Transition from intravenous to subcutaneous biological therapies in inflammatory bowel disease: An online survey of patients

The relationship between pain catastrophizing and spiritual well-being in adult cancer patients: A cross-sectional observational study

CONTEXT

Chronic cancer-related pain adversely affects patients' physical and psychological well-being. Pain catastrophizing intensifies pain perception and emotional distress, whereas spiritual well-being may provide essential coping mechanisms. The interplay between spiritual well-being and pain catastrophizing in cancer patients is not thoroughly studied.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and pain catastrophizing in cancer patients experiencing chronic pain.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from June 2023 to June 2024 at cancer center enrolling patients with cancer and pain intensity ≥4/10. Participants completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the FACIT-Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12) including the domains Meaning, Peace, Faith. Demographic data, symptom burden, and Karnofsky performance status were also collected. A Generalized Additive Model was employed to assess associations between scores of Pain Catastrophizing Scale and spiritual well-being domains, controlling for symptom burden and demographic variables.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients, mostly male, with gastrointestinal cancer, a mean age of 62.9 years and mean Karnofsky score 44.4 (SD 7.7) completed the study. Higher levels of Peace (β = -1.96, p = 0.004) and Faith (β = -0.99, p = 0.031) were significantly associated with lower pain catastrophizing, while Meaning was not significantly associated (β = 0.87, p = 0.237) . Increased symptom burden was positively correlated with higher pain catastrophizing (β = 0.16, p = 0.005) . The model explained 38.9% of the variance in pain catastrophizing scores (Adjusted R² = 0.389) .

CONCLUSION

Spiritual well-being, specifically the Peace and Faith domains, is inversely related to pain catastrophizing in cancer patients. Integrating spiritual care into pain management strategies may enhance coping mechanisms and reduce emotional distress, thereby improving patients' quality of life.

Catheter-Related Late Complications in Cancer Patients During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) and midline catheters are crucial for chemotherapy and supportive care in cancer patients. Their use requires ongoing monitoring to prevent late complications such as infections, dislodgements, and replacements. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged healthcare systems, potentially increasing these complications due to reduced outpatient services and limited specialized personnel.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the incidence of late complications associated with PICCs and midline catheters in cancer patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a Cancer Center in Italy from March 2020 to April 2024. Catheter-related complications were divided into two cohorts: during the pandemic (March 2020-March 2022) and post-pandemic (April 2022-April 2024). The primary outcome was the incidence of late complications requiring device removal, categorized as infections, dislodgements, and replacements. Statistical analyses included the Chi-squared test for categorical variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Of 4104 PICC and midline catheter placements, 2291 removals were recorded, with 550 (24%) due to late complications-404 during the pandemic and 146 post-pandemic (p < 0.001). Suspected infections were the most frequent complication, significantly higher during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Dislodgements and replacements also decreased markedly post-pandemic. Limited outpatient services and disrupted healthcare workflows likely contributed to higher complication rates during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted catheter management in cancer patients, increasing late complications. The post-pandemic decline highlights the importance of consistent care, infection prevention, remote monitoring, and stronger healthcare resilience to reduce risks in future crises.

Switching from Intravenous to Subcutaneous Biological Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Remains a Challenge

Biological inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) medications, once limited to intravenous (IV) administration, can now be administered both via IV and subcutaneously (SC). This study investigates patient preferences, willingness to switch from IV to SC, and associated factors. A questionnaire covering demographics, disease-related inquiries, quality of life, and IBD medication preferences was distributed via email, the Israeli Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Foundation, infusion centers, and clinics. From 454 IBD patients (median age: 42 years; 55.7% female), responses revealed a preference for SC every 8 weeks, which is comparable to daily oral dosing. Both options were significantly favored over IV every 8 weeks and SC every 2 weeks, with no statistically significant differences between the latter two. However, among patients who were experienced with both SC and IV administration, a clear preference for SC administration every 2 weeks over IV every 8 weeks surfaced. Among IV-treated patients, 54.5% resisted switching to SC. Key reasons for this included medical staff presence (57.7%), a fear of needles (46.4%), belief in infusion efficacy (37.1%), and longer intervals between infusions (36.1%). Findings suggest that transitioning from IV to SC treatment is challenging due to patient resistance, which is influenced by specific factors. Identifying and addressing these obstacles is crucial for optimizing IBD management.