Current medical research and opinion
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Managing diabetes during Ramadan fasting is a challenge due lifestyle changes. We described the characteristics and patterns of care for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during Ramadan 2020 and 2022. ⋯ Ramadan fasting in T2DM is high. Multidisciplinary approach is required to mitigate complications. Our findings support current recommendations for safe fasting.
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In the United States (US), prescription drug coverage is subject to prior authorization (PA) criteria, which may vary between health plans and may exceed drug label requirements. This study aimed to characterize profiles and treatment history of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who initiated esketamine nasal spray, by stringency of their health plans' PA criteria relative to the esketamine label. ⋯ Regardless of health plan stringency, on average, patients exceeded US label-mandated number of antidepressant trials before esketamine initiation, which questions the need for health insurance plans PA criteria above label.
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in patients at high cardiovascular risk. COVID-19 patients with underlying cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of poor clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to determine hospital outcomes among patients admitted with AF and COVID-19 infection. ⋯ COVID-19 hospitalized patients frequently have underlying AF, which confers a higher risk of adverse hospital outcomes and mortality, even after adjusting for baseline comorbidities. Heightened awareness is needed in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with AF.
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This retrospective study using claims data compared demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and clinical outcomes in Black and White patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in the United States. ⋯ Differences in demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns between Black and White patients with PAH were observed. Disparities between Black and White patients <65 years were only partially mediated through social determinants of health variables, suggesting other factors may be involved.
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Substance use disorder (SUD) poses a significant public health challenge globally, with substantial impacts on physical and social well-being. This study investigates the interplay between abstinence self-efficacy (ASE), locus of control (LOC), perceived social support (PSS), and various socio-demographic and psychosocial factors among individuals undergoing SUD rehabilitation. ⋯ Findings of this study have several implications for developing targeted interventions aimed at strengthening ASE, promoting internal locus of control, and enhancing social support systems.