Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of Cerebrolysin for Alzheimer's disease.
To assess the efficacy and safety of Cerebrolysin over 4 weeks in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). ⋯ This study indicates that Cerebrolysin is a safe drug that improves the cognitive deficits and global function in patients with mild to moderate AD. Long-term efficacy and safety of Cerebrolysin in Alzheimer's patients should be evaluated in the future.
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Multicenter Study
Dying with cancer: patients' function, symptoms, and care preferences as death approaches.
To characterize the dying experience of patients with cancer over the last 6 months of life. ⋯ The last 6 months of life for patients with cancer is characterized by functional decline and poorly controlled severe pain and confusion. Although patients increasingly prefer comfort care as they near death, many die in severe pain. These findings highlight important opportunities to improve the quality of care at the end of life for patients dying with cancer.
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Multicenter Study
Prediction of survival for older hospitalized patients: the HELP survival model. Hospitalized Elderly Longitudinal Project.
To develop and validate a model estimating the survival time of hospitalized persons aged 80 years and older. ⋯ Accurate estimation of length of life for older hospitalized persons may be calculated using a limited amount of clinical information available from the medical chart plus a brief interview with the patient or surrogate. The accuracy of this model can be improved by including measures of the physician's perception of the patient's preferences for care and the physician's subjective estimate of prognosis.
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Multicenter Study
Dying with end stage liver disease with cirrhosis: insights from SUPPORT. Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatment.
To understand patterns of care and end-of-life preferences for patients dying with end stage liver disease with cirrhosis (ESLDC). ⋯ Patients with liver disease were young, likely to be male, and often had low incomes. The high burden of pain was comparable to that reported for patients with lung and colon cancer. Persons dying with liver disease may benefit from increased attention to relief of symptoms, improved home care, and advanced care planning.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Blood transfusion administration in seriously ill patients: an evaluation of SUPPORT data. Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatments.
Administration of blood transfusion in seriously ill patients is highly variable. Limited data are available to guide transfusion decisions. ⋯ Most transfusions occurred in patients with acute respiratory or multiorgan system failure. Few patients decide to forego transfusions. Additional investigation is necessary to evaluate blood transfusion practices in seriously ill patients.