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Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... May 2024To identify symptom clusters (SCs) in patients with lung cancer who are undergoing initial chemotherapy and to identify the sentinel symptoms of each SC.
PURPOSE
To identify symptom clusters (SCs) in patients with lung cancer who are undergoing initial chemotherapy and to identify the sentinel symptoms of each SC.
METHODS
A convenience sampling method was used to recruit patients with lung cancer who were undergoing their initial chemotherapy treatment. Patient information was collected using the General Demographic Questionnaire, MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (including the lung cancer module) and a schedule documenting the initial occurrence of symptoms. The Walktrap algorithm was employed to identify SCs, while sentinel symptoms within each SC were identified using the Apriori algorithm in conjunction with the initial occurrence time of symptoms.
RESULTS
A total of 169 patients with lung cancer participated in this study, and four SCs were identified: the psychological SC (difficulty remembering, sadness, dry mouth, numbness or tingling, and distress), somatic SC (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and drowsiness), respiratory SC (coughing, expectoration, chest tightness, and shortness of breath), and digestive SC (nausea, poor appetite, constipation, vomiting, and weight loss). Sadness, fatigue, and coughing were identified as sentinel symptoms of the psychological, somatic, and respiratory SCs, respectively. However, no sentinel symptom was identified for the digestive SC.
CONCLUSION
Patients with lung cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy encounter a spectrum of symptoms, often presenting as SCs. The sentinel symptom of each SC emerges earlier than the other symptoms and is characterized by its sensitivity, significance, and driving force. It serves as a vital indicator of the SC and assumes a sentry role. Targeting sentinel symptoms might be a promising strategy for determining the optimal timing of interventions and for mitigating or decelerating the progression of the other symptoms within the SC.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Antineoplastic Agents; Adult; Algorithms; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38801450
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08600-5 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Cough is a common presenting symptom for patients in a primary care setting and significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Cough involves a complex reflex arc... (Review)
Review
Cough is a common presenting symptom for patients in a primary care setting and significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Cough involves a complex reflex arc beginning with the stimulation of sensory nerves that function as cough receptors that stimulate the cough center in the brain. This "cough center" functions to receive these impulses and produce a cough by activating efferent nervous pathways to the diaphragm and laryngeal, thoracic, and abdominal musculature. Drugs that suppress the neural activity of cough are non-specific as those treatments are not directed toward pathogenic causes such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, they block a reflex called the watchdog of the lung and have a defense mechanism. Acute respiratory infections of the upper and lower airways most commonly cause acute cough. In contrast, the most common causes of chronic cough are upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, all associated with an inflammatory reaction at the level of the cough receptors. The use of natural compounds or herbal drugs such as carob syrup, dry blackcurrant extract, dry extract of caraway fruit, dry extract of ginger rhizome, dry extract of marshmallow root, and dry extract of ivy leaves, to name a few, not only have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, but also act as antimicrobials, bronchial muscle relaxants, and increase gastric motility and empty. For these reasons, these natural substances are widely used to control cough at its deep roots (i.e., contrasting its causes and not inhibiting the arch reflex). With this approach, the lung watchdog is not put to sleep, as with peripheral or central inhibition of the cough reflex, and by contrasting the causes, we may control cough that viruses use at self-advantage to increase transmission.
PubMed: 38790578
DOI: 10.3390/children11050584 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine May 2024Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease presenting with symptoms like dyspnoea, dry cough, and fatigue, which affect physical function and quality...
INTRODUCTION
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease presenting with symptoms like dyspnoea, dry cough, and fatigue, which affect physical function and quality of life. No earlier qualitative studies have investigated physical activity in IPF. This study aims to explore experiences of living with IPF in relation to physical activity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 participants living with IPF. The participants were 77 years old (range: 56-86) and diagnosed with IPF between 2 and 9 years ago. The analysis was performed by qualitative content analysis according to Graneheim and Lundman.
RESULTS
The results indicated that life and one's ability to be physically active is affected by IPF. Despite this, it seems possible to navigate past obstacles, which was illustrated by an overall theme: "My life is constrained, but I am hanging on". Two major categories cover topics of IPF being a life changing diagnosis with changes in self-image and changed future plans regarding physical activity, as well as life. Physical activity was perceived to be challenging, yet in many ways used as a strategy, developed to manage life.
CONCLUSIONS
IPF affects physical activity as well as life, from onset onwards. By developing strategies for facilitating physical activity as well as identifying barriers, it seems possible to maintain an active life despite the disease. The healthcare system needs to create support systems that meet different needs during different phases of the disease.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
"FoU in Sweden" Research and Development in Sweden (id: 227081).
Topics: Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Aged; Male; Qualitative Research; Female; Exercise; Middle Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Quality of Life; Interviews as Topic; Self Concept
PubMed: 38783207
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03064-z -
SAGE Open Medicine 2024The coronavirus disease 2019 is highly infectious and patients with coronavirus diseases demonstrated a series of clinical symptoms caused by severe acute respiratory...
BACKGROUND
The coronavirus disease 2019 is highly infectious and patients with coronavirus diseases demonstrated a series of clinical symptoms caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. Without a break of the wave's hematological profile of the patients is still ambiguous and differs from wave to wave.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the hematological profile among coronavirus disease 2019 patients during the first and the second waves in Ethiopia.
METHODS
A multi-centered facility-based retrospective cohort study design was conducted at six coronavirus disease 2019 treatment centers. A total of 538 study participants were enrolled in the selected coronavirus disease 2019 treatment centers during the first and second waves of the pandemic. The demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, symptoms, and hematological parameters of patients were recorded. Data were entered into Epi-Data Manager 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14.2. An independent sample -test was used to assess the mean differences in hematological parameters across waves. Associations between categorical variables across waves were also determined using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests.
RESULTS
Among the total study participants, 240 (44.6%) and 298 (55.4%) patients were taken from wave-1 and wave-2, respectively. The average age of the study participants was 56.44 ± 16.25 years. The most frequent comorbidities in this study were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and asthma. The most presenting symptoms of COVID-19 infection across the two waves were presented. In the first wave, dry cough 166 (69.2%), fatigue 153 (63.75%), shortness of breath 148 (61.67%), and fever accounted 116 (48.33%), while during the second wave, dry cough 242 (81.2%), fatigue 244 (81.88%) shortness of breath 204 (68.47%) and fever account 180 (60.40%). White blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and lymphocytes had shown increment during the first wave. Platelet count and platelet distribution width ( < 0.001) had significant mean differences across the two waves, while the other had no significant mean difference.
CONCLUSION
In the present study, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fever were found to be the most presenting symptoms of COVID-19 infection across the two waves. Only the platelet count and platelet distribution width had significant mean differences across the two waves, while the other had no significant mean difference across waves.
PubMed: 38774743
DOI: 10.1177/20503121241253522 -
Scientific Reports May 2024We assessed predictive models (PMs) for diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in AIDS patients seen in the emergency room (ER), aiming to guide empirical...
We assessed predictive models (PMs) for diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in AIDS patients seen in the emergency room (ER), aiming to guide empirical treatment decisions. Data from suspected PCP cases among AIDS patients were gathered prospectively at a reference hospital's ER, with diagnoses later confirmed through sputum PCR analysis. We compared clinical, laboratory, and radiological data between PCP and non-PCP groups, using the Boruta algorithm to confirm significant differences. We evaluated ten PMs tailored for various ERs resource levels to diagnose PCP. Four scenarios were created, two based on X-ray findings (diffuse interstitial infiltrate) and two on CT scans ("ground-glass"), incorporating mandatory variables: lactate dehydrogenase, O2, C-reactive protein, respiratory rate (> 24 bpm), and dry cough. We also assessed HIV viral load and CD4 cell count. Among the 86 patients in the study, each model considered either 6 or 8 parameters, depending on the scenario. Many models performed well, with accuracy, precision, recall, and AUC scores > 0.8. Notably, nearest neighbor and naïve Bayes excelled (scores > 0.9) in specific scenarios. Surprisingly, HIV viral load and CD4 cell count did not improve model performance. In conclusion, ER-based PMs using readily available data can significantly aid PCP treatment decisions in AIDS patients.
Topics: Humans; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Male; Pneumocystis carinii; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Algorithms; Viral Load
PubMed: 38755293
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61174-4 -
PloS One 2024The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted countries to swiftly implement rigorous preventive measures on a population-wide scale worldwide. However, in low-income countries...
Perceptions and compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures in Southern and Central regions of Mozambique: A quantitative in-person household survey in the districts of Manhiça and Quelimane.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted countries to swiftly implement rigorous preventive measures on a population-wide scale worldwide. However, in low-income countries like Mozambique this was difficult, coupled with a generalised lack of knowledge on how the population understood and complied with these measures. This study assessed community perceptions and implementation of anti-COVID-19 measures recommended by Mozambican authorities in Manhiça and Quelimane districts, including confinement, social distancing, frequent handwashing, mask wearing, and quarantine as the key practices to evaluate. We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey in October 2020 and February 2021, interviewing heads of households, face-to-face. The data collected included self-evaluation of compliance and existence of handwashing facilities and face-masks in the households, aided by observations. We present descriptive statistics on perceptions and compliance at individual and household levels. Out of the 770 participants, nearly all (98.7%) were aware of Coronavirus disease, including the term COVID-19 (89.2%). Knowledge varied between districts, with Manhiça participants showing higher levels of sufficient ability to define the disease. The symptoms most mentioned were dry cough (17.8%), fever (15.7%), flu-like symptoms (14.2%), breathing difficulties (13.6%), and headache (13.1%). Participants recognized various transmission modes, including touching infected objects and inhaling infected air. Preventive measures like handwashing with soap or sanitizing hands with alcohol, wearing masks, and social distancing were acknowledged, but the understanding varied. Compliance with these measures was generally low, with fewer than half of respondents reporting adherence to them. Only 30.4% of households had handwashing facilities (of which only 41.0% had water), and masks were often limited to one per person aged 6 years or more. Community members in Manhica and Quelimane were aware of COVID-19 but had limited understanding of what the preventive measures meant, and had lower levels of compliance. Understanding and addressing the factors affecting the proper implementation of these measures is crucial for improving community adherence in preventing infectious diseases with epidemic potential.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Mozambique; Female; Male; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Masks; Hand Disinfection; Family Characteristics; Surveys and Questionnaires; SARS-CoV-2; Adolescent; Young Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Perception; Aged; Physical Distancing; Quarantine
PubMed: 38743657
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278439 -
Tobacco Induced Diseases 2024Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a worldwide infection characterized by various symptoms. Few studies have examined its oral manifestations. However, there is...
INTRODUCTION
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a worldwide infection characterized by various symptoms. Few studies have examined its oral manifestations. However, there is insufficient information on the oral manifestations of patients with COVID-19 who use tobacco products. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated oral symptoms of tobacco-using patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
METHODS
This study used a convenience sample of non-hospitalized patients (aged ≥18 years) with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 diagnosed by polymerized chain reaction (PCR). This study excluded pregnant or lactating women or patients with serious COVID-19 complications, including those who required hospitalization or were on specific medications (antiviral, corticosteroid, antimicrobial, or immunosuppressive). Oral examinations were performed, including labial, buccal, and gingival mucosa, tongue, floor of the mouth, and palate, for any newly developed lesions associated with the onset of COVID-19. The salivary flow was determined using the passive drool collection technique.
RESULTS
Lip dryness, gingivitis, tongue lesions, and taste loss were the most commonly reported oral symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The most common general symptoms were tiredness and headache (63.9%), followed by dry cough, myalgia, sore throat, and fever. This study found 139 occurrences of oral symptoms, of which 52 were dry lips (27 tobacco non-users, and 25 tobacco users), and 11 were gingivitis (five non-users, and six tobacco users), and 12 tongue changes (eight non-users, and four tobacco users). Ageusia, or loss of taste sensation, was most commonly reported with or without other oral COVID-19 symptoms (55 occurrences: 36 non-users and 19 tobacco users). No significant differences were found in oral symptoms between tobacco non-users and tobacco users.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to expand the routine examination protocol for patients during future respiratory pandemics, as monitoring oral health allows dentists to improve the management of oral sequelae during a pandemic.
PubMed: 38742218
DOI: 10.18332/tid/186531 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Multiple targets are considered as the causes of ambient fine particulate matter [aerodynamic diameters of < 2.5 μm (PM)] induced lung function injury. Qiju granules...
INTRODUCTION
Multiple targets are considered as the causes of ambient fine particulate matter [aerodynamic diameters of < 2.5 μm (PM)] induced lung function injury. Qiju granules are derived from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula known as Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan (Lycium, Chrysanthemum, and Rehmannia Formula, QJDHW), which has been traditionally used to treat symptoms such as cough with phlegm, dry mouth and throat, and liver heat. This treatment approach involves attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis response. This study investigated the effects of Qiju granules on protecting lung function against PM exposure in a clinical trial.
METHODS
A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial was performed among 47 healthy college students in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in China. The participants were randomly assigned to the Qiju granules group or the control group based on gender. Clinical follow-ups were conducted once every 2 weeks during a total of 4 weeks of intervention. Real-time monitoring of PM concentrations in the individually exposed participants was carried out. Data on individual characteristics, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and lung function at baseline and during the follow-ups were collected. The effects of PM exposure on lung function were assessed within each group using linear mixed-effect models.
RESULTS
In total, 40 eligible participants completed the scheduled follow-ups. The average PM level was found to be 64.72 μg/m during the study period. A significant negative correlation of lung function with PM exposure concentrations was observed, and a 1-week lag effect was observed. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), forced expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEF), forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF), and forced expiratory flow at 25% of FVC (FEF) were significantly decreased due to PM exposure in the control group. Small airway function was impaired more seriously than large airway function when PM exposure concentrations were increased. In the Qiju granules group, the associations between lung function and PM exposure were much weaker, and no statistical significance was observed.
CONCLUSION
The results of the study showed that PM exposure was associated with reduced lung function. Qiju granules could potentially be effective in protecting lung functions from the adverse effects of PM exposure.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
identifier: ChiCTR1900021235.
PubMed: 38741765
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1370657 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Between 2 and 8.5% of patients who recover from COVID-19 do not develop antibodies, and the durability of IgG antibodies is under scrutiny. Therefore, the presence and...
Between 2 and 8.5% of patients who recover from COVID-19 do not develop antibodies, and the durability of IgG antibodies is under scrutiny. Therefore, the presence and persistence of IgM and IgG antibodies were evaluated in a group of patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 from May to August 2020. Out of 2199 suspected COVID-19 cases, 1264 were confirmed for SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR; 328 consented to participate in the study, with 220 participants followed for 9 months, including 124 men (56%) and 96 women (44%). The primary symptoms were headache, dry cough, and fever. IgG antibodies developed in 95% of patients within 4 weeks post-diagnosis, and a second evaluation at 9 months showed that 72.7% still had detectable IgG antibodies. The presence of IgM in one individual (0.45%) suggested the possibility of reinfection.
PubMed: 38727505
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12090948 -
Indian Journal of Urology : IJU :... 2024This case report discusses a rare and severe complication of COVID-19 recovery - renal mucormycosis leading to right renal artery pseudoaneurysm. A 59-year-old patient,...
This case report discusses a rare and severe complication of COVID-19 recovery - renal mucormycosis leading to right renal artery pseudoaneurysm. A 59-year-old patient, previously treated for COVID-19, presented with dry cough, flank pain, and hematuria. He was diagnosed with renal artery pseudoaneurysm with renal mucormycosis. Successful management included urgent angioembolization, systemic liposomal amphotericin B, and subsequent radical nephrectomy post-stabilization. The case underscores the importance of vigilant post-COVID-19 follow-up, particularly in patients treated with steroids, and highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach for timely diagnosis and effective management of mucormycosis related complications.
PubMed: 38725901
DOI: 10.4103/iju.iju_454_23