Steve Doucette

Effects of Aerobic Training, Resistance Training, or Both on Percentage Body Fat and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Obese Adolescents: The Healthy Eating Aerobic and Resistance Training in Youth Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE Little evidence exists on which exercise modality is optimal for obese adolescents. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of aerobic training, resistance training, and combined training on percentage body fat in overweight and obese adolescents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Randomized, parallel-group clinical trial at community-based exercise facilities in Ottawa (Ontario) and Gatineau (Quebec), Canada, among previously inactive postpubertal adolescents aged 14 to 18 years (Tanner stage IV or V) with body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex or at or above the 85th percentile plus an additional diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular risk factor. INTERVENTIONS After a 4-week run-in period, 304 participants were randomized to the following 4 groups for 22 weeks: aerobic training (n = 75), resistance training (n = 78), combined aerobic and resistance training (n = 75), or nonexercising control (n = 76). All participants received dietary counseling, with a daily energy deficit of 250 kcal. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was percentage body fat measured by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 6 months. We hypothesized that aerobic training and resistance training would each yield greater decreases than the control and that combined training would cause greater decreases than aerobic or resistance training alone. RESULTS Decreases in percentage body fat were -0.3 (95% CI, -0.9 to 0.3) in the control group, -1.1 (95% CI, -1.7 to -0.5) in the aerobic training group (P = .06 vs controls), and -1.6 (95% CI, -2.2 to -1.0) in the resistance training group (P = .002 vs controls). The -1.4 (95% CI, -2.0 to -0.8) decrease in the combined training group did not differ significantly from that in the aerobic or resistance training group. Waist circumference changes were -0.2 (95% CI, -1.7 to 1.2) cm in the control group, -3.0 (95% CI, -4.4 to -1.6) cm in the aerobic group (P = .006 vs controls), -2.2 (95% CI -3.7 to -0.8) cm in the resistance training group (P = .048 vs controls), and -4.1 (95% CI, -5.5 to -2.7) cm in the combined training group. In per-protocol analyses (≥ 70% adherence), the combined training group had greater changes in percentage body fat (-2.4, 95% CI, -3.2 to -1.6) vs the aerobic group (-1.2; 95% CI, -2.0 to -0.5; P = .04 vs the combined group) but not the resistance group (-1.6; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.8). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Aerobic, resistance, and combined training reduced total body fat and waist circumference in obese adolescents. In more adherent participants, combined training may cause greater decreases than aerobic or resistance training alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00195858.

An Integrated Management Approach to Atrial Fibrillation.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia resulting in mortality and morbidity. Gaps in oral anticoagulation and education of patients regarding AF have been identified as areas that require improvement. Methods and Results A before‐and‐after study of 433 patients with newly diagnosed AF in the 3 emergency departments in Nova Scotia from January 1, 2011 until January 31, 2014 was performed. The “before” phase underwent the usual‐care pathway for AF management; the “after” phase was enrolled in a nurse‐run, physician‐supervised AF clinic. The primary outcome was a composite of death, cardiovascular hospitalization, and AF‐related emergency department visits. A propensity analysis was performed to account for differences in baseline characteristics. Results A total of 185 patients were enrolled into the usual‐care group, and 228 patients were enrolled in the AF clinic group. The mean age was 64±15 years and 44% were women. In a propensity‐matched analysis, the primary outcome occurred in 44 (26.2%) patients in the usual‐care group and 29 (17.3%) patients in the AF clinic group (odds ratio 0.71; 95% CI [0.59, 1]; P=0.049) at 12 months. Prescription of oral anticoagulation was increased in the CHADS 2 ≥2 group (88.4% in the AF clinic versus 58.5% in the usual‐care group, P<0.01). Conclusions Adoption of this integrated management approach for the burgeoning population of AF may provide an overall benefit to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Support for p63 expression as an adverse prognostic marker in Merkel cell carcinoma: report on a Canadian cohort

Recent evidence has invoked immunohistochemical expression of p63 in Merkel cell carcinoma as an adverse prognostic factor. Conflicting data led us to evaluate this. An Eastern Canadian cohort diagnosed between 1990 and 2012 was studied. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from pathology records and Provincial Cancer Registries. Pathological features were evaluated by the investigators. Merkel cell polyomavirus status was known in a subset of cases. Clinicopathological features were correlated with overall survival. The cohort consisted of 83 patients (mean age, 75.8 ± 11.7 years) with a male/female ratio of 1.24:1. In a mean follow-up period of 175 weeks (±177), 51 patients died (61.4%). Of several parameters examined, 6 showed significant adverse associations with survival on univariate analysis: age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05 [1.02-1.08]), clinical stage (III/IV versus I/II; HR, 2.24 [1.18-4.27]), tumor size (HR, 1.16 [1.05-1.28]), combined versus pure morphology (HR, 1.82 [1.04-3.18]), minimal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (HR, 2.23 [1.04-4.78]), and expression of p63 (positive in 49.4%; HR, 1.93 [1.09-3.43]). In the stage I/II subgroup, p63 expression was associated with a trend toward poor survival. On multivariate analysis, p63 expression was not significantly associated with reduced survival. Our data support existing evidence that p63 expression in Merkel cell carcinoma carries adverse implications for survival. That it was not an independent prognostic factor may be due to study size and/or its potential as a confounding variable with clinical stage. Of clinical importance is its association with a trend toward a poor outcome in early stage disease.

Use of Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in a Population-Based Cohort Is Associated With a Significant Survival Benefit

Background —Under-utilization of implantable defibrillators has been previously noted in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, as well as survivors of sudden cardiac death. We sought to determine utilization rates in a primary prevention ICD-eligible population and mortality in this group as compared to a group who had undergone implantation of this therapy. Methods and Results —A retrospective cohort of patients from April 1, 2006 until December 31, 2009 was used to define a primary-prevention ICD-eligible population. Two groups were compared based on ICD implantation (No ICD vs ICD). The primary outcome measure was mortality. Of 717 patients found to be potentially eligible for a primary prevention ICD, 116 (16%) were referred. The remaining cohort of 601 patients were compared to an existing cohort of primary prevention ICD patients (n=290). A significant survival benefit was associated with primary prevention ICD implantation (HR 0.46, 95%CI (0.33, 0.64), p<0.0001). When adjusted for prespecified variables known to be associated with overall mortality and propensity score, a similar survival benefit was seen (HR0.59, 95% CI(0.40, 0.87) p=0.01). Appropriate ICD therapy occurred in 26% of those in the ICD group, over a mean follow-up of 2.7 years. Conclusions —A significant mortality benefit was observed for patients who underwent primary prevention ICD implantation compared to those who did not. Vigilance is required to ensure that patients eligible for primary prevention ICDs are appropriately referred and assessed to allow such patients to benefit from this life-saving therapy.Background— Underuse of implantable defibrillators has been previously noted in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, as well as for survivors of sudden cardiac death. We sought to determine the utilization rates in a primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)–eligible population and mortality in this group compared with a group that had undergone implantation of this therapy. Methods and Results— A retrospective cohort of patients from April 1, 2006, to December 31, 2009, was used to define a primary prevention ICD-eligible population. Two groups were compared on the basis of ICD implantation (no-ICD versus ICD). The primary outcome measure was mortality. Of the 717 patients found to be potentially eligible for a primary prevention ICD, 116 (16%) were referred. The remaining cohort of 601 patients were compared with an existing cohort of primary prevention ICD patients (n=290). A significant survival benefit was associated with primary prevention ICD implantation (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% CI [0.33–0.64]; P<0.0001). When adjusted for prespecified variables known to be associated with overall mortality and propensity score, a similar survival benefit was seen (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI [0.40–0.87]; P=0.01). Appropriate ICD therapy occurred in 26% of those in the ICD group, during a mean follow-up of 2.7 years. Conclusions— A significant mortality benefit was observed for patients who underwent primary prevention ICD implantation compared with those who did not. Vigilance is required to ensure that patients eligible for primary prevention ICDs are appropriately referred and assessed to allow such patients to benefit from this life-saving therapy.

Utilization of Primary Prevention ICDs in a Population Based Cohort Is Associated with a Significant Survival Benefit

Background —Under-utilization of implantable defibrillators has been previously noted in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, as well as survivors of sudden cardiac death. We sought to determine utilization rates in a primary prevention ICD-eligible population and mortality in this group as compared to a group who had undergone implantation of this therapy. Methods and Results —A retrospective cohort of patients from April 1, 2006 until December 31, 2009 was used to define a primary-prevention ICD-eligible population. Two groups were compared based on ICD implantation (No ICD vs ICD). The primary outcome measure was mortality. Of 717 patients found to be potentially eligible for a primary prevention ICD, 116 (16%) were referred. The remaining cohort of 601 patients were compared to an existing cohort of primary prevention ICD patients (n=290). A significant survival benefit was associated with primary prevention ICD implantation (HR 0.46, 95%CI (0.33, 0.64), p<0.0001). When adjusted for prespecified variables known to be associated with overall mortality and propensity score, a similar survival benefit was seen (HR0.59, 95% CI(0.40, 0.87) p=0.01). Appropriate ICD therapy occurred in 26% of those in the ICD group, over a mean follow-up of 2.7 years. Conclusions —A significant mortality benefit was observed for patients who underwent primary prevention ICD implantation compared to those who did not. Vigilance is required to ensure that patients eligible for primary prevention ICDs are appropriately referred and assessed to allow such patients to benefit from this life-saving therapy.Background— Underuse of implantable defibrillators has been previously noted in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, as well as for survivors of sudden cardiac death. We sought to determine the utilization rates in a primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)–eligible population and mortality in this group compared with a group that had undergone implantation of this therapy. Methods and Results— A retrospective cohort of patients from April 1, 2006, to December 31, 2009, was used to define a primary prevention ICD-eligible population. Two groups were compared on the basis of ICD implantation (no-ICD versus ICD). The primary outcome measure was mortality. Of the 717 patients found to be potentially eligible for a primary prevention ICD, 116 (16%) were referred. The remaining cohort of 601 patients were compared with an existing cohort of primary prevention ICD patients (n=290). A significant survival benefit was associated with primary prevention ICD implantation (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% CI [0.33–0.64]; P<0.0001). When adjusted for prespecified variables known to be associated with overall mortality and propensity score, a similar survival benefit was seen (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI [0.40–0.87]; P=0.01). Appropriate ICD therapy occurred in 26% of those in the ICD group, during a mean follow-up of 2.7 years. Conclusions— A significant mortality benefit was observed for patients who underwent primary prevention ICD implantation compared with those who did not. Vigilance is required to ensure that patients eligible for primary prevention ICDs are appropriately referred and assessed to allow such patients to benefit from this life-saving therapy.

Body composition and energy intake — skeletal muscle mass is the strongest predictor of food intake in obese adolescents: The HEARTY trial

There has been renewed interest in examining the relationship between specific components of energy expenditure and the overall influence on energy intake (EI). The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis was to determine the strongest metabolic and anthropometric predictors of EI. It was hypothesized that resting metabolic rate (RMR) and skeletal muscle mass would be the strongest predictors of EI in a sample of overweight and obese adolescents. 304 post-pubertal adolescents (91 boys, 213 girls) aged 16.1 (±1.4) years with body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex OR at or above the 85th percentile plus an additional diabetes risk factor were measured for body weight, RMR (kcal/day) by indirect calorimetry, body composition by magnetic resonance imaging (fat free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass, fat mass (FM), and percentage body fat), and EI (kcal/day) using 3 day food records. Body weight, RMR, FFM, skeletal muscle mass, and FM were all significantly correlated with EI (p < 0.005). After adjusting the model for age, sex, height, and physical activity, only FFM (β = 21.9, p = 0.007) and skeletal muscle mass (β = 25.8, p = 0.02) remained as significant predictors of EI. FFM and skeletal muscle mass also predicted dietary protein and fat intake (p < 0.05), but not carbohydrate intake. In conclusion, with skeletal muscle mass being the best predictor of EI, our results support the hypothesis that the magnitude of the bodys lean tissue is related to absolute levels of EI in a sample of inactive adolescents with obesity.

Sellar Masses: An Epidemiological Study

BACKGROUND Sellar masses (SM) are mostly benign growths of pituitary or nonpituitary origin that are increasingly encountered in clinical practice. To date, no comprehensive population-based study has reported the epidemiology of SM from North America. AIM To determine the epidemiology of SM in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. METHODS Data from all pituitary-related referrals within the province were prospectively collected in interlinked computerized registries starting in November 2005. We conducted a retrospective analysis on all patients with SM seen within the province between November 2005 and December 2013. RESULTS A total of 1107 patients were identified, of which 1005 were alive and residing within the province. The mean age at presentation was 44.6±18 years, with an overall female preponderance (62%) and a population prevalence rate of 0.1%. Of patients with SM, 837 (83%) had pituitary adenomas and 168 (17%) had nonpituitary lesions. The relative prevalence and standardized incidence ratio, respectively, of various SM were: nonfunctioning adenomas (38.4%; 2.34), prolactinomas (34.3%; 2.22), Rathkes cyst (6.5%; 0.5), growth hormone-secreting adenomas (6.5%; 0.3), craniopharyngiomas (4.5%; 0.2), adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenomas (3.8%; 0.2), meningiomas (1.9%), and others (3.9%; 0.21). At presentation, 526 (52.3%) had masses ≥1 cm, 318 (31.6%) at <1 cm, and 11 (1.1%) had functioning pituitary adenomas without discernible tumor, whereas tumor size data were unavailable in 150 (14.9%) patients. The specific pathologies and their most common presenting features were: nonfunctioning adenoma (incidental, headaches, and vision loss), prolactinomas (galactorrhea, menstrual irregularity, and headache), growth hormone-secreting adenomas (enlarging extremities and sweating), adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenoma (easy bruising, muscle wasting, and weight gain) and nonpituitary lesions (incidental, headaches, and vision problems). Secondary hormonal deficiencies were common, ranging from 19.6% to 65.7%; secondary hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and growth hormone deficiencies constituted the majority of these abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest North American study to date to assess the epidemiology of SM in a large stable population. Given their significant prevalence in the general population, more studies are needed to evaluate the natural history of these masses and to help allocate appropriate resources for their management.

Screen time is independently associated with health-related quality of life in overweight and obese adolescents.

Excessive screen time and diminished health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) are greater problems for obese than nonobese adolescents, but no research has examined the relationship between these two variables. This study examined the association between screen time and HRQoL in overweight and obese adolescents.

Effects of aerobic training, resistance training, or both on psychological health in adolescents with obesity: The HEARTY randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of aerobic training, resistance training, and combined training on mood, body image, and self-esteem in adolescents with obesity. METHOD After a 4-week prerandomization treatment, 304 postpubertal adolescents (91 males, 213 females) with obesity ages 14-18 years were randomized to 1 of 4 groups for 22 weeks: aerobic training (n = 75), resistance training (n = 78), combined aerobic and resistance training (n = 75), or nonexercising control (n = 76). All participants received dietary counseling, with a daily energy deficit of 250 kcal. Mood was measured using the Brunel Mood Scale. Body image was assessed using the Multiple Body Self-Relations Questionnaire, and physical self-perceptions and global self-esteem were measured using the Harter Physical Self-Perceptions Questionnaire. RESULTS Median adherence was 62%, 56%, and 64% in aerobic, resistance, and combined training, respectively. Resistance and combined training produced greater improvements than control on vigor, and resistance training reduced depressive symptoms. All groups improved on body image and physical self-perceptions, but combined showed greater increases than control on perceived physical conditioning, while only resistance training showed greater increases than controls on global self-esteem. Both combined and resistance training demonstrated greater increases in perceived strength than control. Psychological benefits were more related to better adherence and reductions in body fat than changes in strength or fitness. CONCLUSION Resistance training, alone or in combination with aerobic training, may provide psychological benefits in adolescents with overweight or obesity, and therefore could be an alternative to aerobic training for some individuals in the biological and psychological management of adolescent obesity.

Postintubation hypotension in intensive care unit patients: A multicenter cohort study.

PURPOSE To determine the incidence of postintubation hypotension (PIH) and associated outcomes in critically ill patients requiring endotracheal intubation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records were reviewed for 479 consecutive critically ill adult patients who required intubation by an intensive care unit (ICU) service at 1 of 4 academic tertiary care hospitals. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of PIH. Secondary outcome measures included mortality, ICU length of stay, requirement for renal replacement therapy, and a composite end point consisting of overall mortality, ICU length of stay greater than 14 days, duration of mechanical ventilation longer than 7 days, and renal replacement therapy requirement. RESULTS Overall, the incidence of PIH among ICU patients requiring intubation was 46% (218/479 patients). On univariate analysis, patients who developed PIH had increased ICU mortality (37% PIH vs 28% no PIH, P = .049) and overall mortality (39% PIH vs 30% no PIH, P = .045). After adjusting for important risk factors, development of PIH was associated with the composite end point of major morbidity and mortality (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.07; P = .0017). CONCLUSIONS The development of PIH is common in ICU patients requiring emergency airway control and is associated with poor patient outcomes.