RESUMO
Cardio-oncology is a dynamic field. Research has suggested that cancer itself can damage the heart, independent of cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). The aim of this study was to establish the nature of cardiovascular abnormalities reported in cancer, excluding CTRCD. Scoping review search included cardiovascular abnormalities in adults with solid tumour malignancies, and excluded CTRCD and thrombotic events. Three databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline) were searched, supplemented by a handsearch. All screening and data extraction was done by two researchers with consensus reached for any conflicts. Given the heterogeneous nature of the studies identified, data synthesis was narrative. The search identified 42 366 studies. Following deduplication and title/abstract screening, 195 studies were assessed for full-text eligibility. Forty-four studies are included in the final analysis. There are 19 prospective observational studies, 13 retrospective studies, 9 case reports and 3 cross-sectional studies. Types of abnormality identified include cardiomyopathy (16, including Takotsubo (9)), autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction (10), biomarker disturbances (9), reduced myocardial strain (6) and others (3). Due to variable study design, the prevalence was not determined. Cardiovascular abnormalities were associated with morbidity (chest pain, dyspnoea, fatigue) and shortened prognosis. In conclusion: (1) There is evidence for cardiovascular dysfunction in patients with solid tumour malignancies, distinct from CTRCD. People with solid tumours have higher rates of cardiac disease, even when newly diagnosed and treatment naïve. (2) Abnormalities manifest mainly as cardiomyopathies, ANS dysfunction and raised biomarker levels and are associated with significant symptoms. (3) Treatment plans need to take account of these risks, and widen criteria for screening.
RESUMO
Aim: To identify the nature of the evidence reporting hospital-based palliative and end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in the numbers of seriously ill people being cared for across all health services worldwide. Due to the rapid progression of severe symptoms, the majority of staff working in hospitals and other healthcare centres were providing end-of-life care. Little is known about the level of hospital-based palliative care service provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during surges in admission rates with an increased number of deaths accruing. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to search and select potential studies. The scoping review was guided by the framework of Arskey and O'Malley and advanced by the use of the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results: Eighteen studies published between March 2020 and July 2021 were identified. Three broad categories included overall management strategy and logistics, symptom prevalence and management of patients with COVID-19 and end-of-life care needs within the current pandemic. Conclusions: This review highlights increased awareness and knowledge of palliative and end-of-life care provided in hospitals. The review also highlights the response of hospital-based palliative care teams to an evolving crisis, within the context of developed health systems under sustained and overwhelming pressure. Implications: Newly established clinical links and referral pathways developed during the initial COVID-19 surge between hospital-based palliative care and other healthcare teams, be continued and further enhanced. Understanding of the role of specialist palliative care providers in supporting palliative and end-of-life care within the hospital setting needs further investigation.