Publications by authors named "Stephanie Ensworth"
Objective: To examine how female patients with RA form decisions about having children, pregnancy, and medication use.
Methods: We employed a constructivist grounded theory design and recruited female participants who are 18 years or older, have a rheumatologist-confirmed RA diagnosis, live in Canada, and are able to communicate in English or French. We collected data through semi-structured individual and focus group interviews using telephone or video conferencing technology.
Objective: Partners of patients with RA often take on supportive roles given the debilitating nature of RA. Our objective was to explore the perspectives, attitudes and experiences of partners of female patients with RA regarding reproductive experiences and decision-making.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with partners of female patients with RA.
Background: With improved therapies and management, more women with inflammatory arthritides (IA) are considering pregnancy. Our objective was to survey rheumatologists across Canada about their IA management in pregnancy to identify practice patterns and knowledge gaps.
Methods: We administered an online survey with questions regarding medications for IA treatment including conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and biologics/small molecules in planned and unplanned pregnancies.
Objective: To develop recommendations for the assessment of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Canada.
Methods: Recommendations were developed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. The Canadian SLE Working Group (panel of Canadian rheumatologists and a patient representative from Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance) was created.
Objective: Few data exist to guide the frequency and type of monitoring in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pregnancies. A systematic literature review was performed to address this gap in the literature.
Methods: A systematic review of original articles (1975-2015) was performed using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
Objective: To update estimates of cancer risk in SLE relative to the general population.
Methods: A multisite international SLE cohort was linked with regional tumor registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated as the ratio of observed to expected cancers.
Objective: To estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of seven measures of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis.
Study Design And Setting: A cross-sectional study design based on interindividual comparisons was used. Six to eight subjects participated in a single meeting and completed seven fatigue questionnaires (nine sessions were organized and 61 subjects participated).
Objective: To determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for 7 measures of fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: Study subjects completed 7 fatigue instruments [Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Vitality scale of the MOS-SF-36, Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, and a global Rating Scale (RS)] and then participated in a series of interviews with other study participants comparing their fatigue with one another. Each interview participant rated the difference in their fatigue levels on a 7-point transition scale.
Purpose: To present the anesthetic management of a parturient with relapsing polychondritis (RP) and to discuss the anesthetic implications of RP.
Clinical Features: A 28-yr-old primiparous woman with known RP, spondyloarthropathy and fibromyalgia presented for urgent Cesarean delivery for breech presentation and prodromal labour. Her pregnancy had been complicated by a hospital admission for an exacerbation of her RP as manifested by hoarseness, increased pain and tenderness of her left ear and nasal bridge cartilages, sinusitis with bloody nasal discharge and increased pain and tenderness of the anterior tracheal rings.
Objective: To compare low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), specifically dalteparin, to unfractionated heparin (UFH) for the treatment of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) in pregnancy.
Methods: In a tertiary referral centre, 28 women met the 1999 International Consensus Criteria for APS, based on their obstetrical history and APS serology. The women were randomized, using a random numbers table with blocks of 12, to receive either prophylactic dosing of dalteparin or UFH starting either preconceptionally or early in pregnancy.
Objective: To investigate the associations of gender and ethnic origin with longterm outcome in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: The study cohort consisted of 51 patients (13 males and 38 females) with childhood-onset SLE followed for > or = 5 years at the British Columbia Children's Hospital in Vancouver. Fifteen patients were Caucasian, 14 Chinese, 9 East Indian, and 13 patients were of other ethnic backgrounds: none was African-American or Hispanic.
Objective: We investigated whether brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy might reduce illness-induced interference with valued activities and interests (i.e., illness intrusiveness) among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to 3 life domains: (1) relationships and personal development (family relationships, other social relationships, self-expression), (2) intimacy (relationship with spouse, sex life), and/or (3) instrumental life (work, finances, active recreation).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To evaluate the frequency of cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factor screening in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: Medical records of patients from a lupus clinic and 5 private practices were assessed for CV disease risk factors, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, family history of CV disease, antiphospholipid antibodies, hyperhomocysteinemia, postmenopausal status, obesity, and nephrotic syndrome.
Results: A total of 183 records were included: 60 (33%) from the lupus clinic and 123 (67%) from private practices.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of Brief Supportive-Expressive Group Psychotherapy as an adjunct to standard medical care in reducing psychological distress, medical symptoms, and health care costs and improving quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 133 SLE female patients from 9 clinics across Canada. Clinical and psychosocial measures were taken at baseline, posttreatment, and 6 and 12 months posttreatment.