Changes In Prescribing Research Articles

Lifestyle management and compliance in coronary patients: The gender gap. Results from the ESC EORP EUROASPIRE V survey

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Fonds voor hartchirurgie - Fonds pour la Chirurgie Cardiaque OnBehalf EUROASPIRE studygroup BACKGROUND Although previous EUROASPIRE (European Survey Of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention And Diabetes) findings suggest only limited gender differences in the medication intake of coronary patients, the CVD risk factor profile in women remains suboptimal compared to men. Therefore, to further lower the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events, lifestyle behaviour in secondary prevention is crucial. Little is known about gender differences in prescribed lifestyle and patient compliance in tackling lifestyle related risk factor targets. PURPOSE The aim of this study is to identify gender differences in lifestyle prescription and lifestyle compliance after a coronary event. METHODS Analyses were carried out on the ESC EORP EUROASPIRE V survey data, including information from coronary patients recruited in 27 European countries. Consecutive patients <80 years were hospitalized for a CABG, PCI, acute myocardial infarction or acute myocardial ischaemia. Information on lifestyle prescription and lifestyle compliance, were obtained from standardized patient interviews (6 months to 2 years following hospital discharge). Logistic regression analyses adjusting for medical history (stroke, heart failure and diabetes) were performed. RESULTS Data was available for 8261 patients of which 25.8% were women. The mean (SD) age at interview was 62.9 (9.7) years for men and 65.4 (9.2) for women. Overall, no gender differences were observed in smoking cessation advice (85.2% vs. 84.5%; P = 0.90) and in smokers’ attempts to quit smoking (62.6% vs. 63.9%; P= 0.58). Also, no gender differences were observed in dietary advice (85.5% vs. 84.9%; P= 0.32) and in attempts to adopt a healthier diet (87.1% vs. 88.4%; P= 0.14). In contrast, although no gender differences were seen in weight changes among obese patients (60.1% vs. 58.2%; P = 0.49), women were less likely to receive advice on losing weight (75.1% vs. 71.6%; P = 0.02). Interestingly, the latter findings were driven by educational level. Women with a low education level were less likely to receive weight loss advice (71.8% vs. 52.9%; P < 0.001) and a lower proportion of them tried to lose weight (52.3% vs. 36.7%; P < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed in those with a high educational level. Furthermore, women were less likely to receive physical activity advice (63.8% vs. 59.6%; P < 0.001) and a lower proportion of them attempted to increase their physical activity levels (55.5% vs. 48.0%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION These findings suggest worse lifestyle prescription and lifestyle changes for physical activity in women and worse weight loss prescription and weight loss compliance in low educated but not highly educated women. Specific attention should be given to women with a low educational level. Further quantitative and qualitative research is needed to understand the gender gap in lifestyle management.

Rapid molecular syndromic testing for aetiological diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections and targeted antimicrobial prescription: experience from a reference paediatric hospital in Spain

Aetiological diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections is challenging since a wide range of bacteria, parasites and viruses can be causal agents and derived clinical manifestations appear quite similar. Our aim was to evaluate contribution of the novel QIAstat-DxGastrointestinal Panel (GIP) to aetiological diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections and rational antimicrobial prescription in a reference paediatric hospital. Evaluation included comparison of diagnostic yield and agreement of results of QIAstat-Dx GIP and conventional microbiological methods. Parallel testing was performed on stool samples collected prospectively from children admitted to Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Hospital (Spain) during the period February–March 2019. Influence of the panel test use on antimicrobial prescription was assessed using a pre–post study design. Eighty-six (68.8%) out of 125 specimens were positive by QIAstat-Dx GIP versus 44 (35.2%) positive by a composite of conventional methods (p<0.001). Global agreement of panel test results with rotavirus-adenovirus antigen detection (92.8%) and a two-step antigen/toxin and PCR-based algorithm for toxigenic Clostridioides difficile detection (87.5%) was greater than that with bacterial culture (76.0%) and parasite microscopic identification (64.3%). Panel test results orientated antimicrobial prescription changes in 18 (14.4%) patients, including antimicrobial start in 11 cases initially untreated, targeted antimicrobial prescription in 5 and discontinuation in 2 cases empirically treated. Results showed that QIAstat-Dx GIP significantly expanded aetiological diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections compared to conventional microbiological methods while orientating a more judicious use of antimicrobial drugs in hospitalised children.

Ambulatory drug changes in the elderly after hospital discharge: A cohort study

To describe the ambulatory changes in drug prescriptions 3 months after hospital discharge among elderly patients aged 75 and over, and to identify the reasons for these changes. A prospective cohort study was conducted on subjects, discharged between 09/2016 and 01/2017 from the Bordeaux University Hospital. Prescription forms were collected from patients' pharmacists. The main outcome was the occurrence of at least one significant change (SC) defined as an initiation, a discontinuation, a switch or change in drug daily dosage as regards the drugs prescribed upon hospital discharge and those prescribed 3 months after. Whenever drug SC occurred, general practitioners were requested to elicit reasons for such changes. Among the 126 patients included in our study, 73 underwent a 3-month follow-up period, without death or being re-hospitalised. 87.7% of them had at least one SC 3 months after discharge, with an average of 3.1±2.5 SC per patient. Main changes involved: discontinuation or dose decrease of anxiolytics, hypnotics, antalgics, betablockers and calcium channel blockers; start or dose increase of diuretics, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. In patients with a 3-month follow-up period, 27.4% underwent at least one ADR-induced SC. Most elderly patients experience drug prescription changes after discharge. Some, according to drug iatrogenic, could be avoided through better cooperation between hospital and ambulatory prescribers.

What changes in prescription patterns of antiemetic medications in pregnant women in France?

In France, few data are available on the prescription patterns of antiemetic medications in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to describe antiemetic medication prescriptions and trends over time. Can we observe significantchanges in pregnant woman prescriptions in recent years? We conducted a drug utilization study among pregnant women using data from the EFEMERIS database, including 135574 pregnant women who had a pregnancy outcome between 2004 and 2017 in Haute-Garonne (France). During the study period, 40028 women (29.5%) received at least one antiemetic prescription during pregnancy. Metoclopramide (56.6%), domperidone (34.9%), and metopimazine (28.5%) were the most commonly prescribed antiemetics, whatever the trimester of pregnancy. Prescriptions of ondansetron only concerned 53 women (0.1%). The prevalence of women who received at least one prescription for an antiemetic decreased from 32.5% in 2010 to 21.6% in 2017. This decline mainly concerned domperidone prescriptions (from 13.1% in 2010 to 1.2% in 2017). Metoclopramide prescriptions also decreased slightly (18.3% in 2010 and 14.0% in 2017). Metopimazine prescriptions increased lowly (8.0% in 2010 and 9.0% in 2017). This study showed a decrease of antiemetic prescriptions between 2010 and 2017, linked to the sharp decrease in domperidone use from 2011, probably related to warnings about the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects following exposure to domperidone. We could not observe real switches to other antiemetic medications. No switches to ondansetron could be noted either, with only rare exposure during pregnancy, contrary to other countries, like the United States.

Virtual optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy in hospitalized patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: the IMPLEMENT-HF pilot study.

Implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains incomplete. Non-cardiovascular hospitalization may present opportunities for GDMT optimization. We assessed the efficacy and durability of a virtual, multidisciplinary 'GDMT Team' on medical therapy prescription for HFrEF. Consecutive hospitalizations in patients with HFrEF (ejection fraction ≤40%) were prospectively identified from 3 February to 1 March 2020 (usual care group) and 2 March to 28 August 2020 (intervention group). Patients with critical illness, de novo heart failure, and systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg in the preceeding 24 hs prior to enrollment were excluded. In the intervention group, a pharmacist-physician GDMT Team provided optimization suggestions to treating teams based on an evidence-based algorithm. The primary outcome was a GDMT optimization score, the sum of positive (+1 for new initiations or up-titrations) and negative therapeutic changes (-1 for discontinuations or down-titrations) at hospital discharge. Serious in-hospital safety events were assessed. Among 278 consecutive encounters with HFrEF, 118 met eligibility criteria; 29 (25%) received usual care and 89 (75%) received the GDMT Team intervention. Among usual care encounters, there were no changes in GDMT prescription during hospitalization. In the intervention group, β-blocker (72% to 88%; P=0.01), angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (6% to 17%; P=0.03), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (16% to 29%; P=0.05), and triple therapy (9% to 26%; P < 0.01) prescriptions increased during hospitalization. After adjustment for clinically relevant covariates, the GDMT Team was associated with an increase in GDMT optimization score (+0.58; 95% confidence interval +0.09 to +1.07; P=0.02). There were no serious in-hospital adverse events. Non-cardiovascular hospitalizations are a potentially safe and effective setting for GDMT optimization. A virtual GDMT Team was associated with improved heart failure therapeutic optimization. This implementation strategy warrants testing in a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Impact of a Social Marketing Intervention on General Practitioners' Antibiotic Prescribing Practices for Acute Respiratory Tract Complaints in Malta.

Introduction: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in primary care for acute respiratory tract complaints (aRTCs), often inappropriately. Social marketing interventions could improve prescribing in such settings. We evaluate the impact of a social marketing intervention on general practitioners’ (GPs’) antibiotic prescribing for aRTCs in Malta. Methods: Changes in GPs’ antibiotic prescribing were monitored over two surveillance periods between 2015 and 2018. Primary outcome: change in antibiotic prescription for aRTCs. Secondary outcomes: change in antibiotic prescription: (i) for immediate use, (ii) for delayed antibiotic prescription, (iii) by diagnosis, and (iv) by antibiotic class. Data were analysed using clustered analysis and interrupted time series analysis (ITSA). Results: Of 33 participating GPs, 18 successfully completed the study. Although clustered analyses showed a significant 3% decrease in overall antibiotic prescription (p = 0.024), ITSA showed no significant change overall (p = 0.264). Antibiotic prescription decreased significantly for the common cold (p < 0.001), otitis media (p = 0.044), and sinusitis (p = 0.004), but increased for pharyngitis (p = 0.015). Conclusions: The intervention resulted in modest improvements in GPs’ antibiotic prescribing. A more top-down approach will likely be required for future initiatives to be successful in this setting, focusing on diagnostic and prescribing support like rapid diagnostic testing, prescribing guidelines, and standardised delayed antibiotic prescriptions.

The Clinical Pharmacist assessment in the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in a university hospital

Objetive: to evaluate the adherence of health professionals to interventions by the clinical pharmacist service in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in a teaching hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which, through data collection and analysis statistics (considering p &lt;0.05 as the level of significance), pharmaceutical therapies related to drug prescription related to prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (following the protocol in force at the institution) for patients admitted to a teaching hospital in Minas Gerais from December 2019 to August 2020.. The level of acceptance of clinical pharmacy interventions regarding the need to prescribe prophylactic anticoagulants, change in anticoagulation dosage, prescription of two or more anticoagulants and the lack of risk classification was evaluated for the development of venous thromboembolism for inpatients. Results: in the nine-month period, 62 pharmaceutical interventions were performed before the clinical staff, with 82.25% adherence: need for prescription of anticoagulants (82.75%); change in anticoagulation dosage (80%) and prescription of two or more anticoagulants (100%). In the same period, 2070 interventions (100%) with the nursing team were identified regarding the lack of risk classification for the development of venous thromboembolism for patients admitted via the RM Saude system. Conclusion: the evaluation allowed to identify the importance of the clinical pharmacist in the prevention of thromboembolic events for patients admitted to a hospital.

Changes in Antibiotic Prescription After Tooth Extraction: A Population-Based Study from 2002 to 2018

ObjectiveMicrobial resistance due to antibiotic misuse is a worldwide problem. This study aimed to examine the trends in antibiotic prescription after tooth extraction in Korea. MethodsFrom the database of National Health Insurance Sharing Service, patients who underwent tooth extraction from 2002 to 2018 were selected as subjects, and 10% of them were selected via stratified sampling based on sex and age. Overall, 15,838,529 cases were observed for annual antibiotic prescription and broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription patterns. Additionally, standardized annual antibiotic use was calculated using a defined daily dose. ResultsPrescriptions were issued in 13,429,770 (84.8%) of the tooth extraction cases, of which 12,179,185 (90.7%) included antibiotics. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of prescribing antibiotics after tooth extraction decreased in 2003 compared to 2002 (odds ratio, 0.95) but increased from 2004 to 2018. In the case of the broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription rate, there was no clear trend between 2002 and 2012 (odds ratio, 0.89-1.07); however, over the last 5 years, the likelihood of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription has steadily increased. The value of antibiotics based on the defined daily dose of 1000 patients per day was calculated to be 4.39 in 2002, exhibiting a steady increase later and reaching 6.97 in 2018, whereas that of broad-spectrum antibiotics was 1.68 in 2002 and has since been on the rise; the highest was 3.82 in 2018. ConclusionsAntibiotic use after tooth extraction increased over the last 17 years; additionally, the rate of prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics has increased over the last 5 years.

Changes of antibiotic prescribing pattern and its resistance to E. Coli in South Korea: a 12-year retrospective observational study

In the present study, we investigated the pattern of changes in antibiotic prescription and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli in South Korea between 2007 and 2018. We collected data related to antibiotic prescription and AMR in E. coli from the national surveillance system. We used the Mann–Kendall test and Spearman’s correlation to identify the trends of antibiotic prescription and AMR in E. coli and to examine the relationship between them, respectively. Although we noted a significant decreasing trend of ampicillin and gentamicin prescriptions in all medical institutions, we identified a higher level of AMR in long-term care facilities than in other medical institutions. We did not identify a significant positive correlation between ampicillin and gentamicin prescriptions and their resistance in E. coli. However, we found a significant positive correlation between cefotaxime prescription and its resistance in E. coli in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. Our results strongly suggest that long-term care facilities in South Korea have the potential to sustain AMR epidemics and that more efforts are needed to curb AMR in E. coli. Further epidemiological studies using enhanced AMR surveillance are warranted.

Antidyslipidemic Drug Prescriptions and Lipid Control Status After Unfavorable Annual Health Checkup Results: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using a Health Insurance Database.

BackgroundJapanese employers are obligated to offer employees annual health checkups and guidance programs for their health promotion and maintenance to prevent cardiovascular (CV) and lifestyle-related diseases. Under these programs, checkup recipients are notified of the checkup results, and in case of abnormal findings, employers are expected to provide employees with follow-up encouragement to change their behavior; for example, with medical consultations or lifestyle modifications. However, the effect of these programs on behavioral changes and their subsequent clinical outcomes has not been clearly assessed.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in CV risk management behaviors after receiving unfavorable health checkup results on serum lipid levels among subjects without antidyslipidemic drug prescription and uncontrolled lipid levels and at elevated risk of CV events in a real-world setting.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used a Japanese employment-based health insurance database managed by MinaCare Co., Ltd. This study analyzed the data from the annual health checkups of recipients aged 20–74 years with data on their low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), and triglyceride (TG) values from 2015 to 2017, who had uncontrolled lipid levels based on their checkup results at baseline in 2015, and without prescription records of antidyslipidemic drugs. Lipid status was considered uncontrolled if any of the following were detected: LDL-c ≥ 140 mg/dL, HDL-c < 40 mg/dL, or TG ≥ 150 mg/dL. Changes in antidyslipidemic drug prescription, as a primary CV risk management behavior measure, and in lipid control status in 2016 and 2017 were investigated. Potential factors associated with lipid control were also explored using logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong 154,421 subjects without antidyslipidemic drug prescription and with uncontrolled lipid levels in 2015, 93.6% remained without antidyslipidemic drug prescription in both 2016 and 2017. Of these subjects, 76.8% and 76.4% continued having uncontrolled lipid levels in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Fewer subjects without prescription achieved lipid control than those with prescription. Various factors were associated with lipid control, with high LDL-c as the greatest risk factor for uncontrolled lipid levels.ConclusionsThese results suggest that most health checkup recipients may not have changed their behaviors; that is, they may have not sought medical treatment and continued having uncontrolled lipid levels in the years following the unfavorable health checkup results. To encourage subjects to initiate desirable behavioral changes, more practical support may be essential.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40801-021-00231-0.

P09.02 Impact of COVID-19 in Portuguese Lung Cancer Patients’ Treatment: Portuguese Lung Cancer Study Group Survey

The first patient with COVID-19 in Portugal was diagnosed on March 2. There was a lack of knowledge concerning the risks of COVID-19 infection in lung cancer patients, prognostic factors, the influence of cancer treatments and cure criteria. Treatments and consultations were readjusted in order to maintain the ones that increase patients’ survival, while reducing the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. International and national “guidelines” were followed, but each hospital had its own strategies to reduce COVID-19 risk. Purpose: The Portuguese Lung Cancer Study Group launched a survey in order to study the early impact of COVID-19 in lung cancer patients, changes in treatments and the way of implementation of COVID-free circuits. A survey was sent to lung cancer doctors of all the Portuguese hospitals. At the data cut-off, information from twenty one hospitals was collected, corresponding to about 66% (n=3.446) of each year new diagnoses of lung cancer in Portugal. In March and April there was a reduction in newly lung cancer diagnosed patients while comparing with 2019: in March, 86% had a reduction; in April, 90% of the hospitals reported a reduction and it was greater than 40% in eight hospitals (38%). About 62% of the doctors considered less referral from primary care as a cause, and 33% delayed biopsies or other imaging exams. The most difficult exams to obtain were CT guided biopsies and EBUS for 48%. The majority of the hospitals (57%) were also referral for COVID-19 patients’ treatment. In 48% of the lung cancer treating departments’ there were doctors reallocated to COVID-19 treatment areas. In 48% the assistance teams were divided into teams that weren’t previously working together. The majority of doctors (90%) reported having individual protection equipment available. Hospitals performed teleconsultation (100%), and, in seven hospitals (33%), more than half of the consultations were done using communication technology. All the hospitals were able to perform SARS-CoV-2 testing. It was done before every cycle of chemotherapy in 90% of the hospitals. In the majority (67%) it was only performed before day D1, in D1 and D8 chemotherapy protocols. About 19% reported changes in prescription of adjuvant chemotherapy and in maintenance chemotherapy, 33% increased the prescription of oral chemotherapy, 33% changed the periodicity, 29% reported reduction in inclusion in clinical trials. In 33% there was an earlier end of chemotherapy in ECOG2 and vulnerable patients. In 38% the prescription of G-CSF (Granulocity-colony stimulating factor) increased, being used for prophylaxis if the risk of febrile neutropenia was more than 10-15%. The periodicity of consultations was changed for patients under TKI treatment in 86%, and 67% hospitals reported changes in immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment schedule. In 29% oral drugs could be delivered at patients’ home. All the patients admitted for surgery were tested for SARS-CoV-2, and 86% performed SARS-COV-2 testing before radiotherapy. Portuguese hospitals responded to the sudden need of creation of COVID-free circuits, change protocols and even teleconsultation. With a larger follow up we will study the late consequences of COVID-19 pandemic in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Antimicrobial stewardship in the outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) setting: the impact of prescription assessment by an infectious diseases specialist

ObjectiveIn recent years, the use of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) has increased, resulting in the need to ensure its rational and adequate utilization. This article describes the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program in the OPAT setting by a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and its results. MethodAn infectious disease (ID) physician made routine assessments of all home care parenteral antimicrobial requests from February to December 2019. Information on diagnosis, renal function, weight, previous antimicrobials, and microbiology were gathered during remote evaluations. Prescription changes recommended by the ID specialist were not mandatory, but implemented by the primary provider as accepted. Antibiotic consumption data was analyzed from January 2018 to December 2019. An active screening was conducted for treatment failures: two or more treatment course requirements, or death within 15 days of the evaluation were reexamined. ResultsA total of 506 antimicrobial requests were assessed. The most frequent diagnoses were urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and orthopedic surgical site infection. Six percent of evaluations were not completed due to insufficient information and 12% were requests by the primary physician for initial antimicrobial guidance. Of the 416 completed prescriptions evaluations, 58% had suggested changes, including different antimicrobials (40%), treatment duration (25%), and route of administration (23%). There was an increase in use of teicoplanin and meropenem, and a decrease in ceftriaxone, ertapenem, cefepime, amikacin and daptomycin use. The HMO’s overall parenteral antimicrobial outpatient consumption, which had shown an upward trend over the previous year, decreased after program initiation. No major adverse results were detected in patients’ clinical outcomes; two treatment failures were detected and promptly corrected; no deaths attributed to antibiotic changes were detected. ConclusionOutpatient antimicrobial stewardship, through remote assessment by an ID specialist, was effective and safe in the OPAT setting.

Implementation of a renal pharmacist consultant service - Information sharing in paper versus digital form.

Renal impairment (RI) and renal drug-related problems (rDRP) often remain unrecognized in the community setting. A "renal pharmacist consultant service" (RPCS) at hospital admission can support patient safety by detecting rDRP. However, the efficient information sharing from pharmacists to physicians is still discussed. The aim of the study was to test the implementation of a RPCS and its effectiveness on prescription changes and to evaluate two ways of written information sharing with physicians. Urological patients with eGFRnon-indexed of 15-59ml/min and ≥1 drug were reviewed for manifest and potential rDRP at admission by a pharmacist. Written recommendations for dose or drug adaptation were forwarded to physicians comparing two routes: July-September 2017 paper form in handwritten chart; November 2017-January 2018 digital PDF document in the electronic patient information system and e-mail alert. Prescription changes regarding manifest rDRP were evaluated and compared with a previous retrospective study without RPCS. The RPCS detected rDRP in 63 of 234 (26.9%) patients and prepared written recommendations (median 1 rDRP (1-5) per patient) concerning 110 of 538 (20.5%) drugs at admission. For manifest rDRP, acceptance rates of recommendations were 62.5% (paper) vs 42.9% (digital) (P=0.16). Compared with the retrospective study without RPCS (prescription changes in 21/76 rDRP; 27.6%), correct prescribing concerning manifest rDRP significantly increased by 27.1%. A RPCS identifies patients at risk for rDRP and significantly increases appropriate prescribing by physicians. In our hospital (no electronic order entry, electronic chart or ward pharmacists), consultations in paper form seem to be superior to a digital PDF document.

Effects of Increasing Metformin Dose vs Adding/Switching to Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

IntroductionMetformin has dose-dependent hypoglycemic effects on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In Japan, metformin has been prescribed at lower doses than in Western countries. We analyzed the effect of increasing the metformin dose on glycemic control and compared it to a combination therapy with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) and a replacement therapy with DPP-4i.MethodsThis is a cohort study using a Japanese claims database. Patients with T2D who had been initially treated with low-dose metformin (≥ 500 mg/day and < 1000 mg/day) and then given a prescription change by increasing metformin to a higher dose (≥ 1000 mg/day) (increased-dose), adding DPP-4i (drug-added), or switching to DPP-4i (drug-switched) were included in this study. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c levels at 12 months from the baseline period.ResultsAmong 2,726,437 patients with T2D, 494 were included. Of these patients, 226, 240, and 28 patients were classified as increased-dose, drug-added, and drug-switched groups, respectively. The HbA1c levels at 12 months from the index significantly decreased compared to that during the baseline period. The change was the highest in the drug-added group (− 1.06%), followed by the increased-dose (− 0.91%) and the drug-switched groups (− 0.37%). Among the subset of patients who did not receive any antidiabetic drugs other than metformin or DPP-4i, the highest change in HbA1c levels was observed in the increased-dose group (− 0.84%), followed by the drug-added (− 0.67%) and the drug-switched (− 0.42%) groups. The order of decrease from baseline remained the same for all the study groups after the propensity score weighting adjustment.ConclusionThe effect on glycemic control when increasing the metformin dose was studied in patients who had been receiving low-dose metformin. Increasing metformin dosage shows effectiveness and could be one of the next treatment options in patients who were prescribed low-dose metformin as the first-line treatment.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13300-021-01017-x.

Analysis of colectomy rates for ulcerative colitis in pre- and postbiological eras in Lothian, Scotland.

Biological treatment is effective in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis (UC), although the effect on colectomy rates remains unclear. In the UK the use of antitumour necrosis factor and anti-α4β7 treatments for maintenance therapy in UC was restricted until 2015. The aim of this study was to describe the impact that this change in the prescribing of biologicals had on colectomy rates for UC. All patients (adult and paediatric) with a diagnosis of UC who received maintenance biological treatment and/or underwent a colectomy in Lothian, Scotland between 2005 and 2018 were identified. Linear and segmental regression analyses were used to identify the annual percentage change (APC) and temporal trends (statistical joinpoints) in biological prescription and colectomy rates. Rates of initiation of maintenance biological therapy increased from 0.05 per 100 UC patients in 2005 to 1.26 in 2018 (p<0.001). Colectomy rates per 100 UC patients fell from 1.47 colectomies in 2005 to 0.44 in 2018 (p<0.001). The APC for colectomy decreased by 4.1% per year between 2005 and 2014 and by 18.9% between 2014 and 2018. Temporal trend analysis (2005-2018) identified a significant joinpoint in colectomy rates in 2014 (p=0.019). The use of maintenance biological therapy increased sharply following the change in guidance. This has been paralleled by a significant reduction in the rates of colectomy over the same time period.

Physician Assessment and Feedback During Quality Circle to Reduce Low-Value Services in Outpatients: a Pre-Post Quality Improvement Study

BackgroundThe impact of the Choosing Wisely (CW) campaign is debated as recommendations alone may not modify physician behavior.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess whether behavioral interventions with physician assessment and feedback during quality circles (QCs) could reduce low-value services.Design and ParticipantsPre-post quality improvement intervention with a parallel comparison group involving outpatients followed in a Swiss-managed care network, including 700 general physicians (GPs) and 150,000 adult patients.InterventionsInterventions included performance feedback about low-value activities and comparison with peers during QCs. We assessed individual physician behavior and healthcare use from laboratory and insurance claims files between August 1, 2016, and October 31, 2018.Main MeasuresMain outcomes were the change in prescription of three low-value services 6 months before and 6 months after each intervention: measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prescription rates of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and statins.Key ResultsAmong primary care practices, a QC intervention with physician feedback and peer comparison resulted in lower rates of PPI prescription (pre-post mean prescriptions per GP 25.5 ± 23.7 vs 22.9 ± 21.4, p value<0.01; coefficient of variation (Cov) 93.0% vs 91.0%, p=0.49), PSA measurement (6.5 ± 8.7 vs 5.3 ± 6.9 tests per GP, p<0.01; Cov 133.5% vs 130.7%, p=0.84), as well as statins (6.1 ± 6.8 vs 5.6 ± 5.4 prescriptions per GP, p<0.01; Cov 111.5% vs 96.4%, p=0.21). Changes in prescription of low-value services among GPs who did not attend QCs were not statistically significant over this time period.ConclusionOur results demonstrate a modest but statistically significant effect of QCs with educative feedback in reducing low-value services in outpatients with low impact on coefficient of variation. Limiting overuse in medicine is very challenging and dedicated discussion and real-time review of actionable data may help.

The pattern of change in opioid and adjuvant prescriptions for cancer pain before and after referral to a comprehensive program in the Palliative Care Center in Kuwait

BackgroundCancer-related pain is a complicated symptom that often coincides with fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Although many safe treatments are available, inadequate control of Cancer-related pain continues to lead to suffering in cancer patients. This study’s aim is to describe pain control, and the pattern of change in opioid and adjuvant medication prescriptions, before and after referral to the Palliative Care Center.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in adult cancer patients the Palliative Care Center between January 1, 2016 and December 30, 2017. We measured pain intensity and other associated symptoms via the Revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) and documented detailed analgesics and adjuvant medication history before starting any palliative care and on days 0, 3, 6, and 14.ResultsThe analysis included 240 patients whose cancer-related pain, anxiety, and depression scores meaningfully improved by day 6. The changes in the median (interquartile ranges) of Cancer-related pain, anxiety, and depression scores from day 0 to day 6 were: 6 (4–8) to 3 (1–4); 6 (4–9) to 2 (1–4); and 3 (2–6) to 2 (1–4), respectively, with p < 0.001 for all. Morphine was the most common opioid administered; the percentage using it increased from 20.4% (n = 49) before referral to 49.6% (n = 119) on day 6 (p < 0.001). The median morphine equivalent daily dose decreased from a median (interquartile ranges) of 60(31–93) mg/day before referral to 34(22–66) mg/day on day 6 (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant increase in the percentage of patients taking adjuvant medications, from 38.8% before referral to 84.2% on day 6 (p < 0.001). Comparing D0 to D6, the number of patients using Gabapentinoids significantly increased from 57(23.75%) to 79(32.9%) (p < 0.001), amitriptyline dramatically increased from 14 (5.8%) to 44 (18.3%) (p < 0.001), and other antidepressant drugs increased from 15 (6.2%) to 34 (14.1%) (p < 0.001).ConclusionAfter referral to the Palliative Care Center, patients’ pain and other symptoms scores decreased significantly, even with lower median morphine equivalent daily doses, arguably through more appropriately directed opioid use. This is evidence for the effectiveness of the comprehensive program at the Palliative Care Center in Kuwait.

Cardiovascular and Renal Morbidity in Takayasu Arteritis: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study From the United Kingdom.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major complication and cause of mortality in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), but population-based controlled studies from the UK are lacking. We undertook the present study to investigate the frequency of morbidity and mortality related to CVD, as well as to cerebrovascular and kidney disease, among patients with TAK in the UK. Yearly cohort and cross-sectional studies were performed from 2000 to 2017 to estimate annual incidence and prevalence, respectively, of TAK. Using a UK primary care database (IQVIA Medical Research Data), an open retrospective matched cohort study was conducted to estimate risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and all-cause mortality in TAK. Risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]) of the assessed comorbidities among patients with TAK compared to age- and sex-matched controls was estimated. Changes in medication prescription over time were examined in both groups. One hundred forty-two patients with TAK (median age 53.4 years [interquartile range 33.8-70.7]) and 1,371 matched controls were included. The annual incidence and prevalence of TAK were 0.8 per million and 7.5 per million respectively. All-cause mortality was increased in TAK (adjusted HR 1.88 [95% confidence interval 1.29-2.76]). Patients with TAK had an increased risk of developing ischemic heart disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack, combined CVD, and peripheral vascular disease compared to controls, but no increase in risk of hypertension, CKD, heart failure, or diabetes. Only ~50% of patients with TAK requiring secondary CVD prevention were prescribed statins or antiplatelet agents within 1 year after study entry. Cardiovascular morbidity was increased among patients with TAK receiving primary care services in the UK. Treatment with statins and antiplatelet agents in these patients was suboptimal.

Usability assessment of drug-linking laboratory data listed on prescriptions for outpatients of chiba university hospital

To evaluate the impact of pharmacotherapy on efficacy and safety by providing laboratory data information linked to medicines on outpatient prescriptions from the hospital to the community pharmacy. Beginning on October 28, 2014, standardized laboratory data and drug-linking laboratory data were included with outpatient prescriptions at our hospital. We have created a database of drug-linking laboratory data for all drugs that can be prescribed in Japan. We counted the number of prescription inquiries related to laboratory data from community pharmacies, including those leading to prescription changes. Before laboratory data were listed on outpatient prescriptions, 4 prescription inquiries from community pharmacies per year were related to laboratory data. After our hospital started to list laboratory data, this number rose to 643, 576, 563, and 847 in the first, second, third, and fourth year (P < .05). Of these, 132, 143, 152, and 224 inquiries resulted in prescription changes. Listing laboratory data on outpatient prescriptions avoided 153 contraindications and 84 exacerbations of adverse drug reactions in four years by a prescription inquiry that had never been done before. The efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy can be improved by listing relevant laboratory data on outpatient prescriptions.

Relationship of Annual Health Checkups with the Subject's Subsequent Behavior of Cardiovascular Risk Management in a Real-World Setting in Japan: A Retrospective Cohort Study on Changes in Antihypertensive Drug Prescription and Blood Pressure from 2015 to 2017.

BackgroundIn Japan, workers receive a health checkup annually, and based on the results, a follow-up health guidance or intervention is provided when deemed necessary. However, it remains unclear whether the current real-world health checkup and guidance programs in Japan successfully lead to behavioral changes or improvement of clinical outcomes in individuals who require cardiovascular (CV) risk management.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the association between health checkup and the subsequent behavior change in CV risk management in subjects with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) without antihypertensive drug prescription, who can have increased risk of CV events.Patients and MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study that used health-checkup and claims data from a Japanese healthcare database managed by MinaCare Co., Ltd. Of those aged 20–74 years with available data on systolic and diastolic BP from 2015 to 2017, data from individuals with uncontrolled BP who were not prescribed antihypertensive drugs within 6 months before their baseline health checkup in 2015 were extracted and analyzed. The primary outcome measures were changes in antihypertensive drug prescription and BP control status based on health-checkup results from the baseline year (2015) to 2017. CV risk-management behavior was also assessed using body mass index (BMI) and smoking status, as these are the major modifiable CV risk factors.ResultsAmong 39,242 subjects with uncontrolled BP without antihypertensive drug prescription at baseline, 88.9% remained without prescription in 2016. Of the subjects without prescription, 62.9% continued to have uncontrolled BP. Both statuses of the major modifiable CV risk factors remained unchanged in 2016: 92.1% of obese subjects (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) at baseline remained obese, and 93.8% of smokers at baseline aged ≥ 40 years continued to smoke. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age 60–69 years (vs. 40–49 years), hypertension (HT) stage II (vs. stage I), HT stage III (vs. stage I), and BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 (vs. < 25.0 kg/m2) were factors associated with uncontrolled BP in 2016 (subsequent year), regardless of antihypertensive drug prescription.ConclusionsUntreated HT for years increases the risk of CV events. These results suggest that current health-checkup and guidance programs are inadequately effective for behavioral change. Further practices for committing to lifestyle modifications and seeking medical advice based on their health-checkup results need to be undertaken to improve health behavior.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40801-020-00224-5.