The Association of Heart Failure and Edema Events between Patients Initiating Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate or Patiromer.

Key Points: One previous study using claims data reported signals for higher hospitalizations for heart failures and severe edema in patients prescribed a potassium binder using sodium exchange. In this study, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate use was associated with increased risk of prespecified encounters of hospitalizations for heart failure and major edema encounters. Our findings highlight the need to weigh the benefits and risks of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate and patiromer in routine clinical practice.

Treatment patterns in patients with newly diagnosed COPD in the USA.

Background: Prompt and effective management with maintenance therapy (single or dual bronchodilator therapy) is recommended after the initial diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to maintain lung function and prevent exacerbations. Contrary to guideline-based recommendations, most patients are not prescribed maintenance treatment at initial diagnosis. The current study assessed the pharmacologic treatment patterns and outcomes of newly diagnosed patients with COPD in the USA.

Demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns among keloid patients: United States Electronic Health Records (EHR) Database Study.

Introduction: There is limited epidemiologic evidence on keloids using real-world data, especially in the United States (US) across race and ethnicity.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Cerner Real-World Data, between 2015 and 2021, to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of US adults with keloids. Keloids were identified using a combination of ICD-10 and (Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms [SNOMED] codes).

The Associations between Insomnia Severity and Health Outcomes in the United States.

Little is known about the associations between insomnia severity, insomnia symptoms, and key health outcomes. Using 2020 United States National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) data, we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis to determine the associations between insomnia severity and a number of health outcomes germane to patients (health-related quality of life (HRQoL), employers and government (workplace productivity), and healthcare payers (healthcare resource utilization (HCRU)). The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire was used to evaluate overall insomnia severity.

Adverse outcomes associated with concurrent gabapentin, opioid, and benzodiazepine utilization: A nested case-control study.

Background: Gabapentin, opioids, and/or benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for a variety of pain and psychiatric conditions. Despite the high likelihood of co-prescription of these medications, little is known about co-utilization of gabapentin (GABA), opioids (OP), and benzodiazepines (BZD) and associated public health outcomes.

Methods: Using Medicare CCW Data, 2013-2016, we conducted a nested case-control study to examine the association between concurrent utilization of GABA, OP, and BZD and respiratory depression, opioid, and substance-related overdose among Medicare disabled beneficiaries.

Mapping the Insomnia Severity Index Instrument to EQ-5D Health State Utilities: A United Kingdom Perspective.

Objective: This study aimed to map the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to the EQ-5D-3L utility values from a UK perspective.

Methods: Source data were derived from the 2020 National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US. Ordinary least squares regression, generalised linear model (GLM), censored least absolute deviation, and adjusted limited dependent variable mixture model (ALDVMM) were employed to explore the relationship between ISI total summary score and EQ-5D utility while accounting for adjustment covariates derived from the NHWS.

Examining transitions of care among nursing home residents with and without antipsychotic medication use.

Objectives: This study examines the association between antipsychotic (AP) medication use and care transitions in the nursing home (NH) population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries between 2011 and 2015. Propensity score adjusted negative binomial regression was performed and conditional probabilities of having a first transition from the NH to specific locations were calculated.

Patterns of opioid and benzodiazepine use with gabapentin among disabled Medicare beneficiaries - A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Our goal was to describe specific patterns associated with co-prescriptions of gabapentin, opioids, and benzodiazepines among disabled Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods: Using 2013-2015 Medicare data, we conducted a retrospective cohort study among fee-for-service disabled beneficiaries continuously enrolled in Medicare Parts A, B, and D. The index date was defined as the earliest fill date for a gabapentin, opioid, or benzodiazepine prescription.

Chronic non-cancer pain and its association with healthcare use and costs among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.

To evaluate the impact of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) on healthcare use and costs among individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Using the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus database, we identified individuals (18-64 years old) during 2007-2014, divided into two groups: OSA + CNCP versus OSA-only. Generalized linear models were used to analyze binary and count outcomes.

Patterns of prescription opioid utilization among adolescents and adults with comorbid chronic pain and mental health diagnosis.

Our goal was to examine the association between mental health disorders (MHD) and subsequent risk of opioid use among commercially insured youth and adults (aged 14-64 years) with comorbid chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) conditions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using IQVIA Health Plan Claims database from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. Chronic noncancer pain was defined as any diagnosis of back, head, neck, arthritis, or chronic pain (index date).