Publications by authors named "Robert Magner"
Introduction: Dose escalation of infliximab in both primary and secondary nonresponders is widely reported; however, the usefulness of dose escalation has been disputed. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate trends in clinical efficacy following multiple infliximab dose escalations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: Patients enrolled in a US RA registry were included if they initiated infliximab at 3 mg/kg every 8 weeks, received ≥ 1 infliximab dose escalation within 12 months of initiation, and had ≥ 1 visit following dose escalation.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to evaluate whether a "treat-to-target" approach could be more effective than usual care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S.
- The trial involved cluster-randomizing rheumatology practices and included patients with moderate to high disease activity over a 12-month period.
- Results showed no significant differences between the treat-to-target group and the usual care group in terms of treatment acceleration or achieving low disease activity, highlighting challenges faced by healthcare providers in implementing this approach.
Introduction: In the United States, the recommended starting dose of intravenous tocilizumab (TCZ) is 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks, with an increase to 8 mg/kg based on clinical response for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis; however, data on how TCZ dose is escalated in real life are missing. The objective of this analysis was to describe patterns of early intravenous TCZ dose escalation in a real-world setting using data from the Corrona registry.
Methods: All patients enrolled in the comparative effectiveness substudy (CERTAIN) nested within Corrona who initiated TCZ and completed 3- and 6-month study visits were eligible for inclusion.
Objective: To assess whether the time between the last rituximab infusion and initiation of a different biologic agent influenced infection risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: Patients with RA who newly initiated rituximab within the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America registry were included if they switched to a nonrituximab biologic agent and had ≥1 followup visit within 12 months of switching. Patients were categorized by duration of time between their last rituximab infusion and initiation of a subsequent biologic agent (≤5 months, 6-11 months, and ≥12 months).
Introduction: Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite anti-tumor necrosis factor(anti-TNF)agent treatment can switch to either a subsequent anti-TNF agent or a biologic with an alternative mechanism of action, such as rituximab; however, there are limited data available to help physicians decide between these 2 strategies. The objective of this analysis was to examine the effectiveness and safety of rituximab versus a subsequent anti-TNF agent in anti-TNF-experienced patients with RA using clinical practice data from the Corrona registry.
Methods: Rituximab-naive patients from the Corrona registry with prior exposure to ≥1 anti-TNF agent who initiated rituximab or anti-TNF agents (2/28/2006-10/31/2012) were included.
Objective: To characterize the real-world effectiveness of rituximab (RTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods: Clinical effectiveness at 12 months was assessed in patients who were prescribed RTX based on the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Change in CDAI was calculated (CDAI at 12 mos minus at initiation).
Objective: To identify subgroups of adults with respect to weight loss motivations and assess factors associated with subgroup membership.
Method: A cross-sectional survey among 414 overweight/ obese employees in 12 Massachusetts high schools was conducted. Latent class analysis (LCA) defined distinct weight loss motivation classes.
Background: Models are needed for implementing weight management interventions for adolescents through readily accessible venues. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a school nurse-delivered intervention in improving diet and activity and reducing body mass index (BMI) among overweight and obese adolescents.
Methods: Six high schools were randomized to either a 6-session school nurse-delivered counseling intervention utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques or nurse contact with provision of information.
Objective: To describe the development of measures of worksite descriptive social norms for weight loss, physical activity, and eating behaviors.
Methods: Three surveys were tested in 844 public high school employees. Factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, and tests of association with other worksite social contextual measures and behaviors were performed.
Background: This study evaluated the efficacy of a mindfulness training programme (mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)) in improving asthma-related quality of life and lung function in patients with asthma.
Methods: A randomised controlled trial compared an 8-week MBSR group-based programme (n=42) with an educational control programme (n=41) in adults with mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma recruited at a university hospital outpatient primary care and pulmonary care clinic. Primary outcomes were quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) and lung function (change from baseline in 2-week average morning peak expiratory flow (PEF)).
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a school nurse-delivered smoking-cessation intervention in increasing abstinence among adolescent smokers.
Methods: Thirty-five high schools were pair-matched and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions, each of which consisted of 4 visits with the school nurse: (1) counseling intervention using the 5 A's model and cognitive-behavioral techniques; or (2) an information-attention control condition. Adolescents (n = 1068) who reported past 30-day smoking and interest in quitting completed surveys at baseline and at 3 and 12 months and provided saliva samples for biochemical validation of reported smoking abstinence.
Purpose: To describe methods used to recruit and retain low-income Latinos in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of a diabetes self-management intervention at 5 community health centers (CHCs) in Massachusetts.
Methods: Consent from primary care providers (PCPs) was obtained to screen their patients. Trained site research coordinators (SRCs) screened, recruited, and enrolled participants following a multistep process (medical record reviews, PCP approval, a patient eligibility interview) and provided support for retention efforts.
Background: The worksite represents a promising venue in which to address the issue of obesity.
Design: Pair-matched, cluster-RCT. Data were collected from 2005 to 2008 and analyzed in 2008.
The dietary quality of persons with heart failure in NHANES 1999-2006.
J Gen Intern Med
February 2010
Background: Dietary quality may impact heart failure outcomes. However, the current status of the dietary quality of persons with heart failure has not been previously reported.
Objective: To describe sodium intake, patient factors associated with sodium intake and overall dietary quality in a national sample of persons with heart failure.
Aims: The purpose of this study was to (i) describe the weight, weight-related perceptions and lifestyle behaviours of hospital-based nurses, and (ii) explore the relationship of demographic, health, weight and job characteristics with lifestyle behaviours.
Background: The obesity epidemic is widely documented. Worksite initiatives have been advocated.
Purpose: Twenty-four-hour diet recall interviews (24HRs) are used to assess diet and to validate other diet assessment instruments. Therefore it is important to know how many 24HRs are required to describe an individual's intake.
Method: Seventy-nine middle-aged white women completed seven 24HRs over a 14-day period, during which energy expenditure (EE) was determined by the doubly labeled water method (DLW).
Objectives: To examine the associations of perceptions of organizational commitment to employee health and coworker physical activity and eating behaviors with body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and eating behaviors in hospital employees.
Methods: Baseline data from 899 employees participating in a worksite weight-gain prevention trial were analyzed.
Results: Greater perception of organizational commitment to employee health was associated with lower BMI.