Lower Limb Lymphedema and Quality of Life in Gynecologic Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the lower limb lymphedema (LLL) and quality of life in gynecologic cancer patients. METHODS: A sample of 143 patients who have received pelvic lymphadenectomy and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy recruied in the descriptive study. The instruments used were the Korean Version of the Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ-K) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ C-30). RESULTS: The level of LLL for all patients was 4.31±3.86. The level of GCLQ-K score was higher in the LLL group than the non LLL group (8.38±2.92 vs 1.76±1.41). The all functional scale score was lower in the LLL group than the non LLL group, and all symptom scale score except for appetite loss and financial difficulties was higher in the LLL group than the non LLL group. The global health status score was lower in the LLL group than the non LLL group. CONCLUSION: The above results show that in the LLL patients after pelvic and/or para-aortic, lymphadenectomy was common. The quality of life was lower in the LLL group than the non LLL group. It is important to develop nursing intervention regarding prevention and management about LLL in gynecologic cancer patients.

Influence of Sleep Disturbance and Depression on Quality of Life in Ovarian Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among sleep disturbance, depression, and quality of life in ovarian cancer during chemotherapy and to identify the influencing effect on quality of life. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to measure sleep disturbance, depression and quality of life of 152 ovarian cancer patients between May and July, 2015. The data were analyzed with t-tests, ANOVA, post-hoc comparison (Scheffe), Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 54.2, and most of them were married. 61.8% of the patients were recurrent, and 50.0% had a performance status of < or =1. The prevalence of poor sleepers was 63.8%, and depression among patients was 52.6%. Sleep disturbance and depression were significantly negatively correlated with quality of life. As a result of stepwise multiple regression analysis, depression, sleep disturbance, monthly income and recurrence were discovered to account for 52.0% of variance. Depression and sleep disturbance were the most important influential factors. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that sleep disturbance and depression should be integrated when developing and implementing psychosocial, behavioral intervention to improve quality of life among ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy.

Characteristics and Quality of Life in Gynecologic Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, quality of life of patients with gynecologic cancer. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey design. We collected 130 patients with gynecologic cancer. They complete a self reported questionnaire including items related neuropathy and quality of life (FACT-GOG/Ntx subscale, FACT-G scale). RESULTS: The neuropathy score was 14.3+/-7.9. The quality of life score was 64.8+/-16.4. The neuropathy induced significant difference according to diabetic status, difficulties in performing household chores and willing to discontinuity of chemotherapy. And duration of cancer diagnosis, neuropathy, number of total chemo agent associated with quality of life. There was a negative correlation between number of total chemo agent and quality of life. Neuropathy independently affected quality of life. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy of patients with gynecologic cancer adversely affected women's quality of life and activities of daily living. To improve patient's quality of life, it is important that accurate assess and appropriately manage neuropathy in patients with gynecologic cancer.

The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the progression of invasive cervical cancer / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the progression of cervical cancer. METHODS: A total 87 specimens of uterine cervix, representing 6 normal epithelium, 11 intraepithelial neoplasm, 25 cervical carcioma in situ (CIS), 19 cervical microinvasive carcinoma and 26 cervical invasive carcinoma, were evaluated. All specimens were prepared with tissue array method which can allow evaluation many specimens in one slide. The protein expressions of VEGF and MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-9) were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The protein expressions of VEGF and MMP-2 were increased significantly with the progression of cervical cancer (p0.05). The VEGF and MMP-2 expressions revealed positive correlations with the progression of cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The VEGF, MMP-2 in each or together may play a role in the progression of cervical cancer.

A Case of Spontaneous Rupture of Left Lumbar Artery Aneurysm on the Fifth day of Vaginal Delivery / 대한주산의학회잡지

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by intra-abdominal vascular injury during pregnancy or puerperium is rare, but a very fatal complication. Massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage causes the high mortality rate of mother and fetus. But the difficulty of diagnosis and rarity may delay prompt treatment. We experienced a case of massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage, which was caused by a suspected left lumbar artery aneurysm rupture on the fifth day of vaginal delivery. The patient was successfully treated by surgery and arterial embolization. We reported this case with a brief review of literature.

One Case of Viable Cervical Pregnancy in Anterior Lip of the Cervix Treated by Systemic Methotrexate Treatment after Intra-amniotic Potassium Chloride Injection / 대한산부인과학회지

The cervical pregnancy is a rare condition representing less than 1% of ectopic gestations. But, it is potentially life-threatening condition because of profuse hemorrhage and requires hysterectomy in some cases. With ultrasound, diagnosis can be made earlier and conservative management is attempted in order to preserve the reproductive potential. Most cervical pregnancies are implanted within the cervical canal below the internal os of the cervix. However, we experienced one case of a unique viable cervical pregnancy in anterior lip of the cervix and treated successfully by local injection of potassium chloride into gestational sac and systemic methotrexate treatment.