Association Between Immigration Status and Ambulatory Secondary Stroke Preventive Care in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Secondary stroke preventive care includes evaluation and control of vascular risk factors to prevent stroke recurrence. Our objective was to evaluate the quality of ambulatory stroke preventive care and its variation by immigration status in adult stroke survivors in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: We conducted a population-based administrative database-derived retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada. Using immigration records, we defined immigrants as those immigrating after 1985 and long-term residents as those arriving before 1985 or those born in Canada. We included community-dwelling stroke survivors 40 years and older with a first-ever stroke between 2011 and 2017. In the year following their stroke, we evaluated the following metrics of stroke prevention: testing for hyperlipidemia and diabetes; among those with the condition, control of diabetes (hemoglobin A1c ≤7%) and hyperlipidemia (low-density lipoprotein <2 mmol/L); medication use to control hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation; and visit to a family physician and a specialist (neurologist, cardiologist, or geriatrician). We determined age and sex-adjusted absolute prevalence difference (APD) between immigrants and long-term residents for each metric using generalized linear models with binomial distribution and an identity link function. RESULTS: We included 34,947 stroke survivors (median age 70 years, 46.9% women) of whom 12.4% were immigrants. The receipt of each metric ranged from 68% to 90%. Compared with long-term residents, after adjusting for age and sex, immigrants were slightly more likely to receive screening for hyperlipidemia (APD 5.58%; 95% CI 4.18-6.96) and diabetes (5.49%; 3.76-7.23), have visits to family physicians (1.19%; 0.49-1.90), receive a prescription for antihypertensive (3.12%; 1.76-4.49) and antihyperglycemic medications (9.51%; 6.46-12.57), and achieve control of hyperlipidemia (3.82%; 1.01-6.63). By contrast, they were less likely to achieve diabetes control (-4.79%; -7.86 to -1.72) or have visits to a specialist (-1.68%; -3.12 to -0.24). There was minimal variation by region of origin or time since immigration in immigrants. DISCUSSION: Compared with long-term residents, many metrics of secondary stroke preventive care were better in immigrants, albeit with small absolute differences. However, future work is needed to identify and mitigate the factors associated with the suboptimal quality of stroke preventive care for all stroke survivors.

MyBack - effectiveness and implementation of a behavior change informed exercise programme to prevent low back pain recurrences: a hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common health condition and the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Most LBP episodes have a favourable prognosis, but recurrences within a year are common. Despite the individual and societal impact related to LBP recurrences, there is limited evidence on effective strategies for secondary prevention of LBP and successful implementation of intervention programmes in a real-world context. The aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of a tailored exercise and behavioural change programme (MyBack programme) in the secondary prevention of LBP; and evaluate acceptability, feasibility and determinants of implementation by the different stakeholders, as well as the implementation strategy of the MyBack programme in real context. METHODS: This protocol describes a hybrid type I, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of MyBack programme in the context of primary health care. The Behaviour Change Wheel framework and FITT-VP principles will inform the development of the behaviour change and exercise component of MyBack programme, respectively. Patients who have recently recovered from an episode of non-specific LBP will be randomly assigned to MyBack and usual care group or usual care group. The primary outcome will be the risk of LBP recurrence. The secondary outcomes will include disability, pain intensity, musculoskeletal health, and health-related quality of life. Participants will be followed monthly for 1 year. Costs data related to health care use and the MyBack programme will be also collected. Implementation outcomes will be assessed in parallel with the effectiveness study using qualitative methods (focus groups with participants and health providers) and quantitative data (study enrolment and participation data; participants adherence). DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the effectiveness and implementation of a tailored exercise and behaviour change programme for prevention of LBP recurrences. Despite challenges related to hybrid design, it is expected that data on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of the MyBack programme may contribute to improve health care in patients at risk of LBP recurrences, contributing to direct and indirect costs reduction for patients and the health system. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05841732.

A Randomized Control Trial Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy on Symptom Reduction and Relapse Prevention for Depression among the Depression Patients.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a serious illness; approximately 40%-60% of patients develop relapse, and this risk increases up to 90%. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an effective method to minimize depressive symptoms and relapse. OBJECTIVES: This randomized control trial study is designed to assess the effectiveness of IPT on depression symptom reduction and relapse prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred depressed patients from a selected psychiatric hospital in UP, India, were recruited by a simple random sampling technique that randomly allocated 150 participants to the experimental group and 150 to the control group by tossing a coin. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, which has 17 items. On the 2nd day of the trial, the experimental group received IPT. It helped the participants recognize their emotions and urge themselves to express them, both of which had a direct positive impact on their sad mood. The IPT efficacy assessment was done at the end of the 4 weeks of the intervention, and the relapse prevention assessment was undertaken 4 months later. The control group was kept with the actual treatment modalities and psychoeducation sessions, and they were assessed in the same way as the experimental group. RESULTS: Findings illustrated that the reduction of depressive symptoms with (t = 33.61) (P = 0.0000) and relapse prevention with (t = 2.7484) (P = 0.0067) are significant, respectively. Furthermore, symptom reduction and relapse prevention had an association with some demographical data at P < 0.05, 0.001. CONCLUSION: IPT is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms and preventing relapse.

[Secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases : targeting all the cardiovascular risk factors]. / Prévention secondaire des maladies cardiovasculaires : cibler l'ensemble des facteurs de risque.

This article focuses on the secondary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) diseases, namely the prevention of recurrence in subjects with a personal history of CV event, and the prevention of a first event in patients identified as at very high risk. For all these patients at very high risk, treatment is primarily based on the application of hygienic and dietary measures, including increasing the volume of physical activity, modifying the diet, and obtaining, if necessary, weight loss, as well as stopping smoking. This strategy has proven its benefits in terms of reducing morbidity and mortality. In addition, these patients must receive pharmacological treatment, whose the additional benefits are proven. The article details the pharmacological classes that are currently recommended, as well as the optimal management of CV risk factors and the therapeutic targets to be achieved.

Cet article s'intéresse à la prévention secondaire des maladies cardio-vasculaires (CV), c'est-à-dire la prévention de la récidive chez les sujets ayant une histoire personnelle d'événement CV, et la prévention d'un premier événement chez les patients identifiés comme à très haut risque. Pour tous ces patients à très haut risque, la prise en charge est, avant tout, basée sur l'application de mesures hygiéno-diététiques, incluant l'augmentation du volume d'activité physique, la modification du régime alimentaire et l'obtention si nécessaire d'une perte pondérale, ainsi que l'arrêt du tabac. Cette stratégie a prouvé ses bénéfices en termes de réduction de la morbidité et de la mortalité. En outre, ces patients doivent recevoir un traitement pharmacologique, dont les bénéfices additionnels sont prouvés. L'article détaille les classes pharmacologiques recommandées actuellement, ainsi que la prise en charge optimale des facteurs de risque CV et les cibles thérapeutiques à atteindre.

Trends in Dual Antiplatelet Therapy of Aspirin and Clopidogrel and Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke Patients Noneligible for POINT/CHANCE Trial Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials established the benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (DAPT-AC) in early-presenting patients with minor ischemic stroke. However, the impact of these trials over time on the use and outcomes of DAPT-AC among the patients with nonminor or late-presenting stroke who do not meet the eligibility criteria of these trials has not been delineated. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a multicenter stroke registry, this study examined yearly changes from April 2008 to August 2022 in DAPT-AC use for stroke patients ineligible for CHANCE/POINT (Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events/Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke) clinical trials due to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale >4 or late arrival beyond 24 hours of onset. A total of 32 118 patients (age, 68.1±13.1 years; male, 58.5%) with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 4 (interquartile range, 1-7) were analyzed. In 2008, DAPT-AC was used in 33.0%, other antiplatelets in 62.7%, and no antiplatelet in 4.3%. The frequency of DAPT-AC was relatively unchanged through 2013, when the CHANCE trial was published, and then increased steadily, reaching 78% in 2022, while other antiplatelets decreased to 17.8% in 2022 (Ptrend<0.001). From 2011 to 2022, clinical outcomes nonsignificantly improved, with an average relative risk reduction of 2%/y for the composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality, both among patients treated with DAPT-AC and patients treated with other antiplatelets. CONCLUSIONS: Use of DAPT-AC in stroke patients with stroke ineligible for recent DAPT clinical trials increased markedly and steadily after CHANCE publication in 2013, reaching deployment in nearly 4 of every 5 patients by 2022. The secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke seems to be gradually improving, possibly due to the enhancement of risk factor control.

Response to Antibiotic Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis Predicts the Effectiveness of LACTIN-V (Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05) in the Prevention of Recurrent Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) containing vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus are promising adjuvant treatments to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) but may depend on the success of initial antibiotic treatment. METHODS: A post hoc analysis of data collected during the phase 2b LACTIN-V randomized control trial (L. crispatus CTV-05) explored the impact of clinical BV cure defined as Amsel criteria 0 of 3 (excluding pH, per 2019 Food and Drug Administration guidance) 2 days after completion of treatment with vaginal metronidazole gel on the effectiveness of an 11-week LACTIN-V dosing regimen to prevent BV recurrence by 12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: At enrollment, 88% of participants had achieved postantibiotic clinical BV cure. The effect of LACTIN-V on BV recurrence compared with placebo differed by initial clinical BV cure status. The LACTIN-V to placebo risk ratio of BV recurrence by 12 weeks was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.77) among participants with initial clinical BV cure after metronidazole treatment and 1.34 (95% confidence interval, 0.47-2.23) among participants without postantibiotic clinical BV cure. Among women receiving LACTIN-V, those who had achieved postantibiotic clinical BV cure at enrollment reached higher levels of detectable L. crispatus CTV-05 compared with women failing to achieve postantibiotic clinical BV cure. CONCLUSIONS: LACTIN-V seems to only decrease BV recurrence in women with clinical cure of BV after initial antibiotic treatment. Future trials of LBPs should consider limiting enrollment to these women.

Effects of primary or secondary prevention with vitamin A supplementation on clinically important outcomes: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review with meta-analyses of randomised trials evaluated the preventive effects of vitamin A supplements versus placebo or no intervention on clinically important outcomes, in people of any age. METHODS: We searched different electronic databases and other resources for randomised clinical trials that had compared vitamin A supplements versus placebo or no intervention (last search 16 April 2024). We used Cochrane methodology. We used the random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs), with 95% CIs. We analysed individually and cluster randomised trials separately. Our primary outcomes were mortality, adverse events and quality of life. We assessed risks of bias in the trials and used Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) to assess the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: We included 120 randomised trials (1 671 672 participants); 105 trials allocated individuals and 15 allocated clusters. 92 trials included children (78 individually; 14 cluster randomised) and 28 adults (27 individually; 1 cluster randomised). 14/105 individually randomised trials (13%) and none of the cluster randomised trials were at overall low risk of bias. Vitamin A did not reduce mortality in individually randomised trials (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.05; I²=32%; p=0.19; 105 trials; moderate certainty), and this effect was not affected by the risk of bias. In individually randomised trials, vitamin A had no effect on mortality in children (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.04; I²=24%; p=0.28; 78 trials, 178 094 participants) nor in adults (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.13; I²=24%; p=0.27; 27 trials, 61 880 participants). Vitamin A reduced mortality in the cluster randomised trials (0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.93; I²=66%; p=0.0008; 15 trials, 14 in children and 1 in adults; 364 343 participants; very low certainty). No trial reported serious adverse events or quality of life. Vitamin A slightly increased bulging fontanelle of neonates and infants. We are uncertain whether vitamin A influences blindness under the conditions examined. CONCLUSIONS: Based on moderate certainty of evidence, vitamin A had no effect on mortality in the individually randomised trials. Very low certainty evidence obtained from cluster randomised trials suggested a beneficial effect of vitamin A on mortality. If preventive vitamin A programmes are to be continued, supporting evidence should come from randomised trials allocating individuals and assessing patient-meaningful outcomes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018104347.

[Aspirin and prevention of the recurrence of venous thromboembolism]. / Aspirine et prévention de la récidive de la maladie veineuse thromboembolique.

After a first episode of unprovoked vein thrombosis, the risk of recurrence persists for many years. Long term of anticoagulant therapy prevents the recurrence of vein thrombosis but is associated with a major risk of bleeding. As platelets play a role in the initiation and propagation of venous thromboembolism as well, antiplatelet agents, may play a role in the treatment and prevention of this disease. This review summarizes available evidence on effect of aspirin in the prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis.

Inequities in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease (ASCVD) prevention encompasses interventions across the lifecourse: from primordial to primary and secondary prevention. Primordial prevention begins in childhood and involves the promotion of ideal CV health (CVH) via optimizing physical activity, body mass index, blood glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and sleep while minimizing tobacco use. Primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD thereafter centers around mitigating ASCVD risk factors via medical therapy and lifestyle interventions. Disparities in optimal preventive efforts exist among historically marginalized groups in each of these three prongs of ASCVD prevention. Children and adults with a high burden of social determinants of health also face inequity in preventive measures. Inadequate screening, risk factor management and prescription of preventive therapeutics permeate the care of certain groups, especially women, Black, and Hispanic individuals in the United States. Beyond this, individuals belonging to historically marginalized groups also are much more likely to experience other ASCVD risk-enhancing factors, placing them at higher risk for ASCVD over their lifetime. These disparities translate to worse outcomes, with higher rates of ASCVD and CV mortality among these groups. Possible solutions to promoting equity involve community-based youth lifestyle interventions, improved risk-factor screening, and increasing accessibility to healthcare resources and novel preventive diagnostics and therapeutics.

All we need to know about lipoprotein(a).

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a genetically determined macromolecular complex, is independently and causally associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and calcific aortic stenosis via proposed proinflammatory, prothrombotic, and proatherogenic mechanisms. While Lp(a) measurement standardization issues are being resolved, several guidelines now support testing Lp(a) at least once in each adult's lifetime for ASCVD risk prediction which can foster implementation of more aggressive primary or secondary prevention therapies. Currently, there are several emerging targeted Lp(a) lowering therapies in active clinical investigation for safety and cardiovascular benefit among both primary and secondary prevention populations. First degree relatives of patients with high Lp(a) should be encouraged to undergo cascade screening. Primary prevention patients with high Lp(a) should consider obtaining a coronary calcium score for further risk estimation and to guide further ASCVD risk factor management including consideration of low dose aspirin therapy. Secondary prevention patients with high Lp(a) levels should consider adding PCSK9 inhibition to statin therapy.

Evaluation of Aspirin Prescribing and Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Adults 60 Years of Age and Older in a Large, Academic Health System.

Background National guidelines no longer recommend adults 60 years of age and older to begin treatment with low-dose daily aspirin for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to a lack of proven net benefit and a higher risk of bleeding. Objective The objective of this cross-sectional retrospective analysis was to evaluate the appropriateness of low-dose aspirin prescribing and subsequent gastrointestinal bleeding in older persons receiving primary care in a large academic health system. Setting Large, academic health system within Colorado. Patients Patients with an active order for daily low-dose aspirin as of July 1, 2021, were assessed for appropriateness based on indication (primary vs secondary prevention) and use of a concomitant proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). Incident gastrointestinal bleeds (GIBs) in the subsequent 12 months and GIB risk factors were also evaluated. Results A total of 19,525 patients were included in the analysis. Eighty-nine percent of patients identified as White and 54% identified as male. Of the total cohort, 44% had CVD and 19% were co-prescribed a PPI. GIB occurred in 247 patients (1.27%) within the subsequent year. Risk factors significantly associated with a GIB within 1 year included: history of GIB, history of peptic ulcer disease, other esophageal issue (esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, Mallory Weiss tears, etc.), 75 years of age or older, and history of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Conclusion This evaluation found that many older persons at this institution may be inappropriately prescribed aspirin, providing opportunities for pharmacists to improve medication safety by deprescribing aspirin among primary prevention patients or potentially co-prescribing a PPI in secondary prevention patients.

Interactions between antiepileptic drugs and direct oral anticoagulants for primary and secondary stroke prevention.

INTRODUCTION: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are the guideline-recommended therapy for prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism. Since approximately 10% of patients using antiepileptic drugs (AED) also receive DOAC, aim of this review is to summarize data about drug-drug interactions (DDI) of DOAC with AED by using data from PubMed until December 2023. AREAS COVERED: Of 49 AED, only 16 have been investigated regarding DDI with DOAC by case reports or observational studies. No increased risk for stroke was reported only for topiramate, zonisamide, pregabalin, and gabapentin, whereas for the remaining 12 AED conflicting results regarding the risk for stroke and bleeding were found. Further 16 AED have the potential for pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic DDI, but no data regarding DOAC are available. For the remaining 17 AED it is unknown if they have DDI with DOAC. EXPERT OPINION: Knowledge about pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic DDI of AED and DOAC is limited and frequently restricted to in vitro and in vivo findings. Since no data about DDI with DOAC are available for 67% of AED and an increasing number of patients have a combined medication of DOAC and AED, there is an urgent need for research on this topic.

Rifaximin plus lactulose versus lactulose alone for reducing the risk of HE recurrence.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to examine rifaximin plus lactulose efficacy in patients with cirrhosis at a risk of developing overt HE who were stratified by important baseline characteristics such as comorbid ascites or diabetes. METHODS: Pooled post hoc subgroup analysis of adults receiving rifaximin 550 mg twice daily plus lactulose or lactulose alone for 6 months in a phase 3 randomized, double-blind trial and a phase 4 open-label trial was conducted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Rifaximin plus lactulose was more efficacious than lactulose alone for reducing the risk of overt HE recurrence and HE-related hospitalization in adults grouped by select baseline disease characteristics.

First, do no harm: Critically revisiting contemporary approaches to child sexual abuse prevention.

Crime prevention is typically presented in a tripartite model that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary domains. Almost every criminal justice intervention constitutes tertiary prevention and occurs reactively, in the aftermath of an offence. Child sexual abuse is no exception, and prevention science has long recommended we focus our intervention efforts further upstream. Such an approach would include earlier detection and disclosure (secondary prevention), or-even better-reducing the risks of early exposure to the environmental forces which facilitate sexual abuse in the first place (primary prevention). What is missing from the field, however, is a coherent framework through which to critique the unintended consequences of our well-intentioned responses to child sexual abuse. Such consequences include secondary trauma for victim survivors and vicarious trauma for families and practitioners. In this article, we reflect on prevention from a critical perspective that centres the principle of "first, do no harm." In doing so, we introduce the notion of 'quaternary prevention' for child sexual abuse. Public health has long recognised the risks of medicalisation, overdiagnosis, and unnecessary intervention. We encourage our field to engage within a framework of quaternary prevention to consider the iatrogenic effects of many contemporary practices and to take seriously the "do no harm" principle to improve practice across all levels of prevention.

Addressing methodological concerns in omega-3 trial for bipolar disorder relapse prevention.

Our response addresses concerns raised about our pilot trial on omega-3 for bipolar disorder. We clarify randomization procedures, highlight the benefits of eicosapentaenoic-predominant formulations for a specific bipolar patients subgroup, and justify the use of Kaplan-Meier analysis despite limitations. We acknowledge analytical challenges due to strict inclusion criteria and encourage future research on specific bipolar subtypes and larger-scale trials for robust validation.