Resting Energy Expenditure and the Effects of Muscle Wasting in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Results From the Studies Investigating Comorbidities Aggravating Heart Failure (SICA-HF)

Objectives

Muscle wasting is common in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and worsens functional status. Protein catabolism is characteristic of muscle wasting and contributes to resting energy expenditure (REE). Glucagonlike peptide 1 (GLP-1) is linked to REE in healthy individuals. We aimed to evaluate (1) whether REE is elevated in patients with HF with muscle wasting, and (2) whether basal GLP-1 levels are linked to REE in HF.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Ambulatory patients with HF were recruited at the Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany.

Participants

A total of 166 patients with HF and 27 healthy controls participating in the Studies Investigating Co-morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure (SICA-HF) were enrolled. GLP-1 was measured in 55 of these patients.

Measurements

Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Muscle wasting was defined as appendicular lean mass of at least 2 SDs below values of a healthy young reference group. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. GLP-1 was assessed by ELISA.

Results

Thirty-four of 166 patients (mean age 67.4 ± 10.2 years, 77.7% male, New York Heart Association class 2.3 ± 0.6) presented with muscle wasting. REE in controls and patients with muscle wasting was significantly lower than in patients without muscle wasting (1579 ± 289 and 1532 ± 265 vs 1748 ± 359 kcal/d, P = .018 and P = .001, respectively). REE normalized for fat-free mass (FFM) using the ratio method (REE/FFM) and analysis of covariance was not different (P = .23 and .71, respectively). GLP-1 did not significantly correlate with REE (P = .49), even not after controlling for FFM using multivariable regression (P = .15).

Conclusions

Differences in REE are attributable to lower FFM. GLP-1 does not relate to REE in patients with HF, possibly because of HF-related effects on REE.     

Anthropometric measured fat-free mass as essential determinant of resting energy expenditure for pregnant and non-pregnant women

Objective

There is conflicting evidence as to whether anthropometric parameters are related to resting energy expenditure (REE) during pregnancy. The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to precisely assess a major anthropometric determinant of REE for pregnant and non-pregnant women with verification of its use as a possible predictor.

Methods

One hundred fifty-two randomly recruited, healthy, pregnant Czech women were divided into groups G1 and G2. G1 (n = 31) was used for determination of the association between anthropometric parameters and REE. G2 (n = 121) and a group of non-pregnant women (G0; n = 24) were used for verification that observed relations were suitable for the prediction of REE during pregnancy. The women in the study groups were measured during four periods of pregnancy for REE by indirect calorimetry and anthropometric parameters after 12 h of fasting.

Results

Associations were found in all groups between measured REE by indirect calorimetry and anthropometric parameters such as weight, fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), body surface area, and body mass index (P < 0.0001). The best derived predictor, REE/FFM (29.5 kcal/kg, r = 0.70, P < 0.0001), in group G1 was statistically verified in group G2 and compared with G0.

Conclusion

Anthropometrically measured FFM with its metabolically active components is an essential determinant of REE in pregnancy. REE/FFM can be used for the prediction of REE in pregnant and non-pregnant woman.     

Accuracy of direct segmental multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis in the assessment of total body and segmental body composition in middle-aged adult population

Background & aims

Body composition measurement is a valuable tool for assessing nutritional status and physical fitness in a variety of clinical settings. Although bioimpedance analysis (BIA) can easily assess body composition, its accuracy remains unclear. We examined the accuracy of direct segmental multi-frequency BIA technique (DSM-BIA) in assessing different body composition parameters, using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as a reference standard.

Methods

A total of 484 middle-aged participants from the Leiden Longevity Study were recruited. Agreements between DSM-BIA and DEXA for total and segmental body composition quantification were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

Excellent agreements were observed between both techniques in whole body lean mass (ICC female = 0.95, ICC men = 0.96), fat mass (ICC female = 0.97, ICC male = 0.93) and percentage body fat (ICC female = 0.93, ICC male = 0.88) measurements. Similarly, Bland–Altman plots revealed narrow limits of agreements with small biases noted for the whole body lean mass quantification but relatively wider limits for fat mass and percentage body fat quantifications. In segmental lean muscle mass quantification, excellent agreements between methods were demonstrated for the upper limbs (ICC female≥0.91, ICC men≥0.87) and lower limbs (ICC female≥0.83, ICC male≥0.85), with good agreements shown for the trunk measurements (ICC female = 0.73, ICC male = 0.70).

Conclusions

DSM-BIA is a valid tool for the assessments of total body and segmental body composition in the general middle-aged population, particularly for the quantification of body lean mass.     

Prognostic value of changes in lean and fat mass in alcoholics

Background & aims

The prognostic value of nutritional status and/or lean and fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has been widely analyzed, in both alcoholics and non-alcoholics. However, the prognostic value of changes in fat and lean mass over time in alcoholics has scarcely been studied, nor has the effect of alcohol abstinence on these changes.

Methods

From an initial cohort of 113 alcoholic patients, 70 prospectively underwent two DEXA assessments six months apart. One hundred and five patients (including 66 of those who underwent two DEXA assessments) were followed up for 34.9 ± 36.4 months (median = 18 months, interquartile range = 7.25–53.75 months). During this follow-up period, 33 died (including 20 of those who had undergone a second DEXA assessment).

Results

Forty-two of the 70 patients undergoing a second DEXA assessment had abstained from alcohol. Of these, 69.04% (29) gained left arm lean mass, compared with only 35.71% (10 of 28) of those who had continued drinking (χ² = 7.46; p = 0.006). Similar results were observed regarding right arm lean mass (χ² = 4.68; p = 0.03) and right leg lean mass (χ² = 7.88; p = 0.005). However, no associations were found between alcohol abstinence and changes in fat parameters. Analysis by means of Kaplan–Meier curves showed that loss of total lean mass, right leg lean mass, left leg lean mass and total fat mass were all significantly associated with reduced survival. However, within 30 months of the second evaluation, significant associations were observed between changes of all parameters related to lean mass, and mortality, but no association between changes in fat parameters and mortality.

Conclusions

Loss of lean mass over a period of six months after a first assessment is associated with worse prognosis in alcoholics, irrespective of whether they stop drinking during this period or not. Continued drinking is associated with greater loss of lean mass, but not with changes in fat mass.     

Public awareness of colorectal cancer and screening in a Spanish population

Objectives

To investigate screening intentions and previous uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests in a general population in Spain; and to determine knowledge about CRC, risk perceptions, major barriers to screening and perceived benefits of screening.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Six hundred consecutive Spanish individuals over 50 years of age completed a questionnaire to determine their screening intentions, previous CRC diagnostic procedures, and knowledge about screening procedures, risk factors for CRC, 5-year prognosis, warning signs and symptoms, incidence, age-related risk and perceived barriers to screening.

Results

Although 78.8% of subjects reported that they were willing to participate in CRC screening, only 12% had ever undergone a screening test, and none with screening intention. Awareness of a breast cancer screening test [odds ratio (OR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–2.70; P = 0.035], visiting a general practitioner in the preceding year (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.86–5.08; P < 0.0001), awareness of risk factors (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.49–3.61; P < 0.001), awareness of CRC signs or symptoms (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03–2.64; P = 0.04) and belief in the efficacy of CRC screening (OR 8.85, 95% CI 1.53–51.3; P = 0.01) were independent predictors for intention to participate in CRC screening. The most common reasons given for refusing screening were ‘CRC tests might be dangerous’ (28.2%), ‘CRC tests might be painful’ (17.9%) and ‘feeling healthy’ (16.2%).

Conclusion

Although reported willingness to undergo CRC screening was high, CRC knowledge and actual uptake of CRC screening were low. An educational intervention to reduce barriers and increase awareness could improve uptake of CRC screening.     

Which equation best predicts energy expenditure in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare measured resting energy expenditure (REE) with estimates from three common prediction equations with the goal of determining which equation best estimates REE in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Design

Cross-sectional measurements of REE from indirect calorimetry were compared to calculations from the Harris Benedict, Mifflin-St Jeor, and Ireton-Jones equations. Additional measurements to identify predictors of REE included pulmonary function tests, fat-free mass by bioelectrical impedance, and anthropometrics.

Subjects/setting

Participants were 56 men and women with ALS. For comparison, subjects were categorized by disease progression into three groups.

Statistical analyses

Pearson correlations and paired t tests were used to compare measured REE with predicted REE from each equation, and the accuracy of each equation was quantified by the root mean squared prediction error and the percentage of REE estimates within 10% of measured values. Bias for each equation was calculated as the mean percentage difference between calculated and measured REE. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the best predictor variables for REE.

Results

Across the disease spectrum, the Harris Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor equations provided clinically acceptable estimates of REE, whereas the Ireton-Jones equations consistently overestimated REE. The best predictors of REE among this cohort were fat-free mass, sex, and age.

Conclusions

When estimating energy requirements for patients with ALS, clinicians should choose prediction equations that incorporate sex and age as predictor variables, such as the Harris Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor equations.     

Malnutrition syndrome, but not body mass index, is associated to worse prognosis in heart failure patients

Background & aims

Many studies have suggested that obese patients with chronic heart failure have a better prognosis than leaner patients. The main purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of body mass index in patients with chronic heart failure, independently of other poor prognosis parameters.

Methods

This retrospective study included 405 heart failure patients. Anthropometric, body composition, clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic data were collected from all patients. Patients were classified as: underweight (<20 kg/m²), normal (20–24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m²), and obese (≥30 kg/m²). The endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

Cox regression analysis on all-cause mortality showed that normal weight patients were at significantly lower risk of death [RR = 0.231 (CI_95% 0.085–0.627)] as compared with obese patients, while underweight and overweight categories did not show a significantly different risk compared with the reference category. Age, gender, ejection fraction, systolic heart failure, angiotensin II receptor blockers use, hemoglobin levels, and handgrip strength were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Cardiovascular deaths showed the same trend.

Conclusion

A lower body mass index does not predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among chronic heart failure patients, independently of other nutritional, body composition, and clinical status parameters.     

Underweight patients with anorexia nervosa: comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis using five equations to dual X-ray absorptiometry

Background & aims

Body weight changes do not reflect the respective changes of body compartments, namely fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM). Both bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and the Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measure FFM and FM.This study in underweight patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) aims to compare measurements of FM and FFM done by DXA and BIA using 5 different BIA equations already validated in healthy population and to identify the most suitable BIA equation for AN patients.

Methods

Fifty female patients with AN (BMI = 14.3 ± 1.49, age = 19.98 ± 5.68 yrs) were included in the study. Body composition was measured by DXA (Delphi W, Hologic, Bedford, MA) and by 50 kHz BIA (FORANA, Helios) using 5 different BIA equations validated in healthy population (Sun, Geneva, Kushner, Deurenberg and Roubenoff equations). Comparison between the DXA and the 5 BIA equations was done using the sum of the squares of differences and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

The Deurenberg equation gave the best estimates of FFM when compared to the measurements by DXA (FFM_dxa = 35.80 kg versus FFM_deurenberg = 36.36 kg) and very close estimates of FM (FM_dxa = 9.16 kg and FM_deurenberg = 9.57 kg) The Kushner equation showed slightly better estimates for FM (FM_kushner = 9.0 kg) when compared to the DXA, but not for FFM. Sun equation gave the broadest differences for FM and FFM when compared with DXA.

Conclusion

The best available BIA equation to calculate the FFM and the FM in patients with AN is the Deurenberg equation. It takes into account the weight, height and age and is applicable in adults and adolescents AN patients with BMI of 12.8–21.0, and for ages between 13.4 and up to 36.9 years.     

Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis in South Croatia: are there epidemiological similarities or not?

Objective

Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are chronic granulomatous diseases. Clinical, pathologic and immunologic aspects are similar although different. The authors were interested to highlight possible epidemiological similarities of these two granulomatous diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate incidence rate as well as age, sex and geographic distribution of sarcoidosis in South Croatia and to compare it with these epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis.

Study design

Retrospective.

Methods

The study was including ten years follow up period (1997–2006), and was performed in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. All data were collected retrospectively and analyzed using Statistica 7 programme.

Results

The mean annual incidence of sarcoidosis was 3.3/100,000 inhabitants with a mean of 15,6 cases per year. Woman accounted for 61% of all sarcoidosis cases. The mean sarcoidosis patient age was 44.94 ± 11.85 years. The peak age group was 40–49 years (31%). Significant difference according to incidence rate on the islands comparing to the rates on the coast and the mainland was observed (P = 0.003). The mean sarcoidosis mortality rate was 1.2/100,000. Statistically significant differences between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis were observed according the higher number of tuberculosis patients (P < 0.000), among males (P < 0.000), and females, too (P < 0.000) as well as in mortality rates (P = 0.401). Significantly more patients had tuberculosis on the mainland (P < 0.000) and on the coast (P < 0.000), but not in the islands (P = 0.260).

Conclusions

The results from this study showed dissimilarities in classic epidemiological patterns between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, incidence rates, as well as sex and geographic distribution. Our findings resulted from this study might be starting point for the future epidemiological, genetic, and immunological studies.     

Acceptance of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods by adolescent participants in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project

Background

Adolescent women have a high risk of unintended pregnancy. Currently, there are little data about their choice to initiate long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

Study Design

We evaluated the association of age and preference for a LARC vs. a non-LARC method among adolescent participants in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project, comparing those aged 14–17 years to adolescents aged 18–20 years. We then analyzed the association between age and choice of the implant vs. the intrauterine device (IUD) among adolescents.

Results

Of the 5086 women enrolled, 70% (n=3557) of participants chose a LARC method. Among adolescents aged 14–20 years, 69% of 14–17-year-olds chose LARC, while 61% of 18–20-year-olds chose LARC (relative risk 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.30). Among adolescents choosing a LARC method, 63% (n=93/148) of the 14–17-year-olds chose the implant, whereas 71% (n=364/510) of the 18–20-year-olds chose the IUD.

Conclusion

Long-acting reversible contraception use is clearly acceptable and common among adolescents enrolled in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project, with the younger group being most interested in the implant.     

Efficacy of hypocaloric parenteral nutrition for surgical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims

Hypocaloric parenteral nutrition is an underfeeding strategy that lowers energy intake to around 20 kcal/kg/d. It is believed to achieve benefits by modulating metabolic responses and alleviating hyperglycemia. This study aims to systematically review the clinical efficacy of hypocaloric parenteral nutrition on surgical patients.

Methods

Medline, SCI, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM) and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI) were searched for studies published before July 1, 2010. Randomized control trials (RCTs) that compared hypocaloric PN with standard or higher energy PN in surgical patients were identified and included. Methodological quality assessment was based on Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook and modified Jadad’s Score Scale. Statistical software RevMan 5.0 was used for meta-analysis.

Results

Five trials met all inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. There were significant reductions in infectious complications (RR, 0.60; 95%CI 0.39–0.91, P = 0.02; I² = 38%) and length of hospitalization (LOS) associated with receiving hypocaloric PN (MD-2.49 days, 95%CI −3.88 to −1.11, P = 0.0004; I² = 48%). Stratified analysis of the smaller trials (<60) and larger trials demonstrated that the heterogeneity between trials was mainly associated with sample size. When smaller trials were excluded, hypocaloric PN was associated with reduction in infectious complications (RR, 0.21, 95%CI 0.06–0.72, P = 0.01, I2 = 0%) and shortening of LOS (MD, −2.32 days, 95%CI −3.72 to −0.93, P = 0.001, I² = 0%).

Conclusion

Hypocaloric parenteral nutrition may reduce infectious complications and the length of hospitalization in post-operative patients. However, this conclusion is tentative due to patient type and sample size. Furthermore, in terms of hypocaloric PN, the actual energy amount still varies a great deal (from 15 kcal/kg/d to 20 kcal/kg/d). This suggests that further research, including larger randomized clinical trials is required.     

Weight cycling is associated with body weight excess and abdominal fat accumulation: A cross-sectional study

Background & aims

To investigate the association between history of multiple weight loss diets followed by weight regain, namely weight cycling (WCy), and both body weight excess and abdominal fat accumulation.

Methods

A one-day cross-sectional survey (“Obesity-Day”) including 914 participants (605F:309M). Anthropometric variables (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC] and waist-to-height ratio [WtHR]), covariates and WCy (≥5 intentional weight loss episodes of ≥5 kg followed by rapid return to pre-diet or higher body weight) were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire, interview and physical examination.

Results

Data on central fat accumulation (by WC and WtHR) were available in a representative sub-group (n = 600). WCy was reported by 119 participants (13.0%) of total population and by 79 (13.2%) of those with available data on central fat accumulation. At multivariable linear regressions WCy was independently associated with higher BMI (P = .004), WC (P = .011) and WtHR (P = .008). Sensitivity analyses, performed after excluding those being on a diet at the time of assessment, confirmed these findings.

Conclusions

A history of WCy appears related to body weight excess and abdominal fat accumulation. These findings support the importance of designing adequate weight loss programs to achieve long-term weight maintenance and to prevent undesirable and unhealthy weight accumulation.     

A five year longitudinal study investigating the prevalence of childhood obesity: comparison of BMI and waist circumference

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of obesity over time in the same individuals comparing body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio (WHtR).

Study design

Five year longitudinal repeated measures study (2005–2010). Children were aged 11–12 (Y7) years at baseline and measurements were repeated at age 13–14 (Y9) years and 15–16 (Y11) years.

Methods

WC and BMI measurements were carried out by the same person over the five years and raw values were expressed as standard deviation scores (sBMI and sWC) against the growth reference used for British children.

Results

Mean sWC measurements were higher than mean sBMI measurements for both sexes and at all assessment occasions and sWC measurements were consistently high in girls compared to boys. Y7 sWC = 0.792 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.675–0.908], Y9 sWC = 0.818 (95%CI 0.709–0.928), Y11 sWC = 0.943 (95%CI 0.827–1.06) for boys; Y7 sWC = 0.843 (0.697–0.989), Y9 sWC = 1.52 (95%CI 1.38–0.67), Y11 sWC = 1.89 (95%CI 1.79–2.04) for girls. Y7 sBMI = 0.445 (95%CI 0.315–0.575), Y9 sBMI = 0.314 (95%CI 0.189–0.438), Y11 sBMI = 0.196 (95%CI 0.054–0.337) for boys; Y7 sBMI = 0.353 (0.227–0.479), Y9 sBMI = 0.343 (95%CI 0.208–0.478), Y11 sBMI = 0.256 (95%CI 0.102–0.409) for girls. The estimated prevalence of obesity defined by BMI decreased in boys (18%, 12% and 10% in Y 7, 9 and 11 respectively) and girls (14%, 15% and 11% in Y 7, 9 and 11). In contrast, the prevalence estimated by WC increased sharply (boys; 13%, 19% and 23%; girls, 20%, 46% and 60%).

Conclusion

Central adiposity, measured by WC is increasing alongside a stabilization in BMI. Children appear to be getting fatter and the additional adiposity is being stored centrally which is not detected by BMI. These substantial increases in WC are a serious concern, especially in girls.     

Nutritional screening and mortality in newly institutionalised elderly: a comparison between the geriatric nutritional risk index and the mini nutritional assessment

Background & aims

Several tools are available for nutritional screening. We evaluated the risk of mortality associated with the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) in newly institutionalised elderly.

Methods

A prospective observational study involving 358 elderly newly admitted to a long-term care setting. Hazard ratios (HR) for mortality among GNRI categories and MNA classes were estimated by multivariable Cox’s model.

Results

At baseline, 32.4% and 37.4% of the patients were classified as being malnourished (MNA <17) and at severe nutritional risk (GNRI <92), respectively, whereas 57.5% and 35.2%, respectively, were classified as being at risk for malnutrition (MNA 17–23.5) and having low nutritional risk (GNRI 92–98). During a median follow-up of 6.5 years [25th–75th percentile, 5.9–8.6], 297 elderly died. Risk for all-cause mortality was significantly associated with nutritional risk by the GNRI tool (GNRI<92 HR = 1.99 [95%CI, 1.38–2.88]; GNRI 92–98 HR = 1.51 [95%CI, 1.04–2.18]) but not with nutritional status by the MNA. A significant association was also found with cardiovascular mortality (GNRI <92 HR = 1.79 [95%CI, 1.23–2.61]).

Conclusions

Nutritional risk by GNRI but not nutritional status by MNA was associated with higher mortality risk. Present data suggest that in the nutritional screening of newly institutionalised elderly the use of the GNRI should be preferred to that of the MNA.     

Evaluation of the knowledge of primary healthcare patients in Poland on the prevention of hypertension: a community study

Objectives

To investigate the knowledge of Poles on the prevention of arterial hypertension (HT) and identify the main souces of knowledge in order to make health promotion activities more effective, and thus increase the efficiency and efficacy of the Polish healthcare system.

Study design

Community study.

Methods

This questionnaire study included 180 subjects (120 primary healthcare patients without a history of diagnosed HT and 60 primary care physicians).

Results

The knowledge of most surveyed patients was insufficient (43%, n = 52) or sufficient (40%, n = 48) for the effective prevention of HT; 17% (n = 20) of the respondents had knowledge that was definitely sufficient, and none of the respondents had knowledge that was definitely insufficient. The patients reported that primary care physicians were the most common source of health information (67%, n = 80). Primary care physicians were also the most trusted source of information.

Conclusions

Patients’ knowledge on smoking, diet and exercise is sufficient for the effective prevention of HT. The areas of insufficient knowledge for the development of HT and possible organ complications are drinking alcohol, stress, genetic factors and diabetes.     

Name analysis to classify populations by ethnicity in public health: validation of Onomap in Scotland

Objectives

Health inequalities between ethnic minorities and the general population are persistent. Addressing them is hampered by the inability to classify individuals’ ethnicity accurately. This is addressed by a new name-based ethnicity classification methodology called ‘Onomap’. This paper evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of Onomap in identifying population groups by ethnicity, and discusses applications to public health practice.

Study design

Onomap was applied to three independent reference datasets (birth registration, pupil census and register of Polish health professionals) collected in Britain and Poland at individual level (n = 260,748).

Methods

Results were compared with the reference database ethnicity ‘gold standard’. Outcome measures included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Ninety-five percent confidence intervals and Chi-squared tests were used.

Results

Onomap identified the majority of those in the British participant group with high sensitivity and PPV (>95%), and low misclassification (<5%), although specificity and NPV were lowest in this group (56–87%). Outcome measures for all other non-British groupings were high for specificity and NPV (>98%), but variable for sensitivity and PPV (17–89%). Differences in misclassification by gender were statistically significant. Using maiden name rather than married name in women improved classification outcomes for those born in the British Isles (0.53%, 95% confidence interval 0.26–0.8%; P < 0.001) but not for South Asian or Polish groups.

Conclusions

Onomap offers an effective methodology for identifying population groups in both health-related and educational datasets, categorizing populations into a variety of ethnic groups. This evaluation suggests that it can successfully assist health researchers, planners and policy makers in identifying and addressing health inequalities.     

Can informed choice invitations lead to inequities in intentions to make lifestyle changes among participants in a primary care diabetes screening programme? Evidence from a randomized trial

Objective

To test whether information about benefits and harms of screening for type 2 diabetes increases intentions to make lifestyle changes amongst attenders, predominantly among the socially advantaged and those with a strong future time orientation.

Study design

Planned subgroup analysis of attenders for screening participating in a randomized controlled trial of an informed choice invitation vs a standard invitation to attend for type 2 diabetes screening.

Methods

Potentially eligible participants were identified from practice registers using routine data which were used to calculate risk scores for diabetes for all aged 40–69 years without known type 2 diabetes and area deprivation based on post code. In total, 1272 individuals in the top 25% risk category were randomized to receive one of two invitations to attend their practices for screening: an informed choice invitation or a standard invitation. The subsequent attenders completed self-report measures of future time orientation and deprivation immediately before undergoing a screening test.

Results

Individual-level deprivation demonstrated a significant moderator effect [F (4,635) = 4.32, P = 0.002]: individuals who were high in deprivation had lower intentions to engage in lifestyle change following receipt of the informed choice invitation. However, intentions were not patterned by deprivation when it was assessed at the area-level using the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007. The hypothesized moderating effect of future time orientation on invitation type was also supported [F(14,613) = 2.46, P = 0.002): individuals low in future time orientation had markedly lower intentions to engage in lifestyle change following receipt of an informed choice invitation compared with a standard invitation for screening.

Conclusion

Efforts to enhance informed choice where the implications of diagnosis are a requirement for lifestyle change may require that the immediate benefits are communicated, and efforts to address the apparent barriers to diabetes self-care are made, if the potential for inequity is to be avoided.     

The effect of prenatal perfluorinated chemicals exposures on pediatric atopy

Background

The role of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the immune system and allergic diseases is not well-known. This study examined the effects of pre-natal exposure to PFCs on immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

In Taiwan Birth Panel cohort study, newborns with cord blood and peri-natal factors (i.e. birth body weight, weeks of gestation, and type of delivery) gathered at birth were evaluated. At the age of 2 years, information on the development of AD, environmental exposures, and serum total IgE were collected. The AD and non-AD children were compared for the concentration of cord blood serum PFCs measured by Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/triple–quadrupole mass (UPLC-MS/MS). Correlations among cord blood IgE, serum total IgE at 2 years of age, and cord blood PFC levels were made.

Results

Of 244 children who completed the follow-up and specimen collections, 43 (17.6%) developed AD. Concentrations of cord blood serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were median (range) 1.71 (0.75–17.40), 5.50 (0.11–48.36), 2.30 (0.38–63.87), and 0.035 (0.035–0.420) ng/mL, respectively. PFOA and PFOS levels positively correlated with cord blood IgE levels (per ln-unit: β=0.134 KU/l, p=0.047 for PFOA; β=0.161 KU/l, p=0.017 for PFOS). Analyses stratified by gender revealed that PFOA and PFOS levels positively correlated with cord blood IgE levels only in boys (per ln-unit: β=0.206 KU/l, p=0.025 for PFOA; β=0.175 KU/l, p=0.053 for PFOS). When dividing cord blood serum PFCs into quartiles in the fully adjusted models, AD had no significant association with PFOS.

Conclusions

Pre-natal PFOA and PFOS exposures positively correlated with cord blood IgE levels.     

Patient-focused endpoints in advanced cancer: criterion-based validation of accelerometer-based activity monitoring

Background & aims

Objective assessment of daily physical activity (PA) by body-worn accelerometers offers potential as a novel endpoint in the clinical management of advanced cancer patients. This study aimed to assess criterion-based validity of an accelerometer-based activity monitoring system (AM-system), ActivPAL™, using two different methods.

Methods

Advanced cancer in patients and outpatients (Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) 40–100). ActivPAL™ measurements were validated against (i) observations and (ii) energy expenditure (EE) measured by 2-week doubly-labelled water (DLW) protocol.

Results

Absolute errors for mean time spent in different body positions (<0.1%) and number of transfers (0%) were low. Step count error was significantly higher in patients with KPS 40–60 (non-self caring) compared to KPS 70–100 (self-caring) (33 vs. 24%, p = 0.006). Post-hoc mathematical analysis demonstrated that absolute errors for the mean energy expenditure of activity (EEA) (1.4%) and mean total EE (0.4%) were low, but agreement was also low.

Conclusions

AM-systems provide valid estimates of body positions and transfers, but not step count, especially in non-self caring patients. ActivPAL™ can derive estimates of EE but there is considerable variability in results, which is consistent, in part, with the inaccuracy in step count. Further studies are required to assess the validity of different endpoints derived from AM-systems in advanced cancer patients.