Epidemiological study of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and its impact on COVID-19 progression in a cohort of patients in gran Canaria.

Objectives. We analyzed the impact of age, sex, vaccination against COVID-19, immunosuppressive treatment, and comorbidities on patients' risk of requiring hospital admission or of death. Methods. Population-based observational retrospective study conducted on a cohort of 19,850 patients aged 12 years or more, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1st and December 31st, 2021, in the island of Gran Canaria. Results. Hypertension (18.5%), asthma (12.8%) and diabetes (7.2%) were the most frequent comorbidities; 147 patients died (0.7%). The combination of advanced age, male sex, cancer, coronary heart disease, immunosuppressive treatment, hospital admission, admission to the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation and lack of complete COVID-19 vaccination or booster dose was strongly predictive of mortality (p < 0.05); 831 patients required hospital admission and it was more frequent in men, older age groups, and patients with cancer, diabetes, arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure or immunosuppressive treatment. The COVID-19 vaccine booster dose was associated with a lower risk of death ([OR] 0.11, 95% CI 0.06-0.21, p < 0.05) or hospital admission ([OR] 0.36, 95% CI 0.29-0.46, p < 0.05). Conclusions. Cancer, coronary heart disease, and immunosuppressive treatment were associated with increased COVID-19 mortality. More complete vaccination was associated with lower risk of hospital admission or death. Three doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were highly associated with the prevention of death and hospital admission in all age groups. These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination can help bring the pandemic under control.

Objetivos. Analizamos el impacto de la edad, el sexo, la vacunación frente a la COVID-19, el tratamiento inmunosupresor y las comorbilidades en el riesgo de los pacientes de precisar ingreso hospitalario o de fallecer.Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo observacional de base poblacional realizado sobre una cohorte de 19.850 pacientes de 12 años o más, que fueron diagnosticados de COVID-19 entre el 1 de junio y el 31 de diciembre de 2021, en la isla de Gran Canaria.Resultados. La hipertensión arterial (18,5%), el asma (12,8%) y la diabetes (7,2%) fueron las comorbilidades más frecuentes; Fallecieron 147 pacientes (0,7%). La combinación de edad avanzada, sexo masculino, cáncer, cardiopatía coronaria, tratamiento inmunosupresor, ingreso hospitalario, ingreso en unidad de cuidados intensivos, ventilación mecánica y la falta de vacunación completa contra el COVID-19 o dosis de refuerzo fue fuertemente predictiva de mortalidad (p < 0,05); 831 pacientes requirieron ingreso hospitalario y fue más frecuente en hombres, grupos de mayor edad y pacientes con cáncer, diabetes, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva o tratamiento inmunosupresor. La dosis de refuerzo contra la vacuna del COVID-19 se asoció con un menor riesgo de muerte ([OR] 0.11, IC 95% 0.06­0.21, p < 0,05) o ingreso hospitalario ([OR] 0.36, IC 95% 0.29­0.46; p < 0,05).Conclusiones. El cáncer, la enfermedad coronaria y el tratamiento inmunosupresor se asociaron con una mayor mortalidad por COVID-19. Una vacunación más completa se asoció con un menor riesgo de hospitalización o muerte. Tres dosis de la vacuna contra el SARS-CoV-2 se asociaron a una mayor prevención de la muerte y el ingreso hospitalario relacionados con la COVID-19 en todos los grupos de edad. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la vacunación contra el COVID-19 puede ayudar a controlar la pandemia.

Estudio epidemiológico sobre el impacto de la vacunación antigripal en la evolución clínica de pacientes con COVID-19 y la coinfección por ambos virus en Gran Canaria, España / Epidemiological study on the impact of influenza vaccination on the clinical course of patients with COVID-19 and co-infection by both viruses in Gran Canaria, Spain

Objetivo: Analizar la frecuencia de coinfecciones entre los virus gripales y el SARS-CoV-2, además de las diferencias en la evolución (riesgo de mortalidad, ingreso hospitalario o en intensivos) de los pacientes infectados por el virus del SARS-CoV-2 según vacunación o no vacunación de la gripe en la temporada 2021-2022. Método: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de base poblacional en una cohorte de 19.850 pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19 entre el 1 de junio de 2021 y 28 de febrero de 2022 en la isla de Gran Canaria. Resultados. Fueron vacunados de la gripe 1.789 personas, el 9% del total de pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19. 13.676 personas (68,9%) contaban con pauta completa de vacunación del COVID-19. En el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de junio de 2021 y 28 de febrero de 2022 se registraron 8 casos de coinfección gripe y COVID-19. Hipertensión (18,5%), asma (12,8%) y diabetes (7,2%) fueron las comorbilidades más frecuentes. Hubo 147 defunciones (0,7%). Las personas de mayor edad ([OR] 1,11 IC 95% 1,09-1,13) y con cáncer ([OR] 4,21 IC 95% 2,58-6,89) tuvieron mayor riesgo de fallecer por COVID-19 (p<0,05). El sexo femenino fue considerado un factor protector ([OR] 0,61 IC 95% 0,40-0,92). Conclusiones: La edad avanzada, el sexo masculino y el cáncer fueron factores pronósticos independientes de mortalidad. Tres dosis de la vacuna del SARS-CoV-2 y la vacuna de la gripe fueron altamente efectivas para prevenir muertes e ingresos relacionados con COVID-19. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la vacunación contra la gripe puede ayudar a controlar la pandemia. (AU)

Objectives: To analyze the frequency of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 co-infections, as well as the differences in the course of disease (risk of mortality, hospital and intensive care admissions) in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in relation to flu vaccination status in the 2021-2022 season.Methodology. Population-based observational retrospective study in a cohort of 19,850 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 on the island of Gran Canaria. Results: A total of 1,789 patients (9%) diagnosed with COVID-19 had received flu vaccinations. 13,676 people (68.9%) had a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations. In the period between June 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, 8 cases of flu and COVID-19 coinfection were recorded. Hypertension (18.5%), asthma (12.8%) and diabetes (7.2%) were the most frequent comorbidities. There were 147 deaths (0.7%). Older patients ([OR] 1.11 95% CI 1.09-1.13) and people with cancer ([OR] 4.21 95% CI 2.58-6.89) had a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 (p<0.05). Female sex was noted as a protective factor ([OR] 0.61 95% CI 0.40-0.92). Conclusions: Old age, male sex and cancer were independent prognostic factors for mortality. Three doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and influenza vaccines were highly effective in preventing COVID-19-related deaths and hospital admissions. These findings suggest that flu vaccination can help control the pandemic. (AU)

Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection According to Previous Metabolic Status and Its Association with Mortality and Post-Acute COVID-19.

Background. SARS-CoV-2 infection was analyzed according to previous metabolic status and its association with mortality and post-acute COVID-19. Methods. A population-based observational retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of 110,726 patients aged 12 years or more who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection between June 1st, 2021, and 28 February 2022 on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain. Results. In the 347 patients who died, the combination of advanced age, male sex, cancer, immunosuppressive therapy, coronary heart disease, elevated total cholesterol and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was strongly predictive of mortality (p < 0.05). In the 555 patients who developed post-acute COVID-19, the persistence of symptoms was most frequent in women, older subjects and patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, asthma, elevated fasting glucose levels or elevated total cholesterol (p < 0.05). A complete vaccination schedule was associated with lower mortality (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.5, 95%CI 0.39−0.64; p < 0.05) and post-acute COVID-19 (IRR 0.37, 95%CI 0.31−0.44; p < 0.05). Conclusions. Elevated HDL-C and elevated total cholesterol were significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality. Elevated fasting glucose levels and elevated total cholesterol were risk factors for the development of post-acute COVID-19.

Efecto de la vacunación antigripal en trabajadores de atención primaria y población general de Gran Canaria: estudio transversal / Effect of influenza vaccination in Primary Healthcare workers and the general population in Gran Canaria: A cross-sectional study

Objetivo: Estimar el efecto de la vacunación antigripal en los trabajadores de atención primaria y en la población atendida durante la campaña de vacunación antigripal 2015/2016. Diseño: Estudio transversal. Emplazamiento: Todos los centros asistenciales de atención primaria del Área de Salud de Gran Canaria. Participantes: Un total de 1.868 profesionales (33,5% hombres; 66,5% mujeres) y 795.605 personas de la población general (49,4% hombres; 50,6% mujeres). Mediciones principales: En profesionales, las variables de resultado fueron: declaraciones de gripe al Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica y días de incapacidad temporal por enfermedad; en población general: gripes declaradas y coberturas vacunales en función del estado vacunal del sanitario. Se estimó la magnitud de asociación entre la vacunación y la morbilidad mediante modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: Los profesionales sanitarios que no se vacunaron tuvieron un riesgo de tener gripe 1,7 veces superior al de los profesionales que se vacunaron, aunque la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa; en población general se encontró una asociación significativa solo en mujeres (OR: 1,3; IC95%: 1,1-1,5). La cobertura poblacional fue significativamente mayor cuando médico y enfermero estaban vacunados (OR: 1,3; IC 95%: 1,3-1,3), y el número de gripes declaradas disminuyó cuando el enfermero estaba vacunado (OR: 0,9; IC 95%: 0,9-0,9). Conclusiones: Se observó un posible efecto protector de la vacunación antigripal en la población general, así como una influencia del estado vacunal de los sanitarios en las coberturas de los pacientes. Aun así, las bajas coberturas registradas apuntan a una necesidad de implementar medidas que propicien una actitud más favorable frente a la vacunación antigripal

Objective: To estimate the effect of the influenza vaccination in Primary Healthcare workers and the general population vaccinated during the 2015/2016 campaign. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: All the Primary Healthcare centres within the Gran Canaria healthcare region. Participants: A total of 1,868 Primary Healthcare workers (33.5% men; 66.5% women) and 795,605 individuals from the general population (49.4% men; 50.6% women). Principal measurements: The outcome variables in Primary Healthcare workers were: influenza cases reported to the Epidemiological Surveillance System, and the sick leave days due to illness. In the general population: reported flu cases and vaccination coverage in connection with the vaccination status of the healthcare professional. The magnitude of association between vaccination and morbidity was estimated applying logistic regression models. Results: Although not statistically significant, healthcare professionals that were not vaccinated had 1.7-fold increase in the risk of having influenza than those vaccinated. In the general population the association was significant in the female population (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.5). Population coverage was significantly higher when both the doctor and nurse were vaccinated (OR: 1.3; 95 %CI: 1.3-1.3), and reported flu cases decreased when the nurse was vaccinated (OR: 0.9; 95%CI: 0.9-0.9). Conclusion: A possible protective effect of influenza vaccination was observed in the general population, as well as an influence of Primary Healthcare workers on the patients regarding this. Even so, the low coverages registered point to a need to implement measures that may lead to a more favourable attitude towards influenza vaccination

[Effect of influenza vaccination in Primary Healthcare workers and the general population in Gran Canaria: A cross-sectional study]. / Efecto de la vacunación antigripal en trabajadores de atención primaria y población general de Gran Canaria: estudio transversal.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of the influenza vaccination in Primary Healthcare workers and the general population vaccinated during the 2015/2016 campaign. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: All the Primary Healthcare centres within the Gran Canaria healthcare region. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,868 Primary Healthcare workers (33.5% men; 66.5% women) and 795,605 individuals from the general population (49.4% men; 50.6% women). PRINCIPAL MEASUREMENTS: The outcome variables in Primary Healthcare workers were: influenza cases reported to the Epidemiological Surveillance System, and the sick leave days due to illness. In the general population: reported flu cases and vaccination coverage in connection with the vaccination status of the healthcare professional. The magnitude of association between vaccination and morbidity was estimated applying logistic regression models. RESULTS: Although not statistically significant, healthcare professionals that were not vaccinated had 1.7-fold increase in the risk of having influenza than those vaccinated. In the general population the association was significant in the female population (OR: 1.3; 95%CI: 1.1-1.5). Population coverage was significantly higher when both the doctor and nurse were vaccinated (OR: 1.3; 95%CI: 1.3-1.3), and reported flu cases decreased when the nurse was vaccinated (OR: 0.9; 95%CI: 0.9-0.9). CONCLUSION: A possible protective effect of influenza vaccination was observed in the general population, as well as an influence of Primary Healthcare workers on the patients regarding this. Even so, the low coverages registered point to a need to implement measures that may lead to a more favourable attitude towards influenza vaccination.

Biomechanical assays for the study of the effects of hip prostheses: application to the reconstruction of bone defects with femoral allografts.

There is a need to study and validate the mechanical behavior of the bone-implant total hip prosthesis and the treatment of its complications with experimental studies due to the limitations showed by numerical methods. Epoxy resin replicas of a femur (stereolithography) and a mechanical validation were performed. We studied three cases: intact femur (Case 1); non-defective femur with non-cemented LD primary stem (Case 2); and femur with a cavitary defect, short cemented stem over an impacted allograft (Case 3). The test pieces were connected to 7 strain gauges. Three assays per piece were carried out with a vertical and oblique load (load-unload curves after a sequence between 0 and 145.9 N). We measured the k coefficient (distance from the natural state of the strains) and stability of the stem (flexion-compression by strain gauges 1, 2, 5, and 7 and transversal lengthening by strain gauges 3, 4, and 6). Results of the strain gauge analysis revealed linearity of results in all cases, and more so in load than in unload. Gauge 7 (proximal) revealed shortening in all cases. Gauges 2 and 5 provided qualitatively similar data due to a significant increase in rigidity. K coefficients were obtained with a nonsignificant difference when each of the test pieces was compared with Case 2. The results were reproducible in all 7 gauges. Observation of the load-unload curves in all the test pieces assayed shows that there are no variations in the pattern of behavior (when comparing the stability of a primary stem and a stem in the simulated reconstructed femoral defect. If these reconstructions are considered theoretically appropriate for giving primary stability to the stem--a sine qua non for the success of replacement surgery--then our study is novel.

Comparative study of the use of electromagnetic fields in patients with pseudoarthrosis of tibia treated by intramedullary nailing.

We made a comparative cohort study in patients suffering from tibial pseudoarthrosis, all of whom were treated by intramedullary nailing. We divided patients into two groups: one treated by intramedullary nailing only (control group) and the other by intramedullary nailing combined with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs). The study included 57 cases of tibial pseudoarthrosis in 57 patients from February 1987 to February 2002. Pseudoarthrosis was treated surgically in all cases (Grosse-Kempf dynamic intramedullary nailing). This was combined with PEMFs in 22 cases. The average age was 38.3 years (range 14-89 years) and the average duration of follow-up was 27.2 months (range 12-48 months). Forty-nine fractures (86%) healed and eight (14%) did not. Of the group treated with PEMFs, 20 (91%) healed and two (9%) did not; from the group that did not receive PEMF (35), 29 (83%) healed compared to six (17%) that did not. The relationship between union and use of PEMFs, and between time to union and use of PEMFs was clinically relevant. PEMFs are useful when treating tibial pseudoarthrosis. Its noninvasive nature means that there are more complication-free unions.

Reconstruction of bone defects with impacted allograft in femoral stem revision surgery.

A retrospective clinical review was done on 54 revision hip patients. Radiological analysis examined the Gross and AAOS classifications, stem position, cement mantles, allograft and evolution (subsidence, resorption and remodelling). The Harris Hip score was used for clinical assessment. We used bone bank allograft and a polished non-collared stem LD. The follow-up period was 60.5 months (19.4-152.4), and the average age 68.5 (range: 22-85). There were 21 females and 33 males. The surgical approach was: lateral (5.56%) posterior (91.4%); trochanteric osteotomy: 25.9%; associated acetabular revision: 59.3%; previous operations: 1.9. The preoperative Harris score was 35 (28-40) and rose to 81 (50-99) postoperatively. The stem alignment was neutral (44.44%), varus (38.89%) and valgus (16.67%). The femur/stem diameter relationship was 1.8 (1.2-2.7). There were no changes in stem alignment in 94.4%. An adequate cement mantle was: proximal zone (61.1%), medium zone (27.8%) and distal zone (16.7%). The rate of any subsidence was 38.9% (progressive: 12.96%). The rate of complications was 40.7% and included periprosthetic fracture: 14.8%; superficial infection: 1.9%; deep late infection: 1.9%; dislocation: 3.7%; heterotopic ossification: 13%. The rate of new stem revision was 16.6%. The clinical and radiological success rate was 77.78%. A greater incidence of revisions has been found in stem malalignment, progressive subsidence, a Harris increase of <20 points, allograft resorption, small diameter stems and inadequate cement mantle. We recommend hard impaction and a cement mantle of at least 2 mm. Non-progressive subsidence does not increase stem loosening. The technique has been useful in recovering bone stock in a severely defective femur and achieves a stable reconstruction. The level of evidence was therapeutic study level III-2 (retrospective cohort study; see the instructions to the authors for a complete description of the levels of evidence).