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Aubert CE, Ha J, Kim HM, Rodondi N, Kerr EA, Hofer TP, Min L. Clinical outcomes of modifying hypertension treatment intensity in older adults treated to low blood pressure. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:2831-2841. [PMID: 34097300 PMCID: PMC8497391 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Hypertension treatment reduces cardiovascular events. However, uncertainty remains about benefits and harms of deintensification or further intensification of antihypertensive medication when systolic blood pressure (SBP) is tightly controlled in older multimorbid patients, because of their frequent exclusion in trials. We assessed the association of hypertension treatment deintensification or intensification with clinical outcomes in older adults with tightly controlled SBP. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study (2011-2013) with 9-month follow-up. SETTING U.S.-nationwide primary care Veterans Health Administration healthcare system. PARTICIPANTS Veterans aged 65 and older with baseline SBP <130 mmHg and ≥1 antihypertensive medication during ≥2 consecutive visits (N = 228,753). EXPOSURE Deintensification or intensification, compared with stable treatment. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cardiovascular events, syncope, or fall injury, as composite and distinct outcomes, within 9 months after exposure. Adjusted logistic regression and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW, sensitivity analysis). RESULTS Among 228,753 patients (mean age 75 [SD 7.5] years), the composite outcome occurred in 11,982/93,793 (12.8%) patients with stable treatment, 14,768/72,672 (20.3%) with deintensification, and 11,821/62,288 (19.0%) with intensification. Adjusted absolute outcome risk (95% confidence interval) was higher for deintensification (18.3% [18.1%-18.6%]) and intensification (18.7% [18.4%-19.0%]), compared with stable treatment (14.8% [14.6%-15.0%]), p < 0.001 for both effects in the multivariable model). Deintensification was associated with fewer cardiovascular events than intensification. At baseline SBP <95 mmHg, cardiovascular event risk was similar for deintensification and stable treatment, and fall risk lower for deintensification than intensification. IPTW yielded similar results. Mean follow-up SBP was 124.1 mmHg for stable treatment, 125.1 mmHg after deintensification (p < 0.001), and 124.0 mmHg after intensification (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Antihypertensive treatment deintensification in older patients with tightly controlled SBP was associated with worse outcomes than continuing same treatment intensity. Given higher mortality among patients with treatment modification, confounding by indication may not have been fully corrected by advanced statistical methods for observational data analysis.
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Blum MR, Sallevelt BTGM, Spinewine A, O'Mahony D, Moutzouri E, Feller M, Baumgartner C, Roumet M, Jungo KT, Schwab N, Bretagne L, Beglinger S, Aubert CE, Wilting I, Thevelin S, Murphy K, Huibers CJA, Drenth-van Maanen AC, Boland B, Crowley E, Eichenberger A, Meulendijk M, Jennings E, Adam L, Roos MJ, Gleeson L, Shen Z, Marien S, Meinders AJ, Baretella O, Netzer S, de Montmollin M, Fournier A, Mouzon A, O'Mahony C, Aujesky D, Mavridis D, Byrne S, Jansen PAF, Schwenkglenks M, Spruit M, Dalleur O, Knol W, Trelle S, Rodondi N. Optimizing Therapy to Prevent Avoidable Hospital Admissions in Multimorbid Older Adults (OPERAM): cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2021; 374:n1585. [PMID: 34257088 PMCID: PMC8276068 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n1585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of optimising drug treatment on drug related hospital admissions in older adults with multimorbidity and polypharmacy admitted to hospital. DESIGN Cluster randomised controlled trial. SETTING 110 clusters of inpatient wards within university based hospitals in four European countries (Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, and Republic of Ireland) defined by attending hospital doctors. PARTICIPANTS 2008 older adults (≥70 years) with multimorbidity (≥3 chronic conditions) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs used long term). INTERVENTION Clinical staff clusters were randomised to usual care or a structured pharmacotherapy optimisation intervention performed at the individual level jointly by a doctor and a pharmacist, with the support of a clinical decision software system deploying the screening tool of older person's prescriptions and screening tool to alert to the right treatment (STOPP/START) criteria to identify potentially inappropriate prescribing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Primary outcome was first drug related hospital admission within 12 months. RESULTS 2008 older adults (median nine drugs) were randomised and enrolled in 54 intervention clusters (963 participants) and 56 control clusters (1045 participants) receiving usual care. In the intervention arm, 86.1% of participants (n=789) had inappropriate prescribing, with a mean of 2.75 (SD 2.24) STOPP/START recommendations for each participant. 62.2% (n=491) had ≥1 recommendation successfully implemented at two months, predominantly discontinuation of potentially inappropriate drugs. In the intervention group, 211 participants (21.9%) experienced a first drug related hospital admission compared with 234 (22.4%) in the control group. In the intention-to-treat analysis censored for death as competing event (n=375, 18.7%), the hazard ratio for first drug related hospital admission was 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.77 to 1.17). In the per protocol analysis, the hazard ratio for a drug related hospital admission was 0.91 (0.69 to 1.19). The hazard ratio for first fall was 0.96 (0.79 to 1.15; 237 v 263 first falls) and for death was 0.90 (0.71 to 1.13; 172 v 203 deaths). CONCLUSIONS Inappropriate prescribing was common in older adults with multimorbidity and polypharmacy admitted to hospital and was reduced through an intervention to optimise pharmacotherapy, but without effect on drug related hospital admissions. Additional efforts are needed to identify pharmacotherapy optimisation interventions that reduce inappropriate prescribing and improve patient outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02986425.
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Aubert CE, Ha JK, Kerr EA, Hofer TP, Min L. Factors associated with antihypertensive treatment intensification and deintensification in older outpatients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL CARDIOLOGY HYPERTENSION 2021; 9:100098. [PMID: 34258575 PMCID: PMC8254109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchy.2021.100098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background New hypertension performance measures encourage more intensive treatment in older adults. Treatment intensification includes starting new medications and increasing the dose of old ones. Medication dose is particularly important to older adults, given their vulnerability to dose-related side effects. We previously validated a standardized measure of beneficial doses tested in hypertension trials, Hypertension Daily Dose (HDD). Aim of the study To test whether changes in treatment intensity using HDD was associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and patient characteristics. Methods Longitudinal study of all Veterans aged ≥65 years with a diagnosis of hypertension. We defined 3 groups of risk: 1) cardiovascular risk; 2) geriatric/frail; 3) low-risk (comparator). Using multinomial regression, we assessed the probability of deintensification, intensification, vs. stable treatment, according to SBP and group. Results Among 1,331,111 Veterans, 19.9% had deintensification, and 29.6% intensification. Deintensification decreased, while intensification increased, with SBP. Compared to low-risk patients, cardiovascular risk patients had 1.11 (95% CI 1.10-1.13) times the odds of intensifying, and geriatric/frail patients 1.45 (95%CI 1.43-1.47) times the odds of deintensifying. Discussion Patient-level HDD change was consistent with an expected association with cardiovascular risk and geriatric/frail conditions, suggesting that HDD can be used longitudinally to assess hypertension treatment modification in large health systems.
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Min L, Ha JK, Aubert CE, Hofer TP, Sussman JB, Langa KM, Tinetti M, Kim HM, Maciejewski ML, Gillon L, Larkin A, Chan CL, Kerr EA, Bravata D, Cushman WC. A Method to Quantify Mean Hypertension Treatment Daily Dose Intensity Using Health Care System Data. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2034059. [PMID: 33449097 PMCID: PMC7811181 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.34059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Simple measures of hypertension treatment, such as achievement of blood pressure (BP) targets, ignore the intensity of treatment once the BP target is met. High-intensity treatment involves increased treatment burden and can be associated with potential adverse effects in older adults. A method was previously developed to identify older patients receiving intense hypertension treatment by low BP and number of BP medications using national Veterans Health Administration and Medicare Part D administrative pharmacy data to evaluate which BP medications a patient is likely taking on any given day. Objective To further develop and validate a method to more precisely quantify dose intensity of hypertension treatment using only health system administrative pharmacy fill data. Design, Setting, and Participants Observational, cross-sectional study of 319 randomly selected older veterans in the national Veterans Health Administration health care system who were taking multiple BP-lowering medications and had a total of 3625 ambulatory care visits from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2013. Measure development and medical record review occurred January 1, 2017, through November 30, 2018, and data analysis was conducted from December 1, 2019, to August 31, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures For each BP-lowering medication, a moderate hypertension daily dose (HDD) was defined as half the maximum dose above which no further clinical benefit has been demonstrated by that medication in hypertension trials. Patients' total HDD was calculated using pharmacy data (pharmacy HDDs), accounting for substantial delays in refills (>30 days) when a patient's pill supply was stretched (eg, cutting existing pills in half). As an external comparison, the pharmacy HDDs were correlated with doses manually extracted from clinicians' visit notes (clinically noted HDDs). How well the pharmacy HDDs correlated with clinically noted HDDs was calculated (using C statistics). To facilitate interpretation, HDDs were described in association with the number of medications. Results A total of 316 patients (99.1%) were male; the mean (SD) age was 75.6 (7.2) years. Pharmacy HDDs were highly correlated (r = 0.92) with clinically noted HDDs, with a mean (SD) of 2.7 (1.8) for pharmacy HDDs and 2.8 (1.8) for clinically noted HDDs. Pharmacy HDDs correlated with high-intensity, clinically noted HDDs ranging from a C statistic of 92.8% (95% CI, 92.0%-93.7%) for 2 or more clinically noted HDDs to 88.1% (95% CI, 85.5%-90.6%) for 6 or more clinically noted HDDs. Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that health system pharmacy data may be used to accurately quantify hypertension regimen dose intensity. Together with clinic-measured BP, this tool can be used in future health system-based research or quality improvement efforts to fine-tune, manage, and optimize hypertension treatment in older adults.
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Aubert CE, Kerr EA, Klamerus ML, Hofer TP, Wei MY. Focus and features of prescribing indications spanning multiple chronic conditions in older adults: A narrative review. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2021; 11:26335565211012876. [PMID: 35620567 PMCID: PMC9128827 DOI: 10.1177/26335565211012876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Inappropriate prescribing is frequent in older adults and associated with
adverse outcomes. Prescribing indications aim to optimize prescribing, but
little is known about the focus and features of prescribing indications for
the most common chronic conditions in older adults. Understanding the
conditions, medications, and issues addressed (e.g., patient perspective,
drug-disease interaction, adverse drug event) in current prescribing
indications may help to identify missing indications and develop
standardized measures to improve prescribing quality. Methods: We searched Ovid/MEDLINE and EMBASE for articles published between 2015 and
2020 reporting prescribing indications for older adults. Prescribing
indication included 1) prescribing “criteria,” or statements that guide
prescribing action, and 2) prescribing “measures,” or prescribing actions
observed in a population. We categorized their focus by conditions,
medications and issues addressed, as well as level of evidence provided. Results: Among 16 sets of prescribing indications, we identified 748 criteria and 47
measures. The most common addressed medications were antihypertensives,
analgesics/antirheumatics, and antiplatelets/anticoagulants. The most
frequently addressed issues were drug-disease interaction, adverse drug
event, administration, better therapeutic alternative, and (co-)prescription
omission (20.8–36.1%). Age/functioning, drug-drug interaction, monitoring,
and efficacy/safety ratio were found in only 9.9–16.5% of indications.
Indications rarely focused on the patient perspective or issues with
multiple providers. Conclusion: Most prescribing indications for chronic conditions in older patients are
criteria rather than measures. Indications accounting for patient
perspective and multiple providers are limited. The gaps identified in this
review may help improve the development of prescribing measures for older
adults and ultimately improve quality of care.
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Terman SW, Aubert CE, Hill CE, Maust DT, Betjemann JP, Boyd CM, Burke JF. Polypharmacy in patients with epilepsy: A nationally representative cross-sectional study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107261. [PMID: 32629416 PMCID: PMC7869064 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to characterize the prevalence of polypharmacy and central nervous system (CNS)-acting medications in patients with epilepsy, and particular types of medications. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using data from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We included patients who reported taking at least one prescription medication in order to treat seizures or epilepsy during NHANES survey years 2013-2016. We assessed the number and types of drugs and predictors of total number of medications using a negative binomial regression. We then assessed prevalence of polypharmacy (≥5 medications), CNS polypharmacy (≥3 CNS-acting medications) and additional CNS-acting medications, and drugs that lower the seizure threshold (i.e., bupropion and tramadol), and extrapolated prevalence to estimated affected US population. RESULTS The NHANES contained 20,146 participants, of whom 135 reported taking ≥1 antiseizure medication (ASM) for seizures or epilepsy representing 2,399,520 US citizens using NHANES's sampling frame. Patients reported taking a mean 5.3 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.3-6.3) prescription medications. Adjusting for race, sex, and uninsurance, both age and number of chronic conditions predicted increased number of medications (incident rate ratio (IRR) per decade: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-1.28; IRR per chronic condition: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11-1.27). Polypharmacy was reported by 47% (95% CI: 38%-57%) of patients, CNS polypharmacy by 34% (23%-47%), benzodiazepine use by 21% (14%-30%), opioid use by 16% (11%-24%), benzodiazepine plus opioid use by 6% (3%-14%), and 6% (2%-15%) reported a drug that lowers the seizure threshold. Twelve percent (7%-20%) took an opioid with either a benzodiazepine or gabapentinoid. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy is common in patients with epilepsy. Patients taking ASMs frequently reported also taking other CNS-acting medications (i.e., opioids, benzodiazepines, seizure threshold-lowering medications), and medication combinations with black box warnings. Central nervous system polypharmacy poses health risks. Future research is needed to explore drivers of polypharmacy and strategies to help mitigate potentially harmful prescription use in this high-risk population.
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Aubert CE, Schnipper JL, Fankhauser N, Marques-Vidal P, Stirnemann J, Auerbach AD, Zimlichman E, Kripalani S, Vasilevskis EE, Robinson E, Metlay J, Fletcher GS, Limacher A, Donzé J. Association of patterns of multimorbidity with length of stay: A multinational observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21650. [PMID: 32846776 PMCID: PMC7447409 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the combinations of chronic comorbidities associated with length of stay (LOS) among multimorbid medical inpatients.Multinational retrospective cohort of 126,828 medical inpatients with multimorbidity, defined as ≥2 chronic diseases (data collection: 2010-2011). We categorized the chronic diseases into comorbidities using the Clinical Classification Software. We described the 20 combinations of comorbidities with the strongest association with prolonged LOS, defined as longer than or equal to country-specific LOS, and reported the difference in median LOS for those combinations. We also assessed the association between the number of diseases or body systems involved and prolonged LOS.The strongest association with prolonged LOS (odds ratio [OR] 7.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.64-7.91, P < 0.001) and the highest difference in median LOS (13 days, 95% CI 12.8-13.2, P < 0.001) were found for the combination of diseases of white blood cells and hematological malignancy. Other comorbidities found in the 20 top combinations had ORs between 2.37 and 3.65 (all with P < 0.001) and a difference in median LOS of 2 to 5 days (all with P < 0.001), and included mostly neurological disorders and chronic ulcer of skin. Prolonged LOS was associated with the number of chronic diseases and particularly with the number of body systems involved (≥7 body systems: OR 21.50, 95% CI 19.94-23.18, P < 0.001).LOS was strongly associated with specific combinations of comorbidities and particularly with the number of body systems involved. Describing patterns of multimorbidity associated with LOS may help hospitals anticipate resource utilization and judiciously allocate services to shorten LOS.
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Aubert CE, Kerr EA, Maratt JK, Klamerus ML, Hofer TP. Outcome Measures for Interventions to Reduce Inappropriate Chronic Drugs: A Narrative Review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 68:2390-2398. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Aubert CE, Schnipper JL, Roumet M, Marques-Vidal P, Stirnemann J, Auerbach AD, Zimlichman E, Kripalani S, Vasilevskis EE, Robinson E, Fletcher GS, Aujesky D, Limacher A, Donzé J. Best Definitions of Multimorbidity to Identify Patients With High Health Care Resource Utilization. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2020; 4:40-49. [PMID: 32055770 PMCID: PMC7011007 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare different definitions of multimorbidity to identify patients with higher health care resource utilization. Patients and Methods We used a multinational retrospective cohort including 147,806 medical inpatients discharged from 11 hospitals in 3 countries (United States, Switzerland, and Israel) between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011. We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 8 definitions of multimorbidity, based on International Classification of Diseases codes defining health conditions, the Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Index, the Elixhauser-van Walraven Comorbidity Index, body systems, or Clinical Classification Software categories to predict 30-day hospital readmission and/or prolonged length of stay (longer than or equal to the country-specific upper quartile). We used a lower (yielding sensitivity ≥90%) and an upper (yielding specificity ≥60%) cutoff to create risk categories. Results Definitions had poor to fair discriminatory power in the derivation (AUC, 0.61-0.65) and validation cohorts (AUC, 0.64-0.71). The definitions with the highest AUC were number of (1) health conditions with involvement of 2 or more body systems, (2) body systems, (3) Clinical Classification Software categories, and (4) health conditions. At the upper cutoff, sensitivity and specificity were 65% to 79% and 50% to 53%, respectively, in the validation cohort; of the 147,806 patients, 5% to 12% (7474 to 18,008) were classified at low risk, 38% to 55% (54,484 to 81,540) at intermediate risk, and 32% to 50% (47,331 to 72,435) at high risk. Conclusion Of the 8 definitions of multimorbidity, 4 had comparable discriminatory power to identify patients with higher health care resource utilization. Of these 4, the number of health conditions may represent the easiest definition to apply in clinical routine. The cutoff chosen, favoring sensitivity or specificity, should be determined depending on the aim of the definition.
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Aubert CE, Fankhauser N, Marques-Vidal P, Stirnemann J, Aujesky D, Limacher A, Donzé J. Multimorbidity and healthcare resource utilization in Switzerland: a multicentre cohort study. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:708. [PMID: 31623664 PMCID: PMC6798375 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4575-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity is associated with higher healthcare resource utilization, but we lack data on the association of specific combinations of comorbidities with healthcare resource utilization. We aimed to identify the combinations of comorbidities associated with high healthcare resource utilization among multimorbid medical inpatients. METHODS We performed a multicentre retrospective cohort study including 33,871 multimorbid (≥2 chronic diseases) medical inpatients discharged from three Swiss hospitals in 2010-2011. Healthcare resource utilization was measured as 30-day potentially avoidable readmission (PAR), prolonged length of stay (LOS) and difference in median LOS. We identified the combinations of chronic comorbidities associated with the highest healthcare resource utilization and quantified this association using regression techniques. RESULTS Three-fourths of the combinations with the strongest association with PAR included chronic kidney disease. Acute and unspecified renal failure combined with solid malignancy was most strongly associated with PAR (OR 2.64, 95%CI 1.79;3.90). Miscellaneous mental health disorders combined with mood disorders was the most strongly associated with LOS (difference in median LOS: 17 days) and prolonged LOS (OR 10.77, 95%CI 8.38;13.84). The number of chronic diseases was strongly associated with prolonged LOS (OR 9.07, 95%CI 8.04;10.24 for ≥10 chronic diseases), and to a lesser extent with PAR (OR 2.16, 95%CI 1.75;2.65 for ≥10 chronic diseases). CONCLUSIONS Multimorbidity appears to have a higher impact on LOS than on PAR. Combinations of comorbidities most strongly associated with healthcare utilization included kidney disorders for PAR, and mental health disorders for LOS.
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Aubert CE, Fankhauser N, Marques-Vidal P, Stirnemann J, Aujesky D, Limacher A, Donzé J. Patterns of multimorbidity in internal medicine patients in Swiss university hospitals: a multicentre cohort study. Swiss Med Wkly 2019; 149:w20094. [PMID: 31256414 DOI: 10.4414/smw.2019.20094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS OF THE STUDY Despite the high prevalence of multimorbidity, we lack detailed descriptive data on the most prevalent combinations of chronic comorbidities in Switzerland. We aimed to describe and quantify the most prevalent combinations of comorbidities in internal medicine multimorbid inpatients. METHODS We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study including all consecutive adults (n = 42,739) discharged from the general internal medicine department of three Swiss tertiary teaching hospitals in 2010–2011. We used the Chronic Condition Indicator and the Clinical Classification Software to classify International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes into chronic or acute diseases, into body system categories and into categories of chronic comorbidities. We defined multimorbidity as ≥2 chronic diseases. We described the most prevalent combinations of comorbidities and their prevalence. RESULTS Seventy-nine percent (n = 33,871) of the patients were multimorbid, with a median of four chronic diseases. Chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, solid malignancy and substance-related disorders were the most prevalent comorbidities, with a prevalence of more than 10% for each. All these comorbidities were frequently found in combination with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis, pulmonary heart disease, and peripheral and visceral atherosclerosis. Chronic heart disease was identified in 80% of the most prevalent combinations. Half of the combinations occurred more often than it would have been expected if they were independent. CONCLUSIONS The vast majority of patients fulfilled the criteria for multimorbidity. Chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, solid malignancy and substance-related disorders were each present in at least one tenth of the patients. This in-depth description of the most frequent comorbidities and of their frequent associations in a multicentre population may advise healthcare providers to improve preventive care and develop appropriate guidelines for multimorbid patients.  .
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Aubert CE, Schnipper JL, Fankhauser N, Marques-Vidal P, Stirnemann J, Auerbach AD, Zimlichman E, Kripalani S, Vasilevskis EE, Robinson E, Metlay J, Fletcher GS, Limacher A, Donzé J. Patterns of multimorbidity associated with 30-day readmission: a multinational study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:738. [PMID: 31196053 PMCID: PMC6567629 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7066-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity is associated with higher healthcare utilization; however, data exploring its association with readmission are scarce. We aimed to investigate which most important patterns of multimorbidity are associated with 30-day readmission. METHODS We used a multinational retrospective cohort of 126,828 medical inpatients with multimorbidity defined as ≥2 chronic diseases. The primary and secondary outcomes were 30-day potentially avoidable readmission (PAR) and 30-day all-cause readmission (ACR), respectively. Only chronic diseases were included in the analyses. We presented the OR for readmission according to the number of diseases or body systems involved, and the combinations of diseases categories with the highest OR for readmission. RESULTS Multimorbidity severity, assessed as number of chronic diseases or body systems involved, was strongly associated with PAR, and to a lesser extend with ACR. The strength of association steadily and linearly increased with each additional disease or body system involved. Patients with four body systems involved or nine diseases already had a more than doubled odds for PAR (OR 2.35, 95%CI 2.15-2.57, and OR 2.25, 95%CI 2.05-2.48, respectively). The combinations of diseases categories that were most strongly associated with PAR and ACR were chronic kidney disease with liver disease or chronic ulcer of skin, and hematological malignancy with esophageal disorders or mood disorders, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Readmission was associated with the number of chronic diseases or body systems involved and with specific combinations of diseases categories. The number of body systems involved may be a particularly interesting measure of the risk for readmission in multimorbid patients.
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Aubert CE, Liabeuf S, Amouyal C, Kemel S, Lajat-Kiss F, Lacorte JM, Halbron M, Carlier A, Salem JE, Funck-Brentano C, Perisic Matic L, Witasp A, Stenvinkel P, Phan F, Massy ZA, Hartemann A, Bourron O. Serum concentration and vascular expression of adiponectin are differentially associated with the diabetic calcifying peripheral arteriopathy. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2019; 11:32. [PMID: 31168327 PMCID: PMC6489190 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-019-0429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medial calcification in diabetes contributes to the arterial occlusive process occurring below the knee level. Adiponectin is an adipokine with atheroprotective properties and possible protective role against arterial calcification. The aim of the study was to investigate, in type 2 diabetes, the link between vascular expression and serum concentration of adiponectin and (1) peripheral arterial calcification and (2) lower limb occlusive arterial disease. METHODS Scoring of peripheral vascular calcification and peripheral arterial occlusive disease, using CT-scan and color-duplex ultrasonography respectively, were conducted and explored in relation to serum adiponectin level in a cross sectional study of 197 patients with type 2 diabetes. Vascular adiponectin expression in the arterial wall of diabetic patients with and without medial calcification was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Peripheral arterial calcification score was higher in patients with the highest adiponectin concentration. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, an increase of 1 µg/mL of adiponectin was associated with a 22% increase of arterial calcification (adjusted OR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.03-1.44; p = 0.02). Arterial occlusive score was also higher in patients with adiponectin concentration > median (2.8 ± 4.8 vs 4.2 ± 5.7, p = 0.034). Immunohistochemical analyses showed a strong and specific staining of adiponectin in smooth muscle cells in calcified arteries, with a more pronounced expression of adiponectin in early stages of medial calcification. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral arterial calcification is positively associated with circulating adiponectin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, but vascular adiponectin expression is already observed at early stages of calcification. Adiponectin secretion could be a compensatory mechanism against the calcification process.Trial registration DIACART NCT number: NCT02431234. Registered 30 April 2015.
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Floriani C, Feller M, Aubert CE, M'Rabet-Bensalah K, Collet TH, den Elzen WPJ, Bauer DC, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Aujesky D, Rodondi N. Thyroid Dysfunction and Anemia: A Prospective Cohort Study and a Systematic Review. Thyroid 2018; 28:575-582. [PMID: 29631476 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though the association between thyroid dysfunction and anemia is commonly described, it is not known whether it is clinically relevant. This study set out to quantify the association of thyroid dysfunction on hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and risk of anemia. A systematic review (MEDLINE and EMBASE, from inception until May 15, 2017) was conducted to interpret the findings in context. METHODS Participants from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort with available baseline thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and Hb were included. Euthyroidism was defined as TSH 0.45-4.49 mIU/L (reference category), hypothyroidism as TSH ≥4.50 mIU/L (subclinical [SHypo] with normal fT4 or overt [OHypo] with low fT4), and hyperthyroidism as TSH ≤0.44 mIU/L (subclinical [SHyper] with normal fT4 or overt [OHyper] with elevated fT4). Anemia was defined as Hb <12 g/dL in women and Hb <13 g/dL in men. In the cross-sectional analyses, multiple linear regression was used to compare Hb across TSH categories. In the prospective analysis, participants with OHypo/OHyper at baseline were excluded, as it was assumed that they were treated for overt thyroid disease. A covariance model was used to determine change in Hb concentration from baseline to last follow-up, and multivariable Cox regression was used to analyze anemia risk. RESULTS In the cross-sectional population (n = 12,337), the adjusted Hb was 0.22 g/dL lower [confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.38] in OHypo compared to euthyroids, and 0.08 g/dL lower [CI -0.23 to 0.38] in OHyper. In the prospective analysis, 460/7031 participants developed anemia over a median follow-up of 4.7 years. The adjusted mean Hb change over time was -0.04 g/dL in SHypo [CI -0.14 to 0.06] and 0.05 g/dL in SHyper [CI -0.10 to 0.20]. The adjusted hazard ratio for anemia was 0.99 [CI 0.67-1.48] in SHypo, and 0.52 [CI 0.23-1.16] in SHyper. The systematic review returned no other prospective studies on this association, but cross-sectional and case-control studies showed comparable results. CONCLUSION In this first prospective population-based cohort, subclinical thyroid dysfunction was not associated with a change in Hb concentration during follow-up and was not an independent risk factor for developing anemia; variations in Hb concentration in patients with overt thyroid dysfunction were not clinically relevant.
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Collet TH, Sykiotis GP, Aubert CE, Baumgartner C, Blum MR, Feller M, Stettler C, Rodondi N. [Subclinical hypothyroidism : should we still treat elderly patients? Clinical implications of a new trial in primary care]. REVUE MEDICALE SUISSE 2018; 14:470-474. [PMID: 29489127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Subclinical hypothyroidism, defined as an elevated level of thyrotropin hormone (TSH) and normal thyroxin, is more frequent in women and above 65 years old. This condition is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, in particular with TSH > 10,0 mIU/L. Although overt hypothyroidism is rare (prevalence of 0,3 %), levothyroxine has become the most prescribed medication in the US, while its indications are still debated. The European-funded TRUST trial showed no improvement in Hypothyroid Symptoms and Tiredness scores among patients ≥ 65 years with subclinical hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine, and no improvement in blood pressure, weight, muscle strength and cognition. The results of this study call for a revision of the current international recommendations on the treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism.
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Aubert CE, Rodondi N. [2018 new recommendations for dyslipidemia : a critical review of evidence]. REVUE MEDICALE SUISSE 2018; 14:456-460. [PMID: 29489125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Its management should be individualized according to cardiovascular risk, which can be estimated using PROCAM score, taking into account patients' comorbidities. Cardiovascular risk is classified as low, moderated or high. The Swiss Atherosclerosis Association (AGLA) recently published new recommendations that we are describing taking into account evidence of recent studies, in order to avoid overmedicalisation. Lifestyle interventions should always be implemented and are the main therapy for most patients in primary prevention. A secondary etiology should be excluded, as its treatment can often normalize the lipid disturbance. Familial dyslipidemia should be looked for, as it is associated with a particularly high cardiovascular risk, and because of its specific management.
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Segna D, Bauer DC, Feller M, Schneider C, Fink HA, Aubert CE, Collet TH, da Costa BR, Fischer K, Peeters RP, Cappola AR, Blum MR, van Dorland HA, Robbins J, Naylor K, Eastell R, Uitterlinden AG, Ramirez FR, Gogakos A, Gussekloo J, Williams GR, Schwartz A, Cauley JA, Aujesky DA, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Rodondi N. Association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and change in bone mineral density in prospective cohorts. J Intern Med 2018; 283:56-72. [PMID: 29034571 PMCID: PMC5739958 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper) has been associated with increased risk of hip and other fractures, but the linking mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and bone loss. METHODS Individual participant data analysis was performed after a systematic literature search in MEDLINE/EMBASE (1946-2016). Two reviewers independently screened and selected prospective cohorts providing baseline thyroid status and serial bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. We classified thyroid status as euthyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] 0.45-4.49 mIU/L), SHyper (TSH < 0.45 mIU/L) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo, TSH ≥ 4.50-19.99 mIU/L) both with normal free thyroxine levels. Our primary outcome was annualized percentage BMD change (%ΔBMD) from serial dual X-ray absorptiometry scans of the femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine, obtained from multivariable regression in a random-effects two-step approach. RESULTS Amongst 5458 individuals (median age 72 years, 49.1% women) from six prospective cohorts, 451 (8.3%) had SHypo and 284 (5.2%) had SHyper. During 36 569 person-years of follow-up, those with SHyper had a greater annual bone loss at the femoral neck versus euthyroidism: %ΔBMD = -0.18 (95% CI: -0.34, -0.02; I2 = 0%), with a nonstatistically significant pattern at the total hip: %ΔBMD = -0.14 (95% CI: -0.38, 0.10; I2 = 53%), but not at the lumbar spine: %ΔBMD = 0.03 (95% CI: -0.30, 0.36; I2 = 25%); especially participants with TSH < 0.10 mIU/L showed an increased bone loss in the femoral neck (%Δ BMD = -0.59; [95% CI: -0.99, -0.19]) and total hip region (%ΔBMD = -0.46 [95% CI: -1.05, -0.13]). In contrast, SHypo was not associated with bone loss at any site. CONCLUSION Amongst adults, SHyper was associated with increased femoral neck bone loss, potentially contributing to the increased fracture risk.
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Aubert CE, Bauer DC, da Costa BR, Feller M, Rieben C, Simonsick EM, Yaffe K, Rodondi N. The association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and dementia: The Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2017; 87:617-626. [PMID: 28850708 PMCID: PMC5658241 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Data on the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and dementia are limited and conflicting. We aimed to determine whether subclinical thyroid dysfunction was associated with dementia and cognitive decline. DESIGN Population-based prospective cohort study. PATIENTS Adults aged 70-79 years with measured thyroid function, but no dementia at baseline, and Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) at baseline and follow-up. MEASUREMENTS Primary outcome was incident-adjudicated dementia, based on 3MS, hospital records and dementia drugs. Secondary outcome was change in 3MS. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, education and baseline 3MS, and then further for cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS Among 2558 adults, 85% were euthyroid (TSH 0.45-4.49mIU/L), 2% had subclinical hyperthyroidism with mildly decreased TSH (TSH 0.10-0.44 mIU/L), 1% subclinical hyperthyroidism with suppressed TSH (TSH < 0.10 mIU/L with normal free thyroxine [FT4]) and 12% subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 4.50-19.99 mIU/L with normal FT4). Over 9 years, 22% developed dementia. Compared to euthyroidism, risk of dementia was higher in participants with subclinical hyperthyroidism with suppressed TSH (HR 2.38, 95% CI = 1.13;5.04), while we found no significant association in those with mildly decreased TSH (HR 0.79, 95% CI = 0.45;1.38) or with subclinical hypothyroidism (HR 0.91, 95% CI = 0.70;1.19). Participants with subclinical hyperthyroidism with suppressed TSH had a larger decline in 3MS (-3.89, 95% CI = -7.62; -0.15). CONCLUSIONS Among older adults, subclinical hyperthyroidism with a TSH < 0.10 mIU/L was associated with a higher risk of dementia and a larger cognitive decline, while subclinical hyperthyroidism with mildly decreased TSH or subclinical hypothyroidism were not.
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Aubert CE, Floriani C, Bauer DC, da Costa BR, Segna D, Blum MR, Collet TH, Fink HA, Cappola AR, Syrogiannouli L, Peeters RP, Åsvold BO, den Elzen WPJ, Luben RN, Bremner AP, Gogakos A, Eastell R, Kearney PM, Hoff M, Le Blanc E, Ceresini G, Rivadeneira F, Uitterlinden AG, Khaw KT, Langhammer A, Stott DJ, Westendorp RGJ, Ferrucci L, Williams GR, Gussekloo J, Walsh JP, Aujesky D, Rodondi N. Thyroid Function Tests in the Reference Range and Fracture: Individual Participant Analysis of Prospective Cohorts. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:2719-2728. [PMID: 28482002 PMCID: PMC6283437 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased fracture risk, but it is not clear if lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and higher free thyroxine (FT4) in euthyroid individuals are associated with fracture risk. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of TSH and FT4 with incident fractures in euthyroid individuals. DESIGN Individual participant data analysis. SETTING Thirteen prospective cohort studies with baseline examinations between 1981 and 2002. PARTICIPANTS Adults with baseline TSH 0.45 to 4.49 mIU/L. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was incident hip fracture. Secondary outcomes were any, nonvertebral, and vertebral fractures. Results were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) adjusted for age and sex. For clinical relevance, we studied TSH according to five categories: 0.45 to 0.99 mIU/L; 1.00 to 1.49 mIU/L; 1.50 to 2.49 mIU/L; 2.50 to 3.49 mIU/L; and 3.50 to 4.49 mIU/L (reference). FT4 was assessed as study-specific standard deviation increase, because assays varied between cohorts. RESULTS During 659,059 person-years, 2,565 out of 56,835 participants had hip fracture (4.5%; 12 studies with data on hip fracture). The pooled adjusted HR (95% CI) for hip fracture was 1.25 (1.05 to 1.49) for TSH 0.45 to 0.99 mIU/L, 1.19 (1.01 to 1.41) for TSH 1.00 to 1.49 mIU/L, 1.09 (0.93 to 1.28) for TSH 1.50 to 2.49 mIU/L, and 1.12 (0.94 to 1.33) for TSH 2.50 to 3.49 mIU/L (P for trend = 0.004). Hip fracture was also associated with FT4 [HR (95% CI) 1.22 (1.11 to 1.35) per one standard deviation increase in FT4]. FT4 only was associated with any and nonvertebral fractures. Results remained similar in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Among euthyroid adults, lower TSH and higher FT4 are associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. These findings may help refine the definition of optimal ranges of thyroid function tests.
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Stott DJ, Rodondi N, Kearney PM, Ford I, Westendorp RGJ, Mooijaart SP, Sattar N, Aubert CE, Aujesky D, Bauer DC, Baumgartner C, Blum MR, Browne JP, Byrne S, Collet TH, Dekkers OM, den Elzen WPJ, Du Puy RS, Ellis G, Feller M, Floriani C, Hendry K, Hurley C, Jukema JW, Kean S, Kelly M, Krebs D, Langhorne P, McCarthy G, McCarthy V, McConnachie A, McDade M, Messow M, O'Flynn A, O'Riordan D, Poortvliet RKE, Quinn TJ, Russell A, Sinnott C, Smit JWA, Van Dorland HA, Walsh KA, Walsh EK, Watt T, Wilson R, Gussekloo J. Thyroid Hormone Therapy for Older Adults with Subclinical Hypothyroidism. N Engl J Med 2017; 376:2534-2544. [PMID: 28402245 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1603825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of levothyroxine to treat subclinical hypothyroidism is controversial. We aimed to determine whether levothyroxine provided clinical benefits in older persons with this condition. METHODS We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial involving 737 adults who were at least 65 years of age and who had persisting subclinical hypothyroidism (thyrotropin level, 4.60 to 19.99 mIU per liter; free thyroxine level within the reference range). A total of 368 patients were assigned to receive levothyroxine (at a starting dose of 50 μg daily, or 25 μg if the body weight was <50 kg or the patient had coronary heart disease), with dose adjustment according to the thyrotropin level; 369 patients were assigned to receive placebo with mock dose adjustment. The two primary outcomes were the change in the Hypothyroid Symptoms score and Tiredness score on a thyroid-related quality-of-life questionnaire at 1 year (range of each scale is 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more symptoms or tiredness, respectively; minimum clinically important difference, 9 points). RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 74.4 years, and 396 patients (53.7%) were women. The mean (±SD) thyrotropin level was 6.40±2.01 mIU per liter at baseline; at 1 year, this level had decreased to 5.48 mIU per liter in the placebo group, as compared with 3.63 mIU per liter in the levothyroxine group (P<0.001), at a median dose of 50 μg. We found no differences in the mean change at 1 year in the Hypothyroid Symptoms score (0.2±15.3 in the placebo group and 0.2±14.4 in the levothyroxine group; between-group difference, 0.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.0 to 2.1) or the Tiredness score (3.2±17.7 and 3.8±18.4, respectively; between-group difference, 0.4; 95% CI, -2.1 to 2.9). No beneficial effects of levothyroxine were seen on secondary-outcome measures. There was no significant excess of serious adverse events prespecified as being of special interest. CONCLUSIONS Levothyroxine provided no apparent benefits in older persons with subclinical hypothyroidism. (Funded by European Union FP7 and others; TRUST ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01660126 .).
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Aubert CE, Folly A, Mancinetti M, Hayoz D, Donzé JD. Performance-based functional impairment and readmission and death: a prospective study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016207. [PMID: 28600376 PMCID: PMC5726050 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Readmission and death are frequent after a hospitalisation and difficult to predict. While many predictors have been identified, few studies have focused on functional status. We assessed whether performance-based functional impairment at discharge is associated with readmission and death after an acute medical hospitalisation. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We prospectively included patients aged ≥50 years admitted to the Department of General Internal Medicine of a large community hospital. Functional status was assessed shortly before discharge using the Timed Up and Go test performed twice in a standard way by trained physiotherapists and was defined as a test duration ≥15 s. Sensitivity analyses using a cut-off at >10 and >20 s were performed. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary and secondary outcome measures were unplanned readmission and death, respectively, within 6 months after discharge. RESULTS Within 6 months after discharge, 107/338 (31.7%) patients had an unplanned readmission and 31/338 (9.2%) died. Functional impairment was associated with higher risk of death (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.15 to 5.18), but not with unplanned readmission (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.15). No significant association was found between functional impairment and the total number of unplanned readmissions (adjusted OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.67). CONCLUSIONS Functional impairment at discharge of an acute medical hospitalisation was associated with higher risk of death, but not of unplanned readmission within 6 months after discharge. Simple performance-based assessment may represent a better prognostic measure for mortality than for readmission.
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Mary A, Hartemann A, Brazier M, Aubert CE, Kemel S, Salem JE, Cluzel P, Liabeuf S, Massy Z, Mentaverri R, Bourron O, Kamel S. Higher parathyroid hormone levels are associated with increased below-the-knee arterial calcification in type 2 diabetes. DIABETES & METABOLISM 2017; 44:305-308. [PMID: 28602488 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Aubert CE, Schnipper JL, Williams MV, Robinson EJ, Zimlichman E, Vasilevskis EE, Kripalani S, Metlay JP, Wallington T, Fletcher GS, Auerbach AD, Aujesky D, D Donzé J. Simplification of the HOSPITAL score for predicting 30-day readmissions. BMJ Qual Saf 2017; 26:799-805. [PMID: 28416652 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2016-006239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The HOSPITAL score has been widely validated and accurately identifies high-risk patients who may mostly benefit from transition care interventions. Although this score is easy to use, it has the potential to be simplified without impacting its performance. We aimed to validate a simplified version of the HOSPITAL score for predicting patients likely to be readmitted. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective study in 9 large hospitals across 4 countries, from January through December 2011. PARTICIPANTS We included all consecutively discharged medical patients. We excluded patients who died before discharge or were transferred to another acute care facility. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was any 30-day potentially avoidable readmission. We simplified the score as follows: (1) 'discharge from an oncology division' was replaced by 'cancer diagnosis or discharge from an oncology division'; (2) 'any procedure' was left out; (3) patients were categorised into two risk groups (unlikely and likely to be readmitted). The performance of the simplified HOSPITAL score was evaluated according to its overall accuracy, its discriminatory power and its calibration. RESULTS Thirty-day potentially avoidable readmission rate was 9.7% (n=11 307/117 065 patients discharged). Median of the simplified HOSPITAL score was 3 points (IQR 2-5). Overall accuracy was very good with a Brier score of 0.08 and discriminatory power remained good with a C-statistic of 0.69 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.69). The calibration was excellent when comparing the expected with the observed risk in the two risk categories. CONCLUSIONS The simplified HOSPITAL score has good performance for predicting 30-day readmission. Prognostic accuracy was similar to the original version, while its use is even easier. This simplified score may provide a good alternative to the original score depending on the setting.
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Bauer S, Aubert CE, Richli M, Chuard C. Blood cultures in the evaluation of uncomplicated cellulitis. Eur J Intern Med 2016; 36:50-56. [PMID: 27527755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2016.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The frequency of bacteremia and the array of microorganisms involved in cellulitis vary greatly among studies. Although current guidelines do not recommend routine blood culture in uncomplicated cellulitis, their implementation in clinical practice remains challenging. We therefore aimed to assess the frequency, determinants and microbiology of bacteremia in hospitalized patients with uncomplicated cellulitis. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all adult patients admitted at a primary-care hospital with a diagnosis of community-acquired uncomplicated cellulitis during a 4-year period. We looked at the factors associated with blood cultures sampling and at the incidence, determinants and microbiology of bacteremia in this population. RESULTS Among the 476 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of cellulitis, 250 (52.5%) had blood cultures. Fever, high C-reactive protein and lymphatic insufficiency were significantly associated with the sampling of blood cultures. Twelve (4.8%) patients had bacteremia. Alcoholism and duration of hospitalization were associated with bacteremia in multivariate analysis. Among the 12 patients with bacteremia, 9 had Streptococcus sp. and 3 had Staphylococcus aureus infection. CONCLUSION In our study population with uncomplicated cellulitis, representative of unselected population admitted at primary-care hospitals, bacteremia was uncommon and not associated with discriminant patient characteristics, except for alcohol abuse. Episodes of bacteremia were exclusively due to gram-positive cocci susceptible to co-amoxicilin, a common first-line empirical therapy. In accordance with existing guidelines, we do not recommend to collect blood for cultures in uncomplicated cellulitis. Clinicians' awareness of guidelines and of the poor yield of blood cultures could reduce useless investigation.
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Rieben C, Segna D, da Costa BR, Collet TH, Chaker L, Aubert CE, Baumgartner C, Almeida OP, Hogervorst E, Trompet S, Masaki K, Mooijaart SP, Gussekloo J, Peeters RP, Bauer DC, Aujesky D, Rodondi N. Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction and the Risk of Cognitive Decline: a Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:4945-4954. [PMID: 27689250 PMCID: PMC6287525 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-2129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although both overt hyper- and hypothyroidism are known to lead to cognitive impairment, data on the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and cognitive function are conflicting. OBJECTIVE This study sought to determine the risk of dementia and cognitive decline associated with subclinical thyroid dysfunction among prospective cohorts. DATA SOURCES We searched in MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception until November 2014. STUDY SELECTION Two physicians identified prospective cohorts that assessed thyroid function and cognitive outcomes (dementia; Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]). DATA EXTRACTION Data were extracted by one reviewer following standardized protocols and verified by a second reviewer. The primary outcome was dementia and decline in cognitive function was the secondary outcome. DATA SYNTHESIS Eleven prospective cohorts followed 16,805 participants during a median followup of 44.4 months. Five studies analyzed the risk of dementia in subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper) (n = 6410), six in subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo) (n = 7401). Five studies analyzed MMSE decline in SHyper (n = 7895), seven in SHypo (n = 8960). In random-effects models, the pooled adjusted risk ratio for dementia in SHyper was 1.67 (95% confidence interval, 1.04; 2.69) and 1.14 (95% confidence interval, 0.84; 1.55) in SHypo vs euthyroidism, both without evidence of significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0%). The pooled mean MMSE decline from baseline to followup (mean 32 mo) did not significantly differ between SHyper or SHypo vs euthyroidism. CONCLUSIONS SHyper might be associated with an elevated risk for dementia, whereas SHypo is not, and both conditions are not associated with faster decline in MMSE over time. Available data are limited, and additional large, high-quality studies are needed.
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