Emergence of monkeypox virus in central Argentina: Epidemiological features and first complete genome sequences in the country.

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). MPXV can be transmitted by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. A new pattern of spread among sexual networks has been recently described. The present work aimed to report the epidemiological and genomic characterization of the 2022 MPXV outbreak in central Argentina. A total of 113 scabs and/or lesion swab specimens were studied. MPXV infection was confirmed in 46.0% of the studied patients, all of whom were men. Varicella-zoster virus infection was the most frequent differential diagnosis. Eight complete viral genomes were obtained by next-generation sequencing. The Argentinian sequences were grouped intermingled with other sequences from the 2022 MPXV outbreak, related to samples from the USA, Europe, and Peru. Taken together, our study provided an initial assessment of the genetic and epidemiological characteristics of the 2022 MPXV outbreak in Córdoba, Argentina.

Rubella in Poland in 2021. / Rózyczka w Polsce w 2021 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Rubella is a viral infectious disease, and humans are the only reservoir of the virus. In 2020, all WHO member countries conducted epidemiological surveillance for rubella, and almost all (99%) had access to rubella testing at laboratories operating under the WHO Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of rubella in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation was based on a review of data from the bulletin , "Infectious Diseases and Poisons in Poland in 2021" (5), and the assessment of the immunization status of the population was based on data from the bulletin , "Immunization in Poland in 2021" (6). Classification of cases was made based on the definition used in the 2021 surveillance (7). Data from the epidemiological surveillance system "EpiBase" were also used. RESULTS: In 2021, 50 cases of rubella were registered, 48 fewer than in 2020 (98 cases). There was also a decrease in incidence to 0.13 per 100,000, compared to 0.26 per 100,000 in 2020. The highest incidence, regardless of gender and residential environment, was recorded in the 0-4 age group (1.23 per 100 thousand). No cases of congenital rubella syndrome were reported in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: In 2021, there was a decrease in the number of rubella cases in Poland, which could be a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduced restrictions. In addition, rubella was registered 99% on the basis of clinical diagnoses, without the required laboratory confirmation, which means that other rash diseases could be registered as rubella.

Measles in Poland in 2021. / Odra w Polsce w 2021 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Measles is one of the most contagious childhood diseases, and the behavior also occurs in adults. This is a multi-year vaccination covered by an elimination program coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Elimination of measles in the country is conditional on a 95% incidence of infection with two victims, monitoring the epidemiological situation, registering all suspected cases of measles, and monitoring by the WHO Reference Laboratory. In our country, the Department of Virology of the NIZP PZH-PIB in Warsaw serves as the head of the Department of Virology. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of measles in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation was based on a review of data from the bulletin, "Infectious Diseases and Poisons in Poland in 2021" (5), and the assessment of the immunization status of the population was based on data from the bulletin, "Immunization in Poland in 2021" (6). Classification of cases was made based on the definition used in the 2021 surveillance (7). Data from the epidemiological surveillance system "EpiBase" were also used. RESULTS: In 2021, 13 measles cases were registered in Poland (incidence 0.03 per 100,000), 44.8% less than in 2020 and 80% less than the median in 2014-2018. In 2021, the highest incidence was recorded at 0.32 per 100,000 children aged 0-4 years. 6 patients (46.2%) were hospitalized; no deaths due to measles were reported. 32 suspected measles cases were recorded, with over a hundred cases expected. Vaccination status of children aged 3 with the first dose was 90.8%, and the second dose was given to children at the age of 9. - 84.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological indicators of measles in 2021 in Poland compared to 2020 have decreased. A similar trend observed throughout Europe. This is related to the extinguishment of outbreaks that occurred before the pandemic, mainly in 2019.

Chickenpox in Poland in 2021. / Ospa wietrzna w Polsce w 2021 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease, but one that can be effectively prevented by vaccination. In Poland, vaccination against the disease is recommended, paid for, and chickenpox remains very common. In recent years, starting in 2002, the upward trend in the incidence of chickenpox has continued, except in 2020. In 2020, there was a decrease in incidence. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of chickenpox in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation of the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2021 was carried out based on the results of the analysis of aggregate data published in the annual bulletins: "Infectious Diseases and Poisons in Poland in 2021" and "Immunization in Poland in 2021". In addition, recommendations from the 2021 Immunization Program are described. RESULTS: 57,669 cases of chickenpox were registered in Poland in 2021, 42% less than in the previous year. The incidence of chickenpox in 2021 was 151.1 per 100,000, which was lower than in 2020, as well as in 2019, when it was 470.6/100,000. The lowest incidence was registered in Lower Silesia Province - 99.2/100,000, while the highest in Silesia Province - 215.8/100,000. The highest incidence was in children aged 0-4 years (18,028). The incidence of chickenpox in males was higher than in females (159.5 vs. 143.3/100 thousand), and urban residents were higher than rural residents (152.1 vs. 149.6/100 thousand). Hospitalization due to chickenpox in 2021 included 210 people, which accounted for 0.36% of the total number of registered cases. CONCLUSIONS: In 2021, there was a decrease in the number of chickenpox cases compared to the previous year. The lower incidence may have been the result of a decrease in the transmission of the chickenpox virus, the decrease in the number of cases has to do with, among other things, the restrictions put in place in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, which result in, among other things, reduced human contact, the wearing of masks and increased social distance.

Mumps in Poland in 2021. / Swinka w Polsce w 2021 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Mumps is a contagious viral disease occurring mainly in children, the source of infection being the sick/infected person. Since 2003, vaccination against mumps has been mandatory in Poland, performed according to a two-dose schedule. As part of the Public Health Immunization Program (PSO), the MMR combination vaccine (against measles, mumps and rubella) is used for the entire population of children. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of mumps in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2021 was based on the interpretation of data from the bulletin , "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2021" and , "Immunization in Poland in 2021". RESULTS: 484 cases of mumps were registered in Poland in 2021. The total incidence was 1.3 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than in 2020. The highest incidence of 1.8 per 100,000 residents was registered in Pomorskie Province, and the lowest incidence of 0.7 in Lower Silesia Province. The highest incidence (6.4/100 thousand) was recorded in children aged 0-4 and 5-9. The incidence rate for men (1.4/100,000) was higher than for women (1.1). In 2021, there were 9 patients hospitalized due to mumps, this was more than in 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in the number of cases of mumps in 2021 remained related to the ongoing pandemic - the restrictions introduced during the pandemic period led to a decrease in the number of cases not only of COVID-19, but also of other diseases spread by the droplet route, including mumps. The number of registered cases based on the reports of diagnosing physicians may be underestimating the actual number of cases due to the continued difficult access of patients to primary care physicians.

Infectious diseases in Poland in 2021. / Choroby zakazne w Polsce w 2021 r.

OBJECTIVE OF THE WORK. As 2021 was the second year of COVID-19 pandemic we expect the continuous impact of the pandemic on other infectious diseases. We aimed at reviewing the national infectious surveillance data based on available surveillance reports (Epidemiological Chronicle) to summarize the infectious disease situation in 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS. National infectious disease surveillance system collects mandatory notifications from physicians and laboratories as well as epidemiological investigation reports prepared by State Sanitary Inspection, where relevant. We also include mortality data based on the reports of Statistics Poland office. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. In 2021, there were 2,852,789 cases of COVID-19 reported, corresponding to the incidence of 7475.4 per 100,000 and 90,126 deaths related to COVID-19. For most of diseases the incidence remained lower than before the pandemic. This included influenzea and influenzea-like illness incidence (- 5.4% vs 2020 and - 37.6% vs median 2015-2019) and tuberculosis incidence (+9.3% vs 2020 and -35.9% vs median 2015-2019). The incidence was lower than in 2020 for: pertussis (-75.7%), measles (-54.9%), rubella (48.7%), mumps (-16.4%), chickenpox (-19.0%) or H. influenzea invasive disease (-33.0%). A notable exception to these trends was Clostridium difficile intestinal infections incidence, which was higher by 88.2% from the 2015-2019 median with 21,157 case and 1,120 fatalities reported in 2021. There was also an almost 4-fold increase in norovirus infections incidence. The number of chronic hepatitis infections diagnoses were substantially lower than median for 2015-2019 (-53.7% for HBV and - 68.8% for HCV). The COVID-19 pandemic still played the crucial role as a public health problem, but its impact on other infectious diseases was less clear than in 2020. The reduction in the number of registered cases was with likely attributable to non-pharmaceutic interventions and to delays in registration due to reduced public health resources.

HIV infections and AIDS cases in Poland in 2021 year. / Zakazenia HIV i zachorowania na AIDS w Polsce w 2021 roku.

BACKGROUND: Despite a temporary decrease in the number of newly HIV infections in Poland in 2020, a return to the growing number of new infections was observed in 2021 in the surveillance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of newly HIV infections and AIDS cases and death among AIDS cases in Poland in 2021 in comparison to the changes in preceding years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the epidemiological situation was based on reports of newly detected HIV cases and AIDS cases received from doctors and laboratories and the results of the annual survey of HIV testing conducted by laboratories throughout the country. A dataset on clients from Voluntary Testing and Counselling, coordinated by the National AIDS Center, which anonymously collects epidemiological and behaviour data on tested people was used. RESULTS: In 2021 there were 1 367 HIV cases newly diagnosed in Poland (diagnosis rate 3.58 per 100,000), including 236 among non-Polish citizens. The number of HIV infections increased by 43.3% compared to the previous year and was higher by 3.8% compared to the median in 2015-2019 years. Similarly, among VCT clients, number of HIV increased by 45%, from 309 in 2020 to 448 in 2021 year. The total number of AIDS cases reported to surveillance was 62 (incidence 0.16 per 100,000). The HIV infection was most often detected in the age group 30-39 year (35.8%) and among men (82.1%). Among cases with known transmission route, 68.7% concerned among MSM. The percentage of AIDS cases diagnosed at the same time with HIV increased by more than 30 percent points (from 63.5% to 95.1% of all AIDS cases). CONCLUSIONS: In 2021 the number of newly detected HIV infections increased compared to the previous year, probably due to a reduction in restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased in HIV testing rate.

Giardioza (Lamblioza) w Polsce w 2021 roku. / Giardasis (Lambliasis) in Poland in 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Giardiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoa Giardia lamblia (also known as Giardia intestinalis and Giardia duodenalis), which causes gastrointestinal symptoms. Infection usually occurs through the ingestion of contaminated water/food or through contact with an infected person. In Poland, giardiasis is notifiable disease, acoording to the EU deffinition implement in the polish surveillance system. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to asses epidemiological situation of giardiasis in Poland in 2021 and compare it to the previous years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation of giardiasis in Poland in 2021 was performed on the basis of data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland" for the years 2008-2021, data on individual cases collected for the purposes of epidemiological surveillance in the EpiBaza system and data from food-born outbreak investigations recorded in the Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks (ROE). RESULTS: In 2021, 559 cases of giardiasis were reported in Poland (558 confirmed case, 1 probable case). There was an increase in the number of reported cases in comparision to 2020 by 56% and decrease to 2019 by 29%. Cases of giardiasis were reported in all voivodeships, with the highest incidence rate in Podlaskie voivodeship (9.1/100 000), incidence rate for Poland was 1.5/100 000. Giardiasis was diagnosed in patiens in all age group, the largest group of patiens were children (age groups 0-4 and 5-9). The hospitalization rate of patients diagnosed with giardiasis was 9.7% and was lower than in 2020, when it was 12.4%. As in previous years, no deaths from giardiasis were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The number of cases of giardiasis has increased compared to 2020, but has not reached pre-pandemic levels. As in previous years, differences in the incidence by age and sex of people with the disease were noted when comparing data reported from Poland and EU/EEA countries.

Salmonellosis in Poland in 2021. / Salmonelozy w Polsce w 2021 roku.

AIM: The aim of the article is to present and assess the epidemiological situation of salmonellosis in Poland in 2021, in relation to previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation of salmonellosis in Poland was made on the basis of individual data on salmonellosis cases, entered by sanitary-epidemiological stations into the EpiBaza System, data on outbreaks caused by Salmonella bacilli from the Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks System (ROE), as well as on the basis of aggregated data published in the annual bulletins "Infectious Diseases and Poisoning in Poland" (NIPH NIH - NRI, GIS, Warsaw), including information sent by laboratories of sanitary-epidemiological stations, data from the article on the epidemiological situation of salmonellosis in Poland in 2020 and data from the Demographic Research Department of the Central Statistical Office. RESULTS: In 2021, in Poland sanitary-epidemiological stations registered 8,294 cases of salmonellosis - 8,014 cases of intestinal salmonellosis and 280 extra-intestinal salmonellosis, including 190 cases of salmonellosis septicemia. The incidence rate for total salmonellosis was 21.7/100,000 population, for intestinal salmonellosis 21.0, for salmonellosis septicemia 0.50, and 0.23 per 100,000 population for other extra-intestinal infections of salmonellosis etiology. The reported 7,988 cases were classified as confirmed and 306 as probable. There were 5,127 hospitalizations due to salmonellosis, mainly children and the elderly. The peak of the incidence was registered in July. The highest incidence rate of salmonellosis in 2021 was recorded in the Podkarpackie voivodeship (39.8/100,000 population), the lowest in the Swietokrzyskie voivodeship (10.7/100,000 population). The highest incidence of intestinal salmonellosis was registered in the age group 0-4 years, accounting for 44.2% of the total number of cases. Among extra-intestinal infections, almost 62% of cases occurred in people aged 60+. In 2021, sanitary-epidemiological stations were detected and reported 229 outbreaks of food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacilli, 75% of them was Enteritidis serotype. In 2021, the most frequently isolated serotypes were S. Enteritidis 72%, S. Typhimurium (2%) and S. Infantis (0.5%). The serotype was not determined in 24.3% of cases. There were 24 imported cases of salmonellosis from different regions of the world. Due to Salmonella infection 11 people died in 2021. Laboratories of sanitary-epidemiological stations performed 438,183 tests for the presence of Salmonella and Shigella bacilli among humans, 92% of these tests concerned people working in contact with food. CONCLUSIONS: In 2021, there was an increase in the number of salmonellosis cases in Poland, compared to 2020. It can therefore be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a long-term impact on reducing the number of Salmonella infections. At the same time, despite the increase, the situation of salmonellosis in Poland has not fully returned to the state before the COVID-19 pandemic.The area where we observe a significant difference, is the percentage of hospitalizations, which is the lowest in 2021 since 1998. It can be assumed, that one of the reasons for this, could be a stricter qualification of people with milder symptoms for hospital treatment, in favour of outpatient care.

Mortality and hospitalization trends for aortic aneurysms and dissections in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, there is a paucity of evidence on mortality and hospitalization patterns associated with aortic aneurysms and dissections. OBJECTIVE: To analyze national databases and describe the epidemiological characteristics of different aortic pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study, in which mortality and hospitalization attributed to aortic aneurysms and dissections were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed on Stata 16. RESULTS: A total of 6,049 deaths were documented in the general population, which included 2,367 hospitalizations and 476 (20.1%) in-hospital deaths. In addition, a statistically significant age difference was found between mean age at death in the general population (69.5 years) and the in-hospital death group (64.1 years, p < 0.001). As for hospitalizations secondary to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, 149 cases were identified, with a mean age of 65.6 years, out of whom 53 (35.5%) were under 65 years of age, with a mean age of 47.8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological reports of aortic pathology in Mexico are scarce; therefore, implementation of screening and detection programs for aortic pathologies is necessary in order to address the disparities identified in this analysis.

ANTECEDENTES: Existe evidencia escasa en México respecto a la mortalidad y patrones del ingreso hospitalario asociados a aneurismas y disecciones aórticos. OBJETIVO: Analizar las bases de datos nacionales y describir las características epidemiológicas de diferentes patologías aórticas agudas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal y observacional de una base de datos retrospectiva, en el que se analizó la mortalidad y hospitalización atribuidas a aneurismas y disecciones aórticos. El análisis estadístico se realizó en Stata 16. RESULTADOS: Se documentaron 6049 muertes en la población general, 2367 hospitalizaciones y 476 muertes intrahospitalarias. Adicionalmente, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las medias de edad de fallecimiento de la población general (65.5 años) y de los pacientes que murieron en el hospital (64.1 años), p < 0.001. En cuanto a las hospitalizaciones secundarias a aneurisma de aorta abdominal roto, 149 casos fueron evidenciados con una media de edad de 65.6 años; 53 (35.5 %) de estos tenía menos de 65 años, con una media de edad de 47.8 años. CONCLUSIONES: Los reportes epidemiológicos de patología aórtica en México son escasos, por ello la implementación de programas de tamizaje y la detección de patologías aórticas son necesarias para mejorar las disparidades encontradas en este análisis.

Association of frailty with the use of health services in older adults: a secondary analysis of the Mexican Health and Aging Study.

BACKGROUND: Frailty has been related to adverse outcomes, but evidence on its association with the use of health services is still scarce. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to determine the association of frailty with the use of health services in Mexican adults older than 60 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the Mexican Health and Aging Study for the years 2015 (baseline) and 2018 (follow-up). Frailty was defined with the frailty index. The following outcomes were included: hospitalization, medical visits, major surgery, minor surgical procedures, and dental visits. Competing risk and count analyses (negative binomial regression) were performed. RESULTS: A total of 8,526 individuals were included, whose average age was 70.8%; 55.8% corresponded to the female gender. According to the results, hospitalization days and the number of minor procedures were associated with frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty could be useful in the planning of health services for older adults. On the other hand, its evaluation would allow prioritizing care for those who are at higher risk of adverse outcomes.

ANTECEDENTES: La fragilidad se ha relacionado con desenlaces adversos, pero aún es escasa la evidencia sobre su asociación con el uso de servicios de salud. OBJETIVO: Evidenciar la asociación de la fragilidad con el uso de servicios de salud en adultos mexicanos mayores de 60 años. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis del Estudio Nacional sobre Salud y Envejecimiento en México para 2015 (basal) y 2018 (seguimiento). La fragilidad se definió con el índice de fragilidad. Fueron incluidos los siguientes desenlaces: hospitalización, visitas médicas, cirugía mayor, procedimientos quirúrgicos menores y visitas al dentista. Se utilizaron modelos de riesgos competitivos y de número de eventos (regresión negativa binomial). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 8526 individuos, cuya edad promedio fue de 70.8 %; 55.8 % correspondió al sexo femenino. De acuerdo con los resultados, los días de hospitalización y el número de procedimientos menores se asociaron a fragilidad. CONCLUSIONES: La fragilidad podría ser un parámetro útil en la planeación de los servicios de salud para los adultos mayores. Por otro lado, su evaluación permitiría priorizar la atención a quienes presenten mayor riesgo de desenlaces adversos.

Clinical and Sociodemographic Features of Alopecia Areata in Five Colombian Cities: An Analysis of the RENAAC Registry.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-scaring hair loss and preservation of hair follicles. The information available on disease course, and clinical features of AA is scarce worldwide, and almost nonexistent in Colombia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with AA who presented to a dermatology consultation in five Colombian cities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective and multicenter study on data from an ongoing National Registry of Alopecia Areata in Colombia (RENAAC) collected in Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Medellin, Colombia from March 2022 through April 2023. Data was recorded in a standardized form by trained physicians. The variables were expressed as measures of central tendency and dispersion, and absolute and relative frequencies. RESULTS: A total of 562 patients were included, 59.4% of whom were women, aged between 15 and 49 years (63.9%) with a mean disease course of 1.7 years. The most common finding was multiple plaque (53.2%), the predominant AA subtype was patchy (71.4%), and 29.5% of the patients had a past dermatological history, 18.3% had a past endocrinological history, and 8.9% had a past psychiatric history. The treatments most widely used were steroid injections (76.4%), 5% topical minoxidil (46.4%), followed by high-potency corticosteroids (42.5%). STUDY LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: AA was slightly predominant in women. As seen in other populations, this disease had an earlier onset in men vs women. Presentation in pediatric age was uncommon. The previous history of other dermatological diseases was checked in almost one third of the patients. Analysis of the co-presentation of AA with other autoimmune diseases is biased due to excluding patients with systemic erythematous lupus from the study.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: Incidence and Trends in Valencia, Spain. / Carcinoma basocelular: incidencia y tendencias en Valencia (España).

BACKGROUND: There is a need for epidemiological and incidence data on the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in Spain. OBJECTIVES: Our study was designed to retrospectively retrieve cases from our computer databases from 2010 through 2016 to provide updated data on the actual incidence of BCC in Valencia, eastern Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an epidemiological study on basal cell carcinoma conducted in Valencia, eastern Spain. We analyzed a total of 2171 patients and 4047 tumors, and gathered data to estimate the actual incidence of BBC in our region. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that the incidence of BCC is much higher than previously reported. We calculated a crude incidence of 410.38 BCCs/100 000 person-years, an adjusted rate for the European population of 256.98 BCCs/100 000 person-years, and an adjusted rate for the world population of 196.26 BCCs/100 000 person-years. Risk is up to 29.49% higher for men (464.07 cases/100 000 person-years vs 358.40 cases/100 000 person-years for women). Incidence also increases by an annual 3.91% (a significantly higher annual incidence of 8.28% in women vs a 0.92% annual incidence in men). Overall, the lifetime risk for developing a BCC is 5.8% (5.02% in women and 7% in men).

Epidemiology of Primary Cutaneous Melanoma in the Migjorn Health Sector of Mallorca, Spain From 2003 Through 2021. / Epidemiología del melanoma cutáneo primario en el sector Migjorn en la isla de Mallorca entre los años 2003-2021.

The study of the increasing incidence of melanoma over the past few decades is essential regarding prevention and optimization of health resources. We collected cases of melanoma from Hospital son Llàtzer from the Migjorn health sector of Mallorca, Spain from 2003 through 2021, and calculated the incidence of melanoma adjusted to the standard European population. In addition, other demographic and clinicopathological data were descriptively analyzed too. A total of 690 new cases of melanoma were detected with a progressive increase in the age-standardized incidence from 7.47 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year in 2003 up to 23.84 in 2021 mainly due to early stages of the disease. The incidence of melanoma has increased significantly in Mallorca probably due to the increasing population coming from northern Europe (low phototypes), sun exposure habits (tourism, fishing, agriculture), and improved early diagnosis.

[Translated article] Epidemiology of Primary Cutaneous Melanoma in the Migjorn Health Sector of Mallorca, Spain From 2003 Through 2021.

The study of the increasing incidence of melanoma over the past few decades is essential regarding prevention and optimization of health resources. We collected cases of melanoma from Hospital son Llàtzer from the Migjorn health sector of Mallorca, Spain from 2003 through 2021, and calculated the incidence of melanoma adjusted to the standard European population. In addition, other demographic and clinicopathological data were descriptively analyzed too. A total of 690 new cases of melanoma were detected with a progressive increase in the age-standardized incidence from 7.47 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year in 2003 up to 23.84 in 2021 mainly due to early stages of the disease. The incidence of melanoma has increased significantly in Mallorca probably due to the increasing population coming from northern Europe (low phototypes), sun exposure habits (tourism, fishing, agriculture), and improved early diagnosis.

Melanoma Registry of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (REGESMEL): Description and Data in its First Year of Operation. / Registro de Melanoma de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (REGESMEL): descripción y datos en el primer año de funcionamiento.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of melanoma is rising in Spain. The prognostic stages of patients with melanoma are determined by various biological factors, such as tumor thickness, ulceration, or the presence of regional or distant metastases. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has encouraged the creation of a Spanish Melanoma Registry (REGESMEL) to evaluate other individual and health system-related factors that may impact the prognosis of patients with melanoma. The aim of this article is to introduce REGESMEL and provide basic descriptive data for its first year of operation. METHODS: REGESMEL is a prospective, multicentre cohort of consecutive patients with invasive cutaneous melanoma that collects demographic and staging data as well as individual and healthcare-related baseline data. It also records the medical and surgical treatment received by patients. RESULTS: A total of 450 cases of invasive cutaneous melanoma from 19 participant centres were included, with a predominance of thin melanomas≤1mm thick (54.7%), mainly located on the posterior trunk (35.2%). Selective sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 40.7% of cases. Most cases of melanoma were suspected by the patient (30.4%), or his/her dermatologist (29.6%). Patients received care mainly in public health centers (85.2%), with tele-dermatology resources being used in 21.6% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of the pathological and demographic variables of melanoma cases is consistent with data from former studies. REGESMEL has already recruited patients from 15 Spanish provinces and given its potential representativeness, it renders the Registry as an important tool to address a wide range of research questions.

Humanistic and economic burden of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients in Spain: a systematic review.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease affecting all age groups, particularly children. This systematic review provides an overview of the humanistic and economic disease burden in the pediatric population with AD in Spain. The evidence, collected from 11 observational studies published over the past 10 years, exhibits the most common characteristics of the patients, disease burden, patient-reported outcomes, use of resources, and treatment patterns. The burden of AD extends beyond physical symptoms, with associated comorbidities such as asthma and impaired health-related quality of life and mental health disorders, particularly in severe cases. Traditional therapies, primarily topical corticosteroids, face adherence and efficacy challenges. Despite promising innovative treatments and available biological therapies, their use is still limited in the pediatric population. The findings of the present review highlight the scarce scientific evidence on the economic burden of pediatric AD, as well as the most updated humanistic evidence on this disease. At the same time, the need for individualized care and innovative therapeutic interventions to address the multifaceted challenges of pediatric AD in Spain is evident.

AEDV Expert Consensus for the Management of Syphilis. / Documento de expertos de la AEDV para el manejo de la sífilis.

Syphilis -the "great simulator" for classical venereologists-is re-emerging in Western countries despite adequate treatment; several contributing factors have been identified, including changes in sexual behaviour, which won't be the topic of this article though. In 2021, a total of 6613 new cases of syphilis were reported in Spain, representing an incidence of 13.9×100 000 inhabitants (90.5%, men). Rates have increased progressively since 2000. The clinical presentation of syphilis is heterogeneous. Although chancroid, syphilitic roseola and syphilitic nails are typical lesions, other forms of the disease can be present such as non-ulcerative primary lesions like Follmann balanitis, chancres in the oral cavity, patchy secondary lingual lesions, or enanthema on the palate and uvula, among many others. Regarding diagnosis, molecular assays such as PCR have been replacing dark-field microscopy in ulcerative lesions while automated treponemal tests (EIA, CLIA) are being used in serological tests, along with classical tests (such as RPR and HAART) for confirmation and follow-up purposes. The interpretation of these tests should be assessed in the epidemiological and clinical context of the patient. HIV serology and STI screening should be requested for anyone with syphilis. Follow-up of patients under treatment is important to ensure healing and detect reinfection. Serological response to treatment should be assessed with the same non-treponemal test (RPR/VDRL); 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up is a common practice in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Sexual contacts should be assessed and treated as appropriate. Screening is advised for pregnant women within the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women with an abortion after week 20 should all be tested for syphilis. The treatment of choice for all forms of syphilis, including pregnant women and PLHIV, is penicillin. Macrolides are ill-advised because of potential resistance.

[[Translated article]]AEDV Expert Consensus for the Management of Syphilis. / Documento de expertos de la AEDV para el manejo de la sífilis.

Syphilis-the "great simulator" for classical venereologists-is re-emerging in Western countries despite adequate treatment; several contributing factors have been identified, including changes in sexual behaviour, which won't be the topic of this article though.In 2021, a total of 6613 new cases of syphilis were reported in Spain, representing an incidence of 13.9 x 100 000 inhabitants (90.5%, men). Rates have increased progressively since 2000.The clinical presentation of syphilis is heterogeneous. Although chancroid, syphilitic roseola and syphilitic nails are typical lesions, other forms of the disease can be present such as non-ulcerative primary lesions like Follmann balanitis, chancres in the oral cavity, patchy secondary lingual lesions, or enanthema on the palate and uvula, among many others.Regarding diagnosis, molecular assays such as PCR have been replacing dark-field microscopy in ulcerative lesions while automated treponemal tests (EIA, CLIA) are being used in serological tests, along with classical tests (such as RPR and HAART) for confirmation and follow-up purposes. The interpretation of these tests should be assessed in the epidemiological and clinical context of the patient. HIV serology and STI screening should be requested for anyone with syphilis.Follow-up of patients under treatment is important to ensure healing and detect reinfection. Serological response to treatment should be assessed with the same non-treponemal test (RPR/VDRL); 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up is a common practice in people living with HIV (PLHIV).Sexual contacts should be assessed and treated as appropriate.Screening is advised for pregnant women within the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women with an abortion after week 20 should all be tested for syphilis.The treatment of choice for all forms of syphilis, including pregnant women and PLHIV, is penicillin. Macrolides are ill-advised because of potential resistance.

Analysis of cancer mortality in Mexico using the results of the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, cancer mortality rates have undergone changes over the past decades. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution of cancer mortality rates in Mexico between 1990 and 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the Global Burden of Disease study, the mortality rates for the 10 most prevalent types of cancer in Mexico were obtained, at the national and regional level and by states, considering different age groups and gender. Global Burden of Disease reassigns misclassified causes and distributes them among different types of cancer; subsequently, it models and adjusts the causes to the total number of deaths with a model of a set of causes of death and a cause corrector, which corrects INEGI's mortality records. RESULTS: The cancer mortality rate went from 117.87 in 1990 to 84.18 in 2021. In women, breast, cervical, stomach and lung cancers were the most frequent. In men, the most common were prostate, stomach, lung, and colon and rectum cancer. The decrease in cancer mortality for men and women stood out, particularly from lung and cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide information for the development of health policies and specific prevention and control strategies to address the impact of cancer in Mexico.

ANTECEDENTES: En México, las tasas de mortalidad por cáncer han experimentado cambios a lo largo de las últimas décadas. OBJETIVO: Analizar la evolución de las tasas de mortalidad por cáncer en México entre 1990 y 2021. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Del Global Burden of Disease (GBD) se obtuvieron las tasas de mortalidad de los 10 tipos de cáncer más predominantes en México, en el ámbito nacional y por estados, considerando distintos grupos etarios y el sexo. En el GBD se reasignan las causas mal clasificadas y se distribuyen entre los distintos cánceres; posteriormente se modelan y ajustan las causas al total de fallecimientos con un modelo de conjunto de causas de muerte y un corrector de causas, con lo cual se corrigen registros de mortalidad del INEGI. RESULTADOS: La tasa de mortalidad por cáncer pasó de 117.87 en 1990 a 84.18 en 2021. En las mujeres, los cánceres de mama, cervicouterino, estómago y pulmón fueron los más frecuentes; en los hombres, de próstata, estómago, pulmón, colon y recto. Destacó la disminución de la mortalidad por cáncer en hombres y mujeres, en particular por cáncer de pulmón y cérvix uterino. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados ofrecen información para desarrollar políticas de salud y estrategias de prevención y control específicas para enfrentar el impacto del cáncer en México.