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The emphasis in treatment of asthma in children has shifted from bronchodilators to inhaled anti-inflammatory medications, including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Children with chronic asthma and moderate to severe symptoms have been targeted as particularly deserving of maintenance therapy with ICS. We have previously reported a cross-sectional study of bone density in children treated with ICS. There was no significant difference between the total bone density of asthmatic patients and controls. We sought to extend the information available on bone density in asthmatic children by evaluating 15 asthmatic subjects taking daily ICS (beclomethasone dipropionate) and comparing them with age- and sex-matched controls. We compared total and regional bone density, bone age, and calcium intakes in these subjects. Asthmatic subjects were on ICS for 4-60 months, with doses ranging from 200 to 450 micrograms/day. There was no significant difference between asthmatics and matched controls for height, weight, % RDA Ca2+, or bone age. The asthmatic subjects had bone density (total and regional measurements) equivalent to their controls. These results provide additional support for the safety of low-dose ICS on bone density in asthmatic children.

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Choosing between lumpectomy with radiation versus mastectomy is difficult for women with early-stage breast cancer, and doubt can decrease women's confidence and satisfaction. As a result, the current study surveyed satisfaction before and after surgery in a convenience sample of women with early-stage breast cancer from a single practice. All women received either total mastectomy or lumpectomy plus radiation based on their informed choice of surgical options. The surgeon and the principal investigator educated patients about both surgeries at the time of consent. Participants answered a survey about satisfaction with their decision making before their chosen surgical procedure and again by telephone six months later. Participants felt that they had made an informed choice at the time of decision (87%) and at follow-up (93%). In addition, most women were satisfied with their choice of surgical procedure at time of decision (87%) as well as six months after surgery (96%). This study allowed women to significantly participate in their care through surgical decision making, which improved satisfaction. Nurses are uniquely positioned to support women with early-stage breast cancer in their decision-making process.