Post-exposure vaccine effectiveness and contact management in the mpox outbreak, Madrid, Spain, May to August 2022.

BackgroundAppropriate vaccination strategies have been key to controlling the outbreak of mpox outside endemic areas in 2022, yet few studies have provided information on mpox vaccine effectiveness (VE).AimTo assess VE after one dose of a third-generation smallpox vaccine against mpox when given as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 14 days.MethodsA survival analysis in a prospective cohort of close contacts of laboratory-confirmed mpox cases was conducted from the beginning of the outbreak in the region of Madrid in May 2022. The study included contacts of cases in this region diagnosed between 17 May and 15 August 2022. Follow up was up to 49 days. A multivariate proportional hazard model was used to evaluate VE in the presence of confounding and interaction.ResultsInformation was obtained from 484 close contacts, of which 230 were vaccinated within 14 days of exposure. Of the close contacts, 57 became ill during follow-up, eight vaccinated and 49 unvaccinated. The adjusted effectiveness of the vaccine was 88.8% (95% CI: 76.0-94.7). Among sexual contacts, VE was 93.6% (95% CI: 72.1-98.5) for non-cohabitants and 88.6% (95% CI: 66.1-96.2) for cohabitants.ConclusionPost-exposure prophylaxis of close contacts of mpox cases is an effective measure that can contribute to reducing the number of cases and eventually the symptoms of breakthrough infections. The continued use of PEP together with pre-exposure prophylaxis by vaccination and other population-targeted prevention measures are key factors in controlling an mpox outbreak.

Monkeypox outbreak predominantly affecting men who have sex with men, Madrid, Spain, 26 April to 16 June 2022.

Up to 22 June 2022, 508 confirmed cases of monkeypox (MPX) have been reported in the Madrid region of Spain, 99% are men (n = 503) with a median age of 35 years (range: 18-67). In this ongoing outbreak, 427 cases (84.1%) reported condomless sex or sex with multiple partners within the 21 days before onset of symptoms, who were predominantly men who have sex with men (MSM) (n = 397; 93%). Both the location of the rash, mainly in the anogenital and perineal area, as well as the presence of inguinal lymphadenopathy suggest that close physical contact during sexual activity played a key role in transmission. Several cases reported being at a sauna in the city of Madrid (n = 34) or a mass event held on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria (n = 27), activities which may represent a conducive environment for MPX virus spread, with many private parties also playing an important role. Because of the rapid implementation of MPX surveillance in Madrid, one of the largest outbreaks reported outside Africa was identified. To minimise transmission, we continue to actively work with LGBTIQ+ groups and associations, with the aim of raising awareness among people at risk and encouraging them to adopt preventive measures.

Effect of a Surgical Care Bundle on the Incidence of Surgical Site Infection in Colorectal Surgery: A Quasi-Experimental Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSI) have an important impact on morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study, therefore, sought to assess the effect of a surgical care bundle on the incidence of SSI in colorectal surgery. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental intervention study with reference to the introduction of a surgical care bundle in 2011. Our study population, made up of patients who underwent colorectal surgery, was divided into the following two periods: 2007-2011 (pre-intervention) and 2012-2017 (post-intervention). The intervention's effect on SSI incidence was analyzed using adjusted odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: A total of 1,727 patients were included in the study. SSI incidence was 13.0% before versus 11.6% after implementation of the care bundle (OR: 0.88, 95% confidence interval: 0.66-1.17, p = 0.37). Multivariate analysis showed that cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neutropenia, and emergency surgery were independently associated with SSI. In contrast, laparoscopic surgery proved to be a protective factor against SSI. CONCLUSIONS: Care bundles have proven to be very important in reducing SSI incidence since the measures that constitute these protocols are mutually reinforcing. In our study, the implementation of a care bundle reduced SSI incidence from 13% to 11.6%, though the reduction was not statistically significant.

Impact of the implementation of a preoperative nutritional program for colorectal surgery patients.

INTRODUCTION: generalized hypermetabolism is common in cancer patients and increases the risk of complications when combined with the systemic effects of surgery. OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study was to clinically assess the implementation of a Nutritional Assessment and Support Program for patients undergoing colorectal surgery with a diagnosed neoplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a quasi-experimental study was performed with analyses before and after the implementation of the Nutritional Assessment and Support Program. Patients who underwent surgery for colon or rectal neoplasia were included. The incidence of complications and the average hospital stay were studied. The effect of the intervention was evaluated using a logistic regression analysis to yield adjusted odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: a total of 130 patients were included in the study, 65 from 2016-2017 (pre-program) and 65 in 2018 (post-program). The incidence of surgical site infection decreased from 18.5 % to 6.2 % (OR = 0.29; 95 % CI: 0.09-0.95) (p = 0.033). Postoperative fevers were also reduced by 50 % (OR = 0.41; 95 % CI: 0.17-0.96) (p = 0.037). Average hospital stay was reduced from 11.3 days (DE = 8) to 7.18 days (DE = 2.5) (p = 0.02). More clinical and analytical information was logged about the patients' nutritional status and risk. CONCLUSION: the implementation of a Nutritional Assessment and Support Program for patients undergoing colorectal surgery has shown statistically significant differences in the reduction of surgical site infection, postoperative fever and the length of hospital stay.

[Adequacy of pre-surgical hand hygiene in an university teaching hospital in Madrid (Spain).] / Adecuación de la higiene prequirúrgica de manos en un hospital universitario de Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: We know the importance of hand hygiene in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. However, its compliance is still a challenge. Moreover, when it is complied with, as in the case of preoperative hygiene, there are few studies on the proper performance of the technique. The aim of this paper is to assess adequacy of pre-surgical hand hygiene in operating room staff of different surgical specialities at a university teaching hospital in Madrid. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was made. Adequacy of pre-surgical hand hygiene was assessed in operating room staff of the different specialities and professional categories by direct covert observation. It was evaluated in 852 opportunities during the months of October, November and December 2020. A specific form was designed for data collection, following the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Adequacy was described with frequency distributions of the different groups observed. Whether Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the different categories. RESULTS: Pre-surgical hand hygiene opportunities were evaluated, 75.5% in surgeons and 24.5% in nurses. Overall compliance with pre-surgical hand hygiene technique was 80.5 % (686). The most frequent surgical service evaluated was General Surgery with 240 observations. The professional category with the best adequacy was nursing (86.1%) and the surgical service one was Traumatology (90.2%). An stopwatch was used by some 25.8% of the evaluated professionals, with an adequate hygiene time of 96,8% (p<0,05) for that group. CONCLUSIONS: The overall adequacy of pre-surgical hand hygiene in the operating room professionals is high. Significant statistically differences in adequacy are found between professional categories and surgical specialities, with better compliance in nursing staff and in Traumatology. Better results are achieved by the use of an stopwatch.

OBJETIVO: Sabemos la importancia que tiene la higiene de manos en la prevención de infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria. Sin embargo, a día de hoy, su cumplimiento, es un reto. Además, cuando se cumple, como es el caso de en la higiene prequirúrgica, pocos estudios hay sobre la adecuada realización de la técnica. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la adecuación de la higiene de manos prequirúrgica en profesionales de quirófano de un Hospital Universitario de Madrid. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo trasversal. Se evaluó la adecuación de la higiene de manos prequirúrgica mediante observación directa y enmascarada en 852 oportunidades durante los meses de octubre, noviembre y diciembre de 2020. Se consideró adecuada la higiene de manos si ésta se realizaba según la técnica correcta y durante el tiempo indicado. La adecuación de la higiene de manos se describió con la distribución de frecuencias y las diferencias entre categorías se compararon con la prueba x2 de Pearson o prueba exacta de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron las oportunidades de higiene de manos prequirúrgica, el 75,5% en cirujanos y el 24,5% en personal de enfermería. La adecuación global de la higiene de manos fue del 80,5%. La categoría profesional con mejor adecuación fue Enfermería (86,1%) (p<0,05) y el servicio quirúrgico con mejor adecuación fue Traumatología (90,2%) (p<0,05). Un 25,8% de los profesionales evaluados utilizó el apoyo del cronómetro, consiguiendo este grupo una adecuación al tiempo de higiene del 96,8% (p<0,05). CONCLUSIONES: La adecuación global de la higiene de manos prequirúrgica en nuestros profesionales es muy alta. Se encuentran diferencias estadísticamente significativas de cumplimiento entre categorías profesionales y especialidades quirúrgicas, siendo mejor la adecuación en el personal de Enfermería y en la especialidad de Traumatología. El apoyo del cronómetro consigue mejores resultados en la adecuación al tiempo de higiene.

Effect of the Implementation of a Surgical Care Bundle in the Incidence of Surgical Site Infection in Spine Surgery: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental intervention study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a clinical safety and quality improvement plan for patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery on the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In recent years, infection surveillance and control programs based on care bundles have been included in surgical protocols. These have proven to be essential tools for the prevention and control of SSI, providing indicators for improvement and allowing the characterization of related risk factors. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was carried out with analysis before and after the introduction of a preventive care bundle (clinical safety and quality improvement plan). Patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery were included. The incidence of SSI up to 90 days after surgery (maximum incubation period) was assessed. The effect of the intervention was evaluated with the adjusted odds ratio (oR) using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 1554 patients were included, 690 in the period 2007 to 2011 (before) and 864 during 2012 to 2018 (after). SSI incidence decreased from 4.2% to 1.9% after the plan (OR: 0.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.80; P  = 0.006). There was also an improvement in the adequacy of antibiotic prophylaxis, preoperative preparation, and hair removal procedure after the introduction of the care bundle. CONCLUSION: After implementation of the care bundle, the incidence of SSI in spine fusion surgery decreased significantly. Multivariate analysis showed that the care bundle was an independent protective factor. The implementation of these measures should be reinforced on the routine medical practice to reduce the SSI incidence.Level of Evidence: 3.

How to Improve Healthcare for Patients with Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy in Primary Care: A Pragmatic Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial of the MULTIPAP Intervention.

(1) Purpose: To investigate a complex MULTIPAP intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a primary care population of young-elderly patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy and to evaluate its effectiveness for improving the appropriateness of prescriptions. (2) Methods: A pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 38 family practices in Spain. Patients aged 65-74 years with multimorbidity and polypharmacy were recruited. Family physicians (FPs) were randomly allocated to continue usual care or to provide the MULTIPAP intervention based on the Ariadne principles with two components: FP training (eMULTIPAP) and FP patient interviews. The primary outcome was the appropriateness of prescribing, measured as the between-group difference in the mean Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) score change from the baseline to the 6-month follow-up. The secondary outcomes were quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L), patient perceptions of shared decision making (collaboRATE), use of health services, treatment adherence, and incidence of drug adverse events (all at 1 year), using multi-level regression models, with FP as a random effect. (3) Results: We recruited 117 FPs and 593 of their patients. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the between-group difference for the mean MAI score change after a 6-month follow-up was -2.42 (95% CI from -4.27 to -0.59) and, between baseline and a 12-month follow-up was -3.40 (95% CI from -5.45 to -1.34). There were no significant differences in any other secondary outcomes. (4) Conclusions: The MULTIPAP intervention improved medication appropriateness sustainably over the follow-up time. The small magnitude of the effect, however, advises caution in the interpretation of the results given the paucity of evidence for the clinical benefit of the observed change in the MAI. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02866799.

Incidence of surgical infection and risk factors in colorectal surgery - A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to measure the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) and identify risk factors, in patients undergoing elective surgery of the colon and rectum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed from January 2017 to December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were studied. The cumulative incidence of SSI was 12.3%. The 56.25% were superficial wound infections and the 31.25%, organ-space infection. The risk factors significantly associated with SSI were the non-administration of pre-operative oral nutrition, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, symptomatic state at the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), and ≥ 2 altered nutritional biochemical parameters at diagnosis. After multivariate , risk factors associated with SSI were: non-administration of preoperative enteral nutrition (odds ratio [OR] = 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-1.0), DM (OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 0.9-9.9), the heart disease (OR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.1-18.6), and laparoscopic surgery (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.08-0.97). The average stay was higher in patients with a diagnosis of SSI (11.9 vs. 9.2 days). CONCLUSIONS: Independent risk factors for SSI in CRC were the non-administration of pre-operative enteral nutrition, the existence of heart disease, and open surgery.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la incidencia de infección del sitio quirúrgico y evaluar sus factores de riesgo en pacientes intervenidos de cirugía colorrectal electiva. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo desde enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2018. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 130 pacientes. La incidencia acumulada de infección del sitio quirúrgico fue del 12,3% (n = 16), siendo el 56,25% infecciones de herida y el 31,25% infecciones órgano-espacio. Los factores de riesgo asociados a infección del sitio quirúrgico con significación estadística fueron la no administración de nutrición oral preoperatoria, la diabetes mellitus, la enfermedad cardiaca, la presencia de síntomas en el momento del diagnóstico de cáncer colorrectal y tener al menos dos parámetros bioquímicos nutricionales alterados. Tras el análisis multivariante se asociaron la no administración de nutrición enteral preoperatoria (odds ratio [OR] = 0,27; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 0,07-1,0), la diabetes mellitus (OR = 3,0; IC95%: 0,9-9,9), la enfermedad cardiaca (OR = 4,6; IC95%: 1,1-18,6) y la cirugía laparoscópica (OR = 0,28; IC95%: 0,08-0,97). La estancia media fue mayor en los pacientes con diagnóstico de infección del sitio quirúrgico (11,9 frente a 9,2 días). CONCLUSIONES: Los factores de riesgo independientes para el desarrollo de infección del sitio quirúrgico en los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal fueron la no administración de nutrición oral preoperatoria, la enfermedad cardiaca y la cirugía abierta.

The Economic and Social Burden of Low Back Pain in Spain: A National Assessment of the Economic and Social Impact of Low Back Pain in Spain.

STUDY DESIGN: Economic evaluation of the costs of low back pain (LBP) in Spain from a societal perspective, including direct and indirect costs, based on a national representative sample of the general population, the National Health Survey of 2017 (NHS 2017). OBJECTIVE: To estimate the costs attributable to LBP in Spain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LBP has a high prevalence and is associated with lower quality of life, functional status, and increased use of health services. Studies that assess the socio-economic burden of LBP from a general population perspective have not been published yet in Spain. METHODS: Data from NHS 2017 were used. Direct costs (consultations-general practitioner, specialist and emergency departments-, diagnostic tests, hospitalizations, physiotherapy, psychologist, and medication consumption) and indirect costs (absenteeism and presenteeism) were assessed. Multivariate models were obtained to determine the independent attributable effect of LBP in each variable. Costs were determined through existing regional healthcare services public data. RESULTS: Prevalence of LBP was 17.1% for men and 24.5% for women, and increased with age, low educational status, higher body mass index, and was associated with less physical activity, and lower self-perceived health. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LBP was independently associated with a significant increase both in the utilization of all health services and on work day losses. Attributable costs of LBP were 8945.6 million euros, of which 74.5% implied indirect costs, representing overall 0.68% of Spanish Gross Domestic Product. CONCLUSION: Spain is paying a heavy price for LBP, mostly associated with its significant impact on absenteeism and presenteeism, as well as a noteworthy effect on excess health services utilization. These findings underscore the need to address this considerable public health and social problem through interventions that address widely LBP and that have demonstrated to be cost-effective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Altered Preoperative Nutritional Status in Colorectal Cancer: A Not So Infrequent Issue.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition and weight loss in cancer patients is a common problem that affects the prognosis of the disease. In the case of CRC, malnutrition rates range between 30 and 60%. OBJECTIVES: Description of the preoperative nutritional status of patients diagnosed with colorectal neoplasia who will undergo surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study is performed. RESULTS: Of 234 patients studied, we observed that 139 (59%) had some degree of nutritional risk. Of all of them, 44.9% (N = 47) had 1-2 points according to MUST and 25% (N = 27) had more than 2 points. No differences were found when studying nutritional risk according to the location of the neoplasm. It was observed that 2.15% of the patients were underweight, 51% overweight, and 23% obese. 19.4% of patients lost less than 5 kg in the 3-6 months prior to diagnosis, 20.7% lost between 5 and 10 kg, and 2.1% lost more than 10 kg. In asymptomatic patients, the weight loss was lower than in symptomatic patients, loss <5 kg, 8.2% vs. 22.8%, and loss 5-10 kg, 16.2% vs. 29.3%, with a value of p = 0.016. 5% (N = 7) of the patients had hypoalbuminemia record. 16.5% (N = 23) had some degree of prealbumin deficiency and 20.9% (N = 29) of hypoproteinemia. Symptomatic patients had more frequent analytical alterations, 1-2 altered parameters in 48.8% (N = 20) of asymptomatic vs. 61.2% (N = 22) in the symptomatic, p = 0.049.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in prostatic surgery: Adherence to the hospital protocol. Prospective cohort study.] / Profilaxis antibiótica en cirugía de próstata: adecuación al protocolo hospitalario. Estudio de cohortes prospectivo.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the adherence to the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol in patients undergoing prostate surgery and evaluate the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on surgical site infections (SSI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out between January 2009 and September 2016. The global compliance with the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol was evaluated studying the items: time of onset, route of administration, antibiotic prescribed, duration and dose. Percentages of adequacy are described. The incidence of infection was calculated after 30 days of follow-up. Relationship between the adequacy to the protocol and the surgical site infection are described with the relative risk. RESULTS: A total of 595 patients were studied. The global adequacy was 93.8%. The leading cause of inadequacy was the time of onset 3%. The incidence of surgical site infection was 1%. No relationship between the inadequacy of antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical site infection (RR=1.1%; 95%CI: 1.0-1.2) was found. No relationship between the procedure (laparoscopic or open surgery) and surgical site infection (RR=0.4%; 95%CI: 0.1-1.9) was found. CONCLUSIONS: The adequacy of antibiotic prophylaxis was high. The incidence of surgical site infection was low and compliance of antibiotic prophylaxis contributes to diminish surgical site infection incidence.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido evaluar la adecuación de la profilaxis antibiótica y su relación con la incidencia de infección de sitio quirúrgico (ISQ) en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de próstata.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo, realizado de enero de 2009 a septiembre de 2016. Se evaluó la adecuación global al protocolo de profilaxis antibiótica y de cada apartado de la profilaxis (inicio, vía de administración, antibiótico de elección, duración y dosis). Se describieron los porcentajes de adecuación. Se calculó la incidencia de infección tras un periodo máximo de 30 días de incubación. Se evaluó la adecuación entre adecuación de la profilaxis e ISQ mediante el riesgo relativo (RR). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 595 pacientes en el estudio. La adecuación global fue del 93,8%. La mayor causa de incumplimiento fue el inicio de la profilaxis con un 3,0%. La incidencia de infección de sitio quirúrgico fue del 1,0%. No se encontró relación entre la inadecuación de la profilaxis antibiótica y la infección de sitio quirúrgico (RR=1,01; IC95%: 1,00-1,02). No se encontró relación en el riesgo de infección entre la cirugía laparoscópica y la cirugía abierta (RR=0,37; IC95%: 0,08-1,98). CONCLUSIONES: La adecuación de la profilaxis antibiótica fue alta. La incidencia de infección de sitio quirúrgico fue baja y la adecuada cumplimentación de la profilaxis antibiótica en la cirugía de próstata permite reducir la incidencia de infección de sitio quirúrgico.

Incidence of surgical site infection and risk factors in rectal surgery: A prospective cohort study. / Incidencia de infección de sitio quirúrgico y factores de riesgo en cirugía de recto. Estudio de cohortes prospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the main cause of nosocomial infection in Spain. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of SSI and to evaluate its risk factors in patients undergoing rectal surgery. METHODS: Prospective cohort study, conducted from January 2013 to December 2016. Patient, surgical intervention and infection variables were collected. Infection rate was calculated after a maximum period of 30 days of incubation. The effect of different risk factors on infection was assessed using the odds ratio adjusted by a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The study included 154 patients, with a mean age of 69.5±12 years. The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (24.5%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (17%) and obesity (12.6%). The overall incidence of SSI during the follow-up period was 11.9% (CI95%: 7.8-17.9) and the most frequent microorganism was Escherichia coli (57.9%). Risk factors associated with surgical wound infection in the univariate analysis were blood transfusion, drain tubes and vasoactive drug administration (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of SSI in rectal surgery was low. It is crucial to assess SSI incidence rates and to identify possible risk factors for infection. We recommend implementing surveillance and hospital control programs.

Effect of a surgical care bundle on the incidence of surgical site infection in colorectal surgery: a quasi-experimental intervention

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) have an important impact on morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study, therefore, sought to assess the effect of a surgical care bundle on the incidence of SSI in colorectal surgery. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental intervention study with reference to the introduction of a surgical care bundle in 2011. Our study population, made up of patients who underwent colorectal surgery, was divided into the following two periods: 2007-2011 (pre-intervention) and 2012-2017 (post-intervention). The intervention's effect on SSI incidence was analyzed using adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results: A total of 1,727 patients were included in the study. SSI incidence was 13.0% before versus 11.6% after implementation of the care bundle (OR: 0.88, 95% confidence interval: 0.66-1.17, p = 0.37). Multivariate analysis showed that cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neutropenia, and emergency surgery were independently associated with SSI. In contrast, laparoscopic surgery proved to be a protective factor against SSI. Conclusions: Care bundles have proven to be very important in reducing SSI incidence since the measures that constitute these protocols are mutually reinforcing. In our study, the implementation of a care bundle reduced SSI incidence from 13% to 11.6%, though the reduction was not statistically significant.