Clinical Epidemiology Commons^™

Segmental Distribution Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Correlates With Microvascular Invasion In Liver Explants Undergoing Transplantation, Yasir Al-Azzawai, Eva Rouanet, Ryan J. Hendrix, Lidia Spaho, Hesham Malik, Deepika Devuni, Gyongyi Szabo, Graham Barnard

Gyongyi Szabo

Introduction: Microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is a poor prognostic factor after liver transplantation and/or resection. Any correlation between MVI and segmental location of HCC has yet to be studied. Our aim is to evaluate the segmental location of HCC and any correlation with the presence of MVI, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in explanted livers, and the recurrence of HCC after transplantation. Another objective of the study is to assess the treatment history (ablation or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)) and size of the tumor with respect to the risk of MVI.

Methods: A single center, retrospective chart review, …

Changes In Anticoagulant Utilization Among United States Nursing Home Residents With Atrial Fibrillation From 2011 To 2016, Matthew Alcusky, David D. Mcmanus, Anne L. Hume, Marc Fisher, Jennifer Tjia, Kate L. Lapane

Jennifer Tjia

Background: Nursing home residents with atrial fibrillation are at high risk for ischemic stroke and bleeding events. The most recent national estimate (2004) indicated less than one third of this high-risk population was anticoagulated. Whether direct-acting oral anticoagulant ( DOAC ) use has disseminated into nursing homes and increased anticoagulant use is unknown.

Methods and Results: A repeated cross-sectional design was used to estimate the point prevalence of oral anticoagulant use on July 1 and December 31 of calendar years 2011 to 2016 among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with atrial fibrillation residing in long-stay nursing homes. Nursing home residence was determined …

Lipoprotein(A) Plasma Levels, Bone Mineral Density And Risk Of Hip Fracture: A Post Hoc Analysis Of The Women's Health Initiative, Usa, Bernhard Haring, Carolyn J. Crandall, Laura Carbone, Simin Liu, Wenjun Li, Karen C. Johnson, Jean Wactawski-Wende, Aladdin H. Shadyab, Margery L. Gass, Victor Kamensky, Jane A. Cauley, Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller

Wenjun Li

OBJECTIVES: Elevated Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, its roles in bone metabolism and fracture risk are unclear. We therefore investigated whether plasma Lp(a) levels were associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and incident hip fractures in a large cohort of postmenopausal women.

DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), USA.

SETTING: 40 clinical centres in the USA.

PARTICIPANTS: The current analytical cohort consisted of 9698 white, postmenopausal women enrolled in the WHI, a national prospective study investigating determinants of chronic diseases including heart disease, breast and colorectal cancers and …

Aggressive Diuresis And Severity-Adjusted Length Of Hospital Stay In Acute Congestive Heart Failure Patients., Muhammad U. Butt M.D.

Muhammad Umer Butt M.D., MSCRD

Ten-Year (2001-2011) Trends In The Incidence Rates And Short-Term Outcomes Of Early Versus Late Onset Cardiogenic Shock After Hospitalization For Acute Myocardial Infarction, Hoa L. Nguyen, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Darleen M. Lessard, Joel M. Gore, David D. Mcmanus, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction, and the time of onset of CS has a potential role in influencing its prognosis. Limited contemporary data exist on this complication, however, especially from a population-based perspective. Our study objectives were to describe decade-long trends in the incidence, in-hospital mortality, and factors associated with the development of CS in 3 temporal contexts: (1) before hospital arrival for acute myocardial infarction (prehospital CS); (2) within 24 hours of hospitalization (early CS); and (3) > /=24 hours after hospitalization (late CS). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 5782 …

Pain And Pharmacologic Pain Management In Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents, Jacob N. Hunnicutt, Christine M. Ulbricht, Jennifer Tjia, Kate L. Lapane

Jennifer Tjia

Prior studies estimate that >40% of long-stay nursing home (NH) residents experience persistent pain, with 20% of residents in pain receiving no analgesics. Strengthened NH surveyor guidance and improved pain measures on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 were introduced in March 2009 and October 2010, respectively. This study aimed to provide estimates after these important initiatives of: 1) prevalence and correlates of persistent pain; and 2) prevalence and correlates of untreated or undertreated persistent pain. We identified 1,387,405 long-stay residents in United States NHs between 2011-2012 with 2 MDS assessments 90 days apart. Pain was categorized as persistent (pain …

Decade-Long Trends In The Timeliness Of Receipt Of A Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Han-Yang Chen, Joel M. Gore, Kate L. Lapane, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Sharina D. Person, Catarina I. Kiefe, Robert J. Goldberg

Catarina I. Kiefe

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine decade-long trends (2001-2011) in, and factors associated with, door-to-balloon time within 90 minutes of hospital presentation among patients hospitalized with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who received a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS: Residents of central Massachusetts hospitalized with STEMI who received a primary PCI at two major PCI-capable medical centers in central Massachusetts on a biennial basis between 2001 and 2011 comprised the study population (n=629). Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with failing to receive a primary PCI within 90 minutes after emergency department (ED) …

Decade-Long Trends In The Timeliness Of Receipt Of A Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Han-Yang Chen, Joel M. Gore, Kate L. Lapane, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Sharina D. Person, Catarina I. Kiefe, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine decade-long trends (2001-2011) in, and factors associated with, door-to-balloon time within 90 minutes of hospital presentation among patients hospitalized with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who received a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Residents of central Massachusetts hospitalized with STEMI who received a primary PCI at two major PCI-capable medical centers in central Massachusetts on a biennial basis between 2001 and 2011 comprised the study population (n=629). Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with failing to receive a primary PCI within 90 minutes after emergency department (ED) …

A Delphi Process To Address Medication Appropriateness For Older Persons With Multiple Chronic Conditions, Terri R. Fried, Kristina Niehoff, Jennifer Tjia, Nancy Redeker, Mary K. Goldstein

Jennifer Tjia

BACKGROUND: Frameworks exist to evaluate the appropriateness of medication regimens for older patients with multiple medical conditions (MCCs). Less is known about how to translate the concepts of the frameworks into specific strategies to identify and remediate inappropriate regimens.

METHODS: Modified Delphi method involving iterative rounds of input from panel members. Panelists (n = 9) represented the disciplines of nursing, medicine and pharmacy. Included among the physicians were two geriatricians, one general internist, one family practitioner, one cardiologist and two nephrologists. They participated in 3 rounds of web-based anonymous surveys.

RESULTS: The panel reached consensus on a set of markers …

Decade Long Trends (2001-2011) In Duration Of Pre-Hospital Delay Among Elderly Patients Hospitalized For An Acute Myocardial Infarction, Raghavendra Makam, Nathaniel Erskine, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Darleen M. Lessard, Jason Lau, Jeroan J. Allison, Joel M. Gore, Jerry H. Gurwitz, David D. Mcmanus, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

BACKGROUND: Early intervention with medical and/or coronary revascularization treatment approaches remains the cornerstone of the management of patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, several patient groups, especially the elderly, are known to delay seeking prompt medical care after onset of AMI-associated symptoms. Current trends, and factors associated with prolonged prehospital delay among elderly patients hospitalized with AMI, are incompletely understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from a population-based study of patients hospitalized at all 11 medical centers in central Massachusetts with a confirmed AMI on a biennial basis between 2001 and 2011 were analyzed. Information about duration of prehospital …

Angina Characteristics As Predictors Of Trajectories Of Quality Of Life Following Acute Coronary Syndrome In The Transitions, Risks And Actions In Coronary Events-Center For Outcomes Research And Education Cohort (Trace-Core), Lisa Nobel, Jennifer Tjia, Jane S. Saczynski, Molly E. Waring, Milena D. Anatchkova, Arlene Ash, Catarina I. Kiefe, Jeroan Allison

Jennifer Tjia

BACKGROUND: To describe longitudinal trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after hospitalization with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), their associations with baseline angina characteristics, and associations with anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment.

METHODS: TRACE-CORE participants (N=1,613) completed the SF-36 during hospitalization for ACS and 1, 3, & 6 months post-discharge. Latent growth curves identified trajectories of physical and mental components of HRQOL (MCS and PCS) and sequential multiple logistic regression estimated associations between trajectories and angina characteristics.

RESULTS: Participants (N=1613) had mean age 63.3 (SD 11.4) years, 33.0% female, and 78.2% non-Hispanic white. We identified 2 MCS trajectories: AVERAGE …

Decade-Long Trends (1999-2009) In The Characteristics, Management, And Hospital Outcomes Of Patients Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction With Prior Diabetes And Chronic Kidney Disease, Mayra Tisminetzky, David D. Mcmanus, Alon Dor, Ruben Miozzo, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Joel M. Gore, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing magnitude and impact, there are limited data available on the clinical management and in-hospital outcomes of patients who have diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at the time of hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The objectives of our population-based observational study in residents of central Massachusetts were to describe decade-long trends (1999-2009) in the characteristics, in-hospital management, and hospital outcomes of AMI patients with and without these comorbidities.

METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 6,018 persons who were hospitalized for AMI on a biennial basis between 1999 and 2009 at all eleven …

Geodemographic Features Of Human Blastomycosis In Eastern Wisconsin, Megan E. Huber, Dennis J. Baumgardner, Jessica J. F. Kram, Melissa A. Lemke

Dennis J. Baumgardner, MD

Purpose

Blastomycosis is an endemic fungal infection. In rural northern Wisconsin, blastomycosis cases are associated with certain environmental features including close proximity to waterways. Other studies have associated blastomycosis with particular soil chemicals. However, blastomycosis also occurs in urban and suburban regions. We explored the geodemographic associations of blastomycosis cases in the more urban/suburban landscape of eastern Wisconsin.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 193 laboratory-identified blastomycosis cases in a single eastern Wisconsin health system, 2007–2015. Controls were 250 randomly selected cases of community-diagnosed pneumonia from a similar time period. Geographic features of home addresses were explored using Google …

Geographic Distribution Of Maternal Group B Streptococcus Colonization And Infant Death During Birth Hospitalization: Eastern Wisconsin, Jessica J. F. Kram, Dennis J. Baumgardner, Kiley B. Vander Wyst, Melissa A. Lemke

Dennis J. Baumgardner, MD

Purpose

Maternal group B Streptococcus (GBS) can be transmitted from a colonized mother to newborn during vaginal delivery and may or may not contribute to infant death. This study aimed to explore the geographic distribution and risk factors of maternal GBS colonization and infant death during birth hospitalization.

Methods

We retrospectively studied mothers with live birth(s) in a large eastern Wisconsin hospital system from 2007 through 2013. Associations between maternal and neonatal variables, GBS colonization and infant death were examined using chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U and t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression models also were developed.

Results

Study population (N = 99,305) had …

Racial Disparities In Outcomes Following Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience, Vani Nilakantan, Maharaj Singh, Ruth M. Perez, Yang Shi, Ahmed Dalmar, Brittany T. Last, Ajay Sahajpal

Ahmed Dalmar, MD

Purpose

Kidney transplantation remains the best treatment option for end-stage renal disease. However, despite overall improvements in patient and graft survival rates after kidney transplantation, differences in outcomes still exist among different racial and ethnic groups, with African-Americans having lower graft survival. Gaps continue to exist in the understanding of how demographic factors contribute to the varying outcomes among racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated kidney transplant outcomes in four racial/ethnic groups over a 12-year period at a large tertiary care center. Primary and secondary study outcomes were patient and graft survival across groups. To determine factors that might predict …

Magnitude Of And Prognostic Factors Associated With 1-Year Mortality After Hospital Discharge For Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Based On Ejection Fraction Findings, Andrew H. Coles, Mayra Tisminetzky, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Darleen M. Lessard, Joel M. Gore, Chad E. Darling, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist about the magnitude of and the factors associated with prognosis within 1 year for patients discharged from the hospital after acute decompensated heart failure. Data are particularly limited from the more generalizable perspective of a population-based investigation and should be further stratified according to currently recommended ejection fraction (EF) findings.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The hospital medical records of residents of the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area who were discharged after acute decompensated heart failure from all 11 medical centers in central Massachusetts during 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006 were reviewed. The average age of the 4025 …

Decade-Long Trends In 30-Day Rehospitalization Rates After Acute Myocardial Infarction, Han-Yang Chen, Mayra Tisminetzky, Kate L. Lapane, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Sharina D. Person, Catarina I. Kiefe, Joel Gore, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

BACKGROUND: There are limited data available describing relatively contemporary trends in 30-day rehospitalizations among patients who survive hospitalization after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the community setting. We examined decade-long (2001-2011) trends in, and factors associated with, 30-day rehospitalizations in patients discharged from 3 central Massachusetts hospitals after AMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Residents of the Worcester, MA, metropolitan area discharged after AMI from 3 central Massachusetts hospitals on a biennial basis between 2001 and 2011 comprised the study population (N=4810). Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between selected factors and 30-day rehospitalizations. The average age of …

Assessment Of Obesity As A Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor In A Geriatric Rural Texas Community - A Six Month Follow-Up, Alberto Coustasse Md, Mba

Alberto Coustasse, DrPH, MD, MBA, MPH

Coustasse, Alberto, Assessment of Obesity as a Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor in a Geriatric Rural Texas Community – A Six Month Follow-up. Master of Public Health Track, Public Health Administration, December 1999, 22 pp., 9 tables, 9 illustrations, bibliography, 7 titles. The health fair approach was used as a method to establish individual and population health status baselines and to provide a mechanism to follow-up with an elderly population in a rural Texas community. A controlled trial sample of forty-four seniors was initially screened in a primary care clinic in August 1998. Patients were reevaluated at six months and results …

Incidence, In-Hospital Case-Fatality Rates, And Management Practices In Puerto Ricans Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction, Juan C. Zevallos, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Juan A. Gonzalez, Hector L. Banchs, Mario Garcia-Palmieri, Hernando Mattei, Jose Ayala, Marijesmar Gonzalez, Vanessa Torres, Iris N. Ramos, Luis R. Pericchi, David A. Torres, Maria C. Gonzalez, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

OBJECTIVE: There are extremely limited data on minority populations, especially Hispanics, describing the clinical epidemiology of acute coronary disease. The aim of this study is to examine the incidence rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in-hospital case-fatality rate (CFR), and management practices among residents of greater San Juan (Puerto Rico) who were hospitalized with an initial AMI. METHODS: Our trained study staff reviewed and independently validated the medical records of patients who had been hospitalized with possible AMI at any of the twelve hospitals located in greater San Juan during calendar year 2007. RESULTS: The incidence rate (# per 100,000 …

Does Functional Gain And Pain Relief After Tkr And Thr Differ By Patient Obese Status?, Wenjun Li, Jeffrey Lange, Leslie R. Harrold, Jeroan J. Allison, Courtland Lewis, Thomas Bowen, David C. Ayers, Patricia D. Franklin

Jeroan J. Allison

Introduction: Obesity is an important predictor of functional status and pain after total knee (TKR) and total hip (THR) replacement. However, variations in pre-post TKR and THR changes in function and pain by obesity status remain to be examined.

Material & Methods: Pre- and 6 month post surgery data were collected on 2,964 primary TKR and 2,040 primary THR patients between 5/2011 and 3/2013. Data included demographics, comorbidities, operative joint pain severity based on the Knee Injury or Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS/HOOS), WOMAC pain (higher is better), physical function (SF-36 PCS, higher is better), mental health (SF-36 …

Community Cancer Services, Clinical Trials, And Quality Initiatives—Year 1 Ncccp At Lehigh Valley Health Network, Gregory R. Harper Md, Phd, Ada M. Rivera Ba, Eliot L. Friedman Md, Kathleen A. Leies Rn, Ocn, Nadesda Mack Rn, Bsn, Mba, Ocn, Lenore Mcgonigle Med, Suresh G. Nair Md, Tara Namey Ms, Cgc, Debbie Salas-Lopez Md, Mph, Facp, Ronald W. Swinfard Md, Facp

Debbie Salas-Lopez MD, MPH, FACP

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Multiple Sclerosis As A Risk Factor For The Development Of Osteoporosis, Christopher Perrone, Christine M. Foley, Linda C. Churchill, Sybil L. Crawford, Judith K. Ockene, Carolina Ionete

Sybil L. Crawford

Background: Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the United States, and it is particularly common among women with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, despite this association, the temporal relationship between these two conditions has not been previously studied. Data from the Women’s Health Initiative provides a unique opportunity to examine the risk of developing osteoporosis over time in individuals diagnosed with MS. Objective: The purpose of this study is to refine the relationship between MS and osteoporosis, clarifying the impact of environmental and pharmacologic factors on each condition, as well as addressing treatment and preventative efforts for a patient …

The Impact Of Cardiac And Noncardiac Comorbidities On The Short-Term Outcomes Of Patients Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Population-Based Perspective, Han-Yang Chen, Jane S. Saczynski, David D. Mcmanus, Darleen M. Lessard, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Kate L. Lapane, Joel M. Gore, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of our large observational study were to describe the prevalence of cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities in a community-based population of patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at all medical centers in central Massachusetts, and to examine whether multiple comorbidities were associated with in-hospital death rates and hospital length of stay. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 2,972 patients hospitalized with AMI at all eleven greater Worcester medical centers in central Massachusetts during the three study years of 2003, 2005, and 2007. RESULTS: The average age of this hospitalized population was 71 years, 55% were men, 93% …

Socioeconomic-Status And Mental Health In A Personality Disorder Sample: The Importance Of Neighborhood Factors, Zach Walsh, M. Tracie Shea, Shirley Yen, Emily B. Ansell, Carlos M. Grilo, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Robert L. Stout, Donna S. Bender, Andrew E. Skodol, Charles A. Sanislow, Leslie C. Morey, John G. Gunderson

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

This cross-sectional study examined the associations between neighborhood-level socioeconomic-status (NSES), and psychosocial functioning and personality pathology among 335 adults drawn from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study. Participants belonged to four personality disorder (PD) diagnostic groups: Avoidant, Borderline, Schizotypal, and Obsessive Compulsive. Global functioning, social adjustment, and PD symptoms were assessed following a minimum two-year period of residential stability. Residence in higher-risk neighborhoods was associated with more PD symptoms and lower levels of functioning and social adjustment. These relationships were consistent after controlling for individual-level socioeconomic-status and ethnicity; however, the positive association between neighborhood-level socio-economic risk and PD symptoms was …

Improved Survival After Heart Failure: A Community-Based Perspective, Samuel W. Joffe, Kristy T. Webster, David D. Mcmanus, Michael S. Kiernan, Darleen M. Lessard, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Chad E. Darling, Joel M. Gore, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a highly prevalent, morbid, and costly disease with a poor long-term prognosis. Evidence-based therapies utilized over the past 2 decades hold the promise of improved outcomes, yet few contemporary studies have examined survival trends in patients with acute heart failure. The primary objective of this population-based study was to describe trends in short- and long-term survival in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). A secondary objective was to examine patient characteristics associated with decreased long-term survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed the medical records of 9748 patients hospitalized with ADHF at all 11 medical …

Improved Survival After Heart Failure: A Community-Based Perspective, Kristy T. Webster, Samuel W. Joffe, David D. Mcmanus, Michael S. Kiernan, Darleen M. Lessard, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Chad E. Darling, Joel M. Gore, Robert J. Goldberg

Jorge L. Yarzebski

Background: Heart failure is a highly prevalent, morbid, and costly disease with a poor long-term prognosis. Evidence-based therapies utilized over the past 2 decades hold the promise of improved outcomes, yet few contemporary studies have examined survival trends in patients with acute heart failure. Objectives: The primary objective of this population-based study was to describe trends in short and long-term survival in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). A secondary objective was to examine patient characteristics associated with decreased long-term survival. Methods and Results: We reviewed the medical records of 9,748 patients hospitalized with ADHF at all 11 …

Individuals With Single Versus Multiple Suicide Attempts Over 10 Years Of Prospective Follow-Up, Christina L. Boisseaua, Shirley Yen, John C. Markowitz, Carlos M. Grilo, Charles A. Sanislow, M. Tracie Shea, Mary C. Zanarini, Andrew E. Skodol, John G. Gunderson, Leslie C. Morey, Thomas H. Mcglashan

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

Background: The study attempted to identify characteristics that differentiate multiple suicide attempters from single attempters in individuals with personality disorders (PDs) and/or major depression.

Method: Participants were 431 participants enrolled in the Collaborative Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders from July 1996 to June 2008. Suicide attempts were assessed with the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation at 6 and 12months, then yearly through 10years. Logistic regression was used to compare single attempters to multiple attempters on Axis I and II psychiatric disorders and personality trait variables.

Results: Twenty-one percent of participants attempted suicide during the 10years of observation, with 39 (9.0%) reporting …

Frequency Of Private Spiritual Activity And Cardiovascular Risk In Post-Menopausal Women: The Women's Health Initiative, Elena Salmoirago Blotcher, George Fitchett, Kathleen M. Hovey, Eliezer Schnall, Cynthia Thomson, Christopher A. Andrews, Sybil Crawford, Mary Jo O'Sullivan, Stephen Post, Rowan T. Chlebowski, Judith K. Ockene

Sybil L. Crawford

Purpose: Spirituality has been associated with better cardiac autonomic balance, but its association with cardiovascular risk is not well studied. We examined whether more frequent private spiritual activity was associated with reduced cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study. Methods: Frequency of private spiritual activity (prayer, Bible reading, and meditation) was selfreported at year 5 of follow-up. Cardiovascular outcomes were centrally adjudicated, and cardiovascular risk was estimated from proportional hazards models. Results: Final models included 43,708 women (mean age: 68.9±7.3; median follow-up: 7.0 years) free of cardiac disease through year 5 of follow-up. In …

Methods For Evaluating Prediction Performance Of Biomarkers And Tests, Margaret S. Pepe Phd, Holly Janes Phd

Margaret S Pepe PhD

This chapter describes and critiques methods for evaluating the performance of markers to predict risk of a current or future clinical outcome. We consider three criteria that are important for evaluating a risk model: calibration, benefit for decision making and accurate classification. We also describe and discuss a variety of summary measures in common use for quantifying predictive information such as the area under the ROC curve and R-squared. The roles and problems with recently proposed risk reclassification approaches are discussed in detail.

The Plan Score, Gustavo Saposnik

Gustavo Saposnik

No abstract provided.