Costs and impact of disease in adults with sickle cell disease: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT: We assessed the feasibility to estimate illness burden in adults with SCD, investigated factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and estimated societal burden. We recruited 32 participants and collected data on fatigue, HRQoL, and work productivity and activity impairment via patient survey. Health care utilization was abstracted for the 12 months before enrollment using medical chart review. Mean age was 36.7 years; 84.4% of participants had hemoglobin SS or Sßthal0 disease, and 81.3% reported chronic pain (experiencing pain on ≥3 days per week in the past 6 months). Mean EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale score was 63.4 and the index score was 0.79. The mean fatigue score was 57.9. Higher fatigue score was correlated with lower EQ-5D index score (correlation coefficient r = -0.35; P = .049) and Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System (ASCQ-Me) scores, including pain (r = -0.47; P = .006), sleep (r = -0.38; P = .03), and emotion scores (r = -0.79; P < .0001). The number of hospitalizations was negatively correlated with HRQoL (all P < .05). Patients who reported chronic pain had significantly lower mean ASCQ-Me sleep scores (48.3 vs 57.1; P = .04) and EQ-5D index scores (0.72 vs 0.89; P = .002) than those without chronic pain. Mean estimated annual per person costs were $51 779 (median, $36 366) for total costs, $7619 ($0) for indirect costs (estimated from lost earnings of participants), and $44 160 ($31 873) for medical costs. Fatigue, SCD complications, hospitalization, and chronic pain negatively affected HRQoL. This sample experienced a high economic burden, largely from outpatient doctor visits.

Test-retest reliability of a mobile application of the patient reported outcomes burdens and experiences (PROBE) study.

INTRODUCTION: The Patient Reported Outcomes, Burdens, and Experiences (PROBE) questionnaire is a patient-reported outcome tool that assesses quality of life and disease burden in people with haemophilia (PWH). AIM: To assesses the test-retest reliability of PROBE when completed using the mobile phone application. METHODS: We recruited PWH, including carriers, and individuals with no bleeding disorders who attended haemophilia-related workshops or via social media. Participants completed PROBE three times (twice on the app: T1 and T2, and once on the web, T3). Test-retest reliability was analysed for T1 versus T2 (app to app, time period one) and T2 versus T3 (app to web, time period two). RESULTS: We enrolled 48 participants (median age = 56 [range 27-78] years). Eighteen participants (37.5%) were PWH and seven (14.6%) were carriers. On general health domain questions, we found almost perfect agreement, except for a question on the frequency of use of pain medication in the last 12 months [Kappa coefficient (κ) .72 and .37 for time period one and two, respectively] and any use of pain medications (κ .75) for time period two. For haemophilia-related questions, we found substantial to perfect agreement, except for the questions on the number of joint bleeds in the previous 6 months for time period one (κ .49) and the number of bleeds in the previous two weeks for time period two (κ .34). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the reliability of the PROBE app. The app can be used interchangeably with the paper and web platforms for PROBE administration.

Rotavirus genotypes in the post-vaccine era: A systematic review and meta-analysis of global, regional, and temporal trends in settings with and without rotavirus vaccine introduction.

BACKGROUND: Even moderate differences in rotavirus vaccine effectiveness against non-vaccine genotypes may exert selective pressures on circulating rotaviruses. Whether this vaccine effect or natural temporal fluctuations underlie observed changes in genotype distributions is unclear. METHODS: We systematically reviewed studies reporting rotavirus genotypes from children <5 years of age globally between 2005 and 2023. We compared rotavirus genotypes between vaccine-introducing and non-introducing settings globally and by World Health Organization (WHO) region, calendar time, and time since vaccine introduction. RESULTS: Crude pooling of genotype data from 361 studies indicated higher G2P[4], a non-vaccine genotype, prevalence in vaccine-introducing settings, both globally and by WHO region. This difference did not emerge when examining genotypes over time in the Americas, the only region with robust longitudinal data. Relative to non-introducing settings, G2P[4] detections were more likely in settings with recent introduction (e.g. 1-2 years post-introduction aOR: 4.39 (95% CI: 2.87-6.72)) but were similarly likely in settings with more time elapsed since introduction, (e.g. 7 or more years aOR (1.62 95% CI: 0.49-5.37)). CONCLUSIONS: When accounting for both regional and temporal trends, there was no substantial evidence of long-term vaccine-related selective pressures on circulating genotypes. Increased prevalence of G2P[4] may be transient after rotavirus vaccine introduction.

Trends in prescribing practices for management of haemophilia: 1999-2021.

INTRODUCTION: People with haemophilia rely on specialists for their care, yet the specific dosing regimens of treatments prescribed by these specialists have not been widely studied. AIM: The objective of this study is to describe trends in clinician prescribing practices for the management of haemophilia in the United States (US). METHODS: We administered surveys to members of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society via paper surveys at its in-person annual symposia in 1999 and 2015, and an online survey in 2021. The surveys collected information on haemophilia treatments including factor dosing, inhibitor therapy and gene therapy. RESULTS: Clinicians treating haemophilia for more than 50% of their practice time have increased from 37.5% of respondents in 1999 to 46.3% in 2021. Clinicians prescribing factor concentrates at >40 units/kg for routine bleeding events increased from 0% in 1999 to 29.3% in 2021 in haemophilia A (HA) and from 22.5% to 87.8% in haemophilia B (HB). In 2021, the clinicians reported prescribing emicizumab to treat HA patients (>89.5% paediatric, >85.7% adult) with or without inhibitors at least some of the time. Approximately 78.0% of respondents reported that they expected to recommend gene therapy at least some of time. CONCLUSION: These data indicate changing trends in prescribing practices among US haemophilia specialists during the past 22 years. Preference for high doses of factor (>40 units/kg) has increased during this period. Emicizumab prophylaxis has been prescribed for patients with and without HA inhibitors. Clinicians expect gene therapy to have value for some haemophilia patients.

Impact of mepolizumab in patients with high-burden severe asthma within a managed care population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the real-world impact of mepolizumab on the incidence of asthma exacerbations, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use and asthma exacerbation-related costs in patients with high-burden severe asthma. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of the MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Databases in patients with high-burden severe asthma (≥80th percentile of total healthcare expenditure and/or significant comorbidity burden). Patients were ≥12 years of age upon mepolizumab initiation (index date November 1, 2015-December 31, 2018) and had ≥2 mepolizumab administrations during the 6 months post-index. Asthma exacerbation frequency (primary outcome), use of OCS (secondary outcome), and asthma exacerbation-related costs (exploratory outcome) were assessed during the 12 months pre-index (baseline) and post-index (follow-up). RESULTS: In total, 281 patients were analyzed. Mepolizumab significantly reduced the proportion of patients with any asthma exacerbation (P < 0.001) or exacerbations requiring hospitalization (P = 0.004) in the follow-up versus baseline period. The mean number of exacerbations decreased from 2.5 to 1.5 events/patient/year (relative reduction: 40.0%; P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with ≥1 OCS claim also decreased significantly from 94.0% to 81.9% (relative reduction: 12.9%; P < 0.001), corresponding to a decrease from 6.6 to 4.7 claims/person/year (P < 0.001). Of the 264 patients with ≥1 OCS claim during baseline, 191 (72.3%) showed a decrease in mean daily OCS use by ≥50% in 117 patients (61.3%). Total asthma exacerbation-related costs were significantly lower after mepolizumab was initiated (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mepolizumab reduced exacerbation frequency, OCS use and asthma exacerbation-related costs in patients with high-cost severe asthma. Mepolizumab provides real-world benefits to patients, healthcare systems and payers.

Depression and anxiety in persons with Von Willebrand disease.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with depression and anxiety in individuals with Von Willebrand disease (VWD) aged ≥12 years. METHODS: The study collected data on patients' sociodemographic, joint problems and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using EQ-5D-3L, 8-item patient health questionnaire for depression and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire from participants in seven geographically diverse US haemophilia treatment centres. RESULTS: Analyses included 77 participants. The rates of depression and anxiety were 63.6% and 58.3%, respectively. Persons with low VWF displayed higher rates of depression (86.7%) or anxiety (69.2%) compared to those with VWD (58.1%, p = .04 for depression, and 55.9%, p = .38 for anxiety). Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that having joint problems (odds ratio [OR] = 6.3, confidence interval [CI] = 2.0-20.1) was the most important variable associated with depression, followed by being single, divorced, widowed, or separated in adult participants or parents of participants age < 18 years (OR = 7.0, CI = 1.7-29.0. The most important variable associated with anxiety was being single or lacking a partner (OR = 10.8, CI = 2.5-47.5), followed by age 12-17 years old (OR = 6.7, CI = 1.6-26.9), or having worse health compared to 3-months ago (OR = 12.3, CI = 1.3-116.2). Mean covariates adjusted EQ visual analogue scale score was significantly lower among persons with depression (68.77 ± 3.15 vs. 77.58 ± 4.24, p = .03) than those without depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed concerning levels of depression and anxiety in this VWD sample. Lack of social support was determined an important factor associated with depression and anxiety in this sample. Mental health screening is critical in VWD clinical evaluation and care.

Comorbidities, Health-Related Quality of Life, Health-care Utilization in Older Persons with Hemophilia-Hematology Utilization Group Study Part VII (HUGS VII).

Purpose: We compare the impact of hemophilia on comorbidities, joint problems, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health-care utilization between two age groups: 40-49 years and ≥50 years. Patients and Methods: The HUGS VII study recruited persons with hemophilia A or B age ≥40 years. Participants completed surveys to collect data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, hemophilia treatment regimen, pain, joint problems, comorbidities, HRQoL, depression and anxiety, at baseline and 6-months later. Clinical chart reviews documented hemophilic severity and treatment. Results: The sample includes 69 males, 65.2% aged ≥50 years, 75.4% with hemophilia A. Individuals ≥50 years were more likely to have mild or moderate hemophilia (68.9% vs 41.7%, P = 0.03) than those 40-49 years old. Among persons with mild/moderate hemophilia, those ≥50 years old reported a higher rate of joint pain (83.9% vs 70.0%, P = 0.34 at baseline, 91.3% vs 57.1%, P = 0.06 at follow up) or range of motion limitation (73.3% vs 60.0%, P = 0.43 at baseline, 73.9% vs 28.6%, P = 0.04 at follow up) than the younger group. Compared to the younger group, the older group reported fewer emergency room visits (4.5% vs 21.7%, P = 0.03), and physical therapy visits (15.9% vs 43.5%, P = 0.01) at baseline. The sample depression rate was 85.7%, but the differences among the age groups were not significant. The mean covariate-adjusted EQ-5D index score was lower in older persons (0.77 vs 0.89, P = 0.02). Conclusion: Older persons with hemophilia in this sample are over-represented by individuals with mild/moderate disease, potentially due to premature death among those with severe disease. Although this group included a larger proportion of individuals with mild disease than the younger group, they experienced lower quality of life, more comorbidities both of aging and of hemophilic arthropathy, and lower rates of health-care utilization.

Real-world effectiveness of mepolizumab in patients with severe asthma and associated comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe asthma frequently have associated comorbidities, which can compound existing symptoms, complicating asthma management. OBJECTIVE: To describe the real-world effectiveness of mepolizumab in patients with severe asthma stratified by common overlapping comorbidities. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with asthma from the MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Database initiating mepolizumab treatment (index date). Eligible patients had more than or equal to 1 claim (excluding claims for diagnostic tests) with a diagnosis code for more than or equal to 1 of 7 comorbidities (atopic disease, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, obesity, respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and depression/anxiety) during the 12-month preindex baseline period; these were used to stratify patients into 7 nonmutually exclusive subgroups. Outcomes included asthma exacerbations and exacerbation-related health care resource utilization during the 12-month baseline and follow-up periods. Each patient acted as their own control. RESULTS: Of the 639 patients included, the most common comorbidities were atopic diseases (73.2%), respiratory infections (55.6%), and chronic sinusitis (45.1%). Across all 7 comorbidity subgroups, there were significant (P < .05) reductions of 38% to 55% and 57% to 83% in exacerbations and exacerbations requiring hospitalization, respectively, during the follow-up vs baseline period, except for exacerbations requiring hospitalization in the nasal polyp subgroup, owing to the small subgroup sample size. During the follow-up vs baseline periods, mean number of oral corticosteroids claims was significantly (P < .001) reduced by 29% to 38%; 39% to 47% of patients achieved greater than or equal to 50% oral corticosteroids dose reduction. Significant reductions in exacerbation-related health care resource utilization were also observed. CONCLUSION: Mepolizumab treatment provided real-world clinical benefits in patients.

Validation of a prospective mortality prediction score for hip fracture patients.

PURPOSE: Although mortality prediction tools are the subject of significant interest as components of comprehensive hip fracture protocols, few have been applied or validated to prospectively inform ongoing patient management. Five regional hospitals are currently generating real-time mortality risk scores for all adults at the time of admission using available laboratory and comorbidity data (Cowen et al. J Hosp Med 9(11):720-726, 2014). Although results for aggregated conditions have been published, the primary aim of this study is to determine how well prospectively calculated scores predict mortality for hip fracture patients specifically. METHODS: Using a five-hospital database, 1376 patients who were prospectively scored on admission were identified from January 2013 to April 2017, cross-referencing ICD9/10 diagnosis and procedure codes for AO/OTA 31A1 through 31B3 fractures. Prospective mortality scores have been previously divided into 5 risk categories to facilitate ease of clinical use. Vital status was determined from hospital data, Social Security and Michigan Death Indices. RESULTS: Prospective scores demonstrated good mortality prediction, with AUCs of 0.80, 0.73, 0.74 and 0.74 for in hospital, 30-, 60- and 90-day mortality, respectively. Patients in the top 2 mortality risk categories represented 30% (410/1376) of the cohort and accounted for 78% (25/32) of the inpatient and 59% (57/97) of the 30 day deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of this real-time mortality risk tool is feasible and valid for the prediction of short- to medium-term mortality risk for hip fracture patients, and potentially offers valuable information to guide ongoing patient management decisions such as admitting service or level of care.

Descriptive analysis of real-world medication use pattern of statins and antiplatelet agents among patients with acute coronary syndrome in Hong Kong and the USA.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to explore the differences in medication use pattern of lipid-lowering drug (LLD) and antiplatelet agents among post-percutaneous coronary intervention patients with acute coronary syndrome aged <65 in Hong Kong (HK) and the USA. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: This study used deidentified claims data from Clinformatics Data Mart database (OptumInsight, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA) and electronic health records from HK Hospital Authority Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System database. PARTICIPANTS: We used 1 year prescription records of LLDs and antiplatelet agents among 1013 USA patients and 270 HK Chinese patients in 2011-2013. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Continuity was investigated on the assumption that one defined daily dose represented 1 day treatment. Medication possession ratio method was used to evaluate the adherence. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regressions were constructed to compare the good continuity and adherence levels in the merged database with the cutoffs set at 80%, and Cox proportional hazard models were built using the time to discontinuation as the dependent variable, to assess the persistence level. RESULTS: HK Chinese patients were less adherent (67.41% vs 84.60%, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for Americans over Chinese=2.23 (95% CI=1.60 to 3.12), p<0.001) to antiplatelet agents compared with American patients but better adherent to statins (90.00% vs 78.18%, AOR=0.37 (0.23 to 0.58), p<0.001). The discontinuation with statins was more common in American patients (13.33% vs 34.25%, adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)=2.95 (2.05 to 4.24), p<0.001). Low-to-moderate potency statins and clopidogrel were favoured by our HK local physicians, while American patients received higher doses of statins and prasugrel. CONCLUSIONS: We seemed to find HK physicians tended to prescribe cheaper and lower doses of statins and antiplatelet agents when compared with the privately insured patients in the USA, though the adherence and persistence levels of HK patients with statins were relatively good.

Medication use patterns and predictors of nonpersistence and nonadherence with oral 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the recommended first-line treatment for active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) and for maintenance of UC remission. However, persistence and adherence to prescribed 5-ASAs are often suboptimal. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 5-ASA medication use patterns and assess risk factors associated with nonpersistence and nonadherence to oral 5-ASA medications in UC patients. METHODS: IMS LifeLink Health Plan claims data (January 2007 to June 2011) were analyzed. We identified adult patients (18 years or older) with at least 1 diagnosis of UC (ICD-9-CM code = 556.x [ulcerative colitis]) and at least 1 pharmacy claim for an oral 5-ASA (balsalazide disodium, sulfasalazine, mesalamine delayed-release, and Multi-Matrix System mesalamine) during the study period. Patients were required to have continuous eligibility on both health and pharmacy plans for 6 months pre- and 12 months post-initial pharmacy claim (index date). Medication use patterns (discontinuation, time to discontinuation [days], switch, and nonadherence) in the 12 months following the index date were evaluated. Nonpersistence or discontinuation with the index medication was defined as a treatment gap ≥ 60 days. Switch was identified as patients changing to another 5-ASA product after discontinuing the index medication. Nonadherence to index medication was determined by medication possession ratio (MPR) less than 0.8 for the index medication. Nonadherence to any 5-ASA treatment was determined by a proportion of days covered (PDC) less than 0.8 for any 5-ASA. A Cox model was used to assess the relative hazards associated with discontinuation. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors associated with nonadherence to either the index or any 5-ASA medications. RESULTS: A total of 5,664 patients met selection criteria. The median time to discontinuation of index drug differed significantly across index medications (range, 98.5 days [sulfasalazine] to 177.5 days [Multi-Matrix System mesalamine], P less than 0.0001). Patients on Multi-Matrix System mesalamine were less likely to discontinue (63.3% vs. ≥ 68.6%, P = 0.001) and more likely to adhere to their medication (MPR ≥ 0.8; 23.1% vs. ≤ 17.4%, P less than 0.0001) than patients on other medications. Patients on mesalamine delayed-release (13.8%) or Multi-Matrix System mesalamine (14.3%) had lower switch rates than the patients on balsalazide (17.2%) or sulfasalazine (17.8%), P = 0.01. Significant predictors of nonpersistence included index medication versus Multi-Matrix System mesalamine (balsalazide disodium: HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.07-1.36; mesalamine delayed-release: HR = 1.21, CI = 1.11-1.32; sulfasalazine: HR = 1.40, CI = 1.25-1.57), female gender (HR = 1.16, CI = 1.09-1.23), never receiving specialist care (HR = 1.14, CI = 1.07-1.21), preferred provider organization (PPO) versus health maintenance organization (HR = 1.14, CI = 1.04-1.24), and Medicare fee for service or self-insured health plan versus commercial plan (HR = 1.29, CI = 1.10-1.52). Significant variables associated with nonadherence with 5-ASA treatment (PDC less than 0.8) included not switching medication (OR = 1.90, CI = 1.58-2.29), age less than 65 (OR = 1.90, CI = 1.56-2.31), index medication as compared with Multi-Matrix System mesalamine (balsalazide disodium: OR = 1.43, CI = 1.10-1.85; mesalamine delayed-release: OR = 1.41, CI = 1.19-1.68; sulfasalazine: OR = 1.66, CI = 1.30, 2.12), female gender (OR = 1.33, CI = 1.17-1.52), residing in different regions as compared with the Midwest region (the South [OR = 1.40, CI = 1.20-1.64] and Northeast [OR = 1.29, CI = 1.05-1.58]), no use of rectal forms during the post-index period (OR = 1.28, CI = 1.08-1.50), no use of immunosuppressive/biologic agents during the post-index period (OR = 1.70, CI = 1.35-2.14), never receiving specialist care (OR = 1.25, CI = 1.08-1.44), and Medicaid/Medicare versus commercial plan (OR = 1.48, CI = 1.03-2.13). CONCLUSIONS: Patients on once-daily dosed Multi-Matrix System mesalamine had the lowest risk of discontinuation and the highest adherence rate. Multiple factors were associated with either nonpersistence or nonadherence, including multiple-daily dosed index medication, younger age, female gender, residing in the South region, PPO plan, noncommercial payer, not using immunosuppressive/biologic agents, not using rectal 5-ASA, and never receiving specialist care.

Rewarding healthy behaviors--pay patients for performance.

Despite a considerable investment of resources into pay for performance, preliminary studies have found that it may not be significantly more effective in improving health outcome measures when compared with voluntary quality improvement programs. Because patient behaviors ultimately affect health outcomes, I would propose a novel pay-for-performance program that rewards patients directly for achieving evidence-based health goals. These rewards would be in the form of discounts towards co-payments for doctor's visits, procedures, and medications, thereby potentially reducing cost and compliance issues. A pilot study recruiting patients with diabetes or hypertension, diseases with clear and objective outcome measures, would be useful to examine true costs, savings, and health outcomes of such a reward program. Offering incentives to patients for reaching health goals has the potential to foster a stronger partnership between doctors and patients and improve health outcomes.

Cost-effectiveness of Prostate Health Index for prostate cancer detection.

OBJECTIVE: • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early prostate cancer detection with the Beckman Coulter Prostate Health Index (phi) (not currently available in the USA) adding to the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test compared with the PSA test alone from the US societal perspective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • Phi was developed as a combination of PSA, free PSA, and a PSA precursor form [-2]proPSA to calculate the probability of prostate cancer and was used as an aid in distinguishing prostate cancer from benign prostatic conditions for men with a borderline PSA test (e.g. PSA 2-10 ng/mL or 4-10 ng/mL) and non-suspicious digital rectal examination. • We constructed a Markov model with probabilistic sensitivity analysis to estimate expected costs and utilities of prostate cancer detection and consequent treatment for the annual prostate cancer screening in the male population aged 50-75 years old. • The transition probabilities, health state utilities and prostate cancer treatment costs were derived from the published literature. The diagnostic performance of phi was obtained from a multi-centre study. Diagnostic related costs were obtained from the 2009 Medicare Fee Schedule. • Cost-effectiveness was compared between the strategies of PSA test alone and PSA plus phi under two PSA thresholds (≥2 ng/mL and ≥4 ng/mL) to recommend a prostate biopsy. RESULTS: • Over 25 annual screening cycles, the strategy of PSA plus phi dominated the PSA-only strategy using both thresholds of PSA ≥2 ng/mL and PSA ≥4 ng/mL, and was estimated to save $1199 or $443, with an expected gain of 0.08 or 0.03 quality adjusted life years, respectively. • The probabilities of PSA plus phi being cost effective were approximately 77-70% or 78-71% at a range of $0-$200,000 willingness to pay using PSA thresholds ≥2 ng/mL and ≥4 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: • The strategy PSA plus phi may be an important strategy for prostate cancer detection at both thresholds of PSA ≥2 ng/mL and PSA ≥4 ng/mL to recommend a prostate biopsy compared with using PSA alone.

Proximal tibia and fibula fragility fracture complicated by anticoagulation and demand-mediated myocardial infarction.

We present for discussion a case of a right displaced proximal metaphyseal tibial fracture with intraarticular extension and a same-level proximal fibula fracture with severe degenerative arthritis in a medically complex 89 year old community dwelling woman with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, right lower extremity deep venous thrombosis 1 month prior to this admission on warfarin, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, and previous stroke. Her course is complicated by demand-mediated myocardial infarction. This case demonstrates that comanagement can lead to minimal delays and a satisfactory outcome in a complex, high-risk patient.

Nonadherence to clinical practice guidelines and medications for multiple chronic conditions in a California Medicaid population.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and profile quality of care in California Medicaid beneficiaries with chronic conditions. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: California from 2002 to 2004. PATIENTS: 1,123,577 beneficiaries. INTERVENTION: Eligibility and claims data (2002-2004) were used to identify beneficiaries with dyslipidemia, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, or diabetes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of care was based on nonadherence with clinical practice guidelines including recommended medications. Chi-square was used to evaluate nonadherence and patient characteristics. RESULTS: The proportion of patients without a prescription fill for recommended medications varied by disease (43% hypertension, 40% dyslipidemia and CAD, and 25% diabetes and heart failure). For Medicaid-only beneficiaries with diabetes, 78% lacked glycosylated hemoglobin tests, 62% lacked low-density lipoprotein cholesterol tests, and 50% lacked eye exams. Medication nonadherence was high (69% hypertension, 64% CAD, 57% heart failure, 48% dyslipidemia, 41% diabetes). Overall, younger age, Medicaid-only status, and black/other race were associated with poorer rates. CONCLUSION: Quality of care was suboptimal, with nonadherence varying by condition. Programs targeting both patients and providers and addressing patient-related characteristics (e.g., age, race) and policy reform addressing alterable factors (e.g., insurance eligibility) should be developed to improve guideline adherence.

Longitudinal changes in visual acuity and health-related quality of life: the Los Angeles Latino Eye study.

PURPOSE: To examine the association between longitudinal changes in visual acuity (VA) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a population-based sample of adult Latinos. DESIGN: A population-based cohort study of eye disease in Latinos. PARTICIPANTS: We included 3169 adult Latino participants who live in the city of La Puente, California. METHODS: Data for these analyses were collected for the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES). Distance VA was measured during a detailed ophthalmologic examination using the standard Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol at baseline and a 4-year follow-up examination. We assessed HRQOL by the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 1 (SF-12). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean differences in HRQOL composite and subscale scores between baseline and follow-up were calculated for 3169 participants with complete clinical examination and HRQOL data at both time points. Mean differences and effect sizes (ES) for NEI-VFQ and SF-12 scores were calculated for 3 categories of VA change over the 4-year follow-up period (VA improved ≥ 2 lines, no change in VA or -2 < VA < 2, VA loss ≥ 2 lines). RESULTS: For participants with a 2-line loss in VA, we noted an approximate 5-point loss in the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score, with the greatest score changes found for the driving difficulties, vision-related mental health, and vision-related dependency subscales (-12.7, -11.5, and -11.3, respectively). For participants with a 2-line improvement in VA, we also noted an approximate 5-point gain in the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score. The greatest change (ES = 0.80) was observed for the driving difficulties subscale. No measurable differences in HRQOL were observed for individuals without change in VA from baseline to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically important, longitudinal changes in VA (≥ 2-line changes) were associated with significant changes in self-reported visual function and well-being. Both the size and direction of VA change influenced change in HRQOL scores.

The increased cost of medical services for people diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma: a decision analytic approach.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma accounts for more than 11% of all cases of blindness in the United States, but there have been few studies of economic impact. We examine incremental cost of primary open-angle glaucoma considering both visual and nonvisual medical costs over a lifetime of glaucoma. DESIGN: A decision analytic approach taking the payor's perspective with microsimulation estimation. METHODS: We constructed a Markov model to replicate health events over the remaining lifetime of someone newly diagnosed with glaucoma. Costs of this group were compared with those estimated for a control group without glaucoma. The cost of management of glaucoma (including medications) before the onset of visual impairment was not considered. The model was populated with probability data estimated from Medicare claims data (1999 through 2005). Cost of nonocular medications and nursing home use was estimated from California Medicare claims, and all other costs were estimated from Medicare claims data. RESULTS: We found modest differences in the incidence of comorbid conditions and health service use between people with glaucoma and the control group. Over their expected lifetime, the cost of care for people with primary open-angle glaucoma was higher than that of people without primary open-angle glaucoma by $1688 or approximately $137 per year. CONCLUSIONS: Among Medicare beneficiaries, glaucoma diagnosis not found to be associated with significant risk of comorbidities before development of visual impairment. Further study is necessary to consider the impact of glaucoma on quality of life, as well as aspects of physical and visual function not captured in this claims-based analysis.

Integration of acupuncture into family medicine teaching clinics.

OBJECTIVES: As growing numbers of patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), improvement is needed in communication between providers of CAM and allopathic medicine. This study describes collaborative acupuncture clinics (CACs) run by providers from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in the setting of family medicine teaching clinics. It examines patient demographics, quality of education for medical learners, referral practices of primary care physicians (PCPs), and quality of communication between acupuncturists and PCPs at these clinics. DESIGN: Demographic data were abstracted from electronic medical records of patients treated at least three times in the CACs between 2006 and 2007. A survey on quality of education at the CACs was given to acupuncture interns, medical students, and acupuncture supervisors. A separate survey collected information from PCPs at the family medicine clinics regarding referral practices to acupuncture and quality of communication between PCPs and acupuncturists. RESULTS: Of the 96 patients seen at the clinics, 74% were female, 76% were European-American, and the mean age was 45.9 years. Sixty-one percent (61%) of patients were insured through private insurance, 31.3% had Medicare or Medicaid, and 7.3% did not have insurance. Most of the 51 acupuncture providers who responded were satisfied with the quality of education at the CACs. Eighty percent of responding PCPs had referred at least one patient to the CACs. The majority of referrals was for a pain condition. Most PCPs would find a summary of the acupuncture visit helpful. Referral practices to different modalities were most influenced by patient interest and physician's belief in whether or not the modality would help. CONCLUSIONS: Demographics of patients at the CACs were comparable to those of patients seen in other acupuncture clinics. The collaborative structure of the CACs allowed for a unique learning experience and improved communication between providers of CAM and conventional medicine.

The relationship between gender and postconcussion symptoms after sport-related mild traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to define the relationship between gender and postconcussion symptoms (PCSx) at 3 months after sport-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and, further, to examine whether age (minors vs. adults), source of PCSx reporting (self-reported vs. proxy), previous head injury or loss of consciousness, or the sport type in which the mTBI was incurred explain any observed gender differences in PCSx. DESIGN: Prospective nested cohort study. SETTING: Regional trauma center emergency department. PATIENTS: A total of 260 patients who presented with sport-related mTBI, as defined by American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine criteria, began the study. The participants who lacked litigation concerning the mTBI and had participated in the follow-up assessment completed the study (n = 215). ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: Self, proxy, and interviewer report of age, gender, previous head injury or loss of consciousness, and sport in which injury was sustained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). RESULTS: Adult females are at greater risk for elevated RPQ scores (odds ratio [OR] = 2.89, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.25-6.71; P = .013) but not female minors (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.45-1.71]; P = .695), as compared with male subjects. Adjustment for empirically identified confounders in each age group revealed persisting elevated risk for adult females (OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.09-6.08; P = .031), but not minor females (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.52-2.19, P = .852). The risk associated with female gender in adults could not be explained by characteristics of the sports, such as helmeted versus not, or contact versus no contact, in which women incurred mTBIs. No sport characteristics were associated with increased risk of PCSx after mTBI. CONCLUSIONS: Adult females, but not female minors, are at increased risk for PCSx after sport-related mTBI as compared with male patients. This increased risk cannot be explained by self-report, rather than proxy report, of symptoms, previous head injury or loss of consciousness, age, or sport characteristics. Further research is needed to elucidate the processes of age-differential recovery from mild brain injury in women and on how to most effectively incorporate appropriate follow-up after emergency department evaluation.