Predictors Of Successful Discontinuation Research Articles

European Delphi panel to build consensus on tapering and discontinuing thrombopoietin receptor agonists in immune thrombocytopenia

To establish pan-European consensus on tapering and discontinuing thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), we applied a three-step Delphi technique consisting of a one-to-one interview round and two online survey rounds. Three healthcare professionals (HCPs) from Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom formed the Steering Committee (SC), which advised on study design, panelist selection, and survey development. A literature review also informed the development of the consensus statements. Likert scales were used to collect quantitative data on panelists’ level of agreement. Twelve hematologists representing nine European countries assessed 121 statements spanning three categories: (1) patient selection; (2) tapering and discontinuation strategies; (3) post-discontinuation management. Consensus was reached on approximately half of the statements in each category (32.2%; 44.6%; 66%). Panelists agreed on patients’ main selection criteria, patients’ involvement in decision-making, tapering strategies, and follow-up criteria. Areas not reaching consensus were risk factors and predictors of successful discontinuation, monitoring intervals, and rates of successful discontinuation or relapse. This lack of consensus signals knowledge and practice gaps among European countries and suggests the need for the development of clinical practice guidelines that outline a pan-European, evidence-based approach to tapering and discontinuing TPO-RAs.

Predictors of successful discontinuation from renal replacement therapy during AKI: A meta-analysis.

The predictors of weaning time of renal replacement therapy (RRT) remain controversial for special patients suffering from acute kidney injury (AKI). The present work aims to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate proper predictors of RRT weaning in AKI patients. We systematically searched EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials for literatures between 1984 and June 2019. Studies evaluating predictors of weaning success of RRT in patients of AKI were included. Random-effects model or fixed-effects model meta-analyses were performed to compute a standard mean difference (SMD). Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was employed to assess the risk of bias. We included 10 observational trials including 1453 patients. Twelve predictors including urine output, serum creatinine, serum urea, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, lactate, serum potassium, serum bicarbonate, pH value, SOFA score, urinary urea, and urinary creatinine were identified, showing urine output (p=0.0000), serum creatinine (p=0.008), serum potassium (p=0.02), serum bicarbonate (p=0.01), pH value (p=0.03), urinary urea (p=0.002), and urinary creatinine (p=0.02) were significantly associated with weaning success. With the limited evidence, we speculate that urine output, serum creatinine, serum potassium, serum bicarbonate, pH value, urinary urea, and urinary creatinine might be associated with successful weaning.

Determining the optimal time for liberation from renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis (DOnE RRT)

IntroductionRenal replacement therapy (RRT) is associated with high mortality and costs; however, no clinical guidelines currently provide specific recommendations for clinicians on when and how to stop RRT in recovering patients. Our objective was to systematically review the current evidence for clinical and biochemical parameters that can be used to predict successful discontinuation of RRT.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were performed with a peer-reviewed search strategy combining the themes of renal replacement therapy (IHD, CRRT, SLED), predictors of successful discontinuation or weaning (defined as an extended period of time free from further RRT), and patient outcomes. Major databases were searched and citations were screened using predefined criteria. Studied parameters were reported and, where possible, data was analyzed in the pooled analysis.ResultsOur search yielded 23 studies describing 16 variables for predicting the successful discontinuation of RRT. All studies were observational in nature. None were externally validated. Fourteen studies described conventional biochemical criteria used as surrogates of glomerular filtration rate (serum urea, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urine urea excretion, urine creatinine excretion). Thirteen studies described physiologic parameters such as urine output before and after cessation of RRT, and 13 studies reported on newer kidney biomarkers, such as serum cystatin C and serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Six studies reported sensitivity and specificity characteristics of multivariate models. Urine output prior to discontinuation of RRT was the most-studied variable, with nine studies reporting. Pooled analysis found a sensitivity of 66.2% (95% CI, 53.6–76.9%) and specificity of 73.6% (95% CI, 67.5–79.0%) for urine output to predict successful RRT discontinuation. Due to heterogeneity in the thresholds of urine output used across the studies, an optimal threshold value could not be determined.ConclusionsNumerous variables have been described to predict successful discontinuation of RRT; however, available studies are limited by study design, variable heterogeneity, and lack of prospective validation. Urine output prior to discontinuation of RRT was the most commonly described and robust predictor. Further research should focus on the determination and validation of urine output thresholds, and the evaluation of additional clinical and biochemical parameters in multivariate models to enhance predictive accuracy.

Association between diuretics and successful discontinuation of continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury

BackgroundDespite aggressive application of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), there is no consensus on diuretic therapy when discontinuation of CRRT is attempted. The effect of diuretics on discontinuation of CRRT in critically ill patients was evaluated.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study enrolled 1176 adult patients who survived for more than 3 days after discontinuing CRRT between 2009 and 2014. Patients were categorized depending on the re-initiation of renal replacement therapy within 3 days after discontinuing CRRT or use of diuretics. Changes in urine output (UO) and renal function after discontinuing CRRT were outcomes. Predictive factors for successful discontinuation of CRRT were also analyzed.ResultsThe CRRT discontinuation group had a shorter duration of CRRT, more frequent use of diuretics after discontinuing CRRT, and greater UO on the day before CRRT discontinuation [day minus 1 (day − 1)]. The diuretics group had greater increases in UO and serum creatinine elevation after discontinuing CRRT. In the CRRT discontinuation group, continuous infusion of furosemide tended to increase UO more effectively. Multivariable regression analysis identified high day − 1 UO and use of diuretics as significant predictors of successful discontinuation of CRRT. Day − 1 UO of 125 mL/day was the cutoff value for predicting successful discontinuation of CRRT in oliguric patients treated with diuretics following CRRT.ConclusionsDay − 1 UO and aggressive diuretic therapy were associated with successful CRRT discontinuation. Diuretic therapy may be helpful when attempting CRRT discontinuation in critically ill patients with AKI, by inducing a favorable fluid balance, especially in oliguric patients.

Predictors of discontinuation of antipsychotic medication and subsequent outcomes in the European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial (EUFEST)

BackgroundThis study had two aims: to describe patients suffering from first-episode schizophrenia who had stopped taking any antipsychotic medication, and to gain information on the predictors of successful discontinuation. MethodsWe investigated data from the European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial (EUFEST). From the 325 patients included, 15.7% discontinued all antipsychotic medication. In a first analysis, clinical and sociodemographical predictors of discontinuing any antipsychotic medication were identified, using Cox regression. In the second analysis, logistic regression was used to determine variables associated with those patients who had stopped taking antipsychotic medication and had a favourable outcome, i.e., successful discontinuation. A good outcome was defined as a) having had no relapse within the whole observation period (80.6%), and b) having had no relapse and symptomatic remission at 12-month-follow-up (37.2%). ResultsCox regression revealed that a higher proportion of patients from Western European countries and Israel stopped antipsychotic medication than from Central and Eastern European countries, that relapse was associated with discontinuation, and that discontinuers had lower compliance and higher quality of life. Predictors of successful discontinuation differed with the outcome definition used. Using definition b), successful discontinuers had a better baseline prognosis and better baseline social integration. Using definition a), successful discontinuers more often were from Western European countries. ConclusionsRegion and clinical factors were associated with discontinuation. Prognosis and social integration played an important role in predicting successful discontinuation. As this study had several limitations, for example the observational design regarding discontinuation, further studies are needed to identify predictors of successful discontinuation.

THU0169 Can Baseline (Anti-)Infliximab Serum Trough Levels Predict Successful Down-Titration or Discontinuation of Infliximab in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Long Term Low Disease Activity?

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown that down-titration of infliximab is feasible in a part of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with stable RA treatment and stable disease activity.1.2 However since down-titration can...

Clinical Characteristics of Accommodative Esotropia with Successful Wearing out of Glasses

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the characteristics of accommodative esotropia in patients who successfully discontinued their use of glasses and to determine which factors are predictive of successfully discontinuing the use of glasses. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 40 patients with accommodative esotropia who were orthophoric without glasses (group A) and 58 patients with persistent esotropia without glasses (group B). The exclusion criteria were as follows: a follow-up of less than 5 years, age younger than 10 years old, less than 1.50 diopters of hyperopia, or previous strabismus surgery. We analyzed the relationships between the factors and the resolution of esotropia. Results: The mean distance esotropia (30.1 vs 24.3 prism diopters), the degree of hyperopia (+5.3 vs +3.9 diopters) and the interval between the initial prescription of glasses and the initiation of discontinuing their use were predictors of successful discontinuation of glasses in group A and B (p

Predictors of Benzodiazepine Discontinuation in Subjects Manifesting Complicated Dependence

We described characteristics of subjects with benzodiazepine dependence that was typically complicated by harmful and hazardous alcohol use or high benzodiazepine doses, and assessed predictors of successful discontinuation of benzodiazepines for this group. Seventy-six patients who participated in a randomized clinical trial of two different gradual withdrawal treatment approaches were assessed. The trial was conducted between February 1995 and July 1999. The mean age ±SD of subjects was 40.0±9.6 years, 55% were male, 38% were married or cohabiting, and 70% had received more than nine years of education. The median benzodiazepine dose was 35 mg /day (range 2.5–180) in diazepam equivalents. The median duration of benzodiazepine use was 84 (range 8–360) months. Subjects with lower benzodiazepine doses and no previous withdrawal attempts were more successful at benzodiazepine discontinuation. Cluster B personality/borderline personality disorder was associated with an inability to stop benzodiazepine use and with “dropping out” of treatment. Alcohol use–related disorders or other psychiatric diagnoses were not associated with outcome. Further studies on predictors of successful benzodiazepine discontinuation in different populations are required. Patients manifesting cluster B personality/borderline personality disorder and benzodiazepine dependence may need concomitant treatment for their personality disorders to benefit from benzodiazepine discontinuation treatment.