Perception of patients with retinal pathology on aspects of visual function and their management.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are highly prevalent. OBJECTIVE: To explore perceptions of patients with AMD or DR about the impact of the disease and treatment on their daily living activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with a questionnaire developed from validated patient reported outcomes questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions about the disease and 9 about the treatment. The questions (items) were answered on a scale from 1 to 9. In addition, the patient interviewed was invited to make free comments on each question. Nine patients with AMD and 9 with DR were interviewed by videoconference or telephone call. A quantitative analysis of the responses and a qualitative analysis of the comments were carried out. RESULTS: The most relevant item for patients with AMD or DR is "Recognize people when they are nearby", and "Read text in normal size font in a newspaper or book", followed, in patients with AMD, by "Do things what you would like" and, in patients with DR, "Feeling frustrated by the vision problems." Regarding the treatment, the most relevant aspects for both groups is that the treatment works and receiving appropriate information before and after the treatment. The qualitative comments were focused to the disease, the treatment, and to the role of doctors and the health system. CONCLUSION: Quantitative responses and free comments can be useful to improve the care of patients with AMD or DR by physicians and the health system.

Position statement for the management of comorbidities in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The association between psoriasis and some diseases has become relevant in recent years. Providing appropriate management of psoriasis from an early stage requires prompt diagnosis and treatment of concomitant diseases and to prevent any potential comorbidity. This approach should consider the adverse events of the drugs used to treat psoriasis potentially related to the onset of comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To provide the dermatologist with an accurate and friendly tool for systematizing the diagnosis of psoriasis-associated comorbidities, which generally escapes the scope of the dermatology setting, and to facilitate decision-making about the referral and treatment of patients with comorbidities. METHODS: These position statement recommendations were developed by a working group composed of ten experts (four dermatologists, one cardiologist, one rheumatologist, one gastroenterologist, one nephrologist, one endocrinologist and one psychiatrist) and two health services researchers. The expert group selected the psoriasis comorbidities considered according to their relevance in the dermatology setting. The recommendations on diagnostic criteria are based on the current clinical practice guidelines for each of the comorbidities. The information regarding the repercussion of psoriasis medical treatments on associated comorbid diseases was obtained from the summary of product characteristics of each drug. RESULTS: Recommendations were developed to detect and refer the following psoriasis comorbidities: psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease and psychological disorders (anxiety and depression). In addition, alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption were included. The tables and figures are precise, easy-to-use tools to systematize the diagnosis of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis and facilitate the decision-making process regarding referral and treatment of patients with an associated disease. CONCLUSION: The application of these position statement recommendations will facilitate the dermatologist practice, and benefit psoriasis patients' health and quality of life.

Recommendations for the management of comorbidity in hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: The association between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and some diseases is becoming relevant in recent years. Providing appropriate management of HS from an early stage requires to include prompt diagnosis and treatment of concomitant diseases and to prevent any potential comorbidity. This approach should consider the adverse events of the drugs used to treat HS potentially related to the onset of a comorbidity. OBJECTIVE: To provide the dermatologist with an accurate, easily used tool that will inform the diagnosis of HS comorbidity, and to facilitate decision-making regarding the referral and treatment of patient with HS-associated comorbidity. METHODS: These recommendations have been developed by a working group composed of seven experts (three dermatologists, a cardiovascular specialist internist, a rheumatologist expert in spondyloarthritis, a gastroenterologist and a psychiatrist) and a team of three methodologist researchers. The expert group selected the HS comorbidities considered in these recommendations through a literature review. The recommendations on diagnostic criteria are based on the relevant clinical practice guidelines for each of the comorbidities and on the recommendations of the experts. The information regarding the repercussion of HS medical treatments on associated comorbid diseases was obtained from the summary of product characteristics of each drug. RESULTS: The comorbidities considered in this guide are as follows: cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome), inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory joint disorders and psychological disorders (anxiety and depression). In addition, the association between HS and the consumption of alcohol and tobacco is included. The tables and figures are a precise, easy-to-use tool to systematize the diagnosis of comorbidity in patients with HS and facilitate the decision-making process regarding referral and treatment of patients with an associated disease. CONCLUSION: The application of these recommendations will facilitate the dermatologist practice and benefit HS patients' health and quality of life.

Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in selected countries.

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading indicator for liver disease. New treatment options are becoming available, and there is a need to characterize the epidemiology and disease burden of HCV. Data for prevalence, viremia, genotype, diagnosis and treatment were obtained through literature searches and expert consensus for 16 countries. For some countries, data from centralized registries were used to estimate diagnosis and treatment rates. Data for the number of liver transplants and the proportion attributable to HCV were obtained from centralized databases. Viremic prevalence estimates varied widely between countries, ranging from 0.3% in Austria, England and Germany to 8.5% in Egypt. The largest viremic populations were in Egypt, with 6,358,000 cases in 2008 and Brazil with 2,106,000 cases in 2007. The age distribution of cases differed between countries. In most countries, prevalence rates were higher among males, reflecting higher rates of injection drug use. Diagnosis, treatment and transplant levels also differed considerably between countries. Reliable estimates characterizing HCV-infected populations are critical for addressing HCV-related morbidity and mortality. There is a need to quantify the burden of chronic HCV infection at the national level.

Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease burden.

The number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections is projected to decline while those with advanced liver disease will increase. A modeling approach was used to forecast two treatment scenarios: (i) the impact of increased treatment efficacy while keeping the number of treated patients constant and (ii) increasing efficacy and treatment rate. This analysis suggests that successful diagnosis and treatment of a small proportion of patients can contribute significantly to the reduction of disease burden in the countries studied. The largest reduction in HCV-related morbidity and mortality occurs when increased treatment is combined with higher efficacy therapies, generally in combination with increased diagnosis. With a treatment rate of approximately 10%, this analysis suggests it is possible to achieve elimination of HCV (defined as a >90% decline in total infections by 2030). However, for most countries presented, this will require a 3-5 fold increase in diagnosis and/or treatment. Thus, building the public health and clinical provider capacity for improved diagnosis and treatment will be critical.

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with today's treatment paradigm.

The disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is expected to increase as the infected population ages. A modelling approach was used to estimate the total number of viremic infections, diagnosed, treated and new infections in 2013. In addition, the model was used to estimate the change in the total number of HCV infections, the disease progression and mortality in 2013-2030. Finally, expert panel consensus was used to capture current treatment practices in each country. Using today's treatment paradigm, the total number of HCV infections is projected to decline or remain flat in all countries studied. However, in the same time period, the number of individuals with late-stage liver disease is projected to increase. This study concluded that the current treatment rate and efficacy are not sufficient to manage the disease burden of HCV. Thus, alternative strategies are required to keep the number of HCV individuals with advanced liver disease and liver-related deaths from increasing.

Clinical practice guideline for an integrated approach to comorbidity in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between psoriasis and associated diseases has drawn particular interest in recent years. To provide appropriate management of psoriasis from an early stage, it is necessary to include prompt diagnosis of concomitant disease and to prevent and treat any comorbidity found. Such an integrated approach also serves to ensure that the drugs used to treat associated diseases do not interfere with the management of psoriasis, and vice versa. OBJECTIVE: To provide the dermatologist a guide focuses specifically on the diagnosis and management of the diseases most often found in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: The selection of the diseases, and corresponding supporting research, to be included was based on a systematic review of the literature. The recommendations on diagnostic criteria are based on the main clinical practice guidelines for each of the diseases discussed as well as on the recommendations of a clinical expert advisory group. The information regarding the repercussions of psoriasis treatments on associated comorbid diseases was obtained from the summary of product characteristics of each drug. In turn, the statements concerning the impact of the associated diseases, and their treatment, on psoriasis are based on the review of the literature. RESULTS: This guide is a precise, easy-to-use tool for systematizing the diagnosis of comorbidity in patients with psoriasis and facilitate decision making regarding referral and treatment of patients diagnosed with an associated disease. CONCLUSION: The application of this guide not only will benefit psoriasis patients' health and quality of life but it will also optimize available resources.

[Integrated approach to comorbidity in patients with psoriasis.Working Group on Psoriasis-associated Comorbidities]. / Abordaje integral de la comorbilidad del paciente con psoriasis.

The relationship between psoriasis and associated diseases has drawn particular interest in recent years. To provide appropriate management of psoriasis from an early stage, it is necessary to include prompt diagnosis of concomitant disease and to prevent and treat any comorbidity found. Such an integrated approach also serves to ensure that the drugs used to treat associated diseases do not interfere with the management of psoriasis, and vice versa. This clinical practice guideline on the management of comorbidity in psoriasis has been drawn up to help dermatologists to achieve an integrated approach to this inflammatory disease. The guide focuses primarily on the diseases most often found in patients with psoriasis, which include psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lymphoma, skin cancer, anxiety, and depression. Cardiovascular disease is approached through the study of its major risk factors (obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome). Other cardiovascular risk factors related to lifestyle, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, are also discussed. The overall aim of this guide is to provide the dermatologist with a precise, easy to-use tool for systematizing the diagnosis of comorbidity in these patients and to facilitate decisions regarding referral and treatment once associated diseases have been found. The specific objectives are as follows: a) to review the most common diseases associated with psoriasis, including the prevalence of each one and its importance to the dermatologist; b) to provide guidelines for the physical examination, diagnostic tests, and clinical criteria on which to base a preliminary diagnosis; c) to establish criteria for the appropriate referral of patients with suspected comorbidity; d) to provide information on how therapies for psoriasis may modify the course of associated diseases, and e) to provide information concerning treatments prescribed for associated diseases that may have an impact on the course of psoriasis. This guide has been written by a working group of guideline methodologists and clinical experts. The selection of the diseases included was based on a systematic review of the literature and a summary of available evidence; information on the prevalence of each comorbidity was also taken from the literature. The recommendations on diagnostic criteria are based on the main clinical practice guidelines for each of the diseases discussed and on the recommendations of the expert advisory group. The information regarding the repercussions of psoriasis treatments on comorbid diseases was obtained from the summary of product characteristics of each drug. The statements concerning the impact on psoriasis of the associated diseases and their treatment are based on the review of the literature.

Abordaje integral de la comorbilidad del paciente con psoriasis / Integrated approach to comorbidity in patients with psoriasis

El objetivo principal de esta guía es proporcionar al dermatólogo una herramienta ágil y precisa que protocolice el diagnóstico de la comorbilidad y le facilite la toma de decisiones en relación con la derivación y el tratamiento del paciente con alguna enfermedad asociada. Los objetivos específicos son: a) documentar sobre la comorbilidad más frecuente en psoriasis, aportando datos sobre la prevalencia y la importancia de cada una de estas enfermedades en el ámbito de la consulta de dermatología; b) orientar en el protocolo de exploración física, pruebas diagnósticas y criterios clínicos que permitan realizar un diagnóstico de sospecha de estas enfermedades; c) establecer los criterios de derivación de los pacientes con sospecha de comorbilidad al especialista correspondiente; d) informar sobre los tratamientos utilizados en el manejo de la psoriasis que modifican el curso de cada una de las enfermedades asociadas, e e) informar sobre los tratamientos utilizados en el manejo de estas enfermedades que pueden influir en el curso de la psoriasis. En los últimos años, se está prestando especial importancia a la relación de la psoriasis con otras enfermedades concomitantes. El manejo temprano y adecuado del paciente con psoriasis se ha de contemplar, por tanto, desde un punto de vista integral, tanto para el diagnóstico temprano de la comorbilidad, como para su prevención y tratamiento, así como para evitar que los medicamentos utilizados en las enfermedades asociadas puedan interferir el curso de la psoriasis, o viceversa. Como ayuda a este abordaje integral de la psoriasis, se plantea la elaboración de esta guía de práctica clínica enfocada específicamente hacia el manejo de la comorbilidad, y dirigida especialmente a dermatólogos. Esta guía se centra en las enfermedades más prevalentes en la psoriasis: artritis psoriásica, enfermedad cardiovascular a través del estudio de sus principales factores de riesgo (obesidad, diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial, dislipemia y síndrome metabólico), hígado graso no alcohólico, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, linfoma y cáncer de piel, ansiedad y depresión. También se consideran otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular relacionados con los hábitos de vida, como el consumo de tabaco y de alcohol. La guía ha sido elaborada por un grupo de trabajo constituido por metodólogos y expertos. La selección y la documentación sobre las enfermedades a incluir y los datos de prevalencia de cada una se han basado en una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía científica y en la síntesis de la evidencia disponible. Las recomendaciones sobre criterios diagnósticos se han basado en las principales guías de práctica clínica de cada una de las enfermedades y en recomendaciones del grupo de expertos. La información sobre las repercusiones terapéuticas de la psoriasis en la comorbilidad se ha obtenido a partir de la ficha técnica de los diferentes fármacos, y de las diferentes enfermedades en la psoriasis a partir de los artículos encontrados en la revisión (AU)

This guide has been written by a working group of guideline methodologists and clinical experts. The selection of the diseases included was based on a systematic review of the literature and a summary of available evidence; information on the prevalence of each comorbidity was also taken from the literature. The recommendations on diagnostic criteria are based on the main clinical practice guidelines for each of the diseases discussed and on the recommendations of the expert advisory group. The information regarding the repercussions of psoriasis treatments on comorbid diseases was obtained from the summary of product characteristics of each drug. The statements concerning the impact on psoriasis of the associated diseases and their treatment are based on the review of the literature. The relationship between psoriasis and associated diseases has drawn particular interest in recent years. To provide appropriate management of psoriasis from an early stage, it is necessary to include prompt diagnosis of concomitant disease and to prevent and treat any comorbidity found. Such an integrated approach also serves to ensure that the drugs used to treat associated diseases do not interfere with the management of psoriasis, and viceversa. The overall aim of this guide is to provide the dermatologist with a precise, easyto-use tool for systematizing the diagnosis of comorbidity in these patients and to facilitate decisions regarding referral and treatment once associated diseases have been found. The specific objectives are as follows: a) to review the most common diseases associated with psoriasis, including the prevalence of each one and its importance to the dermatologist; b) to provide guidelines for the physical examination, diagnostic tests, and clinical criteria on which to base a preliminary diagnosis; c) to establish criteria for the appropriate referral of patients with suspected comorbidity; d) to provide information on how therapies for psoriasis may modify the course of associated diseases, and e) to provide information concerning treatments prescribed for associated diseases that may have an impact on the course of psoriasis (AU)

Cost-efficacy of adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Different biological agents are used for the treatment of psoriasis. Previous data have shown adalimumab to be the most efficient drug in terms of cost-efficacy. However, newer data are required to include recent drugs. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost-efficacy ratios of biological agents licensed in Spain (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab) for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. METHODS: An economic evaluation model was developed by building a decision tree for each drug regimen for which scientific evidence was available. The payer perspective (Spanish National Health System) was considered, taking into account only the drug costs. Data on efficacy [proportion of patients with a 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75)] reported in the randomized controlled trials were used. When more than one trial for each treatment had been published, a meta-analysis was performed. In case of weight-dependent doses (infliximab), weight of the study subjects was standardized by age and gender of the Spanish population, corrected for the increase in weight in subjects with psoriasis. Uncertainty was assessed by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Incremental efficacy ranged from 31.19% (etanercept at a dosage of 25 mg twice a week for 12 weeks) to 78.35% (infliximab at 5 mg/kg for 24 weeks). Efficiency, in terms of incremental cost-efficacy, ranged from 8013€ (adalimumab) to 17 981€ (ustekinumab at a dose of 90 mg) per PASI 75 responder gained. CONCLUSION: In terms of cost-efficacy, the most efficient biological drug was adalimumab. The robustness of this finding was confirmed by sensitivity analysis.

[Efficiency of biologic agents in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis]. / Eficiencia de los agentes biológicos en el tratamiento de la psoriasis moderada-grave.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of psoriasis, biologic agents are more expensive than conventional therapy while showing similar or superior efficacy. However, their efficiency in terms of cost/efficacy (cost per responder in clinical trial conditions) is unknown. OBJECTIVE. To estimate the cost/efficacy ratios of adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, and efalizumab in the management of moderate to severe psoriasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A model for the costs analysis was elaborated by building a decision tree for each of the treatments for which scientific evidence was available. The payer perspective (Spanish national health system) was used, only considering drug costs.The efficacy (proportion of patients who respond according to Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI] 75 criterion) was assigned according to the results of the clinical trials. When more than 1 trial was available per treatment, a meta-analysis was undertaken. In the case of weight-dependent dosing, the weight of the study participants was adjusted by age and sex to the standard Spanish population with correction for increased weight in individuals with psoriasis. Uncertainty was investigated with a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Assigning the efficacy reported in the 15 published clinical trials, the most efficient biologic agent in terms of the cost/efficacy ratio was adalimumab, with one PASI 75 response at a cost of 8,013 Euro. For the remaining biologic agents and with different regimens, the cost per responder ranged from 9,370 Euro to 17,112 Euro. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these figures.

Microwave-induced control of free-electron-laser radiation.

The dynamical response of a relativistic bunch of electrons injected in a planar magnetic undulator and interacting with a counterpropagating electromagnetic wave is studied. We demonstrate a resonance condition for which the free-electron-laser (FEL) dynamics is strongly influenced by the presence of the external field. It opens up the possibility of control of short wavelength FEL emission characteristics by changing the parameters of the microwave field without requiring change in the undulator's geometry or configuration. Numerical examples, assuming realistic parameter values analogous to those of the TTF-FEL, currently under development at DESY, are given for possible control of the amplitude or polarization of the emitted radiation.