The American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index-Daily Diary (ANMS GCSI-DD): Psychometric validation and meaningful change threshold in patients with idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis

INTRODUCTION

The American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index-Daily Diary (ANMS GCSI-DD) is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument for gastroparesis. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the ANMS GCSI-DD and determined a meaningful change threshold using the data from a phase 2b trial in adults with moderate-to-severe idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis (DG).

METHODS

The psychometric properties of ANMS GCSI-DD were analyzed using other clinician- and patient-reported outcomes from 242 patients during the 12-week trial. Trial exit interviews were conducted in a cohort of 32 patients to capture their perspectives on meaningful change from the trial.

RESULTS

ANMS GCSI-DD demonstrated good performance: unidimensionality scores exhibited good fit; internal consistency reliability was >0.70; test-retest reliability was above 0.90, and convergent validity showed strong correlations (0.70-0.90) with overall severity rating and moderate correlations (0.30-0.70) with other outcomes. ANMS GCSI-DD scores discriminated among groups with varying severity of gastroparesis symptoms in known-groups validity (p < 0.001) and were responsive to symptom improvement. Triangulation of the quantitative anchor-based estimates of 0.9-1.4 category points as a meaningful change in the ANMS GCSI-DD composite score, and the qualitative exit interview findings of 0.5-1.5 as meaningful change, supports a one-point change on a five-point scale (0-4) as the meaningful change threshold.

CONCLUSION

The ANMS GCSI-DD is a reliable and valid PRO instrument to employ in clinical development for patients with moderate-to-severe idiopathic or DG, and a one-point score change in the ANMS GCSI-DD composite score is recommended as a meaningful change threshold of symptom change.

Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Block Combined with Pharmacological Treatment for Rosacea: A Report of Two Cases

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the central facial region, significantly involving the facial blood vessels and the sebaceous gland units associated with hair follicles. The stellate ganglion block (SGB) technique can restore balance to autonomic nervous function by interrupting the impulse conduction of preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers, thereby alleviating excessive peripheral blood vessel contraction, enhancing tissue blood supply, balancing hormone secretion, and modulating immune responses. SGB has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating various skin conditions affecting the head, face, and neck. In our case study, two patients with a disease duration exceeding six months underwent treatment involving oral medications, topical applications, and local cold spray, which yielded unsatisfactory results. Subsequently, our department employed the SGB method guided by multiple ultrasound assessments, resulting in nearly complete resolution of the intractable rosacea lesions in both patients.

Erenumab for Treatment of Persistent Erythema and Flushing in Rosacea: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

Importance

Treatment of erythema and flushing in rosacea is challenging. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been associated with the pathogenesis of rosacea, raising the possibility that inhibition of the CGRP pathway might improve certain features of the disease.

Objective

To examine the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of erenumab, an anti-CGRP-receptor monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of rosacea-associated erythema and flushing.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center, open-label, single-group, nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted between June 9, 2020, and May 11, 2021. Eligible participants included adults with rosacea with at least 15 days of either moderate to severe erythema and/or moderate to extreme flushing. No concomitant rosacea treatment was allowed throughout the study period. Visits took place at the Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants received 140 mg of erenumab subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. A safety follow-up visit was performed at week 20. Data analysis occurred from January 2023 to January 2024.

Intervention

140 mg of erenumab every 4 weeks for 12 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was mean change in the number of days with moderate to extreme flushing during weeks 9 through 12, compared with the 4-week run-in period (baseline). The mean change in number of days with moderate to severe erythema was a secondary outcome. Adverse events were recorded for participants who received at least 1 dose of erenumab. Differences in means were calculated with a paired t test.

Results

A total of 30 participants (mean [SD] age, 38.8 [13.1] years; 23 female [77%]; 7 male [23%]) were included, of whom 27 completed the 12-week study. The mean (SD) number of days with moderate to extreme flushing was reduced by -6.9 days (95% CI, -10.4 to -3.4 days; P < .001) from 23.6 (5.8) days at baseline. The mean (SD) number of days with moderate to severe erythema was reduced by -8.1 days (95% CI, -12.5 to -3.7 days; P < .001) from 15.2 (9.1) days at baseline. Adverse events included transient mild to moderate constipation (10 participants [33%]), transient worsening of flushing (4 participants [13%]), bloating (3 participants [10%]), and upper respiratory tract infections (3 participants [10%]), consistent with previous data. One participant discontinued the study due to a serious adverse event (hospital admission due to gallstones deemed unrelated to the study), and 2 participants withdrew consent due to lack of time.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that erenumab might be effective in reducing rosacea-associated flushing and chronic erythema (participants generally tolerated the treatment well, which was consistent with previous data), and that CGRP-receptor inhibition holds potential in the treatment of erythema and flushing associated with rosacea. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this finding.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04419259.

Topical Metronidazole Versus Ivermectin for Low-density Demodex Rosacea: A Rater-blinded, Randomized, Split-face Trial

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

Psychometric validation and responder definition of the sleep disturbance numerical rating scale in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis

Background

Sleep disturbance (SD) is an important part of the burden of atopic dermatitis (AD), but patient‐reported outcomes that are easy to understand and interpret in the target population have been lacking. A daily, single‐item, self‐reported SD 11‐point numerical rating scale (NRS) was recently developed to assess SD for patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD, but its psychometric properties have not yet been described.

Objectives

To assess the psychometric properties of the SD NRS in patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Methods

The psychometric properties of the SD NRS were assessed using data from a phase IIb clinical trial in 218 adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Results

Test–retest reliability of the SD NRS was substantial to almost perfect (interclass correlation 0·66–1·00) in participants who had stable SD or stable pruritus scores over 1 week. Baseline correlations were moderate to large (r > 0·30) between SD NRS and pruritus or sleep loss scores, but were small (r = −0·11 to 0·17) between SD NRS and EQ‐5D‐3L index and visual analogue scores, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, and Investigator’s Global Assessment. The SD NRS could discriminate groups of participants in the expected direction according to different quality‐of‐life scores but not according to different clinician‐reported disease severity scores. SD NRS scores significantly decreased as sleep loss, itch and quality‐of‐life scores improved. Analysis of meaningful change suggested a 2–5‐point improvement as the initial range of responder definition in the SD NRS score.

Conclusions

The SD NRS is a reliable, valid and responsive measure of SD in adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Whatis already known about this topic?

Sleep disturbance (SD) is a dynamic, multidimensional concept resulting in daytime fatigue and subsequent changes in physical and mental health that vary from day to day.

SD is an important part of the burden of atopic dermatitis, but ways of effectively and reliably measuring it from the patient perspective have been lacking.

A self‐reported, daily, 11‐point SD numerical rating scale (NRS) was recently developed for assessing SD in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis, and its content validity was previously established.

Whatdoes this study add?

The study showed that the SD NRS is reliable, valid and responsive and can measure day‐to‐day fluctuations in SD related to atopic dermatitis.

The study also established an initial responder definition (i.e. meaningful interpatient change) for the SD NRS score.

Whatare the clinical implications of this work?

The SD NRS is a brief, simple, easy‐to‐interpret and validated patient‐reported global measure for the daily assessment of SD related to atopic dermatitis.

The SD NRS can be used in clinical trials and clinical practice to assess changes in sleep quality in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Plain language summary available online

Standard classification and pathophysiology of rosacea: The 2017 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee

In 2002, the National Rosacea Society assembled an expert committee to develop the first standard classification of rosacea. This original classification was intended to be updated as scientific knowledge and clinical experience increased. Over the last 15 years, significant new insights into rosacea's pathogenesis and pathophysiology have emerged, and the disorder is now widely addressed in clinical practice. Growing knowledge of rosacea's pathophysiology has established that a consistent multivariate disease process underlies the various clinical manifestations of this disorder, and the clinical significance of each of these elements is increasing as more is understood. This review proposes an updated standard classification of rosacea that is based on phenotypes linked to our increased understanding of disease pathophysiology. This updated classification is intended to provide clearer parameters to conduct investigations, guide diagnosis, and improve treatment.

Measuring niacin-associated skin toxicity (NASTy) stigmata along with symptoms to aid development of niacin mimetics

Though cardioprotective, niacin monotherapy is limited by unpleasant cutaneous symptoms mimicking dermatitis: niacin-associated skin toxicity (NASTy). Niacin is prototypical of several emerging drugs suffering off-target rubefacient properties whereby agonizing the GPR109A receptor on cutaneous immune cells provokes vasodilation, prompting skin plethora and rubor, as well as dolor, tumor, and calor, and systemically, heat loss, frigor, chills, and rigors. Typically, NASTy effects are described by subjective patient-reported perception, at best semi-quantitative and bias-prone. Conversely, objective, quantitative, and unbiased methods measuring NASTy stigmata would facilitate research to abolish them, motivating development of several objective methods. In early drug development, such methods might better predict clinical tolerability in larger clinical trials. Measuring cutaneous stigmata may also aid investigations of vasospastic, ischemic, and inflammatory skin conditions. We present methods to measure NASTy physical stigmata to facilitate research into novel niacin mimetics/analogs, detailing characteristics of each technique following niacin, and how NASTy stigmata relate to symptom perception. We gave niacin orally and measured rubor by colorimetry and white-light spectroscopy, plethora by laser Doppler flowmetry, and calor/frigor by thermometry. Surprisingly, each stigma's abruptness predicted symptom perception, whereas peak intensity did not. These methods are adaptable to study other rubefacient drugs or dermatologic and vascular disorders.

Methods for specifying the target difference in a randomised controlled trial: the Difference ELicitation in TriAls (DELTA) systematic review

BACKGROUND

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are widely accepted as the preferred study design for evaluating healthcare interventions. When the sample size is determined, a (target) difference is typically specified that the RCT is designed to detect. This provides reassurance that the study will be informative, i.e., should such a difference exist, it is likely to be detected with the required statistical precision. The aim of this review was to identify potential methods for specifying the target difference in an RCT sample size calculation.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A comprehensive systematic review of medical and non-medical literature was carried out for methods that could be used to specify the target difference for an RCT sample size calculation. The databases searched were MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Methodology Register, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index, EconLit, the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and Scopus (for in-press publications); the search period was from 1966 or the earliest date covered, to between November 2010 and January 2011. Additionally, textbooks addressing the methodology of clinical trials and International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) tripartite guidelines for clinical trials were also consulted. A narrative synthesis of methods was produced. Studies that described a method that could be used for specifying an important and/or realistic difference were included. The search identified 11,485 potentially relevant articles from the databases searched. Of these, 1,434 were selected for full-text assessment, and a further nine were identified from other sources. Fifteen clinical trial textbooks and the ICH tripartite guidelines were also reviewed. In total, 777 studies were included, and within them, seven methods were identified-anchor, distribution, health economic, opinion-seeking, pilot study, review of the evidence base, and standardised effect size.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of methods are available that researchers can use for specifying the target difference in an RCT sample size calculation. Appropriate methods may vary depending on the aim (e.g., specifying an important difference versus a realistic difference), context (e.g., research question and availability of data), and underlying framework adopted (e.g., Bayesian versus conventional statistical approach). Guidance on the use of each method is given. No single method provides a perfect solution for all contexts.

Pharmacogenomics in the development and characterization of atheroprotective drugs

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and can lead to stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. The clinically available atheroprotective drugs aim mainly at reducing the levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL), increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and attenuating inflammation. However, the cardiovascular risk remains high, along with morbidity, mortality, and incidence of adverse drug events. Pharmacogenomics is increasingly contributing towards the characterization of existing atheroprotective drugs, the evaluation of novel ones, and the identification of promising, unexplored therapeutic targets, at the global molecular pathway level. This chapter presents highlights of pharmacogenomics investigations and discoveries that have contributed towards the elucidation of pharmacological atheroprotection, while opening the way to new therapeutic approaches.

Role of prostaglandin D2 and the autonomic nervous system in niacin-induced flushing

BACKGROUND

Although niacin often has beneficial effects on the lipoprotein profile, flushing is an untoward effect associated with its use. Aspirin can only reduce the flushing response by 30-40%. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms of niacin-induced flushing, with and without aspirin, in normal, healthy individuals.

METHODS

Niacin-induced flushing was evaluated in 30 healthy individuals after oral administration of 1000 mg niacin alone or with 325 mg aspirin. Neurological, autonomic nervous system, and skin blood flow measurements (using laser Doppler on the glabrous and hairy skin of each participant) were made at various times after drug administration. In addition, the systemic release of 9α,11β-prostaglandin (PG) F(2) was determined. Flushing symptoms of redness, warmth, tingling, itching, and intensity were recorded using the modified Flushing ASsessment Tool (FAST).

RESULTS

After aspirin, the mean flushing scores for all symptoms decreased significantly; however, 36-53% of participants still had some degree of symptoms, even though aspirin completely blocked 11β-PGF(2) synthesis. Maximum skin blood flow (MaxSkBF) in both the glabrous and hairy forearm increased significantly after niacin, but decreased significantly after aspirin only in hairy skin. Regression analysis showed that, in glabrous skin, both PGF(2) and parasympathetic activity were significant predictors of MaxSkBF after niacin, contributing 26% and 14%, respectively (total R(2) = 40%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates, for the first time, that the parasympathetic nervous system, in addition to PGD(2) , may play an important role in niacin-induced flushing. Changing the sympathetic/parasympathetic balance in favor of parasympathetic activation may be a good therapeutic target to reduce niacin-induced flushing.

Apple pectin for the reduction of niacin-induced flushing

BACKGROUND

Niacin, or vitamin B3, when used in high doses can significantly improve the levels of all major lipoproteins. Despite these benefits, the use of niacin is greatly limited secondary to benign yet bothersome cutaneous flushing primarily involving the face and upper extremities. Pretreatment with aspirin or other prostaglandin inhibitors has demonstrated significant reductions in niacin-induced flushing (NIF), but other treatment options are needed. Clinical and anecdotal evidence suggests the ingestion of pectin-containing fruits (eg, apple) mitigates NIF; however, clinical trials evaluating this are nonexistent.

OBJECTIVE

That pretreatment with encapsulated apple pectin would limit the incidence, severity, time of initiation, and duration of NIF.

METHODS

We enrolled 100 niacin-naïve subjects (n = 25 per group) and preteated them in a double-blind manner with apple pectin, apple pectin + aspirin, aspirin, or placebo, followed by a one-time 1000 mg dose of niacin extended-release (niacin ER). Subjects then assessed major flushing parameters hourly for the next 6 hours with a validated visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Apple pectin and aspirin each significantly lowered the duration of NIF and produced nonsignificant but positive improvements in all other major flushing parameters compared with placebo.

CONCLUSION

Apple pectin may potentially be an alternative to aspirin for the prevention of NIF. Larger trials are needed to further evaluate the benefit of pectin on NIF.

Comparison of distribution- and anchor-based approaches to infer changes in health-related quality of life of prostate cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

To determine the minimal important difference (MID) in generic and prostate-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using distribution- and anchor-based methods.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective cohort study of 602 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients recruited from an urban academic hospital and a Veterans Administration hospital. Participants completed generic (SF-36) and prostate-specific HRQoL surveys at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months posttreatment. Anchor-based and distribution-based methods were used to develop MID estimates. We compared the proportion of participants returning to baseline based on MID estimates from the two methods.

RESULTS

MID estimates derived from combining distribution- and anchor-based methods for the SF-36 subscales are physical function = 7, role physical = 14, role emotional = 12, vitality = 9, mental health = 6, social function = 9, bodily pain = 9, and general health = 8; and for the prostate-specific scales are urinary function = 8, bowel function = 7, sexual function = 8, urinary bother = 9, bowel bother = 8, and sexual bother = 11. Proportions of participants returning to baseline values corresponding to MID estimates from the two methods were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to assess the MID for generic and prostate-specific HRQoL using anchor-based and distribution-based methods. Although variation exists in the MID estimates derived from these two methods, the recovery patterns corresponding to these estimates were comparable.

Niacin extended release (ER)/simvastatin (Simcor®): a guide to its use in lipid regulation

Oral fixed-dose niacin extended release/simvastatin is associated with clinically relevant improvements in plasma lipid profiles, including lowering of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, relative to simvastatin monotherapy in patients with mixed dyslipidemias who had not responded fully to simvastatin monotherapy, and is generally well tolerated.

A "hot" topic in dyslipidemia management--"how to beat a flush": optimizing niacin tolerability to promote long-term treatment adherence and coronary disease prevention

Niacin is the most effective lipid-modifying agent for raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but it also causes cutaneous vasodilation with flushing. To determine the frequency of flushing in clinical trials, as well as to delineate counseling and treatment approaches to prevent or manage flushing, a MEDLINE search was conducted of English-language literature from January 1, 1985, through April 7, 2009. This search used the title keywords niacin or nicotinic acid crossed with the Medical Subject Headings adverse effects and human. Niacin flushing is a receptor-mediated, mainly prostaglandin D(2)-driven phenomenon, the frequency, onset, and duration of which are largely determined by the distinct pharmacological and metabolic profiles of different niacin formulations. Subjective assessments include ratings of redness, warmth, itching, and tingling. In clinical trials, most (>60%) niacin users experienced mild or moderate flushing, which tended to decrease in frequency and severity with continued niacin treatment, even with advancing doses. Approximately 5% to 20% of patients discontinued treatment because of flushing. Flushing may be minimized by taking niacin with meals (or at bedtime with a low-fat snack), avoiding exacerbating factors (alcohol or hot beverages), and taking 325 mg of aspirin 30 minutes before niacin dosing. The current review advocates an initially slow niacin dose escalation from 0.5 to 1.0 g/d during 8 weeks and then from 1.0 to 2.0 g in a single titration step (if tolerated). Through effective counseling, treatment prophylaxis with aspirin, and careful dose escalation, adherence to niacin treatment can be improved significantly. Wider implementation of these measures should enable higher proportions of patients to reach sufficient niacin doses over time to prevent cardiovascular events.

Acetylsalicylic acid reduces niacin extended-release-induced flushing in patients with dyslipidemia

BACKGROUND

Niacin extended-release (NER) is safe and effective for treatment of dyslipidemia. However, some patients discontinue NER treatment because of flushing, the most common adverse event associated with niacin therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of daily oral acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on NER-induced flushing in patients with dyslipidemia.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, 5-week study was conducted (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00626392). Patients (n = 277) were randomly assigned to one of six treatment arms and received a 1-week run-in with ASA 325 mg or placebo followed by 4 weeks of ASA 325 mg or placebo 30 minutes before NER at a starting dose of 500 mg or 1000 mg; all patients were titrated to NER 2000 mg at week 3. The primary endpoint was the maximum severity of flushing events during week 1.

RESULTS

In week 1, ASA run-in, ASA pretreatment, and a lower starting dosage of NER (500 mg/day) resulted in reductions in mean maximum severity of flushing; 48% fewer patients who received ASA experienced flushing episodes of moderate or greater intensity relative to placebo (absolute rates 15% vs 29%; p = 0.01). Over 4 weeks, ASA reduced the number of flushing episodes/patient/week by 42% relative to placebo. The discontinuation rate due to flushing was lower in the ASA group compared with placebo (1.8% vs 9.4%; p = 0.007). Overall safety was not different between groups.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that a clinically meaningful reduction in the severity and incidence of NER-induced flushing may be achieved with ASA use.