Approximately one-third of IBD patients were low adherers. Predictors of adherence differed markedly between genders, although obstacles such as medication cost were relevant for both men and women.

Background: Low peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) (<60 L/min) among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may result in ineffective medication inhalation, leading to poor bronchodilation. Objective: The objectives of this analysis were to evaluate the prevalence of low PIFR at the time of discharge from a COPD-related hospitalization and to examine the real-world treatment patterns and rehospitalizations by PIFR. Methods: Patients at 7 sites in the United States were screened for enrollment at hospital discharge. PIFR was measured using the InCheck TM DIAL to simulate resistance of the DISKUS® dry powder inhaler (DPI). An equal number of patients were enrolled into low PIFR (<60 L/min) or normal PIFR (≥60 L/min) cohorts. Demographics, COPD-related clinical characteristics, health status, treatment and rehospitalization data were collected. Results: Mean PIFR was 71±22.12 L/min among 268 screened patients; 31.7% (n=85) of patients had low PIFR. Among all enrolled patients (n=170), the low PIFR cohort was older (66.2±10.04 years versus 62.1±9.41 years, p=0.006) and more likely to be female (61.2% versus 42.4%, p=0.014). There was an increase in DPI use at discharge, compared with admission, in the low PIFR cohort (62.4% versus 70.6%, p=0.020). The incidences of allcause rehospitalization up to 180 days were similar between the low and normal PIFR cohorts. Conclusions: At discharge following hospitalization for an exacerbation of COPD, approximately one-third of patients had a PIFR <60 L/min. More patients with a low PIFR were discharged with a DPI medication compared with use at admission. There was no difference in the rehospitalization rates by PIFR. AbstractAbbreviations: peak inspiratory flow rate, PIFR; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD; dry powder inhaler, DPI; metered dose inhalers, MDI; soft mist inhalers, SMI; modified Medical Research Council, mMRC; COPD Assessment Test, CAT; Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, MMAS; forced expiratory volume in 1 second, FEV 1 ; forced vital capacity, FVC; body mass index, BMI; length of stay, LOS; short-acting beta-agonist, SABA; short-acting muscarinic antagonist, SAMA; long-acting muscarinic antagonist, LAMA; long-acting beta2-agonist, LABA; inhaled corticosteroids, ICS

In this study, EC-MPS had a similar incidence of GI complications and dose manipulations compared with MMF. Despite similar GI complication rates and dose manipulations, treatment with EC-MPS seemed to result in a lower incidence of BPAR. Based on these observations, more studies need to be conducted to evaluate risks for BPAR relating to mycophenolic acid product.

A cross-sectional survey of board certified hematologists/oncologists was conducted to describe current chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) practice patterns and compare these self-reported practices with the clinical guidelines. Overall, the reported practice patterns regarding CML treatment were in accordance with guidelines; however, decisions also appear to be based on the attitudes, beliefs, and personal experience of the responding physicians. Background A previous survey of physician self-reported practice patterns in the management of CML was conducted in 2005. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European LeukemiaNet guidelines now include nilotinib and dasatinib in their treatment algorithms for CML. To assess these new guidelines, a cross-sectional survey of US hematologists and/or oncologists was conducted in December 2010 through an online survey. Materials and Methods The survey had 43 questions consisting of items updated from the 2005 survey to reflect changes in clinical practice, tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, and current guidelines. Results Analysis of the responses from 507 board certified medical oncologists/hematologists suggests that the use of imatinib 400 mg as an initial treatment option had decreased from 62% in 2005 to 52% in the 2010 survey. Currently, nearly 40% of physicians would choose either nilotinib or dasatinib as first-line treatment. From the surveyed physicians, achievement of at least a major molecular response (MMR) is the predominant treatment goal in chronic phase CML. Conclusion This survey emphasizes the need for continued updates and education regarding optimal therapy, monitoring practices, and therapeutic end points in CML.

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