Impact of comorbidities in COPD clinical control criteria. The CLAVE study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexists with other chronic diseases, namely comorbidities. They negatively impact prognosis, exacerbations and quality of life in COPD patients. However, no studies have been performed to explore the impact of these comorbidities on COPD clinical control criteria. RESEARCH QUESTION: Determine the relationship between individualized comorbidities and COPD clinical control criteria. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study performed in Spain involving 4801 patients with severe COPD (< 50 predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1%]). Clinical control criteria were defined by the combination of COPD assessment test (CAT) scores (≤16 vs ≥17) and exacerbations in the previous three months (none vs ≥1). Binary logistic regression adjusted by age and FEV1% was performed to identify comorbidities potentially associated with the lack of control of COPD. Secondary endpoints were the relationship between individualized comorbidities with COPD assessment test and exacerbations within the last three months. RESULTS: Most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (51.2%), dyslipidemia (36.0%), diabetes (24.9%), obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (14.9%), anxiety (14.1%), heart failure (11.6%), depression (11.8%), atrial fibrillation (11.5%), peripheral arterial vascular disease (10.4%) and ischemic heart disease (10.1%). After age and FEV1% adjustment, comorbidities related to lack of clinical control were cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and atrial fibrillation; p < 0.0001), psychologic disorders (anxiety and depression; all p < 0.0001), metabolic diseases (diabetes, arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity; all p < 0.001), sleep disorders (p < 0.0001), anemia (p = 0.015) and gastroesophageal reflux (p < 0.0001). These comorbidities were also related to previous exacerbations and COPD assessment test scores. INTERPRETATION: Comorbidities are frequent in patients with severe COPD, negatively impacting COPD clinical control criteria. They are related to health-related quality of life measured by the COPD assessment test. Our results suggest that comorbidities should be investigated and treated in these patients to improve their clinical control. TAKE-HOME POINTS: Study question: What is the impact of comorbidities on COPD clinical control criteria? RESULTS: Among 4801 patients with severe COPD (27.5% controlled and 72.5% uncontrolled), after adjustment by age and FEV1%, comorbidities related to lack of clinical control were cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and atrial fibrillation; p < 0.0001), psychologic disorders (anxiety and depression; p < 0.0001), metabolic diseases (diabetes, arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity; p < 0.001), obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (p < 0.0001), anaemia (p = 0.015) and gastroesophageal reflux (p < 0.0001), which were related to previous exacerbations and COPD assessment test scores. INTERPRETATION: Comorbidities are related to health-related quality of life measured by the COPD assessment test scores and history of exacerbations in the previous three months.

Impact of comorbidities on hospital mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis: a population-based study of 110,021 patients.

BACKGROUND: The impact of pre-existing comorbidities on acute pancreatitis (AP) mortality is not clearly defined. Our study aims to determine the trend in AP hospital mortality and the role of comorbidities as a predictor of hospital mortality. METHODS: We analyzed patients aged ≥ 18 years hospitalized with AP diagnosis between 2016 and 2019. The data have been extracted from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database of the Spanish Ministry of Health. We performed a univariate and multivariable analysis of the association of age, sex, and comorbidities with hospital mortality in patients with AP. The role of the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices as predictors of mortality was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 110,021 patients diagnosed with AP were hospitalized during the analyzed period. Hospital mortality was 3.8%, with a progressive decrease observed in the years evaluated. In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 65 years (OR: 4.11, p < 0.001), heart disease (OR: 1.73, p < 0.001), renal disease (OR: 1.99, p < 0.001), moderate-severe liver disease (OR: 2.86, p < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (OR: 1.43, p < 0.001), and cerebrovascular disease (OR: 1.63, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for mortality. The Charlson > 1.5 (OR: 2.03, p < 0.001) and Elixhauser > 1.5 (OR: 2.71, p < 0.001) comorbidity indices were also independently associated with mortality, and ROC curve analysis showed that they are useful for predicting hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, heart disease, renal disease, moderate-severe liver disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease before admission were independently associated with hospital mortality. The Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices are useful for predicting hospital mortality in AP patients.

Impact of diabetes on COVID-19 prognosis beyond comorbidity burden: the CORONADO initiative.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Diabetes has been recognised as a pejorative prognostic factor in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since diabetes is typically a disease of advanced age, it remains unclear whether diabetes remains a COVID-19 risk factor beyond advanced age and associated comorbidities. We designed a cohort study that considered age and comorbidities to address this question. METHODS: The Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and Diabetes Outcomes (CORONADO) initiative is a French, multicentric, cohort study of individuals with (exposed) and without diabetes (non-exposed) admitted to hospital with COVID-19, with a 1:1 matching on sex, age (±5 years), centre and admission date (10 March 2020 to 10 April 2020). Comorbidity burden was assessed by calculating the updated Charlson comorbidity index (uCCi). A predefined composite primary endpoint combining death and/or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), as well as these two components separately, was assessed within 7 and 28 days following hospital admission. We performed multivariable analyses to compare clinical outcomes between patients with and without diabetes. RESULTS: A total of 2210 pairs of participants (diabetes/no-diabetes) were matched on age (mean±SD 69.4±13.2/69.5±13.2 years) and sex (36.3% women). The uCCi was higher in individuals with diabetes. In unadjusted analysis, the primary composite endpoint occurred more frequently in the diabetes group by day 7 (29.0% vs 21.6% in the no-diabetes group; HR 1.43 [95% CI 1.19, 1.72], p<0.001). After multiple adjustments for age, BMI, uCCi, clinical (time between onset of COVID-19 symptoms and dyspnoea) and biological variables (eGFR, aspartate aminotransferase, white cell count, platelet count, C-reactive protein) on admission to hospital, diabetes remained associated with a higher risk of primary composite endpoint within 7 days (adjusted HR 1.42 [95% CI 1.17, 1.72], p<0.001) and 28 days (adjusted HR 1.30 [95% CI 1.09, 1.55], p=0.003), compared with individuals without diabetes. Using the same adjustment model, diabetes was associated with the risk of IMV, but not with risk of death, within 28 days of admission to hospital. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our results demonstrate that diabetes status was associated with a deleterious COVID-19 prognosis irrespective of age and comorbidity status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04324736.

Risk Factors for Severe Postoperative Complications after Oncologic Right Colectomy: Unicenter Analysis.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors for severe postoperative complications after oncologic right colectomy. Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients with right colon cancer who underwent right colectomy in our department between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively included in this study. The Clavien-Dindo grading system was used to evaluate postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate risk factors for postoperative severe complications. Results: Of the 144 patients, there were 69 males and 75 females, with a median age of 69 (IQR 60-78). Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 41.7% (60 patients) and 11.1% (16 patients), respectively. The anastomotic leak rate was 5.3% (7 patients). Severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grades III-V) were present in 20 patients (13.9%). Univariate analysis showed the following as risk factors for postoperative severe complications: Charlson score, lack of mechanical bowel preparation, level of preoperative proteins, blood transfusions, and degree of urgency (elective/emergency right colectomy). In the logistic binary regression, the Charlson score (OR = 1.931, 95% CI = 1.077-3.463, p = 0.025) and preoperative protein level (OR = 0.049, 95% CI = 0.006-0.433, p = 0.007) were found to be independent risk factors for postoperative severe complications. Conclusions: Severe complications after oncologic right colectomy are associated with a low preoperative protein level and a higher Charlson comorbidity index.

Impact of frailty and atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce information on the prognostic role of frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: The aim was to analyse the management of elderly patients with frailty and AF who suffered an ACS using data of the prospective multicentre LONGEVO-SCA registry. We evaluated the predictive performance of FRAIL, Charlson scores and AF status for adverse events at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 531 unselected patients with ACS and above 80 years old [mean age 84.4 (SD = 3.6) years; 322 (60.6%) male] were enrolled, of whom 128 (24.1%) with AF and 145 (27.3%) with frailty. Mutually exclusive number of patients were as follows: non-frail and sinus rhythm (SR) 304 (57.2%); frail and SR 99 (18.6%); non-frail and AF 82 (15.4%); and frail and AF 46 (8.7%). Frail and AF patients compared with non-frail and SR patients had higher risk of all-cause mortality [HR 2.61, (95% CI 1.28-5.31; P = .008)], readmissions [HR 2.28, (95%CI 1.37-3.80); P = .002)] and its composite [HR 2.28, (95% CI 1.44-3.60); P < .001)]. After multivariate adjustment, FRAIL score [HR 1.41, (95% CI 1.02-1.97); P = .040] and Charlson index [HR 1.32, (95% CI 1.09-1.59); P = .003] were significantly associated with mortality. AF status was not independently related with adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty but not AF status was independently associated with follow-up adverse events. Frailty status and high Charlson index were independent conditions associated with adverse events during the follow-up. The impact of functional status has a bigger prognostic role over AF status in elderly patients with ACS.

Increasing Nephrologist Awareness of Symptom Burden in Older Hospitalized End-Stage Renal Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have significant symptom burden. Reduced provider awareness of symptoms contributes to underutilization of symptom management resources. METHOD: We hypothesized that improved nephrologist awareness of symptoms leads to symptom improvement. In this prospective, multicenter interventional study, 53 (age >65) ESRD inpatients underwent symptom assessment using the modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) at admission and 1-week post-discharge. Physicians caring for the enrollees were asked if they felt their patients would die within the year, and then sequentially randomized to receive the results of the baseline survey (group 1) or to not receive the results (group 2). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients completed the study; 1 died. Baseline characteristics were compared. For 70% of the total cohort, physicians reported that they would not be surprised if their patient died within a year. There was no difference in baseline scores of the patients between the 2 physician groups. Severity ratings were compared between in-hospital and post discharge scores and between physicians who received the results versus those that did not. Total ESAS scores improved more in group 1 (12.9) than in group 2 (9.2; p = 0.04). Among individual symptoms, there was greater improvement in pain control (p = 0.02), and nominal improvement in itching (p = 0.03) in group 1 as compared to group 2. There were 3 palliative care consults. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reinforce the high symptom burden prevalent in older ESRD patients. The improvement in total scores, and individual symptoms of pain and itching in group 1 indicates better symptom control when physician awareness is increased. Residual symptoms post hospitalization and low utilization of palliative care resources are suggestive of a missed opportunity by nephrologists to address the high symptom burden at the inpatient encounter, which is selective for sick patients and/or indication of inadequacy of dialysis to control these symptoms.

Impact of comorbidities on patient outcomes after interferon-free therapy-induced viral eradication in hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with advanced liver fibrosis remain at risk of cirrhosis-related outcomes and those with severe comorbidities may not benefit from hepatitis C (HCV) eradication. We aimed to collect data on all-cause mortality and relevant clinical events within the first two years of direct-acting antiviral therapy, whilst determining the prognostic capability of a comorbidity-based model. METHODS: This was a prospective non-interventional study, from the beginning of direct-acting antiviral therapy to the event of interest (mortality) or up to two years of follow-up, including 14 Spanish University Hospitals. Patients with HCV infection, irrespective of liver fibrosis stage, who received direct-acting antiviral therapy were used to build an estimation and a validation cohort. Comorbidity was assessed according to Charlson comorbidity and CirCom indexes. RESULTS: A total of 3.4% (65/1,891) of individuals died within the first year, while 5.4% (102/1,891) died during the study. After adjusting for cirrhosis, platelet count, alanine aminotransferase and sex, the following factors were independently associated with one-year mortality: Charlson index (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55; 95% CI 1.29-1.86; p = 0.0001), bilirubin (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.11-1.75; p = 0.004), age (HR 1.06 95% CI 1.02-1.11; p = 0.005), international normalized ratio (HR 3.49; 95% CI 1.36-8.97; p = 0.010), and albumin (HR 0.18; 95% CI 0.09-0.37; p = 0.0001). HepCom score showed a good calibration and discrimination (C-statistics 0.90), and was superior to the other prognostic scores (model for end-stage liver disease 0.81, Child-Pugh 0.72, CirCom 0.68) regarding one- and two-year mortality. HepCom score identified low- (≤5.7 points: 2%-3%) and high-risk (≥25 points: 56%-59%) mortality groups, both in the estimation and validation cohorts. The distribution of clinical events was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The HepCom score, a combination of Charlson comorbidity index, age, and liver function (international normalized ratio, albumin, and bilirubin) enables detection of a group at high risk of one- and two-year mortality, and relevant clinical events, after starting direct-acting antiviral therapy. LAY SUMMARY: The prognosis of patients with severe comorbidities may not benefit from HCV viral clearance. An algorithm to decide who will benefit from the treatment is needed to manage the chronic HCV infection better.

Efficiency and nutritional parameters in an elderly high risk population on hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration in Italy and France: different treatments with similar names?

BACKGROUND: Choice of dialysis is context sensitive, explored for PD and extracorporeal dialysis, but less studied for haemodialysis (HD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF), both widely employed in Italy and France; reasons of choice and differences in prescriptions may impact on dialysis-related variables, particularly relevant in elderly, high-comorbidity patients. METHODS: The study involved two high-comorbidity in-hospital cohorts, treated in Centers with similar characteristics, in Italy (Cagliari) and France (Le Mans). All patients (204) agreed to participate. Stable cases on thrice-weekly dialysis, with at least 2 months follow-up were selected (180 patients, Males 59.4%, median age 71 years, vintage 4.3 years, Charlson index 9). Univariate and multivariate correlations between baseline data, HD-HDF, dialysis efficiency and nutritional markers were assessed. RESULTS: In Le Mans HDF was mainly chosen to increase efficiency (large surface dialysers, high convective volume; 76.3% of the patients), in Cagliari to improve tolerance (smaller surfaces, lower convective volume; 59% of patients). Kt/V was similar in HD and HDF, and in both settings(median Kt/V Daugirdas 2: 1.6); in the setting of high efficiency no correlation was found between Kt/V, BMI, urea, creatinine, n-PCR and phosphate. The relationship between Kt/V and albumin was divergent: a weak consensual increase was present in Cagliari, a decrease in Le Mans, suggesting a role of albumin losses with high convective volumes. In the multivariate analysis, after adjustment for other covariates (including comorbidity and type of treatment) low albumin level < 3.5 g/dl was highly correlated with setting of study: Le Mans (OR: 7.155 (2.955-17.324)). The multivariate analysis confirmed a role of type of treatment, with higher risk of low albumin levels in HDF (OR: 3.592 (1.466-8.801)), and of comorbidity (Charlson index> = 7 (OR: 3.153 (1.311-7.582)), MIS index> = 7 (OR: 5.916 (2.457-14.241)). CONCLUSIONS: The different prescriptions of HD and HDF may have similar effects on dialysis efficiency, but diverging effects on crucial nutritional markers, such as albumin levels, probably more evident in high-comorbidity populations.

Charlson comorbidity index in ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage as predictor of mortality and functional outcome after 6 months.

BACKGROUND: The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is commonly used in outcome and mortality studies. Our aim was to investigate the association between CCI score and the functional outcome and mortality 6 months after ischemic stroke (IS) or intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and IS admitted to the stroke unit during 18 months. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) score was obtained for subjects 6 months after event. The CCI score was dichotomized (low comorbidity 0 or 1 versus high ≥ 2) for analysis. The mRS score was also dichotomized (good outcome, mRS score 0 or 1 versus poor outcome, mRS score ≥ 2). RESULTS: In all, 175 patients were enrolled in the study. Logistic regression showed that those with a high CCI score (≥ 2) had 37.3% increased odds of having a poor outcome (≥ 2) at 6 months and 68.4% greater odds of death at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid medical conditions independently influence outcome after IS or intracerebral hemorrhage.

Association of blood group A with hospital comorbidity in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Background and objectives: In the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, identifying which risk factors are associated with the most serious forms of the disease is important. Blood group A has been presented in various studies as a poor prognostic factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether patients with blood group A were associated with more important comorbidities, measured by the Charlson Index, which may explain their worse clinical evolution. Patients and methods: A prospective and consecutive study examined 100 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted in March 2020. A multivariate linear regression model was used to evaluate the association of blood group A with the Charlson Index. Results: Patients in group A had a higher Charlson Index (P = .037), rate of lymphopenia (P = .039) and thrombopenia (P = .014), and hospital mortality (P = .044). Blood group A was an independent factor associated with the Charlson Index (B 0.582, 95% CI 0.02-1.14, P = .041). Conclusions: Group A was independently associated with greater comorbidity, associated with an increase of 0.582 points in the Charlson Index compared to other blood groups. It was also associated with lower hospital mortality.

Fundamento y objetivos: En la pandemia provocada por SARS-CoV-2, es importante identificar qué factores de riesgo se asocian a las formas más graves de la enfermedad. El grupo sanguíneo A se ha presentado en diversos estudios como factor de mal pronóstico. El objetivo de este estudio radica en evaluar si los pacientes de grupo sanguíneo O asocian comorbilidades más importantes, medido por el Índice de Charlson, que puedan justificar también su peor evolución clínica. Pacientes y método: Estudio prospectivo y consecutivo con 100 pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19 ingresados en marzo de 2020. Se empleó un modelo de regresión lineal multivariante para evaluar la asociación del grupo sanguíneo A con el Índice de Charlson. Resultados: Los pacientes del grupo A presentaron mayor Índice de Charlson (P = .037), linfopenia (P = .039), trombopenia (P = .014) y mortalidad hospitalaria (P = .044).El grupo sanguíneo A demostró ser un factor independiente asociado a dicho índice [B 0.582, IC 95% (0.02­1.14), P = .041]. Conclusiones: El grupo A se asocia de forma independiente a mayor comorbilidad, asociando un incremento de 0.582 puntos en el índice de Charlson con respecto al resto de grupos sanguíneos. Además, asocia una tendencia de menor mortalidad hospitalaria.

Comorbidity and Prognosis in Octogenarians with Infective Endocarditis.

Background. Infective endocarditis (IE) in older patients is associated with a high morbidity, mortality, and functional impairment. The purpose of this study was to describe the current profile of IE in octogenarians and to analyze the prognostic impact of baseline comorbidities in this population. Methods. Patients ≥ 80 years and definite IE from the Spanish IE Prospective Database were included. The effect of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) on in-hospital and 12-month mortality was analyzed. Results. From 726 patients, 357 (49%) had CCI ≥ 3 and 369 (51%) CCI < 3. A total of 265 patients (36.6%) died during hospital admission and 338 (45.5%) during 1-year follow-up. CCI ≥ 3 was an independent predictor of in-hospital and 1-year mortality (odds ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 1.07−1.99, p = 0.017; hazard ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.08−1.66, p = 0.007, respectively). Surgical management was less common in patients with high comorbidity (CCI ≥ 3 68 [19.0%] vs. CCI < 3 112 ((30.4%) patients, p < 0.01). From 443 patients with surgical indication, surgery was only performed in 176 (39.7%). Patients with surgical indication treated conservatively had higher mortality than those treated with surgery (in-hospital mortality: 147 (55.1%) vs. 55 (31.3%), p < 0.001), (1-year mortality: 172 (64.4%) vs. 68 [38.6%], p < 0.001). Conclusion. About half of octogenarians with IE had high comorbidity with CCI ≥ 3. CCI ≥ 3 was a strong independent predictor of in-hospital and 1-year mortality. Our data suggest that the underperformance of cardiac surgery in this group of patients might have a role in their poor prognosis.

Evaluation of the Potential Risk of Mortality from SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospitalized Patients According to the Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Background: The pandemic of COVID-19 has represented a major threat to global public health in the last century and therefore to identify predictors of mortality among COVID-19 hospitalized patients is widely justified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible usefulness of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) as mortality predictor in patients hospitalized because COVID-19. Methods: This study was carried out in Zacatecas, Mexico, and it included 705 hospitalized patients with suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinical data were collected, and the CCI score was calculated online using the calculator from the Sociedad Andaluza de Medicina Intensiva y Unidades Coronarias; the result was evaluated as mortality predictor among the patients with COVID-19. Results: 377 patients were positive for SARS-COV-2. Obesity increased the risk of intubation among the study population (odds ratio (OR) = 2.59; 95 CI: 1.36-4.92; p = 0.003). The CCI values were higher in patients who died because of COVID-19 complications than those observed in patients who survived (p < 0.001). Considering a CCI cutoff > 31.69, the area under the ROC curve was 0.75, with a sensitivity and a specificity of 63.6% and 87.7%, respectively. Having a CCI value > 31.69 increased the odds of death by 12.5 times among the study population (95% CI: 7.3-21.4; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The CCI is a suitable tool for the prediction of mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The presence of comorbidities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 reflected as CCI > 31.69 increased the risk of death among the study population, so it is important to take precautionary measures in patients due to their condition and their increased vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Changes in Social and Clinical Determinants of COVID-19 Outcomes Achieved by the Vaccination Program: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess changes in social and clinical determinants of COVID-19 outcomes associated with the first year of COVID-19 vaccination rollout in the Basque population. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using the complete database of the Basque Health Service (n = 2,343,858). We analyzed data on age, sex, socioeconomic status, the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and COVID-19 infection by Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Women had a higher hazard ratio (HR) of infection (1.1) and a much lower rate of hospitalization (0.7). With older age, the risk of infection fell, but the risks of hospitalization and ICU admission increased. The higher the CCI, the higher the risks of infection and hospitalization. The risk of infection was higher in high-income individuals in all periods (HR = 1.2-1.4) while their risk of hospitalization was lower in the post-vaccination period (HR = 0.451). CONCLUSION: Despite the lifting of many control measures during the second half of 2021, restoring human mobility patterns, the situation could not be defined as syndemic, clinical determinants seeming to have more influence than social ones on COVID-19 outcomes, both before and after vaccination program implementation.

Comorbidities impact and de-prescribing in elderly with HCV-related liver disease: analysis of a prospective cohort.

Management for HCV has undergone a notable change using direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs), which are safe and effective even in elderly. Here, we define impact of comorbidities, concomitant medication and drug-drug interactions in elder patients with HCV related disease before starting DAAs regimen. We analyzed data of 814 patients prospectively enrolled at our Unit within the web based model HCV Sicily Network. Out of 814, 590 were treated with DAAs and 414 of them were older than 65 years. We divided those 414 in two groups, one including 215 patients, aged between 65 and 74 years, and another with 199 patients, aged of 75 years and over. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was assessed for each patient; drug-drug interactions (DDI) and de-prescribing process were carried out appropriately. Within 414 patients included, percentage rates of women treated was higher than males, BMI was lower and cirrhosis was frequently reported in patients older than 75 years. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia (p < 0.0001), prostatic pathologies, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease (p < 0.0001), osteoporosis (p < 0.01) and depression were most common co-morbidities. CCI showed lower scores in the first group as compared with the second one (p < 0.0001). Among drugs, statins were frequently suspended and anti-hypertensive often replaced. DAAs are useful and effective regardless of disease severity, comorbidities, medications and age. De-prescribing allows a stable reduction of number of medications taken with real improvement of quality of life.

Association of blood group A with hospital comorbidity in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. / Asociación del grupo sanguíneo A con mayor comorbilidad hospitalaria en pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, identifying which risk factors are associated with the most serious forms of the disease is important. Blood group A has been presented in various studies as a poor prognostic factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether patients with blood group A were associated with more important comorbidities, measured by the Charlson Index, which may explain their worse clinical evolution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective and consecutive study examined 100 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted in March 2020. A multivariate linear regression model was used to evaluate the association of blood group A with the Charlson Index. RESULTS: Patients in group A had a higher Charlson Index (P=.037), rate of lymphopenia (P=.039) and thrombopenia (P=.014), and hospital mortality (P=.044). Blood group A was an independent factor associated with the Charlson Index (B 0.582, 95% CI 0.02-1.14, P=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Group A was independently associated with greater comorbidity, associated with an increase of 0.582 points in the Charlson Index compared to other blood groups. It was also associated with lower hospital mortality.

Psoriasis severity matters when dealing with all-cause mortality in psoriasis patients: a record linkage analysis in Northern Italy.

Psoriasis has been linked with several comorbidities and increased all-cause mortality compared with the general population. Data are still limited concerning mortality especially from Southern European countries. Between January 2012 and December 2018, we conducted a retrospective cohort study on psoriasis patients and population controls in Northern Italy. Through record linkage of health-care databases, psoriasis cases were identified, and their morbidity and mortality were compared with the general population. The Charlson index was used as an index of comorbidities. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were estimated for overall psoriasis cases and for patients with mild vs moderate-to-severe disease, separately. We identified 12,693 psoriasis patients (mean age: 60.8 ± 16.3 years). They had a significantly higher Charlson index compared with the general population (p < 0.001). In spite of the higher rate of comorbidities, age-specific SMR was not increased in the psoriasis population as a whole (1.04 (95% CI 0.89-1.20)) or in people with mild psoriasis. However, a 40% higher than the expected risk of all-cause mortality was documented in individuals with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (SMR: 1.41; 95% CI 1.12-1.75). Notably, an excess mortality in these patients occurred as early as age 40-49 years. The proportion of deaths from malignancies and cardiovascular diseases was remarkably high. Our results support the notion that psoriasis severity influences mortality and indicate that patients with psoriasis, especially those with severe disease, should receive appropriate screening and health education.

Influence of the technique and comorbidities in hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To analyze the differences in toxicity and biochemical relapse-free survival with hypofractionated radiotherapy with three-dimensional radiotherapy (3D-CRT) or volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) for prostate cancer taking into account comorbidity measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). METHODS: From January 2011 to June 2016, 451 patients with prostate cancer were treated with 60 Gy (20 daily fractions). VMAT or 3D-CRT was used. Distribution by stage: 17% low-risk, 27.2% intermediate-risk; 39.2% high-risk, 16.6% very high-risk. Mean CCI was 3.4. RESULTS: With a median follow up of 51 months, most patients did not experience any degree of acute GI toxicity (80.9%) compared to 19.1%, who experienced some degree, mainly G-I /II. In the multivariate analysis, only technique was associated with acute GI toxicity ≥ G2. Patients treated with VMAT had greater acute GI toxicity compared with those who received 3D-CRT (23.9% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.005). With respect to acute GU toxicity, 72.7% of patients experienced some degree, fundamentally G-I/II. Neither age, CCI, nor androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were associated with greater toxicity. Overall survival at 2, 5 and 7 years was 97%, 88% and 83% respectively. The only factor with statistical significance was CCI, with a greater number of events in individuals with a CCI ≥ 4 (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer is an effective, well-tolerated treatment even for elderly patients with no associated comorbidity. Longer follow up is needed in order to report data on late toxicity.

Spanish validation of Charlson index applied to prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Comorbidity assessment is essential in the triage of care for men with prostate cancer (PC). The aim of this study was to validate the Spanish version of the revised Charlson index (RCI) in PC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 731 PC patients diagnosed from 1993 to 2008 were referred to our Radiation Oncology Department. The RCI classified patients into four categories RCI 0, RCI 1-2, RCI 3-4, and RCI 5 and higher. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used. We also analyzed the median age of patients who remained alive at the last control and those who died due to non-prostate cancer comorbidities. RESULTS: 636 patients were included median age: 70 years (44-85). The mean follow-up was 153.62 months, (6-288 months). Distribution of the D'Amico risk classification was 21%, 38.2%, and 40.8% for low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively. The RCI distribution categories were: 303 (46.7%) RCI 0, 102 (16%) RCI 1-2, 131 (20.6%) RCI 3-4, and 100 (15.7%) RCI 5 and higher. The probability of non-cause-specific mortality at 5 and 10 years was 2. 4% and 11.25% RCI 0, 3 and 14.1% RCI 1-2, 5.7% and 22.1% RCI 3-4, and 47% and 92% (RCI 5 and higher). The median age in the last control in patients alive or who had died by non-PC causes was 82.81 years (55.27-102). DISCUSSION: The RCI may be used to aid medical decision making in older Spanish men with PC, especially in those with a high RCI 5 and higher.

[Burden of comorbidities in heart failure patients hospitalized at the Abidjan Heart Institute]. / Poids des comorbidités chez les insuffisants cardiaques hospitalisés à l'Institut de cardiologie d'Abidjan.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our work was to appreciate the importance of comorbidities of heart failure individually and globally in patients hospitalized at the Cardiology Institute of Abidjan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of adult heart failure patients hospitalized from January to December 2015, and followed up over 12 months. Co-morbidities were analysed through their prevalence, their relationship with the etiologies, and their impact on the prognosis. RESULTS: Three hundred and two patients (mean age: 55.5±16.9 years, 61.6 % male) were recruited. High blood pressure, anaemia and kidney dysfunction were the most common co-morbidities (48 %, 43.7 % and 41.3 % respectively). There was an average of 3.4±1.8 comorbidities per patient with an increase in the number of comorbidities with age (P<0.05) and a more frequent association with hypertensive and ischemic heart disease (P<0.001). During the one-year follow-up, 96 patients died. Apart from hepatic dysfunction (RR=1.97, 95 % CI [1,19-3.25], P=0.008, a high score of Charlson index appeared as a risk factor of death as much in univariate analysis (RR=4.15 95 % CI [2.32-7.41], P<0.001), as in multivariate analysis according to the Cox model (RR=2.48. 95 % CI [1.08-5.09], P=0.03) confirmed by Kaplan Meier curves (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Comorbidities are common in our heart failure patients and significantly affect their prognosis.

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015.Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years,65 to 80 years,and ≥ 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. RESULTS: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 ≥ 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients ≥80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%,65 years; 20.5%,65-79 years; 31.3%,≥80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%,<65 years;30.1%,65-79 years;34.7%,≥80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%,≥80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age ≥ 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32-3.34), CCI ≥ 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39-1.88),and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16-1.58).When the three age groups were compared,the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age ≥ 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI),and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group.