Core Concepts in Pharmacoepidemiology: New-User Designs.

In this article, we review the history and key reasons for new-user comparisons in pharmacoepidemiology, highlighting the target trial framework as a unifying framework. We describe three distinct pharmacoepidemiological new-user study designs: (1) new-user versus non-user; (2) active comparator new-user; (i.e.

Thiazide Diuretics and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Evidence from clinical trials and observational studies on the association between thiazide diuretics and colorectal cancer risk is conflicting. We aimed to determine whether thiazide diuretics are associated with an increased colorectal cancer risk compared with dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (dCCBs). A population-based, new-user cohort was assembled using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background Recent studies have reported that dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (dCCBs) may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, but these studies had methodological limitations. We thus aimed to determine whether dCCBs are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with thiazide diuretics, a clinically relevant comparator. Methods and Results We conducted a new user, active comparator, population-based cohort study using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Treatment and prescribing trends of antihypertensive drugs in 2.7 million UK primary care patients over 31 years: a population-based cohort study.

Objectives: To describe the prescribing trends of antihypertensive drugs in primary care patients and assess the trajectory of antihypertensive drug prescriptions, from first-line to third-line, in patients with hypertension according to changes to the United Kingdom (UK) hypertension management guidelines.

Design: Population-based cohort study.

Setting And Participants: We used the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, an electronic primary care database representative of the UK population.

Recommendations for the use of propensity score methods in multiple sclerosis research.

Background: With many disease-modifying therapies currently approved for the management of multiple sclerosis, there is a growing need to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of those therapies from real-world data sources. Propensity score methods have recently gained popularity in multiple sclerosis research to generate real-world evidence. Recent evidence suggests, however, that the conduct and reporting of propensity score analyses are often suboptimal in multiple sclerosis studies.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors and Risk of Acute Pancreatitis: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Introduction: There are conflicting reports on the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) on acute pancreatitis incidence.

Objective: The aim was to determine whether use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs is associated with the incidence of acute pancreatitis, compared with use of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (dCCBs).

Methods: We assembled two population-based, new-user, active comparator cohorts using the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to the Hospital Episode Statistics repository and Office for National Statistics from 1998 to 2018, with follow-up until 2019.

Evaluation of the quality of mammographic breast positioning: a quality improvement study.

Background: Although there are concerns that inadequate breast positioning in mammographic examinations may lead to cancers being missed, few studies have examined the quality of breast positioning, especially in the Canadian context. Our objective was to assess the quality of breast positioning in mammographic examinations in a Quebec-wide representative sample of technologists.

Methods: This quality improvement study was part of a professional inspection launched by the Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec among its members.

The Efficacy and Effectiveness of Non-ablative Light-Based Devices in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that may be treated with non-ablative light-based devices; however, no systematic reviews on the topic exist to date. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine efficacy of non-ablative light-based devices in treating HS. Specifically, a systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL.

The use and quality of reporting of propensity score methods in multiple sclerosis literature: A review.

Background: Propensity score (PS) analyses are increasingly used in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, largely owing to the greater availability of large observational cohorts and registry databases.

Objective: To evaluate the use and quality of reporting of PS methods in the recent MS literature.

Methods: We searched the PubMed database for articles published between January 2013 and July 2019.

Use of Hydrochlorothiazide and Risk of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.

Introduction: There are concerns that hydrochlorothiazide may increase the risk of incident nonmelanoma (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma [cSCC], basal cell carcinoma [BCC]) and melanoma skin cancer, with regulatory agencies and societies calling for additional studies.

Methods: We conducted a propensity score-matched population-based cohort study using the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink. A total of 20,513 new users of hydrochlorothiazide were propensity score matched, in a 1:1 ratio, to new users of other thiazide diuretics between January 1, 1988 and March 31, 2018, with follow-up until March 31, 2019.

Evaluation of propensity score used in cardiovascular research: a cross-sectional survey and guidance document.

Background: Propensity score (PS) methods are frequently used in cardiovascular clinical research. Previous evaluations revealed poor reporting of PS methods, however a comprehensive and current evaluation of PS use and reporting is lacking. The objectives of the present survey were to (1) evaluate the quality of PS methods in cardiovascular publications, (2) summarise PS methods and (3) propose key reporting elements for PS publications.

Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and the risk of bladder cancer: A systematic review of observational studies.

Background: Recent interest has been geared towards the potential therapeutic and chemopreventive benefit of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for bladder cancer. As a result, several observational studies have investigated this potential association. Given the important side effects associated with ADT treatment, understanding the methodological strengths and weaknesses of the current evidence is warranted.

Prediagnostic use of low-dose aspirin and risk of incident metastasis and all-cause mortality among patients with colorectal cancer.

Aims: Previous studies suggest that the use of low-dose aspirin before a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis may be associated with a decreased risk of CRC progression. Data supporting this association, however, have been inconsistent. We evaluate whether the use of prediagnostic low-dose aspirin is associated with a lower risk of metastases and all-cause mortality in CRC patients.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors and the Risk of Bullous Pemphigoid Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective: There are uncertainties regarding the association between dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and bullous pemphigoid (BP), a potentially severe autoimmune skin disease. Thus, we conducted a population-based study to determine whether use of DPP-4 inhibitors, when compared with other second- to third-line antidiabetic drugs, is associated with an increased risk of BP in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design And Methods: Using the U.

Directly Improving the Quality of Radiation Treatment Through Peer Review: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Cancer Centers Across a Provincial Cancer Program.

Purpose: To describe the outcomes of peer review across all 14 cancer centers in Ontario.

Methods And Materials: We identified all peer-reviewed, curative treatment plans delivered in Ontario within a 3-month study period from 2013 to 2014 using a provincial cancer treatment database and collected additional data on the peer-review outcomes.

Results: Considerable variation was found in the proportion of peer-reviewed plans across the centers (average 70.

Preliminary evidence on the uptake, use and benefits of the CONSORT-PRO extension.

Purpose: This study assessed the uptake of the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT)-Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) statement; determined if use of CONSORT-PRO was associated with more complete reporting of PRO endpoints in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and identified the extent to which high-impact journals publishing RCTs with PRO endpoints endorse CONSORT-PRO.

Methods: CONSORT-PRO citations were identified by systematically searching Medline, EMBASE and Google from 2013 (year CONSORT-PRO released) to 17 December 2015. RCTs that cited CONSORT-PRO (cases) were compared to a comparable control sample of RCTs in terms of adherence to CONSORT-PRO using t tests.

A pan-Canadian survey of peer review practices in radiation oncology.

Purpose: Peer review (PR) of treatment plans has been recognized internationally as a key component of quality care in radiation oncology programs (ROPs). We conducted a survey of Canadian ROPs to describe current PR practices and identify barriers/facilitators to PR optimization.

Methods And Materials: A 42-item e-survey was sent to all Canadian ROPs (n = 44).

Graphical displays of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) for use in clinical practice: What makes a pro picture worth a thousand words?

Unlabelled: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) report patients' assessments of the impact of a health condition and its treatment, and can promote patient-centered care.

Objectives: To address the effectiveness of graphic display of PRO data in clinical practice by reviewing existing literature, and current recommendations, regarding graphic presentations of PROs.

Methods: We performed an integrated literature review to identify themes and emerging principles guiding effective graphic display of PRO data.

Integrating health-related quality of life findings from randomized clinical trials into practice: an international study of oncologists' perspectives.

Purpose: Although health-related quality of life (HRQL) is increasingly assessed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), HRQL findings are not always incorporated into clinical decision making. We examined the current perspectives of oncologists on the use of HRQL findings from RCTs, and variation of these perspectives between countries and specialties.

Methods: A cross-sectional e-survey of oncologist members of the NCIC Clinical Trials Group, the United Kingdom National Cancer Research Institute Clinical Studies Groups, and the Australia/New Zealand cancer clinical trials network was conducted.