Psychological intervention in children with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia can lead to severe psychological issues in paediatric and adolescent patients. However, the psychological interventions for these patients are limited in clinical practice. We aimed to investigate the impact of a 3-month psychological intervention on the quality of life (QOL) of children with ß-thalassaemia (12-18 years old) who relied on blood transfusion in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current randomized controlled trial, a total of 143 paediatric or adolescent patients (12-18 years old) with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia were recruited. They were randomized into the control group (n = 71) who received standard physiological treatment and the intervention group (n = 72) who received a 3-month intervention in addition to standard physiological treatment. The effects of the interventions on the QOL and psychological outcomes of these participants were analysed. RESULTS: The 3-month intervention significantly improved the scores of PedsQoL 4.0 Generic Core Scales of paediatric patients with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia. It also significantly improved the psychological status and alleviated the depression among children and adolescent patients by alleviating anhedonia, negative mood and negative self-esteem among them. CONCLUSION: Psychological intervention has positive effects on the treatment for children with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia.

The Effects of Add-On Self-Care Therapy on Epidural Catheter Analgesia and Pain in Patients after Surgical Stabilization of Multiple Rib Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Epidural (EPI) catheter analgesia is frequently prescribed as a regional analgesic technique to patients with multiple rib fractures (MRF) following surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF). AIMS: We aimed to study the effect of add-on self-care therapy on recovery and quality of life (QoL) in patients on EPI analgesia after surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF). DESIGN/SETTINGS/PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: A total of 267 eligible patients with MRF who received EPI catheter analgesia after SSRF were recruited, and assigned to one of two groups in a random fashion: intervention group received education on self-care therapy, while the control group did not. METHODS: Pain scores, incentive spirometry (IS) volumes, oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate, hospital length of stay (LoS) and QoL were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the intervention group showed significantly improved pain scores, IS volume, respiratory rate, and SpO2. Hospital LoS was shorter for the intervention group than the control group. Overall QoL scores in the intervention group were also significantly better than control patients. CONCLUSIONS: Education on self-care therapy significantly benefited pain management, recovery, and QoL for patients with MRF who received EPI catheter analgesia after SSRF operation.

Effects of Resistance Exercise on Symptoms, Physical Function, and Quality of Life in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.

This research aimed to investigate the effects of resistance exercise on symptoms, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Patients were quasi-randomly divided into the resistance exercise group and the relaxation control group, and machine-based resistance exercise was performed twice a week for 12 weeks under the guidance of experienced therapists. The QoL of patients was analyzed by EORTC-QLQ-C30. Resistance exercise training significantly reduced the incidences of lack of energy (inter-group P = .011), nausea (inter-group P = .007), acid reflux (inter-group P = .042), and back pain (inter-group P = .0009). Twelve weeks of resistance exercise training significantly elevated the muscular strength of leg press (inter-group P = .021) and leg extension (inter-group P = .041), and the muscular endurance of leg press (inter-group P = .005). The participants' performance in 6-m fast walk (inter-group P = .008), 6-m backwards walk (inter-group P = .016), and chair rise (inter-group P = .031) were dramatically improved. Fatigue (inter-group P = .024) and appetite loss (inter-group P = .012) in the resistance exercise group were significantly lower than the relaxation control group. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of resistance exercise on symptoms, physical function and QoL in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were demonstrated. Resistance exercise training reduced the incidences of nausea and acid reflux, improved physical function, and alleviated fatigue and appetite loss in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.