Impact of direct-acting antiviral regimens on mortality and morbidity outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis c: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The long-term effects of direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) remain uncertain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of DAAs on CHC progression and mortality. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and PubMed databases (January 2011 to March 2020) for studies that compared the efficacy of DAAs to a non-DAA control in patients with CHC. Main outcomes were the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality, liver decompensation, HCC occurrence and recurrence. Pooled estimates of HRs were determined using random-effects meta-analyses with inverse variance weighting, with sensitivity analyses and meta-regression to explore the effects of clinical factors. We identified 39 articles for the primary analysis. Compared with unexposed individuals, patients treated with DAA had a reduced risk of death (HR; CI = 0.44; 0.38-0.52), decompensation (HR; CI = 0.54; 0.38- 0.76) and HCC occurrence (HR; CI = 0.72; 0.61- 0.86). The protective effect of DAA on HCC recurrence was less clear (HR; CI = 0.72; 0.44-1.16). Sustained virologic response (SVR) attainment was a significant predictor of reduced mortality (HR; CI = 0.33; 0.23-0.46), decompensation (HR; CI = 0.11; 0.05-0.24), HCC occurrence (HR; CI = 0.31; 0.27-0.37) and HCC recurrence (HR; CI = 0.32; 0.20-0.51). Meta-regression showed no evidence of effect modification by patient age, sex, presence of cirrhosis or length of follow-up. In conclusion, our findings show protective effects of DAA treatment and DAA-related SVR on CHC progression and mortality.

Long-term morbidity and mortality in a Canadian post-transfusion hepatitis C cohort: Over 15 years of follow-up.

The Federal Government of Canada established a $1.1 billion compensation programme in 1999 to support individuals who acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) through blood products between January 1986 and July 1990. We aimed to describe the morbidity and mortality of this unique post-transfusion cohort (n = 4550) followed for over 15 years from 2000 to 2016. The age-standardized mortality rates were compared with that of the Canadian general population and HCV cohorts from other countries. We evaluated all-cause mortality using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and HCV-related and unrelated mortality using competing risk models. The age-standardized all-cause and HCV-related mortality rates per 10 000 person-years were 127 (95% CI: 117-138) and 76 (95% CI: 69-85) for males, and 77 (95% CI: 69-87) and 43 (95% CI: 37-51) for females, respectively. The risk of death of the post-transfusion cohort was almost twice as high as the Canadian general population (rate ratio = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.7-1.9). All-cause, HCV-related and HCV-unrelated mortality were 20%, 12% and 8%, respectively at 15 years of follow-up. By comparison, HCV-related mortality rates per 10 000 person-years for population-based HCV cohorts varied from 18 and 11 in Australia to 65 and 43 in Scotland for males and females, respectively. We reported long-term follow-up data for the largest post-transfusion cohort in the literature. The all-cause mortality rates were markedly higher than that of the Canadian general population. We also showed that HCV-related mortality were greater compared to other HCV cohorts. This suggests that continued efforts to identify and treat post-transfusion HCV are warranted.

Quality indicators for care of osteoarthritis in primary care settings: a systematic literature review.

Background: Despite the high prevalence of osteoarthritis and the prominence of primary care in managing this condition, there is no systematic summary of quality indicators applicable for osteoarthritis care in primary care settings. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify evidence-based quality indicators for monitoring, evaluating and improving the quality of care for adults with osteoarthritis in primary care settings. Methods: Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE databases and grey literature, including relevant organizational websites, were searched from 2000 to 2015. Two reviewers independently selected studies if (i) the study methodology combined a systematic literature search with assessment of quality indicators by an expert panel and (ii) quality indicators were applicable to assessment of care for adults with osteoarthritis in primary care settings. Included studies were appraised using the Appraisal of Indicators through Research and Evaluation (AIRE) instrument. A narrative synthesis was used to combine the indicators within themes. Applicable quality indicators were categorized according to Donabedian's 'structure-process-outcome' framework. Results: The search revealed 4526 studies, of which 32 studies were reviewed in detail and 4 studies met the inclusion criteria. According to the AIRE domains, all studies were clear on purpose and stakeholder involvement, while formal endorsement and use of indicators in practice were scarcely described. A total of 20 quality indicators were identified from the included studies, many of which overlapped conceptually or in content. Conclusions: The process of developing quality indicators was methodologically suboptimal in most cases. There is a need to develop specific process, structure and outcome measures for adults with osteoarthritis using appropriate methodology.

Diagnostic accuracy of level IV portable sleep monitors versus polysomnography for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. In-laboratory, overnight type I polysomnography (PSG) is the current "gold standard" for diagnosing OSA. Home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) using portable monitors (PMs) is an alternative testing method offering better comfort and lower costs. We aimed to systematically review the evidence on diagnostic ability of type IV PMs compared to PSG in diagnosing OSA. METHODS: Participants: patients ≥16 years old with symptoms suggestive of OSA;intervention: type IV PMs (devices with < 2 respiratory channels); comparator: in-laboratory PSG; outcomes: diagnostic accuracy measures;studies: cross-sectional, prospective observational/experimental/quasi-experimental studies; information sources: MEDLINE and Cochrane Library from January 1, 2010 to May 10, 2016. All stages of review were conducted independently by two investigators. RESULTS: We screened 6054 abstracts and 117 full-text articles to select 24 full-text articles for final review. These 24 studies enrolled a total of 2068 patients with suspected OSA and evaluated 10 different PMs with one to six channels. Only seven (29%) studies tested PMs in the home setting. The mean difference (bias) between PSG-measured and PM-measured apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ranged from - 14.8 to 10.6 events/h. At AHI ≥ 5 events/h, the sensitivity of type IV PMs ranged from 67.5-100% and specificity ranged from 25 to 100%. CONCLUSION: While current evidence is not very strong for the stand-alone use of level IV PMs in clinical practice, they can potentially widen access to diagnosis and treatment of OSA. Policy recommendations regarding HSAT use should also consider the health and broader social implications of false positive and false negative diagnoses.

The characteristics of stroke units in Ontario: a pan-provincial survey.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that organized, multidisciplinary care is the cornerstone of current strategies to reduce the death and disability caused by stroke. Identification of stroke units and an understanding of their composition and operation would provide insight for the further actions required to improve stroke care. The objective of this study was to identify and survey stroke units in Canada's largest province, Ontario (population of 13 million) in order to describe availability, structure, staffing, processes of care, and type of population stroke units serve. METHODS: The Ontario Stroke Network (2011) list of stroke units and snowball sampling was used to identify all stroke units. During 2013 - 2014 an interviewer conducted telephone surveys with the stroke unit managers using closed and semi-open ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey responses. RESULTS: The survey identified 32 stroke units, and a respondent from every stroke unit (100% response rate) was interviewed. Twenty one were acute stroke units, 10 were integrated stroke units and one was classified as a rehabilitation stroke unit. Stroke units were available in all 14 Local Health Integration Networks except Central West. The estimated average number of stroke patients served per stroke unit was 604 with six-fold variation (242 to 1480) across the province. The typical population served in stroke units were patients with either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Data consistently reported on the processes of stroke care, including the availability of multidisciplinary staff, specific diagnostic imaging, use of validated assessment tools, and the delivery of patient education. Details about the core components of stoke care were provided by 16 stroke units (50%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the heterogeneous structure of stroke units in Ontario and signaled potential disparity in access to stroke units. Many core components are in place, but half of the stroke units in Ontario do not meet all criteria. Areas for potential improvement include stroke care training for the multidisciplinary team, provision of individualized rehabilitation plans, and early discharge assessment.

A multi-level qualitative analysis of Telehomecare in Ontario: challenges and opportunities.

BACKGROUND: Despite research demonstrating the potential effectiveness of Telehomecare for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Heart Failure, broad-scale comprehensive evaluations are lacking. This article discusses the qualitative component of a mixed-method program evaluation of Telehomecare in Ontario, Canada. The objective of the qualitative component was to explore the multi-level factors and processes which facilitate or impede the implementation and adoption of the program across three regions where it was first implemented. METHODS: The study employs a multi-level framework as a conceptual guide to explore the facilitators and barriers to Telehomecare implementation and adoption across five levels: technology, patients, providers, organizations, and structures. In-depth semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations with program stakeholders, as well as a Telehomecare document review were used to elicit key themes. Study participants (n = 89) included patients and/or informal caregivers (n = 39), health care providers (n = 23), technicians (n = 2), administrators (n = 12), and decision makers (n = 13) across three different Local Health Integration Networks in Ontario. RESULTS: Key facilitators to Telehomecare implementation and adoption at each level of the multi-level framework included: user-friendliness of Telehomecare technology, patient motivation to participate in the program, support for Telehomecare providers, the integration of Telehomecare into broader health service provision, and comprehensive program evaluation. Key barriers included: access-related issues to using the technology, patient language (if not English or French), Telehomecare provider time limitations, gaps in health care provision for patients, and structural barriers to patient participation related to geography and social location. CONCLUSIONS: Though Telehomecare has the potential to positively impact patient lives and strengthen models of health care provision, a number of key challenges remain. As such, further implementation and expansion of Telehomecare must involve continuous assessments of what is working and not working with all stakeholders. Increased dialogue, evaluation, and knowledge translation within and across regions to understand the contextual factors influencing Telehomecare implementation and adoption is required. This can inform decision-making that better reflects and addresses the needs of all program stakeholders.

Bridging Hepatitis C Care Gaps: A Modeling Approach for Achieving the WHO's Targets in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) has set hepatitis C (HCV) elimination targets for 2030. Understanding existing gaps in the "HCV care-cascade" is essential for meeting these targets. We aimed to identify the level of service scale-up needed along the "HCV care-cascade" to achieve the WHO's HCV elimination targets in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: By employing a decision analytic model, we projected the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and healthcare costs for individuals with HCV in Ontario. We increased RNA testing and treatment rates to 98%, followed by increasing antibody testing uptake until we achieved the WHO's mortality target (i.e., a 65% reduction in liver-related mortality by 2030 vs. 2015). RESULTS: Without scaling up by 2030, the expected QALYs and costs per person were 9.156 and CAD 48,996, respectively. Improved RNA testing and treatment rates reduced liver-related deaths to 3.3/100,000, a 57% reduction from 2015. Further doubling the antibody testing rates can achieve the WHO's mortality target in 2035, but not in 2030. Compared to the status quo, such program would be cost-effective considering a 50,000 CAD/QALY gained threshold if annual implementation costs stayed under 2.3 M CAD/100,000 people. CONCLUSIONS: Doubling the antibody testing rates, along with increased RNA testing and treatment rates, showed promise in meeting the WHO's goals by 2035.

Hepatitis C Attributable Healthcare Costs and Mortality among Immigrants: A Population-Based Matched Cohort Study.

Background: Data on the economic burden of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) among immigrants are limited. Our objective was to estimate the CHC-attributable mortality and healthcare costs among immigrants in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a population-based matched cohort study among immigrants diagnosed with CHC between May 31, 2003, and December 31, 2018, using linked health administrative data. Immigrants with CHC (exposed) were matched 1 : 1 to immigrants without CHC (unexposed) using a combination of hard (index date, sex, and age) and propensity-score matching. Net costs (2020 Canadian dollars) collected from the healthcare payer perspective were calculated using a phase-of-care approach and used to estimate long-term costs adjusted for survival. Results: We matched 5,575 exposed individuals with unexposed controls, achieving a balanced match. The mean age was 47 years, and 52% was male. On average, 10.5% of exposed and 3.5% of unexposed individuals died 15 years postindex (relative risk = 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6-3.5). The net 30-day costs per person were $88 (95% CI: 55 to 122) for the prediagnosis, $324 (95% CI: 291 to 356) for the initial phase, $1,016 (95% CI: 900 to 1,132) for the late phase, and $975 (95% CI: -25 to 1,974) for the terminal phase. The mean net healthcare cost adjusted for survival at 15 years was $90,448. Conclusions: Compared to unexposed immigrants, immigrants infected with CHC have higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs. These findings will support the planning of HCV elimination efforts among key risk groups in the province.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Geriatric Assessment and Management in Older Adults With Cancer: Economic Evaluation Within 5C Trial.

PURPOSE: Geriatric assessment (GA) is a guideline-recommended approach to optimize cancer management in older adults. We conducted a cost-utility analysis alongside the 5C randomized controlled trial to compare GA and management (GAM) plus usual care (UC) against UC alone in older adults with cancer. METHODS: The economic evaluation, conducted from societal and health care payer perspectives, used a 12-month time horizon. The Canadian 5C study randomly assigned patients to receive GAM or UC. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were measured using the EuroQol five dimension-5L questionnaire and health care utilization using cost diaries and chart reviews. We evaluated the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) for the full sample and preselected subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 350 patients were included, of whom 173 received GAM and 177 UC. At 12 months, the average QALYs per patient were 0.728 and 0.751 for GAM and UC, respectively (ΔQALY, -0.023 [95% CI, -0.076 to 0.028]). Considering a societal perspective, the total average costs (in 2021 Canadian dollars) per patient were $46,739 and $45,177 for GAM and UC, respectively (ΔCost, $1,563 [95% CI, -$6,583 to $10,403]). At a cost-effectiveness threshold of $50,000/QALY, GAM was not cost-effective compared with UC (INMB, -$2,713 [95% CI, -$11,767 to $5,801]). The INMB was positive ($2,984 [95% CI, -$7,050 to $14,179]; probability of being cost-effective, 72%) for patients treated with curative intent, but remained negative for patients treated with palliative intent (INMB, -$9,909 [95% CI, -$24,436 to $4,153]). Findings were similar considering a health care payer perspective. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first cost-utility analysis of GAM in cancer. GAM was cost-effective for patients with cancer treated with curative but not with palliative intent. The study provides further considerations for future adoption of GAM in practice.

Evaluating sex-differences in the prevalence and associated factors of mood disorders in Canada.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the sex-differences in the prevalence and associated factors of mood disorders in Canada using a nationally representative survey, focusing on identity characteristics and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) - Annual Component was conducted using Gender-Based Analysis Plus, which is an analytical process for incorporating various intersecting identity factors into research, programs, and policies. The presence of mood disorders was assessed through self-reporting. Factors associated with mood disorders were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis after the application of sampling and bootstrap weights. RESULTS: The CCHS was completed by 113,290 Canadians, representative of 98 % of the population over the age of 12. Self-reported mood disorders were more prevalent among females than males (11.0 % vs 6.4 %, p < 0.001). Adjusted regression analysis revealed higher odds of reporting mood disorders for those who were female, unemployed, non-immigrant, non-White, smokers, homosexual or bisexual, had lower income, suffered from food insecurity, had a disability and weak sense of community belonging. Employment and higher income were more protective against mood disorders among males than females, and the association of older age with mood disorders was stronger in males than in females. LIMITATIONS: Mood disorders were assessed through self-reporting, and certain population groups were excluded from the survey. CONCLUSIONS: Females in Canada are affected by mood disorders at higher rates than males and certain factors have differential associations with mood disorders among the sexes. Strategies targeting mental disorders must be tailored towards the needs of specific groups.

Sex differences in the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety disorders in Canada: A population-based study.

The prevalence of anxiety disorders continues to increase in Canada. The study aimed to evaluate sex differences in the prevalence of anxiety disorders, associated identity factors and social determinants, and their interactions among the Canadian population. We used data from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), a nationally representative survey. We evaluated associations between sex, other identity characteristics and social determinants, and anxiety disorders using multivariable logistic regression. To account for the complex sampling design, we applied sampling and bootstrap weights. The CCHS included 113,290 respondents, representative of 98% of the Canadian population over 12 years old. The prevalence of self-reported anxiety disorders was higher among females than males (11.6% vs 6.3%, p < 0.001). Adjusted regression analysis revealed higher odds of having mood disorders for those who were female, non-White, non-immigrant, homosexual or bisexual, unemployed, had lower income or food insecurity, had a disability and a weak sense of community belonging. Younger age was associated with higher odds of anxiety disorders among females (aOR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.10-2.05) but not among males (aOR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.64-1.56). An association between employment and higher income with lower odds of anxiety disorders, and bisexuality with higher odds of anxiety disorders, was stronger among males compared with females. Anxiety disorders are more prevalent among females than males in Canada. Age, employment, income, and sexual orientation have varying associations with anxiety disorders among the sexes. Strategies for improving mental health must recognize the complex links between sex and intersecting factors.

Cost-utility of minimally invasive therapies vs. pharmacotherapy as initial therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia A Canadian healthcare payer perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST s) have become an alternative to surgery or pharmacotherapy to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH ). This study evaluated the cost-utility of water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT ) and prostatic urethral lift (PUL) compared to pharmacotherapy as initial treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe BPH. METHODS: In this model-based economic evaluation, we simulated BPH progression in men (mean age 65 years, average International Prostate Symptom Score 16.6) over their lifetime and estimated healthcare costs (from the Canadian healthcare payer perspective) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), discounted at 1.5% annually. In the model, men could receive up to three lines of therapy: 1) initial pharmacotherapy with MIST as second-line, and TURP or pharmacotherapy as third-line; 2) initial MIST (WVTT or PUL) with MIST again, TURP, or pharmacotherapy as second-line, and TURP as third-line. The model was populated using data from the published literature. RESULTS: The expected lifetime QALYs and costs were 15.50 QALYs and $14 626 for initial treatment with WVTT, 15.35 QALYs and $11 795 for pharmacotherapy followed by WVTT, 15.29 QALYs and $13 582 for pharmacotherapy followed by PUL, and 15.29 QALYs and $19 151 for initial treatment with PUL. Strategies involving PUL procedures were dominated by strategies involving WVTT. The incremental cost per QALY gained was $18 873 for initial WVTT compared to initial pharmacotherapy followed by WVTT. CONCLUSIONS: WVTT appears to be a cost-effective procedure and may be an appropriate first-line alternative to pharmacotherapy for patients with BPH and prostate volume less than 80 cm3 who seek faster improvement and no lifelong commitment to daily medications.

Pharmacotherapy vs. minimally invasive therapies as initial therapy for moderate-to-severe benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cost-effectiveness study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, minimally invasive therapies (MITs), such as water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) and prostatic urethral lift (PUL) have become an alternative to surgery or pharmacotherapy to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), offering symptom relief with a favorable safety profile. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-utility of MITs (WVTT and PUL) compared to pharmacotherapy as initial treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe BPH. METHODS: In this model-based economic evaluation we simulated BPH progression in men (mean age 65 years, average International Prostate Symptom Score 16.6) over their lifetime and estimated healthcare costs (from the US public payer perspective) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), discounted at 3% annually. Various clinical scenarios were evaluated given that most men undergo several lifelong therapies up to surgical intervention and potentially thereafter. As such, in the study model men could receive up to three lines of therapy: (1) initial pharmacotherapy with MIT as second-line, and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or pharmacotherapy as third-line; (2) initial MIT (WVTT or PUL) with MIT again, TURP or pharmacotherapy as second-line, and TURP as third-line. Model was populated using data from the published literature. Probabilistic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Initial treatment with WVTT led to the highest QALYs (13.05) and the lowest cost ($15,461). The cumulative QALYs and lifetime costs were 12.92 QALYs and $20,280 for pharmacotherapy followed by WVTT, 12.87 QALYs and $22,424 for pharmacotherapy followed by PUL, 12.86 QALYs and $20,930 for initial treatment with PUL. In the cost-utility analysis, WVTT as initial treatment dominated all three strategies, i.e., generated more QALYs at a lower cost. CONCLUSION: WVTT is an effective and cost-saving procedure, and may be an appropriate first-line alternative to pharmacotherapy for moderate-to-severe BPH patients who seek faster improvement and no lifelong commitment to daily medications.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of genetic tools to predict treatment response in patients with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies show variable efficacy for patients with CF. Patient-derived predictive tools may identify individuals likely to respond to CFTRs, but are not in routine use. We aimed to determine the cost-utility of predictive tool-guided treatment with CFTRs as add-on to standard of care (SoC) for individuals with CF. METHODS: This economic evaluation compared two strategies using an individual level simulation: (i) Treat All, where all patients received CFTRs plus SoC and (ii) Test→Treat, where patients who tested positive on predictive tools received CFTRs plus SoC and those who tested negative received SoC only. We simulated 50,000 individuals over their lifetime, and estimated costs (2020 CAD) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) from the healthcare payer's perspective, discounted at 1.5% annually. The model was populated using Canadian CF registry data and published literature. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity were conducted. RESULTS: The Treat All and Test→Treat and strategies yielded 22.41 and 21.36 QALYs, and cost $4.21 M and $3.15 M respectively. Results of probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that Test→Treat was highly cost-effective compared to Treat All in 100% of simulations at cost-effectiveness thresholds as high as $500,000 per QALY. Test→Treat may save between $931 K to $1.1 M per QALY lost, depending on sensitivity and specificity of predictive tools. CONCLUSION: The use of predictive tools could optimize the health benefits of CFTR modulators while reducing costs. Our findings support the use of pre-treatment predictive testing and may help inform coverage and reimbursement policies for individuals with CF.

Effectiveness of geriatric assessment and management in older cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Frailty and multimorbidity among older cancer patients affect treatment tolerance and efficacy. Comprehensive geriatric assessment and management is recommended to optimize cancer treatment, but its effect on various outcomes remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cost-effectiveness studies comparing comprehensive geriatric assessment (with or without implementation of recommendations) to usual care in older cancer patients. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane trials from inception to January 27, 2023, for RCTs and cost-effectiveness studies. Pooled estimates for outcomes were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 19 full-text articles representing 17 RCTs were included. Average participant age was 72-80 years, and 31%-62% were female. Comprehensive geriatric assessment type, mode of delivery, and evaluated outcomes varied across studies. Meta-analysis revealed no difference in risk of mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 1.08. 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91 to 1.29), hospitalization (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.77 to 1.10), early treatment discontinuation (RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.19), initial dose reduction (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.99 to 1.26), and subsequent dose reduction (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.70 to 1.09). However, the risk of treatment toxicity was statistically significantly lower in the comprehensive geriatric assessment group (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.86). No cost-effectiveness studies were identified. CONCLUSION: Compared with usual care, comprehensive geriatric assessment was not associated with a difference in risk of mortality, hospitalization, treatment discontinuation, and dose reduction but was associated with a lower risk of treatment toxicity indicating its potential to optimize cancer treatment in this population. Further research is needed to evaluate cost-effectiveness.

Sex differences in baseline profiles and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing closure of patent foramen ovale.

Objectives: Although sex differences have been emphasized in stroke and congenital heart disease, there has been limited investigation into their role in patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for secondary prevention of stroke. We aimed to explore differences by sex in baseline profiles, procedural characteristics, and short-term outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter PFO closure. Methods: Data of adult patients undergoing transcatheter PFO closure at the Toronto General Hospital from 1997 to 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. Baseline information included demographic characteristics, medical history, diagnostic, and procedural information, and periprocedural complications. Post-closure outcomes were captured at index hospitalization and during the first follow-up. Results: From 1031 patients in the cohort sample, 80.7 % underwent closure for cryptogenic stroke and 44.7 % (n = 461) were females. We observed significant sex-related differences in baseline characteristics; females were younger, less likely to have a history of smoking, and less likely to have several cardiovascular risk factors at baseline (p < 0.05). The median time to first follow-up was 89 days for both groups. Recurrent stroke was observed in 0.1 % and TIA observed in 0.4 % of in the 'cryptogenic stroke/TIA' group; in the 'other indications' group, 1.4 % stroke and no TIA were reported. No significant differences were present between sexes. Conclusions: There were no differences in procedural and short-term outcomes between males and females undergoing transcatheter PFO closure, but significant baseline differences in risk factors were identified. There is a critical need for long-term, systematic studies to understand sex and gender differences in the PFO population.

External validation of Leipzig-Halifax scores for aortic dissection in Armenia.

BACKGROUND: Few prognostic tools are currently available to predict hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The aim of this study was to validate the performance of two existing risk-assessment tools, the original and the adjusted Leipzig-Halifax scorecards, to predict hospital mortality among Armenian patients with acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection who were admitted to two tertiary cardiac centers in Armenia and underwent surgery from January 2008 to April 2018. We evaluated the predictive power of the original and adjusted Leipzig-Halifax scorecards using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 211 patients (76% males, mean age 57 ± 9 years) were included in the study, of whom 37 (17.5%) died during hospitalization. The adjusted Leipzig-Halifax score, but not the original Leipzig-Halifax score, was a significant predictor of hospital mortality. Patients with medium and high adjusted Leipzig-Halifax scores had a significantly higher odds of death compared to patients with low scores (odds ratio = 3.0 vs. 3.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-6.9 vs. 1.0-14.9, respectively). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.58 and 0.63, respectively, p > 0.05. CONCLUSION: The adjusted Leipzig-Halifax score performed slightly better than the original Leipzig-Halifax score in the Armenian acute type A aortic dissection population. The adjusted Leipzig-Halifax score should now be applied prospectively to generate more data for further validation and potential improvement.

Gender Differences in Utilization of Specialized Heart Failure Clinics.

BACKGROUND: Although heart failure (HF) prevalence is equally high among men and women, observed differences in the provision of care are still not fully understood. We sought to evaluate gender differences in patient profiles, diagnostic testing, medication prescription, and referrals in specialized multidisciplinary ambulatory HF clinics in Ontario. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical chart abstraction was conducted first by randomly selecting 9 (out of 34) HF clinics in Ontario, and then by randomly selecting 100 patient records in each clinic. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, diagnostic tests, medication use, and referrals were abstracted, covering a period from the first clinic visit up to 1 year. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to assess gender differences. RESULTS: Of the 884 patients, only 314 were women (35.5%). At the first clinic visit, women were older, had better systolic function but worse functional status, and had a lower prevalence of hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking than men. There were more women with non-ischemic HF etiology than men (63.9% vs. 43.3%, p < 0.001). Adjusted analysis did not reveal gender differences in the average number of echocardiographic assessments and in the prescription rates of evidence-based medications. Men were twice more likely to be referred to electrophysiology studies than women (18.6% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001). The rates of dietary counseling and cardiac rehabilitation referrals were similarly low in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: More men than women are treated in specialized ambulatory HF clinics. Although women differ from men in selected clinical characteristics, no major differences were observed in patient management. The reasons for low enrollment rates of women into the HF ambulatory clinics need further investigation.

Changes in blood pressure among patients in the Ontario Telehomecare programme: An observational longitudinal cohort study.

Background The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in blood pressure among patients enrolled in the Telehomecare programme in Ontario, Canada. Methods This observational study utilised a prospective longitudinal cohort design, including patients with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease enrolled in the Ontario Telehomecare programme from July 2012 to July 2015. The outcome of interest was change in mean (biweekly) systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels over a six-month period. Patient data were extracted from the Ontario Telemedicine Network database, and analysed using generalised linear mixed model procedures. Results Overall, we analysed data for 3513 patients. Patients were on average 74.1 ± 11.4 years of age; almost half were men, 62% had heart failure, 55% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 29% diabetes. At baseline, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were 130.4 ± 19.1 mmHg and 72.2 ± 12.5 mmHg for the total sample. At six months, the adjusted reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were 4.0 mmHg (95% confidence interval: -4.5 to -3.5) and 2.7 mmHg (95% confidence interval: -3.1 to -2.4), respectively. In a subgroup of 1220 patients with uncontrolled blood pressure at baseline (systolic/diastolic blood pressure of 150.7 ± 10.2 mmHg/80.2 ± 13.5 mmHg) the adjusted reduction in systolic blood pressure was 12.5 mmHg (95% confidence interval: -13.4 to -11.6) and in diastolic blood pressure was 7.1 mmHg (95% confidence interval: -7.8 to -6.5) over the six-month period. Conclusions Blood pressure levels were significantly reduced in patients enrolled in the Telehomecare programme, with changes being more pronounced in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure. The sustainability of decreased blood pressure on other clinical outcomes needs further evaluation.

Calcium-regulating peptide hormones and blood electrolytic balance in chronic heart failure.

Calcium-regulating system is important for the functional activity of myocardium. However, little is known about the role of this system in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Blood samples from the patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) caused by ischaemic disease (coronary artery disease) (NYHA class I-IV) were used to analyze the levels of calcium, inorganic phosphate, sodium, potassium, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). The heart beat rate and arterial blood pressure were chosen as additional tests for the functional status of cardiovascular system. The alteration of electrolytes homeostasis was found dependent on the severity of the pathology being maximally expressed in the NYHA class IV patients. Similar tendency was demonstrated for circulating PTH and PTHrP with the highest blood concentrations observed in patients of the NYHA class III and IV. The extent of these changes was found more pronounced in the female patients. It is suggested that the calcium-regulating hormonal system is involved in the pathogenesis of the ischaemic heart disease; however the sharp increase of PTH and PTHrP at the severe stages of pathology may play a compensatory role in maintaining the heart function.