Multiplex spatial analysis reveals increased CD137 expression and m-MDSC neighboring tumor cells in refractory classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.

The Hodgkin and Reed - Sternberg (HRS) cells in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) actively modify the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) attracting immunosuppressive cells and expressing inhibitory molecules. A high frequency of myeloid cells in the TME is correlated with an unfavorable prognosis, but more specific and rare cell populations lack precise markers. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been identified in the peripheral blood of cHL patients, where they appear to be correlated with disease aggressiveness. TNFRSF9 (CD137) is a T cell co-stimulator expressed by monocytic and dendritic cells. Its expression has also been described in HRS cells, where it is thought to play a role in reducing antitumor responses. Here, we perform qualitative and quantitative analyses of lymphocytic and MDSC subtypes and determine the CD137 cell distribution in cHL primary tumors using multiplex immunofluorescence and automated multispectral imaging. The results were correlated with patients' clinical features. Cells were stained with specific panels of immune checkpoint markers (PD-1, PD-L1, CD137), tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (CD3, PD-1), and monocytic cells/MDSCs (CD68, CD14, CD33, Arg-1, CD11b). This approach allowed us to identify distinct phenotypes and to analyze spatial interactions between immune subpopulations and tumor cells. The results confirm CD137 expression by T, monocytic and HRS cells. In addition, the expression of CD137, T exhausted cells, and monocytic MDSCs (m-MDSCs) in the vicinity of malignant HRS cells were associated with a worse prognosis. Our findings reveal new elements of the TME that mediate immune escape, and confirm CD137 as a candidate target for immunotherapy in cHL.

CD137-expressing immune cells and HRS cells are more abundant and in closer proximity in refractory patients than in responders.Monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (m-MDSCs) are associated with unfavorable outcomes and relapse in cHL, unlike granulocytic MDSCs (g-MDSCs), which are located far from HRS cells in non-responders.The cHL tumor microenvironment promotes immune escape in refractory patients by holistically driving polarization and/or recruitment of several cell types with increased expression of CD137 and PD-L1 checkpoints.

Identification of regional and sex differences in asthma mortality trends in Spanish Autonomous Communities (1980-2022).

OBJECTIVE: Despite global declines in asthma mortality, regional variations and sex disparities persist. This study investigates asthma mortality trends in Spanish Autonomous Communities (ACs) from 1980 to 2022, analysing data by sex. METHODS: Data on asthma deaths and population were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics for the study period. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated, and joinpoint regression models were applied to identify trends. RESULTS: Overall, 44,728 asthma deaths occurred, with a steeper decline observed in men (-3.5% per year) compared to women (-0.7% per year). The female-to-male mortality ratio climbed from 0.7 in 1980 to 5.4 in 2016. Both sexes exhibited a significant decrease in ASMRs, with a more substantial decline in males (-6.3%).While all ACs showed a significant decrease in male ASMRs, female trends varied, with significant decreases in 13 ACs and stable trends elsewhere. Joinpoint analysis revealed diverse regional patterns for both sexes, with some ACs experiencing steady declines and others exhibiting periods of slower decline or even stabilization. CONCLUSION: This study identified concerning regional and sex disparities in Spanish ACs' asthma mortality (1980-2022). While male rates declined significantly across all regions, female rates showed variation, with even increases in some ACs. Targeted interventions addressing these disparities and their underlying causes (healthcare access, management practices, etc.) are crucial.

Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine can prime SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive T cells.

Vaccines containing tetanus-diphtheria antigens have been postulated to induce cross-reactive immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which could protect against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In this work, we investigated the capacity of Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine to prime existing T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2. To that end, we first collected known SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8+ T cell epitopes targeted during the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and identified as potentially cross-reactive with Td vaccine those sharing similarity with tetanus-diphtheria vaccine antigens, as judged by Levenshtein edit distances (≤ 20% edits per epitope sequence). As a result, we selected 25 potentially cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8+ T cell epitopes with high population coverage that were assembled into a synthetic peptide pool (TDX pool). Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we first determined by intracellular IFNγ staining assays existing CD8+ T cell recall responses to the TDX pool and to other peptide pools, including overlapping peptide pools covering SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and Nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (NP). In the studied subjects, CD8+ T cell recall responses to Spike and TDX peptide pools were dominant and comparable, while recall responses to NP peptide pool were less frequent and weaker. Subsequently, we studied responses to the same peptides using antigen-inexperienced naive T cells primed/stimulated in vitro with Td vaccine. Priming stimulations were carried out by co-culturing naive T cells with autologous irradiated peripheral mononuclear cells in the presence of Td vaccine, IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15. Interestingly, naive CD8+ T cells stimulated/primed with Td vaccine responded strongly and specifically to the TDX pool, not to other SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools. Finally, we show that Td-immunization of C57BL/6J mice elicited T cells cross-reactive with the TDX pool. Collectively, our findings support that tetanus-diphtheria vaccines can prime SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive T cells and likely contribute to shape the T cell responses to the virus.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of immunocompromised critically ill patients with cytomegalovirus end-organ disease: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with cellular immune deficiencies is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, data on CMV end-organ disease (CMV-EOD) in critically ill, immunocompromised patients are scarce. Our objective here was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of CMV-EOD in this population. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, international, retrospective, observational study in adults who had CMV-EOD and were admitted to any of 18 intensive care units (ICUs) in France, Israel, and Spain in January 2010-December 2021. Patients with AIDS were excluded. We collected the clinical characteristics and outcomes of each patient. Survivors and non-survivors were compared, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for hospital mortality. RESULTS: We studied 185 patients, including 80 (43.2%) with hematologic malignancies, 55 (29.7%) with solid organ transplantation, 31 (16.8%) on immunosuppressants, 16 (8.6%) with solid malignancies, and 3 (1.6%) with primary immunodeficiencies. The most common CMV-EOD was pneumonia (n = 115, [62.2%] including 55 [47.8%] with a respiratory co-pathogen), followed by CMV gastrointestinal disease (n = 64 [34.6%]). More than one organ was involved in 16 (8.8%) patients. Histopathological evidence was obtained for 10/115 (8.7%) patients with pneumonia and 43/64 (67.2%) with GI disease. Other opportunistic infections were diagnosed in 69 (37.3%) patients. Hospital mortality was 61.4% overall and was significantly higher in the group with hematologic malignancies (75% vs. 51%, P = 0.001). Factors independently associated with higher hospital mortality were hematologic malignancy with active graft-versus-host disease (OR 5.02; 95% CI 1.15-27.30), CMV pneumonia (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.13-6.03), lymphocytes < 0.30 × 109/L at diagnosis of CMV-EOD (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.05-5.69), worse SOFA score at ICU admission (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.04-1.35), and older age (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality was high in critically ill, immunocompromised patients with CMV-EOD and varied considerably with the cause of immunodeficiency and organ involved by CMV. Three of the four independent risk factors identified here are also known to be associated with higher mortality in the absence of CMV-EOD. CMV pneumonia was rarely proven by histopathology and was the most severe CMV-EOD.

Environmental DNA for the surveillance of biosecurity threats in Mediterranean lagoons.

Invasive species that outcompete endemic ones and toxic harmful algae that cause algal blooms threaten marine resources like fisheries, aquaculture, and even tourism. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding can help as a method for early alert. In this study, we have analyzed communities inhabiting six lagoons within the Gulf of Lion (northwest Mediterranean Sea) with spatial protection as RAMSAR and Natura 2000 sites. Employing the COI gene as the only metabarcode, we found 15 genera that have caused recognized algal bloom outbreaks in the studied lagoons since 2000. In addition, seven alien invasive species that can pose risks to the rich marine resources of the zone and lagoons were also found. The results found from eDNA are consistent with events of toxic algae blooms before and after the sampling moment and with reported occurrences of the invasive species in nearby Mediterranean areas. Multivariate multiple analysis showed the importance of anthropic pressure in the abundance of these nuisance species. Mitigation actions and routine eDNA metabarcoding in zones of special interest like these fragile French Mediterranean lagoons are recommended for early alert of nuisance species in order to plan timely management actions.

Clozapine use in the first two years after first-episode psychosis in a real-world clinical sample.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20-30% of patients with schizophrenia fail to respond to antipsychotic treatment and are considered treatment resistant (TR). Although clozapine is the treatment of choice in these patients, in real-world clinical settings, clinicians often delay clozapine initiation, especially in first-episode psychosis (FEP). AIM: The main aim of this study was to describe prescription patterns for clozapine in a sample of patients diagnosed with FEP and receiving specialized treatment at a university hospital. More specifically, we aimed to determine the following: (1) the proportion of patients who received clozapine within two years of disease onset, (2) baseline predictors of clozapine use, (3) time from starting the first antipsychotic to clozapine initiation, (4) concomitant medications, and (5) clozapine-related adverse effects. METHODS: All patients admitted to a specialized FEP treatment unit at our hospital between April 2013 and July 2020 were included and followed for two years. The following variables were assessed: baseline sociodemographic characteristics; medications prescribed during follow-up; clozapine-related adverse effects; and baseline predictors of clozapine use. We classified the sample into three groups: clozapine users, clozapine-eligible, and non-treatment resistant (TR). RESULTS: A total of 255 patients were consecutively included. Of these, 20 (7.8%) received clozapine, 57 (22.4%) were clozapine-eligible, and 178 (69.8%) were non-TR. The only significant variable associated with clozapine use at baseline was the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score (R2=0.09, B=-0.07; OR=0.94; 95% CI: 0.88-0.99; p=0.019). The median time to clozapine initiation was 55.0 (93.3) days. The most common side effect was sedation. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion (30.2%) of patients in this cohort were treatment resistant and eligible for clozapine. However, only 7.8% of the sample received clozapine, indicating that this medication was underprescribed. A lower baseline GAF score was associated with clozapine use within two years, suggesting that it could be used to facilitate the early identification of patients who will need treatment with clozapine, which could in turn improve treatment outcomes.

Satisfaction, Qol and adherence of patients allergic to dust mites and/or pollens undergoing sublingual immunotherapy.

Aim: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) changes history of allergic respiratory disease (ARD). However, adherence is a barrier for optimal outcomes. Patients & methods: In the QUALI study, 859 patients with house-dust mite (HDM) and/or pollen induced ARD uncontrolled with symptomatic treatment and undergoing SLIT for at least 6 months or including one pre-coseason (pollen) were collected. Results & conclusion: SLIT significantly improved allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) and asthma symptom control, leading to reduced medication, meaningful health-related quality of life gain, improved nasal, ocular and bronchial symptoms and everyday life activities. Patients were highly satisfied and most of them adhered to SLIT, being forgetfulness the main non-adherence motive. SLIT is a quick effective treatment against persistent moderate-to-severe symptoms in ARC and asthma but it should been improve forgetfulness, as non-adherence reason.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has really changed how we deal with allergic respiratory disease. But there's a catch: sticking to the treatment can be tough.In the QUALI study, we looked at 859 patients dealing with dust mite and/or pollen allergies who were not getting relief from the usual treatments. We put them on SLIT for at least 6 months or during pollen season.This treatment made a big difference. Symptoms got better, people needed less medication and they felt better in their day-to-day lives. Most patients were happy with the treatment and stuck to it well, but some forgot sometimes.In short, SLIT works fast and works well for moderate to severe allergies and asthma. But we need to help people remember to stick with it.

Characteristics and rates of infection by HIV in people receiving non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) against HIV.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: The use of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) emerges as a strategic intervention to reduce HIV infection risk following sexual encounters in our setting. Notwithstanding, there is a scarcity of contemporary data regarding adherence to this treatment, its effectiveness and tolerance. Our study aims to delve into these factors among individuals who have resorted to nPEP after high-risk sexual encounters. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of cases administered nPEP for HIV from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid. The study included all adults over 18 years who sought care at the emergency department of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital following a risky sexual encounter and were subsequently recommended HIV nPEP treatment. RESULTS: 878 individuals received nPEP for HIV and underwent initial serological tests. Of these, 621 had comprehensive follow-ups. The prescribed regimen for all was raltegravir (RAL) 1200 mg combined with tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) 245/200 mg daily for 28 days. The study revealed a 1.1% rate (n=10) of previously undetected infection and a 0.16% (n=1) failure rate of nPEP. Regarding regimen tolerability, 5.6% (n=35) experienced symptoms linked to the treatment, yet none necessitated discontinuation of the regimen. On the contrary, six per cent (n=53) reported symptoms consistent with an STI during one of the medical visits; specifically, 4.4% had urethritis, and 1.6% had proctitis. CONCLUSION: nPEP with RAL/TDF/FTC demonstrates high efficacy and safety, contingent on proper adherence. There is an observed increase in STI prevalence in this cohort, with nearly half of the participants not engaging in appropriate follow-up after initiating nPEP.

Tissue and cellular spatiotemporal dynamics in colon aging.

Tissue structure and molecular circuitry in the colon can be profoundly impacted by systemic age-related effects, but many of the underlying molecular cues remain unclear. Here, we built a cellular and spatial atlas of the colon across three anatomical regions and 11 age groups, encompassing ~1,500 mouse gut tissues profiled by spatial transcriptomics and ~400,000 single nucleus RNA-seq profiles. We developed a new computational framework, cSplotch, which learns a hierarchical Bayesian model of spatially resolved cellular expression associated with age, tissue region, and sex, by leveraging histological features to share information across tissue samples and data modalities. Using this model, we identified cellular and molecular gradients along the adult colonic tract and across the main crypt axis, and multicellular programs associated with aging in the large intestine. Our multi-modal framework for the investigation of cell and tissue organization can aid in the understanding of cellular roles in tissue-level pathology.

A Dynamic Ultrasound Phantom with Tissue-Mimicking Mechanical and Acoustic Properties.

Tissue-mimicking phantoms are valuable tools that aid in improving the equipment and training available to medical professionals. However, current phantoms possess limited utility due to their inability to precisely simulate multiple physical properties simultaneously, which is crucial for achieving a system understanding of dynamic human tissues. In this work, novel materials design and fabrication processes to produce various tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs) for skin, adipose, muscle, and soft tissue at a human scale are developed. Target properties (Young's modulus, density, speed of sound, and acoustic attenuation) are first defined for each TMM based on literature. Each TMM recipe is developed, associated mechanical and acoustic properties are characterized, and the TMMs are confirmed to have comparable mechanical and acoustic properties with the corresponding human tissues. Furthermore, a novel sacrificial core to fabricate a hollow, ellipsoid-shaped bladder phantom complete with inlet and outlet tubes, which allow liquids to flow through and expand this phantom, is adopted. This dynamic bladder phantom with realistic mechanical and acoustic properties to human tissues in combination with the developed skin, soft tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue TMMs, culminates in a human scale torso tank and electro-mechanical system that can be systematically utilized for characterizing various medical imaging devices.

Iron nanoparticles as food additives and food supplements, regulatory and legislative perspectives.

Recently, the use of nanotechnology in food has gained great interest. Iron nanoparticles with unique chemical, physical and structural properties allow their potential use mainly as iron fortifiers, colorants and antimicrobial agents. However, in the market we can find only supplements and food colorants based on iron nanoparticles. Their use in food fortification has so far been focused only on in vitro and in vivo experimental studies, since the toxicological evaluation of these studies has so far been the basis for the proposals of laws and regulations, which are still in an early stage of development. Therefore, the aim of this work was to summarize the use of the different forms of iron nanoparticles (oxides, oxyhydroxides, phosphates, pyrophosphates and sulfates) as food additives and supplements and to resume the perspectives of legislation regarding the use of these types of nanoparticles in the food industry.

Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on the Gut Microbiome of a Well-Defined Cohort of Healthy Individuals.

A comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota in a clearly defined group of healthy individuals is essential when making meaningful comparisons with various diseases. The Mediterranean diet (MD), renowned for its potential health benefits, and the influence of adherence thereto on gut microbiota have become a focus of research. Our aim was to elucidate the impact of adherence to the MD on gut microbiota composition in a well-defined cohort. In this prospective study, healthy volunteers completed a questionnaire to provide demographic data, medical history, and dietary intake. Adherence was evaluated using the Med-DQI. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. Analysis of sequencing data and statistical analysis were performed using MOTHUR software and R. The study included 60 patients (51.7% females). Adherence correlated with alpha diversity, and higher values were recorded in good adherers. Good adherers had a higher abundance of Paraprevotella and Bacteroides (p < 0.001). Alpha diversity correlated inversely with fat intake and positively with non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). Evenness correlated inversely with red meat intake and positively with NSPs. Predicted functional analysis highlighted metabolic pathway differences based on adherence to the MD. In conclusion, our study adds useful information on the relationship between the MD and the gut microbiome.

New dockside eDNA based protocol to detect the seaweed Asparagopsis armata evaluated by stakeholders.

Early detection of invasive species is crucial to deal effectively with biological invasions in ports, which are hotspots of species introductions. In this study, a simplified end-time PCR methodology conducted on eDNA from water samples was developed for rapid detection of the invasive seaweed Asparagopsis armata (four hours from water collection to result visualization). It was tested dockside in four international Spanish ports in presence of stakeholders, whose feedback was obtained to explore the real applicability of this biotechnology. Although biological invasions were not a main concern for them, results indicate a unanimous approval of the methodology by the stakeholders, having detected the presence of A. armata in three of the ports. Stakeholders suggested further developments for easier application of the tool and multiple species detection, to be adopted for the control of invasive species in ports.

Pupil reflex as a marker of activity and prognosis in heart failure: a longitudinal and prospective study.

AIMS: Compensatory mechanisms in heart failure (HF) are triggered to maintain adequate cardiac output. Among them, hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the main ones and carries a worse prognosis. The pupillary reflex depends on the SNS, and we can evaluate it through pupillometry. The aim of the study was to compare the differences in pupillary reflex between patients with acute HF and controls and to analyse whether these differences in pupillary reflex may offer a new and easy prognostic factor in such patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively and consecutively included 107 patients admitted with decompensated HF. Quantitative pupillometry was performed with the NeuroOptics pupillometry during the first 24 h after admission and prior to discharge. The results were compared with those of a group of 100 healthy volunteers who also underwent pupillometry. The maximum baseline pupil size (MBPS) and the minimum pupil diameter (MPD) were measured. Patients with decompensated HF have a higher MBPS (3.64 ± 0.81) and higher MPD (2.60 ± 0.58) than HF patients at discharge and in the control group (P-value = 0.01 and 0.01, respectively). Also, HF patients presented an improvement in pupillometric values at discharge [MBPS (3.47 ± 0.79) and MPD (2.51 ± 0.58)] and showed no differences compared with the control group [MBPS (3.34 ± 0.82) and MPD (2.40 ± 0.53)] (P-value = 0.19 and 0.14, respectively). In addition, MBPS provides a good independent predictor of in-hospital and 1 month mortality in patients admitted with HF. Six patients (5.61%) died during hospital admission, and 11 patients (10.2%) died in the first month after discharge. Also, four patients (3.74%) were readmitted within 1 month of discharge. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting in-hospital mortality through MBPS was 0.823. No patient with an MBPS < 3.7 mm died. The ROC curve for predicting combined mortality or readmission within the first month for MBPS was 0.698. CONCLUSIONS: Pupillometry may be a new, non-invasive, and simple tool to determine the status of SNS, help in the prognostic stratification of acute HF patients, and improve therapeutic management.

Climate change as a veiled driver of migration in Bangladesh and Ghana.

People living in deltaic areas in developing countries are especially prone to suffer the effects from natural disasters due to their geographical and economic structure. Climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events affecting the environmental conditions of deltas, threatening the socioeconomic development of people and, eventually, triggering migration as an adaptation strategy. Climate change will likely contribute to worsening environmental stress in deltas, and understanding the relations between climate change, environmental impacts, socioeconomic conditions, and migration is emerging as a key element for planning climate adaptation. In this study, we use data from migration surveys and econometric techniques to analyse the extent to which environmental impacts affect individual migration decision-making in two delta regions in Bangladesh and Ghana. The results show that, in both deltas, climatic shocks that negatively affect economic security are significant drivers of migration, although the surveyed households do not identify environmental pressures as the root cause of the displacement. Furthermore, environmental impacts affecting food security and crop and livestock production are also significant as events inducing people to migrate, but only in Ghana. We also find that suffering from environmental stress can intensify or reduce the effects of socioeconomic drivers. In this sense, adverse climatic shocks may not only have a direct impact on migration but may also condition migration decisions indirectly through the occupation, the education, or the marital status of the person. We conclude that although climate change and related environmental pressures are not perceived as key drivers of migration, they affect migration decisions through indirect channels (e.g., reducing economic security or reinforcing the effect of socioeconomic drivers).

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis isolates from humans and animals in Spain from 2006 to 2021.

OBJECTIVES: While an increase in the levels of MDR in Salmonella enterica sevorar Choleraesuis has been reported in Europe, little is known about the situation in Spain. Therefore, we first aimed to assess the phenotypic resistance profile and to determine the presence of genetic determinants of resistance of S. Choleraesuis isolates collected in animal and human. Our second objective was to identify and characterize clusters of highly related isolates. METHODS: We analysed 50 human and 45 animal isolates retrieved from 2006 to 2021 using the disc diffusion method and performed WGS followed by analyses of genetic determinants and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: All isolates were of ST145 and corresponded to the variant Kunzendorf. Swine isolates harboured a significantly higher number of antimicrobial resistance genes than human isolates, and often carried plasmid replicons of the IncHI2/IncHI2A type (42% of all animal isolates). In addition, we identified several MDR S. Choleraesuis strains circulating in humans and swine between 2006 and 2021. The phylogenetic analyses identified four clades associated with specific patterns of resistance genes and plasmid replicons. The clades also included isolates that differed in terms of year and region of isolation as well as host of origin. CONCLUSIONS: This One Health approach highlights that reducing human MDR S. Choleraesuis infections may require the adoption of strategies that not only seek to prevent cases in humans but also to characterize and reduce the infection burden in swine.

Epidemiological and clinical management aspects of pneumonias diagnosed in the emergency department in elderly patients in Spain: Results of the EDEN-29 study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of pneumonia diagnosis in elderly patients in Spanish emergency departments (ED), need for hospitalization, adverse events and predictive capacity of biomarkers commonly used in the ED. METHODS: Patients ≥65 years with pneumonia seen in 52 Spanish EDs were included. We recorded in-hospitaland 30-day mortality as adverse events, as well as intensive care unit (ICU) admission among hospitalizedpatients. Association of 10 predefined variables with adverse events was calculated and expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), as well as predictive capacity of 5 commonly used biomarkers in the ED (leukocytes, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, glucose, creatinine) was investigated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). RESULTS: 591 patients with pneumonia attended in the ED were included (annual incidence of 18,4 per 1000 inhabitants). A total of 78.0% were hospitalized. Overall, 30-day mortality was 14.2% and in-hospital mortality was 12.9%. Functional dependency was associated with both events (OR=4.453, 95%CI=2.361-8.400; and OR=3.497, 95%CI=1.578-7.750, respectively) as well as severe comorbidity (2.344, 1.363-4.030, and 2.463, 1.252-4.846, respectively). Admission to the ICU during hospitalization occurred in 3.5%, with no associated factors. The predictive capacity of biomarkers was only moderate for creatinine for ICU admission (AUC-ROC=0.702, 95% CI=0.536-0.869) and for leukocytes for post-discharge adverse event (0.669, 0.540-0.798). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonia is a frequent diagnosis in elderly patients consulting in the ED. Their functional dependence and comorbidity is the factor most associated with adverse events. The biomarkers analyzed do not have a good predictive capacity for adverse events.