Sumit R Majumdar

Publications (146)1000.36 Total impact

• Article: Cost-Effectiveness of Two Inexpensive Postfracture Osteoporosis Interventions: Results of a Randomized Trial.

  Sumit R Majumdar, Douglas A Lier, William D Leslie
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  ABSTRACT: Background:Most older patients are not treated for osteoporosis after fragility fracture. In a 3-armed randomized trial, we reported that 2 inexpensive mail-based interventions, one directed at physicians and the other at physicians plus patients, increased 1-year osteoporosis treatment starts by 4% and 6% (respectively) compared with usual care starts of 11%. The cost-effectiveness of these interventions is unknown.Methods:The incremental cost-effectiveness of interventions compared with usual care was assessed using Markov decision-analytic models. Costs were expressed in 2010 Canadian dollars and long-term effectiveness based on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained derived from hypothetical model simulations. The perspective was third-party health care payer; the time horizon was lifetime; and the costs and benefits were discounted 3%.Results:The physician intervention cost was $7.12 per patient, whereas the physician plus patient intervention cost was $8.45. Compared with usual care, the economic simulation demonstrated that for every 1000 patients getting the physician intervention, there were 2 fewer fractures, 2 more QALYs gained, and $22,000 saved. Compared with physician intervention, the simulation demonstrated that for every 1000 patients receiving physician plus patient intervention, there was 1 fewer fracture and 1 more QALY gained, with $18,000 saved. Both interventions dominated usual care and were cost saving or highly cost effective in 67% of 10 000 probabilistic simulations. Although the physician plus patient intervention cost was $1.33 more per patient than the physician intervention, it was still the most economically attractive option.Conclusions:Pragmatic mail-based interventions directed at patients with recent fractures and their physicians are a highly cost-effective means to improving osteoporosis management and both interventions dominated usual care.
  The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 04/2013; · 6.50 Impact Factor
• Article: Comparative Safety and Effectiveness of Metformin in Patients with Diabetes and Heart Failure: Systematic Review of Observational Studies Involving 34000 Patients.

  Dean T Eurich, Daniala L Weir, Sumit R Majumdar, Ross T Tsuyuki, Jeffrey A Johnson, Lisa Tjosvold, Saskia E Vanderloo, Finlay A McAlister
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  ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: -There is ongoing controversy regarding the safety and effectiveness of metformin in the setting of heart failure (HF). Therefore, we undertook a systematic review of the trial and non-trial evidence for metformin in patients with diabetes and HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: -We conducted a comprehensive search for controlled studies evaluating the association between metformin and morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes and HF. Two reviewers independently identified citations, extracted data, and evaluated quality. Risk estimates were abstracted and pooled where appropriate. As measures of overall safety we examined all-cause mortality and all-cause hospitalizations. Nine cohort studies were included; no RCTs were identified. Most (5 of 9) studies were published in 2010, and were of good quality. Metformin was associated with reduced mortality compared to controls (mostly sulfonylurea therapy): 23% vs 37%, pooled adjusted risk estimates 0.80, 0.74-0.87; I(2)=15%, P<0.001). No increased risk was observed for metformin in those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (mortality pooled adjusted risk estimate 0.91, 0.72 to 1.14, I(2)=0%, P=0.34) nor in those with HF and chronic kidney disease (pooled adjusted risk estimate 0.81, 0.64-1.02, P=0.08). Metformin was associated with a small reduction in all-cause hospitalizations (pooled estimate 0.93, 0.89-0.98, I(2)=0%, P=0.01). Metformin was not associated with increased risk of lactic acidosis. CONCLUSIONS: -The totality of evidence indicates that metformin is at least as safe as other glucose lowering treatments in patients with diabetes and HF, even in those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction or concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD). Until trial data becomes available, metformin should be considered the treatment of choice for those with diabetes and HF.
  Circulation Heart Failure 03/2013; · 6.29 Impact Factor
• Article: Evaluating the introduction of a computerized prior-authorization system on the completeness of drug exposure data.

  John-Michael Gamble, Jeffrey A Johnson, Sumit R Majumdar, Finlay A McAlister, Scot H Simpson, Dean T Eurich
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  ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Administrative databases that only capture records for benefit-approved prescriptions may underestimate exposure because they do not capture non-benefit prescriptions. Using a natural experiment, we illustrate the impact of automating a prior-authorization policy on the completeness of drug exposure. METHODS: Using Saskatchewan (Canada) databases, weekly counts of benefit-approved and total prescription records in 2006 for new users of antidiabetic agents were examined across four categories: thiazolidinediones (TZDs), metformin, glyburide, and insulin. On July 1, 2006, Saskatchewan's public drug plan implemented an automated, online-adjudicated, prior-authorization process for TZDs; previously, prior approval was paper based. No such policy changes occurred for other drugs. We estimated the effect of this policy change on drug exposure using interrupted time-series analyses. RESULTS: We examined 223 552 prescription records: 19% were for TZDs, 48% for metformin, 20% for glyburide, and 13% for insulin. Prior to automation, there were, on average, 571 benefit-approved TZD records per week; however, the number of benefit-approved TZD records increased immediately after the automated process was introduced by 240 prescriptions per week (95% CI 200-280, p < 0.001). The average proportion of TZD benefit-approved records was 73% before and increased to 93% immediately following policy change (20% absolute change, 95% CI 18.7-20.4%). No changes were observed for metformin, glyburide, or insulin (p > 0.1 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Automating prior authorization for TZDs immediately increased the proportion of captured TZD records, suggesting in our study that one-fifth of TZD exposure was previously misclassified. If replicable, this indicates that even subtle changes in reimbursement policy may affect the validity of drug exposure data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
  Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 03/2013; · 2.53 Impact Factor
• Article: Cost-Effectiveness of Osteoporosis Interventions for 'Incidental' Vertebral Fractures.

  Sumit R Majumdar, Douglas A Lier, Finlay A McAlister, Brian H Rowe, Kerry Siminoski, David A Hanley, Anthony S Russell, Jeffrey A Johnson
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  ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Vertebral fractures detected "incidentally" by chest radiograph usually do not trigger osteoporosis treatment in older patients. In a 3-arm controlled trial we reported that both physician-directed and enhanced (physician plus patient activation) interventions increased treatment rates more than 10-fold (15%-20% absolute increases) compared with usual care; the cost-effectiveness of these interventions is unknown. METHODS: Incremental cost-effectiveness of these 2 interventions compared with usual care was assessed using a Markov decision-analytic model, populated with 1-year outcomes data and direct intervention costs from the trial. Costs were expressed in 2009 Canadian dollars and effectiveness based on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. The perspective was health care payer; horizon was projected lifetime; costs and benefits were discounted at 3%; and deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Per patient, the physician and enhanced interventions cost $34 and $42, respectively. Compared with usual care, for every 1000 patients exposed to the physican intervention there were 4 fewer fractures, 8 more QALYs gained, and $282,000 saved. Compared with physician interventions, for every 1000 patients exposed to enhanced interventions there were 6 fewer fractures, 6 more QALYs gained, and $339,000 saved. Both interventions dominated usual care and were cost-effective in ∼80% of 10,000 probabilistic simulations. Although the enhanced intervention cost $8 more per patient, it still dominated the physician intervention and usual care, and was the most economically attractive option. CONCLUSIONS: Pragmatic and inexpensive interventions directed at patients with incidentally detected vertebral fractures and their physicians are highly cost-effective at improving osteoporosis treatment, and in most circumstances also are cost-saving.
  The American journal of medicine 02/2013; 126(2):169.e9-169.e17. · 4.47 Impact Factor
• Article: Adding Pharmacists to Primary Care Teams Increases Guideline-Concordant Antiplatelet Use in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes:Results from a Randomized Trial (January).

  Fizza Gilani, Sumit R Majumdar, Jeffrey A Johnson, Ross T Tsuyuki, Richard Z Lewanczuk, Richard Spooner, Scot H Simpson
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  ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Antiplatelet therapy is recommended as part of a strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, compliance with these guideline-recommended therapies appears to be less than ideal.OBJECTIVE:To assess the effect of adding pharmacists to primary care teams on initiation of guideline-concordant antiplatelet therapy in type 2 diabetic patients.METHODS:Prespecified secondary analysis of randomized trial data. In the main study, the pharmacist intervention included a complete medication history, limited physical examination, provision of guideline-concordant recommendations to the physician to optimize drug therapy, and 1-year follow-up. Controls received usual care without pharmacist interactions. Patients with an indication for antiplatelet therapy, but not using an antiplatelet drug at randomization were included in this substudy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients using an antiplatelet drug at 1 year.RESULTS:At randomization, 257 of 260 study patients had guideline-concordant indications for antiplatelet therapy, but less than half (121; 47%) were using an antiplatelet drug. Overall, 136 patients met inclusion criteria for the substudy (71 intervention and 65 controls): 60% were women, with mean (SD) age 58.0 (11.9) years, diabetes duration 5.3 (6.0) years, and hemoglobin A(1c) 7.6% (1.5). Sixteen(12%) had established cardiovascular disease at enrollment. At 1 year, 43 (61%) intervention patients and 15 (23%) controls were using an antiplatelet drug (38% absolute difference; number needed to treat, 3; relative increase, 2.6; 95% CI 1.5-4.7; p < 0.001). Of these 58 patients, 52 (90%) were using aspirin 81 mg daily.CONCLUSIONS:Adding pharmacists to primary care teams significantly and substantially increased the proportion of type 2 diabetic patients using guideline-concordant antiplatelet therapy.
  Annals of Pharmacotherapy 01/2013; · 2.13 Impact Factor
• Article: The Alberta Stroke Prevention in TIAs and mild strokes (ASPIRE) intervention: rationale and design for evaluating the implementation of a province-wide TIA Triaging system.

  Thomas Jeerakathil, Ashfaq Shuaib, Sumit R Majumdar, Andrew M Demchuk, Kenneth S Butcher, Tim J Watson, Naeem Dean, Deb Gordon, Cathy Edmond, Shelagh B Coutts
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  ABSTRACT: RATIONALE: Stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack is high and, it is a challenge worldwide to provide urgent assessment and preventive services to entire populations. AIMS: To determine whether a province-wide transient ischaemic attack Triaging algorithm and transient ischaemic attack hotline (the Alberta Stroke Prevention in transient ischaemic attacks and mild strokes intervention) can reduce the rate of stroke recurrence following transient ischaemic attack across the population of Alberta, Canada (population 3·7 million, 90-day rate of post-stroke transient ischaemic attack currently 9·5%). It also seeks to improve upon current transient ischaemic attack triaging rules by incorporating time from symptom onset as a predictive variable. DESIGN: The transient ischaemic attack algorithm and hotline were developed with a broad consensus of clinicians, patients, policy-makers, and researchers and based on local adaptation of the work of others and research and insights developed within the province. Because neither patient-level nor region-level randomization was possible, we conducted a quasi-experimental design examining changes in the post-transient ischaemic attack rate of stroke recurrence before and after the 15-month implementation period using an interrupted time-series regression analysis. The design controls for changes in case-mix, co-interventions, and secular trends. A prospective transient ischaemic attack cohort will also be concurrently created with telephone follow-up at seven-days and 90 days as well as passive follow-up over the longer term using linkages to provincial healthcare administrative databases. STUDY OUTCOMES: The primary outcome measure is the change in recurrence rate of stroke following transient ischaemic attack at seven-days and 90 days, comparing a period of two-years before vs. two-years after the intervention is implemented. All cases of recurrent stroke will be validated. Secondary outcomes include functional status, hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We are undertaking a rigorous evaluation of a population-based approach to improving quality of transient ischaemic attack care. Whether positive or negative, our work should provide important insights for all potential stakeholders.
  International Journal of Stroke 10/2012; · 2.38 Impact Factor
• Article: Interventions to increase osteoporosis treatment in patients with 'incidentally' detected vertebral fractures.

  Sumit R Majumdar, Finlay A McAlister, Jeffrey A Johnson, Debbie Bellerose, Kerry Siminoski, David A Hanley, Ibrahim Qazi, Douglas A Lier, Robert G Lambert, Anthony S Russell, Brian H Rowe
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  ABSTRACT: Most vertebral compression fractures are not recognized or treated. We conducted a controlled trial in older patients with vertebral fractures incidentally reported on chest radiographs, comparing usual care with osteoporosis interventions directed at physicians (opinion-leader-endorsed evidence summaries and reminders) or physicians+patients (adding activation with leaflets and telephone counseling). Patients aged >60 years who were discharged home from emergency departments and who had vertebral fractures reported but were not treated for osteoporosis were allocated to usual care (control) or physician intervention using alternate-week time series. After 3 months, untreated controls were re-allocated to physician+patient intervention. Allocation was concealed, outcomes ascertainment blinded, and analyses intent-to-treat. Primary outcome was starting osteoporosis treatment within 3 months. There were 1315 consecutive patients screened, and 240 allocated to control (n=123) or physician intervention (n=117). Groups were similar at baseline (average age 74 years, 45% female, 58% previous fractures). Compared with controls, physician interventions significantly (all P <.001) increased osteoporosis treatment (20 [17%] vs 2 [2%]), bone mineral density testing (51 [44%] vs 5 [4%]), and bone mineral density testing or treatment (57 [49%] vs 7 [6%]). Three months after controls were re-allocated to physician+patient interventions, 22% had started treatment and 65% had bone mineral density testing or treatment (P <.001 vs controls). Physician+patient interventions increased bone mineral density testing or treatment an additional 16% compared with physician interventions (P=.01). An opinion-leader-based intervention targeting physicians substantially improved rates of bone mineral density testing and osteoporosis treatment in patients with incidental vertebral fractures, compared with usual care. Even better osteoporosis management was achieved by adding patient activation to physician interventions [NCT00388908].
  The American journal of medicine 09/2012; 125(9):929-36. · 4.47 Impact Factor
• Article: Stress hyperglycemia and newly diagnosed diabetes in 2124 patients hospitalized with pneumonia.

  Erika J Macintyre, Sumit R Majumdar, John-Michael Gamble, Jasjeet K Minhas-Sandhu, Thomas J Marrie, Dean T Eurich
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  ABSTRACT: Our goal was to determine the association between random admission hyperglycemia and new diagnosis of diabetes after discharge in patients hospitalized with pneumonia. Clinical data, including the Pneumonia Severity Index, were prospectively collected on all 2124 patients without diabetes admitted with pneumonia to 6 hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Admission glucose was classified as: normal (4.0-6.0 mmol/L, reference group) versus mild (6.1-7.7 mmol/L), moderate (7.8-11.0 mmol/L), and severe (11.1-20.0 mmol/L) stress hyperglycemia. New diagnosis of diabetes over 5 years was ascertained using well-validated criteria within linked administrative databases. Multivariable Cox models were used, and sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated. Mean age was 68 years; 1091 (51%) were male, and 1418 (67%) had stress hyperglycemia. Over 5 years, 194 (14%) with stress hyperglycemia were diagnosed with diabetes. Compared with the 45 of 706 (6%) incidences of diabetes in normal glycemia patients (4.0-6.0 mmol/L), a strong graded increase in risk of new diabetes existed with increasing hyperglycemia: mild (59 of 841 [7%]; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.61) versus moderate (86 of 473 [18%]; aHR 2.99; 95% CI, 2.07-4.31) versus severe (49 of 104 [47%]; aHR 11.43; 95% CI, 7.50-17.42). Among moderate-to-severe hyperglycemia (≥7.8 mmol/L) patients, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios for new diabetes were 57%, 77%, 2.1, and 0.6, respectively, with a number-needed-to-evaluate of 5 to detect one new case of diabetes. Moderate-to-severe random hyperglycemia in pneumonia patients admitted to the hospital is strongly associated with new diagnosis of diabetes. Opportunistic evaluation for diabetes may be warranted in this group.
  The American journal of medicine 08/2012; 125(10):1036.e17-23. · 4.47 Impact Factor
• Article: Use of thiazolidinediones and the risk of bladder cancer among people with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis.

  Isabelle N Colmers, Samantha L Bowker, Sumit R Majumdar, Jeffrey A Johnson
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  ABSTRACT: Patients with type 2 diabetes have a 40% increased risk of bladder cancer. Thiazolidinediones, especially pioglitazone, may increase the risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of bladder cancer among adults with type 2 diabetes taking thiazolidinediones. We searched key biomedical databases (including MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus) and sources of grey literature from inception through March 2012 for published and unpublished studies, without language restrictions. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies and case-control studies that reported incident bladder cancer among people with type 2 diabetes who ever (v. never) were exposed to pioglitazone (main outcome), rosiglitazone or any thiazolidinedione. Of the 1787 studies identified, we selected 4 RCTs, 5 cohort studies and 1 case-control study. The total number of patients was 2 657 365, of whom 3643 had newly diagnosed bladder cancer, for an overall incidence of 53.1 per 100 000 person-years. The one RCT that reported on pioglitazone use found no significant association with bladder cancer (risk ratio [RR] 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-6.13). The cohort studies of thiazolidinediones (pooled RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.26; I(2) = 0%) and of pioglitazone specifically (pooled RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07-1.39; I(2) = 0%) showed significant associations with bladder cancer. No significant association with bladder cancer was observed in the two RCTs that evaluated rosiglitazone use (pooled RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.34-2.23; I(2) = 0%). The limited evidence available supports the hypothesis that thiazolidinediones, particularly pioglitazone, are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer among adults with type 2 diabetes.
  Canadian Medical Association Journal 07/2012; 184(12):E675-83. · 8.22 Impact Factor
• Article: Pneumococcal vaccination and risk of acute coronary syndromes in patients with pneumonia: population-based cohort study.

  Dean T Eurich, Jennie J Johnstone, Jasjeet K Minhas-Sandhu, Thomas J Marrie, Sumit R Majumdar
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  ABSTRACT: It is vigorously debated whether pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (PPV) reduces risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) events in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Clinical data were prospectively collected on a population-based cohort of adults presenting with CAP in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada). Multivariable Cox models and propensity matching were used to examine the association between PPV status and ACS events within 90 days of pneumonia. Sensitivity analyses related to PPV administration (before pneumonia vs after) and duration of benefit (90 days vs 1 year) were conducted to rule out confounding. Overall, 6171 patients were included; mean age 59 (SD 21) years, 53% male subjects, 18% had ischaemic heart disease and 2738 (44%) were hospitalised. Within 90 days of pneumonia, ACS events occurred in 175 (3%) patients and most were non-fatal (162 (93%)). In multivariable analyses, PPV exposure was associated with a 58% reduction in ACS events (12 vs 16 events per 100 patient-years, adjusted HR (aHR) 0.42 (0.27 to 0.66)) and results were nearly identical with propensity matching (aHR 0.46 (0.28 to 0.73)). However, indepth sensitivity analyses, with some with large assumptions, could not refute the existence of a small protective benefit of PPV. Even after extensive adjustment using clinical data, the authors observed that PPV exposure was associated with a 60% reduction in ACS events among patients with pneumonia. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that these findings, at least in part, were probably a result of confounding, most likely the 'healthy-vaccinee' effect. Previous observational studies using administrative data suggesting a very large protective benefit of PPV on ACS events may have been heavily confounded.
  Heart (British Cardiac Society) 07/2012; 98(14):1072-7. · 4.22 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: Sondra Vandervaart

  Article: Efficacy of cognitive enhancers for Alzheimer's disease: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

  Andrea C Tricco, Sondra Vandervaart, Charlene Soobiah, Erin Lillie, Laure Perrier, Maggie H Chen, Brenda Hemmelgarn, Sumit R Majumdar, Sharon E Straus
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  ABSTRACT: Approximately 35 million people world-wide have Alzheimer's disease and this is projected to nearly double by 2030. Cognitive enhancers, including cholinesterase inhibitors (for example, donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) and memantine (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist) have been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in many countries. Our objective is to evaluate the comparative effectiveness, safety, and cost of cognitive enhancers for Alzheimer's disease through a systematic review. Studies examining the efficacy, safety, and cost of cognitive enhancers compared to placebo, supportive care, and other cognitive enhancers for Alzheimer's patients will be included. The primary outcome is cognition and secondary outcomes include function, behavior, quality of life, safety, and cost. Experimental studies (randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials), quasi-experimental studies (controlled before-after, interrupted time series), and observational studies (cohort, case-control studies) will be eligible for inclusion. Inclusion will not be limited by publication status, time period or language of dissemination.We will search electronic databases (for example, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL, Ageline) from inception onwards. The electronic database search will be supplemented by searching for grey literature (for example, conference proceedings, searches in Google and relevant organization websites). Two reviewers will independently screen the studies for inclusion using the eligibility criteria established a priori and independently extract data. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for experimental and quasi-experimental studies and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for observational studies. If deemed appropriate, meta-analysis and network (that is, indirect comparisons) meta-analysis will be conducted. Our systematic review will inform the decision of healthcare providers, policy-makers, Alzheimer's patients and family members about the use of cognitive enhancers, by improving their understanding of the costs, benefits and harms that are associated with these agents. PROSPERO REGISTRY NUMBER: CRD42012001948.
  Systematic reviews. 06/2012; 1(1):31.
• Source

  Available from: Dean Eurich

  Article: Population-based cohort study of outpatients with pneumonia: rationale, design and baseline characteristics.

  Dean T Eurich, Sumit R Majumdar, Thomas J Marrie
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  ABSTRACT: The vast majority of research in the area of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been based on patients admitted to hospital. And yet, the majority of patients with CAP are treated on an ambulatory basis as outpatients, either by primary care physicians or in Emergency Departments. Few studies have been conducted in outpatients with pneumonia, and there is a paucity of data on short and long term morbidity or mortality and associated clinical correlates in this group of patients. From 2000-2002, all CAP patients presenting to 7 Emergency Departments in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada were prospectively enrolled in a population-based registry. Clinical data, including pneumonia severity index (PSI) were collected at time of presentation. Patients discharged to the community were then followed for up to 5 years through linkage to the provincial administrative databases. The current report provides the rationale and design for the cohort, as well as describes baseline characteristics and 30-day morbidity and mortality. The total sample included 3874 patients. After excluding patients who were hospitalized, died or returned to the Emergency Department the same day they were initially discharged (n = 451; 12 %), and patients who could not be linked to provincial administrative databases (n = 237; 6 %), the final cohort included 3186 patients treated according to a validated clinical management pathway and discharged back to the community. Mean age was 51 (SD = 20) years, 53 % male; 4 % resided in a nursing home, 95 % were independently mobile, and 88 % had mild (PSI class I-III) pneumonia. Within 30-days, return to Emergency Department was common (25 %) as was hospitalization (8 %) and 1 % of patients had died. To our knowledge, this represents the largest clinically-detailed outpatient CAP cohort assembled to date and will add to our understanding of the determinants and outcomes in this under-researched patient population. The rich clinical data along with the long term health care utilization and mortality will allow for the identification of novel prognostic indicators. Given how under studied this population is, the findings should aid clinicians in the routine care of their outpatients with pneumonia and help define the next generation of research questions.
  BMC Infectious Diseases 06/2012; 12:135. · 3.12 Impact Factor
• Article: Recovery of function following a hip fracture in geriatric ambulatory persons living in nursing homes: prospective cohort study.

  Lauren A Beaupre, C Allyson Jones, D William C Johnston, Donna M Wilson, Sumit R Majumdar
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  ABSTRACT: To measure 1-year post-hip fracture functional recovery, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and mortality in nursing home residents. Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Ambulatory nursing home residents with or without impaired cognition consecutively admitted with hip fracture to three Canadian tertiary-care hospitals from March 2008 through November 2009. Participants or proxy respondents completed the Functional Independence Measure Motor score (FIM(motor) ) and EuroQol5D index score (EQ-5D(index) ) in the hospital (prefracture status) and 3, 6, and 12 months after fracture. Complications over the first postfracture year were also ascertained; the primary outcome was functional recovery (change in FIM(motor) score). Of 92 eligible participants, 60 (64%) were enrolled. The mean age was 86.9 ± 8.1, 42 (70%) were female, and 45 (75%) had three or more comorbidities. Forty-three (72%) walked independently with or without aids before fracture. By 12 months, 27 (45%) participants had died, and 10 (17%) had withdrawn. Of the remaining 23 participants, functional status according to FIM(motor) score dropped substantially and significantly after the fracture (3 months, 34.0 ± 19.7; 6 months, 33.2 ± 19.7; 12 months, 32.0 ± 20.0; P < .001 from a baseline FIM(motor) score of 50.1 ± 16.1). By 12 months after the fracture, only eight (35%) were walking independently, and 11 (48%) were no longer ambulatory. HRQL according to the EQ-5D(index) also decreased significantly (P = .003), from 0.62 ± 0.20 before fracture to 0.42 ± 0.30 by 12 months after fracture. Hip fracture for nursing home residents was associated with substantial loss of functional independence, ambulation, and HRQL. Little recovery was evident after the first 3 months; there was almost 50% mortality within 12 months.
  Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 06/2012; 60(7):1268-73. · 3.74 Impact Factor
• Article: Use of cognitive enhancers for mild cognitive impairment: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

  Andrea C Tricco, Charlene Soobiah, Erin Lillie, Laure Perrier, Maggie H Chen, Brenda Hemmelgarn, Sumit R Majumdar, Sharon E Straus
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  ABSTRACT: Elderly individuals who have memory problems without significant limitations in activities of daily living are often diagnosed as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Some of these individuals progress to dementia. Several cognitive enhancers (for example donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, memantine) have been approved for use in people with Alzheimer's dementia but their use in patients with MCI is unclear. We aimed to determine the comparative effectiveness, safety, and cost of cognitive enhancers for MCI through a systematic review and network (that is, indirect comparisons) meta-analysis. We will include studies that examine the use of cognitive enhancers compared to placebo, supportive care, or other cognitive enhancers among patients diagnosed with MCI. Outcomes of interest include cognition and function (primary outcomes), as well as behavior, quality of life, safety, and cost (secondary outcomes). We will include all experimental studies (randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials), quasi-experimental studies (controlled before-after, interrupted time series), and observational studies (cohort, case-control). Studies will be included regardless of publication status (that is, we will include unpublished studies), year, or language of dissemination.To identify potentially relevant material, we will search the following electronic databases from inception onwards: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Ageline. The electronic database search will be supplemented by scanning the reference lists of included studies, searching Google and organization websites for unpublished or difficult to locate material literature, and contacting experts.Two reviewers will independently screen the studies for inclusion using the eligibility criteria established a priori and independently extract data. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for experimental and quasi-experimental studies and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for observational epidemiology studies. Meta-analysis and network meta-analysis are planned, if the studies are deemed statistically, methodologically, and clinically homogenous. Our systematic review will provide important information regarding the benefits, costs, and harms of cognitive enhancers for patients with MCI. This information can be used to assist healthcare providers, policy-makers, MCI patients and their family regarding the use of these agents. PROSPERO REGISTRY NUMBER: CRD42012002234.
  Systematic reviews. 05/2012; 1(1):25.
• Article: Macrolide-based regimens and mortality in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

  Leyla Asadi, Wendy I Sligl, Dean T Eurich, Isabelle N Colmers, Lisa Tjosvold, Thomas J Marrie, Sumit R Majumdar
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  ABSTRACT: Macrolides are used to treat pneumonia despite increasing antimicrobial resistance. However, the immunomodulatory properties of macrolides may have a favorable effect on pneumonia outcomes. Therefore, we systematically reviewed all studies of macrolide use and mortality among patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). All randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing macrolides to other treatment regimens in adults hospitalized with CAP were identified through electronic databases and gray literature searches. Primary analysis examined any macrolide use and mortality; secondary analysis compared Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society guideline-concordant macrolide/beta-lactam combinations vs respiratory fluoroquinolones. Random effects models were used to generate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and evaluate heterogeneity (I(2)). We included 23 studies and 137,574 patients. Overall, macrolide use was associated with a statistically significant mortality reduction compared with nonmacrolide use (3.7% [1738 of 47,071] vs 6.5% [5861 of 90,503]; RR, 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], .64-.95; P = .01; I(2)= 85%). There was no survival advantage and heterogeneity was reduced when analyses were restricted to RCTs (4.6% [22 of 479] vs 4.1% [25 of 613]; RR, 1.13; 95% CI, .65-1.98; P = .66; I(2)= 0%) or to patients treated with guideline-concordant antibiotics (macrolide/beta-lactam, 5.3% [297 of 5574] vs respiratory fluoroquinolones, 5.8% [408 of 7050]; RR, 1.17; 95% CI, .91-1.50; P = .22; I(2)= 43%). In hospitalized patients with CAP, macrolide-based regimens were associated with a significant 22% reduction in mortality compared with nonmacrolides; however, this benefit did not extend to patients studied in RCTs or patients that received guideline-concordant antibiotics. Our findings suggest guideline concordance is more important than choice of antibiotic when treating CAP.
  Clinical Infectious Diseases 04/2012; 55(3):371-80. · 9.15 Impact Factor
• Article: Guideline adherence and macrolides reduced mortality in outpatients with pneumonia.

  Leyla Asadi, Dean T Eurich, John-Michael Gamble, Jasjeet K Minhas-Sandhu, Thomas J Marrie, Sumit R Majumdar
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  ABSTRACT: For outpatients with pneumonia, guidelines recommend empiric antibiotics and some suggest macrolides are preferred agents. We hypothesized that both guideline-concordant antibiotics and macrolides would be associated with reduced mortality. All outpatients with pneumonia assessed at 7 Emergency Departments in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada were enrolled in a population-based registry that included clinical-radiographic data, Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and treatments. Guideline-concordant regimens included macrolides and respiratory fluoroquinolones; other regimens were "discordant". Main outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. The study included 2973 outpatients; mean age 51 years, 47% female, most had mild pneumonia (73% PSI Class I-II). Over 30-days, 38 (1%) patients died, 228 (8%) were hospitalized, and 253 (9%) reached the endpoint of death or hospitalization. Most (2845 [96%]) patients received guideline-concordant antibiotics. Compared to patients receiving discordant antibiotics, those receiving guideline-concordant antibiotics were less likely to die within 30-days (8 [6%] versus 30 [1%], adjusted OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09-0.59, p = 0.002). Within the guideline-concordant subgroup, compared to the 947 (33%) patients treated with fluoroquinolones, those receiving macrolides [1847 (64%)] were less likely to die (25 [3%] versus 4 [0.2%], adjusted OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09-0.86, p = 0.03). In outpatients with pneumonia, treatment with guideline-concordant antibiotics and macrolides were both associated with mortality reduction.
  Respiratory medicine 12/2011; 106(3):451-8. · 2.33 Impact Factor
• Article: Statins and sepsis - scientifically interesting but clinically inconsequential.

  Dean T Eurich, Sumit R Majumdar
  Journal of General Internal Medicine 12/2011; 27(3):268-9. · 2.83 Impact Factor
• Article: Association between glycemic control and adverse outcomes in people with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: a population-based cohort study.

  Sabin Shurraw, Brenda Hemmelgarn, Meng Lin, Sumit R Majumdar, Scott Klarenbach, Braden Manns, Aminu Bello, Matthew James, Tanvir Chowdhury Turin, Marcello Tonelli
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  ABSTRACT: Better glycemic control as reflected by lower hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) level may prevent or slow progression of nephropathy in people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether a lower HbA(1c) level improves outcomes in people with DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown. From all people with serum creatinine measured as part of routine care in a single Canadian province from 2005 through 2006, we identified those with CKD based on laboratory data (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], <60.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2)]) and DM using a validated algorithm applied to hospitalization and claims data. Patients were classified based on their first HbA(1c) measurement; Cox regression models were used to assess independent associations between HbA(1c) level and 5 study outcomes (death, progression of kidney disease based on a doubling of serum creatinine level, or new end-stage renal disease [ESRD], cardiovascular events, all-cause hospitalization). We identified 23,296 people with DM and an eGFR lower than 60.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2). The median HbA(1c) level was 6.9% (range, 2.8%-20.0%), and 11% had an HbA(1c) value higher than 9%. Over the median follow-up period of 46 months, 3665 people died, and 401 developed ESRD. Regardless of baseline eGFR, a higher HbA(1c) level was strongly and independently associated with excess risk of all 5 outcomes studied (P < .001 for all comparisons). However, the association with mortality was U-shaped, with increases in the risk of mortality apparent at HbA(1c) levels lower than 6.5% and higher than 8.0%. The increased risk of ESRD associated with a higher HbA(1c) level was attenuated at a lower baseline eGFR (P value for interaction, <.001). Specifically, among those with an eGFR of 30.0 to 59.9 mL/min/1.73 m(2), the risk of ESRD was increased by 22% and 152% in patients with HbA(1c) levels of 7% to 9% and higher than 9%, respectively, compared with patients with an HbA(1c) level lower than 7% (P < .001), whereas corresponding increases were 3% and 13%, respectively, in those with an eGFR of 15.0 to 29.9 mL/min/1.73 m(2). A hemoglobin A(1c) level higher than 9% is common in people with non-hemodialysis-dependent CKD and is associated with markedly worse clinical outcomes; lower levels of HbA(1c) (<6.5%) also seemed to be associated with excess mortality. The excess risk of kidney failure associated with a higher HbA(1c) level was most pronounced among people with better kidney function. These findings suggest that appropriate and timely control of HbA(1c) level in people with DM and CKD may be more important than previously realized, but suggest also that intensive glycemic control (HbA(1c) level <6.5%) may be associated with increased mortality.
  Archives of internal medicine 11/2011; 171(21):1920-7. · 11.46 Impact Factor
• Article: Preoperative thienopyridine use and outcomes after surgery: a systematic review.

  Anita G Au, Sumit R Majumdar, Finlay A McAlister
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  ABSTRACT: Although studies have demonstrated excess risk of ischemic events if aspirin is withheld preoperatively, it is unclear whether preoperative thienopyridine use influences postoperative outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of 37 studies (31 cardiac and 6 noncardiac surgery, 3 randomized, 34 observational) comparing postoperative outcomes in patients who were versus were not exposed to thienopyridine in the 5 days before surgery. Exposure to thienopyridine in the 5 days preceding surgery (compared with no exposure) was not associated with any reduction in postoperative myocardial infarction (23 studies, 12,872 patients, 3.4% vs 3.0%, odds ratio [OR] 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.34), but was associated with increased risks of stroke (16 studies, 10,265 patients, 1.9% vs 1.4%, OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08-2.20), reoperation for bleeding (32 studies, 19,423 patients, 4.3% vs 1.8%, OR 2.62; 95% CI, 1.96-3.49), and all-cause mortality (28 studies, 22,990 patients, 3.7% vs 2.6%, OR 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13-1.69). Results were identical when analyses were restricted to long-term users of thienopyridines who continued versus held the medication in the 5 days before surgery. Although all associations were similar in direction for the subset of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, 97% of the outcome data in this meta-analysis came from cardiac surgery trials. These data support withholding thienopyridines 5 days before cardiac surgery; there was insufficient evidence to make definitive recommendations for elective noncardiac surgery although the direction and magnitude of associations were similar.
  The American journal of medicine 11/2011; 125(1):87-99.e1. · 4.47 Impact Factor
• Article: Predictors of bone mineral density testing in patients at high risk of osteoporosis: secondary analyses from the OSTEOPHARM randomized trial.

  Nesé Yuksel, Ross T Tsuyuki, Sumit R Majumdar
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  ABSTRACT: In a randomized trial, we demonstrated that a community pharmacist osteoporosis screening intervention doubled the rates of bone mineral density (BMD) testing in high-risk patients. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to evaluate the potentially modifiable factors associated with BMD testing. From 2005 to 2007, 15 pharmacies randomized 262 patients to intervention (education, pamphlets, point-of-care quantitative heel ultrasound [QUS]) or usual care. The main outcome was BMD testing within 4mo. Multivariate regression was used to determine independent correlates of BMD testing. The median age of the cohort was 62yr, 65% were women, and 49% (n=129) were randomized to intervention. Compared with patients who were not tested, those with BMD were more likely to be women (p=0.007) and have excellent or very good health (p<0.001). Postrandomization correlates of BMD test were intervention (p=0.017), greater osteoporosis knowledge (p=0.004), and osteoporosis-specific physician visits (p<0.001). In adjusted analyses, only female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-7.4) and osteoporosis-specific visits (aOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4-7.8) were independently associated with BMD testing. In analyses restricted to intervention patients, abnormal QUS (aOR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.4-9.1) was the only independent predictor of BMD test. Future interventions should incorporate the finding that osteoporosis-specific visits and abnormal QUS results were strongly associated with getting a BMD testing and should give greater attention to men.
  Journal of Clinical Densitometry 11/2011; 15(1):61-6. · 1.29 Impact Factor