Cost-efficacy of biologic therapies for psoriatic arthritis from the perspective of the Taiwanese healthcare system.

Background: Biologic therapies are more effective but more costly than conventional therapies in treating psoriatic arthritis.

Objectives: To evaluate the cost-efficacy of etanercept, adalimumab and golimumab therapies in treating active psoriatic arthritis in a Taiwanese setting.

Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials to calculate the incremental efficacy of etanercept, adalimumab and golimumab, respectively, in achieving Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria (PsARC) and a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology score (ACR20).

Differences in adherence to osteoporosis regimens: a 2-year analysis of a population treated under specific guidelines.

Background: Patients' adherence to antiosteoporotic drug therapy is essential to prevent fracture and complications of osteoporosis over the long term. The guidance given in treating osteoporosis can potentially enhance adherence.

Objective: This study was conducted to compare adherence to osteoporosis regimens by patients treated under specific guidelines in a medical center.

Non-adherence to anti-osteoporotic medications in Taiwan: physician specialty makes a difference.

Adherence to anti-osteoporotic regimens gradually decreases over time. We hypothesized that the determinants of non-compliance or non-persistence at different times vary and identified these differences. We used an outpatient database to retrieve information on anti-osteoporotic medications prescribed by a medical centre in southern Taiwan during 2001-2007.