Cost-effectiveness of an insertable cardiac monitor in a high-risk population in the UK.

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) compared with standard of care (SoC) for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients at high risk of stroke (CHADS >2), using a UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective.

Methods: Using patient characteristics and clinical data from the REVEAL AF trial, a Markov model assessed the cost-effectiveness of detecting AF with an ICM compared with SoC. Costs and benefits were extrapolated across modelled patient lifetime.

Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in northwest Greece 1982-2001.

Objective: To investigate the frequency, distribution, and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a defined area of northwest Greece.

Methods: Cases were recorded from 3 sources: inpatients and outpatients referred to the rheumatology clinic of the Ioannina University Hospital; inpatients and outpatients referred to the rheumatology clinic of Ioannina General Hospital; and patients referred to private rheumatologists practicing in the study area. All patients identified between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 2001, resident in the study area were included.