Interventions to Increase Cancer Screening Adherence Among Somali Immigrants in the US and Europe: A Systematic Review.

Cancer screening rates among immigrant and refugee populations in high income countries is significantly lower than native born populations. The objective of this study is to systematically review the effectiveness of interventions to improve screening adherence for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer among Somali immigrants. A literature search was conducted for the years 2000-2021 and eight studies met eligibility criteria. The following intervention components were found to increase adherence to cervical cancer screening: home HPV test, educational workshop for women and education for general practitioners. A patient navigator intervention was found to increase screening for breast cancer. Educational workshops motivated or increased knowledge regarding cancer screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. However, most of the studies had limitations due to methodology with potential for introduction of bias. Therefore, future studies comparing effectiveness of specific intervention components to reduce disparities in cancer screening among Somali immigrants and refugees are encouraged.

Development of a Digital Storytelling Intervention to Increase Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Hispanic/Latino Community: a Qualitative Evaluation.

Digital storytelling (DST) interventions may be one way to address disparities in cancer screening experienced by the Hispanic/Latino population. Digital stories are short, first-person narratives that include voice-over narration and images. With storytellers' permission, researchers can screen digital stories as a health intervention. Digital stories can inspire viewers to adopt or change their behavior, such as completing cancer screening. Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (a 20-year community-based participatory research partnership) together with eight Hispanic/Latino, Spanish speaking cancer survivors, co-survivors, or recently screened individuals, developed digital stories about breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. Here, we describe our qualitative evaluation of the DST workshop. To understand what the storytellers thought viewers would find relatable in their digital stories, we applied Narrative Theory. We also assessed workshop successes and opportunities for improvement. We used the constant comparative method for data analysis. We learned that the storytellers anticipated their stories would be engaging and that viewers would connect with Hispanic/Latino cultural values. During the workshop, the storytellers felt like they were making an important contribution. The storytellers highlighted specific opportunities for improvement including sharing the stories more quickly after the workshop. Future research is needed to test whether this intervention follows the Narrative Theory causal pathway by persuading viewers to complete recommended cancer screenings.

Home health care is associated with an increased risk of readmission and cost of care without reducing risk of complication following shoulder arthroplasty: a propensity-score analysis.

BACKGROUND: Home health services provide patients with additional professional care and supervision following discharge from the hospital to theoretically reduce the risk of complication and reduce health care utilization. The aim of this investigation was to determine if patients assigned home health services following total shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic [TSA] and reverse [RSA]) exhibited lower rates of medical complications, lower health care utilization, and lower cost of care compared with patients not receiving these services. METHODS: A national insurance database was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients undergoing primary TSA and RSA from 2010 to 2019. Patients who received home health services were matched using a propensity score algorithm to a set of similar patients who were discharged home without services. We compared medical complication rates, emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and 90-day cost of care between the groups. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of home health services on all outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1119 patients received home health services and were matched to 11,190 patients who were discharged home without services. There was no significant difference in patients who received home health services compared with those who did not receive home health services with respect to rates of ED visits within 30 days (OR 1.293; P = .0328) and 90 days (OR 1.215; P = .0378), whereas the home health group demonstrated increased readmissions within 90 days (OR 1.663; P < .001). For all medical complications, there was no difference between cohorts. Episode-of-care costs for home health patients were higher than those discharged without these services ($12,521.04 vs. $9303.48; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients assigned home health care services exhibited higher cost of care and readmission rates without a reduction in the rate of complication or early return to the ED. These findings suggest that home health care services should be strongly analyzed on a case-by-case basis to determine if a patient may benefit from its implementation.

Cancer incidence in the Somali population of Olmsted County: A Rochester epidemiology project study.

BACKGROUND: Somali immigrants and refugees constitute one of the largest African ethnic groups immigrating to the United States over the past three decades with the majority resettling in the state of Minnesota. Previous studies have documented significant cancer screening disparities between the Somali population and the general population. However, little is known about cancer incidence among Somali groups living in the United States. METHODS: We determined the incidence of 18 types or sites of malignancy using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes and compared them between Somali and non-Somali populations in Olmsted County, Minnesota utilizing the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records-linkage infrastructure for the years 2000-2020. Poisson regression models were used to model the rates for each malignancy. RESULTS: There was a higher incidence and relative risk of liver malignancies among the Somali population versus non-Somali population, but lower relative risk and incidence of the following malignancies: breast, cervical, and melanoma. After direct age-sex adjustment to the United States 2000 Census population, liver was the most common cancer in Somali men, while breast cancer was the most common malignancy in women. CONCLUSION: Malignancies related to infectious agents such as viral hepatitis have a higher incidence in the Somali immigrant population of Olmsted County. There is a lower incidence of malignancies related to lifestyle factors in this Somali population. Findings of this study may help inform cancer prevention and screening strategies among Somali communities in the United States.

Graft Augmentation of Rotator Cuff Repair Improves Load to Failure But Does Not Affect Stiffness or Gap Formation: A Meta-analysis of Biomechanical Studies.

PURPOSE: To examine the biomechanical properties of rotator cuff repair with graft augmentation (RCR-G) with regard to ultimate load to failure, gap displacement, and stiffness. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane library, and Embase using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify studies that analyzed the biomechanical properties of RCR-G. The search string implemented used the concepts "rotator cuff" and "graft," and "biomechanical" OR "cadaver." Meta-analysis was performed to provide a quantitative comparison of the 2 techniques. Primary outcome measures were ultimate load to failure (N), gap displacement (mm), and stiffness (N/mm). RESULTS: Our initial search yielded 1,493 articles for review. Following screening for inclusion criteria, 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis, including a total of 191 cadaveric specimens (106 RCR-G, 85 RCR). The pooled analysis from 6 studies reporting on ultimate load to failure revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of RCR-G compared with RCR (P < .001). Pooled analysis from 6 studies reporting on gap displacement failed to reveal a difference between RCR-G and RCR (P = .719). Pooled analysis from 4 studies reporting on stiffness failed to reveal a difference between RCR-G and RCR (P = .842). CONCLUSIONS: Graft augmentation of RCR in vitro resulted in significantly increased ultimate load to failure, with no influence on gap formation or stiffness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The biomechanical advantage of RCR with graft augmentation demonstrated via increased ultimate load to failure in cadaveric studies may provide an explanation for the decreased RCR retear rates and improved patient reported outcomes reported in the clinical literature regarding graft augmentation.

Implant Insertion Procedure of the Port Delivery System With Ranibizumab: Overview and Clinical Pearls.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Port Delivery System with ranibizumab implant insertion procedure. METHODS: A surgical procedure based on the clinical trial program in patients with retinal diseases. RESULTS: An infusion line is placed in the infero-temporal quadrant; a superotemporal quadrant corneal traction suture is recommended. The superotemporal quadrant peritomy of 6 × 6 mm is executed with gentle, purposeful tissue handling. Generous posterior and lateral sub-Tenon's capsule dissection creates laxity for the subsequent closure. Adequate scleral hemostasis is achieved with wet-field cautery to maintain a clean field. The implant is filled under magnification with a customized formulation of ranibizumab. A precise 3.5-mm-long scleral incision (4 mm posterior and parallel to the limbus) is created to ensure proper implant fit. The exposed pars plana undergoes laser ablation to reduce vitreous hemorrhage risk. A pars plana incision is made, and the implant is inserted perpendicular to the globe and seated flush against the sclera. Complete closure of both the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule with scleral anchoring and mild tissue overhang at the anterior limbus is performed to reduce conjunctival erosion and retraction risks. CONCLUSION: The procedure is straightforward yet requires precise preoperative and intraoperative preparation and standardized surgical techniques. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2022;53:249-256.].

Prophylactic Ranibizumab to Prevent Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Vulnerable Fellow Eyes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether prophylactic ranibizumab prevents the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in eyes with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for patients with preexisting nAMD in their contralateral eye. DESIGN: Multicenter randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 50 years and older with intermediate AMD (multiple intermediate drusen [≥63 µm and <125 µm] or ≥1 large drusen [≥125 µm] and pigmentary changes) in the study eye and nAMD in the contralateral eye. INTERVENTION: Intravitreal ranibizumab injection (0.5 mg) or sham injection every 3 months for 24 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Conversion to nAMD over 24 months (primary). Change in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline to 24 months (secondary). RESULTS: Among 108 enrolled participants (54 [50%] in each group), all except 2 were non-Hispanic Whites, 61 participants (56%) were female, and the mean age was 78 years. The mean baseline visual acuity was 77.7 letters (Snellen equivalent 20/32). Conversion to nAMD over 24 months occurred among 7 of 54 eyes (13%) in both groups (ranibizumab vs. sham hazard ratio = 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.32-2.59]; P = 0.86). At 24 months, the cumulative incidence of nAMD adjusted for loss to follow-up was 14% (95% CI, 4%-23%) in the ranibizumab group and 15% (95% CI, 4%-25%) in the sham group. At 24 months, the mean change in visual acuity from baseline was -2.1 letters (standard deviation, 5.4 letters) with ranibizumab and -1.4 letters (standard deviation, 7.7 letters) with sham (adjusted difference = -0.8 letters [95% CI, -3.7 to 2.2 letters]; P = 0.62). The proportion of eyes that lost at least 10 letters of visual acuity from baseline at 24 months was 2 of 39 (5%) with ranibizumab and 4 of 40 (10%) with sham. There were no serious ocular adverse events in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Quarterly dosing of 0.5 mg ranibizumab in eyes with intermediate AMD did not reduce the incidence of nAMD compared with sham injections; however, the study was likely underpowered given the 95% CI, and a clinically meaningful effect cannot be excluded. There also was no effect on visual acuity at 24 months. Other strategies to reduce neovascular conversion in these vulnerable eyes are needed.

Disparities Among Limited English Proficient Patients in Colon Cancer Screening with Multi-target DNA Stool Test.

Racial and language minority groups in the U.S. are at a higher risk for morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC), partially due to lower screening rates. This is a retrospective cohort study comparing successful multi-target stool DNA test (mt-sDNA) test completion among patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and English proficient (EP) patients, from 2015 to 2018. Patients with LEP were frequency matched to EP patients by age at a 3:1 ratio. The percentage of mt-sDNA tests without useful results was 53% among patients with LEP compared to 29% among EP patients (p < 0.0001). The median number of days from order placement to test completion was 62.5 among patients with LEP compared to 33 for EP patients (p = 0.003). This study demonstrates a significant disparity in CRC screening completion using the mt-sDNA test among populations with LEP, which may widen existing disparities in CRC mortality.

Insurance Coverage of Dermabrasion and Chemical Peel Procedures: A Critical Analysis of 58 American Insurance Companies.

Introduction Dermabrasion and chemical peels are infrequently utilized methods of treatment for medical-grade conditions despite demonstrations of favorable outcomes. Insurance coverage status has previously been shown to impact availability and accessibility to specific treatments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of insurance coverage provided for dermabrasion and chemical peel procedures in the treatment of acne, acne scarring, and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 58 insurance companies by web-based search or phone interview determined the number of insurers with a publicly available policy on dermabrasion or chemical peels. Coverage status and any corresponding criteria were extracted from existing company policies. Results Thirteen (22%) and 22 (38%) policies discussed dermabrasion in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis, with 62% and 73% of these policies providing coverage. Acne scarring was discussed in significantly more dermabrasion policies than basal cell carcinoma (45% vs 22%; p=0.018). However, significantly more insurers denied coverage of dermabrasion for active acne and acne scarring when compared to dermabrasion to treat basal cell carcinoma or actinic keratosis (p<0.001). Eighty-seven percent of companies (n=20) with a chemical peel policy for premalignant lesions would provide coverage, with required criteria present in 95% (n=19) of the policies that would cover chemical peels for actinic keratosis specifically. Of the 25 companies (43%) that discussed the treatment of acne with chemical peel procedures, 14 (56%) provided coverage, and 11 (44%) denied coverage. Coverage was denied by significantly less insurers for the treatment of active acne with chemical peel procedures compared to treatment with dermabrasion (44% vs 83%; p<0.006). Conclusion Significant discrepancies were noted in both the presence of a public policy and the coverage status of dermabrasion or chemical peel procedures among the United States health insurance companies. These inconsistencies, along with multiple criteria required for coverage, may create an artificial barrier to receiving care for specific medical-grade conditions.

Preventive Care and Management of Chronic Diseases in Immigrant Adults.

Immigrants may have variable access to chronic disease screening and treatment in their countries of origin and host country, often limited by their immigration status. Immigrants face barriers to chronic disease management and preventive care, including health insurance access, linguistic challenges, lack of culturally sensitive care, limited records, and acculturation. Health care providers should prioritize chronic disease screening and follow up regularly to encourage preventive care and self-management of chronic disease.

Closing the Gap: Participatory Formative Evaluation to Reduce Cancer Screening Disparities among Patients with Limited English Proficiency.

Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) have disproportionately lower rates of cancer screening than English-proficient patients. Given the multifactorial nature of screening disparities, strategies to improve screening rates must address barriers within and outside of the clinic setting. The objectives of this study were to understand local barriers from multiple stakeholder perspectives, to identify potential multilevel intervention approaches, and to mobilize community-engaged intervention decision making and planning. This participatory formative evaluation approach employed needs assessment and user engagement in order to enhance intervention usefulness and relevance. The study took place in several stages and involved clinic and community partners in a small metropolitan area of the Midwest USA. Interviews were conducted with LEP patients (n = 9) who had not completed three recommended screenings (breast, cervical, and colorectal), primary care providers (n = 5), medical interpreter (n = 5), and community members (n = 3). These highlighted multilevel barriers including limited patient understanding of preventive health, time and cost constraints, and variable roles of language interpreters. The literature was also reviewed to identify interventions used with similar populations. Findings from this review suggest that interventions are largely focused on single population groups or address single screening barriers. Finally, a community-academic summit (n = 48 participants) was held to review results and develop recommendations for community and clinic interventions. Findings from this study indicate that it is possible to engage a diverse group of stakeholders in strategies that are responsive to health care providers and patients, including LEP patients from heterogeneous backgrounds.

Club Fit: Development of a Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Intervention at a Boys & Girls Club After School Program.

Children and adolescents from minority and low income backgrounds face social and environmental challenges to engaging in physical activity and healthy eating to maintain a healthy weight. In this study, we present pilot work to develop and implement a multi-component physical activity and healthy eating intervention at a Boys & Girls Club (BGC) afterschool program. Using a community-based participatory approach, BGC staff and academic researchers developed intervention components informed by formative studies and based on a Social Ecological Theory framework. Components included healthy eating and physical activity policy implementation, staff training, a challenge and self-monitoring program for healthy behaviors, a peer-coaching program for healthy behaviors, and a social marketing campaign. We assessed pilot feasibility through a single group, pre-post study design with measures collected at baseline and 6 months. The sample included 61 children with a mean age of 10.4 years. Mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) percentile was 72.8 (28.9); 47.5% were in the healthy weight range for their age. We found statistically significant improvements of self-efficacy and motivation for physical activity. Self-efficacy and motivation for fruit and vegetable consumption, sugary beverage consumption, and screen time improved but were not statistically different from baseline. We found no improvements of perceived social support, objectively measured physical activity, or self-reported dietary quality. Though BMI did not improve overall, a dose effect was observed such that attendance in Club Fit specific programming was significantly correlated with decreased BMI z scores. Processes and products from this study may be helpful to other communities aiming to address childhood obesity prevention through afterschool programs.

Perceived knowledge of palliative care among immigrants to the United States: a secondary data analysis from the Health Information National Trends Survey.

BACKGROUND: Immigrants to North America receive more interventions at end of life potentially due to knowledge gaps. The primary objective of this study was to measure and describe levels of perceived knowledge about palliative care among immigrants to the United States (US) compared to those born in the US. Our secondary objective was to identify trusted sources for seeking information about palliative care among immigrants and compare these trusted sources with those born in the US. We hypothesized that immigrants would have less knowledge of palliative care than those born in US and would trust different sources for information about palliative care. METHODS: We analyzed data from the nationally representative 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, cycle 2). Questionnaires were administered via mail between January and May 2018 to a population-based sample of adults. The primary outcome of interest was assessed using the item "How would you describe your level of knowledge about palliative care?" The secondary outcome of interest was determined using the item "Imagine you had a strong need to get information about palliative care, which of the following would you most trust as a source of information about palliative care?" Descriptive statistics were calculated, and bivariate analyses run between the outcomes of interest and sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, nativity, fluency with English). Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to assess the role of nativity, controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables. Jackknife weighting was used to generate population-level estimates. RESULTS: About 70% of those born in the US and 77% of immigrants (weighted) responded that they had "never heard of palliative care." Trusted sources of palliative care were very similar between the groups (all P>0.05). Both groups' preferred trusted source of palliative care knowledge was "health care provider," with over 80% of respondents in each group selecting this option. Printed materials and social media were the least popular trusted sources among both groups. After adjusting for relevant sociodemographic characteristics, we found no association between poor knowledge of palliative care and nativity (P=0.22). Female respondents had 2.5-fold increased odds of reporting low levels of perceived knowledge of palliative care (OR =2.58, 95% CI, 1.76-3.78; P<0.001). Education was an important predictor of perceived knowledge of palliative care; as education level increased, so did perceived knowledge of palliative care (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Perceived knowledge of palliative care is poor generally, regardless of birthplace. Trusted sources for palliative care are similar between immigrants and those born in the US. Education is important and is a strong predictor of perceived knowledge of palliative care. Women perceive they have lower levels of knowledge of palliative care (PC) than men. Differences in end of life care between immigrants and non-immigrants cannot be explained by knowledge differences.

Treat and extend regimen with aflibercept for chronic central retinal vein occlusions: 2 year results of the NEWTON study.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY) could continue to extend the macular edema free interval in patients on a treat and extend (TAE) with non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusions (CRVOs) previously treated with ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) or bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) in the second year. METHODS: Twenty patients with macular edema secondary to non-ischemic CRVOs previously treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab were prospectively treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) using a TAE dosing regimen. Injection frequencies were extended 2 weeks if there were no signs of disease activity on OCT or change in visual acuity. In the second year of the study, patients who have recurrences of macular edema could be re-challenged with a longer treatment interval under the following criterion: absence of any macular edema on three consecutive visits with the same treatment interval. RESULTS: Twenty patients had an average duration of a CRVO for 22 months (range 7-90) and averaged an anti-VEGF treatment every 42 days (range 28-60 days). The macular edema free interval increased from 38 to 75 days when switched to aflibercept (p = 0.000003) at month 24. There was an average increase of 37 days (median 34 days; range 0-91 days) in the macular edema free interval with aflibercept. At the month 24 visit, 50% (8/16) went > 12 weeks with a macular edema free interval between IAI. There was an improvement in vision (+ 8 ETDRS letters, p = 0.006) and decreased retinal thickness (158 µm, p = 0.00003) with aflibercept treatment at month 24. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-year results of the NEWTON study demonstrated the sustained benefits of a TAE dosing regimen with aflibercept in patients with chronic CRVOs. The visual acuity gains and anatomic improvements observed at year one were maintained through month 24 with less visits and treatments. This may help minimize the treatment burden in patients with recurrent macular edema secondary to non-ischemic CRVO.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01870427, Registered June 6, 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01870427?cond=NEWTON&rank=1.Presented at the RETICON 2017: The Retina Congress with Live Surgery, Chennai, India-April 2017.

Update in Outpatient General Internal Medicine: Practice-Changing Evidence Published in 2018.

The expansive scope of general internal medicine makes it difficult to identify practice-changing medical literature. Clinical updates can be facilitated by synthesizing relevant articles and implications for practice. Six internal medicine physicians reviewed the titles and abstracts in the 7 general internal medicine clinical outpatient journals with the highest impact factor and relevance to the internal medicine outpatient physician: New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), JAMA-Internal Medicine, British Medical Journal (BMJ), and Public Library of Science (PLoS) Medicine. The following collections of article synopses and databases were also reviewed: American College of Physicians Journal Club, NEJM Journal Watch, BMJ Evidence-Based medicine, McMaster/DynaMed Evidence Alerts, and Cochrane Reviews. A modified Delphi method was used to gain consensus on articles based on clinical relevance to outpatient Internal Medicine, potential impact on practice, and strength of evidence. Article qualities and importance were debated until consensus was reached. Clusters of articles pertinent to the same topic were considered together. In total, 7 practice-changing articles were included.

Sustainability of a Tuberculosis Screening Program at an Adult Education Center Through Community-Based Participatory Research.

The majority of active tuberculosis (TB) cases in the United States occur through reactivation of latent TB infection among foreign-born individuals. While screening of at-risk individuals through community partnerships is recommended, it is not commonly accomplished. A community-academic partnership developed a TB-screening intervention at an adult education center serving a large foreign-born population in Rochester, Minnesota. The intervention was cocreated with grant support by diverse stakeholders through a community-based participatory research partnership. The intervention was sustained beyond the grant interval through adaptation of staffing inputs, a robust partnership with sustained dialogue around TB and operational issues, and adaptation of governance through coownership of the intervention by the adult education center and the public health department. Eight years of data demonstrate that adult education centers may be effective venues for sustaining partnerships to address TB prevention among at-risk communities.

Healthy Immigrant Families: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Family-Based Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a healthy eating and physical activity intervention for immigrant families, derived through community-based participatory research. DESIGN: The Healthy Immigrant Families study was a randomized controlled trial with delayed intervention control group, with families as the randomization unit. SETTING: US Midwest city. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were recruited by community partners from Hispanic, Somali, and Sudanese immigrant communities. INTERVENTION: Family health promoters from participating communities delivered 6 healthy eating modules, 4 physical activity modules, and 2 modules synthesizing information in 12 home visits (60-90 minutes) within the first 6 months. Up to 12 follow-up phone calls to each participant occurred within the second 6 months. MEASURES: Primary measures were dietary quality measured with weekday 24-hour recall and reported as Healthy Eating Index score (0-100) and physical activity measured with accelerometers (14 wear days) at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: In total, 151 persons (81 adolescents and 70 adults; 44 families) were randomly assigned. At 12 months, significant improvement occurred in Healthy Eating Index scores for adults in the intervention group compared with controls (change, +8.6 vs -4.4; P < .01) and persisted at 24 months (+7.4 from baseline; P < .01). No differences were observed for adolescents and no significant differences occurred between groups for physical activity. CONCLUSION: This intervention produced sustained dietary quality improvement among adults but not among adolescents. Program outcomes are relevant to communities working to decrease cardiovascular risk among immigrant populations.

Aflibercept for Previously Treated Macular Edema Associated with Central Retinal Vein Occlusions: 1-Year Results of the NEWTON Study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY) can extend the macular edema-free interval in patients with nonischemic central retinal vein occlusions (CRVOs) previously treated with ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) or bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA). DESIGN: Prospective, single-arm, interventional study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients with chronic nonischemic CRVOs. METHODS: Patients with nonischemic CRVOs previously treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab were switched to aflibercept. The inclusion criteria included treatment for ≥6 months with ≥3 initial loading doses and evidence of recurrence of edema when treatment with either ranibizumab or bevacizumab extended beyond 4 weeks. Intravitreal aflibercept was administered with a treat-and-extend dosing regimen. Injection frequencies were extended 2 weeks if there were no signs of disease activity on OCT or change in visual acuity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Macular edema-free interval at week 52. RESULTS: Twenty patients had an average duration of a CRVO for 22 months (range, 7-90 months) and averaged an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment every 42 days (range, 28-60 days). These patients received a mean of 15 treatments (range, 5-47 treatments) of ranibizumab or bevacizumab for macular edema secondary to nonischemic CRVO. Among the 17 patients who completed 1 year of follow-up, 94% had a greater macular edema-free interval with aflibercept treatment. The macular edema-free interval increased from 5.4 weeks to 9.1 weeks when treatment was switched to aflibercept (P = 0.000003). There was an average increase of 26 days (range, 0-63 days) in the macular edema free interval with aflibercept. There was an improvement in vision (+6 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, P = 0.02) and decreased retinal thickness (152 µm, P = 0.0002) with aflibercept treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients previously treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab for macular edema due to nonischemic CRVO, aflibercept increased the macular edema free interval. This may help minimize the treatment burden in patients with recurrent macular edema secondary to nonischemic CRVO.

Brolucizumab Versus Aflibercept in Participants with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of brolucizumab with aflibercept to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-masked, multicenter, 2-arm, phase 2 study. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-nine treatment-naïve participants, aged ≥50 years, with active choroidal neovascularization secondary to AMD. METHODS: Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to intravitreal brolucizumab (6 mg/50 µl) or aflibercept (2 mg/50 µl). Both groups received 3 monthly loading doses and were then treated every 8 weeks (q8) with assessment up to week 40. In the brolucizumab group, the final q8 cycle was extended to enable 2 cycles of treatment every 12 weeks (q12; to week 56); participants on aflibercept continued on q8. Unscheduled treatments were allowed at the investigator's discretion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary and secondary hypotheses were noninferiority (margin: 5 letters at a 1-sided alpha level 0.1) in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change from baseline of brolucizumab versus aflibercept at weeks 12 and 16, respectively. BCVA, central subfield thickness (CSFT), and morphologic features were assessed throughout the study. RESULTS: The mean BCVA change from baseline (letters) with brolucizumab was noninferior to aflibercept at week 12 (5.75 and 6.89, respectively [80% confidence interval for treatment difference, -4.19 to 1.93]) and week 16 (6.04 and 6.62 [-3.72 to 2.56]), with no notable differences up to week 40. Outcomes exploring disease activity during the q8 treatment cycles suggest greater stability of the brolucizumab participants, supported by receipt of fewer unscheduled treatments versus aflibercept (6 vs. 15) and more stable CSFT reductions. In addition, from post hoc analysis, a greater proportion of brolucizumab-treated eyes had resolved intraretinal and subretinal fluid compared with aflibercept-treated eyes. Approximately 50% of brolucizumab-treated eyes had stable BCVA during the q12 cycles. Brolucizumab and aflibercept adverse events were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: During the matched q8 phase, the BCVA in brolucizumab-treated eyes appeared comparable to aflibercept-treated eyes, with more stable CSFT reductions, receipt of fewer unscheduled treatments, and higher rates of fluid resolution. The brolucizumab safety profile was similar to aflibercept over 56 weeks of treatment. A 12-week treatment cycle for brolucizumab may be viable in a relevant proportion of eyes.

Relationship Between Negative Mood and Health Behaviors in an Immigrant and Refugee Population.

Immigrants experience an escalation of negative health behaviors after arrival to the United States. Negative mood is associated with poorer health behaviors in the general population; however, this relationship is understudied in immigrant populations. Adolescent (n = 81) and adult (n = 70) participants completed a health behavior survey for immigrant families using a community-based participatory research approach. Data was collected for mood, nutrition, and physical activity. Adolescents with positive mood drank less regular soda, and demonstrated more minutes, higher levels, and greater social support for physical activity (all ps < .05). Adults with positive mood reported more snacking on fruits/vegetables, greater self-efficacy for physical activity, and better physical well-being (all ps < .05). Negative mood was associated with low physical activity level and poor nutritional habits in adolescent and adult immigrants. Designing community-based programs offering strategies for mood management and healthy lifestyle change may be efficacious for immigrant populations.