Top 5 Most-Read Articles From the Center on Health Equity & Access in 2024

The most popular articles from the Center on Health Equity & Access in 2024.

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In 2024, the Center on Health Equity & Access explored critical gaps in health care access and innovative efforts to address them, focusing on treatment advancements, strengthening medical practice, and enhancing patient care through guidelines. From groundbreaking research to impactful FDA approvals, this year has yielded key developments and heightened awareness for health care equity.

Here are the top 5 most-read articles in 2024 from the Center on Health Equity & Access.

5. High White Blood Cell Counts Are Associated With Long-Term Acute COPD Exacerbations, Study Says

Higher baseline white blood cell (WBC) counts, particularly neutrophil counts, were found to be associated with an increased risk of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) over 3 years in Korean patients. Researchers analyzed data from 826 patients in the KOCOSS cohort, using WBC counts and derived inflammatory markers like the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to assess predictive value. Results showed that higher neutrophil counts were a significant risk factor, while changes in platelet counts, NLR, and eosinophil counts also influenced AECOPD risk over time. Despite limitations, such as reliance on pre-existing data and lack of generalizability, the study highlights the potential of WBC parameters as predictive markers and calls for further research to confirm and expand on these findings.

4. FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor

This year, the Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System became the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM) approved by the FDA. Designed for adults 18 and older who do not require insulin therapy, including those managing type 2 diabetes with oral medications or non-diabetic individuals seeking glucose insights, the Stelo system uses a wearable sensor linked to a smartphone app to track glucose trends every 15 minutes. While not suitable for individuals with problematic hypoglycemia, the device offers a prescription-free alternative to traditional CGMs, increasing accessibility. Clinical data showed comparable performance to prescription CGMs, with mild adverse events like skin irritation. This milestone supports the FDA's focus on empowering patients with at-home health care solutions.

3. FDA Approves New Abuse-Deterrent Alternative for Severe Pain Management

Another 2024 FDA approval provided a pain management option for patients requiring an opioid analgesic when other treatments are insufficient. Protega Pharmaceuticals' oxycodone hydrochloride (RoxyBond) immediate-release (IR) 10 mg tablet for managing severe pain uses SentryBond abuse-deterrent technology to resist manipulation methods like crushing, grinding, or chemical extraction, helping mitigate risks of misuse and abuse. Over 2000 in vitro tests and a human abuse potential study supported its effectiveness in deterring abuse. While RoxyBond offers advancements in safety, patients remain at risk of opioid addiction, respiratory depression, and severe side effects, particularly when combined with central nervous system depressants. The IR 10-mg tablets complement existing 5-mg, 15-mg, and 30-mg doses.

2. Updated Colonoscopy Guidelines Have Implications on Doctors, Patients Alike

Updated colonoscopy quality guidelines, introducing new priority indicators like bowel preparation adequacy and sessile serrated lesion detection rates while updating adenoma detection rate (ADR) thresholds were established by The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). With an aim to standardize quality measurements to enhance colonoscopy outcomes, the announcement stated the guidelines were designed to improve patient care. Despite the lack of mandates for adoption, endoscopists’ efforts and software systems to track and report quality measures are continually crucial. Challenges were acknowledged, such as transitioning to new data standards, potential "gaming" of ADR metrics, and limited ties to reimbursement programs. However, ACG and ASGE expressed the importance of encouraging consistency and efficacy in colonoscopy practices nationwide.

1. 5 Essential Drugs Currently Facing Shortages

Drug shortages in the US peaked at 323 earlier this year but have since decreased to 277 as of September 2024, with half of these shortages persisting for over 2 years. Key causes include manufacturing limitations, market dynamics, natural disasters, and shifting demand. Persistent shortages affect critical medications such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatments, pain management drugs, chemotherapy agents, insulin, diabetes, and weight-loss medications like semaglutide. Recent challenges include manufacturing delays, increased demand, and product discontinuations. Additionally, Hurricane Helene disrupted IV fluid production, prompting FDA guidance for temporary compounding measures. Despite some improvements, many of these shortages persisted through 2024, impacting essential drug availability and posing significant challenges for health care.