Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Hematological Malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: Physiological and/or psychological problems that affect the quality of life of the patients occur depending on the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer treatment causes sexual problems such as infertility, vaginal dryness, and erectile dysfunction in the patients. Erectile dysfunction and loss of sexual desire are the most common sexual problems of men, while dyspareunia and loss of sexual desire are the most common sexual problems of women. This descriptive study was carried out to evaluate sexual problems and affecting factors in the patients with hematological cancer. METHODS: Between July 1, 2011, and July 31, 2011, 45 sexually active patients who volunteered to participate in the study and whose written consents were obtained were included in the study. The data of the study were collected using the descriptive characteristics form prepared by the researchers based on the relevant literature and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). The scale scores range from 5 to 30 and a score of >11 above indicates sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction was observed in 62.2% of the patients. About 80.0% of women and 57.1% of men had sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction was observed to be highest between the ages of 52-71 (81.2%) years. The mean total ASEX score was 15.90 ± 4.25 in women and 13.34 ± 5.37 in men. The ability to reach orgasm subscale score was found to differ by gender in the ASEX scale (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is high in the patients with hematological malignancies. It is recommended to evaluate these patients in terms of the presence of sexual dysfunction, as in the patients with other chronic diseases.

Pain, anxiety, and depression during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: This study is performed with the aim of prospectively analyzing the factors that affect pain, anxiety, and depression in cases for whom bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are performed and the relationships among them. METHODS: This study consisted of 90 patients who consulted to Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, and followed-up for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy indication. The data was gathered using a personal information form, Hospital Anxiety Depression scale, and Wong-Baker face pain scale where generally face expressions exist. RESULTS: The average age of the patients who participated in the study was 50.90 years (16.59), and the pain level after the application was 1.98 (1.33). After the application, a positive relationship is determined between the pain level and anxiety (r=-0.79; p=0.02), whereas this has a negative relationship with age (r=0.78; p=0.03). CONCLUSION: As a result, pain develops depending on bone marrow aspiration and biopsy; therefore, taking precautions aimed at alleviating pain and evaluation of pain before and after the application within the scope of total maintenance have been suggested.