Treatment of Aggressive Behavior in Dementia With the Anticonvulsant Topiramate: A Retrospective Pilot Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benny Fhager ◽  
Inga-Maj Meiri ◽  
Magnus Sjögren ◽  
Åke Edman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Aggressive Behavior ◽  
Extrapyramidal Side Effects ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Careful Treatment ◽  
And Training ◽  
Low Dosage

Aggressive behavior in dementia often has a severe impact on the quality of life of the patient and the caregivers, and is therefore important to handle. The strategy of treatment should be broad. Nonpharmacological interventions, including environmental adjustments and supporting and training the caregivers, should always be considered. Pharmacological treatment of aggressive behavior in patients with dementia often includes the use of neuroleptics. The atypical compounds clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine have been shown to have an effect on aggressive behavior at low dosage with limited extrapyramidal side effects. The anticonvulsants carbamazepine and sodium valproate are further alternatives. In treatment-resistant cases, buspirone or lithium may be tried, although the effect of these substances on aggressive behavior in dementia has not been well established. In the end, however, a considerable degree of aggressive behavior sometimes remains after careful treatment trials, particularly in patients with severe aggressive behavior. In addition, treatment is sometimes limited by side effects.

scholarly journals Ozone therapy can be considered as an integrative therapy in oncology? [abstract]

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Tordiglione ◽  
Fabio Silvio Mario Araimo ◽  
Carmela Imperiale ◽  
S. Zancla
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Ozone Therapy ◽  
Integrative Therapy ◽  
Antioxidant Defence System

BACKGROUND: Our group in Policlinic Umberto I - University Hospital of Sapienza Rome - has decided to further investigate if Ozone therapy can be of support in oncology. In literature it has been reported that ozone applications in oncology or in cancer cells is associated with: high efficiency in preventing chemotherapy complications (nausea, vomiting, opportunistic infections, asthenia) as well as confining or restricting the expansion of tumours.(1-5) PURPOSE: The aim of our study in to evaluate and eventually confirm the validity of ozone treatments in order to consider such procedures as a possible and concrete support therapy for oncology patients undertaking chemotherapy. A statistical significance and clinical evaluation of our work would finally give a scientifically validation, still missing, to officially consider ozone therapy as one of the many possible integrative therapy in oncology. DESIGN: It is a pilot study designed and approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of Rome, La Sapienza (March 2017) to evaluate quality of life and reduction of side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in 20 breast cancer patients. METHODS: The selected patients will be treated with systemic ozone treatment: Ozonated autohemotherapy will be performed according to the following method: 200 ml venous blood will be exposed an equal amount of O2 /O3 (200 ml) The ozone concentration will be gradually increased as follows: 20-30-40 mcrg/mL with a specific schedule until each patient will receive 15 applications overall. The sessions will be scheduled according to a specific timetable during the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy by means of Epirubicin and Cyclophsphamide (EC) every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed by Paclitaxel for 12 consecutive weeks. Ozone therapy will not be applied on days of chemotherapy in order to avoid interaction between chemotherapeutics and ozonides. Biochemical blood analysis and stress oxidative blood test will be used as parameters for activity of antioxidant defence system. Quality of life will be evaluated with Fact G Test. It is the first study to have been evaluated and approved by an official university ethical committee and we will be glad to publish our result as soon as possible. On this behalf it would be great if any other centre could be interested in cooperating with us so to transform this pilot study into a multicentre study with larger numbers and therefore, with a greater impact on the international community. Our aim is to give cancer patients a better life quality in general and especially help them overcome all the side effects during the chemotherapy. This could open a new scenario in the alternative complementary treatments in oncology.

scholarly journals A Novel Digital Patient-Reported Outcome Platform for Head and Neck Oncology Patients–-A Pilot Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. CMENT.S40219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria K. Peltola ◽  
Joel S. Lehikoinen ◽  
Lauri T. Sippola ◽  
Kauko Saarilahti ◽  
Antti A. Mäkitie
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Patient Reported

Introduction The patient's role in toxicity reporting is increasingly acknowledged. There is also a need for developing modern communication methods between the patient and the medical personnel. Furthermore, the increasing number of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is reflected in the volume of treatment follow-up visits, which remains a challenge for the health care. Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) measures may provide a cost-efficient way to organize follow-up for cancer patients. Materials and Methods We tested a novel ePRO application called Kaiku®, which enables real-time, online collection of patient-reported outcomes, such as side effects caused by treatment and quality of life. We conducted a pilot study to assess the suitability of Kaiku® for HNC patients at the Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Patients used Kaiku® during and one month after radiotherapy to report treatment-related side effects and quality of life. Two physicians and a nurse performed the practical electronic communication part of the study. Results Five of the nine patients agreed to participate in the study: three of them had local early-stage larynx cancer (T2N0, T1aN0, and T2N0) and the remaining two patients had early-stage base of tongue cancer (T2N0 and T1N2b). The degree of side effects reported by the patients via Kaiku® ranged from mild to life threatening. The number of outcome data points on patients' progress was significantly increased, which resulted in a better follow-up and improved communication between the patient and the care team. Conclusions Kaiku® seems to be a suitable tool to monitor side effects and quality of life during and after radiotherapy among HNC patients. Kaiku® and similar tools could be useful in organizing a cost-effective follow-up process for HNC patients. We recommend conducting a larger study to further assess the impact of an ePRO solution in routine clinical practice. • ePRO solutions may aid in the follow-up for cancer patients. • They seem suitable to monitor, for example, side effects and quality of life. • These systems ensure fast patient-driven reporting.

Quality of Life and Side Effects in Patients with Actinic Keratosis Treated With Ingenol Mebutate: A Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 106 (8) ◽  
pp. 644-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Jubert-Esteve ◽  
L.J. del Pozo-Hernando ◽  
N. Izquierdo-Herce ◽  
A. Bauzá-Alonso ◽  
A. Martín-Santiago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Actinic Keratosis ◽  
Ingenol Mebutate

scholarly journals The impact of olanzapine on attitude to medication and quality of life in schizophrenia

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 378-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Stallard ◽  
Eileen Joyce
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Extrapyramidal Side Effects ◽  
Subjective Quality Of Life ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Life Scale ◽  
Olanzapine Therapy ◽  
The Impact

AIMS and MethodThis study aimed to compare the subjective quality of life and attitudes to medication between groups of patients with schizophrenia taking either olanzapine or traditional antipsychotic medication.ResultsThe two groups were matched for age, gender, length of illness and antipsychotic group demonstrated more extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS) and akathisia. Within this group, those with EPS scored lower on the affect balance scale of the Lancashire Quality of Life Scale than those without. More patients in the olanzapine group reported that medication was taken to prevent symptoms returning.Clinical ImplicationsThese results lend support to the hypothesis that the presence of EPS impairs quality of life and suggest that olanzapine therapy may improve patients' attitudes to medication.

Quality of Life and Side Effects in Patients with Actinic Keratosis Treated With Ingenol Mebutate: A Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 106 (8) ◽  
pp. 644-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Jubert-Esteve ◽  
L.J. del Pozo-Hernando ◽  
N. Izquierdo-Herce ◽  
A. Bauzá-Alonso ◽  
A. Martín-Santiago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Actinic Keratosis ◽  
Ingenol Mebutate

Lack of extrapyramidal side effects predicts quality of life in outpatients treated with clozapine or with typical antipsychotics

2005 ◽  
Vol 133 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 277-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio A. Strejilevich ◽  
Ana Palatnik ◽  
Rubén Avila ◽  
Julián Bustin ◽  
Julieta Cassone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Extrapyramidal Side Effects ◽  
Typical Antipsychotics

“Was it worth it?” A pilot study of advanced cancer patients’ retrospective perceptions of benefit from phase I trial participation

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 19670-19670
Author(s):  
J. Y. Bruce ◽  
F. J. Hlubocky ◽  
C. K. Daugherty
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Phase I Trial ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Trial Participation ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Retrospective Perceptions

19670 Background: Subjects who enroll in phase I cancer trials generally are those with advanced and terminal disease. Although all such patients (pts) undergo an informed consent process, there is evidence that these pts may not appreciate the primary aims of a phase I trial and have unrealistic expectations of therapeutic benefit. However, these perceptions of benefit have not been described in pts after trial enrollment. Methods: As a pilot study, pts previously enrolled on Phase I trials were interviewed regarding their retrospective perceptions of benefit. A total of 9 pts have been interviewed to date: median age: 72 yr (range: 59–82 yr); 55% male; 77% Caucasian. The interview included open-ended questions assessing patient experiences with the trial, including reasons for enrollment, impressions of quality of life, costs incurred, and other benefits. Pts’ qualitative responses were recorded and analyzed for content and themes. Results: Reasons for enrollment included hope, prior treatment failure, altruism, and family influence. Described perceptions of anticipated benefit included stabilization of disease and close monitoring of their disease. Unexpected costs involved time spent during clinic visits, financial costs, time taken off work by family members, time spent away from family, and additional trial procedures. Issues of quality of life revolved around side effects from the investigational agent. Many interviewed pts (44%) described improved quality of life off the trial as compared to during trial participation. The majority of interviewed pts (67%) believed that the trial had no effect on their survival. Conclusions: Our data suggest that pts’ perceptions of therapeutic benefit after trial enrollment may be different from pre-enrollment expectations. There would also appear to be potentially significant and otherwise undescribed out-of-pocket expenses incurred by subjects as a result of phase I enrollment. Further research is needed to examine how side effects, unexpected costs, and lack of improved survival contribute to these pts’ perceptions of trial benefit. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Medical Qigong for Cancer Patients: Pilot Study of Impact on Quality of Life, Side Effects of Treatment and Inflammation

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (03) ◽  
pp. 459-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byeongsang Oh ◽  
Phyllis Butow ◽  
Barbara Mullan ◽  
Stephen Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group

Quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients is often diminished due to the side effects of treatment and symptoms of the disease itself. Medical Qigong (coordination of gentle exercise and relaxation through meditation and breathing exercise based on Chinese medicine theory of energy channels) may be an effective therapy for improving QOL, symptoms and side effects, and longevity of cancer patients. In this pilot study, the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of Medical Qigong (MQ) were evaluated on outcomes in cancer patients. Thirty patients diagnosed with heterogeneous cancers, were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group that received usual medical care and an intervention group who participated in a MQ program for 8 weeks in addition to receiving usual medical care. Randomization was stratified by completion of cancer treatment ( n = 14) or under chemotherapy ( n = 16). Patients completed measures before and after the program. Quality of life and symptoms were measured by the EORTC QLQ-C 30 and progress of disease by the inflammation biomarker (CRP: c-reactive protein) via a blood test was assessed. The MQ intervention group reported clinically significant improved global QOL scores pre- and post-intervention. The MQ intervention also reduced the symptoms of side effects of cancer treatment and inflammation biomarker (CRP) compare to the control group. Due to the small sample size, however, the results were not statistically significant between treatment and the control groups. Data from the pilot study suggest that MQ with usual medical treatment can enhance the QOL of cancer patients and reduce inflammation. This study needs a further investigation with a larger sample size.

scholarly journals The safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation for the ablation of prostate cancer: a multicentre prospective human in vivo pilot study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. e006382 ◽  
Author(s):  
W van den Bos ◽  
D M de Bruin ◽  
B G Muller ◽  
I M Varkarakis ◽  
A A Karagiannis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Radical Prostatectomy ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Irreversible Electroporation ◽  
Surrounding Tissue ◽  
Safety And Efficacy

IntroductionCurrent surgical and ablative treatment options for prostate cancer have a relatively high incidence of side effects, which may diminish the quality of life. The side effects are a consequence of procedure-related damage of the blood vessels, bowel, urethra or neurovascular bundle. Ablation with irreversible electroporation (IRE) has shown to be effective in destroying tumour cells and harbours the advantage of sparing surrounding tissue and vital structures. The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy and to acquire data on patient experience of minimally invasive, transperineally image-guided IRE for the focal ablation of prostate cancer.Methods and analysisIn this multicentre pilot study, 16 patients with prostate cancer who are scheduled for a radical prostatectomy will undergo an IRE procedure, approximately 30 days prior to the radical prostatectomy. Data as adverse events, side effects, functional outcomes, pain and quality of life will be collected and patients will be controlled at 1 and 2 weeks post-IRE, 1 day preprostatectomy and postprostatectomy. Prior to the IRE procedure and the radical prostatectomy, all patients will undergo a multiparametric MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the prostate. The efficacy of ablation will be determined by whole mount histopathological examination, which will be correlated with the imaging of the ablation zone.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol is approved by the ethics committee at the coordinating centre (Academic Medical Center (AMC) Amsterdam) and by the local Institutional Review Board at the participating centres. Data will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.ConclusionsThis pilot study will determine the safety and efficacy of IRE in the prostate. It will show the radiological and histopathological effects of IRE ablations and it will provide data to construct an accurate treatment planning tool for IRE in prostate tissue.Trial registration numberClinicaltrials.gov database: NCT01790451.

Using Photovoice as a method for assessing the quality of life of individuals impacted by gynecologic malignancies: A pilot study

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Lipe ◽  
Deidre Pereira ◽  
Stacy Dodd ◽  
Tim Sannes ◽  
Michelle Bishop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Gynecologic Malignancies
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