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Objective: Optimal pain management often requires multiple pharmacological interventions with the goal of disrupting the pain-signaling pathway and targeting the underlying pathophysiology. Off label use of nonpain medications may have a role in treating refractory pain syndromes. Background: We report a case of a 60-year-old female with refractory nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Conventional therapies were either ineffective or fraught with side effects. Given the underlying inflammatory nature of her pain syndrome, and the role of substance P (SP) in pain transmission and modulation, we decided to use fosaprepitant, an SP and neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. The patient tolerated fosaprepitant and experienced acceptable analgesia without compromising her mental functioning. Design: Study and analysis of a case of a patient with refractory mixed, nociceptive, and neuropathic pain syndrome treated with fosaprepitant. Results and Discussion: Fosaprepitant is a potentially novel adjuvant therapy for the treatment of refractory inflammatory pain syndromes in palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nationally, the contribution of palliative care to high-quality health care continues to be recognized resulting in demand for palliative care services. This has resulted in an expected shortage of clinicians with palliative care knowledge and experience. The education and scope of practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) provides an ideal foundation for further palliative care education and training to fill this gap. Objective: The authors sought a method to provide midcareer APRNs with education and training in primary palliative care. Setting: The program took place at a well-established palliative care program at an academic medical center. This article describes an Institutional Review Board-approved week-long intensive APRN externship designed to provide education and training in primary palliative care for APRNs across disease populations. To best educate these APRNs, who did not have formal palliative care in their graduate education, the externship includes didactic, experiential, and clinical components to meet the needs of APRNs with minimal palliative care education and/or experiences. Measurement: Precourse and postcourse data collection was performed. Results demonstrated increased knowledge, skills, and confidence in palliative care. Conclusion: This is a sustainable model for primary palliative care and midcareer APRNs who wish to enter palliative care. It is replicable for other disciplines as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of an otherwise healthy 21-year-old female who developed severe respiratory failure following a minor procedure requiring ECMO and bi-level ventilation. During her protracted ICU course, she had significant difficulties with agitation and was titrated to the following regimen: hydromorphone 30 mg/hour, fentanyl 200 mcg/hour, dexmedetomidine 1.5 mcg/kg/hour, propofol at 70 mcg/kg/min, and midazolam at 20 mg/hour. We were consulted to assist in withdrawal of life prolonging measures at the family's request and given high doses of commonly used opioid and sedative medications successfully utilized methadone and ketamine for symptom control. This case study would indicate that in selected patients on high dose opioid and sedative medications prior to withdrawal of life prolonging measures ketamine may be considered for symptom management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, is associated with higher mortality rates in women. Women also experience tremendous symptom burden, including dyspnea, anxiety, and depression, in comparison to men with COPD. Palliative care (PC) provides symptom management and addresses advanced care planning for serious illness, but little is known about the use of PC in women with COPD. Objective: The purpose of this integrative review was to identify known PC interventions in advanced COPD and to understand the problem of gender and sex disparities. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl's methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were used to guide this integrative review, and the quality of the articles was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool2018 version. A database search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, ProQuest, and CINAHL complete between 2009 and 2021. Results: Application of search terms yielded 1005 articles. After screening 877 articles, 124 met inclusion criteria, resulting in a final sample of 15 articles. Study characteristics were evaluated for common concepts and synthesized using the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms influencing factors (physiological, situational, and performance). All 15 studies discussed PC interventions with the focus on dyspnea management or improvement in quality of life. None of the studies identified in this review focused specifically on women with advanced COPD receiving PC, despite the significant impact that this illness has on women. Conclusion: It remains unknown if any intervention is more beneficial than another for women with advanced COPD. Future research is needed to provide an understanding of the unmet PC needs of women with advanced COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT: The topical gel known as 'ABH gel,' comprising lorazepam (Ativan((R))), diphenhydramine (Benadryl((R))), and haloperidol (Haldol((R))), is frequently used to treat nausea because of its perceived efficacy, relatively low cost, and ease of use in the home setting. There are limited scientific data on this medication, however. Recent pilot studies showed no absorption of the active ingredients of the gel, prompting further prospective studies into the cause of the perceived efficacy in the clinical setting. OBJECTIVES: To determine any difference in the effectiveness of ABH gel compared with placebo in cancer patients with nausea. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, noninferiority clinical trial was developed to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the effectiveness of ABH gel compared with placebo in cancer patients with nausea. The primary outcome was the difference in nausea score (on a 0-10 scale) at baseline and at 60 minutes in each treatment group. The difference in the ABH gel-treated group compared with placebo was evaluated for noninferiority. Secondary outcomes included the number of vomiting episodes and side effects over time. RESULTS: The mean change in nausea score from baseline to 60 minutes after treatment in the ABH gel group was 1.7 ± 2.05 and 0.9 ± 2.45 for the placebo group (P = 0.42). The placebo group was found to be noninferior to the ABH gel group in reducing the nausea score. ABH gel also did not decrease vomiting events better than placebo (P = 0.34). Only one patient reported any side effects from the treatments in either arm of the study. CONCLUSION: ABH gel in its current formulation should not be used in cancer patients experiencing nausea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context The topical gel known as “ABH gel,” comprising lorazepam (Ativan ® ), diphenhydramine (Benadryl ® ), and haloperidol (Haldol ® ), is frequently used to treat nausea because of its perceived efficacy, relatively low cost, and ease of use in the home setting. There are limited scientific data on this medication, however. Recent pilot studies showed no absorption of the active ingredients of the gel, prompting further prospective studies into the cause of the perceived efficacy in the clinical setting. Objectives To determine any difference in the effectiveness of ABH gel compared with placebo in cancer patients with nausea. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, noninferiority clinical trial was developed to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the effectiveness of ABH gel compared with placebo in cancer patients with nausea. The primary outcome was the difference in nausea score (on a 0–10 scale) at baseline and at 60 minutes in each treatment group. The difference in the ABH gel-treated group compared with placebo was evaluated for noninferiority. Secondary outcomes included the number of vomiting episodes and side effects over time. Results The mean change in nausea score from baseline to 60 minutes after treatment in the ABH gel group was 1.7 ± 2.05 and 0.9 ± 2.45 for the placebo group ( P = 0.42). The placebo group was found to be noninferior to the ABH gel group in reducing the nausea score. ABH gel also did not decrease vomiting events better than placebo ( P = 0.34). Only one patient reported any side effects from the treatments in either arm of the study. Conclusion ABH gel in its current formulation should not be used in cancer patients experiencing nausea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropathic pain is common among cancer patients and often difficult to treat. This study used Scrambler therapy, a patient-specific electrocutaneous nerve stimulation device, to treat cancer patients with pain. Patients received Scrambler therapy for 10 sessions (one daily) over a two-week period. The primary outcome was changed in pain numerical rating scale (NRS) at one month; secondary outcomes were changes in the Brief Pain Inventory and European Organization for Treatment and Cancer QLC-CIPN-20(EORTC CIPN-20), over time. Thirty-nine patients, mean age 56.5 yr, 16 men and 23 women, were treated over an 18-month period for an average of 9.3 days each. The 'now' pain scores reduced from 6.6 before treatment to 4.5 at 14 days, 4.6, 4.8, and 4.6 at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively ( p < 0.001). Clinically important and statistically significant improvements were seen in average, least, and worst pain; BPI interference with life scores, and motor and sensory scales on the EORTC CIPN-20. No adverse effects were observed. In this single arm trial, Scrambler therapy appeared to relieve cancer-associated chronic neuropathic pain both acutely and chronically, and provided sustained improvements in many indicators of quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Therapeutic hypothermia (ARCTIC, or Advanced Resuscitation Cooling Therapeutics and Intensive Care protocol) is a widely recommended intervention to improve mortality and neurologic outcomes after cardiac arrest. However, neurologic outcomes are difficult to predict soon after cardiac arrest in the setting of hypothermia, as illustrated by this case report. A 60-year-old man had witnessed cardiac arrest at home. He was defibrillated twice, with return of spontaneous circulation, and cooled to 33°C for 24 hours. Neurologic exam on Day 6 revealed limited brainstem reflexes, and the intensive care unit team discussed with the patient’s family that his prognosis for neurologic recovery was poor. Palliative care was consulted to participate in a goals-of-care meeting. Just prior to the meeting on Day 7, the patient awoke. He fully recovered and walked out of the hospital on Day 18. Prior to induced hypothermia, indicators of poor outcome included lack of one or more brainstem reflexes (pupillary or corneal reflex), absence of motor response at 72 hours, myoclonus, status epilepticus, electroencephalogram with generalized suppression, and absent bilateral cortical N20 response to somatosensory-evoked potentials. However, several studies have found these indicators to be unreliable after hypothermia. This may be the result of sedatives, which can affect physical examination and electroencephalogram results, and delayed clearance. Because of the unreliability of prognostication tests within the first 72 hours of hypothermic protocols in the setting of sedation, it appears prudent in some cases to delay final prognosis discussions until at least six days postcardiac arrest and after neurologic evaluation is done with patients sedative-free. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Prostacyclin analogues such as epoprostenol (Flolan®) are commonly used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, their complex administration and significant cost may limit the access that patients with PAH have to palliative and hospice care. We herein report our experience using epoprostenol in a dedicated palliative care unit and present our inpatient protocol for the drug's administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the first sale doctrine formulated by Isador Straus of the R.H. Macy and Co. Inc. department store in New York City. It discusses the decision of the Ninth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Omega SA v. Costco Wholesale Corp. , which provides opportunity to resolve issues of copyright law. It suggests that clarification of the scope of the doctrine related to imports of lawful goods in foreign country is significant to owners and purchasers of copyrighted works.

Purpose/Objectives: To assess end-of-life (EOL) care core competencies deemed most important with corresponding educational needs from oncology nurses and to describe the characteristics of the respondents that are associated with selection of the top-ranked core competencies.Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study.Setting: Mailed and online surveys.Sample: 714 members of the Oncology Nursing Society from Georgia, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.Methods: Responses to a mailed or e-mailed researcher-developed questionnaire during a six-month period were collated and analyzed.Main Research Variables: Ranking of EOL care core competencies and perceived gaps in EOL continuing education.Findings: Almost all of the respondents indicated that EOL care was a part of their practice and that continuing education was important, but more than half of the respondents had fewer than two hours of continuing education regarding EOL care in the past two years. Twenty-five percent of the respondents do not believe they are adequately prepared to effectively care for a dying patient. Symptom management was the top-rated core competency, consistent across age, education level, practice role, and practice setting. How to talk to patients and families about dying and what comprises palliative care also was selected frequently.Conclusions: Symptom management is the number one core competency, and the quantity and quality of EOL continuing education is inadequate. Educational gaps exist in EOL nursing care.Implications for Nursing: Assessing what nurses believe to be leading EOL core competencies is useful in improving educational curricula along with considering characteristics of nurses when planning EOL educational programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Context: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major dose-limiting and persistent consequence of numerous classes of antineoplastic agents, affecting up to 30%–40% of patients. To date, there is no effective prevention or therapy. An evolving hypothesis for reducing CIPN pain involves direct nerve stimulation to reduce the pain impulse. Objectives: To evaluate the impact on CIPN associated with the MC5-A Calmare® therapy device. Methods: The MC5-A Calmare® therapy device is designed to generate a patient-specific cutaneous electrostimulation to reduce the abnormal pain intensity. Sixteen patients from one center received one-hour interventions daily over 10 working days. Results: Of 18 patients, 16 were evaluable. The mean age of the patients was 58.6 years—four men and 14 women—and the duration of CIPN was three months to eight years. The most common drugs were taxanes, platinums, and bortezomib (Velcade, Millenium Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge MA). At the end of the study (Day 10), a 20% reduction in numeric pain scores was achieved in 15 of 16 patients. The pain score fell 59% from 5.81±1.11 before treatment to 2.38±1.82 at the end of 10 days (P <0.0001 by paired t-test). A daily treatment benefit was seen with a strong statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-daily pain scores (P <0.001). Four patients had their CIPN reduced to zero. A repeated-measures analysis using the scores from all 10 days confirmed these results. No toxicity was seen. Some responses have been durable without maintenance. Conclusion: Patient-specific cutaneous electrostimulation with the MC5-A Calmare® device appears to dramatically reduce pain in refractory CIPN patients with no toxicity. Further studies are underway to define the benefit, mechanisms of action, and optimal schedule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objectives: To describe an evaluation of the oncology version of the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC--Oncology) training program, which is designed to provide oncology nurses with the knowledge and materials necessary to disseminate palliative care information to their colleagues in local chapters of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Data Sources: Participant reports. Data Synthesis: 124 nurses representing 74 ONS chapters attended the first two courses. Dyads of ONS members from local chapters applied to attend ELNEC and completed surveys regarding their goals and expectations for implementing end-of-life (EOL) education and training after completion of the program. Participants educated more than 26,000 nurses after attending the program, including 7,593 nurses within their ONS chapters and 18,517 colleagues within their workplaces. Barriers to implementation included a lack of funding and time constraints. Participants sought additional palliative care learning opportunities, including attending other workshops, subscribing to palliative care journals, and becoming involved in committees focused on palliative care. Conclusion: The ELNEC--Oncology program is a national collaboration with ONS that provides oncology nurses with the tools and expertise to effectively disseminate palliative care content to colleagues within their local chapters and work settings. Implications for Nursing: EOL care information remains critical to the science of oncology nursing, and ELNEC--Oncology provides an effective strategy for disseminating the information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer pain management is a crucial aspect of patients' quality of life. During the course of the disease, patients with cancer may develop difficult pain management problems that do not respond to interventions that use the basic principles of pain management. Ongoing assessment, multiple approaches, and excellent communication among all care management team members are critical. Pain management goals must be continually evaluated, reestablished if necessary, and negotiated by patients and the team. Difficult pain management cases demand the involvement of all team members, especially patients, to assist in determining acceptable approaches. Nurses must recognize the challenge, advocate for better management, and provide ongoing assessment. Ultimately, pain management outcomes are determined by nursing advocacy. Through nurse leadership, suffering is minimized and quality of life is improved for this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A randomized clinical trial of implantable drug delivery system (IDDS) plus comprehensive medical management (CMM) versus CMM alone in 200 patients with refractory cancer pain showed better clinical success with IDDS. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether IDDS could help the most refractory patients failed by expert CMM. Patients and Methods: This was a planned longitudinal prospective analysis of 30 of 99 (30%) patients for whom CMM failed who crossed over to IDDS by 6 months, as part of the randomized clinical trial. Patients had a pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 5 or more despite CMM with 320 mg or morphine-equivalent opioids and adjunct drugs for 1 month. The intervention was an implantable intrathecal programmable pump with opioids and local anesthetics. Clinical success was measured as a 20% change in pain VAS score and NCI CTEP drug toxicity scales. Results: Clinical success was achieved with pain scores and drug toxicity scores significantly reduced by 27% ( p = 0.011) and 51% ( p < 0.0001). Median survival was 103 days after IDDS implant, similar to IDDS patients who received implantation as part of the initial randomization. Conclusions: CMM patients who crossed over to IDDS for the most refractory pain had significant reductions in pain and drug toxicity. The survival time of 3 months may be long enough for the IDDS implant to be cost effective. In this prospective longitudinal study, patients with refractory cancer pain despite comprehensive medical management derived benefit from IDDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of patients with refractory pain are receiving intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS). We describe a case to illustrate the clinical manifestations and management implications of inadvertent overdose with drugs used in IDDS, including opioids, clonidine, baclofen, and local anesthetics. An IDDS patient received a bimonthly dose of intrathecal hydromorphone subcutaneously. The patient received a total of 540 mg hydromorphone into the subcutaneous pocket around the intrathecal pump. She was treated with naloxone intravenously over 12 hours, and had no major adverse sequelae. Such occurrences may happen more frequently with the expanded use of IDDS and clinicians should be prepared to take quick action. Counteracting an opioid with naloxone until the opioid is metabolized and excreted can be done safely. Inadvertent subcutaneous administration of other types of drugs could be more difficult to manage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Provides information on two medical case regarding the role of invasive analgesic therapies when analgesic therapies fail. Pharmacologic interventions available to administer to promote comfort; Need for effective patient advocacy; Opportunities for nurses to affect patients and their families.

Provides information on the compounding of drugs or the process of customizing pharmaceuticals for a patient. Reasons why drugs are compounded; Conditions when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate compounded drugs for efficacy and safety; Evaluation of compounded drugs.

Answers questions related to the medical profession. Information on the use of nebulized fentanyl for the management of dyspnea; Information on transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap surgery; Advice on how to deal with postoperative pain after a breast reconstruction procedure.