RCParvulari training: A basic life support training methodology applied to 5-year-old students: Effectiveness in a cluster-randomized clinical trail.

INTRODUCTION: Basic life support training in school age is a topical issue because, with adequate training, any person can help save a life. METHODS: Cluster clinical trial with data collection through an ad hoc self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. The target population encompassed the students aged 4-6 years enrolled in 49 educational centres. The centres were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The intervention group was trained with the RCParvulari® methodology, consisting of theoretical and practical training on the first link of the chain of survival. The control group only received theoretical training. We evaluated participants before and immediately after the intervention and between 3 and 12 months post intervention by means of the questionnaire. We assessed the acquisition and retention over time of the knowledge and skills covered in the training compared to previous trainings in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 1327 schoolchildren (79% of the target population) participated. The level of knowledge acquired immediately after training and after 3-12 months compared to baseline was significantly better (P < .001) in the intervention group than in the control group, both in early recognition and contacting of emergency services (112) and in remembering the "mouth-nose-eyes" mnemonic. CONCLUSIONS: The RCParvulari® methodology significantly contributed to an improved ability to recognize a possible medical emergency, start the chain of survival by alerting an adult and call the 112 emergency number in students in the last year of preschool education.

Evaluating the controlled reopening of nightlife during the COVID-19 pandemic: a matched cohort study in Sitges, Spain, in May 2021 (Reobrim Sitges).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of relaxing the state of alarm restrictions on SARS-CoV-2 infections at 14 days among people attending reopened nightclub venues. DESIGN: Matched cohort study with a paired control group (1:5 ratio). SETTING: Five small nightclubs with indoor areas and outdoor terraces, in a nightlife-restricted area in Sitges, Spain, on 20 May 2021. Wearing masks was mandatory, drinking was allowed and social distance was not required. PARTICIPANTS: Volunteers were selected through a convenience sampling. To attend the event, participants were required to be older than 17 years, with a negative rapid antigen diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) on the same afternoon, without a positive reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) or Ag-RDT and/or symptoms associated with COVID-19 in the previous 7 days, to not having knowingly been in close contact with someone infected in the previous 10 days and to not have knowingly had close contact with someone with a suspicion of COVID-19 in the previous 48 hours. A control group was paired by exact age, gender, residence municipality, socioeconomic index, previous SARS-CoV-2-confirmed infection and vaccination status, in a 1:5 ratio, from the primary care electronic health records. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Evidence of infection at electronic health records by SARS-CoV-2 at 14-day follow-up. RESULTS: Among the 391 participants (median age 37 years; 44% (n=173) women), no positive SARS-CoV-2 cases were detected at 14 days, resulting in a cumulative incidence estimation of 0 (95% CI 0 to 943) per 100 000 inhabitants. In the control group, two cases with RT-PCR test were identified, resulting in a cumulative incidence of 102.30 (12.4 to 369) per 100 000 inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: Nightlife attendance under controlled conditions and with a requirement for a negative Ag-RDT was not associated with increased transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 in a pandemic context of low infection rates. In such circumstances, secure opening of the nightlife sector was possible, under reduced capacity and controlled access by Ag-RDT, and environments where compliance with sanitary measures are maintainable.

Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial to assess the efficacy of montelukast in mild to moderate respiratory symptoms of patients with long COVID: E-SPERANZA COVID Project study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect the globe. After 18 months of the SARS-CoV-2 emergence, clinicians have clearly defined a subgroup of patients with lasting, disabling symptoms. While big strides have been made in understanding the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the pathophysiology of long COVID is still largely unknown, and evidence-based, effective treatments for this condition remain unavailable. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of 10 mg oral montelukast every 24 h versus placebo in improving quality of life associated with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms in patients with long COVID as measured with the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire. The secondary objectives will evaluate the effect of montelukast versus placebo on improving exercise capacity, COVID-19 symptoms (asthenia, headache, mental confusion or brain fog, ageusia, and anosmia), oxygen desaturation during exertion, functional status, and mortality. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Phase III, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. We will include 18- to 80-year-old patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild to moderate respiratory symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention (experimental treatment with 10 mg/day montelukast) or the control group (placebo group), during a 28-day treatment. Follow-up will finish 56 days after the start of treatment. The primary outcome will be health-related quality of life associated with respiratory symptoms according to the COPD Assessment Test 4 weeks after starting the treatment. The following are the secondary outcomes: (a) exercise capacity and oxygen saturation (1-min sit-to-stand test); (b) Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale; (c) other symptoms: asthenia, headache, mental confusion (brain fog), ageusia, and anosmia (Likert scale); (d) use of healthcare resources; (e) mortality; (f) sick leave duration in days; and (g) side effects of montelukast. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the IDIAPJGol (reference number 21/091-C). The trial results will be published in open access, peer-reviewed journals and explained in webinars to increase awareness and understanding about long COVID among primary health professionals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04695704 . Registered on January 5, 2021. EudraCT number 2021-000605-24. Prospectively registered.

A single Epley manoeuvre can improve self-perceptions of disability (quality of life) in patients with pc-BPPV: A randomised controlled trial in primary care.

Posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (pc-BPPV) causes physical, functional, and emotional impairment. The treatment is the Epley manoeuvre (EM). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare the impact of the EM and a sham manoeuvre in primary care on self-perceived disability. DESIGN: Randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial conducted in primary care with a follow-up of 1 year. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged ≥18 years old diagnosed with pc-BPPV according to the Dix-Hallpike test (DHT) were randomised to: INTERVENTIONS: Intervention (EM) group or a control (sham manoeuvre) group. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The main study covariates were age, sex, history of depression and anxiety, presence of nystagmus in the DHT, patient-perceived disability assessed with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory - screening version (DHI-S). Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate mixed Tobit analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 134 patients were studied: 66 in the intervention group and 68 in the control group. Median age was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR], 38.25-68.00 years. standard deviation, 16.98) and 76.12% of the patients were women. The DHT triggered nystagmus in 40.30% of patients. The median total DHI-S score for the overall sample at baseline was 16 (IQR, 8.00-22.00); 16 [IQR, 10.5-24.0] vs 10 [6.0-14.0] for women vs men (P<.001). Patients treated with the EM experienced a mean reduction of 2.03 points in DHI-S score over the follow-up period compared with patients in the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: Pc-BPPV affects the quality of life of primary care patients. A single EM can improve self-perceptions of disability by around 2 points on the DHI-S scale.

Effectiveness of a brief advance directive intervention in primary care: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effectiveness of a brief intervention aimed at increasing interest in and use of advanced directives (AD) among primary care patients. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. In the intervention arm, patients were given brief oral information and a leaflet on AD by General Practitioners (GPs), in the control group were briefly informed about the study's purpose. Outcome variables were the proportion of patients who expressed interest in AD and those who completed one. Covariates were sex, age, education, race, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), religion, and possession of financial will. RESULTS: Overall, 332 patients were recruited; 58 in the intervention and 36 in the control group expressed interest in AD (p = 0.033) and 18 (5.4 %) made an AD (nine in each group). Variables associated with interest were Caucasian race (odds ratio [OR], 1.88), the intervention (OR, 1.86), and CCI extreme scores (OR, 0.36). Variables associated with AD completion were primary education/no schooling (OR, 5.69) and fewer children (OR, 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: A brief oral and written intervention delivered by GP significantly increased interest in AD and achieved a completion rate of 5.4 %, without differences with the control group. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: AD interventions should focus on individuals already likely to be motivated.

Disability perceived by primary care patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

BACKGROUND: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. Little is known on how posterior canal BPPV affects health-related quality of life in patients diagnosed and treated at primary care facilities or on whether patients with subjective and objective disease perceive the effects differently. This study was designed to describe how patients diagnosed with posterior canal BPPV in primary care perceive disability. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study performed at two urban primary care centers. Participants were patients aged 18 years or older with suspected posterior canal BPPV recruited for baseline evaluation in a clinical trial on the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver in primary care. The recruitment period was from November 2012 to January 2015. Perceived disability was evaluated using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory - Screening version (DHI-S). Other variables collected were age and sex, a history or diagnosis of anxiety or depression, treatment with antidepressants and/or anxiolytics, and results of the Dix-Hallpike (DH) test, which was considered positive when it triggered vertigo with or without nystagmus and negative when it triggered neither. RESULTS: The DH test was positive in 134 patients, 40.30% of whom had objective BPPV (vertigo with nystagmus). The median age of the patients was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR], 39.00-68.50 years) and 76.1% were women. The median total score on the DHI-S was 16 out of 40 (IQR, 8.00-22.00). Scores were higher (greater perceived disability) in women (p < 0.001) and patients with subjective BPPV (vertigo without nystagmus) (p = 0.033). The items perceived as causing the greatest disability were feeling depressed (67.1%) and worsening of the condition on turning over in bed (88%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with posterior canal BPPV in primary care perceive their condition as a disability according to DHI-S scores, with higher levels of disability reported by women and patients with subjective BPPV. Feelings of depression and turning over in bed were associated with the greatest perceived difficulties. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01969513. Retrospectively registered. First Posted: October 25, 2013. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01969513.

Impact of IPDE-SQ personality disorders on the healthcare and societal costs of fibromyalgia patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Data is lacking on comorbid personality disorders (PD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in terms of prevalence, and associated healthcare and societal costs. The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of PD in FMS patients and to analyse whether the presence of comorbid PD is related to worse functional impairment and greater healthcare (medical visits, drug consumption, and medical tests) and societal costs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using the baseline data of 216 FMS patients participating in a randomized, controlled trial carried out in three primary health care centres situated in the region of Barcelona, Spain. Measurement instruments included the International Personality Disorder Examination - Screening Questionnaire (IPDE-SQ), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Client Service Receipt Inventory (CSRI), and a socio-demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: Most patients (65 %) had a potential PD according to the IPDE-SQ. The most prevalent PD were the avoidant (41.4 %), obsessive-compulsive (33.1 %), and borderline (27 %). We found statistically significant differences in functional impairment (FIQ scores) between FMS patients with potential PD vs non-PD (59.2 vs 51.1; p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that higher FIQ total scores and the presence of potential PD were related to more healthcare costs (primary and specialised care visits). CONCLUSIONS: As expected, PD are frequent comorbid conditions in patients with FMS. Our results suggest that the screening of comorbid PD in patients with FMS might be recommendable in order to detect potential frequent attenders to primary and specialised care.

[Risk of depression in 75 years or older persons, comprehensive geriatric assessment and associated factors in primary care: cross sectional study]. / Riesgo de depresión en personas de 75 años o más, valoración geriátrica integral y factores de vulnerabilidad asociados en Atención Primaria.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of the risk of depression, major defining characteristics and factors associated with. DESIGN: Sub-study of comprehensive geriatric assessment cross-study. SETTING: Primary health center. PARTICIPANTS: For an estimated 14% prevalence we need a sample of 288 people. From 3854, 290 people ≥75 years were selected. Excluding terminals, chemotherapy, recent surgery, temporary residence, mental retardation, serious psychiatric illness, or under home care. OUTCOME: risk of depression (≥2 points on the Goldberg depression subscale. DEPENDENT VARIABLES: Sociodemographic and five study areas of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment: medical -comorbidity, polypharmacy, falls and hospital admissions-, functional -Up&Go Test, Lawton-Brody and Barthel Index-, nutritional -Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)-, mental-affective -Pfeiffer Questionnaire and Goldberg scale-, and social. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: We obtained 290 interviews, with 102 (35.1%) male and mean age of 79.4 years (SD:3.2). The prevalence of the risk of depression was 37.2%, 26.5% in men and 43.1% in women (p=0.005). Association of risk of depression is observed with arterial hypertension (OR:3.87 95% CI:1.61-9.34), cancer (OR:4.12 95%, CI:1.58-10.76), lack of leisure activity (OR:2.75 95%, CI:1.33-5.67), increase of anxiety scale (OR:1.87 95%, CI:1.57-2.22) and decrease in MNA (OR:0.78 95%, CI:0.68-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of risk of depression is higher than expected, although overestimated until being confirmed with a diagnostic test. We appreciate new associations of comorbidity variables with risk of depression and corroborate other known. The studied factors that were associated with the risk of depression should be included in future studies of geriatric depression.

Effectiveness of a brief primary care intervention to reduce passive smoking in babies: a cluster randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoke pollution (TSP) has major negative effects on infant health. Our objectives were to determine the effectiveness of a brief primary care intervention directed at parents who smoke in reducing babies' TSP exposure, and to establish variables related to greater exposure. METHOD: A multicentre, open, cluster-randomised clinical trial in Catalonia. The 83 participating primary health paediatric teams of the Catalan Health Service recruited 1101 babies whose parents were smokers. The intervention group (IG) received a brief TSP intervention; the control group (CG) received the usual care. Outcomes were measured by parents' reported strategies to avoid TSP exposure. Baseline clinical data and characteristics of each baby's TSP exposure were collected, along with infant hair samples and parents' tobacco use and related attitudes/behaviours. At 3-month and 6-month follow-up, behavioural changes to avoid TSP exposure were recorded; the association between reported parental behaviours and nicotine concentration in infant hair samples was tested in a random sample of 253 babies at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: During follow-up, TSP-avoidance strategies improved more in the IG than in the CG: 35.4% and 26.9% ( p=0.006) at home, and 62.2% and 53.1% in cars (p=0.008). Logistic regression showed adjusted ORs for appropriate measures in the IG versus CG of 1.59 (95% CI 1.21 to 2.09) at home and 1.30 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.75) in cars. Hair samples showed that 78.7% of the babies tested were exposed. Reduced nicotine concentration was associated with improved implementation of effective strategies reported by parents at home (p=0.029) and in cars (p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention produced behavioural changes to avoid TSP exposure in babies. The proportion of babies with nicotine (>=1ng/mg) in hair samples at baseline is a concern. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT00788996.

Effectiveness of the Epley's maneuver performed in primary care to treat posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Vertigo is a common medical condition with a broad spectrum of diagnoses which requires an integrated approach to patients through a structured clinical interview and physical examination. The main cause of vertigo in primary care is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which should be confirmed by a positive D-H positional test and treated with repositioning maneuvers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Epley's maneuver performed by general practitioners (GPs) in the treatment of BPPV. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a randomized clinical trial conducted in the primary care setting. The study's scope will include two urban primary care centers which provide care for approximately 49,400 patients. All patients attending these two primary care centers, who are newly diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, will be invited to participate in the study and will be randomly assigned either to the treatment group (Epley's maneuver) or to the control group (a sham maneuver). Both groups will receive betahistine. Outcome variables will be: response to the D-H test, patients' report on presence or absence of vertigo during the previous week (dichotomous variable: yes/no), intensity of vertigo symptoms on a Likert-type scale in the previous week, total score on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and quantity of betahistine taken. DISCUSSION: Positive results from our study will highlight that treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be performed by trained general practitioners (GPs) and, therefore, its widespread practice may contribute to improve the quality of life of BPPV patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01969513.

[Prevalence of patients with high complexity and/or high dependency for case management in primary care]. / Prevalencia de pacientes con alta complejidad y/o alta dependencia para la gestión de casos en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the percentage of the population over 18 years with high complexity or high dependency using the case management model. METHOD: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Community level. Simple random sampling. Sample size calculation: 551 individuals were needed, with a rate of replacement for losing participation of 40%. VARIABLES: High complexity ≥ 4 of following criteria: age, comorbidity, high drug consumption, terminal disease, hospital admissions, visits to Emergency Departments, falls, functional dependency, mental deterioration, to live alone or with family with capacity for limited support; High dependency (Barthel ≤ 30 and/or Pfeiffer ≥ 8; social-demographic variables; health services use; chronic diseases; specific treatments and caregiver data. ANALYSIS: Descriptive for all variables and associated factors (95% CI). Correlation between variables was studied using the Kappa index. RESULTS: A total of 327 patients were studied, with a mean age of 49 years (SD = 18), of whom 179 (54.7%) were women. Six individuals had high complexity (1.8%, 95% CI: 0.38%-3.29%), 4 women (67%), 5 > 75 years old (83%) and 1 < 65 years old, mean age = 79.5 years (SD = 12.6). Five women presented high dependency (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.49-3.53), 4 > 75 years old (80%) and 1 < 65 years old, mean age = 82 years (SD = 14.8). Seven individuals in total presented high complexity and/or high dependency criteria (2.14%, 95% CI: 0.86-4.3), 5 women (71.4%); 6 > 75 years old and 1 < 65 years old, mean age = 81.3 years (SD = 12.4). Prevalence > 65 years (8.3%) and < 65 (0.6%) (P = .001). Correlation Kappa Index between high complexity and high dependency variables was 0.723. DISCUSSION: The percentage of patients who had high complexity or high dependency compared to the general population is significant, although lower than expected. In the planning of future programs for case management those persons who have high dependency and aged less than 65 years should also be taken into account along with those who have high complexity.

[Relationship between blood pressure and mortality at 4 years of follow up in a cohort of individuals aged over 80 years]. / Relación entre presión arterial y mortalidad a los 4 años de seguimiento en una cohorte de individuos mayores de 80 años.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To study the association between blood pressure and mortality in a cohort of over 80 years olders of the community after four years of follow up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational study cohort of 323 individuals aged over 80 years the population of Martorell. We collected sociodemographic data, comorbidity, evaluation of the basic activities of daily living and the average blood pressure. The mortality and its causes were evaluated after four years of follow up. The association between blood pressure and mortality was investigated using Cox survival analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five (41.8%) patients died, resulting in a mortality rate of 14.5% for year. In 60% of cases the cause of death was of cardiovascular origin. Subjects with systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 130 mm Hg had a mortality of 63.5% compared to those in the range of SBP = 140-159 mm Hg, who had a mortality of 25.5% (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21-0.72; p = 0.003). Female gender (HR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.97, p < 0.036), age (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.18, p < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (HR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.23-3.70, p < 0.006), orthostatic hypotension (HR: 3.78, 95% CI: 1.88-7.60, p < 0.001), Barthel Index (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98, p < 0.001), and SBP = 140-159 mm Hg (HR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.72; p = 0.007) were independent factors associated with mortality at 4 years of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high cardiovascular mortality in people aged more than 80 years. The risk factors associated with mortality are being female, older age, history of heart disease, presence of orthostatic hypotension and worse function. SBP below 130 mm Hg is associated with increased mortality.

["Difficult encounters" in primary care clinic: a patient and doctor perspective]. / <> en consultas de atención primaria: una perspectiva de pacientes y médicos.

OBJECTIVES: To find out the prevalence and causes of "difficult encounters" (DE) in Primary Care clinics from the perspective of the patients and doctors, and to whom the responsibility and concordance of the DE (CDE) between doctors and patients is attributed. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive. SETTING: Urban health centre. PARTICIPANTS AND METHOD: Four doctors, their 4 residents and patients who went to their clinics (March-May 2007). The doctors selected the DE with qualitative criteria, the patients by means of a non-validated ad hoc questionnaire. VARIABLES: sex and age of the patients, defined DE, causes and responsibility of the DE, changes in doctor due to unease and a perception of a "difficult professional" (DP) by the patient. RESULTS: There were 415 visits; 352 questionnaires (85% participation); 212 (60.2%) women, mean age (SD) 54.7 (18.2) years. DE prevalence: 8.5% according to doctors (95% CI, 5.8-11.9) (main cause: idiosyncrasy of the patient), the cause of unease always being attributed to the patient; 3.1% according to the patients (95% CI, 1.6-5.5) (main cause: lack of empathy by the doctor), the unease being attributed to the doctor in 81% of cases. CDE insignificant (kappa=0.003). Only 15 patients (4.3%) felt uncomfortable in a visit in the last year; 18 (5.1%) considered a change of doctor due to unease (95% CI, 3.1-8); 53 (15.1%) had changed at some point for this reason (95% CI, 11.3-18.8) and 11 (3.1%) considered their doctor to be DP (95% CI, 1.6-5.5). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DE in our clinics is similar to that reported in other studies, but lower than expected for the patients, with an insignificant CDE. Doctors and patients usually attribute the responsibility of the DE to the other party. Few patients consider their doctor to be a DP.

[Trends of HIV mother-to-child transmission in Catalonia, Spain, between 1987 and 2003]. / Evolución de la transmisión vertical del VIH en Cataluña durante el período 1987-2003.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe and to analyze the evolution of the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the use of antiretrovirals (ARV) in the HIV infected pregnant women and their new-borns alive between 1987 and 2003 in Catalonia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The available clinical-epidemiological and treatment data were obtained from 4 reference hospitals that take care of most of the children born to HIV infected mothers in Catalonia. Two of the hospitals had a data base designed to the follow up of their patients, whereas in the other 2 data were gathered by reviewing clinical registries. For the analysis, 3 periods, based on the recommendations of treatment ARV during pregnancy, were settled down: 1987-1993; 1994-1996, and 1997-2003. RESULTS: 1,105 mother-infant pairs were studied. HIV MTCT was reduced from 20.4% to 3.5% from first to third period of study (p < 0.001). The median age of the mothers increased from 24.6 to 30.5 years of age (p < 0.001). The proportion of women infected by sexual transmission increased from 17.2% to 58.8% (p < 0.001), whereas that of parenteral transmission decreased from the 79.2% to 43.5% (p < 0.001). In the last period, 74.1% of mother-child pairs received complete ARV prophylaxis regimens and 21.6% partial ones. The rate of elective caesarean-section went up from 32.2% to 58.2% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rates of MTCT in our setting have followed the same trend as in other countries of our surroundings. The observed changes reflect the variations in the characteristics of the epidemic in the general population. The implementation of the recommendations on ARV prophylaxis has begun early and it has extended progressively without getting to be total. Additional strategies for the universal coverage of the screening test during pregnancy are still needed.

[Maternal characteristics of a cohort of pregnant women with HIV-1 infection]. / Características maternas en una cohorte de gestantes con infección por el VIH-1.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The main strategies to avoid the vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) is antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy, delivery and to the newborn. Nevertheless, there are scant data about safety of antiretroviral drugs and follow-up studies with a large number of pregnant women are needed. The aims of our study are: to assess toxicity associated with antiretroviral treatment, to determine vertical transmission, and to define epidemiological trends within this population. In this paper we present maternal characteristics of the cohort. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Observational, multicentric, collaborative study about an HIV-1 infected pregnant women cohort and their offspring (666 and 686 cases, respectively) who were born during the study period (from January or May 2000 to 31st december 2003). RESULTS: Most pregnant women were infected by heterosexual transmission (54%). 71% women were included in stage A of the Centers for Disease Control classification of HIV infection and 74% women have received high activity antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy. Prevalence of adverse effects treatment-related was 7%, mainly anaemia related to treatment with zidovudine. We found 6 cases of vertical transmission among 686 newborns (0.8%; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients received highly active antiretroviral treatment, with a good tolerance and a low prevalence of adverse effects related to the treatment. Vertical transmission rate is very low, not higher than 1%. Apart from this, is necessary to pay attention to other phenomena like hepatitis C virus coinfection, other potentially serious adverse effects like hepatotoxicity and pregnancy-related pathologies more frequent in this population, like prematurity and gestational diabetes.