Table 2 Reasons for treatment preference and concomitant diseases (n = 119)
Characteristics | i.v., n = 102, (%) | Oral, n = 17, (%) |
|---|---|---|
Preference to therapy regime | 99 (83.2) | 17 (14.3) |
Randomization (for indecisive patients) | 3 (2.5) | 0 |
Main reasons for therapy preference | ||
Wish to avoid gastrointestinal disorders | 20 (19.6) | 0 |
Disfavour / poor toleration of oral drugs | 12 (17.8) | 0 |
Oblivion / daily oral intake is unsure | 14 (13.7) | 0 |
Believe i.v. application is saver over i.v. port | 15 (14.7) | 0 |
More effective / higher treatment pressure | 13 (12.3) | 1 (5.9) |
Oral drug application not possible - short bowel/subileus | 4 (3.9) | 0 |
Pre-existing chronic diarrhoea / vomiting | 4 (3.9) | 0 |
Expect better tolerability | 4 (3.9) | 0 |
Wish no hospital treatment / more independence / privacy | 0 | 6 (35.3) |
The handling of the therapy is simple | 0 | 4 (23.5) |
Continuity of the drug administration / maintenance effect | 0 | 2 (11.8) |
Made bad experience with venous puncture | 0 | 1 (5.9) |
Reason for preference not documented | 16 (17.6) | 3 (17.7) |
Concomitant diseases (multiple answers) | ||
Cardiovascular | 92 (90.2) | 17 (100) |
Musculoskeletal | 37 (36.3) | 7 (41.2) |
Pulmonary | 28 (27.5) | 2 (11.8) |
Lower gastrointestinal tract | 39 (38.2) | 4 (23.5) |
Upper gastrointestinal tract | 27 (26.5) | 4 (23.5) |
Metabolic and hormonal | 25 (24.5) | 6 (35.3) |
Hepatic | 27 (26.5) | 3 (17.7) |
Renal | 12 (11.8) | 6 (35.3) |
Urinary tract | 21 (20.6) | 2 (11.8) |
Neurological | 27 (26.5) | 7 (41.2) |
Psychiatric | 6 (5.9) | 4 (23.5) |