Decision aids: are they worth it? A systematic review.

Objectives: The field of consumer decision support interventions has grown rapidly in the last 20 years, particularly since the increased formalization of evidence-based decision-making in health care. However, little is known as yet about the effect these decision aids have on relevant outcomes. To identify outcomes influenced by consumer decision aids (CDAs) and the particular effects of CDAs on those outcomes.

Risk factors for varicella zoster disseminated infection among adult cancer patients with localized zoster.

Varicella zoster (VZ) infection can be a highly morbid and potentially fatal disease among immunocompromised patients; 811 episodes of VZ infection among adult cancer patients seen at the Princess Margaret Hospital from 1970 to 1980, were identified. Seven hundred twelve patients with first episodes of localized VZ infection (zoster) were analyzed for potential risk factors for dissemination. Significant risk factors after univariate analysis included the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease, decreasing age, chemotherapy within 6 months of VZ infection, and extensive tumor at initial tumor diagnosis.

Varicella-zoster infection in adult cancer patients. A population study.

In a retrospective review of varicella-zoster (V-Z) Infections in adult cancer patients, 766 episodes of V-Z Infection were studied among 740 patients seen at a large comprehensive cancer center from 1972 to 1980. The highest risk of infection was present among patients with lymphoma and leukemia. The risk of dissemination of V-Z Infection was significantly associated with the presence of active tumor at the time of Infection.

Empiric therapy for infections in patients with granulocytopenia. Continuous v interrupted infusion of tobramycin plus cefamandole.

A combination of tobramycin sulfate and cefamandole nafate was used as initial empiric therapy for the treatment of 71 evaluable febrile (temperature greater than 38.5 degrees C) episodes in 64 (neutrophils, less than 1,000/microL) adult patients with cancer and granulocytopenia. Carbenicillin sodium or ticarcillin disodium was substituted for cefamandole in patients with Pseudomonas infections and in patients in whom the initial regimen was unsuccessful.