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Biomedical subjects

C Classen

Publications and source records attributed to C Classen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Anti-reflux surgery in patients with adequate response to proton pump inhibitors - is there an indication?].

BACKGROUND: The indication for anti-reflux-surgery in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are totally symptom-free under conservative treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is still seen controversially. Arguments for PPI-treatment include the missing trauma and few side-effects, arguments against include the life-time-long drug intake. We prospectively observed the indication of anti-reflux-surgery in symptom-free patients in comparison to patients with remaining symptoms under treatment with PPI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2001, 317 patients with GERD were treated by laparoscopic hemifundoplication and grouped in patients with adequate response to PPI (n = 103) and patients with residual discomfort in spite of or by PPI (n = 214). Preoperative diagnostic included endoscopy, ph-testing, manometry and quality of life scoring by a standardized questionnaire. Peri- and postoperative morbidity as well as quality of life were analyzed and compared with healthy individuals (n = 50). RESULTS: Patient demographics and surgical procedures did not differ between the two groups. After a median follow-up of 49 months and a follow-up rate of 89.9 %, the recurrence rate was 2.5 % and perioperative complication rate was 6.3 % without any significant differences between the groups. Patients with GERD and adequate response to PPI showed preoperatively during PPI omission a significant lower incidence of esophagitis (3.9 % vs. 18.2 %) and higher quality of life score (93.7 +/- 11.3 vs. 75.3 +/- 12.6), which significantly decreased in comparison to healthy individuals (132.9 +/- 10.5). After anti-reflux surgery the quality of life has been increased in both groups (130.5 +/- 11.4 vs. 121.8 +/- 13.2). However, only patients with adequate response to PPI reached the quality of life score of healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Patients with preoperatively adequate response to PPI profit of anti-reflux surgery in terms of postoperative quality of life. Concerning the indication for anti-reflux surgery in these patients, one has to balance between the individual inconvenience due to the long-lasting drug intake on the one hand and the operative risk, morbidity and outcome of a specialized surgical department on the other hand.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Long-term experience of treating 185 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by anti-reflux surgery respecting the functional-morphological restoration of the esophagus.

BACKGROUND: According to anatomical investigations the whole esophagus plays a crucial role as reflux barrier in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Morphologically, the spirally arranged muscle fibres present a tension-dependent "stretch closure" and in the event of any reduction of tension, as for example caused by an axial hiatus hernia, the organ may become inefficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life as the main success criterion after anti-reflux surgery based strictly on the restoration of functional morphology. METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2000, 185 patients with GERD were treated by surgery in accordance with functional-morphological principles. After dissecting the mediastinum, the gastroesophageal junction was displaced into the abdomen with consecutive retensioning the esophagus. The esophageal hiatus was reconstructed with non-absorbable single knot sutures and strengthened with alloplastic material. The application of a 180 degrees fundus cuff around the posterior esophageal circumference served as a "spacer" and also restored the angle of His. Preoperatively, all patients underwent endoscopy, pH metry and manometry. During postoperative follow-up, recurrence rate and quality of life were evaluated via a disease-specific scale. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 85% of the patients had an elevated DeMeester Score with a median of 81.4; 64% had reflux esophagitis and 37% had reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure. All 185 operations were performed without conversion in a median operating time of 74 min. In one patient a lesion of the esophagus was treated during the operation; two patients had lesions of the splenic capsule which were also dealt with during the operation. Postoperatively, pleural effusions occurred in 15 patients and puncture was deemed necessary in one subject. Ninety-three percent were followed up for a median of 45 months and the recurrence rate was 2.3%. The quality of life index was 81.6+/-12.4 points preoperatively, and had significantly improved to 125.2+/-12.7 points in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Through the functional-morphological concept of anti-reflux surgery comprising the restoration of the tension-dependent "stretch closure" of the esophagus, significant long-term improvement in quality of life with a low recurrence rate and perioperative morbidity can be achieved.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: which factors influence the decision between the surgical techniques?].

BACKGROUND: Although in hospitals focussing on minimal invasive surgery laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is widely practiced as method of choice in patients with acute appendicitis, the decision for the laparoscopic or the conventional technique (OA) is usually ensued by individual viewpoints. Aim of this prospective observation study was to analyse the decision algorithm for both procedures in patients with the presumptive diagnosis "appendicitis". PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and July 2001 512 patients with the presumptive diagnosis "acute appendicitis" underwent surgery and, assigned by intention-to-treat, were subdivided in a laparoscopic (I) and a conventional group (II). The choice of surgical procedure was analysed with regard to patient characteristics (age, gender, comorbidity), severity of appendicitis (clinical manifestation, preoperative inflammation signs), surgeon (clinical experience) and daytime (during the day, in the evening, at night). Furthermore, the outcome of either method was related to postoperative diagnosis, perioperative morbidity, analgesia, length of hospital stay and cosmetic results. RESULTS: In group I 265 patients and in group II 247 patients underwent surgery. Conversion from LA to OA was necessary in 6.4 %. Group I consisted of significantly more female (67.9 % vs. 45.7 %) and younger patients (21 yrs. vs. 30 yrs.) with less medical history as well as minor severity of tissue inflammation and significantly lower preoperative serum inflammation parameters (leukocytes (1000/ml): 10.6 +/- 4.3 vs. 13.5 +/- 4.9; CRP (mg/l): 2.3 +/- 3.3 vs. 5.6 +/- 7.5, I vs. II: p < 0.001). In group I more patients underwent surgery during day-time as well as by more laparoscopic-experienced surgeons. In the postoperative histopathologic evaluation there were significantly fewer cases with complicated appendicitis (33.2 % vs. 52.2 %, p < 0.001). Additionally, patients after LA revealed a lower postoperative complication rate (9.3 % vs. 18.3 %), length of hospital stay (median 3 vs. 4 days) and duration of analgesia (2.1 +/- 1.8 vs. 4.1 +/- 7.1 days). CONCLUSIONS: Important factors for decision algorithm between a laparoscopic or an open appendectomy include severity of appendicitis, gender, day-time as well as the surgeon's individual laparoscopic experience. With appropriate indication for each technique, both procedures are of equal value in the treatment of acute appendicitis. Furthermore the positive patient selection for laparoscopic appendectomy contributed to a better postoperative outcome in this study.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

The relationship between social support, depression and treatment for depression in people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Studies have been fairly consistent in finding a relationship between social support and depression. However, little is known about the relationship between depression and social support in the context of treatment for depression. This study examined the effects of treatment for depression on social support among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD: Sixty-three moderately depressed MS patients received 16 weeks of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), supportive expressive group psychotherapy (SEGP) or sertraline. Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory and social support was measured using Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule. RESULTS: Treatment for depression was associated with significant increases in perceived social support, utilized social support and satisfaction with support, as well as reduction in need for emotional support. There were no significant changes in structural support or need for physical support. There were also no differences in change in social support across treatments. All changes in social support were fully explained by depression. Improvements in utilized social support and satisfaction with social support were fully mediated by improvements in depression. Baseline depression predicted improvements in perceived support and need for emotional support. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that improvements in social support among MS patients during treatment for depression can be explained by depression. However, different domains of social support may be differentially sensitive to changes in depression.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Feasibility of surgical technique and evaluation of postoperative quality of life after laparoscopic treatment of intrathoracic stomach.

BACKGROUND: Because of the risk of life-threatening complications, the discovery of a complete intrathoracic stomach demands urgent surgery with the aim of repositioning the stomach and gastropexy, and secondarily, to improve life quality. In this study the feasibility of surgical technique and postoperative quality of life after laparoscopic treatment of complete intrathoracic stomach has been evaluated. METHODS: From June 1999 to December 2001 16 patients with an intrathoracic stomach (hiatus hernia Types IIB and III) were treated by laparoscopic techniques, including the repositioning of the stomach, hemi-fundoplication and anterior gastropexy. During the postoperative follow-up the recurrence rate and quality of life (Eypasch index) were evaluated. RESULTS: All operations were performed laparoscopically without conversion, with a mean operating time of 155 min. Pleural injuries occurred in 31% of patients and pleural effusions in 38%, which required puncture in three cases. Complete follow-up showed no recurrences at a median of 14 months. The median quality of life index was 84.6 preoperatively and had significantly improved to 117.8 after the operation. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic access for the treatment of intrathoracic stomach represents a minimally invasive and safe treatment option for complete intrathoracic stomach, with a low level of perioperative morbidity and significant improvement in quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Supportive-expressive group therapy and distress in patients with metastatic breast cancer: a randomized clinical intervention trial.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic breast cancer carries with it considerable psychosocial morbidity. Studies have shown that some patients with metastatic breast cancer experience clinically significant anxiety and depression and traumatic stress symptoms. Supportive-expressive group psychotherapy was developed to help patients with cancer face and adjust to their existential concerns, express and manage disease-related emotions, increase social support, enhance relationships with family and physicians, and improve symptom control. METHODS: Of 125 women with metastatic breast cancer recruited into the study, 64 were randomized to the intervention and 61 to the control condition. Intervention women were offered 1 year of weekly supportive-expressive group therapy and educational materials. Control women received educational materials only. Participants were assessed at baseline and every 4 months during the first year. Data at baseline and from at least 1 assessment were collected from 102 participants during this 12-month period, and these participants compose the study population. RESULTS: Primary analyses based on all available data indicated that participants in the treatment condition showed a significantly greater decline in traumatic stress symptoms on the Impact of Event Scale (effect size, 0.25) compared with the control condition, but there was no difference in Profile of Mood States total mood disturbance. However, when the final assessment occurring within a year of death was removed, a secondary analysis showed a significantly greater decline in total mood disturbance (effect size, 0.25) and traumatic stress symptoms (effect size, 0.33) for the treatment condition compared with the control condition. CONCLUSION: Supportive-expressive therapy, with its emphasis on providing support and helping patients face and deal with their disease-related stress, can help reduce distress in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Acute stress reactions to everyday stressful life events among sexual abuse survivors with PTSD.

This study examined symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), which is often thought of as a precursor to PTSD, among 54 women who already had PTSD for childhood sexual abuse for which they were seeking treatment. We examined the prevalence of ASD symptoms as well as their relationships to trauma symptoms measured by the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40. The ASD diagnosis requires the occurrence of a traumatic life event as well as meeting specific symptoms criteria. We found that fourty-four percent of participants met all symptom criteria for ASD, but only three of these 24 participants described a traumatic life event. Moreover, ASD symptoms were significantly related to trauma symptom scores. These findings suggest that a significant proportion of women with PTSD for childhood sexual abuse may be highly symptomatic for everyday stressful events that would not be experienced as traumatizing to others. Thus, these individuals need assistance in coping with everyday life stressors that do not involve a serious threat or injury in addition to needing help to alleviate their trauma symptoms.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2000

Psychometric properties of the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ): a valid and reliable measure of acute stress.

A reliable and valid measure is needed for assessing the psychological symptoms experienced in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Previous research suggests that trauma victims typically experience dissociative, anxiety and other symptoms, during or shortly after a traumatic event. Although some of these symptoms may protect the trauma victim from pain, they may also lead to acute stress, posttraumatic stress, or other disorders. The Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ) was developed to evaluate anxiety and dissociation symptoms in the aftermath of traumatic events, following DSM-IV criteria for acute stress disorder. We present data from multiple datasets and analyses supporting the reliability and construct, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the SASRQ.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Traumatic stress, life events, and emotional support in women with metastatic breast cancer: cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms associated with past and current stressors.

This study examined levels of intrusion and avoidance symptoms and their relationships to past life stress, current emotional support, disease-related variables, and age in 125 women with metastatic breast cancer. The results indicate that a sizable proportion of these women experienced clinically significant levels of intrusion and avoidance symptoms related to their cancer, particularly those with both more stressful past life events and higher current levels of aversive emotional support. Additionally, both types of symptoms were associated with shorter time since recurrence, and avoidance symptoms were associated with smaller emotional support networks. These results indicate that metastatic breast cancer is an emotionally traumatic event for a significant proportion of women, particularly those with past life stressors and unsupportive social environments.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Representations of self in women sexually abused in childhood.

OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study examined the self representations of 27 women sexually abused in childhood and their association with symptomatology. METHOD: Twenty-seven self-identified female survivors of childhood sexual abuse completed the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and a measure designed to elicit subjects' self-generated descriptors of selves. RESULTS: Discrepancies in views of current self when compared to ideal or future selves were positively correlated with all symptom measures. Discrepancies in representations of current self compared to views of who they were when they were with their perpetrator were negatively correlated with trait anxiety. Self integration, as defined in this study, was negatively correlated with symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that cognitive representations of self are an important indicator of adjustment in survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Acute stress disorder as a predictor of posttraumatic stress symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Using the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for acute stress disorder, the authors examined whether the acute psychological effects of being a bystander to violence involving mass shootings in an office building predicted later posttraumatic stress symptoms. METHOD: The participants in this study were 36 employees working in an office building where a gunman shot 14 persons (eight fatally). The acute stress symptoms were assessed within 8 days of the event, and posttraumatic stress symptoms of 32 employees were assessed 7 to 10 months later. RESULTS: According to the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire, 12 (33%) of the employees met criteria for the diagnosis of acute stress disorder. Acute stress symptoms were found to be an excellent predictor of the subjects' posttraumatic stress symptoms 7-10 months after the traumatic event. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest not only that being a bystander to violence is highly stressful in the short run, but that acute stress reactions to such an event further predict later posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Effectiveness of a training program for enhancing therapists' understanding of the supportive-expressive treatment model for breast cancer groups.

This study evaluated a training program for leaders of supportive-expressive psychotherapy groups for breast cancer patients. Twenty-four mental health/medical cancer care professionals completed two training phases and were tested for their understanding of the treatment model. Participants' understanding was enhanced as a result of the training program. This study demonstrates that a brief training program can improve therapists' understanding of the treatment model and demonstrates an effective method of evaluation. Future research should examine how performance on these tests generalizes to performance when leading a supportive-expressive group.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Dissociative responses in the immediate aftermath of the Oakland/Berkeley firestorm.

This study examined relationships between dissociative symptoms experienced in the immediate aftermath of the Oakland/Berkeley firestorm and contact with the fire, life events, demographic variables, and actions taken after learning about the fire. One hundred eighty-seven participants completed self-report measures about their experiences during and immediately following the fire. Dissociative symptoms were significantly related to contact with the fire, sex, and stressful life events. Also, dissociative symptoms were significantly related to engaging in certain activities, such as trying to get closer to the fire and going into blocked-off areas and crossing police barricades. These results suggest that dissociative symptoms may merit special attention in intervention focusing on the immediate aftermath of disaster.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1996

Coping styles associated with psychological adjustment to advanced breast cancer.

The aim of this study was to determine whether psychological adjustment to advanced breast cancer was positively associated with expressing emotion and adopting a fighting spirit and negatively associated with denial and fatalism. Total mood disturbance on the Profile of Mood States was used as the measure of psychological adjustment. The Courtauld Emotional Control Scale measured emotional expression, and the Mental Adjustment to Cancer measured fighting spirit, denial, and fatalism. The sample included 101 women with a diagnosis of metastatic or recurrent breast cancer. Fighting spirit and emotional expressiveness were found to be associated with better adjustment. No association was found between mood disturbance and denial or fatalism. Because this was a cross-sectional study, no conclusions regarding a causal relationship between adjustment and emotional expressiveness or adjustment and fighting spirit were possible.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1995

When disaster strikes, acute stress disorder may follow.

During and immediately following a traumatic event, people may manifest a pattern of dissociative and anxiety symptoms and other reactions, referred to as Acute Stress Disorder. A review of the empirical literature on psychological reactions to trauma suggest that this pattern of symptoms has often been identified across different kinds of traumatic events. It is likely to constitute a psychological adaptation to a stressful event, limiting painful thoughts and feelings associated with the event and allowing the person to function at least minimally. Continuation of these symptoms, however, may impair the person's quality of life and disrupt social and other functioning. If symptoms last beyond a month following the traumatic event, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may ensue, continuing for months or even years after the precipitating event. Hence, it is important to be able to identify this pattern of reactions that may be manifested in reaction to trauma, so that appropriate intervention can be provided. Although it was not officially recognized in the 3rd edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-III-R), Acute Stress Disorder is included as a separate diagnosis in the DSM-IV.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1994

Predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms among survivors of the Oakland/Berkeley, Calif., firestorm.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine factors predicting the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms after a traumatic event, the 1991 Oakland/Berkeley firestorm. The major predictive factors of interest were dissociative, anxiety, and loss of personal autonomy symptoms reported in the immediate aftermath of the fire; contact with the fire; and life stressors before and after the fire. METHOD: Subjects were recruited from several sources so that they would vary in their extent of contact with the fire. Of 187 participants who completed self-report measures about their experiences in the aftermath of the firestorm, 154 completed a follow-up assessment. Of these 154 subjects, 97% completed the follow-up questionnaires 7-9 months after the fire. The questionnaires included measures of posttraumatic stress and life events since the fire. RESULTS: Dissociative and loss of personal autonomy symptoms experienced in the fire's immediate aftermath, as well as stressful life experiences occurring later, significantly predicted posttraumatic stress symptoms measured 7-9 months after the firestorm by a civilian version of the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and the Impact of Event Scale. Dissociative symptoms more strongly predicted posttraumatic symptoms than did anxiety and loss of personal autonomy symptoms. Intrusive thinking differs from other kinds of posttraumatic symptoms in being related directly to the trauma and previous stressful life events. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that dissociative symptoms experienced in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic experience and subsequent stressful experiences are indicative of risk for the later development of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Such measures may be useful as screening procedures for identifying those most likely to need clinical care to help them work through their reactions to the traumatic event and to subsequent stressful experiences.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

The assessment of ego development in borderline personality disorders.

The purpose of the study was to assess levels of ego functioning in a cohort of patients who met the criteria for borderline personality disorder. The Sentence Completion Test (SCT) and the Descriptions of Significant Others (DSO) test were used to measure dimensions of ego maturity. The borderline patients' responses on the SCT were compared with the responses of an outpatient sample of psychiatric patients and with general population norms established for the test. The scores on the SCT for a selected subgroup of five subjects were compared with their scores on the DSO. Contrary to expectation, the responses on the SCT by those with borderline personality disorder did not differ from those for the psychiatric outpatient sample or the general population norms. However the within-group comparisons between the SCT and the DSO for the subgroup of five subjects showed comparable trends between tests. Discussion of the results focuses on the interpretations of the borderline patients' responses to the two tests. Emphasis is placed on the need to distinguish subsets of ego functions, which can be assessed separately using a variety of measurement strategies.

Adolescent↗