Christina is the associate editorial director of The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) and The American Journal of Accountable Care® (AJAC), and joined AJMC in 2016. She oversees the publication of the print journals, from manuscript submission to publication, and works with the editors in chief and editorial boards to promote the journals.
She has a BS in public health from Rutgers University. You can connect with Christina on LinkedIn.
Sleep Disruption, Amyloid Deposits Related in Elderly Individuals With Cognitive Disorders
As increasing evidence suggests that a disrupted sleep-wake cycle can drive the development of Alzheimer disease and other neurocognitive disorders via β-amyloid accumulation, a new study finds that the association between β-amyloid accumulation and cognitive impairment can be mediated by sleep disruption even after the onset of cognitive decline.
Study Finds Higher Odds of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Veterans With PTSD
Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whether or not they had experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI), were more likely to experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder than veterans without TBI or PTSD, according to the findings of a new study.
Positive Airway Pressure Therapy for Sleep Apnea Associated With Reduced Care Utilization
Using and adhering to positive airway pressure therapy was associated with fewer inpatient and overall acute care visits and a lower likelihood of having costs from those visits among patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Immunological Characteristics as Potential Treatment Targets in Refractory CRS With Nasal Polyps
The aim of this study was to assess cytokine levels in patients with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and to identify inflammatory markers associated with certain subtypes.
Association Found Between Better Sleep, Academic Performance Among College Students
A study of college students found that better sleep—specifically, higher quality, longer duration, and greater consistency of sleep—was associated with higher scores on quizzes and midterm exams.
Survey Finds Widespread Misconceptions About Sleep Disorders
According to results of a survey asking 1300 Americans about their perceptions and knowledge of sleep disorders like narcolepsy, many respondents were not familiar with common symptoms of the disease and their understanding was often shaped by television shows or movies.
Experts Discuss Symptoms, Types, and Treatments of SMA
A recent Peer Exchange series from The American Journal of Managed Care® brought together a panel of experts to discuss spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), including its clinical presentation, diagnosis of its various types, and the potential of new disease-modifying treatments. The panel was moderated by Peter L. Salgo, MD.
Detrimental Sleep Disturbances Seen in Patients With Alzheimer, Their Caregivers
The importance of sleep is magnified for patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), who commonly experience sleep disturbances due to changes in their neurotransmitter systems. However, the impact of AD and other dementias on sleep is also seen among caregivers of patients with dementia.
5 Findings From the September 2019 Issue of AJMC®
The September issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) featured research on federal healthcare reform that detailed innovative ideas in Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Affairs health system. Here are 5 findings from research published in the issue.
Nighttime Oxygen Desaturation Found to Be Major Contributor to Daytime Sleepiness in OSA
In a new study, researchers compared the associations between several measures of breathing patterns during sleep and daytime sleepiness related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They found that nighttime oxygen desaturation severity was a strong predictor of sleepiness.
Sleep Apnea, Insomnia Linked With Higher Postoperative Opioid Use, Care Utilization
In individuals undergoing hip arthroscopy in the Military Health System, a diagnosis of sleep apnea or insomnia after the surgery was associated with chronic opioid use, more healthcare visits, and higher medical costs.
Adding Dupilumab Improves Outcomes in Patients With Nasal Polyps, Comorbid Asthma
Results of a subgroup analysis within a randomized, controlled trial show that the monoclonal antibody dupilumab (Dupixent) improved clinical and patient-reported outcomes among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps and comorbid asthma.
Solriamfetol Launches With Schedule IV Designation, Phase 3 Study Results
Prior to the launch of solriamfetol (Sunosi) for narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, the Drug Enforcement Administration designated it as a Schedule IV drug, indicating that it has a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence. Around the same time, results from the phase 3 TONES 3 study were published, showing the drug’s efficacy in increasing wakefulness and reducing sleepiness.
5 Findings From the August 2019 Issue of AJMC®
The August issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) featured research on surprise medical billing policies, social determinants of health, and the value of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, among other topics. Here are 5 findings from research published in the issue.
Estrogen Therapy Suggested to Help Treat Parkinson Symptoms Based on Mouse Model
Researchers aiming to better understand the role of estrogen in the development of Parkinson disease (PD) and its potential as a treatment found that brain-selective estrogen therapy resulted in motor improvements in male mice with PD-like symptoms.
Study Compares Motivation to Participate in Parkinson Disease Genetic Research Across Ethnicities
An analysis of patients’ and caregivers’ willingness to participate in genetic studies on Parkinson disease found that although overall levels of motivation were similar in Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients, the reasons behind this interest varied between the groups.
Solriamfetol Shows Efficacy in Treating Sleepiness, Impaired Wakefulness
In a phase 3 study, solriamfetol demonstrated both safety and efficacy in patients with narcolepsy. The selective dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor has a mechanism of action different from other wake-promoting agents.