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P Krause

Publications and source records attributed to P Krause.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Do primary care physicians know generalized anxiety disorders? Estimations of prevalence, attitudes and interventions].

This paper examines attitudes and characteristics of service providers for generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) in primary care. Based on a nationwide sample of 558 primary care doctors, the study found: 56.9% of all primary care doctors consider GAD to be an independent disorder, younger doctors more frequently than older ones. On average, they see on average at least 2.3 GAD definite patients a day. 27.4% indicate that they treat GAD differently than they treat depression. Doctors with frequent postgraduate courses on either depression or GAD reveal more favourable competence ratings with regard to recognition/diagnoses and therapy and refer such patients less frequently. Suggested treatments for GAD, however, are diffuse and by and large inconsistent with current research knowledge. Overall these findings suggest that the majority of primary care doctors view GAD as a prevalent independent disorder with special treatment needs.

Anxiety Disorders↗

[Prevalence and correlates of generalized anxiety disorders in primary care].

AIM: The investigators evaluated the (target-day) point prevalence and correlates of generalized anxiety and depression in German primary care practices. METHOD: The study used a representative national sample of more than 500 primary care practices. On a target day, all primary care patients were examined by questionnaires (GAS-Q and DSQ). RESULTS: Conservatively estimated, 5.3% of all primary care patients met criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Similar prevalence estimations were found for Major Depression. Only 30% of all GAD patients met criteria for depression cross-sectionally. Patients with GAD (whether comorbid with depression or not) were more frequently female, reported an onset of GAD mostly between ages of 25 and 45 years, had increased rates of disability and impairment in major social roles and high utilization rates of all health care resources. They also revealed a predominantly chronic course of illness over a period of several years and an increased suicide rate. The presence of physical illness increased rates of handicap/impairment days in the past month. Associated negative outcomes were found to be similar to those observed in depressive disorders. Patients with GAD reported significantly more frequently sleep, anxiety and depressive problems as primary reasons for contact. CONCLUSION: The GAD-P study highlights the significance of GAD in primary care as a condition that occurs at about the same frequency as major depression. Further, the relatively high proportion of pure GAD suggests that the frequency of depression-comorbidity of GAD has previously been overestimated.

Adolescent↗

[When and how well does the family physician recognize generalized anxiety disorders and depressions?].

BACKGROUND: Recognition rates for generalized anxiety disorder (GAS) and depression in primary care and its predictors are reported. METHODS: Based on the results of GAD-P study screening questionnaires, the investigators evaluated how many patients were correctly classified by primary care physicians a) as cases with mental disorders and b) as specific disorder cases. Socio-demographic and illness history variables of patients as well as features of physicians were analyzed as predictors of recognition by regression analyzes. RESULTS: Physicians recognized a mental disorder in more than two thirds of cases with GAS; rates were even higher in patients with comorbid anxiety and depression (85.4%). Recognition of the specific disorder was conspicuously worse in patients with GAS (34.4%) in comparison with patients with depression (64.3%). Only the variables of patients' demographic status and illness (e.g. higher age or, negatively, incident GAS) predicted recognition of a mental disorder. CONCLUSION: Generalized anxiety is often recognized as a mental disorder but seldom as the specific diagnosis of GAS. This is especially true for patients without a history of mental disorders (incident cases). Suggestions for a better recognition are discussed in the light of specific psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment demands. The risks of chronicity of this disorder as well as the ascertained predictors of good recognition are also discussed.

Adult↗

[Family physician's interventions and prescribing practice. Results of the GAD-P study].

More than two thirds of all GAD patients are recognized as cases with mental disorders, only one third is correctly diagnosed. The paper shows that this has significant implications. 36%--as compared to 23% of those with major depression--receive no intervention. Of those recognized at least as a case the majority is treated by the GP, 9% are only referred to specialists, in addition to another 20% that are treated by the GP and referred as well. Almost all patients receive medication, however, only few medications that match scientific guidelines for GAD-specific treatments, namely SNRI, behavioural psychotherapy or SSRI. Also the high degree of comedication as well as high prescription rates for sedatives and phytotonics needs highlightening. The findings overall reveal an unsatisfactory picture of current treatment strategies for GAD patients in primary--especially if compared to depression. Treatments of first choice, SNRI (Venlafaxine SR) and behavioural psychotherapy are prescribed to only the minority of GAD sufferers.

Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation↗

[Problems and deficiencies in family physician's management of generalized anxiety disorders. Results of the GAD-P study and priorities for an improved care].

The core findings of the GAD-P study (Generalized anxiety and depression in primary care) are summarized and measures to improve the quality of care of patients with generalized anxiety disorders are discussed. In addition to the identification of core research deficits the paper emphasizes the standard use of time-efficient diagnostic screening instruments, because urgently needed improved recognition and diagnosis is the prerequisite for appropriate treatment. Further the role of the media to combat stigma processes, as well as patient education materials to improve compliance and to enhance treatment outcome effects for this neglected disorder that frequently runs a chronic course are highlighted.

Adolescent↗

["Generalized anxiety and depression in primary care" (GAD-P). Study design and methods].

The aim of the study is to develop a comprehensive clinical-epidemiological description of the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorders and depression among primary care patients along with an assessment of physicians recognition rates and prescription behaviour. The paper describes methods and design of the study and provides background information on the sampling process and instruments used as well as characteristics of doctors and patients. The study is based on a nationally representative sample of 558 primary care physicians and over 20,000 patients, who attended physicians' offices on the target day. The first stage of study involved a comprehensive description of the physicians characteristics in terms of psychosocial qualification, and provider aspects as well as attitudes towards GAD and depression. In the second stage, all the patients completed a diagnostic screening questionnaire for GAD and depression. In the third stage all patients were characterized by their physicians in terms of their diagnostic status and their past and current interventions.

Adolescent↗

Perioperative factors influencing patient outcome after liver transplantation.

We have previously shown that the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after liver transplantation significantly reduced patient survival. Therefore, the question arises of which are the most prominent perioperative donor and recipient factors leading to MODS after transplantation. In total, 634 patients with 700 liver transplants were analyzed. Donor factors included age, increase in transaminases, sex mismatch, requirement for catecholamines, intensive care time, histology, and macroscopic graft appearance. Recipient factors included Child classification, preoperative gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, and requirement for catecholamines. MODS was defined by more than two severe organ dysfunctions. The cumulative 2 to 9-year patient survival was 90.9% in patients developing less than 3 severe organ dysfunctions following transplantation. Survival decreased to 60.3% in patients with MODS. Neither any of the donor factors nor the duration of cold ischemia (CIT) was associated with an increase in MODS or decrease in survival. On the other hand, duration of warm ischemia, amount of blood loss, requirement for red packed blood cells, and reoperation had an influence on the development of MODS (40%-56%) and decreased patient survival to 58%-69%. Preoperative therapy with catecholamines, GI bleeding, mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis were associated with the development of MODS in 54%-88%. Patient survival following MODS decreased to 50%-74%. Initial graft function had a slight influence on the development of MODS, but no influence on the long-term patient survival. In conclusion, patient survival was significantly influenced by the development of postoperative MODS. The most prominent factors in this were recipient and intraoperative ones. No major influence was observed for donor factors, CIT, and initial graft function. Prevention of MODS will further improve the outcome after liver transplantation.

Age Factors↗

Spinal epidural abscess following blunt pelvic trauma.

A 17-year-old patient with pre-existing grade II spondylolisthesis of L5/S1 sustained a partial disruption of the left sacroiliac joint with haematoma of the iliac muscle after a fall. The haematoma probably led to occlusion of the left ureter, resulting in a urinary tract infection. After initial conservative treatment the patient developed fever and radicular pain of the left leg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left-sided epidural abscess at L5/S1, which had probably spread from the infected iliac haematoma along the injured sacroiliac joint. Prompt surgical drainage and antibiotic coverage with cefuroxime and flucloxacillin led to rapid clinical improvement. Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the pathogen. At follow-up 6 months postoperatively all symptoms had resolved, while MRI still revealed residual osseous oedema of the sacroiliac joint. The haematoma of the iliac muscle resolved without surgical intervention.

Accidental Falls↗

Hepatocyte-supported serum-free culture of rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A major problem in rat liver endothelial cell culture is the rapid loss of cells after 48 h. This study aimed to develop a protocol that allowed easy maintenance and proliferation of sinusoidal endothelial cells in serum-free culture for 5-6 days. METHODS: Cells isolated from adult rat liver by collagenase digestion were purified by centrifugal elutriation and cultured on glutaraldehyde-crosslinked collagen. RESULTS: At high plating densities cells could be maintained serum-free for 6 days in the presence of hydrocortisone and basic fibroblast growth factor; at lower plating densities medium had to be supplemented with additional growth-promoting factors. Conditioned medium of adult rat hepatocytes proved to be the most effective growth stimulus; it increased thymidine incorporation, DNA content and cell number per dish with a half-maximal effect at 20% (v/v). Cell proliferation was also observed with either vascular endothelial growth factor, phorbol ester or conditioned media from FAO or HEPG2 liver cell lines provided the cultures were additionally supplemented with 1% newborn calf serum. Vascular endothelial growth factor was detected in all conditioned media. In the absence of hepatocyte-conditioned medium, 1% serum helped to maintain cultures; it itself exerted a low proliferative effect. Higher serum concentrations (>5%), however, led to cell loss after 48 h. The numerous sieve plates of 6-h-old cells progressively disappeared during culture and were replaced by randomly distributed pores, which later grouped together at cell-cell borders. More than 90% of the cells endocytosed acetylated low-density lipoprotein. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that cultured hepatocytes secrete growth-promoting substances that stimulate in vitro endothelial cell proliferation in the absence of serum; this effect could be mimicked by the combined addition of vascular endothelial growth factor and 1% serum. The new media formulations should facilitate future research on liver endothelial cells in mono- or coculture.

Animals↗

Reintroduction of influenza A to a nursing building.

We report an outbreak of influenza A from a four-building veterans' facility in King, Wisconsin. Influenza was isolated in 154 of 721 residents over a 121-day period. Building A had 2 cases, no isolates for 40 days, followed by 27 cases. Building B had 25 cases, no isolates for 75 days, followed by 4 cases. Building C had 23 cases, no isolates for 14 days, followed by 17 cases. Influenza A may be reintroduced to a nursing building. Surveillance with contingency plans for restarting of prophylaxis must continue for the duration of influenza in the community.

Aged↗

Elevated expression of hormone-regulated rat hepatocyte functions in a new serum-free hepatocyte-stromal cell coculture model.

The specific performance of the adult hepatic parenchymal cell is maintained and controlled by factors deriving from the stromal bed; the chemical nature of these factors is unknown. This study aimed to develop a serum-free hierarchical hepatocyte-nonparenchymal (stromal) cell coculture system. Hepatic stromal cells proliferated on crosslinked collagen in serum-free medium with epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and hepatocyte-conditioned medium; cell type composition changed during the 2-wk culture period. During the first wk, the culture consisted of proliferating sinusoidal endothelial cells with well-preserved sieve plates, proliferating hepatic stellate cells, and partially activated Kupffer cells. The number of endothelial cells declined thereafter; stellate cells and Kupffer cells became the prominent cell types after 8 d. Hepatocytes were seeded onto stromal cells precultured for 4-14 d; they adhered to stellate and Kupffer cells, but spared the islands of endothelial cells. Stellate cells spread out on top of the hepatocytes; Kupffer cell extensions established multiple contacts to hepatocytes and stellate cells. Hepatocyte viability was maintained by coculture; the positive influence of stromal cell signals on hepatocyte differentiation became evident after 48 h; a strong improvement of cell responsiveness toward hormones could be observed in cocultured hepatocytes. Hierarchial hepatocyte coculture enhanced the glucagon-dependent increases in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) content three- and twofold, respectively; glucagon-activated urea production was elevated twofold. Coculturing also stimulated glycogen deposition; basal synthesis was increased by 30% and the responsiveness toward insulin and glucose was elevated by 100 and 55%, respectively. The insulin-dependent rise in the glucokinase mRNA content was increased twofold in cocultured hepatocytes. It can be concluded that long-term signals from stromal cells maintain hepatocyte differentiation. This coculture model should, therefore, provide the technical basis for the investigation of stroma-derived differentiation factors.

Animals↗

[Evaluation of retinal involvement in type 2 diabetics with microalbuminuria].

BACKGROUND: In patients with type 2 diabetes, the presence of microalbuminuria, reflecting a widespread vascular damage, can be a marker of nephropathy, retinophaty and cardiovascular diseases. AIM: To study the relationship between microalbuminuria and the frequency, severity and outcome of retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with type 2 diabetes were subjected to a clinical examination, serial monitoring of blood pressure and quarterly measurement of microalbuminuria by RIA. Annually, a fundoscopy, a color photography of the posterior pole and retinal angiofluorescence were performed. Retinopathy was classified as basal (mild to moderate), preproliferative and proliferative. Sixty-four normoalbuminuric patients (urinary albumin of less than 30 mg/24 h) were included in group 1 and 36 patients with a urinary albumin over 30 mg/24 h in group 2. Fifty seven patients with normal blood pressure were randomly treated with enalapril or placebo and those with hypertension received enalapril or acebutolol to normalize blood pressure. RESULTS: Sixty one percent of group 1 patients and 41% of group 2 patients has retinopathy (p < 0.05). The retinal lesions were proliferative in 41% of group 2 patients and in 8% of group 1 patient (p < 0.05). Retinopathy was present in 67% of hypertensive patients of group 2 and in 41% of hypertensive patients of group 1. An unfavorable evolution of retinopathy was observed in 22% of group 2 patients and in 5% of group 1 patient (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In type 2 diabetic patients, the presence of microalbuminuria is a prediction of a higher frequency, severity and dismal evolution of diabetic retinopathy (Rev Méd Chile 2000; 128: 1085-92).

Adolescent↗

Mushroom body ablation impairs short-term memory and long-term memory of courtship conditioning in Drosophila melanogaster.

We have evaluated the role of the Drosophila mushroom bodies (MBs) in courtship conditioning, in which experience with mated females causes males to reduce their courtship toward virgins (Siegel and Hall, 1979). Whereas previous studies indicated that MB ablation abolished learning in an olfactory conditioning paradigm (deBelle and Heisenberg, 1994), MB-ablated males were able to learn in the courtship paradigm. They resumed courting at naive levels within 30 min after training, however, while the courtship of control males remained depressed 1 hr after training. We also describe a novel courtship conditioning paradigm that established long-term memory, lasting 9 days. In MB-ablated males, memory dissipated completely within 1 day. Our results indicate that the MBs are not required for learning and immediate recall of courtship conditioning but are required for consolidation of short-term and long-term associative memories.

Animals↗

Mortality following isolation of various respiratory viruses in nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality following isolation of influenza A to mortality following isolation of other respiratory viruses in a nursing home. SETTING: The Wisconsin Veterans Home, a 688-bed skilled nursing facility for veterans and their spouses. PARTICIPANTS: All residents with respiratory viral isolates obtained between 1988 and 1999. DESIGN: Thirty-day mortality was determined following each culture-proven illness. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality following isolation of viral respiratory pathogens was 4.7% (15/322) for influenza A; 5.4% (7/129) for influenza B; 6.1% (3/49) for parainfluenza type 1; 0% (0/26) for parainfluenza types 2, 3, and 4; 0% (0/26) for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); and 1.6% (1/61) for rhinovirus. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality following isolation of certain other respiratory viruses may be comparable to that following influenza A (although influenza A mortality might be higher without vaccination and antiviral agents). The use of uniform secretion precautions for all viral respiratory illness deserves consideration in nursing homes.

Aged↗

Non-influenza respiratory viruses may overlap and obscure influenza activity.

OBJECTIVE: To report the number and timing of influenza A isolates, as well as overlapping respiratory viruses. Co-circulating respiratory viruses may obscure the determination of influenza activity. DESIGN: Prospective clinical surveillance for the new onset of respiratory illness followed by viral cultures during seven separate influenza seasons. SETTING: The Wisconsin Veterans Home, a skilled nursing facility for veterans and their spouses. RESULTS: Influenza A isolates were encountered in greater numbers than non-influenza A isolates during three seasons. Seasonal variability is striking. In December 1992, we identified a large outbreak of respiratory illness. Influenza type B was cultured from 102 residents. In December 1995, influenza A was cultured from 285 people in Wisconsin. At that time, we identified outbreaks of respiratory illness in two of our four buildings. Based on statewide data, we suspected an influenza outbreak; however, 26 isolates of parainfluenza virus type 1 were cultured with no influenza. The potential importance of culturing at the end of the season was demonstrated in 1991-1992 when an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) overlapped and extended beyond influenza A activity. CONCLUSIONS: When interpreting new clinical respiratory illnesses as a basis for declaring an outbreak of influenza A, clinicians should realize that co-circulating respiratory viruses can account for clinical illnesses. Clinicians might utilize healthcare dollars efficiently by performing cultures to focus the timing of influenza A chemoprophylaxis. Cultures could be performed when clinical outbreak criteria are approached to confirm an outbreak. Culturing of new respiratory illness could begin again before the anticipated discontinuation of prophylaxis (approximately 2 weeks).

Aged↗

Duration of antiviral prophylaxis during nursing home outbreaks of influenza A: a comparison of 2 protocols.

BACKGROUND: We performed a randomized trial of 2 protocols guiding the duration of antiviral chemoprophylaxis during outbreaks of influenza A in a rural, 700-bed nursing home for veterans and their spouses with 14 nursing units in 4 buildings. METHODS: Half of all residents volunteered to participate. Nursing units were randomized, and the effectiveness of short-term (minimum, 14 days and 7 days without the onset of a case in the building) vs long-term (minimum, 21 days and 7 days without the onset of a case in the 4-building facility) prophylaxis was compared using amantadine hydrochloride in the influenza seasons of 1991-1992 and 1993-1994 and rimantadine hydrochloride in the influenza season of 1994-1995. A "case" is defined as an incident of a respiratory tract illness and the isolation of an influenza virus organism. We compared the number of cases after the discontinuation of short- vs long-term chemoprophylaxis. Prospective surveillance identified residents with new respiratory tract symptoms, and specimens for viral cultures were obtained even in the absence of temperature elevation. RESULTS: We documented influenza A virus activity during 3 seasons (32, 68, and 12 patients, respectively). During the 1991-1992, 1993-1994, and 1994-1995 influenza seasons, the patients on 11 floors were assigned to receive short-term chemoprophylaxis and those on 10 floors were assigned to long-term chemoprophylaxis. Only in 1993-1994 did chemoprophylaxis extend beyond 14 or 21 days when new cases continued beyond 14 days. Amantadine-resistant strains were circulating at that time. None of the participants in the prospective, controlled study had influenza develop after the termination of short- or long-term chemoprophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Antiviral chemoprophylaxis can be administered for the longer duration of 14 days or, in the absence of new culture-confirmed illness in the nursing building, for 7 days.

Aged↗

The distribution of lead within ancient and modern human teeth: implications for long-term and historical exposure monitoring.

The preservation of lead within human tissue makes it possible to monitor long-term exposure to the element and to model changing sources of lead pollution throughout the lifetime of an individual. Dental tissues have recently been shown to be particularly useful for this purpose. Enamel, for instance, forms at known stages of life and is chemically stable in vivo whereas dentine is remodelled in a predictable fashion. The relative stability of enamel is reflected in its excellent post-mortem preservation. This raises the possibility of using historical or archaeological material to reconstruct long-term trends and establish baseline data relating to exposure among pre-industrial or even prehistoric populations. The use of archaeological material is currently problematic, however, because of the site-specific nature of diagenesis and incomplete understanding of its chemistry, particularly in respect of lead uptake into dental tissue from the burial environment. A detailed study of lead distribution within both ancient and modern human teeth is presented. Conclusions are drawn on the pattern of lead distribution resulting from tissue formation and the manner of its alteration in the burial environment. In particular, attention is drawn to a consistent enrichment of lead within the outer 30 microns of the enamel of both ancient and modern teeth which appears to be unrelated to diagenesis. The implications for current approaches to long-term monitoring and for the reconstruction of historical and archaeological exposure patterns are discussed.

Archaeology↗