Primary aldosteronism with nonlocalizing imaging.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral primary aldosteronism is surgically curable. The goal of this study was to examine outcomes based on preoperative imaging findings. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent adrenal vein sampling. Patients were classified by imaging as localized (unilateral adrenal mass) or nonlocalized (no mass/bilateral masses). Outcomes were assessed as complete, partial, or absent clinical success. RESULTS: Of 446 patients, 74.9% were localized. There were no significant demographic or biochemical differences between groups; however the imaged tumor size was larger (median 1.3 vs 1.2 cm, P = .038), and rates of lateralizing adrenal vein sampling were higher (79.0% vs 62.2%, P < .001) in the localized group. Of 289 patients who underwent adrenalectomy, adenoma was the most common finding in both groups (79.7% vs 80.3% respectively, P = .447), but median tumor size was larger in localized patients (1.5 vs 1.0 cm, P < .001). Equivalent rates of partial (94.6% vs 91.7%, P = .456) and complete (8.7% vs 9.8%, P = .801) clinical success were observed. At long-term follow-up, nonlocalized patients experienced partial reversal of clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: Primary aldosteronism patients with nonlocalizing imaging but lateralizing adrenal vein sampling benefit from adrenalectomy. Regardless of imaging findings, adrenal vein sampling is indicated to determine whether patients may be surgically curable.

Adaptation of the health literacy universal precautions toolkit for rheumatology and cardiology - applications for pharmacy professionals to improve self-management and outcomes in patients with chronic disease.

Over a decade of research in health literacy has provided evidence of strong links between literacy skills of patients and health outcomes. At the same time, numerous studies have yielded insight into efficacious action that health providers can take to mitigate the negative effects of limited literacy. This small study focuses on the adaptation, review and use of two new health literacy toolkits for health professionals who work with patients with two of the most prevalent chronic conditions, arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Pharmacists have a key role in communicating with patients and caregivers about various aspects of disease self-management, which frequently includes appropriate use of medications. Participating pharmacists and staff offered suggestions that helped shape revisions and reported positive experiences with brown bag events, suggestions for approaches with patients managing chronic diseases, and with concrete examples related to several medicines [such as Warfarin(©)] as well as to common problems [such as inability to afford needed medicine]. Although not yet tested in community pharmacy sites, these publically available toolkits can inform professionals and staff and offer insights for communication improvement.