Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life

The associations between psychological distress and health-related quality of life in patients with non-cardiac chest pain

Background

Recurrent chest pain episodes with no clear explanation may affect patients’ psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) negatively. Despite the fact that a significant amount of patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) might have a history of Cardiac Disease (CD), there is today a lack of knowledge on how CD influences the association between psychological wellbeing and HRQoL in patients with NCCP. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe HRQoL in patients with NCCP, with or without history of CD, and to explore the association between HRQoL and cardiac anxiety, depressive symptoms, fear of body sensations and somatization.

Methods

Five hundred fifty-two patients discharged with NCCP from four hospitals in Southeast Sweden completed the EQ-5D, Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Body Sensations Questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-15.

Results

Fifty precent reported at least moderate problems regarding pain/discomfort and 25% reported at least moderate problems in the HRQoL dimensions mobility, usual activities, and anxiety/depression. Patients with NCCP and history of CD reported significantly lower HRQoL (p ≤ 0.05) compared to patients with NCCP without CD. In the total study population, cardiac anxiety, depressive symptoms, and somatization had weak significant negative associations (beta = 0.187–0.284, p < 0.001) with HRQoL. In patients with history of CD, the association between depressive symptoms and HRQoL was moderate (beta = − 0.339, p < 0.001), compared to weak association in patients without CD (beta = − 0.193, p < 0.001). On the other hand, the association between cardiac anxiety and HRQoL was weak in both patients with history of CD (beta = − 0.156, p = 0.05), and in those without (beta = − 0.229, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with NCCP, in particular those with history of CD, reported low levels of HRQoL, which was associated with psychological distress. This should be considered when developing psychological interventions aiming to improve HRQoL in patients with NCCP.

Diagnosis and Management of Functional Chest Pain in the Rome IV Era

Functional chest pain accounts for about a third of the patients with noncardiac chest pain. It is a very common functional esophageal disorder that remains even today a management challenge to the practicing physician. Based on the definition offered by the Rome IV criteria, diagnosis of functional chest pain requires a negative workup of noncardiac chest pain patients that includes, proton pump inhibitor test or empirical proton pump inhibitor trial, endoscopy with esophageal mucosal biopsies, reflux testing, and esophageal manometry. The mainstay of treatment are neuromodulators that are primarily composed of anti-depressants. Alternative medicine and psychological interventions may be provided alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities.

Chest Pain: If It Is Not the Heart, What Is It?

Noncardiac chest pain is an angina-type discomfort without indication of ischemia. Diagnosis can be difficult because of its heterogeneous nature. Classification varies by specialty; gastroenterology uses the terminology gastroesophageal reflux disease related versus non-gastroesophageal reflux disease related. Other disciplines recognize noncardiac chest pain etiologies as having gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, or pulmonary/other as underlying etiologies. Diagnostics yield a specific cause for effective treatment, which is aimed at the underlying etiology, but it is not always possible. Some patients with noncardiac chest pain have comorbidities and ongoing pain that lead to decreased quality of life and continued health care use.

Noncardiac chest pain after acute myocardial infarction: Frequency and association with health status outcomes

BACKGROUND

The frequency of noncardiac chest pain (CP) hospitalization after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unknown, and its significance from patients' perspectives is not studied.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the frequency of noncardiac CP admissions after AMI and its association with patients' self-reported health status.

METHODS

We identified cardiac and noncardiac CP hospitalizations in the year after AMI from the 24-center TRIUMPH registry. Hierarchical repeated-measures regression was used to identify the association of these hospitalizations with patients' self-reported health status using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire Quality of Life domain (SAQ QoL) and Short Form 12 (SF-12) physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores.

RESULTS

Of 3,099 patients, 318 (10.3%) were hospitalized with CP, of whom 92 (28.9%) were hospitalized for noncardiac CP. Compared with patients not hospitalized with CP, noncardiac CP hospitalization was associated with poorer health status (SAQ QoL-adjusted differences: -8.9 points [95% CI -12.1 to -5.6]; SF-12 PCS: -2.5 points [95% CI -4.2 to -0.8] and SF-12 MCS: -3.5 points [95% CI -5.1 to -1.9]). The SAQ QoL for patients hospitalized with noncardiac CP was similar to patients hospitalized with cardiac CP (adjusted difference: 0.6 points [95% CI -3.2 to 4.5]; SF-12 PCS (0.9 points [95% CI -1.1 to 2.9]), but was worse with regard to SF-12 MCS (adjusted difference: -2.0 points [95% CI -3.9 to -0.2]).

CONCLUSIONS

Noncardiac CP accounted for a third of CP hospitalizations within 1 year of AMI and was associated with similar disease-specific QoL as well as general physical and mental health status impairment compared with cardiac CP hospitalization.

A closer look at the relationships between panic attacks, emergency department visits and non-cardiac chest pain

This study examined the prevalence of emergency department visits prompted by panic attacks in patients with non-cardiac chest pain. A validated structured telephone interview was used to assess panic attacks and their association with the emergency department consultation in 1327 emergency department patients with non-cardiac chest pain. Patients reported at least one panic attack in the past 6 months in 34.5 per cent (95% confidence interval: 32.0%–37.1%) of cases, and 77.1 per cent (95% confidence interval: 73.0%–80.7%) of patients who reported panic attacks had visited the emergency department with non-cardiac chest pain following a panic attack. These results indicate that panic attacks may explain a significant proportion of emergency department visits for non-cardiac chest pain.

Psychological distress as a crucial determinant for quality of life in patients with noncardiac chest pain in Central China: A cross-sectional study

Increased psychiatric comorbidity, predominantly anxiety and depressive symptoms, and lower quality of life (QoL) are associated with noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). We aimed to investigate the roles of anxiety and depression in the impaired QoL of NCCP patients in Central China.In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 200 consecutive patients who complained of chest pain with normal coronary angiography were enrolled in the Department of Cardiology and Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Wuhan, China. Meanwhile, 100 healthy controls, with age and sex-matched, were recruited. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was undergone and a standardized symptom questionnaire was completed in NCCP patients. Levels of anxiety and depression and QoL were assessed using locally translated and validated versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively.The NCCP patients had poorer physical and mental QoL compared with the controls, and nearly half of them had anxiety (49.7%) and depression (40.1%). Those with anxiety and/or depression had lower physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary score compared with those without anxiety and depression. Increased levels of anxiety and depression were associated with lower PCS (r = -0.469 and -0.523 respectively, P < 0.001) and MCS (r = -0.474 and -0.440, respectively, P < 0.001). The chest pain, heartburn, and anxiety were independent factors influence on both PCS and MCS. Moreover, psychological distress, besides directly acting on the QoL, may also mediate indirectly effects of physical symptoms on both the physical and mental QoL.We demonstrated that anxiety and depression are important determinants for the QoL of NCCP patients. Therefore, interventions should emphasize on identifying and treating the psychological impact in NCCP.

Clinical assessment and health-related quality of life in patients with non-cardiac chest pain

INTRODUCTION

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is mainly related to oesophageal disease, and in spite of being a common condition in Mexico, information regarding it is scarce.

AIM

To assess the clinical characteristics and health-related quality of life of patients with NCCP of presumed oesophageal origin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with NCCP of presumed oesophageal origin with no previous treatment were included in the study. Associated symptoms were assessed and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 24-hour oesophageal pH monitoring were performed to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease, while oesophageal manometry was used to determine oesophageal motility disorders. The SF-36 Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) questionnaire was completed and its results compared to a control group without oesophageal symptoms.

RESULTS

The study included 33 patients, of which 61% were women, and the mean age was 46.1 (±11.6) years. Causes of NCCP were gastroesophageal reflux disease in 48%, achalasia in 34%, and functional chest pain in 18%. The average progression time for chest pain was 24 (2-240) months, with ≤ 3 events/week in 52% of the patients. The most frequent accompanying symptoms were: regurgitation (81%), dysphagia (72%) and heartburn (66%). Patients with NCCP show deterioration in HR-QoL compared to the control group (P=.01), regardless of chest pain aetiology. The most affected areas were general perception of health, emotional issues, and mental health sub-scale (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, patients with NCCP show deterioration in HR-QoL regardless of the aetiology, frequency, and accompanying symptoms.

Prevalence and implications of severe anxiety in a prospective cohort of acute chest pain patients

Anxiety is a common condition which can manifest with symptoms of chest discomfort. Chest discomfort is one of the most common reasons to seek emergency medical care. We hypothesize that anxiety is highly prevalent, poorly diagnosed, and poorly treated in an acute care environment. We analyzed data from a prospective registry of chest pain patients with low to intermediate likelihood of acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease. Scores from the General Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire determined the prevalence of anxiety. Differences in presentation, evaluation, and 30-day outcomes were compared for subjects with and without severe anxiety. Of the 151 included subjects, severe anxiety was observed in 15%, moderate 14%, mild 30%, and 41% had no anxiety symptoms. Subjects with severe anxiety had similar baseline characteristics, cardiac risk factors, and symptoms to those without severe anxiety, except for the current use of tobacco (50.0% vs. 18.6%; P = 0.001). Anxiety was self-reported by 54.5% of subjects with severe anxiety and 27.3% were on antianxiety medications. Hospital admission (P = 0.888) and repeated emergency department visits within 30 days (P = 0.554) were not different between the 2 groups. Anxiety is common among patients seeking emergency evaluation of chest pain. Half of patients with severe anxiety were diagnosed and roughly one quarter were medically treated. Cardiac risk factors and symptoms are not different for patients with severe anxiety; these patients warrant a similar evaluation for heart disease as those patients without anxiety.

Comparison of Temperamental Features, Anxiety, and Depression Levels Between Non-Cardiac Angina and Acute Coronary Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

In many studies that are aimed to determine the psychological profile of patients admitted to the emergency unit with non-cardiac angina (NCA), it was indicated that psychiatric problems, less effective problem-solving, and alexithymia are more common in NCA compared with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. In this study, aiming to find predictive psychological clinical features, we compared the temperament, anxiety, and depression scores of patients with NCA and ACS.

METHODS

Sociodemographic variables of 63 patients (n=41 NCA, n=22 ACS) who were admitted to the emergency unit with chest pain were recorded. TEMPS-A scale was used for defining temperamental features, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety and depression levels of patients in both groups. Sociodemographic variables and TEMPS-A and HADS scores were compared with χ² and independent-groups t-test between the NCA and ACS groups.

RESULTS

The NCA and ACS groups were similar in terms of sociodemographic variables. There was no statistical difference between groups in HDS (p=.12) and HAS (p=.39) scores and TEMPS-A scale depressive (p=.41), cyclothymic (p=.08), hyperthymic (p=.06), and anxious (p=.29) temperament scores. But, irritable temperament scores were significantly higher in the NCS group (p=.04).

CONCLUSION

We believe that our findings will provide a basis for further studies in the diagnosis and treatment of NCA by contributing to the definition of NCA patients' psychological profiles.

[What is the utility of proton pump inhibitor testing in non-cardiac chest pain?]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) often represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Given that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common cause of NCCP, initial treatment with proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) has been proposed for all patients (PPI testing), reserving esophageal function testing solely for non-responders. The aim of the present study was to provide evidence on the clinical utility of PPI testing with high-dose pantoprazole in patients with NCCP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a study of diagnostic performance with a cohort design in patients with NCCP, who had been assessed by the Cardiology Service. All patients underwent upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24h esophageal pH monitoring before PPI testing with pantoprazole 40 mg every 12h for 1 month. Before and after treatment, we assessed the severity (intensity and frequency) of chest pain, quality of life, and anxiety and depression by means of specific questionnaires. The diagnosis of GERD was based on a pathological finding of esophageal pH monitoring. A positive response to PPI testing was defined as an improvement in chest pain >50% compared with the baseline score after 1 month of PPI therapy.

RESULTS

We included 30 consecutive patients (17 men/13 women) with a mean age of 49 years. Of these 30 patients, 20 with NCCP had GERD (67%, 95%CI: 47%-83%). A positive response to PPI therapy was observed in 13 of the 30 (43%) patients with NCCP: 11 of the 20 (55%) patients in the GERD-positive group and 2 of the 10 (20%) in the GERD-negative group. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of PPI testing was 55%, 80%, 85%, 47% and 63%, respectively. A significant reduction in chest pain after pantoprazole therapy (P=.003) and a slight non significant improvement in anxiety and depression was achieved in the GERD-positive group as compared to the GERD-negative group.

CONCLUSIONS

In NCCP, PPI testing with pantoprazole has a low sensitivity for the diagnosis of GERD, placing in doubt the strategy of reserving functional study to non-responders to antisecretory therapy. Esophageal function testing and accurate diagnosis would allow appropriate targeted therapy for all patients with NCCP.

Quality of life in patients with non-CAD chest pain: associations to fear of pain and psychiatric disorder severity

Chest pain in the absence of identified cardiac cause, or non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP), is a common condition that may result in impaired quality of life. Theories of NCCP put forward that patients who react to cardiopulmonary sensations with fear may avoid activities that elicit cardiac sensations. Co-morbid psychiatric disorders, which are prevalent in this population, may predispose individuals to be more vigilant to physiological sensations, including cardiac-related symptoms. The daily impact of avoiding cardiopulmonary cues may limit quality of life. This study examined psychiatric disorders, fear of pain, and quality of life in 30 non-coronary artery disease (CAD) chest pain patients. Psychiatric disorder severity was independently associated with mental health related quality of life and fear of pain was independently associated with physical health related quality of life. This research adds understanding to contributory factors to impaired quality of life among patients with non-CAD chest pain.

Depressive symptoms and healthcare utilization in patients with noncardiac chest pain compared to patients with ischemic heart disease

OBJECTIVES

We compared depressive symptoms and healthcare utilization in patients admitted for noncardiac chest pain, acute myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris after hospitalization and at 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-one patients with noncardiac chest pain, 66 with acute myocardial infarction, and 70 with angina pectoris completed a depression screening questionnaire and the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Healthcare utilization data were collected from a population-based, diagnosis-related database.

RESULTS

More than 25% of respondents reported depressive symptoms, regardless of diagnosis. At follow-up, 9% had recovered, 19% were still experiencing depressive symptoms, and 13% had developed depressive symptoms. Noncardiac patients with chest pain had similar primary care contacts, but fewer hospital admissions, than patients with an acute myocardial infarction. Patients with angina pectoris and depressive symptoms used the most healthcare services.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms were common. Patients with noncardiac chest pain used as much primary care as did patients with an acute myocardial infarction. Interventions should focus on identifying and treating depressive symptoms.

Management of noncardiac chest pain in women

Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is very prevalent in the community. Although mortality remains low, morbidity and the financial implications are high. Women, especially those of middle age, should be thoroughly investigated as per current guidelines for coronary artery disease before labeling their chest pain as NCCP. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common cause of NCCP; however other esophageal pathology including esophageal hypersensitivity, neuromuscular disease and eosinophilic esophagitis may also cause NCCP. Proton pump inhibitors are commonly used initially to manage NCCP, although patients who do not respond to this therapy require further investigation and differing treatment regimes. This article will focus on current knowledge regarding GI tract-related NCCP management strategies.

Comparison of central and intraesophageal factors between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients and those with GERD-related noncardiac chest pain

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes a wide range of symptoms. Some patients present with typical symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation and others with atypical symptoms such as chest pain. The mechanism responsible for the varying clinical presentation of GERD is still not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate differences in central and local intraesophageal factors between patients with typical GERD symptoms and those with noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). Patients presenting with typical and atypical symptoms suspicious of GERD underwent upper endoscopy and 24-hour pH monitoring with four sensors, each positioned at a different esophageal level. All patients completed GERD symptom, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Symptom Stress Rating questionnaires. From January 2006 to December 2009, 50 patients were recruited, 29 with typical symptoms, and 21 with NCCP. Patients with proven GERD and NCCP had higher proximal extension of acid during reflux episodes than patients with typical symptoms. They were found to be older, had a shorter history of symptom onset, worse anxiety scores, and more endoscopic findings compatible with gastritis. Proximal extension of acid during the reflux episodes in patients with GERD presenting with NCCP may play a role in symptom generation.

Improvement in health-related quality of life after therapy with omeprazole in patients with coronary artery disease and recurrent angina-like chest pain. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the SF-36 survey

Background

Many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have overlapping gastroenterological causes of recurrent chest pain, mainly due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and aspirin-induced gastrointestinal tract damage. These symptoms can be alleviated by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The study addressed whether omeprazole treatment also affects general health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with CAD.

Study

48 patients with more than 50% narrowing of the coronary arteries on angiography without clinically overt gastrointestinal symptoms were studied. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design, patients were randomized to take omeprazole 20 mg bid or a placebo for two weeks, and then crossed over to the other study arm. The SF-36 questionnaire was completed before treatment and again after two weeks of therapy.

Results

Patients treated with omeprazole in comparison to the subjects taking the placebo had significantly greater values for the SF-36 survey (which relates to both physical and mental health), as well as for bodily pain, general health perception, and physical health. In comparison to the baseline values, therapy with omeprazole led to a significant increase in the three summarized health components: total SF-36; physical and mental health; and in the following detailed health concept scores: physical functioning, limitations due to physical health problems, bodily pain and emotional well-being.

Conclusions

A double dose of omeprazole improved the general HRQL in patients with CAD without severe gastrointestinal symptoms more effectively than the placebo.

Noncardiac chest pain: epidemiology, natural course and pathogenesis

Noncardiac chest pain is defined as recurrent chest pain that is indistinguishable from ischemic heart pain after a reasonable workup has excluded a cardiac cause. Noncardiac chest pain is a prevalent disorder resulting in high healthcare utilization and significant work absenteeism. However, despite its chronic nature, noncardiac chest pain has no impact on patients' mortality. The main underlying mechanisms include gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dysmotility and esophageal hypersensitivity. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is likely the most common cause of noncardiac chest pain. Esophageal dysmotility affects only the minority of noncardiac chest pain patients. Esophageal hypersensitivity may be present in non-GERD-related noncardiac chest pain patients regardless if esophageal dysmotility is present or absent. Psychological co-morbidities such as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression are also common in noncardiac chest pain patients and often modulate patients' perception of disease severity.

[Psychiatric syndromes associated with atypical chest pain]

BACKGROUND/AIM

Chest pain often indicates coronary disease, but in 25% of patients there is no evidence of ischemic heart disease using standard diagnostic tests. Beside that, cardiologic examinations are repeated several times for months. If other medical causes could not be found, there is a possibility that chest pain is a symptom of psychiatric disorder. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of psychiatric syndromes, increased somatization, anxiety, stress life events exposure and characteristic of chest pain expression in persons with atypical chest pain and coronary patients, as well as to define predictive parameters for atypical chest pain.

METHOD

We compared 30 patients with atypical chest pain (E group) to 30 coronary patients (K group), after cardiological and psychiatric evaluation. We have applied: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interiview (MINI), The Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL-90 R), Beck Anxiety Invetory (BAI), Holms-Rahe Scale of stress life events (H-R), Questionnaire for pain expression Pain-O-Meter (POM). Significant differences between groups and predictive value of the parameters for atypical chest pain were determined.

RESULTS

The E group participants compared to the group K were younger (33.4 +/- 5.4: 48.3 +/- 6,4 years, p < 0.001), had a moderate anxiety level (20.4 +/- 11.9: 9.6 +/- 3.8, p < 0.001), panic and somatiform disorders were present in the half of the E group, as well as eleveted somatization score (SOM > or = 63-50%: 10%, p < 0.01) and a higher H-R score level (102.0 +/- 52.2: 46.5 +/- 55.0, p < 0.001). Pain was mild, accompanied with panic. The half of the E group subjects had somatoform and panic disorders.

CONCLUSION

Somatoform and panic disorders are associated with atypical chest pain. Pain expression is mild, accompained with panic. Predictive factors for atypical chest pain are: age under 40, anxiety level >20, somatization > or =63, presence of panic and somatoform disorders, H-R score >102, and a lack of positive diagnostic test of coronary disease. Defining of these parameters could be useful for early psychiatric evaluation of persons with atypical chest pain.

Searching for self: the layers and labels of panic disorder: a New Zealand study

The diagnosis and management of panic symptoms are relatively neglected. If not treated, people can develop a panic disorder, a condition that has an adverse effect on the client's quality of life and psychological well-being. The aim of this New Zealand research is to understand the clients' perspective of panic disorder and how it impacts on their quality of life. Ten participants were interviewed and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research findings indicate that recovery from panic disorder occurs in a process of the search for self that is made up of self-understanding and the reclaiming the self. The findings provide a psychosocial perspective of panic disorder that will assist nurses who work with these clients. Nurses are pivotal in teaching clients about their body's response to stress and health anxiety, the giving of supplementary health information, and timely referral for specialist treatment. The recommendations for nurse specialist input and biopsychosocial assessments are discussed.

[Panic attacks simulate presence of somatic illnesses]

INTRODUCTION

Panic attacks are characterized with sudden attacks of anxiety with numerous somatic symptoms, such as palpitations, tachycardia, tachypnea, nausea, vertigo. The objective of this study was to analyze symptoms of panic attacks in patients with panic disorder, especially, to determine the specific relationship of somatic and neurological symptoms of panic attacks in boundaries of somatic systems.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study sample consisted of 97 patients with primary diagnosis of panic disorder, without any acute, severe and unstable somatic illness. The presence and frequency of symptoms of panic attacks were estimated by the Panic Disorder Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The study results indicate that the most frequent symptoms of panic attacks were cardiological signs (heart pounding or racing) and trembling, followed by unsteady and fainting feeling symptoms, sweating, respiratory symptoms and gastroenterological symptoms. The results of correlation analyses indicate that symptoms of panic attacks classified into cardiovascular, gastro-enterological, respiratory and neurootological systems show statistically significant correlations.

CONCLUSION

The results of analyses of symptoms of panic attacks point to their intercorrelation. This specific association of the symptoms, if they are examined on their own in the patients, could lead to false clinical manifestation of some somatic illness. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze adequately and make the proper differential diagnosis of patients with panic disorder.

Quality of life and psychological impact in patients with noncardiac chest pain

BACKGROUND

Chest pain is common and data regarding noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) in Asia are lacking.

AIM

To determine the differences in clinical presentations, psychologic impact, and quality of life between patients with NCCP and cardiac chest pain (CCP), and to identify any factors that impacted on these patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation of chest pain were recruited in Hong Kong and Wuhan, China. One hundred and forty patients with abnormal and 141 patients with normal angiography were included in the study. The validated gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale, and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used for assessment.

RESULTS

NCCP patients reported similar days-off work and impairment of their social life compared with those with CCP. No difference was found in the anxiety and depression scores between the 2 groups. NCCP patients with reflux symptoms had higher anxiety score (7.19 vs. 5.74, P=0.044), reported more interruption of their social life (26% vs. 5%, P<0.0001), and had taken more sick leaves (17% vs. 5%, P=0.018) compared with those without gastroesophageal reflux disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of life and psychologic impact of patients with NCCP were as significant as those with CCP. NCCP patients with reflux symptoms were more anxious and were impaired in their productivity and social life.

Comparison of the Short Form 36 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale measuring emotional distress in patients admitted for elective coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are frequently observed in patients with coronary artery disease. Because emotional distress is of prognostic importance in these patients, screening is recommended.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in measuring emotional distress in patients admitted for elective coronary angiography.

METHODS

A total of 587 patients were consecutively included (mean age 62 years, 75% were male). Gender-specific partial correlations were calculated for the associations between their SF-36 and HADS scores, whereas subgroup differences were evaluated using t tests or analysis of variance.

RESULTS

In both genders, the HADS subscales for anxiety and depression were significantly related to all SF-36 subscales and most strongly related to the Mental Health subscale. Both HADS and the Mental Health subscale demonstrated a high occurrence of emotional distress and discriminated significantly between patients with and without severe angina. The HADS, but not the SF-36, demonstrated high levels of emotional distress (anxiety) among men without verified coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSION

Both instruments seem appropriate as screening instruments for emotional distress in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Although the Mental Health subscale has the advantage of being shorter, we recommend the HADS because it shows anxiety more specifically.

Clinical trial design in adult reflux disease: a methodological workshop

BACKGROUND

The development of well-tolerated acid suppressant drugs has stimulated substantial growth in the number of trials assessing therapy options for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

AIM

To develop consensus statements to inform clinical trial design in adult patients with GERD.

METHODS

Draft statements were developed employing a systematic literature review. A modified Delphi process including three rounds of voting was used to reach consensus. Between voting, statements were revised based on feedback from the Working Group and additional literature reviews. The final vote was at a face-to-face meeting that included discussion time. Voting was conducted using a six-point scale.

RESULTS

At the last vote, 93% of the final 102 statements achieved consensus (defined a priori as being supported by >or=75% of the votes). The Working Group strongly supported the development of validated patient-reported outcome instruments. Symptom assessments carried out by the investigator were considered unacceptable. There was agreement that exclusion from clinical trials should be minimized to improve generalizability, that prospective evaluation ideally requires electronic timed/dated methods and that endoscopists should be blinded to patient symptom status.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the consensus statements will improve the quality and comparability of trials, and make them compatible with regulatory requirements.

Depression, anxiety, stress, social interaction and health-related quality of life in men and women with unexplained chest pain

Background

Unexplained chest pain (UCP) is a common reason for emergency hospital admission and generates considerable health-care costs for society. Even though prior research indicates that psychological problems and impaired quality of life are common among UCP patients, there is lack of knowledge comparing UCP patients with a reference group from the general population. The aim of this study was to analyse differences between men and women with UCP and a reference group in terms of psychosocial factors as depression, anxiety, stress, social interaction and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire about psychosocial factors was completed by 127 men and 104 women with acute UCP admitted consecutively to the Emergency Department (ED) or as in-patients on a medical ward. A reference group from the general population, 490 men and 579 women, participants in the INTERGENE study and free of clinical heart disease, were selected.

Results

The UCP patients were more likely to be immigrants, have a sedentary lifestyle, report stress at work and have symptoms of depression and trait-anxiety compared with the reference group. After adjustment for differences in age, smoking, hypertension and diabetes, these factors were still significantly more common among patients with UCP. In a stepwise multivariate model with mutual adjustment for psychosocial factors, being an immigrant was associated with a more than twofold risk in both sexes. Stress at work was associated with an almost fourfold increase in risk among men, whereas there was no independent impact for women. In contrast, depression only emerged as an independent risk factor in women. Trait-anxiety and a low level of social interaction were not independently associated with risk in either men or women. Patients with UCP were two to five times more likely to have low scores for HRQOL.

Conclusion

Both men and women with UCP had higher depression scores than referents, but an independent association was only found in women. Among men, perceived stress at work emerged as the only psychosocial variable significantly associated with UCP.

Chronic pain management in the emergency department: a survey of attitudes and beliefs

OBJECTIVE

The emergency department (ED) can be a particularly challenging environment in which to offer care for chronic pain. This study tried to determine if beliefs held by patients and providers about noncancer-related chronic pain affect evaluation and management of pain in ED.

INTERVENTION

We surveyed 103 patients presenting to the ED with chronic pain, 34 ED physicians, and 44 ED nurses to assess the influence of 15 possible barriers to managing chronic pain in the ED.

RESULTS

Patients were significantly more likely than providers to believe that their pain had to have a diagnosed physical component to be treated. Providers were significantly more likely than patients to believe that patients came to the ED because they lacked a primary care physician. All agreed that chronic pain treatment was not a priority in the ED and the potential for addiction, dependence, diversion, and forged prescriptions was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in chronic pain may need to be reassured that their pain will be treated, even in the absence of objective signs or magnified symptoms. Providers may wrongly believe that lack of a primary care physician brings these patients to the ED. Providers and patients appear to believe that treating chronic pain in the ED has a low priority. Both groups may underestimate the problems inherent with prescribing opioids in this setting.

Social problem solving and noncardiac chest pain

OBJECTIVE

To investigate differences in social problem solving (SPS) between individuals with noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) and persons with chest pain who tested positive for underlying cardiac disease.

METHODS

The major design involved a matched case-control methodology and compared a group of patients with NCCP (n = 53) with a group of patients with cardiac disease-related chest pain (n = 53) with regard to a battery of psychological distress, stress, and pain measures as well as a multidimensional measure of SPS.

RESULTS

Initial analyses found no differences between the groups regarding reported levels of chest pain intensity or frequency. However, patients with NCCP, as compared with their matched counterparts, reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and anger. In the analysis that addressed SPS differences between groups, general negative affectivity and prior history of cardiac disease served as covariates and revealed that individuals with NCCP were characterized by less effective problem solving on three of five dimensions assessed as compared with their matched counterparts. Moreover, the relationship between SPS and pain among patients with NCCP was found to be above and beyond that related to general negative affectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings both support and add to the literature regarding psychosocial correlates of NCCP and identify SPS as a potentially important factor in its pathogenesis.