Examining Early Childhood Health Outcomes of Children Born Late Preterm in Urban Manitoba

Objective The late preterm population [34–36 weeks gestational age (GA)] is known to incur increased morbidity in the infancy stage compared to the population born at term (39–41 weeks GA). This study aimed to examine the health of these children during their early childhood years, with specific attention to the role of socioeconomic status. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, including all live-born children born at 34–36 and 39–41 weeks GA in urban Manitoba between 2000 and 2005 (n?=?28,100). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of GA with early childhood morbidity after controlling for maternal, child and family level variables. Results The late preterm population was found to have significantly greater adjusted odds of lower respiratory tract infections in the preschool years (aOR?=?1.59 [1.24, 2.04]) and asthma at school age (aOR?=?1.33 [1.18, 1.47]) compared to the population born at term. The groups also differed in health care utilization at ages 4 (aOR?=?1.19 [1.06,1.34]) and 7 years (aOR?=?1.24 [1.09, 1.42]). Additional variables associated with poor outcomes suggest that social deprivation and GA simultaneously have a negative impact on early childhood development. Conclusions for Practice Adjustment for predictors of poor early childhood development, including socioeconomic status, were found to attenuate but not eliminate health differences between children born late preterm and children born at term. Poorer health outcomes that extend into childhood have implications for practice at the population level and suggest a need for further follow-up post discharge.     

The Use of a Brief Antenatal Lifestyle Education Intervention to Reduce Preterm Birth: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal and child mortality and morbidity worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between attending a brief antenatal lifestyle education seminar and preterm birth, and whether education timing modifies outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a hospital-based antenatal care center in Beijing, China, where a free, 2 h, optional, face-to-face, midwife-led group seminar on healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy was provided. Among the 3008 eligible women, 1107 (36.8%) attended the seminar during the first trimester, 515 (17.1%) attended during the second trimester or later, and 1386 (46.1%) did not attend. Multiparous women were more likely to not attend or to attend at a later stage. The overall prevalence of preterm birth was 8.7%, but it was higher for women who did not attend the antenatal seminar (11.5%). The risk of preterm birth for first trimester attendees decreased by 53%, and it decreased by 41% for later attendees. Estimates persisted after adjusting pre-existing and gestational covariates. Attending a brief antenatal lifestyle education seminar was associated with lower preterm birth risk, and attending during the first trimester had a better impact than later attendance. The results can inform the development of tailored preterm birth prevention strategies.     

Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women with Homozygous Hemoglobin E Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Homozygous hemoglobin E (HbE) disease is common, especially in Southeast Asia where the prevalence may be as high as nearly 1 % of pregnancies and it is usually associated with mild anemia. Nevertheless, the effects of the disease on pregnancy outcomes have never been explored. Objective To compare the obstetric adverse outcomes between singleton pregnancies complicated with HbE disease and normal controls. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study was undertaken by assessment of the database of maternal–fetal medicine units, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, from January 2000 to December 2014 to search for the records of pregnant women complicated by the disease. The records of low risk pregnancies were randomly selected as a control group with a ratio of 10:1. Pregnancies with underlying medical diseases or fetal abnormalities as well as those with no complete data were excluded. Result During the study period, 78 women with homozygous HbE disease (study group) and 780 normal controls were recruited. Most baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. The mean birth weight was significantly lower in the study group (2683 ± 627 vs 2925 ± 623 g, P = 0.001).The prevalence of fetal growth restriction was also significantly higher in the study group (13.2 vs 6.7 %, P = 0.040, relative risk 1.96; 95 % CI 1.04–3.69), whereas the rates of other outcomes such as preterm birth were comparable. Conclusion for Practice Homozygous HbE disease does not increase risk of common adverse pregnancy outcomes, but it significantly increases risk of fetal growth restriction, resulting in significantly lower mean birth weight.     

Nature or Nurture: A Systematic Review of the Effect of Socio-economic Status on the Developmental and Cognitive Outcomes of Children Born Preterm

The effect of socio-economic status (SES) on the cognitive outcome of preterm-born children is unknown. The objectives of this study were to systematically review the published literature and to report the strength and consistency of the effect of SES on the cognitive outcomes of preterm children, across different SES indicators. We conducted a literature search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Social Science Citation Index to identify English-language cohort or case–control studies published after 1990 that had reported the effect of at least one SES indicator on cognitive outcome in children born <37 weeks gestation. Fifteen studies (from a total 4,162 identified) were included. Thirteen SES indicators were evaluated [categorized as: “individual-level” (6 indicators), “family-structure” (3), “contextual” (2) and “composite” (2)]. Maternal educational level was the most frequently evaluated SES indicator (by 11/15 studies) and was most consistently associated with cognitive outcome. Maternal education below high school level was associated with severe cognitive deficiency [reported odds ratios (95 % CI) range: OR = 1.4 (1.0–1.9) to OR = 2.3 (1.2–4.5)]. A meta-analytic measure of the effect of SES was not calculated due to heterogeneity in studies. SES appears to confound the association between preterm birth and cognitive deficit and should be adjusted for in studies reporting cognitive outcome.     

Health Outcomes of Immigrants in Nursing Homes: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study in Ontario,Canada

ObjectiveOlder adults account for a significant portion of Canadian immigrants, yet characteristics and health outcomes of older immigrants in nursing homes have not been studied. We aimed to describe the prevalence of immigrants living in nursing homes, their characteristics, and their hospitalization and mortality rates compared to long-term residents in the first year of entry to nursing homes.DesignPopulation-based, retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative databases.Setting and ParticipantsWe assessed all incident admissions into publicly funded nursing homes in Ontario between April 2013 and March 2016. Immigrants were defined as those who arrived in Canada after 1985; long-term residents are those who arrived before 1985 or are Canadian-born.MethodsThe primary outcome was all-cause hospitalization and mortality rates within 1 year of nursing home entry. Nested Cox proportional hazards models were estimated to explore the associations of facility, demographic, and clinical characteristics to the primary outcomes.ResultsImmigrants comprised 4.4% of residents in Ontario's nursing homes, compared to 13.9% in the general population. The majority were from East and Southeast Asia (52.2%), and more than half (53.9%) had no competency in either official language on arrival in Canada. At the time of nursing home entry, immigrants were younger than long-term residents but had greater functional and cognitive impairments. Immigrants had a lower rate of mortality [hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51, 0.68; P < .001] but were more likely to be hospitalized (hazard ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.06, 1.23; P < .001). Adjusting for language ability, the effect of immigrant status on hospitalization was not statistically significant.Conclusions and ImplicationsDespite greater functional and cognitive impairments, immigrants in nursing homes had lower mortality than long-term residents, potentially reflecting the “healthy immigrant effect.” Inability to speak English was associated with increased risk of hospitalization, highlighting the need for strategies to overcome communication barriers.     

Ethno-Specific Risk Factors for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Findings from the Born in Bradford Cohort Study

Objectives Preterm birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA) are major causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Previous studies indicated a range of risk factors associated with these poor outcomes, including maternal psychosocial and economic wellbeing. This paper will explore a range of psycho-social and economic factors in an ethnically diverse population. Methods The UK’s Born in Bradford cohort study recruited pregnant women attending a routine antenatal appointment at 26–28 weeks’ gestation at the Bradford Royal Infirmary (2007–2010). This analysis includes 9680 women with singleton live births who completed the baseline questionnaire. Data regarding maternal socio-demographic and mental health were recorded. Outcome data were collected prospectively, and analysed using multivariate regression models. The primary outcomes measured were: PTB (<37 weeks’ gestation) and SGA (<10th customised centile). Results After adjustment for socio-demographic and medical factors, financial strain was associated with a 45 % increase in PTB (OR 1.45: 95 % CI 1.06–1.98). Contrary to expectation, maternal distress in Pakistani women was negatively associated with SGA (OR 0.65: CI 0.48–0.88). Obesity in White British women was protective for PTB (OR 0.67: CI 0.45–0.98). Previously recognized risk factors, such as smoking in pregnancy and hypertension, were confirmed. Conclusions This study confirms known risk factors for PTB and SGA, along with a new variable of interest, financial strain. It also reveals a difference in the risk factors between ethnicities. In order to develop appropriate targeted preventative strategies to improve perinatal outcome in disadvantaged groups, a greater understanding of ethno-specific risk factors is required.     

Micronutrients and Renal Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Micronutrients are essential in maintaining normal human physiology. Data regarding the association between micronutrients and renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are lacking. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 261 patients with CKD stages 1–5 and 30 subjects with normal renal function. Baseline serum zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), chromium, manganese, and copper, and laboratory tests were performed at enrolment. The primary endpoint was the presence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring long-term renal replacement therapy. Results: The median follow-up periods of renal and non-renal survivals were 67.78 and 29.03 months, respectively. Multiple linear regression showed that Zn and Se (β ± SE: 24.298 ± 8.616, p = 0.005; 60.316 ± 21.875, p = 0.006, respectively) levels were positively correlated with renal function. Time to ESRD was significantly longer for those with Zn levels ≥1287.24 ng/g and Se levels ≥189.28 ng/g (both p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis identified a higher Zn level as an independently negative predictor of ESRD after adjusting for renal function (hazard ratio, 0.450, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Serum Se and Zn concentrations are positively associated with renal function and better renal outcomes. A higher Zn concentration could independently predict better renal survival.     

Effects of Classic Ketogenic Diet in Children with Refractory Epilepsy: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Kingdom of Bahrain

Background: The classic ketogenic diet (cKD) has been used worldwide as an effective therapy for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. However, there have been no studies performed in Middle Eastern countries in order to assess the efficacy, side effects, predictors of cKD response and factors mostly associated with diet adherence. This study aims to assess the efficacy of cKD ratios of 4:1 and 3:1 and their influence on growth and biochemical parameters, particularly lipid profile and liver function tests (LFTs), and the factors most associated with diet adherence in a cohort of children with drug-resistant epilepsy in Bahrain. Methods: Baseline and follow-up data related to patients’ demographic and biochemical variables, epilepsy episodes, diet history and anthropometric measurements were retrieved for a total of 24 children treated with cKD in Bahrain. Results: After 6 months cKD initiation, 58.3% were positive responders with >50% seizure rate reduction, and 33.3% became seizure-free at 12 months. After 6 months of intervention with cKD, the level of triglycerides and albumin had a significant (p < 0.05) average increase over time of +1.47 mmol/L and 4.3 g/L, respectively. Although the median values of total cholesterol and alanine transaminase increased, respectively, following cKD initiation, the difference over time was not statistically significant. The mean z-scores for weight, height, and body mass index (or weight-for-length) did not change significantly at 12 months follow-up. cKD duration was the highest correlated variable with cKD efficacy (r = 0.76), which was followed by age at cKD initiation (r = 0.47). The cKD was discontinued by 14 patients (58.3%) during the first follow-up period (6 months), which was mainly due to inefficacy (n = 8), poor compliance (n = 3), food refusal (n = 1), achieved required efficacy (n = 1) and death (n = 1). Conclusions: cKD is an effective treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, and positive response to cKD was the main factor that increased adherence to the diet. Although long-term cKD could increase the risk of dyslipidemia and hepatic problems, it appears safe for children. Consequently, close monitoring and emphasis on healthy fats is of high priority.     

Prevalence,Outcomes, and Management of Enteral Tube Feeding Intolerance: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Center

Background: Enteral tube feeding (ETF) is the most common form of artificial feeding in hospitalized patients, and the development of intolerance (ETFI) is the most common complication. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ETFI, the clinical consequences, and the current management approach to ETFI in hospitalized adult patients. Materials and Methods: Adult patients receiving ETF were identified from a prospective database in the Nutrition Services at Auckland City Hospital. Further information was obtained by the review of clinical records for a 12‐month period, up to December 2014. Results: The prevalence of ETFI was 33% among 754 patients. ETFI more frequently occurred in the intensive care unit (P < .05). Patients with ETFI were less likely to reach their feeding goal rate (P < .01). Multivariate analysis showed that younger age, certain specialties, and acute mesenteric ischemia were independent predictors of ETFI (P < .05). The management of ETFI was highly variable. Medication was the most common treatment, while changes in the feeding protocol such as reducing infusion rate and stopping and changing the route of ETF were also frequently attempted. Conclusion: ETFI is a frequent problem in adult hospitalized patients receiving ETF, and it is associated with poor clinical outcomes such as inadequate nutrition and complications of feeding. While the pathophysiology is poorly understood, there also appears to be no standard evidence‐based treatment. Studies investigating the mechanisms and optimized management are therefore indicated.     

A Five Site Clostridium Perfringens Food-Borne Outbreak: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction

In May of 2012, we investigated a food-borne Clostridium perfringens outbreak in Slovenia involving a single kitchen and five venues, with 477 exposed persons.

Methods

In order to identify the causative agent, vehicle of infection and source of contamination, we conducted microbiological and environmental investigations and an analytical cohort study (n = 138).

Results

The case definition in the outbreak was met by 104 persons. Predominant symptoms were diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps. Median incubation time and duration of illness were 12 and 22.5 hours respectively. Stool samples were collected from 18 persons and in 13 C. perfringens spores were present; enterotoxin was detected in 9 persons. PCR and PFGE analysis of isolates from a cook with earlier onset time, who did not consume the implicated food, and cases from four venues showed the same strain of C. perfringens type A (with cpe-gene), indistinguishable by PFGE analysis. No food samples could be obtained. An analytical study showed that one food item (French salad) was the most likely vehicle of infection (RR: 6.35; 95% CI: 1.62–24.90).

Conclusions

This was the largest C. perfringens outbreak in Slovenia to date. Proper analytical study in combination with detailed laboratory investigation with genotypisation enabled us to identify a causative agent, vehicle of infection and possible source of contamination. Fast response and interdisciplinary collaboration led to timely implementation of control measures. These have led to the kitchen acquiring new equipment and improving staff knowledge of risks and processes, thus reducing the likelihood of future reoccurrences.     

木尘与癌症的回顾性队列研究

为了探讨木尘与癌症的关系，我们对某木综厂进行了回顾性队列研究，木尘组为该厂接触木尘者２３６２（男１７０７，女６５５）人，３３６７９人年，观察期１５年（１９７８．１．１．～１９９２．１２．３１．），非木尘组为本地某煤矿职工２５８７人，５４０４０人年，观察期２１年（１９７２．１．１．～１９９２．１２．３１．），并与当地居民的死亡率进行了比较。队列中全部癌症病人均为Ｉ～Ⅱ级诊断，木尘接触工人前３位的癌症分别是肺癌（３５．１％）、肝癌（１８．２％）和食道癌（１５．６％）。与非木尘组比较，木尘接触职工全癌、肺癌、肠癌、食道癌的标化死亡率分别为２４２．５２、７４．６２、４３．７８和４２．８２／１０万，ＲＲ分别为１．９８、４．０８、３．２３和２．８８，均有高度显著性差异（Ｐ＜０．０１）。全癌、肺癌、肠癌和白血病的ＳＭＲ分别为１５４．８、２１８．６、２８４．８和３５２．７（Ｐ＜０．０５或Ｐ＜０．０１）。提示木尘可能与肺癌、肠癌、食道癌、肝癌和白血病有一定关系。     

医院感染危险因素的回顾性队列研究

[目的]探讨综合性医院的医院感染发生状况及其危险因素。[方法]采用回顾性队列研究,按比例分层随机和系统随机方法抽取某三级医院2005年1 050例住院病人为研究对象进行研究。[结果]住院病人医院感染率8.4%(88/1 050);感染部位以下呼吸道为主(26.1%),其次是消化道和上呼吸道(25.0%和21.6%);院感率在高干病区最高46.7%(7/15)。年龄、性别、病区、总住院时间、感染前使用抗生素和介入性诊疗是院感的关联因素;logistic回归分析筛选出感染前使用抗生素、介入性诊疗、性别和病区是主要危险因素;感染前抗生素使用种数越多,发生院感危险性越大。[结论]感染前使用抗生素和介入性诊疗是医院感染的主要危险因素。严格把握抗生素应用指征、规范各类介入性诊疗操作,将有利于预防和控制住院病人发生医院感染。     

Mortality among Finnish Sea Pilots 1956 85: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The National Board of Navigation in Finland employed 942 seapilots in 1956–85, during which time 262 of them died(SMR = 77, 95% Cl = 68–86). The male population in southwestFinland served as control. The causes of deaths were collectedfrom death certificates. The mortality rate for all cardiovasculardiseases and lung cancer was lower among sea pilots than inthe comparison population (SMR = 83, 95% = Cl 69–97 andSMR = 67, 95% Cl 37–97) while for ischaemic heart diseases,it was similar to that of the population as a whole (SMR = 96,95% Cl = 77–115). Health selection due to ischaemic heartdisease was seen in the lower mortality rates among young pilotswho started work in 1956–85. Otherwise, the slightly higherrates may indicate a possibility of adverse health effects ofsea piloting.     

Predictors of Disease Progression in Early-Onset Alzheimer's Dementia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectivesEarly-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD), defined as onset of AD before the age of 65 years, is less common than the late-onset type, and little is known about the factors affecting disease progression. The aim of the study was to investigate factors influencing disease progression in people with EOAD.DesignRetrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsPeople with EOAD who were assessed and attended the specialist memory service at a university teaching hospital in a European setting, between 2000 and 2010.MeasuresSociodemographic details and clinical and cognitive assessments at initial assessment were used as potential predictors of change in clinical status and outcome at final follow-up within the memory service.ResultsOf the 101 people diagnosed with EOAD during this period, 96 patients were followed up (53 women; aged 59 ± 4.9 years; mean follow-up 36.3 ± 29.12 months). Patients were classified as Stable (n = 25) if continued within the memory service or discharged to primary care, and those transferred to other specialist services (n = 66) for further inputs, institutional care (n = 4), or died (n = 1) were classified as Worseners (n = 71). Lower education (P = .008), lower Cambridge Cognition Examination scores (P = .049), and presence of family history of dementia [P = .012, χ² (1) = 8.84] was associated with worse change in clinical status. Furthermore, cognitive deficits such as lower scores on comprehension, recent memory, and executive functions were found to predict a worse clinical outcome.Conclusions and ImplicationsIdentification of predictors of faster disease progression has significant clinical benefit, allowing clinicians to estimate prognosis and plan patient care accordingly.