0000000000746468
AUTHOR
Ap Caputi
Assessing the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw due to bisphosphonate therapy in the secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures
There is evidence that the use oral bisphosphonates can lead to osteronecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). Although the occurrence of ONJ appears rare among oral bisphosphonates (BPs) users, it is important to know that it exists and can be opportunely minimized. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between BPs prescribed for the secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures and the occurrence of ONJ. METHODS: An Italian record linkage claims database with a target population of around 18 million individuals (6 million over 55 years of age) constituted the data source. We conducted a nested case-control study within a cohort of individuals aged 55+ years old, who w…
Lipid-lowering drug use in Italian primary care: effects of reimbursement criteria revision
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the prescribing pattern of lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) changed after reimbursement criteria revision in a general practice in southern Italy. METHODS: From the Caserta-1 Local Health Service database, 93 general practitioners (GPs) who had consistently sent data about their patients during the years 2003-2005 were recruited. Prevalence of use and incidence of new treatments were calculated for each year, stratified by three drug cohorts: statins, omega-3 fatty acids, and fibrates. Subanalyses by gender, age, and indication of use were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 1-year prevalence of LLD use increased from 2003 to 2004. After reimbursement criteria revision (Nove…