Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · May 2024
Comparative StudyComparative effectiveness of etanercept originator and biosimilar for treating rheumatoid arthritis: implications for cost-savings.
This study aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of the etanercept (ETN) originator (Enbrel) and ETN biosimilar SB4 (Brenzys) as first-line treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while also exploring the potential cost-savings associated with this approach in Australia. ⋯ Treatment persistence using either ETN originator or biosimilar was similar. The cost of all brands of ETN markedly reduced upon listing of the ETN biosimilar, resulting in significant savings for the Australian Government.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2024
Multicenter Study Observational StudyIncidence, risk factors and treatment of central nervous system immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in non-HIV patients with tuberculous meningitis: a multicentre observational study.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with poor outcomes. ⋯ CNS-IRIS following TBM in non-HIV patients appears frequent and severe. Meningeal enhancement on brain MRI at tuberculosis diagnosis is a risk factor for CNS-IRIS.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2024
Real-world outcomes in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma patients exposed to three or more prior treatments: an analysis from the ANZ myeloma and related diseases registry.
There is no currently available standard of care for triple-class exposed, relapsed refractory myeloma (RRMM) patients in Australia. CARTITUDE-1 (CART-1) was a single-arm, phase 1b/2 study of 97 triple-class exposed RRMM patients, who received BCMA-CAR-T cell therapy with ciltacabtagene autocel. Overall response rate (ORR) was 98%. Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) had not been reached at a median follow-up of 28 months. ⋯ This retrospective analysis confirms uniformly poor outcomes for Australian RRMM patients. There remains a critical need for greater accessibility to novel treatments, such as CAR-T, outside clinical trials.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2024
Impact of cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary virtual clinics on patient experience, time commitments and costs.
The experience of outpatient care may differ for select patient groups. This prospective study evaluates the adult patient experience of multidisciplinary outpatient cystic fibrosis (CF) care with videoconferencing through telehealth compared with face-to-face care the year prior. ⋯ In this pilot study, participants' experience of care and quality of life were no different with face-to-face and virtual care between the groups. Time and cost-savings, particularly for patients living in regional areas, were observed. Most participants preferred to continue with a hybrid model for outpatient care.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2024
Eosinophilic oesophagitis: a common cause of food bolus obstruction.
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EOE) is a known cause of food bolus obstruction (FBO) with rising incidence and prevalence. ⋯ EOE affects a significant proportion of patients presenting with FBO (28%); a high biopsy rate of 78% in FBO cases provides an opportunity for prompt diagnosis and treatment.