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Biomedical subjects

Karen Simpson

Publications and source records attributed to Karen Simpson.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Validation of the PAC-SYM questionnaire for opioid-induced constipation in patients with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire is a 12-item self-report instrument divided into abdominal, rectal and stool domains. AIMS: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the psychometric properties of PAC-SYM in assessing the symptoms and severity of opioid-induced constipation; (2) test for differences in opioid-induced constipation between Durogesic fentanyl transdermal reservoir (TDF) and oral sustained-release morphine (SRM) in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: In a 13-month, open-label, parallel-group study, 680 patients were randomised to receive either TDF (n=338) or SRM (n=342) for CLBP. Assessments were recorded at Visit 1 (baseline), Visit 5 (Day 29) and Visit 17 (Month 13). Concurrent validity, clinical validity and responsiveness of PAC-SYM were determined based on patients' confirmation of constipation (CC) scores. Differences in PAC-SYM scores between treatment groups were also evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 677 patients, of whom 638 were opioid-naïve. Mean PAC-SYM scores for constipated patients were substantially higher than for non-constipated patients, demonstrating good clinical validity for PAC-SYM. The PAC-SYM could detect changes in bowel function over the treatment period, indicating responsiveness. Homogeneity of each symptom domain exceeded Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.70, suggesting good internal consistency and reliability. Changes in mean PAC-SYM scores from baseline to Visit 5 and Visit 17 were significantly lower for the TDF group than for the SRM group, indicating that the TDF group experienced less severe constipation. CONCLUSION: PAC-SYM is a reliable, valid and responsive measure of the presence and severity of opioid-induced constipation symptoms.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2005

Transdermal fentanyl versus sustained release oral morphine in strong-opioid naïve patients with chronic low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Open, randomized, parallel group multicenter study. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl (TDF) and sustained release morphine (SRM) in strong-opioid naïve patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Most studies of TDF and SRM have involved patients already receiving strong opioids. This is the first large-scale study focusing on strong-opioid naïve patients with CLBP. METHODS: Adults with CLBP requiring regular strong opioid therapy received either TDF or SRM for 13 months. Starting doses were 25 microg/hr fentanyl patches every 72 hours or 30 mg oral morphine every 12 hours. Doses were adjusted according to response. Participants assessed pain relief and bowel function using weekly diaries. Other assessments, including quality of life, disease progression, and side effects, were made by patients and investigators. RESULTS: Data from 680 patients showed that TDF and SRM provided similar levels of pain relief, but TDF was associated with significantly less constipation than SRM, indicating a greater likelihood of satisfactory pain relief without unmanageable constipation for patients receiving TDF. Other ratings were similar for TDF and SRM, but TDF provided greater relief of pain at rest and at night. CONCLUSIONS: TDF and SRM provided equivalent levels of pain relief, but TDF was associated with less constipation. This study indicates that sustained-release strong opioids can safely be used in strong-opioid naïve patients.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2005

Leflunomide or methotrexate for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: We compared the safety and efficacy of leflunomide with that of methotrexate in the treatment of polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in a multinational, randomized, controlled trial. METHODS: Patients 3 to 17 years of age received leflunomide or methotrexate for 16 weeks in a double-dummy, blinded fashion, followed by a 32-week blinded extension. The rates of American College of Rheumatology Pediatric 30 percent responses (ACR Pedi 30) and the Percent Improvement Index were assessed at baseline and every 4 weeks for 16 weeks and every 8 weeks during the 32-week extension study. RESULTS: Of 94 patients randomized, 86 completed 16 weeks of treatment, 70 of whom entered the extension study. At week 16, more patients in the methotrexate group than in the leflunomide group had an ACR Pedi 30 response (89 percent vs. 68 percent, P=0.02), whereas the values for the Percent Improvement Index did not differ significantly (-52.87 percent vs. -44.41 percent, P=0.18). In both groups, the improvements achieved at week 16 were maintained at week 48. The most common adverse events in both groups included gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and nasopharyngeal symptoms. Aminotransferase elevations were more frequent with methotrexate than with leflunomide during the initial study and the extension study. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate and leflunomide both resulted in high rates of clinical improvement, but the rate was slightly greater for methotrexate. At the doses used in this study, methotrexate was more effective than leflunomide.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2004

Combination leflunomide and methotrexate (MTX) therapy for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis failing MTX monotherapy: open-label extension of a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain additional safety and efficacy data on leflunomide (LEF) treatment in combination with methotrexate (MTX) therapy in an open-label extension study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Following a 24 week, randomized, double-blind trial of adding placebo (PLA) or LEF to stable MTX therapy, patients could enter a 24 week extension. Subjects randomized to LEF and MTX continued treatment [(LEF/LEF) + MTX]. Subjects randomized to PLA and MTX switched to LEF (10 mg/day, no loading dose) and MTX [(PLA/LEF) + MTX]. The double-blind regarding initial randomization was maintained. RESULTS: For subjects in the extension phase, American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) responder rates for the (LEF/LEF) + MTX group were maintained from Week 24 (57/96, 59.4%) to Week 48 (53/96, 55.2%). ACR20 responder rates improved in patients switched to LEF from PLA at Week 24 [(PLA/LEF) + MTX] from 25.0% (24/96) at Week 24 to 57.3% (55/96) at Week 48. Patients in the extension who switched from PLA to LEF without a loading dose exhibited a lower incidence of elevated transaminases compared to patients initially randomized to LEF. Diarrhea and nausea were less frequent during the open-label extension in patients who did not receive a LEF loading dose. CONCLUSION: Response to therapy was maintained to 48 weeks of treatment in patients who continued to receive LEF and MTX during the extension. Importantly, ACR20 response rates after 24 weeks of LEF therapy were similar between patients switched from PLA to LEF without loading dose, and those who received a loading does of LEF (100 mg/day x 2 days) at randomization. Fewer adverse events were reported in patients switched to LEF without a loading dose.

Antirheumatic Agents↗
PubMed2002

Concomitant leflunomide therapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite stable doses of methotrexate. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs may confer greater benefits when combined with the antimetabolite methotrexate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of leflunomide versus placebo when added to ongoing, stable-dose methotrexate therapy in patients with persistently active rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN: 24-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: 20 centers in the United States and Canada. PATIENTS: Patients with persistent rheumatoid arthritis, as defined by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, despite receiving methotrexate for at least 6 months. INTERVENTION: Leflunomide or matching placebo added to existing methotrexate therapy. MEASUREMENTS: The primary efficacy variable was the rate of achievement of 20% improvement in ACR criteria (ACR20) at the end of the study. The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index was assessed at each visit, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form was completed as an end point analysis. RESULTS: In the leflunomide and placebo groups, 46.2% and 19.5% of patients, respectively, met ACR20 criteria at 24 weeks (P < 0.001). Clinical improvement was demonstrated by statistically significant mean changes in individual components of the ACR20 response criteria. Discontinuation rates were similar in both treatment groups (23.1% in the leflunomide group and 24.8% in the placebo group), as were the overall incidences of adverse events (89.2% vs. 89.5%, respectively). Adverse events were predominantly mild or moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with leflunomide and methotrexate provides statistically significant clinical benefit in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who are receiving methotrexate therapy. Leflunomide plus methotrexate is generally well tolerated and can be used safely with appropriate liver enzyme and hematologic monitoring.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The effects of a pain management education program on the knowledge level and attitudes of clinical staff.

Two of the most important variables in effective pain management are the knowledge level and attitudes of the clinical staff at the bedside. Gaps in knowledge or uninformed attitudes can prevent optimal pain management. A baseline survey of staff knowledge and attitudes can guide educational and other process improvement efforts. Improvements can then be quantified. A multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach to pain management can improve the knowledge and attitudes of bedside clinicians.

Data Collection↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid arising in Hashimoto's thyroiditis in an adolescent.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare thyroid neoplasm that has been described exclusively in adults. We report what appears to be the first example of a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland arising in a background of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in an adolescent female. The tumor was well demarcated, confined to the right thyroid lobe, and did not metastasize, although follow up has been limited. The squamous cell carcinoma was well to moderately differentiated, and the stroma contained an abundant inflammatory infiltrate rich in lymphocytes and eosinophils. The lack of goblet cells, extracellular mucin, and extensive stromal sclerosis excluded the diagnosis of sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia. Immunohistochemical staining revealed focal expression of cytokeratin 7 and diffuse labeling with cytokeratin AE1/AE3. The squamous cell carcinoma overexpressed p53 protein and showed increased proliferative activity, as evidenced by the high MIB-1 labeling index. In contrast, the tumor did not show immunoreactivity for thyroglobulin or thyroid transcription factor 1.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Opioids for the management of persistent non-cancer pain.

Persistent non-cancer pain is a serious problem. This article outlines issues in the management of patients with severe pain who are using strong opioids. These analgesics can provide analgesia and improve quality of life without a need for an escalating dose.

Analgesics, Opioid↗