What we're reading, May 4, 2016: heart disease risk calculator has led to overtreatment; healthcare price transparency tool actually increased spending for those who used it; and Martin Shkreli may be facing additional charges.
A recently updated formula for calculating the risk of heart problems has led to unnecessary treatments. TIME reported that the formula loosened the criteria for putting people on medications and overestimates the risk of heart trouble up to 5 or 6 times. Researchers found that the formula has led to an overtreatment of people whose risk is actually lower than predicted and who may not need to be treated with statins.
The use of a price transparency tool at 2 large employers has provided the wrong outcome. Not only did employees barely use the tools—which allowed patients to shop around and save on healthcare costs—but access to price information actually had higher spending, reported The Washington Post. People with access to the tool spent $59 more. However, researchers did note that of people who were using the tool about half searched for procedures that cost more than their deductibles. As a result they had less of a motivation to make thrifty decisions.
Martin Shkreli may be facing more charges in his securities fraud case. The former CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals is already charged with defrauding investors in hedge funds and another company he ran, Retrophin, but could also face charges related to the distribution of Retrophin stock and a private placement deal, according to Bloomberg. Shkreli has asked a judge to wait before setting a trial date as his defense lawyers wait to see any new allegations. He is currently scheduled to appear in court on June 6.
Real-World Study Reveals Key Insights into DLBCL Treatment Patterns, Outcomes
April 18th 2024A recent study offers valuable insights into the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in patients across different lines of therapy, providing a look into the landscape of DLBCL management.
Read More
Pegcetacoplan for PNH More Cost-Effective Than Anti-C5 Monoclonal Antibodies
April 18th 2024A cost-utility analysis conducted from the perspective of the Italian health system found that pegcetacoplan was more effective and less costly than 2 complement 5 (C5) inhibitors for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
Read More
Many Patients With Psoriasis in Clinical Trials Experience Nocebo Effects, Study Finds
April 18th 2024Half of patients exposed to placebo in clinical trials experienced adverse events (AEs), which may be partially explainable by nocebo effects, according to a recent review and meta-analysis.
Read More
Low-Volume Hospitals Had Higher Reoperation Rate, Postoperative Complications in CRC
April 18th 2024Patients opting for elective colorectal surgery to address colorectal cancer (CRC) could have different rates of reoperation and postoperative complications based on the size of the hospital.
Read More