Gianpaolo Gargiulo

Haemorrhagic cystitis in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): a prospective observational study of incidence and management in HSCT centres within the GITMO network (Gruppo Italiano Trapianto Midollo Osseo)

Haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a recognised complication in patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study evaluates the incidence and severity of HC in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT during hospitalisation and within the first 100 days following transplant, looking at the use of prophylaxis, management of HC, outcomes at 100 days post transplant, and to identify any correlations between development of HC and the different conditioning regimens for transplant or HC prevention methods used. Results Four hundred and fifty patients (412 adult and 38 paediatric) were enrolled in this prospective, multicentre, and observational study. HC was observed in 55 patients (12.2%) of which 8/38 were paediatric (21% of total paediatric sample) and 47/412 adults (11.4% of total adult sample). HC was observed primarily in the non-related HSCT group (45/55; 81.8%, p= 0.001) compared to sibling and myeloablative transplant protocols (48/55; 87.3%; p= 0.008) and with respect to reduced intensity conditioning regimens (7/55;12.7%). In 33 patients with HC (60%), BK virus was isolated in urine samples, a potential co-factor in the pathogenesis of HC. The median day of HC presentation was 23 days post HSCT infusion, with a mean duration of 20 days. The most frequent therapeutic treatments were placement of a bladder catheter (31/55; 56%) and continuous bladder irrigation (40/55; 73%). The range of variables in terms of conditioning regimens and so on, makes analysis difficult. Conclusions This multi-centre national study reported similar incidence rates of HC to those in the literature. Evidence-based guidelines for prophylaxis and management are required in transplant centres. Further research is required to look at both prophylactic and therapeutic interventions, which also consider toxicity of newer conditioning regimens.

Nutritional support in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a multicentre survey of the Gruppo Italiano Trapianto Midollo Osseo (GITMO) transplant programmes.

A survey within Italian haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) programmes was performed, in order to obtain a snapshot of nutritional support (NS) in patients undergoing HSCT. The primary objective was to verify whether an evidence-based practice (EBP) approach to NS was implemented in HSCT centres. A multicentre survey was performed by questionnaire, covering the main areas of NS (screening, treatment planning, monitoring, nutritional counselling, and methods of nutritional support). The results indicated a significant variation between clinical practice and evidence-based guidelines in terms of clinical pathways, decision-making, and care provision regarding NS. Further research is required to identify reasons for the limited application of EBP and measures that may be undertaken to address such issues. Development of a multidisciplinary educational programme in order to raise awareness of the issue should be undertaken.

‘Real-life’ report on the management of chronic GvHD in the Gruppo Italiano Trapianto Midollo Osseo (GITMO)

Several guidelines have been published about management of chronic GvHD (cGvHD), but the clinical practice still remains demanding. The Gruppo Italiano Trapianto di Midollo Osseo (GITMO) has planned a prospective observational study on cGvHD, supported by a dedicated software, including the updated recommendations. In view of this study, two surveys have been conducted, focusing the management of cGvHD and ancillary therapy in cGvHD, to address the current ‘real life’ situation. The two surveys were sent to all 57 GITMO centers, performing allografting in Italy; the response rate was 57% and 66% of the interviewed centers, respectively. The first survey showed a great disparity especially regarding steroid-refractory cGvHD, although extracorporeal photo-apheresis resulted as the most indicated treatment in this setting. Another challenging issue was the strategy for tapering steroid: our survey showed a great variance, and this disagreement could be a real bias in evaluating outcomes in prospective studies. As for the second survey, the results suggest that the ancillary treatments are not standardized in many centers. All responding centers reported a strong need to standardize management of cGvHD and to participate in prospective trials. Before starting observational and/or interventional studies, a detailed knowledge of current practice should be encouraged.

The lived experience of parents whose children discharged to home after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease

Background: Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs) afflicting children are estimated in 8 per 1000 live births. Recent advances in surgery and medical treatments allowed an improvement in survival rates leading to changes in diseases management as chronic conditions. Parents involvement during clinical pathways is considered an essential component of care, but frequently they experience stress and anxiety conditions during the care path. These feelings are typical of the pre and peri-operative period, however they don’t disappear easily and sometimes they can increase after hospital discharge, affecting the family environment and its behaviors. Aim of the work: The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the lived experience of parents during the time just after their children return home from hospital after undergoing surgery for CHD. Methods: Parents were enrolled and interviewed as a prepositive sampling until concept saturation using Cohen’s phenomenology approach. A quantitative approach was also applied using SF-12 questionnaire. The study was conducted in two Italian hospitals: the Pediatric Heart Surgery Center of the Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio Institute in Massa and the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Center of the Federico II University Hospital in Naples. Results: The main themes emerged after the analysis were “happiness and uncertainty”; “chronic psychophysical fatigue”; “the rediscovery of a strong link with health care professionals”. Conclusions: Fully understand the life experience of these families will allow the implementation of targeted health interventions through the implementation of shared strategies and tools to reduce families and children discomfort after hospital discharge.

Studio fenomenologico sul vissuto esperienziale dei genitori di bambini ricoverati in una Terapia Intensiva di cardiochirurgia: comprendere per aiutare

Introduzione: I difetti cardiaci sono molto comuni nell’età pediatrica; spesso i genitori scoprono, dopo la nascita, queste patologie ed apprendono che l’intervento di cardiochirurgia è l’unica soluzione. Il ricovero del proprio bambino in una Terapia Intensiva comporta elevati livelli di stress, ansia, depressione. Gli infermieri assumono un ruolo attivo nell’assistenza del piccolo degente ma anche nella presa in carico dell’intero nucleo familiare. Obiettivo: scopo dello studio è stato descrivere l’esperienza dei genitori dei bambini ricoverati in una unità di Terapia Intensiva cardiochirurgica. Metodo: disegno ermeneutico fenomenologico secondo Cohen. Risultati: dall’analisi di 16 interviste sono emersi 3 temi principali: la paura per la possibile perdita del proprio bambino; la sensazione di aver perso il ruolo di genitore e la bisogno di ricevere maggiori informazioni per poter essere parte attiva nel processo di cure. Conclusioni: Il ricovero di un bambino in una Terapia Intensiva e, nello specifico, di cardiochirurgia, impone al personale assistenziale la presa in carico dell’intero nucleo familiare. Gli Infermieri sono i primi professionisti dai quali i genitori si attendono tale coinvolgimento. Questo studio offre uno sguardo sull’esperienza vissuta dai genitori che hanno il proprio figlio ricoverato in una Terapia Intensiva di cardiochirurgia; inoltre può rappresentare lo spunto per ulteriori ricerche finalizzate alla olistica armonizzazione tra la diade (famiglia e bambino) spesso ingiustamente scisse durante il ricovero in Terapia Intensiva. Keyword: CHD, family, heart defects, infants, experience, cardiac surgery NapoliSana Campania Volume 3, Nr.2 pp 25-29, 2017 Studio fenomenologico sul vissuto esperienziale dei genitori di bambini ricoverati in una Terapia Intensiva di cardiochirurgia: comprendere per aiutare 2 Phenomenological study on the experiences of parents of children hospitalised in a Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care unit: understanding in order to help.

Le conoscenze in tema di prevenzione dell’osteoporosi ed intervento educativo nelle donne afferenti ad ambulatori di ginecologia: uno studio trasversale

Introduzione In Italia circa 3,5 milioni di donne ed 1 milione di uomini sono affetti da osteoporosi. Si tratta di una condizione emergente a causa dell’invecchiamento della popolazione, che colpisce il 50% circa delle donne dopo i 70 anni, a seguito del sopraggiungere della menopausa e dei conseguenti cambiamenti fisici. È stata riscontrata la necessità, da parte delle donne, di maggiori informazioni relative a questa patologia al fine di attuare valide strategie preventive, necessità la cui soddisfazione rientra nelle competenze infermieristiche avanzate. Obiettivi: valutazione delle conoscenze relative alle strategie preventive e l’attuazione di interventi educativi finalizzati al loro miglioramento.

L’adesione alla vaccinazione antinfluenzale degli infermieri a contatto con pazienti immunocompressi

Introduzione: la vaccinazione antinfluenzale (VA) rappresenta uno degli interventi raccomandati per proteggere non solo operatori sanitari e pazienti ad alto rischio, ma la popolazione tutta. Lo scopo dello studio è stato valutare l’adesione alla VA da parte del personale infermieristico dedicato all’assistenza dei pazienti immunocompromessi presso l’A.O.U. “Federico II” di Napoli negli ultimi cinque anni. Ulteriori obiettivi sono stati: rilevare il fabbisogno formativo e comprendere i motivi della mancata adesione alla VA. Metodo: lo studio osservazionale è stato condotto da giugno a settembre 2015; è stato somministrato un questionario rivolto agli infermieri utilizzando un modulo di analisi on-line creato con la piattaforma G-Drive di Google. Risultati: sono stati somministrati un totale di 227 questionari con un tasso di adesione del 67.8%. Il 61.3% del campione creda nelle vaccinazioni quali strumenti importanti per la riduzione/eliminazione delle malattie. Nell’anno 2014-15, l’89% del campione non ha praticato la vaccinazione antinfluenzale. Negli ultimi 5 anni il 20.8% dichiara di essersi vaccinato soltanto una volta, l’11% due o più volte, mentre il 68.2% non si è mai vaccinato. Un ulteriore bisogno di informazioni è emerso nell’80% del campione. Conclusioni: l’assenza di un protocollo aziendale e le misconception sulla VA sembrano essere i principali elementi che hanno determinato i risultati. Vi è la necessità di attuare interventi capaci di stimolare gli operatori a comprendere l’importanza della VA, sviluppando una maggiore l’adesione.

Veno-occlusive disease nurse management: development of a dynamic monitoring tool by the GITMO nursing group

Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a complication arising from the toxicity of conditioning regimens that have a significant impact on the survival of patients who undergo stem cell transplantation. There are several known risk factors for developing VOD and their assessment before the start of conditioning regimens could improve the quality of care. Equally important are early identification of signs and symptoms ascribable to VOD, rapid diagnosis, and timely adjustment of support therapy and treatment. Nurses have a fundamental role at the stages of assessment and monitoring for signs and symptoms; therefore, they should have documented skills and training. The literature defines nurses’ areas of competence in managing VOD, but in the actual clinical practice, this is not so clear. Moreover, there is an intrinsic difficulty in managing VOD due to its rapid and often dramatic evolution, together with a lack of care tools to guide nurses. Through a complex evidence-based process, the Gruppo Italiano per il Trapianto di Midollo Osseo (GITMO), cellule staminali emopoietiche e terapia cellulare nursing board has developed an operational flowchart and a dynamic monitoring tool applicable to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients, whether they develop this complication or not.