Audiocardiography in the cardiovascular evaluation of the morbidly obese.

Morbid obesity is believed to limit cardiovascular auscultation. We compared audiocardiography to senior attending physicians using conventional stethoscopes in 190 individuals with morbid obesity. Overall, there were 128 (67.4%) women and 62 (32.6%) men with mean ages of 44.9 +/- 12.3 and 51.3 +/- 10.8 , respectively (P = 0.001). The overall body mass index (BMI) was 47.3 +/- 8.5 kg m(-2). Of those with an S(3) by audiocardiography (n = 7), one had a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), none had a history of heart failure, and one had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45%. The mean LVEF was 58.6 +/- 9.9 versus 61.6 +/- 5.3 for those with and without an S(3) by audiocardiography (P = 0.16). By contrast, of those (n = 6) with an S(3) by stethoscope, one had a history of CAD, two had histories of heart failure, and 3 had LVEF < 45%. The mean LVEF of those with and without S(3) by stethoscope was 53.7 +/- 2.3 and 61.6 +/- 5.5%, respectively (P = 0.02). There were 40 (21.1%) patients with an S(4) (S(4) strength >5) identified by acoustic cardiography while there were 42 (22.1%) heard by the stethoscope and it was heard with both methods in nine patients (21.4% concordance). There were no significant correlations between BMI or peak oxygen consumption and S(3) or S(4) strength by audiocardiography. Acoustic cardiography performed with an electronic device was not helpful in assisting the cardiovascular examination of the morbidly obese. These data suggest the careful clinical exam with attention to traditional cardiac auscultation using a stethoscope in a quiet room should remain the gold standard.

Behavioral predictors of weight regain after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: After bariatric surgery, a lifelong threat of weight regain remains. Behavior influences are believed to play a modulating role in this problem. Accordingly, we sought to identify these predictors in patients with extreme obesity after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: In a large tertiary hospital with an established bariatric program, including a multidisciplinary outpatient center specializing in bariatric medicine, with two bariatric surgeons, we mailed a survey to 1,117 patients after RYGB. Of these, 203 (24.8%) were completed, returned, and suitable for analysis. Respondents were excluded if they were less than 1 year after RYGB. Baseline demographic history, preoperative Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 scores were abstracted from the subjects' medical records; pre- and postoperative well-being scores were compared. RESULTS: Of the study population, mean age was 50.6 +/- 9.8 years, 147 (85%) were female, and 42 (18%) were male. Preoperative weight was 134.1 +/- 23.6 kg (295 +/- 52 lb) and 170.0 +/- 29.1 kg (374.0 +/- 64.0 lb) for females and males, respectively, p < 0.0001. The mean follow-up after bariatric surgery was 28.1 +/- 18.9 months. Overall, the mean pre- versus postoperative well-being scores improved from 3.7 to 4.2, on a five-point Likert scale, p = 0.001. A total of 160 of the 203 respondents (79%) reported some weight regain from the nadir. Of those who reported weight regain, 30 (15%) experienced significant regain defined as an increase of > or =15% from the nadir. Independent predictors of significant weight regain were increased food urges (odds ratios (OR) = 5.10, 95% CI 1.83-14.29, p = 0.002), severely decreased postoperative well-being (OR = 21.5, 95% CI 2.50-183.10, p < 0.0001), and concerns over alcohol or drug use (OR = 12.74, 95% CI 1.73-93.80, p = 0.01). Higher BDI scores were associated with lesser risk of significant weight regain (OR = 0.94 for each unit increase, 95% CI 0.91- 0.98, p = 0.001). Subjects who engaged in self-monitoring were less likely to regain any weight following bariatric surgery (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.30-0.98, p = 0.01). Although the frequency of postoperative follow-up visits was inversely related to weight regain, this variable was not statistically significant in the multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of significant postoperative weight regain after bariatric surgery include indicators of baseline increased food urges, decreased well-being, and concerns over addictive behaviors. Postoperative self-monitoring behaviors are strongly associated with freedom from regain. These data suggest that weight regain can be anticipated, in part, during the preoperative evaluation and potentially reduced with self-monitoring strategies after RYGB.

Differences in prescription opioid analgesic availability: comparing minority and white pharmacies across Michigan.

UNLABELLED: Little is known about physical barriers to adequate pain treatment for minorities. This investigation explored sociodemographic determinants of pain medication availability in Michigan pharmacies. A cross-sectional survey-based study with census data and data provided by Michigan community retail pharmacists was designed. Sufficient opioid analgesic supplies was defined as stocking at least one long-acting, short-acting, and combination opioid analgesic. Pharmacies located in minority (or=70% white residents) zip code areas were randomly selected by using a 2-stage sampling selection process (response rate, 80%). For the 190 pharmacies surveyed, most were located in white areas (51.6%) and had sufficient supplies (84.1%). After accounting for zip code median age and stratifying by income, pharmacies in white areas (odds ratio, 13.36 high income vs 54.42 low income) and noncorporate pharmacies (odds ratio, 24.92 high income vs 3.61 low income) were more likely to have sufficient opioid analgesic supplies (P < .005). Racial differences in the odds of having a sufficient supply were significantly higher in low income areas when compared with high income areas. Having a pharmacy located near a hospital did not change the availability for opioid analgesics. Persons living in predominantly minority areas experienced significant barriers to accessing pain medication, with greater disparities in low income areas regardless of ethnic composition. Differences were also found on the basis of pharmacy type, suggesting variability in pharmacist's decision making. PERSPECTIVE: Michigan pharmacies in minority zip codes were 52 times less likely to carry sufficient opioid analgesics than pharmacies in white zip codes regardless of income. Lower income areas and corporate pharmacies were less likely to carry sufficient opioid analgesics. This study illustrates barriers to pain care and has public health implications.

Race and chronic pain: A comparative study of young black and white Americans presenting for management.

Chronic pain is a debilitating problem for many Americans. It affects physical, social, and emotional health. This study addresses the potential differential effects of chronic pain cross-culturally in younger Americans. A retrospective analysis of persons younger than 50 years of age presenting for chronic pain management in a multidisciplinary pain center was done. White and black American adults aged 18 to 50 years (N = 3669) were compared to determine whether there were differences in (1) psychologic functioning, (2) pain characteristics, (3) pain disability, and (4) comorbidities. Our results suggest that black Americans had more depressive symptoms and symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder when compared to white Americans. These results showed that on initial assessment, black Americans with chronic pain report significantly more pain and sleep disturbance as well as more symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression than white Americans. They also experience a higher prevalence of self-identified comorbidities, including dizziness, chest pain, and high blood pressure. In conclusion, considerable diminution in the overall physical and emotional health of black Americans 18 to 50 years of age with chronic pain was noted. These data support the need for further study of the chronic pain experiences of racial and ethnicity minority persons.