Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Aug 2015
Successful use of central venous catheters in the management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions: one new option.
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common clinical problem in patients with malignancy. To date, placement of various catheters has been suggested as an effective alternative method for traditional treatment of recurrent MPE. In this study, we report our experience in managing treatment of recurrent MPE by placing a central vein catheter without a radiologic guide. ⋯ Triple-lumen central catheter insertion is a simple, noninvasive option in patients with recurrent MPE that can be performed the patient's bedside. Further research is needed to confirm the results and to assess the impact of central catheter insertion on the quality of life of these patients.
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Support Care Cancer · Aug 2015
Observational StudyComing and going: predicting the discharge of cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit: easier than thought?
Discharging a patient admitted to an inpatient palliative care unit (PCU) is a major challenge. A predictor of the feasibility of home discharge at the time of admission would be very useful. We tried to identify such predictors in a prospective observational study. ⋯ Estimation by a nurse and a physician were highly significant predictors of the likelihood of discharge and remained significant in a multivariate logistic regression model including KPS and PPS. Other variables, such as a panel of laboratory tests or sociodemographic variables, were not associated with discharge or death.
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Support Care Cancer · Aug 2015
A comparison of the effectiveness of complex decongestive physiotherapy and stellate ganglion block with triamcinolone administration in breast cancer-related lymphedema patients.
This study aims to investigate the comparison of effectiveness between stellate ganglion block (SGB) and complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDT) in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) patients. ⋯ SGB is an effective treatment which can reduce the circumference of arm in breast cancer-related lymphedema patients and could be an alternative treatment for lymphedema.