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1.
J Pharm Pract ; : 8971900241256779, 2024 May 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38797753

ABSTRACT

Background: As direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become widely recommended as first-line anticoagulation therapy, patients who remain on warfarin are likely those unable to afford, adhere to, or utilize DOAC therapy due to the presence of a contraindication. It is currently unknown how availability of DOACs have affected populations being managed at warfarin (VKA) anticoagulation clinics. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review assessing warfarin-treated patients at an outpatient anticoagulation clinic. The primary endpoint was the 6-month time in therapeutic range (TTR) before and after DOACs were recommended as first-line therapy by clinical guidelines. Study periods were January to June 2015, before DOACs were recommended over VKA, and January to June 2022, when DOACs were often recommended over VKA. TTR, demographic changes, and the presence of contraindications to DOAC therapy in the clinic population between the two time periods were assessed. Results: No difference in 6-month TTR was observed between study periods (59% in 2015 vs 63% in 2022; P = .45). Patient demographics did not significantly vary, which may be due to the clinic retaining 45% of patients between both time periods. Contraindications to DOAC therapy were identified in 39% of the 2015 group and 49% of the 2022 group (P = .18). The most common contraindication was indication for anticoagulation. Conclusion: Availability of DOACs did not seem to significantly affect the population or management of warfarin-treated patients at an outpatient anticoagulation clinic, however, contraindications and potential challenges to use of DOAC therapy are present in many patients.

2.
Int J Immunogenet ; 51(4): 217-227, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38637869

ABSTRACT

Despite recent advances that have improved outcomes following intestinal transplantation (ITx), achieving long-term patient survival and rejection-free survival is still challenging. Understanding the relevance of pre-transplant human leukocyte antigen (HLA) donor-specific antibody (DSA) in ITx and the immunomodulatory potential of the liver within the allograft is crucial to providing an accurate assessment of pre-transplant immunological risk, which could influence and improve post-transplant outcomes further. This was the primary objective of this retrospective study of 95 adult ITx transplants which took place at Cambridge University Hospitals (United Kingdom) between 2007 and 2019. Two novel programs were developed and validated to identify DSA (tested by Luminex single antigen beads) in this dataset. Data analysis utilised Kaplan-Meier survival methods, and statistical analysis was performed using log-rank tests and adjusted Cox models. Fifty-four (57%) ITx cases contained a liver, and 36 (38%) were sensitised to HLA. Pre-transplant DSA > 500 mean fluorescent intensity appeared to negatively affect post-ITx patient survival and rejection outcomes. Additionally, liver-inclusive allografts seemed to show particular resistance to HLA class I DSA. Our data hints towards consistency with other ITx studies where deleterious effects of DSA have been demonstrated, and where liver inclusion is protective from HLA class I DSA. This is in line with current national guidelines for immunological risk. Our publicly available research programs could support future large or multicentre studies where statistically relevant data might be gained.


Subject(s)
Graft Rejection , HLA Antigens , Intestines , Isoantibodies , Liver Transplantation , Tissue Donors , Humans , Graft Rejection/immunology , Graft Rejection/prevention & control , Isoantibodies/immunology , Male , Intestines/immunology , Intestines/transplantation , HLA Antigens/immunology , Female , Adult , Retrospective Studies , Middle Aged , Graft Survival/immunology , Liver/immunology
3.
Int J Immunogenet ; 50 Suppl 2: 3-63, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37919251

ABSTRACT

Solid organ transplantation represents the best (and in many cases only) treatment option for patients with end-stage organ failure. The effectiveness and functioning life of these transplants has improved each decade due to surgical and clinical advances, and accurate histocompatibility assessment. Patient exposure to alloantigen from another individual is a common occurrence and takes place through pregnancies, blood transfusions or previous transplantation. Such exposure to alloantigen's can lead to the formation of circulating alloreactive antibodies which can be deleterious to solid organ transplant outcome. The purpose of these guidelines is to update to the previous BSHI/BTS guidelines 2016 on the relevance, assessment, and management of alloantibodies within solid organ transplantation.


Subject(s)
Isoantibodies , Organ Transplantation , Humans , Organ Transplantation/adverse effects , Histocompatibility Testing , Isoantigens , United Kingdom , HLA Antigens , Graft Rejection
4.
Am J Ther ; 30(4): e347-e352, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37449929

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major and growing public health concern. The associated cost for obesity and its related comorbidities is approximately 30% of US health care expenditures annually. As additional pharmacotherapeutic options join the market to combat obesity, it is important to understand the financial impact it may have on overall health care costs. This article explores the efficacy and pharmacoeconomics of incretin mimetics, semaglutide and tirzepatide, in the setting of obesity. AREA OF UNCERTAINTY: The cost of incretin mimetics (semaglutide and tirzepatide) and its overall impact on obesity management within the health care arena is being explored. The cost comparison of these medications is to be determined; however, it may represent an added cost to the total US health care expenditures. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed and Google Scholar search was conducted using various search terms (eg, semaglutide, tirzepatide, pharmacoeconomics, and obesity). THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES: Based on the data reviewed, both semaglutide and tirzepatide are effective medication options for obesity management. Obesity-related management expenditures exceed $173 billion for the US health care system annually. The cost needed to treat for 1% of weight loss with semaglutide and tirzepatide was reported as $1845 and $985, respectively. More than 40% of adults (60 years or older) experience obesity. If 1%, 5%, or 10% of this population is treated with semaglutide, the annual Medicare costs will translate to excess of $2.6 billion, $13.3 billion, and $26.8 billion, respectively. Tirzepatide is not yet approved in the United States for obesity and its financial impact remains to be seen. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is associated with burdensome health complications and costs. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are effective drug options for the management of obesity. The cost of these medications will no doubt present a challenge to the total health care expenditures, although the cost-benefit ratio may ultimately be favorable.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Economics, Pharmaceutical , Adult , Humans , Aged , United States , Incretins/therapeutic use , Medicare , Obesity/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
5.
J Pharm Pract ; : 8971900231164748, 2023 Mar 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36943421

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists and pharmacy interns were instrumental in vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: To identify pharmacy intern involvement in COVID-19 immunization practices in New York State (NYS) and explore interns' perceptions of experiences. METHODS: A 34-item survey was developed and administered at 5 pharmacy programs in NYS. Data collected included: perceptions of immunization readiness, participation in immunizations, description of experiences, and perceptions on the role of pharmacists. Respondents also reported on their preparedness to participate in the immunization process and the types of questions received from patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Questions regarding student experiences before and after participating in immunization efforts were analyzed using a two-sample t test. RESULTS: A total of 460 interns participated in the survey with 398 (87%) reporting participation in COVID-19 immunizations. Of those, 231 (58%) participated at work, 146 (36.7) during experiential rotations, and 98 (24.6%) during volunteer experiences. Respondents participated in various components of vaccine delivery including administration (n = 246, 61.8%). Respondents administered an estimated 57,100 COVID-19 vaccines from December 2020 to April 2021 resulting in significantly higher mean scores for comfort level (5-point Likert scale) administering vaccines after participation (mean score 4.08 ± 1.31) compared to before (mean score 3.61 ± 1.42) (p < .0001). Themes which emerged regarding student perceptions of their experience are described. CONCLUSION: Pharmacy intern involvement in NYS COVID-19 immunization practices contributed to public health vaccination efforts. Additionally, interns improved comfort levels with immunization administration and recognized pharmacists' emerging roles within the U.S. healthcare system.

6.
Am J Ther ; 30(1): e26-e35, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36516422

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to many complications, and controlling glucose balance is essential. Incretin hormones are produced in the gut and are essential to maintaining glucose homeostasis. Their effects range from increasing insulin synthesis, insulin secretion, and glucose sensing and decreasing glucagon secretion to promote satiety and suppressing appetite. Tirzepatide is a first in class dual glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) analog approved for the management of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise. PHARMACODYNAMICS AND PHARMACOKINETICS: Tirzepatide is a synthetic chemical structure based on the GIP sequence and consists of 39 amino acid peptides. Tirzepatide increases insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release in a glucose-dependent manner, decreases fasting and postprandial glucose levels, promotes satiety, decreases body weight, and delays gastric emptying. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics properties of tirzepatide were similar in patients with kidney and hepatic impairment, and its metabolites are excreting through urine and feces. CLINICAL TRIALS: The SURPASS trials are pivotal phase 3 trials assessing the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide as monotherapy and as an add-on to different antihyperglycemic drugs for the management of T2DM. Tirzepatide consistently showed reductions in HbA1c, as well as benefits with weight loss, with common adverse events reported related to gastrointestinal issues. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCE: Tirzepatide is a novel first in class dual GIP and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist that improves overall glycemic control as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It has the potential benefits in other therapeutic areas such as obesity.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor , Hypoglycemic Agents , Adult , Humans , Blood Glucose , Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Glucagon/metabolism , Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/agonists , Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor/agonists , Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor/therapeutic use , Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacokinetics , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
7.
J Addict Med ; 16(6): 716-721, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35913992

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Although primary care settings have benefits for implementing office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) programs with buprenorphine, few studies have examined the impact on patient retention beyond 12 months. The objective of this study is to assess long-term outcomes of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) integrated into comprehensive primary care treatment at a family medicine practice. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with OUD who received treatment with buprenorphine between December 2006 and January 2018 was conducted at private family medicine practice in semirural Upstate New York. Patients were seen continuously by the same provider. The primary outcome was retention in OBOT at 3 years. RESULTS: The primary outcome was met by 47.4% of included patients (N = 152). Mean retention in care for all patients was 24.3 months. More than three quarters of patients (77%) had a least one psychiatric comorbidity managed by the practice, most commonly depression (59.9%). Self-reported history of intravenous drug use at baseline was associated with a higher likelihood of patient dropout at year 1 (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-6.44; P = 0.004) and year 2 (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-5.28; P = 0.019), with no difference observed at year 3. CONCLUSIONS: Office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine in a family medicine practice setting resulted in high retention rates, emphasizing the importance of continuity of care and integration of primary care within the OUD treatment model. Further research is needed on barriers to implementation of OBOT among family medicine providers.


Subject(s)
Buprenorphine , Opioid-Related Disorders , Humans , Buprenorphine/therapeutic use , Opiate Substitution Treatment/methods , Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use , Family Practice , Retrospective Studies , Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy
8.
Vaccine ; 39(44): 6529-6534, 2021 10 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34600748

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As people living with HIV (PLWH) are at risk for contracting Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), they should be screened for HBV and vaccinated if not immune. Seroconversion rates in PLWH receiving traditional recombinant HBV vaccines (Engerix-B® and Recombivax-HB®) have historically been low with at most 70% achieving immunity. In 2017, a recombinant, adjuvanted HBV vaccine (Heplisav-B®) was approved for use in HIV-negative patients. Heplisav-B® has shown superior seroprotection in this population compared to Engerix-B® and Recombivax-HB®, as well as interim analysis showing higher seropositivity rates in patients undergoing dialysis. However, its efficacy in PLWH is currently unknown. This study evaluates the rate of seroconversion following Heplisav-B® administration in PLWH with previous HBV vaccination failure. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional study at The Brooklyn Hospital Center's HIV primary care clinic in Brooklyn, NY. HIV-positive adults who received at least two doses of Heplisav-B® and had previously failed to seroconvert after vaccination with Engerix-B® or Recombivax-HB® were included. The primary outcome is the percentage of PLWH who became seropositive following Heplisav-B®. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five (37.3%) PLWH had failed at least 2 courses of recombinant vaccines. Fifty-eight (86.6%) PLWH became seropositive (Anti-HBs > 10 mIU/mL) at least two months after completing Heplisav-B®. For the 9 (13.4%) patients that did not develop immunity, 3 (33%) had a detectable HIV RNA and 3 (33%) had a CD4 count < 200 cells/uL3. CONCLUSIONS: Heplisav-B® was highly effective in achieving immunity to HBV in PLWH who failed non-adjuvanted recombinant vaccines.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Hepatitis B , Cross-Sectional Studies , Hepatitis B/prevention & control , Hepatitis B Vaccines/therapeutic use , Humans , Retrospective Studies
9.
J Thromb Thrombolysis ; 52(3): 754-758, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33677744

ABSTRACT

As a result of infection control regulations during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, anticoagulation clinics have been required to adjust their practices in order to continue providing safe and effective services for their patients. In accordance with a guidance document issued by the Anticoagulation Forum, The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) anticoagulation clinic in Brooklyn, New York implemented measures including telemedicine follow-ups instead of in-person clinic visits, extending the interval of INR testing, and reviewing eligible candidates for transition from warfarin to direct oral anticoagulants. This study describes the outcomes of one hospital-based clinic location in the 3 months before and after COVID-19 became a significant concern in the New York City area. The primary outcome of time-in-therapeutic range (TTR) for patients receiving warfarin was 60.6 % and 65.8 % in the pre-COVID and post-COVID groups, respectively (p = 0.21). For secondary outcomes, there was no difference in percent of therapeutic INRs (51.5 % pre-COVID v. 44.8 % post-COVID, p = 0.75) or percent of INRs ≥ 4.5 (2.3 % pre-COVID v. 4 % post-COVID, p = 0.27). Based on the data reported in this study, the short-term changes implemented at TBHC's anticoagulation clinic did not appear to cause reductions in safety and efficacy of chronic warfarin therapy management.


Subject(s)
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Blood Coagulation/drug effects , COVID-19 , Drug Monitoring , Outpatient Clinics, Hospital , Pharmacists , Telemedicine , Warfarin/therapeutic use , Ambulatory Care , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Delivery of Health Care, Integrated , Drug Substitution , Factor Xa Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Female , Humans , International Normalized Ratio , Male , Middle Aged , New York , Predictive Value of Tests , Retrospective Studies , Warfarin/adverse effects
10.
Curr Pharm Teach Learn ; 12(5): 531-538, 2020 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32336449

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to determine pharmacy students' self-assessment of their level of competency in specified global health statements across various schools. It also evaluated attributes associated with competency and perception of importance, as well as explored students' perspectives on how best to incorporate global health content into pharmacy education. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey administered online to pharmacy students from three pharmacy schools in the United States. RESULTS: The self-assessed competency of pharmacy students in global health topic areas was low. Current or prior exposures outside of the PharmD curriculum to the global health content presented in the survey were significant indicators of self-assessed competency scores. Within individual participating schools, demographic characteristics such as gender, age category, speaking a non-English language, and progression through the PharmD curriculum were also significantly associated with competency scores reported. Most respondents (96%) agreed that relevant global health education should be incorporated into the pharmacy curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy students generally perceive global health competencies to be of great importance in practice, but acknowledge their deficiencies in this area. The current burden of global health education at the schools surveyed relies on individual student experience rather than curricular support. Ensuring that future pharmacists understand their role in global health teams and are able to achieve the necessary level of competency to function in interdisciplinary initiatives will require more strategic incorporation of relevant content into the curriculum.


Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/standards , Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/standards , Global Health/education , Perception , Students, Pharmacy/psychology , Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Curriculum/trends , Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/methods , Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/trends , Global Health/trends , Humans , Students, Pharmacy/statistics & numerical data
11.
Pharmacotherapy ; 39(12): 1204-1215, 2019 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31602703

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of obesity among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased significantly and may be linked to the use of antiretroviral therapy. Although weight-loss medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are recommended as an adjunct to diet and exercise to treat obesity in the general population, little is known about the safety and efficacy of these drugs specifically in persons living with HIV. We review the available evidence regarding the effective use of weight-loss pharmacotherapy in persons living with HIV and its potential to interact with antiretroviral therapy. Persons living with HIV are frequently not reported or included in clinical trials for weight-loss medications; however, treatment efficacy is likely similar to the general population. Several important reported or theoretical drug-drug interactions exist between antiobesity pharmacotherapy and antiretroviral therapy. Orlistat is a weight-loss drug available in the United States without a prescription and was linked to HIV viral rebound in several case reports. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for loss of HIV viremia control when certain weight-loss pharmacotherapies are used in combination with antiretrovirals.


Subject(s)
Anti-Obesity Agents/administration & dosage , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Obesity/drug therapy , Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Obesity Agents/adverse effects , Drug Interactions , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Humans , Obesity/epidemiology , United States , Weight Loss/drug effects
12.
Res Social Adm Pharm ; 14(1): 26-30, 2018 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28096051

ABSTRACT

This article describes a qualitative research study using a semi-structured interview process to describe barriers surrounding medication access, use, and adherence for recently discharged patients of a federally qualified health center. Common themes which emerged were: 1) Team assumptions regarding patient plans to access or appropriately use discharge medications negatively impact adherence; 2) Unmet expectation for care coordination between primary care physician (PCP) and hospital; 3) Disconnect between patients and health care workers leads to disengagement; and 4) Lack of personal contact hinders access to services.


Subject(s)
Continuity of Patient Care/organization & administration , Health Services Accessibility , Medication Adherence , Physicians, Primary Care/organization & administration , Aged , Continuity of Patient Care/economics , Cooperative Behavior , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Discharge , Poverty , Professional-Patient Relations , Socioeconomic Factors
13.
PRiMER ; 2: 22, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32818194

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Few qualitative studies have explored the attitude of prescribers towards the implementation of pharmacogenomic testing in the family medicine (FM) setting, and none among FM residents. The purpose of this study was to describe the level of engagement and interest in the implementation of pharmacogenomic education and testing in an FM clinic within a residency program. METHODS: A qualitative study utilizing semistructured interviews was conducted among prescribers within the FM clinic at The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC). Voluntary prescribers included FM residents and attendings. No prescribers were excluded. Prior to the interview, informational sheets about pharmacogenomics were provided to standardize participant knowledge base. The research team created an interview guide of specific open-ended questions. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed until a point of saturation was achieved. Transcripts of interviews served as data for analysis. Coding and analysis were performed to develop a hypothesis. No formal statistical analysis was required. RESULTS: Of the total 28 providers eligible for participation, 15 were recruited and interviewed (53% response rate). Based on analysis of interview data, four key conceptual concerns emerged regarding benefits and risks of testing, feasibility, accessibility, and modification of FM residency training curricula. CONCLUSION: Positive attitudes and perceptions provide support for pharmacogenomic education and testing to be incorporated into FM residency curricula. Addressing practical barriers, such as curricular education and training, will allow for expansion of such initiatives in the future.

14.
J Pharm Pract ; 30(3): 359-365, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26902648

ABSTRACT

Due to the intimate relationship between liver and kidney disease in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treatment options for HCV-positive patients at any stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are essential. The availability of second-generation, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) combinations has allowed for the advent of interferon-sparing treatment regimens with shorter durations and minimal side effects. While many of the second-generation DAAs are principally metabolized by the hepatic system, dosing in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCl] <30 mL/min) or dialysis has remained questionable due to limited experience. New evidence regarding the use of these agents in renal impairment continues to become available, as real-world experience with these treatment regimens is reported. Simeprevir, ledipasvir, paritaprevir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, and daclatasvir have data to suggest safety in end-stage renal disease. While safety and efficacy with sofosbuvir remains uncertain, data are now available to support utilizing a dose adjustment when glomerular filtration rates are <30 mL/min. Upcoming regimens grazoprevir/elbasvir and daclatasvir/asunaprevir/beclavubir may provide further options for patients with advanced kidney disease, and ongoing studies will continue to provide guidance for this unique patient population. This article will review the currently available literature, including the newest emerging evidence, on the use of second-generation DAAs in CKD stages 3 to 5 and dialysis.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Hepacivirus/drug effects , Hepatitis C/drug therapy , Renal Insufficiency/drug therapy , Amides , Animals , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Carbamates , Cyclopropanes , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Hepatitis C, Chronic/diagnosis , Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy , Hepatitis C, Chronic/epidemiology , Humans , Quinoxalines/pharmacology , Quinoxalines/therapeutic use , Renal Insufficiency/diagnosis , Renal Insufficiency/epidemiology , Sulfonamides , Treatment Outcome
15.
AIDS Patient Care STDS ; 30(2): 51-5, 2016 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26744994

ABSTRACT

Now that highly efficacious, interferon-free (IFN-free), direct acting antivirals (DAA) for the treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) have closed the gap between treatment and cure, identifying barriers that prevent initiation of treatment is more crucial than ever. This is a retrospective study utilizing Electronic Medical Records and Prior Authorization Records to identify HCV treatment gaps, including predictors for intention-to-treat and treatment initiation in the first 15 months of a Ryan White funded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV co-infection clinic. This study included 128 adults ≥ 18 years old with HIV and chronic HCV infection who had visited the treatment center at least once since January 2013. Provider intent-to-treat was used to differentiate patients actively considered for treatment based on documentation kept by a multidisciplinary HCV team. Members of this group who had gone on to initiate treatment were identified. Baseline characteristics were compared. Rates of active treatment consideration and treatment initiation were 30% and 14%, respectively. HCV treatment-naïve individuals were less likely to be considered for treatment [risk ratio (RR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-2.32] and initiate therapy (RR 2.33, 95% CI 0.97-5.60). Advanced liver disease had no significant association. Black race (RR 1.96, 95% CI 0.90-4.25) and Medicaid insurance holders (RR 1.90, 95% CI 0.95-3.82) tended to be less likely to initiate therapy. The availability of IFN-free DAA regimens has yet to increase HCV treatment uptake in our HIV/HCV co-infected population. Barriers to HCV treatment initiation have shifted from medical contraindications to socioeconomic variables.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Coinfection/virology , HIV Infections/complications , Hepacivirus/drug effects , Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy , Interferons/therapeutic use , Ribavirin/therapeutic use , Adult , Aged , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Coinfection/drug therapy , Drug Interactions , Drug Therapy, Combination/methods , Female , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Hepatitis C, Chronic/epidemiology , Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , United States
16.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 112(46): 14295-300, 2015 Nov 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26578775

ABSTRACT

Restoration has been elevated as an important strategy to reverse the decline of coastal wetlands worldwide. Current practice in restoration science emphasizes minimizing competition between out-planted propagules to maximize planting success. This paradigm persists despite the fact that foundational theory in ecology demonstrates that positive species interactions are key to organism success under high physical stress, such as recolonization of bare substrate. As evidence of how entrenched this restoration paradigm is, our survey of 25 restoration organizations in 14 states in the United States revealed that >95% of these agencies assume minimizing negative interactions (i.e., competition) between outplants will maximize propagule growth. Restoration experiments in both Western and Eastern Atlantic salt marshes demonstrate, however, that a simple change in planting configuration (placing propagules next to, rather than at a distance from, each other) results in harnessing facilitation and increased yields by 107% on average. Thus, small adjustments in restoration design may catalyze untapped positive species interactions, resulting in significantly higher restoration success with no added cost. As positive interactions between organisms commonly occur in coastal ecosystems (especially in more physically stressful areas like uncolonized substrate) and conservation resources are limited, transformation of the coastal restoration paradigm to incorporate facilitation theory may enhance conservation efforts, shoreline defense, and provisioning of ecosystem services such as fisheries production.


Subject(s)
Conservation of Natural Resources , Ecosystem , Atlantic Ocean , United States
17.
AIDS Patient Care STDS ; 29(8): 445-53, 2015 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26125093

ABSTRACT

Treatment of HIV now occurs largely within the primary care setting, and the principal focus of most visits has become the management of chronic disease states. The clinical pharmacist's potential role in improving chronic disease outcomes for HIV patients is unknown. A retrospective cohort study was performed for HIV-positive patients also diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia. Characteristics and outcomes in 96 patients treated by an interdisciplinary team that included a clinical pharmacist (i.e., the intervention group) were compared to those in 50 patients treated by an individual healthcare provider (i.e., the control group). Primary outcomes were changes from baseline over 18 months of HbA1c, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and blood pressure, respectively. Secondary outcomes included number of drug-drug interactions, HIV viral load, CD4 count, percent change in smoking status, and percent of patients treated to cardiovascular guideline recommendations. The interdisciplinary team had a significant improvement in lipid management over the control group (LDL: -8.8 vs. +8.4 mg/dL; p=0.014), and the smoking cessation rate over the study period was doubled in the interdisciplinary group (20.4% vs. 11.8%). Among those with an indication for aspirin, a significantly higher percentage of patients were prescribed the medication in the interdisciplinary group compared to the control group (85.5% vs. 64.9%; p=0.014). An informal cost analysis estimated savings of more than $3000 per patient treated by the interdisciplinary team. Based on these results, pharmacist involvement in an HIV primary care clinic appears to lead to more appropriate management of chronic co-morbidities in a cost-effective manner.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections/therapy , Interprofessional Relations , Patient Care Team , Pharmaceutical Services , Primary Health Care/methods , Adult , Aged , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Comorbidity , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Hypertension/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Physicians , Professional Role , Program Evaluation , Retrospective Studies
18.
AIDS Patient Care STDS ; 29(7): 379-83, 2015 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26066094

ABSTRACT

The impact of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between interferon-free direct acting antiviral (DAA) regimens and antiretrovirals (ART) among HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in clinical practice settings is unknown. A single-center, retrospective chart review of co-infected patients was conducted from June 2014 to February 2015. Significant interactions between simeprevir (SMV), ledipasvir (LDV), and paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir plus dasabuvir (3D regimen) with ART were identified based on available literature. SMV had the largest number of DDIs and was further investigated to determine the feasibility of ART switch to allow for DAA use. Of 127 subjects, 23% had advanced liver disease; 86% of those with known HCV genotype were HCV genotype 1. An ART switch allowing use of SMV, LDV, and 3D regimen was recommended in 97/127 (76%), 81/127 (64%), and 91/127 (72%) patients, respectively. Subjects on PI/r regimens had limited options for ART switch, with 40% of these patients unable to be switched to an ART regimen that avoided the use of a PI. In conclusion, the majority of HIV/HCV co-infected patients will be recommended to switch ART prior to use of interferon-free, DAA regimens, and an ART switch may not be feasible for more than a third of patients on a boosted PI. DDIs between ART and DAAs represent an additional barrier to treatment efficacy in clinical practice settings that are unaccounted for in clinical trials.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Interactions , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Hepatitis C/drug therapy , Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology , Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Coinfection/drug therapy , Female , Hepacivirus/genetics , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Protease Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Ribavirin/therapeutic use , Ritonavir/therapeutic use
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