Treating fibromyalgia with mindfulness-based stress reduction: results from a 3-armed randomized controlled trial

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured 8-week group program teaching mindfulness meditation and mindful yoga exercises. MBSR aims to help participants develop nonjudgmental awareness of moment-to-moment experience. Fibromyalgia is a clinical syndrome with chronic pain, fatigue, and insomnia as major symptoms. Efficacy of MBSR for enhanced well-being of fibromyalgia patients was investigated in a 3-armed trial, which was a follow-up to an earlier quasi-randomized investigation. A total of 177 female patients were randomized to one of the following: (1) MBSR, (2) an active control procedure controlling for nonspecific effects of MBSR, or (3) a wait list. The major outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 2 months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes were disorder-specific quality of life, depression, pain, anxiety, somatic complaints, and a proposed index of mindfulness. Of the patients, 82% completed the study. There were no significant differences between groups on primary outcome, but patients overall improved in HRQoL at short-term follow-up (P = 0.004). Post hoc analyses showed that only MBSR manifested a significant pre-to-post-intervention improvement in HRQoL (P = 0.02). Furthermore, multivariate analysis of secondary measures indicated modest benefits for MBSR patients. MBSR yielded significant pre-to-post-intervention improvements in 6 of 8 secondary outcome variables, the active control in 3, and the wait list in 2. In conclusion, primary outcome analyses did not support the efficacy of MBSR in fibromyalgia, although patients in the MBSR arm appeared to benefit most. Effect sizes were small compared to the earlier, quasi-randomized investigation. Several methodological aspects are discussed, e.g., patient burden, treatment preference and motivation, that may provide explanations for differences.     

减重代谢术后患者居家自我管理障碍因素的质性研究

目的:探讨减重代谢术后患者居家自我管理的障碍因素,为构建减重代谢术后患者居家自我管理方案提供参考依据。方法:采用目的抽样法,于2021年2—3月选取上海市第十人民医院减重代谢中心的16例术后随访患者为研究对象,采用半结构化访谈对其进行访谈,并运用Colaizzi 7步分析法对文本资料进行分析和整理。结果:共提炼出8个主...     

Surgical approaches to the treatment of obesity: bariatric surgery

As the obesity epidemic continues to grow in the Unites States, so does the search for the ideal nonsurgical or surgical solution. Bariatric surgery continues to be the most sustainable form of weight loss available to morbidly obese patients. In addition, bariatric surgery has established an acceptable safety profile with respect to morbidity and mortality. With the number of elective bariatric cases growing in recent years, it is unsurprising that results have improved and better data are emerging regarding improvement of obesity-related comorbid conditions. Additionally, ample evidence suggests that bariatric surgery may increase longevity, particularly through reducing cardiovascular deaths. Although the specific mechanisms involved in the remission of these medical conditions remain to be fully elucidated, it has become clear that bariatric surgery has established a significant and firm role in the treatment of medical comorbidities that result directly from obesity. However, until commercial insurance carriers provide improved coverage for bariatric surgery, patient access to these treatments will remain limited.     

Weight regain after bariatric surgery: Promoters and potential predictors

Obesity is globally viewed as chronic relapsing disease. Bariatric surgery offers the most efficient and durable weight loss approach. However, weight regain after surgery is a distressing issue as obesity can revert. Surgical procedures were originally designed to reduce food intake and catalyze weight loss, provided that its role is marginalized in long-term weight maintenance. Consequently, it is essential to establish a scientifically standardized applicable definitions for weight regain, which necessitates enhanced comprehension of the clinical situation, as well as have realistic expectations concerning weight loss. Moreover, several factors are proposed to influence weight regain as psychological, behavioral factors, hormonal, metabolic, anatomical lapses, as well as genetic predisposition. Recently, there is a growing evidence of utilization of scoring system to anticipate excess body weight loss, along with characterizing certain biomarkers that identify subjects at risk of suboptimal weight loss after surgery. Furthermore, personalized counseling is warranted to help select bariatric procedure, reinforce self-monitoring skills, motivate patient, encourage mindful eating practices, to avoid recidivism.     

Pilot randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness-based group intervention in adolescent girls at risk for type 2 diabetes with depressive symptoms

Objective(1) Evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based group in adolescent girls at-risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with depressive symptoms, and (2) compare efficacy of a mindfulness-based versus cognitive-behavioral group for decreasing depressive symptoms and improving insulin resistance.Design and settingParallel-group, randomized controlled pilot trial conducted at a university.ParticipantsThirty-three girls 12–17y with overweight/obesity, family history of diabetes, and elevated depressive symptoms were randomized to a six-week mindfulness-based (n = 17) or cognitive-behavioral program (n = 16).InterventionsBoth interventions included six, one-hour weekly group sessions. The mindfulness-based program included guided mindfulness awareness practices. The cognitive-behavioral program involved cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation.Main outcome measuresAdolescents were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and six-months. Feasibility/acceptability were measured by attendance and program ratings. Depressive symptoms were assessed by validated survey. Insulin resistance was determined from fasting insulin and glucose, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition.ResultsMost adolescents attended ≥80% sessions (mindfulness: 92% versus cognitive-behavioral: 87%, p = 1.00). Acceptability ratings were strong. At post-treatment and six-months, adolescents in the mindfulness condition had greater decreases in depressive symptoms than adolescents in the cognitive-behavioral condition (ps < .05). Compared to the cognitive-behavioral condition, adolescents in the mindfulness-based intervention also had greater decreases in insulin resistance and fasting insulin at post-treatment, adjusting for fat mass and other covariates (ps < .05).ConclusionsA mindfulness-based intervention shows feasibility and acceptability in girls at-risk for T2D with depressive symptoms. Compared to a cognitive-behavioral program, after the intervention, adolescents who received mindfulness showed greater reductions in depressive symptoms and better insulin resistance.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02218138 clinicaltrials.gov     

The metabolic syndrome: Effects of a pronounced weight loss induced by bariatric surgery

Zusammenfassung Die Prävalenz der Adipositas nimmt weltweit dramatisch zu. Mit der Übergewichtsepidemie in enger Verbindung steht der deutliche Anstieg des metabolischen Syndroms, das durch eine viszerale Adipositas, Insulinresistenz, lipidologische Veränderungen wie niedriges HDL-Cholesterin und Hypertriglyzeridämie und einen subklinischen proinflammatorischen Status definiert ist. In manchen Populationen beträgt derzeit die Prävalenz des metabolischen Syndroms bis zu 50 Prozent. In den letzten Jahren versuchte die NCEP und die WHO das metabolische Syndrom genauer zu definieren und entsprechende Therapierichtlinien zu erstellen. Die konservative Therapie der Adipositas bzw. eines metabolischen Syndroms mittels Lebensstiländerung oder die pharmakologische Intervention führt meist zu einer nur mäßigen Gewichtsabnahme. Dagegen kann die chirurgische Intervention mittels bariatrischer Operationsverfahren als Modell für die metabolischen Effekte einer ausgeprägten Gewichtsabnahme wegen des ausgeprägten und meist permanenten Gewichtsverlustes betrachtet werden. In unterschiedlichen Studien führte die ausgeprägte Gewichtsabnahme zur Reduktion sämtlicher mit dem metabolischen Syndrom assoziierter Symptome und der Mortalitätsrate sowie zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität.

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The metabolic syndrome: Effects of a pronounced weight loss induced by bariatric surgery

Summary The prevalence of obesity is rising worldwide dramatically, affecting up to 50 percent of the population. The epidemic of obesity leads to a marked increase in the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors characterized by visceral obesity, insulin resistance, low HDL-cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and a subclinical proinflammatory state. In the last years, the NCEP and the WHO highlighted and defined the key features of the metabolic syndrome to facilitate the clinical diagnosis and preventive interventions. The conservative therapy of obesity and the metabolic syndrome by life style intervention and pharmacological interventions leads only to moderate weight loss with inconstant long-term success. Intervention by bariatric surgery can serve as a model for the metabolic effects of permanent weight loss. In several studies the pronounced weight loss induced a reduction of almost all components of the metabolic syndrome, including glucose and lipid status, and is followed by an improvement in the quality of life. Recent research suggested a decrease in mortality rate in addition to cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery.

     

Effects of a short-term mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the quality of life of women with infertility: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background and purposeAlthough some programs based on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) have been suggested to promote quality of life (QoL) in different conditions, limited studies have addressed their potential effects in women with infertility. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of an MBSR program on the QoL of women with infertility.Materials and methodsThis randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 36 women with infertility, who were selected by consecutive sampling from the Infertility Center of Ahvaz Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran. Women either participated in the MBSR program or received routine consultation in eight two-hour group sessions once a week. Women’s QoL was measured using the 36-item short-form health survey before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The intention-to-treat analysis, with multiple imputation for missing data, was also performed.ResultsThe mean changes in the total score of QoL and its subscales (except for “social functioning” and “bodily pain”) were significant compared to the baseline both at immediately after and one month after the intervention in favor of the experimental group (P<0.001 in most cases). Twenty four and six adverse events were recorded in the experimental and control groups, respectively.ConclusionShort-term MBSR program seem to be potentially effective in improving the QoL of women with infertility. Further studies are needed to determine the generalizability of our findings.     

Peer-led alcohol intervention for college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial

This study aims to assess the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a brief, peer-led alcohol intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in binge-drinking Spanish nursing students. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 first-year nursing students who were randomly assigned either a 50-min peer-led motivational intervention with individual feedback or a control condition. Primary outcomes for testing the preliminary efficacy were alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Quantitative and content analyses of open-ended survey questions were performed. Participants in the intervention condition significantly reduced binge-drinking episodes, peak blood alcohol content, and consequences compared to the control group. Principal facilitators were completing the questionnaire during the academic schedule and providing tailored feedback through a graphic report. The main barrier was the unreliability of students' initial commitment. The findings suggest that a brief motivational intervention could be effective for reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences in Spanish college students. Peer counselors and participants reported high satisfaction, indicating that the intervention is feasible. However, a full trial should be conducted taking into account the identified barriers and facilitators.     

减重代谢术后患者饮食体验的系统评价

目的 系统评价肥胖症患者减重代谢术后的饮食体验的研究,全面了解其存在的饮食问题与管理需求,为更好地开展临床医疗工作提供依据。 方法 计算机检索Cochrane Library、乔安娜布里格斯研究所循证卫生保健中心数据库、PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、CINAHL、PsycINFO、中国知网、万方数据库、中国生物医学文献数据库。搜集有关肥胖症患者减重代谢术后饮食体验的质性研究,检索年限为建库至2021年1月。采用澳大利亚乔安娜布里格斯研究所循证卫生保健中心质性研究质量评价标准评价文献质量,采用汇集性整合的方法进行结果整合。 结果 共纳入18项研究,提炼39个结果,归纳为7个类别,综合为4个整合结果。①减重代谢术后患者进食状态的变化:饮食方式的变化、饮食管理阶段的变化;②减重代谢术后积极的进食策略;③减重代谢术后消极的进食体验和不良饮食行为:消极的进食体验、不良饮食行为及原因;④减重代谢术后患者寻求多方面的饮食管理支持:医护人员的饮食管理支持、家人和朋友的饮食管理支持、社会组织的饮食管理支持。 结论 医护人员应重视患者在减重代谢术后已出现的或可能会出现的饮食问题,根据相关原因,有针对性的提供支持与帮助以应对术后饮食挑战,指导患者建立正确的饮食行为,实现并维持最佳的减重效果,提高生活质量。     

Recovery from disability after stroke as a target for a behavioural intervention: results of a randomized controlled trial

Purpose. Disability following stroke is highly prevalent and is predicted by psychological variables such as control cognitions and emotions, in addition to clinical variables. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a workbook-based intervention, designed to change cognitions about control, in improving outcomes for patients and their carers.

Method. At discharge, stroke patients were randomly allocated (with their carers) to a 5-week intervention (n = 103) or control (normal care: n = 100). The main outcome (at 6 months) was recovery from disability using a performance measure, with distress and satisfaction as additional outcomes.

Results. The intervention group showed significantly better disability recovery, allowing for initial levels of disability, than those in the control group, F(1,201) = 5.61, p = 0.019. Groups did not differ in distress or satisfaction with care for patients or carers. The only psychological process variable improved by the intervention was Confidence in Recovery but this did not mediate the effects on recovery.

Conclusions. A large proportion of intervention participants did not complete the workbook tasks. This was perhaps associated with the fairly low level of personal contact with workbook providers. The modest success of this intervention suggests that it may be possible to develop effective behavioural interventions to enhance recovery from disability in stroke patients.     

Efficacy of Healing meditation in reducing anxiety of individuals at the phase of weight loss maintenance: A randomized blinded clinical trial

ObjectiveTo verify the efficacy of Healing Meditation in reducing anxiety levels in individuals on a weight loss maintenance program.DesignA randomized, controlled, evaluator-blinded clinical trial, conducted between January and October 2014, with a follow-up of 12 weeks.SettingA weight loss secondary care facility in Salvador, Brazil., of 41 patients at the weight maintenance phase (Mean initial BMI 33.6 ± 4.7 kg/m², who had attained a mean BMI of 24.5 ± 1.6 kg/m² in a median period of 7 months).InterventionAn 8-week Healing Meditation program (n = 20), consisting of a 1 h weekly meeting, or for a control group on the waiting list (n = 21), in addition to the standard clinical program.Main outcome measuresTotal anxiety was measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), before and after the intervention. Secondary analyses included comparison of the effect of meditation on the somatic and psychic components of the scale.ResultsThrough an intention to treat analysis, we detected a difference in the mean variation between the intervention and control groups in the total anxiety scores of 7.7 (95% CI 6.3–9.2; Cohen’s d = 3.41). Means and standard deviations for pre and post intervention anxiety scores were 15.5 (3.4) and 7.8 (2.0) for the intervention group and 14.8 (3.4) and 14.9 (3.4) for the control.ConclusionHealing meditation significantly reduced the anxiety of obese individuals, in the phase of weight maintenance, suggesting this to be an effective auxiliary resource for weight loss maintenance.     

A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia

A mounting body of literature recommends that treatment for fibromyalgia (FM) encompass medications, exercise and improvement of coping skills. However, there is a significant gap in determining an effective counterpart to pharmacotherapy that incorporates both exercise and coping. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive yoga intervention on FM symptoms and coping. A sample of 53 female FM patients were randomized to the 8-week Yoga of Awareness program (gentle poses, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga-based coping instructions, group discussions) or to wait-listed standard care. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. At post-treatment, women assigned to the yoga program showed significantly greater improvements on standardized measures of FM symptoms and functioning, including pain, fatigue, and mood, and in pain catastrophizing, acceptance, and other coping strategies. This pilot study provides promising support for the potential benefits of a yoga program for women with FM.     

基于加速康复外科护理对手术减肥患者有效性的系统评价与Meta分析

目的 评价加速康复外科护理对手术减肥患者的有效性.方法 计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Web of Sience、The Cochrane library、中国知网、中国生物医学文献、维普、万方数据库的文献,检索时间为建库至2019年12月31日.由2名研究员根据纳入与排除标准筛选文献、提取数据,对纳入文献采用...     

Improved healing rates for chronic venous leg ulcers: pilot study results from a randomized controlled trial of a community nursing intervention

Venous leg ulcers are a frequent source of chronic ill-health and a considerable cost to health-care systems. This paper reports pilot study results from a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a community-based 'Leg Club' environment on improving healing rates of venous leg ulcers. Leg Clubs offer a setting where people with similar problems can socialize in a supportive, information-sharing environment. A sample of 33 clients with a below-knee venous leg ulcer were randomized to treatment, either in their own homes or in a community Leg Club. Treatment was provided to all participants, whether in the control group or intervention group, by a team of trained wound-care nurses following evidence-based assessment and treatment guidelines. Data were collected on admission to the study and at 12 weeks from admission. Results showed a significant improvement in healing in the intervention group compared to the control group, as measured by ulcer area size and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing scores. These results suggest that a community Leg Club environment provides benefits additional to wound care expertise and evidence-based care. Knowledge gained from this study provides evidence to guide service delivery and improve client outcomes.     

The effect of bariatric surgery on echocardiographic indices: a review of the literature

Obesity is the new epidemic and is associated with an increased risk of diastolic and systolic heart failure. Effective treatment options with drastic results such as bariatric surgery have raised interest in the possible reversal of some of the cardiovascular sequelae. Many studies have assessed individually the effect of weight loss on specific echocardiographic indices, mostly employing nonhomogeneous groups. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise the effect of bariatric surgery on echocardiographic indices of biventricular function and to help in the understanding of the expected echocardiographic changes in bariatric patients after weight‐loss surgery     

A mindful eating intervention: A theory-guided randomized anti-obesity feasibility study with adolescent Latino females

While pediatric anti-obesity lifestyle interventions have received considerable attention, few show sustained impact on body mass index (BMI). Using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Theory as a framework, we examined the effects of a satiety-focused mindful eating intervention (MEI) on BMI, weight and mindful awareness.MethodDesign and Setting: Utilizing a two-group, repeated measures design, 37 adolescent females with a BMI >90th percentile, recruited from a public high school in a Latino community in the Southwestern United States, were randomized 2:1, one third to the group receiving a 6-week MEI and two thirds to the comparison group (CG) receiving the usual care (nutrition and exercise information). Intervention: During six weekly 90-min after school MEI group sessions, the behavioral skills of slow intentional eating were practiced with foci on satiety cues and triggers to overeat. Outcomes: Feasibility and acceptability were measured as participant retention (goal ≥55%) and evaluative comments from those in the MEI group, respectively. BMI and mindful awareness were measured on site at baseline, immediately post intervention, and at 4-week follow-up (week 10).ResultsFifty-seven and 65% of those in the MEI and CG were retained throughout the study, respectively. MEI participants showed significantly lowered BMI compared with CG participants, whose weight increased (p < 0.001). At six weeks, the MEI group BMI decreased by 1.1 kg/m² (BMI continued to decline to 1.4 kg/m² by week 10); while CG BMI increased by 0.7 kg/m² (consistent with BMI >90th percentile standard growth projections).ConclusionsInitial and sustained decline of BMI in the MEI group supports further study of this theory-guided approach, and the value of practicing satiety-focused mindful eating behavioral skills to facilitate health behavior change.     

Safer glycemic control using isomaltulose-based enteral formula: A pilot randomized crossover trial

Purpose

Preventing harmful hyperglycemia is important in critical illness. However, insulin therapy increases the risk of hypoglycemia. In patients with diabetes, isomaltulose-based enteral formula (IF) feeding has been shown to reduce glycemia. This randomized controlled crossover study was conducted to determine whether IF feeding improves glycemia in postoperative critically ill patients.

Material and Methods

Eight patients who developed hyperglycemia (>150 mg/dL) after esophagectomy were included. Patients were randomized to either the IF or the standard feeding formula (SF) arm. After 16 hours of administration of randomized formula and 8 hours of washout, patients crossed over to the other formula for the next 16 hours. Continuous glucose measurement using STG-22 (Nikkiso, Tokyo, Japan) was performed during the trial.

Results

Maximum blood glucose concentration was 181 mg/dL with IF, significantly lower than the 206 mg/dL with SF (P = .001). Mean glycemia during feeding periods was 162 mg/dL with IF, significantly lower than the 176 mg/dL with SF (P = .0001). Seven (87.5%) patients taking SF exceeded 180 mg/dL compared with 3 (37.5%) patients taking IF (P = .005). This effect was seen without any risk of hypoglycemia and complication.

Conclusions

Isomaltulose-based enteral formula might be useful for safer glycemic control in postoperative critically ill patients. Further study to determine clinical benefit of IF feeding is justified.