Explore the vast range of titles available.

IntroductionCaring for a person with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric morbidity and persistent distress. The objective of this study was to describe the burden and the related factors of caregivers of advanced PD (APD) patients either treated with continuous dopaminergic delivery systems or standard therapy.MethodsThis cross-sectional, epidemiologic study conducted in 13 Italian sites enrolled PD patients treated with continuous dopaminergic delivering systems [either levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion or continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI)] or continuation of standard of care (SOC) with a caregiver. Patient quality of life (QoL) and caregiver burden were assessed using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8) and Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI), respectively.Results126 patients (mean age 69.3 ± 8 years) and their caregivers (mean age 57.9 ± 12.9) were enrolled. Most caregivers were spouses. Fifty-three patients were treated with LCIG, 19 with CSAI, and 54 with SOC. Mean ZBI scores were 29.6 ± 14.4 for LCIG, 35.8 ± 20.2 for CSAI, and 31.4 ± 16.0 for SOC. Caregivers of LCIG, CSAI, and SOC patients showed no burden or mild/moderate burden in 74, 53, and 63% of the cases, respectively. Mean PDQ-8 scores were 11.25 ± 5.67, 11.26 ± 5.55, and 14.22 ± 6.51 in LCIG, CSAI, and SOC patients. Neurologists considered patients “very much or much improved” in 89, 58, and 13% of the LCIG, CSAI, and SOC groups using the Clinical Global Impression–Global Improvement Scale. Predictors significantly associated with caregiver burden were patients and caregivers’ judgment of QoL and caregivers’ need to change work.ConclusionsCaregiver burden showed a tendency to be lower when patients are treated with LCIG than with CSAI or SOC.

Background Due to different social and epidemiological factors, the eligibility criteria to receive palivizumab prophylaxis may be different between countries, especially in “otherwise healthy” late preterm infants. Methods We analyzed an Italian database of young children referred to emergency departments for acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) during the RSV season over a four year period, when the use of palivizumab as prophylaxis for RSV disease was not widespread in premature infants. The demographic and environmental characteristics and the RSV positivity (RSV + ) in hospitalized and not-hospitalized patients were compared. In the data analysis we divided children according to their chronologic age (age) and their week gestational age (wGA). Results Out of the 100 children evaluated, 68 were infants (≤12 month-age): 7.5 and 20.6 % were in the <29 and 29- < 32 wGA groups respectively, and 72.0 % in the 32- < 35 wGA group. Positive hospitalized-to-not-hospitalized ratios were found in all three wGA groups, progressively decreasing (from 4.0 to 1.2), with increasing wGA ( p  = 0.35). The percentage of hospitalized infants that were also RSV + was also progressively decreasing (from 40.0 to 28.6 % and 18.4 %) with increasing wGA ( p  = 0.43). In the >12 month-age group ( N  = 32), there was positive hospitalized-to-not-hospitalized ratio only in the <29 wGA group with a low RSV + frequency (<29 %) in all wGA groups. In the ≤12 month-age group, 41 infants were evaluated with a ≤6 month-age and 27 with a >6–12 month-age. A positive hospitalized-to-not-hospitalized ratios was found in all wGA groups in ≤6 month-age infants, despite a low RSV + frequency in the 29- < 32 and 32- < 35 wGA group. In the >6-12 month-age group, all infants with a <29 and 29- < 32 wGA were hospitalized with a relatively high RSV + frequency whilst the 32- < 35 wGA group showed a negative hospitalized-to-not-hospitalized ratio with a lower RSV + frequency. Conclusions The hospitalized-to-not-hospitalized ratios and RSV + frequency in the first 12 months of age in infants born prematurely confirm the vulnerability of these children for clinically important RSV infection, most notably in the <32 wGA category.

Abstract Background In Italy, few studies have examined the clinical management of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, resulting in a lack of information and awareness. Methods A total of 378 PD patients (64.7 ± 14.3 years, 58.9% males) were enrolled across 15 centres in a 12-month retrospective and 6-month prospective study. The primary objective was to evaluate the achievement of Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines on recommended target values for anaemia, high blood pressure and mineral metabolism. Comorbidities, hospitalizations, treatment and quality of life were also assessed. Results Frequent comorbidities included hypertension (87.8%) and cardiovascular disease (39.7%). Peritonitis was the leading cause of hospitalization [12 admissions per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 9.3-15.2)]. At 6 months, anaemia corrected by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents was observed in 30% of patients and 73% received erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded in 50% and 20% of patients, respectively. Sixty-four percent of echocardiograms revealed left ventricular hypertrophy and 30% of patients had vitamin D <10 ng/mL. Medication to treat intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) included calcitriol (36.3%), paricalcitol (29.2%), cholecalciferol (23.6%) and cinacalcet (21.5%). In a subgroup of patients matched for baseline PTH treated for 1 year, a significant reduction in PTH with paricalcitol (−41%; P < 0.001) but not cinacalcet (+2%; P = 0.63) was observed. Comparison of quality of life domains revealed significant differences for symptoms (P = 0.049), cognitive function (P = 0.019) and social support (P = 0.04) (baseline versus 6 months). Conclusions Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases were frequent comorbidities and peritonitis was the leading cause of hospitalization. Secondary hyperparathyroidism and anaemia were common, thus necessitating frequent monitoring of PTH, calcium, phosphorus and haemoglobin.

Variability in severity among different respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons may influence hospital admission rates for RSV-induced lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in young children. The aim of the present study was to identify through logistic regression analysis, risk factors associated with higher likelihood to acquire RSV-induced LRTI, in children with symptoms severe enough to lead to hospital admission. Over four consecutive RSV seasons (2000-2004), records from children <4 years of age admitted for RSV-induced LRTI (\"cases\") were compared with those from children with LRTI not due to RSV and not requiring hospitalization (\"controls\"). 145 \"case-patients\" and 295 \"control-patients\" were evaluated. Independent from the severity of the four epidemic seasons, seven predictors for hospitalization for RSV infection were found in the bivariate analysis: number of children in the family, chronological age at the onset of RSV season, birth weight and gestational age, birth order, daycare attendance, previous RSV infections. In the logistic regression analysis, only three predictors were detected: chronological age at the beginning of RSV season [aOR =8.46; 95% CI:3.09-23.18]; birth weight category [aOR =7.70; 95% CI:1.29-45.91]; birth order (aOR =1.92; 95% CI:1.21-3.06). Independent from the RSV seasonality, specific host/environmental factors can be used to identify children at greatest risk for hospitalization for RSV infection.

Several levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) studies showed a significant reduction of OFF time and a significant increase of ON time, as well as a reduction of dyskinesia, and improvement of non-motor symptoms and quality of life. However, few studies have been conducted in a large population for more than 3 years. Interim outcomes from GREENFIELD observational study on a large Italian cohort of advanced PD patients who started LCIG in routine care between 2007 and 2014, still on treatment at the enrollment, are presented. Comparison between baseline (before LCIG start) and visit 1 (at enrollment) is reported. Primary endpoint was Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) IV Item 39; secondary endpoints were UPDRS I and II, as outcome of quality of life. Overall, 145 of 148 enrolled patients from 14 Movement Disorder Centers in Italy were evaluable with a mean LCIG treatment period of 1.38 ± 1.66 years at enrollment. Compared with baseline, the mean score regarding daily time spent in OFF (UPDRS IV Item 39) at visit 1 significantly decreased from 2.1 ± 0.8 to 0.9 ± 0.7 (57 % reduction vs baseline, P  < 0.0001); UPDRS IV improved by 39 % ( P  < 0.0001); scores for dyskinesia duration and disability were reduced by 28 % (1.8 ± 1.0–1.3 ± 0.9; P  < 0.0001) and 33 % (1.5 ± 1.1 to 1.0 ± 1.0; P  < 0.0001), respectively; and the scores for painful dyskinesia and early morning dystonia were reduced by 56 % (0.9 ± 1.0–0.4 ± 0.7; P  < 0.0001) and 25 % (0.4 ± 0.5–0.3 ± 0.5; P  < 0.001), respectively. The preliminary results of this interim analysis support the efficacy of LCIG on motor complications and activities of daily living.

The aim of this analysis was to estimate biochemical parameters and the costs of treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in a subpopulation of the FARO-2 study. The FARO-2 observational study aimed at evaluating the patterns of treatment for SHPT in naïve hemodialysis patients. Data related to pharmacological treatments and biochemical parameters (parathyroid hormone [PTH], calcium, phosphate) were recorded at entry to hemodialysis (baseline) and 6 months later (second survey). The analysis was performed from the Italian National Health Service perspective. Two prominent treatment groups were identified, ie, one on oral calcitriol (n=105) and the other on intravenous paricalcitol (n=33); the intravenous calcitriol and intravenous paricalcitol + cinacalcet combination groups were not analyzed due to low patient numbers. At baseline, serum PTH levels were significantly higher in the intravenous paricalcitol group (P<0.0001). At the second survey, the intravenous paricalcitol group showed a higher percentage of patients at target for PTH than in the oral calcitriol group without changing the percentage of patients at target for phosphate. Moreover, between baseline and the second survey, intravenous paricalcitol significantly increased both the percentage of patients at target for PTH (P=0.033) and the percentage of patients at target for the combined endpoint PTH, calcium, and phosphate (P=0.001). The per-patient weekly pharmaceutical costs related to SHPT treatment, erythropoietin-stimulating agents and phosphate binders accounted for 186.32€ and 219.94€ at baseline for oral calcitriol and intravenous paricalcitol, respectively, while after 6 months, the costs were 180.51€ and 198.79€, respectively. Either at the beginning of dialysis or 6 months later, the total cost of SHPT treatment was not significantly lower in the oral calcitriol group compared with the intravenous paricalcitol group, with a difference among groups that decreased by 46% between the two observations. The cost of erythropoietin stimulating agents at the second survey was lower (-22%) in the intravenous paricalcitol group than in the oral calcitriol group (132.13€ versus 168.36€, respectively). Intravenous paricalcitol significantly increased the percentage of patients at target for the combined endpoint of PTH, calcium, and phosphate (P=0.001). The total cost of treatment for the patients treated with intravenous paricalcitol 6 months after entry to dialysis was not significantly higher than the cost for patients treated with oral calcitriol.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. In the Figure

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important public health problem. Most of the evidence on its costs relates to patients receiving dialysis or kidney transplants, which shows that, in these phases, CKD poses a high burden to payers. Less evidence is available on the costs of the predialytic phase. Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the annual cost of patients with CKD not receiving dialysis treatment, using the Italian healthcare system perspective and a prospective approach. Methods A 3-year observational study (December 2010–September 2014) was carried out to collect data on resource consumption for 864 patients with CKD. Costs were estimated for both patients who completed the follow-up and dropouts. Results The mean annual total (healthcare) cost per patient equalled €2723 (95% confidence interval 2463.0–2983.3). Disease severity (higher CKD stage), multiple comorbidities, dropout status and belonging to the southern region are predictive of higher costs. Pharmaceuticals, hospitalisation, and outpatient services account for 71.5, 18.8 and 9.7% of total healthcare expenditure, respectively. Recent estimates of Italian costs of patients receiving dialysis are nine times the unit costs of CKD for patients estimated in this study. Unit costs at stage 5 CKD (the highest level of severity) equals 4.7 times the costs for patients at stage 1 CKD. Conclusion Despite its limitations, this study provides further evidence on the opportunity to invest in the first phases of CKD to avoid progression and an increase in healthcare costs.

A lack of awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) often results in delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic management and outcome of nondialysis CKD patients. Three hundred ninety-seven patients (54.9% males aged 67.5 ± 14.6 years) were retrospectively screened at the Nephrology Department, GB Grassi Hospital, Rome, Italy. After a baseline visit, patient data were collected every 6 months for a total of 24 months. Clinical characteristics were measured at baseline, then the following outcomes were measured every 6 months: staging of CKD, presence of concomitant diseases, treatment and adherence to Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines for anemia management. Three hundred sixty-eight (92.7%) patients attended at least one visit and 92 (23.2%) patients attended all four visits. Patients were mainly referred to a nephrologist for chronic renal failure (61.7%) or hypertension (42.8%). At baseline, 79.6% of patients had previous hospitalization and 79.1% were receiving antihypertensive medication. Serum creatinine and/or glomerular filtration rate was examined in >90% of patients, whereas parathyroid hormone was rarely examined (5.5%). Vitamin D supplementation was received by 6.5% of patients. The majority of patients were staged at 3 or 4 CKD (32% and 23.9%, respectively) and did not significantly change over time. The use of antithrombotic, antilipidemic and erythropoietin medication increased over the four surveys. The majority of patients (86.8%) achieved hemoglobin K/DOQI target levels. These findings demonstrate a current lack of attention of CKD and related disorders (mineral metabolism, electrolyte balance, and anemia) at the level of the general practitioner (GP) and non-nephrology specialist, which can result in both delayed referral and inadequate treatment. By increasing both awareness of CKD and the coordinated relationship between GPs and nephrologists, patient clinical and therapeutic outcome may be improved.

Psoriasis is a complex disease often needing a multidisciplinary approach. In particular, the collaboration between dermatologist and rheumatologist is crucial for the management of patients suffering from both psoriasis (PSO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Here we report a series of recommendations from a group of experts, as a result of a Consensus Conference, defining the circumstances in which it is preferable or even mandatory, depending on the available settings, to rely on the opinion of the two specialists, jointly or in a deferred manner. Indications are given on how to organize a 3rd level joint Dermatology- Rheumatology care unit, in connection with 1st and 2nd level clinicians of both specialties, GPs, and other specialists involved in the management of psoriasis. A potential patient journey is suggested, that can be used as a basis for future design and validation of national and/or local diagnostic therapeutic and assistance pathways.