Acquired cystic kidney disease in ESRD

Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) in patients undergoing dialysis has been associated with life-threatening complications. Potential malignant transformation of the cysts has prompted concern regarding the need to screen patients for ACKD. The assumed increased morbidity associated with malignant transformation has not been clearly documented in the literature and may require further long-term analysis to adequately assess. Many reports on ACKD refer to the risk for malignancy, but other complications associated with ACKD may also arise. The development of ACKD has been shown to increase with increasing time on dialysis. Patients on dialysis appear to have a longer life expectancy and, consequently, more will develop ACKD. Complications related to ACKD may increase, which bolster efforts to establish specific guidelines related to the screening and management of ACKD. Nephrology nurses should be aware of symptoms suggesting a complication related to ACKD and confer with the nephrologist regarding evaluation. This article will discuss implications and management related to an increasing incidence of ACKD.     

The development of use of oral morphine within the last 10 years in Japan

Japan's national cancer relief programme was initiated with a field-test of the WHO guidelines for cancer pain management in 1982. It revealed in an excellent result that 87% of 156 cancer patients could be completely relieved of their persistent pain, but this result were ignored by most Japanese health professionals, because of their lack of interest in cancer pain relief. The WHO guidelines were published in 1986 and made quite an impact on those health professionals in Japan. In 1987, a special research team appointed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan (MOHW) initiated discussion on the philosophy of palliative care in Japan. According to the recommendations made by this research team, the MOHW established a new policy on palliative care, edited manuals on palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients which included guidelines on cancer pain management, and revised narcotics control measures by 1992 in order to much improve the accessibility of opioid analgesics to cancer patients who need them for effective pain relief. The annual consumption of morphine for medical purposes was only 65 kg in 1986 in Japan, but it rose to 973 kg in 1999. Currently, morphine is mostly given by mouth and two-thirds of morphine preparations consumed are MS Contin Tablets. However, the current morphine consumption per capita in Japan is still less than one-sixth of the consumption in the United States.In order to achieve further improvement, educational effort should be much emphasized. In the 1990s, approximately 70% of medical and nursing schools in Japan have initiated their educational curriculum for cancer pain relief and palliative care. There have been government-sponsored, medical, nursing and pharmaceutical societies-sponsored seminar courses on appropriate morphine use in cancer pain management, palliative care and opioid availability, all of which have increasingly strengthened postgraduate education.     

Guidelines for the treatment of hypertension in diabetics

Patients with diabetes mellitus are often associated with hypertension. Hypertension increases the incidence of cardiovascular disease and accelerates the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Japanese Society of Hypertension made own guidelines for the management of hypertension(JSH2000) in 2000. Diabetics are stratified into the high risk group irrespective of their blood pressure levels. Target blood pressure is less than 130/85 mmHg. Hypotensive agents will be initiated at more than 140/90 mmHg along with glycemic control and lifestyle modification. When their blood pressure is within the high normal(130-139/85-89 mmHg), lifestyle modification as well as glycemic control will be initiated. If their blood pressure is not lowered to less than 130/85 mmHg during the next 3-6 months, hypotensive agents will be started. ACEIs, Ca-antagonists and alpha-blockers will be the first line hypotensive agents, since these hypotensive agents improve organ damages and insulin sensitivity and do not worsen lipid metabolisms. Recent guideline made by Japan Diabetes Society in 2003 lowered the target blood pressure furthermore to less than 130/80 mmHg and added angiotensin receptor blockers as one of the firstline hypotensive agents.     

B-type natriuretic peptide testing in a nurse-led heart failure clinic

Heart failure has a significant impact on health and its prevalence increases with age (Cowie et al, 1997). Coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension are the most common causes (Cowie et al, 1999). The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease identifies that people with suspected heart failure should be offered appropriate investigations to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause (DoH, 2000). Also, those with confirmed heart failure should be offered treatment to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of death. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence will publish guidelines this summer, which will aim to improve the management of heart failure.     

Reducing cardiovascular disease risk in patients with diabetes: a message from the National Diabetes Education Program

PURPOSE: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) a review of current practice guidelines that help clinicians' efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes and its major macrovascular complications. DATA SOURCES: This paper presents data from major evidence-based studies and clinical trials that define the scope of the problem, the rationale for risk reduction, and a patient-centered action plan for NPs to effectively manage cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: NPs are active partners with the National Diabetes Education Program and play a key role in efforts to effectively manage cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes and improve their awareness of the link between diabetes and heart disease and stroke. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The action plan to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes will help NPs to implement the most effective management strategies for medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, and pharmacological therapy required for patient-centered proactive management of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and lipid abnormalities.     

Hypertension alone or related to the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women

Hypertension treatment and control efforts represent a major component of primary care with dedicated clinical guidelines and recommendations. However, high blood pressure (BP) control rates are complicated with the difficult to treat and resistant hypertensive patients. This category of patient, therefore, affects the development and implementation of the clinical guidelines. The recommendations of specific algorithms for resistant hypertension and difficult-to-treat patients with elevated BPs have been developed in consideration of new therapies and combination drug treatment. Hypertension treatment guidelines include and will continue to grade evidence from randomized clinical trials with detailed strategies on the management of these high-risk patients. Although resistant hypertension affects high BP control rates, the inclusion of refined pharmaceutical and device treatment strategies in evidence-based guidelines will be expected to have a significant impact on the clinical management of this high-risk patient population.     

CONTROVERSY AND CONSENSUS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE IN PRIMARY CARE

Approximately 5% of all primary care consultations in the UK are for upper gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, the most common of which is dyspepsia, with a prevalence of between 25 and 50% in the western world. The exact definition of dyspepsia is elusive, which has resulted in confusion about diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for management guidelines. The International Gastro Primary Care Groups (IGPCG) has developed, by consensus, practical guidelines to help GPs manage patients with upper GI symptoms. After a detailed history is taken, alarm symptoms identified and organic disease excluded, the predominant symptom should be identified. This strategy, as outlined in the IGPCG upper GI disease management plan, can help the GP in the selection of the most appropriate treatment for each patient. This plan is flexible enough to be used in a wide variety of healthcare systems and will evolve as new evidence becomes available.     

The road to JCAHO disease-specific care certification: a step-by-step process log.

In 2002, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) implemented Disease-Specific Care (DSC) certification. This is a voluntary program in which organizations have their disease management program evaluated by this regulatory agency. Some of the DSC categories are stroke, heart failure, acute MI, diabetes, and pneumonia. The criteria for any disease management program certification are: compliance with consensus-based national standards, effective use of established clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care, and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities. Successful accomplishment of DSC certification defines organizations as Centers of Excellence in management of that particular disease. This article will review general guidelines for DSC certification with an emphasis on Primary Stroke Center certification.     

Promotion of Physical Activity and Cardiac Rehabilitation for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease

National rates of cardiovascular disease continue to increase, whereas levels of physical activity (PA) remain discouragingly low, representing lost opportunity for effective lifestyle management. When equipped with knowledge of recent guidelines and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) options, nurse practitioners will be poised to most effectively manage patients with cardiovascular disease through PA measures. Towards this end, this article will overview the 1) benefits of PA; 2) advantages, safety, structure, and qualifying diagnoses for CR; 3) efforts to increase CR referral and participation; 4) alternatives and supplements to traditional CR programs; and 5) principles and guidance for prescribing PA outside of the CR setting.     

Current status of implementation in Japan of the WHO guidelines for cancer pain relief and future perspectives

The WHO guidelines have much improved cancer pain management in Japan. In 1987, the Ministry of Health established new policy on palliative care, revised narcotics control measures, and edited guidelines on palliative care. Thus, national cancer pain relief program has been implemented and relieved many cancer patients of their severe persistent pain. Annual consumption of morphine for medical purposes gradually rose to 973 kg in 1999, but the annual morphine consumption per capita is still less than one-sixth of that in the US. In order to further achieve program implementation, educational approach should be much more strengthened. It is also emphasized that each health care professional should recognize the ethics in pain relief and each hospital should urgently has its policy to achieve freedom from cancer pain for all throughout Japan.     

A Person-Centered Approach to Symptom Assessment and Management for Children and Adolescents Receiving Cancer Treatment

ObjectivesDiscuss the clinical assessment and management of symptoms for children and adolescents receiving treatment for cancer with attention to a person-centered approach to care.Data SourcesReview of currently published literature and guidelines pertaining to symptom assessment and management for children and adolescents receiving treatment for cancer.ConclusionSymptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue are commonly reported by children and adolescents receiving cancer treatment and are associated with greater symptom burden. Symptom assessment should be tailored to the child or adolescent and include the child's or adolescent's preference for reporting symptoms and attention to the symptoms that are of greatest priority. Evidence-based guidelines for the management of symptoms, including pain and nausea, are available to guide symptom management interventions and should be tailored to provide person-centered care.Implications for Nursing PracticeNurses can lead efforts through clinical practice and research initiatives to advance person-centered symptom care for children and adolescents with cancer on a global level. Priorities for future work to advance person-centered symptom assessment and management include (1) identification of best practices for symptom assessment, (2) attention to social determinants of health and their subsequent influence on symptom outcomes, (3) compilation of evidence for management of less commonly reported symptoms, and (4) implementation of published clinical guidelines for symptom management in practice settings.     

Acquired cognitive disorders of the elderly

Many gaps still exist in our understanding of the etiology and the management of dementing disorders. However, there are fairly well established guidelines for the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, the major cause of acquired cognitive disorders in the elderly. The management of patients with dementing disorders should involve the entire family. The medical needs pale beside the functional and psychosocial issues. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach in a team setting is ideal, where goals can be established and coordinated and communication with the family, patient, and consultants can be facilitated. Patients and family members need to know that life beyond the diagnosis can be meaningful. With the help of support groups, they learn to maximize the positive aspects and can cope with the struggle ahead. It should not be forgotten, however, that not all families had good relationships before the onset of the decline and often are in great need of counseling to manage the anger and guilt they will often experience. Future research is needed not only on the search for better medical treatments but also on the establishment of guidelines for the physician and family to deal with complex social issues such as when one is no longer safe to drive an automobile. Prospective studies on victims of head injury could establish the link of trauma to Alzheimer's disease, that has been proposed. The role of physicians in public policy for prevention of high risk behaviors (such as boxing) is controversial, but at the very least, physicians should play a major role in educating their patients of these dangers. Because of the rapid aging of our population, pressure for research and policy changes in national health and long term care financing has been growing, largely due to the impressive efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. In order to give the kind of attention that is required in the care of these patients, there must be a change in the present system of reimbursement. This will never happen, unless it can be demonstrated that lower costs of health care can be achieved by anticipating the needs of these patients and their families. It is quite possible that costs can be reduced by delaying the need for nursing home placement or decreasing utilization of emergency medical care and hospitalization. However, these assumptions must be investigated further.     

Evidence assessments and guideline recommendations in Lyme disease: the clinical management of known tick bites,erythema migrans rashes and persistent disease

Evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with Lyme disease were developed by the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS). The guidelines address three clinical questions – the usefulness of antibiotic prophylaxis for known tick bites, the effectiveness of erythema migrans treatment and the role of antibiotic retreatment in patients with persistent manifestations of Lyme disease. Healthcare providers who evaluate and manage patients with Lyme disease are the intended users of the new ILADS guidelines, which replace those issued in 2004 (Exp Rev Anti-infect Ther 2004;2:S1–13). These clinical practice guidelines are intended to assist clinicians by presenting evidence-based treatment recommendations, which follow the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. ILADS guidelines are not intended to be the sole source of guidance in managing Lyme disease and they should not be viewed as a substitute for clinical judgment nor used to establish treatment protocols.     

Role of nurses from Extremadura in the Spanish drug surveillance system (2000-2005)

IntroductionThe main aim of pharmacovigilance, a public health activity, is to communicate, collect and evaluate notifications of adverse reactions to drugs (ARD) received from health professionals. Among this collective, nurses are in an optimal position due to their knowledge of pharmacology and their role in the front line of patient care.MethodWe performed a search of the ARD reported by nursing staff in Extremadura from january 1, 2000 to december 31, 2005 through the pharmacovigilance information system of Extremadura.ResultsA total of 1,502 ARD were notified to the Spanish pharmacovigilance system by nurses throughout Spain (3.32% of the total) and 10 RAM by nurses from Extremadura (0.64% of the total number of RAM notified by nurses). The highest number of ARD corresponded to the year 2000, with 20% of the total being urticaria. The causative agents were vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis (30% of the total). According to the notifiers, 50% corresponded to the extrahospital setting. Only one ARD required emergency care, while 40% of affected individuals required drug therapy to alleviate the effects of the ARD. Seventy percent of the ARD were mild, while the remainder were moderate. ARD occurred in men and women equally, and the mean age of affected individuals was 37.4 years.ConclusionARD are underreported by nurses, influenced by low motivation to notify these events and lack of knowledge of how they should be reported.     

Collapse query cause: the management of adult syncope in the emergency department

Syncope is a commonly encountered problem in the emergency department (ED). Its causes are many and varied, some of which are potentially life threatening. A review was carried out of relevant papers in the available literature, and this article attempts to assimilate current evidence relating to ED management. While the cause of syncope can be identified in many patients, and life threatening conditions subsequently treated, a risk stratification approach should be taken for those in whom a cause is not identified in the ED. Aspects of the history and examination that may help identify high risk patients are explored and the role of investigations to aid this stratification is discussed. Identifying a cardiac cause for syncope is a poor prognostic indicator. Patients with unexplained syncope who have significant cardiac disease should therefore be investigated thoroughly to determine the nature of the underlying heart disease and the cause of syncope, although presently there is little evidence that this improves their dismal prognosis. This risk stratification approach has led to the development of several clinical decision rules, which are discussed along with current international guidelines on syncope management. This review suggests that presently the American College of Emergency Physicians guidelines are the most useful aids specific to the management of syncope in the ED; however, the Osservatorio Epidemiologico sulla Sincope nel Lazio (OESIL) score may also be a useful ED risk stratification tool     

Chlamydia trachomatis infections in adolescents

The guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control should be applied with appreciation of their limitations. The serious sequelae of chlamydial infections in young patients warrant vigorous antichlamydial therapy and specific microbiologic diagnosis. Until public health authorities implement control programs, the efforts of individual practitioners will probably be the mainstay of the flight against C. trachomatis.     

多发创伤后急性呼吸功能不全的危险因素分析

目的　探讨多发创伤与急性呼吸功能不全 (ARD)的关系。方法　回顾性分析了 6年来收治的110例多发创伤患者的临床资料 ,以 ARD为因变量、与其可能相关的 11项因素为自变量进行统计学分析 ,以确定 ARD的高危因素。结果　多变量及单变量分析显示 ,全身炎症反应综合征 (SIRS)、肺挫伤、呼吸系统并存病〔如慢性阻塞性肺疾病 (COPD)、肺炎〕、中等量以上血气胸、休克时间 >12 h、年龄≥ 5 5岁、创伤严重程度等级评分 (ISS)≥ 2 4分是 ARD的高危因素。结论　多发创伤后具有以上高危因素的患者应加强监测治疗 ,以减少 ARD和多器官功能障碍综合征 (MODS)的发生。     

The Japanese new guideline for the management of hypertension--background of its preparation and characteristics of the new guideline

The Japanese society of hypertension organized guidelines subcommittee for guidelines for the management of hypertension by request of Japanese physicians and people in the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1998. Professor Masatoshi Fujishima in the School of Medicine, Kyushu University became a chairman in the committee. He had proceeded the preparation smoothly, and in July, 2000 the new guideline for the management of hypertension was published. The Japanese new guideline for the management of hypertension is slightly different from those in other countries, such as JNC-VI or the WHO/ISH guideline. The Japanese new guideline was prepared under the consideration of characteristics of hypertension in Japan, Japanese life style and recent trends in the management of hypertension in Japan. It is desired that Japanese physicians treat hypertensive patients according to this new guideline, and questionable parts in the guideline should be corrected to make it more useful and valuable. Especially the parts peculiar to the Japanese guideline should be ascertained by further studies in Japan.     

Management of advanced heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) due to progressive systolic dysfunction has become a modern-day epidemic. Despite the increased incidence and prevalence, significant progress has been made in the past 10 to 15 years in the treatment of CHF at all stages. The current outlook for patients with newly diagnosed, mild heart failure is encouraging. It should be noted, however, that most of the morbidity and health care expenditure is incurred by a minority of patients diagnosed with CHF who are in the advanced stages of their disease. The thrust of this article will be to provide practical advice beyond current guidelines on the management of advanced CHF.     

Management of advanced heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) due to progressive systolic dysfunction has become a modern-day epidemic. Despite the increased incidence and prevalence, significant progress has been made in the past 10 to 15 years in the treatment of CHF at all stages. The current outlook for patients with newly diagnosed, mild heart failure is encouraging. It should be noted, however, that most of the morbidity and health care expenditure is incurred by a minority of patients diagnosed with CHF who are in the advanced stages of their disease. The thrust of this article will be to provide practical advice beyond current guidelines on the management of advanced CHF.