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1.
Nerissa Nance Lauren Ralph Nancy Padian Frances Cowan Raluca Buzdugan Angela Mushavi Agnes Mahomva Sandra I McCoy 《BMC women's health》2018,18(1):193
Background
The postpartum period is an opportune time for contraception adoption, as women have extended interaction with the reproductive healthcare system and therefore more opportunity to learn about and adopt contraceptive methods. This may be especially true for women who experience unintended pregnancy, a key target population for contraceptive programs and programs to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission. Among women in Zimbabwe surveyed in 2014, we examined the relationship between pregnancy intention associated with a woman’s most recent pregnancy, and her subsequent postpartum contraceptive use.Methods
In our analysis we utilized a dataset from a random selection of catchment areas in Zimbabwe to examine the association between pregnancy intention of most recent pregnancy and subsequent postpartum contraceptive use using multinomial logistic regression models. We also explored whether this association differed by women’s HIV status. Finally, we examined the association between pregnancy intention and changes in contraception from the pre- to postpartum periods.Results
Findings suggest that women who reported that their pregnancy was unintended adopted less modern (all non-traditional) contraceptive methods overall, but adopted long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) more frequently than women reporting an intended pregnancy (OR 1.41; CI 1.18, 1.68). Among HIV-positive women, this relationship was particularly strong (OR 3.12; CI 1.96, 4.97). However, when examining changes in contraceptive use from the pre-pregnancy to the postpartum period, women who had an unintended pregnancy had lower odds of changing to a more effective method postpartum overall (OR 0.71; CI 0.64, 0.79).Conclusions
We did not find evidence of higher modern method adoption in the postpartum period among women with an unintended pregnancy. However, women who were already on a method in the pre-pregnancy period were catalyzed to move to more effective methods (such as LARC) postpartum. This study provides evidence of low modern (non-traditional) method adoption in general in the postpartum period among a vulnerable sub-population in Zimbabwe (women who experience unintended pregnancy). Simultaneously, however, it shows a relatively greater portion specifically of LARC use among women with an unintended pregnancy. Further research is needed to more closely examine the motivations behind these contraceptive decisions in order to better inform distribution and counseling programs.2.
Vincenzo Valiani M. Lauzé D. Martel M. Pahor T. M. Manini S. Anton M. Aubertin-Leheudre 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2017,21(7):819-824
Objectives
To explore the feasibility and acceptability of a new home-based exercise technology among older adults and to evaluate its efficacy on physical performance measures.Design
Longitudinal clinical trial.Setting
Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, a nursing home located in Gainesville, Florida.Participants
Twelve pre-disabled older adults (≥75 years) living in a nursing home with a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score between 6 and 9 and no diagnosis of dementia.Intervention
Thirty minutes of light intensity exercise (aerobic, strength and balance) two times per week for four weeks using a home-based physical activity technology called Jintronix.Measurements
Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through a 9-item self-administered questionnaire and by exploring the percentage of quality of movements and time performing exercise which was calculated automatically by Jintronix technology. Physical performance measures were assessed through the SPPB score at baseline, after 4 weeks of intervention and after 3 months from the completion of the intervention.Results
Twelve older adults (80.5±4.2 years old) performed light intensity exercise with Jintronix for a total of 51.9±7.9 minutes per week. Participants reached 87% score of quality of movements in strength and balance exercises, a global appreciation score of 91.7% and a global difficulty score of 36%. Compared to baseline, there was a significant improvement in SPPB score at the end of the intervention and at 3 months following the completion of the exercise program (0.67±0.98 and 1.08±0.99 respectively, p-value <0.05).Conclusion
Jintronix technology is feasible and acceptable among pre-disabled older adults without dementia living in nursing home and is beneficial in improving their physical performance.3.
J. H. Moon J. H. Moon K. M. Kim S. H. Choi S. Lim K. S. Park Ki Woong Kim Hak Chul Jang 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2016,20(5):496-502
Objectives
We investigated the association between the indices of sarcopenia and future risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.Design
Community-based prospective cohort study.Setting
Community.Participants
A total of 297 participants aged ≥65 years without cognitive impairment at baseline (mean age, 71.9 ± 6.6 years; men:women, 158:139) and who underwent cognitive evaluation at the 5-year follow-up.Measurements
Sarcopenia parameters including appendicular lean mass (ALM), handgrip strength, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score at baseline were compared according to the later progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia. The operational criteria suggested by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project were used. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the independent indicators of the progression of cognitive impairment.Results
Among the 297 participants, 242 (81.5%) remained cognitively normal (nonprogression group), whereas 55 (18.5%) showed progression of cognitive impairment (50 subjects (16.8%) to MCI and 5 subjects (1.7%) to dementia) (progression group). Compared with the nonprogression group, subjects in the progression group were older, had a lower educational level, and had lower physical function as assessed by the SPPB; a higher percentage were depressed. Other baseline markers of sarcopenia, including the ALM-to-body mass index ratio and handgrip strength did not differ significantly between the groups. The association between a low SPPB score (<9) and progression of cognitive impairment was maintained after adjustment for conventional risk factors for cognitive impairment (hazard ratio 2.222, 95% confidence interval 1.047–4.716, P = 0.038).Conclusion
Decreased physical performance, as assessed by the SPPB, but not other markers of sarcopenia, was independently associated with the risk of later cognitive impairment in older adults.4.
Hidetaka Wakabayashi M. Matsushima H. Ichikawa S. Murayama S. Yoshida M. Kaneko R. Mutai 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2018,22(1):53-58
Objectives
This study aimed to examine the interrelationships among occlusal support, dysphagia, malnutrition, and activities of daily living in aged individuals needing long-term care.Design
Cross-sectional study and path analysis.Setting
Long-term health care facilities, acute care hospitals, and the community.Participants
Three hundred and fifty-four individuals aged ≥ 65 years with dysphagia or potential dysphagia in need of long-term care.Measurements
The modified Eichner Index, Dysphagia Severity Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, and Barthel index.Results
The participants included 118 males and 236 females with a mean (standard deviation) age of 83 (8) years. A total of 216 participants had functional occlusal support with or without dentures. Of the total participants, 73 were within normal limits regarding the severity of dysphagia, 119 exhibited dysphagia without aspiration, and 162 exhibited dysphagia with aspiration. Only 34 had a normal nutritional status, while 166 participants were malnourished, and 154 were at risk of malnutrition. The median Barthel index score was 30. Path analysis indicated two important findings: occlusal support had a direct effect on dysphagia (standard coefficient = 0.33), and dysphagia was associated directly with malnutrition (standard coefficient = 0.50). Dysphagia and malnutrition were associated directly with impaired activities of daily living (standard coefficient = 0.57, 0.22).Conclusion
In aged individuals needing long-term care, occlusal support is associated directly with dysphagia and indirectly with malnutrition and activities of daily living via dysphagia.5.
Susan W. Muir-Hunter G. Lim Fat R. Mackenzie J. Wells M. Montero-Odasso 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2016,20(4):439-445
Objective
To quantify the magnitude of functional recovery in older adults with and without dementia admitted to an inpatient geriatric rehabilitation program by measuring change in measures of global physical function and physical therapy treatment outcomes.Design
Retrospective cohort study.Setting
Rehabilitation academic hospital.Participants
Consecutive subjects, with (N=65, age 81.9±6.0 y) and without (N=157, age 82.8±7.2 y) a dementia diagnosis, had assessment data at admission and discharge from inpatient geriatric rehabilitation unit.Interventions
Not applicable.Measurements
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used to estimate level of independence on activities of daily living. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go Test (TUG) and 2 Minute Walk Test (2MWT) were used to estimate functional mobility and endurance. The FIM (total, motor subscale, cognitive subscale scores) were used to calculate rehabilitation efficacy and efficiency scores.Results
After controlling for confounding, there was no group difference for gains on the BBS, TUG, 2MWT; there was no group difference on rehabilitation efficacy and efficiency values based on the FIM motor subscale. The magnitude of the rehabilitation gain using the total FIM score was statistically different between groups, people with dementia having smaller gains.Conclusion
Older adults with a diagnosis of dementia are capable of making motor function recovery during inpatient sub-acute rehabilitation comparable to their peers without a dementia diagnosis. The metric used to evaluate functional recovery influences the determination of rehabilitation success between groups. Rehabilitation success should be defined among people with a dementia diagnosis by a change in the motor subscale of the FIM, rather than the total FIM score or the gain relative to the maximal FIM score.6.
Objectives
The purpose was to assess the association between neck circumference, dysphagia, and undernutrition in elderly individuals requiring long-term care.Design
Cross-sectional study.Setting
Geriatric health services facilities, acute hospitals, and the community.Participants
Elderly individuals ≥65 years of age with dysphagia or possible dysphagia (N=385).Measurements
Neck circumference, the Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF).Results
Participants included 130 males and 255 females with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 83 ± 8.0 years. Sixty-six were in acute hospitals, 195 were in geriatric health services facilities, and 124 were community-dwelling. The mean neck circumference in males and females was 37.1 ± 3.0 cm and 33.3 ± 3.3 cm, respectively. Based on the DSS, 81 participants were within normal limits, 137 had dysphagia without aspiration, and 167 had dysphagia with aspiration. The MNA-SF revealed that 173 were malnourished, 172 were at risk of malnutrition, and 40 had a normal nutritional status. Neck circumference was not significantly correlated with the DSS (r=?0.080) but was significantly correlated with the MNA-SF (r=0.183) in the Spearman rank correlation analysis. In the logistic regression, neck circumference was not independently associated with the DSS after adjusting for the MNA-SF, the Barthel Index, age, sex, setting, and cerebrovascular disorders. However, the multiple regression analysis showed that neck circumference had an independent effect on the MNA-SF after adjusting for the Barthel Index, age, sex, setting and cerebrovascular disorders.Conclusions
Neck circumference is not associated with dysphagia but with undernutrition in elderly individuals requiring long-term care.7.
8.
9.
S. Chen T. Honda K. Narazaki T. Chen H. Kishimoto Y. Haeuchi Shuzo Kumagai 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2018,22(1):82-88
Objectives
To assess the relationship between physical frailty and subsequent decline in global cognitive function in the non-demented elderly.Design and setting
A prospective population-based study in a west Japanese suburban town, with two-year follow-up.Participants
Community-dwellers aged 65 and older without placement in long-term care, and not having a history of dementia, Parkinson’s disease and depression at baseline, who participated in the cohort of the Sasaguri Genkimon Study and underwent follow-up assessments two years later (N = 1,045).Measurements
Global cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Physical frailty was identified according to the following five components: weight loss, low grip strength, exhaustion, slow gait speed and low physical activities. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between baseline frailty status and the MoCA scores at follow-up. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of cognitive decline (defined as at least two points decrease of MoCA score) according to baseline frailty status.Results
Seven hundred and eight non-demented older adults were included in the final analyses (mean age: 72.6 ± 5.5 years, male 40.3%); 5.8% were frail, and 40.8% were prefrail at baseline. One hundred and fifty nine (22.5%) participants experienced cognitive decline over two years. After adjustment for baseline MoCA scores and all confounders, being frail at baseline was significantly associated with a decline of 1.48 points (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.37 to -0.59) in MoCA scores, as compared with non-frailty. Frail persons were over two times more likely to experience cognitive decline (adjusted odds ratio 2.28; 95% CI, 1.02 to 5.08), compared to non-frail persons.Conclusion
Physical frailty is associated with longitudinal decline in global cognitive function in the non-demented older adults over a period of two years. Physically frail older community-dwellers should be closely monitored for cognitive decline that can be sensitively captured by using the MoCA.10.
Mahmoud E. Elrggal Nedaa A. Karami Bushra Rafea Lama Alahmadi Anwar Al Shehri Ruba Alamoudi Hassan Koshak Saad Alkahtani Ejaz Cheema 《Zeitschrift fur Gesundheitswissenschaften》2018,26(6):607-612
Aim
To assess the knowledge and attitude of senior medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students toward Middle East respiratory syndrome-corona virus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia.Subjects and methods
A cross-sectional survey using a 21-item questionnaire was conducted for a 3-month period from November 2015–January 2016 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate students’ understanding and perception of MERS-CoV. An ANOVA test was used to determine the association of study discipline and academic year with the student knowledge score on MERS.Results
A total of 364 students were assessed during the study. The majority (62%) of the participants were in the 20–22-year age group. More than half (53%) were pharmacy students followed by (22%) medical students. More than two thirds (71%) of the participants were aware that MERS is caused by the coronavirus. More than half (59%) of the participants believed that MERS can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels. A statistically significant association was reported between the study discipline and mean knowledge score (p?<?0.0001) with medical students achieving an overall better knowledge score compared with students from other study disciplines.Conclusion
Overall, students had good knowledge about MERS epidemiology, transmission and the recommended protective measures. However, students expressed their reluctance to work in healthcare facilities with inadequate MERS infection control isolation policies.11.
Jacqueline J. Suijker M. van Rijn G. ter Riet E. P. Moll van Charante S. E. de Rooij B. M. Buurman 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2017,21(2):165-172
Objective
To estimate the minimal important change (MIC) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of the Katz-activities of daily living (ADL) index score and the Lawton instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale.Design
Data from a cluster-randomized clinical trial and a cohort study.Setting
General practices in the Netherlands.Participants
3184 trial participants and 51 participants of the cohort study with a mean age of 80.1 (SD 6.4) years.Measurements
At baseline and after 6 months, the Katz-ADL index score (0-6 points), the Lawton IADL scale (0-7 points), and self-perceived decline in (I)ADL were assessed using a self-reporting questionnaire. MIC was assessed using anchor-based methods: the (relative) mean change score; and using distributional methods: the effect size (ES), the standard error of measurement (SEM), and 0.5 SD. The MDC was estimated using SEM, based on a test-retest study (2-week interval) and on the anchor-based method.Results
Anchor-based MICs of the Katz-ADL index score were 0.47 points, while distributional MICs ranged from 0.18 to 0.47 points. Similarly, anchor-based MICs of the Lawton IADL scale were between 0.31 and 0.54 points and distributional MICs ranged from 0.31 to 0.77 points. The MDC varies by sample size. For the MIC to exceed the MDC at least 482 patients are needed.Conclusion
The MIC of both the Katz-ADL index and the Lawton IADL scale lie around half a point. The certainty of this conclusion is reduced by the variation across calculational methods.12.
Purpose
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) refers to the depression that occurs during the premenstrual phase and remits soon after the onset of menses. It affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients with PMDD. Therefore, this preliminary survey from chart recordings aimed to understand the symptom appearance and QOL reduction patterns in patients with PMDD, and to examine the extent of the loss of their quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).Methods
Participants were 66 untreated female patients with PMDD. Data on symptom appearance and QOL reduction during the menstrual cycle, and the EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) scores during the premenstrual phase and immediately after the completion of a menstrual period were collected.Results
The mean EQ-5D score of the 66 patients with PMDD was 0.795 ± 0.120 (range 0.362–0.949), indicating that their expected mean loss of QALYs was about 0.14 years.Conclusions
If untreated, PMDD is expected to cause a mean loss of QALYs of about 0.14 years. However, on accounting for the period from disease development to menopause, and subtracting the menstruation-free periods such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, patients with untreated PMDD are expected to experience a QALY loss of about 3 years during their lifetime.13.
Yuka Murofushi Yujiro Kawata Akari Kamimura Masataka Hirosawa Nobuto Shibata 《Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy》2018,13(1):44
Background
This study was conducted to elucidate the anti-doping (AD) education, doping control experience, and AD knowledge according to the World Anti-doping Code (Code) of Japanese university athletes.Methods
We collected data from 514 male athletes (Mage?=?19.53 years, SD?=?1.13) and 629 female athletes (Mage?=?20.99 years, SD?=?1.07). We asked them about their experience undergoing doping control and the AD education they had received. Then, we assessed their AD knowledge using the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Athlete Learning Program about Health and AD (ALPHA) test.Results
The results showed that 2.54% of the participants had undergone doping control. Further, 30.10% received AD education at least once, and 20.82% received AD education more than once. When comparing the ALPHA scores of athletes with/without doping test experience, we observed no significant difference. However, the ALPHA scores of athletes with/without AD education were significantly different; specifically, athletes who received AD education more than once had significantly higher ALPHA scores than non-educated athletes.Conclusion
These results revealed that doping control experience was not related to AD knowledge and that AD education was associated with AD knowledge, suggesting that athletes who receive AD education more than once have more accurate AD knowledge than less educated athletes on this topic. The importance of AD education in promoting understanding of AD according to the Code in sports is highlighted in this study.14.
Sho Nakakubo H. Makizako T. Doi K. Tsutsumimoto R. Hotta S. Lee S. Lee S. Bae K. Makino T. Suzuki H. Shimada 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2018,22(9):1066-1071
Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate whether older adults who have a particularly long sleep duration are likely to exhibit physical frailty, similar to those with a particularly short sleep duration.Design
Cross-sectional study.Setting
The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology – Study of Geriatric Syndromes.Participants
A total of 9,824 older adults (mean age: 73.6 ± 5.5 years, 4,812 men and 5,012 women) met the entry criteria for this study.Measurements
We divided the participants into three groups according to self-reported sleep duration (Short: ≤ 6 h, Mid: 6.1–8.9 h (control), Long: ≥ 9 h). Physical frailty was characterized based on the criteria from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of sleep duration on physical frailty by sex.Results
Among all participants, the prevalence of physical frailty was higher in the Short (10.5%) and Long (17.9%) groups than in the Mid (7.4%) group (p < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that both Short and Long groups had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for physical frailty than the Mid group [Short: OR 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–1.87; Long: OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.90–3.00], even after adjusting for age, educational level, number of medications, body mass index, Mini Mental State Examination score, current smoking and alcohol habits, self-perceived health, and medical history.Conclusion
Both long and short sleep durations were associated with physical frailty. Further studies are required to confirm the effect of sleep duration on the incidence or worsening of physical frailty in older adults.15.
Mishka Terplan Caitlin E. Martin Jennifer Nail Susan G. Sherman 《Harm reduction journal》2018,15(1):56
Background
Female exotic dancers are a population at high risk of unintended pregnancy. The objective of this study is to describe the reproductive health needs and contraceptive utilization of exotic dancers.Methods
New exotic dancers (<?6 months dancing) from 26 clubs in Baltimore City/County completed a one-time survey.Results
Of 117 participants, 96 (82%) had current contraceptive need. The mean age was 24 years, and 55% were black. Sex work (45%), alcohol use disorder (73%), illicit (44%; e.g., heroin, crack, cocaine), and injection drug use (8%) were common. The majority (66%) reported contraception use in the prior 6 months. Condoms were reported by 46% whereas 45% reported non-barrier methods, most commonly hormonal injection. Consistent condom use was rare (3%), and only 11% used a long-acting reversible method.Conclusions
Despite their unique reproductive health vulnerabilities, female exotic dancers have unmet contraceptive needs. Targeted harm reduction strategies are needed to fill this gap.16.
17.
Jette Lindegaard Pedersen P. U. Pedersen E. M. Damsgaard 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2016,20(8):845-853
Objectives
To compare the effects of two nutritional follow-up interventions with regard to preventing short-term deterioration in ADL, and to compare their effects on physical function, emotional health, and health-related quality of life.Design
Randomized clinical trial with two intervention groups and one control group, and a follow-up period of eight weeks.Setting
Intervention in the participants’ homes after discharge from hospital.Participants
Inclusion: Malnourished geriatric patients and patients at risk of malnutrition (MNA<24), aged 75 years and older, living at home and alone.Exclusion
Nursing home residents and patients with terminal illnesses or cognitive impairment.Randomization
At discharge, the patients were assigned to one of three groups: ‘home visit’, ‘telephone consultation’, or ‘control’ group.Intervention
Individually tailored nutritional counselling of the patient and the patient’s daily home carer by a clinical dietician one, two, and four weeks after discharge from hospital. The counselling was either in-person at the patients’ homes, or by telephone. The control group received no follow-up after discharge.Measurements
Primary outcome: Change in ADL (Barthel-100 score) at discharge and eight weeks later.Secondary outcomes
Change in physical performance (handgrip strength, 30-sec. chair stand test, CAS), quality of life and depression measurements (SF-36, Depression List, Geriatric Depression Score), and Avlund mobility-tiredness score (Mob-T).Results
Two-hundred and eight participants were randomized, 73 to home visits and 68 to telephone consultations. The control group comprised 67 patients. The mean age of the participants was 86.1 years. At eight weeks after discharge, 157 completed the follow-up (home visit 52, telephone consultation 51, and control group 54). The mean age of these patients was 85.8 years. More patients in the home visit group improved or maintained their ADL (96%), compared to the telephone (75%) and control groups (72%), p<0.01. No difference was detected among the groups with regard to physical measurements, health-related quality of life, and emotional health.Conclusion
Early nutritional follow-up after discharge, performed as home visits, prevents deterioration of ADL in malnourished, independent, geriatric patients who live alone and thereby preserves their independence.18.
E. S. Koster A. Schmidt D. Philbert E. M. W. van de Garde M. L. Bouvy 《Zeitschrift fur Gesundheitswissenschaften》2017,25(2):181-186
Aim
Patients with limited health literacy have poorer surgical outcomes. However, current studies assessing the prevalence of limited health literacy in patients expecting surgery are small scale. We aimed to provide insight into the health literacy level of patients undergoing planned surgery.Subject and Methods
Patients aged ≥18 years visiting the preoperative screening department were approached in the waiting area and invited to participate in a brief interview including the Functional Communicative Critical Health Literacy (FCCHL).Results
In total, 225 patients (84.9% response) were studied. Based on the FCCHL, 37.3% of the patients were classified as having limited health literacy. The mean score in the critical domain (2.7?±?0.9) was lower than scores in the functional (3.3?±?0.6) and communicative (3.3?±?0.6) domains.Conclusion
More than one third of the patients admitted to the hospital for surgery had limited health literacy. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the different health literacy levels and tailor their information provision strategies accordingly.19.
Laure Joly D. Mandry G. Watfa V. Roux G. Karcher P.-Y. Marie A. Benetos 《The journal of nutrition, health & aging》2016,20(3):347-354
Background
Vascular aging is accompanied by gradual remodeling affecting both arterial and cardiac structure and mechanical properties. Hypertension is suggested to exert pro-inflammatory actions enhancing arterial stiffness.Objectives
To determine the influence of thoracic aortic inflammation and calcifications on arterial stiffness and cardiac function in hypertensive and normotensive older subjects.Design
A prospective study.Setting
An acute geriatrics ward of the University Hospital of Nancy in France.Subjects
Thirty individuals ≥ 65 years were examined, including 15 hypertensive subjects and 15 controls well-matched for age and sex.Measurements
Applanation tonometry was used to measure aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV) and carotid/brachial pulse pressure amplification (PPA). Left ventricular parameters were measured with magnetic resonance imaging. Local thoracic aortic inflammation and calcification were measured by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. Biomarkers of low-grade inflammation were also quantified.Results
AoPWV was higher in elderly hypertensive subjects comparatively to normotensive controls (15.5±5.3 vs. 11.9±2.5, p=0.046), and hypertensives had a higher calcification volume. In the overall population, calcifications of the thoracic descending aorta and inflammation of the ascending aorta accounted for respectively 18.1% (p=0.01) and 9.6% (p=0.07) of AoPWV variation. Individuals with high levels of calcifications and/or inflammation had higher AoPWV (p=0.003). Inflammation had a negative effect on PPA explaining 13.8% of its variation (p<0.05).Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of local ascending aortic inflammation as a potential major actor in the determination of PPA while calcifications and hypertension are more linked to AoPWV. Assessment of PPA in the very elderly could provide complementary information to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting ascending aortic inflammation.20.