Sex-Related Disparities in the Prevalence of Depression among Patients Hospitalized with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Spain, 2011-2020.

(1) Background: Recent reports suggest a decrease in the prevalence of depression among people with diabetes and important sex-differences in the association between these conditions, however data from Spain is sparse. We aim to assess trends in the prevalence of depression and in-hospital outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) hospitalized (2011-2020) identifying sex-differences. (2) Methods: Using the Spanish national hospital discharge database we analysed the prevalence of depression globally, by sex, and according to the conditions included in the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). We tested factors associated with the presence of depression and with in-hospital mortality (IHM). Time trends in the prevalence of depression and variables independently associated with IHM were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. (3) Results: From 2011 to 2020, we identified 5,971,917 hospitalizations of patients with T2DM (5.7% involved depression). The prevalence of depression decreased significantly between 2011 and 2020. The adjusted prevalence of depression was 3.32-fold higher in women than in men (OR 3.32; 95%CI 3.3-3.35). The highest prevalence of depression among men and women with T2DM was found among those who also had a diagnosis of obesity, liver disease, and COPD. Older age, higher CCI, pneumonia, and having been hospitalized in 2020 increased the risk of IHM in patients with T2DM and depression. Obesity was a protective factor for IHM in both sexes, with no differences detected for IHM between men and women. Among patients hospitalized with T2DM, concomitant depression was associated with lower IHM than among patients without depression (depression paradox). (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of depression decreased over time in both sexes. The prevalence of depression was over three-fold higher in women. Female sex and depression were not associated with higher IHM. Based on our results we recommend that clinicians screen regularly for depression in patients with T2DM, particularly women, younger patients, and those with multiple comorbidities.

Incidence, Outcomes and Sex-Related Disparities in Pneumonia: A Matched-Pair Analysis with Data from Spanish Hospitals (2016-2019).

(1) Background: the purpose of this study is to analyze the incidence and in-hospital mortality (IHM) of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) needing hospital admission and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in Spain (2016-2019). (2) Methods: using the Spanish Register of Specialized Care-Basic Minimum Database, we estimated the incidence of CAP and HAP. We matched each woman with a man with an identical age, according to comorbidities. (3) Results: we analyzed 518,838 cases of CAP and 38,705 cases of HAP, and 5192 ventilator-associated HAPs (13.4%). The incidence of CAP increased over time in both men (from 384.5 to 449.8 cases/105 population) and women (from 244.9 to 301.2 cases/105 population). Men showed a 47% higher adjusted incidence of CAP than women. The incidence of HAP increased over time in both men (from 302.3 to 342.2 cases/105 population) and women (from 139.2 to 167.6 cases/105 population). Men showed a 98% higher adjusted incidence of HAP than women. IHM was higher in men admitted for CAP than in women (12.9% vs. 12.2%; p < 0.001), but not in men who developed HAP (28.9% vs. 28.0%; p = 0.107). Men admitted for CAP (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.10-1.15) and men who developed HAP (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.10) had higher IHM than women. (4) Conclusions: men had higher incidence rates of CAP and HAP than women. Men admitted for CAP and men who developed HAP had higher IHM than women.

Sex-Related Disparities in the Incidence and Outcomes of Community-Acquired Pneumonia among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis Using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database for the Period 2016-2019.

(1) Background: To analyze incidence, clinical characteristics, procedures, and in-hospital outcomes among patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) according to the presence of T2DM in Spain (2016-2019) and to assess the role of gender among those with T2DM. (2) Methods: Using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database, we estimated hospitalized CAP incidence. Propensity score matching was used to compare population subgroups. (3) Results: CAP was coded in 520,723 patients, of whom 140,410 (26.96%) had T2DM. The hospitalized CAP incidence was higher in patients with T2DM (both sexes) (IRR 4.25; 95% CI 4.23-4.28). The hospitalized CAP incidence was higher in men with T2DM than in women with T2DM (IRR 1.46; 95% CI 1.45-1.47). The hospitalized CAP incidence among T2DM patients increased over time; however, the in-hospital mortality (IHM) decreased between 2016 and 2019. IHM was higher among non-T2DM men and women than matched T2DM men and women (14.23% and 14.22% vs. 12.13% and 12.91%; all p < 0.001, respectively), After adjusting for confounders, men with T2DM had a 6% higher mortality risk than women (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.1). (4) Conclusions: T2DM is associated with a higher hospitalized CAP incidence and is increasing overtime. Patients hospitalized with CAP and T2DM have lower IHM. Male sex is a significant risk factor for mortality after CAP among T2DM patients.

Sex-related disparities in the incidence and outcomes of hemorrhagic stroke among type 2 diabetes patients: a propensity score matching analysis using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database for the period 2016-18.

BACKGROUND: To analyze incidence, use of therapeutic procedures, use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) and antiplatelet agents prior to hospitalization, and in-hospital outcomes among patients who were hospitalized with hemorrhagic stroke (HS) according to the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Spain (2016-2018) and to assess the role of sex differences among those with T2DM. METHODS: Using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database we estimated the incidence of HS hospitalizations in men and women aged ≥ 35 years with and without T2DM. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare population subgroups according to sex and the presence of T2DM. RESULTS: HS was coded in 31,425 men and 24,975 women, of whom 11,915 (21.12%) had T2DM. The adjusted incidence of HS was significantly higher in patients with T2DM (both sexes) than in non-T2DM individuals (IRR 1.15; 95% CI 1.12-1.17). The incidence of HS was higher in men with T2DM than in T2DM women (adjusted IRR 1.60; 95% CI 1.57-1.63). After PSM, men and women with T2DM have significantly less frequently received decompressive craniectomy than those without T2DM. In-hospital mortality (IHM) was higher among T2DM women than matched non-T2DM women (32.89% vs 30.83%; p = 0.037), with no differences among men. Decompressive craniectomy was significantly more common in men than in matched women with T2DM (5.81% vs. 3.33%; p < 0.001). IHM was higher among T2DM women than T2DM men (32.89% vs. 28.28%; p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders with multivariable logistic regression, women with T2DM had a 18% higher mortality risk than T2DM men (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.07-1.29). Use of OACs and antiplatelet agents prior to hospitalization were associated to higher IHM in men and women with and without T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM is associated with a higher incidence of HS and with less frequent use of decompressive craniectomy in both sexes, but with higher IHM only among women. Sex differences were detected in T2DM patients who had experienced HS, with higher incidence rates, more frequent decompressive craniectomy, and lower IHM in men than in women.

Are there sex differences in the effect of type 2 diabetes in the incidence and outcomes of myocardial infarction? A matched-pair analysis using hospital discharge data.

BACKGROUND: To analyze incidence, use of therapeutic procedures, and in-hospital outcomes in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) according to the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Spain (2016-2018) and to investigate sex differences. METHODS: Using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database, we estimated the incidence of myocardial infarctions (MI) in men and women with and without T2DM aged ≥ 40 years. We analyzed comorbidity, procedures, and outcomes. We matched each man and woman with T2DM with a non-T2DM man and woman of identical age, MI code, and year of hospitalization. Propensity score matching was used to compare men and women with T2DM. RESULTS: MI was coded in 109,759 men and 44,589 women (30.47% with T2DM). The adjusted incidence of STEMI (IRR 2.32; 95% CI 2.28-2.36) and NSTEMI (IRR 2.91; 95% CI 2.88-2.94) was higher in T2DM than non-T2DM patients, with higher IRRs for NSTEMI in both sexes. The incidence of STEMI and NSTEMI was higher in men with T2DM than in women with T2DM. After matching, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was less frequent among T2DM men than non-T2DM men who had STEMI and NSTEMI. Women with T2DM and STEMI less frequently had a code for PCI that matched that of non-T2DM women. In-hospital mortality (IHM) was higher among T2DM women with STEMI and NSTEMI than in matched non-T2DM women. In men, IHM was higher only for NSTEMI. Propensity score matching showed higher use of PCI and coronary artery bypass graft and lower IHM among men with T2DM than women with T2DM for both STEMI and NSTEMI. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM is associated with a higher incidence of STEMI and NSTEMI in both sexes. Men with T2DM had higher incidence rates of STEMI and NSTEMI than women with T2DM. Having T2DM increased the risk of IHM after STEMI and NSTEMI among women and among men only for NSTEMI. PCI appears to be less frequently used in T2DM patients After STEMI and NSTEMI, women with T2DM less frequently undergo revascularization procedures and have a higher mortality risk than T2DM men.

Trend from 2001 to 2015 in the prevalence of bronchiectasis among patients hospitalized for asthma and effect of bronchiectasis on the in-hospital mortality.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the prevalence of bronchiectasis among patients hospitalized with asthma and to assess the effect of suffering bronchiectasis on in-hospital mortality (IHM). METHODS: We used the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database from 2000 to 2015 to evaluate all admissions for asthma exacerbation as the main diagnosis, dividing them according to the presence or absence of associated bronchiectasis. We assessed time trends in the prevalence, clinical characteristics, length of hospital stay, costs, and IHM. RESULTS: Of 342,644 admissions for asthma, 10,377 (3.02%) had bronchiectasis. The prevalence of bronchiectasis increased from 2.16% in 2001 to 4.47% in 2015 (p < 0.001). Compared to patients without bronchiectasis, those with bronchiectasis were more frequently women (77.06% vs. 22.94%, p < 0.001), were older (68.87 ± 15.16 vs. 47.05 ± 30.66 years, p < 0.001) and had more comorbid conditions (Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2: 9.45% vs. 6.58%, p < 0.001). Pseudomonas (8% vs. 0.66%, p < 0.001), Aspergillus (0.93% vs. 0.15%, p < 0.001), eosinophilia (0.29% vs. 0.17%, p = 0.005) and IHM (2.07% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with bronchiectasis. After multivariable adjustments, IHM was not associated with bronchiectasis. The presence of bronchiectasis was associated with a longer length of hospital stay and higher costs. CONCLUSIONS: Admissions for asthma with bronchiectasis have increased over time in Spain. In our investigation, the presence of bronchiectasis was not associated with higher IHM, but it increased the length of hospital stay and costs.

Impact of COPD on outcomes in hospitalized patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation or surgical aortic valve replacement in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and conventional surgery (SAVR) among hospitalized patients with and without COPD, to compare the in-hospital mortality (IHM), length of hospital stay (LOHS) and cost between patients with COPD undergoing TAVI and SAVR and to identify factors associated to IHM among these patients. BACKGROUND: TAVI would be expected to be less invasive and safer than SAVR among COPD patients. METHODS: We analyzed patients whose medical procedures included TAVI and SAVR included in the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database, 2014-2015. We stratified analysis by COPD status. Propensity score matching (1:2) was performed to assess the outcomes of TAVI vs. SAVR among COPD patients. RESULTS: We identified 2,141 and 16,013 patients who underwent TAVI (27.60% with COPD) and SAVR (19.31% with COPD) respectively. For TAVI, we found no differences in IHM according to COPD status. Patients undergoing SAVR and suffering COPD had higher IHM than patients without COPD (adj.OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.10-1.58). After propensity score matching, IHM (8.35% vs. 5.83%, p = .040) and LOHS (18.62 days vs. 13.62; p < .001) were higher in COPD patients who underwent SAVR than those who underwent TAVI. CONCLUSIONS: COPD patients undergoing TAVI did not have a worse prognosis compared to non-COPD patients during hospitalization. However, for SAVR, patients with COPD had significantly higher mortality than patients without this condition. COPD patients who underwent SAVR had higher IHM and LOHS than propensity score matched TAVI patients.

Bronchiectasis in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of COPD in Spain: Influence on mortality, hospital stay, and hospital costs (2006-2014) according to gender.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to analyze the characteristics of male and female patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) during 2006-2014 according to the presence or absence of bronchiectasis and to study the factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) in patients hospitalized with AE-COPD and concomitant bronchiectasis. METHODS: We used the Spanish National Hospital Database to analyze patients admitted with AE-COPD as their primary diagnosis. Patients included in the study were stratified according to the presence or absence of bronchiectasis as their secondary diagnosis. RESULTS: We identified 386,646 admissions for AE-COPD, of which 19,679 (5.09%) involved patients with concomitant bronchiectasis. When patients with and without bronchiectasis were compared, we observed that the incidence of infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was substantially higher in the former, as were the mean stay, cost, and percentage of readmissions, although IHM and comorbidity were lower. The course of patients with AE-COPD and bronchiectasis was characterized by a gradual increase in prevalence and mean age among men and no differences in prevalence or lower mean age in women. Mortality was 4.24% and 5.02% in patients with and without bronchiectasis, respectively, although significance was lost after a multivariate adjustment (OR 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-1.01). The factors associated with IHM were older age, higher comorbidity, isolation of P. aeruginosa, mechanical ventilation and readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of admission with AE-COPD and bronchiectasis increased in men but not in women during the study period. In patients hospitalized with AE-COPD, we did not find differences in mortality when comparing the presence and absence of bronchiectasis. The analysis of temporal trends revealed a significant reduction in mortality from 2006 to 2014 in male patients with COPD and concomitant bronchiectasis, but not among women. It is important to consider the factors associated with IHM such as age, comorbidity, isolation of P. aeruginosa, mechanical ventilation and readmission to better identify those patients who are at greater risk of dying during hospitalization.

Effect of the economic crisis on the use of health and home care services among elderly Spanish diabetes patients.

AIMS: To describe the utilization of health and home care services among older people (≥65 years) with diabetes during the economic crisis; to identify the factors associated with changes in the utilization of these services; and to study the time trends (2009-2014). METHODS: We used the European Health Interview Surveys for Spain (EEHSS) for 2009/10 and 2014. The dependent variables included self-reported hospitalizations; general practitioner (GP) visits; 'other healthcare services' (OHS) used; and home care services (HCS) used. RESULTS: We identified 6026 and 6020 diabetic patients (EEHSS2009 and EEHSS2014, respectively). A significant decrease in the number of GP visits (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.98) and the use of HCS (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91-0.99) was found; however, we found an increase in the use of OHS (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10). Multivariate models showed that factors associated with an increased use included chronic conditions, worse self-rated health, pain and mental disorders. Physical activity was a strong predictor of lower hospitalizations and HCS use. Female gender was associated with significantly lower hospitalizations and a higher use of OHC and HCS. CONCLUSION: We found a decrease in the number of GP visits and the use of HCS among elderly diabetic adults; however, we also observed an increase in the use of OHS, which may partly explain this decrease in the figures. Significant differences in the use of health services were found according to gender. The effect of the economic crisis, if any, seems to have had a small magnitude.

Effect of the economic crisis on the use of health and home care services among Spanish COPD patients.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. Consequently, COPD patients are frequent users of health and social resources. Therefore, they are highly vulnerable to decreases in investment in healthcare services. We aimed to describe the utilization of health and home care services among Spanish COPD patients during the economic crisis to identify factors independently associated with changes in the utilization of these services and to study the time trends from 2009 to 2014. Methods: We used data from the European Health Interview Surveys for Spain (EHSS) conducted between 2009/2010 (n=22,188) and 2014 (n=22,842). We included responses from adults with COPD aged 40 years or over. Dependent variables included self-reported hospitalizations during the previous year, general practitioner (GP) visits during the last 4 weeks, other health care services used during the previous year (nursing, rehabilitation, and psychological services), and home care services use during the previous year. Independent variables included demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health status variables, and lifestyles. Results: We identified 1,328 and 1,008 COPD patients from EHSS 2009 and EHSS 2014, respectively. We observed a significant increase in non-GP services use (30.6% in 2009 vs 39.11% in 2014; p<0.001). No changes were found for hospitalizations, GP visits, and home care services use over time. Multivariable models showed that associated factors with a higher use included any chronic comorbidity and worse self-rated health. Physical activity was a strong predictor of fewer hospitalizations and less home care service use. Female sex was associated with significantly fewer hospitalizations (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.58-0.89). Conclusion: We found an increase in the use of non-GP services (nursing, rehabilitation, and psychological) but not in other health and home care services. The only differences in hospitalizations were observed according to sex. Therefore, the effect of the economic crisis, if any, seems to have been of small magnitude.

Retrospective observational study of trends in hospital admissions for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Spain (2004-2013) using administrative data.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in incidence, diagnostic procedures, comorbidity profiles, length of hospital stay (LOHS), economic costs and in-hospital mortality (IHM) associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS: We identified patients hospitalised with IPF in Spain from 2004 to 2013. Data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Database. RESULTS: The study population comprised 22 214 patients. Overall crude incidence increased from 3.82 to 6.98 admissions per 100 000 inhabitants from 2004 to 2013 (p<0.05). The percentage of lung biopsies decreased significantly from 10.68% in 2004 to 9.04% in 2013 (p<0.05). The percentage of patients with a Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 was 15.14% in 2004, increasing to 26.95% in 2013 (p<0.05). IHM decreased from 14.77% in 2004 to 13.72% in 2013 (adjusted OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). Mean LOHS was 11.87±11.18 days in 2004, decreasing to 10.20±11.12 days in 2013 (p<0.05). The mean cost per patient increased from €4838.51 in 2004 to €5410.90 in 2013 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of hospital admissions for IPF increased during the study period, as did healthcare costs. However, IHM and LOHS decreased.

Time Trends in Hospital Admissions for Bronchiectasis: Analysis of the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Data (2004 to 2013).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in the incidence, diagnostic procedures, comorbidity, length of hospital stay (LOHS), costs and in-hospital mortality (IHM) for patients with bronchiectasis who were hospitalized in Spain over a 10-year period. METHODS: We included all admissions for patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis as primary or secondary diagnosis during 2004-2013. RESULTS: 282,207 patients were admitted to the study. After controlling for possible confounders, we observed a significant increase in the incidence of hospitalizations over the study period when bronchiectasis was a secondary diagnosis. When bronchiectasis was the primary diagnosis we observed a significant decline in the incidence. In all cases, this pathology was more frequent in males, and the average age and comorbidity increased significantly during the study period (p<0.001). When bronchiectasis was the primary diagnosis, the most frequent secondary diagnosis was Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. When bronchiectasis was the secondary diagnosis, the most frequent primary diagnosis was COPD. IHM was low, tending to decrease from 2004 to 2013 (p<0.05). The average LOHS decreased significantly during the study period in both cases (p<0.001). The mean cost per patient decreased in patients with bronchiectasis as primary diagnosis, but it increased for cases of bronchiectasis as secondary diagnosis (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal an increase in the incidence of hospital admissions for patients with bronchiectasis as a secondary diagnosis from 2004 to 2013, as opposed to cases of bronchiectasis as the primary diagnosis. Although the average age and comorbidity significantly increased over time, both IHM and average LOHS significantly decreased.

[Sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome]. / Síndrome de apnea-hipopnea del sueño.

Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is an underdiagnosed medical condition which is gainingin importance. It is associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, insulin resistance and traffic accidents, resulting in deterioration of quality of life and increased mortality in these patients. The most characteristic symptoms of the disease are snoring, documented apnoeas and excessive daytime sleepiness. Polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosis, but in patients with high pre-test probability, we should opt for respiratory polygraphy, a more accessible and less expensive test. Besides making lifestyle changes, the treatment of choice is continuous positive airway pressure. Some surgical techniques may be useful in the treatment of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome. In patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure, are not candidates for surgery or have a high surgical risk intraoral devices might be used.

Trends in the Incidence of Lung Cancer Hospitalizations in Spain, 2001-2011. / Tendencias en la incidencia de hospitalizaciones por cáncer de pulmón en España entre 2001 y 2011.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in the incidence, diagnostic procedures, comorbidity, length of hospital stay and costs of patients hospitalized for lung cancer in Spain between 2001 and 2011. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study including all patients hospitalised with a primary diagnosis of lung cancer between 2001 and 2011. Data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Database, encompassing the entire Spanish population. Economic and sociodemographic characteristics and health-related variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 298,435 hospitalizations occurred. The overall crude incidence increased from 61.18 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2001 to 65.08 per 100,000 in 2011 (P <.05), with a decrease in men and a proportionate increase in women. The age group with the highest incidence was 70 to 79 years. In 2001, 4.5% of patients had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) >2, and in 2011, prevalence of CCI >2 increased to 9.1% (P<.05). Mean length of hospital stay decreased during the study period. Computed tomography was the most common procedure. Mean cost per patient increased from €4,471.22 in 2001 to €5,562.54 (P<.05) in 2011. Factors related to the incidence of hospitalizations were age, sex and year of study in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We found a decrease in the rate of hospitalizations in men and an increase in women, with a concomitant increase in comorbidities and cost; however, length of hospital stay decreased. Factors related to incidence of hospitalizations were age, sex and year of study.

Trends in self-rated health status and health services use in COPD patients (2006-2012). A Spanish population-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients often have a significant impairment in their health status, which is an independent predictor of health services use. OBJECTIVES: To describe the self-rated health status and the prevalence of health services use among COPD Spanish patients; to identify which factors are independently associated with a worse health status and a higher use of health services; and to study the time trends in the health status and prevalence of use of health services (2006-2012). METHODS: Observational study: We analyzed data from the Spanish National Health Surveys conducted in 2006 and 2012. We included responses from adults aged 40 years or over. Subjects described their health status as very good, good, fair, poor, or very poor, which was dichotomized into very good/good or fair/poor/very poor self-perceived health status. RESULTS: We identified 2,321 COPD patients. The percentage of patients with health status fair, poor, or very poor was 76.8 % in 2006 and 74.8 % in 2012 (p > 0.05). Regarding the health resources use, we observed a significant decrease in the number of visits to primary care over time in women (67.8 vs. 57.2 %, p < 0.05) and men (62.2 vs. 54.0 %, p < 0.05). However, we did not find improvement in the prevalence of emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Associated factors with a worse self-rated health status and a higher use of health services in women and men included: having three or more chronic diseases, presence of mental disorders, and absence of leisure time physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The current study revealed a decrease in the general practitioner visits, without changes in use of other health care services in the COPD Spanish population from 2006 to 2012. The self-rated health status did not changed significantly during this period.

Trends in hospital admissions for pulmonary embolism in Spain from 2002 to 2011.

The aim of our study was to analyse changes in the incidence, diagnostic procedures, comorbidity, length of hospital stay, costs and in-hospital mortality of patients hospitalised for pulmonary embolism in Spain over a 10-year period. We included all patients who were hospitalised for pulmonary embolism (ICD-9-CM codes 415.11 and 415.19) as the primary diagnosis between 2002 and 2011. Data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Database, covering the entire Spanish population. 115 671 patients were admitted. The overall crude incidence increased from 20.44 per 100 000 inhabitants in 2002 to 32.69 in 2011 (p<0.05). In 2002, 13.3% of patients had a Charlson comorbidity index>2, and in 2011 the prevalence increased to 20.8% (p<0.05). Mean length of hospital stay was 12.7 days in 2002 and decreased to 9.99 in 2011 (p<0.05). During the study period, mean cost per patient increased from €3915 to €4372 (p<0.05). In-hospital mortality decreased from 12.9% in 2002 to 8.32% in 2011 (p<0.05). The increase in the use of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography over time was associated with increased incidence and lower mortality. Our results revealed an increase in the incidence of hospitalised pulmonary embolism patients from 2002 to 2011 with concomitant increase in comorbidities and cost. However, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality decreased.

National trends in hospital admissions for asthma exacerbations among pediatric and young adult population in Spain (2002-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the changes in incidence, use of mechanical ventilation, length of stay (LOS), costs and mortality of children (0-15 years) and young adults (16-45 years) hospitalized for asthma exacerbations. METHODS: We included patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbations in Spain from 2002 to 2010 (ICD9-CM codes 493.0x-493.9x). The data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Database (entire population). We calculated the yearly age- and sex-specific incidence rates for each of the two groups. RESULTS: We included a total of 12,038 pediatric patients and 2792 young adults hospitalized for asthma exacerbations. Overall crude incidence decreased from 20.5 to 18.7 admissions per 100.000 inhabitants in the pediatric group (p < 0.05), and from 4.12 to 3.68 admissions per 100.000 inhabitants among young adults, from 2002 to 2010 (p < 0.05). By contrast, we detected a significant increase in the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in both groups. The average LOS decreased during the study period, from 3.71 (SD 2.28) to 3.16 (SD 2.11) days (p < 0.05) among pediatric patients and there were not changes among young adults. During the study period, the mean cost per patient decreased from 1558.53 (SD 443.63) to 1378.41 (SD 472.71) euros in the pediatric group (p < 0.05), while increased from 2183.44 (SD 783.15) to 2564.32 (SD 1933.98) euros among young adults (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a decrease in the incidence of hospital admissions for asthma exacerbations with concomitant increase in use of NIV in asthmatic patients, both pediatric and young adults patients. Although LOS and mean cost have decreased among pediatric patients, they have not changed and increased, respectively, among young adults. A better management of the disease at primary care services may explain the improvement in the incidence and outcomes.

Trends in hospital admissions for acute exacerbation of COPD in Spain from 2006 to 2010.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to analyze changes in incidence, comorbidity profile, length of hospital stay (LOHS), costs and in-hospital mortality (IHM) of patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) over a 5-year study period in Spain. METHODS: We selected all hospital admissions for AE-COPD between 2006 and 2010 from the National Hospital Discharge Database covering the entire population of Spain. RESULTS: We identified a total of 215,835 patients. Overall crude incidence had decreased from 2.9 to 2.4 exacerbations of COPD per 10,000 inhabitants from 2006 to 2010 (p < 0.001). In 2006, 17.9% of patients had a Charlson Index >2 and in 2010, the prevalence had increased to 25.0% (p < 0.001). Regarding to treatment, we detected a significant increase in the use of non-invasive ventilation from 2.1% in 2006 to 5.3% in 2010 (p < 0.001). The median LOHS was 7 days in 2006 and it remained stable until 2010. During the period studied, the mean cost per patient increased from 3747 to 4129 Euros. Multivariate analysis showed that incidence of hospitalizations for AE-COPD and IHM had significantly decreased from 2006 to 2010. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides data indicating a decrease in incidence of hospital admissions for AE-COPD in Spain from 2006 to 2010 with concomitant reduction in IHM, despite increasing comorbidity during this period, with no variations in LOHS. The mean cost per patient has risen significantly.

Factors associated with high healthcare resource utilisation among COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) places a huge economic burden on healthcare systems, especially patients with frequent exacerbations and co-morbidities. OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with high utilisation of healthcare resources in a population of patients with COPD. METHOD: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study with the aim of identifying the factors associated with high resource utilisation among patients with COPD. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics of the study population, as well as data on health-related quality of life, respiratory symptoms, presence of anxiety and depression, physical activity and lung function were collected. We examined the relationship between these variables and high utilisation of healthcare resources, by performing a multivariate analysis based on a logistic regression model. RESULTS: 115 patients (64 were high users of healthcare resources, and 51 control patients) from 13 hospitals were selected. Patients presenting high resource utilisation had worse FEV1, worse basal SpO2, less distance walked in the 6-minute walk test, and increased dyspnoea. They also had a worse BODE index, worse scores in all dimensions of the EURO-QOL 5D and the LCADL scale, and displayed a higher prevalence of depression. Multivariate analysis yielded a statistically significant association between SpO2, LCADL scores, serum fibrinogen values and total leukocyte count, and high healthcare resource utilisation. CONCLUSIONS: COPD patients who incur higher healthcare resource utilisation show reduced physical activity, increased respiratory failure and increased systemic inflammation.

Inappropriate overuse of inhaled corticosteroids for COPD patients: impact on health costs and health status.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between inappropriate overuse of inhaled corticosteroids and self-reported health status and the annual cost of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recruited in the primary-care setting. An observational, crossover, descriptive study was conducted. Patients with stable COPD and aged ≥40 years, evaluated in primary care, were included. Data collected were demographic variables, clinical characteristics, self-reported health status (SF-12), the severity of the illness, treatment, and health-care resource utilization in the past year. The patients were recruited during a period of 3 months (from January 1 to March 31, 2003). Use was considered inappropriate when corticosteroids were prescribed by physicians for patients not meeting criteria for its use as recommended in guidelines. A total of 10,711 patients [75.6% males; mean age = 67.1 (SD = 9.66) years] were evaluated. Disease severity was mild in 35.5% of the cases, moderate in 53.4%, and severe in 11.2%. Among them, 3,697 (34.5%) subjects were prescribed inhaled corticosteroids or drug combinations containing such therapies, with a rate of inappropriate use of 18.2%. Physical health status was significantly lower among patients showing inappropriate corticosteroids use: 37.35 (SD = 9.53) vs. 40.7 (SD = 9.80) (p < 0.05). The annual cost per patient of COPD management was significantly higher in the group with inappropriate inhaled corticosteroids use: 1,590 (SD = 1,834) vs. 1,157 (SD = 1,536) (p < 0.05). Factors statistically associated with inappropriate use of corticosteroids were educational attainment [OR: 2.77 (95% CI: 1.36-5.63) for nonuniversity training], a history of heart disease [OR: 1.42 (95% CI: 1.02-1.97)], depression [OR: 1.47 (95% CI: 1.05-2.05)], any allergy [OR 1.69 (95% CI: 1.13-2.54)], and physical health status [OR 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.98)]. Lack of adherence to the recommended criteria for using inhaled corticosteroids therapy in the management of COPD patients was associated with lower self-reported health status and higher costs. Factors statistically associated with inappropriate use of corticosteroids were educational attainment, a history of heart disease, depression, any allergy, and physical health status.