The magnitude and sustainability of treatment benefit of zuranolone on function and well-being as assessed by the SF-36 in adult patients with MDD and PPD: An integrated analysis of 4 randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD) are disabling conditions. This integrated analysis of MDD and PPD clinical trials investigated the impact of zuranolone-a positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and neuroactive steroid under investigation for adults with MDD and approved as an oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment course for adults with PPD in the US-on health-related quality of life, including functioning and well-being, as assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey V2 (SF-36).

METHODS

Integrated data from 3 MDD (201B, MOUNTAIN, WATERFALL) and 1 PPD trial (ROBIN) for individual SF-36 domains were compared for zuranolone (30- and 50-mg) vs placebo at Day (D)15 and D42. Comparisons between zuranolone responders (≥50 % reduction from baseline in 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score) and nonresponders were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 1003 patients were included (zuranolone, n = 504; placebo, n = 499). Significant differences in change from baseline (CFB) to D15 for patients in zuranolone vs placebo groups were observed in 6/8 domains; changes were sustained or improved at D42, with significant CFB differences for all 8 domains. Zuranolone responders had significantly higher CFB scores vs nonresponders for all domains at D15 and D42 (p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

Two zuranolone doses were integrated across populations of 2 disease states with potential differences in functioning, comorbidities, and patient demographics. All p-values presented are nominal.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrated data across 4 zuranolone clinical trials showed improvements in functioning and well-being across all SF-36 domains. Benefits persisted after completion of treatment course at D42.

Real-world reporting rates of administration-site reactions with on-demand treatment of hereditary angioedema attacks

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is characterized by recurrent and unpredictable episodes of subcutaneous and/or submucosal swelling. Objective: To characterize the real-world treatment burden associated with existing on-demand therapies, we analyzed administration-site adverse drug reactions (ADR) associated with approved on-demand HAE therapies reported in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods: We searched the FAERS database from October 1, 2009, to March 31, 2022, for reports of all FDA-approved on-demand therapies for HAE: plasma-derived C1-inhibitor (pdC1-INH), ecallantide, icatibant, and recombinant C1-inhibitor (rhC1-INH). ADRs in which the drug was listed as the "primary suspect" were recorded for each drug. ADR preferred terms were grouped into 18 ADR domains based on semantic and/or clinical similarity, and the number of reports for each drug was calculated per year from the time of approval through March 2022, and descriptive results were presented. Preferred terms associated with administration-site ADRs identified from clinical trials and denoted on approved HAE drug U.S. package inserts were examined in a complementary analysis. Results: The highest reported rates of administration-site ADRs per year were site pain (17.9 reports per year), site erythema (7.4 per year), and site swelling (6.7 per year). RhC1-INH was the only drug for which access-site complications and/or malfunctions were reported (9.5 per year). PdC1-INH had the highest rate of incorrect route of product administration (3.7 per year). PdC1-INH showed statistically significant elevated reporting rate of injection-site reactions (reporting odds ratio [ROR] 3.59 [2.36-5.46]; empirical Bayesian geometric mean [EBGM] 1.97 [1.39]). Icatibant and rhC1-INH showed a statistical trend toward an increased reporting rate of administration-site reactions. Conclusion: Real-world data from FAERS were generally consistent with adverse events reported in clinical trials and suggest that patients experience substantial treatment burden associated with FDA-approved parenteral on-demand therapies for HAE attacks. It should be noted that ADR rates are not exposure adjusted and are based on spontaneous reporting.

Capacity-Building for Collecting Patient-Reported Outcomes and Experiences (PRO) Data Across Hospitals

PURPOSE

Patient-reported outcomes and experiences (PRO) data are an integral component of health care quality measurement and PROs are now being collected by many healthcare systems. However, hospital organizational capacity-building for the collection and sharing of PROs is a complex process. We sought to identify the factors that facilitated capacity-building for PRO data collection in a nascent quality improvement learning collaborative of 16 hospitals that has the goal of improving the childbirth experience.

DESCRIPTION

We used standard qualitative case study methodologies based on a conceptual framework that hypothesizes that adequate organizational incentives and capacities allow successful achievement of project milestones in a collaborative setting. The 4 project milestones considered in this study were: (1) Agreements; (2) System Design; (3) System Development and Operations; and (4) Implementation. To evaluate the success of reaching each milestone, critical incidents were logged and tracked to determine the capacities and incentives needed to resolve them.

ASSESSMENT

The pace of the implementation of PRO data collection through the 4 milestones was uneven across hospitals and largely dependent on limited hospital capacities in the following 8 dimensions: (1) Incentives; (2) Leadership; (3) Policies; (4) Operating systems; (5) Information technology; (6) Legal aspects; (7) Cross-hospital collaboration; and (8) Patient engagement. From this case study, a trajectory for capacity-building in each dimension is discussed.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of PRO data collection in a quality improvement learning collaborative was dependent on multiple organizational capacities for the achievement of project milestones.

Factors Associated With Response to Growth Hormone in Pediatric Growth Disorders: Results of a 5-year Registry Analysis

Context

Growth hormone (GH) therapy can increase linear growth in patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Turner syndrome (TS), Noonan syndrome (NS), and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), although outcomes vary by disease state.

Objective

To assess growth and identify factors associated with growth response with long-term GH therapy.

Methods

Data from pediatric patients with GHD, TS, NS, and PWS obtained at GH treatment initiation (baseline) and annually for 5 years in the ANSWER Program and NordiNet® IOS were analyzed retrospectively. Height standard deviation score (HSDS) was assessed over time, and multivariate analyses determined variables with significant positive effects on growth outcomes in each patient cohort.

Results

Data from patients with GHD (n = 12 683), TS (n = 1307), NS (n = 203), and PWS (n = 102) were analyzed. HSDS increased over time during GH treatment in all cohorts. Factors with significant positive effects on ΔHSDS were younger age at GH initiation and lower HSDS at baseline (all cohorts) and higher GH dose (GHD and TS only); sex had no effect in any cohort. The modeling analysis showed that ΔHSDS was greatest in year 1 and attenuated over consecutive years through year 5. Estimated least-squares mean ΔHSDS values at year 5 by cohort were 1.702 (females) and 1.586 (males) in GHD, 1.033 in TS, 1.153 in NS, and 1.392 in PWS.

Conclusion

Long-term GH therapy results in large increases in HSDS in patients with GHD, TS, NS, and PWS. Greater gains in HSDS can be obtained with higher GH doses and earlier initiation of treatment.

Using Potentially Preventable Severe Maternal Morbidity to Monitor Hospital Performance

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) measure of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) quantifies the burden of SMM but is not restricted to potentially preventable SMM. The authors adapted the CDC SMM measure for this purpose and evaluated it for use as a hospital performance measure.

METHODS

Guidelines for defining performance SMM (pSMM) were (1) exclusion of preexisting conditions from outcome; (2) exclusion of inconsistently documented outcomes; and (3) risk adjustment for conditions that preceded hospitalization. California maternal hospital discharge data from 2016 to 2017 were used for model development, and 2018 data were used for model testing and evaluation of hospital performance. Separate models were developed for hospital types (Community, Teaching, Integrated Delivery System [IDS], and IDS Teaching), generating model-based expected pSMM values. Observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios were calculated for hospitals and used to categorize them as overperforming, average performing, or underperforming using 95% confidence intervals. Performance categories were compared for pSMM vs. CDC SMM (excluding blood transfusion).

RESULTS

The overall 2016-2018 pSMM rate was 0.44%. All hospital types had over- and underperformers, and the proportions of Community, Teaching, IDS, and IDS Teaching hospitals whose performance differed from their performance on the CDC SMM measure were 12.1%, 25.0%, 38.9%, and 66.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The rate of potentially preventable SMM as defined by pSMM (0.44%) was less than half the previously published rate of CDC SMM (1.03%). pSMM identified differences in performance across hospitals, and pSMM and CDC SMM classified hospitals' performances differently. pSMM may be suitable for hospital comparisons because it identifies potentially preventable, hospital-acquired SMM that should be responsive to quality improvement activities.

Effect of Zuranolone on Concurrent Anxiety and Insomnia Symptoms in Women With Postpartum Depression

Objective: Concurrent anxiety and/or insomnia symptoms in women with postpartum depression (PPD) are common and associated with more severe PPD. The effects of zuranolone on concurrent anxiety and/or insomnia symptoms and on patient-perceived functional health in women with PPD in the ROBIN study are reported. Methods: The phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (conducted January 2017-December 2018) included women aged 18-45 years, ≤ 6 months postpartum, with PPD (onset of DSM-5-defined major depressive episode in the third trimester or ≤ 4 weeks postpartum) and baseline 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) total score ≥ 26. Women were randomized 1:1 to once-daily oral zuranolone 30 mg (n = 77) or placebo (n = 76) for 14 days with follow-up through day 45. Concurrent remission of depressive and anxiety symptoms (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale total score ≤ 7 plus HDRS-17 total score ≤ 7 or Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score ≤ 10), improvement in insomnia symptoms, patient-perceived functional health, and treatment effect sizes described by number needed to treat (NNT) were assessed. Analyses were exploratory; P values are nominal. Results: Rates of concurrent remission of depressive and anxiety symptoms were higher with zuranolone versus placebo (P < .05) at days 3, 15, and 45; the rate of sustained concurrent remission (ie, at both days 15 and 45) was also higher with zuranolone (P < .05). Anxiety symptoms (assessed by HDRS-17 anxiety/somatization subscale and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale anxiety subscale) improved with zuranolone versus placebo (P < .05) at days 3 through 45. Potential benefits on insomnia symptoms and patient-perceived functional health were observed. Day 15 NNTs were 5 for both HDRS-17 response and remission. Conclusions: Zuranolone was associated with concurrent improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, with beneficial effects on insomnia symptoms and patient-perceived functional health in adults with PPD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02978326.

LBMON197 Predictors Of Response To Growth Hormone Treatment In Pediatric Growth Disorders: Analysis From The Answer Program And Nordinet® IOS

Background

The American Norditropin® Studies: Web-Enabled Research (ANSWER) Program and the NordiNet® International Outcome Study (NordiNet® IOS) were large-scale, non-interventional studies intended to gather long-term data on the effectiveness and safety of Norditropin® (somatropin) treatment in the real-world setting. Data were collected in the US and Europe from 2006 to 2016.

Objective

To determine predictors of response to daily growth hormone (GH) for height outcomes using a longitudinal analysis across 5 years of real-world data from pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Turner syndrome (TS), Noonan syndrome (NS), and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Methods

Data were combined for ANSWER and NordiNet® IOS studies for GH-treatment-naïve pediatric patients on daily somatropin. Descriptive statistics for baseline demographics, outcomes, and GH (mg/kg/d) data were analyzed for each indication; statistics for outcome and GH data were analyzed over time for absolute values and change from baseline values at year 1 through year 5. A longitudinal statistical approach was used to identify factors, including age at treatment start and HSDS at baseline, significantly associated with change in height SDS from baseline (ΔHSDS) in a regression model. Repeated-measures regression analyses were performed on ΔHSDS, adjusting for covariates. Longitudinal growth responses over the follow-up years were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 14,295 patients were included in the analyses: 3766 females and 8917 males with GHD, 1307 patients with TS, 55 females and 148 males with NS, and 52 females and 50 males with PWS. Mean (SD) GH dose for patients with GHD was 0. 037 (0. 012) mg/kg/d (females) and 0. 038 (0. 012) mg/kg/d (males), for those with TS was 0. 045 (0. 011) mg/kg/d, those with NS was 0. 042 (0. 012) mg/kg/d, and those with PWS was 0. 031 (0. 013) mg/kg/d. HSDS improved over time across all indications. Greater improvement in HSDS was observed for years 1 and 2 of follow-up, with a plateau in years 4 and 5; this plateau was most apparent in patients with TS. Age at start of GH therapy had a significant effect on ΔHSDS for all indications (P<0. 001 for all). Lower baseline HSDS on average resulted in lower HSDS improvement over time. In a regression model, the GH dose (mg/kg/d) from the previous year was positively associated with ΔHSDS, with a significant positive slope for GHD and TS (P<0. 0001 for both). A 0. 01 increase in GH mg/kg/d increased the average HSDS improvement by 0. 02 to 0. 03 units in GHD and 0. 03 units in TS. Slopes for NS (P=0.3534) and PWS (P=0.1485) were not significant.

Conclusions

On average, GH treatment resulted in HSDS improvements over baseline across all indications; patients with GHD had the highest improvement, while patients with TS had the lowest improvement. Earlier treatment with GH led to better outcomes in HSDS. Increasing the dose of GH also led to better outcomes in HSDS.

Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Treatment Patterns and Treatment Satisfaction Among Adults with Alopecia Areata in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease, is characterized by non-scarring hair loss involving the scalp, face, and/or body. Prior to 2022, no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments for AA were available in the USA; existing treatment options had limited efficacy and durability and are often associated with side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the current AA treatment patterns and treatment satisfaction as reported by dermatologists.

METHODS

Real-world data from a 2019 cross-sectional survey of US dermatologists and their adult patients with AA were analyzed. Dermatologists provided comprehensive data on their patients with AA, including AA dermatologist-assessed severity, treatments, treatment duration, treatment satisfaction, and reasons for dissatisfaction. The switching patterns among the proportion of patients on each of the treatment groups at the time of survey and, for those with prescription history, were reported.

RESULTS

A total of 442 patients with AA, treated by 90 dermatologists, were included in this analysis. At the time of survey, 45% of patients were being prescribed a combination of corticosteroids, 21% injectable corticosteroids, 11% topical corticosteroids/topical calcineurin inhibitor, and 10% immunomodulator as monotherapy or in combination. The majority (65%) of patients had no prior reported therapy. Among patients who were reported to have a prior therapy, frequent switching was to combination corticosteroids, injectable corticosteroids, and immunomodulators. Overall treatment dissatisfaction was high (24% dissatisfied and 29% neutral) and increased with AA severity.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis provides a snapshot of the different local and systemic treatment options currently being used in a real-world treatment setting. Unfortunately, none of these treatments provide a sustainable, safe, and relapse-free solution, which leads to high treatment dissatisfaction rates and hence indicates a significant unmet need for the new and advanced treatment options for patients with AA.

Severe Maternal Morbidity in California Hospitals: Performance Based on a Validated Multivariable Prediction Model

BACKGROUND

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is under development as a quality indicator for maternal health care. The aim of this study is to evaluate California hospital performance based on a standardized SMM measure.

METHODS

California maternal hospital delivery discharge data from 2016 to 2017 were used to develop logistic regression models for SMM, adjusted for clinical risk factors at admission. Data from 2018 were used to test the models and evaluate hospital performance. SMM was defined per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including (excluding) blood transfusion. Independent models were developed for each hospital type: community, teaching, integrated delivery system (IDS), and IDS teaching. Within each type, model-based expected SMM values and observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios were calculated for each hospital. For each hospital type, hospitals were ranked by O/E ratio, and over- and underperforming hospitals were identified using 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Rates of SMM including (excluding) transfusion by hospital type were 1.7% (0.9%) for community, 2.7% (1.5%) for teaching, 2.3% (1.2%) for IDS, and 3.0% (1.6%) for IDS teaching hospitals. In higher-volume community hospitals (≥ 500 births/year), the proportion of underperformers including (excluding) transfusion was 20.7% (11.0%). Summing over all hospital types, 25.3% (14.9%) of hospitals were identified as underperformers in that they experienced significantly more SMM events than expected including (excluding) transfusion.

CONCLUSION

California hospital discharge data demonstrated significant hospital variation in standardized childbirth SMM. These data suggest that a standardized SMM measure may help guide and monitor statewide quality improvement efforts.

Achieving clinical response in postpartum depression leads to improvement in health-related quality of life

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) burden associated with postpartum depression (PPD), determine the extent to which clinical response impacts HRQoL, and estimate the impact of PPD and clinical response on healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and productivity.

METHODS

Patient data (n = 127) from two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of brexanolone injection in adults with PPD were employed for these posthoc analyses. HRQoL and health utility was assessed with the SF-36-v2 Health Survey (SF-36v2) acute version. The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) total score was used to identify clinical response (≥50% reduction in HAMD-17 total score). Baseline HRQoL burden was assessed by comparison to age- and gender-adjusted population normative data from the 2009 QualityMetric PRO Norming study. The impact of clinical response was evaluated by comparing day 7 and day 30 SF-36v2 scores between clinical responders and non-responders. Interpretations of the meaningfulness of clinical response were indirectly estimated via 2017 National Health and Wellness Survey data linking SF-36v2 mental component summary (MCS) scores to (HRU) and productivity.

RESULTS

Baseline HRQoL of patients with PPD was significantly below normative values. Day 7 and day 30 clinical response were associated with large and statistically significant improvements in HRQoL, greater likelihood of meeting SF-36v2 responder definitions, and reduced impairment. MCS levels corresponding to those observed in clinical responders were linked to lower HRU and productivity loss relative to non-responders.

CONCLUSIONS

PPD places a substantial burden on HRQoL. Achievement of rapid clinical response (at day 7) and clinical response sustained several weeks following the end of treatment (day 30) led to significant improvement in HRQoL, suggesting the importance of identifying women with PPD and providing effective treatment options.

Reporting of Thromboembolic Events with JAK Inhibitors: Analysis of the FAERS Database 2010-2019

Introduction

A potentially elevated risk for pulmonary thrombosis with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKinibs) was identified, as well as an increased risk for portal vein thrombosis, in ruxolitinib patients. Consequently, the objective of this investigation was to repeat a comprehensive analysis of the US FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to assess postmarketing reporting rates of thromboembolic events (TEs) in patients treated with JAKinibs.

Methods

FAERS data (1 January 2010 to 30 September 2019) were searched for reports of all FDA-approved JAKinibs across all indications. For each drug–adverse drug reaction (ADR) pair, the reporting odds ratio (ROR) [two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI)] and empirical Bayesian geometric mean (EBGM) [one-sided 95% lower bound] were calculated to detect drug–ADR pairs with higher-than-expected reporting rates within the FAERS. Significance was declared when both lower 95% CI bounds were > 1.

Results

Significantly elevated reporting rates of pulmonary thrombosis were evident with tofacitinib (ROR 2.36 [1.69–3.31]; EBGM 2.01 [1.53]), as was pulmonary embolism with baricitinib (ROR 12.23 [8.35–17.89]; EBGM 7.72 [3.82]) and portal vein thrombosis with ruxolitinib (ROR 4.16 [2.70–6.40]; EBGM 4.52 [3.11]). Deep vein thrombosis reports were increased with baricitinib (ROR 14.84 [9.64–22.84]; EBGM 9.49 [5.91]), as was thrombosis with ruxolitinib (ROR 1.40 [1.20–1.63]; EBGM 1.72 [1.52]). The relationship between the time of treatment initiation and event occurrence indicated that time to events occurred randomly.

Conclusions

This study found significant reporting rates for TEs in patients treated with JAKinibs across brands and indications, providing additional evidence that JAKinibs may be contraindicated in patients at risk of TEs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40264-021-01082-y.

Treatment patterns and characteristics in the second and third-line therapy setting for real-world small cell lung cancer patients

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Background: With emerging treatment options for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients after initial treatment failure, the real-world management of this disease should be assessed. This study aims to describe treatment patterns of real-world SCLC patients in the second-line therapy (2L) and third-line therapy (3L) setting. Methods: This was a descriptive study of real-world data sourced from ConcertAI electronic medical records, including data from CancerLinQ, an initiative of the American Society of Clinical Oncology of adults (age ≥ 18 years) with confirmed SCLC between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018. Patients were excluded based on evidence of other primary cancer at baseline, missing stage, death prior to diagnosis, or clinical trial participation. Patients entered the cohort on their SCLC diagnosis date and were followed through three tumor progressions to assess treatment patterns. Treatment patterns were assessed in 2L and 3L. Baseline characteristics were assessed in the 6 months prior to each line. Patients were classified as having unknown treatment if they had a gap in medical records > 90 days or no recorded tumor response or death within 180 days. Results: Overall, 538 patients were identified; 131 with unknown treatment, 108 with no treatment, 299 with 1st line therapy (1L), 124 with 2L, and 44 3L. The majority (76%) of patients were diagnosed in a community hospital setting. The most common comorbidities were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2L 25%, 3L 16%), diabetes (2L 15%, 3L 14%), congestive heart failure (2L 7%, 3L 9%), and myocardial infarction (2L 3%, 3L 2%). Radiation therapy was commonly used in 2L and 3L (2L 48%, 3L 43%) as were immunotherapies (2L 23%, 3L 23%). The most common systemic therapy in 2L and 3L was nivolumab (19% and 16%). Topotecan accounted for 11% of patients treated in 2L and 7% of those in 3L. Conclusions: During this treatment era (pre-immunotherapy 1L approval) there were limited treatment options available for SCLC patients. Radiation therapy and immunotherapies were frequently used as 2L and 3L therapy.[Table: see text]

Overall survival throughout treatment course among patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer

e20577

Background: Previous studies have investigated overall survival (OS) among small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients with data through 2015. Using data through mid-2019, this study strives to make the body of studies more current, and to provide more recent data on the baseline characteristics and OS of treated SCLC patients, stratified by stage at diagnosis. Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified adult patients with confirmed SCLC between January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018 that initiated anti-cancer treatment using real-world data from electronic medical records (ConcertAI, including data from CancerLinQ, an initiative of the American Society of Clinical Oncology). Exclusion criteria included evidence of other primary cancer at baseline, no initial stage recorded, death prior to diagnosis, or participation in a clinical trial. Patients entered the cohort upon receipt of their first anti-cancer treatment after SCLC diagnosis and were assigned up to three progression intervals to assess overall survival for each progression-based line of therapy. Patients were followed until death, end of data, or end of the study period (June 30, 2019). Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted to assess median survival time as estimated by the survival curve. Results: Characteristics among the 82 limited stage (LS) and 217 extensive stage (ES) patients at 1L treatment were similar; however, LS patients were slightly older (mean age: LS = 67.5, ES = 66.4), and ES patients had a higher comorbidity score given their metastatic disease status (mean score: LS = 3.9, ES = 7.3). Both groups had very similar ECOG performance scores prior to 1L (ECOG: 0-1 ≅ 40%, 2+ ≅ 25%, Missing ≅ 35%). For the 299 patients that began 1L treatment (LS = 82, ES = 217), median OS time was 8.41 months (LS = 12.35 months, ES = 7.98 months). For the 124 of the 299 patients who progressed and were treated with 2L therapy, median OS time was 4.30 months. For the 44 of the 124 patients that progressed and were treated with 3L therapy, median OS time was 3.88 months. Of the 299 treated patients, 216 died before the end of the study period, representing 57% of the LS patients and 78% of the ES patients. Conclusions: These results reveal a difference in OS between LS and ES patients treated in 1L. The short survival time in patients with later lines of therapy highlights the need for new treatments in 2L and 3L.[Table: see text]

Brexanolone in Postpartum Depression: Post Hoc Analyses to Help Inform Clinical Decision-Making

Background: Brexanolone (BRX) injection was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2019 for the treatment of adults with postpartum depression (PPD) based on two Phase 3 clinical trials. Materials and Methods: Data from the three trials were combined. PPD-specific 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) group-level minimal important difference (MID) and patient-level meaningful change (meaningful change threshold [MCT]) were estimated and applied to differences in BRX versus placebo (PBO) at hour 60 (primary endpoint) and day 30 (end of trial follow-up). Likelihood of HAMD-17 response and remission and Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) response for BRX versus PBO were assessed at hour 60 and as sustained through day 30 using relative risk. Associated number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) values were also estimated. Results: Two-hundred nine patients were included. The average HAMD-17 MID estimate was -2.1; the least-squared mean difference between BRX and PBO exceeded this at hour 60 and day 30. Minimal, moderate, and large MCTs were estimated to be -9, -15, and -20 points, respectively. Significantly more BRX-treated than PBO-treated patients achieved minimal, moderate, and large change (all ps < 0.05) at hour 60 and large meaningful response at day 30 (p < 0.05). BRX-treated patients were more likely to sustain HAMD-17 remission and CGI-I response through day 30 versus PBO. NNTs ranged from 4 to 8, with NNH of 97. Conclusions: BRX provided meaningful changes relative to PBO, rapid (hour 60), and sustained improvements (day 30) in PPD symptoms, low NNT, and large NNH. These results may help inform treatment decision-making. Clinicaltrials.gov registration numbers: NCT02614547, NCT02942004, and NCT02942017.

A scoping review of severe maternal morbidity: describing risk factors and methodological approaches to inform population-based surveillance

Background

Current interest in using severe maternal morbidity (SMM) as a quality indicator for maternal healthcare will require the development of a standardized method for estimating hospital or regional SMM rates that includes adjustment and/or stratification for risk factors.

Objective

To perform a scoping review to identify methodological considerations and potential covariates for risk adjustment for delivery-associated SMM.

Search methods

Following the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, systematic searches were conducted with the entire PubMed and EMBASE electronic databases to identify publications using the key term “severe maternal morbidity.”

Selection criteria

Included studies required population-based cohort data and testing or adjustment of risk factors for SMM occurring during the delivery admission. Descriptive studies and those using surveillance-based data collection methods were excluded.

Data collection and analysis

Information was extracted into a pre-defined database. Study design and eligibility, overall quality and results, SMM definitions, and patient-, hospital-, and community-level risk factors and their definitions were assessed.

Main results

Eligibility criteria were met by 81 studies. Methodological approaches were heterogeneous and study results could not be combined quantitatively because of wide variability in data sources, study designs, eligibility criteria, definitions of SMM, and risk-factor selection and definitions. Of the 180 potential risk factors identified, 41 were categorized as pre-existing conditions (e.g., chronic hypertension), 22 as obstetrical conditions (e.g., multiple gestation), 22 as intrapartum conditions (e.g., delivery route), 15 as non-clinical variables (e.g., insurance type), 58 as hospital-level variables (e.g., delivery volume), and 22 as community-level variables (e.g., neighborhood poverty).

Conclusions

The development of a risk adjustment strategy that will allow for SMM comparisons across hospitals or regions will require harmonization regarding: a) the standardization of the SMM definition; b) the data sources and population used; and c) the selection and definition of risk factors of interest.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40748-020-00123-1.

Impact of Weight Change in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review and Critical Analysis

Objective

Weight reduction is a key component of diabetes management in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet the benefits of weight loss in T2DM patients have been difficult to quantify. We examined the medical literature regarding the relationships between weight change and 1) glycemic control and 2) cost and resource use.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted in the electronic databases Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify publications regarding the impact of weight change on T2DM outcomes from 2007 onward. Identified publications were screened for relevance against predefined eligibility criteria, and methodological approaches and results were extracted. Evidence for the impact of weight change on outcomes was evaluated and used to identify strengths, limitations, and gaps in the current literature.

Results

The number of studies meeting eligibility criteria for each outcome was: glycemic control (n=38) and cost and resource use (n=11). The relationship between weight change and glycemic control was dependent on the interplay of multiple factors, eg, the weight loss interventions employed, the antidiabetic medication classes used, the time horizon, and baseline BMI and glycemic control. With respect to cost and resource use, the review indicated that savings were associated with weight loss, and increased costs were associated with weight gain.

Conclusion

Studies regarding weight change in T2DM patients demonstrated varying effects on glycemic control and a positive association with costs and resource use, where weight loss was associated with decreased costs and resource use. Future studies may be able to clarify these relationships.

Associations between commonly used patient-reported outcome tools in postpartum depression clinical practice and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

The objective of this study is to explore the associations between the patient-reported Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and clinician-reported 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) in order to facilitate clinical decision-making. An integrated efficacy dataset of three randomized placebo-controlled trials (NCT02614547, NCT02942004, and NCT02942017) evaluating brexanolone injection, a neuroactive steroid chemically identical to allopregnanolone, in women with postpartum depression was used for this post hoc analysis. Data were pooled across treatment arms. Associations were assessed at day 30 (end-of-trial follow-up). Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between EPDS and PHQ-9 item and total scores and HAMD-17 total score. Cohen's kappa assessed agreement of EPDS remission (score < 10) and PHQ-9 remission (score < 5) with HAMD-17 remission (score ≤ 7). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to develop equations estimating HAMD-17 total scores from EPDS and PHQ-9 scores, respectively. The total scores showed large correlations (HAMD-17/EPDS: r = 0.71, p < 0.001; HAMD-17/PHQ-9: r = 0.75, p < 0.001). Individual EPDS and PHQ-9 items significantly correlated (r= 0.35 to 0.67, all p < 0.001) with HAMD-17 total score. EPDS had 79% sensitivity and 67% specificity to detect HAMD-17 remission; corresponding estimates for PHQ-9 were 76% and 78%. OLS models yielded the following equations: HAMD-17 total = 2.66 + (EPDS total × 0.87) and HAMD-17 total = 3.99 + (PHQ-9 total × 0.97). There were large and statistically significant associations between patient-reported outcomes (EPDS, PHQ-9) and clinician-reported outcomes (HAMD-17) as clinical improvements were associated with patient-reported symptom improvement. These results provide tools to help translate clinical trial data to clinical practice, thus aiding shared decision-making for this critical population.

0535 Evaluation of Insomnia Symptoms in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Trial of Sage-217 in Postpartum Depression

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a specifier of major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset. SAGE-217, an investigational, oral neuroactive steroid GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator, demonstrated improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms versus placebo in a Phase 3 trial in PPD (NCT02978326; ROBIN) and a pivotal trial in MDD (NCT03000530). In PPD and MDD, insomnia symptoms are key diagnostic features, comorbid sleep disorders are frequent, and insomnia is a common residual symptom. Here we conducted post-hoc analyses to assess insomnia symptoms in the ROBIN trial.

Methods

Women (n=151) ages 18-45, ≤6 months postpartum, with PPD (major depressive episode beginning in 3rd trimester or ≤4 weeks postpartum) and a Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) total score ≥26, were randomized 1:1 to receive outpatient SAGE-217 30mg or placebo for two weeks, with 4 weeks follow-up. Change from baseline (CFB) in HAM-D score at Day 15 was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included CFB in HAM-D at other time points and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Post-hoc analyses assessed HAM-D insomnia subscale (HAM-D-Ins) and MADRS individual insomnia item (MADRS-Ins) scores. HAM-D and MADRS measures were evaluated using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse event (AE) reporting.

Results

SAGE-217 demonstrated statistically significant Day 15 CFB versus placebo in HAM-D (primary endpoint: -17.8 vs. -13.6, p=0.0028), MADRS (-22.1 vs. -17.6, p=0.0180), and associated insomnia sub-scales/items (difference SAGE-217 vs. placebo; HAM-D-Ins: -1.003, p=0.0038; MADRS-Ins: -0.773, p=0.0116). Significant CFB in insomnia sub-scales/items favoring SAGE-217 were observed by Day 3 (HAM-D-Ins: -0.841, p=0.0142; MADRS-Ins: -0.710, p=0.017) and at Day 45 (HAM-D-Ins: -0.730, p=0.0207; MADRS-Ins: -0.636, p=0.0221). Most common (≥5%) AEs were somnolence, headache, dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and sedation.

Conclusion

SAGE-217 demonstrated improvements in depression symptoms, including insomnia symptoms, and was generally well tolerated.

Support

This study was sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc.

Hereditary angioedema C1-esterase inhibitor replacement therapy and coexisting autoimmune disorders: findings from a claims database

In this letter to the editor, we present results of claims data analysis. This claims data analysis supports a hypothesis that in patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency, the occurrence and/or symptomatology of coexisting autoimmune disease may be positively influenced by a replacement therapy with plasma derived C1-INH.

Comparison of Quality of Life, Productivity, Functioning and Self-Esteem in Adults Diagnosed With ADHD and With Symptomatic ADHD

Objective: Investigate the association between diagnosis and outcomes in adults with symptoms of ADHD. Method: The Validate Attitudes and Lifestyle Issues in Depression, ADHD and Troubles with Eating (VALIDATE) study collected sociodemographic and clinical characteristics data, and responses from validated questionnaires on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, functioning, and self-esteem. ADHD-diagnosed respondents (n = 444) were matched with respondents with symptomatic ADHD (n = 1,055) within the same sex-by-age group using propensity score matching. Effects of ADHD diagnosis on each outcome were adjusted for covariates that remained imbalanced after matching, using generalized mixed models. Results: After matching, symptomatic respondents (n = 867) had worse outcomes than ADHD-diagnosed respondents (n = 436), as measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: General Health questionnaire and Sheehan Disability Scale (p < .001). ADHD-diagnosed respondents had better mean EuroQol five-dimensional five-level (EQ-5D-5L) scores and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale scores than symptomatic respondents (p < .001). Conclusion: ADHD-diagnosed individuals are more likely to experience better functional performance, work-related productivity, HRQoL, and self-esteem than individuals with symptomatic ADHD.

Caregiver Burden Due to Pulmonary Exacerbations in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the poorly understood burden of pulmonary exacerbations experienced by primary caregivers of children (aged 2-17 years) with cystic fibrosis (CF), who frequently require prolonged hospitalizations for treatment of pulmonary exacerbations with intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective observational study, 88 caregivers in Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the US completed a survey during pulmonary exacerbation-related hospitalizations (T1) and after return to a "well state" of health (T2). The impact of pulmonary exacerbations on caregiver-reported productivity, mental/physical health, and social/family/emotional functioning was quantified.

RESULTS

Primary caregivers of children with CF reported significantly increased burden during pulmonary exacerbations, as measured by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey mental health component and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: Specific Health Problem absenteeism, presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment component scores. Compared to the "well state," during pulmonary exacerbations-related hospitalization caregivers reported lower physical health scores on the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 28. Quality-of-life scores on the Caregiver Quality of Life Cystic Fibrosis scale and total support score on the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support did not differ significantly between T1 and T2. More caregivers reported a negative impact on family/social/emotional functioning during pulmonary exacerbations than during the "well state."

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary exacerbations necessitating hospitalization impose a significant burden on primary caregivers of children with CF. Preventing pulmonary exacerbations may substantially reduce this burden.

Hereditary angioedema C1-inhibitor replacement therapy and coexisting autoimmune disorders: findings from a claims database

Background: Autoimmune diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US (estimated prevalence: 4.5%) and often associated with dysregulation of the complement system (innate and adaptive immune response). The classic complement pathway is regulated by the C1-inhibitor (C1-INH), which binds to C1 to prevent its activation. Hereditary angioedema with C1-INH deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) may be linked to increased autoimmunity due to secondary deficiency of C1r, C1s, and other components.

Aims: It was hypothesized that increased regulation of the complement system via C1-INH replacement therapy may reduce autoimmunity in patients with C1-INH-HAE. The coexisting autoimmune disease claims frequency was compared between C1-INH-HAE patients treated with plasma-derived (pd) C1-INH vs “other (non-C1-INH)” treatments.

Methods: C1-INH-HAE patients were identified in the IMS Health PharMetrics Plus claims database between January 2012 and December 2015 by International Classification of Diseases 9/10 diagnosis code, and classified based on the use of pdC1-INH or “other (non-C1-INH)” treatments for HAE. Index date was the first claim for HAE treatment. For patients using pdC1-INH, the first fill was the index date, even if other HAE medications were used previously. Frequency of visit claims for autoimmune conditions was identified by diagnostic codes (primary or secondary). Mean visits per patient per year by treatment group, gender, and age (<50 vs ≥50 years) were summarized for autoimmune conditions.

Results: Of 589 patients with HAE identified (69% female, 38% aged ≥50 years), 276 (729 patient-years) received pdC1-INH and 313 (860 patient-years) received “other (non-C1-INH)” treatments. In this cohort, 12.9% of patients had ≥1 visit associated with a coexisting autoimmune disorder – the most common were lupus, alopecia, rheumatoid arthritis, sicca (Sjogren) syndrome, and connective tissue disorders. The mean (95% CI) number of visits for autoimmune diagnoses per patient per year was numerically lower for patients treated with pdC1-INH compared to those receiving “other (non-C1-INH)” treatments (1.37 [0.56–2.19] vs 2.28 [0.83–3.73]).

Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is concluded that treatment of C1-INH-HAE with pdC1-INH may have a positive impact on coexisting autoimmune conditions by normalizing complement. Further research is needed on this important issue. There may be implications for healthcare resource utilization among patients with HAE and coexisting autoimmune disorders.

Patient-reported outcomes in patients with cystic fibrosis with a G551D mutation on ivacaftor treatment: results from a cross-sectional study

Background

Clinical studies demonstrate that ivacaftor (IVA) improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients aged ≥6 years with cystic fibrosis (CF). The real-world impact of IVA and standard of care (SOC) in groups of patients with G551D and F508del mutations, respectively, was assessed using a survey comprising disease-specific and generic HRQoL measures.

Methods

Patients with CF aged ≥12 years, or aged 6–11 years with caregiver support, with either (1) a G551D mutation and receiving IVA (G551D/IVA) for ≥3 months, or (2) homozygous for F508del and receiving SOC before lumacaftor/IVA availability (F508del/SOC), were eligible to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Demographic and clinical characteristics, and HRQoL measures were compared between patient groups, and multiple regression analyses were conducted.

Results

After differences in patient demographic and clinical characteristics were controlled for, significantly better scores were observed in the G551D/IVA group than in the F508del/SOC group on multiple domains of the validated Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised and the EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-level questionnaire.

Conclusions

G551D/IVA patients reported better HRQoL than F508del/SOC patients on generic and disease-specific measures in a real-world setting.

Effect of Weight Change on Economic Outcomes Among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the United States: Beyond Glycemic Control

BACKGROUND

Previous studies report weight loss to be associated with significantly lower total health care costs among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The effect of weight change on health care costs, independent of glycemic control and after controlling for time-varying covariates among T2DM patients, remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of weight change, independent of glycemic control, on all-cause and T2DM-related health care resource utilization (HCRU) and costs among T2DM patients in the United States.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a linked data extract composed of IQVIA's RWI Data Adjudicated Claims-US and Ambulatory Electronic Medical Record data. Adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with T2DM receiving ≥ 1 oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) medication, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), and/or short- or long-acting insulin between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014 were included (the date of the first observed medical claim with a diagnosis code or medication prescription claim was the index date). Baseline characteristics were evaluated in the 6-month pre-index period. Weight loss (3%, 5%, or 7% from baseline) was evaluated over two 6-month periods (months 1-6 and 7-12) following the index date. Covariates included time-varying weight, hemoglobin A1c (A1c), costs, and HCRU within each 6-month period. Outcomes of interest (all-cause and T2DM-related HCRU and costs) were evaluated in the 6-month (months 13-18) and 12-month (months 13-24) periods following the initial 1- to 6-month and 7- to 12-month post-index periods. Structural nested mean models were used to evaluate the effect of weight change on these outcomes, independent of glycemic control.

RESULTS

1,407 patients were included (mean age = 55 years; 55% male), with a mean baseline weight of 102.2 kg (median = 99.7 kg) and a mean baseline A1c of 7.4% (median = 6.9%). In adjusted analysis, weight loss was associated with significantly lower all-cause and T2DM-related annual total health care costs. Compared with those showing no weight change, a 3%, 5%, and 7% weight loss resulted in approximately $500, $800, and $1,100 in savings, respectively, in all-cause annual total health care costs per patient in the year following the weight loss. Similarly, compared with those with no weight change, a 3%, 5%, and 7% weight loss resulted in approximately $200, $300, and $400 in savings, respectively, in T2DM-related annual total health care costs per patient in the following year. Even greater savings (up to ~$2,000 and ~$800 in all-cause and T2DM-related annual costs per patient, respectively) were experienced by those who lost weight compared with those who gained weight.

CONCLUSIONS

After accounting for glycemic control, this study found that weight loss was associated with additional significant reductions in all-cause and T2DM-related annual total health care costs. Understanding the role of weight loss in T2DM may provide useful evidence for decision makers as they evaluate therapy options for T2DM.

DISCLOSURES

This study was funded by Novo Nordisk. Dang-Tan, Smolarz, and Iyer are employees of Novo Nordisk. Karkare and DeKoven (employees of IQVIA) and Fridman (employed by AMF Consulting) were contracted by Novo Nordisk to conduct this study. Fridman also reports personal fees from Shire, GSK, and CSL Behring, outside of the submitted work. Lu, an employee of IQVIA, accessed the database and conducted the statistical analysis for this study.

Injectable Antihyperglycemics: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of the Literature on Adherence, Persistence, and Health Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Improving real-world medication adherence to injectable antihyperglycemics in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a clinical challenge. Quantification of the level of adherence required to achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in glycemic control would assist in meeting this goal. The study objective was to review the literature regarding the relationships of medication adherence and persistence with health outcomes in adult T2DM patients using injectable antihyperglycemics.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted using electronic databases to identify publications over the last decade. Publications were screened against established eligibility criteria. Study data were extracted, evaluated, and used to identify strengths, limitations, and gaps in current evidence.

RESULTS

Eligibility criteria were met by 38 studies, and this report analyzed 34 studies related to glycemic control (n = 25), healthcare resource use (n = 9), and healthcare costs (n = 14). Eight of these studies examined adherence to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), including 1 study regarding adherence to GLP-1 RA or to insulin, and 1 study investigating a GLP-1 RA/insulin combination; the remaining studies involved insulin. Studies used a broad range of measures to classify adherence and persistence, and most measures were unable to reliably evaluate the complexities of patient behavior over time. Better adherence to injectable antihyperglycemic medications was generally found to be associated with improved glycemic control, although no studies attempted to identify a MCID. Although higher diabetes-related pharmacy and total healthcare costs were reported for adherent or persistent patients, these patients tended to have lower diabetes-related and all-cause medical costs.

CONCLUSION

Results of this review confirmed the effectiveness of injectable antihyperglycemic medications for glycemic control, suggesting that there are clinical and financial consequences to nonadherence. Although attempts were made to quantify the effects of nonadherence, the interpretation of study results was limited by the lack of a MCID and inadequate study design.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk, Inc., Plainsboro Township, NJ, USA. Plain language summary available for this article.

Indirect comparison of intravenous vs. subcutaneous C1-inhibitor placebo-controlled trials for routine prevention of hereditary angioedema attacks

Introduction

For prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks, replacement therapy with human C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) treatment is approved and available as intravenous [C1-INH(IV)] (Cinryze^®) and subcutaneous [C1-INH(SC)] HAEGARDA^® preparations. In the absence of a head-to-head comparative study of the two treatment modalities, an indirect comparison of data from 2 independent but similar clinical trials was undertaken.

Methods

Two similar randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies were identified which evaluated either C1-INH(SC) (COMPACT; NCT01912456; 16 weeks) or C1-INH(IV) (CHANGE; NCT01005888; 14 weeks) vs. placebo (on-demand treatment only) for routine prevention of HAE attacks. Individual patient data from each trial were used to conduct an indirect comparison of treatment effects. Attack reductions (absolute and percent of mean/median number of monthly HAE attacks reduction over placebo) were compared between the two C1-INH formulations at approved/recommended doses: C1-INH(SC) 60 IU/kg twice weekly (n = 45) and 1000 U of C1-INH(IV) twice weekly (n = 22). Point estimates were adjusted using mixed and quantile regression models that controlled for study design.

Results

The absolute mean monthly numbers of HAE attack reductions were 3.6 (95% CI 2.9, 4.2) for C1-INH(SC) 60 IU/kg vs. placebo and 2.3 (1.4, 3.3) for C1-INH(IV) vs. placebo; between-product difference, 1.3 (0.1, 2.4; P = 0.034). The mean percent reduction in monthly attack rate was significantly greater with C1-INH(SC) as compared with C1-INH(IV) (84% vs. 51%; P < 0.001). The percentages of subjects experiencing ≥ 50%, ≥ 70%, and ≥ 90% reductions in monthly HAE attack rates versus placebo were significantly higher with C1-INH(SC) 60 IU/kg as compared to C1-INH(IV) 1000 U (≥ 50% reduction: 91% vs. 50%, odds ratio [OR] = 10.33, P = 0.003; ≥ 70% reduction: 84% vs. 46%, OR = 6.19, P = 0.005; ≥ 90% reduction: 57% vs. 18%, OR = 6.04, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of an indirect study comparison, this analysis suggests greater attack reduction with twice-weekly C1-INH(SC) 60 IU/kg as compared to twice-weekly C1-INH(IV) 1000 U for the routine prevention of HAE attacks.

Reliability and validity of patient-reported outcome instruments in US adults with hemophilia B and caregivers in the B-HERO-S study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reliability and validity of six patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instruments for evaluating health-related quality of life in adults with mild-severe hemophilia B and caregivers of children with hemophilia B, including affected women/girls.

METHODS

Adults with hemophilia B and caregivers completed separate online surveys containing several PRO instruments, which were administered to adult participants only (EQ-5D-5L, Brief Pain Inventory v2 Short Form, Hemophilia Activities List, and International Physical Activities Questionnaire), both adults and caregivers (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]), or caregivers only (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item [GAD-7] scale). Construct validity and item-total correlation were assessed using Pearson product-moment correlation, internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and known-group validity was assessed by comparisons to self-reported characteristics based on the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Patient-reported outcomes instruments generally showed satisfactory reliability for adults (n = 299) and caregivers (n = 150). In adults, PRO instruments generally showed high construct validity. Most PRO instruments showed expected significant differences among known groups for adults and caregivers. PHQ-9 and GAD-7 did not show significant differences among caregiver age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported outcomes instruments administered in B-HERO-S demonstrated reliability and validity in the broader population of adults with hemophilia B and caregivers when including all severities and genders.

The Development of a Conceptual Framework and Preliminary Item Bank for Childbirth-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

OBJECTIVE

To develop a conceptual framework and preliminary item bank for childbirth-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) domains.

DATA SOURCES

Women, who were U.S. residents, ≥18 years old, and ≥20 weeks pregnant, were surveyed regarding their childbirth values and preferences (V&P) using online panels.

STUDY DESIGN

Using community-based research techniques and Patient-Reported Outcomes Management Information System (PROMIS® ) methodology, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify self-reported survey items regarding patient-reported V&P and childbirth experiences and outcomes (PROs). The V&P/PRO domains were validated by focus groups. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study and fitted a multivariable logistic regression model to each V&P item to describe "who" wanted each item.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We identified 5,880 V&P/PRO items that mapped to 19 domains and 58 subdomains. We present results for the 2,250 survey respondents who anticipated a vaginal delivery in a hospital. Wide variation existed regarding each V&P item, and personal characteristics, such as maternal confidence and ability to cope well with pain, were frequent predictors in the models. The resulting preliminary item bank consisted of 60 key personal characteristics and 63 V&P/PROs.

CONCLUSIONS

The conceptual framework and preliminary (PROMIS® ) item bank presented here provide a foundation for the development of childbirth-specific V&P/PROs.

Variation in Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Children and Adolescents With ADHD Across European Countries

OBJECTIVE

To characterize differences in presentation, diagnosis, and management of children/adolescents with ADHD in six European countries.

METHOD

Physicians abstracted clinical records for patients aged 6 to 17 years, diagnosed from 2004 to 2007 and treated for ≥2 years. Documentation included impairment due to core ADHD symptoms and additional ADHD symptoms/behaviors at diagnosis, diagnostic approach, and treatment modality.

RESULTS

Study included 779 patients treated by 340 physicians. Prevalence of ADHD subtypes (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or combined) was similar across countries. Mean scores for core and noncore symptom impairment varied and were highest in Italy and the United Kingdom. Variability was noted in diagnostic approach; 95% of physicians in the Netherlands used Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) criteria versus 10% in Germany. Differences were reported for initial treatment modality, treatment switching, and physician-reported treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

European countries varied in diagnostic approaches and practice management of children/adolescents with ADHD.

The economic consequences of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the Scottish prison system

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly prevalent amongst prison inmates and the criminal justice system (CJS) likely bears considerable costs for offenders with ADHD. We aimed to examine the relationship between ADHD and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) amongst imprisoned adults; and to estimate the annual expenditure associated with ADHD status in prison.

METHODS

An observational study was performed in 2011-2013, at Porterfield Prison, Inverness, United Kingdom (UK). The all male sample included 390 adult prison inmates with capacity to consent and no history of moderate or severe intellectual disability. Participants were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults 2.0. The Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) was used to measure health status, and to calculate attribute specific HRQoL scores and QALY. Health service utilisation was obtained through inspection of medical prison records. Inmates with ADHD were compared with inmates without ADHD.

RESULTS

Inmates with ADHD had significantly lower QALYs, with a clinically significant adjusted difference of 0.13. Psychiatric co-morbidity accounted for the variation of ADHD on the HUI3 emotion domain only. Medical costs for inmates with ADHD were significantly higher; and behaviour-related prison costs were similar to prisoners without ADHD, reflecting a low frequency of recorded critical incidents.

CONCLUSIONS

ADHD may directly contribute to adverse health and quality of life through cognitive and executive function deficits, and co-morbid disorders. The extrapolation of conservative cost estimates suggests that the financial burden of medical and behavior-related prison care for inmates with ADHD in the UK is approximately £11.7 million annually. The reported cost estimates are conservative as there is great variability in recorded critical incidents in prisons. In turn, for some prison establishments the prison care costs associated with prisoners with ADHD may be considerably greater.

Health-related quality of life in prisoners with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and head injury

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and head injury (including traumatic brain injury (TBI)) manifest in high levels across prison samples and guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence notes that people with acquired brain injury may have increased prevalence of ADHD. We aimed to examine the association of ADHD with TBI and the impact of the association upon health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and service use among imprisoned adults.

METHODS

An observational study was performed in 2011-2013, at Porterfield Prison, Inverness, United Kingdom (UK). The all male sample included 390 adult prison inmates with capacity to consent and no history of moderate or severe intellectual disability. Head injury was measured with a series of self-reported questions, addressing history of hits to the head: frequency, severity, loss of consciousness (LOC), and sequelae. Participants were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults 2.0. The Health Utilities Index Mark 3 was used to measure health status, and to calculate attribute specific HRQoL and Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) scores.

RESULTS

72% of prisoners sampled reported at least one head injury in their lifetime. Among those, 70% of head injuries occurred before age 16 and 70% experienced LOC. Prisoners with ADHD were nearly twice more likely to have TBI. Prisoners with ADHD-only and ADHD with co-morbid TBI had significantly lower scores in several HRQoL attributes, compared with TBI only or the absence of either condition. Adjusted logistic regression models indicated an average reduction of 0.20 QALYs in inmates with ADHD-only and 0.30 QALY loss in those with ADHD with co-morbid TBI compared with inmates with neither condition.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a robust association between ADHD and TBI, and ADHD with co-morbid TBI confers significantly greater impairment in terms of HRQoL. Managing the short and long-term consequences of TBI is essential to improving care for prisoners and to addressing the criminogenic factors related to them.

Prevalence of Diagnosed Dry Eye Disease in the United States Among Adults Aged 18 Years and Older

PURPOSE

To provide current estimates of the prevalence of diagnosed dry eye disease (DED) and associated demographics among US adults aged ≥18 years.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, population-based survey.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 75 000 participants in the 2013 National Health and Wellness Survey to estimate prevalence/risk of diagnosed DED overall, and by age, sex, insurance, and other demographic factors. We weighted the observed DED prevalence to project estimates to the US adult population and examined associations between demographic factors and DED using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Based on weighted estimates, 6.8% of the US adult population was projected to have diagnosed DED (∼16.4 million people). Prevalence increased with age (18-34 years: 2.7%; ≥75 years: 18.6%) and was higher among women (8.8%; ∼11.1 million) than men (4.5%; ∼5.3 million). After adjustment, there were no substantial differences in prevalence/risk of diagnosed DED by race, education, or US census region. However, there was higher risk of diagnosed DED among those aged 45-54 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74-2.20) and ≥75 years (OR: 4.95; 95% CI: 4.26-5.74), vs those aged 18-34 years. Risk was also higher among women vs men (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.88-2.13) and insured vs uninsured participants (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.85-2.43 for those on government and private insurance vs none).

CONCLUSIONS

We estimate that >16 million US adults have diagnosed DED. Prevalence is higher among women than men, increases with age, and is notable among those aged 18-34 years.

Characterization of non-dialyzable constituents from cranberry juice that inhibit adhesion, co-aggregation and biofilm formation by oral bacteria

An extract prepared from cranberry juice by dialysis known as nondialyzable material (NDM) has been shown previously to possess anti-adhesion activity toward microbial species including oral bacteria, uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori. Bioassay-guided fractionation of cranberry NDM was therefore undertaken to identify the anti-adhesive constituents. An aqueous acetone-soluble fraction (NDMac) obtained from Sephadex LH-20 inhibited adhesion-linked activities by oral bacteria, including co-aggregation of oral bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum with Streptococcus sanguinis or Porphyromonas gingivalis, and biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans. Analysis of NDMac and subsequent subfractions by MALDI-TOF MS and ¹H NMR revealed the presence of A-type proanthocyanidin oligomers (PACs) of 3-6 degrees of polymerization composed of (epi)catechin units, with some (epi)gallocatechin and anthocyanin units also present, as well as quercetin derivatives. Subfractions containing putative xyloglucans in addition to the mixed polyphenols also inhibit biofilm formation by S. mutans (MIC = 125-250 μg mL^-1). These studies suggest that the anti-adhesion activities of cranberry NDM on oral bacteria may arise from a combination of mixed polyphenol and non-polyphenol constituents.

Factors Associated with Early Termination of CHOP Therapy and the Impact on Survival among Patients with Chemosensitive Intermediate-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Six to eight cycles of CHOP therapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is standard for intermediate-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) but is associated with toxicity that may cause premature termination of therapy.

METHODS

We studied factors associated with premature termination of CHOP therapy (receiving fewer than 6 cycles) and the relationship of premature termination with survival. Subjects consisted of a population-based sample of Iowa residents with intermediate-grade NHL who were planned to receive > or = 6 or more cycles of CHOP and who were chemosensitive (ie, achieved a documented partial or complete response to CHOP).

RESULTS

In a comparison with patients 18-59 years of age, the odds of premature termination of CHOP therapy was 2.6 (95% CI, 0.7-9.2) for those aged 60-74 and 6.2 (95% CI, 1.7-23.3) for those aged > or = 75. Patients with cycle 1 febrile neutropenia hospitalization (FNH) were 4.4 times (95% CI, 1.4-13.8) more likely to terminate CHOP prematurely than those without cycle 1 FNH. Among patients aged 60-74, but not those aged > or = 75, premature termination appeared to be associated with decreased 5-year survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.0; 95% CI, 2.4-15.2) compared with those completing CHOP therapy (HR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0-4.2). Findings for overall survival were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

First-cycle FNH and age > or = 60 years were associated with premature termination of CHOP therapy. The association of premature termination with survival among chemosensitive patients differed by age.

Health-related quality of life with hereditary angioedema following prophylaxis with subcutaneous C1-inhibitor with recombinant hyaluronidase

BACKGROUND

To estimate health-related quality-of-life changes in patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency who received subcutaneous C1-INH with recombinant hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) for attack prophylaxis in a randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging, cross-over study.

METHODS

Patients with type I/II hereditary angioedema received 1000 U of C1-INH with 24,000 U of rHuPH20 or 2000 U of C1-INH with 48,000 U of rHuPH20 every 3-4 days for 8 weeks and then crossed over for another 8-week period. The study was terminated early as a precaution related to non-neutralizing antibodies to rHuPH20. The Angioedema Quality of Life questionnaire (AE-QoL) was administered at weeks 1 and 5 of both periods, and at 1 week after the second treatment period. Changes in AE-QoL scores were calculated over both treatment periods and within each treatment period for patients with ≥4 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients had evaluable AE-QoL data, and 22 patients completed treatment. At screening, 43% of the patients were receiving intravenous C1-INH. A significant average AE-QoL total score decline (improvement) of -8.1 (95% confidence interval, -13.7 to -2.5) was observed from baseline to the end of the study, and significant AE-QoL score declines were observed in the Functioning, Fear/Shame, and Nutrition domains. Patients on 2000 U reported higher mean AE-QoL score declines in Functioning and Nutrition domains relative to the 1000 U dose. Overall, 43.9% of all the patients, 45.5% of the study completers, and 46.7% of the nonprophylaxis users at baseline on high treatment doses achieved a reduction in the AE-QoL total score of six points.

CONCLUSION

Despite early termination and prestudy prophylactic intravenous C1-INH use by 43% of the patients, improved AE-QoL scores were observed after ≤16 weeks of subcutaneous C1-INH-rHuPH20 prophylaxis.

The impact of adjunctive guanfacine extended release on stimulant adherence in children/adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Aim: To assess stimulant adherence among children/adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) augmenting stimulants with guanfacine extended-release (GXR). Patients & methods: Inclusion criteria: 6–17 years, ≥1 ADHD diagnosis, ≥1 long-acting and/or short-acting stimulant with GXR augmentation. Modified medication possession ratio (mMPR; days medication available/days in period, excluding medication holidays) was assessed; mMPR <0.80 nonadherent. Regression models assessed change in mMPR adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Among patients nonadherent to stimulants pre-augmentation (n = 165), unadjusted mean (SD) pre- and post-stimulant mMPRs were 0.68 (0.11) and 0.87 (0.16). Adjusted mean change in mMPR was 0.20 for long-acting versus 0.18 for short-acting stimulants (p = 0.34). Conclusion: Among patients nonadherent to stimulants, GXR augmentation was associated with increased stimulant adherence.

Caregiver perspective on pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: medication satisfaction and symptom control

The caregiver perspective on pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) study (CAPPA) was a web-based, cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children and adolescents (6-17 years of age) with ADHD and was conducted in 10 European countries. CAPPA included caregiver assessments of global medication satisfaction, global symptom control, and satisfaction with ADHD medication attributes. Overall, 2,326 caregiver responses indicated that their child or adolescent was currently receiving ADHD medication and completed the "off medication" assessment required for inclusion in the present analyses. Responses to the single-item global medication satisfaction question indicated that 88% were satisfied (moderately satisfied to very satisfied) with current medication and 18% were "very satisfied" on the single-item question. Responses to the single-item global symptom control question indicated that 47% and 19% of caregivers considered their child or adolescent's symptoms to be "controlled" or "very well controlled", respectively. Significant variations in response to the questions of medication satisfaction and symptom control were observed between countries. The correlation between the global medication satisfaction and global symptom control questions was 0.677 (P<0.001). Global medication satisfaction was significantly correlated (P<0.001) with all assessed medication attributes, with the highest correlations observed for symptom control (r=0.601) and effect duration (r=0.449). Correlations of medication attributes with global symptom control were generally lower than with global medication satisfaction but were all statistically significant (P<0.001). CAPPA medication satisfaction and symptom control were also significantly correlated (P<0.001) with symptom control as based on the ADHD-Rating Scale-IV symptom score and the number of bad days per month when on medication. In conclusion, caregiver responses in this European sample suggest that current treatment could potentially be improved. The observed correlations of global medication satisfaction with global symptom control and other CAPPA assessments, including medication attributes, provide support for the inter-connectivity of the medication satisfaction and symptom control.

Access to diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services among pharmacotherapy-treated children/adolescents with ADHD in Europe: data from the Caregiver Perspective on Pediatric ADHD survey

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders and negatively impacts caregivers' lives. Factors including barriers to accessing care, dissatisfaction with support services, and lack of caregiver resources may contribute to this.

OBJECTIVES

To report caregivers' experiences of ADHD diagnosis, behavioral therapy (BT), and supportive care for children/adolescents with ADHD.

METHODS

The Caregiver Perspective on Pediatric ADHD (CAPPA) survey included caregivers of children/adolescents (6-17 years) from ten European countries who were currently receiving/had received ADHD pharmacotherapy in the previous 6 months. Caregivers reported experiences of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, access to BT, availability of caregiver resources, and level of health care/school support. Pan-EU and country-specific descriptive statistics are reported; responses were compared across countries.

RESULTS

Of 3,616 caregivers, 66% were female. Mean age of children/adolescents was 11.5 years; 80% were male. Mean time from the first doctor visit to diagnosis was 10.8 (95% confidence interval 10.2, 11.3) months; 31% of caregivers reported the greatest degrees of difficulty in obtaining an ADHD diagnosis; 44% of children/adolescents did not receive BT. Forty-seven percent of caregivers reported that sufficient resources were available, 44% were "very satisfied"/"satisfied" with medical care, and 50% found health care providers "very supportive"/"somewhat supportive". Mainstream schools were attended by 82% of children/adolescents. Of those, 67% of caregivers thought schools could help more with the child/adolescent's ADHD and 48% received extra help/special arrangement. Results varied significantly between countries (P<0.001, all parameters).

CONCLUSION

Almost a third of caregivers reported a high degree of difficulty in obtaining an ADHD diagnosis for their child/adolescent, less than half felt that sufficient resources were available, and gaps in support from health care providers/schools were identified. Findings underscore the need to improve access to diagnosis and provision of supportive services to enable better standards of care, and potentially reduce the impact of child/adolescent ADHD on caregivers' lives.

Factors associated with caregiver burden among pharmacotherapy-treated children/adolescents with ADHD in the Caregiver Perspective on Pediatric ADHD survey in Europe

BACKGROUND

Burden on caregivers of children/adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is multidimensional, but incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze caregiver burden across the concepts of work, social/family life, and parental worry/stress, in relation to selected contributing factors.

METHODS

The online Caregiver Perspective on Pediatric ADHD survey was fielded in ten European countries. Analysis included children/adolescents (6-17 years) who were receiving/had received ADHD pharmacotherapy in the previous 6 months. Caregivers recorded their child's/adolescent's symptoms "on"/"off" medication (ie, when the caregiver reported that the child/adolescent forgot/chose not to take medication, before the onset of medication effect, or medication worn off). Effects of ADHD severity, comorbidities, and medication adherence on each burden outcome were assessed (multiple regression models).

RESULTS

In total, 2,326 caregivers were included (children/adolescents' mean age: 11.5 years, 80% male). Caregivers reported missed/altered work, avoiding social activity, increased parental worry/stress, and strain on family life, despite using ADHD pharmacotherapy. Child/adolescent comorbidities and ADHD severity were significantly related to all burden concepts measured; the strongest comorbidity associations were with altered work (odds ratios [ORs] =1.68 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.33, 2.12], 1.87 [1.37, 2.54], 3.47 [2.51, 4.78] for 1, 2, 3+ comorbidities, respectively) and planning the day around the child/adolescent (OR =1.42 [95% CI 1.17, 1.72], 1.73 [1.33, 2.15], 2.65 [1.99, 3.53]); the strongest severity associations were: quitting a job (OR =1.41 [95% CI 1.26, 1.59]) and planning a day around the child/adolescent (OR =1.26 [95% CI 1.20, 1.32]). Increased medication adherence was most associated with reducing the caregiver burden for altered work (OR =0.57 [95% CI 0.45, 0.72]), worrying about how they are being perceived as a parent (OR =0.68 [0.56, 0.83]), and avoiding social activity (OR =0.56 [0.45, 0.68]), but not family or stress burden.

CONCLUSION

Burdens related to work, social activity, family life, and parental worry/stress were experienced by the caregivers of children/adolescents with ADHD, despite using ADHD pharmacotherapy. Better understanding of clinical/treatment characteristics most associated with the components of caregiver burden may help improve ADHD management and may ease caregiver burden.

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Recently, radiofrequency ablation has been increasingly used for the treatment of thyroid nodules. The widespread introduction of this method, however, hampered by the lack of data on efficacy and safety of different devices that are currently on the market, the selection of the optimal mode of procedure also remains to be elucidated. Experimental data obtained during the application of the original patented device is presented. The results make it possible to move from ex vivo experiments to clinical practice.

Chemotherapy-induced moderate tolife-threatening anemia in early-stage breast cancer

Purpose. We evaluated the incidence and severity of anemia experienced by women treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) therapy for early-stage breast cancer are described. We also explored the possibility of identifying clinical characteristics that will allow early identification of women more likely to develop anemia and may require anemia treatment.

Methods. This study used a historic case series from 13 oncology practices that participated in the Oncology Practice Pattern Study. The analysis focused on 411 patients who received AC chemotherapy from 1993 through 1999. Seventeen percent of the study population was excluded from the analysis due to missing data. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) value of < 12 g/dL. Hb ≤10 g/dL was considered the threshold value for treatment.

Results. Among patients receiving AC, 18.0% was anemic prior to chemotherapy. Overall, 14.9 -16.9% of women with early-stage breast cancer who started AC chemotherapy with a normal Hb (≥12 g/dL) developed anemia. Nearly 11% developed severe to life-threatening anemia (Hb < 8 g/dL). Data on blood transfusions and erythropoietic therapy were unavailable. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients who started with a normal prechemotherapy Hb and dropped to ≤10 g/dL at some point during chemotherapy were more likely to be ≥65 years of age, have a low body surface area (< 1.78), and have four or more positive nodes.

Conclusion. The incidence of anemia increased substantially from baseline to post-chemotherapy. The data suggested the importance of monitoring and managing Hb levels of patients at increased risk for developing chemotherapy-induced anemia.

Chemotherapy-induced moderate to severe anemia in intermediate-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients

This study investigated the incidence of anemia in chemotherapy-treated intermediate-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (IGNHL) patients. A historic case series design was used. The study data were obtained from 12 oncology practices that participated in the Oncology Practice Pattern Study (OPPS). The analysis focused on 353 IGNHL patients with normal baseline (prechemotherapy) hemoglobin (Hb) (≥12.0 g/dL). These patients were treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone combination) therapy (at some point) from 1993 through 1999. Anemia was found to be prominent during chemotherapy. About 24% of the patients with a normal baseline Hb level dropped below 10.0 g/dL and 49% dropped to 10.0 -11.9 g/dL, at some point during chemotherapy. As anemia treatment data were unavailable, it is likely that some of these patients received therapy to boost their Hb levels, rendering our results conservative. A logistic regression model revealed that in patients with normal baseline Hb, age ≥60, female gender, lower baseline Hb level, and lymphoma histology classified as the Working Formulation (WF) E or H were significant predictors of a drop in Hb below 10.0 g/dL during chemotherapy. Chemo-therapy-induced anemia is frequently observed in lymphoma patients. It is possible to identify adverse baseline patient characteristics associated with higher risk of chemotherapy-induced anemia and carefully monitor such patients. Additional studies in community oncology practice are warranted to validate these findings and improve our understanding of the problems of anemia in chemotherapy treated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) patients.

The Caregiver Perspective on Paediatric ADHD (CAPPA) survey: Understanding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, treatment use and impact of ADHD in Europe

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the lives of patients and their families. The Caregiver Perspective on Paediatric ADHD (CAPPA) survey was conducted to evaluate the burden associated with ADHD in Europe and to identify unmet needs. Here, we describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, treatment use and impact of ADHD.

METHODS

The cross-sectional web-based CAPPA survey was fielded in 10 European countries among caregivers of children/adolescents (aged 6-17 years) with ADHD who were currently receiving or had received pharmacotherapy in the previous 6 months.

RESULTS

Data on 3688 completed CAPPA surveys were evaluated. Children/adolescents were diagnosed with ADHD at a mean age of 6.9 years; 80% were male. Most children/adolescents (56%) had undergone behavioural therapy. Overall, 78% of children/adolescents currently received ADHD pharmacotherapy; high rates of atypical antipsychotic use were reported in some countries. Overall, 23% of children/adolescents had repeated a school year and 4% had been expelled recently. Most caregivers (68-88%) reported difficulty with schoolwork, social interactions/activities and family relationships, even when the child/adolescent was receiving ADHD medication. Almost one third (31%) of caregivers felt the need to change employment status despite their child/adolescent receiving ADHD medication in 53% of these cases.

LIMITATIONS

Information was reported by caregivers recruited through market research panels; reporting, recall and selection biases may be present.

CONCLUSION

Variation across Europe was observed in characteristics of caregivers and children/adolescents with ADHD, and treatment use. Even with medication, ADHD compromised or negatively impacted caregivers' work and children/adolescents' schoolwork, their social interactions and family relationships.