Barriers and enablers to implementing police mental health co-responder programs: A qualitative study using the consolidated framework for implementation research

Background

Police and mental health co-responder programs operate internationally and can be effective in providing timely and appropriate assessment, brief intervention, and referral services for people experiencing mental health crises. However, these models vary greatly, and little is known about how the design and implementation of these programs impacts their effectiveness.

Method

This study was a qualitative, post hoc implementation determinant evaluation of mental health co-responder units in Brisbane, Australia, comprising of verbal or written interviews with police and mental health staff with an on-road role in the co-responder units, and their managers. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to identify barriers and enablers to the program's implementation and effectiveness.

Results

Participants (n = 30) from all groups felt strongly that the co-responder units are a substantial improvement over the usual police management of mental health crisis cases, and lead to better outcomes for consumers and the service. Enablers included an information-sharing agreement; the Mental Health Co-Responder (MHCORE) program's compatibility with existing police and mental health services; and the learning opportunity for both organizations. Barriers included cultural differences between the organizations, particularly risk-aversion to suicidality for police and a focus on least-restrictive practices for health; extensive documentation requirements for health; and a lack of specific mental health training for police.

Conclusions

Using an evidence-based implementation science framework enabled identification of a broad range of contextual barriers and enablers to implementation of police mental health co-responder programs. Adapting the program to address these barriers and enablers during the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation phases increases the likelihood of the service's effectiveness. These findings will inform the spread and scale of the co-responder program across Queensland, and will be relevant to police districts internationally considering implementing a co-responder program.

Ocular manifestations of ANCA-associated vasculitis

OBJECTIVES

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of multisystem diseases that can have several ocular manifestations. There are published data on ocular manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), but few for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). There is little information concerning chronicity, complications, and association with other cranial manifestations of AAV.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analysed longitudinal multicentre cohorts of individuals with AAV followed between 2006 and 2022. Data included diagnosis, demographics, cranial manifestations of disease, presence of manifestations at onset of disease and/or follow-up, and ocular complications of disease. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed associations across disease manifestations.

RESULTS

Data from 1441 patients were analysed, including 395 with EGPA, 876 with GPA, and 170 with MPA. Ocular manifestations were seen within 23.1% of patients: 39 (9.9%) with EGPA, 287 (32.7%) with GPA, and 12 (7.1%) with MPA at any time in the disease course. There were more ocular manifestations at onset (n = 224) than during follow-up (n = 120). The most common disease-related manifestations were conjunctivitis/episcleritis and scleritis. In multivariable analysis, dacryocystitis, lacrimal duct obstruction, and retro-orbital disease were associated with sinonasal manifestations of GPA; ocular manifestations were associated with hearing loss in MPA. The most common ocular complications and/or damage seen were cataracts (n = 168) and visual impairment (n = 195).

CONCLUSION

Ocular manifestations occur in all forms of AAV, especially in GPA. Clinicians should be mindful of the wide spectrum of ocular disease in AAV, caused by active vasculitis, disease-associated damage, and toxicities of therapy.

A Retrospective Service- Evaluation of Implant Success, Survival, Periimplant Health and Prosthetic Complications in a Cohort of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the success, survival, peri-implant health and prosthetic complications in head and neck cancer patients receiving oral rehabilitation utilising dental implants between 2008 and the present day.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Service evaluation. Survival Group: Retrospective review of records to determine implant survival and prosthetic complications. Success Group: Examination to determine implant success and health.

RESULTS

Survival Group: 260 implants in 81 individuals, median follow up 49.2 months. 89.3% implant survival at 96 months, no further failures up to 133 months. 40.9% individuals required repair or remake of prosthesis by 72 months - mostly denture re-lines. Success group: 164 implants in 48 individuals, median follow up 56 months. Peri-implant mucositis detected in 22% of fixtures (37.5% individuals); peri-implantitis in 12.8% (25% individuals); 33.3% fixtures exhibiting periimplantitis at 120 months. Previous smoking significantly associated with development of peri-implantitis (HR 2.372, p=0.032, 95CI:1.232, 93.317). Compromised survival (e.g. peri-implantitis), absolute (not in mouth) or clinical failure estimated to occur in 28.1% fixtures at 101 months, mostly due to peri-implantitis.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a large burden of ongoing care in this cohort, requiring interventions to improve peri-implant health and maintain complex prostheses. Oral rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance in this cohort is complex and multi-disciplinary.

Mind the Gap: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Experiences of Adolescents and Parents in a Rheumatology Transition Clinic

BACKGROUND

The transition from pediatric to adult care is a critical time when adolescent patients and their families face many challenges. This period can be associated with an increase in disease-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study is to identify gaps in transition-related care to help guide areas for improvement.

METHODS

Patients (14-19 years) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus and one of their parents were recruited from the McMaster Rheumatology Transition Clinic. Both were asked to complete the Mind the Gap questionnaire, a validated tool to assess experience and satisfaction with transition care in a clinic setting. The questionnaire, addressing 3 important domains of care: management of the environment, provider characteristics, and process issues, was completed twice-once based on their current clinical experience and again based on their ideal clinical encounter. Positive scores suggest current care is less than ideal; negative scores suggest current care exceeds the ideal experience.

RESULTS

Most patients (n = 65, 68% female) had a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (87%). Patients identified mean gap scores between 0.2 and 0.3 for each domain of Mind the Gap, with female patients having higher gap scores compared with male patients. Parents (n = 51) identified gap scores between 0.0 and 0.3. Patients identified process issues as having the largest gap, whereas parents identified management of the environment as having the largest gap.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several gaps in transition clinic care relative to what patients and parents identify as ideal. These can be used to improve the rheumatology transition care that is currently being provided.

Duration of Steroid Therapy and Temporal Artery Biopsy Positivity in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common large-vessel vasculitis that primarily affects older individuals.¹ Prompt diagnosis and treatment with empiric glucocorticoids (GCs) is important because GCA can lead to ischemic complications, including visual loss.^1,2.

Added diagnostic yield of temporal artery magnetic resonance angiography in the evaluation of giant cell arteritis

OBJECTIVES

Temporal artery magnetic resonance angiography (TAMRA) is a useful tool to investigate possible diagnoses of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). As acquired images also reveal other local structures, they may assist in finding alternative diagnoses when assessing for possible GCA. We sought to assess the utility of TAMRA in identifying other significant abnormalities either associated with a diagnosis of GCA or potentially mimicking a clinical presentation of GCA.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken at St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada between February 2007 to April 2020 and included patients who underwent TAMRA for a possible diagnosis of GCA. Patient demographics, diagnosis, and imaging findings were extracted, and descriptive analysis of findings was performed.

RESULTS

We included 340 individuals who underwent TAMRA for assessment of a potential diagnosis of GCA and had clinical information available; there were 126 (37.0%) diagnoses of GCA. Fourteen (4.1%) patients had findings on TAMRA that demonstrated an alternative diagnosis, findings were predominantly in the temporomandibular joint, orbit, and meninges. Eighteen (14.3%) patients with GCA had intracranial vascular changes that were demonstrative of intracranial vasculitis; one stroke was attributed to intracranial GCA.

CONCLUSIONS

TAMRA has proven utility in diagnosing GCA, and this data suggests that it also has utility in identifying alternative diagnoses to rule out the disease. Intracranial vasculitis was also seen in 14.3% of patients; the clinical impact of these findings is currently poorly understood and requires further study.

Incisional hernia following colorectal cancer surgery according to suture technique: Hughes Abdominal Repair Randomized Trial (HART)

BACKGROUND

Incisional hernias cause morbidity and may require further surgery. HART (Hughes Abdominal Repair Trial) assessed the effect of an alternative suture method on the incidence of incisional hernia following colorectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

A pragmatic multicentre single-blind RCT allocated patients undergoing midline incision for colorectal cancer to either Hughes closure (double far-near-near-far sutures of 1 nylon suture at 2-cm intervals along the fascia combined with conventional mass closure) or the surgeon's standard closure. The primary outcome was the incidence of incisional hernia at 1 year assessed by clinical examination. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Between August 2014 and February 2018, 802 patients were randomized to either Hughes closure (401) or the standard mass closure group (401). At 1 year after surgery, 672 patients (83.7 per cent) were included in the primary outcome analysis; 50 of 339 patients (14.8 per cent) in the Hughes group and 57 of 333 (17.1 per cent) in the standard closure group had incisional hernia (OR 0.84, 95 per cent c.i. 0.55 to 1.27; P = 0.402). At 2 years, 78 patients (28.7 per cent) in the Hughes repair group and 84 (31.8 per cent) in the standard closure group had incisional hernia (OR 0.86, 0.59 to 1.25; P = 0.429). Adverse events were similar in the two groups, apart from the rate of surgical-site infection, which was higher in the Hughes group (13.2 versus 7.7 per cent; OR 1.82, 1.14 to 2.91; P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of incisional hernia after colorectal cancer surgery is high. There was no statistical difference in incidence between Hughes closure and mass closure at 1 or 2 years.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN25616490 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Self-Reported Transition Readiness of Adolescent Patients with Rheumatic Disease: Do the Parents Agree?

Our objective was to compare transition readiness assessment scores from adolescents with rheumatic disease with their parents and analyze their level of agreement. We found that adolescents and parents generally agree on the level of the transition readiness; however, there is occasional disagreement in specific domains.

Value of second opinion subspecialty radiology consultation in suspected abdominal medium vessel vasculitis

PURPOSE

To perform a descriptive analysis of individuals with suspected Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) referred for second opinion imaging consultation.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed at a single institution. A consecutive sample was performed of individuals who underwent a second opinion CT or MR angiography subspecialty radiologist consultation between January 2008 and September 2019 for suspected abdominal medium vessel vasculitis. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were collected. Clinical and imaging findings were reported for PAN, small vessel vasculitis, and "non-vasculitis" groups. Agreement and diagnostic accuracy between final clinical and second opinion imaging diagnoses for PAN were determined. Two-tailed t-tests with a significant p-value < 0.05 were utilized.

RESULTS

Of the 58 participants, 9 were clinically diagnosed with PAN, 11 with small vessel vasculitis (including lupus, IgA, and ANCA-associated vasculitis), and 38 with non-vasculitis diagnoses. The non-vasculitis group included 15 SAM, 3 FMD, and 1 SAM-FMD spectrum diagnoses. Higher C-reactive protein level (51 vs 17, p = 0.04) and superior mesenteric artery involvement (56% vs 21%, p = 0.04) were more common in PAN than non-vasculitis diagnoses, while arterial dissection (40% vs 0%, p = 0.02) and celiac vasculature involvement (53% vs 0%, p = 0.003) were more common in the non-vasculitis group. There was 88% agreement (51/58; Cohen's kappa 0.56); sensitivity was 67% [95%-confidence interval (CI) 30-93%] and specificity was 92% (95%-CI 80-98%).

CONCLUSION

Isolated celiac artery involvement and arterial dissection were more common in non-inflammatory vasculopathies than PAN. Our findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and awareness of the diverse findings of abdominal vasculopathies.

Contextualizing temporal arterial magnetic resonance angiography in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Imaging modalities have become common in evaluating patients for a possible diagnosis of GCA. This study seeks to contextualize how temporal arterial magnetic resonance angiography (TA-MRA) can be used in facilitating the diagnosis of GCA.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who had been previously referred to a rheumatologist for evaluation of possible GCA in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Data including clinical features, inflammatory markers, imaging, and biopsy results were extracted. Multivariable logistic regression model to predict the diagnosis of GCA. Using these models, the utility of TA-MRA in series with or in parallel to clinical evaluation was demonstrated across the cohort as well as in subgroups defined by biopsy and imaging status.

RESULTS

In total 268 patients had complete data. Those diagnosed with biopsy- and/or imaging-positive GCA were more likely to demonstrate classic features including jaw claudication and vision loss. Clinical multivariable modelling allowed for fair discriminability [receiver operating characteristic (ROC) 0.759, 95% CI: 0.703, 0.815] for diagnosing GCA; there was excellent discriminability in facilitating the diagnosis of biopsy-positive GCA (ROC 0.949, 0.898-1.000). When used in those with a pre-test probability of 50% or higher, TA-MRA had a positive predictive value of 93.0%; in those with a pre-test probability of 25% or less TA-MRA had a negative predictive value of 89.5%.

CONCLUSION

In those with high disease probability, TA-MRA can effectively rule in disease (and replace temporal artery biopsy). In those with low to medium probability, TA-MRA can help rule out the disease, but this continues to be a challenging diagnostic population.

The transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care through creating positive and productive patient-provider relationships: an opportunity often forgotten

Background

The transition of patients with a chronic rheumatic disease from pediatric to adult care has been characterized by poor medical and patient-centered outcomes due to the lack of comprehensive transition programs and the paucity of evidence to guide practitioners. We describe a multidisciplinary transition program, data assessing patients’ preparedness for transition and perception of care providers, and the association between these outcomes.

Content

Patients aged 14–19 with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were recruited from Rheumatology Transition Clinics and Young Adult Clinics at a single institution. Participants completed the TRANSITION-Q, which assesses healthcare self-management skills as a proxy for transition readiness, and the Consultation and Relational Empathy Scale (CARE) questionnaire, which measures patients’ perception of their providers’ care and empathy.

Summary

Among 63 participants, 87% had JIA (mean age 16.5 years). Age was the only patient characteristic positively associated with TRANSITION-Q scores. CARE scores revealed overwhelmingly positive interactions between patients and healthcare team members. TRANSITION-Q and CARE scores were positively correlated.

Outlook

The transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care should be recognized as an opportunity to impact the trajectories of patients entering adult care where the patient-provider relationship may play an important role.

Transition Readiness in Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective

The transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care represents a particularly vulnerable time for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Improving self‐management skills is important in optimizing health care transition. The study’s objectives were to 1) examine variability in transition readiness of adolescents and young adults within and between different ages, sexes, and disease types; 2) determine the association between age and transition readiness; and 3) identify specific challenges to transition readiness for adolescents.

Methods

Over 1 year, patients 14 to 20 years of age with JIA or cSLE were recruited from pediatric transition and young adult clinics at a single academic institution. Participants completed the 14‐item Transition‐Q at a single time point. Total scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate greater health care self‐management skills as a proxy for transition readiness. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics and Transition‐Q scores for the population. Regression analyses determined the association between age, sex, and disease type and Transition‐Q score.

Results

Among 70 participants, 61 had JIA and 9 cSLE (mean disease duration 4.6 years). The mean (SD) total Transition‐Q score was 59.8 (14.9). Age was significantly associated with Transition‐Q score (standardized β = 0.372l P = 0.002). The most commonly reported challenges were seeing the physician alone (without parents), making one’s own appointments, picking up prescriptions, and independent transportation for appointments.

Conclusion

Transition readiness appears to increase with patient age. There is significant variability in Transition‐Q scores between patients of the same age, suggesting that an individualized approach to improving self‐management skills is necessary.

CanVasc Consensus Recommendations for the Management of Antineutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody-associated Vasculitis: 2020 Update

OBJECTIVE

In 2015, the Canadian Vasculitis Research Network (CanVasc) created recommendations for the management of antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) in Canada. The current update aims to revise existing recommendations and create additional recommendations, as needed, based on a review of new available evidence.

METHODS

A needs assessment survey of CanVasc members informed questions for an updated systematic literature review (publications spanning May 2014 to September 2019) using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. New and revised recommendations were developed and categorized according to the level of evidence and strength of each recommendation. The CanVasc working group used a 2-step modified Delphi procedure to reach > 80% consensus on the inclusion, wording, and grading of each new and revised recommendation.

RESULTS

Eleven new and 16 revised recommendations were created and 12 original (2015) recommendations were retained. New and revised recommendations are discussed in detail within this document. Five original recommendations were removed, of which 4 were incorporated into the explanatory text. The supplementary material for practical use was revised to reflect the updated recommendations.

CONCLUSION

The 2020 updated recommendations provide rheumatologists, nephrologists, and other specialists caring for patients with AAV in Canada with new management guidance, based on current evidence and consensus from Canadian experts.

From value-based pricing to fair pricing: the role of HTA for UHC

The UHC key concepts and relevant UN resolutions recommending transparency, including in relation to HTA and pricing. The role of innovation and intellectual property frameworks will be discussed, including financing and co-ordination of R&D for health technologies. Examples on the importance information exchange can play to improve negotiations will also be discussed, along with key considerations, commonalities and differences for for developed and developing countries.

Updates in the treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis: At a crossroad

There have been great advances in the management of ANCA associated vasculitis over the past decades. We have gone from an era where the disease was almost universally fatal to trying to prevent long-term side effects of treatment regimens. With the ability to use pulse cyclophosphamide or rituximab as alternates to oral cyclophosphamide for induction of remission, side effects of therapy have been greatly reduced. New approaches have drastically changed our approach to maintenance and we now favor much longer durations of maintenance therapy, as they are more successful in preventing relapse. Steroids have long been the bane of treatment as they are associated with a significant risk of infection and metabolic consequences. We are now in a steroid-sparing and looking ahead to a steroid-free era with new data being published showing lower doses of steroids being equally effective and several ongoing seminal trials looking at agents that could completely replace steroids very early on.

Stacked volume holographic gratings for extending the operational wavelength range in LED and solar applications

A novel stacking procedure is presented for volume phase holographic gratings (VPHGs) recorded in photopolymer material using Corning Willow Glass as a flexible substrate in order to achieve broader angular and spectral selectivity in a diffractive device with high efficiency for solar and LED applications. For the first time to our knowledge, we have shown a device designed for use with a white LED that has the same input and output angles and high efficiency when illuminated by different wavelengths. In this paper, two VPHGs were designed, experimentally recorded, and tested when illuminated at normal incidence. The experimental approach is based on stacking two individual gratings in which the spatial frequency and slant have been tailored to the target wavelength and using real-time on-Bragg monitoring of the gratings in order to control the recorded refractive index modulation, thereby optimizing each grating efficiency for its design wavelength. Lamination of the two gratings together was enabled by using a flexible glass substrate (Corning Willow Glass). Recording conditions were studied in order to minimize the change in diffraction efficiency and peak diffraction angle during lamination and bleaching. The final fabricated stacked device was illuminated by a white light source, and its output was spectrally analyzed. Compared to a single grating, the stacked device demonstrated a twofold increase in angular and wavelength range. The angular and wavelength selectivity curves are in good agreement with the theoretical prediction for this design. This approach could be used to fabricate stacked lenses for white light LED or solar applications.

Personalized diet and exercise recommendations in early rheumatoid arthritis: A feasibility trial

BACKGROUND

Physical activity and diet have a positive influence on disease activity and cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

OBJECTIVE

We tested the feasibility and effect of a brief individualized counselling intervention on physical activity levels and fitness, and dietary intake, compared with standard of care.

METHODS

Thirty patients with inflammatory arthritis (<1 year duration) were assigned to standard of care or the intervention, which consisted of individualized visits with a dietetic intern and physiotherapist at two time points, to review age-specific strategies on diet and exercise. Primary outcomes included anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist and hip circumference), nutritional intake, physical activity (pedometer steps) and physical fitness. Disease activity measures and biochemical testing (blood pressure measurement, inflammatory markers, cholesterol profile and random glucose) were collected. The changes in these outcomes from baseline to 6 months were assessed using paired t-tests between groups.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients in the intervention group and 10 in the control group completed the study. There were non-significant trends in improvements in physical activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and nutritional intake (vitamin C, iron, fibre, vitamin A and folate) in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor enrolment and high dropout rates in this short-term study highlighted the difficulty of behavioural change. Those continuing in the study and who received the intervention demonstrated a non-significantly improved activity level and nutritional intake that may benefit long-term outcomes.

Nurse-led Care for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of the Effect on Quality of Care

Objective.

In the nurse-led care (NLC) model, nurses take on the primary responsibility for patient management. We systematically assessed the effect of NLC for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on multiple dimensions of quality of care from the Alberta Quality of Care Matrix for Health.

Methods.

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL from 1950 to January 2015. English-language studies were included if they reported on NLC for patients with RA and assessed 1 or more dimensions of quality (effectiveness, acceptability, efficiency, accessibility, appropriateness, and safety). Data were synthesized using narrative analysis.

Results.

We included 10 studies. The NLC models varied in terms of nurses’ professional designation (clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners); however, their role in the clinic was fairly consistent. Disease activity was the most common measure of effectiveness, with NLC being equal (n = 2) or superior (n = 3) to the comparator. NLC was equal (n = 1) or superior (n = 5) versus the comparator in terms of patient satisfaction (i.e., acceptability of care). NLC was equally safe as other models (n = 2). Regarding efficiency, results varied across studies (n = 6) and did not allow for conclusions about models’ cost-effectiveness. In qualitative studies, patients found NLC to be superior in terms of accessibility [i.e., continuity of care (n = 3) and appropriateness measured with education and support (n = 4)]; however, no quantitative measures were found.

Conclusion.

NLC for patients with RA is effective, acceptable, and safe as compared with other models. However, current evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions about its efficiency, accessibility, and appropriateness.

Adaptive Biomedical Innovation: Evolving Our Global System to Sustainably and Safely Bring New Medicines to Patients in Need

The current system of biomedical innovation is unable to keep pace with scientific advancements. We propose to address this gap by reengineering innovation processes to accelerate reliable delivery of products that address unmet medical needs. Adaptive biomedical innovation (ABI) provides an integrative, strategic approach for process innovation. Although the term "ABI" is new, it encompasses fragmented "tools" that have been developed across the global pharmaceutical industry, and could accelerate the evolution of the system through more coordinated application. ABI involves bringing stakeholders together to set shared objectives, foster trust, structure decision-making, and manage expectations through rapid-cycle feedback loops that maximize product knowledge and reduce uncertainty in a continuous, adaptive, and sustainable learning healthcare system. Adaptive decision-making, a core element of ABI, provides a framework for structuring decision-making designed to manage two types of uncertainty - the maturity of scientific and clinical knowledge, and the behaviors of other critical stakeholders.

From adaptive licensing to adaptive pathways: delivering a flexible life-span approach to bring new drugs to patients

The concept of adaptive licensing (AL) has met with considerable interest. Yet some remain skeptical about its feasibility. Others argue that the focus and name of AL should be broadened. Against this background of ongoing debate, we examine the environmental changes that will likely make adaptive pathways the preferred approach in the future. The key drivers include: growing patient demand for timely access to promising therapies, emerging science leading to fragmentation of treatment populations, rising payer influence on product accessibility, and pressure on pharma/investors to ensure sustainability of drug development. We also discuss a number of environmental changes that will enable an adaptive paradigm. A life‐span approach to bringing innovation to patients is expected to help address the perceived access vs. evidence trade‐off, help de‐risk drug development, and lead to better outcomes for patients.

Smoldering rheumatoid arthritis: is the Canadian healthcare system neglecting a significant disease population?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate rheumatology practice in Canada with regard to evaluating disease activity status and treatment regimens in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was hypothesized that patients with "smoldering" disease activity were not being adequately treated.

METHODS

Rheumatologists were invited to participate by the Canadian Rheumatology Association in an audit entitled the Assessment in Rheumatology (AIR) program. From across Canada, 65 rheumatologists participated. One thousand five hundred ninety-six consecutive patients with RA seen in regular clinics were classified according to 4 states of disease activity: remission, controlled adequately, smoldering, and uncontrolled. Demographics (age, sex, geographic region), therapy (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologicals, steroids), joint counts (tender/swollen), comorbidity, and treatment decisions at the time of the visit were recorded. Data were collected at the time of the visit with personal digital assistants (PDA) and aggregated, without personal identifiers, for analysis in SPSS.

RESULTS

The majority of patients had "smoldering" (29%) or "uncontrolled" disease (23%), with the remainder in "remission" (15%) or "controlled adequately" (33%) at the time of their visit. Following the appointment, the uncontrolled group had a 100% increase (from 10.4% to 23.4%) in the addition of biological agents; however, there was no significant increase in the rates for those with smoldering disease (19.4% to 20.5%).

CONCLUSION

Despite Canada's universal healthcare system, current treatment regimens may not be optimized on the basis of disease activity. A large proportion of patients with RA (29%) seen in Canadian rheumatology practices may be experiencing unnecessary disease for a variety of reasons.

Rofecoxib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic auto-immune disorder, in which the synovial lining of many joints and tendon sheaths are persistently inflamed.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of rofecoxib for treating RA.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the following databases up to December 2000: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, National Research Register, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Health Technology Assessment database. The bibliographies of retrieved papers were scanned for additional references. The manufacturers of rofecoxib, MSD, were also approached by the UK National Institue for Clincal Excellence to submit additional evidence to inform it's appraisal on the use of cyclo-oxygenase inibitors for arthritis.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Relevant studies were randomised controlled trials of parallel group design evaluating the efficacy and/or toxicity of rofecoxib in RA, both placebo based and comparative trials were eligible. Relevant outcome criteria had to be available to evaluate efficacy and/or toxicity, such as the OMERACT outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were abstracted independently by two reviewers and the results were compared for the degree of agreement. A validated tool (Jadad 1995) was used to score the quality of the randomised controlled trials. The planned analysis was to pool, where appropriate, continuous outcome measures using mean or standardized mean differences, and dichotomous outcome measures using relative risk ratios.

MAIN RESULTS

Two randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of rofecoxib in RA were identified and met the criteria. One compared rofecoxib to placebo and the other compared rofecoxib to naproxen. The overall number of ACR 20 responders who had received 25mg (82/ 171 = 48%) or 50mg (86/161 = 53%) was statistically significantly more than those receiving placebo (58/168 = 35% ) (RR 1.39 CI: 1.07, 1.80 and RR 1.55 CI: 1.20, 1.99 respectively) with no statistically significant differences between the 25 and 50 mg doses. The safety profile of rofecoxib was similar to that of placebo. In the comparative trial, rofecoxib at a dosage of 50 mg/day demonstrated similar efficacy to naproxen at a dosage of 500 mg twice daily. However, the combined rate of clinically significant complicated gastro-intestinal events (GI) (perforations, ulcers, bleeds, or obstructions) was lower with rofecoxib than with naproxen (RR 0.46, 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.63) due to a reduction in the number of ulcers and bleeds. Patients taking rofecoxib had a greater risk of having a myocardial infarction (MI) than patients taking naproxen (RR 4.03, 95% CI, 2.86 to 5.68).

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

In patients with RA, rofecoxib demonstrates a greater degree of efficacy than placebo, while having a comparable safety profile. Rofecoxib demonstrates a similar degree of efficacy as naproxen, but with a significantly lower rate of ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. Rofecoxib was associated with a greater risk for MI, but the exact significance and pathophysiology of this possible relationship is unclear.

Celecoxib for rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic auto-immune disorder, involving persistent joint inflammation. NSAIDs are used to control the symptoms of RA, but are associated with significant gastro-intestinal toxicity, including a risk of potentially life threatening gastroduodenal perforations, ulcers and bleeds. The NSAIDs known as the selective Cox II inhibitors, of which celecoxib is a member, were developed in order to reduce the GI toxicity, but are more expensive.

OBJECTIVES

To establish the efficacy and safety of celecoxib in the management of RA by systematic review of available evidence.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the following databases up to August 2002: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, National Research Register, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Health Technology Assessment Database. The bibliographies of retrieved papers and content experts were consulted for additional references.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. No unpublished RCTs were included in this edition of the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were abstracted independently by two reviewers. Data was analysed using a fixed effects model. A validated checklist was used to score the quality of the RCTs. The planned analysis was to pool, where appropriate continuous outcomes using mean differences and dichotomous outcomes using relative risk ratios. This was not however possible due to the lack of data.

MAIN RESULTS

Five RCTs were included (4465 participants); three of the studies also enrolled individuals with OA. The comparators were placebo, naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen. The evidence reviewed suggests that celecoxib controls the symptoms of RA to a similar degree to that of the active comparators examined (naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen). When compared to placebo, the percentage of patients showing improvement according to ACR 20 criteria at week 4 were 42/82 (51%) in the twice daily celecoxib 200mg group and 43/82 (52%) in the twice daily celecoxib 400mg group; these were significantly different from the placebo group in which 25/85 (29%) improved. The six month data reviewed support a reduced rate of UGI complications with celecoxib but there is also evidence to suggest that these benefits may not be evident in the long-term and that celecoxib offers no additional benefit in patients who are also receiving cardio-prophylactic low dose aspirin.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

For an individual with RA the potential benefits of celecoxib need to be balanced against the uncertainty that the short-term reduced incidence of upper GI complications are maintained in the long-term and its increased cost in comparison to traditional NSAIDs.

Neurological complications of windsurfing (sailboarding)

This article presents a brief history of windsurfing, a relatively new recreational and competitive sport activity also known as sailboarding; a brief summary of physiologic studies of windsurfers; and a review of windsurfing injuries with a focus on the neurological complications of windsurfing.

Standardization of lymphocyte antibody binding capacity - a multi-centre study

As quantitative flow cytometry is being increasingly used to characterize non-malignant and malignant disorders, interlaboratory standardization becomes an important issue. However, the lack of standardized methods and process controls with predefined antibody binding capacity values, limits direct interlaboratory comparison. The present study has addressed these issues using a stable whole blood product and a standardized antigen quantification protocol. It was demonstrated that: (i) a standard technical protocol can result in a high degree of interlaboratory concordance; (ii) interlaboratory variation of less than 12% can be achieved for CD4 antibody binding capacity values; and (iii) stable whole blood can be used as a process control with predefined antibody binding capacity values. Furthermore, using such an approach, a normal range was established for CD3, CD4 CD8 and CD19. These antigens appear to be expressed in a hierarchical manner, a factor that could be used as a procedural quality control measure.

Ibuprofen versus other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: use in general practice and patient perception

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether ibuprofen was as well-regarded by patients as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

DESIGN

Questionnaire sent to 1137 consecutive recipients of an NSAID prescription from 21 doctors in six general practices with computerized records. Patient responses were subsequently linked to data held on the practice records.

SETTING

General practices in and around Nottingham, selected to reflect local variations in number of partners, list size, geographical location, deprivation, prescribing burden and prescribing rate.

SUBJECTS

Unselected patients receiving NSAIDs prescribed for all indications for use.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Effectiveness of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, possible drug related adverse events, patients' overall satisfaction with ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, factors associated with choice of ibuprofen, drug costs of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.

RESULTS

The main NSAIDs used were ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen. Ibuprofen use ranged from 1.0% of prescriptions in one practice to 69.1% in another. Although ibuprofen was generally prescribed in low doses, it was perceived by patients as being as effective as the other NSAIDs used, even after allowing for severity of the pre-treatment condition. Overall, 50.5% of patients rated their NSAID the best treatment they had received for their condition with no differences between individual drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Ibuprofen is as highly regarded as other NSAIDs when used in similar circumstances. Switching patients to ibuprofen may be a realistic way of reducing financial and medical costs associated with NSAIDs.

Pharmacoepidemiology of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in Nottingham general practices

AIM

To investigate the pharmacoepidemiology of NSAID usage in Nottingham general practices.

DESIGN

Questionnaire sent to 1137 consecutive recipients of an NSAID prescription from 21 doctors in six general practices with computerized records. Patient responses were subsequently linked to data held on the practice records.

SETTING

General practices in and around Nottingham, selected to reflect local variations in number of partners, list size, geographical location, deprivation, prescribing burden and prescribing rate.

SUBJECTS

Unselected patients receiving NSAIDs prescribed for all indications.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Indication for treatment, differences in prescribing to different age groups, compliance and overall scheme drug exposure, drug effectiveness and tolerability, possible drug-related adverse events, patients' overall satisfaction with treatment and estimated costs of care.

RESULTS

NSAIDs were used for a wide range of conditions and only a small number of patients had rheumatoid arthritis. The main drugs used were ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen. Patients making short-term use of NSAIDs had low compliance if they experienced adverse drug effects, whilst conversely in long-term users, those with high compliance reported more adverse drug effects. Calculated compliance did not vary with age although older patients (over 65 years) claimed in their questionnaires to be more compliant than younger patients. Half the patients reported good or complete symptom relief. Half of those questions (and two thirds of those with good or complete symptom relief) rated their NSAID as the best treatment they had received for their current condition. The frequency of gastrointestinal adverse events was higher in the young and the old, which correlated with the use of anti-ulcer drugs, and increased with the total number of medications used.

CONCLUSIONS

NSAIDs are used for a wide-range of conditions. They give symptom relief to, and are perceived as effective by, most patients taking them.

Muscle substrate utilization and lactate production

Biopsies (biceps) were examined in 8 bodybuilders across a typical arm-curl training session (80% 1-RM). [PCr] and [glycogen] decreased 62 and 12% after 1 set (n = 4), and 50 and 24% after 3 sets (n = 4). [Lactate] was 91 and 118 mmol &times kg-1, respectively, after 1 and 3 sets. Fatigue was probably partially caused by decreased [PCr] and increased [H+] (first set) and by decreased [H+] in subsequent sets.

Role of nitric oxide-derived oxidants in vascular injury from carbon monoxide in the rat

Studies were conducted with rats to investigate whether exposure to CO at concentrations frequently found in the environment caused nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vessel wall changes. Exposure to CO at concentrations of 50 parts per million or higher for 1 h increased the concentration of nitrotyrosine in the aorta. Immunologically reactive nitrotyrosine was localized in a discrete fashion along the endothelial lining, and this was inhibited by pretreatment with the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The CO-induced elevations of aortic nitrotyrosine were not altered by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, and CO caused no change in the concentration of endothelial NOS. Consequences from NO-derived stress on the vasculature included an enhanced transcapillary efflux of albumin within the first 3 h after CO exposure and leukocyte sequestration that became apparent 18 h after CO exposure. Oxidized plasma low-density lipoprotein was found immediately after CO exposure, but this was not inhibited by L-NAME pretreatment. We conclude that exposure to relatively low CO concentrations can alter vascular status by several mechanisms and that many changes are linked to NO-derived oxidants.

Integrated optical polarization splitter based on photobleaching-induced birefringence in azo dye polymers

An integrated optical polarization splitter has been fabricated by utilizing the photobleaching-induced birefringence in an azo dye polymer. It consists of a Y-branch waveguide formed by the reactive ion etching with one of the two arms photobleached. The refractive index of the photobleached arm is decreased for the TE mode and increased for the TM mode. The performance of the splitter was measured as a function of the energy of the photobleaching beam and compared to a wave propagation simulation of the device. The measured cross talks are less than -28 dB for the TM mode and -24 dB for the TE mode at a wavelength of 1310 nm. The measured excess losses for the TE and TM modes, which measure the effect of the Y branch and the photobleaching, are 0.3 and 0.4 dB, respectively. The insertion loss was 5 dB, which includes the input fiber to waveguide coupling loss.

Low-V(pi) electro-optic modulator with a high-microbeta chromophore and a constant-bias field

A low half-wave voltage V(pi) of 1.57 V was obtained with a 2-cm-long birefringent polymer waveguide modulator at a wavelength of 1.3 microm by use of a modulator design with a constant-bias electric field and a high-microbeta chromophore. The design allows the maximum achievable electro-optic coefficient of the material to be utilized. This electro-optic coefficient can be more than twice as high as the residue value that is used by conventional modulator designs, after fast partial relaxation following poling.

Circumstances of death in sudden death in epilepsy: interviews of bereaved relatives

OBJECTIVES

To study the circumstances of death in sudden death in epilepsy.

METHODS

Self referred bereaved relatives of patients with epilepsy who had died suddenly were interviewed with information obtained substantiated through other sources-namely, coroners' officers' reports, postmortem reports, previous medical records, and EEG reports.

RESULTS

Of 34 cases, 26 were classified as sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy (SUDEP). Twenty four of 26 cases of SUDEP were unwitnessed. Evidence indicative or suggestive of a seizure was found in most. In 11 of 26 the position of the head was such that breathing could have been compromised. Cases included both localisation related and idiopathic primary generalised epilepsy. Only three were in remission at the time of death. Most relatives expressed the view that they would have preferred to have known that epilepsy could be fatal.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the deaths in question were largely unwitnessed, the available evidence suggested that most cases of SUDEP represented ictal or postictal seizure deaths, occurring in people with a history of generalised tonic clonic seizures, and in both primary generalised and localisation related epilepsy. These interviews highlight the needs of bereaved relatives and their sense of isolation in the face of an entirely unexpected and apparently unexplained loss.

Comparison of in vivo red cell survival of donations collected by Haemonetics MCS versus conventional collection

The Haemonetics Multicomponents System (MCS) cell separator allows concurrent donation of red cells in addition to platelets and/or plasma, thus increasing the versatility of apheresis donations. In vivo survival of autologous red cells obtained by MCS was compared with red cells collected conventionally. In this cross-over controlled study, five male volunteers donated one unit of red cells by MCS and one unit of whole blood by the conventional manual method, 3 months apart. After storing donations in SAG-M for 35 days under standard conditions, radioactive (51Cr)-labelled autologous red cells were injected into each donor. The post-transfusion recovery (PTR) of red cells at 24 and 48 h did not show any significant difference between red cells obtained manually and by MCS, indicating that processing differences have no detrimental effects on red cell survival.

Psychiatric disorders after traumatic brain injury

Substantial psychological and neurobehavioural evidence is available to support the hypothesis that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a risk factor for subsequent psychiatric disorders. However, studies utilizing established psychiatric diagnostic schemes to study these outcomes after TBI are scarce, and no studies have included an assessment of personality disorders in addition to the major psychiatric disorders. This study utilizes structured psychiatric interviews to measure the prevalence of DSM-III(R) disorders in a sample of 18 subjects derived from a TBI rehabilitation programme. Results revealed high rates for major depression, bipolar affective disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, borderline and avoidant personality disorders. Co-morbidity was also high. A preliminary study of postulated predictive factors revealed possible roles for sex and for initial severity of injury. The study supports the association between TBI and psychiatric disorder, and suggests the need for monitoring, for prevention, and for treatment of psychiatric disorders after TBI.