Utilisation of Medicare-funded schemes for people with cardiovascular disease

The aim of this study is to investigate the utilisation of Medicare Benefit Scheme items for chronic disease in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general practice and to compare characteristics of CVD patients with and without a General Practice Management Plan (GPMP). Subgroup analysis of Treatment of Cardiovascular Risk using Electronic Decision Support (TORPEDO) baseline data was collected in a cohort comprising 6123 patients with CVD. The mean age (s.d.) was 71 (±13) years, 55% were male, 64% had a recorded diagnosis of coronary heart disease, 31% also had a diagnosis of diabetes and the mean number of general practice (GP) visits (s.d.) was 11 (±9) in 12 months. A total of 1955/6123 (32%) received a GPMP in the 12 months before data extraction; 1% received a Mental Health Plan. Factors associated with greater likelihood of receiving a GPMP were: younger age, had a diagnosis of diabetes, BMI > 30kgm–2, prescription of blood pressure-lowering therapy and more than ten general practice visits. Enhancing utilisation of existing schemes could augment systematic follow up and support of patients with CVD.

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Radiological and clinical associations with scoliosis outcomes after posterior fossa decompression in patients with Chiari malformation and syrinx from the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2020.1.peds18755 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 53-59 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jennifer M. Strahle ◽

Rukayat Taiwo ◽

Christine Averill ◽

James Torner ◽

Jordan I. Gewirtz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Posterior Fossa ◽

Chiari Malformation ◽

Craniocervical Junction ◽

Curve Progression ◽

Posterior Fossa Decompression ◽

Type I ◽

Younger Age ◽

Curve Magnitude ◽

The Mean

OBJECTIVEIn patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) and a syrinx who also have scoliosis, clinical and radiological predictors of curve regression after posterior fossa decompression are not well known. Prior reports indicate that age younger than 10 years and a curve magnitude < 35° are favorable predictors of curve regression following surgery. The aim of this study was to determine baseline radiological factors, including craniocervical junction alignment, that might predict curve stability or improvement after posterior fossa decompression.METHODSA large multicenter retrospective and prospective registry of pediatric patients with CM-I (tonsils ≥ 5 mm below the foramen magnum) and a syrinx (≥ 3 mm in width) was reviewed for clinical and radiological characteristics of CM-I, syrinx, and scoliosis (coronal curve ≥ 10°) in patients who underwent posterior fossa decompression and who also had follow-up imaging.RESULTSOf 825 patients with CM-I and a syrinx, 251 (30.4%) were noted to have scoliosis present at the time of diagnosis. Forty-one (16.3%) of these patients underwent posterior fossa decompression and had follow-up imaging to assess for scoliosis. Twenty-three patients (56%) were female, the mean age at time of CM-I decompression was 10.0 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 1.3 years. Nine patients (22%) had stable curves, 16 (39%) showed improvement (> 5°), and 16 (39%) displayed curve progression (> 5°) during the follow-up period. Younger age at the time of decompression was associated with improvement in curve magnitude; for those with curves of ≤ 35°, 17% of patients younger than 10 years of age had curve progression compared with 64% of those 10 years of age or older (p = 0.008). There was no difference by age for those with curves > 35°. Tonsil position, baseline syrinx dimensions, and change in syrinx size were not associated with the change in curve magnitude. There was no difference in progression after surgery in patients who were also treated with a brace compared to those who were not treated with a brace for scoliosis.CONCLUSIONSIn this cohort of patients with CM-I, a syrinx, and scoliosis, younger age at the time of decompression was associated with improvement in curve magnitude following surgery, especially in patients younger than 10 years of age with curves of ≤ 35°. Baseline tonsil position, syrinx dimensions, frontooccipital horn ratio, and craniocervical junction morphology were not associated with changes in curve magnitude after surgery.

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Biological and clinical impact of hemangioblastoma-associated peritumoral cysts in von Hippel-Lindau disease

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2015.4.jns1533 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 124 (4) ◽

pp. 971-976 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Kristin Huntoon ◽

Tianxia Wu ◽

J. Bradley Elder ◽

John A. Butman ◽

Emily Y. Chew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Impact ◽

Anatomical Location ◽

Von Hippel Lindau ◽

Study Enrollment ◽

Common Location ◽

Younger Age ◽

The Mean ◽

A Prospective Study ◽

Vhl Disease

OBJECT Peritumoral cysts are frequently associated with CNS hemangioblastomas and often underlie neurological morbidity and mortality. To determine their natural history and clinical impact, the authors prospectively analyzed hemangioblastoma-associated peritumoral cysts in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. METHODS Patients with VHL disease who had 2 or more years of follow-up and who were enrolled in a prospective study at the National Institutes of Health were included. Serial prospectively acquired laboratory, genetic, imaging, and clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS One hundred thirty-two patients (of 225 in the VHL study with at least 2 years of follow-up) had peritumoral cysts that were followed for more than 2 years (total of 292 CNS peritumoral cysts). The mean age at study entrance was 37.4 ± 13.1 years ([mean ± SD], median 37.9, range 12.3–65.1 years). The mean follow-up was 7.0 ± 1.7 years (median 7.3, range 2.1–9.0 years). Over the study period, 121 of the 292 peritumoral cysts (41.4%) became symptomatic. Development of new cysts was associated with a larger number cysts at study enrollment (p = 0.002) and younger age (p < 0.0001). Cyst growth rate was associated with anatomical location (cerebellum cysts grew faster than spine and brainstem cysts; p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0008), younger age (< 35 years of age; p = 0.0006), and development of new neurological symptoms (p < 0.0001). Cyst size at symptom production depended on anatomical location (p < 0.0001; largest to smallest were found, successively, in the cerebellum, spinal cord, and brainstem). The most common location for peritumoral cysts was the cerebellum (184 cysts [63%]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Peritumoral cysts frequently underlie symptom formation that requires surgical intervention in patients with VHL disease. Development of new cysts was associated with a larger number of cysts at study enrollment and younger age. Total peritumoral cyst burden was associated with germline partial deletion of the VHL gene.

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P647An audit of possible familial hypercholesterolaemia in general practice

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz747.0254 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

J Gallagher ◽

M McGuckin ◽

D Behan ◽

P Harrington

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

General Practice ◽

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Clinical Notes ◽

Structured Care ◽

Premature Cardiovascular Disease ◽

History Of ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant condition associated with elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It confers an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease and associated mortality. It is estimated that the majority of patients with FH in Ireland are undiagnosed and structured care programmes are not available. Purpose To undertake an audit of those patients in a general practice with possible FH Methods A retrospective audit was carried out on the patients attending a GP practice. Inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: LDL level >4.9mmol/L Triglyceride level (<2mmol/L) Data was collected from the patients' clinical notes and patients were interviewed to acquire additional details not available in the clinical notes where possible. A Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Score (DLCNS) was calculated for each patient. Results Of 5,438 patients with a LDL recorded 284 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 52.4% were female. Mean age 60 years old (range: 19–95 years). The highest LDL level recorded for these patients ranged from 5.0 - 8.6 mmol/L, with a mean value of 5.4 mmol/L. The mean most recent LDL level was 3.6mmol/L (range: 1.0–6.3 mmol/L). 42 patients (14.8%) had a family history of premature coronary and/or vascular disease in line with DLCNS criteria. 9 patients (3.2%) had a personal history of premature cardiovascular disease. The DLCNS was calculated for each patient based on the information available. 225 patients (79.2%) had a score of 3, 36 patients (12.7%) had a score of 4, 12 patients (4.2%) had a score of 5 and 6 patients (2.1%) had a score of 6. This equates to 273 patients (96.1%) with a possible diagnosis of FH, and 6 patients (2.1%) with a probable diagnosis of FH. The mean most recent systolic blood pressure reading for these patients was 128mmHg, and diastolic 76mmHg. 51 patients (18%) were current smokers, 83 (29.2%) were ex-smokers, and 111 (39%) had never smoked. Smoking status was unknown for 38 patients (13.4). 128 patients (45%) were on lipid-lowering treatment at the time of this audit. 60 (21.1%) were on high intensity treatment, 68 (23.9%) were on medium intensity treatment and none were on low intensity treatment. 24.3% of patients were at target LDL. There were 5 patients (1.8%) currently receiving ezetimibe and 1 (0.4%) on fenofibrate. Conclusion A significant number of patients had a LDL >5mmol/l in this audit. Only 45% were on lipid lowering treatment and 24.3% were at a target LDL. This highlights the needs for structured programmes for screening and management of FH in primary care. Acknowledgement/Funding Funded by an unrestricted grant from Amgen

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Timing of the Initiation of Hydroxyurea and Hematologic Outcomes in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1004.1004 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 1004-1004

Author(s):

Shaina Willen ◽

Nirmish Shah ◽

Courtney Thornburg ◽

Jennifer Rothman

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Significant Relationship ◽

Medical Center ◽

Fetal Hemoglobin ◽

Clinical Severity ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Younger Age ◽

The Mean

Abstract Abstract 1004 Hydroxyurea (HU) is approved for use in adults with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and increases the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Increased HbF is associated with decreased clinical severity in adults and children with SCD, such as decreased numbers of vaso-occlusive events, transfusions, and hospitalizations. Higher HbF at initiation of HU is predictive of HbF response, but association between age of hydroxyurea initiation and HbF response has not been investigated. We hypothesize that starting hydroxyurea at an early age may improve hematological and clinical response. In order to determine if younger age at hydroxyurea initiation affects the percentage of HbF achieved with hydroxyurea, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. We identified subjects enrolled in the Duke University Medical Center Comprehensive Sickle Cell program who initiated hydroxyurea when they were less than 17.99 years of age and were prescribed hydroxyurea for at least six months. The following data were abstracted from the medical record between December 1996 and April 2011: age, hemoglobin, percentage HbF, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) at start of HU and at maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of HU therapy. The correlation coefficient and p-values for various parameters were calculated. Seventy-three patients (41 males and 32 females) were included in the analysis. The mean age at hydroxyurea initiation was 5.5 years (1.2–14.1). The mean hydroxyurea dose at MTD was 28.6 ± 3.2 mg/kg/day. At initiation, the mean hemoglobin was 8.2 ± 1.2 g/dL, the mean MCV was 83±7.4 fl and mean HbF was 10 ± 5.7%. At MTD, the mean hemoglobin was 9.4 ± 1.1 g/dL, the mean MCV was 99 ± 11.1 fl, and the mean HbF was 21.7 ± 9.4%. As expected, at MTD, an elevated MCV was correlated with elevated fetal hemoglobin (r2= 0.19, p= 0.0001) [Table 1]. There was a statistically significant relationship between the age at HU initiation and the HbF at MTD (r2= 0.08, p= 0.015) [Figure 1] as well as the age at HU initiation and the hemoglobin at MTD (r2= 0.19, p= 0.016). The relationship between the age at starting HU and the overall change in HbF (DHbF) was not statistically significant (r2= 0.01, p= 0.41). There was not a statistically significant relationship between age at HU initiation and the MTD of HU (r2= 0.003, p= 0.61). The 6 patients started on HU at age less than 2 years (mean 1.5 ± 0.3 years) maintained a mean elevated HbF of 19.1 ± 5% at last documented follow-up with follow-up ranging from 1.4–13 year of uninterrupted hydroxyurea use. Starting hydroxyurea therapy at a younger age appears to improve HbF response as measured at MTD, although there is variability in the level of fetal hemoglobin attained. There is not an association seen with the DHbF or dose at MTD and age at hydroxyurea initiation. In summary, starting hydroxyurea at a younger age, when HbF is >20%, leads to persistence of HbF production and overall improvement in hematological efficacy. This was not simply the result of achieving MTD at a younger age before physiologic decline of HbF. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Hydroxyurea for complications of sickle cell disease in pediatrics. Shah:Eisai: Research Funding; Adventrx: Consultancy.

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Predictors of a Rapid Decline of Renal Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Referred to a Nephrology Outpatient Clinic: A Longitudinal Study

Advances in Nephrology ◽

10.1155/2015/657624 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ana Vigil ◽

Emilia Condés ◽

Rosa Camacho ◽

Gabriela Cobo ◽

Paloma Gallar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Renal Failure ◽

Renal Function ◽

Serum Albumin ◽

Rapid Decline ◽

Lower Serum ◽

The Mean ◽

Kidney Function Decline

Background. Predicting the progression of kidney failure in patients with chronic kidney disease is difficult. The aim of this study was to assess the predictors of rapid kidney decline in a cohort of patients referred to a single outpatient nephrology clinic. Design. Longitudinal, prospective cohort study with a median follow-up of 3.39 years. Methods. Data were obtained from 306 patients with chronic renal failure based on serum creatinine-estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcreat) < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. After excluding patients who died (n=30) and those who developed end-stage renal failure (n=6), 270 patients were included. This population was grouped according to the rate of kidney function decline. Rapid kidney function decline was defined as an annual eGFRcreat loss > 4 mL/min/1.73 m2. We recorded nonfatal cardiovascular events at baseline and during follow-up in addition to biochemical parameters. Results. The mean loss in renal function was 1.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. The mean age was 75 ± 8.8 years old, and the mean baseline eGFRcreat was 42 ± 14 mL/min/1.73 m2. Almost one-fourth of the sample (23.3% [63 patients]) suffered a rapid decline in renal function. In a logistic regression model with rapid decline as the outcome, baseline characteristics, lower serum albumin (OR: 0.313, 95% CI: 0.114–0.859), previous cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.903 95% CI: 1.028–3.523), and higher proteinuria (g/24 h) (OR: 1.817 CI 95%: 1.213–2.723) were the main predictors of rapid kidney decline. On multivariate analysis, including baseline and follow-up data, we obtained similar adjusted associations of rapid kidney decline with baseline serum albumin and proteinuria. The follow-up time was also shorter in the group with rapid rates of decline in renal function. Conclusion. Renal function remained stable in the majority of our population. Previous cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular incidents, lower serum albumin, and higher proteinuria at baseline were the main predictors of rapid kidney decline in our population.

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Exploring why patients with cancer consult GPs: a 1-year data extraction

BJGP Open ◽

10.3399/bjgpopen19x101663 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. bjgpopen19X101663 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Heidi Lidal Fidjeland ◽

Ingvild Vistad ◽

Svein Gjelstad ◽

Mette Brekke

Keyword(s):

Electronic Medical Records ◽

Medical Records ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Survival Rates ◽

Main Diagnosis ◽

Consultation Rate ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Explorative Study ◽

The Mean

BackgroundSurvival rates of patients with cancer are increasing owing to improvements in diagnostics and therapies. The traditional hospital-based follow-up model faces challenges because of the consequent increasing workload, and it has been suggested that selected patients with cancer could be followed up by GPs.The hypothesis of the study was that, regardless of the hospital-based follow-up care, GPs see their patients with cancer both for cancer-related problems as well as for other reasons. Thus, a formalised follow-up by GPs would not mean too large a change in GPs’ workloads.AimTo explore to what extent patients with cancer consult their GPs, and for what reasons.Design & settingA 1-year explorative study was undertaken, based on data from 91 Norwegian GPs from 2016–2017.MethodThe data were electronically extracted from GPs' electronic medical records (EMR).ResultsData were collected from 91 GPs. There were 11 074 consultations in total, generated by 1932 patients with cancer. The mean consultation rate was higher among the patients with cancer compared with Norwegian patients in general. In one-third of the consultations, cancer was the main diagnosis. Apart from cancer, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diagnoses were common. Patients with cancer who had multiple diagnoses or psychological diagnoses did not consult their GP significantly more often than patients with cancer without such comorbidity.ConclusionThis study confirms that patients with cancer consult their GP more often than other patients, both for cancer-related reasons and for various comorbidities. A formalised follow-up by GPs would probably be feasible, and GPs should prepare for this responsibility.

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Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using a standard protocol in patients with refractory glaucoma naive of cyclodestruction

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/1120672119877586 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 112067211987758 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Soufiane Souissi ◽

Christophe Baudouin ◽

Antoine Labbé ◽

Pascale Hamard

Keyword(s):

Intraocular Pressure ◽

Diode Laser ◽

Glaucoma Surgery ◽

Refractory Glaucoma ◽

Corrected Visual Acuity ◽

Pressure Lowering ◽

Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation ◽

The Mean ◽

Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of a standardized micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation procedure in refractory glaucoma. Methods: Retrospective, interventional study in a series of 37 consecutive patients with refractory glaucoma, cyclodestructive procedure-naive, who underwent micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation from December 2016 to October 2017. A successful laser treatment was defined as (1) intraocular pressure between 6 and 18 mm Hg; (2) 20% of baseline intraocular pressure reduction; (3) no additional glaucoma medications; (4) no decrease in vision due to complications or change in intraocular pressure; and (5) no need for additional glaucoma surgery except micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation retreatment. Results: Mean age was 60.2 years. Mean follow-up was 9.7 ± 3.9 months. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (28.7 mm Hg) significantly decreased to 21.0 mm Hg at 1 month, 18.5 mm Hg at 3 months, 18.4 mm Hg at 6 months, and 18.5 mm Hg at 12 months ( p < 0.01 at all time points). The mean number of preoperative glaucoma medications (4.7) decreased to 4.0 at 1 month ( p = 0.14), 4.5 at 3 months ( p < 0.05), 3.9 at 6 months ( p < 0.05), and 3.6 at 12 months ( p < 0.05). At 1 year, the success rate was 35% with a mean intraocular pressure lowering of 36%. One patient had hypotony and a loss of best-corrected visual acuity. Mild transient postoperative inflammation was observed in 8% of the cases. Conclusion: Using a standardized procedure, micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation allows a mild intraocular pressure decrease with a low rate of complications and thus achieves a relatively good profit risk benefit, mostly for moderately hypertensive refractory glaucoma.

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Results of Tympanomastoid surgery in CSOM with Cholesteatoma (Attico-Antral Variety) - A study of 30 cases

Bangladesh Journal of Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.3329/bjo.v20i1.22013 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 20-26 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Md Abul Hossain ◽

Md Zakaria Sarker ◽

Md Ashequr Rahman Bhuiyan ◽

KM Nurul Alam ◽

Md Abdullah Al Harun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Economic Condition ◽

Disease Recurrence ◽

Hearing Level ◽

Age Group ◽

Radical Mastoidectomy ◽

Hearing Status ◽

Younger Age ◽

Modified Radical Mastoidectomy ◽

The Mean

In this prospective study 30 case of CSOM with cholesteotoma, admitted in 3 tertiary level hospitals, where modified radical mastoidectomy with type III tympanoplasty were done, then results of operation were assessed in follow up. The objectives of study to assess the clearance of disease, recurrence of disease and the cavity problem and to find the take rates of graft and improvement of hearing level after surgery. In this study most of the cases were younger age group (40%), male (60%), poorsocio- economic condition (73:33%), Illiterate (46.67%), day laborer (26.67%) & rural peoples (80%). It was observed that hearing status was improved 46.67%, unchanged 33.33% and deteriorated 20% cases. The mean, hearing gain was 10.79 dB. Also post mastoidectomy discharging ear was 20%, facial palsy 3.33%, recurrence of cholesteatoma 13.33%, dead ear 0%. Early detection and management of CSOM with cholesteatoma should be our goal to prevent complications. If good tympanomastoid surgery is done meticulously there will be improvement of hearing and less complications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v20i1.22013 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2014; 20(1): 20-26

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The association between dietary glycemic and insulin indices with incidence of cardiovascular disease: Tehran lipid and glucose study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09586-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Farshad Teymoori ◽

Hossein Farhadnejad ◽

Parvin Mirmiran ◽

Milad Nazarzadeh ◽

Fereidoun Azizi

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Regression Models ◽

Glycemic Load ◽

Proportional Hazard ◽

Cox Proportional Hazard ◽

Daily Energy ◽

Glycemic Indices ◽

The Mean ◽

Cox Proportional Hazard Regression

Abstract Background The present study was conducted to investigate the association of dietary insulin index(II), insulin load(IL), glycemic index(GI), and glycemic load(GL) with the risk of cardiovascular disease(CVD). Methods This cohort study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study on 2198 subjects, aged≥19 years old, who were followed-up for a median (IQR) 6.7 (6.1–7.1) years. Dietary GI, GL, II, and IL were calculated using a food frequency questionnaire at the baseline. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the risk of CVD across quartiles of dietary insulin and glycemic indices. Results Mean ± SD age of the subjects(44.9% men) was 38.3 ± 13.4 years. During a mean of 2406 ± 417 person-years of follow-up, 76(3.5%) new cases of the CVD were ascertained. The mean ± SD of II, IL, GI, and GL of participants were 51.7 ± 6.5, 235.8 ± 90.2, 61.9 ± 7.8, and 202.2 ± 78.1, respectively. After adjusting for the variables of age, sex, smoking, physical activity, daily energy intake, body mass index, diabetes, and hypertension, the hazard ratio (HR) of the highest quartile of dietary GL was 2.77(95%CI:1.00–7.69,P for trend:0.033) compared to the lowest one. Also, each one SD increase in the GL score was associated with a higher risk of CVD[(RR:1.46;CI:1.00–2.16),P-value = 0.047]. However, there was no significant association between the dietary GI, II, and IL and risk for CVD incidence. Conclusions Our results suggested that a high GL diet can increase the incidence of CVD, whereas high dietary II and IL were not associated with the risk of CVD among adults.

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