Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Oct 1990
Ambulatory infusion devices in the continuing care of patients with advanced diseases.
Until recently, patients who required hydration or parenteral administration of narcotics or antiemetics remained in hospitals until death. The period of admission, which varied between days and months, resulted in a decreased quality of life for the patient and family. With the development of portable infusion pumps, patients with these needs can now be safely discharged home for long periods of time, thereby significantly reducing the cost of medical care and improving quality of life for patients and families. ⋯ The high cost of portable pumps and supplies are a major obstacle for the establishment of large programs for home parenteral drug administration. More research is needed to better characterize the pharmacokinetics of different drugs when administered subcutaneously, and to develop simpler and more effective portable infusion devices. The results of this research will have a major impact on the quality of life of patients and their families.
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Respiratory symptoms are a common cause of distress in patients with advanced cancer. Optimal palliative therapy requires careful assessment and the appropriate use of symptomatic measures in conjunction with specific antitumor treatments. The etiology and management of the three major respiratory symptoms, dyspnea, cough and hemoptysis, are described. The indications for antitumor treatments and surgical procedures are briefly outlined, and symptomatic treatments, including drug and nondrug measures, are discussed in detail.