Therapy Dogs Offer New Fibromyalgia Management Option
Better Together Study from Purina and Mayo Clinic found people with fibromyalgia experienced a more positive emotional-physiologic state after single session with therapy dog
For condition with no known cure, researchers identify animal-assisted activity is an effective tool to help manage the physical and mental health of fibromyalgia patients
Therapy dogs studied too; physiologic readings suggest dogs calmer at the end of patient sessions
TORONTO, ON, Sept. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - New research from Purina and Mayo Clinic brings a pet-centered treatment option to the forefront for patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic centralized pain sensitivity disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. A newly published study by Mayo Clinic and Purina researched the impact of animal-assisted activity sessions in patients with fibromyalgia and found benefits of the interaction to patients and the therapy dogs working to help them.
The Arthritis Society estimates that 800,000 or roughly 2 percent of Canadians suffer from fibromyalgia. Purina and Mayo Clinic designed the Better Together study to investigate the direct effects of animal-assisted activity in patients with fibromyalgia. At the same time, the study measured the emotional state of the therapy dogs during the treatment session to better understand the impacts on these specially trained canine companions. For both patients and the therapy dogs, researchers used multiple non-invasive physiological biomarkers, including salivary oxytocin and cortisol concentrations, tympanic membrane temperatures and various cardiac parameters.
"The Better Together study showed therapy animals could be an evidence-based treatment option, and healthcare professionals should strongly consider utilizing animal-assisted activity in the care of their patients with fibromyalgia," said Arya Mohabbat, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic, and lead Mayo Clinic researcher on the project.
While fibromyalgia has some effective treatment strategies, most individuals live with chronic symptoms and look for non-conventional treatments in search of relief. For 221 patients, each enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Fibromyalgia Treatment Program, an outpatient program staffed by physicians from the Mayo Clinic Division of General Internal Medicine, the Better Together study provided reprieve for those in the treatment group and hope for those in the control group.
The Better Together study found the patients in the treatment group were in a more positive emotional-physiologic state as a result of the animal-assisted activity session compared to the control group. People who interacted with therapy dogs saw their oxytocin levels increase significantly, while their heart rates decreased. They reported less negative emotions and more positive emotions. The results suggest a 20-minute therapy dog visit can significantly and positively impact the physical and mental health of patients with fibromyalgia.
Therapy Dogs Calmer
Despite the widespread use of therapy dogs in clinical settings, there's a lack of understanding of the impact of animal-assisted activity sessions on the emotional state of the dogs. In addition to interacting with patients of all ages in varying physical and emotional states as part of their work, therapy dogs are exposed to novel environments that may include new sights, sounds and textures that require ongoing focus and adaptation.
The study found the dogs – all members of the Mayo Clinic Caring Canines Program, which varied in breed, age and size – did not show signs of stress during the animal-assisted activity session and may have been in a more relaxed state at the end of the session. For most parameters, there were no changes in the dogs, signaling contentment; however, for those that did change, they pointed to a more positive emotional and physiological state, such as a significantly lower heart rate, at the end of the session. This signals the dogs were not only good at their jobs, but in many cases, enjoyed the work they were doing with patients.
"We need to expand our understanding of how animal-assisted activity impacts therapy dog's wellbeing, and this sizeable study with 19 dogs of various breeds provided solid evidence that animal-assisted activity done in the right condition does not have negative impacts on well-trained therapy dogs," said François Martin, M.A., Ph.D., Applied behavior and welfare research section leader at Purina, and lead Purina scientist on the project. "This only encourages us to do more research to continue to demonstrate the power of the human-animal bond on people while ensuring assistance animals also experience positive wellness as a result of their work."
The Better Together study is the first one to utilize physiologic parameters to provide scientific evidence that animal-assisted activities is a valid option for the management of fibromyalgia. The authors of the study believe that animal-assisted activity should become a standard treatment strategy to help patients manage this chronic condition.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 8,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 49 million dogs and 66 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
SOURCE PURINA
Fullscript is now a Certified Carbon Neutral Organization
Fullscript announces it is now proudly a certified carbon-neutral organization, neutralizing its carbon footprint from January 1st, 2020 onwards.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Every day, thousands of people start their wellness journeys. Today, Fullscript starts its own. Fullscript is now certified by Carbonzero as a carbon-neutral organization, offsetting emissions from January 1st, 2020 onwards.
Fullscript will offset approximately 3364 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions in 2020 and will invest further in projects to directly reduce its carbon footprint as the company continues to grow. Going forward, any emissions that Fullscript can't eliminate will be offset through investments in verified greenhouse gas reduction projects, such as those provided by Carbonzero.
"Fullscript is proud to be certified carbon neutral as of 2020. This is the first big step in our sustainability journey, but it's far from the end. We're committed to continually reinventing our practices to help our planet get better," said Fullscript Chief Executive Officer Fran Towey. "Together, we're tackling climate change for the health of our planet and of all people."
Climate change is a major threat to global health, and today's announcement represents a commitment from Fullscript to act as a leader in the healthcare industry on climate issues.
"Environmental conditions are key to a holistic approach to wellness. Climate change threatens key determinants of health such as clean air to breathe, safe drinking water, and access to quality food," said Fullscript Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Gladd, MD. "Carbon-neutrality is an excellent example of proactive measures to ensure the health of our planet, and by extension, the health of our people."
Fullscript is the ultimate free platform for those who want to do wellness the right way — the personal way — from anywhere. This virtual dispensary has the most comprehensive catalog, integrates with EHRs, automates refill reminders, and offers evidence-based resources. It's an always-accessible solution that helps people get better.
SOURCE Fullscript
This Fall, Couture Meets Eco-Conscious Swimwear in an All-New SWIMINISTA Collection Featuring Iconic Prints From The House of Christian Lacroix
SWIMINISTA founder Andréa Bernholtzannounces a collaboration with The House of Christian Lacroix, the iconic brand known for shaping global fashion
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. September 1st, 2020: This fall, SWIMINISTA is taking The House of Christian Lacroix’s iconic prints from the catwalk to the cabana in an all-new collaborative collection of swimwear. Designed by Rock & Republic co-founder and serial mom-preneur Andréa Bernholtz, the SWIMINISTA line of comfortable, supportive swimwear features eco-luxury Italian recycled fabrics in adjustable, personalized fits in sizes A-DD. Now, the eco-conscious brand teams up with one of the biggest names in fashion to develop a haute couture-inspired swim line built to suit every unique body.
“I have always admired The House of Christian Lacroix,” says Bernholtz. “The brand’s bold designs and prints have long been a favorite of mine - they caught my eye back in 2000 at Paris Fashion week, the first catwalk show I ever attended. It's truly surreal for me to collaborate with one of my dream designers in launching The House of Christian Lacroix X SWIMINISTA Collection.”
“Partnering with Andréa and SWIMINISTA on an upscale beachwear collection was a natural choice for us,” says Nicolas Topiol, Chief Executive Officer of the House of Christian Lacroix. “Our relationship with Andréa extends back to her innovative work on the Rock & Republic line. Now, her unique approach to swimwear with SWIMINISTA provides a wonderful opportunity to combine her inclusive shapes with our rich prints.”
Known for his vibrant and colorful approach, Lacroix’s characteristic prints and pieces have helped to shape global couture, interior design, and fashion culture. Their designs are theatrically inspired, described as “unexpected,” “opulent,” and “exuberant.” Influenced by history and world culture, The House of Christian Lacroix brings an artistic flair to everyday pieces with trademark elegance and sophistication. The House of Christian Lacroix collections Women’s apparel, fashion accessories, home furnishings, tabletop and lifestyle products.
Bernholtz initially connected with The House of Christian Lacroix in her role as Co-founder and President at Rock & Republic, the infamous denim brand. When she discovered that they were open to collaborations, she flew to Paris to propose a partnership with SWIMINISTA. The collection will go live this October, debuting two new prints on eight chic, eco-friendly silhouettes with plans to add more in January 2021. Each piece will feature SWIMINISTA’s characteristic adjustable elements and incredible support, in addition to sexy, elongated bottoms with ruching for an ultra-flattering fit.
Shop the SWIMINISTA line of eco-conscious, comfortably supportive swimwear online, complete with care tips and essential accessories like the Multi-Purpose Three-Way Mask/ Scarf/ Headband. Choose the “Try At Home” option to explore all your favorite styles in comfort and privacy, decide which to keep, and send back the rest. Standard shipping is always free anywhere in the US on orders over $100, or enjoy an $8 standard flat rate on orders under $100. Next-day and two-day options are also available. Learn more about the revolutionary and philanthropic SWIMINISTA brand and shop the collection exclusively at SWIMINISTA.com. Follow on Instagram @SWIMINISTA for style ideas, new releases, and brand updates. SWIMINISTA: Meet your new favorite suit… finally!
About SWIMINISTA:
From Rock & Republic Co-Founder Andréa Bernholtz comes SWIMINISTA,an all-new collection of comfortable, ultra-chic swimwear made from luxury recycled fabrics and featuring adjustable, personalized fits in sizes A-DD. In an effort to give women the confidence to celebrate their own bodies while reducing the swim industry’s impact on the planet, SWIMINISTA relies on high-quality fabric made from post-consumer plastics to create sexy, supportive pieces made for movement. Using the SWIMINISTA personalized fit guide, shoppers can select their ideal style and enter details about their jeans and bra sizes to easily find the right suit to complement their unique body. Through the company’s discrete “Try At Home” option, shoppers can choose a selection of suits to try, decide which to keep and send back the rest. Discover the new era of eco-conscious, supportive swimwear in the SWIMINISTA online shop, along with care tips and updates on the company’s efforts to give back, both globally and locally. Shop the SWIMINISTAcollection exclusively at SWIMINISTA.com and follow on Instagram @SWIMINISTAfor style ideas, new releases, and brand updates.
About The House of Christian Lacroix
Ever since the creation of the couture house in 1987, The House of Christian Lacroix style is unique, exuberant, colorful and baroque. The Hispanic and “Arlésiennes” inspirations, colors, innovative forms borrowed from theatrical make a sensation and are a breath of freshness in the fashion circles. From their inception, Christian Lacroix’s creations have been coveted and embraced by many great international fashion editors and stars. Mr Lacroix has given the Couture House 25 years of unrivalled creations. Today, the House of Christian Lacroix conserves a heritage of unparalleled richness.
The House is evolving under a new creative direction with Sacha Walckhoff, Mr Lacroix’s design assistant from 1992 to 2009, and creative director of multiple successful lines in the House. With creativity and innovations, the Studio of the House is reinventing the signature themes of the Lacroix House in order to reach out to a new public.
The Christian Lacroix fashion brand is sold worldwide, from apparel collections to fashion accessories such as leather goods, eyewear, scarves, jeweller, and fragrances. The House of Christian Lacroix has also successfully launched lifestyle collections for home decoration with furnishings, wallpapers, porcelain tableware, stationery and gifts.
The Christian Lacroix brand subsists through timeless values. The result is a fabulous and richly entwined universe, which can be continually reinterpreted, re-mixed and illuminated.
Health Canada Authorizes ENSPRYNG® for Canadians Living with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
ENSPRYNG is a targeted IL-6R treatment that is administered every four weeks by subcutaneous injection[1]
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 31, 2020 /CNW/ - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) announced today that Health Canada has granted market authorization for ENSPRYNG® (satralizumab) as monotherapy or in combination with immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult and adolescent patients who are anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) seropositive. The treatment is not intended for acute treatment of an NMOSD relapse.[1] Canada is the first country to receive health authority approval for ENSPRYNG, offering a new treatment option for people living with NMOSD.
The Health Canada market authorization of ENSPRYNG was based on data from two phase 3 randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, SAkuraSky and SAkuraStar.[1]
"The impact that NMOSD can have on patients is extensive where even one sudden relapse may result in blindness and paralysis," said Dr. Anthony Traboulsee, Director, MS and NMO Clinic, Djavad Mowfaghian Centre for Brain Health, the University of British Columbia. "In clinical trials we witnessed the benefits that ENSPRYNG can provide people living with NMOSD in preventing relapses, and I believe this treatment can potentially improve the future outlook of Canadians who live with this serious neurological condition, decreasing the fear and uncertainty of when and how severe their next relapse may be."
NMOSD is a rare autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system where antibodies can damage the spinal cord and/or optic nerves during attacks. There are approximately 1,000 to 3,000 Canadians living with NMOSD[2], with the disease being most commonly diagnosed among non-Caucasian women[3] in their 20s to 40s.[4] People with NMOSD experience unpredictable, severe relapses causing cumulative, permanent, neurological damage and disability.[4],[5] The condition can be confused with multiple sclerosis (MS), however NMOSD is less common than MS and its attacks can be more severe.[4] In fact, studies have found that 62 per cent of patients are blind within five to six years of disease onset and approximately 50 per cent of patients need assistance with walking short distances after five years.[6],[7],[8]
"We are pleased that Canadians with NMOSD, one of the allied diseases we support, have an additional option available to manage their disease. Access to new treatments is critical in disease management throughout a person's journey with NMOSD," said Dr. Pamela Valentine, President and CEO, MS Society of Canada.
About the Health Canada Approval The Health Canada market authorization of ENSPRYNG was based on data from the SAkuraSky and SAkuraStar studies. The SAkuraStar study was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ENSPRYNG monotherapy compared to placebo in 95 NMOSD patients from the age of 18 to 74. The SAkuraSky study was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that included 83 NMOSD patients, including adolescents from the age of 12 to 74, to evaluate the effect of ENSPRYNG in combination with stable immunosuppressive therapy.[1] Data from the studies demonstrated the following:
SAkuraStar: Patients treated with ENSPRYNG achieved a 74 percent reduction in the risk of relapses compared to placebo in the AQP4-IgG seropositive patient population (HR:0.45; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.89; p=0.0184).[1]
SAkuraSky: Patients achieved a 79 percent reduction in the risk of relapses in AQP4-IgG seropositive patients when used in combination with baseline therapy compared to baseline therapy plus placebo (HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.88; p=0.0184).[1]
In both the SAkuraStar and SAkuraSky studies, the rates of adverse events and serious adverse events were comparable between ENSPRYNG and placebo groups, as monotherapy or in combination with baseline therapy. The most common adverse events in both treatment groups were headache (24.4 and 15.9 per cent), arthralgia (9.8 and 15.9 per cent), and injection related reactions (12.2 and 12.7 per cent). None of the injection related reactions required dose interruption or discontinuation.[1]
About Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder NMOSD is a demyelinating condition, meaning, it damages the protective myelin sheath around the nerve fibres.[4] NMOSD is commonly associated with pathogenic antibodies that target and damage a specific cell type called astrocytes resulting in inflammatory lesions of the optic nerve(s), spinal cord and brain.[9],[10] AQP4-IgG antibodies are detectable in the blood serum of around two-thirds of NMOSD patients.[5]
About ENSPRYNG (satralizumab) ENSPRYNG is a monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-6R receptor, [5] which is thought to be a key driver in NMOSD.[9]People with active NMOSD can have higher levels of IL-6R, so blocking IL-6R signaling is believed to reduce inflammation, dampen production of AQP4-IgG, decrease blood-brain barrier permeability, and prevent astrocyte damage which therefore may limit NMOSD disease activity.[5],[6],[11]
ENSPRYNG is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneously). The first injection is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The first three injections are given once every two weeks and are known as 'loading doses.' After this, the injection is given every four weeks. This is called a 'maintenance dose.' ENSPRYNG is then taken once every four weeks as prescribed by a healthcare professional.[1]
About Roche Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof, combined with a focus on innovation, have made Roche the leader in personalized healthcare – a strategy that aims to provide patients with timely access to their best possible healthcare solution.
Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.
Founded in 1931, Roche Canada is committed to searching for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases while making a sustainable contribution to society. The company employs more than 1,200 people across the country through its Pharmaceuticals division in Mississauga, Ontario and Diagnostics, as well as Diabetes Care divisions in Laval, Quebec.
Roche aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Roche Canada is actively involved in local communities through its charitable giving and partnerships with organizations and healthcare institutions that work together to improve the quality of life of Canadians. For more information, please visitwww.RocheCanada.com.
All trade-marks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Traboulsee A, et al. Safety and efficacy of satralizumab monotherapy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. 2020; 19:5; 402-12.
[6]
Kitley J, Leite MI, Nakashima I, et al. Prognostic factors and disease course in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder from the United Kingdom and Japan. Brain : a journal of neurology 2012;135:1834-49.
[7]
Kessler RA, Mealy MA, Levy M. Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: Acute, Preventive, and Symptomatic. Current treatment options in neurology 2016;18:2.
[8]
Wingerchuk DM, Weinshenker BG. Neuromyelitis optica: clinical predictors of a relapsing course and survival. Neurology 2003;60:848-53.
[9]
Chihara N, Aranami T, Sato W, Miyazaki Y, Miyake S, Okamoto T, et al. Interleukin 6 signalling promotes anti–aquaporin 4 autoantibody production from plasmablasts in neuromyelitis optica. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2011; 108: 3701–6.
[10]
Fujihara, K. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders – still evolving and broadening. Curr. Opin. Neurol. 2019;32(3):385-394.
[11]
Hillebrand S, et al. Circulating AQP4-specific autoantibodies alone can induce neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in the rat. Acta Neuropathologica. 2019; 137: 467-485.
SOURCE Roche Canada
Dr. Lisa Calder begins her leadership of the CMPA
OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 31, 2020 /CNW/ - Today Dr. Lisa Calder becomes the CEO of the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). Dr. Calder also assumes the position of Board Chair of Saegis, the CMPA's subsidiary.
An award winning emergency physician, researcher, and teacher, Dr. Calder is an authentic and collaborative leader who is committed to improving healthcare for Canadian physicians and patients. Since graduating from her emergency medicine residency at the University of Ottawa 15 years ago, Dr. Calder has steadily honed her knowledge and leadership skills—including obtaining a Master of Science in Epidemiology, completing fellowships in patient safety leadership, serving as an award winning associate professor, practising emergency medicine, and joining the CMPA as the director of Medical Care Analytics.
"We are here for our 100,000+ physician members; we will continue to evolve our services and modernize the CMPA so that they feel supported; and will be doing this in collaborative ways," said Dr. Calder. "I look forward to leading this organization into the future, and I am confident in the deep talent and skills we have at the CMPA to protect the professional integrity of Canadian physicians and promote the safety of medical care."
About the CMPA
The CMPA delivers efficient, high-quality physician-to-physician advice and assistance in medical-legal matters, including the provision of appropriate compensation to patients injured by negligent medical care. Our evidence-based products and services enhance the safety of medical care, with the goal of reducing harm and costs. As Canada's largest physician organization and with the support of our more than 100,000 physician members, the CMPA collaborates, advocates, and effects positive change on important healthcare and medical-legal issues. The Association is governed by an elected council of physicians.
About Saegis
Saegis, the CMPA's wholly owned subsidiary, is a provider of safety programs and practice management solutions to physicians, healthcare professionals, teams, hospitals and clinics. Saegis' high quality, specialized professional development programs, safety initiatives and practice management services are designed to reduce risk and improve safety in healthcare.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Protective Association
New 12-month analysis data from ETNA-AF non-interventional study show low bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rates in frail and elderly AF patients on LIXIANA® (edoxaban) during routine clinical care
Newly presented data provide reassurance around edoxaban use in vulnerable populations of frail, elderly and renally impaired patients
Clinician's perception of frailty found to potentially be a better marker of clinical outcomes than age
The global ETNA-AF program, which includes ETNA-AF-Europe, is the largest prospective, non-interventional study investigating a single NOAC to date
LAVAL, QC, Aug. 31, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Servier Canada announces one-year results of four sub-analyses from the European and global ETNA-AF (Edoxaban Treatment in routiNe clinical prActice in patients with nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation) program, a non-interventional safety study evaluating edoxaban (known by the brand name LIXIANA®) treatment in routine clinical practice in >26,000 patients around the world with atrial fibrillation (AF).i,ii,iii,iv New 12-month data from the European and global ETNA-AF registries showed rates of bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were considered low by the authors' assessment in frail and elderly patients in routine clinical care.i,ii,iii Findings are available virtually at ESC Congress 2020, the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology, 29 August – 01 September, and are part of the largest prospective, non-interventional study program investigating a single non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) to date.
In vulnerable populations such as the elderly, frail and those with renal impairment – a common comorbidity for people with AF – anticoagulation for stroke prevention is often not prescribed due to the risk of bleeding, despite these patients being among those most at risk for ischemic events like stroke.v However, outcomes from ETNA-AF reinforce the effectiveness and safety of edoxaban in these populations.
"Elderly and frail patients have been underrepresented in certain AF stroke prevention trials, leaving a lack of evidence to support routine NOAC use in these patients," said Dr Ameet Bakhai, Consultant Cardiologist & Cardiovascular R&D Director Royal Free London NHS Trust, UK. "However, these new data should provide clinicians with some confidence of edoxaban's efficacy and safety profile to reduce the risk of stroke for the elderly and frail AF populations."
ETNA-AF-Europe Registry Outcomes: Frailty and renal function Anticoagulation presents multiple challenges in patients who are frail, as well as those with both frailty and renal impairment.vThe first of the two data analyses from the 13,092 patient-wide ETNA-AF-Europe registry, assessed key clinical outcomes and risk scores in frail and elderly patients versus non-frail or younger patients correspondingly.i Frailty – commonly defined as those at increased risk of disability, hospitalization, and mortalityvi – was determined by physician perception.i
Results from 1,392 patients, who were considered frail, showed:i
Rates of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remained low by the investigators' assessment, regardless of frailty status or age, despite frail patients being four times more likely to suffer mortality and presenting with higher rates of major bleeding compared to the non-frail cohort
Per year, ICH occurred in 0.15% of patients in the frail cohort, compared to 0.27% of those in the non-frail cohort
Per year, major bleeding occurred in 2.18% of patients in the frail cohort, compared to 0.95% of those in the non-frail cohort
Per year, total mortality occurred in 10.43% of patients in the frail cohort, compared to 2.49% of those in the non-frail cohort
In addition, the analysis suggested that clinician's perception of frailty appeared to be a better marker of clinical outcomes than age.i
In the second analysis from the ETNA-AF-Europe registry, 13,021 patients with renal impairment were observed to evaluate baseline characteristics and assess follow-up outcomes at one-year.ii The presence of AF is linked with a greater risk of developing moderate and severe renal impairment, and clinically, anticoagulation presents multiple challenges in patients with impaired renal function because the pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability of the treatment are often altered in those patients.vii,viii Findings of this analysis indicated that across the three groups, who were categorized according to their creatinine clearance (CrCl) levels, those treated with edoxaban had low rates of ICH and hemorrhagic stroke, by the investigators' assessment, and these results were similar in patients across all groups studied.ii Regarding renal function, ICH occurred in 0.18%, 0.32% and 0.17% of patients annually, in the following categories moderate to severe renal disease (CrCl ≤50 mL/min), mild renal disease (CrCl (50–80) mL/min ) and normal renal function (CrCl ≥80 mL/min)respectively, while hemorrhagic stroke occurred in 0.04%, 0.17% and 0.10% of patients in the aforementioned groups, respectively.ii
Global ETNA-AF: Treatment of elderly patients Findings from one of two global sub-analyses showed that at 12 months, rates of ICH were consistently low across all age groups, while CV mortality increased numerically with age, but to a lower extent than all-cause mortality.iii Additional findings from the global registry, assessing the safety and effectiveness of edoxaban given at the recommended or non-recommended dose in AF patients during one-year observation in routine clinical practice, showed that edoxaban is being prescribed at the label recommended dose in the vast majority of patients, but that non-recommended edoxaban dosage tends to occur more frequently when the CrCl or body weight was closer to the threshold of dose reduction.iv
"AF is common in the elderly population as are comorbidities and higher rates of CV events, including bleeding, which all need to be managed with a great deal of consideration for the challenges they present for both clinicians and patients," said Wolfgang Zierhut MD, Executive Director Medical Affairs and Head Thrombosis and Cardiovascular at Daiichi Sankyo Europe. "These latest data show the consistency of edoxaban treatment in providing benefits to a wide range of patients."
ETNA-AF is one of more than 10 randomized, controlled trials (RCTs), registries and non-randomized clinical studies that comprise the Edoxaban Research Program, EDOSURE.
All of the ETNA-AF non-interventional study data presented at ESC Congress 2020 can be found here.
About ETNA-AF ETNA-AF (Edoxaban Treatment in routiNe clinical prActice in patients with nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation) is a global program that combines data from distinct non-interventional studies in Europe, East Asia, and Japan in a single database. A total of more than 28,000 patients will be included in the ETNA-AF registries and followed for two years (patients in Europe will be followed for four years). The primary objective of ETNA-AF is to collect information on the use of edoxaban in routine clinical practice, including the safety and efficacy profile in non-preselected patients with NVAF.ix,x,xi,xii,xiii
About AF AF is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and rapidly. When this happens, blood can pool and thicken in the chambers of the heart causing an increased risk of blood clots. These blood clots can break off and travel through the blood stream to the brain (or sometimes to another part of the body), where they have the potential to cause a stroke.xiv
AF is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder affecting approximately 350,000 Canadians and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.xv,xvi Compared to those without AF, people with the arrhythmia have a 3-5 times higher risk of stroke.xvii One in five of all strokes are as a result of AF.xvii
About Edoxaban Edoxaban is an oral, once-daily, direct factor Xa (pronounced "Ten A") inhibitor. Factor Xa is one of the key components responsible for blood clotting, so inhibiting this makes the blood thin and less prone to clotting. Edoxaban was discovered and developed by Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. On June 27, 2016, Daiichi Sankyo and Servier Canada entered into an agreement whereby Servier Canada would market the oral, once-daily anticoagulant edoxaban in Canada, upon approval by the Canadian health authority. Edoxaban is currently marketed in more than 30 countries and regions around the world.
About the Edoxaban Clinical Research Program More than 10 studies, more than 100,000 patients worldwide Daiichi Sankyo, the company that discovered edoxaban, is committed to expanding scientific knowledge about edoxaban, as demonstrated through research programs evaluating its use in a broad range of cardiovascular conditions, patient types and clinical settings in atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) designed to further build on the results of the pivotal ENGAGE-AF and Hokusai-VTE studies. More than 100,000 patients worldwide are expected to participate in the Edoxaban Clinical Research Program, which is comprised of more than 10 RCTs (randomized, controlled trials), registries and non-randomized clinical studies, including completed, ongoing and future research. Our goal is to generate new edoxaban clinical and real-world-data regarding its use in AF and VTE populations, providing physicians and patients worldwide with greater treatment assurance.
About Servier Canada Servier Canada is the Canadian affiliate of Servier Group, an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 149 countries and a total revenue of 4.6 billion euros in 2019, Servier employs 22 000 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests on average 25% of its turnover (excluding generics) every year in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Servier also offers eHealth solutions beyond drug development. Servier has been present in Canada since 1978.
Bakhai A, et al. Still on 'aspirin or nothing' for AF patients with frailty? ETNA-AF-Europe shows frailty corresponds to higher mortality but not neurological bleeding with edoxaban anticoagulation in routine care. Poster presented at ESC Congress 2020.
ii
de Caterina R, et al. Baseline characteristics and follow-up outcomes in routine clinical practice patients categorised by renal function in the ETNA-AF-Europe registry. Poster presented at ESC Congress 2020.
iii
Yamashita T, et al. Edoxaban Treatment of Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Routine Clinical Practice: 1-Year Results of the Non-interventional Global ETNA-AF Program. Rapid Fire Abstract presented at ESC Congress 2020.
iv
Chao T-F, et al. Recommended and non-recommended edoxaban dosing in patients with atrial fibrillation: one-year clinical events from the Global ETNA-AF non-interventional study. Rapid Fire Abstract presented at ESC Congress 2020.
v
Seelig J, et al. When to withhold oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation – an overview of frequent clinical discussion topics. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2019;15:399–408.
vi
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COVID-19 Pandemic Has Not Stopped Canadians From Traveling to Lithuania for Joint Replacement
Pandemic has not stopped Canadians from traveling to orthopaedic surgery clinics in Lithuania. Most of these medical tourists come from the province of Alberta. There patients wait for more than a year to have orthopaedic surgeries, while government plans to make waiting times shorter are stuck.
August 31st, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Canadian government recommends its citizens to avoid non-essential travel abroad. But medical tourists seeking joint replacement apparently consider their travels essential. As soon as borders with Europe were re-opened in July, orthopaedic patients from Canada came back to Lithuanian orthopaedic clinics. The chief surgeon of Nordothopaedics clinic, the leading international orthopaedic surgery center in Kaunas, Lithuania, said that the number of incoming Canadian patients is not lower than before the lockdown.
"Five patients from Canada came to us in August," stated Prof Šarūnas Tarasevičius, chief surgeon at Nordothopaedics clinic. "It is a very high number, if one considers the distance patients have to travel. Patients say they choose to travel long distances because of the unbearable waiting times at home."
He pointed out that half of all Canadian patients come from the province of Alberta, which has been struggling with long wait times for decades. Waiting for orthopaedic surgeries takes particularly long—the median waiting time between the visit to the general practitioner and the surgery was 62.5 weeks in 2019. Due to an almost complete absence of private healthcare, residents of Alberta have no alternatives in Canada.
Presently the Albertan government has taken steps to make waiting times shorter. The new laws allowing for partial privatization of medical services, including orthopaedic surgery, are under discussion, but they meet strong resistance from political opposition and society. The pandemic has caused additional delays of healthcare reforms and the recent private initiative to build a new orthopaedic surgery clinic in Alberta has also caused public controversy.
While discussion on changes is stuck, joint replacement patients are compelled to wait for surgeries. According to Prof Tarasevičius, their wait is very painful. Most need painkillers, and wear and tear of joints inhibits movement. Long waiting may also lead to further problems: a recent study indicates that 90% of patients wait too long for joint replacement surgeries, which often results in a loss of mobility and deteriorating health.
As Canadian patients themselves testify, waiting times have become too long for them even to consider.
"After a complete hip replacement was recommended by my family doctor, I haven't even gotten in to see the orthopedist surgeon to get on the waiting list," said Brent Stradeski, a 58-year-old Albertan. "Might be a year to three years until an actual surgery! I am a very active person and I could not wait that long. At Nordorthopaedics clinic the entire crew and staff were absolutely wonderful, professional and very caring. Two weeks after the surgery I was at home safe and feeling better than one could have imagined."
Mr. Stradeski applied for hip replacement at Nordorthopaedics clinic in May. His surgery took place in July—as soon as Lithuanian borders became open for travelers from Canada.
Most patients of Nordorthopaedics clinic appreciate quality and professionalism, which first of all depends on the experience of the chief surgeon. In his 15-year-long career Prof Tarasevičius has conducted more than 2000 joint replacement surgeries and co-authored over 150 scientific articles. The clinic offers hip and knee replacement packages. The packages include a 7-day or a 14-day recovery in Druskininkai. The hip replacement package with a 7-day recovery starts at €7,500, while the knee replacement package with a 7-day recovery starts at €7,530.
-END -
ABOUT NORDORTHOPAEDICS
Nordorthopaedics is a private clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania, part of Nordclinic, offering high-quality services and focusing on foreign patients. It is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities. Medical professionals at the clinic speak fluent English and show personal attention to every patient. www.nordorthopaedics.com/en.
Vaccination Even More Important in COVID Times
TORONTO, Aug. 31, 2020 /CNW/ - As the province prepares for the new school year, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is reminding parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date.
When much of Ontario's economy shut down and people were asked to practice physical distancing, doctors' offices remained open and continued to provide vital services, including childhood vaccinations. However, many people were unaware their doctor was seeing patients in person or were concerned about visiting their doctor's office. As a result, many children may be behind on their scheduled vaccines.
"During COVID, doctors have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of parents bringing their children for routine vaccinations. Immunizations are crucial in preventing children and their communities from outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. "To protect our most vulnerable we need to ensure that as many people as possible are vaccinated."
Vaccination is one of the most successful public health interventions in history. It has led to the elimination and control of diseases that were once common in Canada. Before vaccines, many Canadian children became severely ill or died from infectious diseases such as smallpox, polio, diphtheria, measles, and pertussis.
Vaccines are safe and they protect us all. All vaccines used in Canada are rigorously tested through multiple phases of trials before they are used. It is more likely that one becomes ill from a vaccine-preventable disease than from a vaccine.
About the OMA The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
Ontario’s Russell Alexander Law Firm ExpandsUniversity Scholarship Due to Coronavirus Family lawyers extend deadline, add technology stipend to help offset costs of studying the field of law
LINDSAY, Ontario—Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers is offering a university scholarship to offset the costs of studying the legal profession as a way to give back and support the Canadian legal field with the deadline to apply extended to September 30. It has also increased the size of the scholarship it’s offering to offset the costs of technology.
“During these unprecedented times with Covid-19, we feel providing this scholarship was more important than ever before,” said founder Russell Alexander. “And given the uncertainty over the academic year, we wanted to give students a little more time to apply.”
Since 2017, the Lindsay, Ontario-based law firmhas given $2,000 to a student who has an interest in joining or studying the legal profession. This year, the scholarship will also include a technology stipend worth an additional $500 to buy a personal computer or tablet needed to take classes online.
This scholarship is open to Canadian students who will graduate from high school in the current academic year. Students must have an average of 80 percent or higher GPA at their current school and an interest in joining the legal community.
To apply, students must fill out an application form on the Russell Alexander Law Scholarship page, write a 1,000-word essay on a family law issue and upload a high-school transcript, resume and recommendation letter.
“Reading through the submissions is always one of the highlights of our year,” added Alexander. “It gives us hope to see so many students who are excited about the legal profession share their thoughts and experiences with us.”
Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers is committed to practicing exclusively in the area of family law in Ontario dealing with all aspects, including separation and divorce, child custody and access, spousal support, child support, and division of family property. A team of lawyers provide guidance from start to finish, helping clients identify and understand the legal issues as well as the options and opportunities available through the transition. The firm has offices in Lindsay, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham, Peterborough and Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit: http://www.russellalexander.com
Patients and providers send 2 Million secure messages for better health
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 28, 2020 /CNW/ - Healthcare professionals and patients have now exchanged more than 2 Million secure messages using Brightsquid Secure-Mail. This milestone for healthcare in Canada proves the importance of secure messaging in the delivery of care going forward and establishes Secure-Mail as one of the most used privacy compliant messaging services in the country.
Each Secure-Mail message sent replaces a fax, a phone call, a letter mailed, or an in person visit to deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness into the healthcare system.
Secure messaging between providers and patients is shown to improve health outcome measures, increase patient satisfaction, and increase clinic capacity by 11%. Clinics using Brightsquid Secure-Mail have reduced diagnostic wait times by more than 90% and doubled the number of patients they are able to see in a day.
The COVID-19 pandemic drove demand for Secure-Mail in support of virtual care and social distancing. Thousands more clinics join the Brightsquid system, and patient use of the secure messaging service tripled. The Government of Alberta's MyHealth Records service has integrated Secure-Mail to improve remote communications between patients and providers. Recently, large groups of healthcare providers and other regional health authorities have also implemented Brightsquid Secure-Mail to improve patient access to clinics while keeping data private.
Top uses for the service are consultations between providers, sending pre-appointment forms to patients, and patients sending images or videos of their symptoms for assessment. Clinics use secure-Mail to manage and triage patient requests more efficiently than can be done using phone.
"We believe that secure convenient communications will do more to advance healthcare in the next 5 years than any single drug or medical device," explains Rohit Joshi, Brightsquid CEO. "Achieving this milestone on our journey to help improve quality of life for patients and providers is evidence that Secure-Mail plays a vital role in the new reality for healthcare."
About Brightsquid Secure Communications Corp.:
Brightsquid Secure-Mail is a Calgary-based secure email service that connects over 160,000 users across North America. It simplifies communication between patients and their healthcare providers to accelerate care, increase access, and create clinic efficiencies that benefit the entire healthcare system.
SOURCE Brightsquid Secure Communications Corp.
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