Association of individual non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chronic kidney disease: a population-based case control study

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) are known to be associated with renal damage. No clear evidence exists regarding differential risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), specifically, across various NSAIDs.

AIM

The aim of this population-based case-control study was to evaluate the association between use of individual NSAIDs and risk of CKD in a general population of Southern Italy.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was carried out using the general practice Arianna database, identifying incident CKD patients as cases and matched controls from 2006 to 2011. The date of first CKD diagnosis was defined as the index date (ID). Conditional logistic regressions were performed to estimate the risk of CKD associated with NSAIDs by class and individual drugs as compared to non-use during different time windows (within one year, six or three months prior to ID), with the latter being defined as current users. Among current users, the effect of cumulative exposure to these drugs was evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,989 CKD cases and 7,906 matched controls were identified. A statistically significant increase in the risk of CKD was found for current users of oxicams (adjusted OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.15-2.44) and concerning individual compounds, for ketorolac (adj. OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.45-4.44), meloxicam (adj. OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.01-3.87) and piroxicam (adj. OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.19-3.21).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of CKD varies across individual NSAIDs. Increased risk has been found for ketorolac, which may precipitate subclinical CKD through acute renal damage, and long-term exposure to oxicams, especially meloxicam and piroxicam.

The burden of nephrotoxic drug prescriptions in patients with chronic kidney disease: a retrospective population-based study in Southern Italy

BACKGROUND

The use of nephrotoxic drugs can further worsening renal function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. It is therefore imperative to explore prescribing practices that can negatively affect CKD patients.

AIM

To analyze the use of nephrotoxic drugs in CKD patients in a general population of Southern Italy during the years 2006-2011.

METHODS

The general practice "Arianna" database contains data from 158,510 persons, registered with 123 general practitioners (GPs) of Caserta. CKD patients were identified searching: CKD-related ICD-9 CM codes among causes of hospitalization; CKD-relevant procedures undergone in hospital (e.g. dialysis); drug prescriptions issued for a CKD-related indication. A list of nephrotoxic drugs was compiled and validated by pharmacologists and nephrologists. The summary of product characteristics was used to classify drugs as 'contraindicated' or 'to be used with caution' in renal diseases. Frequency of nephrotoxic drug use, overall, by drug class and single compounds, by GPs within one year prior or after first CKD diagnosis and within one year after dialysis entry was calculated.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,989 CKD patients and 112 dialysed patients were identified. Among CKD patients, 49.8% and 45.2% received at least one prescription for a contraindicated nephrotoxic drug within one year prior or after first CKD diagnosis, respectively. In detail, 1,119 CKD patients (56.3%) had at least one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescription between CKD diagnosis and end of follow-up. A large proportion of CKD patients (35.6%) were treated with NSAIDs for periods exceeding 90 days. Contraindicated nephrotoxic drugs were used commonly in CKD, with nimesulide (16.6%) and diclofenac (11.0%) being most frequently used.

CONCLUSIONS

Contraindicated nephrotoxic drugs were highly prescribed in CKD patients from a general population of Southern Italy. CKD diagnosis did not seem to reduce significantly the prescription of nephrotoxic drugs, which may increase the risk of preventable renal function deterioration.

How Much Are Biosimilars Used in Clinical Practice? A Retrospective Italian Population-Based Study of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents in the Years 2009-2013

PURPOSE

To explore the prescription patterns of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in four large Italian geographic areas, where different health policy interventions to promote biosimilar use in routine care are undertaken.

METHODS

A retrospective drug utilization study was conducted during the years 2009-2013. The data sources were the administrative databases of the Tuscany region and of the Caserta, Palermo, and Treviso Local Health Units (LHUs). The characteristics, prevalence, and switching patterns of different ESAs (biosimilars and reference products), stratified by indication for use, were calculated over time and across centers.

RESULTS

Overall, 49,491 patients were treated with ESAs during the years 2009-2013 in the four centers. Of these, 41,286 patients (83.4 %) were naive users. The prevalence of ESA use increased from 2.9 to 3.4 per 1000 inhabitants in the years 2009-2011 but decreased thereafter (3.0 per 1000 in 2013). Moreover, the proportion of biosimilar users increased overall from 1.8 % in 2010 to 33.6 % in 2013, with larger increase in Treviso (from 0.0 to 45.0 %) and Tuscany (from 0.7 to 37.6 %) than in Caserta (from 7.5 to 22.9 %) and Palermo (from 0.0 to 27.7 %). Switching between different ESAs during the first year of therapy was frequent (17.0 %), much more toward reference products than toward biosimilars.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the prevalence of ESA use decreased slightly, while use of biosimilar ESAs, especially in naive patients, increased significantly but to different extents in these four large Italian geographic areas. Switching between different ESAs during the first year of treatment was very frequent, which may affect pharmacovigilance monitoring. New strategies are necessary to further improve market penetration of low-cost medicines, such as biosimilars, and also to harmonize effective health policy interventions that aim to reduce pharmaceutical expenses and optimize patient benefit across all regions.

Prescribing pattern of anti-epileptic drugs in an Italian setting of elderly outpatients: a population-based study during 2004-07

AIMS

The aims of the study were to assess the trend of older and newer anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in the elderly population and to analyze the effects of a health-policy intervention with regard to AED use in general practice in a setting in Southern Italy.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the 'Caserta-1' Local-Health-Unit Arianna database in the years 2004-07. Patients aged over 65 years, receiving at least one AED prescription and registered in the lists of 88 general practitioners, were selected. The use of older and newer AEDs was calculated as 1 year prevalence and incidence of use and defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants day(-1) . Sub-analyses by gender, age and indication of use were performed.

RESULTS

Most of AED users were treated because of neuropathic pain (64.8%). However, the main indication of use for older AEDs (57.8%) was epilepsy, whereas newer AEDs (79.5%) were used for neuropathic pain. Prevalence and incidence of newer AED use increased until 2006, followed by a reduction in 2007. Newer AEDs, particularly gabapentin and pregabalin, were used in the treatment of more patients than older AEDs. However phenobarbital, accounting for more than 50% of total AED volume, was the most prescribed medication during the entire study period.

CONCLUSIONS

An increasing use of AEDs has been observed during 2004-07, mostly due to the prescription of newer compounds for neuropathic pain. The fall in the use of newer AEDs during 2007 coincides with revised re-imbursement criteria for gabapentin and pregabalin. The large use of phenobarbital in the elderly should be considered in the light of a risk of adverse drug reactions.

Newer and older antiepileptic drug use in Southern Italy: a population-based study during the years 2003-2005

AIM

To analyse the prescribing pattern of newer and older antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during the years 2003-2005.

METHODS

From the Caserta-1 Local Health Service database, 93 general practitioners (GPs) were recruited. Among 127,389 individuals aged > or =15 years registered in the lists of these GPs, we selected patients who received at least one AED prescription during the study period. Use of newer and older AEDs was calculated as 1-year prevalence and incidence as well as defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants/day. Sub-analyses by gender, age and indication of use were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, prevalence and incidence of use remained stable for older AEDs, while it strongly increased for newer AEDs. In particular, 25% increase of incident treatments with newer AED have been reported from 2004 to 2005. The total volume of AED use remained stable during the study years, despite the proportion of newer AEDs slightly increased (from 24.6% in 2003 to 30.1% in 2005). The main indication of use was epileptic disorders for older AEDs (56% of users), and neuropathic pain for newer AEDs (69%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence and incidence of use of newer AED strongly increased during the years 2003-2005 in a general practice of Southern Italy. Significant differences are shown in the prescribing pattern of newer and older medications: older AEDs are mainly used in the treatment of epileptic disorders, while newer compounds are preferred for conditions other than epilepsy, in particular neuropathic pain.

Prescribing pattern of drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis in Italian general practice: the effect of rofecoxib withdrawal

OBJECTIVE

In October 2004, rofecoxib was removed from the world market because of an increased risk of myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study was to compare the trend of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use and other analgesics in osteoarthritis (OA) treatment before and after rofecoxib withdrawal in Italian general practice.

METHODS

From the Caserta-1 Local Health Service database, 97 general practitioners were recruited. Prevalence and incidence of use of any study drug were calculated within 1 year before and after rofecoxib withdrawal.

RESULTS

One-year prevalence of nonselective and preferential NSAID use did not change after rofecoxib withdrawal, whereas coxib use fell from 4.4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.2-4.5%) in the period before rofecoxib withdrawal (period I) to 1.6% (95% CI 1.5-1.7%) in the period after withdrawal (period II). Weak opioids were used in no more than 0.4% (95% CI 0.3-0.5%) in period II, after their introduction to reimbursement in December 2004. Also, 1-year incidence of coxib decreased from 31.3 per 1,000 (95% CI 30.2-32.4%) in period I to 8.7 per 1,000 (95% CI 8.1-9.2%) in period II. The disappearance of rofecoxib was associated with replacement drugs such as newly marketed dexibuprofen and aceclofenac, whereas nimesulide use coincidentally decreased.

CONCLUSION

Rofecoxib withdrawal has markedly changed the prescribing pattern of drugs that are used in OA-related pain treatment, with a striking decrease of coxib use in Italian general practice. Education strategies addressed to health professionals should be planned to improve the management of pain treatment, particularly in degenerative joint diseases.

Indications of newer and older anti-epileptic drug use: findings from a southern Italian general practice setting from 2005-2011

AIMS

The aim of the study was to analyze the prescribing pattern of both newer and older AEDs.

METHODS

A population of almost 150 000 individuals registered with 123 general practitioners was included in this study. Patients who received at least one AED prescription over 2005-2011 were identified. The 1 year prevalence and cumulative incidence of AED use, by drug class and individual drug, were calculated over the study period. Potential predictors of starting therapy with newer AEDs were also investigated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of use per 1000 inhabitants of older AEDs increased from 10.7 (95% CI10.1, 11.2) in 2005 to 13.0 (95% CI12.4, 13.6) in 2011, while the incidence remained stable. Newer AED incidence decreased from 9.4 (95% CI 8.9, 9.9) in 2005 to 7.0 (95% CI 6.6, 7.5) in 2011, with a peak of 15.5 (95% CI 14.8, 16.1) in 2006. Phenobarbital and valproic acid were the most commonly prescribed AEDs as starting therapy for epilepsy. Gabapentin and pregabalin accounted for most new pain-related prescriptions, while valproic acid and lamotrigine were increasingly used for mood disorders. Female gender (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.20, 1.53), age ranging between 45-54 years (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.16, 1.66) and pain as an indication (OR 16.7, 95% CI, 13.1, 21.2) were associated with newer AEDs starting therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Older AEDs were mainly used for epileptic and mood disorders, while newer drugs were preferred for neuropathic pain. Gender, age, indication of use and year of starting therapy influenced the choice of AED type. The decrease of newer AED use during 2007 is probably related to the restricted reimbursement criteria for gabapentin and pregabalin.

Prescription Patterns of Antidiabetic Treatment in the Elderly. Results from Southern Italy

The treatment of diabetes in the elderly is a major challenge both in terms of clinical management and of public health. Evidence about prescribing patterns in the elderly diabetic population is limited. The aim was to describe trends in antidiabetic drug (AD) utilization patterns in the elderly in Southern Italy with a focus on drugs for cardiovascular prevention and pharmaceutical costs. The data used for this study were obtained from pharmacy records of Caserta Local Health Authority, a province in Southern Italy with 1 million of inhabitants, comprising urban and rural areas. Subjects above 65 years who received at least one dispensing of antidiabetic between January 2010 and December 2014 were selected. Prevalence and incidence rates (%) of AD use were calculated for each calendar year and stratified by class therapy and age group. Sub-analyses by cardiovascular co-medication therapy and pharmaceutical cost analysis were performed. The prevalence rate decreases from 22.0% in 2010 to 17.5% in 2014 (p<0.001). Proportion of subjects treated with monotherapy increases over the study period (33.9% in 2010; 38.6% in 2014; p<0.001). In particular, increases the proportion of users of metformin (18.2% in 2010; 23.7% in 2014; p<0.001), while the proportion of users of sulfonylureas dropped (11.0% in 2010; 7.2% in 2014; p< 0.001). About 90% of elderly diabetic patients are treated with drugs for cardiovascular prevention. The per/patient/yearly drug costs were 2,349 ∈: 28.5% for AD therapy and 71.5% for other treatments. Trend in drug utilization patterns showed a tendency towards treatment recommendations in older adults.

Lipid-lowering drug use in Italian primary care: effects of reimbursement criteria revision

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the prescribing pattern of lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) changed after reimbursement criteria revision in a general practice in southern Italy.

METHODS

From the Caserta-1 Local Health Service database, 93 general practitioners (GPs) who had consistently sent data about their patients during the years 2003-2005 were recruited. Prevalence of use and incidence of new treatments were calculated for each year, stratified by three drug cohorts: statins, omega-3 fatty acids, and fibrates. Subanalyses by gender, age, and indication of use were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 1-year prevalence of LLD use increased from 2003 to 2004. After reimbursement criteria revision (November 2004), a slight decrease was observed for statins, from 41.1 (95% CI: 39.9-42.2) per 1,000 inhabitants in 2004 to 40.3 (39.2-41.5) in 2005, while omega-3 utilization fell markedly: 14.6 (13.9-15.3) vs. 5.4 (5.0-5.8). The use of both statins and omega-3 fatty acids was reduced particularly for primary prevention. On the other hand, utilization of statins increased in diabetic patients and as secondary prevention from 2004 to 2005. Concerning individual molecules, 1-year prevalence of use of any statin declined from 2004 to 2005, except for rosuvastatin.

CONCLUSIONS

Revision of reimbursement criteria led to significant changes in the trend in LLD use in general practice in southern Italy: (1) statin utilization was slightly reduced in 2005, although it increased in certain categories, such as diabetic patients, and (2) omega-3 fatty acid use was strongly reduced even though a higher use in postinfarction cases was reported.

Pattern of Use of Biosimilar and Originator Somatropin in Italy: A Population-Based Multiple Databases Study During the Years 2009-2014

PURPOSE

Somatropin [recombinant growth hormone (rGH)] is approved in children and adults for several conditions involving growth disturbances and the corresponding biosimilar is available in Italy since 2006. No population-based data are available on the pattern of rGH use in Italian clinical practice. This study aimed at exploring the pattern of biosimilar and originator rGH use in six Italian centers, where different policy interventions promoted biosimilar use.

METHODS

This population-based, drug-utilization study was conducted in the years 2009-2014, using administrative databases of Umbria, Tuscany, and Lazio Regions and Local Health Units of Caserta, Treviso, and Palermo. Naïve rGH users were characterized, and prevalence of use and discontinuation were assessed over time.

RESULTS

Among 6,785 patients treated with rGH during the study years, 4,493 (66.2%) were naïve users (males/females = 1.3), mostly affected by GH deficiency. The prevalence of rGH use increased from 2009 to 2010, remaining stable thereafter, but it was heterogeneous across centers (twofold higher prevalence of use in center n.2 than centers n.4 and 1 in 2014). Biosimilar rGH uptake increased over time but was low (7.8% in 2014) and heterogeneous as well. Discontinuation of rGH therapy occurred in 54.0% of naïve users, more frequently in females than males (58.1 vs. 50.9%). During the first year of treatment, discontinuation was frequent (39.9%), but no statistically significant differences were observed in treatment persistence for biosimilar vs. originator rGH (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Geographical heterogeneity in the prevalence of rGH use was observed. Similarly, the biosimilar rGH uptake was low and variable across centers. Post-marketing monitoring is required to continuously monitor the benefit-risk profile of rGH, thus guaranteeing greater savings than only promoting lowest cost rGH.

Analgesic drug use in elderly persons: A population-based study in Southern Italy

INTRODUCTION

Analgesics such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), weak and strong opioids are commonly used among elderly persons. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of elderly analgesic users and to measure the frequency of analgesic use, including the frequency of potentially inappropriate analgesic use.

METHODS

The Arianna database was used to carry out this study. This database contains prescription data with associated indication of use for 1,076,486 inhabitants registered with their general practitioners (GPs) in the Caserta Local Health Unit (Caserta district, Campania region in Italy). A cohort of persons aged ≥65 years old with >1 year of database history having at least one analgesic drug (NSAIDs, strong or weak opioids) between 2010 and 2014 were identified. The date of the first analgesic prescription in the study period was considered the index date (ID).

RESULTS

From a source population of 1,076,486 persons, 116,486 elderly persons were identified. Of these, 94,820 elderly persons received at least one analgesic drug: 36.6% were incident NSAID users (N = 36,629), while 13.2% were incident weak opioid users (N = 12,485) and 8.1% were incident strong opioid users (N = 7,658). In terms of inappropriate analgesic use, 9.2% (N = 10,763) of all elderly users were prescribed ketorolac/indomethacin inappropriately, since these drugs should not be prescribed to elderly persons. Furthermore, at least half all elderly persons with chronic kidney disease or congestive heart failure were prescribed NSAIDs, while these drugs should be avoided.

CONCLUSION

Analgesics are commonly used inappropriately among elderly persons, suggesting that prescribing practice in the catchment area may yet be improved.

Male Breast Cancer Review. A Rare Case of Pure DCIS: Imaging Protocol, Radiomics and Management

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of male breast is a rare lesion, often associated with invasive carcinoma. When the in situ component is present in pure form, histological grade is usually low or intermediate. Imaging is difficult as gynaecomastia is often present and can mask underlying findings. We report a rare case of pure high-grade DCIS in a young male patient, with associated intraductal papilloma and atypical ductal hyperplasia. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) showed an area of architectural distortion at the union of outer quadrants of the left breast without gynaecomastia. Triple assessment suggested performing a nipple-sparing mastectomy, which revealed the presence of a focal area of high-grade DCIS of 2 mm. DCIS, even of high grade, is difficult to detect with mammography and even more rare, especially when associated with other proliferative lesions. DBT with 2D synthetic reconstruction is useful as the imaging step of a triple assessment and it should be performed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic high-risk men to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions. We propose a diagnostic model to early detect breast cancer in men, optimizing resources according to efficiency, effectiveness and economy, and look forward to radiomics as a powerful tool to help radiologists.

Breast Cancer Screening during COVID-19 Emergency: Patients and Department Management in a Local Experience

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, our breast cancer screening activities have been interrupted. In June 2020, they resumed, calling for mandatory safe procedures to properly manage patients and staff.

METHODS

A protocol supporting medical activities in breast cancer screening was created, based on six relevant articles published in the literature and in the following National and International guidelines for COVID-19 prevention. The patient population, consisting of both screening and breast ambulatory patients, was classified into one of four categories: 1. Non-COVID-19 patient; 2. Confirmed COVID-19 in an asymptomatic screening patient; 3. suspected COVID-19 in symptomatic or confirmed breast cancer; 4. Confirmed COVID-19 in symptomatic or confirmed breast cancer. The day before the radiological exam, patients are screened for COVID-19 infection through a telephone questionnaire. At a subsequent in person appointment, the body temperature is checked and depending on the clinical scenario at stake, the scenario-specific procedures for medical and paramedical staff are adopted.

RESULTS

In total, 203 mammograms, 76 breast ultrasound exams, 4 core needle biopsies, and 6 vacuum-assisted breast biopsies were performed in one month. Neither medical nor paramedical staff were infected on any of these occasions.

CONCLUSION

Our department organization model can represent a case of implementation of National and International guidelines applied in a breast cancer screening program, assisting hospital personnel into COVID-19 infection prevention.

Chronic kidney disease requiring healthcare services: a new approach to evaluate epidemiology of renal disease

BACKGROUND

Screening-based CKD estimates may not provide a sufficient insight into the impact of CKD on the use of healthcare resources in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of "medicalized" CKD, that is, CKD requiring healthcare services, in an outpatient setting.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS

This is a retrospective, longitudinal population-based study conducted in a large general practice setting in Southern Italy (Caserta) using a healthcare database. Over 2006-2011, all patients with a CKD diagnosis, either through CKD-related indications of use associated with drug prescriptions or through CKD-related hospital discharge diagnoses/procedures, were identified using this database. The prevalence of "medicalized" CKD in the general population of Caserta was estimated by age, gender, and calendar year.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,989 (1.3%) patients with a diagnosis of CKD were identified from 2006-2011 in the Caserta general population. The one year prevalence increased from 0.9% in 2006 to 1.6% in 2011, which is much lower compared to previous screening-based studies. The prevalence was slightly higher in males and increased significantly with advancing age (in 2011, 0.2% in ≤44 years old versus 9.2% in >80 years old).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that, in the general population, the prevalence of "medicalized" CKD is lower compared to the screening-based CKD prevalence.

The Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Population-Based Study in Southern Italy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Pharmacological management of DKD is challenging due to reduced renal excretion of some antidiabetic drugs. The aim of this population-based study was to explore antidiabetic drug use in DKD patients from Southern Italy.

METHODS

The Arianna database from Caserta Local Health Unit was used. Diabetic patients with incident CKD [first diagnosis date: index date (ID)] were identified by searching for specific ICD9-CM codes among hospital discharge diagnoses/procedures and/or indication of use associated with drug prescriptions. To evaluate any change in the use of antidiabetic drugs after the CKD diagnosis, the prevalence of antidiabetic drug use among DKD patients was calculated within 1 year prior to/after ID and after dialysis entry. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the time to discontinuation of antidiabetic drugs after CKD diagnosis. The frequency of antidiabetic drugs contraindicated in renal disease in DKD patients was measured.

RESULTS

Overall, 725 diabetic patients (mean age 72.8 ± 11.4 years) had incident CKD from 2006 to 2011. The use of combination antidiabetic drugs, biguanides and sulphonamides decreased by approximately 10, 7 and 5%, respectively, after the ID. The use of insulins increased by 10% after the ID and by 20% after entry into dialysis. The use of antidiabetic drugs not contraindicated in CKD decreased marginally after the diagnosis of CKD.

CONCLUSION

In a general practice of Southern Italy the management of diabetes mellitus changed only marginally in newly diagnosed CKD patients, suggesting a therapeutic inertia on the part of prescribers.

Antipsychotic utilization patterns among patients with schizophrenic disorder: a cross-national analysis in four countries

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to describe antipsychotic utilization patterns among patients with schizophrenic disorder in Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USA.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients aged 15 and over with schizophrenic disorder were identified in the Caserta claims database (Italy), the Valencia electronic medical record (EMR) database (Spain), in The Health Improvement Network EMR database (UK), and in databases of publicly and privately insured populations in the United States (US).

RESULTS

The frequency of first-generation or second-generation antipsychotic use and of long-acting or other formulations was described. Persistence to antipsychotics was estimated. Overall, 1,403,240 patients with schizophrenic disorder having a total of 765,573 new antipsychotic treatment episodes were identified. The median follow-up time ranged from 0.8 (IQR 0.2-1.9) years in the US commercially-insured population to 1.2 (IQR 0.1-1.7) years in the Spanish population. Second-generation antipsychotics were more frequently used than first-generation antipsychotics in all countries (on average, from 64.4% in the UK to 87% in US): the use of this class increased over time in Italy, Spain, and US (Medicaid). The use of long-acting formulations was heterogeneous across countries, but generally much lower than other formulations. Persistence to antipsychotic treatment at 1 year was low in all countries, ranging from 40 in Spain to 30% in Italy.

CONCLUSIONS

Antipsychotic utilization was heterogeneous among persons with schizophrenic disorder. Nevertheless, low persistence was an issue in all the countries, as less than half of the patients continued their treatment beyond 1 year.

Unusual breast lesion mimicking cancer: diabetic mastopathy

Diabetic mastopathy represents an uncommon tumor-like proliferation of fibrous tissue of the breast that usually occurs in patients who suffered from type 1 diabetes mellitus for a long time. We report an uncommon case of diabetic mastopathy presenting in a type 2 non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus 61-year-old postmenopausal woman. Physical examination revealed a hard, low movable mass in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. Mammography and ultrasonography showed typical features of breast cancer. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (US-FNAC) was performed showing inflammatory infiltrate, suggesting excisional biopsy. Histological findings demonstrated typical diabetic mastopathy with fibrosis, histiocytic and limphocytic infiltration without evidence of malignancy.

Effect of an educational program in primary care: the case of lipid control in cardio-cerebrovascular prevention

Lowering blood cholesterol levels reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. However, the effect of interventions depends on the patients' adherence to treatment. Primary care plays an important role in the detection, treatment and monitoring of disease, therefore different educational programs (EP) have been implemented to improve disease management in general practice. The present study is aimed to assess whether a general practitioner auditing and feedback EP may improve dyslipidaemia management in a primary care setting and to evaluate patients' adherence to prescribed lipid-lowering treatment. The quality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevention before and after the implementation of an EP offered to 25 general practitioners (GPs), was evaluated. Clinical and prescription data on patients receiving at least one lipid-lowering treatment was collected. To evaluate the quality of the healthcare service provided, clinical and biochemical outcomes, and drug-utilization, process indicators were set up. Adherence was evaluated before and after the EP as the "Medication Possession Ratio" (MPR). A correlation analysis was carried out to estimate the effect of the MPR in achieving pre-defined clinical end-points. Prescription data for lipid-lowering drugs was collected in a sample of 839 patients. While no differences in the achievement of blood lipid targets were observed, a slight but significant improvement of the MPR was registered after the EP (MPR >0.8=64.2% vs 60.6%, p=0.0426). Moreover, high levels of statin adherence were associated with the achievement of total blood cholesterol target (OR=3.3 for MPR >0.8 vs MPR <0.5, 95% CI:1.7-6.7) or LDL therapeutic goal (OR=3.3 for MPR >0.8 vs MPR <0.5, 95% CI:1.5-7.2). The EP partially improved the defined clinical targets; probably, a more patient-based approach could be more appropriate to achieve the defined target. Further studies are needed to identify how healthcare services can be improved.

In search of potential predictors of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) hyporesponsiveness: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Evidences show that around 20% of biosimilar or originator erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) users are hyporesponsive. Controversial post-marketing data exist on the predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or cancer in clinical practice.

METHODS

During the years 2009-2015, a multi-center, population-based, cohort study was conducted using claims databases of Treviso and Caserta Local Health Units (LHUs). All incident ESA users were characterized at baseline and the differences between the baseline hemoglobin (Hb) value, that is the Hb registered within 30 days prior to the first ESA dispensing (index date, ID) and each outcome Hb value (registered between 30 and 180 days after ID) were calculated and defined as delta Hb (ΔHb). Incident ESA users were defined as hyporesponsive if, during follow-up, they registered at least one ΔHb < 0 g/dL. Including all potential predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness and stratifying by indication for use, univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were carried out.

RESULTS

In general, 1080 incident ESA users (CKD: 57.0%; cancer: 43.0%) were identified. In CKD, predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness were C-reactive protein (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.5; P-value = 0.060) and high levels of baseline Hb (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.2; P-value< 0,001), the latter being also predictor of ESA hyporesponsiveness in cancer (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.4; P-value = 0.007). Both in CKD and in cancer, the type of ESA, biosimilar or originator, was not a predictor of ESA hyporesponsiveness. In CKD, concomitant use of iron preparations (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7; P-value = 0.002) and of high dosage of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II-receptor blockers (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9; P-value = 0.022) were protective factors against ESA hyporesponsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed traditional potential predictors of hyporesponsiveness to ESA. The use of biosimilar or originator ESA was not a predictor of hyporesponsiveness in an outpatient setting from two large Italian areas. A better knowledge of the predictors of ESA response would allow a better anemia management to improve patients' quality of life.

The management of a breast unit during the COVID-19 emergency: a local experience

Introduction: Since breast imaging requires very close contact with patients, a protocol is needed to perform safe daily screening activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: Patients were triaged and separated into three different clinical scenarios by performing a telephone questionnaire before each diagnostic exam or a nasopharyngeal swab before every recovery. Specific procedures for each scenario are described. Results: From July to October 2020, 994 exams were performed. A total of 16 cancers and 7 suspected COVID-19 patients were identified. No medical staff were infected. Conclusion: This protocol is an example of the practical use of guidelines applied to a breast unit to assist specialists in preventing COVID-19 infection and optimizing resources for breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast Density Evaluation According to BI-RADS 5th Edition on Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: AI Automated Assessment Versus Human Visual Assessment

BACKGROUND

The assessment of breast density is one of the main goals of radiologists because the masking effect of dense fibroglandular tissue may affect the mammographic identification of lesions. The BI-RADS 5th Edition has revised the mammographic breast density categories, focusing on a qualitative evaluation rather than a quantitative one. Our purpose is to compare the concordance of the automatic classification of breast density with the visual assessment according to the latest available classification.

METHODS

A sample of 1075 digital breast tomosynthesis images from women aged between 40 and 86 years (58 ± 7.1) was retrospectively analyzed by three independent readers according to the BI-RADS 5th Edition. Automated breast density assessment was performed on digital breast tomosynthesis images with the Quantra software version 2.2.3. Interobserver agreement was assessed with kappa statistics. The distributions of breast density categories were compared and correlated with age.

RESULTS

The agreement on breast density categories was substantial to almost perfect between radiologists (κ = 0.63-0.83), moderate to substantial between radiologists and the Quantra software (κ = 0.44-0.78), and the consensus of radiologists and the Quantra software (κ = 0.60-0.77). Comparing the assessment for dense and non-dense breasts, the agreement was almost perfect in the screening age range without a statistically significant difference between concordant and discordant cases when compared by age.

CONCLUSIONS

The categorization proposed by the Quantra software has shown a good agreement with the radiological evaluations, even though it did not completely reflect the visual assessment. Thus, clinical decisions regarding supplemental screening should be based on the radiologist's perceived masking effect rather than the data produced exclusively by the Quantra software.

Consequences of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer at a single Italian institution

AIM

To evaluate the local impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on breast cancer (BC) care, with particular attention to the economical and psychological consequences of the possible delay of new diagnoses and treatments.

METHODS

Three years' activity (from 2019 to 2021) has been compared. The number of BCs diagnosed from the total amount of mammographic and ultrasound (US) examinations performed in women aged more than 40 years old has been considered. A Pearson's chi-squared test was performed to verify differences between results. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.01.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was found in the number of BC diagnosed between screening and ambulatory care patients in both the 2019-2020 (χ2 = 24.93, P < 0.01) and 2019-2021 (χ2 = 29.93, P < 0.01) comparisons. No statistically significant difference was found in the data recorded between 2020 and 2021 (χ2 = 2.35, P > 0.01). By evaluating the specific age groups for each year, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) was found in the number of BC diagnosed in screening patients aged 50-69 years old in both 2019-2020 and 2019-2021 comparisons. The percentages of early BC diagnosed in 2019, 2020, and 2021 were 80.9%, 91.7%, and 89.8%, respectively. The adherence rates to screening in 2019, 2020, and 2021 were 67.5%, 45.2%, and 56.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed a reduction of new diagnoses in the screening range during the pandemic in comparison with the previous period. The high percentage of early BC would seem to have prevented worsening outcomes. Nevertheless, women who have not undergone screening could present a more advanced stage disease in the following years. Consequently, the evaluation of possible solutions to guarantee an essential level of care with the purpose to avoid worsening patients' outcomes and the increase in healthcare costs is mandatory.

Direct healthcare costs of chronic kidney disease management in Italy: What cost-savings can be achieved with higher biosimilar uptake and more appropriate use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents?

PURPOSE

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), are used for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related anemia, contributing to CKD costs. The study was aimed at investigating direct healthcare costs of CKD patients treated with ESAs and the potential savings achievable by increasing the use of biosimilars and preventing inappropriate ESA use.

METHODS

A multi-center, cohort study was conducted using claims databases of five large Italian geographic areas. Yearly mean direct healthcare costs per patient were estimated, stratifying by CKD stage. The total yearly cost and potential savings related to ESA use were estimated: (a) considering 25/50/75% of originator ESA substitution with biosimilars; (b) eliminating inappropriate ESA dispensing.

RESULTS

During the study period, the ESA-related yearly mean cost represented 17% of total yearly costs in stage I-III, decreasing to 13% in stage IV-V and 6% in dialysis. Among originator users, assuming a 25% of biosimilar uptake, the annual cost-savings of ESA treatment would represent 10.5% of total ESA costs in CKD stage I-V and 7.7% in dialysis. Among incident ESA users for which hemoglobin levels were available, 9% started inappropriately ESA treatment, increasing to 62.0% during the first year of maintenance therapy. Hypothesizing prevention of the first inappropriate ESA dispensing, the total yearly cost-savings would amount to €35 772, increasing to €167 641 eliminating the inappropriate dispensing during maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher use of lowest cost ESA, prevention of inappropriate ESA use as well as other strategies aimed at slowing down the progressive renal impairment are essential for minimizing clinical and economic burden of CKD.