Fatigue and physical activity in post-CABG patients: the parallel mediation model of kinesiophobia and self-efficacy : a prospective multicentre and cross-sectional study in China.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate how kinesiophobia and self-efficacy explain the relationship between fatigue and physical activity (PA) in post-coronary artery bypass grafting (post-CABG) patients over the age of 45. DESIGN: A prospective multicentre and cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study was conducted in four public tertiary hospitals in China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1278 patients who underwent CABG surgery were selected from the case pool, with their surgeries occurring between 3 and 19 months prior to selection. Out of 1038 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were invited to participate in the study, 759 patients agreed to participate and complete the questionnaire. Ultimately, 376 questionnaires were deemed eligible and included in the analysis. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaire included the following scales: the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK-SV Heart), the Cardiac Exercise Self-Efficacy Instrument (CESEI) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long (IPAQ-L). A serial mediation model was used to test whether the association between fatigue and PA was mediated by kinesiophobia and self-efficacy, in the overall sample and subsamples defined by age. RESULTS: The results confirmed that fatigue was directly (95% CI (-5.73 to -3.02)) associated with PA. Higher kinesiophobia (95% CI (-0.16 to -0.05)) or lower PA self-efficacy (95% CI (-0.11 to -0.02)) were parallel pathways through which higher fatigue impediment reduced PA levels. In both subgroups, the street pathways of kinesiophobia and self-efficacy were altered. In the age, 45-60 years group, kinesiophobia (Boot 95% CI (-0.19 to-0.05)) was a mediator of fatigue on PA levels, while in the 61-75 years age group, self-efficacy (Boot 95% CI (-0.17 to -0.04)) was a mediator of fatigue on PA levels. CONCLUSIONS: A clear relationship between fatigue and PA was mediated by both kinesiophobia and self-efficacy. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of adapting the intervention according to the age of the patients, mainly by reducing patients' kinesiophobia in patients aged 45-60 years and increasing patients' self-efficacy in patients aged 61-75 years. It may be possible to improve PA levels in post-CABG patients over 45 years of age by eliminating kinesiophobia and increasing self-efficacy.

Impact of rehabilitation unit-based physical activity therapy versus symptomatic supportive treatment on older patients with advanced cancer: a non-randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Relatively few studies have investigated the effects of rehabilitation-based physical activity therapy as a treatment for older patients with advanced cancer. This study evaluated the effects of individualized precise and structured exercise interventions, prescribed by a rehabilitation physician, on fatigue, quality of life (QOL), and physical activity in older patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: After admission to the rehabilitation department, older cancer patients were divided into groups receiving conventional symptomatic supportive therapy (SST) or physical activity therapy plus conventional symptomatic supportive therapy (PAT). The SST group was given symptomatic supportive treatment, exercised on their own, and were observed at home after their symptoms improved. The PAT group was required to implement physical exercise along with SST, involving 30 min of moderate-intensity exercise per day and 5 days per week, and were discharged after 4 weeks and instructed to continue to exercise outside the hospital. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) at 4 and 8 weeks was the primary endpoint of the study, while the secondary endpoints included patients' QOL, physical activity, and exercise adherence rate. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included; 37 (56.92%) chose to enter the PAT group, and 28 (43.08%) chose to enter the SST group. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, CRF relief and QOL improvement were significantly better in the PAT group than in the SST group (p < 0.05), whereas global health status did not differ between the two treatment groups (T1: p = 0.84; T2: p = 0.92). Mild physical activity significantly increased for the PAT group at T1 and T2 (T1: p = 0.03; T2: p = 0.005). At the T2 time point, the PAT group exhibited a higher level of participation in moderate-intensity physical activities as well as a higher total leisure activity score (p < 0.05). Thirty-three patients (94.29%) completed the PAT exercise program during hospitalization. Only four (12.12%) patients achieved moderate-intensity exercise, while the other 29 (87.88%) patients were able to continue exercising after their exercise intensity was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of precise and individualized exercise interventions, prescribed by the rehabilitation team, can lead to the reduction of CRF and improvement of QOL, and change in behavior related to physical activity.

Effect of exercise on fatigue and depression in breastcancer women undergoing chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of exercise interventions in reducing fatigue and depression among women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. The study followed PRISMA guidelines and analysed seven randomized controlled trials between 2016 and 2022. The results showed that exercise can substantially reduce fatigue levels (MD: -0.40, CI: -0.66, -0.14, P: 0.003), a common side effect of chemotherapy. Although depression did not significantly change (MD: -0.39, CI: -0.98, 0.20, P: 0.19), this study highlights the positive impact of exercise on mental health outcomes. The control group also experienced decreased quality of life (MD: 0.18, CI: 0.01-0.35, P: 0.03), emphasizing the importance of incorporating exercise interventions to improve overall well-being during breast cancer treatment. In addition to primary outcomes, the study revealed that exercise positively affected secondary aspects such as cognitive fatigue, social function, physical function, constipation, and dyspnoea.

The use of modafinil for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological condition affecting nearly one million people across the United States. Among the most prominent symptoms of the condition are excessive fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Numerous clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of modafinil in addressing fatigue among these patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to assess the safety and efficacy of modafinil for the treatment of fatigue in MS. METHODOLOGY: An electronic search of PUBMED, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central was conducted for articles published from inception to December 2023 using search terms such as "modafinil," "fatigue," and "MS." RESULTS: Seven studies were included in our analysis. Modafinil leads to a meaningful reduction in fatigue when compared with placebo, as measured by Modified Fatigue Impact Scale [mean difference (MD) = -4.42 [-8.01, -.84]; I2 = 45%; p = .02] and Epworth Sleepiness Scale [MD = -.87 [-1.64, -.10]; I2 = 0%; p = .03]. Modafinil also demonstrated a greater risk of precipitating adverse events (e.g., insomnia, gastrointestinal symptoms) when compared with placebo [RR = 1.30 [1.03, 1.66]; I2 = 0%; p = .03]. In quality-of-life assessments, modafinil was associated with overall improvement in well-being [standardized mean difference = .18 [.01, .35]; I2 = 56%; p = .04]. CONCLUSION: The data indicates that modafinil confers a therapeutic benefit when treating fatigue in patients with MS and improves overall quality of life; however, there is a risk of precipitating adverse events. Ultimately, higher quality of evidence may be required to better inform clinical management.

Actual and imagined music-cued gait training for people with multiple sclerosis: a multicentre qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences and acceptability of music-cued motor imagery (MCMI), music-cued gait training (MCGT), and combined MCMI and MCGT (MCMI-MCGT) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We also aimed to explore participants' self-rated health status postintervention and gather recommendations for further programme development. DESIGN: Qualitative study alongside the double-blind randomised controlled real and imagined gait training with music-cueing (RIGMUC) multicentre trial of MCMI, MCGT and MCMI-MCGT. SETTING: PwMS recruited for the RIGMUC trial from Departments of Neurology at Medical Universities of Innsbruck and Graz and Clinic for Rehabilitation Muenster, Austria. PARTICIPANTS: All 132 pwMS with mild to moderate disability randomised into the trial were included in the analysis. METHODS: Participants practised home-based MCMI, MCGT or MCMI-MCGT for 30 min, 4×/week, for 4 weeks. Three trained researchers conducted weekly semistructured telephone interviews during the intervention period, supporting adherence, addressing problems, sharing experiences and assessing intervention acceptability. Follow-up interviews at 4-week postintervention aimed to understand participants' self-rated changes in walking, fatigue and overall health compared with their prestudy condition. Investigator triangulation was employed among the researchers to enhance trustworthiness and credibility. RESULTS: Using thematic analysis, we identified five themes: (1) empowerment, (2) remaining in sync, (3) interconnection between imagined and actual walking, (4) sustaining focus and (5) real-world transfer. Participants appreciated and found the imagined and actual MCGT innovative. Problems included concentration issues, early fatigue in advanced disability and difficulty synchronising with music cues. Positive changes in walking, fatigue and overall health postinterventions were reported offering valuable insights for programme development. CONCLUSIONS: A participatory study to codevelop a music-cued exercise programme for pwMS seems appropriate as participants appreciated the innovation and effectiveness of both imagined and actual MCGT. Future studies should also investigate pwMS' potential and limitations in enhancing their MCMI abilities with intensive therapist-supported practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00023978.

A Systematic Review of Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia.

BACKGROUND: Pernicious anemia (PA) is a type of macrocytic anemia caused by autoimmune gastritis. To facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment of PA there is a pressing need for improved understanding among Healthcare providers of the condition's symptoms and diagnostic criteria. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to extend existing clinical knowledge on the presentation of PA by determining which symptoms and clinical complications are reported in published adult case studies. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified through electronic searches of PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE, via OvidSP. During data extraction symptoms were categorized according to the International Classification of Diseases and were grouped based on frequency. RESULTS: Symptoms were documented for 103 adults with a diagnosis of PA; the most frequent symptoms were fatigue (55%), loss of sensation in limbs (32%), excessive weight loss (27%), and a sore tongue (23%). CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the diverse symptomology of adults who are diagnosed with PA. Most symptoms documented in case studies are consistent with the core signs of B12 and folate deficiencies. Research is needed to identify if there are common clusters of PA symptoms that can be used as prompts for diagnostic testing in patients with suspected B12 deficiency.

Plain language titleA Review of Symptoms of Pernicious AnemiaPlain language summaryThis study reviewed case studies that have been written about adults with pernicious anemia, it has documented the frequency of the core symptoms and the impact these have on health.

Content validation of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network/Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Lymphoma Symptom Index-18 (NFLymSI-18) in indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The NFLymSI-18 is a patient-reported outcome measure comprised of the highest priority symptoms, emotional concerns, treatment side effects, and other concerns identified by lymphoma patients and oncologists. This study assessed the content validity of the NFLymSI-18 for patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (iNHL), with a focus on the Disease-Related Symptoms Physical (DRS-P) subscale. METHODS: Patients with a confirmed iNHL diagnosis who had received one or more lines of treatment were recruited during clinic visits. Patients described their symptoms, treatment side effects, and emotional concerns related to iNHL in a semi-structured interview. Qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo10. RESULTS: Data saturation was obtained by the 18th interview. Most participants (67%) had follicular lymphoma. 28% of participants had marginal zone lymphoma, and one participant had lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Mean age of the 18 participants was 67 years. 56% of the sample was male. Most participants (67%) had a college or advanced degree. When asked to describe their iNHL symptoms, patients most often discussed swelling (n = 14), fatigue (n = 11), and pain (n = 8). The following symptoms were mentioned by three patients each: anxiety, appetite loss, rash, sleep disruption, trouble breathing, and malaise. Mapping of NFLymSI-18 content to these concerns showed the instrument includes all those most frequently mentioned symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the content validity of the NFLymSI-18, including its DRS-P Subscale, for patients with iNHL. The instrument shows strong validity for the most referenced symptoms of swelling, fatigue, and pain. The diversity of additional symptoms reported by patients is consistent with the heterogeneous symptomology of iNHL.

The impact of non- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: results from WF-97415.

PURPOSE: To examine the differential effect of non- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy on fatigue over 12 months post-diagnosis among breast cancer survivors. METHODS: This study is based on a prospective Wake Forest NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) multicenter cohort study (WF-97415) of women with stage I to III breast cancer and non-cancer controls. Analyses compared those: 1) receiving, or 2) not receiving anthracycline chemotherapy, 3) receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) without chemotherapy, with 4) a comparator group without a history of cancer. In-person clinic assessments were conducted at: baseline (prior to chemotherapy or start of AI therapy), and 3 and 12 months after baseline. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale was the primary outcome. Estimated least squares means by group using mixed models with a random subject effect, fixed effects of time and group, and the interaction between time and group was used to compare groups across time, controlling for age, comorbidities, and treatment variables. RESULTS: Among 284 women (mean age = 53.4 years, sd 11.9 years), there was a significant (p < 0.0001) group by time interaction, with a sharp increase in fatigue at 3 months in the two chemotherapy groups in comparison to the non-chemotherapy and non-cancer controls. The two chemotherapy groups did not significantly differ in fatigue at any time point. CONCLUSION: Women with breast cancer who receive non- or anthracycline-based chemotherapy experience similar trends in and levels of fatigue within the first year of treatment and greater fatigue than women receiving AIs alone or women without breast cancer.

Previously healthy unvaccinated adults have significant functional limitations in the medium and long term after mild COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 can persist for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to identify persistent symptoms (fatigue, cognition, quality of life, anxiety, depression and physical measures) in unvaccinated community-managed patients following COVID-19 infection. METHOD: This was a prospective nested observational study of health and wellbeing measures determined seven and 13 months after COVID-19 infection, alongside physical abilities after 18 months. RESULTS: Data analyses were completed on 62 participants (60% female, median age 35 years). Severe fatigue was noted in 47% of participants at seven months and this had not improved significantly by 13 months (45%). Quality of life and mental health scores were significantly worse in individuals with severe fatigue. One-quarter of participants demonstrated mild cognitive impairment at seven months. After 18 months, walking and lung function were normal, but grip strength was reduced in 26% of participants. DISCUSSION: A significant proportion of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients had not returned to pre-illness levels of health and function after one year; screening functional ability and mental wellbeing is warranted in unvaccinated people with COVID-19.

Symptom Distress Before and After Heart Transplantation - A Longitudinal 5-Year Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: Symptom distress after heart transplantation (HTx) is a significant problem causing uncertainty, low self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Few studies have addressed self-reported symptoms. The aim was to explore self-reported symptom distress from time on the waiting list to 5 years after HTx and its association with self-reported psychological well-being, chronic pain, and fatigue in order to identify possible predictors of psychological or transplant specific well-being. METHODS: This multicenter, longitudinal cohort study includes 48 heart recipients (HTRs), 12 women, and 36 men, with a median age of 57 years followed from pretransplant to 5 years post-transplant. Symptom distress was explored by means of four instruments measuring psychological general wellbeing, transplant specific wellbeing, pain, and fatigue. RESULTS: Transplant specific well-being for the whole improved in a stepwise manner during the first 5 years compared to pretransplant. Heart transplant recipients with poor psychological wellbeing were significantly more burdened by symptom distress, in particular sleep problems and fatigue, for up to 5 years after HTx, and their transplant-specific well-being never improved compared to baseline. The prevalence of pain varied from 40% to 60% and explained a significant proportion of the variance in transplant-specific well-being, while psychological general well-being was mainly predicted by overall symptom distress. CONCLUSION: The presence of distressing symptoms explains a significant proportion of poor psychological wellbeing both among HTRs reporting chronic pain and those without pain.

Symptom network and quality of life of breast cancer patients receiving multimodal cancer treatment: Cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer patients experience symptoms and side effects from multimodal treatments, which often include menopausal symptoms resulting from cytotoxic chemotherapy or estrogen suppression therapy. This study aimed to explore the symptom network and clusters and its relationship to quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients who receive multimodal cancer treatment and experience treatment-related menopausal symptoms. METHODS: A correlational study was conducted. Breast cancer patients receiving multimodal cancer treatment and experiencing treatment-related menopausal symptoms were included while they were receiving radiation therapy (N = 250). Symptoms, functions and QoL were assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR45. Network analysis, principal component analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Fatigue was the most central symptom in the symptom-only network as well as in the network consisting of symptoms and QoL. Fatigue, systemic therapy side effects, appetite loss, and cognitive symptoms demonstrated significant associations with QoL. The cancer and treatment related symptom cluster consisted of fatigue, cognitive symptoms, emotional symptoms and systemic therapy side effects. Breast cancer therapy-specific symptoms, such as arm symptoms, skin mucosis symptoms, and breast symptoms, formed a cluster with pain. CONCLUSION: Fatigue was the most central symptom in breast cancer patients receiving multimodal cancer treatment and experiencing menopausal symptoms. Evaluation of fatigue and providing interventions to manage fatigue would contribute to improvement of QoL of breast cancer patients receiving multimodal cancer treatments. Future network analysis and symptom cluster studies should specify the population of interest and the treatment phase using comprehensive symptom evaluation tools.

A clinical study evaluating low dose ferrous fumarate vs. standard iron supplements in iron-deficient non-anemic to mild anemic adults.

Our study aims to validate safety and efficacy of Feroglobin capsule compared with different iron supplementations in adult subjects diagnosed with non-anemic to mild anemic iron deficiency and fatigue. Enrolled 302 participants diagnosed with non-anemic to mild anemic iron deficiency and fatigue. Group A (n = 147) received Feroglobin, Group B (n = 146) received standard of care [Haem Up Gems capsules (Ferrous fumarate) or Fericip tablets (Ferrous ascorbate)]. 293 subjects completed the study with follow-up visits on days 30, 60, and 90. Feroglobin treatment significantly increased hemoglobin levels from mean 12.43 g/dl to 13.24 g/dl in 90 days. Ferritin levels improved significantly by 442.87% compared to the standard care's 256.67%. Fatigue scale scores reduced by 47.51%, and all presenting health complaints resolved completely. Gastrointestinal symptoms observed were similar in both the groups. Both groups exhibited moderate treatment adherence. Quality of life improved in pain and general health domains, exhibiting a good tolerability. Adverse events were unrelated to the investigational products. Feroglobin serves as an efficacious therapeutic alternative for improving hemoglobin, ferritin, and reducing fatigue with low doses compared to standard of care. However, longer-term effects of low-dose require further investigations in different target groups.

Associations of three differential white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and their derived inflammatory indices with cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Inflammation is thought to be a vital element in the etiology of cancer-related fatigue (CRF), and circulating blood cell parameters could be important markers of inflammatory response. However, the associations of several major blood cell counts and their derived inflammatory indices with CRF are not well described. The present study aimed to establish whether a relationship exists between the counts of three white blood cell (WBC) types, platelets, and CRF and investigate whether several systemic inflammatory indices were associated with CRF in patients with breast cancer (BC). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 824 patients with BC undergoing chemotherapy. The cancer fatigue scale was administered to assess CRF. Hematological indicators, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets, were retrieved from routine blood test. Network analyses were used to examine the associations among them. RESULTS: Among 824 participants, the mean score of CRF was (27 ± 10), ranging from 0 to 57. The results of network models indicated that physical fatigue was negatively linked to lymphocyte counts (weight = - 0.161), and affective fatigue was positively associated with neutrophil counts (weight = 0.070). Additionally, physical fatigue was positively linked to the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (weight = 0.049). CONCLUSION: There were preliminary associations of counts of three WBC types, platelet counts, and systemic inflammatory indices, with distinct dimensions of CRF in patients with BC. Findings provide empirical support for the cellular basis of fatigue-associated inflammatory states.

Pain and fatigue in adult patients with multiple osteochondromas: The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Osteochondromas (MO) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by the presence of numerous benign bone tumours, known as osteochondromas. Within the spectrum of debilitating symptoms associated with MO, pain is recognized as a major problem. Interestingly, our clinical observations suggest that fatigue is also a significant concern but has merely been touched upon in MO literature. This study aims to (1) assess the level of pain and fatigue in adult patients with MO; (2) compare fatigue in MO to healthy subjects and patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); (3) identify associated variables for pain and fatigue in patients with MO. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 353 adult MO patients completed a survey with validated questionnaires on pain, fatigue and psychosocial factors. Pain and fatigue were assessed with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and fatigue was also measured with the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS). Fatigue (CIS) was compared with reference scores of healthy subjects and patients with RA, using a one-sample t-test. Multiple linear regression models for pain and fatigue were developed using a-priori selected independent variables based on a theoretical framework (ICF-model). RESULTS: Pain was reported by 87.8% (NRS = 3.19±2.6) and fatigue by 90.4% (NRS = 4.1±2.6) of patients with MO. Fatigue scores for MO (CIS = 84.1±15.3) were significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to reference scores of healthy subjects and patients with RA. The multivariable analysis for pain provided a final regression model with six variables (R2 = 0.445, p<0.001) of which fear avoidance beliefs and fatigue had the strongest association. For the fatigue models NRS (R2 = 0.455, p<0.001) and CIS (R2 = 0.233, p<0.001), the strongest associations were found with anxiety and depression respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pain and fatigue are highly prevalent in patients with MO. Fatigue is significantly higher compared to healthy subjects and patients with RA. Several variables associated with pain and fatigue have been identified that could help improve multidisciplinary treatment plans.

Identifying pre-habilitation targets for the mitigation of long-term side effects of chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pre-treatment characteristics of women with early breast cancer that are associated with persistent fatigue or suboptimal health-related quality of life (HRQOL) post-chemotherapy need to be identified as potential targets for pre-habilitation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ancillary analysis of previously collected data from patients with newly diagnosed Stage I-III breast cancer scheduled to receive chemotherapy. The objective was to identify baseline (pre-chemotherapy) variables associated with meaningful deteriorations in fatigue and other measures of HRQOL from pre-treatment to 6 months after chemotherapy completion. Percentages are reported along with unadjusted and adjusted relative risks. RESULTS: In a sample of 249 women post-chemotherapy, 32% reported worsening fatigue (FACIT-F), 35% worsening Physical Well-Being (PWB), 16% worsening Functional Well-Being (FWB), 8% worsening Emotional Well-Being (EWB), and 30% worsening Social Well-Being (SWB). In multivariable (MV) analysis, variables that were significant in univariate analysis - Black race, high BMI, and baseline poorer EWB - remained significant for worsening post-chemotherapy fatigue (FACIT-F). In MV analysis that included race, education, falls, and baseline EWB, Black race and a positive falls history remained significant for worsening PWB. In MV analysis inclusive of race, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and FWB, lower SPPB and FWB remained significant predictors of worsening FWB. In MV analysis that included baseline Mental Health Index-Anxiety, EWB and SWB, a higher SWB and lower EWB remained significant for worsening SWB. CONCLUSION: Pre-chemotherapy characteristics in women with early-stage breast cancer that are associated with increased fatigue and reduced HRQOL post-treatment could be used to identify patients who may benefit from pre-habilitation interventions.

Trajectory patterns and predictors of cancer-related fatigue in postoperative lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a chronic symptom that can affect the overall functioning of lung cancer patients throughout the course of the disease. However, there is limited research on the trajectory and predictors of CRF specifically in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the predictive role of positive psychological and social factors in relation to CRF. This study aimed to explore the trajectory of CRF and its predictors in postoperative chemotherapy patients with lung cancer. METHODS: A total of 202 lung cancer patients who underwent surgery and received adjuvant chemotherapy were recruited for this study. Baseline questionnaires were completed, covering sociodemographic information, disease details, CRF levels, personality traits, psychological resilience, and social support. CRF was assessed at three time points: first chemotherapy (T1), 3 months after chemotherapy (T2), and 6 months after chemotherapy (T3). Latent class growth modeling (LCGM) was used to identify distinct developmental trajectories of CRF. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine predictors of CRF within different patient groups. RESULTS: The LCGM analysis revealed three distinct CRF trajectories: persistent high fatigue group (30.7%), rising fatigue group (30.7%), and no fatigue group (38.6%). Cancer stage (OR = 7.563, 95% CI = 2.468-23.182, P < 0.001), melancholic personality (OR = 6.901, 95% CI = 1.261-37.764, P = 0.026), and high psychological resilience (OR = 0.171, 95% CI = 0.041-0.706, P = 0.015) were associated with the CRF trajectory. On the other hand, sanguine personality (OR = 0.254, 95% CI = 0.071-0.916, P = 0.036) and high social support (OR = 0.168, 95% CI = 0.045-0.627, P = 0.008) were associated with the increasing fatigue trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that 60% of lung cancer patients experienced persistent fatigue throughout the assessment period. Moreover, it confirmed the heterogeneity of CRF trajectories among lung cancer patients. The severity of CRF was found to be higher in patients with advanced clinical stages, depressive personality traits, and lower psychological resilience.

Effects of patient-based self-assessed fatigue intervention on early postoperative ambulation following gynaecological oncology surgery: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a patient-based self-assessed fatigue intervention aimed at promoting early postoperative ambulation. DESIGN: Prospective randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Single-centre, conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Xiangyang Central Hospital, China. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible were adult patients undergoing elective gynaecologic oncologic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group utilised a modified Borg Rating of Perceived Experience (RPE) scale for self-assessment of fatigue levels. The control group followed fixed-activity distance guidelines postoperatively. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the self-reported the time to first flatus postoperatively. Secondary outcomes encompassed the time to first defecation, incidence of moderate-to-severe abdominal distention, ileus, postambulation adverse events (nausea, vomiting and dizziness), patient satisfaction with early ambulation instructions, compliance with early ambulation and average hospital costs and length of stay. RESULTS: Between June 2021 and October 2022, 552 patients were enrolled. The self-assessed fatigue intervention group demonstrated non-inferior the time to first flatus compared with the fixed-activity distance assessment group (25.59±14.59 hours vs 26.10±14.19 hours, pnon-inferiority<0.001). Compliance with activity was higher in the intervention group (49.40% vs 36.02%, p<0.001), although it did not reach 50%. The intervention group also exhibited significantly higher mean hospital costs, length of stay and incidence of moderate-to-severe abdominal distention (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The self-assessed fatigue intervention for early postoperative ambulation in gynaecologic oncology patients shows promise as an effective strategy; however, compliance is suboptimal. An intervention based on mandatory, yet reasonable, fixed-activity distance may represent the most viable current approach. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTR2100046035.

Circadian Disruption in Civilian Airline Pilots.

INTRODUCTION: Most airline pilots reported having suffered from sleep disorders and fatigue due to circadian disruption, a potential risk to flight safety. This study attempted to uncover the actual scenario of circadian disruption and working load status among airline pilots.METHODS: In study 1, 21 pilots were invited to participate in a 14-d sleep monitoring and a dual 2-back test to monitor their sleep patterns and cognitive function level. To provide an in-depth view, data from scheduled flights, including 567 airline pilots, was analyzed in Study 2. The present study used cluster analysis to reflect the distribution of the flight scheduling characteristics, including working time and actual working hours. A simulation model was then developed to predict the pilots' 1-mo sleep-wake pattern.RESULTS: The results indicated that sleep problems were prevalent in this population, especially the night before an earlier morning shift. Regarding the cognitive test, they scored the lowest on earlier morning shifts compared with daytime and evening shifts. It was found that over 70% of the flight schedules can lead to circadian disruption, and 47.44% of the pilots worked under high-load status.DISCUSSION: Airline pilots inevitably work irregular hours and the current policies for coping with circadian disruption seem inefficient. This study thus calls for urgency in improving scheduling and fatigue management systems from the circadian rhythm perspective.Yang SX, Cheng S, Sun Y, Tang X, Huang Z. Circadian disruption in civilian airline pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(7):381-389.