Postoperative mortality and complications in patients with and without pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection: a service evaluation of 24 million linked records using OpenSAFELY

Surgical decision-making after SARS-CoV-2 infection is influenced by the presence of comorbidity, infection severity and whether the surgical problem is time-sensitive. Contemporary surgical policy to delay surgery is informed by highly heterogeneous country-specific guidance. We evaluated surgical provision in England during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess real-world practice and whether deferral remains necessary. Using the OpenSAFELY platform, we adapted the COVIDSurg protocol for a service evaluation of surgical procedures that took place within the English NHS from 17 March 2018 to 17 March 2022. We assessed whether hospitals adhered to guidance not to operate on patients within 7 weeks of an indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additional outcomes were postoperative all-cause mortality (30 days, 6 months) and complications (pulmonary, cardiac, cerebrovascular). The exposure was the interval between the most recent indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent surgery. In any 6-month window, < 3% of surgical procedures were conducted within 7 weeks of an indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mortality for surgery conducted within 2 weeks of a positive test in the era since widespread SARS-CoV-2 vaccine availability was 1.1%, declining to 0.3% by 4 weeks. Compared with the COVIDSurg study cohort, outcomes for patients in the English NHS cohort were better during the COVIDSurg data collection period and the pandemic era before vaccines became available. Clinicians within the English NHS followed national guidance by operating on very few patients within 7 weeks of a positive indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In England, surgical patients' overall risk following an indication of SARS-CoV-2 infection is lower than previously thought.

A new perspective on diabetes distress using the type 2 diabetes distress assessment system (T2-DDAS): Prevalence and change over time

AIMS

To establish cut-points and thresholds for elevated diabetes distress; document change over time; and define minimal clinically important differences (MCID) using the new Type 2 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T2-DDAS).

METHODS

A national sample of adults with type 2 diabetes completed the T2-DDAS CORE distress scale and the 7 T2-DDAS SOURCE distress scales at baseline and 6-months. Scores were computed separately for insulin- and non-insulin users. Spline regression models defined CORE cut-points and SEM formulas defined MCID. A rational "threshold" approach defined elevated SOURCE scores.

RESULTS

471 participants (205 insulin, 266 non-insulin) completed both assessments. Analyses yielded ≥2.0 as the cut-point for both elevated CORE and elevated SOURCE. Prevalence of elevated CORE was 61.8 % (69.9 % over 6 months). Elevated SOURCE scores varied from 30.6 % (Stigma/Shame) to 76.4 % (Management); 87.5 % indicated at least 1 elevated SOURCE score. Most (77.1 %) reported multiple elevated SOURCES. 81.8 % with elevated CORE distress at baseline remained elevated at 6 months. MCID analyses yielded +/- 0.25 as significant change. Few differences between insulin- and non-insulin users occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated CORE distress is highly prevalent and persistent over time; most participants reported multiple SOURCES of distress. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessment of diabetes distress.

Synergy between callous-unemotional traits and aggression in preschool children: Cross-informant and cross-cultural replication in the UK Wirral Child Health and Development Study, and the Colombian La Sabana Parent-Child Study

Incremental prediction of aggression from callous-unemotional (CU) traits is well established, but cross-cultural replication and studies of young children are needed. Little is understood about the contribution of CU traits in children who are already aggressive. We addressed these issues in prospective studies in the United Kingdom and Colombia. In a UK epidemiological cohort, CU traits and aggression were assessed at age 3.5 years, and aggression at 5.0 years by mothers (N = 687) and partners (N = 397). In a Colombian general population sample, CU traits were assessed at age 3.5 years and aggression at 3.5 and 5.0 years by mother report (N = 220). Analyses consistently showed prediction of age-5.0 aggression by age-3.5 CU traits controlling for age-3.5 aggression. Associations between age-3.5 CU traits and age-5.0 aggression were moderated by aggression at 3.5 years, with UK interaction terms, same informant, β = .07 p = .014 cross-informant, β = .14 p = .002, and in Colombia, β = .09 p = .128. The interactions arose from stronger associations between CU traits and later aggression in those already aggressive. Our findings with preschoolers replicated across culturally diverse settings imply a major role for CU traits in the maintenance and amplification of already established aggression, and cast doubt on their contribution to its origins.

"Hyperglycemia aversiveness": Investigating an overlooked problem among adults with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To investigate the problem of adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who purposefully keep their glucose levels low, and to explore contributors to, and possible impact of, this potentially dangerous phenomenon.

METHODS

We developed three self-report items as a means to identify individuals who endorse a consistent preference for hypoglycemia over hyperglycemia ("Hyperglycemia Aversives"). In a large T1D survey (n = 219), validated measures of well-being, emotional distress and hypoglycemic awareness, and glycemic metrics derived from the past 14-day period, were used to examine whether Hyperglycemia Aversives could be characterized as a distinct group.

RESULTS

Hyperglycemia Aversives comprised 16.4% of the sample. This unique group demonstrated significantly higher mean %TIR (71.6% vs. 63.6%) and %TBR (5.1% vs. 2.2%), lower mean %TAR > 250 mg/dL (6.0% vs. 10.1%), and higher rates of impaired hypoglycemic awareness and recurrent severe hypoglycemia episodes than the remaining study sample ("Non-Aversives") (all ps < 0.01). The two groups did not demonstrate significant differences on psychosocial outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a group of T1D adults reporting a consistent preference for hypoglycemia over hyperglycemia. These individuals achieve significantly greater %TIR and less %TAR, but at the cost of greater %TBR and more frequent severe hypoglycemia episodes.

Worries and concerns about hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes: An examination of the reliability and validity of the Hypoglycemic Attitudes and Behavior Scale (HABS)

AIMS

To examine the factor structure, validity and reliability of the Hypoglycemic Attitudes and Behavior Scale (HABS) in T1D adults (previously examined only in T2D adults), and to determine if it has unique value, after controlling for hypoglycemic fear.

METHODS

The original 14 HABS items were submitted to a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with T1D participants. Construct validity criteria included diabetes distress, generalized anxiety, well-being, hypoglycemic fear, hypoglycemia history and self-reported glycemic control.

RESULTS

A CFA yielded a similar 3-factor solution, with all items loading on the same factors as in the analyses with T2D adults: Hypoglycemia Anxiety, Avoidance and Confidence. Higher levels of Anxiety and Avoidance were significantly associated with poorer well-being and higher levels of generalized anxiety, diabetes distress and hypoglycemic fear, with correlations in the reverse direction for Confidence. After controls (including hypoglycemic fear), the HABS subscales were significantly linked to several criterion variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Though originally developed and validated with T2D adults, the HABS demonstrates sufficient validity and reliability for use with a T1D population; and it captures unique critical elements of hypoglycemic concerns. Thus, it may contribute to a greater understanding of hypoglycemia management and more targeted clinical interventions in a T1D population.

Abstract TP413: Compliance to Consistent Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Reduces the Risk of Vascular Cognitive Impairment in Stroke Patients

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a well-recognized risk factor for vascular cognitive decline. Poorly controlled HTN is common in the outpatient setting, with multi-factorial components including a lack of consistent, continuous and accurate reporting of blood pressure (BP) to help clinicians to tailor therapy. In the current prospective study, we explore the association of stroke patients’ at-home BP self-monitoring compliance with clinical and imaging risk markers of developing cognitive impairment.

Method: 146 consecutive stroke outpatients with diagnosed HTN were recruited per IRB protocol. All patients received BP education at their first clinical visit and were encouraged to monitor BP at home on a daily basis for two weeks three times during the course of the 5-year study. Compliance with BP monitoring was evaluated by completed BP log and questionnaire in follow-up visits at fixed intervals. At the end of the study, white matter disease (WMD) severity was estimated by Fazekas and Sheltens scores. Cognitive impairment was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scales.

Result: Only 16.4% (n=24) patients had “good compliance,” monitoring their home BP regularly and consistently as instructed. The compliant group had better controlled systolic and diastolic BP (Figure A, p<0.05). As measured by Fazekas and Sheltens scales, patients compliant with BP monitoring had lower WMD burden (Figure B, p<0.05), and higher MoCA scores (Figure C, p=0.012) compared to noncompliant patients.

Conclusion: Compliance with at-home BP monitoring is essential for better BP control in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) patients post stroke. Consistent home BP monitoring resulted in decreased imaging-apparent small vessel disease and better long-term cognitive performance. Expanded study with a larger patient cohort is ongoing to account for other behavioral and psycho-social factors and to create improved home monitoring technology and treatment strategies.

Abstract TP415: Regular Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Reduces the Risk of Stroke Recurrence

Background: High blood pressure (BP) is a well recognized risk factor for ischemic stroke, and aggressive BP control is critical for secondary stroke prevention. However, hypertensive (HTN) outpatients are often found to have uncontrolled BP, in part due to poor compliance with daily at-home BP monitoring and consequent poor medication adherence. Here, we explore the association of patient home BP self-monitoring compliance with stroke recurrence.

Method: Ischemic stroke patients with pre-existing HTN were prospectively recruited in accordance with IRB protocol for this observational study. All patients were trained on BP self-monitoring as per standard of care, and were asked to monitor BP at home daily consistently for 2 weeks. BP monitoring compliance, per completion of BP log, was assessed at each follow-up clinical visit by an investigator blinded to patient outcome. Stroke recurrence was followed for 5 years and independently adjudicated by two vascular neurologists.

Result: In a total of 219 patients, only 36 patients (16.4%) were compliant in completing the home BP log as instructed. The compliant and non-compliant groups showed no baseline difference and no medication usage difference (p>0.05) (Table 1). Compliance with at-home BP monitoring was associated with well controlled systolic (p<0.001) and diastolic BP (p<0.001). Of note, 30 patients (16.4%) had recurrent strokes in the non-compliant group, while there were no recurrent strokes in the compliant group. BP self-monitoring compliance is associated with reduced incidence of stroke recurrence (p=0.030) and the significance remains robust after adjusting for multiple confounders (p=0.029) (Table 2).

Conclusion: Regular home BP monitoring is associated with lower risk of stroke recurrence in HTN stroke patients. Study in expanded patient cohort is ongoing to leverage technology for better home BP monitoring and to create incentives for compliant behavior for better secondary stroke prevention.

There is value in treating elevated levels of diabetes distress: the clinical impact of targeted interventions in adults with Type 1 diabetes

AIM

To compare the effect of targeted interventions to reduce high diabetes distress among adults with Type 1 diabetes with a comparison sample of similar but untreated individuals, and to document the stability of untreated diabetes distress over time.

METHODS

A total of 51 adults with Type 1 diabetes with elevated baseline diabetes distress (distress score ≥ 2.0) and HbA_1c levels (≥ 58 mmol/mol) were identified from a longitudinal, non-intervention study, and compared with a similar sample of 51 participants in an intervention study. Both groups completed the T1-DDS diabetes distress questionnaire at baseline and 9 months.

RESULTS

Large and significant reductions in diabetes distress scores were recorded in the intervention group (mean ± sd change = -0.6 ± 0.6), while minimal change was found in the non-intervention group (-0.2 ± 0.6, group effect P = 0.002; effect size d = 0.67). Additional analyses using the established minimal clinically important difference for the T1-DDS showed that diabetes distress increased significantly (minimal clinically important difference ≥ 1) or persisted at high levels for 51% of participants in the non-intervention group, compared with 23.5% in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that targeted interventions led to dramatic reductions in diabetes distress compared with a lack of treatment. We also conclude that elevated diabetes distress, when left unaddressed, does not resolve over time and often remains chronic. (Clinical Trials Registry no.: NCT02175732).

Addressing diabetes distress in clinical care: a practical guide

Addressing the emotional side of diabetes and its management has received considerable attention in recent years. At the centre of most of these efforts is the concept of 'diabetes distress', a generic term that captures the primary sources and intensity of emotional distress associated with diabetes and its management over time. As interest in diabetes distress has grown, however, it has been difficult to integrate and translate the various strands of clinical research in a manner that can guide diabetes distress intervention efforts in the real world of clinical care. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap by outlining practical strategies for intervention in clinical settings and to assist diabetes healthcare professionals in thinking through how diabetes distress might be addressed practically in their clinics. To address these goals, this review is divided into five sections: a definition of diabetes distress, ways diabetes distress can be assessed and monitored, information about diabetes distress for use in intervention planning, topics to be considered for inclusion in diabetes distress interventions, and alternatives for where in the care process a diabetes distress intervention might be considered. We focus on diabetes distress experienced by adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Integrating psychosocial support into routine diabetes care: perspectives from participants at the Self-Management Alliance meeting 2016

AIMS

To identify challenges and solutions to integrating psychosocial support into routine diabetes care from the perspective of stakeholders with expertise in diabetes self-management education and support.

METHODS

Ninety-four people attended the annual international Diabetes Self-Management Alliance meeting in 2016, which included plenary sessions and workshops on self-management education, support and prevention. One workshop focused on how to integrate psychosocial support into routine diabetes care; this was run four times consecutively, allowing all conference participants to attend the workshops in groups of 20-25 people.

RESULTS

Challenges and solutions associated with integrating psychosocial support into routine diabetes care concern the patient-provider relationship, the healthcare system and the community. Challenges identified were: lack of time, skills and resources to deal with psychological well-being; a culture of patient blame and care expectations; the complexity of person-centred assessment of psychological issues; and the substantial healthcare system focus on productivity and biomedical indicators. Lack of involvement of local communities and of inclusion of social determinants of health were also highlighted as challenging. Solutions identified were more patient-provider dialogue; more training and better skills among care providers; system incentives for psychosocial outcomes; and targeting social determinants of health and involvement of family and peers.

CONCLUSIONS

From the perspective of international stakeholders with an expertise in diabetes self-management and support attending the conference in Denmark, substantial new incentives and systematic cultural changes are needed in healthcare systems to integrate psychosocial support into routine diabetes care, as recommended in international guidelines.

Two for one? Effects of a couples intervention on partners of persons with Type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

AIMS

To compare the outcomes of partners who participated in a telephone couples behavioural intervention to improve glycaemic control in persons with Type 2 diabetes with those of untreated partners of participants in an individual intervention or education; to explore 'ripple effects', i.e. positive behaviour changes seen in untreated partners.

METHODS

The Diabetes Support Project was a three-arm randomized telephone intervention trial comparing outcomes of couples calls (CC), individual calls (IC) and diabetes education calls (DE). Couples included one partner with Type 2 diabetes and HbA_1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%). All arms received self-management education (two calls). CC and IC arms participated in 10 additional behaviour change calls. CC included partners, emphasizing partner communication, collaboration and support. Blinded assessments were performed at 4, 8 and 12 months. Partner outcomes were psychosocial (diabetes distress, relationship satisfaction, depressive symptoms), medical (BMI, blood pressure) and behavioural (fat intake, activity).

RESULTS

Partners' (N = 268) mean age was 55.8 years, 64.6% were female and 29.9% were from minority ethnic groups. CC (vs. IC and DE) partners had greater reductions in diabetes distress, greater increases in marital satisfaction (4 and 8 months), and some improvements in diastolic BP. There were no consistent differences among arms in other outcomes. There was no evidence of a dietary or activity behaviour ripple effect on untreated partners, i.e. comparing partners in the IC and DE arms.

CONCLUSIONS

A collaborative couples intervention resulted in significant improvements in partner diabetes distress and relationship satisfaction. There were no consistent effects on behavioural or medical partner outcomes, and no evidence of diet or activity behaviour ripple effects, suggesting that partners should be targeted directly to achieve these changes. (Clinical Trial Registry No: NCT01017523).

Abstract TP228: Circadian Rhythm and the Severity of Ischemic Stroke

Background: The circadian variation of stroke onset has been recognized for decades, and the temporal pattern of stroke onset time, stroke subtypes, first-ever and recurrent stroke has been extensively investigated all over the world. However, little information is available regarding the circadian rhythm of stroke severity. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between stroke onset time and severity on admission in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Method: 305 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke were consecutively recruited in accordance with IRB approval. Stroke onset time was determined by a neurologist, by questioning patients and/or relatives who observed the onset and who were aware of the last time seen well. Stroke severity was determined by NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) on admission.

Result: 100 patients (32.79%) developed ischemic stroke at night (8pm~8am), and 205 (67.21%) had strokes during the day (8am~8pm), which is consistent with previous reports that more patients suffer ischemic strokes while awake than while asleep. Daytime strokes were also more severe than those that occurred at night (Figure 1A and 1B). Patients who developed strokes in the afternoon demonstrated the worst functional status (Figure 1C).

Conclusion: Our results explore the circadian variation of the severity of ischemic stroke, which has important therapeutic implications in light of new advances in IA therapy. Further study is ongoing to adjust for confounders such as treatment variation, co-morbidities, social factors, and stroke subtypes.

Abstract WP5: The Age Effect on tPA Response Was Regulated by ADAMTS13/vWF

Background: Although growing evidence has suggested that elderly stroke patients can benefit from intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), impaired functional outcome and increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation have also been frequently observed in those patients after tPA treatment. By cleaving von Willebrand factor (vWF), ADAMTS13 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs 13) is involved in arterial thrombosis and tPA regulation. Recent studies have identified decreased ADAMTS13 activity and increased vWF levels with aging and vascular cognitive impairment, which may put elderly individuals in a prothrombotic status at baseline. We therefore hypothesized that the ADAMTS13/vWF axis may also play a role in regulating the age effect on tPA response.

Method: Consecutive tPA-treated ischemic stroke patients were prospectively recruited in accordance with IRB protocol. Peripheral venous blood was sampled at 12, 24 and 72hr post tPA administration.

Result: A total of 173 patients were recruited, of whom 128 were younger than 70 years and 45 were older than 70 years. Impaired tPA response (mRankins > 2 at 3 months) was observed in patients ≥70 years compared to patients <70 years. Increased age was associated with decreased ADAMTS13 level and enhanced vWF (Figure 1A and 1B). Post tPA treatment, patients <70 years old had rapid and persistently elevated ADAMTS13 levels, which may enhance thrombolysis by cleaving vWF multimers (Figure 1C). However, in patients ≥70 years old , ADAMTS13 levels was lower and also rose slowly, which may have resulted in delayed vWF degradation and impaired thrombolytic efficacy (Figure 1C).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the ADAMTS13/vWF axis may contribute to impaired tPA response in older stroke patients and that ADAMTS13 may be a potential adjunct therapy to enhance the tPA efficacy. This proof of concept data may pave the way for future clinical trials.

Abstract TP419: PFO Stroke With Thrombophilia Has Higher Risk of Recurrent Stroke and Responds to PFO Closure

Background: Hypercoagulability due to thrombophilia may increase the risk of paradoxic embolism. However, previous randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of PFO closure or medical therapy on the risk of recurrent stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (TIA) events, have excluded these potentially high-risk thrombophilia patients. In this study, we want to investigate the effect of PFO management on the risks of recurrent stroke and/or TIA among patients with thrombophilia.

Methods: Patients with a PFO attributable ischemic stroke or TIA are prospectively recruited. Hypercoagulable tests for protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, homocysteine levels, IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies, factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene variant were obtained. The primary outcome was occurrence of stroke and/or TIA after index event.

Results: Thrombophilia is diagnosed in 120 PFO stroke patients who subsequently underwent PFO closure (n= 76) vs medical therapy (n= 44) ( Table 1 ). The mean duration of follow-up was 45 months in the closure group and 40 months in the medical-therapy group. The primary end point occurred in 5 patients (6.6%) in the closure group and in 14 (31.8%) in the medical therapy group (hazard ratio for medical therapy vs. closure, 5.797; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.094 to 16.051; P = 0.001) ( Figure 1 ) with recurrent rate of 18.2% vs. 5.3% for TIA (P = 0.023) and 13.6% vs. 1.3% for stroke (P = 0.018) respectively.

Conclusions: PFO stroke patients with hypercoagulable state had higher rate of recurrent stroke than those patients in clinical trials. Among patients who had cryptogenic embolism with thrombophilia, closure of a PFO was associated with a lower rate of recurrent stroke and/or TIA than medical therapy.

Abstract WP58: ADAMTS13/vWF Regulates the Efficacy of tPA in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), an efficacious thrombolytic, is sometimes ineffective due to various clinical factors and high clot burden. Recent animal data show that elevated von Willebrand Factor (vWF) content in thrombi may impair the recanalization efficacy of tPA, which can be improved by administering ADAMTS13 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs 13), a vWF-cleaving protease. In the current study, we investigated the role of ADAMTS13 and vWF in regulating the early response to tPA in ischemic stroke patients.

Method: 138 consecutive tPA-treated ischemic stroke patients were prospectively recruited in accordance with IRB protocol. Peripheral venous blood was sampled at 12, 24 and 72hr post tPA administration. tPA responders are defined as patients with rapid clinical improvement (NIHSS≥4) within 7 days post tPA treatment and with mRankins ≤ 2 at 3 months, while non-responders show no improvement and remain disabled (mRankins > 2) after 3 months. ADAMTS13 levels and vWF activity were measured by ELISA.

Result: ADAMTS13 and vWF are inversely correlated with each other, consistent with a role of ADAMTS13 in degrading vWF multimer (Figure 1A). tPA responders demonstrated significantly elevated level of ADAMTS13 (p<0.001) and reduced vWF activity (p=0.007) as early as 12 hours post tPA treatment, while in non-responders, ADAMTS13 deficiency correlated to delayed vWF reduction after 72hr (Figure 1B).

Conclusion: Our results point to a crucial role of ADAMTS13 in regulating hyperacute-stage tPA response, and suggest the potential of ADAMTS13 as an adjunct therapy to tPA. Studies in a larger patient cohort with extended time course are still ongoing.

The Association between Distress Tolerance and Alcohol Related Problems: The Pathway of Drinking to Cope

Binge drinking (BD) and alcohol related problems (ARP) are highly prevalent among college students. However, current models examining ARP suggest drinking quantity only accounts for a portion of the variance, suggesting other variables contribute to ARP. Distress tolerance (DT), or the ability to withstand negative affect, is associated with alcohol misuse and may be an important mechanism related to ARP. However, studies have reported inconsistent findings on this association, which may be due to the use of only global scores to measure DT rather than specific DT components. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. Drinking to cope with negative affect has been associated with both DT and ARP, suggesting it may be a mechanism explaining the relationship between DT and ARP. The current study examined the association between specific proposed DT components (i.e., tolerance, absorption, appraisal, and regulation) and drinking to cope and ARP in 147 college students who BD. A hierarchical linear regression was performed in order to examine which DT component best predicted ARP. Four follow-up mediation models were then tested to examine whether drinking to cope mediated the relationship between each DT component and ARP. Appraisal of DT was the only DT component that significantly predicted ARP, in the model controlling for drinking quantity and sex differences. Drinking to cope mediated the relationship between ARP and tolerance, absorption, and regulation, but not appraisal of DT. Implications for furthering our understanding of DT and treatment of BD as it relates to DT are explored.

Motivation and attitudes toward changing health (MATCH): A new patient-reported measure to inform clinical conversations

OBJECTIVE

To identify and assess patient motivation to initiate or maintain behavior changes.

METHODS

Attitudinal statements were developed from structured patient interviews and translated into 18 survey items. Items were analyzed with exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

RESULTS

An EFA with 340 type 2 diabetes patients identified three areas of patient attitudes toward changing health behaviors: (1) willingness to make changes (3 items; α = 0.69), (2) perceived ability to make or maintain changes (3 items; α = 0.74), and (3) and feeling changes are worthwhile (3 items; α = 0.61). Greater perceived ability and feelings of worthwhileness were associated with positive psychosocial and behavioral management indicators. All three areas were associated with confidence and attitudes toward making a specific behavioral change (e.g., improve diet).

CONCLUSIONS

MATCH is an internally consistent and valid 9-item scale that provides a profile of factors influencing motivation that can be used in clinical and research settings.

The impact of non-severe hypoglycemia on quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To determine the impact of frequency of non-severe hypoglycemic events (NSHE) and the perceived burden of NSHE on quality of life (QOL) over time.

METHODS

T2D adults (n = 424) were re-contacted two years after initial QOL assessment. Responding subjects (n = 290) reported the frequency and burden of NSHE over time and completed six generic and diabetes-specific QOL measures.

RESULTS

Most subjects (86%) reported ≥ one NSHE over time. Higher frequency of NSHE was significantly associated with decrements in QOL. Greater perceived burden of NSHE was significantly linked to decreases in QOL over time for all six QOL measures. Interaction terms indicated that participants with a higher frequency of NSHE and higher perceived burden reported the greatest decrease in QOL; participants who experienced frequent NSHE but did not perceive these events as burdensome evidenced little worsening in QOL over time.

CONCLUSIONS

NSHE have a negative impact on QOL over time in T2D adults. However, it is not just the occurrence of NSHE that affects QOL; it is the individual's felt burden of these events that is critical. The greatest reductions in QOL are seen among those subjects reporting a higher frequency of NSHE and indicating that such events are burdensome.

Abstract WP402: Increased Body Mass Index is Associated With Hereditary Hypercoagulable State of PFO-related Cryptogenic Stroke

Background: Hereditary hypercoagulation is an important risk factor in patent foramen ovale (PFO) related cryptogenic stroke (CS). Body mass index (BMI) has been associated with venous thrombosis by genetic and hereditary factors. Since the pathogenesis of PFO-related stroke is considered to be due to paradoxical thrombus from the venous system, it is imperative to explore the relationship between hereditary hypercoagulation and BMI.

Methods: Eligible patients were consecutively and prospectively recruited in accordance with an IRB. All patients underwent full evaluation of stroke etiopathogenesis, including MRI/MRA, long-term (>30 days) cardiac telemetry, echocardiography, and extensive hypercoagulable screening (protein S, protein C, FV Leiden , PTGM, ATIII, APLAb, lupus anticoagulant, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine).

Results: In 1,131 consecutively recruited acute ischemic stroke patients, 59 (17.1%) were diagnosed with PFO-related CS and hereditary hypercoagulable state. BMI was statistically significantly higher in patients with hereditary hypercoagulable state (36.01±8.88 vs. 29.14±6.58, P=0.023). Higher BMI (>=35.5) can independently predict hereditary hypercoagulable state in PFO CS with high specificity (90.9%, AUC 0.72, p=0.05) compared to other stroke risk factors.

Conclusion: We found that hereditary hypercoagulation was more common in obese PFO-related CS patients, independent of DM status. While metabolic syndrome is well studied in diabetic patients with CVD, to our knowledge, this is first report of its importance in PFO-related CS. Further studies are needed to validate these initial findings.

Abstract WP401: Residual Shunting Post PFO Closure is Associated With Increased Long-term Risk of Recurrent Stroke

Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, and recent clinical trials have shown long-term benefit of PFO closure. We previously found PFO may increase the risk of stroke due to right-to-left shunting, resulting in venous contamination of arterial circulation, with elevated neurovascular mediators such as homocysteine. However, in clinical practice, residual blood shunting can be observed in ~10% of patients post PFO closure, with unclear significance. Here we prospectively investigated the long-term influence of residual shunting on patient outcome.

Method: 1018 PFO stroke patients s/p PFO closure from several medical centers were prospectively recruited in accordance with IRB protocol and followed up to 7 years.

Result: While closure rate at our center is much lower (<5%), overall closure rate of patients from all major referral centers range between 5-14%. Patients with compete PFO closure (86%) developed higher event-free probability from recurrent TIA/stroke compared to those with residual shunting (14%) (Figure1A, p = 0.001). The risk of recurrent stroke depended on residual shunt size with lower event-free probability in larger shunting (Figure 1B, p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Consistent with clinical trials, our prospective observational study suggests complete PFO closure results in lower risk of stroke recurrence. Patients with residual shunting (incomplete PFO closure) may face continued risk, though the overall risk of stroke recurrence is very low. PFO-related shunting appears to be critical in the pathophysiology of recurrent stroke.

Abstract WP403: Patent Foramen Oval (PFO) Shunting is Associated With White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH) in Stroke Patients

Background: Clinical trials report PFO closure to decrease the long-term risk of recurrent paradoxical stroke. We previously found that PFO is not just a back door to clotting, but may increase the risk of chronic neurovascular injury via venous arterial mixing resulting in elevated oxidative mediators. In this study, we prospectively explore the relationship of PFO shunting and chronic WMH, a surrogate for chronic neurovascular injury, compared to non-PFO-related cryptogenic stroke (CS).

Method: PFO and non-PFO CS patients were consecutively recruited in accordance with IRB (n=81 PFO; n=98 non-PFO CS). WMHs were scored by vascular neurologist blinded to patient outcome.

Result: Compared to CS without PFO, PFO pts had increased WMH burden as measured by Scheltens scale. WMH burden was independently associated with PFO after adjusting for age, gender, NIHSS and disease status (odds ratio: 1.19, p = 0.003). Moreover, in pts s/p PFO closure, WMH score was significantly higher in those with residual shunting as compared with complete closure (Figure 1, 1 vs 8.25, p = 0.038).

Conclusion: Our results suggest an important association between PFO-related blood shunting and chronic neurovascular injury as measured by cerebral WMH. Studies in a larger patient cohort are ongoing to investigate the mechanistic relationship between PFO shunting and WMH.

Abstract WP207: Could White Matter Lesion Predict the Risk of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Cryptogenic Stroke?

Background: Stroke caused by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) can be more severe than other cryptogenic stroke (CS), with higher recurrence rates and requiring different prevention strategies. Therefore, it is important to identify PAF early. Studies showed that age and PR-interval predict PAF, but with only moderate reliability. Additional PAF risk predictors are direly needed to triage cost-effective workup in real time clinical care. Since studies show strong association between white matter lesions (WML) and AFib, we explore whether chronic WML found during acute stroke hospitalization can prospectively predict the risk of PAF after discharge in CS patients.

Method: Eligible patients were prospectively recruited in accordance with IRB. All patients underwent full cryptogenic stroke workup including MRI/MRA, outpatient cardiac monitor (>30 days), cardiac echo, and hypercoagulable testing.

Results: Of 1,131 acute ischemic stroke patients enrolled, 126 (11.1%) were diagnosed with first ever CS at discharge. 18 pts were diagnosed with PAF at 1 year after discharge. PAF pts were older, with more incidence of cancer and diabetes, and more severe WML burden (table ). Total Scheltens score independently predicts post-discharge PAF in CS with cut-off value >=6 (sensitivity 76.47%, specificity 62%, p=0.013).

Conclusion: We found chronic WML burden can prospectively predict later PAF risk in CS stroke patients at acute hospital discharge. To better triage cost-effective outpatient PAF workup, readily available imaging characteristics from acute hospitalization may be an important adjunct for future PAF risk prediction. A larger cohort with additional risk factors is needed to improve prospective prognostic value of WML in the prediction of PAF.

Abstract WP296: Prospective e-Diary Captures Elusive Oost Stroke-Symptoms as Patterned and Cyclical

Introduction: In the post-acute phase of a stroke, some of the most difficult symptoms (fatigue, headache, cognitive lapses, emotional outbursts, somato-sensory changes and dizziness) are often elusive and difficult to capture and quantify. Retrospective reports/scales lack sensitivity and specificity for neuro-psychological behavior intervention (BI) as a supplement to medication management. We hypothesized that symptoms occur in cycles, provoked by an activity pattern or circadian rhythm, which could be a focus for a BI.

Method: Post-stroke patients were prospectively recruited to use electronic diary (e-diary) to quantify a primary symptom 3 times per day (TD), for each day of the week (DW), up to 12 weeks (n=30).

Results: Cluster analysis shows a majority of patients (89%) to have a statistically significant cyclical pattern, specifically: 63% DW; 48% TD, 17% both; 89% either DW or TD, as shown in Fig 1. DW cyclical patterns can be simple (one high phase/week), or complex (2/week) with a relative risk of high to low phases of 2 to 1 or greater. A few patients (7%) demonstrated a “random” fixed pattern (i.e., non-cyclical 2 to 1 or greater high-low DW variations).

Conclusion: Common cyclical patterns of elusive symptom expression post stroke can be reliably quantified and analyzed by prospective e-diary, like a “fitbit” for the brain. Recognition of these patterns for elusive symptoms can serve as the basis for formulating more effective BI as a supplement, or alternative, to medication management post stroke.

A practical framework for encouraging and supporting positive behaviour change in diabetes

A wide range of diabetes-directed interventions - including novel medications, devices and comprehensive education programmes - have been shown to be effective in clinical trials. But in the real world of diabetes care their efficacy is often dependent upon on how well a clinician is able to support personal engagement and motivation of the person with diabetes to use these new tools and knowledge consistently, and as directed. Although many person-centred motivational and behavioural strategies have been developed, for example, action planning, motivational interviewing and empowerment-based communication, the sheer number and apparent lack of clear differences among them have led to considerable confusion. The primary goal of this review, therefore, is to provide a practical framework that organizes and structures these programmes to enhance their more systematic use in clinical care. Its purpose is to enhance clinician efforts to respectfully encourage and support engagement and motivation for behaviour change in people with diabetes. The three-step framework for organizing and describing the specific clinical processes involved is based on self-determination theory and includes: clinician preparation for a different type of clinical encounter, clinician/person with diabetes relationship building, and clinician utilization of specific behavioural tools. We conclude with practical considerations for application of this framework to the real world of clinical care.

Diabetes distress is linked with worsening diabetes management over time in adults with Type 1 diabetes

AIM

To determine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between diabetes distress and diabetes management.

METHODS

In a non-interventional study, 224 adults with Type 1 diabetes were assessed for diabetes distress, missed insulin boluses, hypoglycaemic episodes, and HbA_1c at baseline and 9 months.

RESULTS

At baseline, greater distress was associated with higher HbA_1c and a greater percentage of missed insulin boluses. Longitudinally, elevated baseline distress was related to increased missed insulin boluses, and decreases in distress were associated with decreases in HbA_1c . In supplementary analyses, neither depression symptoms nor a diagnosis of major depressive disorder was associated with missed insulin boluses, HbA_1c or hypoglycaemic episodes in cross-sectional or longitudinal analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were found between diabetes distress and management; in contrast, no parallel associations were found for major depressive disorder or depression symptoms. Findings suggest that elevated distress may lead to more missed insulin boluses over time, suggesting a potential intervention target. The covarying association between distress and HbA_1c points to the complex and likely interactive associations between these constructs. Findings highlight the need to address distress as an integral part of diabetes management in routine care.

Abstract WP239: Real Time Prospective Measurement of aPTT Predicts Paradoxical Embolism in Cryptogenic Stroke

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an important underlying source of cryptogenic stroke (CS) associated with hematologic procoagulability. However, the association of genetically identified hyperocagulability and paradoxical embolism has been difficult to establish due to retrospective analysis and the limited numbers of of known genetically identified hypercoagulable conditions. In this study, we explored the utility of conventional coagulation status in PFO related stroke, as the patients may harbor genetically unidentified hyperocoagulable conditions.

Method: Eligible pts were prospectively recruited in accordance with IRB, and underwent conventional coagulation testing (PT/PTT) testing within 12 hours of stroke. All patients underwent full cryptogenic workup such as MRI/MRA, mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (>30 days), cardiac echo, and hypercoagulable testing.

Results: We screened 4,831 pts admitted with acute neurologic diseases, and recruited 358 eligible acute ischemic stroke pts. 54 (15.1%) pts had CS and 32 pts had PFO related stroke. While there is no difference between PFO-related CS and PFO-unrelated CS on full hypercaogulable screen (protein S, protein C, FVL, PTGM, ATIII, APLAb, LA, hcy), aPTT was statistically significantly shortened in PFO-related stroke patients (PFO CS vs. non-PFO CS: aPTT 27.2±4.1s vs. 29.9±2.3s). ROC curve indicates early shortened aPTT can predict PFO related stroke (sensitivity 70%, specificity 81.5%, p=0.017) (see Figure).

Conclusion: We found real time aPTT to be significantly shortened in patients eventually diagnosed with paradoxical embolism related to PFO. While studies in larger pt cohorts accounting for other potential confounders are underway, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the importance and utility of early conventional coagulation testing in identifying paradoxical embolism. Pts with shortened aPTT may need additional workup for other underlying hypercoagulable conditions.

Abstract WP254: The Predictive Potential of Prothrombin Time (PT) and D-Dimer for tPA-related Hemorrhage

Background: IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is an efficacious treatment of acute ischemic stroke. However, the utilization of tPA has been deterred by its hemorrhagic complications. Our previous exploratory study found that following tPA administration, ischemic stroke patients with hemorrhagic transformation (HT) had a significantly longer prothrombin time (PT) than those without HT. Here we aim to study the effect of post-tPA parenchymal hemorrhage on a wide range of coagulation labs in a lager cohort of patients.

Method: 308 consecutive ischemic stroke patients with IV tPA were recruited in accordance with IRB approval. Clinical coagulation profiles were analyzed at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hr post IV tPA. Patients on anticoagulants or having other conditions (e.g. liver and kidney dysfunctions) that may affect these labs were excluded.

Result: As determined by head CT scan, 16 patients (5.19%) developed post-tPA hemorrhage. Compared to patients without tPA related hemorrhage, patients with hemorrhage had significantly higher levels of PT within the first 24 hr post tPA (Figure 1A), and PT levels at 6 hr have the potential to predict subsequent hemorrhage (Figure 1C, AUC = 0.753, p = 0.003). Moreover, D-Dimer remained at high levels even after 48 hr (Figure 1B), suggesting sustained fibrinolysis abnormality or possibly indicating active bleeding. D-Dimer levels at 24 and 48 hr were also predictive of tPA-induced bleed (Figure 1D, AUC = 0.827, p = 0.007).

Conclusion: Our results suggest PT and D-Dimer as early markers of tPA-induced hemorrhage in ischemic stroke patients. Their differential predictive ability at different time points may offer the possibility to monitor the clinical efficacy of tPA over a longer time window to guide adjunct treatment. Studies in additional coagulation factors in an expanded patient cohort are ongoing.

Abstract 111: Plasma Levels of Oxidative Stress Marker ADMA (Asymmetric Dimethylarginine) is Reduced by Successful PFO Closure

Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an independent risk factor of ischemic stroke. It enables the mixing of venous and arterial blood and therefore serves as a conduit for venous clots and vasoactive factors to enter into arterial circulation and contribute to a prothrombotic status. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, contributes to vascular disease and has been linked with increased levels of homocysteine, which creates additional oxidative stress by decreasing the production of dimethylarginine dimethlyaminohydrolase (DDAH) and further inhibiting the clearance of ADMA. We previously identified a significant reduction of homocysteine by PFO closure. Here we study the influence of PFO on ADMA levels, a marker of oxidative stress.

Method: 97 PFO-related stroke patients were prospectively recruited in accordance with IRB, of which 61 received PFO closure and 36 underwent medical therapy alone. Peripheral venous blood was collected at baseline (BL) and 1 year follow-up (FU) post treatments. Plasma ADMA was quantified by mass spectrometry.

Result: Compared to baseline, plasma ADMA levels were statistically significantly reduced post PFO closure (p = 0.0026), while no changes were observed for the patients treated with medications alone (p = 0.5500) (Figure 1A). Moreover, among the patients receiving PFO closure, the reduction of ADMA was only pronounced for those without residual shunting (p = 0.0009) but not for those with residual shunting (p = 0.4557) (Figure 1B, C).

Conclusion: PFO closure reduced oxidative stress marker ADMA in the circulation, but no changes were observed in patients on medical treatment only or those with residual shunting post PFO closure. Our results support the hypothesis that PFO-related right-to-left interatrial blood shunting may causally contribute to the high level of vasoactive factors in circulation. Further studies on an expanded cohort of PFO patients are ongoing.

Translation and cultural adaptation into Brazilian culture of type 1 diabetes distress scale

BACKGROUND

Diabetes related distress is common in type 1 diabetes patients (T1D). High levels of diabetes distress are related to poor metabolic control. An instrument to evaluate diabetes distress in T1D patients is "type 1 diabetes scale-T1DDS". The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the T1DDS into Brazilian culture.

METHODS

T1DDS scale was translated into Portuguese. Back translation was performed and evaluated by a specialists committee. Pre-test was performed with 40 T1D outpatients at State University of Campinas hospital. Internal consistency, external consistency and re-test were performed.

RESULTS

72% women, mean age: 32, 1 ± 9, 7 years, mean diabetes duration: 15, 8 ± 9, 1 years, mean scholarity: 11, 5 ± 3, 6, glycosylated hemoglobin mean: 9 ± 2%. Internal consistency: Cronbach alpha of T1DDS Brazilian version was 0.93. External consistency: Spearman's coefficient between T1DDS and PAID, Brazilian version, was 0.7781; (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The T1DDS Brazilian version is a reliable tool to evaluate diabetes distress in T1D patients in the Brazilian Population. This tool can be useful in clinical care and to identify patiens at risk and in need for psychosocial intervention.

Prevalence of depression in Type 1 diabetes and the problem of over-diagnosis

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of depression and diabetes distress in adults with Type 1 diabetes and the rate of false-positives when compared with rates of major depressive disorder.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 368 individuals with Type 1 diabetes, aged > 19 years. Individuals completed: the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ8), which was coded using four scoring criteria (scores > 10, >12 and >15, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM) algorithm scores); the Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale; and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) to assess major depressive disorder.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of depression according to the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire were: score >10, 11.4%; score >12, 7.1%; score >15, 3.8%; and positive algorithm result, 4.6%. The prevalence of major depressive disorder was 3.5%; and the prevalence of at least moderate diabetes distress was 42.1%. Depending on the criterion used, the false-positive rate when using the Patient Health Questionnaire compared with the results when using the SCID varied from 52 to 71%. Of those classified as depressed on the PHQ-8 or Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders, between 92.3 and 96.2% also reported elevated diabetes distress. No significant association was found between any group classed as having depression according to the PHQ8 or the SCID and HbA_1c concentration. Depression was significantly associated with more other life stress, more complications and a lower level of education.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an unexpectedly low rate of current depression and major depressive disorder in this diverse sample of adults with Type 1 diabetes, and a very high rate of false-positive results using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Considering the high prevalence of diabetes distress, much of what has been considered depression in adults with Type 1 diabetes may be attributed to the emotional distress associated with managing a demanding chronic disease and other life stressors and not necessarily to underlying psychopathology.

Diamond-coated 'black silicon' as a promising material for high-surface-area electrochemical electrodes and antibacterial surfaces

This report describes a method to fabricate high-surface-area boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes using so-called 'black silicon' (bSi) as a substrate. This is a synthetic nanostructured material that contains high-aspect-ratio nano-protrusions, such as spikes or needles, on the Si surface produced via plasma etching. We now show that coating a bSi surface composed of 15 μm-high needles conformably with BDD produces a robust electrochemical electrode with high sensitivity and high electroactive area. A clinically relevant demonstration of the efficacy of these electrodes is shown by measuring their sensitivity for detection of dopamine (DA) in the presence of an excess of uric acid (UA). Finally, the nanostructured surface of bSi has recently been found to generate a mechanical bactericidal effect, killing both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria at high rates. We will show that BDD-coated bSi also acts as an effective antibacterial surface, with the added advantage that being diamond-coated it is far more robust and less likely to become damaged than Si.

Identifying the worries and concerns about hypoglycemia in adults with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To identify the hypoglycemic concerns of adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and examine how these concerns are associated with key patient characteristics.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews with 16 T2D adults and 11 diabetes care providers were conducted. Survey items were then developed and submitted to exploratory factor analyses (EFAs). Construct validity was assessed by correlations with diabetes distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, well-being, hypoglycemic fear, hypoglycemia history and glycemic control (A1C).

RESULTS

An EFA with 226 insulin users and 198 non-insulin users yielded 3 factors (14 items): Hypoglycemia Anxiety, Avoidance and Confidence. For both T2D groups, higher Anxiety and Avoidance were significantly associated with more hypoglycemia, lower well-being, and greater diabetes distress, depressive symptoms and hypoglycemic fear. Similar associations, in the converse direction, were found for Confidence. Among insulin users only, Anxiety was independently associated with greater emotional distress and more hypoglycemia, while Confidence was independently linked to less emotional distress and lower A1C. Avoidance was independently associated with greater emotional distress in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the new 14-item Hypoglycemic Attitudes and Behavior Scale (HABS), we found that hypoglycemic concerns are significant in T2D adults, are linked to emotional distress and A1C, and merit attention in clinical practice.

Silver confined within zeolite EMT nanoparticles: preparation and antibacterial properties

The preparation of pure zeolite nanocrystals (EMT-type framework) and their silver ion-exchanged (Ag(+)-EMT) and reduced silver (Ag(0)-EMT) forms is reported. The template-free zeolite nanocrystals are stabilized in water suspensions and used directly for silver ion-exchange and subsequent chemical reduction under microwave irradiation. The high porosity, low Si/Al ratio, high concentration of sodium and ultrasmall crystal size of the EMT-type zeolite permitted the introduction of a high amount of silver using short ion-exchange times in the range of 2-6 h. The killing efficacy of pure EMT, Ag(+)-EMT and Ag(0)-EMT against Escherichia coli was studied semi-quantitatively. The antibacterial activity increased with increasing Ag content for both types of samples (Ag(+)-EMT and Ag(0)-EMT). The Ag(0)-EMT samples show slightly enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to that of Ag(+)-EMT, however, the differences are not substantial and the preparation of Ag nanoparticles is not viable considering the complexity of preparation steps.

Molybdenum doped titanium dioxide photocatalytic coatings for use as hygienic surfaces: the effect of soiling on antimicrobial activity

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) surfaces doped with molybdenum (Mo) were investigated to determine if their photocatalytic ability could enhance process hygiene in the brewery industry. Doping TiO2 with Mo showed a 5-log reduction in bacterial counts within 4 to 24 h and a 1-log reduction in yeast numbers within 72 h. The presence of a dilute brewery soil on the surface did not interfere with antimicrobial activity. The TiO2-Mo surface was also active in the dark, showing a 5-log reduction in bacteria within 4 to 24 h and a 1-log reduction in yeast numbers within 72 h, suggesting it could have a novel dual function, being antimicrobial and photocatalytic. The study suggests the TiO2-Mo coating could act as a secondary barrier in helping prevent the build-up of microbial contamination on surfaces within the brewery industry, in particular in between cleaning/disinfection regimes during long production runs.

The confusing tale of depression and distress in patients with diabetes: a call for greater clarity and precision

Studies have identified significant linkages between depression and diabetes, with depression associated with poor self-management behaviour, poor clinical outcomes and high rates of mortality. However, findings are not consistent across studies, yielding confusing and contradictory results about these relationships. We suggest that there has been a failure to define and measure 'depression' in a consistent manner. Because the diagnosis of depression is symptom-based only, without reference to source or content, the context of diabetes is not considered when addressing the emotional distress experienced by individuals struggling with diabetes. To reduce this confusion, we suggest that an underlying construct of 'emotional distress' be considered as a core construct to link diabetes-related distress, subclinical depression, elevated depression symptoms and major depressive disorder (MDD). We view emotional distress as a single, continuous dimension that has two primary characteristics: content and severity; that the primary content of emotional distress among these individuals include diabetes and its management, other life stresses and other contributors; and that both the content and severity of distress be addressed directly in clinical care. We suggest further that all patients, even those whose emotional distress rises to the level of MDD or anxiety disorders, can benefit from consideration of the content of distress to direct care effectively, and we suggest strategies for integrating the emotional side of diabetes into regular diabetes care. This approach can reduce confusion between depression and distress so that appropriate and targeted patient-centred interventions can occur.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma mimicking 5-aminosalicylate hypersensitivity in ulcerative colitis

5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) remain an important strategy in the induction and maintenance of remission of inflammatory bowel diseases especially in ulcerative colitis. The prototypical drug of this class, sulfasalazine is generally well tolerated with severe hypersensitivity reactions and hepatotoxicity also described within the literature. When approaching a patient with an adverse reaction to 5-ASA, it can be difficult to differentiate clinically between a sulfa allergy versus a 5-ASA allergy versus a malignancy. We report on a case with initial signs and symptoms suggestive of a sulfa/5-ASA allergy that was subsequently found to be malignant in nature.

Impact of baseline patient characteristics on interventions to reduce diabetes distress: the role of personal conscientiousness and diabetes self-efficacy

AIMS

To improve patient-centred care by determining the impact of baseline levels of conscientiousness and diabetes self-efficacy on the outcomes of efficacious interventions to reduce diabetes distress and improve disease management.

METHODS

Adults with Type 2 diabetes with diabetes distress and self-care problems (N = 392) were randomized to one of three distress reduction interventions: computer-assisted self-management; computer-assisted self-management plus problem-solving therapy; and health education. The baseline assessment included conscientiousness and self-efficacy, demographics, diabetes status, regimen distress, emotional burden, medication adherence, diet and physical activity. Changes in regimen distress, emotional burden and self-care between baseline and 12 months were recorded and ancova models assessed how conscientiousness and self-efficacy qualified the significant improvements in distress and management outcomes.

RESULTS

Participants with high baseline conscientiousness displayed significantly larger improvements in medication adherence and emotional burden than participants with low baseline conscientiousness. Participants with high baseline self-efficacy showed greater improvements in diet, physical activity and regimen distress than participants with low baseline self-efficacy. The impact of conscientiousness and self-efficacy were independent of each other and occurred across all three intervention groups. A significant interaction indicated that those with both high self-efficacy and high conscientiousness at baseline had the biggest improvement in physical activity by 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Both broad personal traits and disease-specific expectations qualify the outcomes of efficacious interventions. These findings reinforce the need to change from a one-size-fits-all approach to diabetes interventions to an approach that crafts clinical interventions in ways that fit the personal traits and skills of individual people.