Sleep apnea syndrome in an elderly population admitted to a geriatric unit : prevalence and effect on cognitive function

International audienceBackground Sleep apnea leads to cognitive impairment in older patients, but its association with neurodegeneration remains controversial, and most studies do not distinguish between the more common obstructive form (OSAS) and the rarer central form (CSAS). Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of the different forms of sleep apnea in a cohort of cognitively impaired elderly patients (>70 years) and to investigate their associations with cognitive deficit, weighted against known risk factors for neurodegeneration. Methods Overnight polygraphy was performed for 76 consecutive patients admitted to our geriatric unit. Their cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental-State Exam (MMSE), Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS) and Stroop test. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine associations between cognitive function and independent variables describing demographics, sleep apnea measures, and cardiovascular risk factors. Results The cohort comprised 58 women and 18 men aged a mean of 84 years (range, 73-96). Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) was diagnosed in 48 patients (63%), of which 31 (41%) with OSAS and 17 (22%) with CSAS. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that MDRS was lower in patients with OSAS (beta = -10.03, p = 0.018), that Stroop Colors and Words delays increased with AHI (beta = 0.17, p = 0.030 and beta = 0.31, p = 0.047) and that that Stroop Interference delay was higher in patients with CSAS (beta = 24.45, p = 0.002). Conclusion Sleep apnea is thus highly prevalent in elderly patients with cognitive impairment. OSAS was associated with lower general cognitive function, while CSAS was only associated with increased Stroop Interference delays. Elderly patients with cognitive deficit could benefit from sleep apnea screening and treatment

Decreased Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Is Associated With Cognitive Deficit in Elderly Patients

Background: Disruptions in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow during aging could compromise protein clearance from the brain and contribute to the etiology of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).Objective: To determine whether CSF flow is associated with cognitive deficit in elderly patients (>70 years).Methods: We studied 92 patients admitted to our geriatric unit for non-acute reasons using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) to calculate their ventricular and spinal CSF flow, and assessed their global cognitive status, memory, executive functions, and praxis. Multivariable regressions with backward selection (criterion p < 0.15) were performed to determine associations between cognitive tests and ventricular and spinal CSF flow, adjusting for depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular risk factors.Results: The cohort comprised 71 women (77%) and 21 (33%) men, aged 84.1 ± 5.2 years (range, 73–96). Net ventricular CSF flow was 52 ± 40 μL/cc (range, 0–210), and net spinal CSF flow was 500 ± 295 μL/cc (range, 0–1420). Ventricular CSF flow was associated with the number of BEC96 figures recognized (β = 0.18, CI, 0.02–0.33; p = 0.025). Spinal CSF flow was associated with the WAIS Digit Span Backward test (β = 0.06, CI, 0.01–0.12; p = 0.034), and categoric verbal fluency (β = 0.53, CI, 0.07–0.98; p = 0.024) and semantic verbal fluency (β = 0.55, CI, 0.07–1.02; p = 0.024).Conclusion: Patients with lower CSF flow had significantly worse memory, visuo-constructive capacities, and verbal fluency. Alterations in CSF flow could contribute to some of the cognitive deficit observed in patients with AD. Diagnosis and treatment of CSF flow alterations in geriatric patients with neurocognitive disorders could contribute to the prevention of their cognitive decline

La pratique de la gynécologie médicale et obstétrique des médecins généralistes en Picardie (les obstacles, les attentes, les besoins en formation)

Ce travail a été réalisé pour vérifier l hypothèse selon laquelle, les médecins généralistes de la région Picarde ne pratiqueraient pas suffisamment la gynécologie et/ou l obstétrique dans leurs cabinets. Des informations personnelles telles que l âge et le sexe, et des informations professionnelles telles que le mode, l année et la zone d installation, les modalités de prise en charge des cas cliniques les plus courants en gynécologie et en obstétrique et des précisions sur la formation initiale et complémentaire des médecins généralistes, ont fait l objet d un recueil par le biais d un questionnaire de 72 items. Les réponses ont été recueillies, et traitées selon les strictes règles de la statistique aboutissant à des résultats qui ont été interprétés individuellement mais également d une manière bi ou multivariée après l application de croisements adéquats. 352 médecins généralistes ont participé à l enquête. 82 % pratiquent la gynécologie médicale et 81 % pratiquent la gynécologie obstétrique régulièrement. Les médecins généralistes se sentent suffisamment formés pour réaliser des frottis (87 %), suivre des grossesses (84 %), poser et retirer des implants contraceptifs (33 %), poser et retirer des stérilets (24 %). 19 % de médecins généralistes s estiment capable d accoucher une femme enceinte à domicile. Le traitement de toutes ces données a permis de conclure que les médecins généralistes, en Picardie, possèdent globalement un savoir théorique de bon niveau en matière de gynécologie et d obstétrique, mais qu ils ne le mettent pas forcement en pratique dans leurs cabinets. Cela à cause de quelques obstacles parfois matériels et souvent par manque d un chaînon entre la théorie et l application finale que représente la formation pratique (stages, ateliers, séminaires ). Toutes ces constatations m ont amenée à formuler des solutions pragmatiques, espérant contribuer, certes modestement, à une grande réflexion sur l amélioration des pratiques professionnelles, et dans l intérêt de la santé publique en maintenant les médecins généralistes comme pivot du système de soins.This study was undertaken to verify the hypothesis that general practitioners in the region of Picardy do not practice sufficiently gynecology and/or obstetrics. Personal data such as age, gender, professional data, mode of practice, the year of initiating practice, catchment area, performance in gynecology and obstetrics according to most frequent clinical cases encountered in general practice and data on university, postgraduate and any additional education were collected from 72-item questionnaires. Responses were submitted to statistical analysis both individually and using a multivariate approach. A total of 352 GPs answered the questionnaire. Of them 82 % practice regularly gynecology and 81 % obstetrics. GPs believe they are adequately educated to perform cytology (87 %), monitor pregnant women (84 %), insert and remove contraceptive implants (33 %), insert and remove coils (24 %). Nineteen percent GPs believe they are capable of delivering babies at home. The present study shows that GPs in Picardy have a good theoretical knowledge of gynecology and obstetrics, but they do not necessarily use this knowledge in practice. The main reason is a lack of equipment and no translation of theory into practice (trainings, courses, seminars ). These findings prompted me to propose pragmatic solutions which may contribute to the improvement of practice and from the viewpoint of public health gains to maintain a pivotal role of GPs.AMIENS-BU Santé (800212102) / SudocSudocFranceF

Arterial hypertension impact on cerebral blood flow in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

BACKGROUND: Studies show the potential deterioration of brain vascularization and probable involvement of hypertension in Alzheimer disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the potential impact of hypertension on cerebral vascular flows in a sample of Alzheimer's patients. METHODS: 19 patients with AD, including 10 with hypertension (aHT+) and 9 without hypertension (aHT-) were recruited. They underwent clinical evaluation and phase-contrast MRI protocol for flow assessment. Cerebral arterial flow distributions were evaluated using kurtosis and skewness indices at the intracranial and extracranial levels. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the mean arterial flow, pulse flow and kurtosis between the levels in the AD aHT+ population. There was a significant difference in skewness between extra- and intracranial levels (p = 0.01). No significant differences were found in the mean arterial flow between the levels in the AD aHT- population. A significant difference was observed in the pulse flow (p = 0.03), kurtosis (p = 0.02) and skewness (p = 0.008) between the levels. At the extracranial level we did not find any significant differences in the mean arterial flow, pulse flow or skewness between aHT+ and aHT-. There was a significant difference in kurtosis at the extracranial level between the aHT+ and aHT- (p = 0.03). At the intracranial level, there were no significant differences in all parameters. CONCLUSION: Results showed a difference between cerebral vasculature in AD for aHT+ and aHT- groups. This is probably related to the loss of arterial compliance induced by the degradation of the vascular system.</p

The role of PC-MRI in neurodegenerative diseases

INTRODUCTION: Neurodegenerative diseases, a major public health problem, could have a vascular origin. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) enables reliable, non-invasive, and rapid measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood flows, and evaluation of the mechanical coupling between cerebral blood and CSF flows throughout the cardiac cycle (CC). OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to evaluate the potential of PC-MRI to the study of cerebral blood and CSF flows in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Mild cognitive impairment with amnesic disorders (MCIa) and Vascular Dementia (VD). METHODS: The elderly population consisted of 20 AD (age: 80 ± 5 years); 12 AD patients with vascular cerebral lesions (ADvasc) (age: 81 ± 5 years), 10 MCIa patients (age: 80 ± 7 years), and 8 VD patients (age: 78 ± 7 years) were identified. They underwent the same PC-MRI protocol and were compared to 13 age-matched Healthy Elderly (HE) (age: 71± 9 years). Arterial blood pressure was analyzed to detect patients with hypertension. RESULTS: Significantly higher cerebral blood and CSF flows were observed in HE when compared to VD, AD and ADvasc, (p&lt;0.05), but not MCIa patients who yielded the highest cerebral arterial and venous blood flows and stroke volumes compared to the other patients, (p&lt;0.05). The highest oscillations of CSF were also detected in MCIa patients (p&lt;0.05). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data suggests an increase in cerebral arterial blood and CSF flows in MCIa. PC-MRI provides a new hydrodynamic view, which may help evaluate a potential role of cardiovascular alterations in neurodegenerative diseases.</p

Communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: evaluation study on self-perceived competences and views of health care professionals

PURPOSE The aims of this study were to describe communication experiences while wearing a mask during COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, to identify possible mask-related barriers to COVID-19-adapted communications and to investigate whether the ABC mnemonic (A: attend mindfully; B: behave calmly; C: communicate clearly) might address these. METHODS This study was a cross-sectional, voluntary, web-based survey between January and February 2021. A 22-item survey was developed using the Surveymonkey platform and question styles were varied to include single choice and Likert scales. The respondents were also asked to view a short video presentation, which outlined the ABC mnemonic. CHERRIES (Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys) was used to ensure completeness of reporting. Diverging stacked bar charts were created to illustrate Likert scale responses. RESULTS We received 226 responses. The respondents were mostly women (60.2%) and the majority worked in a teaching hospital (64.6%). The majority of the respondents indicated issues related to lack of time during clinical encounters, uncertainty about how to adapt communication, lack of personal protective equipment, lack of communication skills and lack of information about how to adapt their own communication skills. In addition, the participants indicated acknowledging emotions and providing information using clear, specific, unambiguous, and consistent lay language while wearing a mask were among the main communication challenges created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the study showed significantly improved self-perceived competency regarding key communication after watching the short video presentation. CONCLUSION Effective communication in medical encounters requires both verbal and nonverbal skills

Communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: evaluation study on self-perceived competences and views of health care professionals

International audiencePurpose: The aims of this study were to describe communication experiences while wearing a mask during COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, to identify possible mask-related barriers to COVID-19-adapted communications and to investigate whether the ABC mnemonic (A: attend mindfully; B: behave calmly; C: communicate clearly) might address these.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, voluntary, web-based survey between January and February 2021. A 22-item survey was developed using the Surveymonkey platform and question styles were varied to include single choice and Likert scales. The respondents were also asked to view a short video presentation, which outlined the ABC mnemonic. CHERRIES (Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys) was used to ensure completeness of reporting. Diverging stacked bar charts were created to illustrate Likert scale responses.Results: We received 226 responses. The respondents were mostly women (60.2%) and the majority worked in a teaching hospital (64.6%). The majority of the respondents indicated issues related to lack of time during clinical encounters, uncertainty about how to adapt communication, lack of personal protective equipment, lack of communication skills and lack of information about how to adapt their own communication skills. In addition, the participants indicated acknowledging emotions and providing information using clear, specific, unambiguous, and consistent lay language while wearing a mask were among the main communication challenges created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the study showed significantly improved self-perceived competency regarding key communication after watching the short video presentation.Conclusion: Effective communication in medical encounters requires both verbal and nonverbal skills

Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission and Death After Discharge of Older Adults from Acute Geriatric Units: Taking the Rank of Admission into Account

International audienceObjective: To analyze the impact of the number of hospital readmissions on the risks of further hospital readmission and death after adjustment for a range of risk factors. Methods: We performed a multicentre prospective study of the DAMAGE cohort in the Hauts-de-France region of France. Patients aged 75 and over hospitalized initially in an acute geriatric unit (AGU) were included and followed up for 12 months. The risk of hospital readmission was analyzed using a Cox model, and its extension for recurrent events and the risk of death were analyzed using a Cox model for time-dependent variables. Results: A total of 3081 patients were included (mean (SD) age: 86.4 (5.5)). In the multivariate analysis, the relative risk (95% confidence interval [CI]) of hospital readmission rose progressively to 2.66 (1.44; 5.14), and the risk of death rose to 2.01 (1.23; 3.32) after five hospital admissions, relative to a patient with no hospital readmissions. The number of hospital readmissions during the follow-up period was the primary risk factor and the best predictor of the risk of hospital readmission and the risk of death. Conclusion: Hospital readmission is the primary risk factor for further hospital readmissions and for death in older subjects discharged from an AGU

Development of a Predictive Score for Mortality at 3- and 12-Month after Discharge from an Acute Geriatric Unit as a Trigger for Advanced Care Planning

International audienceBACKGROUND: There is a need for a mortality score that can be used to trigger advanced care planning among older patients discharged from acute geriatric units (AGUs). OBJECTIVE: To develop a prognostic score for 3- and 12-month mortality after discharge from an AGU, based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment, in-hospital events, and the exclusion of patients already receiving palliative care. METHODS: DAMAGE is a French multicentre, prospective, cohort study. The broad inclusion criteria ensured that the cohort is representative of patients treated in an AGU. The DAMAGE participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment, a daily clinical check-up, and follow-up visits 3 and 12 months after discharge. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to develop a prognostic score for the derivation and validation subsets. RESULTS: 3509 patients were assessed and 3112 were included. The patient population was very older and frail or dependant, with a high proportion of deaths at 3 months (n=455, 14.8%) and at 12 months (n=1014, 33%). The score predicted an individual risk of mortality ranging from 1% to 80% at 3 months and between 5% and 93% at 12 months, with an area under the receiving operator characteristic curve in the validation cohort of 0.728 at 3 months and 0.733 at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our score predicted a broad range of risks of death after discharge from the AGU. Having this information at the time of hospital discharge might trigger a discussion on advanced care planning and end-of-life care with very old, frail patients