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Introduction Approximately 2 million people in Italy are currently living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 4 million are involved as family members or caregivers. Considering the significant impact of dementia, the Italian Ministry of Health entrusted the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) with the development of a guideline within the Italian National Guideline System (Sistema Nazionale Linee Guida, SNLG) on the diagnosis and treatment of dementia and MCI. The main objective was to provide evidence-based recommendations aimed at reducing the variability and ensuring the appropriateness of clinical practices throughout the whole care process from identification and diagnosis to the end of life for people with dementia (PwD) or MCI and their families/caregivers. Methods The GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach was used to adopt, adapt and update the guideline developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in 2018 (NG97). The methodology was based on the Methodological Handbook produced by the SNLG. A multidisciplinary panel of 29 experts and four representatives of family members/caregivers discussed and approved 47 review questions. Of these, 34 questions were adopted from the NG97, and 13 were new questions, including 10 questions referring to MCI. Systematic literature reviews were performed for each question, and a team of methodological and clinical experts qualitatively assessed and summarised results from included studies based on the GRADE approach. To facilitate the implementation and dissemination of the contents of this guideline, a care pathway and a leaflet dedicated to PwD or MCI and their families/caregivers were also developed. Results The literature review for this guideline included studies published up to November 2023. More than 1000 peer-reviewed publications were included, covering the following areas: (i) identification, diagnosis and post-diagnostic support; (ii) care models and care coordination; (iii) pharmacological interventions for cognitive symptoms; (iv) non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive symptoms; (v) non-cognitive symptoms, intercurrent illnesses and palliative care. The multidisciplinary panel discussed and approved 167 clinical practice recommendations and 39 research recommendations. Commentary Italy's first National Guideline on dementia and MCI addresses diagnosis, treatment and care within the National Healthcare System. It includes recommendations on pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, and emphasises tailored interventions, comprehensive cognitive assessment, staff training and palliative care. The guideline also underlines the need to involve PwD in decision-making and supporting caregivers throughout the entire course of the disease. Conclusions Structured strategies for the dissemination and implementation of the guideline will be defined within the Italian Fund for Alzheimer and other Dementias 2024–2026. An interactive care pathway and a leaflet dedicated to PwD and their carers are already available. The guideline will be updated starting January 2027, but early updates may be planned in case of breakthrough advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) contain a crystalized nicotine powder instead of tobacco leaves. ONPs come in a variety of flavors and are often marketed as "tobacco-free," but research on ONP use-motivations and related experiences is limited. Aims and Methods This cross-sectional web-based survey collected self-report data on ONP use-characteristics (eg, frequency), brands and flavors used, use-motivations, dependence (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence-Smokeless Tobacco [FTND-ST]), and ONP-related adverse events (AEs) experienced. Results The sample included 118 adults who reported current (past 30-day) ONP use. On average (SD), participants reported ONP use on 13 (6) days during the past month. Most participants (% of the sample) also reported the use of tobacco cigarettes (74%) and/or electronic cigarettes (53%) during the past month. Zyn (27%) and Lucy (19%) were the most currently used ONP brands with mint (23%) and tobacco (16%) as the most currently used flavors. The availability of preferred flavors was the most frequently reported (31%) ONP use-motivation. The sample demonstrated significant dependence levels (FTND-ST = 7, SD = 2). Reported AEs included mouth lesions (48%), upset stomach (39%), sore mouth (37%), sore throat (21%), and nausea (9%). Results should be interpreted in the context of study limitations, including using a relatively small and homogeneous online convenience sample. Acknowledging the limitations, this sample was deemed appropriate to include considering the novelty of the findings, the dearth of related research, and the necessity of examining foundational ONP use-characteristics (eg, topography, AEs); however, future research should consider recruiting larger and more generalizable samples. Conclusions The availability of preferred flavors was a key ONP use-motivation in this sample. Mint and tobacco were the most currently used flavors, with Zyn and Lucy being the most currently used ONP brands. Participants reported dependence and a substantial number of ONP-related AEs. Nationally representative surveys should investigate ONP use along with outcomes included in the current study (eg, AEs) to inform ONP surveillance and policy development efforts. Implications This study is among the first to assess reasons for initiating/maintaining ONP use as well as other relevant use-experiences (eg, AEs, dependence). These results highlight the role of flavors and nicotine dependence in ONP use, which are important considerations for informing ONP regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies have suggested that people with dementia (PwD) are more likely to be admitted to hospital, have prolonged hospital stay, or visit an emergency department (ED), compared to people without dementia. Aim This study assessed the rates of hospital admissions and ED visits in PwD and investigated the causes and factors predicting this healthcare use. Further, this study assessed survival following hospital admissions and ED visits. Design This was a retrospective study with data from 26 875 PwD and 23 961 controls. Methods Data from national datasets were extracted for demographic characteristics, transitions to care homes, hospital and ED use and were linked through the Honest Broker Service. PwD were identified through dementia medication and through causes for hospital admissions and death. Results Dementia was associated with increased risk of hospital admissions and ED visits, and with lower odds of hospital readmission. Significant predictors for hospital admissions and readmissions in PwD were transitioning to a care home, living in urban areas and being widowed, while female gender and living in less deprived areas reduced the odds of admissions. Older age and living in less deprived areas were associated with lower odds of an ED visit for PwD. In contrast to predictions, mortality rates were lower for PwD following a hospital admission or ED visit. Conclusions These findings result in a better understanding of hospital and ED use for PwD. Surprisingly, survival for PwD was prolonged following hospital admissions and ED visits and thus, policies and services enabling these visits are necessary, especially for people who live alone or in rural areas; however, increased primary care and other methods, such as eHealth, could provide equally effective care in order to avoid distress and costs for hospital admissions and ED visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Informal care is undoubtedly a vital to dementia care in Ireland. To date, little research has been carried out exploring the burden experienced by informal carers of people with mild to moderate dementia. The main aim of this quantitative study is to explore the burden experienced by caregivers, relative to dementia severity. The secondary aim is to identify risk factors which may be contributing to this perceived burden. Methods Fifty-two people with dementia(PwD) and their informal caregivers were recruited by convenience sampling, and data was collected as part of the 'CHESS' research trial. Data was collected during baseline assessments between April 2017 and September 2018. Dementia disease severity was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), the Neuro-Psychiatric Inventory Questionnaire(NPI-Q), and the Disability Assessment for Dementia(DAD) scale. These outcome measures were then compared to levels of caregiver burden, which was measured using the Zarit-Burden Interview(ZBI). These comparisons were completed using Spearman's correlations. Socio-demographic characteristics of both the carer and PwD were then compared to caregiver burden, using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results The results of the study substantiate that behavioural disturbances(p=0.000) and increasing disability(p=0.022) of the PwD are associated with higher carer burden. The study also identified potential non-modifiable risk factors for increased carer burden. These include spousal relationship to the PwD(p=0.096), older caregiver age(p=0.208), female carer gender(p=0.083) and higher educational attainment of the caregiver(p=0.035). Some of these differ from factors influencing burden in other international populations. Conclusion This preliminary analysis is the first study of its kind to be carried out in Ireland. It sheds light on potential predictors and risk factors for carer burden and shows need for future research to be carried out in this area. Such research would help to clarify interventions which could minimise the prevalence of the burden experienced by informal caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Posaconazole is approved in adults for prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal disease. Two formulations that offer weight-based dosing—intravenous (IV) and oral powder for suspension (PFS)—are being evaluated in children. A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) approach was used to characterize and predict the PK exposure of posaconazole PFS and IV formulations in children to identify dosages associated with achieving a target PK of 1200 ng/mL as the mean Cavg and individual Cavg ≥500 ng/mL and <2500 ng/mL in ~90% of patients. Methods A popPK model was developed through nonlinear mixed-effects modeling using data obtained from a trial in children with neutropenia (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02452034; Merck protocol, MK-5592-097). Three dose cohorts (3.5, 4.5, and 6 mg/kg/day [≤300 mg/day]) were studied in two age groups (2–<7 years and 7–17 years). Posaconazole IV was administered twice on day 1 then once daily through at least day 10, followed by PFS once daily through day 28 at clinician discretion. A compartmental model, including both formulations, was fit to the data. Model selection was based on the Log-Likelihood Criterion, goodness-of-fit plots, and scientific plausibility. Significance of the covariates was assessed in a stepwise forward inclusion/backward procedure. An additional assessment characterized the impact of different food covariates on bioavailability. Results An open one-compartmental PK model with first-order absorption and estimated bioavailability, as well as allometrically scaled effects of body weight on clearance and volume, adequately described the PK of posaconazole IV and PFS formulations. Model predictions are shown in the Table. Effects of the different food covariates were not statistically significant. Simulations indicated that for the 6-mg/kg/d dose, model-predicted Cavg generally met PK targets. Model-predicted Cavg was ≥500 ng/mL in >90% of subjects in all cohorts. The 1200-ng/mL target geometric mean Cavg was achieved for all but the 2–<7 years cohort receiving the PFS formulation. Conclusion This popPK-based analysis demonstrated that the 6-mg/kg/d dose of IV or PFS posaconazole formulation (≤300 mg/days) is appropriate for children (2–17 years) and that PFS can be administered without regard to food. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The use of intraoperative topical vancomycin (VAN) is a strategy aimed to prevent surgical site infections (SSI). Although there is evidence to support its efficacy in SSI prevention following orthopedic spine surgeries, data describing its safety, specifically acute kidney injury (AKI) risk, is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the AKI incidence associated with intraoperative topical VAN. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study reviewing patient encounters where intraoperative topical VAN was administered from February 2018 to July 2018. All adult patients (≥18 years) that received topical VAN in the form of powder, beads, rods, paste, cement spacers, or unspecified topical routes were included. Patient encounters were excluded for AKI or renal replacement therapy (RRT) at baseline, ≤ 2 serum creatinine values drawn after surgery, and/or if irrigation was the only topical formulation given. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who developed AKI after intraoperative topical VAN administration. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) ≥50% from baseline, an increase in SCr >0.5 from baseline, or0 if RRT was initiated after topical VAN was given. Secondary outcomes included analysis of AKI risk factors and SSI incidence. AKI risk factors were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results A total of 589 patient encounters met study criteria. VAN powder was the most common formulation (40.9%), followed by unspecified topical routes (30.7%) and beads (9.9%%). Nonspinal orthopedic surgeries were the most common procedure performed 46.7%. The incidence of AKI was 8.7%. In a multivariable logistic regression model, AKI was associated with concomitant systemic VAN (OR 3.39, [3.39–6.22]) and total topical VAN dose. Each doubling of the topical dose was associated with increased odds of developing AKI (OR = 1.42, [1.08–1.86]). The incidence of SSI was 5.3%. Conclusion AKI rates associated with intraoperative topical VAN are comparable to that of systemic VAN. Total topical vancomycin dose and concomitant systemic VAN was associated with an increased AKI risk. Additional analysis is warranted to compare these patients to a similar population that did not receive topical VAN. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]