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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Penelope Taylor, Dr Helen Lucraft, Professor Stephen Proctor
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The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefit of educating lymphoma patients in early self-diagnosis of tester and subsequent self-referral for prompt treatment. Each of 337 patients attending an out-patient lymphoma clinic was given an explanatory leaflet and photograph about shingles when they first presented with lymphoma. One to two years following the completion of therapy for lymphoma an assessment was made on these patients using a combination of questionnaire survey and retrospective analysis of case notes. Fifty-six (16.6%) of the study population developed tester following the diagnosis of lymphoma; 29 had had tester prior to the diagnosis (8.6%). There was an increased incidence of herpes tester in patients with Hodgkin's disease as compared to those with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (P < 0.01). Patients who remembered having received the shingles education leaflets were more likely to make self-referral to hospital for prompt treatment (P < 0.001). Long-term complications, eg post-herpetic neuralgia, were less prevalent in patients presenting to hospital for prompt on-demand therapy, compared to those treated in the community. Education of lymphoma patients regarding awareness of early features of tester is beneficial in preventing complications, but the shingles information episode needs subsequent reinforcement for maximum benefit.
Author(s): Maung ZT, Taylor PRA, Robinson P, Moore J, Lucraft HH, Evans RGB, Proctor SJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Leukemia and Lymphoma
Year: 1993
Volume: 11
Issue: 5-6
Pages: 447-452
Print publication date: 01/11/1993
ISSN (print): 1042-8194
ISSN (electronic): 1026-8022
Publisher: Informa Healthcare
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10428199309067939
DOI: 10.3109/10428199309067939
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