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The assessment of a patient with psoriasis involves careful consideration of multiple factors. As no one treatment is appropriate for all patients, therapeutic strategies must be tailored to each individual and his or her clinical presentation.
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and RSV pneumonia are the leading causes of hospitalization of infants younger than 1 year of age in the United States. Preterm infants, born at 32 to 35 weeks gestational age or less, are particularly at high risk for severe RSV disease. Early recognition of the risk factors known to predispose to serious RSV lower respiratory tract infection is key to planning an effective RSV disease prevention strategy in high-risk infants.
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In clinical trials (Smolen 2009, Keystone 2009, Emery 2009), SIMPONI™ has been shown to be effective in reducing signs and symptoms in patients who are incomplete responders or naïve to MTX, and in those who have experience with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α medications. Health care providers should be enthusiastic about an option with a demonstrated safety profile across five clinical studies including moderately to severe active RA, active psoriatic arthritis, and active ankylosing spondylitis patients.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) imposes a considerable disease burden. Patients experience increased medical costs, comorbid conditions, and a widened mortality gap. Existing treatments are insufficient for the current clinical demand, which is expected to increase as the population ages.
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A review of immunogenicity and potential implications
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, and premature infants are particularly at high risk. This Clinical Brief explains why premature infants face a higher risk of hospitalization, illustrates the costs associated with RSV hospitalization, and offers managed care strategies to help reduce hospital admissions. Norman White, MD, Medical Director with the Presbyterian Health Plan in Albuquerque discusses steps to creating an effective RSV program for high-risk infants.
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Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older people in the United States. Until mid-2006, treatments for this disease had been known for their ability to reduce the rate of disease progression. Since then, a new therapeutic option that has been shown to maintain visual acuity has been made available. This publication reviews the history of, and recent advances in, the treatment of wet AMD. Highlights: - Overview of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Panel Discussion: Ranibizumab Therapy in the Managed Care Market
- Considerations for Managed Care Decision Makers
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Highlights
- Issues in Oncology Management
- The Current Landscape of Oncology in Managed Care
- The Process of Care
- Protocols and Working With Oncologists
- Pharmacy and Cancer Care
- Managing Oncology Agents: An HMO’s Perspective
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Based on a symposium at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy 18th Annual Meeting and Showcase in April 2006, this supplement examines the purpose of guidelines in managing diseases, with a special emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis. Presenters review new and existing (pre-2005) biologic therapies for RA, describe appropriate uses of the new therapies on the basis of published literature, and identify ways to manage formularies in the absence of guidelines for new RA products. Highlights: - The Role of Guidelines in Managing Diseases
- Improving the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Panel Discussion: Using Guidelines in Managed Care
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This Brief summarizes “Abatacept for Rheumatoid Arthritis Refractory to Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibition” (Genovese et al, New Engl J Med 2005), and includes a managed care analysis by Jaan Sidorov, MD.
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Asthma is a syndrome, not a single disease, with multiple phenotypes. Much concerning poor outcomes with asthma treatment is related to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis, inadequate prescribing of preventive therapy, and poor adherence to treatment plans. Recent advances in our understanding of the variable and syndromic nature of the disease have led to the possibility of improved and more individualized care pathways, which will increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for the patient, society, and the health care system. A focus on asthma control, rather than severity, likely will allow for more accurate monitoring of outcomes and improved care delivery. Highlights: - The Burden of Uncontrolled Asthma on the U.S. Health Care System
- Challenges in Evaluating and Treating Asthma
- The Importance of Risk Assessments
- Managed Care Strategies for Successful Asthma Management
- Controlling Asthma Through Disease Management
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Access to medications is the key concern of every stakeholder in the Medicare Part D outpatient drug benefit. Beneficiaries want increased access that will reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Prescription drug plans want to control access so as to assure the financial viability of their programs. Medicare Advantage plans want to promote access as a means to reduce hospitalizations and other expenditures. This supplement examines the variables to consider when constructing a Part D formulary. Highlights: - Strategies for Developing a Successful Medicare Part D Formulary
- Case study: Antidementia agents
- Case study: TNF inhibitors
- Case study: Bisphosphonates
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Lung cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer-related mortality in adults. Because the diagnosis of lung cancer at an advanced stage generally has a poor prognosis, lung cancer must be diagnosed early and treatment options must be expanded. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80 percent of all cases and has been treated through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, combined chemoradiotherapy, and surgery. Increasingly, combining emerging biologic and experimental therapies with conventional treatments holds the potential for favorable outcomes. This supplement summarizes the growing number of treatment options available. Highlights: - Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – an Overview
- Outlook for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
- Treatment Options – a Medical Director’s Perspective
Panel Discussions: - Improving Survival and Quality of Life
- Benefit and Reimbursement Structures for Oncologics
- Fostering Appropriate Use of Oncologics
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