Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jul 2016
Predictor of Responses to Corticosteroids for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Advanced Cancer Patients: A Multicenter, Prospective. Observational Study.
Although corticosteroids are widely used to relieve cancer-related fatigue (CRF), information regarding the factors predicting responses to corticosteroids remains limited. ⋯ Treatment responses to corticosteroids for CRF may be predicted by baseline symptom intensity, performance status, drowsiness, and severity of fluid retention symptoms. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jul 2016
Analyzing the Impact of Palliative Care Interventions on Cost of Hospitalization: Practical Guidance for Choice of Dependent Variable.
Multiple cost analyses of hospital-based palliative care have been published in recent years, but there are important differences between studies in their choice of dependent variable, complicating interpretation of results. ⋯ Investigators evaluating the impact of palliative care programs on hospital costs ought to use cost of hospitalization as the dependent variable in primary analysis unless the research question specifically justifies an alternative approach. Mean daily costs and "before-and-after" costs should be used only to address relevant research questions, and results must be interpreted carefully. Analyses should also incorporate timing of the intervention where appropriate.