Patient perspectives on how to improve education on medication side effects: cross-sectional observational study at a rheumatology clinic in The Netherlands

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Patient perspectives on how to improve education on medication side effects: cross-sectional observational study at a rheumatology clinic in The Netherlands Via Latest Results for Rheumatology International Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients often report lacking information on medication side effects. The aims of this study were to observe how rheumatology healthcare providers deliver medication information and to determine in which specific domains information is missing. First, 12 single-blinded structured observations were performed during regular RA patient consultations. The observers noted whether and how medication and medication side effects were discussed. Second, 100 RA patients were asked to fill out an adaptation of the Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale (SIMS). Medication was discussed during all observed consultations. With new medication, its purpose and mode of action were explained in all cases, but possible side effects in only 33%. Overall, medication side effects were discussed in 58% of consultations. Most information delivery was verbal (92%). Response rate to the questionnaire was 61%. Overall satisfaction with medication ed ucation was mean 7.3 (± 1.9) (NRS 0–10) with a comparable high SIMS total satisfaction sum score of mean 12.3 (± 4.4). At subscale score levels, 89% were satisfied with the amount of information on the action and usage of medication, but only 47% with the information on the potential problems of medication. RA patients express overall high satisfaction with their medication education but there is still an unmet need for information on potential risks and side effects. Using the SIMS questionnaire in daily clinical practice may help focus medication education to the needs of the individual patient. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Use of conventional synthetic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatic diseases contracting COVID-19: a single-center experience

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Use of conventional synthetic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatic diseases contracting COVID-19: a single-center experience Via Latest Results for Rheumatology International Abstract To examine whether patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) treated with conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or biologic (b) DMARDs, could be affected from SARS-CoV-2 infection and to explore the COVID-19 disease course and outcome in this population. This is a prospective observational study. During the period February–December 2020, 443 patients with IA who were followed-up in the outpatient arthritis clinic were investigated. All patients were receiving cs and/or bDMARDs. During follow-up, the clinical, laboratory findings, comorbidities and drug side effects were all recorded and the treatment was adjusted or changed according to clinical manifestations and patient's needs. There were 251 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 101 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and 91 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We identified 32 patients who contracted COVID-19 (17 RA, 8 PsA, 7 AS). All were in remission and all drugs were discontinued. They presented mild COVID-19 symptoms, expressed mainly with systemic manifestations and sore throat, while six presented olfactory dysfunction and gastrointestinal disturbances, and all of them had a favorable disease course. However, three patients were admitted to the hospital, two of them with respiratory symptoms and pneumonia and were treated appropriately with excellent clinical response and outcome. Patients with IA treated with cs and/or bDMARDs have almost the same disease course with the general population when contract COVID-19. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Antibody subtypes and titers predict clinical outcomes in ANCA-associated vasculitis

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Antibody subtypes and titers predict clinical outcomes in ANCA-associated vasculitis Via Latest Results for Rheumatology International Abstract The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) subtype and ANCA titers on clinical outcomes and disease activity among a cohort of patients from Central Appalachia diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) over a 3-decade period. This is a retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with AAV. ANCA subtypes (myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3)) and titers at the time of diagnosis and at the time of relapse or last follow-up were evaluated along with patient outcomes. Outcomes of interest included relapse, development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality. Sensitivity analysis and multivariable analysis were performed. Of the 202 patients, 111 patients were MPO-ANCA positive and 91 patients were PR3-ANCA positive. Relapse was more frequent among patients with PR3-ANCA compared to MPO-ANCA (35% vs 12%, p < 0.001). In both ANCA subgroups, the stronge st predictor of relapse was an increase in titers prior to relapse, HR 8.1 (95% CI 1.6–40), p 0.009. Patients who achieved serological remission had a lower risk of ESRD [sub-HR 0.31 (95% CI 0.11–0.89)] and mortality [HR (95% CI) 0.24 (0.07–0.7)]. PR3-ANCA was associated with higher risk of ESRD [sub-HR 3.1 (95% CI 1.1–8.5)]. There was no difference in mortality between patients with MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA. Our study supports the use of both ANCA subtypes and titer levels for predicting clinical outcomes in patients receiving treatment for AAV. Monitoring of ANCA antibody titers may be useful since both serological remission and increase in titers provide prognostic information. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Therapeutic approaches to pediatric COVID-19: an online survey of pediatric rheumatologists

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Therapeutic approaches to pediatric COVID-19: an online survey of pediatric rheumatologists Via Latest Results for Rheumatology International Abstract Data on therapy of COVID-19 in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed children are scarce. We aimed to explore management strategies of pediatric rheumatologists. All subscribers to international Pediatric Rheumatology Bulletin Board were invited to take part in an online survey on therapeutic approaches to COVID-19 in healthy children and children with autoimmune/inflammatory diseases (AID). Off-label therapies would be considered by 90.3% of the 93 participating respondents. In stable patients with COVID-19 on oxygen supply (stage I), use of remdesivir (48.3%), azithromycin (26.6%), oral corticosteroids (25.4%) and/or hydroxychloroquine (21.9%) would be recommended. In case of early signs of "cytokine storm" (stage II) or in critically ill patients (stage III) (a) anakinra (79.5% stage II; 83.6% stage III) or tocilizumab (58.0% and 87.0%, respectively); (b) corticosteroids (oral 67.2% stage II, intravenously 81.7% stage III); (c) intravenous immunoglobulins (both stages 56.5%); or (d) remdesivir (both stages 46.7%) were considered. In AID, > 94.2% of the respondents would not support a preventive adaptation of the immunomodulating therapy. In case of mild COVID-19, more than 50% of the respondents would continue pre-existing treatment with immunoglobulins (100%), hydroxychloroquine (94.2%), anakinra (79.2%) or canakinumab (72.5%), or tocilizumab (69.8%). Long-term corticosteroids would be reduced by 26.9% (< = 2 mg/kg/d) and 50.0% (> 2 mg/kg/day), respectively, with only 5.8% of respondents voting to discontinue the therapy. Conversely, more than 75% of respondents would refrain from administering cyclophosphamide and anti-CD20-antibodies. As evidence on management of pediatric COVID-19 is incomplete, continuous and critical expert opinion and knowledge exchange is helpful. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Disease recurrence after colorectal cancer surgery in the modern era: a population-based study

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Disease recurrence after colorectal cancer surgery in the modern era: a population-based study Via Latest Results for International Journal of Colorectal Disease Abstract Purpose This population-based study determined the cumulative incidence (CI) of local, regional, and distant recurrences, examined metastatic patterns, and identified risk factors for recurrence after curative treatment for CRC. Methods All patients undergoing resection for pathological stage I–III CRC between January 2015 and July 2015 and registered in the Netherlands Cancer Registry were selected (N = 5412). Additional patient record review and data collection on recurrences was conducted by trained administrators in 2019. Three-year CI of recurrence was calculated according to sublocation (right-sided: RCC, left-sided: LCC and rectal cancer: RC) and stage. Cox competing risk regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for recurrence. Results The 3-year CI of recurrence for stage I, II, and III RCC and LCC was 0.03 vs. 0.03, 0.12 vs. 0.16, and 0.31 vs. 0.24, respectively. The 3-year CI of recurrence for stage I, II, and III RC was 0.08, 0.24, and 0.38. Distant metastases were found in 14, 12, and 16% of patients with RCC, LCC, and RC. Multiple site metastases were found often in patients with RCC, LCC, and RC (42 vs. 32 vs. 28%). Risk factors for recurrence in stage I–II CRC were age 65–74 years, pT4 tumor size, and poor tumor differentiation whereas in stage III CRC, these were ASA III, pT4 tumor size, N2, and poor tumor differentiation. Conclusions Recurrence rates in recently treated patients with CRC were lower than reported in the literature and the metastatic pattern and recurrence risks varied between anatomical sublocations. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Asymptomatic vs Symptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Comparison of Clinico-investigative Profile and Surgical Outcomes in Resource-Limited Setting

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Asymptomatic vs Symptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Comparison of Clinico-investigative Profile and Surgical Outcomes in Resource-Limited Setting Via Latest Results for Indian Journal of Surgery Abstract This study was done to assess compare usefulness of localization (MIBI and USG) and surgical cure rates in APHPT with SPHT surgical. Multi-centric retrospective study. 57 APHPT and 156 SPHPT patients included. The demographic data &localisation studies between APHPT and SPHPT along with surgical cure rates in patients who had localized disease versus nonlocalized were compared. APHPT prevalence was 26.76%. APHPT affects older patients (p=<0.05). Serum calcium & PTH were higher in SPHPT (p=<0.05). USG & MIBI scans were positive in 88% and 90% in SPHPT. APHPT showed USG and MIBI positivity in 21.05% and 15.7%. Subset of APHPT patients (n=13) who underwent additional imaging showed true positive lesion in 38.5% (n=5). Bilateral neck exploration done in 73.7% of APHPT& 10.9% of SPHPT (p=0.0001). APHPT has smaller adenoma(p<0.05). In non-localized APHPT (n=42) five needed partial thyroidectomy (11.9%) and six partial thymectomy (14.2%). Intra operative success rate was 97.5% in SPHPT and 95.23% in non-localized APHPT (p=0.63). APHPT presents with mild disease and mostly with negative localization. Cure rates after bilateral neck exploration without additional imaging like PETCT/4D CT/MRI was similar to SPHPT View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Short-term results of the combined application of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of periodontal disease: a randomized controlled trial

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Short-term results of the combined application of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of periodontal disease: a randomized controlled trial Via Latest Results for Clinical Oral Investigations Abstract Objectives Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers have been previously used as an adjunct in periodontal therapy. The aim of this single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined application of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation in periodontal treatment. Materials and methods Twenty-two patients with at least one site of ≥ 6 mm periodontal probing depth (PPD) after mechanical debridement with curettes and sonic instruments at periodontal reevaluation were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to either a combined Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy (test group) or a "turned off" laser therapy (control group). The Nd:YAG laser was used for periodontal pocket deepithelialization and to stabilize the resulting blood clot. The Er:YAG laser was primarily used for root surface modification. PPD (mm), clinical attachment level (CAL, mm), and bleeding on probing (BOP, +/−) at the site of laser treatment were evaluated at baseline and 2 months after treatment. Results The mean improvements from baseline to 2-month follow-up for PPD were significantly better in the laser group (2.05 ± 0.82 mm) compared to the control group (0.64 ± 0.90 mm; p = 0.001). Likewise, the gain in CAL was significantly better in the laser group (1.50 ± 1.10 mm) than in the control group (0.55 ± 1.01mm; p = 0.046). Conclusions The combined application of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation as an adjunct to conventional non-surgical therapy showed a significant beneficial effect on periodontal treatment results. Clinical relevance Combined Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation could be a useful procedure additionally to conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy to improve periodontal treatment results. Clinical trial registration ISRCTN registry #ISRCTN32132076 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF monotherapy versus anti-VEGF therapy combined with subthreshold micropulse laser therapy for diabetic macular edema

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Comparison of the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF monotherapy versus anti-VEGF therapy combined with subthreshold micropulse laser therapy for diabetic macular edema Via Latest Results Abstract The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of 577-nm subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) and intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) combined therapy with IVB monotherapy in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). This retrospective study included 80 eyes of 80 patients; 40 eyes were treated with IVB monotherapy, and 40 eyes were treated with SML-IVB combined therapy. The mean number of required IVB injections and changes of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) values were compared between the groups. The mean age of the patients was 60.19±7.43 years. The baseline characteristics of the patients were similar between the groups. In the SML-IVB combined group, the mean number of required SML sessions was 2.1±0.81. The mean number of required IVB injections was 4.38±0.81 in the SML-IVB combined group and 5.65±1.51 in the IVB monotherapy group (p<0.05). The increase of the BCVA was signif icant in the SML-IVB combined group at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months; however, in the IVB monotherapy group, it was only significant at the 3rd month (p<0.05). The mean CMT values of the 3rd, 9th, and 12th months were similar between the groups (p>0.05); only at the 6th month was it significantly lower in the SML-IVB combined group (p<0.05). When compared with baseline, the decrease of the CMT was statistically significant in both groups at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months (p<0.05). In this study, a significant benefit of adding SML to IVB therapy was found with less IVB need, although a very significant increase in BCVA could not be achieved. The use of SML-IVB combined treatment may be an effective and safe alternative for DME. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Does Familial Mediterranean Fever Provoke Atherosclerosis in Children? Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness and Serum Endocan Levels

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Does Familial Mediterranean Fever Provoke Atherosclerosis in Children? Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness and Serum Endocan Levels Via Latest Results for Clinical Rheumatology Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the risk for atherosclerosis by using echocardiographic arterial stiffness (AS) parameters and serum endocan levels, as a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in children with FMF. Methods Seventy-nine children with FMF (12–18 years) and 41 healthy children were included, and clinical features (age at the first attack, age at the time of diagnosis, diagnosis delay time, colchicine dose, biological agent usage, MEFV mutations, and symptoms of attacks) of patients were noted. Arterial stiffness parameters were calculated by using echocardiographic aortic measurements with blood pressure monitoring. Hemogram parameters, acute phase reactants, blood glucose and lipid levels of 12 hours of fasting, and serum endocan levels were evaluated for all participants. Results There were no statistically significance regarding demographic features, acute phase reactants, and hemogram parameters. Blood glucose and lipid levels were similar, except for HDL (lower in FMF group, p=0.029). Serum endocan levels did not differ in two groups (p=0.906). Only stiffness of descending aorta was lower in FMF group (p=0.028), and the other AS parameters were similar between two groups (p>0.05 for each parameters). Conclusion Good disease control could be preventive for atherosclerosis in children with FMF. On the other hand, screening for cardiovascular diseases is essential, particularly for uncontrolled cases. Graphical abstract Distribution of MEFV gene mutations Key points • Exaggerated inflammation is the prominent feature of FMF attacks; moreover, it is shown that subclinical inflammation might also continue in attack-free periods. • Chronic inflammation contributes to atherosclerotic process in almost all stages by activating endothelial cells, producing reactive oxygen species, and accelerating foam cell and atherosclerotic plaque formations. • However, the results of this study showed that there was no difference in terms of atherosclerotic markers such as serum endocan levels and arterial stiffness parameters between pediatric FMF patients and healthy peers. • Good disease control in pediatric FMF patients may prevent early atherosclerotic changes during childhood, which then may lead a probable decreased risk of subsequent CVD in adulthood. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

High Acuity Therapy Variation Across Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Units: Results from the Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative Hospital Surveys

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader High Acuity Therapy Variation Across Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Units: Results from the Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative Hospital Surveys Via Latest Results for Pediatric Cardiology Abstract We utilized the multicenter Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3) 2017 and 2019 surveys to describe practice variation in therapy availability and changes over a 2-year period. A high acuity therapies (ATs) score was derived (1 point per positive response) from 44 survey questions and scores were compared to center surgical volume. Of 31 centers that completed the 2017 survey, 26 also completed the 2019 survey. Scores ranged from 11 to 34 in 2017 and 11 to 35 in 2019. AT scores in 2019 were not statistically different from 2017 scores (29/44, IQR 27–32.5 vs. 29.5/44, IQR 27–31, p = 0.9). In 2019, more centers reported initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in Acute Care Cardiology Unit (ACCU) (19/26 vs. 4/26, p < 0.001) and permitting continuous CPAP/BiPAP (22/26 vs. 14/26, p = 0.034) compared to 2017. Scores in both survey years were significantly higher in the highest surgical volume group compared to the lowest, 33 ± 1.5 versus 25 ± 8.5, p = 0.046 and 32 ± 1.7 versus 23 ± 5.5, p = 0.009, respectively. Variation in therapy within the ACCUs participating in PAC3 presents an opportunity for shared learning across the collaborative. Experience with PAC3 was associated with increasing available respiratory therapies from 2017 to 2019. Whether AT scores impact the quality and outcomes of pediatric acute cardiac care will be the subject of further investigation using a comprehensive registry launched in early 2019. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Heel fat pad involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: a review and case series

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Heel fat pad involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: a review and case series Via Latest Results for Clinical Rheumatology Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting not only the synovial joints but also multiple extra-articular sites, including ankle and foot soft tissue. Hindfoot abnormalities usually follow those in the forefoot, with up to 4 out of 10 patients experiencing talalgia during their disease course. Enthesophytosis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, and plantar fasciitis are among the most common etiologies, while heel fat pad abnormalities like subcalcaneal bursitis are rare. Here, we report two cases of subcalcaneal bursitis, and the first case of heel fat pad and subcalcaneal bursa herniation in patients with established RA, along with a comprehensive literature review of subcalcaneal bursitis and other heel fat pad abnormalities in RA. Subcalcaneal bursitis, also referred to as panniculitis, inflammatory-edematous lesion, or adventitial (adventitious) bursitis has been reported in up to 10% of patients with RA. It appears as a compressi ble, heterogeneous, and hypoechoic subcalcaneal mass on ultrasound (US), with peripheral vascularization on Doppler US. Patients may present with heel discomfort. Ultrasonographic assessment is usually sufficient to confirm the presence of heel fat pad pathologies. Rest, analgesics, and mechanical aids with or without addition of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are usually employed, while intervention is rarely required. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.