Enhancing treatment decision-making: pilot study of a treatment decision aid in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer

We developed a decision aid (DA) for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), to better inform patients of their prognosis and treatment options, and facilitate involvement in decision-making. In a pilot study, 20 patients with metastatic NSCLC attending outpatient clinics at a major cancer centre, who had already made a treatment decision, reviewed acceptability of the DA. The median age of the patients was 61 years (range 37–77 years), 35% were male, 20% had a university education, and most (75%) had English as a first language. Most had received chemotherapy, with 65% currently on treatment. Patients were not anxious at baseline and had clear understanding of the goals and toxicity of chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. After reviewing the DA, patients' anxiety decreased slightly (P=0.04) and knowledge scores improved by 25% (P<0.001). Most improvements in understanding were of prognosis with and without chemotherapy, although patients still believed advanced NSCLC to be curable. Patients rated the DA highly with respect to information clarity, usefulness and were positive about its use in practice, although 40% found the prognostic information slightly upsetting. The DA for advanced NSCLC is feasible, acceptable to patients and improves understanding of advanced NSCLC without increasing patient anxiety

New developments in osteoarthritis. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis: pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment options

Joint trauma can lead to a spectrum of acute lesions, including osteochondral fractures, ligament or meniscus tears and damage to the articular cartilage. This is often associated with intraarticular bleeding and causes posttraumatic joint inflammation. Although the acute symptoms resolve and some of the lesions can be surgically repaired, joint injury triggers a chronic remodeling process in cartilage and other joint tissues that ultimately manifests as osteoarthritis in a majority of cases. The objective of the present review is to summarize information on pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the acute and chronic consequences of joint trauma and discuss potential pharmacological interventions. The focus of the review is on the early events that follow joint trauma since therapies for posttraumatic joint inflammation are not available and this represents a unique window of opportunity to limit chronic consequences

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Modification of diet in renal disease versus chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate in obese patients

Background Obesity is a recognized risk factor for both the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Accurate estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is thus important in these patients. We tested the performances of two creatinine-based GFR estimates, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations, in an obese population. Methods Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 were included. The reference method for measured GFR (mGFR) was 51Cr-EDTA (single-injection method, two blood samples at 120 and 240 min). Both indexed and non-indexed results were considered. Serum creatinine was measured using the IDMS-traceable compensated Jaffe method. Mean bias (eGFR–mGFR), precision (SD around the bias) and accuracy within 30% (percentage of estimations within 30% of mGFR) were calculated for both equations. Results The population included 366 patients (185 women) from two different areas. Mean age was 55 ± 14 years, and mean BMI was 36 ± 7 kg/m2. Mean mGFR was 56 ± 26 mL/min/1.73 m2 (71 ± 35 mL/min without indexation). In the total population, mean bias was +1.9 ± 14.3 and +4.6 ± 14.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, mean bias was +4.6 ± 18.4 and +9.3 ± 17.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.05), and accuracy 30% was 81 and 79% (NS) for the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations, respectively. Conclusions The CKD-EPI equation did not outperform the MDRD study equation in this population of obese patient