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Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness due to autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressive therapy, has shown potential for managing MG with fewer side effects compared to other treatments. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MMF in MG patients in a real-life multicenter setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on generalized MG patients, refractory to azathioprine (AZA) and treated with MMF alone or with steroids, at three Italian centers from January 2011 to February 2024. Patients were assessed using the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification, MG composite score (MGCS), and MG activity of daily living (MGADL) scores at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Statistical analyses included the Spearman correlation, the Friedman test, and ANOVA. Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled (13 males, mean age 66.5 ± 11.5 years). Significant improvements in MGADL and MGCS scores were observed at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001), with continued improvement over 24 months. Side effects were reported in 12% of patients. MMF showed a faster onset of symptom control compared to azathioprine, with a significant improvement noted within 6 months. Conclusions: A recent study found that MMF and AZA were equally effective in improving patients' quality of life, but because AZA had more serious adverse events than MMF, lower doses of AZA were therefore recommended to reduce the adverse events while maintaining efficacy. Conversely, results showed that MMF is effective and well-tolerated in the long-term management of MG, providing faster symptom control and a favorable safety profile. Future prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings and explore sex differences in response to MMF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palliative medicine represents the holistic multiprofessional treatment of severely and incurably ill people and their relatives, addressing their complex physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. The central therapeutic goals are the quality of life and alleviation of suffering. In the course of many neurological diseases, high symptom burden, long and variable trajectories and unfavorable prognosis at times create a need for palliative care even at an early stage, which is currently still inadequately met. This can be countered by qualified neuropalliative care. In addition to intensifying interdisciplinary collaboration, this requires neurologists to have core competencies in palliative care. These include a team-oriented attitude, communication skills, expertise in symptom control and knowledge of biomedical ethics including palliative options at the end of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The relationship between immediate symptom control, reliever medication use and exacerbation risk on treatment response and factors that modify it have not been assessed in an integrated manner. Here we apply simulation scenarios to evaluate the effect of individual baseline characteristics on treatment response in patients with moderate–severe asthma on regular maintenance dosing monotherapy with fluticasone propionate (FP) or combination therapy with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/SAL) or budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR). Methods: Reduction in reliever medication use (puffs/24 h), change in symptom control scores (ACQ-5), and annualised exacerbation rate over 12 months were simulated in a cohort of patients with different baseline characteristics (e.g. time since diagnosis, asthma control questionnaire (ACQ-5) symptom score, smoking status, body mass index (BMI) and sex) using drug–disease models derived from large phase III/IV clinical studies. Results: Simulation scenarios show that being a smoker, having higher baseline ACQ-5 and BMI, and long asthma history is associated with increased reliever medication use (p < 0.01). This increase correlates with a higher exacerbation risk and higher ACQ-5 scores over the course of treatment, irrespective of the underlying maintenance therapy. Switching non-responders to ICS monotherapy to combination therapy after 3 months resulted in immediate reduction in reliever medication use (i.e. 1.3 vs. 1.0 puffs/24 h for FP/SAL and BUD/FOR, respectively). In addition, switching patients with ACQ-5 > 1.5 at baseline to FP/SAL resulted in 34% less exacerbations than those receiving regular dosing BUD/FOR (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We have identified baseline characteristics of patients with moderate to severe asthma that are associated with greater reliever medication use, poor symptom control and higher exacerbation risk. Moreover, the effects of different inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting beta agonist (LABA) combinations vary significantly when considering long-term treatment performance. These factors should be considered in clinical practice as a basis for personalised management of patients with moderate–severe asthma symptoms. Plain Language Summary: In this study we looked at how different factors affect the response to asthma treatment in people with moderate to severe asthma who are taking regular medication. Specifically, we wanted to quantify how much asthma duration, differences in the degree of symptom control and lung function, as well as smoking habit, body weight, and sex influence how well someone responds to regular maintenance therapy. Using computer simulations based on models obtained from data in a large patient population with moderate–severe asthma, we explored scenarios that reflect real-life management of patients undergoing treatment with inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination with long-acting beta agonists over a 12-month period. We looked at how much reliever inhaler they use, how well they rate their asthma control, and how often they have asthma attacks. By considering these results together, we evaluated how well the treatments work on ongoing symptoms and/or reduce the risk of future asthma attacks. Our simulations showed that smokers, people with higher asthma symptom scores, who are obese, and have a longer history of asthma tend to use their reliever inhalers more often. This was linked to a higher risk of having asthma attacks and worse symptom control. Switching those patients who do not respond well to their initial treatment with corticosteroid to combination therapy reduced how much reliever inhaler they need. Also, the effects of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol combination therapy were greater than budesonide/formoterol. In conclusion, our study found that certain patient characteristics can predict how well someone responds to asthma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to modern therapies, survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has been significantly prolonged. Nevertheless, patients suffering from advanced disease often present with severe symptoms. Early integration of palliative care into anti-cancer treatment has been shown to improve quality of life and may even prolong survival. Therefore, it is recommended to offer palliative care to patients with complex symptoms at the beginning of an advanced disease stage. To our knowledge, so far, no study has been conducted to examine the role of palliative care in patients with mRCC. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the symptom burden and quality of life before and after an inpatient palliative care treatment. Design: The study design is a retrospective observational study. Methods: We included patients with mRCC, who were admitted to our palliative care unit between 2011 and 2017 due to severe symptoms. The symptom burden was assessed at admission, throughout treatment, and at discharge. The evaluation consisted of the palliative care base assessment and daily documentation of relevant symptoms. Results: We evaluated 110 hospitalizations of 58 RCC patients. On average, patients were admitted to the palliative care unit 7 years after initial diagnosis (range 1–305 months). The median age was 70.5 years, 69% of the patients were male, 3% female. The main causes for admission were pain (52%) and dyspnea (26%), and the most frequent patient-reported symptoms were fatigue/exhaustion (87%), weakness (83%), and need for assistance with activities of daily living (83%). Multidisciplinary palliative care treatment led to a significant reduction in the median minimal documentation system (MIDOS) symptom score (15.6–9.9, p < 0.001), the median numeric pain rating scale (3–0, p < 0.001), and a significant reduction in mean ratings of the distress thermometer (5.5–3.1, p = 0.016). Conclusion: Our analysis shows that the integration of palliative care treatment is effective throughout the disease in mRCC and could measurably reduce the symptom burden in our patient population. Palliative care should not be equated with end-of-life care but should rather be integrated throughout advanced disease, particularly as soon as a cure is impossible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of fluid management, symptom control, and quality of life on education based on the Roy Adaptation Model. This randomized controlled study was conducted with the participation of 107 patients (53 intervention, 54 control). Data were collected using the "Patient Data Collection Form," "Fluid Control in Hemodialysis Patients Scale," "Dialysis Symptom Index," and "Nottingham Health Profile." The forms were filled out through face-to-face interviews with the patients in the intervention and control groups at the 0th (onset), 1st, and 3rd months. The patients in the intervention group were trained with an education booklet based on the Roy Adaptation Model. The results revealed that the education given according to the Roy Adaptation Model improved the compliance with fluid control, quality of life, and symptom control of hemodialysis patients. It is recommended that education based on the Roy Adaptation Model be systematically used by hemodialysis nurses. The results are limited to the population included in the study, and further research on hemodialysis populations is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our research group is conducting three large randomized placebo-controlled trials of medicinal cannabis for cancer symptoms. All participants are invited to take part in a posttrial surveillance study. Methods: Participants were given the manufacturers dosing instructions and liberty to titrate to effect. Data were collected on symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS] score), perceived benefits, adverse effects, satisfaction with the product, and dose/frequency. Results: Twenty-six percent of eligible participants consented to take part in the surveillance study. Most participants changed their self-titrated dose at least once. Pain, sleep, and mood were the most frequently cited symptoms which improved. Fatigue, nausea, and cognitive impairment were the most frequently mentioned adverse effects. Conclusion: Participants felt confident making changes to their medicinal cannabis dose within the limits suggested by the manufacturer of each product. A number of benefits and adverse effects were ascribed to the product. Benefits were similar to those described in previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive impairments are a common and negative side effect in individuals receiving chemotherapy. Objective: This study aimed to determine the cognitive status and symptom control in individuals undergoing chemotherapy and investigate the relationship between them. Methods: The descriptive research sample consisted of 140 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at the outpatient chemotherapy unit and medical oncology service of a training and research hospital. Individuals who were newly starting chemotherapy and undergoing chemotherapy were included in the sample. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy--Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog). Data were collected at two time points, before chemotherapy and after receiving four cycles of chemotherapy. Results: It was found that the total symptom scores significantly increased after four cycles of chemotherapy (p<0.05). The scores of "Perceived Cognitive Impairments," "Comments From Others," and "Perceived Cognitive Abilities" were significantly decreases after four cycles of chemotherapy, while no significant changes were found in the scores of "Impact of Perceived Cognitive Function on Quality of Life" (p>0.05). A negative and significant correlation was found between the FACT-Cog and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System scores (p<0.001). Conclusions: Cognitive status is negatively affected during the chemotherapy, and the severity of symptoms contributes to cognitive impairment. It is recommended to monitor the cognitive status of individuals receiving chemotherapy at regular intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Die Gynäkologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this article, the authors aimed to determine the effect of the training and follow-up based on the Neuman systems model provided to patients undergoing chemotherapy on their self-efficacy and symptom control. The study was carried out with a randomized controlled experimental study model design. The sample consisted of 102 patients including 52 in the experimental group and 50 in the control group. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, the Cancer Behavior Inventory–Brief (CBI-B), and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). A personal training program prepared according to the Neuman systems model was applied to the experimental group patients. In the intergroup comparison of the experimental and control group patients, there was an increase in the posttest CBI-B scores and a decrease in the ESAS scores in the experimental group compared to the control group, and the intergroup difference was statistically significant (p <.05). According to the results, to improve the self-efficacy and symptom control in patients undergoing chemotherapy, using this education and follow-up program is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Symptom burdens tend to increase for patients with cancer and their families over the disease trajectory. There is still a lack of evidence on the associations between symptom changes and the quality of dying and death. In this context, this research investigated how symptom changes influence the quality of dying and death. Methods This international prospective cohort study (the East Asian Collaborative Cross-Cultural Study to Elucidate the Dying Process (EASED), 2017-2019) included 22, 11, and 4 palliative care units across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Eligible participants were adults (Japan and Korea, ≥18 years; Taiwan, ≥20 years) with locally advanced or metastatic cancer. Physical and psychological symptoms were assessed by physicians upon admission and within 3 days before death. Death quality was assessed using the Good Death Scale (GDS), developed in Taiwan. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify correlations between symptom severity changes and GDS scores. Results Among 998 patients (542 [54.3%] men and 456 [45.7%] women; mean [SD] age = 70.1 [± 12.5] years), persistent dyspnea was associated with lower GDS scores when compared to stable dyspnea (β  = −0.427, 95% CI = −0.783 to −0.071). Worsened (−1.381, −1.932 to −0.831) and persistent (−1.680, −2.701 to −0.659) delirium were also significantly associated with lower GDS scores. Conclusions Better quality of dying and death was associated with improved symptom control, especially for dyspnea and delirium. Integrating an outcome measurement for the quality of dying and death is important in the management of symptoms across the disease trajectory in a goal-concordant manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A significant proportion of adults admitted to hospital are in their last year of life. We evaluated admissions for these patients. Methods: We identified ambulance callouts to patients known to the palliative care team. Data collected included admission outcome (e.g. discharge or death). Results: There were 162 ambulance callouts between 126 patients known to the palliative care team. 8 patients (6%) died within 72 hours of admission. Conclusion: Our data suggests many palliative care patients can be appropriately treated in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In March 2020, the outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus was declared a pandemic, resulting in numerous fatalities worldwide. To effectively combat the virus, it would be beneficial to involve professionals who specialize in symptom control for advanced illnesses, working closely with other specialties throughout the illness process. This approach can help manage a range of symptoms, from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. No studies have been conducted in Portugal to analyse the intervention of Palliative Medicine at the end of life of Covid-19 patients and how it differs from other specialties. This knowledge could help determine the importance of including it in the care of people with advanced Covid-19. Objectives The objective of this study is to examine potential differences in the care provided to patients with Covid-19 during their Last Hours and Days of Life (LHDOL) between those who received care from Palliative Medicine doctors and those who did not. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study spanning three months (Dec 2020 to Feb 2021), the duration of the Support Unit especially created to deal with Covid-19 patients. The database included clinical files from 181 patients admitted to the Support Unit, 27 of which died from Covid-19. Results Statistically significant differences were identified in the care provided. Specifically, fewer drugs were administered at the time of death, including drugs for dyspnoea, pain and agitation, suspension of futile devices and use of palliative sedation to control refractory symptoms. Conclusions End-of-life care and symptomatic control differ when there’s regular follow-up by Palliative Medicine, which may translate less symptomatic suffering and promote a dignified and humane end of life.

This study was conducted to determine what impact a structured nurse-led educational program has on patient self management and symptom control of hospitalized Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Jordan. An experimental design was used to guide data collection from 100 COPD patients who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 50) and control groups (n = 50). Participants in the intervention group underwent a two-week health education program that discussed smoking, medications and how to use them, exercise, and diet. A COPD educational pamphlet was also provided. Participants in the control group received only routine health education. A COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was used to measure the impact of the COPD educational program on wellbeing. The test consists of eight short questions covering cough, sputum production, chest tightness, breathlessness, activity limitations at home, confidence leaving home, sleep, and energy. The independent samples t-test findings revealed a significant difference between the two groups in relation to the post-test results (p = 0.039), with a 95 percent confidence interval −25.24 to −6.46, providing empirical support for the educational program’s success. Moreover, and as compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group showed significantly fewer COPD-related hospital admissions (p = .033). These programs should be integral components of a nurse-led COPD clinic to improve patients’ experience with the disease and reduce the risk of readmission, resulting in reduced cost and improved quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgeons are privileged to offer treatments that often cure disease. Optimizing comfort for those who cannot be cured is also a core part of every clinician's duty: surveys repeatedly tell us that when death is approaching, people value quality of life above length of survival. Recognizing when someone is dying can be difficult. Tools exist to help; it is worth noting that emergency presentation with life-threatening symptoms can be a marker of poor prognosis. Clear, effective communication is crucial: understanding the patient's perspective and expectations is vital before attempting to offer information that allows future care planning. Judicious use of surgery combined with careful prescribing will optimize comfort, allowing the patient to live as well as possible for as long as possible. Anticipatory prescribing includes opioid, anti-emetic, anti-secretory and sedative medication. Attention should also be given to care of the bereaved. Generalists should understand when to refer to Specialist Palliative Care and remember that reflecting on care when someone has died can be beneficial for professional wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medizinische Klinik: Intensivmedizin & Notfallmedizin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: In March 2020, the outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus was declared a pandemic, resulting in numerous fatalities worldwide. To effectively combat the virus, it would be beneficial to involve professionals who specialize in symptom control for advanced illnesses, working closely with other specialties throughout the illness process. This approach can help manage a range of symptoms, from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. No studies have been conducted in Portugal to analyse the intervention of Palliative Medicine at the end of life of Covid-19 patients and how it differs from other specialties. This knowledge could help determine the importance of including it in the care of people with advanced Covid-19. Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine potential differences in the care provided to patients with Covid-19 during their Last Hours and Days of Life (LHDOL) between those who received care from Palliative Medicine doctors and those who did not. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study spanning three months (Dec 2020 to Feb 2021), the duration of the Support Unit especially created to deal with Covid-19 patients. The database included clinical files from 181 patients admitted to the Support Unit, 27 of which died from Covid-19. Results: Statistically significant differences were identified in the care provided. Specifically, fewer drugs were administered at the time of death, including drugs for dyspnoea, pain and agitation, suspension of futile devices and use of palliative sedation to control refractory symptoms. Conclusions: End-of-life care and symptomatic control differ when there's regular follow-up by Palliative Medicine, which may translate less symptomatic suffering and promote a dignified and humane end of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medication adherence is a multi-faceted construct associated with several positive consequences in people with chronic conditions. However, non-adherence currently represents a major issue in Parkinson's, potentially due to low perceptions of control. This study investigated the predictive ability of several aspects of perceived control on adherence in people with Parkinson's, while accounting for previously established predictors such as depression and medication variables. An online cross-sectional survey was carried out with 1210 adults with Parkinson's from 15 English-speaking countries. Demographic and clinical questions, as well as measures of depression, aspects of perceived control, and medication adherence were included. Pearson's correlations and a 4-block hierarchical regression analysis were performed to assess the relationship between the variables. Perceived control explained a slightly higher amount of variance in medication adherence compared to medication variables when entered in the last block. Unexpectedly, depression was not significantly related with adherence. Internal locus of control was an independent negative predictor of adherence, while external dimensions of locus of control emerged as independent positive predictors. In people with Parkinson's, perceptions of control may have a larger impact on adherence compared to medication variables. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. Perceived control and depression are considered important constructs for medication adherence in Parkinson's, which in turn is often problematic for affected individuals. The specific predictive value of different aspects of perceived control on medication adherence in Parkinson's is currently unclear. This large-scale study found that perceptions of control may have a larger impact on adherence compared to medication variables, while depression was unrelated to it. A need for psychologically-informed interventions, person-centred approaches to medication management, and Parkinson-specific measures of adherence are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the harms in all arms of six consecutive multi-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trials. Background: Controversies surround conduct of phase III clinical trials in palliative care. Concerns include risks to participants' safety, use of placebo arms, participants' burden, and justification when therapies are already widely used. Methods: This study collates safety data of the first six studies of the Australian national Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative. On an intention-to-treat basis, all harms are described using standard international definitions, their severity, outcomes, and level of attribution. Results: Studies recruited 1,232 participants: 65/1,232 (5.3%) participants had serious adverse events of which none had a definite (blinded) attribution, all of which settled with ceasing the intervention; 49/1,232 (4.0%) participants had adverse events. No participants on placebo arms had adverse or serious adverse events with definite (blinded) attribution. Discussion: These studies are safe for participants and generate knowledge to support informed patient decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of a nursing intervention aimed at home environment modification on symptom control, quality of life, and the number of triggers in children with allergic rhinitis. This one-to-one, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted with a pre-test/post-test design. The study used stratified sampling method. A total of 52 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 26) and the control group (n = 26). The intervention group received education on home environment modification and the child was provided with anti-allergic bedding set. The control group continued with routine practices. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. After the nursing intervention for home environment modification, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the number of home environment triggers ( p < 0.05). According to the mean scores of the Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, no significant difference was found between the groups ( p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean scores for nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal itching, and eye itching ( p > 0.05) after the nursing intervention for home environment modification. The findings indicate that the nursing intervention for home environment modification is an effective method in reducing the number of triggers in the home environment. However, no significant impact was observed on symptom control and quality of life. Awareness can be increased by educating children with allergic rhinitis and their families about triggers in the home environment. • Nursing interventions in the home reduced triggers for allergic rhinitis in children. • No significant impact was observed on symptom control and quality of life. • Some modifications in the home can be made to environment to reduce allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We describe two complex cases in the setting of COVID-19 at the End of Life, to enhance learning for all patients. Case Presentation: Maintenance of sustained comfort in two cases required multiple drugs, specifically selected for symptoms that necessitated three separate pumps delivering continuous 24-hour subcutaneous infusion. Case Management: Management of sustained comfort included opioid, midazolam, anti-secretory, diclofenac for intractable temperature, phenobarbital for extreme agitation, in one, where seizure activity was present, while insomnia, was a prominent feature of another. Management of Akatasia was also required. Case Outcome: Attention to each individual patient's rapidly evolving symptoms, during the dying phase, with a thorough differential diagnosis, wa s vitally important in the context of a 'Good Death'. This was achieved in both cases, reflected by evidence at the bedside of comfort and a minimum need for 'as required' drugs in the last days of life. Conclusions: COVID-19 being a new illness, we need to prospectively study the symptom burden/clustering at End of Life and learn from management of this new disease for other illnesses also. Further research is required to develop protocols on; when does Midazolam dose reach tolerance and when should an alternative drug such as phenobarbital for sustained Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid effects be initiated; examine the optimal approach to sustained temperature control; be cognisant of extrapyramidal side effects of drugs used at End of Life and consider looking at a lack of need for 'as required' drugs in the last days of life as an outcome measure of sustained comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy (RT) is often utilized for symptom control at the end of life. Palliative RT (pRT) may not be taken to completion by patients, thus decreasing clinical benefits and adversely impacting resource allocation. We determined rates of incomplete pRT and examined predictors of non-completion using an electronic questionnaire. Methods: A questionnaire was embedded within the RT electronic prescribing system for all five cancer centers of Alberta, Canada, between 2017 and 2020. Prescribing radiation oncologists (ROs) were tasked with completing the questionnaire. Treatment variables were collected for 2040 patients prescribed pRT. Details on pRT courses delivered and completed were used to determine rates of incomplete RT. Electronic medical records of a subset of 367 patients randomly selected from the 2040 patients were then analyzed to examine for association of non-completion of RT with patient, disease, and therapy-related factors. Results: Overall, 10% of patients did not complete pRT. The rate of single fractions prescribed as a proportion of all RT fractions increased from 18% (pre-2017: pre-study era) to 29% (2017–2020: study era) (p < 0.0001). After conducting multivariate analysis on the overall group, multiple lifetime malignancies (OR:0.64) or increasing the number of pRT fractions (OR:0.08–0.17) were associated with non-completion. Being selected for stereotactic RT (OR:3.75) or survival > 30 days post-RT prescription (OR:2.20–5.02) were associated with greater rates of RT completion. The ROs’ estimates of life expectancy at the time of RT prescription were not predictive of RT completion. In the multivariate analysis of the 367-patient subset, the presence of hepatic metastases (OR 2.59), survival 30–59 days (OR 6.61) and survival 90+ days (OR 8.18) post-RT prescription were associated with pRT completion. Only increasing pRT fractionation (OR:0.05–0.2) was associated with non-completion. Conclusion: One in ten patients prescribed pRT did not complete their treatment course. Decreasing pRT fractionation and improving prognostication in patients near the end of life may decrease rates of incomplete RT courses.

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness due to autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressive therapy, has shown potential for managing MG with fewer side effects compared to other treatments. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MMF in MG patients in a real-life multicenter setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on generalized MG patients, refractory to azathioprine (AZA) and treated with MMF alone or with steroids, at three Italian centers from January 2011 to February 2024. Patients were assessed using the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification, MG composite score (MGCS), and MG activity of daily living (MGADL) scores at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Statistical analyses included the Spearman correlation, the Friedman test, and ANOVA. Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled (13 males, mean age 66.5 ± 11.5 years). Significant improvements in MGADL and MGCS scores were observed at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001), with continued improvement over 24 months. Side effects were reported in 12% of patients. MMF showed a faster onset of symptom control compared to azathioprine, with a significant improvement noted within 6 months. Conclusions: A recent study found that MMF and AZA were equally effective in improving patients’ quality of life, but because AZA had more serious adverse events than MMF, lower doses of AZA were therefore recommended to reduce the adverse events while maintaining efficacy. Conversely, results showed that MMF is effective and well-tolerated in the long-term management of MG, providing faster symptom control and a favorable safety profile. Future prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings and explore sex differences in response to MMF treatment.

Radiotherapy (RT) is often utilized for symptom control at the end of life. Palliative RT (pRT) may not be taken to completion by patients, thus decreasing clinical benefits and adversely impacting resource allocation. We determined rates of incomplete pRT and examined predictors of non-completion using an electronic questionnaire. Methods: A questionnaire was embedded within the RT electronic prescribing system for all five cancer centers of Alberta, Canada, between 2017 and 2020. Prescribing radiation oncologists (ROs) were tasked with completing the questionnaire. Treatment variables were collected for 2040 patients prescribed pRT. Details on pRT courses delivered and completed were used to determine rates of incomplete RT. Electronic medical records of a subset of 367 patients randomly selected from the 2040 patients were then analyzed to examine for association of non-completion of RT with patient, disease, and therapy-related factors. Results: Overall, 10% of patients did not complete pRT. The rate of single fractions prescribed as a proportion of all RT fractions increased from 18% (pre-2017: pre-study era) to 29% (2017–2020: study era) (p < 0.0001). After conducting multivariate analysis on the overall group, multiple lifetime malignancies (OR:0.64) or increasing the number of pRT fractions (OR:0.08–0.17) were associated with non-completion. Being selected for stereotactic RT (OR:3.75) or survival > 30 days post-RT prescription (OR:2.20–5.02) were associated with greater rates of RT completion. The ROs' estimates of life expectancy at the time of RT prescription were not predictive of RT completion. In the multivariate analysis of the 367-patient subset, the presence of hepatic metastases (OR 2.59), survival 30–59 days (OR 6.61) and survival 90+ days (OR 8.18) post-RT prescription were associated with pRT completion. Only increasing pRT fractionation (OR:0.05–0.2) was associated with non-completion. Conclusion: One in ten patients prescribed pRT did not complete their treatment course. Decreasing pRT fractionation and improving prognostication in patients near the end of life may decrease rates of incomplete RT courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The first-line treatment for patients with focal or segmental dystonia with a craniocervical distribution is still the intramuscular injection of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). However, some patients experience primary or secondary treatment failure from this potential immunogenic therapy. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may then be used as a backup strategy in this situation. (2) Methods: Here, we reviewed the current study literature to answer a specific question regarding the efficacy and safety of the use of DBS, particularly for cervical dystonia (CD) and Meige syndrome (MS) in patients with documented treatment failure under BoNT. (3) Results: There are only two studies with the highest level of evidence in this area. Despite this clear limitation, in the context of the narrowly defined research question of this paper, it is possible to report 161 patients with CD or MS who were included in studies that were able to show a statistically significant reduction in dystonic symptoms using DBS. Safety and tolerability data appeared adequate. However, much of the information is based on retrospective observations. (4) Conclusions: The evidence base in this area is in need of further scientific investigation. Most importantly, more randomized, controlled and double-blind trials are needed, possibly including a head-to-head comparison of DBS and BoNT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The assessment of future risk has become an important feature in the management of patients with asthma. However, the contribution of patient-specific characteristics and treatment choices to the risk of exacerbation is poorly understood. Here we evaluated the effect of interindividual baseline differences on the risk of exacerbation and treatment performance in patients receiving regular maintenance doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or ICS/long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) combination therapy. Methods: Exacerbations and changes to asthma symptoms 5-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) were simulated over a 12-month period using a time-to-event and a longitudinal model developed from phase III/IV studies in patients with moderate–severe asthma (N = 16,282). Simulations were implemented to explore treatment performance across different scenarios, including randomised designs and real-world settings. Treatment options included regular dosing with ICS monotherapy [fluticasone propionate (FP)] and combination therapy [fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/SAL) or budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR)]. Exacerbation rate was analysed using the log-rank test. The cumulative incidence of events was summarised stratified by treatment. Results: Being a woman, smoker, having higher baseline ACQ-5 and body mass index (BMI) and lower forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) are associated with increased exacerbation risk (p < 0.01). This risk is bigger in winter because of the seasonal variation effect. Across the different scenarios, the use of FP/SAL resulted in a 10% lower annual incidence of exacerbations relative to FP or regular dosing BUD/FOR, independently of baseline characteristics. Similar differences in the annual incidence of exacerbations were also observed between treatments in obese patients (BMI ≥ 25–35 kg/m2) (p < 0.01) and in patients who do not achieve symptom control on FP monotherapy. Conclusions: Individual baseline characteristics and treatment choices affect future risk. Achieving comparable levels of symptom control whilst on treatment does not imply comparable risk reduction, as shown by the lower exacerbation rates in FP/SAL vs. BUD/FOR-treated patients. These factors should be considered as a basis for personalised clinical management of patients with moderate–severe asthma. Plain Language Summary: The goal of this project was to demonstrate that individual baseline characteristics can affect the risk of exacerbation as well as the overall treatment response in patients receiving regular maintenance doses of inhaled corticosteroids, given as monotherapy or in combination with long-acting beta-agonists. Using computer simulations based on a drug–disease model previously developed from a large pool of patients with moderate–severe asthma symptoms (N = 16,282), we describe how demographic and clinical baseline patient characteristics at the time of treatment start correlate with the risk of exacerbation. Our results indicate that poor symptom control, limited lung function, obesity, smoking and sex are associated with significant increase in the incidence of asthma attacks. Such an effect is augmented in winter because of the contribution of seasonal variation. This analysis also allowed us to assess how different treatments modify or reduce the annual incidence of moderate to severe attacks. In addition, simulated scenarios showed that combination therapy with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol results in 10% fewer asthma attacks relative to budesonide/formoterol combination therapy. Such a difference may be associated with corticosteroid-specific properties, which vary between inhaled corticosteroids. Consequently, even though comparable level of immediate relief and symptom control may be achieved whilst on treatment, these effects do not imply the same long-term reduction in the risk of exacerbation. These factors should be considered as a basis for personalised clinical management of patients with moderate–severe asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Within Germany, there is a heterogeneous range of training and continuing education in palliative care for different professional groups. The German Society for Palliative Medicine (DGP), together with the German Hospice and Palliative Care Association (DHPV), have defined quality requirements for postgraduate training in palliative care. These requirements include the evaluation of course structures and the assessment of outcomes. Aim To assess the ‘learning gains’ in palliative care nurses and physicians undertaking continuing education programmes, and evaluate the structures and processes. To identify if/how the continuing education programmes could be improved. Material and methods The development of Nurses’ and Physicians’ learning was determined using a retrospective self-assessment procedure. The evaluation was based on learning objectives developed in the DGP Education Working Group, using a six-point Likert scale for each item, and space for ‘free-text’ comments. Assessments were conducted after training. Results Five hundred twenty nine self-assessments were recorded (456 nurses / 73 physicians). An increase in learning is demonstrated in all areas (knowledge, skills, social and self-competence) for each profession. The greatest gain was in symptom control. However, there were significant differences in the extent of learning gains between nurses and physicians. Conclusion Analysis suggests current training results in improvements, but personal competences progress less than knowledge and skills. One way to improve this would be to introduce more interprofessional continuing education elements. Evaluation, as a basis for improving training concepts, is essential for continual development.

Bo Ding,1 Stephanie Chen,2 Divyansh Srivastava,3 Anna Quinton,4 William Cook,2 Alberto Papi,5 Helen K Reddel,6 on behalf of the NOVELTY Scientific Community and the NOVELTY study investigators1BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; 2BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA; 3ZS Associates, Pune, India; 4BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK; 5Department of Translational Medicine, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; 6The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaCorrespondence: Bo Ding, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, SE 431 83, Gothenburg, Sweden, Tel +46 31 776 2406, Email bo.ding@astrazeneca.comBackground: Few studies have quantified symptom burden, health status, and productivity in patients with uncontrolled and controlled severe asthma. Up-to-date, real-world, global evidence is needed.Objective: To quantify symptom burden, health status, and productivity in patients with uncontrolled and controlled severe asthma using baseline data from the NOVEL observational longiTudinal studY (NOVELTY; NCT02760329).Methods: NOVELTY included patients aged ≥ 18 years (or ≥ 12 years in some countries) from primary care and specialist centres in 19 countries, with a physician-assigned diagnosis of asthma, asthma+chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or COPD. Disease severity was physician-assessed. Uncontrolled severe asthma was defined by an Asthma Control Test (ACT) score < 20 and/or severe physician-reported exacerbations in the previous year; controlled severe asthma required an ACT score ≥ 20 and no severe exacerbations. Assessment of symptom burden included Respiratory Symptoms Questionnaire (RSQ) and ACT score. Assessment of health status included St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), EuroQoL 5 Dimensions 5 Levels Health Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) index value, and EQ-5D-5L Visual Analog Score (EQ-VAS). Assessment of productivity loss included absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment.Results: Of 1652 patients with severe asthma, asthma was uncontrolled in 1078 (65.3%; mean age 52.6 years, 65.8% female) and controlled in 315 (19.1%; mean age 55.2 years, 56.5% female). With uncontrolled versus controlled severe asthma, symptom burden was higher (mean RSQ score 7.7 vs 2.5), health status more impaired (mean SGRQ total score 47.5 vs 22.4; mean EQ-5D-5L index value 0.68 vs 0.90; mean EQ-VAS score 64.1 vs 78.1), and productivity lower (presenteeism 29.3% vs 10.5%).Conclusion: Our findings highlight the symptom burden of uncontrolled severe asthma compared with controlled severe asthma and its impact on patient health status and productivity, and support the need for interventions to improve control of severe asthma.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: asthma control, health status, productivity, symptom burden, symptom control, uncontrolled severe asthma

Objective: We studied the risk factor aspect of rhinitis in adult patients with asthma using validated assessment tools and separating the patients into groups defining rhinitis severity according to visual analog scale and asthma control status according to asthma control test (ACT) scores. Material and Methods: Asthma is a disease that causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It is characterized by variable and recurrent symptoms and reversible airflow obstruction. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease characterized by symptoms like sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Asthma is linked to AR. AR is diagnosed in 70-90% of the patients, and asthma symptoms are observed in 40-50% of the patients who are diagnosed with AR. Results: Of 114 patients with asthma receiving treatment, 78.9% were female, and 64% had mild rhinitis symptoms. While 12.3% had diabetes mellitus (DM), 30.7% had hypertension (HT), and 14.9% had ischemic heart disease (IHD). Age, sex, DM, HT, IHD, exacerbation, and diagnosis time groups in the last year did not seem to cause a significant difference in ACT scores. The difference between the rhinitis groups in terms of ACT scores was statistically significant (F= 8.506, p=0.004, partial η2=0.087). According to this result, 8.7% of the total variance asthma control could be explained by the severity of AR. Conclusion: Severe symptoms of rhinitis are associated with asthma control. Therefore, the management of AR should be targeted in patients whose asthma control cannot be optimized.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an invasive intervention that is both resource- and labor-intensive. It can also be emotionally challenging for all involved. Palliative care (PC) clinicians can support adult patients, families, surrogate decision makers, and the interdisciplinary team (IDT) throughout ECMO, starting at the time of ECMO initiation through discontinuation and to bereavement in the event of a patient's death. In addition to knowing the basics of ECMO circuitry, indications to start ECMO, and the complex decision points throughout treatment, PC clinicians must understand the critical need for specialist and IDT coordination when discussing prognosis and resuscitation, clarifying goals of care, and identifying future treatment options. Not only are PC clinicians' skills needed to manage symptoms and psychosocial needs but also during end-of-life care, which can often be rapid and requires team consensus to ensure a smooth clinical process with continuous family support. While using their expert communication skills to conduct frequent family meetings, ideally starting within one week of ECMO initiation and weekly thereafter, PC clinicians offer a consistent presence and "big picture" perspective for patients and families, while other members of the IDT may rotate regularly. PC clinicians will also be called on to assist members of the IDT to debrief about the understandable moral and emotional distress they may experience while providing care for patients receiving ECMO and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with ileostomy are frequently advised to avoid specific foods and food groups, making it plausible that they are at risk of a range of nutrition‐related adverse health consequences. Despite this there has been no recent study in the United Kingdom describing dietary intake, symptoms and food avoidance in people with ileostomy or post‐reversal. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted at different time points in people with ileostomy and reversal. Participants were recruited at 6–10 weeks post‐formation (n = 17) and ≥12 months with established ileostomy (n = 16) and with reversal (n = 20). In all participants, ileostomy/bowel‐related symptoms in the previous week were assessed using a study‐specific questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using three online diet recalls or 3‐day dietary records. Food avoidance and reasons for food avoidance were assessed. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Results: Participants reported a few ileostomy/bowel‐related symptoms in the previous week. However, over 85% of participants reported avoiding foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. At 6–10 weeks the most common reason was being advised to do so (71%), although 53% avoided foods due to gas. At ≥12 months the most common reasons were foods visible in the bag (60%) or advised to do so (60%). Reported intakes of most nutrients were comparable to population medians, apart from lower fibre in people with ileostomy. Intakes of free sugars and saturated fats were above recommended levels in all groups, due to high consumption of cakes and biscuits and sugar‐sweetened drinks. Conclusion: After the initial healing period, foods should not be automatically excluded unless found to be problematic after reintroduction. There may be a need for healthy eating advice for people with established ileostomies and post‐reversal, targeting discretionary high‐fat, high‐sugar foods. Key points: People with ileostomy reported a few symptoms, but food avoidance was common, particularly of fruits and vegetables. The most common reason for avoiding a food was being advised to do so.Reported intakes of most nutrients were comparable to population medians, apart from fibre in people with ileostomy, mainly due to the low consumption of fruits and vegetables.People with ileostomy and ileostomy reversal reported high intakes of cakes, biscuits and sugar‐sweetened drinks, which resulted in diets high in saturated fat and free sugars. There may be an unmet need for dietary advice targeting high‐fat, high‐sugar discretionary foods in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nephrology may have quite a lot in common with with palliative care. Examples of this are the conservative therapy of a terminal chronic kidney disease or dialysis termination. Nevertheless, palliative co-care of patients with chronic kidney disease still happens rather rarely. On the one hand, this might be due to lacking experience regarding the benefits and opportunities of incorporating palliative care in nephrology care, on the other hand, palliative care is often misunderstood as pure "end-of-life" care. By highlighting the whole spectrum of palliative care, we aim to promote these two disciplines in order to integrate palliative care services into the nephrological treatment concept at an early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to examine in depth the perceptions of postoperative symptom management and coping experiences of individuals with prostate cancer. Material‐Method: The study was conducted with 15 individuals with prostate cancer using a phenomenological research design, which is a qualitative research design. Interviews were conducted via the WhatsApp application. Results: The data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. In the data analysis, two categories, five main themes, and 15 sub‐themes emerged. In the category of symptom management perception, there are themes of pain management processes, the use of complementary and alternative therapies and practices to cope with symptoms and improve quality of life. In the category of coping experiences, the themes of individual coping, interpersonal relations, and productivity were obtained. Conclusion: Our study suggests that individuals with prostate cancer have difficulty in symptom management in the postoperative coping process, but they managed them effectively with the support of their spouse, family, and health care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implantation of a permanent pacemaker and atrioventricular (AV) node ablation (pace-and-ablate) is an established approach for rate and symptom control in elderly patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a physiological pacing strategy that might overcome right ventricular pacing-induced dyssynchrony. In this study, the feasibility and safety of performing LBBAP and AV node ablation in a single procedure in the elderly was investigated. Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic AF referred for pace-and-ablate underwent the treatment in a single procedure. Data on procedure-related complications and lead stability were collected at regular follow-up at one day, ten days and six weeks after the procedure and continued every six months thereafter. Results: 25 patients (mean age 79.2 ± 4.2 years) were included and underwent successful LBBAP. In 22 (88%) patients, AV node ablation and LBBAP were performed in the same procedure. AV node ablation was postponed in two patients due to lead-stability concerns and in one patient on their own request. No complications related to the single-procedure approach were observed with no lead-stability issues at follow-up. Conclusions: LBBAP combined with AV node ablation in a single procedure is feasible and safe in elderly patients with symptomatic AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objectives: To present our experience of a nursing telephone consultation service, describing patient and caregiver requests, and outlining ensuing nursing or medical interventions. Background: Recently, there has been an increase in the use of telephone consultation for cancer patients. However, there is still limited data on the characteristics of this type of service and on the nature of the interventions carried out. Design and methods: In this observational retrospective study, we evaluated the phone calls made over a 6‐month period by patients or caregivers to the early palliative care team of a cancer institute. Information regarding telephone calls (frequency, reason and management) was systematically collected by a nursing case manager. The study complies with the STROBE checklist File S1. Results: 171 patients used the service, for a total of 323 phone calls. The majority (80.8%) were from patients followed at the outpatient clinic and the most common requests were for pain management (38.4%) and for updates on the clinical situation (23.8%). Other frequent requests were for medication management (18.9%) and scheduling (18.3%). 210 of the 323 phone calls were handled by the nurse, while 22 were managed in collaboration with a physician. An 87.6% effectiveness in telephone management was observed. Conclusion: The overall use of the phone service was higher for early palliative care patients. The majority of phone calls were effectively handled by the nursing case manager. Relevance to clinical practice: An effective and feasible nurse‐led telephone follow‐up of early palliative care patients with advanced cancer could improve their care experience. Specifically, it could impact on patients and families improving quality of life and symptom control securing access to timely care without travel or additional cost.It can also improve continuity of care, adherence to oncological treatments and minimise acute care visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The transition from active, invasive interventions to comfort care for critical care patients is often fraught with misunderstandings, conflict and moral distress. The most common issues that arise are ethical dilemmas around the equivalence of withholding and withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment; the doctrine of double effect; the balance between paternalism and shared decision‐making; legal challenges around best‐interest decisions for patients that lack capacity; conflict resolution; and practical issues during the limitation of treatment. The aim of this article is to address commonly posed questions on these aspects of end‐of‐life care in the intensive care unit, using best available evidence, and provide practical guidance to critical care clinicians in the UK. With the help of case vignettes, we clarify the disassociation of withdrawing and/or withholding treatment from euthanasia; offer practical suggestions for the use of sedation and analgesia around the end of life, dissipating concerns about hastening death; and advocate for the inclusion of family in decision‐making, when the patient does not have capacity. We propose a step‐escalation approach in cases of family conflict and advocate for incorporation of communication skills during medical and nursing training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 lockdown measures appreciably affected patients' lifestyles, negatively impacting on their health. This includes patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Care of these patients was also negatively impacted due to a priority to treat patients with COVID-19, certainly initially, within hospitals and clinics in Bangladesh, combined with a lack of access to clinics and physicians due to lockdown and other measures. This is a concern in Bangladesh with growing rates of T2DM and subsequent complications. Consequently, we sought to critically analyze the situation among patients with T2DM in Bangladesh during the initial stages of the pandemic to address this information gap and provide future direction. Overall, 731 patients were recruited by a simple random sampling method among patients attending hospitals in Bangladesh, with data collected over 3 timescales: before lockdown, during the pandemic, and after lockdown. Data extracted from patients' notes included current prescribed medicines and key parameters, including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and comorbidities. In addition, the extent of record keeping. The glycemic status of patients deteriorated during lockdown, and comorbidities as well as complications related to T2DM increased during this period. Overall, a significant proportion of key datasets were not recorded in patients' notes by their physician before and during lockdown. This started to change after lockdown measures eased. In conclusion, lockdown measures critically affected the management of patients with T2DM in Bangladesh, building on previous concerns. Extending internet coverage for telemedicine, introduction of structured guidelines, and appreciably increasing data recording during consultations is of the utmost priority to improve the care of T2DM patients in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of asthma therapy is asthma control. As a chronic disease, asthma may cause considerable physical, emotional and social restrictions impacting quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze control of asthma symptoms in an outpatient setting in Brazil and its impact on quality of life. A pilot cross-sectional study was performed in two public centers in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. Control of asthma symptoms was assessed according to GINA guidelines, and quality of life was analyzed by the Mini Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-AQLQ). A total of 47 adult patients with asthma were analyzed. Asthma was controlled in 8 patients (17.0%), partially controlled in 26 patients (55.3%) and uncontrolled in 13 patients (27.7%). Patients with controlled asthma showed better mini-AQLQ scores (4.99 ± 1.10) as compared to those with partly controlled (3.66 ± 1.10) and uncontrolled asthma (2.59 ± 0.64; p < 0.001 for both). Most patients (85.1%) were taking inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABA) as controller treatment. Better asthma control had a positive impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) contributing to a better disease management. Few patients reached full asthma control in our specialty ambulatory center, suggesting further initiatives are required to improve the quality of asthma care in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work is to analyze and summarize the data of the scientific literature which highlight modern approaches to the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In the article, on the basis of the modern literature analysis, the basic therapeutic directions and methods of surgical correction of AF are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the need to treat AF patients in accordance with the ABC strategy, which includes the prevention of thromboembolic complications (A), control of symptoms (B), as well as treatment of comorbidities and elimination of risk factors (C). The main risk factors for AF, its relationship with other cardiovascular events (including mortality, stroke rate and acute coronary syndrome) are analyzed, the main scales used to objectively assess the risks of AF are determined, and detailed analysis of different strategies for anticoagulant therapy is conducted. The main approaches to the control of symptoms by regulating the frequency of ventricular rhythm, restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm with the use of cardioversion, the administration of antiarrhythmic peptide and catheter ablation are considered. In addition, attention is paid to the need to identify and treat comorbidities, cardiometabolic risk factors and lifestyle, which complement stroke prevention and reduce the severity of AF and symptoms. Conclusions. A large number of clinical studies is focused on AF, the main idea of which is the integrated management of AF to improve the prognosis and quality of patients’ life. According to current recommendations, treatment of a patient with AF should be consistent and in accordance with the ABC strategy. Taking into account etiological factors, cardiometabolic risk factors, lifestyle, comorbid conditions will allow physicians to timely individualize complex treatment of patients with AF.

Background: More than 80% of the residents in German hospices suffer from tumor disease. But the administration of supportive-oncological therapies in hospices for symptom control is controversially discussed. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the care situation of tumor patients in German hospices with regard to medical care and the use of supportive-oncological therapies. Methods: In February 2019, all hospices in Germany were offered the opportunity to participate in an anonymous online survey on medical and drug care for their tumor patients. The survey was conducted using the online platform SoSci Survey and ended in April 2019. The analysis was descriptive. Results: Of 202 hospices, 112 responded to the questionnaire. The hospices were distributed nationwide. Most have 8 to 10 places. More than 80% of hospice residents are tumor patients, and the length of stay is usually three to four weeks. Medical care is primarily provided by primary care physicians. While specialized outpatient palliative care is increasingly involved in care, hematologists/oncologists are rarely represented. Supportive-oncological therapies are rarely prescribed, whereas medication for other chronic conditions is often continued. The percentage of supportive-oncological therapies prescribed is higher in hospices with oncology co-care. Conclusions: Although most hospice residents suffer from malignant disease, co-care by a hematologist/oncologist is rare. Supportive-oncology therapies, particularly for symptom relief, may therefore be rarely used. However, since a small select group of hospice residents may benefit from these therapies, further investigation in this direction should be undertaken.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and advantages of individualized stepwise pharmacotherapy in controlling the symptoms of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods Patients with AR who had received individualized stepwise pharmacotherapy in the Rhinitis Clinic of Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University were selected for the observation group. Additionally, patients with AR from the general clinic during the same period were randomly sorted to the control group. The visual analogue scale (VAS), total nasal symptom score (TNSS), sino-nasal outcome test 20 (SNOT-20) and rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT) were used to evaluate the symptoms at initial, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months after the treatment respectively. SPSS 24.0 statistic soft ware was used to analyze the data between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in VAS, TNSS, SNOT-20 or RCAT scores between the two groups at the beginning and 1 month after the treatment. The differences in the above indexes between the two groups gradually widened after 1 month, and reached the maximum after 6 months. The stepwise pharmacotherapy group achieved the best efficacy at the end of the third month and maintained until the end point. Conclusions Individualized step-by-step drug strategy could significantly improve the subjective symptoms of patients with perennial AR, especially the nasal symptoms, and has a stable efficacy for a long time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. It also has a high risk of morbidity and mortality in the covid 19 pandemic. Due to pandemic measures, disruptions have emerged in the care treatments of patients with type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to determine the effects of telehealth monitoring and patient training on the symptoms and metabolic outcomes in the patients with type 2 diabetes who are at risk of COVID-19. The current study is in the design of a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized into intervention group (n=41) and control group (n = 44). The patients in the intervention group received diabetes training once a week for the first 4 weeks and every other week for weeks 5–12. No training was given to the control group. The data was collected using the socio-demographic information form, the questionnaire of diabetes treatment, the form of metabolic control variables, and the Diabetes Symptoms Checklist. The data was analyzed with Chi-square, independent samples t-test, and paired sample t-test. The mean age of the patients in the control group was 56.86 ± 9.40, and the mean age of those in the intervention group was 54.12 ± 8.32. After the training, a statistically significant difference was found between the checklist averages of the groups in the subscale of hyperglycemia. However, a statistically significant difference was found between the subscales of neurology, cardiology, cognition, hyperglycemia, and the total checklist averages in the intervention group before and after the training (p < 0.05). In the control group, there was a statistically significant difference between the subscale of hyperglycemia and the total checklist averages at the beginning and 3 months later (p < 0.05). It has been determined that the disease training given to the patients with diabetes via telehealth monitoring during the COVID-19 process has a positive effect on the diabetes control of the patients. Health education through telehealth methods can be an effective and cost-effective strategy to support patients with diabetes. • The patients with diabetes via telephone during the COVID-19 process has given education. • The patients with type 2 diabetes during the pandemic process was controlled glycemic level. • The holistic care principles should maintained with telehealth monitoring in diabetes patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We studied the risk factor aspect of rhinitis in adult patients with asthma using validated assessment tools and separating the patients into groups defining rhinitis severity according to visual analog scale and asthma control status according to asthma control test (ACT) scores. Material and Methods: Asthma is a disease that causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It is characterized by variable and recurrent symptoms and reversible airflow obstruction. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease characterized by symptoms like sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Asthma is linked to AR. AR is diagnosed in 70-90% of the patients, and asthma symptoms are observed in 40-50% of the patients who are diagnosed with AR. Results: Of 114 patients with asthma receiving treatment, 78.9% were female, and 64% had mild rhinitis symptoms. While 12.3% had diabetes mellitus (DM), 30.7% had hypertension (HT), and 14.9% had ischemic heart disease (IHD). Age, sex, DM, HT, IHD, exacerbation, and diagnosis time groups in the last year did not seem to cause a significant difference in ACT scores. The difference between the rhinitis groups in terms of ACT scores was statistically significant (F= 8.506, p=0.004, partial X2=0.087). According to this result, 8.7% of the total variance asthma control could be explained by the severity of AR. Conclusion: Severe symptoms of rhinitis are associated with asthma control. Therefore, the management of AR should be targeted in patients whose asthma control cannot be optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palliative care in the delivery room is an interprofessional and interdisciplinary challenge addressing the dying newborn and parents as well as the caregivers. It differs in some significant aspects from palliative care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Clinical experience suggests that many details regarding this unique specialized palliative care environment are not well known, which may result in some degree of insecurity and emotional distress for health care providers. This article presents basic background information regarding the provision of palliative care to newborns within the delivery room. It offers orientation along with a preliminary set of practical recommendations regarding the following central issues: (i) the basic elements of perinatal palliative care, (ii) the range of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions available for infant symptom control near the end of life, (iii) meeting the personal psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of the parents, and (iv) care and self-care for medical personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]