323 Onset of atopic comorbidities relative to atopic dermatitis diagnosis in a real-world setting using an Israeli claims database

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are more likely than the general population to have other type 2 associated conditions, for example, asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and food allergy (FA).1,2 Classically, the atopic march is thought to begin with AD and progresses to FA, asthma and AR,1,2 but this may be an oversimplification. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of type 2 associated conditions included in the atopic march among patients newly diagnosed with AD in a large healthcare provider database in Israel. This retrospective cohort study was performed using the Maccabi Healthcare Services database in Israel, which includes over 2.5 million members. Based on the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes, patients with diagnosed AD during 2000–2019 were identified. The earliest AD diagnosis was defined as the index date and patients had to have been enrolled for ≥12 months pre-index to exclude prevalent AD. Diagnosis data were obtained during 1998–2020 to describe the cumulative prevalence of asthma, AR and FA pre- and post-AD diagnosis (−1, 0, 1, 5, 10 and 20 years) using Kaplan–Meier analysis among patients aged <3, 3–5, 6–11, 12–17 and ≥18 years at AD diagnosis. The study included 243,687 patients (51.6% female) with AD. The median (interquartile range) age at AD diagnosis was 4.3 (1.1–22.8) years, with 43.9% and 72.7% of patients diagnosed before age 3 and 18 years, respectively. At AD diagnosis, 28.1% had a prior/concurrent diagnosis of asthma/AR/FA (asthma: 17.1%, AR: 12.8%, FA: 3.4%). Among patients diagnosed with AD at age <3 years, 16.2% had been diagnosed with asthma/AR/FA by/at the time of their AD diagnosis (asthma: 10.6%, AR: 2.2%, FA: 4.9%). In this youngest age group, the cumulative prevalences of asthma/AR/FA were 28.8%, 42.7%, 49.6% and 59.6% within 1, 5, 10 and 20 years post-AD diagnosis. Among patients diagnosed with AD in adulthood, 37.7% had been diagnosed with asthma/AR/FA by/at the time they were diagnosed with AD (asthma: 16.5%, AR: 29.7%, FA: 0.8%). It this oldest age group, the cumulative prevalences of asthma/AR/FA were 40.3%, 46.1%, 50.9% and 57.6% within 1, 5, 10 and 20 years post-AD diagnosis. The results of this real-world analysis are consistent with previous evidence that AD is primarily a childhood-onset disease. The sharpest increase in type 2 associated conditions was seen in the 5 years post-AD diagnosis among patients diagnosed with AD at age <3 years. Most adults newly diagnosed with AD who developed another type 2 associated condition had already done so prior to AD diagnosis, although it is possible that earlier AD diagnoses were not captured. Regardless of age at AD diagnosis, nearly 60% of patients with AD were estimated to have ≥1 of asthma/AR/FA within 20 years of their AD diagnosis.

Characterizing real world safety profile of oral Janus kinase inhibitors among adult atopic dermatitis patients: evidence transporting from the rheumatoid arthritis population

OBJECTIVE

To address potential safety concerns of Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAK-Is), we characterized their safety profile in the atopic dermatitis (AD) patient population.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, we used propensity score-based methods and a Poisson modeling framework to estimate the incidence of health outcomes of interest (HOI) for the AD patient. To that end, two mutually exclusive cohorts were created using a real world data resource: a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort, where we directly quantify the safety risk of JAK-Is on HOIs, and an AD cohort, that comprises the target population of interest and to whom we transport the results obtained from the RA cohort. The RA cohort included all adults who filled at least one prescription for a JAK-I (tofacitinib, baricitinib, or upadacitinib) between 1 January 2017 and 31 January 2020. The AD cohort consisted of all adults diagnosed with AD during the same period. We first estimated the incidence rate of each HOI in the RA cohort, and then transported the results to the AD population.

RESULTS

The RA and AD cohorts included 5,296 and 261,855 patients, respectively. On average, patients in the AD cohort were younger, more often male, more likely to be Asian, and had higher household income. They also had a lower prevalence of several comorbid conditions including hypertension, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and depression. Overall, the transported incidence rates of the HOIs to the AD cohort were lower than those obtained in the RA cohort by 13-50%.

CONCLUSION

We applied transportability methods to characterize the risk of the HOIs in the AD population and found absolute risks higher than that of the general population. Future work is needed to validate these conclusions in comparable populations.

Concomitant iGlarLixi and Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitor Therapy in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: LixiLan-G Trial and Real-World Evidence Results

INTRODUCTION

iGlarLixi, the once-daily fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/ml and lixisenatide, robustly improves glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes irrespective of previous treatment [oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs), basal insulin or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs)]. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a recommended treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and/or heart failure because of their cardio- and renoprotective benefits. Herein, we assessed the effects of concomitant iGlarLixi and SGLT2i therapy.

METHODS

We conducted subgroup analyses according to SGLT2i use in: (1) adults with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 RAs and OADs switching to iGlarLixi in the 26-week LixiLan-G randomised controlled trial (RCT; NCT02787551) and (2) adults switching to or adding iGlarLixi in a 6-month, retrospective real-world evidence (RWE) observational study using data from the US Optum-Humedica electronic medical records database. Changes in HbA_1c and hypoglycaemia prevalence and event rates were assessed.

RESULTS

There were no major differences in baseline characteristics for those who initiated iGlarLixi while already using SGLT2i (n = 346) and those initiating iGlarLixi without concomitant SGLT2i therapy (n = 1285). HbA_1c reductions from baseline to time of assessment and hypoglycaemia prevalence and event rates were similar for iGlarLixi users regardless of SGLT2i therapy.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from an RCT and an RWE analysis supports the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of iGlarLixi when used concomitantly with SGLT2i.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02787551.

Effectiveness of premixed insulin to achieve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: A retrospective UK cohort study

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of premixed insulin for achieving glycaemic outcomes in clinical practice in the UK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic medical record data from The Health Improvement Network database were captured for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) uncontrolled (HbA1c ≥9%) on two or more oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) initiating premixed insulin. Effectiveness of premixed insulin was assessed by the probability and incidence of achieving glycaemic outcomes (target HbA1c <7.5% [<58 mmol/mol] and a ≥1% or ≥2% HbA1c reduction) over 24 months.

RESULTS

Data from 974 participants (mean age 62 years; 56% male; 52% obese or extremely obese; mean HbA1c 11.3% [100 mmol/mol]; hypertension 64%, dyslipidaemia 23% and nephropathy 21%) were analysed. The probability of achieving HbA1c  <7.5% was highest during months 3-6 (18.2%), while the cumulative probability of achieving this target plateaued between months 15-24 (15.7%-16.0%). Incidence of achieving all glycaemic outcomes plateaued after 12 months and differed by baseline HbA1c, but not OAD use. Factors affecting some glycaemic outcomes included a body mass index >40 kg/m2 and co-morbidities including nephropathy and stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

In people with uncontrolled T2D (HbA1c ≥9%), glycaemic outcome achievement on premixed insulin was low at 6 months with little additional clinical benefit beyond 12 months, suggesting a high unmet need for early, timely treatment changes with more effective, simpler therapies.

Real-world evidence of the effectiveness on glycaemic control of early simultaneous versus later sequential initiation of basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

AIM

To assess the impact of the timing of initiating both basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on reaching glycaemic control targets over 6 and 12 months in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) uncontrolled on oral antihyperglycaemic drugs with an HbA1c of 9% or higher.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study assessed the impact of the timing of initiating both basal insulin and GLP-1 RA therapies on reaching glycaemic targets (HbA1c < 7% and <8%, and ≥1% and ≥2% HbA1c reduction) over 12 months in people with markedly uncontrolled T2D (HbA1c ≥ 9%) on oral antihyperglycaemic drugs identified on the Optum Humedica database (electronic medical records; 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2017). Study cohorts were defined by the days between initiating each injectable: cohort A, 30 days or less (simultaneous initiation) and cohorts B, 31-90, C, 91-180, D, 181-270 and E, 271-360 days (sequential initiation).

RESULTS

Cohort A had the best glycaemic outcomes at 6 and 12 months for all four endpoints, followed by cohort B. The likelihood of achieving an HbA1c of less than 7% did not significantly differ between cohorts A and B (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.87 [0.76-1.01]); cohorts C, D and E were significantly less likely to achieve an HbA1c of less than 7% than cohort A (0.62 [0.53-0.72]; 0.62 [0.53-0.72]; 0.63 [0.54-0.73]).

CONCLUSIONS

In people with uncontrolled T2D requiring treatment with a GLP-1 RA and basal insulin, greater improvements in glycaemic control were observed when both therapies were initiated within close proximity of one another (≤90 days) compared with initiation 91-360 days apart.

Glycemic Control Following GLP-1 RA or Basal Insulin Initiation in Real-World Practice: A Retrospective, Observational, Longitudinal Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Injectable therapies such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and basal insulin (BI) are well-established agents for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to investigate real-world effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs or BI in adults with T2D poorly controlled on oral antihyperglycemic drugs (OADs).

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study of adults with T2D from the US Optum Humedica® database and UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, who initiated either injectable between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2016. Baseline characteristics, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) change, and cumulative percentage reaching HbA1c < 7% in 24 months after initiation were analyzed in four patient cohorts.

RESULTS

In the US and UK databases, respectively, 20,836 and 5508 patients initiated GLP-1 RAs and 60,598 and 5083 initiated BI. Baseline mean HbA1c at initiation ranged between 8.8% and 10.3% across all cohorts. In all cohorts, a decrease of HbA1c occurred 3-6 months after initiation. The cumulative percentage of patients reaching HbA1c < 7% showed the greatest probability in the first 12 months (15-40% of patients across cohorts at 12 months), particularly in the first 6 months after initiation. The probability of reaching glycemic control diminished after the second quarter. The proportion of patients reaching HbA1c < 7% in both GLP-1 RA and BI cohorts at 12 months was < 25% if baseline HbA1c was ≥ 9%.

CONCLUSIONS

For adults with T2D inadequately controlled on OADs, this analysis reveals an unmet clinical need. Initiation of first injectable therapy did not occur until HbA1c was considerably above target, when control is harder to achieve. Results suggest that in individuals with baseline HbA1c ≥ 9.0%, only a minority are likely to achieve an HbA1c < 7% with a GLP-1 RA or BI alone.

A Real-World Observational Study Evaluating the Probability of Glycemic Control with Basal Insulin or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The effectiveness of basal insulin (BI) or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in providing glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Japanese routine practice is not well known. This real-world observational study evaluated the probability of achieving glycemic control in Japanese patients with T2D uncontrolled by oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) who initiated BI or GLP-1 RA therapy.

METHODS

Patients with T2D aged ≥ 18 years initiating BI or GLP-1 RA therapy following treatment with OADs were selected from real-world data (RWD) retrieved from a large electronic medical record database in Japan, using data from 01 January 2010 to 30 June 2019. Patients were required to have glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7% within 90 days prior to the first prescription of BI or GLP-1 RA. The probability of reaching first HbA1c < 7% was assessed over a 24-month period in cohorts of patients who initiated BI (n = 3477) or GLP-1 RA (n = 780) and in subcohorts by number of OADs at baseline (1, 2, or ≥ 3), HbA1c at baseline (≥ 7 to < 8%, ≥ 8 to < 9%, or ≥ 9%), and age (< 65 or ≥ 65 years).

RESULTS

Mean (standard deviation) baseline HbA1c was 9.4% (1.8%) and 8.8% (1.4%) in patients initiating BI or GLP-1 RA therapy, respectively. The cumulative probability of achieving glycemic control was 50.1% with BI and 60.3% with GLP-1 RA therapy, respectively, at 12 months, and 60.8% and 66.6%, respectively, at 24 months. Quarterly (3-month intervals) conditional probabilities of achieving glycemic control decreased over time and were < 10% after 12 months. Patients with more OADs or higher HbA1c at baseline had a lower probability of achieving glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

Among Japanese patients with T2D who initiated BI or GLP-1 RA therapy after treatment with OADs, the probability of reaching first glycemic control diminished over time. Further therapy intensification is warranted in patients who do not achieve glycemic control within 6-12 months with BI or GLP-1 RA, particularly those with high HbA1c or taking multiple OADs.

Impact of Simultaneous Versus Sequential Initiation of Basal Insulin and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on HbA1c in Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

When and how to intensify treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) not achieving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) targets with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) in clinical practice remains a matter of clinical preference. This pilot study was conducted using the retrospective observational data from such patients to evaluate the impact on HbA1c of three treatment sequences: simultaneous initiation of basal insulin (BI) and a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA; Cohort 1); BI followed by GLP-1 RA initiation within a 90-day timeframe (Cohort 2); or BI followed by GLP-1 RA initiation beyond 90 days (Cohort 3).

METHODS

Data from the regional US electronic medical records database, Research Action for Health Network (REACHnet), were extracted for all patients with T2D aged ≥ 18 years who had encounter dates between January 2011 and August 2017 and ≥ 1 HbA1c laboratory value(s) < 90 days before BI initiation and ≥ 2 HbA1c laboratory values within 1 year after BI initiation and who met the inclusion criteria for GLP-1 RA initiation set for Cohorts 1, 2, or 3. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7.0%, which was estimated via Kaplan-Meier analysis, and change in HbA1c within 12 months.

RESULTS

Overall, 869 patients were analyzed, of whom 109 were in Cohort 1, 301 in Cohort 2, and 459 in Cohort 3. Baseline HbA1c was 10.3 ± 2.1, 10.3 ± 2.0, and 10.2 ± 2.1% for these three cohorts, respectively. Statistically significantly more patients in Cohort 1 than in Cohort 3 achieved HbA1c < 7.0% (33.4 vs. 20.9%, respectively; p  = 0.0186). Mean observed reductions in HbA1c at 12 months were - 1.7% (Cohort 1), - 1.5% (Cohort 2), and - 1.3% (Cohort 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous initiation of BI and GLP-1 RA achieves glycemic control more effectively than sequential initiation of BI with GLP-1 RA added beyond 90 days.

Chronic kidney disease among US adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases: A national estimate of prevalence by KDIGO 2012 classification

AIM

Data on prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among US adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are limited. The aim of this study was to provide such estimates for T2D, both overall and in those with CVD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the NHANES 2007-2014 data, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of an adult sample with diagnosed and undiagnosed T2D, aged ≥18 years. CVD was defined based on self-reported personal interview data on a broad range of health conditions-congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, stroke, or heart attack. T2D was defined as diagnosed T2D (self-reported provider diagnosis) and undiagnosed T2D (FPG ≥126 mg/dL or HbA1c ≥ 6.5% without self-reported diagnosis). Participants who started insulin within a year of T2D diagnosis, or were pregnant at the time of health examination were excluded. Appropriate sample weights were used to provide a national estimate.

RESULTS

The prevalence of moderate to severe renal impairment based on eGFR below 60 ml/min/1.73 m² among T2D was 18.0%. The prevalence of mild renal impairment was 36.9%: 28.3% with UACR<30 mg/g, 7.0% with UACR ≥30-300 mg/g and 1.6% with UACR >300 mg/g. For T2D and CVD subgroup, the prevalence was 33.6% for moderate to severe renal impairment and 42.8% for mild renal impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the high prevalence of CKD in patients with multiple comorbidities: T2D and CVD. It also provides estimates of the prevalence of CKD categories based on KDIGO 2012 classification for US adults with T2D.

Prevalence of renal impairment among osteoporotic women in the USA, NHANES 2005-2008: is treatment with bisphosphonates an option?

Bisphosphonates are the first-line treatment for osteoporotic (OP) women; however, therapy is not recommended in severe renal impairment (RI). This study examined RI prevalence among OP women. Nearly a quarter of women had moderate RI, and 3.59% would not be recommended for bisphosphonates, demonstrating a need for better therapeutic alternatives.

INTRODUCTION

Bisphosphonates are the recommended first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with OP. However, bisphosphonates are cleared through the kidney, and therapy is not recommended in severe RI due to adverse treatment effects observed with intravenous formulations. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of RI among women with OP aged ≥50 years in the USA.

METHODS

Women with OP aged ≥50 years were identified using the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. OP was defined as prior OP diagnosis, previous hip or spine fracture, or measured lumbar spine/femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) T-score <-2.5. The 2005 Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula was used to calculate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Moderate and severe RI was defined as GFR 30-59 and 15-29 mL/min, respectively. Bisphosphonate therapy was considered not recommended among women with OP if GFR was <35 mL/min.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OP among women in USA aged ≥50 years was 27% (12.7 million). Nearly a quarter of women with OP (23.54 ± 2.02%; 2.9 million) had moderate RI and 1.88 ± 0.28% (230,000) had severe RI. Correspondingly, bisphosphonate therapy would not be recommended for an estimated 439,000 women with OP (3.59 ± 0.73%).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly a quarter of postmenopausal women with OP have moderate RI, and over 3% would not be recommended for bisphosphonate treatment. These data reveal a need for better therapeutic alternatives that can be used in this patient population.