| 1. |
- Akbarshahi, Hamid, et al.
(författare)
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No gender-related bias in COPD diagnosis and treatment in Sweden : a randomised, controlled, case-based trial
- 2020
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Ingår i: ERJ Open Research. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 2312-0541. ; 6:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence, morbidity and mortality of COPD among females have increased. Previous studies indicate a possible gender bias in the diagnosis and management of COPD. The present study aims to determine if there is gender bias in the management of COPD in Sweden.Methods: This was a double-blind, randomised (1:1), controlled, parallel-group, web-based trial using the hypothetical case scenario of a former smoker (40 pack-years and quit smoking 3 years ago) who was male or female. The participants were blind to the randomisation and the purpose of the trial. The case progressively revealed more information with associated questions on how the physician would manage the patient. Study participants chose from a list of tests and treatments at each step of the case scenario.Results: In total, 134 physicians were randomised to a male (n=62) or a female (n=72) case. There was no difference in initial diagnosis (61 (98%) male cases and 70 (97%) female cases diagnosed with COPD) and planned diagnostic procedures between the male and female cases. Spirometry was chosen by all the physicians as one of the requested diagnostic tests. The management of the hypothetical COPD case did not differ by sex of the responding physician.Conclusion: In Sweden, diagnosis and management of a hypothetical patient with COPD did not differ by the gender of the patient or physician.
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| 2. |
- Currow, David C., et al.
(författare)
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Breathlessness, Anxiety, Depression, and Function–The BAD-F Study : A Cross-Sectional and Population Prevalence Study in Adults
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0885-3924. ; 59:2, s. 2-205
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context: Breathlessness is associated with depression, but its relationship to anxiety or impaired function is less clear. Objectives: This study evaluated associations between chronic breathlessness and anxiety, depression, and functional status in the general population. Methods: This cross-sectional study of consenting adults (18 years and older) used an online survey. Quota sampling (n = 3000) was used reflecting the 2016 national census for sex, age, and place of residence. Other data included Four-Item Patient Health Questionnaire for depression and anxiety, the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Breathlessness Scale, and the Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Scale. Multinomial logistic regression assessed predictors. Results: About 2977 respondents had all relevant scores (female 51.2%; median age 45.0 [range 18–92]). Prevalence of breathlessness (mMRC ≥2) was 2.4%, anxiety 6.0%, depression 2.7%, coexisting anxiety/depression 6.1%, and poorer functional status (Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Scale ≤60) 1.6%. In multinomial regression, depression, anxiety, and coexisting anxiety/depression were predicted by younger age, longer duration of breathlessness, and poorer functional status. The highest proportions of people with breathlessness were found in the coexisting anxiety/depression group (10.6%) and depression only group (8.8%). Poorest function was in the coexisting anxiety/depression group with 11.6%. The relationship between poorer functional status and coexisting anxiety/depression was significant (odds ratio 0.90; 95% CI 0.89, 0.92). Adjusted odds ratio for breathlessness and depression only was 3.0 (95% CI 1.2, 7.8). Conclusion: Clinically important breathlessness (mMRC ≥2) was associated with depression, anxiety, and coexisting anxiety/depression. Poorer function that is associated with psychological morbidity in the general population requires further research.
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| 3. |
- Currow, David C., et al.
(författare)
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Quality of Life Changes With Duration of Chronic Breathlessness : A Random Sample of Community-Dwelling People
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0885-3924. ; 60:4, s. 4-827
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Chronic breathlessness is associated with poorer quality of life (QoL). This population study aimed to define dimensions of QoL and duration and dominant causes of breathlessness that most diminished QoL. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based, and randomized survey of adults (n = 2977) in South Australia collected data on demographics, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) breathlessness, and QoL (EuroQoL five-dimension five-level [EQ-5D-5L] measure; Short Form 12 quality-of-life measure). Data weighted to the census were analyzed for relationships between EQ-5D-5L and its dimensions with mMRC. Regression models controlled for age, sex, education, rurality, and body mass index. Results: About 2883 responses were analyzed: 49% were males; mean age was 48 years (SD 19). As mMRC worsened, EQ-5D-5L and its dimensions worsened. More severe chronic breathlessness was iteratively associated with lower mobility, daily activities, and worse pain/discomfort. For self-care and anxiety/depression, impairment was only with the most severe breathlessness. Respondents who had chronic breathlessness for two to six years had the worst QoL scores. People who attributed their breathlessness to cardiac failure had poorer QoL. Respondents who reported a cardiac cause for their breathlessness had worse mobility, poorer usual activities, and more pain than the other causes. The regression analyses showed that worse chronic breathlessness was associated with worsening QoL in each dimension of EQ-5D-5L, with the exception of the self-care, which only worsened with the most severe breathlessness. Conclusions: This is the first study to report on chronic breathlessness and impairment across dimensions of QoL and differences by its duration. Mobility, usual activity, and pain drive these reductions.
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| 4. |
- Ekström, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Minimal clinically important differences in average, best, worst and current intensity and unpleasantness of chronic breathlessness
- 2020
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Ingår i: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 56:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Chronic breathlessness has devastating consequences. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for current intensity has been estimated as 9 mm on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). We aimed to determine MCIDs for commonly used dimensions and recall periods: the current unpleasantness and current, average, best and worst intensity of the past 24 h for chronic breathlessness. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial of morphine versus placebo over 7 days in people with chronic breathlessness from severe disease. The breathlessness scores were self-reported using a diary each evening on 100-mm VAS. The MCID for improvement in each score was estimated using anchor-based and distribution-based methods. Results: 283 participants (mean age 74.2 years; 63% male; 58% COPD; 87.0% modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score 3-4) were included. Anchor-based MCIDs for breathlessness scores ranged from −13.9 mm to −9.5 mm. The MCIDs were similar when using different anchors and across all participants, and participants with more severe breathlessness (mMRC 3-4). Distribution-based effect sizes were classed as small (−4.7−6.3 mm), moderate (−9.4−12.5 mm) and large (−15.0−20.0 mm) effect. Sample sizes for trials using the different scores were proposed. MCIDs of absolute change were more stable than using relative change from baseline. Conclusion: An improvement of ∼10 mm on a 100-mm VAS is likely to be clinically meaningful across commonly used measures of chronic breathlessness (current intensity, unpleasantness, and average, best and worst intensity over the past 24 h) to evaluate clinical benefit and effects in therapeutic trials.
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| 5. |
- Ekström, Magnus P., et al.
(författare)
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Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment Does Not Affect the Ability to Self-Report Important Symptoms in Patients With Cancer : A Prospective Longitudinal Multinational Study (EPCCS)
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0885-3924. ; 60:2, s. 2-354
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context: Patients with advanced cancer commonly suffer from both distressing symptoms and cognitive impairment, but the effect of cognitive impairment on the reliability and validity of symptom self-report is unknown. Objectives: To evaluate the reliability and validity of symptom self-report in cancer outpatients with and without mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Methods: This was an analysis of the longitudinal European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom study of adults with incurable cancer in specialized palliative care (30 centers across 12 countries). Patients who could not comply with the study because of severe cognitive impairment were excluded. Cognitive status on the Mini-Mental State Examination short version and nine symptoms (pain, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, appetite, breathlessness, depression, anxiety, and well-being) using the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System were self-reported at baseline and one-month follow-up. Reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients and validity using regression of each symptom with health-related quality of life (HrQoL) measured with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 for Palliative Care. Results: A total of 1047 patients were included: mean age of 62.9 years; 54.4% women; main cancer types were of digestive organs (26.6%), breast (21.6%), and lungs (21.2%). Cognitive impairment was present in 181 (17.3%) at baseline and associated with worse self-reported tiredness, drowsiness, appetite, and depression. Reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) and validity (associations with HrQoL) were similar between people with/without cognitive impairment across the nine symptoms, except breathlessness, which showed a weaker relation to HrQoL in patients with cognitive impairment. Findings were robust in sensitivity analyses and after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion: In advanced cancer, self-report of nine major symptoms was reliable and valid also in people with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.
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| 6. |
- Ferreira, Diana H., et al.
(författare)
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Controlled-Release Oxycodone vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Chronic Breathlessness—A Multisite Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0885-3924. ; 59:3, s. 581-589
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context: Chronic breathlessness is a clinical syndrome that results in significant distress and disability. Morphine can reduce chronic breathlessness when the contributing etiologies are optimally treated. Objectives: Does oxycodone reduce chronic breathlessness compared with placebo? Methods: A multisite, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-arm, fixed-dose trial of oral controlled-release oxycodone 15 mg (5 mg, eight hourly) or placebo (ACTRN12609000806268 at www.anzctr.org.au). As-needed immediate-release morphine (2.5 mg per dose; six and less doses/day) was available for both arms as required by one ethics committee overseeing the trial. Recruitment occurred from 2010 to 2014 in 14 inpatient and outpatient respiratory, cardiology, and palliative care services across Australia. Participants were adults, with chronic breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council Scale 3 or 4), who were opioid naive. The primary end point was the proportion of people with greater than 15% reduction from baseline in the intensity of breathlessness now (0–100 mm visual analogue scale) comparing arms Days 5–7. Secondary end points were average and worst breathlessness, quality of life, function, and harms. Results: Of 157 participants randomized, 155 were included (74 oxycodone and 81 placebo), but the study did not reach target recruitment. There was difference in neither between groups for the primary outcome (P = 0.489) nor any of the prespecified secondary outcomes. Placebo participants used more as-needed morphine (mean 7.0 vs. 4.2 doses; P ≤ 0.001). Oxycodone participants reported more nausea (P < 0.001). Conclusion: There was no signal of benefit from oxycodone over placebo. Future research should focus on investigating the existence of an opioid class effect on the reduction of chronic breathlessness.
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| 7. |
- Janssen, Daisy J.A., et al.
(författare)
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COVID-19 : guidance on palliative care from a European Respiratory Society international task force
- 2020
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Ingår i: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 56:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Many people are dying from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but consensus guidance on palliative care in COVID-19 is lacking. This new life-threatening disease has put healthcare systems under pressure, with the increased need of palliative care provided to many patients by clinicians who have limited prior experience in this field. Therefore, we aimed to make consensus recommendations for palliative care for patients with COVID-19 using the Convergence of Opinion on Recommendations and Evidence (CORE) process. Methods: We invited 90 international experts to complete an online survey including stating their agreement, or not, with 14 potential recommendations. At least 70% agreement on directionality was needed to provide consensus recommendations. If consensus was not achieved on the first round, a second round was conducted. Results: 68 (75.6%) experts responded in the first round. Most participants were experts in palliative care, respiratory medicine or critical care medicine. In the first round, consensus was achieved on 13 recommendations based upon indirect evidence and clinical experience. In the second round, 58 (85.3%) out of 68 of the first-round experts responded, resulting in consensus for the 14th recommendation. Conclusion: This multi-national task force provides consensus recommendations for palliative care for patients with COVID-19 concerning: advance care planning; (pharmacological) palliative treatment of breathlessness; clinician–patient communication; remote clinician–family communication; palliative care involvement in patients with serious COVID-19; spiritual care; psychosocial care; and bereavement care. Future studies are needed to generate empirical evidence for these recommendations.
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| 8. |
- Johnson, Miriam J., et al.
(författare)
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No excess harms from sustained-release morphine : A randomised placebo-controlled trial in chronic breathlessness
- 2020
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Ingår i: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. - : BMJ. - 2045-435X .- 2045-4368. ; 10:4, s. 421-428
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: We aimed to identify and evaluate: (1) treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE (worse or new since baseline)) and the subgroup of severe TEAEs in a placebo-controlled 7-day randomised trial of regular, low-dose, sustained-release oral morphine for chronic breathlessness and (2) clinical characteristics associated with TEAE. Methods: Safety analysis of trial data. Adults with chronic breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council breathlessness score ≥2) due to heart or lung disease, or cancer, not on regular opioids were eligible. Symptoms associated with opioids (TEAE of special interest) were systematically sought using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading. Other harms could be reported at any time. The relationship between characteristics and presence of ≥1 TEAE of special interest was explored using univariable logistic regression analyses. Results: 1449/5624 (26%) Adverse Events from 279 participants were TEAE of which 150/1449 (10%) were severe (CTCAE grades 3-5). 1086/5624 (75%) were events of special interest of which 41/1086 (4%) were severe. Compared with placebo, morphine was not associated with more TEAE or severe TEAE of special interest (TEAE: OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.38, p=0.20; severe TEAE: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.41, p=0.95) nor with CTCAE severity grade (χ2=4.39, p=0.50). Among the 26/150 (17%) with severe TEAEs, study withdrawal was more common in the morphine arm (18/26 (69%) morphine arm; 8/26 (30%) placebo arm). None of the severe TEAEs was a respiratory harm. Conclusions: Severe morphine-associated toxicity was uncommon and not associated with study arm. Clinical consequences were minor and self-limiting.
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