Cost-effectiveness of switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide versus entecavir for chronic hepatitis B patients in Greece.

This study assessed the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to either tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) or entecavir (ETV) in a Greek chronic hepatitis B (CHB) population. A Markov model from the perspective of a third-party payer in Greece quantified the health and economic benefits of switching from TDF to either TAF or ETV over a lifetime horizon. Over a lifetime, patients who switch from TDF to TAF versus patients who switch from TDF to ETV had an overall lower incidence of compensated cirrhosis (0.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis and Impact on Length of Hospital Stay of the Introduction of Remdesivir as a Treatment Option for Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 Requiring Supplemental Oxygen in Greece Versus Standard of Care.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global threat with a devastating impact on health, economy, and society in general. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical and economic value of remdesivir by developing a cost-effectiveness analysis model for hospitalized adults with COVID-19 requiring supplemental oxygen in Greece.

Methods: A cost-effectiveness model was developed that included a decision tree model and a Markov cohort model.

Aiming towards hepatitis C virus elimination in Greece.

There are estimated to be 74,000-134,000 patients living with chronic hepatitis C in Greece, but only 20-30% of them are aware of their disease status. In July 2017, the Hellenic National Plan for Hepatitis C was announced in alignment with the World Health Organization goals for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by the year 2030. This article discusses the epidemiology and current treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Greece.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C virus-infected people who inject drugs: a Greek descriptive analysis.

Background: It is estimated that 17,000 people who inject drugs (PWID) in Greece have hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia. The aim of our study was to explore the characteristics of the HCV-infected, direct acting antiviral (DAA)-naïve PWID.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of PWID with HCV infection.

A meta-analysis to determine the effect of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments on fibromyalgia symptoms comprising OMERACT-10 response criteria.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, functional impairment, psychological distress, and cognitive dysfunction. The objective of this meta-analysis is to synthesize the available data on the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions across all domains included in the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT-10) fibromyalgia response definitions, and to examine response based on these definitions. We searched Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and the reference lists of articles for randomized controlled trials of any drug formulation or non-pharmacological intervention used for fibromyalgia treatment.

Role of vaccinations and prophylaxis in rheumatic diseases.

Targeted strategies for reducing the increased risk of infection in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases include vaccinations as well as antibiotic prophylaxis in selected patients. However, there are still issues under debate: Is vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases immunogenic? Is it safe? What is the impact of immunosuppressive drugs on vaccine immunogenicity and safety? Does vaccination cause disease flares? In which cases is prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii required? This review addresses these important questions to which clinicians and researchers still do not have definite answers. The first part includes immunization recommendations and reviews current data on vaccine efficacy and safety in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Review of meta-analyses of vancomycin compared with new treatments for Gram-positive skin and soft-tissue infections: Are we any clearer?

Vancomycin has been considered the standard of care for treatment of Gram-positive skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). Its value has been questioned over the last decade owing to well acknowledged limitations in efficacy and tolerability and the emergence of newer meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-active antibacterial agents. However, no single agent has shown better results versus vancomycin in SSTI trials.

Invasive candidiasis and candidaemia in neonates and children: update on current guidelines.

Invasive candidiasis (IC) and candidaemia are leading causes of infectious morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised paediatric patients and those admitted to intensive care units. Despite improvements in diagnosis, prevention and treatment, both mortality rates and the economic burden of disease still remain high. To address this issue, several international societies and organisations have proposed guidelines for the management of IC/candidaemia in both neonates and children.

Antibacterial Treatment of Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: a Cost and Budget Impact Analysis in Greek Hospitals.

Introduction: Meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important cause of antimicrobial-resistant infections worldwide. Its prevalence remains high in the Greek hospital setting. Complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs) due to MRSA are associated with prolonged hospitalization, additional healthcare costs and significant morbidity.

Invasive candidiasis: update on current pharmacotherapy options and future perspectives.

Introduction: Invasive candidiasis (IC), mainly candidemia, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients and those admitted to intensive care units. Despite the recognition of risk factors and advances in disease prevention, Candida-related hospitalizations and mortality continue to rise. For treatment, four classes of older and newer antifungal agents are currently available.