Long-term effects of environmental dynamic lighting on sleep-wake rhythm, mood and behaviour in older adults with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Sleep-wake problems and depressive symptoms are common in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and are thought to be related to the unstable sleep-wake rhythm in this population. Previously, we showed that after increasing environmental light exposure, mid-sleep and sleep onset advanced, and mood improved over a period of 14 weeks after installing environmental dynamic light installations in the living room of people with IDs. We invited participants of that short-term study to take part in the current study on sleep-wake rhythm, mood and behaviour in older adults with IDs 1 year after installing environmental dynamic light installations in the common living rooms of six group homes.

METHODS

A pre-post study was performed from October 2017 to February 2019. We included 45 participants (63.5 ± 8.5 years, 67% female) from six group home facilities who provided data at baseline (9, 4 and 1 weeks prior to installing light installations), short term (3, 7 and 14 weeks after installing light installations) and 1 year (54 weeks after installing light installations). Wrist activity was measured with actigraphy (GENEActiv) to derive the primary outcome of interdaily stability of sleep-wake rhythms as well as sleep estimates. Mood was measured with the Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scale. Behaviour was measured with the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist.

RESULTS

One year after installing dynamic lighting, we did not find a change in interdaily stability. Total sleep time decreased (β = -25.40 min; confidence interval: -10.99, -39.82), and sleep onset time was delayed (β = 25.63 min; confidence interval: 11.18, 40.08). No effect on mood or behaviour was found.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find a change in sleep-wake rhythm, mood or behaviour in older persons with IDs living in care facilities 1 year after installing the light. We did find evidence for a long-term effect on sleep duration and sleep timing. The results have to be interpreted with care as the current study had a limited number of participants. The need for more research on the long-term effects of enhancing environmental light in ID settings is evident.

The prevalence, incidence and management of low back pain with radiating leg pain in Dutch general practice: A population-based cohort study in the Rijnmond Primary Care Database

BACKGROUND

Radiating leg pain is common in patients with low back pain (LBP). In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of LBP with radiating leg pain in Dutch general practice, and to describe the prescribed medications and requested imaging diagnostics.

METHODS

The Rijnmond Primary Care Database containing over 500,000 primary care patients was used to select patients ≥18 years with LBP with radiating leg pain between 2013 and 2021. Data on patient characteristics, LBP episodes, prescribed medication and requested imaging in the first 3 months of an episode was extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to present patient characteristics and diagnostic/therapeutic interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 27,695 patients were included. The total number of LBP with radiating leg pain episodes in these patients was 36,268. In 2021, the incidence and prevalence were 19.1 and 25.7 per 1000 patient years, respectively. In 60% of patients, the episode duration was shorter than 1 month. In 62% of the episodes, patients visited the general practitioner (GP) one to two times. In 59% of the episodes, at least one medication was prescribed, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being the most common one (45%). In approximately 11% of the episodes, additional diagnostic imaging was requested.

CONCLUSION

LBP with radiating leg pain is common in Dutch general practice patients. About 2/3rd were prescribed pain medications. Dutch request few to none diagnostic imaging for these patients which is in line with clinical practice guidelines.

SIGNIFICANCE

In this new study, we have gained insights into the incidence and prevalence of LBP with radiating leg pain in Dutch general practice. Both remained fairly stable over the study period of 9 years (2013-2021). Overall, the care burden regarding seeking contact with the GPs and the requested diagnostics seem not to be that high. In 62% of the care episodes, there were one or two consultations with the GP, and in 11% of the episodes a diagnostic imaging was requested. Pain medications frequently prescribed (i.e. 2/3rd of the episodes), with NSAIDs being the most common ones.

Evaluation of practice nurses' management of paediatric psychosocial problems in general practice

BACKGROUND

Child mental health services are under major pressure worldwide. In the Netherlands, Youth Mental Health Practice Nurses (YMHPNs) have been introduced in general practice to improve access to care. In this study, we evaluated care delivered by YMHPNs.

METHODS

We used medical records of a population-based cohort (21 717 children, 0-17 years). Characteristics of children consulting a YMHPN, type of problem, care delivered by YMHPNs and referrals were assessed using quantitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Records of 375 children (mean age 12.9 years, 59.2% girl) were analysed. These children were often in their adolescence (57.3% was between 13 and 17 years), and more often female than male (59.2% vs 40.8%). YMHPNs had a median of four consultations (IQR 2-7) with the child. YMHPNs managed a variety of psychosocial problems. YMHPNs managed 22.4% of children without need of referral, 52.0% were eventually referred for additional care. 13.3% of children dropped out during the treatment trajectory. In the remaining 12.3% of children, the treatment trajectory was stopped because the child was already attending specialized services, the treatment trajectory was still ongoing or the medical record was inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS

YMHPNs successfully managed one in four children with psychosocial problems without need for referral. Nevertheless, most children were eventually referred for additional care.

Blood pressure measurements for diagnosing hypertension in primary care: room for improvement

BACKGROUND

In the adult population, about 50% have hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and subsequent premature death. Little is known about the quality of the methods used to diagnose hypertension in primary care.

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to assess the frequency of use of recognized methods to establish a diagnosis of hypertension, and specifically for OBPM, whether three distinct measurements were taken, and how correctly the blood pressure levels were interpreted.

METHODS

A retrospective population-based cohort study using electronic medical records of patients aged between 40 and 70 years, who visited their general practitioner (GP) with a new-onset of hypertension in the years 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2020. A visual chart review of the electronic medical records was used to assess the methods employed to diagnose hypertension in a random sample of 500 patients. The blood pressure measurement method was considered complete if three or more valid office blood pressure measurements (OBPM) were performed, or home-based blood pressure measurements (HBPM), the office- based 30-minute method (OBP30), or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements (24 H-ABPM) were used.

RESULTS

In all study years, OBPM was the most frequently used method to diagnose new-onset hypertension in patients. The OBP-30 method was used in 0.4% (2012), 4.2% (2016), 10.6% (2019), and 9.8% (2020) of patients respectively, 24 H-ABPM in 16.0%, 22.2%, 17.2%, and 19.0% of patients and HBPM measurements in 5.4%, 8.4%, 7.6%, and 7.8% of patients, respectively. A diagnosis of hypertension based on only one or two office measurements occurred in 85.2% (2012), 87.9% (2016), 94.4% (2019), and 96.8% (2020) of all patients with OBPM. In cases of incomplete measurement and incorrect interpretation, medication was still started in 64% of cases in 2012, 56% (2016), 60% (2019), and 73% (2020).

CONCLUSION

OBPM is still the most often used method to diagnose hypertension in primary care. The diagnosis was often incomplete or misinterpreted using incorrect cut-off levels. A small improvement occurred between 2012 and 2016 but no further progress was seen in 2019 or 2020. If hypertension is inappropriately diagnosed, it may result in under treatment or in prolonged, unnecessary treatment of patients. There is room for improvement in the general practice setting.

Atopic Dermatitis in Children in the General Population: Baseline Characteristics, Medication Use, and Severity Measures in the Rotterdam Eczema Study

Background: Real-life data on severity and treatments in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are needed to evaluate self-management. Objectives: To determine severity and use of topical treatments in children with AD in the general population. Furthermore, we aim to determine agreement and correlation between objective and subjective AD severity measures. Methods: Data were used from the Rotterdam Eczema Study, an observational prospective cohort study with an embedded pragmatic open-label randomized controlled trial. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline characteristics, medication use, and severity. Strength of agreement and correlation were determined using kappa analysis and Pearson correlation. Results: In total, 367 children (mean age 5.7 years) were recruited. The mean eczema area and severity index (EASI) score was 2.1 (±3.2) and mean patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM) score was 10.3 (±6.1). The majority applied emollients on a daily basis (54.9%) and had not used topical corticosteroids (TCSs) over the past week (51%). Based on severity banding of POEM and EASI, 49.9% and 24.9% of the children were undertreated, respectively. No evidence was found for an agreement between EASI and POEM (kappa 0.028, n = 178, P = 0.451). A moderate correlation between POEM, EASI, infants' dermatitis quality of life index, and children's dermatology life quality index was found. POEM showed higher correlation with quality of life (QoL) than EASI. Conclusion: Emollients were used sufficiently in the study population. Based on signs or symptoms, 24.9% and 49.9% of children are undertreated, respectively. POEM scores correlated better with QoL than with EASI scores. We argue that EASI underestimates severity of AD, and treatment based on EASI scores may lead to undertreatment of AD. Treating physicians should be aware of suboptimal use of TCSs.

Patellofemoral pain in general practice: the incidence and management

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a nontraumatic knee problem primarily observed in physically active adolescents. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and management of PFP in children and adolescents in general practice.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a regional primary care database containing full electronic health records of over 300,000 patients. Patients with a new PFP diagnosis between the years 2013 and 2019 were extracted using a search algorithm based on International Classification of Primary Health Care coding and search terms in free text. Data on the management of PFP were manually checked and analysed. In addition, a sub-analysis for chronic and nonchronic PFP patients was performed.

RESULTS

The mean incidence of PFP over the study period was 3.4 (95% CI 3.2-3.6) per 1,000 person years in the age group of 7-24 years. Girls had a higher incidence rate (4.6 [95% CI 4.3-5.0]) compared to boys (2.3 [95% CI 2.1-2.5]). Peak incidence was at age 13 years for both sexes. The most commonly applied management strategy was advice (55.1%), followed by referral to physiotherapy (28.2%), analgesics prescription (10.4%), and referral to the orthopaedic surgeon (8.9%). No differences were found in age, sex, and treatment between chronic and nonchronic PFP patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The average Dutch general practitioner sees approximately 1.4 new child or adolescent with PFP per year. Overall management strategies were in concordance with current Dutch general practice guideline on nontraumatic knee problems. More insight should be gained in the population with chronic complaints.

Patient perspectives on telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods community-based study

BACKGROUND

Detailed community-based perspectives on patient experiences with telemedicine are currently lacking, yet essential to assess clinical applicability of telemedicine during and beyond pandemics, alike COVID-19. The aim of this study was to expose patient perspectives on virtual compared to in-person consultations, including determinants of these preferences.

METHODS

We invited 5864 participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study to fill in a validated questionnaire using both close-ended and free-text questions. The questionnaire was sent on 30 July 2020, following a period of lockdowns and closures of non-essential workplaces. It assessed preferences for physician contact, healthcare utilisation, socioeconomic factors, and overall health. Those who experienced at least one virtual consultation (telephone or video call) between March 2020 and the beginning of July 2020 were asked whether those consultations were more, equally or less pleasant than in-person consultations, and to detail their experiences through free-text comments. These narrative data were examined using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

4514 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate 77.0%, 58.7% women, mean age 70.8 ± 10.5 years). 1103 participants (24.4%) reported having had experience with virtual consultations. Half of these participants considered virtual consultations less pleasant than in-person consultations (N = 556; 50.4%), while 11.5% found it more pleasant. In total, we coded free-text comments of 752 participants. Prominent themes behind patient preferences for virtual or in-person consultations were lack of nonverbal communication, lack of physical examination, consultation scheduling, personal circumstances, and the presence of somatic and/or language barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the experiences of a large elderly patient population, we showed that preference for virtual or in-person consultations is dependent on personal and situational variety, and their interplay. Healthcare providers should consider patients' complex care needs and evaluate the potential added value of nonverbal communication and physical examination before scheduling a virtual consultation.

A systematic review of questionnaires measuring asthma control in children in a primary care population

Several questionnaires are used to measure asthma control in children. The most appropriate tool for use in primary care is not defined. In this systematic review, we evaluated questionnaires used to measure asthma control in children in primary care and determined their usefulness in asthma management. Searches were performed in the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases with end date 24 June 2022. The study population comprised children aged 5-18 years with asthma. Three reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed, using the COSMIN criteria for the measurement properties of health status questionnaires. Studies conducted in primary care were included if a minimum of two questionnaires were compared. Studies in secondary or tertiary care and studies of quality-of-life questionnaires were excluded. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Five publications were included: four observational studies and one sub-study of a randomized controlled trial. A total of 806 children were included (aged 5-18 years). We evaluated the Asthma Control Test (ACT), childhood Asthma Control Test (c-ACT), Asthma APGAR system, NAEPP criteria and Royal College of Physicians' '3 questions' (RCP3Q). These questionnaires assess different symptoms and domains. The quality of most of the studies was rated 'intermediate' or 'poor'. The majority of the evaluated questionnaires do not show substantial agreement with one another, which makes a comparison challenging. Based on the current review, we suggest that the Asthma APGAR system seems promising as a questionnaire for determining asthma control in children in primary care.

Associations between physical fitness and cardiovascular disease in older adults with intellectual disabilities: Results of the Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disability study

BACKGROUND

Reduced physical fitness is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor in the general population. However, generalising these results to older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) may be inappropriate given their pre-existing low physical fitness levels and high prevalence of co-morbidities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the difference in physical fitness between older adults with ID with and without CVD.

METHOD

Baseline data of a cohort of older adults with borderline to profound ID (HA-ID study) were used (n = 684; 61.6 ± 8.2 years; 51.3% male). CVD status (coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke) was obtained from medical files. Cardiorespiratory fitness (10-m incremental shuttle walking test), comfortable and fast gait speed (over 5 m distance) and grip strength (hand dynamometer) were measured. Multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the association between these physical fitness components and the presence of CVD, adjusted for participant characteristics.

RESULTS

Of the 684 participants 78 (11.4%) had CVD. Participants with CVD scored lower on cardiorespiratory fitness (-81.4 m, P = 0.002), comfortable gait speed (-0.3 km/h, P = 0.04) and fast gait speed (-1.1 km/h, P = 0.04). No significant differences were found for grip strength (-0.2 kg, P = 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Older adults with CVD had significantly lower physical fitness levels than those without CVD, except for grip strength. Longitudinal research is needed to investigate causality.

Clinical response to varying pollen exposure in allergic rhinitis in children in The Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects 10-15% of children. Symptoms in seasonal AR are influenced by pollen exposure. Pollen counts vary throughout the pollen season and therefore, symptom severity fluctuates. This study investigates the correlation between pollen concentration and symptom load in children with AR in The Netherlands.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed in a study determining the most effective treatment for children with seasonal AR. Symptoms were measured during three months in 2013 and 2014 using a daily symptom diary. The pollen concentration was measured with a Hirst type volumetric spore trap sampler. A correlation coefficient was calculated for the correlation between the pollen concentration and the mean daily symptom score. The study protocol was approved by the medical ethical review committee of the Erasmus MC and is incorporated in the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (EUCTR2012-001,591-11-NL).

RESULTS

In 2014, the correlation coefficient for birch pollen concentration and symptom score was 0.423 (p = 0.000). The correlation coefficient for grass pollen concentration and symptom score was 0.413 (p = 0.000) and 0.655 (p = 0.000) in 2013 and 2014, respectively. A delayed correlation between the birch pollen concentration and the symptom scores was seen up to two days after the pollen measurement (0.151, p = 0.031). For grass pollen this effect lasted up to three days after the pollen measurement (0.194, p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

We found comparable correlations between symptom score and pollen concentration as found by EAACI. Birch and grass pollen have an elongated influence on symptom score of several days. This implies patients need to continue on demand medication longer after a measured pollen peak.

Nocturnal pain, is the pain different compared with pain during the day? An exploratory cross-sectional study in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To explore characteristics of nocturnal pain and to identify differences in participants' characteristics and osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms between hip and knee OA participants with and without nocturnal pain.

METHODS

Data for this exploratory cross-sectional study were obtained from an online survey, distributed through social media and patient associations in the period from April 2020 until May 2020, which was conducted in 101 participants with (self-reported) hip or knee OA. Descriptive statistics were used to provide insight into the characteristics of the study population. Pain intensity, localization, dimension, and impact of (nocturnal) pain on sleep were described and compared with daytime pain.

RESULTS

Nocturnal pain was reported by 76/101 (75%) participants. Participants with nocturnal pain scored higher visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for their nocturnal pain compared with their pain at the moment (respectively: median VAS score 49.5 vs. 40.0). Their day pain rating indexes of sensory-discriminative dimension were higher compared with their nocturnal pain. Comparison between participants with and without nocturnal pain showed that participants with nocturnal pain were affected by intermittent, constant, and radiating pain. Pain had more impact on their sleep and they scored their pain at its worst higher compared with participants without nocturnal pain.

CONCLUSION

In participants with nocturnal pain (75%), we found that their VAS pain scores were not in harmony with their pain expressed in words. This study increases awareness of nocturnal pain in OA patients in general practice. More research is needed to provide general practitioners possible interventions for patients with OA and nocturnal pain.

Epidemiology and management of hepatitis B and C in primary care in the Netherlands: data from the Rijnmond Primary Care database

BACKGROUND

The Dutch guideline for general practitioners (GPs) advises biannual surveillance of hepatitis B (HBV) patients and referral of every hepatitis C (HCV) patient. We aimed to study the prevalence, incidence, and the management of hepatitis B and C in primary care.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study using the Rijnmond Primary Care database (RPCD), including health care data of medical records of GPs of approximately 200,000 patients in the area of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Patient records were selected based on laboratory results, International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC) codes, and free-text words.

RESULTS

In total, 977 patients were included: 717 HBV, 252 HCV, and 8 HBV/HCV coinfected patients. Between 2013 and 2019, the prevalence of HBV and HCV declined from 5.21 to 2.99/1,000 person-years (PYs) and 1.50 to 0.70/1,000 PYs, respectively. We observed that the majority of the patients had been referred to a medical specialist at least once (71% HBV and 89% HCV patients). However, among chronic patients, we observed that 36.2% of the HBV patients did not receive adequate surveillance by their GP (≥2 alanine aminotransferase checks within 3 years) or a medical specialist. In addition, 44.4% of the HCV patients had no record about successful antiviral treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a declining prevalence in viral hepatitis B and C in primary care in the Netherlands. However, a substantial part of the patients did not receive adequate surveillance or antiviral therapy. It is therefore crucial to involve GPs in case finding and in follow-up after treatment.

Medical students' perception of general practice: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

An increase in the demand for general practitioners is expected in many countries, but only a minority of medical students consider a career in general practice. More detailed and up-to-date knowledge about medical student's perception of general practice would be helpful for efforts to encourage medical students to consider a career in general practice.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional single center survey among Dutch medical students to evaluate their perception of general practice at three different stages in their study: Ba1: first-year bachelor students; Ba3: third-year bachelor students; Ma3: third-year master students. The impact of different factors on their attitudes and perceptions was quantified. A multivariate logistic regression was performed with 'interest in general practice' as the outcome variable.

RESULTS

The median age for Ba1 was 18 (IQR: 18-19) and 71.5% were female, for Ba3 the median age was 20 (IQR: 20-21) and 70.6% were female and for Ma3 the median age was 25 years (IQR: 24-26) and 73.3% were female. On average, 31.2% of the respondents had a migration background. The mean response rate for this study was 77.1%. Of the participating Ba1 students (n = 340) only 22.4% considered working as a GP after medical school; for Ba3 students (n = 231) this percentage was 33.8%, and for Ma3 students (n = 210) it was significantly higher at 70.5%; in the final multivariate model this corresponded to an odds ratio (OR) of 4.3 (95%-CI:2.6-6.9) compared to Ba1 students. The strongest predictor in the final model was the opinion that general practice provides a pleasant working environment (OR 9.5; 95%-CI: 6.2-14.5).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that multiple factors are significantly related to medical students' interest in general practice. Although students believed that general practice does not have a high status within the medical profession, they acknowledged the social importance and the pleasant working environment of general practice. Knowledge obtained in this study can be used when designing a medical curriculum or a general practice course.

Identifying and prioritizing educational content from a malpractice claims database for clinical reasoning education in the vocational training of general practitioners

Diagnostic reasoning is an important topic in General Practitioners' (GPs) vocational training. Interestingly, research has paid little attention to the content of the cases used in clinical reasoning education. Malpractice claims of diagnostic errors represent cases that impact patients and that reflect potential knowledge gaps and contextual factors. With this study, we aimed to identify and prioritize educational content from a malpractice claims database in order to improve clinical reasoning education in GP training. With input from various experts in clinical reasoning and diagnostic error, we defined five priority criteria that reflect educational relevance. Fifty unique medical conditions from a malpractice claims database were scored on those priority criteria by stakeholders in clinical reasoning education in 2021. Subsequently, we calculated the mean total priority score for each condition. Mean total priority score (min 5-max 25) for all fifty diagnoses was 17,11 with a range from 13,89 to 19,61. We identified and described the fifteen highest scoring diseases (with priority scores ranging from 18,17 to 19,61). The prioritized conditions involved complex common (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, renal insufficiency and cancer), complex rare (e.g., endocarditis, ectopic pregnancy, testicular torsion) and more straightforward common conditions (e.g., tendon rupture/injury, eye infection). The claim cases often demonstrated atypical presentations or complex contextual factors. Including those malpractice cases in GP vocational training could enrich the illness scripts of diseases that are at high risk of errors, which may reduce diagnostic error and related patient harm.

Associations between biomarkers of matrix metabolism and inflammation with pain and fatigue in participants suspected of early hip and or knee osteoarthritis: data from the CHECK study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the associations of biomarkers in serum [highsensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum cartilage oligomeric protein (sCOMP), serum propeptide of type I procollagen (sPINP) and serum osteocalcin (sOC)] and urine [urinary type II collagen telopeptide (uCTX-2)] with the extent and progression of nocturnal pain, pain while walking, and fatigue in participants with hip and/or knee pain suspected to be early stage osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

hs-CRP, uCTX-2, sCOMP, sPINP and sOC were measured at baseline in 1,002 participants of the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK). Nocturnal pain, pain while walking and fatigue were assessed by self-reported questionnaires at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Associations between these biomarkers and symptoms were examined using logistic and linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

hs-CRP was significantly associated with mild nocturnal pain (OR 1.18 95% CI 1.01-1.37), with mild and moderate pain while walking (OR 1.17 95% CI 1.01-1.35 and OR 1.56 95% CI 1.29-1.90, respectively) and with progression of nocturnal pain (OR 1.25 95% CI 1.07-1.46). uCTX-2 was associated with mild nocturnal pain (OR 1.40 95% CI 1.05-1.85) and with mild and severe-extreme pain while walking (OR 1.35 95% CI 1.04-1.75 and OR 2.55 95% CI 1.03-6.34, respectively). sPINP was associated with severe-extreme nocturnal pain (OR 0.45 95% CI 0.25-0.82). No significant associations were found for sCOMP and sOC, nor for any of the biomarkers and fatigue.

CONCLUSION

This study of biomarkers in a large cohort of participants with hip and/or knee pain suspected to reflect early stage hip and/or knee OA suggests that inflammation and cartilage matrix degeneration play a role in pain, but not in fatigue.

Course of pain and fluctuations in pain related to suspected early hip osteoarthritis: the CHECK study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence during a 10-year follow-up of clinically relevant fluctuations in pain and the course of hip pain in participants with hip complaints suspected to be early stage hip osteoarthritis (OA). To distinguish between participants with relevant fluctuations in pain and those without based on baseline characteristics.

METHODS

Data were collected at baseline and after 2, 5, 8, and 10 years on 495 participants from the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee Study (CHECK) with hip pain at baseline. Baseline demographic, anamnestic, and physical-examination characteristics were assessed. The primary outcome was levels of pain in the past week (scored using 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale) at follow-up assessments. Relevant fluctuation was defined as average absolute residuals greater than 1 after fitting a straight line to the participant's pain scores over time.

RESULTS

The majority of the participants (76%) had stable or decreasing pain. Relevant fluctuations were found in 37% of the participants. The following baseline variables were positively associated with the presence of relevant fluctuations: higher levels of pain in the past week, use of pain transformation as a coping style, higher number of comorbidities, use of pain medication, and higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. No associations were found for baseline radiographic hip OA or clinical hip OA.

CONCLUSION

During a 10-year follow-up, the majority of participants had stable or decreasing pain levels. In those participants with relevant fluctuation (37%), a limited number of baseline variables were associated with increased odds of having relevant fluctuations in pain.

Determinants of dropout and compliance of children participating in a multidisciplinary intervention programme for overweight and obesity in socially deprived areas

BACKGROUND

Children with overweight and obesity in socially deprived areas (SDAs) are less likely to complete and be compliant to a weight-loss programme.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with dropout and compliance of a multidisciplinary weight-loss programme in SDA.

METHODS

This prospective longitudinal cohort study included children (6-12 years) with overweight and obesity in a 12-week multidisciplinary intervention living in SDA in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Potential predictive variables for dropout and compliance included were age, sex, the weight of the child and parents, quality of life, and referral status (self-registration or referral). A Cox proportional hazards model was performed to study the association between dropout and its potential predictive variables, whereas logistic regression analyses were used for the potential predictors for compliance.

RESULTS

A total of 121 children started the intervention programme. Forty-one (33.9%) children dropped out and 68 (56.2%) were compliant with the intervention. The risk of dropping out of the intervention was significantly lower for a child with overweight parents than for those with parents with normal weight (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.22 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.063-0.75]), and for those with parents with obesity (adjusted HR 0.18 [95% CI 0.060-0.52]). No other potential predictive variables were associated with dropout or compliance.

CONCLUSION

Children from SDA participating in a weight-loss programme have a relatively high dropout and a low compliance rate. Parental weight seems to be an important predictor for dropout of children from SDA, where children with normal weight or obese parents have the highest risk of dropout compared with children of overweight parents.

GPs’ and practice nurses’ views on their management of paediatric anxiety problems: an interview study

Background

Anxiety problems are common in both children and adolescents, and many affected children do not receive appropriate treatment. Understaffing of mental healthcare services and long waiting lists form major barriers. In the Netherlands, practice nurses have been introduced into general practice to support general practitioners (GPs) in the management of psychosocial problems. In this study we investigated the views of GPs and practice nurses on their management of paediatric anxiety problems.

Methods

We performed an exploratory study using semi-structured interviews with 13 GPs and 13 practice nurses in the greater Rotterdam area in 2021. Interviews were transcribed and coded into topics, which were categorized per research question.

Results

In their management of paediatric anxiety problems, both GPs and practice nurses try to explore the case and the needs of affected children and their parents. GPs rarely follow up affected children themselves. They often refer the child, preferably to their practice nurse. Practice nurses regularly initiate follow-up consultations with affected children themselves. Practice nurses reported using a variety of therapeutic techniques, including elements of cognitive behavioural therapy. In more severe cases, practice nurses refer the child to external mental healthcare services. GPs reported being satisfied with their collaboration with practice nurses. Both GPs and practice nurses experience significant barriers in the management of paediatric anxiety problems. Most importantly, long waiting lists for external mental health care were reported to be a major difficulty. Improving cooperation with external mental healthcare providers was reported to be an important facilitator.

Conclusions

In their management of paediatric anxiety problems, GPs and practice nurses experience major challenges in the cooperation with external mental healthcare providers and in the long waiting lists for these services. GPs and practice nurses believe that thanks to their shared approach more children with anxiety problems can remain treated in general practice. Future research is needed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of the shared efforts of GPs and practice nurses in their management of paediatric anxiety problems.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01802-y.

Sex-specific patterns and lifetime risk of multimorbidity in the general population: a 23-year prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity poses a major challenge for care coordination. However, data on what non-communicable diseases lead to multimorbidity, and whether the lifetime risk differs between men and women are lacking. We determined sex-specific differences in multimorbidity patterns and estimated sex-specific lifetime risk of multimorbidity in the general population.

METHODS

We followed 6,094 participants from the Rotterdam Study aged 45 years and older for the occurrence of ten diseases (cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, diabetes, dementia, asthma, heart failure, parkinsonism). We visualised participants' trajectories from a single disease to multimorbidity and the most frequent combinations of diseases. We calculated sex-specific lifetime risk of multimorbidity, considering multimorbidity involving only somatic diseases (1) affecting the same organ system, (2) affecting different organ systems, and (3) multimorbidity involving depression.

RESULTS

Over the follow-up period (1993-2016, median years of follow-up 9.2), we observed 6334 disease events. Of the study population, 10.3% had three or more diseases, and 27.9% had two or more diseases. The most frequent pair of co-occurring diseases among men was COPD and cancer (12.5% of participants with multimorbidity), the most frequent pair of diseases among women was depression and dementia (14.9%). The lifetime risk of multimorbidity was similar among men (66.0%, 95% CI: 63.2-68.8%) and women (65.1%, 95% CI: 62.5-67.7%), yet the risk of multimorbidity with depression was higher for women (30.9%, 95% CI: 28.4-33.5%, vs. 17.5%, 95% CI: 15.2-20.1%). The risk of multimorbidity with two diseases affecting the same organ is relatively low for both sexes (4.2% (95% CI: 3.2-5.5%) for men and 4.5% (95% CI: 3.5-5.7%) for women).

CONCLUSIONS

Two thirds of people over 45 will develop multimorbidity in their remaining lifetime, with women at nearly double the risk of multimorbidity involving depression than men. These findings call for programmes of integrated care to consider sex-specific differences to ensure men and women are served equally.

General practitioners' explanation and advice on childhood eczema and factors influencing their treatment strategy: A qualitative study

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common in children and the majority of children can be treated by the general practitioner (GP). Various factors can influence the GP's treatment strategy and may lead to less effective treatment. The objective is to gain insight into the treatment goal, treatment strategy, explanation and advice given by GPs when dealing with AD in children and to explore which factors play a role in the choice of pharmacological treatment.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews in primary care in the Netherlands were audio‐recorded and transcribed. All data were analysed according to the six‐steps approach of inductive thematic analysis.

Results

We interviewed 16 GPs. Treatment goals mainly focussed on the short term. GPs discussed the importance of emollient use and emphasised emollients as the basis of treatment. We found that several factors played a role in prescribing topical corticosteroids (TCS); severity of the AD, age of the child, skin type, corticophobia among parents and GPs, experience of side effects and dermatological experience. GPs reported giving limited advice about the use of TCS and prescribed medication that is not recommended by the guideline.

Conclusion

Various factors seem to influence GPs' treatment strategy for AD in children. More attention and education about the use and safety of TCS in children during GP training, continuous medical education, probably improve treatment in line with guidelines and can lead to more confidence and knowledge about TCS among GPs, which ultimately may improve the education and self‐management of patients.

The use and safety of corticosteroid injections for shoulder pain in general practice: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for shoulder pain in general practice recommend treatment with corticosteroid injections (CSI) if initial pain management fails. However, little is known about the actual use and safety of CSIs in treatment by general practitioners (GP).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to gain insight into the use and safety of CSIs for patients with a new episode of shoulder pain in general practice.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a healthcare database containing the electronic medical records of approximately 200,000 patients in general practice. A search algorithm was constructed to identify patients with a new episode of shoulder pain between January 2012 and December 2017. Data on the use of CSIs in 2 random samples (n = 1,000) were manually validated for a 12-month period after the diagnosis.

RESULTS

In total, 26% of the patients with a new episode of shoulder pain received a CSI. The patient's age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04) and a history of shoulder pain (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.13-2.12) were significantly associated with the administration of a CSI. Half of the patients received the CSI in the first consultation. The patient's age was positively associated with the likelihood of receiving the CSI in the first consultation (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02). No serious adverse reactions were recorded by the GP.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to the guidelines, CSIs were frequently administered in the first consultation. Older patients and patients with a history of shoulder pain were more likely to receive a CSI for shoulder pain.

Effect of Intramuscular vs Intra-articular Glucocorticoid Injection on Pain Among Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: The KIS Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Intra-articular (IA) glucocorticoid injection is widely used in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), but the safety of this technique is in question among physicians. Intramuscular (IM) glucocorticoid injection could be an alternative approach.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether an IM glucocorticoid injection is noninferior to an IA glucocorticoid injection in reducing knee pain for patients with knee OA in primary care.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The KIS trial, a multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical noninferiority trial including patients with symptomatic knee OA, was conducted in 80 primary care general practices in the southwest of the Netherlands. The study was conducted from March 1, 2018, to July 28, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly allocated to receive an injection of triamcinolone acetonide, 40 mg, either IM in the ipsilateral ventrogluteal region or IA in the knee joint. All patients were followed up for 24 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The pain score at 4 weeks measured with Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (range, 0-100; 0 indicates extreme pain), with a noninferiority margin of -7 (IM minus IA). A per-protocol analysis was prespecified as the primary analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients (94 women [65%]; mean [SD] age, 67 [10] years) were included; of these, 138 patients (IM, 72; IA, 66) were included in the per-protocol analysis. Clinically relevant improvements in knee pain were reached up to 12 weeks after the injection in both groups. At 4 weeks, the estimated mean difference in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score between the 2 groups was -3.4 (95% CI, -10.1 to 3.3). Noninferiority could not be declared because the lower limit exceeded the noninferiority margin. Intramuscular injection was noninferior to IA injection at 8 (mean difference, 0.7; 95% CI, -6.5 to 7.8) and 24 (mean difference, 1.6; 95% CI, -5.7 to 9.0) weeks. No significant difference was found among all the secondary outcomes. These results were similar for the sensitivity analysis in an intention-to-treat population. The most frequently reported adverse events were hot flush (IM, 7 [10%] vs IA, 14 [21%]) and headache (IM, 10 [14%] vs IA, 12 [18%]), and all events were classified as nonserious.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Based on the findings of this trial, among patients with knee OA in primary care, IM glucocorticoid injection could present an inferior effect in reducing pain at 4 weeks compared with IA injection. Noninferiority of an IM injection was observed at 8 and 24 weeks after injection. This trial provides data for shared decision-making, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of both types of injections.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial Registry: NTR6968.

Process evaluation of a multicentre randomised clinical trial of substituting surgical excisions of low-risk basal cell carcinomas from secondary to primary care

OBJECTIVES

In 2016, the SKINCATCH Trial, a clustered multi-centre randomised trial, was initiated to assess whether low-risk basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) can be treated by general practitioners (GPs) without loss of quality of care. The trial intervention consisted of a tailored 2-day educational course on skin cancer management. The aim of this process evaluation was to investigate GPs' exposure to the intervention, implementation of the intervention and experiences with the intervention and trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on exposure to the intervention, implementation and experiences were obtained at several points during the trial. Complementary quantitative components (ie, surveys, database analysis, medical record analysis) and qualitative components (ie, interviews and focus groups) were used. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were summarised (barrier interviews) or audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using Atlas.Ti (focus groups).

RESULTS

Following a 100% intervention exposure, results concerning the implementation of the trial showed that aside from the low inclusion rate of patients with low-risk BCCs (n=54), even less excisions of low-risk BCCs were performed (n=40). Although the intervention was experienced as highly positive, several barriers were mentioned regarding the trial including administrative challenges, lack of time and high workload of GPs, low volume of BCC patients and patients declining to participate or requesting a referral to a dermatologist.

CONCLUSIONS

Although GPs' participation in the highly valued training was optimal, several barriers may have contributed to the low inclusion and excision rate of low-risk BCCs. While some of the issues were trial-related, other barriers such as low patient-volume and patients requesting referrals are applicable outside the trial setting as well. This may question the feasibility of substitution of surgical excisions of low-risks BCCs from secondary to primary care in the current Dutch setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Trial NL5631 (NTR5746).

Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disability study: summary of findings and the protocol for the 10-year follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

The Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disability (HA-ID) study is a prospective multicentre cohort study in the Netherlands that started in 2008, including 1050 older adults (aged ≥50) with intellectual disabilities (ID). The study is designed to learn more about the health and health risks of this group as they age. Compared with the amount of research in the general population, epidemiological research into the health of older adults with ID is still in its infancy. Longitudinal data about the health of this vulnerable and relatively unhealthy group are needed so that policy and care can be prioritised and for guiding clinical decision making about screening, prevention and treatment to improve healthy ageing.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This article presents a summary of the previous findings of the HA-ID study and describes the design of the 10-year follow-up in which a wide range of health data will be collected within five research themes: (1) cardiovascular disease; (2) physical activity, fitness and musculoskeletal disorders; (3) psychological problems and psychiatric disorders; (4) nutrition and nutritional state; and (5) frailty.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for the 10-year follow-up measurements of the HA-ID study has been obtained from the Medical Ethics Review Committee of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam (MEC-2019-0562).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

This cohort study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR number NL8564) and has been conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Incidence and prevalence of knee osteoarthritis using codified and narrative data from electronic health records: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) using codified and narrative data from general practices throughout the Netherlands.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Integrated Primary Care Information database. Patients with codified knee OA were selected and an algorithm was developed to identify patients with narratively diagnosed knee OA only. Point prevalence proportions and incidence rates among people aged ≥30 were assessed from 2008 to 2019. The association of comorbidities with codified knee OA was analysed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The positive predicted value of narratively diagnosed knee OA only was 94.0% (95%CI 87.4%-100%) and for codified knee OA 96.0% (95%CI 90.6%-100%). Including narrative data in addition to codified data resulted in a prevalence of 1.83 to 2.01 times higher (over the study years); prevalence increased from 5.8% to 11.8% between 2008 and 2019. The incidence rate was on 1.93 to 2.28 times higher and increased from 9.98 per 1000 person-years to 13.8 per 1000 person-years between 2008 and 2019. Among patients with codified knee OA, 39.4% were previously diagnosed narratively with knee OA, on average approximately three years earlier. Comorbidities influenced the likelihood of being recorded with codified knee OA.

CONCLUSION

Our study of a Dutch primary care database showed that current incidence and prevalence estimates based on codified data alone from electronic health records are underestimated. Narrative data can be incorporated in addition to codified data to identify knee OA patients more accurately.

No added value of duloxetine for patients with chronic pain due to hip or knee osteoarthritis: a cluster randomised trial

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of duloxetine in addition to usual care in patients with chronic osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The cost‐effectiveness and whether the presence of symptoms of centralized pain alters the response to duloxetine were secondary objectives.

Methods

We conducted an open‐label, cluster‐randomized trial. Patients with chronic hip or knee OA pain who had an insufficient response to acetaminophen and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were included. Randomization took place at the general practice level, and patients received duloxetine (60 mg/day) in addition to usual care or usual care alone. The presence of centralized pain was defined as a modified PainDETECT Questionnaire score >12. The primary outcome measure was Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores (scale 0–20) at 3 months after the initiation of treatment. Our aim was to detect a difference between the groups of a clinically relevant effect of 1.9 points (effect size 0.4). We used a linear mixed model with repeated measurements to analyze the data.

Results

In total, 133 patients were included, and 132 patients were randomized into treatment groups. A total of 66 patients (at 31 practices) were randomized to receive duloxetine in addition to usual care, and 66 patients (at 35 practices) were randomized to receive usual care alone. We found no differences in WOMAC pain scores between the groups at 3 months (adjusted difference –0.58 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –1.80, 0.63]) or at 12 months (adjusted difference –0.26 [95% CI –1.86, 1.34]). In the subgroup of patients with centralized pain symptoms, we also found no effect of duloxetine compared to usual care alone (adjusted difference –0.32 [95% CI –2.32, 1.67]).

Conclusion

We found no effect of duloxetine added to usual care compared to usual care alone in patients with chronic knee or hip OA pain. Another trial including patients with centralized pain symptoms should be conducted to validate our results.

Changes in the Diagnosis of Stroke and Cardiovascular Conditions in Primary Care During First 2 COVID-19 Waves in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although there is evidence of disruption in acute cerebrovascular and cardiovascular care during the COVID-19 pandemic, its downstream effect in primary care is less clear. We investigated how the pandemic affected utilization of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular care in general practices (GPs) and determined changes in GP-recorded diagnoses of selected cerebrovascular and cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

From electronic health records of 166,929 primary care patients aged 30 or over within the Rotterdam region, the Netherlands, we extracted the number of consultations related to cerebrovascular and cardiovascular care, and first diagnoses of selected cerebrovascular and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders), conditions and events (angina, atrial fibrillation, TIA, myocardial infarction, stroke). We quantified changes in those outcomes during the first COVID-19 wave (March-May 2020) and thereafter (June-December 2020) by comparing them to the same period in 2016-2019. We also estimated the number of potentially missed diagnoses for each outcome.

RESULTS

The number of GP consultations related to cerebrovascular and cardiovascular care declined by 38% (0.62, 95% CI: 0.56-0.68) during the first wave, as compared to expected counts based on pre-pandemic levels. Substantial declines in the number of new diagnoses were observed for cerebrovascular events: 37% for TIA (0.63, 0.41-0.96), and 29% for stroke (0.71, 0.59 to 0.84), while no significant changes were observed for cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction (0.91, 0.74-1.14), angina (0.77, 0.48-1.25)). The counts across individual diagnoses recovered following June 2020, but the number of GP consultations related to cerebrovascular and cardiovascular care remained lower than expected also throughout the June-December period (0.93, 0.88-0.98).

DISCUSSION

While new diagnoses of acute cardiovascular events remained stable during the COVID19 pandemic, diagnoses of cerebrovascular events declined substantially compared to pre-pandemic levels, possibly due to incorrect perception of risk by patients. These findings emphasize the need to improve symptom recognition of cerebrovascular events among the general public and to encourage urgent presentation despite any physical distancing measures.

The accuracy of mean corpuscular volume guided anaemia classification in primary care

BACKGROUND

Anemia can be categorized into micro-, normo- or macrocytic anemia based on the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). This categorization might help to define the etiology of anemia.

METHODS

The cohort consisted of patients newly diagnosed with anaemia in primary care. Seven aetiologies of anaemia were defined, based on an extensive laboratory protocol. Two assumptions were tested: (i) MCV <80 fl (microcytic) excludes vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, suspected haemolysis and suspected bone marrow disease as anaemia aetiology. (ii) MCV >100 fl (macrocytic) excludes iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease and renal anaemia as anaemia aetiology.

RESULTS

Data of 4129 patients were analysed. One anaemia aetiology could be assigned to 2422 (59%) patients, more than one anaemia aetiology to 888 (22%) patients and uncertainty regarding the aetiology remained in 819 (20%) patients. MCV values were within the normal range in 3505 patients (85%). In 59 of 365 microcytic patients (16%), the anaemia aetiology was not in accordance with the first assumption. In 233 of 259 macrocytic patients (90%), the anaemia aetiology was not in accordance with the second assumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Anaemia aetiologies might be ruled out incorrectly if MCV guided classification is used as a first step in the diagnostic work-up of anaemia. We recommend using a broader set of laboratory tests, independent of MCV.

Characteristics associated between the incidence of hip osteoarthritis and early hip complaints (CHECK study) within 10 years

OBJECTIVE

To determine which baseline characteristics, especially clinically variables like pain, stiffness, physical functioning and disease variables, are associated with incident hip OA within 10 years in first presenters with hip complaints. Rheumatology key messages History taking and not physical exam variables are associated with incident hip osteoarthritis. Specific questions about daily life activities are associated with incident hip OA. These questions are about pain while walking/shopping, difficulties putting socks on/off and rising from bed.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the nationwide prospective Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) study (n = 1002). Incident hip OA was defined as fulfilling the clinical ACR criteria for hip OA, a Kellgren and Lawrence score ≥2 with hip pain, or received a hip replacement during follow-up. Baseline measurements were used of participants with hip complaints and without hip OA. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the number of correlated variables. Associations between baseline characteristics (including PCA components) and incident hip OA were investigated using logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex and BMI.

RESULTS

In total, 312 participants (85% female and 98% Caucasian) were included, 181 developed hip OA. PCA resulted in four components. Incident hip OA was associated with (i) component 1 (general presence of pain and symptoms) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.46 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.98)], (ii) component 3 (relatively high levels of pain during shopping/walking combined with less difficulty with putting socks on/off and rising from bed) [OR = 1.58 (95%CI: 1.18, 2.12)] and (iii) knee pain [OR = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.66)].

CONCLUSION

In first presenters with hip complaints, use of a few history-taking variables might allow better recognition of those at higher odds for incident hip OA within 10 years.

Prevalence and determinants of healthcare avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of consultations and diagnoses in primary care and referrals to specialist care declined substantially compared to prepandemic levels. Beyond deferral of elective non-COVID-19 care by healthcare providers, it is unclear to what extent healthcare avoidance by community-dwelling individuals contributed to this decline in routine healthcare utilisation. Moreover, it is uncertain which specific symptoms were left unheeded by patients and which determinants predispose to healthcare avoidance in the general population. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed prevalence of healthcare avoidance during the pandemic from a patient perspective, including symptoms that were left unheeded, as well as determinants of healthcare avoidance.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

On April 20, 2020, a paper COVID-19 survey addressing healthcare utilisation, socioeconomic factors, mental and physical health, medication use, and COVID-19-specific symptoms was sent out to 8,732 participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study (response rate 73%). All questionnaires were returned before July 10, 2020. By hand, prevalence of healthcare avoidance was subsequently verified through free text analysis of medical records of general practitioners. Odds ratios (ORs) for avoidance were determined using logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and history of chronic diseases. We found that 1,142 of 5,656 included participants (20.2%) reported having avoided healthcare. Of those, 414 participants (36.3%) reported symptoms that potentially warranted urgent evaluation, including limb weakness (13.6%), palpitations (10.8%), and chest pain (10.2%). Determinants related to avoidance were older age (adjusted OR 1.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 to 1.21]), female sex (1.58 [1.38 to 1.82]), low educational level (primary education versus higher vocational/university 1.21 [1.01 to 1.46), poor self-appreciated health (per level decrease 2.00 [1.80 to 2.22]), unemployment (versus employed 2.29 [1.54 to 3.39]), smoking (1.34 [1.08 to 1.65]), concern about contracting COVID-19 (per level increase 1.28 [1.19 to 1.38]) and symptoms of depression (per point increase 1.13 [1.11 to 1.14]) and anxiety (per point increase 1.16 [1.14 to 1.18]). Study limitations included uncertainty about (perceived) severity of the reported symptoms and potentially limited generalisability given the ethnically homogeneous study population.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based cross-sectional study, 1 in 5 individuals avoided healthcare during lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic, often for potentially urgent symptoms. Healthcare avoidance was strongly associated with female sex, fragile self-appreciated health, and high levels of depression and anxiety. These results emphasise the need for targeted public education urging these vulnerable patients to timely seek medical care for their symptoms to mitigate major health consequences.

Somatic complaints as a mediator in the association between body mass index and quality of life in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with overweight are known to have lower Quality of Life (QoL) compared to peers with a normal weight. QoL is a broad concept and is associated with many factors. A better understanding of the factors associated with QoL in children and adolescents and their impact on the association between overweight/obesity and QoL, may help to develop and improve interventions that lead to an improvement in QoL in children/adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI > 25). This study investigated the possible mediating effects of somatic complaints and general practitioner consultations in the association between overweight/obesity and QoL in children and adolescents.

METHODS

For the current study, cross-sectional data were used from a longitudinal study, the DOERAK cohort, collected from general practitioners' medical files and through questionnaires. This cohort included 2-18 year olds with normal weight and overweight. Uni- and multivariate regression analyses were performed to gain more insight into variables associated with QoL. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate the possible mediating effects of somatic complaints and GP consultations in the association between overweight/obesity and QoL in children.

RESULTS

In the total sample of 733 participants aged 2-18 years, participants with normal weight had a significantly higher QoL (83.64, SD10.65) compared to participants with overweight (78.61, SD14.34) and obesity (76.90, SD13.63) at baseline. The multivariate analyses showed that a lower socio-economic status (SES), higher BMIz, and the presence of somatic complaints are associated with a lower QoL. The mediation analysis showed a significant effect of the indirect pathway of BMIz on QoL through somatic complaints (β = - 0.46, 95% CI[- 0.90, - 0.06]).

CONCLUSION

BMIz has a direct impact on QoL in children and adolescents. Somatic complaints seem to mediate the effect of BMIz on QoL.

Quality indicators for knee and hip osteoarthritis care: a systematic review

To provide an overview of quality indicators (QIs) for knee and hip osteoarthritis (KHOA) care and to highlight differences in healthcare settings. A database search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL and Google Scholar, OpenGrey and Prospective Trial Register, up to March 2020. Studies developing or adapting existing QI(s) for patients with osteoarthritis were eligible for inclusion. Included studies were categorised into healthcare settings. QIs from included studies were categorised into structure, process and outcome of care. Within these categories, QIs were grouped into themes (eg, physical therapy). A narrative synthesis was used to describe differences and similarities between healthcare settings. We included 20 studies with a total of 196 QIs mostly related to the process of care in different healthcare settings. Few studies included patients’ perspectives. Rigorous methods for evidence synthesis to develop QIs were rarely used. Narrative analysis showed differences in QIs between healthcare settings with regard to exercise therapy, weight counselling, referral to laboratory tests and ‘do not do’ QIs. Differences within the same healthcare setting were identified on radiographic assessment. The heterogeneity in QIs emphasise the necessity to carefully select QIs for KHOA depending on the healthcare setting. This review provides an overview of QIs outlined to their healthcare settings to support healthcare providers and policy makers in selecting the contextually appropriate QIs to validly monitor the quality of KHOA care. We strongly recommend to review QIs against the most recent guidelines before implementing them into practice.

Are we still in the dark? A systematic review on personal daily light exposure, sleep-wake rhythm, and mood in healthy adults from the general population

Insufficient light exposure is assumed to be related to a wide array of health problems, though few studies focus on the role of whole-day light exposure in the habitual setting in the development of these health problems. The current review aims to describe the association between personal light exposure in the habitual setting and sleep-wake rhythm and mood in healthy adults from the general population. Five databases (Embase, Medline Epub, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) were searched in June 2019. The inclusion criteria included: assessment directly of light exposure on the participants for at least one full day; reporting on both individual personal light exposure and outcomes. The quality of the papers was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The current review followed the PRISMA guidelines. In total, 8140 papers were identified in the database search. Twenty-five papers were eventually included in this review. All included studies were cross-sectional, and individual light exposure was usually measured with a wrist-worn device. Five studies received a "good" quality rating, 16 received a "fair" rating, and the remaining 4 a "poor" quality rating. The overall quality of the included studies was considered low because of the lack of intervention studies and the fact that light exposure was measured on the wrist. Given the low quality of the included studies, the current review can only provide a first exploration on the association between light exposure and sleep-wake rhythm and mood in healthy adults from the general population. Limited evidence is presented for a positive relationship between the amount and timing of light exposure on the one hand and rest-activity rhythm and some estimates of sleep architecture on the other. The evidence on an association between light exposure and circadian phase, sleep estimates, sleep quality, and mood is conflicting. Data from intervention studies are needed to gain insight into the causal mechanism of the relationship between light exposure and sleep-wake rhythm and mood.

Evaluation of intermediate care for knee and hip osteoarthritis: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate intermediate care for knee and hip osteoarthritis (KHOA) in the general practice that incorporate specialist services into general practice to prevent unnecessary referrals to hospitals.

METHODS

We used a mixed methods approach including semi-structured interviews, patient experience questionnaires and data from medical records from three intermediate care projects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients, general practitioners (GPs), orthopaedists and a healthcare manager in intermediate care. Satisfaction of patients who received intermediate care (n = 100) was collected using questionnaires. Referral data and healthcare consumption from medical records were collected retrospectively from KHOA patients before (n = 96) and after (n = 208) the implementation of intermediate care.

RESULTS

GPs and orthopaedists in intermediate care experienced more intensive collaboration compared to regular care. This led to a perceived increase in GPs' knowledge enabling better selection of referrals to orthopaedics and less healthcare consumption. Orthopaedists felt a higher workload and limited access to diagnostic facilities. Patients were satisfied and experienced better access to specialists' knowledge in a trusted environment compared to regular care. Referrals to physiotherapy increased significantly after the implementation of intermediate care (absolute difference = 15%; 95% CI = 7.19 to 22.8), but not significantly to orthopaedics (absolute difference = 5.9%; 95% CI = -6.18 to 17.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Orthopaedists and GPs perceived the benefits of an intensified collaboration in intermediate care. Intermediate care may contribute to high quality of care through more physiotherapy referrals. Further research with longer follow-up is needed to confirm these findings and give more insight in referrals and healthcare consumption.

Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbosacral Radicular Pain: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines

The management of patients with lumbosacral radicular pain (LRP) is of primary importance to healthcare professionals. This study aimed to: identify international clinical practice guidelines on LRP, assess their methodological quality, and summarize their diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations. A systematic search was performed (August 2019) in MEDLINE, PEDro, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), New Zealand Guidelines Group (NZGG), International Guideline Library, Guideline central, and Google Scholar. Guidelines presenting recommendations on diagnosis and/or treatment of adult patients with LRP were included. Two independent reviewers selected eligible guidelines, evaluated quality with Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II, and extracted recommendations. Recommendations were classified into 'should do', 'could do', 'do not do', or 'uncertain'; their consistency was labelled as 'consistent', 'common', or 'inconsistent'. Twenty-three guidelines of varying quality (AGREE II overall assessment ranging from 17% to 92%) were included. Consistent recommendations regarding diagnosis are ('should do'): Straight leg raise (SLR) test, crossed SLR test, mapping pain distribution, gait assessment, congruence of signs and symptoms. Routine use of imaging is consistently not recommended. The following therapeutic options are consistently recommended ('should do'): educational care, physical activity, discectomy under specific circumstances (e.g., failure of conservative treatment). Referral to a specialist is recommended when conservative therapy fails or when steppage gait is present. These recommendations provide a clear overview of the management options in patients with LRP.

Hair glucocorticoids in adults with intellectual disabilities and depressive symptoms pre- and post-bright light therapy: First explorations

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms and stress are common in adults with intellectual disabilities. Our aim was to explore long-term biological stress levels, assessed by hair cortisol (HairF) and cortisone (HairE) concentrations, in adults with intellectual disabilities and depressive symptoms and to investigate the effects of bright light therapy (BLT) on hair glucocorticoids.

METHOD

Scalp hair samples (n = 14) were retrospectively examined at baseline and post-BLT (10.000 and 300 lux). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure hair glucocorticoids.

RESULTS

A significant correlation was found between baseline HairF and depression scores (r = .605, p = .028). Post-intervention HairE levels were significantly increased ([95% CI: 11.2-17.4 pg/mg], p = .003), in particular after dim light (300 lux) ([95% CI: 10.0-18.3 pg/mg], p = .020).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that retrospectively examining biological levels of stress in adults with intellectual disabilities seems a potentially promising and objective method to gain insight in the stress level of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Antidepressant and anticonvulsant prescription rates in patients with osteoarthritis: a population-based cohort study

Objectives

There are signs that antidepressants and anticonvulsants are being prescribed more often for OA patients, despite limited evidence. Our objectives were to examine prescription rates and time trends for antidepressants and anticonvulsants in OA patients, to assess the percentage of long-term prescriptions, and to determine patient characteristics associated with antidepressant or anticonvulsant prescription.

Methods

A population-based cohort study was conducted using the Integrated Primary Care Information database. First, episodic and prevalent prescription rates for antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline and duloxetine) and anticonvulsants (gabapentinoids) in OA patients were calculated for the period 2008–17. Logistic regression was used to assess which patient characteristics were associated with prescriptions.

Results

In total, 164 292 OA patients were included. The prescription rates of amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin increased over time. The increase in prescription rates for pregabalin was most pronounced. Episodic prescription rate increased from 7.1 to 13.9 per 1000 person-years between 2008 and 2017. Amitriptyline was prescribed most (15.1 episodic prescriptions per 1000 person-years in 2017). Prescription rates of nortriptyline and duloxetine remained stable at 3.0 and 2.0 episodic prescriptions per 1000 person-years, respectively. For ≤3% of patients with incident OA, medication was prescribed long-term (≥3 months). In general, all medication was prescribed more frequently for older patients (except duloxetine), women, patients with OA in ≥2 joints, patients with spinal OA and patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Conclusion

Prescription rates of amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin increased over time. Since there is little evidence to support prescription in OA, caution is necessary when prescribing.

Clinical and cost effectiveness of a corticosteroid injection versus exercise therapy for shoulder pain in general practice: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (SIX Study)

INTRODUCTION

Shoulder pain is common and the prognosis is often unfavourable. Dutch guidelines on the treatment of shoulder pain in primary care recommend a corticosteroid injection or a referral to exercise therapy, if initial pain management fails and pain persists. However, evidence of the effectiveness of a corticosteroid injection compared with exercise therapy, especially in the long term, is limited. This trial will assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a corticosteroid injection compared with physiotherapist-led exercise therapy over 12 months follow-up in patients with shoulder pain in primary care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The SIX Study is a multicentre, pragmatic randomised clinical trial in primary care. A total of 213 patients with shoulder pain, aged ≥18 years presenting in general practice will be included. Patients will be randomised (1:1) into two groups: a corticosteroid injection or 12 sessions of physiotherapist-led exercise therapy. The effect of the allocated treatment will be assessed through questionnaires at 6 weeks and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The primary outcome is patient's reported shoulder pain-intensity and function, measured with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, over 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes include cost effectiveness, pain-intensity, function, health-related quality of life, sleep quality, patient's global perceived effect, work absence, healthcare utilisation and adverse events. Between group differences will be evaluated using a repeated measurements analysis with linear effects models. A cost-utility analysis will be performed to assess the cost effectiveness using quality-adjusted life years from a medical and societal perspective.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam (MEC 2020-0300). All participants will give written informed consent prior to data collection. The results from this study will be disseminated in international journals and implemented in the primary care guidelines on shoulder pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Dutch Trial Registry (NL8854).

Opioid prescriptions in patients with osteoarthritis: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To examine the incidence, prevalence and trends for opioid prescriptions in patients with OA. Furthermore, types of opioids prescribed and long-term prescription rates were examined. Finally, the patient characteristics associated with the prescription of opioids were assessed.

METHODS

A population-based cohort study was conducted using the Integrated Primary Care Information database. Incidence and prevalence of opioid prescriptions were calculated for the period 2008-2017. Logistic regression was used to assess which patient characteristics were associated with opioid prescriptions.

RESULTS

In total, 157 904 OA patients were included. The overall prescription rate remained fairly stable, at around 100 incident and 170 prevalent prescriptions per 1000 person years. However, the incident prescription rate for oxycodone increased from 7.1 to 40.7 per 1000 person years and for fentanyl from 4.2 to 7.4 per 1000 person years. The incident prescription rate for paracetamol/codeine decreased from 63.0 to 13.3 per 1000 person years. Per follow-up year, long-term use was found in 3% of the patients with incident OA. Finally, factors associated with more prescriptions were increasing age, OA in ≥2 joint groups [odds ratio (OR) 1.56; 95% CI: 1.51, 1.65] and the presence of other musculoskeletal disorders (OR 4.91; 95% CI: 4.76, 5.05). Men were less likely to be prescribed opioids (OR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.80).

CONCLUSION

Prescription rates for opioids remained stable, but types of opioids prescribed changed. Oxycodone and fentanyl were increasingly prescribed, while prescriptions of paracetamol/codeine decreased. Since the benefit of opioids for OA pain is questionable and side effects are common, opioids should be prescribed with caution.

10-Year natural course of early hip osteoarthritis in middle-aged persons with hip pain: a CHECK study

Objective

To explore the natural course of hip osteoarthritis (OA) in a population of first-time presenters with hip complaints.

Methods

Data were collected at baseline and after 2, 5, 8 and 10 years on participants from the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee study with early symptomatic hip OA. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the natural course of the hip complaints with respect to clinical signs and symptoms, physical functioning and radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA) features.

Results

In total, 588 participants were included with hip complaints and 86% completed the 10-year follow-up. The 10-year follow-up showed that 12% (69 participants) underwent hip replacement (HR), an increase of ROA of the hip (Kellgren and Lawrence score≥2) from 19% to 49%, and an increase in clinical hip OA according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria from 27% to 43%. All Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index subscales and physical activity remained on average constant during the 10-year follow-up for those who did not undergo an HR. The use of pain medication increased from 43% at baseline to 50% after 10 years.

Conclusion

One out of nine participants with early hip problems received an HR during the 10-year follow-up. Prevalence of clinical hip OA and hip ROA increased steadily during the 10-year follow-up. Overall, we observed more hip OA, but fewer or stable complaints with respect to clinical signs and symptoms, and physical functioning. So it could be cautiously concluded that after 10 years, first-time presenters with hip complaints either received an HR or their symptoms remained stable.

Comparison of sleep-wake rhythms in elderly persons with intellectual disabilities and the general population

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are common in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), but the knowledge on the natural course of sleep-wake rhythms and sleep problems in elderly persons with ID is limited. In the current study, objectively measured sleep-wake rhythms and the prevalence and severity of sleep problems of elderly persons with ID was compared to that of healthy elderly persons from a large representative sample from the general population.

METHODS

Actigraphy data of 501 elderly persons with ID (age 62.02 ± 8.02 years, 48% female) from the Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities study was compared to the data of 1734 elderly persons from the general population (age 62.24 ± 9.34 years, 53% female) from the Rotterdam Study. Main outcome variables were Interdaily stability (IS) and Intradaily variablitiy (IV), total sleep time (TST), Waking after sleep onset (WASO), Short sleep (TST<6 h), Night waking (WASO >90 min).

RESULTS

Elderly persons with ID had less stable sleep wake rhythms than elderly persons from the general population (IS = 0.70 ± 0.17, vs 0.80 ± 0.10 z = -8.00). Their sleep-wake rhythm was also more fragmented (IV = 0.56 ± 0.26 vs 0.42 ± 0.13 respectively, z = 8.00). Elderly persons with ID slept on average 60.09 min longer than elderly persons from the general population, and lay awake 48.28 min longer after sleep onset. Short sleep in elderly persons with ID was less prevalent (20.7% vs 30.2%) but more severe (TST in Short sleep; 5.13 ± 0.80 h vs 5.39 ± 0.50 h, z = -2.76) then in elderly persons from the general population. Night waking was more prevalent (63.0% vs 17.7%) and more severe in elderly persons with ID (WASO in Night waking; 150.39 ± 54.72 min vs 111.60 ± 17.95 min, z = 7.06).

CONCLUSION

The differences in sleep-wake rhythms, prevalence and severity of sleep problems between elderly persons with and without ID are marked and possibly explained by medical, psychiatric conditions and lifestyle in elderly persons with ID. Better understanding of sleep in elderly with ID is needed to improve the quality of sleep in this population and to diminish health problems related to a disruption of sleep.

Patients', healthcare providers', and insurance company employees' preferences for knee and hip osteoarthritis care: a discrete choice experiment

OBJECTIVE

To determine patients', healthcare providers', and insurance company employees' preferences for knee and hip osteoarthritis (KHOA) care.

DESIGN

In a discrete choice experiment, patients with KHOA or a joint replacement, healthcare providers, and insurance company employees were repetitively asked to choose between KHOA care alternatives that differed in six attributes: waiting times, out of pocket costs, travel distance, involved healthcare providers, duration of consultation, and access to specialist equipment. A (panel latent class) conditional logit model was used to determine preference heterogeneity and relative importance of the attributes.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 648) and healthcare providers (n = 76) valued low out of pocket costs most, while insurance company employees (n = 150) found a joint consultation by general practitioner (GP) and orthopaedist most important. Patients found the duration of consultation less important than healthcare providers and insurance company employees did. Patients without a joint replacement were likely to prefer healthcare with low out of pocket costs. Patients with a joint replacement and/or low disease-specific quality of life were likely to prefer healthcare from an orthopaedist. Patients who already received healthcare for knee/hip problems were likely to prefer a joint consultation by GP and orthopaedist, and direct access to specialist equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients, healthcare providers, and insurance company employees highly prefer a joint consultation by GP and orthopaedist with low out of pocket costs. Within patients, there is substantial preference heterogeneity. These results can be used by policy makers and healthcare providers to choose the most optimal combination of KHOA care aligned to patients' preferences.

No differences in physical activity between children with overweight and children of normal-weight

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in objectively measured physical activity and in self-reported physical activity between overweight and normal-weight children.

METHODS

Data from a prospective cohort study including children, presenting at the participating general practices in the south-west of the Netherlands, were used. Children (aged 4-15 years) were categorized as normal-weight or overweight using age- and sex specific cut-off points. They wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for one week to register physical activity, and filled out a diary for one week about physical activity.

RESULTS

A total of 57 children were included in this study. Overweight children spent significantly less percentage time per day in sedentary behavior (β - 1.68 (95%CI -3.129, - 0.07)). There were no significant differences in percentage time per day spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (β 0.33 (- 0.11, 0.78)). No significant differences were found between children of normal-weight and overweight in self-reported measures of physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight children are not less physically active than normal-weight children, which may be associated with the risen awareness towards overweight/obesity and with implemented interventions for children with overweight/obesity.

Custom insoles versus sham and GP-led usual care in patients with plantar heel pain: results of the STAP-study - a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare custom-made insoles to sham insoles and general practice (GP)-led usual care in terms of pain at rest and during activity at 12 weeks follow-up in individuals with plantar heel pain.

METHODS

In this randomised clinical trial 185 patients aged 18 to 65 years, with a clinical diagnosis of plantar heel pain for at least 2 weeks, but no longer than 2 years were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: (1) GP-led treatment, plus an information booklet with exercises (usual care; n=46), (2) referral to a podiatrist for treatment with a custom-made insole plus an information booklet with exercises (custom-made insole; n=70) and (3) referral to a podiatrist and treatment with a sham insole plus an information booklet with exercises (sham insole; n=69). As well as the primary outcome of pain severity (11-point Numerical Rating Scale) we used the Foot Function Index (0 to 100) as a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

Of 185 randomised participants, 176 completed the 12-week follow-up. There was no difference in pain or function between the insole and the sham groups at 12 weeks. Participants in the GP-led usual care group reported less pain during activity at 12 weeks, (mean difference (MD) 0.94, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.65), less first step pain (MD 1.48, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.31), better function (MD 7.37, 95% CI 1.27 to 13.46) and higher recovery rates (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.96) compared with participants in the custom insole group.

CONCLUSIONS

Referral to a podiatrist for a custom-made insole does not lead to a better outcome compared to sham insoles or compared to GP-led usual care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTR5346.

A new diagnostic work-up for defining anemia etiologies: a cohort study in patients ≥ 50 years in general practices

Background

To study etiologies of anemia using an extensive laboratory analysis in general practices.

Method

An extensive laboratory analysis was performed in blood of newly diagnosed anemia patients aged ≥50 years from the general population in the city of Dordrecht area, the Netherlands. Eight laboratory-orientated etiologies of anemia were defined. Patients were assigned one or more of these etiologies on the basis of their test results.

Results

Blood of 4152 patients (median age 75 years; 49% male) was analyzed. The anemia etiology was unclear in 20%; a single etiology was established in 59%; and multiple etiologies in 22% of the patients. The most common etiologies were anemia of chronic disease (ACD) (54.5%), iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (19.1%) and renal anemia (13.8%). The most common single etiologies were IDA (82%) and ACD (68%), while the multiple etiologies most commonly included folic acid deficiency (94%) and suspected bone marrow disease (88%). Older age was associated with a lower incidence of IDA and a higher incidence of renal anemia. Mild anemia was more often associated with ACD and uncertain anemia, while severe anemia was mainly seen in patients with IDA.

Conclusion

Extensive laboratory analysis in anemic patients from the general population helped clarify the etiology of anemia and revealed many various combinations of etiologies in a significant proportion of patients. Age, sex and the severity of anemia are predictive of the underlying etiology.

Preventing overuse of laboratory diagnostics: a case study into diagnosing anaemia in Dutch general practice

Background

More information is often thought to improve medical decision-making, which may lead to test overuse. This study assesses which out of 15 laboratory tests contribute to diagnosing the underlying cause of anaemia by general practitioners (GPs) and determines a potentially more efficient subset of tests for setting the correct diagnosis.

Methods

Logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of individual tests on the (correct) diagnosis. The statistically optimal test subset for diagnosing a (correct) underlying cause of anaemia by GPs was determined using data from a previous survey including cases of real-world anaemia patients.

Results

Only 9 (60%) of the laboratory tests, and patient age, contributed significantly to the GPs’ ability to diagnose an underlying cause of anaemia (CRP, ESR, ferritin, folic acid, haemoglobin, leukocytes, eGFR/MDRD, reticulocytes and serum iron). Diagnosing the correct underlying cause may require just five (33%) tests (CRP, ferritin, folic acid, MCV and transferrin), and patient age.

Conclusions

In diagnosing the underlying cause of anaemia a subset of five tests has most added value. The real-world impact of using only this subset should be further investigated. As illustrated in this case study, a statistical approach to assessing the added value of tests may reduce test overuse.

The effect of bright light therapy on depressive symptoms in adults with intellectual disabilities: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial

Background

Although a large number of adults with intellectual disabilities have depressive symptoms, non‐pharmacological treatments are scarce. The present authors investigated whether bright light therapy (BLT) is effective in decreasing depressive symptoms compared to care as usual.

Methods

This multicentre randomized controlled trial consisted of three study groups (10,000 lux BLT, dim light BLT and a no‐BLT group). Participants received BLT for 30 min in the morning (14 consecutive days), additional to their regular care. Primary outcome was as follows: depressive symptoms measured with the ADAMS Depressive Mood subscale 1 week after the end of BLT (same time period in the no‐BLT group).

Results

Forty‐one participants were included in our trial. In both BLT groups, a significant decrease in depressive symptoms was seen. No significant differences were found between 10,000 lux BLT and no‐BLT (p = .199) and no significant differences between dim light BLT and no‐BLT (p = .451). A minimum amount of side effects and no adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

In both BLT interventions, a decrease in depressive symptoms was seen. With 10,000 lux BLT, depressive symptoms decreased even below the clinical cut‐off point, which makes BLT a promising intervention for clinical practice.

Outcome of a neuromuscular training program on recurrent ankle sprains. Does the initial type of healthcare matter?

OBJECTIVES

To study the impact of initial healthcare for a lateral ankle sprain on the outcome of neuromuscular training (NMT) on recurrent sprains and describe athlete characteristics receiving different types of healthcare.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of three randomized trials.

METHOD

From three previous trials evaluating NMT, data on athlete characteristics, type of initial healthcare and a recurrent sprain during one-year follow-up were collected (N = 705). Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to test the impact of initial healthcare on the outcome of NMT on recurrent sprains. Potential differences in athlete characteristics between different types of healthcare were examined using one-way analysis of variance and Pearson chi-square test.

RESULTS

After NMT, 39.7% of the athletes visiting paramedical care reported a recurrent sprain, 21.8% of secondary and 34.0% of primary care. Athletes who visited a physiotherapist reported more recurrent sprains, than those not visiting a physiotherapist (adjusted OR 3.15;95%CI 1.88-5.23). Athletes visiting paramedical (49.7%) and primary care (48.4%) used more braces and/or tape during sport than those not visiting any care (34.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The initial type of healthcare of athletes with an ankle sprain, that consecutively received NMT, seems to impact the occurrence of recurrent sprains. Physiotherapists may be visited by athletes with a poorer prognosis, which may be explained by different athlete characteristics.

Effectiveness of intramuscular gluteal glucocorticoid injection versus intra-articular glucocorticoid injection in knee osteoarthritis: design of a multicenter randomized, 24 weeks comparative parallel-group trial

Background

The knee is symptomatically the most frequent affected joint in osteoarthritis and, in the Netherlands and other Western countries, is mainly managed by general practitioners (GPs). An intra-articular glucocorticoid injection is recommended in (inter) national guidelines for patients with knee osteoarthritis as an option for a flare of knee pain and/or for those who are not responding well to pain medication. An innovative approach that could replace the intra-articular injection is an intramuscular gluteal glucocorticoid injection. An intramuscular injection is easier to perform than an intra-articular injection with lesser risk of severe local adverse reactions. We hypothesize that intramuscular gluteal glucocorticoid injection is non-inferior in reducing knee pain compared to intra-articular glucocorticoid injection, with potentially a longer lasting effect than intra-articular injection.

Methods/design

The study will be a pragmatic randomized controlled non-inferiority trial with two parallel groups. A total of 140 patients aged 45 years and older with knee osteoarthritis who contacted their general practitioner and have persistent knee pain (score ≥ 3 on 0–10 numerical rating scale; 0 = no knee pain) will be included.

Patients will be randomly allocated (1:1) to an injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide intra-articular in the knee joint or intramuscular in the ipsilateral ventrogluteal area.

The effect of treatment will be evaluated by questionnaires at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after injection. The primary outcome is patients’ reported severity of knee pain measured with the pain subscale of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 4 weeks after injection. Statistical analysis will be based on both the per-protocol and the intention-to-treat principle.

Discussion

This study will evaluate non-inferiority of intramuscular glucocorticoid injection compared to intra-articular glucocorticoid injection for knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

Trial registration

This trial is registered in the Dutch Trial Registry (number NTR6968) at 2018-01-22 (https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6784). Issue date: 1 October 2019.

Trial sponsor

Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam.

PO-box 2040.

3000 CA Rotterdam.

The Netherlands.