Genetic Patterns of Selected Muscular Dystrophies in the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network.

Background And Objectives: To report the genetic etiologies of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), and distal muscular dystrophy (DD) in 6 geographically defined areas of the United States.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study in which we studied the genes and variants associated with muscular dystrophy in individuals who were diagnosed with and received care for EDMD, LGMD, CMD, and DD from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2016, in the 6 areas of the United States covered by the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STAR). Variants of unknown significance (VUSs) from the original genetic test reports were reanalyzed for changes in interpretation.

Opioid Prescription Patterns for Adults With Longstanding Disability and Inflammatory Conditions Compared to Other Users, Using a Nationally Representative Sample.

Objectives: To investigate the opioid prescription patterns for adults with longstanding physical disability and inflammatory conditions, compared to a mixed group of other opioid users, after excluding cancer patients.

Design: Nationally representative cross-sectional study, 2010-2014.

Setting: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Physical Activity and Disability: An Analysis on How Activity Might Lower Medical Expenditures.

Background: This study evaluated the effect of increased physical activity on annual medical expenditures among people with disability, as well as people without disability.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study with linked national survey data from 2004 to 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and from 2002 to 2012 National Health Interview Study. We investigated the effect of physical activity on the annual medical expenditures in 2013 US dollars, among people with and without disability who were 18- to 64-year-old adults.

A longitudinal assessment of adherence to breast and cervical cancer screening recommendations among women with and without intellectual disability.

Each year in the United States, about 4000 deaths are attributed to cervical cancer, and over 40,000 deaths are attributed to breast cancer (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, 2015).

Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence in Selected Disabilities Over 10 Years.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S.; however, if the population aged 50 years or older received routine screening, approximately 60% of these deaths could be eliminated.

Women with Visual Impairment and Insured by Medicaid or Medicare Are Less Likely to Receive Recommended Screening for Breast and Cervical Cancers.

Purpose: To investigate whether women with visual impairment (VI) receive mammography and Pap testing to the same extent as women without VI among the low income population or those aged 65+ years.

Methods: We analyzed the 2000-2010 Medicaid and Medicare data for South Carolina women. Women with VI were identified on the basis of a qualifying diagnosis in billing data.

Adherence to US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for breast and cervical cancer screening for women who have a spinal cord injury.

Context: Women with spinal cord injury (SCI) may face barriers that result in disparities in receipt of recommended mammography and Papanicolaou testing.

Setting: South Carolina.

Participants: South Carolina women with SCI were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes in 2000-2010 Medicaid and Medicare billing data.