A multi-centre qualitative study exploring the experiences of UK South Asian and White Diabetic Patients referred for renal care

Background An exploration of renal complications of diabetes from the patient perspective is important for developing quality care through the diabetic renal disease care pathway. Methods Newly referred South Asian and White diabetic renal patients over 16 years were recruited from nephrology outpatient clinics in three UK centres - Luton, West London and Leicester – and their experiences of the diabetes and renal care recorded. A semi-structured qualitative interview was conducted with 48 patients. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically and comparisons made between the White and South Asian groups. Results 23 South Asian patients and 25 White patients were interviewed. Patient experience of diabetes ranged from a few months to 35 years with a mean time since diagnosis of 12.1 years and 17.1 years for the South Asian and White patients respectively. Confusion emerged as a response to referral shared by both groups. This sense of confusion was associated with reported lack of information at the time of referral, but also before referral. Language barriers exacerbated confusion for South Asian patients. Conclusions The diabetic renal patients who have been referred for specialist renal care and found the referral process confusing have poor of awareness of kidney complications of diabetes. Healthcare providers should be more aware of the ongoing information needs of long term diabetics as well as the context of any information exchange including language barriers

Top research priorities in liver and gallbladder disorders in the UK

OBJECTIVES: There is a mismatch between research questions considered important by patients, carers and healthcare professionals and the research performed in many fields of medicine. The non-alcohol-related liver and gallbladder disorders priority setting partnership was established to identify the top research priorities in the prevention, diagnostic and treatment of gallbladder disorders and liver disorders not covered by the James-Lind Alliance (JLA) alcohol-related liver disease priority setting partnership. DESIGN: The methods broadly followed the principles of the JLA guidebook. The one major deviation from the JLA methodology was the final step of identifying priorities: instead of prioritisation by group discussions at a consensus workshop involving stakeholders, the prioritisation was achieved by a modified Delphi consensus process. RESULTS: A total of 428 unique valid diagnostic or treatment research questions were identified. A literature review established that none of these questions were considered 'answered' that is, high-quality systematic reviews suggest that further research is not required on the topic. The Delphi panel achieved consensus (at least 80% Delphi panel members agreed) that a research question was a top research priority for six questions. Four additional research questions with highest proportion of Delphi panel members ranking the question as highly important were added to constitute the top 10 research priorities. CONCLUSIONS: A priority setting process involving patients, carers and healthcare professionals has been used to identify the top 10priority areas for research related to liver and gallbladder disorders. Basic, translational, clinical and public health research are required to address these uncertainties

International genome-wide meta-analysis identifies new primary biliary cirrhosis risk loci and targetable pathogenic pathways.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a classical autoimmune liver disease for which effective immunomodulatory therapy is lacking. Here we perform meta-analyses of discovery data sets from genome-wide association studies of European subjects (n=2,764 cases and 10,475 controls) followed by validation genotyping in an independent cohort (n=3,716 cases and 4,261 controls). We discover and validate six previously unknown risk loci for PBC (Pcombined<5 × 10(-8)) and used pathway analysis to identify JAK-STAT/IL12/IL27 signalling and cytokine-cytokine pathways, for which relevant therapies exist

Chronic limb ischaemia: case study and clinical literature review

This article will discuss chronic limb ischaemia as the result of peripheral artery disease (PAD) using a case study. The patient's concurrent diagnosis of metastases meant clinical decision making was complex and treatment options were limited. PAD is the third most common clinical presentation of atherosclerosis after coronary artery disease and stroke. Although advances in radiological technology and biochemical screening offer the potential for earlier intervention and improved survival rates for patients with PAD, a review of the evidence suggests that commitment to more conservative approaches, such as exercise therapy and health promotion, could have more sustainable, longer-term benefits for patients with chronic limb ischaemia. The therapeutic nature of the nurse–patient relationship makes nurses ideally placed for encouraging lifestyle changes and signposting to support services. Active participation from the patient is imperative for any potential modifications, which should be individualised as part of a holistic care plan, to ensure patient engagement and compliance. Therefore emphasis should remain on the management and prevention of modifiable risk factors, for which the nurse's role is an integral part to ensure success.N/

The impact of national chronic kidney disease management guidelines in the United Kingdom on referral patterns for South Asian and european patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom are over 10 times more likely to progress to end-stage renal disease than European patients. It is unclear whether this is due to late interaction with primary care, late referral to secondary care, suboptimal treatment with protective therapies or increased rates of progression among South Asian patients. This study investigated the demographic and clinical status of South Asian and European patients at the time of referral to renal service, before and after the introduction of national CKD management guidelines. The study also sought to understand patient experiences. Method: A mixed-methods approach was undertaken combining audit and patient interviews. The audit consisted of a retrospective, observational study comparing all South Asian and European patients with type 2 diabetes referred to 4 specialist renal services in the United Kingdom in 2004 and in 2007. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. For the patient interviews, newly referred South Asian and White European patients with diabetes over 16 years were recruited from nephrology outpatient clinics in three UK centres - Luton, West London and Leicester. A semi-structured qualitative interview was conducted with 48 patients and a thematic analysis of the data produced is reported. Results: The national audit shows that South Asian patients were younger than European patients at the time of referral (2004: European (E) 70.1±10.5 vs South Asian (SA) 63.0±12.1 years, p<0.001) with less advanced renal disease (2004: eGFR E 40.7±19.6 vs SA 47.3±24.8 ml/min, p=0.006). Following introduction of national CKD guidelines, patients were referred with more advanced renal disease although the decrease in mean eGFR was less pronounced for South Asian patients (2007: eGFR E 32.7±12.4 (- 8.0) vs SA 42.8±23.1 (-4.5) ml/min, p=0.001). These differences were not accounted for by prevalence of social deprivation. There was no difference in prescription of cardioprotective or renoprotective therapies or blood pressure control between ethnic groups. The patient interviews show that despite having familiarity and first hand experience of living with diabetes there was varying levels of understanding and knowledge about diabetes and low levels of awareness of renal complications of diabetes. For many patients referral to renal services was confusing and this was associated with a lack of information reported at the time of referral but also for some with reflections of a lack of information earlier on. Access to information seems to be moderated by a number of factors: language barriers; comorbidities; individual attitudes and expectations of health care providers, some of which relate to the individual patient's cultural context. Conclusion: There is not a delay in referral of South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes to specialist renal care in the United Kingdom or reduced prescription of protective therapies prior to referral to account for the increased progression to end stage renal disease. Patients with diabetes who have been referred for specialist renal care and found the referral process confusing have poor of awareness of kidney complications of diabetes. This reflects poor access to information at referral and during the previous period they have been managing their diabetes. In order to improve patient experience of the diabetic renal disease care pathway service, healthcare providers should be more aware of the ongoing information needs of people with diabetes as well as the context of any information exchange

Palbociclib (P) in patients (pts) with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) with CDK4 amplification: Results from the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry (TAPUR) study

11565 Background: TAPUR is a phase II basket study evaluating anti-tumor activity of commercially available targeted agents in pts with advanced cancers with genomic alterations. Results in a cohort of STS pts with CDK4 amplification treated with P are reported. Methods: Eligible pts had advanced STS, no standard treatment options, measurable disease, ECOG PS 0-2, and adequate organ function. Genomic testing was performed in CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited site selected labs. Pts received P at 125 mg orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days off until disease progression. Pts matched to P had CDK4 amplification and no RB mutations. Simon 2-stage design tested the null disease control (DC) - defined as partial (PR), complete response (CR) or stable disease at 16+ weeks (SD 16+) - rate of 15% vs. 35% (power = 0.85; α = 0.10). If ≥2 of 10 pts in stage 1 have DC, 18 more pts are enrolled. If ≥7 of 28 pts have DC, the null DC rate is rejected. Secondary endpoints are progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: 29 pts (66% male) with STS with CDK4 amplification were enrolled from July 2016 to Nov 2019. 1 pt was not evaluable and excluded from efficacy analyses. Demographics and outcomes are summarized in Table. One pt with partial response (PR) and 12 pts with SD16+ were observed for DC and objective response (OR) rates of 48% (95% CI: 31%, 62%) and 3.7% (95% CI: 0.1%, 19%), respectively, and the null DC rate of 15% was rejected (p32 weeks. 14 pts had at least one grade 3-4 AE at least possibly related to P with the most common being low WBC/platelets. Other grade 3 AEs included increased alanine aminotransferase, anemia, and fatigue. Conclusions: Monotherapy P demonstrated anti-tumor activity in heavily pre-treated pts with STS with CDK4 amplification. Additional study is warranted to confirm the efficacy of P in pts with STS with CDK4 amplification. Clinical trial information: NCT02693535. [Table: see text

Pretreatment prediction of response to ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis: development and validation of the UDCA Response Score

Background: Treatment guidelines recommend a stepwise approach to primary biliary cholangitis: all patients begin treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) monotherapy and those with an inadequate biochemical response after 12 months are subsequently considered for second-line therapies. However, as a result, patients at the highest risk can wait the longest for effective treatment. We determined whether UDCA response can be accurately predicted using pretreatment clinical parameters. Methods: We did logistic regression analysis of pretreatment variables in a discovery cohort of patients in the UK with primary biliary cholangitis to derive the best-fitting model of UDCA response, defined as alkaline phosphatase less than 1·67 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), measured after 12 months of treatment with UDCA. We validated the model in an external cohort of patients with primary biliary cholangitis and treated with UDCA in Italy. Additionally, we assessed correlations between model predictions and key histological features, such as biliary injury and fibrosis, on liver biopsy samples. Findings: 2703 participants diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis between Jan 1, 1998, and May 31, 2015, were included in the UK-PBC cohort for derivation of the model. The following pretreatment parameters were associated with lower probability of UDCA response: higher alkaline phosphatase concentration (p&lt;0·0001), higher total bilirubin concentration (p=0·0003), lower aminotransferase concentration (p=0·0012), younger age (p&lt;0·0001), longer interval from diagnosis to the start of UDCA treatment (treatment time lag, p&lt;0·0001), and worsening of alkaline phosphatase concentration from diagnosis (p&lt;0·0001). Based on these variables, we derived a predictive score of UDCA response. In the external validation cohort, 460 patients diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis were treated with UDCA, with follow-up data until May 31, 2016. In this validation cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the score was 0·83 (95% CI 0·79–0·87). In 20 liver biopsy samples from patients with primary biliary cholangitis, the UDCA response score was associated with ductular reaction (r=–0·556, p=0·0130) and intermediate hepatocytes (probability of response was 0·90 if intermediate hepatocytes were absent vs 0·51 if present). Interpretation: We have derived and externally validated a model based on pretreatment variables that accurately predicts UDCA response. Association with histological features provides face validity. This model provides a basis to explore alternative approaches to treatment stratification in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Funding: UK Medical Research Council and University of Milan-Bicocca

Pretreatment prediction of response to ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis: development and validation of the UDCA Response Score.

BACKGROUND: Treatment guidelines recommend a stepwise approach to primary biliary cholangitis: all patients begin treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) monotherapy and those with an inadequate biochemical response after 12 months are subsequently considered for second-line therapies. However, as a result, patients at the highest risk can wait the longest for effective treatment. We determined whether UDCA response can be accurately predicted using pretreatment clinical parameters. METHODS: We did logistic regression analysis of pretreatment variables in a discovery cohort of patients in the UK with primary biliary cholangitis to derive the best-fitting model of UDCA response, defined as alkaline phosphatase less than 1·67 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), measured after 12 months of treatment with UDCA. We validated the model in an external cohort of patients with primary biliary cholangitis and treated with UDCA in Italy. Additionally, we assessed correlations between model predictions and key histological features, such as biliary injury and fibrosis, on liver biopsy samples. FINDINGS: 2703 participants diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis between Jan 1, 1998, and May 31, 2015, were included in the UK-PBC cohort for derivation of the model. The following pretreatment parameters were associated with lower probability of UDCA response: higher alkaline phosphatase concentration (p<0·0001), higher total bilirubin concentration (p=0·0003), lower aminotransferase concentration (p=0·0012), younger age (p<0·0001), longer interval from diagnosis to the start of UDCA treatment (treatment time lag, p<0·0001), and worsening of alkaline phosphatase concentration from diagnosis (p<0·0001). Based on these variables, we derived a predictive score of UDCA response. In the external validation cohort, 460 patients diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis were treated with UDCA, with follow-up data until May 31, 2016. In this validation cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the score was 0·83 (95% CI 0·79-0·87). In 20 liver biopsy samples from patients with primary biliary cholangitis, the UDCA response score was associated with ductular reaction (r=-0·556, p=0·0130) and intermediate hepatocytes (probability of response was 0·90 if intermediate hepatocytes were absent vs 0·51 if present). INTERPRETATION: We have derived and externally validated a model based on pretreatment variables that accurately predicts UDCA response. Association with histological features provides face validity. This model provides a basis to explore alternative approaches to treatment stratification in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. FUNDING: UK Medical Research Council and University of Milan-Bicocca