Risk prediction and impaired tactile sensory perception among cancer patients during chemotherapy

Abstract

Objectives:to estimate the prevalence of impaired tactile sensory perception, identify risk factors, and establish a risk prediction model among adult patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy. Method:historical cohort study based on information obtained from the medical files of 127 patients cared for in the cancer unit of a private hospital in a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics, with survival and multivariate analysis by Cox regression. Results:57% of the 127 patients included in the study developed impaired tactile sensory perception. The independent variables that caused significant impact, together with time elapsed from the beginning of treatment up to the onset of the condition, were: bone, hepatic and regional lymph node metastases; alcoholism; palliative chemotherapy; and discomfort in lower limbs. Conclusion:impaired tactile sensory perception was common among adult patients during chemotherapy, indicating the need to implement interventions designed for early identification and treatment of this condition.

Sensory changes and lipoprotein ratios in patients with brain cancers during cancer‐related therapy: A prospective cross‐sectional study

“…Thus, pain assessments are needed during this period to evaluate the level of pain. Taste alterations and smell changes in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were frequently observed in previous studies and are attributed to damage to taste cell receptors and nerves involved in taste perception and reduction in the amount of saliva produced due to neurotoxicity (Cardoso et al, ; Murtaza et al, ). Taste receptor cells or nerves are easily destroyed and rapidly replaced in the early weeks of CRT, and damage to these cells or nerves may cause various problems such as medication administration, weight loss, depression, and decline in quality of life.…”

“…Some symptoms such as itching and swelling of arms and legs were less frequent but other symptoms such as numbness in the hands or feet, tingling in the hands or feet, and changes in the way food tastes were frequently observed during periods of CRT. In the early stage of CRT or in patients who received initial cancer therapy, acute itching and swelling were reported as allergic reactions to the treatments (Addington and Freimer, ; Cardoso et al, ). Hence, the results of this study supported those of previous studies, and these symptoms will be monitored using immunologic indicators.…”

“…Changes in sensory perception and lipoprotein levels can be inferred from the same mechanism during periods of CRT based on previous studies. Some studies examined the specific sensory changes in cancer patients during CRT (Cardoso et al, 2018;Stone and DeAngelis, 2016); however, these studies could not fully describe the underlying mechanisms that caused these changes. Furthermore, previous studies were mostly focused on the proportion of cancer patients receiving CRT more than twice.…”

Altered touch perception and associated risk factors in individuals with diabetes mellitus

“…Thus, the physical examination must include the evaluation of the feet concerning the characteristics of muscle tone, tendon reflexes, sensitivity, and vibration tests (7,9) . Also, as recommended by national and international guidelines of the Brazilian Diabetes Society (10)(11)(12) , it is essential to assess changes in the perception of individuals with DM during their clinical follow-up in order to identify early signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and thus avoid complications such as diabetic foot (13) . This assessment can be made using the 10 G monofilament associated with other tests, such as those of vibratory and painful sensitivity and the Achilles reflex (9,11) .…”

“…Studies have o been investigating the change in the touch perception in patients undergoing chemotherapy (13) , in individuals with diabetes mellitus and alcoholics (14) . However, studies focusing on this problem in individuals with diabetes mellitus are scarce in Brazil, requiring further clarification on the risk factors associated with altered touch perception.…”