Athina Papadopoulou1, Despoina-Zoe T Mermiri2, Georgios Gritzelas3, Ourania Tsouridi4, Eleni Dimara2, Christos Yapijakis5, George P Chrousos6. 1. Allergology and Pulmunology Unit, Penteli's Children Hospital, Athens, Greece; athinapap@yahoo.com. 2. Allergology and Pulmunology Unit, Penteli's Children Hospital, Athens, Greece. 3. Child Psychiatry Section, Penteli's Children Hospital, Athens, Greece. 4. Psychology Section, KAT General Hospital, Athens, Greece. 5. Unit of Orofacial Genetics, 1 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece. 6. University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Tic habit cough (THC) is not easily recognized and requires a high index of suspicion. Since there is evidence for stress-related etiology, the study presents our experience during the eight-year period of the recent Greek financial crisis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive prospective cross-sectional clinical study using a consistent approach to diagnosis, possible triggers and treatment options. RESULTS: Fifty-one children (26 girls, age 9.5±3.1y) from a total of 3,793 new referrals for chronic cough fulfilled the criteria of THC (1.34%). Incidence rates per 1,000 person-years were 1.34 (95%CI=0.34-5.40), 3.91 (95%CI=1.86-8.19), 4.03 (95%CI=2.01-8.06) and 14.60 (95%CI=10.43-20.44) for every two years. Poisson analysis showed an increased trend during the four time periods with an incidence rate ratio equal to 2.21 (95%CI=1.58-3.09, p<0.001). THC was mainly attributed to learning difficulties, as well as stress-related impact of peer or family bullying, family financial problems and child anxiety disorders. CONCLUSION: The incidence of THC is associated with the negative aspects of stressors during a period of financial crisis. The potential underlining psycho-physiological mechanisms are discussed as well as the fact that prompt diagnosis may result in successful interventions. Copyright
BACKGROUND/AIM: Tic habit cough (THC) is not easily recognized and requires a high index of suspicion. Since there is evidence for stress-related etiology, the study presents our experience during the eight-year period of the recent Greek financial crisis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive prospective cross-sectional clinical study using a consistent approach to diagnosis, possible triggers and treatment options. RESULTS: Fifty-one children (26 girls, age 9.5±3.1y) from a total of 3,793 new referrals for chronic cough fulfilled the criteria of THC (1.34%). Incidence rates per 1,000 person-years were 1.34 (95%CI=0.34-5.40), 3.91 (95%CI=1.86-8.19), 4.03 (95%CI=2.01-8.06) and 14.60 (95%CI=10.43-20.44) for every two years. Poisson analysis showed an increased trend during the four time periods with an incidence rate ratio equal to 2.21 (95%CI=1.58-3.09, p<0.001). THC was mainly attributed to learning difficulties, as well as stress-related impact of peer or family bullying, family financial problems and child anxiety disorders. CONCLUSION: The incidence of THC is associated with the negative aspects of stressors during a period of financial crisis. The potential underlining psycho-physiological mechanisms are discussed as well as the fact that prompt diagnosis may result in successful interventions. Copyright
Authors: Debora Lee Oh; Petra Jerman; Sukhdip K Purewal Boparai; Kadiatou Koita; Susan Briner; Monica Bucci; Nadine Burke Harris Journal: J Pediatr Health Care Date: 2018-06-29 Impact factor: 1.812
Authors: Stefanos Stylianos Plexousakis; Elias Kourkoutas; Theodoros Giovazolias; Kalliopi Chatira; Dimitrios Nikolopoulos Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2019-04-09