Comorbidity as a prognostic variable in multiple myeloma: comparative evaluation of common comorbidity scores and use of a novel MM-comorbidity score.

Comorbidities have been demonstrated to affect progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), although their impact in multiple myeloma (MM) patients is as yet unsettled. We (1) assessed various comorbidities, (2) compared established comorbidity indices (CIs; Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI)), Kaplan Feinstein (KF) and Satariano index (SI) and (3) developed a MM-CI (Freiburger comorbidity index, FCI) in 127 MM patients. Univariate analysis determined moderate or severe pulmonary disease (hazard ratio (HR): 3.

Characteristics of flight nursing practice.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe the roles, levels of responsibility and backgrounds of flight nurses employed in flight programs across the country and to determine if the role of the flight nurse varied as a function of crew configuration or size of program.

Methods: In 1991, a retrospective statistical questionnaire was sent to 105 programs with 50 or more flights per month.

Results: This survey provides national data regarding description of programs, evidence of the critical-care environment, professional profiles of flight nurses and practice differences between nurse and paramedic personnel.