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BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation are frequently nonadherent to oral anticoagulants (OACs) prescribed for stroke and systemic embolism (SSE) prevention. We quantified the relationship between OAC adherence and atrial fibrillation clinical outcomes using methods not previously applied to this problem. METHODS AND RESULTS: Retrospective observational cohort study of incident cases of atrial fibrillation from population-based administrative data over 23 years. The exposure of interest was proportion of days covered during 90 days before an event or end of follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate time to first SSE and the composite of SSE, transient ischemic attack, or death and several secondary outcomes. A total of 44 172 patients were included with median follow-up of 6.7 years. For direct OACs (DOACs), each 10% decrease in adherence was associated with a 14% increased hazard of SSE and 5% increased hazard of SSE, transient ischemic attack, or death. For vitamin K antagonist (VKA) the corresponding increase in SSE hazard was 3%. Receiving DOAC or VKA was associated with primary outcome hazard reduction across most the proportion of days covered spectrum. Differences between VKA and DOAC were statistically significant for all efficacy outcomes and at most adherence levels. CONCLUSIONS: Even small reductions in OAC adherence in patients with atrial fibrillation were associated with significant increases in risk of stroke, with greater magnitudes for DOAC than VKA. DOAC recipients may be more vulnerable than VKA recipients to increased risk of stroke and death even with small reductions in adherence. The worsening efficacy outcomes associated with decreasing adherence occurred without the benefit of major bleeding reduction.

Asunto(s)

Anticoagulantes , Fibrilación Atrial , Cumplimiento de la Medicación , Accidente Cerebrovascular , Humanos , Fibrilación Atrial/tratamiento farmacológico , Fibrilación Atrial/complicaciones , Masculino , Femenino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Anticoagulantes/administración & dosificación , Anticoagulantes/efectos adversos , Anticoagulantes/uso terapéutico , Anciano , Cumplimiento de la Medicación/estadística & datos numéricos , Administración Oral , Accidente Cerebrovascular/prevención & control , Accidente Cerebrovascular/epidemiología , Accidente Cerebrovascular/etiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Tiempo , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Resultado del Tratamiento , Embolia/prevención & control , Embolia/epidemiología , Embolia/etiología , Factores de Riesgo , Ataque Isquémico Transitorio/epidemiología , Ataque Isquémico Transitorio/prevención & control

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BACKGROUND: With the burden of colorectal cancer in Canada, there is a need to address the psycho-oncologic challenges, including mental health. This study aims to explore the lived mental health experiences in patients with CRC across the phases of the CRC care continuum. METHODS: We employed a patient-oriented constructivist grounded theory design and recruited English speaking participants ≥18 years, diagnosed with CRC within the last 10 years, residing in Canada. We collected data through semi-structured individual interviews using a guide co-constructed with patient research partners. Data collection and analysis were iterative, employed theoretical sampling, and culminated in a theoretical model. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants diagnosed with CRC (18 females, 10 males), aged 18-63 years at time of diagnosis were interviewed, with representation across all CRC stages. There were 10 participants (36%) in treatment, 12 participants (43%) in follow-up, and 6 participants (21%) in the beyond phase. We constructed a patient-oriented theory illustrating the dynamic nature between one's self-identity and their mental health experiences across the CRC care continuum. Mental health experiences encompass emotional and cognitive-behavioral responses, expressed differently across phases. Mental health care experiences are also shaped by barriers, facilitators, and individual contextual factors, all of which influence their access to care. CONCLUSION: Our theory provides insight into the mental health experiences of patients with CRC across phases of the CRC care continuum. Understanding patients' emotional and cognitive-behavioral responses and care experiences can help identify opportunities to integrate mental health into CRC care.

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Neoplasias Colorrectales , Teoría Fundamentada , Salud Mental , Humanos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/psicología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/terapia , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Canadá , Investigación Cualitativa

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BACKGROUND: Autoimmune diseases disproportionately impact women and female-specific aspects of reproduction are thought to play a role. We investigated the time-varying association between pregnancy complications and new-onset autoimmune disease in females during the reproductive and midlife years. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study of 1 704 553 singleton births to 1 072 445 females in Ontario, Canada (2002-17) with no pre-existing autoimmune disease. Pregnancy complications were preeclampsia, stillbirth, spontaneous preterm birth and severe small for gestational age (SGA). Royston-Parmar models were used to estimate the time-varying association between pregnancy complications and a composite of 25 autoimmune diseases from date of delivery to date of autoimmune disease diagnosis or censoring at death, loss of health insurance, or 31 March 2021. Models were adjusted for baseline socio-demographics, parity and comorbidities. RESULTS: At 19 years (median = 10.9 years of follow-up), cumulative incidence of autoimmune disease was 3.1% in those with a pregnancy complication and 2.6% in those without complications. Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) curves as a function of time since birth were generally L-shaped. Universally, risks were most elevated within the first 3 years after birth [at 1 year: preeclampsia AHR 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.36; stillbirth AHR 1.36, 95% CI 0.99-1.85; spontaneous preterm birth AHR 1.30, 95% CI 1.18-1.44; severe SGA AHR 1.14, 95% CI 0.99-1.31] and plateaued but remained elevated thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Prior history of pregnancy complications may be an important female-specific risk factor to consider during clinical assessment of females for possible autoimmune disease to facilitate timely detection and treatment.

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Enfermedades Autoinmunes , Complicaciones del Embarazo , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/epidemiología , Ontario/epidemiología , Adulto , Complicaciones del Embarazo/epidemiología , Nacimiento Prematuro/epidemiología , Incidencia , Factores de Riesgo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recién Nacido Pequeño para la Edad Gestacional , Estudios de Cohortes , Adulto Joven , Preeclampsia/epidemiología , Modelos de Riesgos Proporcionales , Mortinato/epidemiología , Recién Nacido

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OBJECTIVE: Molecular or biomarker testing to guide targeted treatments for colorectal cancer (CRC) has advanced care, specifically by improving treatment specificity. Our objective was to explore patients' experiences and perspectives with biomarker testing in Canada. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study among adults (≥ 18 years) who have been diagnosed with CRC and able to communicate in English. Quantitative data was gathered using an online survey, with questions on awareness of and experiences with biomarker testing. Qualitative data was gathered using semi-structured interviews with a sample of survey respondents to provide context to survey findings. RESULTS: Among 55 survey respondents, 76% have heard of biomarker testing and of these, 67% have had biomarker testing done. Among the 33% of respondents that have not had biomarker testing done, reasons were: not offered/referred, fear/anxiety over results, and cost. Respondents who had biomarker testing largely found biomarker testing useful (89%), though, only half indicated that they were able to understand the information on their biomarker testing report. Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts identified four themes: 1) perceived benefits of biomarker testing, 2) knowledge of biomarker testing, 3) experiences with accessing and receiving biomarker testing, and 4) recommendations for addressing challenges with biomarker testing. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our study provides insight into CRC patients' perspectives and experiences with biomarker testing. Ongoing efforts by patient organizations, providers, and policymakers to improve awareness and access to biomarker testing must be informed by the patient perspective.

Asunto(s)

Biomarcadores de Tumor , Neoplasias Colorrectales , Humanos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/psicología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/diagnóstico , Canadá , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Adulto , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Investigación Cualitativa

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BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is estimated to be the fourth most common cancer diagnosis in Canada (except for nonmelanoma skin cancers) and the second and third leading cause of cancer-related death in male and female individuals, respectively. OBJECTIVE: The rising incidence of early age-onset colorectal cancer (EAO-CRC; diagnosis at less than 50 years) calls for a better understanding of patients' pathway to diagnosis. Therefore, we evaluated patterns of prescription medication use before EAO-CRC diagnosis. METHODS: We used linked administrative health databases in British Columbia (BC), Canada, to identify individuals diagnosed with EAO-CRC between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as "cases"), along with cancer-free controls (1:10), matched by age and sex. We identified all prescriptions dispensed from community pharmacies during the year prior to diagnosis and used the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification system Level 3 to group prescriptions according to the drug class. A parallel assessment was conducted for individuals diagnosed with average age-onset CRC (diagnosis at age 50 years and older). RESULTS: We included 1001 EAO-CRC cases (n=450, 45% female participants; mean 41.0, SD 6.1 years), and 12,989 prescriptions were filled in the year before diagnosis by 797 (79.7%) individuals. Top-filled drugs were antidepressants (first; n=1698, 13.1%). Drugs for peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (third; n=795, 6.1%) were more likely filled by EAO-CRC cases than controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7) and with more frequent fills (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.7-1.9). We noted similar patterns for topical agents for hemorrhoids and anal fissures, which were more likely filled by EAO-CRC cases than controls (OR 7.4, 95% CI 5.8-9.4) and with more frequent fills (OR 15.6, 95% CI 13.1-18.6). CONCLUSIONS: We observed frequent prescription medication use in the year before diagnosis of EAO-CRC, including for drugs to treat commonly reported symptoms of EAO-CRC.

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Background: Individuals with disabilities may require specific medications in pregnancy. The prevalence and patterns of medication use, overall and for medications with known teratogenic risks, are largely unknown. Methods: This population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada, 2004-2021, comprised all recognized pregnancies among individuals eligible for public drug plan coverage. Included were those with a physical (n = 44,136), sensory (n = 13,633), intellectual or developmental (n = 2,446) disability, or multiple disabilities (n = 5,064), compared with those without a disability (n = 299,944). Prescription medication use in pregnancy, overall and by type, was described. Modified Poisson regression generated relative risks (aRR) for the use of medications with known teratogenic risks and use of ≥2 and ≥5 medications concurrently in pregnancy, comparing those with versus without a disability, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Results: Medication use in pregnancy was more common in people with intellectual or developmental (82.1%), multiple (80.4%), physical (73.9%), and sensory (71.9%) disabilities, than in those with no known disability (67.4%). Compared with those without a disability (5.7%), teratogenic medication use in pregnancy was especially higher in people with multiple disabilities (14.2%; aRR 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.88-2.20). Furthermore, compared with people without a disability (3.2%), the use of ≥5 medications concurrently was more common in those with multiple disabilities (13.4%; aRR 2.21, 95% CI: 2.02-2.41) and an intellectual or developmental disability (9.3%; aRR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.86-2.45). Interpretation: Among people with disabilities, medication use in pregnancy is prevalent, especially for potentially teratogenic medications and polypharmacy, highlighting the need for preconception counseling/monitoring to reduce medication-related harm in pregnancy.

Asunto(s)

Personas con Discapacidad , Medicamentos bajo Prescripción , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Adulto , Medicamentos bajo Prescripción/uso terapéutico , Medicamentos bajo Prescripción/efectos adversos , Personas con Discapacidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Ontario/epidemiología , Estudios de Cohortes , Complicaciones del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Complicaciones del Embarazo/epidemiología , Adulto Joven , Teratógenos , Adolescente , Anomalías Inducidas por Medicamentos/epidemiología

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BACKGROUND: Managing rheumatic disease activity using pregnancy-compatible medications is essential for reducing adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. We characterized medication use and discontinuation before, during, and after pregnancy, among female patients with rheumatic diseases attending a targeted pregnancy and rheumatic diseases clinic. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional medical record review of female patients with rheumatic diseases at a Canadian clinic between January 2017 and July 2020. Patients were categorized by pregnancy stage at their latest clinic visit: (1) preconception; (2) pregnant; (3) postpartum. We assessed use of conventional, biologic, and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), prednisone, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs across 6 perinatal windows: 24 and 12 months preconception, each pregnancy trimester, and 3 months postpartum. We reported adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for medication discontinuation in the first trimester and subsequent disease flare. RESULTS: Of 230 included patients, 85 (37.0%), 12 (5.2%), and 133 (57.8%) were preconception, pregnant, and postpartum, respectively. Approximately half experienced at least 1 disease flare during each pregnancy stage (56.4% preconception, 58.1% during pregnancy, and 53.7% postpartum). Most used at least 1 DMARD throughout the perinatal period (82.6% preconception, 55.6% during pregnancy, and 45.1% postpartum). Overall, 25.5% discontinued at least 1 DMARD in the first trimester. DMARD discontinuation was associated with disease flare during pregnancy (aOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.55-4.03; p = 0.87) and postpartum (aOR, 3.09; 95% CI, 0.83-11.47; p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving care at a pregnancy and rheumatic disease clinic show perinatal medication use patterns consistent with recent recommendations and clinical guidelines.

Asunto(s)

Antirreumáticos , Complicaciones del Embarazo , Enfermedades Reumáticas , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Antirreumáticos/administración & dosificación , Antirreumáticos/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Enfermedades Reumáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Complicaciones del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Estudios Transversales , Canadá/epidemiología , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/administración & dosificación , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/uso terapéutico , Periodo Posparto , Prednisona/administración & dosificación , Prednisona/uso terapéutico

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Over the last two decades, patient engagement in cancer research has evolved significantly, especially in addressing the unique challenges faced by adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer populations. This paper introduces a framework for meaningful engagement with AYA cancer patient research partners, drawing insights from the "FUTURE" Study, a qualitative study that utilizes focus groups to explore the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on the sexual and reproductive health of AYA cancer patients in Canada. The framework's development integrates insights from prior works and addresses challenges with patient engagement in research specific to AYA cancer populations. The framework is guided by overarching principles (safety, flexibility, and sensitivity) and includes considerations that apply across all phases of a research study (collaboration; iteration; communication; and equity, diversity, and inclusion) and tasks that apply to specific phases of a research study (developing, conducting, and translating the study). The proposed framework seeks to increase patient engagement in AYA cancer research beyond a supplementary aspect to an integral component for conducting research with impact on patients.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias , Participación del Paciente , Investigación Cualitativa , Humanos , Participación del Paciente/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Neoplasias/psicología , Neoplasias/terapia , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Investigación Biomédica , Canadá , Grupos Focales

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INTRODUCTION: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often switch between oral anticoagulants (OACs). It can be hard to know why a patient has switched outside of a clinical setting. Medication attribute comparisons can suggest benefits. Consensus on terms and definitions is required for inferring OAC switch benefits. The objectives of the study were to generate consensus on a taxonomy of the potential benefits of OAC switching in patients with AF and apply the taxonomy to real-world data. METHODS: Nine expert clinicians (seven clinical pharmacists, two cardiologists) with at least 3 years of clinical and research experience in AF participated in a Delphi process. The experts rated and commented on a proposed taxonomy on the potential benefits of OAC switching. After each Delphi round, ratings were analyzed with the RAND Corporation/University of California, Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) appropriateness method. Median ratings, disagreement index, and comments were used to modify the taxonomy. The resulting taxonomy from the Delphi process was applied to a cohort of patients with AF who switched OACs in a population-based administrative health dataset from 1996 to 2019 in British Columbia, Canada. RESULTS: The taxonomy was finalized in two Delphi rounds, reaching consensus on five switch benefit categories: safety, effectiveness, convenience, economic considerations, and drug interactions. Safety benefit (a switch that could lower the risk of adverse drug events) had three subcategories: major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Effectiveness benefit had four subcategories: stroke and systemic embolism (SSE), ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and all-cause mortality. Real-world OAC switches revealed that more OAC switches had convenience (72.6%) and drug interaction (63.0%) benefits compared to effectiveness (SSE 22.0%, ischemic stroke 11.1%, MI 3.1%, all-cause mortality 10.1%), safety (major bleeding 24.3%, GI bleeding 10.6%, ICH 48.5%), and economic benefits (12.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The Delphi-based taxonomy identified five criteria for the beneficial effects of OAC switching, aiding in characterizing real-world OAC switching.

Asunto(s)

Anticoagulantes , Fibrilación Atrial , Técnica Delphi , Humanos , Fibrilación Atrial/tratamiento farmacológico , Fibrilación Atrial/clasificación , Fibrilación Atrial/complicaciones , Anticoagulantes/uso terapéutico , Anticoagulantes/administración & dosificación , Administración Oral , Femenino , Masculino , Anciano , Sustitución de Medicamentos , Consenso , Accidente Cerebrovascular/prevención & control , Accidente Cerebrovascular/etiología , Persona de Mediana Edad

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Importance: Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a revolutionary treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with cardiovascular, kidney, and serum urate-lowering benefits. Objective: To compare risk of incident gout and rate of recurrent flares between patients with T2D initiating SGLT2i vs sulfonylurea, most common second-line glucose-lowering therapy, when added to metformin monotherapy. Design, Setting, and Participants: This sequential, propensity score-matched, new-user comparative effectiveness study using target trial emulation framework included adults with T2D receiving metformin monotherapy in a Canadian general population database from January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2022. Exposures: Initiation of SGLT2i vs sulfonylurea. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was incident gout diagnosis, ascertained by emergency department (ED), hospital, outpatient, and medication dispensing records. Secondary outcomes were gout-primary hospitalizations and ED visits and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), as well as recurrent flare rates among prevalent gout patients. Heart failure (HF) hospitalization was assessed as positive control outcome and osteoarthritis encounters as negative control. For target trial emulations, we used Cox proportional hazards and Poisson regressions with 1:1 propensity score matching (primary analysis) and overlap weighting (sensitivity analysis). The analysis was conducted from September to December, 2023. Results: Among 34 604 propensity score matched adults with T2D initiating SGLT2i or sulfonylurea (20 816 [60%] male, mean [SD] age, 60 [12.4] years), incidence of gout was lower among SGLT2i initiators (4.27 events per 1000 person-years) than sulfonylurea initiators (6.91 events per 1000 person-years), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.48-0.80) and a rate difference (RD) of -2.64 (95% CI, -3.99 to -1.29) per 1000 person-years. Associations persisted regardless of sex, age, or baseline diuretic use. SGLT2i use was also associated with fewer recurrent flares among gout patients (rate ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55-0.82; and RD, -20.9; 95% CI, -31.9 to -10.0 per 1000 person-years). HR and RD for MACE associated with SGLT2i use were 0.87 (95% CI, 0.77-0.98) and -3.58 (95% CI, -6.19 to -0.96) per 1000 person-years. For control outcomes, SGLT2i users had lower risk of HF (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.38-0.76), as expected, with no difference in osteoarthritis (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.94-1.34). Results were similar when applying propensity score overlap weighting. Conclusions: In this population-based cohort study, the gout and cardiovascular benefits associated with SGLT2i in these target trial emulations may guide selection of glucose-lowering therapy in patients with T2D, at risk for or already with gout.

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Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Gota , Hipoglucemiantes , Metformina , Inhibidores del Cotransportador de Sodio-Glucosa 2 , Compuestos de Sulfonilurea , Humanos , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/tratamiento farmacológico , Inhibidores del Cotransportador de Sodio-Glucosa 2/uso terapéutico , Gota/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Compuestos de Sulfonilurea/uso terapéutico , Compuestos de Sulfonilurea/efectos adversos , Metformina/uso terapéutico , Hipoglucemiantes/uso terapéutico , Anciano , Puntaje de Propensión , Canadá/epidemiología

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OBJECTIVE: To report participant characteristics relevant to identifying health inequities in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) randomized controlled trials conducted in Canada. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review by searching MEDLINE (Ovid) and Embase (1990 to June 2023), and CENTRAL (inception to June 2023). Eligible studies: used an RCT design; evaluated interventions (pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic) among SLE patients aged ≥18 years; and were conducted in Canada. Data extraction was guided by the Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group's PROGRESS-Plus framework on 11 factors leading to health inequities (Place of residence; Race, culture, ethnicity, and language; Occupation; Gender and sex; Religion; Education; Socioeconomic status; Social capital; Plus: Personal characteristics associated with discrimination; Features of relationships; and Time-dependent relationships). RESULTS: Of 1901 unique records, 6 met the inclusion criteria. Sex and age were the only PROGRESS factors that were reported in all studies. The majority of participants were female (84.4% to 100%), and mean ages of participants ranged from 42 to 52.3 years. Place of residence, race, education, and social capital were reported in three studies. Socioeconomic status was reported in two studies, and occupation was reported in one study. Religion, features of relationships, and time-dependent relationships were not reported in any included studies. CONCLUSION: Limited reporting of determinants of health inequities in RCTs for SLE in Canada suggests the need for reporting standards to support equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in research.

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Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/terapia , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Clase Social , Etnicidad , Inequidades en Salud

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OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to describe patterns of depression and anxiety health care use before and after diagnosis among patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), namely, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: We used population-based linked administrative health data from British Columbia, Canada, to build a cohort of individuals (≥18 years) with incident IA and individuals without IA ("IA-free controls") matched on age and sex. We computed the proportion of individuals with IA and controls who had one or more depression or one or more anxiety health care encounters and the use of one or more antidepressants or one or more anxiolytics in each yearly interval five years before and after IA diagnosis. We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the association between IA status and aforementioned depression and anxiety health care use outcomes in each yearly interval. RESULTS: A total of 80,238 individuals with IA (62.9% female; mean ± SD age 56.2 ± 16.7 years) and 80,238 IA-free controls (62.9% female; mean ± SD age 56.2 ± 16.6 years) were identified between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2018. Individuals with IA had significantly increased odds of depression and anxiety health care encounters and dispensation of antidepressants and anxiolytics for each yearly interval before and after diagnosis. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were highest in the year immediately before (one or more depression visits: adjusted OR 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-1.66; one or more anxiolytics: adjusted OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.66-1.77) or after (one or more antidepressants: adjusted OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.89-2.00) IA diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest a role for depression and anxiety in characterizing the IA prodrome period and generate hypotheses regarding overlapping biopsychosocial processes that link IA and mental health comorbidities.

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OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the association between antimalarial adherence and cardiovascular events between incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) population-based cohorts. METHODS: All patients with incident RA/SLE and incident antimalarial use in British Columbia, Canada, between January 1997 and March 2015 were identified using provincial administrative databases. The outcomes were incident cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or venous thromboembolism (VTE). The exposure was antimalarial adherence with levels: discontinuation (proportion of days covered [PDC = 0]), nonadherence (0 < PDC < 0.90), and adherence (PDC ≥ 0.90). We used marginal structural models to estimate the effect of antimalarial adherence on the rate of cardiovascular events, accounting for potential confounders. RESULTS: We identified 16,538 individuals with incident RA/SLE and incident antimalarial use without any cardiovascular event before the index date. Over nine years mean follow-up, 2,174 incident cardiovascular events (13.2%) were observed. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for incident cardiovascular events for antimalarial adherence relative to discontinuation was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-0.81) and 1.01 (95% CI 0.90-1.14) for nonadherence. Additionally, the aHRs for all cardiovascular events, MI, stroke, and VTE for adherence relative to nonadherence was 0.71 (95% CI 0.61-0.82), 0.62 (95% CI 0.51-0.75), 0.45 (95% CI 0.36-0.58), and 0.65 (95% CI 0.46-0.93), respectively. We found older age modified the association between antimalarial adherence and cardiovascular events (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: When people newly diagnosed with RA or SLE take their antimalarial regularly as prescribed (PDC ≥ 0.90), they have a 29% lower risk of sustaining a cardiovascular event than patients with a lower degree of adherence (PDC < 0.90) and a 28% lower risk than if they discontinue antimalarials.

Asunto(s)

Antimaláricos , Artritis Reumatoide , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico , Infarto del Miocardio , Accidente Cerebrovascular , Tromboembolia Venosa , Humanos , Antimaláricos/efectos adversos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/diagnóstico , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/tratamiento farmacológico , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/epidemiología , Artritis Reumatoide/diagnóstico , Artritis Reumatoide/tratamiento farmacológico , Artritis Reumatoide/epidemiología , Accidente Cerebrovascular/diagnóstico , Accidente Cerebrovascular/epidemiología , Accidente Cerebrovascular/prevención & control , Colombia Británica/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo

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BACKGROUND: Despite a better understanding of the increasing incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer (yCRC; age at diagnosis <50 years), little is known about its economic burden. Therefore, we estimated direct medical spending on yCRC before and after diagnosis. METHODS: We used linked administrative health databases in British Columbia, Canada, to create a study population of yCRC and average-age onset colorectal cancer (aCRC; age at diagnosis ≥50 years) cases, along with cancer-free controls. Over the 1-year period preceding a colorectal cancer diagnosis, we estimated direct medical spending on hospital visits, healthcare practitioners, and prescription medications. After diagnosis, we calculated cost attributable to yCRC and aCRC, which additionally included the cost of cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and radiotherapy) across phases of care. RESULTS: We included 1,058 yCRC (45.4% females; age at diagnosis 42.4 ± 6.2 years) and 12,619 aCRC (44.8% females; age at diagnosis of 68.1 ± 9.2 years) cases. Direct medical spending on the average yCRC and aCRC case during the year before diagnosis was $6,711 and $8,056, respectively. After diagnosis, the overall average annualized cost attributable to yCRC significantly differed in comparison with aCRC for the initial ($50,216 vs. $37,842; P < 0.001), continuing ($8,361 vs. $5,014; P < 0.001), and end-of-life cancer phase ($86,125 vs. $61,512; P < 0.001) but not end-of-life non-cancer phase ($77,273 vs. $23,316; P = 0.372). CONCLUSIONS: Reported cost estimates may be used as inputs for future economic evaluations pertaining to yCRC. IMPACT: We provided comprehensive cost estimates for healthcare spending on young-onset colorectal cancer.

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Neoplasias Colorrectales , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Masculino , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Neoplasias Colorrectales/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Colorrectales/epidemiología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/terapia , Colombia Británica/epidemiología , Costos de la Atención en Salud

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We evaluated the relationship between cost-related non-adherence (CRNA) and depressive symptoms. Pooling data from the 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 annual Canadian Community Health Survey, we analyzed the relationship between CRNA and moderate to severe depressive symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Among the sample, 4.9% experienced CRNA and 6.8% experienced moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Respondents who reported CRNA had 1.51 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-1.52) greater odds of experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Stratified analysis by sex and race showed the association between CRNA and depressive symptoms was greatest among racialized males (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.81- 1.85). Stratified analysis by sex and Indigeneity showed this association was greatest for Indigenous males (aOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 2.10-2.22). Forgoing prescribed medications due to cost is associated with more severe depressive symptoms among Canadians, particularly racialized and Indigenous males.

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Depresión , Pueblos de América del Norte , Salud Pública , Humanos , Masculino , Canadá/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Depresión/epidemiología , Depresión/complicaciones , ARN Complementario , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Femenino

RESUMEN

To assess the clinical utility of pre-pregnancy planning among female patients with rheumatic diseases attending a targeted pregnancy and rheumatic diseases clinic. We conducted a retrospective review using data collected via chart review of female patients with rheumatic diseases seen at the Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases Clinic at the Mary Pack Arthritis Centre in Vancouver, Canada, between January 2017 and July 2020. Patients were categorized according to an initial presentation at the clinic as (1) pregnant without pre-pregnancy planning; and (2) not pregnant with pre-pregnancy planning. The latter group was further categorized according to whether they had contraindications to pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Our study included 230 female patients with rheumatic diseases. At the initial clinical presentation, 86 were pregnant and 144 were planning to become pregnant and presenting for pre-pregnancy planning. Compared to patients without pre-pregnancy planning, patients who received pregnancy planning experienced fewer prenatal disease flares (61.3% [38/62] vs. 22.6% [7/31]; p < 0.001), fewer medication changes during pregnancy (46.4% [39/84] vs. 18.9% [10/53]; p = 0.002), and improved disease control in the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.018). There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of adverse pregnancy or fetal outcomes between patients with and without pre-pregnancy planning. Evaluation of patient outcomes suggests that pre-pregnancy planning may support early assessment of high-risk pregnancy status; therein, allowing healthcare providers to identify and manage risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes among patients living with rheumatic diseases.

Asunto(s)

Complicaciones del Embarazo , Enfermedades Reumáticas , Embarazo , Humanos , Femenino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del Embarazo/epidemiología , Enfermedades Reumáticas/terapia , Complicaciones del Embarazo/terapia , Factores de Riesgo

RESUMEN

Our objectives were to measure long-term adherence to oral anticoagulants (OACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to identify patient factors associated with adherence. Using linked, population-based administrative data from British Columbia, Canada, an incident cohort of adults prescribed OACs for AF was identified. We calculated the proportion of days covered (PDC) as a time-dependent covariate for each 90-day window from OAC initiation until the end of follow-up. Associations between patient attributes and adherence were assessed using generalized mixed effect linear regression models. 30,264 patients were included. Mean PDC was 0.69 (SD 0.28) over a median follow-up of 6.7 years. 54% of patients were non-adherent (PDC < 0.8). After controlling for confounders, factors positively associated with adherence were number of drug class switches, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, history of vascular disease, time since initiation, and age. Age > 75 years at initiation, polypharmacy (among VKA users only), and receiving DOAC (vs. VKA) were negatively associated with adherence. PDC decreased over time for VKA users and increased for DOAC users. Over half of AF patients studied were, on average, nonadherent to OAC therapy and missed 32% of their doses. Several patient factors were associated with higher or lower adherence, and adherence to VKA declined during therapy while DOAC adherence increased slightly over time. To min im ize the risk stroke, adherence-supporting interventions are needed for all patients with AF, particularly those aged > 75 years, those with prior stroke or vascular disease, VKA users with polypharmacy, and DOAC recipients.

Asunto(s)

Fibrilación Atrial , Ataque Isquémico Transitorio , Accidente Cerebrovascular , Adulto , Humanos , Fibrilación Atrial/tratamiento farmacológico , Fibrilación Atrial/complicaciones , Anticoagulantes/efectos adversos , Accidente Cerebrovascular/complicaciones , Ataque Isquémico Transitorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Administración Oral , Vitamina K

RESUMEN

The second Early-Age-Onset Colorectal Cancer Symposium, convened in October 2022, sought solutions to the barriers to early detection and care for colorectal cancer in Canada. This meeting built on a previous symposium, held in 2021 and reported in this journal. Early-age-onset colorectal cancer (EAOCRC) affects increasing numbers of people under the age of 50 in Canada and throughout the developed world. Two main themes emerged from the meeting: the importance of timely detection, and the need for a tailored approach to the care of EAOCRC. Early detection is crucial, especially in light of the later stage at diagnosis and unique tumour characteristics. Symposium participants were strongly in favour of reducing the age of eligibility for screening from 50 to 45, and promoting the development of non-invasive screening techniques such as testing for circulating tumour DNA and biomarkers. Leading approaches to care were described and discussed, which meet the unique treatment needs of younger CRC patients. Multidisciplinary practices within and outside Canada address such factors as fertility, family roles, education, careers and financial responsibilities. These models can be applied in treatment centres across the country.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Colorrectales , Humanos , Neoplasias Colorrectales/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Colorrectales/terapia , Neoplasias Colorrectales/genética , Biomarcadores , Canadá

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of childhood inflammatory arthritis. The disease burden of JIA is substantial as patients require specialized medical practitioners for diagnosis and chronic treatments that are both costly and time intensive. Discrepancies in access to care due to health inequities such as socioeconomic status or geographic location may lead to vastly different health outcomes. As research informs advances in care, is important to consider inclusion and diversity in JIA research. METHODS: We reviewed and synthesized randomized controlled trials for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the most common type of arthritis among children and adolescents, in Canada with the aim of characterizing participants and identifying how determinants of health inequities are reported. To do so, we searched Medline (1990 to July 2022), Embase (1990 to July 2022), and CENTRAL (inception to July 2022) for articles meeting all of the following criteria: Canadian randomized controlled trials evaluating pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions on juvenile idiopathic arthritis populations. Data extraction was guided by the Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group's PROGRESS-Plus framework on determinants that lead to health inequities (e.g., Place of residence; Race; Occupation; Gender/Sex; Religion; Education; Socioeconomic status; and Social capital). RESULTS: Of 4,074 unique records, 5 were deemed eligible for inclusion. From these determinants of health inequities, Gender/Sex and Age were the only that were reported in all studies with most participants being female and 12.6 years old on average. In addition, Race, Socioeconomic status, Education and Features of relationships were each reported once in three different studies. Lastly, Place of residence, Occupation, Religion, Social Capital and Time-dependent relationships were not reported at all. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review suggests limited reporting on determinants of health inequities in randomized controlled trials for JIA in Canada and a need for a reporting framework that reflects typical characteristics of juvenile patient populations.

Asunto(s)

Artritis Juvenil , Niño , Adolescente , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Artritis Juvenil/terapia , Canadá , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Inequidades en Salud

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Sexual health outcomes (SHO), which entail the physical, emotional, mental, and social impacts, are an important consideration for adolescent and young adults (AYA, ages 15-39) affected by cancer. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the current literature and evaluate AYA cancer impact on SHO. METHODS: EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched from January 1, 2000 to September 28, 2022 to identify epidemiologic studies that used an analytic observational design, included individuals with AYA cancer and non-cancer control participants, and evaluated SHO. Odds ratios and prevalence ratios were calculated; random effects models were used to obtain pooled measures where possible. RESULTS: Of 2621 articles, 8 were included that investigated 23 SHO in 9038 AYA cancer patients. Based on the sexual response cycle, outcomes were categorized as those occurring among males (desire = 1, arousal = 1, orgasm = 4, other = 3) and females (desire = 2, arousal = 1, orgasm = 2, pain = 6, other = 3). It was feasible to conduct meta-analysis for 3 female SHO and 5 male SHO. There were associations between AYA cancer and 3 SHO: vaginal dryness (pooled odds ratio = 3.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.02 to 7.70), ejaculatory dysfunction (pooled odds ratio = 3.66; 95% CI = 2.20 to 6.08), and testosterone level (pooled mean difference = -2.56 nmol/liter; 95% CI = -3.46 to -1.66; P = .00001). CONCLUSION: This study found increased ejaculatory dysfunction and reduced testosterone levels in male AYA cancer patients and increased vaginal dryness in female AYA cancer patients, highlighting the need for sexual health resources in this population.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias , Conducta Sexual , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Orgasmo , Neoplasias/epidemiología , Testosterona , Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud