1
|
Trimarco V, Izzo R, Pacella D, Trama U, Manzi MV, Lombardi A, Piccinocchi R, Gallo P, Esposito G, Piccinocchi G, Lembo M, Morisco C, Rozza F, Santulli G, Trimarco B. Incidence of new-onset hypertension before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a 7-year longitudinal cohort study in a large population. BMC Med 2024; 22:127. [PMID: 38500180 PMCID: PMC10949764 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03328-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the augmented incidence of diabetes after COVID-19 has been widely confirmed, controversial results are available on the risk of developing hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We designed a longitudinal cohort study to analyze a closed cohort followed up over a 7-year period, i.e., 3 years before and 3 years during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during 2023, when the pandemic was declared to be over. We analyzed medical records of more than 200,000 adults obtained from a cooperative of primary physicians from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2023. The main outcome was the new diagnosis of hypertension. RESULTS We evaluated 202,163 individuals in the pre-pandemic years and 190,743 in the pandemic years, totaling 206,857 when including 2023 data. The incidence rate of new hypertension was 2.11 (95% C.I. 2.08-2.15) per 100 person-years in the years 2017-2019, increasing to 5.20 (95% C.I. 5.14-5.26) in the period 2020-2022 (RR = 2.46), and to 6.76 (95% C.I. 6.64-6.88) in 2023. The marked difference in trends between the first and the two successive observation periods was substantiated by the fitted regression lines of two Poisson models conducted on the monthly log-incidence of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS We detected a significant increase in new-onset hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic, which at the end of the observation period affected ~ 20% of the studied cohort, a percentage higher than the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection within the same time frame. This observation suggests that increased attention to hypertension screening should not be limited to individuals who are aware of having contracted the infection but should be extended to the entire population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Trimarco
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Izzo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Pacella
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- Pharmaceutical Department of Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Virginia Manzi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Paola Gallo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Piccinocchi
- COMEGEN Primary Care Physicians Cooperative, Italian Society of General Medicine (SIMG), Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lembo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Morisco
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Academic Research Unit, Naples, Italy
- Italian Society for Cardiovascular Prevention (SIPREC), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Rozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Academic Research Unit, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, New York City, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Bruno Trimarco
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Academic Research Unit, Naples, Italy
- Italian Society for Cardiovascular Prevention (SIPREC), Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Buccato DG, Ullah H, De Lellis LF, Piccinocchi R, Baldi A, Xiao X, Arciola CR, Di Minno A, Daglia M. In Vitro Assessment of Cortisol Release Inhibition, Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of a Chemically Characterized Scutellaria lateriflora L. Hydroethanolic Extract. Molecules 2024; 29:586. [PMID: 38338331 PMCID: PMC10856628 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Excess cortisol release is associated with numerous health concerns, including psychiatric issues (i.e., anxiety, insomnia, and depression) and nonpsychiatric issues (i.e., osteoporosis). The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro inhibition of cortisol release, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability exerted by a chemically characterized Scutellaria lateriflora L. extract (SLE). The treatment of H295R cells with SLE at increasing, noncytotoxic, concentrations (5-30 ng/mL) showed significant inhibition of cortisol release ranging from 58 to 91%. The in vitro simulated gastric, duodenal, and gastroduodenal digestions, induced statistically significant reductions (p < 0.0001) in the bioactive polyphenolic compounds that most represented SLE. Bioavailability studies on duodenal digested SLE, using Caco-2 cells grown on transwell inserts and a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay, indicated oroxylin A glucuronide and oroxylin A were the only bioactive compounds able to cross the Caco-2 cell membrane and the artificial lipid membrane, respectively. The results suggest possible applications of SLE as a food supplement ingredient against cortisol-mediated stress response and the use of gastroresistant oral dosage forms to partially prevent the degradation of SLE bioactive compounds. In vivo studies and clinical trials remain necessary to draw a conclusion on the efficacy and tolerability of this plant extract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Giuseppe Buccato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.G.B.); (H.U.); (L.F.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.G.B.); (H.U.); (L.F.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Lorenza Francesca De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.G.B.); (H.U.); (L.F.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Roberto Piccinocchi
- Level 1 Medical Director Anaesthesia and Resuscitation A. U. O. Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Baldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.G.B.); (H.U.); (L.F.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Xiang Xiao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
| | - Carla Renata Arciola
- Laboratory of Immunorheumatology and Regenerative Medicine, Laboratory of Pathology of Implant Infections, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.G.B.); (H.U.); (L.F.D.L.); (A.B.)
- CEINGE-BiotecnologieAvanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.G.B.); (H.U.); (L.F.D.L.); (A.B.)
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ullah H, Di Minno A, Piccinocchi R, Buccato DG, De Lellis LF, Baldi A, El-Seedi HR, Khalifa SAM, Piccinocchi G, Xiao X, Sacchi R, Daglia M. Efficacy of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115858. [PMID: 37976892 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional dyspepsia is a form of dyspepsia lacking in clear causes following clinical assessment. Dyspepsia is characterized by episodic or persistent abdominal pain or discomfort of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Its onset has been linked with a deficiency or dysfunction of digestive enzymes. Thus, consumption of digestive multi-enzymatic preparations may be effectively used for the reduction of symptoms. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of the supplementation of a normal diet with a multi-enzyme blend obtained from fungal fermentation, in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial. Enrolled subjects (n = 120, male: 63, female: 57), aged 18-59 years, were randomized (allocation ratio 1:1) to receive either 2 capsules per day of the food supplement (containing 200 mg of the multi-enzyme blend/capsule) or placebo, for 2 months. The primary outcome of the study (i.e., improvements in quality of life) was evaluated by the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-SF (NDI-SF) questionnaire, while the secondary outcomes (i.e., severity of pain and the quality of sleep) were assessed through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The results showed an improvement in NDI-SF1, NDI-SF2-5, VAS, and PSQI scores in subjects treated with the multi-enzyme blend, indicating an improvement in quality of life and of sleep, and a decreased severity of pain, following the supplementation with digestive enzymes, without side effects. In conclusion, treatment with digestive enzymes was found to be effective in the reduction of functional dyspepsia symptoms and in the improvement of sleep quality, and is well-tolerated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Piccinocchi
- Level 1 Medical Director Anaesthesia and Resuscitation A. U. O. Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniele Giuseppe Buccato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Baldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaden A M Khalifa
- Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Capio Saint Göran's Hospital, Sankt Göransplan 1, 112 19 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gaetano Piccinocchi
- Comegen S.c.S., Società Cooperativa Sociale di Medici di Medicina Generale, Viale Maria Bakunin 41, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Xiang Xiao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Applied Statistic Unit, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Izzo R, Pacella D, Trimarco V, Manzi MV, Lombardi A, Piccinocchi R, Gallo P, Esposito G, Lembo M, Piccinocchi G, Morisco C, Santulli G, Trimarco B. Incidence of type 2 diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Naples, Italy: a longitudinal cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 66:102345. [PMID: 38143804 PMCID: PMC10746394 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The association of COVID-19 with the development of new-onset diabetes has been recently investigated by several groups, yielding controversial results. Population studies currently available in the literature are mostly focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D), comparing patients with a SARS-CoV-2 positive test to individuals without COVID-19, especially in paediatric populations. In this study, we sought to determine the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In this longitudinal cohort study, we analysed a cohort followed up over a 6-year period using an Interrupted Time Series approach, i.e. 3-years before and 3-years during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analysed data obtained from >200,000 adults in Naples (Italy) from January 1st 2017 to December 31st 2022. In this manner, we had the opportunity to compare the incidence of newly diagnosed T2D before (2017-2019) and during (2020-2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. The key inclusion criteria were age >18-year-old and data availability for the period of observation; patients with a diagnosis of diabetes obtained before 2017 were excluded. The main outcome of the study was the new diagnosis of T2D, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-X), including prescription of antidiabetic therapies for more than 30 days. Findings A total of 234,956 subjects were followed-up for at least 3-years before or 3-years during the COVID-19 pandemic and were included in the study; among these, 216,498 were analysed in the pre-pandemic years and 216,422 in the pandemic years. The incidence rate of T2D was 4.85 (95% CI, 4.68-5.02) per 1000 person-years in the period 2017-2019, vs 12.21 (95% CI, 11.94-12.48) per 1000 person-years in 2020-2022, with an increase of about twice and a half. Moreover, the doubling time of the number of new diagnoses of T2D estimated by unadjusted Poisson model was 97.12 (95% CI, 40.51-153.75) months in the prepandemic period vs 23.13 (95% CI, 16.02-41.59) months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, these findings were also confirmed when examining patients with prediabetes. Interpretation Our data from this 6-year study on more than 200,000 adult participants indicate that the incidence of T2D was significantly higher during the pandemic compared to the pre-COVID-19 phase. As a consequence, the epidemiology of the disease may change in terms of rates of outcomes as well as public health costs. COVID-19 survivors, especially patients with prediabetes, may require specific clinical programs to prevent T2D. Funding The US National Institutes of Health (NIH: NIDDK, NHLBI, NCATS), Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation, Weill-Caulier and Hirschl Trusts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Izzo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Pacella
- Department of Public Health, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Trimarco
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Virginia Manzi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Paola Gallo
- Department of Public Health, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lembo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Piccinocchi
- COMEGEN Primary Care Physicians Cooperative, Italian Society of General Medicine (SIMG), Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Morisco
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Academic Research Unit, Naples, Italy
- Italian Society for Cardiovascular Prevention (SIPREC), Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Academic Research Unit, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Bruno Trimarco
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Academic Research Unit, Naples, Italy
- Italian Society for Cardiovascular Prevention (SIPREC), Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Volpe M, Ferrera A, Piccinocchi R, Morisco C. The Emerging Role of Prediabetes and Its Management: Focus on L-Arginine and a Survey in Clinical Practice. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2023; 30:489-496. [PMID: 38060094 PMCID: PMC10721705 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-023-00613-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide impressive growth of metabolic disorders observed in the last decades, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, has generated great interest in the potential benefits of early identification and management of patients at risk. In this view, prediabetes represents a high-risk condition for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, and an ideal target to intercept patients before they develop type 2 diabetes gaining a prominent role even in international guidelines. For prediabetic individuals, lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of diabetes prevention, with evidence of about 50% relative risk reduction. Accumulating data also show potential benefits from pharmacotherapy. In this context, the only available data pertain to metformin as a pharmaceutical drug and vitamin D and L-arginine as nutraceuticals. L-arginine appears to be a very interesting tool in the clinical management of patients with pre-diabetes. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the role of L-arginine in prediabetes as a potentially useful preventive strategy against the progression to type 2 diabetes, with a particular focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms and the past and ongoing trials. In this article we also report the interesting data about the perception of the prediabetic condition and its therapeutic management in the clinical practice in Italy. An early identification and a prompt management of people with prediabetes appears to be of paramount importance to prevent the progression to diabetes and avoid its cardiovascular consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Volpe
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy.
| | - Armando Ferrera
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ullah H, Sommella E, Minno AD, Piccinocchi R, Buccato DG, Lellis LFD, Riccioni C, Baldi A, El-Seedi HR, Khalifa SAM, Piccinocchi G, Campiglia P, Sacchi R, Daglia M. Combination of Chemically Characterized Pomegranate Extract and Hydrophilic Vitamins against Prolonged Fatigue: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2023; 15:2883. [PMID: 37447210 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged fatigue is associated with non-pathological causes and lacks an established therapeutic approach. The current study is aimed at assessing the efficacy of a new food supplement (Improve™) based on a chemically characterized pomegranate extract and hydro-soluble vitamins (B complex and C). UHPLC-HRMS analysis of pomegranate extract showed the presence of 59 compounds, with gallotannins and ellagitannins being the most abundant phytochemicals. For the clinical study, 58 subjects were randomized into two groups, 1 and 2 (n = 29, each), which received either the food supplement or placebo. The effects of the food supplement against fatigue were assessed via validated questionnaires, recorded at time intervals t0 (at baseline), t1 (after 28 days), t2 (56 days), and t3 (after follow-up) in combination with the analysis of biochemical markers at t0 and t2. Fatigue severity scale (FSS) questionnaire scores were significantly decreased at the t2 and t3 time intervals in subjects treated with the food supplements, while the effect of the food supplement on a 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) was not considerable. Moreover, the food supplement did not significantly affect biochemical parameters associated with fatigue and stress conditions. This study shows that the food supplement tested reduces prolonged fatigue following two months of supplementation in healthy subjects with mild prolonged fatigue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo Sommella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Piccinocchi
- Level 1 Medical Director Anaesthesia and Resuscitation A. U. O. Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniele Giuseppe Buccato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Baldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaden A M Khalifa
- Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Capio Saint Göran's Hospital, Sankt Göransplan 1, 112 19 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gaetano Piccinocchi
- Comegen S.c.S., Società Cooperativa Sociale di Medici di Medicina Generale, Viale Maria Bakunin 41, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno, Via De Renzi 50, 84125 Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Applied Statistic Unit, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ullah H, Minno AD, Filippis AD, Sommella E, Buccato DG, Lellis LFD, El-Seedi HR, Khalifa SAM, Piccinocchi R, Galdiero M, Campiglia P, Daglia M. In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties and Bioaccessibility after Oral Digestion of Chemically Characterized Extracts Obtained from Cistus × incanus L., Scutellaria lateriflora L., and Their Combination. Foods 2023; 12:foods12091826. [PMID: 37174364 PMCID: PMC10178160 DOI: 10.3390/foods12091826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontal diseases are oral inflammatory diseases ranging from gingivitis to chronic periodontitis. Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the major pathogens responsible for severe and chronic periodontitis. Plant extracts with antimicrobial activity could be considered possible alternatives to chlorhexidine, an antiseptic substance used in oral hygiene thatcan cause bacteria resistance. Here, two commercial extracts obtained from Cistus × incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. were chemically characterized usingUltra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a Q-Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer. The extracts were studied for their bioaccessibility after simulated in vitro oral digestion, their antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis, their protective effects against cellular invasion by P. gingivalis, and their antibiofilm activity. The extracts were found to contain very complex mixtures of polyphenols, which were quite stable after in vitro simulated oral digestion and demonstrated mild, dose-dependent inhibitory activity against P. gingivalis growth. This activity increased with the combination of the two extracts. Moreover, the combination of the extracts induced a reduction in P. gingivalis HaCaT invasiveness, and the reduction in biofilm came to around 80%. In conclusion, a combination of C. incanus and S. lateriflora showed promising effects useful in the treatment of gingivitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy
- CEINGE-BiotecnologieAvanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Eduardo Sommella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Daniele Giuseppe Buccato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy
| | | | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Shaden A M Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roberto Piccinocchi
- Level 1 Medical Director Anaesthesia and Resuscitation A. U. O. Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
- UOC of Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno, Via De Renzi 50, 84125 Salerno, SA, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Esposito C, Ugo Garzarella E, Santarcangelo C, Di Minno A, Dacrema M, Sacchi R, Piccinocchi G, Piccinocchi R, Daglia M. Safety and efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid oral supplementation in the reduction of pain with unknown etiology: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112308. [PMID: 34649217 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extensive evidence suggests that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is effective in diabetic neuropathy pain management. However, little is known on its safety and efficacy in reducing idiopathic pain in normoglycemic subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate ALA food supplement safety and efficacy in the reduction of different forms of idiopathic pain. METHODS Two-hundred and ten normoglycemic adults suffering from idiopathic pain (i.e. 57 subjects with primitive neuropathic pain, 141 subjects with arthralgia with unknown etiology, and 12 subjects with idiopathic myalgia) were randomized to receive placebo, 400 mg/day, or 800 mg/day of ALA. Participants underwent two visits (at baseline = t0, and after 2 months = t1) in which two validated questionaries for pain (numerical rating scale [NRS] and visual analogue scale [VAS]) were collected; fasting blood glucose assessment, adverse effects, and renal and hepatic toxicity were also monitored. RESULTS At t1, none of subjects treated with ALA reported a decreased glycemia or adverse effects. The treated subjects showed a significant reduction in NRS (p < 0.001) while the placebo group did not show any NRS reduction (p = 0.86). Similar results were also obtained for VAS. Statistical analysis aimed at detecting possible differences in NRS and VAS scores among treatment groups based on the source of pain did not reveal any significant effect. CONCLUSIONS Since the management of idiopathic pain is challenging for physicians, the use of ALA food supplements could be a feasible option, based on its safety and efficacy compared to commonly-used analgesic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Ugo Garzarella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Santarcangelo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Dacrema
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Applied Statistic Unit, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, viale Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Piccinocchi
- Comegen S.c.S., Società Cooperativa Sociale di Medici di Medicina Generale, Viale Maria Bakunin, 41, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Piccinocchi
- Level 1 Medical Director Anaesthesia and Resuscitation A. U. O. Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, 212013 Zhenjiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Putignano D, Orlando V, Monetti VM, Piccinocchi G, Musazzi UM, Piccinocchi R, Minghetti P, Menditto E. Fixed Versus Free Combinations Of Antihypertensive Drugs: Analyses Of Real-World Data Of Persistence With Therapy In Italy. Patient Prefer Adherence 2019; 13:1961-1969. [PMID: 31814712 PMCID: PMC6858287 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s225444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyse the pattern of use and cost of antihypertensive drugs in new users in an Italian population, and explore the patient/treatment factors associated with the risk of therapy discontinuation. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, information was collected from a population-based electronic primary-care database. Persistence with medication use 1 year from therapy initiation was evaluated for each user using the gap method. Each new user was classified according to his/her pattern of use as: "continuer", "discontinuer" "switching" or "add-on". A Cox regression model was used to analyse the factors influencing therapy discontinuation. Primary-care costs comprised specialists' visits, diagnostic procedures and pharmacologic therapies. RESULTS Among 14,999 subjects included in persistence analyses, 55.1% of cases initially started on monotherapy were classified as discontinuers vs 36.5% of cases taking combination therapy (42.3% vs 32.7%, respectively, for free and fixed combinations, P < 0.01). Old age, high cardiovascular risk and being in receipt of fixed-combination therapy were associated with greater persistence. Overall, the primary-care cost/person/year of hypertension management was ~€95.3 (IQR, 144.9). The monotherapy cost was €88 per patient (IQR, 132.9), and that for combination therapy was €151±148.3. The median cost/patient with a fixed combination was lower than that for a free combination (€98.4 (IQR, 155.3) and €154.9 (IQR, 182.6), respectively). CONCLUSION The initial type of therapy prescribed influences persistence. Prescribing fixed combinations might be a good choice as initial therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Putignano
- CIRFF, Center of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Orlando
- CIRFF, Center of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: Valentina Orlando CIRFF, Center of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, Naples80131, ItalyTel +39 081 678657Fax +39 081 678303 Email
| | | | | | - Umberto Maria Musazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paola Minghetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica Menditto
- CIRFF, Center of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Piccinocchi G, Piccinocchi R. Further Effort is Needed to Improve Management of Chronic Pain in Primary Care. Results from the Arkys Project. Clin Pract 2016; 6:855. [PMID: 27478585 PMCID: PMC4943105 DOI: 10.4081/cp.2016.855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of chronic pain is challenging. The Arkys project was initiated in Italy to assist general practitioners (GPs) in the management of chronic pain. The main objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of Arkys for selecting new therapeutic strategies. An online interactive questionnaire for assessing pain and guiding therapeutic decisions was made available to GPs participating to Arkys. The GPs were invited to complete the questionnaire for each patient who presented moderate-severe chronic pain, and to decide on a new analgesic treatment based on the information provided by the questionnaire. Two hundred and forty four GPs participated with a total of 3035 patients. Patients (mean age 68.9 years) had mostly chronic non-cancer pain (87.7%). In 42.3%, pain had neuropathic components. Only 53.6% of patients were in treatment with analgesics (strong opioids, 38.9%; NSAIDs, 32.6%; weak opioids, 25.6%; anti-epileptics, 17.3%; paracetamol, 14.9%). Use of the questionnaire resulted in the prescription of analgesics to all patients and in increased prescription of strong opioids (69.7%). NSAID prescription decreased (12.8%), while anti-epileptics use remained stable. These findings show that current management of chronic pain in primary care is far from optimal and that efforts are needed to educate GPs and improve guideline implementation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Fusco F, Arcaniolo D, Creta M, Piccinocchi G, Arpino G, Laringe M, Piccinocchi R, Longo N, Verze P, Mangiapia F, Imperatore V, Mirone V. Demographic and comorbidity profile of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia in a real-life clinical setting: Are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor consumers different? World J Urol 2014; 33:685-9. [PMID: 25491675 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-014-1460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to describe, in a daily clinical practice setting, the demographic and comorbidity profile of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH-LUTS), to compare the characteristics of patients receiving 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) with those not receiving them and to investigate predictors of 5-ARI prescription. METHODS We performed a retrospective observational study using data retrieved from a general practitioners database. Male patients with diagnosis of BPH-LUTS were included. The following demographic and clinical data were available and extracted: age, comorbidities, BPH-LUTS medical therapy, drugs for comorbidities. A subgroup analysis was performed according to the use of 5-ARIs. Factors associated with 5-ARI prescription were assessed with uni- and multivariate analyses. RESULTS A total of 7,103 patients were identified. Most patients (71.7%) were aged ≥65 years. Hypertension was present in 64.9% of patients; it was the most prevalent comorbidity followed by diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease and other dyslipidemias. Overall, 38.22% of patients were treated with 5-ARIs. Mean age of patients taking 5-ARIs was significantly higher. The prevalence of hypertension and the use of antihypertensive drugs were significantly higher among patients receiving 5-ARIs. Older age was an independent predictor of 5-ARI prescription. CONCLUSIONS In a daily clinical practice setting, patients with BPH-LUTS receiving 5-ARIs are significantly older and have significantly higher prevalence of hypertension if compared with patients with BPH-LUTS not receiving 5-ARIs. Older age is an independent predictor of 5-ARI prescription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Fusco
- Urologic Clinic, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vespasiani-Gentilucci U, Gallo P, Piccinocchi G, Piccinocchi R, Schena E, Galati G, De Vincentis A, Dell'Unto C, Picardi A. Determinants of alanine aminotransferase levels in a large population from Southern Italy: relationship between alanine aminotransferase and age. Dig Liver Dis 2014; 46:909-15. [PMID: 24953204 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2014.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determinants of alanine aminotransferase levels have never been investigated in real-life settings. The relationship between alanine aminotransferase and age remains controversial. We evaluated epidemiological, anthropometric, and metabolic factors associated with alanine aminotransferase, focusing on the relationship between alanine aminotransferase and age. METHODS A 5-year retrospective analysis was performed on data recorded by 120 general practitioners from Naples (Italy), caring for 170,000 subjects. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, diagnosis of chronic liver disease, positive markers for viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and alanine aminotransferase >100UI/L. RESULTS 44,232 subjects were enrolled (42.7% males, mean age 56±18 years). Alanine aminotransferase showed independent direct associations with body mass index, glycaemia, cholesterol, and triglycerides (p<0.001), and inverse associations with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.001) and creatinine (p<0.01). The relationship between alanine aminotransferase and age was better expressed by polynomial regression (r=0.18, p<0.001), creating an inverted parabola. Mean alanine aminotransferase increased until the third decade in males and the fifth in females, with a subsequent progressive decrease in both genders. The inverse association between alanine aminotransferase and age in older subjects was independent from metabolic factors. CONCLUSIONS This real-life setting study, supports the concept that dysmetabolism is a strong determinant of liver injury. Based on our data, a reduction of the standard upper limit of normal alanine aminotransferase should be considered for older subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Emiliano Schena
- Unit of Measurement and Biomedical Instrumentation, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galati
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio De Vincentis
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Dell'Unto
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Picardi
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Prezioso D, Illiano E, Piccinocchi G, Cricelli C, Piccinocchi R, Saita A, Micheli C, Trinchieri A. Urolithiasis in Italy: An epidemiological study. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2014; 86:99-102. [DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2014.2.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Worldwide the urolithiasis is the third most frequent urological disease affecting both males and females. In literature there are not recent Italian epidemiological data about stone disease. The objective of this study is the evaluation of current epidemiology of urolithiasis in Italy using the Health Search/CSD Longitudinal Patient Database (HS) database. Material and methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective trial was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: family physician- assisted Italian living population member of HS database within 31 December 2012, both genders, age over 17 years, at least two years of clinical history recorded from the beginning the trial. Data were collected by HS database and elaborated by its software Millewin®. Results: In Italy prevalence of urolithiasis in 2012 was 4.14%, it was higher in males than in females (4.53% versus 3.78%) with a positive relation with increasing age. The highest prevalence rate of urolithiasis was reported in the region Campania (6.08%). The general incidence was 2.23 *1000, with the highest incidence in the region Sicilia (3.15 *1000). Incidence was higher in group age 65-74 years (3.18 *1000). Conclusions: In Italy the incidence and prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing with particular distribution in relation to gender, age and regional position.
Collapse
|
14
|
Piccinocchi G, Laringe M, Guillaro B, Arpino G, Piccinocchi R, Nigro G, Calabrò P. Diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation by primary care physicians in Italy : a retrospective, observational analysis. Clin Drug Investig 2013; 32:771-7. [PMID: 23018284 PMCID: PMC3693438 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-012-0005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a heavy burden of morbidity and mortality, mainly due to an increased risk of cerebrovascular events and cardiac failure. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment prevents stroke and systemic thromboembolism in patients with AF and its use is strongly recommended in guidelines. However, its use in this patient group remains limited. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have an important role to play in this context. Objective The primary objective was to estimate prevalence and epidemiological features of AF in the primary care setting, focusing on ischaemic and bleeding risk assessment. A secondary objective was to examine the PCPs’ level of adherence to the guidelines for the prevention of thromboembolic risk in these patients. Methods This retrospective, observational study was based on data entered by 128 PCPs into the Health Search (HS) Thales database, identifying patients with a diagnosis of AF at the time of the analysis. Results Out of 167,056 patients analysed, 2,173 (1.3 %) were diagnosed with AF, with 86 % at high risk for ischaemic stroke, according to CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years [doubled], diabetes, stroke [doubled], vascular disease, age 65–74 years, sex category [female]) stratification. After the diagnosis of AF, 84 % of patients were prescribed OAC treatment. However, at 2 years’ follow-up, only 29.6 % were still being treated with OACs. Conclusion The prevalence of AF in this analysis was consistent with previously reported Italian national epidemiological data. Adherence to the European Society of Cardiology AF guidelines by PCPs was low, despite the high levels of stroke risk. At the end of the observation period less than one-third of patients were still on OAC therapy. Awareness of the benefits of OACs in stroke prevention in AF patients needs to be improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Piccinocchi
- Co.Me.Gen. Coop (Cooperativa Medicina Generale Napoli), Cooperative of Primary Care Physicians, Via Cintia Parco S. Paolo 45, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|