Multimodality therapy improves survival in elderly patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer—A retrospective analysis

ObjectivesConcurrent combined modality therapy is optimal treatment for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is given with curative intent. However, elderly patients (≥ 75) are often undertreated, despite good performance status (PS). This study evaluated the treatment, outcomes and survival in elderly patients with stage III NSCLC versus patients < 75 years old.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of data from the Lung Cancer Registry at Mayo Clinic Arizona (MCA) was conducted. Patients with newly diagnosed stage III NSCLC from 1998 to 2006 were analyzed for type of therapy and outcomes.ResultsThree hundred and eighty-nine patients with newly diagnosed stage III NSCLC were identified from 1998 to 2006. Two hundred and forty-three (62%) patients were < 75 years old, and 146 patients (38%) were ≥ 75 years old. Among 374 eligible patients, 45% of patients < 75 years old received combined chemoradiation therapy vs. only 21% of patients ≥ 75 years old (p < 0.0001). The median survival in the < 75 age group was 14.5 months vs. 10.1 months in the ≥ 75 age group (p = 0.0014). In the < 75 age group, median survival was 15.0 months in patients who received combined modality treatment vs. 14.1 months in the other treatments group (p = 0.02). In the elderly group, median survival was 19.9 months in the combined modality group vs. 7.8 months in the other treatments group (p = 0.0048).ConclusionOur results confirm that older patients are less likely to receive optimal therapy, regardless of functional status. Prospective studies are desperately needed to help improve management of the burgeoning geriatric oncology population.     

Effectiveness of Nurse led structured teaching programme on knowledge and practice of postnatal mothers on low birth weight care

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) in infants is a critical issue worldwide. If the issue is not recognized early, it can lead to high mortality and morbidity rates. Mothers and caregivers of LBW newborns holds a great responsibility and need appropriate information and expertise in caring for the LBW newborns. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Nurse led structured teaching program (NLSTP) on the knowledge and practice of mothers of LBW infants.MethodsA quantitative pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test research study was conducted. A sample of 30 postnatal mothers of LBW babies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. The knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers on the care of LBW babies was tested using a structured interview schedule and a checklist before the administration of NLSTP. Thereafter, the NLSTP was conducted using an educational booklet. After the NLSTP, the knowledge and practice were assessed on the 7th day.ResultsThe findings of the study reflected poor knowledge and practice scores before the intervention in the pre-test. However, the mothers gained a good level of knowledge showing marked improvement in their practices after the NLSTP was implemented. The mean post-test knowledge score (17.6) was significantly higher than the mean pre-test knowledge score (10.8) with a SD of +1.33. Likewise, the mean post-test practice score (15.6) was significantly higher than the mean pre-test practice score (8.23) with a SD of +7.5. The paired ‘t’ test computed between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores (t = 67.6) and practice scores (t = 5.28) were highly significant at p ≤ 0.05 level. A significant association was found between the pre-test knowledge scores and monthly family income (p < 0.05 level).ConclusionThis study highlights that post-natal mothers have a lack of expertise in caring for their LBW babies. The NLSTP targeted at improving the knowledge and practices of post-natal mothers regarding the care of their LBW babies can help reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of LBW babies.     

Factitial Dermatitis Due to the “Salt and Ice Challenge”

A new source of factitial dermatitis in adolescents is the “salt and ice challenge.” This “challenge” causes frostbite on the child's body, resulting in epidermal necrosis with occasional bulla. The following is the case of a 12‐year‐old girl who underwent the “salt and ice challenge.”