Achievement Of Treatment Targets Research Articles

Prevalence and Characteristics of Adults with Difficult-to-Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Large Patient Registry.

An estimated 5-20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fail multiple treatments and are considered "difficult-to-treat" (D2T), posing a substantial clinical challenge for rheumatologists. A European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) task force proposed a definition of D2T-RA in 2021. We applied EULAR's D2T definition in a cohort of patients with established RA to assess prevalence and we compared clinical characteristics of participants with D2T-RA with matched comparisons. Data from the longitudinal Brigham and Women's Hospital Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study (BRASS) registry was used. Participants were classified as D2T if they met EULAR's definition. A comparison group of non-D2T RA patients were matched 2:1 to every D2T patient, and differences in characteristics were evaluated in descriptive analyses. Prevalence rates of D2T were estimated using Poisson regression. We estimated the prevalence of D2T-RA to be 14.4 (95% CI: 12.8-16.3 per 100 persons) among 1,581 participants with RA, and 22.3 (95% CI: 19.9-25.0 per 100 persons) among 1,021 who were biologic/targeted synthetic DMARD experienced. We observed several differences in demographics, comorbidities, and RA disease activity between D2T-RA and non-D2T RA comparisons. Varying EULAR sub-criteria among all participants in BRASS resulted in a range of D2T-RA prevalence rates, from 0.6-17.5 per 100 persons. EULAR's proposed definition of D2T-RA identifies patients with RA who have not achieved treatment targets. Future research should explore heterogeneity in these patients and evaluate outcomes to inform the design of future studies aimed at developing more effective RA management protocols.

Achievement of Guideline-Recommended Targets for Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in 38 Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of achieving the secondary prevention targets recommended in the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 38 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We pooled nationally representative cross-sectional surveys from 38 LMICs between 2013 and 2020. Treatment, metabolic and lifestyle targets were assessed for individuals with a self-reported history of CVD according to WHO's recommendations. Associations between the prevalence of guideline adherence and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed using multivariate Poisson regression models. The pooled sample included 126 106 participants, of whom 9821 (6.8% [95% CI 6.4-7.2]) reported a history of CVD. Overall, the prevalence of achieving treatment targets in patients with CVD was 22.7% (95% CI, 21.0-24.5%) for antihypertensive drugs, 19.6% (17.9-21.4%) for aspirin, and 13.6% (12.0-15.44%) for statins. The prevalence of achieving metabolic targets was 54.9% (52.5-57.3%) for BMI, 39.9% (37.7-42.2%) for blood pressure, 46.1% (43.6-48.6%) for total cholesterol, and 84.9% (83.1-86.5%) for fasting blood glucose. The prevalence of achieving lifestyle targets was 83.2% (81.5-84.7%) for not smoking, 83.1% (81.2-84.9%) for not drinking, 65.5% (63.1-67.7%) for sufficient physical activity and 16.2% (14.5-18.0%) for healthy diet. Only 6.1% (5.1-7.4%) achieved three treatment targets, 16.0% (14.3-17.9%) achieved four metabolic targets, and 6.9% (5.8-8.0%) achieved four lifestyle targets. Upper-middle income countries were better than low-income countries at achieving the treatment, non-drinking and dietary targets. Being younger and female were associated with poorer achievement of metabolic targets. In LMICs, achieving the targets recommended in the guideline for treatment, metabolism and healthy lifestyles for patients with CVD is notably low. This highlights an urgent need for effective, systematic secondary prevention strategies to improve CVD management.

E067 Bimekizumab maintained efficacy responses through 52 weeks in biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugnaïve patients with psoriatic arthritis who were responders at week 16: results from BE OPTIMAL, a phase 3, activereference study

E067 Bimekizumab maintained efficacy responses through 52 weeks in biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugnaïve patients with psoriatic arthritis who were responders at week 16: results from BE OPTIMAL, a phase 3, activereference study

Tailoring remote patient management in cardiovascular risk management for healthcare professionals using panel management: a qualitative study

BackgroundWhile remote patient management (RPM) has the potential to assist in achieving treatment targets for cardiovascular risk factors in primary care, its effectiveness may vary among different patient subgroups. Panel management, which involves proactive care for specific patient risk groups, could offer a promising approach to tailor RPM to these groups. This study aims to (i) assess the perception of healthcare professionals and other stakeholders regarding the adoption and (ii) identify the barriers and facilitators for successfully implementing such a panel management approach.MethodsIn total, nineteen semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were conducted in the Netherlands. Three authors reviewed the audited transcripts. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Strategies (CFIR) domains were used for the thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 24 participants (GPs, nurses, health insurers, project managers, and IT consultants) participated. Overall, a panel management approach to RPM in primary care was considered valuable by various stakeholders. Implementation barriers encompassed concerns about missing necessary risk factors for patient stratification, additional clinical and technical tasks for nurses, and reimbursement agreements. Facilitators included tailoring consultation frequency and early detection of at-risk patients, an implementation manager accountable for supervising project procedures and establishing agreements on assessing implementation metrics, and ambassador roles.ConclusionPanel management could enhance proactive care and accurately identify which patients could benefit most from RPM to mitigate CVD risk. For successful implementation, we recommend having clear agreements on technical support, financial infrastructure and the criteria for measuring evaluation outcomes.

Sex differences in the intensity of statin prescriptions at initiation in a primary care setting

BackgroundCurrent guidelines for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) provide similar recommendations for the use of statins in both women and men. In this study, we assessed sex...

Approach to the Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Requiring Add-On Medication.

In the last 20 years, the number of approved agents and agent classes for management of type 2 diabetes has expanded significantly. This more robust armamentarium affords us the opportunity to utilize drugs with complementary modes of action to address progressive hyperglycemia as insulin secretion declines over time. Furthermore, some of these agents provide additional benefits, such as weight loss, prevention of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and protection against declining renal function. This dramatic increase of treatment options has led to complex published treatment advice which may be challenging for the busy clinician. A critical element in medication selection is awareness of the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-lowering potency of the agent being considered, and the distance of the patient's HbA1c level from the individualized goal. Other important factors in choosing medication as diabetes progresses include the recognition that there is a diminishing return of glucose-lowering efficacy as add-on agents are introduced, and that the extent of benefit for cardiac and renal protection is not fully understood. In addition, the availability of newer non-insulin agents may distract the clinician from utilizing insulin, the most potent agent available. The goal of this article is to provide a straightforward approach to add-on medication in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, recognizing the limits of polypharmacy and the importance of employing agents best suited to achieving treatment targets. Proposed is a practical tool which provides stepwise guidance, utilizing available data on medication efficacy, while allowing flexibility based on clinician and patient preference.

P961 Achieving treatment targets in Ulcerative Colitis and reasons for failing to do so: Real world experience in a multi-ethnic asian population

Abstract Background In ulcerative colitis (UC), endoscopic remission (ER) is recommended as a long-term treatment target as it predicts favourable outcomes. We performed this study to identify the proportion of patients who achieved treatment targets as set out in the Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel disease (STRIDE II) consensus. Secondly, we aim to identify the reasons for failing to meet treatment targets. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of all UC patients who were seen at Changi General Hospital, Singapore from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2022. Patients were identified from an existing IBD registry. All patients with confirmed diagnosis of UC were included in the analysis. Those with follow up period less than 1 year or no repeat endoscopy were excluded. We collected baseline demographics, disease characteristics, medications, clinical activity scoring, biomarkers, endoscopic findings and histologic reports. We defined biomarker normalization, ER and histological remission as outlined in the STRIDE II consensus. Next, we compared factors associated with ER. We also assessed possible reasons for failure to achieve ER. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Results After excluding 23 patients, a total of 139 patients were analysed with a mean follow-up time of 13.5 years. Figure 1 demonstrates the baseline demographics, disease characteristics, treatment modalities, remission targets and reasons for failure of ER. 96.4% of patients achieved clinical remission with a median time of 8 weeks (IQR: 4). Faecal calprotectin (FC) was not routinely measured at baseline but its use increase significantly after the STRIDE consensus. 53.4% of patients achieved biomarker normalization. ER was achieved in 58.3%. Of the 81 patients who achieved endoscopic remission, 49.4% also achieved histological remission. For patients who had repeat endoscopy within 1 year of diagnosis (35.3%, 49/139), 8.16% had achieved ER with a median time of 34 weeks (IQR: 4). Lower baseline C-reactive protein (CRP), follow-up FC, partial mayo score (PMS) at follow-up and biomarker normalization were associated with ER (Table 1). Interestingly more extensive disease was also associated with ER. The main reason for failing to achieve ER was non-compliance to treatment in 58% of the patients. A smaller proportion of patients refused treatment escalation due to absence of symptoms, cost concerns or repeating endoscopy after treatment escalation. Conclusion More than half of all patients with UC achieve long term target of ER in our population and baseline and follow-up biomarkers and PMS are associated with ER. Patients’ compliance is the key reason for failing to achieve ER. Thus, patient education should be reinforced to improve treatment outcomes.

P253 Knowledge and acceptability of the Lémann Index to measure progressive intestinal damage in Crohn’s disease: results from an international cross-sectional survey

Abstract Background Chronic inflammation in Crohn’s disease (CD) predisposes to progressive structural bowel damage (SBD). The Lémann index (LI) is a prospectively validated tool that captures extent and severity of strictures, penetrating disease and surgery to generate a SBD score.1 It is earmarked as a potential outcome measurement tool for CD modification trials. Understanding perceived barriers and knowledge gaps is critical to its wider adoption. Methods We conducted a multinational, cross-sectional study (March to October 2023) to determine SBD and LI knowledge, and LI acceptability. An online survey link (REDCap) was distributed to clinicians by email through GI professional societies and snowball sampling. The questionnaire included 23 items, 5 sections (demographic, SBD knowledge, LI perception and knowledge, future LI adoption, and optional case) and responses (binary, 5-point Likert scale, 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and free-text) were captured on Excel. Results From 170 respondants: 82 (48%) were female; 142 (82.4%) from Europe, 13 North America (7.6%) and 13 Asia (7.6%). Most were IBD specialists (121; 71.2%), General Gastroenterologists (36; 21.2%), managing >40 CD patients per month (60; 35.3%). 88 (51.8%) questionnaires were incomplete (≥1 questions were unanswered). From completed responses, 99 (92.5%) knew about SBD, 97 (90.7%) rated it ‘’very’’ and ‘’fairly’’ important to measure SBD in clinical trials and 82 (76.6%) in clinical practice; 5 (4.7%) felt it was ‘’not important’’. Most agreed LI would improve long-term outcomes in CD (55; 55%) and show achievement of treatment targets (74; 74.7%). More (43; 42.6%) replied it was ‘’very difficult’’ or ‘’difficult’’ to complete the LI for each patient; 36 (36%) felt that it took ‘’significant’’ or ‘’a lot’’ of effort (Figure 1). Most (86; 80.4%) were untrained in calculating the LI; 73 (68.2%) felt it was ‘’very’’ and ‘’fairly’’ important to receive training. Most reported intestinal ultrasound instead of MR enterography to be important (VAS scores 8-10) for encouraging LI calculation in future clinical trials (53; 54.6%) and clinical practice (49; 52.7%) (Figure 2). Lack of time (80.2%), automated calculation methods (64.2%) and dedicated radiologist (50.6%) were the top 3 perceived barriers to wider adoption. Conclusion Most respondents had baseline knowledge of SBD and perceived the LI to be important in future long term CD research and clinical practice. Interventions to improve training and automation are needed to facilitate wider adoption of the LI. Reference 1. Pariente B, et al.Validation and Update of the Lémann Index to Measure Cumulative Structural Bowel Damage in Crohn's Disease.Gastroenterology.2021 Sep;161(3):853-864.e13.

Time for “Code ICH”? Workflow Metrics of Hyperacute Treatments and Outcome in Patients with Intracerebral Haemorrhage

Introduction: Knowledge about uptake and workflow metrics of hyperacute treatments in patients with non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in the emergency department is scarce. Methods: Single-centre retrospective study of consecutive patients with ICH between 01/2018–08/2020. We assessed uptake and workflow metrics of acute therapies overall and according to referral mode (stroke code, transfer from other hospital, or other). Results: We enrolled 332 patients (age 73 years, IQR: 63–81 and GCS 14 points, IQR: 11–15, onset-to-admission time 284 min, IQR: 111–708 min), of whom 101 patients (35%) had lobar haematoma. Mode of referral was stroke code in 129 patients (38%), transfer from other hospital in 143 patients (43%), and arrival by other means in 60 patients (18%). Overall, 143 of 216 (66%) patients with systolic blood pressure >150 mm Hg received IV-antihypertensive treatment, and 67 of 76 (88%) on therapeutic oral anticoagulation received prothrombin complex concentrate treatment (PCC). Forty-six patients (14%) received any neurosurgical intervention within 3 h of admission. Median treatment times from admission to first IV-antihypertensive treatment were 38 min (IQR: 18–72 min) and 59 min (IQR: 37–111 min) for PCC, with significant differences according to mode of referral (p p = 0.92). The median time in the emergency department was 139 min (IQR: 85–220 min), and among patients with elevated blood pressure, only 44% achieved a successful control (p = 0.008) and non-significant trends towards better functional outcome measured using the modified Rankin scale score at 3 months (aOR for ordinal shift 0.54, 95% CI: 0.26–1.12, p = 0.097). Conclusion: Uptake of hyperacute therapies for ICH treatment in the ED is heterogeneous. Treatment delays are short, but not all patients achieve treatment targets during ED stay. Code ICH-concordant treatment may improve clinical outcomes. Further improvements seem achievable by advocating for a “code ICH” to streamline acute treatments.

A multidisciplinary, shared care clinic using personalized medicine and coordinated care in patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Protocol and baseline characteristics

BackgroundConcomitant type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is frequent with a poor prognosis with high risk of comorbidities. Strict risk factor control reduces the risk for complications – yet many people do not achieve treatment targets. The complexity and fragmentation of the healthcare system may, together with the vulnerability of these patients, be a reason. ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to describe the protocol of a non-randomized interventional pilot study testing the feasibility and effect of a multidisciplinary, shared care clinic using personalized medicine and coordinated care in people living with concomitant T2D and CVD. MethodsParticipants were included from the Holbaek area in Denmark. People suffered from T2DM and CVD and were dysregulated regarding to HbA1c, cholesterol, micro/macroalbuminuaria or blood pressure. Participants went through a thorough evaluation to identify their needs and resources and received consultations every three months for one year. ResultsA total of 63 participants with T2DM and CVD were enrolled in the clinic. The participants had a mean age of 69 years and a BMI of 30.9 kg/m2. Almost 50 % had heart failure, 95 % dyslipidemia and 91 % hypertension. Around 54 % received GLP-1 agonists and 39 % received SGLT-2-inhibitors. PerspectivesTo our knowledge, a similar study with a multidisciplinary, shared care, outpatient clinic treating people living with concomitant T2DM and CVD, has not been performed previously. This study will provide information about the feasibility and efficacy of a multidisciplinary clinic based on changes in cardiovascular risk factors and medication.

Cost per Patient Achieving Treatment Targets and Number Needed to Treat with Tirzepatide Versus Semaglutide 1mg in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the United States.

Achieving glycemic control can help reduce complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study compared the pharmacy cost per responder and number needed to treat (NNT) of tirzepatide 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg versus semaglutide 1mg to achieve glycemic, weight loss, and composite treatment endpoints in patients with T2D in the United States. The proportions of patients achieving glycemic, weight loss, and composite treatment endpoints were obtained from the phase 3 SURPASS-2 randomized clinical trial which compared tirzepatide 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg to semaglutide 1mg. Annual pharmacy costs were calculated using 2022 wholesale acquisition costs. Cost per responder and NNT were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals and tests for statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05). Tirzepatide had a lower cost per responder to achieve glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) endpoints of ≤ 6.5% (10mg and 15mg doses) and < 5.7% (all doses) and weight loss endpoints of ≥ 5% (10mg and 15mg doses), ≥ 10% (all doses), and ≥ 15% (all doses). The cost per responder to achieve HbA1c < 7% (all doses of tirzepatide) and ≤ 6.5% (5mg tirzepatide) were not statistically significantly different between tirzepatide and semaglutide 1mg. The cost per patient to achieve the composite endpoints (HbA1c < 7.0%, ≤ 6.5%, or < 5.7%/weight loss ≥ 10%/no hypoglycemia) was statistically significantly lower for all doses of tirzepatide than for semaglutide 1mg. The NNTs for all doses of tirzepatide were statistically significantly lower than that for semaglutide 1mg to achieve all individual and composite endpoints, with the exception of the 5mg dose for HbA1c < 7.0% and HbA1c ≤ 6.5%, where tirzepatide had numerically lower NNTs that were not statistically significant. Tirzepatide is a novel glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) that may offer the potential to achieve stringent glycemic goals, weight loss targets, and composite treatment goals at a lower cost per responder compared to semaglutide 1mg among people with T2D.

Treatment target achievement in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: A real-world descriptive study

BackgroundStatin and ezetimibe represent the first line of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a disease associated with a strong cardiovascular risk. The current low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target achievement rate in a real-world context using these conventional treatments has never been investigated in the Province of Quebec (Canada). ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of FH patients in primary cardiovascular prevention who attained their recommended LDL-C threshold without being treated with a PCSK9 inhibitor. MethodsPatients included in this retrospective study were followed at the Lipid Clinic of the Montreal Clinical Research Institute. All patients were molecularly defined (97%) or had a definite clinical diagnosis of FH. ResultsA total of 225 patients were included in this study, of which 73% were on high-intensity statin therapy. While two-thirds of the cohort achieved the LDL-C treatment target of ≥ 50% reduction from baseline, only one third attained the target of < 2.5 mmol/L (<97 mg/dL). However, patients on high-intensity statin therapy were two times more likely to achieve the < 2.5 mmol/L targets as compared to those treated with low or moderate statin intensity (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in treatment target achievement between men and women. ConclusionTarget achievement rate was unacceptably low in our FH patients. Conventional lipid-lowering treatments alone may not be sufficient in most FH patients to ensure adequate cardiovascular prevention.

Beliefs about medicines in gout patients: results from the NOR-Gout 2-year study

Objective Adherence to urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in gout is challenging. This longitudinal study aimed to determine 2 year changes in beliefs about medicines during intervention with ULT. Method Patients with a recent gout flare and increased serum urate received a nurse-led ULT intervention with tight control visits and a treatment target. Frequent visits at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months included the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and demographic and clinical variables. The BMQ subscales on necessity, concerns, overuse, harm, and the necessity–concerns differential were calculated as a measure of whether the patient perceived that necessity outweighed concerns. Results The mean serum urate reduced from 500 mmol/L at baseline to 324 mmol/L at year 2. At years 1 and 2, 85.5% and 78.6% of patients, respectively, were at treatment target. The 2 year mean ± sd BMQ scores increased for the necessity subscale from 17.0 ± 4.4 to 18.9 ± 3.6 (p < 0.001) and decreased for the concerns subscale from 13.4 ± 4.9 to 12.5 ± 2.7 (p = 0.001). The necessity–concerns differential increased from 3.52 to 6.58 (p < 0.001), with a positive change independent of patients achieving treatment targets at 1 or 2 years. BMQ scores were not significantly related to treatment outcomes 1 or 2 years later, and achieving treatment targets did not lead to higher BMQ scores. Conclusion Patient beliefs about medicines improved gradually over 2 years, with increased beliefs in the necessity of medication and reduced concerns, but this improvement was unrelated to better outcomes. Trial Registration ACTRN12618001372279

Prior Diagnosis of Diabetes but Not Its Control is Associated with Higher Depression Score Among Older Individuals.

The study assessed the relationship between prior diagnosis of diabetes and its control with depression score, differences in socioeconomic, lifestyle, health characteristics and diabetes control by adherence to treatment in population-based sample of older individuals. The analysis of the sub-sample of Polish cohort of the HAPIEE (Health, Alcohol, and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe) study was conducted; 464 participants were interviewed and random first 360 (78%) underwent physical examination and blood sample tests. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The robust regression method was applied to assess the association between depression score and diabetes diagnosis as well as diabetes control. There were 97 participants (21.0%) at mean age of 73.6 years (SD=6.31 years) with prior diagnosis of diabetes. Mean HbA1c concentration was 6.65% (SD=1.0) The majority of patients (55.7%) used oral medication with diet. Nearly 20% declared the use of oral treatment alone, and 10.3% used combined treatment of oral medications, insulin, and diet. In this study, 86.6% of the participants with diabetes confirmed self-monitoring of blood glucose levels and 58.8% were on high-quality diet. No differences in socioeconomic, lifestyle, health characteristics or control of diabetes by adherence to diabetes treatment were found. After adjustment for age and gender, diagnosis of diabetes was associated with greater depressive score by about 2 points (β=2.02, 95% CI=0.16;3.88). However, no significant association between depression score and any indicator of diabetes control was found. In older individuals with diabetes, depression score was higher compared to those without diabetes, but it was not related to poorer diabetes control. No differences in socioeconomic, lifestyle, health characteristics and control of diabetes by adherence to diabetes treatment may suggest that in this age group some other, less known factors are substantial for achievement of treatment targets.

403 Achievement of minimal disease activity is associated with improvements in symptoms, quality of life and treatment satisfaction in patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract There is a need for clear criteria to guide treatment decisions and disease management in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The recently developed minimal disease activity (MDA) concept aims to optimize AD management through shared decision-making between patients and clinicians in a treat-to-target approach, and is based on consensus recommendations from 87 physicians and insights from 88 patients globally.This study aims to evaluate how achieving MDA affects outcomes in patients with AD. Observed-case data from three phase 3 clinical trials involving adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD were integrated and analysed (NCT03568318, NCT03569293 and NCT03607422). The MDA criteria were applied to clinician-reported measures [Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis, validated Investigator Global Assessment, and body surface area] and patient-reported measures [Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (WP-NRS), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, Atopic Dermatitis Symptom Scale (ADerm-SS) Skin Pain score, Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale (ADerm-IS) Sleep disturbance score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index]. Patients were stratified into three mutually exclusive groups by achievement of treatment targets per measurement at week 16: (i) achieving the optimal target (i.e. MDA) criteria [e.g. EASI improvement ≥90% (EASI 90); WP-NRS ≤1], (ii) achieving the moderate but not optimal target criteria [e.g. EASI improvement ≥75% and &amp;lt;90%; WP-NRS improvement (reduction) ≥4 and WP-NRS &amp;gt;1] and (iii) not achieving either target criteria. Among the stratified target groups (optimal, moderate and neither), patients’ symptoms, quality of life, work productivity and treatment satisfaction were assessed based on achieving meaningful clinically important differences in ADerm-SS 7-item total symptom score (ADerm-SS TSS-7; improvement ≥28), ADerm-IS Daily Activities score (improvement ≥14), ADerm-IS Emotional State score (improvement ≥11), percentage-point improvement in Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) Overall Work Productivity score and proportion reporting Patient Global Impressions of Treatment of ‘Extremely/Very Satisfied’. Stratified target groups were compared with a chi-squared or t-test for categorical or continuous variables, respectively, based on observed data. This analysis included 2392 patients. Patients in the optimal target (MDA) group based on EASI (EASI 90) vs. those in the moderate or neither target group had a higher proportion reporting meaningful improvements in ADerm-SS TSS-7 (optimal = 82.6% vs. moderate = 56.8% or neither = 27.4%; P &amp;lt; 0.001 for both comparisons), ADerm-IS Daily Activities (87.2% vs. 66.2% or 39.9%; both P &amp;lt; 0.001) and ADerm-IS Emotional State (86.1% vs. 67.1% or 36.8%; both P &amp;lt; 0.001); a greater percentage-point improvement in WPAI Overall Work Productivity (36.8% vs. 29.2% or 16.6%; both P &amp;lt; 0.01); and a higher proportion reporting being very/extremely satisfied with treatment (73.5% vs. 54.0% or 23.5%; both P &amp;lt; 0.001). Patients in the optimal target (MDA) group based on itch (WP-NRS ≤1) vs. those in the moderate or neither target group had a higher proportion reporting meaningful improvements in ADerm-SS TSS-7 (94.3% vs. 79.7% or 19.1%; both P &amp;lt; 0.001), ADerm-IS Daily Activities (97.3% vs. 84.7% or 33.6%; both P &amp;lt; 0.001) and ADerm-IS Emotional State (94.5% vs. 84.5% or 31.7%; both P &amp;lt; 0.001); a greater percentage-point improvement in WPAI Overall Work Productivity [39.7% vs. 35.2% (not significant) or 14.6% (P &amp;lt; 0.001)]; and a higher proportion reporting being very/extremely satisfied with treatment (79.7% vs. 60.5% or 26.8%; both P &amp;lt; 0.001). Trends were similar in other clinician- and patient-reported measures, with patients who achieved MDA generally reporting better outcomes. Achieving MDA from both a clinician and patient perspective was generally associated with greater improvements in AD symptoms, daily activities, emotional state, work productivity and higher satisfaction. These results demonstrate the value of achieving MDA and support implementing MDA in clinical practice to help improve the current standard of AD care.

Effect of Dolutegravir and multi-month dispensing on viral suppression among children with HIV.

Few studies in sub-Saharan Africa have assessed the impact of multi-month dispensing (MMD) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and dolutegravir (DTG) beyond clinical trials among children with HIV (CWHIV). We assessed the effect of the two interventions on achieving undetectable viral load (VL) among CWHIV 0-15 years in Nigeria. We utilized longitudinal routine records, and cross-sectional survey data from caregivers of a sub-sample of children. VLs were considered suppressed at <1000 copies/ml and undetectable at <50 copies/ml. MMD was defined as ART refill for >84 days. The effect of MMD and DTG on VL levels, and associations between social factors and VL was estimated using generalized linear models, reporting adjusted relative risks (aRR)/prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Of 2,490 CWHIV, 52% were male, with a median age of 10 years (IQR: 6-13) and median duration on ART of 4.6 years (IQR: 2.8-7.1). Overall, 73% were on DTG and 55% received MMD. At baseline, 63% were suppressed, while 79% and 56% were suppressed and undetectable in their last VL respectively.We found no differences in undetectable VL between those on MMD and not on MMD (aRR: 1.05 [95%CI: 0.94-1.18]); and between those on DTG and not on DTG (1.07 [0.92-1.25]). In secondary analyses, poor adherence and being in a support group were associated with lower likelihood of undetectable VL (aPR: 0.85 [95%CI: 0.74-0.96], and 0.81 [0.68-0.96] respectively). MMD did not compromise treatment outcomes for CWHIV. Poor adherence however remains a barrier to achieving treatment targets.

National Heart Center/Saudi Heart Association 2023 Guidelines on the Management of Hypertension.

Hypertension is a highly prevalent disease in Saudi Arabia with poor control rates. Updated guidelines are needed to guide the management of hypertension and improve treatment outcomes. A panel of experts representing the National Heart Center (NHC) and the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) reviewed existing evidence and formulated guidance relevant to the local population, clinical practice and the healthcare system. The recommendations were reviewed to ensure scientific and medical accuracy. Hypertension was defined and a new classification was proposed as relevant to the Saudi population. Recommendations on diagnosis, clinical evaluation, cardiovascular assessment were detailed, along with guidance on measurement modalities and screening/follow-up. Non-pharmacological management is the first line of hypertension treatment. Pharmacological therapy should be used appropriately as needed. Treatment priority is to control blood pressure regardless of the drug class used. The choice of treatment should be tailored to the patient profile in order to achieve treatment targets and ensure patient compliance. Recommendations were provided on pharmacological options available in Saudi Arabia, as well as guidance on the treatment of special conditions. Hypertension management should be based on appropriate screening, timely diagnosis and lifestyle changes supplemented with pharmacological therapy, as needed. Clinical management should be individualized, and careful consideration should be given to special conditions and patient groups.

Indicators of quality of diabetes care in persons with type 2 diabetes with and without severe mental illness: a Danish nationwide register-based cohort study.

This study aims to examine quality of diabetes care in persons with type 2 diabetes with and without severe mental illness (SMI). In a nationwide prospective register-based study, we followed persons with type 2 diabetes in Denmark with and without SMI including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Quality of care was measured as receipt of care (hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and urine albumin creatinine ratio assessment and eye and foot screening) and achievement of treatment targets between 2015 and 2019. Quality of care was compared in persons with and without SMI using generalized linear mixed models adjusted for key confounders. We included 216,537 persons with type 2 diabetes. At entry 16,874 (8%) had SMI. SMI was associated with lower odds of receiving care, with the most pronounced difference in urine albumin creatinine ratio assessment and eye screening (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.53-0.58 and OR: 0.37 95% CI: 0.32-0.42, respectively). Among those with an assessment, we found that SMI was associated with higher achievement of recommended hemoglobin A1c levels and lower achievement of recommended low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. Achievement of recommended low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels was similar in persons with versus without schizophrenia. Compared to persons without SMI, persons with SMI were less likely to receive process of care, with the most pronounced differences in urine albumin creatinine ratio assessment and eye screening. This study was funded by Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen through an unrestricted grant from Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Type 1 diabetes management: Room for improvement.

Optimal diabetes care and risk factor management are important to delay micro- and macrovascular complications in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Ongoing improvement of management strategies requires the evaluation of target achievement and identification of risk factors in individuals who do (or do not) achieve these targets. Cross-sectional data were collected from adults with T1D visiting six diabetes centers in the Netherlands in 2018. Targets were defined as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <53 mmol/mol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) <2.6 mmoL/L (no cardiovascular disease [CVD] present) or <1.8 mmoL/L (CVD present), or blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mm Hg. Target achievement was compared for individuals with and without CVD. Data from 1737 individuals were included. Mean HbA1c was 63 mmol/mol (7.9%), LDL-c was 2.67 mmoL/L, and BP 131/76 mm Hg. In individuals with CVD, 24%, 33%, and 46% achieved HbA1c, LDL-c, and BP targets respectively. In individuals without CVD these percentages were 29%, 54%, and 77%, respectively. Individuals with CVD did not have any significant risk factors for HbA1c, LDL-c, and BP target achievement. In comparison, individuals without CVD were more likely to achieve glycemic targets if they were men and insulin pump users. Smoking, microvascular complications, and the prescription of lipid-lowering and antihypertensive medication were negatively associated with glycemic target achievement. No characteristics were associated with LDL-c target achievement. Microvascular complications and antihypertensive medication prescription were negatively associated with BP target attainment. Opportunities for improvement of diabetes management exist for the achievement of glycemic, lipid, and BP targets but may differ between individuals with and without CVD.

Efficacy and gastrointestinal tolerability of methotrexate in late-onset rheumatoid arthritis patients: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe proportion of the late-onset forms of disease is growing in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) population. Concerns about comorbidities and drug adverse events lead to delay or ineffective treatment in these patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the tolerability and efficacy of methotrexate therapy in late-onset RA (LORA) patients and compare the baseline characteristics, efficacy, and gastrointestinal (GIT) adverse effects of methotrexate treatment between LORA and young-onset RA patients (YORA).ResultsPatients whose symptoms began after 65 years or older were classified as LORA. Baseline characteristics, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status, C-reactive proten (CRP) levels, disease activity scores, and radiographs of hands and feet were recorded. Patients were started to methotrexate therapy and followed for 6 months. Female gender was predominant in both LORA and YORA. LORA patients had less seropositivity (RF or anti-CCP), higher CRP levels, and higher DAS 28 scores. More than half of the patients (58%) had large joint involvement. Remission rates were higher in LORA patients, and total remission and low disease activity rates were similar. Methotrexate withdrawal due to gastrointestinal adverse events (nausea and vomiting) was lower than YORA patients. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that DAS 28 score was the only predictor for disease remission (p: 0.000), and no predictive factor was found for methotrexate-related adverse events.ConclusionMethotrexate-related gastrointestinal adverse events do not increase in LORA patients, and nausea-vomiting is seen lower than YORA. Methotrexate is well tolerated and effective in LORA patients, and a large amount of patients achieve treatment targets after 6 months of treatment with MTX. Methotrexate should be started immediately in LORA without additional concerns on adverse effects.