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Turcu-Stiolica A, Udristoiu I, Subtirelu MS, Gheorman V, Aldea M, Dumitrescu EA, Volovat SR, Median DM, Lungulescu CV. Digging in real-word electronic database for assessing CDK 4/6 inhibitors adherence in breast cancer patients from Romania. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345482. [PMID: 38464732 PMCID: PMC10920324 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: It is imperative for patients to respect the prescribed treatments to achieve the anticipated clinical outcomes, including the outpatients receiving oral anti-cancer drugs such as selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK 4/6i). With the introduction of three CDK 4/6i drugs in the Romanian pharmaceutical market in 2018, our study aimed to evaluate medication adherence and the influencing factors among patients undergoing treatment with palbociclib, ribociclib, or abemaciclib for advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Medication adherence was assessed using the Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) method, and Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between adherence, age, gender, and follow-up duration. Results: The study enrolled 330 breast cancer patients, with an average follow-up period of 14.6 ± 12.5 months for palbociclib, 10.6 ± 7.1 months for ribociclib, and 8.6 ± 6.4 months for abemaciclib-treated patients. A small proportion of patients demonstrated non-adherence: 12.8% for palbociclib, 14.6% for ribociclib, and 14.7% for abemaciclib. Among patients receiving palbociclib, there was no significant correlation between adherence, age (rho = 0.07, p = 0.35), or gender (rho = -0.144, p = 0.054). However, a significant correlation was found with the duration of follow-up (rho = -0.304, p < 0.0001). Similar results were observed for patients receiving ribociclib or abemaciclib. Most patients received combination therapy with letrozole (46%) and exemestane (13%) for palbociclib, letrozole (48%) and fulvestrant (19%) for ribociclib, and fulvestrant (39%) and letrozole (27%) for abemaciclib, Discussion: High adherence rates were observed among patients treated with CDK 4/6i drugs, with no significant differences noted among the three drugs in this class. However, the collected patient data was limited, lacking information on adverse reactions that could potentially lead to treatment discontinuation, as determined by the oncologist's decision not to prescribe. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of all factors contributing to the low adherence levels is hindered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ion Udristoiu
- Psychiatry Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Victor Gheorman
- Psychiatry Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Madalina Aldea
- Psychiatry Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Simona Ruxandra Volovat
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa Iasi, Iasi, Romania
| | - Dragos Mircea Median
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, Filantropia Clinical Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Ágh T, Hiligsmann M, Borah B, Beaudart C, Turcu-Stiolica A, Manias E, Jakab I, Pednekar P, Zeber J, Peterson AM. Systematic Review of Outcomes for Assessment of Medication Adherence Enhancing Interventions: An ISPOR Special Interest Group Report. Value Health 2024; 27:133-142. [PMID: 37952839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The lack of universal guidance on outcome measures for evaluating medication adherence enhancing interventions (MAEIs) poses a challenge for assessing their effectiveness. This literature review aimed to provide a systematic overview of outcome measures currently used for the value assessment of MAEIs. METHODS We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, and Academic Search Complete for randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, model-based economic evaluations, and value frameworks published in English between January 2010 and September 2020. Two independent reviewers screened all titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review. Due to the large number of relevant studies, data extraction was limited to articles published between January 2018 and September 2020. We collected data on the general characteristics of the study, the type of intervention, and the outcomes measured. RESULTS We screened 14 685 records and identified 308 articles for data extraction. Behavioral interventions were the most common (n = 143), followed by educational interventions (n = 110) and mixed-method interventions (n = 73). Outcomes were clustered into 7 categories with medication adherence (n = 286) being the most frequently measured, followed by clinical outcomes (n = 155), health-related quality of life (n = 57), resource use (n = 43), patient satisfaction (n = 31), economic outcomes (n = 18), and other outcomes (n = 76). CONCLUSIONS Various outcomes measures have been used to evaluate MAEIs, with only a small number of studies exploring economic and patient-reported outcomes. Future research is warranted to develop a consensus-based set of criteria for assessing MAEIs to facilitate the comparison of interventions and enable informed decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Ágh
- Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary; Center for Health Technology Assessment and Pharmacoeconomic Research, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Mickaël Hiligsmann
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care & Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bijan Borah
- Division of Health Care Delivery Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and the Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Charlotte Beaudart
- Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Elizabeth Manias
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | - John Zeber
- Department of Health Promotion & Policy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Andrew M Peterson
- Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Paliu IA, Olinca MV, Ianosi SL, Georgescu CV, Turcu-Stiolica A, Diaconu M, Dumitrescu CI, Tica AA. CYP27B1 Enzyme in Psoriasis: A Preliminary Study of Immunohistochemical Observations. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:15. [PMID: 38276264 PMCID: PMC10817706 DOI: 10.3390/life14010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Connections between vitamin D and psoriasis have been a matter of interest for the past decades, with its active metabolite, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, being valued for antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. However, none of vitamin D's actions could be possible without the CYP27B1 enzyme that bio-activates this metabolite of interest. In order to see if there is any link between the enzyme expression and the disease's particularities, we conducted a preliminary study that involved 11 skin biopsies of patients with mild (n = 4) or moderate to severe psoriasis (n = 7). The cell proliferation antigen Ki67 and the CD45RO+ marker were also assessed. Compared with healthy skin, in psoriasis, it is reported that the enzyme's expression seems to be more ubiquitous, but a clear correlation between the disease's severity and the CYP27B1 expression was, to our knowledge, lacking. We found that, in patients with very mild psoriasis, the enzyme expression was observed in the epidermal stratum basale in a similar manner as in healthy skin specimens. Contrary, for higher severity scores, a divergent result was observed, with the enzyme being either variably spread in the epidermal stratum spinosum or completely absent. Unlike malignant diseases, a significant connection between CYP27B1 and Ki67 (p = 0.313) or CYP27B1 and CD45RO+ (p = 0.657) does not seem to be relevant in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia-Alexandra Paliu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (M.D.); (C.-I.D.); (A.-A.T.)
| | - Maria-Victoria Olinca
- Department of Pathology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona-Laura Ianosi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Magdalena Diaconu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (M.D.); (C.-I.D.); (A.-A.T.)
| | - Cristiana-Iulia Dumitrescu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (M.D.); (C.-I.D.); (A.-A.T.)
| | - Andrei-Adrian Tica
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (M.D.); (C.-I.D.); (A.-A.T.)
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Bumbea AM, Rogoveanu OC, Turcu-Stiolica A, Pirici I, Cioroianu G, Stanca DI, Criciotoiu O, Biciusca V, Traistaru RM, Caimac DV. Management of Upper-Limb Spasticity Using Modern Rehabilitation Techniques versus Botulinum Toxin Injections Following Stroke. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2218. [PMID: 38004358 PMCID: PMC10672122 DOI: 10.3390/life13112218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Our purpose is to emphasize the role of botulinum toxin in spasticity therapy and functional recovery in patients following strokes. Our retrospective study compared two groups, namely ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. The study group (BT group) comprised 80 patients who received focal botulinum toxin as therapy for an upper limb with spastic muscle three times every three months. The control group (ES group) comprised 80 patients who received only medical rehabilitation consisting of electrostimulation and radial shockwave therapy for the upper limb, which was applied three times every three months. Both groups received the same stretching program for spastic muscles as a home training program. We evaluated the evolution of the patients using muscle strength, Ashworth, Tardieu, Frenchay, and Barthel scales. The analysis indicated a statistically significant difference between the two groups for all scales, with better results for the BT group (p < 0.0001 for all scales). In our study, the age at disease onset was an important prediction factor for better recovery in both groups but not in all scales. Better recovery was obtained for younger patients (in the BT group, MRC scale: rho = -0.609, p-value < 0.0001; Tardieu scale: rho = -0.365, p-value = 0.001; in the ES group, MRC scale: rho = -0.445, p-value < 0.0001; Barthel scale: rho = -0.239, p-value = 0.033). Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of botulinum toxin therapy compared with the rehabilitation method, showing a reduction of the recovery time of the upper limb, as well as an improvement of functionality and a reduction of disability. Although all patients followed a specific kinetic program, important improvements were evident in the botulinum toxin group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Bumbea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.M.B.); (O.C.R.)
| | - Otilia Constantina Rogoveanu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.M.B.); (O.C.R.)
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Ionica Pirici
- Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - George Cioroianu
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Diana Iulia Stanca
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Oana Criciotoiu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Viorel Biciusca
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Rodica Magdalena Traistaru
- Medical Rehabilitation Department, Nursing Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.M.T.); (D.V.C.)
| | - Danut Visarion Caimac
- Medical Rehabilitation Department, Nursing Faculty, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Petru Rares 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.M.T.); (D.V.C.)
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Podeanu MA, Turcu-Stiolica A, Subțirelu MS, Stepan MD, Ionele CM, Gheonea DI, Vintilescu BȘ, Sandu RE. C-Reactive Protein as a Marker of Inflammation in Children and Adolescents with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2961. [PMID: 38001962 PMCID: PMC10669638 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the pediatric population has been reported in many studies to be associated with an inflammatory response. However, to our knowledge, there is no definitive conclusion in the form of a meta-analysis. The issue we aimed to address is whether C-reactive protein (CRP) is a trustworthy marker in detecting inflammation in children and adolescents with MetS. We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS until 31 June 2023 for studies involving children and adolescents with MetS where hsCRP or CRP were measured. After the screening process, we identified 24 full-text articles that compared 930 patients with MetS with either healthy (n = 3782) or obese (n = 1658) controls. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Begg's rank correlation test and Egger's regression test. Statistical analysis was carried out based on pooled mean differences (MDs) and an associated 95% CI. Data analysis showed that MetS is associated with higher levels of CRP than those in healthy controls (MD = 1.28, 95% CI: (0.49-2.08), p = 0.002) in obese patients (MD = 0.88, 95% CI: (0.38-1.39), p = 0.0006). However, conventional methods of CRP analysis were found to be more accurate in differentiating between children and adolescents with obesity and those with MetS, compared with hsCRP (MD = 0.60, 95% CI: (-0.08-1.28), p = 0.08). No risk of bias was assessed. In conclusion, CRP is a reliable inflammatory marker for differentiating pediatric patients with MetS from healthy ones. On the other hand, it did not prove to be very accurate in distinguishing between patients who had MetS and those who were obese. There should be more research performed in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Simona Subțirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Mioara Desdemona Stepan
- Department of Infant Care, Pediatrics and Neonatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.D.S.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Claudiu-Marinel Ionele
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (C.-M.I.); (D.-I.G.)
| | - Dan-Ionuț Gheonea
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (C.-M.I.); (D.-I.G.)
| | - Bianca Ștefănița Vintilescu
- Department of Infant Care, Pediatrics and Neonatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.D.S.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Raluca Elena Sandu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
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Cazacu SM, Turcu-Stiolica A, Florescu DN, Ungureanu BS, Iovanescu VF, Neagoe CD, Burtea DE, Genunche-Dumitrescu AV, Avramescu TE, Iordache S. The Reduction of After-Hours and Weekend Effects in Upper Gastro-intestinal Bleeding Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic Compared to the Pre-Pandemic Period. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:3151-3165. [PMID: 37908341 PMCID: PMC10615097 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s427449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), admissions after normal working hours and during weekends may be associated with increased mortality. Aim To assess the evolution of the after-hours and weekend effects during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of progressive improved management despite management challenges during the pandemic. Methods We performed an observational study of patients admitted for UGIB at a tertiary academic center between March 2020 and December 2021, compared to the corresponding timeframe before the pandemic. Admissions were assessed based on regular hours versus after-hours and weekdays versus weekends. We stratified patients based on demographic data, etiology, prognostic scores, the time between symptom onset and admission, as and between admission and endoscopy. The outcomes included mortality, rebleeding rate, the requirement for surgery and transfusion, and hospitalization days. Results 802 cases were recorded during the pandemic, and 1006 cases before the pandemic. The overall mortality rate was 12.33%. Patients admitted after hours and during weekends had a higher mortality rate compared to those admitted during regular hours and weekdays (15.18% versus 10.22%, and 15.25% versus 11.16%), especially in cases of non-variceal bleeding. However, the difference in mortality rates was reduced by 2/3 during the pandemic, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 infection. This suggests that there was an equalization effect of care in UGIB, regardless of the admission time. The differences observed in mortality rates for after-hours and weekend admissions seem to be primarily related to a higher proportion of patients who did not undergo endoscopy, while the proportion of severe cases remained similar. Blood requirements, hospital days, and rebleeding rate were similar between the two groups. Conclusion Admissions during weekends and after-hours have been associated with increased mortality, particularly in cases of non-variceal bleeding. However, the impact of this association was significantly reduced during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Marian Cazacu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Clinical Emergency Hospital Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Biostatistics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
| | - Dan Nicolae Florescu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Clinical Emergency Hospital Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Clinical Emergency Hospital Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
| | - Vlad Florin Iovanescu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Clinical Emergency Hospital Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
| | - Carmen Daniela Neagoe
- Internal Medicine Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Clinical Emergency Hospital Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
| | - Daniela Elena Burtea
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Clinical Emergency Hospital Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
| | | | - Taina Elena Avramescu
- Individual Sports, and Medical Disciplines Departments, University of Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
| | - Sevastita Iordache
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Clinical Emergency Hospital Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
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Firut A, Margaritescu DN, Turcu-Stiolica A, Bica M, Rotaru I, Patrascu AM, Radu RI, Marinescu D, Patrascu S, Streba CT, Surlin V. Preoperative Immunocyte-Derived Ratios Predict Postoperative Recovery of Gastrointestinal Motility after Colorectal Cancer Surgery. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6338. [PMID: 37834982 PMCID: PMC10573957 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the role of immunocyte-derived ratios (IDRs), such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), as markers for the postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function following colorectal cancer surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a consecutive cohort of 260 patients who underwent radical colorectal cancer surgery within the timeframe spanning from January 2016 to December 2022. Data concerning the postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function included the I-FEED score, time to pass flatus, toleration for liquids in the first 48 h, and the need for nasogastric tube reinsertion in the immediate postoperative period. A special emphasis was allocated towards the examination of IDRs and their interrelation with the postoperative gastrointestinal functional parameters. The I-FEED score exhibited a positive correlation with the NLR, SII, and PLR. The univariate analysis indicated that all IDRs, multiorgan resection, hemoglobin and protein levels, regional nodal extent of the tumor (N), and obesity significantly affected nasogastric tube reinsertion. The multivariate analysis showed that the SII and N1 stages were risk factors for nasogastric tube reinsertion after colorectal cancer surgery. The SII and multiorgan resection were the only classifiers that remained significant in the multivariable analysis for the toleration for liquids. In summation, certain preoperative IDRs, such as the SII, PLR, and NLR, may hold potential as predictive determinants for postoperative gastrointestinal functional recovery following colorectal cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Firut
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.F.); (D.N.M.); (M.B.); (V.S.)
| | - Dragos Nicolae Margaritescu
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.F.); (D.N.M.); (M.B.); (V.S.)
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics and Statistical Analysis in Clinical Trials and Pharmaceutical Research, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Marius Bica
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.F.); (D.N.M.); (M.B.); (V.S.)
| | - Ionela Rotaru
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.R.); (A.-M.P.)
| | - Ana-Maria Patrascu
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.R.); (A.-M.P.)
| | - Razvan Ilie Radu
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Prof. Dr. C. C. Iliescu Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, 022328 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Daniela Marinescu
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.F.); (D.N.M.); (M.B.); (V.S.)
| | - Stefan Patrascu
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.F.); (D.N.M.); (M.B.); (V.S.)
| | - Costin Teodor Streba
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Valeriu Surlin
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.F.); (D.N.M.); (M.B.); (V.S.)
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Turcu-Stiolica A, Dimitrova M, Jinga M. Editorial: Advances in the potential treatments of gastrointestinal and liver diseases: addressing the public health burden. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1253069. [PMID: 37521487 PMCID: PMC10374304 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1253069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Maria Dimitrova
- Department of Organization and Economy of Pharmacy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mariana Jinga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Pana BC, Ciufu N, Ciufu C, Furtunescu FL, Turcu-Stiolica A, Mazilu L. Digital technology for health shows disparities in cancer prevention between digital health technology users and the general population in Romania. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1171699. [PMID: 37483490 PMCID: PMC10359182 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital health services and technology are rapidly developing following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to reveal the differences between users of digital health technology (DHT) and the general population with regard to cancer prevention. Materials and Methods This was an observational study on a conventional sample of 270 DHT users with completed data, performed in September 2021. Results A significant difference was observed in the proportion of DHT users and the general population reporting the screening test results, which was 2-6 times higher in the DHT group. Digital technologies applied to the "self-care" model were more suitable for internet-literate populations. Discussion Including digital technologies in a self-care model may be more suitable for internet-literate individuals. Thus, in a preventative health organizational framework, DHT should be integrated and used at the primary care level in the general population to improve disparities in the preventative health domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan C. Pana
- Department of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania
- Ovidius Clinical Hospital, Constanta, Romania
| | - Nicolae Ciufu
- Department of Surgery, Ovidius Clinical Hospital, Constanta, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, Constanta, Romania
| | - Carmen Ciufu
- Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, Constanta, Romania
- Department of Imagistic, Ovidius Clinical Hospital, Constanta, Romania
| | - Florentina L. Furtunescu
- Department of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
| | - Laura Mazilu
- Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, Constanta, Romania
- Department of Oncology, Ovidius Clinical Hospital, Constanta, Romania
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10
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Doica IP, Turcu-Stiolica A, Ungureanu BS, Florescu DN, Rogoveanu I, Gheonea DI. Association between Direct-Acting Agents Adherence and Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Hepatitis C. Curr Health Sci J 2023; 49:312-318. [PMID: 38314219 PMCID: PMC10832866 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.49.03.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
This observational study included all patients undergoing HCV treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based therapy between May 2020 and September 2023 at the Dolj County Hospital, Romania. The aim was to investigate adherence to DAAs among HCV patients and the effect of this treatment on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Chronic HCV-infected patients were prospectively evaluated at baseline (T0), before the beginning of treatment, and 12 weeks after completing DAAs treatment (T1). The HCV-AD10 questionnaire was used to measure DAAs adherence, and HRQoL was assessed with the 15D instrument. The 15D questionnaire was administered at two time points: T0 and T1, during which the Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) was also measured. The primary outcome was DAAs adherence, with secondary outcomes including quality of life (QoL), and sustained virologic response (SVR). DAAs based therapy was initiated for 368 patients, all of whom were health insured. HRQoL and psychological state of HCV patients clinically improved. The DAAs adherence was very good (mean±SD, 91.51±8.34), being influenced by age (younger patients were much adherent, rho=-0.112, p-value=0.031) and the severity of the disease (patients with more severe hepatitis were less adherent, rho=-0.167, p-value=0.001). DAAs had a significant effect on improving HRQoL of HCV patients, but did not influence medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Paula Doica
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Dan Nicolae Florescu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Dan-Ionuț Gheonea
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
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11
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Turcu-Stiolica A, Ionele CM, Ungureanu BS, Subtirelu MS. The Effects of Arginine-Based Supplements on Fatigue Levels following COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective Study in Romania. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101477. [PMID: 37239763 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two arginine-based supplements on the fatigue level of patients following the COVID-19 infection. This is a prospective study of the SARS-CoV-2-infected patients divided into two groups (according to family physicians' prescriptions, Group 1 of patients were treated with Astenor Energy® containing arginine aspartate, B6 vitamin, biotin and magnesium, and Group 2 of patients were treated with Astenor Forte® containing L-arginine and malic acid). The patients visited their family physicians from October 2021 to January 2022, complaining of physical and/or mental fatigue following the COVID-19 infection. We recorded 505 patients (146 patients in Group 1 and 359 patients in Group 2) and analyzed the fatigue level using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) through its total (FAS-T), mental (FAS-M) and physical (FAS-P) scores, at baseline and after three months of treatment. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age (p = 0.265), but more men were included in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p = 0.001). The patients from Group 2 were significantly more likely to be treated at home than those included in Group 1 (89.7% vs. 65.1%, p < 0.0001) because of the lower severity of the COVID-19 infection (asymptomatic or mild: 82.5% vs. 48.7%, p < 0.0001). After 3 months of treatment, patients indicated no fatigue in the higher percentage compared to than at the baseline (68.7% vs. 27.7%), and the fatigue level significantly decreased both in Group 1 (median baseline 33.0 vs. follow-up 17.00, p < 0.0001) and Group 2 (median baseline 25.0 vs. follow-up 17.00, p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that supplements with L-arginine may be proposed as a remedy to restore physical and mental performance affected by the fatigue burden in people with COVID-19 or following the COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2-4 Petru Rares Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Claudiu Marinel Ionele
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2-4 Petru Rares Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2-4 Petru Rares Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2-4 Petru Rares Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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12
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Popescu DM, Gheorghe DN, Turcu-Stiolica A, Soancă A, Roman A, Ionele CM, Ciucă EM, Boldeanu VM, Boldeanu L, Pitru A, Șurlin P. Evaluation of Pentraxin 3 and Serum Amyloid A in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Patients with Periodontal Disease and Obesity. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103523. [PMID: 37240630 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is associated with periodontal tissue inflammation, a condition that precedes alveolar bone resorption. It is also elevated in obese tissues and is a useful biomarker of proinflammatory status. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a proinflammatory and lipolytic adipokine. Adipocytes strongly express SAA, which suggests that it may have a significant role in the production of free fatty acids and local and systemic inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We statistically analyzed the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) values of PTX3 and SAA in patients with periodontal disease, who were diagnosed with obesity, and compared them with the values of inflammatory markers from patients diagnosed with one of the diseases and with healthy patients. RESULTS The patients with obesity and periodontitis had significantly higher levels of PTX3 and SAA than the patients diagnosed with either obesity or periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS These two markers are involved in the association between the two pathologies, as evidenced by the correlations between these levels and some clinical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Maria Popescu
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dorin Nicolae Gheorghe
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Statistical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrada Soancă
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babeș St., No. 15, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Roman
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babeș St., No. 15, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudiu Marinel Ionele
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Eduard Mihai Ciucă
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Virgil Mihail Boldeanu
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Lidia Boldeanu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Allma Pitru
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Petra Șurlin
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Miuțescu B, Vuletici D, Burciu C, Turcu-Stiolica A, Bende F, Rațiu I, Moga T, Sabuni O, Anjary A, Dalati S, Ungureanu BS, Gadour E, Horhat FG, Popescu A. Identification of Microbial Species and Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Acute Cholangitis Patients with Malignant and Benign Biliary Obstructions: A Comparative Study. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59040721. [PMID: 37109679 PMCID: PMC10141179 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Acute cholangitis (AC) is still lethal if not treated promptly and effectively. Biliary drainage, also known as source control, has been acknowledged as the backbone treatment for patients with AC; nonetheless, antimicrobial therapy allows these patients to undergo non-emergent drainage procedures. This retrospective study aims to observe the bacterial species involved in AC and analyze the antimicrobial resistance patterns. Materials and Methods: Data were collected for four years, comparing patients with benign and malignant bile duct obstruction as an etiology for AC. A total of 262 patients were included in the study, with 124 cases of malignant obstruction and 138 cases of benign obstruction. Results: Positive bile culture was obtained in 192 (73.3%) patients with AC, with a higher rate among the benign group compared with malignant etiologies (55.7%.vs 44.3%). There was no significant difference between the Tokyo severity scores in the two study groups, identifying 34.7% cases of malignant obstruction with Tokyo Grade 1 (TG1) and 43.5% cases of TG1 among patients with benign obstruction. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the number of bacteria types identified in bile, most of them being monobacterial infections (19% in the TG1 group, 17% in the TG2 group, and 10% in the TG3 group). The most commonly identified microorganism in blood and bile cultures among both study groups was E. coli (46.7%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (36.0%) and Pseudomonas spp. (8.0%). Regarding antimicrobial resistance, it was observed that significantly more patients with malignant bile duct obstruction had a higher percentage of bacterial resistance for cefepime (33.3% vs. 11.7%, p-value = 0.0003), ceftazidime (36.5% vs. 14.5%, p-value = 0.0006), meropenem (15.4% vs. 3.6%, p-value = 0.0047), and imipenem (20.2% vs. 2.6%, p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: The positive rate of biliary cultures is higher among patients with benign biliary obstruction, while the malignant etiology correlates with increased resistance to cefepime, ceftazidime, meropenem, and imipenem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Miuțescu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Deiana Vuletici
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Călin Burciu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Felix Bende
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Rațiu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Moga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Omar Sabuni
- Faculty of General Medicine, Altinbas University, Dilmenler Cd., 34217 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Adnan Anjary
- Faculty of General Medicine, Yeditepe University, Kayısdagı Cd., 34755 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sami Dalati
- Faculty of General Medicine, Baskent University, Fatih Sultan, 06790 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Eyad Gadour
- Department of Gastroenterology, King Abdulaziz Hospital-National Guard Health Affairs, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11113, Sudan
| | - Florin George Horhat
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance (MULTI-REZ), Microbiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alina Popescu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 30041 Timisoara, Romania
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14
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Cazacu SM, Burtea DE, Iovănescu VF, Florescu DN, Iordache S, Turcu-Stiolica A, Sacerdotianu VM, Ungureanu BS. Outcomes in Patients Admitted for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and COVID-19 Infection: A Study of Two Years of the Pandemic. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040890. [PMID: 37109419 PMCID: PMC10146262 DOI: 10.3390/life13040890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) represents a major emergency, and patient management requires endoscopic assessment to ensure appropriate treatment. The impact of COVID-19 on patient mortality in UGIB may be related to the combination of respiratory failure and severe bleeding and indirectly to delayed admissions or a reduction in endoscopic procedures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving patients admitted between March 2020 and December 2021 with UGIB and confirmed. Our objective was to compare these types of patients with those negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as with a pre-pandemic group of patients admitted between May 2018 and December 2019. Results: Thirty-nine patients (4.7%) with UGIB had an active COVID-19 infection. A higher mortality rate (58.97%) and a high risk of death (OR 9.04, p < 0.0001) were noted in the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly because of respiratory failure; endoscopy was not performed in half of the cases. Admissions for UGIB have decreased by 23.7% during the pandemic. Conclusions: COVID-19 infection in patients admitted for UGIB was associated with a higher mortality rate because of respiratory failure and possible delays in or contraindications of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Marian Cazacu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Elena Burtea
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Vlad Florin Iovănescu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dan Nicolae Florescu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Sevastița Iordache
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Victor Mihai Sacerdotianu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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15
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Boboc IKS, Rotaru-Zavaleanu AD, Calina D, Albu CV, Catalin B, Turcu-Stiolica A. A Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Behavior Testing in Mice Models of Ischemic Stroke. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020567. [PMID: 36836924 PMCID: PMC9964520 DOI: 10.3390/life13020567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains one of the most important causes of death and disability. Preclinical research is a powerful tool for understanding the molecular and cellular response to stroke. However, a lack of standardization in animal evaluation does not always ensure reproducible results. In the present study, we wanted to identify the best strategy for evaluating animal behavior post-experimental stroke. As such, a meta-analysis was made, evaluating behavioral tests done on male C57BL/6 mice subjected to stroke or sham surgery. Overall, fifty-six studies were included. Our results suggest that different types of tests should be used depending on the post-stroke period one needs to analyze. In the hyper-acute, post-stroke period, the best quantifier will be animal examination scoring, as it is a fast and inexpensive way to identify differences between groups. When evaluating stoke mice in the acute phase, a mix of animal examination and motor tests that focus on movement asymmetry (foot-fault and cylinder testing) seem to have the best chance of picking up differences between groups. Complex tasks (the rotarod test and Morris water maze) should be used within the chronic phase to evaluate differences between the late-subacute and chronic phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ianis Kevyn Stefan Boboc
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- U.M.F. Doctoral School Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandra Daniela Rotaru-Zavaleanu
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Carmen Valeria Albu
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital of Neuropsychiatry, 200473 Craiova, Romania
| | - Bogdan Catalin
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and Marketing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Dinu IM, Mihăilă M, Diculescu MM, Croitoru VM, Turcu-Stiolica A, Bogdan D, Miron MI, Lungulescu CV, Alexandrescu ST, Dumitrașcu T, Buică F, Luca IN, Lungulescu C, Negulescu MC, Gramaticu IM, Cazacu IM, Croitoru AE. Bevacizumab Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Real-World Clinical Practice. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:medicina59020350. [PMID: 36837551 PMCID: PMC9963555 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. Bevacizumab was approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) based on favorable benefit-risk assessments from randomized controlled trials, but evidence on its use in the real-world setting is limited. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the outcomes and safety profile of bevacizumab in mCRC in a real-world setting in Romania. Patients and Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, multicentric, cohort study conducted in Romania that included patients with mCRC treated with bevacizumab as part of routine clinical practice. Study endpoints were progression-free survival, overall survival, adverse events, and patterns of bevacizumab use. Results: A total of 554 patients were included in the study between January 2008 and December 2018. A total of 392 patients (71%) received bevacizumab in the first line and 162 patients (29%) in the second line. Bevacizumab was mostly combined with a capecitabine/oxaliplatin chemotherapy regimen (31.6%). The median PFS for patients treated with bevacizumab was 8.4 months (interquartile range [IQR], 4.7-15.1 months) in the first line and 6.6 months (IQR, 3.8-12.3 months) in the second line. The median OS was 17.7 months (IQR, 9.3-30.6 months) in the first line and 13.5 months (IQR, 6.7-25.2 months) in the second line. Primary tumor resection was associated with a longer PFS and OS. The safety profile of bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy was similar to other observational studies in mCRC. Conclusions: The safety profile of bevacizumab was generally as expected. Although the PFS was generally similar to that reported in other studies, the OS was shorter, probably due to the less frequent use of bevacizumab after disease progression and the baseline patient characteristics. Patients with mCRC treated with bevacizumab who underwent resection of the primary tumor had a higher OS compared to patients with an unresected primary tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Mihaela Dinu
- Department of Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Mihăilă
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Mihai Diculescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Mihai Croitoru
- Department of Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Diana Bogdan
- Department of Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Ionela Miron
- Department of Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Virgil Lungulescu
- Department of Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Oncology, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Sorin Tiberiu Alexandrescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Traian Dumitrașcu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florina Buică
- Department of Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Niculina Luca
- Department of Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Lungulescu
- Department of Oncology, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | | | | | - Irina Mihaela Cazacu
- Department of Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adina Emilia Croitoru
- Department of Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
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Carapinha JL, Iliescu VA, Dorobantu LF, Turcu-Stiolica A, Deckert J, White A, Salem A, Parasca C. Budget impact analysis of a bovine pericardial aortic bioprosthesis versus mechanical aortic valve replacement in adult patients with aortic stenosis in Romania. J Med Econ 2023; 26:998-1008. [PMID: 37505934 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2023.2242188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS An analysis of the budget impact of using a bovine pericardial aortic bioprosthesis (BPAB) or a mechanical valve (MV) in aortic stenosis (AS) patients in Romania. MATERIALS AND METHODS A decision-tree with a partitioned survival model was used to predict the financial outcomes of using either a BPAB (the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna Ease Valve) or MV in aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedure over a 5-year period. The budget impact of various resource consumption including disabling strokes, reoperations, minor thromboembolic events, major bleeding, endocarditis, anticoagulation treatment and monitoring, and echocardiogram assessments were compared for both types of valves. One-way sensitivity analyses (OWSA) were conducted on the input costs and probabilities. RESULTS The use of BPAB compared to MV approaches budget neutrality due to incremental savings year-on-year. The initial surgical procedure and reoperation costs for BPAB are offset by savings in acenocoumarol use, disabling strokes, major bleeding, minor thromboembolic events, and anticoagulation complications. The cost of the initial procedure per patient is 460 euros higher for a BPAB due to the higher valve acquisition cost, although this is partially offset by a shorter hospital stay. The OWSA shows that the total procedure costs, including the hospital stay, are the primary cost drivers in the model. LIMITATIONS Results are limited by cost data aggregation in the DRG system, exclusion of costs for consumables and capital equipment use, possible underestimation of outpatient complication costs, age-related variations of event rates, and valve durability. CONCLUSIONS Adopting BPAB as a treatment option for AS patients in Romania can lead to cost savings and long-term economic benefits. By mitigating procedure costs and increasing anticoagulation treatment costs, BPAB offers a budget-neutral option that can help healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients alike manage the growing burden of AS in Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- João L Carapinha
- Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, Boston, United States of America
- Syenza, Anaheim, United States of America
| | - Vlad A Iliescu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | - Adham Salem
- Edwards Lifesciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Catalina Parasca
- "Prof. Dr. C.C. Iliescu" Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
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18
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Ungureanu BS, Gheonea DI, Florescu DN, Iordache S, Cazacu SM, Iovanescu VF, Rogoveanu I, Turcu-Stiolica A. Predicting mortality in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding using machine-learning. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1134835. [PMID: 36873879 PMCID: PMC9982090 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1134835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-endoscopic risk scores, Glasgow Blatchford (GBS) and admission Rockall (Rock), are limited by poor specificity. The aim of this study was to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for the non-endoscopic triage of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB), with mortality as a primary outcome. Methods Four machine learning algorithms, namely, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA), logistic regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN), were performed with GBS, Rock, Beylor Bleeding score (BBS), AIM65, and T-score. Results A total of 1,096 NVUGIB hospitalized in the Gastroenterology Department of the County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Craiova, Romania, randomly divided into training and testing groups, were included retrospectively in our study. The machine learning models were more accurate at identifying patients who met the endpoint of mortality than any of the existing risk scores. AIM65 was the most important score in the detection of whether a NVUGIB would die or not, whereas BBS had no influence on this. Also, the greater AIM65 and GBS, and the lower Rock and T-score, the higher mortality will be. Conclusion The best accuracy was obtained by the hyperparameter-tuned K-NN classifier (98%), giving the highest precision and recall on the training and testing datasets among all developed models, showing that machine learning can accurately predict mortality in patients with NVUGIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Dan Ionut Gheonea
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Dan Nicolae Florescu
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Sevastita Iordache
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Sergiu Marian Cazacu
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Vlad Florin Iovanescu
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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Ionele CM, Turcu-Stiolica A, Subtirelu MS, Ungureanu BS, Sas TN, Rogoveanu I. Osteoporosis Assessment among Adults with Liver Cirrhosis. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010153. [PMID: 36614954 PMCID: PMC9820827 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteopenic bone disease occurs frequently in patients with chronic liver cirrhosis, which most frequently presents with hepatic osteodystrophy. Thus, the relationship between nutritional status and bone mineral density has been poorly measured in liver cirrhosis. This single-center study consisted of a group of 70 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. The nutritional status was evaluated with the Controlling Nutritional Status index, and volumetric vertebral bone mineral density was measured with quantitative computed tomography. Among the 70 patients included, osteopenia and osteoporosis were found in 71% and 24.3%, respectively. Malnutrition assessed with the Controlling Nutritional Status index was observed in 56 (80%) patients and was more frequent in alcoholic cirrhosis patients than viral cirrhosis patients (87.24% vs. 65.22%). Significant positive correlation with Controlling Nutritional Status score was found with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (rho = 0.576, p-value < 0.0001), Child−Pugh score (rho = 0.670, p-value < 0.0001), International Normalized Ratio (rho = 0.517, p-value = 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (rho = 0.293, p-value = 0.045), and bilirubin (rho =0.395, p-value = 0.02). Among the liver cirrhosis patients, 15 had osteoporosis and 49 had osteopenia at the lumbar spine (L1-L4 vertebrae), as determined by bone mass density via quantitative computed tomography. A non-significant relationship between Controlling Nutritional Status index-assessed nutritional status and bone mass density was documented. Regarding osteoporosis, no differences were found between the viral and alcohol types of liver cirrhosis patients (p-value = 0.870). Age, obesity, grade of varices, Child−Pugh score, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score were associated with osteoporosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu Marinel Ionele
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Mihaela Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200638 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Teodor Nicusor Sas
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200638 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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20
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Turcu-Stiolica A, Bogdan M, Dumitrescu EA, Zob DL, Gheorman V, Aldea M, Dinescu VC, Subtirelu MS, Stanculeanu DL, Sur D, Lungulescu CV. Diagnostic Accuracy of Machine-Learning Models on Predicting Chemo-Brain in Breast Cancer Survivors Previously Treated with Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:16832. [PMID: 36554712 PMCID: PMC9779296 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We performed a meta-analysis of chemo-brain diagnostic, pooling sensitivities, and specificities in order to assess the accuracy of a machine-learning (ML) algorithm in breast cancer survivors previously treated with chemotherapy. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for eligible articles before 30 September 2022. We identified three eligible studies from which we extracted seven ML algorithms. For our data, the χ2 tests demonstrated the homogeneity of the sensitivity's models (χ2 = 7.6987, df = 6, p-value = 0.261) and the specificities of the ML models (χ2 = 3.0151, df = 6, p-value = 0.807). The pooled area under the curve (AUC) for the overall ML models in this study was 0.914 (95%CI: 0.891-0.939) and partial AUC (restricted to observed false positive rates and normalized) was 0.844 (95%CI: 0.80-0.889). Additionally, the pooled sensitivity and pooled specificity values were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75-0.86) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76-0.86), respectively. From all included ML models, support vector machine demonstrated the best test performance. ML models represent a promising, reliable modality for chemo-brain prediction in breast cancer survivors previously treated with chemotherapy, demonstrating high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Elena Adriana Dumitrescu
- Department of Oncology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Luminita Zob
- Institute of Oncology, Prof Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu, Soseaua Fundeni, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victor Gheorman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Madalina Aldea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Venera Cristina Dinescu
- Department of Health Promotion and Occupational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dana-Lucia Stanculeanu
- Department of Oncology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Sur
- 11th Department of Medical Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400125 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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21
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Meca AD, Turcu-Stiolica A, Bogdan M, Subtirelu MS, Cocoș R, Ungureanu BS, Mahler B, Pisoschi CG. Screening performance of C-reactive protein for active pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients: A systematic review with a meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:891201. [PMID: 36090970 PMCID: PMC9453225 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.891201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of mortality worldwide. In the last years, resistant strains of the etiological agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, have emerged, thus demanding more triage tests to identify active pulmonary TB (PTB) patients and to evaluate their disease severity. Therefore, acute-phase reaction serum tests are required for monitoring TB patients, among WHO symptom screening recommendations. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific inflammatory biomarker that has been recently proposed for TB screening and can be quantitatively analyzed through cost-effective point-of-care assays. A previous meta-analysis found CRP to be highly sensitive and moderately specific for active PTB with confirmed HIV infection. Methods We performed a meta-analysis update of diagnostic tests, pooling sensitivities, and specificities in order to assess the accuracy of CRP as a potential test for the screening of HIV-associated PTB in outpatients. We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS for eligible articles before 19 October 2021. Results We identified 13 eligible studies with HIV-positive patients with PTB. At a CRP threshold of 10 mg/L, CRP pooled sensitivity was 87% (76%–93%) and pooled specificity was 67% (49%–81%), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.858. Using a CRP threshold of 8 mg/L, pooled sensitivity was 82% (72%–89%) and pooled specificity was 82% (67%–92%), with an AUC of 0.879. We found that CRP has a high sensitivity in the screening of PTB in HIV-positive outpatients, consistent with findings reported previously. Conclusions Regardless of pooled specificity, better results were found using the CRP threshold of 8 mg/L as a test screening of PTB, meeting the need of further approaching specific TB diagnostic methods and reducing resource consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea-Daniela Meca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- *Correspondence: Adina Turcu-Stiolica,
| | - Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Relu Cocoș
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
- Marius Nasta Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Beatrice Mahler
- Marius Nasta Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania
- Pneumology Department (II), University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
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22
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Cocoş R, Mahler B, Turcu-Stiolica A, Stoichiță A, Ghinet A, Shelby ES, Bohîlțea LC. Risk of Death in Comorbidity Subgroups of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Inferred by Routine Laboratory Markers of Systemic Inflammation on Admission: A Retrospective Study. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061201. [PMID: 35746672 PMCID: PMC9228480 DOI: 10.3390/v14061201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study objective was to construct models using 20 routine laboratory parameters on admission to predict disease severity and mortality risk in a group of 254 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Considering the influence of confounding factors in this single-center study, we also retrospectively assessed the correlations between the risk of death and the routine laboratory parameters within individual comorbidity subgroups. In multivariate regression models and by ROC curve analysis, a model of three routine laboratory parameters (AUC 0.85; 95% CI: 0.79–0.91) and a model of six laboratory factors (AUC 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81–0.91) were able to predict severity and mortality of COVID-19, respectively, compared with any other individual parameter. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that inflammatory laboratory markers grouped together in three distinct clusters including positive correlations: WBC with NEU, NEU with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), NEU with systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), NLR with SII and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with SII. When analyzing the routine laboratory parameters in the subgroups of comorbidities, the risk of death was associated with a common set of laboratory markers of systemic inflammation. Our results have shown that a panel of several routine laboratory parameters recorded on admission could be helpful for early evaluation of the risk of disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Inflammatory markers for mortality risk were similar in the subgroups of comorbidities, suggesting the limited effect of confounding factors in predicting COVID-19 mortality at admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relu Cocoş
- Institute of Pneumophtisiology “Marius Nasta”, 050159 Bucharest, Romania; (B.M.); (A.S.); (A.G.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020032 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (A.T.-S.)
| | - Beatrice Mahler
- Institute of Pneumophtisiology “Marius Nasta”, 050159 Bucharest, Romania; (B.M.); (A.S.); (A.G.)
- Pneumology Department (II), University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (A.T.-S.)
| | - Alexandru Stoichiță
- Institute of Pneumophtisiology “Marius Nasta”, 050159 Bucharest, Romania; (B.M.); (A.S.); (A.G.)
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Ghinet
- Institute of Pneumophtisiology “Marius Nasta”, 050159 Bucharest, Romania; (B.M.); (A.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Elena-Silvia Shelby
- Scientific Research Nucleus, Dr. Nicolae Robanescu National Clinical Centre for Children’s Neurorecovery, 041408 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Laurențiu Camil Bohîlțea
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020032 Bucharest, Romania;
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23
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Sacerdotianu VM, Ungureanu BS, Iordache S, Turcu-Stiolica A, Facciorusso A, Crinò SF, Saftoiu A. Diagnostic Value of Endoscopic Ultrasound after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer Restaging: A Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010100. [PMID: 35054266 PMCID: PMC8775115 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) after neoadjuvant therapy (NT) for gastric cancer restaging by meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic search of studies published on PubMed and Web of Science up to 30th August 2021. Assessing the risk of bias in the included studies was done with the QUADAS-2 tool. We used R and Review Manager 5.4.1 for calculations and statistical analysis. To evaluate the diagnostic value of EUS after NT for gastric cancer restaging, we performed a meta-analysis on six studies, with a total of 283 patients, including true-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative results for T1-T4, N0. EUS as a diagnostic test for GC patients after chemotherapy has a relatively low DOR for the T2 (3.96) and T4 stages (4.79) and a relatively high partial AUC for the T2 (0.85) and T4 (0.71) stages. Our results reveal that the pooled sensitivity for T stages after chemotherapy is rather low (29–56%), except for the T3 stage (71%). A potential limitation of our study was the small number of included studies, but no significant heterogeneity was found between them. Our meta-analysis concludes that EUS is not recommended or is still under debate for GC restaging after NT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mihai Sacerdotianu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (B.S.U.); (A.S.)
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (B.S.U.); (A.S.)
| | - Sevastita Iordache
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (B.S.U.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (S.I.); (A.T.-S.)
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence: (S.I.); (A.T.-S.)
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Pancreas Center, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.F.); (S.F.C.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Gastroenterology, Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefano Francesco Crinò
- Pancreas Center, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.F.); (S.F.C.)
| | - Adrian Saftoiu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (B.S.U.); (A.S.)
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Turcu-Stiolica A, Kamusheva M, Bogdan M, Tadic I, Harasani K, Subtirelu MS, Meca AD, Šesto S, Odalović M, Arsić J, Stojkov S, Terzieva E, Petrova G. Pharmacist's Perspectives on Administering a COVID-19 Vaccine in Community Pharmacies in Four Balkan Countries. Front Public Health 2021; 9:766146. [PMID: 34900910 PMCID: PMC8655838 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.766146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Community pharmacists expanded their roles and engaged in vaccination services in many countries around the world, but not in Balkan countries. This research aimed to assess the perceptions of pharmacists on involvement in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine administration in four Balkan countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia). A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire that was distributed to community pharmacists across these countries between February and March 2021. A total of 636 community pharmacists were included in the analysis of the survey. The willingness to administer vaccines for COVID-19 (or other vaccines well established in the practice, like a flu vaccine) in community pharmacies is significantly different among the countries: the pharmacists from Albania were more willing to administer vaccines. The factors associated with the eagerness to vaccinate are almost the same among the countries: the lack of training in the faculty classes and the lack of a special place where to administer vaccines. Additional significant factors were found in Bulgaria (pharmacists from independent pharmacies wanted more than the pharmacists working in chain pharmacies to administer vaccines) and in Serbia (male pharmacists agreed more with administering vaccines than female pharmacists). Further national reforms are needed for adopting the expanding role of community pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Maria Kamusheva
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ivana Tadic
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Klejda Harasani
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andreea-Daniela Meca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Sofia Šesto
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Odalović
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jasmina Arsić
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Municipio de Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Stojkov
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Municipio de Novi Sad, Serbia.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Vocational Studies for the Education of Preschool Teachers and Sports Trainers in Subotica, Subotica, Serbia
| | - Emili Terzieva
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Guenka Petrova
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Gheorghe DN, Popescu DM, Salan A, Boldeanu MV, Ionele CM, Pitru A, Turcu-Stiolica A, Camen A, Florescu C, Rogoveanu I, Surlin P. Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy Could Improve the Periodontal Inflammatory Status in Patients with Periodontitis and Chronic Hepatitis C. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10225275. [PMID: 34830557 PMCID: PMC8619210 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) is the first essential step for the management of any periodontitis patient. This study aims to evaluate the impact of NSPT on pro-inflammatory mediators’ regulation and on clinical parameters in periodontitis patients who suffer from chronic hepatitis C. At baseline, selected patients were clinically evaluated for their periodontal status. A subsequent quantitative assessment of C-reactive protein and pentraxin-3 in samples of gingival fluid was performed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Afterwards, NSPT was performed. Three months after NSPT, the clinical and ELISA assessments were repeated. The results show an improvement of the clinical parameters in periodontitis patients at the three-month recall. In chronic hepatitis C patients with periodontitis, the gingival fluid levels of pro-inflammatory markers reduced significantly. The targeted markers also expressed significant correlations with the clinical parameters used for the assessment of periodontitis’ severity. The results suggest that, while chronic hepatitis C patients exhibited a more negative periodontal status at baseline as compared to non-hepatitis ones, NSPT is effective in decreasing the local periodontal inflammatory reaction and in proving the periodontal status of this type of patients. Given the limitation of the study, periodontal screening and NSPT should be included in the integrated therapeutical approach of chronic hepatitis C patients, for its impact on the local inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorin Nicolae Gheorghe
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.N.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Dora Maria Popescu
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.N.G.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence: (D.M.P.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Alex Salan
- Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Mihail Virgil Boldeanu
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence: (D.M.P.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Claudiu Marinel Ionele
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (C.M.I.); (I.R.)
| | - Allma Pitru
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Statistical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Adrian Camen
- Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Cristina Florescu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (C.M.I.); (I.R.)
| | - Petra Surlin
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.N.G.); (P.S.)
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Kamusheva M, Turcu-Stiolica A, Gierczyński J, Subtirelu MS, Czech M, Petrova G. Do Advanced Therapies Have a Future in the Low- and Middle-Income Countries - The Case of Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland. Front Public Health 2021; 9:729847. [PMID: 34497796 PMCID: PMC8419353 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.729847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The significant therapeutic potential of the advanced therapies (ATs) has predetermined the increased interests in their development mainly in the context of rare diseases most of which are genetically determined. However, there are still many challenges in front of the health insurance funds related to the cost-effectiveness and budget impact issues of these therapies. Our aim was to review and analyze the potential of low- and middle-income countries for health technology assessment (HTA) of advanced therapies focusing on Bulgaria, Romania and Poland as reference countries. A literature review of the existing good practices related to HTA of advanced therapies across the world and comparison with the national reality were performed. A list of challenges and issues from the point of view of the payer institution of all analyzed countries was performed. Pilot recommendations on how to overcome the barriers were created based on the existing practices and the potential of the national system. Discussion: 15 out of 80 articles identified in PubMed were found as applicable to the study scope as most of them were published in the period 2019–2021. Undoubtedly, the main challenges correspond to the high treatment costs, the uncertainty in clinical effectiveness, and poor HTA methodological approaches applicable for ATs worldwide. The issues identified for low and middle-income countries are similar having as well the lack of enough qualified health economists for the purposes of assessment and appraisal of HTA dossiers of the advanced therapies, lack of adequate existing separate financial programs for those therapies, and not preparedness of the health system and the society as a whole for such therapies. Conclusions: Despite the difficulties and challenges, the advanced therapies can be defined as a futuristic therapy for which great discoveries are yet to come. Therefore, each country should consider the implementation of reliable and nationally oriented programs for HTA and adequate financial coverage of these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kamusheva
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Jakub Gierczyński
- Researcher Institute of Healthcare Management, Lazarski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Marcin Czech
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Guenka Petrova
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Chisălău BA, Bărbulescu AL, Pârvănescu CD, Firulescu SC, Dinescu ȘC, Dumitrașcu RM, Turcu-Stiolica A, Ionescu RA, Popoviciu HV, Covei SB, Boldeanu MV, Vilcea AM, Ciurea PL, Vreju FA. Entheseal involvement in a group of psoriatic arthritis patients: An ultrasonographic study. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1044. [PMID: 34373730 PMCID: PMC8343913 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory potentially destructive disease that requires early diagnosis and therapeutic approach. Its main pathogenic event and the condition's hallmark is considered to be enthesitis. Clinical examination of the enthesis can be a challenge in the clinical practice; thus, ultrasonography (US) has emerged as an indispensable imaging tool for evaluating both structural and inflammatory changes of this structure. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the type and frequency of entheseal involvement in PsA patients by US examination, performing a retrospective study on 41 patients diagnosed with PsA. Ultrasonographically confirmed enthesitis, identified according to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology group (OMERACT, initially Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials) definitions, was present in 26 of the included patients, Achilles enthesis being the most common site involved. The prevalence of tendon structure abnormalities and the presence of entesophytes underlines the importance of chronic inflammation on entheseal sites. US examination has proven to be a reliable imaging method, with significant and continuous improvement, which is clearly a requisite part for current understanding and diagnosis of enthesitis and more than this, for the patient follow-up algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreea Lili Bărbulescu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | | | | - Ștefan Cristian Dinescu
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Răzvan Adrian Ionescu
- Third Internal Medicine Department, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Horațiu Valeriu Popoviciu
- Department of Rheumatology, BFK and Medical Rehabilitation, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Mures, Romania
| | - Simona Bănicioiu Covei
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihail Virgil Boldeanu
- Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Alina Maria Vilcea
- Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Paulina Lucia Ciurea
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Florentin Ananu Vreju
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Stefanescu S, Cocoș R, Turcu-Stiolica A, Shelby ES, Matei M, Subtirelu MS, Meca AD, Stanciulescu EC, Popescu SO, Biciusca V, Pisoschi CG. Prediction of Treatment Outcome with Inflammatory Biomarkers after 2 Months of Therapy in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients: Preliminary Results. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070789. [PMID: 34206598 PMCID: PMC8308673 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Consecutively, 26 pulmonary tuberculosis patients were enrolled in our study based on the exclusion criteria. We have used Spearman’s correlation analysis, hierarchical clustering and regression modelling to evaluate the association of 11 biomarkers with culture status after antituberculosis treatment. The results of our study demonstrated that six inflammatory biomarkers of 11, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, interferon gamma inducible protein 10, C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) and neutrophil to albumin ratio (NAR), were significantly associated with culture negativity. The predictive ability of a composite model of seven biomarkers was superior to that of any single biomarker based on area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis, indicating an excellent prediction efficacy (AUC:0.892; 95% CI:0.732-1.0). We also found that the highest significant trends and lower levels of CRP and IP-10 were observed in the two-month treated tuberculosis (TB) patients. We believe that our study may be valuable in providing preliminary results for an additional strategy in monitoring and management of the clinical outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis. Using a panel of predictors added a superior value in predicting culture status after anti-TB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Stefanescu
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Clinical Emergency County Hospital Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Relu Cocoș
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020032 Bucharest, Romania
- Institute of Pneumophtisiology “Marius Nasta”, 050159 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.T.-S.); (M.-S.S.)
| | - Elena-Silvia Shelby
- Scientific Research Nucleus, Dr. Nicolae Robanescu National Clinical Centre for Children’s Neurorecovery, 041408 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marius Matei
- Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.T.-S.); (M.-S.S.)
| | - Andreea-Daniela Meca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Elena Camelia Stanciulescu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (E.C.S.); (S.O.P.); (C.-G.P.)
| | - Stefana Oana Popescu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (E.C.S.); (S.O.P.); (C.-G.P.)
| | - Viorel Biciusca
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Catalina-Gabriela Pisoschi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (E.C.S.); (S.O.P.); (C.-G.P.)
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Ştefanescu S, Cocoş R, Turcu-Stiolica A, Mahler B, Meca AD, Giura AMC, Bogdan M, Shelby ES, Zamfirescu G, Pisoschi CG. Evaluation of prognostic significance of hematological profiles after the intensive phase treatment in pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Romania. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249301. [PMID: 33793598 PMCID: PMC8016233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated in this cohort study the predictive ability of 23 peripheral blood parameters and ratios for treatment outcomes after the 2-month intensive phase in patients with PTB. In 63 patients out of 90 that turned culture negative, a significant decrease in white blood cell count, neutrophils, monocyte, hemoglobin, platelet, plateletcrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, MLR, NLR, PLR and SII values after anti-TB therapy compared to pretreatment was observed (p <0.001). Logistic regression analysis generated a model of predictors consisting of nine covariates. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between NLR with NEU (r = 0.79, p<0.01), SII with NEU (r = 0.846, p<0.01), PLT with SII (r = 0.831, p<0.01), PLT with PCT (r = 0.71, p<0.01) and MPV with P-LCR (r = 0,897, p<0.01) in 63 patients out of 90 that turned culture negative after 2 months of treatment. ROC curve analysis indicated that all areas under the curve (AUC) revealed no statistically significant results, except lymphocyte for culture conversion. In summary, here we observed a set of hematological parameters that declined significantly as the disease was treated in patients that turned culture negative. Despite some limitations, our findings are useful for further studies aiming to identify hematological profiles that could predict the treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ştefanescu
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Clinical Emergency County Hospital Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Relu Cocoş
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
- Institute of Pneumophtisiology “Marius Nasta”, Bucharest, Romania
- * E-mail:
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Beatrice Mahler
- Institute of Pneumophtisiology “Marius Nasta”, Bucharest, Romania
- Pneumology Department (II), University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea-Daniela Meca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Cristina Giura
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Elena-Silvia Shelby
- Scientific Research Nucleus, Dr. Nicolae Robanescu National Clinical Centre for Children’s Neurorecovery, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgeta Zamfirescu
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Leamna Pneumophtisiology Hospital, Craiova, Romania
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Doica IP, Florescu DN, Oancea CN, Turcu-Stiolica A, Subtirelu MS, Dumitra G, Rogoveanu I, Gheonea DI, Ungureanu BS. Telemedicine Chronic Viral Hepatitis C Treatment during the Lockdown Period in Romania: A Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18073694. [PMID: 33916226 PMCID: PMC8037937 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is currently delaying the process of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) eradication, since most of the chronic diseases are neglected. Thus, there is a need for alternative programs for HCV therapy implementation and disease monitoring. Our aim was to provide a multidisciplinary approach, so that HCV-infected patients from distant locations may benefit from HCV antivirals during the COVID-19 outbreak and within the lockdown period in Romania. Previously diagnosed HCV patients willing to participate in this telemedicine pilot study were included. Patient characteristics and medical adherence were assessed and compared to the year preceding the pandemic. We proposed a multidisciplinary approach by using a telemedicine program for HCV therapy monitoring. Patients also received a satisfaction questionnaire after delivering the sustained virologic response (SVR) result. A total of 41 patients agreed to participate in this study. The medication adherence was 100% for patients included in the telemedicine group, with a statistically significant difference from the medication adherence of the patients treated in 2019. The satisfaction item score was 4.92 out of 5 and our results (r = −0.94, p < 0.0001) suggested that older patients embraced the telemedicine program less, but with the same success in terms of SVR (100%) and medication adherence (100%). Our pilot study offers the first example of a telemedicine program in Romania for HCV therapeutic management. During the lockdown period, telemedicine has served as a reliable tool and novel alternative for conventional monitoring of patients treated with direct antiviral agents and should be further considered even following the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Paula Doica
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| | - Dan Nicolae Florescu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| | - Carmen Nicoleta Oancea
- Pharmacy I Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Gindrovel Dumitra
- Family Medicine Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| | - Dan Ionut Gheonea
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
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Voicu MN, Ahmet AM, Turcu-Stiolica M, Turcu-Stiolica A, Barbulescu AL, Popescu F. Antibiotic Resistance, Still a Global Challenge. Curr Health Sci J 2021; 47:284-289. [PMID: 34765250 PMCID: PMC8551888 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.47.02.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of antibiotics represents a major health problem worldwide because they are often administered without medical prescription. This has led to different situations starting from a large use in inappropriate cases without medical recommendation, to a major issue that represents antimicrobial resistance. Our aim was to identify the opinion of healthcare workers (physicians and pharmacists) about the most effective solution at reducing antimicrobial resistance, helping the policy makers to take a decision. The present study was conducted from March 15th, 2021 to April 15th, 2021, using a virtual questionnaire. A total of 397 respondents provided a complete response to our questionnaire: 313 physicians and 84 pharmacists. Our results provided valuable insights that can be used to inform the development of a national health policy, resulting in population health gains. Our work provided an indication of physicians' preferences toward solutions as "A tax on antibiotic consumption, which could be used to fund innovation strategies." (41.53%) and "An educational program for patients that highlights the causes and effects of antimicrobial resistance." (42.49%). The pharmacists preferred the solutions as "An educational program for patients that highlights the causes and effects of antimicrobial resistance." (52.38%) and "Elimination of antibiotics from the list of the emergency pharmaceutical services." (42.86%). A small number of physicians (2.24%) and pharmacists (3.57%) recommended as the most effective solution at reducing antimicrobial resistance "Restrain antibiotic use in the food industry."
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Nicoleta Voicu
- Phd Student, Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ahmet
- Student, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Florica Popescu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
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Ungureanu BS, Lungulescu CV, Pirici D, Turcu-Stiolica A, Gheonea DI, Sacerdotianu VM, Liliac IM, Moraru E, Bende F, Saftoiu A. Clinicopathologic Relevance of Claudin 18.2 Expression in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:643872. [PMID: 33747967 PMCID: PMC7969651 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.643872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of tumor markers have been discovered to have potential efficacy as diagnostic and prognostic tools in gastric cancer. We aimed to assess putative correlations between claudin 18.2 expression and pathological or prognosis features in patients with gastric cancer. MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCO, and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to search for relevant studies from their inception to 30 October 2020. Finally, a total of six articles were included in this meta-analysis. Review Manager 5 software was applied to examine the heterogeneity among the studies and to calculate the odds ratio with 95% CI by selecting corresponding models, in evaluating the strength of the relationship. Publication bias test was also conducted. No bias and no significant correlations were found between CLDN 18.2 and TNM stages, Lauren classification, HER2, grading, or overall survival. This meta-analysis expounded that the relationship with CLDN 18.2 and pathological features depends on the percentage of staining of tumor cells for which CLDN 18.2 is considered positive. Our pooled outcomes suggest that targeted therapy for CLDN 18.2 could be effective if certain criteria were established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Daniel Pirici
- Histology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Dan Ionut Gheonea
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Ilona Mihaela Liliac
- Histology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Emil Moraru
- Surgical Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Felix Bende
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Saftoiu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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Ungureanu BS, Vladut C, Bende F, Sandru V, Tocia C, Turcu-Stiolica RA, Groza A, Balan GG, Turcu-Stiolica A. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-Related Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Training Among Young Gastroenterologists in Romania. Front Psychol 2020; 11:579177. [PMID: 33424692 PMCID: PMC7785580 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.579177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel COVID-19 infection has spread all over the world and is still generating a lot of issues at different levels. There is a lack of control in disease early diagnosis and rapid evolution, which impacts both the medical and the economic system. Young gastroenterologists should adapt to overcome current difficulties and continue their life and general training. This is a multi-center national study, which aims to assess the general perspective of young gastroenterologists (residents and young specialists) from six university centers in Romania regarding their current training and the psychological effect the pandemic has on their life and job. An online survey with 58 items was distributed using Google Forms, and quality of life and anxiety were assessed. The validated instruments 15D (for assessing the health-related quality of life) and endler multidimensional anxiety scales (EMAS-for assessing anxiety) were used. All analyses were performed using SPSS 25. Of the 174 gastroenterologists approached, 96 (response rate of 55%) responded. A majority of the respondents were residents in gastroenterology (64%), and 40.6% were male. The pandemic influenced the number of examined patients as well as young gastroenterologists' endoscopy training. Health-related quality of life was negatively associated with the level of anxiety generated by the cognitive component of anxiety as a state, the new and ambiguity of the state, and how threatened the respondent felt. The level of anxiety was moderate (median = 51), and no difference was found between the physicians working in a designated hospital or not. General caution should be considered for young gastroenterologists' training, and continuous observation should be done to ensure better mental health on the current evolution. These findings would need to be verified in larger-sample studies and in different types of specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Catalina Vladut
- Clinical Emergency Hospital "Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu," Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felix Bende
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes," Timisoara, Romania
| | - Vasile Sandru
- Clinical Emergency Hospital "Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu," Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Tocia
- Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | | | - Andrei Groza
- Prof. Octavian Fodor Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gheorghe G Balan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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Lungulescu CV, Ungureanu BS, Turcu-Stiolica A, Ghimpau V, Artene SA, Cazacu IM, Grecu AF, Dinescu VC, Croitoru A, Volovat SR. The role of IgE specific for galactose-α-1,3-galactose in predicting cetuximab induced hypersensitivity reaction: a systematic review and a diagnostic meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21355. [PMID: 33288791 PMCID: PMC7721698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78497-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant monoclonal antibodies are used for treating various diseases, from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease to cancer. Although monoclonal antibodies are known to have fewer toxic reactions compared with the conventional cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, the cases of severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) should be acknowledged. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the anti-IgE for galactose-α-1,3-galactose in patients with HSRs to cetuximab. We searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and World of Science databases to July 1st, 2020. We included a total of 6 studies, with 1074 patients. Meta-analysis was performed using bivariate analysis and the random-effect model. The pooled sensitivity was 73% (95% CI 62-81%) and the pooled specificity was 88% (95% CI 79-94%). We had not found significant heterogeneity and, despite some discrepancies in the nature of data available in the analysed studies, we draw the conclusion that the presence of cetuximab specific IgE (anti cetuximab antibody) and/or galactose-α-1,3-galactose shows moderate to high sensitivity and specificity of developing an HSR. More studies are needed to establish a protocol necessary for the proper prediction and avoidance of HSR related to cetuximab.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania.
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania.
| | - Valentina Ghimpau
- Pharmacy of Craiova Doctoral School, University of Medicine, Craiova, Romania
| | | | | | | | - Venera Cristina Dinescu
- Health Promotion and Occupational Medicine Department, University of Medicine & Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Croitoru
- Fundeni Clinical Institute, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
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Ciobanu DA, Poenariu IS, Crînguș LI, Vreju FA, Turcu-Stiolica A, Tica AA, Padureanu V, Dumitrascu RM, Banicioiu-Covei S, Dinescu SC, Boldeanu L, Siloși I, Ungureanu AM, Boldeanu MV, Osiac E, Barbulescu AL. JAK/STAT pathway in pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (Review). Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:3498-3503. [PMID: 32905201 PMCID: PMC7465448 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as an inflammatory, chronic autoimmune and disabling disease based on the intricate interplay between environmental and genetic factors. With a prevalence ranging from 0.3 to 1%, RA is the most prevalent inflammatory joint disease observed in adults. Disruption of immune tolerance becomes evident when abnormal stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune system occurs. This cascade of events causes persistent joint inflammation, proliferative synovitis and, ultimately, damage of the underlying cartilage as well as the subchondral bone, leading to permanent joint destruction, deformity and subsequent loss of function. With cytokines being the key to a multitude of biological processes, including inflammation, hematopoiesis and overall immune response, one must inevitably look at the main pathways through which a significant number of those molecules exert their function. Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STATs) represent one such pathway and, recently, JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) have shown promise in the treatment of several inflammatory diseases, including RA. This narrative review focuses on the intricate signaling pathways involved as well as on the clinical aspects and safety profiles of JAKinibs approved for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Alexandra Ciobanu
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ioan Sabin Poenariu
- Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Laura-Ioana Crînguș
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Florentin Ananu Vreju
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrei Adrian Tica
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Vlad Padureanu
- Department of Medical Semiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Simona Banicioiu-Covei
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Stefan Cristian Dinescu
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Lidia Boldeanu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Isabela Siloși
- Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anca Marilena Ungureanu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihail Virgil Boldeanu
- Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.,Medico Science SRL-Stem Cell Bank Unit, 200690 Craiova, Romania
| | - Eugen Osiac
- Department of Biophysics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Andreea Lili Barbulescu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Padureanu R, Albu CV, Pirici I, Mititelu RR, Subtirelu MS, Turcu-Stiolica RA, Sintonen H, Padureanu V, Turcu-Stiolica A. Personal Autonomy as Quality of Life Predictor for Multiple Sclerosis Patients. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051349. [PMID: 32380685 PMCID: PMC7290289 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, severe disease, characterized by a progressive alteration in neuronal transmission, which decreases personal independence and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between QoL and personal autonomy in patients with MS, as well as its correlation with age, educational level, and diseases severity. Twenty-six MS patients were followed-up for six months. All patients completed the 15D questionnaire two times: at T0, when they started a new treatment, and at T1 after six months of treatment. At the end point, all patients completed the Personal Autonomy Questionnaire. The average patient age was 43 years (SD = 10), and 89% of them were female. The mean severity and duration of MS were 3.5 (SD = 1.75) and 9.5 (SD = 5.1), respectively. The average QoL of MS patients at T0 was 0.66 (SD = 0.18), and that at T1 was 0.71 (SD = 0.16). The scores of patients with different types of MS, i.e., relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS), were compared. SPMS patients were older than RRMS patients (mean age 47.5 vs. 39.7 years; p = 0.032), and more RRMS patients were working (0.014). SPMS patients described the same QoL and personal autonomy as RRMS patients. Results from bivariate correlation analyses showed a significant relationship between QoL and age, education, and severity of MS. Also, the analysis showed no significant correlation between QoL and personal autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodica Padureanu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.P.); (R.R.M.)
| | - Carmen Valeria Albu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Ionica Pirici
- Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Radu Razvan Mititelu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (R.P.); (R.R.M.)
| | - Mihaela Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.S.S.); (A.T.-S.)
| | | | - Harri Sintonen
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Vlad Padureanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-0722-567874
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.S.S.); (A.T.-S.)
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Pednekar PP, Ágh T, Malmenäs M, Raval AD, Bennett BM, Borah BJ, Hutchins DS, Manias E, Williams AF, Hiligsmann M, Turcu-Stiolica A, Zeber JE, Abrahamyan L, Bunz TJ, Peterson AM. Author's Reply. Value Health 2020; 23:407-408. [PMID: 32197738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2019.09.2754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tamás Ágh
- Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Malmenäs
- Real World Strategy & Analytics, Mapi Group, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Bryan M Bennett
- Patient-Centered Outcomes, Adelphi Values, Adelphi Mill, Bollington, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Bijan J Borah
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Manias
- Deakin University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allison F Williams
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mickaël Hiligsmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
| | - John E Zeber
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare, Center for Applied Health Research, Temple, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew M Peterson
- Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Bogdan M, Meca AD, Boldeanu MV, Gheorghe DN, Turcu-Stiolica A, Subtirelu MS, Boldeanu L, Blaj M, Botnariu GE, Vlad CE, Foia LG, Surlin P. Possible Involvement of Vitamin C in Periodontal Disease-Diabetes Mellitus Association. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020553. [PMID: 32093297 PMCID: PMC7071463 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an important water-soluble vitamin found in many fruits and vegetables. It has well-documented beneficial effects on the human body and is used as a supplement, alone or in combination with other vitamins and minerals. Over recent years, research has focused on possible new therapeutic actions in chronic conditions including periodontal disease (PD). We conducted a systematic review on clinical trials from four databases (PubMed, Clinical Trials, Cochrane, Web of Science) which measured plasmatic/salivary levels of ascorbic acid in PD–diabetes mellitus (DM) association. Six studies were included in our review, three of them analyzing patients with different grades of PD and DM who received vitamin C as a treatment (500 mg vitamin C/day for 2 months and 450 mg/day for 2 weeks) or as part of their alimentation (guava fruits), in combination with standard therapies and procedures. Decreased levels of vitamin C were observed in PD patients with DM but data about efficacy of vitamin C administration are inconclusive. Given the important bidirectional relationship between PD and DM, there is a strong need for more research to assess the positive effects of ascorbic acid supplementation in individuals suffering from both diseases and also its proper regimen for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.B.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Andreea Daniela Meca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.B.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Mihail Virgil Boldeanu
- Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.V.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Dorin Nicolae Gheorghe
- Department of Periodontology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.N.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.T.-S.); (M.-S.S.)
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.T.-S.); (M.-S.S.)
| | - Lidia Boldeanu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Blaj
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.V.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Gina Eosefina Botnariu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.E.B.); (C.E.V.)
| | - Cristiana Elena Vlad
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (G.E.B.); (C.E.V.)
| | - Liliana Georgeta Foia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Petra Surlin
- Department of Periodontology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.N.G.); (P.S.)
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Czech M, Baran-Kooiker A, Atikeler K, Demirtshyan M, Gaitova K, Holownia-Voloskova M, Turcu-Stiolica A, Kooiker C, Piniazhko O, Konstandyan N, Zalis'ka O, Sykut-Cegielska J. A Review of Rare Disease Policies and Orphan Drug Reimbursement Systems in 12 Eurasian Countries. Front Public Health 2020; 7:416. [PMID: 32117845 PMCID: PMC6997877 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite international initiatives on collaboration within the field of rare diseases, patient access to orphan medicinal products (OMPs) and healthcare services differ greatly between countries. This study aimed to create a comprehensive and in-depth overview of rare diseases policies and reimbursement of OMPs in a selection of 12 countries in the Western Eurasian region: Armenia, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Latvia, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed and an analysis of publicly available legislative and rare disease health policy data was undertaken in five focus areas: rare disease definition, newborn screening, registries, national plans, access to/reimbursement of OMPs. Results: Screening programs are broadly implemented but the number of screened diseases differs significantly (2–35 diseases), either between EU and non-EU countries, between EU member states and sometimes even within a single country. In most countries rare disease registries are operating with regional, national, European or worldwide coverage. The number of rare disease registries is growing, as a result of the National Plans (EU) and increased international scientific cooperation. France, Russia, and Poland have a centrally acting registry. National plans are present in all EU countries but implementation varies and is ongoing. The number of reimbursed OMPs in the selected countries ranges from nearly all available OMPs in the Netherlands, Germany, and France to zero in Armenia. Reimbursement rules differ considerably regionally and a trend is observed of reimbursement conditions getting stricter for expensive (orphan) drugs. Discussion: Inequality in patient access to new OMPs still exists due to variations in national policies, healthcare budgets, health insurance, and reimbursement systems. The observed differences are challenging for rare disease patients, health authorities and manufacturers alike. Progress can be seen, however, and international cooperation and harmonization is slowly but steadily expanding in the rare disease arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Czech
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, The Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Baran-Kooiker
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kagan Atikeler
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Unit of Health Technology Assessments, Turkish Ministry of Health, Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Maria Demirtshyan
- Ascent Global Market Solutions (Non-profit), Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Kamilla Gaitova
- Center for Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Republican Center for Health Development, Ministry of Health, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Malwina Holownia-Voloskova
- State Budgetary Institution Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical Management of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Oresta Piniazhko
- Department of Management and Economy of Pharmacy, Medicine Technology and Pharmacoeconomics, Postgraduate Faculty, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Natella Konstandyan
- Republican Center of Medical Genetics, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Olha Zalis'ka
- Department of Management and Economy of Pharmacy, Medicine Technology and Pharmacoeconomics, Postgraduate Faculty, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Jolanta Sykut-Cegielska
- Department of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Paediatrics, The Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
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Turcu-Stiolica A, Subtirelu MS, Bumbea AM. Cost-Utility Analysis of Incobotulinumtoxin-A Compared With Conventional Therapy in the Management of Post-Stroke Spasticity in Romania. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1516. [PMID: 32009947 PMCID: PMC6976533 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: In Romania, the strokes' incidence is of 61,500 per year and improving upper limb function is the essence in rehabilitation after a stroke to maximize the patient quality of life and reduce disability. In this study, it is compared the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of post-stroke upper limb spasticity with incobotulinumtoxin-A (INCO), with or without electromyographic control, against the conventional therapy programme alone (CON). Methods: A Markov state transition model was developed to effectuate a cost-utility analysis (CUA). Measurements of health-related quality of life were derived from relevant clinical trials. Utility values for quality of life by response status were derived from the Short-Form-12 (SF-12) Health Survey data from a published study. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of INCO (fixed, every 12 weeks) against CON was calculated in Ron per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained for both therapies. Costs and outcomes were discounted using different scenarios at 3% and 5% per year with a time horizon of 3 and 5 years because Romanian legislative norms don't specify the discount rates and time horizon for pharmacoeconomic analysis. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were managed on the base case with distributions attributed to the frequency of repeat dosing and utility valuation of the responder and the non-responder for health utilities derived from both mental and physical health state. Results: Compared with CON, in all 4 scenarios, therapy with INCO had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of less than 950 Euro per QALY gained (1 Euro = 4.7 Ron). INCO proved to be more favorable treatment option than CON in the treatment of upper limb spasticity in Romania. Despite costs being higher for patients treated with INCO, this treatment has more advantageous Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio. Conclusions: This therapy should be taken into account when considering rehabilitation options because it is highly cost-effective at < EURO 1,000/QALY gained, a very low WTP (Willingness To Pay) threshold. INCO proved to be a disruptive innovation because it is a new and more effective treatment, and, in the end, much higher in quality of life for patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Bumbea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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Pednekar PP, Ágh T, Malmenäs M, Raval AD, Bennett BM, Borah BJ, Hutchins DS, Manias E, Williams AF, Hiligsmann M, Turcu-Stiolica A, Zeber JE, Abrahamyan L, Bunz TJ, Peterson AM. Methods for Measuring Multiple Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review-Report of the ISPOR Medication Adherence and Persistence Special Interest Group. Value Health 2019; 22:139-156. [PMID: 30711058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A broad literature base exists for measuring medication adherence to monotherapeutic regimens, but publications are less extensive for measuring adherence to multiple medications. OBJECTIVES To identify and characterize the multiple medication adherence (MMA) methods used in the literature. METHODS A literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, the International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and the Cochrane Library databases on methods used to measure MMA published between January 1973 and May 2015. A two-step screening process was used; all abstracts were screened by pairs of researchers independently, followed by a full-text review identifying the method for calculating MMA. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic review. For studies that met the eligibility criteria, general study and adherence-specific characteristics and the number and type of MMA measurement methods were summarized. RESULTS The 147 studies that were included originated from 32 countries, in 13 disease states. Of these studies, 26 used proportion of days covered, 23 used medication possession ratio, and 72 used self-reported questionnaires (e.g., the Morisky Scale) to assess MMA. About 50% of the studies included more than one method for measuring MMA, and different variations of medication possession ratio and proportion of days covered were used for measuring MMA. CONCLUSIONS There appears to be no standardized method to measure MMA. With an increasing prevalence of polypharmacy, more efforts should be directed toward constructing robust measures suitable to evaluate adherence to complex regimens. Future research to understand the validity and reliability of MMA measures and their effects on objective clinical outcomes is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti P Pednekar
- Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Tamás Ágh
- Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Malmenäs
- Real World Strategy & Analytics, Mapi Group, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Bijan J Borah
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Manias
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allison F Williams
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mickaël Hiligsmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
| | - John E Zeber
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare, Center for Applied Health Research, Temple, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew M Peterson
- Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Al Ahdab OG, Ali A, Almarsdóttir AB, Annemans L, Ashoush N, Baker DE, Blondal AB, Brennan E, Brown L, Buffington D, Calabrese S, Chaiyakunapruk N, Chilkoti DC, Choon WY, Cooper JC, Costa de Sousa I, Dankó D, Davis A, Decerbo M, Decker BS, Dilokthornsakul P, Efendie B, Feturi FG, Gajraj E, Gharat M, Granas AG, Herman RA, Hiligsmann M, Hill A, Hill LH, Hoefer C, John D, Jones EP, Joseph S, Joshi S, Junaid T, Khakurel B, Khalifa S, Kisor DF, Klika C, Kruger J, Kumar K, Lee SWH, Lega F, Leong C, Li H, Lockman K, Suresh Madhavan S, Maine LL, Marriott J, Miah MK, Naeem S, New JP, Osipenko L, Paulino E, Picone MF, Pilch NA, Rajendran N, Raut A, Ray ME, Roberts JA, Rouse MJ, Sambandan G, Scheckelhoff D, Shaik IH, Shrestha R, Sokn E, Steinke DT, Tarn YH(T, Thanukrishnan H, Thomas D, Tian S, Tsui VW, Turcu-Stiolica A, Vadlamudi R, Vaida AJ, Vaidya R, Van Cuyk MP, Venkataramanan R, Vlasses PH, Vos SS, Weeda ER, Wisniewski CS, Woods DJ, Wu X, Zachariah S, Zarembski DG. List of Contributors. Clinical Pharmacy Education, Practice and Research 2019:xvii-xix. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-814276-9.01002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Vatu BI, Artene SA, Staicu AG, Turcu-Stiolica A, Folcuti C, Dragoi A, Cioc C, Baloi SC, Tataranu LG, Silosi C, Dricu A. Assessment of efficacy of dendritic cell therapy and viral therapy in high grade glioma clinical trials. A meta-analytic review. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2018; 40:70-80. [PMID: 30497337 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2018.1551804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has raised the interest of many studies and provided different perspectives for the therapeutic management of high grade glioma. Our meta-analysis focused on the effectiveness of dendritic cell (DC) therapy and viral therapy (VT) in clinical trials. Fourteen eligible studies have been evaluated and the results suggest the improvement of both OS (HR = 0.65) (p < 0.0001) and PFS (HR = 0.59) (p = 0.01) for patients receiving DC therapy. The data for VT showed a slight improvement in terms of OS (HR = 0.81), while PFS was similar to the control arms (HR = 1.06) (p = 0.41).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Ionel Vatu
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Stefan-Alexandru Artene
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Adeline-Georgiana Staicu
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- b Department of Biostatistics , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Catalin Folcuti
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Alexandra Dragoi
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Catalina Cioc
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Stefania-Carina Baloi
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- c Department of Neurosurgery, Carol Davila , University of Medicine and Pharmacy , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Cristian Silosi
- d Department of Surgery , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
| | - Anica Dricu
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova , Craiova , Romania
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Kawalec P, Tesar T, Vostalova L, Draganic P, Manova M, Savova A, Petrova G, Rugaja Z, Männik A, Sowada C, Stawowczyk E, Harsanyi A, Inotai A, Turcu-Stiolica A, Gulbinovič J, Pilc A. Pharmaceutical Regulation in Central and Eastern European Countries: A Current Review. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:892. [PMID: 29326583 PMCID: PMC5741607 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to review reimbursement environment as well as pricing and reimbursement requirements for drugs in selected Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was performed in the period from November 2016 to March 2017 among experts involved in reimbursement matters from CEE countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. A review of requirements for reimbursement and implications of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was performed to compare the issues in above-mentioned countries. For each specified country, data for reimbursement costs, total pharmaceutical budget, and total public health care budget in the years 2014 and 2015 were also collected. Questionnaires were distributed via emails and feedback data were obtained in the same way. Additional questions, if any, were also submitted to respondents by email. Pricing and reimbursement data were valid for March 2017. Results: The survey revealed that the relation of drug reimbursement costs to total public healthcare spending ranged from 0.12 to 0.21 in the year 2014 and 2015 (median value). It also revealed that pricing criteria for drugs, employed in the CEE countries, were quite similar. External reference pricing as well as internal reference pricing were common in mentioned countries. Positive reimbursement lists were valid in all countries of the CEE region, negative ones were rarely used; reimbursement decisions were regularly revised and updated in the majority of countries. Copayment was common and available levels of reimbursement differed within and between the countries and ranged from 20 to 100%. Risk-sharing schemes were often in use, especially in the case of innovative, expensive drugs. Generic substitution was also possible in all analyzed CEE countries, while some made it mandatory. HTA was carried out in almost all of the considered CEE countries and HTA dossier was obligatory for submitting a pricing and reimbursement application. Conclusions: Pricing and reimbursement requirements are quite similar in the CEE region although some differences were identified. HTA evaluations are commonly used in considered countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kawalec
- Health Sciences Faculty, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomas Tesar
- Department of Organization and Management in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Vostalova
- Health Technology Assessment Department, Pricing and Reimbursement Regulation Branch, State Institute for Drug Control, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pero Draganic
- Croatian Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Manoela Manova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Alexandra Savova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Guenka Petrova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zinta Rugaja
- The National Health Service, Ministry of Health, Riga, Latvia
| | - Agnes Männik
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Christoph Sowada
- Health Sciences Faculty, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Stawowczyk
- Health Sciences Faculty, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andras Harsanyi
- National Institute of Health Insurance Fund Management, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Health Policy and Health Economics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Jolanta Gulbinovič
- Departament of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,State Medicine Control Agency, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Andrzej Pilc
- Health Sciences Faculty, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.,Departament of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
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Kawalec P, Stawowczyk E, Tesar T, Skoupa J, Turcu-Stiolica A, Dimitrova M, Petrova GI, Rugaja Z, Männik A, Harsanyi A, Draganic P. Pricing and Reimbursement of Biosimilars in Central and Eastern European Countries. Front Pharmacol 2017. [PMID: 28642700 PMCID: PMC5463127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the requirements for the reimbursement of biosimilars and to compare the reimbursement status, market share, and reimbursement costs of biosimilars in selected Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted between November 2016 and January 2017 among experts from the following CEE countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. The requirements for the pricing and reimbursement of biosimilars were reviewed for each country. Data on the extent of reimbursement of biologic drugs (separately for original products and biosimilars) in the years 2014 and 2015 were also collected for each country, along with data on the total pharmaceutical and total public health care budgets. Results: Our survey revealed that no specific criteria were applied for the pricing and reimbursement of biosimilars in the selected CEE countries; the price of biosimilars was usually reduced compared with original drugs and specific price discounts were common. Substitution and interchangeability were generally allowed, although in most countries they were at the discretion of the physician after a clinical assessment. Original biologic drugs and the corresponding biosimilars were usually in the same homogeneous group, and internal reference pricing was usually employed. The reimbursement rate of biosimilars in the majority of the countries was the same and amounted to 100%. Generally, the higher shares of expenditures were shown for the reimbursement of original drugs than for biosimilars, except for filgrastim, somatropin, and epoetin (alfa and zeta). The shares of expenditures on the reimbursement of biosimilar products ranged from 8.0% in Estonia in 2014 to 32.4% in Lithuania in 2015, and generally increased in 2015. The share of expenditures on reimbursement of biosimilars in the total pharmaceutical budget differed between the countries, with the highest observed value for Slovakia and Hungary and the lowest—for Croatia. Conclusions: The requirements for the pricing and reimbursement of biosimilar products as well as the access of patients to biologic treatment do not differ significantly between the considered CEE countries. Biosimilar drugs significantly influence the reimbursement systems of these countries, and the expenditure on the reimbursement of biosimilars is increasing as they are becoming more accessible to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kawalec
- Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical CollegeKraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Stawowczyk
- Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical CollegeKraków, Poland
| | - Tomas Tesar
- Department of Organisation and Management in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in BratislavaBratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of CraiovaCraiova, Romania
| | - Maria Dimitrova
- Department of Organization and Economy of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical UniversitySofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Guenka I Petrova
- Department of Organization and Economy of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical UniversitySofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zinta Rugaja
- Senior Expert at The National Health ServiceRiga, Latvia
| | - Agnes Männik
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of TartuTartu, Estonia
| | - Andras Harsanyi
- National Health Insurance Fund of HungaryBudapest, Hungary.,Department of Health Policy and Health Economics, Eötvös Loránd UniversityBudapest, Hungary
| | - Pero Draganic
- Croatian Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical DevicesZagreb, Croatia
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Artene SA, Turcu-Stiolica A, Hartley R, Ciurea ME, Daianu O, Brindusa C, Alexandru O, Tataranu LG, Purcaru SO, Dricu A. Dendritic cell immunotherapy versus bevacizumab plus irinotecan in recurrent malignant glioma patients: a survival gain analysis. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:6669-6677. [PMID: 27877052 PMCID: PMC5108618 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s112842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The bevacizumab and irinotecan protocol is considered a standard treatment regimen for recurrent malignant glioma. Recent advances in immunotherapy have hinted that vaccination with dendritic cells could become an alternative salvage therapy for the treatment of recurrent malignant glioma. Methods A search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Embase in order to identify studies with patients receiving bevacizumab plus irinotecan or dendritic cell therapy for recurrent malignant gliomas. The data obtained from these studies were used to perform a systematic review and survival gain analysis. Results Fourteen clinical studies with patients receiving either bevacizumab plus irinotecan or dendritic cell vaccination were identified. Seven studies followed patients that received bevacizumab plus irinotecan (302 patients) and seven studies included patients that received dendritic cell immunotherapy (80 patients). For the patients who received bevacizumab plus irinotecan, the mean reported median overall survival was 7.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.84–10.16) months. For the patients who received dendritic cell immunotherapy, the mean reported median overall survival was 17.9 (95% CI 11.34–24.46) months. For irinotecan + bevacizumab group, the mean survival gain was −0.02±2.00, while that for the dendritic cell immunotherapy group was −0.01±4.54. Conclusion For patients with recurrent malignant gliomas, dendritic cell immunotherapy treatment does not have a significantly different effect when compared with bevacizumab and irinotecan in terms of survival gain (P=0.535) and does not improve weighted survival gain (P=0.620).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Oana Alexandru
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova
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