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Background: Increasing numbers of patients treated in the emergency departments pose challenges to delivering timely and high-quality care. Particularly, the presentation of patients with low-urgency complaints consumes resources needed for patients with higher urgency. In this context, patients with non-specific back pain (NSBP) often present to emergency departments instead of primary care providers. While patient perspectives are well understood, this study aims to add a provider perspective on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for NSBP in emergency and primary care settings. Methods: In a qualitative content analysis, we interviewed seven Emergency Physicians (EP) and nine General Practitioners (GP) using a semi-structured interview to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients with NSBP in emergency departments and primary care practices. A hypothetical case of NSBP was presented to the interviewees, followed by questions on their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Recruitment was stopped after reaching saturation of the qualitative content analysis. Reporting this work follows the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Results: EPs applied two different strategies for the workup of NSBP. A subset pursued a guideline-compliant diagnostic approach, ruling out critical conditions and managing pain without extensive diagnostics. Another group of EPs applied a more extensive approach, including extensive diagnostic resources and specialist consultations. GPs emphasized physical examinations and stepwise treatment, including scheduled follow-ups and a better knowledge of the patient history to guide diagnostics and therapy. Both groups attribute ED visits for NSBP to patient related and healthcare system related factors: lack of understanding of healthcare structures, convenience, demand for immediate diagnostics, and fear of serious conditions. Furthermore, both groups reported an ill-suited healthcare infrastructure with insufficiently available primary care services as a contributing factor. Conclusions: The study highlights a need for improving guideline adherence in younger EPs and better patient education on the healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, improving access and availability of primary care services could reduce ED visits of patients with NSBP. Trial registration: No trial registration needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bleeding in early pregnancy is a common emergency department (ED) presentation. Although variability in approaches has been demonstrated, research is relatively uncommon on practices and outcomes. This study investigated the influence of clinical pattern of care, utility, and contribution of pelvic examination aimed at diagnosing and managing bleeding in early pregnancy at three Canadian EDs. Methods: After obtaining informed consent, data were collected from adult women who were pregnant and from treating ED physicians using a structured questionnaire. We defined the change in management based on the initial clinical plan at the time of the initial physician assessment in the ED and any subsequent changes made after the pelvic examination was performed. Patient telephone follow-up was supplemented by linking with provincial administrative data for births. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with a change in patient management following pelvic examination in the ED. Results: Overall, 200 women were enrolled. The mean age was 31 years, patients had been bleeding for a median of 1 day and stayed in the ED for a median of 5 h. Of these, 166 (83.0%) received a pelvic examination, including speculum examination and/or bimanual palpation. Pregnancy outcome data were available for 192 pregnancies; 107 (56%) experienced a miscarriage. Factors significantly associated with a change in management after pelvic examination in the univariate logistic regression analysis were brown/dark-red bleeding per vaginam (physician determined), tachycardia, right lower quadrant tenderness, and bimanual palpation. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, brown/dark-red bleeding per vaginam was independently associated with a reduced likelihood of a change in management after pelvic examination (aOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14–0.98). Conclusion: Among women presenting to the ED with bleeding in early pregnancy prior to 20 weeks gestation, only brown/dark-red vaginal bleeding, potentially indicative of bleeding resolution, significantly independently influenced the baseline odds of a change in management after pelvic examination. Until the debate on the utility of pelvic examination in the ED for this presentation is resolved, physician preferences and shared decision making with patients should guide practice regarding speculum examination/bimanual palpation for the management of bleeding in early pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is an integral part of the management algorithm of patients with severe respiratory failure refractory to evidence-based conventional treatments. Right ventricular injury (RVI) pertaining to abnormalities in the dimensions and/or function of the right ventricle (RV) in the context of VV-ECMO significantly influences mortality. However, in the absence of a universally accepted RVI definition and evidence-based guidance for the management of RVI in this very high-risk patient cohort, variations in clinical practice continue to exist. Methods: Following a systematic search of the literature, an international Steering Committee consisting of eight healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients receiving ECMO identified domains and knowledge gaps pertaining to RVI definition and management where the evidence is limited or ambiguous. Using a Delphi process, an international panel of 52 Experts developed Expert position statements in those areas. The process also conferred RV-centric overarching open questions for future research. Consensus was defined as achieved when 70% or more of the Experts agreed or disagreed on a Likert-scale statement or when 80% or more of the Experts agreed on a particular option in multiple‐choice questions. Results: The Delphi process was conducted through four rounds and consensus was achieved on 31 (89%) of 35 statements from which 24 Expert position statements were derived. Expert position statements provided recommendations for RVI nomenclature in the setting of VV-ECMO, a multi-modal diagnostic approach to RVI, the timing and parameters of diagnostic echocardiography, and VV-ECMO settings during RVI assessment and management. Consensus was not reached on RV-protective driving pressure thresholds or the effect of prone positioning on patient-centric outcomes. Conclusion: The proposed definition of RVI in the context of VV-ECMO needs to be validated through a systematic aggregation of data across studies. Until further evidence emerges, the Expert position statements can guide informed decision-making in the management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hiatal hernia (HH) is estimated to affect between 20 and 50% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. However, there is no consensus regarding the preoperative assessment and intraoperative repair of HH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in surgeon assessment and repair of HH during bariatric surgery across a multi-hospital healthcare system. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using data obtained from the metabolic and bariatric accreditation quality improvement program (MBSAQIP) and institutional medical records. All adult patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were included. Preoperative assessment of HH was defined as either EGD or upper GI/Esophagram (UGI) within one year of surgery. Surgeons were evaluated individually and by hospital. Chi-square analysis and ANOVA were performed. Results: From January 2018 to February 2023, 3,487 bariatric surgeries were performed across 4 hospitals and 11 surgeons (2481 SG and 1006 RYGB). HH were concurrently repaired during 24% of operations. The rate of HH repair in SG was 25 and 22% in RYGB (p = 0.06). Preoperatively, 41% of patients underwent EGD and 23% had an UGI. HH was diagnosed in 22% of EGDs. Patients who underwent preoperative EGD had higher rates of HH repair than those without a preop EGD (33% vs. 17%; p < 0.001). The rate of preoperative EGD utilization by surgeon varied significantly from 3 to 92% (p < 0.001) as did HH repair rates between surgeons (range 8–57%; p < 0.001). Even among patients with a preoperatively diagnosed HH, the repair rate ranged 20–91% between individual surgeons (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Within a healthcare system there was significant heterogeneity in approach to assessment and repair of HH during bariatric surgery. This appears to be mediated by multiple factors, including utilization of preoperative studies, individual surgeon differences, and differences between hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is recommended for diagnosis and management of hypertension. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with physician action after receipt of abnormal findings. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients 5–22 years old who underwent 24-h ABPM between 2003–2022, met criteria for masked or ambulatory hypertension, and had a pediatric nephrology clinic visit within 2 weeks of ABPM. "Action" was defined as medication change/initiation, lifestyle or adherence counseling, evaluation ordered, or interpretation with no change. Characteristics of children with/without 1 or more actions were compared using Student t-tests and Chi-square. Regression analyses explored the independent association of patient characteristics with physician action. Results: 115 patients with masked (n = 53) and ambulatory (n = 62) hypertension were included: mean age 13.0 years, 48% female, 38% Black race, 21% with chronic kidney disease, and 25% overweight/obesity. 97 (84%) encounters had a documented physician action. Medication change (52%), evaluation ordered (40%), and prescribed lifestyle change (35%) were the most common actions. Adherence counseling for medication and lifestyle recommendations were documented in 3% of encounters. 24-h, wake SBP load, and sleep DBP load were significantly higher among those with physician action. Patients with > 1 action had greater adiposity, SBP, and dipping. Neither age, obesity, nor kidney disease were independently associated with physician action. Conclusions: While most abnormal ABPMs were acted upon, 16% did not have a documented action. Greater BP load was one of the few characteristics associated with physician action. Of potential actions, adherence counseling was underutilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is critical that clinical social workers become actively aware of the endemic processes and manifestations of racism, social inequities, structures and dynamics of white supremacy within and across organizational, supervisory and clinical relationships. The Structural-Clinical Model (SCM) is presented, providing a multi-layered and theoretically rich pathway for clinical social workers to examine the intricate, and multifaceted interconnections expressing racialized oppressive forces across macro, meso and micro systems that impact the totality of clinical practice. SCM integrates critical race theory, liberation psychology, and relational theories bridging long standing theoretical and conceptual divides. The SCM aims to de-pathologize clients, recognizing instead the pathology of white supremacy, racism, and other oppressive structural forces affecting organizations, relationships and people's lives, particularly those most racially, ethnically and historically marginalized within our society. The SCM is introduced with a structural assessment framework designed to explore how structural social inequalities produced by white supremacy impact social work organizations, the clinical supervisory relationship and the supervisor-therapist-client relationship. A multilevel case example is provided to demonstrate how structural power dynamics that influence service delivery can be identified through critical dialogue using the SCM in the clinical supervisory relationship and between the clinical social worker and client. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a pervasive global health concern, with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Medications used in patients with HF may exacerbate HF or prolong the QT interval, posing additional risks. Objective: The objective is to assess the prevalence and utilization patterns of medications known to cause or exacerbate HF and prolong the QT interval among patients with ADHF. Understanding these patterns is crucial for optimizing patient care and minimizing potential risks. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, USA, covering 602 patients with ADHF over a 40-month period. Inclusion criteria involved age ≥ 18 years, a history of HF, and ADHF admission. The 2016 American Heart Association Scientific Statement was used to identify drugs that may cause or exacerbate HF and those that could prolong the QT interval Results: Among the 602 patients, 57.3% received medications causing or exacerbating HF, notably albuterol (34.9%) and diabetes medications (20.4%), primarily metformin, followed by urologic agents (14.3%), mostly tamsulosin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (6.1%). Moreover, 82.9% were on medications prolonging the QT interval, with loop diuretics, amiodarone, ondansetron, and famotidine most prevalent. Furthermore, 42.1% of the patients received more than two concomitant medications that prolong the QT interval, which can further exacerbate the risk of torsades de pointes. Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of HF-causing or HF-exacerbating medications and QT-prolonging drugs in patients with ADHF. Healthcare professionals must be cognizant of these patterns, advocating for safer prescribing practices to optimize patient outcomes and reduce the burden of HF-related hospitalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The management of geriatric femoral neck fractures, which includes options like hemiarthroplasty (HA), total hip arthroplasty (THA), and fixation, exhibits regional and healthcare setting variations. However, there is a lack of information on global variations in practice patterns and surgical decision factors for this injury. Methods: Survey data were collected from April 2020 to June 2023 via Orthobullets Case Studies, a global clinical case collaboration platform hosted on a prominent orthopedic educational website. Collaboratively developed standardized polls, based on the best available evidence and a comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based item list, were used to capture surgeons' treatment preferences worldwide. Subsequent analyses explored preferences within subspecialties and practice settings. Multivariable regression analysis identified associations between subspecialty, practice type, the likelihood of choosing THA, and the preferred femoral fixation method. Results: Our study encompassed 2595 respondents from 76 countries. Notably, 51.5% of participants (n = 1328; 51.5%, 95% CI 49.6–53.4%) leaned towards THA and 44.9% for HA, while 3.6% favoured surgical fixation. Respondents affiliated with academic institutions and large non-university-affiliated hospitals were 1.74 times more likely to favour THA, and arthroplasty specialists exhibited a 1.77-fold preference for THA. There was a 19-fold variation for cemented femoral fixation between the United Kingdom (UK) and USA with the UK favouring cemented fixation. Conclusion: Our study reveals a significant shift towards THA preference for managing geriatric femoral neck fractures, influenced by subspecialty and practice settings. We also observed a pronounced predominance of cement fixation in specific geographic locations. These findings highlight the evolving fracture management landscape, emphasizing the need for standardization and comprehensive understanding across diverse healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Clozapine is the effective therapy for treatment-refractory schizophrenia. However, the use of clozapine is limited by its adverse effects. As propranolol is frequently used for the prevention and treatment of clozapine-induced tachycardia, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of propranolol on steady state pharmacokinetics of clozapine in schizophrenic patients. Methods: We included 16 retrospective studies on the effects of propranolol on steady state pharmacokinetics of clozapine in schizophrenic patients, with data from both generic and brand name treatment phases in eight clozapine bioequivalence studies conducted in a single center in China from 2018 to 2022. Review Manager 5.4 was used for meta-analysis of the included studies. Results: The SMDs with 95% CIs of AUC0–12, Cmax,ss, C, and C were calculated to be 0.44 (0.23, 0.64), 0.40 (0.20, 0.61), 0.43 (0.22, 0.63), and 0.44 (0.23, 0.64), respectively. These findings proved that combination with propranolol would increase the systemic exposure of clozapine. T1/2 of clozapine was significantly longer in the presence of propranolol than in the absence of propranolol (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.12, 0.52], p = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference for T of clozapine in the presence or absence of propranolol (SMD = − 0.05, 95% CI [− 0.25, 0.15], p = 0.63). Conclusion: The combination with propranolol could significantly increase systemic exposure and extended T1/2 of clozapine, and thus need to be considered in prescribing decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to describe the patterns and trends in antipsychotic prescription among Dutch youth before and during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (between 2017 and 2022). The study specifically aims to determine whether there has been an increase or decrease in antipsychotic prescription among this population, and whether there are any differences in prescription patterns among different age and sex groups. The study utilized the IADB database, which is a pharmacy prescription database containing dispensing data from approximately 120 community pharmacies in the Netherlands, to analyze the monthly prevalence and incidence rates of antipsychotic prescription among Dutch youth before and during the pandemic. The study also examined the prescribing patterns of the five most commonly used antipsychotics and conducted an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) analysis using data prior to the pandemic, to predict the expected prevalence rate during the pandemic. The prescription rate of antipsychotics for Dutch youth was slightly affected by the pandemic, with a monthly prevalence of 4.56 [4.50–4.62] per 1000 youths before COVID-19 pandemic and 4.64 [4.59–4.69] during the pandemic. A significant increase in prevalence was observed among adolescent girls aged 13–19 years. The monthly incidence rate remained stable overall, but rose for adolescent girls aged 13–19 years. Aripiprazole, and Quetiapine had higher monthly prevalence rates during the pandemic, while Risperidone and Pipamperon had lower rates. Similarly, the monthly incidence rates of Aripiprazole and Olanzapine went up, while Risperidone went down. Furthermore, the results from the ARIMA analysis revealed that despite the pandemic, the monthly prevalence rate of antipsychotic prescription was within expectation. The findings of this study suggest that there has been a moderate increase in antipsychotic prescription among Dutch youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in adolescent females aged 13–19 years. However, the study also suggests that factors beyond the pandemic may be contributing to the rise in antipsychotic prescription in Dutch youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study uses NHS waiting times and osteoporosis medication community prescription datasets to assess the impact of COVID-19 on DXA waits and osteoporosis medication patterns in England. Results show significant increases in DXA waiting list times and variation in prescription rates. Investment is needed to improve waiting list times. Purpose: This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on DXA scan waiting lists, service recovery and osteoporosis medication prescriptions in the NHS following the March 2020 national lockdowns and staff redeployment. Methods: Data from March 2019 to June 2023, including NHS digital diagnostics waiting times (DM01) and osteoporosis medication prescriptions from the English Prescribing Dataset (EPD), were analysed. This encompassed total waiting list data across England's seven regions and prescribing patterns for various osteoporosis medications. Analyses included total activity figures and regression analysis to estimate expected activity without COVID-19, using R for all data analysis. Results: In England, DXA waiting lists have grown significantly, with the yearly mean waiting list length increasing from 31,851 in 2019 to 65,757 in 2023. The percentage of patients waiting over 6 weeks for DXA scans rose from 0.9% in 2019 to 40% in 2020, and those waiting over 13 weeks increased from 0.1% in 2019 to 16.7% in 2020. Prescription trends varied, with increases in denosumab, ibandronic acid and risedronate sodium and decreases in alendronic acid, raloxifene hydrochloride and teriparatide. A notable overall prescription decrease occurred in the second quarter of 2020. Conclusion: COVID-19 has significantly increased DXA scan waiting lists with ongoing recovery challenges. There is a noticeable disparity in DXA service access across England. Osteoporosis care, indicated by medication prescriptions, also declined during the pandemic. Addressing these issues requires focused investment and effort to improve DXA scan waiting times and overall access to osteoporosis care in England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deaths from liver cancer are on the rise and disproportionately affect minority racial/ethnic groups. In this study, we examined associations between physicians' recommendations for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors among minority populations in the areas of Greater Philadelphia and New York City. Using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, we evaluated potential associations for 576 Hispanic American (HA), African American (AA), and Asian Pacific American (APA) adults, using blood tests as an outcome measure, with adjustment for sociodemographic factors We found that APAs (34.2%) were most likely to have a physician recommend HBV and HCV screening tests (34.2% and 27.1%, respectively), while HAs were least likely to receive an HBV recommendation (15.0%) and AAs were least likely to receive an HCV recommendation (15.3%). HAs were significantly likely to have never received a blood test for either HBV or HCV (RR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.49). APAs were significantly more likely to receive a screening recommendation for HBV (RR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.20) and to have a blood test (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.33). Our findings show that, among HAs, AAs, and APAs, physician recommendations are strongly associated with patients undergoing blood tests for HBV and HCV and that minority populations should increasingly be recommended to screen for HBV and HCV, especially given their elevated risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the evidence of higher effectiveness of psychological interventions for insomnia compared to pharmacological ones, drug prescriptions for insomnia remain frequent. This study has assessed patterns of prescriptions of BZDs for insomnia before and after the delivery of a training in psychological interventions to professionals working in the services of a Department of Mental Health in northern Italy. Methods: The intervention consisted in two training sessions about psychological interventions for insomnia delivered to professionals of the participating services. The prevalence of users with a prescription of BZDs for insomnia in an index period after the delivery of the training was compared to the prevalence in an index period before the training. Results: Among 727 people assessed for BZDs prescription at pre-intervention, 306 (42.1%, 95% CI 0.39–0.46) had a prescription, and 344 (49.2%, 95% CI 0.45–0.53) had a prescription among 699 people assessed at post-intervention, corresponding to a significant odds ratio of 1.33 to be prescribed with BZDs in the second index period compared to the first one. Psychological interventions were offered to a small group of patients. Conclusion: Prescribing attitudes of BZDs for insomnia were not modified after the training and delivery of a psychological intervention in a mental healthcare outpatient setting. Prescribing habits should be addressed more directly in training, and professionals should be more aware of risks of BZDs assumption. The failure in changing drug prescriptions in this study should prompt more real-world studies of the application of evidence-based strategies, particularly in outpatient mental health settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgeons have come under increased scrutiny for postoperative pain management, particularly for opioid prescribing. To decrease opioid use but still provide pain control, nonopioid medications such as muscle relaxants are being used, which can be harmful in older adults. However, the prevalence of muscle relaxant prescribing, trends in use over time, and risk of prolonged use are unknown. Study Design: Using a 20% representative Medicare sample, we conducted a retrospective analysis of muscle relaxant prescribing to patients ≥ 65 years of age. We merged patient data from Medicare Carrier, MedPAR, and Outpatient Files with Medicare Part D for the years 2013–2018. A total of 14 surgical procedures were included to represent a wide range of anatomic regions and specialties. Results: The study cohort included 543,929 patients. Of the cohort, 8111 (1.5%) received a new muscle relaxant prescription at discharge. Spine procedures accounted for 12% of all procedures but 56% of postoperative prescribing. Overall, the rate of prescribing increased over the time period (1.4–2.0%, p < 0.001), with increases in prescribing primarily in the spine (7–9.6%, p < 0.0001) and orthopedic procedure groups (0.9–1.4%, p < 0.0001). Of patients discharged with a new muscle relaxant prescription, 10.7% had prolonged use. Conclusions: The use of muscle relaxants in the postoperative period for older adults is low, but increasing over time, especially in ortho and spine procedures. While pain control after surgery is crucial, surgeons should carefully consider the risks of muscle relaxant use, especially for older adults who are at higher risk for medication-related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Italian guidelines recommend HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) only upon satisfying strict eligibility criteria. The objective of this study is to evaluate if PrEP candidates attending a community-based service comply with these criteria and whether these prescribing conditions affect retention in care and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) acquisition. A retrospective analysis was performed on PrEP candidates evaluated from January 2019 to June 2022. Data were collected from self-administered questionnaires and clinical files. The population was divided in subjects with 0/1 (0/1 C) and ≥ 2 (≥ 2 C) criteria. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were employed to describe study population. Incidence of PrEP discontinuation and of STIs was estimated per 100 persons-year of follow up (PYFU), and incidence rate ratio (IRR) was calculated. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the association strength between PrEP drop out and other variables. The analyses enrolled 659 individuals: 422 individuals were included in 0/1 C, 237 in ≥ 2 C group, respectively. Inconsistent condom use was the most reported prescribing criteria (399 individuals, 60.6%), followed by a previous STI (186 individuals, 28.2%). 0/1 C exhibited lower STIs incidence. PrEP discontinuation was 29% in 0/1 C and 38% in ≥ 2 C (p = 0.031). Cox model revealed that inconsistent condom use was the only prescribing criteria associated to PrEP persistence. The majority of PrEP candidate did not comply with prescribing conditions. Eligibility criteria failed to identify individuals with better retention in care. Our results suggest that Italian guidelines should be updated removing barriers to prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Domestic violence (DV) shelters are an essential service for survivors and their children. While research has demonstrated global increases in DV during COVID-19, little is known about the experiences of DV shelter staff. This study aimed to understand DV shelter staff's experiences and how they navigated the early stages of the pandemic. Methods: Researchers disseminated a cross-sectional online survey, first to state DV coalitions and then directly to DV shelters. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used for multiple-choice items, and patterns were identified using thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Results: Survey participants included 368 DV staff (180 leadership, 167 direct services, and 21 other roles) from 48 states. They reported little change to their schedules and mixed feelings of shelter preparedness for the pandemic. Participants described shelter methods for preventing the spread of COVID-19, changes in shelter policies and satisfaction with such policies, and the impacts of the pandemic on themselves and survivors. Balancing survivor autonomy with the health and safety of staff and other residents proved to be one of the most consistently challenging tasks. Participants also described how programs adapted to changing regulations and continued to serve survivors throughout this challenging time. Conclusion: Several innovative practices were implemented by staff throughout the pandemic, including expansions in technology use and non-residential services. Most reported feeling prepared for a similar crisis in the future. We offer five recommendations for DV shelters and their funders, including increased mental health support for staff and greater transparency in policies for both shelter residents and staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway have shown good efficacy in migraine prophylaxis. However, a subset of patients does not respond to the first mAb treatment and switches among the available mAbs. The goal of this study is to characterize the switching pattern of migraine patients treated with anti-CGRP(-receptor, -R) mAbs, and to describe the headache burden of those who did not switch, switched once, and switched twice. Methods: This study used real world data from the NeuroTransData Cohort, a registry of migraine patients treated at outpatient neurology clinics across Germany. Patients who had received at least one anti-CGRP(-R) mAb were included. Headache diaries were collected at baseline and during treatment, along with quality of life measures every three months. Results were summarized for the subgroups of patients who did not switch and those with one and two switches. Results: Of the 655 eligible patients, 479 did not switch, 135 switched once, 35 twice, and 6 three or more times. The ≥ 50% response rates for monthly migraine days were 64.7%, 50.7%, and 25.0% for the no switch, one switch, and two switches groups in their last treatment cycles, respectively. Quality of life measures improved for the no switch and one switch groups, but not for the two switches group. Conclusion: Patients who switched among anti-CGRP(-R) mAbs during the course of their treatment still benefited overall but to a lesser extent than those who did not switch. Treatment response in patients who switched twice was markedly lower compared to the no switch and one switch subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired communication disorders are prevalent, particularly for older adults and people in healthcare settings. They can have substantial impacts on sexual health and intimacy. Yet, it is not clear whether speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or clinical psychologists whether they are aware of the impacts of communication disorders on sexuality or whether they feel empowered to address them. This study surveyed clinical psychologists and SLPs to determine (a) whether either profession was addressing sexuality-related concerns consistently, (b) if they believed sexuality was important to their clients, (c) what they felt their role was in addressing this, (d) how much they believed communication disorders effected sexuality in comparison with other physical or psychological disorders, and (e) what barriers they found to addressing sexuality in their work. The results indicate that clinical psychologists and SLPs believe communication disorders can impact sexual health at similar rates to physical and psychological disorders, but they are not clear on what professionals should be addressing these effects. SLPs, particularly, are divided about whether this work is in their scope of practice. Implications for the accessibility of sexuality interventions for people with communication disorders are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research has suggested that the use of cannabis-based medicinal products is increasing most rapidly among older aged individuals (65+ years). Despite this, little is known about the characteristics of older people using cannabis-based medicinal products and their effectiveness. Objectives: We aimed to document the characteristics, outcomes and prescribing patterns of individuals aged 65+ years receiving prescribed cannabis compared to younger individuals receiving prescribed cannabis. Methods: Data from T21, an observational study of patients seeking treatment with medicinal cannabinoids, including self-report ratings of quality of life (assessed via the EQ-5D-5L), general health (assessed via the visual analogue scale of the EQ-5D-5L), mood (assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and sleep (assessed using four items derived from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were available at treatment entry [n = 4228; 198 (4.7%) 65+ years] and at a 3-month follow-up [n = 2455; 98 (4.2%) = 65+ years]. Results: Relative to younger individuals, those aged over 64 years were more likely to be female (52.5% vs 47.0%; p < 0.001), more likely to report pain as their primary condition (76.3% vs 45.6%; p < 0.001) and less likely to report current daily use (20.2% vs 60.3%, p < 0.001). They received fewer cannabis-based medicinal products (mean = 1.4 vs 2.1; F(1,2199) = 32.3, p < 0.001) and were more likely to receive a prescription for a cannabidiol dominant oil (17.5% vs 5.7%; p < 0.001) and less likely to receive a prescription for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol dominant flower (32.5% vs 75.2%; p < 0.001). There were significant improvements across all measures of well-being (p < 0.001), but the extent of improvements in sleep were more marked in younger individuals (p < 0.001). Conclusions: There are important differences between individuals aged 65+ years and younger individuals receiving cannabis-based medicinal products. Older aged individuals experience considerable improvement in health and well-being when prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of ending the HIV epidemic, U.S. emergency departments (EDs) have emerged as a valuable setting to increase HIV testing and linkage to care. There is limited data available, however, describing the incorporation of HIV prevention initiatives in U.S. EDs. Over the last decade, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has significantly changed the HIV prevention landscape globally and very little is known about the provision of PrEP in U.S. EDs. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed quantitative studies and conference abstracts spanning July 2012 - October 2022. Of 433 citations, 11 articles and 13 abstracts meet our inclusion criteria, representing 18 unique studies addressing PrEP screening, prescribing, and/or linkage to PrEP care. Most studies describe screening processes to identify PrEP-eligible patients (n = 17); most studies leveraged a patient's STI history as initial PrEP eligibility screening criteria. Fewer studies describe PrEP prescribing (n = 2) and/or linkage to PrEP care (n = 8). Findings from this systematic review highlight the potential for U.S. EDs to increase PrEP uptake among individuals at risk for HIV infection. Despite a growing number of studies exploring processes for incorporating PrEP into the ED setting, such studies are small-scale and time limited. Models providing prescribing PrEP in the ED show higher initiation rates than post-discharge engagement models. Electronic health record (EHR)-based HIV screening is valuable, but post-ED linkage rates are low. Our findings emphasize the need to establish best practices for initiating and supporting prevention effective PrEP use in the ED setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Myopia and its vision-threatening complications present a significant public health problem. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the multitude of known and emerging interventions to control myopia, including their potential effect, safety, and costs. Methods: A systematic literature search of three databases was conducted. Interventions were grouped into four categories: environmental/behavioral (outdoor time, near work), pharmacological (e.g., atropine), optical interventions (spectacles and contact lenses), and novel approaches such as red-light (RLRL) therapies. Review articles and original articles on randomized controlled trials (RCT) were selected. Results: From the initial 3224 retrieved records, 18 reviews and 41 original articles reporting results from RCTs were included. While there is more evidence supporting the efficacy of low-dose atropine and certain myopia-controlling contact lenses in slowing myopia progression, the evidence about the efficacy of the newer interventions, such as spectacle lenses (e.g., defocus incorporated multiple segments and highly aspheric lenslets) is more limited. Behavioral interventions, i.e., increased outdoor time, seem effective for preventing the onset of myopia if implemented successfully in schools and homes. While environmental interventions and spectacles are regarded as generally safe, pharmacological interventions, contact lenses, and RLRL may be associated with adverse effects. All interventions, except for behavioral change, are tied to moderate to high expenditures. Conclusion: Our review suggests that myopia control interventions are recommended and prescribed on the basis of accessibility and clinical practice patterns, which vary widely around the world. Clinical trials indicate short- to medium-term efficacy in reducing myopia progression for various interventions, but none have demonstrated long-term effectiveness in preventing high myopia and potential complications in adulthood. There is an unmet need for a unified consensus for strategies that balance risk and effectiveness for these methods for personalized myopia management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are effective tools for improving antibiotic prescription quality. Their implementation requires the regular surveillance of antibiotic consumption at the patient and institutional level. Our study captured and analyzed antibiotic consumption density (ACD) for hospitalized pediatric patients. Method: We collected antibacterial drug consumption data for 2020 from hospital pharmacies at 113 pediatric departments of acute care hospitals in Germany. ACD was calculated as defined daily dose (DDD, WHO/ATC Index 2019) per 100 patient days (pd). In addition, we analyzed the trends in antibiotic use during 2013–2020. Results: In 2020, median ACD across all participating hospitals was 26.7 DDD/100 pd, (range: 10.1–79.2 DDD/100 pd). It was higher at university vs. non-university hospitals (38.6 vs. 25.2 DDD/100 pd, p < 0.0001). The highest use densities were seen on oncology wards and intensive care units at university hospitals (67.3 vs. 38.4 DDD/100 pd). During 2013–2020, overall ACD declined (− 10%) and cephalosporin prescriptions also decreased (− 36%). In 2020, cephalosporins nevertheless remained the most commonly dispensed class of antibiotics. Interhospital variability in cephalosporin/penicillin ratio was substantial. Antibiotics belonging to WHO AWaRe "Watch" and "Reserve" categories, including broad-spectrum penicillins (+ 31%), linezolid (+ 121%), and glycopeptides (+ 43%), increased over time. Conclusion: Significant heterogeneity in ACD and prescription of different antibiotic classes as well as high prescription rates for cephalosporins and an increased use of reserve antibiotics indicate improvable antibiotic prescribing quality. AMS programs should urgently prioritize these issues to reduce antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the treatment patterns and survival status of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) in China in the past two decades, and objectively evaluate the impact of standardized Chinese medicine (CM) treatment on the survival of AGC patients. Methods: This multicenter registry designed and propensity score analysis study described the diagnosis characteristics, treatment-pattern development and survival status of AGC from 10 hospitals in China between January 1, 2000 and July 31, 2021. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated between non-CM cohort (standard medical treatment) and CM cohort (integrated standard CM treatment ≥3 months). Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to adjust any difference in average outcomes for bias. Results: A total of 2,001 patients histologically confirmed locally advanced and/or metastasis stomach and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma were enrolled. Among them, 1,607 received systemic chemotherapy, 215 (10.74%) accepted molecular targeted therapy, 44 (2.2%) received checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and 769 (38.43%) received CM. Two-drug regimen was the main choice for first-line treatment, with fluoropyrimidine plus platinum as the most common regimen (530 cases, 60.09%). While 45.71% (16 cases) of patients with HER2 amplification received trastuzumab in first-line. The application of apatinib increased (33.33%) in third-line. The application of checkpoint inhibitors has increased since 2020. COX analysis showed that Lauren mixed type (P=0.017), cycles of first-line treatment >6 (P=0.000), CM (P=0.000), palliative gastrectomy (P=0.000), trastuzumab (P=0.011), and apatinib (P=0.008) were independent prognostic factors for the OS of AGC. After PSM and IPTW, the median OS of CM cohort and non-CM cohort was 18.17 and 12.45 months, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusions: In real-world practice for AGC in China, therapy choices consisted with guidelines. Two-drug regimen was the main first-line choice. Standardized CM treatment was an independent prognostic factor and could prolong the OS of Chinese patients with AGC. (Registration No. NCT02781285) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medication-overuse headache (MOH), which potentially involves 1–2% of the population, is defined as a headache, on ≥ 15 days a month affected, along with overuse of one or other acute attack medications. MOH presents with significant challenges in the headache community, particularly in clinical settings raising various questions about its pathophysiology. Through a review of the current literature and our clinical experience, we have explored the mechanisms through which MOH may occur, provide an understanding of the current state of treatment and detail some possible views on the understanding and treatment of this condition. We evaluate the variations in treatment methods offered globally and understanding of the disorder. Above all interventions, patient education is crucial, which is underscored by an analysis of the academic publications. Given the condition is preventable, early intervention is imperative and patient awareness is highlighted as key. Globally, there is no uniform treatment methodology, which may be advantageous as approaches need to take local circumstances into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemodialysis is a life-saving technology used during periods of acute or chronic kidney failure to remove toxins, and maintain fluid, electrolyte and metabolic balance. While this technology plays an important role for pediatric patients with kidney dysfunction, it can alter the pharmacokinetic behavior of medications placing patients at risk for suboptimal dosing and drug toxicity. The ability to directly translate pharmacokinetic alterations into dosing recommendations has thus far been limited and dosing guidance specific to pediatric hemodialysis patients is rare. Despite differences in dialysis prescription and patient populations, intermittent (iHD) and continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) patients are often pooled together. In order to develop evidence-based dosing guidelines, it is important to first prioritize drugs for study in each modality. Methods: Here we aim to identify priority drugs in two hemodialysis modalities, through: 1) Identification of hospitalized, pediatric patients who received CKRT or intermittent hemodialysis (iHD) using a machine learning-based predictive model based on medications; 2) Identification of medication administration patterns in these patient cohorts; and 3) Identification of the most commonly prescribed drugs that lack published dosing guidance. Results: Notable differences were found in the pattern of medications and drug dosing guidance between iHD and CKRT patients. Antibiotics, diuretics and sedatives were more common in CKRT patients. Out of the 50 most commonly administered medications in the two modalities, only 34% and 28% had dosing guidance present for iHD and CKRT, respectively. Conclusions: Our results add to the understanding of the differences between iHD and CKRT patient populations by identifying commonly used medications that lack dosing guidance for each hemodialysis modality, helping to pinpoint priority medications for further study. Overall, this study provides an overview of the current limitations in medication use in this at-risk population, and provides a framework for future studies by identifying commonly used medications in pediatric CKRT and iHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, it remains underutilized across the United States, warranting a more comprehensive understanding of variation in use at the county level, as well as characterization of existing prescribing patterns. Here, we examined both Medicaid and Medicare databases to (1) characterize temporal and geographic variation in clozapine prescribing and, (2) identify patient-level characteristics associated with clozapine use. We included Medicaid and Fee for Service Medicare data in the state of Pennsylvania from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2019. We focused on individuals with continuous enrollment, schizophrenia diagnosis, and multiple antipsychotic trials. Geographic variation was examined across counties of Pennsylvania. Regression models were constructed to determine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with clozapine use. Out of 8,255 individuals who may benefit from clozapine, 642 received treatment. We observed high medication burden, overall, including multiple antipsychotic trials. We also identified variation in clozapine use across regions in Pennsylvania with a disproportionate number of prescribers in urban areas and several counties with no identified clozapine prescribers. Finally, demographic, and clinical determinants of clozapine use were observed including less use in people identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, or with a substance use disorder. In addition, greater medical comorbidity was associated with increased clozapine use. Our work leveraged both Medicaid and Medicare data to characterize and surveil clozapine prescribing. Our findings support efforts monitor disparities and opportunities for the optimization of clozapine within municipalities to enhance clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fracture risk assessment is recommended at three months after glucocorticoid (GC) therapy initiation. This study aimed to assess whether GC exposure in the initial 90 days of GC therapy is associated with subsequent hip and clinical vertebral fracture risk using the nationwide health insurance claims database of Japan (NDBJ). Methods: Patients aged ≥ 50 years who were prescribed GC (≥ 70 mg prednisolone or equivalent; PSL) in the initial 90 days of GC therapy and were followed for hip and clinical vertebral fracture incidences for the subsequent 1080 days were selected from NDBJ. Associations of GC exposure with hip or clinical vertebral fracture risk were evaluated by Cox regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders. Results: We selected 316,396 women and 299,871 men for the GC-exposed group and 43,164 women and 33,702 men for the reference group. Higher GC doses and longer prescription days in the initial 90 days of GC therapy were significantly and dose-dependently associated with increased fracture risk relative to the reference group. Patients receiving GC ≥ 5 mg PSL/day had a significantly increased fracture risk in the stratum of 30–59 days of GC prescription. In addition, female patients who received GC (≥ 1 and < 2.5 mg PSL/day) for 90 days in the initial 90 days of GC therapy had a significantly increased fracture risk. Conclusions: GC exposure in the initial 90 days of GC therapy was dose-dependently associated with hip and clinical vertebral fracture risk. GC may increase fracture risk with lower doses for shorter durations than previously reported. Summary: Fracture risk assessment three months after glucocorticoid (GC) therapy initiation is recommended. We found that GC exposure in the initial 90 days of GC therapy at lower daily doses for shorter durations than previously reported were significantly and dose-dependently associated with fracture risk using a nationwide health insurance claims database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wrong dose calculation medication errors are widespread in pediatric patients mainly due to weight-based dosing. PediPain app is a clinical decision support tool that provides weight- and age- based dosages for various analgesics. We hypothesized that the use of a clinical decision support tool, the PediPain app versus pocket calculators for calculating pain medication dosages in children reduces the incidence of wrong dosage calculations and shortens the time taken for calculations. The study was a randomised controlled trial comparing the PediPain app vs. pocket calculator for performing eight weight-based calculations for opioids and other analgesics. Participants were healthcare providers routinely administering opioids and other analgesics in their practice. The primary outcome was the incidence of wrong dose calculations. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of wrong dose calculations in simple versus complex calculations; time taken to complete calculations; the occurrence of tenfold; hundredfold errors; and wrong-key presses. A total of 140 residents, fellows and nurses were recruited between June 2018 and November 2019; 70 participants were randomized to control group (pocket calculator) and 70 to the intervention group (PediPain App). After randomization two participants assigned to PediPain group completed the simulation in the control group by mistake. Analysis was by intention-to-treat (PediPain app = 68 participants, pocket calculator = 72 participants). The overall incidence of wrong dose calculation was 178/576 (30.9%) for the control and 23/544 (4.23%) for PediPain App, P < 0·001. The risk difference was − 32.8% [-38.7%, -26.9%] for complex and − 20.5% [-26.3%, -14.8%] for simple calculations. Calculations took longer within control group (median of 69 Sects. [50, 96]) compared to PediPain app group, (median 48 Sects. [38, 63]), P < 0.001. There were no differences in other secondary outcomes. A weight-based clinical decision support tool, the PediPain app reduced the incidence of wrong doses calculation. Clinical decision support tools calculating medications may be valuable instruments for reducing medication errors, especially in the pediatric population. Key Points: Question: Can a clinical decision support tool app decrease opioids and pain medications' wrong dose calculations errors in the pediatric patients compared to a calculator and reference book?. Findings: A weight-based clinical decision support tool, the PediPain app, reduced the incidence of wrong doses calculations compared to the use of a calculator and reference handbook. Meaning: Our study demonstrates the potential for favorable clinical outcomes that clinical decision support tools could bring to the medical field, especially for clinical situations with a high cognitive workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The opioid epidemic has changed practice, though there remains a paucity of data regarding prescribing habits and pain control following outpatient hand surgery. We sought to evaluate patient-related predictors of adequate postoperative pain control. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of a single-center prospectively collected database of elective outpatient surgery on the elbow, forearm, wrist, and/or hand. Patients were asked to complete preoperative and postoperative questionnaires to capture their perception of anticipated pain levels, expected prescription quantity/duration, additional medications used, and overall pain satisfaction. Patient demographics collected included, sex, age, race, tobacco use, and recreational drug use. Further, the questionnaire included the Brief Resilience Score (BRS), EuroQol 5-dimension health-related QOL measure (EQ-5D), and an assessment of patient-reported limitations secondary to their pain. Results: Ninety-six patients completed the pre/postoperative questionnaires and were eligible for analysis. Of these patients, 80% reported adequate pain control. The sex, age, and race of those who reported adequate pain control and inadequate control were not significantly different. BRS scores were not found to be significantly different between groups, although EQ-5D QOL scores were significantly lower in the inadequately controlled group. Tobacco use was more prevalent in the inadequately controlled group. Marijuana use and the presence of a chronic pain diagnosis were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Preoperative self-reported quality of life measures and tobacco use appear to have significant effects on postoperative opioid use, suggesting further areas of optimization which may ensure patients are safe and minimize the number of opioid pills required. Level of evidence IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to identify PIM prevalence in older adults according to the 2019 Beers criteria, Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions version 2 (STOPP v2) criteria, and the Portuguese EU(7)-PIM list and also to analyze the concordance between these criteria. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among 1200 Portuguese older adults (≥ 65 years old), users of primary health care. Demographic, clinical, and pharmacological data were collected concerning the period between April 2021 and August 2022. A comparative analysis was performed between the three PIM identification criteria, and the concordance was determined according to the Lin concordance correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age was 76.3 (SD 7.7) years old and 57.6% of the older adults were females. Our findings indicate varying prevalence rates among these criteria with 63.8% (95% CI 61.0–66.6%), 66.8% (95% CI 64.1–69.5%), and 50.1% (95% CI 47.2–53.0%) of the older adults take at least one PIM according to the EU(7)-PIM list, Beers 2019, and STOPP v2 criteria, respectively. The highest prevalence observed was for proton pump inhibitors according to EU(7)-PIM list (30.1%, 95% CI 27.6–32.9) and Beers criteria (30.1%, 95% CI 27.6–32.9) and alprazolam according to STOPP v2 criteria (10.1%, 95% CI 8.4–11.9%). A poor concordance between criteria was observed (< 0.834). The highest concordance coefficient was found between the EU(7)-PIM list and the Beers criteria (0.833), and the lowest between the EU(7)-PIM list and STOPP criteria (0.735). Conclusion: This study reveals varying prevalence rates of PIM in older adults, as assessed by different criteria, and highlights the need for targeted interventions and improved prescribing practices. In the future, studies should focus on the occurrence of negative outcomes in older adults associated with PIM consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Inappropriate prescribing (IP) is common among the elderly and is associated with adverse health outcomes. The role of different patterns of IP in clinical practice remains unclear. The aim of this study is to analyse the characteristics of different patterns of IP in hospitalized older adults. Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in the acute care of elderly (ACE) unit of an acute hospital in Barcelona between June and August 2021. Epidemiological and demographic data were collected, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) was performed on admitted patients. Four patterns of inappropriate prescribing were identified: extreme polypharmacy (10 or more drugs), potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) and anticholinergic burden. Results: Among 93 admitted patients (51.6% male, mean age of 82.83), the main diagnosis was heart failure (36.6%). Overprescribing patterns (extreme polypharmacy, PIMs, PPOs and anticholinergic burden) were associated with higher comorbidity, increased dependence on instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and greater prevalence of dementia. Underprescribing (omissions) was associated with important comorbidity, residence in nursing homes, an increased risk of malnutrition, higher social risk and greater frailty. Comparing different patterns of IP, patients with high anticholinergic burden exhibited more extreme polypharmacy and PIMs. In the case of omissions, no association was identified with other IP patterns. Conclusions: We found statistically significant association between patterns of inappropriate prescribing and clinical and CGA variables such as comorbidity, dependency, dementia or frailty. There is a statistically significant association between patterns of overprescribing among patients admitted to the ACE unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating infections with antimicrobial agents in older patients can be challenging. Physiological changes associated with aging can alter the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobial agents; dose adjustments may be required to provide effective and safe treatment. Additionally, the choice of antimicrobial agent can be limited by comorbidities and the use of other medications in these patients. It is vital to tailor the choice of antimicrobial agent and the dose to the clinical profile of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is prevalent among south Asian countries including Pakistan mainly due to excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics including among children. Globally, the majority of the population especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) visit ambulatory care facilities seeking care Objectives: The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotics prescribed among children below the age of 12 years in six ambulatory care health facilities against the WHO AWaRe book, 2022. The findings providing a basis for future initiatives. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children below the age of 12 years in six ambulatory care health facilities among two districts of Punjab, over a period of three months (January–March 2023). Results: Out of total of 399 children included in the study, 58.4% were male in the age group > 1 to 5 years (41.6%). The most common illnesses diagnosed were sinusitis (39.8%) followed by bronchitis (20.3%), and community-acquired pneumonia (15.8%). All the study participants were prescribed at least one antibiotic where only 35.8% (n = 143) of the prescribed antibiotics were deemed appropriate according to the indication. Out of 143 designated appropriate, 134 were appropriate according to the duration of prescribed antibiotics, 137 were appropriate according to the frequency of prescribed antibiotics and 139 were appropriate as per the route of administration. Inappropriate antibiotic therapy was more prevalent in basic health units than rural health centers (p = 0.004), and was higher in older children. Overall, 343 (83.3%) of the antibiotics prescribed were from 'Access' category followed by 69 (16.7%) from the 'Watch' category. Conclusion: Our study concluded a high proportion of inappropriate antibiotic use in ambulatory care facilities. Consequently, urgent measures are needed to improve future prescribing and curb AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare primary care (PC) and infectious diseases (ID) provider adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescribing and monitoring parameters outlined in Centers for Disease Control/Department of Health and Human Services (CDC/DHHS) guidelines. This retrospective cohort analysis from 2017 to 2022 used prescription and laboratory order data to identify patients prescribed PrEP by PC or ID providers. Primary endpoints assessed were adherence to baseline and follow-up HIV monitoring recommendations in the 12 months following the initial PrEP prescription. Secondary endpoints included appropriate PrEP prescription order quantities (≤ 90-day supply), appropriate renal function monitoring, and identification of factors independently associated with follow-up HIV monitoring adherence. Of the 324 eligible patients identified, 112 received PrEP from an ID specialist and 212 from a PC provider. Patients prescribed PrEP from an ID specialist were more likely to have appropriately completed baseline HIV monitoring (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.20, 5.47), follow-up HIV monitoring (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.08, 3.05), and renal function monitoring (OR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.69, 4.68); The ID group was also more likely to have PrEP prescriptions appropriately authorized for a days' supply of ≤ 90 days (OR = 4.41, 95% CI 2.60, 7.48). Patients receiving PrEP care from ID specialists had better adherence to all assessed PrEP prescribing and monitoring recommendations compared to those receiving care from PC providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently no consensus on the guidelines for vitamin D prophylaxis in healthy children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prescribing behaviour of vitamin D prophylaxis among Belgian paediatricians. Between June and September 2022, a questionnaire was distributed by email to all Belgian paediatricians who are a member of at least one of three scientific or professional organisations, as well as to the heads of every Belgian paediatric or neonatal hospital ward. We analysed 426 completed questionnaires. All regions, age categories and subspecialties were represented. Vitamin D prophylaxis is always or frequently recommended by 98% of paediatricians. Fifty-eight per cent of paediatricians advise vitamin D prophylaxis up to the age of six years and 66% of paediatricians advise a daily dose of 400 IU. In nearly every hospital in Belgium (96%), there is a specific protocol for vitamin D prophylaxis for newborns; but not for the paediatric unit (only 30%). Nearly all Belgian paediatricians prescribe vitamin D prophylaxis to infants. Although not recommended by guidelines, 25(OH)D is frequently measured by paediatricians. Practices regarding duration and dosing of vitamin D prophylaxis show large variability. Most neonatal wards do have a protocol, whereas most paediatric wards do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transition from child-centered to adult-centered healthcare is a gradual process that addresses the medical, psychological, and educational needs of young people in the management of their autonomy in making decisions about their health and their future clinical assistance. This transfer is challenging across all chronic diseases but can be particularly arduous in rare neurological conditions. Aim: To describe the current practice on the transition process for young patients in centers participating in the European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND). Methods: Members of the ERN-RND working group developed a questionnaire considering child-to-adult transition issues and procedures in current clinical practice. The questionnaire included 20 questions and was sent to members of the health care providers (HCPs) participating in the network. Results: Twenty ERN-RND members (75% adult neurologists; 25% pediatricians; 5% nurses or study coordinators) responded to the survey, representing 10 European countries. Transition usually occurs between 16 and 18 years of age, but 55% of pediatric HCPs continue to care for their patients until they reach 40 years of age or older. In 5/20 ERN-RND centers, a standardized procedure managing transition is currently adopted, whereas in the remaining centers, the transition from youth to adult service is usually assisted by pediatricians as part of their clinical practice. Conclusions: This survey demonstrated significant variations in clinical practice between different centers within the ERN-RND network. It provided valuable data on existing transition programs and highlighted key challenges in managing transitions for patients with rare neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, opioid overdoses have increased dramatically in the United States and peer countries. Given this, emergency medicine physicians have become adept in reversing and managing complications of acute overdose. However, many remain unfamiliar with initiating medication for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine, a high-affinity partial opioid agonist. Emergency department-based buprenorphine initiation is supported by a significant body of literature demonstrating a marked reduction in mortality in addition to increased engagement in care. Buprenorphine initiation is also safe, given both the pharmacologic properties of buprenorphine that reduce the risk of diversion or recreational use, and previously published literature demonstrating low rates of respiratory depression, sedation, and precipitated withdrawal. Further, barriers to emergency department-based initiation have been reduced in recent years, with publicly available dosing and up-titration schedules, numerous publications overviewing best practices for managing precipitated withdrawal, and removal of USA policies previously restricting patient access and provider prescribing, with the removal of the X-waiver via the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act. Despite reductions in barriers, buprenorphine initiation in the emergency room remains underutilized. Poor uptake has been attributed to numerous individual and systemic barriers, including inadequate education, provider stigma, and insufficient access to outpatient follow-up care. The following practice innovation aims to summarize previously published evidence-based best practices and provide an accessible, user-friendly initiation guide to increase emergency physician comfortability with buprenorphine initiation going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical characteristics and treatment practice of patients with migraine in Japan in real-world setting have not been fully investigated. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using claims database to understand the clinical practice of migraine in recent years and to characterize patients potentially not managed well by current treatment options. Methods: Our study used data from the large claims database maintained by JMDC Inc. Patients with diagnosis of headache or migraine between January 1, 2018, and July 31, 2022, were defined as the headache cohort, and those with migraine diagnosis and prescription of migraine treatments among the headache cohort were included in the migraine cohort. In the headache cohort, characteristics of medical facilities and status of imaging tests to distinguish secondary headache were examined. Treatment patterns and characteristics of patients potentially not managed well by acute/preventive treatment were described in migraine cohort. Results: In the headache cohort, 989,514 patients were included with 57.0% females and mean age of 40.3 years; 77.0% patients visited clinics (with ≤ 19 bed capacities) for their primary diagnosis, and 30.3% patients underwent imaging tests (computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging). In the migraine cohort, 165,339 patients were included with 65.0% females and mean age of 38.8 years. In the migraine cohort, 95.6% received acute treatment while 20.8% received preventive treatment. Acetaminophen/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were most common (54.8%) as the initial prescription for migraine treatment followed by triptan (51.4%). First treatment prescription included preventive treatment in 15.6%, while the proportion increased to 82.2% in the fourth treatment prescription. Among patients with more than 12 months of follow-up, 3.7% had prescription patterns suggestive of risk of medication-overuse headache, and these patients were characterized by a higher percentage of females and a higher prevalence of comorbidities. Conclusions: This study revealed that approximately one-fifth of the patients with migraine visiting medical facilities use preventive drugs. The presence of potential patients at risk of medication-overuse headache and the role of clinics in migraine treatment were also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has increased over the past decades. One potential gateway into new PPI use is following a hospital admission. The study aimed to examine the incidence of new PPI usage following admission to internal medicine services and the ratio of new persistent users. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among all adults who had been admitted to internal medicine wards at the National University Hospital of Iceland from 2010–2020. Data was obtained from the Icelandic Internal Medicine Database. The proportion of patients who started treatment with PPI within 3 months of discharge (new users) and the proportion of patients who continued to use it after 3 months (persistent users) were examined. Results: Among 85.942 admissions during the study period, 7238 (15.6%) became new users, and of those 4942 (68%) were new persistent users. The incidence of new PPI use was highest for patients discharged from gastroenterology (32.2%), hematology (31.8%), and oncology (29.2%). Patients with new PPI use more commonly had a history of malignancy (19.5%) and liver disease (22.7%) and more commonly were admitted to the ICU during their hospitalization. The highest ratio of persistent usage was among patients discharged from geriatric medicine (84%). Conclusion: One in every six patients admitted to internal medicine wards filled out a prescription for PPI within 3 months from discharge, and a large proportion of them became persistent users. The high rate of new PPI users from oncology and hematology is noteworthy and requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic migraine (CM) is a disabling condition with high prevalence in the general population. Until the recent approval of monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (Anti-CGRP mAbs), OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) was the only treatment specifically approved for CM prophylaxis. Direct comparisons between the two treatments are not available so far. Methods: We performed an observational, retrospective, multicenter study in Italy to compare the real-world effectiveness of Anti-CGRP mAbs and BoNT-A. Patients with CM who had received either treatment according to Italian prescribing regulations were extracted from available clinical databases. Efficacy outcomes included the change from baseline in monthly headache days (MHD), MIgraine Disability ASsessment test (MIDAS), and monthly acute medications (MAM) evaluated at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The primary outcome was MHD change from baseline at 12 months. Safety outcomes included serious adverse events (SAE) and treatment discontinuation. Unadjusted and adjusted models were used for the analyses. Results: Two hundred sixteen potentially eligible patients were screened; 183 (86 Anti-CGRP mAbs; 97 BoNT-A) were included. One hundred seventy-one (80 Anti-CGRP mAbs; 91 BoNT-A) and 154 (69 Anti-CGRP mAbs; 85 BoNT-A) patients were included in the efficacy analysis at 6 and 12 months of follow-up, respectively. Anti-CGRP mAbs and BoNT-A both resulted in a mean MHD reduction at 6 (-11.5 and -7.2 days, respectively; unadjusted mean difference -4.3; 95%CI -6.6 to -2.0; p = 0.0003) and 12 months (-11.9 and -7.6, respectively; unadjusted mean difference -4.4; 95%CI -6.8 to -2.0; p = 0.0002) of follow-up. Similar results were observed after adjusting for baseline confounders. Anti-CGRP mAbs showed a significant MIDAS (-31.7 and -19.2 points, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0296, respectively) and MAM reduction (-5.1 and -3.1 administrations, p = 0.0023 and p = 0.0574, respectively) compared to BoNT-A at 6 and 12 months. No SAEs were reported. One patient receiving fremanezumab discontinued treatment due to arthralgia. Treatment discontinuations, mainly for inefficacy, were comparable. Conclusion: Both Anti-CGRP mAbs and BoNT-A were effective in CM patients with Anti-CGRP mAbs presenting higher effect magnitude, with comparable safety. Still, BoNT-A remains a valuable option for CM patients with contraindications to Anti-CGRP mAbs or for frail categories who are candidates to local therapy with limited risk of systemic administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prescribing cascades occur when a drug-induced adverse event is treated with a new medication. Identifying clinical scenarios in which prescribing cascades are more likely to occur may help determine ways to prevent prescribing cascades. Objective: To understand the extent to which discordant providers and discordant pharmacies contribute to the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (DH CCB)–loop diuretic prescribing cascade. Study Population and Design: A retrospective cohort study using Medicare Fee-For-Service data (2011–2018) of adults aged ≥ 66 years. Exposures: Patients who initiated DH CCB with subsequent initiation of loop diuretic (DH CCB–loop diuretic dyad) within 90 days or patients who initiated angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) with subsequent initiation of a loop diuretic (ACEI/ARB–loop diuretic dyad; control). Main Outcomes: The primary outcomes were provider and pharmacy discordance for prescribing cascades and control drug pairs. Baseline clinical and socio-demographic characteristics were balanced using inverse probability of treatment weighting with propensity scores. Results: Overall, we identified 1987 DH CCB–loop diuretic dyads and 3148 ACEI/ARB–loop diuretic dyads. Discordant providers occurred in 64% of DH CCB–loop diuretic dyads and 55% of ACEI/ARB–loop diuretic dyads, while discordant pharmacies occurred in 19% of DH CCB–loop diuretic dyads and 16% of ACEI/ARB–loop diuretic dyads. After adjustment, the risk of having discordant providers was 20% {Relative Risk (RR) 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–1.26]} higher in the DH CCB–loop diuretic dyad compared with the ACEI/ARB–loop diuretic dyad. Moreover, pharmacy discordance was 17% (RR 1.17 [95% CI 1.02–1.33]) higher. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that discordant providers and discordant pharmacies were more commonly involved in the potential prescribing cascade when compared with a similar control dyad of medications. Opportunities for enhanced care coordination and medication reconciliation should be explored to prevent unnecessary polypharmacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Risk minimization measures are one of the most important tools in ensuring safe use of medicines. The evaluation of their effectiveness in clinical practice is a big challenge. Diclofenac is a medicine indicated for relief of all grades of pain and inflammation, in a wide range of conditions. Certain cardiovascular diseases are contraindications, whilst certain diseases require precautions for diclofenac prescribing. Objective: The aim of this study is to measure impact of the new digital risk minimization tool, introduced at the level of diclofenac prescribing, on patterns of its prescription in outpatient settings in Montenegro. Methods: Regulatory impact before/after drug utilization study, using electronic health records of patients with cardiovascular contraindications/precautions for diclofenac prescribing, was conducted. The period of observation was 1 year before and 1 year after introduction of the digital risk minimization tool. Results: Introduction of the digital risk minimization tool was associated with significant decrease in number of patients on diclofenac and the number of diclofenac prescriptions/packages, in a cohort of patients who were prescribed diclofenac before the digital intervention. Decrease in diclofenac prescription was more obvious in patients with contraindications, as expected, compared with patients with precautions. Decrease in diclofenac prescriptions in patients with other heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and ischemic heart diseases (contraindications) was 38.79%, 37.62%, and 29.85% respectively. There was also a decrease in diclofenac prescriptions in patients with hypertension (22.86%), hyperlipidemia (23.61%), and diabetes mellitus (26.32%; precautions). After the digital intervention, initiation of diclofenac in diclofenac-naive patients was significantly decreased compared with patients who were prescribed diclofenac before the digital intervention. Conclusions: Although a significant decrease in diclofenac prescription in both cohorts occurred, diclofenac is still prescribed, even in diagnoses contraindicated for its use. Further improvements of existing tools and the creation of new ones are necessary for minimization of cardiovascular and other risks related to diclofenac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed the current clinical imaging practice in the primary evaluation of neuromuscular disorders (NMD), with respect to standardized imaging, evaluation and reporting through a European and extra-European-wide survey. Methods: An online questionnaire was emailed to all European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) members (n = 1662) who had expressed their interest in NMD. The questionnaire featured 40 individual items. Information was gathered on the context of the practices, available and preferred imaging modalities, applied imaging protocols and standards for interpretation, reporting and communication. Results: A total of 30 unique entries from European and extra-European academic and non-academic institutions were received. Of these, 70% were neuroradiologists, 23% general radiologists and 7% musculoskeletal radiologists. Of the 30 responding institutes, 40% performed from 20 to 50 neuromuscular scans per year for suspected NMD. The principal modality used for a suspected myopathy was magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (50%) or "mainly MRI" (47%). The primary imaging modality used for the evaluation of patients suspected of a neuropathy was MRI in 63% of all institutions and "mainly MRI" in 37%. For both muscle and nerve pathology, pelvic girdle and inferior limbs are the most scanned parts of the body (28%), followed by the thigh and leg (24%), whole body MR (24%), scapular girdle (16%), and the thigh in just 8% of institutions. Multiplanar acquisitions were performed in 50% of institutions. Convectional sequences used for muscle MRI included T2-STIR (88%), 2D T1weighted (w) (68%), T1 Dixon or equivalent (52%), T2 Dixon (40%), DWI (36%), 2D T2w (28%), T1 3D and T2 3D (20% respectively). For nerve MRI conventional sequences included T2-STIR (80%), DWI (56%), T2 3D (48%), 2D T2w (48%), T1 3D (44%), T1 Dixon or equivalent (44%), 2D T1 (36%), T2 Dixon (28%). Quantitative sequences were used regularly by 40% respondents. While only 28% of institutions utilized structured reports, a notable 88% of respondents expressed a desire for a standardized consensus structured report. Most of the respondents (93%) would be interested in a common MRI neuromuscular protocol and would like to be trained (87%) by the ESNR society with specific neuromuscular sessions in European annual meetings. Conclusions: Based on the survey findings, we can conclude that the current approach to neuromuscular imaging varies considerably among European and extra-European countries, both in terms of image acquisition and post-processing. Some of the challenges identified include the translation of research achievements (related to advanced imaging) into practical applications in a clinical setting, implementation of quantitative imaging post-processing techniques, adoption of structured reporting methods, and communication with referring physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Enterobacteriaceae (EB) bloodstream infections (BSI) are frequent and serious in older patients. Physicians are faced with the dilemma of prescribing early appropriate empirical antibiotics to limit the risk of death, and sparing broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription. The aim of the study was to assess the rate of appropriate empirical antibiotics prescription to treat EB BSI in older patients and its impact on survival. Methods: This study conducted in 49 centres enrolled retrospectively up to the 10 last consecutive patients aged 75 years and over and treated for EB BSI. Factors related to in-hospital death were investigated using logistic regression. Results: Among the 487 enrolled patients (mean age 86 ± 5.9 years), 70% had at least one risk factor of being infected by third-generation cephalosporins (3GC)-resistant strain; however, only 13.8% of EB strains were resistant to 3GC. An empirical antimicrobial treatment was initiated for 418 patients (85.8%), and for 86% (n = 360/418) of them, it was considered appropriate. In-hospital mortality was 12.7% (n = 62) and was related to the severity of infection (OR 3.17, CI 95% 1.75–5.75), while a urinary portal of entry was protective (OR 0.34, CI 95% 0.19–0.60). Neither the absence of nor inappropriate empirical antibiotics prescription was associated with increased mortality. Conclusion: While patients enrolled in this study were at risk of being infected by multidrug-resistant bacteria, yet mainly treated with 3GC, empirical antibiotics prescription was appropriate in most cases and did not influence mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The development of guidelines tailored to the departments' needs and counselling during ward rounds are important antibiotic stewardship (AS) strategies. The aim was to analyse the impact of AS ward rounds and institutional guidelines as well as patient-related factors on antibiotic use in vascular surgical patients. Methods: A retrospective prescribing-analysis of 3 months (P1, P2) before and after implementing weekly AS ward rounds and antimicrobial treatment guidelines was performed. Choice of systemic antibiotics, days of antibiotic therapy and clinical data were obtained from electronic patient records. Results: During P2, the overall antibiotic consumption as well as the use of last-resort compounds like linezolid and fluoroquinolones decreased distinctly (overall: 47.0 days of therapy (DOT)/100 patient days (PD) vs. 35.3 DOT/100PD, linezolid: 3.7 DOT/100PD vs. 1.0 DOT/100PD, fluoroquinolones: 7.0 DOT/100PD vs. 3.2 DOT/100PD) while narrow-spectrum beta-lactams increased by 48.4%. Courses of antibiotics were de-escalated more often during P2 (30.5% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.011). Only in P2, an antibiotic therapy was initiated in patients suffering from more comorbidities (i.e. higher Charlson Comorbidity Index) more frequently. Other patient factors had no distinct impact on antibiotic prescribing. Conclusion: Weekly AS ward rounds improved adherence to institutional antibiotic treatment guidelines and antibiotic prescribing in vascular surgical patients. Clear patient-related determinants affecting choice of antibiotic therapies could not be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Some states, including Massachusetts, require automatic filing of child abuse and neglect for substance-exposed newborns, including infants exposed in-utero to clinician-prescribed medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD). The aim of this article is to explore effects of these mandated reporting policies on pregnant and postpartum people receiving MOUD. Methods: We used modified grounded research theory, literature findings, and constant comparative methods to extract, analyze and contextualize perinatal experiences with child protection systems (CPS) and explore the impact of the Massachusetts mandated reporting policy on healthcare experiences and OUD treatment decisions. We drew from 26 semi-structured interviews originally conducted within a parent study of perinatal MOUD use in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Results: Three themes unique to CPS reporting policies and involvement emerged. First, mothers who received MOUD during pregnancy identified mandated reporting for prenatally prescribed medication utilization as unjust and stigmatizing. Second, the stress caused by an impending CPS filing at delivery and the realities of CPS surveillance and involvement after filing were both perceived as harmful to family health and wellbeing. Finally, pregnant and postpartum individuals with OUD felt pressure to make medical decisions in a complex environment in which medical recommendations and the requirements of CPS agencies often compete. Conclusions for Practice: Uncoupling of OUD treatment decisions in the perinatal period from mandated CPS reporting at time of delivery is essential. The primary focus for families affected by OUD must shift from surveillance and stigma to evidence-based treatment and access to supportive services and resources. Significance: What is already known on this subject? Child protection systems (CPS) reporting is associated with barriers to prenatal care and family resources and services. Some state policies in the United States mandate reporting to CPS for prenatal substance exposure, including prescribed medications for opioid use disorder. What this study adds? This study centers the experiences of pregnant and postpartum people with opioid use disorder with mandated reporting policies for prenatal substance exposure, describes the harms to families associated with these policies, and makes recommendations for policy change. Findings emphasize the need to uncouple medical decisions from CPS reporting and involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate real-world prescribing trends and clinical outcomes based on body mass index (BMI) categorization in patients who received rivaroxaban therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study involving all patients who received rivaroxaban therapy across all Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospitals from 2015 to 2020. Results: The number of patients initiated on rivaroxaban therapy significantly increased from 152 (3.3%) in 2015 to 1342 (28.9%) in 2020 (p <0.001). Within BMI categories, a similar increasing trend was observed in underweight, normal, and overweight patients, while from 2018 to 2020, there was a decreasing trend in rivaroxaban prescribing in all obese classes. The prevalence rate of all-cause mortality differed significantly between the BMI groups, with the highest mortality being among morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) (p< 0.001). On the other hand, no significant differences were found between the BMI groups in terms of bleeding, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and stroke incidences. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the likelihood of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in overweight and all categories of obese patients compared to underweight patients: overweight (OR: 5.3, 95% CI: 2.3–11.9, p< 0.001); obese class 1 (OR: 5.4, 95% CI: 2.3 – 12.2, p< 0.001); obese class 2 (OR: 6.5, 95% CI: 2.7 – 15.6, p< 0.001); and obese class 3 (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6 – 8.7, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Rivaroxaban prescribing has significantly increased over the years across general population, with a noticeable decline in obese population during the last few years (from 2018 onwards). Furthermore, an appreciable association was evident between all-cause mortality and BMI of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) is the preferred treatment for Barrett's esophagus (BE)-related neoplasia patients. However, the impact of EET on critical outcomes, outside of clinical trials and registry data, remains scarcely studied. We aimed to assess real-world practice patterns and clinical outcomes among BE patients undergoing EET. Methods: TriNetX is a large research network comprising linked inpatient and outpatient electronic-health record-derived data from over 80,000,000 patients. Patients with a diagnosis of BE from 2015 to 2020 were identified and included if they underwent EET during the study period. The primary outcome was the progression to EAC after index EET. Secondary outcomes included rate of esophagectomy, and all-cause mortality. All outcomes were stratified by baseline histology. The incidence of EAC and all-cause mortality were reported in person-years and adjusted for age and sex. Results: A total of 4114 patients were analyzed. Distribution of baseline histology was as follows: NDBE (11.8%), LGD (21.4%), HGD (26.4%), EAC (20.8%), and unspecified (19.6%). The total incidence of EAC after index EET was 6.01 per 1000 person-years (PY) for the entire cohort with the highest rate in HGD patients (12.9/1000 PY). The incidence of all-cause mortality was 13.23 per 1000 PY with the highest rates in EAC patients (25.1 per 1000 PY). Rates of esophagectomy were < 1% for all grades of dysplasia. Conclusion: The results of this study provide "real-world" data on critical outcomes for BE patients undergoing EET, demonstrating a low risk of incident EAC, all-cause mortality, and need for esophagectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : The nationwide epidemiology and clinical practice patterns for younger children hospitalized with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were unclear. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study consisting of 32,653 children aged < 36 months who were hospitalized with UTIs from 856 medical facilities during fiscal years 2011–2018 using a nationally representative inpatient database in Japan. We investigated the epidemiology of UTIs and changes in clinical practice patterns (e.g., antibiotic use) over 8 years. A machine learning algorithm of multivariate time-series clustering with dynamic time warping was used to classify the hospitals based on antibiotic use for UTIs. Results: We observed marked male predominance among children aged < 6 months, slight female predominance among children aged > 12 months, and summer seasonality among children hospitalized with UTIs. Most physicians selected intravenous second- or third-generation cephalosporins as the empiric therapy for treating UTIs, which was switched to oral antibiotics during hospitalizations for 80% of inpatients. Whereas total antibiotic use was constant over the 8 years, broad-spectrum antibiotic use decreased gradually from 5.4 in 2011 to 2.5 days of therapy per 100 patient-days in 2018. The time-series clustering distinctively classified 5 clusters of hospitals based on antibiotic use patterns and identified hospital clusters that preferred to use broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., antipseudomonal penicillin and carbapenem). Conclusions: Our study provided novel insight into the epidemiology and practice patterns for pediatric UTIs. Time-series clustering can be useful to identify the hospitals with aberrant practice patterns to further promote antimicrobial stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To reduce prescribing cascades occurring in clinical practice, healthcare providers require information on the prescribing cascades they can recognize and prevent. Objective: This systematic review aims to provide an overview of prescribing cascades, including dose-dependency information and recommendations that healthcare providers can use to prevent or reverse them. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was followed. Relevant literature was identified through searches in OVID MEDLINE, OVID Embase, OVID CINAHL, and Cochrane. Additionally, Web of Science and Scopus were consulted to analyze reference lists and citations. Publications in English were included if they analyzed the occurrence of prescribing cascades. Prescribing cascades were included if at least one study demonstrated a significant association and were excluded when the adverse drug reaction could not be confirmed in the Summary of Product Characteristics. Two reviewers independently extracted and grouped similar prescribing cascades. Descriptive summaries were provided regarding dose-dependency analyses and recommendations to prevent or reverse these prescribing cascades. Results: A total of 95 publications were included, resulting in 115 prescribing cascades with confirmed adverse drug reactions for which at least one significant association was found. For 52 of these prescribing cascades, information regarding dose dependency or recommendations to prevent or reverse prescribing cascades was found. Dose dependency was analyzed and confirmed for 12 prescribing cascades. For example, antipsychotics that may cause extrapyramidal syndrome followed by anti-parkinson drugs. Recommendations focused on dosage lowering, discontinuing medication, and medication switching. Explicit recommendations regarding alternative options were given for three prescribing cascades. One example was switching to ondansetron or granisetron when extrapyramidal syndrome is experienced using metoclopramide. Conclusions: In total, 115 prescribing cascades were identified and an overview of 52 of them was generated for which recommendations to prevent or reverse them were provided. Nonetheless, information regarding alternative options for managing prescribing cascades was scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]