A preliminary psychosocial study of Parkinson's patients after fetal tissue transplantation.
A novel and promising approach currently available is the grafting of fetal nigra tissues into the brain of a Parkinson's patient. However, the degree of success for such treatment has mainly been evaluated by histological, radiological and physical assessments, with little or no attention paid to its effects on the patient's psychosocial status. In order to provide a more comprehensive profile, a survey was conducted using questionnaires and interviews to examine the physio-psycho-social progress of six Parkinson's patients who underwent fetal tissue grafting in Taiwan. Results indicated that the physiological effects varied among patients. Noticeably an improvement in walking was the most gratifying, but progress in dressing and writing ability seemed disappointing. From the psychological point of view, depression was commonly felt by patients. Other feelings included fear, ambivalence, and change in body image. In addition, all six patients found that their relationship with spouse became worse; they also reduced social interaction to the minimum. From the findings, we also noticed that inadequate knowledge contributed to part of the results. Therefore, some nursing suggestions especially educating the patients and family about the facts and outcome of fetal tissue transplantation are highly recommended. These may help Parkinson's patients adjust better after undergoing this novel treatment.
Tang
Fu-In
FI
School of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, 155 Li-Nong Street, Sec. 2, Taipei 112, Taiwan ROC. fitang@ym.edu.tw
Sheu
Shuh-Jen
SJ
Chen
Ching-Huey
CH
Wang
Yun
Y
Lin
Shinn-Zong
SZ
D016380:Brain Tissue Transplantation; D004644:Emotions; D016332:Fetal Tissue Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan