Search

Background: The implantation of a collagen gel micro-stent (XEN45®) as a minimally invasive form of glaucoma surgery (MIGS) after a failed trabeculectomy (TE) may be an effective option with few risks. This study investigated the clinical outcome of XEN45® implantation after a failed TE, with follow-up data of up to 30 months. Materials and Methods: In this paper, we present a retrospective review of patients undergoing XEN45® implantation after a failed TE at the University Eye Hospital Bonn, Germany, from 2012 to 2020. Results: In total, 14 eyes from 14 patients were included. The mean follow-up time was 20.4 months. The mean time duration between the failed TE and XEN45® implantation was 110 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 17.93 mmHg to 12.08 mmHg after one year. This value increased again to 17.63 mmHg at 24 months and 16.00 mmHg at 30 months. The number of glaucoma medications decreased from 3.2 to 0.71, 2.0, and 2.71 at 12, 24, and 30 months, respectively. Conclusions: XEN45® stent implantation after a failed TE did not lead to an effective long-term decrease in IOP and glaucoma medications in many patients in our cohort. Nevertheless, there were cases without the development of a failure event and complications, and others in whom further, more invasive surgery was delayed. XEN45® implantation in some failed trabeculectomy cases may, therefore, be a good option, especially in older patients with multiple comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish the life expectancy burden of esophago‐gastric cancer by analyzing years of life lost (YLL) for a Western patient population after treatment of early esophageal (EAC) or early gastric (GAC) adenocarcinoma. Background: For patients with early EAC or GAC, the short‐term prognosis after surgical resection is very good. Little data is available regarding long‐term prognosis when compared to the general population. Methods: Two hundred and fourteen patients with pT1 EAC (n = 112) or GAC (n = 102) were included in the study. Patients with EAC underwent transthoracic en‐bloc esophagectomy; those with GAC had total or subtotal gastrectomy with D2‐lymphadenectomy. Surviving patients had a median follow‐up of approximately 14 years. YLL was calculated using average life expectancy data from Germany. Results: Patients with EAC were younger (median age 61 years) than those with GAC (66 years) (p = 0.031). The male:female ratio was 10:1 for EAC and 3:2 for GAC (p < 0.001). Multivariate survival analysis showed the age of the patients ≥60 years and the existence of lymph node metastasis was associated with poor prognosis. The median YLL for all patients who died over follow‐up was 8.0 years. For patients under 60 years, it was approximately 20 years, and for older patients, approximately 5 years (p < 0.001) without difference in tumor stage between these age cohorts. YLL did not differ for GAC vs. EAC. Conclusion: After surgical resection, the prognostic burden as measured by YLL is relevant for all patients with early esophageal and gastric adenocarcinomas and especially for younger patients. Reasons for YLL need further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2017, a reform of the German outpatient psychotherapy guideline was carried out, aiming to reduce waiting times and facilitate lowthreshold access. This study analyzes the extent to which the implementation of the two new service elements 'psychotherapeutic consultation times' and 'acute short-term psychotherapeutic interventions' improved psychotherapeutic care for patients with mental disorders and chronic physical conditions (cMPs), for patients with mental disorders without chronic physical conditions (MnoP), and elderly patients. Methods: In a quantitative secondary analysis, we analyzed health insurance data of patients with psychotherapy billing codes obtained from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) for the years 2015-2019, evaluating descriptive statistical parameters for specific patient groups and care services. Results: Between 2015 and 2019, the number of mentally ill receiving psychotherapy at least once in the corresponding year increased by 30.7%. Among these, the proportion of cMPs-patients increased from 26.8% to 28.2% (+1.4%), while that of MnoP-patients decreased from 68.3% to 66.4% (-1.9%). The number of elderly people receiving treatment also increased. Conclusion: Since increases and decreases in the percentage shares occur evenly over the years investigated, it is questionable whether the reform in 2017 has had a direct influence on these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of rehabilitation after a cardiovascular procedure. Especially older and multimorbid patients benefit from rehabilitation after a cardiac procedure. Prehabilitation prior to cardiac procedures may also have positive effects on patients' pre- and postoperative outcomes. Results of a current meta-analysis show that prehabilitation prior to cardiac procedures can improve perioperative outcomes and alleviate adverse effects. Germany currently lacks a structured cardiac prehabilitation program for older patients, which is coordinated across healthcare sectors. Methods: In a randomized, controlled, two-arm parallel group, assessor-blinded multicenter intervention trial (PRECOVERY), we will randomize 422 patients aged 75 years or older scheduled for an elective cardiac procedure (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft surgery or transcatheter aortic valve replacement). In PRECOVERY, patients randomized to the intervention group participate in a 2-week multimodal prehabilitation intervention conducted in selected cardiac-specific rehabilitation facilities. The multimodal prehabilitation includes seven modules: exercise therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive training, psychosocial intervention, disease-specific education, education with relatives, and nutritional intervention. Participants in the control group receive standard medical care. The co-primary outcomes are quality of life (QoL) and mortality after 12 months. QoL will be measured by the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). A health economic evaluation using health insurance data will measure cost-effectiveness. A mixed-methods process evaluation will accompany the randomized, controlled trial to evaluate dose, reach, fidelity and adaptions of the intervention. Discussion: In this study, we investigate whether a tailored prehabilitation program can improve long-term survival, QoL and functional capacity. Additionally, we will analyze whether the intervention is cost-effective. This is the largest cardiac prehabilitation trial targeting the wide implementation of a new form of care for geriatric cardiac patients. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; http://www.drks.de; DRKS00030526). Registered on 30 January 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We retrospectively analysed all German inpatient cases of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) from 2014 to 2020 to describe the epidemiology, clinical course, and underlying diseases of 4065 HLH patients. The age‐standardized incidence rate of HLH in Germany was 0.52/100 000 people in 2014 and steadily increased by 10% per year to 0.97/100 000 in 2020 (mean 0.70/100 000). Inpatient deaths related to HLH increased from 0.84/1 000 000 people in 2014 to 2.32/1 000 000 people in 2020, caused by rising numbers of older HLH patients. Overall, HLH is more frequent than previously expected and incidence as well as HLH‐related deaths increased significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The American Thyroid Association (ATA) uses criteria to assess the risk for persistent disease in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) after radioiodine therapy (RAI). There are no data available showing that this classification can be adopted unadjusted by Germany. Aim: The aim of our study is to investigate whether the ATA classification can be applied to a German population for short-term prognosis. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of an age cutoff value. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 121 patients who were referred to our tertiary referral center. Patients were classified into risk categories, and the therapy response was determined according to ATA. Results: A total of 73/83 (88%) ATA low-risk patients and 12/19 (63%) intermediate-risk patients showed an excellent response; 2/19 (11%) high-risk patients had a biochemical, and 6 (31%) had a structural incomplete response. Of all 39 patients ≥55 years, 84% had an excellent response. Using a cut off of 50 years, 50/62 (81%) of the older patients showed an excellent response. Conclusion: The ATA risk classification is able to estimate the response to RAI therapy in a German population. A shift from 55 to 50 years as an age cutoff value does not result in any relevant change in the treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vertigo, dizziness or balance disorders (VDB) are common leading symptoms in older people, which can have a negative impact on their mobility and participation in daily live, yet, diagnosis is challenging and specific treatment is often insufficient. An evidence-based, multidisciplinary care pathway (CPW) in primary care was developed and pilot tested in a previous study. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the CPW in terms of improving mobility and participation in community-dwelling older people with VDB in primary care. Methods: For this multicentre cluster randomised controlled clinic trial, general practitioners (GP) will be recruited in two regions of Germany. A total of 120 patients over 60 years old with VDB will be included. The intervention is an algorithmized CPW. GPs receive a checklist for standardise clinical decision making regarding diagnostic screening and treatment of VDB. Physiotherapists (PT) receive a decision tree for evidence-based physiotherapeutic clinical reasoning and treatment of VDB. Implementation strategies comprises educational trainings as well as a workshop to give a platform for exchange for the GPs and PTs, an information meeting and a pocket card for home care nurses and informal caregivers and telephone peer counselling to give all participants the capability, opportunity and the motivation to apply the intervention. In order to ensure an optimised usual care in the control group, GPs get an information meeting addressing the national guideline. The primary outcome is the impact of VDB on participation and mobility of patients after 6 month follow-up, assessed using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are physical activity, static and dynamic balance, falls and fear of falling as well as quality of life. We will also evaluate safety and health economic aspects of the intervention. Behavioural changes of the participants as well as barriers, facilitating factors and mechanisms of impact of the implementation will be investigated with a comprehensive process evaluation in a mixed-methods design. Discussion: With our results, we aim to improve evidence-based health care of community-dwelling older people with VDB in primary care. Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00028524 retrospectively registered on March 24, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacist-led medication reviews are considered a valuable measure to address risks of polypharmacy. The software Medinspector® is used in community pharmacies to assist the performance of this complex service by structuring the medication review process and supporting pharmacists in their decision-making with targeted clinical knowledge. Key feature is a computerized risk assessment of both the initial and adjusted medication regimen of a patient in multiple domains, thus aiming to support the identification and solving of drug-related problems. This study will examine the effects of medication reviews performed with the clinical decision support system in daily routine practice on medication-related and patient-reported outcomes in elderly patients with polypharmacy. Methods: A prospective, before–after observational study is conducted in German community pharmacies aiming to include 148 patients aged 65 or older, who chronically use five or more active pharmaceutical substances with systemic effects and utilize the software-supported medication review service. The study is based on routine documentation within the software over the course of the medication review, including a patient's baseline medication, the medication proposed by pharmacists, and the final medication regimen. A software-implemented questionnaire comprising self-developed and literature-derived instruments is used to collect patient-reported outcome data at baseline and follow-up. Primary outcome is the appropriateness of medication measured with an adapted version of the Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI). Secondary medication-related outcomes are medication underuse, exposition towards anticholinergic/sedative drugs, number of drugs in long-term use and the implementation of pharmacist-proposed medication adjustments by the physicians. Secondary patient-reported outcomes are symptom burden, medication-related quality of life, adherence, fulfillment of medication review-related goals, and perception of the service. Discussion: With the recently introduced remuneration of community pharmacist-led MR in Germany, the demand for digital tools supporting the MR process is assumed to rise. The OPtiMed-study is expected to create evidence on the effects of a novel tool on patient care in a vulnerable patient population. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00027410. Registered 22 December 2021, https://www.drks.de/drks%5fweb/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL%5fID=DRKS00027410. Also available on the WHO meta-registry: https://trialsearch.who.int/?TrialID=DRKS00027410 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anaesthesist is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: People aged 80 and over frequently face complex chronic conditions and health limitations, including oral health problems, which are primarily addressed by ambulatory (i.e., outpatient) healthcare. This demographic development is expected to affect the provision of care. However, few studies have investigated physicians' and dentists' views across the various medical disciplines in non-institutional settings. This study investigated how healthcare providers perceive caring for very old people, and how they feel healthcare should be designed for this patient group. Methods: A qualitative online survey comprising nine open-ended items was conducted among physicians and dentists practicing in the ambulatory healthcare sector in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Apart from child and adolescent healthcare, no medical specialties were excluded. The results were analysed using Kuckartz' approach of structuring qualitative content analysis. A descriptive codebook was developed first. After coding all the material, recurring patterns between the topics were investigated and compared between two groups of participants, physicians and dentists. Results: N = 77 cases were included in the analysis, from which n = 21 originated from the field of ambulatory general practice care and internal medicine, n = 19 from specialties (e.g., neurology, urology), and n = 37 from dentistry. Caring for patients aged 80 and over was perceived as challenging because of complex health conditions and treatments such as multimorbidity and polypharmacy, and patients' cognitive and physical limitations. In characterizing good care in older age, both groups found individual care important, as well as empathetic interactions and good collaboration in networks of healthcare providers. Inadequate reimbursement and limited resources and time were the most important barriers to providing good care, while one of the most important facilitators was healthcare providers' attitude and motivation. Conclusions: Physicians' and dentists' conceptions of good healthcare are in line with the conceptualization of patient-centred care. However, the transfer in everyday care delivery is hampered by the current design of healthcare structures. Healthcare providers feel overstrained by the increasing demands placed on them. Adaptations for improvement should focus on building strong networks of cooperating health professions, especially including dental care, and local social support structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical therapy (PT) is recommended as first-line management for osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to assess the PT use among adults with OA and those without (Non-OA) and subsequently identify associated factors among these populations. Methods: This cross-sectional study obtained national data from the population-based German Health Update (GEDA2014/2015-EHIS) study containing 24,016 participants aged 18 years and older. Analyses were stratified by sex, age, socioeconomic status (SES), residence, smoking behavior, body mass index, pain and general health. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to evaluate factors associated with PT use within the past 12 months. Results: PT was used more frequently in the OA population compared with the Non-OA population (35.8% vs. 18.7%). In both populations, women, participants with high SES, residence in Eastern Germany, severe pain, poor general health and non-smokers received PT more frequently. Multivariate analysis confirmed these findings, in addition to people aged 80 years and older. The influence of SES was higher among OA participants. Conclusion: The underutilization of PT in OA patients (35.8%) was particularly evident among males, people with a low SES and those being older than 60 years, which aids to develop strategies increasing PT use towards guideline-oriented OA management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About one third of Europe's elderly population takes ≥5 drugs. Polypharmacy increases their risk of adverse drug reactions. To ensure drug safety, innovative approaches are needed. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the relationship between psychosocial factors and medication-related beliefs and behaviors. Medication lists of 297 patients were recorded according to the ATC classification. Correlations between the dependent variables, Medication Adherence (MARS) and Beliefs about Medicines (BMQ), and independent variables, General Self-Efficacy (GSE), self-efficacy for managing chronic diseases (SES6G), spiritual needs (SpNQ), patient activity (PAM), loneliness (DJG), and social networks (LSNS), were measured. Patients with higher self-efficacy (OR: 1.113; 95% CI [1.056–1.174]; p < 0.001) or self-confidence in managing their chronic condition (OR: 1.188; 95% CI [1.048–1.346]; p < 0.007) also showed higher adherence. Lonely patients (OR: 0.420; 95% CI [0.267–0.660]; p < 0.001) and those with a need for inner peace (OR: 0.613; 95% CI [0.444–0.846], p = 0.003) were more likely nonadherent. Stronger positive beliefs about medications' usefulness weakly correlated with higher scores on the SES6G (ρ = 0.178, p = 0.003) and GSES scale (ρ = 0.121, p = 0.042), patient activity (ρ = 0.155, p = 0.010) and functioning social networks scale (ρ = 0.159, p = 0.008). A weak positive correlation was found between loneliness and the belief that drugs were harmful (ρ = 0.194, p = 0.001). Furthermore, interesting correlations were detected regarding the number of medications and overuse beliefs. Psychosocial factors, such as self-efficacy, loneliness, and spiritual needs and medication-related beliefs and behaviors seem to interrelate. Addressing these factors may improve medication management and drug safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]