This study evaluated the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on the incidence of regimen-related toxicity in patients receiving allogeneic marrow transplants from related donors. All patients received a regimen of methotrexate and cyclosporine as prophylaxis against acute graft- versus-host disease (GVHD). Patients were randomized to receive PTX or a placebo for 70 days and the outcome was examined in a blinded fashion. Forty-four patients were evaluate in each study arm. PTX had no significant effect on engraftment, the incidence of GVHD, venocclusive disease of the liver, infection, the need for oxygen, posttransplant survival, or the duration of hospitalization. Patients receiving PTX were significantly more likely to develop major elevations of serum creatinine levels. PTX was poorly tolerated and induced significantly more vomiting than the placebo. PTX as administered in this randomized study was associated with significant toxicity and offered no benefit in reducing transplant-related morbidity or mortality.

This study evaluated the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on the incidence of regimen-related toxicity in patients receiving allogeneic marrow transplants from related donors. All patients received a regimen of methotrexate and cyclosporine as prophylaxis against acute graft- versus-host disease (GVHD). Patients were randomized to receive PTX or a placebo for 70 days and the outcome was examined in a blinded fashion. Forty-four patients were evaluate in each study arm. PTX had no significant effect on engraftment, the incidence of GVHD, venocclusive disease of the liver, infection, the need for oxygen, posttransplant survival, or the duration of hospitalization. Patients receiving PTX were significantly more likely to develop major elevations of serum creatinine levels. PTX was poorly tolerated and induced significantly more vomiting than the placebo. PTX as administered in this randomized study was associated with significant toxicity and offered no benefit in reducing transplant-related morbidity or mortality.

PURPOSE: Research has shown that surgery gives patients with lumbar spinal stenosis health advantages compared to conservative treatment. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perception of symptoms from lumbar spinal stenosis by patients, and their experiences after surgery. The purpose was to create a comprehensive understanding of patients’ experiences before and after treatment. METHOD: We chose purposive sampling and conducted ten semi-structured interviews in early 2018. Thematic analysis was adopted. RESULTS: The patients stated that a strong and constant pain characterized their life situation before the operation. After surgery, the patients experienced rapid recovery from pain. The patients stated that the pain had led to considerable functional limitations. After surgery, they experienced remarkable improvement on a functional level. The patients shared their experience about how pain had prevented them from participating in meaningful activities and tasks. Some of the patients said that they had experienced depression due to the difficult situation before surgery. The patients found that treatment led to an improvement in their quality of life. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the patients who lived with severe symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis experienced a decline in their quality in life. The condition prevented them from participating in daily activities. After surgery, they were able to participate in meaningful activities and tasks. They felt an increased participation in society. Social support and information from health care providers enables patients to make knowlege-based choises.