Articles: chronic.
-
One theoretical model suggests that the pathway from pain to depression is through the disruption of social and relationship function. This study sought to test this hypothesis by considering the mediating effect of sexual functioning on the association between pain intensity and depressive symptoms in sexually active patients with chronic low back pain. ⋯ This study has shown that sexual functioning significantly mediates the relationship between pain intensity and depressive symptoms in sexually active patients with chronic low back pain. Clinicians may wish to consider the assessment of sexual functioning within this patient group and align treatments that address sexual dysfunction and general pain management.
-
Pain is among the most important symptoms in terms of prevalence and cause of distress for cancer patients and their families. However, there is a lack of clearly defined measures of quality pain management to identify problems and monitor changes in improvement initiatives. ⋯ A set of good practice indicators has been built and pilot tested as a feasible, reliable and useful quality monitoring tool, and underscoring particular and important areas for improvement.
-
In this study, we evaluated the impacts of organ failure and residual dysfunction on 1-year survival and health care resource use using Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge as the starting point. ⋯ Organ failure was an important determinant of 1-year outcome of critically ill survivors. Nevertheless, the impact of organ failure tended to diminish over time. Resource use after critical illness was elevated among ICU survivors, and a targeted action is needed to deliver appropriate care and to reduce the late critical illness burden.
-
COPD remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to estimate (1) national US COPD-attributable annual medical costs by payer (direct) and absenteeism (indirect) in 2010 and projected medical costs through 2020 and (2) state-specific COPD-attributable medical and absenteeism costs in 2010. ⋯ Costs attributable to COPD and its sequelae are substantial and are projected to increase through 2020. Evidence-based interventions that prevent tobacco use and reduce the clinical complications of COPD may result in potential decreased COPD-attributable costs.
-
Dysnatremia, which is associated with increased mortality in general intensive care units (ICU), has not been thoroughly studied in neurologic ICU (NICU). ⋯ Dysnatremia is more common in NICU, whereas only acquired-hypernatremia was independently associated with outcome.