Epidemiology, healthcare resource utilization and healthcare costs for spinal muscular atrophy in Alberta, Canada.

Aims: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disease associated with the degeneration of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. Studies examining the epidemiology and economic impact of SMA are limited in Canada. This study aimed to estimate the epidemiology as well as healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and healthcare costs for children with SMA in Alberta, Canada.

A cross-sectional evaluation of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patient satisfaction and quality of life with a care coordinator.

Background: Canadian and international guidelines recommend specialized, multidisciplinary teams for the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The objective of this cross-sectional clinical study was to investigate the effect of a care coordinator on IPF patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Methods: Forty IPF patients were enrolled from the practices of two physicians (n=20/physician), with either low (LCU) or high-coordinator use (HCU).

A comprehensive and practical approach to the management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a debilitating, progressive, and fatal fibrotic pulmonary disease with a prognosis comparable to that of lung cancer. IPF management is a complex process that involves pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, extensive patient education, and addressing patient needs that change through the course of the illness. : This review summarizes the key aspects of a multifaceted, multidisciplinary, individualized approach to IPF care that incorporates available treatment options, strategies to improve compliance with antifibrotic therapies, pulmonary rehabilitation, and the integration of palliative care for symptom management.