Pain management effectiveness in advanced cancer: palliative care unit inpatient study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate pain management adequacy based on the Pain Management Index (PMI), and its association with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) in advanced cancer inpatients to a palliative care unit. METHODS: This is a quantitative study concerning advanced cancer inpatients in a specialised palliative care unit between June 2021 and February 2022. The BPI was applied, and analgesia was observed on the first (D1), third (D3) and seventh (D7) day of hospitalisation. Adequate analgesia was considered when PMI≥0. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were evaluated on D1, 68 on D3 and 45 on D7, with a mean age of 53.6 years (SD±14.1), most of them female (65.4%), with the most frequent primary tumour site located in the gastrointestinal tract (22.1%). The observed analgesia was adequate (PMI≥0) in 52.9% of all patients on D1, 95.6% on D3 and 100% on D7 (p value=0.012). The number of patients with moderate to severe pain interference in general activities (p value 0.012), mood (p value 0.014), walking ability (p value 0.047), normal work (p value 0.038) and pleasure of living (p value 0.025) decreased during hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: Pain is a prevalent and impacting symptom in patients undergoing palliative care. Thus, objective analgesic adequacy assessments in specialised services are required. These findings reinforce the importance of effective pain control and corroborate the importance of employing objective tools in evaluating medical services and improving quality of life of patients.

Construction of a Guide for Assessment and Physiotherapeutic Management of Pain in Cancer Patients / Construction of a Guide for Assessment and Physiotherapeutic Management of Pain in Cancer Patients / Construção de um Guia para Avaliação e Manejo Fisioterapêutico da Dor em Pacientes com Câncer

Physiotherapy can contribute to control pain in cancer patients and educational strategies should be developed to increase physiotherapeutic actions in this context. Objective: To develop a guide for the assessment and physiotherapeutic management of cancer pain. Method: Study developed in three stages: 1. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic, clinical, functional data, pain characteristics and physiotherapeutic treatments performed on cancer patients receiving palliative care; 2. Development of the preliminary version of the guide based on the results of the first stage and theoretical content; 3. Focus group formed by physiotherapists that resulted in the final version of the guide. Results: 62 patients were included, mainly females (69.3%). The most common tumor site was gynecological (25.8%) and half presented bone metastasis. Neuropathic pain (51.6%), located in the spine (29.0%) was the most prevalent type of pain. The physiotherapeutic treatments most used were: positioning (98.0%), kinesiotherapy (68.0%), walking (39.0%), orthoses (32.0%) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (21.0%). The focus group suggested changes and positively evaluated the preliminary version of the guide, highlighting that, in addition to an easy-to-understand language, it provided a comprehensive view of the methods for evaluating and physiotherapy treatment of pain.

A fisioterapia pode contribuir para o controle da dor em pacientes com câncer e estratégias educativas devem ser desenvolvidas para aumentar as ações fisioterapêuticas nesse contexto. Objetivo: Elaborar um guia para avaliação e manejo fisioterapêutico da dor no câncer. Método:Estudo desenvolvido em três etapas: 1. Análise descritiva de dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, funcionais, características da dor e tratamentos fisioterapêuticos realizados em pacientes com câncer em cuidados paliativos; 2. Desenvolvimento da versão preliminar do guia a partir dos resultados da primeira etapa e de conteúdo teórico na temática; 3. Realização de grupo focal composto por fisioterapeutas que originou a versão final do guia. Resultados: Foram incluídos 62 pacientes, principalmente do sexo feminino (69,3%). O sítio tumoral mais frequente foi o ginecológico (25,8%) e metade apresentou metástase óssea. O tipo de dor mais prevalente foi a neuropática (51,6%), localizada na coluna (29,0%). Os tratamentos fisioterapêuticos mais utilizados foram: posicionamento (98,0%), cinesioterapia (68,0%), deambulação (39,0%), uso de órteses (32,0%) e transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (21,0%). O grupo focal sugeriu alterações e avaliou positivamente a versão preliminar do guia, ressaltando que, além de ser elaborado com linguagem de fácil compreensão, possibilitou a visão integral sobre os métodos para avaliação e tratamento fisioterapêutico da dor.

La fisioterapia puede contribuir al control del dolor en pacientes con cáncer y se deben desarrollar estrategias educativas para incrementar las acciones fisioterapéuticas en este contexto. Objetivo:Desarrollar una guía para la evaluación y manejo fisioterapéutico del dolor oncológico. Método: Estudio desarrollado en tres etapas: 1. Análisis descriptivo de datos sociodemográficos, clínicos, funcionales, características del dolor y tratamientos fisioterapéuticos realizados a pacientes con cáncer que reciben cuidados paliativos; 2. Elaboración de la versión preliminar de la guía con base en los resultados de la primera etapa y contenidos teóricos sobre el tema; 3. Realización de un grupo focal compuesto por fisioterapeutas que dio como resultado la versión final de la guía. Resultados: Se incluyeron 62 pacientes, principalmente mujeres (69,3%). La localización tumoral más frecuente fue ginecológica (25,8%) y la mitad presentó metástasis óseas. El tipo de dolor más prevalente fue el neuropático (51,6%), localizado en la columna (29,0%). Los tratamientos fisioterapéuticos más utilizados fueron: posicionamiento (98,0%), kinesioterapia (68,0%), marcha (39,0%), uso de órtesis (32,0%) y estimulación nerviosa eléctrica transcutánea (21,0%). El grupo focal sugirió cambios y evaluó positivamente la versión preliminar de la guía, destacando que, además de estar elaborada en un lenguaje fácil de entender, proporcionó una visión integral de los métodos de evaluación y tratamiento fisioterapéutico del dolor.

Correlation Between Cancer Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Cancer Admitted to a Palliative Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer pain is one of the most prevalent manageable symptoms in patients with advanced cancer, and it has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between cancer pain and QoL in patients with advanced cancer who are hospitalized in a palliative care unit. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of patients with advanced cancer who were hospitalized with cancer pain at a specialized palliative care unit between June 2021 and February 2022. Pain intensity and its impact on daily activities were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), while the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 PAL (QLQ-C15-PAL) was used to evaluate QoL. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with cancer pain were included, with a mean age of 53.6 years (±14.1). Most of the patients were female (65.38%), and the most common primary tumor site was in the gastrointestinal tract (22.11%). The most frequently reported site of cancer pain was the abdomen (32.69%). The mean duration of cancer pain was 52.3 days (±6.2). The domains of QoL most strongly correlated with cancer pain were weakness (coefficient = .52, P < .001), nausea (coefficient = .36, P < .001), and the physical domain (coefficient = -.30, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Cancer pain is strongly correlated with a deterioration in QoL in patients with advanced cancer, and its management should be pursued as a strategy for optimizing QoL.

Factors Associated with Karnofsky Performance Status and its Trajectory in the Last Month of Life in Patients with Terminal Cancer / Fatores Associados ao Karnofsky Performance Status e sua Trajetória no Último Mês de Vida em Pacientes com Câncer Terminal / Factores Asociados al Karnofsky Performance Status y su Trayectoria en el Último Mes de Vida en Pacientes Oncológicos Terminales

Introduction: Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) can characterize the impact of the disease on cancer patients. Objective: To evaluate the factors associated with KPS and its trajectory in the last month of life in patients with terminal cancer. Method: Retrospective cohort study, with terminal cancer patients enrolled in a Palliative Care Unit, who died between July and August 2019. The dependent variable was the KPS assessed daily in the last month of life. A cross-sectional analysis of factors associated with initial KPS was performed using ordinal logistic regressions. To verify the trajectory of KPS in the last month of life, longitudinal graphic analyzes were performed. Results: 108 patients were evaluated, most of whom were >60 years old (68.5%) and female (62.0%). The most prevalent tumor sites were the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (24.3%), breast (18.7%) and head and neck (HN) (16.8%). In the multiple model, the primary tumor sites remained associated with KPS. During the last month of life, the reduction in KPS was more pronounced in those with tumors in the GIT, HN and connective bone tissue, who had higher KPS values on the thirtieth day before death when compared to the others. On the other hand, those with central nervous system and lung cancer started the follow-up period with lower KPS values and had a less exacerbated reduction than the others. Conclusion: KPS values decrease in the last month of life, but with different intensity according to the tumor site in patients with terminal cancer

Introdução: O Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) pode caracterizar o impacto da doença em pacientes com câncer. Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores associados ao KPS e a sua trajetória no último mês de vida em pacientes com câncer terminal. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com pacientes com câncer terminal internados em uma unidade de cuidados paliativos, falecidos entre julho e agosto de 2019. A variável dependente foi o KPS avaliado diariamente no último mês de vida. Uma análise transversal dos fatores associados ao KPS inicial foi realizada por meio de regressões logísticas ordinais. Para verificar a trajetória do KPS no último mês de vida, foram realizadas análises gráficas longitudinais. Resultados: Foram avaliados 108 pacientes, cuja maioria possuía >60 anos (68,5%) e era do sexo feminino (62,0%). Os sítios tumorais mais prevalentes foram o trato gastrointestinal (TGI) (24,3%), mama (18,7%) e cabeça e pescoço (CP) (16,8%). No modelo múltiplo, os sítios tumorais primários permaneceram associados ao KPS. Durante o último mês de vida, a redução do KPS foi mais pronunciada naqueles com tumor no TGI, CP e tecido ósseo conjuntivo, que apresentaram valores mais elevados de KPS no trigésimo dia antes do óbito quando comparados aos demais. Por outro lado, aqueles com câncer no sistema nervoso central e pulmão iniciaram o período de seguimento com valores de KPS mais baixos e tiveram redução menos exacerbada que os demais. Conclusão: Os valores de KPS diminuem no último mês de vida, porém com intensidade diferente de acordo com o local do tumor em pacientes com câncer terminal.

Introducción: Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) puede caracterizar el impacto de la enfermedad en pacientes con cáncer. Objetivo: Evaluar los factores asociados al KPS y su trayectoria en el último mes de vida en pacientes con cáncer terminal. Método: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo, con pacientes oncológicos terminales ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos, fallecidos entre julio y agosto de 2019. La variable dependiente fue el KPS valorado diariamente en el último mes de vida. Se realizó un análisis transversal de los factores asociados con KPS inicial mediante regresiones logísticas ordinales. Para verificar la trayectoria de KPS en el último mes de vida, se realizaron análisis gráficos longitudinales. Resultados: Se evaluaron 108 pacientes, la mayoría con >60 años (68,5%) y del sexo femenino (62,0%). Los sitios tumorales más prevalentes fueron el tracto gastrointestinal (TGI) (24,3%), mama (18,7%) y cabeza y cuello (CC) (16,8%). En el modelo múltiple, los sitios del tumor primario permanecieron asociados con KPS. Durante el último mes de vida, la reducción de KPS fue más pronunciada en aquellos con tumores en TGI, CC y tejido conectivo óseo, quienes tenían valores de KPS más altos en el trigésimo día antes de la muerte en comparación con los demás. Por otro lado, aquellos con cáncer de sistema nervioso central y pulmón comenzaron el período de seguimiento con valores más bajos de KPS y tuvieron una reducción menos exacerbada que los demás. Conclusión: Los valores de KPS disminuyen en el último mes de vida, pero con distinta intensidad según la localización del tumor en pacientes con cáncer terminal.

Telemedicina em Cuidados Paliativos Oncológicos: um Legado da Pandemia / Telemedicine in Cancer Palliative Care: a Legacy of the Pandemic / Telemedicina en Cuidados Paliativos Oncológicos: un Legado de la Pandemia

Introdução: A telemedicina pode ser um instrumento útil para o acompanhamento de pacientes em cuidados paliativos, especialmente no contexto da pandemia por covid-19. Objetivo: Descrever o uso da telemedicina para pacientes em cuidados paliativos oncológicos acompanhados ambulatorialmente em uma unidade de referência nacional. Método: Análise retrospectiva de teleatendimentos médicos realizados entre abril de 2020 e fevereiro de 2021 a pacientes da unidade acompanhados ambulatorialmente. Foram analisados dados demográficos e clínicos dos pacientes, características do teleatendimento e conduta médica, e feita uma avaliação subjetiva com os profissionais responsáveis pelos teleatendimentos. Resultados: Foram realizados 1.645 teleatendimentos médicos a 470 pacientes com idade média de 62 (54-73) anos, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (n=258; 54,9%) e com Karnofsky Performance Status estimado em 40% ou superior (n=423; 90,0%) no momento do primeiro contato a distância. Os teleatendimentos foram realizados, em sua maior parte (n=928; 56,4%), para o monitoramento da carga de sintomas entre as consultas presenciais. Destes, em 612 (frequência relativa=65,9%), houve sintoma controlado no teleatendimento subsequente. A queixa mais prevalente foi dor (n=303; frequência relativa=32,7%) seguida por sintomas gripais (n=108; frequência relativa=11,6%). Entre as condutas traçadas, a mais prevalente (n=921; 56,0%) foi o comparecimento apenas do responsável pela retirada dos medicamentos, sem necessidade de deslocamento do paciente. Conclusão: A telemedicina mostrou-se útil na monitorização de sintomas de pacientes com câncer avançado e permitiu que pacientes e cuidadores se mantivessem em seus domicílios, reduzindo o deslocamento e, consequentemente, o risco de contágio por covid-19.

Introduction: Telemedicine can be a useful tool for monitoring patients in palliative care, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To describe the use of telemedicine for outpatients followed up in an Oncological Palliative Care unit in a national reference hospital. Method: A retrospective analysis of medical teleconsultations performed between April 2020 and February 2021 to outpatients followed up at the unit. Demographic and clinical data of patients, telehealth characteristics and medical management were analyzed. A subjective evaluation was carried out with the professionals responsible for the calls. Results: 1,645 medical teleconsultations were carried out to 470 patients with a mean age of 62 (54-73) years, mostly females (n=258; 54.9%) and with Karnofsky Performance Status estimated at 40% or higher (n=423; 90.0%) at the time of the first remote contact. Most of the teleconsultations were carried out (n=928; 56.4%) to monitor the burden of symptoms between in-person consultations. Of these, 612 (relative frequency=65.9%) controlled the symptom in the subsequent telehealth. The most prevalent complaint was pain (n=303; relative frequency=32.7%) followed by flu-like symptoms (n=108; relative frequency=11.6%). Of the clinical conducts planned, the most prevalent (n=921; 56.0%) was only for the person responsible to pick up the medications, the patient did not need to go to the hospital. Conclusion: Telemedicine proved to be useful in monitoring symptoms of patients with advanced cancer and it allowed patients and caregivers to stay in their homes, reducing displacement and, consequently, the risk of contagion by COVID-19.

Introducción: La telemedicina se muestra una herramienta útil para el seguimiento de pacientes en cuidados Paliativos, especialmente en el contexto de la pandemia de covid-19. Objetivo: Describir el uso de la telemedicina para pacientes en cuidados paliativos oncológicos en seguimiento ambulatorio en un hospital de referencia nacional. Método:Análisis retrospectivo de las teleconsultas médicas realizadas entre abril de 2020 y febrero de 2021 a pacientes ambulatorios seguidos en el hospital. Se analizaron datos demográficos y clínicos de los pacientes, características de la teleconsulta y gestión médica. Fue realizada una evaluación subjetiva con los profesionales responsables de los servicios que hacían el atendimiento en telemedicina. Resultados: Fueran hechas 1645 llamadas médicas a 470 pacientes con una edad promedio de 62 años (54-73), la mayoría eran mujeres (n=258; 54,9%) y con Karnofsky Performance Status estimado en 40% o superior (n=423; 90,0%) en el momento del primer contacto a distancia. La mayoría de las llamadas fueran realizadas (n=928; 56,4%) para monitorear la carga de síntomas entre consultas presenciales. De estos, 612 (frecuencia relativa=65,9%) controlaron el síntoma en la llamada siguiente. La queja más prevalente fue el dolor (n=303; frecuencia relativa=32,7%) seguido de síntomas gripales (n=108; frecuencia relativa=11,6%). Entre los procedimientos señalados, el más prevalente (n=921; 56,0%) fue la asistencia únicamente de la persona responsable de tomar la medicación, sin necesidad de desplazamiento del paciente. Conclusión: La telemedicina demostró ser útil en el seguimiento de los síntomas de los pacientes con cáncer avanzado y permitió que los pacientes y cuidadores se quedasen en sus hogares, reduciendo el desplazamiento y, en consecuencia, el riesgo de contagio por covid-19.

Palliative Care and COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Study of Factors Associated With Infection and Death at an Oncological Palliative Care Reference Center.

BACKGROUND: Advanced cancer patients are part of a group likely to be more susceptible to COVID-19. AIMS: To describe the profile of advanced cancer inpatients to an exclusive Palliative Care Unit (PCU) with the diagnosis of COVID-19, and to evaluate the factors associated with death in these cases. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with data from advanced cancer inpatients to an exclusive PCU, from March to July 2020, with severe acute respiratory syndrome. Diagnostic of COVID-19 and death were the dependent variables. Logistic regression analyses were performed, with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five patients were selected. The mean age was 60.9 (±13.4) years old and the most prevalent tumor type was breast (30.3%). Eighty-three (53.5%) patients had a diagnostic confirmation of COVID-19. Having diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1-6.6) and having received chemotherapy in less than 30 days before admission (OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.2-12.2) were associated factors to diagnosis of COVID-19. Among those infected, 81.9% died and, patients with Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) < 30% (OR: 14.8; 95% CI 2.7-21.6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) >21.6mg/L (OR: 9.3; 95% CI 1.1-27.8), had a greater chance of achieving this outcome. CONCLUSION: Advanced cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy in less than 30 days before admission and who had diabetes mellitus were more likely to develop Coronavirus 2019 disease. Among the confirmed cases, those hospitalized with worse KPS and bigger CRP were more likely to die.

Evaluation of the Criteria Adopted to Identify Suspected Cases of COVID-19 in the Emergency Department Service of a Referral Palliative Oncology Care Unit.

CONTEXT: Due to the need for isolation of inpatients with suspected COVID-19, accuracy in identifying these cases in Emergency Department (ED) has great relevance, especially in Palliative Oncology Care Unit (PCU). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of clinical criteria adopted to identify suspected cases of COVID-19 by the ED in PCU. METHODS: All patients admitted to PCU between April and June 2020 from ED were included. The clinical criteria adopted to identify suspected COVID-19 cases were: being in contact with a suspected or confirmed case less than 14 days ago and / or presenting fever with no defined focus and / or respiratory symptoms not explained by oncological disease and / or suggestive image in radiological examination (if necessary). All suspected cases were submitted to deep nasal and throat swab for SARS COV-2 investigation by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Test, adopted as gold standard. Inpatients hospitalized by ED, without suspicion, and then diagnosed with COVID-19 within 10 days of hospitalization were considered as false-negative cases. RESULTS: During the period, 327 patients were admitted from ED. Of these, 69 (21%) were considered suspects, of whom 34 (49%) tested positive for COVID-19. The sensitivity of the clinical criterion to identify suspected cases was 87%, specificity was 88%, positive predictive value was 49%, negative was 98% and accuracy was 88%. CONCLUSION: The clinical criteria adopted to identify suspected cases of COVID-19 at ED proved to be efficient, with low risk of spreading in-hospital infection, avoiding unnecessary isolation of patients.

Rodízio de Opioides: uma Análise Descritiva / Opioid Switching: a Descriptive Analysis / Rotación de Opioides: un Análisis Descriptivo

Introdução: O uso de opioides deve ser individualizado e a troca por outro opioide pode ser necessária (rodízio de opioide). Objetivo: Identificar como foi realizado o rodízio de opioide e se o efeito desejado foi atingido em pacientes internados em uma unidade especializada em cuidados paliativos oncológicos. Método: Análise post hoc do estudo de perfil de pacientes internados em um hospital público de cuidados paliativos oncológicos no Rio de Janeiro, entre setembro e novembro de 2016. As internações foram acompanhadas longitudinalmente por revisão de prontuário com coleta diária da escala verbal numérica (EVN). A dor foi considerada controlada quando EVN = 0. Doses, via de administração e rodízio (fármaco e motivo) dos opioides foram observados. O tempo para controle da dor foi calculado quando este foi o motivo. Resultados: Foram observados 104 rodízios de opioides em 90 internações (22,5%), sendo 49% entre opioides fortes e 43% de fraco para forte. Principais motivos foram dor (40%) e dispneia (36%). O tempo para EVN = 0 foi 1,6 dias (+/-1,8; IC95% 1,0-2,1), sendo mais demorado na troca por metadona (média 2,7 dias +/-2,5; IC95% 1,0-4,4). Comparando a dose de morfina oral por equipotência analgésica, houve aumento de 10% na dose do opioide de destino, sendo esse aumento maior quando no rodízio por dispneia (38%). Conclusão: Embora o controle de dor tenha sido superior ao descrito por outros trabalhos, o aumento da dose equipotente do opioide não é corroborado por protocolos. Maior vigilância e outros estudos são recomendados na unidade.

Introduction: The use of opioids must be individualized and changing for another opioid may be necessary (opioid switching). Objective: Identify how the opioid switching was performed and whether the desired effect was achieved in patients admitted at a public palliative oncologic care specialized hospital. Method: Post hoc analysis of the profile study of patients admitted to a public oncologic palliative care hospital in Rio de Janeiro between September and November 2016. Hospitalizations were followed longitudinally by reviewing the charts with daily collection of the numeric rating scale (NRS). Pain was considered controlled when NRS = 0. Doses, route of administration, switch (drugs and motif ) of the opioids were observed. The time for pain control was calculated when this was the reason. Results: 104 opioid switching were observed in 90 hospitalizations (22.5%), 49% of which were strong opioids and 43%, from mild to strong. Main reasons were pain (40%) and dyspnea (36%). The time to NRS = 0 was 1.6 days (+/-1.8; 95% CI 1.0-2.1), taking longer to switch to methadone (mean 2.7 days +/-2.5; 95% CI 1.0-4.4). Comparing the dose of oral morphine by analgesic equipotency, a 10% increase in the target opioid dose occurred, and when rotating due to dyspnea (38%), the increase was greater. Conclusion: Although pain control was higher than described in other studies, the increase in the equipotent dose of opioid is not corroborated by protocols. Extensive surveillance and other studies are recommended in the unit.

Introducción: El uso de opioides debe ser individualizado y puede ser necesario cambiarlo por otro opioide (rotación de opioides). Objetivo: Identificar cómo se realizó la rotación de opioides y si el efecto deseado se logró en pacientes ingresados en una unidad especializada en cuidados oncológicos paliativos. Método: Análisis post hoc del estudio de perfil de pacientes ingresados en un hospital público de cuidados paliativos de oncología en Río de Janeiro, entre septiembre y noviembre de 2016. Las hospitalizaciones fueron seguidas longitudinalmente mediante la revisión de los registros médicos con la recopilación diaria de la Escala Numérica Verbal (ENV). El dolor se consideró controlado cuando ENV = 0. Se observaron dosis, vía de administración, rotación (fármacos y motivo) de los opioides. El tiempo para el control del dolor se calculó cuando esta fue la razón. Resultados: Se observaron 104 ruedas de opioides en 90 hospitalizaciones (22,5%), con 49% entre opioides fuertes y 43% de débiles a fuertes. Las razones principales fueron dolor (40%) y disnea (36%). El tiempo para ENV = 0 fue de 1,6 días (+/-1,8; IC del 95%: 1,0-2,1), y tomó más tiempo cambiar a metadona (promedio 2,7 días +/-2,5; IC 95% 1,0-4,4). Comparando la dosis de morfina oral para la equipotencia analgésica, hubo un aumento del 10% en la dosis de opioides objetivos, este aumento fue mayor al rotar debido a la disnea (38%). Conclusión: Aunque el control del dolor fue superior al descrito por otros estudios, el aumento en la dosis equipotente de opioide no es compatible con los protocolos. Se recomienda mayor vigilancia y otros estudios en la unidad.

Prognostic assessment in palliative cancer care: is there a difference between adult and older patients? / Avaliação prognóstica em cuidados paliativos oncológicos: Há diferença entre pacientes adultos e idosos?

OBJECTIVE: To compare factors associated with death in adults and older people with advanced cancer who were hospitalized in a palliative care unit (PCU). METHODS: Case-control study with patients (adults vs older people) admitted to a PCU of National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Logistic regressions (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [95%CI]) were used to identify factors associated with death. RESULTS: The study included 205 patients, most of which were aged over 60 years old (60.5%). Among the adult patients, a Karnofsky Performance Status ≤ 40% (OR 2.54 [95%CI 1.11­3.45]) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (OR 1.09 [95%CI 1.02­1.24]) were risk factors for death, while albumin (OR 0.30 [95%CI 0.12­0.78]) was a protective factor. Among older patients, NLR (OR: 1.13 [95%CI 1.02­1.24]), C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.09 [95%CI 1.02­1.17]), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) 1 and 2 (OR 4.66 [95%CI 1.35­16.06]), CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) (OR 1.27 [95%CI 1.03­1.58]), and nutritional risk (OR 1.11 [95%CI 1.03­1.19]) were risk factors, whereas albumin (OR 0.23 [95%CI 0.09­0.57]) was a protective factor against death. CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic factors differed between groups. The NLR was a risk factor, and albumin was a protective factor regarding death in both groups. Additionally, CRP, mGPS, CAR, and nutritional risk were associated with an increased risk of death only among older people.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os fatores associados ao óbito entre adultos e idosos com câncer avançado internados em uma Unidade de Cuidados Paliativos (UCP). METODOLOGIA: Estudo de caso-controle com pacientes (adultos versus idosos) internados em uma UCP do Instituto Nacional do Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA), no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Regressões logísticas (Odds Ratio [OR] e intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]) foram utilizadas para identificar os fatores associados ao óbito. RESULTADOS: Participaram 205 pacientes, com predomínio de idosos (60,5%). Entre os adultos, o Karnofsky Performance Status ≤ 40% (OR 2,54 [IC95% 1,11 ­ 3,45]) e a razão neutrófilo-linfócito (RNL) (OR 1,09 [IC95% 1,02 ­ 1,24]) foram fatores de risco, e a albumina (OR 0,30 [IC95% 0,12 ­ 0,78]) foi fator de proteção para o óbito. Nos idosos, a RNL (OR 1,13 [IC95% 1,02 ­ 1,24]), a proteína C-reativa (PCR) (OR 1,09 [IC95% 1,02 ­ 1,17]), o escore prognóstico de Glasgow modificado (EPGm) 1 e 2 (OR 4,66 [IC95% 1,35 ­ 16,06]), a razão PCR-albumina (RPA) (OR 1,27 [IC95% 1,03 ­ 1,58]) e o risco nutricional (OR 1,11 [IC95% 1,03 ­ 1,19]) foram fatores de risco, e a albumina (OR 0,23 [IC95% 0,09 ­ 0,57]) foi fator de proteção para o óbito. CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores prognósticos diferiram entre os grupos. A funcionalidade e a RNL foram fatores de risco e a albumina foi fator de proteção para o óbito em ambos os grupos. Adicionalmente, somente nos idosos, a PCR, o EPGm, a RPA e o risco nutricional foram associados ao aumento do risco de mortalidade.

Integração com a Atenção Primária à Saúde: Experiência de uma Unidade de Referência em Cuidados Paliativos Oncológicos / Integration with Primary Health Care: Experience of a Referral Unit in Palliative Oncology Care / Integración con Atención Primaria de Salud: Experiencia de una Unidad de Derivación en Atención Oncológica Paliativa

O Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro se baseia na universalidade, equidade e integralidade, com foco na participação popular, na regionalização e hierarquização, bem como na descentralização, como seus princípios. Visa dessa forma a garantir o acesso da população à saúde em todos os níveis de atenção. O Hospital do Câncer IV (HC IV), unidade de Cuidados Paliativos do Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA), tem como perfil assistencial os pacientes com câncer avançado sem possibilidade de tratamento modificador da doença oriundos das outras unidades do INCA. O HC IV/INCA tem como missão "promover e prover cuidados paliativos oncológicos da mais alta qualidade, com habilidade técnica e humanitária". Dessa maneira, pretende-se minimizar o sofrimento humano proveniente das esferas física, psíquica, social e espiritual e promover qualidade de vida

The principles of the National Health System (SUS) are based in the universality, equity, and integrality, targeted to the participation of the individuals, regionalization and hierarchy and decentralization. It attempts to ensure the population the access to health across all levels of attention . The "Hospital do Câncer IV (HC IV)" Palliative Care Unit of the National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA), provides care to patients with advanced cancer without possibility of disease modifying treatment referred from other INCA units. HC IV/ INCA's mission is to "promote and provide high quality palliative oncologic care with technical and humanitarian proficiency" . Following this logic, it endeavors to minimize the human suffering of physical, psychic, social and spiritual nature, and improve the quality of life

Value-based medicine and palliative care: how do they converge?

Introduction: Sick persons need doctors who understand their pathology, know how to treat their problem, and accompany them through their illness. This study aimed to synthesize the state of knowledge regarding the concept of value-based medicine (VBM) through an integrative literature review, and establish how VBM can be applied in palliative care. Areas covered: An integrative review was conducted with the keywords 'value-based medicine,' 'patient-centered care,' and 'medicina baseada em valor' (Portuguese for VBM) in PubMed and Virtual Health Library, identifying 17,189 articles in total. Of these, 10 articles met the eligibility criteria. VBM combines the highest level of technical-scientific data with patients' values. It is defined as the combination of evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care, and cost-effectiveness. Patients' values are a set of preferences, concerns, and expectations that contribute toward accommodating their needs in the treatment clinic. Expert opinion: Like VBM, palliative care focuses on patients' values and quality of life, respecting natural limits. The early development of a care plan with active participation of the patient in the face of life-threatening diseases should be encouraged and can bring peace and comfort in a person's final moments.

Medicamentos e Controle de dor: Experiência de um Centro de Referência em Cuidados Paliativos no Brasil / Medication and Pain Control: Experience of a Brazilian Palliative Care Referral Center / Medicamentos y Control del Dolor: Experiencia de un Centro de Referencia en Cuidados Paliativos en Brasil

Introdução: A dor é um dos sintomas mais prevalentes em pacientes com câncer, especialmente no último ano de vida, sendo frequente o controle inadequado. Objetivo: Delinear o perfil de medicamentos utilizados para controle de dor em uma unidade hospitalar de cuidados paliativos oncológicos. Método: Estudo transversal com acompanhamento longitudinal de todos os pacientes internados entre setembro e novembro de 2016. Escala Verbal Numérica (EVN), funcionalidade e medicamentos com potencial analgésico utilizados foram coletados por revisão de prontuário. Resultados: Os 399 pacientes internados compuseram 461 episódios de internação, sendo 429 (93%) com o sintoma dor (controlada ou não). A idade média foi 62 anos, oito dias em média de internação, motivada por dor em 18% dos casos; e, em 35%, o sintoma dor não estava controlado. Destes, a EVN foi quantificada como zero após dois dias em média. Segundo a escada analgésica, 29% estavam no primeiro degrau, 11% no segundo e 82% no terceiro. O uso do analgésico comum e de adjuvante foi verificado em mais de 80% dos episódios. A dose média equivalente de morfina oral foi 117 mg/dia. Discussão: O controle de dor observado foi superior e mais precoce se comparado com outros trabalhos semelhantes. A dose média de opioide (equipotência analgésica) foi semelhante à observada em outros estudos. Entretanto, o uso de opioide forte e de adjuvantes foi mais frequente do que o notado em outros serviços. Essa diferença pode justificar o melhor controle álgico. Conclusão: A ação da equipe especializada proporciona melhor controle de sintomas.

Introduction: Pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms in cancer patients, especially in the last year of life, and its inadequate control is frequent. Objective: Outline the profile of drugs used for pain control in an exclusive oncology palliative care hospital unit. Method: A cross-sectional study with longitudinal follow-up of all hospitalized patients between September and November 2016. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functionality and drugs with analgesic potential used were collected through medical chart review. Results: The 399 hospitalized patients presented 461 hospitalization episodes, of which 429 (93%) were patients with pain symptom (controlled or not). The mean age was 62 years, with an average of 8 days of hospitalization motivated by pain in 18% of the cases and in 35%, the pain symptom was not controlled. Of these, NRS was quantified as zero after 2 days in average. According to the Analgesic Ladder, 29% were in the 1st step, 11% in the second and 82% in the third. The use of common analgesic and of adjuvant was verified in more than 80% of the episodes. The mean equivalent dose of oral morphine was 117 mg/day. Discussion: Pain control observed was higher and earlier when compared to other similar works. The mean opioid dose (analgesic equipotent) was analogous to the observed in other studies. However, the use of strong opioids and adjuvants was more frequent than what was noticed in other services. This difference may justify the better pain control. Conclusion: The action of skilled team grants better symptom control.

Introducción: El dolor es uno de los síntomas más frecuentes en pacientes con cáncer, especialmente en el último año de vida, y el control inadecuado es frecuente. Objetivo: Delinear el perfil de los medicamentos utilizados para el control del dolor en una unidad hospitalaria de cuidados paliativos para el cáncer. Método: Estudio transversal con seguimiento longitudinal de todos los pacientes hospitalizados entre septiembre y noviembre de 2016. La Escala Numérica Verbal (EVN), la funcionalidad y los medicamentos con potencial analgésico utilizados se recogieron mediante revisión de registros médicos. Resultados: Los 399 pacientes hospitalizados constituyeron 461 episodios de hospitalización, de los cuales 429 (93%) tuvieron dolor de síntomas (controlado o no). La edad promedio fue de 62 años, 8 días en promedio. La hospitalización fue motivada por dolor en el 18% de los casos y en 35% el síntoma de dolor no fue controlado. De estos, EVN se cuantificó como cero después de 2 días en promedio. Según la Escalera Analgésica, el 29% estaba en el primer paso, el 11% en el segundo y el 82% en el tercero. El uso de analgésicos y adyuvantes comunes se observó en más del 80% de los episodios. La dosis equivalente promedio de morfina oral fue de 117 mg/día. Discusión: El control del dolor observado fue superior y anterior en comparación con otros trabajos similares. La dosis promedio de opioide (equipamiento analgésico) fue similar a la observada en otros estudios. Sin embargo, el uso de opioides y adyuvantes fuertes fue más frecuente que en otros servicios. Esta diferencia puede justificar el mejor control del dolor observado. Conclusión: La acción del equipo de expertos proporciona un mejor control de los síntomas.