Improvements in Plaque Psoriasis Associated with Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Aerosol Foam Treatment: A Post Hoc Analysis of Non-interventional Studies and Clinical Experience

INTRODUCTION

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease that is associated with extensive disease burden that often requires long-term therapy. Treatment of psoriasis with 4 weeks of the aerosol foam formulation of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD; Enstilar®, LEO Pharma) has been demonstrated to be effective, well tolerated, and associated with high patient satisfaction. Cal/BD foam is approved as a first-line treatment in multiple countries, where several non-interventional studies (NIS) have corroborated the beneficial efficacy and safety profiles determined in the randomized clinical trials. Heterogenicity in these NIS, however, prevents the use of a data pooling strategy for comparisons of effectiveness outcomes across different patient populations.

METHODS

Therefore, here, we report on a post hoc analysis of effectiveness data consolidated from six prospective NIS to discern any differences in improvement in signs and symptoms of psoriasis attributable to Cal/BD foam treatment across the countries. In addition, we provide real-world experience of clinicians with Cal/BD foam treatment, factoring in changes in usage since these NIS were performed in their local markets.

RESULTS

This post hoc analysis of Cal/BD foam NIS brings together data outside of randomized clinical trials from six countries to provide real-world evidence in 1388 patients showing that 4 weeks of Cal/BD foam is an effective and safe treatment option with quick onset of action for patients with psoriasis.

CONCLUSION

These results show that regardless of NIS location, Cal/BD foam remains a well-tolerated, efficacious option for patient care that could be used as a first-line topical therapy for mild-to-severe psoriasis.

Management of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis with Brodalumab in Daily Practice: Real-World Evidence from the LIBERO Study in the Czech Republic

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Despite the availability of several therapies, many patients affected by this disease remain untreated, do not have adequate response, or suffer from treatment-related toxic effects. It has been shown that the interleukin (IL)-17 pathway plays a key role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. Brodalumab, the first human monoclonal IgG2 antibody that selectively binds to subunit A of the human IL-17 receptor, blocking interactions with a number of cytokines of the IL-17 family, has confirmed fast onset of action, high complete clearance rates, and sustained efficacy. Nevertheless, there is only a limited amount of published real-world evidence (RWE) data.

METHODS

This was an open-label, multicenter, real-world, prospective, non-interventional, non-controlled (single-arm) observational study (LIBERO-CZ) assessing the management of moderate to severe psoriasis with brodalumab in daily practice for up to 52 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients (70.4% male, mean age 46.9 ± 13.4 years, weight 95.6 ± 22.7 kg, disease duration 18.6 ± 12.7 years) were enrolled and included in the final analysis. Forty-nine of the patients completed the study and five discontinued prematurely; 51.8% of all the enrolled patients were biologic-naïve. At baseline, 28% patients were classified as severe (psoriasis area severity index (PASI) ≥ 20). Overall, the mean PASI decreased by 15.6 from 16.1 (± 5.0) at baseline to 0.5 (± 1.2) at the last visit. The primary endpoint of an absolute PASI ≤ 3 at week 12 (as observed analysis) was achieved by 95.9% of patients. The static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) success (defined as clear = 0 and almost clear = 1) at week 52 was achieved by 92.1% of patients. PASI 75, PASI 90, and PASI 100 were achieved by 98.0%, 87.8%, and 75.5% of patients, respectively, after approximately 52 weeks of treatment. The study also recorded very positive results concerning patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

LIBERO-CZ confirms the fast onset and high clearance rates of brodalumab in real life in both biologic-naïve and biologic-experienced patients.

A multicentre, prospective, non-interventional study evaluating the safety of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice in China (DONATE)

BACKGROUND

There are few large-scale studies evaluating the safety of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. DONATE, a multicentre, single-arm, prospective, non-interventional study, is the first real-world study evaluating the safety of dapagliflozin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

Between August 2017 and July 2020, patients with type 2 diabetes who had initiated dapagliflozin therapy and received ≥1 dose were prospectively recruited from 88 hospitals in China. Patients were subsequently followed up for 24 weeks; if patients discontinued dapagliflozin they were followed up for an additional 7 days after treatment discontinuation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with adverse events and serious adverse events, particularly key adverse events of special interest (AESI) including urinary tract infection, genital tract infection (typical symptoms with or without microbiological diagnosis) and hypoglycaemia (typical symptoms with or without blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L, or blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L without symptoms). Exploratory outcomes included the absolute change in metabolic parameters and the proportion of patients with other AESI including volume depletion, abnormal blood electrolytes, polyuria, renal impairment, diabetic ketoacidosis, hepatic impairment and haematuria.

RESULTS

A total of 3000 patients were enrolled, of whom 2990 (99.7%) were included in the safety analysis set. Mean (SD) age was 52.6 (12.0) years, and 65.8% of patients were male. Mean (SD) duration of type 2 diabetes at enrolment was 8.4 (7.1) years. Mean (SD) treatment duration of dapagliflozin was 209.1 (157.6) days. Adverse events were reported in 35.4% (n = 1059) of patients during the 24-week follow-up period. Overall, 9.0% (n = 268) were related to treatment and 6.2% (n = 186) were serious. Urinary tract infection, genital tract infection and hypoglycaemia were reported in 2.3% (n = 70), 1.3% (n = 39) and 1.1% (n = 32) of patients, respectively. The proportion of patients with other AESI was also low: polyuria (0.7%; n = 21), volume depletion (0.3%; n = 9), renal impairment (0.3%; n = 8), hepatic impairment (0.2%; n = 7), haematuria (0.2%; n = 6) and diabetic ketoacidosis (0.1%; n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that once-daily dapagliflozin was well tolerated in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes and the overall safety profile of dapagliflozin in clinical practice in China was consistent with that reported in clinical trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03156985. Registered on 16 May, 2017.

The INFINITY study protocol: a retrospective cohort study on decision making and clinical impact of biomarker-driven precision oncology in routine clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Precision oncology, defined as treatment of patients with targeted therapies matched to specific molecular alterations, has entered routine clinical practice. Particularly in patients with advanced cancer or hematologic malignancies, for whom no further standard therapies are available, this approach is increasingly applied as last resort option outside of the approved indication. However, data on patient outcomes are not systematically collected, analyzed, reported, and shared. We have initiated the INFINITY registry to provide evidence from routine clinical practice to fill this knowledge gap.

METHODS

INFINITY is a retrospective, non-interventional cohort study conducted at approximately 100 sites in Germany (office-based oncologists/hematologists and hospitals). We aim to include 500 patients with advanced solid tumors or hematologic malignancies who received a non-standard targeted therapy based on potentially actionable molecular alterations or biomarkers. INFINITY aims to provide insights into the use of precision oncology in routine clinical practice within Germany. We systematically collect details on patient and disease characteristics, molecular testing, clinical decision-making, treatment, and outcome.

DISCUSSION

INFINITY will provide evidence on the current biomarker landscape driving treatment decisions in routine clinical care. It will also provide insights on effectiveness of precision oncology approaches in general, and of specific drug class/alteration matches used outside their approved indications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04389541.

BPRS domains, items and subgroups analyses, and CGI-I ratings in pooled data from non-interventional studies of aripiprazole once-monthly in schizophrenia (REACT study)

BACKGROUND

Patients with schizophrenia may benefit from treatment with long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations of antipsychotics. Aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) is an LAI that was tested in two non-interventional studies in Germany and Canada.

METHODS

Here, we report on analyses of pooled data from the two non-interventional studies. Patients were treated with AOM under real-life conditions. Data were analyzed for a timeframe of 6 months. We analyzed data on Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) domains and items, BPRS total scores in various patient subgroups (male vs. female patients, patients with disease duration ≤ 5 years and > 5 years, patients with different levels of disease severity at baseline), Clinical Global Impression - Improvement (CGI-I) ratings for the total population and subgroups, and comorbidities for the total population.

RESULTS

Data from 409 patients were included. 65.5% of the patients had comorbidities. Improvements were found in all BPRS domains and items. Furthermore, improvements were similar for male and female patients, patients with disease duration ≤ 5 years and > 5 years, and across different levels of disease severity at baseline. Numerically, more favorable results were found for younger patients, female patients, and those with shorter disease duration.

CONCLUSIONS

AOM can be an effective treatment in the broad range of patients, across sexes, regardless of patient age and duration of disease, independently of disease severity, and across symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02131415 (May 6, 2014), vfa non-interventional studies registry 15960N.

Combined analysis of five non-interventional studies of the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of the extrafine fixed dose beclomethasone/formoterol combination in the treatment of asthma in Austria

OBJECTIVE

The real-world effectiveness and tolerability of an extrafine fixed dose beclomethasone/formoterol (BDP/FF) treatment of patients with partially or non-controlled asthma was evaluated in five non-interventional studies (NISs) from Austria.

METHODS

Asthma patients enrolled in these five NISs were treated with beclomethasone/formoterol (Foster® or Foster® Nexthaler®) as maintenance and reliever over 12 weeks. Asthma control, lung function and symptom scores were assessed at baseline, after 4-8 weeks and at the end of the investigations in week 12. In addition, tolerability and handling of the devices were evaluated by questionnaires.

RESULTS

The combined analysis included 891 patients (53% female, aged 49.3 years) demonstrating significant improvements in asthma control, lung function parameters (PEF, FEV₁ and FVC) and symptom scores (reduction of breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and cough). These changes were already detectable after 4-8 weeks. The treatment was effective irrespective of smoking status, exercise, or previous medication. Tolerability of the therapy with extrafine BDP/FF was rated as "very good" or "good" in 98% of the patients. 95% of the patients intended to continue the treatment, and nearly all (99%) rated the handling of the device as "very good" or "good". No serious adverse reactions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This combined analysis of five non-interventional studies confirms the effectiveness and tolerability of the extrafine fixed-dose BDP/FF combination (Foster® and Foster® Nexthaler®) in a heterogenous patient population suffering from partially or non-controlled asthma. Therapy was associated with a high patient satisfaction and the absence of serious adverse reactions.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders in children: Effectivity, safety, and tolerability of the herbal preparation STW-5 (Iberogast®) in general practice

BACKGROUND

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) of the upper and lower digestive system in children and adolescents present with heterogeneous gastrointestinal symptoms and are a common reason for specialist consultations. The herbal medicinal preparation STW-5 has already shown efficacy and safety in clinical studies with more than 7000 adult participants suffering from functional dyspepsia (FD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here, we evaluate with a prospective observational study the effectivity and safety of STW-5 in children with FGID under real-life conditions and interpret these data versus the background of controlled clinical studies in a predominantly adult population.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 980 children (age 3-14 years) with FGID. For inclusion, Rome III criteria were recommended to apply. The inclusion of the patients for treatment with STW-5 followed routine clinical practice. Patients were treated for approximately 1 week. The presence and severity of symptoms was documented at the study start and at the end of treatment period utilizing the adapted gastrointestinal symptom score (GIS). Other target parameters included global effectivity and tolerability assessments as well as adverse events.

RESULTS

The average patient age was 7.6 ± 2.9 years. Most of the patients were treated for IBS (n = 418; 43 %) or FD (n = 259; 26 %), with a mean baseline GIS of 16.1 ± 8.9. During the treatment period, the GIS decreased 76 % to 3.8 ± 4.2. The decrease in symptoms was similar for different age groups, gender, and indications. Patients with a shorter duration of complaints had a lower GIS at study end (p < 0.0001. The global treatment effect was assessed as good or very good by 87-89 % of patients/parents and physicians. Physicians rated the global tolerability as good or very good for 95 % of the patients. Seven patients (0.7 %) reported adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment effect of STW-5 in this study was in its range comparable to according data from controlled clinical trials with predominantly adult participants.Thus, supporting robustness of these data generated in an uncontrolled observational setting. The results of this observational study indicate that STW-5 may be an effective and well tolerated treatment option also for children with FGIDs.

Rationale and design of ON-TRK: a novel prospective non-interventional study in patients with TRK fusion cancer treated with larotrectinib

BACKGROUND

Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) fusion proteins resulting from neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions are rare primary oncogenic drivers in a wide array of tumors. Larotrectinib is a first-in-class, highly selective, central nervous system-active TRK inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and over 40 countries for the treatment of TRK fusion solid tumors in adult and pediatric patients. Due to the rarity of TRK fusion cancer, larotrectinib was granted accelerated approval based on a relatively small number of patients enrolled in three early phase trials. ON-TRK aims to evaluate the safety profile of larotrectinib in a broader population and over extended time periods.

METHODS

ON-TRK is a prospective, non-interventional, open-label, multicenter, multi-cohort, post-approval study in adult and pediatric patients with locally advanced or metastatic TRK fusion cancer treated with larotrectinib that will describe the safety and effectiveness of larotrectinib in real-world practice conditions. Adult patients will be grouped by tumor type and followed for at least 2 years. Patients < 18 years old will be enrolled under a 'pediatric' cohort regardless of tumor type and will be followed for 5 years to evaluate the risk of potential long-term adverse effects of larotrectinib on their growth and development. The effectiveness of larotrectinib in the overall study population as well as in patient subgroups will also be evaluated. Procedures avoided in patients with infantile fibrosarcoma (e.g., amputation) and the number of patients who were able to undergo surgery with a curative intent (excluding amputation) because of the use of larotrectinib will be described. Larotrectinib treatment patterns in real-world practice, including dosing and duration of treatment, will be described.

DISCUSSION

The FDA Accelerated Approval Program allows for earlier approval of and patient access to drugs that treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. This study is designed to fulfill post-approval requirements set by the FDA as well as post-marketing requirements set forth by local regulatory bodies and is part of the risk management plan for the EMA.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04142437 ).

PROTOCOL VERSION

v2.5, 25 March 2021.

Safety and effectiveness of taliglucerase alfa in patients with Gaucher disease: an interim analysis of real-world data from a multinational drug registry (TALIAS)

Background

Limited real-world data from routine clinical care are available on the safety and effectiveness of treatment with taliglucerase alfa in patients with Gaucher disease (GD).

Methods

Taliglucerase Alfa Surveillance (TALIAS), a multinational prospective Drug Registry of patients with GD, was established to evaluate the long-term safety (primary objective) and effectiveness (secondary objective) of taliglucerase alfa. We present an interim analysis of the data from the Drug Registry collected over the 5-year period from September 2013 to January 2019.

Results

A total of 106 patients with GD (15.1% children aged < 18 years; 53.8% females) treated with taliglucerase alfa have been enrolled in the Drug Registry, as of January 7, 2019. The median duration of follow-up was 795 days with quartiles (Q1, Q3) of 567 and 994 days. Fifty-three patients (50.0%) were from Israel, 28 (26.4%) were from the United States, and 25 (23.6%) were from Albania. At the time of enrollment, most patients (87.7%) had received prior enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Thirty-nine of the 106 patients had treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs). Twelve of the 106 patients experienced serious AEs; two patients experienced four treatment-related serious AEs. Four patients died, although none of the deaths was considered to be related to taliglucerase alfa treatment by the treating physicians. Nine patients discontinued from the study, including the four who died. At baseline, patients with prior ERT had a higher mean hemoglobin concentration and platelet counts than treatment-naïve patients, likely reflecting the therapeutic effects of prior treatments. During follow-up, the hemoglobin concentration and platelet counts increased in the treatment-naïve patients and remained relatively constant or increased slightly in patients with prior ERT. Spleen and liver volumes decreased in treatment-naïve patients.

Conclusions

The interim data showed no new or emergent safety signals. The overall interim data are consistent with the clinical program experience and known safety and effectiveness profile of taliglucerase alfa.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02289-7.

Safety and effectiveness of Omnitrope(®) (somatropin) in PATRO Children: a multi-center, post-marketing surveillance study comparison of US and international cohort data

There are known geographical differences in growth hormone deficiency (GHD) patient populations and treatment practices. Here, we present a comparison of safety and effectiveness data from patients treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in the USA versus other countries. PAtients TReated with Omnitrope® (PATRO) Children is an international, non-interventional study with Omnitrope® (somatropin, Sandoz Inc.). All visits and assessments are carried out according to routine clinical practice, and doses of Omnitrope® are given according to country-specific prescribing information. By September 2018, 294 patients had been enrolled in the USA (53% rhGH-naïve) and 6206 patients had been enrolled across 13 other countries (international group; 86% rhGH-naïve). The most common indication in both groups was GHD. Overall, 194 US patients (66%) and 2977 international patients (48%) experienced adverse events (AEs; 886 and 11,716 events, respectively), most of which were of mild or moderate intensity. The AEs were suspected to be treatment-related in five US patients (1.7%) and 452 international patients (7.3%). All reported neoplasms were benign, non-serious, and considered unrelated to rhGH therapy. No cases of diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia were reported. In rhGH-naïve GHD patients, after 3 years of rhGH therapy, the improvement in mean height SD score from baseline was + 1.25 and + 1.35 in US and international patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Omnitrope® treatment appears to be well tolerated and effective in US patients and those from other countries. Across the pediatric indications included, there was no evidence of an increased risk of developing uncommon or unexpected AEs with rhGH.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NA.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Continued monitoring of patients treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is important, particularly in terms of diabetogenic potential and the risk of malignancies. • The PAtients TReated with Omnitrope® (PATRO) Children study is a long-term, post-marketing surveillance program for the rhGH Omnitrope®.

WHAT IS NEW

• Omnitrope® is well tolerated and effective in US patients, and those from other countries. • Across all indications included, there were no unexpected adverse events and there was no evidence of an increased risk of developing malignancies or diabetes.

Effectiveness of IGlarLixi, a Fixed-Ratio Combination of Insulin Glargine 100 U/mL and Lixisenatide, in People with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The latest Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes proposes the use of a fixed-ratio combination (FRC) of a long-acting basal insulin and a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist as part of treatment intensification. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the insulin glargine + lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) FRC on glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia in real-life settings.

METHODS

This non-interventional, 26-week study included participants aged 18-80 years with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D) using oral antidiabetics (OADs) ± basal insulin therapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of participants who achieved at least a 1% decrease in glycated haemoblobin (HbA1c) level from baseline to week 26.

RESULTS

Of the 441 participants eligible for entry into the study, 353 were included in the efficacy analyses. These individuals were switched from OADs without (282 [79.9%]) or with (71 [20.1%]) insulin-based treatment. A reduction in HbA1c of at least 1.0% (primary endpoint) was achieved by 215 subjects (60.9%). All glycaemic variables (mean ± standard deviation) improved significantly during follow-up (HbA1c, from 8.9 ± 1.31 to 7.4 ± 0.97%; fasting blood glucose, from 9.0 ± 2.18 to 6.9 ± 1.23 mmol/L; postprandial blood glucose, from 11.3 ± 2.33 to 8.5 ± 1.46 mmol/L; p < 0.001 for all). Body weight also decreased during follow-up, from 90.5 ± 18.03 to 88.2 ± 17.75 kg (p < 0.001). Overall, 41 participants (9.3% of the safety population) self-reported 101 non-severe hypoglycaemic episodes (incidence rate 0.498 events/person-year). There were no severe hypoglycaemic episodes reported. Gastrointestinal adverse events were reported by five participants (1.1% of the safety population). The vast majority (96.6%) of the study population continued iGlarLixi treatment after the final visit.

CONCLUSION

The results of this non-interventional study confirmed the efficacy results of the randomized controlled trial programme of the iGlarLixi FRC in a real-life setting. iGlarLixi significantly improved glycaemic control in association with a low frequency of hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal adverse events in a heterogeneous population of participants with T2D suboptimally controlled with OADs ± basal insulin.

First-line bevacizumab-containing therapy for HER2-negative locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer: Real-world experience from >2000 patients treated in the multicentre AVANTI study

Aim

The multicentre non-interventional AVANTI study assessed safety, effectiveness and patient-reported outcomes with approved first-line bevacizumab-containing regimens for HER2-negative locally recurrent/metastatic breast cancer (LR/MBC) in German routine oncology practice.

Methods

Eligible patients had HER2-negative LR/MBC, no bevacizumab contraindications and no prior chemotherapy for LR/MBC. Chemotherapy schedule, diagnostics and follow-up were at physicians’ discretion. Data were collected for 1 year after starting bevacizumab, then every 6 months for 1.5 years (maximum follow-up: 2.5 years). Patients and physicians rated treatment satisfaction. Subgroup analyses were prespecified in clinically relevant populations, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Results

Between November 1, 2009 and April 30, 2016, 2065 eligible patients at 346 centres received bevacizumab with paclitaxel or capecitabine. Patients receiving bevacizumab–capecitabine were less likely to have de novo disease and more likely to have TNBC, age ≥60 years and prior anthracycline/taxane and/or endocrine therapy. Median PFS was 12.6 (95% CI 11.9–13.2) months (12.8 with bevacizumab–paclitaxel, 10.5 with bevacizumab–capecitabine); median OS was 23.9 (95% CI 22.2–25.1) months. Outcomes were worse in patients with TNBC, prior anthracycline/taxane or prior endocrine therapy. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 27% of patients. Treatment was discontinued for adverse events in 15%. Treatment satisfaction was rated as good or better by 304/394 responding patients (77%) at week 54 and in 1393/2065 patients (67%) by physicians overall.

Conclusions

In routine clinical practice, effectiveness and safety of first-line bevacizumab-containing therapy for LR/MBC were consistent with experience from phase III trials. Patient and physician treatment satisfaction showed high concordance.

•

AVANTI assessed 1st-line bevacizumab-based therapy for LR/MBC in routine practice.

•

Median progression-free and overall survival were 12.6 and 23.9 months respectively.

•

Treatment satisfaction was rated as good or better by 77% of patients at week 54.

•

Physician- and patient-rated treatment satisfaction showed high concordance.

•

Effectiveness and safety were consistent with experience from phase III trials.

CAPTURE: a multinational, cross-sectional study of cardiovascular disease prevalence in adults with type 2 diabetes across 13 countries

Background

There is a paucity of global data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The primary objective of the CAPTURE study was to estimate the prevalence of established CVD and its management in adults with T2D across 13 countries from five continents. Additional objectives were to further characterize the study sample regarding demographics, clinical parameters and medication usage, with particular reference to blood glucose-lowering agents (GLAs: glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors) with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in randomized intervention trials.

Methods

Data were collected from adults with T2D managed in primary or specialist care in Australia, China, Japan, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in 2019, using standardized methodology. CVD prevalence, weighted by diabetes prevalence in each country, was estimated for the overall CAPTURE sample and participating countries. Country-specific odds ratios for CVD prevalence were further adjusted for relevant demographic and clinical parameters.

Results

The overall CAPTURE sample included 9823 adults with T2D (n = 4502 from primary care; n = 5321 from specialist care). The overall CAPTURE sample had median (interquartile range) diabetes duration 10.7 years (5.6–17.9 years) and glycated hemoglobin 7.3% (6.6–8.4%) [56 mmol/mol (49–68 mmol/mol)]. Overall weighted CVD and atherosclerotic CVD prevalence estimates were 34.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.7–36.8) and 31.8% (95% CI 29.7–33.8%), respectively. Age, gender, and clinical parameters accounted for some of the between-country variation in CVD prevalence. GLAs with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit were used by 21.9% of participants, which was similar in participants with and without CVD: 21.5% and 22.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

In 2019, approximately one in three adults with T2D in CAPTURE had diagnosed CVD. The low use of GLAs with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit even in participants with established CVD suggested that most were not managed according to contemporary diabetes and cardiology guidelines.

Study registration NCT03786406 (registered on December 20, 2018), NCT03811288 (registered on January 18, 2019).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01344-0.

Application of machine learning methods to bridge the gap between non-interventional studies and randomized controlled trials in ophthalmic patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

The effectiveness of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents is usually lower in real world settings compared with randomized clinical trials (RCTs), often limiting the use of real-world evidence (RWE) in regulatory and healthcare decisions. The current analysis aimed to develop and validate an algorithm to explain the difference in outcomes between RWE studies and RCTs in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

The algorithm was developed using ranibizumab real world data (RWD) from the US and validated on Australian and UK RWD. A decision model was developed using machine learning principles, in which the model learns how to partition the most influential factors (out of 59 variables) so that they maximally relate to the change in visual acuity (VA) over 12 months.

RESULTS

The algorithm identified baseline VA <73 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, presence of baseline subretinal fluid, and administration of three loading doses by Day 90 from drug initiation as the characteristics with the greatest impact on VA at month 12. When applying the different criteria, RWE outcomes became similar to those obtained in known RCTs.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning techniques can be used to classify real world cohorts and identify subsets of patients who benefit to the same extent as that reported in RCTs. This methodology may support the translation of clinical trial findings to treatment performance in the clinical practice setting.

Golimumab in real-world practice in patients with ulcerative colitis: Twelve-month results

BACKGROUND

The introduction of biologics has revolutionized the management of the chronic inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), with many patients experiencing significant improvements not only in their symptoms but in other outcomes relevant to individuals and society as a whole. In Germany, there are no prospective data > 3 mo that assess the work productivity, daily activities and quality of life (QoL) of patients with moderate-to-severe UC treated with golimumab.

AIM

To assess change in work productivity, capacity for daily activities and QoL in UC patients treated with golimumab in Germany.

METHODS

The validated Work Productivity Activity Impairment (WPAI) Questionnaire was used to analyze the change in work productivity, the capacity for daily activities after three months (primary endpoint) and disease specific and health related QoL (HRQoL) up to 1 year (secondary endpoints). The changes in work productivity and activity impairment were evaluated every three months until month twelve compared to baseline. Disease-specific and health-related QoL were assessed with the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire and with the short-form 12 health survey questionnaire (SF-12).

RESULTS

This prospective non-interventional study included 287 patients. The analysis population was comprised of 282 patients who had completed at least two visits. At baseline, 61% of patients had moderate UC and 18% had severe UC. Furthermore, 75% of patients worked full-time or part-time at baseline. A total of 212 patients who were employed at the start of the study (employed population) were evaluated for the primary endpoint. Golimumab significantly reduced all WPAI sub-scores compared to baseline after three, six, nine and twelve months after the start of treatment (P < 0.0001). In addition, disease-specific QoL and HRQoL, as measured by the SF-12 questionnaire, improved significantly with golimumab at all evaluation times (P < 0.0001 in each case vs baseline).

CONCLUSION

Treatment of moderate-to-severe UC with golimumab leads to significant improvements in patient’s work productivity, daily activity and QoL over twelve months.

Design of a non-interventional post-marketing study to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of ocrelizumab in German real world multiple sclerosis cohorts - the CONFIDENCE study protocol

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment. A highly effective drug not only for relapsing but also for progressive forms of MS with a favorable safety profile is needed to further improve overall patient outcomes. Ocrelizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets CD20-expressing B-cells, is the first drug indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of MS (RMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). Its safety and effectiveness profile has yet to be studied in a large, real-world setting. CONFIDENCE aims to further characterize the safety profile of ocrelizumab in routine clinical practice. In addition, real-world effectiveness data will be collected to complement the efficacy data documented in the pivotal clinical trials.

METHODS

CONFIDENCE is a non-interventional, prospective, multicenter, long-term study collecting primary data from 3000 RMS and PPMS patients newly treated with ocrelizumab and 1500 patients newly treated with other selected MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Treatment must be in accordance with the local label and follow routine practice. Data will be collected at approximately 250 neurological centers and practices across Germany. The recruitment period of 30 months started in April 2018. The observation period per patient is planned 7.5 to 10 years, depending on the date of inclusion, regardless of whether patients discontinue treatment. Visits follow routine practice and will be documented approximately every 6 months. The primary endpoint is the incidence and type of uncommon adverse events and death. Statistical analyses will be mainly descriptive and exploratory.

DISCUSSION

CONFIDENCE is a large, non-interventional, post-authorization safety study that assesses long-term safety and effectiveness of ocrelizumab and other DMTs in a real-world setting. Data collected in CONFIDENCE will also be integrated into studies that have been developed to fulfil international regulatory requirements.

Correlation of skin rash and overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine and erlotinib - results from a non-interventional multi-center study

Background

Gemcitabine/erlotinib treatment offers limited benefit in unselected patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Development of skin rash has been associated with favorable outcomes in patients treated with gemcitabine/erlotinib. This study aimed to extend knowledge on the effectiveness of gemcitabine/erlotinib in metastatic PDAC in the context of clinical practice and with focus on skin rash.

Methods

This multicenter, non-interventional study enrolled 376 patients with metastatic PDAC receiving gemcitabine/erlotinib. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) in patients with skin rash versus no skin rash. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), treatment satisfaction and safety. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Survival time and time to disease progression were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Effectiveness endpoints were analyzed for subgroups by skin rash grade (no rash, rash grade 1, rash grade ≥ 2), duration of erlotinib treatment (≤8 weeks, > 8 weeks), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status at baseline (0–1, 2) and age (≤65 years, > 65 years).

Results

Within the full analysis set (FAS; N = 270), 48 patients (17.8%) developed grade 1 rash, 51 patients (18.9%) grade ≥ 2 rash, while 171 patients (63.3%) did not develop a rash. Median OS of all patients was 9.11 months with an OS of 9.93 months in rash-positive and 8.68 months in rash-negative patients. Median PFS was 5.06 months for rash-positive and 4.11 months for rash-negative patients. PFS was longer in patients with rash grade ≥ 2 and in older patients (> 65 years). Examination using a multivariate Cox proportional model revealed that an age > 65 years was associated with longer OS (hazard ratio 0.640; p = 0.0327) and PFS (hazard ratio 0.642; p = 0.0026). Out of the 338 patients in the SAF, 310 patients (91.7%) experienced at least one AE, and 176 patients (52.1%) experienced skin-related side effects, all of which were CTC grade 1 to 3.

Conclusions

Comparing rash-positive with rash-negative patients showed no significant difference in survival. While patients with rash grade ≥ 2 and older patients (independent of skin reactions) showed longer PFS, this did not translate into prolonged OS. The study did not reveal new safety signals.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01782690, retrospectively registered on 4 February 2013.

Efficacy and safety of everolimus plus exemestane in patients with HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer progressing on/after prior endocrine therapy in routine clinical practice: Primary results from the non-interventional study, STEPAUT

Background

STEPAUT, an Austrian non-interventional study, evaluated the safety and efficacy of everolimus plus exemestane in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) advanced breast cancer (ABC) recurring/progressing on/after nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors (NSAIs) in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2− ABC progressing on/after NSAIs receiving everolimus plus exemestane in accordance with routine practice and the current version of Summary of Product Characteristics were eligible. Planned individual observation period corresponded to the duration of treatment until formal study end.

Results

Overall, 236 patients (median age: 65 years) were enrolled at 17 sites across Austria. The median progression-free survival (mPFS) in the overall population was 9.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.6–10.7 months). The mPFS (95% CI) in patients who received everolimus 10 and 5 mg was 9.9 months (7.3–11.5 months) and 8 months (4.7–10.7 months), respectively. The median time to progression was numerically longer in patients who had a therapy break (11.9 months, 95% CI: 10.0–14.6 months) versus those who did not have any therapy break (10.7 months, 95% CI: 8.9–12.6 months). Patients experienced grade 1 (53.7%), grade 2 (35.9%), grade 3 (9.9%), grade 4 (0.2%) adverse events (AEs). The most common AEs of any grade were stomatitis, mucositis (53.8%), rash, exanthema (29.7%), loss of appetite, nausea (28.4%).

Conclusions

Real-world safety and efficacy data from STEPAUT were consistent with results from BOLERO-2, supporting everolimus plus exemestane as a suitable treatment option for HR+, HER2− ABC recurring/progressing on/after NSAIs.

•

STEPAUT, an Austrian non-interventional study, evaluated everolimus plus exemestane.

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The median progression-free survival in the overall population was 9.5 months.

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Majority of the patients had grade 1 (53.7%) to grade 2 (35.9%) adverse events.

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Real-world data from STEPAUT were consistent with results from the BOLERO-2.

Current clinical use of intravenous fosfomycin in ICU patients in two European countries

PURPOSE

In Europe, intravenous fosfomycin (IV) is used particularly in difficult-to-treat or complex infections, caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens including multidrug-resistant strains. Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of intravenous fosfomycin under real-life conditions.

METHODS

Prospective, multi-center, and non-interventional study in patients with bacterial infections from 20 intensive care units (ICU) in Germany and Austria (NCT01173575).

RESULTS

Overall, 209 patients were included (77 females, 132 males, mean age: 59 ± 16 years), 194 of which were treated in intensive care (APACHE II score at the beginning of fosfomycin therapy: 23 ± 8). Main indications (± bacteremia or sepsis) were infections of the CNS (21.5%), community- (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)/ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP, 15.3%), bone and joint infections (BJI, 11%), abdominal infections (11%), and bacteremia (10.5%). Most frequently identified pathogens were S. aureus (22.3%), S. epidermidis (14.2%), Enterococcus spp. (10.8%), E. coli (12.3%) and Klebsiella spp. (7.7%). At least one multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen was isolated from 51 patients (24.4%). Fosfomycin was administered with an average daily dose of 13.7 ± 3.5 g over 12.4 ± 8.6 days, almost exclusively (99%) in combination with other antibiotics. The overall clinical success was favorable in 81.3% (148/182) of cases, and in 84.8% (39/46) of patients with ≥ 1 MDR pathogen. Noteworthy, 16.3% (34/209) of patients developed at least one, in the majority of cases non-serious, adverse drug reaction during fosfomycin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that IV fosfomycin is an effective and safe combination partner for the treatment of a broad spectrum of severe bacterial infections in critically ill patients.

Patient-reported outcomes with golimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: non-interventional study GO-NICE in Germany

The TNF inhibitor golimumab (GLM) is a treatment option in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The GO-NICE study assessed patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in patients newly treated with monthly GLM 50 mg subcutaneously (SC) under real-life conditions in Germany. A prospective non-interventional study with 24-month observation per patient was conducted at 158 sites. Available for analysis were 1,458 patients, 474 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA: 54.9 ± 13.4 years, 72.8% females, 60.4% biologic-naïve), 501 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA: 50.5 ± 12.1 years, 54.1% females; 47.5% biologic-naïve), and 483 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS: 43.6 ± 12.3 years, 66.5% males; 58.4% biologic-naïve). A total of 664 patients completed follow-up to month 24. An improvement of QoL by EuroQoL EQ-5D-3L was seen after 6 months and was maintained over 24 months. The patients’ health state today (EQ visual analog scale) improved statistically significantly (p < 0.0001 vs. BL) from 51.0 at baseline (BL) to 63.4 (RA), from 48.4 to 64.3 (PsA) and from 46.8 to 66.5 (AS). Functional ability (FFbH) improved significantly (p < 0.003 vs. BL) from BL 68.2 to 76.1 points (RA), from 69.0 to 76.8 points (PsA), and from 69.0 to 78.5 points (AS). The mean FACIT-Fatigue score increased significantly (p < 0.0001 vs. BL) from BL 32.4 to 38.3 points (RA), from 30.0 to 35.9 points (PsA), and from 29.9 to 37.9 points after 24 months (AS); p < 0.0001 vs. BL each. On treatment with GLM SC once monthly, significant improvements in patient-reported QoL parameters were noted in a very similar manner in all three diseases.

Trial registration ClinTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01313858. Registered March 14, 2011; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01313858.

Implant success and survival rates in daily dental practice: 5-year results of a non-interventional study using CAMLOG SCREW-LINE implants with or without platform-switching abutments

Background

The performance of dental implants in controlled clinical studies is often investigated in homogenous populations. Observational studies are necessary to evaluate the outcome of implant restorations placed in real-life situations, according to standard practice, and to assess the needs of the patients. The aim of this non-interventional study was to reveal the survival, success, and general performance of CAMLOG SCREW-LINE implants and their restorations in daily dental practice.

Methods

Seventeen private practices across five countries participated in this prospective multicenter study. Patients received implants in the maxilla and mandible which were restored either with platform-matching or platform-switching abutments. Patients were followed-up for up to 5 years post-loading. Radiographs and clinical parameters were evaluated and patient satisfaction was evaluated.

Results

From a total of 196 patients planned, 185 patients with 271 implants were restored with abutments and fulfilled the follow-up inclusion criteria. Three implant failures were recorded, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 98.6% after 5 years post-loading. One persistent complication of peri-implantitis occurred. The soft tissue health remained stable, and the papilla height improved after loading. At 5-year follow-up, the mean crestal bone loss was − 0.28 ± 0.60 mm; over 99% of patients reported satisfaction with the restoration as excellent or good.

Conclusions

Implants placed and restored with both platform-matching and platform-switching abutments in daily dental private practice achieved excellent clinical outcomes with highly satisfied patients after 5 years of function, confirming the results obtained in well-controlled clinical trials.

Observational Study of a Wearable Sensor and Smartphone Application Supporting Unsupervised Exercises to Assess Pain and Stiffness

Background

Evaluation of pain and stiffness in patients with arthritis is largely based on participants retrospectively reporting their self-perceived pain/stiffness. This is subjective and may not accurately reflect the true impact of therapeutic interventions. We now have access to sensor-based systems to continuously capture objective information regarding movement and activity.

Objectives

We present an observational study aimed to collect sensor data from participants monitored while performing an unsupervised version of a standard motor task, known as the Five Times Sit to Stand (5×STS) test. The first objective was to explore whether the participants would perform the test regularly in their home environment, and do so in a correct and consistent manner. The second objective was to demonstrate that the measurements collected would enable us to derive an objective signal related to morning pain and stiffness.

Methods

We recruited a total of 45 participants, of whom 30 participants fulfilled pre-defined criteria for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis and 15 participants were healthy volunteers. All participants wore accelerometers on their wrists, day and night for about 4 weeks. The participants were asked to perform the 5×STS test in their own home environment at the same time in the morning 3 times per week. We investigated the relationship between pain/stiffness and measurements collected during the 5×STS test by comparing the 5×STS test duration with the patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires, filled in via a smartphone.

Results

During the study, we successfully captured accelerometer data from each participant for a period of 4 weeks. The participants performed 56% of the prescribed 5×STS tests. We observed that different tests made by the same participants were performed with subject-specific characteristics that remained consistent throughout the study. We showed that 5×STS test duration (the time taken to complete the 5×STS test) was significantly and robustly associated with the pain and stiffness intensity reported via the PROs, particularly the questions asked in the morning.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of regular, sensor-based, monitored, unsupervised physical tests to objectively assess the impact of disease on function in the home environment. This approach may permit remote disease monitoring in clinical trials and support the development of novel endpoints from passively collected actigraphy data.

Anticholinergic burden and comorbidities in patients attending treatment with trospium chloride for overactive bladder in a real-life setting: results of a prospective non-interventional study

BACKGROUND

Elderly people are representative for the patients most likely to be treated with anticholinergics for overactive bladder (OAB). They often receive further drugs with anticholinergic properties for concomitant conditions. This increases the risk for side effects, including central nervous system disorders. Data on comorbidities and baseline anticholinergic burden of OAB patients seen in urological practice is scarce. Therefore, we included an epidemiological survey on these issues in our study which assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of trospium chloride (TC) in established dosages under routine conditions.

METHODS

Outpatients (≥ 65 years of age), for whom treatment with TC was indicated, were eligible to participate in this non-interventional, prospective study performed in 162 urological practices in Germany. Epidemiological questions were evaluated by the Anticholinergic Burden (ACB) scale and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) at baseline. Efficacy was assessed by changes in symptom-related variables of OAB after treatment. Dosage regimen, duration of treatment, adverse events, withdrawals, and ease of subdivision of the prescribed SNAP-TAB tablet were documented. Patients and physicians rated efficacy and tolerability of treatment. Statistics were descriptive.

RESULTS

Four hundred fourty-five out of 986 (47.54%) patients in the epidemiological population had a baseline ACB scale score > 0, 100 (24.72%) of whom a score ≥ 3. The median CIRS-G comorbidity index score for all patients was 5. 78.55% (608/774) of patients in the efficacy population received a daily dose of 45 mg TC. 60.03% (365/608) of them took this dose by dividing the SNAP-TAB tablet in three equal parts. Before-after-comparisons of the core symptoms of OAB showed clear improvements. An influence of the dosage scheme (1 × 45 mg TC/d vs 3 × 15 mg TC/d) on clinical outcome could not be observed. Most urologists and patients rated TC treatment as effective and well tolerated. 44 (4.37%) out of 1007 patients in the safety collective ended their treatment prematurely, while 75 patients (7.45%) experienced adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticholinergic burden and comorbidities in elderly OAB patients are frequent. The acceptance of the SNAP-TAB tablet, which facilitates flexible dosing with TC, was high, which is supportive in ensuring adherence in therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This non-interventional study was registered on October 29, 2014 with the number DRKS00007109 at the German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS).

Characterization of differential patient profiles and therapeutic responses of pharmacy customers for four ambroxol formulations

Background

Ambroxol relieves cough symptoms based on its secretagogue, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immunomodulatory and local anesthetic effects. The present study was designed to explore differential patient profiles and efficacy against acute respiratory symptoms of four formulations registered as over-the-counter medicines.

Methods

Nine hundred sixty-five pharmacy customers purchasing one of four branded ambroxol formulations (extended release capsules, adult syrup, pediatric syrup and soft pastilles) filled a questionnaire including a patient-adapted version of the Bronchitis Severity Scale, several questions on degree of impairment by acute cough, time to onset of symptom relief and duration of treatment. Data on pediatric syrup users were entered by their parents. Based on the exploratory character of the study, no hypothesis-testing statistical analysis was applied.

Results

Users of the pediatric syrup and the pastilles reported somewhat less severe baseline symptoms. The patient-adapted Bronchitis Severity Scale proved feasible as a self-administered tool. Among BSS items, ambroxol formulations improved chest pain while coughing to the largest and sputum to smallest degree (− 75% vs. -40%). Reported efficacy was comparable among formulations with minor differences in favor of the pediatric syrup. Time to onset of symptom relief was less than 60 min in more than 90% of patients and occurred prior to known systemic t_max. Time to onset was the parameter with the greatest differences between formulations, being reported fastest with pastilles and pediatric syrup and, as expected, slowest with extended release capsules. All ambroxol formulations were well tolerated.

Conclusions

We conclude that over-the-counter formulations of ambroxol exhibit comparable user profiles and efficacy. Differences in speed of onset of symptom relief may involve not only those in systemic pharmacokinetics but also local anesthetic effects of immediate release formulations. Differences between pediatric and adult syrup may in part reflect reporting bias.

Erlotinib in routine clinical practice for first-line maintenance therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

PURPOSE

The controlled phase III trial SATURN demonstrated that maintenance therapy with erlotinib after the first-line platinum-based chemotherapy prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with advanced, non-progressive disease. We conducted the non-interventional study SATURN NIS to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of erlotinib maintenance in daily clinical practice.

METHODS

This single-arm NIS screened 290 patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC (stage IIIB or IV) and stable disease after standard platinum-based first-line chemotherapy in 95 institutions across Germany. Erlotinib was dosed and administered corresponding to the terms of the marketing authorization at the time of recruitment. The main effectiveness endpoint was subjects' OS at 1 year. Subgroup analyses of survival estimates of OS and PFS were performed.

RESULTS

272 patients were eligible for analysis (median age 66 years, 37.1% females, 99.6% Caucasian, median ECOG performance status 1, 61.8% adenocarcinoma, 96.3% of patients with stable disease). Maintenance therapy with erlotinib resulted in median OS comparable to that of the SATURN phase III trial 10.4 months [95% CI: (8.8; 12.5) vs. 11.9 months]. The 1-year survival rate was 45.6% [95% CI: (37.5%; 53.6%)]. No new safety signals were observed. As expected, patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations derived a greater benefit concerning OS and PFS than EGFR-wild-type patients. Moreover, a significant association of OS and PFS and the smoking status was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this non-interventional study support the current clinical practice of erlotinib switch maintenance in EGFR-mutation-positive patients.

Effectiveness of a Fixed-Dose, Single-Pill Combination of Perindopril and Amlodipine in Patients with Hypertension: A Non-Interventional Study

INTRODUCTION

We conducted a prospective, non-interventional, multicenter study to examine the effect of a fixed-dose combination of perindopril/amlodipine in patients with arterial hypertension.

METHODS

Patients who were previously untreated or required a change in medication were treated with a fixed combination of perindopril/amlodipine (3.5/2.5 or 7.0/5.0 mg) for 12 weeks. Changes in office, home and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Adherence was assessed by the Hill-Bone medication adherence scale.

RESULTS

Overall, 1814 patients (mean age 60.0 ± 13.4 years) were included in 614 German practices, and data of 1770 patients were analyzed. At study entry, 97.7% of patients received perindopril/amlodipine at a daily dose of 3.5 mg/2.5 mg, and 47.9% of patients remained on this dose during the study period. Treatment with perindopril/amlodipine decreased mean office BP from 163.7/95.4 to 133.6/80.3 mmHg (p < 0.0001), resulting in a hypertension control rate of 69.1%. Blood pressure control was comparable in previously untreated and treated patients (70.3 vs. 68.1%), and in younger and older patients (70.6 < 65 vs. 66.3% ≥ 65 years). Ambulatory BP measurements were available in a subgroup of patients (n = 167), and mean 24 h ambulatory BP decreased from 150.6 ± 12.6/88.9 ± 8.8 to 132.4 ± 11.9/79.4 ± 8.5 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the proportion of patients with severe hypertension European Society of Hypertension/European Society of Cardiology (ESH/ESC) grade II or III decreased from 64.4 to 3.9%, and patients with pre-existing isolated systolic hypertension (n = 284) converted to normal BP in 67.6% of cases. Nearly half of the patients (47.2%) were perfectly adherent during the study. In previously treated patients, the percentage of patients with perfect adherence increased from 20.6% prior to study to 43.5% at final visit (p < 0.0001). Adverse drug reactions were documented for 4.9% of patients.

CONCLUSION

A fixed-dose combination of perindopril/amlodipine shows significant blood pressure reduction and improvement in medication adherence in a primary care setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN26323538.

FUNDING

Servier Deutschland GmbH.

Insulin regimens and glycemic control in different parts of Europe over 4years after starting insulin in people with type 2 diabetes: Data from the CREDIT non-interventional study

AIMS

A number of insulin regimens are used in type 2 diabetes. This analysis aims to better understand the evolution of insulin therapy in different regions of Europe.

METHODS

Data from people starting any insulin were collected in eastern Europe (EEur: Croatia, Russia, Ukraine), northern Europe (NEur: Finland, Germany, UK) and southern Europe (SEur: France, Italy, Portugal, Spain). Retrospective data on starting insulin and prospective follow-up data were extracted from clinical records.

RESULTS

At 4years, 1699 (76.0%) of 2236 eligible people had data. EEur participants were mostly female, younger and had shorter diabetes duration on starting insulin, yet had highest baseline HbA1c and more micro-/macrovascular disease. A majority (60%-64%) in all regions started on basal insulin alone, declining to 30%-38% at 4years, with most switching to basal+mealtime insulin regimen (24%-40%). Higher baseline (28%) and 4-year use (34%) of premix insulin was observed in NEur. Change in HbA1c (SD) ranged from -1.2 (2.1)% (-13 [23]mmol/mol) in NEur to -2.4 (2.0)% (-26 [22]mmol/mol) in EEur. Weight change ranged from +1.9 (8.3) kg in NEur to +3.2 (7.0) kg in SEur. Overall documented hypoglycemia ranged from 0.3 (1.3) to 1.3 (4.4) events/person/6-months (NEur vs. EEur, respectively) and was stable with time. Severe hypoglycemia rates remained low.

CONCLUSION

When starting insulin, HbA1c and prevalence of complications were higher in EEur. Regional differences exist in choice of insulin regimens in Europe. However, people starting insulin improved and sustained their glycemic control regardless of regional differences or insulin regimens used.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Results from a Non-Interventional Longitudinal Multi-National Study

INTRODUCTION

To date, there is little research on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Down syndrome (DS), and existing research is variable with regard to reported HRQoL in DS. There are also no HRQoL measures developed specifically to be used with individuals with Down syndrome.

METHODS

A multi-national, longitudinal, 24-week non-interventional study was conducted in adolescents and adults with DS. HRQoL was assessed (n = 90) using the parent-report KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire.

RESULTS

HRQoL domain scores were found to be similar to those in the KIDSCREEN-27 European normative group data set on the Physical Well-being, Psychological Well-being, Autonomy and Parent Relations domains. Compared with the normative data set, the adolescent participants with DS in the current study were found to have lower scores on the Social Support and Peers domain and higher scores than the normative group on the School Environment domain. The test-retest reliability of the KIDSCREEN-27 was also examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in a subgroup of stable participants. The KIDSCREEN-27 demonstrated poor-to-moderate test-retest reliability; however, test-retest reliability was assessed using a long time interval between assessment time points.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study underline that further research is needed to better understand the nature of HRQoL in DS. Further research using a shorter time interval between assessment time points to examine test-retest reliability is also required.

FUNDING

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

The Antihypertensive Efficacy of the Triple Fixed Combination of Perindopril, Indapamide, and Amlodipine: The Results of the PETRA Study

INTRODUCTION

The etiology of essential hypertension is multifactorial. Therefore, treatment with combinations of antihypertensive agents acting on multiple targets is necessary for successful therapy in the majority of patients. According to the experience and clinical data accumulated so far, combination therapy with three agents from different pharmacological classes is required in approx. 30% of patients in order to achieve long-term blood pressure control. The primary objective of the PETRA study was to evaluate the efficacy of blood pressure (BP) control with once daily administration of the different dosage strengths of the once-daily, triple fixed combination of perindopril, indapamide, and amlodipine. The evaluation was based on office BP readings and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) data gathered in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

Data from 11,209 hypertensive patients (the proportion of female subjects was 47.6%) were processed and interpreted in a 3-month-long prospective, observational, non-interventional, open-label study conducted in 997 centers in Hungary.

RESULTS

Mean baseline office BP was 156.58 ± 16.10/91.56 ± 9.33 mmHg (mean ± SD), whereas the mean duration of hypertension was 9.48 ± 7.19 years. Mean office BP decreased by 24.81 ± 15.47/11.41 ± 9.90 mmHg after switching to the triple fixed combination of perindopril, indapamide, and amlodipine (p < 0.0001). At the final visit 45.1% of patients took the 5/1.25/5 mg, 33.5% of them 10/2.5/5 mg, and 21.4% of them 10/2.5/10 mg strength of the perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine triple fixed combination. The 24-h blood pressure was obtained in 76 subjects. The mean 24-h BP decreased from 155.51 ± 17.43/85.28 ± 11.48 to 134.63 ± 12.51/77.83 ± 8.99 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Statistically significant (p < 0.0001) and clinically relevant improvement of a number of metabolic parameters-including total cholesterol (-8.6%), LDL-cholesterol (-11.4%), triglyceride (-12.1%), and fasting blood glucose (-6.6%) levels-was observed over the 3-month study period.

CONCLUSIONS

During the 3 months of the PETRA study, the outstanding 24-h antihypertensive efficacy of the triple fixed combination of perindopril, indapamide, and amlodipine was confirmed both by office BP readings and by ABPM recordings. This combination may offer a new therapeutic option for hypertensive patients who have failed to achieve the desired BP target on their previous dual combination therapy.

FUNDING

EGIS Pharmaceuticals PLC.

[Improvement of Stress Resistance and Quality of Life of Adults with Nervous Restlessness after Treatment with a Passion Flower Dry Extract]

BACKGROUND

The passion flower dried ethanolic extract investigated in this non-interventional study has well-documented calmative effects and good tolerability. We investigated the effects of this extract on the stress resistance (resilience) and quality of life (QoL) of patients suffering from nervous restlessness. The addiction potential of the drug and the course of symptoms were also evaluated.

METHODS

Adult patients aged ≤ 95 years with the diagnosis 'nervous restlessness' were treated for 12 weeks with a dried ethanolic extract of passion flower (Passiflora incarnata L.). Standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate the resilience (RS-13), QoL (EQ-5D including EQ-VAS), and the addiction potential (BDEPQ).

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of treatment, significant (p < 0.001) improvements were measured in the patients' resilience (RS-13: from 52.1 to 67.7 points) and QoL (EQ-VAS: from 47.9 to 75.0 points). Also, the mean BDEPQ score was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced (from 23.0 to 19.3 points). The mean values of all accompanying symptoms (inner restlessness, sleep disturbance, exhaustion, fear, lack of concentration, transpiration, nausea, trembling, and palpitation) improved significantly (p < 0.001). Tolerability of treatment was rated as 'very good' or 'good' by the majority of the patients. Three cases of mild adverse events (tiredness) were reported.

CONCLUSION

The passion flower extract investigated in the present study appears to be effective in improving resilience and QoL in patients suffering from nervous restlessness and is well tolerated.

Analysis of patients with deep vein thrombosis switched from standard therapy to rivaroxaban in the non-interventional XALIA study

INTRODUCTION

XALIA assessed the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment in routine clinical practice. This substudy describes the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 'early switchers' - patients who received heparin or fondaparinux for >2-14days and/or a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for 1-14days before switching to rivaroxaban.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with DVT (latterly with concomitant pulmonary embolism) received rivaroxaban or standard anticoagulation (initial treatment with heparin or fondaparinux, usually overlapping with and followed by a VKA). Patients administered rivaroxaban alone, or heparin or fondaparinux for ≤48h pre-enrollment were included in the rivaroxaban cohort. Therapy type, dose, and duration were at the physician's discretion. Primary outcomes were major bleeding, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

In 368 early switchers, recurrence or bleeding risk factors were more prevalent versus the rivaroxaban cohort, including creatinine clearance<50mL/min (6.5% vs. 3.9%), previous major bleeding (4.6% vs. 1.4%), active cancer (8.2% vs. 5.6%), and concomitant pulmonary embolism (20.9% vs. 8.4%). Crude incidence rates were numerically higher versus the rivaroxaban cohort for major bleeding (1.4% vs. 0.7%), recurrent VTE (2.2% vs. 1.4%), and all-cause mortality (0.8% vs. 0.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who switched to rivaroxaban early in the treatment process had a higher frequency of risk factors for bleeding and recurrent VTE than patients treated with rivaroxaban; reflected by the higher risk of adverse events in that group during follow-up.

Demographics of patients receiving Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in real-world practice: healthcare research data versus randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are based on strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, non-interventional studies (NISs) might provide additional information to guide management in patients more representative to the real-world setting. The aim of this study was to compare baseline characteristics of patients receiving intravitreal treatment in the NIS OCEAN with those from published RCTs.

METHODS

The ongoing OCEAN study enrolled patients treated with ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular oedema (DME) or branch/central retinal vein occlusion (B/CRVO). Baseline patient characteristics were compared by indication within the OCEAN cohort. Furthermore, the characteristics were set in reference to those of published RCTs in the same indications. Confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and assessed for statistically significant differences as indicated by non-overlapping CIs.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics in the NIS OCEAN were evaluated for 3,614 patients with nAMD, 1,211 with DME, 204 with BRVO and 121 with CRVO. Between these groups, significant differences in mean age, gender distributions, and mean baseline VA were seen, reflecting known differences between the indications. Compared to the patient characteristics of published RCTs (trials selected by literature search: nAMD: 13 RCTs, DME: 9, RVO: 5), the OCEAN patients' mean age was significantly higher in every indication. The gender distributions across the trials were comparable, with only few differences between OCEAN and the RCTs. Regarding the mean baseline VA, notable differences were found in nAMD and in DME, with VA significantly higher in some RCTs and lower in others.

CONCLUSIONS

The described differences underline the complementarity of NISs and RCTs. OCEAN covers a broader spectrum and more variability of patients than do RCTs. As baseline values may have impact on the treatment response (ceiling effect), there is an ongoing need for research in all patient subgroups. Country-specific assessments of patient populations can better reflect the real-world situation. NISs can deliver insights that RCTs may not, as NISs can include non-typical patients, patients with comorbidities, a broader age spectrum and patients of various disease stages.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The NIS OCEAN was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT02194803 ).

Factors associated with high 24-month persistence with denosumab: results of a real-world, non-interventional study of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium

Persistence with osteoporosis therapy is vital for fracture prevention. This non-interventional study of postmenopausal women receiving denosumab in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium found that persistence with denosumab remains consistently high after 24 months in patients at high risk of fracture.

PURPOSE

Continued persistence with osteoporosis therapy is vital for fracture prevention. This non-interventional study of clinical practice evaluated medication-taking behavior of postmenopausal women receiving denosumab in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium and factors influencing persistence.

METHODS

Subcutaneous denosumab (60 mg every 6 months) was assigned according to prescribing information and local guidelines before and independently of enrollment; outcomes were recorded during routine practice for up to 24 months. Persistence was defined as receiving the subsequent injection within 6 months + 8 weeks of the previous injection and adherence as administration of subsequent injections within 6 months ± 4 weeks of the previous injection. Medication coverage ratio (MCR) was calculated as the proportion of time a patient was covered by denosumab. Associations between pre-specified baseline covariates and 24-month persistence were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The 24-month analyses included 1479 women (mean age 66.3-72.5 years) from 140 sites; persistence with denosumab was 75.1-86.0%, adherence 62.9-70.1%, and mean MCR 87.4-92.4%. No covariate had a significant effect on persistence across all four countries. For three countries, a recent fall decreased persistence; patients were generally older with chronic medical conditions. In some countries, other covariates (e.g., older age, comorbidity, immobility, and prescribing reasons) decreased persistence. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 2.3-6.9% patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-four-month persistence with denosumab is consistently high among postmenopausal women in Europe and may be influenced by patient characteristics. Further studies are needed to identify determinants of low persistence.

Rivaroxaban real-world evidence: Validating safety and effectiveness in clinical practice

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard of clinical research as they use rigorous methodologies, detailed protocols, pre-specified statistical analyses and well-defined patient cohorts. However, RCTs do not take into account the complexity of real-world clinical decision-making. To tackle this, real-world data are being increasingly used to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of a given therapy in routine clinical practice and in patients who may not be represented in RCTs, addressing key clinical questions that may remain. Real-world evidence plays a substantial role in supporting the use of non-vitamin K antagonist (VKA) oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in clinical practice. By providing data on patient profiles and the use of anticoagulation therapies in routine clinical practice, real-world evidence expands the current awareness of NOACs, helping to ensure that clinicians are well-informed on their use to implement patient-tailored clinical decisions. There are various issues with current anticoagulation strategies, including under- or overtreatment and frequent monitoring with VKAs. Real-world studies have demonstrated that NOAC use is increasing (Dresden NOAC registry and Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-AF [GARFIELD-AF]), as well as reaffirming the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban previously observed in RCTs (XArelto on preveNtion of sTroke and non-central nervoUS system systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation [XANTUS] and IMS Disease Analyzer). This article will describe the latest updates in real-world evidence across a variety of methodologies, such as non-interventional studies (NIS), registries and database analyses studies. It is anticipated that these studies will provide valuable clinical insights into the management of thromboembolism, and enhance the current knowledge on anticoagulant use and outcomes for patients.

Cooperation of German ophthalmologists in routine care of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: results of the non-interventional BRIDGE study

PURPOSE

In the non-interventional ophthalmological study 'BRIDGE' the routine care of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with ranibizumab was observed in Germany. A patient regularly sees the general ophthalmologist (GO) for monitoring and, if needed, the injecting ophthalmologist (IO) for intravitreal injections (IVI). Thus, patients are routinely treated by two ophthalmologists in parallel and patient care depends on their collaboration. This cooperation was evaluated based on network questionnaires.

METHODS

'BRIDGE' was a multicenter, national, open-label, prospective, observational study, conducted between July 2010 and December 2012. The network questionnaire for GOs consisted of 51 questions, while the similar questionnaire for IOs consisted of 43 questions, addressing the type and details of the individual collaboration. The statistical analysis was purely descriptive.

RESULTS

The network questionnaire for GOs was completed by 152 GOs, regularly cooperating with 2.5 ± 1.1 IOs, while the questionnaire for IOs was completed by 43 IOs, regularly cooperating with 23.2 ± 23.6 GOs. Generally, both GOs and IOs stated that they regularly exchange information regarding the patients' situation. Diagnostic standards were only established for 15 % of the GOs' collaborations and for 35 % of the IOs' collaborations. After initial treatment, both GOs and IOs agreed on the medical significance of regular monitoring visits performed by the GOs. Agreements on re-treatment criteria were only established in the case of 16 % of the GOs and 28 % of the IOs. Overall, both GOs and IOs were satisfied with the current situation, with regard to the medical treatment situation for patients and to the cooperation within the networks.

CONCLUSIONS

The network questionnaires revealed well-established cooperation between IOs and GOs in Germany with an accepted division of responsibilities for the routine care of patients with nAMD. However, the cooperation between two ophthalmologists treating one patient harbors risks. Agreements on diagnostic and re-treatment criteria would help to improve network performance and outcomes.

Rupatadine in Established Treatment Schemes Improves Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Symptoms and Patients' Quality of Life: a Prospective, Non-interventional Trial

Introduction

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common and hard to treat condition associated with a substantial negative impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL). Clinical studies have shown that rupatadine is effective and safe in the treatment of CSU, but data from routine clinical care are scarce. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of rupatadine in established dosages on CSU activity and patients’ QoL in a routine daily practice setting.

Methods

This was an open, prospective, non-interventional study performed in 146 dermatological practices in Germany. CSU patients for whom treatment with rupatadine was indicated were eligible to participate. Key symptoms of urticaria activity and their impact on patients’ QoL were assessed at the beginning and the end of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) and withdrawals, as well as the dosage regimens chosen, were documented. Patients and physicians were requested to rate effectiveness and tolerability of therapy at the final visit. All statistical analyses were descriptive.

Results

The majority of the 660 patients screened to be treated (median age 44 years, IQR = 31–59 years, n = 654) received rupatadine 10 mg tablets once (477 patients) or twice (105 patients) daily for a median time of 28 days. After treatment, 93.2% of the patients (606/650) reported a clear overall improvement of symptoms. Rupatadine significantly reduced the urticaria activity score (UAS7) as well as the frequency and severity of existing angioedema episodes. Similarly all domains of the urticaria-specific QoL questionnaire (CU-Q₂oL) were markedly improved. The majority of physicians and patients rated rupatadine treatment as effective and well tolerated. There were 39 (5.9%) early treatment withdrawals, and 21 patients (3.2%) experienced AEs.

Conclusion

Rupatadine when given according to the routine treating schemes improves symptoms and CU-Q₂oL of CSU patients; the drug is also safe and well tolerated.

Funding

Dr. R. Pfleger GmbH.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13555-015-0089-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Persistence, adherence, and medication-taking behavior in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis receiving denosumab in routine practice in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium: 12-month results from a European non-interventional study

Persistence with and adherence to osteoporosis therapy are critical for fracture reduction. This non-interventional study is evaluating medication-taking behavior of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) receiving denosumab in Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium. Patients were representative of the PMO population and highly persistent with and adherent to denosumab at 12 months.

INTRODUCTION

Persistence with and adherence to osteoporosis therapy are important for optimal treatment efficacy, namely fracture reduction. This ongoing, non-interventional study will evaluate medication-taking behavior of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) receiving denosumab in routine practice in four European countries.

METHODS

The study enrolled women who had been prescribed subcutaneous denosumab (60 mg every 6 months) in accordance with prescribing information and local guidelines. Persistence was defined as receiving the subsequent injection within 6 months + 8 weeks of the previous injection. Adherence was defined as receiving two consecutive injections within 6 months ± 4 weeks of each other. Medication coverage ratio (MCR) was calculated using the time a patient was covered with denosumab, as assessed from prescription records. Treatment was assigned prior to and independently of enrollment; outcomes are recorded during routine practice.

RESULTS

These planned 12-month interim analyses included data from 1500 patients from 141 sites. Mean age was 66.4-72.4 years, mean baseline total hip T-scores ranged from -2.0 to -2.1 and femoral neck T-scores from -2.2 to -2.6, and 30.7-62.1% of patients had prior osteoporotic fracture. Persistence was 87.0-95.3%, adherence 82.7-89.3%, and MCR 91.3-95.4%. In a univariate analysis, increased age, decreased mobility, and increased distance to the clinic were associated with significantly decreased persistence; parental history of hip fracture was associated with significantly increased persistence.

CONCLUSIONS

These data extend the real-world evidence regarding persistence with and adherence to denosumab, both of which are critical for favorable clinical outcomes, including fracture risk reduction.

Trastuzumab in the treatment of elderly patients with early breast cancer: Results from an observational study in Germany

BACKGROUND

In elderly patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, few data on efficacy and toxicity of adjuvant trastuzumab treatment exists since older patients were in general excluded from large randomized studies. This prospective observational study aimed to confirm the beneficial findings from pivotal trials in age cohorts ≥65 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were no restrictions for recruitment with respect to age or concomitant/sequential adjuvant medication. Long-term relapse/survival status of the patients was assessed once a year.

RESULTS

Among the 3940 evaluable patients enrolled between 2006 and 2012 at 339 institutions, 507 were aged between 65 and 69 years, with another 507 patients ≥70 years. Elderly patients suffered from significantly more advanced primary tumors. Preceding or concomitant chemotherapy showed decreasing aggressiveness with patient's age. Trastuzumab treatment was stopped prematurely in only 11% of the elderly, but more often than in younger patients (p=0.0008). With 453 events hitherto reported, elderly patients did not exhibit an inferior relapse-free survival when adjusted for other relevant prognostic factors (hazard ratio: 1.01 per year; p=0.24). Three-year overall survival was significantly lower in the population older than 64 years than in younger patients (94.2% vs. 96.8%, p=0.0011).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, our population of elderly patients treated with adjuvant trastuzumab is the largest analyzed so far. The beneficial long-term results were comparable to those in the younger cohorts. Although the risk of cardiotoxicity increased significantly with age, it also remained manageable in older patients. Thus, chronological age alone should not preclude HER2 antibody treatment.

Four-year evolution of insulin regimens, glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia and body weight after starting insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes across three continents

AIMS

It is of interest to understand how insulin therapy currently evolves in clinical practice, in the years after starting insulin in people with type 2 diabetes. We aimed to describe this evolution prospectively over 4 years, to assist health care planning.

METHODS

People who had started any insulin were identified from 12 countries on three continents. Baseline, then yearly follow-up, data were extracted from clinical records over 4 years.

RESULTS

Of the 2999 eligible people, 2272 were followed over 4 years. When starting insulin, mean (SD) duration of diabetes was 10.6 (7.8) years, HbA1c 9.5 (2.0)% (80 [22]mmol/mol) and BMI 29.3 (6.3)kg/m(2). Initial insulin therapy was basal 52%, premix 23%, mealtime+basal 14%, mealtime 8% and other 3%; at 4 years, 30%, 25%, 33%, 2% and 5%, respectively, with 5% not on insulin. Insulin dose was 20.2U/day at the start and 45.8U/day at year 4. There were 1258 people (55%) on their original regimen at 4 years, and this percentage differed according to baseline insulin regimen. HbA1c change was -2.0 (2.2)% (-22 [24]mmol/mol) and was similar by final insulin regimen. Hypoglycaemia prevalence was <20% in years 1-4. Body weight change was mostly in year 1, and was very variable, mean +2.7 (7.5)kg at year 4.

CONCLUSION

Different insulin regimens were started in people with differing characteristics, and they evolved differently; insulin dose, hypoglycaemia and body weight change were diverse and largely independent of regimen.

Safety and compliance of a complex homeopathic drug (Contramutan N Saft) in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections: A large observational (non-interventional) study in children and adults focussing on homeopathy specific adverse reactions versus adverse drug reactions

BACKGROUND

This non-interventional study was performed to generate data on safety and treatment effects of a complex homeopathic drug (Contramutan N Saft).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

1050 outpatients suffering from common cold were treated with the medication for 8days. The study was conducted in 64 outpatient practices of medical doctors trained in CAM. Tolerability, compliance and the treatment effects were assessed by the physicians and by patient diaries. Adverse events were collected and assessed with specific attention to homeopathic aggravation and proving symptoms. Each adverse effect was additionally evaluated by an advisory board of experts.

RESULTS

The physicians detected 60 adverse events from 46 patients (4.4%). Adverse drug reactions occurred in 14 patients (1.3%). Six patients showed proving symptoms (0.57%) and only one homeopathic aggravation (0.1%) appeared. The rate of compliance was 84% in average for all groups and the global assessment of the treatment effects attributed to "good" and "very good" in 84.9% of all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The homeopathic complex drug was shown to be safe and effective for children and adults likewise. Adverse reactions specifically related to homeopathic principles are very rare. All observed events recovered quickly and were of mild to moderate intensity.

Improvements in patient-reported outcomes: A prospective, non-interventional study with aclidinium bromide for treatment of COPD

BACKGROUND

The inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist aclidinium bromide has been shown to significantly improve lung function parameters and symptom severity in patients with COPD in randomised placebo- and active-controlled clinical studies. To obtain a comprehensive view of the treatment effects, patient-reported outcomes were investigated in a real-life COPD population in routine clinical practice in Austria.

METHODS

Multicentre, prospective, non-interventional study in patients with COPD who were newly initiated on treatment with Eklira® Genuair® (aclidinium bromide; recommended dose 400 μg twice daily) as first-line or add-on therapy. Patients were either treatment naïve or switched from other COPD medications. Health-related quality of life by means of the COPD Assessment Test™ (CAT) and symptom-related variables were evaluated at the first visit (baseline) and after approximately 12 weeks of treatment. Features of the inhaler were assessed by patients and physicians at the follow-up visit.

RESULTS

A total of 795 COPD patients (56% male; median age: 64 years) were enrolled and treated. During the observational period, the proportion of patients with at least moderate nighttime symptoms, early-morning symptoms, and limitations in morning activities decreased from 45.0% to 21.4%, from 57.7% to 26.0%, and from 49.9% to 25.3%, respectively. All improvements from baseline in symptom severity and activity limitation were statistically significant (p < 0.0001, all tests). The mean (±SD) frequency of nocturnal awakenings decreased from 1.2 (±1.4) to 0.7 (±1.2) times per night (p < 0.0001). Quality of life improved significantly in patients treated with aclidinium bromide over 3 months compared to baseline (p < 0.0001; mean CAT total score: 18.5 ± 7.5 vs. 13.8 ± 7.3). Up to 90% of the patients and up to 91% of the physicians assessed individual features of the inhaler as 'very good' or 'good'. Aclidinium bromide was well tolerated; 6.9% of the patients reported adverse drug reactions, none of which were serious.

CONCLUSIONS

This non-interventional study indicated beneficial effects of Eklira® Genuair® in the treatment of COPD with regard to nighttime and early-morning symptoms, limitation of morning activities, and quality of life under routine conditions. The acceptance of the inhaler device was high, which is a prerequisite to ensure adherence in long-term therapy.

Management of severe chronic pain with tapentadol prolonged release - long-term data from pain specialists

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Clinical trials have documented the efficacy and good tolerability of tapentadol prolonged released (PR) for severe chronic pain. This study investigated routine long-term administration by pain specialists.

METHODS

The effectiveness analysis included prospective data collected over a 3 month period (cohort I, n = 1457, mean age 61.2 ± 13 years) and over a 12 month period (cohort II, n = 588, 60.1 ± 13.2 years) regarding previous and concomitant analgesic treatment, tapentadol dosage, pain intensity, sleep and quality of life parameters, and tolerability.

RESULTS

Most patients (>77%) had suffered from severe chronic pain for ≥2 years with low back pain the main pain diagnosis (82%); 91% had already received analgesic long-term treatment prior to initiation of tapentadol therapy (42% of those received strong opioids). After 3 month tapentadol treatment, cohort I had experienced a mean pain reduction of 2.4 points (from 6.8 ± 1.6 at baseline) and improvements of 2.1 points in quality of sleep (from 5.8 ± 2.5) and quality of life (from 6.5 ± 2; all p ≤ 0.001). The 12 month tapentadol treatment (cohort II) reduced the mean pain intensity by 3.2 points from 6.7 ± 1.6 at baseline (NRS-11; p ≤ 0.001); 57% of the patients experienced clinically relevant pain relief of ≥50%. At end of observation, 92% attained either their intended pain reduction and/or an additional individual treatment target, both predefined at start of tapentadol therapy. This was accompanied by a significant reduction in pain-related impairments in daily activities and an improvement in quality of life (all p ≤ 0.001). Most frequent side-effects were nausea (6.3% of patients) and dizziness (3.8%) for cohort I, and nausea (1.5%) and constipation (1.2%) for cohort II.

CONCLUSION

Tapentadol PR is effective and well tolerated and can be considered an alternative to classical strong opioids in long-term chronic pain therapy.

LIMITATIONS

The study lacks a control group; assessment under routine practice conditions, however, reflects daily practice clinical management conditions.

Age-related differences in response to peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin therapy in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.

METHODS: Patients characteristics, treatment results and safety profiles of 4859 patients with hepatitis c virus (HCV) infection receiving treatment with pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin were retrieved from a large ongoing German multicentre non-interventional study. Recommended treatment duration was 24 wk for GT 2 and GT 3 infection and 48 wk for GT 1 and GT 4 infection. Patients were stratified according to age (< 60 years vs≥ 60 years). Because of limited numbers of liver biopsies for further assessment of liver fibrosis APRI (aspartate aminotransferase - platelet ratio index) was performed using pre-treatment laboratory data.

RESULTS: Out of 4859 treated HCV patients 301 (6.2%) were ≥ 60 years. There were more women (55.8% vs 34.2%, P < 0.001) and predominantly GT 1 (81.4% vs 57.3%, P < 0.001) infected patients in the group of patients aged ≥ 60 years and they presented more frequently with metabolic (17.6% vs 4.5%, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular comorbidities (32.6% vs 6.7%, P < 0.001) and significant fibrosis and cirrhosis (F3/4 31.1% vs 14.0%, P = 0.0003). Frequency of dose reduction and treatment discontinuation were significantly higher in elderly patients (30.9% vs 13.7%, P < 0.001 and 47.8% vs 30.8%, P < 0.001). Main reason for treatment discontinuation was “virological non-response” (26.6% vs 13.6%). Sustained virological response (SVR) rates showed an age related difference in patients with genotype 1 (23.7% vs 43.7%, P < 0.001) but not in genotype 2/3 infections (57.7% vs 64.6%, P = 0.341). By multivariate analysis, age and stage of liver disease were independent factors of SVR.

CONCLUSION: Elderly HCV patients differ in clinical characteristics and treatment outcome from younger patients and demand special attention from their practitioner.

The effectiveness and safety of beginning insulin aspart together with basal insulin in people with type 2 diabetes in non-Western nations: results from the A₁chieve observational study

AIMS

The aim of this A₁chieve sub-group analysis was to examine populations beginning insulin aspart together with any basal insulin, all ± oral glucose lowering drugs: insulin aspart added to existing basal insulin (n=519); switched from biphasic insulin (n=947); switched from NPH plus human meal-time insulins (n=586); and insulin-naïve begun with basal plus insulin aspart (n=1594).

METHODS

A₁chieve was a 24-week non-interventional study evaluating insulin analogues in 66,726 people with type 2 diabetes in routine clinical care in 28 non-Western countries. Major endpoints were analysed as change from baseline using Student's paired t-test.

RESULTS

Baseline glycaemic control was poor (mean HbA1c: 9.4-10.1% [79-87 mmol/mol]). HbA₁c, FPG and PPPG improved significantly from baseline in all groups (mean change from baseline in HbA1c: -2.8 to -1.8% [-31 to -20 mmol/mol]; FPG: -4.9 to -2.9 mmol/L; PPPG: -6.7 to -3.9 mmol/L; p<0.001 for all), resulting in a similar level of blood glucose control for all groups at study end. Unsurprisingly, hypoglycaemia rates increased in those starting insulin, but decreased in the other groups. Clinically significant improvements in serum lipids and quality of life occurred across all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the use of basal plus prandial insulin regimens in routine clinical practice in people with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycaemic control.

Insulin detemir in the management of type 2 diabetes in non-Western countries: safety and effectiveness data from the A₁chieve observational study

AIMS

This subgroup analysis of the A₁chieve study examined data from 15,545 people who started treatment with insulin detemir ± oral glucose-lowering drugs in routine clinical care.

METHODS

A₁chieve was a 24-week, international, prospective, non-interventional study of people with type 2 diabetes from non-Western nations starting treatment with basal insulin detemir, bolus insulin aspart or biphasic insulin aspart 30, alone or in combination, to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in routine clinical practice.

RESULTS

HbA₁c for the global cohort improved after 24 weeks from 9.5 ± 1.6% by -2.0 ± 1.6% [80 ± 17 by -22 ± 17 mmol/mol] (-2.1 ± 1.6% [-23 ± 17 mmol/mol] for insulin-naïve participants; -1.6 ± 1.7% [-17 ± 19 mmol/mol] for prior insulin users). Fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose were also significantly reduced (p<0.001), irrespective of prior therapy or geographical region. The incidence of major hypoglycaemia decreased significantly over 24 weeks in both the insulin-naïve and insulin-experienced groups (p<0.0001). Mean body weight decreased overall by -0.4 ± 4.0 kg and blood pressure, lipid profiles, and self-reported quality of life improved over 24 weeks for all people starting treatment with insulin detemir.

CONCLUSION

People with type 2 diabetes in poor glycaemic control starting treatment with insulin detemir reported significant improvements in glycaemic control with improved treatment tolerability, irrespective of prior treatment and geographical region, after 24 weeks.

Azithromycin in acute bacterial upper respiratory tract infections: an Indian non-interventional study

To assess the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of azithromycin in acute bacterial upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). In this open-label, prospective, multi-center, non-interventional study in bacterial URTI, the decision to prescribe azithromycin was independent of enrolment. Follow up was 1 week after treatment and if possible, at Week 2. Investigators' assessment of clinical outcome (Success/Failure) at the end of study was the primary endpoint for efficacy analysis. Clinical outcome of 'Success' was defined as the global response of Cure or Improvement. A pharmacoeconomic analysis of management of URTIs was also attempted. Of the 410 patients recruited, all were evaluated for safety and 278 for efficacy. The median treatment duration was 3 days. Following treatment with azithromycin, overall success rate was 98.92% (95% CI 96.88-99.78%; Clopper-Pearson method). The success rate was similar across the sub-groups of acute otitis media-100%, bacterial sinusitis-95.83%, and pharyngotonsillitis-99.38%. The success rate was 100% among children and adolescents (age ≤18 years) and 98.6% among adults (age >18 years). Most of the common signs and symptoms of URTI reported during baseline, significantly improved at the end of the study. Sixteen (3.90%) patients reported treatment emergent adverse events, the most common being diarrhea-5 (1.2%) and flatulence-2 (0.5%). The average cost of treating bacterial URTI was INR 716 per patient. Azithromycin is effective and well tolerated in Indian patients with bacterial URTIs.