Duration Of Prescription Research Articles

Association of initial opioid prescription duration and an opioid refill by pain diagnosis: Evidence from outpatient settings in ten US health systems

ObjectiveThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain cautioned that inflexible opioid prescription duration limits may harm patients. Information about the relationship between initial opioid prescription duration and a subsequent refill could inform prescribing policies and practices to optimize patient outcomes. We assessed the association between initial opioid duration and an opioid refill prescription. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults ≥19 years of age in 10 US health systems between 2013 and 2018 from outpatient care with a diagnosis for back pain without radiculopathy, back pain with radiculopathy, neck pain, joint pain, tendonitis/bursitis, mild musculoskeletal pain, severe musculoskeletal pain, urinary calculus, or headache. Generalized additive models were used to estimate the association between opioid days' supply and a refill prescription. ResultsOverall, 220,797 patients were prescribed opioid analgesics upon an outpatient visit for pain. Nearly a quarter (23.5%) of the cohort received an opioid refill prescription during follow-up. The likelihood of a refill generally increased with initial duration for most pain diagnoses. About 1 to 3 fewer patients would receive a refill within 3 months for every 100 patients initially prescribed 3 vs. 7 days of opioids for most pain diagnoses. The lowest likelihood of refill was for a 1-day supply for all pain diagnoses, except for severe musculoskeletal pain (9 days' supply) and headache (3–4 days' supply). ConclusionsLong-term prescription opioid use increased modestly with initial opioid prescription duration for most but not all pain diagnoses examined.

Reduced risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with eupatilin in aspirin plus acid suppressant users: nationwide population-based study.

Mucoprotective agents, such as eupatilin, are often prescribed to prevent gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in addition to an acid suppressant despite the absence of a large-scale study. We evaluated the additional effect of eupatilin on the prevention of GI bleeding in both the upper and lower GI tract in concomitant aspirin and acid suppressant users using the nationwide database of national claims data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). An aspirin cohort was constructed using the NHIS claims data from 2013 to 2020. Patients who manifested with hematemesis, melena, or hematochezia were considered to have GI bleeding. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the risk factors for GI bleeding associated with the concomitant use of GI drugs and other covariates among aspirin users. Overall, a total of 432,208 aspirin users were included. The concurrent use of an acid suppressant and eupatilin (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.85, p = 0.016, vs. acid suppressant only) was a statistically significant preventive factor for GI bleeding. Moreover, a more than 3-month duration (HR = 0.88, p = 0.030) of acid suppressant and eupatilin prescription (vs. acid suppressant only) was a statistically significant preventive factor for GI bleeding. Eupatilin administration for ≥ 3 months showed additional preventive effect on GI bleeding in concomitant aspirin and acid suppressant users. Thus, cotreatment with eupatilin with a duration of 3 months or longer is recommended for reducing GI bleeding among aspirin plus acid suppressant users.

Duration and Magnitude of Opioid Use After Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion.

Retrospective cohort study performed in a nationwide insurance claims database. To evaluate the duration and magnitude of post-operative opioid prescriptions after minimally invasive surgical sacroiliac joint fusion (MIS SIJF) as compared to other common spine surgeries. MIS SIJF has been reported to significantly improve quality of life and reduce pain. However, there is a paucity of reported data on post-operative opioid use in patients undergoing MIS SIJF for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A nationwide insurance claims database was queried to identify 4,666 patients who underwent MIS SIJF. Patients were stratified by pre-operative opioid use: Opioid naïve, sporadic use, or chronic use were respectively defined as 0,1, or≥2 opioid prescriptions filled within 6 months prior to surgery. Duration of opioid use was defined by the time between MIS SIJF and last opioid prescription filled while magnitude of opioid use was determined by milligram morphine equivalents filled by 30 days post-operation. This opioid use data was compared to that of other common spine surgeries. Patients undergoing MIS SIJF continued to fill opioid prescriptions 1-year post-operatively at significantly higher proportions than those undergoing other common spine procedures assessed by prior literature within each of the pre-operative opioid use cohorts (chronic: 73% vs. 49-62%; P <0.0001, sporadic: 39% vs. 23-28%; P <0.0001, opioid naïve: 22% vs. 15-18%; P <0.0001). Chronic users filled the highest opiate dosages during the 30-day post-operative period, filling on average 64.75 MME/d compared to 19.75 MME/d and 24.25 MME/d by the opioid naïve and sporadic users, respectively. After MIS SIJF, opioid naïve patients use fewer opioids and for a shorter period of time compared to patients with sporadic or chronic pre-operative opioid use. MIS SIJF may result in less effective pain reduction when compared to other common spine surgeries evaluated via identical methodology. 3.

Evaluating consistency of physical activity and exercise prescription in the UK for people with diabetes - a Delphi study.

Increased physical activity is recommended as a cost-effective measure to tackle long-term management of people with diabetes, but research on interventions lacks consistency in terms of effective duration and modality. The aim of this study was to evaluate expert consensus on exercise and physical activity prescription via a three-round Delphi study conducted with 45 UK-based health and fitness professionals experienced in prescribing exercise or physical activity to people with diabetes. The majority of items put forward to the panel reached consensus with 70% or above voting these items as important, but the details of the type, duration and/or modality of exercise or physical activity prescription within these items often contradicted each other, suggesting that patients are receiving inconsistent advice. The range of different exercise prescription found in this study suggests that patients are being given inconsistent and potentially confusing advice, which may affect their participation in exercise and long-term lifestyle change. More consistent promotion of advice from healthcare and fitness professionals may help with increasing physical activity in this participant group and achieving long term behavior change, reducing patient symptoms as well as reducing the cost to the National Health Service (NHS).

Exploring treatment burden of Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) and impact on antibiotics using a data linkage approach

Abstract Introduction Treatment burden associated with thickeners is significant1. Understanding of potential treatment burden associated with ONS is lacking, however wastage due to ONS partial or full nonconsumption, and stock piling are recognised2. Wastage is evidence of over prescribing. Improving fluid intake by increasing variety is evidence based3 - ONS reduces opportunity. Whether thickener or ONS is prescribed, patients can withdraw consent by not drinking (verbally/silently). We investigated a potential correlation between ONS and low intake dehydration, and if detectable using a proxy measure: antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infection (UTI). We explored using ePACT2 data to investigate co-prescribing of interventions that inter-relate, a type of data linkage study. Improved fluid intake can decrease laxative use, but did not reduce antibiotic use3. We hypothesized that with a large data set, it may be possible to detect associations of treatment burden and antibiotic use. Aim To explore the relationship between prescribing of ONS with antibiotics for UTIs in older adults in Primary Care (England). Methods We investigated co-prescribing of antibiotics prescribed for UTI (nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim) and ONS in older adults (&amp;gt; 65 years) in Primary Care. Data was obtained from the NHS Business Services Authority Data Services Support as bespoke analysis of prescribing ePACT2 data linked by NHS number. Retrospective analysis was performed on anonymised data for 3 years (January 2019 to December 2022). Ethical approval was not required. Data unattributable to a specific region was excluded. Results Initial analysis suggested that prescribing of UTI antibiotics was 3 times more common in older adults prescribed ONS compared with controls (an average 2.86% of the patients on GP list were prescribed an antibiotic for a UTI, increasing to 8.59% for those co-prescribed ONS). This correlation appeared consistent, however, due to high volume and level of detail of UTI antibiotic prescribing, this interpretation is incorrect. On further analysis, the population rate of UTI antibiotic and ONS was plotted to show trend over time, demonstrating no correlation. Prescription of UTI antibiotic over time is consistent, reflecting that acute lower UTI is not very reducible, and antibiotic prophylaxis use is common and repeated monthly. Additionally, from this data set you cannot ascertain if frequency of antibiotic prescription(s) pre-dates initiation of ONS. We did not investigate confounding factors such as co-prescribing of catheter use, gender, frailty and advancing age. Our oldest patients with decreased thirst, reduced appetite cues and ability to eat and drink will also be those most likely to get an UTI. Discussion/Conclusion Future data linkage work in this area should include a wider range of data e.g. detailed demographics, medical and prescribing history over time and all adverse events from low intake dehydration. Exploration of the impact of ONS and thickener prescription on patient experience, perceived treatment burden and the impact on fluid intake would be useful. Audit of shared decision making at initiation and review would also be beneficial in obtaining baseline data on consent at start and throughout duration of prescription.

OGC P22 The Prevalence of Malabsorption and Use of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy Post Upper GI Surgery

Abstract Background Pancreatic enzyme insuffiency (PEI) appears to be under recognised and under treated in upper GI surgery due to limited evidence regarding the prevalence of PEI post operatively. This has potential to exacerbate the risk of malnutrition in an already vulnerable patient group. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) may influence nutritional status and quality of life after Upper GI surgery, but the research to date remains controversial. A retrospective audit was carried out to review the use of PERT in 233 Upper GI surgeries across a two-year period. Methods Retrospective audit documenting all patients that have undergone a GIST resection, distal gastrectomy, subtotal gastrectomy, completion gastrectomy, oesophagectomy and total gastrectomy between 2021-2022 at a tertiary centre for Upper GI cancer surgery. It was recorded from electronic patient records which of these patients were commenced on PERT post operatively. The time frame in which the PERT was initiated was captured, as well as and what dose patients required to provide symptom relief. The duration of PERT prescription was recorded in addition to patients’ tolerance. Results Initiation of PERT varied from one month to one year after surgery, with most patients (n=24) commencing PERT within the first month. The final dosage of PERT required varied between 50,000iu (n=36) and 125,000iu (n=6). Many patients remain on PERT (n=53); whilst 26% of individuals stopped PERT within six months due to no benefit found or poor tolerance (n=19). Conclusions The use of PERT in one third of surgical Upper GI patients highlights the prevalence of PEI in this patient group. This data indicates the initiation of PERT is higher within the first three months following surgery, with the majority of these patients’ requiring PERT for long term use. A larger, multicentre trial is needed to further analyse the benefits of PERT on weight and quality of life, whilst addressing the potential influence of confounding variables such as disease stage and adjuvant treatment.

Bedaquiline in the postoperative period of complex therapy of tuberculosis

Introduction. The experience of domestic phthisiatry, which has been using bedaquiline for more than 10 years, testifies to the efficacy and safety of the drug for the treatment of drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis. At the present stage, the evaluation of the effect and safety of bedaquiline in the postoperative stage of chemotherapy, including patients with HIV/tuberculosis co-infection, becomes the most relevant.Aim. To evaluate the results of bedaquiline application in the postoperative stage of complex tuberculosis therapy.Materials and methods. Results of a retrospective study of medical records of 57 patients. The inclusion criterion was the surgery performed for tuberculosis and the presence of bedaquiline in the postoperative chemotherapy regimen. Frequency of tuberculosis progression 1 month after surgery was evaluated as an efficacy criterion. The frequency of QTc interval prolongation with clinical manifestations, frequency and nature of hepatotoxic reactions were evaluated as the drug safety criterion.Results. In the absolute majority of patients – 54 (94.7%) postoperative period, during which bedaquiline was used, proceeded without complications. Cases of tuberculosis progression were observed only in patients with severe concomitant diseases. Undesirable side effects on bedaquiline were observed in 9 (15.8%) patients, the absolute majority of patients resumed taking the drug in full after drug correction. The average duration of bedaquiline prescription was 282 ± 5 doses.Conclusions. The use of bedaquiline in the postoperative period increases the effectiveness of complex therapy and prevents progression of tuberculosis and according to our data should be regarded as safe. Administration of bedaquiline in patients with HIV/tuberculosis co-infection also contributes to the positive result of the therapy. Repeated courses of bedaquiline after surgical intervention, including in patients with HIV/tuberculosis co-infection, prevent progression of tuberculosis in the postoperative period. The tolerability of the bedaquiline-containing regimen in this category of patients, including long courses of more than 24 weeks, was assessed as quite satisfactory.

Population-based outpatient antimicrobial use in Newfoundland and Labrador: a retrospective descriptive study.

Data that have been reported on antimicrobial use in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) do not appear to be representative of use at the population level. We sought to use pharmacy network data on prescriptions to describe outpatient antimicrobial use in NL. We analyzed all outpatient antimicrobial prescriptions dispensed between June 1, 2017, and June 8, 2021, from the provincial pharmacy network database and translated deidentified data into SPSS. We excluded prescriptions for parenteral and topical antimicrobials, antivirals and antifungals. We described antimicrobial use using the prescription rate and defined daily dose (DDD) rate. Overall, we analyzed 1 586 534 prescriptions dispensed to 394 708 people by 3431 prescribers. The rate of antimicrobial use was 741 prescriptions per 1000 population per year (7161 DDD/1000 population/yr). The median duration of prescriptions was 7 (interquartile range 7-10) days. The prescription rate decreased from 867 to 546 per 1000 population per year (-37%) over the study period, and the mean DDD rate decreased from 8387 to 5356 DDD per 1000 population per year (-36.1%). Antimicrobials with the highest DDD rate were amoxicillin (1568 DDD/1000/yr), doxycycline (864 DDD/1000/yr) and ciprofloxacin (633 DDD/1000/yr). Prescribers wrote a mean of 102 (standard deviation 248) prescriptions per year; 3 prescribers wrote more than 2500 prescriptions per year. Overall, 9203 (2.3%) of the 394 708 people in the study population received 4 or more prescriptions per year. The rate of antimicrobial use in NL is lower than previously described in national surveillance data. Potential targets for stewardship intervention include prolonged duration of prescriptions, high-rate prescribers and high-rate patients, but further research is needed to assess the appropriateness of prescriptions according to diagnosis.

Time trends and patterns in opioid prescription use following orthopaedic surgery in Ontario, Canada, from 2004/2005 to 2017/2018: a population-based study

ObjectivesIncreased use of opioids and their associated harms have raised concerns around prescription opioid use for pain management following surgery. We examined trends and patterns of opioid prescribing following elective...

Proton pump inhibitor prescribing patterns and utilization: A retrospective chart review analysis

IntroductionProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) show a high level of efficacy and a high safety profile, and they have been increasingly prescribed in recent years. However, recent pharmacoepidemiological evidence has shown that PPI use has been associated with health risks and complications. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the prescribing patterns of proton pump inhibitors and the prevalence of potential drug–drug interactions (DDIs) among patients who use PPIs. MethodThis was a retrospective analysis of electronic health records from the Ministry of National Guard Hospitals in Riyadh from January 2019 to June 2022. All adult patients who used PPIs were included to assess the prescribing patterns and drug utilization, including the number of prescriptions, duration of prescriptions, number of doses, and prescription indications. Potential DDIs were assessed based on concurrent use, which is defined as taking an interacting drug parallel to PPIs. The assessment includes complete or partial overlapping, with at least one day of overlapping. ResultsThe total number of PPI prescriptions was 80,365 for a total of 9,930 patients with a mean age of 67.5. The majority of PPIs were prescribed in high doses (74%), without reporting appropriate indications (95%), and 17% were prescribed for long-term use. A total of 24,575 (33.6%) potential DDIs with PPIs were found. ConclusionThe results showed that the majority of the PPI prescriptions were made with a high number of doses, without reporting appropriate indications, with some having potential DDIs. This might result in exposing patients to an increasing number of health risks. The findings highlight the importance of implementing a stewardship program for PPI prescription with periodic reassessments of patients’ needs for these medications.

Adherence to legislation limiting opioid prescription duration following musculoskeletal injury.

North Carolina had implemented legislation (Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act) limiting opioid prescriptions to 5 days for acute pain and 7 days for post-operative pain. This study aimed to identify patient, prescriber, and facility characteristics associated with STOP Act adherence for patients with acute or post-surgical musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. A three-level hierarchical logistic regression model was used to predict odds of adherence with STOP Act duration limits, accounting for fixed and random effects at the patient, prescriber, and facility levels. A large healthcare system in North Carolina. Patients (N = 6,849) presenting from 2018 to 2020 with a diagnosis of an acute MSK injury. The STOP Act limited the duration of opioid prescriptions in North Carolina. Prescriptions adhering to the STOP Act duration limits of 5 days (nonoperative) or 7 days (operative) were the primary outcome. Opioids were compliant with STOP Act duration limits in 69.3 percent of encounters, with 33 percent of variation accounted for by clinician and 29 percent by facility. Patients prescribed >1 opioid (odds ratio (OR) 0.46, 95 percent confidence interval (CI): 0.36, 0.58) had reduced odds of a compliant prescription; surgical patients had increased odds of a compliant prescription (outpatient surgery: OR 5.89, 95 percent CI: 2.43-14.29; inpatient surgery: OR 7.71, 95 percent CI: 3.04-19.56). Primary care sports medicine clinicians adhered to legislation less frequently than orthopedic surgeons (OR 0.38, 95 percent CI: 0.15, 0.97). Most prescriptions adhered to STOP Act legislation. Tailored interventions to improve adherence among targeted groups of prescribers, eg, those treating nonoperative injuries and sport medicine clinicians, could be useful.

Changes in Surgical Opioid Prescribing and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Implementation of an Insurer Opioid Prescribing Limit

Insurers are increasingly limiting the duration of opioid prescriptions for acute pain. Among patients undergoing surgery, it is unclear whether implementation of these limits is associated with changes in opioid prescribing and patient-reported outcomes, such as pain. To assess changes in surgical opioid prescribing and patient-reported outcomes after implementation of an opioid prescribing limit by a large commercial insurer in Michigan. This was a cross-sectional study with an interrupted time series analysis. Data analyses were conducted from October 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023. The primary data source was the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, a statewide registry containing data on opioid prescribing and patient-reported outcomes from adults undergoing common general surgical procedures. This registry is linked to Michigan's prescription drug monitoring program database, allowing observation of opioid dispensing. The study included 6045 adults who were covered by the commercial insurer and underwent surgery from January 1, 2017, to October 31, 2019. Policy limiting opioid prescriptions to a 5-day supply in February 2018. Among all patients, segmented regression models were used to assess for level or slope changes during February 2018 in 3 patient-reported outcomes: pain in the week after surgery (assessed on a scale of 1-4: 1 = none, 2 = minimal, 3 = moderate, and 4 = severe), satisfaction with surgical experience (scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest satisfaction), and amount of regret regarding undergoing surgery (scale of 1-5, with 1 being the highest level of regret). Among patients with a discharge opioid prescription and a dispensed opioid prescription (prescription filled within 3 days of discharge), additional outcomes included total morphine milligram equivalents in these prescriptions, a standardized measure of opioid volume. Among the 6045 patients included in the study, mean (SD) age was 48.7 (12.6) years and 3595 (59.5%) were female. Limit implementation was not associated with changes in patient-reported satisfaction or regret and was associated with only a slight level decrease in patient-reported pain score (-0.15 [95% CI, -0.26 to -0.03]). Among 4396 patients (72.7%) with a discharge and dispensed opioid prescription, limit implementation was associated with a -22.3 (95% CI, -32.8 to -11.9) and -26.1 (95% CI, -40.9 to -11.3) level decrease in monthly mean total morphine milligram equivalents of discharge and dispensed opioid prescriptions, respectively. These decreases corresponded approximately to 3 to 3.5 pills containing 5 mg of oxycodone. This cross-sectional analysis of data from adults undergoing general surgical procedures found that implementation of an insurer's limit was associated with modest reductions in opioid prescribing but not with worsened patient-reported outcomes. Whether these findings generalize to other procedures warrants further study.

236 Assessing communication of duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy on discharge letters: an acute stroke unit audit

Abstract Background Short term Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy (DAPT) is commonly used for secondary prevention of major acute ischemic stroke events. However, long-term DAPT is associated with increased risk of bleeding without reduction in cardiovascular events. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are often co-prescribed for prevention of gastroduodenal toxicity of DAPT, but long-term use has potential side effects. This audit aims to assess if clear instructions are provided regarding to duration of DAPT prescription in stroke medicine unit in tertiary referral hospital. Methods Retrospective analysis Electronic Medical Records (EMRs; discharge and clinical letters) who were admitted with TIA or AIS in 3-month period, excluding those who were transferred back to their referring hospital. Results 100 patients’ EMRs were reviewed. 34 were discharged on DAPT. 21 patients were reviewed in stroke OPD while 6 were readmitted to hospital. DAPT duration was documented in Discharge Letters (DL) of 28 patients (82%). In 28 (82%) patients, recommended durations of DAPT were documented in DL, 5(18%) of those were still inappropriately on DAPT on returning to OPD/readmission. 1 out of the 6 patients with no clear documentation of DAPT duration on DL were still inappropriately on DAPT. 22 patients were co-prescribed PPI, 19 of those had no documented recommended plan for PPI post completion of DAPT, and 12 of those were still on PPI on returning to OPD/readmission. 3 patients had a documented plan for PPI post completion of DAPT, 2 were still on PPI on returning to OPD/readmission. Conclusion Results were presented in stroke unit teaching. Key recommendations included education of NCHDs regarding clear documentation and communication with patients, pharmacists and GPs. Improvement in EMRs to highlight DAPT plan. Regular audits in this area.

Physicians’ Antibiotics Prescribing Patterns for Common Diseases and Knowledge on Antimicrobial Resistance: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of patients or their caregivers, and prescribers of antibiotics toward antimicrobial resistance in Bangladesh. Method: This was a mixed-method research study. Data were collected from pre-determined study areas using a sample survey of 583 respondents, 11 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), 11 Key-Informant Interviews (KIIs), and 11 In-depth Interviews (IDIs). A scale of 11 points was used to measure attitudes. Results: About 59% of the respondents (patients or carers) were between 1 to 20 years old. The difference of age of patients by sex was found statistically significant at .001 level. About 25.7% of the respondents visited an MBBS doctor and 8.1% visited a BDS dentist, and 66.2% went to traditional healers and the pharmacy. Men take more antibiotics for treatment purposes compared to their female counterparts. The difference between men and women, with regard to the treatment of common diseases, was found to be statistically significant. Usually, new graduate doctors and traditional healers prescribe antibiotics of longer duration. The duration of prescriptions for antibiotics and type of the physician was found statistically significant. Physicians prescribed common antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (26%), cold and fever (21%), diarrhea (12%), STDs (9%), HTN (8%), UTIs (7.5%), diabetes (5%), and lower respiratory infections (4%). Cephalosporin (31.4%), macrolides (27.6%), quinolones (17.8%), metronidazole (13%), and penicillin (10.10%) were used. About 65.8% of the caregivers did not have any knowledge about antimicrobial resistance and the negative effects of the overuse of antibiotics. Conclusion: The majority of the respondents had poor knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and the negative effects of the overuse of antibiotics. A community-based awareness program was found important to create awareness of antimicrobial resistance and the negative effects of the overuse of antibiotics.

Assessment of Knowledge and Associated Factors with Supplemental Oxygen Administration for Critically Ill Patients among Nurses

Oxygen is a commonly used medication. Insufficient oxygen levels in the bloodstream can lead to cellular malfunctions, organ failure, and ultimately, death. Oxygen, much like any other pharmaceutical substance, can be beneficial in reducing mortality when administered correctly, but it can also have adverse effects when misused. The use of supplemental oxygen therapy (SOT) plays a crucial role in preserving the lives of numerous patients suffering from cardio-pulmonary issues, requiring the development of updated guidelines. Objective: To assess the knowledge level of nurses and to identify the associated factors regarding oxygen administration for critical ill patients. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study carried out among nurses of Shalamar hospital, Lahore with a sample size of 82. A modified form of questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical chi-square test was utilized to analyze the study findings. Results: This study found that there were 69.5% females and 30.5% were male. Most of them had age between 20 to 30 years. Regarding knowledge level almost 75.6% participants had good knowledge, 19.5% had moderate knowledge with a mean score of 11.37. Furthermore there was a signification association among knowledge level and experience, duration of administration and duration of prescription with p&lt;0.05 while gender, age, qualification and working area were not directly associated with the knowledge level of nurses with p&gt;0.05. Conclusions: Most of participants were female having age between 20 to 30 years. Most of the nurses had good and moderate knowledge regarding supplemental oxygen therapy (SOT). So it needs a continuing education to stay updated regarding new guidelines for oxygen administration.

Prescribing patterns and determinants for elderly patients with Parkinson's disease in Japan: a retrospective observational study using insurance claims databases.

This study aimed to determine real-world prescribing patterns and determinants for Japanese patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), with a focus on patients ≥75 years. This was a retrospective, observational, longitudinal study of patients with PD (≥30 years, ICD-10: G20 excluding Parkinson's syndrome) from three Japanese nationwide healthcare claim databases. Prescription drugs were tabulated using database receipt codes. Changes in treatment patterns were analyzed using network analysis. Factors associated with prescribing patterns and prescription duration were analyzed using multivariable analysis. Of 18 million insured people, 39,731 patients were eligible for inclusion (≥75-year group: 29,130; <75-year group: 10,601). PD prevalence was 1.21/100 people ≥75 years. Levodopa was the most commonly prescribed anti-PD drug (total: 85.4%; ≥75 years: 88.3%). Network analysis of prescribing patterns showed that most elderly patients switched from levodopa monotherapy to adjunct prescription patterns, as did younger patients, but with less complexity. Elderly patients who newly initiated PD treatment remained on levodopa monotherapy longer than younger patients; factors significantly associated with levodopa prescriptions were older age and cognitive impairment. Commonly prescribed adjunct therapies were monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors, non-ergot dopamine agonists, and zonisamide, regardless of age. Droxidopa and amantadine were prescribed as adjunct levodopa therapy slightly more frequently among elderly patients; levodopa adjunct therapy was prescribed when the levodopa dose was 300 mg, regardless of age. Prescribing patterns for patients ≥75 years were levodopa centered and less complex than for those <75 years. Factors significantly associated with levodopa monotherapy and continued use of levodopa were older age and cognitive disorder. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053425 (UMIN000046823).

Relation of Statin Use with Esophageal Cancer.

The present study evaluated the association of long-term statin use with the diagnosis and mortality of esophageal cancer in a Korean population. The Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort from 2002 to 2019 was enrolled. Esophageal cancer patients were matched with control participants for demographic variables. The statin prescription histories were collected and grouped into <180 days, 180 to 545 days, and >545 days of duration. Propensity score overlap weighting was applied to minimize the bias between the esophageal cancer and control groups. The odds ratios (ORs) of the duration of statin use for esophageal cancer were analyzed using propensity score overlap weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis. The esophageal cancer group was classified as dead and surviving patients, and the ORs of the duration of statin use for the mortality of esophageal cancer were analyzed in an identical manner. Secondary analyses were conducted according to comorbid factors. Patients with esophageal cancer did not show lower odds for the duration of statin prescription in the overall study population (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.03-1.65, p = 0.027 for 180 to 545 days and OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08-1.55, p = 0.006 for >545 days). Subgroups of nonsmokers, past and current smokers, alcohol consumption ≥ 1 time a week, SBP < 140 mmHg and DBP < 90 mmHg, fasting blood glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL, total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL, CCI score = 0, and nondyslipidemia history demonstrated low odds for the duration of statin prescription. Both types of statins, hydrophilic and lipophilic statins, were not related to a lower rate of esophageal cancer. The mortality of esophageal cancer was not associated with the duration of statin prescription. A subgroup with total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL showed lower odds of statin prescription for mortality of esophageal cancer. The duration of statin prescription was not related to a lower rate or mortality of esophageal cancer in the adult Korean population.

#4420 EARLY DAPAGLIFLOZIN UTILIZATION FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE TREATMENT IN JAPAN

Abstract Background and Aims In 2021, dapagliflozin was approved for the treatment of adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Japan. This observational analysis is part of the multinational OPTIMISE-CKD study program and aims to describe early dapagliflozin utilization in CKD following approval in Japan, contextualized by contemporary CKD management. Method Adult patients with CKD in hospital claims data from the Medical Data Vision Co. Ltd database (MDV; Tokyo, Japan) during 1 March 2020 – 28 February 2022 were included. CKD was defined as any of the following: 2 estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures ≥90 days apart of which the second was ≤75 ml/min/1.73 m2, or a CKD diagnosis code. Patients with type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, &amp;lt;365 days continuous enrolment or who were on dialysis were excluded. The remaining patients were considered eligible for dapagliflozin 10 mg treatment. Dapagliflozin initiators had a recorded prescription for dapagliflozin 10 mg on or after 26 August 2021, and no previous dapagliflozin 10 mg prescription. Results A total of 2,297 patients in MDV met the study criteria and had initiated dapagliflozin during the first 6 months since approval. The median age was 70 years (interquartile range; IQR 57-79 years), 33% were female and 50% had a recorded CKD diagnosis. For the 594 initiators who had eGFR data, the CKD stage distribution was as follows: 27% stage 1-2, 28% stage 3a, 28% stage 3b, 16% stage 4 and 1% stage 5 (non-dialysis). The average eGFR among these patients was 49 ml/min/1.73 m2 (standard deviation; SD 19 ml/min/1.73 m2). The most common comorbidities were heart failure (37%), hypertension (34%) and type 2 diabetes (34%). Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi; 58%), calcium channel blockers (37%) and lipid-lowering drugs (37%) were commonly prescribed. Dapagliflozin 10 mg was most commonly initiated in nephrology departments (42%), with a mean initial prescription duration of 41 days (SD 22.6 days). The 180,462 patients who did not initiate dapagliflozin 10 mg were older on average (median 78 years; IQR 69-85 years), and 42% were female. The comorbidity profiles were similar, except that 24% of patients had type 2 diabetes. The distribution of CKD stages among the 95,465 patients with available data was slightly different: 59% stage 1-2, 22% stage 3a, 11% stage 3b, 6% stage 4 and 3% stage 5 (non-dialysis). Only 23% of patients were prescribed RASi and 41% were prescribed any kind of cardiovascular treatment. Conclusion Early use of dapagliflozin in Japan was observed in a broad range of patients with CKD with respect to baseline characteristics. These preliminary data suggest that there is a large proportion of CKD patients who may be eligible, but not yet treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg, which has shown to attenuate disease progression and reduce adverse outcomes. Considering that the majority of prescriptions was made in nephrology departments, there might be opportunities in other healthcare specialties to improve CKD diagnosis and treatment. Additional analyses, including sensitivity analyses using more conservative CKD definitions, could further specify the unmet need and highlight activities that may increase prescriptions among patients who might benefit from treatment. Further analyses across more patients and countries in the OPTIMISE-CKD program will provide additional insight into the real-world experience of novel treatments for CKD and facilitate optimized CKD management.

Long-term Effects of Intratracheal Budesonide and Surfactant for the Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Narrative Review.

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of intratracheal administration of budesonide and surfactant with surfactant alone for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) prevention in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and gray literature. Assessment of quality was conducted using CASP tool, ROBIS tool, and GRADE framework. A systematic review and meta-analysis and three observational studies were identified. Budesonide was associated with reduced incidence and severity of BPD, reduced mortality, patent ductus arteriosus, need for additional surfactant doses, hypotension, duration of invasive ventilation, hospital stays, salbutamol prescriptions, and hospitalizations in the first 2 years of life. The safety of budesonide on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 to 3 years of corrected age was reported. Budesonide might be associated with a reduction in BPD incidence and severity, without evidence of impaired neurodevelopment at 2 to 3 years of age. According to the GRADE framework, the level of evidence is low due to significant heterogeneity of studies and other bias. · BPD prevention is urgently needed.. · Intratracheal budesonide and surfactant for neonatal RDS could reduce BPD.. · The grade of evidence for this intervention is low due to study heterogeneity and other bias..

Effect of Pharmacist-Initiated Interventions on Duration of Antibiotic Therapy for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

Current guidelines for the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) recommend 5 days of antimicrobial therapy. Despite these recommendations, the duration of therapy exceeds 5 days for up to 70% of patients, with most superfluous prescribing occurring upon discharge from hospital. Shortening the duration of antibiotic therapy could decrease adverse events, resistance, and costs. To determine whether a pharmacist-initiated modification to the duration of antibiotic therapy prescribed for the treatment of AECOPD or CAP reduced the duration of antibiotic prescriptions. In this prospective, single-centre study of adult inpatients receiving antibiotics for the treatment of AECOPD or CAP between October 2020 and March 2021, pharmacists assigned a 5-day duration to antimicrobials prescribed for these indications. For patients discharged before completion of therapy, the antibiotic start date and intended duration were included on the discharge prescription. Study patients were matched 1:1 with historical controls to compare the total duration of antibiotic therapy with and without the intervention. A total of 100 patients (66 with CAP and 34 with AECOPD) met the inclusion criteria and had their antibiotic treatment duration modified to 5 days. Mean total duration of antibiotic therapy was 5.31 days in the intervention group and 7.11 days in the control group (p < 0.001). Outpatient antibiotic prescribing was 0.86 days in the intervention group and 3.2 days in the control group (p < 0.001). In both groups, the rates of readmission at 30 and 90 days were 19% and 31%, respectively. Pharmacist-initiated modification of antimicrobial therapy resulted in shortening of the duration of therapy by almost 2 days. Including information about treatment duration on the discharge prescription reduced outpatient prescribing without affecting readmission rates.