The study results show that physicians believe they are generally comfortable with deprescribing, although there are still several factors that hamper their ability to engage in the process. An improved understanding of physicians' views on deprescribing may help guide further research, and policies to help patients remain healthy while streamlining their medication regimen.

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Summary What is known and objective The application of biologics to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is well established. Our aim was to characterize the most recent five years of data on rates of adherence, persistence, switching and dose escalations with biologics used to treat IBD in the United States. Methods We systematically reviewed electronic databases MEDLINE, MEDLINE In‐Process, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for 2012‐2017 as well as conference proceedings for 2016‐2017 published in English. Results and discussion Of 449 records identified, 41 met all screening criteria. Published studies varied greatly in methodology, data sources, population studied, follow‐up time and endpoint definitions, preventing meaningful comparisons across studies. Based on studies using a medication possession rate threshold of <80% or <86%, 38%‐77% of patients were found non‐adherent to biologics. Discontinuation within the first 3 months occurred in 0%‐25% of patients in six studies; 7%‐65% discontinued by 12 months in 13 studies. Among all patients who initiated an index biologic, the switch rate to another biologic ranged from 4.5% to 20% in 6 studies. Dose escalations were reported in only four studies; 8%‐35% of patients had their dose escalated within the first year of therapy. What is new and conclusion This study demonstrates variability in study design and methodology to assess adherence, persistence, switching and dose escalation with biologics among adults with IBD in the United States. Our findings suggest that real‐world biologic use may be suboptimal and indicate new therapies and/or additional patient support may be needed.

Aim: To evaluate Medicaid spending and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Materials & methods: TRD beneficiaries were identified from Medicaid claims databases (January 2010–March 2017) and matched 1:1 with major depressive disorder (MDD) beneficiaries without TRD (non-TRD-MDD) and randomly selected patients without MDD (non-MDD). Differences in HRU and per-patient-per-year costs were reported in incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and cost differences (CDs), respectively. Results: TRD beneficiaries had higher HRU than 1:1 matched non-TRD-MDD (e.g., inpatient visits: IRR = 1.41) and non-MDD beneficiaries (N = 14,710 per cohort; e.g., inpatient visits: IRR = 3.42, p < 0.01). TRD beneficiaries incurred greater costs versus non-TRD-MDD (CD = US$4382) and non-MDD beneficiaries (CD = US$8294; p < 0.05). Conclusion: TRD is associated with higher HRU and costs versus non-TRD-MDD and non-MDD. TRD poses a significant burden to Medicaid.

Objectives: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and severe, inflammatory skin disease. GPP is characterized by recurrent flares that consist of disseminated erythematous skin rash with sterile neutrophil-filled pustules that can result in an emergency department (ED) visit or hospital stay due to systemic complications. This study characterizes hospitalizations, ED visits, and inpatient treatment due to GPP in the United States (US). Methods: A descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted in Cerner Health Facts, a US electronic medical record database. Hospitalizations and ED visits were identified between 1 October 2015 and 1 July 2017. Visits were included in the study if they were GPP-related, defined as a GPP diagnosis (ICD-10-CM code: L40.1) in the first or second position at admission or discharge, and if the discharge date was within the study period. Hospitalizations and ED visits were the units of analysis. Demographics, comorbidities, medication use, and outcomes were characterized with descriptive statistics. Outcomes included length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death. Results: A total of 71 GPP-related hospitalizations and 64 GPP-related ED visits were included in the study. Other specified inflammatory skin conditions (OSICS)/skin and subcutaneous tissue infections (54%/34%), fluid and electrolyte disorders (46%), hypertension (30%), septicemia (24%), and acute renal failure (18%) were the most frequently coded conditions accompanying a GPP-related hospitalization. OSICS/skin and subcutaneous tissue infections (47%/42%) were the most commonly coded conditions accompanying a GPP-related ED visit. Medication use during GPP-related hospitalizations included topicals (triamcinolone (42%); clobetasol (17%)), systemic corticosteroids (prednisone (20%); methylprednisolone (11%)), and non-biologic and biologic immunosuppressants (cyclosporine (6%); methotrexate (4%); etanercept (1%)). Analgesics (acetaminophen 67%; morphine 24%), and antibiotics (vancomycin 21%) were also common. The median length of stay for hospitalizations was 5 days. Three hospitalizations included an ICU admission and two hospitalizations resulted in death. Conclusions: The presence of concurrent immune-mediated conditions, and frequent prescribing of analgesics, including opioids, illustrate the burden of GPP in patients requiring acute and inpatient care.