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IntroductionWith more than 370,000 military and civilian personnel stationed across Pacific Command (PACOM), medical evacuation in this largest command presents unique challenges. The authors describe medical evacuations analyzed from the U.S. Air Force Transportation Command Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System (TRAC2ES) in PACOM.Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all TRAC2ES medical records for medical evacuations of adult patients from the PACOM theater of operations conducted between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018. We abstracted free text data entry in TRAC2ES to characterize the diagnoses requiring patient movement. Data are presented using descriptive statistics.ResultsDuring this 11-year period, 3,328 PACOM TRAC2ES encounters met inclusion criteria. Of these evacuations, 65.8% were male and were comprised mostly of active duty military (1,600, 48.1%) and U.S. civilians (1,706, 51.3%). Most transports originated in Japan (1,210 transports, 36.4%) or Guam (924 transports, 27.8%) with Hawaii (1,278 transports, 38.4%) as the most frequent destination. The majority of evacuations were routine (72.5%) with only 4.9% urgent evacuations. Medical conditions (2,905 transports, 87%) accounted for the largest proportion of transports, surpassing injuries (442 transports, 13%). The most common reasons for medical transports were behavioral health (671 transports, 20.2%) and cardiovascular disease (505 transports, 15.1%).ConclusionsThe majority of medical evacuations in PACOM were because of medical illness with routine precedence category, mirroring the largely noncombat operations occurring across this large area.

Introduction Hyperglycemia is common in patients admitted to Italian medical/geriatric units and is associated with a poorer outcome. We tested the significance of diabetes and stress-induced hyperglycemia in clinical outcome. Materials and Methods Three hundred seventy-eight consecutive patients with hyperglycemia at entry (≥ 126 mg/dl) (206 without known diabetes) were included, with a wide range of underlying diseases requiring hospital admission and independent of the presence of diabetes. Relative hyperglycemia was calculated as admission glucose divided by average glucose, estimated based of glycosylated hemoglobin. Values ≥ 1.20 were considered indicative of stress hyperglycemia (SHR). The association of SHR with outcome variables (all-cause complications, infections, non-infectious events, deaths) was tested by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sex, BMI, age-adjusted comorbidities (Charlson index) and known diabetes. Results During hospital stay, one or more events were registered in 96 patients (25.4%); 44 patients died in hospital, and fatality rate was borderline higher in patients without diabetes (14.6% vs. 8.1% in diabetes; P = 0.052) and nearly three times higher in patients with stress hyperglycemia (15.0%) vs. those with SHR

Objectives: To evaluate the principal risk factors associated with development of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Case control study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital Karachi, from Jan to Dec 2019. Methodology: All pregnant women with symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy confirmed on history, examination and investigations were included. A comparison cohort of pregnant women with neither hepatobiliary nor medical illness associated with pregnancy was selected. Comparison of risk factors was done between both the groups. Results: Out of 6932 obstetric patients, 90 (1.29%) had intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Pruritis was cardinal symptoms in all (100%) the patients followed by excoriation marks (75.55%). Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was significantly found in women with multiple pregnancy (OR=1.81; 95% CI 0.51-6.42), antecedent intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (OR=36.81; 95% CI 8.53-158.79), family history of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (OR=17.80; 95% CI 2.29-137.91) and history of pruritis with obstetric cholestasis of pregnancy use (OR=16.25; 95% CI 0.91-289.08). Conclusion: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was observed in less than two percent cases. Risk of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was found to be increased with multiple pregnancies, antecedent intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, family history of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and history of pruritis with prior obstetric cholestasis of pregnancy use.

Health tourism has hundreds of years of history, most notably in visitors traveling to thermal baths. Medical tourism, a type of health tourism, has rapidly expanded in the last quarter century by patients travelling abroad to health centers for medical treatment. Because of lack of records in ancient times, the history of tourism for actual medical treatment is unknown. In Ottoman archives, medical treatment consent forms of patients were officially documented. We analyzed these existing records to identify foreign citizens who came to the Ottoman Empire for medical treatment. In our screening of Konya Şer'iye registration records, we found medical consent forms for three non-Ottoman foreign citizens. All three patients had the same medical illness and came to Konya for medical treatment. Therefore we emphasized that those patients searched for the name of doctor who was an authority on that illness. This study indicates that medical tourism may have occurred well before the 20th century.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition of chronic widespread pain (CWP) that can occur throughout the life cycle and is likely underrecognized in older patients. FM is associated with considerable suffering and reduction in quality of life and may occur as a unique condition, but in older patients is most likely to be associated with another medical illness. Understood mechanistically to be a sensitization of the nervous system, recently identified as nociplastic pain, FM is accepted as a valid medical illness that requires a positive diagnosis and directed treatments. The cornerstone of treatments for FM are nonpharmacologic interventions, with the understanding that medications provide only modest benefit for most patients, and with particular concern about adverse effects in older patients. If FM is not recognized, treatments may be misdirected to the other medical condition, with failure to address FM symptoms, leading to overall poor outcome. In contrast, new complaints in older patients should not immediately be attributed to FM, and physicians should be vigilant to ensure that onset of a new illness is not ignored. As FM is most often a lifelong condition, patients should be encouraged to identify their own personal strategies that can attenuate symptoms, especially when symptoms flare. Continued life participation should be the outcome goal.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often detected during hospitalisation for surgery or medical illness and is often assumed to be due to the acute condition. Methods The Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Evaluation in Pacemaker Patients and the Atrial Fibrillation Reduction Atrial Pacing Trial (ASSERT) study enrolled patients ≥ 65 years old without AF. Pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators recorded device-detected AF. We identified participants who were hospitalised and compared the prevalence of AF before and after hospitalisation. Results Among 2580 participants, 436 (16.9%) had a surgical or medical hospitalisation. In the 30 days following a first hospitalisation, 43 participants (9.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.2%-13.1%) had > 6 minutes of device-detected AF; 20 (4.6%, 95% CI 2.8%-7.0%) had > 6 hours. More participants had AF > 6 minutes in the 30 days following hospitalisation compared with the period 30-60 days before hospitalisation (9.9% vs 4.4%; P 6 hours (4.6% vs 2.3%, P = 0.03). Roughly half of participants with device-detected AF in the 30 days following hospitalisation had at least 1 episode of the same duration in the 6 months before (50% [95% CI 31.3%-68.7%] for > 6 min; 68.8% [95% CI 41.3%-89.0%] for > 6 h). Those with AF in the 30 days following hospitalisation were more likely to have had AF in the past (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 7.2, 95% CI 3.2-15.8 for > 6 min; adjusted OR 32.6, 95% CI 10.3-103.4 for > 6 h). Conclusions The prevalence of device-detected AF increases around the time of hospitalisation for noncardiac surgery or medical illness. About half of patients with AF around the time of hospitalisation previously had similar episodes.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 enforced prolonged training disruption and shortened competitive season, on in-season injury and illness rates. Injury incidence and percent proportion was calculated for the 2020 elite men’s senior domestic cricket season and compared to a historical average from five previous regular seasons (2015 to 2019 inclusive). The injury profile for the shortened 2020 season was generally equivalent to what would be expected in a regular season, except for a significant increase in medical illness as a proportion of time loss (17% compared to historic average of 6%) and in-season days lost (9% compared to historic average of 3%) due to COVID-19 related instances (most notably precautionary isolation due to contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case). There was a significant increase in the proportion of in-season days lost to thigh injuries (24% compared to 9%) and a significant decrease in the proportion of days lost to hand (4% compared to 12%) and lumbar spine (7% compared to 21%) injuries. These findings enhance understanding of the impact prolonged period of training disruption and shortened season can have on cricket injuries and the challenges faced by practitioners under such circumstances.

Millions of Americans experience sadness, fatigue, and sleeping difficulty. These symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of depression, which the American Psychiatric Association (APA) categorizes as a serious medical illness. Treatments include pharmacotherapy and/or counseling, with varying outcomes. Anecdotally, positive outcomes are seen in adults with depressive symptoms seeking Biblical counseling (BC) that uses the Judeo-Christian Bible as its foundation; so, this project explored such a program. The project included a retrospective chart review and a pilot study introducing the use of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R) to identify and track depressive symptoms. Findings support further investigation into BC as a viable option.

BACKGROUND Structured advance care planning (ACP) program is an important service in the end-of-life care for patients with advanced medical illness. We pioneered a structured and coordinated ACP program for patients with advanced malignancies and end-stage organ failure in Hong Kong. This study investigated the impact of a structured ACP program on the concordance rate for patients' final wishes, patient/family satisfaction, and the number of acute admissions (AA) and length of stay (LOS) in hospital. METHODS Patients with advanced malignancy or end-stage organ failure who were able to complete ACP forms during the current admission to medical units were recruited. Patients who could not complete ACP forms or

Introduction: Primary care practitioners and travel medicine physicians are primarily responsible for identifying individuals who may be unfit for overseas travel and consulting with them pre-travel. Pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory conditions and diabetes mellitus (DM) have the potential to complicate travel journeys. A considerable percentage of travel-associated illness may be due to the decompensation of a pre-existing medical condition. This review seeks to address the challenges faced by travellers with each of these conditions, including recently updated and evidence-based practical approaches for travel with comorbidities. Methods: Sources for this review were identified through searches of PubMed/Google Scholar for materials published between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2019, using combinations of search terms. Results: The volume of literature on travelling with a pre-existing condition exploded with more than 865 associated articles indexed on the PubMed alone as of March 2020. After screening titles, abstracts and, in some cases, the full text version of indexed articles, 121 articles were deemed relevant to the subject matter of this review. Conclusion: Rational approaches to pre-planning for travel with a medical condition will contribute to the prevention of problems while in transit as well as when at the travel destination. It is imperative for health care providers to be aware of the preventative measures and current recommendations that should be taken before and during travel to protect individuals with a chronic illness. Further research and studies should be directed to protect this vulnerable group of travellers.

Obesity is not only a medical illness but also a cosmetic problem. Obesity can be defined by the BMI index, which is not very accurate. The ABSI index, which includes BMI, the person’s waist circumference, and their height may be used to more accurately determine obesity. Time is very important in saving people's lives, especially in emergencies. The rescue time for obese people is even longer — often much longer — than for other disabled people. This is because more rescuers are needed, problems arise when they have to go through the door or go up and down stairs. For the evacuation of obese people, evacuation pads located under the mattress are often used. Evacuation pads are used, for example, by hospitals or social service homes. Evacuation pads are designed for use by nurses, other emergency staff, or caretakers. In this exercise, four people were used – two nurses and two firemen. To find out the advantages and disadvantages of the evacuation pad, we performed a tactical exercise. During the tactical exercise, the victim was evacuated by a single nurse, then by two nurses. After that, the victim was rescued by one firefighter and then two firefighters. This research is relevant to aspects of the rescue of immobile obese people with a special evacuation aid. It demonstrates the advantages and disadvantages of an evacuation pad based on actual tactical rescue exercises.

The present study is aimed to study and analyze the true and pseudo Cholinesterase levels in the subjects exposed to pesticides during short term by intentional or accidental intake and long term exposure due to their occupation were studied at Department of Biochemistry, SVS medical college and hospital mahbubnagar district. Whole blood cholinesterase levels and Pseudo cholinesterase levels were estimated. 150 people were taken as controls who had no medical illness and a total number of 300 cases of pesticide poisoning were selected, aged between 20 to 55 years, which consist of 150 acute poisoning and 150 chronic poisoning subjects in Mahbubnagar district, were taken as case study, the detailed case history and the type of organophosphorus pesticide taken were recorded. Mean and standard deviation (S.D) of all variables were calculated and compared with those of controls. Statistical significance was assessed and P-value

A 68-year-old Malay male with no known medical illness presented with progressive growth of right conjunctival mass over a few months. Anterior segment examination of the right eye showed an inferior perilimbal elevated gelatinous conjunctival mass measuring 6 mm vertically x 14 mm horizontally with 360° corneal vascularisation. Excision biopsy and histopathological examination revealed areas of dysplastic cells involving the full epithelial thickness, suggestive of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia. The patient defaulted follow-up and presented later with recurrence involving the superior two-thirds of the cornea. Pulsed dosing of topical 5-fluorouracil 1% was initiated 4 times daily for a week with 21-day breaks for a total of 4 cycles. Regression of the lesion was noted after two cycles of 5-fluorouracil.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of preventable in-hospital mortality. Cancer is associated with an increased risk of VTE which is further compounded by acute hospitalization for medical illness. The absolute incidence of VTE of hospitalized cancer patients ranges between 2% and 17% but the rates vary considerably depending on the type of study, method of VTE surveillance and whether pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is administered. Complicating the interpretation of thromboprophylaxis trials is the paucity of reported data on the relative benefit of thromboprophylaxis relative to an increased risk of hemorrhage inherent to cancer patients. Efforts over the last decade have improved the rates of adherence to in-hospital pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis regimens. Whether these efforts also improve outcomes continues to be debated. In this review, the prevalence of VTE and hemorrhage in hospitalized cancer patients is presented in the context of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis data along with a discussion of emerging approaches towards VTE risk-adapted prescription of antithrombotics during hospitalization.

Objectives To determine for each basic, instrumental, and mobility activity after hospitalization for acute medical illness: (1) disability prevalence immediately before and monthly for 6 months after hospitalization; (2) disability incidence 1 month after hospitalization; and (3) recovery time from incident disability during months 2 to 6 after hospitalization. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting New Haven, Connecticut. Participants A total of 515 community-living persons, mean age 82.7 years, hospitalized for acute noncritical medical illness and alive within 1 month of hospital discharge. Measurements Disability was defined monthly for each basic (bathing, dressing, walking, transferring), instrumental (shopping, housework, meal preparation, taking medications, managing finances), and mobility activity (walking a quarter mile, climbing flight of stairs, lifting/carrying 10 pounds, driving) if help was needed to perform the activity or if a car was not driven in the prior month. Results Disability was common 1 and 6 months after hospitalization for activities frequently involved in leaving the home to access care including walking a quarter mile (prevalence 65% and 53%, respectively) and driving (65% and 61%). Disability was also common for activities involved in self-managing chronic health conditions including meal preparation (53% and 41%) and taking medications (41% and 31%). New disability was common and often prolonged. For example, 43% had new disability walking a quarter mile, and 30% had new disability taking medications, with mean recovery time of 1.9 months and 1.7 months, respectively. Findings were similar for the subgroup of persons residing at home (ie, not in a nursing home) at the first monthly follow-up interview after hospitalization. Conclusion Disability in specific functional activities important to leaving home to access care and self-managing health conditions is common, often new, and present for prolonged time periods after hospitalization for acute medical illness. Post-discharge care should support patients through extended periods of vulnerability beyond the immediate transitional period. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:486-495, 2020.

Background: Specialized home-based palliative care (HPC) services aim at reducing the number of visits to emergency departments (EDs) and hospitalizations at end of life. In addition, it offers patients the possibility to die at home. Objective: To investigate whether the last years' expansion of palliative care in Stockholm County, Sweden, reduced the health care resource use and/or increased the number of patients who died at home. Design: This is a population-based study of all registered 2780 patients referred to HPC in 2015 in the Stockholm region. The majority of the patients (2087) had cancer, but 693 patients had chronic medical illness, most often cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Results: HPC reduced visits to the ED and hospital admissions by 51% and 41%, respectively. The number of hospital admissions to the departments of oncology, medicine, and surgery was reduced, whereas admissions to palliative care units increased. For the 1773 patients alive after 90 days with HPC, the number of days spent in hospital reduced from 19,628 before HPC to 13,743 (30%) days with HPC. The most common place of death was at a specialized palliative care unit (48%), whereas 36% died at home. Conclusions: HPC reduced emergency health care resource use for the majority of patients, despite patients having progressing disease. To improve the quality of end-of-life care, we need to make early integration of palliative care available for a larger number of patients. In addition, we have to improve care pathways, especially for patients with gastrointestinal and lung cancer, who continued to be frequently admitted to hospital.

Objective: To describe applicability of The International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE) score to implement venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with medical illness in Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung. Methods: This study was descriptive, cross-sectional research from database was performed on December 2018. Inclusion criteria in this study were all patients hospitalized in Department of Internal Medicine, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in November 2018 with medical illness, which is patients with medical condition involves a more systemic, pharmaceutical approach to treatment. Exclusion criteria were surgical disease, which is requires some form of intervention such as surgery, also patients with incomplete medical record were excluded. Results: There were 162 patients (56% male and 44% female). Median age were higher in males compared to females (53 [18-76] vs. 49 [18-85]) years. Low-risk (score 4) for IMPROVE venous thromboembolism score were 77.2%, 17.3%, and 5.6% respectively. ). Low-risk (score 7) for IMPROVE bleeding score were 75.9% and 24.1% respectively. Medical thromboprophylaxis were given to 14.8% patients, with 91.7% and 8.3% of the patients received unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) respectively. Thromboprophylaxis was given in 88.9% of high-risk patients for venous thromboembolism. There were 18.7% patients with low-risk and 2.6% with high-risk for bleeding that received prophylaxis. Conclusion: The majority of inpatients treated with thromboprophylaxis had low-risk for both thromboembolism and bleeding. The rate of thromboprophylaxis usage was still low; with the most frequently used thromboprophylaxis agent was UFH. Most of high-risk patients for venous thromboembolism received thromboprophylaxis.

Prevalence and predictors of depression, a debilitating medical illness, are unknown among officers working in jails. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with jail officers at four facilities, utilizing age, ethnicity, gender, musculoskeletal back disorder, global physical health and mental health, and psychological well-being as predictor variables. Descriptive analyses detailed prevalence, and hierarchical regression models identified depression predictors. The prevalence of depression among jail officers was high and strongly influenced by job burnout over and above other health indicators. Mitigation of workplace stressors and identification of targeted interventions are needed to reduce risks for depression among jail officers.

Background Older adults living with heart failure (HF) in long-term care (LTC) experience frequent hospitalization. Using routinely available clinical information, we examined resident-level factors that precipitate hospitalization within 90 days of admission to LTC. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of older adults diagnosed with HF, who were admitted to LTC in Ontario, Canada, between 2011 and 2013. Multivariate logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations were developed to determine predictors of hospitalization in residents with HF. Results Entry to LTC from a hospital was the strongest predictor of future hospitalization (OR: 8.1, 95% CI: 7.1–9.3), followed by a score of three or greater on the Changes in Health, End-stage Signs and Symptoms scale, a measure of moderate to severe medical instability (O.R 4.2, 95% CI: 3.1–5.9). Other variables that increased the likelihood of hospitalization included being flagged as a high risk for falls, two or more physician visits, and increased monitoring for acute medical illness within 14 days of admission. Conclusion Our findings highlight that health instability and transitions from acute to LTC will increase the likelihood of transitioning back into the hospital setting. The identified predisposing factors suggest the need for targeted prevention strategies for those in high-risk groups.

Delirium superimposed on dementia is an acute medical illness that is difficult to diagnose because of the similarities of the symptoms to dementia. Delirium can contribute to the suffering of the patient as well as the family and caregiver. An initial holistic assessment of the patient is critical in establishing the cognitive baseline symptoms of delirium. Prevention of delirium can be assisted by ongoing reassessment of the patient for symptoms of delirium. The goal of treatment is to treat the underlying cause of the delirium.

Background Thromboprophylaxis extended after hospital discharge in medically ill patients currently is not recommended by practice guidelines because of uncertainty about the benefit for preventing major or fatal thromboembolic events, and the risk of bleeding. Methods and Results We assessed the benefit and risk of thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily extended for 25 to 45 days after hospitalization for preventing major thromboembolism in medically ill patients using the pooled data in 16 496 patients from 2 randomized trials, MARINER (Medically Ill Patient Assessment of Rivaroxaban Versus Placebo in Reducing Post‐Discharge Venous Thrombo‐Embolism Risk) and MAGELLAN (Multicenter, randomized, parallel‐group efficacy and safety study for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized medically ill patients comparing rivaroxaban with enoxaparin). The data from the MARINER trial were pooled with the data from the MAGELLAN trial in patients who were free of thrombotic or bleeding events up to the last dose of enoxaparin/placebo and who continued in the outpatient phase of thromboprophylaxis. The composite outcome of major thromboembolic events (symptomatic deep vein thrombosis, nonfatal pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and nonhemorrhagic stroke) and all‐cause mortality was used to assess benefit and was compared with the risk of the composite of fatal and critical site bleeding. The incidence of the composite efficacy outcome was 1.80% (148 of 8222 patients) in the rivaroxaban group, compared with 2.31% (191 of 8274 patients in the placebo group) (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.63–0.97], P =0.024). Fatal or critical site bleeding events were infrequent and occurred in P =0.214). Conclusions The results suggest a benefit for reducing major thromboembolic outcomes (number needed to treat: 197), with a favorable trade‐off to fatal or critical site bleeding (number needed to harm: 2045). Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifiers: NCT00571649 and NCT02111564.

As national populations age, demands on critical care services are expected to increase. In many healthcare settings, longitudinal trends indicate rising numbers and proportions of patients admitted to ICU who are older; elsewhere, including some parts of the UK, a decrease has raised concerns with regard to rationing according to age. Our aim was to investigate admission trends in Wales, where critical care capacity has not risen in the last decade. We used the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank to identify and characterise critical care admissions in patients aged ≥ 18 years from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017. We categorised 85,629 ICU admissions as youngest (18-64 years), older (65-79 years) and oldest (≥ 80 years). The oldest group accounted for 15% of admissions, the older age group 39% and the youngest group 46%. Relative to the national population, the incidence of admission rates per 10,000 population in the oldest group decreased significantly over the study period from 91.5/10,000 in 2008 to 77.5/10,000 (a relative decrease of 15%), and among the older group from 89.2/10,000 in 2008 to 75.3/10,000 in 2017 (a relative decrease of 16%). We observed significant decreases in admissions with high comorbidity (modified Charlson comorbidity index); increases in the proportion of older patients admitted who were considered 'fit' rather than frail (electronic frailty index); and decreases in admissions with a medical diagnosis. In contrast to other healthcare settings, capacity constraints and surgical imperatives appear to have contributed to a relative exclusion of older patients presenting with acute medical illness.

There are a million suicide deaths in the world annually, and 75% of these occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there are limited resources to prevent suicidal deaths in those regions. The aim was to assess the prevalence of suicidal behavior and associated factors among patients visiting for medical care at a health center and residents in the community. A comparative study was employed by interviewing 2,625 residents in the community and 1,363 patients at the health center about suicidal behavior in northwest Ethiopia, from March 2017 to February 2018. Logistic analysis was employed with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) and with p-value < 0.05. The total prevalence of suicidal behavior (ideation, plan, and attempt) was found to be 5.6% (with 95% CI range 5–6%). It was found to be 4.4% with 95% CI range 4–5% in residents and 7.9% with 95% CI range 6–9% in patients. Female sex, depressive symptoms, physical/verbal abuse, and feeling stigmatized were identified as a risk factors for suicidal behavior, whereas a healthy lifestyle, such as eating regular meals of fruits and vegetables, doing physical exercise regularly, and having public health insurance were identified as protective risk factors for suicidal behavior even after adjusting for being a patient or not. The proportion of suicidal behavior was double in patients compared with residents. Suicidal behavior should be assessed in patients who visit for medical help and integration of mental health service within the primary health care system is recommended, especially in low-income countries.

Background The global burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms become increasing, specifically accounts for high burden of morbidity among patients with medical conditions in low-income countries. The aim was to compare the level of anxiety and depressive symptoms in participants with general medical conditions and community residents in northwest Ethiopia. Methods Comparatively 2625 adults in the community and 1363 patients at health center in Mecha Demographic Surveillance and Field Research Center (MDSFRC) had interviewed. Level of anxiety and depressive symptoms was assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and logistic regression analysis was employed with corresponding adjusted OR (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) at p-value less than 0.05 declaration of significant. Results A higher prevalence of high-level anxiety and depressive symptoms, 12.6% with 95% CI; 11.0%, 14.0% and 10.1%, 95% CI; 8.0%, 12% were found among participants at health center compared to community residents, 6.8%, 95% CI; 7.0%, 8.0% and 5.2%, 95% CI; 4.0%, 6.0% at (p value < .0001), respectively. Social support, loss of a parent before age of 18 years, physical/verbal abuse, and having general medical conditions were significantly associated with both high-level anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, factors such as advanced age, perceived relative wealth, living alone, and having a family history of mental illness were associated with high-level of anxiety symptoms, but not with depressive symptoms. Conclusions Proportion of high-level of anxiety and depressive symptoms were found a two-fold higher in patients with medical condition than healthy residents in the community. Patients with medical illnesses should be assess for anxiety and depressive symptoms at health center.

Persistent pain in childhood and medical illness can be challenging to manage. The chapter has been revised to give a brief overview of the approach to pain management in some childhood diseases. Better understanding of the etiology of pain mechanisms guide the management of pain. In addition, an understanding of the pathophysiology of the underlying processes and utilizing a stepwise assessment and treatment approach is important. Discussion around the multifaceted approach to childhood pain management incorporating the understanding of the role and place of analgesics in managing these medical illnesses is outline. In addition, appropriate medication or analgesia prescription and the role of nonpharmacological approaches has been considered in this revision.

I percolate on germane themes and concepts before I write a film analysis, so when I was asked to review this film, I Googled “women,” “medical illness,” and “cinema.” Ninety-five percent of the hi...

Acute acalculous cholecystitis is usually seen in association with systemic medical illness, or after surgery, trauma or burn and is considered as a more severe disease than acute calculous cholecystitis. We recently had the opportunity of observing a patient who was admitted in a surgical emergency with clinical features of acute cholecystitis and was found to have Orientia tsutsugamushi infection after a strong clinical suspicion of acute tropical fever illness.

Integration of acute and palliative care services for long-term care (LTC) residents reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with avoidable hospitalizations while contributing to healthcare system sustainability. This paper explores patient, provider and system factors contributing to potentially avoidable emergency room visits from LTC homes, based on our clinical and quality improvement work in the Greater Toronto Area and Calgary, as well as reviews the existing literature. Commonalities are used to identify key elements for developing an integrated healthcare delivery system to manage acute medical changes in LTC residents and minimize the need for in-patient hospitalization.

Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) have been shown to promote wellbeing in individuals with medical illness, although it is still unknown whether certain patient characteristics make participants more likely to benefit from such interventions. The present study tested whether, using individual patient data across five published PPI studies (three single-arm proof-of-concept trials, one non-randomized controlled trial, and one randomized controlled trial) in medically-ill persons, sociodemographic or psychological factors predicted subsequent change in wellbeing. In 208 participants, lower baseline psychological wellbeing and optimism, and higher symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with greater improvement in psychological symptoms during the PPI. Other factors were unrelated to symptom changes. In a sub-analysis of controlled studies, there were no group differences in the relationship between baseline factors and changes in wellbeing from pre- to post-intervention. Findings suggest that patients with more severe psychiatric and/or medical comorbidity are no less likely to benefit from a PPI compared to those with higher levels of health, even though these programs do not directly target psychological distress. PPIs may be widely applicable to medical patients, with lower psychological wellbeing a potential predictor of increased benefit.

Acute medical illness requiring hospitalization usually is a critical event in the trajectory leading to disability in older adults. Functional decline frequently occurs during hospitalization, resulting in a loss of Independence in activities of daily living after discharge. The aim of the study was to assess the functional decline in different ADLs of hospitalized elderly patients in an Acute Care for Elderly (ACE) unit incorporating a body-worn inertial sensor and accompanying custom algorithms. 38 hospitalized older adults (age ≥ 75) were included. The patients completed different functional tasks, including a balance test, Gait Velocity Test (GVT), verbal and arithmetic dual-task gait, and a sit-to-stand ability test at admission and discharge. Movement-related parameters were acquired from a unique tri-axial inertial sensor unit. Maximal muscle strength and muscle power output endpoints were also assessed. The results indicated that significant improvements (p 0.05) were found at discharge compared with the admission values for gait variability and spatiotemporal parameters in the 4- and 6-meter GVT. These significant gains were also obtained in the verbal GVT. In contrast, a significant reduction was found in the functional status measured with the Barthel Index scale. Regarding to the sit-to-stand ability, lower peak power was observed in the sit-to-stand phase of the task at discharge. In conclusion, inertial sensor unit and our custom, validated, algorithms represent a feasible tool for measuring and monitoring functional trajectory during hospitalization in older adults and they are sensitive to detect differences in movement pattern parameters in different ADLs such as walking and the ability to stand from a seated position.

Objectives: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) incurs substantial costs to the UK National Health Service (NHS). Betrixaban is approved in the US for VTE prophylaxis with a recommended 35–42 days of treatment. This analysis modeled the budget impact of introducing betrixaban for extended-duration VTE prophylaxis in nonsurgical patients with acute medical illness at risk of VTE in the UK, where it is not yet licensed. Methods: The 5-year budget impact of introducing betrixaban into current prophylaxis (low molecular weight heparin and fondaparinux) was estimated for the UK NHS. The Phase 3 APEX study provided primary event (VTE, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and death; all-cause or VTE-related) and treatment complications data. Literature informed risk of recurrent events and long-term complications, population, market share, and costs for treatment and management of events. Network meta-analyses informed symptomatic DVT, pulmonary embolism and VTE-related death rates in fondaparinux patients. Deterministic sensitivity analyses explored uncertainty. Results: Introducing betrixaban accrued savings of £1,290,000-£23,000,000 in years 1–5. Savings were from reduced primary VTE events, which reduced recurrent events and future complications. All sensitivity analyses showed savings. Conclusion: Introducing extended-duration VTE prophylaxis with betrixaban in the UK would accrue substantial savings annually over the next 5 years compared to current prophylaxis. Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT01583218.

Depression is the leading contributor to the burden of disease worldwide. Stigma and negative attitudes to depression can act as barriers to treatment and to social inclusion. Understanding attitudes to depression and treatment has implications for individual outcomes and societal mental health.To explore public attitudes to, and management of depression, including lifestyle factors, medication, and psychotherapy.A nationally representative online population survey of Irish adults was conducted by RED C.Nine hundred ninety-one people completed the survey. The majority thought that depression was a medical illness (90%), was different to sadness or stress (89%), and that awareness of depression was increasing (89%), while stigma was reducing (69%). Self-reported lifetime depression rates were high and were significantly higher in younger people (18-34 yrs) (63% vs 55%, p = 0.017), and in urban areas (60% vs 44%, p 0.0001). Younger people were less likely to contact their GP (46% vs 61%, p = 0.034) and reported more stigma around antidepressants (ADTs) compared to older people ( 55 years) (74% vs 58%, p 0.0001). There were negative attitudes to ADTs and a preference for talking therapies and lifestyle changes. Males were more likely to hold negative attitudes to ADTs.Stigma around depression is reducing and public awareness is improving. However, the very high self-reported lifetime rates of depression may reflect milder forms or emotional/psychological distress, rather than clinical depression. Negative attitudes and stigma towards ADTs remains high. A collaborative, sustained effort is required to advance public appreciation of mood and its management, across the severity spectrum, in tandem with destigmatising the targeted use of ADTs.

EgeUn###, Objective Hereditary angioedema is a serious disease with unpredictable attacks. It has an impact on patients' health-related quality of life. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of the hereditary angioedema patients and to investigate the relationship between quality of life and demographic, clinical, laboratory, and psychiatric parameters. Method A semistructured face-to-face interview, Hamilton depression rating scale, and Hamilton anxiety rating scale were performed by a psychiatrist. Participants completed Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, Revised Form of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, and Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire. Patients' complement results were recorded, and clinical data obtained by interview were cross-checked from patients' files. Results In 33 hereditary angioedema patients, subscales of the Study Short Form-36, except for physical functioning, vitality, and mental health were significantly lower compared with population norms. Quality of life scores were found to be correlated with depression, anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, separation anxiety, perceived social support, perceived discrimination, perceived limitation, treatment naive C1-Inhibitor function, and C1q level. Physical role functioning scores were better in the patients using attenuated androgens (p = 0.006, t = -3.027). Hereditary angioedema contributed to the marital problems and childbearing decisions of the patients. Conclusion Hereditary angioedema results in significant impairment in quality of life of the patients and has an impact on family life and life style of the patients. In case of depressive and/or anxiety symptoms, patients should be referred to psychiatrists for better quality of life. Higher levels of C1-inhibitor function and C1q seem to correlate with better quality of life; these needs to be further studied.

OBJECTIVE: Many adults with serious mental illness exhibit significant medical illness burden and poor illness self-management. The present study examined Living Well, a group-based illness self-management intervention for adults with serious mental illness, co-facilitated by two providers, one who has lived experience with co-occurring mental health and medical conditions. METHODS: Adults with serious mental illness (N=242) were randomized to Living Well or an active control. Participants completed assessments of quality of life, health attitudes, self-management behaviors, and symptoms at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. Emergency room use was assessed via chart review. Mixed effects models examined group by time interactions on outcomes. RESULTS: In Living Well, compared to the control, there were greater improvements at post-treatment in mental health related quality of life (t=2.15, df=619, p=.032), self-management self-efficacy (t=4.10, df=622, p

A BSTRACT Background: ADHD is a neuro-behavioral disorder that is typically manifested during childhood and often persists into adulthood, it is a complex disorder influenced by many genes, genetic and environmental risk factors co-occurring in a non-random fashion. The MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism affects both nucleotide synthesis and DNA methylation, and is associated with reduced folate bioavailability and folate metabolites. Objectives: To assess the relationship between Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms (C667T) allele and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a sample of Egyptian children. Methodology: Out of 402 reviewed patients regularly attending the Psychiatric clinic, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Childhood - Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. According to criteria of inclusion and exclusion a sample of 30 ADHD children were enrolled in this study. The patients were selected by simple random sample during the period from January to August, 2015 with age ranged from 6- to 12-year old. A matching number of 30 healthy children with normal developmental and psychiatric evaluation, of comparable age and sex, were randomly recruited as a study control. MTHFR gene polymorphism (C677T) allele was investigated in the selected sample. Results: There was heterozygous advantage (Heterosis) regarding C677T allele genotype, a statistically significant association was found in control group compared to ADHD cases (p=0.0159). The ADHD group revealed statistically significant family history of medical illness (10%) and psychiatric illness (8.33%) (p=0.0248) compared to control group. Conclusions: The study found no association between ADHD phenotype and the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism in Egyptian children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There was positive link between ADHD and family history of medical and psychiatric illness. Keywords: MTHFR gene, C677T allele, genotype, phenotype, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). دراسه تأثير تعدد الأشکال الجينية للميثيلين تتراهيدروفولات المختزل في الأطفال ذوي اضطراب نقص الانتباه و فرط النشاط مستخلص: الخلفية العلمية: اضطراب فرط الحرکة ونقص الانتباه هو اضطراب سلوکي عصبي يظهر عادة أثناء الطفولة وغالبا ما يستمر إلى مرحلة البلوغ ، وهو اضطراب معقد يتأثر بالعديد من الجينات وکذلک عوامل الخطر الجينية والبيئية و التي غالبا تحدث بطريقة غير عشوائية. يؤثر تعدد أشکال الجين ميثيلين تيتراهيدروفولات للأليل C677T على تخليق کل من النوکليوتيدات ومثيلته من الحمض النووي و کذلک يرتبط بتقلص الحيوية في حمض الفوليک ومستقلبات الفولات. الأهداف: کان الغرض من هذه الدراسه هو تقييم العلاقة بين تعدد الأشکال الجيني (MTHFR) للميثيلين تيتراهيدروفولات (MTHFR) (C667T) و اضطراب فرط الحرکه وتشتت الانتباه (ADHD) في عينة من الأطفال المصريين. المنهجيه: تم فحص 402 من المرضى الذين کانوا يحضرون بانتظام عيادة الأمراض النفسية ، کلية الدراسات العليا للطفولة - جامعة عين شمس ، القاهرة ، مصر ، وفقا لمعايير الإدراج والاستبعاد قد تم تسجيل عينة من 30 طفلا من المصابين بحالات اضطراب فرط الحرکه و تشتت الانتباه في هذه الدراسة. تم اختيار المرضى بعينة عشوائية بسيطة خلال الفترة من يناير إلى أغسطس 2015 وکانت تتراوح اعمارهم بين 6 و 12 عاما. تم تسجيل عدد مماثل من 30 طفل بصحة جيدة و قد تم تقييم النمو الطبيعي والنفسي لديهم وهم في نفس العمر والجنس مقارنه بالحالات کمجموعه تحکم . تم الفحص و الأختبار للتحقق من تعدد أشکال الجين ميثيلين تيتراهيدروفولات للأليل C677T في العينة المحددة و عينه التحکم. النتائج: کانت هناک ميزة متغايرة (Heterosis) بخصوص النمط الوراثي للأليل C677T ، حيث قد وجد ارتباط ذو دلالة إحصائية في مجموعة التحکم مقارنة بحالات اضطراب فرط الحرکه و تشتت الانتباه ((P = 0.0159. کشفت مجموعة حالات فرط الحرکه و تشتت الانتباه عن تاريخ عائلي ذو دلالة إحصائية للأمراض الطبيه بنسبه 10% و کذلک الأمراض النفسية بنسبه 8.33 % (P = 0.0248) مقارنة مع مجموعة التحکم. الاستنتاجات: أظهرت الدراسة أنه لا يوجد ارتباط بين تعدد الأشکال الجيني للميثيلين تيتراهيدروفولات للأليل حالات فرط الحرکه و تشتت الانتباه في الاطفال المصريين محل الدراسه. وC677T الکلمات الدالة: اضطراب فرط الحرکة وتشتت الانتباه، النمط الظاهري، النمط الجيني، الجين ميثيلين تيتراهيدروفولات، الأليل

Aim To determine the relationship between salivary bacterial count and some oral lesions. Materials and methods This research was designed as a cross- sectional study assessing the mean bacterial count in the saliva of Nigerians in Ile-Ife who has no history of medical illness. Subjects were randomly selected from consenting staffs and students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Oral examinations were done and their saliva collected using spitting method. The bacterial count was determined in the laboratory by culture the bacteria after which the counting was done using colony counter. Data analysis was done using STATA 13 software. Results A total of sixty participants were recruited for the study, 41 males and 19 females, their mean age was 23.12+3.8 years. The mean salivary bacteria count among the participants was 8.41 × 108 + 1.06 × 109 per mL. The salivary bacterial count is highest among those with poor oral hygiene (1.89 × 109) and also increases with age. Males have a higher bacterial load compared to female. Subjects with periodontitis have the highest bacterial load and are significantly higher in patients with periodontitis in comparison with those who do not have periodontitis p = 0.03 Conclusion: Periodontitis is associated with the significantly higher salivary bacterial load. Male sex and increasing age were also associated with increased bacterial load in saliva. Clinical significance This study showed another potential role of saliva as a reliable diagnostic tool to monitor the severity of oral infections. It also showed the association between salivary bacterial count and some oral lesions further substantiating the possibility of using saliva to monitor disease progression and treatment responses.

Identifying high-value health care delivery for patients with clinically complex and high-cost conditions is important for future reimbursement models.The objective of this study was to assess the Medicare reimbursement savings of an established palliative care homebound program.This is a retrospective cohort study involving 50 participants enrolled in a palliative care homebound program and 95 propensity-matched control patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between September 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. Total Medicare reimbursement was compared in the year before enrollment with the year after enrollment for participants and controls.No significant differences were observed in demographic characteristics or prognostic indices between the two groups. Total Medicare reimbursement per program participant the year before program enrollment was $16,429 compared with $14,427 per control patient, resulting in $2004 higher charges per program patient. In 12 months after program enrollment, mean annual payment was $5783 per patient among participants and $22,031 per patient among the matched controls. In the second year, the intervention group had a decrease of $10,646 per patient; the control group had an increase of $7604 per patient. The difference between the participant group and control group was statistically significant (P 0.001) and favored the palliative care homebound program enrollees by $18,251 (95% CI, $11,268-$25,234).The Mayo Clinic Palliative Care Homebound Program reduced annual Medicare expenditures by $18,251 per program participant compared with matched control patients. This supports the role of home-based palliative medicine in delivering high-value care to high-risk older adults.

Objective: There is uncertainty about the incidence of and prognosis associated with atrial fibrillation that is documented for the first time in the setting of an acute stressor, such as surgery or medical illness. Our objective was to perform a systematic review of the incidence and long-term recurrence rates for atrial fibrillation occurring transiently with stress in the setting of acute medical illness. Data sources: Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central to September 2017. Study selection: We included retrospective and prospective observational studies, and randomised controlled trials. The population of interest included patients hospitalised for medical (i.e. non-surgical) illness who developed newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. Studies were included if they included data on either the incidence of atrial fibrillation or the rate of atrial fibrillation recurrence in atrial fibrillation occurring transiently with stress patients following hospital discharge. Data extraction: Two reviewers collected data independently and in duplicate. We characterised each study’s methodology for ascertainment of prior atrial fibrillation history, atrial fibrillation during hospitalisation and atrial fibrillation recurrence after hospital discharge. Data synthesis: Thirty-six studies reported the incidence of atrial fibrillation. Ten used a prospective design and included a period of continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Atrial fibrillation incidence ranged from 1% to 44%, which was too heterogeneous to justify meta-analysis ( I2=99%). In post-hoc meta-regression models, the use of continuous ECG monitoring explained 13% of the variance in atrial fibrillation incidence, while care in an intensive care unit explained none. Two studies reported the long-term rate of atrial fibrillation recurrence following atrial fibrillation occurring transiently with stress. Neither of these studies used prospective, systematic monitoring. Recurrence rates at 5 years ranged from 42% to 68%. Conclusions: The incidence of atrial fibrillation with medical illness may be as high as 44%, with higher estimates in reports using continuous ECG monitoring. Within 5 years following hospital discharge, atrial fibrillation recurrence is documented in approximately half of patients; however, the true rate may be higher. Protocol registration PROSPERO CRD42016043240

Atrial fibrillation is a common chronic disease seen in primary care offices, emergency departments, inpatient hospital services, and many subspecialty practices. Atrial fibrillation care is complicated and multifaceted, and, at various points, clinicians may see it as a consequence and cause of multi-morbidity, as a silent driver of stroke risk, as a bellwether of an acute medical illness, or as a primary rhythm disturbance that requires targeted treatment. Primary care physicians in particular must navigate these priorities, perspectives, and resources to meet the needs of individual patients. This includes judicious use of diagnostic testing, thoughtful use of novel therapeutic agents and procedures, and providing access to subspecialty expertise. This review explores the epidemiology, screening, and risk assessment of atrial fibrillation, as well as management of its symptoms (rate and various rhythm control options) and stroke risk (anticoagulation and other treatments), and offers a model for the integration of the components of atrial fibrillation care.

Background: The relationship between outcome and trigger in takotsubo syndrome (TTS) has been recently discussed, but the data are still limited. Methods and Results: We enrolled 745 consecutive patients with TTS from the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network registry. The patients were divided into 4 groups based on trigger: (1) medical illness, 202 (27%); (2) physical activity, trauma and injury, 54 (7%); (3) emotional trigger, 199 (27%); and (4) unidentifiable trigger, 290 (39%). Compared with other groups, the medical illness group had the lowest percentage of female patients (68%, 85%, 89%, and 79%, respectively; P

Patient safety advocacy involves avoiding, preventing, and amelioration of adverse outcomes or injuries caused by the process of healthcare rather than a patient's underlying medical illness. Intraoperative hypotension (IOH), a common morbid event, reduces perfusion to critical organs and tissues and has a wide incidence, depending on how it is defined. IOH has adverse intraoperative and postoperative consequences, which make its prevention important to improve patient outcomes. Certain populations have even greater consequences related to IOH, and clinicians must understand these risks. In this narrative review, we examine the risk of intraoperative hypotension in the oncological patient population.

ObjectivesThe United Arab Emirates responded to the SARS-COV-2 pandemic and widely implemented test-and-trace strategy. In this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study 531 subjects presenting for SARS-COV-2 testing were recruited to study population’s beliefs and choices regarding testing and were compared to 156 who never been tested.ResultsThe community uptake in Abu Dhabi Emirate reached 90% (average of 68% overall). In the great majority it was self-motivated as 6% only had doctor referral. Those who had not taken a test were younger in age (p < 0.001), more likely performing activities such as shopping and eating out (p = 0.001), have a medical illness (p < 0.0001), and working from home (p = 0.005). The tested group reported significantly more agreement with the statement, if someone had negative result no need to stay home or wear mask. In conclusion, SARS-COV-2 testing had extensive coverage and high acceptability in the UAE. Acting on concluded beliefs and attitude are key to ensure the testing coverage efficiency and public empowerment.

Introduction Appropriate prescribing of thromboprophylaxis according to guidelines’ recommendations can heighten over- or underutilization risk. The study intended to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of appropriate/inappropriate thromboprophylaxis use among hospitalized elderly medical patients. Methods A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted, including patients who were ≥60 years old, were hospitalized for an acute medical illness that required hospitalization in a medical ward for >48 hours, and received thromboprophylaxis. Against the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines, the thromboprophylaxis use appropriateness was assessed. Results A total of 370 patients met the inclusion criteria, in 71.9% of whom thromboprophylaxis use was appropriate. The mean age of the included patients was 75 years (±9.1), and 72.4% of them were at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and almost all these patients received appropriate thromboprophylaxis. The occurrence of bleeding was significantly higher in the appropriate use group during hospitalization than the inappropriate use group (11.7% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.009); the majority of these bleeding events were classified as major. There were no differences in VTE events during hospitalization or 90 days all-cause mortality between the two groups. Conclusion The study demonstrates high prescribers’ compliance with recommendations in high-risk patients. In patients at low risk for VTE, the overutilization of thromboprophylaxis did not increase their bleeding risk. This study suggests that the benefits of thromboprophylaxis in elderly patients, regardless of their VTE risk, may outweigh the risk of bleeding.

ObjectiveTo determine the association between PTSD symptoms due to prior trauma and prior trauma type with PTSD symptoms after suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodA consecutive sample of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) for suspected ACS were surveyed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of elevated ACS-related PTSD symptoms [PCL-S≥33] at 1-month associated with PTSD symptoms due to prior trauma and prior trauma type at the time of suspected ACS, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, depression, and etiology of ACS symptoms.ResultsOf 984 patients, 81.6% reported ≥1 prior trauma type and 22.5% reported PTSD symptoms due to prior trauma at the time of suspected ACS. One month later, 18.0% had ACS-related PTSD symptoms. Patients with versus without PTSD symptoms due to prior trauma at the time of the suspected ACS had increased odds of ACS-related PTSD symptoms one month later (42.1% vs 9.9%; aOR 4.49, 95% CI:3.05-6.60; p&nbsp

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rapidly spread around the world, resulting in massive medical morbidity and mortality and substantial mental health consequences. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an important psychiatric disorder associated with disasters, and many published scientific articles have reported post-traumatic stress syndromes in populations studied for COVID-19 mental health outcomes. American diagnostic criteria for PTSD have evolved across editions of the manual, and the current definition excludes naturally occurring medical illness (such as viral illness) as a qualifying trauma, ruling out this viral pandemic as the basis for a diagnosis of PTSD. This article provides an in-depth nosological consideration of the diagnosis of PTSD and critically examines three essential elements (trauma, exposure, and symptomatic response) of this diagnosis, specifically applying these concepts to the mental health outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current criteria for PTSD are unsatisfying for guiding the response to mental health consequences associated with this pandemic, and suggestions are made for addressing the conceptual diagnostic problems and designing research to resolve diagnostic uncertainties empirically. Options might be to revise the diagnostic criteria or consider categorization of COVID-19-related psychiatric syndromes as non-traumatic stressor-related syndromes or other psychiatric disorders.

Coping with any chronic illness is demanding, but there are many unique features of coping with chronic kidney disease. This chapter reviews the interrelationship between medical and psychiatric factors that influence patient’s adjustment to CKD, dialysis, and transplantation. The role of predisposing risk factors as a vulnerability to the development of negative reactions to medical illness is highlighted. Additionally, there is a review of the value of conceptual models in understanding why a particular patient might respond or behave in certain ways when faced with the stress of a chronic illness. Finally a model highlighting the confluence of pain, mood, sexual difficulty, and sleep dysfunction in patients with CKD is presented.

Comorbidity is a noun that describes the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions in a patient. It is a given that medical illness is common in psychiatric patients and that psychiatric pathology is common in medical conditions. In the following pages, we will attempt to provide a clinical approach to concomitant conditions, rather than a laundry list of diagnoses.