Childhood obesity and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between childhood obesity and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort followed from 4 to 12 years of age. METHODS: The data were obtained from two independent sources: the Longitudinal Childhood Obesity Study (ELOIN) and the epidemiological surveillance system data from the Community of Madrid (Spain), which served to identify the population within the cohort with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 registry was cross-checked with the cohort population at 11-12 years of age. A total of 2018 eligible participants were identified in the cohort, who underwent physical examinations at 4, 6, and 9 years of age during which weight, height, and waist circumference were recorded. General obesity (GO) was determined according to the WHO-2007 criteria whereas abdominal obesity (AO) was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The relative risks (RRs) of infection were estimated using a Poisson regression model and adjusted by sociodemographic variables, physical activity, and perceived health reported by the parents. RESULTS: The accumulated incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.3-9.8). The estimated RR of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 2.53 (95% CI: 1.56-4.10) and 2.56 (95% CI: 1.55-4.21) for children 4-9 years old with stable GO and AO, respectively, compared with those who did not present GO. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood obesity is an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study provides new evidence that indicates that obesity increases the vulnerability of the paediatric population to infectious diseases.

Changes in obesity and iron deficiency between 4 and 9 years of age. Longitudinal study of childhood obesity (ELOIN).

BACKGROUND: Recent studies revealed that children who are overweight have a higher risk of iron deficiency, although the etiology of this relationship remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between changes in obesity status between 4 and 9 years of age and iron deficiency. SUBJECTS: This population-based cohort study included 1347 children from the ELOIN study, conducted in Madrid, Spain. Follow-up with physical examinations and a computer-assisted telephone interview were carried out at 4, 6 and 9 years of age, and a blood test was performed at 9 years. METHODS: Changes in obesity were estimated based on body mass index and waist circumference, according to the persistence or variation in obesity rates at 4, 6 and 9 years and were classified as follows: (1) Stable without obesity; (2) Remitting obesity at 9 years; (3) Incident obesity or relapse at 9 years; and (4) Stable with obesity. Iron deficiency was defined as transferrin saturation value below 16%. Odds ratios (ORs) for iron deficiency were estimated according to obesity status using logistic regression and adjusted for confounding variables, including C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: The prevalence of iron deficiency in the stable general obesity (GO) and abdominal obesity (AO) groups was 38.2% and 41.2%, versus 23.6% and 23.4% in the stable without obesity groups, respectively. The ORs for iron deficiency were 1.85 (95% CI: 1.03-3.32) in the stable GO group and 2.34 (95% CI: 1.29-4.24) in the stable AO group. This association disappeared when CRP was included in the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: An extended state of obesity during the first stages of life is associated with iron deficiency, and this association may be mediated by CRP. Prevention and early detection of obesity in children should be a priority to avoid a double burden of malnutrition.

Household food insecurity and its association with overweight and obesity in children aged 2 to 14 years.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to estimate the prevalence of household food insecurity (HFI) depending on sociodemographic factors and its association with lifestyle habits and childhood overweight and obesity. METHODS: Data was collected from 1,938 children aged 2 to 14 years who participated in the "Study about Malnutrition" of the Community of Madrid. Weight and height were obtained through physical examination. Body mass index was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2) and the criteria of the WHO were used for determining conditions of overweight and obesity. The participants' parents answered a structured questionnaire about their diet, lifestyle (physical activity and screen time), and food insecurity. The diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index in Spain and food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to sufficient food for a healthy life, was measured via three screening questions and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Odds Ratios (ORs) and Relative Risk Ratios (RRRs) were estimated using logistic regression models and adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HFI was 7.7% (95% CI: 6.6‒9.0), with lower values in children 2 to 4 years old (5.7%, 95% CI: 4.0‒8.1) and significantly higher values in households with low family purchasing power [37.3%; OR: 8.99 (95% CI: 5.5‒14.6)]. A higher prevalence of overweight (33.1%) and obesity (28.4%) was observed in children from families with HFI, who presented a lower quality diet and longer screen time compared to those from food-secure households (21.0% and 11.5%, respectively). The RRR of children in families with HFI relative to those from food-secure households was 2.41 (95% CI: 1.5‒4.0) for overweight and 1.99 (95% CI: 1.2‒3.4) for obesity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HFI was high in the paediatric population, especially in households with low family purchasing power. HFI was associated with lower diet quality and higher prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. Our results suggest the need for paediatric services to detect at-risk households at an early stage to avoid this dual burden of child malnutrition.

Tracking and risk of abdominal and general obesity in children between 4 and 9 years of age. The Longitudinal Childhood Obesity Study (ELOIN).

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that overweight and obesity conditions tend to be stable from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. Unfortunately, little is known about the evolution of abdominal obesity during childhood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal variations and risk of general and abdominal obesity between 4, 6, and 9 years of age. METHODS: Measurements of children in the ELOIN study taken at the three follow-ups of 4, 6, and 9 years of age were included (N = 1,902). Body mass index and waist circumference were recorded via physical examination. General obesity was determined according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and abdominal obesity according to the cut-off points proposed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated by sex and family affluence using generalized estimating equation models and relative risks (RRs) of obesity were obtained via Poisson regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of general obesity was 5.1%, 9.1%, and 15.6% at 4, 6, and 9 years, respectively, yielding a PR of 3.05 (95%CI: 2.55-3.60) (9 years old relative to 4 years). The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 6.8%, 8.4%, 14.5% at 4, 6, and 9 years, respectively, and the PR was 2.14 (95%CI: 1.82-2.51) (9 years old relative to 4 years). An inverse correlation was observed between both general and abdominal obesity and socioeconomic status. Among participants with general or abdominal obesity at 4 years of age, 77.3% and 63.6% remained in their obesity classification at 9 years, respectively, and 3.4% and 3.5% presented general or abdominal obesity also at 6 and 9 years of age, respectively. The RRs of general and abdominal obesity at 9 years were 4.61 (95%CI: 2.76-7.72) and 4.14 (95%CI: 2.65-6.48) for children classified with obesity at 4 years of age, increased to 9.36 (95%CI: 7.72-11.35) and 9.56 (95%CI: 7.79-11.74) for children who had obesity at 6 years, and up to 10.27 (95%CI: 8.52-12.37) and 9.88 (95%CI: 8.07-12.11) for children with obesity at both 4 and 6 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: General and abdominal obesity begin at an early age and increase over time, showing an inverse correlation with socioeconomic status. In addition, general and abdominal obesity at 9 years are strongly associated with being classified with obesity at 4 and 6 years, so preventive interventions should be established at very early ages.

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.

An imported case of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2, Spain in the context of the ongoing polio Public Health Emergency of International Concern, September 2021.

The monthly retrospective search for unreported acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases conducted as a complementary component of the Spanish AFP surveillance system identified a case of AFP in a child admitted in Spain from Senegal during August 2021. Vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 was identified in the stool in September 2021. We present public health implications and response undertaken within the framework of the National Action Plan for Polio Eradication and the Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Autochthonous Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Spain.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widely distributed, viral, tickborne disease. In Europe, cases have been reported only in the southeastern part of the continent. We report two autochthonous cases in Spain. The index patient acquired the disease through a tick bite in the province of Ávila - 300 km away from the province of Cáceres, where viral RNA from ticks was amplified in 2010. The second patient was a nurse who became infected while caring for the index patient. Both were infected with the African 3 lineage of this virus. (Funded by Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales [RICET] and Efficient Response to Highly Dangerous and Emerging Pathogens at EU [European Union] Level [EMERGE].).

[Decrease in the incidence of chickenpox in the Community of Madrid after universal childhood immunization. Years 2001-2015]. / Descenso de la incidencia de la varicela en la Comunidad de Madrid tras la vacunación infantil universal. Años 2001-2015.

OBJECTIVE: Varicella vaccine was recommended in the Community of Madrid (CM) at 15months of age between November 2006 and December 2013. The objective was to describe the impact of vaccination on the incidence of varicella in the CM during the period 2001-2015. DESIGN: A descriptive study of cases of varicella reported to the Sentinel Physician Network of the CM and the cases recorded in the Minimum Basic Data Set at hospital discharge was carried out. Total incidence of cases and of hospital admissions were calculated, as well as specific incidence by age and sex. RESULTS: The incidence was 94.0% lower between 2012 and 2013 than between 2001 and 2003. Between 2014 and 2015 the incidence was 61.8% higher than between 2012 and 2013. The highest incidence was observed in children aged 0 to 4years except for 2010-2014, which was exceeded by the incidence in children aged 5 to 9. The trend in hospital admissions was also decreasing, with the highest incidence in children aged 0 to 1year, followed by 1-4years. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a significant decrease in the incidence of cases and of hospital admissions by varicella in all age groups after the recommendation to vaccinate at 15months of age, which is compatible with the effectiveness of a dose and its ability to produce immunity group. The withdrawal of this recommendation between 2014 and 2015 has led to an increase in the incidence.

[Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus antibodies after the recent introduction of the universal childhood immunisation schedule in the Community of Madrid]. / Seroprevalencia de anticuerpos frente al virus de la varicela zóster tras la introducción reciente de la vacunación infantil universal en la Comunidad de Madrid.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In November 2006, the Community of Madrid included the chickenpox vaccine into the immunisation schedule for children from 15 months of age. This was withdrawn in January 2014. Seroprevalence of antibodies to the virus is estimated after the first 2-3 years from the inclusion of the vaccine, and as well as its evolution since 1999. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the target population consisting of residents in the Community of Madrid between 2 and 60 years of age. Measurement of IgG antibodies was performed using an ELISA technique. Seroprevalence was estimated according to sociodemographic characteristics using multiple logistic regressions. The results are compared with previous surveys. Also, the seroprevalence and geometric mean of the antibody according immunisation status and history of the disease are presented. The confidence level used is 95%. RESULTS: A total of 4,378 subjects were included, with a response rate of 69%. The estimated seroprevalence was 95.3% (95% CI: 94.6% - 95.9%). Over 90% of children from the age of 10 have antibodies. The seroprevalence was higher in people with less education. The seroprevalence of immunity vaccine exceeds 90% in the first year after vaccination, but in the second year decreased to 82.6% (95% CI 56.0 - 94.7). Significant differences, attributable to universal vaccination, were found compared to previous surveys. DISCUSSION: Continued surveillance is needed in order to assess the impact of the withdrawal of the recommendation to vaccinate at 15 months.

Prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies in the population aged 16-80 years in the Community of Madrid 2008-2009.

Together with AIDS, the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Spain heads the list of communicable diseases in terms of impact on public health. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV antibodies in the Community of Madrid, assess changes in recent years and analyse associated risk factors. Descriptive cross-sectional study of a target population consisting of Community of Madrid residents aged 16-80 years old. Two-stage cluster sampling was performed, with stratification by socioeconomic status and percentage immigrant population. The sampling frame consisted of public blood extraction centers attached to the Madrid Health Service. Seroprevalence of HCV antibodies, prevalence ratios by age groups in comparison with 1999 survey data and prevalence association with risk factors were assessed using a logistic regression model. Prevalence of HCV antibodies for the age group 16-80 years was 1.8% (95% CI: 1.3-2.5). The age group with the highest prevalence was 41-60 years. In comparison with the 1999 survey, prevalence fell for the age groups 21-30 and 31-40 years and increased for the age group 41-60. Statistically significant associations were found for age, education, history of hepatitis C and consultation regarding liver problems. Seroprevalence of HCV antibodies in the Community of Madrid is similar to that shown in other regions of Spain. It is increasing in older age groups as the population at risk ages. Incidence of hepatitis C may be decreasing considering the decrease in the seroprevalence in the population younger than 40 related to the previous serosurvey.

COVID-19 dynamics in Madrid (Spain): A new convolutional model to find out the missing information during the first three waves.

This article presents a novel mathematical model to describe the spread of an infectious disease in the presence of social and health events: it uses 15 compartments, 7 convolution integrals and 4 types of infected individuals, asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe. A unique feature of this work is that the convolutions and the compartments have been selected to maximize the number of independent input parameters, leading to a 56-parameter model where only one had to evolve over time. The results show that 1) the proposed mathematical model is flexible and robust enough to describe the complex dynamic of the pandemic during the first three waves of the COVID-19 spread in the region of Madrid (Spain) and 2) the proposed model allows us to calculate the number of asymptomatic individuals and the number of persons who presented antibodies during the first waves. The study shows that the following results are compatible with the reported data: close to 28% of the infected individuals were asymptomatic during the three waves, close to 29% of asymptomatic individuals were detected during the subsequent waves and close to 26% of the Madrid population had antibodies at the end of the third wave. This calculated number of persons with antibodies is in great agreement with four direct measurements obtained from an independent sero-epidemiological research. In addition, six calculated curves (total number of confirmed cases, asymptomatic who are confirmed as positive, hospital admissions and discharges and intensive care units admissions) show good agreement with data from an epidemiological surveillance database.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

Evolution of the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Community of Madrid, 1997-2016.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this article was to estimate the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) incidence in the child population of the Community of Madrid (CM) and its evolution between 1997 and 2016, using the medical-administrative data of the regional registry of T1DM. METHODS: T1DM cases of children under 15 years of age, reported to the regional registry or collected from secondary sources were included: Spanish Diabetics Association (1997-2013), and from 2014 on the Basic Minimum Data Set (BMDS). Annual incidence rates were estimated per 100 000 person-years. The comparison of the rates was analysed using Poisson regression models using incidence ratios (IR). RESULTS: A total of 2658 cases were identified as new diagnoses of T1DM. The mean incidence rate for 1997-2013 was 13.7 cases per 100 000 person-years. In the 2014-2016 period, 20 cases per 100 000 persons-years were registered using the BMDS. The age group with the highest incidence was 10-14 years in the two periods (16.6 vs. 25.5). In boys, the age with the highest incidence was 10-14 years in both periods (17.9 vs 30.4), and in girls, the age of 5-9 years (17.0 vs 25.1). Incidence rates decreased slightly in both genders until 2013 (from 15.0 to 11.6). In 2014-2016, the annual incidence rate varied between 18.4 and 21.1 cases (IR: 1.77). The incidence remained stable in children under 5 years old and increased from 5 to 14 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The CM is among the regions with a high incidence of T1DM. In its first phase, the regional registry underestimated the incidence of T1DM, and with the incorporation of the MBDS as a source of information, the estimates for the second period (2014-2016) are possibly closer to the actual incidence of T1DM. The data presented suggests the need to know the real evolution of the incidence of the disease by incorporating computerised health records.

Relationship Between Influenza, Temperature, and Type 1 Myocardial Infarction: An Ecological Time-Series Study.

Background Previous studies investigating the relationship of influenza with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have not distinguished between AMI types 1 and 2. Influenza and cold temperature can explain the increased incidence of AMI during winter but, because they are closely related in temperate regions, their relative contribution is unknown. Methods and Results The temporal relationship between incidence rates of AMI with demonstrated culprit plaque (type 1 AMI) from the regional primary angioplasty network and influenza, adjusted for ambient temperature, was studied in Madrid region (Spain) during 5 influenza seasons (from June 2013 to June 2018). A time-series analysis with quasi-Poisson regression models and distributed lag-nonlinear models was used. The incidence rate of type 1 AMI according to influenza vaccination status was also explored. A total of 8240 cases of confirmed type 1 AMI were recorded. The overall risk ratio (RR) of type 1 AMI during epidemic periods, adjusted for year, month, and temperature, was 1.23 (95% CI, 1.03-1.47). An increase of weekly influenza rate of 50 cases per 100 000 inhabitants resulted in an RR for type 1 AMI of 1.16 (95% CI, 1.09-1.23) during the same week, disappearing 1 week after. When adjusted for influenza, a decrease of 1ºC in the minimum temperature resulted in an increase of 2.5% type 1 AMI. Influenza vaccination was associated with a decreased risk of type 1 AMI in subjects aged 60 to 64 years (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.47-0.71) and ≥65 years (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.49-0.57). Conclusions Influenza and cold temperature were both independently associated with an increased risk of type 1 AMI, whereas vaccination was associated with a reduced risk among older patients.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

[Evolution of the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Community of Madrid, 1997-2016]. / Evolución de la incidencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (0-14 años) en la Comunidad de Madrid, 1997-2016.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this article was to estimate the type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) incidence in the child population of the Community of Madrid (CM) and its evolution between 1997 and 2016, using the medical-administrative data of the regional registry of DM1. METHODS: DM1 cases of children under 15 years of age, reported to the regional registry or collected from secondary sources were included: Spanish Diabetics Association (1997-2013), and from 2014 on the Basic Minimum Data Set (BMDS). Annual incidence rates were estimated per 100 000 person-years. The comparison of the rates was analysed using Poisson regression models using incidence ratios (IR). RESULTS: A total of 2658 cases were identified as new diagnoses of DM1. The mean incidence rate for 1997-2013 was 13.7 cases per 100 000 person-years. In the 2014-2016 period, 20 cases per 100 000 persons-years were registered using the BMDS. The age group with the highest incidence was 10-14 years in the 2periods (16.6 vs. 25.5). In boys, the age with the highest incidence was 10 to 14 years in both periods (17.9 vs 30.4), and in girls, the age of 5 to 9 years (17.0 vs 25.1). Incidence rates decreased slightly in both genders until 2013 (from 15.0 to 11.6). In 2014-2016, the annual incidence rate varied between 18.4 and 21.1 cases (IR: 1.77). The incidence remained stable in children under 5 years old and increased from 5 to 14 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The CM is among the regions with a high incidence of DM1. In its first phase, the regional registry underestimated the incidence of DM1, and with the incorporation of the MBDS as a source of information, the estimates for the second period (2014-2016) are possibly closer to the actual incidence of DM1. The data presented suggests the need to know the real evolution of the incidence of the disease by incorporating computerised health records.

[Validation of the short version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) in the general population]. / Validación de la versión corta del Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) en población general.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a concurrent validation of the short version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST), used to detect intimate partner violence, estimating the validity indexes in the general population. METHOD: The information source was the third Intimate partner violence survey in the Region of Madrid (Spain) conducted on women aged 18-70 in 2014. As the gold standard we used the definition of intimate partner violence based on a 26- question survey. The short version of WAST includes two questions with three possible answers. The prevalence of intimate partner violence and the validity indexes were calculated and compared according to two scoring criteria with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: The response rate was 60.0%, and 2979 surveys were analysed. The prevalence of intimate partner violence was 7.6% (95%CI: 6.6-8.5). We showed 21.1% (95%CI: 19.6-22.5) positive test results according to WAST criterion 1 and 11.0% (95%CI: 9.9-12.1) according to criterion 2. Criterion 2 presented higher overall efficiency of the test (81.5% [95%CI: 80.1-82.9] criterion 1 vs. 88.8% [95%CI: 87.7-89.9] criterion 2). The best indexes were obtained in women ≥30 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The short version of the WAST showed acceptable validity indexes for use as a screening tool of intimate partner violence in the general population. We recommend using scoring criterion 2 to estimate prevalence of intimate partner violence in surveys on the general population.

Demand for health services and drug prescriptions among overweight or obese preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between excess weight and the demand of health services in preschool children compared with healthy weight. METHODS: The data come from the Longitudinal Study of Childhood Obesity cohort (1884 4-year-old children, residing in the Madrid region, Spain) who provided information through telephone questionnaire, physical examination and electronic medical records. We defined overweight, general and abdominal obesity based on body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Using mixed models of multivariable negative binomial regression we calculated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) regarding primary care (PC) doctor visits, drug prescriptions and hospital admissions by weight status at the end of the 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Childhood general obesity was associated with a higher demand for PC services related to psychological problems (IRR=1.53; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.28) and childhood abdominal obesity, according to waist-to-height ratio, was related to more frequent problems of the musculoskeletal system (IRR=1.27; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.62). Drugs were prescribed more frequently to children falling under all three definitions of excess weight, compared with healthy weight children. No differences in the number of hospital admissions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The demand of health services related to early childhood obesity was small. Nevertheless, obesity was associated with a slightly greater demand for drug prescriptions and for PC doctor visits related to psychological and musculoskeletal problems.

[Evolution of measles, rubella and mumps from the third seroepidemiological survey in the autonomous region of Madrid, Spain]. / Evolución del sarampión, rubeola y parotiditis desde la III Encuesta de serovigilancia de la Comunidad de Madrid 1999-2000 (III ESVCM).

In this study results against measles, rubella and mumps obtained in the III Sero-epidemiological Survey of the Autonomous Region of Madrid, performed in 1999-2000, were related to the posterior evolution of these diseases in this Region. The prevalence of antibodies against measles, rubella and mumps was >90%, >95% and <90 %, respectively. Despite of the good results obtained for rubella and measles, in 2005 and 2006 two important outbreaks of these diseases occurred in Madrid. The rubella outbreak in 2005 (450 cases) affected especially to immigrants of both sexes (mainly from Central and South America) and Spanish adults males. The 2006 measles outbreak (174 cases) was imported, a high proportion of cases were adults and most of the patients were unvaccinated. No differences according to sex were observed. In Madrid mumps virus circulation has continued from 1999 to present. Two epidemic waves in the periods 2000-2001 and 2006-2007 have been detected. During 2006-2007, an important proportion of cases showed antecedents of vaccination. Each one of these three diseases has typical characteristics. However, the three has in common the change in the age of apparition, with a growing frequency of cases among young adults.

Association between general and central adiposity and development of hypertension in early childhood.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of general and abdominal obesity with high blood pressure in young children. METHODS: A longitudinal study including 1796 participants from the Madrid region (Spain) with baseline at age 4 years and a follow-up 2 years later. Blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference were measured during a physical examination. We evaluated the association between obesity at baseline and weight changes between the ages of 4 and 6 years and high blood pressure. Data were analysed using linear and logistic regressions adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: Obese 4 year olds (general or abdominal obesity) experienced an average 4-5 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure and a 2.5-3 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure by the age of 6 years. Compared to children maintaining a non-excess weight (based on body mass index) during follow-up incident and persistent cases of excess weight (overweight or obesity) had an odds ratio (OR) for high blood pressure of 2.49 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.13) and OR 2.54 (95% CI 1.27-5.07), respectively. Regarding abdominal obesity we estimated OR 2.81 (95% CI 0.98-8.02) for incident cases and OR 3.42 (95% CI 1.38-8.49) for persistent cases. Similar estimates for the waist-height ratio were observed. Individuals who experienced remission to non-excess weight did not have an increased risk of high blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increased risk for high blood pressure among 4-year-olds who presented with persistent or incident cases of excess weight (body mass index) or abdominal obesity after 2 years of follow-up. Children with excess weight or obesity at baseline who remitted to non-excess weight did not exhibit an increased risk of high blood pressure.