某医院2019—2020年门诊口服抗高血压用药500例处方合理性分析

目的 分析某医院2019—2020年500例门诊口服抗高血压药使用合理性,为更安全有效地使用抗高血压药提供参考。方法 收集500例门诊抗高血压用药处方,从药物品种选择、药物经济学、联合用药等方面进行合理性评价。结果 药品品种选择以CCB、ARB及其复方制剂为主,氨氯地平的使用频度最高,品种和WHO推荐及相关研究相符;DDDs排名前10位的药物DUI均处于0.9～1.0,药品用量基本合理且相对稳定;合理性点评中发现不合理处方28份（占总处方比例的5.60%）,最主要的不合理类型为联合用药不适宜,共12例（占比42.86%）;联合用药处方占比偏高（占比89.00%）,联合用药中以二联用药为主（占比64.27%）,以CCB联合ACEI/ARB为主,较为合理。结论本院门诊口服抗高血压药处方较为规范,但仍存在不合理之处,尤其是联合用药占比较高。抗高血压药物的临床使用应遵循个体化原则,药师需要加强处方审核和临床宣教,进一步提高医院合理用药水平。     

血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂和血管紧张素受体拮抗剂对糖尿病肾病患者肾功能的保护作用

目的研究血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEI)和血管紧张素受体拮抗剂(ARB)对2型糖尿病肾病患者肾功能的保护作用。方法选糖尿病合并有轻、中度肾功能损害的病人60例,在给予常规糖尿病治疗的同时随机分为3组,分别给予血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂、血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂、血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂合并血管紧张素受体拮抗剂治疗,观察治疗前和治疗8周后血压、血肌酐及24 h尿蛋白的变化。结果3组治疗前24 h尿蛋白分别为(680±45)(、650±76)(、720±40)mg,治疗后分别为(450±50)(、420±65)(、300±35)mg。3组患者均显著降低了尿蛋白的排泄,各组治疗前后比较,差别有统计学意义(P<0.05),而联合治疗组减少尿蛋白排泄更为明显(P<0.01),且联合治疗组与其他两组相比,差别有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂和血管紧张素受体拮抗剂联用能更好地起到肾脏保护的作用。     

Adherence with single-pill amlodipine/atorvastatin vs a two-pill regimen

While clinical trials demonstrate the benefits of blood pressure and cholesterol reduction, medication adherence in clinical practice is problematic. We hypothesized that a single-pill would be superior to a 2-pill regimen for achieving adherence. In this retrospective, cohort study based on pharmacy claims data, patients newly initiated on a calcium channel blocker (CCB) or statin simultaneously or within 30 days, regardless of sequence, were followed (N=4703). Adherence was measured over 6 months as proportion of days covered (PDC). At baseline, mean age was 63.0 years, 51.6% were female, and mean number of other medications was 7.8. Overall, 16.9% of patients were on single-pill amlodipine/atorvastatin, 15.6% amlodipine + atorvastatin, 24.7% amlodipine + other statin, 13.9% other CCB + atorvastatin, 28.9% other CCB + other statin. Percentages of patients achieving adherence (PDC >or= 80%) were: 67.7% amlodipine/atorvastatin; 49.9% amlodipine + atorvastatin; 40.4% amlodipine + other statin; 46.9% other CCB + atorvastatin; 37.4% other CCB +other statin. After adjusting for treatment selection and cohort differences, odds ratios for adherence with amlodipine/atorvastatin were 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80-2.13) vs amlodipine + atorvastatin, 3.10 (95% CI, 2.85-3.38) vs amlodipine + other statin, 2.06 (95% CI, 1.89-2.24) vs other CCB + atorvastatin, 2.85 (95% CI, 2.61-3.10) vs other CCB + other statin (all p<0.0001). Single-pill amlodipine/atorvastatin may provide clinical benefits through improving adherence, offering clinicians a practical solution for cardiovascular risk management.     

重庆市某社区卫生服务中心门诊高血压患者用药情况分析

目的分析重庆市某社区卫生服务中心门诊高血压患者用药情况,为指导社区高血压患者合理用药提供依据。方法收集2018年1-12月重庆市某社区卫生服务中心门诊处方(临床诊断为高血压的处方)3779张,对抗高血压药的应用品种、销售金额、用药频度(DDDs)、日均费用(DDC)及药物联用情况等进行统计分析。结果所有处方共涉及843例高血压患者,其中男性358人,女性485人;年龄范围31~97岁。55岁以上的中老年患者共740人(87.79%)。抗高血压药物中销售金额最高的为钙通道阻滞剂(CCB)类(54.66%),其次为血管紧张素Ⅱ受体阻断剂(ARB)类(38.67%)。DDDs排序居前3位的药品分别为苯磺酸左旋氨氯地平片、坎地沙坦酯片和替米沙坦片。在843例患者降压药的使用中,单一用药386例(45.79%),二联用药336例(39.86%),三联用药36例(4.27%)。在二联降压治疗中,以CCB和ARB联用为主(82.73%)。在三联降压治疗中,以CCB+ARB+β受体阻断剂(β-RB)联用为主(52.78%)。结论该社区门诊抗高血压药物应用种类及降压治疗方案使用基本合理,但在考虑用药的经济性方面欠佳,多药联用方案仍需进一步进行规范。此外,临床药师对社区高血压患者进行合理用药宣教时,应重点关注CCB及ARB类药物的使用情况,特别注意潜在的药物相互作用,以降低药物不良反应发生率,提高患者用药依从性。     

Manidipine-delapril combination in the management of hypertension

High blood pressure (BP) is the major cardiovascular risk factor and the main cause of death around the world. Control of blood pressure reduces the high mortality associated with hypertension and the most recent guidelines recommend reducing arterial BP values below 140/90 mmHg for all hypertensive patients (130/80 in diabetics) as a necessary step to reduce global cardiovascular risk, which is the fundamental objective of the treatment. To achieve these target BP goals frequently requires combination therapy with two or more antihypertensive agents. Although the combination of a diuretic and an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) is the most commonly used in the clinical practice, the combination of an ACEI and a calcium channel blocker may have an additive antihypertensive effect, a favorable effect on the metabolic profile, and an increased target organ damage protection. The new oral fixed combination manidipine 10 mg/delapril 30 mg has a greater antihypertensive effect than both components of the combination separately, and in non-responders to monotherapy with manidipine or delapril the average reduction of systolic and diastolic BP is 16/10 mmHg. The combination is well tolerated and the observed adverse effects are of the same nature as those observed in patients treated with the components as monotherapy. However, combination therapy reduces the incidence of ankle edema in patients treated with manidipine.     

2010年至2012年社区老年高血压患者的用药情况分析

目的分析我社区老年高血压患者抗血压药物的应用现状以及用药趋势,为社区医务人员科学管理抗高血压药物提供参考。方法通过统计2010年至2012年我社区卫生服务中心202例老年高血压患者抗高血压药物的处方,对三年内口服抗高血压药物的用药物种、联合用药情况、用药频率、消耗金额和限定日费用等指标和用药趋势进行分析。结果 2010年至2012年社区老年高血压患者抗高血压用药量增加了24.19%,但总费用却下降了6.98%;钙拮抗剂(CCB)、血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂(ARB)、β-受体阻滞剂(β-RB)和血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEI)的用药量位于前四位,用药频率较高;用药频率最高的前5种药物分别为硝苯地平、非洛地平、氨氯地平、缬沙坦和厄贝沙坦;患者采用二联降压方案的比例较高为49.79%,其中以CCB联合β-RB使用最多占40.07%,且固定复方制剂有逐步代替单药合用的趋势。结论我社区老年高血压患者在治疗过程中使用抗高血压药物的情况较为合理,费用较为经济,其中CCB占据主导地位,符合目前国内外抗高血压用药原则。     

血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂对血液透析患者贫血和促红细胞生成素用量的影响

目的 观察血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEI)对维持性血液透析患者贫血和促红细胞生成素(EPO)用量的影响.方法 90例维持性血液透析合并高血压和贫血的患者,按随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组45例,观察组使用ACEI降血压治疗,对照组使用钙离子拮抗剂(CCB)降血压治疗.比较两组患者在0、2、4、6、8、10、12个月时的血红蛋白、EPO用量、血清EPO.结果 观察组的血红蛋白逐渐下降,6个月及之后与对照组比较差异有统计学意义[6个月:(94.21±9.20)g/L比(105.55±9.16)g/L;12个月:(95.90±6.75)g/L比(105.81±4.45)g/L;P<0.05];观察组EPO用量逐渐上升,8个月及之后与对照组比较差异有统计学意义[8个月:(10090.75±1918.35)U/周比(7010.32±1600.15)U/周;12个月:(11 586.39±2009.76)U/周比(7068.48±1615.35)U/周,P<0.05].在整个研究期间,两组患者的血清EPO水平均保持稳定不变.结论 ACEI治疗会加重维持性血液透析患者的贫血和降低EPO的疗效.

Abstract：

Objective To observe the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) on anemia and erythropoietin (EPO) requirements in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods Ninety maintenance hemodialysis patients with hypertension and anemia were divided into 2 groups by random digits table, observation group (45 cases, using ACEI as antihypertensive treatment), control group [45 cases,using calcium channel blocker (CCB) as antihypertensive treatment]. The follow-up period after starting ACEI or CCB therapy was one year. The hemoglobin concentration, serum EPO, EPO requirements were compared after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 months' treatment. Results In response to ACEI, the mean hemoglobin value in observation group decreased progressively, reaching statistical significance after 6 months, and it had significant difference compared with that in control group [6 months: (94.21±9.20) g/Lvs. (105.55±9.16) g/L,12 months: (95.90±6.75) g/L vs. (105.81±4.45) g/L,P <0.05]. The EPO requirements experienced a progressive increase in observation group and reached statistical significance after 8 months, compared with those in control group [8 months: ( 10 090.75±1918.35) U/week vs. (7010.32±1600.15) U/week, 12 months: (11 586.39±2009.76) U/week vs. (7068.48±1615.35) U/week,P<0.05].Serum erythropoietin concentration remained stable during the study in two groups. Conclusion ACEI can worsen anemia and reduce the efficacy of EPO in maintenance hemodialysis patients.     

A prospective evaluation of persistence on antihypertensive treatment with different antihypertensive drugs in clinical practice

Persistence on treatment affects the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment. We prospectively investigated the persistence on therapy and the extent of blood pressure (BP) control in 347 hypertensive patients (age 59.4 +/- 6 years) randomly allocated to a first-line treatment with: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers (CCBs), beta-blockers, angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), or diuretics and followed-up for 24-months. Persistence on treatment was higher in patients treated with ARBs (68.5%) and ACE inhibitors (64.5%) vs CCBs (51.6%; p < 0.05), beta-blockers (44.8%, p < 0.05), and diuretics (34.4%, p < 0.01). No ARB, ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, or diuretic was associated with a higher persistence in therapy compared with the other molecules used in each therapeutic class. The rate of persistence was significantly higher in patients treated with lercanidipine vs others CCBs (59.3% vs 46.6%, p < 0.05). Systolic and diastolic BP was decreased more successfully in patients treated with ARBs (-11.2/-5.8 mmHg), ACE inhibitors (-10.5/-5.1 mmHg), and CCBs (-8.5/-4.6 mmHg) compared with beta-blockers (-4.0/-2.3 mmHg p < 0.05) and diuretics (-2.3/-2.1 mmHg, p < 0.05). No ARB, ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, or diuretic was associated with a higher BP control compared with the other molecules used in each therapeutic class. A trend toward a better BP control was observed in response to lercanidipine vs other CCBs (p = 0.059). The present results confirm the importance of persistence on treatment for the management of hypertension in clinical practice.     

Olmesartan medoxomil combined with hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of hypertension

In most patients with hypertension, especially Stage 2 hypertension, adequate control of blood pressure (BP) is only achieved with combination drug therapy. When using combination therapy, antihypertensive agents with complementary mechanisms of action are recommended, for example, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a beta-blocker + HCTZ, an ACE inhibitor + HCTZ, or a calcium channel blocker + an ACE inhibitor. One such combination is olmesartan medoxomil + HCTZ, which is available as fixed-dose, single-tablet combinations for once-daily administration. In clinical trials, olmesartan medoxomil/HCTZ reduced systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) to a greater extent than either component as monotherapy. A clinical study in patients with Stage 1 or 2 hypertension showed that olmesartan medoxomil/HCTZ achieved a similar mean reduction in DBP, but a significantly greater mean reduction in SBP and higher rate of BP control (< 140/90 mmHg) than observed with losartan/HCTZ, at US/European-approved starting doses. In a non-inferiority trial, the antihypertensive efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil/HCTZ was comparable to that of atenolol/HCTZ. Furthermore, indirect comparisons have shown that olmesartan medoxomil/HCTZ compares favorably with other antihypertensive combination therapies, including other ARB/HCTZ combinations and amlodipine besylate/ benazepril. Olmesartan medoxomil/HCTZ is generally well tolerated. In conclusion, olmesartan medoxomil/HCTZ is an effective and well-tolerated combination antihypertensive therapy that results in significant BP reductions and BP control in many patients.     

Disparities in Medication Therapy in Patients with Heart Failure across the State of Hawai‘i

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if heart failure patients in Hawai‘i are receiving recommended standard therapy of a select beta-blocker in combination with an ACE inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), and to determine if a gap in quality of care exists between the different regions within the state. A retrospective claims-based analysis of all adult patients (age > 18 years of age) with CHF who were enrolled in a large health plan in Hawai‘i was performed (n = 24,149). Data collected included the presence of pharmaceutical claims for ACEI, ARBs and select β-blockers, region of residence, gender, and age. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine whether there were regional differences in Hawai‘i related to medication usage, after adjustment for age and gender. Results showed that only 28.4 % of patients were placed on the recommended therapy of an ACEI or ARB and a select β-blocker with significant differences being found between different regions. Further research is needed to better understand factors affecting regional differences in prescribing patterns.     

缺血性脑卒中急性期治疗结局影响因素的回顾分析

[目的]探讨缺血性脑卒中急性期治疗结果与可能的影响因素的关系。[方法]回顾性收集上海市普陀区中心医院神经内科2012年1月—8月发病72 h内就诊的急性缺血性脑卒中,且NIHSS评分≥4分的109例患者资料。治疗结局按照急性期(2周)神经功能缺损评分(NIHSS)、治疗后改善情况分为显效组(>30%)、改善组(10%～30%)、无改善组(<10%)、加重组(<0分)和死亡组5组,采用卡方检验和Logistic回归分析研究可能的影响因素与治疗结果的关系。[结果]缺血性脑卒中急性期治疗结果与性别、吸烟史、OCSP分型、是否合并高血压病、糖尿病、冠心病、高脂血症、是否为复发无显著相关性(P>0.05),而与年龄、是否初始NIHSS评分>10分、是否合并发热及发病72 h内有无使用降压药物显著相关(P=0.043,0.023,0.003,0.002),其中是否使用钙离子拮抗剂CCB降压与疗效差异显著相关(P=0.001),而是否使用ACEI或ARB降压与疗效差异无显著相关性(P=0.169)。Logistic分析结果进一步证实,使用降压药物是降低缺血性卒中急性期治疗效果的主要危险因素(OR=4.406,95%CI:1.84-10.53)。[结论]缺血性脑卒中NIHSS>10分预示急性期治疗结果不佳,且发病72 h内应尽量避免使用各种降压药物,尤其是钙离子拮抗剂。     

Determinants for the adoption of angiotensin II receptor blockers by general practitioners

Results of studies conducted 10-20 years ago show the prominence of commercial information sources in the adoption process of new drugs. Over the past decade, there has been a growing emphasis on practicing evidence-based medicine in drug prescribing. This raises the question whether professional information sources currently counterbalance the influence of commercial information sources in the adoption process. The aim of this study was to identify determinants influencing the adoption of a new drug class, the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), by general practitioners (GPs) in The Netherlands. A retrospective study was conducted to assess prevalent ARB prescribing for hypertensive patients using the Integrated Primary Care Information (IPCI) database. We conducted a survey among all GPs who participated in the IPCI project in 2003 to assess their exposure to commercial and professional information sources, perceived benefits and risks of ARBs, perceived influences of the professional network, and general characteristics. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to identify determinants of ARB adoption while adjusting for patient characteristics. Data were obtained from 70 GPs and 9470 treated hypertensive patients. A total of 1093 patients received ARBs (12%). GPs who reported frequent use of commercial information sources were more likely to prescribe ARBs routinely in preference to other antihypertensives, whereas GPs who used a prescribing decision support system and those who were involved in pharmacotherapy education were less likely to prescribe ARBs. Other factors that were associated with higher levels of ARB adoption included a more positive perception of ARBs regarding their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure, and working in single-handed practices or in rural areas. Aside from determinants related to the patient population, adoption of a new drug class among Dutch GPs is still determined more by their reliance on promotional information than by their use of professional information sources.     

A survey of blood pressure in the state of Maryland

To provide baseline data for a state program to coordinate hypertension resources, a blood pressure (BP) survey was undertaken in Maryland in 1978. A statewide probability sample of households was chosen; each adult member was eligible for interview and measurement of BP. A total of 6,425 adults were interviewed for an overall response rate of 79.5%. Using a definition of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 95 mm Hg or higher or use of antihypertensive medication, 15.1% of state residents were estimated to be hypertensive. Of these, 85.8% were estimated to be aware of their condition, 77.6% of them were treated, and 67.6% had their BP controlled to a normal level by medication. Data are also presented using DBP 90 mm Hg or higher. A comparison of data from the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program (HDFP) home screen in 1973–1974 and comparable information from this survey showed lower rates of awareness, treatment, and BP control in hypertensives at HDFP home screen. Results of this survey will be compared with those of a second statewide survey conducted four years later to assess changes in rates of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control.     

Comparative study of the reno-protective effect of short- and long-acting antihypertensive agents in IgA nephropathy]

The progression of IgA-NP is influenced unfavourably by development and existence of hypertension. The treatment of hypertension (HTN) has an important role in these patients. Both short- and long-acting formulations of angiotensin convertase enzim inhibitors (ACEi) and calcium channel blockers (CCB) lower blood-pressure, however long-acting preparations may provide better control and may have more renoprotective effect. Verifying this hypothesis, 22 IgA-NP patients were followed for 7.25 +/- 2.36 years. The patients were on short-acting ACEi (captopril, n = 9) or dihydropyridine type CCB (nifedipin, n = 2) or both (captopril + nifedipine n = 11), after at least 3 years the medication was changed to long-acting ACEI (enalapril, n = 4; cilazapril, n = 1), or non dihydropyridine type CCB (diltiazem hydrochlorid, n = 1) or both (n = 16). Just before changing the medication these patients underwent 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and at the same time the level of proteinuria and the creatine clearance were measured. Values of serum-creatinine were measured in every 3-4 months within a 3 years period before and after the exchange of antihypertensive drugs. The regression of 1/creatinine was a = -5.28.10(-5) +/- 1.16.10(-4) before and a = 1.03.10(-4) +/- 2.05.10(-4) after the change of medication. Using paired t-test there was a significant difference between the regressions of 1/creatine (p < 0.005). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (128 +/- 81 Hgmm vs. 126.09 +/- 11.67 Hgmm) was not different, however, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (84.15 +/- 7.94 Hgmm vs. 79.78 +/- 7.17 Hgmm), diastolic percent time elevation index (HTI) (43.58 +/- 23.57% vs. 25.61 +/- 20.1%) and 24-hour diastolic hyperbaric impact (114.71 +/- 81.9 vs. 51.51 +/- 51.4, p < 0.05) was lower with long-acting antihypertensive agents, as was the proteinuria (1.18 +/- 0.94 g/die vs. 0.69 +/- 1.08 g/die, p < 0.05). Diurnal variation and systolic percent time elevation index were not different. We conclude that long-acting ACEi and non dihydropyridine type CCB formulations result in better outcomes in IgA nephropathy patients compared to short-acting drugs, probably because of better and smoother blood pressure control, lowering of proteinuria and better compliance of the patients.     

Hypertension management in general practice.

The views of 542 general practitioners (GPs) and 64 consultant physicians about the management of patients with hypertension in general practice were sought by postal questionnaire. 325 (60%) of the GPs and 45 (70%) of the consultant physicians completed the questionnaire. For a 40-year-old man with no other cardiovascular risk factors most general practitioners would intervene with drugs at blood pressure levels specified in published guidelines, whereas many local consultants and older GPs would consider drug treatment at lower levels. About 75% of GPs, compared with 87% of consultants, would suggest drug treatment in a woman of 70 years with a BP of 180/100 mmHg. Although consultants tended to expect GPs to order more tests when investigating a patient with hypertension than the GPs actually did, both GPs and consultants would order similar types of investigations apart from imaging. Consultants had different expectations about the frequency with which general practitioners should record patients' blood pressure and the GPs' ability to prevent cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. Many older GPs and consultants seem to have unrealistic expectations of the value of treating patients with hypertension.     

Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in relation to blood pressure parameters and hypertension in the Shanghai Women's and Men's Health Studies

Little is known about the association of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and blood pressure (BP) parameters, including systolic and diastolic BP, pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and hypertension in non-Western populations that have not yet been exposed to foods fortified with vitamins and seldom use vitamin D supplements. A cross-sectional analysis of plasma 25(OH)D levels in association with BP measures was performed for 1460 participants (1055 women and 405 men, aged 40-74 years) of two large cohort studies in Shanghai. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were conducted. Overall, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 55·8?% using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, USA criteria and 29·9?% using WHO criteria. The median plasma 25(OH)D level in the population was 38·0?nmol/l for men and 33·6?nmol/l for women (P?相似文献   

Association Between Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers and the Risk of Lung Cancer Among Patients With Hypertension From the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort

Objectives:The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of lung cancer in relation to angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) use among patients with hypertension from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort. Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with hypertension who started to take antihypertensive medications and had a treatment period of at least 6 months. We calculated the weighted hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lung cancer associated with ARB use compared with calcium channel blocker (CCB) use using inverse probability treatment weighting. Results:Among a total of 60 469 subjects with a median follow-up time of 7.8 years, 476 cases of lung cancer were identified. ARB use had a protective effect on lung cancer compared with CCB use (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.96). Consistent findings were found in analyses considering patients who changed or discontinued their medication (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.77), as well as for women (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.93), patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.00), never-smokers (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.99), and non-drinkers (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.97). In analyses with different comparison antihypertensive medications, the overall protective effects of ARBs on lung cancer risk remained consistent. Conclusions:The results of the present study suggest that ARBs could decrease the risk of lung cancer. More evidence is needed to establish the causal effect of ARBs on the incidence of lung cancer.     

Readmissions and the quality of care in patients hospitalized with heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical practice guidelines based on the results of randomized clinical trials recommend that patients with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) be treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) at doses shown to reduce mortality and readmission. This study examined the relationship between ACEI use at discharge and readmission among patients with heart failure due to LVSD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were abstracted from the medical records of 2943 randomly selected patients hospitalized for heart failure in 50 hospitals. The outcome of interest was the number of readmissions occurring up to 21 months after discharge. Six-hundred and eleven patients were eligible for analysis. Compared with patients discharged at a recommended ACEI dose, patients not prescribed an ACEI at discharge had an adjusted rate ratio of readmission (RR) of 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.48], while patients prescribed an ACEI at less than a recommended dose had an RR of 1.24 (95% CI 0.91-1.69) (P = 0.005 for the trend). CONCLUSION: Our results show that ACEI use at discharge in patients with LVSD is associated with decreased rate of readmission. These findings suggest that compliance with the ACEI prescribing recommendations listed in clinical practice guidelines for patients with heart failure due to LVSD confers benefit.