Indian journal of palliative care
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Indian J Palliat Care · Jul 2019
Effect of Hypofractionated, Palliative Radiotherapy on Quality of Life in Late-Stage Oral Cavity Cancer: A Prospective Clinical Trial.
The study was designed to evaluate the effect of a hypofractionated, palliative conformal radiotherapy regimen of 5250 cGy in 15 fractions in inoperable/incurable oral cavity carcinoma. ⋯ The improvement in QOL parameters suggests that the regimen of 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions is suitable for palliative intent radiotherapy in late-stage oral cavity cancer for effective palliation for short periods.
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Indian J Palliat Care · Jan 2019
A Qualitative Study on Palliative Needs of Stroke Patients in an Indian Tertiary Care Setting - Doctors' Perspective.
Stroke is the development of a focal neurological disturbance lasting >24 h, of vascular origin. In India, stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Most stroke patients, during their duration of treatment and posthospitalization, want relief of suffering, a sense of control and minimized burden on the family. ⋯ From the interviews of the clinicians, we can conclude that care of a stroke patient is more than medical management and rehabilitation, as several other aspects of the patient's life are affected by the condition. The quality of life aspect has to be looked upon as an area that requires active intervention in a setting of stroke. Physical disabilities were viewed as the most significant factor in reducing the quality of life. Spiritual needs have a low priority in comparison to other physical needs. Due to high patient load and time constraints, many of the needs are unaddressed. Two important areas where palliative medicine has a major role in a setting of stroke are counseling and alleviating caregiver burden. However, referral of stroke patients to palliative medicine is low and further research to identify barriers to specialist palliative care of stroke patients will help in promoting the referrals to palliative medicine.
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Indian J Palliat Care · Oct 2018
A Comparison of Symptom Management for Children with Cancer in Iran and in the Selected Countries: A Comparative Study.
The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of other countries regarding the status of pediatric palliative care in the field of symptom management and to compare it with the current status in Iran to achieve an appropriate level of symptom management for children with cancer. ⋯ Children with cancer experience irritating symptoms during their lives and while they are hospitalized. Regarding the fact that symptom management in developed countries is carried out based on specific and documented guidelines, using the experiences of these successful countries and applying them as an operational model can be useful for developing countries such as Iran.
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Indian J Palliat Care · Oct 2018
Management of Malignant Wound Myiasis with Ivermectin, Albendazole, and Clindamycin (Triple Therapy) in Advanced Head-and-Neck Cancer Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.
Myiasis, tissue infestation by housefly larvae, is commonly found in malignant fungating wounds of cancer patients from climatic condition and lower socio-economic strata. ⋯ Systemic treatment with Ivermectin, Albendazole and Clindamycin (Triple Therapy) enhances the removal of maggots, early recovery and relief from distress and associated symptoms.
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Indian J Palliat Care · Apr 2018
Prognostic Factors of Malignant Pleural Effusion among Palliative Care Outpatients: A Retrospective Study.
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has varied survival and indicates advanced disease. LENT prognostic score is the first validated score used for MPE. This study assessed the role of LENT among palliative care cancer patients and assessed different patient, tumor, and treatment related factors that may affect survival. ⋯ ECOG performance status, bilateral effusion, and no oncological treatment after diagnosis of MPE were associated with poor ST. Lung primary was associated with shorter OS and ST. Small numbers precluded any definitive conclusion on the prognostic value of LENT in our group of patients, and hence larger studies are recommended.