Emulating Six Cardiovascular Outcome Trials of Antidiabetic Drugs in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: Analyses Based on Real-World Databases from Korea and Taiwan.

With the increasing volume of clinical evidence derived from large-scale Asian real-world data (RWD) and the growing interest in its use in regulatory decision-making, it is important to conduct benchmarking exercises that evaluate whether studies using Asian RWD can generate similar conclusions as randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aimed to assess whether observational studies based on Korea and Taiwan RWD can yield comparable results with trials by emulating six cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) of antidiabetic drugs in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We emulated six CVOTs using nationwide claims of Korea and Taiwan.

The Burden of Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Invasive infection remains a significant threat to neonates worldwide. Most evidence on neonatal invasive candidiasis (NIC) comes from high-income countries, leaving the burden and characteristics of NIC in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) poorly described. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, case-fatality rates (CFR), epidemiology, and etiology of NIC in LMICs.

Prescription patterns of traditional Chinese medications and potential consequences in patients with new-onset cardiac or vascular-related diseases: a nationwide cohort study.

Background: The patterns of Chinese medicine prescriptions, corresponding diagnoses, co-morbidities, and Western medication (WM) use among patients with cardiac or vascular-related diseases are uncertain. This research aimed to examine the patterns of Chinese medications (CMs, specifically in terms of extract granules), corresponding diagnoses, co-morbidities, and the use of WMs within specified follow-up periods among patients with potential of recurrent cardiac or vascular-related diseases and relevant outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Importance: Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) represents the third most common stroke type with unique etiologies, risk factors, diagnostics, and treatments. Nevertheless, epidemiological studies often cluster SAH with other stroke types leaving its distinct burden estimates obscure.

Objective: To estimate the worldwide burden of SAH.

Detection of hidden populations using illicit substances.

Background: The prevalence of hidden populations using illicit substances may lead to underestimation of the health and social impacts. This study aimed to precisely estimate the prevalence and characteristics of hidden populations using illicit drugs.

Methods: We linked national databases in Taiwan, including drug-related autopsy data and police arrest data.

Effectiveness of JAK inhibitors in biologics-naïve patients with RA: a population-based study.

Objective: We evaluated drug retention rates to compare the effectiveness of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors vs TNF inhibitor (TNFi) biologics and non-TNFi biologics in biologics-naïve RA patients, and assessed intra-class differences among JAK inhibitors.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, including RA patients initiating TNFi biologics, non-TNFi biologics or JAK inhibitors. We followed patients from index date until outcome, death or end of 2-year study period.

Association between dementia and left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with atrial fibrillation: A TriNetX-based retrospective cohort study with target trial emulation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia linked to an elevated risk of stroke and dementia. Emerging observational evidence suggests that left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) may reduce the risk of dementia in patients with AF; however, further research is required to confirm this potential benefit.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of LAAO vs direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in reducing the risk of dementia in patients with AF.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and risk of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and stage 1-3 chronic kidney disease.

Background: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve renal outcomes, but may transiently affect biochemical markers of CKD-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD). We sought to evaluate the long-term risk of CKD-MBD associated with use of SGLT2 inhibitors in this patient population.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, employing a target trial emulation framework and using electronic medical records of patients from 9 hospitals in Taiwan (2016-2023).

Evaluating the Risk-Benefit Profile of Corticosteroid Therapy for COVID-19 Patients: A Scoping Review.

Background: The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a global pandemic in March 2020. It quickly spread across all continents, causing significant social, environmental, health, and economic impacts. During the pandemic, there has been consideration of repurposing and repositioning of medications, such as corticosteroids, for the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors vs GLP-1 RAs and Anemia in Patients With Diabetes and CKD.

Importance: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are associated with lower anemia risk, based on findings from post hoc analyses of the CREDENCE and DAPA-CKD trials; however, the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in a more generalizable type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) population, with active comparisons pertinent to current practice, is unknown.

Objective: To evaluate and compare anemia incidence between SGLT2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) among patients with T2D and CKD stages 1 to 3.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This retrospective cohort study used target trial emulation of an expanded CREDENCE and DAPA-CKD study framework.

Cross-Regional Data Initiative for the Assessment and Development of Treatment for Neurological and Mental Disorders.

Purpose: To describe and categorize detailed components of databases in the Neurological and Mental Health Global Epidemiology Network (NeuroGEN).

Methods: An online 132-item questionnaire was sent to key researchers and data custodians of NeuroGEN in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. From the responses, we assessed data characteristics including population coverage, data follow-up, clinical information, validity of diagnoses, medication use and data latency.

Machine learning applications on neonatal sepsis treatment: a scoping review.

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of health loss and mortality worldwide. Without proper treatment, neonatal sepsis can quickly develop into multisystem organ failure. However, the signs of neonatal sepsis are non-specific, and treatment is labour-intensive and expensive.

Post-discharge use of antipsychotics in patients with hospital-acquired delirium and associated risk of mortality - A population-based nested case-control study.

Objective: To evaluate post-discharge use of antipsychotics in patients with incident hospital-acquired delirium and the associated risk of mortality.

Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study for patients newly diagnosed with hospital-acquired delirium and subsequently discharged from hospital using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database (NHID) from 2011 to 2018.

Results: The use of antipsychotics after discharge did not increase the risk of mortality (adjusted OR: 1·03; 95% CI: 0·98-1·09).