Marine Alessandrini

A structural equation modelling approach to explore the determinants of quality of life in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyse the relationships among psychotic symptoms, depression, neurocognition and functioning as determinants of quality of life (QoL) in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated QoL with the Schizophrenia Quality of Life 18-item scale (S-QoL 18), neurocognition with multiple tests exploring memory, attention and executive functions, the severity of psychotic symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), depression with the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and functioning using the Functional Remission Of General Schizophrenia (FROGS) scale. We used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to describe the relationships among the severity of psychotic symptoms, depression, neurocognition, functioning and QoL. RESULTS Two hundred and seventy-one outpatients with schizophrenia participated in our study. SEM showed good fit with χ(2)/df=1.97, root mean square error of approximation=0.06, comparative fit index=0.93 and standardized root mean square residuals=0.05. This model revealed that depression was the most important feature associated with QoL, mainly for the self-esteem, autonomy and resilience dimensions (direct path coefficient=-0.46). The direct path between functioning and QoL was also significant (path coefficient=0.26). The severity of psychotic symptoms and neurocognitive impairment were weakly and indirectly associated with QoL via functioning (path coefficients=-0.18 and 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to a better understanding of the determinants of QoL in schizophrenia. Our findings should be considered in developing effective strategies for improving QoL among this population.

The Prevalence of Mental Disorders Among Children and Adolescents in the Child Welfare System: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

AbstractIt remains unclear whether children and adolescents in the child welfare system (CWS) exhibit a higher prevalence of mental disorders compared with the general population. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of mental disorders in the CWS.All of the epidemiological surveys assessing the prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents in the CWS were included. The pooled prevalence was estimated with random effect models. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression analyses.Eight studies provided prevalence estimates that were obtained from 3104 children and adolescents. Nearly 1 child or adolescent of every 2 (49%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 43–54) was identified as meeting criteria for a current mental disorder. The most common mental disorder was disruptive disorder (27%; 95% CI 20–34), including conduct disorder (20%; 95% CI 13–27) and oppositional defiant disorder (12%; 95% CI 10–14). The prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was estimated to be 11% (95% CI 6–15). The prevalence estimates of anxiety and depressive disorders were 18% (95% CI 12–24) and 11% (95% CI 7–15). Posttraumatic stress disorder had the lowest prevalence (4%; 95% CI 2–6).High prevalences of mental disorders in the CWS were reported, which highlights the need for the provision of qualified service. The substantial heterogeneity of our findings is indicative of the need for accurate epidemiological data to effectively guide public policy.

Quality of life is associated with chronic inflammation in schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study

Inflammation may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, the association between chronic inflammation and health outcomes in schizophrenia remains unclear, particularly for patient-reported outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and chronic inflammation assessed using C -Reactive Protein (CRP) in patients with schizophrenia. Two hundred and fifty six patients with schizophrenia were enrolled in this study. After adjusting for key socio-demographic and clinical confounding factors, patients with high levels of CRP (>3.0 mg/l) had a lower QoL than patients with normal CRP levels (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94–0.99). An investigation of the dimensions of QoL revealed that psychological well-being, physical well-being and sentimental life were the most salient features of QoL associated with CRP. Significant associations were found between lower educational level (OR = 4.15, 95% CI = 1.55–11.07), higher body mass index (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.06–1.28), higher Fagerström score (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.01–1.47) and high levels of CRP. After replications with longitudinal approaches, the association between QoL and chronic inflammation may offer interesting interventional prospects to act both on inflammation and QoL in patients with schizophrenia.

A score to predict the risk of emergency caesarean delivery in women with antepartum bleeding and placenta praevia.

OBJECTIVE To identify antenatal events associated with emergency caesarean sections in women presenting with antepartum bleeding and placenta praevia and to establish a score to predict the risk of emergency caesarean after a first bleeding episode has resolved. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective multicentre study included 250 women presenting with antepartum bleeding and placenta praevia from 20 weeks of gestation until term in three maternity units. The score was constructed from data from 163 women after identification of antenatal risk factors associated with emergency caesareans for profuse bleeding due to placenta praevia. It was validated on a second independent cohort of 87 women. RESULTS Three variables were significantly associated with emergency caesareans: major or complete praevia, defined as complete or partial praevia (OR=33.15 (95% CI 4.3-257); p=0.001), occurrence of 3 or more episodes of antepartum of uterine bleeding (OR=2.53 (95% CI 1.1-5.86); p=0.03), and a first (sentinel) bleeding episode before 29 weeks of gestation (OR=2.64 (95% CI 1.17-5.98); p=0.02). A fourth variable, moderate or severe antepartum uterine bleeding, was significantly associated with emergency caesareans in the univariate but not the multivariate analysis (p=0.006). These four variables were incorporated into a weighted scoring system that included major praevia (4 points), three or more episodes of antepartum bleeding (3), first bleeding episode before 29 weeks of gestation (3), and bleeding episode estimated as moderate or severe (1). A score ≥6/11 had a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 65% for predicting an emergency caesarean in the score development group and 95% and 62% in the validation group. CONCLUSION A scoring system for placenta praevia with previous bleeding events, based on intensity, gestational age at sentinel bleed (before 29 weeks), number of bleeding episodes (≥3) and type of praevia (major) might be helpful to guide obstetric management and especially to determine the need for admission.

Assessment of coping: a new french four-factor structure of the brief COPE inventory

BackgroundThe Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE) inventory is the most usual measure to identify the nature of coping strategies implemented by individuals and explore 14 coping strategies. The availability of a structure with fewer factors rather than the initial 14-factor structure may be of interest for both healthcare professionals and researchers. We report the validation process of a 4-factor structure of the French version of the Brief COPE in a French sample of individuals facing a singular life event, such as cancer, including patients and their caregivers.MethodsThe cross-sectional study included cancer patients and their caregivers. Self-administered data were collected including: socio-demographic (age, gender, marital status, employment status, and education level), coping strategies using the French version of the Brief COPE, quality of life (QoL) using the French version of the short form health survey questionnaire (SF36). Construct validity, internal consistency, reliability, and external validity were tested.ResultsThe sample included 398 individuals. The principal component factor analysis identified a 4-factor structure. The dimensions were labeled according to their constitutive items: social support (8 items), problem solving (4), avoidance (10), and positive thinking (6). The 4-factor structure was supported by different theoretical models of coping and showed satisfactory psychometric properties.ConclusionThe 4-factor structure of the French version of the Brief COPE, validated in a sample of individuals facing a singular stressful event, including cancer patients and their caregivers, makes the instrument easier to use both in clinical practice and clinical research.

Quality of life in minor siblings of childhood leukemia survivors, long‐term after diagnosis: A LEA study (for Leucemies de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent—childhood and adolescent leukemia)

The objectives of this study are to assess the quality of life (QoL) of siblings of childhood leukemia survivors in comparison with population controls and to identify determinants of siblings QoL.

Caregiver’s quality of life and its positive impact on symptomatology and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundAlthough the quality of life (QoL) experienced by patients with schizophrenia has been recognized, few studies have assessed the relationship between the caregivers’ QoL and patients’ QoL.MethodsThe study included 253 stabilized outpatients with schizophrenia and their caregivers from 3 Mental Health Services in Bolivia (N = 83), Chile (N = 85) and Peru (N = 85). Caregivers’ and patients’ QoL were respectively assessed using two specific QoL questionnaires (S-CGQoL and S-QoL 18). We collected socio-demographic information and clinical data. Multiple linear regressions were performed to determine which variables were associated with patient’s QoL. We tested the following hypothesis using structural equation modeling (SEM): caregivers’ QoL may have an indirect effect on patients’ QoL mediated by their influence of the severity of psychotic symptoms.ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, the caregivers’ QoL was not significantly associated with the patients’ QoL, except for one QoL dimension about relationship with family (Beta = 0.23). Among patients’ characteristics, being a woman and Aymara, having lower educational level, unemployment and severity of symptoms was significantly associated to a lower QoL. The SEM revealed a moderate significant association between caregivers’ QoL and psychotic symptoms severity (path coefficient = −0.32) and a significant association between psychotic symptoms severity and patients QoL (path coefficient = −0.40). The indirect effect of caregivers’ QoL on patients’ QoL was significant (mediated effect coefficient = 0.13).ConclusionImprovement of caregiver’s QoL may have a direct impact on the psychotic symptoms of patients and indirectly on patient’s QoL, confirming the need for ongoing family interventions in these regions.

Esophageal Motor Disorders Are a Strong and Independant Associated Factor of Barrett’s Esophagus

Background/Aims Esophageal motor disorder (EMD) has been shown to be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the association of EMD with a Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is controversial. Our objective was to evaluate whether the presence of EMD was an independent factor associated with BE. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted in GERD patients who all had oeso-gastroduodenal endoscopy and high-resolution esophageal manometry. The clinical data collected was known or potential risk factors for BE: male gender, smoking and alcohol consumption, age, body mass index, presence of hiatal hernia, frequency, and age of GERD. EMD were classified according to the Chicago classification into: ineffective motor syndrome, fragmented peristalsis and absence of peristalsis, lower esophageal sphincter hypotonia. Results Two hundred and one patients (101 in the GERD + BE group and 100 in the GERD without BE) were included. In univariate analysis, male gender, alcohol consumption, presence of hiatal hernia, and EMD appeared to be associated with the presence of BE. In a multivariate analysis, 3 independent factors were identified: the presence of EMD (odds ratio [OR], 3.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71–9.28; P = 0.001), the presence of hiatal hernia (OR, 5.60; 95% CI, 2.45–12.76; P < 0.001), Helicobacter pylori infection (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01–0.84; P = 0.035). Conclusions The presence of EMD (particularly ineffective motor syndrome and lower esophageal sphincter hypotonia) is a strong independent associated factor of BE. Searching systematically for an EMD in patients suffering from GERD could be a new strategy to organize the endoscopic follow-up.

Bioactive glass 45S5 ceramic for alveolar cleft reconstruction, about 58 cases

BACKGROUND Secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with clefts lip and palate is usually performed with iliac crest bone harvesting, however using bone substitute allow to avoid harvesting morbidity. The purpose of our study was to assess if the use of a bioactive glass ceramic is an acceptable alternative to iliac crest bone harvesting in alveolar clefts treatment. METHODS A prospective study including all patients who have benefited of alveolar grafting by GlassBONE™ (Noraker, France), a synthetic resorbable bioactive glass 45S5 ceramic was conducted. The patients underwent clinical assessments and imaging check-up by dental panoramic radiography and CBCT. RESULTS Fifty-eight graftings were performed. The mean age at the time of the graft was 7.6 years. Hospitalization, social eviction and antalgic consumption were reduced. Bone continuity was achieved in 63.8% of the cases. Bilateral cleft and dental agenesia increased grafting failure. In the subgroup of 25 patients with isolated unilateral cleft without dental agenesis, 80% had bone continuity at one year. We noted 10.3% of alveolar fistula recurrence. CONCLUSION The use of GlassBONE™ in alveolar grafts simplifies the surgery procedure and the postoperative management, and ensures satisfactory mucosal healing, tooth eruption and bone continuity in two thirds of the followed grafts.

Humor and Laughing: The Benefit of Hospital Clowns in Pediatrics for Hospitalized Children and their Families: A Review

Introduction: Laughter and humor have been reported as an effective way to achieve physiological and psychological health-related benefits to reduce pain and increase stress tolerance during medical evaluation and painful procedures. Objective: This literature review examines the effect of clown intervention in reducing anxiety, pain for pediatric patients before preoperative or during invasive medical procedures and evaluate methodological points used to assess the impact of clown intervention. Methods: The search via PubMed was conducted on publications from 2005 to 2016. All studies published in English, in French and in Spanish were included, focusing on clown therapy intervention visits for children less than 18 years present on the pediatrics services. We analyzed for each publication: population targeted, medical service categories, medical procedure, measurement tools for anxiety, pain and other clinical outcomes, data focused on methodological points including design and analysis of clinical trial, population size, sample size calculation and statistical analysis. Results: We selected 54 studies based on title relevance. After reading their abstracts we selected 28 publications, most were randomized prospective and controlled studies (n=18, 64%). The total studies sample was distributed considering the following children age groups: from 2 to 12-year-old (n=12, 43%), from 5 to 18 year-old (n=9, 32%) and from 0 to 18 year-old (n=7, 25%). The main result showed that the impact of clown intervention had a positive effect in clown group compared with control group. 10 studies showed the positive impact on reducing children’s anxiety and 7 studies on reducing parent’s anxiety before surgery. 5 studies described reduced pain perception during medical invasive procedure and/or postoperative period. This review provided some empirical evidences of the effect of clown interventions on anxiety and/or pain reduction in pediatric hospitals, and demonstrated that more evidence-based studies are needed in the future.