Palliative Care Research This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 19.

Clinical Profile and Liver Explant Findings in Patients With and Without Pretransplant Downstaging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Conclusion: Preoperative DS for unresectable HCC may provide a curative treatment for patients who would otherwise be candidates for palliative therapy only. The baseline characteristics and liver explant findings were similar in both groups. We have yet to determine whether the differences observed regarding the size of the largest nodule and the higher frequency of macrovascular invasion have an impact on outcome.
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - October 1, 2012 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: G. Felga, A.S. Evangelista, P.R. Salvalaggio, L.A. Curvelo, B. Della Guardia, M.D. Almeida, R.C. Afonso, B.H. Ferraz-Neto Tags: Liver, Intestinal, and Multivisceral Transplantation Source Type: research

Palliative Approach for Aged Care
In Australia, many people ageing in their own homes are becoming increasingly frail and unwell, approaching the end of life. A palliative approach, which adheres to palliative care principles, is often appropriate. These principles provide a framework for proactive and holistic care in which quality of life and of dying is prioritised, as is support for families. A palliative approach can be delivered by the general practitioner working with the community aged care team, in collaboration with family carers. Support from specialist palliative care services is available if necessary. The Guidelines for a Palliative Approach...
Source: Australasian Medical Journal - AMJ - September 30, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Source Type: research

[Quality of life and satisfaction of family caregivers in palliative care - results of postmortem interviews with bereaved family members].
CONCLUSION: Family caregivers need stronger support in order to prevent burnout and to improve outpatient care. In this context, gender differences must also be considered. PMID: 22987493 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie - September 29, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Perner A, Köhler N, Brähler E, Götze H Tags: Z Psychosom Med Psychother Source Type: research

The cultural history of palliative care in primitive societies: an integrative review
The objective of this study is to describe the evolution of palliative care in order to reflect on the possibility of its origin in primitive cultures and their relationship with the beginnings of the cult of the dead. It describes the change in the symbolic structures and social interactions involved in palliative care during prehistory: functional unit, functional framework and functional element. The theoretical framework is based on cultural history, the dialectical structural model and symbolic interactionism. Categorization techniques, cultural history and dialectic structuralism analyses were performed. Palliative c...
Source: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP - September 29, 2012 Category: Nursing Source Type: research

Associations among Patient Characteristics, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Spiritual Well-Being among Arab Muslim Cancer Patients
Journal of Palliative Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Journal of Palliative Medicine - September 28, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Tags: article Source Type: research

Long-term survival of patients who underwent palliative stenting for obstructing colonic cancers
This study was designed to analyse the long-term survival of patients who underwent such stenting as a palliative measure.
Source: International Journal of Surgery - September 28, 2012 Category: Surgery Authors: A. Gungadeen, N.L. Wong, F.G. Bergin, S.M. Plusa, J.M. Hanson, D.L. Richardon, J.Y. Graham, H.J. Gallagher Tags: Abstracts from the Assocation of Surgeons in Training Conference Source Type: research

Laser therapy for tracheobronchial tumours, does it help?
Aim: Neodymium:yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy has been used for many years as part of palliative treatment of advanced tumours involving the tracheobronchial tree. We aim to review our practice and assess the safety of the procedure and its effectiveness.
Source: International Journal of Surgery - September 28, 2012 Category: Surgery Authors: Janan Jeyatheesan, Mohammed Hawari, Henry Carslake, Maninder Kalkat Tags: Abstracts from the Assocation of Surgeons in Training Conference Source Type: research

Results of 100 pancreatic radiofrequency ablations in the context of a multimodal strategy for stage III ductal adenocarcinoma
Conclusions We presented the broadest experience of RFA in stage III PDAC, focusing on the rationale of its application and considering the advanced stage of disease and the cytoreductive purpose of the procedure. The critical aspects of the technique, along with the unexpected results in efficacy, were discussed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00423-012-1011-zAuthors Roberto Girelli, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Unit, Pederzoli Hospital, Via Monte Baldo 24, Peschiera del Garda, ItalyIsabella Frigerio, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Unit, Pederzoli Hospital, Via Mon...
Source: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery - September 28, 2012 Category: Surgery Tags: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Source Type: research

Independent predictors of survival and the impact of repeat surgery in patients undergoing surgical treatment of spinal metastasis.
Conclusions In addition to confirming previously identified predictors of survival following surgery for spinal metastasis, the authors identified BMI and pain on presentation as independent predictors of survival. They also found that repeat surgery may be a viable option in patients with metastatic recurrence and may offer prolonged survival, likely due to improved functionality, mitigating complications associated with immobility. PMID: 23020209 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Neurosurgery.Spine - September 28, 2012 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Lau D, Leach MR, La Marca F, Park P Tags: J Neurosurg Spine Source Type: research

The use of palliative chemotherapy in pediatric oncology patients: A national survey of pediatric oncologists
ConclusionAccording to 80.2% of pediatric oncologists completing the survey, some patients receive chemotherapy beyond medical benefit and 40.8% of these oncologists have prescribed PC for the purpose of parental wishes to a recent patient. The chief aims in prescribing palliative chemotherapy were not achieved for recent patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - September 28, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tammy I. Kang, Kari Hexem, Russell Localio, Richard Aplenc, Chris Feudtner Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Difficult Patient Loss and Physician Culture for Oncologists Grieving Patient Loss
Journal of Palliative Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Journal of Palliative Medicine - September 27, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Tags: article Source Type: research

Ensuring continuous high-quality care for people with impaired cognition including dementia at the end of life.
PMID: 22995824 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Palliative Medicine - September 27, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: van der Steen JT Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

Simplifying the review of thromboprophylaxis decisions in a palliative care inpatient unit.
PMID: 22995825 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Palliative Medicine - September 27, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Sherlock R, Rawlinson F Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

The establishment and initial outcomes of a palliative care bereavement service.
PMID: 22995826 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Palliative Medicine - September 27, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Eastman P, Le B, Pharaoh A Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

Correlations in health status between estimates of families of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and estimates of staff.
Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare self-estimates of the physical, psychological, and general well-being of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their next of kin with the assessment of the nurses and physician of these participants. Method: The well-being of 35 pairs of patients and their next of kin was rated by themselves, and by a physician and nurses. The well-being was examined over time, using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients' physical function was estimated at the same time with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating...
Source: Palliative and Supportive Care - September 27, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Ozanne AG, Persson LI Tags: Palliat Support Care Source Type: research

Sharing experiences in a support group: men's talk during the radiotherapy period for prostate cancer.
This study aimed to describe the experiences of men living with prostate cancer shared within conversational support groups during a course of radiotherapy. Method: Nine men participated in one of two groups that met six or seven times, led by a professional nurse. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes in the recorded group conversations. Results: The analysis resulted in six themes: living with a changing body, being in the hands of others, learning to live with the disease, the importance of knowledge, everyday life support, and meeting ...
Source: Palliative and Supportive Care - September 27, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Oster I, Hedestig O, Johansson M, Klingstedt N, Lindh J Tags: Palliat Support Care Source Type: research

My final thoughts.
PMID: 23013788 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative and Supportive Care - September 27, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Ryan S Tags: Palliat Support Care Source Type: research

Delays in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer for patients treated with radiation therapy.
Abstract To describe delays in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in patients treated by radiotherapy from the first abnormal imaging to the first day of treatment. Our retrospective single-center study included all patients treated for primary lung cancer in our center receiving radiotherapy alone or in association to chemotherapy or surgery, between 1st May and 15th September 2011. We included 40 patients. Mean age was 65.3 years and sex ratio was 4 (32 males). In 72.5% (n = 29) of the cases, the objective of the treatment was palliative. Median delay between the first abnormal imaging to the first d...
Source: Bulletin du Cancer - September 27, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Rivera C, Mathiaux J, Haaser T, Begueret H, Jougon J, Trouette R Tags: Bull Cancer Source Type: research

In search of legitimacy – registered nurses’ experience of providing palliative care in a municipal context
Conclusion: The results pinpoint the importance of increased acknowledgement of nurses’ knowledge and skills and a critical view on the effects of moving towards an organization composed of different consultants, which can lead to even more unclear responsibility for nursing care provision.
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences - September 27, 2012 Category: Nursing Authors: Agneta Törnquist, Magdalena Andersson, Anna‐Karin Edberg Tags: EMPIRICAL STUDIES Source Type: research

Combined use of percutaneous cryoablation and vertebroplasty with 3D rotational angiograph in treatment of single vertebral metastasis: comparison with vertebroplasty
Conclusion Our findings suggested that combined procedure of CVT is safe and effective for pain relief in single metastatic vertebral fractures, especially when other standard palliative treatments have failed, and improves disability. Careful needle positioning and accurate fluoroscopic and CT guidance are mandatory for a complication-free treatment. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Interventional NeuroradiologyPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00234-012-1096-7Authors S. Masala, Department of Diagnostic and Molecular Imaging, Interventional Radiology and Radiation Therapy, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergat...
Source: Neuroradiology - September 26, 2012 Category: Radiology Tags: Neuroradiology Source Type: research

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for nutritional palliation of upper esophageal cancer unsuitable for esophageal stenting
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced upper esophageal cancer where only palliative treatment is possible, nutritional support is easily achieved with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, allowing patients to be at homes, surviving a significant period of time. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding should be considered as standard definitive nutritional palliation in patients with upper esophageal cancer, unsuitable for esophageal stenting.CONTEXTO: O câncer do esôfago é frequentemente diagnosticado num estádio avançado, com mau prognóstico. A maioria dos pacientes com câncer avançado do esôfago sofre de di...
Source: Arquivos de Gastroenterologia - September 26, 2012 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

I Don’t Want to Be the One Saying ‘We Should Just Let Him Die’: Intrapersonal Tensions Experienced by Surrogate Decision Makers in the ICU
CONCLUSIONS Surrogates’ struggle to reconcile personal and family emotional needs with their loved ones’ wishes, and utilize common coping strategies to combat intrapersonal tensions. These data suggest reasons surrogates may struggle to follow a strict substituted judgment standard. They also suggest ways clinicians may improve decision making, including attending to surrogates’ emotions, facilitating family decision making, and eliciting potential emotional conflicts and spiritual needs. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11606-012-2129-yAuthors Yael...
Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine - September 26, 2012 Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Journal of General Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Prognostic Factors of Survival in Patients With Advanced Cancer Admitted to Home Care
Abstract: Context: Data regarding prognostication of life expectancy in patients with advanced cancer are of paramount importance to patients, families, and clinicians. However, data regarding patients followed at home are lacking.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between various factors recorded at the beginning of home care assistance and survival.Methods: A sample of consecutive patients admitted to two home care programs was surveyed. A preliminary consensus was achieved as to the possible variables easy to be recorded at home. These included age at the time of home care admission, gende...
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - September 26, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Sebastiano Mercadante, Alessandro Valle, Giampiero Porzio, Federica Aielli, Claudio Adile, Alessandra Casuccio, Home Care–Italy (HOCAI) Group Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

This Chronic Patient Becomes a Humanistic Patient Who Helps Clinicians
Abstract: A historian of aging, privileged to work with an interdisciplinary team of caregivers and researchers in a division of geriatric and palliative care of a major medical school and teaching hospital, discovers that his history of chronic illnesses secures him a useful role as a humanistic patient who helps clinicians to respond to the concerns, fears, and needs of aging Boomers.
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - September 26, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: W. Andrew Achenbaum Tags: Humanities: Art, Language, and Spirituality in Health Care Source Type: research

Palliative Care Providers' Opinions of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised (ESAS-r) in Clinical Practice
The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is a widely used, self-report, symptom intensity tool for assessing nine common symptoms in palliative care; ratings range from 0 (none, best) to 10 (worst). The ESAS-Revised (ESAS-r), a revision of the ESAS, provides definitions for potentially confusing items (tiredness, drowsiness, depression, anxiety, and well-being), specifies the time frame as “now,” and reorders symptoms into physical first and psychosocial-spiritual second, with well-being last; also, the example of constipation is given for “other symptom.” A multicenter study conducted with palliative care pa...
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - September 26, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Sharon M. Watanabe, Cheryl L. Nekolaichuk, Crystal Beaumont Tags: Letters Source Type: research

Activity as a Measure of Symptom Control
Dr. Ferriolli et al. are to be commended for their timely and important contribution to measuring patient-centered outcomes. The ability to correlate a person's physical activity with disease status and relevant domains in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire is an important finding. This was a relatively well cohort of people with gastric cancer, and it will be important to extend this work into people with Karnofsky Performance Status scores of
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - September 26, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: David C. Currow, Amy P. Abernethy, Miriam J. Johnson Tags: Letters Source Type: research

[About safety parameters for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices.]
Abstract During the course of preparation of an opioid prescription, the nurse in charge became aware that the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) syringe driver did not permit programming for the delivery as required: a maximum bolus number (Bmax) was indicated but only a maximum cumulative dose (Dcmax) could be programmed. The prescription dose criteria were consistent with the guidelines of the French societies of palliative care, anesthesiology, and reanimation (Société française d'accompagnement et de soins palliatifs [Sfap] and Société française d'anesthésie réanimation [Sfar]). A Dcmax dose simulation...
Source: Annales Francaises d'Anesthesie et de Reanimation - September 26, 2012 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Sardin B, Lecour N, Terrier G, Grouille D Tags: Ann Fr Anesth Reanim Source Type: research

Attitudes of Medical Oncologists in Qatar Toward Palliative Care.
CONCLUSIONS: There is relatively good awareness and knowledge among health care providers specialized in cancer treatment in our hospital, despite the lack of formal training. Further training and informative sessions are required to raise awareness among oncologists and encourage utilization of PC services and thus optimize patient accessibility to PC. PMID: 23019660 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care - September 26, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Abu Zeinah GF, Al-Kindi SG, Hassan AA Tags: Am J Hosp Palliat Care Source Type: research

Chitosan and Gelatin based prototype delivery systems for the treatment of oral mucositis: from material to performance in vitro.
In this study we developed and evaluated prototype of an effective occlusive mucoadhesive system for prophylaxis and/or treatment of oral mucositis based on chitosan and gelatine models together with nystatin as prophylactic agent to be incorporated into the formulation and investigate the drug release in-vitro. Results of the in vitro studies showed that chitosan and gelatine based gels demonstrate to posses properties as excellent candidates for treatment of oral mucositis, offering not only the palliative effects of an occlusive dressing but also the potential for delivering therapeutic compounds chitosan gels provided ...
Source: Current Drug Delivery - September 26, 2012 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Perchyonok VT, Zhang S, Oberholzer T Tags: Curr Drug Deliv Source Type: research

A phase II study of lapatinib for brain metastases in patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer following trastuzumab based systemic therapy and cranial radiotherapy: subset analysis of Japanese patients
Conclusion These results suggest that lapatinib monotherapy 750 mg given twice daily can exert some efficacy and has potential as a clinically meaningful treatment option for Japanese HER2-overexpressing breast cancer patients with brain metastases after cranial radiation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s10147-012-0444-2Authors Hiroji Iwata, Department of Breast Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, 1-1 Kanokoden, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8681, JapanMasaru Narabayashi, Department of Palliative Medicine, Saitama Medical University International Me...
Source: International Journal of Clinical Oncology - September 25, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: International Journal of Clinical Oncology Source Type: research

Choices Doctors Would Make If Their Infant Had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Comparison of Survey Data From 1999 and 2007
In conclusion, these analyses suggest that despite improving surgical outcomes, doctors are no more likely to predict that they would choose surgery for their own hypothetical infant with HLHS. Further research is needed to determine what factors influence choice making in the care of infants with HLHS. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00246-012-0455-9Authors Alexander A. Kon, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Naval Medical Center San Diego, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134, USAMilan Prsa, Division of Cardiolog...
Source: Pediatric Cardiology - September 25, 2012 Category: Cardiology Tags: Pediatric Cardiology Source Type: research

Response to “A cross-sectional study of constipation and laxative use in advanced cancer patients: insights for revision of current practise”
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00520-012-1599-0Authors K. Clark, Department of Palliative Care, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Edith St., Waratah, NSW 2298, AustraliaD. C. Currow, Department of Supportive and Palliative Care, Finders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia Journal Supportive Care in CancerOnline ISSN 1433-7339Print ISSN 0941-4355
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer - September 25, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Supportive Care in Cancer Source Type: research

Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Requiring Tracheal Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit: Impact on Managing Uncertainty for Patient-Centered Communication.
Abstract A case of acute lung injury (ALI) progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (ETMV) is presented. The palliative medicine service was asked to address concerns expressed by the patient's spouse reflecting uncertainty regarding outcome expectations. Acknowledging and confronting the uncertainties of a critical illness is an essential component of patient-centered communication. Addressing and managing uncertainty for the case scenario requires consideration of both short- and long-term outcomes including mortality, ventilator independen...
Source: The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care - September 25, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Johnson RF, Gustin J Tags: Am J Hosp Palliat Care Source Type: research

Medicare as Insurance Innovator: The Case of Hospice.
Abstract The stylized fact is that while private insurance has tended to innovate on the benefit design side of the insurance contract, Medicare has lead innovation on the payment side. Traditional or Fee-For-Service Medicare has produced many innovations in the payment for health care services, such as Prospective Payment for hospitals, Diagnostic-Related Groups to categorize care, and the Resource-Based Relative Value System used by the program to pay physicians, while private insurance has produced a series of benefit design innovations. This story misses one important example of Medicare benefit innovation: the...
Source: The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care - September 25, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Taylor DH Tags: Am J Hosp Palliat Care Source Type: research

Leg Pain and Gynecologic Malignancy.
Abstract Gynecologic malignancies affect more than 83 000 women in the United States, each year. Because the disease involves the pelvis, many patients have side effects distal to this area in their lower extremities. The differential diagnosis of leg pain can be divided into vascular, neurologic, and musculoskeletal causes. In this review article, we address numerous etiologies of leg pain, reviewing the prevalence of disease, physical examination findings, diagnostic as well as treatment modalities. PMID: 23015730 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care - September 25, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Singh L, Stevens EE Tags: Am J Hosp Palliat Care Source Type: research

Pharmacist Credentialing in Pain Management and Palliative Care
This article discusses current and future pharmacy pain management and palliative care credentialing opportunities. Pharmacists wishing to pursue voluntary pain management and palliative care credentialing may elect to take a multidisciplinary pain credentialing exam offered by the American Society of Pain Educators (ASPE) or American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM) and/or complete an American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY2) pain management and palliative care pharmacy residency. A palliative care credentialing exam is not currently available to pharmacists. Efforts are underway wit...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 25, 2012 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Juba, K. M. Tags: Pain Management Source Type: research

A case of wedge resection of duodenum for massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to duodenal metastasis by renal cell carcinoma
Conclusions: Gastrointestinal bleeding due to duodenal metastasis of RCC may benefit from emergent resection even in the presence of severe co-morbidities, and for palliative treatment.
Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology - September 25, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Hongzhi ZhaoKeqiang HanJing LiPing LiangGuohua ZuoYu ZhangHongyan Li Source Type: research

Deciduoid mesothelioma: Cytologic presentation and diagnostic pitfalls
We report two cases of malignant deciduoid mesothelioma (MDM), a very rare variant of malignant mesothelioma (MM). Case 1: An 18‐year‐old male with no history of asbestos exposure presented with worsening abdominal pain, anorexia, and vomiting after a motor vehicle accident. A CT scan showed small amount of ascites and abdominal mass. An exploratory laparotomy revealed multiple yellow tan, firm nodules on the peritoneum and omentum. He received palliative treatment and died 5 months after the diagnosis. Case 2: A 64‐year‐old female with history of asbestos exposure initially presented with abdominal distension. CT ...
Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology - September 25, 2012 Category: Pathology Authors: Cheng Cheng Huang, Claire W. Michael Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Use of a Pressure Guidewire to Assess Pulmonary Artery Band Adequacy in the Hybrid Stage I Procedure for High‐risk Neonates with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Variants
ConclusionsThis novel use of a pressure guidewire to assess quantitatively pulmonary artery band adequacy at the time of placement is feasible, safe and may decrease the need for reoperation for pulmonary artery band adjustment.
Source: Congenital Heart Disease - September 25, 2012 Category: Cardiology Authors: Jeffrey D. Zampi, Jennifer C. Hirsch, Bryan H. Goldstein, Aimee K. Armstrong Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Joint modeling quality of life and survival using a terminal decline model in palliative care studies
We present a detailed data analysis of our previously reported palliative care randomized clinical trial. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Source: Statistics in Medicine - September 24, 2012 Category: Statistics Authors: Zhigang Li, Tor D. Tosteson, Marie A. Bakitas Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Palliative Social Work
The Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine, first published in 1993, is now in its 4th edition. A review of the 3rd edition noted the addition of chapters on the roles of other health professionals, including social work. A review of the 4th edition praised the book's increased emphasis on “the multi-disciplinary nature of palliative care” and the “better understanding of the roles of fellow professionals in providing high-quality care.”(p. 189) In 2001, the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing was first published. With the publication in 2011 of the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Social Work, an important member o...
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - September 24, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Irene A. Gutheil Tags: Book Reviews Source Type: research

PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF A 5 × 4 Gy PRESCRIPTION FOR PALLIATION OF CANINE NASAL TUMORS
We evaluated the efficacy of palliative radiation therapy using 5 × 4 Gy given daily in 18 dogs with nasal tumors. Dogs with malignant nasal tumors were evaluated for response rate, response duration, and survival. Seventy‐eight percent of the dogs achieved complete resolution of clinical signs, and 16.5% had partial resolution of their signs. Overall median response duration for all dogs was 178 days after one course of radiation therapy. Six dogs received a second course of therapy when their disease progressed using the same daily 5 × 4 Gy scheme, and all six responded for a median time of 129.5 days for an overall ...
Source: Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound - September 24, 2012 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Birgitte Tan‐Coleman, Jarred Lyons, Craig Lewis, Mona Rosenberg, Azucena Ruiz Tags: Original Investigation Source Type: research

Introducing an electronic Palliative Care Summary (ePCS) in Scotland: patient, carer and professional perspectives
Conclusions The ePCS has clear potential to improve patient care although several implementation issues and technical problems require to be addressed first to enable this. GPs and community nurses should identify more patients with malignant and non-malignant illnesses for completion of the ePCS.
Source: Family Practice - September 24, 2012 Category: Primary Care Authors: Hall, S., Murchie, P., Campbell, C., Murray, S. A. Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Electronic monitoring of symptoms and syndromes associated with cancer: methods of a randomized controlled trial SAKK 95/06 E-MOSAIC
DiscussionThis trial will contribute to the research question, whether structured, longitudinal monitoring of patients' multidimensional symptoms, indicators for symptom management, and clinical benefit outcomes can influence patients' quality of life and symptom distress, in a setting of routine oncology practice.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials NCT00477919
Source: BMC Palliative Care - Latest articles - September 24, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: David BlumDieter KoeberleKarin RibiShu-Fang Hsu SchmitzUrs UitgerDirk KlingbielFlorian Strasser Source Type: research

‘Who is going to explain it to me so that I understand?’ Health care needs and experiences of older patients with advanced heart failure
Abstract Heart failure is a leading cause of death and can result in significant palliative care needs. The aim of this study was to explore the needs of older patients with advanced heart failure, and their experiences with health care delivery in Germany. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 12 patients (6 men, 6 women; age 73–94 years; heart failure in an advanced stage according to the New York Heart Association Functional Classification) recruited in two geriatric hospitals. The interviews were analyzed by a qualitative descriptive approach. The main categories derived from the patient in...
Source: European Journal of Ageing - September 21, 2012 Category: Geriatrics Tags: European Journal of Ageing Source Type: research

Nutritional problems, overhydration and the association with quality of life in elderly dialysis patients
Conclusions The high frequency of nutritional deficits in this study calls for more attention to nutritional status in elderly dialysis patients. There is a need for a general agreement on how nutritional status should be assessed and reported, both in clinics and in research. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Nephrology - Original PaperPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11255-012-0280-3Authors Inger Karin Lægreid, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Bevegelsessenteret 3rd ET, 7006 Trondheim, NorwayAsta Bye, Regional Centre for Exce...
Source: International Urology and Nephrology - September 21, 2012 Category: Urology & Nephrology Tags: International Urology and Nephrology Source Type: research

Cerebral metastasis of cervical cancer, report of two cases and review of the literature.
We present two cases of uterine cervical carcinomas with brain metastasis presenting with severe headaches in one case and hemiparesis and aphasia in the other one. Palliative craniotomy and debulking of the tumor was performed in both patients. PMID: 22977669 [PubMed - in process]
Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology - September 21, 2012 Category: Pathology Authors: Setoodeh R, Hakam A, Shan Y Tags: Int J Clin Exp Pathol Source Type: research

Peritoneal sarcomatosis in pediatric malignancies
Abstract Peritoneal sarcomatosis (PSC) is defined as peritoneal involvement of multiple sarcomatous tumors. Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) and rhabdomyosarcomas are the most common pediatric PSC cases. PSC has been treated with chemotherapy and mainly palliative surgery, but long‐term outcome has been poor. New imaging technologies have improved the evaluation of disease extent and patterns of peritoneal dissemination, and cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is being evaluated as a treatment option to prolong remission in pediatric patients. We will review the...
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - September 21, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Winston W. Huh, Nancy E. Fitzgerald, Anita Mahajan, Andrea Hayes‐Jordan Tags: Review Source Type: research

Can there be a good death?
Abstract While some deaths are worse than others, there is no such thing as a ‘good death’ since the plausible desiderata of a ‘good death’ form an inconsistent set. Because death is of the greatest existential consequence to us, a ‘good’ death must be a self‐aware death in which we grasp the import of what is happening to us; however, such realization is incompatible with our achieving the tranquillity of mind which is another requirement for the ‘good’ death. Nevertheless, the welcome recognition in recent years by medical personnel, palliative care workers and hospice staff that dying is an existential...
Source: Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice - September 21, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Geoffrey Scarre Tags: KCL workshops on Philosophy and Medicine Source Type: research

Cochrane review: relaxation and yoga may decrease pain during labour and increase satisfaction with pain relief, but better quality evidence is needed
Implications for practice and research Evidence suggests a beneficial effect of relaxation techniques and yoga in reduction of pain intensity during labour, and reduced likelihood of assisted vaginal delivery. Well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCT) that further examine the efficacy and safety of relaxation, yoga, music and audio-analgesia are needed. Context Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely practiced around the world, especially among women of childbearing age.1 The incidence of CAM use during pregnancy may be as high as 87%.2 Nurse-midwives play a crucial role in the care of women during pr...
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - September 21, 2012 Category: Nursing Authors: Reis, P. Tags: Other rehabilitative therapies, Pain (neurology), Pregnancy, Reproductive medicine, Orthopaedics, Child health, Infant health, Hospice, Pain (palliative care), Orthopaedic and trauma surgery Midwifery Source Type: research