COVID-19 in patients with haematologic malignancies: Effect of RNAemia on clinical outcome in vaccinated patients.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with haematologic malignancies (HM) COVID-19 have more severe disease, with increased risk of mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia and the specific humoral immune responses on the clinical outcomes of patients with HM and COVID-19. METHODS: Interferon-α/γ (IFN-α/IFN-γ) serum levels, neutralizing antibodies and RNAemia at COVID-19 diagnosis, and persistent RNAemia during the follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 63 (58.9%) out of 107 patients had RNAemia, which was persistent in 26 (41.3%) patients. RNAemia at diagnosis and persistent RNAemia were associated with the need for high-flow nasal oxygen therapy during admission. Persistent RNAemia, age >70 years, and CURB-65 score ≥2 in patients with pneumonia were associated with increased 90-day mortality (P = 0.009, P = 0.030 and P = 0.001, respectively). The 90-day overall survival was lower (P = 0.006) in patients with persistent RNAemia. In addition, dexamethasone administration was associated with a COVID-19 episode with persistent RNAemia. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in patients with HM, RNAemia at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis and during the follow-up can be used to stratify patients with HM according to their clinical evolution and to guide clinical decisions tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Unveiling sex-based geographical disparities in myelodysplastic syndrome mortality trends in Spain (1999-2022).

AIM: To comprehensively analyze trends in myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) mortality across Spain (1999-2022), examining sex and regional differences. METHODS: We analyzed nationwide death records and population data, calculating age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) stratified by sex and Autonomous Community (AC). Joinpoint regression identified significant shifts in trends. RESULTS: Across Spain, MDS mortality risk varied among men, with rates ranging from 1.08 to 4.38 per 100,000 across regions, while women's rates ranged from 1.23 to 2.02. Five regions had higher risks than the national average, while six had lower risks. Joinpoint analysis revealed three periods nationally: a decline until 2008, and an increase until 2017, followed by a significant decrease. Despite the overall stable national trend (-0.5% annual change), significant regional variations emerged. Andalusia stood out with a worrying increase in MDS mortality, while Aragon and Murcia demonstrated promising declines. Extremadura displayed a unique trajectory with an initial rise followed by stabilization, while Galicia exhibited a contrasting trend with an initial decline and subsequent increase. Notably, men consistently faced a higher risk of MDS mortality compared to women, with significant disparities across regions. Extremadura, in particular, showed a marked difference in risk between genders. CONCLUSION: MDS mortality trends in Spain are complex, and influenced by gender, region, and time. Further research is needed to understand regional disparities, recent national decline, and higher risk in specific demographics. Tailored interventions based on local factors and targeted research are crucial to address these complexities and improve patient outcomes.

Myelodysplastic syndromes mortality in Spain: a comprehensive age-period-cohort and joinpoint analysis / Mortalidad por síndromes mielodisplásicos en España: análisis integral de cohortes por períodos de edad y de puntos de unión

Objective: The present study aims to assess the mortality trends in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in Spain from 1980 to 2021. Methods: Deaths and mid-year population data were collected from the National Institute of Statistics. We estimated age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 person-years for all ages and ages 35–64. Joinpoint regression identified significant changes in mortality trends. The independent effects of age, period and birth cohort on MDS mortality were also examined. Results: MDS-related deaths gradually increased from 36 in 1980 to 1118 in 2021, with an overall increase of 6.6% in age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) for both men and women. Joinpoint analysis identified four periods for both men and women: 1980–1987 (stable rates), 1987–1990 (sharp increase), 1990–1999 (slower increase) and 1999–2021 (stable rates). ASMRs (35–64 years) increased by 2.5% over the study period, with a turning point identified in 1996 when rates decreased. Mortality from MDS increases with age and is higher in men. The cohort's relative risk increased until the mid-1950s and then stabilised, whilst the period relative risk increased between 1982 and 1996 and then stabilised. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a progressive increase in MDS-related deaths in Spain between 1980 and 2021. Notably, this increase was more pronounced in men than in women. Analysis of birth cohort trends revealed shifts in MDS risk, characterised by an increase until the mid-twentieth century, followed by a stabilisation. Using joinpoint analysis, four distinct periods were identified, shedding light on the changing patterns of mortality over time. These findings help to shape future research directions and inform public health strategies. They also provide optimism for advances in MDS treatment and potential reductions in mortality.(AU)

Myelodysplastic syndromes mortality in Spain: a comprehensive age-period-cohort and joinpoint analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to assess the mortality trends in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in Spain from 1980 to 2021. METHODS: Deaths and mid-year population data were collected from the National Institute of Statistics. We estimated age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 person-years for all ages and ages 35-64. Joinpoint regression identified significant changes in mortality trends. The independent effects of age, period and birth cohort on MDS mortality were also examined. RESULTS: MDS-related deaths gradually increased from 36 in 1980 to 1118 in 2021, with an overall increase of 6.6% in age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) for both men and women. Joinpoint analysis identified four periods for both men and women: 1980-1987 (stable rates), 1987-1990 (sharp increase), 1990-1999 (slower increase) and 1999-2021 (stable rates). ASMRs (35-64 years) increased by 2.5% over the study period, with a turning point identified in 1996 when rates decreased. Mortality from MDS increases with age and is higher in men. The cohort's relative risk increased until the mid-1950s and then stabilised, whilst the period relative risk increased between 1982 and 1996 and then stabilised. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate a progressive increase in MDS-related deaths in Spain between 1980 and 2021. Notably, this increase was more pronounced in men than in women. Analysis of birth cohort trends revealed shifts in MDS risk, characterised by an increase until the mid-twentieth century, followed by a stabilisation. Using joinpoint analysis, four distinct periods were identified, shedding light on the changing patterns of mortality over time. These findings help to shape future research directions and inform public health strategies. They also provide optimism for advances in MDS treatment and potential reductions in mortality.