Evaluation of low dose prazosin for PTSD-associated nightmares in children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge about fundamental sleep disorders and dysregulation that occurs in children with PTSD is limited. Prazosin is an alpha-1 receptor antagonist often used off label for the treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares in adults; however, evaluation of its use in pediatrics and adolescents is limited. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of prazosin on nightmares associated with PTSD in this population. Secondary objectives included assessing side effects, changes in blood pressure, and 30-day readmission rates. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center chart review of inpatients diagnosed with PTSD nightmares from January 1, 2017, to July 31, 2019. Patients 4 to 18 years old with a PTSD diagnosis, experiencing nightmares, and initiating any dose of prazosin were assessed to determine efficacy and tolerance. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were evaluated to determine symptom improvement after initiation of prazosin for PTSD nightmares in children and adolescents. Of the 42 patients, 24 (57.1%) reported improvement in nightmares (average dose 1.05 mg). For secondary results, 38 (90.5%) patients continued prazosin at discharge, and 2 (5%) were readmitted within 30 days for reasons other than PTSD-associated nightmares. Thirty-four (81%) reported having no adverse effects to prazosin. There was no significant difference in systolic (P = .1883) or diastolic (P = .2777) blood pressure preinitiation and postinitiation of prazosin. DISCUSSION: Despite the limitations of this retrospective study, the data suggests that prazosin may be associated with an improvement in nightmares in children and adolescents with PTSD. Adverse events were rarely reported, and there was no significant change in blood pressure with initiation of prazosin.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Clostridial Collagenase Results from In Vitro and Clinical Studies.

BACKGROUND: Digestion of collagen with clostridial collagenase (CC) produces peptides that can induce cellular responses consistent with wound healing in vivo. However, nonhealing human wounds are typically in a state of chronic inflammation. We evaluated the effects of CC on markers of inflammation in cell culture and wound fluid from diabetic patients. METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide-induced release of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 from interferon-γ-activated THP-1 monocytes was measured in the presence or absence of CC or CC collagen digests. In the clinical study, 17 individuals with mildly inflamed diabetic foot ulcers were randomized to receive CC ointment (CCO) or hydrogel. Weekly assessments included wound appearance and measurements. Wound exudate was collected at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. A multiplex assay was used to measure levels of analytes, including those associated with inflammation and with inflammation resolution. RESULTS: Lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were found in media of cells cultured with CC or CC digests of collagen type I or III than for untreated lipopolysaccharide controls (P < .05). Clinically, CCO and hydrogel resulted in improvement in wound appearance and a decrease in mean wound area. The CCO, but not the hydrogel, was found to increase the level of analytes associated with resolution of inflammation while decreasing those associated with inflammation. There was a general correlation between resolution of inflammation and healing. CONCLUSIONS: These results support a hypothesis that debridement with CCO is associated with decreased inflammation and greater progress toward healing.

Promoting health literacy through the health education assessment project.

BACKGROUND: The Council of Chief State School Officers' State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards Health Education Assessment Project (SCASS-HEAP) allows states to pool financial and human resources to develop effective ready-to-use health education assessment resources through a collaborative process. The purpose of this article is to describe the extensive ongoing development of the SCASS-HEAP and its benefits for important stakeholders in health and education. METHODS: A review of the products from the first decade of the SCASS-HEAP was undertaken. RESULTS: The SCASS-HEAP supports a comprehensive systems approach to helping educators focus effectively on the most important skills and issues in child and adolescent health and gives health education a place at the school reform table, providing visibility and credibility and promoting the essential links between health and learning. CONCLUSION: State education agencies and school districts can use SCASS-HEAP materials for assessment and, perhaps more importantly, to help teachers modify and improve instruction at the classroom level for increased student learning.