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Morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients requiring isolated tricuspid valve surgery: a retrospective cohort study of 537 patients in New South Wales between 2002 and 2018

Por: Harvey · G. · Chow · V. · Rubenis · I. · Brieger · D. · Kritharides · L. · Ng · A. C. C.
Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate mortality and morbidity outcomes following open-heart isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVSx) with medium to long-term follow-up.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

New South Wales public and private hospital admissions between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2018.

Participants

A total of 537 patients underwent open isolated TVSx during the study period.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was all-cause mortality tracked from the death registry to 31 December 2018. Secondary morbidity outcomes, including admission for congestive cardiac failure (CCF), new atrial fibrillation (AF), infective endocarditis (IE), pulmonary embolism (PE) and insertion of a permanent pacemaker (PPM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), were tracked from the Admitted Patient Data Collection database. Independent mortality associations were determined using the Cox regression method.

Results

A total of 537 patients underwent open isolated TVSx (46% male): median age (IQR) was 63.5 years (43.9–73.8 years) with median length of stay of 16 days (10–31 days). Main cardiovascular comorbidities were AF (54%) and CCF (42%); 67% had rheumatic tricuspid valve. In-hospital and total mortality were 7.4% and 39.3%, respectively (mean follow-up: 4.8 years). Cause-specific deaths were evenly split between cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes. Predictors of mortality included a history of CCF (HR=1.78, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.38, p

Conclusion

Open isolated TVSx carries significant mortality risk, with decompensated CCF and new AF the most common morbidities encountered after surgery. This report forms a benchmark to compare outcomes with newer percutaneous tricuspid interventions.

Australian trial of behavioural activation for people with schizophrenia experiencing negative symptoms: a feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol

Por: Muyambi · K. · Walsh · S. · Dettwiller · P. · Tan · K. L. · Dennis · S. · Bressington · D. · Gray · R. J. · McCall · A. · Jones · M.
Introduction

Negative symptoms are frequently experienced by people with schizophrenia. People with negative symptoms often have impaired social functioning and reduced quality of life. There is some evidence that cognitive–behavioural therapy results in a modest reduction in negative symptoms. Behavioural activation may be an effective alternative treatment for negative symptoms.The study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a behavioural activation trial delivered in three community mental health services in South Australia to support adult consumers experiencing negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Method and analysis

This randomised controlled study will recruit a total of 60 consumers aged 18 years or above with mild-moderate negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The consumers will be randomly allocated to receive behavioural activation plus usual mental healthcare or usual mental healthcare alone. The intervention group will receive twelve 30 min sessions of behavioural activation, which will be delivered twice weekly over 6 weeks. In addition, we aim to recruit nine mental health workers from the three rural mental health services who will complete a 10-week online training programme in behavioural activation. Changes in negative symptoms of schizophrenia and depressive symptoms will be assessed at three time points: (a) at baseline, at 6 weeks and 3 month follow-ups. Changes in health-related quality of life (Short Form F36; secondary outcome) will be assessed at two time points: (a) at baseline and (b) immediately at postintervention after 6 weeks. At the end of the trial, interviews will be conducted with purposively selected mental health workers and consumers. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis will be used to assess feasibility and acceptability.

Ethics and dissemination

The findings from our feasibility study will inform the design of a fully powered randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of behavioural activation as a treatment for negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The study protocol was approved by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee. The findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000348651p.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 12-month automated text message intervention for weight management in postpartum women with overweight or obesity: protocol for the Supporting MumS (SMS) multisite, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial

Por: Gallagher · D. · Spyreli · E. · Anderson · A. S. · Bridges · S. · Cardwell · C. R. · Coulman · E. · Dombrowski · S. U. · Free · C. · Heaney · S. · Hoddinott · P. · Kee · F. · McDowell · C. · McIntosh · E. · Woodside · J. V. · McKinley · M. C.
Introduction

The reproductive years can increase women’s weight-related risk. Evidence for effective postpartum weight management interventions is lacking and engaging women during this life stage is challenging. Following a promising pilot evaluation of the Supporting MumS intervention, we assess if theory-based and bidirectional text messages to support diet and physical activity behaviour change for weight loss and weight loss maintenance, are effective and cost-effective for weight change in postpartum women with overweight or obesity, compared with an active control arm receiving text messages on child health and development.

Methods and analysis

Two-arm, parallel-group, assessor-blind randomised controlled trial with cost-effectiveness and process evaluations. Women (n=888) with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 and within 24 months of giving birth were recruited via community and National Health Service pathways through five UK sites targeting areas of ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. Women were 1:1 randomised to the intervention or active control groups, each receiving automated text messages for 12 months. Data are collected at 0, 6, 12 and 24 months. The primary outcome is weight change at 12 months from baseline, compared between groups. Secondary outcomes include weight change (24 months) and waist circumference (cm), proportional weight gain (>5 kg), BMI (kg/m2), dietary intake, physical activity, infant feeding and mental health (6, 12 and 24 months, respectively). Economic evaluation examines health service usage and personal expenditure, health-related quality of life and capability well-being to assess cost-effectiveness over the trial and modelled lifetime. Cost–utility analysis examines cost per quality-adjusted life-years gained over 24 months. Mixed-method process evaluation explores participants’ experiences and contextual factors impacting outcomes and implementation. Stakeholder interviews examine scale-up and implementation.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained before data collection (West of Scotland Research Ethics Service Research Ethics Committee (REC) 4 22/WS/0003). Results will be published via a range of outputs and audiences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16299220.

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Deng · C. · Ou · Q. · Ou · X. · Pan · D.
Objectives

To determine the association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with the incidence of sarcopenia.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational clinical studies.

Setting and participants

Adults with NAFLD.

Methods

Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies published from the inception of each database up to 4 April 2023. All cross-sectional studies on the association between NAFLD and sarcopenia were included in this study. The quality of the included studies and risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality checklist. STATA V.15.1 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Of the 1524 retrieved articles, 24 were included in this review, involving 88 609 participants. Our findings showed that the prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in the NAFLD group than in the control group (pooled OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.17). In a subgroup analysis by region, patients with NAFLD showed an increased risk of sarcopenia (pooled OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.51) in the Asian group, whereas patients with NAFLD had no statistically significant association with the risk of sarcopenia in the American and European groups, with a pooled OR of 1.31 (95% CI 0.71 to 2.40) for the American group and a pooled OR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.21 to 4.69) for the European group. Similar results were observed in the sensitivity analysis, and no evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusions and implications

The current study indicated a significant positive correlation between NAFLD and sarcopenia, which may be affected by regional factors. This study provides the correlation basis for the relationship between NAFLD and sarcopenia and helps to find the quality strategy of sarcopenia targeting NAFLD.

Feasibility of continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 1 diabetes at two district hospitals in Neno, Malawi: a randomised controlled trial

Por: Gomber · A. · Valeta · F. · Coates · M. M. · Trujillo · C. · Ferrari · G. · Boti · M. · Kumwenda · K. · Mailosi · B. · Nakotwa · D. · Drown · L. · Wroe · E. B. · Thapa · A. · Mithi · V. · Matanje · B. · Msekandiana · A. · Park · P. H. · Kachimanga · C. · Bukhman · G. · Ruderman · T. · Adler
Objectives

To assess the feasibility and change in clinical outcomes associated with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use among a rural population in Malawi living with type 1 diabetes.

Design

A 2:1 open randomised controlled feasibility trial.

Setting

Two Partners In Health-supported Ministry of Health-run first-level district hospitals in Neno, Malawi.

Participants

45 people living with type 1 diabetes (PLWT1D).

Interventions

Participants were randomly assigned to Dexcom G6 CGM (n=30) use or usual care (UC) (n=15) consisting of Safe-Accu glucose monitors and strips. Both arms received diabetes education.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes included fidelity, appropriateness and severe adverse events. Secondary outcomes included change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), acceptability, time in range (CGM arm only) SD of HbA1c and quality of life.

Results

Participants tolerated CGM well but were unable to change their own sensors which resulted in increased clinic visits in the CGM arm. Despite the hot climate, skin rashes were uncommon but cut-out tape overpatches were needed to secure the sensors in place. Participants in the CGM arm had greater numbers of dose adjustments and lifestyle change suggestions than those in the UC arm. Participants in the CGM arm wore their CGM on average 63.8% of the time. Participants in the UC arm brought logbooks to clinic 75% of the time. There were three hospitalisations all in the CGM arm, but none were related to the intervention.

Conclusions

This is the first randomised controlled trial conducted on CGM in a rural region of a low-income country. CGM was feasible and appropriate among PLWT1D and providers, but inability of participants to change their own sensors is a challenge.

Trial registration number

PACTR202102832069874.

Effect of passive leg raising on the cross-sectional area of the right internal jugular vein in patients with obesity: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Por: Pei · D. · Wang · S. · Sun · C.
Background

Venous access in patients with obesity presents significant challenges. The success of central venous catheterisation largely depends on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the internal jugular vein (IJV). While techniques like the Trendelenburg position have been traditionally used to increase IJV CSA, recent studies suggest its ineffectiveness in patients with obesity. Conversely, the potential of the effect of passive leg raising (PLR) has not been thoroughly investigated in this group of patients.

Methods

This protocol outlines a planned randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of PLR on the CSA of the IJV in patients with obesity slated for central venous catheterisation. The protocol involves dividing 40 participants into two groups: one undergoing PLR and another serving as a control group without positional change. The protocol specifies measuring the CSA of the IJV via ultrasound as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include the success rates of right IJV cannulation. The proposed statistical approach includes the use of t-tests to compare the changes in CSA between the two groups, with a significance threshold set at p

Ethics approval

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Shanghai Tongren Hospital. All the participants will provide informed consent prior to enrolment in the study. Regarding the dissemination of research findings, we plan to share the results through academic conferences and peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, we will communicate our findings to the public and professional communities, including patient advocacy groups.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR: ChiCTR2400080513.

COS-PPA: protocol to develop a core outcome set for primary progressive aphasia

Por: Volkmer · A. · Copland · D. A. · Henry · M. L. · Warren · J. D. · Varley · R. · Wallace · S. J. · Hardy · C. J.
Introduction

The term primary progressive aphasia (PPA) describes a group of language-led dementias. Disease-modifying treatments that delay, slow or reverse progression of PPA are currently lacking, though a number of interventions to manage the symptoms of PPA have been developed in recent years. Unfortunately, studies exploring the effectiveness of these interventions have used a variety of different outcome measures, limiting comparability. There are more constructs, apart from word retrieval, that are important for people with PPA that have not received much attention in the research literature. Existing core outcome sets (COS) for dementia and non-progressive aphasia do not meet the needs of people with PPA, highlighting a need to develop a specific COS for PPA.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a three-stage study to identify a COS for PPA interventions in research and clinical practice. The stage 1 systematic review will identify existing speech, language and communication measures used to examine the effectiveness of interventions for PPA in the research literature. Employing a nominal group technique, stage 2 will identify the most important outcomes for people with PPA and their families. The data collected in stages 1 and 2 will be jointly analysed with the project PPI group and will inform the stage 2 modified Delphi consensus study to identify a core outcome measurement set for PPA among a range of research disciplines undertaking intervention studies for people with PPA.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for stage 2 of the study has been sought individually in each country at collaborating institutions and is stated in detail in the manuscript. Stage 3 has been granted ethical approval by the Chairs of UCL Language and Cognition Department Ethics, Project ID LCD-2023-06. Work undertaken at stages 1, 2 and 3 will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at international scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022367565.

Economic impact of informal caring for a person with arthritis in Australia from 2015 to 2030: a microsimulation approach using national survey data

Por: Schofield · D. J. · Lim · K. · Tanton · R. · Veerman · L. · Kelly · S. J. · Passey · M. · Shrestha · R.
Objectives

To estimate the economic burden of informal caregivers not in the labour force (NILF) due to caring for a person with arthritis in Australia, with projections of these costs from 2015 to 2030.

Design

Static microsimulation modelling using national survey data.

Setting

Australia nationwide survey.

Participants

Participants include respondents to the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers who are informal carers of a person who has arthritis as their main chronic condition and non-carers.

Outcome measures

Estimating the economic impact and national aggregated costs of informal carers NILF to care for a person with arthritis and projecting these costs from 2015 to 2030 in 5-year intervals.

Results

On a per-person basis, when adjusted for age, sex and highest education attained, the difference in average weekly total income between informal carers and non-carers employed in the labour force is $A1051 (95% CI: $A927 to $A1204) in 2015 and projected to increase by up to 22% by 2030. When aggregated, the total national annual loss of income to informal carers NILF is estimated at $A388.2 million (95% CI: $A324.3 to $A461.9 million) in 2015, increasing to $A576.9 million (95% CI: $A489.2 to $A681.8 million) by 2030. The national annual tax revenue lost to the government of the informal carers NILF is estimated at $A99 million (95% CI: $A77.9 to $A126.4 million) in 2015 and is projected to increase 49% by 2030.

Conclusion

Informal carers NILF are economically worse off than employed non-carers, and the aggregated national annual costs are substantial. The future economic impact of informal carers NILF to care for a person with arthritis in Australia is projected to increase, with the estimated differences in income between informal carers and employed non-carers increasing by 22% from 2015 to 2030.

Burden of COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis hospitalisation patterns at a tertiary care hospital in Rajasthan, India: a retrospective analysis

Por: Rajotiya · S. · Mishra · S. · Singh · A. K. · Debnath · S. · Raj · P. · Singh · P. · Bareth · H. · Nakash · P. · Sharma · A. · Singh · M. · Nathiya · D. · Joshi · N. · Tomar · B. S.
Objective

This study aimed to investigate the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis (TB) trends, patient demographics, disease types and hospitalisation duration within the Respiratory Medicine Department over three distinct phases: pre-COVID-19, COVID-19 and post-COVID-19.

Design

Retrospective analysis using electronic medical records of patients with TB admitted between June 2018 and June 2023 was done to explore the impact of COVID-19 on patients with TB. The study employed a meticulous segmentation into pre-COVID-19, COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 eras.

Setting

National Institute of Medical Science Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome includes patients admitted to the Respiratory Medicine Department of the hospital and secondary outcome involves the duration of hospital stay.

Results

The study encompassed 1845 subjects across the three eras, revealing a reduction in TB incidence during the post-COVID-19 era compared with the pre-COVID-19 period (p

Conclusion

The study underscores the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the TB landscape and hospitalisation dynamics. Notably, patient burden of TB declined during the COVID-19 era, with a decline in the post-COVID-19 era compared with the pre-COVID-19 era. Prolonged hospitalisation in the post-COVID-19 period indicates the need for adaptive healthcare strategies and the formulation of public health policies in a post-pandemic context. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the evolving TB scenario, emphasising the necessity for tailored healthcare approaches in the aftermath of a global health crisis.

How effective is topical miconazole or amorolfine for mild to moderately severe onychomycosis in primary care: the Onycho Trial - a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Por: Watjer · R. M. · Bonten · T. N. · Sayed · K. · Quint · K. D. · van der Beek · M. T. · Mertens · B. J. A. · Numans · M. E. · Eekhof · J. A. H.
Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of topical miconazole or amorolfine compared to placebo for mild to moderately severe onychomycosis.

Design

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with computer-generated treatment allocation at a 1:1:1 ratio.

Setting

Primary care, recruitment from February 2020 to August 2022.

Participants

193 patients with suspected mild to moderately severe onychomycosis were recruited via general practices and from the general public, 111 of whom met the study criteria. The mean age of participants was 51 (SD 13.1), 51% were female and onychomycosis was moderately severe (mean OSI 12.1 (SD 8.0)).

Interventions

Once-daily miconazole 20 mg/g or once-weekly amorolfine 5% nail lacquer solution was compared with placebo (denatonium benzoate solution).

Main outcome measures

Complete, clinical and mycological cure at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were clinical improvement, symptom burden, quality of life, adverse effects, compliance, patient-perceived improvement and treatment acceptability.

Results

Based on intention-to-treat analysis, none of the participants receiving miconazole or amorolfine reached complete cure compared with two in the placebo group (OR not estimable (n.e.), p=0.493 and OR n.e., p=0.240, respectively). There was no evidence of a significant difference between groups regarding clinical cure (OR n.e., p=0.493 and OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.04 to 5.45, p=0.615) while miconazole and amorolfine were less effective than placebo at reaching both mycological cure (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.98, p=0.037 and OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.92, p=0.029, respectively) and clinical improvement (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.91, p=0.028 and OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.85, p=0.021, respectively). There was no evidence of a significant difference in disease burden, quality of life, adverse reactions, compliance, patient-perceived improvement or treatment acceptability.

Conclusions

Topical miconazole and amorolfine were not effective in achieving a complete, clinical or mycological cure of mild to moderately severe onychomycosis, nor did they significantly alleviate the severity or symptom burden. These treatments should, therefore, not be advised as monotherapy to treat onychomycosis.

Trial registration number

WHO ICTRP NL8193.

Optimal approach for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for abdominal surgeries: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Zhu · Q. · Zhang · D. · Wei · Y.
Introduction

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are commonly used for postoperative analgesia after various abdominal surgeries. There are several different approaches for performing TAP blocks, mainly including posterior, lateral and subcostal approaches. An increasing number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the analgesic effects of different TAP block approaches, but the results have not been consistent. This protocol aims to determine the optimal approach of ultrasound-guided TAP blocks for postoperative analgesia after abdominal surgery.

Methods and analysis

Four databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library will be systematically searched to identify RCTs that compared the analgesic effects of different ultrasound-guided TAP block approaches. The search interval will range from the inception of the databases to 30 July 2024. The postoperative opioid consumption over 24 hours will be defined as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes will include the analgesia duration, postoperative pain scores at rest and during movement at different timepoints and the incidence of adverse effects. All the statistical analyses will be conducted using RevMan V.5.4. The quality of evidence will be evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be needed. The results will be submitted to one peer-reviewed journal when completed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024510141.

Prevalence and health effects of post-COVID-19 condition in Africa: a scoping review protocol

Por: Ansah · E. W. · Salu · P. K. · Daanko · M. S. · Banaaleh · D. N. · Amoadu · M.
Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused global devastations in the social, economic and health systems of every nation, but disproportionately the nations in Africa. Apart from its grave effects on the global systems, is the persistence of post-COVID-19 condition in individuals infected with the virus. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to collate and summarise the existing research evidence about the prevalence and health effects of post-COVID-19 infection conditions in Africa.

Methods and analysis

Five main databases will be thoroughly searched from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2024, for eligible articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These databases include PubMed, Central, Scopus, Dimensions AI and JSTOR. Meanwhile, Arksey and O’Malley guidelines will guide this scoping review using article published between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2024. This review will provide a useful insight into the prevalence of the post-COVID-19 symptoms and their health effects within the population in Africa. The results and findings of the review will be valuable for health system interventions, including restructuring and reorientation of health systems in the continent.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review will involve analysis of secondary data, therefore, no ethical approval is needed. Dissemination of the results will be done through international journals and available research conferences.

Effects of physiotherapy and home-based training in parkinsonian syndromes: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (MobilityAPP)

Por: Raccagni · C. · Sidoroff · V. · Paraschiv-Ionescu · A. · Roth · N. · Schönherr · G. · Eskofier · B. · Gassner · H. · Kluge · F. · Teatini · F. · Seppi · K. · Goebel · G. · Benninger · D. H. · Aminian · K. · Klucken · J. · Wenning · G.
Introduction

Gait and mobility impairment are pivotal signs of parkinsonism, and they are particularly severe in atypical parkinsonian disorders including multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). A pilot study demonstrated a significant improvement of gait in patients with MSA of parkinsonian type (MSA-P) after physiotherapy and matching home-based exercise, as reflected by sensor-based gait parameters. In this study, we aim to investigate whether a gait-focused physiotherapy (GPT) and matching home-based exercise lead to a greater improvement of gait performance compared with a standard physiotherapy/home-based exercise programme (standard physiotherapy, SPT).

Methods and analysis

This protocol was deployed to evaluate the effects of a GPT versus an active control undergoing SPT and matching home-based exercise with regard to laboratory gait parameters, physical activity measures and clinical scales in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), MSA-P and PSP. The primary outcomes of the trial are sensor-based laboratory gait parameters, while the secondary outcome measures comprise real-world derived parameters, clinical rating scales and patient questionnaires. We aim to enrol 48 patients per disease group into this double-blind, randomised-controlled trial. The study starts with a 1 week wearable sensor-based monitoring of physical activity. After randomisation, patients undergo a 2 week daily inpatient physiotherapy, followed by 5 week matching unsupervised home-based training. A 1 week physical activity monitoring is repeated during the last week of intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

This study, registered as ‘Mobility in Atypical Parkinsonism: a Trial of Physiotherapy (Mobility_APP)’ at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04608604), received ethics approval by local committees of the involved centres. The patient’s recruitment takes place at the Movement Disorders Units of Innsbruck (Austria), Erlangen (Germany), Lausanne (Switzerland), Luxembourg (Luxembourg) and Bolzano (Italy). The data resulting from this project will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals, presented at international congresses and made publicly available at the end of the trial.

Trial registration number

NCT04608604.

Retrospective study investigating naloxone prescribing and cost in US Medicaid and Medicare patients

Por: Manko · C. D. · Ahmed · M. S. · Harrison · L. R. · Kodavatiganti · S. A. · Lugo · N. · Konadu · J. O. · Khan · F. · Massari · C. A. · Sealey · T. K. · Addison · M. E. · Mbah · C. N. · McCall · K. L. · Fraiman · J. B. · Piper · B. J.
Background

Opioid overdoses in the USA have increased to unprecedented levels. Administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone can prevent overdoses.

Objective

This study was conducted to reveal the pharmacoepidemiologic patterns in naloxone prescribing to Medicaid patients from 2018 to 2021 as well as Medicare in 2019.

Design

Observational pharmacoepidemiologic study

Setting

US Medicare and Medicaid naloxone claims

Intervention

The Medicaid State Drug Utilisation Data File was utilised to extract information on the number of prescriptions and the amount prescribed of naloxone at a national and state level. The Medicare Provider Utilisation and Payment was also utilised to analyse prescription data from 2019.

Outcome measures

States with naloxone prescription rates that were outliers of quartile analysis were noted.

Results

The number of generic naloxone prescriptions per 100 000 Medicaid enrollees decreased by 5.3%, whereas brand naloxone prescriptions increased by 245.1% from 2018 to 2021. There was a 33.1-fold difference in prescriptions between the highest (New Mexico=1809.5) and lowest (South Dakota=54.6) states in 2019. Medicare saw a 30.4-fold difference in prescriptions between the highest (New Mexico) and lowest states (also South Dakota) after correcting per 100 000 enrollees.

Conclusions

This pronounced increase in the number of naloxone prescriptions to Medicaid patients from 2018 to 2021 indicates a national response to this widespread public health emergency. Further research into the origins of the pronounced state-level disparities is warranted.

Coordination of oral anticoagulant care at hospital discharge (COACHeD): pilot randomised controlled trial

Por: Holbrook · A. · Troyan · S. · Telford · V. · Koubaesh · Y. · Vidug · K. · Yoo · L. · Deng · J. · Lohit · S. · Giilck · S. · Ahmed · A. · Talman · M. · Leonard · B. · Refaei · M. · Tarride · J.-E. · Schulman · S. · Douketis · J. · Thabane · L. · Hyland · S. · Ho · J. M.-W. · Siegal · D.
Objectives

To evaluate whether a focused, expert medication management intervention is feasible and potentially effective in preventing anticoagulation-related adverse events for patients transitioning from hospital to home.

Design

Randomised, parallel design.

Setting

Medical wards at six hospital sites in southern Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Adults 18 years of age or older being discharged to home on an oral anticoagulant (OAC) to be taken for at least 4 weeks.

Interventions

Clinical pharmacologist-led intervention, including a detailed discharge medication management plan, a circle of care handover and early postdischarge virtual check-up visits to 1 month with 3-month follow-up. The control group received the usual care.

Outcomes measures

Primary outcomes were study feasibility outcomes (recruitment, retention and cost per patient). Secondary outcomes included adverse anticoagulant safety events composite, quality of transitional care, quality of life, anticoagulant knowledge, satisfaction with care, problems with medications and health resource utilisation.

Results

Extensive periods of restriction of recruitment plus difficulties accessing patients at the time of discharge negatively impacted feasibility, especially cost per patient recruited. Of 845 patients screened, 167 were eligible and 56 were randomised. The mean age (±SD) was 71.2±12.5 years, 42.9% females, with two lost to follow-up. Intervention patients were more likely to rate their ability to manage their OAC as improved (17/27 (63.0%) vs 7/22 (31.8%), OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 12.0)) and their continuity of care as improved (21/27 (77.8%) vs 2/22 (9.1%), OR 35.0 (95% CI 6.3 to 194.2)). Fewer intervention patients were taking one or more inappropriate medications (7 (22.5%) vs 15 (60%), OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.62)).

Conclusion

This pilot randomised controlled trial suggests that a transitional care intervention at hospital discharge for older adults taking OACs was well received and potentially effective for some surrogate outcomes, but overly costly to proceed to a definitive large trial.

Trial registration number

NCT02777047.

Evaluating the effect of a mobile-based symptom monitoring system for improving physical function in patients with cancer during chemotherapy: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Por: Lee · M. · Kang · D. · Um · Y. · Jo · B. · Rhue · J. · Park · S. · Lee · Y.-Y. · Noh · J. J. · Lee · Y.-G. · Koo · D.-H. · Park · K.-H. · Lee · S. · Ahn · J. S. · Oh · D. · Cho · J.
Introduction

Symptoms due to chemotherapy are common in patients with cancer. Cancer-related symptoms are closely associated with the deterioration of physical function which can be associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Thus, timely symptom identification is critical for improving cancer prognosis and survival. Recently, remote symptom monitoring system using digital technology has demonstrated its effects on symptom control or survival. However, few studies examined whether remote monitoring would contribute to retaining physical function among patients with cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile-based symptom monitoring in improving physical function among patients with cancer under chemotherapy.

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. We will recruit 372 patients at three tertiary hospitals located in Seoul, South Korea. Study participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the ePRO-CTCAE app and a control group receiving routine clinical practice only. The primary outcome is changes in physical function from commencement to completion of planned chemotherapy. A linear mixed model will be performed under the intention-to-treat principle. The secondary outcomes include physical activity level; changes in pain interference; changes in depressive symptom; unplanned clinical visits; additional medical expenditure for symptom management; completion rate of planned chemotherapy; changes in symptom burden and health-related quality of life; and 1-year overall mortality.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the institutional review board and ethics committee at the three university hospitals involved in this trial. Written informed consent will be obtained from all the participants. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated through relevant literatures.

Trial registration number

KCT0007220.

Implementation of a primary-tertiary shared care model to improve the detection of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH): a mixed methods pre-post implementation study protocol

Por: Birkenhead · K. · Sullivan · D. · Trumble · C. · Spinks · C. · Srinivasan · S. · Partington · A. · Elias · L. · Hespe · C. M. · Fleming · G. · Li · S. · Calder · M. · Robertson · E. · Trent · R. · Sarkies · M. N.
Introduction

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder of lipid metabolism and a preventable cause of premature cardiovascular disease. Current detection rates for this highly treatable condition are low. Early detection and management of FH can significantly reduce cardiac morbidity and mortality. This study aims to implement a primary-tertiary shared care model to improve detection rates for FH. The primary objective is to evaluate the implementation of a shared care model and support package for genetic testing of FH. This protocol describes the design and methods used to evaluate the implementation of the shared care model and support package to improve the detection of FH.

Methods and analysis

This mixed methods pre-post implementation study design will be used to evaluate increased detection rates for FH in the tertiary and primary care setting. The primary-tertiary shared care model will be implemented at NSW Health Pathology and Sydney Local Health District in NSW, Australia, over a 12-month period. Implementation of the shared care model will be evaluated using a modification of the implementation outcome taxonomy and will focus on the acceptability, evidence of delivery, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, implementation cost and timely initiation of the intervention. Quantitative pre-post and qualitative semistructured interview data will be collected. It is anticipated that data relating to at least 62 index patients will be collected over this period and a similar number obtained for the historical group for the quantitative data. We anticipate conducting approximately 20 interviews for the qualitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the ethics review committee (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Zone) of the Sydney Local Health District (Protocol ID: X23-0239). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and an end-of-study research report to stakeholders.

Cohort profile: Worldwide Collaboration on OsteoArthritis prediCtion for the Hip (World COACH) - an international consortium of prospective cohort studies with individual participant data on hip osteoarthritis

Por: van Buuren · M. M. A. · Riedstra · N. S. · van den Berg · M. A. · Boel · F. D. E. M. · Ahedi · H. · Arbabi · V. · Arden · N. K. · Bierma-Zeinstra · S. M. A. · Boer · C. G. · Cicuttini · F. · Cootes · T. F. · Crossley · K. · Felson · D. · Gielis · W. P. · Heerey · J. · Jones · G. · Kluz
Purpose

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of pain and disability worldwide. Lack of effective therapies may reflect poor knowledge on its aetiology and risk factors, and result in the management of end-stage hip OA with costly joint replacement. The Worldwide Collaboration on OsteoArthritis prediCtion for the Hip (World COACH) consortium was established to pool and harmonise individual participant data from prospective cohort studies. The consortium aims to better understand determinants and risk factors for the development and progression of hip OA, to optimise and automate methods for (imaging) analysis, and to develop a personalised prediction model for hip OA.

Participants

World COACH aimed to include participants of prospective cohort studies with ≥200 participants, that have hip imaging data available from at least 2 time points at least 4 years apart. All individual participant data, including clinical data, imaging (data), biochemical markers, questionnaires and genetic data, were collected and pooled into a single, individual-level database.

Findings to date

World COACH currently consists of 9 cohorts, with 38 021 participants aged 18–80 years at baseline. Overall, 71% of the participants were women and mean baseline age was 65.3±8.6 years. Over 34 000 participants had baseline pelvic radiographs available, and over 22 000 had an additional pelvic radiograph after 8–12 years of follow-up. Even longer radiographic follow-up (15–25 years) is available for over 6000 of these participants.

Future plans

The World COACH consortium offers unique opportunities for studies on the relationship between determinants/risk factors and the development or progression of hip OA, by using harmonised data on clinical findings, imaging, biomarkers, genetics and lifestyle. This provides a unique opportunity to develop a personalised hip OA risk prediction model and to optimise methods for imaging analysis of the hip.

Building CapaCITY/E for sustainable transportation: protocol for an implementation science research program in healthy cities

Por: Winters · M. · Fuller · D. · Cloutier · M.-S. · Harris · M. A. · Howard · A. · Kestens · Y. · Kirk · S. · Macpherson · A. · Moore · S. · Rothman · L. · Shareck · M. · Tomasone · J. R. · Laberee · K. · Stephens · Z. P. · Sones · M. · Ayton · D. · Batomen · B. · Bell · S. · Collins · P. · Diab
Introduction

Improving sustainable transportation options will help cities tackle growing challenges related to population health, congestion, climate change and inequity. Interventions supporting active transportation face many practical and political hurdles. Implementation science aims to understand how interventions or policies arise, how they can be translated to new contexts or scales and who benefits. Sustainable transportation interventions are complex, and existing implementation science frameworks may not be suitable. To apply and adapt implementation science for healthy cities, we have launched our mixed-methods research programme, CapaCITY/É. We aim to understand how, why and for whom sustainable transportation interventions are successful and when they are not.

Methods and analysis

Across nine Canadian municipalities and the State of Victoria (Australia), our research will focus on two types of sustainable transportation interventions: all ages and abilities bicycle networks and motor vehicle speed management interventions. We will (1) document the implementation process and outcomes of both types of sustainable transportation interventions; (2) examine equity, health and mobility impacts of these interventions; (3) advance implementation science by developing a novel sustainable transportation implementation science framework and (4) develop tools for scaling up and scaling out sustainable transportation interventions. Training activities will develop interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners able to work at the nexus of academia and sustainable cities.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received approval from the Simon Fraser University Office of Ethics Research (H22-03469). A Knowledge Mobilization Hub will coordinate dissemination of findings via a website; presentations to academic, community organisations and practitioner audiences; and through peer-reviewed articles.

Defining predictors of responsiveness to advanced therapies in Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis: protocol for the IBD-RESPONSE and nested CD-metaRESPONSE prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study in precision medicine

Por: Wyatt · N. J. · Watson · H. · Anderson · C. A. · Kennedy · N. A. · Raine · T. · Ahmad · T. · Allerton · D. · Bardgett · M. · Clark · E. · Clewes · D. · Cotobal Martin · C. · Doona · M. · Doyle · J. A. · Frith · K. · Hancock · H. C. · Hart · A. L. · Hildreth · V. · Irving · P. M. · Iqbal · S
Introduction

Characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue can significantly impact patient’s quality of life. Therapeutic developments in the last 20 years have revolutionised treatment. However, clinical trials and real-world data show primary non-response rates up to 40%. A significant challenge is an inability to predict which treatment will benefit individual patients.

Current understanding of IBD pathogenesis implicates complex interactions between host genetics and the gut microbiome. Most cohorts studying the gut microbiota to date have been underpowered, examined single treatments and produced heterogeneous results. Lack of cross-treatment comparisons and well-powered independent replication cohorts hampers the ability to infer real-world utility of predictive signatures.

IBD-RESPONSE will use multi-omic data to create a predictive tool for treatment response. Future patient benefit may include development of biomarker-based treatment stratification or manipulation of intestinal microbial targets. IBD-RESPONSE and downstream studies have the potential to improve quality of life, reduce patient risk and reduce expenditure on ineffective treatments.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, multicentre, observational study will identify and validate a predictive model for response to advanced IBD therapies, incorporating gut microbiome, metabolome, single-cell transcriptome, human genome, dietary and clinical data. 1325 participants commencing advanced therapies will be recruited from ~40 UK sites. Data will be collected at baseline, week 14 and week 54. The primary outcome is week 14 clinical response. Secondary outcomes include clinical remission, loss of response in week 14 responders, corticosteroid-free response/remission, time to treatment escalation and change in patient-reported outcome measures.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Wales Research Ethics Committee 5 (ref: 21/WA/0228). Recruitment is ongoing. Following study completion, results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings. Publications will be summarised at www.ibd-response.co.uk.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN96296121.

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