Can you buy viagra online

IntroductionIn recent years, many studies have been published on new diagnostic possibilities and management approaches in cohorts of patients suspected to have a disorder/difference of sex development (DSD).1–13 Based on these studies, it has become clear that services and institutions still differ in the composition of the multidisciplinary teams that provide care for patients can you buy viagra online who have a DSD.11 14 Several projects have now worked to resolve this variability in care. The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (EU COST) action BM1303 ‘A systematic elucidation of differences of sex can you buy viagra online development’ has been a platform to achieve European agreement on harmonisation of clinical management and laboratory practices.15–17 Another such initiative involved an update of the 2006 DSD consensus document by an international group of professionals and patient representatives.18 These initiatives have highlighted how cultural and financial aspects and the availability of resources differ significantly between countries and societies, a situation that hampers supranational agreement on common diagnostic protocols. As only a few national guidelines have been published in international journals, comparison of these guidelines is difficult even though such a comparison is necessary to capture the differences and initiate actions to overcome them. Nonetheless, four DSD can you buy viagra online (expert) centres located in the Netherlands and Flanders (the Dutch-speaking Northern part of Belgium) have collaborated to produce a detailed guideline on diagnostics in DSD.19 This shows that a supranational guideline can be a reasonable approach for countries with similarly structured healthcare systems and similar resources.

Within the guideline there is agreement that optimisation of expertise and care can be achieved through centralisation, for example, by limiting analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based diagnostic panels to only a few centres and by centralising pathological review of gonadal tissues. International networks such as the European Reference Network for rare endocrine conditions (EndoERN), in which DSD is embedded, may facilitate the expansion of this kind of collaboration across Europe.This paper highlights key discussion points in the Dutch-Flemish guideline that have been insufficiently addressed in the literature can you buy viagra online thus far because they reflect evolving technologies or less visible stakeholders. For example, prenatal observation of an atypical aspect of the genitalia indicating a possible DSD is becoming increasingly common, and we discuss appropriate counselling and a diagnostic approach for these cases, including the option of using NGS-based genetic testing. So far, little attention has been paid to this process.20 21 Furthermore, informing patients and/or their parents about atypical sex development and why this may warrant referral to a specialised team may be challenging, especially for professionals with limited experience in DSD.22 can you buy viagra online 23 Therefore, a section of the Dutch-Flemish guideline was written for these healthcare providers.

Moreover, this enables DSD specialists to refer to the guideline when advising a referral. Transition from the prenatal to the postnatal team and from the paediatric to the adult team requires optimal communication can you buy viagra online between the specialists involved. Application of NGS-based techniques may lead to a higher diagnostic yield, providing a molecular genetic diagnosis in previously unsolved cases.16 We address the timing of this testing and the problems associated with this technique such as the interpretation of variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS). Similarly, histopathological interpretation and classification of removed gonadal tissue is challenging and would benefit from international collaboration and centralisation of expertise.MethodsFor the can you buy viagra online guideline revision, an interdisciplinary multicentre group was formed with all members responsible for updating the literature for a specific part of the guideline.

Literature search in PubMed was not systematic, but rather intended to be broad in order to cover all areas and follow expert opinions. This approach is more in line with the Clinical Practice Advisory Document method described by Burke et al24 for can you buy viagra online guidelines involving genetic practice because it is often troublesome to substantiate such guidelines with sufficient evidence due to the rapid changes in testing methods, for example, gene panels. All input provided by the group was synthesised by the chairperson (YvB), who also reviewed abstracts of papers on DSD published between 2010 and September 2017 for the guideline and up to October 2019 for this paper. Abstracts had to be written in English and were identified can you buy viagra online using a broad range of Medical Subject Headings terms (eg, DSD, genetic, review, diagnosis, diagnostics, 46,XX DSD, 46,XY DSD, guideline, multidisciplinary care).

Next, potentially relevant papers on diagnostic procedures in DSD were selected. Case reports were excluded, as were articles that were not open access or retrievable through institutional access can you buy viagra online. Based on this, a draft guideline was produced that was in line with the international principles of good diagnostic care in DSD. This draft was discussed by the writing committee and, after having obtained agreement on remaining points of discussion, revised into a final draft can you buy viagra online.

This version was sent to a broad group of professionals from academic centres and DSD teams whose members had volunteered to review the draft guideline. After receiving and incorporating their input, the final version was presented to the paediatric and genetic associations can you buy viagra online for approval. After approval by the members of the paediatric (NVK), clinical genetic (VKGN) and genetic laboratory (VKGL) associations, the guideline was published on their respective websites.19 Although Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome are considered to be part of the DSD spectrum, they are not extensively discussed in this diagnostic guideline as guidelines dedicated to these syndromes already exist.25 26 However, some individuals with Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome may present with ambiguous or atypical genitalia and may therefore initially follow the DSD diagnostic process.Guideline highlightsPrenatal settingPresentationThe most frequent prenatal presentation of a DSD condition is atypical genitalia found on prenatal ultrasound as an isolated finding or in combination with other structural anomalies. This usually occurs after the 20-week routine medical ultrasound for screening of congenital anomalies, but may also occur earlier, for can you buy viagra online example, when a commercial ultrasound is performed at the request of the parents.Another way DSD can be diagnosed before birth is when invasive prenatal genetic testing carried out for a different reason, for example, due to suspicion of other structural anomalies, reveals a discrepancy between the genotypic sex and the phenotypic sex seen by ultrasound.

In certified laboratories, the possibility of a sample switch is extremely low but should be ruled out immediately. More often, the discrepancy will can you buy viagra online be due to sex-chromosome mosaicism or a true form of DSD.A situation now occurring with increasing frequency is a discrepancy between the genotypic sex revealed by non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which is now available to high-risk pregnant women in the Netherlands and to all pregnant women in Belgium, and later ultrasound findings. NIPT screens for CNVs in the fetus. However, depending on legal restrictions and/or ethical considerations, the X and Y chromosomes are not always included in can you buy viagra online NIPT analysis and reports.

If the X and Y chromosomes are included, it is important to realise that the presence of a Y-chromosome does not necessarily imply male fetal development. At the time that NIPT is performed (usually 11–13 weeks), genital development cannot can you buy viagra online be reliably appreciated by ultrasound, so any discrepancy or atypical aspect of the genitalia will only be noticed later in pregnancy and should prompt further evaluation.Counselling and diagnosticsIf a DSD is suspected, first-line sonographers and obstetricians should refer the couple to their colleague prenatal specialists working with or in a DSD team. After confirming an atypical genital on ultrasound, the specialist team should offer the couple a referral for genetic counselling to discuss the possibility of performing invasive prenatal testing (usually an amniocentesis) to identify an underlying cause that fits the ultrasound findings.22 23 To enable the parents to make a well-informed decision, prenatal counselling should, in our opinion, include. Information on the ultrasound findings and the limitations of this technique can you buy viagra online.

The procedure(s) that can be followed, including the risks associated with an amniocentesis. And the type of information genetic can you buy viagra online testing can and cannot provide. Knowing which information has been provided and what words have been used by the prenatal specialist is very helpful for those involved in postnatal care.It is important that parents understand that the biological sex of a baby is determined by a complex interplay of chromosomes, genes and hormones, and thus that assessment of the presence or absence of a Y-chromosome alone is insufficient to assign the sex of their unborn child or, as in any unborn child, say anything about the child’s future gender identity.Expecting parents can be counselled by the clinical geneticist and the psychologist from the DSD team, although other DSD specialists can also be involved. The clinical geneticist should be experienced in prenatal counselling and well informed about the diagnostic can you buy viagra online possibilities given the limited time span in which test results need to be available to allow parents to make a well-informed decision about whether or not to continue the pregnancy.

Termination of pregnancy can be considered, for instance, in a syndromic form of DSD with multiple malformations, but when the DSD occurs as an apparently isolated condition, expecting parents may also consider termination of pregnancy, which, although considered can you buy viagra online controversial by some, is legal in Belgium and the Netherlands. The psychologist of the DSD team can support parents during and after pregnancy and help them cope with feelings of uncertainty and eventual considerations of a termination of pregnancy, as well as with practical issues, for example, how to inform others. The stress of not knowing exactly what the child’s genitalia will look like and uncertainty about the can you buy viagra online diagnosis, treatment and prognosis cannot be avoided completely. Parents are informed that if the postnatal phenotype is different from what was prenatally expected, the advice given about diagnostic testing can be adjusted accordingly, for example, if a hypospadias is milder than was expected based on prenatal ultrasound images.

In our experience, parents appreciate having already spoken to some members of the DSD team during pregnancy and having a contact person before birth.After expert prenatal counselling, a significant number of pregnant couples decline prenatal testing (personal experience IALG, MK, ABD, YvB, MC and can you buy viagra online HC-vdG). At birth, umbilical cord blood is a good source for (molecular) karyotyping and storage of DNA and can be obtained by the obstetrician, midwife or neonatologist. The terminology used in communication with parents should be carefully chosen,22 23 and midwives and staff of neonatal and delivery units should be clearly instructed to use gender-neutral and non-stigmatising vocabulary (eg, ‘your baby’) as long as sex assignment is pending.An algorithm for diagnostic evaluation of a suspected DSD in the prenatal situation is proposed in figure 1 can you buy viagra online. When couples opt for invasive prenatal diagnosis, the genetic analysis usually involves an (SNP)-array.

It was recently estimated that >30% of individuals can you buy viagra online who have a DSD have additional structural anomalies, with cardiac and neurological anomalies and fetal growth restriction being particularly common.27 28 If additional anomalies are seen, the geneticist can consider specific gene defects that may underlie a known genetic syndrome or carry out NGS. NGS-based techniques have also now made their appearance in prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies.29 30 Panels using these techniques can be specific for genes involved in DSD, or be larger panels covering multiple congenital anomalies, and are usually employed with trio-analysis to compare variants identified in the child with the parents’ genetics.29–31 Finding a genetic cause before delivery can help reduce parental stress in the neonatal period and speed up decisions regarding gender assignment. In such cases there is can you buy viagra online no tight time limit, and we propose completing the analysis well before the expected delivery.Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) in the prenatal setting. A diagnostic algorithm.

*SOX9. Upstream anomalies and balanced translocations at promotor sites!. Conventional karyotyping can be useful. NGS, next-generation sequencing." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 1 Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) in the prenatal setting.

A diagnostic algorithm. *SOX9. Upstream anomalies and balanced translocations at promotor sites!. Conventional karyotyping can be useful.

NGS, next-generation sequencing.First contact by a professional less experienced in DSDWhereas most current guidelines start from the point when an individual has been referred to the DSD team,1 15 the Dutch-Flemish guideline dedicates a chapter to healthcare professionals less experienced in DSD as they are often the first to suspect or identify such a condition. Apart from the paper of Indyk,7 little guidance is available for these professionals about how to act in such a situation. The chapter in the Dutch-Flemish guideline summarises the various clinical presentations that a DSD can have and provides information on how to communicate with parents and/or patients about the findings of the physical examination, the first-line investigations and the need for prompt referral to a specialised centre for further evaluation. Clinical examples are offered to illustrate some of these recurring situations.

The medical issues in DSD can be very challenging, and the social and psychological impact is high. For neonates with ambiguous genitalia, sex assignment is an urgent and crucial issue, and it is mandatory that parents are informed that it is possible to postpone registration of their child’s sex. In cases where sex assignment has already taken place, the message that the development of the gonads or genitalia is still atypical is complicated and distressing for patients and parents or carers. A list of contact details for DSD centres and patient organisations in the Netherlands and Flanders is attached to the Dutch-Flemish guideline.

Publishing such a list, either in guidelines or online, can help healthcare professionals find the nearest centres for consultations and provide patients and patient organisations with an overview of the centres where expertise is available.Timing and place of genetic testing using NGS-based gene panelsThe diagnostic workup that is proposed for 46,XX and 46,XY DSD is shown in figures 2 and 3, respectively. Even with the rapidly expanding molecular possibilities, a (family) history and a physical examination remain the essential first steps in the diagnostic process. Biochemical and hormonal screening aim at investigating serum electrolytes, renal function and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes. Ultrasound screening of kidneys and internal genitalia, as well as establishing genotypic sex, should be accomplished within 48 hours and complete the baseline diagnostic work-up of a child born with ambiguous genitalia.1 16 32 3346,XX disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) in the postnatal setting.

A diagnostic algorithm. NGS, next-generation sequencing. CAH, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. AMH, Anti-Müllerian Hormone." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 2 46,XX disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) in the postnatal setting.

A diagnostic algorithm. NGS, next-generation sequencing. CAH, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. AMH, Anti-Müllerian Hormone.46,XY disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) in the postnatal setting.

A diagnostic algorithm. * SOX9. Upstream anomalies and balanced translocations at promotor sites!. Conventional karyotyping can be useful.

NGS, next-generation sequencing." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 3 46,XY disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) in the postnatal setting. A diagnostic algorithm. *SOX9. Upstream anomalies and balanced translocations at promotor sites!.

Conventional karyotyping can be useful. NGS, next-generation sequencing.Very recently, a European position paper has been published focusing on the genetic workup of DSD.16 It highlights the limitations and drawbacks of NGS-based tests, which include the chance of missing subtle structural variants such as CNVs and mosaicism and the fact that NGS cannot detect methylation defects or other epigenetic changes.16 28 31 Targeted DNA analysis is preferred in cases where hormonal investigations suggest a block in steroidogenesis (eg, 11-β-hydroxylase deficiency, 21-hydroxylase deficiency), or in the context of a specific clinical constellation such as the often coincidental finding of Müllerian structures in a boy with normal external genitalia or cryptorchidism, that is, persistent Müllerian duct syndrome.33 34 Alternative tests should also be considered depending on the available information. Sometimes, a simple mouth swab for FISH analysis can detect mosaic XY/X in a male with hypospadias or asymmetric gonadal development or in a female with little or no Turner syndrome stigmata and a normal male molecular karyotyping profile or peripheral blood karyotype. Such targeted testing avoids incidental findings and is cheaper and faster than analysis of a large NGS-based panel, although the cost difference is rapidly declining.However, due to the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of DSD conditions, the most cost-effective next steps in the majority of cases are whole exome sequencing followed by panel analysis of genes involved in genital development and function or trio-analysis of a large gene panel (such as a Mendeliome).16 35–38 Pretest genetic counselling involves discussing what kind of information will be reported to patients or parents and the chance of detecting VUS, and the small risk of incidental findings when analysing a DSD panel should be mentioned.

Laboratories also differ in what class of variants they report.39 In our experience, the fear of incidental findings is a major reason why some parents refrain from genetic testing.Timing of the DSD gene panel analysis is also important. While some patients or parents prefer that all diagnostic procedures be performed as soon as possible, others need time to reflect on the complex information related to more extensive genetic testing and on its possible consequences. If parents or patients do not consent to panel-based genetic testing, analysis of specific genes, such as WT1, should be considered when appropriate in view of the clinical consequences if a mutation is present (eg, clinical surveillance of renal function and screening for Wilms’ tumour in the case of WT1 mutations). Genes that are more frequently involved in DSD (eg, SRY, NR5A1) and that match the specific clinical and hormonal features in a given patient could also be considered for sequencing.

Targeted gene analysis may also be preferred in centres located in countries that do not have the resources or technical requirements to perform NGS panel-based genetic testing. Alternatively, participation by these centres in international collaborative networks may allow them to outsource the molecular genetic workup abroad.Gene panels differ between centres and are regularly updated based on scientific progress. A comparison of DSD gene panels used in recent studies can be found at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-018-0010-8%23Sec46.15 The panels currently used at the coauthors’ institutions can be found on their respective websites. Given the pace of change, it is important to regularly consider repeating analysis in patients with an unexplained DSD, for example, when they transition into adult care or when they move from one centre to another.

This also applies to patients in whom a clinical diagnosis has never been genetically confirmed. Confusion may arise when the diagnosis cannot be confirmed or when a mutation is identified in a different gene, for example, NR5A1 in someone with a clinical diagnosis of CAIS that has other consequences for relatives. Hence, new genetic counselling should always accompany new diagnostic endeavours.Class 3 variants and histopathological examinationsThe rapidly evolving diagnostic possibilities raise new questions. What do laboratories report?.

How should we deal with the frequent findings of mainly unique VUS or class 3 variants (ACMG recommendation) in the many different DSD-related genes in the diagnostic setting?. Reporting VUS can be a source of uncertainty for parents, but not reporting these variants precludes further investigations to determine their possible pathogenicity. It can also be difficult to prove variant pathogenicity, both on gene-level and variant-level.39 Moreover, given the gonad-specific expression of some genes and the variable phenotypic spectrum and reduced penetrance, segregation analysis is not always informative. A class 3 variant that does not fit the clinical presentation may be unrelated to the observed phenotype, but it could also represent a newly emerging phenotype.

This was recently demonstrated by the identification of the NR5A1 mutation, R92W, in individuals with 46,XX testicular and ovotesticular DSD.40 This gene had previously been associated with 46,XY DSD. In diagnostic laboratories, there is usually no capacity or expertise to conduct large-scale functional studies to determine pathogenicity of these unique class 3 VUS in the different genes involved in DSD. Functional validation of variants identified in novel genes may be more attractive in a research context. However, for individual families with VUS in well-established DSD genes such as AR or HSD17B3, functional analysis may provide a confirmed diagnosis that implies for relatives the option of undergoing their own DNA analysis and estimating the genetic risk of their own future offspring.

This makes genetic follow-up important in these cases and demonstrates the usefulness of international databases and networks and the centralisation of functional studies of genetic variants in order to reduce costs and maximise expertise.The same is true for histopathological description, germ-cell tumour risk assessment in specific forms of DSD and classification of gonadal samples. Germ-cell tumour risk is related to the type of DSD (among other factors), but it is impossible to make risk estimates in individual cases.41–44 Gonadectomy may be indicated in cases with high-risk dysgenetic abdominal gonads that cannot be brought into a stable superficial (ie, inguinal, labioscrotal) position that allows clinical or radiological surveillance, or to avoid virilisation due to 5-alpha reductase deficiency in a 46,XY girl with a stable female gender identity.45 Pathological examination of DSD gonads requires specific expertise. For example, the differentiation between benign germ cell abnormalities, such as delayed maturation and (pre)malignant development of germ cells, is crucial for clinical management but can be very troublesome.46 Centralised pathological examination of gonadal biopsy and gonadectomy samples in one centre, or a restricted number of centres, on a national scale can help to overcome the problem of non-uniform classification and has proven feasible in the Netherlands and Belgium. We therefore believe that uniform assessment and classification of gonadal differentiation patterns should also be addressed in guidelines on DSD management.International databases of gonadal tissues are crucial for learning more about the risk of malignancy in different forms of DSD, but they are only reliable if uniform criteria for histological classification are strictly applied.46 These criteria could be incorporated in many existing networks such as the I-DSD consortium, the Disorders of Sex Development Translational Research Network, the European Reference Network on Urogenital Diseases (eUROGEN), the EndoERN and COST actions.15–17 47Communication at the transition from paediatric to adult carePaediatric and adult teams need to collaborate closely to facilitate a well-organised transition from paediatric to adult specialist care.15 48–50 Both teams need to exchange information optimally and should consider transition as a longitudinal process rather than a fixed moment in time.

Age-appropriate information is key at all ages, and an overview of topics to be discussed at each stage is described by Cools et al.15 Table 1 shows an example of how transition can be organised.View this table:Table 1 Example of transition table as used in the DSD clinic of the Erasmus Medical CenterPsychological support and the continued provision of information remains important for individuals with a DSD at all ages.15 22 In addition to the information given by the DSD team members, families and patients can benefit from resources such as support groups and information available on the internet.47 Information available online should be checked for accuracy and completeness when referring patients and parents to internet sites.Recommendations for future actionsMost guidelines and articles on the diagnosis and management of DSD are aimed at specialists and are only published in specialist journals or on websites for endocrinologists, urologists or geneticists. Yet there is a need for guidelines directed towards first-line and second-line healthcare workers that summarise the recommendations about the first crucial steps in the management of DSD. These should be published in widely available general medical journals and online, along with a national list of DSD centres. Furthermore, DSD (expert) centres should provide continuous education to all those who may be involved in the identification of individuals with a DSD in order to enable these healthcare professionals to recognise atypical genitalia, to promptly refer individuals who have a DSD and to inform the patient and parents about this and subsequent diagnostic procedures.As DSD continues to be a rare condition, it will take time to evaluate the effects of having such a guideline on the preparedness of first-line and second-line healthcare workers to recognise DSD conditions.

One way to evaluate this might be the development and use of questionnaires asking patients, carers and families and referring physicians how satisfied they were with the initial medical consultation and referral and what could be improved. A helpful addition to existing international databases that collect information on genetic variations would be a list of centres that offer suitable functional studies for certain genes, ideally covering the most frequently mutated genes (at minimum).Patient organisations can also play an important role in informing patients about newly available diagnostic or therapeutic strategies and options, and their influence and specific role has now been recognised and discussed in several publications.17 47 However, it should be kept in mind that these organisations do not represent all patients, as a substantial number of patients and parents are not member of such an organisation.Professionals have to provide optimal medical care based on well-established evidence, or at least on broad consensus. Yet not everything can be regulated by recommendations and guidelines. Options, ideas and wishes should be openly discussed between professionals, patients and families within their confidential relationship.

This will enable highly individualised holistic care tailored to the patient’s needs and expectations. Once they are well-informed of all available options, parents and/or patients can choose what they consider the optimal care for their children or themselves.15 16ConclusionThe Dutch-Flemish guideline uniquely addresses some topics that are under-represented in the literature, thus adding some key aspects to those addressed in recent consensus papers and guidelines.15–17 33 47As more children with a DSD are now being identified prenatally, and the literature on prenatal diagnosis of DSD remains scarce,20 21 we propose a prenatal diagnostic algorithm and emphasise the importance of having a prenatal specialist involved in or collaborating with DSD (expert) centres.We also stress that good communication between all involved parties is essential. Professionals should be well informed about protocols and communication. Collaboration between centres is necessary to optimise aspects of care such as uniform interpretation of gonadal pathology and functional testing of class 3 variants found by genetic testing.

Guidelines can provide a framework within which individualised patient care should be discussed with all stakeholders.AcknowledgmentsThe authors would like to thank the colleagues of the DSD teams for their input in and critical reading of the Dutch-Flemish guideline. Amsterdam University Center (AMC and VU), Maastricht University Medical Center, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Ghent University Hospital. The authors would like to thank Kate McIntyre for editing the revised manuscript and Tom de Vries Lentsch for providing the figures as a PDF. Three of the authors of this publication are members of the European Reference Network for rare endocrine diseases—Project ID 739543.IntroductionEndometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in the developed world.1 Its incidence has risen over the last two decades as a consequence of the ageing population, fewer hysterectomies for benign disease and the obesity epidemic.

In the USA, it is estimated that women have a 1 in 35 lifetime risk of endometrial cancer, and in contrast to cancers of most other sites, cancer-specific mortality has risen by approximately 2% every year since 2008 related to the rapidly rising incidence.2Endometrial cancer has traditionally been classified into type I and type II based on morphology.3 The more common subtype, type I, is mostly comprised of endometrioid tumours and is oestrogen-driven, arises from a hyperplastic endometrium, presents at an early stage and has an excellent 5 year survival rate.4 By contrast, type II includes non-endometrioid tumours, specifically serous, carcinosarcoma and clear cell subtypes, which are biologically aggressive tumours with a poor prognosis that are often diagnosed at an advanced stage.5 Recent efforts have focused on a molecular classification system for more accurate categorisation of endometrial tumours into four groups with distinct prognostic profiles.6 7The majority of endometrial cancers arise through the interplay of familial, genetic and lifestyle factors. Two inherited cancer predisposition syndromes, Lynch syndrome and the much rarer Cowden syndrome, substantially increase the lifetime risk of endometrial cancer, but these only account for around 3–5% of cases.8–10 Having first or second degree relative(s) with endometrial or colorectal cancer increases endometrial cancer risk, although a large European twin study failed to demonstrate a strong heritable link.11 The authors failed to show that there was greater concordance in monozygotic than dizygotic twins, but the study was based on relatively small numbers of endometrial cancers. Lu and colleagues reported an association between common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and endometrial cancer risk, revealing the potential role of SNPs in explaining part of the risk in both the familial and general populations.12 Thus far, many SNPs have been reported to modify susceptibility to endometrial cancer. However, much of this work predated genome wide association studies and is of variable quality.

Understanding genetic predisposition to endometrial cancer could facilitate personalised risk assessment with a view to targeted prevention and screening interventions.13 This emerged as the most important unanswered research question in endometrial cancer according to patients, carers and healthcare professionals in our recently completed James Lind Womb Cancer Alliance Priority Setting Partnership.14 It would be particularly useful for non-endometrioid endometrial cancers, for which advancing age is so far the only predictor.15We therefore conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the literature to provide an overview of the relationship between SNPs and endometrial cancer risk. We compiled a list of the most robust endometrial cancer-associated SNPs. We assessed the applicability of this panel of SNPs with a theoretical polygenic risk score (PRS) calculation. We also critically appraised the meta-analyses investigating the most frequently reported SNPs in MDM2.

Finally, we described all SNPs reported within genes and pathways that are likely involved in endometrial carcinogenesis and metastasis.MethodsOur systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) collaboration 2009 recommendations. The registered protocol is available through PROSPERO (CRD42018091907).16Search strategyWe searched Embase, MEDLINE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases via the Healthcare Databases Advanced Search (HDAS) platform, from 2007 to 2018, to identify studies reporting associations between polymorphisms and endometrial cancer risk. Key words including MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms and free-text words were searched in both titles and abstracts. The following terms were used.

€œendomet*”,“uter*”, “womb”, “cancer(s)”, “neoplasm(s)”, “endometrium tumour”, “carcinoma”, “adenosarcoma”, “clear cell carcinoma”, “carcinosarcoma”, “SNP”, “single nucleotide polymorphism”, “GWAS”, and “genome-wide association study/ies”. No other restrictions were applied. The search was repeated with time restrictions between 2018 and June 2019 to capture any recent publications.Eligibility criteriaStudies were selected for full-text evaluation if they were primary articles investigating a relationship between endometrial cancer and SNPs. Study outcome was either the increased or decreased risk of endometrial cancer relative to controls reported as an odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).Study selectionThree independent reviewers screened all articles uploaded to a screening spreadsheet developed by Helena VonVille.17 Disagreements were resolved by discussion.

Chronbach’s α score was calculated between reviewers and indicated high consistency at 0.92. Case–control, prospective and retrospective studies, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and both discovery and validation studies were selected for full-text evaluation. Non-English articles, editorials, conference abstracts and proceedings, letters and correspondence, case reports and review articles were excluded.Candidate-gene studies with at least 100 women and GWAS with at least 1000 women in the case arm were selected to ensure reliability of the results, as explained by Spencer et al.18 To construct a panel of up to 30 SNPs with the strongest evidence of association, those with the strongest p values were selected. For the purpose of an SNP panel, articles utilising broad European or multi-ethnic cohorts were selected.

Where overlapping populations were identified, the most comprehensive study was included.Data extraction and synthesisFor each study, the following data were extracted. SNP ID, nearby gene(s)/chromosome location, OR (95% CI), p value, minor or effect allele frequency (MAF/EAF), EA (effect allele) and OA (other allele), adjustment, ethnicity and ancestry, number of cases and controls, endometrial cancer type, and study type including discovery or validation study and meta-analysis. For risk estimates, a preference towards most adjusted results was applied. For candidate-gene studies, a standard p value of<0.05 was applied and for GWAS a p value of <5×10-8, indicating genome-wide significance, was accepted as statistically significant.

However, due to the limited number of SNPs with p values reaching genome-wide significance, this threshold was then lowered to <1×10-5, allowing for marginally significant SNPs to be included. As shown by Mavaddat et al, for breast cancer, SNPs that fall below genome-wide significance may still be useful for generating a PRS and improving the models.19We estimated the potential value of a PRS based on the most significant SNPs by comparing the predicted risk for a woman with a risk score in the top 1% of the distribution to the mean predicted risk. Per-allele ORs and MAFs were taken from the publications and standard errors (SEs) for the lnORs were derived from published 95% CIs. The PRS was assumed to have a Normal distribution, with mean 2∑βipI and SE, σ, equal to √2∑βi2pI(1−pi), according to the binomial distribution, where the summation is over all SNPs in the risk score.

Hence the relative risk (RR) comparing the top 1% of the distribution to the mean is given by exp(Z0.01σ), where Z is the inverse of the standard normal cumulative distribution.ResultsThe flow chart of study selection is illustrated in figure 1. In total, 453 text articles were evaluated and, of those, 149 articles met our inclusion criteria. One study was excluded from table 1, for having an Asian-only population, as this would make it harder to compare with the rest of the results which were all either multi-ethnic or Caucasian cohorts, as stated in our inclusion criteria for the SNP panel.20 Any SNPs without 95% CIs were also excluded from any downstream analysis. Additionally, SNPs in linkage disequilibrium (r2 >0.2) with each other were examined, and of those in linkage disequilibrium, the SNP with strongest association was reported.

Per allele ORs were used unless stated otherwise.View this table:Table 1 List of top SNPs most likely to contribute to endometrial cancer risk identified through systematic review of recent literature21–25Study selection flow diagram. *Reasons. Irrelevant articles, articles focusing on other conditions, non-GWAS/candidate-gene study related articles, technical and duplicate articles. GWAS, genome-wide association study.

Adapted from. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The PRISMA Statement.

PLoS Med 6(6). E1000097. Doi:10.1371/journal.pmed1000097." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 1 Study selection flow diagram. *Reasons.

Irrelevant articles, articles focusing on other conditions, non-GWAS/candidate-gene study related articles, technical and duplicate articles. GWAS, genome-wide association study. Adapted from. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group (2009).

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med 6(6). E1000097.

Doi:10.1371/journal.pmed1000097.Top SNPs associated with endometrial cancer riskFollowing careful interpretation of the data, 24 independent SNPs with the lowest p values that showed the strongest association with endometrial cancer were obtained (table 1).21–25 These SNPs are located in or around genes coding for transcription factors, cell growth and apoptosis regulators, and enzymes involved in the steroidogenesis pathway. All the SNPs presented here were reported on the basis of a GWAS or in one case, an exome-wide association study, and hence no SNPs from candidate-gene studies made it to the list. This is partly due to the nature of larger GWAS providing more comprehensive and powered results as opposed to candidate gene studies. Additionally, a vast majority of SNPs reported by candidate-gene studies were later refuted by large-scale GWAS such as in the case of TERT and MDM2 variants.26 27 The exception to this is the CYP19 gene, where candidate-gene studies reported an association between variants in this gene with endometrial cancer in both Asian and broad European populations, and this association was more recently confirmed by large-scale GWAS.21 28–30 Moreover, a recent article authored by O’Mara and colleagues reviewed the GWAS that identified most of the currently known SNPs associated with endometrial cancer.31Most of the studies represented in table 1 are GWAS and the majority of these involved broad European populations.

Those having a multi-ethnic cohort also consisted primarily of broad European populations. Only four of the variants in table 1 are located in coding regions of a gene, or in regulatory flanking regions around the gene. Thus, most of these variants would not be expected to cause any functional effects on the gene or the resulting protein. An eQTL search using GTEx Portal showed that some of the SNPs are significantly associated (p<0.05) with modified transcription levels of the respective genes in various tissues such as prostate (rs11263761), thyroid (rs9668337), pituitary (rs2747716), breast mammary (rs882380) and testicular (rs2498794) tissue, as summarised in table 2.View this table:Table 2 List of eQTL hits for the selected panel of SNPsThe only variant for which there was an indication of a specific association with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer was rs148261157 near the BCL11A gene.

The A allele of this SNP had a moderately higher association in the non-endometrioid arm (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.04. P=9.6×10-6) compared with the endometrioid arm (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.38. P=4.7×10-6).21Oestrogen receptors α and β encoded by ESR1 and ESR2, respectively, have been extensively studied due to the assumed role of oestrogens in the development of endometrial cancer. O’Mara et al reported a lead SNP (rs79575945) in the ESR1 region that was associated with endometrial cancer (p=1.86×10-5).24 However, this SNP did not reach genome-wide significance in a more recent larger GWAS.21 No statistically significant associations have been reported between endometrial cancer and SNPs in the ESR2 gene region.AKT is an oncogene linked to endometrial carcinogenesis.

It is involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pro-proliferative signalling pathway to inactivate apoptosis and allow cell survival. The A allele of rs2494737 and G allele of rs2498796 were reported to be associated with increased and decreased risk of endometrial cancer in 2016, respectively.22 30 However, this association was not replicated in a larger GWAS in 2018.21 Nevertheless, given the previous strong indications, and biological basis that could explain endometrial carcinogenesis, we decided to include an AKT1 variant (rs2498794) in our results.PTEN is a multi-functional tumour suppressor gene that regulates the AKT/PKB signalling pathway and is commonly mutated in many cancers including endometrial cancer.32 Loss-of-function germline mutations in PTEN are responsible for Cowden syndrome, which exerts a lifetime risk of endometrial cancer of up to 28%.9 Lacey and colleagues studied SNPs in the PTEN gene region. However, none showed significant differences in frequency between 447 endometrial cancer cases and 439 controls of European ancestry.33KRAS mutations are known to be present in endometrial cancer. These can be activated by high levels of KLF5 (transcriptional activator).

Three SNPs have been identified in or around KLF5 that are associated with endometrial cancer. The G allele of rs11841589 (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.21. P=4.83×10-11), the A allele of rs9600103 (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.30. P=3.76×10-12) and C allele of rs7981863 (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.20.

P=2.70×10-17) have all been found to be associated with an increased likelihood of endometrial cancer in large European cohorts.21 30 34 It is worth noting that these SNPs are not independent, and hence they quite possibly tag the same causal variant.The MYC family of proto-oncogenes encode transcription factors that regulate cell proliferation, which can contribute to cancer development if dysregulated. The recent GWAS by O’Mara et al reported three SNPs within the MYC region that reached genome-wide significance with conditional p values reaching at least 5×10–8.35To test the utility of these SNPs as predictive markers, we devised a theoretical PRS calculation using the log ORs and EAFs per SNP from the published data. The results were very encouraging with an RR of 3.16 for the top 1% versus the mean, using all the top SNPs presented in table 1 and 2.09 when using only the SNPs that reached genome-wide significance (including AKT1).Controversy surrounding MDM2 variant SNP309MDM2 negatively regulates tumour suppressor gene TP53, and as such, has been extensively studied in relation to its potential role in predisposition to endometrial cancer. Our search identified six original studies of the association between MDM2 SNP rs2279744 (also referred to as SNP309) and endometrial cancer, all of which found a statistically significant increased risk per copy of the G allele.

Two more original studies were identified through our full-text evaluation. However, these were not included here as they did not meet our inclusion criteria—one due to small sample size, the other due to studying rs2279744 status dependent on another SNP.36 37 Even so, the two studies were described in multiple meta-analyses that are listed in table 3. Different permutations of these eight original studies appear in at least eight published meta-analyses. However, even the largest meta-analysis contained <2000 cases (table 3)38View this table:Table 3 Characteristics of studies that examined MDM2 SNP rs2279744In comparison, a GWAS including nearly 13 000 cases found no evidence of an association with OR and corresponding 95% CI of 1.00 (0.97 to 1.03) and a p value of 0.93 (personal communication).21 Nevertheless, we cannot completely rule out a role for MDM2 variants in endometrial cancer predisposition as the candidate-gene studies reported larger effects in Asians, whereas the GWAS primarily contained participants of European ancestry.

There is also some suggestion that the SNP309 variant is in linkage disequilibrium with another variant, SNP285, which confers an opposite effect.It is worth noting that the SNP285C/SNP309G haplotype frequency was observed in up to 8% of Europeans, thus requiring correction for the confounding effect of SNP285C in European studies.39 However, aside from one study conducted by Knappskog et al, no other study including the meta-analyses corrected for the confounding effect of SNP285.40 Among the studies presented in table 3, Knappskog et al (2012) reported that after correcting for SNP285, the OR for association of this haplotype with endometrial cancer was much lower, though still significant. Unfortunately, the meta-analyses which synthesised Knappskog et al (2012), as part of their analysis, did not correct for SNP285C in the European-based studies they included.38 41 42 It is also concerning that two meta-analyses using the same primary articles failed to report the same result, in two instances.38 42–44DiscussionThis article represents the most comprehensive systematic review to date, regarding critical appraisal of the available evidence of common low-penetrance variants implicated in predisposition to endometrial cancer. We have identified the most robust SNPs in the context of endometrial cancer risk. Of those, only 19 were significant at genome-wide level and a further five were considered marginally significant.

The largest GWAS conducted in this field was the discovery- and meta-GWAS by O’Mara et al, which utilised 12 096 cases and 108 979 controls.21 Despite the inclusion of all published GWAS and around 5000 newly genotyped cases, the total number did not reach anywhere near what is currently available for other common cancers such as breast cancer. For instance, BCAC (Breast Cancer Association Consortium) stands at well over 200 000 individuals with more than half being cases, and resulted in identification of ~170 SNPs in relation to breast cancer.19 45 A total of 313 SNPs including imputations were then used to derive a PRS for breast cancer.19 Therefore, further efforts should be directed to recruit more patients, with deep phenotypic clinical data to allow for relevant adjustments and subgroup analyses to be conducted for better precision.A recent pre-print study by Zhang and colleagues examined the polygenicity and potential for SNP-based risk prediction for 14 common cancers, including endometrial cancer, using available summary-level data from European-ancestry datasets.46 They estimated that there are just over 1000 independent endometrial cancer susceptibility SNPs, and that a PRS comprising all such SNPs would have an area under the receiver-operator curve of 0.64, similar to that predicted for ovarian cancer, but lower than that for the other cancers in the study. The modelling in the paper suggests that an endometrial cancer GWAS double the size of the current largest study would be able to identify susceptibility SNPs together explaining 40% of the genetic variance, but that in order to explain 75% of the genetic variance it would be necessary to have a GWAS comprising close to 150 000 cases and controls, far in excess of what is currently feasible.We found that the literature consists mainly of candidate-gene studies with small sample sizes, meta-analyses reporting conflicting results despite using the same set of primary articles, and multiple reports of significant SNPs that have not been validated by any larger GWAS. The candidate-gene studies were indeed the most useful and cheaper technique available until the mid to late 2000s.

However, a lack of reproducibility (particularly due to population stratification and reporting bias), uncertainty of reported associations, and considerably high false discovery rates make these studies much less appropriate in the post-GWAS era. Unlike the candidate-gene approach, GWAS do not require prior knowledge, selection of genes or SNPs, and provide vast amounts of data. Furthermore, both the genotyping process and data analysis phases have become cheaper, the latter particularly due to faster and open-access pre-phasing and imputation tools being made available.It is clear from table 1 that some SNPs were reported with wide 95% CI, which can be directly attributed to small sample sizes particularly when restricting the cases to non-endometrioid histology only, low EAF or poor imputation quality. Thus, these should be interpreted with caution.

Additionally, most of the SNPs reported by candidate-gene studies were not detected by the largest GWAS to date conducted by O’Mara et al.21 However, this does not necessarily mean that the possibility of those SNPs being relevant should be completely dismissed. Moreover, meta-analyses were attempted for other variants. However, these showed no statistically significant association and many presented with high heterogeneity between the respective studies (data not shown). Furthermore, as many studies utilised the same set of cases and/or controls, conducting a meta-analysis was not possible for a good number of SNPs.

It is therefore unequivocal that the literature is crowded with numerous small candidate-gene studies and conflicting data. This makes it particularly hard to detect novel SNPs and conduct meaningful meta-analyses.We found convincing evidence for 19 variants that indicated the strongest association with endometrial cancer, as shown in table 1. The associations between endometrial cancer and variants in or around HNF1B, CYP19A1, SOX4, MYC, KLF and EIF2AK found in earlier GWAS were then replicated in the latest and largest GWAS. These SNPs showed promising potential in a theoretical PRS we devised based on published data.

Using all 24 or genome-wide significant SNPs only, women with a PRS in the top 1% of the distribution would be predicted to have a risk of endometrial cancer 3.16 and 2.09 times higher than the mean risk, respectively.However, the importance of these variants and relevance of the proximate genes in a functional or biological context is challenging to evaluate. Long distance promoter regulation by enhancers may disguise the genuine target gene. In addition, enhancers often do not loop to the nearest gene, further complicating the relevance of nearby gene(s) to a GWAS hit. In order to elucidate biologically relevant candidate target genes in endometrial cancer, O’Mara et al looked into promoter-associated chromatin looping using a modern HiChIP approach.47 The authors utilised normal and tumoural endometrial cell lines for this analysis which showed significant enrichment for endometrial cancer heritability, with 103 candidate target genes identified across the 13 risk loci identified by the largest ECAC GWAS.

Notable genes identified here were CDKN2A and WT1, and their antisense counterparts. The former was reported to be nearby of rs1679014 and the latter of rs10835920, as shown in table 1. Moreover, of the 36 candidate target genes, 17 were found to be downregulated while 19 were upregulated in endometrial tumours.The authors also investigated overlap between the 13 endometrial cancer risk loci and top eQTL variants for each target gene.47 In whole blood, of the two particular lead SNPs, rs8822380 at 17q21.32 was a top eQTL for SNX11 and HOXB2, whereas rs937213 at 15q15.1 was a top eQTL for SRP14. In endometrial tumour, rs7579014 at 2p16.1 was found to be a top eQTL for BCL11A.

This is particularly interesting because BCL11A was the only nearby/candidate gene that had a GWAS association reported in both endometrioid and non-endometrioid subtypes. The study looked at protein–protein interactions between endometrial cancer drivers and candidate target gene products. Significant interactions were observed with TP53 (most significant), AKT, PTEN, ESR1 and KRAS, among others. Finally, when 103 target candidate genes and 387 proteins were combined together, 462 pathways were found to be significantly enriched.

Many of these are related to gene regulation, cancer, obesity, insulinaemia and oestrogen exposure. This study clearly showed a potential biological relevance for some of the SNPs reported by ECAC GWAS in 2018.Most of the larger included studies used cohorts primarily composed of women of broad European descent. Hence, there are negligible data available for other ethnicities, particularly African women. This is compounded by the lack of reference genotype data available for comparative analysis, making it harder for research to be conducted in ethnicities other than Europeans.

This poses a problem for developing risk prediction models that are equally valuable and predictive across populations. Thus, our results also are of limited applicability to non-European populations.Furthermore, considering that non-endometrioid cases comprise a small proportion (~20%) of all endometrial cancer cases, much larger cohort sizes are needed to detect any genuine signals for non-endometrioid tumours. Most of the evaluated studies looked at either overall/mixed endometrial cancer subtypes or endometrioid histology, and those that looked at variant associations with non-endometrioid histology were unlikely to have enough power to detect any signal with statistical significance. This is particularly concerning because non-endometrioid subtypes are biologically aggressive tumours with a much poorer prognosis that contribute disproportionately to mortality from endometrial cancer.

It is particularly important that attempts to improve early detection and prevention of endometrial cancer focus primarily on improving outcomes from these subtypes. It is also worth noting that, despite the current shift towards a molecular classification of endometrial cancer, most studies used the overarching classical Bokhman’s classification system, type I versus type II, or no histological classification system at all. Therefore, it is important to create and follow a standardised and comprehensive classification system for reporting tumour subtypes for future studies.This study compiled and presented available information for an extensively studied, yet unproven in large datasets, SNP309 variant in MDM2. Currently, there is no convincing evidence for an association between this variant and endometrial cancer risk.

Additionally, of all the studies, only one accounted for the opposing effect of a nearby variant SNP285 in their analyses. Thus, we conclude that until confirmed by a sufficiently large GWAS, this variant should not be considered significant in influencing the risk of endometrial cancer and therefore not included in a PRS. This is also true for the majority of the SNPs reported in candidate-gene studies, as the numbers fall far short of being able to detect genuine signals.This systematic review presents the most up-to-date evidence for endometrial cancer susceptibility variants, emphasising the need for further large-scale studies to identify more variants of importance, and validation of these associations. Until data from larger and more diverse cohorts are available, the top 24 SNPs presented here are the most robust common genetic variants that affect endometrial cancer risk.

The multiplicative effects of these SNPs could be used in a PRS to allow personalised risk prediction models to be developed for targeted screening and prevention interventions for women at greatest risk of endometrial cancer..

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The Three MSP Programs what do viagra pills do - What are they and how are they Different?. 4. FOUR Special Benefits of MSP Programs. Back Door to Extra Help with Part D MSPs Automatically Waive Late Enrollment Penalties for Part B - what do viagra pills do and allow enrollment in Part B year-round outside of the short Annual Enrollment Period No Medicaid Lien on Estate to Recover Payment of Expenses Paid by MSP Food Stamps/SNAP not reduced by Decreased Medical Expenses when Enroll in MSP - at least temporarily 5. Enrolling in an MSP - Automatic Enrollment &.

Applications for People who Have Medicare What is Application Process?. 6 what do viagra pills do. Enrolling in an MSP for People age 65+ who Do Not Qualify for Free Medicare Part A - the "Part A Buy-In Program" 7. What Happens After MSP Approved - How Part B Premium is Paid 8 Special Rules for QMBs - How Medicare Cost-Sharing Works 1. NO ASSET what do viagra pills do LIMIT!.

Since April 1, 2008, none of the three MSP programs have resource limits in New York -- which means many Medicare beneficiaries who might not qualify for Medicaid because of excess resources can qualify for an MSP. 1.A. SUMMARY CHART OF MSP BENEFITS QMB SLIMB QI-1 Eligibility ASSET LIMIT NO LIMIT IN NEW YORK STATE INCOME LIMIT (2020) Single Couple Single Couple Single Couple $1,064 $1,437 $1,276 $1,724 $1,436 $1,940 Federal Poverty Level 100% FPL 100 – 120% FPL 120 what do viagra pills do – 135% FPL Benefits Pays Monthly Part B premium?. YES, and also Part A premium if did not have enough work quarters and meets citizenship requirement. See “Part A Buy-In” YES YES Pays Part A &.

B deductibles what do viagra pills do &. Co-insurance YES - with limitations NO NO Retroactive to Filing of Application?. Yes - Benefits begin the month after the month of the MSP application. 18 NYCRR §360-7.8(b)(5) Yes – Retroactive to 3rd month before month of application, if eligible in prior months Yes – may be retroactive to 3rd month before month what do viagra pills do of applica-tion, but only within the current calendar year. (No retro for January application).

See GIS 07 MA 027. Can Enroll what do viagra pills do in MSP and Medicaid at Same Time?. YES YES NO!. Must choose between QI-1 and Medicaid. Cannot have both, not even Medicaid with a spend-down what do viagra pills do.

2. INCOME LIMITS and RULES Each of the three MSP programs has different income eligibility requirements and provides different benefits. The income limits are what do viagra pills do tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 2019 FPL levels were released by NYS DOH in GIS 20 MA/02 - 2020 Federal Poverty Levels -- Attachment II and have been posted by Medicaid.gov and the National Council on Aging and are in the chart below. NOTE.

There is usually a lag in time of several weeks, or even months, from January 1st of each year until the new FPLs are release, what do viagra pills do and then before the new MSP income limits are officially implemented. During this lag period, local Medicaid offices should continue to use the previous year's FPLs AND count the person's Social Security benefit amount from the previous year - do NOT factor in the Social Security COLA (cost of living adjustment). Once the updated guidelines are released, districts will use the new FPLs and go ahead and factor in any COLA. See 2019 Fact Sheet on MSP what do viagra pills do in NYS by Medicare Rights Center ENGLISH SPANISH Income is determined by the same methodology as is used for determining in eligibility for SSI The rules for counting income for SSI-related (Aged 65+, Blind, or Disabled) Medicaid recipients, borrowed from the SSI program, apply to the MSP program, except for the new rules about counting household size for married couples. N.Y.

Soc. Serv. L. 367-a(3)(c)(2), NYS DOH 2000-ADM-7, 89-ADM-7 p.7. Gross income is counted, although there are certain types of income that are disregarded.

The most common income disregards, also known as deductions, include. (a) The first $20 of your &. Your spouse's monthly income, earned or unearned ($20 per couple max). (b) SSI EARNED INCOME DISREGARDS. * The first $65 of monthly wages of you and your spouse, * One-half of the remaining monthly wages (after the $65 is deducted).

* Other work incentives including PASS plans, impairment related work expenses (IRWEs), blind work expenses, etc. For information on these deductions, see The Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD) and other guides in this article -- though written for the MBI-WPD, the work incentives apply to all Medicaid programs, including MSP, for people age 65+, disabled or blind. (c) monthly cost of any health insurance premiums but NOT the Part B premium, since Medicaid will now pay this premium (may deduct Medigap supplemental policies, vision, dental, or long term care insurance premiums, and the Part D premium but only to the extent the premium exceeds the Extra Help benchmark amount) (d) Food stamps not counted. You can get a more comprehensive listing of the SSI-related income disregards on the Medicaid income disregards chart. As for all benefit programs based on financial need, it is usually advantageous to be considered a larger household, because the income limit is higher.

The above chart shows that Households of TWO have a higher income limit than households of ONE. The MSP programs use the same rules as Medicaid does for the Disabled, Aged and Blind (DAB) which are borrowed from the SSI program for Medicaid recipients in the “SSI-related category.” Under these rules, a household can be only ONE or TWO. 18 NYCRR 360-4.2. See DAB Household Size Chart. Married persons can sometimes be ONE or TWO depending on arcane rules, which can force a Medicare beneficiary to be limited to the income limit for ONE person even though his spouse who is under 65 and not disabled has no income, and is supported by the client applying for an MSP.

EXAMPLE. Bob's Social Security is $1300/month. He is age 67 and has Medicare. His wife, Nancy, is age 62 and is not disabled and does not work. Under the old rule, Bob was not eligible for an MSP because his income was above the Income limit for One, even though it was well under the Couple limit.

In 2010, NYS DOH modified its rules so that all married individuals will be considered a household size of TWO. DOH GIS 10 MA 10 Medicare Savings Program Household Size, June 4, 2010. This rule for household size is an exception to the rule applying SSI budgeting rules to the MSP program. Under these rules, Bob is now eligible for an MSP. When is One Better than Two?.

Of course, there may be couples where the non-applying spouse's income is too high, and disqualifies the applying spouse from an MSP. In such cases, "spousal refusal" may be used SSL 366.3(a). (Link is to NYC HRA form, can be adapted for other counties). 3. The Three Medicare Savings Programs - what are they and how are they different?.

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). The QMB program provides the most comprehensive benefits. Available to those with incomes at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), the QMB program covers virtually all Medicare cost-sharing obligations. Part B premiums, Part A premiums, if there are any, and any and all deductibles and co-insurance.

QMB coverage is not retroactive. The program’s benefits will begin the month after the month in which your client is found eligible. ** See special rules about cost-sharing for QMBs below - updated with new CMS directive issued January 2012 ** See NYC HRA QMB Recertification form ** Even if you do not have Part A automatically, because you did not have enough wages, you may be able to enroll in the Part A Buy-In Program, in which people eligible for QMB who do not otherwise have Medicare Part A may enroll, with Medicaid paying the Part A premium (Materials by the Medicare Rights Center). 2. Specifiedl Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB).

For those with incomes between 100% and 120% FPL, the SLMB program will cover Part B premiums only. SLMB is retroactive, however, providing coverage for three months prior to the month of application, as long as your client was eligible during those months. 3. Qualified Individual (QI-1). For those with incomes between 120% and 135% FPL, and not receiving Medicaid, the QI-1 program will cover Medicare Part B premiums only.

QI-1 is also retroactive, providing coverage for three months prior to the month of application, as long as your client was eligible during those months. However, QI-1 retroactive coverage can only be provided within the current calendar year. (GIS 07 MA 027) So if you apply in January, you get no retroactive coverage. Q-I-1 recipients would be eligible for Medicaid with a spend-down, but if they want the Part B premium paid, they must choose between enrolling in QI-1 or Medicaid. They cannot be in both.

It is their choice. DOH MRG p. 19. In contrast, one may receive Medicaid and either QMB or SLIMB. 4.

Four Special Benefits of MSPs (in addition to NO ASSET TEST). Benefit 1. Back Door to Medicare Part D "Extra Help" or Low Income Subsidy -- All MSP recipients are automatically enrolled in Extra Help, the subsidy that makes Part D affordable. They have no Part D deductible or doughnut hole, the premium is subsidized, and they pay very low copayments. Once they are enrolled in Extra Help by virtue of enrollment in an MSP, they retain Extra Help for the entire calendar year, even if they lose MSP eligibility during that year.

The "Full" Extra Help subsidy has the same income limit as QI-1 - 135% FPL. However, many people may be eligible for QI-1 but not Extra Help because QI-1 and the other MSPs have no asset limit. People applying to the Social Security Administration for Extra Help might be rejected for this reason. Recent (2009-10) changes to federal law called "MIPPA" requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to share eligibility data with NYSDOH on all persons who apply for Extra Help/ the Low Income Subsidy. Data sent to NYSDOH from SSA will enable NYSDOH to open MSP cases on many clients.

The effective date of the MSP application must be the same date as the Extra Help application. Signatures will not be required from clients. In cases where the SSA data is incomplete, NYSDOH will forward what is collected to the local district for completion of an MSP application. The State implementing procedures are in DOH 2010 ADM-03. Also see CMS "Dear State Medicaid Director" letter dated Feb.

18, 2010 Benefit 2. MSPs Automatically Waive Late Enrollment Penalties for Part B Generally one must enroll in Part B within the strict enrollment periods after turning age 65 or after 24 months of Social Security Disability. An exception is if you or your spouse are still working and insured under an employer sponsored group health plan, or if you have End Stage Renal Disease, and other factors, see this from Medicare Rights Center. If you fail to enroll within those short periods, you might have to pay higher Part B premiums for life as a Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP). Also, you may only enroll in Part B during the Annual Enrollment Period from January 1 - March 31st each year, with Part B not effective until the following July.

Enrollment in an MSP automatically eliminates such penalties... For life.. Even if one later ceases to be eligible for the MSP. AND enrolling in an MSP will automatically result in becoming enrolled in Part B if you didn't already have it and only had Part A. See Medicare Rights Center flyer.

Benefit 3. No Medicaid Lien on Estate to Recover MSP Benefits Paid Generally speaking, states may place liens on the Estates of deceased Medicaid recipients to recover the cost of Medicaid services that were provided after the recipient reached the age of 55. Since 2002, states have not been allowed to recover the cost of Medicare premiums paid under MSPs. In 2010, Congress expanded protection for MSP benefits. Beginning on January 1, 2010, states may not place liens on the Estates of Medicaid recipients who died after January 1, 2010 to recover costs for co-insurance paid under the QMB MSP program for services rendered after January 1, 2010.

The federal government made this change in order to eliminate barriers to enrollment in MSPs. See NYS DOH GIS 10-MA-008 - Medicare Savings Program Changes in Estate Recovery The GIS clarifies that a client who receives both QMB and full Medicaid is exempt from estate recovery for these Medicare cost-sharing expenses. Benefit 4. SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits not reduced despite increased income from MSP - at least temporarily Many people receive both SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits and MSP. Income for purposes of SNAP/Food Stamps is reduced by a deduction for medical expenses, which includes payment of the Part B premium.

Since approval for an MSP means that the client no longer pays for the Part B premium, his/her SNAP/Food Stamps income goes up, so their SNAP/Food Stamps go down. Here are some protections. Do these individuals have to report to their SNAP worker that their out of pocket medical costs have decreased?. And will the household see a reduction in their SNAP benefits, since the decrease in medical expenses will increase their countable income?. The good news is that MSP households do NOT have to report the decrease in their medical expenses to the SNAP/Food Stamp office until their next SNAP/Food Stamp recertification.

Even if they do report the change, or the local district finds out because the same worker is handling both the MSP and SNAP case, there should be no reduction in the household’s benefit until the next recertification. New York’s SNAP policy per administrative directive 02 ADM-07 is to “freeze” the deduction for medical expenses between certification periods. Increases in medical expenses can be budgeted at the household’s request, but NYS never decreases a household’s medical expense deduction until the next recertification. Most elderly and disabled households have 24-month SNAP certification periods. Eventually, though, the decrease in medical expenses will need to be reported when the household recertifies for SNAP, and the household should expect to see a decrease in their monthly SNAP benefit.

It is really important to stress that the loss in SNAP benefits is NOT dollar for dollar. A $100 decrease in out of pocket medical expenses would translate roughly into a $30 drop in SNAP benefits. See more info on SNAP/Food Stamp benefits by the Empire Justice Center, and on the State OTDA website. Some clients will be automatically enrolled in an MSP by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) shortly after attaining eligibility for Medicare. Others need to apply.

The 2010 "MIPPA" law introduced some improvements to increase MSP enrollment. See 3rd bullet below. Also, some people who had Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act before they became eligible for Medicare have special procedures to have their Part B premium paid before they enroll in an MSP. See below. WHO IS AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED IN AN MSP.

Clients receiving even $1.00 of Supplemental Security Income should be automatically enrolled into a Medicare Savings Program (most often QMB) under New York State’s Medicare Savings Program Buy-in Agreement with the federal government once they become eligible for Medicare. They should receive Medicare Parts A and B. Clients who are already eligible for Medicare when they apply for Medicaid should be automatically assessed for MSP eligibility when they apply for Medicaid. (NYS DOH 2000-ADM-7 and GIS 05 MA 033). Clients who apply to the Social Security Administration for Extra Help, but are rejected, should be contacted &.

Enrolled into an MSP by the Medicaid program directly under new MIPPA procedures that require data sharing. Strategy TIP. Since the Extra Help filing date will be assigned to the MSP application, it may help the client to apply online for Extra Help with the SSA, even knowing that this application will be rejected because of excess assets or other reason. SSA processes these requests quickly, and it will be routed to the State for MSP processing. Since MSP applications take a while, at least the filing date will be retroactive.

Note. The above strategy does not work as well for QMB, because the effective date of QMB is the month after the month of application. As a result, the retroactive effective date of Extra Help will be the month after the failed Extra Help application for those with QMB rather than SLMB/QI-1. Applying for MSP Directly with Local Medicaid Program. Those who do not have Medicaid already must apply for an MSP through their local social services district.

(See more in Section D. Below re those who already have Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act before they became eligible for Medicare. If you are applying for MSP only (not also Medicaid), you can use the simplified MSP application form (theDOH-4328(Rev. 8/2017-- English) (2017 Spanish version not yet available). Either application form can be mailed in -- there is no interview requirement anymore for MSP or Medicaid.

See 10 ADM-04. Applicants will need to submit proof of income, a copy of their Medicare card (front &. Back), and proof of residency/address. See the application form for other instructions. One who is only eligible for QI-1 because of higher income may ONLY apply for an MSP, not for Medicaid too.

One may not receive Medicaid and QI-1 at the same time. If someone only eligible for QI-1 wants Medicaid, s/he may enroll in and deposit excess income into a pooled Supplemental Needs Trust, to bring her countable income down to the Medicaid level, which also qualifies him or her for SLIMB or QMB instead of QI-1. Advocates in NYC can sign up for a half-day "Deputization Training" conducted by the Medicare Rights Center, at which you'll be trained and authorized to complete an MSP application and to submit it via the Medicare Rights Center, which submits it to HRA without the client having to apply in person. Enrolling in an MSP if you already have Medicaid, but just become eligible for Medicare Those who, prior to becoming enrolled in Medicare, had Medicaid through Affordable Care Act are eligible to have their Part B premiums paid by Medicaid (or the cost reimbursed) during the time it takes for them to transition to a Medicare Savings Program. In 2018, DOH clarified that reimbursement of the Part B premium will be made regardless of whether the individual is still in a Medicaid managed care (MMC) plan.

GIS 18 MA/001 Medicaid Managed Care Transition for Enrollees Gaining Medicare ( PDF) provides, "Due to efforts to transition individuals who gain Medicare eligibility and who require LTSS, individuals may not be disenrolled from MMC upon receipt of Medicare. To facilitate the transition and not disadvantage the recipient, the Medicaid program is approving reimbursement of Part B premiums for enrollees in MMC." The procedure for getting the Part B premium paid is different for those whose Medicaid was administered by the NYS of Health Exchange (Marketplace), as opposed to their local social services district. The procedure is also different for those who obtain Medicare because they turn 65, as opposed to obtaining Medicare based on disability. Either way, Medicaid recipients who transition onto Medicare should be automatically evaluated for MSP eligibility at their next Medicaid recertification. NYS DOH 2000-ADM-7 Individuals can also affirmatively ask to be enrolled in MSP in between recertification periods.

IF CLIENT HAD MEDICAID ON THE MARKETPLACE (NYS of Health Exchange) before obtaining Medicare. IF they obtain Medicare because they turn age 65, they will receive a letter from their local district asking them to "renew" Medicaid through their local district. See 2014 LCM-02. Now, their Medicaid income limit will be lower than the MAGI limits ($842/ mo reduced from $1387/month) and they now will have an asset test. For this reason, some individuals may lose full Medicaid eligibility when they begin receiving Medicare.

People over age 65 who obtain Medicare do NOT keep "Marketplace Medicaid" for 12 months (continuous eligibility) See GIS 15 MA/022 - Continuous Coverage for MAGI Individuals. Since MSP has NO ASSET limit. Some individuals may be enrolled in the MSP even if they lose Medicaid, or if they now have a Medicaid spend-down. If a Medicare/Medicaid recipient reports income that exceeds the Medicaid level, districts must evaluate the person’s eligibility for MSP. 08 OHIP/ADM-4 ​If you became eligible for Medicare based on disability and you are UNDER AGE 65, you are entitled to keep MAGI Medicaid for 12 months from the month it was last authorized, even if you now have income normally above the MAGI limit, and even though you now have Medicare.

This is called Continuous Eligibility. EXAMPLE. Sam, age 60, was last authorized for Medicaid on the Marketplace in June 2016. He became enrolled in Medicare based on disability in August 2016, and started receiving Social Security in the same month (he won a hearing approving Social Security disability benefits retroactively, after first being denied disability). Even though his Social Security is too high, he can keep Medicaid for 12 months beginning June 2016.

Sam has to pay for his Part B premium - it is deducted from his Social Security check. He may call the Marketplace and request a refund. This will continue until the end of his 12 months of continues MAGI Medicaid eligibility. He will be reimbursed regardless of whether he is in a Medicaid managed care plan. See GIS 18 MA/001 Medicaid Managed Care Transition for Enrollees Gaining Medicare (PDF) When that ends, he will renew Medicaid and apply for MSP with his local district.

Individuals who are eligible for Medicaid with a spenddown can opt whether or not to receive MSP. (Medicaid Reference Guide (MRG) p. 19). Obtaining MSP may increase their spenddown. MIPPA - Outreach by Social Security Administration -- Under MIPPA, the SSA sends a form letter to people who may be eligible for a Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy - LIS) that they may apply.

The letters are. · Beneficiary has Extra Help (LIS), but not MSP · Beneficiary has no Extra Help (LIS) or MSP 6. Enrolling in MSP for People Age 65+ who do Not have Free Medicare Part A - the "Part A Buy-In Program" Seniors WITHOUT MEDICARE PART A or B -- They may be able to enroll in the Part A Buy-In program, in which people eligible for QMB who are age 65+ who do not otherwise have Medicare Part A may enroll in Part A, with Medicaid paying the Part A premium. See Step-by-Step Guide by the Medicare Rights Center). This guide explains the various steps in "conditionally enrolling" in Part A at the SSA office, which must be done before applying for QMB at the Medicaid office, which will then pay the Part A premium.

See also GIS 04 MA/013. In June, 2018, the SSA revised the POMS manual procedures for the Part A Buy-In to to address inconsistencies and confusion in SSA field offices and help smooth the path for QMB enrollment. The procedures are in the POMS Section HI 00801.140 "Premium-Free Part A Enrollments for Qualified Medicare BenefiIaries." It includes important clarifications, such as. SSA Field Offices should explain the QMB program and conditional enrollment process if an individual lacks premium-free Part A and appears to meet QMB requirements. SSA field offices can add notes to the “Remarks” section of the application and provide a screen shot to the individual so the individual can provide proof of conditional Part A enrollment when applying for QMB through the state Medicaid program.

Beneficiaries are allowed to complete the conditional application even if they owe Medicare premiums. In Part A Buy-in states like NYS, SSA should process conditional applications on a rolling basis (without regard to enrollment periods), even if the application coincides with the General Enrollment Period. (The General Enrollment Period is from Jan 1 to March 31st every year, in which anyone eligible may enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B to be effective on July 1st). 7. What happens after the MSP approval - How is Part B premium paid For all three MSP programs, the Medicaid program is now responsible for paying the Part B premiums, even though the MSP enrollee is not necessarily a recipient of Medicaid.

The local Medicaid office (DSS/HRA) transmits the MSP approval to the NYS Department of Health – that information gets shared w/ SSA and CMS SSA stops deducting the Part B premiums out of the beneficiary’s Social Security check. SSA also refunds any amounts owed to the recipient. (Note. This process can take awhile!. !.

!. ) CMS “deems” the MSP recipient eligible for Part D Extra Help/ Low Income Subsidy (LIS). ​Can the MSP be retroactive like Medicaid, back to 3 months before the application?. ​The answer is different for the 3 MSP programs. QMB -No Retroactive Eligibility – Benefits begin the month after the month of the MSP application.

18 NYCRR § 360-7.8(b)(5) SLIMB - YES - Retroactive Eligibility up to 3 months before the application, if was eligible This means applicant may be reimbursed for the 3 months of Part B benefits prior to the month of application. QI-1 - YES up to 3 months but only in the same calendar year. No retroactive eligibility to the previous year. 7. QMBs -Special Rules on Cost-Sharing.

QMB is the only MSP program which pays not only the Part B premium, but also the Medicare co-insurance. However, there are limitations. First, co-insurance will only be paid if the provide accepts Medicaid. Not all Medicare provides accept Medicaid. Second, under recent changes in New York law, Medicaid will not always pay the Medicare co-insurance, even to a Medicaid provider.

But even if the provider does not accept Medicaid, or if Medicaid does not pay the full co-insurance, the provider is banned from "balance billing" the QMB beneficiary for the co-insurance. Click here for an article that explains all of these rules. This article was authored by the Empire Justice Center.THE PROBLEM. Meet Joe, whose Doctor has Billed him for the Medicare Coinsurance Joe Client is disabled and has SSD, Medicaid and Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). His health care is covered by Medicare, and Medicaid and the QMB program pick up his Medicare cost-sharing obligations.

Under Medicare Part B, his co-insurance is 20% of the Medicare-approved charge for most outpatient services. He went to the doctor recently and, as with any other Medicare beneficiary, the doctor handed him a bill for his co-pay. Now Joe has a bill that he can’t pay. Read below to find out -- SHORT ANSWER. QMB or Medicaid will pay the Medicare coinsurance only in limited situations.

First, the provider must be a Medicaid provider. Second, even if the provider accepts Medicaid, under recent legislation in New York enacted in 2015 and 2016, QMB or Medicaid may pay only part of the coinsurance, or none at all. This depends in part on whether the beneficiary has Original Medicare or is in a Medicare Advantage plan, and in part on the type of service. However, the bottom line is that the provider is barred from "balance billing" a QMB beneficiary for the Medicare coinsurance. Unfortunately, this creates tension between an individual and her doctors, pharmacies dispensing Part B medications, and other providers.

Providers may not know they are not allowed to bill a QMB beneficiary for Medicare coinsurance, since they bill other Medicare beneficiaries. Even those who know may pressure their patients to pay, or simply decline to serve them. These rights and the ramifications of these QMB rules are explained in this article. CMS is doing more education about QMB Rights. The Medicare Handbook, since 2017, gives information about QMB Protections.

Download the 2020 Medicare Handbook here. See pp. 53, 86. 1. To Which Providers will QMB or Medicaid Pay the Medicare Co-Insurance?.

"Providers must enroll as Medicaid providers in order to bill Medicaid for the Medicare coinsurance." CMS Informational Bulletin issued January 6, 2012, titled "Billing for Services Provided to Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs). The CMS bulletin states, "If the provider wants Medicaid to pay the coinsurance, then the provider must register as a Medicaid provider under the state rules." If the provider chooses not to enroll as a Medicaid provider, they still may not "balance bill" the QMB recipient for the coinsurance. 2. How Does a Provider that DOES accept Medicaid Bill for a QMB Beneficiary?. If beneficiary has Original Medicare -- The provider bills Medicaid - even if the QMB Beneficiary does not also have Medicaid.

Medicaid is required to pay the provider for all Medicare Part A and B cost-sharing charges, even if the service is normally not covered by Medicaid (ie, chiropractic, podiatry and clinical social work care). Whatever reimbursement Medicaid pays the provider constitutes by law payment in full, and the provider cannot bill the beneficiary for any difference remaining. 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(n)(3)(A), NYS DOH 2000-ADM-7 If the QMB beneficiary is in a Medicare Advantage plan - The provider bills the Medicare Advantage plan, then bills Medicaid for the balance using a “16” code to get paid. The provider must include the amount it received from Medicare Advantage plan.

3. For a Provider who accepts Medicaid, How Much of the Medicare Coinsurance will be Paid for a QMB or Medicaid Beneficiary in NYS?. The answer to this question has changed by laws enacted in 2015 and 2016. In the proposed 2019 State Budget, Gov. Cuomo has proposed to reduce how much Medicaid pays for the Medicare costs even further.

The amount Medicaid pays is different depending on whether the individual has Original Medicare or is a Medicare Advantage plan, with better payment for those in Medicare Advantage plans. The answer also differs based on the type of service. Part A Deductibles and Coinsurance - Medicaid pays the full Part A hospital deductible ($1,408 in 2020) and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance ($176/day) for days 20 - 100 of a rehab stay. Full payment is made for QMB beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients who have no spend-down. Payments are reduced if the beneficiary has a Medicaid spend-down.

For in-patient hospital deductible, Medicaid will pay only if six times the monthly spend-down has been met. For example, if Mary has a $200/month spend down which has not been met otherwise, Medicaid will pay only $164 of the hospital deductible (the amount exceeding 6 x $200). See more on spend-down here. Medicare Part B - Deductible - Currently, Medicaid pays the full Medicare approved charges until the beneficiary has met the annual deductible, which is $198 in 2020. For example, Dr.

John charges $500 for a visit, for which the Medicare approved charge is $198. Medicaid pays the entire $198, meeting the deductible. If the beneficiary has a spend-down, then the Medicaid payment would be subject to the spend-down. In the 2019 proposed state budget, Gov. Cuomo proposed to reduce the amount Medicaid pays toward the deductible to the same amount paid for coinsurance during the year, described below.

This proposal was REJECTED by the state legislature. Co-Insurance - The amount medicaid pays in NYS is different for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If individual has Original Medicare, QMB/Medicaid will pay the 20% Part B coinsurance only to the extent the total combined payment the provider receives from Medicare and Medicaid is the lesser of the Medicaid or Medicare rate for the service. For example, if the Medicare rate for a service is $100, the coinsurance is $20. If the Medicaid rate for the same service is only $80 or less, Medicaid would pay nothing, as it would consider the doctor fully paid = the provider has received the full Medicaid rate, which is lesser than the Medicare rate.

Exceptions - Medicaid/QMB wil pay the full coinsurance for the following services, regardless of the Medicaid rate. ambulance and psychologists - The Gov's 2019 proposal to eliminate these exceptions was rejected. hospital outpatient clinic, certain facilities operating under certificates issued under the Mental Hygiene Law for people with developmental disabilities, psychiatric disability, and chemical dependence (Mental Hygiene Law Articles 16, 31 or 32). SSL 367-a, subd. 1(d)(iii)-(v) , as amended 2015 If individual is in a Medicare Advantage plan, 85% of the copayment will be paid to the provider (must be a Medicaid provider), regardless of how low the Medicaid rate is.

This limit was enacted in the 2016 State Budget, and is better than what the Governor proposed - which was the same rule used in Original Medicare -- NONE of the copayment or coinsurance would be paid if the Medicaid rate was lower than the Medicare rate for the service, which is usually the case. This would have deterred doctors and other providers from being willing to treat them. SSL 367-a, subd. 1(d)(iv), added 2016. EXCEPTIONS.

The Medicare Advantage plan must pay the full coinsurance for the following services, regardless of the Medicaid rate. ambulance ) psychologist ) The Gov's proposal in the 2019 budget to eliminate these exceptions was rejected by the legislature Example to illustrate the current rules. The Medicare rate for Mary's specialist visit is $185. The Medicaid rate for the same service is $120. Current rules (since 2016).

Medicare Advantage -- Medicare Advantage plan pays $135 and Mary is charged a copayment of $50 (amount varies by plan). Medicaid pays the specialist 85% of the $50 copayment, which is $42.50. The doctor is prohibited by federal law from "balance billing" QMB beneficiaries for the balance of that copayment. Since provider is getting $177.50 of the $185 approved rate, provider will hopefully not be deterred from serving Mary or other QMBs/Medicaid recipients. Original Medicare - The 20% coinsurance is $37.

Medicaid pays none of the coinsurance because the Medicaid rate ($120) is lower than the amount the provider already received from Medicare ($148). For both Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, if the bill was for a ambulance or psychologist, Medicaid would pay the full 20% coinsurance regardless of the Medicaid rate. The proposal to eliminate this exception was rejected by the legislature in 2019 budget. . 4.

May the Provider 'Balance Bill" a QMB Benficiary for the Coinsurance if Provider Does Not Accept Medicaid, or if Neither the Patient or Medicaid/QMB pays any coinsurance?. No. Balance billing is banned by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(n)(3)(A).

In an Informational Bulletin issued January 6, 2012, titled "Billing for Services Provided to Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs)," the federal Medicare agency - CMS - clarified that providers MAY NOT BILL QMB recipients for the Medicare coinsurance. This is true whether or not the provider is registered as a Medicaid provider. If the provider wants Medicaid to pay the coinsurance, then the provider must register as a Medicaid provider under the state rules. This is a change in policy in implementing Section 1902(n)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (the Act), as modified by section 4714 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which prohibits Medicare providers from balance-billing QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing. The CMS letter states, "All Medicare physicians, providers, and suppliers who offer services and supplies to QMBs are prohibited from billing QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing, including deductible, coinsurance, and copayments.

This section of the Act is available at. CMCS Informational Bulletin http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title19/1902.htm. QMBs have no legal obligation to make further payment to a provider or Medicare managed care plan for Part A or Part B cost sharing. Providers who inappropriately bill QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing are subject to sanctions. Please note that the statute referenced above supersedes CMS State Medicaid Manual, Chapter 3, Eligibility, 3490.14 (b), which is no longer in effect, but may be causing confusion about QMB billing." The same information was sent to providers in this Medicare Learning Network bulletin, last revised in June 26, 2018.

CMS reminded Medicare Advantage plans of the rule against Balance Billing in the 2017 Call Letter for plan renewals. See this excerpt of the 2017 call letter by Justice in Aging - Prohibition on Billing Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees for Medicare Cost Sharing 5. How do QMB Beneficiaries Show a Provider that they have QMB and cannot be Billed for the Coinsurance?. It can be difficult to show a provider that one is a QMB. It is especially difficult for providers who are not Medicaid providers to identify QMB's, since they do not have access to online Medicaid eligibility systems Consumers can now call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify their QMB Status and report a billing issue.

If a consumer reports a balance billng problem to this number, the Customer Service Rep can escalate the complaint to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), which will send a compliance letter to the provider with a copy to the consumer. See CMS Medicare Learning Network Bulletin effective Dec. 16, 2016. Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) that Medicare beneficiaries receive every three months state that QMBs have no financial liability for co-insurance for each Medicare-covered service listed on the MSN. The Remittance Advice (RA) that Medicare sends to providers shows the same information.

By spelling out billing protections on a service-by-service basis, the MSNs provide clarity for both the QMB beneficiary and the provider. Justice in Aging has posted samples of what the new MSNs look like here. They have also updated Justice in Aging’s Improper Billing Toolkit to incorporate references to the MSNs in its model letters that you can use to advocate for clients who have been improperly billed for Medicare-covered services. CMS is implementing systems changes that will notify providers when they process a Medicare claim that the patient is QMB and has no cost-sharing liability. The Medicare Summary Notice sent to the beneficiary will also state that the beneficiary has QMB and no liability.

These changes were scheduled to go into effect in October 2017, but have been delayed. Read more about them in this Justice in Aging Issue Brief on New Strategies in Fighting Improper Billing for QMBs (Feb. 2017). QMBs are issued a Medicaid benefit card (by mail), even if they do not also receive Medicaid. The card is the mechanism for health care providers to bill the QMB program for the Medicare deductibles and co-pays.

Unfortunately, the Medicaid card dos not indicate QMB eligibility. Not all people who have Medicaid also have QMB (they may have higher incomes and "spend down" to the Medicaid limits. Advocates have asked for a special QMB card, or a notation on the Medicaid card to show that the individual has QMB. See this Report - a National Survey on QMB Identification Practices published by Justice in Aging, authored by Peter Travitsky, NYLAG EFLRP staff attorney. The Report, published in March 2017, documents how QMB beneficiaries could be better identified in order to ensure providers do not bill them improperly.

6. If you are Billed -​ Strategies Consumers can now call 1-800-MEDICARE to report a billing issue. If a consumer reports a balance billng problem to this number, the Customer Service Rep can escalate the complaint to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), which will send a compliance letter to the provider with a copy to the consumer. See CMS Medicare Learning Network Bulletin effective Dec. 16, 2016.

Send a letter to the provider, using the Justice In Aging Model model letters to providers to explain QMB rights.​​​ both for Original Medicare (Letters 1-2) and Medicare Advantage (Letters 3-5) - see Overview of model letters. Include a link to the CMS Medicare Learning Network Notice. Prohibition on Balance Billing Dually Eligible Individuals Enrolled in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program (revised June 26. 2018) In January 2017, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau issued this guide to QMB billing. A consumer who has a problem with debt collection, may also submit a complaint online or call the CFPB at 1-855-411-2372.

TTY/TDD users can call 1-855-729-2372. Medicare Advantage members should complain to their Medicare Advantage plan. In its 2017 Call Letter, CMS stressed to Medicare Advantage contractors that federal regulations at 42 C.F.R. § 422.504 (g)(1)(iii), require that provider contracts must prohibit collection of deductibles and co-payments from dual eligibles and QMBs. Toolkit to Help Protect QMB Rights ​​In July 2015, CMS issued a report, "Access to Care Issues Among Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB's)" documenting how pervasive illegal attempts to bill QMBs for the Medicare coinsurance, including those who are members of managed care plans.

Serv http://nickfarnell.ca/how-can-i-buy-renova/ can you buy viagra online. L. § 367-a(3)(a), (b), and (d).

2020 Medicare 101 Basics for New York State can you buy viagra online - 1.5 hour webinar by Eric Hausman, sponsored by NYS Office of the Aging TOPICS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE 1. No Asset Limit 1A. Summary Chart of MSP Programs 2.

Income Limits & can you buy viagra online. Rules and Household Size 3. The Three MSP Programs - What are they and how are they Different?.

4 can you buy viagra online. FOUR Special Benefits of MSP Programs. Back Door to Extra Help with Part D MSPs Automatically Waive Late Enrollment Penalties for Part B - and allow enrollment in Part B year-round outside of the short Annual Enrollment Period No Medicaid Lien on Estate to Recover Payment of Expenses Paid by MSP Food Stamps/SNAP not reduced by Decreased Medical Expenses when Enroll in MSP - at least temporarily 5.

Enrolling in an MSP - Automatic Enrollment & can you buy viagra online. Applications for People who Have Medicare What is Application Process?. 6.

Enrolling in an MSP for People age 65+ who Do Not Qualify for Free Medicare Part A - the "Part A Buy-In Program" can you buy viagra online 7. What Happens After MSP Approved - How Part B Premium is Paid 8 Special Rules for QMBs - How Medicare Cost-Sharing Works 1. NO ASSET LIMIT!.

Since April 1, 2008, none of the three MSP programs have resource limits in New York can you buy viagra online -- which means many Medicare beneficiaries who might not qualify for Medicaid because of excess resources can qualify for an MSP. 1.A. SUMMARY CHART OF MSP BENEFITS QMB SLIMB QI-1 Eligibility ASSET LIMIT NO LIMIT IN NEW YORK STATE INCOME LIMIT (2020) Single Couple Single Couple Single Couple $1,064 $1,437 $1,276 $1,724 $1,436 $1,940 Federal Poverty Level 100% FPL 100 – 120% FPL 120 – 135% FPL Benefits Pays Monthly Part B premium?.

YES, and also Part A premium if did not have enough work quarters and meets can you buy viagra online citizenship requirement. See “Part A Buy-In” YES YES Pays Part A &. B deductibles &.

Co-insurance YES - with limitations NO NO Retroactive to Filing can you buy viagra online of Application?. Yes - Benefits begin the month after the month of the MSP application. 18 NYCRR §360-7.8(b)(5) Yes – Retroactive to 3rd month before month of application, if eligible in prior months Yes – may be retroactive to 3rd month before month of applica-tion, but only within the current calendar year.

(No retro for January can you buy viagra online application). See GIS 07 MA 027. Can Enroll in MSP and Medicaid at Same Time?.

YES YES NO! can you buy viagra online. Must choose between QI-1 and Medicaid. Cannot have both, not even Medicaid with a spend-down.

2 can you buy viagra online. INCOME LIMITS and RULES Each of the three MSP programs has different income eligibility requirements and provides different benefits. The income limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

2019 FPL levels were released by NYS DOH in GIS 20 MA/02 - 2020 Federal Poverty Levels -- Attachment II and have been posted by Medicaid.gov and the National can you buy viagra online Council on Aging and are in the chart below. NOTE. There is usually a lag in time of several weeks, or even months, from January 1st of each year until the new FPLs are release, and then before the new MSP income limits are officially implemented.

During this lag period, local Medicaid offices should continue to use the previous year's can you buy viagra online FPLs AND count the person's Social Security benefit amount from the previous year - do NOT factor in the Social Security COLA (cost of living adjustment). Once the updated guidelines are released, districts will use the new FPLs and go ahead and factor in any COLA. See 2019 Fact Sheet on MSP in NYS by Medicare Rights Center ENGLISH SPANISH Income is determined by the same methodology as is used for determining in eligibility for SSI The rules for counting income for SSI-related (Aged 65+, Blind, or Disabled) Medicaid recipients, borrowed from the SSI program, apply to the MSP program, except for the new rules about counting household size for married couples.

L. 367-a(3)(c)(2), NYS DOH 2000-ADM-7, 89-ADM-7 p.7. Gross income is counted, although there are certain types of income that are disregarded.

The most common income disregards, also known as deductions, include. (a) The first $20 of your &. Your spouse's monthly income, earned or unearned ($20 per couple max).

(b) SSI EARNED INCOME DISREGARDS. * The first $65 of monthly wages of you and your spouse, * One-half of the remaining monthly wages (after the $65 is deducted). * Other work incentives including PASS plans, impairment related work expenses (IRWEs), blind work expenses, etc.

For information on these deductions, see The Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD) and other guides in this article -- though written for the MBI-WPD, the work incentives apply to all Medicaid programs, including MSP, for people age 65+, disabled or blind. (c) monthly cost of any health insurance premiums but NOT the Part B premium, since Medicaid will now pay this premium (may deduct Medigap supplemental policies, vision, dental, or long term care insurance premiums, and the Part D premium but only to the extent the premium exceeds the Extra Help benchmark amount) (d) Food stamps not counted. You can get a more comprehensive listing of the SSI-related income disregards on the Medicaid income disregards chart.

As for all benefit programs based on financial need, it is usually advantageous to be considered a larger household, because the income limit is higher. The above chart shows that Households of TWO have a higher income limit than households of ONE. The MSP programs use the same rules as Medicaid does for the Disabled, Aged and Blind (DAB) which are borrowed from the SSI program for Medicaid recipients in the “SSI-related category.” Under these rules, a household can be only ONE or TWO.

18 NYCRR 360-4.2. See DAB Household Size Chart. Married persons can sometimes be ONE or TWO depending on arcane rules, which can force a Medicare beneficiary to be limited to the income limit for ONE person even though his spouse who is under 65 and not disabled has no income, and is supported by the client applying for an MSP.

EXAMPLE. Bob's Social Security is $1300/month. He is age 67 and has Medicare.

His wife, Nancy, is age 62 and is not disabled and does not work. Under the old rule, Bob was not eligible for an MSP because his income was above the Income limit for One, even though it was well under the Couple limit. In 2010, NYS DOH modified its rules so that all married individuals will be considered a household size of TWO.

DOH GIS 10 MA 10 Medicare Savings Program Household Size, June 4, 2010. This rule for household size is an exception to the rule applying SSI budgeting rules to the MSP program. Under these rules, Bob is now eligible for an MSP.

When is One Better than Two?. Of course, there may be couples where the non-applying spouse's income is too high, and disqualifies the applying spouse from an MSP. In such cases, "spousal refusal" may be used SSL 366.3(a).

(Link is to NYC HRA form, can be adapted for other counties). 3. The Three Medicare Savings Programs - what are they and how are they different?.

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). The QMB program provides the most comprehensive benefits.

Available to those with incomes at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), the QMB program covers virtually all Medicare cost-sharing obligations. Part B premiums, Part A premiums, if there are any, and any and all deductibles and co-insurance. QMB coverage is not retroactive.

The program’s benefits will begin the month after the month in which your client is found eligible. ** See special rules about cost-sharing for QMBs below - updated with new CMS directive issued January 2012 ** See NYC HRA QMB Recertification form ** Even if you do not have Part A automatically, because you did not have enough wages, you may be able to enroll in the Part A Buy-In Program, in which people eligible for QMB who do not otherwise have Medicare Part A may enroll, with Medicaid paying the Part A premium (Materials by the Medicare Rights Center). 2.

Specifiedl Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB). For those with incomes between 100% and 120% FPL, the SLMB program will cover Part B premiums only. SLMB is retroactive, however, providing coverage for three months prior to the month of application, as long as your client was eligible during those months.

3. Qualified Individual (QI-1). For those with incomes between 120% and 135% FPL, and not receiving Medicaid, the QI-1 program will cover Medicare Part B premiums only.

QI-1 is also retroactive, providing coverage for three months prior to the month of application, as long as your client was eligible during those months. However, QI-1 retroactive coverage can only be provided within the current calendar year. (GIS 07 MA 027) So if you apply in January, you get no retroactive coverage.

Q-I-1 recipients would be eligible for Medicaid with a spend-down, but if they want the Part B premium paid, they must choose between enrolling in QI-1 or Medicaid. They cannot be in both. It is their choice.

DOH MRG p. 19. In contrast, one may receive Medicaid and either QMB or SLIMB.

4. Four Special Benefits of MSPs (in addition to NO ASSET TEST). Benefit 1.

Back Door to Medicare Part D "Extra Help" or Low Income Subsidy -- All MSP recipients are automatically enrolled in Extra Help, the subsidy that makes Part D affordable. They have no Part D deductible or doughnut hole, the premium is subsidized, and they pay very low copayments. Once they are enrolled in Extra Help by virtue of enrollment in an MSP, they retain Extra Help for the entire calendar year, even if they lose MSP eligibility during that year.

The "Full" Extra Help subsidy has the same income limit as QI-1 - 135% FPL. However, many people may be eligible for QI-1 but not Extra Help because QI-1 and the other MSPs have no asset limit. People applying to the Social Security Administration for Extra Help might be rejected for this reason.

Recent (2009-10) changes to federal law called "MIPPA" requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to share eligibility data with NYSDOH on all persons who apply for Extra Help/ the Low Income Subsidy. Data sent to NYSDOH from SSA will enable NYSDOH to open MSP cases on many clients. The effective date of the MSP application must be the same date as the Extra Help application.

Signatures will not be required from clients. In cases where the SSA data is incomplete, NYSDOH will forward what is collected to the local district for completion of an MSP application. The State implementing procedures are in DOH 2010 ADM-03.

Also see CMS "Dear State Medicaid Director" letter dated Feb. 18, 2010 Benefit 2. MSPs Automatically Waive Late Enrollment Penalties for Part B Generally one must enroll in Part B within the strict enrollment periods after turning age 65 or after 24 months of Social Security Disability.

An exception is if you or your spouse are still working and insured under an employer sponsored group health plan, or if you have End Stage Renal Disease, and other factors, see this from Medicare Rights Center. If you fail to enroll within those short periods, you might have to pay higher Part B premiums for life as a Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP). Also, you may only enroll in Part B during the Annual Enrollment Period from January 1 - March 31st each year, with Part B not effective until the following July.

Enrollment in an MSP automatically eliminates such penalties... For life.. Even if one later ceases to be eligible for the MSP.

AND enrolling in an MSP will automatically result in becoming enrolled in Part B if you didn't already have it and only had Part A. See Medicare Rights Center flyer. Benefit 3.

No Medicaid Lien on Estate to Recover MSP Benefits Paid Generally speaking, states may place liens on the Estates of deceased Medicaid recipients to recover the cost of Medicaid services that were provided after the recipient reached the age of 55. Since 2002, states have not been allowed to recover the cost of Medicare premiums paid under MSPs. In 2010, Congress expanded protection for MSP benefits.

Beginning on January 1, 2010, states may not place liens on the Estates of Medicaid recipients who died after January 1, 2010 to recover costs for co-insurance paid under the QMB MSP program for services rendered after January 1, 2010. The federal government made this change in order to eliminate barriers to enrollment in MSPs. See NYS DOH GIS 10-MA-008 - Medicare Savings Program Changes in Estate Recovery The GIS clarifies that a client who receives both QMB and full Medicaid is exempt from estate recovery for these Medicare cost-sharing expenses.

Benefit 4. SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits not reduced despite increased income from MSP - at least temporarily Many people receive both SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits and MSP. Income for purposes of SNAP/Food Stamps is reduced by a deduction for medical expenses, which includes payment of the Part B premium.

Since approval for an MSP means that the client no longer pays for the Part B premium, his/her SNAP/Food Stamps income goes up, so their SNAP/Food Stamps go down. Here are some protections. Do these individuals have to report to their SNAP worker that their out of pocket medical costs have decreased?.

And will the household see a reduction in their SNAP benefits, since the decrease in medical expenses will increase their countable income?. The good news is that MSP households do NOT have to report the decrease in their medical expenses to the SNAP/Food Stamp office until their next SNAP/Food Stamp recertification. Even if they do report the change, or the local district finds out because the same worker is handling both the MSP and SNAP case, there should be no reduction in the household’s benefit until the next recertification.

New York’s SNAP policy per administrative directive 02 ADM-07 is to “freeze” the deduction for medical expenses between certification periods. Increases in medical expenses can be budgeted at the household’s request, but NYS never decreases a household’s medical expense deduction until the next recertification. Most elderly and disabled households have 24-month SNAP certification periods.

Eventually, though, the decrease in medical expenses will need to be reported when the household recertifies for SNAP, and the household should expect to see a decrease in their monthly SNAP benefit. It is really important to stress that the loss in SNAP benefits is NOT dollar for dollar. A $100 decrease in out of pocket medical expenses would translate roughly into a $30 drop in SNAP benefits.

See more info on SNAP/Food Stamp benefits by the Empire Justice Center, and on the State OTDA website. Some clients will be automatically enrolled in an MSP by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) shortly after attaining eligibility for Medicare. Others need to apply.

The 2010 "MIPPA" law introduced some improvements to increase MSP enrollment. See 3rd bullet below. Also, some people who had Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act before they became eligible for Medicare have special procedures to have their Part B premium paid before they enroll in an MSP.

See below. WHO IS AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED IN AN MSP. Clients receiving even $1.00 of Supplemental Security Income should be automatically enrolled into a Medicare Savings Program (most often QMB) under New York State’s Medicare Savings Program Buy-in Agreement with the federal government once they become eligible for Medicare.

They should receive Medicare Parts A and B. Clients who are already eligible for Medicare when they apply for Medicaid should be automatically assessed for MSP eligibility when they apply for Medicaid. (NYS DOH 2000-ADM-7 and GIS 05 MA 033).

Clients who apply to the Social Security Administration for Extra Help, but are rejected, should be contacted &. Enrolled into an MSP by the Medicaid program directly under new MIPPA procedures that require data sharing. Strategy TIP.

Since the Extra Help filing date will be assigned to the MSP application, it may help the client to apply online for Extra Help with the SSA, even knowing that this application will be rejected because of excess assets or other reason. SSA processes these requests quickly, and it will be routed to the State for MSP processing. Since MSP applications take a while, at least the filing date will be retroactive.

Note. The above strategy does not work as well for QMB, because the effective date of QMB is the month after the month of application. As a result, the retroactive effective date of Extra Help will be the month after the failed Extra Help application for those with QMB rather than SLMB/QI-1.

Applying for MSP Directly with Local Medicaid Program. Those who do not have Medicaid already must apply for an MSP through their local social services district. (See more in Section D.

Below re those who already have Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act before they became eligible for Medicare. If you are applying for MSP only (not also Medicaid), you can use the simplified MSP application form (theDOH-4328(Rev. 8/2017-- English) (2017 Spanish version not yet available).

Either application form can be mailed in -- there is no interview requirement anymore for MSP or Medicaid. See 10 ADM-04. Applicants will need to submit proof of income, a copy of their Medicare card (front &.

Back), and proof of residency/address. See the application form for other instructions. One who is only eligible for QI-1 because of higher income may ONLY apply for an MSP, not for Medicaid too.

One may not receive Medicaid and QI-1 at the same time. If someone only eligible for QI-1 wants Medicaid, s/he may enroll in and deposit excess income into a pooled Supplemental Needs Trust, to bring her countable income down to the Medicaid level, which also qualifies him or her for SLIMB or QMB instead of QI-1. Advocates in NYC can sign up for a half-day "Deputization Training" conducted by the Medicare Rights Center, at which you'll be trained and authorized to complete an MSP application and to submit it via the Medicare Rights Center, which submits it to HRA without the client having to apply in person.

Enrolling in an MSP if you already have Medicaid, but just become eligible for Medicare Those who, prior to becoming enrolled in Medicare, had Medicaid through Affordable Care Act are eligible to have their Part B premiums paid by Medicaid (or the cost reimbursed) during the time it takes for them to transition to a Medicare Savings Program. In 2018, DOH clarified that reimbursement of the Part B premium will be made regardless of whether the individual is still in a Medicaid managed care (MMC) plan. GIS 18 MA/001 Medicaid Managed Care Transition for Enrollees Gaining Medicare ( PDF) provides, "Due to efforts to transition individuals who gain Medicare eligibility and who require LTSS, individuals may not be disenrolled from MMC upon receipt of Medicare.

To facilitate the transition and not disadvantage the recipient, the Medicaid program is approving reimbursement of Part B premiums for enrollees in MMC." The procedure for getting the Part B premium paid is different for those whose Medicaid was administered by the NYS of Health Exchange (Marketplace), as opposed to their local social services district. The procedure is also different for those who obtain Medicare because they turn 65, as opposed to obtaining Medicare based on disability. Either way, Medicaid recipients who transition onto Medicare should be automatically evaluated for MSP eligibility at their next Medicaid recertification.

NYS DOH 2000-ADM-7 Individuals can also affirmatively ask to be enrolled in MSP in between recertification periods. IF CLIENT HAD MEDICAID ON THE MARKETPLACE (NYS of Health Exchange) before obtaining Medicare. IF they obtain Medicare because they turn age 65, they will receive a letter from their local district asking them to "renew" Medicaid through their local district.

See 2014 LCM-02. Now, their Medicaid income limit will be lower than the MAGI limits ($842/ mo reduced from $1387/month) and they now will have an asset test. For this reason, some individuals may lose full Medicaid eligibility when they begin receiving Medicare.

People over age 65 who obtain Medicare do NOT keep "Marketplace Medicaid" for 12 months (continuous eligibility) See GIS 15 MA/022 - Continuous Coverage for MAGI Individuals. Since MSP has NO ASSET limit. Some individuals may be enrolled in the MSP even if they lose Medicaid, or if they now have a Medicaid spend-down.

If a Medicare/Medicaid recipient reports income that exceeds the Medicaid level, districts must evaluate the person’s eligibility for MSP. 08 OHIP/ADM-4 ​If you became eligible for Medicare based on disability and you are UNDER AGE 65, you are entitled to keep MAGI Medicaid for 12 months from the month it was last authorized, even if you now have income normally above the MAGI limit, and even though you now have Medicare. This is called Continuous Eligibility.

EXAMPLE. Sam, age 60, was last authorized for Medicaid on the Marketplace in June 2016. He became enrolled in Medicare based on disability in August 2016, and started receiving Social Security in the same month (he won a hearing approving Social Security disability benefits retroactively, after first being denied disability).

Even though his Social Security is too high, he can keep Medicaid for 12 months beginning June 2016. Sam has to pay for his Part B premium - it is deducted from his Social Security check. He may call the Marketplace and request a refund.

This will continue until the end of his 12 months of continues MAGI Medicaid eligibility. He will be reimbursed regardless of whether he is in a Medicaid managed care plan. See GIS 18 MA/001 Medicaid Managed Care Transition for Enrollees Gaining Medicare (PDF) When that ends, he will renew Medicaid and apply for MSP with his local district.

Individuals who are eligible for Medicaid with a spenddown can opt whether or not to receive MSP. (Medicaid Reference Guide (MRG) p. 19).

Obtaining MSP may increase their spenddown. MIPPA - Outreach by Social Security Administration -- Under MIPPA, the SSA sends a form letter to people who may be eligible for a Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy - LIS) that they may apply. The letters are.

· Beneficiary has Extra Help (LIS), but not MSP · Beneficiary has no Extra Help (LIS) or MSP 6. Enrolling in MSP for People Age 65+ who do Not have Free Medicare Part A - the "Part A Buy-In Program" Seniors WITHOUT MEDICARE PART A or B -- They may be able to enroll in the Part A Buy-In program, in which people eligible for QMB who are age 65+ who do not otherwise have Medicare Part A may enroll in Part A, with Medicaid paying the Part A premium. See Step-by-Step Guide by the Medicare Rights Center).

This guide explains the various steps in "conditionally enrolling" in Part A at the SSA office, which must be done before applying for QMB at the Medicaid office, which will then pay the Part A premium. See also GIS 04 MA/013. In June, 2018, the SSA revised the POMS manual procedures for the Part A Buy-In to to address inconsistencies and confusion in SSA field offices and help smooth the path for QMB enrollment.

The procedures are in the POMS Section HI 00801.140 "Premium-Free Part A Enrollments for Qualified Medicare BenefiIaries." It includes important clarifications, such as. SSA Field Offices should explain the QMB program and conditional enrollment process if an individual lacks premium-free Part A and appears to meet QMB requirements. SSA field offices can add notes to the “Remarks” section of the application and provide a screen shot to the individual so the individual can provide proof of conditional Part A enrollment when applying for QMB through the state Medicaid program.

Beneficiaries are allowed to complete the conditional application even if they owe Medicare premiums. In Part A Buy-in states like NYS, SSA should process conditional applications on a rolling basis (without regard to enrollment periods), even if the application coincides with the General Enrollment Period. (The General Enrollment Period is from Jan 1 to March 31st every year, in which anyone eligible may enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B to be effective on July 1st).

7. What happens after the MSP approval - How is Part B premium paid For all three MSP programs, the Medicaid program is now responsible for paying the Part B premiums, even though the MSP enrollee is not necessarily a recipient of Medicaid. The local Medicaid office (DSS/HRA) transmits the MSP approval to the NYS Department of Health – that information gets shared w/ SSA and CMS SSA stops deducting the Part B premiums out of the beneficiary’s Social Security check.

SSA also refunds any amounts owed to the recipient. (Note. This process can take awhile!.

!. !. ) CMS “deems” the MSP recipient eligible for Part D Extra Help/ Low Income Subsidy (LIS).

​Can the MSP be retroactive like Medicaid, back to 3 months before the application?. ​The answer is different for the 3 MSP programs. QMB -No Retroactive Eligibility – Benefits begin the month after the month of the MSP application.

18 NYCRR § 360-7.8(b)(5) SLIMB - YES - Retroactive Eligibility up to 3 months before the application, if was eligible This means applicant may be reimbursed for the 3 months of Part B benefits prior to the month of application. QI-1 - YES up to 3 months but only in the same calendar year. No retroactive eligibility to the previous year.

7. QMBs -Special Rules on Cost-Sharing. QMB is the only MSP program which pays not only the Part B premium, but also the Medicare co-insurance.

However, there are limitations. First, co-insurance will only be paid if the provide accepts Medicaid. Not all Medicare provides accept Medicaid.

Second, under recent changes in New York law, Medicaid will not always pay the Medicare co-insurance, even to a Medicaid provider. But even if the provider does not accept Medicaid, or if Medicaid does not pay the full co-insurance, the provider is banned from "balance billing" the QMB beneficiary for the co-insurance. Click here for an article that explains all of these rules.

This article was authored by the Empire Justice Center.THE PROBLEM. Meet Joe, whose Doctor has Billed him for the Medicare Coinsurance Joe Client is disabled and has SSD, Medicaid and Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). His health care is covered by Medicare, and Medicaid and the QMB program pick up his Medicare cost-sharing obligations.

Under Medicare Part B, his co-insurance is 20% of the Medicare-approved charge for most outpatient services. He went to the doctor recently and, as with any other Medicare beneficiary, the doctor handed him a bill for his co-pay. Now Joe has a bill that he can’t pay.

Read below to find out -- SHORT ANSWER. QMB or Medicaid will pay the Medicare coinsurance only in limited situations. First, the provider must be a Medicaid provider.

Second, even if the provider accepts Medicaid, under recent legislation in New York enacted in 2015 and 2016, QMB or Medicaid may pay only part of the coinsurance, or none at all. This depends in part on whether the beneficiary has Original Medicare or is in a Medicare Advantage plan, and in part on the type of service. However, the bottom line is that the provider is barred from "balance billing" a QMB beneficiary for the Medicare coinsurance.

Unfortunately, this creates tension between an individual and her doctors, pharmacies dispensing Part B medications, and other providers. Providers may not know they are not allowed to bill a QMB beneficiary for Medicare coinsurance, since they bill other Medicare beneficiaries. Even those who know may pressure their patients to pay, or simply decline to serve them.

These rights and the ramifications of these QMB rules are explained in this article. CMS is doing more education about QMB Rights. The Medicare Handbook, since 2017, gives information about QMB Protections.

Download the 2020 Medicare Handbook here. See pp. 53, 86.

1. To Which Providers will QMB or Medicaid Pay the Medicare Co-Insurance?. "Providers must enroll as Medicaid providers in order to bill Medicaid for the Medicare coinsurance." CMS Informational Bulletin issued January 6, 2012, titled "Billing for Services Provided to Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs).

The CMS bulletin states, "If the provider wants Medicaid to pay the coinsurance, then the provider must register as a Medicaid provider under the state rules." If the provider chooses not to enroll as a Medicaid provider, they still may not "balance bill" the QMB recipient for the coinsurance. 2. How Does a Provider that DOES accept Medicaid Bill for a QMB Beneficiary?.

If beneficiary has Original Medicare -- The provider bills Medicaid - even if the QMB Beneficiary does not also have Medicaid. Medicaid is required to pay the provider for all Medicare Part A and B cost-sharing charges, even if the service is normally not covered by Medicaid (ie, chiropractic, podiatry and clinical social work care). Whatever reimbursement Medicaid pays the provider constitutes by law payment in full, and the provider cannot bill the beneficiary for any difference remaining.

42 U.S.C. § 1396a(n)(3)(A), NYS DOH 2000-ADM-7 If the QMB beneficiary is in a Medicare Advantage plan - The provider bills the Medicare Advantage plan, then bills Medicaid for the balance using a “16” code to get paid. The provider must include the amount it received from Medicare Advantage plan.

3. For a Provider who accepts Medicaid, How Much of the Medicare Coinsurance will be Paid for a QMB or Medicaid Beneficiary in NYS?. The answer to this question has changed by laws enacted in 2015 and 2016.

In the proposed 2019 State Budget, Gov. Cuomo has proposed to reduce how much Medicaid pays for the Medicare costs even further. The amount Medicaid pays is different depending on whether the individual has Original Medicare or is a Medicare Advantage plan, with better payment for those in Medicare Advantage plans.

The answer also differs based on the type of service. Part A Deductibles and Coinsurance - Medicaid pays the full Part A hospital deductible ($1,408 in 2020) and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance ($176/day) for days 20 - 100 of a rehab stay. Full payment is made for QMB beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients who have no spend-down.

Payments are reduced if the beneficiary has a Medicaid spend-down. For in-patient hospital deductible, Medicaid will pay only if six times the monthly spend-down has been met. For example, if Mary has a $200/month spend down which has not been met otherwise, Medicaid will pay only $164 of the hospital deductible (the amount exceeding 6 x $200).

See more on spend-down here. Medicare Part B - Deductible - Currently, Medicaid pays the full Medicare approved charges until the beneficiary has met the annual deductible, which is $198 in 2020. For example, Dr.

John charges $500 for a visit, for which the Medicare approved charge is $198. Medicaid pays the entire $198, meeting the deductible. If the beneficiary has a spend-down, then the Medicaid payment would be subject to the spend-down.

In the 2019 proposed state budget, Gov. Cuomo proposed to reduce the amount Medicaid pays toward the deductible to the same amount paid for coinsurance during the year, described below. This proposal was REJECTED by the state legislature.

Co-Insurance - The amount medicaid pays in NYS is different for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If individual has Original Medicare, QMB/Medicaid will pay the 20% Part B coinsurance only to the extent the total combined payment the provider receives from Medicare and Medicaid is the lesser of the Medicaid or Medicare rate for the service. For example, if the Medicare rate for a service is $100, the coinsurance is $20.

If the Medicaid rate for the same service is only $80 or less, Medicaid would pay nothing, as it would consider the doctor fully paid = the provider has received the full Medicaid rate, which is lesser than the Medicare rate. Exceptions - Medicaid/QMB wil pay the full coinsurance for the following services, regardless of the Medicaid rate. ambulance and psychologists - The Gov's 2019 proposal to eliminate these exceptions was rejected.

hospital outpatient clinic, certain facilities operating under certificates issued under the Mental Hygiene Law for people with developmental disabilities, psychiatric disability, and chemical dependence (Mental Hygiene Law Articles 16, 31 or 32). SSL 367-a, subd. 1(d)(iii)-(v) , as amended 2015 If individual is in a Medicare Advantage plan, 85% of the copayment will be paid to the provider (must be a Medicaid provider), regardless of how low the Medicaid rate is.

This limit was enacted in the 2016 State Budget, and is better than what the Governor proposed - which was the same rule used in Original Medicare -- NONE of the copayment or coinsurance would be paid if the Medicaid rate was lower than the Medicare rate for the service, which is usually the case. This would have deterred doctors and other providers from being willing to treat them. SSL 367-a, subd.

1(d)(iv), added 2016. EXCEPTIONS. The Medicare Advantage plan must pay the full coinsurance for the following services, regardless of the Medicaid rate.

ambulance ) psychologist ) The Gov's proposal in the 2019 budget to eliminate these exceptions was rejected by the legislature Example to illustrate the current rules. The Medicare rate for Mary's specialist visit is $185. The Medicaid rate for the same service is $120.

Current rules (since 2016). Medicare Advantage -- Medicare Advantage plan pays $135 and Mary is charged a copayment of $50 (amount varies by plan). Medicaid pays the specialist 85% of the $50 copayment, which is $42.50.

The doctor is prohibited by federal law from "balance billing" QMB beneficiaries for the balance of that copayment. Since provider is getting $177.50 of the $185 approved rate, provider will hopefully not be deterred from serving Mary or other QMBs/Medicaid recipients. Original Medicare - The 20% coinsurance is $37.

Medicaid pays none of the coinsurance because the Medicaid rate ($120) is lower than the amount the provider already received from Medicare ($148). For both Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, if the bill was for a ambulance or psychologist, Medicaid would pay the full 20% coinsurance regardless of the Medicaid rate. The proposal to eliminate this exception was rejected by the legislature in 2019 budget.

. 4. May the Provider 'Balance Bill" a QMB Benficiary for the Coinsurance if Provider Does Not Accept Medicaid, or if Neither the Patient or Medicaid/QMB pays any coinsurance?.

No. Balance billing is banned by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. 42 U.S.C.

§ 1396a(n)(3)(A). In an Informational Bulletin issued January 6, 2012, titled "Billing for Services Provided to Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs)," the federal Medicare agency - CMS - clarified that providers MAY NOT BILL QMB recipients for the Medicare coinsurance. This is true whether or not the provider is registered as a Medicaid provider.

If the provider wants Medicaid to pay the coinsurance, then the provider must register as a Medicaid provider under the state rules. This is a change in policy in implementing Section 1902(n)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (the Act), as modified by section 4714 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which prohibits Medicare providers from balance-billing QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing. The CMS letter states, "All Medicare physicians, providers, and suppliers who offer services and supplies to QMBs are prohibited from billing QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing, including deductible, coinsurance, and copayments.

This section of the Act is available at. CMCS Informational Bulletin http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title19/1902.htm. QMBs have no legal obligation to make further payment to a provider or Medicare managed care plan for Part A or Part B cost sharing.

Providers who inappropriately bill QMBs for Medicare cost-sharing are subject to sanctions. Please note that the statute referenced above supersedes CMS State Medicaid Manual, Chapter 3, Eligibility, 3490.14 (b), which is no longer in effect, but may be causing confusion about QMB billing." The same information was sent to providers in this Medicare Learning Network bulletin, last revised in June 26, 2018. CMS reminded Medicare Advantage plans of the rule against Balance Billing in the 2017 Call Letter for plan renewals.

See this excerpt of the 2017 call letter by Justice in Aging - Prohibition on Billing Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees for Medicare Cost Sharing 5. How do QMB Beneficiaries Show a Provider that they have QMB and cannot be Billed for the Coinsurance?. It can be difficult to show a provider that one is a QMB.

It is especially difficult for providers who are not Medicaid providers to identify QMB's, since they do not have access to online Medicaid eligibility systems Consumers can now call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify their QMB Status and report a billing issue. If a consumer reports a balance billng problem to this number, the Customer Service Rep can escalate the complaint to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), which will send a compliance letter to the provider with a copy to the consumer. See CMS Medicare Learning Network Bulletin effective Dec.

16, 2016. Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) that Medicare beneficiaries receive every three months state that QMBs have no financial liability for co-insurance for each Medicare-covered service listed on the MSN. The Remittance Advice (RA) that Medicare sends to providers shows the same information.

By spelling out billing protections on a service-by-service basis, the MSNs provide clarity for both the QMB beneficiary and the provider. Justice in Aging has posted samples of what the new MSNs look like here. They have also updated Justice in Aging’s Improper Billing Toolkit to incorporate references to the MSNs in its model letters that you can use to advocate for clients who have been improperly billed for Medicare-covered services.

CMS is implementing systems changes that will notify providers when they process a Medicare claim that the patient is QMB and has no cost-sharing liability. The Medicare Summary Notice sent to the beneficiary will also state that the beneficiary has QMB and no liability. These changes were scheduled to go into effect in October 2017, but have been delayed.

Read more about them in this Justice in Aging Issue Brief on New Strategies in Fighting Improper Billing for QMBs (Feb. 2017). QMBs are issued a Medicaid benefit card (by mail), even if they do not also receive Medicaid.

The card is the mechanism for health care providers to bill the QMB program for the Medicare deductibles and co-pays. Unfortunately, the Medicaid card dos not indicate QMB eligibility. Not all people who have Medicaid also have QMB (they may have higher incomes and "spend down" to the Medicaid limits.

Advocates have asked for a special QMB card, or a notation on the Medicaid card to show that the individual has QMB. See this Report - a National Survey on QMB Identification Practices published by Justice in Aging, authored by Peter Travitsky, NYLAG EFLRP staff attorney. The Report, published in March 2017, documents how QMB beneficiaries could be better identified in order to ensure providers do not bill them improperly.

6. If you are Billed -​ Strategies Consumers can now call 1-800-MEDICARE to report a billing issue. If a consumer reports a balance billng problem to this number, the Customer Service Rep can escalate the complaint to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), which will send a compliance letter to the provider with a copy to the consumer.

See CMS Medicare Learning Network Bulletin effective Dec. 16, 2016. Send a letter to the provider, using the Justice In Aging Model model letters to providers to explain QMB rights.​​​ both for Original Medicare (Letters 1-2) and Medicare Advantage (Letters 3-5) - see Overview of model letters.

Include a link to the CMS Medicare Learning Network Notice.

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Hence, the PIENTER-3 study acted as baseline sample of the Dutch population for the present cross-sectional PICO-study since 6102 participants (80%) consented to lady era viagra be approached for follow-up (after updating addresses and screening of possible deaths). The study was powered to estimate an overall seroprevalence with a precision of at least 2.5%.13 The PICO-study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee MEC-U, the Netherlands (Clinical Trial Registration NTR8473), and conformed to the principles embodied in the Declaration of Helsinki.Geographical representation of number of participants in the PICO-study, the Netherlands, first round of inclusion, per municipality. The size of the dots reflect lady era viagra the absolute number of participants. Thicker grey and smaller light grey boundaries represent provinces and municipalities, respectively, and orange and blue boundaries characterise municipalities from the national and low vaccination coverage sample, respectively." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 1 Geographical representation of number of participants in the PICO-study, the lady era viagra Netherlands, first round of inclusion, per municipality.

The size of the dots reflect the absolute number of participants. Thicker grey and smaller light grey boundaries represent provinces and municipalities, respectively, and orange and blue boundaries characterise municipalities from the lady era viagra national and low vaccination coverage sample, respectively.Study population and materialsOn 25 March 2020, an invitation letter was sent. Invitees (age-range 2–92 years) willing to participate registered online. After enrolment, participants received an instruction letter lady era viagra on how to self-collect a fingerstick blood sample in a microtainer (maximum of 0.3 mL).

Blood samples were lady era viagra returned to the RIVM-laboratory in safety envelopes. Serum samples were stored at −20°C awaiting analyses. Materials were collected between March 31 and May 11, with the majority (80%) in the first week lady era viagra of April 2020 (median collection date April 3). Simultaneous with the blood collection, participants were asked to complete an (online) questionnaire, including questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms, and potential other determinants for erectile dysfunction seropositivity, such as comorbidities, medication use and behavioural factors.

All participants provided written informed consent.Laboratory methodsSerum samples (diluted 1:200) were tested for the presence of erectile dysfunction spike S1-specific IgG antibodies using a validated fluorescent lady era viagra bead-based multiplex-immunoassay as described.14 A cut-off concentration for seropositivity (2.37 AU/mL. With specificity of 99% and sensitivity of 84.4%) was determined by ROC-analysis lady era viagra of 400 pre-viagra control samples (including a nationwide random cross-sectional sample (n=108)) as well as patients with confirmed influenza-like illnesses caused by erectile dysfunctiones and other viagraes, and a selection of sera from 115 PCR-confirmed erectile dysfunction treatment cases with mild, or severe disease symptoms. Seropositive PICO-samples and those with a concentration 25% below the cut-off were retested (n=138), and the geometric mean concentration (GMC) was calculated. Paired pre-viagra lady era viagra PIENTER-3-samples of these retested PICO-samples (available from 129/138) were tested correspondingly as described above to correct for false-positive results (online supplemental figure S1A).Statistical analysesStudy population, erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms and antibody responsesData management and analyses were conducted in SAS v.9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., USA) and R v.3.6.

P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Sociodemographic characteristics and erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms (general, respiratory, and gastrointestinal) developed since the start of the epidemic were stratified by sample lady era viagra (NS vs LVC), or sex, respectively, and described for seropositive and seronegative participants. Differences were tested via Pearson’s χ², lady era viagra or Fisher’s exact test if appropriate. Differences in GMC between reported symptoms in seropositive participants were determined by calculating the difference in log-transformed concentrations of those who developed symptoms at least 4 weeks prior to the sampling—ensuring a plateaued response—and tested by means of a Mann-Whitney U-test.Seroprevalence estimatesSeroprevalence estimates (with 95% Wilson CIs (CI)) for erectile dysfunction-specific antibodies were calculated taking into account the survey design (ie, controlling for region and municipality) and weighted by sex, age, ethnic background and degree of urbanisation to match the distribution of the general Dutch population in both the NS and LVC sample.

Estimates were corrected lady era viagra for test performance via the Rogan &. Gladen bias correction (with sensitivity of 84.4% and assuming a specificity of 100% after cross-validation with pre-sera).15 Smooth age-specific seroprevalence estimates were obtained with a logistic regression in a Generalised Additive Model using penalised splines.16Risk factors for erectile dysfunction seropositivityA random-effects logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for erectile dysfunction seropositivity, applying a full case analysis (n=3100. Values were lady era viagra missing for <5% of the participants). Potential risk factors included sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age group, region, ethnic background, Orthodox-Reformed Protestants, educational level, household size, (parent with a) contact profession, healthcare worker), and erectile dysfunction treatment-related factors (contact with a erectile dysfunction treatment confirmed case, number of persons contacted yesterday, working from home (normally and in the last week), comorbidities (combining diabetes, history of malignancy, immunodeficiency, cardio-vascular, kidney and chronic lung disease (note lady era viagra.

As a sensitivity analysis, comorbidities were also included separately)), and use of blood pressure medication, immunosuppressants, statins and antivirals/antibiotics in the last month). Models included a random intercept, potential clustering by municipality and region was accounted for, and odds ratios (OR) in univariable analyses were a priori adjusted for sex lady era viagra and age. Variables with p<0.10 were entered in the multivariable analysis, and backward selection was performed—manually dropping variables one-by-one based on p≥0.05—to identify significant risk factors. Adjusted ORs and corresponding 95% lady era viagra CIs were provided.RESULTSStudy populationOf 6102 invitees, 3207 (53%) donated a serum sample and filled-out the questionnaire, of which 2637 persons from the NS and 570 from the LVC.

Participants from across the country participated (figure 1), with age ranging from 2 lady era viagra to 90 years (table 1). In the NS, slightly more women (55%) participated, most (88%) were of Dutch descent, nearly half had a high educational level, and 45% was religious. 20 percent of persons between age 25–66 years were healthcare workers and 56% of lady era viagra the (parents of) participants reported to have had daily contact with patients, clients and/or children in their profession/volunteer work normally. Over half of the participants lived in a ≥2-person household, and 78% reported to have had physical contact with <5 people outside their own household yesterday (during lockdown), of which more than half with nobody.

Comorbidities most frequently reported included chronic lung and cardiovascular disease (both 13%), and a history of malignancy (5%) lady era viagra. In line with the population distribution, lady era viagra the LVC sample was characterised by a relative high proportion of Orthodox-Reformed Protestants from Dutch descent (table 1). Sociodemographic characteristics between responders and non-responders are provided in online supplemental table S1.View this table:Table 1 Sociodemographic characteristics of participants in the PICO-study and weighted seroprevalence in the general population of the Netherlands, first round of inclusion, by national sample and low vaccination coverage sampleSupplemental materialerectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms and antibody responsesIn total, 63% of participants reported to have had ≥1 erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptom(s) since the start of the epidemic, with runny nose (37%), headache (33%), and cough (30%) being most common (table 2). All reported symptoms were lady era viagra significantly higher in seropositive compared to seronegative persons, except for stomach ache.

The majority of those seropositive (93%) lady era viagra reported to have had symptoms (90% of men vs 95% of women), of whom three already in mid-February, 2 weeks prior to the official first notification. Median duration of illness in the seropositive participants was 8.5 days (IQR. 4.0–12.5), 16% (n=12) visited ageneral practitioner and one was admitted to lady era viagra the hospital. Among seropositive persons, most reported to have had ≥1 respiratory symptom(s) (86%), with runny nose and cough (both 61%) most regularly, and ≥1 general (84%) symptom(s), of which anosmia/ageusia (53%) was most discriminative as compared to the seronegative participants (4%, p<0.0001) (table 2).

Symptoms were more common in women, except for anosmia/ageusia, cough lady era viagra and irritable/confusion. Almost 75% of the seropositive participants met the erectile dysfunction treatment case definition of fever and/or cough lady era viagra and/or dyspnoea, which improved to 80% when anosmia/ageusia was included—while remaining 36% in those seronegative. GMC was significantly higher among seropositive persons with fever vs without (48.2 vs 11.6 AU/mL, p=0.01), and with dyspnoea vs without (78.6 vs 13.5 AU/mL, p=0.04).View this table:Table 2 erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms since the start of the epidemic among all participants in the PICO-study reporting symptoms (n=3147), first round of inclusionSeroprevalence estimatesOverall weighted seroprevalence in the NS was 2.8% (95% CI 2.1 to 3.7), did not differ between sexes or ethnic backgrounds (table 1), and was not higher among healthcare workers (2.7% vs non-healthcare workers 2.5%). Seroprevalence was lowest in the lady era viagra northern region (1.3%) and highest in the mid-west (4.0%).

Estimates were lowest in children—gradually increasing from below 1% at age 2 years to 3% at 17 years—was highest in age group 18–39 years (4.9%) and ranged between 2 and 4% up to 90 years of age (figure 2). In both samples, seroprevalence was highest in Orthodox-Reformed Protestants lady era viagra (>7%) (table 1). Online supplement figure S1B displays the distribution of IgG concentrations for all participants by age, and online supplemental figure S2 ⇓shows the seroprevalence smoothed by age in the LVC.Smooth age-specific erectile dysfunction seroprevalence in the general population of the Netherlands, beginning of April 2020." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 2 Smooth age-specific erectile dysfunction seroprevalence in the general population of the Netherlands, beginning of April 2020.Risk factors for erectile dysfunction seropositivityVariables that were associated lady era viagra with erectile dysfunction seropositivity in univariable analyses included age group, Orthodox-Reformed Protestant, had been in contact with a erectile dysfunction treatment case, use of immunosuppressants, and antibiotic/antiviral medication in the last month (table 3). In multivariable analysis, substantial higher odds were observed for those who took immunosuppressants the last month, were Orthodox-Reformed Protestant, had been in contact with a erectile dysfunction treatment confirmed case, and from age groups 18–24 and 25–39 years (compared to 2–12 years).View this table:Table 3 Risk factor analysis for erectile dysfunction seropositivity among all participants (n=3100.

Full case analysis) in the PICO-study, first round of inclusionDISCUSSIONHere, we have estimated the seroprevalence of erectile dysfunction-specific antibodies and identified risk factors for seropositivity in the general population of the Netherlands during the first epidemic wave in April lady era viagra 2020. Although overall seroprevalence was still low at this phase, important risk factors for seropositivity could be identified, including adults aged 18–39 years, persons using immunosuppressants, and Orthodox-Reformed Protestants. These data can guide future interventions, including strategies for vaccination, believed to be a realistic solution to overcome this viagra.This PICO-study revealed that 2.8% (95% CI 2.1 to 3.7) of the Dutch population had detectable erectile dysfunction-specific serum IgG antibodies, suggesting that almost half a million inhabitants (of in total lady era viagra 17 423 98117) were infected (487 871 (95% CI 365 904 to 644 687)) in mid-March, 2020 (taking into account the median time to seroconvert18). Several seropositive lady era viagra participants reported to have had erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms back in mid-February, suggesting the viagra circulated in our country at the beginning of February already.

Our overall estimate is in line with preliminary results from another study conducted in the Netherlands in the beginning of April which found 2.7% to be seropositive, although this study was performed in healthy blood donors aged 18–79 years.19 Worldwide, various seroprevalence studies are ongoing. A large nationwide study in Spain showed that around 5% (ranging between 3.7% and 6.2%) was seropositive, indicating that only a small proportion of the population lady era viagra had been infected in one of the hardest hit countries in Europe. Current studies in literature mostly cover erectile dysfunction treatment hotspots or specific regions—with possibly bias in selection of participants and/or smaller age-ranges—with rates ranging between 1–7% in April (eg, in Los Angeles County (CA, USA)20 or ten other sites in the USA,21 Geneva (Switzerland),22 and Luxembourg23). Estimates also very much depend lady era viagra on test performances.

Particularly, when seroprevalence is relatively low, specificity of lady era viagra the assay should approach near 100% to diminish false-positive results and minimise overestimation. Although we cannot rule-out false-positive samples completely, our assay was validated using a broad range of positive and negative erectile dysfunction samples. PICO-samples were cross-linked to pre-viagra concentration lady era viagra. And bias correction for test performance was applied to represent most accurate estimates.

In addition, future studies should establish whether epidemiologically dominant genetic changes in the spike protein of erectile dysfunction influence binding to spike S1 used in our and other assays.Seroprevalence was highest in adults aged 18–39 years, which is in line with the serosurvey among blood donors in the Netherlands, but contrary to the low lady era viagra incidence rate as reported in Dutch surveillance, caused by restrictive testing of risk groups and healthcare workers at the beginning of the epidemic, primarily identifying severe cases.3 19 The elevation in these younger adults may be explained by increased social contacts typical for this age group, in addition to specific social activities in February, such as skiing holidays in the Alps (from where the viagra disseminated quickly across Europe), or carnival festivities in the Netherlands (ie, multiple superspreading events primarily in the mid and Southern part, explaining local elevation in seroprevalence). In correspondence with other lady era viagra nationwide studies8 9 and reports from the Dutch government,3 24 seroprevalence was lowest in children. Although some rare events of paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome have been reported, this group seems to be at decreased risk for developing (severe) erectile dysfunction treatment in general, which may be explained by less severe possibly resulting in a limited humoral response.25 26 Further, significantly higher odds for seropositivity were seen in Orthodox-Reformed Protestants. This community lives socio-geographically clustered in the Netherlands, that is, work, school, leisure and church are lady era viagra intertwined heavily.

As observed in other countries, particularly frequent attendance of church with close distance to others, including singing activities, might have fuelled the spread of erectile dysfunction within this community in the beginning of the epidemic.11 12 Whereas the comorbidities with possible increased risk of severe erectile dysfunction treatment were not associated with seropositivity in this study, immunosuppressants use did display higher odds (note. We did not have information of specific lady era viagra drugs). Recent data indicate that immunosuppressive treatment is not associated with worse erectile dysfunction treatment outcomes,27 28 yet continued surveillance is warranted as these patients might be more prone to (future) , for instance due lady era viagra to a possible attenuated humoral immune response.29The majority of seropositive participants exhibited ≥1 symptom(s), mostly general and respiratory. A recent meta-analysis found a pooled asymptomatic proportion of 16%,5 hence the observed overall fraction in the present study (7%) might be a conservative estimate as the self-reported symptoms could have been due to other reasons or circulating pathogens along the recalled period (ie, 62% of the seronegative participants reported symptoms too).

The asymptomatic proportion might be different across ages5 and should be explored further lady era viagra along with elucidating the overall contribution of asymptomatic transmission via well-designed contact-tracing studies. Interestingly, clinical studies have observed anosmia/ageusia to be associated with erectile dysfunction , and this notion is supported here at a population-based level.30 In the viagra context, sudden onset of anosmia/ageusia seems to be a useful surveillance tool, which can contribute to early disease recognition and minimise transmission by rapid self-isolation.This study has some limitations. First, although half of the total lady era viagra municipalities in the Netherlands were included, some erectile dysfunction treatment hotspots might be missed due to the study design. Second, our study population consisted of more Dutch (88%) than non-Dutch persons and relative more healthcare workers (20%) when compared to the general population (76% and 14%, respectively).17 Healthcare workers in the Netherlands do not seem to have had a higher likelihood of , and transmission seems to have taken place mostly in household settings.3 31 Although selectivity in response was minimised by weighting our study sample on a set of sociodemographic characters to lady era viagra match the Dutch population, seroprevalence might still be slightly influenced.

Third, some potential determinants for seropositivity could have been missed as we might have been underpowered to detect small differences given the low prevalence in this phase, or because these questions had not been included in the questionnaire (as it was designed in the very beginning of the epidemic). Finally, at this stage the proportion of infected individuals that fail to show detectable seroconversion is unknown, potentially leading to underestimation of the percentage of infected persons.To conclude, we estimated that 2.8% of the Dutch inhabitants, that is, nearly half a million, lady era viagra were infected with erectile dysfunction amidst the first epidemic wave in the beginning of April 2020. This is in striking contrast with the 30-fold lower number of reported cases (of approximately 15 000)3, and underlines the importance of seroepidemiological studies to estimate the true viagra size. The proportion of persons still susceptible to erectile dysfunction is high and IFR is substantial.4 Globally, nationwide seroepidemiological studies are urgently needed for better understanding of related risk factors, viral spread, and measures applied to mitigate dissemination.7 The prospective nature of our study will enable us to gain key insights on the duration and quality of antibody responses in infected persons, and hence possible protection of disease by antibodies.6 Serosurveys will thus play a lady era viagra major role in guiding future interventions, such as strategies for vaccination (of risk groups), since even when treatments become available, initial treatment availability will be limited.What is already known on this topicReported erectile dysfunction treatment cases worldwide are an underestimation of the true magnitude of the viagra as the scope of undetected cases remains largely unknown.Various symptoms and risk factors have been identified in patients seeking medical advice, however, these may not be representative for s in the general population.Seroepidemiological studies in outbreak settings have been performed, however, studies on a nationwide level covering all ages remain limited.What this study addsThis nationwide seroepidemiological study covering all ages reveals that 2.8% of the Dutch population had been infected with erectile dysfunction at the beginning of April 2020, that is, 30 times higher than the official cases reported, leaving a large proportion of the population still susceptible for .The highest seroprevalence was observed in young adults from 18 to 39 years of age and lowest in children aged 2 to 17 years, indicating marginal erectile dysfunction s among children in general.Persons taking immunosuppressants as well as those from the Orthodox-Reformed Protestant community had over four times higher odds of being seropositive compared to others.The extend of the spread of erectile dysfunction and the risk groups identified here, can inform monitoring strategies and guide future interventions internationally.AcknowledgmentsFirst of all, we gratefully acknowledge the participants of the PICO-study.

Secondly, this study would not have been possible without the instrumental contribution of colleagues from the National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands, more specially the department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases and treatments, regarding logistics and/or laboratory analyses (Marjan Bogaard-van Maurik, Annemarie Buisman, Pieter van Gageldonk, Hinke ten Hulscher-van Overbeek, Petra Jochemsen, Deborah Kleijne, Jessica Loch, Marjan Kuijer, Milou Ohm, Hella Pasmans, Lia de Rond, Debbie van Rooijen, Liza Tymchenko, Esther van Woudenbergh, and Mary-lene de Zeeuw-Brouwer), the Epidemiology and Surveillance department concerning logistics (Francoise van Heiningen, Alies van Lier, Jeanet Kemmeren, Joske Hoes, Maarten Immink, Marit Middeldorp, Christiaan Oostdijk, Ilse Schinkel-Gordijn, Yolanda van Weert, and Anneke Westerhof), methodological insights (Hendriek Boshuizen, Susan Hahné, Scott McDonald, Rianne van Gageldonk-Lafeber, Jan van de Kassteele, and Maarten Schipper) and manuscript reviewing (Susan lady era viagra van den Hof, and Don Klinkenberg), department of IT and Communication for help with the invitations (Luppo de Vries, Daphne Gijselaar, and Maaike Mathu), student interns for additional support (Stijn Andeweg for creating online supplemental figures 1A and 1B. Janine Wolf, Natasha Kaagman, and Demi Wagenaar for logistics. And Lisette van Cooten for data entry of paper questionnaires), and Sidekick-IT, Breda, the Netherlands, regarding data flow (Tim lady era viagra de Hoog). This study was funded by the ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports (VWS), the Netherlands..

IntroductionEarly life is regarded as a crucial period of neurobiological, emotional, social and physical can you buy viagra online development in all animal species and may have long-term implications for health across the life course. The first studies examining the preadult origins of chronic disease were probably published more than 50 years ago and based on rodent models.1 By briefly administering a suboptimal diet to newborn mice, Dubos can you buy viagra online and others1 demonstrated a marked impact on subsequent growth and resistance to . In the 1970s, Forsdahl,2 using infant mortality rates as a proxy for living conditions at birth, arguably provided the first evidence in humans for an association with heart disease in later life.

In the last two decades, findings can you buy viagra online from longitudinal studies with extended mortality and morbidity surveillance have implicated a host of preadult characteristics as potential risk factors for several chronic disease outcomes, including perinatal and postnatal growth,3 coordination,4 intelligence,5 6 mental health,7 overweight,8 9 physical stature,10 raised blood pressure,11 12 cigarette smoking,13 physical strength14 and diet15 among many others.16An array of prospective studies has also demonstrated associations of childhood socioeconomic disadvantage–indexed by paternal social class or education, the presence of household amenities and domestic overcrowding—with somatic health outcomes in adulthood, chiefly premature mortality and cardiovascular disease.17 18 Parallel work has been undertaken by psychologists and psychiatrists exploring the consequences of childhood maeatment for later psychopathologies—perhaps the most well examined health endpoint in this context.19 20 Collectively, these early life circumstances have been more widely defined to comprise the separate themes of material deprivation (eg, economic hardship and long-term unemployment). Stressful family dynamics (eg, can you buy viagra online physical and emotional abuse, psychiatric illness or substance abuse by a family member). Loss or threat of loss (eg, death or serious illness …INTRODUCTIONSevere acute respiratory syndrome erectile dysfunction 2 (erectile dysfunction), causative agent of erectile dysfunction disease (erectile dysfunction treatment), emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared erectile dysfunction treatment a viagra, with over 10 million confirmed cases as of the beginning of July 2020.1 2 The first patient in the Netherlands was confirmed on 27 can you buy viagra online February 2020.3 Cases primarily clustered in the southeastern part of the country, but were reported in other regions quickly hereafter. Multi-pronged interventions to suppress the spread of the viagra, including social distancing, school and bar/restaurant closure, and stringent advice to home quarantine when feeling ill and work from home, were implemented on 16 March 2020—and were relaxed gradually since 1 June 2020. By 1 July 2020, 50 273 cases, 11 877 hospitalisations, and 6113 related deaths were reported in the Netherlands.3Supplemental materialReported erectile dysfunction treatment cases worldwide are an underestimation of can you buy viagra online the true magnitude of the viagra.

The scope of undetected cases remains largely unknown due to difference in restrictive testing policy and registration across countries, and occurrence of asymptomatic s.4 5 Large-scale nationwide serosurveillance studies measuring erectile dysfunction-specific serum antibodies could help to better assess the number of s, viral spread, and can you buy viagra online groups at risk of in the general population by incorporating extensive questionnaire data, for example, on lifestyle, behaviour and profession. This might yield different factors than those identified for (severely-ill) clinical cases investigated more frequently up until now.6 7 Unfortunately, such nationwide studies (eg, in Spain8 and Iceland,9) also referred to as Unity Studies by the WHO,10 are scarce and mainly set up through convenience sampling.Therefore, a nationwide serosurveillance study (PIENTER-Corona, PICO) was initiated quickly after the lockdown was in effect. This cohort is unique as it comprises data available from a previous serosurvey established in 2016/17 (PIENTER-3) of a randomised nationwide sample of Dutch citizens, across all ages and a separate sample enriched for can you buy viagra online Orthodox-Reformed Protestants, whom might have been exposed to erectile dysfunction more frequently due to their socio-geographical-clustered lifestyle.11 12 The presented serological framework and findings of our first round of inclusion can support public health policy in the Netherlands as well as internationally.METHODSStudy designIn 2016/17, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands (RIVM) initiated a large-scale nationwide serosurveillance study (PIENTER-3) (n=7600.

Age-range 0–89 years). The primary aim was to obtain insights into the protection against treatment-preventable diseases can you buy viagra online offered by the National Immunisation Programme in the Netherlands. A comprehensive description of PIENTER-3 has been published previously.13 Briefly, participants were selected can you buy viagra online via a two-stage cluster design, comprising 40 municipalities in five regions nationwide (henceforth ‘national sample’, NS), and nine municipalities in the low vaccination coverage municipalities (LVC), inhabited by a relative large proportion of Orthodox-Reformed Protestants (figure 1).

Among other materials, sera and questionnaire data had been collected from all participants. Hence, the PIENTER-3 can you buy viagra online study acted as baseline sample of the Dutch population for the present cross-sectional PICO-study since 6102 participants (80%) consented to be approached for follow-up (after updating addresses and screening of possible deaths). The study was powered to estimate an overall seroprevalence with a precision of at least 2.5%.13 The PICO-study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee MEC-U, the Netherlands (Clinical Trial Registration NTR8473), and conformed to the principles embodied in the Declaration of Helsinki.Geographical representation of number of participants in the PICO-study, the Netherlands, first round of inclusion, per municipality.

The size of the dots reflect the absolute can you buy viagra online number of participants. Thicker grey and smaller light grey boundaries represent provinces and municipalities, respectively, and orange and blue boundaries characterise municipalities from the national and low vaccination coverage sample, respectively." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 1 Geographical representation of number of participants in the PICO-study, the Netherlands, first can you buy viagra online round of inclusion, per municipality. The size of the dots reflect the absolute number of participants.

Thicker grey and smaller light grey boundaries represent provinces and municipalities, respectively, and orange can you buy viagra online and blue boundaries characterise municipalities from the national and low vaccination coverage sample, respectively.Study population and materialsOn 25 March 2020, an invitation letter was sent. Invitees (age-range 2–92 years) willing to participate registered online. After enrolment, participants received an instruction letter on how to self-collect a fingerstick can you buy viagra online blood sample in a microtainer (maximum of 0.3 mL).

Blood samples were returned to the RIVM-laboratory can you buy viagra online in safety envelopes. Serum samples were stored at −20°C awaiting analyses. Materials were collected between March 31 and May 11, with the majority (80%) in the first week of April 2020 (median can you buy viagra online collection date April 3).

Simultaneous with the blood collection, participants were asked to complete an (online) questionnaire, including questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms, and potential other determinants for erectile dysfunction seropositivity, such as comorbidities, medication use and behavioural factors. All participants provided written informed consent.Laboratory methodsSerum samples (diluted 1:200) were tested for the presence of erectile dysfunction spike can you buy viagra online S1-specific IgG antibodies using a validated fluorescent bead-based multiplex-immunoassay as described.14 A cut-off concentration for seropositivity (2.37 AU/mL. With specificity of 99% and sensitivity of 84.4%) was determined by ROC-analysis of 400 pre-viagra control samples (including a nationwide random cross-sectional sample (n=108)) as well as patients with confirmed influenza-like illnesses caused by erectile dysfunctiones and other viagraes, and a selection of sera from 115 PCR-confirmed erectile dysfunction treatment cases with mild, or severe disease can you buy viagra online symptoms.

Seropositive PICO-samples and those with a concentration 25% below the cut-off were retested (n=138), and the geometric mean concentration (GMC) was calculated. Paired pre-viagra PIENTER-3-samples of these retested PICO-samples can you buy viagra online (available from 129/138) were tested correspondingly as described above to correct for false-positive results (online supplemental figure S1A).Statistical analysesStudy population, erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms and antibody responsesData management and analyses were conducted in SAS v.9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., USA) and R v.3.6. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Sociodemographic characteristics and erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms (general, respiratory, and gastrointestinal) developed since can you buy viagra online the start of the epidemic were stratified by sample (NS vs LVC), or sex, respectively, and described for seropositive and seronegative participants. Differences were tested via Pearson’s χ², or Fisher’s can you buy viagra online exact test if appropriate. Differences in GMC between reported symptoms in seropositive participants were determined by calculating the difference in log-transformed concentrations of those who developed symptoms at least 4 weeks prior to the sampling—ensuring a plateaued response—and tested by means of a Mann-Whitney U-test.Seroprevalence estimatesSeroprevalence estimates (with 95% Wilson CIs (CI)) for erectile dysfunction-specific antibodies were calculated taking into account the survey design (ie, controlling for region and municipality) and weighted by sex, age, ethnic background and degree of urbanisation to match the distribution of the general Dutch population in both the NS and LVC sample.

Estimates were corrected for test performance via the Rogan can you buy viagra online &. Gladen bias correction (with sensitivity of 84.4% and assuming a specificity of 100% after cross-validation with pre-sera).15 Smooth age-specific seroprevalence estimates were obtained with a logistic regression in a Generalised Additive Model using penalised splines.16Risk factors for erectile dysfunction seropositivityA random-effects logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for erectile dysfunction seropositivity, applying a full case analysis (n=3100. Values were missing for can you buy viagra online <5% of the participants).

Potential risk factors included sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age group, region, ethnic background, Orthodox-Reformed can you buy viagra online Protestants, educational level, household size, (parent with a) contact profession, healthcare worker), and erectile dysfunction treatment-related factors (contact with a erectile dysfunction treatment confirmed case, number of persons contacted yesterday, working from home (normally and in the last week), comorbidities (combining diabetes, history of malignancy, immunodeficiency, cardio-vascular, kidney and chronic lung disease (note. As a sensitivity analysis, comorbidities were also included separately)), and use of blood pressure medication, immunosuppressants, statins and antivirals/antibiotics in the last month). Models included a random intercept, potential clustering by municipality and region was accounted for, and odds ratios (OR) in univariable analyses were a priori adjusted for sex and can you buy viagra online age.

Variables with p<0.10 were entered in the multivariable analysis, and backward selection was performed—manually dropping variables one-by-one based on p≥0.05—to identify significant risk factors. Adjusted ORs and corresponding can you buy viagra online 95% CIs were provided.RESULTSStudy populationOf 6102 invitees, 3207 (53%) donated a serum sample and filled-out the questionnaire, of which 2637 persons from the NS and 570 from the LVC. Participants from across can you buy viagra online the country participated (figure 1), with age ranging from 2 to 90 years (table 1).

In the NS, slightly more women (55%) participated, most (88%) were of Dutch descent, nearly half had a high educational level, and 45% was religious. 20 percent of persons between age 25–66 years were healthcare workers and 56% of the (parents of) participants reported to have had daily contact can you buy viagra online with patients, clients and/or children in their profession/volunteer work normally. Over half of the participants lived in a ≥2-person household, and 78% reported to have had physical contact with <5 people outside their own household yesterday (during lockdown), of which more than half with nobody.

Comorbidities most frequently reported included chronic lung and cardiovascular disease (both 13%), and a history of malignancy (5%) can you buy viagra online. In line with the population distribution, the LVC sample was characterised can you buy viagra online by a relative high proportion of Orthodox-Reformed Protestants from Dutch descent (table 1). Sociodemographic characteristics between responders and non-responders are provided in online supplemental table S1.View this table:Table 1 Sociodemographic characteristics of participants in the PICO-study and weighted seroprevalence in the general population of the Netherlands, first round of inclusion, by national sample and low vaccination coverage sampleSupplemental materialerectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms and antibody responsesIn total, 63% of participants reported to have had ≥1 erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptom(s) since the start of the epidemic, with runny nose (37%), headache (33%), and cough (30%) being most common (table 2).

All reported symptoms were significantly higher in seropositive compared to can you buy viagra online seronegative persons, except for stomach ache. The majority of those seropositive (93%) reported to have had symptoms can you buy viagra online (90% of men vs 95% of women), of whom three already in mid-February, 2 weeks prior to the official first notification. Median duration of illness in the seropositive participants was 8.5 days (IQR.

4.0–12.5), 16% can you buy viagra online (n=12) visited ageneral practitioner and one was admitted to the hospital. Among seropositive persons, most reported to have had ≥1 respiratory symptom(s) (86%), with runny nose and cough (both 61%) most regularly, and ≥1 general (84%) symptom(s), of which anosmia/ageusia (53%) was most discriminative as compared to the seronegative participants (4%, p<0.0001) (table 2). Symptoms were more common in women, can you buy viagra online except for anosmia/ageusia, cough and irritable/confusion.

Almost 75% of the seropositive participants met the erectile dysfunction treatment case definition of can you buy viagra online fever and/or cough and/or dyspnoea, which improved to 80% when anosmia/ageusia was included—while remaining 36% in those seronegative. GMC was significantly higher among seropositive persons with fever vs without (48.2 vs 11.6 AU/mL, p=0.01), and with dyspnoea vs without (78.6 vs 13.5 AU/mL, p=0.04).View this table:Table 2 erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms since the start of the epidemic among all participants in the PICO-study reporting symptoms (n=3147), first round of inclusionSeroprevalence estimatesOverall weighted seroprevalence in the NS was 2.8% (95% CI 2.1 to 3.7), did not differ between sexes or ethnic backgrounds (table 1), and was not higher among healthcare workers (2.7% vs non-healthcare workers 2.5%). Seroprevalence was lowest in the northern region (1.3%) and can you buy viagra online highest in the mid-west (4.0%).

Estimates were lowest in children—gradually increasing from below 1% at age 2 years to 3% at 17 years—was highest in age group 18–39 years (4.9%) and ranged between 2 and 4% up to 90 years of age (figure 2). In both can you buy viagra online samples, seroprevalence was highest in Orthodox-Reformed Protestants (>7%) (table 1). Online supplement figure S1B displays the distribution of can you buy viagra online IgG concentrations for all participants by age, and online supplemental figure S2 ⇓shows the seroprevalence smoothed by age in the LVC.Smooth age-specific erectile dysfunction seroprevalence in the general population of the Netherlands, beginning of April 2020." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 2 Smooth age-specific erectile dysfunction seroprevalence in the general population of the Netherlands, beginning of April 2020.Risk factors for erectile dysfunction seropositivityVariables that were associated with erectile dysfunction seropositivity in univariable analyses included age group, Orthodox-Reformed Protestant, had been in contact with a erectile dysfunction treatment case, use of immunosuppressants, and antibiotic/antiviral medication in the last month (table 3).

In multivariable analysis, substantial higher odds were observed for those who took immunosuppressants the last month, were Orthodox-Reformed Protestant, had been in contact with a erectile dysfunction treatment confirmed case, and from age groups 18–24 and 25–39 years (compared to 2–12 years).View this table:Table 3 Risk factor analysis for erectile dysfunction seropositivity among all participants (n=3100. Full case analysis) in the PICO-study, first round of inclusionDISCUSSIONHere, we have estimated the seroprevalence of erectile dysfunction-specific antibodies and can you buy viagra online identified risk factors for seropositivity in the general population of the Netherlands during the first epidemic wave in April 2020. Although overall seroprevalence was still low at this phase, important risk factors for seropositivity could be identified, including adults aged 18–39 years, persons using immunosuppressants, and Orthodox-Reformed Protestants.

These data can guide future interventions, including strategies for vaccination, believed to be a realistic solution to overcome this viagra.This PICO-study revealed that 2.8% (95% CI 2.1 to 3.7) of the can you buy viagra online Dutch population had detectable erectile dysfunction-specific serum IgG antibodies, suggesting that almost half a million inhabitants (of in total 17 423 98117) were infected (487 871 (95% CI 365 904 to 644 687)) in mid-March, 2020 (taking into account the median time to seroconvert18). Several seropositive participants reported to have had erectile dysfunction treatment-related symptoms back in mid-February, suggesting the can you buy viagra online viagra circulated in our country at the beginning of February already. Our overall estimate is in line with preliminary results from another study conducted in the Netherlands in the beginning of April which found 2.7% to be seropositive, although this study was performed in healthy blood donors aged 18–79 years.19 Worldwide, various seroprevalence studies are ongoing.

A large nationwide study in Spain showed that around 5% (ranging between 3.7% and 6.2%) was seropositive, indicating that only a small proportion of the population had been infected in one of the hardest hit countries can you buy viagra online in Europe. Current studies in literature mostly cover erectile dysfunction treatment hotspots or specific regions—with possibly bias in selection of participants and/or smaller age-ranges—with rates ranging between 1–7% in April (eg, in Los Angeles County (CA, USA)20 or ten other sites in the USA,21 Geneva (Switzerland),22 and Luxembourg23). Estimates also very much can you buy viagra online depend on test performances.

Particularly, when seroprevalence is relatively low, specificity of the assay should approach near 100% to diminish false-positive can you buy viagra online results and minimise overestimation. Although we cannot rule-out false-positive samples completely, our assay was validated using a broad range of positive and negative erectile dysfunction samples. PICO-samples were can you buy viagra online cross-linked to pre-viagra concentration.

And bias correction for test performance was applied to represent most accurate estimates. In addition, future studies should establish whether epidemiologically dominant genetic changes in the spike protein of erectile dysfunction influence binding to spike S1 used in our and other assays.Seroprevalence was highest in adults aged 18–39 years, which is in line with the serosurvey among blood donors in the Netherlands, but contrary to the low incidence rate as reported in Dutch surveillance, caused by restrictive testing of risk groups and healthcare workers at the beginning of can you buy viagra online the epidemic, primarily identifying severe cases.3 19 The elevation in these younger adults may be explained by increased social contacts typical for this age group, in addition to specific social activities in February, such as skiing holidays in the Alps (from where the viagra disseminated quickly across Europe), or carnival festivities in the Netherlands (ie, multiple superspreading events primarily in the mid and Southern part, explaining local elevation in seroprevalence). In correspondence with can you buy viagra online other nationwide studies8 9 and reports from the Dutch government,3 24 seroprevalence was lowest in children.

Although some rare events of paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome have been reported, this group seems to be at decreased risk for developing (severe) erectile dysfunction treatment in general, which may be explained by less severe possibly resulting in a limited humoral response.25 26 Further, significantly higher odds for seropositivity were seen in Orthodox-Reformed Protestants. This community lives socio-geographically can you buy viagra online clustered in the Netherlands, that is, work, school, leisure and church are intertwined heavily. As observed in other countries, particularly frequent attendance of church with close distance to others, including singing activities, might have fuelled the spread of erectile dysfunction within this community in the beginning of the epidemic.11 12 Whereas the comorbidities with possible increased risk of severe erectile dysfunction treatment were not associated with seropositivity in this study, immunosuppressants use did display higher odds (note.

We did not have information of specific drugs) can you buy viagra online. Recent data indicate that immunosuppressive treatment is not associated with worse erectile dysfunction treatment outcomes,27 28 yet continued surveillance is warranted as these patients might be more prone to (future) , for instance due to a possible attenuated humoral immune can you buy viagra online response.29The majority of seropositive participants exhibited ≥1 symptom(s), mostly general and respiratory. A recent meta-analysis found a pooled asymptomatic proportion of 16%,5 hence the observed overall fraction in the present study (7%) might be a conservative estimate as the self-reported symptoms could have been due to other reasons or circulating pathogens along the recalled period (ie, 62% of the seronegative participants reported symptoms too).

The asymptomatic proportion might be different across ages5 and should be can you buy viagra online explored further along with elucidating the overall contribution of asymptomatic transmission via well-designed contact-tracing studies. Interestingly, clinical studies have observed anosmia/ageusia to be associated with erectile dysfunction , and this notion is supported here at a population-based level.30 In the viagra context, sudden onset of anosmia/ageusia seems to be a useful surveillance tool, which can contribute to early disease recognition and minimise transmission by rapid self-isolation.This study has some limitations. First, although can you buy viagra online half of the total municipalities in the Netherlands were included, some erectile dysfunction treatment hotspots might be missed due to the study design.

Second, our study population consisted of more Dutch (88%) than non-Dutch persons and relative more healthcare workers (20%) when compared to the general population (76% and 14%, respectively).17 Healthcare workers in the Netherlands do not seem to have had a higher likelihood of , and transmission seems to have taken place mostly can you buy viagra online in household settings.3 31 Although selectivity in response was minimised by weighting our study sample on a set of sociodemographic characters to match the Dutch population, seroprevalence might still be slightly influenced. Third, some potential determinants for seropositivity could have been missed as we might have been underpowered to detect small differences given the low prevalence in this phase, or because these questions had not been included in the questionnaire (as it was designed in the very beginning of the epidemic). Finally, at this stage the proportion of infected individuals that fail to show detectable seroconversion is unknown, potentially leading to underestimation of the percentage of infected persons.To conclude, we estimated that 2.8% of the Dutch inhabitants, that is, nearly half a million, were infected with erectile dysfunction amidst can you buy viagra online the first epidemic wave in the beginning of April 2020.

This is in striking contrast with the 30-fold lower number of reported cases (of approximately 15 000)3, and underlines the importance of seroepidemiological studies to estimate the true viagra size. The proportion of persons still susceptible to erectile dysfunction is high and IFR is substantial.4 Globally, nationwide seroepidemiological studies are urgently needed for better understanding of related risk factors, viral spread, and measures applied to mitigate dissemination.7 The prospective nature of our study will enable us to gain key insights on the duration and quality of antibody responses in infected persons, and hence possible protection of disease by antibodies.6 Serosurveys will thus play a can you buy viagra online major role in guiding future interventions, such as strategies for vaccination (of risk groups), since even when treatments become available, initial treatment availability will be limited.What is already known on this topicReported erectile dysfunction treatment cases worldwide are an underestimation of the true magnitude of the viagra as the scope of undetected cases remains largely unknown.Various symptoms and risk factors have been identified in patients seeking medical advice, however, these may not be representative for s in the general population.Seroepidemiological studies in outbreak settings have been performed, however, studies on a nationwide level covering all ages remain limited.What this study addsThis nationwide seroepidemiological study covering all ages reveals that 2.8% of the Dutch population had been infected with erectile dysfunction at the beginning of April 2020, that is, 30 times higher than the official cases reported, leaving a large proportion of the population still susceptible for .The highest seroprevalence was observed in young adults from 18 to 39 years of age and lowest in children aged 2 to 17 years, indicating marginal erectile dysfunction s among children in general.Persons taking immunosuppressants as well as those from the Orthodox-Reformed Protestant community had over four times higher odds of being seropositive compared to others.The extend of the spread of erectile dysfunction and the risk groups identified here, can inform monitoring strategies and guide future interventions internationally.AcknowledgmentsFirst of all, we gratefully acknowledge the participants of the PICO-study. Secondly, this study would not have been possible without the instrumental contribution of colleagues from the National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands, more specially the department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases and treatments, regarding logistics and/or laboratory analyses (Marjan Bogaard-van Maurik, Annemarie Buisman, Pieter van Gageldonk, Hinke ten Hulscher-van Overbeek, Petra Jochemsen, Deborah Kleijne, Jessica Loch, Marjan Kuijer, Milou Ohm, Hella Pasmans, Lia de Rond, Debbie van Rooijen, Liza Tymchenko, Esther van Woudenbergh, and Mary-lene de Zeeuw-Brouwer), the Epidemiology and Surveillance department concerning logistics (Francoise van Heiningen, Alies van Lier, Jeanet Kemmeren, can you buy viagra online Joske Hoes, Maarten Immink, Marit Middeldorp, Christiaan Oostdijk, Ilse Schinkel-Gordijn, Yolanda van Weert, and Anneke Westerhof), methodological insights (Hendriek Boshuizen, Susan Hahné, Scott McDonald, Rianne van Gageldonk-Lafeber, Jan van de Kassteele, and Maarten Schipper) and manuscript reviewing (Susan van den Hof, and Don Klinkenberg), department of IT and Communication for help with the invitations (Luppo de Vries, Daphne Gijselaar, and Maaike Mathu), student interns for additional support (Stijn Andeweg for creating online supplemental figures 1A and 1B.

Janine Wolf, Natasha Kaagman, and Demi Wagenaar for logistics. And Lisette van Cooten for data entry of paper questionnaires), and Sidekick-IT, Breda, the Netherlands, regarding data flow (Tim de can you buy viagra online Hoog). This study was funded by the ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports (VWS), the Netherlands..

Viagra history

The team of Deputy and Associate Editors Heribert Schunkert, Sharlene who can buy viagra online Day and Peter SchwartzThe European Heart Journal (EHJ) wants to attract high-class submissions dealing with genetic findings that help to viagra history improve the mechanistic understanding and the therapy of cardiovascular diseases. In charge of identifying such articles is a mini-team of experts on genetics, Heribert Schunkert, Sharlene Day, and Peter Schwartz.Genetic findings have contributed enormously to the molecular understanding of cardiovascular diseases. A number of diseases including various channelopathies, cardiomyopathies, and metabolic disorders have been elucidated based on a monogenic inheritance viagra history and the detection of disease-causing mutations in large families. More recently, the complex genetic architecture of common cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease has become increasingly clear. Moreover, genetics became a sensitive tool to characterize the role of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in the form of Mendelian randomized studies viagra history.

However, the real challenge is still ahead, i.e., to bridge genetic findings into novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of cardiac diseases. The full viagra history cycle from identification of a family with hypercholesterolaemia due to a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) mutation to successful risk lowering by PCSK-9 antibodies illustrates the power of genetics in this regard.With its broad expertise, the new EHJ editorial team on genetics aims to cover manuscripts from all areas in which genetics may contribute to the understanding of cardiovascular diseases. Prof. Peter Schwartz is a world-class expert on channelopathies and pioneered the field of viagra history long QT syndrome. He is an experienced clinical specialist on cardiac arrhythmias of genetic origins and a pioneer in the electrophysiology of the myocardium.

He studied in Milan, worked at the University of Texas for 3 years and, as Associate Professor, at the University of Oklahoma 4 months/year for 12 years. He has been Chairman of Cardiology at the University of Pavia for 20 years and since 1999 acts as an viagra history extraordinary professor at the Universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town for 3 months/year.Prof. Sharlene M. Day is Director viagra history of Translational Research in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. She trained at the University of Michigan and stayed on as faculty as the founding Director of the Inherited Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmia Program before moving to the University of Pennsylvania in 2019.

Like Prof viagra history. Schwartz, her research programme covers the full spectrum from clinical medicine to basic research with a focus on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Both she and Prof viagra history. Schwartz have developed inducible pluripotent stem cell models of human monogenic cardiac disorders as a platform to study the underlying biological mechanisms of disease.Heribert Schunkert is Director of the Cardiology Department in the German Heart Center Munich. He trained in the Universities of Aachen and Regensburg, viagra history Germany and for 4 years in various teaching hospitals in Boston.

Before moving to Munich, he was Director of the Department for Internal Medicine at the University Hospital in Lübeck. His research interest shifted from the molecular biology of the renin–angiotensin system to complex genetics of atherosclerosis. He was amongst the first to conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses, which allowed the identification of numerous genetic variants that contribute to viagra history coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, or aortic stenosis.The editorial team on cardiovascular genetics aims to facilitate the publication of strong translational research that illustrates to clinicians and cardiovascular scientists how genetic and epigenetic variation influences the development of heart diseases. The future perspective is to communicate genetically driven therapeutic targets as has become evident already with the utilization of interfering antibodies, RNAs, or even genome-editing instruments.In this respect, the team encourages submission of world-class genetic research on the cardiovascular system to the EHJ. The team is also pleased to viagra history cooperate with the novel Council on Cardiovascular Genomics which was inaugurated by the ESC in 2020.Conflict of interest.

None declared.Andros TofieldMerlischachen, Switzerland Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights viagra history reserved. © The Author(s) 2020. For permissions, please email viagra history. Journals.permissions@oup.com.With thanks to Amelia Meier-Batschelet, Johanna Huggler, and Martin Meyer for help with compilation of this article. For the podcast associated with this article, please visit https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/pages/Podcasts.This is a Focus Issue on genetics.

Described as the ‘single largest unmet need in cardiovascular medicine’, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains an viagra history untreatable disease currently representing 65% of new HF diagnoses. HFpEF is more frequent among women and is associated with a poor prognosis and unsustainable healthcare costs.1,2 Moreover, the variability in HFpEF phenotypes amplifies the complexity and difficulties of the approach.3–5 In this perspective, unveiling novel molecular targets is imperative. In a State of the Art Review article entitled ‘Leveraging clinical epigenetics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A call for individualized therapies’, authored by Francesco Paneni from the University of Zurich in Switzerland, and colleagues,6 the authors note that epigenetic modifications—defined as changes of DNA, histones, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—represent a molecular framework through which the environment modulates gene expression.6 Epigenetic signals acquired over a lifetime lead to chromatin remodelling and affect transcriptional programmes underlying oxidative stress, inflammation, dysmetabolism, and maladaptive left ventricular (LV) remodelling, all conditions predisposing to viagra history HFpEF. The strong involvement of epigenetic signalling in this setting makes the epigenetic information relevant for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with HFpEF.

The recent advances in high-throughput sequencing, computational epigenetics, and machine learning have enabled the identification of reliable epigenetic biomarkers in cardiovascular patients viagra history. In contrast to genetic tools, epigenetic biomarkers mirror the contribution of environmental cues and lifestyle changes, and their reversible nature offers a promising opportunity to monitor disease states. The growing understanding of chromatin and ncRNA biology has led to viagra history the development of several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ‘epi-drugs’ (chromatin modifiers, mimics, and anti-miRs) able to prevent transcriptional alterations underpinning LV remodelling and HFpEF. In the present review, Paneni and colleagues discuss the importance of clinical epigenetics as a new tool to be employed for a personalized management of HFpEF.Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a complex cardiac arrhythmia and the leading indication for permanent pacemaker implantation worldwide. It is viagra history characterized by pathological sinus bradycardia, sinoatrial block, or alternating atrial brady- and tachyarrhythmias.

Symptoms include fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, and syncope. Few studies have been conducted on the basic mechanisms of SSS, and therapeutic limitations reflect an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology.7 In a clinical research entitled ‘Genetic insight into sick sinus syndrome’, Rosa Thorolfsdottir from deCODE genetics in Reykjavik, Iceland, and colleagues aimed to use human genetics to investigate the pathogenesis of SSS and the role of risk viagra history factors in its development.8 The authors performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of >6000 SSS cases and >1 000 000 controls. Variants at six loci associated with SSS. A full genotypic model best described the p.Gly62Cys association, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.44 for heterozygotes and a disproportionally large OR of 13.99 for homozygotes. All the SSS variants increased the risk viagra history of pacemaker implantation.

Their association with atrial fibrillation (AF) varied, and p.Gly62Cys was the only variant not associating with any other arrhythmia or cardiovascular disease. They also tested 17 exposure phenotypes in polygenic score (PGS) viagra history and Mendelian randomization analyses. Only two associated with risk of SSS in Mendelian randomization—AF and lower heart rate—suggesting causality. Powerful PGS analyses provided convincing evidence against causal associations for body mass index, viagra history cholesterol, triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes (P >. 0.05) (Figure 1).

Figure 1Summary of genetic insight into the pathogenesis of sick sinus syndrome viagra history (SSS) and the role of risk factors in its development. Variants at six loci (named by corresponding gene names) were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS), and their unique phenotypic associations provide insight into distinct pathways underlying SSS. Investigation of the role of risk factors in SSS development supported a causal role for atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart rate, and provided convincing evidence against causality for body viagra history mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL and non-HDL), triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mendelian randomization did not support causality for coronary artery disease, ischaemic stroke, heart failure, PR interval, or QRS duration (not shown in the figure). Red and blue arrows represent positive and negative associations, respectively (from Thorolfsdottir RB, Sveinbjornsson G, Aegisdottir HM, Benonisdottir S, Stefansdottir L, Ivarsdottir EV, Halldorsson GH, Sigurdsson JK, Torp-Pedersen C, Weeke PE, Brunak S, Westergaard D, Pedersen OB, Sorensen E, Nielsen KR, Burgdorf KS, Banasik K, Brumpton B, Zhou W, Oddsson A, Tragante V, Hjorleifsson KE, Davidsson OB, Rajamani S, Jonsson S, Torfason B, Valgardsson AS, Thorgeirsson G, Frigge ML, Thorleifsson G, Norddahl GL, Helgadottir A, Gretarsdottir S, Sulem P, Jonsdottir I, Willer CJ, Hveem K, Bundgaard H, Ullum H, Arnar DO, Thorsteinsdottir U, Gudbjartsson DF, Holm H, Stefansson K.

Genetic insight into sick viagra history sinus syndrome. See pages 1959–1971.).Figure 1Summary of genetic insight into the pathogenesis of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and the role of risk factors in its development. Variants at six loci (named by corresponding gene names) were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS), and their unique phenotypic associations provide viagra history insight into distinct pathways underlying SSS. Investigation of the role of risk factors in SSS development supported a causal role for atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart rate, and provided convincing evidence against causality for body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL and non-HDL), triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mendelian randomization did not support causality for coronary artery disease, ischaemic stroke, heart failure, PR interval, or QRS duration (not viagra history shown in the figure).

Red and blue arrows represent positive and negative associations, respectively (from Thorolfsdottir RB, Sveinbjornsson G, Aegisdottir HM, Benonisdottir S, Stefansdottir L, Ivarsdottir EV, Halldorsson GH, Sigurdsson JK, Torp-Pedersen C, Weeke PE, Brunak S, Westergaard D, Pedersen OB, Sorensen E, Nielsen KR, Burgdorf KS, Banasik K, Brumpton B, Zhou W, Oddsson A, Tragante V, Hjorleifsson KE, Davidsson OB, Rajamani S, Jonsson S, Torfason B, Valgardsson AS, Thorgeirsson G, Frigge ML, Thorleifsson G, Norddahl GL, Helgadottir A, Gretarsdottir S, Sulem P, Jonsdottir I, Willer CJ, Hveem K, Bundgaard H, Ullum H, Arnar DO, Thorsteinsdottir U, Gudbjartsson DF, Holm H, Stefansson K. Genetic insight into sick sinus viagra history syndrome. See pages 1959–1971.).Thorolfsdottir et al. Conclude that they report the associations of variants at six loci with SSS, including a missense variant in KRT8 that confers viagra history high risk in homozygotes and points to a mechanism specific to SSS development. Mendelian randomization supports a causal role for AF in the development of SSS.

The article is accompanied by an Editorial by Stefan Kääb from LMU Klinikum in Munich, Germany, and colleagues.9 The authors conclude that the limitations of the work challenge clinical translation, but do not diminish the multiple interesting findings of Thorolfsdottir et al., bringing us closer to the finishing line of unlocking SSS genetics to develop new therapeutic strategies. They also highlight that this study represents a considerable accomplishment for the field, but also clearly highlights upcoming challenges and indicates areas where further research is warranted on our way on the translational road to personalized medicine.Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder that affects ∼1 in every 3500 live-born male infants, making it viagra history the most common neuromuscular disease of childhood. The disease is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which lead to dystrophin deficiency in muscle cells, resulting in decreased fibre stability and continued degeneration. The patients present with progressive muscle wasting and loss of muscle function, develop restrictive respiratory failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, and usually die in their late teens or twenties from cardiac or respiratory failure.10 In a clinical research article ‘Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting viagra history enzyme inhibitors and overall survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Analysis of registry data’ Raphaël Porcher from the Université de Paris in France, and colleagues estimate the effect of prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on survival in DMD.11 The authors analysed the data from the French multicentre DMD-Heart-Registry.

They estimated the association between the prophylactic prescription of ACE inhibitors and event-free viagra history survival in 668 patients between the ages of 8 and 13 years, with normal left ventricular function, using (i) a Cox model with intervention as a time-dependent covariate. (ii) a propensity-based analysis comparing ACE inhibitor treatment vs. No treatment viagra history. And (iii) a set of sensitivity analyses. The study outcomes were (i) overall survival and (ii) hospitalizations for HF or acute respiratory failure.

Among the patients included in the DMD-Heart-Registry, 576 were eligible for this study, of whom 390 viagra history were treated with an ACE inhibitor prophylactically. Death occurred in 53 patients (13.5%) who were and 60 patients (32.3%) who were not treated prophylactically with an ACE inhibitor. In a Cox model, with intervention as a time-dependent variable, the hazard ratio (HR) associated with ACE inhibitor treatment was 0.49 for overall mortality after adjustment for baseline viagra history variables. In the propensity-based analysis, with 278 patients included in the treatment group and 302 in the control group, ACE inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of death (HR 0.32) and hospitalization for HF (HR 0.16) (Figure 2). All sensitivity analyses viagra history yielded similar results.

Figure 2Graphical Abstract (from Porcher R, Desguerre I, Amthor H, Chabrol B, Audic F, Rivier F, Isapof A, Tiffreau V, Campana-Salort E, Leturcq F, Tuffery-Giraud S, Ben Yaou R, Annane D, Amédro P, Barnerias C, Bécane HM, Béhin A, Bonnet D, Bassez G, Cossée M, de La Villéon G, Delcourte C, Fayssoil A, Fontaine B, Godart F, Guillaumont S, Jaillette E, Laforêt P, Leonard-Louis S, Lofaso F, Mayer M, Morales RJ, Meune C, Orlikowski D, Ovaert C, Prigent H, Saadi M, Sochala M, Tard C, Vaksmann G, Walther-Louvier U, Eymard B, Stojkovic T, Ravaud P, Duboc D, Wahbi K. Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors viagra history and overall survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Analysis of registry data. See pages 1976–1984.).Figure 2Graphical Abstract (from Porcher R, Desguerre I, Amthor H, Chabrol B, Audic F, Rivier F, Isapof A, Tiffreau V, Campana-Salort E, Leturcq F, Tuffery-Giraud S, Ben Yaou R, Annane D, Amédro P, Barnerias C, Bécane HM, Béhin A, Bonnet D, Bassez G, Cossée M, de La Villéon G, Delcourte C, Fayssoil A, Fontaine B, Godart F, Guillaumont S, Jaillette E, Laforêt P, Leonard-Louis S, Lofaso F, Mayer M, Morales RJ, Meune C, Orlikowski D, Ovaert C, Prigent H, Saadi M, Sochala M, Tard C, Vaksmann G, Walther-Louvier U, Eymard B, Stojkovic T, Ravaud P, Duboc D, Wahbi viagra history K. Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and overall survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Analysis of registry data. See pages 1976–1984.).Porcher viagra history et al. Conclude that prophylactic treatment with ACE inhibitors in DMD is associated with a significantly higher overall survival and lower rate of hospitalization for management of HF. The manuscript is accompanied by an Editorial viagra history by Mariell Jessup and colleagues from the American Heart Association in Dallas, Texas, USA.12 The authors describe how cardioprotective strategies have been investigated in a number of cardiovascular disorders and successfully incorporated into treatment regimens for selected patients, including ACE inhibitors in patients with and without diabetes and coronary artery disease, angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers in Marfan syndrome, and ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers in patients at risk for chemotherapy-related toxicity. They conclude that Porcher et al.

Have now convincingly demonstrated that even very young patients with DMD can benefit from the life-saving intervention of ACE inhibition.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by unexplained LV hypertrophy and often caused viagra history by pathogenic variants in genes that encode the sarcomere apparatus. Patients with HCM may experience atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and HF. However, disease expression and viagra history severity are highly variable. Furthermore, there is marked diversity in the age of diagnosis. Although childhood-onset disease is well documented, it is far less common viagra history.

Owing to its rarity, the natural history of childhood-onset HCM is not well characterized.12–14 In a clinical research article entitled ‘Clinical characteristics and outcomes in childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy’, Nicholas Marston from the Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, USA, and colleagues aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of childhood-onset HCM.15 They performed an observational cohort study of >7500 HCM patients. HCM patients https://www.cabriotravel.nl/is-mijn-versnellingsbak-toe-aan-revisie/ were stratified by age at diagnosis [<1 year (infancy), 1–18 years (childhood), >18 years (adulthood)] and assessed for composite endpoints including HF, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, AF, and an overall composite that also included stroke and death. Stratifying by age of diagnosis, 2.4% of patients were diagnosed in viagra history infancy, 14.7% in childhood, and 2.9% in adulthood. Childhood-onset HCM patients had an ∼2%/year event rate for the overall composite endpoint, with ventricular arrhythmias representing the most common event in the first decade following the baseline visit, and HF and AF more common by the end of the second decade. Sarcomeric HCM was more common in childhood-onset HCM (63%) and carried a worse prognosis than non-sarcomeric disease, including a >2-fold increased risk of viagra history HF and 67% increased risk of the overall composite outcome.

When compared with adult-onset HCM, those with childhood-onset disease were 36% more likely to develop life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and twice as likely to require transplant or a ventricular assist device.The authors conclude that patients with childhood-onset HCM are more likely to have sarcomeric disease, carry a higher risk of life-threatening ventricular arrythmias, and have greater need for advanced HF therapies. The manuscript is accompanied by an Editorial by Juan Pablo Kaski from the University College London (UCL) Institute of Cardiovascular Science in London, UK.16 Kaski concludes that the field viagra history of HCM is now entering the era of personalized medicine, with the advent of gene therapy programmes and a focus on treatments targeting the underlying pathophysiology. Pre-clinical data suggesting that small molecule myosin inhibitors may attenuate or even prevent disease expression provide cause for optimism, and nowhere more so than for childhood-onset HCM. An international collaborative approach involving basic, translational, and clinical science is now needed to characterize disease expression and viagra history progression and develop novel therapies for childhood HCM.Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart muscle disease characterized by LV dilatation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease. It is a major cause of systolic HF, the leading indication for heart transplantation, and therefore a major public health problem due to the important cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.17,18 Understanding of the genetic basis of DCM has improved in recent years, with a role for both rare and common variants resulting in a complex genetic architecture of the disease.

In a translational research article entitled ‘Genome-wide association analysis in dilated cardiomyopathy reveals two new players in systolic heart failure on chromosomes 3p25.1 and 22q11.23’, viagra history Sophie Garnier from the Sorbonne Université in Paris, France, and colleagues conducted the largest genome-wide association study performed so far in DCM, with >2500 cases and >4000 controls in the discovery population.19 They identified and replicated two new DCM-associated loci, on chromosome 3p25.1 and chromosome 22q11.23, while confirming two previously identified DCM loci on chromosomes 10 and 1, BAG3 and HSPB7. A PGS constructed from the number of risk alleles at these four DCM loci revealed a 27% increased risk of DCM for individuals with eight risk alleles compared with individuals with five risk alleles (median of the referral population). In silico annotation and functional 4C-sequencing analysis on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes identified SLC6A6 as the most likely DCM gene at the 3p25.1 locus. This gene encodes a taurine transporter whose involvement in myocardial dysfunction and DCM is supported by viagra history numerous observations in humans and animals. At the 22q11.23 locus, in silico and data mining annotations, and to a lesser extent functional analysis, strongly suggested SMARCB1 as the candidate culprit gene.Garnier et al.

Conclude that their viagra history study provides a better understanding of the genetic architecture of DCM and sheds light on novel biological pathways underlying HF. The manuscript is accompanied by an Editorial by Elizabeth McNally from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, USA, and colleagues.20 The authors conclude that methods to integrate common and rare genetic information will continue to evolve and provide insight on disease progression, potentially providing biomarkers and clues for useful therapeutic pathways to guide drug development. At present, rare viagra history cardiomyopathy variants have clinical utility in predicting risk, especially arrhythmic risk. PGS analyses for HF or DCM progression are expected to come to clinical use, especially with the addition of broader GWAS-derived data. Combining genetic risk data with clinical and social determinants should help identify those at greatest viagra history risk, offering the opportunity for risk reduction.In a Special Article entitled ‘Influenza vaccination.

A ‘shot’ at INVESTing in cardiovascular health’, Scott Solomon from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, USA, and colleagues note that the link between viral respiratory and non-pulmonary organ-specific injury has become increasingly appreciated during the current erectile dysfunction disease 2019 (erectile dysfunction treatment) viagra.21 Even prior to the viagra, however, the association between acute with influenza and elevated cardiovascular risk was evident. The recently published results of the NHLBI-funded INVESTED trial, a 5200-patient viagra history comparative effectiveness study of high-dose vs. Standard-dose influenza treatment to reduce cardiopulmonary events and mortality in a high-risk cardiovascular population, found no difference between strategies. However, the broader implications of influenza treatment as a strategy to reduce morbidity in high-risk patients remains extremely important, with randomized control trial and observational data supporting vaccination in high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease. Given a favourable risk–benefit profile and widespread viagra history availability at generally low cost, the authors contend that influenza vaccination should remain a centrepiece of cardiovascular risk mitigation and describe the broader context of underutilization of this strategy.

Few therapeutics in medicine offer seasonal efficacy from a single administration with generally mild, transient side effects and exceedingly low rates of serious adverse effects. control measures such as physical distancing, hand washing, and the use of masks during the erectile dysfunction treatment viagra have already been associated with substantially curtailed incidence viagra history of influenza outbreaks across the globe. Appending annual influenza vaccination to these measures represents an important public health and moral imperative.The issue is complemented by two Discussion Forum articles. In a contribution entitled ‘Management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without viagra history persistent ST-segment elevation and coexistent atrial fibrillation’, Paolo Verdecchia from the Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia in Perugia, Italy, and colleagues comment on the recently published contribution ‘2020 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation.

The Task Force for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)’.22,23 A response to Verdecchia’s comment has been supplied by Collet et al.24The editors hope that readers of this issue of the European Heart Journal will viagra history find it of interest. References1Sorimachi H, Obokata M, Takahashi N, Reddy YNV, Jain CC, Verbrugge FH, Koepp KE, Khosla S, Jensen MD, Borlaug BA. Pathophysiologic importance of visceral adipose tissue in women with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1595–1605.2Omland viagra history T. Targeting the endothelin system.

A step towards a precision medicine approach in heart failure with preserved viagra history ejection fraction?. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3718–3720.3Reddy YNV, Obokata M, Wiley B, Koepp KE, Jorgenson CC, Egbe A, Melenovsky V, Carter RE, Borlaug BA. The haemodynamic basis of lung viagra history congestion during exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3721–3730.4Obokata M, Kane GC, Reddy YNV, Melenovsky V, Olson TP, Jarolim P, Borlaug BA. The neurohormonal basis of pulmonary hypertension viagra history in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Eur Heart J 2019;40:3707–3717.5Pieske B, Tschöpe C, de Boer RA, Fraser AG, Anker SD, Donal E, Edelmann F, Fu M, Guazzi M, Lam CSP, Lancellotti P, Melenovsky V, Morris DA, Nagel E, Pieske-Kraigher E, Ponikowski P, Solomon SD, Vasan RS, Rutten FH, Voors AA, Ruschitzka F, Paulus WJ, Seferovic P, Filippatos G. How to diagnose heart failure with preserved viagra history ejection fraction. The HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm. A consensus recommendation from the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Heart J 2019;40:3297–3317.6Hamdani N, Costantino S, Mügge A, viagra history Lebeche D, Tschöpe C, Thum T, Paneni F.

Leveraging clinical epigenetics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A call viagra history for individualized therapies. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1940–1958.7Corrigendum to. 2018 ESC Guidelines viagra history for the diagnosis and management of syncope. Eur Heart J 2018;39:2002.8Thorolfsdottir RB, Sveinbjornsson G, Aegisdottir HM, Benonisdottir S, Stefansdottir L, Ivarsdottir EV, Halldorsson GH, Sigurdsson JK, Torp-Pedersen C, Weeke PE, Brunak S, Westergaard D, Pedersen OB, Sorensen E, Nielsen KR, Burgdorf KS, Banasik K, Brumpton B, Zhou W, Oddsson A, Tragante V, Hjorleifsson KE, Davidsson OB, Rajamani S, Jonsson S, Torfason B, Valgardsson AS, Thorgeirsson G, Frigge ML, Thorleifsson G, Norddahl GL, Helgadottir A, Gretarsdottir S, Sulem P, Jonsdottir I, Willer CJ, Hveem K, Bundgaard H, Ullum H, Arnar DO, Thorsteinsdottir U, Gudbjartsson DF, Holm H, Stefansson K.

Genetic insight into sick sinus syndrome viagra history. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1959–1971.9Tomsits P, Claus S, Kääb S. Genetic insight viagra history into sick sinus syndrome. Is there a pill for it or how far are we on the translational road to personalized medicine?. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1972–1975.10Hoffman EP, Fischbeck KH, Brown RH, Johnson M, Medori R, Loike JD, Harris JB, Waterston R, Brooke M, Specht L, Kupsky W, Chamberlain J, Caskey T, Shapiro F, Kunkel LM.

Characterization of dystrophin in muscle-biopsy specimens from viagra history patients with Duchenne’s or Becker’s muscular dystrophy. N Engl J Med 1988;318:1363–1368.11Porcher R, Desguerre I, Amthor H, Chabrol B, Audic F, Rivier F, Isapof A, Tiffreau V, Campana-Salort E, Leturcq F, Tuffery-Giraud S, Ben Yaou R, Annane D, Amédro P, Barnerias C, Bécane HM, Béhin A, Bonnet D, Bassez G, Cossée M, de La Villéon G, Delcourte C, Fayssoil A, Fontaine B, Godart F, Guillaumont S, Jaillette E, Laforêt P, Leonard-Louis S, Lofaso F, Mayer M, Morales RJ, Meune C, Orlikowski D, Ovaert C, Prigent H, Saadi M, Sochala M, Tard C, Vaksmann G, Walther-Louvier U, Eymard B, Stojkovic T, Ravaud P, Duboc D, Wahbi K. Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and overall survival in Duchenne muscular viagra history dystrophy. Analysis of registry data. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1976–1984.12Owens AT, viagra history Jessup M.

Cardioprotection in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1985–1987.13Semsarian viagra history C, Ho CY. Screening children at risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Balancing benefits and viagra history harms. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3682–3684.14Lafreniere-Roula M, Bolkier Y, Zahavich L, Mathew J, George K, Wilson J, Stephenson EA, Benson LN, Manlhiot C, Mital S.

Family screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Is it viagra history time to change practice guidelines?. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3672–3681.15Marston NA, Han L, Olivotto I, Day SM, Ashley EA, Michels M, Pereira AC, Ingles J, Semsarian C, Jacoby D, Colan SD, Rossano JW, Wittekind SG, Ware JS, Saberi S, Helms AS, Ho CY. Clinical characteristics and outcomes in viagra history childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1988–1996.16Kaski JP.

Childhood-onset hypertrophic viagra history cardiomyopathy research coming of age. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1997–1999.17Elliott P, Andersson B, Arbustini E, Bilinska Z, Cecchi F, Charron P, Dubourg O, Kühl U, Maisch B, McKenna WJ, Monserrat L, Pankuweit S, Rapezzi C, Seferovic P, Tavazzi L, Keren A. Classification of the cardiomyopathies viagra history. A position statement from the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases. Eur Heart viagra history J 2008;29:270–276.18Crea F.

Machine learning-guided phenotyping of dilated cardiomyopathy and treatment of heart failure by antisense oligonucleotides. The future has begun. Eur Heart J 2021;42:139–142.19Garnier S, Harakalova M, Weiss S, Mokry M, Regitz-Zagrosek V, Hengstenberg C, Cappola TP, Isnard R, Arbustini E, Cook SA, van Setten J, Calis JJA, Hakonarson H, Morley MP, Stark K, Prasad SK, Li J, O’Regan DP, Grasso M, Müller-Nurasyid M, Meitinger T, Empana JP, Strauch K, Waldenberger M, Marguiles KB, Seidman CE, Kararigas G, Meder B, Haas J, Boutouyrie P, Lacolley P, Jouven X, Erdmann J, Blankenberg S, Wichter T, Ruppert V, Tavazzi L, Dubourg O, Roizes G, Dorent R, de Groote viagra history P, Fauchier L, Trochu JN, Aupetit JF, Bilinska ZT, Germain M, Völker U, Hemerich D, Raji I, Bacq-Daian D, Proust C, Remior P, Gomez-Bueno M, Lehnert K, Maas R, Olaso R, Saripella GV, Felix SB, McGinn S, Duboscq-Bidot L, van Mil A, Besse C, Fontaine V, Blanché H, Ader F, Keating B, Curjol A, Boland A, Komajda M, Cambien F, Deleuze JF, Dörr M, Asselbergs FW, Villard E, Trégouët DA, Charron P. Genome-wide association analysis in dilated cardiomyopathy reveals two new players in systolic heart failure on chromosomes 3p25.1 and 22q11.23. Eur Heart viagra history J 2021;42:2000–2011.20Fullenkamp DE, Puckelwartz MJ, McNally EM.

Genome-wide association for heart failure. From discovery to clinical viagra history use. Eur Heart J 2021;42:2012–2014.21Bhatt AS, Vardeny O, Udell JA, Joseph J, Kim K, Solomon SD. Influenza vaccination viagra history. A ‘shot’ at INVESTing in cardiovascular health.

Eur Heart J viagra history 2021;42:2015–2018.22Verdecchia P, Angeli F, Cavallini C. Management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation and coexistent atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2021;42:2019.23Collet JP, Thiele H, Barbato E, Barthélémy O, Bauersachs J, Bhatt DL, Dendale P, Dorobantu M, Edvardsen T, Folliguet T, Gale CP, Gilard M, Jobs A, Jüni P, Lambrinou E, Lewis BS, Mehilli J, Meliga E, Merkely B, Mueller C, Roffi M, Rutten FH, Sibbing D, Siontis GCM. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the viagra history management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1289–1367.24Collet JP, Thiele H.

Management of acute coronary syndromes viagra history in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation and coexistent atrial fibrillation – Dual versus triple antithrombotic therapy. Eur Heart J 2021;42:2020–2021. Published on behalf of viagra history the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The viagra history Author(s) 2021.

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The team of Deputy and Associate Editors Heribert can you buy viagra online Schunkert, Sharlene Day and Peter SchwartzThe European Heart Journal (EHJ) wants to attract high-class submissions dealing with genetic findings that help to improve the mechanistic understanding and the therapy of cardiovascular diseases. In charge of identifying such articles is a mini-team of experts on genetics, Heribert Schunkert, Sharlene Day, and Peter Schwartz.Genetic findings have contributed enormously to the molecular understanding of cardiovascular diseases. A number of diseases including various channelopathies, cardiomyopathies, and metabolic disorders have been elucidated based on a monogenic inheritance and the detection of disease-causing mutations can you buy viagra online in large families. More recently, the complex genetic architecture of common cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease has become increasingly clear.

Moreover, genetics became a sensitive tool to characterize the can you buy viagra online role of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in the form of Mendelian randomized studies. However, the real challenge is still ahead, i.e., to bridge genetic findings into novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of cardiac diseases. The full cycle from identification of a family with hypercholesterolaemia due to a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) mutation to successful risk lowering by PCSK-9 antibodies illustrates the power of genetics in this regard.With its broad expertise, the new EHJ editorial team on genetics aims to cover manuscripts from all areas in which genetics may contribute to the understanding of cardiovascular can you buy viagra online diseases. Prof.

Peter Schwartz can you buy viagra online is a world-class expert on channelopathies and pioneered the field of long QT syndrome. He is an experienced clinical specialist on cardiac arrhythmias of genetic origins and a pioneer in the electrophysiology of the myocardium. He studied in Milan, worked at the University of Texas for 3 years and, as Associate Professor, at the University of Oklahoma 4 months/year for 12 years. He has been Chairman of Cardiology at the University of Pavia for 20 years and since 1999 can you buy viagra online acts as an extraordinary professor at the Universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town for 3 months/year.Prof.

Sharlene M. Day is Director of Translational Research in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute at the University of Pennsylvania can you buy viagra online. She trained at the University of Michigan and stayed on as faculty as the founding Director of the Inherited Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmia Program before moving to the University of Pennsylvania in 2019. Like Prof can you buy viagra online.

Schwartz, her research programme covers the full spectrum from clinical medicine to basic research with a focus on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Both she and Prof can you buy viagra online. Schwartz have developed inducible pluripotent stem cell models of human monogenic cardiac disorders as a platform to study the underlying biological mechanisms of disease.Heribert Schunkert is Director of the Cardiology Department in the German Heart Center Munich. He trained in the Universities of Aachen and Regensburg, Germany and for 4 years can you buy viagra online in various teaching hospitals in Boston.

Before moving to Munich, he was Director of the Department for Internal Medicine at the University Hospital in Lübeck. His research interest shifted from the molecular biology of the renin–angiotensin system to complex genetics of atherosclerosis. He was amongst the first to conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses, which allowed the identification of numerous genetic variants that contribute to coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, or aortic can you buy viagra online stenosis.The editorial team on cardiovascular genetics aims to facilitate the publication of strong translational research that illustrates to clinicians and cardiovascular scientists how genetic and epigenetic variation influences the development of heart diseases. The future perspective is to communicate genetically driven therapeutic targets as has become evident already with the utilization of interfering antibodies, RNAs, or even genome-editing instruments.In this respect, the team encourages submission of world-class genetic research on the cardiovascular system to the EHJ.

The team is also pleased to cooperate with the novel Council on Cardiovascular Genomics which can you buy viagra online was inaugurated by the ESC in 2020.Conflict of interest. None declared.Andros TofieldMerlischachen, Switzerland Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved can you buy viagra online. © The Author(s) 2020.

For permissions, can you buy viagra online please email. Journals.permissions@oup.com.With thanks to Amelia Meier-Batschelet, Johanna Huggler, and Martin Meyer for help with compilation of this article. For the podcast associated with this article, please visit https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/pages/Podcasts.This is a Focus Issue on genetics. Described as the ‘single largest unmet need in cardiovascular medicine’, can you buy viagra online heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains an untreatable disease currently representing 65% of new HF diagnoses. HFpEF is more frequent among women and is associated with a poor prognosis and unsustainable healthcare costs.1,2 Moreover, the variability in HFpEF phenotypes amplifies the complexity and difficulties of the approach.3–5 In this perspective, unveiling novel molecular targets is imperative.

In a State of the Art Review article entitled ‘Leveraging clinical epigenetics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A call for individualized therapies’, authored by Francesco Paneni from the University of Zurich in Switzerland, and colleagues,6 the authors note that epigenetic modifications—defined as changes of DNA, histones, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—represent a molecular framework through which the environment modulates gene expression.6 Epigenetic signals acquired over a lifetime lead to chromatin remodelling and affect transcriptional programmes underlying can you buy viagra online oxidative stress, inflammation, dysmetabolism, and maladaptive left ventricular (LV) remodelling, all conditions predisposing to HFpEF. The strong involvement of epigenetic signalling in this setting makes the epigenetic information relevant for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with HFpEF. The recent advances in high-throughput sequencing, computational epigenetics, and machine learning have enabled the identification of reliable epigenetic biomarkers can you buy viagra online in cardiovascular patients.

In contrast to genetic tools, epigenetic biomarkers mirror the contribution of environmental cues and lifestyle changes, and their reversible nature offers a promising opportunity to monitor disease states. The growing understanding of chromatin and ncRNA biology has led to the development of several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ‘epi-drugs’ (chromatin modifiers, mimics, can you buy viagra online and anti-miRs) able to prevent transcriptional alterations underpinning LV remodelling and HFpEF. In the present review, Paneni and colleagues discuss the importance of clinical epigenetics as a new tool to be employed for a personalized management of HFpEF.Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a complex cardiac arrhythmia and the leading indication for permanent pacemaker implantation worldwide. It is characterized by pathological sinus bradycardia, sinoatrial block, or alternating can you buy viagra online atrial brady- and tachyarrhythmias.

Symptoms include fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, and syncope. Few studies have been conducted on the basic mechanisms of SSS, and therapeutic limitations reflect an incomplete understanding can you buy viagra online of the pathophysiology.7 In a clinical research entitled ‘Genetic insight into sick sinus syndrome’, Rosa Thorolfsdottir from deCODE genetics in Reykjavik, Iceland, and colleagues aimed to use human genetics to investigate the pathogenesis of SSS and the role of risk factors in its development.8 The authors performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of >6000 SSS cases and >1 000 000 controls. Variants at six loci associated with SSS. A full genotypic model best described the p.Gly62Cys association, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.44 for heterozygotes and a disproportionally large OR of 13.99 for homozygotes.

All the SSS variants increased the risk can you buy viagra online of pacemaker implantation. Their association with atrial fibrillation (AF) varied, and p.Gly62Cys was the only variant not associating with any other arrhythmia or cardiovascular disease. They also tested 17 exposure phenotypes in polygenic score (PGS) and Mendelian can you buy viagra online randomization analyses. Only two associated with risk of SSS in Mendelian randomization—AF and lower heart rate—suggesting causality.

Powerful PGS analyses provided convincing evidence against causal associations for body mass index, cholesterol, triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes (P can you buy viagra online >. 0.05) (Figure 1). Figure 1Summary of genetic insight into the pathogenesis of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and the role of can you buy viagra online risk factors in its development. Variants at six loci (named by corresponding gene names) were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS), and their unique phenotypic associations provide insight into distinct pathways underlying SSS.

Investigation of the role of risk factors in SSS development supported a causal role can you buy viagra online for atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart rate, and provided convincing evidence against causality for body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL and non-HDL), triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mendelian randomization did not support causality for coronary artery disease, ischaemic stroke, heart failure, PR interval, or QRS duration (not shown in the figure). Red and blue arrows represent positive and negative associations, respectively (from Thorolfsdottir RB, Sveinbjornsson G, Aegisdottir HM, Benonisdottir S, Stefansdottir L, Ivarsdottir EV, Halldorsson GH, Sigurdsson JK, Torp-Pedersen C, Weeke PE, Brunak S, Westergaard D, Pedersen OB, Sorensen E, Nielsen KR, Burgdorf KS, Banasik K, Brumpton B, Zhou W, Oddsson A, Tragante V, Hjorleifsson KE, Davidsson OB, Rajamani S, Jonsson S, Torfason B, Valgardsson AS, Thorgeirsson G, Frigge ML, Thorleifsson G, Norddahl GL, Helgadottir A, Gretarsdottir S, Sulem P, Jonsdottir I, Willer CJ, Hveem K, Bundgaard H, Ullum H, Arnar DO, Thorsteinsdottir U, Gudbjartsson DF, Holm H, Stefansson K. Genetic insight can you buy viagra online into sick sinus syndrome.

See pages 1959–1971.).Figure 1Summary of genetic insight into the pathogenesis of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and the role of risk factors in its development. Variants at six loci (named by corresponding gene names) were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS), and their unique phenotypic associations provide insight into distinct can you buy viagra online pathways underlying SSS. Investigation of the role of risk factors in SSS development supported a causal role for atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart rate, and provided convincing evidence against causality for body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL and non-HDL), triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mendelian randomization did not support causality for coronary can you buy viagra online artery disease, ischaemic stroke, heart failure, PR interval, or QRS duration (not shown in the figure).

Red and blue arrows represent positive and negative associations, respectively (from Thorolfsdottir RB, Sveinbjornsson G, Aegisdottir HM, Benonisdottir S, Stefansdottir L, Ivarsdottir EV, Halldorsson GH, Sigurdsson JK, Torp-Pedersen C, Weeke PE, Brunak S, Westergaard D, Pedersen OB, Sorensen E, Nielsen KR, Burgdorf KS, Banasik K, Brumpton B, Zhou W, Oddsson A, Tragante V, Hjorleifsson KE, Davidsson OB, Rajamani S, Jonsson S, Torfason B, Valgardsson AS, Thorgeirsson G, Frigge ML, Thorleifsson G, Norddahl GL, Helgadottir A, Gretarsdottir S, Sulem P, Jonsdottir I, Willer CJ, Hveem K, Bundgaard H, Ullum H, Arnar DO, Thorsteinsdottir U, Gudbjartsson DF, Holm H, Stefansson K. Genetic insight into can you buy viagra online sick sinus syndrome. See pages 1959–1971.).Thorolfsdottir et al. Conclude that they report the associations of variants at six loci with SSS, including a missense variant in KRT8 that confers high risk in homozygotes and points to a mechanism specific to SSS can you buy viagra online development.

Mendelian randomization supports a causal role for AF in the development of SSS. The article is accompanied by an Editorial by Stefan Kääb from LMU Klinikum in Munich, Germany, and colleagues.9 The authors conclude that the limitations of the work challenge clinical translation, but do not diminish the multiple interesting findings of Thorolfsdottir et al., bringing us closer to the finishing line of unlocking SSS genetics to develop new therapeutic strategies. They also highlight that this study represents a considerable accomplishment for the field, but also clearly highlights upcoming challenges and indicates areas where further research is warranted on our can you buy viagra online way on the translational road to personalized medicine.Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder that affects ∼1 in every 3500 live-born male infants, making it the most common neuromuscular disease of childhood. The disease is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which lead to dystrophin deficiency in muscle cells, resulting in decreased fibre stability and continued degeneration.

The patients present with progressive muscle wasting and loss of can you buy viagra online muscle function, develop restrictive respiratory failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, and usually die in their late teens or twenties from cardiac or respiratory failure.10 In a clinical research article ‘Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and overall survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Analysis of registry data’ Raphaël Porcher from the Université de Paris in France, and colleagues estimate the effect of prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on survival in DMD.11 The authors analysed the data from the French multicentre DMD-Heart-Registry. They estimated the association between the prophylactic prescription of ACE inhibitors and event-free survival in 668 patients between the ages of 8 and 13 years, with can you buy viagra online normal left ventricular function, using (i) a Cox model with intervention as a time-dependent covariate. (ii) a propensity-based analysis comparing ACE inhibitor treatment vs.

No treatment can you buy viagra online. And (iii) a set of sensitivity analyses. The study outcomes were (i) overall survival and (ii) hospitalizations for HF or acute respiratory failure. Among the patients included in the DMD-Heart-Registry, 576 were eligible for this study, of whom 390 were treated with an ACE inhibitor prophylactically can you buy viagra online.

Death occurred in 53 patients (13.5%) who were and 60 patients (32.3%) who were not treated prophylactically with an ACE inhibitor. In a Cox can you buy viagra online model, with intervention as a time-dependent variable, the hazard ratio (HR) associated with ACE inhibitor treatment was 0.49 for overall mortality after adjustment for baseline variables. In the propensity-based analysis, with 278 patients included in the treatment group and 302 in the control group, ACE inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of death (HR 0.32) and hospitalization for HF (HR 0.16) (Figure 2). All sensitivity analyses yielded can you buy viagra online similar results.

Figure 2Graphical Abstract (from Porcher R, Desguerre I, Amthor H, Chabrol B, Audic F, Rivier F, Isapof A, Tiffreau V, Campana-Salort E, Leturcq F, Tuffery-Giraud S, Ben Yaou R, Annane D, Amédro P, Barnerias C, Bécane HM, Béhin A, Bonnet D, Bassez G, Cossée M, de La Villéon G, Delcourte C, Fayssoil A, Fontaine B, Godart F, Guillaumont S, Jaillette E, Laforêt P, Leonard-Louis S, Lofaso F, Mayer M, Morales RJ, Meune C, Orlikowski D, Ovaert C, Prigent H, Saadi M, Sochala M, Tard C, Vaksmann G, Walther-Louvier U, Eymard B, Stojkovic T, Ravaud P, Duboc D, Wahbi K. Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and overall survival in Duchenne muscular can you buy viagra online dystrophy. Analysis of registry data. See pages 1976–1984.).Figure 2Graphical Abstract (from Porcher R, Desguerre I, Amthor H, Chabrol B, Audic F, Rivier F, Isapof A, Tiffreau V, Campana-Salort E, Leturcq F, Tuffery-Giraud S, Ben Yaou R, Annane D, Amédro P, Barnerias C, Bécane HM, Béhin A, Bonnet D, Bassez G, Cossée M, de La Villéon G, Delcourte C, Fayssoil A, Fontaine B, Godart F, Guillaumont S, Jaillette E, Laforêt P, Leonard-Louis S, Lofaso F, Mayer M, Morales RJ, Meune C, Orlikowski D, Ovaert C, Prigent H, Saadi M, Sochala M, Tard C, Vaksmann G, Walther-Louvier U, can you buy viagra online Eymard B, Stojkovic T, Ravaud P, Duboc D, Wahbi K.

Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and overall survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Analysis of registry data. See pages can you buy viagra online 1976–1984.).Porcher et al. Conclude that prophylactic treatment with ACE inhibitors in DMD is associated with a significantly higher overall survival and lower rate of hospitalization for management of HF.

The manuscript is accompanied by an Editorial by Mariell Jessup and colleagues from the American Heart Association in Dallas, Texas, USA.12 The authors describe how cardioprotective strategies have been investigated in a number of cardiovascular disorders and successfully incorporated into treatment regimens can you buy viagra online for selected patients, including ACE inhibitors in patients with and without diabetes and coronary artery disease, angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers in Marfan syndrome, and ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers in patients at risk for chemotherapy-related toxicity. They conclude that Porcher et al. Have now convincingly demonstrated that even very young patients with DMD can benefit from the life-saving intervention of ACE inhibition.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by unexplained LV can you buy viagra online hypertrophy and often caused by pathogenic variants in genes that encode the sarcomere apparatus. Patients with HCM may experience atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and HF.

However, disease expression and severity are can you buy viagra online highly variable. Furthermore, there is marked diversity in the age of diagnosis. Although childhood-onset disease can you buy viagra online is well documented, it is far less common. Owing to its rarity, the natural history of childhood-onset HCM is not well characterized.12–14 In a clinical research article entitled ‘Clinical characteristics and outcomes in childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy’, Nicholas Marston from the Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, USA, and colleagues aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of childhood-onset HCM.15 They performed an observational cohort study of >7500 HCM patients.

HCM patients were stratified by age at diagnosis [<1 year (infancy), 1–18 years (childhood), >18 years (adulthood)] and assessed for composite endpoints including HF, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, AF, and an overall composite that also included stroke and death. Stratifying by age of diagnosis, 2.4% of patients were diagnosed in infancy, can you buy viagra online 14.7% in childhood, and 2.9% in adulthood. Childhood-onset HCM patients had an ∼2%/year event rate for the overall composite endpoint, with ventricular arrhythmias representing the most common event in the first decade following the baseline visit, and HF and AF more common by the end of the second decade. Sarcomeric HCM was can you buy viagra online more common in childhood-onset HCM (63%) and carried a worse prognosis than non-sarcomeric disease, including a >2-fold increased risk of HF and 67% increased risk of the overall composite outcome.

When compared with adult-onset HCM, those with childhood-onset disease were 36% more likely to develop life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and twice as likely to require transplant or a ventricular assist device.The authors conclude that patients with childhood-onset HCM are more likely to have sarcomeric disease, carry a higher risk of life-threatening ventricular arrythmias, and have greater need for advanced HF therapies. The manuscript can you buy viagra online is accompanied by an Editorial by Juan Pablo Kaski from the University College London (UCL) Institute of Cardiovascular Science in London, UK.16 Kaski concludes that the field of HCM is now entering the era of personalized medicine, with the advent of gene therapy programmes and a focus on treatments targeting the underlying pathophysiology. Pre-clinical data suggesting that small molecule myosin inhibitors may attenuate or even prevent disease expression provide cause for optimism, and nowhere more so than for childhood-onset HCM. An international collaborative approach involving basic, translational, and clinical science is now needed to characterize disease expression and progression and develop novel can you buy viagra online therapies for childhood HCM.Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart muscle disease characterized by LV dilatation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease.

It is a major cause of systolic HF, the leading indication for heart transplantation, and therefore a major public health problem due to the important cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.17,18 Understanding of the genetic basis of DCM has improved in recent years, with a role for both rare and common variants resulting in a complex genetic architecture of the disease. In a translational research article entitled ‘Genome-wide association analysis in dilated cardiomyopathy reveals two new players in systolic heart failure on chromosomes 3p25.1 and 22q11.23’, Sophie Garnier from the Sorbonne Université in Paris, France, and colleagues conducted the largest genome-wide association study performed so far in DCM, with >2500 cases and >4000 controls in the discovery population.19 They identified and replicated two new can you buy viagra online DCM-associated loci, on chromosome 3p25.1 and chromosome 22q11.23, while confirming two previously identified DCM loci on chromosomes 10 and 1, BAG3 and HSPB7. A PGS constructed from the number of risk alleles at these four DCM loci revealed a 27% increased risk of DCM for individuals with eight risk alleles compared with individuals with five risk alleles (median of the referral population). In silico annotation and functional 4C-sequencing analysis on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes identified SLC6A6 as the most likely DCM gene at the 3p25.1 locus.

This gene encodes a taurine transporter whose involvement in myocardial dysfunction and DCM is supported by can you buy viagra online numerous observations in humans and animals. At the 22q11.23 locus, in silico and data mining annotations, and to a lesser extent functional analysis, strongly suggested SMARCB1 as the candidate culprit gene.Garnier et al. Conclude that their study provides a better understanding of the genetic architecture of DCM and can you buy viagra online sheds light on novel biological pathways underlying HF. The manuscript is accompanied by an Editorial by Elizabeth McNally from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, USA, and colleagues.20 The authors conclude that methods to integrate common and rare genetic information will continue to evolve and provide insight on disease progression, potentially providing biomarkers and clues for useful therapeutic pathways to guide drug development.

At present, rare cardiomyopathy variants can you buy viagra online have clinical utility in predicting risk, especially arrhythmic risk. PGS analyses for HF or DCM progression are expected to come to clinical use, especially with the addition of broader GWAS-derived data. Combining genetic risk data with clinical and social determinants should help identify those at greatest can you buy viagra online risk, offering the opportunity for risk reduction.In a Special Article entitled ‘Influenza vaccination. A ‘shot’ at INVESTing in cardiovascular health’, Scott Solomon from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, USA, and colleagues note that the link between viral respiratory and non-pulmonary organ-specific injury has become increasingly appreciated during the current erectile dysfunction disease 2019 (erectile dysfunction treatment) viagra.21 Even prior to the viagra, however, the association between acute with influenza and elevated cardiovascular risk was evident.

The recently published results of the NHLBI-funded INVESTED trial, a can you buy viagra online 5200-patient comparative effectiveness study of high-dose vs. Standard-dose influenza treatment to reduce cardiopulmonary events and mortality in a high-risk cardiovascular population, found no difference between strategies. However, the broader implications of influenza treatment as a strategy to reduce morbidity in high-risk patients remains extremely important, with randomized control trial and observational data supporting vaccination in high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease. Given a favourable risk–benefit can you buy viagra online profile and widespread availability at generally low cost, the authors contend that influenza vaccination should remain a centrepiece of cardiovascular risk mitigation and describe the broader context of underutilization of this strategy.

Few therapeutics in medicine offer seasonal efficacy from a single administration with generally mild, transient side effects and exceedingly low rates of serious adverse effects. control measures such as physical distancing, hand washing, and the use of masks during the erectile dysfunction treatment viagra have already been associated with substantially curtailed incidence of can you buy viagra online influenza outbreaks across the globe. Appending annual influenza vaccination to these measures represents an important public health and moral imperative.The issue is complemented by two Discussion Forum articles. In a contribution entitled ‘Management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation and coexistent atrial can you buy viagra online fibrillation’, Paolo Verdecchia from the Hospital S.

Maria della Misericordia in Perugia, Italy, and colleagues comment on the recently published contribution ‘2020 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation. The Task Force for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)’.22,23 A response to Verdecchia’s comment has been supplied by Collet et al.24The editors hope that readers of this issue of the European Heart Journal will find it of can you buy viagra online interest. References1Sorimachi H, Obokata M, Takahashi N, Reddy YNV, Jain CC, Verbrugge FH, Koepp KE, Khosla S, Jensen MD, Borlaug BA. Pathophysiologic importance of visceral adipose tissue in women with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

Eur Heart can you buy viagra online J 2021;42:1595–1605.2Omland T. Targeting the endothelin system. A step towards can you buy viagra online a precision medicine approach in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3718–3720.3Reddy YNV, Obokata M, Wiley B, Koepp KE, Jorgenson CC, Egbe A, Melenovsky V, Carter RE, Borlaug BA.

The haemodynamic basis of lung congestion during exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection can you buy viagra online fraction. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3721–3730.4Obokata M, Kane GC, Reddy YNV, Melenovsky V, Olson TP, Jarolim P, Borlaug BA. The neurohormonal basis of pulmonary hypertension in heart can you buy viagra online failure with preserved ejection fraction. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3707–3717.5Pieske B, Tschöpe C, de Boer RA, Fraser AG, Anker SD, Donal E, Edelmann F, Fu M, Guazzi M, Lam CSP, Lancellotti P, Melenovsky V, Morris DA, Nagel E, Pieske-Kraigher E, Ponikowski P, Solomon SD, Vasan RS, Rutten FH, Voors AA, Ruschitzka F, Paulus WJ, Seferovic P, Filippatos G.

How to diagnose heart can you buy viagra online failure with preserved ejection fraction. The HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm. A consensus recommendation from the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Heart J 2019;40:3297–3317.6Hamdani N, Costantino S, Mügge A, Lebeche can you buy viagra online D, Tschöpe C, Thum T, Paneni F.

Leveraging clinical epigenetics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A call for can you buy viagra online individualized therapies. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1940–1958.7Corrigendum to. 2018 ESC Guidelines for can you buy viagra online the diagnosis and management of syncope.

Eur Heart J 2018;39:2002.8Thorolfsdottir RB, Sveinbjornsson G, Aegisdottir HM, Benonisdottir S, Stefansdottir L, Ivarsdottir EV, Halldorsson GH, Sigurdsson JK, Torp-Pedersen C, Weeke PE, Brunak S, Westergaard D, Pedersen OB, Sorensen E, Nielsen KR, Burgdorf KS, Banasik K, Brumpton B, Zhou W, Oddsson A, Tragante V, Hjorleifsson KE, Davidsson OB, Rajamani S, Jonsson S, Torfason B, Valgardsson AS, Thorgeirsson G, Frigge ML, Thorleifsson G, Norddahl GL, Helgadottir A, Gretarsdottir S, Sulem P, Jonsdottir I, Willer CJ, Hveem K, Bundgaard H, Ullum H, Arnar DO, Thorsteinsdottir U, Gudbjartsson DF, Holm H, Stefansson K. Genetic insight into sick can you buy viagra online sinus syndrome. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1959–1971.9Tomsits P, Claus S, Kääb S. Genetic insight can you buy viagra online into sick sinus syndrome.

Is there a pill for it or how far are we on the translational road to personalized medicine?. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1972–1975.10Hoffman EP, Fischbeck KH, Brown RH, Johnson M, Medori R, Loike JD, Harris JB, Waterston R, Brooke M, Specht L, Kupsky W, Chamberlain J, Caskey T, Shapiro F, Kunkel LM. Characterization of dystrophin can you buy viagra online in muscle-biopsy specimens from patients with Duchenne’s or Becker’s muscular dystrophy. N Engl J Med 1988;318:1363–1368.11Porcher R, Desguerre I, Amthor H, Chabrol B, Audic F, Rivier F, Isapof A, Tiffreau V, Campana-Salort E, Leturcq F, Tuffery-Giraud S, Ben Yaou R, Annane D, Amédro P, Barnerias C, Bécane HM, Béhin A, Bonnet D, Bassez G, Cossée M, de La Villéon G, Delcourte C, Fayssoil A, Fontaine B, Godart F, Guillaumont S, Jaillette E, Laforêt P, Leonard-Louis S, Lofaso F, Mayer M, Morales RJ, Meune C, Orlikowski D, Ovaert C, Prigent H, Saadi M, Sochala M, Tard C, Vaksmann G, Walther-Louvier U, Eymard B, Stojkovic T, Ravaud P, Duboc D, Wahbi K.

Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and overall can you buy viagra online survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Analysis of registry data. Eur Heart J can you buy viagra online 2021;42:1976–1984.12Owens AT, Jessup M. Cardioprotection in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Eur Heart J 2021;42:1985–1987.13Semsarian C, Ho can you buy viagra online CY. Screening children at risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Balancing benefits can you buy viagra online and harms. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3682–3684.14Lafreniere-Roula M, Bolkier Y, Zahavich L, Mathew J, George K, Wilson J, Stephenson EA, Benson LN, Manlhiot C, Mital S.

Family screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Is it can you buy viagra online time to change practice guidelines?. Eur Heart J 2019;40:3672–3681.15Marston NA, Han L, Olivotto I, Day SM, Ashley EA, Michels M, Pereira AC, Ingles J, Semsarian C, Jacoby D, Colan SD, Rossano JW, Wittekind SG, Ware JS, Saberi S, Helms AS, Ho CY. Clinical characteristics and outcomes in childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can you buy viagra online.

Eur Heart J 2021;42:1988–1996.16Kaski JP. Childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy research coming of can you buy viagra online age. Eur Heart J 2021;42:1997–1999.17Elliott P, Andersson B, Arbustini E, Bilinska Z, Cecchi F, Charron P, Dubourg O, Kühl U, Maisch B, McKenna WJ, Monserrat L, Pankuweit S, Rapezzi C, Seferovic P, Tavazzi L, Keren A. Classification of can you buy viagra online the cardiomyopathies.

A position statement from the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases. Eur Heart J 2008;29:270–276.18Crea F can you buy viagra online. Machine learning-guided phenotyping of dilated cardiomyopathy and treatment of heart failure by antisense oligonucleotides. The future has begun.

Eur Heart J 2021;42:139–142.19Garnier S, Harakalova M, Weiss S, Mokry M, Regitz-Zagrosek V, Hengstenberg C, Cappola TP, Isnard R, Arbustini E, Cook SA, van Setten J, Calis JJA, Hakonarson H, Morley MP, Stark K, Prasad SK, Li can you buy viagra online J, O’Regan DP, Grasso M, Müller-Nurasyid M, Meitinger T, Empana JP, Strauch K, Waldenberger M, Marguiles KB, Seidman CE, Kararigas G, Meder B, Haas J, Boutouyrie P, Lacolley P, Jouven X, Erdmann J, Blankenberg S, Wichter T, Ruppert V, Tavazzi L, Dubourg O, Roizes G, Dorent R, de Groote P, Fauchier L, Trochu JN, Aupetit JF, Bilinska ZT, Germain M, Völker U, Hemerich D, Raji I, Bacq-Daian D, Proust C, Remior P, Gomez-Bueno M, Lehnert K, Maas R, Olaso R, Saripella GV, Felix SB, McGinn S, Duboscq-Bidot L, van Mil A, Besse C, Fontaine V, Blanché H, Ader F, Keating B, Curjol A, Boland A, Komajda M, Cambien F, Deleuze JF, Dörr M, Asselbergs FW, Villard E, Trégouët DA, Charron P. Genome-wide association analysis in dilated cardiomyopathy reveals two new players in systolic heart failure on chromosomes 3p25.1 and 22q11.23. Eur Heart J 2021;42:2000–2011.20Fullenkamp DE, Puckelwartz MJ, McNally can you buy viagra online EM. Genome-wide association for heart failure.

From discovery to clinical can you buy viagra online use. Eur Heart J 2021;42:2012–2014.21Bhatt AS, Vardeny O, Udell JA, Joseph J, Kim K, Solomon SD. Influenza vaccination can you buy viagra online. A ‘shot’ at INVESTing in cardiovascular health.

Eur Heart J can you buy viagra online 2021;42:2015–2018.22Verdecchia P, Angeli F, Cavallini C. Management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation and coexistent atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2021;42:2019.23Collet JP, Thiele H, Barbato E, Barthélémy O, Bauersachs J, Bhatt DL, Dendale P, Dorobantu M, Edvardsen T, Folliguet T, Gale CP, Gilard M, Jobs A, Jüni P, Lambrinou E, Lewis BS, Mehilli J, Meliga E, Merkely B, Mueller C, Roffi M, Rutten FH, Sibbing D, Siontis GCM. 2020 ESC Guidelines for can you buy viagra online the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation.

Eur Heart J 2021;42:1289–1367.24Collet JP, Thiele H. Management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent can you buy viagra online ST-segment elevation and coexistent atrial fibrillation – Dual versus triple antithrombotic therapy. Eur Heart J 2021;42:2020–2021. Published on behalf can you buy viagra online of the European Society of Cardiology.

All rights reserved. © The can you buy viagra online Author(s) 2021. For permissions, please email. Journals.permissions@oup.com..

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