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Biomedical subjects

Lars Bjerrum

Publications and source records attributed to Lars Bjerrum.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Effect of intervention promoting a reduction in antibiotic prescribing by improvement of diagnostic procedures: a prospective, before and after study in general practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if an intervention aimed at improving the quality of the diagnostic procedures in Spanish general practice could lower antibiotic prescribing in patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). METHODS: GPs in the intervention group (n=17) registered all patients with RTIs during a 3-week period before and after the intervention. The intervention was aimed at reducing prescribing of inappropriate antibiotics for RTIs by improving the diagnostic procedures and thereby helping the GPs to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. It consisted of courses in management of RTI according to local clinical guidelines, and included implementation of two rapid diagnostic tests (StrepA and CRP measurement). Diagnoses and prescribing of antibiotics were assessed before and after the intervention, and compared to a control group not exposed to intervention (35 GPs). RESULTS: The intervention led to a significant reduction in antibiotic prescribing. Before the intervention 36% (29%-44%) of consultations were followed by antibiotic prescribing, after the intervention 24% (20%-29%). Antibiotic prescribing in the control group not exposed to intervention was 32% (27%-38%). The reduction was most pronounced in patients with sinusitis and lower RTIs. CONCLUSION: Quality improvement of diagnostic procedures may lead to a reduction of antibiotic prescribing in primary health care in Spain.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Antibiotics active against Chlamydia do not reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: There is evidence that Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) is involved in the aetiology of myocardial infarction (MI). Randomised trials do not support a beneficial effect of antibiotics in secondary prevention of MI, but the evidence for an effect on primary prevention is conflicting. We investigated if past use of antibiotics active against CP is associated with a decreased risk of developing MI. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study of 4166 patients hospitalised due to MI from 1 January 1994 to 1 September 1999 in the County of Funen, Denmark. Controls (n=16,664) were a random sample of inhabitants, matched for age and sex. Confounders controlled for in the analysis were gender, age, obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, previous MI and known atherosclerotic antecedents. Previous use of antibiotics active against CP (macrolides, tetracyclines and quinolones) and of antibiotics not active against CP (penicillins) was analysed among the cases and controls. RESULTS: The risk of MI was not associated with previous exposure to macrolides (OR: 1.0; CI: 0.9-1.1), tetracyclines (OR: 1.0; CI: 0.9-1.2) or quinolones (OR: 1.0; CI: 0.9-1.2) or combinations of the three drugs (OR: 1.0; CI: 0.9-1.1). There was no sign of a protective effect in subgroups defined by high cumulative doses of antibiotics, various time-windows of exposure, risk factors of MI or other co-morbidity. OR was 1.1 (0.9-1.3) in persons with no atherosclerotic antecedents. CONCLUSION: The study does not support the hypothesis of a decreased risk of MI in patients exposed to antibiotics active against CP.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

[General practitioners who use CRP have a lower antibiotic prescribing rate to patients with sinusitis--secondary publication].

Sinusitis is associated with overuse of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to determine whether GPs who use the CRP rapid test (CRP) have a lower antibiotic prescribing rate for sinusitis. During a three-week period, a group of GPs registered all patients with respiratory tract infections (n = 17,792). GPs using CRP prescribed antibiotics for 59% and GPs not using CRP prescribed antibiotics for 78% of the patients with sinusitis. CRP was the factor exerting the greatest influence on the prescribing of antibiotics. Implementing CRP in general practice may lead to a reduction in antibiotic prescribing to patients with sinusitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

[Variability of antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections in two European countries].

BACKGROUND: Treatment for respiratory tract infections (RTI) in the primary care setting is empirical. Antibiotic prescribing patterns differ among countries and are based on the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the geographical area. The aim of this study was to compare the antibiotics prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) for RTIs between Spain and Denmark. METHODS: Observational multicenter survey carried out in the primary healthcare setting. Two groups of GPs in Spain and Denmark recorded all contacts with RTI patients during a 3-week period between November 2001 and January 2002. RESULTS: A total of 2833 RTI cases were registered. Broad-spectrum penicillins and combinations of these drugs plus beta-lactamase inhibitors were the antibiotics most frequently prescribed by Spanish GPs (62.3%), followed by macrolides (22.3%). In contrast, narrow-spectrum penicillins were most commonly prescribed by Danish GPs (58% of all prescriptions), followed by macrolides (29%) (P < .001). Antibiotics most frequently prescribed for ear, tonsillar, sinus and bronchopulmonary infections were broad-spectrum penicillins among Spanish GPs and narrow-spectrum penicillins in Denmark. Spanish GPs prescribed penicillin V only for tonsillitis, accounting for 5.1% of the antibiotics used for this condition, whereas this drug accounted for 91.7% of the prescriptions by their Danish colleagues for the same indication. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial differences in RTI management between the participating GPs should make us reflect on the rational use of antibiotics. The discrepancies disclosed may indicate dissimilarities in recommendations, traditions, habits, or antibiotic pressures between the countries studied.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

C-reactive protein measurement in general practice may lead to lower antibiotic prescribing for sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of bacterial sinusitis overlap with viral sinusitis, and it is difficult to distinguish between the two conditions based only on a clinical examination. Uncertain diagnosis results in the significant overuse of antibiotics, which is considered to be one of the most important reasons for development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. A raised C-reactive protein (CRP) level is an indicator of bacterial infection and the CRP rapid test has been shown to be useful for the diagnosis of bacterial sinusitis in general practice. AIMS: To examine whether general practitioners (GPs) who use the CRP rapid test in their practice have a lower antibiotic prescribing rate for sinusitis than GPs who do not use the test. DESIGN OF STUDY: Observational design. SETTING: General practice in Denmark. METHOD: A group of GPs registered all contacts (n = 17 792) with patients who had respiratory tract infections during a 3-week period between 1 November 2001 and 31 January 2002. GPs who used a CRP rapid test were compared with GPs who did not, and the treatment of their patients (n = 1444) with suspected sinusitis was compared. RESULTS: A CRP rapid test was used by 77% (n = 281) of the GPs. In the group of GPs using a CRP rapid test, the rate of antibiotic prescribing was 59% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 56 to 62) compared with 78% (95% CI = 73 to 82) in the group of GPs who did not use a CRP test. Performing a CRP rapid test was the factor that exerted the greatest influence on whether the patients were prescribed antibiotics, and the level of CRP had a strong influence on the prescribing rate. CONCLUSION: The CRP rapid test has a substantial influence on the treatment of sinusitis, and implementing the test in general practice may lead to a reduction in antibiotic prescribing to patients with sinusitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Respiratory tract infections in general practice: considerable differences in prescribing habits between general practitioners in Denmark and Spain.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of antibiotic resistance in a country reflects the local consumption of antibiotics. The majority of antibiotics are prescribed in general practice and most prescriptions are attributable to treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The aim of this study was to compare general practitioners' (GPs') prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections in a country with a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance (Spain) with a country with a low prevalence of antibiotic resistance (Denmark). METHODS: A group of GPs in Copenhagen and Barcelona registered all contacts ( n=2833) with patients with RTIs during a 3-week period between 1 November 2001 and 31 January 2002. RESULTS: Overall, Spanish GPs treated a higher proportion of patients than Danish GPs. After adjusting for unequal distribution of age and sex, we found that Spanish GPs prescribed significantly more antibiotics to patients with focus of infection in tonsils and bronchi/lungs. Narrow-spectrum penicillin was the most used antibiotic in Denmark, representing 58% of all prescriptions issued, followed by macrolide and broad-spectrum penicillin. In Spain, prescriptions were distributed among a great number of compounds, with broad-spectrum penicillins and combinations of amoxicillin plus beta-lactamase inhibitors most frequently used. CONCLUSION: The substantial difference in the way GPs manage respiratory tract infections in Denmark and Spain cannot be explained by different patterns of RTIs in general practice. The discrepancies indicate variations in national recommendations, different treatment traditions or different impact of pharmaceutical marketing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Increased use of lipid-lowering agents after implementation of clinical guidelines in general practice].

INTRODUCTION: The preventive efforts with respect to ischaemic heart disease are inadequate, and particularly an under-use of lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to examine if the prescribing of LLDs increased after an intervention. The intervention consisted of clinical guidelines on prevention of ischaemic heart disease sent to all general practitioners nationwide, accompanied by a change of reimbursement rules for LLDs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical guidelines were made by the Danish College of General Practitioners and sent out simultaneously with the introduction of less restrictive reimbursement rules for LLDs in December 1998. Prescriptions for lipid-lowering drugs were analysed based on prescription data in the Odense University Pharmacoepidemiological Database. RESULTS: The consumption of LLDs increased significantly after the intervention. The incidence rate ratio (before/after) was 1.43 (1.35-1.52). Prior to the intervention there was an average annual increase in the prevalence of LLD users of 0.2%. After the intervention the prevalence increased by 0.4%. For patients with diabetes, the figures were 1.2% and 2.3% and for patients with ischaemic heart disease 5.0% and 8.1%, respectively. DISCUSSION: Clinical guidelines on prevention of ischaemic heart disease accompanied by a change of drug reimbursement rules had a significant influence on the prescribing of LLDs. The number of persons treated with LLDs is, however, still too low.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed2003

Exposure to potential drug interactions in primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the prevalence of potential drug interactions, and to identify patients particularly prone to drug interaction. DESIGN: Database study (Odense University Pharmacoepidemiologic Database). SETTING: Individuals exposed to polypharmacy in 1999 were examined for potential drug interactions. SUBJECTS: Inhabitants of the County of Funen (n = 471 732). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of potential drug interactions. RESULTS: One-third of the population were exposed to polypharmacy and among these 15% were exposed to drugs carrying a risk of harmful interaction. Among the elderly with polypharmacy, 25% aged 60-79 years and 36% over 80 years received drugs carrying the risk of interaction. Among individuals exposed to potential drug interaction, 62% were exposed only to one drug interaction and 38% to two or more different drug interactions. The drugs accounting for the highest number of potential interactions were diuretics, NSAIDs, ACE-inhibitors, digoxin, oral antidiabetics, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants and beta-blockers. When focusing only on major drug interactions, potassium-sparing diuretics and oral anticoagulants were the most frequently involved drugs. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients exposed to polypharmacy should be kept under intensified monitoring as they are at increased risk of clinically significant drug interactions.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Insufficient use of lipid-lowering drugs and measurement of serum cholesterol among patients with a history of myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The effect of lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) on coronary heart disease is well documented, particularly in patients with established ischaemic heart disease. However, intensity of the use of these drugs is low. The aim of this linkage study was to analyse the use of serum cholesterol measurements and LLDs among patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) in a Danish population. METHODS: Information on serum cholesterol values was retrieved from the hospital's Department of Clinical Chemistry for all patients from the Odense municipality and four surrounding municipalities (213,868 inhabitants) hospitalised at Odense University Hospital for MI between 1994-1997. Information on LLD use was obtained from a prescription database. Only patients alive at discharge were included in the investigation. The total observation period was from 1993-1998. RESULTS: In all, 1,018 patients were eligible for observation and 39% of the patients who met the criteria for LLD reimbursement (MI and serum cholesterol >5.4 mmol/L) started treatment. Relatively more males than females and relatively more patients under the age of 70 years were treated. Patients above the age of 70 years were prescribed these drugs at a slower rate. CONCLUSIONS: More attention to the insufficient use of lipid-lowering drug treatment in patients with established coronary heart disease is needed.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Cardiovascular risk factors. Different evaluations by physicians and patients].

INTRODUCTION: General practitioners have an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders, and it is a precondition for motivating patients to preventive issues that doctors are aware of the prevalent risk factors. The aim of the study was to analyse agreement between patients' and general practitioners' (GPs) perception of risk factors and overall risk of ischemic heart diseases (IHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data consisted of records from an audit in May 1999. The GPs (n = 26) registered all enquiries from patients with IHD (n = 252) and a sample of healthy individuals (n = 1239). Both doctors and patients were asked to register the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, weight, stress, family history) and they were asked to evaluate the state of health and to estimate the overall risk of IHD. The agreement was evaluated by Kappa statistics. RESULTS: The level of agreement between GPs and patients varied from 70 to 97 per cent. Disagreement was observed most often for patients with IHD and patients listed with elderly GPs. (> 50 years). Disagreement was predominantly caused by a lower detection rate of the risk factors by the GPs. The patients' perception of overall risk of IHD was badly correlated to doctors' perception. Generally, patients perceived the overall risk of IHD lower than their doctors, and in more than half of the patients with a perception of low risk the GP estimated the risk as high. DISCUSSION: Patients and GPs have different perceptions of the risk of IHD. This may be due to the fact that GPs do not have all the information about their patients' lifestyle. It may also be due to different perception of the importance of specific risk factors and different reference frames for risk perception. GPs have an important role in communicating cardio-preventive issues and the meaning of risk factors. Interventions should be considered to improve risk communication in general practice.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Drug prescription patterns in general practice. Extent, problems and possibilities of improvement].

Between one third and half of all consultations result in a prescription, and general practitioners are responsible for more than 80 per cent of the use of reimbursed prescription drugs in Denmark. Good prescribing habits imply the use of a limited number of drugs of which the doctor has a good knowledge. The risk of inappropriate prescribing is higher among doctors who prescribe many different drugs. The prescribing habits of the individual physician are quite stable, and changes usually occur slowly and as a result of various influences, including scientific papers, specialist recommendations, meetings, colleagues, patients, and drug companies. Previous development initiatives were often based on the assumption that suboptimal prescribing practice was due to lack of knowledge. It was, thus, expected that easily understandable information alone could improve the prescribing in general practice. However, continuous medical education based on didactic methods such as lectures and clinical guidelines have proved ineffective. Quality development should include thorough problem identification and analysis, elucidation of barriers towards change, and a combination of several targeted interventions. The implementation of changes should be seen as a complex, slowly progressing process in which continuous evaluation should be carried out with a view to adjusting the interventions.

Denmark↗