Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyOptimal paracentesis volume for terminally ill cancer patients with ascites.
Patients with malignant ascites often suffer from distressing symptoms, especially in their end-of-life stage. Although paracentesis is the most common treatment modality to alleviate such symptoms, the optimal volume of paracentesis is not known. ⋯ Even small-volume paracentesis could alleviate abdominal distension of terminally ill cancer patients with malignant ascites without shortening the paracentesis interval compared with moderate-volume paracentesis. Small-volume paracentesis was a well-balanced treatment for these patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyVisualizing how to use parenteral opioids for terminal cancer dyspnea: A pilot, multicenter, prospective, observational study.
How physicians use opioids for dyspnea in imminently dying cancer patients (terminal dyspnea) varies markedly, which could hamper quality care. ⋯ The algorithm-based treatment was feasible, and might be as effective and safe as the usual care by palliative care specialists. Its implementation may help physicians provide quality care for terminal dyspnea.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2021
Multicenter StudyDevelopment of a One-item Screening Question to Assess Spiritual Well-Being for Advanced Cancer Inpatients in Korea.
Spiritual well-being (SWB) is significant for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Thus, shortened versions of questions would be helpful in approaching SWB. ⋯ Self-rated spirituality and religiosity showed better convergence validity than feeling at peace. Therefore, we recommend self-rated spirituality or religiosity as a one-item question for screening SWB in inpatients with advanced cancer.