PURPOSE: We sought to determine if organ preservation (OP) with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) was feasible in patients with sinonasal cancer determined to require exenteration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were determined to require exenteration for definitive treatment from 2005 to 2014. Fourteen patients underwent OP and 6 patients received exenteration with adjuvant CRT. Exenteration free survival (EFS), locoregional control (LRC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were estimated. RESULTS: Five patients (36%) receiving OP had complete disease response at time of surgery. With a median follow-up of 18.8 months, EFS was 62% at 2 years for patients undergoing OP. At 2 years, there were no significant differences in LRC, PFS or OS (all all p > 0.050) between the groups. Less grade 3 or greater toxicity was seen in patients undergoing OP (p = 0.003). Visual function was preserved in all patients undergoing OP. CONCLUSION: For patients with sinonasal cancer, OP may avoid exenteration, offering similar disease control and improved toxicity.
Disease-Free Survival ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Orbit* ; Organ Preservation*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of pantoprazole magnesium (pantoprazole-Mg) 40 mg in the relief of esophageal and extra-esophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly night-time symptoms. METHODS: Patients (aged 18-50 years) with 3-month history of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation plus at least one other symptom in the last week were enrolled in a nationwide, prospective and observational study in Mexico. Patients received pantoprazole-Mg 40 mg once daily during 4 weeks. Symptoms were assessed through a physician-administered structured interview and the patient-completed ReQuest in Practice(TM) questionnaire. Night-time GERD was defined as arousal from sleep during the night due to GERD-associated symptoms. RESULTS: Out of 4,343 patients included at basal visit, 3,665 were considered for the effectiveness per protocol analysis. At baseline, patients had a median of 8 GERD related symptoms. Patients with night-time GERD symptoms (42.7%) were more likely to have extra-esophageal symptoms (P < 0.001) than other GERD patients. Pantoprazole-Mg 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks improved a broad range of GERD-associated symptoms from baseline (80% reduction on physicians assessments; 68-77% reduction on ReQuest in Practice(TM) dimensions), including both day- and night-time GERD symptoms; improvements were the greatest for extra-esophageal symptoms in patients with night-time symptoms. Pantoprazole-Mg was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Pantoprazole-Mg 40 mg significantly improved a broad range of esophageal and extra-esophageal GERD related symptoms including sleep disturbances, as well as well-being, in patients with daytime or night-time GERD, making it a good option for patients with GERD, especially when extra-esophageal and night-time symptoms are present.
Arousal ; Gastroesophageal Reflux* ; Heartburn ; Humans ; Magnesium* ; Mexico ; Observational Study ; Prospective Studies ; Proton Pump Inhibitors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid adoption of telemedicine in the Philippines; however, there is limited empirical evidence about how physicians and patients view this new form of care.

OBJECTIVE

Our main objective is to evaluate Tele-Ophthalmology for the Management and AssessmenT of Ophthalmic Symptoms (TOMATO), a tele-ophthalmology program implemented in a national tertiary eye referral center in the Philippines. We specifically aim to evaluate the patient characteristics, patient satisfaction, and ophthalmologists' perception of TOMATO telemedicine for eye care.

METHODOLOGY

We employed a prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study among patients and physicians who participated in TOMATO during the study period.

RESULTS

Atotal of 10,551 patients consulted TOMATO, from January to December 2021, with cataract as the most common diagnosis. During its pilot implementation, TOMATO received a low satisfaction rate of 33% among patients due to numerous barriers to its use, including technical and interpersonal problems. Filipino ophthalmologists had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards the use of TOMATO, with a mean score of 3.53 out of 5.

CONCLUSIONS

Tele-ophthalmology is a promising technology for improving access to eye care in the Philippines, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, such as improving the user experience, ensuring data security, and training future ophthalmologists in its use.

Human ; Telemedicine ; Philippines