The Clinical Effects of Abdominal Binder on Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-analysis

Objective. We conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the effects of abdominal binder in abdominal surgeries. Methods. Through literature retrieval in globally recognized databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central), trials investigating the application of abdominal binder in abdominal surgeries were systematically reviewed. The main outcomes, namely, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and symptom distress scale (SDS) score, were pooled to make an overall estimation. I2 index was calculated to identify heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the stability of main results and explore the source of heterogeneity. A funnel plot and Egger’s test were applied to assess publication bias. Results. Ten randomized controlled trials consisting of 968 subjects were ultimately included for the pooled estimation. Abdominal binder significantly increased the distance of 6MWT with standard mean difference (SMD) of .555 ( P < .001) and decreased the scores of VAS and SDS with SMD of −.979 ( P < .001) and −.716 ( P < .001), respectively. Despite of the significant heterogeneity indicated by I2 index statistic, the results of sensitivity analysis revealed the reliability of the main conclusions. While we identified no obvious publication bias regarding 6MWT (Egger’s test P = .321), it seemed that significant publication biases existed with respect to the estimation of VAS ( P < .001) and SDS ( P = .006). Conclusion. The current meta-analysis verified that abdominal binder efficiently promoted recovery after abdominal surgeries in terms of facilitating mobilization, alleviating pain, and reducing postoperative distress. More rigorously designed clinical trials with large sample size are expected to further elaborate its clinical value.

Validation and Adaptation of the “Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale” for Kidney Transplant Recipients

The aim was to adapt and validate the Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale (MTSOSD-59R) for kidney transplant recipients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy in Korea. The MTSOSD-59R has been used with solid organ transplant recipients globally to assess the adverse effects of immunosuppressive medication. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. MTSOSD-59R was first translated, and pilot tested. Next, content validity was established with nine organ transplant experts. Then, from October 2017 to October 2018, the Korean MTOSOSD-59R was administered to a convenience sample of 122 kidney transplant recipients recruited from a single center. Ridit analysis was used to measure symptom occurrence and distress. The known-group approach was used to test the construct validity using Mann–Whitney U tests for between-group comparisons. The content validity index for MTSOSD-59R was 0.98, and known-group validity was confirmed. The split-half Spearman–Brown corrected reliability coefficient was 0.902 for symptom occurrence and 0.893 for symptom distress. The four most frequent and distressing symptoms were fatigue, lack of energy, thinning hair, and erectile dysfunction (male). Results suggest this Korean MTSOSD-59R adaptation has adequate language, construct validity, and reliability to gather meaningful information from kidney transplant recipients in Korea.

Distress in Persons with HIV and AIDS

Persons with HIV have multifactorial and multidimensional sources of distress. Distress has a profoundly negative impact on persons with HIV and their loved ones. While the term distress is more acceptable to patients and does not carry with it the stigma of a specific psychiatric diagnostic disorder, the anguish and suffering associated are still painful. This chapter explores the sources for distress utilizing a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach and presents ways to recognize distress. Related tools in assessing HIV-related distress include the Distress Thermometer (DT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and HIV Symptom Distress Scale (SDS). An overview of the symptoms and illnesses associated with distress include biological, psychological, and social aspects including HIV stigma. Evidence-based approaches to alleviate distress in persons with HIV/AIDS are also presented in the chapter.

A Feasibility Pilot Trial of Individualized Homeopathic Treatment of Fatigue in Children Receiving Chemotherapy

Background. Fatigue is a major problem in children with cancer. The objective was to examine the feasibility of performing a clinical trial of homeopathic treatment for fatigue in children receiving chemotherapy. Materials. This was a single-institution, open-label, pilot study. Children 2 to 18 years old, diagnosed with cancer, and receiving chemotherapy were eligible. Participants were given individualized homeopathic treatment for a maximum of 14 days. In-home or clinic assessments were conducted up to 3 times weekly. Feasibility was defined as the ability to recruit and administer homeopathy to 10 participants within 1 year. Fatigue was measured using the Symptom Distress Scale daily and the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Module weekly. Results. Between April 2012 and April 2014, 155 potential participants were identified. There were 45 eligible and contacted patients; 36 declined participation, 30 because they were not interested; 9 agreed to participate, but 1 participant withdrew prior to treatment initiation. Median length of homeopathic treatment was 10.5 (range = 6 to 14) days. All parents found homeopathic treatment to be easy or very easy to follow. Conclusions. Trials of individualized homeopathy for fatigue reduction in pediatric cancer are not feasible in this context; lack of interest was a primary reason. Alternative approaches to evaluating homeopathy efficacy are needed.

Preliminary quality-of-life outcomes for SWOG-9346: Intermittent androgen deprivation in patients with hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer (HSM1PC)—Phase III.

4571 Background: The relative quality of life (QOL) for patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic prostate cancer, treated with intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) has been assumed and hypothesized, yet never compared in a well-powered randomized trial (RT) to continuous androgen deprivation (CAD). SWOG-9346 provided such a RT in which to test QOL differences between CAD and IAD in men with metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: Patients were randomized to CAD or IAD. Patients completed the SWOG QOL Questionnaire (SF-20/SF-36, Symptom Distress Scale, treatment-specific symptoms, global QOL) at randomization and months (mo) 3, 9, and 15 post-randomization. Five QOL change scores at one time point (mo 3) were designated as primary for the QOL endpoint and are reported in this abstract: impotence, libido, energy/vitality (E/V), physical function (PF), and emotional function (EF). Significance level was adjusted for 5 comparisons (used p=0.01). Results: 615 patients in the CAD arm and 633 in the IAD arm completed the QOL questionnaire at baseline. Change between baseline and 3 months differed for the two arms with CAD reporting statistically significantly more impotence and less libido than IAD. EF was also slightly better for the IAD arm. Conclusions: These results indicate better sexual function in men receiving IAD versus CAD through post-randomization month 3. Additional benefits for IAD may include better PF, E/V and EF. Ongoing analyses will address the role of missing data, additional follow-up assessments, and resumption of therapy in the IAD arm. [Table: see text]