Age and rising rates of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor use

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors were widely prescribed in the years following their introduction, but little is known about the frequency and context of their use across different age groups. OBJECTIVE: To determine patterns and context of COX-2 inhibitor use in younger and older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional surveys conducted each year from 1998 to 2002. PARTICIPANTS: National Ambulatory Medical Care survey, a nationally representative sample of patient visits to community-based outpatient practices. MEASUREMENTS: New or preexisting medication use recorded at the patient visit. RESULTS: Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor use rose rapidly in all age groups, particularly in elders. By 2002, COX-2 inhibitors accounted for 67% of recorded nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) uses in visits by patients age 65 and older, compared with 33% of NSAID uses in adults age 18 to 44 and 54% in adults age 45 to 64 (P<.001). Coadministration of proton pump inhibitors or misoprostol with NSAIDs was low throughout the study period in all age groups, ranging from 6.7% of all NSAID users in 1998 (the year before COX-2 inhibitors were introduced) to 8.2% in 2002 (P=.68). For both older and younger adults, use of these gastroprotective agents occurred at similar rates among persons taking COX-2 inhibitors compared with those taking nonselective NSAIDs. Among elderly NSAID users in 2001 to 2002, elders with cardiovascular disease were more likely to receive COX-2 inhibitors than those without cardiovascular disease (86% vs 66%, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors were rapidly adopted among all age groups, but particularly among the elderly, where use in patients with cardiovascular disease was especially high. Use of these agents largely supplemented, rather than replaced, older forms of gastroprotective therapy. The rapid and widespread use of COX-2 inhibitors in spite of their higher cost and potential for complications provides important lessons for physicians' approach to new and highly promoted drugs.     

Antihypertensive medication and the risk of acute pancreatitis: The European case-control study on drug-induced acute pancreatitis (EDIP)

Objective. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and diuretics have been associated with acute pancreatitis. We quantified the risk of acute pancreatitis associated with the use of antihypertensive medication in the European study on drug-induced acute pancreatitis (EDIP). Material and methods. The EDIP study is a multicenter population-based European case-control investigation of the association between drug use and acute pancreatitis. Patients between 40 and 85 years of age hospitalized for acute pancreatitis were included in the study between 1 October 1994 and 31 December 1998. For each case, age- and gender-matched community controls were recruited. Detailed information on drug use and potential confounders (e.g. comorbidity, alcohol use) was obtained through a structured interview. Results. In all, 724 patients with acute pancreatitis and 1791 community controls were identified and interviewed. Use of ACE inhibitors in the week prior to the index date was associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (adjusted odds ratio 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–2.2). The risk of acute pancreatitis associated with ACE inhibitors increased with higher daily doses and was highest in the first 6 months of therapy. Calcium channel blockers increased the risk of acute pancreatitis (adjusted odds ratio 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–2.1) without an apparent dose- or response relationship. Loop and thiazide diuretic use was not associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis. Potassium-sparing diuretics elevated the risk of acute pancreatitis, albeit non-significantly. Conclusion. Use of ACE inhibitors is associated with a modest increase in the risk of acute pancreatitis during the first months of treatment.     

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of hypertension: Efficacy,metabolic effects and side effects

Summary Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition is increasingly used as monotherapy for hypertension, especially because of the minimal side effects. Combination of ACE inhibitor therapy with diuretics has several practical and theoretical advantages.     

Drug-induced cardiac toxicity: emphasizing the role of electrocardiography in clinical research and drug development

This review describes the role of electrocardiography in clinical research and drug development, and addresses its utility in defining cardiac toxicity from noncardiac investigational drugs. Principles for designing electrocardiographic monitoring for cardiac safety in clinical trials are also reviewed.     

Hyperparathyroidism and long-term lithium therapy – a cross-sectional study and the effect of lithium withdrawal

Objectives. To assess in patients with long-term lithium treatment the incidence and prevalence of hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism, and to evaluate the relationship between parathyroid function and renal function: also, to examine the effect of treatment discontinuation.
Design. Part 1. An epidemiological cross-sectional study covering defined catchment areas.
Part 2. A lithium withdrawal study in a subgroup of the patients who were examined after a mean of 8.5 (4–16) weeks off lithium. Comparisons were made with a group of psychiatric non-lithium patients matched for sex and age.
Setting. Outpatient treatment at nine psychiatric departments in southern Sweden.
Subjects. Inclusion criterion was 15 years or more on lithium. Excluded from Part 2 were patients with a high risk of relapse. Out of 215 identified patients, 142 (66%) entered and completed Part 1, while 13 of the latter entered and completed Part 2.
Results. The point prevalence of persistent hypercalcaemia was 3.6% and of surgically verified hyperparathyroidism 2.7%. The observed incidence of hyperparathyroidism over 19 years was 6.3%. It was significantly higher than expected in females. In the withdrawal group serum calcium was significantly increased compared to controls, and did not change during 8.5 weeks without lithium. Isostenuria was significantly more common among patients with than without hyperparathyroidism.
Conclusions. The point prevalence, and the 19-year incidence of hyperparathyroidism, were increased. The point prevalence of hypercalcaemia was also increased, and not reversible during 8.5 weeks off lithium. The findings support the hypothesis of a causal relationship between lithium treatment and hyperparathyroidism. Hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism are sometimes aetiologically related to reduced renal function in long-term lithium patients.     

Socio-demographic factors and oral health conditions in the elderly: A population-based study

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between oral health conditions and socio-demographic factors in an elderly population from Macaíba/RN (Brazil). A questionnaire was used to characterize the socio-demographic profiles and a clinical examination was performed to assess oral health conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, use of dental prosthesis, need for dental prosthesis and soft tissue injuries. The technique of random sampling by conglomerates was used, taken from randomly selected census drafts, with a total sample of 441 individuals. The prevalence of edentulism, bleeding and dental calculus was 50.8%, 27.2% and 32%, respectively, excluding all sextants in 59% of the elderly. Data analysis was conducted using the chi-squared test with the level of significance set at 5%. Prior to association tests, the dependant variables were submitted to principal component analysis. Four factors were extracted to represent the oral health conditions of elderly individuals. A statistically significant association was found between the following variables: gender and the presence of a caregiver with gum disease; age, residence area, presence of a caregiver and household density with need for dental prosthesis; and household density with soft tissue injuries. Therefore, precarious oral health conditions were found among the elderly and associations were found between these conditions and the socio-demographic factors, particularly gender, age and residence area. The results obtained demonstrated the need for improved oral health conditions in the elderly. The study of these conditions, allied to socio-demographic factors, is important in terms of both dental care and public policy planning related to these individuals.     

Socio-demographic factors and oral health conditions in the elderly: A population-based study

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between oral health conditions and socio-demographic factors in an elderly population from Macaíba/RN (Brazil). A questionnaire was used to characterize the socio-demographic profiles and a clinical examination was performed to assess oral health conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, use of dental prosthesis, need for dental prosthesis and soft tissue injuries. The technique of random sampling by conglomerates was used, taken from randomly selected census drafts, with a total sample of 441 individuals. The prevalence of edentulism, bleeding and dental calculus was 50.8%, 27.2% and 32%, respectively, excluding all sextants in 59% of the elderly. Data analysis was conducted using the chi-squared test with the level of significance set at 5%. Prior to association tests, the dependant variables were submitted to principal component analysis. Four factors were extracted to represent the oral health conditions of elderly individuals. A statistically significant association was found between the following variables: gender and the presence of a caregiver with gum disease; age, residence area, presence of a caregiver and household density with need for dental prosthesis; and household density with soft tissue injuries. Therefore, precarious oral health conditions were found among the elderly and associations were found between these conditions and the socio-demographic factors, particularly gender, age and residence area. The results obtained demonstrated the need for improved oral health conditions in the elderly. The study of these conditions, allied to socio-demographic factors, is important in terms of both dental care and public policy planning related to these individuals.     

Newer concepts in the medical management of patients with congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, especially among the elderly. Although an underlying disturbance in cardiac function can be identified in most patients, manifestations of the disease are greatly influenced by other factors, particularly neurohumoral and peripheral adaptive responses which occur secondary to impaired cardiac function. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is integrally involved in the pathophysiology of CHF. Originally considered a humoral system, the RAS is now known to exist and operate within cardiac and vascular tissues. The importance of tissue-specific renin-angiotensin systems in CHF is presently under investigation. Most patients with symptomatic CHF benefit from the administration of an ACE inhibitor. Certain asymptomatic patients, such as those with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and those who are at high risk for LV remodeling after anterior wall myocardial infarction, may also benefit from ACE inhibitor therapy. Diuretics and nitrates improve symptoms and often cardiac output in many patients with CHF. Although many new inotropic agents have been tested in CHF patients, none appear clinically superior to digitalis glycosides. The efficacy of digitalis glycosides in CHF may in part result from sympathoinhibitory properties such as the activation of baroreceptor mechanisms. Despite the fact that many CHF patients die from arrhythmias, treatment of asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias in these patients is not recommended. Patients with symptomatic or sustained ventricular arrhythmias are best treated by a physician experienced in cardiac electrophysiology. Therapy with beta-blocking drugs for CHF patients is controversial. Anticoagulants are recommended for selected patients with CHF. Finally, exercise therapy may improve functional capacity in some patients with CHF through its effects on peripheral blood vessels and skeletal muscle tissues.     

Genetic polymorphism of pleiotrophin is associated with pain experience in Japanese adults: Case-control study

Genetic factors play a role in individual differences in pain experience. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify novel loci regulating pain processing. We conducted a 2-stage GWAS and the candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) association study on pain experience using an exploratory cohort of patients with cancer pain. The confirmatory cohort comprised of participants from the general population with and without habitual use of analgesic medication. In the exploratory cohort, we evaluated pain intensity using a numerical rating scale, recorded daily opioid dosages, and calculated pain reduction rate. In the confirmatory cohort, pain experience was defined as habitual nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage. Using linear regression models, we identified candidate SNP in the exploratory samples, and tested the association between phenotype and experienced pain in the confirmatory samples. We found 1 novel SNP (rs11764598)—located on the gene encoding for pleiotrophin on chromosome 7—that passed the genome-wide suggestive significance at 20% false discovery rate (FDR) correction in the exploratory samples of patients with cancer pain (P = 1.31 × 10^-7, FDR = 0.101). We confirmed its significant association with daily analgesic usage in the confirmatory cohort (P = .028), although the minor allele affected pain experience in an opposite manner. We identified a novel genetic variant associated with pain experience. Further studies are required to validate the role of pleiotrophin in pain processing.     

Hodgkin's disease in the elderly: a population-based study

This study evaluated the incidence and outcome of Hodgkin's disease (HD) in older patients using a population-based approach. In total, 102 patients (52 men, 50 women) aged >or= 60 years presented in the Northern Health Region of England (population of 3.09 million) between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1998 and were studied prospectively. The age-specific incidence was 1.97/100,000 for those aged 60-69 years, and 2.18/100,000 for those aged 70 years or over. The median age of the cohort was 70 years (range 60-91) and the median follow up was 63 months (range 20-113). Out of 95 treated patients, 70 (74%) obtained complete or good partial (> 90% response) remissions. In the 60 to 69-year-old group, the disease-specific survival at 5 years was 100% for those presenting with early stage disease and 52% for those with advanced stage disease. In patients aged >70 years the 5 year disease-specific survival was 36% in patients with early stage and 14% for patients with advanced stage disease. The survival of patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive tumours was significantly poorer than that of patients with EBV-negative tumours (P = 0.007); median survival in the former group was 20 months versus undefined in the latter group. In total, 43 deaths were due to progressive HD and five were treatment-related. This study defined the incidence of HD in our population and demonstrated that the prognosis of elderly patients, particularly those with advanced stage disease, has not improved concurrently with that of patients aged < 60 years old. Novel approaches to assessment and treatment are necessary.     

浅谈老年人用药事项及选用中医药保健的建议

老年人由于机体内环境改变,肝肾功能下降,再加上多种疾病共存,同服药物较多,因此药物不良反应发生率较高。提示老年人用药应慎之又慎。同时,老年人也应增强保健意识,从根源上调理身体,预防疾病的发生。依据中医药基础理论对老年人身体进行调理会有更好的效果。本文对老年人用药时需要注意的事项以及在中医药保健方面的建议进行了综述,以期提高老年人晚年生活水平,延龄益寿。     

脑钠肽和N末端脑钠肽前体在老年舒张性心力衰竭患者中的比较

目的对老年舒张性心力衰竭(DHF)患者血浆脑钠肽(BNP)和N末端脑钠肽前体浓度进行比较,探讨其在老年DHF中的诊断价值。方法对诊断为DHF的老年患者129例(DHF组)及老年健康体检者77例(对照组)行心脏超声检查,应用酶联免疫法测定其血浆BNP浓度,采用电化学发光法双抗体夹心免疫法测定血浆N末端脑钠肽前体浓度,比较两组血浆BNP和N末端脑钠肽前体浓度及其与心脏舒张功能障碍分级的关系,并作受试者ROC曲线分析。结果DHF组血浆BNP和N末端脑钠肽前体水平均较对照组显著升高(P<0.01);且与舒张功能障碍程度相对应(P<0.01);血浆N末端脑钠肽前体水平高于BNP,并显著相关(r=0.812,P<0.01);ROC曲线下面积(AUC)为0.711(95%CI:0.630~0.792),120 ng/L作为界值的灵敏性为81.0%,特异性为63.3%;N末端脑钠肽前体AUC为0.765(95%CI:0.691~0.839),200 ng/L作为界值的灵敏性为82.3%,特异性为73.3%。结论血浆BNP和N末端脑钠肽前体均对老年DHF有一定的诊断价值;N末端脑钠肽前体是一个较BNP更为敏感的诊断DHF的生化指标。