São Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina
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Lung cancer is the commonest malignant tumor and is increasing in incidence by 2% a year. In 90% of diagnosed cases, it is associated with tobacco product consumption. It is the greatest cause of mortality among cancer types in Brazil. Knowledge of patients psychological representations is needed for evaluating treatments and educating patients. The aim here was to interpret how smokers with lung cancer interpret the possible causes of their illness and to understand their perceptions regarding cigarette use. ⋯ A broader approach towards the psychological comprehension of such patients is needed, considering that cigarette consumption involves conscious and unconscious motivations, sociocultural and educational factors, the glamour of tobacco advertising, and problems with psychophysical dependence. Such an approach would avoid the perception among patients that the healthcare team are "inquisitors". This would lead to better adherence to treatment and better quality of life.
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Use of topical negative pressure over difficult-to-heal wounds has been studied. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects from negative pressure in the treatment of complex wounds. ⋯ Use of the vacuum method is safe and efficient for preparing wounds for surgical closure. It allows for an improvement of local wound conditions, and healthy granulation tissue develops with control over local infection.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Contribution to the treatment of nausea and emesis induced by chemotherapy in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma.
Chemotherapy-induced emesis is a limiting factor in treating children with malignancies. Intensive chemotherapy regimens along with emetogenic drug administration have increased the frequency and severity of emesis and nausea. Our study was designed to consider the importance of this problem and the need for improvement in emesis treatment for patients receiving chemotherapy. Our objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of the antiemetic drug granisetron and a regimen of metoclopramide plus dimenhydrinate. ⋯ In children and adolescents with osteosarcoma, granisetron was safe and more efficient than metoclopramide plus dimenhydrinate for controlling chemotherapy-induced emesis and nausea.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of single dose of dexamethasone on patients with systemic inflammatory response.
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a very common condition among critically ill patients. SIRS, sepsis, septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) can lead to death. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of a single dose of dexamethasone for blocking the progression of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. ⋯ Dexamethasone enhanced the effects of vasopressor drugs and evaluation of the respiratory system showed improvements (better PaO2/FiO2 ratio), one day after its administration. Despite these improvements, the single dose of dexamethasone did not block the evolution of SIRS.