Project description:Although there is published research on the impact of venous thromboembolism (VTE) on quality of life (QoL), this issue has not been thoroughly investigated in patients with cancer-particularly using specific questionnaires. We aimed to examine the impact of acute symptomatic VTE on QoL of patients with malignancies. This was a multicenter, prospective, case-control study conducted in patients with cancer either with (cases) or without (controls) acute symptomatic VTE. Participants completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, EQ-5D-3L, PEmb-QoL, and VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaires. Statistically significant and clinically relevant differences in terms of global health status were examined. Between 2015 and 2018, we enrolled 425 patients (128 cases and 297 controls; mean age: 60.2 ± 18.4 years). The most common malignancies were gastrointestinal (23.5%) and lung (19.8%) tumors. We found minimally important differences in global health status on the EQ-5D-3L (cases versus controls: 0.55 versus 0.77; mean difference: -0.22) and EORTC QLQ-C30 (47.7 versus 58.4; mean difference: -10.3) questionnaires. There were minimally important differences on the PEmb-QoL questionnaire (44.4 versus 23; mean difference: -21.4) and a significantly worse QoL on the VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire (42.7 versus 51.7; mean difference: -9). In conclusion, we showed that acute symptomatic VTE adversely affects the QoL of patients with malignancies.
Project description:Background Association between global platelet function and the risk of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) has been proposed, though the mechanisms do not involve increased platelet aggregation. However, platelet adhesiveness has not been systematically explored in VTE patients. Objectives To evaluate platelet adhesive functions in VTE patients. Methods Platelet adhesion was evaluated by using whole blood samples from VTE patients, selected based on short closure times on the PFA-100 ( n = 54), and matched healthy individuals ( n = 57) in: (i) the PFA-100, (ii) a cone plate analyzer (CPA), on a plastic surface, (iii) microfluidic devices, with two- and three-dimensional evaluation, and (iv) membrane glycoprotein analysis. Intraplatelet signaling was evaluated in isolated collagen type I (Col-I) activated platelets and platelets adhered on Col-I or von Willebrand factor (VWF) coated coverslips under flow. VWF antigen and ADAMTS-13 activity were measured in plasma samples. Results PFA-100 closure times remained significantly shorter in patients. The CPA test showed a significant increase in the platelet aggregates size when using blood from VTE patients. Platelet adhesion on Col-I revealed a higher area covered by platelets and increased aggregate volume when exposed to samples from VTE patients. Protein P-ZAP70/SYK72 showed a phosphorylation level significantly increased in patients' platelets. Plasma VWF was significantly elevated in VTE patients. Conclusions Platelets from VTE patients exhibit a proadhesive phenotype under flow conditions potentially related to the shortened occlusion times with the PFA-100. This enhanced adhesiveness may be explained by higher intraplatelet ZAP70/SYK72 phosphorylation and increased plasma VWF in patients. Therefore, primary hemostasis plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of VTE.
Project description:Patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) experience debilitating symptoms that have a negative impact on their quality of life (QoL) in terms of physical capability, psychological wellbeing and social relationships. The use of QoL measurement tools is important in the assessment of treatment efficacy and in guiding treatment decisions. However, despite the importance of QoL, particularly to the patient, it remains under-reported in clinical studies of CTEPH therapy. CTEPH is unique in pulmonary hypertension in that it is potentially curable by surgery; however, a proportion of patients either have residual PH following surgery or are not operable. Although some patients with CTEPH have been treated off-label with pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific therapies, there have been few randomised controlled trials of these therapies in patients with CTEPH. Moreover, in these trials QoL outcomes are variably assessed, and there is little consistency in the tools used. Here we review the assessment of QoL in patients with CTEPH and the tools that have been used. We also discuss the effect of surgical intervention and medical therapies on QoL. We conclude that further studies of QoL in patients with CTEPH are needed to further validate the optimal QoL tools.
Project description:Background: Cannabinoids have been suggested to alleviate frequently experienced symptoms of reduced mental well-being such as anxiety and depression. Mental well-being is an important subdomain of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Reducing symptoms and maintaining HRQoL are particularly important in malignant primary brain tumor patients, as treatment options are often noncurative and prognosis remains poor. These patients frequently report unprescribed cannabinoid use, presumably for symptom relieve. As studies on brain tumor patients specifically are lacking, we performed a meta-analysis of the current evidence on cannabinoid efficacy on HRQoL and mental well-being in oncological and neurological patients. Methods: We performed a systematic PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, and Web of Science search according to PRISMA guidelines on August 2 and 3, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) on general HRQoL and mental well-being. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using Hedges g. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. Results: We included 17 studies: 4 in oncology and 13 in central nervous system (CNS) disease. Meta-analysis showed no effect of cannabinoids on general HRQoL (g=-0.02 confidence interval [95% CI -0.11 to 0.06]; p=0.57) or mental well-being (g=-0.02 [95% CI -0.16 to 0.13]; p=0.81). Conclusions: RCTs in patients with cancer or CNS disease showed no effect of cannabinoids on HRQoL or mental well-being. However, studies were clinically heterogeneous and since many glioma patients currently frequently use cannabinoids, future studies are necessary to evaluate its value in this specific population.
Project description:ObjectiveEarly detection of limited physical activity and nutritional deficiencies in cancer survivors could contribute to early treatment and preservation of quality of life. The aim of this study is to describe the association of physical condition and nutritional status with fatigue and quality of life in oncological out-patients.MethodsData in this descriptive study was collected on bioelectrical impedance analysis, postural stability (stability index), body mass index, Karnofsky Index, quality of life (Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey) and fatigue (multidimensional fatigue inventory-20) in a consecutive sample of 203 oncological out-patients. Phase angle was calculated from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Values were intercorrelated and compared to appropriate standard values.ResultsPhase angle and stability index outcomes were far below the values of a healthy population of similar age (p < 0.001). Quality of life was significantly lower than in the normal population (p < 0.001), and the level of fatigue was significantly higher (p < 0.001). Phase angle correlated with Karnofsky Index (p = 0.002) and Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey Summary physical function (p < 0.001). Furthermore, multidimensional fatigue inventory-20 scales 'physical fatigue' and 'reduced activity' were significantly associated with phase angle (p = 0.04, p = 0.005). Stability indices correlated with Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey physical function.ConclusionThe physical condition and the nutritional status are key components determining the individual quality of life of oncological out-patients. These variables also showed an association with the manifestation of fatigue. Results highlight the need for interdisciplinary cooperation to detect physical, nutritional and psychological deficiencies in oncological out-patients.
Project description:Background and purposeVenous thromboembolic events (VTEs) are a major complication in cancer patients, and therefore, also in brain cancer patients, anticoagulants are considered appropriate in the treatment of VTEs.MethodsFrequency, risk factors, and treatment of VTEs, as well as associated complications, were assessed in a population-based cohort of glioblastoma patients in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Correlations between clinical data and survival were retrospectively analyzed using the log-rank test and Cox regression models.ResultsFour hundred fourteen glioblastoma patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type status were identified. VTEs were documented in 65 patients (15.7%). Median time from tumor diagnosis to the occurrence of a VTE was 1.8 months, and 27 patients were diagnosed with VTEs postoperatively (within 35 days; 42.2%). History of a prior VTE was more common in patients who developed VTEs than in those who did not (p = 0.004). Bevacizumab treatment at any time during the disease course was not associated with occurrence of VTEs (p = 0.593). Most patients with VTEs (n = 61, 93.8%) were treated with therapeutic anticoagulation. Complications occurred in 14 patients (23.0%), mainly intracranial hemorrhages (n = 7, 11.5%). Overall survival did not differ between patients diagnosed with VTEs and those who had no VTE (p = 0.139). Tumor progression was the major cause of death (n = 283, 90.7%), and only three patients (1.0%) died in association with acute VTEs.ConclusionsVenous thromboembolic events occurred early in the disease course, suggesting that the implementation of primary venous thromboembolism prophylaxis during first-line chemoradiotherapy could be explored in a randomized setting.
Project description:For over two years, the world has been facing the epidemiological and health challenge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Growing problems are also complications after the development of COVID-19 in the form of post and long- COVID syndromes, posing a challenge for the medical community, both for clinicians and the scientific world. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, especially thromboembolic complications, which are associated with both thrombosis of small and very small vessels due to immunothrombosis, and the development of venous thromboembolism. Low molecular wight heparin (LMHW) are the basic agents used in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic complications in COVID-19. There is still a great deal of controversy regarding both the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic complications, including the prophylaxis dose or the optimal duration of anticoagulant treatment in patients with an episode of venous thromboembolism.
Project description:Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. However, despite the significant associated clinical burden and potentially devastating societal impact, there is still a paucity of data surrounding its prevention and management. Consequently, international guideline recommendations vary widely. Exclusion of pregnant women from clinical trials in the past has contributed to knowledge gaps. However, recently published and ongoing studies demonstrate that excellent clinical trials in pregnancy are achievable. This review will discuss prevention, diagnosis and treatment of VTE in pregnancy, and will also explore priorities for future research.Educational aimsTo gain an understanding of current knowledge on risk factors for pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism (PA-VTE).To gain an understanding of the diagnosis of PA-VTE.To review up-to-date approaches to preventing and treating PA-VTE.To discuss possible limitations in current research and areas which require improvement.
Project description:Background: Anticoagulants are the recommended treatment for venous thromboembolic disease (VTE). The mode of anticoagulant administration may influence compliance, and therefore the effectiveness of the treatment. Unlike in atrial fibrillation or cancer-associated thrombosis, there is only limited data on patient preferences regarding the choice of anticoagulation in VTE. This study aims to evaluate patient preferences regarding anticoagulants in terms of administration: types (oral or injectable treatment) and number of doses or injections per day. Patients and Methods: This is a national survey through a questionnaire sent by e-mail to 1936 French vascular physicians between February and April 2019. They recorded the responses for each patient admitted for VTE. Results: Three hundred and eleven (response rate of 16%) of the 1936 contacted physicians responded for 364 patients. Among these, there were 167 fully completed questionnaires. Most patients (63%) express concerns about VTE and prefer oral treatment (81.5%), justified by the ease of administration (74%) and a fear of the injections (22%). When patients were taking more than three oral treatments they statistically chose injectable treatment more often (54%) than oral treatment (25%, p = 0.002). Patients who chose injectable treatment were also older (70 ± 16 vs. 58 ± 17 years old, p = 0.001). There was no statistically difference in anticoagulation preference according to gender or to the expected duration of treatment (6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months or unlimited). When oral treatment was preferred (81%), most chose oral treatment without dose adjustment and biomonitoring (74.3%). Among them, very few (5.8%) preferred a twice-daily intake. Conclusion: Patient preference in terms of anticoagulant treatment in VTE disease is in favor of oral treatment without adjustment or biomonitoring and with once-daily intake. When an injectable treatment is chosen, a prolonged duration of treatment does not seem to be a constraint for the patient. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT03889457].