Quantitative bone ultrasound at phalanges and calcaneus in osteoporotic postmenopausal women: influence of age and measurement site

Phalangeal and calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements were tested in a postmenopausal osteoporotic population of a wide age range to assess their ability to identify subjects with vertebral fractures in a population of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A group of 127 osteoporotic women aged from 50 to 85 y, who had been postmenopausal for at least 5 y, were enrolled. All subjects underwent phalangeal and calcaneal QUS measurements, femoral neck and lumbar spine dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements and lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiography. Osteoporosis was defined on the basis of femoral neck or lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) T-score lower than -2.5 SD or of the presence of one or more vertebral atraumatic fractures, independently of BMD values. Fifty-two women had one or more vertebral fractures, while the remaining 75 had no evidence of previous fracture. Both QUS techniques were able to discriminate between fractured and nonfractured subjects in the whole group (p < 0.05). When patients aged <70 y (n = 43) and patients aged > or = 70 y (n = 84) were considered separately, phalangeal QUS and lumbar spine BMD were able to discriminate vertebral fractures in the younger group (p < 0.05), whereas calcaneal QUS was able to discriminate vertebral fractures in the older one (p < 0.05). The results of this study raise an issue of the optimal use of different QUS techniques and different skeletal sites in the management of osteoporosis in early or late postmenopausal life.     

The effect of clodronate on bone mineral density and serum osteocalcin in postmenopausal women with osteopenia - a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Background. The efficacy of bisphosphonates in treatment of established osteoporosis has been well-documented; less data have been published on their efficacy in the prophylaxis of postmenopausal bone loss in women with osteopenia. The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of clodronate on bone loss in early postmenopausal women with vertebral osteopenia. Materials and methods. Forty five women aged 52.3+/-3.8 yr with a lumbar spine (Spine) t-score between -1 and -2.5 SD received clodronate 400 mg/day or placebo for 12 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA in Spine and femoral neck (Femur). Serum osteocalcin (OC) was assessed by RIA. BMD and OC were measured at the baseline, after 1 year of treatment and after further 1 and 2 years of follow-up. Results. BMD slightly decreased in clodronate group: Spine by 0.2% after 1 year (N.S.), 0.5% after 2 years (N.S.) and 0.9% after 3 years (P<0.05 vs. placebo group); Femur by 0.2%, 0.9% and 1.3% (N.S.). OC did not change in placebo group but significantly decreased in clodronate group (15.2%; P<0.05). Conclusions. Clodronate 400 mg daily given postmenopausal women with osteopenia is effective in decreasing OC but an effect on BMD is just detectable and its clinical significance is unclear.     

Changes in Bone Mineral Density of the Proximal Femur and Spine with Aging: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE POSTMENOPAUSAL AND SENILE OSTEOPOROSIS SYNDROMES

We measured bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur, lumbar spine, or both by dual photon absorptiometry in 205 normal volunteers (123 women and 82 men; age range 20 to 92 yr) and in 31 patients with hip fractures (26 women and 5 men; mean age, 78 yr). For normal women, the regression of BMD on age was negative and linear at each site; overall decrease during life was 58% in the femoral neck, 53% in the intertrochanteric region of the femur, and 42% in the lumbar spine. For normal men, the age regression was linear also; the rate of decrease in BMD was two-thirds of that in women for femoral neck and intertrochanteric femur but was only one-fourth of that in women for lumbar spine. This difference may explain why the female/male ratio is 2:1 for hip fractures but 8:1 for vertebral fractures. The standard deviation (Z-score) from the sex-specific age-adjusted normal mean in 26 women with hip fracture averaged −0.31 (P < 0.05) for the femoral neck, −0.53 (P < 0.01) for the intertrochanteric femur, and +0.24 (NS) for the lumbar spine; results were similar for 5 men with hip fractures. By contrast, for 27 additional women, ages 51-65 yr, with only nontraumatic vertebral fractures, the Z-score was −1.92 (P < 0.001) for the lumbar spine. Thus, contrary to the view that osteoporosis is a single age-related entity, our data suggest the existence of two distinct syndromes. One form, “postmenopausal osteoporosis,” is characterized by excessive and disproportionate trabecular bone loss, involves a small subset of women in the early postmenopausal period, and is associated mainly with vertebral fractures. The other form, “senile osteoporosis,” is characterized by proportionate loss of both cortical and trabecular bone, involves essentially the entire population of aging women and, to a lesser extent, aging men, and is associated with hip fractures or vertebral fractures or both.     

Effect of Abaloparatide on Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Incidence in a Subset of Younger Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis at High Risk for Fracture

PurposeCurrent treatment guidelines recommend treatment for postmenopausal women with a T score <−2.5 regardless of age. This subgroup analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of abaloparatide in younger postmenopausal women considered to be at high risk for fracture.MethodsSubgroup analysis of women in the Abaloparatide Comparator Trial in Vertebral Endpoints (ACTIVE) trial who were <65 years old and met modified utilization management criteria (baseline T score ≤−2.5 [any site] and ≥1 prevalent vertebral and/or ≥1 prior clinical fracture within 5 years of randomization).FindingsA total of 296 women (age range, 49–64 years) were included. Significant increases in bone mineral density from baseline were observed for abaloparatide versus placebo at all 3 sites at 6 months (p < 0.01 for total hip and femoral neck; p < 0.0001 for lumbar spine), 12 months (p < 0.0001 at all 3 sites), and 18 months (p < 0.0001 at all 3 sites). Fracture rates were numerically lower for abaloparatide versus placebo, consistent with the overall trial results, although the differences were not statistically significant. The number needed to treat to prevent 1 additional vertebral fracture after 18 months of treatment versus placebo was 18 for abaloparatide and 21 for teriparatide. The number needed to treat had nonsignificant trends toward lower values with abaloparatide versus teriparatide for nonvertebral fractures (23 vs 40) and clinical fractures (16 vs 73) and similar for major osteoporotic fractures (24 vs 27). The safety profile was consistent with the overall ACTIVE population.ImplicationsFindings of this subgroup (post hoc) analysis are consistent with the overall ACTIVE population. Abaloparatide appears to be effective and well tolerated in this subgroup of younger postmenopausal women. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01343004.     

Association of Musculoskeletal Pain With Sedentary Behavior in Public School Teachers: The Role of Habitual Physical Activity

BackgroundSedentary behavior has been associated with musculoskeletal pain in school teachers. However, our hypothesis is that physical activity practice could mitigate this association.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of musculoskeletal pain with high screen-based sedentary behavior among public school teachers and whether physical activity could mitigate this relationship.MethodA sample of 246 teachers from 13 public schools were assessed (45.0 ± 10.4 years, 76.0% of women). Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, screen-based sedentary behavior was measured considering the sum of screen time in television, computer, and smartphone/tablet, and physical activity using the Baecke habitual physical activity questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to verify the associations between high screen-based sedentary behavior and musculoskeletal pain in school teachers (Model 1-unadjusted; Model 2-adjusted by age, sex, and socioeconomic status; Model 3-variables of Model 2 + adjusted by physical activity).ResultsHigh screen-based sedentary behavior was associated with pain in neck (odds ratio = 2.09; 95%confidence interval = 1.08-4.04), upper back (odds ratio = 2.21; 95%confidence interval = 1.07-4.56), and low back (odds ratio = 1.91; 95%confidence interval = 1.00-3.65). However, after inserting the variables, including physical activity, these associations were mitigated.ConclusionsHigh screen-based sedentary behavior was associated with musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers. However, this relationship was mitigated after the inclusion of confounding variables, including physical activity.     

The influence of duration of breastfeeding on bone mass in postmenopausal women of different age groups

This study examines the influence of duration of breastfeeding on bone mineral density (BMD) and investigates the relationship between duration of breastfeeding and bone mass at four sites in postmenopausal women of different ages. A total of 509 postmenopausal women aged 45-86 years were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups: never breastfed (n=67), < 96 months (n=157) and > or = 96 months (n=285); they were further classified into two age groups, 40-59 years (n=233) and 60-80 years (n=276). In all patients and in the 40-59 year age group, BMD of the spine was found to be significantly lower in the never-breastfed group, while BMD of the trochanter was significantly lower in the > or = 96 month breastfeeding group. BMD of the spine and femur tended to decrease with longer breastfeeding in all groups, while BMD of the spine and trochanter tended to decrease with longer breastfeeding in the 40-59 year group. Of patients in the 60-80 year group who had never breastfed, spinal BMD was significantly higher than that of the > or = 96 month group, while in the > or = 96 month group trochanter BMD was significantly lower than in other groups. In the never-breastfed group, ward's triangle BMD was significantly higher than that of other groups. There was a significant correlation between duration of breastfeeding and BMD of the spine, neck, trochanter and ward's triangle. The study suggests that duration of breastfeeding has an effect on BMD, and extended breastfeeding leads to lower BMD.     

Importance of Time Point–Specific Indirect Treatment Comparisons of Osteoporosis Treatments: A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-Analyses

PurposeThe efficacy comparison of osteoporosis treatments can be hindered by the absence of head-to-head trials; instead, network meta-analyses (NMAs) have been used to determine comparative effectiveness. This study was the first to investigate the impact of time point–specific NMAs of osteoporosis treatments on variability in treatments’ onset of action caused by their different mechanisms of actions and trial designs.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treatments for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, including romosozumab (ROMO), teriparatide (TPTD), abaloparatide (ABL), alendronate (ALN), risedronate (RIS), ibandronate (IB), zoledronic acid/zoledronate (ZOL), denosumab (DEN), and raloxifene (RLX), on at least 1 fracture or bone mineral density (BMD) outcome. Of 100 RCTs identified in 5 databases, 27 RCTs were included for NMAs of new vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fracture outcomes at 12, 24, and 36 months, and 47 RCTs were included for NMAs of BMD outcomes at lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck to compare the relative efficacy of osteoporosis treatments. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.FindingsFor vertebral fractures, TPTD (83.63%), ABL (69.11%), and ROMO/ALN (78.70%) had the highest probability to be the most effective treatment at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. ROMO/ALN had the highest probability (54.4%, 64.69%, and 90.29%, respectively) to be the most effective treatment for nonvertebral fractures at 12, 24, and 36 months. For hip fractures, ROMO/ALN (46.31%), ABL (61.1%), and DEN (55.21%) had the highest probability to be the most effective treatment at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. ROMO had the highest probability (76.06%, 44.19%, and 51.78%, respectively) to be the most effective treatment for BMD outcomes at lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck.ImplicationsThe importance of indirectly comparing available osteoporosis treatments using time point–specific NMAs was confirmed because indirect comparison results differed substantially across time points.     

Bone mineral density in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

AIM: To examine the prevalence of osteoporosis (OPO) and osteopenia (OPE) in female patients with rheumatic arthritis (RA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 female patients with proved diagnosis of RA aged 34-64 years: 30 premenopausal women (median age 41.5 years, disease duration 9.5 years) and 30 postmenopausal women (median age 56.2 years, disease duration 10.2 years). Both groups have not undergone any glucocorticoid or antiosteoporotic therapy. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with a Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) in the lumbar spine, proximal segments of the femur, forearm. RESULTS: In the group of premenopausal patients with RA the rate of OPE was 63% for forearm, 60% for femoral neck, 33% for lumbar spine. In postmenopausal women 53, 50 and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis in RA is of a generalized character and can be encountered in peripheral skeleton more often than in the axial one. It is possible to estimate the BMD of one section by means of the BMD indicator of another section.     

A More Comfortable Method of Skin Prick Testing in Children Ages 0-2 to Decrease Symptoms of Pain

BackgroundSkin prick testing (SPT) is the best initial diagnostic method for individuals of all ages who have potential allergies.AimWe aimed to investigate if recent breastfeeding has any effect on reducing the pain of children before SPT.DesignProspective, randomized, single-blinded study.SettingsAcademic hospital specialized in pediatrics.Participants/SubjectsSixty-four out of seventy-five children requiring SPT within ages 0-2 were included.MethodsAll participants in this study were breastfed children, and that group assignment randomized them to the control group (n = 32) if children breastfed 30-90 min. prior to arriving for SPT, and study group of children (n = 32) who were also breastfed 30-90 minutes prior to arriving for SPT who were then breastfed again just prior to the beginning of the SPT. The FLACC pain scale was used to test the sensitivity of all children for pain before, during, and 15 minutes after the SPT. The effect of breastfeeding on the pain score and the duration of crying were compared among groups.ResultsBoth groups were similar according to age, gender, and other socio-demographic characteristics (p > .05). The percentage of children that cried during SPT was significantly higher in the control group than the study group (p = .002). The FLACC pain scale values were significantly lower in the study group (p < .001).ConclusionRecent breastfeeding before SPT is correlated with less crying by possibly reducing the perceived pain of children ages 0-2.     

Women’s Perceptions of Hospital-Based Breastfeeding Care and the Association With Exclusive Breastfeeding

ObjectiveTo examine the differences in women’s perceptions of hospital-based breastfeeding care and the association of these perceptions with exclusive breastfeeding.DesignObservational, mixed-methods study.Setting/Local ProblemA 932-bed, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative–designated, university hospital with approximately 2,000 births per year, where 50% of women who wanted to breastfeed were supplementing with formula before hospital discharge.ParticipantsThirty-four women who gave birth to a term, singleton newborn and had a desire to breastfeed exclusively.MeasurementsWomen’s perceptions were assessed using a modified version of the Questionnaire for the Breastfeeding Mother.ResultsWomen’s perceptions of breastfeeding care were positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding (p = .049). In addition, the influence of how a woman’s own mother fed her as an infant was shown, because women who themselves were breastfed as infants were more likely to exclusively breastfeed their own newborns. Content analysis showed that women appreciated the care received in the hospital from lactation consultants and access to a hospital-administered breastfeeding clinic after discharge.ConclusionCreating a hospital environment supportive of breastfeeding could yield positive breastfeeding outcomes for women and newborns.     

Managing patient–ventilator asynchrony with a twice-daily screening protocol: A retrospective cohort study

PurposeSevere patient–ventilator asynchrony (PVA) might be associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and mortality. It is unknown if systematic screening and application of conventional methods for PVA management can modify these outcomes. We therefore constructed a twice-daily bedside PVA screening and management protocol and investigated its effect on patient outcomes.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study of patients who were intubated in the emergency department and directly admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU). In phase 1 (6 months; August 2016 to January 2017), patients received usual care comprising lung protective ventilation and moderate analgesia/sedation. In phase 2 (6 months; February 2017 to July 2017), patients were additionally managed with a PVA protocol on ICU admission and twice daily (7 am, 7 pm).ResultsA total of 280 patients (160 in phase 1, 120 in phase 2) were studied (age = 64.5 ± 21.4 years, 107 women [38.2%], Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score = 27.1 ± 8.5, 271 [96.8%] on volume assist-control ventilation initially). Phase 2 patients had lower hospital mortality than phase 1 patients (20.0% versus 34.4%, respectively, P = 0.011), even after adjustment for age and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (odds ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval = 0.25–0.84).ConclusionsApplication of a bedside PVA protocol for mechanically ventilated patients on ICU admission and twice daily was associated with decreased hospital mortality. There was however no association with sedation-free days or mechanical ventilation–free days through day 28 or length of hospital stay.     

Efficacy,Safety, and Tolerability of Telcagepant in the Treatment of Acute Migraine: A meta‐Analysis

Although triptans are widely used for treating acute migraine, they are contraindicated or not effective in a large proportion of patients. Hence, alternative treatments are needed. Calcitonin gene–related peptide receptor antagonists, such as telcagepant, have been under investigation as a treatment for acute migraine. A meta‐analysis of the efficacy of telcagepant vs. placebo and triptans (zolmitriptan or rizatriptan) was performed. Randomized controlled trials were indentified from databases using the following search terms: migraine; calcitonin gene‐related peptide; calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonists; efficacy; safety, and telcagepant. The primary outcome measure was pain freedom 2 hours after first treatment. The secondary outcome measure was pain relief 2 hours after first treatment. Eight trials were included in the meta‐analysis (telcagepant = 4011 participants). The difference in pain freedom at 2 hours significantly favored telcagepant over placebo (odds ratio = 2.70, 95% confidence interval = 2.27–3.21, P < 0.001) and triptans over telcagepant (odds ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.56–0.83, P < 0.001). The difference in pain relief at 2 hours significantly favored telcagepant over placebo (odds ratio = 2.48, 95% confidence interval = 2.18–2.81, P < 0.001). The difference in pain relief at 2 hours did not significantly favor telcagepant over triptans or vice versa (odds ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval = 0.57–1.01, P = 0.061). These findings indicate that telcagepant can be effective for treating acute migraine. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonists represent a potentially important alternative means of treating acute migraine.     

The effectiveness of early prophylactic hypothermia in adult patients with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesPreviously published systematic reviews have explored the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on adult patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, none explored the effect of early prophylactic hypothermia (within 6 h from injury to hypothermia induction). Animal studies indicated that early prophylactic hypothermia may reduce secondary injury and improve neurological outcomes. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of early prophylactic hypothermia on adult TBI regarding mortality, favourable outcomes, and complications.Data sourceWe searched electronic databases including Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, OpenGrey, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to June 12, 2019. Manual search was conducted for additional information.Review methodsOnly randomised controlled trials were included. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. We extracted general demographic characteristics, the initiation timing, methods of cooling, duration, target temperature, rewarming rate, mortality, neurological outcomes, and complications.ResultsSix studies with a total of 1207 participants were included. Meta-analyses showed no significant difference in mortality and favourable outcomes (risk ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval = 0.90–1.37, P = 0.32; risk ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval = 0.91–1.16, P = 0.65, respectively). Similar results were found regarding different durations of hypothermia and different rewarming rates. Various complications were reported in the included studies. No statistical difference was found in three studies, while complications were reported to be significantly higher in the hypothermia group in the other three studies.ConclusionsThis review does not support the use of early prophylactic hypothermia (within 6 h after injury) as a neurological protection strategy in adult patients with TBI, irrespective of the short term or long term. No significant benefits were found regarding hypothermia with different rewarming rates. Owing to the limited number of studies, more randomised controlled trials with higher quality are required to establish true effects of early hypothermia in adult TBI.     

磁共振化学位移成像对骨质疏松的诊断价值

目的：探讨磁共振化学位移成像对骨质疏松的诊断价值。方法：将70例患者分别按腰椎和髋部骨密度T分数分为骨量正常组、骨量减少组和骨质疏松组,所有患者均行MRI化学位移成像,通过测量MRI化学位移成像中同反相位图像上腰椎1-4椎体的信号强度,计算椎体信号下降指数,分析3组椎体信号下降指数的差异,并同腰椎和髋部骨密度值分别行相关性分析。结果：按照腰椎骨密度分组,正常组、骨量减少组和骨质疏松组的椎体信号下降指数中位数分别是59.73%（21.84%-72.35%）、59.64%（21.55%-78.42%）、57.04%（34.77%-77.30%）,通过两两比较,骨质疏松组与骨量正常组、骨质疏松组与骨量减少组比较,有显著性差异（P〈0.001）,骨量正常组和骨量减少组比较,无显著性差异（P=0.685）。按照髋部骨密度分组,骨量正常组、骨量减少组和骨质疏松组的椎体信号下降指数中位数分别是62.41%（21.84%-77.63%）、58.39%（40.96%-78.42%）、54.76%（21.55%-77.30%）,通过两两比较,三组间均有显著性差异（P〈0.001）,腰椎信号下降指数和髋部骨密度值呈显著正相关（rp=0.351,P=0.004）,腰椎信号下降指数和腰椎骨密度值无显著相关（P=0.379）。结论：MR化学位移成像通过测量椎体信号下降指数能够反映椎体骨髓脂肪含量变化,在骨质疏松的诊断中可能具有较高的临床价值。     

Predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy during the covid-19 pandemic

BackgroundBreastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) is a strong predictor of the duration of breastfeeding. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of BSE in breastfeeding mothers during the Covid-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 breastfeeding mothers who breastfed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. A battery of online questionnaires measured sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, breastfeeding self-efficacy, spouse postpartum social support, perceived social support, anxiety and depression, and fear of Covid-19. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, one-way ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression via stepwise method. The significance level in this study was α = 0.05.ResultsThe mean BSE score among participants was 58.19 ± 10.48 (out of 70). Spouse postpartum social support (β = 0.732, p = 0.04), intention to breastfeed (β = 0.17, p = 0.001), use of formula while breastfeeding (β = ?0.09, p < 0.001), and depression (β = - 0.11, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of BSE. However, fear of Covid-19 was not significantly correlated with BSE (p = 0.514).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that fear of Covid-19 was not a significant predictor of BSE, while spouse postpartum social support and having the intention of breastfeeding were positively associated with BSE. Depression and simultaneous use of formula in feeding the infant was negatively associated with BSE during Covid-19. Overall, breastfeeding can be encouraged through counseling to improve receiving spousal support, increasing breastfeeding intent, and reducing depression.     

Knowledge gaps related to breastfeeding and immunization in the mothers of infants with congenital heart diseases: An urgent concern

BackgroundInfants born with congenital heart diseases are extremely vulnerable to infections.ObjectivesWe explored the knowledge and practices of the mothers of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) related to breastfeeding and immunization and also assessed the breastfeeding rate and immunization coverage of infants with CHD.MethodIn a cross-sectional study, mothers (N = 100) of infants with congenital heart disease attending the outdoor patient department (OPD) were enrolled using convenience sampling. A structured self-developed pretested and validated knowledge questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 for windows.ResultThe mean age of the mothers was 26.57 years (SD ± 4.1), with most (59) mothers having one child and mothers educated up to secondary level (44). The median age of the infants was 4.35 months (IQR, 2–12). The median breastfeeding and immunization knowledge scores of the mothers were 9 (6.5–10.0) and 4.5 (2–6) respectively. A significant number of mothers had poor knowledge related to immunization (83) and breastfeeding (33). The majority of infants were either partially breastfed or not breastfed (69) and partially vaccinated (66) at the time of the survey.ConclusionA significant remediable gap was observed in the knowledge of the mothers of infants with CHD, requiring a regular educational session on breastfeeding and immunization in the follow-up OPD by the health care providers.     

The Impact of COVID-19 Surge on Clinical Palliative Care: A Descriptive Study From a New York Hospital System

ContextIn spring 2020, New York experienced a surge of patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) disease, as part of a global pandemic. There are limited data on populations of COVID-19–infected patients seen by palliative care services.ObjectiveTo describe a palliative care population at one New York hospital system during the initial pandemic surge.MethodsThis repeated cross-sectional, observational study collected data on palliative care patients in a large health system seen during the COVID-19 outbreak and compared it with pre-COVID data.ResultsPalliative service volume surged from 678 (4% of total admissions) before COVID-19 to 1071 (10% of total admissions) during the COVID-19 outbreak. During the outbreak, 695 (64.9%) of the total palliative patients tested positive for the virus. Compared with a preoutbreak group, this COVID-19–positive group had higher rates of male (60.7% vs. 48.6%, P < 0.01) and Latino (21.3% vs. 13.3%; P < 0.01) patients and less white patients (21.3% vs. 13.3%; P < 0.01). Our patients with COVID-19 also had greater prevalence of obesity and diabetes and lower rates of end-stage organ disease and cancers. The COVID-19–positive group had a higher rate of intensive care unit admissions (58.9% vs. 33.9%; P < 0.01) and in-hospital mortality rate (57.4% vs. 13.1%; P < 0.01) than the preoutbreak group. There was increased odds of mortality in palliative care patients who were COVID-19 positive (odds ratio = 3.21; 95% confidence interval = 2.43–4.24) and those admitted to the intensive care unit (odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval = 1.11–1.9).ConclusionDuring the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York, palliative care services experienced a large surge of patients who tended to be healthier at baseline and more acutely ill at the time of admission than pre–COVID-19 palliative patients.     

Using Social Media for Breastfeeding Support

ObjectiveTo explore the variables that lead to sustained, exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months for breastfeeding women of the millennial generation who follow social media breastfeeding support groups (SMBSGs).DesignRepeated-measures, longitudinal, mixed-methods design.SettingOnline across 21 countries.ParticipantsConvenience sample of exclusively breastfeeding millennial women (N = 241) who followed at least one of 17 SMBSGs.MeasurementsParticipants completed the following: a demographic questionnaire; the Perceived Work Demand Scale; the Perceived Family Demand Scale; the Perceived Health-Related Social Support From Facebook Friends Measure; and the Breastfeeding Confidence, Knowledge, and Attitudes Measure.ResultsUsing structural equation modeling, I examined relationships among personal factors; competing situational demands; social support; and confidence in, knowledge of, attitude toward, and sustainability of breastfeeding. Age, education, and competing work and family demands were all predictive of social support. Breastfeeding social support had a direct effect on participants’ breastfeeding confidence, knowledge, and attitudes (F = 4.96, R² = .07, p < .002). Furthermore, within SMBSGs, exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months was reported to be three times (66%) greater than the U.S. national average (22%).ConclusionInterventions aimed at providing women with resources to gain breastfeeding social support, such as SMBSGs, may be vehicles to improve women’s confidence, knowledge, and attitudes and, therefore, increase the potential for exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months.