Osteonecrosis of the jaw under palbociclib: A case series description

INTRODUCTION

Cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw have been reported by dental surgeons to the pharmacovigilance center in Rennes, France, occurring among patients treated with palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor. Although this event was not expected with the drug, a safety signal was raised. Describing a local case series, the aim of our study was to identify specific patterns that might suggest a triggering role for these drugs, and to discuss pathophysiological hypotheses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case series of patients exposed to cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors between 2016 and 2020 with a diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the jaw at the Rennes Dental Care Center was analyzed. The descriptive analysis was conducted on patient demographics, breast cancer characteristics, osteonecrosis of the jaw, biological data, and exposure to cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors.

RESULTS

We identified eight cases, most of them at stages 0-1 (62.5%). Four patients were still exposed to palbociclib at the time of diagnosis and four had discontinued the treatment before the diagnosis. Chronological imputability could not be excluded given the drug's half-life and the variable intervals of dental monitoring from one patient to another. All patients had at least one dental osteonecrosis risk factor (including dental extraction, dentures, and denosumab exposure at the time of diagnosis). Neutropenia and mucositis were not systematically reported at the time of diagnosis. The anatomopathological characteristics were nonspecific.

CONCLUSION

We did not identify a specific pattern that could suggest a triggering role of palbociclib in the development of ONJ.

Complications of Synthetic Midurethral Slings: Is There a Relevant Discrepancy Between Observational Data and Clinical Trials?

CONTEXT

The complications of synthetic midurethral slings (MUSs) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have become a globally debated issue.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the short- and long-term complications of mesh slings reported in observational data compared with clinical trial data, to determine whether the complication rates from clinical trials reflects "real-world" observational data.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched. Methods as detailed in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions were followed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Thirty registries/databases including 709 335 MUS procedures (1-22 yr of follow-up) were identified. MUS procedures were associated with intraoperative bladder perforation in 0.86-3.6%, urethral perforation in 0-0.1%, vascular injury in 0.04-0.1%, voiding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in 1.47-3.5%, vaginal exposure in 0.2-1.9%, and reoperation in up to 9% of cases. Forty-three randomised clinical trials were identified, including 6284 women who underwent MUS procedures and 2177 women who underwent other interventions (1-10 yr of follow-up). MUS procedures were associated with urinary tract perforation in 2.58%, vaginal injury in 1.43%, de novo voiding LUTS in 4.37%, de novo storage LUTS in 5.41%, mesh extrusion/exposure (vaginal/urinary tract) in 2.54%, dyspareunia in 2.26%, pain (pelvic/suprapubic/perineal) in 2.83%, and reoperation for complications required in 1.82% of cases. Meta-analyses of the randomised controlled trials revealed that retropubic MUSs were associated with more events of urinary tract perforation (risk ratio [RR] 9.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.05-19.04, high certainty of evidence [COE]) and voiding LUTS (RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.19-2.07, high COE) than transobturator MUSs. MUSs were associated with more events of pain than mini-slings (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04-2.87, moderate COE).

CONCLUSIONS

Short- and long-term data on complications of polypropylene mesh used for female SUI are fairly comparable when using outcome data from well-designed clinical trials or from less structured prospective or retrospective registries. Comparisons have to be made with caution since the two systems of data collection are inherently incomparable. This knowledge should be incorporated in the discussion on how to implement polypropylene mesh for female stress incontinence.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In order to know whether mesh tapes used for treating stress incontinence work well and are safe, high-quality information is important. It appears that well-designed clinical studies give similar results to large registration databases. These data should be interpreted with caution in view of the different ways the information was collected. These results will help physicians and patients understand the risks of mesh tapes.

Real-World Treatment Patterns Among French Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Under Abiraterone or Enzalutamide

PURPOSE

Using large French retrospective study cohort of chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients (mCRPC; n = 10,308) comparing survival between patients who initiated abiraterone (ABI; 64%) and those initiating enzalutamide (ENZ; 36%), the present objective was to describe treatment patterns in the 2 years following initiation.

METHOD

Using the national health data system (SNDS) from 2014 to 2018, we first explored the number of treatment lines, and secondly, patterns of patient management using state sequence analysis; cluster analyses were performed on the 0 to 12 month and 13 to 24 month periods. Age, Charlson score, and duration of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were obtained for each cluster in the first year of follow-up.

RESULTS

Patients with only 1 treatment line accounted for 52%. In the 0 to 12 month sequence analysis, the main clusters among ABI/ENZ new users involved patients who continued the initial treatment (54% of 65% respectively) and discontinued active treatment (14.5% for both). Less than 2 years exposure to ADT prior to ABI/ENZ initiation was frequently observed for noncontrolled mCRPC, as shown in the death and switch from ABI/ENZ to docetaxel clusters. The clusters for a switch ABI/ENZ to ENZ/ABI involved 6% to 11% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested fairly similar patterns between ABI and ENZ initiation. The cluster of patients with active treatment discontinuation needs to be further investigated, as well as factors influencing therapeutic choice. Better understanding for the use of second-generation hormone therapy in mCRPC in real life, could improve its implementation by clinicians in the early stages of prostate cancer.

Major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with oral Janus kinase inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

On the basis of safety data for patients with inflammatory rheumatism or inflammatory bowel disease, treatment with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKi) has been linked to the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, these inflammatory diseases are proatherogenic; in contrast, patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) do not usually have a high cardiovascular (CV) comorbidity burden.

OBJECTIVES

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of MACE in patients with AD treated with JAKi.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from their inception to 2 September 2022. Cohort studies, randomized controlled trials and pooled safety analyses providing CV safety data on patients taking JAKi for AD were selected. We included patients aged ≥ 12 years. We built a 'controlled-period' cohort (n = 9309; 6000 exposed to JAKi and 3309 exposed to comparators) and an 'all-JAKi' cohort (n = 9118 patients exposed to a JAKi in any of the included studies). The primary outcome was a composite of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), ischaemic stroke and CV death. The broader secondary MACE outcome encompassed ACS, stroke (whether ischaemic or haemorrhagic), transient ischaemic attack and CV death. The frequency of primary and secondary MACE was assessed in both cohorts. A fixed-effects meta-analysis using the Peto method was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for MACE in the 'controlled-period' cohort. Evaluation of the risk of bias was done using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (version 2). Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

Eight per cent of the records identified initially met the selection criteria, corresponding to 23 records included in the 'all-JAKi' cohort. Patients had been exposed to baricitinib, upadacitinib, abrocitinib, ivarmacitinib, placebo or dupilumab. Four primary events (three with JAKi and one with placebo) and five secondary events (four with JAKi and one with placebo) occurred among 9309 patients in the 'controlled-period' cohort (MACE frequency 0.04% and 0.05%, respectively). Eight primary events and 13 secondary events occurred among 9118 patients in the 'all-JAKi' cohort (MACE frequency 0.08% and 0.14%, respectively). The OR for primary MACE in patients with AD treated with JAKi vs. placebo or dupilumab was 1.35 (95% confidence interval 0.15-12.21; I2 = 12%, very low certainty of evidence).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review highlights rare cases of MACE among JAKi users for AD. JAKi may have little-to-no effect on the occurrence of MACE in patients with AD vs. comparators, but the evidence is uncertain. Real-life long-term population-level safety studies are needed.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Abiraterone, Apalutamide, Darolutamide or Enzalutamide and Antithrombotic Drugs: Prediction of Clinical Events and Review of Pharmacological Information

PURPOSE

Abiraterone, apalutamide, darolutamide and enzalutamide are second-generation hormone therapies used for advanced prostate cancer; the majority of patients receiving these treatments are elderly, poly-medicated patients. Since their first market authorizations, their pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics are increasingly well known. A potential risk of drug-drug interaction (DDI), especially with cardiovascular drugs, needs to be considered. In the case of antithrombotics, treatment imbalance can lead to severe consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To describe PK profiles of hormone therapies and antithrombotics and to predict DDIs and potentially related clinical events.

METHODS

PK profiles (CYP450 and P-gp substrate, inducer or inhibitor) are described by cross-referencing data sources (summary of product characteristics, European public assessment reports, PubMed database, Micromedex^®, etc.); a description of the potential interactions with anti-cancer drugs for each DDI and related clinical events is provided. We discuss management recommendations, including those set out in international guidelines.

RESULTS

Antithrombotics are mainly metabolized by CYP 2C9, 2C19 or 3A4. For abiraterone (CYP 2C8, 2D6 inhibitor) and darolutamide (CYP 3A4 inducer), no interaction was identified with antithrombotics. For apalutamide (CYP 2C9, 2C19, 3A4 and P-gp inducer) and enzalutamide (CYP 2C9, 2C19, 3A4 inducer and P-gp inhibitor), several PK interactions were identified with antithrombotics, which could lead to various clinical events (haemorrhage or thromboembolism).

CONCLUSION

Numerous interactions are expected between enzalutamide or apalutamide and antithrombotics, for which management should be deployed on a case-by-case basis. PK and pharmaco-epidemiological studies could shed light on whether or not there are clinically significant events related to DDIs with antithrombotics.

Contribution of voriconazole N-oxide plasma concentration measurements to voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with invasive fungal infection

BACKGROUND

Voriconazole (VRC), a widely used triazole antifungal, exhibits significant inter- and intra-individual pharmacokinetic variability. The main metabolite voriconazole N-oxide (NOX) can provide information on the patient's drug metabolism capacity.

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were to implement routine measurement of NOX concentrations and to describe the metabolic ratio (MR), and the contribution of the MR to VRC therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) by proposing a suggested dosage-adjustment algorithm.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients treated with VRC were prospectively included in the study, and VRC and NOX levels were assayed by LC-MS/MS. A mixed logistic model on repeated measures was implemented to analyse risk factors for the patient's concentration to be outside the therapeutic range.

RESULTS

Based on 225 measurements, the median and interquartile range were 2.4 μg/ml (1.2; 4.2), 2.1 μg/ml (1.5; 3.0) and 1.0 (0.6; 1.9) for VRC, NOX and the MR, respectively. VRC C_min <2 μg/ml were associated with a higher MR during the previous visit. MR values >1.15 and <0.48 were determined to be the best predictors for having a VRC C_min lower than 2 μg/ml and above 5.5 μg/ml, respectively, at the next visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of NOX resulted useful for TDM of patients treated with VRC. The MR using NOX informed interpretation and clinical decision-making and is very interesting for complex patients. VRC phenotyping based on the MR is now performed routinely in our institution. A dosing algorithm has been suggested from these results.

Oral Janus kinase inhibitors and venous thromboembolic events in atopic dermatitis: protocols for a case-time control study and a nested case-control study based on the French national health insurance (SNDS) cohort

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent, chronic, inflammatory skin disease. Several orally administered Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis, including baricitinib, upadacitinib and abrocitinib) have received a marketing authorisation for AD.Clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have flagged up a potential risk of JAKi-induced venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). Accordingly, the summary of product characteristics for a JAKi must mention VTEs as potential adverse drug reactions. In contrast to RA, AD per se is not associated with an elevated risk of VTEs. Assessing this potential risk among patients with AD would shed further light on the putative underlying relationship between JAKis and VTEs.Our research question is to investigate whether JAKi administration increases the risk of VTEs in adults with AD. Our primary objective is to assess the risk of VTEs in adults with AD exposed to JAKis compared to AD adults not exposed to JAKis, and our secondary objective is to evaluate whether JAKi initiation acts as a trigger of VTEs in adults with AD within 3 months.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Hence, we have designed (1) a nested case-control study and (2) a case-time control study in a cohort of adults with AD with data from the French national health insurance system (2017-2025).Here, we describe the study protocol, our methodological choices and certain novel aspects, including the combined value of the two assumptions and the use of an exhaustive national health insurance database with potentially greater statistical power for studying rare events in the population of patients with AD at a low risk of VTEs (thus limiting the influence of confounding factors).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has been approved by an independent ethics committee and registered with the French National Data Protection Commission. The study's findings will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

Real-world safety profiles of pirfenidone and nintedanib in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients

INTRODUCTION

While pirfenidone and nintedanib have greatly influenced the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), both drugs have significant early adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and almost nothing is known of their rare and delayed ADRs. We collected and analyzed pirfenidone- or nintedanib-related ADRs identified in a French rare lung disease center, recorded their profiles and identified potential safety signals.

METHODS

We analyzed the medical records of IPF patients treated with pirfenidone or nintedanib between January, 2011 and January, 2020 at the Rennes University Hospital to estimate the incidence of serious and non-serious ADRs cases due to each drug and the incidence of ADRs involving the cardiovascular, hepatobiliary, gastro-intestinal, dermatological, and metabolic/nutritional systems.

RESULTS

The 176 patients included 115 (65%) initially treated with pirfenidone and 61 (35%) given nintedanib. ADRs occurred in 78.3% of those given pirfenidone and in 70.5% of those given nintedanib. The incidence of first serious ADRs cases was about 33 per 100 person-years (100 PY) for both drugs; first non-serious pirfenidone ADRs cases were 102 per 100 PY and 130 per 100 PY for nintedanib. The incidence involving each organ system were quite similar, except for the gastro-intestinal and skin disorders. Cardiovascular disorders occurred in about 10 cases per 100 PY in both pirfenidone and nintedanib patients.

DISCUSSION

Most ADRs were consistent with the expected antifibrotic drug safety profiles. As arterial and venous thromboembolic events are rare, it is important to assess the risk associated with using antifibrotics by a dedicated pharmacoepidemiological study.

The Trigger Tool Method for Routine Pharmacovigilance: A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Medical Records of Hospitalized Geriatric Patients

OBJECTIVE

The main objective was to assess the feasibility of the trigger tool method for the retrospective detection of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the Rennes University Hospital. The secondary objective was to describe the performance of the method in terms of positive predictive values (PPVs) and severity or preventability of ADRs.

METHODS

Using the Rennes University Hospital clinical data warehouse, pharmacovigilance experts performed a retrospective review of a random sample of 30 inpatient hospital medical records per month using the triggers "fall" and "delirium" to identify related ADRs among patients 65 years and older in 2018 in the geriatrics department. Using the Z test, we compared the proportion of medical records with a positive (identified) trigger related to an ADR, which were reviewed within 20 minutes using the reference of 50% reviewed within 20 minutes.

RESULTS

Among the 355 medical records reviewed, 222 had at least 1 trigger and 98 at least 1 related ADR. Among the 222 positive trigger medical records, 99.6% were reviewed in under 20 minutes (P < 0.001). The pharmacovigilance assessment took 3 months. The PPVs reached 53.9% (46.0%-61.7%) for falls and 21.0% (14.3%-27.5%) for delirium. Among the ADRs, 80% were serious and 53% were preventable.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the low PPV of the triggers used and the considerable need for technical and human resources, the trigger tool method cannot be used as a routine tool at the pharmacovigilance center. However, it could be implemented occasionally for specific purposes such as monitoring the impact of risk minimization measures to prevent ADRs.

Jaw osteonecrosis in patients treated with denosumab 120 mg with regular dental monitoring: 4-year retrospective study

Background: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an expected, but rare adverse effect of denosumab. There are few data denosumab 120 mg related MRONJ occurrence when regular dental monitoring is planned. International and French recommendations do not detail the schedule of the follow-up visits, allowing local interpretations. Methods: The aim of this retrospective study was to describe our local experience of regular dental monitoring in patients receiving denosumab 120 mg. We included all ≥18-year-old patients exposed to denosumab 120 mg, bisphosphonate- and denosumab-naive, and with regular dental monitoring (pre-treatment and every 4 months after denosumab initiation) at the University Hospital Center, France, from 2015 to 2019. The crude incidence of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw was estimated per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval). Results: During the study period, 251 patients were included, of whom 77 did not attend the 1st follow-up visit at 4 months. Almost all patients had osteonecrosis of the jaw risk factors. Ten MRONJ cases were reported (four stage 0 and six stage 1). The crude incidence rate was 5.1 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 1.9–8.2). Denosumab was stopped in all patients who developed MRONJ, with favorable outcome for 3 cases and stabilization in 4 cases after osteonecrosis of the jaw management. Conclusion: This study suggested that a regular dental follow-up every 4 months may be a suitable option for prevention and early detection/treatment of MRONJ. A randomized study should be performed to determine the best dental monitoring schedule.

Changes in prostate cancer screening practice by blood PSA testing between 2011 and 2017, a French population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the trend of first blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test prescription in France between 2011 and 2017, based on the assumption that prostate cancer (PCa) screening is expected to decline over the years.

METHOD

Using a representative sample of the French population from the French Health Insurance database, we identified 50-52-year-old men without PCa and without any blood PSA test in the five years before 2011, 2014 and 2017 (January 1-December 31 of each year). For each of these three years, the primary outcome was the first reimbursement of a blood PSA test. We used a logistic regression model with first blood PSA test as the outcome and year as the main explanatory variable. As secondary objectives, we also identified the prescriber's specialty, the urological consultation frequency, and the number of prostate biopsies in the year after the first blood PSA test reimbursement (only for 2011 and 2014).

RESULTS

In 2011, 2014 and 2017, 5 275, 5 792 and 5 887 50-52-year-old men, respectively, were included. The percentage of patients with a first blood PSA test prescription decreased linearly from 2011 to 2017: 15.7% in 2011, 13.2% in 2014, and 12.4% in 2017 (p < .001). Blood PSA testing was mainly prescribed by general practitioners (>95%). The median interval between PSA tests was 13 months in 2011 and 14 months in 2014. Fewer than 10% of men had ≥1 consultation with an urologist during the year after the first blood PSA test. After the first blood PSA test, eight prostate biopsies were performed in 2011 and two in 2014.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that in France, PCa screening is a primary care issue. Although PCa screening remains controversial and confusion exists about the best practice, our study showed a linear decrease of blood PSA test prescriptions for 50-52-year-old men between 2011 and 2017, although the reason for screening was unknown. As clinical information was not available, additional evidence is needed to determine the real impact of this decrease on the cancer-specific and overall mortality.

Hospitalization for adverse events under abiraterone or enzalutamide exposure in real-world setting: A French population-based study on prostate cancer patients

AIMS

Safety profiles of abiraterone and enzalutamide rely mainly on Phase III clinical trials. Our objective was to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for certain adverse events leading in real life to hospitalization (atrial fibrillation, acute heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, acute kidney injury [AKI], ischaemic stroke, torsade de pointe/QT interval prolongation, hepatitis and seizure), comparing abiraterone to enzalutamide. We also set out to discuss previously identified safety signals.

METHOD

Using the French National Health Insurance System database, all patients newly exposed to abiraterone or enzalutamide between 2013 and 2017 and followed until 31 December 2018 were targeted. IRRs for each event were estimated using a Poisson model in a sub-population of patients without contraindications or precautions for use for either treatment.

RESULTS

Among 11 534 new users of abiraterone and enzalutamide, AKI (IRR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01-2.00), liver monitoring suggestive of hepatic damage (IRR 3.06, 95% CI: 2.66-3.53) and atrial fibrillation (IRR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05-1.19) were significantly more often observed with abiraterone than with enzalutamide.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides knowledge on abiraterone and enzalutamide real-life safety profiles, especially for events leading to hospitalization. Despite several limitations, including the lack of clinical data, the safety signal for AKI under abiraterone is in line with results of an analysis of the French pharmacovigilance database, which requires further specific investigations. Enlightening the clinicians' therapeutic choices for patients treated for prostate cancer, our study should lead to clinicians being cautious in the use of abiraterone.

Overall Survival Among Chemotherapy-Naive Patients With Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Under Abiraterone Versus Enzalutamide: A Direct Comparison Based on a 2014-2018 French Population Study (the SPEAR Cohort)

Abiraterone acetate (ABI) and enzalutamide (ENZ) are considered to be clinically relevant comparators among chemotherapy-naive patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. No clinical trials comparing overall survival with ABI versus ENZ in a head-to-head approach have been published so far. A few observational studies with low power suggested a potential benefit of ENZ. We used the French National Health Data System to compare overall survival of new users of ABI and ENZ among chemotherapy-naive patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer in 2014-2017, followed through 2018 (the SPEAR cohort, a 2014-2018 cohort study). With an intent-to-treat approach, a survival analysis was performed, estimating hazard ratios for overall survival with the inverse probability weighted Cox model method. Among 10,308 new users, 64% were treated with ABI and 36% with ENZ. The crude mortality rate was 25.2 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 24.4, 26.0) for ABI and 23.7 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 22.6, 24.9) for ENZ. In the weighted analysis, ENZ was associated with better overall survival compared with ABI (hazard ratio = 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.96) with a median overall survival of 31.7 months for ABI and 34.2 months for ENZ). When restricting to 2015-2017 new users, the effect estimate shifted up to a hazard ratio of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.01).

[Adverse drug reactions profiles for abiraterone and enzalutamide: A pharmacovigilance descriptive analysis]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the profile of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) observed with abiraterone and enzalutamide, based on cases registered in the French regional pharmacovigilance centres to identify potential pharmacovigilance signals.

METHODS

We extracted from the French pharmacovigilance database all cases of ADRs or drug interactions involving abiraterone or enzalutamide from the time they market authorization date until December 31st, 2017. Signal detection results have been transmitted by the French Agency for Health Products (ANSM). The data were compared with those of the risk management plans for each drug and the literature.

RESULTS

Among the 233 observations analyzed, nearly 62% involved abiraterone as a suspect drug and 38% involved enzalutamide; only 1 case involved both drugs. The ADRs profile is different between the drugs. Abiraterone is mostly associated with expected cardiac diseases (heart failure, and QT prolongation), expected with the drug. Also described, several cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported, however some cases with fatal outcome suggest that despite a follow-up of the liver function tests, it is difficult to anticipate this risk. Signals concerning acute renal failure and ischemic stroke have arisen. Enzalutamide is more particularly associated with various neurological disorders (convulsions, hallucinations, fatigue, and memory impairment) expected with the drug. While ischemic heart disease is also expected, signals of heart failure and atrial fibrillation have arisen. A potential hepatotoxicity of the molecule is discussed because of cases of cholestatic hepatitis.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of the French pharmacovigilance database cases allows to confirm an expected and monitored risk profile in the risk management plan for both drugs. Several signals have arisen, some of which will be investigated through a pharmacoepidemiology study.

[Drug interactions with colchicine, are the contraindications well respected? A descriptive study of prescriptions in Brittany based on data from the French National Health Data System]

Although the French Health Authority "ANSM" widely informed healthcare professionals about the risk factors for colchicine overdose, its impact and suitable dosages, cases of potentially fatal preventable overdose continue to be reported in France. Using the French National Health Insurance of the Brittany area, we quantified the proportion of prescriptions presenting an absolute drug contraindication (CI) to colchicine (according to the ANSM Drug Interactions "Thesaurus") and its impact in terms of hospitalisation. Between 2013 and 2016, nearly 77,000 patients (mean age, 66±15 years) were reimbursed for at least one colchicine-based drug (Colchimax®, Colchicine Opocalcium®), representing nearly 205,000 prescriptions. General practitioners were the main prescribers (93%). Among the prescriptions, 0.5% had absolute IC with colchicine: in 51% of cases with pristinamycin, followed by azithromycin (15.6%), clarithromycin (15.2%) and roxithromycin (11.9%). In the 15 days following the simultaneous prescription of colchicine and a contraindicated drug, 53 hospital stays were recorded. However, using only the primary diagnosis of hospitalization was not sufficiently relevant to conclude that there was no potential overdose of colchicine. Over the study period, the Thesaurus contained inconsistencies that confused clinicians: mention of absolute IC with colchicine in the "macrolide" and "pristinamycin" sections but not in the sections of 'potent CYP inhibitors' or macrolide class molecules. Overall, very few prescriptions included absolute IC with colchicine. Regular training and information of healthcare professionals remains essential to limit the risk of colchicine overdose and to remind them of the potentially fatal consequences.

Major bleeding risk associated with oral anticoagulant in real clinical practice. A multicentre 3-year period population-based prospective cohort study

AIMS

The objective was to compare major bleeding risk of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; per type and dose) with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), irrespective of indication, using real-world data.

METHODS

A population-based prospective cohort study, using the French national health data system (SNIIRAM), identified 47 469 adults living within 5 well-defined geographical areas, who were new users of oral anticoagulants in the period 2013-2015: 20 205 VKA users, 19 579 rivaroxaban users, 4225 dabigatran users and 3460 apixaban users. From all emergency departments within these areas, clinical data for all adults referred for bleeding was collected and medically validated. The databases were linked for common key variables. The main outcome measure was major bleeding: intracranial haemorrhage, major gastrointestinal bleeding and other major bleeding events. Hazard ratios were derived from adjusted Cox proportional hazard models. We used propensity score weighting as a sensitivity analysis, with separate analyses according to indications (atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism).

RESULTS

Compared to VKAs, high and low-dose DOACs were associated with a reduced risk of intracranial haemorrhage (adjusted hazard ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.82 and 0.54, 0.26-1.12 respectively), and a reduced risk of other major bleeding events (0.41, 0.29-0.58 and 0.41, 0.22-0.79 respectively), irrespective of duration and indication. Neither DOAC dose evidenced any significant difference from VKAs in terms of risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSION

There is a clear benefit of using DOACs with regard to intracranial haemorrhage. The study provides new insight into major gastrointestinal and other major bleeding events.

Androgen deprivation therapy prescription, blood and bone-density testing in a French population-based study exploring adherence to the French prostate cancer guidelines

The safety profile of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is well known, and cardiovascular and osteoporosis risk factors should be assessed before ADT initiation. In order to examine whether the French Committee of Urologic Oncology Prostate Cancer (PCa) Guidelines were properly followed by clinicians, including urologists, oncologists and radiotherapists, we used a nationwide comprehensive cohort of prostate cancer patients, who were new ADT users in 2011 and were followed-up to 2013. Reimbursements for biological examinations and prescribers were identified, as well as PCa specialist consultations at drug initiation. Our results in this French cohort showed that the proportions of patients resorting to specialized care between one year and 3 months before ADT initiation and in the 6 months following was around 40% for fasting glucose and 30% for lipid assessments. Bone densitometry was performed in approximately 1% of patients. In the 12 months after ADT initiation, 75% of the patients were seen by a urologist and about 47% by an oncologist or a radiotherapist. Overall, there is still room for improvement in terms of ADT monitoring by clinicians and in the information provided to general practitioners and patients regarding the expected adverse effects of this treatment.

Androgen deprivation therapy prescription, blood and bone-density testing in a French population-based study exploring adherence to the French prostate cancer guidelines

The safety profile of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is well known, and cardiovascular and osteoporosis risk factors should be assessed before ADT initiation. In order to examine whether the French Committee of Urologic Oncology prostate cancer (PCa) guidelines were properly followed by clinicians, including urologists, oncologists and radiotherapists, we used a nationwide comprehensive cohort of prostate cancer patients, who were new ADT users in 2011 and were followed up to 2013. Reimbursements for biological examinations and prescribers were identified, as well as PCa specialist consultations at drug initiation. Our results in this French cohort showed that the proportions of patients resorting to specialised care between one year and 3 months before ADT initiation and in the 6 months following was around 40 % for fasting glucose and 30 % for lipid assessments. Bone densitometry was performed on around 1% of patients. In the 12 months after ADT initiation, 75% of the patients were seen by a urologist and around 47% by an oncologist or a radiotherapist. Overall, there is still room for improvement in terms of ADT monitoring by clinicians and in the information provided to general practitioners and patients regarding the expected adverse effects of this treatment.

[Pitch perception modification due to antiepileptics: A literature and pharmacovigilance databases review]

Pitch perception modifications are among the little-known adverse effects observed with antiepileptics, mainly affecting patients treated with carbamazepine (CBZ). Here, we describe an original French case of pitch perception modification due to CBZ resulting in perfect pitch loss. We also reviewed the literature as well as French and world health organisation global pharmacovigilance database. The case report concerns a 22-year-old patient with perfect pitch with untreated left temporal partial epilepsy. Following a generalized seizure, the introduction of CBZ prolonged release (200mg twice a day) is decided. As soon as CBZ is introduced, the patient notices a change in pitch perception, about a semitone lower. This adverse effect persisted despite a gradual decrease in doses. The patient reported a total recovery of his perfect pitch when CBZ stopped completely 11 years later. In the French pharmacovigilance database, only one other case of pitch perception modification under CBZ was recorded (no cases were found with oxcarbazepine, lacosamide, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, ethosuximide, vigabatrine, felbamate, gabapentin, tiagabine and topiramate). In the literature, 27 cases of pitch perception modification have been published with CBZ, 1 case with oxcarbazepine and 1 case with lacosamide. Pitch perception modification is a very rare adverse effect of CBZ, oxcarbazepine and lacosamide, identified in the literature mainly in the Japanese population, in experienced musicians. A rapid onset after the introduction of treatment, a complete resolution of symptoms, in most cases upon discontinuation of treatment, is observed, with no sequelae reported. Due to the impact on quality of life, especially in patients whose profession is related to music, knowledge of this adverse event seems important to evoke this diagnosis.

Hepatotoxicity risk factors and acetaminophen dose adjustment, do prescribers give this issue adequate consideration? A French university hospital study

BACKGROUND

The hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen is recognised worldwide. Unfavourable prognoses relating to overdose include liver transplantation and/or death. Several hepatotoxicity risk factors (HRFs) should motivate the adjustment of acetaminophen daily intake (to < 4 g/day): advanced age, weight < 50 kg, malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, chronic hepatitis B and C and HIV infection, severe chronic renal failure and hepatocellular insufficiency.

METHOD

Over a 7-day period in Rennes University Hospital in December 2017, using DxCare® software, with an odds ratio estimation, we analysed all acetaminophen prescriptions, to assess to what extent the presence of HRFs altered the prescribers' choice of acetaminophen dose (< 4 g/day versus 4 g/day).

RESULTS

Among 1842 patients, considering only the first acetaminophen prescription, 73.7% were on 4 g/day. Almost half this population had at least 1 HRF. Whereas around 80% of the prescriptions in the < 4 g/day group were for patients with at least 1 HFR, only 53% of the prescriptions in the 4 g/day group concerned patients without HFRs (p < 0.001). Age > 75 and low weight were associated with the prescriber's choice of dose. Neither chronic alcoholism nor hepatocellular insufficiency influenced the acetaminophen doses prescribed.

CONCLUSION

Considering the widespread use of acetaminophen and its favourable safety profile compared with other analgesic drugs, it appears urgent to remind prescribers of the maximum daily dose recommendations for acetaminophen for patients with HRFs, especially those with chronic alcoholism and hepatocellular insufficiency.

Major bleeding with antithrombotic agents: a 2012-2015 study using the French nationwide Health Insurance database linked to emergency department records within five areas - rationale and design of SACHA study

Bleeding represents the most recognized and feared complications of antithrombotic drugs including oral anticoagulants. Previous studies showed inconsistent results on the safety profile. Among explanations, bleeding definition could vary and classification bias exists related to the lack of medical evaluation. To quantify the risk of major haemorrhagic event and event-free survival associated with antithrombotic drugs (vitamin K antagonist [VKA], non-VKA anticoagulant [NOAC], antiplatelet agent, parenteral anticoagulant) in 2012-2015, we linked the French nationwide Health Insurance database (SNIIRAM) with a local 'emergency database' (clinical and biological data collected in clinical records). In the VKA-NOAC comparison, a Cox regression analysis will be used to estimate the hazard ratio of major haemorrhagic event adjusted on gender, modified HAS-BLED score and comorbidities. A distinction on the type of major haemorrhagic event (intracranial, gastrointestinal and other haemorrhagic events) was made. We present here the study protocol and the database linkage results. Using six linkage keys, among 3 837 557 hospital visits identified in SNIIRAM, 5264 have been matched with a major haemorrhagic event identified in the 'emergency database', thus clinically confirmed. The 1090 unmatched haemorrhagic events could be explained by the fact that patients were not extracted in the SNIIRAM database (patients living in accommodation establishment with internal use of pharmacy, military people with specific insurance…). We showed the value of SNIIRAM enrichment with a clinical database, a necessary step to categorize haemorrhagic events by a clinically relevant definition and medical validation; it will allow to estimate more accuracy each type of haemorrhagic event.

Adaptation and validation of an adverse drug reaction preventability score for bleeding due to vitamin K antagonists

Although drug therapy is inherently associated with the risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), some of these events are preventable. The estimated proportion of preventable ADRs varies from one study or clinical context to another. Bleeding caused by antithrombotic agents (and particularly vitamin K antagonists, VKAs) constitutes one of the most frequent causes of ADR-related hospitalization.Hence, the objective of the present study was to adapt and validate an ADR preventability score for bleeding due to VKAs and evaluate the preventability of bleeding in 906 consecutive hospitalized, VKA-treated adult patients with a risk of major bleeding (defined as an international normalized ratio ≥5) over a 2-year period. A specific preventability scale for VKA-associated bleeding was developed by adapting a published tool.Overall, 241 of the 906 patients in the study experienced at least 1 VKA-associated bleeding event. The scale's reliability was tested by 2 different evaluators. The inter-rater reliability (evaluated by calculation of Cohen's kappa) ranged from "good" to "excellent." Lastly, the validated scale was used to assess the preventability of the VKA-associated bleeding. We estimated that bleeding was preventable or potentially preventable in 109 of the 241 affected patients (45.2%).We have developed a useful, reliable tool for evaluating the preventability of VKA-associated bleeding. Application of the scale in a prospective study revealed that a high proportion of VKA-associated bleeding events in hospitalized, at-risk adult patients were preventable or potentially preventable.

Mortality, cardiovascular risk, and androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: A systematic review with direct and network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and observational studies

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone therapy for advanced prostate cancer (PCa). We hypothesized that cardiovascular (CV) risk is different across the various ADT modalities to compare their effects on CV morbidity and mortality, and all-cause mortality in patients with PCa. To investigate more in depth potential CV risk heterogeneity focusing on coronary (main outcome) and cerebrovascular risk, CV, and overall mortality. We performed a Medline and Embase query, without language restriction, since 1950 up to July 2014. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies providing that they compared at least 1 ADT modality to another one or to placebo and they gave data on CV event or all-cause mortality. Sixty-eight studies out of 3419 met our eligibility criteria. Eleven observational studies were analyzed. Direct meta-analyses showed that antiandrogen was associated with a 30% decrease risk for myocardial infarction (MI) compared to GnRH agonists (RR, 0.70 [0.54-0.91]); combined androgen blockade (CAB) was associated with a 10% increase risk for stroke when compared to antiandrogen (RR, 1.10 [1.02-1.19]). With regard to RCTs, 57 were included: direct meta-analyses suggested that CAB was associated with a 10% decrease of all-cause mortality when compared to GnRH agonist (RR, 0.90 [0.82-1.00]). Network analysis could only be performed for all-cause mortality and it remains difficult to disentangle benefit (positive impact on cancer survival) and risk (including CV risk). The impact of the ADT modalities on CV morbidity remains difficult to quantify and more detailed prospective collection is required.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42014010598.