scholarly journals InterMiG: international differences in the therapeutic approach to migraine patients in specialized headache centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
AB Gago-Veiga ◽  
J-I Huhn ◽  
N Latysheva ◽  
A Vieira Campos ◽  
M Torres-Ferrus ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is currently a wide therapeutic arsenal for migraine patients, without a single first-line preventive drug and we choose the different available alternatives taking into account comorbidities, national guidelines, previous treatments and personal experiences. Our objective was to evaluate the differences in the use of migraine treatments between neurologists from different countries. Methods This is a multi-centre observational study carried out by neurologists from specialized headache units in seven countries, retrospective with consecutive inclusion of all patients presenting with a migraine diagnosis, over a period of three months. Results A total of 734 patients were recruited but only 600 were considered in the analysis in order to homogenize the patient cohorts from countries: 200 Spain (ES), 100 Italy (IT), 85 Russia (RUS), 80 Germany (DE), 60 Portugal (PT), 45 Poland (PL) and 30 Australia (AU). 85.4 % of patients were women with a mean age of 42.6 ± 11.8 years. Considering previous and current preventive treatment, the order of use was: antidepressants (69.3 %), antiepileptic drugs (54.7 %), beta-blockers and antihypertensive drugs (49.7 %), OnabotulinumtoxinA (44.0 %) and others (36.2 %). Statistically significant differences were found between all pharmacological classes: antidepressants were commonly used in all countries, with the exception of Poland (AU: 76.7 %, IT: 71.0 %, DE: 60.0 %, PL: 31.1 %, PT: 71.7 %, RUS: 70.6 %, ES: 78.5 %; p < 0.0001); antiepileptic drugs were more frequently prescribed in Portugal, Australia and Spain (AU: 73.3 %, IT: 40.0 %, DE: 37.5 %, PL: 48.9 %, PT: 85.0 %, RUS: 29.4 % and ES: 69.0 %; p < 0.0001); beta-blockers and antihypertensive drugs were frequently used in all countries except Italy (AU: 60.0 %, IT: 14.0 %, DE: 53.8 %, PL: 48.9 %, PT: 68.3 %, RUS: 49.4 % and ES: 59.0 %; p < 0.0001); BTX-A were predominately used in Spain, Italy and Australia (AU:56.7 %, IT:58.0 %, DE:20.0 %, PL: 42.2 %, PT: 26.7 %, RUS: 24.7 % and ES: 58.5 %; p < 0.0001) and others were most frequently used in Poland (AU: 0.0 %, IT: 19.0 %, DE: 42.5 %, PL: 95.6 %, PT: 31.7 %, RUS: 3.5 % and ES: 49.5 %; p < 0.0001). If only patients without comorbidities are considered (200/600), statistically differences between countries persist in all preventive treatments. Conclusions There is heterogeneity in the choice of preventive treatment between different countries. Prospective comparative studies of the different oral and subcutaneous alternatives would help to create a global therapeutic algorithm that would guarantee the best option for our patients.

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18
Author(s):  
Yu V Zhernakova ◽  
I E Chazova

Beta adrenergic receptor blocking agentsare one of the multi-function classes of the drugs, prescribing to treatvarious cardio-vascular diseases, and at the same time, this class have been mostly discussing for several years due to the number of publications with the critical comments and rule this class of drugs out from priority groups for the treatment of arterial hypertension (AH), as, for example, it took place in the United Kingdom and the United States. However, national guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension (AH), as well as the guidelines from the European Society of Hyper- tension keep the same position on the β-blockers, including them on equal ground with list of 5 major classes of antihypertensive drugs to treat AH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-205
Author(s):  
A. S. Maltseva ◽  
A. E. Tsygankova ◽  
M. A. Gabitova ◽  
A. V. Rodionov ◽  
V. V. Fomin

Background. Current guidelines describe in detail the approaches to the management of patients with resistant hypertension, however, in real clinical settings the number of non-rational and ineffective combinations of antihypertensive drugs used remains high.Aim. To analyze the distribution of different combinations of antihypertensive drugs for the treatment of resistant hypertension and to estimate the proportion of non-rational combinations.Methods. The retrospective analysis includes 117 outpatients with resistant hypertension. Resistant hypertension was defined as blood pressure that remains above goal despite concurrent use of three antihypertensive agents of different classes. Exclusion criteria was secondary hypertension. We defined rational combination as the standard combination (renin-angiotensin system [RAS] blocker + calcium-channel blocker [CCB] + diuretic) plus one of the group of reserve drugs (mineralocorticoid receptors antagonist [MRA], beta-blocker, alpha-blocker, agonist of imidazoline receptors [AIR]). Non-rational were considered combinations in which reserve drugs were used before the appointment of a triple combination of first-line drugs. Moreover, in a subgroup of non-rational therapy, situations were identified where such a combination was justified.Results. The proportion of rational combinations was 58.9%, reasonably non-rational - 15.5%, unreasonably non-rational - 25.6%. Unreasonably non-rational combinations are distributed as follows: non-appointment of CCB - 12%, non-appointment of RAS-blockers - 8%, non-appointment of diuretics - 6%, use of RAS-blockers for hyperkalemia - 6%, administration of MRA without non-potassium-sparing diuretics - 5%, double blockade of RAS - 3%, other combinations - 7%. In addition to first-line drugs, beta-blockers (93.2%), loop diuretics (22.2%), AIR (21.4) were the most prescribable, while the proportion of MRA is only 15.4% of the entire sample.Limitation: some patient's characteristics could be missed in case histories and some of the combinations could be falsely recognized as malpractice since the analysis was conducted retrospectively.Conclusion. The proportion of the non-rational combinations for the treatment of resistant hypertension is high. Among the drugs of the reserve, the frequent use of beta-blockers and moxonidine and the inadequate administration of spironolactone are noteworthy. The problem of treatment strategy choice remains relevant in real clinical practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Zaccardi ◽  
L.L. Nystrup Husemoen ◽  
B.L. Thorsted ◽  
D.R. Webb ◽  
S.K. Paul ◽  
...  

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 534
Author(s):  
Annina S. Vischer ◽  
Gabriela M. Kuster ◽  
Raphael Twerenbold ◽  
Otmar Pfister ◽  
Qian Zhou ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Recently, influences of antihypertensive treatment on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) has gained attention, regarding a possible influence on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. We aimed to study the effects of newly initiated antihypertensive drugs on angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang (1–7) as representers of two counter-regulatory axes. (2) Methods: In this randomized, open-label trial investigating RAAS peptides after the initiation of perindopril, olmesartan, amlodipine, or hydrochlorothiazide, Ang II and Ang (1–7) equilibrium concentrations were measured at 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. at baseline and after four weeks of treatment. Eighty patients were randomized (1:1:1:1 fashion). (3) Results: Between the four substances, we found significant differences regarding the concentrations of Ang II (p < 0.0005 for 8 a.m., 12 a.m.) and Ang (1–7) (p = 0.019 for 8 a.m., <0.0005 for 12 a.m.) four weeks after treatment start. Ang II was decreased by perindopril (p = 0.002), and increased by olmesartan (p < 0.0005), amlodipine (p = 0.012), and hydrochlorothiazide (p = 0.001). Ang (1–7) was increased by perindopril and olmesartan (p = 0.008/0.002), but not measurably altered by amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide (p = 0.317/ 0.109). (4) Conclusion: The initiation of all first line antihypertensive treatments causes early and distinct alterations of equilibrium angiotensin levels. Given the additional AT1R blocking action of olmesartan, RAAS peptides shift upon initiation of perindopril and olmesartan appear to work in favor of the anti-inflammatory axis compared to amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 771
Author(s):  
In-Jeong Cho ◽  
Jeong-Hun Shin ◽  
Mi-Hyang Jung ◽  
Chae Young Kang ◽  
Jinseub Hwang ◽  
...  

We sought to assess the association between common antihypertensive drugs and the risk of incident cancer in treated hypertensive patients. Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, the risk of cancer incidence was analyzed in patients with hypertension who were initially free of cancer and used the following antihypertensive drug classes: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs); angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs); beta blockers (BBs); calcium channel blockers (CCBs); and diuretics. During a median follow-up of 8.6 years, there were 4513 (6.4%) overall cancer incidences from an initial 70,549 individuals taking antihypertensive drugs. ARB use was associated with a decreased risk for overall cancer in a crude model (hazard ratio (HR): 0.744, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.696–0.794) and a fully adjusted model (HR: 0.833, 95% CI: 0.775–0.896) compared with individuals not taking ARBs. Other antihypertensive drugs, including ACEIs, CCBs, BBs, and diuretics, did not show significant associations with incident cancer overall. The long-term use of ARBs was significantly associated with a reduced risk of incident cancer over time. The users of common antihypertensive medications were not associated with an increased risk of cancer overall compared to users of other classes of antihypertensive drugs. ARB use was independently associated with a decreased risk of cancer overall compared to other antihypertensive drugs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliaksandra Aniskevich ◽  
Iryna Shimanskaya ◽  
Iryna Boiko ◽  
Tatyana Golubovskaya ◽  
Daniel Golparian ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Limited antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data for Neisseria gonorrhoeae are available in Eastern Europe. We investigated AMR in N. gonorrhoeae isolates in the Republic of Belarus from 2009 to 2019, antimicrobial treatment recommended nationally, and treatment given to patients with gonorrhoea. Methods N. gonorrhoeae isolates (n = 522) cultured in three regions of Belarus in 2009–2019 were examined. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of eight antimicrobials was performed using Etest. Resistance breakpoints from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing were applied where available. A Nitrocefin test identified β-lactamase production. Gonorrhoea treatment for 1652 patients was also analysed. Statistical significance was determined by the Z-test, Fisher’s exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test with p-values of < 0.05 indicating significance. Results In total, 27.8% of the N. gonorrhoeae isolates were resistant to tetracycline, 24.7% to ciprofloxacin, 7.0% to benzylpenicillin, 2.7% to cefixime, and 0.8% to azithromycin. No isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, or gentamicin. However, 14 (2.7%) isolates had a ceftriaxone MIC of 0.125 mg/L, exactly at the resistance breakpoint (MIC > 0.125 mg/L). Only one (0.2%) isolate, from 2013, produced β-lactamase. From 2009 to 2019, the levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline were relatively high and stable. Resistance to cefixime was not identified before 2013 but peaked at 22.2% in 2017. Only sporadic isolates with resistance to azithromycin were found in 2009 (n = 1), 2012 (n = 1), and 2018–2019 (n = 2). Overall, 862 (52.2%) patients received first-line treatment according to national guidelines (ceftriaxone 1 g). However, 154 (9.3%) patients received a nationally recommended alternative treatment (cefixime 400 mg or ofloxacin 400 mg), and 636 (38.5%) were given non-recommended treatment. Conclusions The gonococcal resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline was high, however, the resistance to azithromycin was low and no resistance to ceftriaxone was identified. Ceftriaxone 1 g can continuously be recommended as empiric first-line gonorrhoea therapy in Belarus. Fluoroquinolones should not be prescribed for treatment if susceptibility has not been confirmed by testing. Timely updating and high compliance with national evidence-based gonorrhoea treatment guidelines based on quality-assured AMR data are imperative. The need for continued, improved and enhanced surveillance of gonococcal AMR in Belarus is evident.


2021 ◽  
Vol 238 (10) ◽  
pp. 1069-1076
Author(s):  
Göran Darius Hildebrand ◽  
Zuzana Sipkova

AbstractInfantile haemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumours of the eyelid and orbits in infancy. Beta-blockers, in the form of oral propranolol, have become first-line treatment in severe cases with functionally significant or disfiguring IH. However, adverse drug reactions of oral propranolol in infants are reported in 1 in 11 and serious or potentially life-threatening systemic side effects in 1 in 38, including dyspnoea, hypotension, hyperkalaemia, hypoglycaemia, and cyanosis, therefore requiring careful and close monitoring during the course of systemic treatment. More recently, two large meta-analyses have shown topical beta-blockers, such as timolol maleate 0.5%, to be as effective as oral propranolol in superficial IH, but with no or significantly fewer adverse effects, and have advocated that topical beta-blockers replace oral propranolol as the first-line treatment of superficial IH. We have previously reported the therapeutic response of deep periocular IH to primary topical timolol maleate 0.5% monotherapy. Here we also describe the first successful treatments of large orbital IHs with primary topical timolol maleate 0.5% monotherapy in four infants, resulting in immediate cessation of progression and rapid clinical improvement or resolution in all cases. No adverse effects and no recurrence during long-term follow-up of up to 2.5 years after cessation were seen in any of the patients treated with topical timolol maleate 0.5%.


2021 ◽  
pp. 12-19
Author(s):  
A. N. Esaulenko ◽  
A. Yu. Moiseeva ◽  
A. A. Ivannikov ◽  
I. V. Bratischev ◽  
Kh. G. Alidzhanova

The effect of hypotensive drugs overdose on cardiovascular system is poorly studied; it should undergo clinical, experimental pharmacology and toxicology together with cardiology. There is too little information about cardiotoxicity of beta-blockers (β-blockers) and calcium channel blockers (CCB) in existing research literature. Intoxication from these groups of drugs causes similar severe hemodynamic abnormalities and myocardial insufficiency, however pathophysiological mechanisms of these abnormalities are not thoroughly studied. The review highlights how difficult it is to identify toxic level and distinctive features of clinical evidence of intoxication. Methods of diagnosis as well as β-blockers and CCB overdose treatment are discussed.


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