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Esfandiari NH, Papaleontiou M. Levothyroxine Prescribing: Why Simple Is so Complex. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1406-e1407. [PMID: 37793166 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nazanene H Esfandiari
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Lin PID, Rifas-Shiman S, Merriman J, Petimar J, Yu H, Daley MF, Janicke DM, Heerman WJ, Bailey LC, Maeztu C, Young J, Block JP. Trends of Antihypertensive Prescription Among US Adults From 2010 to 2019 and Changes Following Treatment Guidelines: Analysis of Multicenter Electronic Health Records. J Am Heart Assoc 2024:e032197. [PMID: 38639340 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032197] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines for the use of antihypertensives changed in 2014 and 2017. To understand the effect of these guidelines, we examined trends in antihypertensive prescriptions in the United States from 2010 to 2019 using a repeated cross-sectional design. METHODS AND RESULTS Using electronic health records from 15 health care institutions for adults (20-85 years old) who had ≥1 antihypertensive prescription, we assessed whether (1) prescriptions of beta blockers decreased after the 2014 Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) report discouraged use for first-line treatment, (2) prescriptions for calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics increased among Black patients after the JNC 8 report encouraged use as first-line therapy, and (3) prescriptions for dual therapy and fixed-dose combination among patients with blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg increased after recommendations in the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines. The study included 1 074 314 patients with 2 133 158 prescription episodes. After publication of the JNC 8 report, prescriptions for beta blockers decreased (3% lower in 2018-2019 compared to 2010-2014), and calcium channel blockers increased among Black patients (20% higher in 2015-2017 and 41% higher in 2018-2019, compared to 2010-2014), in accordance with guideline recommendations. However, contrary to guidelines, dual therapy and fixed-dose combination decreased after publication of the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines (9% and 11% decrease in 2018-2019 for dual therapy and fixed-dose combination, respectively, compared to 2015-2017), and thiazide diuretics decreased among Black patients after the JNC 8 report (6% lower in 2018-2019 compared to 2010-2014). CONCLUSIONS Adherence to guidelines on prescribing antihypertensive medication was inconsistent, presenting an opportunity for interventions to achieve better blood pressure control in the US population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pi-I Debby Lin
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Boston MA USA
| | - Sheryl Rifas-Shiman
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Boston MA USA
| | - John Merriman
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Boston MA USA
| | - Joshua Petimar
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Boston MA USA
- Department of Epidemiology Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health Boston MA USA
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Boston MA USA
| | - Matthew F Daley
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado Aurora CO USA
| | - David M Janicke
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - William J Heerman
- Department of Pediatrics Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN USA
| | - L Charles Bailey
- Applied Clinical Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Carlos Maeztu
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - Jessica Young
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Boston MA USA
- Department of Epidemiology Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health Boston MA USA
| | - Jason P Block
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Boston MA USA
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Yoon SH, Kim J, Yoon S, Lee HJ. Efficacy of high-voltage, long-duration pulsed radiofrequency for the treatment of acute herpes zoster-related trigeminal neuralgia in a patient with permanent pacemaker. Korean J Pain 2024; 37:kjp.23234. [PMID: 38439178 PMCID: PMC10764218 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.23234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recognizing the seriousness of the misuse and abuse of medical narcotics, the South Korean government introduced the world's first narcotic management system, the Narcotics Information Management System (NIMS). This study aimed to explore the recent one-year opioid prescribing patterns in South Korea using the NIMS database. Methods This study analyzed opioid prescription records in South Korea for the year 2022, utilizing the dispensing/administration dataset provided by NIMS. Public data from the Korean Statistical Information Service were also utilized to explore prescription trends over the past four years. The examination covered 16 different opioid analgesics, assessed by the total number of units prescribed based on routes of administration, type of institutions, and patients’ sex and age group. Additionally, the disposal rate for each ingredient was computed. Results In total, 206,941 records of 87,792,968 opioid analgesic units were analyzed. Recently, the overall quantity of prescribed opioid analgesic units has remained relatively stable. The most prescribed ingredient was oral oxycodone, followed by tapentadol and sublingual fentanyl. Tertiary hospitals had the highest number of dispensed units (49.4%), followed by community pharmacies (40.2%). The highest number of prescribed units was attributed to male patients in their 60s. The disposal rates of the oral and transdermal formulations were less than 0.1%. Conclusions Opioid prescription in South Korea features a high proportion of oral formulations, tertiary hospital administration, pharmacy dispensing, and elderly patients. Sustained education and surveillance of patients and healthcare providers is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Hyuk Yoon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeongsoo Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Susie Yoon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho-Jin Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Cai C, Knudsen S, Weant K. Opioid Prescribing by Emergency Physicians: Trends Study of Medicare Part D Prescriber Data 2013-2019. J Emerg Med 2024; 66:e313-e322. [PMID: 38290881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.10.018] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency physicians play a critical role in mitigating the opioid epidemic in public health. OBJECTIVES To analyze the prescribing of emergency physicians for opioids among Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the Part D program from 2013 to 2019. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of Medicare Part D prescriber data, focusing on opioid claims between 2013 and 2019. The primary outcome variables evaluated included proportion of opioid claims, trends of the most prescribed opioids, cost of opioid claims, and days' supply per claim. RESULTS A total of 63,586 emergency physicians were identified over the study period. Opioid prescription by emergency physicians decreased from 14.45% to 11.55%, and the cost spent on opioid drugs declined by 50%. The use of drugs such as hydrocodone-acetaminophen and oxycodone-acetaminophen declined substantially, whereas tramadol and acetaminophen-codeine prescription increased. The opioid prescribing rate and days' supply also decreased. CONCLUSIONS The decline in traditional opioid agents such as hydrocodone-acetaminophen was partly offset by an increase in opioids like tramadol, which carry additional potential adverse events. Opioid prescribing rate, average days' supply, and cost of opioid drugs significantly decreased from 2015 to 2019, after a spike in 2015. All regions observed a decrease in emergency physicians, but opioid prescribing rates varied across regions. These trends highlight successful opioid stewardship practices in some areas and the need for further development in others. This information can aid in designing tailored guidelines and policies for emergency physicians to promote effective opioid stewardship practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Cai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Sophia Knudsen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Kyle Weant
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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Cansian B, Faria JCP, Sarni ROS. Transfusion of packed red blood cells in adults with sickle cell anemia treated at an emergency hospital. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2024; 70:e20230816. [PMID: 38422317 PMCID: PMC10903271 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230816] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the prescription of packed red blood cells performed by emergency physicians for adults with sickle cell anemia. METHODS Transfusions performed in adults with sickle cell anemia treated at an emergency service in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo Brazil, between January 2018 and January 2022 were evaluated. For data comparison, the chi-square2 test was used. The significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS A total of 114 transfusions were performed. The mean age was 41.8±16.4 years, and pretransfusion hemoglobin was 6.1±1.23 g/dL. Regarding the indication, the adequacy of transfusions performed in symptomatic individuals was significantly higher compared to asymptomatic individuals (100% vs. 3.9%, p<0.001). Symptomatic individuals received excessive volumes of packed red blood cells less frequently than asymptomatic individuals (17.5% vs. 56.9%, p<0.001). The filtered subtype, indicated for sickle cell anemia, was prescribed in only a quarter of the patients. However, non-indicated subtypes were frequently prescribed. CONCLUSION This study found low adequacy in the indication and calculation of the transfusion volume of packed red blood cells in asymptomatic individuals. Few patients received filtered red blood cells, resulting in increased risks of transfusion reactions. On the contrary, non-indicated subtypes were prescribed in a quarter of transfusions, which resulted in higher costs and delay in receiving packed red blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Cansian
- ABC Faculty of Medicine, University Center - Santo André (SP), Brazil
| | - João Carlos Pina Faria
- ABC Faculty of Medicine, University Center - Santo André (SP), Brazil
- Universidade Municipal de São Caetano do Sul, Universidade Nove de Julho, ABC Faculty of Medicine, University Center - São Caetano do Sul (SP), Brazil
| | - Roseli Oselka Saccardo Sarni
- ABC Faculty of Medicine, University Center - Santo André (SP), Brazil
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, ABC Faculty of Medicine, University Center - São Paulo (SP), Brazil
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Giberson-Chen C, Liu C, Grisdela P, Liu D, Model Z, Steele A, Blazar P, Earp BE, Zhang D. Risk Factors for Rescue Opioid Prescription After Cubital Tunnel Surgery. Hand (N Y) 2024:15589447241232015. [PMID: 38357894 DOI: 10.1177/15589447241232015] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns regarding the ongoing opioid epidemic have led to heightened scrutiny of postoperative opioid prescribing patterns for common orthopedic surgical procedures. This study investigated patient- and procedure-specific risk factors for additional postoperative opioid rescue prescriptions following ambulatory cubital tunnel surgery. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent cubital tunnel surgery at 2 academic medical centers between June 1, 2015 and March 1, 2020. Patient demographics, comorbidities, prior opioid history, and surgical variables were recorded. The primary outcome was postoperative rescue opioid prescription. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS Two hundred seventy-four patients were included, of whom 171 (62%) underwent in situ ulnar nerve decompression and 103 (38%) underwent ulnar nerve decompression with anterior transposition. The median postoperative opioid prescription amount was 90 morphine equivalent units (MEU) for the total cohort, 77.5 MEU for in situ ulnar nerve decompression, and 112.5 MEU for ulnar nerve decompression with transposition. Twenty-two patients (8%) required additional rescue opioid prescriptions postoperatively. Female sex, fibromyalgia, chronic opioid use, chronic pain diagnosis, and recent opioid were associated with the need for additional postoperative rescue opioid prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS While most patients do not require additional rescue opioid prescriptions after cubital tunnel surgery, chronic pain patients and patients with pain sensitivity syndromes are at risk for requiring additional rescue opioid prescriptions. For these high-risk patients, preoperative collaboration of a multidisciplinary team may be beneficial for developing a perioperative pain management plan that is both safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carew Giberson-Chen
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Affiliated Hospitals, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina Liu
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Affiliated Hospitals, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Phillip Grisdela
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Affiliated Hospitals, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Liu
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Affiliated Hospitals, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zina Model
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Affiliated Hospitals, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy Steele
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Affiliated Hospitals, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip Blazar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brandon E Earp
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dafang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Ahwinahwi US, Odili VU, Nwachukwu DO. Assessment of prescribing in under-five paediatric outpatients in Nigeria: an application of the POPI (Pediatrics: Omission of Prescription and Inappropriate Prescription) tool. Int J Pharm Pract 2024; 32:76-82. [PMID: 37935629 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad073] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated prescribing in children under the age of five attending paediatric outpatient clinics at three Central hospitals in Delta State, Nigeria and determined the conditions mostly associated with inappropriate prescriptions and omissions. METHODS This was a retrospective study of prescriptions made to children from 0 to 59 months who attended the clinics. Prescriptions were evaluated using the POPI tool, occurrence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions and prescribing omissions were reported as percentages and inappropriate prescription types and prescription omissions were also reported as frequencies. Relationship between inappropriate prescriptions, omissions of prescriptions and age group and gender were determined, P < 0.05 was considered significant. KEY FINDINGS A total of 1327 prescriptions from the three centres were analyzed. There was a preponderance of infants (>1 month-12 months of age) in the study (43.0%) and a somewhat even gender distribution. Exactly 29.8% of all the prescriptions studied had at least one occurrence of inappropriate prescription. The use of H1 antagonists with sedative or atropine-like effects accounted for the majority of inappropriate prescriptions (49.5%), while the prescription of drinkable amoxicillin or other antibiotics in doses other than mg was the most frequent omission of prescription (97.2%). There was a significant relationship between the occurrence of inappropriate prescription and age group (P > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Inappropriate prescriptions and omissions of prescriptions were high and effectively detected by the POPI tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ufuoma Shalom Ahwinahwi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Valentine U Odili
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Destiny Obiajulu Nwachukwu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
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Zhu Z, Naunton M, Mortazavi R, Bushell M. The Impact of Australian Bushfires on Asthma Medicine Prescription Dispensing. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:428. [PMID: 38391803 PMCID: PMC10888028 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040428] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution can cause numerous health problems and increase the need for medicines to treat and prevent asthma in affected areas. There is limited evidence about the association between airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller (PM2.5) and asthma medicine usage. This study examined the potential association between the levels of PM2.5 and the supply of prescription asthma medicines in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia, during the severe bushfire season between November 2019-January 2020. METHODS Daily data was obtained from an ACT air quality monitoring station from November 2019 to January 2020 (study period) and November 2018 to January 2019 (control period, no bushfire). The number and types of government-funded asthma medicine prescriptions were obtained from the Services Australia (government) website by searching under 'Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Item Reports' and using relevant item codes during the study and control periods. RESULTS The medians for PM2.5 levels for the study period were significantly higher than those for the control period (p < 0.001). There were increases in the number of dispensed prescriptions of short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABA), inhaled corticosteroids, and long-acting beta-2 agonists combined with inhaled corticosteroids. The greatest difference was seen with the inhaled corticosteroids: a 138% increase. CONCLUSIONS The increase in the number of dispensed asthma prescriptions during the bushfire season should be used to inform the stock holdings of these medicines in preparation for future events to ensure access to lifesaving asthma medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Zhu
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Mark Naunton
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Reza Mortazavi
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Mary Bushell
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
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MacDougall DE, Baum SJ, Ahmed CD, McGowan MP, Wilemon KA. Trends in Patient Access to and Utilization of Prescribed PCSK9 Inhibitors in a Large US Claims Database From 2015 to 2021. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2024; 17:e009988. [PMID: 38362767 PMCID: PMC10880926 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.123.009988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Diane E. MacDougall
- Family Heart Foundation, Fernandina Beach, FL (D.E.M., S.J.B., C.D.A., M.P.M., K.A.W.)
| | - Seth J. Baum
- Family Heart Foundation, Fernandina Beach, FL (D.E.M., S.J.B., C.D.A., M.P.M., K.A.W.)
- Flourish Research, New York, NY (S.J.B.)
| | - Catherine D. Ahmed
- Family Heart Foundation, Fernandina Beach, FL (D.E.M., S.J.B., C.D.A., M.P.M., K.A.W.)
| | - Mary P. McGowan
- Family Heart Foundation, Fernandina Beach, FL (D.E.M., S.J.B., C.D.A., M.P.M., K.A.W.)
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH (M.P.M.)
| | - Katherine A. Wilemon
- Family Heart Foundation, Fernandina Beach, FL (D.E.M., S.J.B., C.D.A., M.P.M., K.A.W.)
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Ma J, Liu W, Wang X, Lu C, Hao Z, Wang Y, Ding Y, Li Y. Cnidium officinale Makino: Phytology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology, Pharmacology and Prescriptions (1967-2023). Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301639. [PMID: 38062000 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301639] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Cnidium officinale Makino (COM), a perennial herbaceous plant in the Apiaceous family, widely distribute in Eastern Asia and Asia-Temperate. It has a long history application as a traditional medicine for invigorating the blood and removing blood stasis, and also has been employed to diet, pesticide, herbal bathing materials, the cosmetic and skin care industry. However, there has been no associated review of literature in the past half a century (1967-2023). By searching the international authoritative databases and collecting 229 literatures closely related to COM, herewith a comprehensive and systematic review was conducted. The phytology includes plant distribution and botanical characteristics. The phytochemistry covers 8 major categories, 208 compounds in total, and the quantitative determination of 14 monomer compounds, total polyphenols and total flavonoids. The clinical trial in pregnant women and toxic experiments in mice, the pharmacology of 7 aspects and 82 frequently used prescriptions are summarized. It is expected that this paper will provide forward-looking scientific thinking and literature support for the further modern research, development and utilization of COM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Xueyu Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Chang Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Zezhuang Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Ye Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yuling Ding
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
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Crocker H, Lewis T, Violato M, Peters M. The affordability and obtainability of gluten-free foods for adults with coeliac disease following their withdrawal on prescription in England: A qualitative study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024; 37:47-56. [PMID: 37723662 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13231] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes to prescribing policies in England have restricted or stopped access to gluten-free food on prescription for people with coeliac disease in some geographical areas. The present study aimed to explore the impact of these changes on the affordability and obtainability of gluten-free foods for adults with coeliac disease. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 24) were conducted with people with coeliac disease living in areas where prescriptions for gluten-free foods were no longer available, were restricted or followed national guidelines. Interviews explored the impact of gluten-free prescribing changes on the affordability and obtainability of gluten-free food, as well as dietary adherence. RESULTS All participants considered gluten-free substitute foods to be expensive. Participants felt the availability of gluten-free foods has improved over time, also acknowledging some challenges remain, such as limited local availability. For most, the withdrawal of prescriptions had minimal impact requiring small adjustments such as reducing the quantity of foods obtained. However, greater challenges were faced by those less mobile, permanently sick or disabled and/or on lower incomes. CONCLUSIONS The majority of participants affected by the withdrawal of prescriptions were able to adapt to cope with these changes. However, participants with mobility issues, who are permanently sick or disabled and/or on lower incomes were struggling to afford and obtain gluten-free substitute foods from elsewhere. The withdrawal of prescriptions may further widen health inequalities. Further research should focus on the long-term impacts of prescription withdrawal for the vulnerable groups identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Crocker
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Mara Violato
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michele Peters
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Dibenedetto JR, Cetrone M, Antonacci M, Cannone DP, Antonacci S, Bratta P, Leonetti F, Tricarico D. The Community Pharmacy as a Study Center for the Epidemiological Analysis of the Population Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: Evaluation of Vaccine Safety and Pharmaceutical Service. Pharmacy (Basel) 2024; 12:16. [PMID: 38392923 PMCID: PMC10892165 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12010016] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a monocentric observational study aimed at evaluating the vaccine safety and the pharmaceutical service provided at a community pharmacy (C.PHARM) in the Puglia Region in the period from 29 December 2021 to 12 March 2022 using data from 550 patients of various ages and sexes and with concomitant diseases. We collected anamnestic data, the number of hospitalizations, and any post-vaccination adverse reactions. Interviews using the integrated EQ5 method were also performed to evaluate the quality of the service offered and any therapy preference. As expected, the vaccines were reactogenic after the first dose in the patients with mild-moderate reactions, with younger age and female gender as risk factors. Immune-allergic reactions of a moderate-severe degree were observed in adult females. In the elderly, the vaccination was well tolerated. Comirnaty® showed a favorable O.R. < 1 vs. other vaccines. No cardiovascular events or hospitalizations were observed up to May 2023. Regional data indicate that all treatments during May 2023 were correlated with the viremia. PaxlovidTM was prescribed in 3% of the patients in our center and in 1.46% in the region, and distributed/dispensed on behalf of third parties in accordance with a novel distribution/dispensation protocol of the C.PHARM that resulted in a safe vaccination center providing appropriate patient inclusion during vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Raffaele Dibenedetto
- Management Control Unit, Puglia Regional PHT Office, Pharmaceutical Territorial Area (ASL BA), Via L. Starita, 6, 70132 Bari, Italy; (J.R.D.); (M.C.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Michela Cetrone
- Management Control Unit, Puglia Regional PHT Office, Pharmaceutical Territorial Area (ASL BA), Via L. Starita, 6, 70132 Bari, Italy; (J.R.D.); (M.C.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Marina Antonacci
- Management Control Unit, Puglia Regional PHT Office, Pharmaceutical Territorial Area (ASL BA), Via L. Starita, 6, 70132 Bari, Italy; (J.R.D.); (M.C.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (P.B.)
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | | | - Stefania Antonacci
- Management Control Unit, Puglia Regional PHT Office, Pharmaceutical Territorial Area (ASL BA), Via L. Starita, 6, 70132 Bari, Italy; (J.R.D.); (M.C.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Pasquale Bratta
- Management Control Unit, Puglia Regional PHT Office, Pharmaceutical Territorial Area (ASL BA), Via L. Starita, 6, 70132 Bari, Italy; (J.R.D.); (M.C.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (P.B.)
| | - Francesco Leonetti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Domenico Tricarico
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
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Khouja T, Shah NH, Suda KJ, Polk DE. Trajectories of opioid prescribing by general dentists, specialists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States, 2015-2019. J Am Dent Assoc 2024; 155:7-16.e7. [PMID: 37988047 PMCID: PMC10870999 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite decreases in opioid prescribing from 2016 through 2019, some dentists (general, specialists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons) in the United States continue to prescribe opioids at high rates. The authors' objective was to define dentists' trajectories of opioid prescribing. METHODS The authors identified actively prescribing dentists from the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription data set, from 2015 through 2019. Group-based trajectory modeling identified opioid prescribing trajectories on the basis of dentists' annual prescribing rates for the overall sample (model 1) and for high prescribers (model 2). The authors used χ2 or Mann-Whitney U tests to characterize the model 2 trajectory groups. RESULTS In model 1 (n = 199,145 prescribers), group-based trajectory modeling identified 8 trajectories that were grouped into 5 categories. A total of 14.8% were nonprescribers who composed less than 1% of all prescriptions, low prescribers (3 groups; 46.0%) prescribed at low rates (2015: 5.5%-16.9%; 2019: 1.5%-11.9%), decliners (7.3%) decreased prescribing rapidly (2015: 29.4%; 2019: 5.1%), moderately high prescribers (2 groups; 28.5%) prescribed moderately (2015: 28.7% and 39.2%; 2019: 18.1% and 28.8%), and consistently high prescribers (3.4%) prescribed at high rates (2015: 54.6%; 2019: 44.7%). In model 2, from consistently high prescribers (n = 6,845), 4 trajectories were identified. Of these 4 groups, 1 group (7.5%) declined prescribing rapidly. The groups did not differ meaningfully; however, the rapid decliners included fewer oral and maxillofacial surgeons (13.0% vs 18.4%), saw more Medicaid patients (2.5% vs 1.0%), and had higher opioid prescribing rates in 2015 (95.5% vs 91.6%) (P < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS The authors identified variations in dentists' opioid prescribing rates. Although 60% of dentists decreased prescribing rates by 30% through 83%, 3.4% of dentists consistently prescribed at high rates. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Some dentists continue to prescribe opioids at high levels, indicating that additional information is needed to better inform policy and clinical decision making.
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Poh JXY, Chan KH, Tan SSL, Xu T. Occupational therapists' perceptions of the feasibility of using tele-assessment for remote prescription of assistive devices in Singapore: A qualitative study. Work 2024; 77:1153-1163. [PMID: 38007633 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230168] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational therapists (OT) assess and prescribe assistive devices to older adults with limitations in performing daily living activities. Timely prescription of assistive devices to accommodate the rising demand has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-assessment allows for continuity of care, but its success depends on therapists' acceptance. OBJECTIVE This study examined OTs' perceptions of the feasibility of conducting tele-assessment and developing a clinical practice guideline for remote prescription of assistive devices for older adults in Singapore. METHODS Eligible OTs were recruited from purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via a virtual platform (Zoom). Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis using a line-by-line coding method was used to identify common trends. RESULTS Interviews with 10 participants revealed three main themes: (1) therapists' perceptions of the feasibility of tele-assessment, (2) criteria for safe and appropriate prescription of assistive devices via tele-assessment, and (3) practical considerations for the implementation of tele-assessment. Participants felt that tele-assessment increases efficiency with more older adults being more receptive towards technology. They also raised suggestions to address OTs' concerns regarding the safety and accuracy prescription of assistive devices following tele-assessment. This included establishing the client's suitability for assistive device prescription, characteristics of assistive devices, resources required, and considering the preferences of stakeholders involved. CONCLUSION Tele-assessment for assistive device prescription by OTs appears feasible in Singapore. OTs should consider collaborating with other stakeholders to develop a tele-assessment clinical practice guideline for assistive device prescription. Further studies testing its clinical effectiveness during and/or post-pandemic are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess Xiu Yi Poh
- Rehabilitation Department, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kuang Hong Chan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Samantha Si Li Tan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Tianma Xu
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
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15
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Jamaluddin J, Mohamed Kamel MA. Underprescription of Fibrate Among Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy in Perak, Malaysia. Cureus 2024; 16:e51434. [PMID: 38298309 PMCID: PMC10828978 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51434] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of blindness and its prevalence is increasing. Fibrate, specifically fenofibrate, has been shown to be efficacious in reducing the progression of DR. This study aims to determine the five-year trend of and factors associated with the prescription of fibrate among patients with DR in Perak. Methods Data on all patients with DR in 76 government health clinics in Perak who were audited between 2018 and 2022 were extracted from the National Diabetes Registry (NDR), excluding those who were lost to follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the prescription of fibrates. Results Data from 4028 patients were analysed. Commonly prescribed medications were statins (n = 3466, 86.0%), metformin (n = 3212, 79.7%), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (n = 2318, 57.5%). Only 63 (1.6%) patients were prescribed fibrate. Factors associated with the prescription of fibrates were patients from the clinics in northern (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12-0.65) and southern clusters (aOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08-0.655), triglycerides > 1.7 mmol/L (aOR = 4.85, 95% CI: 1.85-12.70), and prescription of insulin (aOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.07-7.18) and statin (aOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.04-0.27). Conclusion The prescription of fibrate among patients with DR was low, highlighting a missed opportunity for early treatment and improved outcomes in primary care. The prescription of fibrates to reduce the progression of DR should be expanded to primary care. Clinicians should consider the factors associated with the non-prescription of fibrate identified when prescribing to these patients. Policies, including those at the ministry level, to enhance the availability of these medicines, including financial resources for procurement, are necessary to guarantee easy access for patients in different areas. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be knowledgeable about and follow guidelines. Moreover, improving the overall management of DR in patients with multiple comorbidities can be achieved by addressing worries about the side effects of combination therapies through educational campaigns and providing clear directives. Nevertheless, the study's findings should be interpreted in light of the limitations discussed.
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Mokrzecki SM, Mallett A, Sen Gupta T, Perks S, Pain T. Do educational interventions improve prescribing skills of medical students compared to no additional learning? A systematic review. Med Educ Online 2023; 28:2259166. [PMID: 37722675 PMCID: PMC10512866 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2023.2259166] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that medical students are not confident and may be ill-prepared to prescribe competently. Therefore, changes to standard education may be required to fortify medical student prescribing skills, confidence, and competence. However, specific education to write a safe and legal prescription is generally lacking. Furthermore, the term prescribe and the skill thereof is not clearly defined. This review compares additional education for medical students to no identified additional education or another educational modality on the skill of prescription writing. Secondary aims include review of education modalities, prescribing skill assessments, educator professional background, and timing of education within the medical curriculum. This systematic review was conducted and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Databases searched included: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Emcare (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed and Scopus. Search terms included: medical education, medical undergraduate, medical student, medical school, and prescriptions. The search was conducted in February 2023, and quantitative outcomes were reported. Of the 5197 citations identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies reported significant improvements in prescribing skills of medical students after additional educational intervention(s). Various educational modalities were implemented, including case-based teaching (n=3), patient-based teaching (n=1), tutorial-based teaching (n=2), didactic teaching (n=1), and mixed methods (n=6). There were no commonalities in the professional background of the educator; however, five studies used faculty members. There was no consensus on the best assessment type and time to implement prescription writing education during medical training. There are a range of interventions to educate and assess prescribing competencies of medical students. Despite heterogenous study designs, there is evidence of the superiority of additional prescription writing education versus no identified additional education to develop prescription writing skills. The introduction of formal teaching and standardised assessment of prescribing skills for medical students is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M. Mokrzecki
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Mallett
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tarun Sen Gupta
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen Perks
- Pharmacy Department, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tilley Pain
- Allied Health Governance Office, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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17
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Kuribayashi R, Hasebe S, Ishida D, Hirose S, Mimori S, Takizawa T, Yamasaki Y, Suzuki S, Kanzaki T. An age-stratified cross-sectional study of antidiabetic and non-antidiabetic drugs prescribed to Japanese outpatients with diabetes. Glob Health Med 2023; 5:294-300. [PMID: 37908508 PMCID: PMC10615024 DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2023.01059] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Polypharmacy, common in patients with diabetes, may cause adverse drug reactions. The number of antidiabetic and non-antidiabetic drugs prescribed to patients in different age groups remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the number and class of antidiabetics and non-antidiabetics prescribed to Japanese patients with diabetes, stratified by age for reducing polypharmacy. This cross-sectional study examined all prescriptions of patients prescribed antidiabetics at 257 pharmacies of Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings in Japan from May 2018 to March 2019. Total prescription numbers including antidiabetic drugs were 263,915 in this study. Mean numbers of antidiabetic drugs per prescription were 1.71, 2.17, and 1.52 in the patient age groups of 10-19, 50-59, and 90-99 years, respectively. Count of antidiabetics was not related to age. However, the mean total number of drugs prescribed increased with age, which was 2.22 and 7.99 in the age groups of 10-19 and 90-99 years, respectively. The linear regression coefficient (b) according to age was 0.07 (p < 0.001) for 10-99 years. The mean non-antidiabetic number of agents prescribed increased with age among 10-99 years (b = 0.07, p < 0.001). Among outpatients treated for diabetes, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (29%) and antihypertensive, β-blocking and renin-angiotensin system blocking drugs (32%) were the most prescribed antidiabetics and non-antidiabetics in all ages, respectively. The number of prescribed antidiabetic agents did not increase with age, whereas the total and non-antidiabetic numbers of medications prescribed increased linearly. For reduction of polypharmacy in older people with diabetes, we need to focus on non-antidiabetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Kuribayashi
- Department of Drug Informatics, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shiori Hasebe
- Department of Drug Informatics, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ishida
- Department of Drug Informatics, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- MatsukiyoCocokara & Co., Matsudo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hirose
- Department of Drug Informatics, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- MatsukiyoCocokara & Co., Matsudo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Seisuke Mimori
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiba Institute of Science, Choshi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Takizawa
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiba Institute of Science, Choshi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamasaki
- Division of Food, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satoko Suzuki
- Department of Drug Informatics, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tetsuto Kanzaki
- Department of Drug Informatics, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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18
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West M, Sidhaye A, Thivierge M, Wolf RM. Development and implementation of a workshop for young adults with diabetes entering college and the workforce. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1288215. [PMID: 37886638 PMCID: PMC10598457 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1288215] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of transitioning from pediatric to adult diabetes care for adolescents and young adults is challenging. This transition period may include many life changes, and can be fraught with worsening glycemic control leading to increased risk for diabetes-related hospitalizations and complications. Research has demonstrated that increased support during this period can help maintain engagement in diabetes care. Transition guidelines highlight the importance of preparation and readiness for transition. In this article, we discuss the development, implementation and content of a workshop for patients and parents/caregivers preparing for the transition to college, the workforce and adult diabetes care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret West
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aniket Sidhaye
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Meredith Thivierge
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Risa M. Wolf
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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19
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Wong S, Müller A. Nurses' use of pro re nata medication in adult acute mental healthcare settings: An integrative review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:1243-1258. [PMID: 37025073 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13148] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
This integrative review explores the current pro re nata (PRN) medication practice in acute adult mental health settings. PRN medication is commonly used in acute mental health settings but there is lack of evidence of effectiveness of this practice. PRN medications have a number of adverse effects and increase the risk of morbidity in patients with a mental illness. Articles were identified from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science database. The STROBE critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence, and inductive thematic analysis was used to extract main themes. Five themes regarding prescription practices, poor documentation, reasons to administer, medication misuse, and insufficient use of non-pharmacological interventions emerged among the 12 eligible articles. The study identified PRN medication practice gaps in adult mental health settings included insufficient documentation practice, underuse of therapeutic non-pharmacological interventions, and significant variability in PRN medication practice across the mental health professionals due to different levels of knowledge and experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Wong
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
| | - Amanda Müller
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
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20
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Berro LF, Fidalgo TM, Rowlett JK, Tardelli VS. Editorial: Benzodiazepine addiction: from lab to street. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1287352. [PMID: 37810597 PMCID: PMC10557040 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1287352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lais F. Berro
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Thiago M. Fidalgo
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - James K. Rowlett
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Vitor S. Tardelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Translational Addictions Research Lab, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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21
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Cruz AJS, Martins MAP, Batista VS, de Aguilar Penido HP, Santos JS, dos Santos TR, Sohn W, de Castilho LS, Abreu MHNG. Dental Pain Medication Prescriptions in Minas Gerais, Brazil (2011-2021): A Time-Series Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6795. [PMID: 37754654 PMCID: PMC10531368 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186795] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
To describe trends of dentist-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics, from January 2011 to December 2021, as well as to examine the relationship between these trends and characteristics of public oral health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In this time-series analysis, all drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Drugs categorized as NSAIDs (M01A), and other analgesics and antipyretics (N02B) were included for analysis. The outcome was the number of Defined Daily Doses (DDDs)/1000 inhabitants/year for NSAIDs and analgesics in each town. Covariates referred to characteristics of public oral health services, such as coverage, estimates of dental procedures, and frequency of toothache. Linear time-series regression models were used to determine the influence of covariates on the outcome. Overall, there were 58,482 prescriptions of NSAIDs recorded in thirty-eight towns, while 47,499 prescriptions of analgesics in forty-three towns. For each year, there was a 0.38 (p < 0.001), and 0.28 (p < 0.001) increase in the average log of DDD/1000 inhabitants/year for NSAIDs and analgesics, respectively. A positive association was detected between toothache (p < 0.001) and the prescription of NSAIDs. Over the eleven years, there was a general rising trend in the prescriptions. Toothache was the only characteristic of public oral health services associated with the prescription rates of NSAIDs, implying that as the frequency of toothaches increase, so do the prescriptions of NSAIDs in the studied towns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Junio Silva Cruz
- Graduate Dental Program, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil;
| | | | - Victor Santos Batista
- Undergraduate Dental Program, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil;
| | - Henrique Pereira de Aguilar Penido
- Undergraduate Math Program, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil;
| | - Jacqueline Silva Santos
- Oral Health Department for the State of Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31630-901, Brazil;
| | - Thiago Rezende dos Santos
- Department of Statistics, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil;
| | - Woosung Sohn
- Discipline of Population Oral Health, School of Dentistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Lia Silva de Castilho
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil;
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Das A, Praveen P, Khurana A, Sardana K. Red Flaging Unscientific Prescriptions in Dermatophytosis: An Overview. Indian J Dermatol 2023; 68:520-524. [PMID: 38099126 PMCID: PMC10718234 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_831_23] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytosis has acquired an epidemic-like proportion, fuelling a wide gamut of irrational, unethical and unscientific prescriptions. The menace can be attributed to poorly regulated legislative laws controlling the approval of molecules, unscientific marketing gimmicks by the pharmaceutical industry, over-the-counter availability of drugs and lack of awareness and knowledge among the prescribing physicians. In this review, we have attempted to enlist the irrational and unethical prescription patterns for dermatophytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Das
- From the Department of Dermatology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pranjal Praveen
- Department of Dermatology, IPGMER and SSKM, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ananta Khurana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
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de Albuquerque DC, de Barros E Silva PGM, Lopes RD, Hoffmann-Filho CR, Nogueira PR, Reis H, Nishijuka FA, Martins SM, de Figueiredo Neto JA, Pavanello R, de Souza Neto JD, Danzmann LC, Gemelli JR, Rohde LEP, Hernandes ME, Rivera MAM, SimÕes MV, Dos Santos ES, Canesin MF, Zilli AC, Santos RHN, Jesuino IDA, Mourilhe-Rocha R, Moura LZ, Marcondes-Braga FG, Mesquita ET. In-Hospital Management and Long-term Clinical Outcomes and Adherence in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Primary Results of the First Brazilian Registry of Heart Failure (BREATHE). J Card Fail 2023:S1071-9164(23)00310-X. [PMID: 37648061 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2023.08.014] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF), a common cause of hospitalization, is associated with poor short-term clinical outcomes. Little is known about the long-term prognoses of patients with HF in Latin America. METHODS BREATHE was the first nationwide prospective observational study in Brazil that included patients hospitalized due to acute heart failure (HF). Patients were included during 2 time periods: February 2011-December 2012 and June 2016-July 2018 SUGGESTION FOR REPHRASING: In-hospital management, 12-month clinical outcomes and adherence to evidence-based therapies were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 3013 patients were enrolled at 71 centers in Brazil. At hospital admission, 83.8% had clear signs of pulmonary congestion. The main cause of decompensation was poor adherence to HF medications (27.8%). Among patients with reduced ejection fraction, concomitant use of beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors and spironolactone decreased from 44.5% at hospital discharge to 35.2% at 3 months. The cumulative incidence of mortality at 12 months was 27.7%, with 24.3% readmission at 90 days and 44.4% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS In this large national prospective registry of patients hospitalized with acute HF, rates of mortality and readmission were higher than those reported globally. Poor adherence to evidence-based therapies was common at hospital discharge and at 12 months of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Gabriel Melo de Barros E Silva
- Hcor-Hospital do Coração, São Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Samaritano Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil; Brazilian Clinical Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato D Lopes
- Brazilian Clinical Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Centro de Pesquisa da Clínica Médica e Cardiologia da UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Helder Reis
- Hospital de Clínicas Gaspar Viana, Paró, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Claudio Danzmann
- Hospital São Lucas-PUCRS, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Universidade Luterana do Brasil-Hospital Universitório de Canoas (RS), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Luis Eduardo Paim Rohde
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Hospital Moinhos de Vento-HMV, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcus Vinícius SimÕes
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo Mourilhe-Rocha
- Hospital Universitório Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Complexo Hospitalar Américas- Vitória e Samaritano Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiana G Marcondes-Braga
- Departamento de Insuficiência Cardíaca-DEIC-SBC, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto do Coração (inCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Evandro Tinoco Mesquita
- Departamento de Insuficiência Cardíaca-DEIC-SBC, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Minhas D, Marder W, Hassett AL, Zick SM, Gordon C, Harlow SD, Wang L, Barbour KE, Helmick CG, McCune WJ, Somers EC. Cost-related prescription non-adherence and patient-reported outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus: The Michigan Lupus Epidemiology & Surveillance program. Lupus 2023; 32:1075-1083. [PMID: 37378450 PMCID: PMC10585710 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231186113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medication access and adherence play key roles in determining patient outcomes. We investigated whether cost-related non-adherence (CRNA) to prescription medications was associated with worse patient-reported outcomes in a population-based systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort. METHODS Sociodemographic and prescription data were collected by structured interviews in 2014-2015 from patients meeting SLE criteria in the established Michigan Lupus Epidemiology & Surveillance (MILES) Cohort. We examined the associations between CRNA and potential confounders such as sociodemographics and health insurance coverage, and outcome measures of SLE activity and damage using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS 462 SLE participants completed the study visit: 430 (93.1%) female, 208 (45%) Black, and mean age 53.3 years. 100 (21.6%) participants with SLE reported CRNA in the preceding 12 months. After adjusting for covariates, CRNA was associated with both higher levels of current SLE disease activity [SLAQ: β coeff 2.7 (95% CI 1.3, 4.1), p < 0.001] and damage [LDIQ β coeff 1.4 (95% CI 0.5, 2.4), p = 0.003]. Race, health insurance status, and fulfilling Fibromyalgia (FM) Survey Criteria were independently associated with both higher (worse) SLAQ and LDIQ scores; female sex was further associated with higher SLAQ scores. CONCLUSION Patients with SLE who reported CRNA in the previous 12 months had significantly worse self-reported current disease activity and damage scores compared to those not reporting CRNA. Raising awareness and addressing barriers or concerns related to financial implications and accessibility issues in care plans may help to improve these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeba Minhas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wendy Marder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Afton L Hassett
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Suzanna M Zick
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caroline Gordon
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sioban D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kamil E Barbour
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - W Joseph McCune
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily C Somers
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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O'Brien MW, Pellerine LP, Howitt SD, deGraauw C, Fowles JR. Physical activity counselling and exercise prescription practices of chiropractors in Canada and internationally: an exploratory survey. J Can Chiropr Assoc 2023; 67:105-116. [PMID: 37840580 PMCID: PMC10575325] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Physical activity and exercise (PAE) counselling and exercise prescriptions increase patient physical activity. However, the perceptions/practices of chiropractors are poorly understood. Methods We surveyed the practices among chiropractors working in Canada (n=50) and Internationally (n=37). Chiropractors completed self-reflection questionnaires regarding their current practices and perceptions towards providing PAE counselling to patients. Chiropractor responses were obtained via Canadian provincial survey and educational workshops. Results Chiropractor respondents included PAE content and exercise prescriptions in most patient appointments (67±27% and 59±35%, respectively), but the largest barriers (2.5/4.0) and least confidence were in their patients to follow through (52±21%). Canadian respondents reported higher knowledge (~0.4/4.0 higher), greater self-confidence (10-20% higher), and provided more PAE recommendations (8%) and prescriptions (16%) than International respondents. Chiropractor respondents were least comfortable advising patients with cancer. Conclusion Chiropractor respondents may serve as health promotors to address patient inactivity, and the challenges identified should be addressed through educational training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles W O'Brien
- School of Physiotherapy (Faculty of Health) and Department of Medicine (Faculty of Medicine), Dalhousie University
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health
| | - Liam P Pellerine
- Division of Kinesiology, School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University
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Kocher B, Darbellay Farhoumand P, Pulver D, Kopp B, Choffat D, Tritschler T, Vollenweider P, Reny JL, Rodondi N, Aujesky D, Méan M, Baumgartner C. Overuse and underuse of thromboprophylaxis in medical inpatients. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2023; 7:102184. [PMID: 37745158 PMCID: PMC10514554 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.102184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thromboprophylaxis (TPX) prescription is recommended in medical inpatients categorized as high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by validated risk assessment models (RAMs), but how various RAMs differ in categorizing patients in risk groups, and whether the choice of RAM influences estimates of appropriate TPX use is unknown. Objectives To determine the proportion of medical inpatients categorized as high or low risk according to validated RAMs, and to investigate the appropriateness of TPX prescription. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of acutely ill medical inpatients from 3 Swiss university hospitals. Participants were categorized as high or low risk of VTE by validated RAMs (ie, the Padua, the International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism, simplified, and original Geneva scores). We assessed prescription of any TPX at baseline. We considered TPX prescription in high-risk and no TPX prescription in low-risk patients as appropriate. Results Among 1352 medical inpatients, the proportion categorized as high risk ranged from 29.8% with the International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism score to 66.1% with the original Geneva score. Overall, 24.6% were consistently categorized as high risk, and 26.3% as low risk by all 4 RAMs. Depending on the RAM used, TPX prescription was appropriate in 58.7% to 63.3% of high-risk (ie, 36.7%-41.3% underuse) and 52.4% to 62.8% of low-risk patients (ie, 37.2%-47.6% overuse). Conclusion The proportion of medical inpatients considered as high or low VTE risk varied widely according to different RAMs. Only half of patients were consistently categorized in the same risk group by all RAMs. While TPX remains underused in high-risk patients, overuse in low-risk patients is even more pronounced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Kocher
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Darbellay Farhoumand
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Damiana Pulver
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Basil Kopp
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Damien Choffat
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Tritschler
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Vollenweider
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Reny
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Drahomir Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie Méan
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christine Baumgartner
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Malinovská N, Bujalková M, Péčová R. TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS IN THE 17th CENTURY BASED ON THE ORIGINAL WORK DE PHTHISI (ON TUBERCULOSIS) FROM 1679. Acta Med Hist Adriat 2023; 21:31-50. [PMID: 37667602 DOI: 10.31952/amha.21.1.1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Galen was the first who defined phthisis as lung ulceration, accompanied by coughing, persistent low-grade fevers, and body wasting. Attempts to define tuberculosis and find the cause of the disease belong to significant errors in the period of medical theories about tuberculosis (TB). Even in the 17th century, the most common causes of this disease were pulmonary ulcers, incorrect shape and position of the lungs, or menstruation. This article endeavors to elucidate the history of TB and its therapy in the 17th century on the basis of the Latin inaugural academic disputation De phthisi (On Tuberculosis) from 1679, which was first translated into Slovak in 2021. It was written by Matthaeus Palumbini, a Hungarian physician of Slovak origin born in Turiec County (Comitatus Thurociensis) in the Kingdom of Hungary. Although this dissertation is due to the anatomical, physiological, and clinical views of the Early Modern period, the ideas about the disease inhalation route as well as the fact that the disease transmission happens indirectly through the air, are close to existing knowledge. Similarly, the TB classification, the description of indications, climatic treatment, or principles of healthy lifestyle surprisingly correlate with the current medical practice. The article is supplemented by examples of the period of drug prescriptions that constituted a part of the therapy. The archival source of the original text comes from the Digitale Sammlungen der Universitätsbibliothek Erlangen-Nürnberg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Malinovská
- Department of Foreign Languages, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
E-mail:
| | - Mária Bujalková
- Department of Foreign Languages, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Renata Péčová
- Department of Foreign Languages, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
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Gessner A, Klimek L, Kuchar E, Stelzmueller I, Fal AM, Kardos P. Potential Saving of Antibiotics for Respiratory Infections in Several European Countries: Insights from Market Research Data. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1174. [PMID: 37508270 PMCID: PMC10376894 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12071174] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics represent an essential pillar in the treatment of respiratory infections (RI). Overuse of antibiotics in avoidable cases and inappropriate application in bacterial infections facilitate treatment resistance, threatening their effectiveness and causing a significant healthcare challenge. We therefore assessed the savings potential for antibiotics in ambulant care of selected RI (bronchitis and cough, pharyngitis, rhinosinusitis) in several European countries based on market research data for the year 2019. Number of antibiotic packages sold in pharmacies varied, with highest values in Serbia and France, and lowest in Sweden and Switzerland. Selected RI contributed nearly half of overall ambulant antibiotic prescriptions, with around one fifth given for bronchitis and cough; the vast majority was estimated to be of viral origin with potentially avoidable antibiotic use. Antibiotic consumption for selected RI in eight European countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Switzerland) amounted to nearly 100 million, with an overall savings potential between 66.2 and 83.7 million packages. The highest estimated volume of avoidable antibiotics was in France (44.7 million, 0.80 per capita), and lowest in Switzerland (1.4 million, 0.18 per capita). Due to substantial savings potential, prudent use of antibiotics and adequate application of alternatives should be promoted in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gessner
- Institute for Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Clinic Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Klimek
- Centre for Rhinology and Allergology, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Ernest Kuchar
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Assessment Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ingrid Stelzmueller
- Private Practice for Pulmonology, Internal Medicine and Pneumology, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andrzej M Fal
- Department of Allergy, Lung Diseases, and Internal Medicine, Central Clinical Hospital, Ministry of Interior, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Peter Kardos
- Lung Centre Frankfurt Maingau-Hospital, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Solanky D, McGovern OL, Edwards JR, Mahon G, Patel TS, Lessa FC, Hicks LA, Patel PK. Prescribing of Outpatient Antibiotics Commonly Used for Respiratory Infections Among Adults Before and During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Brazil. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S12-S19. [PMID: 37406052 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have impacted outpatient antibiotic prescribing in low- and middle-income countries such as Brazil. However, outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Brazil, particularly at the prescription level, is not well-described. METHODS We used the IQVIA MIDAS database to characterize changes in prescribing rates of antibiotics commonly prescribed for respiratory infections (azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, levofloxacin/moxifloxacin, cephalexin, and ceftriaxone) among adults in Brazil overall and stratified by age and sex, comparing prepandemic (January 2019-March 2020) and pandemic periods (April 2020-December 2021) using uni- and multivariate Poisson regression models. The most common prescribing provider specialties for these antibiotics were also identified. RESULTS In the pandemic period compared to the prepandemic period, outpatient azithromycin prescribing rates increased across all age-sex groups (incidence rate ratio [IRR] range, 1.474-3.619), with the greatest increase observed in males aged 65-74 years; meanwhile, prescribing rates for amoxicillin-clavulanate and respiratory fluoroquinolones mostly decreased, and changes in cephalosporin prescribing rates varied across age-sex groups (IRR range, 0.134-1.910). For all antibiotics, the interaction of age and sex with the pandemic in multivariable models was an independent predictor of prescribing changes comparing the pandemic versus prepandemic periods. General practitioners and gynecologists accounted for the majority of increases in azithromycin and ceftriaxone prescribing during the pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS Substantial increases in outpatient prescribing rates for azithromycin and ceftriaxone were observed in Brazil during the pandemic with prescribing rates being disproportionally different by age and sex. General practitioners and gynecologists were the most common prescribers of azithromycin and ceftriaxone during the pandemic, identifying them as potential specialties for antimicrobial stewardship interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipesh Solanky
- International Infection Control Program, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Olivia L McGovern
- International Infection Control Program, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jonathan R Edwards
- Surveillance Branch, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Garrett Mahon
- International Infection Control Program, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- CACI International Inc., Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Twisha S Patel
- International Infection Control Program, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Chenega Enterprise Systems and Solutions, Chesapeake, Virginia, USA
| | - Fernanda C Lessa
- International Infection Control Program, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauri A Hicks
- Prevention and Response Branch, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Payal K Patel
- International Infection Control Program, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Houben E, Swart KM, Steegers EA, Elders PJ, Herings RM. GPs' awareness of pregnancy: trends and association with hazardous medication use. Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73:e493-e501. [PMID: 37385759 PMCID: PMC9923771 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2022.0193] [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: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GPs have been shown to be important providers of medical care during pregnancy, however, little evidence exists on their awareness of pregnancy when prescribing medication to women. AIM To assess GPs' awareness of pregnancy and its association with prescribing medication with potential safety risks. DESIGN AND SETTING Population-based study using confirmed pregnancy records linked to GP records from the PHARMO Perinatal Research Network. METHOD GPs' awareness of pregnancy, defined as the presence of a pregnancy confirmation in the GP information system during pregnancy, was assessed from 2004 to 2020. GP prescriptions of medication with potential safety risks were selected during pregnancy and its association with GPs' awareness of pregnancy was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS A pregnancy confirmation was present in the GP records for 48% (n = 67 496/140 976) of selected pregnancies, increasing from 28% (n = 34/121) in 2004 to 63% in 2020 (n = 5763/9124). During 3% (n = 4489/140 976) of all pregnancies, the GP prescribed highly hazardous medication with teratogenic effects that should have been (temporarily) avoided. Pregnancy was GP confirmed for only 13% (n = 585/4489) at the first occurrence of such a prescription. Comparative analyses showed that women without a pregnancy confirmation were 59% more likely to be prescribed this highly hazardous medication (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49 to 1.70) compared with those with a confirmed pregnancy. CONCLUSION Results of this study indicate a potential issue with GP awareness about pregnancy status at the time medication with potential safety risks is prescribed. Although pregnancy registration by GPs improved over the years, inadequate use still seems to be made of the available information systems for appropriate drug surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Houben
- PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Utrecht; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam
| | | | | | - Petra Jm Elders
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam
| | - Ron Mc Herings
- PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Utrecht; Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam
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Barrett R. A cross-sectional study on substandard and falsified medicines (fake or counterfeit drugs) in UK pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2023; 22:1289-1299. [PMID: 36374122 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2147922] [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: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure of the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) in the UK could mean that substandard and falsified medicines (SFs) enter the supply chain. Does this risk patients' health? Readiness to implement FMD, and prevalence of SFs vs. regulator detection were assessed. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 12,040 primary care pharmacies across England were invited (April 2021-March 2022). Respondent postcodes were used to extract deprivation scores. Information request was placed with the medicine's agency. Survey findings were used to calculate probability and power of a simulated trial. RESULTS A total of 208 participants responded: Of the seven who identified SFs, all but one reported it; 61% were ready to implement FMD, 74.1% had adequate resources, 54.8% expected improved patient safety, and 17.8% had ever reported SFs. SFs were prevalent in deprived areas. Bayesian simulation shows 438 (p = 0.030) incidences with a 3% probability of SFs prevalence. The agency identified 15,238 SFs units in the supply chain (2019 and 2020). Results are credible, reliable, and generalisable, with corroborated longitudinal persistence. CONCLUSIONS FMD or equivalent processes need to be urgently reinstated. Deprived children may be more affected. Pharmacists are worried about liability. All health consultations should assess safety, and effectiveness of medicines. Findings should inform policy, systems planning, surveillance, and evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravina Barrett
- Pharmacy Practice, School of Applied Sciences, Cockcroft Building, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
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Newton JL, Hamed J, Williams H, Kearney M, Metcalfe AM, Ford GA. Optimizing lipid management-impact of the COVID 19 pandemic upon cardiovascular risk in England. Br Med Bull 2023; 146:19-26. [PMID: 37170945 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldad009] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lipid-lowering therapy prescribing as a potential cause of the excess cardiovascular mortality seen post-pandemic in England. We examined temporal changes over 3 years in the prescribing of high-intensity and non-high-intensity statin therapy and ezetimibe. SOURCES OF DATA We utilized data available via the National Health Service (NHS) Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Information Services Data Warehouse, extracting 3 monthly data from October 2018 to December 2021 on high- and low-intensity statin and ezetimibe prescribing, (commencement, cessation or continuation) through each time period of study and those before, and after, the period of interest. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Optimizing lipid management is a key component of the NHS Long Term Plan ambition to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown have seen a significant reduction in prescribing of lipid-lowering therapies. If cardiovascular risk is not to worsen in the forthcoming years, urgent action is needed to ensure that the impact of the pandemic upon optimization of cholesterol and the historical undertreatment of cholesterol is reversed and improved. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Prescription data available via NHSBSA can support our understanding of the implications of policy and behaviour and highlight the impact of guidelines in practise. GROWING POINTS Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon cholesterol management and the opportunities for newer lipid-lowering therapies delivered using a population health approach have the potential to enhance lipid-lowering and improve cardiovascular mortality and morbidity and reduce health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Newton
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
- AHSN NENC, Academic Health Science Network for North East North Cumbria, Room 2.13, Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Nuns' Moor Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Joseph Hamed
- NHS Business Services Authority, Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8NY, UK
| | - Helen Williams
- UCLPartners, 3rd Floor, 170 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7HA, UK
| | - Matt Kearney
- UCLPartners, 3rd Floor, 170 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7HA, UK
| | - Alison M Metcalfe
- NHS Business Services Authority, Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8NY, UK
| | - Gary A Ford
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Academic Health Science Network, The Magdalen Centre, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, UK
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Kinney KL, Zheng Y, Morris MC, Schumacher JA, Bhardwaj SB, Rowlett JK. Predicting benzodiazepine prescriptions: A proof-of-concept machine learning approach. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1087879. [PMID: 36970256 PMCID: PMC10036348 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1087879] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications, but they may place users at risk of serious adverse effects. Developing a method to predict benzodiazepine prescriptions could assist in prevention efforts. Methods The present study applies machine learning methods to de-identified electronic health record data, in order to develop algorithms for predicting benzodiazepine prescription receipt (yes/no) and number of benzodiazepine prescriptions (0, 1, 2+) at a given encounter. Support-vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) approaches were applied to outpatient psychiatry, family medicine, and geriatric medicine data from a large academic medical center. The training sample comprised encounters taking place between January 2020 and December 2021 (N = 204,723 encounters); the testing sample comprised data from encounters taking place between January and March 2022 (N = 28,631 encounters). The following empirically-supported features were evaluated: anxiety and sleep disorders (primary anxiety diagnosis, any anxiety diagnosis, primary sleep diagnosis, any sleep diagnosis), demographic characteristics (age, gender, race), medications (opioid prescription, number of opioid prescriptions, antidepressant prescription, antipsychotic prescription), other clinical variables (mood disorder, psychotic disorder, neurocognitive disorder, prescriber specialty), and insurance status (any insurance, type of insurance). We took a step-wise approach to developing a prediction model, wherein Model 1 included only anxiety and sleep diagnoses, and each subsequent model included an additional group of features. Results For predicting benzodiazepine prescription receipt (yes/no), all models showed good to excellent overall accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for both SVM (Accuracy = 0.868-0.883; AUC = 0.864-0.924) and RF (Accuracy = 0.860-0.887; AUC = 0.877-0.953). Overall accuracy was also high for predicting number of benzodiazepine prescriptions (0, 1, 2+) for both SVM (Accuracy = 0.861-0.877) and RF (Accuracy = 0.846-0.878). Discussion Results suggest SVM and RF algorithms can accurately classify individuals who receive a benzodiazepine prescription and can separate patients by the number of benzodiazepine prescriptions received at a given encounter. If replicated, these predictive models could inform system-level interventions to reduce the public health burden of benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L. Kinney
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Yufeng Zheng
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Department of Data Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Matthew C. Morris
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Julie A. Schumacher
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Saurabh B. Bhardwaj
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - James K. Rowlett
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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Ryen L, Lundqvist S, Cider Å, Börjesson M, Larsson MEH, Hagberg L. Cost-Effectiveness of Prolonged Physical Activity on Prescription in Previously Non-Complying Patients: Impact of Physical Activity Mediators. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:3801. [PMID: 36900811 PMCID: PMC10001088 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053801] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In Sweden, physical activity on prescription (PAP) is used to support patients in increasing their levels of physical activity (PA). The role of healthcare professionals in supporting PA behavior change requires optimization in terms of knowledge, quality and organization. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of support from a physiotherapist (PT) compared to continued PAP at a healthcare center (HCC) for patients who remained insufficiently active after 6-month PAP treatment at the HCC. The PT strategy was constituted by a higher follow-up frequency as well as by aerobic physical fitness tests. The analysis was based on an RCT with a three-year time horizon, including 190 patients aged 27-77 with metabolic risk factors. The cost per QALY for the PT strategy compared to the HCC strategy was USD 16,771 with a societal perspective (including individual PA expenses, production loss and time cost for exercise, as well as healthcare resource use) and USD 33,450 with a healthcare perspective (including only costs related to healthcare resource use). Assuming a willingness-to-pay of USD 57,000 for a QALY, the probability of cost-effectiveness for the PT strategy was 0.5 for the societal perspective and 0.6 for the healthcare perspective. Subgroup analyses on cost-effectiveness based on individual characteristics regarding enjoyment, expectations and confidence indicated potential in identifying cost-effective strategies based on mediating factors. However, this needs to be further explored. In conclusion, both PT and HCC interventions are similar from a cost-effectiveness perspective, indicating that both strategies are equally valuable in healthcare's range of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ryen
- University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Stefan Lundqvist
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Center for Physical Activity Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Cider
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, 416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Börjesson
- Center for Health and Performance (CHP), University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of MGA, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria E. H. Larsson
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research, Education, Development and Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, 411 18 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre of Clinical Research and Education, Region Värmland, 651 82 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Lars Hagberg
- University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Liu D, Zhang Q, Zhao Z, Chen M, Hou Y, Wang G, Shen H, Zhu H, Ji Y, Ruan L, Lou Z. Benzodiazepine-Receptor Agonist Utilization in Outpatients with Anxiety Disorder: A Retrospective Study Based on Electronic Healthcare Data from a Large General Tertiary Hospital. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11040554. [PMID: 36833088 PMCID: PMC9956167 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11040554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepine-receptor agonists (BZRAs), including benzodiazepines (BZDs) and drugs related to BZDs (Z-drugs), are commonly used for anxiety, but often have side effects. We retrospectively investigated the utilization and prescription characteristics of BZRAs for patients with anxiety disorders in a large tertiary care general hospital between 2018 and 2021, based on electronic healthcare records. We also examined the pattern of simultaneous consumption of multiple BZRA drugs, and the diseases coexisting with anxiety that are associated with this. The numbers of patients and BZRA prescriptions increased over the 4 years. Moreover, 7195 prescriptions from 694 patients contained two or more BZRAs, of which 78.08% contained both BZDs and Z-drugs, 19.78% contained multiple BZDs, and 2.14% contained multiple Z-drugs. For anxiety patients with concomitant Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, and dyslipidemia, they were more likely to consume multiple BZRAs simultaneously, whereas patients with concomitant insomnia, depression, hypertension, diabetes, or tumors were less likely to consume multiple BZRAs (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, older patients who consume multiple BZRAs simultaneously may have higher probabilities of long-term drug use. Better interventions supporting standardized BZD utilization may be needed to minimize the side effects of inappropriate BZRA administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denong Liu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Zhejiang Regional Medical Center Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Zhejiang Regional Medical Center Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Zhijia Zhao
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Mengjia Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital, Ningbo 315199, China
| | - Yanbin Hou
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Zhejiang Regional Medical Center Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Guanjun Wang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Zhejiang Regional Medical Center Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Haowei Shen
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Huaqiang Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, Ningbo 315199, China
| | - Yunxin Ji
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Zhejiang Regional Medical Center Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Liemin Ruan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Zhejiang Regional Medical Center Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315010, China
- Correspondence: (L.R.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhongze Lou
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Zhejiang Regional Medical Center Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315010, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Atherosclerotic Diseases, Central Laboratory of the Medical Research Center, Zhejiang Regional Medical Center Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315010, China
- Correspondence: (L.R.); (Z.L.)
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Campbell DB, Campbell DJT, Au F, Beall RF, Ronksley PE, Chew DS, Ogundeji Y, Manns BJ, Hemmelgarn BR, Tonelli M, Quinn AE. Patterns and Patients' Characteristics Associated With Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-based Cohort Study. Can J Diabetes 2023; 47:58-65.e2. [PMID: 36184371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2022.08.002] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim in this study was to describe patterns and patient-level factors associated with use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) among adults with diabetes being treated in Alberta, Canada. METHODS Using linked administrative data sets from 2014 to 2019, we defined a retrospective cohort of adults with prevalent or incident type 2 diabetes with indications for SGLT2i use and who did not have advanced kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2) or previous amputation. We describe medication dispensation patterns of SGLT2is over time in the overall cohort and among the subgroup with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine patients' characteristics associated with SGLT2i use. RESULTS Of the 341,827 patients with diabetes (mean age, 60.7 years; 45.6% female), 107,244 (31.3%) had CVD. The proportion of patients with an SGLT2i prescription increased in a linear fashion to a maximum of 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.7% to 10.9%) of the eligible cohort by the end of the observation period (March 2019). The proportion of filled prescriptions was similar for patients with CVD (10.4%; 95% CI, 10.1% to 10.6%) and for those without CVD (10.9%; 95% CI, 10.8% to 11.0%). Patients' characteristics associated with lower odds of filling an SGLT2i prescription included female sex, older age and lower income. CONCLUSIONS The use of SGLT2is is increasing among patients with diabetes but remains low even in those with CVD. Policy and practice changes to increase prescribing, especially in older adults, may help to reduce morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular and renal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis B Campbell
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David J T Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Flora Au
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Reed F Beall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul E Ronksley
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Derek S Chew
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yewande Ogundeji
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Braden J Manns
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brenda R Hemmelgarn
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marcello Tonelli
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amity E Quinn
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Camacho Arroyo MT, Rivas Paterna AB, Meneses Monroy A, Cabrera García L, Blázquez González P, Mancebo Salas N, Rodríguez Leal L, Vargas Castrillón E. Off-label and unlicensed drug use in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care Spanish hospital. A descriptive study. ARCH ARGENT PEDIATR 2023; 121:e202102550. [PMID: 36194689 DOI: 10.5546/aap.2021-02550.eng] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. In pediatric intensive care units, a large number of drugs are used, many of which are prescribed for condition beyond those established in their summary of product characteristics (off-label and unlicensed drug prescriptions). The objective of this study was to describe drug use and estimate the prevalence of off-label and unlicensed drugs in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care Spanish hospital. Population and methods. Cross-sectional, observational study with a single cohort of children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. The study was conducted in 2017. Each drug prescription, its conditions of use and administration were reviewed. In addition, the summary of product characteristics of drugs used were analyzed in order to identify whether they were used according to their conditions of authorization, or whether they were used in an off-label or unlicensed manner. Results. The sample included 97 patients. At least one off-label or unlicensed drug was administered to 74.2% (n = 72) of patients; 23.8% (n = 243) corresponded to off-label prescriptions and 8.7% (n = 89), unlicensed prescriptions. A sub-analysis by age group showed that the age group that received a higher number of total prescriptions (n = 611) and a higher percentage of off-label and/or unlicensed drug prescriptions (38.4%) was under 2 years of age. Conclusions. Off-label and/or unlicensed drug prescription is a common practice in the pediatric intensive care unit. This study allowed us to document the complexity of therapeutics in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- María T Camacho Arroyo
- University School of Nursing Cruz Roja Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana B Rivas Paterna
- Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Nursing; School of Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Meneses Monroy
- Department of Nursing; School of Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lourdes Cabrera García
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Noelia Mancebo Salas
- University School of Nursing Cruz Roja Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leyre Rodríguez Leal
- University School of Nursing Cruz Roja Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Vargas Castrillón
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Rasmussen NB, Kehlet H, Knudsen TB, Printzlau P, Jørgensen CC. Preoperative prescriptions and polypharmacy in elective total hip and knee arthroplasty from 2010 to 2017, a descriptive cohort study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2023; 67:621-628. [PMID: 36690600 DOI: 10.1111/aas.14206] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluation of regular medication is an essential part of the preanesthetic consultation. However, even in elective surgical patients, such as those scheduled for total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA), this task may be increasingly complex due to increasing age and number of pharmacologically treated comorbidities. Nevertheless, data on prescribed drugs and polypharmacy in elective surgical patients is sparse. METHODS Descriptive study in elective unilateral fast-track THA and TKA between 2010 and 2017 based on data from the Centre for fast-track Hip and Knee Replacement Database. Nationwide information on dispensed prescriptions up to 3 months preoperatively was acquired from the Danish National Database of Reimbursed Prescriptions. Drugs were divided into individual subgroups according to the fourth Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical level (ATC4). Primary outcome was changes in the median number of prescribed drugs/year. Secondarily, we investigated the fraction of patients with polypharmacy (≥5 individual ATC4-subgroups), severe polypharmacy (≥10) and specific drugs of relevance at the preanesthetic evaluation. RESULTS Of 36,934 procedures in 32,515 patients with a median age of 69 years, we found a median of 3 ATC4-subgroups with no time-related changes regardless of year of surgery but increasing in patients ≥65 years (median: 3 [IQR: 2-4]) versus < 65 years (2 [IQR 1-3]; p < .001). In total, 35.1% and 4.2% had polypharmacy or severe polypharmacy. There was a significant declining trend in severe polypharmacy from 2010 to 2017 (p = .003). Drugs of anesthetic relevance were used by 41.1% of all patients, most often ANG-II or ACE inhibitors and betablockers, which were used by 28.0% and 15.7%. Oral antihyperglycemics was used by 7.8% and 2.0% used insulin. Only 4.0% and 2.1% of patients used vitamin-K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants, respectively. MAO-inhibitors/Lithium salts were used by 0.3%. The combination of ANG-II/ACE inhibitors, a diuretic and NSAID ("triple whammy") was present in 4.3% of all patients. CONCLUSION Patients scheduled for elective THA and TKA used a median of 3 prescribed drugs. However, 1/3 of patients qualified as having polypharmacy and 41% used drugs requiring anesthetic consideration when planning for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Brendborg Rasmussen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Copenhagen university Hospital, Hospital of Northern Seeland, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Henrik Kehlet
- The Centre for Fast-track Hip and Knee Replacement, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Section for Surgical Pathophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Troels Bygum Knudsen
- The Polypharmacy Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hospital of Northern Seeland, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Pernille Printzlau
- The Polypharmacy Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hospital of Northern Seeland, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Christoffer Calov Jørgensen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Copenhagen university Hospital, Hospital of Northern Seeland, Hilleroed, Denmark.,The Centre for Fast-track Hip and Knee Replacement, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Section for Surgical Pathophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Napolitano F, Pelullo CP, Lamberti M, Donnarumma G, Di Giuseppe G. Antimicrobial Prescribing Practices in Hospital Settings in Italy: A Retrospective Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12. [PMID: 36830131 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial prescribing practices in hospital settings in Italy, focusing on the appropriateness of antibiotic use. METHODS This study was carried out through a retrospective review of medical records of patients admitted in three public hospitals located in Campania Region (Italy) between 1 January and 31 December 2018. RESULTS More than one third (34.2%) of patients received at least one inappropriate antibiotic prescription (antibiotic administered and not indicated). Being female, having a >1 Charlson comorbidity index score, and having a longer hospital stay were significant determinants of an inappropriate antibiotic prescription. Instead, patients who had had a non-urgent hospital admission, an infection on hospital admission, and a microbiological culture test during hospital stay were significantly less likely to have an inappropriate prescription. When the antibiotic prescriptions were analyzed, in 26.6% of cases they were not indicated, while among the 687 antibiotic prescriptions with indication, incorrect choice of antibiotics (36.8%) was the most common reason of the inappropriateness. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study indicate that the inappropriate use of antibiotics continues to be a relevant issue in the hospital setting and specific interventions are needed to encourage a wider utilization of diagnostic tools to practice targeted therapies and to counter the antimicrobial resistance.
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Šutej I, Lepur D, Bašić K, Šimunović L, Peroš K. Changes in Medication Prescribing Due to COVID-19 in Dental Practice in Croatia-National Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12010111. [PMID: 36671312 PMCID: PMC9854617 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010111] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has affected clinical practice and, consequently, drug prescribing in dental practice. We investigated how the pandemic affected the prescribing behavior of dentists in Croatia. Data on prescribing practices for this study were provided by the Croatian Health Insurance Institute. The analysis included the number of prescriptions, costs, and the number of packages prescribed. The World Health Organization's defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants (DID) per day was used as an objective utilization comparison. During the first pandemic year, prescribing practice changed the most. Wide-spectrum antibiotics, analgesics, and antiseptics showed the highest trend in change. A statistically significant change in prescribing practices during the pandemic period was noted for amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen which showed an increase in trend, while cephalexin and diclofenac showed a statistically significant decrease. The highest increase in trend was recorded for azithromycin, at +39.3%. The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a marked increase in medication utilization, especially in the first year of the pandemic. The increase in wide-spectrum antibiotic classes needs to be addressed and regulated so that patients accept that antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment and dentists always start treatment with narrow-spectrum antibiotics regardless of specific times, as is the case with the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Šutej
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-98739248
| | - Dragan Lepur
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Krešimir Bašić
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luka Šimunović
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Peroš
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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McIsaac WJ, Kukan S. Assessing the Validity of Electronic Medical Records for Identifying High Antibiotic Prescribers in Primary Care. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319231210616. [PMID: 37978835 PMCID: PMC10657523 DOI: 10.1177/21501319231210616] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Electronic medical record (EMR) prescription data may identify high antibiotic prescribers in primary care. However, practitioners doubt that population differences between providers and delayed antibiotic prescriptions are adequately accounted for in EMR-derived prescription rates. This study assessed the validity of using EMR prescription data to produce antibiotic prescription rates, accounting for these factors. METHODS The study was a secondary analysis of antimicrobial prescriptions collected from 4 primary care clinics from 2015 to 2017. For adults with selected respiratory and urinary infections, EMR diagnostic codes, prescription data, clinical diagnoses and demographics were abstracted. Overall and delayed prescription rates were produced for EMR diagnostic codes, clinical diagnoses, by clinic, and types of infection. Direct standardization was used to adjust for case mix differences by clinic. High antibiotic prescribers, above the 75th percentile for prescriptions, were compared with low antibiotic prescribers. RESULTS Of 3108 EMR visits, there were 2577 (85.4%) eligible visits with a clinical diagnosis and prescription information. Overall antibiotic prescription rates were similar utilizing EMR records (31.6%) or clinical diagnoses (32.6%, P = .40). When delayed prescriptions were removed, prescribing rates were lower (22.4%, P < .01). EMR data overestimated prescribing rates for conditions where antibiotics are usually not indicated (17.7% EMR vs 7.6% clinical diagnoses, P < .001). High antibiotic prescribers saw more cases where antibiotics are usually indicated (23.4%) compared to low prescribers (16.8%; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS Electronic medical record prescribing rates are similar to those using clinical diagnoses overall, but overestimate prescribing by clinicians for conditions usually not needing antibiotics. EMR prescription rates do not account for delayed antibiotic prescriptions or differences in infection case-mix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J. McIsaac
- Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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McPherson T, Cork MJ, Goodhead C, Michaelis LJ, Flohr C, Petrovic M, Hennessy L, Rajkovic I, Hudson R. A real-world retrospective observational study exploring NHS resource use in England for the management of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in secondary care for children and adolescents. Pediatr Dermatol 2023; 40:50-63. [PMID: 36127813 DOI: 10.1111/pde.15134] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe secondary care health care resource utilization (HCRU) for children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD). PATIENTS AND METHODS This UK chart review of patients with moderate-to-severe AD was conducted in four National Health Service hospitals. Cohorts were defined by age (children 6-11 years, adolescents 12-17) at first consultation. Eligible patients were selected consecutively, starting with the most recently consulting patient. At least 12 months' data were abstracted from medical records. Data were collected on HCRU, demographics/clinical characteristics, treatment, and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS Data were abstracted for 55 patients. Most patients (80%) had severe AD at first referral, a mean (SD) of 3.2 (10.7) patient-reported flare episodes/patient/year-of-observation, and 18.5 (16.7) tests/scans/procedures/patient/year. Mean (SD) observation duration was 3.6 (1.8) years. Patients had tried mean (SD) 7.9 (5.3) treatments/patient/year of observation. Topical corticosteroids (TCS; 24.5% of prescriptions) were most frequently prescribed. Mean (SD) use of emollients/moisturizers, TCS, systemic corticosteroids, and systemic immunosuppressants was 30.9 (21.3), 21.1 (23.4), 1.7 (8.3), and 7.8 (8.2) months. There was a mean (SD) of 5.3 (2.9) consultations/patient/year-of-observation; 116 (10.7%) for flare. Most hospitalizations (87.5%) were for children; the 8/55 (15%) hospitalized patients (mean 2.0 hospitalizations/patient during observation period) spent 6.2 (SD: 5.1) nights in hospital/hospitalization. Earliest mean (SD) Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 15.3 (7.2); latest was 12.9 (7.5). CONCLUSION Children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD had a high HCRU burden and small changes in quality of life, indicating that current treatments may provide suboptimal AD control in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess McPherson
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Headlington, UK
| | - Michael J Cork
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Carsten Flohr
- Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust & King's College London, London, UK
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Marx R. Health care limbo: Falling between the cracks while waiting to establish care. J Eval Clin Pract 2022; 28:1053-1054. [PMID: 35384169 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rani Marx
- Initiative for Slow Medicine, Berkeley, California, USA
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Demus T, Lopategui DM, Vieweg J, Masel J, Bhandari A, Nieder AM. Variations in Opioid Use Following Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in South Florida. J Endourol 2022; 36:1532-1537. [PMID: 35856823 DOI: 10.1089/end.2022.0212] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Opioid dependency has been a persistent issue in the United States over the past two decades. Increased efforts have been made to reduce opioid prescribing. Our objective was to quantify at-home opioid requirements following radical prostatectomy. Methods: Written questionnaires were administered to patients 1 week following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Patients provided data on opioid use, pain levels, and demographic characteristics. Results: Sixty-five patients were included. Median age (interquartile range [IQR]) was 69 (62-72) years. The majority were white (85%) and hispanic (67%). Prescriptions ranged from 6 to 15 pills of 5-mg oxycodone equivalents. Twenty-two percent (145/663) of the prescribed pills in the study were consumed. Fifty-four percent (35/65) of patients did not take opioids. Of the 30 patients who took opioids, median use (IQR) was 4.5 (3-6) pills. Forty-six percent (30/65) reported catheter-related pain. Patients who took opioids reported higher levels of pain. On generalized linear regression, younger age, lower levels of education, and living with a family member were factors associated with increased risk for opioid use (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the Florida Department of Health's restriction on narcotic prescriptions to 3-day supplies, opioids are still overprescribed in our region. The majority of patients do not require opioids after RALP, and patients who do require an opioid analgesic can be adequately managed with less than 6 pills of 5-mg oxycodone equivalents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Demus
- Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Diana M Lopategui
- Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Johannes Vieweg
- Department of Surgery, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Jonathan Masel
- Department of Urology, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, Florida, USA
| | - Akshay Bhandari
- Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Alan M Nieder
- Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
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Kakatkar S, Narayan A, Balkrishnan R. Prescription analgesic overuse in older adults: Can we mitigate this growing problem? Aging Med (Milton) 2022; 5:294-296. [PMID: 36606265 PMCID: PMC9805287 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12228] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With older adults already on numerous prescription medications to manage their chronic conditions, the addition of pain medications could impose an even greater burden due to dependency issues. We need to understand the use of chronic pain medication, especially opioids, discuss current strategies and gaps, and offer potential solutions to mitigate overuse among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kakatkar
- Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Aditya Narayan
- Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Rajesh Balkrishnan
- Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
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Magnan MC, Wai E, Kingwell S, Phan P, Tierney S, Stratton A. The effect of a quality improvement project on post-operative opioid use following outpatient spinal surgery. Br J Pain 2022; 16:498-503. [PMID: 36389003 PMCID: PMC9644101 DOI: 10.1177/20494637221091474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescribing opioids upon discharge after surgery is common practice; however, there are many inherent risks including dependency, diversion, and medical complications. Our prospective pre- and post-intervention study investigates the effect of a standardized analgesic prescription on the quantity of opioids prescribed and patients' level of pain and satisfaction with pain control in the early post-operative period. METHODS With the implementation of an electronic medical record, a standardized prescription was built employing multimodal analgesia and a stepwise approach to analgesics based on level of pain. Patients received an education handout pre-operatively explaining the prescription. Consecutive patients over a three-month period undergoing elective spine surgery as day or overnight stay cases who received usual care were compared to a similar cohort who received the standardized prescription and education. Patient satisfaction with post-operative pain control, post-operative pain scores, number of refills required, and opioids prescribed in oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) were compared before and after implementation of the standardized analgesic prescription. RESULTS Twenty-six patients received usual care (Control group) and 26 patients received the standardized prescription and education handout (Intervention group). There were significantly fewer OMEs prescribed in the Intervention group compared to the Control group. There was no difference between groups in: patient post-operative pain intensity score, post-operative satisfaction score, or number of refills required. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a standardized prescription consisting of an appropriate amount of opioid and non-opioid analgesics is effective in reducing the OMEs prescribed post-operatively in elective spine surgery procedures, without compromising patient pain control or satisfaction or increasing the number of refills required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Magnan
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ottawa
Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Eugene Wai
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ottawa
Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON,
Canada
| | - Stephen Kingwell
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ottawa
Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON,
Canada
| | - Philippe Phan
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ottawa
Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON,
Canada
| | - Sarah Tierney
- Department of Anaesthesia, Ottawa
Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra Stratton
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ottawa
Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON,
Canada
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Casula M, Galimberti F, Iommi M, Olmastroni E, Rosa S, Altini M, Catapano AL, Tragni E, Poluzzi E. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Therapeutic Continuity among Outpatients with Chronic Cardiovascular Therapies. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph191912101. [PMID: 36231403 PMCID: PMC9566639 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses major challenges to healthcare systems. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on prescription and adherence patterns of chronic cardiovascular therapies (lipid-lowering [LL], oral antidiabetic drugs [AD], and antihypertensives [AH]) using administrative pharmaceutical databases. For each treatment, two cohorts of prevalent cases in 2019 and 2020 were compared. We evaluated the percentage change in dispensed packages and treatment adherence as a proportion of days covered (PDC). For all therapies, an increase was observed during March-April 2020 (LL: +4.52%; AD: +2.72%; AH: +1.09%), with a sharp decrease in May-June 2020 (LL: -8.40%; AD: -12.09%; AH: -10.54%) compared to 2019. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic cardiovascular treatments appears negligible on adherence: 533,414 patients showed high adherence to LL (PDC ≥ 80%) in January-February 2020, and 2.29% became poorly adherent (PDC < 20%) in the following four-month period (vs. 1.98% in 2019). A similar increase was also observed for AH (1.25% with poor adherence in 2020 vs. 0.93% in 2019). For AD, the increase was restrained (1.55% with poor adherence in 2020 vs. 1.37% in 2019). The rush to supply drugs at the beginning of lockdown preserved the continuity of chronic cardiovascular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Casula
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Milanese 300, Sesto S. Giovanni, 20099 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marica Iommi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-Pharmacology Unit, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Olmastroni
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Simona Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences-Hygiene and Biostatistics Unit, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Altini
- Romagna Local Health Authority, Emilia-Romagna Region, Via A. De Gasperi 8, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Alberico L. Catapano
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Milanese 300, Sesto S. Giovanni, 20099 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tragni
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Poluzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-Pharmacology Unit, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Pedrozo-Pupo JC, Pacheco Gallego MC, Baños Álvarez IDJ, Jaller Raad RA, Caballero Pinilla AC, Reynales Londoño H, Bernal Villada L, Beekman M. A Cross-Sectional Study on Prescription Patterns of Short-Acting β 2-Agonists in Patients with Asthma: Results from the SABINA III Colombia Cohort. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:1167-1178. [PMID: 36051434 PMCID: PMC9427209 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s365009] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Overuse of short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) for asthma is associated with a significant increase in exacerbations and healthcare resource use. However, limited data exist on the extent of SABA overuse outside of Europe and North America. As part of the multi-country SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) III study, we characterized SABA prescription patterns in Colombia. Patients and Methods This observational, cross-sectional cohort study of SABINA III included patients (aged ≥12 years) with asthma recruited from seven sites in Colombia. Demographics, disease characteristics (including investigator-defined asthma severity guided by the 2017 Global Initiative for Asthma report), and asthma treatments prescribed (including SABAs and inhaled corticosteroids [ICS]) in the 12 months preceding the study were recorded using electronic case report forms during a single study visit. Results Of 250 patients analyzed, 50.4%, 33.2%, and 16.4% were enrolled by pulmonologists, general medicine practitioners, and allergists, respectively. Most patients were female (74.0%) and had moderate-to-severe asthma (67.6%). Asthma was partly controlled or uncontrolled in 57.6% of patients, with 15.6% experiencing ≥1 severe exacerbation 12 months before the study visit. In total, 4.0% of patients were prescribed SABA monotherapy and 55.6%, SABA in addition to maintenance therapy. Overall, 39.2% of patients were prescribed ≥3 SABA canisters in the 12 months before the study visit; 25.2% were prescribed ≥10 canisters. Additionally, 17.6% of patients purchased SABAs over the counter, of whom 43.2% purchased ≥3 canisters. Maintenance medication in the form of ICS or ICS/long-acting β2-agonist fixed-dose combination was prescribed to 36.0% and 66.8% of patients, respectively. Conclusion Our findings suggest that prescription/purchase of ≥3 SABA canisters were common in Colombia, highlighting a public health concern. There is a need to improve asthma care by aligning clinical practices with the latest evidence-based treatment recommendations to improve asthma management across Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Carlos Pedrozo-Pupo
- PREVICARE LTDA. Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Manuel Conrado Pacheco Gallego
- División de Neumología y Endoscopia Respiratoria, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Universidad Visión de las Américas, RESPIREMOS Centro de Neumología y Endoscopia Respiratoria, Pereira, Colombia
| | | | - Rodolfo Antonio Jaller Raad
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Centro de Investigación Médico Asistencial S.A.S, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Andrea Carolina Caballero Pinilla
- Centro de Investigación Clínica, Caja de Compensación Familiar CAFAM, Sede Centro de Atención en Salud CAFAM Floresta, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Maarten Beekman
- Respiratory & Immunology AstraZeneca, The Hague, the Netherlands
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Evans CT, Fitzpatrick MA, Poggensee L, Gonzalez B, Gibson G, Jurasic MM, Echevarria K, McGregor JC, Gellad WF, Suda KJ. High prescribing of antibiotics is associated with high prescribing of opioids in medical and dental providers. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 42:716-723. [PMID: 35869691 PMCID: PMC9794436 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2720] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE High prescribers of antibiotics and opioids are an important target for stewardship interventions. The goal of this study was to assess the association between high antibiotic and high opioid prescribing by provider type. DESIGN A national cross-sectional study. SETTING 2015-2017 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health record data. POPULATION Prescribers were identified as dentists (2017: n = 1346) and medical providers (physicians n = 23,072; advanced practice providers [APP] n = 7705; and other providers [pharmacists/chiropractors] n = 3674) (2017: n = 34,451). MEASUREMENTS High prescribing was defined as being in the top 25% of visit-based rates of antibiotic or opioid prescribing (number of prescriptions/number of dental or medical visits). Multivariable random effects logistic regression with clustering by facility was used to assess the adjusted association between high antibiotic and opioid prescribing. RESULTS Medical providers prescribed 4,348,670 antibiotic and 10,256,706 opioid prescriptions; dentists prescribed 277,170 antibiotic and 124,103 opioid prescriptions. Among all high prescribers of antibiotics, 40% were also high prescribers of opioids as compared to 18% of those who were not high antibiotic prescribers (p < 0.0001). High prescribing of antibiotics was associated with high prescribing of opioids in medical providers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.72-3.04) and dentists (aOR = 8.40, 95% CI 6.00-11.76). Older provider age, specific US geographic regions, and lower VA facility complexity and rurality were also associated with high opioid prescribing by medical providers. In dentists, younger provider age, male gender, specific regions of the United States, and lower number of dentists in a facility were associated with high opioid prescribing. At the facility level, high dental prescribers of antibiotics or opioids were not at the same facilities as high medical prescribers, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS High antibiotic prescribing was associated with high opioid prescribing. Thus, stewardship interventions targeting both medication classes may have higher impact to efficiently reduce prescribing of medications with high public health impact. Provider-targeted interventions are needed to improve antibiotic and opioid prescribing in both dentists and medical providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlesnika T. Evans
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Margaret A. Fitzpatrick
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Linda Poggensee
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
| | - Beverly Gonzalez
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gretchen Gibson
- Veterans Health Administration Office of Dentistry, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - M. Marianne Jurasic
- Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts
| | - Kelly Echevarria
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Task Force, Pharmacy Benefits Management Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Walid F. Gellad
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Katie J. Suda
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Gibson CJ, Li Y, Jasuja GK, Keyhani S, Byers AL. Long-term Psychoactive Medications, Polypharmacy, and Risk of Suicide and Unintended Overdose Death Among Midlife and Older Women Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:770-777. [PMID: 36042093 PMCID: PMC9481785 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07592-4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of suicide and unintended overdose death are high among midlife and older women, yet there is paucity of data identifying women at greatest risk. Psychoactive medications, commonly prescribed and co-prescribed in this population, may serve as salient indicators of risk for these outcomes. OBJECTIVE To determine whether long-term psychoactive medications and psychoactive polypharmacy predict risk of suicide and unintended overdose death among midlife and older women Veterans above and beyond other recognized factors. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study PARTICIPANTS: Women Veterans aged ≥ 50 with at least one Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinical encounter in FY2012-2013. MAIN MEASURES Long-term psychoactive medications (opioids, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antiepileptics, prescribed for ≥ 90/180 days) and psychoactive polypharmacy (overlapping for ≥ 1 day) from VHA pharmacy records; suicide and unintended overdose death through December 31, 2018. KEY RESULTS In this national sample of 154,558 midlife and older women Veterans (mean age 63.4, SD 9.3 years), 130 died by suicide and 175 died from unintentional overdose over an average of 5.6 years. In fully adjusted models, long-term opioids (hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95% CI 1.21-3.35) and benzodiazepines (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.82-4.91) were associated with death by suicide; opioids (HR 3.62, 95% CI 2.46-5.34), benzodiazepines (HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.73-4.42), sedative-hypnotics (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.06-3.29), antidepressants (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.03-2.12), antipsychotics (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.02-3.22), and antiepileptics (HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.48-3.19) were associated with unintended overdose death. Women who were co-prescribed ≥ 3 psychoactive medications had over 2-fold increased risk of suicide (HR 2.83, 95% CI 1.65-4.84) and unintended overdose death (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.72-3.94). CONCLUSIONS Long-term psychoactive medications and psychoactive medication polypharmacy were important indicators of risk for death by suicide and death by unintended overdose among midlife and older women Veterans, even after accounting for psychiatric and substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Gibson
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street, 116P, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Yixia Li
- NCIRE-The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, USA
| | - Guneet K Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Medical Center, Bedford, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Salomeh Keyhani
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street, 116P, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Amy L Byers
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street, 116P, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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