Enteric pathogens and reactive arthritis: a systematic review of Campylobacter, salmonella and Shigella-associated reactive arthritis.

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is a spondyloarthropathic disorder characterized by inflammation of the joints and tissues occurring after gastrointestinal or genitourinary infections. Diagnostic criteria for ReA do not exist and, therefore, it is subject to clinical opinion resulting in cases with a wide range of symptoms and definitions. Using standardized diagnostic criteria, we conducted a systematic literature review to establish the global incidence of ReA for each of the three most commonly-associated enteric pathogens: Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella.

Risk factors for colon ischemia.

Background: To identify predictors of colon ischemia, we examined demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, as well as their prior health care utilization.

Methods: Using insurance data, we identified 700 persons at least 20-yr old with presumed colon ischemia between 1995 and 1999, and 6,440 controls. Case identification was based on diagnosis and procedure codes in insurance claims for which we used a previously reported, validated algorithm.

Occurrence of colon ischemia in relation to irritable bowel syndrome.

Objective: In November 2000, alosetron HCl (Lotronex), a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was removed from the U.S. market in part because of the occurrence of colon ischemia in treated patients.

The effect of zanamivir treatment on influenza complications: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Complications of influenza are a major cause of morbidity and mortality during the influenza season. Clinical trials of zanamivir have reported a reduced incidence of influenza complications among high-risk patients.

Objectives: This retrospective study sought to determine whether the use of zanamivir lowers the risk of acute influenza complications in a broader population, based on an analysis of claims data from a large managed care organization.

Risk for respiratory events in a cohort of patients receiving inhaled zanamivir: a retrospective study.

Background: Inhaled zanamivir is indicated for treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza A and B viruses in patients aged > or = 12 years who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of adverse respiratory events among zanamivir-treated patients under conditions of usual care.

Methods: The Ingenix research database includes insurance claims for all dispensations, inpatient and outpatient services, and procedures including the associated diagnoses and costs for a subset of all enrolled UnitedHealthcare members.