Niazi, Shehzad K.

Background: It is standard of care and an accreditation requirement to screen for and address distress and psychosocial needs in patients with cancer. This study assessed the availability of mental health (MH) and chemical dependency (CD) services at US cancer centers. Methods: The 2017–2018 American Hospital Association (AHA) survey, Area Health Resource File, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospital Compare databases were used to assess availability of services and associations with hospital-level and health services area (HSA)–level characteristics. Results: Of 1,144 cancer centers surveyed, 85.4% offered MH services and 45.5% offered CD services; only 44.1% provided both. Factors associated with increased adjusted odds of offering MH services were teaching status (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18–2.62), being a member of a hospital system (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.31–3.07), and having more beds (OR, 1.04 per 10-bed increase; 95% CI, 1.02–1.05). Higher population estimate (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99), higher percentage uninsured (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86–0.95), and higher Mental Health Professional Shortage Area level in the HSA (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98–1.00) were associated with decreased odds of offering MH services. Government-run (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.30–6.22) and nonprofit centers (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.78–6.79) showed increased odds of offering CD services compared with for-profit centers. Those that were members of hospital systems (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.14–2.29) and had more beds (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.03) also showed increased odds of offering these services. A higher percentage of uninsured patients in the HSA (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88–0.97) was associated with decreased odds of offering CD services. Conclusions: Patients’ ability to pay, membership in a hospital system, and organization size may be drivers of decisions to co-locate services within cancer centers. Larger organizations may be better able to financially support offering these services despite poor reimbursement rates. Innovations in specialty payment models highlight opportunities to drive transformation in delivering MH and CD services for high-need patients with cancer.

AbstractIn this study, the authors aimed to assess both nighttime and daytime blood pressure (BP) variability using 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in persons with and without psychiatric conditions and with or without selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) treatment. In this retrospective study, patients who underwent psychiatric evaluation and ABPM within 6 months of each other between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017 were identified using billing data. Participants were divided into three groups—participants with no psychiatric diagnosis and no psychiatric medicine (−Diagnosis/−Medication), those with psychiatric diagnosis and on SSRIs/SNRIs (+Diagnosis/+Medication), and psychiatric diagnosis but no psychiatric medications (+Diagnosis/−Medication). Day and nighttime systolic and diastolic BPs were compared between groups controlling for relevant variables using multivariable linear regression models. A total of 475 participants met inclusion criteria including 135 in the −Diagnosis/−Medication group, 232 in the +Diagnosis/+Medication group, and 108 in the +Diagnosis/−Medication group. In adjusted multivariable analysis, the +Diagnosis/+Medication group had higher nighttime systolic BP (median 120 vs 110 mm (Hg); p = .01) and nighttime diastolic BP (median 68 vs 63 mm (Hg); p = .006) as compared to −Diagnosis/−Medication. No statistically significant differences in BPs between the −Diagnosis/−Medication and +Diagnosis/−Medication groups were observed, after adjustment. Use of SSRIs/SNRIs was associated with significantly higher nocturnal systolic and diastolic BP among patients with psychiatric diagnosis using SSRIs/SNRIs but not associated with psychiatric diagnosis without SSRI/SNRI use. SSRIs/SNRIs use may be associated with higher BP levels and this merits future prospective studies using ABPM to assess day and nighttime BP changes with SSRIs/SNRIs use.

Importance: Social media is widely used by various segments of society. Its role as a tool of communication by the Public Health Departments in the U.S. remains unknown. Objective: To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social media following of the Public Health Departments of the 50 States of the U.S. Design, Setting, and Participants: Data were collected by visiting the Public Health Department web page for each social media platform. State-level demographics were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention was utilized to collect information regarding the Governance of each State’s Public Health Department. Health rankings were collected from “America’s Health Rankings” 2019 Annual report from the United Health Foundation. The U.S. News and World Report Education Rankings were utilized to provide information regarding the public education of each State. Exposure: Data were pulled on 3 separate dates: first on March 5th (baseline and pre-national emergency declaration (NED) for COVID-19), March 18th (week following NED), and March 25th (2 weeks after NED). In addition, a variable identifying the total change across platforms was also created. All data were collected at the State level. Main Outcome: Overall, the social media following of the state Public Health Departments was very low. There was a significant increase in the public interest in following the Public Health Departments during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: With the declaration of National Emergency, there was a 150% increase in overall public following of the State Public Health Departments in the U.S. The increase was most noted in the Midwest and South regions of the U.S. The overall following in the pandemic “hotspots,” such as New York, California, and Florida, was significantly lower. Interesting correlations were noted between various demographic variables, health, and education ranking of the States and the social media following of their Health Departments. Conclusion and Relevance: Social media following of Public Health Departments across all States of the U.S. was very low. Though, the social media following significantly increased during the early course of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it still remains low. Significant opportunity exists for Public Health Departments to improve social media use to engage the public better.

Background. There is limited information concerning whether social determinants of health affect postliver transplant (LT) outcomes. This study aims to understand to what extent the health of LT recipients’ counties of residence influence long-term LT outcomes. Methods. We used the United Network for Organ Sharing data to identify adult LT recipients transplanted between January 2010 and June 2018. Patient-level data were matched to county-level County Health Ranking (CHR) data using transplant recipient zip code, and nationwide CHRs were created. Mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between CHRs and graft and patient survival post-LT. Results. Health outcomes rank was significantly associated with posttransplant graft and patient survival, with worst tertile counties showing a 13% increased hazard of both graft failure and patient mortality compared to the best tertile counties. Conclusions. Although county health is associated with LT outcomes, it also appears that LT recipient selection is effective at mitigating major disparities based on county of residence and helps yield equitable outcomes in this respect.

Objective The current study was designed to evaluate the translation of clinical trial outcomes and clinical guidelines for the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) into an intensive multicomponent clinical program embedded in routine care delivery. The study aimed to assess the adaptation of these recommended strategies into routine clinical care while evaluating their effectiveness and durability in improving functional status and level of distress in a large clinical sample of FM patients. Methods Four hundred eighty-nine patients with FM completed a 2-day program that incorporated best practice recommendations for the treatment of FM. Patients completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire–Revised, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale at admission to the program and at follow-up on average 5 months posttreatment. Results Significant improvements were seen in functional status (p < 0.0001), depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001), and pain catastrophizing (p < 0.0001) after participation in the intensive multicomponent treatment program. Conclusions The present study shows that an intensive multicomponent treatment program embedded in routine care delivery is effective in significantly improving functional status and psychological distress in a large sample of FM patients. The significant improvements were durable and maintained at follow-up.

Abstract Background and Aims Hypertension (HTN) and psychiatric disorders frequently co-exist in general population. Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs) affect serotonin and norepinephrine and may lead to variation in blood pressure (BP). There is paucity of data on blood pressure variations using 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) with the use of SSRIs/NSRIs. Method Subjects who underwent psychiatric evaluation and ABPM within six month of each other between 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2016 at Mayo Clinic Florida were identified using billing data. Demographics, co-morbidities, medications, ABPM, and laboratory results were retrospectively collected from medical records. Subjects were divided into groups – subjects with no psychiatric diagnosis and no psychiatric medicine (Group 1) and subjects with psychiatric diagnosis and on SSRIs/NSRIs (Group 2). BP systolic and diastolic levels (day time, night time) were compared between groups controlling for age, sex, race, presence or absence of HTN, diabetes mellitus (DM) and smoking. Single and multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze group differences. Results Total of 367 subjects met inclusion criteria – Group 1=135; Group 2=232. The subjects in group 2 were older (median age 57 yrs vs 47 yrs p&lt;0.001), white (69.8 vs 60% p=0.002), smokers (15.9 vs 3.0% p&lt;0.001), history of HTN (62.5 vs 9.6%), and DM (21.1% vs 0%). ABPM showed that subjects in group 2 had higher median daytime systolic BP (131 vs 124), higher median night time systolic BP (120 vs 110), and higher median night time diastolic BP (68 vs 63). Multivariable linear regression controlling for age, sex, race, presence or absence of HTN, DM, and smoking showed that use of SSRIs/NSRIs (group 2) was significantly associated with higher night time systolic BP (8.36 mm; 95% CI 4.2, 12.5; p &lt;0.0001) and higher night time diastolic BP (4.6 mm, 95% CI 1.9, 7.29, p=0.001). On subgroup analysis comparing subjects with use of SSRIs vs NSRIs, there was no statistically significant difference in the daytime or night time systolic or diastolic BP. Conclusion Use of SSRIs and NSRIs are associated with higher nocturnal systolic and diastolic BP, which can potentially increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcome in this population. Higher nocturnal BP may be due to ongoing sympathetic activation during sleep with serotonin and norepinephrine with the use of SRRIs and NSRI. Further well designed prospective studies using ABPM are needed to determine the risk of nocturnal hypertension with the use of SSRIs/NSRIs that could have potential adverse cardiovascular outcome.

Background/Objective The aim of this cross-sectional study is to determine the prevalence of opioid use in a large sample of fibromyalgia (FM) patients and examine the factors associated with opioid prescription/use despite multiple clinical guidelines that do not recommend opioid use in this population. Methods Data were collected from a convenience sample of 698 patients admitted from August 2017 to May 2019 into an intensive 2-day Fibromyalgia Treatment Program at a tertiary medical center in the United States after FM diagnosis. Patients were administered the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire–Revised, the Center for Epidemiologic Study of Depression Scale, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale upon admission to the program. Demographic information and opioid use were self-reported. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine associations between patient-related variables and opioid use in this prospective study. Results Of 698 patients, 27.1% (n = 189) were taking opioids at intake. Extended duration of symptoms (>3 years), increased age, higher degree of functional impairment, and increased pain catastrophizing were significantly associated with opioid use. Conclusions Opioids are not recommended for the treatment of FM under current guidelines. Greater burden of illness appeared to be associated with the prescription and use of opioids in this population. These findings suggest that some providers may not be aware of current recommendations that have been found to be effective in the management of FM that are contained in guidelines. Alternative approaches to the management of FM that do not involve opioids are reviewed in an effort to improve care.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Significant burden of pain syndromes are reported in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing HSCT mostly due to underlying disease and associated treatments. Opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines are routinely used for symptomatic management in this patient population. The use of narcotic analgesics and benzodiazepines in non-transplant hospitalized patients has been shown to adversely affect health related outcomes such as length-of-stay (LOS), falls and other complications. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the patterns of opioid and benzodiazepine use and their impact on health outcomes in HSCT patients. METHODS: We identified 275 patients from the year 2015-2018 who underwent HSCT (allogeneic and autologous transplants) at our center for a variety of hematological malignancies. Opioid exposure was defined in three groups of patients 1) Opioid naïve: those did not report prior use of opioid at admission and who were not prescribed opioid during hospitalization, 2) Previous Opioid users: those who reported active use of opioid at admission and continued during hospitalization 3) New Opioid users: Patients who did not report opioid use at admission but were prescribed opioid during hospitalization. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify differences in opioid status, opioid use, benzodiazepine use, disease diagnosis, Karnofsky score, gender, age, race, and marital status with associated complications (Poisson regression), emergency department visits (Logistic Regression) and length of stay (Ordinal Logistic Regression) Figure 1 and Figure 2. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 59 (range: 25-74 ) years with slight male predominance (57%). Patients undergoing autologous transplants for multiple myeloma (MM) comprised 48% of the population. The majority (72 %) were exposed to opioid during hospitalization. Ninety two percent of the opioid naïve population (28% of the total population) underwent autologous transplant. Conversely, 36% of patients undergoing autologous transplants never received opiates during hospitalization as compared to 7% of those who received an allogeneic transplant. Median morphine milligram equivalent daily dose was 3.1 mg. Median diazepam equivalent daily dosage in patients that were opiate exposed was 2.07 milligram. Of the total transplant population, 55% received benzodiazepine concurrently with opiates during hospitalization. 76 % of the population was exposed to both opioid and benzodiazepine. Twenty five percent of those who were exposed to opioid did not receive benzodiazepines. Sixty four percent of the MM patients were exposed to opioid of which majority (59%) were previous opioid users. Of the non-MM patients undergoing HSCT, 80% were exposed to opioid of which 36% were previous opioid users and 64% were new users. A wide range of complications from neutropenic fever to death, were seen in 89% of all patients (opioid users and non-users) but all the falls occurred in patients who were on opioid medications. Autologous transplant recipients had higher odds of having a greater number of complications compared to Allogeneic transplant patients (OR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.55, p=0.04), as well as a reduced odds of having a medium or high length of stay (OR 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02 - 0.07). Of the opioid naïve patients, 6% presented to the ED within 30 days of discharge versus 15% of those that were exposed to opiates during hospitalization. Benzodiazepine use at admission for HSCT was associated with greater odd of presenting to ED within 30 days of discharge (OR 3.94, 95% CI: 1.55-10.04) and this was more significant in patients with MM (OR 4.08, 95% CI: 1.01-16.44). Finally, we also saw a trend towards longer stay in patients who were exposed to opioids as compared to opioid naïve (40% vs. 17%). CONCLUSION: Our study, albeit limited due to its retrospective design, is among the first to report the patterns of use and the impact of opioids and benzodiazepines in patients undergoing HSCT. Our results indicate that the use of these medications is frequent in this population and as in the non-transplant hospitalized patients and is associated with more emergency room visits post discharge, along with other potentially adverse outcomes. Disclosures Kharfan-Dabaja: Incyte Corp: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau; Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Speakers Bureau. Ailawadhi:Amgen: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing HSCT are reported to have a high prevalence of depression and anxiety. These comorbid mood disorders have been known to be associated with alteration in pain perception in patients without hematological malignancies. Pharmacological compounds such as opioid and benzodiazepines are frequently used to manage patient symptomology including pain and anxiety. Patients undergoing HSCT are a unique population where the impact of depression and anxiety on opioid and benzodiazepine use has not been well studied. METHODS: The study population consisted of patients who underwent HSCT at a single center for a variety of hematological malignancies from 2015-2018. Opioid and benzodiazepine exposure and dosage was defined in a) Patients who were exposed to opioid including those who were previously exposed and those who were exposed during hospitalization for HSCT b) Patients who were neither exposed to opioid previously, nor during the hospitalization for HSCT. Depression and Anxiety was defined as per PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales prior to hospital admission. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify differences in opioid status, previous benzodiazepine use, transplant type, Karnofsky score, gender, age, race, and marital status with associated Diazepam Equivalent Daily Dosage (DEDD) (Negative Binomial Regression), and Morphine Milligram Equivalent Daily Dosages (MMEDD) (Logistic and Zero Truncated Negative Binomial Regression). RESULTS: A total of 275 patients underwent HSCT including autologous and allogeneic from 2015-2018. Anxious or depressed HSCT recipients had an increased incidence of higher DEDD with an IRR of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.49) compared to those who were neither depressed nor anxious (Figure 1). However, patients who reported anxiety and depression did not have a different DEDD than those not anxious nor depressed. In addition, patients who were not naïve to benzodiazepine use prior to admission had an increased incidence of a higher DEDD [IRR of 2.23 (95% CI: 1.61, 3.05)]. Patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant had a decreased incidence of receiving a higher DEDD [IRR of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.47-0.90)]. African American and other populations had a decreased incidence of receiving a higher DEDD [IRR of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.59)]. Patients receiving higher MMEDD had a higher DEDD incidence [IRR of 1.01 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.02)]. Patients who were both anxious and depressed had increased odds of receiving an opioid [OR of 3.35 (95% CI: 1.62, 6.94)] compared to patients who were neither depressed nor anxious. However, patients who were either depressed or anxious did not have different odds of receiving an opioid compared to those who were neither depressed nor anxious. Patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant had reduced odds of receiving an opioid [OR of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.40)]. Patients with less than normal Karnofsky performance status (<90 on scale of 1-100) had an increased incidence of receiving a higher MMEDD [IRR of 2.34 (95% CI: 1.07, 5.12)] when modeled by Zero Truncated Negative Binomial Regression. Finally, HSCT recipients who were both anxious and depressed had reduced odds of being naïve to opioids [OR0.31 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.67)] compared to recipients who were neither depressed nor anxious. New opioid users had reduced odds of receiving a greater MMEDD [OR of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96, 0.99)] when compared to previous users. In addition, autologous stem cell transplant recipients had reduced odds of receiving greater MMEDD compared to allogeneic transplant recipients (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.66). CONCLUSION: Comorbid depression and /or anxiety impact opioid and benzodiazepine use in patients undergoing HSCT. The presence of these comorbid conditions and their association with increased use of opioids and benzodiazepines can also affect various health related outcomes. Larger studies are needed to fully understand the potential impact of this association on health related outcomes. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Kharfan-Dabaja: Incyte Corp: Speakers Bureau; Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau. Ailawadhi:Amgen: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy.