Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized, double-blind, double-dummy comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of low-dose transdermal buprenorphine (BuTrans seven-day patches) with buprenorphine sublingual tablets (Temgesic) in patients with osteoarthritis pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of chronic pain, particularly in the older population. Modern approaches to the management of OA pain recommend tailoring treatment to the individual. This study examines treatment options for OA pain in the form of low-dose transdermal and sublingual opioid analgesia. ⋯ In conclusion, seven-day, low-dose transdermal buprenorphine patches are as effective as sublingual buprenorphine, with a better tolerability profile.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialDoes recall period have an effect on cancer patients' ratings of the severity of multiple symptoms?
Choosing an appropriate recall period for symptom assessment in a clinical trial is dependent on the design and purpose of the trial. ⋯ This study demonstrated that the MDASI in a seven-day recall format has psychometric properties consistent with the 24-hour recall version, which may promote its use in future cancer clinical trials and may inform the choice of recall period when symptoms are outcome measures.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy of an intervention for fatigue and sleep disturbance during cancer chemotherapy.
Multiple complex symptoms from cancer treatment can interfere with functioning. ⋯ Potential explanations include high variability and/or floor effect for fatigue, incorrect timing of measures, insufficient amount or dose of the intervention, and confounding effects of gender. Future research should consider screening for symptom severity and tailoring interventions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2010
An analysis of heavy utilizers of opioids for chronic noncancer pain in the TROUP study.
Although opioids are increasingly used for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP), we know little about opioid dosing patterns among individuals with CNCP in usual care settings, and how these are changing over time. ⋯ Opioid use is heavily concentrated among a small percent of patients. The characteristics of these high utilizers need to be further established, and the benefits and risks of their treatment evaluated.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2010
Determinants of patient-family caregiver congruence on preferred place of death in taiwan.
Patient-family caregiver congruence on preferred place of death not only increases the likelihood of dying at home but also contributes significantly to terminally ill cancer patients' quality of life. ⋯ Increasing patient-family congruence on preferred place of death not only requires knowledge of the patient's prognosis and advance planning by both parties but also depends on family caregivers endorsing patient preferences for EOL care options and ensuring that supporting patients dying at home does not create an intolerable burden for family caregivers.