Using the multidimensional prognostic index for treatment decisions and monitoring in frail older patients

The routine applicability of clinical guidelines and disease-specific end-points in frail older patients is problematic because of the exclusion of this group from clinical trials, their limited life expectancy, the co-existence of multiple disease states and poor functional status, and the presence of complex drug-drug and drug-disease interactions. In this context, the use of patient-centred end-points that include measures of quality of life might be particularly useful for designing tailored treatment strategies, monitor progress and, ultimately, improve outcomes. The multidimensional prognostic index, an objective, quantifiable, and validated scoring system based on core domains of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, might represent an important tool for the development of clinical guidelines that take into account measures of frailty and patientcentred end-points. However, research is warranted to investigate whether this approach leads to more effective and safe management strategies in old age.

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Using patient-centered end-points in older adults participating in clinical trials

Geriatric Care ◽

10.4081/gc.2016.5893 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Arduino A. Mangoni ◽

Kimberley Ruxton

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Patient Group ◽

Older Patients ◽

Prognostic Index ◽

Well Being ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Individual Variability ◽

Patient Centered ◽

End Points ◽

The Impact

Conventional end-points, primarily based on the pharmacodynamic effects of a specific drug, are used to assess the efficacy of pharmacological treatment in clinical trials. However, their application and interpretation in complex frail older patients, a patient group with high inter-individual variability, multiple coexisting disease states and prescribed medications, is becoming increasingly questionable. National surveys and qualitative studies have convincingly shown that the maintenance of functional independence is key to self-rated health and well being in old age. Therefore, the use of unconventional, patientcentered, end-points focused on functional status and perceived health seems appropriate, in combination with conventional end-points, to comprehensively investigate the impact of pharmacological treatments in this patient group. The recent availability of objective, quantifiable, and robust scoring tools, such as the multidimensional prognostic index, to assess key functional domains and clinical outcomes offers a unique opportunity to adequately characterize patient-centered endpoints in future clinical trials in older patients.

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Understanding the Impact of Different Landscape-Level Fuel Management Strategies on Wildfire Hazard in Central Portugal

Forests ◽

10.3390/f12050522 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 522

Author(s):

Akli Benali ◽

Ana C. L. Sá ◽

João Pinho ◽

Paulo M. Fernandes ◽

José M. C. Pereira

Keyword(s):

Management Strategies ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Fire Season ◽

Burned Area ◽

Treatment Area ◽

Fuel Treatment ◽

The North ◽

Wildfire Hazard ◽

Central Portugal ◽

The Impact

The extreme 2017 fire season in Portugal led to widespread recognition of the need for a paradigm shift in forest and wildfire management. We focused our study on Alvares, a parish in central Portugal located in a fire-prone area, which had 60% of its area burned in 2017. We evaluated how different fuel treatment strategies may reduce wildfire hazard in Alvares through (i) a fuel break network with different extents corresponding to different levels of priority and (ii) random fuel treatments resulting from a potential increase in stand-level management intensity. To assess this, we developed a stochastic wildfire simulation system (FUNC-SIM) that integrates uncertainties in fuel distribution over the landscape. If the landscape remains unchanged, Alvares will have large burn probabilities in the north, northeast and center-east areas of the parish that are very often associated with high fireline intensities. The different fuel treatment scenarios decreased burned area between 12.1–31.2%, resulting from 1–4.6% increases in the annual treatment area and reduced the likelihood of wildfires larger than 5000 ha by 10–40%. On average, simulated burned area decreased 0.22% per each ha treated, and cost-effectiveness decreased with increasing area treated. Overall, both fuel treatment strategies effectively reduced wildfire hazard and should be part of a larger, holistic and integrated plan to reduce the vulnerability of the Alvares parish to wildfires.

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Peripheral Arteriovenous Malformations: Imaging and Endovascular Management Strategies

Journal of Clinical Interventional Radiology ISVIR ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1728986 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Virender Malik ◽

Harshith Kramadhari ◽

Jawahar Rathod ◽

Yadav W. Munde ◽

Uday Bhanu Kovilapu

Keyword(s):

Arteriovenous Malformation ◽

Vascular Malformation ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Vascular Anomaly ◽

Classification Systems ◽

Vascular Anomalies ◽

Final Decision ◽

Life Threatening

AbstractThe peripheral high-flow vascular malformation (HFVM) comprises arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and fistula (AVF), shows varied clinical presentation (ranging from subtle skin lesion to life-threatening congestive heart failure), and frequently poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Importance of assigning a specific diagnosis to the vascular malformation cannot be overstated, as the treatment strategy is based on the type of vascular anomaly. Although the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification system is the most commonly accepted system for classifying congenital vascular anomalies in clinical practice, the Cho–Do et al classification is of utmost help in guiding optimal mode of treatment in peripheral AVM. Although transarterial approach remains the most commonly employed route for peripheral AVM embolization, the role of transvenous and direct percutaneous approach is ever increasing and the final decision on the approach depends on angioarchitecture of the AVM. In this article, we review various commonly employed classification systems for congenital vascular anomalies, and describe clinical features, imaging and treatment strategies for peripheral arteriovenous malformation (PAVM).

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A Clinical Conundrum: The Pharmacist's Role in Evaluating Comorbid Urinary incontinence and Heart Failure

The Senior Care Pharmacist ◽

10.4140/tcp.n.2021.142. ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (3) ◽

pp. 142-146

Author(s):

Robin Parker ◽

Aaron Henslee ◽

Zachary L. Cox

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Older Patients ◽

Complex Disease ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Shared Decision ◽

Patient Centered ◽

Appropriate Prescribing ◽

Therapeutic Competition ◽

Improve Patient

Heart failure (HF) is a complex disease to manage, and treatment strategies for older adults are complicated by the presence of comorbidities such as urinary incontinence (UI). There is a therapeutic competition that exists in the treatment of patients with both HF and UI, as many of the agents indicated for control of HF may directly exacerbate UI. A reported 80% of adults with HF are older than 65 years of age, and 50% of HF patients have UI. The prevalence of conflicting therapeutic objectives in older patients presents an opportunity for intervention by senior care pharmacists. Pharmacists are equipped to optimize medication outcomes through the provision of appropriate prescribing and deprescribing recommendations, when necessary. This provides an opportunity for shared decision making to improve patient-centered outcomes and goals of care within this population.

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Caustic and Toxic Ingestions

10.2310/7ccsp.8137 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

CDR Thomas Q Gallagher ◽

CDR Robert L Ricca

Keyword(s):

Surgical Management ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Tracheobronchial Tree ◽

High Rate ◽

Health Concern ◽

Endoscopic Management ◽

Caustic Ingestion ◽

Stricture Formation ◽

Accidental Ingestion

Ingestion of caustic substances remains a potentially fatal public health concern with extensive morbidity and the possibility of long-term sequelae. The management strategies of these complex injuries continue to be extensively studied in the literature. Areas of interest include the most efficacious treatment of caustic esophageal stricture to preserve the native esophagus, use of steroids, and use of esophageal stents. Prevention of accidental ingestion through strategies to limit the availability of caustic substances is a key factor in reducing the incidence of injury, but there continues to be a high rate of accidental ingestion in developing countries with less rigorous manufacturing standards. Initial evaluation includes endoscopic evaluation of the esophagus and tracheobronchial tree. Optimal treatment strategies, including the use of proton pump inhibitors to reduce gastroesophageal reflux, steroid use to prevent stricture formation, and use of stents for management of strictures, continue to be debated. Initial surgical management includes esophagectomy for full-thickness injury with abdominal exploration. Multiple surgical options exist for both restoration of gastrointestinal continuity after esophagectomy and the management of strictures refractory to medical management, including reverse gastric tube, colonic interposition, and gastric advancement. Numerous small studies have evaluated the efficacy of these interventions, but there continues to be a need for larger prospective studies to develop a worldwide consensus opinion on best practices. We provide a review of the recent literature and practice recommendations for the management of injuries due to caustic ingestion. Key words: caustic ingestion, endoscopic management, stricture, surgical management

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Using the Multidimensional Prognostic Index to Predict Clinical Outcomes of Hospitalized Older Persons: A Prospective, Multicenter, International Study

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/gly239 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 74 (10) ◽

pp. 1643-1649 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Alberto Pilotto ◽

Nicola Veronese ◽

Julia Daragjati ◽

Alfonso J Cruz-Jentoft ◽

Maria Cristina Polidori ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Home Care ◽

Older Patients ◽

Risk Group ◽

Prognostic Index ◽

Home Care Services ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Mortality Data ◽

Care Services ◽

Overall Mortality

Abstract Background Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) is useful as a prognostic tool in hospitalized older patients, but our knowledge is derived from retrospective studies. We therefore aimed to evaluate in a multicenter, longitudinal, cohort study whether the MPI at hospital admission is useful to identify groups with different mortality risk and whether MPI at discharge may predict institutionalization, rehospitalization, and use of home care services during 12 months. Methods This longitudinal study, carried out between February 2015 and August 2017, included nine public hospitals in Europe and Australia. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment including information on functional, nutritional, cognitive status, risk of pressure sores, comorbidities, medications, and cohabitation status was used to calculate the MPI and to categorize participants in low, moderate, and severe risk of mortality. Data regarding mortality, institutionalization, rehospitalization, and use of home care services were recorded through administrative information. Results Altogether, 1,140 hospitalized patients (mean age 84.1 years, women = 60.8%) were included. In the multivariable analysis, compared to patients with low risk group at admission, patients in moderate (odds ratio [OR] = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.79–6.17; p < .001) and severe risk (OR = 10.72, 95% CI: 5.70–20.18, p < .0001) groups were at higher risk of overall mortality. Among the 984 older patients with follow-up data available, those in the severe-risk group experienced a higher risk of overall mortality, institutionalization, rehospitalization, and access to home care services. Conclusions In this cohort of hospitalized older adults, higher MPI values are associated with higher mortality and other negative outcomes. Multidimensional assessment of older people admitted to hospital may facilitate appropriate clinical and postdischarge management.

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Effectiveness of Multi-Prognostic Index in older patients with advanced malignancies treated with immunotherapy

Journal of Geriatric Oncology ◽

10.1016/j.jgo.2019.09.010 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 503-507 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Andrea Sbrana ◽

Rachele Antognoli ◽

Giuseppe Pasqualetti ◽

Giuseppe Linsalata ◽

Chukwuma Okoye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Patients ◽

Prognostic Index ◽

Advanced Malignancies

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Relapsed Hodgkin Lymphoma in Older Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis From the German Hodgkin Study Group

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2013.49.8246 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 31 (35) ◽

pp. 4431-4437 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Boris Böll ◽

Helen Goergen ◽

Nils Arndt ◽

Julia Meissner ◽

Stefan W. Krause ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Older Patients ◽

Prognostic Score ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Study Group ◽

Line Treatment ◽

Second Line ◽

First Line ◽

Early Relapse ◽

Risk Patients

Purpose Progression or relapse of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is common among older patients. However, prognosis and effects of second-line treatment are thus far unknown. Patients and Methods We investigated second-line treatment and survival in older patients with progressive or relapsed HL. Patients treated within German Hodgkin Study Group first-line studies between 1993 and 2007 were screened for refractory disease or relapse (RR-HL). Patients with RR-HL age ≥ 60 years at first-line treatment were included in this analysis. Results We identified 105 patients (median age, 66 years); 28%, 31%, and 41% had progressive disease, early relapse, or late relapse, respectively. Second-line treatment strategies included intensified salvage regimens (22%), conventional polychemotherapy and/or salvage-radiotherapy with curative intent (42%), and palliative approaches (31%). Median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 12 months; OS at 3 years was 31% (95% CI, 22% to 40%). A prognostic score with risk factors (RFs) of early relapse, clinical stage III/IV, and anemia identified patients with favorable and unfavorable prognosis (≤ one RF: 3-year OS, 59%; 95% CI, 44% to 74%; ≥ two RFs: 3-year OS, 9%; 95% CI, 1% to 18%). In low-risk patients, the impact of therapy on survival was significant in favor of the conventional polychemotherapy/salvage radiotherapy approach. In high-risk patients, OS was low overall and did not differ significantly among treatment strategies. Conclusion OS in older patients with RR-HL can be predicted using a simple prognostic score. Poor outcome in high-risk patients cannot be overcome by any of the applied treatment strategies. Our results might help to guide treatment decisions and evaluate new compounds in these patients.

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Patient Characteristics and Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Experience

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-125449 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 2609-2609

Author(s):

Muhned Alhumaid ◽

Georgina S Daher-Reyes ◽

Wilson Lam ◽

Arjun Law ◽

Tracy Murphy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Older Patients ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Research Funding ◽

Age Groups ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Disease Behavior

Introduction: Clinical outcomes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adolescents and young adults (AYA) are rarely reported as an isolated subgroup. Treatments vary little across age groups, and treatment intensity depends upon comorbid conditions and performance status. Optimal treatment strategies focused on disease behavior, biological factors, and the distinct needs of this subset of AML patients remain elusive. The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to determine the characteristics and outcomes of AYA AML patients treated at a specialized adult leukemia cancer center in comparison to older adults with AML (40-60 years). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients treated at Princess Margaret Cancer Center from 2008-2018. Patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia were excluded. Clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes were recorded for all patients. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and the impact of covariates were assessed using the Log-rank test. Finally, we compared the outcomes of AYA patients treated at our centre between 2015-2018 with older patients. Results: A total of 175 patients aged 18-39 were identified. Patient characteristics are shown in (Table 1). Cytogenetic were available in 163 patients. Based on MRC criteria, 27 (16%) were favorable risk, intermediate in 95 (54%), adverse in 39 (22%), and missing/failed in 14(8%). NPM1 status was available in 110 patients of whom 38 (35%) were positive. FLT3-ITD was available in 67 patients with 24 (36%) positive. Both mutations were present in 13 (54%) patients. There were no significant differences in terms of risk stratification based on cytogenetic and molecular markers based on age (18-29 vs.30-39) (P= 0.98). Most patients 172 (98%) received induction, 157 (91%) with 3+7, and 15 (9%) with FLAG-IDA. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 133 (77%) after first induction [120 (76%) after 3+7 and 11 (73%) after FLAG-IDA]. Induction related mortality was low (2%). Of the 39 who did not achieve CR, thirty-four patients received re-induction (13 FLAG-IDA, 16 NOVE-HiDAC, 5 others) with CR in 21 (62%). Overall, 154 (89.5%) achieved CR1. Sixty-four (42%) proceeded to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in CR1. 59 (38%) patients relapsed in CR1 with 8 (12%) relapsing post HSCT. Fifty-five (5 post HSCT) patients received reinduction with 30 (51%) (2 after HSCT) achieving CR2. Fifteen patients received HSCT in CR2. OS and DFS at 2 years were 62% (95% CI 0.53-0.69) and 50% (95% CI 0.41-0.57), respectively. Stratified by cytogenetic risk, OS was 81% for favorable risk, 61% for intermediate, and 50% for adverse risk (P=0.0001), respectively. DFS in these groups was 85%, 57%, and 46 % (P=0.0025), respectively. We further compared outcomes in the 18-29y and 30-39y age groups. The OS was 61.9% compared to 62.5% (P=0.91) and DFS of 52.1% compared to 47% (P=0.65) respectively. On univariate analysis for OS and DFS, cytogenetic risk stratification was the only significant variable (P=0.0004 and P=0.0042). We then compared the outcomes 67 sequential patients aged I8-39 treated from 2014-2018, with those of 176 sequential patients aged 40-60 treated during the same period (table 2). OS at 2 years was not statistically higher in the younger group compared to the older group (66.7% vs. 61.2%, P=0.372). While relapse rate was lower in older patients (15.5% vs. 22.6%, P=0.093), NRM was higher in older patients (29.7% vs. 18.8%,P=0.094). Conclusion: AYA pts. occupy a unique niche amongst AML as a whole. While treatment responses have improved in general, there may be potential for further gains in these patients. Increased tolerance for more intense treatment strategies as well as the incorporation of novel agents into standard treatment protocols may provide a means to optimize care in AYA patients. Finally, research is needed to elucidate biological mechanisms and predictors of disease behavior instead of arbitrary, age-stratified treatment schema. Disclosures McNamara: Novartis Pharmaceutical Canada Inc.: Consultancy. Schimmer:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Medivir Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Otsuka Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Schuh:Astellas: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Teva Canada Innovation: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios: Honoraria; Jazz: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Maze:Pfizer Inc: Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Yee:Astellas: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astex: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; MedImmune: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Hoffman La Roche: Research Funding. Minden:Trillium Therapetuics: Other: licensing agreement. Gupta:Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sierra Oncology: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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