Exploratory study of web-based planning and mobile text reminders in an overweight population

Background

Forming specific health plans can help translate good intentions into action. Mobile text reminders can further enhance the effects of planning on behavior.

Objective

Our aim was to explore the combined impact of a Web-based, fully automated planning tool and mobile text reminders on intention to change saturated fat intake, self-reported saturated fat intake, and portion size changes over 4 weeks.

Methods

Of 1013 men and women recruited online, 858 were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 conditions: a planning tool (PT), combined planning tool and text reminders (PTT), and a control group. All outcome measures were assessed by online self-reports. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data.

Results

Participants allocated to the PT (mean_{sat urated fat} 3.6, mean_{copingplanning} 3) and PTT (mean_saturatedfat 3.5, mean_{copingplanning} 3.1) reported a lower consumption of high-fat foods (F _2,571 = 4.74, P = .009) and higher levels of coping planning (F _2,571 = 7.22, P < .001) than the control group (mean_{sat urated f at} 3.9, mean_{copingplanning} 2.8). Participants in the PTT condition also reported smaller portion sizes of high-fat foods (mean 2.8; F _{2, 569} = 4.12, P = .0) than the control group (mean_portions 3.1). The reduction in portion size was driven primarily by the male participants in the PTT (P = .003). We found no significant group differences in terms of percentage saturated fat intake, intentions, action planning, self-efficacy, or feedback on the intervention.

Conclusions

These findings support the use of Web-based tools and mobile technologies to change dietary behavior. The combination of a fully automated Web-based planning tool with mobile text reminders led to lower self-reported consumption of high-fat foods and greater reductions in portion sizes than in a control condition.

Trial Registration

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 61819220; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN61819220 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/63YiSy6R8)     

Change in cardiovascular risk factors following early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes: a cohort analysis of a cluster-randomised trial

Background

There is little evidence to inform the targeted treatment of individuals found early in the diabetes disease trajectory.

Aim

To describe cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles and treatment of individual CVD risk factors by modelled CVD risk at diagnosis; changes in treatment, modelled CVD risk, and CVD risk factors in the 5 years following diagnosis; and how these are patterned by socioeconomic status.

Design and setting

Cohort analysis of a cluster-randomised trial (ADDITION-Europe) in general practices in Denmark, England, and the Netherlands.

Method

A total of 2418 individuals with screen-detected diabetes were divided into quartiles of modelled 10-year CVD risk at diagnosis. Changes in treatment, modelled CVD risk, and CVD risk factors were assessed at 5 years.

Results

The largest reductions in risk factors and modelled CVD risk were seen in participants who were in the highest quartile of modelled risk at baseline, suggesting that treatment was offered appropriately. Participants in the lowest quartile of risk at baseline had very similar levels of modelled CVD risk at 5 years and showed the least variation in change in modelled risk. No association was found between socioeconomic status and changes in CVD risk factors, suggesting that treatment was equitable.

Conclusion

Diabetes management requires setting of individualised attainable targets. This analysis provides a reference point for patients, clinicians, and policymakers when considering goals for changes in risk factors early in the course of the disease that account for the diverse cardiometabolic profile present in individuals who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.     

A simple risk score using routine data for predicting cardiovascular disease in primary care

Background

Population-based screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, incorporating blood tests, is proposed in several countries.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a simple approach to identifying individuals at high risk of CVD using routine data might be effective.

Design of study

Prospective cohort study (EPIC-Norfolk).

Setting

Norfolk area, UK.

Method

A total of 21 867 men and women aged 40–74 years, who were free from CVD and diabetes at baseline, participated in the study. The discrimination (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [aROC]), calibration, sensitivity/specificity, and positive/negative predictive value were evaluated for different risk thresholds of the Framingham risk equations and the Cambridge diabetes risk score (as an example of a simple risk score using routine data from electronic general practice records).

Results

During 203 664 person-years of follow-up, 2213 participants developed a first CVD event (10.9 per 1000 person-years). The Cambridge diabetes risk score predicted CVD events reasonably well (aROC 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71 to 0.73), while the Framingham risk score had the best predictive ability (aROC 0.77; 95% CI = 0.76 to 0.78). The Framingham risk score overestimated risk of developing CVD in this representative British population by 60%.

Conclusion

A risk score incorporating routinely available data from GP records performed reasonably well at predicting CVD events. This suggests that it might be more efficient to use routine data as the first stage in a stepwise population screening programme to identify people at high risk of developing CVD before more time- and resource-consuming tests are used.     

Development,initial content validation and reliability of Nigerian Composite Lifestyle CVD risk factors questionnaire for adolescents

Background

Cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) factors affect every age category including adolescents in developing nations. Prevention strategies are effective only when there are epidemiological data for the targeted populations. The collection of such data is only made easy with composite lifestyle CVD risk factors measures that are culturally sensitive and acceptable among the target populations.

Objective

The objective of the study was to develop a culturally sensitive and friendly composite lifestyle CVD risk factors questionnaire for adolescents in Nigeria

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to identify existing, published questionnaires from which items could be selected. Content and face validation were conducted using an expert panel and a sub-sample of the target population. Data was analyzed qualitatively and reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation and Kappa statistic.

Results

Based on the comments received from experts, the questions were restructured, simplified, clarified, formatted, some questions were added and expert reached a consensus. Kappa showed fair to moderate agreement in 65% of the questions and perfect agreement in one question.

Conclusion

The CVD risk factors questionnaire has acceptable content validity and reliability and should be used to assess CVD risk factors among adolescents in Nigeria     

Demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial correlates of using the website component of a worksite physical activity and healthy nutrition promotion program: a longitudinal study

Background

Internet-delivered behavior change programs have the potential to reach a large population. However, low participation levels and high levels of attrition are often observed. The worksite could be a setting suitable for reaching and retaining large numbers of people, but little is known about reach and use of Internet-delivered health promotion programs in the worksite setting.

Objective

This study aimed (1) to gain more insight in the use of the website component of a worksite behavior change intervention and (2) to identify demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors associated with website use.

Methods

The study was an observational study among participants from 5 workplaces in a cluster randomized controlled trial. At baseline, all participants visited a study website to fill out the baseline questionnaire. Then a physical health check was done followed by face-to-face advice. After this contact, all participants received an email to promote visiting the website to view their health check results and the personal advice based on the baseline questionnaire. In the subsequent period, only participants in the intervention group received monthly email messages to promote website visits and were offered additional Web-based tools (self-monitors and a food frequency questionnaire [FFQ] assessing saturated fat intake) to support their behavior change. Website use was monitored by website statistics registering website access. Complete data were available for 726 employees. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify characteristics of employees who visited and used the website.

Results

In total, 43% of the participants visited the website after the email to promote website visits. Participants who were insufficiently physically active were less likely to visit the website (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.88), whereas individuals with an elevated total cholesterol level visited the website more often (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.05-1.98). The monthly emails in the intervention group resulted in higher website use during a 3-month period (18% versus 5% in the reference group, OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.30-6.82). Participants with a positive attitude toward increasing physical activity were less likely to visit the website (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.93) or to use the self-monitor and FFQ (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.25-0.99). Female workers visited the website more often to monitor their behavior and to receive advice on fat intake (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.14-4.90).

Conclusions

Almost half of the participants used the website component of a worksite behavior change program. Monthly emails were a prompt to visit the website, but website use remained low. More women than men used the website to obtain personalized advice for behavior change. No consistently higher participation was found among those with healthier behaviors. This health promotion program did not provide an indication that healthier subjects are more susceptible to health promotion.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN52854353; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN52854353 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/5smxIncB1)     

Predicted 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease is influenced by the risk equation adopted: a cross-sectional analysis

Background

Validated risk equations are currently recommended to assess individuals to determine those at ‘high risk’ of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is no longer a risk ‘equation of choice’.

Aim

This study examined the differences between four commonly-used CVD risk equations.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional analysis of individuals who participated in a workplace-based risk assessment in Carmarthenshire, south Wales.

Method

Analysis of 790 individuals (474 females, 316 males) with no prior diagnosis of CVD or diabetes. Ten-year CVD risk was predicted by entering the relevant variables into the QRISK2, Framingham Lipids, Framingham BMI, and JBS2 risk equations.

Results

The Framingham BMI and JBS2 risk equations predicted a higher absolute risk than the QRISK2 and Framingham Lipids equations, and CVD risk increased concomitantly with age irrespective of which risk equation was adopted. Only a small proportion of females (0–2.1%) were predicted to be at high risk of developing CVD using any of the risk algorithms. The proportion of males predicted at high risk ranged from 5.4% (QRISK2) to 20.3% (JBS2). After age stratification, few differences between isolated risk factors were observed in males, although a greater proportion of males aged ≥50 years were predicted to be at ‘high risk’ independent of risk equation used.

Conclusions

Different risk equations can influence the predicted 10-year CVD risk of individuals. More males were predicted at ‘high risk’ using the JBS2 or Framingham BMI equations. Consideration should also be given to the number of isolated risk factors, especially in younger adults when evaluating CVD risk.     

Cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of internet-based treatment for adults with depressive symptoms: randomized trial

Background

The effectiveness of Internet-based treatments for depression has been demonstrated; their cost-effectiveness, however, has been less well researched.

Objective

Evaluating the relative cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of (1) Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, (2) Internet-based problem-solving therapy, and (3) a waiting list for adults with depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 263 participants with clinically significant depressive symptoms were randomized to Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (n = 88), Internet-based problem-solving therapy (n = 88), and a waiting list (n = 87). End points were evaluated at the 12-week follow-up.

Results

Cost-utility analysis showed that cognitive behavioral therapy and problem-solving therapy had a 52% and 61% probability respectively of being more acceptable than waiting when the willingness to pay is € 30,000 for one quality-adjusted life-year. When society is prepared to pay € 10,000 for a clinically significant change from depression, the probabilities of cognitive behavioral therapy and problem-solving therapy being more acceptable than waiting are 91% and 89%, respectively. Comparing both Internet-based treatments showed no clear preference for one or the other of the treatments.

Conclusions

Both Internet-based treatments have a high probability of being cost-effective with a modest value placed on clinically significant change in depressive symptoms.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN16823487; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN16823487 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/5u8slzhDE)     

Short- and Medium-Term Efficacy of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Nutrition Education Intervention for Adults Including Cognitive and Environmental Feedback: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Web-based, computer-tailored nutrition education interventions can be effective in modifying self-reported dietary behaviors. Traditional computer-tailored programs primarily targeted individual cognitions (knowledge, awareness, attitude, self-efficacy). Tailoring on additional variables such as self-regulation processes and environmental-level factors (the home food environment arrangement and perception of availability and prices of healthy food products in supermarkets) may improve efficacy and effect sizes (ES) of Web-based computer-tailored nutrition education interventions.

Objective

This study evaluated the short- and medium-term efficacy and educational differences in efficacy of a cognitive and environmental feedback version of a Web-based computer-tailored nutrition education intervention on self-reported fruit, vegetable, high-energy snack, and saturated fat intake compared to generic nutrition information in the total sample and among participants who did not comply with dietary guidelines (the risk groups).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a basic (tailored intervention targeting individual cognition and self-regulation processes; n=456), plus (basic intervention additionally targeting environmental-level factors; n=459), and control (generic nutrition information; n=434) group. Participants were recruited from the general population and randomly assigned to a study group. Self-reported fruit, vegetable, high-energy snack, and saturated fat intake were assessed at baseline and at 1- (T1) and 4-months (T2) postintervention using online questionnaires. Linear mixed model analyses examined group differences in change over time. Educational differences were examined with group×time×education interaction terms.

Results

In the total sample, the basic (T1: ES=–0.30; T2: ES=–0.18) and plus intervention groups (T1: ES=–0.29; T2: ES=–0.27) had larger decreases in high-energy snack intake than the control group. The basic version resulted in a larger decrease in saturated fat intake than the control intervention (T1: ES=–0.19; T2: ES=–0.17). In the risk groups, the basic version caused larger decreases in fat (T1: ES=–0.28; T2: ES=–0.28) and high-energy snack intake (T1: ES=–0.34; T2: ES=–0.20) than the control intervention. The plus version resulted in a larger increase in fruit (T1: ES=0.25; T2: ES=0.37) and a larger decrease in high-energy snack intake (T1: ES=–0.38; T2: ES=–0.32) than the control intervention. For high-energy snack intake, educational differences were found. Stratified analyses showed that the plus version was most effective for high-educated participants.

Conclusions

Both intervention versions were more effective in improving some of the self-reported dietary behaviors than generic nutrition information, especially in the risk groups, among both higher- and lower-educated participants. For fruit intake, only the plus version was more effective than providing generic nutrition information. Although feasible, incorporating environmental-level information is time-consuming. Therefore, the basic version may be more feasible for further implementation, although inclusion of feedback on the arrangement of the home food environment and on availability and prices may be considered for fruit and, for high-educated people, for high-energy snack intake.

Trial Registration

Netherlands Trial Registry NTR3396; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3396 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6VNZbdL6w).     

Habitual Sleep Duration and Insomnia and the Risk of Cardiovascular Events and All-cause Death: Report from a Community-Based Cohort

Study Objectives:

To investigate the relationship between sleep duration and insomnia severity and the risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events

Design:

Prospective cohort study

Setting:

Community-based

Participants:

A total of 3,430 adults aged 35 years or older

Intervention:

None

Measurements and Results:

During a median 15.9 year (interquartile range, 13.1 to 16.9) follow-up period, 420 cases developed cardiovascular disease and 901 cases died. A U-shape association between sleep duration and all-cause death was found: the age and gender-adjusted relative risks (95% confidence interval [CI]) of all-cause death (with 7 h of daily sleep being considered for the reference group) for individuals reporting ≤ 5 h, 6 h, 8 h, and ≥ 9 h were 1.15 (0.91–1.45), 1.02 (0.85–1.25), 1.05 (0.88–1.27), and 1.43 (1.16–1.75); P for trend, 0.019. However, the relationship between sleep duration and risk of CVD were linear. The multivariate-adjusted relative risk (95% CI) for all-cause death (using individuals without insomnia) were 1.02 (0.86–1.20) for occasional insomnia, 1.15 (0.92–1.42) for frequent insomnia, and 1.70 (1.16–2.49) for nearly everyday insomnia (P for trend, 0.028). The multivariate adjusted relative risk (95% CI) was 2.53 (1.71–3.76) for all-cause death and 2.07 (1.11–3.85) for CVD rate in participants sleeping ≥9 h and for those with frequent insomnia.

Conclusions:

Sleep duration and insomnia severity were associated with all-cause death and CVD events among ethnic Chinese in Taiwan. Our data indicate that an optimal sleep duration (7–8 h) predicted fewer deaths.

Citation:

Chien K; Chen P; Hsu H; Su T; Sung F; Chen M; Lee Y. Habitual sleep duration and insomnia and the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause death: report from a community-based cohort. SLEEP 2010;33(2):177–184.     

The Association of Sleep Duration with Adolescents' Fat and Carbohydrate Consumption

Study Objectives:

To investigate the relation between sleep duration and energy consumption in an adolescent cohort.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Free-living environment.

Participants:

Two hundred forty adolescents (mean age 17.7 ± 0.4 years).

Measurements and Results:

Daily 24-hour food-recall questionnaires and wrist-actigraphy measurements of sleep duration were employed to test the hypothesis that shorter weekday sleep duration (< 8 h) is associated with altered nutrient intake. Nutrition parameters included total calories, calories from meals and snacks, and proportions of caloric intake from fat and carbohydrates. Compared with adolescents sleeping 8 or more hours on average on weekdays, those sleeping less than 8 hours consumed a higher proportion of calories from fats (35.9% ± 6.7% vs 33.2% ± 6.9%; mean ± SD; P = 0.004) and a lower proportion of calories from carbohydrates (49.6% ± 8.2% vs 53.3% ± 8.3%; P = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, shorter sleep duration was significantly associated with an average daily increase of calories consumed from fat of 2.2 percentage points and an average daily decrease in percentage of calories from carbohydrates of 3.0 percentage points. In unadjusted analyses, shorter sleep duration was also associated with a 2.1-fold increased odds (95% confidence interval: 1.03, 4.44) of daily consuming 475 or more kcal from snacks.

Conclusion:

Quantitative measures of macronutrient intake in adolescents were associated with objectively measured sleep duration. Short sleep duration may increase obesity risk by causing small changes in eating patterns that cumulatively alter energy balance.

Citation:

Weiss A; Xu F; Storfer-Isser A; Thomas A; Ievers-Landis CE; Redline S. The association of sleep duration with adolescents'' fat and carbohydrate consumption. SLEEP 2010;33(9):1201-1209.     

Initial and sustained participation in an internet-delivered long-term worksite health promotion program on physical activity and nutrition

Background

Determinants of participation in health promotion programs are largely unknown. To evaluate and implement interventions, information is needed regarding their reach as well as regarding the characteristics of program users and non-users.

Objective

In this study, individual, lifestyle, and health indicators were investigated in relation to initial, and sustained participation in an Internet-delivered physical activity and healthy nutrition program in the workplace setting. In addition, determinants of program website use were studied.

Methods

Determinants of participation were investigated in a longitudinal study among employees from six workplaces participating in a two-year cluster randomized controlled trial. The employees were invited by email to participate. At baseline, all participants visited a website to fill out the questionnaire on lifestyle, work, and health factors. Subsequently, a physical health check was offered, followed by face-to-face advice. Throughout the study period, all participants had access to a website with information on lifestyle and health, and to fully automated personalized feedback on the questionnaire results. Only participants in the intervention received monthly email messages to promote website visits during the first year and had access to additional Web-based tools (self-monitors, a food frequency questionnaire assessing saturated fat intake, and the possibility to ask questions) to support behavior change. Website use was monitored by website statistics measuring access. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify characteristics of employees who participated in the program and used the website.

Results

Complete baseline data were available for 924 employees (intervention: n=456, reference: n=468). Lifestyle and health factors were not associated with initial participation. Employees aged 30 years and older were more likely to start using the program and to sustain their participation. Workers with a low intention to increase their physical activity level were less likely to participate (Odds Ratio (OR)=0.60, 95% Confidence interval (95%CI), 0.43-0.85) but more likely to sustain participation throughout the study period (ORs ranging from 1.40 to 2.06). Furthermore, it was found that smokers were less likely to sustain their participation in the first and second year (OR=0.54, 95%CI 0.35-0.82) and to visit the website (OR=0.72, 95%CI 0.54-0.96). Website use was highest in the periods immediately after the baseline (73%) and follow-up questionnaires (71% and 87%). Employees in the intervention were more likely to visit the website in the period they received monthly emails (OR=5.88, 95%CI 3.75-9.20) but less likely to visit the website in the subsequent period (OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.45-0.85).

Conclusions

Modest initial participation and high attrition in program use were found. Workers with a low intention to change their behavior were less likely to participate, but once enrolled they were more likely to sustain their participation. Lifestyle and health indicators were not related to initial participation, but those with an unhealthy lifestyle were less likely to sustain. This might influence program effectiveness. Regular email messages prompted website use, but the use of important Web-based tools was modest. There is a need for more appealing techniques to enhance retention and to keep those individuals who need it most attracted to the program.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN52854353; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN52854353     

Vitamin D intake and type 2 diabetes risk: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Background

The findings form studies on the relationship between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes were inconsistent.

Objectives

To elucidate the association between vitamin D consumption and type 2 diabetes risk by conducting a meta-analysis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search to identify prospective cohort studies of vitamin D intake and type 2 diabetes risk prior to November 2012. Eligible studies were retrieved via both computer searches and manual review of references. The summary risk estimates were calculated based on the highest versus the lowest categories.

Results

Meta-analysis of 4 prospective cohort studies involving 187, 592 participants and 9, 456 incident cases showed an absence of significant association between total vitamin D intake and type 2 diabetes risk. The combined RR was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.85–1.01). The associations were similar for subgroup analyses, a combined RR respectively was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.77–1.08), 0.91 (95% CI: 0.77–1.08), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.84–1.02), and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84–1.01) for the intake of dietary vitamin D, supplemental vitamin D, total vitamin D in USA and total vitamin D for women only.

Conclusions

Our results support that there was no association between vitamin D intake and type 2 diabetes.     

The Fremantle Primary Prevention Study: a multicentre randomised trial of absolute cardiovascular risk reduction

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global mortality. Risk factor management in clinical practice often relies on relative risk modification rather than the more appropriate absolute risk assessment.

Aim

To determine whether patients receiving more-frequently designated GP visits had increased benefit in terms of their absolute CVD risk assessment, as compared with patients in receipt of their usual GP care.

Design and setting

Prospective, open, pragmatic block randomised study in a 1:1 group allocation ratio in three Western Australian general practices.

Method

A convenience sample (n = 1200) of patients aged 40–80 years were randomised to 3-monthly GP visits (five in total for the intensive) or usual GP care (two in total for the opportunistic), with 12 months’ follow-up. The main outcome was absolute CVD risk scores based on the New Zealand Cardiovascular Risk Calculator. Others outcome measures were weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting blood lipids and glucose.

Results

There were 600 patients per group at baseline. At 12 months’ analysis there were 543 in the intensive group and 569 in the opportunistic group. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) absolute CVD risk reduced significantly between baseline and 12 months in the intensive group (6.28% [5.11] to 6.10% [4.94]) but not in the opportunistic group (6.27% [5.10] to 6.24% [5.38]). There was a significant reduction between baseline and 12 months in mean (SD) total cholesterol (5.28 mmol/l [0.94] to 5.08 mmol/l [0.96]); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.08 mmol/l [0.87] to 2.95 mmol/l [0.89]); triglyceride (1.45 mmol/l [0.86] to 1.36 mmol/l [0.84]); and in mean (SD) waist circumference in men (98.74 cm [10.70] to 97.13 cm [10.20]) and females (90.64 cm [14.62] to 88.96 cm [14.00]) in the intensive group.

Conclusion

A targeted approach using absolute risk calculators can be used in primary care to modify global CVD risk assessment.     

Randomized Controlled Trial of Variable-Pressure Versus Fixed-Pressure Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment for Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS)

Study Objectives:

To determine whether fixed-pressure or variable-pressure CPAP was preferred by patients and gave better outcomes in patients with the obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Design:

Randomized blinded cross-over trial with 6 weeks of fixed and 6 weeks of variable-pressure CPAP

Setting:

Sleep center

Patients:

200 consecutive consenting CPAP naive patients with daytime sleepiness and >15 apneas + hypopneas/h after an attended auto-CPAP titration night.

Interventions:

CPAP therapy using the same device (Autoset Spirit) set for 6 weeks in fixed pressure mode and for 6 weeks in variable pressure mode, the order of therapies being randomized.

Measurements and Results:

All measurements were recorded at the end of each limb by a researcher blind to treatment. These included symptoms, Epworth Score, CPAP usage, objective sleepiness by modified Osler test, vigilance and health related quality of life. A total of 181 of 200 patients completed the study. At the end of the study, patients expressed no significant difference in the primary outcome, patient preference, 72 patients preferring fixed and 69 preferring variable-pressure CPAP. Epworth score was lower on variable (9.5, SEM 0.4) than fixed-pressure CPAP (10.0, SEM 0.3; P = 0.031). Mean CPAP use was higher on variable (4.2, SEM 0.2 h/night) than fixed-pressure CPAP (4.0, SEM 0.2 h/night; P = 0.047). There were no other significant differences between treatments.

Conclusions

This study shows no difference in patient preference and only a marginal benefit of variable over fixed-pressure CPAP in OSAHS in terms of subjective sleepiness and CPAP use. The clinical value of this difference remains to be determined.

Clinical Trial Information:

Variable-pressure versus fixed-pressure continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS); Registration # ISRCTN43085025; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN43085025

Citation:

Vennelle M; White S; Riha RL; Mackay T; Engleman HM; Douglas NJ. Randomized controlled trial of variable-pressure versus fixed-pressure continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). SLEEP 2010;33(2):267-271.     

Screening for increased cardiometabolic risk in primary care: a systematic review

Background

Many programmes to detect and prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been performed, but the optimal strategy is not yet clear.

Aim

To present a systematic review of cardiometabolic screening programmes performed among apparently healthy people (not yet known to have CVD, diabetes, or cardiometabolic risk factors) and mixed populations (apparently healthy people and people diagnosed with risk factor or disease) to define the optimal screening strategy.

Design and setting

Systematic review of studies performed in primary care in Western countries.

Method

MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies screening for increased cardiometabolic risk. Exclusion criteria were studies designed to assess prevalence of risk factors without follow-up or treatment; without involving a GP; when fewer than two risk factors were considered as the primary outcome; and studies constrained to ethnic minorities.

Results

The search strategy yielded 11 445 hits; 26 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies (1995–2012) were conducted in apparently healthy populations: three used a stepwise method. Response rates varied from 24% to 79%. Twenty-one studies (1967–2012) were performed in mixed populations; one used a stepwise method. Response rates varied from 50% to 75%. Prevalence rates could not be compared because of heterogeneity of used thresholds and eligible populations. Observed time trends were a shift from mixed to apparently healthy populations, increasing use of risk scores, and increasing use of stepwise screening methods.

Conclusion

The optimal screening strategy in primary care is likely stepwise, in apparently healthy people, with the use of risk scores. Increasing public awareness and actively involving GPs might facilitate screening efficiency and uptake.     

Short Sleep Duration as a Risk Factor for Hypercholesterolemia: Analyses of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

Study Objectives:

To explore the relationship between sleep duration in adolescence and hypercholesterolemia in young adulthood. Experimental sleep restriction has been shown to significantly increase total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in women. Short sleep duration has been found in cross sectional studies to be associated with higher total cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol levels. Sleep deprivation could increase the risk for hypercholesterolemia by increasing appetite and dietary consumption of saturated fats, decreasing motivation to engage in regular physical activity, and increasing stress and resultant catecholamine induced lipolysis. No previous published population studies have examined the longitudinal relationship between sleep duration and high cholesterol.

Design:

Multivariate longitudinal analyses stratified by sex of the ADD Health using logistic regression.

Setting:

United States nationally representative, school-based, probability-based sample.

Participants:

Adolescents (n = 14,257) in grades 7 to 12 at baseline (1994-95) and ages 18 to 26 at follow-up (2001-02).

Measurements and Results:

Among females, each additional hour of sleep was associated with a significantly decreased odds of being diagnosed with high cholesterol in young adulthood (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96) after controlling for covariates. Additional sleep was associated with decreased, yet not statistically significant, odds ratios for hypercholesterolemia in males (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.79-1.05).

Conclusions:

Short sleep durations in adolescent women could be a significant risk factor for high cholesterol. Interventions that lengthen sleep could potentially serve as treatments and as primary preventative measures for hypercholesterolemia.

Citation:

Gangwisch JE; Malaspina D; Babiss LA; Opler MG; Posner K; Shen S; Turner JB; Zammit GK; Ginsberg HN. Short sleep duration as a risk factor for hypercholesterolemia: analyses of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.