Pharmacological Treatment Regimens Research Articles

The atypical antipsychotics lurasidone and olanzapine exert contrasting effects on the gut microbiome and metabolic function of rats.

Antipsychotics such as olanzapine are associated with significant metabolic dysfunction, attributed to gut microbiome dysbiosis. A recent notion that most psychotropics are detrimental to the gut microbiome has arisen from consistent findings of metabolic adverse effects. However, unlike olanzapine, the metabolic effects of lurasidone are conflicting. Thus, this study investigates the contrasting effects of olanzapine and lurasidone on the gut microbiome to explore the hypothesis of 'gut neutrality' for lurasidone exposure. Using Sprague-Dawley rats, the effects of olanzapine and lurasidone on the gut microbiome were explored. Faecal and blood samples were collected weekly over a 21-day period to analyse changes to the gut microbiome and related metabolic markers. Lurasidone triggered no significant weight gain or metabolic alterations, instead positively modulating the gut microbiome through increases in mean operational taxonomical units (OTUs) and alpha diversity. This novel finding suggests an underlying mechanism for lurasidone's metabolic inertia. In contrast, olanzapine triggered a statistically significant decrease in mean OTUs, substantial compositional variation and a depletion in short-chain fatty acid abundance. Microbiome depletion correlated with metabolic dysfunction, producing a 30% increase in weight gain, increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and increased blood glycaemic and triglyceride levels. Our results challenge the notion that all antipsychotics disrupt the gut microbiome similarly and highlights the potential benefits of gut-neutral antipsychotics, such as lurasidone, in managing metabolic side effects. Further research is warranted to validate these findings in humans to guide personalised pharmacological treatment regimens for schizophrenia.

Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract attenuates MK801-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice: Participation of intestinal flora

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a psychotic mental disorder characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and social impairments. However, current pharmacological treatment regimens are subpar in terms of effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate the function of Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract in SCZ in mouse models. The SCZ mouse model was established by MK-801 injection and feeding of Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract or combined antibiotics. Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract significantly improved the aberrant behaviors and neuronal damage in SCZ mice, upregulated SYP and PSD-95 expression and BDNF levels in hippocampal homogenates, down-regulated DA and 5-HT levels, and suppressed microglial activation in SCZ mice. Moreover, Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract improved the integrity of the intestinal tract barrier. The 16 S rRNA sequencing of feces showed that Radix Bupleuri extract modulated the composition of gut flora. Lactobacillus abundance was decreased in SCZ mice and reversed by Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract administration which exhibited a significant negative correlation with IL-6, IL-1β, DA, and 5-HT, and a significant positive correlation with BDNF levels in hippocampal tissues. The abundance of Parabacteroides and Alloprevotella was increased in SCZ mice. It was reversed by Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract administration, which exhibited a positive correlation with IL-6, IL-1β, and 5-HT and a negative correlation with BDNF. In conclusion, Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract attenuates the inflammatory response in hippocampal tissues and modulates neurotransmitter levels, exerting its neuroprotective effect in SCZ. Meanwhile, the alteration of intestinal flora may be involved in this process, which is expected to be an underlying therapeutic option in treating SCZ.

Association Between Pharmacological Treatment Regimens and Quality of Life Among Rural Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Comparative Analysis in Eastern China.

Numerous studies have explored the relationship between pharmacological treatment regimens and the quality of life (QoL) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. However, there is a dearth of comparative studies focusing on the QoL among rural T2D patients in China across 3 distinct pharmacological treatments: oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), insulin therapy, and a combination of OADs and insulin. Additionally, the specific correlation between these treatment regimens and distinct dimensions of QoL remains unclear, necessitating further investigation. Data from a survey of rural T2D patients in eastern China were analyzed to calculate QoL scores for different treatment groups. Multivariate linear regression was then used to assess variations in overall QoL and specific dimensions among patients on OADs, insulin, and combined therapy. OADs were most commonly used (70.36%), followed by combined (19.47%) and insulin therapy (10.17%). Patients on OADs reported the highest overall QoL, with reduced physical discomfort, improved psychological well-being, enhanced treatment satisfaction, and fewer medication side effects. Conversely, those on combined therapy had the lowest overall QoL, primarily due to increased physical discomfort. Insulin users had moderately positive overall QoL but lower psychological well-being and treatment satisfaction, along with more adverse reactions. Disparities in QoL and its dimensions exist among rural T2D patients based on treatment regimens. Healthcare providers should prioritize support systems and interventions to help patients manage side effects of insulin and combined therapy, thereby improving their QoL.

Diversified applications of hepatocellular carcinoma medications: molecular-targeted, immunotherapeutic, and combined approaches.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the primary forms of liver cancer and is currently the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide. In addition to surgical interventions, effective drug treatment is essential for treating HCC. With an increasing number of therapeutic drugs for liver cancer undergoing clinical studies, the therapeutic strategies for advanced HCC are more diverse than ever, leading to improved prospects for HCC patients. Molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapies have become crucial treatment options for HCC. Treatment programs include single-agent molecular-targeted drugs, immunotherapies, combinations of immunotherapies with molecular-targeted drugs, and dual immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, further exploration is necessary to determine the optimal pharmacological treatment regimens, and the development of new effective drugs is urgently needed. This review provides an overview of the current globally approved drugs for liver cancer, as well as the latest advances in ongoing clinical research and drug therapies. Additionally, the review offers an outlook and discussion on the prospects for the development of drug therapy approaches for HCC.

Precision Monitoring of Antithrombotic Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease

Thrombosis, the process of blood clot formation in blood vessels, is an important protective mechanism for avoiding excessive blood spillage when an individual is exposed to trauma. The body has both a thrombosis inhibition and a thrombus removal system, which interact in a balanced manner. If these mechanisms become unbalanced, and too many clots form and block the lumen, thrombosis occurs. Thrombosis is currently the leading cause of death from disease in humans and is one of the most common events leading to many cardiovascular diseases. Antithrombotic drugs are an integral part of the pharmacological treatment regimens, and interventional strategies are currently recommended for thrombotic complications in patients with thrombosis. Despite major advances in these therapies, the high risk associated with thrombosis and bleeding remains, because of the complex interplay among patient comorbidities, drug combinations, multifaceted dose adjustments, and care settings. Detailed assessment of the effects of bleeding and thrombosis is necessary to establish optimal treatment plans for patients with thrombosis. This study retrospectively evaluated methods for assessing the risk of bleeding/ischemia in thrombosis and the individualized use of these methods.

3D Printing of Dietary Products for the Management of Inborn Errors of Intermediary Metabolism in Pediatric Populations.

The incidence of Inborn Error of Intermediary Metabolism (IEiM) diseases may be low, yet collectively, they impact approximately 6-10% of the global population, primarily affecting children. Precise treatment doses and strict adherence to prescribed diet and pharmacological treatment regimens are imperative to avert metabolic disturbances in patients. However, the existing dietary and pharmacological products suffer from poor palatability, posing challenges to patient adherence. Furthermore, frequent dose adjustments contingent on age and drug blood levels further complicate treatment. Semi-solid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing technology is currently under assessment as a pioneering method for crafting customized chewable dosage forms, surmounting the primary limitations prevalent in present therapies. This method offers a spectrum of advantages, including the flexibility to tailor patient-specific doses, excipients, and organoleptic properties. These elements are pivotal in ensuring the treatment's efficacy, safety, and adherence. This comprehensive review presents the current landscape of available dietary products, diagnostic methods, therapeutic monitoring, and the latest advancements in SSE technology. It highlights the rationale underpinning their adoption while addressing regulatory aspects imperative for their seamless integration into clinical practice.

Pharmacological approaches to pulmonary fibrosis following COVID-19.

Background: In the past few years, COVID-19 became the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the World Health Organization has declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency, it can be expected, that the emerging new cases at the top of previous ones will result in an increasing number of patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae. Despite the fact that the majority of patients recover, severe acute lung tissue injury can in susceptible individuals progress to interstitial pulmonary involvement. Our goal is to provide an overview of various aspects associated with the Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis with a focus on its potential pharmacological treatment options. Areas covered: We discuss epidemiology, underlying pathobiological mechanisms, and possible risk and predictive factors that were found to be associated with the development of fibrotic lung tissue remodelling. Several pharmacotherapeutic approaches are currently being applied and include anti-fibrotic drugs, prolonged use or pulses of systemic corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. In addition, several repurposed or novel compounds are being investigated. Fortunately, clinical trials focused on pharmacological treatment regimens for post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis have been either designed, completed or are already in progress. However, the results are contrasting so far. High quality randomised clinical trials are urgently needed with respect to the heterogeneity of disease behaviour, patient characteristics and treatable traits. Conclusion: The Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis contributes to the burden of chronic respiratory consequences among survivors. Currently available pharmacotherapeutic approaches mostly comprise repurposed drugs with a proven efficacy and safety profile, namely, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and antifibrotics. The role of nintedanib and pirfenidone is promising in this area. However, we still need to verify conditions under which the potential to prevent, slow or stop progression of lung damage will be fulfilled.

IMPACT OF RENAL DENERVATION TREATMENT ON LEFT VENTRICLE REMODELING IN RESISTANT HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS: THREE YEARS FOLLOW-UP

Objective: Evaluation of effects of RDN on left ventricle remodeling in patients with resistant hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Design and method: The study enrolled 125 hypertensive patients, who after 3-week of standardized treatment with Losartan, Amlodipine and Indapamide and confirmation of their drug resistance, were randomly assigned into three groups depending on medication supplemented to previously administered: group I - selective I1-imidazoline agonist Moxonidine, group II - cardioselective beta-blocker Bisoprolol and group III - renal denervation. All patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram at baseline, one, two and three years follow-up. Renal denervation was performed in the main renal arteries and their branches. Results: Transthoracic echocardiography at baseline revealed LV hypertrophy in all patients. The majority of patients in all three research groups had concentric hypertrophy (52% versus 60% and 56% in group I, II and III, respectively), the normal pattern not being recorded in any group. An authentic reduction in LV mass index was noted from 1-year follow-up in all three observational groups, the progressive reduction being maintained until the end of the study, the group of patients undergoing renal denervation manifested a net superior effect to both pharmacological groups. So, at 3-years follow-up LV mass index was 128,57±4,91 g/m2 in Moxonidine group versus 126,0±5,34 g/m2 in Bisoprolol group and 94,44±3,90 g/m2 in RDN group, p < 0.001. Analyzing the impact of various therapeutic regimes on the geometric pattern of the LV, we can note the fact that both treatment schemes with SNS blockers and RDN favored LV reverse remodeling, its normal pattern being regained by 5 (10%) patients from group I and 7 (28%) patients from group III. This time as well RDN demonstrated absolute superiority over both pharmacological treatment regimens (Figure 1). Conclusions: The obtained data confirm the benefit of RDN treatment on the reverse remodeling of the LV by significantly reduction in LV mass index and inducing the recovery of its normal physiological pattern in practically a third of treated patients at 3 years post-procedurally.

Highlighting the Treatment Regimens used in COVID-19 epidemic in Iraq with Special Regards to Vitamin D

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a flu-like infection caused by a novel virus known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). After the widespread around the world, it was announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic. The symptoms of COVID-19 may arise within 2 weeks and the severity ranged from mild with signs of respiratory infection to severe cases of organ failure and even death. Management of COVID-19 patients includes supportive treatment and pharmacological medications expected to be effective with no definitive cure of the disease. The aims of this study are highlighting the management protocol and supportive therapy especially vitamin D and manifesting the clinical symptoms by patients in Iraq. An observational study was conducted on 200 patients and descriptive parameters for data were calculated to analyze the results. The mean age was 42.56±17.49 years and the majority of patients were presented with mild to moderate symptoms (78%). There were many different pharmacological treatment regimens and random doses and duration of vitamin D were taken by the patients. In conclusion, a non-specific treatment protocol was used for the patients without compliance to the national guidelines for management and treatment of COVID-19 patients in Iraq with the administration of a wide range of pharmaceutical agents that required monitoring for their safety and efficacy. Vitamin D is administered in different doses and duration without depending on the basal serum concentration.

Digital Quantification of Intratumoral CD8+ T-Cells Predicts Relapse and Unfavorable Outcome in Uveal Melanoma

Although it is a disease that occurs mainly in the Caucasian population, uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. Here, we used digital pathology and image analysis for the diagnosis of UM and the prediction of the prognosis. Our retrospective study included a total of 404 histopathological slides from 101 patients. A digital image acquisition and quantitative analysis of tissue immune biomarkers (CD4, CD8, CD68, CD163) were performed. A negative impact of the intratumoral CD8 positive cell density higher than 13.3 cells/mm2 was detected for both RFS (HR 2.08, 95% Cl 1.09 to 3.99, p = 0.027) and OS (HR 3.30, 95% CI 1.58 to 6.88, p = 0.001). Moreover, we confirmed that older age and stage III were independent negative prognostic factors for both RFS and OS. Our results suggest that a specific distribution profile of CD8 in UM might predict the risk of relapse and death, with potential implications for determining which subgroups of UMs are amenable to specific pharmacological treatment regimens.

Recent Progress in the Diagnosis and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Era of COVID-19 and Single Cell Multi-Omics Technologies.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the world’s leading causes of death and life-threatening conditions. Therefore, we review the complex vicious circle of causes responsible for T2DM and risk factors such as the western diet, obesity, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The prevalence and economic burden of T2DM on societal and healthcare systems are dissected. Recent progress on the diagnosis and clinical management of T2DM, including both non-pharmacological and latest pharmacological treatment regimens, are summarized. The treatment of T2DM is becoming more complex as new medications are approved. This review is focused on the non-insulin treatments of T2DM to reach optimal therapy beyond glycemic management. We review experimental and clinical findings of SARS-CoV-2 risks that are attributable to T2DM patients. Finally, we shed light on the recent single-cell-based technologies and multi-omics approaches that have reached breakthroughs in the understanding of the pathomechanism of T2DM.

Post-COVID pain syndrome: a review of international observations

The novel coronavirus infection is commonly referred to as COVID-19, sometimes by the name of the causative agent of a respiratory viral infection, as SARS-CoV-2. Frequently, the course of COVID-19 is divided into three main periods: acute COVID-19 (up to 4 weeks), post-acute COVID-19 (from 4 to 12 weeks), post-COVID (post-COVID; from 12 weeks to 6 months). If a more protracted course of COVID (over 6 months) is discussed, the term “long-COVID” is used. All observations demonstrated a high incidence of pain syndromes of various localization in the post-COVID period and long-COVID. According to survey data, 92.3% of patients with COVID-19 reported musculoskeletal problems at the time of admission. Pain syndrome is observed in 56.3% of cases 1 month after hospitalization. Three months after COVID-19, myalgia was observed in 40.55% of cases, joint pain in 39.18%, back pain in 31.62%, and lower back pain in 24.74%. After 6 months, joint pain continues to be observed in 18.59% of patients, myalgia – in 15.09%, back pain – in 14.39%, lower back pain – in 11.23%. In 50.8% of cases, patients reported new-onset pain, of which 38.5% had pain of moderate severity (≥3 points on the visual analog scale). Patients with new-onset pain during COVID had worse quality of life indicators and a negative correlation with the pain syndrome severity, which significantly hampered recovery. Data from a meta-analysis that included 47,910 patients with long-COVID and with a protracted course of COVID indicate that 19% of them had pain in the joints of various localization. The direct cytopathic effect of SARS-CoV-2 and the systemic immune inflammation that occurs in response to infection cause damage to the joint tissue. According to the Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with the Consequences of COVID-19, it is recommended to use slow acting structure-modifying drugs – SYSADOA – in the pharmacological treatment regimen for patients with osteoarthritis, among which parenteral forms of pharmaceutically standardized drugs – chondroitin sulfate (CS) and glucosamine sulfate (GS) are preferred. GS and CS are inhibitors of the signaling cascade of the nuclear factor NF-κB, which is involved in the realization of biological effects of a pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor α), the excessive activity of which is associated with the cytokine storm in COVID-19.

624 Implementation of a Collaborative Drug Therapy Management Protocol in an Adult Burn Clinic

IntroductionCollaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) protocols allow qualified clinical pharmacists working within a defined context to independently assume responsibility for a variety of direct patient care activities. The goal of this model is to improve access to care, often in a more affordable and timely manner. Pharmacists in our burn center have historically assisted with discharge planning and transitions of care for patients being sent home or to a facility. Despite these efforts, pharmacists were not formally involved in managing Burn Clinic patients. The objective of implementing a CDTM Protocol in Burn Clinic was to streamline management of burn-related pharmacologic issues.MethodsThe CDTM protocol allows the pharmacist to assess patients’ therapeutic needs related to thermal injury, inhalation injury, or dermatologic disorder. Disease states managed include: pain, agitation, delirium, insomnia, venous thromboembolism, skin and soft tissue infections, and complications of hypermetabolic burn response.ResultsIn Burn Clinic, via in-person or telephone visits, pharmacists can independently evaluate and modify pharmacologic treatment regimens in accordance with state legislation, including initiation, renewal, and adjustment of drugs and vitamins. The pharmacist can also review, order, interpret, and conduct pertinent laboratory studies and wound culture results. In addition, the pharmacist completes medication reconciliation, performs patient education, and consults other healthcare providers, as needed. All visits, patient care, education, and treatment decisions are documented in the electronic record. “Incident-to” billing is completed at Level 99211, as this is a hospital-based clinic.ConclusionsHistorically, pharmacists were peripherally involved with Burn Clinic patients when issues arose, serving in an “as-needed” capacity. With more proactive involvement, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help with de-prescribing, drug interactions, insurance issues, access to medications, adherence, and dose optimization. Implementing a CDTM protocol allows pharmacists to become more formally involved in post-discharge follow-up and to help manage ambulatory burn patients.

Clinical neuropharmacology of cocaine reinforcement: A narrative review of human laboratory self-administration studies.

Cocaine use is an unrelenting public health concern. To inform intervention and prevention efforts, it is crucial to develop an understanding of the clinical neuropharmacology of the reinforcing effects of cocaine. The purpose of this review is to evaluate and synthesize human laboratory studies that assess pharmacological manipulations of cocaine self-administration. Forty-one peer-reviewed, human cocaine self-administration studies in which participants received a pretreatment drug were assessed. The pharmacological action and treatment regimen for all drugs reviewed were considered. Drugs that increase extracellular dopamine tend to have the most consistent effects on cocaine self-administration. The ability of nondopaminergic drugs to impact cocaine reinforcement might be related to their downstream effects on dopamine, though it is difficult to draw conclusions because pharmacologically selective compounds are not widely available for human testing. The ability of acute versus chronic drug treatment to differentially affect human cocaine self-administration was not determined because buprenorphine was the only pretreatment drug that was assessed under both acute and chronic dosing regimens. Future research directly comparing acute and chronic drug treatment and/or comparing drugs with different mechanisms of action, is needed to make more conclusive determinations about the clinical neuropharmacology of cocaine reinforcement.

Topical Ectoine Application in Children and Adults to Treat Inflammatory Diseases Associated with an Impaired Skin Barrier: A Systematic Review

IntroductionInflammatory skin diseases are a significant burden on affected patients. Inflammation is caused by various stress factors to the epidermis resulting in, e.g., dryness, redness, and pruritus. Emollients are used in basic therapy to restore the natural skin barrier and relieve symptoms. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ectoine-containing topical formulations in inflammatory skin diseases characterized by an impaired skin barrier.MethodsA systematic review was carried out in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Microsoft Academic up to October 2021. Inclusion criteria were ectoine-containing topical formulations (creams, emollients) used for (adjuvant) therapy of inflammatory skin diseases. Clinical studies of any design published in any language were included.ResultsA total of 230 references were screened for eligibility, of which six were selected for inclusion in the review (five studies on atopic dermatitis and one study on prevention and management of retinoid dermatitis). The application of topical formulations containing 5.5–7.0% ectoine positively influenced skin dryness and, consequently, pruritus and dermatitis-specific scores in patients with atopic dermatitis. Especially in infants and children, who belong to the most frequently affected group, the formulations were well-tolerated when applied for up to 4 weeks. In studies where ectoine was used as an adjuvant therapy, application was associated with a decreased need for pharmacological therapy and also improved the effectiveness of, e.g., topical corticosteroids. In patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy, ectoine was as effective as dexpanthenol in reducing retinoid dermatitis or improving symptoms.ConclusionEctoine is an effective natural substance with an excellent tolerability and safety profile, representing a beneficial alternative as basic therapy or to increase the efficacy of the pharmacological treatment regimen for patients with inflammatory skin diseases, including infants and children.

Interventions to improve adherence to pharmacological therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Interventions to improve adherence to pharmacological therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

An overview on Siddha treatment guideline for diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder characterized by altered carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism which causes hyperglycemia resulting from insufficient insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The WHO projects that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in 2030. Diabetes can be treated, and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication, and regular screening and treatment for complications. It has various synonyms (Verupeyar) in Siddha system of medicine such as Miguneer, VeguMoothiram, InippuNeer, MeghaNeer, and Madhumegham. The Siddha treatment guideline for diabetes discusses the following headings: Definition (Noi iyalbu), Synonyms (Veru peyar), Etiology (NoiVarum vazhi), Clinical features (Noi Kurikunangal), Disease classification (Noi Enn), Investigations (Ennvagai Thervu), Differential diagnosis, Humoral changes (Thirithoda Marupadugal), Management and treatment plan (Maruthuva Vazhimurai), Pharmacological treatment regimen, Non-pharmacological treatment regimen, Dietary regimen, Karpam, Varmam, Yogic practices, Prevention, Post-clinical care, and the single herbs used in the Siddha system of medicine which has a potent anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic activity.

Sympathetic renal denervation treatment in resistant hypertension: one-year follow-up

Abstract Aims A comparison influence of renal denervation versus pharmacological treatment with sympathetic nervous system blockers on blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. Methods 125 patients with resistant hypertension without comorbidities after a 3-week standardized treatment with Losartan 100 mg, Amlodipine 10 mg and Indapamid 1,5 mg and confirmation of their resistance were randomly assigned into three groups, depending on medication supplemented to previously administered: IM group – selective I1-imidazoline agonist Moxonidine, IIB group – cardioselective beta-blocker Bisoprolol and IIID group – renal artery denervation. Patients were assessed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 month follow-up. The compliance to drug treatment was confirmed by 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Renal denervation was performed with a Symplicity Spyral catheter. Results The mean 24 hour systolic blood pressure (SBP m/24 h) at baseline were 179.0±2.02 mmHg in IM group versus 177.96±2.44 mmHg in IIB group and 176.92±1.97 mmHg in IIID group, p>0.05. Statistically significant dynamics was recorded starting with 3 months of evaluation in all three groups, the group of patients undergoing denervation of the renal arteries demonstrating a net superior effect compared with pharmacological treatment: −6.48±0.81 mmHg in I M group versus −6.2±0.88 mmHg in II B group and −23.28±1.9 mmHg in III D group, p<0.001. The beneficial effect was maintained until the end of the study, when in observational group supplemented with Moxonidine SBP m/24 h were 159.6±1.72 mmHg with a total reduction of −19.9±0.7 mmHg from baseline, in Bisoprolol group −164.08±1.93 mmHg with a reduction of −13.88±1.13 mmHg and 141.76±0.77 mmHg in renal denervation group with a total reduction of −35.16±2.23 mmHg, p<0.001. The mean 24 hour diastolic blood pressure (DBP m/24 h) increased at baseline in all three groups (105.52±1.28 mmHg in IM versus 108.6±1.6 mmHg in IIB and 107.24±0.92 mmHg in IIID, p>0.05) similar to SBP m/24 h noted a significantly reduction at 3 month follow-up: −4.8±0.96 mmHg in IM group versus −3.64±0.47 mmHg in IIB group and −12.08±0.63 mmHg in IIID group, p<0.001. The maximum reduction in DBP m/24 h were registered at 12 month follow-up, a comparative analyses of dynamics between groups showing a presence of statistical difference due to superiority of renal denervation treatment in amelioration of this parameter: −13.68±0.83 mmHg in IM group versus −10.72±0.64 mmHg in IIB group and −20.2±1.28 mmHg in IIID group, p<0.001. Conclusions The application of all three treatment regimens has been shown to be effective in reducing SBP and DBP values m/24 hours in patients with resistant hypertension, with a superior but comparable effect of Moxonidine to Bisoprolol and the absolute superiority of renal denervation treatment versus both pharmacological treatment regimens. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Improving Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Symptoms Using a Team-Based Approach.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States (US), with West Virginia bearing a disproportionate disease burden. Complex COPD cases can be difficult to manage during a standard primary care provider (PCP) visit, and pharmacological treatment regimens should be individually tailored to each patient. To address these needs, the West Virginia University Department of Family Medicine created an interdisciplinary COPD specialty clinic that uses a team-based approach to treat patients with COPD. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the specialty clinic, we conducted a retrospective chart review to examine the impact of the clinic on patient hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and urgent care visits six months and one year before and after initiating care at the clinic. We also examined the impact of the clinic on patients' self-reported nicotine dependency, COPD symptoms, and tobacco use behavior. Patients referred to the clinic and having at least one visit from February 2015 to February 2019 were included in this study (n = 149). Patients treated at the COPD specialty clinic had significantly fewer hospital admissions and ED visits six months after and one year after initiating care at the clinic as compared to six months before and one year before, respectively. Patients at this clinic also reported smoking significantly fewer cigarettes per day with significantly fewer self-identifying as smokers and experiencing significantly reduced COPD symptoms. An interdisciplinary, team-based approach was effective for improving the health of COPD patients in an Appalachian academic primary care practice.

Treatment and preliminary outcomes of 150 acute care patients with COVID-19 in a rural health system in the Dakotas.

The majority of available US-published reports present populations with community spread in urban areas. The objective of this report is to describe a rural healthcare system's utilisation of therapeutic options available to treat Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and subsequent patient outcomes. A total of 150 patients were treated for COVID-19 at three hospitals in the Dakotas from 21 March 2020 to 30 April 2020. The most common pharmacological treatment regimens administered were zinc, hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin and convalescent plasma. Adjunctive treatments included therapeutic anticoagulation, tocilizumab and corticosteroids. As of 1 June 2020, 127 patients have survived to hospital discharge, 12 patients remain hospitalised and 11 patients have expired. The efficacy of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin use has yet to be determined but was not without risks of corrected QT interval prolongation and arrhythmias in our cohort. We did not appreciate any adverse effects that appeared related to tocilizumab or convalescent plasma administration in those patient subsets. These findings may provide insight into disease severity and treatment options in the rural setting with limited resources to participate in clinical trials and encourage larger comparative studies evaluating treatment efficacy.