalization rates for bleeding peptic ulcer remained stable. Standardized hospitalization rates for perforated peptic ulcer decreased from 17 per 100,000 person-years in 1996 to 12 per 100,000 person-years in 2004 (HRR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.57-0.88). Conclusion Introduction of newer selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors was followed by substantial increase in overall non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and coincided with stable and decreasing hospitalization rates for bleeding and perforated peptic ulcer, respectively.

Outcome of peptic ulcer bleeding among users of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Few data exist on the impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use on peptic ulcer outcome.

AIM

To examine the 30-day mortality from peptic ulcer bleeding associated with the use of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and newer selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors.

METHODS

Cohort study of patients with a first hospitalization for peptic ulcer bleeding in three Danish counties between 1991 and 2003. Data on pre-admission non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, use of other ulcer-related drugs and comorbidities were obtained from population-based registries. Follow-up data on mortality were obtained from the Danish Civil Registry System.

RESULTS

Of 7,232 patients hospitalized for peptic ulcer bleeding, 28% were current non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users. Thirty-day mortality was 11% overall, and 13% among current non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users. Compared with never-use, the adjusted 30-day mortality rate ratios were 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1-1.9) for current use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone and 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0-1.7) for current use combined with other ulcer-related drugs. For users of celecoxib, alone and in combination, adjusted mortality rate ratios were 1.4 (95% CI: 0.5-3.9) and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.2-3.5), and for users of rofecoxib, 1.2 (95% CI: 0.4-3.9) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.5-1.6).

CONCLUSION

Among patients hospitalized with peptic ulcer bleeding, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including some newer cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, is associated with increased short-term mortality.

Desmopressin treatment in nocturia; an analysis of risk factors for hyponatremia

AIMS

To explore the incidence, severity, time course, and risk factors of clinically significant hyponatremia in desmopressin treatment for nocturia.

METHODS

Data from three multi-center phase III trials were pooled. Hyponatremia was categorised as borderline (134-130 mmol/L) or significant (<130 mmol/L). Risk factors were explored with logistic regression and subgroup analysis performed to explore threshold values for contra-indication.

RESULTS

In total 632 patients (344 men, 288 women) were analyzed. During dose-titration, serum sodium concentration below normal range was recorded in 95 patients (15%) and 31 patients (4.9%) experienced significant hyponatremia. The risk increased with age, lower serum sodium concentration at baseline, higher basal 24-hr urine volume per bodyweight and weight gain at time of minimum serum sodium concentration. Age was the best single predictor. Elderly patients (>or=65 years of age) with a baseline serum sodium concentration below normal range were at high risk (75%). Limiting treatment in elderly with normal basal serum sodium concentration to those below 79 years and with a 24-hr urine output below 28 ml/kg would reduce the risk from 8.1% to 3.0% at the cost of 34% fulfilling the contra-indication.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of nocturia patients tolerate desmopressin treatment without clinically significant hyponatremia. However, the risk increases with increasing age and decreasing baseline serum sodium concentration. Treatment of nocturia in elderly patients with desmopressin should only be undertaken together with careful monitoring of the serum sodium concentration. Patients with a baseline serum sodium concentration below normal range should not be treated.

Rising incidence and persistently high mortality of hospitalized pneumonia: a 10-year population-based study in Denmark

BACKGROUND

Little is known about temporal trends in the incidence and mortality of pneumonia in the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study in three Danish counties (population 1.4 million) to examine changes in the incidence and 30- and 90-day mortality associated with hospitalized pneumonia between 1994 and 2004. All adults hospitalized with a first-time diagnosis of pneumonia (n = 41 793) were identified in hospital discharge registries and followed for mortality through the Danish Civil Registry System. We determined age-standardized incidence rates and adjusted mortality rates associated with calendar year, gender, age and comorbidity.

RESULTS

Between 1994 and 2003, the incidence of hospitalized pneumonia amongst adults increased from 288 per 100 000 person-years to 442 per 100 000 person-years, equivalent to an age-standardized incidence rate ratio of 1.50. The cumulative mortality within 30 and 90 days of admission was 15.2% and 21.9%, respectively, ranging from a 90-day mortality of 2.5% in patients aged 15-39 years to 34.7% in those aged 80 and over. Advanced age was the most important poor prognostic factor, followed by a high comorbidity score and male gender. The adjusted mortality rate ratios amongst patients with hospitalized pneumonia in 1999-2004, when compared with 1994-1998, were 0.89 (95% CI 0.85-0.94) after 30 days and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88-0.95) after 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of hospitalized pneumonia in Denmark has increased considerably during the last 10 years and, combined with persistently high mortality rates, is of clinical and public health concern.

Perforated peptic ulcer: use of pre-admission oral glucocorticoids and 30-day mortality

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence that use of glucocorticoids increases the risk of complicated peptic ulcer disease, limited data exist on how use of oral glucocorticoids affects outcome for patients with peptic ulcer perforation.

AIM

To examine 30-day mortality from peptic ulcer perforation among pre-admission oral glucocorticoid users compared with non-users.

METHODS

We identified 2061 patients with a first-time hospital discharge diagnosis of perforated peptic ulcer, using population-based discharge registries in three Danish counties. Data on use of glucocorticoids and other ulcer-related drugs, previous hospitalizations for uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease, and comorbidity were obtained from discharge registries and prescription databases. Follow-up data on mortality were provided by the Danish Civil Registry System.

RESULTS

A total of 228 patients (11.1%) were exposed to glucocorticoids within 60 days of admission. Overall 30-day mortality rate was 25.2%, the corresponding rate among current glucocorticoid users was 39.4%. Compared with 'never users', the adjusted mortality ratio among current users of oral glucocorticoids alone was 2.1 (95% CI: 1.5-3.1). Among current users of oral glucocorticoids in combination with other ulcer-related drugs the mortality ratio was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-2.1).

CONCLUSION

Pre-admission use of oral glucocorticoids is associated with up to a twofold increase in 30-day mortality among patients hospitalized with perforated peptic ulcer.

Population-based study of short- and long-term survival from colorectal cancer in Denmark, 1977–1999

Background

Survival rates for patients with colorectal cancer have been lower in Denmark than in other European countries. The aim of this study was to examine temporal trends in relative survival from colorectal cancer between 1977 and 1999.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1977 and 1999 were identified using the nationwide population-based Danish Cancer Registry. Patients were linked with the Danish Central Population Registry to obtain data on survival to December 2002, and to select ten population controls per patient.

Results

A total of 69 562 patients with colorectal cancer were identified, of whom 49·2 per cent were men. Six-month relative survival after diagnosis increased from 69·7 per cent in 1977–1982 to 77·7 per cent in 1995–1999. Five-year relative survival rates increased from 37·8 to 46·8 per cent respectively. Women had slightly higher 5-year relative survival than men throughout the study period. Rectal tumours were associated with better survival than colonic tumours until 2 years after diagnosis, after which tumour location had no impact on survival.

Conclusion

Relative survival of patients with colorectal cancer has improved in Denmark between 1977 and 1999, most probably reflecting better management of the disease.

Antidiuresis: a new concept in managing female daytime urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of desmopressin nasal spray on daytime urinary incontinence in women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicentre, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over exploratory study of women (aged 18-80 years) complaining of severe daytime urinary incontinence was conducted in three centres (King's College Hospital; Boras County Hospital and Skejby Hospital). Seventy-five patients were screened of whom 64 were randomized. In all, 60 women received study medication (safety population) and 57 completed the study. The intention-to-treat population comprised 59 patients and there were 41 in the per protocol analysis. The primary efficacy endpoint was the number of periods with no leakage for 4 h after dosing. Women were instructed to take the drug at a time of their choosing, but >/= 4 h before bedtime. Secondary efficacy variables included the time to first void or incontinence episode, volume leaked per incontinence episode, total volume voided and number of periods with no leakage. All measurements were made over 7 days on desmopressin and 3 days on placebo.

RESULTS

There was a higher mean (sd) incidence of periods with no leakage in the first 4 h on desmopressin, at 62 (35)%, than on placebo, at 48 (40)%, and during the first 8 h, at 55 (37)% vs 40 (41)%. There was also a higher frequency of dry days on desmopressin than on placebo; 36% of patients had no leakage on virtually all treatment days (6 or 7) for 4 h after dosing. At 4-8 h the incidence of periods with no leakage on desmopressin was 68 (35)% vs 63 (41)% on placebo, and thereafter the incidence was similar. The time from dosing to first incontinence episode was longer on desmopressin, at 6.3 (2.5) h, vs 5.2 (3.3) h, whilst the volume leaked per incontinence episode was lower on desmopressin than placebo. The total volume voided was consistently lower on desmopressin, at 1180 (58) mL vs 1375 (57) mL, over the 24-h period after administration. There were no serious or severe adverse events reported. Seven women (11%) withdrew from the study, of whom five did not attend for the final visit and two (3%) because of mild adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this exploratory study suggest that desmopressin is an effective and safe treatment in women with daytime urinary incontinence, and allows them to choose when they need treatment, thus improving motivation, which may aid compliance with therapy.

Insulin aspart vs. human insulin in the management of long-term blood glucose control in Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial

AIMS

To compare the efficacy of insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin analogue, with that of unmodified human insulin on long-term blood glucose control in Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Prospective, multi-centre, randomized, open-labelled, parallel-group trial lasting 6 months in 88 centres in eight European countries and including 1,070 adult subjects with Type 1 diabetes. Study patients were randomized 2:1 to insulin aspart or unmodified human insulin before main meals, with NPH-insulin as basal insulin. Main outcome measures were blood glucose control as assessed by HbA1c, eight-point self-monitored blood glucose profiles, insulin dose, quality of life, hypoglycaemia, and adverse events.

RESULTS

After 6 months, insulin aspart was superior to human insulin with respect to HbA1c with a baseline-adjusted difference in HbA1c of 0.12 (95% confidence interval 0.03-0.22) %Hb, P < 0.02. Eight-point blood glucose profiles showed lower post-prandial glucose levels (mean baseline-adjusted -0.6 to -1.2 mmol/l, P < 0.01) after all main meals, but higher pre-prandial glucose levels before breakfast and dinner (0.7-0.8 mmol/l, P < 0.01) with insulin aspart. Satisfaction with treatment was significantly better in patients treated with insulin aspart (WHO Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) baseline-adjusted difference 2.3 (1.2-3.3) points, P < 0.001). The relative risk of experiencing a major hypoglycaemic episode with insulin aspart compared to human insulin was 0.83 (0.59-1.18, NS). Major night hypoglycaemic events requiring parenteral treatment were less with insulin aspart (1.3 vs. 3.4% of patients, P < 0.05), as were late post-prandial (4-6 h) events (1.8 vs. 5.0% of patients, P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show small but useful advantage for the rapid-acting insulin analogue insulin aspart as a tool to improve long-term blood glucose control, hypoglycaemia, and quality of life, in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a premixed formulation of soluble and protamine-retarded insulin aspart

OBJECTIVE

With the aim to obtain a premixed rapid-acting insulin with a serum insulin profile more closely resembling the endogenous meal-stimulated serum insulin profiles, a 30/70 (rapid/intermediate-acting) premixed suspension of the rapid-acting insulin analogue insulin aspart (BIAsp30) was compared with a similar premixed suspension of biphasic human insulin 30/70 (BHI30) after a single subcutaneous injection.

METHODS

The study had a randomised, double-blind, two-period crossover design. Twenty-four healthy male subjects received a single subcutaneous dose of either 0.2 U x kg(-1) bodyweight of BIAsp30 or BHI30 on two study days.

RESULTS

BIAsp30 was absorbed faster than BHI30, as reflected in the area under the insulin concentration-time curve from 0 to 90 min after dosing [AUC(0-90 min)]. This was significantly larger for BIAsp30 than for BHI30 (1403 +/- 372 versus 752 +/- 191 mU x l(-1) x min(-1) [mean +/- SD]; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the time to maximum serum insulin concentration (tmax) of BIAsp30 was approximately half the tmax of BHI30 (60 [45-70] versus 110 [90-180] min [median, interquartile range]; P=0.0001) and the maximum insulin concentration (Cmax) was significantly higher for BIAsp30 than for BHI30 (23.4 +/- 5.3 versus 15.5 +/- 3.7 mU x l(-1) [mean +/- SD]; P < 0.0001). The serum glucose profiles showed a significantly earlier onset of the glucose-lowering effect following BIAsp30 than following BHI30.

CONCLUSIONS

The improved absorption properties of soluble insulin aspart in its premixed formulation provide a basis for a more efficient meal-related glucose control and immediate pre-meal delivery when compared with a similar human premixed insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Use of insulin aspart, a fast-acting insulin analog, as the mealtime insulin in the management of patients with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To compare long-term glycemic control and safety of using insulin aspart (IAsp) with that of regular human insulin (HI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a multicenter randomized open-label 6-month study (882 subjects) with a 6-month extension period (714 subjects) that enrolled subjects with type 1 diabetes. Subjects administered IAsp immediately before meals or regular HI 30 min before meals; basal NPH insulin was taken as a single bedtime dose in the majority of subjects. Glycemic control was assessed with HbA1c values and 8-point blood glucose profiles at 3-month intervals.

RESULTS

Mean postprandial blood glucose levels (mg/dl +/- SEM) were significantly lower for subjects in the IAsp group compared with subjects in the HI group after breakfast (156 +/- 3.4 vs. 185 +/- 4.7), lunch (137 +/- 3.1 vs. 162 +/- 4.1), and dinner (153 +/- 3.1 vs. 168 +/- 4.1), when assessed after 6 months of treatment. Mean HbA1c values (% +/- SEM) were slightly, but significantly, lower for the IAsp group (7.78% +/- 0.03) than for the regular HI group (7.93% +/- 0.05, P = 0.005) at 6 months. Similar postprandial blood glucose and HbA1c values were observed at 12 months. Adverse events and overall hypoglycemic episodes were similar for both treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Postprandial glycemic control was significantly better with IAsp compared with HI after 6 and 12 months of treatment. The improvement was not obtained at an increased risk of hypoglycemia. HbA1c was slightly, but significantly, lower for IAsp compared with HI at 6 and 12 months.

Measurements of tissue oxygen tension in vascularised jejunal autografts in pigs

Tissue oxygen measurements were evaluated as a monitor of the jejunal flap in seven female landrace pigs. A small polarographic sensor (diameter 0.55 mm) was used in which interstitial tissue oxygen tension was measured continuously in a jejunal flap and a muscle flap (rectus abdominis) during arterial and venous occlusion. Mean (SEM) tissue oxygen tension in the two types of flap were 44(9) mmHg (jejunal flap) and 47(8) mmHg (rectus flap). After arterial occlusion for 30 minutes the values dropped to 17(4) mmHg for the jejunal flap and 12(2) mmHg for the muscle flap. The decline became significant after five minutes. During venous occlusion (30 minutes) the values fell to 20(4) mmHg and 14(1) mmHg. The arterial occlusion was undetectable by the naked eye, but the enteric tissue after venous occlusion became severely congested and blue-black in colour. The condition returned to normal after release of the clamp. We conclude that direct measurement of tissue oxygen tension in a jejunal flap is a reliable method of detecting impaired perfusion. This method may in the future be used to monitor vascularised jejunal autografts.

Long-term psychosocial adjustment in patients with severe burn injuries: a follow-up study

An investigation of the long-term psychosocial adjustment of patients with severe burn injuries is presented. In the selected 13-year period (1968-80) 46 patients fulfilled the entry criteria: burns covering more than 30 per cent body surface area (deep dermal or full skin thickness). Seventeen patients died early and one later. Of the remaining 28 patients, contact was made with 25 (89.3 per cent) who all participated. The observation time ranged between 7 and 21 years. The patients received a semi-standardized interview adjusted for age at the time of burn injury, a psychiatric interview and a physical examination to assess the permanent character and functional loss. The principal findings were: no correlation could be found between degree of disfiguration/function loss and the long-term psychosocial adaptation after severe burn injuries. The determinant factor was the premorbid psychiatric/psychological integration and, to some extent, support from staff and relatives.

[Ileus of the small intestine during the neonatal period. Treatment and prognosis]

During 13 years, 47 infants were treated for mechanical ileus resulting from intestinal obstruction located proximally to the coecum (duodenal obstruction, malrotation, jejuno-ileal obstruction and meconium ileus). The mortality and morbidity were low. A total of three infants died; all of them in the immediate postoperative period. One infant died on account of rupture of the anastomosis; in two infants, death was caused by pulmonary complications and disseminated intravasal coagulation. Seven reoperations were performed and among these five infants on account of adhesions-/fibrous band ileus. At follow-up examination five infants were slightly underweight and retarded in growth; only one child had troublesome gastrointestinal problems. We recommend the use of antenatal ultrasound in the 30th week of gestation more frequently and always when polyhydramnios is present. This should raise the suspicion of gastrointestinal obstruction. Postnatal screening for associated congenital anomalies should also be done, since these are the most frequent cause of death in this patient category.

[Excessive bile secretion in a patient with cirrhosis after cholecystectomy and choledochotomy]

The volume of bile collected from a choledochal stoma usually does not exceed 1,000 milliliters during 24 hours. A case of excessive output of bile (drainage of more than 2,000 milliliters in 24 hours) through a T-tube after cholecystectomy and choledochotomy is described. Biopsy of the liver revealed micronodular cirrhosis. The hypotheses and experimental studies concerning excessive biliary out-flow are mentioned. The conclusion of this case-report is that the T-tube can be removed, despite excessive output of bile, when the patient tolerates clamping of the tube without abdominal pain and when and external fistula has been formed.