Incidence of Lyme Borreliosis in Germany: A retrospective observational healthcare claims study.

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in Germany. Although the incidence of LB in Germany has been assessed in several studies, those studies either used data from statutory surveillance, which frequently underreport cases, or data from health claims databases, which may overestimate cases due to non-specific LB case definitions. Here, using a more specific case definition, we describe the incidence of medically-attended LB by disease manifestation, age group, and federal state for the period 2015-2019. Both inpatient and outpatient cases were analyzed from a claims database. To be eligible for inclusion, patients were required to have an LB specific ICD-10 GM diagnosis code plus an antibiotic prescription, and for disseminated manifestations, a laboratory test order additionally. LB cases were classified as erythema migrans (EM), or disseminated disease including Lyme arthritis (LA), Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), and all other disease manifestations (OTH). Between 2015 and 2019, the incidence of medically-attended LB cases ranged from 195.7/100,000 population per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 191.0 - 200.5) to 254.5/100,000 population per year (95% CI, 249.0 - 260.0) per year. The majority of cases (92.2%) were EM, while 2.8% presented as LA, 3.8% as LNB, and 1.2% as OTH. For both EM and disseminated disease, the incidence peaked in children aged 5-9 years and in older adults. By federal state, the incidence of medically-attended EM ranged from 74.4/100,000 population per year (95% CI, 71.9 - 77.0) per year in Hamburg, to 394.1/100,000 population per year (95% CI, 370.7 - 417.6) per year in Saxony, whereas for medically-attended disseminated disease, the highest incidence was in Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria (range: 22.0 [95% CI, 19.9 - 24.0] to 35.7 [95% CI, 34.7 - 36.7] per 100,000 population per year). This study comprehensively estimated the incidence of all manifestations of medically-attended LB and showed a high incidence of LB throughout Germany. Results from the study support performing epidemiological studies in all federal states to measure the burden of LB and to invest in public health interventions for prevention.

Incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Germany: a retrospective observational cohort health claims database study.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) describes heterogenous categories of chronic inflammatory rheumatic conditions of unknown origin in children and adolescents. Epidemiological data in the literature vary, depending on geographic location, ethnicity and the case definition used. We evaluated epidemiology, especially that of the categories defined by the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR). METHODS: Using data from two different longitudinal health claims databases (WIG2 and InGef) from January 1st, 2013 to December 31st, 2019, we looked at patients aged 2 to 15 years old with at least one main inpatient or two secondary inpatient/verified outpatient ICD-10 diagnoses in at least two different quarters within one calendar year. We calculated prevalence and incidence (per 100,000 patients) and extrapolated data to the entire German population, looking at differences in gender and age groups. Additionally, we collected data on "other" not necessary comorbidities in our JIA patient population. RESULTS: Of the 3-4 million patients in the databases (respectively) in 2018, we found a total of 546 (WIG2) and 849 (InGef) patients that met our JIA case definition, with an incidence of 34 (29-41) and 60 (53-67) and prevalence of 133 (122-145) and 168 (157-179). Both incidence and prevalence throughout the age range were mostly higher in females than males, however the difference between females and males increased with increasing age. Of the ILAR categories, oligoarthritis was the most prevalent (70 and 91 per 100,000), with about half of our JIA patients in this category, followed by undifferentiated arthritis (49 and 56 cases per 100,000) and rheumatoid factor negative (RF-) (31 and 39 per 100,000). Incidence in 2018 was the highest in these three categories. Atopic dermatitis, vasomotor and allergic rhinitis, and uveitis were the pre-defined comorbidities seen most often in both databases. CONCLUSION: This study provides current incidence and prevalence JIA data in Germany, contributing to knowledge on burden of disease and tools for healthcare planning.

Specific Varicella-Related Complications and Their Decrease in Hospitalized Children after the Introduction of General Varicella Vaccination: Results from a Multicenter Pediatric Hospital Surveillance Study in Bavaria (Germany).

BACKGROUND: Universal varicella vaccination (UVV) for children introduced in Germany in 2004 resulted in a significant overall decline of varicella-related hospitalizations (VRHs). We investigated the incidence of specific types of varicella-related complications (VRCs) in hospitalized children and the impact of UVV on VRCs during the first 7 years of UVV. METHODS: Children < 17 years of age hospitalized with an ICD-10-based (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) discharge diagnosis of varicella were identified as VRH in pediatric hospitals in Bavaria by annual standardized data queries of the hospital databases (2005-2011). For each VRH, the hospitals reported basic demographic data, duration of hospital stay, all diagnostic and procedural codes, and outcome. VRCs were reported overall, per year, and by immune status. Complication rates were calculated as mean number per complication category per hospital and per year; VRC trends over time were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS: Between 78% (2005) and 61% (2011) of Bavarian hospitals participated and reported a total of 1263 VRHs. Specific VRCs were reported in 954 (76%) children. Complication rates per hospital and year decreased from 6.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.1-8.3] in 2005 to 1.5 (95% CI: 0.8-2.3) in 2011, with the strongest reduction of 90% in children < 5 years of age from 5.3 (95% CI: 4.0-6.6) in 2005 to 0.5 (95% CI: 0.1-0.9) in 2011. Significant decreases were observed for children with upper respiratory tract (URT, by 97%), lower respiratory tract (LRT, by 90%), skin (by 81%), gastrointestinal (by 78%), and neurologic (by 65%) VRCs. Forty-eight children with VRCs were immunocompromised; their annual rate decreased by 87%. DISCUSSION: Corresponding to increasing varicella vaccination coverage in the population, the incidence of VRC decreased by 77% from 2005 to 2011, with the most substantial decrease in the target group for UVV. CONCLUSION: Within 7 years, UVV in Germany led to a decrease of about 77% of all types of VRCs, with the highest reductions observed for VRCs of the respiratory tract.

Heterogeneity in coverage for measles and varicella vaccination in toddlers - analysis of factors influencing parental acceptance.

BACKGROUND: In 2004, routine varicella vaccination was introduced in Germany for children aged 11-14 months. Routine measles vaccination had already been introduced in 1973 for the same age group, but coverage is still too low (<95%) in some areas to eliminate measles. The present study assessed varicella and measles vaccination coverage and determinants of parental acceptance in two study regions, situated in Northern and Southern Bavaria (Germany). METHODS: From 2009 to 2011, annual cross-sectional parent surveys were performed on random samples of 600 children aged 18-36 months in the Bavarian regions of both Munich and Würzburg. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with varicella and measles vaccination. RESULTS: In 2009, 2010 and 2011, vaccination coverage was lower in Munich than in Würzburg, for both varicella (Munich 53%, 67%, 69% vs. Würzburg 72%, 81%, 83%) and for measles (Munich 88%, 89%, 91% vs. Würzburg 92%, 93%, 95%). Recommendation by the physician was the main independent factor associated with varicella vaccination in both regions (adjusted odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI): Munich OR 19.7, CI 13.6-28.6; Würzburg OR 34.7, CI 22.6-53.2). Attendance at a childcare unit was positively associated with a higher acceptance of varicella vaccination in Munich (OR 1.5, CI 1.1-2.2). Regarding measles vaccination, attendance at a childcare unit was positively associated in both regions (Munich OR 2.0; CI 1.3-3.0; Würzburg OR 1.8; CI 1.1-3.1), and a higher level of parental school education was negatively associated in Würzburg (OR 0.5, CI 0.3-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination rates differed between regions, with rates constantly higher in Würzburg. Within each region, vaccination rates were lower for varicella than for measles. Measles vaccination status was mainly dependent upon socio-demographic factors (attendance at a childcare unit, parental school education), whereas for the more recently introduced varicella vaccination recommendation by the physician had the strongest impact. Hence, different strategies are needed to further improve vaccination rates for both diseases.

Therapy of 645 children with parapneumonic effusion and empyema-A German nationwide surveillance study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial management of pediatric parapneumonic effusion or pleural empyema (PPE/PE) with regard to length of hospital stay (LOS). METHODS: Collection of pediatric PPE/PE cases using a nationwide surveillance system (ESPED) from 10/2010 to 06/2013, in all German pediatric hospitals. Inclusion of PPE/PE patients <18 years of age requiring drainage or with a PPE/PE persistence >7 days. Staging of PPE/PE based on reported pleural sonographic imaging. Comparison of LOS after diagnosis between children treated with different forms of initial invasive procedures performed ≤3 days after PPE/PE diagnosis: pleural puncture, draining catheter, intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy, surgical procedures. RESULTS: Inclusion of 645 children (median age 5 years); median total LOS 17 days. Initial therapy was non-invasive in 282 (45%) cases and invasive in 347 (55%) cases (pleural puncture: 62 [10%], draining catheter: 153 [24%], intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy: 89 [14%], surgical procedures: 43 [7%]). LOS after diagnosis did not differ between children initially treated with different invasive procedures. Results remained unchanged when controlling for sonographic stage, preexisting diseases, and other potential confounders. Repeated use of invasive procedures was observed more often after initial non-invasive treatment or pleural puncture alone than after initial pleural drainage, intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy or surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Initial treatment with intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy or surgical procedures did not result in shorter LOS than initial pleural puncture alone. Larger prospective studies are required to investigate which children benefit significantly from more intensive forms of initial invasive treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:540-547. © 2016 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fertility and combined oral contraceptives - unintended pregnancies and planned pregnancies following oral contraceptive use - results from the INAS-SCORE study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the real-use contraceptive effectiveness of the combined oral contraceptive containing dienogest and estradiol valerate (DNG/EV) and whether DNG/EV compared to other combined oral contraceptives (oCOC) has a negative effect on return to fertility. METHODS: Transatlantic, prospective, non-interventional cohort study conducted in the USA and seven European countries with two main exposure groups and one exposure subgroup: new users of DNG/EV and other COC (oCOC), particularly levonorgestrel-containing COCs (LNG). In a planned secondary analysis, pregnancy outcomes were investigated including contraceptive effectiveness and pregnancy following contraceptive cessation. The influence of age, parity and OC-type were assessed. RESULTS: 50,203 COC users were followed for 105,761 woman-years (WY). There were 677 unintended pregnancies reported: 451 in the USA and 226 in Europe. The contraceptive failure rate in Europe was 0.5 events/100 WY (95% CI: 0.4-0.5) and in the USA 1.9 events/100 WY (95% CI: 1.7-2.1). Differences in compliance (1.3 pregnancies/100 WY) accounted for 90% of the geographical difference seen between Europe and the USA. DNG/EV showed lower contraceptive failure rates compared to the comparators; 0.9% DNG/EV, 2.1% oCOC and 2.8% LNG after 4 years. Overall, 1167 (2.3%) of women stopped contraceptive use with the intention of becoming pregnant with 89% conceiving within 2 years. No significant differences were seen between groups after adjusting for age. CONCLUSION/DISCUSSION: DNG/EV is associated with similar contraceptive effectiveness in typical-use settings when compared to oCOC and LNG. There was no difference observed between cohorts in fertility following OC use.

Varicella routine vaccination and the effects on varicella epidemiology - results from the Bavarian Varicella Surveillance Project (BaVariPro), 2006-2011.

BACKGROUND: In 2004, routine varicella vaccination was recommended in Germany for children 11-14 months of age with one dose, and since 2009, with a second dose at 15-23 months of age. The effects on varicella epidemiology were investigated. METHODS: Data on varicella vaccinations, cases and complications were collected from annual parent surveys (2006-2011), monthly paediatric practice surveillance (Oct 2006 - Sep 2011; five varicella seasons) and paediatric hospital databases (2005-2009) in the area of Munich (about 238,000 paediatric inhabitants); annual incidences of cases and hospitalisations were estimated. RESULTS: Varicella vaccination coverage (1st dose) in children 18-36 months of age increased in two steps (38%, 51%, 53%, 53%, 66% and 68%); second-dose coverage reached 59% in the 2011 survey. A monthly mean of 82 (62%) practices participated; they applied a total of 50,059 first-dose and 40,541 second-dose varicella vaccinations, with preferential use of combined MMR-varicella vaccine after recommendation of two doses, and reported a total of 16,054 varicella cases <17 years of age. The mean number of cases decreased by 67% in two steps, from 6.6 (95%CI 6.1-7.0) per 1,000 patient contacts in season 2006/07 to 4.2 (95%CI 3.9-4.6) in 2007/08 and 4.0 (95%CI 3.6-4.3) in 2008/09, and further to 2.3 (95%CI 2.0-2.6) in 2009/10 and 2.2 (95%CI 1.9-2.5) in 2010/11. The decrease occurred in all paediatric age groups, indicating herd protection effects. Incidence of varicella was estimated as 78/1,000 children <17 years of age in 2006/07, and 19/1,000 in 2010/11. Vaccinated cases increased from 0.3 (95%0.2-0.3) per 1,000 patient contacts in 2006/07 to 0.4 (95%CI 0.3-0.5) until 2008/09 and decreased to 0.2 (95%CI 0.2-0.3) until 2010/11. The practices treated a total of 134 complicated cases, mainly with skin complications. The paediatric hospitals recorded a total of 178 varicella patients, including 40 (22.5%) with neurological complications and one (0.6%) fatality due to varicella pneumonia. Incidence of hospitalisations decreased from 7.6 per 100,000 children <17 years of age in 2005 to 4.3 in 2009, and from 21.0 to 4.7 in children <5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results show increasing acceptance and a strong impact of the varicella vaccination program, even with still suboptimal vaccination coverage.