Renal function during treatment with adefovir plus peginterferon alfa-2a vs either drug alone in hepatitis B/D co-infection

Long-term safety of treatment with hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase inhibitors is a concern. Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) therapy has previously been associated with impairment of renal function. Limited data are available on the safety of combination therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferon alfa (IFNα). The aim of this analysis was to assess the renal function during combination therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a (PegIFNα-2a) plus ADV vs either drug alone in patients with hepatitis B/D co-infection. We performed a retrospective analysis of renal function data of patients treated in the Hep-Net/International Delta Hepatitis Intervention Trial 1(HIDIT-1-trial), a European multicenter study to investigate the efficacy of 48 weeks of therapy with PegIFNα-2a+ADV vs either drug alone in 90 patients with chronic hepatitis B/D co-infection. Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were calculated by Cockcroft-Gault (CG), abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. After 48 weeks of therapy GFR values were significantly lower in patients receiving adefovir-containing treatment vs PegIFNα-2a alone [mean difference 16.1 mL/min (CG) and 10.2 mL/min (MDRD), respectively, P < 0.05] while no differences were observed between patients receiving adefovir alone vs combination treatment. Twenty-four weeks after treatment GFR values did not differ between treatment arms. A decrease in GFR ≥ 20% was observed more often in patients during adefovir-containing treatment vs PegIFNα-2a alone (P < 0.05) which was confirmed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Adefovir-containing but not PegIFNα-2a treatment was associated with a decrease in GFR values in about one-fifth of patients. Combination treatment of PegIFNα-2a+ADV in chronic hepatitis B/D co-infection did not lead to any further impairment of kidney function.     

Efficacy predictors of lung volume reduction with Zephyr valves in a European cohort

The Endobronchial Valve for Emphysema Palliation Trial (VENT) was a multi-centre, prospective, randomised, controlled trial conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of unilateral endobronchial valve (EBV) treatment. The purpose of this analysis was to assess outcomes in the previously unreported European VENT study cohort. Patients with advanced emphysema were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive Zephyr? (Pulmonx Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA) EBV treatment (n = 111) or medical management (n = 60). At 6 months, EBV patients demonstrated a significant improvement compared with the controls for mean ± SD change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (7 ± 20% versus 0.5 ± 19%; p = 0.067), cycle ergometry (2 ± 14 W versus -3 ± 10 W; p = 0.04) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (-5 ± 14 points versus 0.3 ± 13 points; p = 0.047). At 12 months, the magnitude of the difference between groups for change from baseline was of similar magnitude to the differences seen at 6 months. Rates for complications did not differ significantly. EBV patients with computed tomography (CT) scans suggestive of complete fissure and lobar occlusion had a mean ± SD lobar volume reduction of -80 ± 30% and >50% met minimal clinical difference thresholds. The degree of emphysema heterogeneity did not preclude excellent outcomes. Unilateral lobar volume reduction using EBV treatment is safe and superior clinical results correlated with CT suggestive of complete fissures and successful lobar occlusion. Emphysema heterogeneity was not critical for determining positive outcomes.     

EPODE approach for childhood obesity prevention: methods, progress and international development

Childhood obesity is a complex issue and needs multi-stakeholder involvement at all levels to foster healthier lifestyles in a sustainable way. 'Ensemble Prévenons l'Obésité Des Enfants' (EPODE, Together Let's Prevent Childhood Obesity) is a large-scale, coordinated, capacity-building approach for communities to implement effective and sustainable strategies to prevent childhood obesity. This paper describes EPODE methodology and its objective of preventing childhood obesity. At a central level, a coordination team, using social marketing and organizational techniques, trains and coaches a local project manager nominated in each EPODE community by the local authorities. The local project manager is also provided with tools to mobilize local stakeholders through a local steering committee and local networks. The added value of the methodology is to mobilize stakeholders at all levels across the public and the private sectors. Its critical components include political commitment, sustainable resources, support services and a strong scientific input--drawing on the evidence-base--together with evaluation of the programme. Since 2004, EPODE methodology has been implemented in more than 500 communities in six countries. Community-based interventions are integral to childhood obesity prevention. EPODE provides a valuable model to address this challenge.