Monthly Archives: December 2015

Prevalence of psychological problems and associated transplant-related variables at different time periods after liver transplantation.

Posted on December 26, 2015 by Annema C, Roodbol PF, Stewart RE, Porte RJ, Ranchor AV






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Prevalence of psychological problems and associated transplant-related variables at different time periods after liver transplantation.

Liver Transpl. 2015 Apr;21(4):524-38

Authors: Annema C, Roodbol PF, Stewart RE, Porte RJ, Ranchor AV

Abstract
After liver transplantation, recipients often experience psychological problems that are influenced by demographic, personal, and transplant-related variables. However, because previous studies have mostly reported on psychological problems and their influencing factors in the first years after transplantation, less is known about their prevalence and influence in the long run. The aims of this study were to examine point-prevalence rates of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) at different time periods after transplantation and to examine the transplant-related variables associated with these problems. A cross-sectional survey was performed among 373 liver transplant recipients who received transplants between 1979 and 2009 at our center. Five clinically relevant time periods were identified: 0.5 to <2 years, 2 to <5 years, 5 to <10 years, 10 to <15 years, and ≥15 years after transplantation. The response rate was 75% (n=281). Overall, 33.4% of the respondents experienced clinically relevant symptom levels of anxiety (28.7%), depression (16.5%), or PTS (10.0%). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were more prevalent in the first 2 years and in the long term after transplantation. PTS symptoms were more prevalent in the first 5 years after transplantation. However, the prevalence rates did not differ significantly between time periods. Viral hepatitis and the number of side effects of the immunosuppressive (IS) medication were found to be associated with all psychological problems. Alcoholic liver disease was associated with anxiety and depression in the short term after transplantation. In conclusion, a significant subset of transplant recipients experience psychological problems, both shortly after transplantation and in the long run. These problems are often associated with side effects from the IS medication. Therefore, the monitoring of psychological problems, the offering of psychological counseling, and the management of the medication’s side effects should be part of the routine care of transplant recipients.

PMID: 25556775 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

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The Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work in cancer patients is related with work functioning, fatigue and depressive symptoms: a validation study.

Posted on December 4, 2015 by






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The Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work in cancer patients is related with work functioning, fatigue and depressive symptoms: a validation study.

J Cancer Surviv. 2015 Nov 30;

Authors: Dorland HF, Abma FI, Roelen CA, Smink A, Feuerstein M, Amick BC, Ranchor AV, Bültmann U

Abstract
PURPOSE: The study objectives are to translate the 21-item Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work (CSC-W21) to Dutch (CSC-W DV) and to validate the CSC-W DV in working cancer patients.
METHODS: The CSC-W21 was cross-culturally translated and adapted to a Dutch version. In this 19-item version, the dichotomous response option was changed to an ordinal five-point scale. A validation study of the CSC-W DV was conducted among cancer patients who had returned to work during or following cancer treatment. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), structural validity (exploratory factor analysis) and construct validity (hypothesis testing) were evaluated.
RESULTS: In a cohort of 364 cancer patients, 341 (94 %) completed the CSC-W DV (aged 50.6 ± 8.6 years, 60 % women). Exploratory factor analysis revealed two subscales ‘working memory’ and ‘executive function’. The internal consistency of the total scale and subscales was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.93-0.95). Hypothesis testing showed that self-reported cognitive limitations at work were related to work functioning (P < 0.001), fatigue (P = 0.001) and depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), but not to self-rated health (P = 0.14).
CONCLUSIONS: The CSC-W DV showed high internal consistency and reasonable construct validity for measuring work-specific cognitive symptoms in cancer patients. The CSC-W DV was associated in expected ways with work functioning, fatigue and depressive symptoms.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: It is important to enhance knowledge about cognitive symptoms at work in cancer patients, to guide and support cancer patients as good as possible when they are back at work and to improve their work functioning over time.

PMID: 26620817 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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The Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work in cancer patients is related with work functioning, fatigue and depressive symptoms: a validation study

Posted on December 2, 2015 by






CONCLUSIONS: The CSC-W DV showed high internal consistency and reasonable construct validity for measuring work-specific cognitive symptoms in cancer patients. The CSC-W DV was associated in expected ways with work functioning, fatigue and depressive symptoms. Continue reading →

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