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Arlet JB, Herquelot E, Lamarsalle L, Raguideau F, Bartolucci P. Impact of hospitalized vaso-occlusive crises in the previous calendar year on mortality and complications in adults with sickle cell disease: a French population-based study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2024; 40:100901. [PMID: 38596356 PMCID: PMC11002849 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100901] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Historically, sickle cell disease (SCD) patients experiencing frequent hospitalized vaso-occlusive crises (HVOC) have been associated with increased mortality, yet recent data reflecting the widespread use of hydroxyurea and advancements in disease management remain limited. Our study aims to assess the association between HVOC and mortality or severe complications in patients with SCD in this new treatment landscape. Methods This was a retrospective observational cohort study using the French national health data system. Between 01-01-2012 and 12-31-2018, all SCD patients ≥16 years old (ICD-10 codes D57.0-2) were included and followed until 12-31-2018. HVOC was defined as a hospitalization of ≥1 night with primary diagnosis of SCD with crisis, following an emergency room visit. The association between HVOC and severe complications was assessed with a Cox proportional hazards model. Findings In total, 8018 patients (56.6% females; 4538/8018) were included. The 2018 SCD standardized one-year period prevalence was 17.9 cases/100,000 person-years [17.4; 18.3]. The mean rate was 0.84 (1.88) HVOC/person-year. In 2018, 70% (5323/7605), 22% (1671/7605), and 8% (611/7605) of patients experienced 0, 1-2, or 3+ HVOCs, respectively. The median survival time between HVOCs was 415 days [386; 439]. Overall, 312 patients died (3.9%) with a mean age of 49.8 (19.4). Compared to patients without HVOC, the hazard ratios of death in patients with 1-2 or 3+ HVOCs the year prior to death were 1.67 [1.21; 2.30] and 3.70 [2.30; 5.93], respectively. Incidence of acute chest syndrome, pulmonary embolism, osteonecrosis, and sepsis increased with the HVOCs category, but not stroke. In 2018, 29.5% (180/611) of patients with 3+ HVOCs did not take hydroxyurea. Interpretation Patients must be closely monitored during their hospitalizations to intensify treatment and check treatment compliance. Innovative therapies are also required. Funding The study was funded by Novartis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Benoît Arlet
- Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia and Other Red Blood Cell and Erythropoiesis Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Paris-Cité University and European Georges Pompidou University Hospital (AP–HP), 75015, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Pablo Bartolucci
- Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia and Other Red Blood Cell and Erythropoiesis Diseases, Henri-Mondor Hospital (AP-HP), Créteil, France
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MacEwan SR, Chiang C, O’Brien SH, Creary S, Lin CJ, Hyer JM, Cronin RM. Comparing super-utilizers and lower-utilizers among commercial- and Medicare-insured adults with sickle cell disease. Blood Adv 2024; 8:224-233. [PMID: 37991988 PMCID: PMC10805643 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a rare but costly condition in the United States. Super-utilizers have been defined as a subset of the population with high health care encounters or expenditures. Although super-utilizers have been described in other disease states, little is known about super-utilizers among adults with SCD. This study aimed to characterize the differences in expenditures, overall health care encounters, and pain episode encounters between super-utilizers (top 10% expenditures) and lower-utilizers with SCD (high, top 10%-24.9%; moderate, 25%-49.9%; and low, bottom 50% expenditures). A retrospective longitudinal cohort of adults with SCD were identified using validated algorithms in MarketScan and Medicare claim databases from 2016 to 2020. Encounters and expenditures were analyzed from inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department settings. Differences in encounters and expenditures between lower-utilizers and super-utilizers were compared using logistic regression. Among super-utilizers, differences in encounters and expenditures were compared according to incidences of pain episode encounters. The study population included 5666 patients with commercial insurance and 8600 with Medicare. Adjusted total annual health care expenditure was 43.46 times higher for super-utilizers than for low-utilizers among commercial-insured and 13.37 times higher in Medicare-insured patients. Among super-utilizers, there were patients with few pain episode encounters who had higher outpatient expenditures than patients with a high number of pain episode encounters. Our findings demonstrate the contribution of expensive outpatient care among SCD super-utilizers, in which analyses of high expenditure have largely focused on short-term care. Future studies are needed to better understand super-utilizers in the SCD population to inform the effective use of preventive interventions and/or curative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. MacEwan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - ChienWei Chiang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Secondary Data Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Sarah H. O’Brien
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Susan Creary
- Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | | | - J. Madison Hyer
- Secondary Data Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Center for Biostatistics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Robert M. Cronin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Vuong C, Moussa I, van Muilekom MM, Heijboer H, Rettenbacher E, Haverman L, Twisk J, Fijnvandraat K, Eckhardt CL. Impact of hospitalization for vaso-occlusive crisis on health-related quality of life in children with sickle cell disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30691. [PMID: 37749772 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) that impair the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of hospitalization for VOCs on HRQoL in children with SCD over time. METHODS In this longitudinal cohort study, children aged 8-18 years diagnosed with SCD at the Amsterdam UMC were included between 2012 and 2021. HRQoL was annually measured as part of standard care using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. The impact of hospitalization for VOC on HRQoL was evaluated using linear mixed models 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after hospitalization. The effect of frequency of hospitalization for VOC on HRQoL was evaluated over the last 12 months. RESULTS In total, 94 children with SCD were included with a median age of 11.8 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 9-14). Thirty-seven patients (39%) had been hospitalized for a VOC. Hospitalization for VOC led to a decrease of 3.2-4.8 points in total HRQoL compared to patients without hospitalization, most pronounced 3 months after hospitalization. Recurrent admission for VOC in the last 12 months was associated with a decrease of 2.3 points in total HRQoL (p = .04). The most affected subscale was physical functioning. CONCLUSION The adverse effects of hospitalization for VOC in children with SCD persist up to 12 months after hospitalization. After hospitalization for VOC, extra attention and support for its negative impact on HRQoL are recommended. This study also underlines the importance of systematically measuring HRQoL, allowing clinicians to intervene accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Vuong
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Amsterdam UMC - Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ibtissame Moussa
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Amsterdam UMC - Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maud M van Muilekom
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC - Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harriët Heijboer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Amsterdam UMC - Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eva Rettenbacher
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Amsterdam UMC - Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Haverman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC - Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jos Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karin Fijnvandraat
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Amsterdam UMC - Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Corien L Eckhardt
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Amsterdam UMC - Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Parchuri E, Pacella-LaBarbara M, O’Brien J, Gruen DS, Guyette F, Brown JB, De Castro L, Jonassaint CR. Association between trauma triage and time-to-vaso-occlusive events in patients with sickle cell disease after traumatic injury: a retrospective study. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2023; 8:e001200. [PMID: 38020866 PMCID: PMC10668288 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2023-001200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) that can lead to disease complications, including early mortality. Given that similar inflammatory responses characterize VOE and traumatic injury, injured patients with SCD may be vulnerable to acute complications. This study is the first to examine whether traumatic injury is associated with increased severity of future VOEs. Methods This cohort study was conducted using electronic health record data from an SCD clinic in Western Pennsylvania; 356 patients with SCD from January 2000 to July 2021 were identified via retrospective chart review. 55 patients were eligible based on continuous medical record data spanning 1 year preinjury and postinjury. Patients were sorted into three treatment groups based on injury management: (1) Neither triage to trauma team activation (TTA) nor inpatient admission (Early Discharge), (2) Triage but no inpatient admission (Triage Only), and (3) Triage and In-patient. Outcomes included time from injury to first VOE, annual VOE counts requiring an emergency department (ED) visit, and ED length of stay (LOS) for the first VOE after injury. Results Early Discharge individuals experienced a VOE event within 2.93 days of injury, significantly shorter time to event than Triage and In-patient individuals at 52.375 days and Triage Only individuals at 100.16 days (p=0.0058). No difference in annual VOE counts was noted postinjury across all groups. However, a significant increase in VOE LOS preinjury (16.1 hours) to postinjury (77.4 hours) was noted only for the Triage Only group (p=0.038). Cox regression model showed that shortened time to VOE events was marginally associated with TTA status (p=0.06). Conclusion Despite minimal changes in long-term VOE outcomes after injury, traumatic injuries may accelerate the time-to-VOE among the Early Discharge group. Therefore, future research is warranted to analyze whether the absence of postinjury triage assessment and intervention may cause unforeseen physiologic stressors contributing to VOE outcomes. Level of evidence Level IV: retrospective case-control study with three negative criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ektha Parchuri
- Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Julia O’Brien
- Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Danielle S Gruen
- Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frances Guyette
- Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua B Brown
- Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laura De Castro
- Section of Benign Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles R Jonassaint
- Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Section of Benign Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Marfo K, Dei-Adomakoh Y, Segbefia C, Dwomoh D, Edgal A, Ampah N, Ramachandrachar BC, Subramanyam K, Natarajan A, Egbujo O, Ataga KI. Evaluation of treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization and cost of illness for sickle cell disease in Ghana: a private medical insurance claims database study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1018. [PMID: 37735428 PMCID: PMC10515235 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09984-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for nearly 75% of the global disease burden. The current analysis evaluated patient characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs in patients with SCD based on a Private Medical Insurance Database in Ghana. METHODS This retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted using an e-claims database from Ghana (01 January 2015 to 31 March 2021). Patients were stratified by age (0 month to < 2 years, ≥ 2 years to ˂6 years, ≥ 6 years to < 12 years, ≥ 12 years to < 16 years; ≥16 years), vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) (< 1, ≥ 1 to < 3, and ≥ 3 per year), and continuous enrolment. Study outcomes related to patient characteristics, comorbidities, treatment pattern, HCRU were evaluated for pre- and post-index period (index period was between July 2015 to March 2020). Descriptive analysis was used to analyse different study variables. RESULTS The study included 2,863 patients (mean age: 20.1 years; Min age: 0; Max age: 83; females 56.1%). Overall, 52.2% (n = 1,495) of SCD patients were ≥ 16 years and 17.0% (n = 486) were in the ≥ 2 to ˂6-years age group. The majority of patients aged ≥ 16 years (62.5%) in the database did not have reported VOC episodes, 35.9% of patients had 1 to 3 VOCs per year and 1.5% had ≥ 3 VOCs per year during the follow-up period. Consultation-based prevalence of SCD was 0.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0-1.3%] - 1.4% [CI: 0.6-2.2%]. Malaria, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and sepsis were the common complications of SCD. Analgesics were the most frequently prescribed medications followed by anti-infectives, hematinics, and antimalarials. Hydroxyurea, a routine standard of care for SCD was under-utilized. SCD patients had median cost incurred for consultation/hospital services of $11.3 (Interquartile range [IQR] $6.2 - $27.2). For patients with VOC, maximum median cost was incurred for medications ($10.9 [IQR $5.0-$32.6]). Overall median healthcare cost was highest for individuals with ≥ 3 VOCs per year during the follow-up period ($166.8 [IQR $70.3-$223.5]). CONCLUSION In this retrospective private insurance claims database analysis, SCD imposes a significant healthcare burden, especially in patients with VOC. There is a need for reimbursed treatment options that could reduce the long-term burden associated with SCD and VOC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yvonne Dei-Adomakoh
- University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
- University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Catherine Segbefia
- University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
- University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ashok Natarajan
- IQVIA, 11th Floor Convention Tower, DWTC, Al Saada Street, Dubai, 33083, UAE
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Brousse V, Bernaudin F, Melaine A, Goguillot M, Gallagher M, Benard S, Habibi A. Severity and burden of sickle cell disease in France: a nationwide real-world study. Haematologica 2023; 108:2476-2486. [PMID: 36924235 PMCID: PMC10483347 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.282098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) in France has been difficult to apprehend due to the paucity of reliable nationwide epidemiological data. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of SCD and evaluate its burden and costs. Patients with SCD and most severely affected patients were identified between 2012 and 2018 from the French National Health Data System database (SNDS, Système national des données de santé). Outcomes of interest included rates of acute and chronic complications, healthcare resource utilization and associated costs, and were compared in subpopulations of patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, initiating hydroxyurea or a chronic transfusion program. Between 2012 and 2018, 22,619 patients with SCD were identified, among which 4,270 patients were defined as most severely affected. Rates of vaso-occlusion episodes and acute chest syndrome were 86.29 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.75-86.83] and 12.90 (95% CI: 12.69-13.11) per 100 person years in the study population and 166.9 (95% CI: 165.4- 168.4) and 22.71 (95% CI: 22.16-23.27) per 100 person years in most severely affected patients. Median (Q1-Q3) annualized total costs were €5,073.63 (range, €1,633.74-14,000.94) and €13,295.67 (range, €5,754.67-26,385.23) in the study population and most severely affected patients. Median annualized costs were ten times lower after treatment intensification for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (€29,011.75 vs. €2,465.98; P<0.001), they slightly decreased after hydroxyurea initiation (€13,057.79 vs. €12,752.44; P=0.003) and were five times higher after chronic transfusion program initiation (€4,643.11 vs. €22,715.85; P<0.001). SCD still places a significant demand on health resources, even after therapeutic intensification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Brousse
- Centre de Référence MCGRE, Service d'Hématologie-Immunologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert Debré, F-75019 Paris, France 2. Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles, Inserm, BIGR, F-75015 Paris
| | - Francoise Bernaudin
- French Referral Center for Sickle Cell Disease; SFGM-TC (Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire); DrepaGreffe Association 20 rue de Coulmiers, 94130 Nogent sur Marne
| | | | | | - Meghan Gallagher
- bluebird bio, Inc., address 455 Grand Union Blvd Somerville, MA, 02145-1446 United States of America
| | | | - Anoosha Habibi
- Sickle Cell Referral Center, Henri Mondor Hospital, AP-HP, UPEC, Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, INSERM Unit 955, Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research, Paris-Est Creteil University, Creteil
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Jiao B, Johnson KM, Ramsey SD, Bender MA, Devine B, Basu A. Long-term survival with sickle cell disease: a nationwide cohort study of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Blood Adv 2023; 7:3276-3283. [PMID: 36929166 PMCID: PMC10336259 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022009202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To our knowledge, we report the first population-based period life table, the expected lifetime survival for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries with sickle cell disease (SCD), and the disparities in survival by insurance types in the United States. We constructed a retrospective cohort of individuals with diagnosed SCD receiving common care (any real-world patterns of care except transplant) based on nationwide Medicare and Medicaid claim data (2008-2016), covering beneficiaries in all 50 states. We analyzed lifetime survival probabilities using Kaplan-Meier curves and projected life expectancies at various ages for all, stratified by sex and insurance types. Our analysis included 94 616 individuals with SCD that have not undergone any transplant. Life expectancy at birth was 52.6 years (95% confidence interval: 51.9-53.4). Compared with the adults covered by Medicaid only, those covered by Medicare for disabilities or end-stage renal disease and those dually insured by Medicare and Medicaid had significantly worse life expectancy. Similarly, for beneficiaries aged ≥65 years, these 2 insurance types were associated with significantly shorter life expectancy than those enrolled in Medicare old age and survivor's insurance. Our study underscores the persistent life expectancy shortfall for patients with SCD, the burden of premature mortality during adulthood, and survival disparities by insurance status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boshen Jiao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy & Economics Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Kate M. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacy, The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy & Economics Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott D. Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacy, The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy & Economics Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Division of Public Health Sciences and Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - M. A. Bender
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, and Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Beth Devine
- Department of Pharmacy, The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy & Economics Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Anirban Basu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy & Economics Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Economics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Ross JM, Forté S, Soulières D. Emerging drugs for the treatment of sickle cell disease: a review of phase II/III trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:211-224. [PMID: 35912835 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2105835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The substitution of glutamic acid by valine on the ß-globin gene produces the hemoglobin S variant responsible for sickle cell disease (SCD), a disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and leads to acute and cumulative organ damage. Even though life expectancy has significantly improved where the best medical care is available, there are still few therapeutic options for SCD and those are limited by their availability, cost, and individual toxicities. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the clinical data on current treatments for SCD and emerging therapies studied in the acute setting as well as potential disease-modifying agents, with an emphasis on the FDA-approved agents. EXPERT OPINION Hydroxyurea has been a gold standard for two decades, showing benefits in acute complications and overall survival in sickle cell anemia, although data is lacking for certain genotypes such as hemoglobin SC. As progress is made in our understanding of the pathophysiological networks characterizing SCD, numerous pathways appear to be targetable, with L-glutamine, Crizanlizumab and Voxelotor now approved by the FDA. Pursuing a multi-agent approach could alter the disease course in a more effective fashion and provide an alternative option to curative therapies, but longer clinical studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules M Ross
- Centre Universitaire de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Forté
- Centre Universitaire de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denis Soulières
- Centre Universitaire de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Osunkwo I, James J, El‐Rassi F, Nero A, Minniti CP, Trimnell C, Paulose J, Ramscar N, Bailey T, Rajkovic‐Hooley O, Andemariam B. Burden of disease, treatment utilization, and the impact on education and employment in patients with sickle cell disease: A comparative analysis of high- and low- to middle-income countries for the international Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:1055-1064. [PMID: 35472249 PMCID: PMC9540420 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The international Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY) reported a high impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) on patients' daily lives globally. In this study, we analyzed whether the reported burden differed between patients from the USA (n = 384) and other high‐income (HI; n = 820) or low‐ to middle‐income (LMI; n = 941) countries. We assessed symptoms and complications, incidence/management of vaso‐occlusive crises (VOCs), treatment utilization/satisfaction, and the impact of SCD on education/employment. Certain symptoms (bone aches, insomnia, and joint stiffness) and complications (swollen/painful fingers/toes, gallstones, vision problems, blood clots, and asthma) were reported proportionally more by patients in the USA than in the HI/LMI countries. Self‐reported VOCs were more common (mean [SD]: 7.1 [5.7] vs. 5.5 [8.9] and 4.4 [4.6] in the previous 12 months) and were managed more often by hospitalization (52% vs. 24% and 32%) in the USA than the HI and LMI countries. A higher proportion of patients from the USA than the HI/LMI countries reported a negative impact of SCD on their employment/schooling. Although high overall satisfaction with current treatments was reported globally, most patients indicated a strong desire for alternative pain medications. There are likely several reasons for the relatively high patient‐reported burden in the USA group compared with the HI/LMI countries, including an older population and differences in newborn screening programs and pediatric/adult transition of care. It is clear that there is an urgent need for improved understanding and management of SCD globally, not just in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeyinwa Osunkwo
- Sickle Cell Disease Enterprise, The Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health Charlotte North Carolina USA
| | | | - Fuad El‐Rassi
- Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Health System Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Alecia Nero
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
| | | | | | - Jincy Paulose
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover New Jersey USA
| | | | | | | | - Biree Andemariam
- New England Sickle Cell Institute University of Connecticut Health Farmington Connecticut USA
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10
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Umar Z, Ilyas U, Nso N. Sickle Cell Disease and COVID-19 Infection: Importance of COVID-19 Testing and Approach to Management. Cureus 2022; 14:e23604. [PMID: 35494937 PMCID: PMC9051589 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting in the substitution of CTG by CAG in the sixth codon of the beta-globin gene. As a result of this, the hydrophilic glutamic acid residue is replaced by hydrophobic valine residue, leading to the formation of hemoglobin tetramer HBS. This alteration in the beta-globin chain makes the red blood cells prone to sickling, especially in the presence of risk factors such as stress, hypoxia, and infection. These sickled red blood cells have the tendency to adhere to the endothelium and lead to vessel occlusion and distal tissue ischemia. The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has impacted millions across the globe, putting individuals with co-morbidities at particularly high risk, and patients with sickle cell disease are no exception. We present the case of a 47-year-old African American male presenting to the emergency department with subjective fevers and a two-day history of pain in the arms, legs, and chest. A diagnosed case of sickle cell disease, the patient was on hydromorphone for pain management but ran out of his medications a few weeks before presentation. On examination, the patient was saturating well with mild tenderness upon palpation of the arms, legs, and chest. On complete blood count, the patient had a hemoglobin of 11.3 g/dL and a white cell count of 13.1 x10(3)/mcL. The patient had a normal mean corpuscular volume with reticulocytosis, hypochromia, ovalocytosis, poikilocytosis, polychromasia, and target cells. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive. The chest X-ray did not reveal any significant findings. He was admitted to the medicine floor for the management of sickle cell crisis and was placed under airborne and droplet precautions. The patient was started on hydromorphone for pain management and intravenous fluid hydration. On the second day of admission, the patient reported increasing shortness of breath. He was saturating 90% on room air and 94% on 2 liters of supplemental oxygen. The white blood cell count increased to 18.42 x10(3)/mcL and the chest X-ray revealed reticular densities with patchy alveolar opacities in the left lung. Given the decline in respiratory status, the patient was started on remdesivir. Over the course of his hospital stay, the patient's pain and respiratory status improved, with the patient saturating 97% on room air. He was discharged home with instructions to follow isolation precautions for at least two weeks, folic acid, and adequate pain management. An appointment was also scheduled for the patient to follow with a sickle cell nurse practitioner upon discharge.
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Zaidi AU, Glaros AK, Lee S, Wang T, Bhojwani R, Morris E, Donohue B, Paulose J, Iorga ŞR, Nellesen D. A systematic literature review of frequency of vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:460. [PMID: 34727959 PMCID: PMC8561926 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a collection of rare inherited blood disorders affecting approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. and 20-25 million people globally. Individuals with SCD experience recurrent episodes of severe and unpredictable pain that are caused by vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), a hallmark of the disease. VOCs are the primary cause of hospitalization in SCD, result in missed workdays and school days, and decrease quality of life (QoL). Although VOCs cause significant burden in the lives of individuals with SCD, there is no synthesis on the frequency of VOCs in the real world. This systematic literature review sought to identify literature describing the frequency of VOCs experienced by individuals with SCD in real-world settings. METHODS MEDLINE and 6 congresses were searched (date range: January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2020). Studies were reviewed independently by two researchers. Studies assessing frequency or prevalence of VOCs or VOC-related outcomes were included. RESULTS Of 1438 studies identified in the search, 52 met pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Reported frequency of VOCs varied widely ranging from a mean or median of 0 VOCs/year to 18.2 VOCs/year. The proportion of patients experiencing ≥ 3 VOCs/year ranged from 4 to 67% and the proportion of patients experiencing ≥ 5 VOCs/year ranged from 18 to 59%. Measures of VOC severity were limited, with 13 studies considering frequency of complicated VOCs and only 1 study reporting duration of VOC episodes. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to systematically assess published evidence pertaining to VOCs in real-world settings. Reported VOC frequency in real-world settings varied widely, with a majority of studies only considering VOCs managed in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Studies that considered VOCs managed at home reported a higher frequency of VOCs, suggesting that many studies may underestimate the frequency of VOCs. This systematic literature review (SLR) highlights the need for consistent reporting of (1) self-reported VOCs, including those managed at home, (2) definitions of VOCs, (3) complicated VOCs, and (4) duration of VOC episodes in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander K Glaros
- Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Soyon Lee
- Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Taiji Wang
- Analysis Group, Inc., 1010 El Camino Real, Suite 310, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
| | - Rhea Bhojwani
- Analysis Group, Inc., 1010 El Camino Real, Suite 310, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Eric Morris
- Analysis Group, Inc., 1010 El Camino Real, Suite 310, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | - Jincy Paulose
- Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Şerban R Iorga
- Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Dave Nellesen
- Analysis Group, Inc., 1010 El Camino Real, Suite 310, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
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12
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Shukla N, Barner JC, Lawson KA, Rascati KL. Age-related healthcare services utilization for the management of sickle cell disease among treated Texas Medicaid patients. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmab056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To determine if there are age-related differences in sickle cell disease (SCD)-related healthcare utilization and to describe temporal healthcare utilization following an emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization in treated SCD patient population.
Methods
Texas Medicaid prescription and medical claims from 1 September 2011 to 31 August 2016 were used. Patients aged 2–63 years with at least one inpatient or outpatient SCD medical claim and receiving one or more SCD-related medications (hydroxyurea, opioid or non-opioid analgesics) were included. The primary outcomes were utilization of SCD-related ED, inpatient and outpatient visits, all-cause prescription medications and type of SCD-related service at index and subsequent healthcare services. Age group was the primary independent variable.
Key findings
Overall (N = 2339), healthcare service utilization was relatively higher among age groups 2–12, 18–25 and 26–40. Proportions of patients having ≥1 ED and ≥1 inpatient visits, respectively, were significantly higher among age groups 2–12 (33.2%; 23.0%), 18–25 (29.3%; 25.1%) and 26–40 (32.3%; 22.4%) as compared with age group 13–17 (21.3%; 12.9%). The number of outpatient visits was highest among children aged 2–12 (4.5 ± 7.6, P < 0.0001), while mean number of all-cause medications was the highest for older adults aged 41–63 (22.4 ± 16.3; P < 0.0001). After an index ED visit (N = 598), outpatient visits were the most prevalent healthcare services. After an index hospitalization (N = 203), a subsequent hospitalization was the most prevalent healthcare service.
Conclusions
Texas Medicaid SCD patients receiving treatment have a high use of healthcare services, especially among children and young adults who are transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Age-specific interventions should be developed to promote optimal care transitions among young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Shukla
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jamie C Barner
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth A Lawson
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Karen L Rascati
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Osunkwo I, Andemariam B, Minniti CP, Inusa BPD, El Rassi F, Francis‐Gibson B, Nero A, Trimnell C, Abboud MR, Arlet J, Colombatti R, Montalembert M, Jain S, Jastaniah W, Nur E, Pita M, DeBonnett L, Ramscar N, Bailey T, Rajkovic‐Hooley O, James J. Impact of sickle cell disease on patients' daily lives, symptoms reported, and disease management strategies: Results from the international Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY). Am J Hematol 2021; 96:404-417. [PMID: 33264445 PMCID: PMC8248107 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder, characterized by hemolytic anemia and vaso‐occlusive crises (VOCs). Data on the global SCD impact on quality of life (QoL) from the patient viewpoint are limited. The international Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY) aimed to provide insights into patient‐reported impact of SCD on QoL. This cross‐sectional survey of SCD patients enrolled by healthcare professionals and advocacy groups assessed disease impact on daily life, education and work, symptoms, treatment goals, and disease management. Opinions were captured using a Likert scale of 1‐7 for some questions; 5‐7 indicated “high severity/impact.” Two thousand one hundred and forty five patients (mean age 24.7 years [standard deviation (SD) = 13.1], 39% ≤18 years, 52% female) were surveyed from 16 countries (six geographical regions). A substantial proportion of patients reported that SCD caused a high negative impact on emotions (60%) and school achievement (51%) and a reduction in work hours (53%). A mean of 5.3 VOCs (SD = 6.8) was reported over the 12 months prior to survey (median 3.0 [interquartile range 2.0‐6.0]); 24% were managed at home and 76% required healthcare services. Other than VOCs, fatigue was the most commonly reported symptom in the month before survey (65%), graded “high severity” by 67% of patients. Depression and anxiety were reported by 39% and 38% of patients, respectively. The most common patient treatment goal was improving QoL (55%). Findings from SWAY reaffirm that SCD confers a significant burden on patients, epitomized by the high impact on patientsʼ QoL and emotional wellbeing, and the high prevalence of self‐reported VOCs and other symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeyinwa Osunkwo
- Sickle Cell Disease Enterprise The Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health Charlotte North Carolina USA
| | - Biree Andemariam
- New England Sickle Cell Institute, University of Connecticut Health Farmington Connecticut USA
| | | | - Baba P. D. Inusa
- Evelina Childrenʼs Hospital Guyʼs and St Thomasʼ NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Fuad El Rassi
- Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Health System Atlanta Georgia USA
| | | | - Alecia Nero
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
| | | | | | - Jean‐Benoît Arlet
- Sickle Cell Disease Referral Centre, Internal Medicine Department, Hôpital Européen Georges‐Pompidou, AP‐HP Université de Paris Paris France
| | | | | | - Suman Jain
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society Hyderabad India
| | | | - Erfan Nur
- Academic Medical Center Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Marimilia Pita
- Pediatric Hematology, Hospital Samaritano Laureate University‐UAM São Paulo Brazil
| | - Laurie DeBonnett
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover New Jersey USA
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Iliyasu Z, Borodo AM, Jibir BW, Nass NS, Aliyu MH. " A child with sickle cell disease can't live with just anyone." A mixed methods study of socio-behavioral influences and severity of sickle cell disease in northern Nigeria. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e222. [PMID: 33376812 PMCID: PMC7757738 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The modulatory effects of psychosocial and biophysical environments on sickle cell disease (SCD) severity during childhood has not been well characterized in high burden settings, such as Nigeria. OBJECTIVES We identified socio-demographic correlates and explored caregivers' perceptions on socio-behavioral and environmental influences on hospitalization for pain and blood transfusion of children with SCD in Kano, Nigeria. METHODS Using mixed methods, structured questionnaires were administered to a clinic-based sample of caregivers of children with SCD (n = 372), complemented with eight focus group discussions. Binary logistic regression models and the framework approach were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The majority (73.1%, n = 272) of the children had at least one vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), and 41.1% (n = 153) required hospitalization in the preceding year. A total of 170 children (45.7%) received blood transfusion. Hospitalization was predicted by the child's age (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR = 1.89; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.18-4.07, ≥10 vs <5 years), relationship with caregiver (AOR = 5.41; 95%CI: 1.17-25.05, mother vs "others"), father's number of children (AOR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.19-5.31, ≥10 vs ≤4), and siblings with SCD (AOR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.16-8.80, 2 vs 0). Caregivers perceived maternal care, stable home environment, medication adherence, anti-mosquito measures, and adequate nutrition as protective factors, whereas poverty, extreme emotions, physical exertion, and extreme temperatures were identified as detrimental to the health of the child. CONCLUSIONS Hospitalizations for VOC and transfusion rates among children with SCD were high. Understanding the modulatory effects of socio-behavioral factors on SCD severity could inform preventive measures and enhance the quality of life of affected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubairu Iliyasu
- Department of Community MedicineBayero UniversityKanoNigeria
| | - Awwal M. Borodo
- Department of MedicineMurtala Mohammed Specialist HospitalKanoNigeria
| | - Binta W. Jibir
- Department of PediatricsMurtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital & Hasiya Bayero Pediatric HospitalKanoNigeria
| | - Nafisa S. Nass
- Department of Community MedicineBayero UniversityKanoNigeria
| | - Muktar H. Aliyu
- Department of Health Policy and Vanderbilt Institute for Global HealthVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennessee
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15
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Kalter JA, Gupta R, Greenberg MR, Miller AJ, Allen J. Hyperhemolysis Syndrome in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Report. Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med 2021; 5:101-104. [PMID: 33560964 PMCID: PMC7872616 DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.2020.12.50349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hyperhemolysis syndrome (HHS) is a rare complication of repeat blood transfusions in sickle cell disease (SCD). This can occur acutely or have a delayed presentation and often goes unrecognized in the emergency department (ED) due to its rapid progression and similarity to acute chest syndrome and other common complications of SCD. Case Report We present a case of a 20-year-old male with SCD who presented to the ED with pain and tenderness in his lower extremities one day after discharge for a crisis. Unbeknownst to the ED team, during his admission he had received a blood transfusion. On presentation he was noted to have hyperkalemia, hyperbilirubinemia, anemia, and uncontrolled pain, and was admitted for sickle cell pain crisis. Over the next 36 hours, his hemoglobin dropped precipitously from 8.9 grams per deciliter (g/dL) to 4.2 g/dL (reference range: 11.5–14.5 g/dL), reticulocyte count from 11.7 % to 3.8% (0.4–2.2%), and platelets from 318,000 per cubic centimeter (K/cm3) to 65 K/cm3 (140–350 K/cm3). He also developed a fever, hypoxia, transaminitis, a deteriorating mental status, and severe lactic acidosis. Hematology was consulted and he was treated with methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, two units of antigen-matched red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate. He was transferred to an outside hospital for exchange transfusion and remained hospitalized for 26 days with acute liver failure, bone marrow necrosis, and a fever of unknown origin. Conclusion Because of the untoward outcomes associated with delay in HHS diagnosis and the need for early initiation of steroids, it is important for emergency providers to screen patients with hemoglobinopathies for recent transfusion at ED presentation. Asking the simple question about when a patient’s last transfusion occurred can lead an emergency physician to include HHS in the differential and work-up of patients with sickle cell disease complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Kalter
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Ranju Gupta
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Division of Hematology Oncology, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Marna Rayl Greenberg
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew J Miller
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Jamie Allen
- USF Morsani College of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Allentown, Pennsylvania
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Grosse SD, Green NS, Reeves SL. Administrative data identify sickle cell disease: A critical review of approaches in U.S. health services research. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28703. [PMID: 32939942 PMCID: PMC7606824 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To identify people living with sickle cell disease (SCD) and study their healthcare utilization, researchers can either use clinical records linked to administrative data or use billing diagnosis codes in stand-alone administrative databases. Correct identification of individuals clinically managed for SCD using diagnosis codes in claims databases is limited by the accuracy of billing codes in outpatient encounters. In this critical review, we assess the strengths and limitations of claims-based SCD case-finding algorithms in stand-alone administrative databases that contain both inpatient and outpatient records. Validation studies conducted using clinical records and newborn screening for confirmation of SCD case status have found that algorithms that require three or more nonpharmacy claims or one inpatient claim plus two or more outpatient claims with SCD codes show acceptable accuracy (positive predictive value and sensitivity) in children and adolescents. Future studies might seek to assess the accuracy of case-finding algorithms over the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D. Grosse
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nancy S. Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sarah L. Reeves
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan,School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Kang HA, Barner JC, Richards KM, Bhor M, Paulose J, Kutlar A. Association Between Vaso-Occlusive Crises and Opioid Prescriptions Among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: A Retrospective Claims-Based Study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 7:94-101. [PMID: 36873574 PMCID: PMC9981196 DOI: 10.36469/jheor.001c.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) are recurrent and unpredictable attacks of acute pain. These pain crises are often treated with analgesics, including opioids, which have been associated with misuse and overdose. The aim of this study was to examine the association between VOC events and opioid use and assess the association between opioid prescriptions and health care resource utilization among SCD patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using Texas Medicaid medical and prescription claims between September 2011 and August 2016. The index date was the first SCD diagnosis. Patients (2-63 years) with at least one inpatient or two outpatient SCD diagnoses, who were continuously enrolled during 12 months postindex, were included in the study. The primary outcome was number of opioid prescriptions, while the independent variable was number of VOC events. Covariates included age, gender, nonopioid medication use, nonstudy SCD-related medication (penicillin and folic acid) use, evidence of blood transfusions, number of SCD-related complications, number of SCD-related comorbid conditions, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Negative binomial regression analysis was used to address study objectives. Results: Of 3368 included patients, 1978 (58.7%) had at least one opioid prescription with a mean of 4.2 (SD=7.2). Overall, 2071 (61.5%) had at least one VOC event with an average of 2.9 (SD=4.4). The results from the negative binomial regression showed that for every increase in VOC events, the number of opioid prescriptions increased by 9.5% (Incidence rate ratio=1.095, 95% CI: 1.078-1.111; P ≤ 0.0001). Other significant covariates associated with higher opioid use included age (13 and older compared to 2-12) and increase in the number of nonopioid pain medications, nonstudy SCD-related medications, and SCD-related complications. Conclusions: The majority of SCD patients had at least one VOC event and were prescribed opioids during the 12-month study period. We found that each VOC event was associated with a 9.5% increase in the use of opioids. SCD guidelines recommend opioids for the treatment of VOC-related pain. Payers and providers should be aware of opioid use in this population, consider appropriate VOC prevention measures, and provide SCD patients with access to appropriate pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeun Ah Kang
- The University of Texas at El Paso, School of Pharmacy, El Paso, TX
| | - Jamie C Barner
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, TX
| | | | - Menaka Bhor
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, US Oncology Health Economics and Outcomes Research. East Hanover, NJ
| | - Jincy Paulose
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, US Oncology Health Economics and Outcomes Research. East Hanover, NJ
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Kang HA, Barner JC, Richards KM, Bhor M, Paulose J, Kutlar A. Association between Vaso-occlusive Crises and Opioid Prescriptions among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: A Retrospective Claims-based Study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 7:94-101. [PMID: 32685602 PMCID: PMC7343345 DOI: 10.36469/jheor.2020.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) are recurrent and unpredictable attacks of acute pain. These pain crises are often treated with analgesics, including opioids, which have been associated with misuse and overdose. The aim of this study was to examine the association between VOC events and opioid use and assess the association between opioid prescriptions and health care resource utilization among SCD patients. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study using Texas Medicaid medical and prescription claims between September 2011 and August 2016. The index date was the first SCD diagnosis. Patients (2-63 years) with at least one inpatient or two outpatient SCD diagnoses, who were continuously enrolled during 12 months postindex, were included in the study. The primary outcome was number of opioid prescriptions, while the independent variable was number of VOC events. Covariates included age, gender, nonopioid medication use, nonstudy SCD-related medication (penicillin and folic acid) use, evidence of blood transfusions, number of SCD-related complications, number of SCD-related comorbid conditions, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Negative binomial regression analysis was used to address study objectives. RESULTS Of 3368 included patients, 1978 (58.7%) had at least one opioid prescription with a mean of 4.2 (SD=7.2). Overall, 2071 (61.5%) had at least one VOC event with an average of 2.9 (SD=4.4). The results from the negative binomial regression showed that for every increase in VOC events, the number of opioid prescriptions increased by 9.5% (Incidence rate ratio=1.095, 95% CI: 1.078-1.111; P ≤ 0.0001). Other significant covariates associated with higher opioid use included age (13 and older compared to 2-12) and increase in the number of nonopioid pain medications, nonstudy SCD-related medications, and SCD-related complications. CONCLUSIONS The majority of SCD patients had at least one VOC event and were prescribed opioids during the 12-month study period. We found that each VOC event was associated with a 9.5% increase in the use of opioids. SCD guidelines recommend opioids for the treatment of VOC-related pain. Payers and providers should be aware of opioid use in this population, consider appropriate VOC prevention measures, and provide SCD patients with access to appropriate pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeun Ah Kang
- The University of Texas at El Paso, School of Pharmacy, El Paso, TX
| | - Jamie C. Barner
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, TX
| | | | - Menaka Bhor
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, US Oncology, East Hanover, NJ
| | - Jincy Paulose
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, US Oncology, East Hanover, NJ
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