This study shows the dearth of physician blood donors and a strong cohort of institution-affiliated repeat donors. Physicians represent a potential, stable, and sustainable donor pool; further studies are needed to establish physician recruitment programs.”
“Background: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a chronic disease affecting about 400 000 people in the US characterized by this website increasing

patient disability and burden on society. While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), pharmaceutical treatments exist that can limit the number of relapses a patient experiences, and slow disease progression. One such class of agents used to treat RRMS are the interferons: interferon-beta-1a (Rebif (R) and Avonex (R)) and interferon-beta-1b (Betaseron (R) and Extavia (R)). Patients must take these injectable medications regularly

to achieve the optimal outcomes. However, patient issues and potential adverse effects of the medication may prevent the patient from taking the medication as directed and lower adherence. To date, limited evidence exists regarding the effect of patient adherence to interferon-beta therapies on clinical and economic outcomes.\n\nObjective: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of patient adherence to interferon-beta therapy on MS relapse rates and healthcare resource utilization.\n\nMethods: Using a non-experimental, mTOR inhibitor review retrospective cohort design, a sample population (n=1606) was drawn from patients identified in a database that includes both pharmacy and medical claims data. The study population was separated into two groups based on a measure of medication possession ratio (MPR)-adherent and non-adherent patients, and adherence was defined as MPR >= 85% in a given year during the study period (2006-8). Key outcome variables included MS relapses and healthcare resource utilization. Data were analysed

using parametric and non-parametric statistics, and regression modeling.\n\nResults: During the study period, the average MPR for all patients on interferon-beta therapy varied from 72% to 76%. Only 27-41% of patients in each year were considered adherent (i.e. MPR >= 85%) and only 4% of patients had an MPR of >= 85% throughout the 3-year study URMC-099 period (2006-8). Patients who were adherent tended to have a lower risk of relapses over 3 years than non-adherent patients. A significantly lower risk of relapses was found in 2006 (risk ratio [RR] 0.89; 95% CI 0.81, 0.97). Furthermore, an increasingly larger effect emerged between adherence and relapses when comparing adherent patients (MPR >= 85%) with subgroups of non-adherent patients (<80%, <75%, <70%, <65% and <60%). The impact of adherence on emergency room (ER) visits also tended to suggest a lower risk during 2006, 2007 and 2006-8. During 2008, the risk for an ER visit was significantly lower for patients adherent in 2007 (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.61, 0.99).