CLINICAL RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
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Salons 10-12.
THURSDAY, 5:30-6:15 PM
Horton J, Iverson A, Helmke K, Mitzdorf U.
Visual imagery during hypnosis for the treatment of Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus: a pilot study.
Curtin University of Technology jhorton@iprimus.com.au
The goal of this pilot study was to investigate whether
patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) could successfully
use visual imagery during hypnosis to reduce their symptoms and disease
activity. SLE is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterized
by injury to the skin, joints, kidney, nervous system and mucous membranes.
The pilot study was conducted in Bogenhausen Hospital in Munich and
involved 9 SLE patients. The patients met in 2 small groups and learnt
the hypnosis technique over a 10 week period. There was a 2 and 4 month
follow-up. A range of psychological parameters were assessed to obtain
a psychological profile of each patient. Most of these were standardized
questionnaires and were given at the first individual interview session.
Subjective assessment of disease symptoms were measured using Visual
Analogue Scales and the Measurement of Patient Outcome Scale. Specific
SLE clinical manifestations were assessed using the Systemic Lupus Activity
Measure - Revised questionnaire (SLAM-R) at sessions 1, 2 6 & 10 and
at the two follow-ups. A range of blood parameters were measured 4 times
during the 10 week period and at the two follow-up sessions to obtain
objective information about disease activity. 24 hour urine samples
were also obtained and analyzed to obtain information about kidney function,
as this organ is often effected by SLE. All patients continued their
normal medical therapy during the intervention period and this was constantly
monitored. A separate control group could not be included in the pilot
study because of the very limited number of SLE patients available.
A Friedman Test was done to compare baseline data (mean of session 1
& 2) with data at sessions 6 & 10 and the two follow-up sessions. Where
significant trends across time were found, Wilcoxen Tests were done
to determine where the differences from the baseline assessment occurred.
Results indicate that the hypnosis intervention produced significant
positive trends in the pain, body activity, household activity and fatigue
self report data. Significant positive trends were also found in two
inflammatory parameters (ESR, compliment C4) and two SLE specific disease
parameters (Titration ssDNA, Titration ANA). While the limitations of
the pilot study are acknowledged, it is still concluded that results
suggest a larger controlled study using this form of intervention with
SLE patients would be worth undertaking.
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