[Characterization of and costs associated to the profile of patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin who are added a second oral antidiabetic drug: a population study]. / Caracterización y costes asociados al perfil del paciente con diabetes tipo 2 en tratamiento con metformina al que se le añade un segundo fármaco antidiabético oral: estudio de base poblacional.

OBJECTIVES: To determine compliance, metabolic control, complications and healthcare costs of patients treated with metformin started a second antidiabetic drug in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Design multicenter observational retrospective. Patients were evaluated ≥30 years (age), treated with metformin and started a second antidiabetic treatment during 2008-2009. There were 4 patient groups (metformin and another antidiabetic): a) dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (IDPP4), b) sulfonylureas, c) glitazones and d) insulin. MAIN MEASURES: comorbidity, metabolic control, compliance and complications. Patients were followed for 2 years. The cost model differed direct health costs (primary care / specialist) and indirect (labor productivity). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: logistic regression models and ANCOVA, p<0.05. RESULTS: 2067 patients were included (mean age: 66.6 years male: 53.1%). 25.1% started a second treatment with IDPP4; 42.9% sulfonylureas, 14.0% glitazones and 18.0% insulin. At 2 years follow-up, patients treated with IDPP4 showed greater adherence vs. 70.3%. 59.9%, 60.3% and 58.4; better control of 64.3% vs. DM2. 62.6%, 62.8% and 50.5% and a decrease of 13.9% compared to hypoglycaemia 40.4%, 37.6% and 58.9% respectively (p<0.001). The average / unit total costs was €2,321 vs. €2,475, €2,724 and €3,164, respectively, p<0.001. Rates of cardiovascular events and renal failure were 3.7%, 6.4%, 7.6% and 10.2% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sulfonylureas were the most commonly used drugs. Patients treated with IDPP4 had higher compliance and control of diabetes, with lower rates of hypoglycaemia and healthcare costs.

[Relationship of polymedication in controlling blood pressure: compliance, persistence, costs and incidence of new cardiovascular events]. / Relación entre la polimedicación y el control de la presión arterial: cumplimiento, persistencia, costes e incidencia de nuevos eventos cardiovasculares.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship of polypharmacy on blood pressure (BP) control, compliance, persistence, the cost and incidence of cardiovascular events (CVD) in patients with moderate/severe hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational multicenter retrospective study. We evaluated patients > 30 years who started a third antihypertensive treatment during 2004-2006. Depending on the number of chronic medications, we established 3 groups: regular consumption of 3-6 drugs, including between 7-10 and ≥ 11. Top-measures: sociodemographic, comorbidity, BP, compliance and persistence. For each group we determined the incidence of new CVD totals and total costs. RESULTS: We evaluated 1,906 patients, 765 between 3-6 drugs, 624 between 7-10 and 517 in ≥ 11 (P<.001). Overage age: 69.4 years and 55.5% women. The group of 3-6 drugs showed better BP control (51.8 vs. 47.0 and 41.1%, P<.001), compliance (71.4 vs. 69.9 and 67.1%, P=.017), persistence (50.1 vs. 45.5 and 46.2%, P=.044) and lower incidence of CVD (12.2 vs. 19.7 and 30.2%, P<.001), respectively. The average/unit total costs was 3,369.1 vs. 4,362.1 and € 4,902.3 (P<.001). The presence of CVD was associated with therapy noncompliance (odds ratio [OR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.1 to 3.6) and controlled by the lower BP control (OR 1.4 (95%CI 1.1-2.0) (P < .05). The use of antihypertensive fixed dose has greater compliance (72.8 vs. 68.2%), persistence (64.4 vs. 39.3%) and degree of BP control (52.6 vs. 43, 8%) (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy is associated with lower compliance and persistence to antihypertensive treatment, cardiovascular disease and increased health care costs.