scholarly journals The Efficacy and Safety of Transcutaneous Acupoint Interferential Current Stimulation for Cancer Pain Patients With Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 437-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua-dong Zhu ◽  
Zhen Gong ◽  
Bing-wei Hu ◽  
Qiao-ling Wei ◽  
Jun Kong ◽  
...  

Introduction. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a principal complication secondary to analgesic therapy for cancer pain patients who suffer moderate to severe pain. In this study, we observe the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous acupoint interferential current (IFC) stimulation in those patients with OIC. Methods. A total of 198 patients were randomly allocated to the IFC group and control group in a 1:1 ratio. Finally, 98 patients in the IFC group received 14 sessions administered over 2 weeks, whereas 100 patients in the control group took lactulose orally during the same period. Observation items were documented at management stage and at follow-up stage according to Cleveland Constipation Scales (CCS), pain Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL). Results. The total curative effects of the IFC group and the control group were indistinguishable (76.5% vs 70.0%, P = .299). Regarding CCS and PAC-QoL scores, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups during the management time and at the follow-up stage of week 3 ( P > .05, respectively), but groups were distinguished at the follow-up stage of week 4 ( P < .001 and P = .031, respectively). The pain NRS decreased significantly at management stage week 2 and follow-up stage week 3 and week 4 ( P = .013, P = .041, P = .011, respectively). Conclusions. Transcutaneous acupoint IFC therapy over acupoints of Tianshu (ST25) and Zhongwan (RN12) may improve constipation and quality of life in cancer patients receiving opiates; further studies are worthwhile.

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Yves Borius ◽  
Stéphanie Ranque Garnier ◽  
Karine Baumstarck ◽  
Frédéric Castinetti ◽  
Anne Donnet ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Hypophysectomy performed by craniotomy or percutaneous techniques leads to complete pain relief in more than 70% to 80% of cases for opioid refractory cancer pain. Radiosurgery could be an interesting alternative approach to reduce complications. OBJECTIVE To assess the analgesic efficacy compared with standard of care is the primary goal. The secondary objectives are to assess ophthalmic and endocrine tolerance, drug consumption, quality of life, and mechanisms of analgesic action. METHODS The trial is multicenter, randomized, prospective, and open-label with 2 parallel groups. This concerns patients in palliative care suffering from nociceptive or mixed cancer pain, refractory to standard opioid therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to the control group receiving standards of care for pain according to recommendations, or to the experimental group receiving a pituitary GammaKnife (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) radiosurgery (160 Gy delivered in pituitary gland) associated with standards of care. Evaluation assessments will be taken at baseline, day0, day4, day7, day14, day28, day45, month3, and month6. EXPECTED OUTCOMES We could expect pain improvement in 70% to 90% of cases at day4. In addition we will assess the safety of pituitary radiosurgery in a vulnerable population. The secondary endpoints could show decay of opioid consumption, good patient satisfaction, and improvement of the quality of life. DISCUSSION The design of this study is potentially the most appropriate to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiosurgery for this new indication. New recommendations could be obtained in order to improve pain relief and quality of life.


2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-585
Author(s):  
Yehuan Liu ◽  
Beibei Lin

Abstract Context Pain is one of the most common and intolerable symptoms in cancer patients. But cancer pain control is still negative in China. Objectives This paper explores the application of quality control circle in the treatment of cancer pain in inpatients to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer pain. Method Established a quality control circle group to analyze the current status of cancer pain control in inpatients with moderate cancer pain, set goals, formulate corresponding countermeasures and implement and review them in stages. The plan-do-check-act method was cyclically applied. The Brief Pain Inventory was used to evaluate the cancer pain status of patients with cancer pain hospitalized before (January to April 2016) and after (September to December 2016) the implementation of quality control circle activities. Results The pain control effect of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group. The mean (standard deviation) of pain severity and pain interference in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (6.21 [2.86] vs 4.31 [2.25], 10.54 [4.10] vs 7.25 [3.77]). There was significant difference after the implementation of quality control circle (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion Quality control circle activities are used to manage patients with cancer pain, to improve the situation of pain control and to improve the quality of life of patients. This management tool and method is worthy of clinical promotion and application.


2021 ◽  

Thermal and massage therapies have long been used to control pain. Although spinal thermal massage (STM) has been used worldwide, its effectiveness has not been proven in a controlled clinical study. We here conducted a non-randomized controlled trial to assess the pain-relieving and immunomodulatory effects of STM in old-aged patients experiencing pain or disability. The experimental group was treated with STM five times a week for 8 weeks and rehabilitative regular care (RRC). The control group was treated with only RRC. Pain and immunological parameters were tested before treatment and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. The scores of three pain parameters were lowered by STM, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant at the two time points (p < 0.01). Quality of life determined using the 3-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire scores was significantly higher in patients in the experimental group than those in the control group. Effect sizes (ES) were in the range of medium to large in the pain-related measures (0.54–1.22). The total leukocyte counts and the proportions of lymphocytes and subsets were not significantly different between the groups, whereas the proportions of monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells were higher in the experimental group than in the control group after 8 weeks (p < 0.05). The production of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon γ in T cells was not significantly different between the groups, whereas the production of IL-2 was high in the control group. However, there was a significant increase in IFN-γ production by NK cells in the experimental group (at 4 weeks, p < 0.05). ES were medium in the immunological measures (0.53–0.68). No significant difference was observed in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, or IL-6 between the groups. In conclusion, STM treatment has a positive effect on subjective pain and quality of life. It also enhanced NK cell proportion and activity, suggesting that STM may be beneficial in the prevention of viral diseases and cancer in old-aged people.


2011 ◽  
Vol 125 (6) ◽  
pp. 620-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Cingi ◽  
M Songu ◽  
A Ural ◽  
N Erdogmus ◽  
M Yildirim ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To assess the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride mouth spray, used in conjunction with antibiotic treatment, on the intensity of clinical signs and quality of life of patients with group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.Methods:Patients (n = 147) with streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis were recruited and randomly allocated to either the treatment group (penicillin plus chlorhexidine and benzydamine; n = 72) or control group (penicillin plus placebo; n = 75). Blinded assessments were conducted before and after 10 days' treatment, using an intensity rating scale for clinical sign severity, a visual analogue scale for subjective health state, the Short Form 36 Health Questionnaire for quality of life, and a customised questionnaire for side effects.Results:The treatment group showed a statistically significant reduction in the intensity of clinical signs, compared with the control group. On treatment day 7, there was no significant difference in quality of life between the treatment and control groups. The treatment drugs were well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were observed.Conclusion:Chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride mouth spray, added to standard antibiotic treatment, significantly alleviate the intensity of clinical signs in patients with streptococcal pharyngitis. Further research is needed using larger sample sizes or alternative control groups.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata de Barros e Silva ◽  
Denise Hachul ◽  
PEDRO GABRIEL M DE BARROS E SILVA ◽  
Mauricio I Scanavacca

Introduction: Vasovagal syncope presents a benign prognosis in terms of survival but is associated with significant impairment on quality of life (QoL). Poor emotional status contributes to the recurrence of events. Hypothesis: Among patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope, weekly sessions of psychotherapy may improve QoL and reduce the number of events during one year of follow-up. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted including 10 patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope and positive tilt test. Cardiac disease and ongoing psychotherapeutic interventions were the main exclusion criteria. After randomization, half of the eligible patients underwent weekly sessions of psychotherapy during 12 months, while the control group was followed according to the standard of care, without psychotherapy. QoL by SF-36 and recurrence of syncope and pre-syncope were compared between the 2 groups and also in each group pre and post randomization. Results: All patients had a positive tilt test (80% with mixed vasovagal response), 70% were female and the mean age was 47.4 ± 11.1 years. The average rate of events before inclusion was 4.1 (± 3.4) syncopes/year and 1.26 (± 0.5) episodes of presyncope/week. The groups were well balanced at baseline and all patients completed the planned follow-up of one year. In the assessment of QoL by SF-36, comparing before and one year after randomization, there was no statistically significant difference in the control group (49.9 ± 9.8 vs 46.9 ± 3.4, P = 0.20) but there was a significant improvement in the intervention group (44.9 ± 11.9 vs 68.8 ± 7.8, P < 0.01). Comparing both groups at 12 months, patients that underwent sessions of psychotherapy had better QoL (68.8 ± 7.8 vs 46.9 ± 3.4, P < 0.01). Regarding the recurrence of syncope events, there was no significant change in the control group; however, in the intervention group there was a significant reduction in the rate of presyncope episodes per month (5.6 ± 2.1 vs 1.7 ± 0.9; P = 0.02) and also a significant reduction in the rate of syncope per year (4.6 ± 3.3 vs 1.0 ± 0.7; P = 0.04). Conclusions: In a randomized clinical trial, patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope undergoing regular psychotherapeutic intervention had less recurrence of events and improved quality of life in one year.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Karadas ◽  
M Oksul ◽  
N Ozer ◽  
L Ozdemir

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background and Aim Mindfulness meditation (MM) leads to controlled blood pressure and positive improvements in other symptoms which may trigger acute coronary diseases. The present randomized controlled study was aimed to investigate the effect of the MM on fatigue, kinesiophobia, and the quality of life (QoL) in patients with acute MI. Method The study was carried out with 56 MI patients. Participants were randomly assigned to meditation group (MG; n = 28) or control group (CG; n = 28).  The MG patients received a 15 min MM session comprising sitting and breathing for a total of eight weeks, while the CG patients received only a single-time attention-matched education. Piper Fatigue Intervention, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-Heart and MacNew Quality of Life scales were utilized for data collection. Results After completion of the 8-week MM, any significant difference was not found in the fatigue scores of the patients (p &gt; 0.05). On the other hand, kinesiophobia scores in the MG were significantly lower in the 4th, 8th and 12th weeks (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, the QoL scores were significantly higher in the MG in 8th week (p &lt; 0.05). Significant change in the emotional function sub-dimension of QoL continued in the follow-up assessment at 12th week (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion The MM can significantly improve the QoL and decrease kinesiophobia in patients with MI. Beneficial effect of MM is maintained particularly in the emotional aspect. Based on the results of the study, MM may be recommended as a mind-body based complementary approaches within the scope of secondary protection after MI. Comparison of the study groupsGroupBaseline(Mean ± SD)4th week(Mean ± SD)8th week(Mean ± SD)12th week(Mean ± SD)PFSMM2.08 ± 1.870.90 ± 0.990.47 ± 0.780.44 ± 0.76CG1.56 ± 2.011.12 ± 1.590.98 ± 1.520.76 ± 1.33tp1.004 0.32-0.6210.54-1.5840.12-1.0850.28TSK-HMM40.25 ± 5.0436.18 ± 4.4934.39 ± 4.6134.96 ± 4.71CG41.71 ± 7.2841.89 ± 6.7441.82 ± 5.8441.00 ± 5.54tp-0.8750.39-3.7340.001-5.279 0.000-4.3900.00MacNewMM5.04 ± 0.715.53 ± 0.455.76 ± 0.475.77 ± 0.47CG5.17 ± 0.855.32 ± 0.605.37 ± 0.525.53 ± 0.46t; p-0.640; 0.531.436; 0.162.933; 0.0051.964; 0.06(Mean ± SD): Mean ± Standard Deviation; PFS: Piper Fatigue Scores; TSK-H: Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-Heart; MacNew: MacNew Quality of life Scale; EFS: emotional functioning sub-dimension; PFS: physical functioning sub-dimension; SFS: social functioning sub-dimension; t= Student T Test value; p&lt; 0.05


2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110227
Author(s):  
María Granados Santiago ◽  
Marie Carmen Valenza ◽  
Esther Prados Román ◽  
Laura López López ◽  
Natalia Muñoz Vigueras ◽  
...  

Objectives: We aimed to analyze the effects of a tailored rehabilitation nursing care program on functional ability and quality of life in patients with conservative treatment for rib fractures. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Subjects: Rib fracture patients treated conservatively were randomized into two groups (experimental and control group). Interventions: Patients in control group received Treatment as Usual (TAU) and patients included in experimental group received TAU and an added tailored rehabilitation nursing care program (RNT). Main measures: At baseline, and end of hospitalization treatment, the functional ability was assessed with the Barthel Index, and the quality of life was evaluated with the EuroQol-5D. Additionally, the outcomes were assessed at six-month follow-up. Results: A total of 80 patients were included in the study, whose mean age was 77.19 SD 7.71 in the RNT group and 75.55 SD 9.46 in the TAU group. Our data showed a significant difference in the post-treatment gains in overall quality of life (74.25 SD 20.62 vs 60.28 SD 20.54), and functional ability (71.79 SD 23.85 vs 69.41 SD 24.30) between the RNT group and the TAU group ( P < 0.05). Compared to the TAU group, the RNT group also showed a significant improvement in functional ability and quality of life at six-month follow-up. Conclusions: A tailored rehabilitation nursing care program added to the conservative treatment during hospitalization can improve the functional ability and quality of life of patients after rib fractures at discharge and at six-month follow-up. Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT04168996


2013 ◽  
Vol 2;16 (2;3) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Chrysanthi Batistaki

Background: Pancreatic cancer pain is often severe and refractory to conservative therapies. Several interventional techniques have been described for the management of end-stage pancreatic cancer pain, with variable results and complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of bilateral radiofrequency thermocoagulation of splanchnic nerves for pain relief, the consumption of opioids, and the quality of life in patients suffering from severe pain due to pancreatic malignancies. Study Design: A retrospective observational design. Setting: The study includes patients with end-stage pancreatic abdominal cancer pain, which is refractory to conservative treatment. Methods: Thirty-five patients were studied. They were evaluated prior to and after the radiofrequency thermocoagulation of both splanchnic nerves under fluoroscopic guidance. The assessment included the pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale 0 – 10), quality of life (selfreported quality of life score 0 – 10), and 24-hour consumption of opioids with monthly follow-up visits until the end of life. Results: Follow-up was completed 6 months after the intervention. The pain scores, quality of life, and consumption of opioids were significantly improved during the entire follow-up period. A slight deterioration was noticed during the fifth month because of malignancy progression. No complications that could be attributed to the technique were observed. Limitations: The study was not prospective and does not have a control group with a different intervention for comparisons. Conclusion: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of both splanchnic nerves may offer a safe and effective technique for pain management and quality of life improvement in patients with end-stage pancreatic cancer towards the end of life. Key words: Splanchnic nerves, radiofrequency thermocoagulation, pancreatic cancer, pain


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
Deepak K Thakur ◽  
Suman Chapagain ◽  
Bhojraj Luitel ◽  
Pawan Raj Chalise ◽  
Uttam Kumar Sharma ◽  
...  

Introduction: Ureteral stent placement is an increasingly common procedure in urological practice. They are used for both prevention and treatment of ureteral obstruction. Despite improved design and materials, many patients still develop stent-related symptoms which commonly affect quality of life and sometimes necessitate early removal. Tamsulosin improves stent-related symptoms and quality of life. But such study has not been conducted in Nepalese context. In the present study, the effect of Tamsulosin in improving double-J stent-related symptoms and quality of life following ureteral stent placement was studied. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Urology and Kidney Transplant Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal from February 2015 to January 2016. Forty six patients were included in the study and randomized into Tamsulosin (T) group and Control (C) group each having 23 patients. In addition to standard postoperative care, Tamsulosin group received 0.4 mg Tamsulosin daily for 2 weeks and Paracetamol on demand and control group received only Paracetamol (1gram/dose). Stent related symptoms and quality of life was assessed by International prostate symptom score (IPSS) at discharge (day2) and at the time of DJ stent removal (2 weeks). Pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) and analgesic requirement was documented. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20, chisquare test and Student’s t- test was used. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age in Tamsulosin group was 37.96±12.98 years and Control group 36.43± 10.99 years (p=0.67).There was no significant difference in IPSS (p=0.141), QoL index (p=0.089) and VAS (p=0.59) in the two groups at the time of discharge. At the time of DJ stent removal, IPSS (p<0.001), QoL index(p<0.001), VAS(p=0.004) and analgesic needed(p<0.001) was significantly lower in T group than in C group. Conclusion: Tamsulosin lowers stent related symptoms, pain and improves quality of life in patients with indwelling DJ stent though the effect is not immediate.  


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Lemaire ◽  
Yoann Pointreau ◽  
Bérengère Narciso ◽  
François-Xavier Piloquet ◽  
Viorica Braniste ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Naloxegol, an oral once-daily peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) with inadequate response to laxative(s), in cancer and non-cancer patients. This study mainly aimed to assess in real-life conditions the efficacy and safety of naloxegol in cancer pain patients, and the evolution of their quality of life. Methods A non-interventional, 4-week follow-up study was conducted in 24 French oncology and pain centers between 2018 and 2019. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 18 years, treated with opioids for cancer-pain, and started naloxegol for OIC with inadequate response to laxatives. The rate of the response to naloxegol (primary criterion) was assessed at W4. The evolution of quality of life was measured using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). Results A total of 124 patients were included (mean age: 62 ± 12 years; ECOG ≤ 2: 79%; primary cancer: lung 18%, breast 16%, prostate 11%, head and neck 9%, digestive 9%...; metastatic stage: 80%). At inclusion, the median opioid dosage was 60 mg of oral-morphine or equivalent. At W4, the response rate was 73.4% (95% CI [63.7%-83.2%]) and 62.9% (95% CI [51.5%-74.2%]) of patients had a clinically relevant change in quality of life (decrease in PAC-QOL score ≥ 0.5 point). Adverse events related to naloxegol were reported in 8% of patients (7% with gastrointestinal events; one serious diarrhea). Conclusion This real-world study shows that naloxegol is effective and well tolerated in cancer pain patients with OIC and that their quality of life improves under treatment.


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