Biological Treatment Patterns in Patients with Inflammatory Joint Diseases. Retrospective Study with 4 Years Follow-up.

Objectives: To describe the therapeutic management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) in patients initiating treatment with biological agents.

Materials And Methods: Observational, retrospective, longitudinal study in 33 Spanish hospitals. Patients with RA, PsA and AS starting treatment with biological agents between September 2009 and August 2010 and a follow-up longer than 3 years were included.

Short-term cost and efficiency analysis of raltegravir versus atazanavir/ritonavir or darunavir/ritonavir for treatment-naive adults with HIV-1 infection in Spain.

Introduction: The AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) 5257 clinical trial showed that raltegravir (RAL) was superior to atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) and darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r), when used in combination with emtricitabine/tenofovir DF (FTC/TDF), in a 96-week composite endpoint combining virologic efficacy and tolerability for treatment-naive adults with HIV-1 infection. This study aimed to estimate the efficiency associated with these three regimens in Spain.

Methods: An economic model was developed to estimate costs for antiretroviral drugs, adverse event management, and HIV care for individuals initiating first-line therapy.

Patients' and rheumatologists' preferences for the attributes of biological agents used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases in Spain.

Purpose: To define importance values assigned to attributes of biological agents (BAs) by Spanish patients with rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis) and rheumatologists.

Patients And Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional design based upon a rank-based full-profile conjoint analysis. A literature review and four focus groups were undertaken to identify attributes and levels.

Impact of a Dynamic Microbiological Environment on the Clinical Efficacy of Ertapenem and Piperacillin/Tazobactam in the Treatment of Complicated Community-Acquired Intra-Abdominal Infection in Spain: A Cost-Consequence Analysis.

Background And Objective: The microbial susceptibility of many antibiotics has been affected by prescribing patterns and their extensive use. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess how these changes could affect the initial efficacy of ertapenem and piperacillin/tazobactam in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) acquired in the community and the potential consequences this may have in healthcare costs in Spain.

Methods: The Initial efficacy of ertapenem and piperacillin/tazobactam for patients with APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II scores <10 was extracted from a multicenter randomized study and were combined with the current microbial susceptibilities obtained from the SMART study, a multinational surveillance program.

Antibiotic expected effectiveness and cost under real life microbiology: evaluation of ertapenem and ceftriaxone in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia for elderly patients in Spain.

Background: Clinical efficacy of antibiotics may be affected by changes in the susceptibility of microorganisms to antimicrobial agents. The purpose of this study is to assess how these changes could affect the initial efficacy of ertapenem and ceftriaxone in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in elderly patients and the potential consequences this may have in health care costs.

Methods: Initial efficacy in elderly was obtained from a combined analysis of two multicenter, randomized studies.

Factors affecting quality of life of asthma patients in Spain: the importance of patient education.

Objectives: Assessment of demographic and clinical factors that have an impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with asthma in Spain.

Patients And Methods: Multicenter, prospective, observational, cohort study, conducted in 40 Spanish Pneumology Units during a 12-month period. Data on sociodemographic, clinical variables, asthma treatment and QoL were collected in a case report form.

Attainment of normal lipid levels among high cardiovascular risk patients: pooled analysis of observational studies from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain and Canada.

Background: Although low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the primary lipid target for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) have also emerged as risk factors. This study evaluated attainment of goal/normal lipid levels in current clinical practice among high-risk patients following lipid-modifying therapy (LMT).

Methods: Data for patients aged ≥35years and on LMT for ≥12months were identified from electronic medical records (United Kingdom and Sweden) and extracted from medical charts (Canada and Spain).

Calcium and vitamin D intake by postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in Spain: an observational calcium and vitamin D intake (CaVIT) study.

Background: Osteoporotic fractures are important causes of morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs. However, the risk of osteoporotic fractures can be decreased, with clinical studies supporting the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements to promote bone health. Vitamin D insufficiency is widespread, particularly among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, and this indicates that dietary intake is suboptimal, even though vitamin D supplements are widely available.

[Association between arthritis, functional disability and quality of life using a structural equation].

Objectives: To establish a conceptual model that links arthritis, functional disability in activities of daily living, and quality of life (QoL).

Methods: A multicentre, cross-sectional, observation study was performed. The location of the arthritis (presence/absence) was recorded.

Intensive care unit-related fluconazole use in Spain and Germany: patient characteristics and outcomes of a prospective multicenter longitudinal observational study.

Background: Candida spp. are a frequent cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections worldwide.

Objective: To evaluate the use patterns and outcomes associated with intravenous (IV) fluconazole therapy in intensive care units in Spain and Germany.

Validation of a new tool to assess health-related quality of life in psoriasis: the PSO-LIFE questionnaire.

Background: Several questionnaires have been used to measure health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriasis, few have been adapted for use in Spain; none of them was developed specifically for the Spanish population. The purpose of the study was to validate and assess the sensitivity to change of a new questionnaire to measure HRQOL in patients with psoriasis (PSO-LIFE).

Methods: Observational, prospective, multicenter study performed in centers around Spain.

Comparison of expected outcomes between patients and neurologists using Kano's methodology in symptomatic migraine treatment.

Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the potential usefulness of the Kano conceptual model to assess expectations of patients and neurologists in Spain regarding symptomatic migraine treatment.

Methods: We performed a multicenter, cross-sectional study in adult migraine patients with at least 1 year of disease evolution and at least one prescription of anti-migraine drugs within the last year. Data collection was performed using questionnaires that included sociodemographic and treatment expectations.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in clinical practice: impact on patients' quality of life.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in cancer patients are common symptoms most feared by patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of CINV associated to moderate/highly emetogenous chemotherapy regimens on patients' quality of life (QoL).

Patients And Methods: Open, multicenter, prospective observational study was performed.

Evaluation of patients' and physicians' expectations and attributes of osteoarthritis treatment using Kano methodology.

Purpose: To evaluate expectations regarding osteoarthritis (OA) treatment of patients (PT) and physicians (PH) (Orthopedic Surgeons) in Spain.

Methods: Multicenter, cross-sectional study in adult patients with OA with at least 1 year of disease progression and with at least one prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs within the last year. Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics as well as patient-reported outcomes were obtained by phone interview.

[Initial treatment trends in patient with osteoporosis: use of antiresorptive agents and pharmacologic supplements (calcium and vitamin D) in clinical practice].

Objective: To describe the percentage of prescription of pharmacologic supplements in patients starting antiresorptive treatment (ART) for osteoporosis by specialists.

Design: Cross-sectional, naturalistic, multicenter study with retrospective data collection.

Patients And Methods: 88 Spanish primary care (PC) physicians participated as well as those from Bone Metabolism Unit / Rheumatology and Gynecology units.

Observational study of treatment compliance in women initiating antiresorptive therapy with or without calcium and vitamin D supplements in Spain.

Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate the compliance with antiresorptive therapy (ART) and supplements in Spain and to analyze the validity of the different treatment compliance assessment methods.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was carried out in women starting ART, evaluating indirect objective compliance, self-reported compliance, and the Morisky-Green questionnaire.

Results: A total of 480 women with a mean (SD) age of 65.

Reduction of urinary levels of N-telopeptide correlates with treatment compliance in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis receiving alendronate.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with the effectiveness of treatment with alendronate (ALN) quantified by a reduction in urinary excretion of N-telopeptide (NTx).

Methods: The study is an observational, prospective, multicenter trial, with a 6-month follow-up. Postmenopausal osteoporotic women (densitometric criteria), who initiated treatment with ALN (70 mg/weekly) without previous treatment with antiresorptive agents (12 month) and calcitonin (6 month), were included.

Association of hypoglycemic symptoms with patients' rating of their health-related quality of life state: a cross sectional study.

Background: To evaluate the association between patient-reported hypoglycemic symptoms with ratings of their health-related quality of life state and patient-reported adverse events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: This observational, multicenter, cross sectional study was based on a sample of patients with T2DM from seven European countries who added sulfonylurea or thiazolidinedione to metformin monotherapy between January 2001 and January 2006. Included patients were required to have at least one hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement in the 12 months before enrollment and to not be receiving insulin.

Calcium and vitamin D intake by postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in France.

Objective: To assess dietary calcium and vitamin D intake and their relationship with prescription medication and nutritional supplement use among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in France.

Research Design And Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted with 207 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis referred by a random sample of physicians from a French national list. Based on a French food frequency questionnaire, patients reported their daily food intake and frequency as well as their use of prescription medications and nutritional supplements.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of raltegravir in treatment-experienced HIV type 1-infected patients in Spain.

Raltegravir, a novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, has superior efficacy with optimized background treatment (OBT) vs. placebo + OBT in treatment-experienced HIV-1 patients. This study assessed the long-term cost effectiveness of raltegravir from a Spanish National Healthcare System perspective.

Cost-effectiveness of sitagliptin-based treatment regimens in European patients with type 2 diabetes and haemoglobin A1c above target on metformin monotherapy.

Objective: Sitagliptin is a novel oral incretin enhancer that acts by inhibiting the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 enzyme and is indicated in Europe as a treatment adjunct to metformin (MF), sulphonylurea (SU), MF plus SU and diet and exercise, in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of the current analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding sitagliptin to the regimens of patients with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) above the International Diabetes Federation goal (6.5%) while on MF in six European countries: Austria, Finland, Portugal, Scotland (United Kingdom), Spain and Sweden.

Glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in seven European countries: findings from the Real-Life Effectiveness and Care Patterns of Diabetes Management (RECAP-DM) study.

Objective: This study was undertaken to assess glycaemic control as well as changes in glycaemic control over time in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who added a sulphonylurea (SU) or thiazolidinedione (TZD) to their metformin monotherapy in typical treatment settings within seven European countries.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional multicentre study with retrospective medical chart review was conducted in Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain and UK. T2DM patients who added a SU or a TZD to metformin monotherapy between January 2001 and January 2006 (i.

Consequences of inappropriate initial empiric parenteral antibiotic therapy among patients with community-acquired intra-abdominal infections in Spain.

To assess the association between inappropriate antibiotic therapy and clinical outcomes for complicated community-acquired intra-abdominal infections in Spain, patient records from October 1998 to August 2002 in 24 hospitals were reviewed. Initial empiric therapy was classified appropriate if all isolates were sensitive to at least 1 of the antibiotics administered. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations between appropriateness of therapy and patient outcomes.