Articles: palliative-care.
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We have used strontium-89 chloride (89Sr) for the palliative treatment of metastatic bone pain. Seventy-six patients (50 males with prostate carcinoma and 26 females with breast cancer) were treated with 148 MBq of 89Sr. Sixteen patients were retreated, receiving two or three doses; the total number of injected doses was consequently 95. ⋯ A decrease in the initial leucocyte and platelet counts was observed after the 1st month of treatment, with a gradual partial to complete recovery within 6 months. It is concluded that 89Sr is an effective agent in palliative therapy for metastatic bone pain in patients with prostate or breast carcinoma. If required, retreatment can be administered safely and with the same efficacy as is achieved by the first dose.
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Journal of neurology · Oct 1997
Review Case ReportsPalliative therapy in the terminal stage of neurological disease.
As recently pointed out by the American Academy of Neurology, providing adequate palliative care to dying patients is the duty of every neurologist. Because of a lack of relevant articles in the neurological literature, we have compiled current treatment recommendations for the most important symptoms arising in the endstage of neurological diseases. ⋯ A discussion of difficult decisions is included, e.g., the appropriate extent of fluid substitution or the ethical implications of sedation in the terminal phase. It is hoped that this compilation may provide a basis for future research in palliative therapy in neurology.
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The poor prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) makes palliative care a challenge for the neurologist. Most disabilities associated with progressive disease can be ameliorated by symptomatic treatment. ⋯ Respiratory insufficiency can be treated by non-invasive ventilation at home, provided the familial environment is supportive. Adequate assistance and palliative treatment in the terminal phase is of paramount importance.