Validation of claims data algorithms to identify nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Health maintenance organization (HMO) administrative databases have been used as sampling frames for ascertaining nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). However, because of the lack of tumor registry information on these cancers, these ascertainment methods have not been previously validated. NMSC cases arising from patients served by a staff model medical group and diagnosed between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2008 were identified from claims data using three ascertainment strategies.

Assessment of multiple health risks in a single obstructive sleep apnea population.

Study Objectives: In order to provide a comprehensive estimate of the health risks for OSA patients, we analyzed multiple outcomes and independent predictors of these outcomes in an OSA population evaluated and followed at one sleep center.

Methods: Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used in an 8-year follow-up analysis of consecutive OSA patients (N = 1025) and non-apneic snorers (apnea-hypopnea index < 5, N = 494).

Results: In our fully adjusted model, independent variables predictive of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident, and pulmonary embolus were: older age, male gender, and history of cardiovascular diseases or procedures.

Vitamin D and nonmelanoma skin cancer in a health maintenance organization cohort.

Objective: To examine the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) with the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), defined as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Health maintenance organization.

Central serous chorioretinopathy in African Americans.

Purpose: Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is presumed to be less prevalent in the African American population. The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of CSCR in African Americans and Caucasians.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed.