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Ip EJ, Barnett MJ, Tenerowicz MJ, Perry PJ. Weightlifting's risky new trend: a case series of 41 insulin users. Curr Sports Med Rep 2012; 11:176-9. [PMID: 22777326 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0b013e31825da97f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) is common among strength-trained individuals, and a growing concern is the misuse of insulin. A 99-item Internet-based survey was posted on discussion boards of various fitness, bodybuilding, weightlifting, and anabolic steroid Web sites between February and June 2009. A case series of 41 nondiabetic insulin users is described. The typical insulin user was 30.7 ± 9.2 years old, male (97.6%), and Caucasian/white (86.8%) who classified himself as a "recreational exerciser" (47.5%). The average insulin user also used anabolic steroids (95.1%) and practiced polypharmacy by incorporating 16.2 ± 5.6 PEDs in his or her yearly routine. Hypoglycemia was reported by most of the subjects (56.8%), and one individual reported unconsciousness. Insulin was obtained most commonly from local sources (e.g., friends, training partners, gym member/dealer; 40.5%) and community pharmacies (37.8%), with most (80.6%) finding it "easy" to acquire their insulin. Strategies aimed to prevent insulin misuse are needed.
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Ip EJ, Lu DH, Barnett MJ, Tenerowicz MJ, Vo JC, Perry PJ. Psychological and Physical Impact of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Dependence. Pharmacotherapy 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Ip EJ, Barnett MJ, Tenerowicz MJ, Perry PJ. The Anabolic 500 survey: characteristics of male users versus nonusers of anabolic-androgenic steroids for strength training. Pharmacotherapy 2012; 31:757-66. [PMID: 21923602 DOI: 10.1592/phco.31.8.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To contrast the characteristics of two groups of men who participated in strength-training exercise-those who reported anabolicandrogenic steroid (AAS) use versus those who reported no AAS use. DESIGN Analysis of data from the Anabolic 500, a cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS Five hundred six male self-reported AAS users (mean age 29.3 yrs) and 771 male self-reported nonusers of AAS (mean age 25.2 yrs) who completed an online survey between February 19 and June 30, 2009. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Respondents were recruited from Internet discussion boards of 38 fitness, bodybuilding, weightlifting, and steroid Web sites. The respondents provided online informed consent and completed the Anabolic 500, a 99-item Web-based survey. Data were collected on demographics, use of AAS and other performance-enhancing agents, alcohol and illicit drug use, substance dependence disorder, other Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision diagnoses, and history of sexual and/or physical abuse. Most (70.4%) of the AAS users were recreational exercisers who reported using an average of 11.1 performance-enhancing agents in their routine. Compared with nonusers, the AAS users were more likely to meet criteria for substance dependence disorder (23.4% vs 11.2%, p<0.001), report a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (10.1% vs 6.1%, p=0.010), use cocaine within the past 12 months (11.3% vs 4.7%, p<0.001), and report a history of sexual abuse (6.1% vs 2.7%, p=0.005). CONCLUSION Most of the AAS users in this study were recreational exercisers who practiced polypharmacy. The AAS users were more likely than nonusers to meet criteria for substance dependence disorder, report a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, report recent cocaine use, and have a history of sexual abuse. The information uncovered in this study may help clinicians and researchers develop appropriate intervention strategies for AAS abuse.
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Ip EJ, Barnett MJ, Tenerowicz MJ, Perry PJ. The Touro 500: An In-depth Analysis of 506 Steroid Users and 771 Non-Steroid Users. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2011. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000402365.24715.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Knapp KK, Shah BM, Barnett MJ. The pharmacist Aggregate Demand Index to explain changing pharmacist demand over a ten-year period. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2010; 74:189. [PMID: 21436930 PMCID: PMC3058450 DOI: 10.5688/aj7410189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe Aggregate Demand Index (ADI) trends from 1999-2010; to compare ADI time trends to concurrent data for US unemployment levels, US entry-level pharmacy graduates, and US retail prescription growth rate; and to determine which variables were significant predictors of ADI. METHODS Annual ADI data (dependent variable) were analyzed against annual unemployment rates, annual number of pharmacy graduates, and annual prescription growth rate (independent variables). RESULTS ADI data trended toward lower demand levels for pharmacists since late 2006, paralleling the US economic downturn. National ADI data were most highly correlated with unemployment (p < 0.001), then graduates (p < 0.006), then prescription growth rate (p < 0.093). A hierarchical model with the 3 variables was significant (p = 0.019), but only unemployment was a significant ADI predictor. Unemployment and ADI also were significantly related at the regional, division, and state levels. CONCLUSIONS The ADI is strongly linked to US unemployment rates. The relationship suggests that an improving economy might coincide with increased pharmacist demand. Predictable increases in future graduates and other factors support revisiting the modeling process as new data accumulate.
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Seftel MD, Paulson K, Doocey R, Song K, Czaykowski P, Coppin C, Forrest D, Hogge D, Kollmansberger C, Smith CA, Shepherd JD, Toze CL, Murray N, Sutherland H, Nantel S, Nevill TJ, Barnett MJ. Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing auto-SCT for advanced germ cell tumour: a multicentre cohort study. Bone Marrow Transplant 2010; 46:852-7. [PMID: 21042312 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2010.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Failure of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced germ cell tumour (GCT) is associated with a poor outcome. High-dose chemotherapy and auto-SCT is one therapeutic option, although the long-term outcome after this procedure is unclear. We conducted a multicentre cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing a single auto-SCT for GCT between January 1986 and December 2004. Of 71 subjects, median follow-up is 10.1 years. OS at 5 years is 44.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32.9-56.5%) and EFS is 43.5% (95% CI 31.4-55.1%). There were seven (10%) treatment-related deaths within 100 days of auto-SCT. Three (4.2%) patients developed secondary malignancies. Of 33 relapses, 31 occurred within 2 years of auto-SCT. Two very late relapses were noted 13 and 11 years after auto-SCT. In multivariate analysis, favourable outcome was associated with IGCCC (International Germ Cell Consensus Classification) good prognosis disease at diagnosis, primary gonadal disease and response to salvage chemotherapy. We conclude that auto-SCT results in successful outcome for a relatively large subgroup of patients with high-risk GCT. Late relapses may occur, a finding not previously reported.
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Ip EJ, Barnett MJ, Tenerowicz MJ, Perry PJ. The touro 12-step: a systematic guide to optimizing survey research with online discussion boards. J Med Internet Res 2010; 12:e16. [PMID: 20507843 PMCID: PMC2956227 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2009] [Revised: 08/28/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internet, in particular discussion boards, can provide a unique opportunity for recruiting participants in online research surveys. Despite its outreach potential, there are significant barriers which can limit its success. Trust, participation, and visibility issues can all hinder the recruitment process; the Touro 12-Step was developed to address these potential hurdles. By following this step-by-step approach, researchers will be able to minimize these pitfalls and maximize their recruitment potential via online discussion boards.
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Mar E, Barnett MJ, T-L Tang T, Sasaki-Hill D, Kuperberg JR, Knapp K. Impact of previous pharmacy work experience on pharmacy school academic performance. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2010; 74:42. [PMID: 20498735 PMCID: PMC2865408 DOI: 10.5688/aj740342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/07/2009] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether students' previous pharmacy-related work experience was associated with their pharmacy school performance (academic and clinical). METHODS The following measures of student academic performance were examined: pharmacy grade point average (GPA), scores on cumulative high-stakes examinations, and advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) grades. The quantity and type of pharmacy-related work experience each student performed prior to matriculation was solicited through a student survey instrument. Survey responses were correlated with academic measures, and demographic-based stratified analyses were conducted. RESULTS No significant difference in academic or clinical performance between those students with prior pharmacy experience and those without was identified. Subanalyses by work setting, position type, and substantial pharmacy work experience did not reveal any association with student performance. A relationship was found, however, between age and work experience, ie, older students tended to have more work experience than younger students. CONCLUSIONS Prior pharmacy work experience did not affect students' overall academic or clinical performance in pharmacy school. The lack of significant findings may have been due to the inherent practice limitations of nonpharmacist positions, changes in pharmacy education, and the limitations of survey responses.
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Mészáros K, Barnett MJ, McDonald K, Wehring H, Evans DJ, Sasaki-Hill D, Goldsmith PC, Knapp KK. Progress examination for assessing students' readiness for advanced pharmacy practice experiences. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2009; 73:109. [PMID: 19885078 PMCID: PMC2769531 DOI: 10.5688/aj7306109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2008] [Accepted: 02/06/2009] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To create a valid assessment tool to evaluate the readiness of pharmacy students for advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). DESIGN The Triple Jump Examination (TJE) was tailored to the 4-year, 2-plus-2 curriculum of the College. It consisted of (1) a written, case-based, closed-book examination, (2) a written, case-based open-book examination, and (3) an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The TJE was administered at the end of each 4 academic semesters. Progression of students to APPEs was dependent on achieving a preset minimum cumulative (weighted average) score in the 4 consecutive TJE examinations. ASSESSMENT The predictive utility of the examination was demonstrated by a strong correlation between the cumulative TJE scores and the preceptor grades in the first year (P3) of APPEs (r = 0.60, p > 0.0001). Reliability of the TJE was shown by strong correlations among the 4 successive TJE examinations. A survey probing the usefulness of TJE indicated acceptance by both students and faculty members. CONCLUSION The TJE program is an effective tool for the assessment of pharmacy students' readiness for the experiential years. In addition, the TJE provides guidance for students to achieve preparedness for APPE.
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Abou-Mourad YR, Lau BC, Barnett MJ, Forrest DL, Hogge DE, Nantel SH, Nevill TJ, Shepherd JD, Smith CA, Song KW, Sutherland HJ, Toze CL, Lavoie JC. Long-term outcome after allo-SCT: close follow-up on a large cohort treated with myeloablative regimens. Bone Marrow Transplant 2009; 45:295-302. [PMID: 19597425 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2009.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the late outcomes of 429 long-term survivors post allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (allo-HSCT) who received transplant in our center between 1981 and 2002, and were free of their primary disease for > or =2 years after allo-HSCT. Late recurrent primary malignancy was found in 58 (13.5%) patients and was the primary cause of late death. A total of 37 (8.6%) patients died of non-relapse causes at a median of 5.5 years (range, 2-15.6 years) post allo-HSCT. The major non-relapse causes of death were chronic GVHD (cGVHD), secondary malignancy and infection. The probabilities of OS and EFS were 85% (95% cumulative incidence (CI) (81-89%)) and 79% (95% CI (74-83%)) at 10 years, respectively. Long-term allo-HSCT survivors were evaluated for late complications (median follow-up, 8.6 years (range, 2.3-22.8 years)). cGVHD was diagnosed in 196 (53.1%) survivors. The endocrine and metabolic complications were hypogonadism in 134 (36.3%) patients, osteopenia/osteoporosis in 90 (24.4%), dyslipidemia in 33 (8.9%), hypothyroidism in 28 (7.6%) and diabetes in 28 (7.6%). Hypertension was diagnosed in 79 (21.4%), renal impairment in 70 (19.0%), depression in 40 (10.8%) and sexual dysfunction in 33 (8.9%) survivors. We conclude that in patients who receive allo-HSCT as treatment for hematological malignancy and who are free of their original disease 2 years post transplant, mortality is low and the probability of durable remission is high. Lifelong surveillance is recommended.
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Gallagher G, Chhanabhai M, Song KW, Barnett MJ. Unusual presentation of precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma: involvement limited to breasts and skin. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 48:428-30. [PMID: 17325911 DOI: 10.1080/10428190601059712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Greenwood MJ, Seftel MD, Richardson C, Barbaric D, Barnett MJ, Bruyere H, Forrest DL, Horsman DE, Smith C, Song K, Sutherland HJ, Toze CL, Nevill TJ, Nantel SH, Hogge DE. Leukocyte count as a predictor of death during remission induction in acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 47:1245-52. [PMID: 16923553 DOI: 10.1080/10428190600572673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presenting with a high leukocyte count has been associated with an increase in induction mortality and poor results in a number of other survival measures. However, the level at which an elevated leukocyte count has prognostic significance in AML remains unclear. In this report on a series of 375 adult (non-M3) AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy at a single institution, leukocyte count analyzed as a continuous variable is shown to be a better predictor of induction death (ID) and overall survival (OS) than a leukocyte count of > or = 100 x 10(9)/L, a value characteristically associated with "hyperleukocytosis" (HL). In this patient cohort, a presenting leukocyte count of > or = 30 x 10(9)/L had high sensitivity and specificity for predicting ID, and both performance status (PS) and leukocyte count more accurately predicted for ID than age. Considering these parameters in newly-diagnosed AML patients may facilitate the development of strategies for reducing induction mortality.
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Barnett MJ, Frank J, Wehring H, Newland B, VonMuenster S, Kumbera P, Halterman T, Perry PJ. Analysis of pharmacist-provided medication therapy management (MTM) services in community pharmacies over 7 years. JOURNAL OF MANAGED CARE PHARMACY : JMCP 2009; 15:18-31. [PMID: 19125547 PMCID: PMC10438125 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2009.15.1.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although community pharmacists have historically been paid primarily for drug distribution and dispensing services, medication therapy management (MTM) services evolved in the 1990s as a means for pharmacists and other providers to assist physicians and patients in managing clinical, service, and cost outcomes of drug therapy. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA 2003) and the subsequent implementation of Medicare Part D in January 2006 for the more than 20 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the Part D benefit formalized MTM services for a subset of high-cost patients. Although Medicare Part D has provided a new opportunity for defining the value of pharmacist-provided MTM services in the health care system, few publications exist which quantify changes in the provision of pharmacist-provided MTM services over time. OBJECTIVES To (a) describe the changes over a 7-year period in the primary types of MTM services provided by community pharmacies that have contracted with drug plan sponsors through an MTM administrative services company, and (b) quantify potential MTM-related cost savings based on pharmacists' self-assessments of the likely effects of their interventions on health care utilization. METHODS Medication therapy management claims from a multistate MTM administrative services company were analyzed over the 7-year period from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2006. Data extracted from each MTM claim included patient demographics (e.g., age and gender), the drug and type that triggered the intervention (e.g., drug therapeutic class and therapy type as either acute, intermittent, or chronic), and specific information about the service provided (e.g., Reason, Action, Result, and Estimated Cost Avoidance [ECA]). ECA values are derived from average national health care utilization costs, which are applied to pharmacist self-assessment of the "reasonable and foreseeable" outcome of the intervention. ECA values are updated annually for medical care inflation. RESULTS From a database of nearly 100,000 MTM claims, a convenience sample of 50 plan sponsors was selected. After exclusion of claims with missing or potentially duplicate data, there were 76,148 claims for 23,798 patients from community pharmacy MTM providers in 47 states. Over the 7-year period from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2006, the mean ([SD] median) pharmacy reimbursement was $8.44 ([$5.19] $7.00) per MTM service, and the mean ([SD] median) ECA was $93.78 ([$1,022.23] $5.00). During the 7-year period, pharmacist provided MTM interventions changed from primarily education and monitoring for new or changed prescription therapies to prescriber consultations regarding cost-efficacy management (Pearson chi-square P<0.001). Services also shifted from claims involving acute medications (e.g. penicillin antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics, and narcotic analgesics) to services involving chronic medications (e.g., lipid lowering agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, and beta-blockers; P<0.001), resulting in significant changes in the therapeutic classes associated with MTM claims and an increase in the proportion of older patients served (P<0.001). These trends resulted in higher pharmacy reimbursements and greater ECA per claim over time (P<0.001). CONCLUSION MTM interventions over a 7-year period evolved from primarily the provision of patient education involving acute medications towards consultation-type services for chronic medications. These changes were associated with increases in reimbursement amounts and pharmacist-estimated cost savings. It is uncertain if this shift in service type is a result of clinical need, documentation requirements, or reimbursement opportunities.
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Ramadan KM, Connors JM, Al-Tourah AJ, Song KW, Gascoyne RD, Barnett MJ, Nevill TJ, Shepherd JD, Nantel SH, Sutherland HJ, Forrest DL, Hogge DE, Lavoie JC, Abou-Mourad YR, Chhanabhai M, Voss NJ, Brinkman RR, Smith CA, Toze CL. Allogeneic SCT for relapsed composite and transformed lymphoma using related and unrelated donors: long-term results. Bone Marrow Transplant 2008; 42:601-8. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2008.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Halim TY, Song KW, Barnett MJ, Forrest DL, Hogge DE, Nantel SH, Nevill TJ, Shepherd JD, Smith CA, Sutherland HJ, Toze CL, Lavoie JC. Positive impact of selective outpatient management of high-risk acute myelogenous leukemia on the incidence of septicemia. Ann Oncol 2007; 18:1246-52. [PMID: 17442662 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdm112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Curative intent chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) leads to prolonged severe neutropenia, during which patients are highly susceptible to infection. Traditionally these high-risk patients were treated as inpatients. Our center recently implemented a selective ambulatory management policy for AML patients undergoing chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess the occurrence of septicemia in AML patients treated over a 5 years period with curative intent chemotherapy. This review encompasses a change in policy from primarily inpatient care to selective outpatient management coupled with prophylactic antibiotic therapy. RESULTS A total of 294 patients, receiving 623 cycles of chemotherapy were identified. A significant decrease in septicemia was observed from the inpatient to outpatient cohort (22% to 13% P < 0.05), which correlated with the shift towards outpatient treatment of consolidation cycles. A shift from Gram-negative to Gram-positive organisms as the cause of septicemia was also detected in the outpatient cohort, likely due to the introduction of ciprofloxacin prophylaxis. No significant emerging resistance and no septicemia-related mortality were noted in the outpatient cohort. CONCLUSION The observed decrease in the incidence of septicemia in the ambulatory cohort adds supportive evidence to the feasibility of selective outpatient management of AML patients with respect to infectious complications.
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Kaboli PJ, Shivapour DM, Henderson MS, Barnett MJ, Ishani A, Carter BL. Patient and Provider Perceptions of Hypertension Treatment: Do They Agree? J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2007; 9:416-23. [PMID: 17541326 PMCID: PMC8109969 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-6175.2007.06492.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The objective of our study was to explore physician and patient attitudes regarding hypertension management. One hundred forty-five primary care providers and 189 patients with hypertension at 6 Veterans Administration clinics completed a hypertension survey. Fifty-one percent of patients were at their blood pressure goal, 58% were on guideline-concordant therapy, and 31% achieved both. Patients and providers agreed that physicians were a "very/extremely" useful source of information but differed in perceived value of pharmacists, educational material, advertising, and the Internet. They also agreed on the value of preventing cardiovascular events but differed in their perceptions of the importance of medication costs, side effects, and national guidelines. Blood pressure control and guideline-concordant therapy was higher than most prior reports, but with opportunity for improvement. Patients and providers differed in perceived value of various aspects of hypertension management; this information may help to determine trial design and quality improvement strategies in the future.
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Song KW, Barnett MJ, Gascoyne RD, Chhanabhai M, Forrest DL, Hogge DE, Lavoie JC, Nantel SH, Nevill TJ, Shepherd JD, Smith CA, Sutherland HJ, Toze CL, Voss NJ, Connors JM. Primary therapy for adults with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma with hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation results in favorable outcomes. Ann Oncol 2006; 18:535-40. [PMID: 17158775 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the role of high-dose therapy followed by stem-cell transplant (SCT) in the treatment of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL). We conducted an intention-to-treat analysis of the strategy of SCT as definitive treatment of T-LBL. PATIENTS AND METHODS From July 1987 to March 2005, 34 adults with T-LBL were diagnosed and treated in British Columbia. Treatment, before planned SCT, consisted of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)/acute lymphoblastic leukemia hybrid chemotherapy protocol (28 patients) or a standard NHL chemotherapy regimen (six patients). RESULTS Median follow-up of the 23 surviving patients is 51 months (range 13-142 months). Twenty-nine proceeded to SCT (four allogeneic, 25 autologous). For all 34 patients, 4-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) are 72% and 68%, respectively. For patients proceeding to SCT, the 4-year OS and EFS are 79% and 73%, respectively. All patients who received allografts are alive without disease at 38-141 months since diagnosis. For patients who received autografts, the 4-year EFS is 69%. Bone marrow involvement was a significant prognostic factor predicting for a worse survival (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION A treatment strategy for adults with chemosensitive T-LBL that includes planned consolidation with SCT in first response produces favorable long-term outcome.
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Abrams TE, Barnett MJ, Hoth A, Schultz S, Kaboli PJ. The relationship between hearing impairment and depression in older veterans. J Am Geriatr Soc 2006; 54:1475-7. [PMID: 16970669 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2006.00875.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Perry PJ, Argo TR, Barnett MJ, Liesveld JL, Liskow B, Hernan JM, Trnka MG, Brabson MA. The Association of Alcohol-Induced Blackouts and Grayouts to Blood Alcohol Concentrations. J Forensic Sci 2006; 51:896-9. [PMID: 16882236 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2006.00161.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between measured blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the presence and degree of amnesia (no amnesia, grayout, or blackout) in actively drinking subjects. A secondary aim was to determine potential factors other than BAC that contribute to the alcohol-induced memory loss. An interview questionnaire was administered to subjects regarding a recent alcohol associated arrest with a documented BAC greater than 0.08 g/dL for either public intoxication, driving under the influence, or under age drinking was administered. Demographic variables collected included drinking history, family history of alcoholism, presence of previous alcohol-related memory loss during a drinking episode, and drinking behavior during the episode. Memory of the drinking episode was evaluated to determine if either an alcohol-induced grayout (partial anterograde amnesia) or blackout (complete anterograde amnesia) occurred. Differences in (1) mean total number of drinks ingested before arrest, (2) gulping of drinks, and (3) BAC at arrest were found for those having blackouts compared with no amnesia; while differences in drinking more than planned were found between the no amnesia and grayout groups. A strong linear relationship between BAC and predicted probability of memory loss, particularly for blackouts was obvious. This finding clinically concludes that subjects with BAC of 310 g/dL or greater have a 0.50 or greater probability of having an alcoholic blackout.
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Ness J, Hoth A, Barnett MJ, Shorr RI, Kaboli PJ. Anticholinergic medications in community-dwelling older veterans: prevalence of anticholinergic symptoms, symptom burden, and adverse drug events. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 4:42-51. [PMID: 16730620 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjopharm.2006.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of drugs with anticholinergic adverse effects is often deemed inappropriate in elderly (aged > or = 65 years) patients, yet studies continue to show extensive use in this population at high risk for adverse drug events (ADEs). The burden of drug-related anticholinergic symptoms in community-dwelling elderly patients has not been well described. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anticholinergic symptoms, corresponding symptom burden, and anticholinergic-related ADEs in a sample of community-dwelling elderly veterans. METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted at the primary care clinics at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Iowa City, Iowa. The study sample included randomly selected patients with intact cognitive function attending the VAMC and prescribed > or = 5 scheduled medications. Data on current prescription and nonprescription drug use were elicited by a trained research assistant and a clinical pharmacist from patient interviews and electronic medical records. The prevalence and severity of 7 anticholinergic symptoms (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, confusion, urinary hesitation, dry eyes, and drowsiness) were assessed at baseline. The occurrence of ADEs at 12 weeks was compared between patients using anticholinergic drugs and those not using them. RESULTS A total of 532 patients were included (97.9% men; mean age, 74.3 years; 27.1% used at least 1 anticholinergic drug). Twenty-two anticholinergic drugs (16 prescription medications, 6 over-the-counter medications) were identified. The mean number of anticholinergic symptoms was significantly higher in the group using anticholinergic drugs (3.1 vs 2.5; P < 0.01). However, only 2 symptoms were statistically more prevalent in the group using anticholinergic drugs: dry mouth (57.6% vs 45.6%) and constipation (42.4% vs 29.4%) (both, P < 0.01). At 12 weeks, only 1 (0.8%) patient in the group using anticholinergic drugs reported an ADE considered related to an anticholinergic drug. CONCLUSIONS Anticholinergic drug use was common (27.1%) in these elderly veterans with intact cognitive function. The mean number of anticholinergic symptoms was significantly greater in this group, and the prevalences of dry mouth and constipation were significantly higher in the group using anticholinergic drugs (all, P < 0.01). Anticholinergic-related ADEs were rare (0.8%). Although anticholinergic drugs should generally be avoided in the elderly, individual risks and benefits for a patient should be considered.
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Barnett MJ, Perry PJ, Langstaff JD, Kaboli PJ. Comparison of rates of potentially inappropriate medication use according to the Zhan criteria for VA versus private sector medicare HMOs. JOURNAL OF MANAGED CARE PHARMACY : JMCP 2006; 12:362-70. [PMID: 16792442 PMCID: PMC10438179 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2006.12.5.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate prescribing in the elderly is common, but rates across different health care systems and the impact of formulary restrictions are not well described. OBJECTIVE To determine if rates of inappropriate medication use in the elderly differ between the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system and the private sector Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study design compared administrative pharmacy claims from 10 distinct geographic regions in the United States in the VA health care system and 10 analogous regions for patients enrolled in Medicare HMOs. The cohorts included 123,633 VA and 157,517 Medicare HMO patients aged 65 years and older. Inappropriate medication use was identified using the Zhan modification of the Beers criteria, which categorizes 33 potentially inappropriate drugs into 3 major classifications: "always avoid," "rarely appropriate," and "some indications." Comparisons between the VA health care system and the private sector Medicare HMO were performed for overall differences and stratified by gender and age. The drug formulary status of the Zhan-criteria drugs was known for the VA health system but not for the Medicare HMO patients. RESULTS Compared with private sector patients, VA patients were less likely to receive any inappropriate medication (21% vs. 29%, P <0.001), and in each classification: always avoid (2% vs. 5%, P <0.001), rarely appropriate (8% vs. 13%, P<0.001), and some indications (15% vs. 17%, P <0.001). The rate of inappropriate drug use was lower in the VA compared with the private sector for males (21% vs. 24%, P <0.001) and females (28% vs. 32%, P <0.001). Differences were consistent when stratified by age. CONCLUSION Compared with private sector Medicare HMOs, elderly VA patients were less likely to receive medications defined by the Zhan criteria as potentially inappropriate. A restrictive formulary that excludes 12 of the 33 Zhan criteria drugs may be a factor in the reduction of undesired prescribing patterns in elderly populations.
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Barnett MJ, Perry PJ, Alexander B, Kaboli PJ. Risk of mortality associated with antipsychotic and other neuropsychiatric drugs in pneumonia patients. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2006; 26:182-7. [PMID: 16633149 DOI: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000203598.43314.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of typical and atypical antipsychotic medications and associated in-hospital mortality in a group of Veterans Administration (VA) patients with pneumonia. METHOD Our cohort consisted of 14,057 VA patients admitted for pneumonia in fiscal year (FY) 2003. Exposure to typical and atypical antipsychotics and other neuropsychiatric drugs was based on a prescription within 120 days preceding admission. Multivariate models determined the odds of mortality associated with each drug class and risk adjusted for comorbidity, admission source, demographic factors, and concurrent mental health conditions. The referent group for each analysis was pneumonia patients not receiving neuropsychiatric drugs. RESULTS In adjusted analyses, the odds of in-hospital mortality for VA patients admitted with pneumonia was higher for recent exposure to typical antipsychotics (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.04-2.19; P = 0.03) when compared to patients not receiving neuropsychiatric medications. Patients exposed to atypical antipsychotics (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.96-1.50, P = .10), tricyclic antidepressants (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.44-1.55; P = 0.15), other antidepressants (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.93-1.23; P = 0.37), or mood stabilizers (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.73-1.14; P = 0.41) had no significant difference in in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION In spite of recent safety concerns for atypical antipsychotics, we found no increased risk of mortality in acutely ill pneumonia patients. Rather, we found a higher adjusted mortality rate for patients taking typical antipsychotics. The contrasting mortality risks for patients taking typical and atypical antipsychotics may represent unmeasured severity of illness or comorbidity. Regardless, any antipsychotics should be used with caution and the efficacy and safety of alternative agents should be considered.
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Barnett MJ, Milavetz G, Kaboli PJ. beta-Blocker therapy in veterans with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pharmacotherapy 2006; 25:1550-9. [PMID: 16232018 DOI: 10.1592/phco.2005.25.11.1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine whether an association exists between health care resource use and beta-blocker therapy in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to determine whether any significant differences exist between type of beta-blocker agent administered and resource use. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. DATA SOURCE Three Veterans Administration (VA) databases with information from hospitals and clinics in Iowa and Nebraska. Patients. A total of 8390 veterans with a diagnosis of asthma or COPD receiving treatment with a beta-blocker or another cardiovascular agent. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Clinic visits and hospital admissions for asthma or COPD that occurred in 2000-2001 were identified using electronic administrative data files. Analyses were adjusted for comorbidity and patient demographics. Mean patient age was 67 years, and 97% of the patients were men. In unadjusted analyses, patients taking beta-blockers had more hospital admissions, similar inpatient length of stay (LOS), and fewer outpatient clinic visits for asthma or COPD. In adjusted analyses, however, no difference was noted in the odds of hospital admission or in LOS, and patients had fewer clinic visits related to asthma or COPD. The hazard ratio for hospital admission for asthma or COPD during the observation year was similar for patients taking and not taking beta-blockers, and no difference was noted with selective versus nonselective beta-blockers. However, the hospital admission rate was lower with atenolol than metoprolol. CONCLUSION Patients taking beta-blockers did not have more hospital admissions or clinic visits for their asthma or COPD than patients not taking these agents. When clinically indicated, beta-blockers-especially atenolol-should be considered for patients with asthma or COPD.
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Welke KF, Barnett MJ, Sarrazin MSV, Rosenthal GE. Limitations of Hospital Volume as a Measure of Quality of Care for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. Ann Thorac Surg 2005; 80:2114-9. [PMID: 16305854 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2005.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2005] [Revised: 05/06/2005] [Accepted: 05/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While prior research has found an inverse relationship between hospital volume and mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), the use of volume as a proxy for quality and a means for selecting hospitals is controversial. The objective of this study is to quantify the relationship between hospital volume alone and CABG mortality. METHODS A retrospective cohort of 948,093 Medicare patients undergoing CABG in 870 US hospitals from 1996 to 2001 was categorized into quintiles, based on hospital CABG volume. Hospitals were also classified by volume criterion proposed by the Leapfrog Group. Logistic regression was used to adjust hospital mortality rates (in-hospital or within 30 days after CABG) for patient characteristics; discrimination of the volume categories was assessed by the c statistic. RESULTS The range in risk-adjusted mortality for hospitals within the quintiles was substantial: 1% to 17% at very low, 2% to 12% at low, 2% to 10% at medium, 2% to 9% at high, and 3% to 11% at very high volume hospitals. Moreover, volume alone was a poor discriminator of mortality (c statistic = 0.52). Similar variation in adjusted mortality was seen within the Leapfrog low-volume (1% to 17%) and high-volume groups (2% to 11%), and the Leapfrog criterion was a poor discriminator of mortality (c statistic = 0.51). Of the 660 low-volume Leapfrog hospitals, 253 (38%) had risk-adjusted mortality rates that were similar to or lower than the overall risk-adjusted mortality of high-volume hospitals (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS Volume alone, as a discriminator of mortality, is only slightly better than a coin flip (c statistic of 0.50).
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Toze CL, Galal A, Barnett MJ, Shepherd JD, Conneally EA, Hogge DE, Nantel SH, Nevill TJ, Sutherland HJ, Connors JM, Voss NJ, Kiss TL, Messner HA, Lavoie JC, Forrest DL, Song KW, Smith CA, Lipton J. Myeloablative allografting for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: evidence for a potent graft-versus-leukemia effect associated with graft-versus-host disease. Bone Marrow Transplant 2005; 36:825-30. [PMID: 16151430 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In all, 30 patients with CLL proceeded to myeloablative allogeneic BMT using related (n=20, 67%) or unrelated (n=10) donors, at the Princess Margaret Hospital (Toronto) (n=20) or the Leukemia/BMT Program of BC (Vancouver) (n=10), from 1989 to 2001. Median (range) interval from diagnosis to BMT was 4.8 (0.3-13) years, median number of prior therapies was three and median age 48 years. The preparative regimen included total body irradiation in 15 (50%). In all, 14 of 30 patients (47%) are alive, with median (range) follow up of 4.3 (2.4-10.5) years. All are in complete remission, two following therapy for post-BMT progression. Actuarial overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) at 5 years is 39% (OS 48% for related donor and 20% for unrelated donor BMT); cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and relapse is 47 and 19%, respectively. Both acute (RR=0.008, P=0.01) and chronic (RR=0.006, P=0.02) Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were associated with markedly decreased risk of relapse. Patients receiving grafts from unrelated donors had increased NRM (RR=3.6, P=0.02) and decreased OS (RR of death=3.4, P=0.002). Allogeneic BMT has resulted in long-term EFS in approximately 40% of patients with CLL. There is evidence for a strong graft-versus-leukemia effect associated with acute and chronic GVHD, resulting in near complete protection from relapse.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Bone Marrow Transplantation/methods
- Disease-Free Survival
- Female
- Graft vs Host Disease/etiology
- Graft vs Host Disease/mortality
- Graft vs Leukemia Effect/radiation effects
- Histocompatibility Testing/methods
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/complications
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/mortality
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Recurrence
- Remission Induction/methods
- Retrospective Studies
- Tissue Donors
- Transplantation Conditioning/methods
- Transplantation, Homologous
- Whole-Body Irradiation/methods
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