Palliative medicine
-
Palliative medicine · May 2019
The experiences and needs of primary family caregivers of patients with multiple myeloma: A qualitative analysis.
Family caregivers play a key role in the lives of patients with multiple myeloma. However, very little is known about the impact that the disease (its diagnosis, course and prognosis) has on the main family caregiver. ⋯ Primary family caregivers experienced intense uncertainty, and they described a strong need to air their feelings. Specific practical initiatives, targeting both health-related and logistical aspects of care, need to be developed in order to support family caregivers of myeloma patients.
-
Palliative medicine · May 2019
Does continuous subcutaneous infusion of lignocaine relieve intractable pruritus associated with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma? A retrospective case series review.
Intractable pruritus affects an estimated 83% of patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Palliative care strategies to improve outcomes for these patients are lacking. Lignocaine antagonises kappa opioid antagonist-induced scratching in mice models and may relieve cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-pruritus. ⋯ Prospective studies using validated assessment tools and systematic approaches to pruritus management are required.