scholarly journals Quality of life of elderly patients with solid tumours undergoing adjuvant cancer therapy: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e018101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karis Kin-Fong Cheng ◽  
Ethel Yee-Ting Lim ◽  
Ravindran Kanesvaran
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Adjuvant Therapy ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Solid Tumours

ObjectivesThe measurement of quality of life (QoL) in elderly cancer population is increasingly being recognised as an important element of clinical decision-making and the evaluation of treatment outcome. This systematic review aimed to summarise the evidence of QoL during and after adjuvant therapy in elderly patients with cancer.MethodsA systematic search was conducted of studies published in CINAHL plus, CENTRAL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science from the inception of these databases to December 2016. Eligible studies included RCTs and non-RCTs in which QoL was measured in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above) with stage I–III solid tumours who were undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Because of the heterogeneity and the insufficient data among the included studies, the results were synthesised narratively.ResultsWe included 4 RCTs and 14 non-RCTs on 1785 participants. In all four RCTs, the risk of bias was low or unclear for most items but high for detection. Of the 14 non-RCTs, 5 studies were judged to have a low or moderate risk of bias for all domains, and the other 9 studies had a serious risk of bias in at least one domain. The bias was observed mainly in the confounding and in the selection of participants for the study. For most elderly patients with breast cancer, the non-significant negative change in the QoL was transient. A significant increase in the QoL during the course of temozolomide in elderly patients with glioblastoma but a decreasing trend in QoL after radiotherapy was shown. This review also shows a uniform trend of stable or improved QoL during adjuvant therapy and at follow-up evaluations across the studies with prostate, colon or cervical cancer population.ConclusionsThis review suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy may not have detrimental effects on QoL in most elderly patients with solid tumours.

scholarly journals Routine administration of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and needs assessment instruments to improve psychological outcome – a systematic review

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1345-1356 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. GILBODY ◽  
A. O. HOUSE ◽  
T. SHELDON
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Routine Administration ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background. Routine administration of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and needs assessment instruments has been advocated as part of clinical care to aid the recognition of psychosocial problems, to inform clinical decision making, to monitor therapeutic response and to facilitate patient–doctor communication. However, their adoption is not without cost and the benefit of their use is unclear.Method. A systematic review was conducted. We sought experimental studies that examined the addition of routinely administered measures of HRQoL to care in both psychiatric and non-psychiatric settings. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycLIT and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (to 2000). Data were extracted independently and a narrative synthesis of results was presented.Results. Nine randomized and quasi-randomized studies conducted in non-psychiatric settings were found. All the instruments used included an assessment of mental well-being, with specific questions relating to depression and anxiety. The routine feedback of these instruments had little impact on the recognition of mental disorders or on longer term psychosocial functioning. While clinicians welcomed the information these instruments imparted, their results were rarely incorporated into routine clinical decision making. No studies were found that examined the value of routine assessment and feedback of HRQoL or patient needs in specialist psychiatric care settings.Conclusions. Routine HRQoL measurement is a costly exercise and there is no robust evidence to suggest that it is of benefit in improving psychosocial outcomes of patients managed in non-psychiatric settings. Major policy initiatives to increase the routine collection and use of outcome measures in psychiatric settings are unevaluated.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of low and very low carbohydrate diets for type 2 diabetes remission: systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished randomized trial data

BMJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. m4743
Author(s):  
Joshua Z Goldenberg ◽  
Andrew Day ◽  
Grant D Brinkworth ◽  
Junko Sato ◽  
Satoru Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Low Carbohydrate ◽  
Remission Of Diabetes

Abstract Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of low carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and very low carbohydrate diets (VLCDs) for people with type 2 diabetes. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Searches of CENTRAL, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CAB, and grey literature sources from inception to 25 August 2020. Study selection Randomized clinical trials evaluating LCDs (<130 g/day or <26% of a 2000 kcal/day diet) and VLCDs (<10% calories from carbohydrates) for at least 12 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes were eligible. Data extraction Primary outcomes were remission of diabetes (HbA 1c <6.5% or fasting glucose <7.0 mmol/L, with or without the use of diabetes medication), weight loss, HbA 1c , fasting glucose, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included health related quality of life and biochemical laboratory data. All articles and outcomes were independently screened, extracted, and assessed for risk of bias and GRADE certainty of evidence at six and 12 month follow-up. Risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random effects meta-analysis. Outcomes were assessed according to a priori determined minimal important differences to determine clinical importance, and heterogeneity was investigated on the basis of risk of bias and seven a priori subgroups. Any subgroup effects with a statistically significant test of interaction were subjected to a five point credibility checklist. Results Searches identified 14 759 citations yielding 23 trials (1357 participants), and 40.6% of outcomes were judged to be at low risk of bias. At six months, compared with control diets, LCDs achieved higher rates of diabetes remission (defined as HbA 1c <6.5%) (76/133 (57%) v 41/131 (31%); risk difference 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.47; 8 studies, n=264, I 2 =58%). Conversely, smaller, non-significant effect sizes occurred when a remission definition of HbA 1c <6.5% without medication was used. Subgroup assessments determined as meeting credibility criteria indicated that remission with LCDs markedly decreased in studies that included patients using insulin. At 12 months, data on remission were sparse, ranging from a small effect to a trivial increased risk of diabetes. Large clinically important improvements were seen in weight loss, triglycerides, and insulin sensitivity at six months, which diminished at 12 months. On the basis of subgroup assessments deemed credible, VLCDs were less effective than less restrictive LCDs for weight loss at six months. However, this effect was explained by diet adherence. That is, among highly adherent patients on VLCDs, a clinically important reduction in weight was seen compared with studies with less adherent patients on VLCDs. Participants experienced no significant difference in quality of life at six months but did experience clinically important, but not statistically significant, worsening of quality of life and low density lipoprotein cholesterol at 12 months. Otherwise, no significant or clinically important between group differences were found in terms of adverse events or blood lipids at six and 12 months. Conclusions On the basis of moderate to low certainty evidence, patients adhering to an LCD for six months may experience remission of diabetes without adverse consequences. Limitations include continued debate around what constitutes remission of diabetes, as well as the efficacy, safety, and dietary satisfaction of longer term LCDs. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020161795.

scholarly journals Exercise efficacy and prescription during treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a systematic review

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic O’Connor ◽  
Malcolm Brown ◽  
Martin Eatock ◽  
Richard C. Turkington ◽  
Gillian Prue
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Adjuvant Therapy ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Surgical resection remains the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer and is associated with significant post-operative morbidity and mortality. Patients eligible for surgery, increasingly receive neo-adjuvant therapy before surgery or adjuvant therapy afterward, inherently exposing them to toxicity. As such, optimizing physical function through exercise during treatment remains imperative to optimize quality of life either before surgery or during rehabilitation. However, current exercise efficacy and prescription in pancreatic cancer is unknown. Therefore, this study aims to summarise the published literature on exercise studies conducted in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing treatment with a focus on determining the current prescription and progression patterns being used in this population. Methods A systematic review of four databases identified studies evaluating the effects of exercise on aerobic fitness, muscle strength, physical function, body composition, fatigue and quality of life in participants with pancreatic cancer undergoing treatment, published up to 24 July 2020. Two reviewers independently reviewed and appraised the methodological quality of each study. Results Twelve studies with a total of 300 participants were included. Heterogeneity of the literature prevented meta-analysis. Exercise was associated with improvements in outcomes; however, study quality was variable with the majority of studies receiving a weak rating. Conclusions High quality evidence regarding the efficacy and prescription of exercise in pancreatic cancer is lacking. Well-designed trials, which have received feedback and input from key stakeholders prior to implementation, are required to examine the impact of exercise in pancreatic cancer on key cancer related health outcomes.

scholarly journals Diagnostic utility of the Active Compression Test for the superior labrum anterior posterior tear: A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 321-331
Author(s):  
Cody Davis ◽  
Jenna Immormino ◽  
Brendan M Higgins ◽  
Kyle Clark ◽  
Samuel Engebose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Compression Test ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Pretest Probability ◽  
Positive Finding ◽  
Negative Finding ◽  
Superior Labrum

Background The Active Compression Test has been proposed to have high diagnostic accuracy for superior labrum anterior to posterior tears. The aim of this systematic review was to compile the available evidence for this test and evaluate its diagnostic accuracy. Methods The databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and SCOPUS were searched for case control, diagnostic studies that evaluated the Active Compression Test between 1999 (date of test introduction) and February 2018. Two independent review authors screened the search results, assessed the risk of bias using QUADAS-2, and extracted the data. Results Eighteen studies (pooled sample = 3091) were included in this review. Twelve out of 18 studies either had high or unclear risk of bias (66.6%). Results from the pooled analysis of all 18 studies provided that the Active Compression Test is more sensitive (71.5: 95% CI = 68.8, 74.0) than specific (51.9: 95% CI = 50.7, 53.1) and only marginally influenced posttest probability from a pretest probability of 31.7–40.72% with a positive finding and a pretest probability of 31.7–20.33% with a negative finding. Discussion The Active Compression Test has both limited screening and confirmation ability; therefore, we do not advocate for its use in clinical decision making.

scholarly journals Effects of Pharmacologic Therapy on Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A systematic Review of Randomized and Nonrandomized Trials

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. CMC.S10628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl J. Pepine
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Randomized Trials ◽  
Rhythm Control ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

This systematic review assessed the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) and pharmacotherapy on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly patients. Highly prevalent in the elderly, AF is associated with morbidity and symptoms affecting HRQOL. A PubMed and EMBASE search (1999-2010) was conducted using the terms atrial fibrillation, elderly, quality of life, Medicare, and Medicaid. In all, 504 articles were identified and 15 were selected (studies examining pharmacotherapy [rate or rhythm control] and HRQOL in AF patients with a mean age > 65 years). Information, including study design, cohort size, and HRQOL instruments utilized, was extracted. Five observational studies, 5 randomized trials comparing rate and rhythm control, 3 randomized trials investigating pharmacologic agents, and 2 trials examining HRQOL, depression, and anxiety were identified. Elderly AF patients had reduced HRQOL versus patients in normal sinus rhythm, particularly in domains related to physical functioning. HRQOL may be particularly affected in older AF patients. Although data do not indicate whether a pharmacologic intervention or single treatment strategy—namely rate versus rhythm control—is better at improving HRQOL, either of these strategies and many pharmacologic interventions may improve HRQOL in elderly AF patients. Based on reviewed data, an algorithm is suggested to optimize HRQOL among elderly patients.

scholarly journals Periodontal Health and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbations: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niamh Kelly ◽  
Lewis Winning ◽  
Christopher Irwin ◽  
Fionnuala Lundy ◽  
Dermot Linden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Periodontal Health ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Copd Exacerbations ◽  
Copd Patients

Abstract BackgroundA growing body of evidence suggests a role for oral bacteria in lung infections. This systematic review aimed to analyse the association between poor periodontal health and the frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and Medline were searched for studies published until May 2020, with no language restriction. Studies reporting periodontal condition, or periodontal treatment outcomes, with data on the frequency of exacerbations of COPD, were identified. The primary outcome was the frequency of exacerbations and secondary outcomes included quality of life and hospitalisation. Studies were assessed for eligibility and quality by two assessors independently.Results Searches identified 532 records and 8 met the inclusion criteria. The data from intervention studies showed reduction in the frequency of exacerbations following periodontal treatment. Data from observational studies suggest association of worse plaque scores with exacerbation but not pocket depth or clinical attachment loss. Better periodontal health was also associated with reduced frequency of COPD exacerbations, hospitalisations and improved quality of life in COPD patients. Due to the high heterogeneity no meta-analysis was performed. The quality of some of the included studies was low and there was evidence of high risk of bias.ConclusionThe data supports possible association between poor periodontal health, the frequency of exacerbations and quality of life in COPD patients. The evidence is limited by high risk of bias suggesting need for well-designed and adequately powered randomised control trials.The PROSPERO registration number CRD42020180328

scholarly journals Reporting of Quality of Life in Clinical Trials of Biologics for Plaque Psoriasis: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giselle Prado ◽  
Anna J Nichols ◽  
Mercedes Florez-White ◽  
Francisco Kerdel
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Plaque Psoriasis ◽  
Dermatology Life Quality Index ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
The Mean

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic remitting and relapsing skin disease. For many patients, improved quality of life (QoL) is as important as clinical improvement of lesions.Objective: To review reporting of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of biologics for adult patients with plaque psoriasis.Methods: A systematic review was conducted in 4 databases for RCTs that measured DLQI at baseline and endpoint. A data collection form was created for collecting study variables. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Results: Thirty-four RCTs enrolling 16,784 patients were included. Complete baseline and final mean DLQI data was retrieved for 24 studies (70.6%). The mean DLQI at baseline was reported in 79.4% of RCTs. The median at baseline was reported in 14.7% of RCTs. The mean DLQI at endpoint was reported in 23.5% of RCTs and the median DLQI at endpoint was reported in 5.9% of RCTs. The mean change in DLQI was reported in 64.7% of RCTs.Conclusions: DLQI was measured in most clinical trials assessing the efficacy of biologics for psoriasis. Studies did not adhere to uniform standards in publishing results, making analysis of the impact on DLQI challenging.Key Words: plaque psoriasis, quality of life, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Systematic Review, biologic therapy

scholarly journals Opioid Analgesia: Perspectives on Right Use and Utility

2007 ◽  
Vol 3;10 (5;3) ◽  
pp. 479-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane C. Ballantyne
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Analgesic Efficacy ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Opioid Analgesia ◽  
Opioid Treatment

The ability of opioids to effectively and safely control acute and cancer pain has been one of several arguments used to support extending opioid treatment to patients with chronic pain, against a backdrop of considerable caution that has been based upon fears of addiction. Of course, opioids may cause addiction, but the “principle of balance” may justify that “…efforts to address abuse should not interfere with legitimate medical practice and patient care.” Yet, situations are increasingly encountered in which opioid-maintained patients are refractory to analgesia during periods of pain, or even during the course of chronic treatment. The real question is whether analgesic efficacy of opioids can be maintained over time. Overall, the evidence supporting long-term analgesic efficacy is weak. The putative mechanisms for failed opioid analgesia may be related to tolerance or opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Advances in basic sciences may help in understanding these phenomena, but the question of whether long-term opioid treatment can improve patients’ function or quality of life remains a broader issue. Opioid side effects are well known, but with chronic use, most (except constipation) subside. Still, side effects can negatively affect the outcomes and continuity of therapy. This paper addresses 1) what evidence supports the long-term utility of opioids for chronic pain; 2) how side effects may alter quality of life; 3) the nature of addiction and why it is different in pain patients, and 4) on what grounds could pain medication be denied? These questions are discussed in light of patients’ rights, and warrant balancing particular responsibilities with risks. These are framed within the Hippocratic tradition of “producing good for the patient and protecting from harm,” so as to enable 1) more informed clinical decision making, and 2) progress towards right use and utility of opioid treatment for chronic pain. Key Words: Opioids, chronic pain, addiction, side effects, utility, ethics

Quality of life of children treated for unilateral hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2020-320389
Author(s):  
Sarah Nicolas ◽  
Yohan Gallois ◽  
Marie-Noëlle Calmels ◽  
Olivier Deguine ◽  
Bernard Fraysse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Unilateral Hearing Loss ◽  
Design Selection

ObjectiveTo evaluate the treatments’ consequences for unilateral hearing loss in children.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42018109417). The MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ISRCTN and ClinicalTrials databases were searched between September 2018 and May 2019. Articles were screened and data were collected independently by two authors following the Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane tool, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, the National Institute of Health, USA tool and considering the risk of confounding. In the studies with the lowest risk of bias, a meta-analysis was conducted.InterventionsValidated hearing rehabilitation devices.Patients6–15 years old children with moderate to profound unilateral hearing loss.Main outcome measuresThe primary study outcome was children’s quality of life. Academic performances were studied as an additional outcome.Results731 unique articles were identified from the primary search. Of these, 18 articles met the Population, Intervention, Control, Outcomes and Study design selection criteria. In the eight studies with the lowest risk of bias, two meta-analysis were conducted. There was not enough data on academic results to conduct a meta-analysis. In 73 children included in a fixed effect meta-analysis (two studies), no effect of treatment could be shown (g=−0.20, p=0.39). In 61 children included in a random-effect meta-analysis (six studies), a strong positive effect of hearing treatment on quality of life was demonstrated (g=1.32, p<0.05).ConclusionsThe treatment of unilateral hearing loss seems to improve children’s quality of life. Further research is needed to identify the most effective treatment and its corresponding indications.

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