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Biomedical subjects

G Newshan

Publications and source records attributed to G Newshan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Transdermal fentanyl for chronic pain in AIDS: a pilot study.

This prospective, open-label, before-after trial was designed to compare the efficacy of oral opioids with that of transdermal fentanyl in severe AIDS-related chronic pain, as well as assess barriers, patient satisfaction, and side effects. Thirty-five sequentially selected male and female outpatients with AIDS who were at least 18 years old were enrolled. All had chronic pain requiring continuous treatment with > or = 45 mg/day oral morphine or an equivalent. Eighteen of the patients had a history of chemical dependency. Baseline data were collected while patients received their previously prescribed opioid; assessments were made again after a stable transdermal fentanyl dose (25--300 microg/h) had been maintained for 15 days. Patients completed the International Association for the Study of Pain Classification of Chronic Pain Syndromes questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory, and a Satisfaction With Pain Medication questionnaire for assessing pain intensity, relief, and interference with normal functioning. With transdermal fentanyl, pain severity scores decreased significantly, mean pain relief scores increased, and daily functioning measures improved significantly. Most adverse events were mild and unrelated to fentanyl use. Transdermal fentanyl was effective for chronic pain in both chemically dependent and non-chemically dependent patients with AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

The use of anabolic agents in HIV disease.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic analogues of the natural androgenic 'male' hormone called testosterone that is produced primarily in the testes in males and in the ovaries in females. Anabolic steroids and other agents are fast becoming part of the standard of care for HIV disease, gaining acceptance in reversing loss of lean body mass, increasing muscle strength, improving sexual functioning and appetite and creating a general sense of well-being. This article will review commonly prescribed anabolic agents, discuss potential side effects and contraindications.

Anabolic Agents↗

Palliative care: pain and symptom management in persons with HIV/AIDS.

As patients with HIV/AIDS are living longer with the illness, pain and symptom management are increasingly important health issues. This article will discuss the assessment and management of such common problems as pain, fatigue and weakness, dyspnea and cough, anorexia and weight-loss, nausea and vomiting, sleep disorders, dry mouth, diarrhea, itching, and fever and night sweats.

HIV Infections↗

Transcending the physical: spiritual aspects of pain in patients with HIV and/or cancer.

Spirituality is an important though often neglected aspect of pain in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or cancer, for both patients and nurses. The spiritual domain involves: (1) meaning, (2) hope and (3) love and relatedness. The author examines spiritual aspects of pain in persons with HIV and/or cancer, as supported by the literature. Understanding spiritual aspects of pain carries implications for nursing. One of these implications is that it is important for the nurse to be closer to his/her own spirit in order to be there for the patient in pain. Other nursing implications include spiritual assessment and interventions, such as presence, attentive listening, acceptance and judicious self-disclosure, for promoting comfort and diminishing pain.

HIV Infections↗

Sexual functioning in ambulatory men with HIV/AIDS.

Sexual functioning is often neglected in the care of HIV-infected patients. Little information exists about the relationship between hormonal factors, psychological factors, medication, HIV disease stage and sexual functioning among persons with HIV disease. In this study, 50 HIV+ men completed the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI), and had serum hormonal assays drawn (testosterone, thyroid function test, leuteinizing hormone, prolactin and oestradiol). Although all the subjects reported some degree of sexual dysfunction, persons with symptomatic HIV/AIDS reported more negative mood, lower sexual satisfaction scores and worse body image than persons with asymptomatic HIV. Persons with asymptomatic HIV also tended to have normal testosterone levels compared with persons with symptomatic HIV/AIDS. No relationship was found between medications and low testosterone, although numbers were small. These results suggest that sexual dysfunction is prevalent among persons with HIV disease, is more common as patients become symptomatic and progress to AIDS and that both physiological (low testosterone) and psychological issues play a role.

Adult↗

Pain in human immunodeficiency virus disease.

OBJECTIVES: To review the prevalence and etiology of pain in persons with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and issues and considerations for pain management in this patient population. DATA SOURCES: Research studies, review articles, and books related to pain in persons with HIV/AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: Pain is a common problem for individuals with HIV/AIDS that is often poorly managed and net well documented. Many of these patients have multiple, coexisting illnesses that are painful. Adequate assessment of the underlying cause will help in the treatment or eradication of pain. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The management of pain in persons with HIV/AIDS is an important responsibility for oncology nurses because increasing numbers of persons with HIV/AIDS are being treated for neoplastic complications, cytopenias, or being referred to hospice care.

HIV Infections↗

Therapeutic touch for symptom control in persons with AIDS.

Therapeutic Touch is a manifestation of compassion. It reaches beyond the physical body and its parts. It connects one with the underlying order of the universe. TT is a skill that is invaluable in the care of the PWA on many levels, whether to ease the transition in dying or to ease the discomforts in living. It lies at the heart of healing.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗