scholarly journals Wellbeing, quality of life, presence of concurrent diseases, and survival times in untreated and treated German Shepherd dogs with dwarfism

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255678
Author(s):  
Stefanie Kitzmann ◽  
Katrin Hartmann ◽  
Yury Zablotski ◽  
Anna Rieger ◽  
Ralf Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Survival Time ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
German Shepherd ◽  
Categorical Analysis ◽  
Secondary Hypothyroidism ◽  
The Impact

Background Pituitary dwarfism (PD) in German Shepherd dogs (GSD) is a rare endocrinopathy. Cause and inheritance of the disease are well characterized, but the overall survival time, presence of concurrent diseases, quality of life (QoL) and influence of different treatment options on those parameters is still not well investigated. The aim of this study was to obtain data regarding the disease pattern of GSD with PD and to investigate the impact of treatment. Methods 47 dogs with dwarfism (presumably PD) and 94 unaffected GSD serving as controls were enrolled. Data were collected via a standardized questionnaire, which every owner of a participating dog had completed. Dogs with PD were grouped based on three categories of treatment: Group 1 (untreated), group 2 (treated with levothyroxine), group 3 (treated with thyroxine and progestogens or with growth hormone (GH)). Groups were compared using One-Way-Anova, Kruskal-Wallis test or Wilcoxon-rank-sum test. Categorical analysis was performed using Two-Sample-Chi-Squared-test. Results Dogs treated with thyroxine and gestagen or GH were significantly taller and heavier compared to all other dogs with PD. Quality of life was best in dogs with PD treated with thyroxine and similar to unaffected GSD. Treatment increased survival time in dogs with PD independent of the treatment strategy. Dogs receiving thyroxine and progestogens or GH did not develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). Conclusion GSD with PD should be treated at least for their secondary hypothyroidism to increase survival time. Additional treatment with progestogens or GH improves body size and seems to protect against the occurrence of CKD.

National survey of advanced prostate cancer patients reveals disparity between perceptions and reality of treatment

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8590-8590
Author(s):  
T. N. Kirk ◽  
M. A. Moyad
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Hormone Refractory ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
Additional Education ◽  
The Impact

8590 Background: Over 50,000 men developed hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) in 2005 (CancerMetrics 2005). The objective of this analysis is to understand patient attitudes towards advancing prostate cancer (PC) and treatment. Methods: Patients were recruited from NexCura’s database of users and links from PC websites: UsTOO, PCRI, PCF and PAACT. Board certified physicians who treat HRPC were recruited by J. Reckner & Assoc. Responses were collected via online survey and analyzed by TSC, a division of Yankelovich. Grant funding from Abbott. The scale was “agree”, strongly agree”, “disagree” or “strongly disagree.” Results: 409 HRPC patients (P), 236 caregivers (C), 100 urologists (U) and 104 oncologists (O) participated. 45% of patients have metastatic HRPC. Mean patient age was 65.7 and age at diagnosis was 60.2. Conclusions: Many patients and caregivers have difficulty with advancing PC. Respondents recognize the survival benefit associated with chemotherapy, but attitude on its impact on quality of life varies significantly. Disparity exists between patients, caregivers and physicians on the impact of treatment on quality of life. Additional education, enhanced dialogue and additional treatment options are needed for HRPC patients, caregivers and physicians. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Outcomes Related to Percutaneous Nephrostomies (PCN) in Malignancy-Associated Ureteric Obstruction: A Systematic Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2354
Author(s):  
Francesca J. New ◽  
Sally J. Deverill ◽  
Bhaskar K. Somani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Previous Treatment ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Ureteric Obstruction ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
Advanced Malignancies ◽  
The Impact

Background: Malignant ureteric obstruction occurs in a variety of cancers and has been typically associated with a poor prognosis. Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) can potentially help increase patient longevity by establishing urinary drainage and treating renal failure. Our aim was to look at the outcomes of PCN in patients with advanced cancer and the impact on the patients’ lifespan and quality of life. Materials and Methods: A literature review was carried out for articles from 2000 to 2020 on PCN in patients with advanced malignancies, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar. All English-language articles reporting on a minimum of 20 patients who underwent PCN for malignancy-associated ureteric obstruction were included. Results: A total of 21 articles (1674 patients) met the inclusion criteria with a mean of 60.2 years (range: 21–102 years). PCN was performed for ureteric obstruction secondary to urological malignancies (n = −633, 37.8%), gynaecological malignancies (n = 437, 26.1%), colorectal and GI malignancies (n = 216, 12.9%), and other specified malignancies (n = 205, 12.2%). The reported mean survival times varied from 2 to 8.5 months post PCN insertion, with an average survival time of 5.6 months, which depended on the cancer type, stage, and previous treatment. Conclusions: Patients with advanced malignancies who need PCN tend to have a survival rate under 12 months and spend a large proportion of this time in the hospital. Although the advent of newer chemotherapy and immunotherapy options has changed the landscape of managing advanced cancer, decisions on nephrostomy must be balanced with their survival and quality of life, which must be discussed with the patient.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life in Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca V. Steenaard ◽  
Laura A. Michon ◽  
Harm R. Haak
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
General Population ◽  
Adrenocortical Carcinoma ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Insight into the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impact of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is important. The disease and its treatment options potentially have an impact on HRQoL. For patients with limited survival, HRQoL research is of utmost importance. We will therefore provide an overview of HRQoL studies in patients with ACC. We found six studies that measured HRQoL in 323 patients with ACC (3 cross-sectional, 1 cohort, 2 trials), all indicating a reduced HRQoL compared to the general population. The FIRMACT trial found that HRQoL of patients with ACC was reduced compared to the general population, and that chemotherapy-mitotane further reduced HRQoL even though survival improved. Clinical aspects of the disease, including cortisol and aldosterone production and adrenal insufficiency have shown great impact on HRQoL in benign disease, even after the recovery of hormonal status. However, the impact of malignant adrenal disease and treatment options on HRQoL including adrenalectomy, radiotherapy, mitotane therapy, and chemotherapy have not been sufficiently studied in patients with ACC. Although the number of HRQoL studies in patients with ACC is limited, the existing literature does indicate that ACC has a large impact on patients’ HRQoL, with disease specific aspects. Further HRQoL research in patients with ACC is essential to improve patient-centered care, preferably by using an ACC-specific HRQoL questionnaire.

The Importance of the Patient-Physician Relationship in Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1340-1340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary L. Thomas ◽  
Kathleen Heptinstall ◽  
Audrey Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Myelodysplastic Syndromes ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The United States ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Physician Relationship ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Most physicians presume their relationship with the patient is a crucial component when managing chronic illness, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This assumption was validated in a convenience sample of 70 adults with MDS who participated in five focus groups throughout the United States. The primary purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of MDS on patients’ quality of life (QOL). The groups were facilitated by an advanced practice nurse with clinical expertise in MDS and qualitative research experience. Given the exploratory nature of the study design, discussions proceeded in differing directions; however, core questions were asked at each session (based on Ferrell’s work exploring QOL in patients with cancer (Oncology Nursing Forum, 1996). Sessions were audio-taped and professionally transcribed. Transcripts were coded and emerging themes identified using thematic analysis methods aided by the qualitative analysis program N5 (QSR International). The sample was 93% Caucasian, 51% male, with a mean age of 69 ± 9 years; 26% lived alone. Known MDS subtype was: 19 RA, 19 RARS, 11 RAEB, 3 5q-, 2 other (16 unknown); median time since diagnosis was 26 months (3 - 276). 73% received growth factors, 61% transfusions, 19% azacitidine, 16% thalidomide, 14% iron chelation; 29% all other; many patients received multiple (often concurrent) therapies. A significant finding from the focus groups revealed a detailed depiction of the patient-physician relationship from the patient’s perspective (discussed by 46 of the 62 patients who actively participated). Patients acknowledged many barriers that interfered with the relationship. These barriers were system related (e.g., extreme time constraints for physicians, priority to others who were more ill) or treatment related (e.g., lack of cure, limited treatment options). In addition, patients identified physician attributes that adversely impacted the relationship, including seeming indifference to the patient’s concerns, displays of arrogance, limited knowledge about MDS and its treatment, and especially, lack of confidence in managing the illness. In contrast, positive physician attributes that enhanced the relationship included: providing comprehensible explanations, willingness to seek assistance or opinions from MDS experts when the physician was unsure of the best treatment approach, and displays of compassion and concern. Patients identified displaying respect and interest in them as individuals as essential elements in establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship. Patients reacted to a difficult patient-physician relationship in various ways. Those patients who ascribed to the view that a physician had a revered position and was not to be challenged tended to suffer in silence, and remained anxious or depressed. Other patients described a more proactive position, where they continually sought new information about the disease and managing side effects and even felt responsible to explore other treatment options. However, this approach required much work and energy, and did not consistently alleviate the patient’s anxiety. MDS is a complex disease, where advances in understanding its pathology and identifying new treatments are beginning to have an impact in routine clinical practice. Data from this study suggest that physicians need to be aware of the barriers present in the patient-physician relationship and strive to ameliorate them. In so doing, patient’s anxiety, depression, and hyper-vigilance may be diminished, and quality of life enhanced.

scholarly journals Comparison of Instruments for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life and Their Applicability to Ehealth Applications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlene Schmidt ◽  
Martin Staemmler
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Hrqol Assessment ◽  
Adherence Monitoring ◽  
The Impact

Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) assessment has proven as a good means for assessing treatment options or impact of applications supporting the patient in adherence, monitoring and better understanding of health issues. While most of the HRQoL instruments were designed several years ago, their capability to assess the impact of ehealth application is in question. The objective of this paper is to assess HRQoL instruments including a focus on the ehealth domain. Methods: Generic and specific instruments are selected based on their widespread use. Published criteria for assessing HRQoL instruments are used for a baseline, which are amended by criteria covering both the ehealth domain and the conditions of use of instruments and structured in groups. Results: Seven instruments have been selected and assessed using the established criteria. The instruments scored differently regarding the ehealth domain, however overall rather low. Applying weighting per group allows highlighting specific aspects. Based on the assessment, further research should consider the development of a ehealth domain module as part of the specific instruments.

scholarly journals Brazilian version of the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering - Adults protocol (OASES-A)

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliane Lopes Bragatto ◽  
Ellen Osborn ◽  
J. Scott Yaruss ◽  
Robert Quesal ◽  
Ana Maria Schiefer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Brazilian Portuguese ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Brazilian Version ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Back Translation ◽  
The Impact

PURPOSE: To verify the applicability of the protocol Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering - Adults (OASES-A), translated into Brazilian Portuguese, in a sample of adults who stutter. METHODS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the OASES-A protocol was individually applied to 18 people who stutter. The classification of stuttering severity was based on the Stuttering Severity Instrument for Children and Adults (SSI-3) protocol. Translation and back-translation processes were carried out by specialists, considering semantic, conceptual, cultural, and idiomatic equivalences. RESULTS: There was no correlation between the severity degrees of stuttering assessed by the SSI-3 protocol and the self-assessment performed using the OASES-A. Subjects reported impairments in perceived fluency; speech ability; level of knowledge about stuttering and treatment options; use of confrontational techniques; quality of life. They also mentioned having difficulty coping with emotional states such as anxiety and embarrassment, and with communication in daily situations. CONCLUSION: The OASES-A protocol is useful in the assessment and treatment of stutterers, as it provides specialized speech-language pathologists with sutterers' self-perception regarding their communication difficulties and the impact of stuttering on their quality of life.

scholarly journals The impact of psychosocial need and needs resolution on quality of life in patients with brain tumors

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. E9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Bunston ◽  
Deborah Mings ◽  
Normand Laperriere ◽  
Jacquey Malcolm ◽  
Dorothy Williams
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Burden Of Illness ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Cns Cancer ◽  
Meaningful Existence ◽  
The Impact

The diagnosis of cancer of the central nervous system (CNS) is often the diagnosis of an incurable, progressive disease with devastating effects on the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning of patients. Because many of the treatment options are noncurative in nature, issues related to quality and quantity of life become paramount. The purpose of the authors' research was to explore the prevalence of psychosocial needs in this cancer population and to determine whether these needs and their resolution impact on quality of life (QOL). Telephone interviews were conducted with 75 patients in whom primary CNS cancer was diagnosed and who were able to pass the Mini-Mental Health Status Examination. Analysis of results indicated that the majority of patients (97.3%) had at least one concern; concerns over treatment side effects, controlling uncertainty, having a meaningful existence, self and body image, and family concerns were among the five most frequently cited need domains. Most patients (91.8%) received help. However, 75.3% reported needing additional help. The number of needs reported and the severity of fatigue most significantly impacted QOL. The study identified the needs and experiences of the patient with CNS cancer. Quality of life and needs assessment information can be used to screen patients for distress and to measure the outcome of medical and psychosocial care and ultimately to ease the burden of illness.

scholarly journals Nocturia and effect on the quality of life. A study at Ramathibodi Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-153
Author(s):  
Potchara Kanammit ◽  
◽  
Threechada Boonchan ◽  
Pokket Sirisreetreerux ◽  
Wit Viseshsindh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To investigate the impact and the incidence of nocturia on the quality of life of patients in Ramathibodi Hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study to measure the QoL of nocturia patients using a Nocturia Quality-of-Life questionnaire (N-QoL). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to explore internal consistency. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was used to determine the strength of the relationship between the scores for each item. Uni- and Multivariate analyses were used to explore the significant parameters. Results: One hundred and fifty-five nocturia patient were included in the study analysis. Most of the questionnaire respondents were male (80.65%) and the vast majority had at least 1 underlying disease requiring long-term follow-up by a physician (86.45%) with a median urination of 3 times per night and a 3 hour median first urination after retiring to bed. From our study questionnaire, most patients responded that they had moderate to good quality of life with a minor inconvenience from nocturia, requiring them to nap during the day on some days. An increasing frequency of urination per night and a first urination of less than 2 hours after retiring is significantly related to low levels of energy the next day, sleep deprivation, worry over treatment options, overall inconvenience and a reduction in quality of life. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated nocturia patients experience a significant reduction in quality of life, and a decrease in quality of sleep. The incidence of urination in the night and the timing of the first urination after bed had more impact on overall quality of life.

Quality of Life in Family Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jes Sebastian Völker ◽  
Ioana Valentina Micluția
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Impact

: Care for schizophrenia patients over the past few decades has shifted from inpatient treatment in mental institutions towards outpatient treatment options. While this has the potential to allow patients a more regular life with the ability to work and socialize, it has increased the burden on family caregivers. This state-of-the-art narrative review summarizes the most important factors, besides the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia, that impact the quality of life of caregivers negatively. These factors include the impact of the disease on household income and socioeconomic status, anxiety, stigma, negative changes in family dynamics as well as an overall reduction of social and family contacts.

scholarly journals Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: From Diagnosis to Survivorship

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. E. Mohamed ◽  
M. A. Diefenbach ◽  
H. H. Goltz ◽  
C. T. Lee ◽  
D. Latini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Invasive Bladder Cancer ◽  
Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Muscle Invasive ◽  
The Impact

Bladder cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the most expensive adult cancer in average healthcare costs incurred per patient in the USA. However, little is known about factors influencing patients' treatment decisions, quality of life, and responses to treatment impairments. The main focus of this paper is to better understand the impact of muscle invasive bladder cancer on patient quality of life and its added implications for primary caregivers and healthcare providers. In this paper, we discuss treatment options, side effects, and challenges that patients and family caregivers face in different phases along the disease trajectory and further identify crucial areas of needed research.

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