scholarly journals EXPRESS: Outcomes of pulmonary vasodilator use in Veterans with pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease and lung disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 204589402110017
Author(s):  
Kari Gillmeyer ◽  
Donald R. Miller ◽  
Mark E. Glickman ◽  
Shirley X. Qian ◽  
Elizabeth Klings ◽  
...  

Randomized trials of pulmonary vasodilators in pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease (Group 2) and lung disease (Group 3) have demonstrated potential for harm. Yet these therapies are commonly used in practice. Little is known of the effects of treatment outside of clinical trials. We aimed to establish outcomes of vasodilator treatment for Groups 2/3 PH in real-world practice. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 132,552 Medicare-eligible Veterans with incident Groups 2/3 PH between 2006-2016, and a secondary nested case-control study. Our primary outcome was a composite of death by any cause or selected acute organ failures. In our cohort analysis, we calculated adjusted risks of time to our outcome using Cox proportional hazards models with facility-specific random effects. In our case-control analysis, we used logistic mixed-effects models to estimate the effect of any past, recent, and cumulative exposure on our outcome. From our cohort study, 3,249 (2.5%) Veterans were exposed to pulmonary vasodilators. Exposure to vasodilators was associated with increased risk of our primary outcome, in both Group 3 (HR 1.58 [95% CI 1.37-1.82]) and Group 2 (HR 1.26 [1.12-1.41]) PH patients. The case-control study determined odds of our outcome increased by 11% per year of exposure (OR 1.11 [1.07-1.16]). Treating Groups 2/3 PH with vasodilators in clinical practice is associated with increased risk of harm. This extension of trial findings to a real-world setting offers further evidence to limit use of vasodilators in Groups 2/3 PH outside of clinical trials.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandy Shabaan Hassan ◽  
Gihane Gharib Madkour ◽  
Ramy Wahba Henin ◽  
Selvia Wahib Fayek Gad ◽  
Amany Ahmed Abd El-Aal

Background: Entamoeba gingivalis was the first commensal parasite detected in the oral cavity of humans, and a high incidence has been reported in patients with poor oral hygiene. The current study aimed to investigate the association of Entamoeba gingivalis with gingivitis and periodontitis among Egyptian subjects. Methods: A total of 120 plaque samples were collected for this case-control study and were divided as follows: 40 plaque samples from gingivitis patients (group 1), 40 from stage II grade A and B periodontitis patients (group 2), and 40 samples from healthy volunteers (group 3). Diagnosis of parasitic stages relied on direct microscopic detection using permanent stains, trichrome stain, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain, in addition to ocular micrometry to confirm the diagnosis. Results: The occurrence of Entamoeba gingivalis within the gingivitis group was significantly higher (40%) than that observed in the control group (22.5%), whereas the occurrence within the periodontitis group was 15%. Samples from diseased subjects, regardless of immune status, were found to be moderately to severely affected with numerous parasitic nests, in contrast to a moderate near mild occurrence that was recorded in the healthy control group. Moreover, Entamoeba gingivalis occurrence was significantly higher (77.4%) in subjects with bad oral hygiene. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest a potential role for the neglected oral parasitic Entamoeba gingivalis, especially the intensively multiplying forms, in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. This certainly needs further elucidation on a larger scale to explore the basis behind such multiplication, which may be related to genetic variation or may be pathophysiological in origin.


Author(s):  
Isabelle Vock ◽  
Lisandra Aguilar-Bultet ◽  
Adrian Egli ◽  
Pranita D. Tamma ◽  
Sarah Tschudin-Sutter

Abstract Background Approximately 11% of patients colonized with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) are colonized with more than one ESBL-producing species. We investigated risk factors associated with colonization with multiple ESBL-PE species. Methods We performed a case-case–control study at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, including hospitalized patients colonized with ESBL-PE between 01/2008 and 12/2018. Patients colonized with multiple species of ESBL-PE during the same hospitalization were assigned to group 1. Group 2 consisted of patients with ESBL-PE and a newly acquired ESBL-PE-species identified during subsequent hospitalization. Controls (i.e., group 3) were patients with only one species of ESBL-PE identified over multiple hospitalizations. Controls were frequency-matched 3:1 to group 2 cases according to time-at-risk (i.e., days between ESBL-PE detection during first and subsequent hospitalizations) to standardize the duration of colonization. ESBL was identified with phenotypic assay and the presence of ESBL genes was confirmed by whole genome sequencing. Results Among 1559 inpatients, 154 cases met eligibility criteria (67 in group 1, 22 in group 2, 65 in group 3). International travel within the previous 12 months (OR 12.57, 95% CI 3.48–45.45, p < 0.001) and antibiotic exposure within the previous 3 months (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.37–6.41, p = 0.006) were independently associated with co-colonization with multiple ESBL-PE species. Admission from another acute-care facility was the only predictor of replacement of one ESBL-PE species with another during subsequent hospitalizations (OR 6.02, 95% CI 1.15–31.49, p = 0.003). Conclusion These findings point to strain-related factors being the main drivers of co-colonization with different ESBL-PE and may support stratification of infection prevention and control measures according to ESBL-PE species/strains.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Regina Sá ◽  
Tiago Pinho-Bandeira ◽  
Guilherme Queiroz ◽  
Joana Matos ◽  
João Duarte Ferreira ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Ovar was the first Portuguese municipality to declare active community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, with total lockdown decreed on March 17, 2020. This context provided conditions for a large-scale testing strategy, allowing a referral system considering other symptoms besides the ones that were part of the case definition (fever, cough, and dyspnea). This study aims to identify other symptoms associated with COVID-19 since it may clarify the pre-test probability of the occurrence of the disease. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This case-control study uses primary care registers between March 29 and May 10, 2020 in Ovar municipality. Pre-test clinical and exposure-risk characteristics, reported by physicians, were collected through a form, and linked with their laboratory result. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study population included a total of 919 patients, of whom 226 (24.6%) were COVID-19 cases and 693 were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Only 27.1% of the patients reporting contact with a confirmed or suspected case tested positive. In the multivariate analysis, statistical significance was obtained for headaches (OR 0.558), odynophagia (OR 0.273), anosmia (OR 2.360), and other symptoms (OR 2.157). The interaction of anosmia and odynophagia appeared as possibly relevant with a borderline statistically significant OR of 3.375. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms. Of the myriad described, the present study highlights anosmia itself and calls for additional studies on the interaction between anosmia and odynophagia. Headaches and odynophagia by themselves are not associated with an increased risk for the disease. These findings may help clinicians in deciding when to test, especially when other diseases with similar symptoms are more prevalent, namely in winter.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bojing Liu ◽  
Arvid Sjölander ◽  
Nancy L. Pedersen ◽  
Jonas F. Ludvigsson ◽  
Honglei Chen ◽  
...  

AbstractTo examine whether irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was related to the future risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we conducted a nested case-control study in the Swedish total population including 56,564 PD cases identified from the Swedish Patient Register and 30 controls per case individually matched by sex and year of birth. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for having a prior diagnosis of IBS were estimated using conditional logistic regression. We furthermore conducted a cohort study using the Swedish Twin Registry following 3046 IBS patients identified by self-reported abdominal symptoms and 41,179 non-IBS individuals. Through Cox proportional hazard models, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for PD risk. In the nested case-control study, 253 (0.4%) PD cases and 5204 (0.3%) controls had a previous IBS diagnosis. IBS diagnosis was associated with a 44% higher risk of PD (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.27–1.63). Temporal relationship analyses showed 53% and 38% increased risk of PD more than 5 and 10 years after IBS diagnosis, respectively. In the cohort analysis based on the Swedish Twin Registry, there was no statistically significantly increased risk of PD related to IBS (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.87–1.81). Our results suggest a higher risk of PD diagnosis after IBS. These results provide additional evidence supporting the importance of the gut–brain axis in PD.


BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. McKeigue ◽  
◽  
Sharon Kennedy ◽  
Amanda Weir ◽  
Jen Bishop ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to investigate the relation of severe COVID-19 to prior drug prescribing. Methods Severe cases were defined by entry to critical care or fatal outcome. For this matched case-control study (REACT-SCOT), all 4251 cases of severe COVID-19 in Scotland since the start of the epidemic were matched for age, sex and primary care practice to 36,738 controls from the population register. Records were linked to hospital discharges since June 2015 and dispensed prescriptions issued in primary care during the last 240 days. Results Severe COVID-19 was strongly associated with the number of non-cardiovascular drug classes dispensed. This association was strongest in those not resident in a care home, in whom the rate ratio (95% CI) associated with dispensing of 12 or more drug classes versus none was 10.8 (8.8, 13.3), and in those without any of the conditions designated as conferring increased risk of COVID-19. Of 17 drug classes postulated at the start of the epidemic to be “medications compromising COVID”, all were associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19 and these associations were present in those without any of the designated risk conditions. The fraction of cases in the population attributable to exposure to these drug classes was 38%. The largest effect was for antipsychotic agents: rate ratio 4.18 (3.42, 5.11). Other drug classes with large effects included proton pump inhibitors (rate ratio 2.20 (1.72, 2.83) for = 2 defined daily doses/day), opioids (3.66 (2.68, 5.01) for = 50 mg morphine equivalent/day) and gabapentinoids. These associations persisted after adjusting for covariates and were stronger with recent than with non-recent exposure. Conclusions Severe COVID-19 is associated with polypharmacy and with drugs that cause sedation, respiratory depression, or dyskinesia; have anticholinergic effects; or affect the gastrointestinal system. These associations are not easily explained by co-morbidity. Measures to reduce the burden of mortality and morbidity from COVID-19 should include reinforcing existing guidance on reducing overprescribing of these drug classes and limiting inappropriate polypharmacy. Registration ENCEPP number https://EUPAS35558


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Supriya Misra ◽  
Bizu Gelaye ◽  
David R. Williams ◽  
Karestan C. Koenen ◽  
Christina P.C. Borba ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Perceived discrimination is associated with worse mental health. Few studies have assessed whether perceived discrimination (i) is associated with the risk of psychotic disorders and (ii) contributes to an increased risk among minority ethnic groups relative to the ethnic majority. Methods We used data from the European Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions Work Package 2, a population-based case−control study of incident psychotic disorders in 17 catchment sites across six countries. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the associations between perceived discrimination and psychosis using mixed-effects logistic regression models. We used stratified and mediation analyses to explore differences for minority ethnic groups. Results Reporting any perceived experience of major discrimination (e.g. unfair treatment by police, not getting hired) was higher in cases than controls (41.8% v. 34.2%). Pervasive experiences of discrimination (≥3 types) were also higher in cases than controls (11.3% v. 5.5%). In fully adjusted models, the odds of psychosis were 1.20 (95% CI 0.91–1.59) for any discrimination and 1.79 (95% CI 1.19–1.59) for pervasive discrimination compared with no discrimination. In stratified analyses, the magnitude of association for pervasive experiences of discrimination appeared stronger for minority ethnic groups (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.12–2.68) than the ethnic majority (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 0.65–3.10). In exploratory mediation analysis, pervasive discrimination minimally explained excess risk among minority ethnic groups (5.1%). Conclusions Pervasive experiences of discrimination are associated with slightly increased odds of psychotic disorders and may minimally help explain excess risk for minority ethnic groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Singh ◽  
S Gupta ◽  
T S Mishra ◽  
B D Banerjee ◽  
T Sharma ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Nephrolithiasis is pathological calcification in the excretory passages of the body and is prevalent among 7.6% of Indians. We aimed to study the various risk factors associated with renal stones from India. Method It was a hospital-based case-control study conducted over 18 months in a tertiary hospital in Delhi. Cases were defined as patients with renal stones diagnosed on the basis of history and radiological examination. Controls were similar to cases in all respects except for the diagnosis and selected from the hospital. A total of 18 risk factors, including age, gender, heavy metals, stress, metabolic factors, alcohol intake, dietary habits, co-morbidities, etc. were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the strength of the risk associations. Results In the analysis of 60 cases and controls, we found 6 times, 5.5 times, and 2.4 times increased odds of renal stones in patients with increased arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations in blood, respectively. Similarly, there are 3 times increased odds of renal stones in patients suffering from stress. Conclusions Exposure to smoke, occupation dust, and contaminated water may lead to an increased ingestion/inhalation of heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and predisposing people to an increased risk of renal stones.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041543
Author(s):  
Keiko Ikuta ◽  
Shunsaku Nakagawa ◽  
Kenji Momo ◽  
Atsushi Yonezawa ◽  
Kotaro Itohara ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess whether the combined use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antibiotics (penicillins, macrolides, cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones) was associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI).DesignA nested case–control study.SettingA health insurance claims database constructed by the Japan Medical Data Center.ParticipantsPatients were eligible if they were prescribed a PPI, NSAID and antibiotic at least once between January 2005 and June 2017. The patients who were new PPI users and did not have any history of renal diseases before cohort entry were included (n=219 082). The mean age was 45 and 44% were women.InterventionsCurrent use of PPIs, NSAIDs, or antibiotics.Primary outcome measuresAcute kidney injury.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 2.4 (SD, 1.7) years, 317 cases of AKI were identified (incidence rate of 6.1/10 000 person-years). The current use of PPIs was associated with a higher risk of AKI compared with past PPI use (unadjusted OR, 4.09; 95% CI, 3.09 to 5.44). The unadjusted ORs of AKI for the current use of PPIs with NSAIDs, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, compared with the current use of PPIs alone, were 3.92 (95% CI, 2.40 to 6.52), 2.57 (1.43 to 4.62) and 3.08 (1.50 to 6.38), respectively. The effects of concurrent use of PPIs with NSAIDs, cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones remain significant in the adjusted model. The analyses on absolute risk of AKI confirmed the results from the nested case–control study.ConclusionsConcomitant use of NSAIDs with PPIs significantly increased the risk for AKI. Moreover, the results suggested that concomitant use of cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones with PPIs was associated with increased risk of incident AKI.


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