Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibition for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and chronic kidney disease with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common and interrelated conditions, each with a significant burden of disease. HF and kidney disease progress through pathophysiologic pathways that culminate in end-stage disease, for which T2DM is a major risk factor. Intervention within these pathways can disrupt disease processes and improve patient outcomes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have been investigated in patient populations with combinations of T2DM, CKD, and/or HF. However, until recently, the effect of these agents in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) was not well studied. MAIN BODY: The aim of this review is to summarize key information regarding the interaction between HFpEF, CKD, and T2DM and discuss the role of SGLT2 inhibition in the management of patients with comorbid HFpEF and CKD, with or without T2DM. Literature was retrieved using Boolean searches for English-language articles in PubMed and Google Scholar and included terms related to SGLT2is, HFpEF, T2DM, and CKD. The reference lists from retrieved articles were also considered. CONCLUSION: SGLT2is are efficacious and safe in treating HFpEF in patients with comorbid CKD with and without T2DM. The totality of evidence from clinical trials data suggests there are benefits in using SGLT2is across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fractions, but there may be a potential for different renal effects in the different ejection fraction groups. Further analysis of these clinical trials has highlighted the need to obtain more accurate phenotypes for patients with HF and CKD to better determine which patients might respond to guideline-directed medical therapies, including SGLT2is. CI confidence interval, EF ejection fraction, eGFR estimated glomerular filtration rate, HF heart failure, HHF hospitalization for HF, HR hazard ratio, LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction, SGLT2i sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, UACR urine albumin-creatinine ratio. a Mean value, unless otherwise stated, b SGLT2i vs. placebo, c Data reanalyzed using more conventional endpoints (≥ 50% sustained decrease in eGFR, and including renal death) (UACR at baseline not stated in trial reports).

Overuse of long-acting ß2-agonist/inhaled corticosteroids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: time to rethink prescribing patterns.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. In the major revision of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 report, the scientific committee concluded that the use of long-acting ß2-agonist/inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ICS) is not encouraged in patients with COPD. However, current prescribing patterns reveal significant use of LABA/ICS. In this paper, the evidence behind the current practice and the latest treatment recommendations is reviewed. We compare the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and LABA vs LABA/ICS and note that LAMA/LABA combinations have reduced the annual rate of moderate/severe exacerbations, delayed the time to first exacerbation, and increased post-dose FEV1 vs ICS-based regimens. The GOLD 2023 report recommends treatment with LABA and LAMA combination (preferably as a single inhaler) in patients with persistent dyspnea, with initiation of ICS in patients based on the symptoms (dyspnea and exercise intolerance as indicated by modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] score ≥ 2 and COPD Assessment Test [CAT™] > 20), blood eosinophil count (≥ 300 cells/µL), and exacerbation history (history of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD and ≥ 2 moderate exacerbations per year despite appropriate long-acting bronchodilator maintenance therapy). We describe practical recommendations for primary care physicians to optimize therapy for their patients and prevent overuse of ICS-based regimens. We advocate adherence to current recommendations and a greater focus on effective treatments to successfully control symptoms, minimize exacerbation risk, preserve lung function, maximize patient outcomes, and reduce the burden of drug-related adverse events.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease of the lungs associated with continued respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. COPD causes symptoms such as breathlessness, cough, and production of phlegm, and, if not properly managed, these symptoms may get worse and result in flare-ups, also termed exacerbations. COPD management includes controlling symptoms while reducing the risk of exacerbations. COPD treatments include bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Bronchodilators help by widening the airways, making it easier to breathe. The two types of bronchodilators are long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs; these drugs prevent closing of the airways) and long-acting ß₂-agonists (LABAs; these drugs relax the muscles around the airways to help keep the airways open for a longer time). ICS may reduce swelling in the airways in some patients with COPD. However, the use of ICS-based regimens as the first treatment choice has been linked to health risks and is not in keeping with the recent national and international recommendations. In this narrative review, we examine why the use of ICS-based regimens is still growing and explore, based on available evidence, and why this treatment course may not be optimal for most patients with COPD. We discuss how the treatment for COPD has changed over time, and our findings support the use of LAMA and LABA as the first course of therapy in many patients with COPD. We conclude that greater adherence to the treatment guidelines can help to improve treatment outcomes for many patients with COPD.

Understanding the role of psychiatrists in the diagnosis and management of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease dementia: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder and the most common cause of dementia. The clinical continuum of AD ranges from asymptomatic disease to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), followed by AD dementia, categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Almost one-third of patients suspected of having MCI or mild AD dementia are referred to specialists including psychiatrists. We sought to better understand the role that psychiatrists play in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with all-cause MCI or mild AD dementia. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous, online survey among physicians in the United States between February 4, 2021, and March 1, 2021. We surveyed psychiatrists, primary care physicians (PCPs), geriatricians, and neurologists who treat patients with all-cause MCI or mild AD dementia. RESULTS: A total of 301 physicians participated in the survey, 50 of whom were psychiatrists. Of their patients with all-cause MCI or mild AD dementia, psychiatrists reported personally diagnosing two-thirds (67%). Psychiatrists used various methods to diagnose MCI or mild AD dementia including mental status testing (94%), review of patient medical history (86%), and neurological exams (61%). Upon diagnosis, psychiatrists reported most commonly discussing treatments (86%), management strategies (80%), disease progression (72%), and etiology of MCI or mild AD dementia (72%) with their patients. Most psychiatrists surveyed (82%) reported receiving advanced formal training in MCI and AD dementia care, primarily via residency training (38%), continuing medical education (22%) or fellowship (18%). Additionally, almost all psychiatrists (92%) reported receiving referrals for ongoing management of patients with MCI or mild AD dementia, primarily from PCPs or neurologists. However, only 46% of psychiatrists viewed themselves as the coordinator of care for their patients with MCI or mild AD dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Many psychiatrists indicated that they were well-informed about MCI and AD dementia and have a strong interest in providing care for these patients. They can provide timely and accurate diagnosis of clinical MCI and mild AD dementia and develop optimal treatment plans for patients. Although many psychiatrists consider other physicians to be the care coordinators for patients with MCI and mild AD dementia, psychiatrists can play a key role in diagnosing and managing patients with MCI and mild AD dementia.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Symptoms of AD include a decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that affect daily life. AD may first appear as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) but eventually progresses to AD dementia which is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on how much symptoms interfere with patients' everyday activities. We wanted to better understand the roles of different types of doctors in the diagnosis and management of MCI and mild AD dementia. A total of 301 doctors in the United States took an online survey in 2021. Of these, 50 were psychiatrists who specialize in mental health. Psychiatrists used several methods to diagnose patients with MCI or mild AD dementia, including mental status and memory testing. At diagnosis, psychiatrists discussed various topics with their patients who have MCI or mild AD dementia, including treatment options, ways to manage the disease, cause of the disease, and its progression. After diagnosis, most psychiatrists saw their patients with MCI or mild AD dementia at least four times a year. Most psychiatrists reported having advanced training in MCI and AD dementia care. Almost all psychiatrists said other doctors refer patients to them for ongoing management. However, less than half of psychiatrists consider themselves to be the coordinator of care for their patients with MCI or mild AD dementia. As physicians with training in MCI and AD dementia care, psychiatrists can play an important role in the timely diagnosis, treatment, and management of MCI and mild AD dementia.

Implementing an Evidence-Based COPD Hospital Discharge Protocol: A Narrative Review and Expert Recommendations.

Discharge bundles, comprising evidence-based practices to be implemented prior to discharge, aim to optimise patient outcomes. They have been recommended to address high readmission rates in patients who have been hospitalised for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hospital readmission is associated with increased morbidity and healthcare resource utilisation, contributing substantially to the economic burden of COPD. Previous studies suggest that COPD discharge bundles may result in fewer hospital readmissions, lower risk of mortality and improvement of patient quality of life. However, evidence for their effectiveness is inconsistent, likely owing to variable content and implementation of these bundles. To ensure consistent provision of high-quality care for patients hospitalised with an exacerbation of COPD and reduce readmission rates following discharge, we propose a comprehensive discharge protocol, and provide evidence highlighting the importance of each element of the protocol. We then review care bundles used in COPD and other disease areas to understand how they affect patient outcomes, the barriers to implementing these bundles and what strategies have been used in other disease areas to overcome these barriers. We identified four evidence-based care bundle items for review prior to a patient's discharge from hospital, including (1) smoking cessation and assessment of environmental exposures, (2) treatment optimisation, (3) pulmonary rehabilitation, and (4) continuity of care. Resource constraints, lack of staff engagement and knowledge, and complexity of the COPD population were some of the key barriers inhibiting effective bundle implementation. These barriers can be addressed by applying learnings on successful bundle implementation from other disease areas, such as healthcare practitioner education and audit and feedback. By utilising the relevant implementation strategies, discharge bundles can be more (cost-)effectively delivered to improve patient outcomes, reduce readmission rates and ensure continuity of care for patients who have been discharged from hospital following a COPD exacerbation.

New Paradigms for CKD Management in Patients With T2D.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the activity, participants will be able to: Identify the risks of kidney disease and their consequences in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Appropriately screen for the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with T2D. Initiate evidence-based therapy to slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with T2D and CKD. Become familiar with the novel nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone and its role in the treatment of patients with T2D and CKD.

Perspectives of patients, care partners, and primary care physicians on management of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease dementia.

OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia is crucial for effective disease management and optimizing patient outcomes. We sought to better understand the MCI and mild AD dementia medical journey from the perspective of patients, care partners, and physicians. METHODS: We conducted online surveys in the United States among patients/care partners and physicians in 2021. RESULTS: 103 patients with all-cause MCI or mild AD dementia aged 46-90 years, 150 care partners for someone with all-cause MCI or mild AD dementia, and 301 physicians (101 of which were primary care physicians, [PCPs]) completed surveys. Most patient/care partners reported that experiencing forgetfulness (71%) and short-term memory loss (68%) occurred before talking to a healthcare professional. Most patients (73%) followed a common medical journey, in which the initial discussion with a PCP took place 15 months after symptom onset. However, only 33% and 39% were diagnosed and treated by a PCP, respectively. Most (74%) PCPs viewed themselves as coordinators of care for their patients with MCI and mild AD dementia. Over one-third (37%) of patients/care partners viewed PCPs as the care coordinator. CONCLUSIONS: PCPs play a vital role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of MCI and mild AD dementia but often are not considered the care coordinator. For the majority of patients, the initial discussion with a PCP took place 15 months after symptom onset; therefore, it is important to educate patients/care partners and PCPs on MCI and AD risk factors, early symptom recognition, and the need for early diagnosis and treatment. PCPs could improve patient care and outcomes by building their understanding of the need for early AD diagnosis and treatment and improving the efficiency of the patient medical journey by serving as coordinators of care.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not a normal part of aging, but many people develop AD as they age, and it is the seventh leading cause of death in the US. AD is a neurological condition that begins as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD dementia. To understand the medical journey of patients with MCI or mild AD dementia, we surveyed 103 patients with MCI or mild AD dementia, 150 care partners, and 301 doctors. Patients had several symptoms before talking to a doctor, including forgetfulness and short-term memory loss; most patients (64%) first discussed these symptoms with a primary care physician (PCP) on average 15 months later. However, most patients were not diagnosed or treated by a PCP for MCI or mild AD dementia. We asked patients/care partners who they believe is the coordinator of their care for MCI and mild AD dementia. Thirty-seven percent felt the PCP was the coordinator of care. Most surveyed PCPs (74%) considered themselves to be the coordinator of care for their patients with MCI or mild AD dementia. In conclusion, PCPs play a key role in the care of patients with MCI and mild AD dementia. It is important for patients and care partners to understand the symptoms of MCI and mild AD dementia, and the need to get a diagnosis and treatment soon after symptoms appear. PCPs can play an important role in early diagnosis and treatment and serve as coordinators of care for their patients with MCI and mild AD dementia.[Figure: see text].

Beyond Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Alternative Management Strategies to Prevent the Development and Progression of CKD.

Chronic kidney disease associated with Type 2 diabetes is linked to significant increase in morbidity, reduced quality of life, and early death. Current guidelines recommend targets for the management of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia but there remains a residual risk of chronic kidney disease progression and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The 2022 consensus report from the American Diabetes Association and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes support the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to improve kidney and cardiovascular outcomes. Coordination between those working in the primary care setting and those in endocrinology and nephrology clinics may optimize the prevention of chronic kidney disease progression in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and primary care physicians play an important role in making timely patient referrals to kidney specialists. This article explores the use of novel therapies capable of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease progression beyond what can be achieved with control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid levels. It also discusses the importance of monitoring at-risk patients to facilitate early diagnosis and initiation of effective kidney-protective therapy.[Media: see text][Figure: see text].

A Renewed Charter: Key Principles to Improve Patient Care in Severe Asthma.

Asthma is a heterogenous respiratory disease, usually associated with chronic airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness, which affects an estimated 339 million people worldwide. Severe asthma affects approximately 5-10% of patients with asthma, approximately 17-34 million people globally, more than half of whom have uncontrolled disease. Severe asthma carries a substantial burden of disease, including unpredictable symptoms and potentially life-threatening flare-ups. Furthermore, severe asthma has a substantial burden on health care systems and economies worldwide. In 2018, a group of experts from the clinical community, patient support groups, and professional organisations joined together to develop the Severe Asthma Patient Charter, which set out six principles to define what patients should expect for the management of their severe asthma and what should constitute a basic standard of care. Since the publication of that original Charter in 2018, several important changes have occurred, including an improved understanding of asthma and effective asthma management; several new therapies have become available; and finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a spotlight on respiratory conditions, the workforces that treat them, and the fundamental importance of health care system resilience. With those developments in mind, we, representatives of the academic, clinical, and patient advocacy group communities, have updated the Charter to Improve Patient Care in Severe Asthma with a focus on six principles: (1) I deserve a timely, comprehensive assessment of my asthma and its severity; (2) I deserve a timely, straightforward referral to an appropriate specialist for my asthma when it is not well controlled; (3) I deserve to understand what makes my asthma worse; (4) I deserve access to treatment and care that reduces the impact of asthma on my daily life; (5) I deserve not to be reliant on systemic corticosteroids; (6) I deserve to be involved in decisions about my treatment and care.

Reducing Thrombotic Risk From Polyvascular Disease in Primary Care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the activity, participants will be able to:Describe the burden of disease and risk of atherothrombotic events in patients with polyvascular disease-peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Implement screening and diagnostic procedures to improve detection of polyvascular disease and accurately assess overall atherothrombotic risk. Select evidence-based treatment to reduce cardiovascular and limb events in patients with polyvascular disease.

Improving Detection and Management of Anemia in CKD.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the activity, participants will be able to:Describe approaches to improve recognition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anemia in primary care. Explain the importance of early management of anemia in CKD to reduce adverse outcomes and improve symptoms. Prescribe evidence-based treatment for patients with anemia in CKD who can be managed in the primary care setting. Discuss emerging evidence for new agents being studied for treating anemia in CKD.

Patient journey in erosive oesophagitis: real-world perspectives from US physicians and patients.

OBJECTIVE: Management of erosive oesophagitis (EE) remains suboptimal, with many patients experiencing incomplete healing, ongoing symptoms, and relapse despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. The Study of Acid-Related Disorders investigated patient burden of individuals with EE in a real-world setting. DESIGN: US gastroenterologists (GIs) or family physicians (FPs)/general practitioners (GPs) treating patients with EE completed a physician survey and enrolled up to four patients with EE for a patient survey, with prespecified data extracted from medical records. RESULTS: 102 GIs and 149 FPs/GPs completed the survey; data were available for 73 patients (mean age at diagnosis, 45.4 years). Omeprazole was healthcare professional (HCP)-preferred first-line treatment (60.8% GIs; 56.4% FPs/GPs), and pantoprazole preferred second line (29.4% and 32.9%, respectively). Price and insurance coverage (both 55.5% HCPs) and familiarity (47.9%) key drivers for omeprazole; insurance coverage (52.0%), price (50.0%), familiarity (48.0%), initial symptom relief (46.0%), and safety (44.0%) key drivers for pantoprazole. Only 49.3% patients took medication as instructed all the time; 56.8% independently increased medication frequency some of the time. Despite treatment, 57.5% patients experienced heartburn and 30.1% regurgitation; heartburn was the most bothersome symptom. 58.9% patients believed that their symptoms could be better controlled; only 28.3% HCPs were very satisfied with current treatment options. 83.6% patients wanted long-lasting treatment options. Fast symptom relief for patients was a top priority for 66.1% HCPs, while 56.6% would welcome alternatives to PPIs. CONCLUSION: This real-world multicentre study highlights the need for new, rapidly acting treatments in EE that reduce symptom burden, offer durable healing and provide symptom control.

Omadacycline in Skin Infections and Pneumonia: A Review of the Evidence.

Given the growing prevalence of antibiotic resistance globally, there is an urgent need for new therapy options that are effective and well tolerated for treatment of common infections such as bacterial skin infections and pneumonia. Here, we summarize the findings of 3 phase 3 clinical trials of omadacycline, a novel tetracycline-derived aminomethylcycline, in patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI; OASIS-1 [NCT02378480] and OASIS-2 [NCT02877927]) or community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP; OPTIC [NCT02531438]). The primary endpoint in all studies was early clinical response (early response) at 2 to 3 days (skin studies) or 3 to 5 days (pneumonia study) after the first dose. Other endpoints included post-treatment evaluation (late response) and safety evaluations. Early and late responses were similar for omadacycline (85% to 88%) and linezolid (83% to 86%) in the skin infection studies. Similarly in the pneumonia study, early and late responses were similar for omadacycline and moxifloxacin: 81% and 88% vs 83% and 85%, respectively. No differences were observed in subgroup analyses, and high rates of clinical response were seen for all treatments against common pathogens. The most frequent adverse event reported was nausea, which was mostly associated with the loading dose in the oral-only regimen in OASIS-2. Overall, omadacycline was well tolerated and showed high rates of clinical response in patients with skin infections and pneumonia, including in those with comorbidities.

CRS Diabetes: An Effective Model for Improving Family Medicine Resident Knowledge, Competence, and Performance in Diabetes Care.

The Chief Residents Summit on Intensifying Diabetes Management, now in its 15th year, has resulted in real-world improvements in patient outcomes and has shown itself to be an effective model for teaching diabetes to family medicine residents. This article describes the program and the evidence supporting its effectiveness.