Factors associated with return-to-work outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation - a systematic scoping review.

Inpatient rehabilitation is common in Germany to improve return-to-work outcomes. The objective of this systematic scoping review was to identify factors associated with return-to-work outcomes in musculoskeletal, psychological and oncological health conditions to improve tailoring of rehabilitation therapies. A search was completed in Embase, Medline, PsycInfo and AMED until May 2023 for articles investigating inpatient rehabilitation including working-age patients with oncological, musculoskeletal, or psychological diseases using a quantitative design and reporting factors associated with return-to-work outcomes. Screening of all titles and abstracts was completed by one reviewer, full texts were read by two reviewers. Quality appraisal and data extraction was completed by two reviewers. Data was analysed using a narrative synthesis. Eighteen studies of moderate quality were included. The review identified a wide range of return-to-work parameters including employment status, work ability, sickness absence, retirement status and duration of employment since rehabilitation. In addition, 48 psychological, health- and work-related factors associated with return-to-work parameters were identified. Only one RCT investigated the relationship between a depression prevention intervention and a return-to-work outcome (work ability), which showed a significant effect. In addition to the depression prevention intervention, only the factor 'health literacy' could be considered modifiable and be addressed as part of an inpatient rehabilitation programme. Furthermore, gradual work reintegration programs and/or workplace interventions in addition to inpatient rehabilitation should be further explored to improve return-to-work outcomes.

[Cancer and life style: What really helps?]. / Krebs und Lebensstil: Was hilft wirklich?

The continuously growing number of patients who survive cancer (long-term survivors) and their special life situations necessitate an increasing need for consultation on the topics of quality of life and recurrence prophylaxis. This consultation is often associated with aspects of complementary medicine and also social medicine, which are becoming increasingly more important in the long-term care of patients. This article presents the scientifically proven knowledge on the aspects of nutrition, sport, nicotine abuse and professional rehabilitation and their importance for the course of cancer diseases.

Breaking bad news-what patients want and what they get: evaluating the SPIKES protocol in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the SPIKES protocol, a recommended guideline for breaking bad news, is sparse, and information about patients' preferences for bad-news delivery in Germany is lacking. Being the first actual-theoretical comparison of a 'breaking bad news' guideline, the present study evaluates the recommended steps of the SPIKES protocol. Moreover, emotional consequences and quality of bad-news delivery are investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 350 cancer patients answered the MABBAN (Marburg Breaking Bad News Scale), a questionnaire representing the six SPIKES subscales, asking for the procedure, perception and satisfaction of the first cancer disclosure and patient's assign to these items. RESULTS: Only 46.2% of the asked cancer patients are completely satisfied with how bad news had been broken to them. The overall quality is significantly related to the emotional state after receiving bad news (r = -0.261, P < 0.001). Patients' preferences differ highly significantly from the way bad news were delivered, and the resulting rang list of patients' preferences indicates that the SPIKES protocol do not fully meet the priorities of cancer patients in Germany. CONCLUSIONS: It could be postulated that the low satisfaction of patients observed in this study reflects the highly significant difference between patients' preferences and bad-news delivery. Therefore, some adjunctions to the SPIKES protocol should be considered, including a frequent reassurance of listeners' understanding, the perpetual possibility to ask question, respect for prearrangement needs and the conception of bad-news delivery in a two-step procedure.

Randomized phase II study comparing topotecan/cisplatin administration for 5 days versus 3 days in the treatment of extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

BACKGROUND: Topotecan (T) is an active drug in SCLC. A combination of topotecan with cisplatin (DDP) was suggested to be highly synergistic. This phase II trial was initiated to assess the activity of T/DDP in chemotherapy-naive patients suffering from extensive disease small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and to compare the conventional 5-day regime with an experimental 3-day schedule. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 86 patients were included. Patients were randomized to receive either T 1.0 mg/m2 d 1-5 and DDP 75 mg/m2 d 5 (arm A) or T 1.5 mg/m2 d 1-3 and DDP 75 mg/m2 d 3 (arm B). Six cycles were given at a 3-week interval. RESULTS: Data of 84 evaluable patients (67 males and 17 females) were analysed. All patients had metastatic disease. The best response rate was 61.9% in arm A and 59.5% in arm B. Median overall survival was 8.7 months in arm A and 7.6 months in arm B (p=0.6809). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of T and DDP is active in ED SCLC. Toxicity and median survival were comparable in both arms. Three days treatment seems to be similar to the 5 days regime.

[The dry eye and diabetes mellitus]. / Trockenes Auge und Diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic patients seem to have problems with dry eye symptoms. Therefore, 92 patients with diabetes types I and II and aged from 7 to 69 years were compared with a group of normal healthy controls comparable in number, age and sex. A general ophthalmological check-up was performed. The main points of comparison were subjective complaints, objective findings on conjunctiva and cornea, break-up time (BUT), basal secretion test, impression cytology of the conjunctiva, and grade of diabetic retinopathy. The results show that 52.8% of all diabetic subjects complained of dry eye symptoms, as against 9.3% of the controls. A BUT value lower than 10 s was found in 94.2% of the diabetics and in only 5.8% of the controls. Basal secretion test lower than 5 mm was observed in 26% of the diabetics and in 16% of the normal controls. Pathologic conjunctival epithelium (grade III-V after Tseng) was found in 86% of the diabetic patients and in 6.7% of the healthy subjects. Among the type II diabetic patients, 70% had proven dry eye syndrome, while 57% with type I diabetes suffered from this. A correlation was found between the HBA1c values and the presence of dry eye syndrome. The higher the HBA1c values, the higher the rate of dry eye syndrome. The study thus supports the impression that diabetic patients have an elevated incidence of dry eye syndrome. Impression cytology was found to give the most distinctive and discriminating results. Close monitoring of diabetic patients and good blood sugar regulation is important for the prevention of dry eye syndrome and retinopathy.

Randomised phase II study comparing topotecan/carboplatin administration for 5 versus 3 days in the treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Topotecan is an active drug in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). In our previous study, a combination of topotecan with cisplatin was associated with a median overall survival of 7.6 or 8.7 months, depending on the duration of treatment. We have replaced cisplatin by carboplatin in this trial, with the objective of creating a more convenient schedule for our patients. Furthermore, we have also compared the standard 5-day schedule with an experimental 3-day schedule. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with metastatic disease were included. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either topotecan 0.75 mg/m2, days 1-5, and carboplatin AUC 5, day 5 (arm A) or topotecan 1.25 mg/m2, days 1-3, and carboplatin AUC 5, day 3 (arm B). Six cycles were given at a 3-week interval. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients were assessable for response. The response during therapy was 86.9% in arm A and 80.0% in arm B. Median survival in arm A was 11.8 months and in arm B 11.6 months (P=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of topotecan and carboplatin is active in extensive-disease SCLC. Toxicity and median survival were comparable in both arms. Three days of treatment seems to be similar to the 5-day regimen.

[Lymphedema in patients with breast cancer--a consensus regarding diagnostics and therapy in patients with postoperative lymphedema after primary breast cancer]. / Lymphödem bei Mammakarzinom--Konsensus zur Sektoren übergreifenden Diagnostik und Therapie des postoperativen Lymphödems bei Patientinnen mit primärem Mammakarzinom.

UNLABELLED: Secondary lymphedema is one of the most frequent long-term side effects affecting up to 30% of all breast cancer patients after local surgical and radiation treatment. Destruction of the lymphatic system causes a progressive and chronic condition with functional impairments and disabilities limiting patients in their daily activities and involving nearly all aspects of their quality of life. Also, problems in the occupational area may be caused by lymphedema. The need for improving oncological management for early diagnosis and referral for effective treatment of lymphedema is a major goal of breast cancer heath care while survival improves. METHOD: A systematic consensus process was performed involving all relevant partners and providers of lymphedema health care to develop a practical documentation concept and make recommendations according to the evidence of clinical studies and currently available guidelines. RESULTS: A practical concept of documentation with defined assessment points was developed for evaluation and monitoring of lymphedema, which included the assessment of quality of life parameters with recognised instruments by the patient themselves. Consensus recommendations for the postoperative management, prevention, treatment and follow-up of breast cancer patients along a clinical algorithm for in- and outpatient care were finalized. CONCLUSION: With improved survival, long-term side effects with major impact on quality of life become a most important end point criteria of oncological treatment. The clearly defined documentation concept and the comprehensive recommendations for lymphedema management may assist clinicians and patients to make timely decisions about in- and outpatient health care practice to optimize the interface between acute medicine and rehabilitation. Patients' compliance with treatment and prevention routines will be as important as ensuring the continuity of care. A longitudinal prospective study evaluating the effectiveness and efficacy of the consensus recommendation is currently being implemented.

Rare SP-A alleles and the SP-A1-6A(4) allele associate with risk for lung carcinoma.

Next to cigarette smoking, genetic factors may contribute to lung cancer risk. Pulmonary surfactant components may mediate response to inhaled carcinogenic substances and/or play a role in lung function and inflammation. We studied associations between surfactant protein (SP) genetic variants and risk in lung cancer subgroups. Samples (n=308) were genotyped for SP-A1, -A2, -B, and -D marker alleles. These included 99 patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC, n=31), or non-SCLC (NSCLC, n=68) consisting of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, n=35), and adenocarcinoma (AC) (n=23); controls (n=99) matched by age, sex, and smoking status (clinical control) to SCLC and NSCLC; and 110 healthy individuals (population control). We found (a) no significant marker associations with SCLC, (b) rare SP-A2 (1A9) and SP-A1 (6A11) alleles associate with NSCLC risk when compared with population control, (c) the same alleles (1A9, 6A11) associate with risk for AC when compared with population (6A11) or clinical control (1A9), and (d) the SP-A1-6A4 allele (found in approximately 10% of the population) associates with SCC, when compared with population or clinical control. A correlation between SP-A variants and lung cancer susceptibility appears to exist, indicating that SP-A alleles may be useful markers of lung cancer risk.

TNF-alpha-, TNF-beta-, IL-6-, and IL-10-promoter polymorphisms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health problem. The disease is driven by abnormal inflammatory reactions in response to inhaled particles and fumes. Therefore, inflammatory mediators are postulated to be of distinct importance. In the present case-control study, we investigated interleukin (IL)-promoter polymorphisms known to correlate with altered transcription levels of their gene products in patients with COPD. We analyzed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-308, TNF-beta-intron1-252, IL-6-174, IL-10-819, and IL-10-1082 polymorphisms in 469 individuals using restriction fragment length polymorphism-based converted polymerase chain reaction. The study population consisted of 113 patients with COPD based on chronic bronchitis, divided into subgroups by severity (I degrees -III degrees ), 113 matched hospitalized individuals suffering from severe coronary heart disease without pulmonary disease (age-, sex-, and smoking-matched control group), and 243 healthy individuals (population control group). The matched analysis showed no significant differences in genotype distribution of all tested polymorphisms between the matched controls and the COPD patients. However, comparison with the population controls revealed significant differences in IL-10-1082 A/G genotype frequencies (P = 0.0247 for the whole COPD group, P = 0.009 for smokers only), with the genotypes carrying the G allele more common in the COPD cases [odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-2.75; P = 0.046]. Interestingly, this shift toward more G alleles was even more pronounced in the matched control group (OR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.47-4.41; P = 0.0007), suggesting both presented groups share corresponding underlying mechanisms. The IL-10-1082_G allele is known to correlate with altered IL-10 levels. Therefore, it might be associated with altered or abnormal inflammatory response, a mechanism that could be postulated to be important in both chronic bronchitis and coronary heart disease.

[Paraparesis and sensory spinal cord transection caused by an NK-cell lymphoma]. / Paraparese und sensibler Querschnitt bei NK-Zell-Lymphom.

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 42-year-old man of Russian origin was admitted because of fever, nocturnal sweating and weight loss. Within 2 days a paraparesis of the legs and a bladder-colon disorder had developed. Neurological examination suggested a spinal cord lesion at T4 and hypaesthesia from T9 downward. INVESTIGATIONS: Lymphocytosis was associated with an increase in NK-cells (63% NK-cells; CD16 positive, CD56 negative). Chromosomal findings were: (46 XY ad (1) (P372), ad (3) (P25), DEL (14) Q22 (Q24), RG (5) (RG). Electrophysiological tests indicated a symmetrical prolonged central motor conduction time. Magnetic resonance imaging showed opacification of all nasal sinuses. Histological findings of a biopsy from this site were suspicious of NK-cell lymphoma. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: The neurological symptoms briefly responded to glucocorticoids, but were resistant to chemotherapy. Plasmapheresis, undertaken on the tentative diagnosis of paraneoplastic protein secretion, brought definite improvement in the overall condition. A highly malignant lymphoma was diagnosed 12 months later. It, too, proved to be treatment-refractory. CONCLUSION: A cerebrospinal tap should be routinely performed in patients with NK-cell lymphoma. In view of the poor prognosis, early escalation of treatment should be considered.

Acute, complete splenic infarction in cancer patient is associated with a fatal outcome.

Splenic infarction frequently occurs in patients with myeloproliferative diseases, endocarditis, and sickle cell anemia. Various sonographic patterns of splenic infarction do exist. but little is known about tumor associated splenic infarction in cancer patients. Between January 1992 and December 2002, 66 patients were diagnosed with splenic infarction by color Doppler sonography (CDS). Ten patients had an underlying solid cancer. Clinical and sonographic data of cancer patients were evaluated retrospectively with regard to age, sex, frequency of thrombotic episodes, splenic size, echomorphology and vascularity of splenic lesions, and follow-up examination. The median age was 53 years (range, 16-73 years). Nine of 10 patients had abdominal metastases, four had evidence of a hypercoagulable state, five had a small spleen (< 7 x 3 cm), and seven had acute complete infarction of the spleen without hilar and parenchymal vessels on CDS. Survival of six patients with acute complete infarction ranged from 1 to 30 days. In cancer patients with splenic infarction, an acute complete infarction is the most common pattern. It is caused predominantly by a hypercoagulable state and is associated with an extremely short survival.

Pharmacoeconomic considerations of tropisetron for prophylaxis and treatment of CINV and PONV.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting has been described as the big little problem in anesthesia, with the overall incidence after anesthesia using volatile anesthetics remaining between 20 and 30%. In patients who receive ambulatory surgery, postoperative nausea and vomiting may lead to delayed discharge or unplanned overnight admission to hospital which is counterproductive to the primary goal of saving costs in healthcare by undergoing day-surgery. The same economic factors apply to patients who experience nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. Drugs today are judged by their ability to cure a condition with as few adverse reactions as possible. There remains the question of whether a certain medication meets expectations from a pharmacoeconomic point of view. 5-HT3 antagonists are a comparatively new class of drugs that seem to perform satisfactory in the treatment of different forms of nausea and vomiting with few adverse reactions. However, these drugs are comparatively expensive. Studies on the efficacy and pharmacoeconomic comparisons have been conducted. Tropisetron is one of the newest 5-HT3 antagonists. While its efficacy has been shown in several studies, there are few studies on its pharmacoeconomic benefits. There are several antiemetic measures, such as total intravenous anesthesia, using antiemetic prophylaxis or omitting the nitrous oxide with proven effectiveness. Most are roughly equivalent but differ with respect to costs and side effects Routine antiemetic prophylaxis is not indicated due to economic and medical reasons (potential side effects of antiemetics). Patients at high risk can be identified using validated risk scores and should receive antiemetic drugs.

Surfactant protein B gene variations enhance susceptibility to squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in German patients.

Genetic factors are thought to influence the risk for lung cancer. Since pulmonary surfactant mediates the response to inhaled carcinogenic substances, candidate genes may be among those coding for pulmonary surfactant proteins. In the present matched case-control study a polymorphism within intron 4 of the gene coding for surfactant specific protein B was analysed in 357 individuals. They were divided into 117 patients with lung cancer (40 patients with small cell lung cancer, 77 patients with non small cell lung cancer), matched controls and 123 healthy individuals. Surfactant protein B gene variants were analysed using specific PCR and cloned surfactant protein B sequences as controls. The frequency of the intron 4 variation was similar in both control groups (13.0% and 9.4%), whereas it was increased in the small cell lung cancer group (17.5%) and the non small cell lung cancer group (16.9%). The gene variation was found significantly more frequently in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (25.0%, P=0.016, odds ratio=3.2, 95%CI=1.24-8.28) than in the controls. These results indicate an association of the surfactant protein B intron 4 variants and/or its flanking loci with mechanisms that may enhance lung cancer susceptibility, especially to squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL): a distinct myeloproliferative disease.

Chronic eosinophilic leukaemia has not yet been clearly defined, mainly due to the fact that it has not been conclusively shown as a monoclonal disease which should be separated from chronic myelogenous leukaemia, acute myelogenous leukaemia with eosinophilia (AML, FAB M4Eo), and the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. We report a patient with a white blood cell count of 17.6 x 10(9)/l with 74% eosinophils, normal platelet count and haemoglobin. No blasts were seen in the peripheral blood and the percentage of blasts in the bone marrow was < 3%. A diagnosis of chronic eosinophilic leukaemia was made. Chromosome analysis of a bone marrow aspirate disclosed a trisomy 15 together with loss of the Y chromosome. Moreover, FISH analysis on May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears demonstrated trisomy 15 in the eosinophils. 3 months after initial diagnosis the patient went into blast crisis and died. The blast cells exhibited trisomy 15 and loss of the Y chromosome in a complex, aberrant karyotype. In conclusion, the case shows that chronic eosinophilic leukaemia is a monoclonal, myeloproliferative disease with eosinophils as part of the malignant clone. Clinically, chronic eosinophilic leukaemia can be separated into a chronic phase and a blast crisis.