Journal of palliative medicine
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Background: Acupuncture is a classical complementary therapy, but benefits in palliative cancer pain are still unclear due to lack of consistent evidence. Objectives: To comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and derived therapies (such as electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) for analgesia in palliative cancer care based on both single-arm and controlled trials. Design: Eight databases were searched from inception to August 31, 2020. ⋯ LI4 (Hegu) was the most frequently used acupoint. Conclusions: This systematic review supported the application of acupuncture and derived therapies for managing pain during palliative cancer care from two dimensions. Further studies could explore the effect of acupuncture on other predominant symptoms in palliative cancer patients.
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Objectives: The aim of this study is to report the results of a second cycle audit of the use of subcutaneous levetiracetam (Keppra®) and an updated literature review of management of seizures in palliative care patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature review on the use of subcutaneous levetiracetam performed in 2016 was updated. A retrospective audit of the use of subcutaneous levetiracetam for inpatients at Sir Michael Sobell House Hospice during the period of 2019-2020 was performed. ⋯ Conclusions: Combined analysis of the 139 cases of subcutaneous levetiracetam administration suggests that this treatment continues to have a role in management of seizures at the end of life. Clinical outcomes suggest that therapeutic levels may be achieved, although there are only very limited data available with a few cases worldwide to support this. Randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to establish the efficacy and tolerability of subcutaneous levetiracetam administration.