Quality of life of patients with severe chronic neutropenia receiving long-term treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
Article Abstract:
Regular treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) for neutropenia can considerably improve a patient's quality of life. Neutropenia refers to an abnormally low number of white blood cells. Patients with neutropenia have recurrent infections, fevers and ulcerations of mucosal tissue. A study of 21 patients, aged from four to 68 years, found that patients reported increased satisfaction with their health after treatment with GCSF. Patients completed two questionnaires after they had been treated for approximately 31 months. One questionnaire asked them to evaluate their health status in the year before beginning treatment and the other asked them to answer similar questions about the treatment period. Only 14% of patients reported being satisfied with their health in the year prior to treatment, yet 86% reported satisfaction during treatment. There was also an increase from 24% to 86% of patients reporting excellent or good health. Health problems that limited job or school attendance also decreased.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Diagnosis and treatment of early melanoma
Article Abstract:
Scientists discussed early diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma at a recent conference. Cutaneous melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated early enough. Individuals who sunburn easily or have light hair and blue eyes have a higher risk of developing this disease than others. One of the early signs of cutaneous melanoma includes the development of lesions that are asymmetric or with irregular borders. The color of these lesions may vary between different combinations of white, red, blue black or brown. The four different subtypes of cutaneous melanoma are characterized by different types of lesions. Patients suspected of having cutaneous melanoma should undergo a skin biopsy. Individuals diagnosed with this disease usually undergo surgery to remove any lesions. They should have regular follow-up examinations after surgery, and their family members should also be screened regularly for melanoma.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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