Immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in a population with a history of elevated exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through drinking water.

Background: Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to lower vaccine-induced antibody concentrations in children, while data from adults remains limited and equivocal. Characteristics of PFAS exposure and age at vaccination may modify such effects.

Objective: We used the mass administration of novel COVID-19 vaccines to test the hypothesis that prior exposure to environmentally-relevant concentrations of PFAS affect antibody response to vaccines in adolescents and adults.

Dialing in: effect of telephonic wellness coaching on weight loss.

Objective: To estimate the effect of telephonic wellness coaching on weight loss in a commercially insured population.

Study Design: Pre-post evaluation design.

Methods: Self-reported weight was obtained from 2 annual health assessment questionnaires administered during 2008 and 2010.

Short-term outdoor temperature change and emergency department visits for asthma among children: a case-crossover study.

Although weather changes are known to cause asthma symptoms, their impact on asthma-related health-care utilization is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between short-term outdoor temperature change and asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits among children 3-18 years of age in Detroit, Michigan, in 2000-2001. Descriptive analyses of patient and ED visit characteristics were performed.

Long-acting β-agonist monotherapy among children and adults with asthma.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of long-acting β-agonist (LABA) monotherapy among a Medicaid-enrolled population with asthma and to describe continued LABA monotherapy use.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Methods: Administrative Medicaid claims data for Michigan were used to identify children and adults with asthma, defined as having 4 or more asthma medication–dispensing events during a calendar year between 2006 and 2008.

Spirometry use among pediatric primary care physicians.

Objective: This study explores the use of spirometry in primary care settings.

Methods: A 4-page survey was mailed to a national, random sample of office-based family physicians and pediatricians. Survey items addressed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding spirometry and standardized clinical vignettes.

Prevalence of work-related asthma in Michigan, Minnesota, and Oregon.

Introduction: Adults who have asthma that is caused or aggravated by triggers at work experience a reduced quality of life. In this study, the authors sought to estimate the proportion of asthma that is associated with work using a state-based survey of adults with asthma.

Methods: In 2005, Michigan, Minnesota, and Oregon piloted the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Adult Asthma Call-Back Survey, with sample sizes of 867, 469, and 1072, respectively.

Asthma surveillance using Medicaid administrative data: a call for a national framework.

Connecticut, Michigan, and New York have successfully used Medicaid administrative data to conduct surveillance of asthma prevalence, related health service utilization and costs, and quality of asthma care. Since these assessments utilize beneficiary-level data, a wide range of population-based summaries is feasible. Opportunities exist to build upon the collective experiences of these three states to establish a national framework for asthma surveillance using Medicaid administrative data.

Investigating asthma deaths among children and young adults: Michigan Asthma Mortality Review.

Objective: We developed a surveillance system to investigate asthma deaths in children and young adults.

Methods: A rapid asthma death notification and investigation system for Michigan was developed to identify interventions to prevent future deaths among people aged 2-34 years. Multidisciplinary panels to determine causal factors and recommend preventative actions reviewed information from death certificates, autopsies, next-of-kin interviews, and medical records.

Pediatric asthma surveillance using Medicaid claims.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of asthma among children using alternative case definitions applied to administrative claims data, and to assess year-to-year classification concordance.

Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort analysis of 357,729 children 0-18 years using 2001-2002 Michigan Medicaid claims. Asthma cases were classified using six alternative definitions based on outpatient, emergency department, inpatient, and pharmacy claims for asthma, including the Health Plan Employer Data Information Set (HEDIS) persistent asthma criteria commonly used for assessments of asthma health care quality: at least one asthma inpatient admission or emergency department visit, four or more asthma medications events, or four asthma outpatient visits and two asthma medication events.