ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8355-023X
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2014
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2009
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182009006167
Abstract: Since it is known that Entamoeba dispar is non-pathogenic and morphologically similar to E. histolytica , there are many targets used in PCR for differentiating these species. However, obtaining high quality DNA from fecal s les is fundamental for PCR. Most methods are laborious or use kits that make diagnosis expensive. In the present work, a new simple, fast and cheap technique of DNA extraction from fecal s les was combined with a PCR for an episomal target in order to identify E. histolytica and E. dispar in feces.
Publisher: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK-ULAKBIM) - DIGITAL COMMONS JOURNALS
Date: 20-03-2018
DOI: 10.3906/BOT-1705-23
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232015219.15912016
Abstract: Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o escopo de prática de médicos inseridos na Atenção Primária em Saúde (APS), participantes do Programa Mais Médicos (PMM) e investigar os fatores associados à execução de maior número de atividades clínicas. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório transversal realizado entre janeiro e março de 2016, por meio de questionário autoaplicável, contendo uma lista de 49 procedimentos, atividades e ações realizadas na APS. Participaram do estudo 1.241 médicos, a maioria do sexo feminino, entre 40-49 anos de idade, de nacionalidade cubana. Os médicos realizaram uma média de 22,8 ± 8,2 procedimentos, porém, relataram saber fazer um número maior. Fatores associados à realização de maior número de procedimentos foram sexo masculino, menor tempo de graduação, dois anos ou menos de atuação na UBS, atuar na região geográfica Norte ou Sul, em municípios de pequeno porte e mais distantes da sede da região de saúde. O principal motivo para não realizar os procedimentos e atividades que relataram saber fazer foi a falta de materiais e a infraestrutura inadequada. Os resultados revelam que o escopo de prática dos médicos do PMM está abaixo de suas capacidades, sendo necessárias intervenções para o liar.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-07-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00228-023-03539-8
Abstract: To investigate trends in SGLT2i and GLP-1RA use in Australia in the era of increased evidence of their cardiovascular benefits. We used national dispensing claims for a 10% random s le of Australians to estimate the number of prevalent and new users (no dispensing in the prior year) of SGLT2i or GLP-1RA per month from January 2014 to July 2022. We assessed prescriber specialty and prior use of other antidiabetic and cardiovascular medicines as a proxy for evidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular conditions, respectively. We found a large increase in the number of prevalent users (216-fold for SGLT2i 11-fold for GLP-1RA) in July 2022 approximately 250,000 Australians were dispensed SGLT2i and 120,000 GLP-1RA. Most new users of SGLT2i or GLP-1RA had evidence of both T2D and cardiovascular conditions, although from 2022 onwards, approximately one in five new users of SGLT2i did not have T2D. The proportion of new users initiating SGLT2i by cardiologists increased after 2021, reaching 10.0% of initiations in July 2022. Among new users with evidence of cardiovascular conditions, empagliflozin was the most commonly prescribed SGLT2i, while dulaglutide or semaglutide was the most common GLP-1RA. SGLT2i and GLP-1RA use is increasing in Australia, particularly in populations with higher cardiovascular risk. The increased use of SGLT2i among people without evidence of T2D suggests that best-evidence medicines are adopted in Australia across specialties, aligning with new evidence and expanding indications.
Publisher: Universidade de Sao Paulo, Agencia USP de Gestao da Informacao Academica (AGUIA)
Date: 12-12-2020
DOI: 10.11606/S1518-8787.2020054001920
Abstract: OBJETIVO: Avaliar longitudinalmente a alteração da qualidade de vida em pessoas que vivem com HIV iniciando a terapia antirretroviral, atendidas em três serviços públicos de referência na assistência especializada ao HIV em Belo Horizonte. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte prospectivo, com o acompanhamento de pessoas que vivem com HIV, com 18 anos de idade ou mais, e iniciando terapia antirretroviral. Dados sociodemográficos, comportamentais, clínicos, relacionados ao tratamento farmacológico e ao serviço foram obtidos por entrevistas, complementados com informações dos prontuários clínicos e dos sistemas de informação do Programa Brasileiro de HIV/AIDS. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada utilizando o instrumento WHOQOLHIV-bref, por meio de entrevista face a face, com intervalo mínimo de seis meses entre as entrevistas. A alteração média na qualidade de vida entre as duas entrevistas foi avaliada utilizando o teste t pareado. Os fatores associados foram avaliados por meio de regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: A qualidade de vida global, assim como a qualidade de vida nos domínios físico, psicológico, nível de independência, ambiente e espiritual foram estatisticamente melhores em pessoas que vivem com HIV usando terapia antirretroviral no final do tempo de acompanhamento. Fatores independentemente associados ao incremento na qualidade de vida foram possuir crença religiosa e morar com outras pessoas. Enquanto ter sinais ou sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e o número de reações adversas a medicamentos reportadas foram preditores associados à piora da qualidade de vida. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados evidenciam melhora na qualidade de vida em pessoas vivendo com HIV iniciando a terapia antirretroviral ao longo do tempo. Evidenciam ainda a necessidade de se acompanhar e prover cuidados de saúde, em especial para in íduos com sinais e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e que relatam reações adversas a medicamentos no início do tratamento.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-07-2023
Abstract: The burden of cardiovascular disease is increasing, with many people treated for multiple cardiovascular conditions. We examined persistence and adherence to medicines for cardiovascular disease treatment or prevention in Australia. Using national dispensing claims for a 10% random s le of people, we identified adults (≥18 years) initiating antihypertensives, statins, oral anticoagulants, or antiplatelets in 2018. We measured persistence to therapy using a 60‐day permissible gap, and adherence using the proportion of days covered up to 3 years from initiation, and from first to last dispensing. We reported outcomes by age, sex, and cardiovascular multimedicine use. We identified 83 687 people initiating antihypertensives (n=37 941), statins (n=34 582), oral anticoagulants (n=15 435), or antiplatelets (n=7726). Around one‐fifth of people discontinued therapy within 90 days, with 50% discontinuing within the first year. Although many people achieved high adherence (proportion of days covered ≥80%) within the first year, these rates were higher when measured from first to last dispensing (40.5% and 53.2% for statins 55.6% and 80.5% for antiplatelets, respectively). Persistence was low at 3 years (17.5% antiplatelets to 37.3% anticoagulants). Persistence and adherence increased with age, with minor differences by sex. Over one‐third of people had cardiovascular multimedicine use (reaching 92% among antiplatelet users): they had higher persistence and adherence than people using medicines from only 1 cardiovascular group. Persistence to cardiovascular medicines decreases substantially following initiation, but adherence remains high while people are using therapy. Cardiovascular multimedicine use is common, and people using multiple cardiovascular medicines have higher rates of persistence and adherence.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-05-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-03-2020
Abstract: The maintenance of patients with renal transplant typically involves two or more drugs to prevent rejection and prolong graft survival. The calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are the most commonly recommended medicines in combinations with others. While immunosuppressive treatment regimens are well established, there is insufficient long-term effectiveness data to help guide future management decisions. The study analyzes the effectiveness of treatment regimens containing CNI after renal transplantation during 16 years of follow-up with real-world data from the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). This was a retrospective study of 2318 SUS patients after renal transplantion. Patients were propensity score-matched (1:1) by sex, age, type and year of transplantation. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probabilities of survival. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate factors associated with progression to graft loss. Multivariable analysis, adjusted for diabetes mellitus and race/color, showed a greater risk of graft loss for patients using tacrolimus plus mycophenolate compared to patients treated with cyclosporine plus azathioprine. In conclusion, this Brazilian real-world study, with a long follow-up period using matched analysis for relevant clinical features and the representativeness of the s le, demonstrated improved long-term effectiveness for therapeutic regimens containing cyclosporine plus azathioprine. Consequently, we recommend that protocols and clinical guidelines for renal transplantation should consider the cyclosporine plus azathioprine regimen as a potential first line option, along with others.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-03-2021
DOI: 10.1111/BCP.14798
Abstract: Routinely collected data have been increasingly used to assess long‐term opioid therapy (LTOT) patterns, with very little guidance on how to measure LTOT from these data sources. We conducted a systematic review of studies published between January 2000 and July 2019 to catalogue LTOT definitions, the rationale for definitions and LTOT rates in observational research using routinely collected data in nonsurgical settings. We screened 4056 abstracts, 210 full‐text manuscripts and included 128 studies, mostly from the United States (81%) and published between 2015 and 2019 (69%). We identified 78 definitions of LTOT, commonly operationalised as 90 days of use within a year (23%). Studies often used multiple criteria to derive definitions (60%), mostly based on measures of duration, such as supply days/days of use (66%), episode length (21%) or prescription fills within specified time periods (12%). Definitions were based on previous publications (63%), clinical judgment (16%) or empirical data (3%) 10% of studies applied more than one definition. LTOT definition was not provided with enough details for replication in 14 studies and 38 studies did not specify the opioids evaluated. Rates of LTOT within study populations ranged from 0.2% to 57% according to study design and definition used. We observed a substantial rise in the last 5 years in studies evaluating LTOT with large variability in the definitions used and poor reporting of the rationale and implementation of definitions. This variation impacts on research reproducibility, comparability of findings and the development of strategies aiming to curb therapy that is not guideline‐recommended.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2022
DOI: 10.1002/PDS.5450
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.RBR.2014.10.009
Abstract: We performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab + methotrexate (IFX + MTX) regimens versus MTX alone or in combination with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). We searched through major databases, the grey literature and did a manual search. Two independent reviewers conducted the selection, data extraction and analysis of the quality of the studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager(®) 5.1 software. Nine trials were included. The mean modified Jadad score was 4.4, but only one study showed low risk of bias. IFX + MTX regimen presented better responses in clinical outcomes of ACR and DAS28 by up to 54 weeks, and of radiographic progression by up to 104 weeks. Withdrawals due to lack of efficacy was lower in the IFX + MTX group. No significant difference in adverse events was observed. The IFX + MTX combination is more effective than treatment with MTX alone or DMARDs combination. This regimen presented good tolerability in patients previously treated with DMARDs, not treated with MTX or with insufficient responses to MTX. The efficacy of IFX + MTX is noted primarily during initial periods of treatment. High doses of IFX were as effective as the standard dose, but with possible higher risk of serious infections. Therefore, we advise clinicians to use the standard dose of IFX 3 mg/kg every 8 weeks.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-03-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-07-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10461-022-03737-Y
Abstract: We examined trends in the prevalence of post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure (PEPSE) per million population (2011-2019) and the proportion of repeated PEPSE within 365 days of the first PEPSE dispensing (2011-2018) in Brazil. We also compared the prevalence of repeated PEPSE according to patient and health services characteristics in 2018. The prevalence of PEPSE increased 55.5% from 2011 to 2019. Repeated PEPSE increased 11.8%, reaching 8.4% among people with their first dispensing in 2018. The prevalence of repeated PEPSE was higher in cis men or trans women (versus cisgender women) homosexuals (versus heterosexuals) and people aged 25-29 years (versus other age groups). We also observed greater prevalence of repeated PEPSE in HIV services in populous cities or services with elevated caseloads. Our findings highlight the need for strategies to reduce repeated PEPSE and promote other HIV-prevention technologies, particularly among young adults, cisgender men, transgender women, and homosexuals.
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1590/0102-311X00168915
Abstract: Abstract: We aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychotropic polypharmacy in Brazilian psychiatric patients by gender. Sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical data were obtained through face-to-face interviews and medical charts of 2,475 patients. Psychotropic polypharmacy was defined as the use of two or more psychotropic drugs and occurred in 85.7% of men (95%CI: 83.6%-87.6%) and 84.9% of women (95%CI: 82.8%-86.8% p 0.05). The mean number of psychotropic drugs atient was 2.98 ± 1.23 and most common combinations included antipsychotics. Multivariate analysis showed that for both genders, previous hospitalization, severe mental illness, multiple psychiatric diagnoses and an insufficient number of professionals in the health care unit was associated with psychotropic polypharmacy. However, other correlates such as inpatient care, use of non-psychotropic drugs, living in unstable conditions and current smoking vary among them. Psychotropic polypharmacy was a common practice in this national s le. The results highlighted the need for national guidelines to manage patients with mental illness, considering the difference among genders and disease severity, to reduce the burden of polyphamacy in this population.
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 02-2014
DOI: 10.1590/0102-311X00017913
Abstract: Neste trabalho buscou-se caracterizar o perfil dos usuários e os gastos relacionados com infliximabe e medicamentos modificadores do curso da doença (MMCD) sintéticos para tratamento da artrite reumatoide no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), Brasil. Uma coorte de 2003-2006 foi construída com base nos dados do Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial do SUS, e as análises foram estratificadas por características clínicas e sociodemográficas. Calculou-se o gasto médio mensal per capita para cada ano de seguimento e fatores que o influenciaram. Foram incluídos 26.228 pacientes, a maioria mulheres entre 40-59 anos, residentes na macrorregião Sudeste e com diagnóstico de síndrome de Felty. Medicamentos para artrite reumatoide somaram R$ 74.306.087,18. A mediana de gasto mensal per capita foi de R$ 3.466,03 para pacientes que usaram infliximabe versus R$ 143,85 para os que usaram MMCD sintéticos. O tratamento medicamentoso para artrite reumatoide constituiu a principal despesa no SUS, com elevado impacto econômico devido ao infliximabe. Sexo, diagnóstico, idade e região de residência foram fatores que influenciaram os gastos.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-09-2016
DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2016.1227702
Abstract: In Zambia, antibiotics are categorized as prescription-only medicines. Antibiotics dispensed without a prescription pose a public health threat, which is a concern. Consequently, the aim is to ascertain the extent of non-prescription sales and dispensing of antibiotics in community pharmacies in Zambia. The practice of non-prescription sale and dispensing were assessed in 73 randomly selected community retail pharmacies, using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire with simulated case scenarios. Majority (97%) stated that clients frequently requested non-prescribed antibiotics. Interviewees usually asked clients' indications (94%), counselled on dosing (96%) and suggested changes to antibiotic choices (97%). All (100%) dispensed non-prescribed antibiotics. Commonly dispensed antibiotics included amoxicillin (52%), cotrimoxazole (25%) and metronidazole (23%). Non-prescription sale and dispensing of antibiotics was significantly associated with interviewees' professional qualification in four out of five simulations. Non-prescription sale and dispensing of antibiotics is widespread in Zambia. Concerted public and professional interventions are needed coupled with stronger regulatory enforcement to reduce this.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-02-2019
DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1576841
Abstract: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a multidimensional concept involving an in idual's self-perception about how a disease or treatment impacts their daily life. In this study, we evaluated the HRQoL and factors associated with this outcome in 366 patients initiating combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.We measured HRQoL using the EuroQoL-5D 3 level (EQ-5D) and the HIV instrument of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) and identified factors associated with HRQoL using multilevel linear regression. Participants had been on cART treatment a median of 65.5 days at the time the instruments were completed. The median HRQoL of patients on the single-tablet regimen containing efavirenz/ tenofovir/ lamivudine and the multi-tablet regimen containing dolutegravir and tenofovir/ lamivudine were high, with no significant difference between groups. Factors consistently associated with lower HRQoL were being single (unmarried), having a lower educational level, recent cigarette smoking, recent signs and symptoms of anxiety or depression, comorbid disease and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. We observed high levels of HRQoL in cART-treated people and no differences between dolutegravir and efavirenz-based regimens. This study provides inputs to future economic analysis and identifies opportunities to increase the HRQoL of patients by targeting modifiable factors.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 02-06-2022
DOI: 10.1071/PY21240
Abstract: Background People with severe mental illness have a higher rate of premature death than the general population, largely due to primary care preventable diseases. There has been little research on the health profile of this population attending Australian general practices. Methods In this nationwide cross-sectional study, MedicineInsight data for adult patients regularly attending general practices in 2018 were analysed to estimate the prevalence of schizophrenia or bipolar disorders (SBD) and investigate the health profile of people with SBD compared with other patients. Multilevel models clustered by practice (n = 565) and patient, and practice characteristics were created. Results The prevalence of recorded SBD was 1.91% (95% CI = 1.88%–1.94%) among the 618 849 patients included. Patients with recorded SBD were more likely than other patients to have records of health risk factors, particularly smoking (aOR = 3.8, 95% CI = 3.6–3.9) and substance use (aOR = 5.9, 95% CI = 5.6–6.3), and higher probabilities of comorbidities including cardiovascular diseases (aOR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.2–1.4), cancer (aOR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0–1.2), diabetes mellitus type 2 (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 2.0–2.3), chronic kidney diseases (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.5–2.0), chronic liver diseases (aOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 2.6–4.0) and chronic respiratory diseases (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.7–1.8). Conclusions The higher prevalence of health risk factors and comorbidities among patients with recorded SBD underscores the need for proactive health risk monitoring and preventive care to address this health inequity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-04-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S00296-014-3006-2
Abstract: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of the anti-TNF drugs adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab used in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) adult treatment. Additionally, we present results of anti-TNF use in real life settings. We searched Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central and LILACS, from inception to 11/08/2013, for studies comparing anti-TNFs with each other or with controls. We included nine randomized controlled trials and six observational studies. ACR20, ACR50, PsARC and PASI75 responses were achieved by more users of anti-TNF than control after up to 24 weeks of treatment. More participants who used etanercept and infliximab achieved ACR70. After all patients originally randomized to anti-TNF or placebo had used anti-TNF for at least 24 weeks, we observed difference only with regard to ACR70 response. Radiographic end points were achieved by more patients in anti-TNF group, and they seem to be time dependent-the longer patients use the drug the better the results. Etanercept and infliximab had worse results on application site reactions, but in general anti-TNF drugs in the regimens studied were as safe as control lacebo. There seems to be no difference in efficacy and effectiveness among anti-TNFs, but superiority head-to-head studies are still needed. Meanwhile, other factors should be taken into account in the choice of medication, such as costs and patient convenience.
Publisher: Universidade de Sao Paulo, Agencia USP de Gestao da Informacao Academica (AGUIA)
Date: 12-11-2018
DOI: 10.11606/S1518-8787.2018052000399
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and the associated factors according to the type of regimen used: Single Tablet Regimen or Multiple Tablet Regimen. METHODS: Prospective cohort of 440 patients (male, 74.3%, median age, 36 years old) who initiated antiretroviral therapy between Jan/14 and Dec/15 at a referral service in Belo Horizonte. Efficacy was defined as viral suppression (viral load, VL 50 copies/ml) and evaluated after six and twelve months of treatment. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral data were collected from clinical charts and from Information Systems. Multivariate analysis of overall effectiveness was performed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Most patients initiated Multiple Tablet Regimen antiretroviral therapy (n = 255, 58%). At six months, overall viral suppression was 74.6%, being higher among patients who used Single Tablet Regimen (80.6%, p = 0.04). At twelve months, 83.2% of patients reached viral suppression, with no difference between groups (p = 0.93). Factors independently associated with viral suppression at six and twelve months varied, being negatively associated with effectiveness: VL ≥ 100,000 copies/ml, symptoms of AIDS, longer interval time between diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy, antiretroviral switching, smoking or current illicit drugs usage (p 0.05). Factors positively associated with viral suppression included adherence to antiretroviral therapy and category of risk/exposure of men who have sex with men (p 0.05). Reaching viral suppression at six months was the main predictor of effectiveness at one year (OR = 8.96 and p 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Viral suppression was high and better results were achieved for patients who used Single Tablet Regimen regimens at six months. Clinical, behavioral, and antiretroviral therapy -related factors influence viral suppression and highlight the need for interventions to increase early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy, patient’s adherence, and to reduce illicit drugs and cigarette smoking in this population.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2014
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 26-11-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.11.24.21266837
Abstract: Depression and anxiety affect 4% to 14% of Australians every year symptoms may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined recent patterns of antidepressant use in Australia in the period 2015 to 2021, which includes the first year of the pandemic. We used national dispensing claims for people aged ≥10 years to investigate annual trends in prevalent and new antidepressant use (no antidepressants dispensed in the year prior). We conducted stratified analyses by sex, age group and antidepressant class. We report outcomes from 2015 to 2019 and used time series analysis to quantify changes during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to February 2021). In 2019 the annual prevalence of antidepressant use was 170.4 per 1,000 women and 101.8 per 1,000 men, an increase of 7.0% and 9.2% from 2015, respectively. New antidepressant use also increased for both sexes (3.0% for women and 4.9% for men) and across most age groups, particularly among adolescents (aged 10-17 years 46%-57%). During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed higher than expected prevalent use (+2.2%, 95%CI 0.3%, 4.2%) among females, corresponding to a predicted excess of 45,217 (95%CI 5,819, 84,614) females dispensed antidepressants. The largest increases during the first year of the pandemic occurred among female adolescents for both prevalent (+11.7%, 95%CI 4.1%, 20.5%) and new antidepressant use (+15.6%, 95%CI 8.5%, 23.7%). Antidepressant use continues to increase in Australia overall and especially among young people. We found a differential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in treated depression and anxiety, greater among females than males, and greater among young females than other age groups, suggesting an increased mental health burden in populations already on a trajectory of increased use of antidepressants prior to the pandemic. Reasons for these differences require further investigation.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-03-2023
DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2050179
Abstract: Pharmacy dispensing data are useful for estimating adherence to therapy. Here, we implement multiple adherence measures to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and provide an online tool for visualising results. We conducted a cohort study for 2,042 people dispensed ART in Australia. We assessed adherence using the Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) within 360 days of follow-up as a continuous measure and dichotomised (PDC ≥80%). We defined a covered day as the 1) exposure to ≥3 antiretrovirals at the same time 2) exposure to any antiretroviral 3) lowest number of days covered per antiretroviral 4) average of days covered over all antiretrovirals 5) highest number of days covered per antiretroviral. For each method, we conducted sensitivity analyses. The median PDC ranged between 93.3%-98.3%. Between 67.0%-87.7% of in iduals were classified as adherent, with higher values for measure 2 (85.5%-89.7%) and lower values for measure 3 (67.0%-70.9%). Censoring loss to follow-up had a higher impact on adherence estimates than considering a grace period. The variation in adherence estimates can be substantial, especially when dichotomising adherence. Researchers should consider operationalising multiple measures to estimate adherence bounds and identify a range of people at risk of non-adherence for targeted interventions.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 10-12-2021
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 07-02-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FDATA.2021.788268
Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an appreciable socioeconomical impact in low- and middle-income countries, but most epidemiological data originate from high-income countries. For this reason, it is especially important to understand survival and factors associated with survival in COPD patients in these countries. To assess survival of COPD patients in Brazil, to identify risk factors associated with overall survival, including treatment options funded by the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). We built a retrospective cohort study of patients dispensed COPD treatment in SUS, from 2003 to 2015 using a National Database created from the record linkage of administrative databases. We further matched patients 1:1 based on sex, age and year of entry to assess the effect of the medicines on patient survival. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate overall survival of patients, and Cox's model of proportional risks to assess risk factors. Thirty seven thousand and nine hundred and thirty eight patients were included. Patient's survival rates at 1 and 10 years were 97.6% (CI 95% 97.4–97.8) and 83.1% (CI 95% 81.9–84.3), respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that male patients, over 65 years old and underweight had an increased risk of death. Therapeutic regimens containing a bronchodilator in a free dose along with a fixed-dose combination of corticosteroid and bronchodilator seem to be a protective factor when compared to other regimens. Our findings contribute to the knowledge of COPD patients' profile, survival rate and related risk factors, providing new evidence that supports the debate about pharmacological therapy and healthcare of these patients.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 02-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-12-2021
Abstract: Australia spends more than $20 billion annually on medicines, delivering significant health benefits for the population. However, inappropriate prescribing and medicine use also result in harm to in iduals and populations, and waste of precious health resources. Medication data linked with other routine collections enable evidence generation in pharmacoepidemiology the science of quantifying the use, effectiveness and safety of medicines in real-world clinical practice. This review details the history of medicines policy and data access in Australia, the strengths of existing data sources, and the infrastructure and governance enabling and impeding evidence generation in the field. Currently, substantial gaps persist with respect to cohesive, contemporary linked data sources supporting quality use of medicines, effectiveness and safety research exemplified by Australia’s limited capacity to contribute to the global effort in real-world studies of vaccine and disease-modifying treatments for COVID-19. We propose a roadmap to bolster the discipline, and population health more broadly, underpinned by a distinct capability governing and streamlining access to linked data assets for accredited researchers. Robust real-world evidence generation requires current data roadblocks to be remedied as a matter of urgency to deliver efficient and equitable health care and improve the health and well-being of all Australians.
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1590/S0034-8910.2015049005430
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To analyze the cost-effectiveness of treatment regimens with cyclosporine or tacrolimus, five years after renal transplantation.METHODS This cost-effectiveness analysis was based on historical cohort data obtained between 2000 and 2004 and involved 2,022 patients treated with cyclosporine or tacrolimus, matched 1:1 for gender, age, and type and year of transplantation. Graft survival and the direct costs of medical care obtained from the National Health System (SUS) databases were used as outcome results.RESULTS Most of the patients were women, with a mean age of 36.6 years. The most frequent diagnosis of chronic renal failure was glomerulonephritis/nephritis (27.7%). In five years, the tacrolimus group had an average life expectancy gain of 3.96 years at an annual cost of R$78,360.57 compared with the cyclosporine group with a gain of 4.05 years and an annual cost of R$61,350.44.CONCLUSIONS After matching, the study indicated better survival of patients treated with regimens using tacrolimus. However, regimens containing cyclosporine were more cost-effective.
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1590/0102-311X00060615
Abstract: Resumo: Avaliou-se as barreiras de acesso ao tratamento da doença de Alzheimer com base nos processos administrativos de medicamentos inibidores da colinesterase (IChE), enviados à Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2012 e 2013. Utilizando-se informações de 165 processos selecionados aleatoriamente, abordaram-se as dimensões de acesso: acessibilidade geográfica, acomodação, aceitabilidade, disponibilidade e capacidade aquisitiva. O trâmite administrativo para o fornecimento dos IChE levou em média 39 dias e foi influenciado por características do trajeto percorrido pelo usuário. A maioria dos prescritores cumpriu menos de 80% dos critérios exigidos pelo Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas (PCDT) da doença de Alzheimer. Como resultado, 38% dos processos não foram deferidos. A capacidade aquisitiva para o tratamento privado mensal com IChE foi de cerca de 21 dias de salário mínimo. Conclui-se que a burocracia do trâmite administrativo e a dificuldade de seguimento do PCDT pelos prescritores prejudicam o acesso ao tratamento da doença de Alzheimer e constituem uma grande carga para o orçamento dos pacientes.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-05-2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-02-2023
DOI: 10.1177/00048674221079740
Abstract: Depression and anxiety affect 4–14% of Australians every year symptoms may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined recent patterns of antidepressant use in Australia in the period 2015–2021, which includes the first year of the pandemic. We used national dispensing claims for people aged ⩾10 years to investigate annual trends in prevalent and new antidepressant use (no antidepressants dispensed in the year prior). We conducted stratified analyses by sex, age group and antidepressant class. We report outcomes from 2015 to 2019 and used time series analysis to quantify changes during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020–February 2021). In 2019, the annual prevalence of antidepressant use was 170.4 per 1000 women and 101.8 per 1000 men, an increase of 7.0% and 9.2% from 2015, respectively. New antidepressant use also increased for both sexes (3.0% for women and 4.9% for men) and across most age groups, particularly among adolescents (aged 10–17 years 46–57%). During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed higher than expected prevalent use (+2.2%, 95% CI = [0.3%, 4.2%]) among females, corresponding to a predicted excess of 45,217 (95% CI = [5,819, 84,614]) females dispensed antidepressants. The largest increases during the first year of the pandemic occurred among female adolescents for both prevalent (+11.7%, 95% CI = [4.1%, 20.5%]) and new antidepressant use (+15.6%, 95% CI = [8.5%, 23.7%]). Antidepressant use continues to increase in Australia overall and especially among young people. We found a differential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in treated depression and anxiety, greater among females than males, and greater among young females than other age groups, suggesting an increased mental health burden in populations already on a trajectory of increased use of antidepressants prior to the pandemic. Reasons for these differences require further investigation.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-05-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-09-2013
DOI: 10.3390/PH6101170
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-12-2023
DOI: 10.1111/BCP.15614
Abstract: We quantified concomitant medicine use and occurrence of potential drug–drug interactions in people living with HIV in Australia who are treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this cohort study using dispensing claims of a 10% random s le of Australians, we identified 2230 people dispensed ART between January 2018 and December 2019 (mean age 49.0 years, standard deviation 12.0 years, 88% male). We examined concomitant medicine use by identifying nontopical medicines dispensed within 90‐days of any antiretroviral medicine dispensing during a 12‐month follow‐up period. For every antiretroviral and nonantiretroviral pair, we identified and classified possible drug–drug interactions using the University of Liverpool HIV drug interactions database. A total of 1728 (78%) people were dispensed at least 1 and 633 (28%) 5 or more unique medicines in addition to ART in a 12‐month period systemic anti‐infectives and medicines acting on the nervous system were the most common (68% and 56%, respectively). Among comedicated people, 1637 (95%) had at least 1 medicine combination classified as weak interactions, 558 (32%) interactions requiring close monitoring/dose adjustment and 94 (5%) that should not be coadministered. Contraindication or interactions requiring close monitoring/dose adjustment were more common among people receiving protease inhibitors (50–73% across different antiretrovirals), non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (35–64%), people using single‐tablet combinations containing elvitegravir (30–46%) and those using tenofovir disoproxil (26–30%). Concomitant medicine use is widespread among people living with HIV in Australia. Despite a relatively low prevalence of contraindicated medicines, almost a third received medicines that require close monitoring or dose adjustment.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JPHS.12133
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-07-2018
Publisher: Swansea University
Date: 15-04-2021
Abstract: ObjectiveA wealth of data is generated through Australia’s universal health care arrangements. However, use of these data has been h ered by different federal and state legislation, privacy concerns and challenges in linking data across jurisdictions. A series of data reforms have been touted to increase population health research capacity in Australia, including pharmacoepidemiology research. Here we catalogued research leveraging Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data (2014–2018) and discussed these outputs in the context of previously implemented and new data reforms. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of population-based studies using PBS dispensing claims. Independent reviewers screened abstracts of 4,996 articles and 310 full-text manuscripts. We characterised publications according to study population, analytical approach, data sources used, aims and medicines focus. ResultsWe identified 180 studies 133 used in idual-level data, 70 linked PBS dispensing claims with other health data (66 across jurisdictions). Studies using in idual-level data focussed on Australians receiving government benefits (87 studies) rather than all PBS-eligible persons. 63 studies examined clinician or patient practices and 33 examined exposure-outcome relationships (27 evaluated medicines safety, 6 evaluated effectiveness). Medicines acting on the nervous and cardiovascular system account for the greatest volume of PBS medicines dispensed and were the most commonly studied (67 and 40 studies, respectively). Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents account for approximately one third of PBS expenditure but represented only 10% of studies in this review. ConclusionsThe studies in this review represent more than a third of all population-based pharmacoepidemiology research published in the last three decades in Australia. Recent data reforms have contributed to this escalating output. However, studies are concentrated among specific subpopulations and medicines classes, and there remains a limited understanding of population benefits and harms derived from medicines use. The current draft Data Availability and Transparency legislation should further bolster efforts in population health research.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-06-2018
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 13-08-2018
DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2018.0036170418
Abstract: Enteral parasitic diseases are a public health problem in nations with low economic development and in settings with poor sanitation. Amebiasis is the second most frequent form of parasitosis, with a high burden of disease. Knowledge of the prevalence of enteroparasitoses in a given region is useful for planning clinical decision-making. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of enteral parasitic diseases, especially amebiasis, through analysis on stool s les from public and private laboratories in a metropolitan area in southeastern Brazil. Cross-sectional study conducted in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. We evaluated 6,289 fecal s les from one private and one public laboratory. The s les were concentrated by means of spontaneous sedimentation, and those that were positive for Entamoeba histolytica or Entamoeba dispar in optical microscopy analyses were processed to obtain deoxyribonucleic acid, with subsequent identification through the polymerase chain reaction. Among the stool s les, 942 (15.0%) had parasitic infections 73 (1.2%) of these were helminthic infections and 847 (13.5%) were protozoan infections, caused mainly by Escherichia coli (6.0%), Endolimax nana (5.2%) and Giardia lamblia (1.2%). Infections due to Entamoeba histolytica or Entamoeba dispar occurred in 36 s les (0.6%) and the polymerase chain reaction revealed five (13.9%) as Entamoeba histolytica. The prevalence of enteral parasitic diseases is high in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, although amebiasis may not be a problem.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-06-2016
DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2016.1190270
Abstract: Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are well established immunosuppressants however little is known about long term survival rates. The project aim was to compare 10-year graft survival and associated factors among kidney transplant patients within the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) prescribed either immunosuppressant. Analyze a national cohort of kidney transplant recipients within SUS. Graft loss defined by death or dialysis for more than three months. Kaplan-Meier method used to estimate cumulative probabilities of survival. Cox proportional hazards model used to evaluate factors associated with progression to graft loss. 13,811 patients were included, 5,887 used cyclosporine and 7,924 tacrolimus. A higher risk of graft loss was associated with tacrolimus, a deceased donor, additional years of age, median period of dialysis greater than 47 months, diagnosis of diabetes as the primary cause of chronic kidney disease and transplantation between 2005 and 2009. Among other factors, tacrolimus-based regimens were associated with worse graft survival.
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1590/0102-311X00115518
Abstract: Abstract: We evaluated adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and its associated factors according to the type of regimen in patients initiating treatment in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. We measured adherence using the eight items Morisky Therapeutic Adhesion Scale (MMAS-8) and compared the use of “backbone” tenofovir/lamivudine plus efavirenz one tablet once-daily (STR) or dolutegravir in multi-tablet once-daily (MTR-DTG), or other multi-tablet regimens (MTR-other). We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to address factors associated with adherence. A total of 393 patients were included, 254 used STR, 106 MTR-DTG, and 33 MTR-other. The overall adhesion rate was 44.8% (95%CI: 39.4 50.1), 50% for MTR-DTG, 43.3% for STR and 39.4% for MTR-other. Multivariate analysis showed a higher chance of adherence among patients using MTR-DTG, those who received and understood counseling about their treatment and with a higher quality of life. Prior use of illicit drugs in the lifetime was associated with poorer adherence. Overall adherence was low, highlighting the need for strategies focusing on counseling about medicines and substance use. Pill burden was not an issue for patients using MTR-DTG once-daily, who achieved better results.
Publisher: Research, Society and Development
Date: 18-05-2022
Abstract: Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia da terapia dupla em in íduos submetidos à troca, mantendo carga viral 50 cópias/ml e em casos de troca por insuficiência renal, se houve alteração no clearance de cretinina, creatinina sérica e fósforo sérico. Metodologia: Coorte retrospectiva de in íduos 18 anois, que mudaram para terapia dupla, acompanhados por até 116 semanas e os resultados foram avaliados em 48 e/ou até 96 semanas após a troca. Os dados foram coletados no período de julho de 2020 a junho de 2021, por meio de pronbtuários e consulta so Sistema de Controle de Exames Laboratoriais (SISCEL) e ao Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos (SICLOM). As análises foram realizadas utilizando o software SPSS. Resultados: A maioria dos in íduos era do sexo masculino (65,5%), a média de idade na troca foi de 54,4 anos. O esquema de terapia dupla mais utilizado foi a associação DTG + 3TC (73,6%). O principal motivo de troca foi função renal prejudicada (40%), o medicamento mais descontinuado foi o TDF (55,79%). A maioria dos in íduos manteve a supressão viral por até 48 semanas após a troca (n=84, 96,8%). Dois in íduos (2,3%) não atingiram supressão viral neste período, com valores de 51 e 55 cópias/ml de vírus. Não houve alteração significativa na TFG comparando os níveis basais com 48 semanas após a troca. Quanto ao fósforo, comparando o valor basal, com o valor medido 48-96 semans após a troca houve discreto aumento, com significância estatística (2,70 ± 0,76 mg/dl vs. 3,14 ± 0,47 p = 0,026). Conclusão: A maioria dos in íduos manteve a supressão viral em até 48 e/ou até 96 semanas, demonstrando efetividade da terapia dupla. Entre os que trocaram por insuficiência renal, não houve melhora da taxa de filtração glomerular em 48 semans, mas observou-se aumento da excreção de fósforo, o que requer mais estudos, com amostra maior e seguimento mais longo.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2023
No related grants have been discovered for Juliana de Oliveira Costa.