Prospective evaluation of epoetin-alfa (EA) vs epoetin-beta (EB) vs darbepoetin (DE) in anemic cancer patients (pts) receiving chemotherapy (CT): Early results of an independent observational survey by the Italian ReVERTO network

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 18548-18548
Author(s):  
C. F. Pollera ◽  
F. Nelli ◽  
T. Gamucci ◽  
I. Sperduti ◽  
A. M. Giampaolo ◽  
...  

18548 Background: Direct comparison of EA vs EB vs DE has never been performed. In order to define the efficacy, impact on quality of life (QL) and pt’s preference, a prospective observational comparison of erythropoietic agents has been carried out. Methods: Anemic pts (hgb <11 gr/dL) scheduled to receive at least 3 cycles of CT were stratified according to 5 factors (platinum-based CT vs non-platinum; hgb ≤9,5 vs >9,5; PS ≤0–1 vs >1; previous CT vs upfront CT; and previous antianemic therapy vs not) and were autonomously assigned by 15 investigators to EA (3 times a week) or EB (3 times a week and only in pts receiving platinum-based CT) or DE (once a week) therapy. Efficacy by hgb level changes and transfusion needing was evaluated after each cycle of CT, QL by Fact-An questionnaire after 1 and 3 cycles of CT, and pt’s preference for standard vs weekly schedule at least once thereafter. Results: From 09/04 to 12/05 177 pts were recruited: 41%, 39% and 20% were assigned to DE, EA and EB, respectively. Severe anemia at baseline (≤9,5) was reported in 29% of pts, whereas 47% received platinum-based CT. Stratifying categories were well balanced among the treatment groups. Baseline mean hgb values were 9.7, 9.9, and 10 for DE, EA and EB, respectively. As of the general population, DE produced higher subsequent mean hgb increase in respect to EA and EB (Mean increase [gr/dL] for DE: 0.84, 1.58, 2.03; EA: 0.34, 0.84, 1.68; EB: 0.76, 1.54, 1.17). No difference was observed neither among pts receiving platinum-based CT, (mean increase: DE: 0.34, 1.76, 2.8; EA: 0.7, 1.27, 2.14; EB: 0.76, 1.54, 1.71) nor among pts with severe anemia at baseline (DE: 0.98, 2, 2.6; EA: 1.24, 1.94, 3.13; EB: 1.25, 2.25, 2.75). Transfusion needing ranged from 7% for DE to 3% for EB without any significant difference. To date 67% of pts completed at least one subsequent QL valuation, whereas 62% gave their preference for treatment schedule. Conclusions: Early results of our prospective analysis show that antianemic therapy with D is at least as effective as standard schedule of EA or EB. Efficacy of DE seems confirmed in pts with bad prognostic categories for anemia. Major data on QL and pt’s preference will be presented. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
MS Rana ◽  
MA Hashem ◽  
S Akhter ◽  
M Habibullah ◽  
MH Islam ◽  
...  

The research was conducted to study the effect of heat stress on carcass characteristics and meat quality in indigenous sheep. Nine sheep were divided into three groups which were almost similar in age, sex and weight. Three groups were divided as zero hour (T0), four hours (T4) and eight hours (T8) heat exposure to direct sunlight. During experimental period temperature–humidity index (THI) value was calculated as 27.09 which indicated T4 and T8 groups were subjected to heat stress condition for at least four hours and eight hours respectively every day. Slaughter weight, body length and heart girth had no significant difference among the treatment groups. Dry matter, ash and ether extract had no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups but crude protein were increased with the increase of heat stress from T0 to T8 group (p<0.05). Drip loss was increased (p<0.05) in non-exposure group than treated groups but there is no significant result (p>0.05) found in pH and cooking loss. Carcass weight and eye muscle area had no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups but dressing percentage was decreased with the increase of time in heat treated groups (p<0.01). Significant difference (p<0.05) were found in weight of heart, kidney, lung + trachea and pluck between control and heat treated groups. The significant difference (p>0.05) in empty gut was found in gut with content and gut fill in heat treated groups. It can be concluded that heat stress had significant changes on carcass characteristics and meat quality of indigenous sheep.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20717 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 147-153


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richa Sharma ◽  
Robert Drummond ◽  
William Wiltshire ◽  
Robert Schroth ◽  
Milos Lekic ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate adolescent orthodontic patient experiences and quality of life with fixed appliances compared to Invisalign. Materials and Methods Adolescent patients in active treatment with Invisalign or fixed appliances for a minimum of 6 months were provided with the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 questionnaire, along with additional items of interest that were assessed separately. Pearson's χ2 test was used to compare responses (P &lt; .05), and unpaired t-tests (P &lt; .05) were used to test for differences in mean satisfaction, quality of life, and domain scores. Results In total, 74 patients (37 in each treatment group) participated. Overall, no significant differences were noted in the mean quality of life, satisfaction, or domain scores between the two groups. A significant difference was noted in the time taken to adjust to appliances, with the Invisalign group demonstrating faster adaptation. Additionally, the fixed appliance group was 3.8 times more likely to report missing school because of their appliance (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 12.5) and 2.7 times more likely to report having difficulty eating certain foods (95% CI: 1.1, 7.1). When the sample of females between the ages of 14 and 18 was analyzed, the Invisalign group reported feeling attractive more often than the fixed appliance group. Conclusions Both treatment groups were generally very satisfied with their treatment modality. The overall quality of life of adolescent orthodontic patients undergoing treatment with fixed appliances and Invisalign for a minimum of 6 months was similar.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca C Reader ◽  
Bruce A Barton ◽  
Amanda L Abelson

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the quality of sedation and recovery, and ease of venipuncture following sedation for feline blood donation using two intramuscular (IM) sedation protocols: alfaxalone/butorphanol (AB) and dexmedetomidine/butorphanol (DB). Methods This was an experimental randomized, blinded, crossover study. Ten client-owned healthy cats were recruited to participate in the study. Cats were sedated with AB (alfaxalone 2 mg/kg and butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg) for one donation and DB (dexmedetomidine 10 μg/kg and butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg) for another. Reaction to injection, quality of sedation and quality of recovery were assessed by a blinded observer. Time to lateral recumbency, number of venipuncture attempts, time required for blood collection and time to return to sternal recumbency were recorded. Cats were monitored for evidence of gastrointestinal distress. Each donation consisted of a maximum of 53 ml whole blood drawn over 3–22 mins. Donors received 100 ml subcutaneous lactated Ringer’s solution in recovery. Owners, unaware of sedation protocol, were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating their cat’s behavior following sedation. Results IM injections were well tolerated by both treatment groups. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in sedation scores for posture ( P = 0.30) or behavior ( P = 0.06). Cats sedated with DB had significantly higher muscle relaxation scores ( P = 0.03) compared with AB. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in time to lateral recumbency ( P = 0.12), number of venipuncture attempts ( P = 0.91) and time for blood draw ( P = 0.29). There was no difference in quality of recoveries between treatment groups based on simple descriptive scores ( P = 0.18) and owner evaluation 24 h following sedation. One cat vomited following administration of DB. Conclusions and relevance Alfaxalone is a suitable alternative to dexmedetomidine when combined with butorphanol and used as part of an IM sedation protocol for cats undergoing blood donation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e1499-e1506
Author(s):  
Sofya Pintova ◽  
Ryan Leibrandt ◽  
Cardinale B. Smith ◽  
Kerin B. Adelson ◽  
Jason Gonsky ◽  
...  

PURPOSE: To describe the length of encounter during visits where goals-of-care (GoC) discussions were expected to take place. METHODS: Oncologists from community, academic, municipal, and rural hospitals were randomly assigned to receive a coaching model of communication skills to facilitate GoC discussions with patients with newly diagnosed advanced solid-tumor cancer with a prognosis of < 2 years. Patients were surveyed after the first restaging visit regarding the quality of the GoC discussion on a scale of 0-10 (0 = worst; 10 = best), with ≥ 8 indicating a high-quality GoC discussion. Visits were audiotaped, and total encounter time was measured. RESULTS: The median face-to-face time oncologists spent during a GoC discussion was 15 minutes (range, 10-20 minutes). Among the different hospital types, there was no significant difference in encounter time. There was no difference in the length of the encounter whether a high-quality GoC discussion took place or not (15 v 14 minutes; P = .9). If there was imaging evidence of cancer progression, the median encounter time was 18 minutes compared with 13 minutes for no progression ( P = .03). In a multivariate model, oncologist productivity, patient age, and Medicare coverage affected duration of the encounter. CONCLUSION: Oncologists can complete high-quality GoC discussions in 15 minutes. These data refute the common misperception that discussing such matters with patients with advanced cancer requires significant time.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Olya Scannell ◽  
Valerie O’Neill ◽  
Mary Dunne ◽  
Caroline Baily ◽  
Amira Salih ◽  
...  

Background: Uveal melanoma and its treatment can influence the physical and psychological well-being of patients in a way that differs from other cancers. Factors influencing quality of life (QOL) include visual impairment, changes in appearance, day-to-day functioning, ocular discomfort, and worry regarding disease recurrence. Objective: We aimed to study both general and disease-specific QOL in uveal melanoma patients in Ireland and compare QOL between a plaque radiotherapy group and an enucleation treatment group. This information was sought to enhance our understanding of QOL issues for uveal melanoma patients, in the context of improving care and providing appropriate psychosocial support. Method: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OPT30 were completed by patients with uveal melanoma treated by enucleation or brachytherapy. Results: 138 of 206 patients completed the questionnaires. There was no significant difference in QOL scores between treatment groups. Thirty-two percent of patients reported concerns about tumour recurrence elsewhere in the body. The brachytherapy group had a significantly higher “role functioning” score (p = 0.030). Enucleation patients were more likely to have problems with appearance (p < 0.0005). Younger patients (12–54 years of age) were more likely to report headaches (p < 0.0005) and problems with reading (p = 0.042), and they had a lower cognitive functioning score (p = 0.003) than those aged ≥55 years. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in reported QOL between treatment groups. Our data identified a number of vulnerable patient subgroups. By anticipating which patients are more likely to suffer in terms of certain aspects of their QOL, we are better able to provide appropriate and timely psychosocial support.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adesola C. Odole ◽  
Oluwatobi D. Ojo

This study investigated effect of a 6-week telephysiotherapy programme on quality of life (QoL) of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty patients with knee OA were randomly and equally assigned into two treatment groups: clinic group (CG) and telephysiotherapy group (TG). The CG received physiotherapist-administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises in the clinic thrice weekly for 6 weeks while the TG received structured telephone monitoring with self-administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises for the same duration at home. Participants’ QoL was assessed using WHOQoL-Bref at baseline, second, fourth, and sixth week of intervention. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and independent Student’st-test. Within-group comparison showed significant improvements in physical health domain (P=0.00*for TG and CG) and psychological domain (P=0.02*for TG;P=0.00*for CG) of WHOQoL following six-week intervention. However, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in TG and CG’s social relationship and environment domains. Between-group comparison showed no significant differences (P>0.05) between CG and TG’s physical health, psychological, and social relationships domains of WHOQoL following 6-week intervention. However, there was significant difference in the environment domain (P<0.05). Telephysiotherapy using telephone medium improved QoL in patients with knee OA comparable to clinic based treatment.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (9) ◽  
pp. 1405-1412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Waage ◽  
Peter Gimsing ◽  
Peter Fayers ◽  
Niels Abildgaard ◽  
Lucia Ahlberg ◽  
...  

Abstract In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 363 patients with untreated multiple myeloma were randomized to receive either melphalan-prednisone and thalidomide (MPT) or melphalan-prednisone and placebo (MP). The dose of melphalan was 0.25 mg/kg and prednisone was 100 mg given daily for 4 days every 6 weeks until plateau phase. The dose of thalidomide/placebo was escalated to 400 mg daily until plateau phase and thereafter reduced to 200 mg daily until progression. A total of 357 patients were analyzed. Partial response was 34% and 33%, and very good partial response or better was 23% and 7% in the MPT and MP arms, respectively (P < .001). There was no significant difference in progression-free or overall survival, with median survival being 29 months in the MPT arm and 32 months in the MP arm. Most quality of life outcomes improved equally in both arms, apart from constipation, which was markedly increased in the MPT arm. Constipation, neuropathy, nonneuropathy neurologic toxicity, and skin reactions were significantly more frequent in the MPT arm. The number of thromboembolic events was equal in the 2 treatment arms. In conclusion, MPT had a significant antimyeloma effect, but this did not translate into improved survival. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00218855.


Blood ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
pp. 1428-1434 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Osterborg ◽  
M Bjorkholm ◽  
M Bjoreman ◽  
G Brenning ◽  
K Carlson ◽  
...  

Three hundred thirty-five previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma in clinical stages II and III entered a randomized trial comparing intermittent oral melphalan and prednisone (MP) therapy (n = 171) with MP in combination with natural (leukocyte-derived) alpha- interferon (MP/IFN) (n = 164). The treatment groups were comparable with regard to major prognostic factors. The response frequency was 42% in the MP group and 68% in the MP/IFN group (P < .0001). Eighty-five percent of IgA myelomas and 71% of Bence-Jones myelomas responded to MP/IFN compared with 48% and 27%, respectively, to MP treatment (P = .001). There was no difference in the overall survival between the two treatment groups. However, the survival of 72 patients with IgA or Bence-Jones myeloma randomized to receive MP/IFN was significantly longer (median 32 months) than that of 71 patients treated with MP (median 17 months) (p < .05). No statistically significant difference in response frequency (60% v 46%) or survival was found for patients with IgG myeloma. Hematologic toxicity, WHO grades III and IV, was higher in the MP/IFN group (48%) than in the MP group (33%) (P <.05) during the induction treatment period. Flulike syndrome was observed in 68% of patients receiving MP/IFN. The results show that MP/IFN is a well-tolerated treatment regimen, superior to MP for remission induction, and it improves significantly the overall survival for patients with IgA and Bence-Jones myelomas.


Author(s):  
Farhad Nanaei ◽  
Hadi Bahrami ◽  
Aziz Kasani

Background and Aim: Regarding the controversial results on the effects of anesthetics, especially thiopental sodium, on the duration and severity of seizure and the lack of adequate information on the use of doses of anesthetic and paralysing drugs during ECT, this study was designed to determine the effect of repetitive doses of succinylcholine and Thiopental sodium was administered on the duration and severity of seizure during ECT. Materials and Methods: The present study was a one-blind randomized clinical trial on patients admitted to the psychiatric ward of Dezful Ganjavian Hospital. The research samples were selected after informed consent and entry criteria. Then, the samples were randomly assigned to two groups. In one group, succinylcholine dose was repeated (one third of the initial dose), and in the other group, the dose of thiopental sodium was repeated (one third of the initial dose). In all patients, seizure duration based on EEG monitoring and severity of seizure was determined by the psychiatrist based on the symptoms of the patient during seizure. Results: There was a significant difference between the quality of seizure in the two treatment groups after the intervention. There was a strong and good seizure in the thiopental sodium group (p <0.0001). There was a significant difference between the variables of seizure status in comparison with the previous shock in the two treatment groups after the intervention (p <0.0001). The duration of seizure was higher in thiopental sodium treatment group, but no significant difference was observed (p = 0.82). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the duration and quality of seizure was better in patients requiring repetitive doses of hypnotic drugs (Thiopental Sodium), which was used to repeat the dose of muscle relaxant (succinylcholine).


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 4492-4498
Author(s):  
Pratibha Deshmukh ◽  
Medha Sangawar ◽  
Nikita Dhumne ◽  
Vivek Chakole

Opioids are favoured as adjuvants to local anaesthetics for spinal anaesthesia. The present study was aimed to compare the clinical efficiency of intrathecal nalbuphine with fentanyl as an adjuvant to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. 100 adult patients of either sex, ASA grade I and II, aged 18–60 years were randomized into two groups of 50 each to receive either fentanyl 25 μg (Group BF) or nalbuphine 500µg (Group BN) with 3 ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, making drug volume to 3.5 ml in each group. Sensory and motor block characteristics, duration of analgesia, VAS score, haemodynamic and side effects were recorded. The sensorimotor characteristics were comparable and found no significant difference between the two groups, (P>0.05). The time duration for adequate analgesia in group BN was 366.40 ± 37.32min, and in the group, BF was 361.39 ± 43.96min, (P= 0.567). In both, the groups, quality of analgesia during the procedure was excellent in a maximum number of patients (96% each group). Sedation score, hemodynamic and respiratory rate changes were comparable between the two groups. In group BF, 4 (8%) patients complained nausea/ vomiting, pruritus was observed in 2 (4%), intraoperative hypotension in 3 (6%) and bradycardia in 2 (4%) and post-dural puncture headache in 2 patient (4%). In group BN, only bradycardia was observed in 3 (6%) patients. Nalbuphine and fentanyl were found to be equally efficient, but nalbuphine had a lower side effect profile, readily available as it does not come under the Narcotic act. However, we suggest Nalbuphine-bupivacaine combination as a better alternative than fentanyl-bupivacaine combination.


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