An important problem with obese patients suffering from binge eating disorders (BED) is to treat their dysfunctional eating patterns while initiating a weight loss. We propose to assess a cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with a nutritional and a physical activity program. Our purpose is to verify that the addition of a nutritional and a physical program leads to a significant weight loss and enables psychological improvement. The patients (n=61) participated in a 12 weekly sessions group treatment of either a purely cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a cognitive-behavioral therapy associated to a nutritional approach mainly focused on fat restriction, or to a cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with a nutritional and a physical activity approach. The mean weight loss is significant (p<0.01) after the association of the cognitive-behavioral therapy and the nutritional education, but is even more significant (p<0.001) after the combination of a cognitive-behavioral therapy with a nutritional education and a physical activity program. Depression scores decrease in the three approaches, anxiety (p<0.05) results improve only in the combined nutritional, physical activity and cognitive-behavioral approach. Eating disorders improved significantly in all three approaches even if improvements in subscales seem more important in the combined approach. Finally, exercise seems to be a positive addition to the nutritional cognitive-behavioral therapy since it decreases negative mood, improves eating disorders and leads to an effective body weight loss.

SummaryArt therapy uses creativity in the therapeutic process itself. It is integrated within a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to patient education, alongside cognitivebehavioural psychotherapies, medical treatment, dietetics and physical activity. The working hypothesis is that by awakening the body and mobilising all the senses, obese patients can grow more aware of their own resources and express their experiences in different ways. This can encourage more positive self-esteem. A total of 14 obese patients suffering from eating disorders took part in an art therapy programme that took place over a six-week period and consisted of six weekly sessions, each lasting two hours. Each session was broken down into three phases: phase one helps the patient to become aware of his/her body; phase two brings this awareness to creative artwork; phase three is a discussion about the pictorial art creation. The results of Coopersmith's self-esteem inventory test showed moderate and clinically significant improvements in those who underwent the programme. During semi-structured interviews carried out two months after the workshops, patients expressed their experiences and through their words, we were able to determine what they had gained from participation. Participating in an art therapy workshop gives patients access to their own inner resources, promotes self-awareness and improves self-esteem.Eur Diabetes Nursing 2007; 4(2): 72-76.

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ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical stability of hydromorphone hydrochloride and bupivacaine hydrochloride in concentrations of 15 mg.ml-1 and 10 mg.mL-1 in 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Test samples of hydromorphone/bupivacaine mixtures were stored at 37°C, body temperature encounterd during continuous intrathecal infusion, for 90 days. The solutions were packaged in 20 ml plastic syringes. Evaluations for physical and chemical stability were performed initially and throughout the storage periods. Physical stability was assessed by visual observation. The chemical stability of the drug was evaluated by means of a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analytical technique. In addition, pH and osmolarity were measured electronically.MethodsThis study determines the stability and compatibility of hydromorphone (15 mg.ml-1) and bupivacaine (10 mg.ml-1) mixture after 3 months at 37°C using a validated method by HPLC-UV. A simple, precise, specific and accurate reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated. The different analytical performance parameters such as linearity, accuracy, specificity, precision and sensitivity (limit of detection and limit of quantitation) were determined according to International Conference on Harmonisation ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. RP-HPLC was conducted on a nucleoshell RP18plus (C18 150×4.6 mm with 2.7 µm particle size) column. The mobile phase consisted of buffer A (phosphate buffer (0.05M) pH 4.5) and acetonitrile B. The gradient used for the elution is the following one: time (min)/% of B: 0 min/20%; 1.9 min/50%; 2.5 min /40%; 4.5 min/40%; 5.5 min/20%; and 8 min /20%, and the flow rate was maintained at 1.0ml.min−1 and performed at 35°C. The molecules were monitored using Dionex ultimate 3000, equipped with photo diode array detector (λ=210 nm). Linearity was observed in concentration range of 9−21 mg.l-1 for hydromorphone and 6-14 mg.l-1 for bupivacaine. All the system suitability parameters were found within the range.ResultsThe degradation study shows a photolytic degradation compound for hydromorphone and an oxidative degradation compound found for bupivacaine. The stability study shows no visible haze or particulate formation or gas evolution. pH and osmolarity were stable during the 3 months. Colour changed after 2 months, although this colouring is due to hydromorphone, proportional to hydromorphone concentrations and increases with time but it is a well known modification. The quantitative study by HPLC method revealed no significant change in hydromorphone and bupivacaine concentration. There is less than 5% of variability during the 3-month period.ConclusionsHydromorphone (15 mg.ml-1) and bupivacaine (10 mg.ml-1) were physically and chemically compatible and analysed with HPLC, which revealed no significant change in hydromorphone and bupivacaine concentration in this simulated compatibility study.

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