Patient Diaries Research Articles

Real-world epilepsy monitoring with ultra long-term subcutaneous EEG: a 15-month prospective study.

Novel subcutaneous electroencephalography (sqEEG) systems enable prolonged, near-continuous cerebral monitoring in real-world conditions. Nevertheless, the feasibility, acceptability and overall clinical utility of these systems remains unclear. We report on the longest observational study using ultra long-term sqEEG to date. We conducted a 15-month prospective, observational study including ten adult people with treatment-resistant epilepsy. After device implantation, patients were asked to record sqEEG, to use an electronic seizure diary and to complete acceptability and usability questionnaires. sqEEG seizures were annotated visually, aided by automated detection. Seizure clustering was assessed via Fano Factor analysis and seizure periodicity at multiple timescales was investigated through circular statistics. Over a median duration of 438 days, ten patients recorded a median 18.8 hours/day, totalling 71,984 hours of real-world sqEEG data. Adherence and acceptability remained high throughout the study. While 754 sqEEG seizures were recorded across patients, over half (52%) of these were not reported in the patient diary. Of the 140 (27%) diary reports not associated with an identifiable sqEEG seizure, the majority (68%) were reported as seizures with preserved awareness. The sqEEG to diary F1 agreement score was highly variable, ranging from 0.06 to 0.97. Patient-specific patterns of seizure clustering and seizure periodicity were observed at multiple (circadian and multidien) timescales. We demonstrate feasibility and high acceptability of ultra long-term (months-years) sqEEG monitoring. These systems help provide real-world, more objective seizure counting compared to patient diaries. It is possible to monitor individual temporal fluctuations of seizure occurrence, including seizure cycles. [I do not have a X/Twitter handle]People with epilepsy may suffer from severe injuries or sudden death due to uncontrolled seizures. Many seizures remain unnoticed by people and unreported to doctors, despite these potentially catastrophic consequences. There is an urgent need to detect seizures more objectively. Our study used a novel device placed under the skin to monitor brainwave activity continuously, at home, for many months, in people with treatment-resistant epilepsy. By monitoring epilepsy from home, we detected many seizures unreported by patients, and we also found predictable patterns (cycles) of seizure occurrence over time. In the future, this type of monitoring could revolutionize epilepsy care, by improving safety, treatment management and reducing uncertainty in patients' daily lives.

Usefulness of urine dipstick test in the management of adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The usefulness of urine dipstick tests (UDTs) in patients with diabetes has been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate the utility of self-performed UDTs and patient diaries in the management of impaired glucose tolerance, one of the adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Patients receiving ICIs underwent self-checks with UDTs twice a week for up to 6months. Pharmacists checked the results at every patient visit, and by phone every 3months. The primary endpoint was to prospectively assess whether symptoms recorded in patient diaries and UDTs could reduce unscheduled hospital admissions due to impaired glucose tolerance. The secondary endpoint was the correlation between the symptoms in the patient diaries and UDT results. A total of 112 patients were enrolled in the study. Out of the 3197 planned self-UDTs, 3128 (97.8%) were performed. Forty-four patients (39.3%) were admitted to the hospital, two (1.8%) of whom were admitted due to abnormal glucose tolerance, with one having a positive UDT. There were 46 unscheduled outpatient visits (41.1%), of which five (4.5%) were due to abnormal glucose tolerance symptoms and four were due to a positive UDT. The correlation between descriptions of fatigue or dry mouth in the patient diaries and positive glucose UDTs was 52.4% in sensitivity and 62.4% in specificity. Self-monitoring of symptoms and self-performing of UDTs could not reduce the emergency hospitalization rate. However, this approach could be effective in the objective monitoring of patient status, especially regarding glucose intolerance occurrences.

Validation of 11 added items of the outpatient version of the Utrecht Symptom Diary in patients receiving chemotherapy or targeted therapy

IntroductionThe Utrecht Symptom Diary (USD) is a validated Dutch patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) tool - based on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System - to assess and monitor symptoms in cancer patients. The USD contains 11 items concerning frequently occurring symptoms in cancer patients (pain, sleeping problems, dry mouth, dysphagia, lack of appetite, abnormal stool, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, anxiety and depressed mood) and an item on overall well-being. For the outpatient USD 11 items concerning frequently occurring signs and symptoms in patients receiving chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy were added to the USD: taste alteration, oral pain, weight loss, diarrhoea, hair changes, skin problems, nail problems, eye problems, tingling, concentration problems and problems with sexuality. This current study aimed to evaluate the 11 added items on this treatment specific outpatient USD in cancer patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy.MethodsObservational longitudinal retrospective cohort study including all adult outpatients with cancer receiving intravenous chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy in an academic hospital in the Netherlands who completed at least one outpatient USD as part of routine care (2012–2021). Relevance, comprehensiveness as well as criterion and construct validity were assessed.Results1733 patients who completed ≥ 1 outpatient USD during intravenous chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy were included for analysis. Relevance as well as comprehensiveness of the items on the outpatient USD in this patient population was shown. Criterion validation was demonstrated for all added items of the outpatient USD – except for the item on oral pain. An additional analysis showed that mouth problems were detected with both outpatient USD items oral pain and dry mouth. Construct validity was demonstrated for the items hair changes and skin and nail problems. Construct validity on eye problems was not tested due to the low number of paired outpatient USDs.ConclusionsThe treatment specific outpatient USD is a validated PROM in outpatients with cancer receiving intravenous chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy. Considering its validity in this broad group of patients, we think the treatment-specific outpatient USD is widely applicable. In addition to providing tailored supportive symptom care, the USD-data can be used to increase knowledge about symptom burden in daily practice in this population.

Enhancing ICU care with nurse-written diaries.

Patient diaries are a supportive intervention aiding intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and their families post-critical illness. Despite their growing acceptance, ICU diary usage varies across settings. This study explored themes in nurse-written ICU diaries and their impact on nursing work and communication. This qualitative study employed an interpretative narrative methodology to explore the experiences of ICU nurses. The narrative approach enabled the synthesis of diverse events and impressions into coherent stories, facilitating a deeper understanding of participants' perspectives. Data collection involved thematic analysis of diaries following Braun and Clarke's methodology. The analysis included familiarization, coding, theme identification and validation by the research team. The findings were reviewed by participants and translated into English using the WHO's cultural adaptation guidelines, ensuring reliability and credibility in the study's outcomes. The sample consisted of 28 ICU nurses, each with professional experience ranging from 1 to 23 years. The hospitalized subjects for whom our sample wrote the diary consist of 13 participants aged 23-79 years. Two main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) simplifying the intensive care situation with specific minimization strategies and (2) attention to nonverbal communication. This study highlights the role of nurse-written ICU diaries in making the ICU environment more understandable and less intimidating for patients. Nurse-written ICU diaries contribute to improved communication and emotional support within the ICU environment. Further research is needed to explore these effects more fully and to assess the broader implications of ICU diaries on patient outcomes. Nurse-written intensive care unit (ICU) diaries have a significant impact on both patient care and nursing practice in ICUs. ICU diaries serve as a crucial tool for enhancing communication, emotional support and empathetic care within these high-stress environments. By simplifying complex medical information and focusing on nonverbal communication, nurses can make the ICU experience more comprehensible and less intimidating for patients. This approach reduces patient anxiety and psychological stress while fostering a stronger nurse-patient relationship, ultimately improving care quality.

Tecovirimat Use under Expanded Access to Treat Mpox in the United States, 2022–2023

BackgroundDuring the ongoing outbreak of clade II monkeypox virus (MPXV), many U.S. patients were prescribed tecovirimat, an antiviral drug that was made available under an expanded access Investigational New Drug (EA-IND) program. We evaluated EA-IND data to summarize characteristics of treated patients, outcomes, and serious adverse events (SAEs).MethodsWe evaluated data from patients prescribed tecovirimat from May 29, 2022, through July 10, 2023. Baseline patient characteristics, clinical courses, and outcomes were evaluated via intake forms, outcome forms, and patient diaries. Data were summarized in aggregate by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and by comorbidities of special interest. Reported SAEs were also compiled.ResultsTecovirimat was prescribed for over 7100 patients in the United States, most often for lesions in sensitive anatomical areas, such as certain anogenital lesions (83.5%; 5135 out of 6148 patients), and pain (52.5%; 3227 out of 6148 patients). The demographic and clinical characteristics mirrored those of patients worldwide. Among the 7181 patients with returned intake forms, 1626 also had returned outcome forms (22.6%). Many patients with severe immunocompromise (e.g., HIV with CD4 counts <200 cells/μl) received multiple courses of tecovirimat (43.1%; 22 out of 51 patients), including intravenously, and often experienced poor outcomes (35.3%; 18 out of 51 patients). Overall, 223 SAEs and 40 deaths were reported. Most SAEs were among patients who were severely immunocompromised, one of whom experienced hallucinations after tecovirimat was administered at twice the standard dose.ConclusionsTecovirimat was used extensively. The returned EA-IND data suggest that life-threatening or protracted infections occurred in persons who were severely immunocompromised. SAEs were not commonly reported. The EA-IND data are not definitive; controlled clinical trial data are essential to elucidating if and how tecovirimat should be used.

72304 - Development of an Adapted Diabetes Diary for Patients Following Total Pancreatectomy: A Step Towards Improved Self-Management and Learning

72304 - Development of an Adapted Diabetes Diary for Patients Following Total Pancreatectomy: A Step Towards Improved Self-Management and Learning

Mental health and quality of life in patients with premenstrual exacerbation: a cross-sectional study in Japan

Background In the classification of premenstrual disorders (PMDs), premenstrual exacerbation (PME) is listed as one of the variants of PMDs, along with core PMD. However, the incidence of PME and its impact on mental health and quality of life have not been investigated. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of PME among women seeking treatment for premenstrual symptoms in Japan and compared the levels of anxiety, depression and quality of life between women with PME and those with core PMD. Methods Women who presented to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a single institute for treatment of premenstrual symptoms and were diagnosed with PMDs using patient diaries were included in the study. Based on the diagnosis, patients were divided into two groups (core PMD and PME) and their responses to a questionnaire on mental health and quality of life at the first visit were analysed. Results A total of 32 women were diagnosed with PMDs (22 with core PMD and 10 with PME). All underlying medical conditions in women with PME were psychiatric disorders. There were no significant differences in various factors between the two groups. In terms of mental health, the PME group had higher levels of anxiety and depression than the core PMD group. Regarding quality of life, the PME group had lower scores than the core PMD group in all domains except physical and social functioning. Conclusions Patients seeking treatment for premenstrual symptoms included many PME. Women with PME were more anxious and depressed than those with core PMD, and their quality of life was low in both physical and psychological domains. Patients with PME should be diagnosed and treated more appropriately.

Long-term outcomes of sacral neuromodulation for low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery.

This study assessed the long-term outcomes and quality of life in patients who underwent sacral neuromodulation (SNM) due to low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). This single-center retrospective study, conducted from 2005 to 2021, included 30 patients (21 men; median age, 70 years) who had undergone total mesorectal excision with stoma closure and had no recurrence at inclusion. All patients were diagnosed with LARS refractory to conservative treatment. We evaluated clinical and quality-of-life outcomes after SNM through a stool diary, Wexner score, LARS score, the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) questionnaire, and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Peripheral nerve stimulation was successful in all but one patient. Of the 29 patients who underwent percutaneous nerve evaluation, 17 (58.62%) responded well to SNM and received permanent implants. The median follow-up period was 48 months (range, 18-153 months). The number of days per week with fecal incontinence episodes decreased from a median of 7 (range, 2-7) to 0.38 (range, 0-1). The median number of bowel movements recorded in patient diaries fell from 5 (range, 4-12) to 2 (range, 1-6). The median Wexner score decreased from 18 (range, 13-20) to 6 (range, 0-16), while the LARS score declined from 38.5 (range, 37-42) to 19 (range, 4-28). The FIQL and EQ-5D questionnaires demonstrated enhanced quality of life. SNM may benefit patients diagnosed with LARS following rectal cancer surgery when conservative options have failed, and the treatment outcomes may possess long-term sustainability.

Diazepam nasal spray administration is effective to control seizure clusters irrespective of time of day

IntroductionNeurologic circadian influences, including sleep/wake transitions, processes (e.g., hormonal variation), and behavioral patterns (e.g., consumption of food and oral medications), may affect seizure patterns. Specific circadian patterns of seizures have been reported depending on type, onset location, and severity; however, data on patterns for patients with seizure clusters and effectiveness of rescue therapy by time of day are limited.MethodsWe conducted post hoc analyses using patient diary data from the phase 3 safety study of diazepam nasal spray, which is indicated for acute treatment of seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy aged ≥6 years. Patients were administered age- and weight-based doses; second doses could be administered if needed to control a seizure cluster. We assessed clock timing of seizure-cluster onset along with second-dose use as a proxy for effectiveness. Treatment-emergent adverse events were recorded.ResultsSeizure-cluster onset was observed to be generally highest during mornings and late evenings and lowest in the early evening and middle of the night. Second-dose use was not consistently associated with a specific time of day. The safety profile was consistent with that expected from previous studies of diazepam nasal spray.ConclusionThese results suggest that diazepam nasal spray can be effectively administered at any time of day.

Prevalence and Factors Related to Sarcopenia in Older Adults in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sarcopenia frequently manifests in an aging population. Its prevalence is notable among adults aged 60 to 70 years, affecting 5% to 13% of this age group. The prevalence increases over the age of 80, encompassing a range of 11% to 50%. This significantly heightens the risk of various health conditions, including falls and infections. To alleviate the challenges posed by sarcopenia, it is imperative that factors associated with the condition are thoroughly investigated and well-established. Objective: To examine the prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults and explore the factors associated with this condition in depth. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective cross-section study. The data were obtained through a meticulous review of medical records and diet diaries of elderly patients in the Geriatric Clinic of Rajavithi Hospital between November 2022 and May 2023. Three hundred forty-one adults aged 60 years and above were included as participants in the study. To analyze the data comprehensively, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed as the primary statistical methods. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 36.66%. Several factors exhibited a significant association with sarcopenia, including age over 74 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.89, 95% CI 2.51 to 9.50, p&lt;0.001), absence of obesity (adjusted OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.40, p&lt;0.001), daily protein intake of 60 grams or less (adjusted OR 6.50, 95% CI 2.80 to 15.09, p&lt;0.001) and daily energy intake 1,410 kilocalories or less (adjusted OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.82, p=0.036). Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia among the elderly patients in the geriatric clinic was significantly elevated. Sarcopenia exhibited statistically significant association with age, obesity, protein intake, and energy intake per day. Therefore, ensuring sufficient daily protein intake should be a priority in preventing sarcopenia among older adults.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 100 U/mL plus lixisenatide in adults with type 2 diabetes: An international, multicentre, 12-month, prospective observational study.

To assess the impact of insulin glargine (100 U/mL) and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) fixed-ratio combination therapy on the overall management of glycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), previously inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs ± basal insulin or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). This 12-month, international, multicentre, prospective, observational study included patients (age ≥ 18 years) with T2D who had initiated iGlarLixi within 1 month prior to study inclusion. Data were collected at study inclusion, month 3, month 6 and month 12 from patient diaries, self-measured plasma glucose, and questionnaires. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to month 6. Of the 737 eligible participants (mean age: 57.8 [standard deviation: 11.2] years; male: 49%), 685 had baseline and post-baseline HbA1c data available. The least squares mean change in HbA1c from baseline to month 6 was -1.4% (standard error [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.05 [-1.5, -1.3]). The absolute change from baseline at month 12 was -1.7% ± 1.9% (95% CI: -1.9, -1.5). There were 72 hypoglycaemia events reported during the study period, with a very low incidence of severe hypoglycaemia (two participants [rate: 0.003 events per patient-year]). This real-world observational study shows that initiation of iGlarLixi in people with T2D inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs ± basal insulin or GLP-1 RAs improves glycaemic control with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia.

Development of a Headache Diary and Assessment of Tension-Type Headache Diagnostic Criteria and Oral Behaviors, Joint Range of Motion, and Tenderness to Palpation: An Observational Study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to design and use a headache diary in patients with frequent tension-type headaches (TTH). Another aim was to assess the relationship among oral behaviors, range of motion, and tenderness to palpation of the craniomandibular muscles. MethodsThirty-four patients participated in this prospective observational study for a 3-month period at the Adavall Clinic for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (Valladolid, Spain) in 2019. Oral behaviors were collected through the Oral Behavior Checklist in the Adavall-TTH diary. Range of motion was measured in the cervical region and in the temporomandibular joint. Tenderness to palpation was measured on 38 myofascial trigger points of the craniomandibular region. ResultsOral behaviors were directly related to the pain intensity of TTH, the number of days, and the headache diagnostic criteria. Cervical range of motion was indirectly related to the intensity of TTH and the number of days of TTH (from r = −0.341 to r = −0.418, P < .05). Tenderness to palpation was associated with intensity and different diagnostic criteria of TTH in different craniomandibular muscles (from r = 0.342 to r = 0.400, P < .05). ConclusionWe found associations between examination findings and TTH diagnostic criteria. The headache diary may be a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of TTH and for analyzing the relationship between oral activities and temporomandibular joint tenderness in TTH. Future research should test the validity and reliability of this diary.

Rusfertide, a Hepcidin Mimetic, for Control of Erythrocytosis in Polycythemia Vera

BackgroundPolycythemia vera is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by erythrocytosis. Rusfertide, an injectable peptide mimetic of the master iron regulatory hormone hepcidin, restricts the availability of iron for erythropoiesis. The safety and efficacy of rusfertide in patients with phlebotomy-dependent polycythemia vera are unknown.MethodsIn part 1 of the international, phase 2 REVIVE trial, we enrolled patients in a 28-week dose-finding assessment of rusfertide. Part 2 was a double-blind, randomized withdrawal period in which we assigned patients, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive rusfertide or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was a response, defined by hematocrit control, absence of phlebotomy, and completion of the trial regimen during part 2. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed by means of the modified Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) patient diary (scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater severity of symptoms).ResultsSeventy patients were enrolled in part 1 of the trial, and 59 were assigned to receive rusfertide (30 patients) or placebo (29 patients) in part 2. The estimated mean (±SD) number of phlebotomies per year was 8.7±2.9 during the 28 weeks before the first dose of rusfertide and 0.6±1.0 during part 1 (estimated difference, 8.1 phlebotomies per year). The mean maximum hematocrit was 44.5±2.2% during part 1 as compared with 50.0±5.8% during the 28 weeks before the first dose of rusfertide. During part 2, a response was observed in 60% of the patients who received rusfertide as compared with 17% of those who received placebo (P=0.002). Between baseline and the end of part 1, rusfertide treatment was associated with a decrease in individual symptom scores on the MPN-SAF in patients with moderate or severe symptoms at baseline. During parts 1 and 2, grade 3 adverse events occurred in 13% of the patients, and none of the patients had a grade 4 or 5 event. Injection-site reactions of grade 1 or 2 in severity were common.ConclusionsIn patients with polycythemia vera, rusfertide treatment was associated with a mean hematocrit of less than 45% during the 28-week dose-finding period, and the percentage of patients with a response during the 12-week randomized withdrawal period was greater with rusfertide than with placebo. (Funded by Protagonist Therapeutics; REVIVE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04057040.)

Applying narratology to nursing practice

Abstract This article presents an exercise in applied narratology within the context of intensive care nursing, specifically the writing of diaries by nurses for patients to fill in memory gaps and alleviate trauma. The article discusses narrative from three perspectives: (1) as nursing practice, resulting in patient diaries with narrative characteristics and purposes; (2) as analysis of this practice, in a study coupling narrative and nursing theory and practice; and (3) as the application of narratological concepts into practice through dialogues with nurses, with the aim of transferring insights gained from the analysis and enabling nurses’ reflection on their positions, practices and power as narrators for patients. The article argues that narratology can be operationalized for nursing work, and there are compelling reasons for why it should, which necessitate methodological reflexivity and mutual curiosity, trust, and learning, and considerations about how far the remit of the narratologist, as a non-expert, extends.

The sound of silence: Quantification of typical absence seizures by sonifying EEG signals from a custom-built wearable device.

To develop and validate a method for long-term (24-h) objective quantification of absence seizures in the EEG of patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) in their real home environment using a wearable device (waEEG), comparing automatic detection methods with auditory recognition after seizure sonification. The waEEG recording was acquired with two scalp electrodes. Automatic analysis was performed using previously validated software (Persyst® 14) and then fully reviewed by an experienced clinical neurophysiologist. The EEG data were converted into an audio file in waveform format with a 60-fold time compression factor. The sonified EEG was listened to by three inexperienced observers and the number of seizures and the processing time required for each data set were recorded blind to other data. Quantification of seizures from the patient diary was also assessed. Eleven waEEG recordings from seven CAE patients with an average age of 8.18 ± 1.60 years were included. No differences in the number of seizures were found between the recordings using automated methods and expert audio assessment, with significant correlations between methods (ρ > .89, p < .001) and between observers (ρ > .96, p < .001). For the entire data set, the audio assessment yielded a sensitivity of .830 and a precision of .841, resulting in an F1 score of .835. Auditory waEEG seizure detection by lay medical personnel provided similar accuracy to post-processed automatic detection by an experienced clinical neurophysiologist, but in a less time-consuming procedure and without the need for specialized resources. Sonification of long-term EEG recordings in CAE provides a user-friendly and cost-effective clinical workflow for quantifying seizures in clinical practice, minimizing human and technical constraints.

Photographs in burn patient diaries: A qualitative study of patients’ and nurses’ experiences

ObjectiveTo explore burn patients’ and burn intensive care nurses’ experiences of the photos in patient diaries. DesignA qualitative inductive study using thematic analysis was performed. We conducted individual interviews with six former burn patients (age range 20–77 years; four women), and two focus groups with 11 burn intensive care nurses (age range 38–61 years; all women). Data from patients and nurses were analysed together, and the findings reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). SettingA Norwegian burn centre where the writing of diaries including text and photos has been practiced for approximately two decades. FindingsThree main themes were derived from the combined analysis of the two data sets: hesitating when facing photos; visualising others care; and visualising the trajectory from burn trauma to recovery. Although the patients worried beforehand about what they would see in the photos and the nurses feared to select frightening photos, the photos were welcome, and several patients said they would have liked even more. The photos filled in gaps of memory, told more than words, and did not lie. Photos of family, friends or staff demonstrated shared actions that supported memories and recovery. ConclusionBoth the burn patients and the burn intensive care nurses considered photos to be an essential part of the diary that gave context and provided a factual presentation of the patients’ pathway of treatment, care and recovery. Implication for clinical practiceTailored information about photo content should be offered to patients before a diary is handed over to them. Nurses should attempt to include photos covering the patients’ entire stay at the burn centre, as well as photos of family, friends and staff. Individual nurses should be supported in their practical selection of photos for the diary.

A commentary on 'Efficacy of peripheral electrical nerve stimulation on improvements of urodynamics and voiding diary in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis'.

A commentary on 'Efficacy of peripheral electrical nerve stimulation on improvements of urodynamics and voiding diary in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis'.

Mixed-methods randomised study exploring the feasibility and acceptability of eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing for improving the mental health of traumatised survivors of intensive care following hospital discharge: protocol

IntroductionPost-traumatic symptoms are common among patients discharged from intensive care units (ICUs), adversely affecting well-being, increasing healthcare utilisation and delaying return to work. Non-pharmacological approaches (eg, music, therapeutic touch and...

The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of autologous PRP in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis. Autologous PRP was injected into the posterior pharyngeal wall as a course of endopharyngeal blockages as part of the complex therapy of chronic pharyngitis. Patients in the control group received standard therapy, without the use of autologous PRP. The effectiveness of the studied technique was evaluated by statistical analysis of the intensity of symptoms of the disease, determined by patients throughout the entire period of treatment in the patient's diary, as well as by analyzing data from mass spectrometry of microbial markers and bacteriological examination of the pharyngeal mucosa, collected at the beginning of the study and 14 days after completion of the course of therapy. The use of a course of endopharyngeal blockades with autologous platelet-rich plasma as part of the complex therapy of chronic pharyngitis, according to our estimates, provides a significant effect in the form of higher rates of reduction in the severity of symptoms of the disease, a significant reduction in the number of microorganisms deviating from the reference values (by 2 times or more), a decrease in the duration of the disease compared with the control group.

The effect of anesthetic blockade of greater occipital nerve during the withdrawal period of the medication overuse headache treatment.

<p>Discontinua&shy;tion of medication still remains a key element in the treatment of medication overuse headache (MOH), but there is no consensus on the withdrawal procedure. We aimed to share the promising results of anesthetic blockade of greater occipital nerve (GON), which can be an alternative to existing treatments during the early withdrawal period of MOH treatment.</p>. <p>This study was conducted using regular electronic medical records and headache diaries of patients diagnosed with MOH and treated with anesthetic GON blockade with 0.5% bupivacaine solution in a specia&shy;lized headache outpatient clinic. A total of 86 patients who developed MOH while being followed up for chronic migraine were included in the study.</p>. <p>The treatment schemes for MOH are based on expert consensus and withdrawal strategies are the most challenging part of treatment. In our study, numerical rating scale for headache intensity, overused medication consumption per month, headache frequency (day/month) and the duration of each attack (hour/day) decreased significantly in the first month compared to pre-treatment (p &lt; 0.01).&nbsp;</p>. <p>Conclusion &ndash; Our study suggests that GON blockade can be used as a good alternative therapy in the treatment of MOH.</p>.