SNAP-II predicts mortality among infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

OBJECTIVE: Outcomes analysis in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) requires a validated risk-adjustment tool. The purpose of this study was to use the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) database to validate the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology, Version II (SNAP-II) for prediction of mortality among CDH infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to compare this to the predictive equation recently developed by the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group (CDHSG). STUDY DESIGN: Infants with CDH in the CNN database were identified. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors predictive of mortality. Model predictive performance and calibration were assessed using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve and the technique of Hosmer-Lemeshow, respectively, and compared with the CDHSG predictive equation. RESULTS: There were 88 patients with CDH among 19,507 admissions to CNN hospitals. The mortality rate among CDH patients surviving to NICU admission was 17%, and 12.5% received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy. Gestational age and admission SNAP-II score predicted mortality. Model predictive performance and calibration were optimized with these variables combined. The CDHSG equation was equally predictive of mortality, but was only marginally calibrated. CONCLUSIONS: SNAP-II is highly predictive of mortality among patients with CDH, and can be used to risk-adjust these patients.     

Growth hormone response patterns in sexually or physically abused boys

The ratio of growth hormone response to clonidine and L-dopa challenge was compared in 74 boys: 15 with purported physical abuse, 7 with purported sexual abuse, 13 normal controls, and 39 psychiatric controls. Sexually abused boys demonstrate a statistically significant elevated ratio of growth hormone response to clonidine versus response to L-dopa. Physically abused boys demonstrate lower clonidine/L-dopa growth hormone response ratios compared with controls. These effects widen with increasing physical development.     

Phosphoinositide hydrolysis linked 5-HT2 receptors in fibroblasts from choroid plexus

A serotonin (5-HT)-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis response was characterized in fibroblasts cultured from rabbit choroid plexus. 5-HT elicited a maximum 8-fold increase in [³H]inositol-phosphate ([³H]IP) formation, while the partial agonists, (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide and (−)-1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethyoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane caused 2- and 5-fold increases, respectively. Mianserin, ketanserin, and spiperone were equipotent at blocking the 5-HT-mediated response. Thus, agonist and antagonist profiles indicate interactions with 5-HT₂ receptors.     

Brain and spinal cord hemorrhage in long-term survivors of malignant pediatric brain tumors: a possible late effect of therapy

Three children with malignant primary CNS tumors treated with craniospinal radiotherapy developed intraparenchymal hemorrhages a median of 5 years following therapy in sites distant from the primary tumor. Radical surgical procedures disclosed fresh and old hematoma, gliosis, and necrosis in all 3 patients and an aggregation of abnormal microscopic blood vessels in two. No tumor was found. All 3 patients remain in long-term (greater than 10 years) continuous remission.     

Plasma levels and membrane transports in red blood cell of tyrosine and tryptophane in depression. Evaluation at baseline and recovery

The erythrocyte membrane transports (MT) of L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan, as well as their plasma levels, were measured in 143 depressed patients after a wash-out period of one week and before any antidepressant treatment, and then at regular intervals until they recovered. 49 normal subjects served as a control group. The perturbations of these biologic variables at baseline were different according to diagnostic groups (DSM III), compared to controls: significant decrease of the two MT in depressed bipolar disorders; significant decrease of MT in depressed bipolar disorders; significant decrease of MT tyrosine and significant increase of MT tryptophan in recurrent major depressions; no significant changes of MT in dysthymic disorders. The plasma levels of tyrosine and total tryptophan show a significant diminution in the 3 groups. The study of the evolution of these same variables after antidepressant treatment show a return to normal of the MT at recovery, as well as the plasma levels of tyrosine. The plasma levels of tryptophan stay low in depressed bipolar disorders and recurrent major depressions.     

Supportive Therapy: The Other Therapy

Nurses have a long history of caring for clients with chronic mental illness. A primary treatment modality used with these clients is supportive psychotherapy. Often this approach is not well understood, even by those who purport to practice it. While supportive therapy tends not to enjoy the prestige associated with other forms of individual psychotherapy, the author contends that supportive psychotherapy can be an interesting and challenging treatment modality for working with clients with chronic mental illness.     

Transformation into a Healing Healthcare Environment: Recovering the Possibilities of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

The author describes the transformation of an inpatient psychiatric unit into a healing healthcare environment through the application of principles built upon the ARTWorks Paradigm (Acceptance, Responsibility, and Trust). Parallels are drawn among the transformation seen in clients, the growth evidenced in nurses working on the unit, and the changes reflected within the nursing profession as a whole. Paradigm themes and specific program components are shared to demonstrate applicability in a variety of settings.