Effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for panic disorder in routine psychiatric care.

OBJECTIVE: Guided Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) for panic disorder has been shown to be efficacious in several randomized controlled trials. However, the effectiveness of the treatment when delivered within routine psychiatric care has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ICBT for panic disorder within the context of routine psychiatric care. METHOD: We conducted a cohort study investigating all patients (n = 570) who had received guided ICBT for panic disorder between 2007 and 2012 in a routine care setting at an out-patient psychiatric clinic providing Internet-based treatment. The primary outcome measure was the Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self-report (PDSS-SR). RESULTS: Participants made large improvements from screening and pretreatment assessments to posttreatment (Cohen's d range on the PDSS-SR = 1.07-1.55). Improvements were sustained at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ICBT for panic disorder is as effective when delivered in a routine care context as in the previously published randomized controlled trials.

Segmental vessel sparing during convex growth arrest surgery--a modified technique.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Further evidence of the importance of segmental vessel ligation in the development of neurological complications has been recently published. The more levels the ligation encompasses, the higher the risk of spinal cord damage. Therefore, caution should be taken when several segmental arteries are to be ligated in the clinical setting. PURPOSE: To prevent ligation of segmental vessels during convex growth arrest surgery and thus decrease the risk of spinal cord ischemia and neurological injury. STUDY DESIGN: A report of a modified technique of convex growth arrest surgery used in two consecutive patients in our unit. METHODS: In two consecutive patients the segmental vessels were mobilized, elevated, and protected by using surgical slings. The rib graft was then slid beneath the elevated vessels into the prepared vertebral body channel and punched into place. The pleura then closed over the rib graft and spared vessels. RESULTS: Three of the five segmental vessels in the first patient were spared. All five segmental vessels were spared in the second patient. No neurological complications occurred. CONCLUSION: We report a straightforward technique, which obviates the need for segmental vessel ligation, and therefore decreases the risk of neurological injury in an already high-risk group.

Traction radiography performed under general anesthetic: a new technique for assessing idiopathic scoliosis curves.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective review of 24 patients with late-onset idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVES.: To compare curve flexibility measured using supine bending radiography and traction radiography; to examine the correlation of each technique with postoperative correction; and to determine the influence of each technique on the decision to perform concomitant anterior release surgery with posterior instrumentation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Assessment of curve flexibility is important in decision making before surgical correction of scoliosis. Supine bending radiographs are presently the gold standard technique by which flexibility is assessed, but their reliability has been questioned. No literature has shown a conclusively superior role for traction radiography in assessing idiopathic scoliosis curves. METHODS: Each patient had erect anteroposterior radiographs and supine bending radiographs. On the day of surgery, traction radiography was performed under general anesthetic. The correction obtained in the Cobb angle between the bending and traction radiographs was compared. The influence of the traction radiography on the decision for anterior release surgery and its correlation with postoperative result was examined. RESULTS: Traction radiography demonstrated significantly greater curve flexibility than supine bending radiographs (P < 0.001). Eleven of 13 patients planned for anterior release surgery and posterior instrumentation avoided anterior release after review of the traction radiography. No significant difference was demonstrated between the traction radiography and postoperative correction (P = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Traction radiography is superior to supine bending radiography in assessing curve mobility before surgery. This method benefits patients by allowing them to avoid anterior release surgery and helps predict postoperative correction.

Thyroid hormones and autoantibodies in pregnant patients with thyroid diseases.

Serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid autoantibodies in pregnant patients with thyroid disease at various stages of pregnancy were determined by in-house ELISAs. In normal pregnancy, serum TSH levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) from 13 weeks of gestation. The normal reference ranges for TSH for the second (0.6-5.0 mIU/l) and third trimester (0.6-5.6 mIU/l) were significantly higher (p < 0.05; p < 0.01 respectively) compared to 0.4-4.5 mIU/l for the first trimester. In pregnant thyroid patients, serum TSH levels correlated highly (p < 0.001) to T4 (r = 0.740), FT4I (r = 0.683) and MicAb (microsomal antibodies) (r = 0.825) but weaker (p < 0.01) to T3 (r = -0.512), FT3I (r = 0.520) and TgAb (thyroglobulin antibodies) (r = 0.618). Thus, measurement of TSH with the highly sensitive ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) would form a useful first line test for thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy while measurement of thyroid autoantibodies would aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism.