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  • Title: Increase in lipid-lowering treatment rates among TRICARE beneficiaries: a population-based study.
    Author: Devine J, Linton A, Mistry H, Napier J, Trice S, Bacon T.
    Journal: Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf; 2009 Oct; 18(10):891-9. PubMed ID: 19634117.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of lipid-lowering treatment (LLT) among patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the US Military Health System (MHS). METHODS: The study examined healthcare service and prescription records among beneficiaries > or =18 years for calendar years 2002, 2004, and 2006. Patients were categorized based on cardiovascular (CV) risk, with exposure to LLT defined as one or more prescriptions for lipid-lowering medication. Logistic regression models estimated odds of treatment in 2004 and 2006 relative to 2002 after adjustment for age, gender, and CV risk. RESULTS: The yearly unadjusted population prevalence of LLT increased from 9.3% in 2002 to 14.7% in 2006. Among subjects with the highest CV risk, established coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD), those receiving LLT increased from 55% in 2002 to 65% in 2006 (adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.48, 1.52, p < 0.00). Treatment rates among diabetic patients with no coded CAD or PVD showed the largest relative increase from 47% in 2002 to 66% in 2006 (adjusted OR = 2.30, 95% CI 2.26, 2.332, p < 0.00). LLT growth was lowest among those with only 1 coded CV risk factor (adjusted OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.31, 1.34, p < 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The MHS experienced a significant increase in LLT among patients at greatest risk for cardiovascular disease. However, treatment may still be underutilized as approximately one-third of high-risk patients did not receive lipid-lowering medication.
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