Real-world Utilisation of the Rivastigmine Transdermal Patches Accompanying the use of Risk Minimisation Tools in Patients with Dementia

Background: Transdermal patches are convenient to use, especially in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-associated dementia. However, various identified risks of errors in ad- ministering the patches cannot be disregarded. Patient Reminder Cards (PRCs, included a Medica- tion record sheet [MRS]) have been recently introduced as a risk minimisation tool to prevent incor- rect patch use (IU). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of PRCs to prevent IU and to investigate the dose titration pattern of rivastigmine patches in a real-world setting. Methods: This multinational, observational, 11-month study included patients with AD currently using rivastigmine patches (4.6 mg/day, 9.5 mg/day, 13.3 mg/day) accompanied by a caregiver. Study outcomes were IU, including multiple patch use (MPU), incorrect patch placement, other IUs, perceived usefulness of the PRCs, and titration patterns of the patches. Results: Of the total 614 patients included, most were aged ≥65 years and had mild-to-moderate AD. Before and during the study, 27.7% and 18.0% of patients reported IU, respectively. Most pa- tients used MRS, and 73.5% rated it ‘helpful’ and reported lower rates of IU than those who report- ed it ‘not helpful’ (13.9%–16.5% vs. 20.2%). Overall, 141 patients had dose titrations, with 75.8% being up-titrated from 4.6 mg/day to 9.5 mg/day after a mean duration of 58 days. Safety findings were consistent with the established profile for the rivastigmine patch. Conclusion: PRC was effective as a risk minimisation tool in limiting the inappropriate use of ri- vastigmine patches. The majority of patients requiring dose-change were up-titrated to 9.5 mg/day patches.

Left Ventricular Dilatation and Posterior Papillary Muscle Displacement in an Ex Vivo Pulsatile Model of Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Background: Surgical method of choice for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is debatable, since recurrence of FMR post-annuloplasty has been reported in a significant number of cases. Developing a pulsatile FMR heart model by left ventricular dilatation can be a favorable option for usage in the primary stages of developing new surgical techniques that adjunctively targets the posterior papillary muscle (PPM) geometry.Methods: PPM of ex vivo ovine hearts (N = 22) was displaced by three different sizes of patches to induce left ventricular dilatation and FMR. Mitral regurgitation (MR) flow, left ventricular and annular geometry were measured from the dynamic pulsatile flow system before and after patch placement.Results: Outward displacement of PPM was significantly increased in all patch sizes compared to baseline (P = .016, P = .031, and P = .008 from small to large patch, respectively). Left ventricular volume (LVV) significantly increased from 18.53 (15.01-26.03) mL at baseline to 27.5 (19.45-42.46) mL after large patch placement (P = .031). However, the small and medium patch groups did not show significant changes in the LVV after patch placement. MR significantly increased 554 (185-1,919.3) mL/min after applying the large patch compared to baseline (P = .016). There were no significant changes from baseline in MR flow after applying the small and medium patch. Application of the large patch produced the highest proportion of FMR heart models (87.5%, P = .031).Conclusion: The large patch ex vivo pulsatile heart model demonstrated outward displacement of the PPM and significantly produced MR flow. This ex vivo pulsatile heart model can be used to facilitate surgical techniques that targets the PPM displacement in FMR patients.

Endoscopic Transcranial Duraplasty for Rhinoliquorrhea: A Cadaveric Study

BACKGROUND Repair of the anterior skull base for cerebrospinal fluid leak requires either endoscopic endonasal approach or open transcranial approach. OBJECTIVE To present a less invasive surgical procedure for sealing of the entire anterior fossa floor for traumatic rhinoliquorrhea. METHODS Cadaver study in 3 head specimens. Endoscopic placement of a furled bovine pericardial patch bilaterally along the sphenoid ridge and planum in guidewire technique. Unfurling and spreading of the patch under endoscope assistance. RESULTS Patch placement was feasible in all 3 specimens without visible injuries to the frontal lobes. Dissection and preservation of the olfactory tracts was only possible for 50% of olfactory tracts. CONCLUSION Endoscopic transcranial keyhole duraplasty is a promising concept for traumatic rhinoliquorrhea.