Prescribing Trends and Health Care Expenditure of P2Y12 Prescriptions in Australia Over the Last Decade.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is guideline therapy following acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Novel, potent P2Y12 inhibitors have been developed and studied but it is unclear how this evidence has been incorporated into patient care. We sought to describe the prescribing trends and health care costs of P2Y12therapy in Australia over the last decade. METHOD: The latest statistical data collected by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Australia, was reviewed. PBS codes for coronary indications were selected. Yearly total prescriptions and cost were then compared between all three P2Y12 inhibitors. Linear trend modelling was used to observe general trends over the data collection period. RESULTS: Total yearly P2Y12 scripts have more than doubled between 2010 (403,880 scripts) and 2020 (994,826 scripts). Clopidogrel is the most prescribed P2Y12 inhibitor and has been for the last decade. Ticagrelor represents 26.2% of total prescriptions but accounts for 75% of PBS spending. More than $30 million is spent on ticagrelor every year with a cost per MACE prevented of $72,637. Prasugrel was the least prescribed agent but was 41% cheaper per major adverse cardiac event (MACE) prevented than ticagrelor before being removed from the Australian market. Without prasugrel available, clopidogrel scripts have increased 10% and ticagrelor scripts remain stable. CONCLUSION: Clopidogrel remains the most prescribed P2Y12 agent in Australia, despite emergence of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors. Ticagrelor is increasingly prescribed but represents a disproportionately large burden of spending. Whilst prasugrel is the most efficacious, cheaper than ticagrelor and guideline recommended P2Y12 inhibitor after ACS, it represented the minority of scripts before being withdrawn. Rather than use of a potent P2Y12 agent, clinicians are reverting to prescribing clopidogrel.

Learning Curve and Initial Experience With Implementation of a His-Bundle Pacing Program in an Australian Setting.

BACKGROUND: His-bundle pacing (HBP) has emerged as a promising technique to avoid pacing complications associated with dyssynchrony from right ventricular pacing, but data are limited to experienced operators and centres. We aimed to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of an HBP program in an Australian setting. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected on 140 consecutive HBP procedures attempted at three centres from March 2018 to September 2019. The cohort was divided into three groups (early: procedures 1-47, middle: 48-94, late: 95-140) to determine changes in procedural success in relation to operator experience. RESULTS: Median age was 76 years (IQR 68-80 yrs); 69% were male. Atrial fibrillation was present in 59%, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% in 25%, and left and right bundle branch blocks present in 23% and 16% respectively, and atrioventricular (AV) block was present in 26%. Overall procedural success was 87%, median implant threshold 0.8V@1 ms, and QRS duration improved in 64% of procedures. Procedural success (early 83%, middle 89%, late 89%, p=0.58) was not different, while median procedural time (early 98 mins, middle 83 mins, late 70 mins, p<0.001) improved across operator experience groups. Lower success rates were identified for patients with AV block (73% vs. 92%, p<0.01), a previous device (69% vs. 89%, p=0.02), moderate-severe TR (69% vs. 88%, p=0.04), and when right-sided access was required (25% vs. 89%, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: His-bundle pacing is a feasible procedure with continued improvement in procedural measures of success after an early learning period. The presence of AV block, a previous device, significant tricuspid regurgitation, or right-sided access may affect procedural success.

NOACs Now Mainstream for the Use of Anticoagulation in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Australia.

The management of stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation has changed over the past few years. This change has occurred due to the introduction of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) such as apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran for the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. These agents have shown comparable stroke risk reduction to warfarin in large international multicentre trials [1-3]. This has changed the clinical practice of many treating physicians since their introduction from 2011 to 2013. The purpose of this review was to highlight the now mainstream use of NOAC administration in preference to warfarin, by comparing the trends in the number of prescriptions filled since all three forms of oral anti-coagulant became available in 2013. These agents are being increasingly prescribed due to their ease of use compared to warfarin, which not only requires ongoing monitoring due to narrow therapeutic range but also has many drug and food interactions. Since November 2015, NOACs have become the mainstream choice for anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation likely given their ease of use compared to warfarin. The use of each anticoagulant remains divergent with the use of warfarin continuing to decrease.

No effect of remoteness on clinical outcomes following myocardial infarction: An analysis of 43,729 myocardial infarctions in Victoria, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Remoteness has been shown to predict poor clinical outcomes following myocardial infarction (MI). This study investigated 1-year clinical outcomes following MI by remoteness in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: We included all admissions for people discharged from hospital following MI between July 2012 and June 2017 (n = 43,729). Remoteness was determined using the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA). The relationship between remoteness and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality over 1-year was evaluated using adjusted Poisson regression, stratified by type STEMI and NSTEMI. RESULTS: For NSTEMI, adjusted rates of MACE were 77.5[95% confidence interval 65.1-92.1] for the most remote area versus 83.4[65.5-106.3] for the least remote area per 1000 person-years. For STEMI, rates of MACE were 28.5[18.3-44.6] for the most versus 33.5[18.9-59.4] for the least remote areas per 1000 person-years. With respect to all-cause mortality, NSTEMI mortality rates were 82.2[67.0-100.9] for the most versus 100.8[75.2-135.1] for the least remote areas per 1000 person-years. For STEMI, mortality rates were 24.7[13.7-44.7] for the most versus 22.3[9.8-50.8] for the least remote per 1000 person-years. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of MACE and all-cause mortality were similar in regardless of degree of remoteness, suggesting that initiatives to increase access to cardiology care in more remote areas succeeded in reducing previous disparities.

Use of secondary prevention medications in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas: an analysis of 41 925 myocardial infarctions in Australia.

AIMS: People in remote areas may have more difficulty accessing healthcare following myocardial infarction (MI) than people in metropolitan areas. We determined whether remoteness was associated with initial and 12-month use of secondary prevention medications following MI in Victoria, Australia. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included all people alive at least 90 days after discharge following MI between July 2012 and June 2017 in Victoria, Australia (n = 41 925). We investigated dispensing of P2Y12 inhibitors (P2Y12i), statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs), and beta-blockers within 90 days after discharge. We estimated 12-month medication use using proportion of days covered (PDC). Remoteness was determined using the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA). Data were analysed using adjusted parametric regression models stratified by ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI). There were 10 819 STEMI admissions and 31 106 NSTEMI admissions. Following adjustment across NSTEMI and STEMI, there were no medication classes dispensed in the 90-day post-discharge that differed in a clinically significant way from the least remote (ARIA = 0) to the most remote (ARIA = 4.8) areas. The largest difference for NSTEMI was ACEI/ARB, with 71% (95% confidence interval 70-72%) vs. 80% (76-83%). For STEMI, it was statins with 89% (88-90%) vs. 95% (91-97%). Predicted PDC for STEMI and NSTEMI was not clinically significant across remoteness, with the largest difference in NSTEMI being P2Y12i with 48% (47-50%) vs. 55% (51-59%), and in STEMI, it was ACEI/ARB with 68% (67-69%) vs. 76% (70-80%). CONCLUSION: Remoteness does not appear to be a clinically significant driver for medication use following MI. Possible differences in cardiovascular outcomes in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas are not likely to be explained by access to secondary prevention medications.

We investigated how where a person lives may affect the use of medications required following a heart attack. Our research used dispensing information and hospital admission information for a population of 41 925 heart attack admissions. Our main findings were as follows: There were no clinically significant differences in initial dispensing or 12-month use of secondary prevention medications with respect to how remote a person may live in Victoria, Australia.Our research suggests that there is equal access to medications with respect to remoteness, and any differences in quality of life or life expectancy following a heart attack are unlikely to be driven by differences in access to medications.

Cardiology patients are unaware of the benefits of seasonal influenza immunization.

Seasonal influenza immunization reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. Patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) derive a greater benefit than those without, yet up to 50 % do not take up the immunization. Patient perceptions and beliefs are known to inform immunization behaviors, yet the immunization related beliefs of patients with CVD have not been described. Objective: To describe beliefs, perceptions and behaviors regarding influenza immunization in patients with CVD. Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional, voluntary and anonymous survey of 181 cardiology inpatients and outpatients attending three large hospitals in Victoria. Results: Median age was 64, 35.0 % were female and 24.2 % spoke a language other than English at home. Over one-third-(34.5 %) of respondents did not receive the seasonal influenza immunization in the prior year. Only half (54.2 %) of patients agreed that their heart condition placed them at higher risk of complications and serious illness if they contracted influenza. Nearly a quarter of patients (24.0 %) were concerned about side effects while 1 in 10 patients raised cost as a barrier despite being free-of-charge in Australia. If asked to receive the seasonal influenza immunization, 86 % patients would agree if their cardiologist recommended it. Conclusion: Despite guideline recommendations, most cardiology patients are uninformed of the cardiovascular benefits of seasonal influenza immunization with many unaware they are at higher risk of influenza-related illness. The vast majority of patients would accept the immunization if recommended by their cardiologist highlighting their important role in improving uptake.

Cardiologists' knowledge and perceptions of the seasonal influenza immunisation.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza immunisation reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk patients, but 50% do not receive routine immunisation. The perceptions and current role of cardiologists in recommending and prescribing influenza immunisation has not been well described. METHODS: We used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. Semi-structured interviews of 10 cardiologists were performed to identify themes for quantitative evaluation. 63 cardiologists undertook quantitative evaluation in an online survey. The interviews and surveys addressed (a) attitudes and behaviours regarding influenza immunisation and (b) preventative care in cardiology. RESULTS: One quarter (25.4%, n = 16) of cardiologists recommended influenza immunisation to all patients. Less than half (49.2%, n = 31) recommended influenza immunisation to secondary prevention patients. Almost 1/3 of respondents (31.7%, n = 20) were uncertain or unaware of the guidelines regarding influenza immunisation and patients with cardiac disease. Most cardiologists believed that general practitioners were responsible for ensuring patients received influenza immunisation (76.2%, n = 48). CONCLUSIONS: Despite reducing cardiovascular events in high-risk patients, influenza immunisation is not widely recommended by cardiologists. Further clinician education is needed to address the knowledge gaps which prevent recommendation and uptake of this guideline directed treatment.

Optimising adherence to secondary prevention medications following acute coronary syndrome utilising telehealth cardiology pharmacist clinics: a matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to secondary prevention medications following acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is a predictor of future major adverse cardiovascular events. Underutilisation of these medications is associated with higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events globally. AIM: To explore the effects of a telehealth cardiology pharmacist clinic on patient adherence to secondary prevention medications in the 12 months following ACS. METHOD: Retrospective matched cohort study within a large regional health service comparing patient populations before and after implementation of pharmacist clinic with 12-month follow up. Patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention for ACS were consulted by the pharmacist at 1, 3- and 12-months. Matching criteria included age, sex, presence of left ventricular dysfunction and ACS type. Primary outcome was difference in adherence in adherence at 12 months post ACS. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events at 12 months and validation of self-reported adherence using medication possession ratios from pharmacy dispensing records. RESULTS: There were 156 patients in this study (78 matched pairs). Analysis of adherence at 12 months demonstrated an absolute increase in adherence by 13% (31 vs. 44%, p = 0.038). Furthermore, sub-optimal medical therapy (less than 3 ACS medication groups at 12 months) reduced by 23% (31 vs. 8%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This novel intervention significantly improved adherence to secondary prevention medications at 12 months, a demonstrated contributor to clinical outcomes. Primary and secondary outcomes in the intervention group were both statistically significant. Pharmacist-led follow up improves adherence and patient outcomes.

Statin-Induced Increases in Atrophy Gene Expression Occur Independently of Changes in PGC1α Protein and Mitochondrial Content.

One serious side effect of statin drugs is skeletal muscle myopathy. Although the mechanism(s) responsible for statin myopathy remains to be fully determined, an increase in muscle atrophy gene expression and changes in mitochondrial content and/or function have been proposed to play a role. In this study, we examined the relationship between statin-induced expression of muscle atrophy genes, regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, and markers of mitochondrial content in slow- (ST) and fast-twitch (FT) rat skeletal muscles. Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with simvastatin (60 or 80 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or vehicle control via oral gavage for 14 days. In the absence of overt muscle damage, simvastatin treatment induced an increase in atrogin-1, MuRF1 and myostatin mRNA expression; however, these were not associated with changes in peroxisome proliferator gamma co-activator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) protein or markers of mitochondrial content. Simvastatin did, however, increase neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS) and AMPK α-subunit protein expression, and tended to increase total NOS activity, in FT but not ST muscles. Furthermore, simvastatin induced a decrease in ß-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (ß-HAD) activity only in FT muscles. These findings suggest that the statin-induced activation of muscle atrophy genes occurs independent of changes in PGC-1α protein and mitochondrial content. Moreover, muscle-specific increases in NOS expression and possibly NO production, and decreases in fatty acid oxidation, could contribute to the previously reported development of overt statin-induced muscle damage in FT muscles.