Quality Of Life In Patients Research Articles

Effect of Mediterranean diet on quality of life and disease burden in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Effect of Mediterranean diet on quality of life and disease burden in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Abrocitinib may improve itch and quality of life in patients with itch‐dominant atopic dermatitis

AbstractBackgroundPatients with atopic dermatitis (AD) exhibit heterogeneous clinical phenotypes, reflecting different combinations of itch and lesional severity. AD with severe itch but clear‐moderate lesions, also known as itch‐dominant AD, is a common clinical phenotype.ObjectivesTo evaluate abrocitinib efficacy in patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD who have itch‐dominant AD.MethodsThis post hoc analysis includes pooled data from clinical trials of patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD receiving abrocitinib (100 or 200 mg) as monotherapy (phase 2b; phase 3 JADE MONO‐1 and JADE MONO‐2) or in combination with topical therapy (phase 3 JADE COMPARE). Data from the ongoing long‐term JADE EXTEND trial (data cutoff April 2020) were also evaluated. Itch‐dominant AD was defined as baseline Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP‐NRS) score of 7−10 and Investigator's Global Assessment of 0−3 or Eczema Area and Severity Index of 0‒21. Assessments included a ≥4‐point improvement in PP‐NRS (PP‐NRS4), PP‐NRS score of 0 (no itch) or 1 (little itch) in patients with PP‐NRS score ≥2 at baseline, ≥4‐point improvement from baseline in Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM‐4), Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) of clear or almost clear, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 0 or 1 (no impact or little impact of AD on quality of life [QoL]).ResultsIn the pooled monotherapy trials, 37% of patients had itch‐dominant AD at baseline. As early as Week 2, more patients with itch‐dominant AD achieved PP‐NRS4 with abrocitinib 100 mg (35%) and abrocitinib 200 mg (57%) versus placebo (7%); 6% and 22% versus 0%, respectively, achieved PP‐NRS 0/1. More patients achieved a PtGA of clear/almost clear at Week 12 with abrocitinib 100 mg (28%) and abrocitinib 200 mg (45%) than placebo (9%). Additionally, abrocitinib led to clinically meaningful improvements in POEM and DLQI. Most patients with itch‐dominant AD experienced itch improvement over time with abrocitinib monotherapy or with concomitant topical therapy; 86%–87% and 62%–67% of patients had no itch‐moderate itch and clear‐moderate lesions by weeks 24 and 48, respectively.ConclusionsAbrocitinib is highly efficacious in patients with itch‐dominant AD, demonstrating rapid, deep, and sustained improvements in itch and clinically meaningful improvements in patients' QoL.Trial Registration NumbersNCT02780167; NCT03349060; NCT03575871; NCT03720470; NCT03422822.

Revolutionizing Localized Lung Cancer Treatment: Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy plus Immunotherapy for All?

Lung cancer poses a significant public health challenge, with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) representing 20 to 25% of all NSCLC cases, staged between I and IIIA. Despite surgical interventions, patient survival remains unsatisfactory, with approximately 50% mortality within 5 years across early stages. While perioperative chemotherapy offers some benefit, outcomes vary. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are imperative to improve patient survival. The combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue. In this review, we explore studies demonstrating the benefits of this combination therapy, its impact on surgical procedures, and patient quality of life. However, challenges persist, particularly for patients failing to achieve pathologic complete response (pCR), those with stage II lung cancer, and individuals with specific genetic mutations. Additionally, identifying predictive biomarkers remains challenging. Nevertheless, the integration of immunotherapy and chemotherapy in the preoperative setting presents a new paradigm in managing resectable lung cancer, heralding more effective and personalized treatments for patients.

The importance of self-management for better treatment outcomes for HIV patients in a low-income setting: perspectives of HIV experts and service providers

BackgroundSelf-management is the most important strategy to improve quality of life in patients with a chronic disease. Despite the increasing number of people living with HIV (PLWH) in low-income countries, very little research on self-management is conducted in this setting. The aim of this research is to understand the perspectives of service providers and experts on the importance of self-management for PLWH.MethodsA systematizing expert interview type of qualitative methodology was used to gain the perspectives of experts and service providers. The study participants had experience in researching, managing, or providing HIV service in east and southern African (ESA) countries. All the interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated to English. The quality of the transcripts was ensured by randomly checking the texts against the audio record. A thematic analysis approach supported by Atlas TI version 9 software.ResultPLWH face a variety of multi-dimensional problems thematized under contextual and process dimensions. The problems identified under the contextual dimension include disease-specific, facility-related, and social environment-related. Problems with individual origin, such as ignorance, outweighing beliefs over scientific issues, low self-esteem, and a lack of social support, were mostly highlighted under the process dimensions. Those problems have a deleterious impact on self-management, treatment outcomes, and the quality of life of PLWH. Low self-management is also a result of professional-centered service delivery in healthcare facilities and health service providers’ incapacity to comprehend a patient’s need beyond the medical concerns. Participants in the study asserted that patients have a significant stake in enhancing treatment results and quality of life through enhancing self-management.Conclusion and recommendationHIV patients face multifaceted problems beyond their medical issues. The success of medical treatment for HIV is strongly contingent upon patients’ self-management practices and the supportive roles of their family, society, and health service providers. The development and integration of self-management practices into clinical care will benefit patients, their families, and the health system.

The development of brain metastases in patients with different therapeutic strategies for metastatic renal cell cancer.

A diagnosis of brain metastasis (BM) significantly affects quality of life in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Although systemic treatments have shown efficacy in mRCC, active surveillance (AS) is still commonly used in clinical practice. In this single-center cohort study, we assessed the impact of different initial treatment strategies for metastatic RCC (mRCC) on the development of BM. All consecutive patients diagnosed with mRCC between 2011 and 2022 were included at the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, the Netherlands, and a subgroup of patients with BM was selected. In total, 381 patients with mRCC (ECM, BM, or both) were identified. Forty-six patients had BM of whom 39 had metachronous BM (diagnosed ≥1 month after ECM). Twenty-five (64.1%) of these 39 patients with metachronous BM had received prior systemic treatment for ECM and 14 (35.9%) patients were treatment naive at BM diagnosis. The median BM-free survival since ECM diagnosis was significantly longer (p = .02) in previously treated patients (29.0 [IQR 12.6-57.0] months) compared to treatment naive patients (6.8 [IQR 1.0-7.0] months). In conclusion, patients with mRCC who received systemic treatment for ECM prior to BM diagnosis had a longer BM-free survival as compared to treatment naïve patients. These results emphasize the need for careful evaluation of treatment strategies, and especially AS, for patients with mRCC.

Detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the nasal cavities and evaluation of sinus disorders in patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy

IntroductionOrthognathic surgery can lead to sinus alterations, including sinusitis, attributed to the exposure of maxillary sinuses during Le Fort I osteotomy. Furthermore, being a hospital-based procedure, there is potential risk of complications arising from bacteria prevalent in such environments. This study evaluated maxillary sinusitis occurrence and the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the nasal cavity before and after orthognathic surgery.MethodsTen patients with dentofacial deformities underwent Le Fort I osteotomy. Clinical evaluations using SNOT-22 questionnaire were performed, and nasal cavity samples were collected pre-surgery and 3–6 months post-surgery to quantify total mesophilic bacteria and detect Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was performed pre- and post-operatively, and the results were evaluated using the Lund-Mackay system. This study was registered and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of PUCRS (No. 4.683.066).ResultsThe evaluation of SNOT-22 revealed that five patients showed an improvement in symptoms, while two remained in the same range of interpretation. One patient developed post-operative maxillary sinusitis, which was not detected at the time of evaluation by SNOT-22 or CBCT. CBCT showed a worsening sinus condition in three patients, two of whom had a significant increase in total bacteria count in their nasal cavities. The Brodsky scale was used to assess hypertrophy in palatine tonsils, where 60% of the subjects had grade 1 tonsils, 20% had grade 2 and 20% had grade 3. None of the patients had grade 4 tonsils, which would indicate more than 75% obstruction. Two patients harboured S. aureus and K. pneumoniae in their nasal cavities. Notably, K. pneumoniae, which was multidrug-resistant, was present in the nasal cavity of patients even before surgery, but this did not result in maxillary sinusitis, likely due to the patients’ young and healthy condition.ConclusionThere was an improvement in signs and symptoms of maxillary sinusitis and quality of life in most patients after orthognathic surgery. However, some patients may still harbour multidrug-resistant bacteria, even if they are asymptomatic. Therefore, a thorough pre-operative assessment is essential to avoid difficult-to-treat post-operative complications.

NURSING CARE FOR PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION:

Aging can bring about several diseases, including systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), which is why the present work has the general objective of demonstrating nursing care for patients diagnosed with systemic arterial hypertension. In relation to the specific objectives, it is: Identify the profile of the patient who presents systemic arterial hypertension; verify which activities are provided by nursing care with the aim of controlling hypertension; Analyze which means of care and prevention should be adopted to obtain a better quality of life in hypertensive patients. To this end, a literature review will be carried out, which is a review of the research of other authors on the aforementioned topic. Only from there will it be possible to catalog the intended results and obtain a more critical look at the relationship between SAH and aging.

Impact of Anxiety, Depression, and Coping Strategies on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

With the significant increase in the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, many individuals now reach adulthood and develop specific coping strategies to maintain their physical and mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate coping styles and their relationship with mental health and Health-Related Quality of Life (H-RQoL) in adult CF patients. Thirty adult CF patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess anxiety and depression, the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised to evaluate quality of life, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced questionnaire to assess coping strategies. Twelve individuals (40%) met the diagnostic criteria for being at risk of experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Anxiety risk group exhibited lower life quality scores in the domains of vitality, emotional functioning, and role limitations (P = .027, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively). Patients reporting depressive symptoms had lower scores in emotional functioning and role limitations domains of quality of life (P = .005 and P = .018, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that depression and anxiety scores were significant predictors of emotional quality of life. In terms of coping strategies, "acceptance" was the most commonly preferred, while "substance use" was the least preferred strategy among all participants. Patients at risk of anxiety and/or depression often chose "avoidance" as their coping strategy. Anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent and associated with poorer H-RQoL in adult CF patients. These patients preferred to employ giving up strategy when dealing with the disease. Therefore, it is essential to screen adult CF patients for mental health risks and to work on improving their coping strategies.

Advances in Bone-Targeting Drug Delivery: Emerging Strategies Using Adeno-Associated Virus.

The development of bone-targeting drug delivery systems holds immense promise for improving the treatment of skeletal diseases. By precisely delivering therapeutic agents to the affected areas of bone, these strategies can enhance drug efficacy, minimize off-target effects, and promote patient adherence, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes and an enhanced quality of life for patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of affinity-based bone-targeting agents and recent breakthroughs in innovative bone-targeting adeno-associated virus (AAV) strategies to treat skeletal diseases in mice. In particular, this review will delve into advanced AAV engineering, including AAV serotype selection for bone targeting and capsid modifications for bone-specific tropism. Additionally, we will highlight recent advancements in AAV-mediated gene therapy for skeletal diseases and discuss challenges and future directions of this promising therapeutic approach.

Associations Among Tremor Amplitude, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life in Patients with Essential Tremor.

Essential tremor (ET) is a disabling syndrome consisting of tremor, primarily in the upper limbs. We assessed the correlation of The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS) Performance Item 4 ratings of upper limb tremor with the TETRAS activities of daily living (ADL) subscale and with 2 quality of life (QoL) scales. This noninterventional, cross-sectional, point-in-time survey of neurologists(n = 60), primary care physicians (n = 38), and their patients with ET (n = 1,003) used real-world data collected through the Adelphi ET Disease Specific Programme™. Physician-reported measures (TETRAS Performance Item 4 and TETRAS ADL total) and patient-reported QoL measures (generic EuroQol-5 Dimension 5 Level [EQ-5D-5 L] and ET-specific Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST)) were assessed with bivariate and multivariable analyses. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted. The bivariate association between TETRAS Performance Item 4 score and TETRAS ADL total score was high (Pearson r = 0.761, P < 0.001). The bivariate associations between TETRAS Performance Item 4 score and EQ-5D-5 L index score (r = -0.410, P < 0.001) and between TETRAS ADL total score and EQ-5D-5 L index score (r = -0.543, P < 0.001) were moderate. The bivariate associations between TETRAS Performance Item 4 score and QUEST total score (r = 0.457, P < 0.001), and between TETRAS ADL total score and QUEST total score (r = 0.630, P < 0.001) were also moderate. These associations were unaltered by the inclusion of covariates. This study showed that greater tremor severity (TETRAS Performance Item 4) was positively correlated with ADL impairment (TETRAS ADL) and negatively associated with QoL (EQ-5D-5 L and QUEST). TETRAS Performance Item 4 score is a robust predictor of TETRAS ADL total score, and TETRAS Performance Item 4 and TETRAS ADL total scores were robust predictors of the 2 QoL scales. The results demonstrate the value of TETRAS scores as valid endpoints for future clinical trials. This real-world study assessed TETRAS scores as predictors of impaired QoL in ET. TETRAS Performance Item 4 and ADL were associated with EQ-5D-5 L and QUEST. TETRAS scores may serve as valid endpoints for future clinical trials.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of rehabilitation therapy on patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-a meta-analysis.

To investigate the effect of rehabilitation therapy on the global function, respiratory function, and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PubMed, Web of Science, and The National Library of Medicine (NLM) were systematically searched and the search period was between the date of database establishment and December 31, 2023. The outcome measures finally analyzed included the ALS functional rating scale/revised (ALSFRS/ALSFRS-R), forced vital capacity percentage predicted (FVC%), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). A total of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, and 5 outcome measures were pooled and analyzed. A total of 657 patients with ALS were enrolled, with 299 in the experimental group (rehabilitation therapy, such as resistance training, endurance training, aerobic training, respiratory muscle training, and standard rehabilitation therapy) and 358 in the control group (conventional interventions, such as simple joint movements or daily stretching). The ALSFRS scores were better in the experimental group than in the control group at 0-4 months (MD = 3.36, 95% CI: 0.82, 5.91, Z = 2.59, p = 0.009) and at 5-8 months (MD = 5.00, 95% CI: -2.42, 7.58, Z = 3.80, p < 0.001). Moreover, the ALSFRS-R scores of the experimental group was better than that of the control group at 5-8 months (MD = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.45, Z = 3.42, p < 0.001) and 9-12 months (MD = 1.87, 95% CI: -0.37, 4.11, Z = 1.63, p = 0.10). It was also found that the MEP value of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group after intervention (MD = 18.49, 95% CI: 1.47, 35.50, Z = 2.13, p = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in FVC% value and FSS scores at 0-5 months and 6-12 months between the two groups. Rehabilitation therapy is helpful in improving the short-, medium-, and long-term global function score of patients with ALS, with positive effects on respiratory function.

Cognitive dysfunction and its relationship with psychopathology and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia: a protocol for a cross sectional study

Background One central characteristic of schizophrenia is cognitive dysfunction, which typically has modest to severe effects on a variety of cognitive areas. Evidence suggests that cognitive impairment may occur far sooner than the clinical symptoms. The connection between cognitive deficiencies and functional outcome indicators has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Cognitive deficits are widely known to affect overall functioning, In India, few studies have been conducted to determine the profile of cognitive abnormalities in individuals in the chronic phase of schizophrenia as well as those in remission. Research from developing nations is crucial because schizophrenia prevalence in these nations is thought to be lower than that in industrialized nations. The aim of this study will be to assess the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in individuals with schizophrenia and examine the relationship between cognitive dysfunction with psychopathology and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia. Protocol This will be a cross sectional hospital-based study. After ethical clearance, all patients in the Psychiatry Department meeting the criteria of Schizophrenia, according to the ICD-10, will be part of the study. The expected number of participants is 228. All participants within the age group of 18 to 65 years who are clinically diagnosed to have schizophrenia using ICD-10 and who are able to give written informed consent will be included in the study. The patient’s sociodemographic data will be collected in Outpatient or inpatient basis and then the following questionnaires will be applied to them: i) Socio-demographic Proforma; ii) The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS); iii) The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF scale (WHOQOL-BREF); and iv) Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination III (ACE). Once the aforementioned questionnaires are completed, the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia will be assessed, and its relationship with psychopathology and quality of life will be studied.

Decellularized Descemet Membrane Anterior Keratoplasty With Allogeneic Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation for Partial Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Following Partial Keratolimbal Allograft Failure.

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of Descemet membrane anterior keratoplasty (DMAK) with modified allogeneic simple limbal epithelial transplantation to treat a case of partial limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) following keratolimbal allograft failure. Case report. A 21-year-old woman with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome-related LSCD presented with pain and decreased vision. There was partial failure and recurrence of LSCD after a severe/acute keratolimbal allograft rejection that led to persistent epithelial defects refractory to conservative therapy. This was treated with a superficial keratectomy and placement of a DMAK. A modified allogeneic simple limbal epithelial transplantation was performed with an overlying amniotic membrane and temporary tarsorrhaphy. There was epithelialization of the corneal surface by 3 to 4 weeks with an improved ocular surface. Despite partial recurrence of late staining, the cornea has remained epithelized, vision has improved, and the patient has remained pain-free more than 1.5 years following the procedure. DMAK may be a long-term substrate to help improve and maintain epithelization of the cornea up to 1.5 years. DMAK may be a viable alternative to using amniotic membrane as a scaffold in allogeneic simple limbal epithelial transplantation for treatment of partial LSCD. While late epithelial staining recurred in our patient, DMAK appears to prevent recurrent epithelial defects and reduce ocular surface pain, conveying an improvement in quality of life in patients at high risk of rejection/failure.

Role of Radiotherapy in Improving Quality of Life in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Metastasis

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases (LM) are often associated with significant symptoms such as pain and abdominal discomfort, impacting the quality of life (QoL) of affected patients. Current treatments vary in effectiveness and often leave a substantial unmet medical need in symptom management. Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of external radiation therapy (ERT) in alleviating symptoms and improving the QoL in patients with HCC and LM, focusing on those presenting primarily with pain or abdominal discomfort. Methods: After institutional review board approval, patients with HCC or painful LM, not previously treated with tumor resection, radiofrequency ablation, or systemic therapy, were included. Eligible participants exhibited symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, and had a performance status of 0-2. A single fraction dose of ERT was administered, and symptom relief was evaluated using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and QoL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Completion rates of these questionnaires were tracked at baseline, one week, and one month post-treatment. Results: Of the 43 patients enrolled (23 HCC, 20 LM), significant improvement in the FACT-G TOI was observed in 34% of patients at one month post-ERT. When focusing on those with pain or abdominal discomfort, 59% reported clinically significant symptom relief. However, QoL improvement was noted in only about one quarter of patients, with one third experiencing worsening QoL at one month. Questionnaire completion rates were high initially but decreased over time, reflecting the challenging nature of the patient population. Conclusion: ERT demonstrated potential benefits in symptom relief, particularly for pain and abdominal discomfort in patients with HCC and LM. Nonetheless, the impact on overall QoL was mixed, highlighting the need for further research into optimizing therapeutic strategies for this patient group.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH ADVANCED BREAST CANCER RECEIVING ADJUVANT HORMONE THERAPY (RIBOCICLIB AND LETROZOLE)

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects many women in Indonesia. Adjuvant hormone therapies, such as letrozole and ribociclib, have succeeded in improving the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer who received adjuvant hormone therapy with ribociclib and letrozole. A cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective data from postmenopausal female breast cancer patients at Dharmais Cancer Hospital between 2020 and 2023 who met the inclusion criteria. To determine the impact of sociodemographics on patient quality of life, data were examined using the quality of life score (EQ5D5L) and Spearman test. There were 29 patients, with a mean age of 54.9 years (SD = 8.65); the highest education level was high school (34.5%); The majority of occupations are housewives (69%), and the majority are stage IV (34.5%). The mean utility and VAS values of Ribociclib were 0.885 and 81.66, respectively, whereas those for letrozole were 0.725 and 78.46, respectively. Analysis of the relationship between quality of life and patient characteristics showed that the quality of life of patients with breast cancer treated with adjuvant ribociclib and letrozole therapy was influenced by the stage of breast cancer (p = 0.008). These findings indicate that patients receiving ribociclib and letrozole therapy have a good quality of life, which quality of life quality of life is influenced by the stage of malignancy. Keywords: breast cancer, quality of life, letrozole, ribociclib, post menopause

Topical and Systemic Retinoids in the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic skin disorder characterized by painful inflammatory nodules, abscesses and sinus tracts involving intertriginous areas and has an adverse impact on patient quality of life. Over the past decade, the therapeutic options of HS have increased significantly to comprise multiple modalities, including topical medication, systemic therapies (mainly antibiotics, retinoids, and biologics), surgical approaches, and lifestyle modifications. Biologics alone or in combination with surgery remain the treatment of choice for moderate to severe disease. However, non-biologic therapies (including retinoids) may be used as monotherapy for mild disease and in combination with biologics and surgical treatment in moderate to severe disease. Retinoids, specifically isotretinoin, acitretin, and alitretinoin, are historically used in the management of HS, supported by anecdotal evidence and with variable treatment response. Although the current American and European guidelines offer different recommendations on the use of retinoids in HS, retinoids remain a valuable ally in HS management. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current scientific literature on retinoid therapy (topical and systemic) in HS, highlighting disparities in mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety to clarify their role in HS treatment.

Examining the Relationship between Quality of Life and Baseline Hemoglobin Level in Lung Cancer with Chemotherapy Treatment Using EORTC QLQ-LC13

Background: The effect of lung cancer and its various treatments on the overall well-being can be substantial. This study seeks to examine the correlation between quality of life and baseline hemoglobin (Hb) levels in lung cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy. Method: This study involved 30 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent platinum-based chemotherapy. Baseline Hb level were collected from medical records. The patients' quality of life was assessed using interviews utilizing the EORTC QLQ-LC13 questionnaire. Result: Baseline Hb levels and pain relief after medication score was positively correlated (r=0.559, p=0.001). Baseline Hb levels and difficulty swallowing score was negatively correlated (r=-0.386, p=0.035). Determined cut-off point for the total score was 303.5. However, the correlation between Hb levels and overall quality of life was insignificant (r=-0.096, p=0.615). Conclusion: According to the quality of life indicators in the questionnaire, there is a notable association between lower baseline Hb levels and reduced effectiveness of pain relief medication, as well as an increase in difficulty swallowing. However, the underlying cause for this correlation is unclear. On the other hand, the correlation between baseline Hb levels and the overall scores of quality of life in the questionnaire was not found to be significant.

Acceptance of digital apps in the follow-up of patients with head and neck tumors

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures lead to improved quality of life in cancer patients and possibly to earlier detection of tumor recurrence. Patient interest in complementing tumor follow-up care with apps for recording PROs was assessed using a questionnaire. An independently created questionnaire to record the interest of tumor patients in adigitalized form of tumor follow-up care was evaluated (n = 110). In the study, the majority of tumor patients were interested in using an app for tumor disease. Taking age into account, the number increased even further for patients < 60years of age, as expected. In line with this, human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive patients showed significantly greater interest (p = 0.021). The introduction of an app is supported by the majority of tumor patients. In addition to recording PROs, other applications (appointment reminders, patient files, sports/nutrition programs) could also be integrated.

The effect of somatic pain and comorbid mental distress on oral health-related quality of life in orthodontic patients.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of somatic pain in orthodontic patients and determine whether somatic pain contributes to worsening oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) through the mediating effect of psychological discomfort. Scale measurements and analyses were conducted on a cohort of 769 orthodontic outpatients, encompassing Patient Health Questionnaire-15-pain (PHQ-15-P), Hua-Xi Emotional-Distress Index (HEI), Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Among the respondents, 56.3% (N = 433) reported somatic pain and 20.0% (N = 154) had mental discomfort based on PHQ-15-P and HEI scores. Patients with somatic pain symptoms had significantly higher scores of HEI and OHIP-14 (P < 0.001), and higher PHQ-15-P and HEI scores emerged as statistically significant predictors of lower OHIP-14 scores (P < 0.001). HEI scores which assessed anxiety and depression partially mediated the correlation between PHQ-15-P and OHIP-14 scores, of which anxiety accounted for 52.9% of the overall mediation effect, dominating the indirect effect. Orthodontic patients reporting somatic pains were at a significantly higher risk of worsening OHRQoL during treatment, and this adverse effect is partially mediated by anxiety and depression. Our findings highlight the necessity for the assessment of general health and mental well-being during orthodontic interventions. To prevent delays in treating general disorders and the potential failure of orthodontic treatments, we encourage increased attentiveness towards patients with somatic symptoms and consideration of the adverse effects of comorbid mental distress.

Long-term effects of the titanium butterfly implant on quality of life: a prospective cohort study.

Nasal valve insufficiency is known to have a negative impact on both nasal patency and quality of life. The titanium butterfly implant is a surgical treatment proven to have a positive effect on these aspects up to 6months postoperative. This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of the titanium butterfly implant on nasal obstruction symptoms and quality of life in adult patients with nasal valve insufficiency up to 5years after procedure. A prospective single cohort study was performed including 29 patients that underwent the titanium butterfly implant in one tertiary medical center. Data was obtained before and at least 5years after surgery using three questionnaires: the Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness questionnaire, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire. A significant decrease in total NOSE score was seen compared to baseline measurements. The SNOT-22 scores also showed a significant decrease, whereas the GBI scores showed no significant changes at the late follow-up. Seven years after placement the titanium butterfly implant still has a statistically significant improvement on otorhinologic-related quality of life compared to preoperative measurements.