Self-reported participant experience with desonide hydrogel in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate patients' real-world experiences with desonide hydrogel for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). Physicians who participated in this patient-experience program identified eligible participants (age range, < 3 months to 91 years) for treatment with desonide hydrogel 0.05%. The medication was prescribed by each participant's physician according to his/her practice guidelines and was provided to the participant at no charge. Patients (or their parents/guardians) voluntarily participated by providing consent and completing 2 surveys: one at baseline (pretreatment) and the other approximately 3 weeks after initiation of desonide hydrogel treatment (posttreatment). The pretreatment survey included questions about prior topical medication use for AD and satisfaction with prior treatments. The second survey assessed compliance with desonide hydrogel, satisfaction with treatment, characteristics of desonide hydrogel, intent to continue treatment, and willingness to recommend desonide hydrogel to others. A total of 1185 participants completed both the pretreatment and posttreatment surveys. Participant satisfaction with desonide hydrogel was 95% greater than satisfaction with prior topical medications for AD (P < .01). Adherence to treatment with desonide hydrogel was more than 80% based on reports from participants. Eighty-nine percent of participants reported that they would continue to use the medication for their condition if needed and 85% would recommend desonide hydrogel to others. Prescribing physicians received individual summaries of survey responses reported by each of his/her participating patients, which provided valuable feedback regarding participants' perceptions of treatment. Participants reported favorable experiences after treatment with desonide hydrogel compared with prior topical therapies. Desonide is widely prescribed for the treatment of AD.

Assessing effects of treatment with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for pediatric ADHD using a parental survey.

INTRODUCTION: Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is a prodrug stimulant approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6-12 years of age. Parent surveys provide valuable information regarding the impact of ADHD treatments. METHODS: Parents of children with ADHD beginning treatment with LDX voluntarily completed surveys through an automated telephone system or the Internet before and 6 weeks after LDX treatment initiation. Prescribing physicians received individual reports of the responses for each survey completed by their patients' parents. All patients whose parents completed both baseline and 6 week surveys were included in the analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted for those previously treated with medications to treat ADHD, including mixed amphetamine salts-extended release. RESULTS: LDX treatment was associated with a significant decrease in ADHD symptom interference with school activities, family interactions, homework, and social interactions (P<.01; N=11,576). Parents rated satisfaction with LDX as significantly higher than with their child's previous treatment (P<.01). On average, global improvement, tolerability, convenience, and satisfaction with LDX were all highly rated. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with LDX showed significant symptom improvement and parents reported significantly greater satisfaction than with prior treatment.

Patient perceptions of insulin detemir as reported through patient telephone surveys.

OBJECTIVES: To examine patient-reported perceptions of insulin detemir (Levemirt) as treatment for diabetes and report information back to prescribing physicians. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey with a convenience population involves physicians identifying patients appropriate for this treatment and providing them with study information. Patients voluntarily responded to a baseline survey prior to medication use and surveys at approximately 30 and 60 days following treatment initiation using interactive voice response (IVR) technology. Questions were designed by the medical group on the study team to measure patients' perceptions regarding blood sugar control, confidence in avoiding symptoms and medication satisfaction with insulin detemir. Questions were not drawn from a tested survey instrument, but do maintain face validity. Prescribing physicians received an individual report summarizing the patient's responses. RESULTS: In total, 586 adults completed the study. Average age was 59 years; 64% female. After an average of 35 days and 72 days using insulin detemir, patients could more easily judge blood sugar levels (n = 586; average 6.6 and 7.0 out of 10 (10 = much easier) at each follow-up, respectively) and keep good blood sugar control (n = 586; 6.7 and 7.0). With insulin detemir, patients who used a prior insulin (n = 414) felt more confident about avoiding symptoms of hypoglycemia with an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 after the first month and 7.1 out of 10 (10 = much more confident) after the second month. They (n = 414) also felt more confident in avoiding low blood sugars at night with average ratings of 7.3 after both the first and second months with insulin detemir. Thirty-one percent of the prior insulin users (n = 414) also reported weight loss, 58% reported no change, 11% gained weight after the second month with insulin detemir. Satisfaction with insulin detemir among all patients (n = 586) averaged 7.9 out of 10 at both months 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: With insulin detemir, patients felt more confident about managing blood sugar levels, tended not to gain weight, and were quite satisfied. The authors recognize that the results are not generalizable to or representative of all patients using insulin detemir due to potential patient selection bias. In addition, the results reflect patients' self-reported impressions which were not confirmed through any objective clinical measures. However, the individual patient data collected through the surveys can help physicians monitor patients' perceptions and promote discussions about treatment with patients.

The impact of topical cyclosporine A emulsion 0.05% on the outcomes of patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

OBJECTIVE: To assess patients' experiences with topical cyclosporine A (tCSA) 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis) to treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in a real-world setting. METHODS: A total of 4504 ophthalmologists, optometrists and primary care physicians from throughout the United States participated in the study. Individual physicians identified patients from their practice who were appropriate candidates for treatment with tCSA and provided them with free sample medication and study materials. Patients voluntarily enrolled in the program by following the instructions provided in the study materials. Data for this study were obtained from patient surveys that included questions related to patients' experiences using topical cyclosporine A 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (tCSA). Using automated surveys at baseline, 30-days and 60-days post-medication initiation, patients rated symptom severity, symptom impact on daily activities, and use of artificial tears pre- and post-treatment with study medication. Participants also reported on the rapidity of symptom relief and satisfaction with tCSA. RESULTS: A total of 5884 patients completed the study. The vast majority (84%) was female; average age was 63 years. Patients who completed the study (n = 5884) achieved significant reductions (p < 0.001) of 30% in symptom severity and 31%-36% in activity impairments relative to baseline. A positive association (p < 0.001) was observed between number of years with dry eye and the average ratings for symptom severity and impact on everyday activities. Onset of relief was noted within 1 week by 32% of patients and within 3 weeks by 73%. More than 60% reported decreased use of artificial tears at both 30 days and 60 days post-treatment initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that in a real-world setting tCSA is an effective treatment for patients suffering from KCS. Onset of relief may be more rapid than in previously published reports.