Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology
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J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. · Jul 2011
Inferior vena cava filters in children: our experience and suggested guidelines.
Although use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters for prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism (PE) is well reported in adults, long-term studies in children are lacking. We performed retrospective review of imaging and clinical database of IVC filters for the last 12 years. Thirty-five patients (mean age: 15.5 y) underwent filter placement and/or retrieval. ⋯ Our results indicate that IVC filters can be successfully placed and retrieved in children with minimal procedural complications; follow-up demonstrates acceptable complication rate owing to presence of filters. Prophylactic IVC filter placement may be considered before endovascular thrombolysis for lower extremity DVT. Retrievable filters should be used in children for appropriate indications.
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J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. · Apr 2011
Nurses' perceived barriers to assessment and management of pain in a university hospital.
A self-report questionnaire was answered by 114 nurses working at the internal medicine, oncology, and surgery clinics. The most commonly perceived barriers to pain management were system-related barriers. Lack of psychosocial support services and patient-to-nurse ratio received the highest ratings. ⋯ Patients' difficulty with completing pain scales (56%) and consumers not demanding results (53%) were the most commonly reported patient-related barriers. A significant percentage of the participating nurses indicated that they have no idea about patient-related barriers. Regular and continuous pain education programs may help to establish a supportive team spirit between doctors and nurses.
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Palliative care in cancer has always been an important issue in low and middle income countries. In many occasions most resources have been devoted to expensive treatments although palliative and supportive care approaches are very important. ⋯ The Cancer Control Department of Ministry of Health has started the National Cancer Control Program in 2008 and also prepared a Palliative Care Action Plan. Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey has also organised a multidisciplinary palliative care team to create the necessary future plans and will open the first academic program under the Department of Clinical Oncology.
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J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. · Apr 2011
Palliative care: concepts, needs, and challenges: perspectives on the experience at the Children's Cancer Hospital in Egypt.
Palliative care is uprising in developing countries. The Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 palliative care service put the main concepts in pediatric palliation in consideration while facing the challenges and needs for these children and their families. The palliative care program developed will be connected to other centers in Egypt as well as further branches of the hospital in other Egyptian cities.
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Palliative health-care faces many challenges. Developing countries face unique spectrum of difficulties including limited resources. In this article I share our experience in establishing palliative care department in a charity hospital located in Egypt.