Chronic disease IMPACT (chronic disease early detection and improved management in primary care project): An Australian stepped wedge cluster randomised trial.

Background: Interrelated chronic vascular diseases (chronic kidney disease (CKD), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD)) are common with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess if an electronic-technology-based quality improvement intervention in primary care could improve detection and management of people with and at risk of these diseases. Methods: Stepped-wedge trial with practices randomised to commence intervention in one of five 16-week periods. Intervention included (1) electronic-technology tool extracting data from general practice electronic medical records and generating graphs and lists for audit; (2) education regarding chronic disease and the electronic-technology tool; (3) assistance with quality improvement audit plan development, benchmarking, monitoring and support. De-identified data analysis using R 3.5.1 conducted using Bayesian generalised linear mixed model with practice and time-specific random intercepts. Results: At baseline, eight included practices had 37,946 active patients (attending practice ≥3 times within 2 years) aged ≥18 years. Intervention was associated with increased OR (95% CI) for: kidney health checks (estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin:creatinine ratio (uACR) and blood pressure) in those at risk 1.34 (1.26-1.42); coded diagnosis of CKD 1.18 (1.09-1.27); T2D diagnostic testing (fasting glucose or HbA1c) in those at risk 1.15 (1.08-1.23); uACR in patients with T2D 1.78 (1.56-2.05). Documented eye checks within recommended frequency in patients with T2D decreased 0.85 (0.77-0.96). There were no significant changes in other assessed variables. Conclusions: This electronic-technology-based intervention in primary care has potential to help translate guidelines into practice but requires further refining to achieve widespread improvements across the interrelated chronic vascular diseases.

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Long-Term Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease.

Background The plasma concentration of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a strong predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to determine whether the association between plasma BNP concentration and cardiovascular mortality is sustained or diminishes with increasing time after BNP is measured. Methods and Results Six thousand seven hundred forty patients with a history of myocardial infarction or unstable angina who participated in the LIPID (Long-Term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischemic Disease) trial had plasma BNP concentration measured at baseline and after 1 year. Associations with cardiovascular mortality were evaluated in landmark analyses 1 to <5, 5 to <10, and 10 to 16 years after randomization. There were 1640 cardiovascular deaths. The cardiovascular mortality rate increased progressively from 10.2 to 19.1 to 26.3/1000 patient-years from 1 to <5, 5 to <10, and 10 to 16 years after baseline, respectively. The average of baseline and 1-year BNP concentration was more strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality compared with baseline or 1-year BNP only. The hazard ratio (HR) for cardiovascular death associated with each doubling of average BNP concentration was similar during years 1 to <5 (HR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.44-1.63]), years 5 to <10 (HR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.44-1.60]), and years 10-16 (HR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.36-1.50]), P<0.0001 for all. Conclusions BNP concentration remains an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality more than a decade after it is measured. Because of random variation in plasma concentrations, the average of >1 BNP measurement improves long-term risk prediction.

Circulating Cystatin C Is an Independent Risk Marker for Cardiovascular Outcomes, Development of Renal Impairment, and Long-Term Mortality in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease: The LIPID Study.

Background Elevated plasma cystatin C levels reflect reduced renal function and increased cardiovascular risk. Less is known about whether the increased risk persists long-term or is independent of renal function and other important biomarkers. Methods and Results Cystatin C and other biomarkers were measured at baseline (in 7863 patients) and 1 year later (in 6106 patients) in participants in the LIPID (Long-Term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischemic Disease) study, who had a previous acute coronary syndrome. Outcomes were ascertained during the study (median follow-up, 6 years) and long-term (median follow-up, 16 years). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations (first GFR-creatinine, then GFR-creatinine-cystatin C). Over 6 years, in fully adjusted multivariable time-to-event models, with respect to the primary end point of coronary heart disease mortality or nonfatal myocardial infarction, for comparison of Quartile 4 versus 1 of baseline cystatin C, the hazard ratio was 1.37 (95% CI, 1.07-1.74; P=0.01), and for major cardiovascular events was 1.47 (95% CI, 1.19-1.82; P<0.001). Over 16 years, the association of baseline cystatin C with coronary heart disease, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality persisted (each P<0.001) and remained significant after adjustment for estimated GFR-creatinine-cystatin C. Cystatin C also predicted the development of chronic kidney disease for 6 years (odds ratio, 6.61; 95% CI, 4.28-10.20) independently of estimated GFR-creatinine and other risk factors. However, this association was no longer significant after adjustment for estimated GFR-creatinine-cystatin C. Conclusions Cystatin C independently predicted major cardiovascular events, development of chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Prediction of long-term mortality was independent of improved estimation of GFR. Registration URL: https://anzctr.org.au; Unique identifier: ACTRN12616000535471.

Using electronic medical record data to assess chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease testing, recognition and management as documented in Australian general practice: a cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the capacity of general practice (GP) electronic medical record (EMR) data to assess risk factor detection, disease diagnostic testing, diagnosis, monitoring and pharmacotherapy for the interrelated chronic vascular diseases-chronic kidney disease (CKD), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of data extracted on a single date for each practice between 12 April 2017 and 18 April 2017 incorporating data from any time on or before data extraction, using baseline data from the Chronic Disease early detection and Improved Management in PrimAry Care ProjecT. Deidentified data were extracted from GP EMRs using the Pen Computer Systems Clinical Audit Tool and descriptive statistics used to describe the study population. SETTING: Eight GPs in Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Patients were ≥18 years and attended GP ≥3 times within 24 months. 37 946 patients were included. RESULTS: Risk factor and disease testing/monitoring/treatment were assessed as per Australian guidelines (or US guidelines if none available), with guidelines simplified due to limitations in data availability where required. Risk factor assessment in those requiring it: 30% of patients had body mass index and 46% blood pressure within guideline recommended timeframes. Diagnostic testing in at-risk population: 17% had diagnostic testing as per recommendations for CKD and 37% for T2D. Possible undiagnosed disease: Pathology tests indicating possible disease with no diagnosis already coded were present in 6.7% for CKD, 1.6% for T2D and 0.33% familial hypercholesterolaemia. Overall prevalence: Coded diagnoses were recorded in 3.8% for CKD, 6.6% for T2D, 4.2% for ischaemic heart disease, 1% for heart failure, 1.7% for ischaemic stroke, 0.46% for peripheral vascular disease, 0.06% for familial hypercholesterolaemia and 2% for atrial fibrillation. Pharmaceutical prescriptions: the proportion of patients prescribed guideline-recommended medications ranged from 44% (beta blockers for patients with ischaemic heart disease) to 78% (antiplatelets or anticoagulants for patients with ischaemic stroke). CONCLUSIONS: Using GP EMR data, this study identified recorded diagnoses of chronic vascular diseases generally similar to, or higher than, reported national prevalence. It suggested low levels of extractable documented risk factor assessments, diagnostic testing in those at risk and prescription of guideline-recommended pharmacotherapy for some conditions. These baseline data highlight the utility of GP EMR data for potential use in epidemiological studies and by individual practices to guide targeted quality improvement. It also highlighted some of the challenges of using GP EMR data.

Expanding the clinical and radiological phenotypes of leukoencephalopathy due to biallelic HMBS mutations.

Pathogenic heterozygous variants in HMBS encoding the enzyme hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS), also known as porphobilinogen deaminase, cause acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). Biallelic variants in HMBS have been reported in a small number of children with severe progressive neurological disease and in three adult siblings with a more slowly, progressive neurological disease and distinct leukoencephalopathy. We report three further adult individuals who share a distinct pattern of white matter abnormality on brain MRI in association with biallelic variants in HMBS, two individuals with homozygous variants, and one with compound-heterozygous variants. We present their clinical and radiological features and compare these with the three adult siblings previously described with leukoencephalopathy and biallelic HMBS variants. All six affected individuals presented with slowly progressive spasticity, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, with or without mild cognitive impairment, and/or ocular disease with onset in childhood or adolescence. Their brain MRIs show mainly confluent signal abnormalities in the periventricular and deep white matter and bilateral thalami. This recognizable pattern of MRI abnormalities is seen in all six adults described here. Biallelic variants in HMBS cause a phenotype that is distinct from AIP. It is not known whether AIP treatments benefit individuals with HMBS-related leukoencephalopathy. One individual reported here had improved neurological function for 12 months following liver transplantation followed by decline and progression of disease.

Towards optimising chronic kidney disease detection and management in primary care: Underlying theory and protocol for technology development using an Integrated Knowledge Translation approach.

Worldwide, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), directly or indirectly, causes more than 2.4 million deaths annually with symptoms generally presenting late in the disease course. Clinical guidelines support the early identification and treatment of CKD to delay progression and improve clinical outcomes. This paper reports the protocol for the codesign, implementation and evaluation of a technological platform called Future Health Today (FHT), a software program that aims to optimise early detection and management of CKD in general practice. FHT aims to optimise clinical decision making and reduce practice variation by translating evidence into practice in real time and as a part of quality improvement activities. This protocol describes the co-design and plans for implementation and evaluation of FHT in two general practices invited to test the prototype over 12 months. Service design thinking has informed the design phase and mixed methods will evaluate outcomes following implementation of FHT. Through systematic application of co-design with service users, clinicians and digital technologists, FHT attempts to avoid the pitfalls of past studies that have failed to accommodate the complex requirements and dynamics that can arise between researchers and service users and improve chronic disease management through use of health information technology.

Impact of weekend admission and changes in treating team on patient flow and outcomes in adults admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The effect of workflow factors, such as timing of admission and changes in treating team, on patient outcomes remains inconclusive. AIMS: To investigate the impact of weekend admission and changes in treating team on four pre-defined outcomes in patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: We performed an observational cohort study by utilising prospective longitudinal data collected during the IMPROVE-GAP trial, a stepped-wedge randomised study investigating an evidence-based bundle of care in the management of CAP. We assessed the effect of two exposure variables, day of admission and change of treating team, on four pre-specified outcomes: (i) length of stay; (ii) time to clinical stability; (iii) readmission within 30 days; and (iv) mortality at 30 days. Our analysis was restricted to patients with a primary diagnosis of CAP and employed multivariable Cox regression and logistic regression to adjust for potential measured confounders. RESULTS: Of 753 participants, 224 (29.7%) were admitted on the weekend and 71 (9.4%) changed treating team during admission. Weekend admissions had significantly longer hospital stays than weekday admissions (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval; P-value) 0.82 (0.70-0.98; 0.03)) and took longer to reach clinical stability (0.80 (0.68-0.95; 0.01)). Change of treating team doubled the odds of readmission at 30 days (odds ratio 1.95 (1.08-3.58; 0.03)). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest workflow factors can negatively impact both health service and patient outcomes. Systems interventions aimed at improving out of hours service and reducing changes in treating team should be considered.

Gaps in the Care of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in Australia: First Report From the National Registry.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is under-diagnosed and under-treated worldwide, including Australia. National registries play a key role in identifying patients with FH, understanding gaps in care and advancing the science of FH to improve care for these patients. METHODS: The FH Australasia Network has established a national web-based registry to raise awareness of the condition, facilitate service planning and inform best practice and care services in Australia. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1,528 FH adults enrolled in the registry from 28 lipid clinics. RESULTS: The mean age at enrolment was 53.4±15.1 years, 50.5% were male and 54.3% had undergone FH genetic testing, of which 61.8% had a pathogenic FH-causing gene variant. Only 14.0% of the cohort were family members identified through cascade testing. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was reported in 28.0% of patients (age of onset 49.0±10.5 years) and 64.9% had at least one modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. The mean untreated LDL-cholesterol was 7.4±2.5 mmol/L. 80.8% of patients were on lipid-lowering therapy with a mean treated LDL-cholesterol of 3.3±1.7 mmol/L. Among patients receiving lipid-lowering therapies, 25.6% achieved an LDL-cholesterol target of <2.5 mmol/L without CAD or <1.8 mmol/L with CAD. CONCLUSION: Patients in the national FH registry are detected later in life, have a high burden of CAD and risk factors, and do not achieve guideline-recommended LDL-cholesterol targets. Genetic and cascade testing are under-utilised. These deficiencies in care need to be addressed as a public health priority.

Three-component non-invasive risk score for undiagnosed diabetes in Chinese people: Development, validation and longitudinal evaluation.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To develop a new non-invasive risk score for undiagnosed diabetes in Chinese people, and to evaluate the incident diabetes risk in those with high-risk scores, but no diabetes on initial testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,609 participants with no known diabetes (aged 25-74 years) who underwent oral glucose tolerance tests in Hong Kong (HK) were investigated for independent risk factors of diabetes to develop a categorization point scoring system, the Non-invasive Diabetes Score (NDS). This NDS was validated in a cross-sectional study of 2,746 participants in Shaanxi, China. HK participants tested to not have diabetes at baseline were assessed for subsequent incident diabetes rates. RESULTS: In the HK cohort, hypertension, age and body mass index were the key independent risk factors selected to develop the NDS, with ≥28 out of 50 NDS points considered as high risk. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for undiagnosed diabetes was 0.818 and 0.720 for the HK and Shaanxi cohort, respectively. The negative predictive value was 97.4% (HK) and 95.8% (Shaanxi); the number needed to screen to identify one case of diabetes was five (HK) and 11 (Shaanxi), respectively. Among those that tested non-diabetes at baseline, individuals with NDS ≥28 had a threefold risk of incident diabetes during the subsequent 20.9 years, compared with those with NDS <28 (P < 0.001), with a steeper rise in incident diabetes observed in those with NDS at higher tertiles. CONCLUSIONS: This new three-component risk score is a user-friendly tool for diabetes screening, and might inform the subsequent testing interval for high-risk non-diabetes individuals.

Patient-reported outcome measurement in community-acquired pneumonia: feasibility of routine application in an elderly hospitalized population.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but few studies have evaluated the feasibility of routine patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in this illness. This study investigates the feasibility and limitations of three credible PROM instruments in a representative hospitalized cohort to identify potential barriers to routine application. METHODS: A sample of multimorbid hospitalized subjects meeting a standardized CAP definition was recruited. Demographic and clinical data of those able and unable to participate in PROM assessment were compared. The EQ-5D-5L, CAP-Sym 18 Questionnaire, and Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) were administered (via face-to-face interview) at admission and discharge and (via phone interview or mail) at 30 and 90 days post-discharge. Feasibility measures included the proportion of individuals able to participate in assessment, attrition rates, data completeness, and instrument completion times. Scores at admission and 30 days post-discharge were examined for association with age. RESULTS: Of 82 subjects screened, 44 (54%) participated. Cognitive impairment (n = 12, 15%) commonly precluded participation. Seventeen (39%) participants were lost to follow-up by 90 days. Missing data at item level was negligible for all instruments, regardless of the mode of completion. Completion of the three instruments collectively in a face-to-face interview took a median of 17 min (IQ range 13-21) per participant. The burden of reported symptoms at admission was higher for younger participants aged 18-74 years (mean (standard deviation)) CAP-Sym 18 score at admission 34.2 (18.6) vs. 19.0 (11.3) for those aged ≥ 75 years. CONCLUSIONS: Routine application of PROMs can provide valuable information relating to multiple aspects of clinical recovery for individuals hospitalized with CAP. However, heterogeneous demographic characteristics and complex underlying health status introduce challenges to feasibility and interpretability of these instruments in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02835040.

Effectiveness of a Bundled Intervention Including Adjunctive Corticosteroids on Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Stepped-Wedge Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Community-acquired pneumonia remains a leading cause of hospitalization, mortality, and health care costs worldwide. Randomized clinical trials support the use of adjunctive corticosteroids, early progressive mobilization, antibiotic switching rules, and dietary interventions in improving outcomes. However, it is uncertain whether implementing these interventions will translate into effectiveness under routine health care conditions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a bundle of evidence-supported treatments under conditions of routine care in a representative population hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A double-blind, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized clinical trial with 90-day follow-up was conducted between August 1, 2016, and October 29, 2017, in the general internal medicine service at 2 tertiary hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, among a consecutive sample of patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The primary analysis and preparation of results took place between May 14 and November 25, 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Treating clinical teams were advised to prescribe prednisolone acetate, 50 mg/d, for 7 days (in the absence of any contraindication) and de-escalate from parenteral to oral antibiotics according to standardized criteria. Algorithm-guided early mobilization and malnutrition screening and treatment were also implemented. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Hospital length of stay, mortality, readmission, and intervention-associated adverse events (eg, gastrointestinal bleeding and hyperglycemia). RESULTS: A total of 917 patients were screened, and 816 (351 women and 465 men; mean [SD] age, 76 [13] years) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis, with 401 patients receiving the intervention and 415 patients in the control group. An unadjusted geometric mean ratio of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.78-1.16) was observed for the difference in length of stay (days) between the intervention and control groups. Similarly, no significant differences were observed for the secondary outcomes of mortality and readmission, and the results remained unchanged after further adjustment for sex and age. The study reported higher proportions of gastrointestinal bleeding in the intervention group (9 [2.2%]) compared with the controls (3 [0.7%]), with an unadjusted estimated difference in mean proportions of 0.008 (95% CI, 0.005-0.010). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This bundled intervention including adjunctive corticosteroids demonstrated no evidence of effectiveness and resulted in a higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Efficacy of individual interventions demonstrated in clinical trials may not necessarily translate into effectiveness when implemented in combination and may even result in net harm. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02835040.

The effect of a diabetes prevention program on dietary quality in women with previous gestational diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Women with gestational diabetes have low diet quality. We evaluated the effectiveness of a group-based lifestyle modification program for improvement of dietary quality in women with previous gestational diabetes predominantly within their first postnatal year. METHODS: Women were randomised to intervention (n = 284) or usual care (n = 289). Dietary data was collected at baseline and twelve months using a food frequency questionnaire and recoded into the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). Mixed model analyses investigated the intervention effect on ARFS (per-protocol-set (PPS) excluded women without the minimum intervention exposure). RESULTS: Baseline mean total ARFS was low (31.8 ± 8.9, maximum score = 74) and no significant changes were seen in total ARFS (Cohen's D = - 0.06). 2% reduction in alcohol for intervention (0.05, 0.26) compared with - 1% for usual care (Odds ratio: 0.68; 95%CI 0.46, 0.99). Dairy ARFS sub-category significantly improved (low fat/saturated fat foods) in the intervention group over time compared with usual care for the PPS analysis (dairy + 0.28 in intervention (95%CI 0.08, 0.48) compared with + 0.02 in usual care (95%CI -0.14, 0.18) (group-by-treatment interaction p = 0.05, Cohen's D = 0.14)). CONCLUSIONS: Engaging with the intervention improved aspects of diet quality that aligned with minimum intervention exposure, but the total diet quality remains low. Further research is needed to improve diabetes prevention program engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTRN12610000338066 , April 2010.

Respiratory viruses in adults hospitalised with Community-Acquired Pneumonia during the non-winter months in Melbourne: Routine diagnostic practice may miss large numbers of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections.

Background: Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is one of the highest health burden conditions in Australia. Disease notifications and other data from routine diagnosis suffers from selection bias that may misrepresent the true contribution of various aetiological agents. However existing Australian prospective studies of CAP aetiology have either under-represented elderly patients, not utilised Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) diagnostics or been limited to winter months. We therefore sought to re-evaluate CAP aetiology by systematically applying multiplex PCR in a representative cohort of mostly elderly patients hospitalised in Melbourne during non-winter months and compare diagnostic results with those obtained under usual conditions of care. Methods: Seventy two CAP inpatients were prospectively enrolled over 2 ten-week blocks during non-winter months in Melbourne in 2016-17. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were obtained at admission and analysed by multiplex-PCR for 7 respiratory viruses and 5 atypical bacteria. Results: Median age was 74 (interquartile range 67-80) years, with 38 (52.8%) males and 34 (47.2%) females. PCR was positive in 24 (33.3%), including 12 Picornavirus (50.5% of those with a virus), 4 RSV (16.7%) and 4 influenza A (16.7%). CAP-Sym questionnaire responses were similar in those with and without viral infections. Most (80%) pathogens detected by the study, including all 8 cases of influenza and RSV, were not otherwise detected by treating clinicians during hospital admission. Conclusion: One third of patients admitted with CAP during non-winter months had PCR-detectable respiratory viral infections, including many cases of influenza and RSV that were missed by existing routine clinical diagnostic processes.

Weight Change and Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Postpartum Women with History of Gestational Diabetes.

Weight gain after childbirth is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) development after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The level of weight loss achieved in diabetes prevention programs for women after GDM is often low but its effects on the cardiometabolic risk are not known. In a secondary analysis of a diabetes prevention program in postpartum women with history of gestational diabetes, we evaluated the effect of weight change on the cardiometabolic outcomes at 1-year follow-up. Of the 284 women randomized to the intervention arm, 206 with the final outcome measurements were included in the analyses. Participants were categorized into weight loss (>2 kg, n = 74), weight stable (±2 kg, n = 74) or weight gain (>2 kg, n = 58) groups. The weight loss group had significantly greater decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) than the weight gain group (-0.1 + 0.4% vs. 0 + 0.4%, p = 0.049). The weight loss group had significantly greater decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol cholesterol than the other two groups (p < 0.05). The weight gain group had significantly greater increase in triglyceride and triglyceride:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio compare with the other groups (p < 0.01). Overall, a small amount of weight loss and prevention of further weight gain was beneficial to the cardiometabolic outcomes of postpartum women after GDM.

Changes in Statin Prescription Patterns in Patients Admitted to an Australian Geriatric Subacute Unit.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of demographic and clinical factors influencing the decision of statin discontinuation in the elderly population admitted to subacute geriatric unit. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical factors impacting the decision-making process of statin discontinuation in the elderly. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed changes in statin discontinuation and prescription among patients (≥60 years old) discharged from a geriatric evaluation and management unit by reviewing hospital digital medical records at Western Health - The Williamstown Hospital over a 12-month period from 4 February 2012 until 4 February 2013 inclusive. The main outcome of the study was to determine the independent predictors of statin discontinuation using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the studied population, 46% were already prescribed statins prior to their admission. Statins were discontinued in 17.5% of patients at discharge. Predictors of statin de-prescription included octogenarian status, primary prevention indication, poor functional recovery, residential care facility discharge destination and lower cognitive function. The presence of previous cardiovascular disease history and the burden of comorbidities were not predictors of statin discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that factors that conveyed poor prognosis such as advanced age, poor functional recovery, worse cognitive function, being discharged to a residential care facility as well as primary prevention indication for statin prescription are predictors of statin discontinuation in the geriatric unit.

Higher long-term adherence to statins in rural patients at high atherosclerotic risk.

BACKGROUND: Rural patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) experience greater cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than their urban counterparts. Statin therapy is a key component of ASCVD treatment. The extent to which there may be regional differences in long-term adherence to statins is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term rates of adherence to statins in a high-risk ASCVD cohort, and whether regional differences exist between rural and urban patients. METHODS: Follow-up was conducted in patients who underwent coronary angiography at a single tertiary center between 2009 and 2013. Adherence was defined as consumption of prescribed statin ≥6 days per week. Patients were divided into remoteness areas (RAs), classified as RA1 (major city), RA2 (inner regional), and RA3 (outer regional) based on the Australian Standard Geographical Classification. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-five patients (69% male, mean age 64 ± 11 years) were followed-up after a median of 5.3 years. Baseline characteristics were similar between RAs. Overall adherence was 83%; however, rural patients were significantly more adherent to their statin therapy (80% in RA1, 83% in RA2, and 93% in RA3, P = .04). Living in RA3 independently predicted greater statin adherence than living in RA1 (odds ratio: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.1-7.8, P = .03). All-cause mortality was significantly higher in RA3 than other regional areas (6% RA1, 12% RA2, and 18% RA3, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite higher all-cause mortality, rural patients with ASCVD demonstrate significantly greater long-term adherence to statins than urban patients. Other factors, such as reduced access to health care and delayed diagnosis may explain the gap in outcomes between rural and urban patients.