Cross-sectoral Analysis of 1.4 Million AOK-insured Patients with Back Pain in Baden-Württemberg - What Influence does Outpatient Specialist Care Have? / Sektorenübergreifende Rückenschmerz-Versorgungsanalyse von 1,4 Mio. AOK-Versicherten in Baden-Württemberg ­ welchen Einfluss hat die ambulante fachärztliche Versorgung?

BACKGROUND: Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability globally and the most common musculoskeletal pain in Germany. The lifetime prevalence of back pain ranges from 74% to 85%, and the point prevalence ranges from 32% to 49%. One in five individuals with statutory health insurance visits a doctor at least once a year for back pain, and 1 in 20 individuals is on sick leave at least once a year. The question as to what extent can different outpatient care concepts substantially contribute to improving care and avoiding inpatient hospital treatment has repeatedly been the subject of controversial political discussions. This study aimed to present a description of the reality of care in Baden-Württemberg (BW), Germany, based on claims data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anonymised routine billing data of AOK Baden-Württemberg were analysed in compliance with data protection regulations. The billing data cover the outpatient and inpatient care sectors. All AOK patients in BW who received at least one ICD10 diagnosis from their physician in the first half of 2015 were considered for the analysis. Patients with at least one diagnosis of back pain were evaluated as patients with back pain, whereby the assignment to the diagnosis group of specific or non-specific back pain was made based on the code. RESULTS: In the first half of 2015, nearly 988 925 patients with back pain were registered in the 6696 primary care clinics in BW, approximately 302 524 patients in 1172 orthopaedic clinics and 17 043 patients in 89 neurosurgical clinics. Primary care clinics reported back pain diagnosis in 34.6%, orthopaedic clinics in 51.9% and neurosurgical clinics in 78.6% of cases. Primary care clinics diagnosed a specific cause in approximately one-third of patients with back pain, orthopaedic clinics in approximately 40% of their patients and neurosurgery clinics in one in two cases. Overall, approximately 1.2% of 1.3 million patients with back pain (January to December 2015 in BW) were hospitalised. Inpatient therapy consisted of surgical therapy and conservative therapy. Nucleotomy, decompression and spondylodesis were the three most common surgical procedures performed. Pain medication and remedy prescriptions decreased pain after spinal surgery. There are significant regional differences in referral and surgery rates. The mean inpatient referral rate was 535 of 100 000 AOK insurants, and the median was 536 of 100 000 AOK insurants. The mean surgery rate among all admitted patients with back pain was 49.9%, and the median was 49.8%. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of patients with back pain are treated as outpatients. Only approximately 1.2% of all patients with back pain were treated as inpatients in 2015. Of these, approximately half underwent surgery. Spinal surgeries led to a decrease in pain medication and remedy prescription postoperatively. The three most frequent surgical procedures were 'decompression', 'excision of disc tissue' and 'spondylodesis'. There were significant regional differences.

Experimental deep brain stimulation in rodent models of movement disorders.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the preferred treatment for therapy-resistant movement disorders such as dystonia and Parkinson's disease (PD), mostly in advanced disease stages. Although DBS is already in clinical use for ~30 years and has improved patients' quality of life dramatically, there is still limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action. Rodent models of PD and dystonia are essential tools to elucidate the mode of action of DBS on behavioral and multiscale neurobiological levels. Advances have been made in identifying DBS effects on the central motor network, neuroprotection and neuroinflammation in DBS studies of PD rodent models. The phenotypic dtsz mutant hamster and the transgenic DYT-TOR1A (ΔETorA) rat proved as valuable models of dystonia for preclinical DBS research. In addition, continuous refinements of rodent DBS technologies are ongoing and have contributed to improvement of experimental quality. We here review the currently existing literature on experimental DBS in PD and dystonia models regarding the choice of models, experimental design, neurobiological readouts, as well as methodological implications. Moreover, we provide an overview of the technical stage of existing DBS devices for use in rodent studies.

Development of a Fully Implantable Stimulator for Deep Brain Stimulation in Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Deep brain stimulation is an established method for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. To elicit the underlying mechanisms and explore new stimulation targets, rodent models are necessary. Cable bound external stimulation or portable devices limit movement of the animals and influence behavioral experiments. Therefore, implantable, individually programmed devices are required. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: The stimulator consists of an 8bit-microcontroller mounted on a square electrical board (10 × 10 mm). External control is enabled by a magnetic reed contact, as running control serves a white LED, running modes are displayed by flash codes. Stimulation parameters could be programmed in the range of pulse width: 60-500 µs, amplitude: up to 300 µA and frequency: 10-500 Hz. Power is supplied by two standard batteries. The device was implanted in 8-10 weeks old BALBc-mice. Functionality was examined by electrical stimulation of nucleus accumbens area with standard parameters for mice and determination of c-fos levels in vitro in brain slices. RESULTS: The implanted microstimulators were well-tolerated by the mice, without impairment of free movement. Coating, external control, and monitoring of function with LED flash code proved to be fully adequate. Stimulation with standard stimulating parameters of nucleus accumbens elicited strong c-fos elevation on simulation site. CONCLUSION: We present a fully implantable stimulator for freely moving mice that meets the urgent need for further research on the effects of deep brain stimulation in rodent models. It offers the possibility to conduct behavioral experiments for up to 30 days of stimulation.

[Hip Osteoarthritis - Epidemiology and Current Medical Care Situation - Health Care Data of 2.4 Million AOK Baden-Württemberg Insurees Aged 40 Years or Older]. / Koxarthrose ­ Epidemiologie und Versorgungsrealität ­ Versorgungsdatenanalyse von 2,4 Millionen Versicherten der AOK Baden-Württemberg ab 40 Jahren.

BACKGROUND: Due to demographic changes an increasing number of hip osteoarthritis can be expected with corresponding effects on the health care system. Hence, the objectives of our study were to obtain substantiated evidence about current medical care situation of hip osteoarthritis patients including outpatient care situation and hip replacement surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, the medical care data of 2.4 million insurees of the AOK Baden-Württemberg for the years 2007 to 2016 were analyzed. Lower limit of age was 40 years. The data includes outpatient and inpatient healthcare claims. RESULTS: The age standardized prevalence of hip osteoarthritis in adults aged 40 years or older is 6.18% (95% CI: ± 0.09%) among women and 6.02% (95% CI: ± 0.09%) among men. From the age of 75, sex differences become significant. The maximum number of newly diagnosed cases of hip osteoarthritis (women: 1.31%, men: 1.16%) is found in the 80 - 84-year-olds. From the age of 85, 17.4% of all women and 16.5% of all men show a hip osteoarthritis. The maximum number of hip replacement surgery among osteoarthritis patients (women: 5.2%, men: 4.3%) appears in the 75- to 79-year-olds. After the initial diagnosis of a hip osteoarthritis, every eighth (13.0%) AOK insured person receives a hip replacement surgery within the first year and one in four (24.8%) insurees within 8 years. Irrespective of the main diagnosis, numbers of hip replacement surgery did not increase between 2009 and 2016. On average, 300.9 (women) and 275.8 (men) hip replacement surgeries were performed per 100 000 insured years. From the age of 80, hip osteoarthritis drops back as the main diagnosis fur surgery. Consequently, from the age of 85 more than 70% of all hip replacement patients show a femoral fracture as main diagnosis. Only about ¾ of the hip osteoarthritis patients were in outpatient specialist care in the year before surgery, and far less than half of hip osteoarthritis patients received a referral to physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Osteoarthritis of the hip occurs approximately equally often in women and men up to the age of 75 years. Nevertheless, women underwent surgery more frequently. Overall, the number of hip replacement surgery has not increased in the last eight years. Within the first eight years after initial diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis 24.8% of all patients receive a hip TEP. Hence, the majority of patients is treated conservatively in the first eight years. A direct comparison between incidence and prevalent hip osteoarthritis patients reveals that after many years of therapeutic care in the last 1 - 2 years prior to surgery, both the specialist care as well as the referral to physiotherapy are reduced. A reassessment of conservative treatment options over time seems to be necessary.

[Which factors are associated with the use of potentially inadequate medications (PIM) in the elderly? : Results from the German health interview and examination survey (DEGS1)]. / Welche Faktoren begünstigen die Anwendung potenziell ungeeigneter Medikamente bei älteren Menschen? : Ergebnisse aus der Studie zur Gesundheit Erwachsener in Deutschland (DEGS1).

BACKGROUND: Recent studies demonstrate a relationship between the prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) for patients 65 years or older and an increased risk for adverse events, in particular hospitalisations. The RKI conducted DEGS1-Survey ("German health interview and examination survey for adults") provides a representative sample of the target population to identify determinants for PIM use. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine characteristics of older persons in Germany, who currently use PIM, and if there are subpopulations among older persons with a particularly high PIM use. METHODS: Within the DEGS1-Survey a total of 175 variables regarding health and social aspects were documented from 1392 community-dwelling persons between 65 and 79 years of age, and medication intake during the last seven days was recorded. PIM drugs were identified according to the PRISCUS list. Associations between PIM use and variables recorded were evaluated by means of multivariate statistical models. RESULTS: Within seven days before the survey PIM drugs were used by 13.0% (95%-CI: 10.7-15.6) of the respondents. The following factors significantly increase the risk for receiving a PIM: number of drugs taken in the last seven days; number of visits to different physician specialists during the last 12 months; sleep disorders; psychiatric condition, and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. The majority of PIMs were antidepressants and anxiolytics/sedatives. Elderly women with depression, sleep disorders, and a need for analgesics are particularly affected by increased PIM use. They deserve special attention in this regard.

Development of a head-mounted wireless microstimulator for deep brain stimulation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Commercial neurostimulators for clinical use are effective in patients; however they are too large and prohibitively expensive for preclinical studies. Thus, there is an urgent need of a small inexpensive and wireless microstimulator which is fully programmable in frequency, pulse width and amplitude for rodent experiments. NEW METHODS: Rats were subjected to a photothrombotic stroke of the right sensorimotor cortex and a microelectrode was implanted in the right mesencephalic locomotor region. The microstimulator was connected with the head plug of the rat. Three different stimulation frequencies were applied and different stimulating amplitudes were chosen. Under these conditions, gait velocity and locomotor behavior of six rats were examined on a beam. RESULTS: The head-mounted microstimulator allowed freedom in all motor activities performed spontaneously by the tested rats. Increasing either the frequency or the stimulating amplitude increased gait velocity and ameliorated locomotor behavior after stroke. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Other devices for DBS in rodents must be implanted under the skin or worn in an animal jacket on the back by the tested rat. Some available systems require even a tethering of the tested animal via a cable to an external stimulation system, which limits the freedom of movement. CONCLUSION: Here, we present a freely programmable microstimulator including DBS-typical stimulating parameters. The lightweight device is connected by a simple plug to the head allowing full freedom of movement and exchange of batteries for long-term experiments. The design of this stimulator is suitable for sophisticated behavior tests requiring balance and skilled walking.

Association between Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) Use and Risk of Hospitalization in Older Adults: An Observational Study Based on Routine Data Comparing PIM Use with Use of PIM Alternatives.

OBJECTIVE: The safety of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in elderly patients is still debated. Using the PRISCUS list, we examined the incident all-cause hospitalization risk associated with PIMs compared to PIM alternatives during the 180 days post individual first pharmacy dispensing (index date). METHODS: Routine claims data from a German health insurer on 392,337 ambulatory patients aged ≥65 years, were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for hospitalization associated with incident PIM use. Observation period was January 2009 -December 2010. Users of PIM alternatives, as defined by the PRISCUS list, were the reference group. Patients with PIM dispensing or hospital stay in a six month "washout" period (second half of 2008) were excluded. All potential confounders were determined in the half year before the individual index date. RESULTS: In the total cohort 60.7% were female. Median age was 73 years. Of 79,041 incident PIM users, 58.4% had PIMs dispensed in one quarter of 2009 or 2010, 19.3% in two quarters, and 22.3% in three or more quarters. There were 126,535 hospitalizations during the observation period, and 47,470 of them occurred within 180 days post first dispensing. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed PIM use as a significant risk factor for hospitalization (HR 1.378; 95% CI 1.349-1.407) compared to use of PIM alternatives. CONCLUSIONS: PIM use compared to use of PIM alternatives is associated with an increased risk of all-cause hospitalization in the 180 days following individual index date. Future analyses comparing a single PIM with its corresponding alternative may help identify those PIMs responsible for this.

Clopidogrel high-on-treatment platelet reactivity in acute ischemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: During the first days following an acute ischemic stroke, a consistently good antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel is important due to the increased risk of recurrent ischemia. However, the platelet inhibitory effectiveness of clopidogrel is variable for multifactorial reasons. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for clopidogrel high-on-treatment platelet reactivity (clopidogrel-HTPR) in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: Using multiple-electrode impedance aggregometry (MEA), the antiplatelet effectiveness of clopidogrel in patients with acute ischemic stroke was prospectively evaluated. Measurements were performed 48 h after therapy was either initiated or continued after hospital admission. Clopidogrel-HTPR was defined as ADP-induced values>47 U. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients (71.8 ± 9.8 years, 69 female) were enrolled and 44% (n=70) patients were clopidogrel-HTPR. 35 of the clopidogrel-HTPR were retested within one week and 57.1% (n=20) showed a good clopidogrel response during subsequent testing. We identified diabetes mellitus (36.3% vs. 54.4%, p-value=0.003) and higher HbA1c values (6.3% vs. 6.8%, p=0.007) as risk factors for clopidogrel-HTPR. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus more than doubled the risk of clopidogrel-HTPR (OR 2.41; 95%-CI 1.19-4.88; p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Clopidogrel-HTPR was found in 44% of the patients with acute ischemic stroke. Besides time-dependency of the clopidogrel effect, major risk factors for clopidogrel-HTPR were diabetes mellitus and higher HbA1c values. Further investigations are required to analyse if a function test guided strategy has the potential to optimize the antiplatelet therapy of acute stroke patients.

Effectiveness of antiplatelet therapy in atherosclerotic disease: comparing the ASA low-response prevalence in CVD, CAD and PAD.

Although acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) reduces the risk of ischemic events in patients with atherosclerosis, a substantial number of incidents continue to occur. As only limited data exist we evaluated the antiplatelet effectiveness of ASA in patients with different manifestations of atherosclerosis as in cerebrovascular, coronary artery and peripheral arterial disease (CVD, CAD, PAD). For the evaluation of the antiplatelet effectiveness of ASA we used whole blood aggregometry (Chrono-log Model 590). The patients in the different subgroups received ASA 100, 200 or 500 mg daily. We analysed 737 consecutive patients: 47.5 % with CVD, 33.6 % with CAD, and 18.9 % with PAD. We identified 28.0 % of the CVD, 18.1 % of the CAD and 21.6 % of the PAD patients to be ASA low-responder (ALR). Comparing subgroups treated with 100 mg ASA, 36.4 % were ALR in the CVD group as were 13.1 % of the CAD and 21.6 % of the PAD patients. Multivariate regression analysis revealed an odds ratio for being ALR of 4.50 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.70-11.9) when 100 mg and of 2.97 (95 % CI 1.58-5.60) when 200 mg ASA was taken compared to a dose of 500 mg. Despite the proven benefits of antiplatelet therapy in the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease, current antiplatelet management is suboptimal as up to 36 % of patients failed to achieve an adequate platelet inhibitory effect. Our findings may explain, at least in part, the high rates of cardiovascular events observed in the course of atherothrombotic disease and support the need to improve antiplatelet therapy.

Prevalence of self-reported pain, joint complaints and knee or hip complaints in adults aged ≥ 40 years: a cross-sectional survey in Herne, Germany.

BACKGROUND: Pain and musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common symptoms in the general population. Despite their epidemiological, clinical and health economic importance, prevalence data on pain and musculoskeletal complaints for Germany are scarce. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of citizens of Herne, Germany, aged ≥ 40 years was performed. A detailed self-complete postal questionnaire was used, followed by a short reminder questionnaire and telephone contacts for those not responding. The questionnaire contained 66 items, mainly addressing pain of any site, musculoskeletal complaints of any site and of knee and hip, pain intensities, the Western Ontario MacMaster Universities (WOMAC) index, medication, health care utilization, comorbidities, and quality of life. RESULTS: The response rate was 57.8% (4,527 of 7,828 individuals). Survey participants were on average 1.3 years older, and the proportion of women among responders tended to be greater than in the population sample. There was no age difference between the population sample and 2,221 participants filling out the detailed questionnaire. The following standardized prevalences were assessed: current pain: 59.7%, pain within the past four weeks: 74.5%, current joint complaints: 49.3%, joint complaints within the past four weeks and twelve month: 62.8% and 67.4%, respectively, knee as the site predominantly affected: 30.9%, knee bilateral: 9.7%, hip: 15.2%, hip bilateral: 3.5%, knee and hip: 5.5%. Pain and musculoskeletal complaints were significantly more often reported by women. A typical relationship of pain and joint complaints to age could be found, i.e. increasing prevalences with increasing age categories, with a drop in the highest age groups. In general, pain and joint pain were associated with comorbidity and body mass index as well as quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm findings of other recent national as well as European surveys. The high site specific prevalences of knee and hip complaints underline the necessity to further investigate characteristics and consequences of pain and symptomatic osteoarthritis of these joints in adults in Germany.

Dose-dependent effect of early antiplatelet therapy in acute ischaemic stroke.

Antiplatelet agents are essential in treating patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) to prevent recurrent ischaemic events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of early antiplatelet therapy with different aspirin (ASA) dosages in patients with AIS. This observational study included 454 patients with AIS in whom antiplatelet treatment was initiated. The antiplatelet effect was determined by whole blood aggregometry within 48 hours after antplatelet therapy was initiated. An impedance change exceeding 0 W after stimulation with arachidonic acid was defined as ASA low response (ALR) and ≥5 Ω in ADP-stimulated specimen as clopidogrel LR. Of the study group 53.5% patients were treated with 200 mg ASA orally, 27.5% with 500 mg ASA intravenously, 8.6% with 100 mg ASA orally, and 7.7% with 75 mg clopidogrel. A dose-dependent antiplatelet effect of ASA treatment was found: 18.4% of patients with 500 mg ASA intravenously were ALR, in contrast to 32.5% on 200 mg and 35.9% on 100 mg ASA orally. Clopidogrel treatment without a loading dose resulted in a high proportion of LR (45.7%). Using the propensity score method revealed a three times higher risk for ALR for patients treated with ASA 200 mg [odds ratio 2.99 (1.55-5.79)] compared to treatment with ASA 500 mg. In conclusion, initiating antiplatelet therapy in patients with AIS resulted in a dose-dependent insufficient platelet inhibitory effect. Our findings suggest using a loading dose of 500 mg ASA intravenously as this seems to be favourable when a sufficient early platelet inhibitory effect is wanted.

Is there an ideal way to initiate antiplatelet therapy with aspirin? A crossover study on healthy volunteers evaluating different dosing schemes with whole blood aggregometry.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend an early initiation of aspirin treatment in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Comparative studies on the best starting dose for initiating aspirin therapy to achieve a rapid antiplatelet effect do not exist. This study evaluated the platelet inhibitory effect in healthy volunteers by using three different aspirin loading doses to gain a model for initiating antiplatelet treatment in acute strokes patients. METHODS: Using whole blood aggregometry, this study with a prospective, uncontrolled, open, crossover design examined 12 healthy volunteers treated with three different aspirin loading doses: intravenous 500 mg aspirin, oral 500 mg aspirin, and a course of 200 mg aspirin on two subsequent days followed by a five-day course of 100 mg aspirin. Aspirin low response was defined as change of impedance exceeding 0 Ω after stimulation with arachidonic acid. RESULTS: Sufficient antiplatelet effectiveness was gained within 30 seconds when intravenous 500 mg aspirin was used. The mean time until antiplatelet effect was 74 minutes for 500 mg aspirin taken orally and 662 minutes (11.2 hours) for the dose scheme with 200 mg aspirin with a high inter- and intraindividual variability in those two regimes. Platelet aggregation returned to the baseline range during the wash-out phase within 4 days. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that the antiplatelet effect differs significantly between the three different aspirin starting dosages with a high inter- and intraindividual variability of antiplatelet response in our healthy volunteers. To ensure an early platelet inhibitory effect in acute stroke patients, it could be advantageous to initiate the therapy with an intravenous loading dose of 500 mg aspirin. However, clinical outcome studies must still define the best way to initiate antiplatelet treatment with aspirin.

BAPA, a synthetic dual inhibitor of Factor Xa and Thrombin, extends the storage-time to a maximum of 12 hours in ADP- and 24 hours in arachidonic acid-induced impedance aggregometry.

Impedance aggregometry is mainly limited by the time-dependent instability of platelets in whole blood samples, caused by the influence of ex-vivo anticoagulants. The synthesis of a new anticoagulant, Benzylsulfonyl-D-Arg-Pro-4-amidinobenzylamide (BAPA), has recently been introduced. Data from recent studies suggest stable results for up to 32 h. In view of this data we were interested in the results of ADP- and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced measurements after a prolonged storage time depending on the use of citrate or BAPA. Blood samples from 24 healthy individuals were anticoagulated with either citrate or BAPA. ADP- and AA-induced measurements were carried out between 2 h and up to 48 h after blood samples were taken. Results of ADP-induced measurements remained stable for 8 h in citrated and for a maximum of 12 h in BAPA-anticoagulated samples. AA-induced measurements yielded stable results up to 12 h in citrated and up to 24 h in BAPA anticoagulated blood. These data demonstrate that the storage time for whole blood impedance aggregometry can be prolonged when BAPA is used as an anticoagulant. However, in contrast to previous studies implicating considerably longer potential storage times we could not see a clear overall purpose in using BAPA. Further studies including blood samples of patients and the comparison of BAPA to other anticoagulants are necessary to define the potential role of BAPA anticoagulated samples.

Tailored antiplatelet therapy can overcome clopidogrel and aspirin resistance--the BOchum CLopidogrel and Aspirin Plan (BOCLA-Plan) to improve antiplatelet therapy.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet therapy using acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) and clopidogrel is of great importance following coronary stenting. However, the variable platelet inhibitory effectiveness compromises the antithrombotic advantages provided by dual antiplatelet therapy. The aim of this single-center prospective study was to reduce the low response incidence of dual antiplatelet therapy with ASA and clopidogrel according to a prespecified therapy algorithm. METHODS: Platelet function testing using whole blood aggregometry (Chronolog 590) was performed 48 hours following coronary stenting (for either acute coronary syndromes or stable coronary artery disease) on 504 patients. The antiplatelet therapy included a loading dose of 600 mg clopidogrel and 500 mg ASA, followed by 75 mg clopidogrel and 100 mg ASA once daily. Clopidogrel low responders (CLR: >5 ohm; adenosine diphosphate (ADP) 5 µM) and/or ASA low responders (ALR: >0 ohm; arachidonic acid 10 µM) were treated according to a structured therapy plan: in the case of CLR, the maintenance + dose was doubled (repeated loading dose followed by 150 mg daily), and when still ineffective ticlopidine or prasugrel, if available and not contraindicated, were used. ALR was treated by increasing the dose to 300 mg in a first step or to 500 mg ASA when the first modification did not take effect sufficiently. In addition, ADP receptor antagonist 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-monophosphate triethylammonium salt (MeSAMP) testing and ASA incubation were performed to rule out either a platelet ADP-receptor defect or an ASA pharmacokinetic resistance. RESULTS: Of the total cohort of 504 patients, we detected 30.8% clopidogrel low-responders and 19.4% aspirin low-responders. For ALR, with a dose adjustment of 300 mg ASA daily, 94.6% of ALR were effectively treated and the residual 5.4% by administration of daily dosages of 500 mg ASA. This means that after modification of the ASA maintenance dose, all initial ALRs had an adequate antiplatelet response. The results for clopidogrel revealed that 69% of the CLR were treated effectively by increasing the clopidogrel dose to 150 mg daily. When prasugrel was not available or contraindicated, 12.7% of the remaining low responders showed an adequate result after being switched to ticlopidine. Consequently, by applying the therapy algorithm, we were able to reduce the CLR prevalence by 86.6%. On including prasugrel in the therapy plan, we were finally able to eliminate thienopyridine low response. In addition, no ADP receptor defect was found in this study as a potential reason for CLR. We identified the following factors associated with both CLR and ALR status: acute coronary syndromes, positive troponin values as well as diabetes mellitus and elevated HbA1C values and a higher platelet count. Furthermore, our data revealed for CLR elevated C-reactive protein values and a high PREDICT-score (including an age >65 years, acute coronary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and reduced left ventricular function) as risk factors. The following factors correlated with the risk of ASA low response: patients with elevated hemoglobin, serum creatinine and C-reactive protein values. In addition, medication with nitrates reduced the risk of being CLR. As also holds true for CLR, we found the PREDICT-score to be correlated to the risk of being ALR. However, by far the strongest risk factor for CLR or ALR was the fact of dual resistance. CONCLUSION: Following a structured therapy plan based on a "test and treat" strategy, the prevalence of clopidogrel or aspirin low response can be significantly reduced and the risk of inadequate dual antiplatelet therapy minimized.

Pantoprazole does not influence the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel-a whole blood aggregometry study after coronary stenting.

Recent attention has been drawn to a potential drug-drug interaction observed between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, this potential interaction may not be a class effect of PPIs. We investigated if pantoprazole, which has a different metabolism than omeprazole, diminishes the effectiveness of clopidogrel. Our study included 336 patients (mean age 64.6 years; 106 women) 48 hours after percutaneous coronary stent implantation with a loading dose of 600 mg clopidogrel hydrogensulfate and 500 mg aspirin, followed by 75 mg clopidogrel and 100 mg aspirin daily. Whereas 188 patients (59 women) were not given any PPI comedication, 122 patients received pantoprazole and 26 either omeprazole or esomeprazole. The platelet aggregation followed by impedance aggregometry (in Ohm) was induced by 5 mmol/L adenosine diphosphate. The percentage of clopidogrel low-response (CLR) was similar between the non-PPI group [2.75 Ohm (confidence interval, CI: 2.25-3.26); 21.9% CLR] and the pantoprazole group [2.33 Ohm (CI: 1.79-2.87); 16.4% CLR] but higher in patients treated with omeprazole/esomeprazole (3.00 Ohm (CI: 1.49-4.51); 30.8% CLR). Multivariate regression analysis reveals that the risk of CLR in the pantoprazole comedication group was not increased compared with the group without any PPI [odds ratio 0.59 (CI: 0.31-1.13) 0.11]. Our data suggest that pantoprazole does not diminish the antiplatelet effectiveness of clopidogrel early after coronary stenting. Therefore, the use of pantoprazole seems preferable in patients treated with clopidogrel when a concomitant medication with a PPI is indicated.

Peripheral arterial disease as an independent predictor for excess stroke morbidity and mortality in primary-care patients: 5-year results of the getABI study.

BACKGROUND: There is controversial evidence with regard to the significance of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as an indicator for future stroke risk. We aimed to quantify the risk increase for mortality and morbidity associated with PAD. METHODS: In an open, prospective, noninterventional cohort study in the primary care setting, a total of 6,880 unselected patients > or =65 years were categorized according to the presence or absence of PAD and followed up for vascular events or deaths over 5 years. PAD was defined as ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.9 or history of previous peripheral revascularization and/or limb amputation and/or intermittent claudication. Associations between known cardiovascular risk factors including PAD and cerebrovascular mortality/events were analyzed in a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS: During the 5-year follow-up [29,915 patient-years (PY)], 183 patients had a stroke (incidence per 1,000 PY: 6.1 cases). In patients with PAD (n = 1,429) compared to those without PAD (n = 5,392), the incidence of all stroke types standardized per 1,000 PY, with the exception of hemorrhagic stroke, was about doubled (for fatal stroke tripled). The corresponding adjusted hazard ratios were 1.6 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.1-2.2) for total stroke, 1.7 (95% CI 1.2-2.5) for ischemic stroke, 0.7 (95% CI 0.2-2.2) for hemorrhagic stroke, 2.5 (95% CI 1.2-5.2) for fatal stroke and 1.4 (95% CI 0.9-2.1) for nonfatal stroke. Lower ABI categories were associated with higher stroke rates. Besides high age, previous stroke and diabetes mellitus, PAD was a significant independent predictor for ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of stroke is substantially increased in PAD patients, and PAD is a strong independent predictor for stroke.

C-reactive protein, severity of pneumonia and mortality in elderly, hospitalised patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: increasingly, markers of systemic inflammation like C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and white blood count (WBC) are being used for assessing the prognosis of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, their predictive value has not been validated in populations of elderly patients. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the prognostic value of CRP and WBC in comparison with the CURB score and the pneumonia severity index (PSI) in elderly, hospitalised patients with CAP. METHODS: the charts of all patients, aged 65 years and older, who were consecutively admitted to the Department of Geriatrics, Marienhospital Herne, Germany, for treatment of CAP between January 2001 and September 2005, were reviewed. CRP, WBC, CURB and PSI were analysed in relation to 30-day mortality. RESULTS: in a total of 391 patients, median age 80 years, no association was found between CRP or WBC and mortality. In contrast, the CURB score and PSI were significantly associated with mortality and treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). CONCLUSION: in elderly, hospitalised patients with CAP, admission CRP and WBC are not predictors of the prognosis.

Feasibility of a multidimensional home-based exercise programme for the elderly with structured support given by the general practitioner's surgery: study protocol of a single arm trial preparing an RCT [ISRCTN58562962].

BACKGROUND: Physical activity programmes can help to prevent functional decline in the elderly. Until now, such programmes use to target either on healthy community-dwelling seniors or on elderly living in special residences or care institutions. Sedentary or frail people, however, are difficult to reach when they live in their own homes. The general practitioner's (GP) practice offers a unique opportunity to acquire these people for participation in activity programmes. We conceptualised a multidimensional home-based exercise programme that shall be delivered to the target group through cooperation between GPs and exercise therapists. In order to prepare a randomised controlled trial (RCT), a feasibility study is being conducted. METHODS: The study is designed as a single arm interventional trial. We plan to recruit 90 patients aged 70 years and above through their GPs. The intervention lasts 12 weeks and consists of physical activity counselling, a home-exercise programme, and exercise consultations provided by an exercise therapist in the GP's practice and via telephone. The exercise programme consists of two main components: 1. a combination of home-exercises to improve strength, flexibility and balance, 2. walking for exercise to improve aerobic capacity. Primary outcome measures are: appraisal by GP, undesirable events, drop-outs, adherence. Secondary outcome measures are: effects (a. motor tests: timed-up-and-go, chair rising, grip strength, tandem stand, tandem walk, sit-and-reach; b. telephone interview: PRISCUS-Physical Activity Questionnaire, Short Form-8 Health Survey, three month recall of frequency of falls, Falls Efficacy Scale), appraisal by participant, exercise performance, focus group discussion. Data analyses will focus on: 1. decision-making concerning the conduction of a RCT, 2. estimation of the effects of the programme, detection of shortcomings and identification of subgroups with contrary results, 3. feedback to participants and to GPs. CONCLUSION: A new cooperation between GPs and exercise therapists to approach community-dwelling seniors and to deliver a home-exercise programme is object of research with regard to feasibility and acceptance. In case of success, an RCT should examine the effects of the programme. A future implementation within primary medical care may take advantage from the flexibility of the programme. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN58562962.

Comparing the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel hydrogensulfate and clopidogrel besylate: a crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Clopidogrel hydrogensulfate is a thienopyridine acting as an important antiplatelet agent alone or in combination with acetyl salicylic acid to prevent cardiovascular complications. A different clopidogrel salt, clopidogrel besylate, was approved in Germany as a "new drug" in May 2008. Only one study with 46 healthy men compared the plasma concentrations of both clopidogrel formulas. In our crossover study we measured the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel hydrogensulfate (CHS, clopidogrel bisulfate) and clopidogrel besylate (CB) using two techniques, whole blood impedance aggregometry and flow cytometry in healthy subjects. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy volunteers (14 male, 7 female, mean age 36.3 years) were treated either with CHS or CB (300 mg loading, followed by 75 mg/day) and after a wash-out period of at least 21 days, the participants were switched to the other clopidogrel salt in a crossover design. Blood samples were drawn before and 2, 4 and 48 h after the initial dose was taken. Flow cytometry measurements of CD62P (P-selectin) expression were done at baseline and 48 h thereafter with three different ADP concentrations (5, 15, 50 micromol/L ADP). Whole blood impedance aggregometry testing (Chrono-log Model 590) was performed at baseline and after 2, 4 and 48 h with two ADP concentrations (5 and 20 micromol/L ADP). RESULTS: Using flow cytometry, the mean inhibitory effect of clopidogrel on the CD62P expression was similar and no significant differences were noted in subjects treated with either of the clopidogrel formulas for hydrogensulfate or besylate salt (5 micromol/L ADP: 8.12 +/- 5.53 CHS vs. 6.48 +/- 5.01 CB; 15 micromol/L ADP: 9.33 +/- 6.44 CHS vs. 8.99 +/- 8.27 CB; 50 micromol/L ADP: 11.17 +/- 6.81 CHS vs. 9.52 +/- 6.17 CB). It is important to note that clopidogrel CB shows similar and conspicuously high interindividual variability as was reported earlier on CHS. We observed both possibilities, subjects responding less to the hydrogensulfate salt, but better to the besylate salt, and vice versa. Using aggregometry, both salt formulas achieved similar inhibitory effects regarding initial platelet function (2 h/5 micromol/L ADP: CHS 4.5 +/- 3.66 Omega; CB 3.89 +/- 3.81 Omega and 4 h/5 micromol/L ADP: CHS 5.78 +/- 3.51 Omega; CB 4.89 +/- 4.03 Omega) as well as during the maintenance phase (48 h/5 micromol/L ADP: CHS 2.86 +/- 2.92 Omega; CB 3.43 +/- 3.06 Omega). Once again the aggregometry results for CB showed a similarly high interindividual variability as also holds true for CHS. Some subjects had a better antiplatelet effect with clopidogrel besylate and vice versa with clopidogrel hydrogensulfate. CONCLUSION: The crossover study using whole blood aggregometry and flow cytometry shows no overall significant difference in the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel hydrogensulfate as compared to clopidogrel besylate. However, it is important to note that besides high interindividual there is also high intraindividual variability between the two different clopidogrel formulas. We observed both: subjects responding less to besylate salt, but better to hydrogensulfate salt, and vice versa.