French Database Research Articles

Assessing the economic impact and healthcare resource utilization of inpatient pneumococcal disease among adults: a French national claims database study

Introduction Pneumococcal diseases (PD) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae include invasive PD (IPD) and non-bacteremia pneumococcal pneumonia (NBPP). Current French vaccination guidelines FOCUS on patients with underlying medical conditions (UMC) who are at a higher risk of PD. This study describes the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and economic burden of inpatient PD in French adults, to inform vaccination guidelines, especially among vulnerable subpopulations at increased risk of PD. Methods A retrospective study utilizing the French administrative healthcare database (SNDS) was conducted among adults with a inpatient PD episode between 2015 and 2018. HCRU and costs were described per inpatient PD episode, according to patient risk level, type of PD, and age group. Results Between 2015 and 2018, 42,466 inpatient PD episodes were identified. Most of inpatient PD episodes (73.8%) occurred in patients with UMCs. The median (Q1-Q3) cost per inpatient PD episode seemed higher among medium-risk patients (€14,863 (€7,875 - €30,434)) than among low-risk (€11,034 (€5,803 - €23,098)) and high-risk patients (€13,258 (€7,143 - €26,815)). Cost per inpatient PD episode did not seem to increase steadily with age, however, ≥65 patients represented 59.5% of all inpatient PD episodes and 52.3% of the overall inpatient PD episodes cost (€548,224,569 out of €1,049,214,069). Limitations Due to constraints of the SNDS dataset, results are limited to inpatient episodes of PD and may not be representative of all PD episodes in France. Conclusion This large, retrospective study highlights a substantial economic burden associated with inpatient PD in France, especially among individuals with UMCs and those aged 65 years or over. These results emphasize the need to improve prevention strategies, especially among older patients, regardless of their risk level.

Association of a remote monitoring programme with all-cause mortality and hospitalizations in patients with heart failure: National-scale, real-world evidence from a 3-year propensity score analysis of the TELESAT-HF study.

To examine the association of a remote monitoring programme (RMP) with all-cause mortality and hospital admissions for heart failure (HF) within the French healthcare system. A national-scale, real-world, propensity-weighted cohort study was conducted using the SNDS French database from August 2018 to December 2022 (NCT06312501). Patients receiving standard of care (SoC) were compared with those receiving RMP (Satelia® Cardio, NP Medical). The Satelia® Cardio algorithm adjusted the monitoring frequency based on symptom and weight changes, and provided tailored web-based patient education. The RMP included a digital interface for proficient patients and phone monitoring by nurses for those uncomfortable with digital technology. Data were sourced from over 300 healthcare centres across France. A propensity-weighted Cox regression model was used, supplemented by sensitivity analyses across subgroups. In total, 5357 RMP patients and 13 525 SoC patients were included after weighting. Weighted/adjusted analyses showed lower all-cause mortality for RMP patients (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-0.70; p < 0.0001), persisting across hospitalization and/or long-term illness status subgroups (HR 0.52 to 0.75). RMP was neutrally associated with HF hospitalization rates (rate ratio [RR] 0.95; 95% CI 0.89-1.02) but linked to less time in hospital (-2.1%, p < 0.0001) and fewer emergency visits (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.75-0.92; p = 0.001). In France, RMP with customized monitoring frequencies and educational strategies was associated with lower all-cause mortality, emergency visits, and time spent in hospital in patients with HF which may enhance nationwide HF management.

Comparative safety and effectiveness of oral anticoagulants in key subgroups of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding: A cohort study based on the French National Health Data System (SNDS).

Risk factors and comorbidities can complicate management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. We describe and compare real-world safety and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in subgroups of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation at high risk for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, utilizing data from a national quasi-exhaustive French database. Anticoagulant-naïve adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with ≥1 gastrointestinal bleeding risk factor, initiating anticoagulant treatment January 2016-December 2019, and covered by the French national health data system were eligible. The following subgroups were evaluated: patients age ≥75 years, receiving concomitant medications, HAS-BLED score ≥3, and chronic kidney disease stage 3-4. Outcomes included major bleeding and stroke/systemic embolism. Patient characteristics were balanced using propensity score matching. A total of 314,184 patients were identified; characteristics were similar for propensity score-matched subgroups in VKA/DOAC and DOAC/DOAC comparisons. DOACs showed lower risk of major bleeding versus VKAs in all subgroups evaluated (p<0.0001 for all). Apixaban showed lower risk of major bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding versus rivaroxaban in all subgroups (p≤0.05 for all) and versus dabigatran in elderly patients, patients with HAS-BLED score ≥3, and those receiving concomitant medications (p<0.05 for all). Stroke/systemic embolism risk was lower with apixaban versus rivaroxaban in elderly patients, those with HAS-BLED ≥3, and those receiving concomitant medications; risks were similar for other comparisons. DOACs were associated with improved safety and effectiveness when compared to VKAs among subgroups of non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Apixaban was associated with lower risks of major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and stroke/systemic embolism versus rivaroxaban as well as lower risk of major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding bleed and similar risk of stroke/systemic embolism versus dabigatran among several of these patient subgroups.

Pharmacophore, syndrome de Noé, tire-veine, and other newcomers in medical terminology. Analysis of official medical neologisms in FranceTerme

The article deals with formal and semantic neological terms in the field of medicine as a domain with a dynamically developing interdisciplinary terminology. The official French terminological database FranceTerme, available online, has been used as a corpus: namely a closed group of the 175 terms that have been added since 2011 under the heading Health and Medicine. The analysis of formal terminogenic means deals with derivation, composition, abbreviation, syntactic formation, and borrowing, which are commented upon and complemented via relevant examples. The article further deals with semantic neology, manifesting itself as terminologization of words from everyday language and their figurative use. The metaphors detected in the corpus are based both on analogies of form and function, and the most frequently occurring metonymies are based on a cause–effect relationship. The analysis is mainly qualitative, as the variability and multiplicity of terminological means involved in term formation constitute the principal limiting factors for a deeper quantitative analysis.

Interobserver agreement in CTG classification and clinical decision during labour: a comparison between STAN2007 and STAN2022 classifications

ST analysis during labour requires the classification of CTG traces in order to help clinical decisions. The usual STAN classification is based on the FIGO 1987 classification, modified in 2007. New STAN guidelines adapted to physiology-based interpretation have been proposed in 2022. This study compares the interobserver agreement of CTG classification and clinical decisions making, and the ease of use following the 2022 and 2007 STAN guidelines. Material and MethodsThirty CTG traces from STAN monitors were selected from a local French database and analysed (CTG classification, clinical decision making) by six observers with different levels of experience in two sessions three months apart. Observers followed the STAN2007 and the STAN2022 guidelines in the first and in the second sessions respectively. Weighted kappa (primary outcome), proportion of complete agreement within the 6 observers, and percent agreement (secondary outcomes) were estimated. At the end of the second session observers rated their satisfaction, ease of use and which guidelines they preferred. ResultsThe interobserver agreement for CTG classification were comparable when following STAN2007 and STAN2022 guidelines (weighted kappa 0.57 versus 0.58, P = 0.91, moderate agreement), but a higher proportion of complete agreement within the 6 observers and a higher percent agreement were obtained when following STAN2022 compared to STAN2007 guidelines (complete agreement 50 % versus 20 % respectively, P = 0.01; percentage of agreement 72 % vs 55 %, P = 0.006). Interobserver agreement for clinical decisions did not differ when following STAN2007 or STAN2022 guidelines. Satisfaction scores were higher with STAN2022 guidelines, but not significantly (P = 0.052). All 6 observers stated that they preferred to use the STAN2022 guidelines. ConclusionInterobserver agreement is comparable between STAN2022 and STAN2007 for CTG classification in labour and clinical decision making. However, complete agreement and percent agreement are in favour of STAN 2022 for CTG classification.

Clinical profile of herpes zoster-related hospitalizations and complications: A French population-based database study

To estimate the incidence of hospitalization with a diagnosis of herpes zoster (HZ) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in France between 2013 and 2020, overall and stratified by age-group and immune status. Retrospective observational, database study, using the French hospital discharge database, which includes private and public data for all day-care and inpatient stays. Adults aged ≥18 years, hospitalized between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020, with a diagnosis of HZ or PHN, were included. Overall, 62 077 adults had a first hospitalization with a diagnosis of HZ or PHN during the observation period. HZ and/or PHN incidence ranged between 14.6 and 16.3 hospitalizations/100 000 persons and was highest in people aged ≥80 years (97.6 hospitalizations/100 000 persons). The immunocompromised (IC) population accounted for 22% of the overall study population. IC patients had longer lengths of stay for HZ per episode compared with non-IC patients (15.5±19.4 days vs 12.2±13.5 days) and higher in-patient mortality (8% vs 4%). Average annual hospitalization costs per patient were higher in the IC vs non-IC population (€8018 vs €5603). Older age increases hospitalization rates up to 6-fold and IC status increases in-patient mortality up to two-fold. The study was conducted by HEVA and data were provided by ATIH according to French regulatory and data protection procedures.

Impact of a Universal Monitoring system (“Third party”) on Outcomes among ICD patients: A Nationwide Study

BackgroundAdherence to recommended follow-up schedules for remote monitoring (RM) of patients with ICDs is inconsistent, which may influence clinical outcomes. Systematic organization through a « third-party » universal monitoring system (UMS) may be beneficial. ObjectivesEvaluate clinical impact of RM and any incremental benefit of UMS vs. conventional RM. MethodsIn the comprehensive French nationwide health database (SNDS) we identified 69,394 ICD patients (67.9±13.4 years, male 77.5%, 34.9% CRT-D) with clinical data. Hospitalizations and survival were assessed for 1 year (2019).Patients were classified by RM status (No-RM and RM), then RM separated further by follow-up method (Conventional manufacturer-specific RM or UMS). Adjusted annual mortality rates and hospitalizations (all-cause, heart failure, number and duration) were compared in No-RM vs. RM, then Conventional RM vs UMS. ResultsMortality rate was reduced in RM vs No-RM (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97, P<0.001). In RM, all-cause hospitalizations increased in number but their cumulative duration diminished (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98-0.99, P<0.001). Compared to Conventional RM, UMS was associated with reduced rates of mortality (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.73-0.77, P<0.001), all-cause and heart failure hospitalizations (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97, P< 0.001), and hospital stay duration (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97, P <0.001). ConclusionRM was associated with improved survival in ICD recipients. Importantly, we found that use of UMS was associated with additional improvement in clinical outcomes including survival and hospitalizations. These observations point to organizational challenges in conventionally managed RM that can be mitigated by a universal monitoring platform.

SLC4A3 anion exchanger mutations associated to sudden death : short or long QT syndrome?

Abstract Introduction SLC4A3 gene codes for an (Cl-/HCO3-) exchanger present on the surface of cardiomyocytes (AE3 channel) is involved in maintaining the physiological acid-base gradient of the cardiomyocyte at rest. Loss of function of the SLC4A3 gene leading to an increase in intracellular pH has. been reported to be responsible for short QT syndrome (SQT). Methods The aim of our study was to characterize the genotype-phenotype relationships of SLC4A3 mutations identified in the French databases (Paris, Nantes and Lyon) in patients with sudden death. Through systematic exome sequencing we identified 3 new SLC4A3 variants in 3 families with a history of sudden death in two universitary hospitals. Results Family 1. The c.3209G&amp;gt;C variant (p.Gly1070Ala) in the SLC4A3 gene was identified in a 7-yo boy with VF at sleep but admitted in encephalic death. EKG showed short QT (QTc 280ms). Clinical examination, blood tests, TTE and autopsy were normal. There was no family history of sudden death. His mother had EKG evidence of SQT and was carrier the SLC4A3 mutation. She was implanted with an ICD. His two older brothers and the rest of the family had no mutation or pathological ECG and were asymptomatic. Family 2. The c.1027C&amp;gt;T (p.Arg343Cys) mutation in the SLC4A3 gene was identified in a 29-year-old man who presented with sudden death at sleep (VF). Clinical examination, blood tests, TTE and autopsy were normal. A maternal uncle died suddenly while sleeping. His two brothers (30 and 27 yo) are both carriers of the SLC4A3 mutation and exhibit SQT (QTc 320 and 330 ms respectively). TEE, Holter monitoring and stress test were normal in both. Both brothers were treated with hydroquinidine. Over a 2-year follow-up they had no symptom nor AF. Family 3. The c.1022C&amp;gt;G (p.Thr341Arg) mutation was identified in the SLC4A3 gene in a 54-yoman who presented with VF during shower but admitted in encephalic death. There was no family history of sudden death. Clinical examination, blood tests and echocardiography as well as coronary angiogram were normal. The initial ECG showed a prolonged QT interval (QTc 520 ms). QTc decreased to 480 ms in the 48 following hours. His parents and his sister as well as his 18 yo daughter have normal QTc values. We are awaiting the genetic results. Conclusion Loss-of-activity-mutation in the cardiac chloride-bicarbonate exchanger AE3 has been recently reported to cause short QT syndrome but it seems that in rare cases it may also be responsible for LQTS. Further patients are needed to confirm these data. In order to understand the underlying electrophysiological mechanisms, we plan to characterize the cellular impact of these new mutations through IPS.

Association of fluoroquinolones with the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax: nationwide case–time–control study

IntroductionFluoroquinolones can cause severe collagen-associated adverse effects, potentially impacting the pulmonary connective tissue. We investigated the association between fluoroquinolones and spontaneous pneumothorax.MethodsA case–time–control study was performed using the nationwide French...

DRAMES and DTA databases: Complementary tools to monitor drug-related deaths in France

The DRAMES (décès en relation avec l'abus de médicaments et de substances) registry is a French database of drug-related deaths (medications or illicit drugs) among drug users. The DTA (décès toxiques par antalgiques) registry is a French database of analgesic-related deaths among people without a history of drug abuse. Both registries are based on the collection of data on deaths for which forensic toxicology experts have performed analyses. In the present study, we included drug- and analgesic-related deaths occurring from January 2013 to December 2022 in France. Subject demographic characteristics and medical history, forensic autopsy findings and toxicology reports were evaluated. Among drug users (DRAMES registry), opioids used alone or in combination were the main contributor to drug-related deaths in France, as they are in most countries. However, licit methadone was the leading cause of opioid-related deaths (ahead of heroin) during the study period. The main trend was the dramatic increase in cocaine-related mortality. Among medical users of analgesics (DTA registry), tramadol was the leading cause of deaths throughout this period. A large-scale naloxone distribution program is urgently needed in France to prevent opioid overdoses, including among licit methadone users. However, our data do not support the hypothesis of an opioid crisis in France, although close monitoring is still required, particularly for oxycodone.

Academic impact of French Hip & Knee Surgery Society (SFHG): A bibliometric analysis

IntroductionThe French Hip & Knee Surgery Society (SFHG) brings together French-speaking hip and knee expert surgeons. There has been an exponential growth of orthopaedic surgical activity over the last decade and hip and knee surgery clinical research has had a similar growth. Despite this, the SFHG's contribution to the orthopaedic literature remains poorly known. To answer this question, we conducted a bibliometric study using data from the national SIGAPS database between 2013 and 2022 to determine: (1) the number of publications produced by SFHG members, (2) the proportion of articles produced by SFHG members in relation to French orthopaedic production, (3) impact markers for articles produced by SFHG member surgeons, (4) collaboration networks between SFHG member surgeons. HypothesisThe number of articles produced by SFHG member surgeons will represent a significant proportion of French scientific output in orthopaedics. Material and methodThe analysis was carried out by cross-referencing the SFHG membership list with the French database of the “Système d'interrogation, de gestion, d'analyse des publications scientifiques” (SIGAPS) and the InCites platform. Among the 189 SFHG members, we identified a list of 183 SIGAPS identifiers in the national database, corresponding to 127 distinct individuals with publications over the period 2013–2022. Several indicators were studied: number of publications; SIGAPS score for the different WoS categories; number and percentage of publications in the top1% and top10%. ResultsOf SFHG's 189 members, 127 have been identified by the SIGAPS database as “publishers”. Over the last decade, 2306 articles have been published by SFHG members. The number of publications has risen steadily, from 203 publications in 2013 to 261 publications in 2022. All SIGAPS categories were represented. Most articles were published in rank D (n = 719; 31.2%) C (n = 552; 23.9%) and B (n = 549; 23.8%) journals. Authors were in first (n = 624) or last position (n = 730) in 58.7% of publications. Orthopaedics (1,639; 71.1%), Surgery (1,124; 48.7%) and Sports surgery (335; 14.5%) were the most frequently observed topics. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research is the most popular journal for SFHG members' articles, with 655/2306 articles published over the last decade, representing a 32.2% market share. Of the 2160 publications indexed on the Web of Science, 1807 (83.7%) had a French corresponding author. 31 articles (1.4%) were in the Top 1% of most-cited articles worldwide, and 310 were in the Top 10% of most-cited articles worldwide (14.5%). DiscussionSFHG is a major player in orthopaedic research in France. In 2022, it accounted for 19% of the annual volume of French scientific publications in the field of orthopaedics and traumatology. Level of evidenceIV; Retrospective study without control group.

Impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on psychotropic drug use in children and adolescents in France

BackgroundIn 2019, the world faced a pandemic brought about by a severe acute respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. The spread of this virus has profoundly affected societies, particularly in terms of their economic, human and social dimensions, as well as their healthcare systems. Several restrictive measures (reduced social interaction, periodic school closures,…) had to be taken to contain the spread of the virus. These measures have had an impact on the psychological well-being of both adults and children. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in psychotropic drugs prescriptions for children and adolescents living in Limousin, a French region, over the period 2018 to 2021.MethodsThe consumption of psychotropic drugs was studied using a national database of drug reimbursement. These data were extracted and supplied from the nationwide French reimbursement healthcare system database (SNDS). The following therapeutic classes were studied: N05A (antipsychotics), N05B (anxiolytics), N05C (hypnotics and sedatives), N06A (antidepressants) and N06B (psychostimulants). Data were collected for insured persons under the age of 18 who received at least one reimbursement for a psychotropic drug between 2018 and 2021.ResultsOver a 4-year period, 7949 patients under the age of 18 were included with an average age of 12.1 years and a sex ratio of 0.97 M/F. The number of patients increased from 2018 to 2021, as did the number of reimbursements. We observed a statistically significant difference of means of patients reimbursed per week for on five therapeutic classes, with the greatest difference in 2021 (p < 0.0001). An increase in the number of patients of between + 20.7% and + 689% was observed, depending on the drug classes studied. Comparisons between the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 periods showed a significantly higher COVID average for psychotropic drugs reimbursements in general and individually for all classes except psychostimulants.ConclusionThe results show a significant increase in the consumption of psychotropic drugs among youth. The increase in psychotropic drug use was continuous and progressive throughout the pandemic. All five classes were increased, but particularly anxiolytics and antidepressants. The COVID-19 context may have been at the origin of a deterioration in the mental health of children and adolescents, or of a heightened awareness of psychiatric care among young people.

Surgical management of atrioesophageal fistula after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A French nationwide study

ObjectiveThe study objective was to assess the efficacity of different surgical strategies for atrioesophageal fistula after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. MethodsBetween January 2010 and April 2023, all patients with a diagnosis of atrioesophageal fistula or pericardo-esophageal fistula after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation were analyzed retrospectively from the French database EPITHOR. Patients without surgical management were excluded. ResultsEighteen patients were included, 15 with atrioesophageal fistula and 3 with pericardo-esophageal fistula. Median follow-up was 89.5 days with an overall survival of 50%. Five patients underwent esophageal stenting, 2 as a bridge-to-esophagectomy with 50% of survival and 3 in association with esophagus and left atrial direct repair with 66% survival. Primary esophageal repair with flap coverage was performed in 8 patients with 25% survival, most of them with sepsis and neurological failure. Seven patients had an esophagectomy with 71% survival, only 2 of them having a neurological failure. Among them, 5 patients underwent a restorative surgery and are still alive. Four patients had a retrosternal colon interposition, and 1 patient had an esogastric anastomosis. Risk factors for death were neurological failure (hazard ratio [HR], 4.91, 95% CI, 0.95-25.22; P = .0057) in univariate analysis and sepsis (HR, 6.25, 95% CI, 1.17-33.3; P = .032) in multivariate analysis. Esophagectomy tended to offer a survival benefit (HR, 0.163, 95% CI, 0.019-1.340; P = .092). The use of cardiopulmonary bypass did not significantly impact survival (HR, 1.953, 95% CI, 0.392-9.719; P = .413). ConclusionsAggressive surgical strategies for managing atrioesophageal fistula are mandatory to offer the best chance of survival.

Stroke but no hospital admission: Lost opportunity for whom?

To counter the spread of COVID-19, the French government imposed several stringent social and political measures across its entire population. We hereto assess the impact of these political decisions on healthcare access in 2020, focusing on patients who suffered from an ischemic stroke. We divide our analysis into four distinct periods: the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, the lockdown period, the "in-between" or transitional period, and the shutdown period. Our methodology involves utilizing a retrospective dataset spanning 2019-2020, an exhaustive French national hospital discharge diagnosis database for stroke inpatients, integrated with income information from the reference year of 2019. The results reveal that the most affluent were more likely to forgo medical care, particularly in heavily affected areas. Moreover, the most disadvantaged exhibited even greater reluctance to seek care, especially in the most severely impacted regions. The data suggest a loss of opportunity for less severely affected patients to benefit from healthcares during this lockdown period, regardless of demographic, location, and socioeconomic determinants. Furthermore, our analysis reveals a notable discrepancy in healthcare-seeking behavior, with less affluent patients and seniors (over 75 years old) experiencing slower rates of return to healthcare access compared to pre-pandemic levels. This highlights a persistent gap in healthcare accessibility, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Early Maintenance Treatment Initiation and Relapse Risk Mitigation After a First Event of MOGAD in Adults: The MOGADOR2 Study.

Because myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a recently identified autoimmune disorder, the natural history of MOGAD is still not well described. The objective of this study was to describe the long-term outcomes of adult patients with MOGAD. In addition, we aimed to identify factors affecting relapse risk and neurologic outcomes. Clinical and biological data were obtained from patients with a first event of MOGAD and included in the French nationwide incident cohort between February 2014 and March 2017. Only patients aged 18 years or older at disease onset and with observation period of at least 3 months were included. Data were collected prospectively until July 2023 and registered in the dedicated French nationwide database. This form includes every relapse with phenotype description during follow-up, date of last assessment, final clinical outcome with Expanded Disability Status Scale score and visual acuity, and maintenance therapy. The probability of recurrence-free survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. We included 128 patients. The onset phenotype was isolated optic neuritis in 81 patients (63.3%) and isolated myelitis in 25 patients (19.5%). The median follow-up duration was 77.8 months (range 3.2-111.2), with 49 patients (38.3%) experienced at least one relapse. Median times from onset to second and third attacks were 3.2 (1.0-86.2) and 13.0 (2.6-64.4) months, respectively. At the last assessment, Expanded Disability Status Scale Score was ≥3 and ≥6 in 22 (17.2%) and 6 (4.7%) patients, respectively. Eighty patients received at least one maintenance treatment. This treatment was initiated after the first attack in 47 patients (36.7% of the whole cohort) and at the time of a second attack in 25 (19.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed that initiating maintenance treatment after the first attack was associated with a lower relapse risk (OR = 0.26 [95% CI 0.11-0.62], p = 0.002). In patients receiving maintenance therapy after first attack, the 2-year, 4-year, 6-year, and 8-year relapse risks were 11%, 15%, 20%, and 20%, respectively. In other patients, the risks were 41%, 46%, 51%, and 56%. The highest risk of a relapse in MOGAD occurs early, and initiating maintenance therapy from the first attack substantially reduced the relapse risk. This study provides Class III evidence that initiating maintenance therapy from the first attack in patients with MOGAD reduces the relapse risk.

Descriptive epidemiology of 399 histologically confirmed newly diagnosed meningeal solitary fibrous tumours and haemangiopericytomas in France: 2006-2015.

Meningeal solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) and haemangiopericytoma (HPC) are uncommon tumours that have been merged into a single entity in the last 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. To describe the epidemiology of SFT/HPC operated in France and, to assess their incidence. We processed the French Brain Tumour Database (FBTDB) to conduct a nationwide population-based study of all histopathologically confirmed SFT/HPC between 2006 and 2015. Our study included 399 SFT/HPC patients, operated in France between 2006 and 2015, in one of the 46 participating neurosurgical centres. The incidence reached 0.062, 95%CI[0.056-0.068] for 100,000 person-years. SFT accounted for 35.8% and, HPC for 64.2%. The ratio of SFT/HPC over meningioma operated during the same period was 0.013. SFT/HPC are about equally distributed in women and men (55.9% vs. 44.1%). For the whole population, mean age at surgery was 53.9 (SD ± 15.8) years. The incidence of SFT/HPC surgery increases with the age and, is maximal for the 50-55years category. Benign SFT/HPC accounted for 65.16%, SFT/HPC of uncertain behaviour for 11.53% and malignant ones for 23.31%. The number of resection progresses as the histopathological behaviour became more aggressive. 6.7% of the patients with a benign SFT/HPC had a second surgery vs.16.6% in case of uncertain behaviour and, 28.4% for malignant SFT/HPC patients. Meningeal SFT and HPC are rare CNS mesenchymal tumours which both share common epidemiological characteristics, asserting their merging under a common entity. SFT/HPC incidence is less that one case for 1 billion per year and, for around 100 meningiomas-like tumours removed, one SFT/HPC may be diagnosed. SFT/HPC are equally distributed in women and men and, are mainly diagnosed around 50-55years. The more aggressive the tumour, the higher the probability of recurrence.

The carbon footprint of French hospital ophthalmology consultations.

France carbon footprint, with 604 million tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) annual emissions, far exceeds the worldwide scientific specifications to not exceed 2 °C of warming in 2100. The healthcare sector is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study is to quantify and evaluate the carbon footprint of the consultation activity of an ophthalmology department at a single institution in France. The perimeter of the investigation included consultations and excluded the surgeries and the hospitalisation. We calculated the carbon footprint of a single day of practice in our scope of investigation. We included consumption of energy, patient travel, staff travel, pharmaceutics and medical devices purchases, computer hardware, biomedical equipment/exam materials, and waste. We used the official French public database of emission factors: Base Empreinte® of the Environmental and Energy Management Agency of France. The carbon footprint of a single day of our department was estimated at 1 688.65 kgCO2eq. It represents an average of 9.28 kgCO2eq per patient. Energy consumption contributed for 114.80 kgCO2eq (6.8%), travel for 1324.76 kgCO2eq (78.4%), pharmaceutics and medical devices for 208.33 kgCO2eq (12.3%), equipment for 14.38 kgCO2eq (0.9%) and waste for 26.38 kgCO2eq (1.6%). This study highlights the importance of patient travels, and possibly pharmaceutics, in the carbon footprint of hospital ophthalmology practice in France. More studies are needed to establish it at the national or international scale, as well as more carbon footprint analyses on products, especially those of high prices, to increase the accuracy of these studies.

Impact of new drug releases on heart failure management and hospitalizations in France: A repeated cross-sectional study between 2014 and 2023

Real-life data on the impact of sacubitril-valsartan and sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on heart failure (HF) in France is lacking. Using French health insurance databases, we examined the ten-year evolution in HF medication use, focusing on SGLT-2 inhibitors and sacubitril/valsartan, and incidence of HF hospitalizations during the same period. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study using medical-administrative data from French health insurance databases between 2014 and 2023. These included "OpenMedic" for outpatient medication reimbursements and "ScanSanté" for annual hospitalization data. Medications were classified using ATC codes, and hospitalizations were identified using ICD-10 codes. Statistical analyses encompassed annual rates of users and boxes dispensed for HF medications, along with HF, ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke hospitalization rates. Prevalence of SGLT-2 inhibitors and sacubitril-valsartan use was also studied regionally, with direct standardization by age and sex, with the French population as the standard population. Between 2014 and 2023, HF drug use increased significantly, with beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors/ARBs leading in prevalence of use. ARNi and SGLT-2 inhibitors, introduced later, showed remarkable rises: +506% and +3766% in users since their market introduction, respectively. Meanwhile, HF hospitalizations slightly increased by +3.6% between 2016 and 2019, followed by a notable decline of -12.5% during 2019-2023, coinciding with the introduction of SGLT-2 inhibitors. In contrast, hospitalizations for ischemic heart disease rose by 11.6% over the period 2016-2019 and by +5.2% over the period 2019-2023, and hospitalizations for ischemic stroke rose by 8.2% over the period 2016-2019 and declined by -0.6% over the period 2019-2023. We observed regional disparities in SGLT-2 inhibitors use, with prevalence ranging from 0.9% in Bretagne to 1.5% in Hauts-de-France. The data suggests a temporal correlation between the increase in SGLT-2 inhibitors use and the decline in HF hospitalizations since 2019. More studies are needed to measure real life effectiveness of SGLT-2 inhibitors in heart failure.

Nationwide trends over 10 years in epidemiology and management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A real-world study from the French administrative database

Background & aimsSignificant progress has been made in the management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in recent years. In this population-based study, we aimed to compare incidence, therapeutic strategies, and survival outcomes of PDAC patients in France over a decade. MethodsThis study was performed using a nationwide French database. All patients receiving care for PDAC during years 2009, 2014 and 2018 were included. Treatment modalities and survival outcomes were analyzed. ResultsA total of 8143/8771/10494 patients were considered in 2009/2014/2018, respectively. Incidence increased mainly among patients aged >60 years. In localized PDAC, the proportion of patients receiving best supportive care (BSC) only decreased at 43.6/36.4/32.4 % and 27.8/29.1/34.3 % received chemo(radio)therapy alone. The rate of upfront surgery remained stable while 3/8/18 % of operated patients received neoadjuvant therapy. Median overall survival (OS) was 7.0/7.9/8.5 months in the overall population. Among treated patients, 1-year OS was 61.4/67.7/68.8 % and 30.3/36.3/38.8 % for localized and metastatic PDAC, respectively. ConclusionsThis study confirms the rising incidence of PDAC. Improved outcomes were seen in localized PDAC, with a wider use of chemotherapy and neoadjuvant strategies, and in treated metastatic patients. A modest survival gain was seen overall, hindered by the still high rate of patients receiving BSC only.

Machine learning based on functional principal component analysis to quantify the effects of the main drivers of wheat yields

Assessing the response of crop yield to year-to-year climate variability at the field scale is often done using process-based models and regression techniques. Although powerful, these tools rely on strong assumptions and can lead to substantial prediction errors. In this study, we investigate the use of a flexible machine learning algorithm combining Functional Principal Component Analysis and Random Forest, to relate field scale wheat yield to local daily climate variables. Instead of computing seasonal, monthly or any other arbitrary time-frame climate averages, climate time series are decomposed by Functional Principal Component Analysis into a few data-driven basis functions, called Principal Curves, in order to summarize the dynamic of key climate variables by a limited number of interpretable components. Scores associated to these components are then used as inputs of a Random Forest algorithm for yield prediction and for analysing important factors responsible for yield variability. To evaluate our approach, we use a French national database including wheat yield data as well as climate and management practice data for 298 farm fields from 2011 to 2016 in four main producing regions. Depending on the regions, our approach can explain from 62 % to 81 % of the yield variability when both agronomic and climate variables are included, down to 56–81 % when ignoring agronomic variables and 51–74 % when ignoring climate variables. Based on a year-by-year cross-validation, RMSE ranges from 0.5 t ha−1 to 2.1 t ha−1 in non-extreme years (2012–2015). However, prediction error can reach 3.6 t ha−1 in case of exceptional weather conditions, such as those experienced in 2016 in Northern France. We find that this new approach performs in most cases better than the same machine learning algorithm using the usual time averages of climate variables, without the need to choose an arbitrary time-frame. We then show how important patterns in weather time series can be identified and how their effects on yield can be interpreted using the proposed modelling framework.