British Thoracic Society Quality Standard for Clinically Significant Bronchiectasis in Adults 2022

This British Thoracic Society Quality Standard for Clinically Significant Bronchiectasis in Adults 2022 aims to encourage good practice by setting standards of high-quality respiratory care that services should follow.

Patient preferences for stratified medicine in psoriasis: a discrete choice experiment

BACKGROUND

New technologies have enabled the potential for stratified medicine in psoriasis. It is important to understand patients' preferences to enable the informed introduction of stratified medicine, which is likely to involve a number of individual tests that could be collated into a prescribing algorithm for biological drug selection to be used in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify patient preferences for an algorithm-based approach to prescribing biologics ('biologic calculator') in psoriasis.

METHODS

An online survey comprising a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to elicit the preferences of two purposive samples of adults living with psoriasis in the UK, identified from a psoriasis patient organization (Psoriasis Association) and an online panel provider (Dynata). Respondents chose between two biologic calculators and conventional prescribing described using five attributes: treatment delay; positive predictive value; negative predictive value; risk of infection; and cost saving to the National Health Service. Each participant selected their preferred alternative from six hypothetical choice sets. Additional data, including sociodemographic characteristics, were collected. Choice data were analysed using conditional logit and fully correlated random parameters logit models.

RESULTS

Data from 212 respondents (67 from the Psoriasis Association and 145 from Dynata) were analysed. The signs of all estimated coefficients were consistent with a priori expectations. Respondents had a strong preference for a high predictive accuracy and avoiding serious infection, but there was evidence of systematic differences in preferences between the samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that individuals with psoriasis would value a biologic calculator and suggested that such a biologic calculator should have sufficient accuracy to predict future response and risk of serious infection from the biologic.

Providing evidence-based care for adult patients with bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a long-term respiratory disease in which there is permanent bronchial dilatation, and it is associated with recurrent cough, sputum production and respiratory tract infections. The incidence and prevalence of bronchiectasis is rising, but it can be challenging to identify and manage this disease. The British Thoracic Society published its latest guideline for bronchiectasis in adults in 2019. This article outlines the main recommendations of this guideline to enable nurses to provide evidence-based care for adult patients with bronchiectasis.

Self-reported motivations for engaging or declining to engage in cyber-dependent offending and the role of autistic traits

Cyber-dependent offending, i.e. criminal behaviour reliant on computing and the online domain, has been reportedly associated with particular characteristics and motivations such as being young, male, autistic and motivated by challenge. These associations are anecdotal however and empirical evidence is limited. The present study investigated reasons for engaging or declining to commit cyber-dependent offending in cyber-skilled non-offenders (n = 175) and offenders (n = 7) via an online survey measuring cyber-dependent criminality. The potential role of autism and autistic traits was also considered. Qualitative interviews about motivations for offending were carried out with the offenders. The cyber-dependent offenders reported seven main reasons for engaging in cyber-dependent offending: (1) lack of understanding; (2) entertainment; (3) peer influence; (4) experience and career; (5) anonymity and risk perception; (6) life events; and (7) morals. Twenty-nine (approximately 17 %) of the non-offenders had been asked to engage in cyber-dependent offending but had declined. Their reasons and motivations for declining to commit cyber-dependent offences were compared with the cyber-dependent offenders reasons and motivations for engaging in cybercrime. Seven main reasons for declining to offend were identified: (1) moral principles; (2) perception of risk; (3) fear of consequences; (4) not wanting to; (5) wanting to adhere to the law; (6) behaviour being too complicated; and (7) price being too low. Implications for practise are discussed.

Long-term effect of patient decision aids on use of joint replacement and health care costs

OBJECTIVE

Shared decision-making supported by patient decisions aids may improve care and reduce healthcare costs for persons considering total joint replacement. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the short-term impact of decision aids on uptake of surgery and costs, however the long-term effects are unclear. This analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of patient decision aids on 1) use of joint replacement up to 7-years of follow-up, and 2) osteoarthritis-related health system costs.

METHODS

324 participants in a Canadian RCT with 2-years follow-up who were randomized to either a decision aid (n = 161) or usual care (n = 163) had their trial and health administrative data linked. The proportion undergoing surgery up to 7-years were compared using cumulative incidence plots and competing risk regression. Mean per-patient costs were compared using two sample t-tests.

RESULTS

At 2-years, 119 of 161 (73.9%) patients in the decision aid arm and 129 of 163 (79.1%) patients in the usual care arm had surgery. Between two and 7-years, 17 additional patients in both the decision aid (of 42, 40.4%) and usual care (of 34, 50.0%) arms underwent surgery. At 7-years, patients exposed to decision aids had a similar likelihood of undergoing surgery (HR = 0.92, 95% CI:0.73 to 1.17, p = 0.49) and mean per-patient costs ($21,965 vs $23,681, incremental cost: -$1,717, 95% CI:-$5,631 to $2,198) compared to those in usual care.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to assess the long-term impact of decision aids on use of joint replacement and healthcare costs. These results are not conclusive but can inform future trial design.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The full trial protocol is available at ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT00911638).

British Thoracic Society guideline for bronchiectasis in adults

The full British Thoracic Society Guideline for Bronchiectasis in Adults is published in Thorax. The following is a summary of the recommendations and good practice points. The sections referred to in the summary refer to the full guideline. The appendices are available in the full guideline.

Nursing and health-care assistant experience of supervision in a medium secure psychiatric service for women: implications for service development

In secure psychiatric services where the potential for 'burnout' by nurses is high, clinical supervision is viewed as a key to reflective practice to support staff in stressful working environments. Barriers to the uptake of clinical supervision in such service settings are personal and organizational. The study was prompted by the need to evaluate the effectiveness of supervision for registered nurses and health-care assistants (HCAs) and a desire to use survey findings to improve the quality and uptake of supervision. The study examined the perceived benefits, the best practice elements and the practical aspects of clinical supervision including how to improve practice. An approximate uptake of clinical supervision by 50% of staff confirmed previous findings; that HCAs were significantly less likely to engage in supervision and less likely to perceive benefit from it. Initiatives to address the training and managerial obstacles to the provision of formal supervision are described.

The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of genotyping for CYP2D6 for the management of women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the UK. Tamoxifen (TAM) is considered as the standard of care for many women with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer. However, wide variability in the response of individuals to drugs at the same doses may occur, which may be a result of interindividual genetic differences (pharmacogenetics). TAM is known to be metabolised to its active metabolites N-desmethyl TAM and 4-hydroxytamoxifen by a number of CYP450 enzymes, including CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2B6. N-desmethyl TAM is further metabolised to endoxifen by CYP2D6. Endoxifen, which is also formed via the action of CYP2D6, is 30- to 100-fold more potent than TAM in suppressing oestrogen-dependent cell proliferation, and is considered an entity responsible for significant pharmacological effects of TAM. Thus, an association between the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotype and phenotype (expected drug effects) is believed to exist and it has been postulated that CYP2D6 testing may play a role in optimising an individual's adjuvant hormonal treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether or not testing for cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) polymorphisms in women with early hormone receptor positive breast cancer leads to improvement in outcomes, is useful for health decision-making and is a cost-effective use of health-care resources.

DATA SOURCES

Relevant electronic databases and websites including MEDLINE, EMBASE and HuGENet [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Office of Public Health Genomics), Human Genome Epidemiology Network] were searched until July 2009. Further studies that became known to the authors via relevant conferences or e-mail alerts from an automatically updated search of the Scopus database were also included as the review progressed, up to March 2010.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CYP2D6 testing was undertaken. As it was not possible to conduct meta-analyses, data were extracted into structured tables and narratively discussed. An exploratory analysis of sensitivity and specificity was undertaken. A review of economic evaluations and models of CYP2D6 testing for patients treated with TAM was also carried out.

RESULTS

A total of 25 cohorts were identified which examined clinical efficacy (overall survival and relapse/recurrence), adverse events and endoxifen plasma concentrations by genotype/phenotype. Significantly, six cohorts suggest extensive metabolisers (Ems) appear to have better outcomes than either poor metabolisers (PMs) or PMs + intermediate metabolisers in terms of relapse/recurrence; however, three cohorts report apparently poorer outcomes for EMs (albeit not statistically significant). There was heterogeneity across the studies in terms of the patient population, alleles tested and outcomes used and defined. One decision model proposing a strategy for CYP2D6 testing for TAM was identified, but this was not suitable for developing a model to examine the cost-effectiveness of CYP2D6 testing. It was not possible to produce a de novo model because of a lack of data to populate it.

CONCLUSION

This is a relatively new area of research that is evolving rapidly and, although international consortia are collaborating, the data are limited and conflicting. Therefore, it is not possible to recommend pharmacogenetic testing in this patient population. Future research needs to focus on which alleles (including, or in addition to, those related to CYP2D6) reflect patient response, the link between endoxifen levels and clinical outcomes, and the appropriate pathways for implementation of such pharmacogenetic testing in patient care pathways.

Worth syndrome as a diagnosis for mandibular osteosclerosis

This case report presents an unusual incidental radiographic finding on a dental panoramic radiograph that caused diagnostic confusion. A 46-year-old female presented with symmetrical sclerotic cortical thickening of the anterior mandible visible on radiograph, with no other major clinical examination findings. The patient subsequently showed no change in radiographic appearance over a 6 year period. Based on this evidence, and the benign nature of the history, we propose a diagnosis of Worth syndrome. This report aims to clarify the difference in terminology and presentation of two conditions known to produce mandibular osteosclerosis: Worth syndrome and Van Buchem disease, both of which are often quoted synonymously in the literature.

Children's outcomes and parents' preferences for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia for day-case surgery

Focal points

Continual monitoring of intraepithelial lymphocyte immunophenotype and clonality is more important than snapshot analysis in the surveillance of refractory coeliac disease

OBJECTIVE

An aberrant immunophenotype and monoclonality of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are frequently found in refractory coeliac disease (RCD). However, the utility of continual monitoring of IEL immunophenotype and clonality in the surveillance of RCD remains to be studied.

DESIGN

The diagnostic and follow-up biopsies from 33 patients with CD, 7 with suspected RCD, 41 with RCD and 20 with enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma (EATL) (including 11 evolved from RCD) were investigated by CD3epsilon/CD8 double immunohistochemistry and PCR-based clonality analysis of the rearranged T cell receptor (TCR) genes.

RESULTS

An aberrant immunophenotype (CD3epsilon(+)CD8(-) IELs > or =40%) and monoclonality were detected occasionally in CD biopsies, either transiently in patients with CD not compliant with a gluten-free diet or in those who subsequently developed suspected RCD, RCD or EATL. In contrast, the aberrant immunophenotype and monoclonality were found in 30 of 41 (73%) and 24 of 37 (65%) biopsies, respectively, at the time of RCD diagnosis. Among the patients with RCD who did not show these abnormalities in their diagnostic biopsies, 8 of 10 (80%) and 5 of 11 (45%) cases gained an aberrant immunophenotype and monoclonality, respectively, during follow-up. Irrespective of whether detected in diagnostic or follow-up biopsies, persistence of both abnormalities was characteristic of RCD. Importantly, the presence of concurrent persistent monoclonality and aberrant immunophenotype, especially > or =80% CD3epsilon(+)CD8(-) IELs, was a strong predictor of EATL development in patients with RCD (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Continual monitoring of both immunophenotype and clonality of IELs is more important than snapshot analysis for RCD diagnosis and follow-up, and could provide a useful tool for surveillance of patients at risk of EATL.

The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of testing for cytochrome P450 polymorphisms in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics: a systematic review and economic evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether testing for cytochrome P450 (CYP) polymorphisms in adults entering antipsychotic treatment for schizophrenia leads to improvement in outcomes, is useful in medical, personal or public health decision-making, and is a cost-effective use of health-care resources.

DATA SOURCES

The following electronic databases were searched for relevant published literature: Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, EMBASE, Health Technology Assessment database, ISI Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Health Economic Evaluation Database, Cost-effectiveness Analysis (CEA) Registry and the Centre for Health Economics website. In addition, publicly available information on various genotyping tests was sought from the internet and advisory panel members.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review of analytical validity, clinical validity and clinical utility of CYP testing was undertaken. Data were extracted into structured tables and narratively discussed, and meta-analysis was undertaken when possible. A review of economic evaluations of CYP testing in psychiatry and a review of economic models related to schizophrenia were also carried out.

RESULTS

For analytical validity, 46 studies of a range of different genotyping tests for 11 different CYP polymorphisms (most commonly CYP2D6) were included. Sensitivity and specificity were high (99-100%). For clinical validity, 51 studies were found. In patients tested for CYP2D6, an association between genotype and tardive dyskinesia (including Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores) was found. The only other significant finding linked the CYP2D6 genotype to parkinsonism. One small unpublished study met the inclusion criteria for clinical utility. One economic evaluation assessing the costs and benefits of CYP testing for prescribing antidepressants and 28 economic models of schizophrenia were identified; none was suitable for developing a model to examine the cost-effectiveness of CYP testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Tests for determining genotypes appear to be accurate although not all aspects of analytical validity were reported. Given the absence of convincing evidence from clinical validity studies, the lack of clinical utility and economic studies, and the unsuitability of published schizophrenia models, no model was developed; instead key features and data requirements for economic modelling are presented. Recommendations for future research cover both aspects of research quality and data that will be required to inform the development of future economic models.

Natural attenuation of nitrogen loading from septic effluents: Spatial and environmental controls

We assess the role of septic systems as potential nitrogen (N) sources to coastal open water bodies. To quantify the potential role of septic tanks, we document the distribution pattern and functionality of septic tanks in McIntosh County in Georgia, USA, and examine factors governing the mitigation of septic N loading in coastal groundwater. Employing a field calibrated 2D variable-density reaction-transport model, we focus on the role of setback distance of a leaky septic source from the receiving surface waters, on transport and biogeochemical characteristics of the subsurface environment, and on leachate composition and reactivity. We conclude that the removal of bioavailable nitrogen via denitrification may be increased by increasing the septic system setback distance, in particular in brackish and saline coastal settings where sulfide produced in sulfate reduction can limit N(2) production.

Credibility of a meta-analysis: evidence-based practice concerning soy intake and breast cancer risk in premenopausal women

PURPOSE

To report the findings from a critical appraisal concerning the credibility of a meta-analysis (M-A) about the role of dietary soy intake in reducing breast cancer risk. The use of an evidence-based, advanced nursing practice framework was used to appraise the M-A.

APPROACH

The clinical question was developed from a problem that could be encountered in clinical practice. For premenopausal women, does the use of high dietary soy intake reduce the future risk of breast cancer compared with low dietary soy intake? A search of electronic databases yielded one M-A, which was selected to answer the question.

FRAMEWORK

A framework was developed from various authors' work and used to appraise the M-A and guide implementation of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the M-A were not deemed credible because of deficient information regarding the target population and outcome variable, lack of confounder control, unclear inclusion and exclusion criteria of the sample, and invalid methods of data abstraction. Because the findings were not credible, they were deemed not to be clinically applicable. Therefore, a high soy diet would not necessarily be recommended.

Breast feeding practices and views among diabetic women: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

to explore the pattern and experiences of breast-feeding practices among diabetic women.

DESIGN

retrospective cohort study using maternal records and postal questionnaires in a Baby-Friendly hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

diabetic mothers including women with gestational diabetes, and type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

FINDINGS

from the total group of respondents, 81.9% intended to breast feed. The actual breast feeding rates were 81.9% at birth, 68.1% at 2 weeks and 28.7% at 6 months postpartum. Major themes that were identified from women's experiences included information and advice, support vs. pressure, classification and labelling, and expectations.

CONCLUSIONS

more than two-thirds of the diabetic women intended to breast feed and actually did breast feed in this study. For both the total study population and the type 1 and 2 diabetics alone, more than half were still breast feeding at 2 weeks postpartum, and approximately one-third were still breast feeding at 6 months postpartum.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

structured support, provided for women through Baby-Friendly initiatives, was appreciated by the diabetic women in this study. The extent to which this support influenced the highly successful breast feeding practices in this group of women needs focused investigation. The need for a delicate balancing act between pressure and advice in order to prevent coercion was noted.

A practical strategy for the routine use of BIOMED-2 PCR assays for detection of B- and T-cell clonality in diagnostic haematopathology

BIOMED-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for clonality analysis of immunoglobulin (IG) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements were evaluated in routine haematopathological practice where paraffin-embedded tissues constitute the majority of specimens. One hundred and twenty-five fresh/frozen and 316 paraffin specimens were analysed for DNA quality and clonality. Seventy-nine per cent of paraffin specimens yielded PCR products of over 300 bp. These specimens and all fresh/frozen specimens were analysed with the complete set of BIOMED-2 reactions for IG (8 reactions) and/or TCR (6 reactions) gene rearrangements. The rate of detection of clonality was 96% in mature B-cell neoplasms and 98% in mature T-cell neoplasms and there were no significant differences in these rates between paraffin and fresh/frozen specimens. As the value of sole use of any individual BIOMED-2 reaction in clonality detection was limited, we assessed combinations of reactions that gave the greatest sensitivity with fewest reactions and were applicable for both fresh/frozen and paraffin specimens. For IG gene rearrangements, three reactions combining one targeting the IG heavy chain framework-2 region and two targeting the IG kappa locus achieved a 91% detection rate. For TCR gene rearrangements, the two TCR gamma reactions gave a 94% detection rate. We therefore recommend this strategy as the first-line assays for routine B- and T-cell clonality analysis in diagnostic haematopathology.

Current use of pharmacogenetic testing: a national survey of thiopurine methyltransferase testing prior to azathioprine prescription

BACKGROUND

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant prescribed for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and after organ transplantation. Risk of neutropaenia has limited the effective use of azathioprine (AZA) and driven requirements for careful monitoring and blood tests. Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is a genetically moderated key enzyme involved in the metabolism of AZA that can be used to stratify individuals into different levels of risk of developing neutropaenia. Two techniques can be used to measure TPMT status: enzyme-level testing (phenotype testing) and DNA based testing (genotype testing).

OBJECTIVE

To identify the current uptake of TPMT enzyme-level testing, TPMT genotype testing, and, the role of guidelines; to inform the prescribing and monitoring of AZA.

METHOD

A survey was mailed to a consultant dermatologist, gastroenterologist, and rheumatologist at every NHS Hospital Trust in England. The survey comprised mainly closed questions exploring: use of AZA and monitoring; use of TPMT enzyme-level testing and genotype testing; and, the role of guidelines to guide prescribing practice.

RESULTS

A 70% (n=287) response rate was obtained. The majority of respondents reported prescribing AZA (99%, n=283). Prescribing and monitoring patterns differed between individual respondents and between the three disciplines. TPMT enzyme-level testing was reportedly used by 67% (n=189) of respondents, but this differed by discipline (dermatologists 94%, gastroenterologists 60%, rheumatologists 47%). In 91% of cases enzyme-level testing was carried out prior to prescribing AZA. Genotype testing is not typically available to NHS clinicians but 15 clinicians (six dermatologists, six gastroenterologists, three rheumatologists) reported using it. Most consultants (82%) reported using guidelines to inform their AZA prescribing and monitoring (dermatologists 81%, gastroenterologists 75%, rheumatologists 94%).

CONCLUSION

Two-thirds of the consultants surveyed in England are using TPMT enzyme-level testing, prior to AZA treatment. Uptake differs between specialities. High uptake of TPMT enzyme-level testing by dermatologists, compared with gastroenterologists and rheumatologists, may reflect national guidelines advocating its use prior to AZA. Uptake of enzyme-level testing may alter in other specialties as other guidelines are developed.

Potential population impact of the UK government strategy for reducing the burden of coronary heart disease in England: comparing primary and secondary prevention strategies

OBJECTIVE

To use population impact measures to help prioritise the National Service Framework (NSF) strategies recommended by the UK government for reducing the population burden of coronary heart disease (CHD).

DESIGN

Modelling study.

SETTING

Primary care.

DATA SOURCES

Published data on incidence, baseline risk and prevalence of risk factors for CHD and the proportion treated, eligible for treatment, and adhering to the different interventions. Data from meta-analyses and systematic reviews for relative risk and relative risk reduction associated with different risk factors and interventions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Population impact measures for the decline in the prevalence of a risk factor and the increased uptake of interventions expressed as number of CHD events prevented in the population.

RESULTS

If lifestyle targets for primary prevention are met, 73 522 (95% CI 54,117 to 95,826) CHD events would be prevented per year, with the greatest gain coming from reduced cholesterol and blood pressure levels. In those at high risk of developing CHD, achieving target levels for lifestyle interventions would prevent 4410 (95% CI 1993 to 8014) CHD events and for pharmacological treatments 2008 (95% CI 790 to 3627) CHD events. For patients with established CHD, achieving NSF targets will result in the prevention of 3067 (95% CI 1572 to 5878) CHD events through improved drug treatment and 1103 (95% CI 179 to 2097) events through lifestyle interventions.

CONCLUSION

Current strategies focus largely on secondary prevention, but many more cardiovascular events would be prevented by meeting the government's public health and primary prevention targets than targeting people at high risk or those with established heart disease.

Cost-effectiveness of cell salvage and alternative methods of minimising perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion: a systematic review and economic model

OBJECTIVES

To compare patient outcomes, resource use and costs to the NHS and NHS Blood Transfusion Authority (BTA) associated with cell salvage and alternative methods of minimising perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases covering the period 1996-2004 for systematic reviews and 1994-2004 for economic evidence.

REVIEW METHODS

Existing systematic reviews were updated with data from selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that involved adults scheduled for elective non-urgent surgery. Any resource use or cost data were extracted for potential use in populating an economic model. Relative risks or weighted mean difference of each outcome for each intervention were assessed, taking into account the number of RCTs included in each outcome and intervention and the presence of any heterogeneity. This allowed indirect comparison of the relative effectiveness of each intervention when the intervention is compared with allogeneic blood transfusion. A decision analytic model synthesised clinical and economic data from several sources, to estimate the relative cost-effectiveness of cell salvage for people undergoing elective surgery with moderate to major expected blood loss. The perspective of the NHS and patients and a time horizon of 1 month were used. The economic model was developed from reviews of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness and clinical experts. Secondary analysis explored the robustness of the results to changes in the timing and costs of cell salvage equipment, surgical procedure, use of transfusion protocols and time horizon of analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 668 studies were identified electronically for the update of the two systematic reviews. This included five RCTs, of which two were cell salvage and three preoperative autologous donation (PAD). Five published systematic reviews were identified for antifibrinolytics, fibrin sealants and restrictive transfusion triggers, PAD plus erythropoietin, erythropoietin alone and acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH). Twelve published studies reported full economic evaluations. All but two of the transfusion strategies significantly reduced exposure to allogeneic blood. The relative risk of exposure to allogeneic blood was 0.59 for the pooled trials of cell salvage (95% confidence interval: 0.48 to 0.73). This varied by the type and timing of cell salvage and type of surgical procedure. For cell salvage, the relative risk of allogeneic blood transfusion was higher in cardiac surgery than in orthopaedic surgery. Cell salvage had lower costs and slightly higher quality-adjusted life years compared with all of the alternative transfusion strategies except ANH. The likelihood that cell salvage is cost-effective compared with strategies other than ANH is over 50%. Most of the secondary analyses indicated similar results to the primary analysis. However, the primary and secondary analyses indicated that ANH may be more cost-effective than cell salvage.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence indicates that cell salvage may be a cost-effective method to reduce exposure to allogeneic blood transfusion. However, ANH may be more cost-effective than cell salvage. The results of this analysis are subject to the low quality and reliability of the data used and the use of indirect comparisons. This may affect the reliability and robustness of the clinical and economic results. There is a need for further research that includes adequately powered high-quality RCTs to compare directly various blood transfusion strategies. These should include measures of health status, health-related quality of life and patient preferences for alternative transfusion strategies. Observational and tracking studies are needed to estimate reliably the incidence of adverse events and infections transmitted during blood transfusion and to identify the lifetime consequences of the serious hazards of transfusion on mortality, health status and health-related quality of life.

Perkinsus marinus in coastal Georgia, USA, following a prolonged drought

Oysters Crassostrea virginica are 'keystone' estuarine species in the southeastern USA, providing essential fish habitat, food for human consumption, filtration of water bodies, and protection against shoreline erosion. Relatively few oyster pathology studies have been conducted in Georgia. The parasitic protozoan Perkinsus marinus was first observed here in the 1960s, but has not been investigated since the late 1990s, when increasing oyster infection levels were apparent. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the region suffered a prolonged drought, resulting in elevated salinities and the proliferation of various diseases in the marine environment. By 2003, salinities had returned to normal levels, but the effect of the drought on oysters was unknown. In June 2003, oyster reefs throughout Chatham County were sampled to evaluate the prevalence and intensity of P. marinus. The disease appears to have remained prevalent in the coastal waters of Georgia (100% prevalence at some sites), but the intensity was low, ranging from 0 to 1.83 on a scale where heavy infections rated a score of 5. While the disease did not occur at levels high enough to cause oyster mortalities, further monitoring, particularly on a temporal scale, is warranted.

A comparison of the cost-effectiveness of five strategies for the prevention of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastrointestinal toxicity: a systematic review with economic modelling

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relative effectiveness, patient acceptability, costs and cost-effectiveness of four strategies for the prevention of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity: (1) Cox-1 NSAIDs plus histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), (2) Cox-1 NSAIDs plus proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), (3) Cox-1 NSAIDs plus misoprostol, and (4) Cox-2 NSAIDs (later expanded to 4a Cox-2 coxibNSAIDs and 4b Cox-2 preferential NSAIDs).

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases up to May 2002.

REVIEW METHODS

Relevant studies were selected, assessed and analysed. Pooled relative risk ratios (RR) from the systematic review were combined with up-to-date UK resource use and unit costs data in an incremental economic analysis. A probabilistic decision-analytic model was designed and populated with data to carry out incremental economic analysis. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were generated for the outcome measure, endoscopic ulcer or serious GI event averted, against total cost, and non-parametric bootstrapping was used to simulate variance of these ICERs.

RESULTS

Of 118 selected trials, including 125 relevant comparisons (which included 76,322 participants) only 138 deaths and 248 serious GI events were reported. Seven comparisons were judged to be at low risk of bias. Comparing the gastroprotective strategies against placebo, there was no evidence of effectiveness of H2RAs against any primary outcomes (few events reported), PPIs may reduce the risk of symptomatic ulcers [RR 0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.47], misoprostol reduces the risk of serious GI complications (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.91) and symptomatic ulcers (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.67), Cox-2 'preferentials' reduce the risk of symptomatic ulcers (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.65) and Cox-2 'coxibs' reduce the risk of symptomatic ulcers (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.62) and possibly serious GI events (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.80). All strategies except Cox-2 'preferentials' reduce the risk of endoscopic ulcers. There were only 12 direct comparisons between gastroprotective strategies. All they suggest is that Cox-2 preferentials are better than misoprostol for preventing GI complications. Indirect comparisons suggested that PPIs may prevent symptomatic ulcers better than Cox-2 coxibs, but this is very weak evidence. For prevention of endoscopic ulcers PPIs and misoprostol appear more successful than H2RAs and misoprostol is better than Cox-2 preferentials. There were no UK head-to-head published economic analyses with regard to the main gastroprotective strategies. There were generally insufficient data with regards to cardiac or renal outcomes, serious GI outcomes or life-years gained to populate the mode. Mean (2.5th and 97.5th percentile) costs per endoscopic ulcer averted compared with Cox-1 NSAIDs alone were as follows: Cox-1 plus H2RAs, -186 pounds (-555 to 804); Cox-1 plus PPIs, 454 pounds (251 to 877); Cox-1 plus misoprostol, 54 pounds (-112 to 238); Cox-2 selective NSAIDs, 263 pounds (-570 to 1280), or Cox-2 specific NSAIDs, 301 pounds (189 to 418). With regard to the prevention of endoscopic ulcers, Cox-1 NSAID plus H2RA is a dominant option. Cost-effectiveness acceptability analysis showed a 95% probability that this combination was less costly and more effective. Cost-effectiveness acceptability frontiers showed that if the decision-maker is willing to pay up to 750 pounds to avoid an endoscopic ulcer, then Cox-1 plus H2RA is the optimal strategy. If the decision-maker is willing to pay over 750 pounds, the optimal strategy is NSAID plus misoprostol. Between 1900 pounds and 3750 pounds, Cox-2 selective inhibitors are optimal, and over 3750 pounds, Cox-2 specific inhibitors become optimal. NSAID plus PPI is never the optimal strategy. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses suggest that Cox-1 NSAID plus H2RA and Cox-1 NSAID plus misoprostol become more cost-effective in the older age group. Some conclusions were associated with high levels of uncertainty.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is a very large body of evidence comparing Cox-2 NSAIDs with Cox-1 NSAIDs, this is not matched by studies of the other types of gastroprotectors or by studies directly comparing active gastroprotective strategies. This lack of direct comparisons led to the use of indirect comparisons to help understand the relative efficacy of these strategies. Indirect evidence in itself is weak and was also hampered by lack of evidence in the underlying studies (where the gastroprotectors were compared with placebo). Economic modelling suggests that Cox-1 NSAID plus H2RA or Cox-1 NSAID plus PPI are the most cost-effective strategies for avoiding endoscopic ulcers in patients requiring long-term NSAID therapy. All strategies other than Cox-2 selective inhibitors reduce the rate of endoscopic ulcer compared with Cox-1 alone. The economic analysis suggests that there may be a case for prescribing H2RAs in all patients requiring NSAIDs. Misoprostol is more effective, but is associated with a greater cost and GI side-effects which may be unacceptable for patients. However, when assessing serious GI events, the economic analysis is sufficiently weakened by the data available as to render clear practice recommendations impossible. Further large, independent RCTs directly comparing various gastroprotective strategies are needed. These should report items such as major outcomes, primary data, adverse events, assessment of practice and patient preference.

Population impact of stricter adherence to recommendations for pharmacological and lifestyle interventions over one year in patients with coronary heart disease

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential number of lives saved associated with the full implementation of aspects of the National Service Framework (NSF) for coronary heart disease (CHD) in England using recently developed population impact measures.

DESIGN

Modelling study.

SETTING

Primary care.

DATA SOURCES

Published data on prevalence of acute myocardial infarction and heart failure, baseline risk of mortality, the relative risk reduction associated with different interventions and the proportion treated, eligible for treatment and adhering to each intervention.

MAIN RESULTS

Adopting the NSF recommendations for pharmacological interventions would prevent an extra 1027 (95% CI 418 to 1994) deaths in post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and an extra 37 899 (95% CI 25 690 to 52 503) deaths in heart failure patients in the first year after diagnosis. Lifestyle based interventions would prevent an extra 848 (95% CI 71 to 1 614) deaths in post-AMI patients and an extra 7249 (95% CI 995 to 16 696) deaths in heart failure patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Moving from current to "best" practice as recommended in the NSF will have a much greater impact on one year mortality rates among heart failure patients compared with post-AMI patients. Meeting pharmacological based recommendations for heart failure patients will prevent more deaths than meeting lifestyle based recommendations. Population impact numbers can help communicate the impact on a population of the implementation of guidelines and, when created using local data, could help policy makers assess the local impact of implementing a range of health care targets.