Publications by authors named "S Szmit"
Background: Data on risks and benefits of long-term anticoagulants in patients with a life-limiting disease are limited. This cohort study aims to describe (dis)continuation of anticoagulants and incidences of bleeding and thromboembolic events in vitamin K antagonist (VKA) users with a life-limiting disease.
Methods: Data from five Dutch anticoagulation clinics were linked to data from Statistics Netherlands and the Netherlands Cancer registry.
Background: Even though antithrombotic therapy (ATT) probably has little or even negative effect on the well-being of patients with cancer near the end of life, it is often continued until death, possibly leading to excess bleeding complications, increased disease burden, reduced quality of life and higher healthcare costs.
Aim: To explore and describe European practice patterns and perspectives of healthcare professionals from different disciplines and specialties on ATT in the end-of-life care (EOLC) of patients with cancer.
Methods: We performed a two-week international cross-sectional survey study using flash-mob research methodology.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigated the impact of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) on overall survival in patients with ALK-positive lung cancer who received treatment with ALK inhibitors.
- A total of 54 patients were analyzed, finding that 22.2% experienced VTE, which significantly reduced their overall survival compared to those without VTE (median of 11.7 vs. 37.4 months).
- The findings highlighted that active treatment with certain ALK inhibitors, as well as specific clinical factors like liver metastases and higher leukocyte counts, increased the risk of VTE and negatively affected patient survival.
Article Synopsis
- The POL-MOL study aimed to assess the use of molecular testing in Polish patients diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as its extent was previously unknown.
- Oncologists completed questionnaires about molecular testing for various genetic mutations and PD-L1 assessment, collecting data from 1001 patients receiving systemic treatment.
- Results indicated that molecular tests were conducted in 78% of NSCLC patients, with higher testing rates in more advanced disease stages, and about 30% of tests in squamous cell carcinoma patients were positive for specific mutations.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigated how physician recommendations and self-monitoring using pedometers affected physical activity levels in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) over 12 weeks.
- A total of 41 PAH patients participated, with initial activity levels categorized into inactive (less than 5,000 steps/day) and active (5,000 or more steps/day) groups.
- Results indicated no significant overall change in physical activity levels or improvements in health metrics like walking distance, quality of life, or mental health among participants over the study period.