Effect of the combination of diuretics, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or metamizole (triple whammy) on hospitalisation due to acute kidney injury: A nested case-control study.

PURPOSE: Concomitant use of diuretics, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or metamizole, known as 'triple whammy' (TW), has been associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Nevertheless, there is still uncertainty on its impact in hospitalisation and mortality. The aim of the study was to analyse the association between exposure to TW and the risk of hospitalisation for AKI, all-cause mortality and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). METHODS: A case-control study nested in a cohort of adults exposed to at least one diuretic or RAAS inhibitor between 2009 and 2018 was carried out within the Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database for Public Health Systems (BIFAP). Patients hospitalised for AKI between 2010 and 2018 (cases) were matched with up to 10 patients of the same age, sex and region of Spain who had not been hospitalised for AKI as of the date of hospitalisation for AKI of the matching case (controls). The association between TW exposure versus non-exposure to TW and outcome variables was analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 480 537 participants (44 756 cases and 435 781 controls) were included (mean age: 79 years). The risk of hospitalisation for AKI was significantly higher amongst those exposed to TW [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.32-1.40], being higher with current (aOR 1.60, 95%CI 1.52-1.69) and prolonged exposure (aOR 1.65, 95%CI 1.55-1.75). No significant association was found with the need of RRT. Unexpectedly, mortality was lower in those exposed to TW (aOR 0.81, 95%CI 0.71-0.93), which may be influenced by other causes. CONCLUSION: Vigilance should be increased when diuretics, RAAS inhibitors, and NSAIDs or metamizole are used concomitantly, especially in patients at risk such as elderly patients.

Trends and causes of mortality in a population-based cohort of HIV-infected adults in Spain: comparison with the general population.

Combination antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality of HIV-infected persons. In Spain, where this therapy is widely available, we aim to evaluate mortality trends and causes of death in HIV-infected adults, and to estimate the excess mortality compared to the general population. From 1999 to 2018 mortality by causes was analyzed in a population-based cohort of adults aged 25 to 74 years diagnosed with HIV infection in Spain. Observed deaths and expected deaths according mortality in the general population of the same sex and age were compared using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). HIV-infected people increased from 839 in 1999-2003 to 1059 in 2014-2018, median age increased from 37 to 47 years, the annual mortality rate decreased from 33.5 to 20.7 per 1000 person-years and the proportion of HIV-related deaths declined from 64% to 35%. HIV-related mortality declined from 21.4 to 7.3 (p < 0.001), while non-HIV-related mortality remained stable: 12.1 and 13.4 per 1000, respectively. Mortality decreased principally in persons diagnosed with AIDS-defining events. In the last decade, 2009-2018, mortality was still 8.1 times higher among HIV-infected people than in the general population, and even after excluding HIV-related deaths, remained 4.8 times higher. Excess mortality was observed in non-AIDS cancer (SMR = 3.7), cardiovascular disease (SMR = 4.2), respiratory diseases (SMR = 7.9), liver diseases (SMR = 8.8), drug abuse (SMR = 47), suicide (SMR = 5.3) and other external causes (SMR = 6). In conclusion, HIV-related mortality continued to decline, while non-HIV-related mortality remained stable. HIV-infected people maintained important excess mortality. Prevention of HIV infections in the population and promotion of healthy life styles in HIV-infected people must be a priority.

Telmisartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy: a case report.

A possible case of sprue-like enteropathy (SLE) induced by the use of telmisartan is reported. Telmisartan is an angiotensin-receptor II blocker (type 1) used for the treatment of hypertension. Several cases of SLE associated with olmesartan and other drugs of the same group have been reported. In all cases, SLE resolved following therapy withdrawal. We describe the case of an 80-year-old woman who presented with diarrhoea and abdominal pain. In the past 5 years she had been treated with telmisartan 40 mg once a day for hypertension, so we hypothesised that symptoms might be caused by telmisartan. After treatment discontinuation, diarrhoea disappeared. Three causality algorithms were applied and revealed a possible or likely causal relationship. At present, the patient remains asymptomatic. There is a causal relationship between the use of telmisartan and SLE. This association should be taken into account by physicians when prescribing and reviewing drug therapies.

Comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors in an aged cohort of HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral treatment in a Spanish hospital in 2016.

OBJECTIVES: The increased survival of HIV-infected individuals has resulted in a premature aging of this population, with the consequent development of premature age-related comorbidities and risk factors. We aimed to describe the prevalence of age-related comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors in older adults with HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in a cohort of HIV patients aged ≥50 years on ART in September 2016 in Spain. The prevalence of comorbidities (liver cirrhosis, respiratory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, and kidney and bone disorders) and risk factors (smoking, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension) was captured. RESULTS: Among the 339 patients included in the study, any comorbidity was present in 52%, the most common being cirrhosis (19%), chronic lung disease (13%), and diabetes mellitus (11%). Over three quarters (78%) had any risk factor: dyslipidemia (55%) and smoking (44%). A higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease was seen in patients ≥60 years in comparison to those aged 50-59 years (23% vs 8%, p = 0.001). Of all study patients, 44% took more than three drugs in addition to their ART, while 29% received no additional pharmacological interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities and risk factors for chronic diseases are very common in HIV-infected patients aged ≥50 years and increase with age, so they should be early considered in the clinical management of these patients. It is important to encourage healthy lifestyles to prevent comorbidities and to control risk factors. Concomitant treatments with ART should be carefully monitored to prevent drug interactions, adverse effects, and patient adherence failures.