scholarly journals Barriers and Facilitators Related to Rehabilitation Stays in Multiple Sclerosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Bruun Helland ◽  
Trygve Holmøy ◽  
Pål Gulbrandsen
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Rehabilitation Service ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Information Giving ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Related Quality

Background: Studies have shown the positive effects of multidisciplinary rehabilitation on disability and health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, many patients do not seek such treatment, even if it is available free of charge. The aim of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers related to use of such treatment options. Methods: Five focus group interviews with 27 MS patients were conducted. Three groups included patients who had been admitted to a multidisciplinary MS rehabilitation institution, and two groups included outpatients of a university hospital who had not applied for specialized rehabilitation. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and were analyzed qualitatively by means of a modified form of systematic text condensation. Results: Important factors influencing the use of an MS rehabilitation service were 1) the availability and suitability of initial information about the disease and the service, 2) assumptions and expectations about such a service, and 3) practical barriers in the patient's life. The prospect of having a retreat from work and family was described as a motivational factor. Lack of reorientation after diagnosis, fears and perceptions of being labeled as an MS patient, or having information overload and being confronted with disabled individuals were identified as barriers. Conclusions: Communication skills, including information-giving skills, of neurologists in relation to newly diagnosed MS patients need improvement. Rehabilitation programs for MS patients should include stays of different durations and purposes to fit patients' needs. Health-care authorities should take measures to secure equal access to information about rehabilitation options across institutions and practicing physicians.

scholarly journals Anti-CD20 Agents for Multiple Sclerosis: Spotlight on Ocrelizumab and Ofatumumab

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 758
Author(s):  
Despoina Florou ◽  
Maria Katsara ◽  
Jack Feehan ◽  
Efthimios Dardiotis ◽  
Vasso Apostolopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
T Helper ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Anti Cd20 ◽  
Disease Modifying Treatment ◽  
Small Clinical Trials

Until recently, in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the contribution of B cells has been largely underestimated, and the disease was considered a T-cell-mediated disorder. However, newer evidence shows that B cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MS via antigen-driven autoantibody responses and through the cross regulation of T-helper cells. As B cells express the surface molecule CD20 at all points of differentiation, it provides a specific target for monoclonal antibodies, and the development and clinical testing of anti-CD20 antibody treatments for MS have been successful. After some observations, some small clinical trials found positive effects for the first anti-CD20 therapeutic rituximab in MS; newer agents have been specifically evaluated, resulting in the development of ocrelizumab and ofatumumab. Ocrelizumab, a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, was approved in March 2017 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is also the first proven therapy to reduce disability progression in primary progressive MS. This is particularly significant considering that disease-modifying treatment options are few for both primary and secondary progressive MS. Ofatumumab, a fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, that binds a distinct epitope, has been further investigated in phase 3 trials for relapsing forms of MS. In this review, we discuss in detail these two anti-CD20 agents and their advent for treatment of MS.

scholarly journals The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life; a survey of mildly disabled multiple sclerosis patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirreza Naseri ◽  
Ehsan Nasiri ◽  
Malihe Talebi ◽  
Mahnaz Talebi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Islamic Republic Of Iran ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Composite Scores ◽  
The University

Background: Almost everyone’s health-related quality of life (HQoL) can be affected by a huge health problem like the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: We assessed the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HQoL in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: A printed version of the MS-specific HQoL questionnaire was completed by patients at the neurology department at the university hospital in Tabriz and the scores before and during the pandemic (2019 and 2020) were compared. Results: We recruited 50 patients for this study. Overall composite scores for physical [69.29, standard deviation (SD) 16.59 to 68.40 SD 20.95] and mental (67.36 SD 19.02 to 66.76 SD 22.70) health decreased slightly, but the changes were not significant (P = 0.67, P = 0.83). The severity of MS was associated with changes in mental and physical health composites. Conclusions: The effect of the pandemic on the HQoL of mildly disabled MS patients was not statistically significant.

Exploring Models of Care and the Perceived Impact in an Offender Rehabilitation Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2110492
Author(s):  
Caoimhe Carolan ◽  
Alice O’Flynn ◽  
Suzanne Guerin
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Rehabilitation Service ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Offender Rehabilitation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Perceived Impact

Offender rehabilitation programs incorporating positive psychology interventions such as a strengths-based model can be effective. This study explores the perceived model of service provided by an offender rehabilitation service and the perceived impact that this service has on the lives of its clients. A qualitative methodology was employed in the context of an action research design, using semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis which is an independent and reliable approach to qualitative analysis. The findings suggest that participants perceive the organization to be operating a strengths-based approach and this is perceived as having the potential to have a range of positive effects for clients. Some contrasting views were also identified within the participant groups and these are discussed in this paper. The results of this study complement the existing research and have several implications for future research in this area.

THE USE OF MEDICINES IN TREATING HYPERTENSION IN HUE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

2016 ◽  
pp. 76-84
Author(s):  
Khoa Bao Chau Thai ◽  
Thi Hong Phuong Vo
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Channel Blocker ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitor ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Good Prognosis ◽  
Target Blood Pressure ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Key Words Hypertension ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Effects

Background: Hypertension is a common condition in the world as well as in Viet Nam. If hypertension isn’t treated well, it can cause many serious complications. Controlling target blood pressure will bring positive effects on reducing mortality rate and also disabilities caused by diseases related to hypertension. Objectives: (1) Analyzing the use of medicines in treating hypertension. (2) Evaluating the effects of medicine usage in treating hypertension at the hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Materials and methods: 388 patients were diagnosed as having hypertension with inpatient care at the Cardiovascular Department of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy’s hospital, using cross-sectional descriptive study methods. Results: All antihypertensive drugs in the research were contained in the antihypertensive list recommended by Vietnamese Society of Cardiology. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and calcium channel blocker were the two most popular drug groups (96.6% and 71.4%, respectively). The rate of using multi-therapy regimens was higher than the rate of using uni-therapy regimens in both initial therapies (64.7%>35.3%) and final therapies (61.9%>38.1%). The rate of patients having interactions between antihypertensive drugs and the other kinds of drugs was 7.5%. The rate of patients having reasonable prescriptions was 84.3%. Evaluating the effects of medicine usage in treatments showed that the rate of patients reaching target blood pressure before leaving the hospital was 67.3%. Most patients were evaluated as having good prognosis after treatment, up to 81.7%. Conclusions: All antihypertensive drugs in the research were contained in the antihypertensive list recommended by Vietnamese Society of Cardiology. The rate of using multi-therapy regimens was higher than the rate of using uni-therapy regimens. The rate of drug interactions was quite low; most patients were evaluated as having good prognosis after treatment. Key words: hypertension, antihypertensive drugs.

Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Children with Immune Thrombocytopenia: A New Therapeutic Era

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lassandro ◽  
Valentina Palladino ◽  
Giovanni Carlo Del Vecchioa ◽  
Viviana Valeria Palmieri ◽  
Paola Carmela Corallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists ◽  
Receptor Agonists ◽  
Thrombopoietin Receptor ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background and Objective: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common bleeding disorder in childhood. The management of ITP in children is controversial, requiring personalized assessment of patients and therapeutic choices. Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), eltrombopag and romiplostim, have been shown to be safety and effective for the treatment of pediatric ITP. The aim of our research is defining the role of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in the management of pediatric ITP. Method: This review focuses on the use of TPO-RAs in pediatric ITP, in randomized trials and in clinical routine, highlighting their key role in management of the disease. Results: Eltrombopag and romiplostim appear effective treatment options for children with ITP. Several clinical studies have assessed that the use of TPO-RAs increases platelet count, decreases bleeding symptoms and improves health-related quality of life. Moreover, TPO-RAs are well tolerated with minor side effects. Conclusion: Although TPO-RAs long term efficacy and safety still require further investigations, their use is gradually expanding in clinical practice of children with ITP.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life in different trimesters during pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huailiang Wu ◽  
Weiwei Sun ◽  
Hanqing Chen ◽  
Yanxin Wu ◽  
Wenjing Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background Pregnant women experience physical, physiological, and mental changes. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a relevant indicator of psychological and physical behaviours, changing over the course of pregnancy. This study aims to assess HRQoL of pregnant women during different stages of pregnancy. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed using the The EuroQoL Group’s five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) to assess the HRQoL of pregnant women, and demographic data were collected. This study was conducted in a regional university hospital in Guangzhou, China. Results A total of 908 pregnant women were included in this study. Pregnant women in the early 2nd trimester had the highest HRQoL. The HRQoL of pregnant women rose from the 1st trimester to the early 2nd trimester, and dropped to the bottom at the late 3rd trimester due to some physical and mental changes. Reports of pain/discomfort problem were the most common (46.0%) while self-care were the least concern. More than 10% of pregnant women in the 1st trimester had health-related problems in at least one dimension of whole five dimensions. In the whole sample, the EuroQoL Group’s visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) was 87.86 ± 9.16. Across the gestational stages, the HRQoL remained stable during the pregnancy but the highest value was observed in the 1st trimester (89.65 ± 10.13) while the lowest was in the late 3rd trimester (87.28 ± 9.13). Conclusions During pregnancy, HRQoL were associated with gestational trimesters in a certain degree. HRQoL was the highest in the early 2nd trimester and then decreased to the lowest in the late 3rd trimester due to a series of physical and psychological changes. Therefore, obstetric doctors and medical institutions should give more attention and care to pregnant women in the late 3rd trimester.

scholarly journals Discontinuation and dose reduction of rituximab in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malin Boremalm ◽  
Peter Sundström ◽  
Jonatan Salzer
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Dose Reduction ◽  
Inflammatory Disease ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Full Dose ◽  
Reduced Dose ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background Rituximab is safe and effective for treating relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) according to phase II and observational studies. There are limited data on disease activity after discontinuation and dose reduction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on inflammatory disease activity after discontinuation or dose reduction of rituximab in patients with RRMS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Methods In this retrospective observational study, we included all RRMS and CIS patients ever treated with rituximab at the University Hospital of Umeå who had either; (1) discontinued treatment at any time or (2) reduced the dose to a mean of < 1000 mg yearly. The patients served as their own controls by contributing patient years on full dose, reduced dose, and off treatment. Results A total of 225 patients treated with mean (SD) 6256 (2456) mg rituximab during mean (SD) 6.5 (2.0) years were included. There were no differences regarding the annualized relapse rates during full dose versus reduced dose or off treatment (0.02 versus < 0.01 and 0.02, p = 0.09), neither regarding proportion MRI scans with new or enlarged T2 lesions (0.03 versus 0.01 and 0.03, p = 0.37) or contrast-enhancing lesions (< 0.01 versus 0 and 0.02, p = 0.22). Conclusions This study indicates that rituximab has long-term effects on inflammatory disease activity and that disease reactivation is rare in MS patients who discontinued treatment for any reason. It also suggests that treatment with low-dose rituximab (< 1000 mg yearly) is sufficient to maintain suppression of inflammatory disease activity in patients with stable disease.

scholarly journals Systematic review of transdermal treatment options in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: implications for use in adult patients

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Christoph U. Correll ◽  
Brittney R. Starling ◽  
Michael Huss
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
English Language ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Treatment Safety

Abstract Background Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often face delays in diagnosis and remain untreated, despite significant negative impacts. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transdermal treatment options in children, adolescents, and adults, a systematic literature review was conducted, with a focus on the implications of transdermal therapies for ADHD in adults. Methods A MEDLINE/Embase/BIOSIS/SCOPUS database search was conducted December 4, 2019, for English-language articles of interventional clinical trials using transdermal formulations for the treatment of ADHD without publication date limit. Assessed outcomes included efficacy, safety, adherence, abuse potential, cost efficacy, and health-related quality of life. Results Of 23 eligible publications, 18 were in children or adolescents (n = 1699; range 23-305), and 5 in adults (n = 274; range 14-90); all included methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS). All seven pediatric publications reporting change in ADHD symptomology from baseline reported a significant improvement with MTS treatment. Similarly, in three adult publications, ADHD symptoms improved significantly with MTS treatment. Safety findings in pediatric and adult studies were comparable; the most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), namely, headache, decreased appetite, and insomnia, were reported in 13/16 (81%) of publications reporting specific TEAEs. MTS-related dermal reactions were mostly mild and transient. Discontinuation due to dermal reactions was reported in 10 studies (range 0%-7.1% [1 of 14 patients]). MTS compliance was high when assessed (97%-99%). Conclusions Transdermal therapies provide a useful treatment formulation for ADHD. Studies of MTS and other transdermal formulations, such as amphetamine, in adult patients are needed in this underserved population.

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