The Treatment Gap in Acne Care: Guidelines versus Treatment Practices

Dr. Shannon Humphrey,¹ Dr. Joseph Brioux,² Dr. D'Arcy Little,³

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Abstract: Do dermatologists and GPs approach acne care differently? How do these two groups of clinicians approach acne treatment, keep abreast of the latest guidelines, and manage maintenance therapy? How will the availability of a new retinoid combination product in Canada for acne change the way acne is currently treated? To address these questions, a roundtable discussion was convened, featuring clinicians with a significant number of acne patients in their practices. Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a dermatologist, and Dr. Joseph Brioux, a family physician, and moderator Dr. D'Arcy Little, himself a family physician and radiologist, offered a candid take on guideline-based acne treatment and the effort to improve treatment outcomes among patients. The discussants addressed how each professional has tended to view acne, pursues acne care differently, and why. They also discussed the latest acne treatment guidelines as well as the depth of the gap between the generalist's versus the specialist's treatment approach.

Key Words: acne, treatment gap, antibiotic resistance, treatment adherence.

Antiobiotic resistance is a key factor to consider when establishing maintenance and treatment regimens.

Combination retinoid-based therapies are first-line treatments for acne; evidence suggests that such regimens achieve faster and more complete clearance, while addressing multiple pathogenic factors simultaneously.

Patients are often prescribed legitimate, evidence-based therapies but may abandon them after a short trial because of lack of perceived, efficacy or side effects. Address patient expectations and advise on the necessity of pursuing a sufficient course of topical therapy (e.g., 12 weeks) before drawing conclusions.

It is advisable to see patients on maintenance therapy for follow-up—attempt at least two office visits per year, and more if there is an increase in flares.

Convey to patients that acne is a chronic condition and that a sound treatment maintenance regimen is essential.

Do not give samples to patients unless supply is sufficient to pursue a 12-week trial of medication.

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New Developments in the Topical Management of Acne

Publication of THE LATEST IN ACNE CARE supplement was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Galderma Canada Inc.

Jerry Tan, MD, FRCPC,

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Abstract: Adapalene 0.1%/BPO 2.5% (adapalene/BPO) gel is a novel agent for acne therapy that has recently become available in Canada. This fixed-dose combination of a topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide is efficacious in mild-moderate inflammatory acne and as an adjunct to oral antibiotics for severe acne. Adapalene 0.1%/BPO 2.5% (adapalene/BPO) gel provides synergistic efficacy, whereby efficacy of the combination exceeds the summed efficacy of individual components. Furthermore, adapalene/BPO with oral doxycycline for severe acne increases the rate of global treatment success four-fold beyond that with doxycycline alone. Practical means to abrogate the development of local intolerability have been shown to be effective.

Key Words: acne, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, fixed-dose gel, combination, topical acne medication, retinoids.

Three of five pathogenic factors involved in acne can be addressed by topical medications: follicular hyperkeratinization, Proprionibacterium acnes proliferation, and inflammation.

The combination of retinoid and BPO in the form of adapalene 0.1%/BPO 2.5% has recently been approved in Canada, and has been advocated by an international acne expert group as a rational standard for treating mild-moderate acne as it offers complementary mechanisms of action.

An adapalene/BPO formulation provides greater proportions of global success and reduction in acne lesion counts compared to the vehicle or either agent alone.

As topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can be irritating, their combination may potentiate this factor. Measures to minimize intolerability include every other night application and daily moisturizer use.

For the treatment of mild-moderate acne, the fixed-dose adapalene and BPO gel combination may enhance treatment efficacy and adherence through improved ease of use.

Benzoyl peroxide does not induce bacterial resistance.

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Nutrition and Dementia: A Clinical Update

Guylaine Ferland, PhD,Département de Nutrition, Université de Montréal; Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC.
Carol E. Greenwood, PhD,Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit, Baycrest, Toronto, ON.
Bryna Shatenstein, PhD, PDt, Département de Nutrition, Université de Montréal; Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC.

Abstract
While prospective epidemiologic studies have provided strong evidence linking higher intakes of many nutrients with slower rates of cognitive decline and reduced dementia risk, randomized controlled trials on supplementation with individual nutrients have largely been disappointing. In contrast, recent research points to substantial benefits for brain aging and cognition from consumption of a varied diet centred on plant-source foods, whole grains and fish, and avoidance of foods rich in saturated and trans fats. An unhealthy dietary pattern, in conjunction with obesity, low physical activity, and smoking, could contribute to a pro-inflammatory state and oxidative stress which could exacerbate risk for development of cognitive decline the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Keywords: nutrition, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, nutrients, dietary patterns.

Restorative Home Care Services

Gill Lewin, BSc Hons Psych, MSc Clin Psych, MPH, PhD, FAAG, Professor, Centre for Research on Ageing, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology; Research Director, Silver Chain, Perth, Western Australia.

Abstract
Restorative home care services are being developed around the world. While having somewhat different origins and structures, these services share a capacity building paradigm and are designed to assist older people to maximize their functioning and reduce their need for ongoing assistance to complete everyday tasks. The evidence for the effectiveness of these services is positive though limited. In comparison to usual home care, they have been shown to increase individuals' functional abilities, their self-rated health, and their confidence and well-being, and to decrease individuals' need for ongoing care. More research is needed to address a range of unanswered questions about these services.
Keywords: home care, restorative, older adults, functional improvement, service use.

Domestic Violence and Older Women: A Review of the Evidence

Julie McGarry, DHSci, MMedSci, PGDip (Medical Ethics), BA (Hons), RGN, RMN, PGCHE, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.
Christine Simpson, MA, BSc (Hons), RGN, HV (Cert), Lecturer, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.

Abstract
The consequences of domestic violence significantly impact the long-term health and emotional well-being of those affected. While the literature offers an insight into the scope and nature of domestic violence among younger populations, there is currently little available data regarding older women and domestic violence. This is increasingly being recognized as a significant deficit in awareness and understanding within society as a whole and, more particularly, for those responsible for support and care provision.
While research in this area may be scarce, the work that has been undertaken to date suggests that domestic violence is both a significant and an underrecognized phenomenon that has a wide-ranging impact on the lives and health of older women. It also suggests that older women's experiences of domestic violence are markedly different from those of younger women and that these differences have not been adequately acknowledged or accounted for.
Keywords: domestic violence, older women, service provision, health community, health.

End-stage Dementia and Death: Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence

Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FRCP Edin, Medical Program Director, Palliative Care, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System; Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Natalie Baker, MSc, Project Coordinator, Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System, Toronto, On.

Abstract
Physicians and other health care providers have learned to approach end-of-life care issues in individuals suffering from malignant disease quite effectively. Palliative approaches are widely accepted for this population. In contrast, individuals suffering from end-stage dementia may also benefit from suitably tailored palliative care which is much less often considered or provided. It is incumbent on health care professionals responsible for treating those with end-stage dementia to offer palliative care. This must be preceded by proper discussions between afflicted individuals, their families and their health care providers to assure that they understand the progress and prognosis of end-stage dementia.
Keywords: dementia, palliative care, end-of-life care.

Hyperhidrosis: A Common Problem

Christian A. Murray MD, FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON,
Nowell Solish MD, FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON

Abstract
Focal hyperhidrosis is a disorder of idiopathic excessive sweating that typically affects the axillae, soles, palms, and face. This common problem may be associated with considerable physical, psychosocial, and occupational impairments. Current therapeutic strategies include topical aluminum salts, tap-water iontophoresis, oral anticholinergic agents, local surgical approaches, and sympathectomies. Although non-surgical treatment complications are typically transient, surgical adverse events may be permanent and significant. Considerable evidence suggests that botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections into hyperhidrotic areas can considerably reduce focal sweating in multiple areas without major side effects. BTX-A has therefore shown promise as a potential replacement for more invasive treatments if topical options have failed.
Keywords: hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin, axilla.

Diagnosis and Management Approaches to Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

John D. Markman, M.D., Director, Translational Pain Research, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
Maria E. Frazer, B.S., Health Project Coordinator, Translational Pain Research, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
Pierre S. Girgis, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
Kevin R. McCormick, M.D., Ph.D, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the leading cause of spinal surgery among older Americans, yet more than one-third do not gain significant relief from surgical treatment. The distinct pattern of lower back and leg pain induced by standing and walking associated with LSS is known as neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC). Various treatment options for NIC include surgical interventions as well as pharmacological, biomechanical and conservative therapy (i.e., physical therapy). No specific treatment is associated with guaranteed outcome, which underscores the need to further evaluate the diagnosis and symptoms associated with LSS.
Key words: lumbar spinal stenosis, neuropathic pain, treatment, treadmill testing, epidural steroid injection.

Selecting Initial Antihypertensive Therapy for Older Adults

Norm Campbell, MD, FRCPC, Departments of Medicine, Community Health Sciences, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Calgary, Calgary; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, AB.
Sailesh Mohan, MD, MPH, Departments of Medicine, Community Health Sciences, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Calgary, Calgary; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, AB.

As over 9 in 10 older adults will develop hypertension, it is important for clinicians to routinely assess blood pressure. It is as important to treat hypertension in older adults as it is in younger people. In general, select a low-dose diuretic. Beta-blockers are not as effective at preventing stroke as other major antihypertensive drug classes. Specific indications for drug classes are provided. Target the blood pressure levels to <140/90 mmHg in general, <130/80 mmHg in people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, and focus on systolic blood pressure control. If blood pressure control is not achieved using a moderate dose of your initial selection, add a second antihypertensive drug.
Key words: hypertension, antihypertensive drugs, pharmacotherapy, cardiovascular disease, stroke.

Management of Primary Colon Cancer in Older Adults

Robin McLeod, MD, Division of General Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto; Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto; Zane Cohen Digestive Diseases Clinical Research Centre; Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON.
Selina Schmocker, Zane Cohen Digestive Diseases Clinical Research Centre; Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON.
Erin Kennedy, MD, PhD, Division of General Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto; Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto; Zane Cohen Digestive Diseases Clinical Research Centre; Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and more than half of those newly diagnosed with colon cancer are over the age of 70 years. Despite the large proportion of patients over the age of 70 diagnosed with colon cancer annually, this age group is significantly underrepresented in clinical trials and, therefore, there is little high-quality evidence on which to base treatment decisions or treatment guidelines. This article reviews the management of primary colon cancer in older adults, including screening, presentation and diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up in this population.
Key words: colon cancer, colorectal cancer, screening, tumour, older adults.