scholarly journals Significant Quality of Life Improvement Observed in a Patient With FCS Associated With a Marked Reduction in Triglycerides

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioanna Gouni-Berthold

Abstract Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by severely high triglycerides (TGs). It is associated with a marked increase in risk of recurrent, potentially fatal acute pancreatitis (AP), and symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue, and anxiety that may substantially reduce quality of life (QoL). A 46-year-old woman with FCS and severely high TGs initially presented with necrotizing pancreatitis with pseudocysts, having previously experienced recurrent AP. The patient reported constant abdominal pain and fatigue, which were evident in her demeanor. Initial management included maximum doses of omega-3 fatty acids and fibrates, plus an extremely restricted diet (reduced intake: calories, fats, simple sugars; no alcohol). Despite adherence to all management strategies, TGs remained at approximately 2800 mg/dL (31.6 mmol/L) and symptoms persisted. The patient was enrolled in COMPASS, a phase 3, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of an investigational drug, volanesorsen, on fasting TGs in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (fasting TGs ≥ 500 mg/dL [≥5.7 mmol/L]). The woman, a confirmed FCS patient, continued into the open-label extension study, during which fasting TGs decreased to 146 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) following 4 months of treatment. The restrictive diet was maintained throughout treatment and no serious adverse events were reported. Along with sustained TG reduction, the patient experienced progressive, perceived improvements in observable QoL measures and a marked reduction in symptom severity and frequency. In a patient with FCS, reduction in TGs following volanesorsen therapy appeared to be associated with marked improvement in clinical symptoms and observed QoL.

2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (8) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
I V Maev ◽  
Yu A Kucheravy ◽  
V V Tsukanov ◽  
E Yu Eremnia ◽  
D N Andreev ◽  
...  

Aim: to assess the effectiveness of mebeverine 200 mg BID in patients with post-cholecystectomy gastrointestinal spasm not requiring surgical treatment. Materials and methods. 218 patients were included in 16 clinical centers in 14 cities in Russia. All patients had post-cholecystectomy gastrointestinal spasms, not requiring surgical treatment and received mebeverine (Duspatalin®) 200 mg BID. The observational assessment period lasted from the moment of their inclusion into the study up to 6 weeks post inlusion. The therapy results were evaluated using visual analog scales (GPA and 11-point numeric rating scale) by patient self-assessment of the dynamics of spasm/discomfort and other post-cholecystectomic gastrointestinal symptoms after 2 and 6 weeks of treatment. Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) was used to assess patient quality of life. Results and discussion. All 218 patients completed the 2-week mebeverine treatment course, 101 of them finished the 6-week course (“prolonged population”). Significant positive changes in the relief of abdominal pain and dyspepsia were noted as well as normalization of stool frequency and consistency. A more marked change in values was observed during prolonged (up to 6 weeks) therapy. Both 2-week and 6-week mebeverine courses led to a normalization of patient quality of life. After 6 week therapy, an effect of mebeverine on the quality of life 91% of patients was observed comparable to cholecystectomy itself, speficially related to the quality of life subscore ‘symptoms’. Conclusion. The results of our study demonstrate that mebeverine (Duspatalin®) therapy leads to an effective elimination of clinical symptoms associated with post-cholecystectomy GI-spasm disorders, like abdominal pain, symptoms of dyspepsia and stooldisorders. A more marked change in values was observed during prolonged (up to 6 weeks) therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 12087-12087
Author(s):  
Michelle Chen ◽  
Isabelle Baron ◽  
Stephanie Beaulieu ◽  
Annick Dufour ◽  
Nathalie Letarte ◽  
...  

12087 Background: Olanzapine is used as an adjunct antiemetic in oncology as salvage therapy and in four-drug prophylaxis. Growing literature supports its effectiveness in initial three-drug prophylaxis in highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). Methods: This prospective, multi-centre, open-label study evaluated the feasibility of a large-scale randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness and tolerability of 5 mg olanzapine once daily for four days (starting the night before chemotherapy) versus standard dose aprepitant (in tritherapy with standard ondansetron and dexamethasone) in treatment-naive patients receiving the first cycle of a HEC. Secondary outcomes included: complete response (no nausea, no emesis, no use of rescue medication), complete remission (no emesis, no rescue medication), intensity of patient-reported nausea and emesis on a visual analog scale, quality of life (scored with the Functional Living Index Emesis [FLIE]), and incidence of adverse events. Results: We randomized 30 patients in an intent-to-treat analysis. The large-scale trial was deemed not feasible without support from a research centre. Complete response rates were significantly higher in the olanzapine group in the delayed phase (24-120h post-chemotherapy) (86,7% v 21,4%, p < 0,001) and overall phase (0-120h post-chemotherapy) (60,0% v 21,4%, p = 0,04). Similar results were observed for complete remission. Intensity of patient-reported nausea was significantly lower in the olanzapine group in the delayed phase (p = 0,001). FLIE scores were significantly lower for the nausea domain (mean 62,3 v 60,9, p = 0,004) and overall score (124,3 v 108,8, p = 0,006). Depression on the ESAS-R was more common in the aprepitant group (0% v 38%, p = 0,01). Other adverse events were not significantly different. Conclusions: Support from a research centre must be ensured for study feasibility. Tritherapy olanzapine significantly improved complete response and remission in the delayed and overall phases post-chemotherapy among patients receiving HEC. It was also associated with higher quality of life and a reassuring safety profile. This feasibility trial, despite its small sample size, is one of the first prospective randomised trials to suggest similar efficacy of 5 mg olanzapine to aprepitant and to measure a difference in patient quality of life with this regimen. Clinical trial information: NCT04075955 .


JMIR Nursing ◽  
10.2196/20747 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e20747
Author(s):  
Mahboube Davoudi ◽  
Tahereh Najafi Ghezeljeh ◽  
Farveh Vakilian Aghouee

Background Patients with heart failure have low quality of life because of physical impairments and advanced clinical symptoms. One of the main goals of caring for patients with heart failure is to improve their quality of life. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of a smartphone-based app on the quality of life of patients with heart failure. Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial with a control group was conducted from June to October 2018 in an urban hospital. In this study, 120 patients with heart failure hospitalized in cardiac care units were randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. Besides routine care, patients in the intervention group received a smartphone-based app and used it every day for 3 months. Both the groups completed the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire before entering the study and at 3 months after entering the study. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software V.16. Results The groups showed statistically significant differences in the mean scores of quality of life and its dimensions after the intervention, thereby indicating a better quality of life in the intervention group (P<.001). The effect size of the intervention on the quality of life was 1.85 (95% CI 1.41-2.3). Moreover, the groups showed statistically significant differences in the changes in the quality of life scores and its dimensions (P<.001). Conclusions Use of a smartphone-based app can improve the quality of life in patients with heart failure. The results of our study recommend that digital apps be used for improving the management of patients with heart failure. Trial Registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017061934647N1; https://www.irct.ir/trial/26434


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiao Li Oei ◽  
Thomas Rieser ◽  
Sarah Becker ◽  
Jessica Groß ◽  
Harald Matthes ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The majority of breast cancer patients suffer from persistent impairments after completion of their primary oncological therapy. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in particular is a multidimensional syndrome having a profound negative impact on the quality of life. To counter CRF symptoms, physical activities are suggested as first-line interventions, mind-body therapies have been shown to be effective, and music therapy can also reduce anxiety and stress in breast cancer patients. Tango therapy that combines various elements can have an impact on physical, psychological, and cognitive abilities and could therefore have a beneficial effect on breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a 6-week tango module is suited as a therapeutic approach for people after primary breast cancer therapy to favorably influence their quality of life, especially CRF levels. Methods Sixty patients with a diagnosis for stage I–III breast cancer 12–48 months before enrollment and with CRF (age > 18) will be recruited and randomized 1:1 to a tango or a waiting-list group. Movement concepts using elements of Argentine tango (self-awareness, musical and spatial perception, self-perception, playfulness, shared experience) will be examined with the participants during six consecutive weekly 1-h tango sessions. The primary outcome will be the improvement of CRF (German version of the Cancer Fatigue Scale), and the secondary outcomes will be the improvement in sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Patient-reported outcomes will be measured at baseline and 6 weeks later; follow-up will be performed 6, 12, and 24 months after baseline. An evaluation will be performed by means of descriptive data analyses. Discussion Argentine tango, as a music-based movement therapy, can influence different skills and may improve several outcomes. The therapeutic use of Argentine tango in the care of breast cancer patients has not yet been reported. It is anticipated that participants receiving the tango module will have improved CRF, sleep, and quality of life scores compared to a waitlist control. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS) DRKS00021601. Retrospectively registered on 21 August 2020


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjolein M. Iversen ◽  
Jannicke Igland ◽  
Hilde Smith-Strøm ◽  
Truls Østbye ◽  
Grethe S. Tell ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Follow-up care provided via telemedicine (TM) is intended to be a more integrated care pathway to manage diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) than traditionally-delivered healthcare. However, knowledge of the effect of TM follow-up on PROMs including self-reported health, well-being and QOL in patients with DFUs is lacking and often neglected in RCT reports in general. Therefore, in this study of secondary outcomes from the DiaFOTo trial, the aim was to compare changes in self-reported health, well-being and QOL between patients with DFUs receiving telemedicine follow-up care in primary healthcare in collaboration with specialist healthcare, and patients receiving standard outpatient care. Methods The current study reports secondary endpoints from a cluster randomized controlled trial whose primary endpoint was ulcer healing time. The trial included 182 adults with diabetes-related foot ulcers (94/88 in the telemedicine/standard care groups) in 42 municipalities/districts, recruited from three clinical sites in Western Norway. Mean (SD) diabetes duration for the study population was 20.8 (15.0). The intervention group received care in the community in collaboration with specialist healthcare using an asynchronous telemedicine intervention. The intervention included an interactive web-based ulcer record and a mobile phone enabling counseling and communication between the community nurses and specialist healthcare; the control group received standard outpatient care. In total 156 participants (78/78) reported on secondary endpoints: self-reported health, well-being and quality of life evaluated by generic and disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures (e.g. Euro-QOL, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID), Neuropathy and Foot Ulcer–Specific Quality of Life Instrument (NeuroQOL)). Linear mixed-effects regression was used to investigate possible differences in changes in the scores between the intervention and control group at the end of follow-up. Results In intention to treat analyses, differences between treatment groups were small and non-significant for the health and well-being scale scores, as well as for diabetes-related distress and foot ulcer-specific quality of life. Conclusions There were no significant differences in changes in scores for the patient reported outcomes between the intervention and control group, indicating that the intervention did not affect the participants’ health, well-being and quality of life. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01710774. Registered October 19th, 2012.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1013-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanne I. Stegwee ◽  
Astrid Beij ◽  
Robert A. de Leeuw ◽  
Lidwine B. Mokkink ◽  
Lucet F. van der Voet ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A niche in the uterus, present in 60% of women after caesarean section (CS), is associated with several gynaecological symptoms and possibly with subfertility. Studies that focus on quality of life (QoL) in relation to a niche are lacking. Purpose To identify niche-related outcomes that influence QoL and to compare patient-reported outcomes with outcomes studied in the literature. Methods Two focus group discussions (FGDs, N = 8 and 5) were conducted in Amsterdam UMC—location VUmc. Participants were Dutch patients with a large niche, with (planned) surgical treatment for their symptoms. Niche-related symptoms and impact on functioning or participation were fixed topics. The transcripts of the FGDs were coded into outcomes, themes and domains of QoL according to the WHOQOL model. Additionally, participants created a top five important outcomes. Next, we performed a systematic review (SR) on niche-related outcomes and compared the FGDs with niche-related outcomes from the SR. Results In four domains (physical health, psychological domain, social relationships and environment), fifteen themes were reported in the FGDs. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), subfertility, sexual activity, abdominal pain and self-esteem were themes prioritised by participants. In the literature, gynaecological symptoms and reproductive outcomes were predominantly studied. Sexuality and self-esteem were prioritised in the FGDs but hardly or never studied in the literature. Conclusion We found a broad range of niche-related outcomes influencing QoL. Apart from symptoms evaluated in the literature such as AUB, abdominal pain and subfertility, clinicians and researchers should be more aware of sexual activity and self-esteem in this population.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine S Baron ◽  
Shashivadan Hirani ◽  
Stanton P Newman

Objective The objective of this research is to determine the effects of mobile telehealth (MTH) on glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and other clinical and patient-reported outcomes in insulin-requiring people with diabetes. Methods A nine-month randomised, controlled trial compared standard care to standard care supplemented with MTH (self-monitoring, mobile-phone data transmissions, graphical and nurse-initiated feedback, and educational calls). Clinical (HbA1c, blood pressure, daily insulin dose, diabetes outpatient appointments (DOAs)) and questionnaire data (health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety) were collected. Mean group changes over time were compared using hierarchical linear models and Mann-Whitney tests. Results Eighty-one participants with a baseline HbA1c of 8.98% ± 1.82 were randomised to the intervention ( n = 45) and standard care ( n = 36). The Group by Time effect revealed MTH did not significantly influence HbA1c ( p = 0.228), but p values were borderline significant for blood pressure ( p = 0.054) and mental-health related quality of life ( p = 0.057). Examination of effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals for mean group differences at nine months supported the existence of a protective effect of MTH on mental health-related quality of life as well as depression. None of the other measured outcomes were found to be affected by the MTH intervention. Conclusions Findings from this study must be interpreted with caution given the small sample size, but they do not support the widespread adoption of MTH to achieve clinically significant changes in HbA1c. MTH may, however, have positive effects on blood pressure and protective effects on some aspects of mental health.


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