Patterns of antiepileptic drug use in patients with potential refractory epilepsy in Texas Medicaid.

Objectives: Antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapy is usually effective in 60% of the patients with epilepsy while the remaining patients have refractory epilepsy. This study compared treatment patterns (adherence, persistence, addition, and switching) associated with refractory and nonrefractory epilepsy.

Methods: Texas Medicaid claims from 09/01/07-12/31/13 were analyzed, and patients eligible for the study 1) were between 18 and 62 years of age, 2) had a prescription claim for an AED during the identification period (03/01/08-12/31/11) with no prior baseline AED use (6-month), and 3) had evidence of epilepsy diagnosis within 6 months of AED use.

Refining a Claims-based Algorithm to Estimate Biologic Medication Effectiveness and Cost per Effectively Treated Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: Claims data generally lack information on clinical outcomes. However, a validated claims-based algorithm for estimating the effectiveness of biologic agents in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was recently developed and applied to various databases.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to implement a claims-based algorithm in a large nationwide database to estimate medication effectiveness and cost for patients with RA using biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and to assess the effect of eliminating one criterion from the algorithm on results.

Phase I study of sorafenib and tipifarnib for recurrent glioblastoma: NABTC 05-02.

Recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) has a very low 6-month progression free survival (PFS) with currently available treatments. Combination chemotherapy to target multiple cell signaling pathways is currently being investigated in order to improve prognosis for recurrent disease. The purpose of this phase I study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for the combination of tipifarnib and sorafenib for the treatment of recurrent GBM.

Adherence, Persistence, and Health Care Costs for Patients Receiving Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors.

Background: The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are among the newer, yet more established, classes of diabetes medications.

Objective: To compare adherence, persistence, and health care costs among patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors.

Methods: Claims were extracted from Humana Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) or commercial plans for patients aged > 18 years with ≥ 1 prescription filled for a DPP-4 inhibitor between July 1, 2011, and March 31, 2013.

Homeless patients' perceptions about using cell phones to manage medications and attend appointments.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) describe homeless persons' access and use of cell phones and their perceptions about using cell phone alerts to help manage medications and attend health care appointments and (2) identify demographic characteristics, medication use and appointment history and perceptions associated with interest in receiving cell phone alerts to manage medications and appointments.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2013 at a homeless clinic in Virginia. The questionnaire comprised items about cell phone usage, ownership and functions such as text messaging.

Clostridium difficile infection health disparities by race among hospitalized adults in the United States, 2001 to 2010.

Background: Recognition of health disparities in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an initial step toward improved resource utilization and patient health. The purpose of this study was to identify health disparities by black vs. white race among hospitalized adults with CDI in the United States (U.

Exposure to celebrity-endorsed small cigar promotions and susceptibility to use among young adult cigarette smokers.

Small cigar smoking among young adult cigarette smokers may be attributed to their exposure to its advertisements and promotions. We examined the association between exposure to a celebrity music artist's endorsement of a specific brand of small cigars and young adult cigarette smokers' susceptibility to smoking that brand. Venue-based sampling procedures were used to select and survey a random sample of 121 young adult cigarette smokers, aged 18-35.

Progression to insulin for patients with diabetes mellitus on dual oral antidiabetic therapy using the US Department of Defense Database.

Aim: To compare 'progression to insulin' for three cohorts on oral antidiabetic medication combinations: metformin/sulphonylurea (Met/SU), metformin/thiazolidinedione (Met/TZD) and sulphonylurea/thiazolidinedione (SU/TZD).

Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis design was used. The subjects were US nationwide members of military and their families.

Bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension compared with bupivacaine HCl for the reduction of opioid burden in the postsurgical setting.

Objective: Assess comparative efficacy of liposome bupivacaine administered at doses ≤266 mg and bupivacaine HCl administered at doses ≤200 mg for postsurgical analgesia.

Research Design And Methods: Analysis of pooled efficacy and safety data from nine double-blind, placebo or active (bupivacaine HCl) controlled multimodal analgesia studies using a single dose of liposome bupivacaine or comparator, given via administration into the surgical site before end of surgery (i.e.

Evaluation of health care costs and utilization patterns for patients with gout.

Background: The prevalence of gout has been increasing. Serum uric acid (sUA) levels ≥6 mg/dL have been associated with high morbidity and increased health care utilization.

Objective: To assess the costs and patterns of health care resource utilization for patients with gout, categorized into 3 cohorts based on sUA levels.

Assessing barriers to medication adherence in underserved patients with diabetes in Texas.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess (1) medication adherence in individuals with diabetes, (2) barriers to adherence, and (3) what factors were related to medication nonadherence.

Methods: A self-administered anonymous survey was provided to adults with diabetes (N = 59) who used a grocery store chain pharmacy or a community clinic for the underserved. Participants were recruited by pharmacy staff to complete a 10- to 15-minute survey to assess adherence, access, barriers, medication use, and demographics.