https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(03)14966-5.pdf

Anaesthesia, surgery, and challenges in postoperative recovery

Background: As the popularity of e-therapies grows, so too has the body of literature supporting their effectiveness. However, these interventions are often plagued by high attrition rates and varying levels of user adherence. Understanding the role of adherence may be crucial to understanding how program usage influences the effectiveness of e-therapy interventions. Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review the e-therapy literature to (1) describe the methods used to assess adherence and (2) evaluate the association of adherence with outcome of these interventions. Methods: A systematic review of e-therapy interventions was conducted across disease states and behavioral targets. Data were collected on adherence measures, outcomes, and analyses exploring the relationship between adherence measures and outcomes. Results: Of 69 studies that reported an adherence measure, only 33 (48%) examined the relationship between adherence and outcomes. The number of logins was the most commonly reported measure of adherence, followed by the number of modules completed. The heterogeneity of adherence and outcome measures limited analysis. However, logins appeared to be the measure of adherence most consistently related to outcomes in physical health interventions, while module completion was found to be most related to outcomes in psychological health interventions. Conclusions: There is large variation in the reporting of adherence and the association of adherence with outcomes. A lack of agreement about how best to measure adherence is likely to contribute to the variation in findings. Physical and psychological outcomes seem influenced by different types of adherence. A composite measure encompassing time online, activity completion, and active engagements with the intervention may be the best measure of adherence. Further research is required to establish a consensus for measuring adherence and to understand the role of adherence in influencing outcomes.

/pdf/a-systematic-review-of-the-impact-of-adherence-on-the-4e7yqnetu5.pdf

A systematic review of the impact of adherence on the effectiveness of e-therapies.

A revision of the 2000 British Association for Psychopharmacology evidence-based guidelines for treating depressive disorders with antidepressants was undertaken to incorporate new evidence and to update the recommendations where appropriate. A consensus meeting involving experts in depressive disorders and their management was held in May 2006. Key areas in treating depression were reviewed, and the strength of evidence and clinical implications were considered. The guidelines were drawn up after extensive feedback from participants and interested parties. A literature review is provided, which identifies the quality of evidence to inform the recommendations, the strength of which are based on the level of evidence. These guidelines cover the nature and detection of depressive disorders, acute treatment with antidepressant drugs, choice of drug versus alternative treatment, practical issues in prescribing and management, next-step treatment, relapse prevention, treatment of relapse, and stopping treatment.

/pdf/evidence-based-guidelines-for-treating-depressive-disorders-2py43vtx76.pdf

Evidence-based guidelines for treating depressive disorders with antidepressants: A revision of the 2000 British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines

A revision of the 2008 British Association for Psychopharmacology evidence-based guidelines for treating depressive disorders with antidepressants was undertaken in order to incorporate new evidence and to update the recommendations where appropriate. A consensus meeting involving experts in depressive disorders and their management was held in September 2012. Key areas in treating depression were reviewed and the strength of evidence and clinical implications were considered. The guidelines were then revised after extensive feedback from participants and interested parties. A literature review is provided which identifies the quality of evidence upon which the recommendations are made. These guidelines cover the nature and detection of depressive disorders, acute treatment with antidepressant drugs, choice of drug versus alternative treatment, practical issues in prescribing and management, next-step treatment, relapse prevention, treatment of relapse and stopping treatment. Significant changes since the last guidelines were published in 2008 include the availability of new antidepressant treatment options, improved evidence supporting certain augmentation strategies (drug and non-drug), management of potential long-term side effects, updated guidance for prescribing in elderly and adolescent populations and updated guidance for optimal prescribing. Suggestions for future research priorities are also made.

/pdf/evidence-based-guidelines-for-treating-depressive-disorders-3zdk2lkhex.pdf

Evidence-based guidelines for treating depressive disorders with antidepressants: A revision of the 2008 British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially the early stages, is still not exactly known. This is also true for CKD stage 3, when cardiovascular and other major complications generally appear. The NANHES data have shown a steady increase in the prevalence of CKD 3 up to 7.7% in 2004. Chronic kidney disease and renal failure are underdiagnosed all over the world. In Italy, prevalence estimates for stage 3 to 5 CKD are around 4 million yet, less than 30% of these subjects are believed to be followed at nephrology clinics. This means that in Italy for every dialyzed patient there are about 85 individuals with possibly progressive kidney disease, while fewer than five (mainly stage 4 and 5 patients) are actually followed by a nephrologist.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease

Disease Burden in the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Findings From a Time-and-Motion Study

Background
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the second most common medical complication and a cause of excess length of hospital stay. Its incidence and economic burden are expected to increase as the population ages. We reviewed the recent literature to provide updated cost estimates on VTE management.

/pdf/review-of-the-cost-of-venous-thromboembolism-483dxxai14.pdf

Review of the cost of venous thromboembolism.

OBJECTIVE:
Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of antidepressant treatment, but recognition of the problem is variable. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and impact of sexual dysfunction during antidepressant treatment in 2 European countries. METHOD:
A cross-sectional survey of 502 adults in France and the United Kingdom. All participants were diagnosed with depression and taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), starting within the previous 3 months. Information was gathered about other medications and conditions known to impair sexual functioning, recent changes in sexual functioning, and the impact of any changes. The Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale were administered to measure health status and sexual functioning. Data were collected from June to July of 2002. RESULTS:
Applying a prevalence estimate algorithm, 26.6% of the French sample and 39.2% of the U.K. sample were classified as having antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction; 34.2% of men and 32.5% of women were classified with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. There was no clear pattern of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction related to specific antidepressants. Patients with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction reported that changes in sexual functioning negatively affected their self-esteem, mood, and relationships with sexual partners. 23.8% of the French sample and 25.2% of the U.K. sample reported that they perceived that their partner was dissatisfied with their sex life. CONCLUSION:
The prevalence of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in this study is similar to previous estimates reported in the literature. The impact of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is substantial and negatively affects quality of life, self-esteem, mood, and relationships with sexual partners.

Estimating the prevalence and impact of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in 2 European countries: a cross-sectional patient survey.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex debilitating condition affecting more than 70 million people worldwide. With the increased prevalence in risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in an aging population, CKD prevalence is also expected to increase. Increased awareness and understanding of the overall CKD burden by health care teams (patients, clinicians, and payers) is warranted so that overall care and treatment management may improve. This review of the burden of CKD summarizes available evidence of the clinical, humanistic, and economic burden of CKD and the current unmet need for new treatments and serves as a resource on the overall burden. Across countries, CKD prevalence varies considerably and is dependent upon patient characteristics. The prevalence of risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and congestive heart failure is noticeably higher in patients with lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) and results in highly complex CKD patient populations. As CKD severity worsens, there is a subsequent decline in patient health-related quality of life and an increased use of health care resources as well as burgeoning costs. With current treatment, nearly half of patients progress to unfavorable renal and cardiovascular outcomes. Although curative treatment that will arrest kidney deterioration is desired, innovative agents under investigation for CKD to slow kidney deterioration, such as atrasentan, bardoxolone methyl, and spherical carbon adsorbent, may offer patients healthier and more productive lives.

/pdf/high-burden-and-unmet-patient-needs-in-chronic-kidney-12xntwl1on.pdf

High burden and unmet patient needs in chronic kidney disease

Sexual dysfunction is a common but often unrecognized side effect of many antidepressants. Building upon the results of a previous investigation, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction (AASD) in three European countries. A cross-sectional survey of 704 adults in Germany, Spain, and The Netherlands was used in the study. All participants had recently started taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or serotonin- noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. Information about other medications and conditions known to impair sexual functioning was gathered, and changes in sexual functioning and the impact of such changes were assessed. The SF-12 and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) were administered to measure health status and sexual functioning. AASD was defined using ASEX scores and information regarding changes in sexual functioning. ASEX scores generally exceeded the threshold defining sexual dysfunction: 67.2% in the German, 79.4% in the Spanish, and 73.3% in the Dutch samples. The prevalence of AASD was conservatively estimated to be between 37.1% (German sample) and 61.5% (Spanish sample). Overall, 46.4% of male and 52.1% of female participants were classified with AASD. Patients classified with AASD reported significantly worse quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, mood, and relationships with partners, compared with non-AASD patients. There were significant differences between patients with and without AASD in SF-12 Mental Component scores, with AASD patients displaying poorer mental well-being. Sexual dysfunction is a frequent occurrence during antidepressant treatment, and is associated with reduced QoL and self-esteem, and negative effects on mood and relationships.

Susan Hogue

Papers

Disease Burden in the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Findings From a Time-and-Motion Study

Review of the cost of venous thromboembolism.

Estimating the prevalence and impact of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in 2 European countries: a cross-sectional patient survey.

High burden and unmet patient needs in chronic kidney disease

Prevalence and impact of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction in three European countries: replication in a cross-sectional patient survey: