Effectiveness of massage therapy (MT) as a treatment strategy and preventive modality for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 193-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvaro G. Menendez ◽  
Regina Cobb ◽  
Alejandro Ramon Carvajal ◽  
Kathi Healey ◽  
Diane D'Ambra ◽  
...  

193 Background: CIPN has a known negative impact on quality of life (QoL) and can be a dose-limiting side effect of cytotoxic drugs with no generally agreed upon therapeutic intervention. In this study MT was assessed as a primary and secondary preventive modality of CIPN symptoms under the hypothesis that it can be used as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic option. Methods: A single arm 10-week prospective study (n = 62) with pre/post intervention assessment using a validated survey instrument adapted from “Peripheral neuropathy associated with novel therapies […]”. (Clin J Onc Nur. 2008; (12)3:9-12) Results: 97% (60/62) had at least 2 CIPN-related symptoms. (Table 1) After a single MT session, at least 50% of pts (range 52-100%) reported improvement in all CIPN-related symptom categories. These observations were maintained until 2nd MT session except for vestibulocochlear related symptoms. Initially, 25/60 were on analgesics. Of these, 14 (56%) had no progression of symptoms after 1st MT session. 13/25 presented for 2nd session. 5/13 (38%) reported no progression, 4/13 (31%) reported complete resolution of symptoms and 4/13 (31%) had progression. Conclusions: With the exception of vestibulocochlear symptoms associated with CIPN, study participants reported 50% or greater improvement, which was maintained after 1st MT session. The data suggests that pts on analgesics may also benefit from MT as at least 66% (17/25) reported lack of progression or resolution of symptoms after MT intervention. Consideration for an MT-inclusive treatment strategy is supported by this study. [Table: see text]

Author(s):  
Aleksandr N. Kononov ◽  
Anastasia S. Komissarova

Topicality of the study of the attitude to the distance learning format is due to the need to study the impact of such interaction in the “pedagogue-studentˮ system on the quality, motivation and overall satisfaction of students with the learning process. The study involved 120 people from 6 six higher education institutions in Moscow. The use of content analysis allowed us to identify 8 significant contexts (areas) around which the statements of the study participants are grouped: “Roadˮ, “Teachersˮ, “Returnˮ, “Distance learningˮ, “Full-time, full-time attendingˮ, “Training, training formatˮ, “Provided, changedˮ, “Qualityˮ. The results obtained indicate that the main disadvantages of the distance learning format, according to the respondents, are the lack of live communication with teachers, a decrease in the level of motivation and self-organisation, which ultimately has a negative impact on the psychoemotional state of students and the quality of material assimilation. At the same time, among the obvious advantages, there is a reduction in transport and time costs for the road to the place of study, as well as the opportunity to study the material at a convenient time. The results obtained can be used in the development of distance learning programmes for students of higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenan B. Nyalile ◽  
Emmanuel H. P. Mushi ◽  
Epiphania Moshi ◽  
Beatrice J. Leyaro ◽  
Sia E. Msuya ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) has a negative impact on ones’ relationships with poor quality of life as inevitable result. The effects of ED maybe worse in developing countries setting like Tanzania because men’s sexual health has been forgotten. Men’s sexual and reproductive health needs are not in the national reproductive health strategic. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with erectile dysfunction among adult men in Moshi municipality, northern Tanzania. Results The mean age of the 381 men was 39.6 (SD ±16.8) years. The overall prevalence of ED on this study was 29.7%. The severity of ED among study participants was; 13.4% (51), 9.7% (37), 3.7% (14), 2.9% (11) had mild, mild to moderate, moderate and severe erectile dysfunction respectively. Age 40–54 years (Adjusted OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.5–9.9), > 55 years (aOR 11.7, 95% CI 5.8–23.7) and hypertension (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1–6.4) were independent predictors of ED respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of ED is high among men in Moshi municipal as 1 out of 3 men have ED. Age and hypertension were independent predictors of ED. These results point to the need of community awareness and education programs to raise awareness among men about existence of ED problem, its consequence and where they can get advice and care in this setting. Further, health providers taking care of hypertensive and men with DM should be equipped with knowledge and skills on early detection for ED and how to counsel and where to refer patients for help.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542094328
Author(s):  
Ester Oneda ◽  
Fausto Meriggi ◽  
Laura Zanotti ◽  
Elisabetta Zaina ◽  
Sara Bighè ◽  
...  

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an adverse event of taxanes, with no effective prevention or treatment available and a highly negative impact on patient quality of life. The aim of this study is to asses that the constant application of cooled cuffs on the hands and feet prevent and mitigate CIPN. Methods: Patients with breast, gynecologic, and pancreatic cancer who received weekly paclitaxel (PTX), PTX/carboplatin, and nab-paclitaxel (nab-PTX)/gemcitabine for any indication at the therapeutic scheduled dosage were included in this prospective study. Hilotherm Chemo care device forms a closed-loop system with cuffs and tubes through which a coolant flows at a temperature of 10 °C. CIPN was monitored using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (edition 3.0), and the tolerability and side effects were scored by using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (T4.03 2017). Results: To date, we have enrolled 64 patients. Of these, 54 (84%) completed all cooling cycles. Continuous cooling was well tolerated by all patients. No patients had grade >2 CIPN or had serious or lasting adverse events as a result of Hilotherapy. The median time to CIPN onset was 77 days for the entire population. Conclusion: Hilotherapy has good effectiveness and tolerability and seems to be able to prevent or reduce the symptoms of CIPN. We are still recruiting patients to obtain more data and to collect data at 3 months after the end of chemotherapy. Prospective studies seem to be warranted.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Alsohime ◽  
Hamad Alkhalaf ◽  
Hissah Almuzini ◽  
Malak Alyahya ◽  
Reema Allhidan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The study aims to evaluate the perceptions of pediatric residents under the night float (NF) on-call system and its impact on well-being, education, and patient safety compared with the traditional 24-hour on-call system.Methods: The study is prospective in nature and conducted on two pediatric resident training centers who apply the NF on-call system as a pilot project. Senior residents (PGY-3 and PGY-4) enrolled in the two training centers were invited to participate before and six months after the implementation of the change in the on-call system. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed. Responses were rated using a five-point Likert-type scale (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). The items covered three main domains, namely, residents’ well-being, ability to deliver healthcare, and medical education experience. Pre- and post-intervention scores were presented as means and compared by t-test for paired samples.Results: A total of 42 residents participated in the survey (female = 24; 57.1%). All participants were senior residents; 25 (59.6%) were third-year residents (PGY-3), whereas 17 (40.4%) were fourth-year residents (PGY-4). The participants reported that many aspects of the three domains were improved with the introduction of the NF system. The system was perceived to exert less adverse health effect on the residents (mean: 2.37 ± 1.01) compared with the 24-hour on-call system (mean: 4.19 ± 0.60; P ˂ 0.001). In addition, the NF system was perceived to lead to less exposure to personal harm and result in less negative impact on quality of care, better work efficiency, reduced potential for medical errors, more successful teaching, and less disruptions to other rotations compared with the 24 hour on-call system (P ˂ 0.001).Conclusion: The perception of senior residents toward the 24-hour on-call system pertains to negative impacts on well-being, education, and patient safety compared with on-call systems with restrictive duty hours, such as the NF system, which is perceived to be less harmful, to exert positive impacts on the quality of delivered healthcare services, and more useful from pedagogic aspect.Trial registration: Not applicable


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Alsohime ◽  
Hamad Alkhalaf ◽  
Hissah Almuzini ◽  
Malak Alyahya ◽  
Reema Allhidan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The study aims to evaluate the perceptions of pediatric residents under the night float (NF) on-call system and its impact on well-being, education, and patient safety compared with the traditional 24-h on-call system. Methods The study is prospective in nature and conducted on two pediatric resident training centers who apply the NF on-call system as a pilot project. Senior residents (PGY-3 and PGY-4) enrolled in the two training centers were invited to participate before and 6 months after the implementation of the change in the on-call system. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed. Responses were rated using a five-point Likert-type scale (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). The items covered three main domains, namely, residents’ well-being, ability to deliver healthcare, and medical education experience. Pre- and post-intervention scores were presented as means and compared by t-test for paired samples. Results A total of 42 residents participated in the survey (female = 24; 57.1%). All participants were senior residents; 25 (59.6%) were third-year residents (PGY-3), whereas 17 (40.4%) were fourth-year residents (PGY-4). The participants reported that many aspects of the three domains were improved with the introduction of the NF system. The system was perceived to exert less adverse health effect on the residents (mean: 2.37 ± 1.01) compared with the 24-h on-call system (mean: 4.19 ± 0.60; P < 0.001). In addition, the NF system was perceived to lead to less exposure to personal harm and result in less negative impact on quality of care, better work efficiency, reduced potential for medical errors, more successful teaching, and less disruptions to other rotations compared with the 24 h on-call system (P < 0.001). Conclusion The perception of senior residents toward the 24-h on-call system pertains to negative impacts on well-being, education, and patient safety compared with on-call systems with restrictive duty hours, such as the NF system, which is perceived to be less harmful, to exert positive impacts on the quality of delivered healthcare services, and more useful from pedagogic aspect.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandana Harendra Mallawarachchi ◽  
Nilmini T. G. A. N Chandrasena ◽  
Tharaka Wijerathna ◽  
Rasika C.P.D. Dalpadado ◽  
Maleesha S.M.N.S. Mallawarachchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) appears to be spreading to previously non-endemic regions of Sri Lanka. The aim of this study was to describe a newly emerging focus of CL in the district of Gampaha, in Western Sri Lanka. Methods A case based descriptive study was carried out from January 2018 to April 2019 in the Mirigama Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area, which reported the highest number of CL cases in Gampaha District. Laboratory confirmed cases were traced and socio-demographic and clinical data were collected via a validated questionnaire and clinic records respectively. The quality of life (QOL) of study participants was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of patient residences were recorded using handheld GPS receivers. Sand-flies were collected from four selected sites, using Indoor Hand Collection (IHC) (162 units) and Cattle Baited Net Traps (CBNT) (n=3) and a battery-operated aspirator. Results Of 73 patients identified in this study, 58.9% were males, with a mean age of 43.6 years (SD 20.1). The lesions included nodules (52.05%) and ulcers (47.9%). Single lesions were seen in 69.86%, while 30.1% had multiple. Except for one mucosal lesion, all others were on skin. Treatment varied from sodium stibogluconate (SSG) + cryotherapy (46.57%), SSG (45.2%) and cryotherapy (8.2%). Patients with multiple lesions were more likely to be treated with combined SSG + cryotherapy (p< 0.05). The mean DLQI score was 8.14 (SD=7). Most patients engaged in outdoor activities that exposed them to the risk of sand-fly bites Workplaces of 81.1% (27/33) were located within the district. Housing conditions of study participants were of moderate (59%), good (35.6%) and poor (5%) quality. Four households reported multiple cases. Spatial distribution of cases indicated notable clustering in seven adjacently located Public Health Inspector (PHI) areas. Phlebotomus argentipes was detected in all CBNTs and 35.28% of IHC units surveyed. Conclusions CL is emerging in Gamapha district with Mirigama MOH area being the epicentre of infection. The disease had a moderately negative impact on QOL of patients. Minimal migration of cases, clustering of cases within households and in the locality indicates local transmission with P. argentipes as the probable vector.


Medicines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhai ◽  
Savage ◽  
Qiu ◽  
Jin ◽  
Valdes-Rodriguez ◽  
...  

Background: Chronic pruritus is defined as itch lasting for greater than six weeks. Pruritus is a burdensome manifestation of several internal and external disease states with a significant impact on quality of life. Dupilumab has shown promise in treating a number of conditions including atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. Its success in reducing pruritus in AD has generated interest regarding its potential application in other pruritic conditions, such as chronic pruritus of unknown origin, uremic pruritus, and pruigo nodularis. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we present a series of 20 recalcitrant pruritus patients seen at a tertiary center treated with off-label dupilumab at standard AD dosing. Results: Dupilumab was successful at reducing itch in all treated patients, leading to complete resolution in 12/20 patients and an overall mean NRSi reduction of 7.55. Dupilumab was well tolerated with no significant adverse effects. Conclusions: Our case series suggests dupilumab may be a safe and efficacious therapeutic option in several pruritic conditions and demonstrates the need for further studies to better ascertain its place in the pruritus treatment armamentarium.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandana Harendra Mallawarachchi ◽  
Nilmini T. G. A. N Chandrasena ◽  
Tharaka Wijerathna ◽  
Rasika C.P.D. Dalpadado ◽  
Maleesha S.M.N.S. Mallawarachchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) appears to be spreading to previously non-endemic regions of Sri Lanka. The aim of this study was to describe a newly emerging focus of CL in the district of Gampaha, in Western Sri Lanka. Methods: A case based descriptive study was carried out from January 2018 to April 2019 in the Mirigama Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area, which reported the highest number of CL cases in Gampaha District. Laboratory confirmed cases were traced and socio-demographic and clinical data were collected via a validated questionnaire and clinic records respectively. The quality of life (QOL) of study participants was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of patient residences were recorded using handheld GPS receivers. Sand-flies were collected from four selected sites, using Indoor Hand Collection (IHC) (162 units) and Cattle Baited Net Traps (CBNT) (n = 3) and a battery-operated aspirator. Results: Of 73 patients identified in this study, 58.9% were males, with a mean age of 43.6 years (SD 20.1). The lesions included nodules (52.05%) and ulcers (47.9%). Single lesions were seen in 69.86%, while 30.1% had multiple. Except for one mucosal lesion, all others were on skin. Treatment varied from sodium stibogluconate (SSG) + cryotherapy (46.57%), SSG (45.2%) and cryotherapy (8.2%). Patients with multiple lesions were more likely to be treated with combined SSG + cryotherapy (p < 0.05). The mean DLQI score was 8.14 (SD = 7). Most patients engaged in outdoor activities that exposed them to the risk of sand-fly bites Workplaces of 81.1% (27/33) were located within the district. Housing conditions of study participants were of moderate (59%), good (35.6%) and poor (5%) quality. Four households reported multiple cases. Spatial distribution of cases indicated notable clustering in seven adjacently located Public Health Inspector (PHI) areas. Phlebotomus argentipes was detected in all CBNTs and 35.28% of IHC units surveyed. Conclusions: CL is emerging in Gamapha district with Mirigama MOH area being the epicentre of infection. The disease had a moderately negative impact on QOL of patients. Minimal migration of cases, clustering of cases within households and in the locality indicates local transmission with P. argentipes as the probable vector.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 5981
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Gerkowicz ◽  
Joanna Bartosińska ◽  
Dorota Raczkiewicz ◽  
Mirosław Kwaśny ◽  
Dorota Krasowska

Background: Eyebrow loss in the course of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is becoming a growing issue among older females. It has a considerable negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Since there is no standardized treatment, photobiomodulation with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could be an option. Here we assess, for the first time, the efficacy of LED therapy in the treatment of eyebrow loss in females with FFA. Methods: 16 female patients with FFA aged 60–74 years were enrolled in the study. LED therapy was performed once a week for a 10-week session. The LEDs’ effectiveness was assessed at the baseline, after 10 irradiations, and 6 months after the end of treatment during a follow-up visit. Results: The therapy was well tolerated. After 10 irradiations, the total eyebrow hair count increased significantly, as did the number of thick hairs and mid-thick hairs (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, and p = 0.044, respectively). During the follow-up visit, the total number of eyebrow hairs remained significantly higher than before treatment (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The study revealed that LED therapy seems to be a novel and promising therapeutic option for eyebrow loss in patients with FFA. It is safe and well tolerated and leads to clinically and cosmetically acceptable improvement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (10) ◽  
pp. 693-702
Author(s):  
Su-Jong Kim ◽  
Jee Won Moon ◽  
Heung-Man Lee

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common chronic inflammatory condition of sinonasal cavities and occurs with or without nasal polyps. Uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) has a negative impact on an individual’s quality of life. Many studies have been conducted for novel treatments targeting type 2 cytokines involved in CRSwNP such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and immunoglobulin E. Biologics have recently been proven to improve the nasal symptoms of CRSwNP and reduce the need for systemic glucocorticosteroids. Recently dupilumab, omalizumab and mepolizumab were approved by Food and Drug Administration for CRSwNP, and other biologics are under investigation. Large-scale and longterm clinical trials are needed for therapeutic effectiveness, and several questions remain regarding patient selection, treatment algorithm, and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, emerging biologics may offer a new therapeutic option for uncontrolled CRSwNP.


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