A pediatric weight management program for high-risk populations: a preliminary analysis

To determine whether a multidisciplinary pediatric weight management program effectively improves BMI, BMI z-score, and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in high-risk populations. A retrospective chart review was performed on children seen in the NEW Kids Program at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, a family-based clinic that treats pediatric obesity using medical management, nutrition education, behavioral intervention, and physical activity. Inclusion criteria were program participation for >or=9 months and >4 visits. Analyses were performed to identify factors associated with pre- to postintervention changes in BMI, BMI z-score, and CVRF laboratory values. A total of 66 patients met inclusion criteria; the mean age was 11 years (s.d.+/-3.4), 56% were racial/ethnic minorities, 45% were Medicaid recipients, 48% resided in impoverished communities, and 38% had a BMI >or=40 kg/m(2). Of the 66 patients, 91% had more than one weight-related comorbidity, 88% had CVRFs, and the preintervention mean BMI was 37 kg/m(2). After the intervention, there was an overall increase in absolute BMI, but a small, yet significant decrease in BMI z-score (mean -0.03+/-0.16; P<0.05). There were significant pregroup to postgroup improvements in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides levels (P<0.05). Insurance coverage, race/ethnicity, gender, age, and initial BMI were not significantly associated with changes in BMI or BMI z-score. A multidisciplinary pediatric weight management program can improve the weight status of high-risk populations, including minorities, Medicaid recipients, patients with multiple comorbidities and CVRFs, and the severely obese

Definition of a tool to assess shared decision‐making (SDM) on women with breast cancer: A value‐based approach

Abstract Background and Aims In oncology, there is increasing talk of personalized treatment and shared decision‐making (SDM), especially when multiple treatment options are available with different outcomes depending on patient preference. The present study aimed to define the set of main dimensions and relative tools to assess the Value brought to patients from a Breast Cancer's Clinical pathway structured according to a dynamic SDM framework. Methods Starting from our previous systematic review of the literature, a deep search of the main evidence‐based and already validated questionnaires was carried out. In the second phase, to corroborate this grid, a Delphi survey was conducted to assess each questionnaire identified for each dimension, against the following seven value‐based criteria: Clinical Benefit, Safety, Care Team Well Being, Patient Reported Outcomes Measures, Green Oncology, Impact on Health Budget, and Genomic Profile. Results The resulting 7‐dimension questionnaire is composed of 72 questions. Of these, some quantitatively and objectively assess the evolution of the patient's disease state, whereas others aim to ask patients about their active involvement in decisions affecting them and to investigate whether they were free to explore their preferences. Furthermore, to frame the analyzed phenomenon at the right time, for each questionnaire section, the specific, evidence‐based timing of administration is indicated. Conclusion The resulting questionnaire is validated in its entirety and it is composed of a set of questions and relative time point for data collections to assess the Value brought to patients undertaking a Breast Cancer's Clinical pathway, structured according to a dynamic SDM framework. It constitutes a quantitative instrument to integrate patient centeredness with a personalized perspective in the care management of women with breast cancer

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIV-INFECTION IN CHILDREN IN ITALY

As of April 1992, 2337 children born to HIV-1-positive mothers were recorded by our multicentre study. Another 131 children were infected by contaminated blood products, while in 5 cases the risk factor remained unknown, as their personal history was lacking. The number of perinatally exposed children increased exponentially from 1981 to 1986, then stabilized. Of these, at last visit 624 were infected (531 P-2, 93 P-1), 463 were P-O and 1195 had seroreverted. Drug addiction continues to be the most frequent maternal risk factor, although infection acquired through sexual contact gradually increased up to 26.5% in 1991. Of the 762 first children identified at birth and older than 15 months of age, 132 (17.3%) acquired infection and seroconverted to HIV. A similar transmission rate was observed in 43 second-born children