Study Finds Arthritis Patients Suffer From Poor Sleep

A recent study performed by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing found that those affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis often experience very poor sleep quality which can translate to increased symptoms and poor life quality.

The study used a sleep questionnaire to identify problems in the subject’s sleep and of 162 people tested, it found that 61 percent experience “poor sleep” according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Thirty-three percent reported experiencing disturbing pain in their sleep at least three times a week.

Dr. Faith Luyster a research assistant professor for Pitt’s School of Nursing says a lot can be achieved if these subjects could sleep more peacefully.

“By improving their sleep it’s going to impact a lot of daytime symptoms and impairments that they have,” Dr. Luyster says. “In our study we found that poor sleep was associated with limitations and being able to do daily activities and social activities.”

The study identified two possible solutions to solving the poor sleep quality of the subjects tested. According to Dr. Luyster, behavior changes can lead to better sleep.

“Having a consistent bedtime and wake-time is important, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and vigorous exercise before they fall asleep, and creating as comfortable a sleeping environment that they can.”

Dr. Luyster also identified the importance of using the bed only for sleep and sex and avoiding watching TV or doing work in bed. Another solution offered by the study is the use of prescription medications to improve sleep.

Smart Phone App May Save Lives

A new smart phone application that connects first responders to doctors at the West Penn Allegheny Health System and also links to life flight helicopters and Google Maps is the first of its kind in the U.S.

Jeffrey Polana, Director of Pre-Hospital Operations at Alle-Kiski Medical Center, worked on the app with a German friend. There is a triage system to help emergency personnel determine what the patient is experiencing and, for example, get an EKG to a doctor in 15 seconds. The closest hospital to treat the specific problem is identified and driving directions given.

There is a pre-alert function that sends coordinates from an accident scene to a helicopter dispatch center, according to Polana, that can save up to ten minutes in getting a patient to the hospital. Saving time can save lives, says Polana.

Anyone can download the app free through the Apple Store and use some of the functions, but approval is needed to contact West Penn Allegheny Health System doctors or a dispatch center. There have already been 500 downloads and 140 approvals in the Pittsburgh area, says Polana.

PHC4 Extended Through 2014

The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council got a five-year extension through 2014 last week. In signing the legislation, Governor Ed Rendell credited the council's reports with lowering the state's mortality rate, thereby saving 49,000 lives and $1.7 billion over the last twelve years.

A PHC4 report on hospital-acquired infections led to an infection prevention law that has lowered the infection rate in Pennsylvania by 8%, and Pennsylvania is the first of only four states issuing report cards on physicians performing cardiac surgery.

Communications Director Joe Martin says PHC4 will continue the groundbreaking reporting that's made it the national standard and look for new ways to help consumers and providers achieve the best quality at the best possible cost.

Memorial Medical Center Cuts 47 Employees

Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown laid off 47 employees yesterday, blaming the weak economy for the job cuts. The 47 employees make up about 1 percent of the hospital’s 3,700 person staff. The layoffs consist primarily of support positions and do not include hospital nursing staff.
The affected employees have been offered generous severance packages and will be provided with career counseling and job placement assistance with some of the employees being offered internal job opportunities.
Memorial Medical President Steve Tucker says through a press release, “Careful planning went into this process and our goal was to maintain as many jobs as possible while meeting our fiscal responsibilities in this unprecedented economic environment.”
On a statewide scale, many hospitals are feeling similar effects from the economic downturn. 50 percent of Pennsylvania hospitals have reported a moderate to significant decrease in admissions, particularly elective procedures.
Similarly, hospitals across the state have also reported a moderate to significant increase in patients without insurance. Conemaugh Health System provides over $34 million in uncompensated care each year, in addition to over $2 million in charity care.
This could lead to other cost-cutting measures for Memorial Medical Center including adjustments to employee benefit packages and a possible salary-based tiered health care program sources say.
“These are really challenging times,” adds Tucker, “and this current national economic challenge does not change our commitment to continue to grow and excel!”
Historically, hospitals have depended on profit from investments to offset a decline in income. However, 83 percent of PA hospitals have seen an investment decline.

Pitt Researchers Discover Key Diabetes Finding

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are known to stem from decreased production of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. The good news is that some University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered a way to stimulate regeneration of these cells. Lead researchers Dr. Andrew Stewart, Dr. Nathalie Fiaschi-Taesch, and Dr. Todd Bigatel utilized cadaveric beta cells to understand what causes the cells to replicate. Dr. Stewart says they pinpointed 40 molecules that may impact beta cell replication and they discovered two beta cell molecules--cdk-6 and cyclin D1--can be altered using gene therapy to replicate 40 times faster than normal. Fiaschi-Taesch says the next step included injecting diabetic mice with the altered beta cells. She says the cells completely corrected the diabetes in the animals. However, Taesch cautions that this is not yet a cure for diabetes, but that more research must be done to determine if the procedure is safe for humans.

The research was made possible by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the National Institute of Health, American Diabetes Association, Pam and Scott Kroh, and Don and Arlene Wagner.