Current medical research and opinion
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To promote an effective strategy to improve the non-guideline-recommended prescribing (NGRP) of acid suppressive medications for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in critically ill patients and to evaluate the impact and barriers of a multifaceted intervention on NGRP in critically ill patients. ⋯ The multifaceted intervention was effective in improving NGRP. Further studies are needed to confirm whether our strategy is cost-effective.
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To assess potential impacts of formulary tier increases of apixaban-an efficacious oral anticoagulant (OAC) for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)-on patients' prescription drug plan (PDP) switching and OAC treatment patterns. ⋯ The majority of patients continued on apixaban despite higher OOP cost, suggesting patients' reluctance to change treatment for non-medical reasons; however, 30% of patients discontinued OAC treatment after higher apixaban tier placement.
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To describe utilization patterns, negative clinical outcomes and economic burden of patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and/or knee who received a prescription for tramadol or non-tramadol opioids vs. non-opioid drugs. ⋯ Most patients with OA of the hip and/or knee either initiate on or switch to opioids for long-term management of OA-related pain despite known risks. This highlights the need for new treatments that delay or prevent use of opioids.
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Maintaining continuity of care after schizophrenia-related hospitalization is challenging for patients and healthcare providers and systems. Prior evidence suggests that second-generation long-acting injectable antipsychotics (SGLAIs) may reduce the risk of treatment nonadherence and readmission versus oral atypical antipsychotics (OAAs). Therefore, quality measures were compared between patients initiated on SGLAIs and OAAs in the United States. ⋯ Less than half of patients initiated on antipsychotics during a schizophrenia-related inpatient stay continued the same treatment post-discharge. However, SGLAI patients were more likely to be adherent to the initiated antipsychotic and to have an outpatient visit, which may suggest improved continuity of care post-discharge relative to OAA patients.
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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic systemic disease that leads to neurological, immunological, autonomic, and energy metabolism dysfunction. COVID-19 has been reported to cause similar symptoms to ME/CFS. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of myalgic encephalomyelitis in patients post-COVID-19 infection by assessing acute and long-term COVID-19 symptoms. ⋯ The presence of a relationship between ME/CFS and COVID-19 has been supported by the results of our study. Follow-up of COVID-19 patients is strongly recommended to ensure proper management of ME/CFS symptoms.