Hala Tamim

Prevalence and predictors of 6-month exclusive breastfeeding among Canadian women: a national survey

BackgroundIn spite of the evidence supporting the importance of breastfeeding during the first year of life, data on breastfeeding practices remain limited in Canada. The study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of 6-month exclusive breastfeeding among Canadian women.MethodsThe analysis was based on the Maternity Experience Survey targeting women aged ≥ 15 years who had singleton live births between February 2006 - May 2006 in the Canadian provinces and November 2005 - February 2006 in the territories. The main outcome was exclusive breastfeeding based on the World Health Organization definition. Socioeconomic, demographic, maternal, pregnancy and delivery related variables were considered for a multivariate logistic regression using stepwise modeling. Bootstrapping was performed to account for the complex sampling design.ResultsThe sample size in this study was 5,615 weighted to represent 66,810 Canadian women. While ever breastfeeding was 90.3%, the 6-month exclusive breastfeeding rate was 13.8%. Based on the regression model, having higher years of education, residing in the Northern territories and Western provinces, living with a partner, having had previous pregnancies, having lower pre-pregnancy body mass index and giving birth at older age were associated with increased likelihood of 6-month exclusive breastfeeding. Moreover, smoking during pregnancy, Caesarean birth, infants admission to the intensive care unit and maternal employment status before 6 months of infants age were negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers choosing to deliver at home were more likely to remain exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months (Odds Ratio: 5.29, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.95-9.46).ConclusionsThe 6-month exclusive breastfeeding rate is low in Canada. The study results constitute the basis for designing interventions that aim to bridge the gap between the current practices of breastfeeding and the World Health Organization recommendation.

Trauma center designation: Initial impact on trauma-related mortality

The movement towards trauma care regionalization in Québec was initiated in 1990, with formal designation of three level I trauma centers in 1993. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of trauma center designation on mortality. The study design is that of a two-cohort study, one assembled during 1987 when designation was not in effect, and the other during the first 5 months of designation. The study focuses on patients that fulfilled the following criteria: i) arrived alive at the hospital, and ii) were admitted. The outcome measures are adjusted mortality, and excess mortality as measured by the TRISS methodology. A total of 158 patients treated in 1987, and 288 treated in 1993, were identified. The mean age of the patients treated in 1993 was significantly higher (40.0, +/- 18.1), when compared with the 1987 group (30.9 +/- 18.1; p < 0.001). Patients in the 1987 cohort had a significantly higher proportion of injuries caused by stabbing (p = 0.02), and a significantly lower proportion caused by falls (p = 0.003). The 1987 cohort had a higher rate of abdominal injuries (p = 0.0001), and external injuries (p = 0.0001), and a significantly lower rate of head or neck injuries (p = 0.003), and injuries to the extremities (p = 0.0001). The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) for the 1987 cohort was 14.96 (+/- 12.36), and 15.49 (+/- 11.61) in 1993 (p = 0.65). The crude mortality rate was 20% for 1987, and 10% for 1993. The crude odds ratio for mortality in 1987 was 2.10 with 95% confidence intervals between 1.22 and 3.62 (p = 0.006).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ineffectiveness of on-site intravenous lines: is prehospital time the culprit?

The purpose of the present study was to test the association between on-site intravenous fluid replacement and mortality in patients with severe trauma. The effect of prehospital time on this association was also evaluated. The design was that of an observational quasi-experimental study comparing 217 patients who had on-site intravenous fluid replacement (IV group) with an equal number of matched patients for whom this intervention was not performed (no-IV group). The patients were individually matched on their Prehospital Index obtained at the scene and were included in the study if they had an on-site Prehospital Index score > 3 and were transported alive to the hospital. The outcome measure of interest was mortality because of injury. The patients in the IV group had a significantly lower mean age (37 vs. 45 years; p < 0.001) and higher incidence of injuries to the head or neck (46 vs. 32%; p = 0.004), chest (34 vs. 17%; p < 0.001), and abdomen (28 vs. 12%; p < 0.001). The IV group also had a higher proportion of patients injured by motor vehicle crashes (41 vs. 27%; p = 0.003), firearms (9 vs. 2%; p = 0.001), and stabbing (20 vs. 9%; p = 0.001). The rate of extremity injuries (38 vs. 59%; p < 0.001) and falls (12 vs. 40%; p < 0.001) was lower for the IV group. In addition, the mean Injury Severity Score was significantly higher for the IV group (15 vs. 9; p < 0.001). The mortality rates for the IV and no-IV groups were 23 and 6% (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for patient age, gender, Injury Severity Score, mechanism of injury, and prehospital time, the use of on-site intravenous fluid replacement was associated with a significant increase in the risk of mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3; 95% confidence interval = 1.02-5.28; p = 0.04). To further evaluate the effect of prehospital time on the association between on-site IV use and mortality, the analysis was repeated separately for the following time strata: 0 to 30 minutes, 31 to 60 minutes, and >60 minutes. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for these strata were 1.05 (0.08-14.53; p = 0.97), 3.38 (0.84-13.62; p = 0.08), and 8.40 (1.27-54.69; p = 0.03). These results show that for prehospital times of less than 30 minutes, the use of on-site intravenous fluid replacement provides no benefit, and that for longer times, this intervention is associated with significant increases in the risk of mortality. The results of this observational study have shown that the use of on-site intravenous fluid replacement is associated with an increase in mortality risk and that this association is exacerbated by, but is not solely the result of, increased prehospital times. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that early intravenous fluid replacement is harmful because it disrupts the normal physiologic response to severe bleeding. Although this evidence is against the implementation of on-site intravenous fluid replacement for severely injured patients, further studies including randomized controlled trials are required to provide a definitive answer to this question.

Higher potency statins and the risk of new diabetes: multicentre, observational study of administrative databases

Objective To evaluate the incremental increase in new onset diabetes from higher potency statins compared with lower potency statins when used for secondary prevention. Design Eight population based cohort studies and a meta-analysis. Setting Six Canadian provinces and two international databases from the UK and US. Participants 136 966 patients aged ≥40 years newly treated with statins between 1 January 1997 and 31 March 2011. Methods Within each cohort of patients newly prescribed a statin after hospitalisation for a major cardiovascular event or procedure, we performed as-treated, nested case-control analyses to compare diabetes incidence in users of higher potency statins with incidence in users of lower potency statins. Rate ratios of new diabetes events were estimated using conditional logistic regression on different lengths of exposure to higher potency versus lower potency statins; adjustment for confounding was achieved using high dimensional propensity scores. Meta-analytic methods were used to estimate overall effects across sites. Main outcome measures Hospitalisation for new onset diabetes, or a prescription for insulin or an oral antidiabetic drug. Results In the first two years of regular statin use, we observed a significant increase in the risk of new onset diabetes with higher potency statins compared with lower potency agents (rate ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.26). The risk increase seemed to be highest in the first four months of use (rate ratio 1.26, 1.07 to 1.47). Conclusions Higher potency statin use is associated with a moderate increase in the risk of new onset diabetes compared with lower potency statins in patients treated for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Clinicians should consider this risk when prescribing higher potency statins in secondary prevention patients.

Treatment of Vitamin B12 Deficiency after Gastric Surgery for Severe Obesity

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency after gastric surgery for obesity is due to a failure of separation of vitamin B12 from protein foodstuffs and to a failure of absorption of crystalline vitamin B12 in the presence of intrinsic factor. The purpose of this study was to determine which of four oral doses of crystalline vitamin B12 was most effective in treating vitamin B12 deficiency in 102 patients. Methods and Results: At time of entry into the study, the patients had a serum vitamin B12 < 100 pmol L −1, were 29.9 ± 21.7 months post-op, were 37 ± 8 years old and had a body mass index of 30 ± 6 kg m−2. Eight (8%) had had a vertical banded gastroplasty and 94 (92%) a gastric bypass. For the first 3 months all patients received 350 μg per day of crystalline vitamin B12 and all increased their serum vitamin B12 levels to over 100 pmol L−1. The patients were then assigned to receive for a further 3 month period one of four oral doses of crystalline vitamin B12-100 μg, 250 μg, 350 μg and 600 μg. Serum vitamin B12 levels were greater than 150 pmol L−1 after 6 months in 83.3% of patients who received 100 μg; 92.3% of patients who received 250 μg; 94.7% after 350 μg and 95.2% after 600 μg (p%0.525). Conclusion: At least 350 μg per day is the appropriate oral dose of crystalline vitamin B12 after gastric surgery for obesity to correct low serum vitamin B12 levels in 95% of patients.

Proton pump inhibitors and the risk of hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia: replicated cohort studies with meta-analysis

Objective Previous observational studies suggest that the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia (HCAP). However, the potential presence of confounding and protopathic biases limits the conclusions that can be drawn from these studies. Our objective was, therefore, to examine the risk of HCAP with PPIs prescribed prophylactically in new users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Design We formed eight restricted cohorts of new users of NSAIDs, aged ≥40 years, using a common protocol in eight databases (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, US MarketScan and the UKs General Practice Research Database (GPRD)). This specific patient population was studied to minimise bias due to unmeasured confounders. High-dimensional propensity scores were used to estimate site-specific adjusted ORs (aORs) for HCAP at 6 months in PPI patients compared with unexposed patients. Fixed-effects meta-analytic models were used to estimate overall effects across databases. Results Of the 4 238 504 new users of NSAIDs, 2.3% also started a PPI. The cumulative 6-month incidence of HCAP was 0.17% among patients prescribed PPIs and 0.12% in unexposed patients. After adjustment, PPIs were not associated with an increased risk of HCAP (aOR=1.05; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.25). Histamine-2 receptor antagonists yielded similar results (aOR=0.95, 95% CI  0.75 to 1.21). Conclusions Our study does not support the proposition of a pharmacological effect of gastric acid suppressors on the risk of HCAP.

Prevalence and characteristics of Postpartum Depression symptomatology among Canadian women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aims to look at the prevalence and characteristics of postpartum depression symptomatology (PPDS) among Canadian women. Studies have found that in developed countries, 10-15% of new mothers were affected by major postpartum depression. Mothers who suffer from postpartum depression may endure difficulties regarding their ability to cope with life events, as well as negative clinical implications for maternal-infant attachment.MethodsAn analysis based on 6,421 Canadian women, who had a live birth between 2005 and 2006 and were part of the Maternity Experience Survey (MES), was performed. PPDS was measured based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Various factors that assessed socio-economic status, demographic factors, and maternal characteristics were considered for the multinomial regression model.ResultsThe national prevalence of minor/major and major PPDS was found to be 8.46% and 8.69% respectively. A mothers stress level during pregnancy, the availability of support after pregnancy, and a prior diagnosis of depression were the characteristics that had the strongest significant association with the development of PPDS.ConclusionsA significant number of Canadian women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. Findings from this study may be useful to increase both the attainment of treatment and the rate at which it can be obtained among new mothers. Interventions should target those with the greatest risk of experiencing PPDS, specifically immigrant and adolescent mothers.

Intimate partner violence as a risk factor for postpartum depression among Canadian women in the Maternity Experience Survey

PURPOSE Intimate partner violence is a worldwide public health concern that predominantly affects women of reproductive age. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exposure to intimate partner violence before, during, or after pregnancy on postpartum depression in a nationally representative sample of Canadian women. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was performed with the use of data from the Maternity Experience Survey conducted by Statistics Canada in 2006. A population-based sample of 8542 women 15 years and older who delivered singleton live births was selected from all Canadian provinces and territories; of those, 6421 completed a computer-assisted telephone interview. Recent experiences with and threats of physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner were examined in relation to postpartum depression assessed through the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. RESULTS The prevalence of postpartum depression was 7.5% (95% confidence interval, 6.8-8.2). Controlling for confounders, odds of postpartum depression were significantly greater among women who reported partner violence in the past two years as opposed to those who did not (adjusted odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.45). CONCLUSIONS Intimate partner violence is positively associated with postpartum depression among Canadian women. Implications for healthcare practice are discussed.

Cervicovaginal coinfections with human papillomavirus and chlamydia trachomatis

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are the two most common sexually transmitted pathogens, and infection with either reportedly was associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women. In view of their similar mode of transmission, CT infection was examined as a possible HPV cofactor in the etiology of CIN disease. In total, 129 women were included in the study, of whom 80 were negative (mean age 34.17 +/- 6.9) and 49 were positive (mean age 33.16 +/- 6.8) for HPV DNA (assessed by PCR). CT DNA was determined in endocervical and first-catch urine specimens by PCR. Whereas HPV-positive and HPV-negative women were similar with respect to age (p = 0.419) and pregnancy outcomes (p = 0.628), the number of smokers (p = 0.001), women with multiple male sex partners (p = 0.002) or with abnormal cytology (p < 0.001) was higher in the HPV-positive group. There was an increase in CT infection rate in HPV-positive (29/49) as compared to HPV-negative (10/80) women (p < 0.01). Within HPV-positive patients, there was no significant difference between CT-positive and CT-negative patients with regards to the risk factors studied. Collectively, this suggests that CT infection is a cofactor of HPV in CIN disease development, possibly by modulating the hosts immunity and/or precipitation of chronic inflammation.

Household crowding index: a correlate of socioeconomic status and inter-pregnancy spacing in an urban setting

Objectives: This paper examines the effect of household crowding on inter-pregnancy spacing and its association with socioeconomic indicators, among parous mothers delivered in an urban environment. Design: Cross sectional survey. Methods: Sociodemographic data were obtained on 2466 parous women delivering at eight hospitals in Greater Beirut over a one year period. Statistical methodology comprised Pearson χ2 test and logistic regression analysis. Main results: A significant inverse relation was observed between household crowding and socioeconomic status, defined as education and occupation of women and their spouses. Inter-pregnancy spacing increased with higher levels of crowding. Further analysis suggested that this positive association was confounded by maternal demographic characteristics. Conclusions: These data have shown that household crowding, a correlate of low parental socioeconomic status, is associated with longer birth intervals. This association, however, seems to be largely explained by maternal age and parity.