Peripheral Neuropathy At The Survivors Of Ovarian Cancer At Adam Malik Hajj Hospital

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Peripheral Neuropathy at the Survivors of Ovarian Cancer at Adam Malik Hajj Hospital: Clinical Overview and Its Impact

Introduction

Ovarian cancer is a life-threatening cancer that ranks 8th in the cause of death in women in 2018. The treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and other medical interventions. However, one of the common side effects of chemotherapy is peripheral neuropathy, a condition that can cause sensory and motor disorders in patients, significantly affecting their quality of life.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. In the context of ovarian cancer, peripheral neuropathy is often caused by chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel and carboplatin. These drugs can damage the nerves, leading to a range of symptoms that can impact daily activities, work ability, and overall quality of life.

Background

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy, affecting up to 80% of patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe, and can impact different aspects of a patient's life. In the context of ovarian cancer, peripheral neuropathy can be a significant challenge for patients, affecting their ability to perform daily activities, work, and maintain their overall quality of life.

Methodology

This study aims to identify the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapy that are most often experienced by survivors of ovarian cancer at Adam Malik Haji Hospital in Medan. The study uses a descriptive-analytic method with a cross-sectional approach, combining primary data from telephone interviews using the Eortc QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire and secondary data from the patient's medical record.

The research sample was taken from all medical records of the survivors of ovarian cancer in 2017-2020, which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were patients who had undergone chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and had completed treatment, while the exclusion criteria were patients who had a history of other medical conditions that could affect the nerves.

Results

The results of the study showed that most of the survivors of ovarian cancer (74.3%) had mild peripheral neuropathy symptoms, while 11.4% had moderate symptoms. The most frequently felt symptoms were numbness and cramps in the hands and feet (29.52% and 12.38%), and dizziness after changes in position (14.29%).

Discussion

The results of this study provide an important picture of the impact of peripheral neuropathy on the survivors of ovarian cancer. Although most of the symptoms are mild, 11.4% of survivors experience moderate symptoms that can have a significant impact on daily activities. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can interfere with physical activity, work ability, and balance, thus affecting the quality of life of survivors.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the importance of screening and early management of peripheral neuropathy in the survivors of ovarian cancer. The results of this study highlight the need for increased awareness about peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy, both for patients and medical personnel. Routine screening using questionnaires such as Eortc QLQ-CIPN20 can help early detection of peripheral neuropathy and timely intervention.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Increased awareness: It is essential to increase awareness about peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy, both for patients and medical personnel.
  • Early screening: Routine screening using questionnaires such as Eortc QLQ-CIPN20 can help early detection of peripheral neuropathy and timely intervention.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: A multidisciplinary medical team, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, can work together to manage peripheral neuropathy and improve the quality of life of survivors.

Future Directions

This study provides valuable information for the development of prevention strategies, early detection, and peripheral neuropathy management in the survivors of ovarian cancer. By increasing awareness, screening, and treatment, it is expected that the quality of life of the survivors of ovarian cancer can be improved. Future studies can build on the findings of this study to develop more effective strategies for managing peripheral neuropathy in the survivors of ovarian cancer.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single hospital. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and conduct the study in multiple hospitals to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an important picture of the impact of peripheral neuropathy on the survivors of ovarian cancer. The results of this study highlight the need for increased awareness about peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy, both for patients and medical personnel. Routine screening using questionnaires such as Eortc QLQ-CIPN20 can help early detection of peripheral neuropathy and timely intervention. A multidisciplinary medical team can work together to manage peripheral neuropathy and improve the quality of life of survivors.
Peripheral Neuropathy at the Survivors of Ovarian Cancer at Adam Malik Hajj Hospital: Q&A

Introduction

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy, affecting up to 80% of patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe, and can impact different aspects of a patient's life. In this Q&A article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about peripheral neuropathy in the context of ovarian cancer.

Q: What is peripheral neuropathy?

A: Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.

Q: What causes peripheral neuropathy in ovarian cancer patients?

A: Peripheral neuropathy in ovarian cancer patients is often caused by chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel and carboplatin. These drugs can damage the nerves, leading to a range of symptoms that can impact daily activities, work ability, and overall quality of life.

Q: What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

A: The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet, as well as dizziness after changes in position.

Q: How common is peripheral neuropathy in ovarian cancer patients?

A: Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy, affecting up to 80% of patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer.

Q: Can peripheral neuropathy be prevented?

A: While there is no guaranteed way to prevent peripheral neuropathy, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include:

  • Early detection: Routine screening using questionnaires such as Eortc QLQ-CIPN20 can help early detection of peripheral neuropathy and timely intervention.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: A multidisciplinary medical team, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, can work together to manage peripheral neuropathy and improve the quality of life of survivors.
  • Increased awareness: It is essential to increase awareness about peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy, both for patients and medical personnel.

Q: How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?

A: Peripheral neuropathy is typically diagnosed based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The Eortc QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire is a commonly used tool to assess the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Q: What are the treatment options for peripheral neuropathy?

A: The treatment options for peripheral neuropathy depend on the severity of the symptoms and the individual patient's needs. Treatment options may include:

  • Medications: Medications such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce pain.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and stress management can help improve overall quality of life.

Q: Can peripheral neuropathy be reversed?

A: While some symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may be reversible, others may be permanent. The extent to which symptoms can be reversed depends on the severity of the damage and the individual patient's response to treatment.

Q: What support is available for patients with peripheral neuropathy?

A: Patients with peripheral neuropathy may benefit from a range of support services, including:

  • Counseling: Counseling can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological impact of peripheral neuropathy.
  • Support groups: Support groups can provide a sense of community and connection with others who are experiencing similar challenges.
  • Online resources: Online resources such as websites and forums can provide information and support for patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusion

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy, affecting up to 80% of patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. While some symptoms may be reversible, others may be permanent. By increasing awareness, screening, and treatment, it is possible to improve the quality of life of patients with peripheral neuropathy.