Der Schmerz
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Cannabis was used for cancer patients as early as about 2500 years ago. Experimental studies demonstrated tumor-inhibiting activities of various cannabinoids more than 40 years ago. In view of the status of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as a regulated substance, non-psychotomimetic cannabidiol (CBD) is of particular importance. ⋯ Preclinical studies, particularly recent ones, including numerous animal models of tumors, unanimously suggest the therapeutic efficacy of CBD. In isolated combination studies, synergistic effects were generally observed. In addition, CBD may potentially play a role in the palliative care of patients, especially concerning symptoms such as pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Further human studies are warranted.
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Early and optimal treatment of postoperative pain based on a multimodal treatment concept is very important so that subsequent chronification can be avoided. ⋯ The positive effect of progressive muscle relaxation cannot be confirmed on the basis of the study data. Owing to the varying study design and implementation as well as the inclusion of heterogeneous patient groups, no conclusion can be drawn at present regarding the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation in common practice; therefore, further research is necessary.
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The implementation of the cross-sectional subject of palliative care (Q13) at medical faculties in Germany is heterogeneous. In faculties without a chair for palliative medicine, other solutions are needed. ⋯ With the new teaching concept, medical students feel well prepared for the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients. The combination of different learning formats with an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral focus promotes education with a practical orientation.
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Historical Article
[Pain asymbolia-discovered around 1930 by Paul F. Schilder, almost forgotten today?]
Paul Ferdinand Schilder was born in Vienna in 1886 and died in New York in 1940. Today he is remembered particularly as a psychoanalyst and a psychotherapist. His research in neuroscience, however, was also both comprehensive and innovative. ⋯ His publications on the condition are characterized by meticulousness, progressive thinking and critical reflection. He nosologically assigned pain asymbolia to the group of agnosias and integrated it into the concept of body image, which was a central issue in his entire scientific work. This article additionally addresses the question of whether Schilder's assumptions are still valid today and what consequences might arise from this.
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Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic disease that soon becomes apparent after a child's birth. Mechanical stress in particular causes painful skin-blistering that potentially leads to numerous complications. Dressing materials fulfill important functions for children with EB: they help protect the skin, but create problems at the same time. ⋯ With their action-oriented expertise, parents can avoid additional skin damage caused during dressing changes. Here, the focus is on technical skills that lead to more comfort for the affected child and help parents to meet the challenge of dressing changes. Regarding the child's development, parents are continually confronted with new challenges and must adapt their old, or develop new, strategies.