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Objectives: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an advanced treatment for individuals with GNAO1-related disorders (GNAO1-RD), which are characterized by severe movement abnormalities such as status dystonicus and dyskinetic crises. Decision-making surrounding DBS is complex and influenced by medical, emotional, and logistical factors. This study aimed to explore caregiver perspectives on the decision-making process, including influencing factors and family experiences.
Materials And Methods: A European Union survey was administered to caregivers of individuals with genetically confirmed GNAO1-RD who had undergone DBS. The survey collected data on demographics, clinical features, decision-making factors, and postoperative experiences. Quantitative data were descriptively analyzed whereas qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
Results: Twelve caregivers from ten countries participated, with individuals who underwent DBS at a median age of 10.69 years and follow-up durations ranging from <1 to 8.9 years. The primary indication was the management of status dystonicus and dyskinetic crises (9/12). The decision was categorized as urgent in nine of 12 cases. Factors influencing the decision included long-term quality of life, DBS effectiveness, prevention of hospitalizations, and surgeon expertise. Postoperatively, eight of 12 families reported significant reductions in status dystonicus and dyskinetic crises, with improvements observed within days to months. Challenges included inadequate preoperative information, rushed decisions due to medical urgency, and emotional tolls.
Conclusions: DBS is perceived by caregivers as a life-saving intervention for GNAO1-RD, effectively reducing dyskinetic crises and status dystonicus while improving quality of life. DBS decision-making is highly complex and emotionally taxing. Enhanced communication, evidence-based guidance, and caregiver support are critical to empowering families during this process.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neurom.2025.05.005 | DOI Listing |
Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol
August 2025
Pharmacy Department, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW, Australia.
Background: Effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs must address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients who often experience language barriers and varying cultural beliefs regarding antibiotics. They are at greater risk of receiving suboptimal or inappropriate care, yet guidance to support AMS practices for this population remains limited.
Aim: To investigate antibiotic knowledge, perspectives, and experiences of CALD patients.
Comput Methods Programs Biomed
September 2025
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA. Electronic address:
Breast Cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, accounting for 30% of all new cancer cases (with approximately 44,000 women dying), according to recent American Cancer Society reports. Therefore, accurate BC screening, diagnosis, and classification are crucial for timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. The main goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in BC detection, focusing on diagnostic BC imaging, Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven analysis, and health disparity considerations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Pediatr Nurs
September 2025
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address:
Background And Purpose: Siblings of children with chronic health conditions face unique psychosocial challenges, yet their voices remain underrepresented in research. While existing studies primarily rely only on parental proxy reports of sibling well-being or focus on experiences of older siblings or are confined to specific conditions like cancer, there is limited understanding of siblings' experiences more broadly from their voice. This study investigated the experiences of siblings of children with chronic health conditions in Australia from both sibling and parental perspectives.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCuad Bioet
September 2025
Facultad de Farmacia y Nutrición de la Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea, 1, 31008 Pamplona.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in minors with gender dysphoria (GD) seeking transition treatments, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. The developing child's brain exhibits structural and functional differences in children with GD compared to cisgender children, particularly in areas where sex differences exist. Brain development during childhood and adolescence is strongly influenced by sex hormones.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Exp Rheumatol
September 2025
Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy.
Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare multisystemic vasculitis that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Effective management of BD requires a patient-centred approach that empowers individuals to actively participate in their care. This work explores the importance of patient empowerment, adherence to treatment, and patient education in BD.
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