Opioids for Relief of Dyspnea Immediately Before Death in Patients With Noncancer Disease: A Case Series Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 734-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maki Murakami
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Oral Morphine ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Opioid Administration ◽  
Severe Adverse Events ◽  
Series Study

Background: Dyspnea is commonly found in most conditions among patients with progressive noncancer disease. Objective: To clarify the effectiveness and safety of opioid administration for the treatment of dyspnea immediately before death in patients with noncancer disease. Methods: A retrospective case-series study involving 13 consecutive terminally ill patients who were near death and diagnosed with noncancer disease, and had refractory dyspnea and received opioid therapy, was performed. The authors investigated the route of administration, period, dosage of opioids, intensity of dyspnea—scored according to the Japanese version of the Support Team Assessment Schedule—and clinical course from a review of medical records. Results: The mean age of the patients was 86.5 ± 7.6years (range: 72-98years). The primary causes of dyspnea that led to opioid administration were heart failure (n = 10) and respiratory failure (n = 3). Oxycodone was used in one patient who experienced a complication of chronic renal failure; morphine was used in the other 12 patients. The route of opioid administration was continuous infusions in 11 patients, suppository in one, and oral administration in one. The final dose of oral morphine equivalents was 20.1 ± 8.1 mg/d (range: 5-36 mg [median: 18 mg]). All patients improved in symptom score after opioid administration. The score was significantly decreased from 3.2 ± 0.7 at the beginning of opioid administration to 1.2 ± 0.6 at final estimation ( P < .001). No severe adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Low-dose opioid administration in patients with terminally ill noncancer improved dyspnea and occurred no severe adverse events.

scholarly journals Thromboembolic Events Secondary to Endoscopic Cyanoacrylate Injection: Can We Foresee Any Red Flags?

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujen Tseng ◽  
Lili Ma ◽  
Tiancheng Luo ◽  
Xiaoqing Zeng ◽  
Yichao Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Gastric Varices ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Severe Adverse Events

Background. Gastric varices (GV) are associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with portal hypertension. Endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection is the first-line recommended therapy for GV obliteration. This study aims to explore the reason behind related adverse events and better prevent its occurrence. Methods. A retrospective case series study was conducted from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016, to identify patients who experienced severe adverse events secondary to endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection. A literature review of similar cases was performed on two medical databases, Medline and Embase. Results. A total of 652 patients underwent cyanoacrylate injection at our center within the study duration. Five cases of severe adverse events related to the use of tissue adhesives were identified. Detailed clinical presentation, patient treatment, and outcomes were reviewed and analyzed. Twenty-seven similar cases were identified based on the literature review providing further insight into the study. Conclusion. Although rare in incidence, systemic embolism associated with cyanoacrylate injection is often fatal or debilitating. This report may raise awareness in treatment protocol, including the necessity of preoperative angiographic studies, to avoid similar adverse events in clinical practice.

Electrophysiological effects and clinical utility of propafenone in children

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Manavotam Singh ◽  
Keore McKenzie ◽  
Mark L. Hudak ◽  
Anil K. Gehi ◽  
Sunita J. Ferns
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Cardiac Side Effects ◽  
Cardiac Depression ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Medication ◽  
Electrophysiological Effects ◽  
Series Study

Abstract Aim: This retrospective case series study sought to describe the safety and clinical effectiveness of propafenone for the control of arrhythmias in children with and without CHD or cardiomyopathy. Methods: We reviewed baseline characteristics and subsequent outcomes in a group of 63 children treated with propafenone at 2 sites over a 15-year period Therapy was considered effective if no clinically apparent breakthrough episodes of arrhythmias were noted on the medication. Results: Sixty-three patients (29 males) were initiated on propafenone at a median age of 2.3 years. CHD or cardiomyopathy was noted in 21/63 (33%). There were no significant differences between demographics, clinical backgrounds, antiarrhythmic details, side effect profiles, and outcomes between children with normal hearts and children with CHD or cardiomyopathy. Cardiac depression at the initiation of propafenone was more common amongst children with CHD or cardiomyopathy compared to children with normal hearts. Systemic ventricular function was diminished in 15/63 patients (24%) prior to starting propafenone and improved in 8/15 (53%) of patients once better rhythm control was achieved. Other than one child in whom medication was stopped due to gastroesophageal reflux, no other child experienced significant systemic or cardiac side effects during treatment with propafenone. Propafenone achieved nearly equal success in controlling arrhythmias in both children with normal hearts and children with congenital heart disease or cardiomyopathy (90% versus 86%, p = 0.88). Conclusion: Propafenone is a safe and effective antiarrhythmic medication in children.

scholarly journals Safety of alemtuzumab in a nationwide cohort of Finnish multiple sclerosis patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilkka Rauma ◽  
Tiina Mustonen ◽  
Juha Matti Seppä ◽  
Maritta Ukkonen ◽  
Marianne Männikkö ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Disease Modifying Therapy ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract Background Alemtuzumab is an effective disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). However, safety concerns limit its use in clinical practice. Objectives To evaluate the safety of alemtuzumab in a nationwide cohort of Finnish MS patients. Methods In this retrospective case series study, we analyzed the data of all but two MS patients who had received alemtuzumab in Finland until 2019. Data were systematically collected from patient files. Results Altogether 121 patients were identified, most of whom had received previous DMTs (82.6%). Median follow-up time after treatment initiation was 30.3 months and exceeded 24 months in 78 patients. Infusion-associated reactions (IARs) were observed in 84.3%, 57.3%, and 57.1% of patients during alemtuzumab courses 1–3, respectively. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were observed in 32.2% of patients, serious IARs in 12.4% of patients, and SAEs other than IARs in 23.1% of patients. Autoimmune adverse events were observed in 30.6% of patients. One patient died of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and one patient died of pneumonia. A previously unreported case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was documented. Conclusions SAEs were more frequent in the present cohort than in previous studies. Even though alemtuzumab is a highly effective therapy for MS, vigorous monitoring with a long enough follow-up time is advised.

NEAR FATAL AMITRAZ: A NOT SO UNCOMMON POISONING

2021 ◽  
pp. 42-43
Author(s):  
Rohan J Desai ◽  
Prasad Ugargol
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Agricultural Product ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Cns Depression ◽  
Series Study

Background: Amitraz is a pharmaceutical, veterinary, and agricultural product which is used worldwide to control ectoparasites in animals. Its widespread use has led to increased cases of poisoning in rural parts of India. Aim: To study the clinical features, complications, laboratory abnormalities and outcome of the patients with acute amitraz intoxication. Methodology: The study is a retrospective case series study conducted in HSK hospital between the period of Feb 2019 and May 2020. Results: A total of 11 patients were analysed and results revealed CNS depression and vomiting in 8 of those patients with 1 patient with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Amitraz poisoning appears to be severe with CNS depression being the most common symptom. But most patients stabilise and recover quickly. Patients should be monitored for respiratory failure as it is a dreadful complication. Treatment is symptomatic as no antidote is available.

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