A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi-center study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a blue light device for the treatment of chronic back pain.

Introduction: Chronic back pain is one of the most prevalent conditions and has a large socio-economic impact. The lack of routine use of non-pharmacological options and issues associated with pharmacological treatments underscore high unmet needs in the treatment of back pain. Although blue light phototherapy has proven efficacy in dermatology, limited information is available about its use in back pain.

Mapping the insomnia patient journey in Europe and Canada.

Introduction: Insomnia affects daily functioning and overall health, and is thus associated with significant individual, societal, and economic burden. The experience of patients living with insomnia, their perception of the condition, and its impact on their quality of life is not well documented. The objective of this study was to map the patient journey in insomnia and identify unmet needs.

Long-term use of benzodiazepines in chronic insomnia: a European perspective.

Chronic insomnia occurs in ~10% of the general population and has numerous negative health effects. The recommended first line treatment of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia is not widely available for patients in Europe, so pharmacotherapies such as benzodiazepine receptor agonist agents (benzodiazepines and Z-drugs) are commonly used. However, their use is only recommended for ≤4 weeks due to unproven long-term efficacy in treatment of chronic insomnia, and the risk of tolerance, and the potential for dependence and misuse.

Bone fractures in patients using tapentadol or oxycodone: an exploratory US claims database study.

To explore fracture outcomes with tapentadol or oxycodone, two opioids with differing mechanisms of action. Retrospective cohort pilot study, using MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental claims databases, on patients with postoperative pain, back pain, or osteoarthritis and ≥1 claim for tapentadol (n = 16,457), oxycodone (n = 1,356,920), or both (n = 15,893) between June 2009 and December 2015. During 266,826 and 9,007,889 days of tapentadol and oxycodone treatment, patients evidenced 1080 and 72,275 fractures, respectively.

Innovative approaches reaching underserved and rural communities to improve epilepsy care: A review of the methodology of the Connectors Project.

Objective: The Connectors Project, a collaboration between the Epilepsy Foundation and UCB Pharma, was a multiyear project designed to improve epilepsy care in underserved communities. A core objective of the Connectors Project was to pilot new and innovative approaches to epilepsy awareness and education in rural and underserved areas, including standardized curricula for healthcare providers and patients.

Methods: A series of consensus conferences explored opportunities and barriers to epilepsy care throughout the United States including access to local Epilepsy Foundations, neurologists, and epilepsy centers.

Cost sharing for antiepileptic drugs: medication utilization and health plan costs.

Objectives: To examine the association between health plan out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for antiepileptic drugs and healthcare utilization (HCU) and overall plan spending among US-based commercial health plan beneficiaries with epilepsy.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Methods: The Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims database for January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2015, was used.

Changing the neurology policy landscape in the United States: Misconceptions and facts about epilepsy.

Epilepsy has a relatively high prevalence, and diagnosis and treatment are often challenging. Seizure freedom without significant side effects is the ultimate goal for both physicians and patients, but not always achievable. In those cases, the treatment goals of patients and providers may differ.

Antiepileptic Drug Titration and Related Health Care Resource Use and Costs.

Background: Unexpected breakthrough seizures resulting from suboptimal antiepileptic drug (AED) dosing during the titration period, as well as adverse events resulting from rapid AED titration, may influence the titration schedule and significantly increase health care resource use (HRU) and health care costs.

Objective: To assess the relationship between AEDs, HRU, and costs during AED titration and maintenance.

Methods: Practicing neurologists were recruited from a nationwide panel to provide up to 3 patient records each for this retrospective medical chart review.

Current state of the union of epilepsy care in the United States: Antiepileptic drugs - An introduction to the Connectors Project.

Purpose: How antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used in the United States (US) is one proxy public health indicator for the current state of epilepsy management. The use of phenytoin, other older AEDs, and newer AEDs may act as an indicator for the quality of epilepsy practice in addition to the current American Academy of Neurology quality measures. Data on AED used by states and populations can help identify which public health interventions are necessary to improve the status of epilepsy care.

Patient emotions and perceptions of antiepileptic drug changes and titration during treatment for epilepsy.

Objective: To investigate the impact of antiepileptic drug (AED) change and dose titration on the emotional well-being of patients with epilepsy.

Methods: Members of an online epilepsy community were invited to voluntarily participate in an online survey. The cross-sectional anonymous survey consisted of 31 multiple choice questions balanced in terms of variety and positivity/negativity of emotions concerning participants' most recent AED change.

Comparative effectiveness of levetiracetam, valproate and carbamazepine among elderly patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy: subgroup analysis of the randomized, unblinded KOMET study.

Background: Few clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as initial monotherapy for elderly patients.

Methods: This post-hoc subgroup analysis of data from an unblinded, randomized, 52-week superiority study (KOMET) compared the effectiveness of levetiracetam (LEV) with extended-release sodium valproate (VPA-ER) and controlled-release carbamazepine (CBZ-CR) as monotherapy in patients aged ≥ 60 years with newly diagnosed epilepsy. The physician chose VPA or CBZ as preferred standard treatment; patients were randomized to standard AEDs or LEV.