Use of complementary and alternative medicine in children affected by oncologic, neurologic and liver diseases: a narrative review.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consist of a broad group of restorative resources often linked to existing local cultures and established health care systems and are also increasingly used in children with some serious illnesses. In this narrative review, we examine the epidemiology of the use, efficacy, and safety of complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric oncology, neurology, and hepatology. We searched for relevant articles published in Pubmed evaluating CAM use and its efficacy in safety in children affected by oncologic, neurologic and liver diseases. CAM is used to improve the success of conventional therapies, but also to alleviate the pain, discomfort, and suffering resulting from the diseases and their treatment, which are often associated with a significant burden of adverse effects. CAM use must be evaluated in children with neurological, oncological and liver diseases.

A Qualitative Study Among Healthcare Providers on Risks Associated With the Use of Supportive Care for Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms in Children and Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Although more than 300 000 children and adolescents worldwide are diagnosed with cancer yearly, little research has been conducted investigating how healthcare providers consider risk and patient safety connected with supportive care (including complementary and alternative medicine [CAM]) in this age group. This study aimed to explore how different healthcare providers perceive and evaluate risk when patients combine supportive care and conventional medicine in clinical practice and how they communicate and inform parents about the use of these modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 healthcare providers with expertise in treating pediatric oncology patients from 5 countries. Systematic content analysis was conducted using Nvivo 1.61. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in 3 themes and 8 subthemes. Generally, participants were cautious about implementing unproven new modalities or therapies when recommending supporting care modalities to parents of children and adolescents with cancer. The most important criterion when recommending a modality was evidence for safety based on a risk/benefit evaluation. Negative interactions with conventional medicine were avoided by using the half-life of a drug approach (the time it takes for the amount of a drug's active substance in the body to reduce by half). For patients with severe symptoms, less invasive modalities were used (ear seeds instead of ear needling). To enhance safety, participants practiced open and egalitarian communication with parents. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers reported using a variety of approaches to achieve a safe practice when parents wanted to combine supportive care and conventional cancer treatment. They emphasized that these modalities should be foremost safe and not become an extra burden for the patients. Providers highlighted patient-centered care to meet the individual's specific health needs and desired health outcomes. A lack of national and regional standardized training programs for supportive care in pediatric oncology was considered a hazard to patient safety.

[Complementary or alternative medicine in oncology : Chances or risks?] / Komplementäre oder alternative Medizin in der Onkologie : Chancen oder Risiken?

BACKGROUND: Approximately half of all cancer patients use complementary or alternative medicine. AIM: The results of the German S3 guidelines on complementary oncology are presented and placed into the context of patient consultation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The core recommendations of the S3 guidelines are summarized including an overview of the evidence. RESULTS: Selected methods of complementary medicine can be used with the aim of improving the quality of life and reducing side effects. Comprehensive data are available for physical activity with respect to survival, quality of life and supportive therapy. For most other methods the evidence is relatively low. Therefore, weighing up the benefits and risks more frequently resulted in negative recommendations in the guidelines, especially for methods based on substances. Exceptions to this are three micronutrients (vitamins B12, D and selenium), as even in the case of a well-balanced diet, deficiency symptoms are possible. Therefore, routine measurement of the blood levels of these micronutrients is recommended. CONCLUSION: The questions from patients on what they can do by themselves should be answered respectfully and based on evidence. The benefits and risks of complementary methods must be carefully considered. To do this, regular questioning of patients on the interest in complementary methods is recommended. The decisive benefit of complementary medicine is the chance for patients to become active themselves. Therefore, all recommendations refer to the discussion with the patient, which do not formulate a therapy but are consultation recommendations: should be recommended instead of should be done.

Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. This disorder is mainly characterized by increased levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism, and can lead to long-term insulin resistance, miscarriage, or even infertility in women. PCOS is a disorder that can be treated with natural and allopathic remedies that work against the PCOS mechanism. The present study reviews previous studies on the treatment of PCOS using natural drugs. METHODS: The data in this study were collected from articles published in reputable databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID in the field of medicinal plants from 1990 to 2021. RESULTS: A review of the literature showed that plants such as aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by increasing the number of ovarian follicles. Besides, Vitex agnus-castus and octane reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels. It was also shown that liquorice, ginseng, cinnamon, and de chiro Inositol improve the adverse effects of diabetes caused by PCOS by lowering lipid and blood glucose levels. Moreover, Stachys lavandulifolia and fennel are effective in changing endometrial tissue parameters in PCOS by reducing estrogen and hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Various studies have shown that herbal medicines can improve PCOS symptoms in women with minimal side effects but a longer treatment cycle.

Complementary and alternative therapies in skin cancer a literature review of biologically active compounds.

Complementary and alternative medicine or therapies (CAM) are frequently used by skin cancers patients. Patient's self-administration of CAM in melanoma can reach up to 40%-50%. CAMs such as botanical agents, phytochemicals, herbal formulas ("black salve") and cannabinoids, among others, have been described in skin cancer patients. The objective of this review article was to acknowledge the different CAM for skin cancers through the current evidence, focusing on biologically active CAM rather than mind-body approaches. We searched MEDLINE database for articles published through July 2022, regardless of study design. Of all CAMs, phytochemicals have the best in vitro evidence-supporting efficacy against skin cancer including melanoma; however, to date, none have proved efficacy on human patients. Of the phytochemicals, Curcumin is the most widely studied. Several findings support Curcumin efficacy in vitro through various molecular pathways, although most studies are in the preliminary phase. In addition, the use of alternative therapies is not exempt of risks physicians should be aware of their adverse effects, interactions with standard treatments, and possible complications arising from CAM usage. There is emerging evidence for CAM use in skin cancer, but no human clinical trials support the effectiveness of any CAM in the treatment of skin cancer to date. Nevertheless, patients worldwide frequently use CAM, and physicians should educate themselves on currently available CAMs.

Safety of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatment among children and young adults who suffer from adverse effects of conventional cancer treatment: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely used around the world to treat adverse effects derived from cancer treatment among children and young adults. Parents often seek CAM to restore and maintain the child's physical and emotional condition during and after cancer treatment. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this review were (i) to identify literature that investigates CAM use for treating adverse effects of conventional cancer treatment, (ii) to investigate the safety of the included CAM modalities, and (iii) to evaluate the quality of included studies. METHODS: Five scientific research databases were used to identify observational, quasi-experimental, and qualitative studies from January 1990 to May 2021. Included studies investigated the use of CAM to treat adverse effects of cancer treatment in childhood cancer. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in this review. Ten quasi-experimental, 3 observational studies (longitudinal/prospective), 2 qualitative studies, and 1 study with a quasi-experimental and qualitative arm were identified. Less than half (n = 6; 40%) of the studies included reported adverse effects for the CAM modality being studied. Among the studies that reported adverse effects, they were mostly considered as direct risk, as 13% reported mainly bleeding and bruising upon acupuncture treatment, and dizziness with yoga treatment. All adverse effects were assessed as minor and transient. CAM modalities identified for treating adverse effects of cancer treatment were alternative medical systems, manipulative and body-based therapies, biologically-based therapies, and mind-body therapies. CAM modalities were used to alleviate anxiety, pain, toxicity, prevent trauma, and improve health-related quality of life, functional mobility, and physical activity levels. All studies assessed scored 70% or above according to the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal for study quality checklists. CONCLUSION: Most of the studies (58.3%) included in this review did not report adverse effects from CAM modalities used to treat adverse effects of cancer treatment in children and young adults. This lack of safety information is of concern because parents need to know whether the modality represents an extra burden or harm to the child. To improve awareness about safety in the field, a universal and uniform reporting system for adverse effects in CAM research is needed.

Tratamientos alternativos y/o complementarios en pacientes con trastorno del espectro autista / Alternative and/or complementary treatments in patients with autism spectrum disorder

El Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) es una condición que afecta el neurodesarrollo caracterizada por presentar alteraciones en la comunicación, conducta y en las interacciones sociales, y que afecta el funcionamiento del individuo a lo largo de su vida. Los tratamientos recomendados por la evidencia científica incluyen un enfoque interdisciplinario que combina intervenciones educativas, terapias psicológicas/conductuales, terapia del habla y el lenguaje, terapia ocupacional/física y tratamientos médicos. Para muchas familias, barreras económicas y geográficas limitan el acceso a los tratamientos específicos. Este y otros motivos llevan a incorporar tratamientos alternativos y/o complementarios. El Centro Nacional de Medicina Complementaria y Alternativa (NIH-EEUU) define los Tratamientos Alternativos Complementarios (TAC) como "un grupo de diversos sistemas médicos y de cuidados de la salud; prácticas y productos que generalmente no son considerados parte de la medicina convencional". La prevalencia del uso de TAC en personas con TEA está entre las más altas respecto a otras patologías y a otros trastornos del desarrollo, con porcentajes entre 52% y 95%. Su uso debe ser preguntado en las consultas de seguimiento, y debe discutirse sobre riesgos, beneficios y costos. La cantidad y el tipo de intervención que reciben niños, niñas, adolescentes (NNyA) y adultos con TEA varían enormemente en todo el mundo e incluso dentro de un mismo país y región. El pronóstico del TEA es mejorado cuando el diagnóstico es oportuno y temprano y el abordaje educativo terapéutico es iniciado y orientado a aspectos funcionales y centrados en la familia. (AU)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by alterations in communication, behavior, and social interactions that affect the individual's functioning throughout life. Evidence-based treatments include an interdisciplinary approach that combines educational interventions, psychological/behavioral therapies, speech and language therapy, occupational/physical therapy, and medical treatments. For many families, economic and geographic barriers limit access to specific treatments. This and other reasons have led to the incorporation of alternative and/or complementary treatments. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH - USA) defines complementary alternative medicine (CAM) as "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine". The prevalence of the use of CAM in people with ASD is among the highest compared to other diseases and developmental disorders, with percentages ranging from 52% to 95%. Their use should be considered in follow-up visits, and risks, benefits, and costs should be discussed. The amount and type of intervention received by children, adolescents, and adults with ASD varies greatly around the world and even within the same country and region. The prognosis of ASD is improved with timely diagnosis and early, family-centered and functionally oriented educational and therapeutic approaches

Las terapias alternativas como solución al cuidado de problemas crónicos de salud / Alternative Therapies as a Solution for the Care of Chronic Health Problems

Introducción: Los problemas de salud crónicos son considerados enfermedades multidimensionales, por lo que demandan del personal de enfermería una atención integral y holística. Una opción para brindar un cuidado holístico y autónomo son las terapéuticas alternativas y complementarias. Objetivo: Sistematizar las terapias alternativas como solución al cuidado de problemas crónicos de salud. Métodos: Revisión sistemática de documentos publicados desde 2005 hasta 2020 en español e inglés, con una clara metodología y referencial teórico seleccionado durante el 2020. La pregunta se elaboró a través de la estrategia PICO. Se utilizaron las palabras claves identificadas en DeCS y operadores booleanos: "atención de enfermería" AND "terapias complementarias" AND "enfermedades crónicas" y en inglés, las identificadas por MeHS: "Complementary therapies" AND "Nursing care" AND "Chronic disease". La búsqueda fue realizada en las bases de datos: Pubmed, Clinical Key, SciELO, Dialnet, Index, Google Scholar. Se utilizó el diagrama de flujo (PRISMA) para contribuir a la formulación de la estrategia de búsqueda. Mediante los métodos de análisis documental, síntesis y sistematización se dio la posibilidad de organizar e interpretar los conocimientos presentes en las bibliografías encontradas. Conclusiones: Las terapias alternativas como una solución a los problemas de salud, es una herramienta que puede ser usada por el personal de enfermería, para aumentar la gama de cuidados que se les brindan a las personas con problemas de salud crónicos(AU)

Introduction: Chronic health problems are considered multidimensional diseases; therefore, they demand, from the nursing staff, a comprehensive and holistic care. One option to provide holistic and autonomous care is alternative and complementary therapies. Objective: To systematize alternative therapies as a solution for the care of chronic health problems. Methods: A systematic review of documents published from 2005 to 2020 in Spanish and English was developed, with a clear methodology and theoretical references selected during 2020. The question was elaborated through the PICO strategy. In Spanish, the following keywords, identified in the DeCS, as well as Boolean operators were used: "atención de enfermería" AND "terapias complementarias" AND "enfermedades crónicas". In English, the corresponding keywords found in the MeHS were taken into account: "Complementary therapies" AND "Nursing care" AND "Chronic disease". The search was carried out in the Pubmed, Clinical Key, SciELO, Dialnet, Index and Google Scholar databases. The PRISMA flow diagram (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) was used to contribute to the formulation of the search strategy. The methods of documental analysis, synthesis and systematization permitted to organize and interpret the knowledge present in the theoretical references found. Conclusions: Alternative therapies, as a solution to health problems, are a tool that can be used by the nursing staff, in order to increase the range of care provided to people with chronic health problems(AU)

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Crohn's Disease.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a growing entity within inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CAM includes mind-based therapies, body-based therapies, supplements, vitamins, and probiotics. Limitations currently exist for health care providers as it pertains to IBD and CAM that stem from knowledge gaps, conflicting reports, limited oversight, and a lack of well-organized clinical data. Even without well-described data, patients are turning to these forms of therapy at increasing rates. It is imperative that the ongoing review of CAM therapies is performed, and future trials are performed to better understand efficacy as well as adverse effects related to these therapies.

Complementary Medicine Use Amongst Patients with Metastatic Cancer Enrolled in Phase III Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Complementary medicines (CM) are frequently used by patients with cancer. Controversy exists over the effectiveness and risk that CM may add to conventional cancer therapy. The incidence of CM use among patients enrolled in phase III clinical trials is unknown. METHODS: Medication lists from 6 international phase III clinical trials were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients using CM. Patients had metastatic breast, colorectal, or lung cancers. Quality of life, adverse events, overall survival, and progression-free survival were compared between CM users and non-users. Baseline differences between groups were adjusted with propensity score matching groups. RESULTS: Seven hundred and six of 3446 patients (20.5%) used at least one CM. CM use was highest among patients with breast cancer (35.6%). CM users had more favorable baseline prognostic factors (ECOG 0-1, non-smoking status, younger age, and fewer metastases). CM use was associated with lower rates of adverse events (50% vs. 62%, P = .002) and quality of life was similar between both groups. After adjustment with propensity score matching, CM use was also associated with longer overall survival in patients with lung cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 0.80, 95%CI, 0.68-0.94, P =.0054). However, several key control variables like EGFR status were not available. CONCLUSION: One in 5 patients in phase III clinical trials report using CM. CM was not associated with worse cancer-specific outcomes. However, CM users had more favorable baseline prognostic factors, and likely other confounders that may have contributed to improved outcomes observed in the lung cohort. Physicians should monitor for CM use and potential interactions with clinical trial drugs.

A comprehensive approach to complementary and alternative medicine usage among patients from a vascular department.

INTRODUCTION: Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies had been described in patients with disabling, chronic and painful conditions; these characteristics define the majority of vascular surgery (VS) entities. A lack of disclosure about CAM use from patients has been universally cited and may impact effective patient-doctor communication. Our primary objective was to describe CAM use, modalities, perceived benefits, safety, and associated factors among adult patients attending a VS outpatient clinic; we additionally explored patient's attitudes about CAM disclosure with their primary vascular surgeon. METHODS: This cross-sectional study invited 223 consecutive outpatients to an interview where the ICAM-Q (International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire) and the PDRQ-9 (Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire-9 items) were applied. In addition, sociodemographics, vascular disease and treatment-related information, comorbidity, and disease severity characteristics were obtained. Appropriated statistics was used; multiple logistic regression analysis identified factors associated to CAM use. All statistical tests were two-sided, and a p value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. IRB approval was obtained. RESULTS: Patients recruited were primary females (69%) and had a median age of 65 years (54-75). Most frequent vascular diagnoses were chronic venous insufficiency (36.2%) and peripheral artery disease (26%). There were 104 (46.6%) patients who referred CAM use, primarily self-helped practices (96%), and use of herbal, vitamins, or homeopathic medicines (23.7%). Overall, the majority of the patients perceived CAM modalities helpful and 94.6% denied any adverse event. Female sex (OR: 1.768, 95% CI: 0.997-3.135, p = 0.051) and hospitalization during the previous year (OR: 3.173, 95% CI: 1.492-6.748, p = 0.003) were associated to CAM use. The majority of the patients (77%) agreed about CAM disclosure with their primary vascular surgeon; meanwhile, among CAM users, up to 54.9% did not disclose it, and their main reasons were "Doctor didn't ask" (32%) and "I consider it unnecessary" (16%). The patient-doctor relationship was rated by the patients with high scores. CONCLUSIONS: CAM use is frequent and perceived as safe and beneficial among VS outpatients; nonetheless, patients do not disclose CAM use with their primary vascular surgeons, and a wide range of reasons are given by the patients that prevent effective and open communication.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Gliomas: Scoping Review of Clinical Studies, Patient Outcomes, and Toxicity Profiles.

INTRODUCTION: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are highly used among those diagnosed with glioma. Further research is warranted, however, as it remains important to clearly delineate CAM practices that are unproven, disproven, or promising for future research and implementation. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify all articles that investigated the effect of any CAM therapy on survival of patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioma. RESULTS: Eighteen papers and 4 abstracts pertaining to the effects of ketogenic diet (4), antioxidants (3), hyperbaric oxygen (4), cannabinoids (2), carbogen and nicotinamide (3), mistletoe extract (2), hypocupremia and penicillamine (1), and overall CAM use (3) on overall and progression-free survival in patients with low- and high-grade glioma were identified (Levels of Evidence I-IV). Ketogenic diets, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and cannabinoids appear to be safe and well tolerated by patients; preliminary studies demonstrate tumor response and increased progression-free survival and overall survival when combined with standard of care therapies. Antioxidant usage exhibit mixed results perhaps associated with glioma grade with greater effect on low-grade gliomas; vitamin D intake was associated with prolonged survival. Conversely, carbogen breathing and hypocupremia were found to have no effect on the survival of patients with glioma, with associated significant toxicity. Most modalities under the CAM umbrella have not been appropriately studied and require further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite widespread use, Level I or II evidence for CAM for the treatment of glioma is lacking, representing future research directions to optimally counsel and treat glioma patients.

Self-medication with herbal medicine and breast cancer survival: a prospective monocentric study.

PURPOSE: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among breast cancer patients, but less is known about whether CAM influences breast cancer survival. The primary aim of this study was to determine the impact of self-use of herbs on the overall survival. METHODS: This was a prospective study including 110 patients with breast cancer. All patients were questioned about the concept of taking herbs. We analyzed the demographic data and the overall survival. RESULTS: The average age was 51 years (30-80 years old). 37 had metastatic disease (33.6%). 48 patients had taken plants (43.6%). 19 patients consumed Graviola (39.6%) and 29 Alenda (60.4%). Overall survival at 3 years and at 5 years were, respectively, 96.2% and 82.4% in the absence of plant consumption versus 78.5% and 78.5% in case of plant consumption (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that self-medication with Graviola or Alenda may be associated with an increase of death risk in patients with breast cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Risk evaluation of the use of complementary and alternative medicines in cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to improve their well-being. Little is known about real risks. OBJECTIVE: To highlight 3 different types of axes: 1/cancer patients' perceptions concerning CAM; 2/misinformation/miscommunication about CAM; 3/CAM toxicity (direct toxicity, CAM-anticancer drugs, CAM-cancer interactions). METHOD: A questionnaire was proposed to cancer patients for 2 months. The CAM toxicity was analyzed if patients documented their drugs and CAM. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients responded: 72/85 were taking≥1CAM. In total, 95% patients were satisfied. There was an increasing CAM intake after cancer diagnosis. One hundred and seventeen different CAM were identified (63 herbs, 24 essential oils, 28 food supplements, 2 homeopathic specialities). Only 30/85 were aware CAM could interact with anticancer drugs. No other type of risk was perceived. INFORMATION SOURCES: 43/85 Internet, 38/85 general practitioner, 38/85 community pharmacist, 32/85 entourage, 25/85 other patients, 22/85 oncologist. In total, 81.3% questioned healthcare professionals (HCP) about CAM. Twelve patients noticed HCP lacked knowledge regarding CAM. The toxicity analysis was carried out for 24 patients who consumed 1 to 24CAM. In total, 133CAM were reported, including 87 different CAM. For only 43CAM/87, studies were found. All patients presented≥1risk: 14 at risk of CAM-cancer interactions, 15 of CAM-anticancer drug interactions, 21 of CAM direct toxicities. CONCLUSION: Many CAM are used by patients. The diagnosis of cancer favors their use. The risks are manifold: low perception of risk that can be induced by CAM, diverse and insecure sources of information and many potential toxicities that are not scientifically documented.

[Aspiration pneumonia after ingestion of kerosene - lamp oil is not a remedy]. / Aspirationspneumonie nach Petroleumingestion ­ Lampenöl ist kein Heilmittel.

HISTORY: We present the case of a 78-year old man, who developed aspiration pneumonia and consecutive sepsis after ingestion of a small amount of kerosene. FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: Because unintentional ingestion was suspected first, diagnostic clarification of dementia was requested. Extensive exploration of the patient and third-party anamnesis excluded a psychiatric illness. Instead, a strong belief in alternative medical promises of healing was revealed as the true cause. THERAPY AND COURSE: Thus, psychiatric treatment was not neccessary, while physical condition improved after administration of antimicrobial substances. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric consultation may be helpful to diagnostically contextualize behaviour suggesting a mental illness.

Plasma convalescente / Convalescent plasma

Com referencial teórico do ano de 2020, foram condensadas as evidências sobre o uso de plasma convalescente no tratamento da Covid-19, abordando um estudo de uma série de casos de cinco pacientes com diagnóstico de COVID-19 e síndrome do desconforto respiratório; um estudo piloto, 10 pacientes com diagnostico de COVID-19 confirmado por RT-PCR; um estudo (preprint) envolvendo 5.000 pacientes; um ensaio clínico aberto, multicêntrico incluindo 103 pacientes com quadro grave de COVID-19; uma atualização de Revisão da Cochrane, que incluiu 20 estudos, 5443 participantes (5211 receberam tratamento com plasma). Resumem as Diretrizes de Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dos Estados Unidos para utilização da terapia. No Brasil, pontua as recomendações da ANVISA, as considerações do Ministério da Saúde e os esclarecimentos do Ofício Circular nº 40/2020. Os estudos analisados pontuam resultados positivos quanto à eficácia e segurança e apontam necessidade de maiores evidências

With the theoretical framework of the year 2020, the evidence on the use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of Covid-19 was condensed, addressing a study of a case series of five patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and respiratory distress syndrome; a pilot study, 10 patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR; a study (preprint) involving 5,000 patients; an open, multicenter clinical trial including 103 patients with severe COVID-19; a Cochrane Review update, which included 20 studies, 5443 participants (5211 received plasma treatment). They summarize the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidelines for using the therapy. In Brazil, the recommendations of ANVISA, the considerations of the Ministry of Health and the clarifications of Circular Letter nº 40/2020 are punctuated. The analyzed studies show positive results regarding efficacy and safety and point to the need for more evidence

A comparison of the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for premature ovarian insufficiency: A protocol for network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the increase in the incidence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) over the years, the ovarian function has become one of the integral aspects of research in reproductive medicine today. POI seriously affects the physical and mental health of women, especially reproductive health. Studies show both complementary and alternative therapies to be effective in treating POIs. However, consistency in conclusions is still far-fetched. In light of this, we will carry out a study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for POIs. We therefore develop a study protocol for a proposed network meta-analysis (NMA) and systematic review on POI. METHODS: The following electronic bibliographic database will be searched: VIP database, Wanfang database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science from inception till 31 December 2019. A search at the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform will also be done. Subsequently, the searched data will undergo independent screening, retrieving, and risk of bias assessment by 2 reviewers. Analysis will be performed on included studies using the NMA technique. Next, the primary outcomes will be compared using ADDIS 1.16.5 and Stata 15.0. RESULTS: The safety and effectiveness of alternative and complementary therapies used in the treatment of POI will be compared and evaluated. CONCLUSION: This work will provide high-quality evidence for clinicians in the field to build on for best practices in effective interventions (complementary and alternative therapies) for POI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This NMA is a secondary research which based on some previously published data. Therefore, the ethical approval was not necessary. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020163873.

Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use in brain tumor patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) being utilized and the possible factors that prompted the use of CAM in patients with brain tumors. Methods: The study conducted was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with brain tumors at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from January 2011 to May 2018. Patients with primary and secondary brain tumors, were included. Our questionnaire was conducted via phone interviews after obtaining patient consent.  Results: A total of 72 patients were included. The mean age of the participants was 45.89 (±16.52) years. We found that education level significantly affected the use of CAM. Fewer users of CAM held bachelor's degree and patients with lower degrees used CAM more frequently (p=0.027). The most frequent types of CAM were Zamzam (holy water) and Ruqya (Quran reading). Family members were the most frequent source of information about the use of CAM (81.6%).  Conclusion: Education level has a significant effect on CAM use. Gender plays a role in the type of CAM used. Future research should focus on the adverse effects of some CAM therapies, how effective CAM therapies are, and the effect CAM may play in delaying patients from seeking medical advice.

Nausea and Vomiting in Advanced Cancer.

OPINION STATEMENT: Nausea and vomiting is a common clinical issue in the advanced cancer patient. The etiology may be related to treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) or non-treatment clinical issues related to the advanced cancer. A very detailed initial assessment of nausea/vomiting is indicated including frequency, duration, intensity, associated activities, and the presence of anorexia or cachexia and is necessary in order to determine a specific etiology which may allow a potentially specific successful intervention. Various international antiemetic guidelines have been developed for the successful prevention of chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced nausea and emesis but the treatment of post-chemotherapy nausea/vomiting and of radiation-induced nausea/vomiting has been less successful. Chronic nausea/vomiting in the advanced cancer patient unrelated to treatment remains a significant clinical problem with few successful treatments and interventions. NCCN and ASCO palliative care guidelines provide various treatment suggestions but these are based on empiric evidence with very few clinical trials available to provide demonstrated effective treatments. Recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that olanzapine may be an effective agent for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis as well as treatment of chronic nausea and vomiting unrelated to treatment.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer: A Tunisian single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and to identify their side effects, when used in cancer patients. We also assessed the communication of the patients and families with the oncologist about this issue. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 120 adult patients treated for cancer in our medical oncology department between January and April 2019, using an anonymous questionnaire to assess complementary and alternative medicine use. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients participated in the survey, among them 102 used CAM (85%). A majority of users were female patients (n=72, 70.6%), and mean age was 52.4 years±11.6. Patients had breast cancer in 48% of cases. Wild herbs were the most commonly used alternative therapy (67.7%), particularly Ephedra foeminea (Alanda) in 52% of cases. Patients' families incited them to use CAM in 64.7% of cases. Internet and social network (Facebook) were the major sources of information on CAM (79.4%), followed by family and friends (72.5%). Fourteen patients (13.7%) reported nausea and vomiting secondary to CAM use. We reported disruption of liver function in 9.8% of cases, and renal failure in 1.96%, with fatal issue in one patient using Ephedra. Nineteen patients (18.6%) informed their oncologist about the alternative therapy they received. CONCLUSION: The oncologist has to explore the use of alternative therapies with their patients. Communication about CAM should be a part of cancer care. It may protect patients from some dangerous side effects and improve efficacy of conventional therapy.