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Original Article05-09-2006Evaluation of quality of life of patients submitted to pulmonary resection due to neoplasia
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2006;32(1):10-15
Abstract
Original ArticleEvaluation of quality of life of patients submitted to pulmonary resection due to neoplasia
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2006;32(1):10-15
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132006000100005
Views12See moreOBJECTIVE: To evaluate the health-related quality of life of patients submitted to resection of the pulmonary parenchyma due to neoplasia. METHODS: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey was used to evaluate patients in the preoperative period and on postoperative days 30, 90 and 180. We used the GEE statistical model, in which the dependent variable (quality of life) changes for each patient over the course of the evaluation. Independent variables were gender, age, educational level, type of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, forced vital capacity and 6-minute walk test. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The final study sample comprised 36 patients, 20 of whom were men. Of those 36 patients, 17 were submitted to lobectomy, 10 to pneumonectomy, 6 to segmentectomy, and 3 to bilobectomy. Chemotherapy was used in 15 patients, radiotherapy in 2, and a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in 2. Improved quality of life was seen in the following domains: social (on postoperative day 90); physical/functional (some patients presenting better forced vital capacity and 6-minute walk test performance); and physical (in patients undergoing smaller resections). Lowered quality of life was seen in the following domains: social (for female patients); physical/social (resulting from radiotherapy, chemotherapy or both); and physical/functional (by postoperative day 30). CONCLUSIONS: It is important that studies evaluating the various determinants of quality of life, as well as the impact that cancer treatment modalities have on such variables, be conducted. The knowledge provided by such studies can contribute to improving the quality of life of patients undergoing pulmonary resection due to neoplasia.
Views12
Abstract
Original ArticleEvaluation of quality of life of patients submitted to pulmonary resection due to neoplasia
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2006;32(1):10-15
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132006000100005
Views12See moreOBJECTIVE: To evaluate the health-related quality of life of patients submitted to resection of the pulmonary parenchyma due to neoplasia. METHODS: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey was used to evaluate patients in the preoperative period and on postoperative days 30, 90 and 180. We used the GEE statistical model, in which the dependent variable (quality of life) changes for each patient over the course of the evaluation. Independent variables were gender, age, educational level, type of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, forced vital capacity and 6-minute walk test. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The final study sample comprised 36 patients, 20 of whom were men. Of those 36 patients, 17 were submitted to lobectomy, 10 to pneumonectomy, 6 to segmentectomy, and 3 to bilobectomy. Chemotherapy was used in 15 patients, radiotherapy in 2, and a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in 2. Improved quality of life was seen in the following domains: social (on postoperative day 90); physical/functional (some patients presenting better forced vital capacity and 6-minute walk test performance); and physical (in patients undergoing smaller resections). Lowered quality of life was seen in the following domains: social (for female patients); physical/social (resulting from radiotherapy, chemotherapy or both); and physical/functional (by postoperative day 30). CONCLUSIONS: It is important that studies evaluating the various determinants of quality of life, as well as the impact that cancer treatment modalities have on such variables, be conducted. The knowledge provided by such studies can contribute to improving the quality of life of patients undergoing pulmonary resection due to neoplasia.
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Original Article03-07-2006
The effect of psychotherapy provided as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(6):499-505
Abstract
Original ArticleThe effect of psychotherapy provided as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(6):499-505
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132005000600007
Views15OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of psychotherapy on levels of anxiety and depression, as well as on quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, blind clinical trial was conducted involving 49 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Patients were randomized into three groups: those submitted to the complete pulmonary rehabilitation program, which included psychotherapy and an exercise regimen (group 1); those submitted to the program minus physical exercise (group 2); and those submitted to the program minus psychotherapy (group 3). The three groups underwent a 12-week treatment program. All patients were evaluated at baseline and at completion of the pulmonary rehabilitation program through four instruments: The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire were applied. The distance walked-weight product was also calculated. RESULTS: Statistically significant absolute improvements in exercise capacity were found for groups 1 and 2, although not for group 3 (p = 0.007, p = 0.008 and p = 0.06, respectively). In groups 1 and 2, levels of anxiety and depressions were also significantly reduced (group 1: p = 0.0000 and p < 0.0003; group 2: p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0014), and quality of life was significantly improved (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.002, respectively). Anxiety levels were also reduced in group 3 (p = 0.03), although levels of depression were not, and quality of life was unaffected. CONCLUSION: Psychotherapy sessions provided as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program assist patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in coping with disease-related limitations by reducing behavioral symptoms, especially depression, thereby influencing exercise capacity and health-related quality of life.
Keywords:Anxietychronic obstructiveDepressionExercise therapyPullmonary diseasesPulmonary diseasequality of lifeSee moreViews15Abstract
Original ArticleThe effect of psychotherapy provided as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(6):499-505
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132005000600007
Views15OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of psychotherapy on levels of anxiety and depression, as well as on quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, blind clinical trial was conducted involving 49 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Patients were randomized into three groups: those submitted to the complete pulmonary rehabilitation program, which included psychotherapy and an exercise regimen (group 1); those submitted to the program minus physical exercise (group 2); and those submitted to the program minus psychotherapy (group 3). The three groups underwent a 12-week treatment program. All patients were evaluated at baseline and at completion of the pulmonary rehabilitation program through four instruments: The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire were applied. The distance walked-weight product was also calculated. RESULTS: Statistically significant absolute improvements in exercise capacity were found for groups 1 and 2, although not for group 3 (p = 0.007, p = 0.008 and p = 0.06, respectively). In groups 1 and 2, levels of anxiety and depressions were also significantly reduced (group 1: p = 0.0000 and p < 0.0003; group 2: p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0014), and quality of life was significantly improved (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.002, respectively). Anxiety levels were also reduced in group 3 (p = 0.03), although levels of depression were not, and quality of life was unaffected. CONCLUSION: Psychotherapy sessions provided as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program assist patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in coping with disease-related limitations by reducing behavioral symptoms, especially depression, thereby influencing exercise capacity and health-related quality of life.
Keywords:Anxietychronic obstructiveDepressionExercise therapyPullmonary diseasesPulmonary diseasequality of lifeSee more -
Original Article09-12-2005
Prognostic markers in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31:S13-S16
Abstract
Original ArticlePrognostic markers in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31:S13-S16
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132005000800004
Views10With the advent of new therapies for pulmonary hypertension, the need arises to define prognostic markers that definitively predict the improvement in quality of life and survival of patients treated with these new alternatives. To date, the 6-minute walk test has been the marker most widely used to determine the benefit gained from the various treatment strategies available. However, clinical, biochemical and quality of life markers present great potential for the management of patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Keywords:EchocardiographyExercise testsExercise therapyExercise toleranceGuidelinesHemodynamic processesHypertensionPrognosticpulmonaryquality of lifeSurvivalWalkingSee moreViews10Abstract
Original ArticlePrognostic markers in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31:S13-S16
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132005000800004
Views10With the advent of new therapies for pulmonary hypertension, the need arises to define prognostic markers that definitively predict the improvement in quality of life and survival of patients treated with these new alternatives. To date, the 6-minute walk test has been the marker most widely used to determine the benefit gained from the various treatment strategies available. However, clinical, biochemical and quality of life markers present great potential for the management of patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Keywords:EchocardiographyExercise testsExercise therapyExercise toleranceGuidelinesHemodynamic processesHypertensionPrognosticpulmonaryquality of lifeSurvivalWalkingSee more -
Original Article07-14-2005
Efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation: exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(2):118-124
Abstract
Original ArticleEfficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation: exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(2):118-124
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132005000200006
Views11BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation is widely recommended for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation in improving exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. METHOD: This was an open, non-randomized clinical trial involving 27 clinically stable ex-smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. All were evaluated before and after pulmonary rehabilitation. RESULTS: Mean age was 65 ± 5 years, mean body mass index was 25 ± 4 kg/m², mean forced expiratory volume in one second was 55 ± 25% of predicted, mean ratio between forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity was 50 ± 12%, and mean arterial oxygen tension was 70 ± 7 mmHg. Comparison of pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation values revealed improvement in the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test (513 ± 99 m vs. 570 ± 104 m), maximum upper limb load (2 ± 1 kg vs. 3 ± 1 kg) and maximal inspiratory pressure (-89 ± 23 cmH2O vs. -102 ± 23 cmH2O), as well as in the activity domain, impact domain and total score on the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary rehabilitation, when performed with care and with a focus on physical training, is efficacious in increasing not only the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test but maximum upper limb load, maximal inspiratory pressure and quality of life as well.
Keywords:chronic obstructive pulmonary diseasePulmonary rehabilitationquality of lifeRespiratory musclesSee moreViews11Abstract
Original ArticleEfficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation: exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(2):118-124
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132005000200006
Views11BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation is widely recommended for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation in improving exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. METHOD: This was an open, non-randomized clinical trial involving 27 clinically stable ex-smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. All were evaluated before and after pulmonary rehabilitation. RESULTS: Mean age was 65 ± 5 years, mean body mass index was 25 ± 4 kg/m², mean forced expiratory volume in one second was 55 ± 25% of predicted, mean ratio between forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity was 50 ± 12%, and mean arterial oxygen tension was 70 ± 7 mmHg. Comparison of pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation values revealed improvement in the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test (513 ± 99 m vs. 570 ± 104 m), maximum upper limb load (2 ± 1 kg vs. 3 ± 1 kg) and maximal inspiratory pressure (-89 ± 23 cmH2O vs. -102 ± 23 cmH2O), as well as in the activity domain, impact domain and total score on the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary rehabilitation, when performed with care and with a focus on physical training, is efficacious in increasing not only the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test but maximum upper limb load, maximal inspiratory pressure and quality of life as well.
Keywords:chronic obstructive pulmonary diseasePulmonary rehabilitationquality of lifeRespiratory musclesSee more -
Original Article04-05-2005
Quality of life before and after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: preliminary results
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(1):48-51
Abstract
Original ArticleQuality of life before and after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: preliminary results
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(1):48-51
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132005000100009
Views10See moreBACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic thromboembolism is a severe and debilitating disease and has been associated with high mortality. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the treatment of choice. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy on the quality of life of patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic thromboembolism using the SF-36 Health Survey. METHOD: The SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire was administered to 13 patients prior to and at least 3 months following thromboendarterectomy. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients studied, 7 were female and 6 were male. Mean age was 45.7 ± 18.3. All were submitted to thromboendarterectomy. After surgery, all SF-36 domains, with the exception of the "mental health" domain, improved. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy provides significant improvement in patient quality of life.
Views10Abstract
Original ArticleQuality of life before and after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: preliminary results
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2005;31(1):48-51
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132005000100009
Views10See moreBACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic thromboembolism is a severe and debilitating disease and has been associated with high mortality. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the treatment of choice. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy on the quality of life of patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic thromboembolism using the SF-36 Health Survey. METHOD: The SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire was administered to 13 patients prior to and at least 3 months following thromboendarterectomy. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients studied, 7 were female and 6 were male. Mean age was 45.7 ± 18.3. All were submitted to thromboendarterectomy. After surgery, all SF-36 domains, with the exception of the "mental health" domain, improved. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy provides significant improvement in patient quality of life.
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Original Article09-02-2004
Influence of general clinical parameters on the quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2004;30(3):207-214
Abstract
Original ArticleInfluence of general clinical parameters on the quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2004;30(3):207-214
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132004000300005
Views13See moreBACKGROUND: There is currently no consensus regarding which factors influence the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, identifying such factors could orient approaches to improving the quality of the lives of these patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors that can interfere with quality of life in COPD patients selected for pulmonary rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with moderate to severe COPD were evaluated. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), body mass index (BMI), pulmonary function, blood gases, grip strength (measured with a dynamometer), quadriceps strength and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores were assessed. RESULTS: Statistically significant negative correlations with quality of life were found for the following factors: "impact" scores of: forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (r = -0.68; p = 0.004), FEV1 to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) (r = -0.61; p = 0.014), peak expiratory flow (PEF) (r = -0.53 (p = 0.015), 6MWT (r = -0.63; p = 0.001) and BMI (r = -0.64; p = 0.002); "activity" scores for: MIP (r = -0.57; p = 0.007), baseline arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) (r = -0.52; p = 0.018) and 6MWT (r = -0.58; p = 0.007); "symptom" score for: BMI (r = -0.60; p = 0.005); and "total" scores for: FEV1 (r = -0.64; p = 0.01), PEF (r = -0.47; p = 0.033) and BMI (r = -0.57; p = 0.009). Multiple linear regression revealed the primary factors influencing quality of life to be: BMI, which presented a significant influence on "symptom", "impact" and "total" scores (p = 0.002, p = 0.009 and p = 0.024, respectively); and 6MWT, which had a significant influence on "activity" and "impact" scores (p = 0.048 and p = 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The BMI and 6MWT were shown to have an influence on quality of life in the COPD patients studied. Therefore, therapeutic approaches to improving the quality of life of COPD patients should take these indices into consideration.
Views13Abstract
Original ArticleInfluence of general clinical parameters on the quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. 2004;30(3):207-214
DOI 10.1590/S1806-37132004000300005
Views13See moreBACKGROUND: There is currently no consensus regarding which factors influence the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, identifying such factors could orient approaches to improving the quality of the lives of these patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors that can interfere with quality of life in COPD patients selected for pulmonary rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with moderate to severe COPD were evaluated. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), body mass index (BMI), pulmonary function, blood gases, grip strength (measured with a dynamometer), quadriceps strength and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores were assessed. RESULTS: Statistically significant negative correlations with quality of life were found for the following factors: "impact" scores of: forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (r = -0.68; p = 0.004), FEV1 to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) (r = -0.61; p = 0.014), peak expiratory flow (PEF) (r = -0.53 (p = 0.015), 6MWT (r = -0.63; p = 0.001) and BMI (r = -0.64; p = 0.002); "activity" scores for: MIP (r = -0.57; p = 0.007), baseline arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) (r = -0.52; p = 0.018) and 6MWT (r = -0.58; p = 0.007); "symptom" score for: BMI (r = -0.60; p = 0.005); and "total" scores for: FEV1 (r = -0.64; p = 0.01), PEF (r = -0.47; p = 0.033) and BMI (r = -0.57; p = 0.009). Multiple linear regression revealed the primary factors influencing quality of life to be: BMI, which presented a significant influence on "symptom", "impact" and "total" scores (p = 0.002, p = 0.009 and p = 0.024, respectively); and 6MWT, which had a significant influence on "activity" and "impact" scores (p = 0.048 and p = 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The BMI and 6MWT were shown to have an influence on quality of life in the COPD patients studied. Therefore, therapeutic approaches to improving the quality of life of COPD patients should take these indices into consideration.
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Original Article03-02-2004
Effects of a physical exercises program designed to increase thoracic mobility in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal de Pneumologia. 2003;29(5):287-294
Abstract
Original ArticleEffects of a physical exercises program designed to increase thoracic mobility in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal de Pneumologia. 2003;29(5):287-294
DOI 10.1590/S0102-35862003000500007
Views12See moreBACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is detrimental to lung mechanics and peripheral muscles. The physical programs developed for this condition are usually targeted to an improvement on aerobics capacity. Programs that approach specifically the changes in thoracic mobility and thoracic muscles are rare. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a physical exercise program designed to increase chest wall mobility on functional and psychosocial capacity in moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were studied. They were randomized to 2 groups: control group (CG) and treated group (TG). The CG was submitted to an educational program and the TG was submitted to an educational program plus a physical exercise program aiming to increase chest wall mobility. Variables included spirometry, thoracic mobility, quality of life, anxiety and depression levels and a six minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: After 2 months of training, only the TG presented improvements on chest wall mobility (from 4.20 ± 0.58 cm to 5.27 ± 0.58 cm; p = 0.05) and 6MWT (from 469.73 ± 31.99 m to 500.60 ± 27.38 m; p = 0.01). It was also observed that the TG presented improvement on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), and Beck's depression scale after 2 months of treatment. Pulmonary function did not improve either in the CG or in the TG group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that exercises aimed to the increasing of chest wall mobility improve thoracic mobility, quality of life, submaximal exercise capacity, and reduce dyspnea and depression symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Views12Abstract
Original ArticleEffects of a physical exercises program designed to increase thoracic mobility in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jornal de Pneumologia. 2003;29(5):287-294
DOI 10.1590/S0102-35862003000500007
Views12See moreBACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is detrimental to lung mechanics and peripheral muscles. The physical programs developed for this condition are usually targeted to an improvement on aerobics capacity. Programs that approach specifically the changes in thoracic mobility and thoracic muscles are rare. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a physical exercise program designed to increase chest wall mobility on functional and psychosocial capacity in moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were studied. They were randomized to 2 groups: control group (CG) and treated group (TG). The CG was submitted to an educational program and the TG was submitted to an educational program plus a physical exercise program aiming to increase chest wall mobility. Variables included spirometry, thoracic mobility, quality of life, anxiety and depression levels and a six minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: After 2 months of training, only the TG presented improvements on chest wall mobility (from 4.20 ± 0.58 cm to 5.27 ± 0.58 cm; p = 0.05) and 6MWT (from 469.73 ± 31.99 m to 500.60 ± 27.38 m; p = 0.01). It was also observed that the TG presented improvement on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), and Beck's depression scale after 2 months of treatment. Pulmonary function did not improve either in the CG or in the TG group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that exercises aimed to the increasing of chest wall mobility improve thoracic mobility, quality of life, submaximal exercise capacity, and reduce dyspnea and depression symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
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Original Article12-02-2003
Questionnaire of quality of life in patients with primary hyperhidrosis
Jornal de Pneumologia. 2003;29(4):178-181
Abstract
Original ArticleQuestionnaire of quality of life in patients with primary hyperhidrosis
Jornal de Pneumologia. 2003;29(4):178-181
DOI 10.1590/S0102-35862003000400003
Views9See moreBACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis or excessive sudoresis is a chronic disease associated with important subjective distress. OBJECTIVE: To propose a specific questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis. METHODS: From October 1995 to March 2002, 378 patients (234 females), with a mean age of 26.8 years, were evaluated before and after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy. RESULTS: Therapeutic success was obtained in 90% of the procedures. The recurrence rate was 10% for palmar and 11% for axillary hyperhidrosis; 27% of the patients who had recurrence were re-operated successfully. No serious complications were reported. Of the total number of patients, 91% answered to the quality of life questionnaire, and 86% of them reported improvement after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic sympathectomy is a therapeutic method capable of changing the quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis. The questionnaire applied has shown these changes.
Views9Abstract
Original ArticleQuestionnaire of quality of life in patients with primary hyperhidrosis
Jornal de Pneumologia. 2003;29(4):178-181
DOI 10.1590/S0102-35862003000400003
Views9See moreBACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis or excessive sudoresis is a chronic disease associated with important subjective distress. OBJECTIVE: To propose a specific questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis. METHODS: From October 1995 to March 2002, 378 patients (234 females), with a mean age of 26.8 years, were evaluated before and after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy. RESULTS: Therapeutic success was obtained in 90% of the procedures. The recurrence rate was 10% for palmar and 11% for axillary hyperhidrosis; 27% of the patients who had recurrence were re-operated successfully. No serious complications were reported. Of the total number of patients, 91% answered to the quality of life questionnaire, and 86% of them reported improvement after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic sympathectomy is a therapeutic method capable of changing the quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis. The questionnaire applied has shown these changes.
quality of life Archives - Page 3 of 8 - Respiratory Research & Clinical Practice
