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Nabulsi NA, Sharp LK, Sweiss KI, Patel PR, Calip GS, Lee TA. Patterns of prescription opioid use and opioid-related harms among adult patients with hematologic malignancies. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023:10781552231210788. [PMID: 37942515 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231210788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment advances for hematologic malignancies (HM) have dramatically improved life expectancy, necessitating greater focus on long-term cancer pain management. This study explored real-world patterns of opioid use among patients with HM. METHODS This retrospective cohort study identified adults diagnosed with HM from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2019 using the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Across several HM types, we described rates of high-risk opioid use (based on Pharmacy Quality Alliance measures) and opioid-related harms, including incident opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnoses and opioid-related hospitalizations or emergency department (ED) visits. We used multivariable Cox regression to generate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals comparing the risk of opioid-related harms between patients with versus without high-risk opioid use. RESULTS Our sample included 43,190 patients with HM. Median age at HM diagnosis was 54 years (interquartile range = 44-60). Most patients (61.9%) were diagnosed with lymphoma. Approximately half (49.2%) had an opioid dispensed in the follow-up period. Among all patients, 20.0% met criteria for high-risk opioid use, 0.9% had an OUD diagnosis, and 0.3% experienced an opioid-related hospitalization/ED visit in follow-up. High-risk opioid use increased the risk of an OUD diagnosis by 3.3 times (p < 0.0001) and an opioid-related hospitalization/ED visit 4.2 times (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION High-risk opioid use was prevalent among patients with HM and significantly increased the risk of opioid-related harms. However, rates of opioid-related harms were low. These findings highlight the importance of continually monitoring pain and opioid use throughout HM survivorship to provide safe, effective HM pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia A Nabulsi
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lisa K Sharp
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karen I Sweiss
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pritesh R Patel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gregory S Calip
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Todd A Lee
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Adverse Hematological Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination and Pathomechanisms of Low Acquired Immunity in Patients with Hematological Malignancies. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030662. [PMID: 36992246 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 pandemic have spread across the world and severely impacted patients living with hematological conditions. Immunocompromised patients experience rapidly progressing symptoms following COVID-19 infection and are at high risk of death. In efforts to protect the vulnerable population, vaccination efforts have increased exponentially in the past 2 years. Although COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective, mild to moderate side effects such as headache, fatigue, and soreness at the injection site have been reported. In addition, there are reports of rare side effects, including anaphylaxis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, myocarditis, and pericarditis after vaccination. Further, hematological abnormalities and a very low and transient response in patients with hematological conditions after vaccination raise concerns. The objective of this review is to first briefly discuss the hematological adverse effects associated with COVID-19 infection in general populations followed by critically analyzing the side effects and pathomechanisms of COVID-19 vaccination in immunocompromised patients with hematological and solid malignancies. We reviewed the published literature, with a focus on hematological abnormalities associated with COVID-19 infection followed by the hematological side effects of COVID-19 vaccination, and the mechanisms by which complications can occur. We extend this discussion to include the viability of vaccination efforts within immune-compromised patients. The primary aim is to provide clinicians with critical hematologic information on COVID-19 vaccination so that they can make informed decisions on how to protect their at-risk patients. The secondary goal is to clarify the adverse hematological effects associated with infection and vaccination within the general population to support continued vaccination within this group. There is a clear need to protect patients with hematological conditions from infection and modulate vaccine programs and procedures for these patients.
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Kallel F, Masmoudi S, Kassar O, Mallek R, Medhaffar M, Elloumi M. Prospective observational study of palliative care in hematological malignancies: Report of one year of practice. Transfus Clin Biol 2021; 29:44-48. [PMID: 34411747 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients with advanced disease. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the process of palliative care in patients with hematologic malignancies. METHODS In this prospective observational study, we included patients with hematologic malignancies who received palliative care over a 12 month period from June 1, 2019, to May 31, 2020 at the day care hospital of the hematology department in University Hospital of Sfax, Tunisia. Blood transfusion was used to relieve symptoms of anemia and bleeding. RESULTS Fifty-five patients were included. The median age was 68 years. Forty-three percent of patients were diagnosed with acute leukemia and 41.8% with myelodysplastic syndrome. Red cell and platelet transfusions were indicated in 94.5% and 36.3% of cases respectively. Patients reported improvement after blood transfusion in 50% of cases. Twenty-five transfusion reactions (45%) were noted. Fever was noted in 33 patients (60%), with documented sites of infection in 84.8% of them. Pulmonary infection was frequently noted (50%). Antimicrobial treatment was prescribed in all febrile cases. Pain was reported in 22 patients and in 77.5% of these cases, it was nociceptive. Patients who received analgesics showed clinical improvement in pain in 81% of cases. Anorexia with malnutrition was reported in 23% of cases which was treated with enteral nutrition in 75% of cases. Sleep disturbance (20 patients), anxiety (7 patients), and depression (4 patients) were mentioned respectively. CONCLUSION Palliative care in hematology should be a multidisciplinary care approach with a global management of the various physical, psychological and sociological complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten Kallel
- Hedi chaker hospital, El Ain road, Km0 5, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia; Faculty medecine of sfax, Avenue Majida BOULILA, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Sonda Masmoudi
- Hedi chaker hospital, El Ain road, Km0 5, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia; Faculty medecine of sfax, Avenue Majida BOULILA, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Kassar
- Hedi chaker hospital, El Ain road, Km0 5, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia; Faculty medecine of sfax, Avenue Majida BOULILA, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Rahma Mallek
- Hedi chaker hospital, El Ain road, Km0 5, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia; Faculty medecine of sfax, Avenue Majida BOULILA, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Moez Medhaffar
- Hedi chaker hospital, El Ain road, Km0 5, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia; Faculty medecine of sfax, Avenue Majida BOULILA, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Moez Elloumi
- Hedi chaker hospital, El Ain road, Km0 5, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia; Faculty medecine of sfax, Avenue Majida BOULILA, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia
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Cartoni C, Breccia M, Giesinger JM, Baldacci E, Carmosino I, Annechini G, Palumbo G, Armiento D, Niscola P, Tendas A, Brunetti GA, Minotti C, Marini MG, Reale L, Martone N, Martelli M, Efficace F. Early Palliative Home Care versus Hospital Care for Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: A Cost-Effectiveness Study. J Palliat Med 2020; 24:887-893. [PMID: 33270529 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is paucity of data on the potential value of early palliative home care for patients with hematologic malignancies. Objective: To compare costs, use of resources, and clinical outcomes between an early palliative home care program and standard hospital care for active-advanced or terminal phase patients. Patients and Methods: In this real-life, nonrandomized comparative study, the allocation of advanced/terminal phase patients to either home or hospital was based on pragmatic considerations. Analysis focused on resources use, events requiring blood unit transfusions or parenteral therapy, patient-reported symptom burden, mean weekly cost of care (MWC), cost-minimization difference, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Results: Of 119 patients, 59 patients cared at home were more debilitated and had a shorter survival than the 60 in hospital group (p = 0.001). Nevertheless, symptom burden was similar in both groups. At home the mean weekly number of transfusions (1.45) was lower than that at hospital (2.77). Higher rate of infections occurred at hospital (54%) versus home (21%; <0.001). MWC for hospitalization was significantly higher in a 3:1 ratio versus home care. Compared with hospital, domiciliary assistance produced a weekly saving of € 2314.9 for the health provider, with a charge of € 85.9 for the family, and was cost-effective by an ICER of € -7013.9 of prevented days of care for avoided infections. Conclusions: Current findings suggest that costs of early palliative home care for patients with hematologic malignancies are lower than standard hospital care costs. Domiciliary assistance may also be cost-effective by reducing the number of days to treat infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cartoni
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Breccia
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Erminia Baldacci
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Carmosino
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Annechini
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Palumbo
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Clara Minotti
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Reale
- Fondazione ISTUD, Institute of Management Studies, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Martelli
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Health Outcomes Research Unit, Rome, Italy
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An Overview of Current Recommendations and Options for the Management of Cancer Pain: A Comprehensive Review. Oncol Ther 2020; 8:251-259. [PMID: 32894414 PMCID: PMC7683745 DOI: 10.1007/s40487-020-00128-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that one-third of oncologic patients in the USA do not receive analgesia proportional to or adequate for the intensity of their pain. A mechanism-based approach to oncologic pain therapy is critical to ensure that analgesia regimens are individualized and effective. Since the mechanisms that lead to cancer pain are complex, healthcare providers must be willing to elicit and recognize the symptoms of each individual patient since these factors influence both the experience of pain and response to treatment. This process is centered on the use of detailed history in order to understand symptom expression in the context of primary tumor diagnosis and progression, history of cancer pain, psychological distress, sleep disturbances, cognitive function, and addictive behavior. Incorporating all of these factors into the assessment of a patient's pain condition can facilitate management decisions and help predict patient response to treatment.
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6
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Diaz-delCastillo M, Kamstrup D, Olsen RB, Hansen RB, Pembridge T, Simanskaite B, Jimenez-Andrade JM, Lawson MA, Heegaard AM. Differential Pain-Related Behaviors and Bone Disease in Immunocompetent Mouse Models of Myeloma. JBMR Plus 2019; 4:e10252. [PMID: 32083236 PMCID: PMC7017884 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone pain is a serious and debilitating symptom of multiple myeloma (MM) that impairs the quality of life of patients. The underlying mechanisms of the pain are unknown and understudied, and there is a need for immunocompetent preclinical models of myeloma-induced bone pain. The aim of this study was to provide the first in-depth behavioral characterization of an immunocompetent mouse model of MM presenting the clinical disease features: osteolytic bone disease and bone pain. We hypothesized that a widely used syngeneic model of MM, established by systemic inoculation of green fluorescent protein-tagged myeloma cells (5TGM1-GFP) in immunocompetent C57Bl/KaLwRijHsd (BKAL) mice, would present pain-related behaviors. Disease phenotype was confirmed by splenomegaly, high serum paraprotein, and tumor infiltration in the bone marrow of the hind limbs; however, myeloma-bearing mice did not present pain-related behaviors or substantial bone disease. Thus, we investigated an alternative model in which 5TGM1-GFP cells were directly inoculated into the intrafemoral medullary cavity. This localized myeloma model presented the hallmarks of the disease, including high serum paraprotein, tumor growth, and osteolytic bone lesions. Compared with control mice, myeloma-bearing mice presented myeloma-induced pain-related behaviors, a phenotype that was reversed by systemic morphine treatment. Micro-computed tomography analyses of the myeloma-inoculated femurs showed bone disease in cortical and trabecular bone. Repeated systemic bisphosphonate treatment induced an amelioration of the nociceptive phenotype, but did not completely reverse it. Furthermore, intrafemorally injected mice presented a profound denervation of the myeloma-bearing bones, a previously unknown feature of the disease. This study reports the intrafemoral inoculation of 5TGM1-GFP cells as a robust immunocompetent model of myeloma-induced bone pain, with consistent bone loss. Moreover, the data suggest that myeloma-induced bone pain is caused by a combinatorial mechanism including osteolysis and bone marrow denervation. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Diaz-delCastillo
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Danna Kamstrup
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Rikke Brix Olsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Rie Bager Hansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Thomas Pembridge
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism University of Sheffield Sheffield UK.,Mellanby Centre for Bone Research University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Brigita Simanskaite
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism University of Sheffield Sheffield UK.,Mellanby Centre for Bone Research University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Juan Miguel Jimenez-Andrade
- Department of Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Reynosa Aztlan Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Reynosa, Tamaulipas Mexico
| | - Michelle A Lawson
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism University of Sheffield Sheffield UK.,Mellanby Centre for Bone Research University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Anne-Marie Heegaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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Niscola P, Tendas A, Mazzone C, Efficace F. Pain and related complaints in patients with acute leukemia: time for simultaneous care in hemato-oncology. Support Care Cancer 2019; 27:2755-2756. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04743-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Caraceni A, Shkodra M. Cancer Pain Assessment and Classification. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040510. [PMID: 30974857 PMCID: PMC6521068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
More than half of patients affected by cancer experience pain of moderate-to-severe intensity, often in multiple sites, and of different etiologies and underlying mechanisms. The heterogeneity of pain mechanisms is expressed with the fluctuating nature of cancer pain intensity and clinical characteristics. Traditional ways of classifying pain in the cancer population include distinguishing pain etiology, clinical characteristics related to pain and the patient, pathophysiology, and the use of already validated classification systems. Concepts like breakthrough, nociceptive, neuropathic, and mixed pain are very important in the assessment of pain in this population of patients. When dealing with patients affected by cancer pain it is also very important to be familiar to the characteristics of specific pain syndromes that are usually encountered. In this article we review methods presently applied for classifying cancer pain highlighting the importance of an accurate clinical evaluation in providing adequate analgesia to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Caraceni
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Fondazione IRCCS-Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (INT), 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Morena Shkodra
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Fondazione IRCCS-Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (INT), 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Moreno-Alonso D, Porta-Sales J, Monforte-Royo C, Trelis-Navarro J, Sureda-Balarí A, Fernández De Sevilla-Ribosa A. Palliative care in patients with haematological neoplasms: An integrative systematic review. Palliat Med 2018; 32:79-105. [PMID: 29130387 DOI: 10.1177/0269216317735246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care was originally intended for patients with non-haematological neoplasms and relatively few studies have assessed palliative care in patients with haematological malignancies. AIM To assess palliative care interventions in managing haematological malignancies patients treated by onco-haematology departments. DESIGN Integrative systematic review with data extraction and narrative synthesis (PROSPERO #: CRD42016036240). DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus and Web-of-Science were searched for articles published through 30 June 2015. Study inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) published in English or Spanish and (2) containing data on palliative care interventions in adults with haematological malignancies. RESULTS The search yielded 418 articles; 99 met the inclusion criteria. Six themes were identified: (1) end-of-life care, (2) the relationship between onco-haematology and palliative care departments and referral characteristics, (3) clinical characteristics, (4) experience of patients/families, (5) home care and (6) other themes grouped together as 'miscellany'. Our findings indicate that palliative care is often limited to the end-of-life phase, with late referral to palliative care. The symptom burden in haematological malignancies patients is more than the burden in non-haematological neoplasms patients. Patients and families are generally satisfied with palliative care. Home care is seldom used. Tools to predict survival in this patient population are lacking. CONCLUSION Despite a growing interest in palliative care for haematological malignancies patients, the evidence base needs to be strengthened to expand our knowledge about palliative care in this patient group. The results of this review support the need to develop closer cooperation and communication between the palliative care and onco-haematology departments to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Moreno-Alonso
- 1 Palliative Care Service, Institut Catala d' Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Porta-Sales
- 1 Palliative Care Service, Institut Catala d' Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Monforte-Royo
- 2 Nursing, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Trelis-Navarro
- 1 Palliative Care Service, Institut Catala d' Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sureda-Balarí
- 3 Clinical Haematology Service, Institut Catala d' Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Button E, Chan R, Chambers S, Butler J, Yates P. Signs, Symptoms, and Characteristics Associated With End of Life in People With a Hematologic Malignancy: A Review of the Literature. Oncol Nurs Forum 2017; 43:E178-87. [PMID: 27541560 DOI: 10.1188/16.onf.e178-e187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Identifying people with hematologic cancer who are at risk of deteriorating and dying is essential to enable open, honest discussions, leading to appropriate decision making and effective end-of-life care.
. LITERATURE SEARCH PubMed, CINAHL®, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 2005 to December 2015 for descriptive observational studies.
. DATA EVALUATION Critique of the studies was guided by the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Cohort Study Checklist.
. SYNTHESIS Twelve studies were included. The majority of studies (n = 8) sampled patients from palliative populations, and most were retrospective (n = 11). A number of signs, symptoms, and characteristics associated with end of life in people with a hematolgic malignancy were identified, including pain, hematopoietic dysfunction, dyspnea, and reduced oral intake.
. CONCLUSIONS The studies described a clinical scenario of deterioration, largely in a palliative population. Findings indicate that people with a hematologic malignancy share certain clinical signs of deterioration with other populations and receive a high level of medical interventions at the end of life.
. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurses are well positioned to identify many of the signs, symptoms, and characteristics found in this review and can play a key role in identifying when a person is nearing the end of life.
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11
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Porta-Sales J, Guerrero-Torrelles M, Moreno-Alonso D, Sarrà-Escarré J, Clapés-Puig V, Trelis-Navarro J, Sureda-Balarí A, Fernández De Sevilla-Ribosa A. Is Early Palliative Care Feasible in Patients With Multiple Myeloma? J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 54:692-700. [PMID: 28807703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Evidence for the benefits of early palliative care (EPC) in patients with solid tumors is strong, but EPC has received scant attention in hematologic malignancies. OBJECTIVE To assess the benefits of outpatient-based EPC for symptom control in patients with multiple myeloma. METHODS Retrospective study of patients attending the Multiple Myeloma Palliative Care Clinic at our hospital in the year 2013 (February 1-December 31). The following symptoms were assessed at baseline and at three follow-up consultations using a Numerical Visual Scale (0 = no symptoms; 10 = worst possible): pain, anorexia, constipation, insomnia, nausea/vomiting, dyspnea, anxiety, and sadness. Physical and emotional symptom burden scores were calculated. Pain interference with general activity, sleep, and mood was also evaluated. RESULTS About 67 patients were included. The proportion of patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain (Numerical Visual Scale ≥5) decreased significantly from baseline to the final follow-up: worst pain decreased from 57% to 18% (P < 0.0001), whereas average pain fell from 24% to 2% (P < 0.0001). The percentage of patients reporting no pain interference increased significantly from baseline: general activity (52% vs. 82%; P = 0.0001), sleep (73% vs. 91%; P = 0.01), and mood (52% vs. 87.5%; P = 0.0001). Physical and emotional symptom burden also improved, with significantly fewer patients reporting depression (13% vs. 5%; P = 0.001). Most patients (86.6%) were alive and still attending the Multiple Myeloma Palliative Care Clinic at study end. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that EPC is feasible in patients with multiple myeloma. Pain and other symptoms were well controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Porta-Sales
- Palliative Care Service, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Guerrero-Torrelles
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Victòria Clapés-Puig
- Hematology Service, Institut Català d'Oncologia-L'Hospitalet L.-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Trelis-Navarro
- Palliative Care Service, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sureda-Balarí
- Hematology Service, Institut Català d'Oncologia-L'Hospitalet L.-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Kaiser F, Rudloff LV, Vehling-Kaiser U, Hollburg W, Nauck F, Alt-Epping B. Palliative home care for patients with advanced haematological malignancies-a multicenter survey. Ann Hematol 2017. [PMID: 28638954 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-017-3045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Patients with advanced haematological malignancies in non-curative settings suffer from complex physical symptoms and psychosocial distress, comparable to patients with solid tumour entities. Nevertheless, numerous problems at the interface between haematology and palliative home care have been described. From January 2011 until October 2014, we performed a retrospective, multicenter analysis of all patients with haematological malignancies (ICD 10: C81-C95) being treated by the respective specialized palliative home care (SAPV) team. Three SAPV teams were surveyed. Disease entity, physical symptoms, psychosocial distress, number of hospital admissions, therapeutic interventions and other items were analysed descriptively. Of 3,955 SAPV patients, 1.8% (n = 73) suffered from haematological malignancies. Main problems were deterioration of general condition, pain or psychological problems. Thirty-seven percent developed new symptoms during SAPV, mainly pain, psychological distress or deterioration of general status. In 33%, patients were referred to hospital, mainly due to deterioration of general condition or pain. Seventy percent died within 3 months after beginning SAPV care; 83% died at home or in a nursing home. Patients suffering from advanced haematological malignancies were statistically underrepresented in SAPV, and SAPV was installed rather at the very last days of life. By far, more patients were able to die outside a hospital as compared to reference cohorts of haematological patients not being treated in SAPV. The spectrum of documented problems is comparable to other patient cohorts being treated in SAPV; therefore, the options and benefits of palliative home care should be incorporated in palliative haematological treatment concepts more vigorously and consequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Kaiser
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - L V Rudloff
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - W Hollburg
- PalliativPartner Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F Nauck
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - B Alt-Epping
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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13
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Evaluation of care for leukemia and lymphoma patients during their last hospitalization from the perspective of the bereaved family. Leuk Res 2016; 47:93-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Roberto A, Deandrea S, Greco MT, Corli O, Negri E, Pizzuto M, Ruggeri F. Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain in Cancer Patients: Pooled Estimates From a Systematic Review of Published Literature and Results From a Survey Conducted in 50 Italian Palliative Care Centers. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 51:1091-1102.e4. [PMID: 27017920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.12.336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Because of the increasing body of literature on neuropathic cancer pain (NCP), an accurate estimate of its prevalence requires recurring updates. OBJECTIVES To provide this estimate using information from a systematic review and a survey. METHODS Using MEDLINE, Embase, and a previous review, we searched for studies published up to 2014 reporting data on NCP prevalence in adult cancer populations. Pooled prevalence rates from observational prospective studies were computed. The association between NCP prevalence and possible predictors was investigated for oncology and palliative settings. Prevalence rates were extracted from a questionnaire answered by 137 physicians working in 50 Italian centers of palliative care. Estimates from studies conducted in palliative settings and from the experts were analyzed separately and eventually pooled with an informative Bayesian random-effect model. RESULTS Twenty-nine observational studies were identified. The overall pooled prevalence was 31.2%, with high heterogeneity; similar figures were observed when oncology and palliative settings were individually considered. A slightly higher prevalence of NCP was detected for hospice/inpatients as compared to outpatients, in both settings. The mean NCP prevalence reported by the survey experts was 44.2%; the pooled Bayesian estimate for the palliative setting corresponded to 43.0% (95% CI: 40.0-46.0). The subgroup with the lowest heterogeneity and where the literature and experts' estimates were closest is hospice/inpatients, with a pooled Bayesian prevalence rate of 34.9% (95% CI: 29.9-41.0). CONCLUSION The systematic review and the survey suggest that more than one in three patients with cancer pain also experiences NCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Roberto
- Pain and Palliative Care Research Unit, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Deandrea
- Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, DG Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Greco
- Pain and Palliative Care Research Unit, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy; Unità di Statistica Medica e Biometria "G. A. Maccacaro", Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Oscar Corli
- Pain and Palliative Care Research Unit, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Negri
- Department of Epidemiology, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Pizzuto
- Palliative Care and Pain Therapy Unit, Istituti Clinici di Perfezionamento Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ruggeri
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Matematica Applicata e Tecnologie Informatiche, Milan, Italy
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Bilateral Irritable Hip: A Rare Presentation of Leukemia in Children. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.28388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Caring for terminal patients in haematology: the urgent need of a new research agenda. Support Care Cancer 2014; 23:5-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2489-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Motor disability, clinical complications, quality of life, and survival in patients with cancer: a plausible scenario. Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:2603-4. [PMID: 24659217 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2213-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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18
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Tendas A, Cupelli L, Trawinska MM, Lentini R, Giovannini M, Scaramucci L, Perrotti A, de Fabritiis P, Niscola P. Antifungal Drugs in the Management of Hematological Diseases in a Home Care Program. HOME HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1084822313494085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Antifungal drugs are frequently used in hematology due to relatively high frequency of infections. Electronic health records of home care patients were retrospectively scanned, looking for antifungal drugs, nystatin, fluconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole; we extrapolated frequency, type, indication for use, and duration of each identified antifungal treatment. From September 15, 2011 to September 15, 2012, among 106 patients, median age 83 years, affected by cancer in 82 and other diagnosis in 24 patients, 18 were treated with antifungals, 12 with systemic antifungal (fluconazole 6, itraconazole 5, sequential voriconazole, and itraconazole 1) and 6 with local antifungal. According to our results, the use of antifungals in home care hematological patients is frequent, but limited to certain molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Cupelli
- Hematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, Rome, Italy
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19
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Sustained resolution of anemia without any treatment after excessive therapeutic response to human recombinant erythropoietin in three patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Support Care Cancer 2013; 21:1803-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-013-1818-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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20
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Access to Holiday in Hematological Patients Managed in a Home Care Program. HOME HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1084822312469817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Home care–managed patients face several barriers making access to holiday difficult. During the trimester from June 15 to September 15, 2012, 54 hematological patients were attended by home care service; of these, only 6 (11%) have moved away from home to reach a holiday destination; advanced or terminal disease and high transfusion rate (>3 units/month) seems to negatively affect patients’ access to holiday in our series. Larger studies should be designed to definitely clarify the main barriers to transfer, enabling physicians to plan interventions aimed to bypass these obstacles.
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21
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Niscola P, Tendas A, Scaramucci L, Giovannini M, De Sanctis V. Pain in blood cancers. Indian J Palliat Care 2012; 17:175-83. [PMID: 22346041 PMCID: PMC3276813 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.92333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with blood-related cancers (BRC) suffer from a substantial symptom burden, including several pain syndromes sustained by different causes and pathogenetic mechanisms. So, with regard to pain, a multifaceted clinical scenario may be observed in this setting. Indeed, pain may be correlated to disease itself, to disease-associated complications, to iatrogenic causes or may be due to unrelated clinical conditions. A close diagnostic procedure for the assessment of the underlying causes of the pain and of its pathogenetic mechanisms may direct the treatment approach which should be based on a multidisciplinary management and requires the integration of etiology-targeted interventions and painkilling drugs. The World Health Organization's three-step analgesic ladder for cancer pain relief can provide adequate pain control using oral drugs in most patients with BRC on pain, although more complex interventions may be necessary for many difficult-to-treat pain syndromes which are not infrequently encountered in this setting.
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22
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Controlled-release oxycodone for the treatment of bortezomib-induced neuropathic pain in patients with multiple myeloma. Support Care Cancer 2012; 20:2621-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-012-1511-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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23
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Tendas A, Cupelli L, Scaramucci L, Palombi M, Trawinska MM, Giovannini M, Brunetti GA, Cartoni C, Bondanini F, de Fabritiis P, Niscola P. Anticoagulant and Anti-thrombotic Treatments in the Management of Hematological Malignancies in a Home Care Program. Indian J Palliat Care 2011; 17:54-6. [PMID: 21633622 PMCID: PMC3098544 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.78450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Anticoagulants (AC) and anti-platelet (AP) agents are widely administered to patients with hematological malignancies (HM). However, HM patients may be at high risk of bleeding and hemorrhagic complications, because of different form of coagulopathies and several degrees of thrombocytopenia. Materials and Methods: A prospective evaluation of the use of anticoagulant and anti-thrombotic agents as well as of bleeding and thrombotic complications in a consecutive cohort of patients, which were followed during the first semester of 2010 by our home care service, was performed. In this regard, three pharmacological class of agents, such as oral anticoagulants (warfarin and acenocumarine), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and anti-platelet (AP) drugs were considered. Results: Out of 129 patients, 26 (20%) were treated with AC/AP drugs. Warfarin, acenocumarine, LMWH as well as AP were used in 7, 11 and 12 patients, respectively. Adverse events (bleeding) were observed in 3 patients (11.5%), 2 cases being on warfarin (replaced by LMWH) and 1 being AP (suspension without replacement); out of the 3 patients with bleeding, none presented thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: Despite the frequent findings of hemostatic disorders in a population of frail patients managed in a home care setting, our experience demonstrated that the use of AC/AP drugs has been very rarely responsible for significant complications.
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Niscola P, Tendas A, Scaramucci L, Giovaninni M, Cupelli L, De Sanctis V, Brunetti GA, Bondanini F, Palumbo R, Lamanda M, Battistini R, Cartoni C, Romani C, Arcuri E. Pain in malignant hematology. Expert Rev Hematol 2011; 4:81-93. [PMID: 21322781 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.10.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Pain is frequently experienced by patients with hematological malignancies, although it often receives little attention. Different underlying causes and mechanisms may sustain several pain syndromes in hematological malignant patients. Pain may be due to disease itself, to disease-related complications, to iatrogenic causes or may be associated with unrelated medical conditions. The management of pain in this setting requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating analgesics and causal interventions. An accurate diagnostic assessment and the identification of the underlying causes and pathogenetic mechanisms may dictate the treatment approach. For most pain patients, the WHO's three-step analgesic scale for cancer pain relief can provide adequate relief with oral options, although difficult-to-treat pain syndromes, requiring a more complex treatment approach, may also be observed.
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26
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Tendas A, Niscola P, Giovannini M, Scaramucci L, Cupelli L, Dentamaro T, de Fabritiis P. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of incident pain-related disability in malignant hematology: an Italian survey. Ann Hematol 2010; 90:719-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s00277-010-1064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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27
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Jarlbaek L, Hansen D, Bruera E, Andersen M. Frequency of Opioid Use in a Population of Cancer Patients During the Trajectory of the Disease. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2010; 22:199-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2009.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2009] [Revised: 11/17/2009] [Accepted: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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28
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Niscola P, Scaramucci L, Romani C, Giovannini M, Tendas A, Brunetti G, Cartoni C, Palumbo R, Vischini G, Siniscalchi A, Fabritiis PD, Caravita T. Pain management in multiple myeloma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2010; 10:415-425. [DOI: 10.1586/era.10.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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Kodama Y, Takita M, Kawagoe S, Hirahara S, Kimura Y, Onozawa S, Wada T, Nakano K, Kami M, Matsumura T, Yuji K. Retrospective study on home care for patients with hematologic malignancies. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2009; 39:606-611. [PMID: 19535385 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyp064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a lack of sufficient information on the employment of home care for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. METHODS We provided home care to 580 patients from 1 January through 31 October 2007. Patients with hematologic malignancies were selected from these 580 patients; subsequently, by reviewing their medical records. RESULTS The main clinical condition in 15 (2.6%) of 580 patients was hematologic malignancies. The median age of the patients was 78 years (range, 64-92). Of the 15 patients, 12 showed a performance status (PS) of 3-4, and the condition of 6 patients was complicated with dementia. Food intake via the oral route was possible in 14 patients. These patients were administered palliative care. Among the seven patients who required pain control, four had been opioid users; however, none had used anticancer drugs for pain relief. Furthermore, three patients received blood transfusion. Although three patients developed severe complications (acute appendicitis, pneumonia and hyperglycemia), we were able to treat all cases adequately. Eight patients died at home due to aggravation of the primary diseases. The remaining seven patients were transferred to other hospitals for the treatment of complications or for the convenience of their respective families. CONCLUSIONS Even patients with hematologic malignancies could be candidates for home care if their underlying diseases are slowly progressive, and they can sustain themselves by oral intakes. Dementia and poor PS are not contraindicated to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Kodama
- Division of Social Communication System for Advanced Clinical Research, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
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Disability and physical rehabilitation in patients with advanced hematological malignancies followed in a home care program. Support Care Cancer 2009; 17:1559-60. [PMID: 19701814 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-009-0732-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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31
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Cartoni C, Niscola P, Breccia M, Brunetti G, D'Elia GM, Giovannini M, Romani C, Scaramucci L, Tendas A, Cupelli L, de Fabritiis P, Foa R, Mandelli F. Hemorrhagic complications in patients with advanced hematological malignancies followed at home: an Italian experience. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 50:387-91. [PMID: 19347728 DOI: 10.1080/10428190802714024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients with advanced hematological malignancies may experience many troublesome hemorrhagic complications requiring hospitalisation during a palliative home care (HC) program. We report on the feasibility of the management of bleeding at home in patients with haematological malignancies admitted in a domiciliary HC program. The occurrence of a major hemorrhage episode (>1 WHO grade) was registered among 469 patients with hematological malignancies in the terminal phase of their disease followed at home. Number, sites, domiciliary treatment (local hemostatic measures, platelet units, hemostatic drugs, packed red blood cells) and outcome of hemorrhagic complications were evaluated. Out of 469 patients, 123 (26%) experienced a bleeding complication; the overall number of hemorrhagic episodes was 232 (49%) with a median number of 2 episodes per patient. Patients with a platelet count lower than 20 x 10(9)/L (P < 0.00005) or with a diagnosis of acute leukemia or in blast crisis of myeloprolypherative disorders (P < 0.00005) showed a significant higher incidence of hemorrhages than other patients. Resolution of bleeding at home was obtained in 206 (88%) of the 232 episodes; platelet units were transfused at home in 188 (81%) cases. Bleeding was the cause of hospitalisation in four cases. Death occurred in 447 of 469 patients: in 26 of them (6%), it was caused by bleeding complications (11 brain hemorrhage, 2 hematemesis, 3 hemoptysis and 10 melena). In this group of patients, bleeding was a relevant clinical problem However, by implementing a domiciliary palliative care program, home management of hemorrhages proved to be a safe and effective choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cartoni
- Division of Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Policlinico Umberto I, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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