Evaluating health related quality of life in outpatients receiving anti-cancer treatment: results from an observational, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in outpatients receiving anti-cancer treatment. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, single-center study that assessed HRQOL in cancer patients receiving antineoplastic treatment. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were included in the study; the median total FACT-G score was 66 ± 12.9; the scores for the physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being and functional well-being domains were 17.8 + 4.8, 19.1 ± 4.4, 14.8 ± 3.8 and 14.3 ± 4.7 respectively. Patients with adverse events had poorer HRQOL compared to those without them (FACT-G score 62.2 vs. 67.3; p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis the variables associated with poorer HRQOL in the form of a gradient were tumor stage and performance status (ECOG); female sex was also associated with poorer HRQOL. CONCLUSION: In our study, the neoplastic disease and anti-cancer treatment toxicities had an impact on HRQOL. Patients had poorer scores in the functional well-being domain and higher ones in the social/family well-being domain. Variables associated with worse HRQOL were tumor stage, performance status (ECOG) and female sex.

Assembling a consensus on actinic cheilitis: A Delphi study.

AIMS: To discuss the terminology to define and classify actinic cheilitis (AC) and to build a consensus on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to AC. METHODS: Two-round Delphi study using a questionnaire including 34 closed sentences (9 on terminology and taxonomy, 5 on potential for malignant transformation, 12 on diagnostic aspects, 8 on treatment) and 8 open questions. Experts' agreement was rated using a Likert scale (1-7). RESULTS: A consensus was reached on 24 out 34 statements (73.5%) and on 5 out of 8 (62.5%) close-ended questions. The response rate was identical in both rounds (attrition of 0%). AC is the term with the highest agreement (median of 7 (strongly agree; IQR: 6-7)) and the lowest dispersion (VC = 21.33). 'Potentially malignant disorder' was the preferred classification group for AC (median of 7) and 85.6% of participants showing some level of agreement (CV < 50). Experts (66.75%) consider AC a clinical term (median: 7; IQR: 4-7) and believe definitive diagnosis can be made clinically (median: 6; IQR: 5-7), particularly by inspection and palpation (median: 5; IQR: 4-6). Histopathological confirmation is mandatory for the management of AC (median: 5; IQR: 2.5-7), even for homogeneous lesions (median: 5; IQR: 3.5-6). Consensus was reached on all treatment statements (VC < 50). CONCLUSIONS: AC is a potentially malignant disorder with a significant lack of agreement on diagnostic criteria, procedures, biopsy indications and the importance of techniques to assist in biopsy. A consensus was reached on nomenclature and management of this disorder.

Cutaneous adverse events and quality of life in outpatients receiving anticancer agents: results from an observational, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite growing interest in cutaneous adverse events (CAEs) and their management in patients with cancer, they are often underreported and there are no extensive data on their impact on quality of life (QoL). Healthcare professionals should consider this issue in order to minimize its negative impact on QoL and improve patient outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of CAEs on QoL in outpatients receiving anticancer drugs and aims to determine the differences in QoL between conventional chemotherapy versus targeted therapies. METHODS: A total of 114 cancer patients with CAEs were included in this observational, cross-sectional study. Patient-reported outcomes instruments (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Skindex-16) were used. RESULTS: Mean scores in QoL indices were 65.3±13.4, 8.4±5, and 30.8±16.9 in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Skindex-16, respectively. The CAEs that had the greatest impact on dermatologic-related QoL were hand-foot skin reaction, rash, palmo-plantar erythrodysesthesia, and papulopustular eruption. No significant differences in QoL indices according to the type of treatment (conventional chemotherapy versus targeted therapy) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: CAEs, and particularly hand-foot toxicities, rashes, and papulopustular eruptions, can have an impact on QoL in outpatients receiving anticancer drugs as evaluated with three different patient-reported outcomes instruments. No differences in QoL related to CAEs were observed between conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Use of lip photoprotection in patients suffering from actinic cheilitis.

BACKGROUND: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a chronic condition that affects mainly the lower lip. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of lip photoprotection in patients with AC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional multicentre study of patients, ≥45 years of age, was performed in eight dermatology departments in the Galicia region over a period of one year. From 1,239 patients included in the study, 410 were diagnosed with AC and complete data were available for 408. An analysis of lip photoprotection habits and possible associations in patients with AC is reported. RESULTS: Mean age of patients with AC was 71.9 years and 53.8% were women. More than 90% of AC patients (370/408) had never used lip photoprotection. In the group of patients who used it, 62.16% of them had only used a single stick within the previous year. The only variable significantly associated with the use of lip sun protection was low Fitzpatrick's skin types I and II (p=0.039). Study limitations include the inclusion of patients 45 years or older and the use of a semiquantitative scale for measuring the frequency of application of lip photoprotection. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first European study focused on lip photoprotection in patients suffering from AC. Only a minority of AC patients protect their lips from UV radiation. Specific lip sun protection recommendations should be promoted, especially in high-risk populations.

Actinic Cheilitis Prevalence and Risk Factors: A Cross-sectional, Multicentre Study in a Population Aged 45 Years and Over in North-west Spain.

Actinic cheilitis is thought to be a premalignant lesion or a superficial squamous cell carcinoma. The prevalence of actinic cheilitis in Europe is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of actinic cheilitis in the Galicia region (north-west Spain). Secondary objectives were the description of risk factors of actinic cheilitis. A cross-sectional multicentre study in patients ≥ 45 years of age was performed in 8 dermatology departments in Galicia region during a 1-year period. The prevalence of actinic cheilitis was 31.3%. Significant and independent risk factors of actinic cheilitis after multivariate analysis were age ≥ 60 years, Fitzpatrick skin phototype II, outdoor working for more than 25 years, and previous history of non-melanoma skin cancer. This is the first cross-sectional multicentre study of the prevalence of actinic cheilitis in Europe. Actinic cheilitis was present in almost one-third of the screened patients. Lip examination should be performed in all patients with chronic actinic damage.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva en niños. Corrección de la comunicación interauricular por vía axilar y submamaria / Minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery. Atrial septal defect closure through axillary and submammary approaches

Introducción y objetivos. Los accesos mínimamente invasivos en cardiopatías no complejas ofrecen alternativas que disminuyen las secuelas estéticas. Asimismo, la cirugía se indica en edades más tempranas. En trabajos previos, comparamos la incisión submamaria con la esternotomía media. Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial en el acceso axilar para el cierre de las comunicaciones interauriculares con circulación extracorpórea en comparación con el acceso submamario. Métodos. Se recoge en total a 20 pacientes: 10 casos por vía submamaria derecha (7 ostium secundum, 2 seno venoso, 1 ostium primum) y 10 casos operados a través de la axila derecha (7 ostium secundum, 3 seno venoso). Las medias de edad y de peso eran 6,4±3,62 (3-13) años y 23,5±8,74 (12-38) kg en el grupo submamaria y 5,5±2,04 (3-9) años y 19,7±5,88 (14-29) kg en el grupo axilar. En todos ellos, el procedimiento (canulación y corrección) se realiza completamente a través de la propia incisión respetando grupos musculares, sin puertos complementarios. Resultados. No se registran defectos residuales en la ecografía de control al alta. Ningún caso precisó reconversión a esternotomía media. Las maniobras de abordaje y canulación axilares son algo más complejas que las submamarias. Los tiempos de circulación extracorpórea y pinzamiento son superponibles en ambos grupos, comparados por enfermedades (p>0,05). Conclusiones. En pacientes seleccionados y con defectos abordables a través de la aurícula, la vía axilar derecha es tan segura como la submamaria. El resultado estético es excelente(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Minimally invasive approaches in less-complex cardiac procedures can avoid unpleasant cosmetic results. Moreover, surgery can be scheduled in younger patients. In previous papers, we compared submammary and midline sternotomy.We present our initial experience with an axillary, compared to submammary, approach to repair atrial septal defects under extracorporeal circulation. Methods: 20 patients are included: 10 in the submammary group (7 ostium secundum, 2 sinus venosus, 1 ostium primum) and 10 in the axillary group (7 ostium secundum, 3 sinus venosus). Mean age and weight are 6.4 +/- 3.62 years (range 3-13) and 23.5 +/- 8.74 Kg (range 12-38) in the submammary group, and 5.5 +/- 2.04 years (range 3-9) and 19.7 +/- 5.88 Kg (range 14-29) in the axillary one, respectively. Muscles are spared (pectoralis in submammary and latissimus in axillary). The whole procedure (cannulation and correction) is performed through a single incision, with no side ports. Results: No residual defects were found at discharge. Surgical approach maneuvers are more cumbersome through the axillary than the submammary approach. In a peer comparison, extracorporeal circulation and cross-clamp time were similar in both groups (P > .05). Conclusions: 1. Axillary approach is as safe as submammary access in selected patients and for defects approached through the atrium. 2. Cosmetic result is excellent(AU)

Minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery. Atrial septal defect closure through axillary and submammary approaches.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive approaches in less-complex cardiac procedures can avoid unpleasant cosmetic results. Moreover, surgery can be scheduled in younger patients. In previous papers, we compared submammary and midline sternotomy. We present our initial experience with an axillary, compared to submammary, approach to repair atrial septal defects under extracorporeal circulation. METHODS: 20 patients are included: 10 in the submammary group (7 ostium secundum, 2 sinus venosus, 1 ostium primum) and 10 in the axillary group (7 ostium secundum, 3 sinus venosus). Mean age and weight are 6.4±3.62 years (range 3-13) and 23.5±8.74 Kg (range 12-38) in the submammary group, and 5.5±2.04 years (range 3-9) and 19.7±5.88 Kg (range 14-29) in the axillary one, respectively. Muscles are spared (pectoralis in submammary and latissimus in axillary). The whole procedure (cannulation and correction) is performed through a single incision, with no side ports. RESULTS: No residual defects were found at discharge. Surgical approach maneuvers are more cumbersome through the axillary than the submammary approach. In a peer comparison, extracorporeal circulation and cross-clamp time were similar in both groups (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Axillary approach is as safe as submammary access in selected patients and for defects approached through the atrium. 2. Cosmetic result is excellent.

Use of a pulmonary neovalve with a transannular patch for repair of tetralogy of fallot.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To report on our initial experience with the implantation of a pulmonary valve using Nunn's technique in association with a transannular patch for the complete repair of the tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS: In total, 21 patients were treated between September 2008 and February 2010. Their ages ranged from 7 months to 15 years (median 12 months) and weights from 6.8 kg to 44 kg (median 10 kg). Four patients had previously undergone palliative shunt placement; in two, it was associated with the diagnosis of a complete atrioventricular septal defect. Use of the transannular patch (treated autologous pericardium) was preceded by implantation of a 0.1-mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) monocusp valve using posterior fixation. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and pressure gradient measurement were carried out, and echocardiography was repeated before discharge. RESULTS: No deaths were recorded. One patient had a residual ventricular septal defect that required reintervention. Echocardiography showed that the maximum gradient across the PTFE valve was 25 mmHg. Regurgitation was mild in 19 cases and moderate in 2 (the first and second in the series). CONCLUSIONS: Initial results using a transannular patch with a modified monocusp valve to repair the outflow tract in the tetralogy of Fallot were promising: there was only a slight pressure gradient and mild regurgitation. A medium-or long-term follow-up study is required to confirm these findings and to compare them with results obtained using other techniques.

Neoválvula pulmonar en la corrección del Fallot con parche transanular / Use of a pulmonary neovalve with a transannular patch for repair of tetralogy of Fallot

Introducción y objetivos. Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial en la implantación de válvula pulmonar según técnica de Nunn, asociada al parche transanular, en la corrección completa de la tetralogía de Fallot. Métodos. Se intervino a 21 pacientes entre septiembre de 2008 y febrero de 2010. Intervalo de edad, 7 meses- 15 años (mediana, 12 meses). Peso de 6,8-44 kg (mediana, 10 kg). Cuatro pacientes presentaban fístula paliativa; en dos se asociaba el diagnóstico de canal completo. El parche transanular (pericardio autólogo curtido) se acompañó de implantación previa de válvula monocúspide de PTFE de 0,1 mm de grosor, mediante fijación posterior. Se realizó ecografia transesofágica, presiones intraoperatorias y ecografía antes del alta. Resultados. No hubo mortalidad. Un paciente presentó CIV residual que precisó reintervención. Por ecografía, el gradiente máximo atribuible a la válvula de PTFE es de 25 mmHg, y la insuficiencia es ligera en 19 casos y moderada en 2 (primero y segundo de la serie). Conclusiones. Los resultados iniciales del parche transanular con válvula monocúspide modificada en reconstrucción del tracto de salida de Fallot son prometedores (regurgitación ligera, gradiente escaso). Es preciso un seguimiento a medio-largo plazo para confirmar estos resultados y compararlos con otras técnicas (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To report on our initial experience with the implantation of a pulmonary valve using Nunn’s technique in association with a transannular patch for the complete repair of the tetralogy of Fallot. Methods. In total, 21 patients were treated between September 2008 and February 2010. Their ages ranged from 7 months to 15 years (median 12 months) and weights from 6.8 kg to 44 kg (median 10 kg). Four patients had previously undergone palliative shunt placement; in two, it was associated with the diagnosis of a complete atrioventricular septal defect. Use of the transannular patch (treated autologous pericardium) was preceded by implantation of a 0.1-mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) monocusp valve using posterior fixation. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and pressure gradient measurement were carried out, and echocardiography was repeated before discharge. Results. No deaths were recorded. One patient had a residual ventricular septal defect that required reintervention. Echocardiography showed that the maximum gradient across the PTFE valve was 25 mmHg. Regurgitation was mild in 19 cases and moderate in 2 (the first and second in the series). Conclusions. Initial results using a transannular patch with a modified monocusp valve to repair the outflow tract in the tetralogy of Fallot were promising: there was only a slight pressure gradient and mild regurgitation. A mediumor long-term follow-up study is required to confirm these findings and to compare them with results obtained using other techniques (AU)

Tinea pedis causada por Trichophyton violaceum / Tinea pedis due to Trichophyton violaceum

-La tinea pedis es una dermatofitosis de los pies cuya incidencia ha aumentado fundamentalmente debido a factores ocupacionales y medioambientales diversos. El agente causal más frecuente en los países occidentales es Trichophyton rubrum seguido de T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale y Epidermophyton floccosum.Se presenta el caso de una niña de 14 años, piragüista federada, con afectación interdigital de los pies consistente en maceración y fisuración, cuyo estudio micológico evidenció Trychophyton violaceum. Este agente es poco frecuente en la tinea pedis. En los países industrializados se presenta, en la mayoría de los casos, como causante de tinea capitis en inmigrantes de áreas donde dicho agente es endémico. Se discuten aspectos diagnósticos y terapéuticos de este proceso (AU)