Ophthalmic Findings in Aboriginal Children with High Rates of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: The Lililwan Project

PURPOSE

To describe ophthalmic findings in an Indigenous paediatric population and the associations between fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), and eye anomalies.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed for eye problems, and eye assessments were conducted by an orthoptist or ophthalmologist in the Lililwan Project cohort, which comprised 108 (81%) of all children born between 2002 and 2003, and residing in the remote Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia in 2010. Values from ophthalmic assessments and prevalence of abnormalities were presented for the total cohort and stratified by group: FASD; PAE (no FASD); and No PAE.

RESULTS

Of children, 55% had PAE and 19% FASD. Most (98%) had normal vision; 15.6% had keratometry cylinder values indicating astigmatism and potential for improved vision with glasses. Strabismus (22.3%), short palpebral fissure length (PFL; 21.3%), upslanting palpebral fissures (12.0%), follicular trachomatous inflammation (6.9%), abnormal slit lamp assessments (6.7%), retinal tortuosity (6.7%), and blepharoptosis (5.6%) were identified. Strabismus and trachoma rates were higher than in the general child population. Ophthalmic findings were similar between groups except for prevalence of short PFL (FASD > No PAE; p = 0.003); abnormal keratometry cylinder values (FASD [29.4%] and PAE (no FASD) [20.0%] > No PAE [5.3%]; p = 0.031) and blepharoptosis (FASD [9.5%] > other groups [0%]; p = 0.040).

CONCLUSION

Despite the small sample, some eye abnormalities were higher in children with PAE and/or FASD. Access to eye services or assessment of vision and structural eye anomalies is essential for Indigenous children, particularly those with PAE or FASD to allow early effective treatment.

Important lack of difference in tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics between Aboriginal and Caucasian kidney transplant recipients

AIM

To examine whether differences in tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid (MPA) pharmacokinetics contribute to the poorer kidney transplant outcomes experienced by Aboriginal Australians.

METHODS

Concentration-time profiles for tacrolimus and MPA were prospectively collected from 43 kidney transplant recipients: 27 Aboriginal and 16 Caucasian. Apparent clearance (CL/F) and distribution volume (V/F) for each individual were derived from concentration-time profiles combined with population pharmacokinetic priors, with subsequent assessment for between-group difference in pharmacokinetics. In addition, population pharmacokinetic models were developed using the prospective dataset supplemented by previously developed structural models for tacrolimus and MPA. The change in NONMEM objective function was used to assess improvement in goodness of model fit.

RESULTS

No differences were found between Aboriginal and Caucasian groups or empirical Bayes estimates, for CL/F or V/F of MPA or tacrolimus. However, a higher prevalence of CYP3A5 expressers (26% compared with 0%) and wider between-subject variability in tacrolimus CL/F (SD = 5.00 compared with 3.25 L/h/70 kg) were observed in the Aboriginal group, though these differences failed to reach statistical significance (p = .07 and p = .08).

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in typical tacrolimus or MPA pharmacokinetics between Aboriginal and Caucasian kidney transplant recipients. This means that Bayesian dosing tools developed to optimise tacrolimus and MPA dosing in Caucasian recipients may be applied to Aboriginal recipients. In turn, this may improve drug exposure and thereby transplant outcomes in this group. Aboriginal recipients appeared to have greater between-subject variability in tacrolimus CL/F and a higher prevalence of CYP3A5 expressers, attributes that have been linked with inferior outcomes.

Unacceptably high: an audit of Kimberley self-harm data 2014-2018

OBJECTIVE

To explore the rates and characteristics of self-harm across the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

METHOD

Retrospective, cross-sectional audit. We obtained and descriptively analysed routinely collected self-harm data from the Kimberley District of the Western Australia Police Force (2014-2018) and the Emergency Department Data Collection (June 2017-December 2018). Variables included age, sex, Indigenous status, time of incident, and alcohol and drug use.

RESULTS

The rate of emergency department attendance for self-harm was three times higher in the Kimberley than the rest of Western Australia. Both emergency department and police data showed a disproportionately high percentage of incidents involving Aboriginal people, with highest rates in the 15-19 and 20-24 year age groups. Almost 80% of self-harm events recorded by police involving individuals aged 25-50 years involved alcohol. Many self-harm incidents occurred in the evening and at night.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of self-harm across the Kimberley region from 2014-2018 are unacceptably high. Increased funding and alignment of services to meet regional need are required as part of a holistic effort to reduce regional rates of self-harm.

The impact of Marfan syndrome on an Aboriginal Australian family: 'I don't like it as much as I don't like cancer'

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominantly inherited connective tissue disorder. Aortic dilatation/dissection and ectopia lentis are the most severe features, which affect physical functioning and psychological well-being. In Aboriginal Australians, there is little psychosocial research on genetic conditions. This study explored the physical, psychological, and practical impacts of MFS on Aboriginal Australians. Eighteen (8 affected and 10 unaffected) members of a large Aboriginal Australian family with MFS participated in an ethically approved study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. All individuals reported challenges from MFS, negatively affecting day-to-day living. Severe vision impairment was perceived as the greatest challenge, contributing to feelings of stigma and exclusion. With aging, concerns shifted toward cardiac complications. The unpredictability of lens dislocation and aortic dissection was reported to be psychologically challenging. Participants described MFS-related barriers to obtaining and retaining employment, especially following cardiac surgery; with consequential psychological and financial hardships. Participants articulated that their cultural drive to support the ill and respectfully mourn the deceased, regardless of distance, resulted in a significant financial burden. Additionally, when hospitalization and/or funerals occurred, financially solvent individuals were expected to share resources, without any expectation of repayment or reciprocity (i.e., 'demand sharing', common in Aboriginal Australian culture). This study documents the nature and pervasiveness of uncertainty for both affected and unaffected members of an MFS family. Many reported challenges are consistent with other MFS cohorts (including stigma, social exclusion, and unemployment). However, our findings suggest that cultural values may exacerbate the financial costs of MFS for Aboriginal Australians.

Oral health of aboriginal people with kidney disease living in Central Australia

Background

Associations between kidney disease and periodontal disease are not well documented among Aboriginal people of Australia. The purpose of this investigation was to report and compare demographic, oral health, anthropometric and systemic health status of Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease and to compare against relevant Aboriginal Australians and Australian population estimates. This provides much needed evidence to inform dental health service provision policies for Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease.

Methods

Sample frequencies and means were assessed in adults represented in six datasets including: (1) 102 Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease residing in Central Australia who participated in a detailed oral health assessment; (2) 312 Aboriginal participants of the Northern Territory’s PerioCardio study; (3) weighted estimates from 4775 participants from Australia’s National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH); (4) Australian 2016 Census (all Australians); (5) National Health Survey 2017–2018 (all Australians) and; (6) Australian Health Survey: Biomedical Results for Chronic Diseases, 2011–2012 (all Australians). Oral health status was described by periodontal disease and experience of dental caries (tooth decay). Statistically significant differences were determined via non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease were significantly older, less likely to have a tertiary qualification or be employed compared with both PerioCardio study counterparts and NSAOH participants. Severe periodontitis was found in 54.3% of Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease, almost 20 times the 2.8% reported in NSAOH. A higher proportion of Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease had teeth with untreated caries and fewer dental restorations when compared to NSAOH participants. The extent of periodontal attachment loss and periodontal pocketing among Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease (51.0%, 21.4% respectively) was several magnitudes greater than PerioCardio study (22.0%, 12.3% respectively) and NSAOH (5.4%, 1.3% respectively) estimates.

Conclusions

Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease exhibited more indicators of poorer oral health than both the general Australian population and a general Aboriginal population from Australia’s Northern Territory. It is imperative that management of oral health among Aboriginal Australians with kidney disease be included as part of their ongoing medical care.

Lessons learned from a periodontal intervention to reduce progression of chronic kidney disease among Aboriginal Australians

Objective

Periodontal disease is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with both conditions being highly prevalent among Australia’s Aboriginal population. This paper reflects on the lessons learned following implementation of a periodontal intervention in the Central Australian region of the Northern Territory among Aboriginal adults with CKD.

Results

Between Oct 2016 and May 2019, research staff recruited 102 eligible participants. This was far below the anticipated recruitment rate. The challenges faced, and lessons learned, were conceptualised into five specific domains. These included: (1) insufficient engagement with the Aboriginal community and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations; (2) an under-appreciation of the existing and competing patient commitments with respect to general health and wellbeing, and medical treatment to enable all study commitments; (3) most study staff employed from outside the region; (4) potential participants not having the required number of teeth; (5) invasive intervention that involved travel to, and time at, a dental clinic. A more feasible research model, which addresses the divergent needs of participants, communities and service partners is required. This type of approach, with sufficient time and resourcing to ensure ongoing engagement, partnership and collaboration in co-design throughout the conduct of research, challenges current models of competitive, national research funding.

Weight change among repeat participants of an Aboriginal community-based weight loss program

Background

Community-based weight loss programs may have potential to address overweight and obesity at the population level. However, participation patterns and individual outcomes from these programs are understudied. This study examined repeat participation patterns and participant weight change between contests over seven years of an Aboriginal Australian team-based program in order to identify (1) predictors of repeat participation and (2) associations with weight change between contests.

Methods

Data for the 12 contests from 2012 to 2018 were merged, with probabilistic record matching. A total of 7510 enrolments were registered for the 12 contests, representing 4438 unique people. Contest lengths varied from 10 to 16 weeks in duration. Non-repeat participants were those who only competed once in the program by the end of 2018, and repeaters were those who competed in at least two contests. Associations between repeat participation and participant baseline (i.e., first participation occasion) characteristics, change in diet and physical activity and percent change in weight during the first participation occasion were examined using crossed random effects (for person and team) regression adjusted for exposure to the program. Weight percentage change between contests was calculated for consecutive participation occasions occurring at least three months apart, converted to percent change per month. Weight change was regressed on number of repeat participation occasions adjusted for age, gender, baseline weight at first participation occasion, and weight percent change in the immediately preceding contest.

Results

One-third of the 4433 participants participated more than once, with women more likely than men to repeat. A 1% reduction in weight during a competition was associated with an increase in weight of 0.05% per month between competition end and subsequent participation. Regain was smaller the heavier participants were at their first participation.

Conclusions

While individuals benefit from weight loss through program participation, strengthening strategies for weight loss maintenance within or following the program could improve long-term weight outcomes and reduce weight cycling.

Causal Attributions in an Australian Aboriginal Family With Marfan Syndrome: A Qualitative Study

Causal attributions are important determinants of how health threats are processed and affect health-related behaviors. To date, there has been no research on causal attributions in genetic conditions in Aboriginal Australians. Forty members of a large Aboriginal Australian family with Marfan syndrome (MFS) were invited to participate in an ethically approved study exploring causal attributions, including perceived causes of phenotypic variability within the family. Eighteen individuals consented to conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews, which were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Most participants knew that MFS was genetic, but there were diverse theories about inheritance, including beliefs that it skipped generations, was affected by birth order and/or gender, and that it co-occurred with inheritance of blue eyes within this family. The mutation was thought to have been inherited from British settlers and initially triggered by disease or diet. Factors believed to modify disease severity included other genes and lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol and substance abuse and stress. Generally, this family did not endorse “blaming” chance or a higher power for phenotypic variability, though some felt that the spirits or a deity may have played a role. In conclusion, although participants knew MFS was a genetic condition, many speculated about the role of non-genetic causes in initiating the original mutation; and the gene-environment interaction was thought to affect severity. This study demonstrates a successful approach for exploring causal attributions in other genetic conditions in First Australians.

Epidemiology of ocular trauma in the Indigenous vs non-Indigenous population in the Top End

IMPORTANCE

Epidemiological data on visually significant ocular trauma in the Top End of the Northern Territory.

BACKGROUND

Our main objective is to determine whether Indigenous patients are disproportionately affected by visually significant ocular trauma as compared to non-Indigenous patients.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective audit at the Royal Darwin Hospital in the Top End of the Northern Territory during January 2013 to June 2015.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 104 ocular trauma patients were included; 43 were Indigenous and 61 were non-Indigenous.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with ocular trauma between January 2013 and June 2015 (except simple, non-penetrating corneal foreign bodies and abrasions) were reviewed. Vision loss was defined by visual acuity: mild ≥6/18, moderate 6/18-6/60, severe ≤6/60 following World Health Organization standards.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The study included the incidence of ocular trauma patients by ethnicity (Indigenous vs non-Indigenous). Our secondary outcome included vision loss, mechanism of injury, open vs closed injury, age, remoteness and alcohol involvement.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patient charts were reviewed; 43 (41%) were Indigenous and 61 (59%) were non-Indigenous. Alleged assault was the greatest contributor to ocular trauma in both groups (74% in Indigenous vs 39% non-Indigenous). Severe vision loss was more prevalent in the Indigenous vs non-Indigenous patients (30% vs 16%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Indigenous patients were disproportionately affected by visually significant ocular trauma compared to non-Indigenous patients. This research provides important data on ocular trauma in the Northern Territory. Further prevention strategies are needed to reduce vision loss in this population.

Research protocol for the exploration of experiences of Aboriginal Australian mothers and healthcare professionals when using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: a process-oriented validation study using triangulated participatory mixed methods

INTRODUCTION

Adopting a process-oriented framework for test validation can help to establish whether this tool has the potential to be an acceptable, valid and reliable indicator of depression for mothers and mothers-to-be. This mixed-methods research protocol seeks to explore the views and experiences of Aboriginal mothers and healthcare professionals in relation to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and is intended to highlight potential barriers in perinatal mental health conceptualisation, engagement and response style.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Thematic analysis will be applied to interview transcripts of Aboriginal Australian mothers (n=6+) and healthcare professionals (n=6+) to identify key themes. The process-focused validation model will use narratives about experiences of using the EPDS as the priority point of analysis. Item-level data and process-level (experience) data are key phenomenological data. The interview-based narratives will be then compared with EPDS scores to check for points of congruence and divergence. This will be done at two time points, antenatally and postnatally, to assess changes in assessment processes and perceptions. Bridging evidence-based research with clinical practice in an Aboriginal Australian context will be facilitated by an investigation of the perceived cultural relevance and likely clinical effectiveness of EPDS. Such evidence is critical to understanding whether the EPDS fulfils its intended purpose. The guiding principles in designing this research protocol is to benefit the well-being of young Aboriginal families and communities through partnership with Aboriginal women.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was obtained from Human Research Ethics Committee of Murdoch University and from Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee (WAAHEC). Participating healthcare sites and services have provided letters of support. Results of this study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Off-label use of rituximab in autoimmune disease in the Top End of the Northern Territory, 2008-2016

BACKGROUND

Rituximab, an anti-CD20 B-cell depleting monoclonal antibody, is increasingly prescribed off-label for a range of autoimmune diseases. There has not previously been an audit of off-label rituximab use in the Northern Territory, where the majority of patients are Aboriginal.

AIMS

To evaluate retrospectively off-label rituximab use in autoimmune diseases in the Top End of the Northern Territory.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective audit of 8 years of off-label rituximab use at the Royal Darwin Hospital, the sole tertiary referral centre for the Darwin, Katherine and East Arnhem regions. Electronic and paper records were reviewed for demographic information, diagnosis/indication for rituximab, doses, previous/concomitant immunosuppression, clinical outcomes and specific adverse events.

RESULTS

Rituximab was prescribed off-label to 66 patients for 24 autoimmune diseases. The majority of patients (62.1%) were Aboriginal and 60.6% female. The most common indications were refractory/relapsing disease despite standard therapies (68.7%) or severe disease with rituximab incorporated into an induction immunosuppressive regimen (19.4%). Systemic lupus erythematosus was the underlying diagnosis in 28.8% of cases. A clinically significant response was demonstrated in 74.2% of cases overall. There were 18 clinically significant infections; however, 13 were in patients receiving concurrent immunosuppressive therapy. There was a total of nine deaths from any cause.

CONCLUSION

Rituximab has been used off-label for a range of autoimmune diseases in this population with a high proportion of Aboriginal patients successfully and safely in the majority of cases.

The role of Aboriginal community attachment in promoting lifestyle changes after hepatitis C diagnosis

This research assessed whether greater attachment to an Aboriginal community buffers against the negative effects of stigma and promotes positive health outcomes. Aboriginal Australians (n = 203) living with hepatitis C completed a survey assessing community attachment, stigma, resilience, quality of life, treatment intent, hepatitis C knowledge and positive lifestyle changes. A stronger sense of community attachment was associated with greater resilience, increased quality of life, less hepatitis C–related stigma and with increased lifestyle changes after diagnosis. Hence, community attachment can buffer against the negative health effects of stigma and may promote the resources to engage in positive behaviour changes, ultimately increasing long-term health outcomes.

Prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in a population-based sample of children living in remote Australia: the Lililwan Project

AIM

Aboriginal leaders concerned about high rates of alcohol use in pregnancy invited researchers to determine the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS) in their communities.

METHODS

Population-based prevalence study using active case ascertainment in children born in 2002/2003 and living in the Fitzroy Valley, in Western Australia (April 2010-November 2011) (n = 134). Socio-demographic and antenatal data, including alcohol use in pregnancy, were collected by interview with 127/134 (95%) consenting parents/care givers. Maternal/child medical records were reviewed. Interdisciplinary assessments were conducted for 108/134 (81%) children. FAS/pFAS prevalence was determined using modified Canadian diagnostic guidelines.

RESULTS

In 127 pregnancies, alcohol was used in 55%. FAS or pFAS was diagnosed in 13/108 children, a prevalence of 120 per 1000 (95% confidence interval 70-196). Prenatal alcohol exposure was confirmed for all children with FAS/pFAS, 80% in the first trimester and 50% throughout pregnancy. Ten of 13 mothers had Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores and all drank at a high-risk level. Of children with FAS/pFAS, 69% had microcephaly, 85% had weight deficiency and all had facial dysmorphology and central nervous system abnormality/impairment in three to eight domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The population prevalence of FAS/pFAS in remote Aboriginal communities of the Fitzroy Valley is the highest reported in Australia and similar to that reported in high-risk populations internationally. Results are likely to be generalisable to other age groups in the Fitzroy Valley and other remote Australian communities with high-risk alcohol use during pregnancy. Prevention of FAS/pFAS is an urgent public health challenge.

Improving forensic mental health care for Aboriginal Australians: challenges and opportunities

Mental illnesses constitute a major burden of disease in Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders (hereafter Aboriginal Australians), who are also overrepresented in the prison system. A legacy of colonization compounds such prevalence, and is further exacerbated by the persistence of racial discrimination and insensitivity across many sectors, including health. This research completed in a Western Australian forensic mental health setting identifies non-Aboriginal health professionals' support needs to deliver high-quality, culturally-safe care to Aboriginal patients. Data were collected from health professionals using an online survey and 10 semistructured interviews. Survey and interview results found that ongoing education was needed for staff to provide culturally-safe care, where Aboriginal knowledge, beliefs, and values were respected. The findings also support previous research linking Aboriginal health providers to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal patients. In a colonized country, such as Australia, education programmes that critically reflect on power relations privileging white Anglo-Australian cultural dominance and subjugating Aboriginal knowledge, beliefs, and values are important to identify factors promoting or compromising the care of Aboriginal patients and developing a deeper understanding of 'cultural safety' and its clinical application. Organizational commitment is needed to translate the findings to support non-Aboriginal health professionals deliver high-quality care to Aboriginal patients that is respectful of cultural differences.

Review of the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Indigenous Australians

The purpose of this review is to compare the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Australian DR prevalence data from 6 Indigenous studies (n = 2865) and 5 non-Indigenous studies (n = 9801) conducted between 1985 and 2013 were included for analysis. Estimated prevalence of any DR among Indigenous Australians with DM was 23.4% compared with 28.9% for non-Indigenous Australians (χ(2)  = 26.9, P < 0.001). In studies performed after 1990, a significantly higher rate of diabetic macular edema was found in Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous Australians with DM (7.6% versus 4.9%, χ(2)  = 6.67, P = 0.01). Although there are limitations in comparing these studies, one explanation for the observed data could be a model in which Indigenous Australians are relatively resistant to early stage DR, but with a subset progressing to sight threatening DR due to individual genetic and environmental susceptibility factors coupled with poor glycemic control.

Preventing a Cardiovascular Disease Epidemic among Indigenous Populations through Lifestyle Changes

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the driving force behind the discrepancy in life expectancy between indigenous and non-indigenous groups in many countries. Preceding CVD many indigenous groups exhibit a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors, including overweight-obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. In turn, modifiable lifestyle risk factors contribute to the development of this cluster of cardiometabolic conditions. Modifiable lifestyle risk factors include, but are not limited to, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. Notably, these metabolic and lifestyle risk factors are relatively simple to monitor and track. The current review will look at modifiable cardiometabolic (overweight-obesity, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure) and lifestyle (physical inactivity, poor nutrition, risky alcohol behavior, and cigarette smoking) risk factors among indigenous populations from Australia (Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders), New Zealand (Māori) and the United States (Native Americans). Discussion will focus on the causal relationship between modifiable lifestyle risk factors and cardiometabolic outcomes, as well as, simple measurements for tracking these risk factors.