Epidemiological Impact of Neurodegenerative Diseases in the Rural Spanish-Portuguese Cross-Border Region.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological data indicate that neurodegenerative diseases show a high prevalence with a progressive increasing trend, especially in aging populations, as is the case in rural areas. The objective of this study was to assess the quantitative impact of neurodegenerative diseases in rural areas of the Spanish-Portuguese border region and to describe the epidemiological profile of the most prevalent disorders in one of the most depopulated and aged regions of Europe. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to estimate the prevalence of subjects diagnosed with the most common neurodegenerative disorders: dementia (Alzheimer's disease and other dementias), Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, and multiple sclerosis in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border border region in 2020. It includes Bragança and Guarda Districts (Portugal) and Salamanca (Castilla y León, Spain). RESULTS: Neurodegenerative diseases accounted for 1.85% in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border region in 2020; a total of 5,819 records were reported: 987 (prevalence, 2.51%) in Salamanca (Spain); 2,332 (prevalence, 1.87%) in Bragança; and 2,500 (prevalence, 1.66%) in Guarda. Female population suffered from them in higher proportion (2.35 vs. 1.32%). Dementia represented 1.19% (3,744), Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism 0.58% (1,823), and multiple sclerosis 0.08% (252). These disorders impacted older age groups. In the rural border region of Spain, 1 out of 4 cases were institutionalized. CONCLUSION: The findings reveal the health impact of neurodegenerative diseases in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border region. The epidemiological data emphasize the region's circumstances and highlight research priorities. Intervention strategies must be implemented in the region to ensure quality healthcare in rural areas.

Increasing Incidence of mucormycosis in Spanish inpatients from 1997 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Mucormycosis is a worldwide angio-invasive fungal infection that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A few European studies have focused on the epidemiology. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was performed with inpatients diagnosed with mucormycosis (ICD-9-CM, code 117.7, cases 1997-2015; and ICD-10, code B46, cases 2016-2018; along with length of hospital stay) in Spanish public hospitals between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2018. Data were obtained from the Minimum Basic Data Set (CMBD in Spanish). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A total of 962 patients were recorded; 665 were men. The mean age (±SD) was 55 ± 18.8 years. The annual incidence rate increased from 0.74 to 1.24 cases per million person-years. The lethality rate was 31.3%. Renal failure (41.6%) and haematological malignancy (36.3%) were the main factors involved. CONCLUSIONS: Mucormycosis is a rare infectious disease in Spain, but it has had a significantly increased incidence in the last two decades. Being an adult male and having diabetes, neoplasm or renal failure are the main factors associated. High mortality is usually associated mainly with haematological malignancy and renal failure. CMBD studies could be an efficient tool for assessing changes in the epidemiology of mucormycosis.

Clinical Burden of Inpatient Wound Care in Internal Medicine Units During the First Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical burden and epidemiologic profile of hospitalized patients with wounds during the first wave of COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective and observational study was conducted to analyze the inpatient episodes of wound care in the University Hospital of Salamanca (Spain) during the initial COVID-19 crisis from March 1, 2020, to June 1, 2020. Data were collected from nursing care reports and clinical discharge reports. Included patients were 18 years or older, had a hospital length of stay of 1 day or longer, and were hospitalized in an internal medicine unit. Surgical and traumatic wounds and pediatric patients were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients and 216 wounds were included. The overall wound prevalence was 7.6%, and incidence was 3.5% in the internal medicine units. Pressure injuries (PIs) were the most common wound type, and patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher PI risk (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-4.0; P = .042). Significant differences in PI staging were noted: 83.2% of wounds in patients with COVID-19 were stages I-II versus 67.8% in patients without COVID-19; the probability of stage III-IV PIs among patients without COVID-19 was doubled (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.5; P = .009). The probability of acute wounds tripled in patients with COVID-19 (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.1-6.6; P < .001). Patients with COVID-19 also had longer mean hospital stays and higher ICU admission rates. No case fatality rate differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this context of clinical practice, protocolized assessment and implementation of preventive measures must be ensured among older adult populations, patients with associated comorbidities, and ICU patients.

Epidemiological of cat scratch disease among inpatients in the Spanish health system (1997-2015).

Cat scratch disease, whose causative agent is Bartonella henselae, is an anthropozoonosis with a worldwide distribution that causes significant public health problems. Although it is an endemic disease in Spain, the available data are very limited. The aim of our study was to describe cat scratch disease inpatients in the National Health System (NHS) of Spain. This was a retrospective descriptive study using the minimum basic data set (CMBD in Spanish) in patients admitted to hospitals of the NHS between 1997 and 2015 with a diagnosis of cat scratch disease (ICD-9: 078.3). We found 781 hospitalized patients diagnosed with cat scratch disease. The mean age (± SD) was 30.7 ± 25.3 years old. The male/female ratio was 1.1:1. The incidence rate over the study period was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.86-0.99) cases per million person-years. The incidence rate in men was 0.98 cases per million person-years and that in women was 0.88 cases per million person-years. The cases were more frequent from September to January. A total of 652 (83.5%) cases were urgent hospital admissions. The average hospital stay was 8.4 ± 8.9 days. The overall lethality rate of the cohort was 1.3%. We have demonstrated that CSD causes a substantial burden of disease in Spain, affecting both adult and pediatric patients with a stable incidence rate. Our data suggest that CSD is benign and self-limited, with low mortality, and its incidence is possibly underestimated. Finally, there is a need for a common national strategy for data collection, monitoring, and reporting, which would facilitate a more accurate picture and the design of more strategic control measures. Hospital discharge records (HDRs) could be a good database for the epidemiological analysis of the hospital management of CSD.

Epidemiological assessment of 5598 brucellosis inpatients in Spain (1997-2015).

Brucellosis remains one of the main zoonoses worldwide. Epidemiological data on human brucellosis in Spain are scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiological characteristics of inpatient brucellosis in Spain between 1997 and 2015. A retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was performed. Data were requested from the Health Information Institute of the Ministry of Health and Equality, which provided us with the Minimum Basic Data Set of patients admitted to the National Health System. We also obtained data published in the System of Obligatory Notifiable Diseases. A total of 5598 cases were registered. The period incidence rate was 0.67 (95% CI 0.65-0.68) cases per 100 000 person-years. We observed a progressive decrease in the number of cases and annual incidence rates. A total of 3187 cases (56.9%) came from urban areas. The group most at risk comprised men around the fifth decade of life. The average (±s.d.) hospital stay was 12.6 days (±13.1). The overall lethality rate of the cohort was 1.5%. The number of inpatients diagnosed with brucellosis decreased exponentially. The group of patients with the highest risk of brucellosis in our study was males under 45 years of age and of urban origin. The lethality rate has reduced to minimum values. It is probable that hospital discharge records could be a good database for the epidemiological analysis of the hospital management of brucellosis and offer a better information collection system than the notifiable diseases system (EDO in Spanish).

Standard photopatch test battery? Proposal based on current epidemiology and experience in our Skin Allergy Unit.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) is confirmed by photopatch testing (PPT). In Spain, the latest recommendation on which allergens to test in PPT dates from 1995. METHODS: In the last 4 years, we studied 455 patients with epicutaneous tests and performed PPT on 33 of those patients (7.3%). RESULTS: The most prevalent allergens in PPT were as follows: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (46%), fragrances (21%), and solar filters (18%). DISCUSSION: In our country, the most common photoallergens continue to be NSAIDs (ketoprofen). The increasingly common use of sunscreens has led to a growing involvement of solar filters in PACD, which can be also contained in other cosmetics. In our experience, PACD due to fragrances is nonetheless at least similar in frequency. CONCLUSIONS: The PPT battery must adapt to the prescription, use, and exposure habits of each country. We propose a diagnostic model to guide which allergens to test in PPT, which in our experience should also include fragrances.

Epidemiology of aspergillosis in hospitalised Spanish patients-A 21-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Aspergillosis is a serious infection, and in Spain, the influence of epidemiology and climate on the resulting expenses of aspergillosis is not well established. AIM: A retrospective descriptive study using the Minimum Basic Data Set was performed on records of patients admitted to hospitals of the National Health System between 1997 and 2017 with a diagnosis of aspergillosis. The weather parameters were obtained from the State Agency of Meteorology from Spain. RESULTS: A total of 32,960 patients were identified, of whom 22,383 were men (68%). The mean age (±SD) was 61.1 ± 19.1 years. The mean incidence rate for all diagnoses was 3.54 cases per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 3.50-3.57). The incidence rate in men was twice as high as that in women, 4.89 (95% CI, 4.82-4.95) vs. 2.24 (95% CI, 2.19-2.27) cases per 100,000 person-years (p > .001). The highest incidence rates were concentrated in northern Spain. One in four patients died (8,080 cases; 25%). There was a moderate positive linear association between rainfall and incidence rate (rP  = .508; p = .026). In contrast, the Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated a moderate negative linear relationship between temperature and incidence rate (rP  = -.447; p = .050). We observed a higher incidence in the months with higher humidity and rainfall. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports a high burden of aspergillosis in Spain, with an increase in cases in the past two decades. Additionally, the influence of climatological factors on the incidence of aspergillosis is highlighted. Despite preemptive treatment strategies, this infection still has a high mortality.

Can an early mobilisation programme prevent hospital-acquired pressure injures in an intensive care unit?: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to clarify the effect of an early mobilisation programme on the prevention of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in an intensive care unit as opposed to standard care. We searched a total of 11 databases until 1 May 2020 and included seven studies (n = 7.520) related to the effect of early mobilisation protocol in the prevention of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (five quasi-experimental and two random comparative). The five quasi-experimental studies were significantly heterogeneous (P = .02 for Q test and 66% for I2 ), and the odds ratio was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.49-1.91) with a non-significant statistical difference between both groups (P = .93). Our study shows inconclusive outcomes related to the effect of the implementation of an early mobility programme in the prevention of pressure injuries in critical patients. Future research is needed considering the small number of articles on the topic.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus-specific antibody detection in blood donors, Castile-León, Spain, 2017 and 2018.

BackgroundCrimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is considered an emerging or even a probable re-emerging pathogen in southern Europe. Presence of this virus had been reported previously in Spain in 2010.AimWe aimed to evaluate the potential circulation of CCHFV in western Spain with a serosurvey in asymptomatic adults (blood donors).MethodsDuring 2017 and 2018, we conducted a CCHFV serosurvey in randomly selected asymptomatic blood donors from western Spain. Three assays using specific IgG antibodies against CCHFV were performed: the VectoCrimea ELISA test, an in-house ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (EuroImmun) test with glycoprotein and nucleoprotein.ResultsA total of 516 blood donors participated in this cross-sectional study. The majority of the study participants were male (68.4%), and the mean age was 46.3 years. Most of the participants came from rural areas (86.8%) and 68.6% had contact with animals and 20.9% had animal husbandry practices. One in five participants (109/516, 21.1%) were engaged in at-risk professional activities such as agriculture and shepherding, slaughtering, hunting, veterinary and healthcare work (mainly nursing staff and laboratory technicians). A total of 15.3% of the participants were bitten by ticks in the days or months before the date of sampling. We detected anti-CCHFV IgG antibodies with two diagnostic assays in three of the 516 individuals and with one diagnostic assay in six of the 516 individuals.ConclusionSeroprevalence of CCHFV was between 0.58% and 1.16% in Castile-León, Spain. This is the first study in western Spain that showed circulation of CCHFV in healthy people.

Female sexual dysfunction associated with idiopathic cerebellar ataxia: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cerebellar ataxia affects individuals in reproductive age. To date, few clinical cases of cerebellar ataxia and involvement of the cerebellum in sexual response were reported. We report a case of a woman that need to restore skills related for execution of sexual activity and coordination of movements during sexual intercourse. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of idiopathic cerebellar ataxia in a 25-year-old woman who was referred for sexual health consultation. The patient complained of sexual problems as follows: "I forgot the behaviors that I should adopt in a sexual encounter, and I know what to do only after paying attention to my movements." The history of sexual behavior indicated that this patient presented a "romantic love" model. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) reports that this condition involves anorgasmia disorder and female sexual arousal disorder. In addition, there was a loss of automatism and coordination of movements in the pelvis and lower extremities. The patient's condition improved with occupational and physical therapy combined with rehabilitation therapy based on cognitive behavioral criteria for sexual therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The case evolved from the romantic-affective model to a realistic model. The patient reported being comfortable during sexual intercourse and could explain her sexual needs to her partner. She managed to coordinate lower limb and pelvic movements, but did not reach an orgasm. Moreover, vaginal lubrication occurred with a time lag of 15-30 min after the end of sexual intercourse or masturbation.

Do health and social support and personal autonomy have an influence on the health-related quality of life of individuals with intellectual disability?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the relation between perceived social support and personal autonomy of individuals with intellectual disabilities and Health-Related Quality of Life. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a multicentre sample was carried out including 162 institutionalized individuals with intellectual disability. The measurement tool was a structured questionnaire with sociodemographic variables, and three scales: Functional Independence Measure(FIM) scale, Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and SF-36 Health Survey, which were completed during an individual/family interview. RESULTS: The perception of received social support is high on all 11 items of the Duke-UNC questionnaire, with an average of 3.45 for item-1 and 4.85 for item-11, which represents a total perceived support of an average 47.98 points (±SD7.30) (normal support). The Mental-Health component is rated worse than Physical-Health (67.41 vs. 71.74). The average rates for the different dimensions range from 57.34 points for Social-Functioning (the lowest rating) to 79.61 points for Bodily-Pain (highest rating). A multiple linear regression analysis reveals that the dimensions of Physical-Functioning (p < 0.001), Role-Physical (p = 0.016) and Bodily-Pain (p = 0.022), which are elements of the Physical-Health component, are independent predictive variables with the Degree of Autonomy (FIM) as a dependent variable. Social-Support (Duke-UNC) as a dependent variable is determined by the dimensions of Vitality (p = 0.014), Role-Emotional (p = 0.001) and Mental-Health (p < 0.001), which are part of the Mental-Health component and act as independent predictive variables. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with intellectual disability and a higher degree of personal autonomy determined by institutional and family support report better Health and Quality of Life.

Medical treatment of cystic echinococcosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a well-known neglected parasitic disease. However, evidence supporting the four current treatment modalities is inadequate, and treatment options remain controversial. The aim of this work is to analyse the available data to answer clinical questions regarding medical treatment of CE. METHODS: A thorough electronic search of the relevant literature without language restrictions was carried out using PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, BioMed, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Cochrane Plus databases up to February 1, 2017. All descriptive studies reporting an assessment of CE treatment and published in a peer-reviewed journal with available full-text were considered for a qualitative analysis. Randomized controlled trials were included in a quantitative meta-analysis. We used the standard methodological procedures established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. RESULTS: We included 33 studies related to the pharmacological treatment of CE in humans. Of these, 22 studies with levels of evidence 2 to 4 were qualitatively analysed, and 11 randomized controlled trials were quantitatively analysed by meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment outcomes are better when surgery or PAIR (Puncture, Aspiration, Injection of protoscolicidal agent and Reaspiration) is combined with benzimidazole drugs given pre- and/or post-operation. Albendazole chemotherapy was found to be the primary pharmacological treatment to consider in the medical management of CE. Nevertheless, combined treatment with albendazole plus praziquantel resulted in higher scolicidal and anti-cyst activity and was more likely to result in cure or improvement relative to albendazole alone.

Recurrence of cystic echinococcosis in an endemic area: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic, complex and neglected zoonotic disease. CE occurs worldwide. In humans, it may result in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic infection to fatal disease. Clinical management procedures have evolved over decades without adequate evaluation. Despite advances in surgical techniques and the use of chemotherapy, recurrence remains one of the major problems in the management of hydatid disease. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CE recurrence and the risk factors involved in recurrence. METHODS: A descriptive longitudinal-retrospective study was designed. We reviewed all patients diagnosed with CE according to ICD-9 (code 122-0 to 122-9) criteria admitted at Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Spain, between January 1998 and December 2015. RESULTS: Among the 217 patients studied, 25 (11.5%) had a hydatid recurrence after curative intention treatment. Median duration of recurrence's diagnosis was 12.35 years (SD: ±9.31). The likelihood of recurrence was higher [OR = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-7.1; p < 0.05] when the cyst was located in organs other than liver and lung, 22.6% (7/31) vs 14.2% (31/217) in the cohort. We detected a chance of recurrence [OR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-6.5; p > 0.05] that was two times higher in those patients treated with a combination of antihelminthic treatments and surgical intervention (20/141, 14.2%) than in patients treated with surgical intervention alone (5/76, 6.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in diagnosis and therapeutic techniques in hydatid disease, recurrence remains one of the major problems in the management of hydatid disease. The current management and treatment of recurrences is still largely based on expert opinion and moderate-to-poor quality of evidence. Consequently, large prospective and multicenter studies will be needed to provide definitive recommendations for its clinical management.

[Epidemiological update of hydatid disease in hospitals in the public health system of Extremadura (2003-2012)]. / Situación epidemiológica de la hidatidosis en los centros hospitalarios del sistema público de salud de Extremadura (2003-2012).

INTRODUCTION: Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection with a worldwide distribution, and is still an important health problem in many areas of the world, including the Mediterranean basin. At present the epidemiological situation is unclear in certain regions of Spain. The aim of this study was to update the epidemiological situation in Extremadura through an analysis of hospitalised patients in the public health system diagnosed with hydatid disease. METHODS: A longitudinal retrospective study was conducted between 2003 and 2012 on hospitalised patients with a diagnosis of hydatidosis (ICD 122.0-122.9) in hospitals of the public health service of Extremadura. RESULTS: During the period of study, 876 patients were diagnosed with hydatid disease. Of these 536 (61%) of cases were male, with a mean age of 65.53±17.8 years. More importantly, 19 (2.2%) of patients were 19 years old, with 17 cases between 2003-2007 versus 2 cases between 2008-2012 (OR=7.83; 95%CI: 1.79-34.11; P=.001). A total of 141 (16.0%) were younger than 45 years. The primary diagnosis was most frequently reported in the younger population <45 years, whereas the secondary diagnosis was usually found in the elderly population >70 years (P<.05). The incidence rate of hydatid disease obtained from Hospital Discharge Records (HDRs) was significantly higher compared to the incidence that was declared in the Notifiable Disease System of Extremadura (8.02 cases per 10(5) person-years vs. 1.88 cases per 10(5) person-years [P<.05]). CONCLUSION: In Extremadura hydatid disease is still frequent. With a clear decrease in the number of paediatric cases. The number of cases obtained from HDRs regarding Notification System Diseases Extremadura suggests the need for modifications to improve surveillance and control of hydatid disease.

Fever of unknown origin as the first manifestation of colonic pathology.

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is an entity caused by more than 200 diseases. Haematologic neoplasms are the most common malignant cause of FUO. Fever as a first symptom of colonic tumour pathology, both benign and malignant, is a rare form of presentation. Our work is a descriptive study of a series of 23 patients with colonic tumoral pathology who presented with fever of unknown origin. The mean age was 67.6 years; 56.5% of patients were men and 43.5% were women. Primary malignant neoplasia was the most common diagnosis. Blood cultures were positive in 45% of the samples. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common cause of bacteraemia. Nine of 10 faecal occult blood tests performed were positive. Fever secondary to colon neoplasms, both benign and malignant, usually presents with a bacteraemic pattern, with positive results for blood-culture tests in a high percentage of cases.

Is the Increase in Record of Skin Wounds in Hospitalized Patients in Internal Medicine Units a Side Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Wound care is an important public health challenge that is present in all areas of the healthcare system, whether in hospitals, long term care institutions or in the community. We aimed to quantify the number of skin wounds reported after and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive longitudinal retrospective study compared of wound records in patients hospitalized in the internal medicine service during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (from 1 March 2020, to 28 February 2021) and previous-year to the outbreak (from 1 January 2019, to 31 December 2019). A sample of 1979 episodes was collected corresponding to 932 inpatients, 434 from the pre-pandemic year and 498 from the first year of COVID-19 pandemic; 147 inpatients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (3.2%). The percentage of wound episodes in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than the pre-pandemic year, 17.9% (1092/6090) versus 15% (887/5906), with a significant increase in the months with the highest incidence of COVID cases. This study shows an increase in the burden of wound care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it could be attributable to the increase in the number of patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection in internal medicine units.

Molecular diagnosis of Chagas disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of the Chagas disease and its phases is impossible to have a unique test for both phases and a lot of different epidemiological scenarios. Currently, serology is the reference standard technique; occasionally, results are inconclusive, and a different diagnostic technique is needed. Some guidelines recommend molecular testing. A systematic review and meta-analysis of available molecular tools/techniques for the diagnosis of Chagas disease was performed to measure their heterogeneity and efficacy in detecting Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood samples. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted up to July 27, 2022, including studies published in international databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined to select eligible studies. Data were extracted and presented according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Forest plots and a summary of the receiving operating characteristics (SROC) curves displayed the outcomes. Heterogeneity was determined by I2 and Tau2 statistics and P values. Funnel plots and Deek's test were used to assess publication bias. A quantitative meta-analysis of the different outcomes in the two different clinical phases was performed. RESULTS: We identified 858 records and selected 32 papers. Studies pertained to endemic countries and nonendemic areas with adult and paediatric populations. The sample sizes ranged from 17 to 708 patients. There were no concerns regarding the risk of bias and applicability of all included studies. A positive and nonsignificant correlation coefficient (S = 0.020; P = 0.992) was obtained in the set of studies that evaluated diagnostic tests in the acute phase population (ACD). A positive and significant correlation coefficient (S = 0.597; P < 0.000) was obtained in the case of studies performed in the chronic phase population (CCD). This resulted in high heterogeneity between studies, with the master mix origin and guanidine addition representing significant sources. INTERPRETATION/CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results described in this meta-analysis (qualitative and quantitative analyses) do not allow the selection of the optimal protocol of molecular method for the study of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in any of its phases, among other reasons due to the complexity of this infection. Continuous analysis and optimization of the different molecular techniques is crucial to implement this efficient diagnosis in endemic areas.

Is babesiosis a rare zoonosis in Spain? Its impact on the Spanish Health System over 23 years.

BACKGROUND: Babesiosis is a zoonosis caused by an intraerythrocytic protozoan of the genus Babesia and transmitted mainly by ticks of the Ixodes spp. complex. There is no comprehensive global incidence in the literature, although the United States, Europe and Asia are considered to be endemic areas. In Europe, the percentage of ticks infected with Babesia spp. ranges from 0.78% to 51.78%. The incidence of babesiosis in hospitalized patients in Spain is 2.35 cases per 10,000,000 inhabitants/year. The mortality rate is estimated to be approximately 9% in hospitalized patients but can reach 20% if the disease is transmitted by transfusion. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological impact of inpatients diagnosed with babesiosis on the National Health System (NHS) of Spain between 1997 and 2019. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective longitudinal descriptive study that included inpatients diagnosed with babesiosis [ICD-9-CM code 088.82, ICD-10 code B60.0, cases ap2016-2019] in public Spanish NHS hospitals between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2019 was developed. Data were obtained from the minimum basic dataset (CMBD in Spanish), which was provided by the Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad after the receipt of a duly substantiated request and the signing of a confidentiality agreement. MAIN FINDINGS: Twenty-nine inpatients diagnosed with babesiosis were identified in Spain between 1997 and 2019 (IR: 0.28 cases/10,000,000 person-years). A total of 82.8% of the cases were men from urban areas who were approximately 46 years old. The rate of primary diagnoses was 55.2% and the number of readmissions was 79.3%. The mean hospital stay was 20.3±19.2 days, with an estimated cost of €186,925.66. Two patients, both with secondary diagnoses of babesiosis, died in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Human babesiosis is still a rare zoonosis in Spain, with an incidence rate that has been increasing over the years. Most cases occurred in middle-aged men from urban areas between summer and autumn. The Castilla-La-Mancha and Extremadura regions recorded the highest number of cases. Given the low rate of primary diagnoses (55.2%) and the high number of readmissions (79.3%), a low clinical suspicion is likely. There was a 6.9% mortality in our study. Both patients who died were patients with secondary diagnoses of the disease.

Impact of pneumocystosis on the Spanish health care system, 1997-2020: Profile of HIV and non-HIV immunocompromised patients.

BACKGROUND: Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungus recognized for causing P. jirovecii pneumonia. The global prevalence is thought to be higher than 400,000 annual cases, although detailed information about epidemiological patterns is scarce. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was performed among patients with diagnosis of pneumocystosis according to Classification of Diseases 9th edition, Clinical Modification (code 136.3 for the cases from 1997 to 2015; and 10th edition code B59.0 for cases from 2016 to 2020 in Spanish public hospitals from 1 January 1997-31 December 2020. RESULTS: A total of 25289 cases were diagnosed. The period incidence rate was 2.36 (95 % CI, 2.33-2.39) cases per 100,000 person-years. Infection was more frequent among men (72.2 %) than among women (27.8 %). Comorbidity was the main characteristic of this cohort. Up to 72.3 % of pneumocystis-infected patients (18293) had HIV coinfection. During the study period, there was a progressive decrease in the number of HIV coinfected cases as the group of patients without HIV infection increased, with the largest group in 2017. The lethality rate in the cohort was 16.7 %. The global cost was €229,234,805 and the average ( ± SD) cost per patient was €9065 ( ± 9315). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of pneumocystosis in Spain has changed in the last two decades. We noted in our study the possibility of a reemergence among non-HIV immunocompromised patients as patients with hematological and nonhematological neoplasia and other risk groups. The lethality of pneumocystosis continues to be high, and the underlying diseases are the main variable associated with lethality.

Are there differences between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 inpatient pressure injuries? Experiences in Internal Medicine Units.

BACKGROUND: Pressure Injuries (PIs) are major worldwide public health threats within the different health-care settings. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare epidemiological and clinical features of PIs in COVID-19 patients and patients admitted for other causes in Internal Medicine Units during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A descriptive longitudinal retrospective study. SETTING: This study was conducted in Internal Medicine Units in Salamanca University Hospital Complex, a tertiary hospital in the Salamanca province, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: All inpatients ≥18-year-old admitted from March 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020 for more than 24 hours in the Internal Medicine Units with one or more episodes of PIs. RESULTS: A total of 101 inpatients and 171 episodes were studied. The prevalence of PI episodes was 6% and the cumulative incidence was 2.9% during the first-wave of COVID-19. Risk of acute wounds was four times higher in the COVID-19 patient group (p<0.001). Most common locations were sacrum and heels. Among hospital acquired pressure injuries a significant association was observed between arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus in patients with COVID-19 diagnosis. CONCLUSION: During the first wave of COVID-19, COVID-19 patients tend to present a higher number of acute wounds, mainly of hospital origin, compared to the profile of the non-COVID group. Diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension were identified as main associated comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 diagnosis.