Development and validation of a claims-based algorithm to identify moderate exacerbations in patients with asthma treated in the US

INTRODUCTION

Definitions of moderate asthma exacerbation have been inconsistent, making their economic burden difficult to assess. An algorithm to accurately identify moderate exacerbations from claims data is needed.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of Reliant Medical Group patients aged ≥18 years, with ≥1 prescription claim for inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist, and ≥1 medical claim with a diagnosis code for asthma was conducted. The objective was to refine current algorithms to identify moderate exacerbations in claims data and assess the refined algorithm's performance. Positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were assessed via chart review of 150 moderate exacerbations events and 50 patients without exacerbations. Sensitivity analyses assessed alternative algorithms and compared healthcare resource utilization (HRU) between algorithm-identified patients (claims group) and those confirmed by chart review (confirmed group) to have experienced a moderate exacerbation.

RESULTS

Algorithm-identified moderate exacerbations were: visit of ≤1 day with an asthma exacerbation diagnosis OR visit of ≤1 day with selected asthma diagnoses AND ≥1 respiratory pharmacy claim, excluding systemic corticosteroids, within 14 days after the first claim. The algorithm's PPV was 42%; the NPV was 78%. HRU was similar for both groups.

CONCLUSION

This algorithm identified potential moderate exacerbations from claims data; however, the modest PPV underscores its limitations in identifying moderate exacerbations, although performance was partially due to identification of previously unidentified severe exacerbations. Application of this algorithm in future claims-based studies may help quantify the economic burden of moderate and severe exacerbations in asthma when an algorithm identifying severe exacerbations is applied first.

Frequency and economic burden of exacerbations in inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist-treated patients with asthma: A retrospective US claims study

INTRODUCTION

Despite adherence to inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABA) therapy, many patients with asthma experience moderate exacerbations. Data on the impact of moderate exacerbations on the healthcare system are limited. This study assessed the frequency and economic burden of moderate exacerbations in patients receiving ICS/LABA.

METHODS

Retrospective, longitudinal study analyzed data from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database recorded between October 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Eligibility criteria included patients ≥18 years of age with ≥1 ICS/LABA claim and ≥1 medical claim for asthma in the 12 months pre-index (first ICS/LABA claim). Primary objectives included describing moderate exacerbation frequency, and associated healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs. A secondary objective was assessing the relationship between moderate exacerbations and subsequent risk of severe exacerbations. Patients were stratified by moderate exacerbation frequency in the 12 months post index. Moderate exacerbations were identified using a newly developed algorithm.

RESULTS

In the first 12 months post index 61.6% of patients experienced ≥1 moderate exacerbation. Mean number of asthma-related visits was 4.1 per person/year and median total asthma-related costs was $3544. HRU and costs increased with increasing exacerbation frequency. Outpatient and inpatient visits accounted for a similar proportion of these costs. Moderate exacerbations were associated with an increased rate and risk of future severe exacerbations (incidence rate ratio, 1.56; hazard ratio, 1.51 [both p < 0.001]).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted that a high proportion of patients continue to experience moderate exacerbations despite ICS/LABA therapy and subsequently experience increased economic burden and risk of future severe exacerbations.

Development of Predictive Models to Inform a Novel Risk Categorization Framework for Antibiotic Resistance in E. coli-Causing Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection

BACKGROUND

In clinical practice, challenges in identifying patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) at risk of antibiotic non-susceptibility may lead to inappropriate prescribing and contribute to antibiotic resistance. We developed predictive models to quantify risk of non-susceptibility to four commonly prescribed antibiotic classes for uUTI, identify predictors of non-susceptibility to each class, and construct a corresponding risk categorization framework for non-susceptibility.

METHODS

Eligible females aged ≥12 years with E. coli-caused uUTI were identified from Optum's de-identified Electronic Health Record dataset (10/1/2015‒2/29/2020). Four predictive models were developed to predict non-susceptibility to each antibiotic class and a risk categorization framework was developed to classify patients' isolates as low, moderate, and high risk of non-susceptibility to each antibiotic class.

RESULTS

Predictive models were developed among 87487 patients. Key predictors of having a non-susceptible isolate to ≥3 antibiotic classes included number of previous UTI episodes, prior β-lactam non-susceptibility, prior fluoroquinolone treatment, census bureau region, and race. The risk categorization framework classified 8.1%, 14.4%, 17.4%, and 6.3% of patients as having isolates at high risk of non-susceptibility to nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, β-lactams, and fluoroquinolones, respectively. Across classes, the proportion of patients categorized as having high-risk isolates was 3-12 folds higher among patients with non-susceptible isolates versus susceptible isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our predictive models highlight factors that increase risk of non-susceptibility to antibiotics for uUTIs, while the risk categorization framework contextualizes risk of non-susceptibility to these treatments. Our findings provide valuable insight to clinicians treating uUTIs and may help inform empiric prescribing in this population.

Likelihood of Antimicrobial Resistance in Urinary E coli Isolates among US Female Patients with Recurrent vs Non-Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relative likelihood of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multi-drug resistance (MDR) among E coli isolates from outpatients with recurrent versus non-recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI).

METHODS

In this retrospective observational US cohort study, female outpatients (≥12 years) with uUTI, positive E coli culture, and treated with ≥1 oral antibiotic within ±5 days of diagnosis were grouped into recurrent and non-recurrent uUTI cohorts per their UTI history (past 12 months). AMR to specific drug classes was evaluated at index. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models estimated the likelihood of not-susceptible E coli isolates (AMR/MDR) among patients with recurrent uUTI versus non-recurrent uUTI.

RESULTS

Recurrent (N = 12,234) and non-recurrent (N = 68,033) uUTI cohorts had similar distributions (race, ethnicity, region). Patients with recurrent uUTI had a higher prevalence of E coli resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (21.8% vs 18.7%) and fluoroquinolones (14.2% vs 8.6%), and more isolates were extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (5.9% vs 4.1%) compared to non-recurrent uUTI patients. Patients with recurrent uUTI had a higher likelihood (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) of any AMR (1.28 [1.22-1.34]), single drug-class resistance (1.18 [1.12-1.24]), and resistance to 2 (1.53 [1.41-1.67]) or ≥3 drug classes (1.70 [1.48-1.96]) (all P <.001).

CONCLUSION

This study delineated the likelihood of AMR and MDR among E coli isolates from patients with recurrent versus non-recurrent uUTI. While some treatment guidelines support empiric therapy in recurrent uUTI, the increased likelihood of resistance among these patients suggests that culture and susceptibility testing should be undertaken to inform recurrent uUTI treatment.

Dosing Patterns of Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Treated with Ravulizumab in the United States: A Retrospective Claims-Based Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Complement factor 5 inhibitors eculizumab and, recently, ravulizumab are standard therapies for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). However, some patients experience suboptimal response and may benefit from dosage adjustments. Ravulizumab is administered less frequently than eculizumab on the basis of patient's body weight. This retrospective analysis of insurance claims investigated ravulizumab dosing patterns among patients with PNH from the USA.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥ 12 years with ≥ 2 ravulizumab infusions between June 21, 2019 and May 6, 2021, and ≥ 6 months of continuous clinical activity prior to first ravulizumab infusion (index date) were identified from the Symphony Health Integrated Dataverse (IDV®) database. Observed mean (standard deviation, SD) ravulizumab doses administered were reported and stratified by previous eculizumab use. Scenarios adjusting for patients' body weights (unavailable in Symphony Health IDV) based on the US general population distribution were performed to estimate percentages of patients receiving label-recommended doses.

RESULTS

Among 433 patients (mean [SD] age 47 [17] years), the mean (SD) loading dose was 3316.3 (2931.7) mg, greater than the maximal label-recommended loading dose (3000 mg for patients ≥ 100 kg). The mean (SD) loading doses were 3581.3 (3673.7) mg for eculizumab-naive versus 3093.1 (2096.8) mg for eculizumab-experienced patients. Over a mean (SD) treatment period of 11.8 (6.9) months, the mean (SD) average maintenance dose was 3403.7 (1024.4) mg, falling between label-recommended maintenance dose categories (3300 mg for ≥ 60 to < 100 kg; 3600 mg for ≥ 100 kg). Estimated percentages of patients receiving label-recommended loading and maintenance doses were 23.1% and 39.2%, respectively; 59.1% and 28.4% were estimated to receive above label-recommended loading and average maintenance doses, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although limited by missing clinical characteristics including body weight, this study of ravulizumab dosing patterns in patients with PNH identified potential deviations from label-recommended dosing, warranting further investigations of treatment response to complement inhibitors in PNH.

Gastrointestinal manifestations in pediatric and adult patients with Rett syndrome: an analysis of US claims and physician survey data

Aim: Patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) experience gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of GI manifestations and the associated medical costs in patients with RTT in the USA. Patients & Methods: The study combined an insurance claims database analysis with a survey of 100 physicians experienced in RTT management. Results: GI manifestations affected 43.0% of 5940 patients, with increased prevalence in pediatric patients (45.6%) relative to adult patients (40.2%). Annualized mean medical cost of managing GI manifestations was $4473. Only 5.9-8.2% of neurologists and pediatricians ranked GI symptom management among the five most important treatment goals. Conclusion: Patients with RTT experience a high burden of GI manifestations, which translate to considerable medical costs. Importantly, the prevalence of GI manifestations was likely underestimated in this study, as only those symptoms which resulted in a healthcare encounter were captured.

Burden of Herpes Zoster Among Patients with Psoriasis in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Patients with psoriasis (PsO) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ), but recent data on the incidence of HZ among patients with PsO and the impact of HZ on healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs for patients with PsO have not been described.

METHODS

This retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study estimated HZ incidence in cohorts of adults with vs without PsO (PsO + vs PsO-) and HRU and costs among those with PsO, with vs without HZ (PsO + /HZ + vs PsO + /HZ-) using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database during 2015-2020. Patients with psoriatic arthritis were excluded from all four cohorts. Comparisons between cohorts used generalized linear models to adjust outcomes based on various baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of HZ was significantly higher in the PsO + (n = 144,115) vs PsO- (n = 23,837,237) cohorts at 11.35 vs 7.67 per 1000 patient-years; adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR): 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-1.25. HRU (outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient) was significantly higher in the PsO + /HZ + (n = 1859) vs PsO + /HZ- (n = 78,664) cohorts during 1 month and 3 months after HZ diagnosis (e.g., outpatient visits during month: 2.83 vs 1.30 per patient; aIRR: 1.96; 95% CI 1.86-2.06). Mean all-cause costs were also significantly higher in the PsO + /HZ + vs PsO + /HZ- cohort during both month ($5020 vs $2715 per patient; adjusted cost difference: $1390; 95% CI $842-$1964) and 3 months ($12,305 vs $8256; adjusted cost difference: $1422; 95% CI $280-$2889) after HZ diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

These findings show the increased incidence of HZ among patients with PsO and the clinical and economic burdens of HZ in this population. Considering the high prevalence of PsO, insights into the impact of HZ in these patients provide valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making.

Clinical and Economic Burden of Herpes Zoster in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Administrative Claims

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incremental healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and cost burden posed by herpes zoster (HZ) in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the United States.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using an administrative claims database containing commercial and Medicare Advantage with Part D data, between October 2015 and February 2020. Patients with RA and HZ (RA+/HZ+) or RA without HZ (RA+/HZ-) were identified based on diagnosis codes and relevant medications. Outcomes measured included HRU and medical, pharmacy, and total costs at month 1, quarter 1, and year 1 after the index date (HZ diagnosis for RA+/HZ+ cohort, randomly assigned for RA+/HZ- cohort). Generalized linear models incorporating propensity scores and other covariates were used to estimate differences in outcomes between cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 1866 patients from the RA+/HZ+ cohort and 38,846 patients from the RA+/HZ- cohort were included. Hospitalizations and emergency department visits occurred more frequently in the RA+/HZ+ than the RA+/HZ- cohort, especially in the month after HZ diagnosis (adjusted incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] for hospitalizations: 3.4 [2.8; 4.2]; emergency department visits: 3.7 [3.0; 4.4]). Total costs were also higher in the month after HZ diagnosis (mean adjusted cost difference [95% CI]: $3404 [$2089; $4779]), with cost differences driven by increased medical costs ($2677 [$1692; $3670]).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the high economic burden of HZ among individuals with RA in the United States. Strategies to reduce the risk of HZ in patients with RA (such as vaccination) may serve to reduce this burden. Video abstract.

Escherichia coli resistance, treatment patterns and clinical outcomes among females with uUTI in Germany: a retrospective physician-based chart review study

Real-world data were collected to examine antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevalence, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes among female patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI) in Germany. Data were from a retrospective physician-based chart review completed by physicians treating patients with uUTI. Non-pregnant women aged ≥ 12 years, with a uUTI diagnosis, an E. coli-positive urine culture between January 2017-December 2019, and susceptibility test results for ≥ 4 drug classes were eligible. Patients were stratified into three cohorts by drug class susceptibility: susceptible to all (SUS), resistant to one or two drug classes (DR1/2), and resistant to ≥ 3 (MDR) drug classes tested. Among 386 eligible patients [SUS (67.1%); DR1/2 (29.0%); MDR (3.9%)], AMR prevalence was highest for FMIs (18.3%) and lowest for fluoroquinolones (5.2%). The most prescribed drugs were fosfomycin in SUS (44.0%), DR1/2 (41.4%), and fluoroquinolones in MDR (40.0%). Treatment for uUTI failed for 8.8% of patients; failure was more likely in MDR versus SUS [adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 4.21 [1.14-1.50]; P = 0.031); incidence of recurrent infection in the 6-months post-index period was higher in DR1/2 versus SUS. These findings may have implications for empiric prescribing, suggesting an unmet need for new treatments.

Economic and Clinical Burden of Herpes Zoster Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States

Background

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ); however, relevant cost and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) data are limited.

Methods

We estimated HCRU (hospitalization, emergency department [ED], and outpatient visits) and costs in patients with UC or CD, with and without HZ, using administrative claims data (October 2015-February 2020). HCRU and costs (2020 US dollars) were compared at 1 month, 1 quarter, and 1 year after the index date, using propensity score adjustment and generalized linear models.

Results

In total, 20 948 patients were included: UC+/HZ+ (n = 431), UC+/HZ- (n = 10 285), CD+/HZ+ (n = 435), and CD+/HZ- (n = 9797). Patients with HZ had higher all-cause HCRU rates and all-cause total healthcare costs relative to those without HZ. In the first month, adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) for hospitalizations and ED visits for patients with UC and HZ compared with UC alone were 2.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93-4.27) and 2.66 (95% CI,1.74-4.05), respectively; for those with CD and HZ, aIRRs were 3.34 (95% CI, 2.38-4.70) and 3.31 (95% CI, 2.32-4.71), respectively, compared with CD alone (all P < .001). Adjusted cost differences in UC and CD cohorts with HZ over the first month were $2189 and $3774, respectively, chiefly driven by higher inpatient costs. The incremental impact on HCRU and costs in cohorts with HZ predominantly occurred during the first quarter following diagnosis.

Conclusions

HZ is associated with increased HCRU and costs in patients with UC and CD, especially shortly after diagnosis.

Epidemiology and patient journey of Rett syndrome in the United States: a real-world evidence study

BACKGROUND

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that almost exclusively affects females and is associated with high clinical burden. However, literature characterizing the real-world journey of patients with RTT is limited. This study provided an overview of the epidemiology, patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, healthcare resource utilization (HRU), costs, and treatment patterns of patients with RTT in the US.

METHODS

IQVIA™ Medical Claims Data and Longitudinal Prescription Data (11/01/2016-10/31/2019) were used to identify female patients with RTT, with the first observed diagnosis defined as the index date. Annual incidence and prevalence of RTT were assessed over the entire study period; clinical manifestations, all-cause and RTT-related HRU and costs, and treatment patterns were evaluated during the observation period-from the index date to end of clinical activity or end of data availability, whichever occurred first. Results were further stratified into pediatric (< 18 years) and adult (≥ 18 years) subgroups.

RESULTS

In 2019, prevalence and incidence of RTT was 0.32 and 0.23 per 10,000 enrollees, respectively. Among 5,940 female patients (pediatric: 3,078; adult: 2,862) with mean observation period of 2.04 years, the most prevalent clinical manifestations were neurological disorders (72.8%), gastrointestinal/nutritional disorders (41.9%), and orthopedic disorders (34.6%). The incidence rate of all-cause HRU was 44.43 visits per-patient-per-year and RTT-related HRU comprised 47% of all-cause HRU. Mean all-cause healthcare costs were $40,326 per-patient-per-year, with medical costs driven by home/hospice care visits, therapeutic services, outpatient visits, and inpatient visits. RTT-related healthcare costs comprised 45% of all-cause healthcare costs. The most prevalent supportive therapy and pharmacologic agent were feeding assistance (37.9%) and antiepileptic drugs (54.8%), respectively. Trends were similar by subgroup; although, rates of HRU were generally higher among pediatric patients relative to adult patients (all-cause: 52.43 and 35.86, respectively), which translated into higher mean healthcare costs (all-cause: $45,718 and $34,548, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RTT have substantial disease burden, including prevalent clinical manifestations, high rates of HRU and annual healthcare costs, and reliance on pharmacologic and supportive therapies. These findings underscore the unmet need for effective therapies to target the multifactorial manifestations of RTT.

Incidence of Herpes Zoster in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in the United States: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with the general population in the USA.

METHODS

This retrospective, longitudinal cohort study used data from an administrative claims database containing both commercial and Medicare Advantage Part D data, with a data period from October 2015 to February 2020. Patients were aged ≥ 18 years and divided into 2 cohorts: patients with RA and patients without RA. Diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify HZ cases and calculate incidence rates (IRs) of HZ in the 2 cohorts. Data were stratified by age group (ie, 18-49, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-64, and ≥ 65 yrs) and RA therapy type. IR ratios (IRRs), adjusted by cohort baseline characteristics, were estimated using generalized linear models to compare the incidence of HZ between cohorts.

RESULTS

The overall IR of HZ was higher in the RA cohort (21.5 per 1000 person-years [PY]; N = 67,650) than in the non-RA cohort (7.6 per 1000 PY; N = 11,401,743). The highest IRs in both cohorts were observed in the age group of ≥ 65 yrs (23.4 and 11.4 per 1000 PY in the RA cohort and non-RA cohort, respectively). The overall adjusted IRR of HZ was 1.93 (95% CI 1.87-1.99, P < 0.001) for the RA cohort compared with the non-RA cohort. In the RA cohort, the highest IRs by medication class were observed in patients using corticosteroids and those using Janus kinase inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the increased incidence of HZ in patients with RA.

Incidence and risk of herpes zoster in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in the USA

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ). We evaluated the incidence of HZ in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients and compared this with HZ incidence in a non-IBD population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study (GSK study identifier: VEO-000043) of adults aged ≥18 years with UC and CD and without IBD who were identified from claims recorded in a US healthcare database between October 2015 and February 2020. Crude HZ incidence rates/1,000 person-years (PY) were calculated, and comparisons of HZ incidence rates between UC or CD and non-IBD cohorts were made using adjusted generalized linear models.

Results

The study population comprised a total of 29,928 UC, 25,959 CD, and 11,839,329 non-IBD patients. Crude overall HZ incidence rates were 13.64/1,000 PY (UC), 15.94/1,000 PY (CD), and 7.95/1,000 PY (non-IBD). UC and CD patients had increased HZ incidence rates, with adjusted incidence rate ratios of 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-1.44) and 1.66 (95% CI, 1.56-1.77), respectively, compared with non-IBD patients. Stratified analysis indicated increased relative rates of HZ in progressively younger age strata in the UC and CD patients compared with non-IBD patients. HZ incidence rates were higher in UC and CD patients who had previously received thiopurines or methotrexate, TNF-inhibitors, or corticosteroids than in UC and CD patients who did not take those medicines.

Conclusion

UC and CD patients had increased HZ incidence rates compared with patients without IBD, demonstrating the importance of HZ prevention in IBD patients.

Real-world clinical management of individuals with Rett syndrome: a physician survey

BACKGROUND

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Management strategies are heterogeneous with no clear definition of success. This study describes physician decision-making regarding diagnosis, therapeutic goals, and management strategies to better understand RTT clinical management in the US.

METHODS

This study was conducted among practicing physicians, specifically neurologists and pediatricians in the US with experience treating ≥2 individuals with RTT, including ≥1 individuals within the past two years. In-depth interviews with five physicians informed survey development. A cross-sectional survey was then conducted among 100 physicians.

RESULTS

Neurologists had treated more individuals with RTT (median: 12 vs. 5, p < 0.001) than pediatricians throughout their career and were more likely to report being "very comfortable" managing RTT (31 vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Among physicians with experience diagnosing RTT (93%), most evaluated symptoms (91%) or used genetic testing (86%) for RTT diagnoses; neurologists used the 2010 consensus diagnostic criteria more than pediatricians (54 vs. 29%; p = 0.012). Improving the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with RTT was the most important therapeutic goal among physicians, followed by improving caregivers' QOL. Most physicians used clinical practice guidelines to monitor the progress of individuals with RTT, although neurologists relied more on clinical scales than pediatricians. Among all physicians, the most commonly treated symptoms included behavioral issues, epilepsy/seizures, and feeding issues. Management strategies varied by symptom, with referral to appropriate specialists being common across symptoms. A large proportion of physicians (37%) identified the lack of novel therapies and reliance on symptom-specific management as an unmet need.

CONCLUSION

Although most physicians had experience and were comfortable diagnosing and treating individuals with RTT, better education and support among pediatricians is warranted. Additionally, novel treatments that target multiple symptoms associated with RTT could reduce the burden and improve the QOL of individuals with RTT and their caregivers.

Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Dutasteride versus Finasteride in Patients with Male Androgenic Alopecia in South Korea: A Multicentre Chart Review Study

Background

Dutasteride improves hair growth compared with finasteride in male androgenic alopecia (AGA) and is well tolerated. However, real-world evidence for long-term dutasteride use in AGA is lacking.

Objective

To describe baseline characteristics, treatment patterns and long-term safety and effectiveness of dutasteride versus finasteride.

Methods

This was a multicentre, retrospective medical chart review study conducted in South Korea. The index date was the first prescription of dutasteride or finasteride. Baseline characteristics were assessed 6 months prior to index. Safety and effectiveness (improvements in basic and specific [BASP] classification) data were collected from index throughout the observation period.

Results

Overall, 600 male adult patients were included (dutasteride, n=295; finasteride, n=305). Dutasteride-treated patients were older (p<0.001) and more likely to have moderate/severe BASP classification at baseline (p=0.010) compared with finasteride-treated patients. Among patients treated with recommended, on-label dosing exclusively (n=535: dutasteride, n=250; finasteride, n=285), dutasteride-treated patients showed greater improvement in hair growth than finasteride-treated patients, as measured by the BASP basic M classification (adjusted incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.06 [1.08, 3.95]; p=0.029). Among this same subset, overall occurrence of adverse events (AEs) during the observation period were not statistically equivalent between groups (dutasteride 7.6%, finasteride 10.5%; p=0.201), although reports of AEs of special interest were equivalent (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Dutasteride showed greater effectiveness than finasteride in improving BASP classification in treating male AGA and had a similar or possibly lower occurrence of overall AEs. Dutasteride may provide an effective and safe treatment option for male patients with AGA.

Profiling Disease and Economic Burden in CRSwNP Using Machine Learning

Purpose

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with high healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and economic cost; however, heterogeneity of clinical burden among patients with differing clinical characteristics has not been fully elucidated. Here, an unsupervised machine learning approach supported by clinical validation identified distinct clusters of patients with CRSwNP and compared healthcare burden.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective analysis identified adult patients with ≥2 claims for CRSwNP and date of first diagnosis (index date) between January 2015 and June 2019 from a healthcare database. Patients were required to have enrollment in the database 6-months pre- and 12-months post-index. Patients were assigned to clusters using latent class analysis. All-cause and nasal polyp (NP)-related HRU and costs were compared between clusters.

Results

Among 12,807 patients, 5 clusters were identified: cluster 1: no surgery/low comorbidity/low medication use (n = 4076); cluster 2: no surgery/low comorbidity/high medication use (n = 2201); cluster 3: no surgery/high comorbidity/high medication use (n = 2093); cluster 4: surgery/low comorbidity/moderate medication use (n = 3168); cluster 5: surgery/high comorbidity/high medication use (n = 1269). All-cause HRU was similar across clusters. NP-related HRU was highest in the surgical clusters (clusters 4 and 5). All-cause costs were similar in clusters 1–3 ($15,833–$17,461) and highest in clusters 4 ($31,083) and 5 ($31,103), driven by outpatient costs. Total NP-related costs were also highest for clusters 4 and 5 ($14,193 and $16,100, respectively).

Conclusion

Substantial heterogeneity exists in clinical and economic burden among patients with CRSwNP. Machine learning offers a novel approach to better understand the diverse, complex burden of illness in CRSwNP.

Burden Among Caregivers of Pediatric Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and Plexiform Neurofibroma (PN) in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) may develop plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) that can cause disfigurement, pain, and dysfunction, and may even be life-threatening. Studies have indicated NF1-PN can substantially impact the quality of life (QoL) of pediatric patients. However, research on caregiver burden is scarce.

Methods

Caregivers of pediatric patients ages 2–18 years with NF1-PN in the USA were recruited through the Children’s Tumor Foundation to participate in an online cross-sectional survey (December 2020–January 2021). Caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and productivity loss from patientcare was measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, adapted for caregiving (WPAI:CG).

Results

Ninety-five caregivers were recruited with a median age of 44.0 years. Most were female (88.4%), white/Caucasian (85.3%), and did not have NF1 or PN (86.3% and 89.5%, respectively). Commonly reported health conditions among caregivers include anxiety (48.4%) and depression (34.7%). On the ZBI (range 0–88; higher = greater burden), mean (SD) scores were 23.0 (13.8) and 12.7% of caregivers reported moderate–severe (scores 41–60) or severe burden (scores 61–88). Fifty-six caregivers were employed and working in the 7 days prior to completing the WPAI:CG. They reported missing an average of 6.9% of their working hours and an average reduction of 17.3% of on-the-job effectiveness, contributing to 22.3% loss in work productivity. Among all 95 caregivers, an average of 17.2% of regular daily activities were impaired.

Conclusions

The burden among caregivers of pediatric patients with NF1-PN is considerable and underscores an unmet need for better disease management.

Real-World Eculizumab Dosing Patterns Among Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria in a US Population

Purpose

Current pharmacologic management of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) consists of C5 inhibitors, eculizumab and ravulizumab; however, because patients experience incomplete symptom control, off-label doses may be utilized. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of provider-based claims data to assess the real-world eculizumab dosing patterns in PNH patients.

Patients and Methods

Patients were ≥12 years, received ≥2 eculizumab infusions between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2019, and had ≥3 months of continuous clinical activity prior to index. The index date was the first claim for eculizumab. Patients with ≥1 diagnosis of another indication for eculizumab were excluded. Treatment patterns including the proportion with high, label-recommended, and low dosages during induction (first 28 days) and maintenance (beginning day 29) phases were described. The proportion and time-to-first dose escalation, defined as an increase in dose or frequency of infusion, were assessed among a subset of patients (ie, escalation analysis cohort).

Results

A total of 707 patients were examined. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) starting dose was 862mg (412mg) and was higher than label-recommended 600mg for 64% of the patients. Mean (SD) dose per infusion was 859mg (391mg) during the induction phase; average dose was higher than label-recommended 600mg for 68%. Mean (SD) dose per infusion during the maintenance phase was 1005mg (335mg); average dose was higher than label-recommended 900mg for 43%. Dose escalation occurred in 40/121 escalation analysis cohort patients. Median time-to-first dose escalation was ~12 months.

Conclusion

Results suggest that deviations from label-recommended dosing patterns were common. Future budget impact assessments of eculizumab should account for real-world dosing patterns to comprehensively assess costs and benefits.

Real-world Treatment Patterns, Outcomes, and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Newly Treated Korean Patients With Asthma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

Although asthma treatment guidelines recommend regular inhaled medication, real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in South Korea have not been examined. We examined real-world treatment patterns and outcomes among patients treated for asthma in South Korea.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the South Korean National Health Insurance database (2013–2016). Newly treated patients with asthma aged ≥18 years without history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included. Initial and maintenance medication prescriptions were examined. Treatment discontinuation and switch were described. Asthma exacerbation rates, poor asthma control, and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) were compared between maintenance treatment groups (inhaled versus oral) using adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) and hazard ratios (aHR).

Results

Overall, 1,054,707 patients initiated any asthma medication; 37,868 patients initiated inhaled (n = 9,983, 26.4%) or oral (n = 27,885, 73.6%) maintenance medication. More patients initiating inhaled versus oral asthma medication discontinued treatment within 12 months (94.4% vs. 86.3%; P < 0.0001). Patients treated with inhaled and oral medication switched treatment (2.5% and 2.3%; P = 0.4160, respectively). Patients initiating inhaled medication had significantly lower rates of asthma exacerbation (aIRR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.39–0.69), lack of asthma control (aHR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.48–0.62; P < 0.0001), all-cause and asthma-related HRU versus oral medication.

Conclusions

Despite current asthma guidelines, more patients in South Korea were prescribed oral than inhaled medications, resulting in suboptimal asthma management and increased HRU. This study highlights the need to reduce oral corticosteroid prescriptions for optimized treatment in asthma management.

Evaluation of treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and costs among patients receiving treatment for cytomegalovirus following allogeneic hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplantation

AIM

Management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease in transplant recipients may be complicated by toxicities and resistance to conventional antivirals, adding to the overall healthcare burden. We characterized treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs to elucidate the healthcare burden associated with CMV therapies post-transplant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of transplant recipients using data from a US commercial insurance claims database (2013-2017) was conducted. Patients with a claim for post-transplant CMV diagnosis and anti-CMV treatment (ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir) were identified (Treated CMV cohort) and compared with patients with neither a claim for CMV diagnosis nor anti-CMV treatment (No CMV cohort) for outcomes including HCRU and associated costs. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) or solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients were analyzed separately. Anti-CMV treatment patterns were assessed in the Treated CMV cohort. Costs were evaluated among subgroups with myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity.

RESULTS

Overall, 412 allogeneic HCT and 899 SOT patients were included in the Treated CMV cohorts, of which 41.7% and 52.5%, respectively, received multiple antiviral courses. Treated CMV cohorts compared with No CMV cohorts had higher mean monthly healthcare visits per patient (allogeneic HCT: 8.83 vs 6.61, SOT: 5.61 vs 4.45) and had an incremental adjusted mean monthly cost per patient differences of $8,157 (allogeneic HCT, p < .004) and $2,182 (SOT, p < .004). Among Treated CMV cohorts, HCRU and costs increased with additional CMV antiviral treatment courses. Mean monthly costs were higher for patients with than without myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity.

LIMITATIONS

Results may not be generalizable to patients covered by government insurance or outside the USA.

CONCLUSIONS

CMV post-transplant managed with conventional treatment is associated with substantial HCRU and costs. The burden remains particularly high for patients requiring multiple treatment courses for post-transplant CMV or for transplant recipients who develop myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity.

Increased Health Care Resource Utilization and Costs Associated with Herpes Zoster Among Patients Aged ≥50 Years with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the United States

Background

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are potentially at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ). Little is known about the impact of an HZ episode on health care resource utilization (HRU) and costs among patients with COPD.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of individuals aged ≥50 years in the United States (US) used administrative claims data from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database for commercially insured and Medicare Advantage members (2013-2018). Two cohorts of patients with COPD, with HZ (COPD+/HZ+) and without HZ (COPD+/HZ-), were identified. All-cause and COPD-related HRU rates and costs (2018 US dollars) were compared between cohorts for up to 12 months of follow-up. Comparisons were controlled for baseline differences through propensity score adjustment.

Results

A total of 3415 COPD+/HZ+ and 35,360 COPD+/HZ- patients (mean ages 73.2 ± 9.0 and 72.4 ± 9.4 years, respectively) were identified. Patients in the COPD+/HZ+ versus COPD+/HZ- cohort had increased use of all-cause (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14, 1.21) and COPD-related (aIRR 1.27; 95% CI 1.21, 1.34) medical services (both P<0.001) and higher mean total all-cause ($4140 versus $3749 per person per month [PPPM]; adjusted cost difference +$313 PPPM) and COPD-related ($1541 versus $1231 PPPM; +$152 PPPM) costs (both P<0.004) in the year after HZ.

Conclusions

HRU and cost burden is higher in patients with COPD with vs without HZ. These results could help to estimate the potential cost benefits of HZ vaccination among patients with COPD.

Real-World Healthcare Resource Utilization (HRU) and Costs of Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Receiving Eculizumab in a US Population

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the economic burden and treatment patterns of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) treated with eculizumab, a C5 inhibitor, who were defined as blood transfusion-dependent (TD) versus blood transfusion-free (TF) in the US population.

METHODS

Patients aged at least 12 years with at least two claims for eculizumab infusion (first claim was the index date) were identified from the IBM® MarketScan® Research Databases (April 1, 2014-September 30, 2019). The overall PNH eculizumab user cohort was stratified into the TD cohort (i.e., at least one claim for blood transfusion within 6 months following any eculizumab infusion, including on the infusion date) or the TF cohort (i.e., all non-TD patients). Treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HRU), and costs were evaluated and compared during follow-up (i.e., index date to end of enrollment or data availability).

RESULTS

Of 151 patients in the overall cohort (mean age 36.7 years; 55.6% female), 55 were TD (mean age 35.1 years; 67.3% female) and 96 were TF (mean age 37.6 years; 49.0% female). A total of 61% of patients (TD, 66%; TF, 58%) discontinued eculizumab, with TD patients having a shorter median time to discontinuation (TD, 0.5 years; TF, 0.9 years). TD patients had more all-cause hospitalizations than TF patients (p < 0.05). TD patients incurred higher all-cause direct medical costs (adjusted cost difference = $247,848) and medical-related absenteeism costs (adjusted cost difference = $4186) than TF patients (all p < 0.05), largely driven by hospitalizations. Similar trends were observed for PNH-related HRU and costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The economic burden of patients with PNH treated with eculizumab is greater among those dependent on blood transfusions.

Development and Validation of a Healthcare Utilization-Based Algorithm to Identify Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are important events that may precipitate other adverse outcomes. Accurate AECOPD event identification in electronic administrative data is essential for improving population health surveillance and practice management.

Objective

Develop codified algorithms to identify moderate and severe AECOPD in two US healthcare systems using administrative data and electronic medical records, and validate their performance by calculating positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).

Methods

Data from two large regional integrated health systems were used. Eligible patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases (Ninth Edition) COPD diagnosis codes. Two algorithms were developed: one to identify potential moderate AECOPD by selecting outpatient/emergency visits associated with AECOPD-related codes and antibiotic/systemic steroid prescriptions; the other to identify potential severe AECOPD by selecting inpatient visits associated with corresponding codes. Algorithms were validated via patient chart review, adjudicated by a pulmonologist. To estimate PPV, 300 potential moderate AECOPD and 250 potential severe AECOPD events underwent review. To estimate NPV, 200 patients without any AECOPD identified by the algorithms (100 patients each without moderate or severe AECOPD) during the two years following the index date underwent review to identify AECOPD missed by the algorithm (false negatives).

Results

The PPVs (95% confidence interval [CI]) for both moderate and severe AECOPD were high: 293/298 (98.3% [96.1–99.5]) and 216/225 (96.0% [92.5–98.2]), respectively. NPV was lower for moderate AECOPD (75.0% [65.3–83.1]) than for severe AECOPD (95.0% [88.7–98.4]). Results were consistent across both healthcare systems.

Conclusion

This study developed healthcare utilization-based algorithms to identify moderate and severe AECOPD in two separate healthcare systems. PPV for both algorithms was high; NPV was lower for the moderate algorithm. Replication and consistency of results across two healthcare systems support the external validity of these findings.

Persistence to hypomethylating agents and clinical and economic outcomes among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate hypomethylating agent (HMA) persistence in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and examine its association with healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

A total of 2,400 adults diagnosed with MDS initiating HMAs were included from IBM MarketScan databases during 1/1/2011-3/31/2018. The index date was HMA initiation following MDS diagnosis. Patients were classified according to their persistence status by the end of a fixed 'landmark period' of 4 months post-index.

RESULTS

Median persistence to HMAs was 5.6 months (95% CI: 5.2, 6.1); HMA non-persistence increased with time. Non-persistent patients had a significantly higher non-HMA-related HRU burden than persistent patients [adjusted incidence rate ratios, outpatient visits: 1.12 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.14); inpatient visits: 1.48 (95% CI: 1.30, 1.69); emergency department visits 1.30 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.50); all p-values < 0.001]. All-cause and HMA-related outpatient visits were lower among non-persistent patients, likely because of fewer HMA administration-related visits. The incidence rate of AML was numerically, although not significantly, higher in non-persistent patients, when starting follow-up at the end of the landmark period. When follow-up began at the index date, non-persistent patients had a significantly higher rate of AML [adjusted hazard ratio, 1.88 (95% CI: 1.53, 2.32); p-value < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

HMA non-persistence, which increased over time, was associated with significantly higher non-HMA-related HRU, and numerically higher AML progression in MDS patients initiating HMAs. Future studies should evaluate predictors of HMA non-persistence in this patient population.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibroma (PN) in the United States (U.S.)

10042

Background: PNs occur in 30-50% of pediatric patients with NF1, often resulting in debilitating pain and dysfunction. Children with NF1 PN report significantly worse HRQoL than the general population, though real-world evidence is limited. Research is needed to better characterize HRQoL among this patient population in the US. Methods: Patients ages 8-18 years with NF1 PN in the US who were treatment naïve or new users of selumetinib (≤1 month of use) were recruited through the Children’s Tumor Foundation to participate with their caregivers in an online cross-sectional survey in December 2020 and January 2021. Caregivers of similar patients ages 2-7 years also participated. Measures included the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL; Acute version), EQ-5D-Y, Pain Interference Index (PII), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11), and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) mobility and upper extremity functioning subscales. Patients provided self-reported responses; caregivers provided proxy responses and patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: 61 patients and 82 caregivers responded to the survey. Median (range) age of patients was 12.0 (8-14) years, and 53.7% were female. Most were treatment naïve (97.6%), white/Caucasian (85.4%), and had an NF1 and PN diagnosis for > 5 years (80.5% and 68.3%, respectively). On the PedsQL (range: 0-100; higher = better; mean scores typically > 80 among healthy patients), mean patient scores were 50.3 (school functioning), 56.1 (emotional functioning), 60.7 (social functioning), and 63.7 (physical functioning); the mean total score was 58.5.Caregiver-proxy mean scores were similar, ranging from 54.0 for school functioning to 65.0 for physical functioning, with a mean total score of 59.1. On the EQ-5D-Y, more than half of patients reported experiencing “some” or “a lot” of problems with pain or discomfort (65.6%) and with feeling worried, sad or unhappy (62.3%). Among patients with pain in the last 7 days, mean scores on the PII (range: 0-6; higher = more interference) were 3.0 for patients and 2.7 for caregiver proxies. Almost 75% of them reported moderate or severe pain on the NRS-11. Among patients with movement difficulty in the past 7 days, mean t-scores from the PROMIS scales (distribution mean = 50; higher = better) were 40.2 for mobility and 39.5 for upper extremity functioning among patients and 36.0 and 29.1, respectively, among caregivers. Within dyads, patients generally reported better functioning, on average, than their caregiver proxies. Conclusions: The humanistic burden of NF1 PN among this pediatric patient population is substantial, especially regarding pain, emotional functioning, and physical functioning. Results highlight an unmet need to be addressed for improving HRQoL in pediatric patients with NF1 and PN.

24. Economic Burden of Herpes Zoster Among Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Previous studies have evaluated the risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but little is known about the impact of an acute HZ episode on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs among patients with COPD in the US.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of individuals ≥50 years of age was conducted using administrative claims data from Optum Clinformatics for commercially insured and Medicare Advantage members (01/01/2013 – 12/31/2018). Two cohorts of patients with COPD, with (Cohort A) and without (Cohort B) HZ episodes, were identified (Fig.1). COPD and HZ were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes. All-cause HCRU rates were compared between cohorts using adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs), calculated using generalized linear models assuming a negative binomial distribution. Differences in all-cause costs were estimated by fitting a two-part model with a logit model in the first part and a gamma distribution for the second part. Potential differences between cohorts were accounted for by propensity scores, calculated using patients’ demographics and clinical characteristics at baseline and included as a covariate in multivariable regression analyses.

Results

Among patients with COPD, 3,415 patients with HZ (mean age [standard deviation]=73.2 [9.0] years) and 35,360 without HZ (72.4 [9.4] years) were identified. Compared to patients with COPD but without HZ, patients with COPD and HZ had an increased rate of all-cause outpatient visits (adjusted IRR=1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.15–1.22; p< 0.001) and Emergency Department visits (1.28; 1.20–1.35; p< 0.001) as well as higher all-cause total costs (adjusted cost difference, per patient per month [PPPM]=$313; 95% CI=$110–536; p< 0.004), in the first year of the observation period. All-cause mean costs PPPM and differences between cohorts were higher closer to the date of HZ diagnosis (or an imputed date for Cohort B, Fig.2).

Figure 2: All-cause monthly costs

Conclusion

HCRU and cost burden is higher in patients ≥50 years old with COPD and HZ vs. without HZ. HZ vaccination may potentially reduce this burden among patients with COPD.

Funding

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA (GSK study identifier: HO-19-19749)

Disclosures

Parinaz Ghaswalla, PhD, ORCID: 0000-0002-2883-5590, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee, Shareholder) Philippe Thompson-Leduc, MSc, ORCID: 0000-0001-9047-3941, Analysis Group, Inc. (Employee) Wendy Y. Cheng, MPH, PhD, ORCID: 0000-0002-8281-2496, GlaxoSmithKline (Other Financial or Material Support, I am an employee of Analysis Group, a consulting company that received research fund to conduct this study.) Min-Jung Wang, ScD, ORCID: 0000-0003-4432-3330, Analysis Group, Inc. (Employee, Other Financial or Material Support, Analysis Group received grant/research support from GSK) Michael Bogart, PharmD, ORCID: 0000-0002-1681-9710, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee, Shareholder) Brandon J. Patterson, PharmD, PhD, GSK (Employee, Shareholder) Mei-Sheng Duh, MPH, ScD, ORCID: 0000-0001-5035-6687, GlaxoSmithKline (Grant/Research Support) Suna Park, MS, GSK (Other Financial or Material Support, Analysis Group, Inc., where I am an employee, received funding for this study) Barbara P. Yawn, MD, Msc, ORCID: 0000-0001-7278-5810, GSK (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member)

[The clinical significance of plasma PTX3 in patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis]

Objective: To investigate the significance of plasma pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH). Methods: Plasma PTX3 levels were tested by ELISA in 48 newly diagnosed sHLH patients, 18 healthy volunteers and 9 lymphoma controls in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2017 to July 2019. Clinical parameters were collected, and the correlations with PTX3 levels were analyzed. Results: PTX3 level in newly diagnosed group was significantly higher than that of healthy control group [16.29(1.17-66.00) vs. 0.76(0.01-7.86) μg/L, P<0.01]. Patients with lymphoma-associated HLH(LHLH) had higher plasma level of PTX3 than Fhose with infection-associated HLH (IHLH) [24.29(3.36-66.00) vs. 9.56(1.17-36.50)μg/L, P<0.05]. Plasma PTX3 levels in 48 sHLH patients were positively correlated with serum ferritin (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for plasma PTX3 levels of sHLH and healthy controls produced a cutoff value at 3.9 μg/L, with its 86.7% sensitivity and 94.4% specificity. And ROC analysis showed that PTX3 17.5 μg/L was the critical value for diagnosis of LHLH from non-LHLH group, that the sensitivity and specificity were 63.0% and 76.2% respectively. The 1-year overall survival (OS) rate in patients with PTX3≥17.5 μg/L was significantly lower in those with PTX3<17.5 μg/L (18.5% vs. 75.8%, P<0.01). Conclusion: These results indicate the potential of PTX3 as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with sHLH.

Association between biochemical control and comorbidities in patients with acromegaly: an Italian longitudinal retrospective chart review study

PURPOSE

Achieving biochemical control (normalization of insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] and growth hormone [GH]) is a key goal in acromegaly management. However, IGF-1 and GH fluctuate over time. The true potential impact of time-varying biochemical control status on comorbidities is unclear and relies on multiple, longitudinal IGF-1 and GH measurements. This study assessed the association between time-varying biochemical control status and onset of selected comorbidities in patients with acromegaly.

METHODS

Medical charts of adults with confirmed acromegaly and ≥ 6 months of follow-up at an Italian endocrinology center were reviewed. Patients were followed from the first diagnosis of acromegaly at the center until loss to follow-up, chart abstraction, or death. Biochemical control status was assessed annually and defined as IGF-1 ≤ the upper limit of normal, or GH ≤ 2.5 µg/L in the few cases where IGF-1 was unavailable. Time-varying Cox models were used to assess the association between biochemical control status and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 150 patients, 47% were female, average age at diagnosis was 43.1, and mean length of follow-up was 10.4 years. Biochemical control was significantly associated with a lower hazard of diabetes (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.15; 0.83) and cardiovascular system disorders (HR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31; 0.93), and a higher hazard of certain types of arthropathy (HR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.04; 2.71); associations for other comorbidities did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Results further support the importance of achieving biochemical control, as this may reduce the risk of high-burden conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular system disorders. The association for arthropathy suggests irreversibility of this impairment. Due to limitations, caution is required when interpreting these results.

Direct and Indirect Costs of Infectious Conjunctivitis in a Commercially Insured Population in the United States

Purpose

To assess the direct and indirect costs of infectious conjunctivitis and quantify medical costs due to conjunctivitis transmission in families.

Methods

In this retrospective claims analysis from the OptumHealth Care Solutions, Inc. database (1998–2016), beneficiaries with or without at least one diagnosis of infectious conjunctivitis were identified. Direct and indirect costs (in 2016 US$) during the 60 days post conjunctivitis diagnosis (or imputed date for controls) were compared using cost differences in linear regressions. For transmission cost analysis, the total cost of each conjunctivitis episode was the sum of the primary episode (seed patient) and the secondary episode (infected family members) costs. A generalized estimating equation model adjusted for seed patient characteristics was used to assess the impact of number and rate of transmissions on episode cost.

Results

Health care resource utilization and direct costs were significantly higher for patients with conjunctivitis (n=1,002,188) versus controls (n=4,877,210): 1.67 all-cause visits per person per month (PPPM) versus 0.79 visits PPPM, respectively; total mean direct cost of $396.04 PPPM versus $289.63 PPPM, respectively. The cost of medically related absenteeism was $105.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], $104.18–$106.75) higher for patients with conjunctivitis than for controls. Episode cost, without transmission due to seed patient, was $669.43 (95% CI, $654.67–$684.85); it increased with each additional infected family member and with increased infection transmission time between family members.

Conclusion

Conjunctivitis was associated with a notable economic burden in terms of direct medical costs and medically related absenteeism. Family health care costs increased with transmission time and with each family member infected with conjunctivitis.

Comorbidities and Survival in Patients With Lipodystrophy: An International Chart Review Study

CONTEXT

Limited natural history data are available in patients with non-HIV-related lipodystrophy syndromes who never received disease-specific therapies, making interpretation of benefits of therapies in lipodystrophy syndromes challenging.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the natural history of non-HIV-related generalized lipodystrophy (GL) and partial lipodystrophy (PL) in patients who have never received leptin or other lipodystrophy-specific therapies.

DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS

We conducted an international chart review of 230 patients with confirmed GL or PL at five treatment centers who never received leptin or other lipodystrophy-specific therapies. Patients were observed from birth to loss to follow-up, death, or date of chart abstraction.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Lifetime prevalence of diabetes/insulin resistance and select organ abnormalities, time to diabetes/insulin resistance, first organ abnormality, disease progression, and mortality were described.

RESULTS

Diabetes/insulin resistance was identified in 58.3% of patients. Liver abnormalities were the most common organ abnormality (71.7%), followed by kidney (40.4%), heart (30.4%), and pancreatitis (13.0%). Kaplan-Meier estimates of mean (SE) time to first organ abnormality were 7.7 years (0.9) in GL and 16.1 years (1.5) in PL (P < 0.001). Mean time to diabetes/insulin resistance was 12.7 years (1.2) in GL and 19.1 years (1.7) in PL (P = 0.131). Mean time to disease progression was 7.6 years (0.8) and comparable between GL and PL subgroups (P = 0.393). Mean time to death was 51.2 years (3.5) in GL and 66.6 years (1.0) in PL (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This large-scale study provides comprehensive, long-term data across multiple countries on the natural history of non-HIV-related lipodystrophy.

Real-world treatment patterns among patients with advanced gastric cancer in Russia: a chart review study

Objective: Little evidence is available on the management of patients with metastatic and/or unresectable gastric cancer (mGC) after the failure of first-line treatment. This study presents real-world data on characteristics and treatment patterns of patients with mGC in Russia.

Methods: Eligible patients were ≥18 years old, diagnosed with mGC ≥ January 1, 2012, received first-line chemotherapy followed by second-line chemotherapy or best supportive care (BSC), had ≥3 months of follow-up after the start of second-line chemotherapy or BSC (except in cases of death), and had not participated in a clinical trial. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 88 physicians provided data from 202 charts. Mean age at mGC diagnosis was 53.7 (standard deviation: 11.2) years; 70.8% of patients were male. Reasons for first-line treatment discontinuation included disease progression (50.5%) and adverse events/toxicity (39.1%). There were 52 unique treatment regimens prescribed in second-line; capecitabine (14.5%), paclitaxel (9.3%), and capecitabine + oxaliplatin (8.7%) were the most frequent. Reasons for second-line treatment discontinuation included disease progression (39.8%) and patient refusal to continue (37.5%). During 2nd-line treatment, the most common treatment-related symptoms were nausea/vomiting (75.0%), while pain (73.8%) was the most common disease-related symptom. Antiemetics (63.4%), chemotherapy (61.6%), non-narcotic analgesics (48.3%), endoscopy (45.9%), and nutritional support (35.5%) were most frequently used as supportive care.

Conclusions: Second-line treatment patterns for patients with mGC in Russia are heterogeneous. Results of this study indicate the need for more intensive implementation of the most active regimens in second-line treatment of mGC according to international and national guidelines.

Determinants of Meningococcal ACWY vaccination in adolescents in the US: completion and compliance with the CDC recommendations

Since 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines for routine MenACWY vaccination in the US include a primary dose before age 16 y, preferably at ages 11-12 y, with a booster dose at age 16 y. Data on rates and drivers of meningococcal vaccination completion (receipt of both doses) and compliance with recommendations (receipt of primary dose at ages 11-12 y followed by booster at 16 y) down to state-level are limited.This study evaluated rates and determinants of MenACWY vaccination completion and compliance in adolescents aged 17 y based on data from the annual National Immunization Survey-Teen between 2011 and 2016. Individual- and state-level determinants of completion and compliance were assessed using uni-level and multi-level multivariable regression models. Average national rates were 23.2% and 12.1% for completion and compliance, respectively, with large inter-state variation observed (completion: 8.7-39.7%; compliance: 3.1-26.2%). Beyond the state of residence, factors significantly associated with a higher likelihood of both completion and compliance included being male, up-to-date on other routine vaccines, having private or hospital-based vaccine providers (vs. public) and having >1 child in the household. Factors specifically associated with completion included having >1 annual health-care visit and presence of a booster-dose vaccine mandate, while a history of asthma and high-risk health conditions had a positive association with compliance. State-level determinants of completion and compliance included pediatricians-to-children ratio and the proportion of Immunization Information System use among adolescents, respectively. Outcomes of this study may help guide clinical, policy and educational interventions to further increase MenACWY completion rates and reduce disparities in vaccination.

[Clinical analysis of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicated with capillary leak syndrome]

目的

探讨继发性噬血细胞性淋巴组织细胞增多症（sHLH）合并毛细血管渗漏综合征（CLS）的临床特征。

方法

回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年12月江苏省人民医院收治的87例sHLH患者的临床及实验室资料，其中21例合并CLS（CLS-sHLH组），66例未合并CLS（非CLS-sHLH组）。比较两组的临床表现、实验室检查、治疗及预后差异。

结果

比较CLS-sHLH组和非CLS-sHLH组患者引起sHLH的病因，差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。CLS-sHLH组患者ANC、血清纤维蛋白原、白蛋白较非CLS-sHLH组降低，而甘油三酯较非CLS-sHLH组升高（P值均<0.05）。CLS-sHLH组患者均有不同程度水肿、体重增加、低血压、低蛋白血症、少尿及多浆膜腔积液。其中15例患者CLS症状消失，CLS中位好转时间为7（5~14）d。6例患者CLS症状未消失，并于15（6~30）d死亡。CLS-sHLH组中位OS时间低于非CLS-sHLH组（75 d对未达到，P=0.031）。

结论

在sHLH患者中，CLS的发生可能与sHLH的原发病无明显相关。严重的ANC、纤维蛋白原及白蛋白减低，甘油三酯升高，可能是sHLH发生CLS的伴随症状。sHLH合并CLS时预后差。

Development of a classifier to identify patients with probable Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in health insurance claims databases via random forest methodology

Objective: Describe the development of a claims-based classifier utilizing machine learning to identify patients with probable Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) from six state Medicaid programs. Methods: Patients were included if they had ≥2 medical claims ≥30 days apart for specified or unspecified epilepsy, excluding those with ≥1 claim for petit mal status. The LGS classifier utilized a random forest algorithm, a compilation of thousands of binary decision trees in which machine-generated predictor variables split the data set into branches that predict the presence or absence of LGS. To construct the splitting rules, the importance of each candidate variable was determined by calculating the mean decrease in Gini impurity. Training and testing were performed on two data sets (30% and 70%) using a "true" LGS and non-LGS patient population. Performance was compared with logistic regression and single tree methodology. Results: Using a 60% probability threshold, which yielded the highest sensitivity (97.3%) and specificity (95.6%), the classifier identified approximately 4% of patients with epilepsy as probable LGS. The most important input variables included number of distinct antiepileptic drugs received, epilepsy-related outpatient/inpatient visits, electroencephalogram procedures and claims for delayed development. The random forest methodology outperformed logistic regression and single tree methodology. Most of the important LGS predictor characteristics identified by the classifier were statistically significantly associated with LGS status (p < .05). Conclusions: The claims-based LGS classifier showed high sensitivity and specificity, outperformed single tree and logistic regression methodologies and identified a prevalence of probable LGS that was similar to previously published estimates.

Clinical burden of asynchrony in patients with asthma when using metered-dose inhalers for control

Background: Asynchrony, or lack of coordination between inhalation and actuation when using a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI), could theoretically impact the delivery of inhaled medications and treatment efficacy. Objective: To assess the real-world association between asynchrony and clinical outcomes among patients with asthma who receive controller therapy delivered by MDIs. Methods: A cohort of patients was assembled via electronic health records. The patients were aged ≥12 years, with one or more documentations of an asthma diagnosis, no diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and two or more prescriptions for an inhalation aerosol corticosteroid alone or with long-acting beta-2-agonist delivered via MDI. Their inhaler technique, demonstrated by using a placebo MDI, was evaluated at a clinic visit by study nurses who used a standardized 10-step checklist. Asynchrony was defined as any gap in timing between inhalation and actuation. Clinical outcomes were assessed via electronic health records during the 6 months before the clinic visit and were compared between patients with and patients without asynchrony by using multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, gender, asthma severity proxy, and baseline comorbidities. Results: Of the total 254 eligible patients, mean age of 49.3 years, 90 males (35.4%), 32 (12.6%) had asynchrony. Patients with asynchrony had higher odds of an asthma exacerbation (adjusted odds ratio, 2.99; p = 0.009), and lower odds of risk domain asthma control (adjusted odds ratio, 0.41; p = 0.04) compared with patients without asynchrony. Conclusion: This study provided real-world evidence that asynchrony in MDI use among patients with asthma who were treated with controller MDIs was associated with clinical burden in terms of asthma exacerbations and control.

Adherence to iron chelation therapy in patients who switched from deferasirox dispersible tablets to deferasirox film-coated tablets

OBJECTIVE

To compare real-world adherence to and persistence with deferasirox film-coated tablets (DFX-FCT) and deferasirox dispersible tablets (DFX-DT) among patients who switched from DFX-DT to DFX-FCT, overall and by disease type (sickle cell disease [SCD], thalassemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS]).

METHODS

Patients were ≥2 years old and had ≥2 DFX-FCT claims over the study period and ≥2 DFX-DT claims before the index date (first DFX-FCT claim). The DFX-DT period was defined from the first DFX-DT claim to the index date; the DFX-FCT period was defined from the index date to the end of the study period. Adherence was measured as medication possession ratio (MPR) and proportion of days covered (PDC). Persistence was defined as continuous medication use without a gap ≥30 or 60 days between refills. Comparisons were conducted using paired-sample Wilcoxon sign-rank and McNemar's tests.

RESULTS

In total, 606 patients were selected (SCD: 348; thalassemia: 107; MDS: 106; other: 45). Adherence and persistence in the DFX-FCT vs DFX-DT period was significantly higher across all measures: mean MPR was 0.80 vs 0.76 (p < .001); 60.9% vs 54.3% of patients had MPR ≥ 0.8 (p = .009); mean 3-month PDC was 0.83 vs 0.71 (p < .001); 64.2% vs 45.4% of patients had 3-month PDC ≥ 0.8 (p < .001); 87.2% vs 63.4% of patients had 3-month persistence with no gap ≥30 days and 96.1% vs 79.9% with no gap ≥60 days (p < .001). Adherence and persistence improved after switching across all diseases, particularly MDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence and persistence improved significantly after switching from DFX-DT to DFX-FCT for all diseases, but especially MDS.

Retrospective cohort study comparing the risk of severe hepatotoxicity in hospitalized patients treated with echinocandins for invasive candidiasis in the presence of confounding by indication

Background

To compare the risk of severe hepatotoxicity with anidulafungin versus caspofungin and micafungin in hospitalized adults.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study combined data from two large US- based hospital electronic medical record databases. Severe hepatotoxicity was a Grade ≥ 3 liver function test (LFT) post-echinocandin initiation. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated for anidulafungin versus caspofungin and micafungin, overall and in patients with normal baseline LFT (Grade 0).

Results

Treatments included anidulafungin (n = 1700), caspofungin (n = 4431), or micafungin (n = 6547). The proportions with LFT Grade ≥ 3 pre-echinocandin initiation were: anidulafungin 40.4% versus caspofungin 25.9% (p <  0.001) and micafungin 25.6% (p <  0.001). Rates of severe underlying diseases or comorbidities were: critical care admissions: 75.3% versus 52.6 and 48.6%; and organ failures: 69.4% versus 46.7 and 51.5%. Adjusted IRRs of severe hepatotoxicity for anidulafungin versus caspofungin and micafungin were 1.43 (p = 0.002) and 1.19 (p = 0.183) overall, and 0.88 (P = 0.773) and 0.97 (P = 0.945) for normal baseline LFT, respectively.

Conclusions

Accounting for confounders, severe hepatotoxicity risk was not significantly different across echinocandins in this real-world head-to-head study. Anidulafungin was used more frequently in patients with more comorbidities. Those with normal baseline LFT (least susceptible to confounding by indication), showed no elevated hepatotoxicity risk for anidulafungin.

Hepatitis A, B, and A/B vaccination series completion among US adults: A claims-based analysis

Hepatitis A and B disease burden persists in the US. We assessed hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination series completion rates among 350,240 commercial/Medicare and 12,599 Medicaid enrollees aged ≥19 years. A vaccination series was considered as completed provided that the minimum interval between doses, as defined by the CDC, and the minimum number of doses were reached. We stratified completion rates by vaccine type (i.e. monovalent or bivalent) at initial vaccination for each cohort. In the commercial/Medicare cohort, the series completion rate was 32.0% for hepatitis A and 39.6% for hepatitis B among those who initiated with a monovalent vaccine, and it was 36.2% for hepatitis A and 48.9% for hepatitis B among those who initiated with a bivalent vaccine. In the Medicaid cohort, the series completion rate was 21.0% for hepatitis A and 24.0% for hepatitis B among those who initiated with a monovalent vaccine, and it was 19.0% for hepatitis A and 24.6% for hepatitis B among those who initiated with a bivalent vaccine. In conclusion, hepatitis A and B vaccination series completion rates were low, and appeared to be lower among Medicaid than among commercial/Medicare enrollees. Commercial/Medicare enrollees who initiated with a bivalent vaccine had higher series completion rates than those who initiated with monovalent vaccines – an observation that was not made among Medicaid enrollees.

Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Treatment Intensification in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on Basal Insulin in a Real-World Setting

OBJECTIVE

To understand factors associated with intensification of basal insulin therapy and treatment impact on clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

In this retrospective, observational study of the Practice Fusion electronic health record database, eligible patients were adults with T2D, ≥1 basal insulin prescription and office visit in the 6 months before a glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1C) test >7.0% (index date), and no other injectable prescriptions in the 12 months before the index date. Patients were categorized to intensifiers with injectables (rapid-acting insulin [RAI], glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist [GLP-1 RA], or other injectables) or nonintensifiers with injectables (including no change, adding an oral antidiabetes drug, or changing basal insulin dose). Principal outcomes were A1C change, hypoglycemia incidence, and change in body weight.

RESULTS

Among 14,653 patients, 2,121 (14.5%) and 12,532 (85.5%) were categorized as intensifiers and nonintensifiers with injectables, respectively. Compared with nonintensifiers, intensifiers were more likely to have an endocrinologist as the prescribing physician (odds ratio [OR], 2.52 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.16 to 2.94]), hypertension (OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.08 to 1.47]), higher baseline A1C (OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.17 to 1.26]), obesity (OR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.36]), and higher body mass index (OR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.03]). In GLP-1 RA intensifiers, the baseline use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors increased the likelihood of intensification. GLP-1 RA intensifiers had equivalent glycemic control to RAI or other injectables, with a nonsignificantly lower risk of hypoglycemia and reduction in body weight.

CONCLUSION

Addition of GLP-1 RA to basal insulin may be an effective strategy for overcoming clinical inertia with injectable therapy in patients with T2D.

ABBREVIATIONS

A1C = glycated hemoglobin A1c; BMI = body mass index; CI = confidence interval; DCSI = Diabetes Complications Severity Index; DPP-4 = dipeptidyl peptidase-4; EHR = electronic health record; GLP-1 RA = glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist; ICD-9-CM = International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification; ICD-10-CM = International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision-Clinical Modification; OAD = oral antidiabetes drug; OR = odds ratio; RAI = rapid-acting insulin; SGLT-2 = sodium-glucose cotransporter-2; T2D = type 2 diabetes.

Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia in the United States

BACKGROUND

Nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) refers to a diverse group of thalassemia mutations and clinical phenotypes that do not require chronic transfusions. It is increasingly prevalent in the United States.

PROCEDURE

This study reviews the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 138 patients with NTDT treated at four US thalassemia centers from 1997 to 2014. Data on laboratory results, transfusions, and clinical complications were collected from patient charts.

RESULTS

Overall, 84 patients with α-thalassemia (62 deletional hemoglobin H; 22 nondeletional hemoglobin H), 39 with β-thalassemia (26 with homozygous or double heterozygous β mutations; 13 with single β mutations with or without α triplication), and 15 with E/β-thalassemia (12 E/β⁰ ; three E/β⁺ ) were identified. At study entry, the median age for patients with α-thalassemia was 2.3 years; 9.2 years for patients with β-thalassemia and 2.2 years for patients with E/β-thalassemia. Most patients with α-thalassemia were Asian. Patients with β-thalassemia were predominantly Caucasian (46%) or of African descent (36%). Twenty percent of patients were born outside the United States and 5% were transfused before immigration. Complications varied by genotype and age. Individuals with nondeletional hemoglobin H were severely affected and, despite their young age, had many complications. Iron overload increased with age and was more common in patients who received transfusions.

CONCLUSIONS

NTDT in the United States is a multi-ethnic disease with different genotypic mutations and phenotypic manifestations. A higher than expected proportion of patients was Black/African American. NTDT-related complications are common and increase with age, supporting a need for early diagnosis.

Efficacy of Ponatinib Versus Earlier Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Front-line Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

INTRODUCTION

Complete molecular response (CMR) and 2- and 3-year overall survival (OS) were compared for patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph⁺ ALL) who had undergone front-line combination chemotherapy plus ponatinib versus combination therapy plus earlier generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs; imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 26 Ph⁺ ALL studies: 25 of earlier generation TKIs and 1 of ponatinib. The outcomes from studies of combination chemotherapy plus earlier generation TKIs were summarized using pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from a random-effects meta-analysis. A binomial distribution was assumed to calculate the 95% CIs for the results from the single-arm combination chemotherapy plus ponatinib trial. Adjusted logistic meta-regression analyses were used to compare the outcomes between the TKI groups.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients achieving a CMR was greater with combination chemotherapy plus ponatinib (79%) than the pooled percentage of patients achieving a CMR with combination chemotherapy plus earlier generation TKIs (34%). Greater OS was observed with ponatinib compared with the pooled OS for earlier generation TKIs (2-year, 83% vs. 58%; 3-year, 79% vs. 50%). Odds ratios for ponatinib versus earlier generation TKIs were 6.09 (95% CI, 1.16-31.90; P = .034) for CMR, 3.70 (95% CI, 0.93-14.73; P = .062) for 2-year OS, and 4.49 (95% CI, 1.00-20.13; P = .050) for 3-year OS.

CONCLUSION

Ponatinib plus chemotherapy might be associated with better outcomes than chemotherapy with earlier generation TKIs in patients with newly diagnosed Ph⁺ ALL.

Patient Preferences and Therapeutic Satisfaction with Topical Agents for Rosacea: A Survey-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects the convexities of the central face. Depending on the severity and type of rosacea, physicians may prescribe interventions such as behavioral changes, laser and intense pulsed light, as well as various pharmacologic therapies, including topical agents. The impact of side effects associated with topical treatments for rosacea on patient preferences and treatment satisfaction is not well-documented.

OBJECTIVE

To assess patients' concerns, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life (QOL) associated with topical treatments for rosacea.

METHODS

Patients were identified for participation in a one-time survey from electronic medical records between 2010 and 2015 from the largest privately held and physician-run multispecialty group practice in Massachusetts. Patients were eligible to participate in the survey if they were aged ≥18 years and had ≥1 diagnoses of rosacea, ≥1 prescriptions for topical metronidazole gel/cream or azelaic acid gel, ≥6 months of follow-up, and an active treatment record in 2014. Treatment-related concerns and their importance were assessed using a questionnaire developed for this study. Treatment satisfaction and QOL were evaluated using the Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines Questionnaire (SATMED-Q) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 900 eligible patients surveyed, 216 (24%) responded. Among the responders, 122 reported currently using a topical rosacea treatment. The most common treatment-related concerns were efficacy (64.8%), skin dryness (18.4%), unspecified side effects (9.6%), burning sensation (8.8%), and application technique (8.0%). The treatment-related concerns that were assessed as most important by responders included efficacy (mean score 9.1, on a 10-point scale), soreness (7.6), itching (7.5), burning (7.4), and dryness (7.3). Averaged across all the responders, treatment satisfaction was rated as neutral (mean SATMED-Q score, 56.5), whereas the impact of rosacea on QOL was minimal (mean DLQI score, 2.7). Increasing dryness was significantly associated with worsening QOL, and trends toward significance were observed for increasing soreness, itching, and burning sensations.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey results suggest a need for novel topical therapies for patients with rosacea that have increased efficacy and tolerability, which may improve patient satisfaction and QOL.

Assessment of treatment patterns and healthcare costs associated with probable Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a chronic and severe form of epilepsy characterized by intractable seizures, cognitive impairment, and abnormal electroencephalogram findings with slow spike-wave complexes. It typically presents before age 8, but symptoms continue into adulthood and require lifelong treatment associated with significant clinical burden. Data on LGS-associated healthcare utilization and costs are limited. In this study we use a claims-based LGS classifier based on random forest methodology to identify patients with probable LGS from the a Medicaid multi-state database and assess its prevalence across the age spectrum, healthcare utilization, treatment patterns, costs, and comorbid conditions. The classifier identified patients with probable LGS across all ages, with up to 8% of 10-year-old patients with epilepsy identified as having probable LGS. The prevalence of probable LGS was lower in older age cohorts, indicating that it may be under-recognized in older patients. Our analysis showed that probable LGS is associated with considerably higher total healthcare and medical costs than non-LGS patients. The costs were generally consistent between age cohorts, suggesting that the cost burden extends beyond childhood and has a lifelong impact. Analysis of treatment patterns suggest that while the majority of probable LGS patients in this study received widest-spectrum AEDs, a considerable proportion did not and therefore may have been inadequately treated. Further, usage of clobazam and rufinamide was decreased in older compared to younger patient cohorts, indicating that older patient cohorts are less likely to be receiving optimum treatment for LGS. These findings indicate the need for increased clinical attention to LGS beyond pediatric years, with a focus on optimization of treatment for LGS patients of all ages with widest-spectrum AEDs. Timely recognition and adequate treatment of LGS are likely to result in improved outcomes and less costly management of this condition.

Real-world Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy Versus Androgen Receptor-targeted Therapy After Failure of First-line Androgen Receptor-targeted Therapy in the Community Setting

BACKGROUND

In metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), optimal treatment sequences are unknown. We assessed second-line taxane (TT) versus androgen receptor-targeted therapy (ART), after initial ART failure, in United States oncology community practices.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using electronic medical records, patients with mCRPC receiving first-line ART and second-line therapy (TT, ART) were identified. Response and overall survival (OS) were evaluated from second-line therapy initiation. Multivariate analyses were adjusted for year, age, metastases, opioid use, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin levels.

RESULTS

Of 546 patients receiving first-line ART, 206 and 340 received second-line TT and ART. Compared with patients receiving second-line ART, patients receiving TT were younger (median, 74 vs. 79 years), more had intermediate-high Halabi risk scores (59% vs. 35%), had higher opioid use (42% vs. 22%), median PSA (116 vs. 48 ng/mL), alkaline phosphatase (112 vs. 87 U/L), and lactate dehydrogenase (254 vs. 201 U/L), and had lower hemoglobin (11.2 vs. 12.3 g/dL) and albumin levels (3.8 vs. 4.0 g/dL); all P < .001. Response rates were higher with second-line TT versus ART (clinical response, 44.2% vs. 24.7%; P = .006; PSA response, 44.5% vs. 28.7%; P = .004). OS did not differ between cohorts (hazard ratio [HR], 0.90; P = .511). Among patients with a poor prognosis (hemoglobin < 11 g/d; albumin < lower limit of normal), those receiving second-line TT versus ART showed improved OS (HR, 0.52; P = .004 and HR, 0.36; P = .003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite more severe disease profiles, patients with mCRPC receiving second-line TT versus ART achieved higher response rates after initial ART. Poor prognosis patients had improved OS with second-line TT versus ART.