Clinical effectiveness of 13-valent and 23-valent pneumococcal vaccination in middle-aged and older adults: The EPIVAC cohort study, 2015-2016.

BACKGROUND: Clinical benefits using the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPsV23) or the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in adults are controversial. This study investigated clinical effectiveness for both PPsV23 and PCV13 in preventing pneumonia among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: Population-based cohort study involving 2,025,730 persons ≥50 years in Catalonia, Spain, who were prospectively followed between 01/01/2015 and 31/12/2016. Primary outcomes were hospitalisation from pneumococcal or all-cause pneumonia and main explanatory variable was PCV13/PPsV23 vaccination status. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate vaccination effectiveness adjusted for age and baseline-risk conditions. RESULTS: Cohort members were followed for 3,897,151 person-years (17,496 PCV13 vaccinated and 1,551,502 PPsV23 vaccinated), observing 3259 pneumococcal pneumonias (63 in PCV13 vaccinated, 2243 in PPsV23 vaccinated) and 24,079 all-cause pneumonias (566 in PCV13 vaccinated, 17,508 in PPsV23 vaccinated). Global incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years) were 83.6 for pneumococcal pneumonia (360.1 in PCV13 vaccinated, 144.6 in PPsV23 vaccinated) and 617.9 for all-cause pneumonia (3235.0 in PCV13 vaccinated, 1128.5 in PPsV23 vaccinated). In the multivariable analyses, the PCV13 appeared significantly associated with an increased risk of pneumococcal pneumonia (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-1.97; p = 0.002) and all-cause pneumonia (HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.61-1.92; p < 0.001) whereas the PPsV23 did not alter the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.98-1.19; p = 0.132) and slightly increased the risk of all-cause pneumonia (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.13-1.21; p < 0.001). In stratified analyses focused on specific target population subgroups (i.e., elderly people, at-risk and high-risk individuals), protective effects of vaccination did not emerge either. CONCLUSION: Data does not support clinical benefits from pneumococcal vaccination (nor PCV13 neither PPsV23) against pneumonia among Catalonian adults in the current era of universal PCV's childhood immunisation.

Pneumococcal vaccination coverages by age, sex and specific underlying risk conditions among middle-aged and older adults in Catalonia, Spain, 2017.

BackgroundRecent published data on pneumococcal vaccination coverages among adults are scarce.AimTo update on pneumococcal vaccination uptakes among middle-aged and older adults in Catalonia.MethodsWe conducted a population-based retrospective observational study including 2,057,656 individuals ≥ 50 years old assigned to primary care centres managed by the Catalonian Health Institute on 1 January 2017 (date of data collection). An institutional clinical research database (SIDIAP) was used to classify persons by vaccination status for both 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPsV23) and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccines, as well as to identify underlying risk conditions.ResultsOverall, 796,879 individuals (38.7%) had received PPsV23 and 13,607 (0.7%) PCV13. PPsV23 coverage increased with age: 9.2% (95,409/1,039,872) in 50-64 year olds, 63.1% (434,408/688,786) in 65-79 year olds and 81.2% (267,062/328,998) in ≥ 80 year olds (p < 0.001). PCV13 coverage also increased with age, although percentages were smaller in all age strata (4,250/1,039,872: 0.4%; 6,005/688,786: 0.9% and 3,352/328,998: 1.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). By sex, no substantial coverage differences were observed. Considering publically funded target groups for PPsV23 vaccination in Catalonia (i.e. < 65 year olds with at least one risk factor, plus all adults aged ≥ 65 years), PPsV23 coverage reached 52.8% (771,722/1,462,261) in our study population. Regarding PCV13 publicly funded targets (i.e. all-age immunocompromised persons), PCV13 coverage was 3.3% (6,617/202,348). By risk conditions, the highest PPsV23 coverage appeared in congestive heart failure (51,909/63,596; 81.6%), chronic renal disease (122,791/158,726; 77.4%) and chronic bronchitis/emphysema (96,453/132,306; 72.9%). Maximum PCV13 coverage appeared in cirrhosis (294/7,957; 3.7%), chronic renal disease (5,633/158,726; 3.5%) and chronic bronchitis/emphysema (2,859/132,306; 2.2%).ConclusionPneumococcal vaccination coverages in Catalonian adults are suboptimal, especially for PCV13.

Incidence and mortality of myocardial infarction among Catalonian older adults with and without underlying risk conditions: The CAPAMIS study.

BACKGROUND: Population-based data about the epidemiology of acute myocardial infarction is limited. This study investigated incidence and mortality of acute myocardial infarction in older adults with specific underlying chronic conditions and evaluated the influence of these conditions in developing acute myocardial infarction. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study involving 27,204 individuals ≥ 60 years of age in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). Data on all cases of hospitalised acute myocardial infarction were collected from 1 December 2008-30 November 2011. Incidence rates and 30-day mortality were estimated according to age, sex, chronic illnesses and underlying conditions. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios and to estimate the association between baseline conditions and risk of developing acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS: The incidence of acute myocardial infarction was 475 per 100,000 person-years. Maximum rates appeared among individuals with history of coronary artery disease (2839 per 100,000), chronic severe nephropathy (1407 per 100,000), atrial fibrillation (1226 per 100,000), chronic heart disease (1149 per 100,000), history of stroke (1147 per 100,000) and diabetes mellitus (914 per 100,000). Thirty-day mortality was 15.3% overall, reaching 31.6% among patients over 80 years. In the multivariable analysis, history of coronary artery disease, age > 70 years, sex male, chronic heart disease, history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus and hypertension emerged as significantly associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and mortality of acute myocardial infarction remain considerable in our setting. Considering classical major risk factors, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the underlying conditions most strongly associated with an increased risk in our study population.

Evaluating clinical effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination against pneumonia among middle-aged and older adults in Catalonia: results from the EPIVAC cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Benefits using the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in adults are controversial. This study investigated clinical effectiveness of PCV13 vaccination in preventing hospitalisation from pneumonia among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: Population-based cohort study involving 2,025,730 individuals ≥50 years in Catalonia, Spain, who were prospectively followed from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015. Primary outcomes were hospitalisation for pneumococcal or all-cause pneumonia and death from any cause. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between PCV13 vaccination and the risk of each outcome, adjusting for age, sex and major comorbidities/underlying risk conditions. RESULTS: Cohort members were observed for a total of 1,990,701 person-years, of which 6912 person-years were PCV13 vaccinated. Overall, crude incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years) were 82.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.7-88.1) for pneumococcal pneumonia, 637.9 (95% CI: 599.0-678.7) for all-cause pneumonia and 2367.2 (95% CI: 2222.8-2518.7) for all-cause death. After multivariable adjustments we found that the PCV13 vaccination did not alter significantly the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [mHR]: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.75-1.83; p = 0.493) and all-cause death (mHR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.97-1.18; p = 0.190), although it remained significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause pneumonia (mHR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.48-1.94; p < 0.001). In stratified analyses focused on middle-aged or elderly persons and immunocompromised or immunocompetent subjects, PCV13 vaccination did not appear effective either. CONCLUSION: Our data does not support clinical benefits of PCV13 vaccination against pneumonia among adults in Catalonia. It must be closely monitored in future studies involving more vaccinated person-time at-observation.

[Antipneumococcal vaccination in Catalonian adults: Vaccine coverages and adequacy to distinct guideline recommendations]. / Vacunación antineumocócica en adultos de Cataluña: coberturas y grado de adecuación a distintas guías de recomendaciones.

OBJECTIVES: To know antipneumococcal vaccination coverages among Catalonian adults and evaluate the adequacy of vaccine use according to 3 distinct current vaccination guidelines. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Primary Health Care. Catalonia, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2,033,465 individuals≥50 years-old registered in the Catalonian Health Institute. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Vaccination status for the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) and/or the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was revised at 1/01/2015. Adequacy of vaccination status was determined according to 3 distinct vaccination recommendation guidelines: Spanish Ministry of Health (basically coinciding with Catalonian Health Institute's recommendations), Spanish Society of Family Physicians (semFYC) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RESULTS: Overall, 789,098 (38.8%) persons had received PPV23 and 5,031 (0.2%) had received PCV13. PPV23 coverage largely increased with increasing age (4.8% in 50-59 years, 35.5% in 60-69 years, 71.9% in 70-79 years and 79.5% in≥80 years; P<.001), whereas PCV13 coverage was very small in all age groups. Considering the 3 analysed vaccine guidelines a 46.1% of the overall study population were adequacy vaccinated according to Spanish Ministry's recommendations, 19.3% according to semFYC's recommendations and 4.6% according to CDC's recommendations. CONCLUSION: PPV23 coverage among Catalonian adults may be considered as intermediate, but PCV13 coverage is very small. The institutional recommendations (Spanish Ministry) are more followed than corporative (semFYC) or less local (CDC) recommendations in clinical practice.

[Estimates of Target Population for Pneumococcal Vaccination in People over 50 years in Catalonia and Spain]. / Estimación de la población mayor de 50 años susceptible de recibir la vacunación antineumocócica en Cataluña y España.

OBJECTIVE: Published data about prevalence of distinct risk condictions for pneumococcal disease is scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of distinct risk conditions for pneumococal disease in Catalonian adults and stimated the potential size of target population for pneumococcal vaccination in Catalonia and Spain. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based study that included 2,033,465 individuals older than 49 years-old assigned to the Catalonian Health Institute (Catalonia, Spain) at 01/01/2015. The Catalonian Health Institute Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) was used to identify comorbidities and/or underlying conditions in each subject and establish potential target population for pneumococcal vaccination on the basis of their risk for suffering pneumococcal infections: 1) immunocompromised subjects; 2) immunocompetents subjects with any risk condition; 3) immunocompetents subjects without risk conditions. RESULTS: Of the 2,033,465 study subjects, 1,053,155 (51.8%) had no risk conditions, 649,014 (31.9%) had one risk condition and 331,296 (16.3%) had multiple risk conditions (11.4% in 50-64 years vs 21.2% in people older than 65 years, p smaller than 0.001; 21.8% in men vs 11.6% in women, p smaller than 0.001). Overall, 176,600 (8.7%) and 803,710 (39.5%) were classified in risk stratum 1 and 2, respectively. According to distinct risk strata considered, the target population for pneumococcal vaccination varied between 0.2-1.9 million in Catalonia and 1.5-2.3 million in Spain. CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, almost fifty percent of people ≥50 years have at least one risk condition to suffert pneumococcal disease. Adult population susceptible for pneumococal vaccination largely varies depending on the risk stratum considered as targeted people for pneumococcal vaccination.

OBJETIVO: La información publicada sobre la prevalencia de los distintos factores o condiciones de riesgo para padecer enfermedad neumocócica es escasa. El objetivo de la investigación fue describir en Cataluña la prevalencia de factores de riesgo de padecer enfermedad neumocócica en personas de 50 años o más y estimar el tamaño teórico de la población diana necesario para incluir la vacunación antineumocócica en Cataluña y España. METODOS: Estudio transversal que incluyó a 2.033.465 personas de 50 años y más asignadas al Institut Català de la Salut a 01/01/2015. Se utilizó el Sistema de Información para el Desarrollo de la Investigación en Atención Primaria de Cataluña (SIDIAP) para identificar las comorbilidades o condiciones de riesgo en cada sujeto y establecer su clasificación en la población potencialmente susceptible de ser vacunada en base a su riesgo de sufrir enfermedad neumocócica: 1) inmunocomprometidos; 2) inmunocompetentes con alguna condición de riesgo; 3) inmunocompetentes sin condiciones de riesgo. RESULTADOS: De las 2.033.465 personas estudiadas, 1.053.155 (51,8%) no tenían ninguna condición de riesgo, 649.014 (31,9%) tenían una y 331.296 (16,3%) tenían múltiples (11,4% en 50-64 años vs 21,2% en ≥65 años, p menor de 0,001; 21,8% en hombres vs 11,6% en mujeres, p menor de 0,001). En total, 176.600 (8,7%) fueron clasificadas en el estrato de riesgo 1 y 803.710 (39,5%) en el 2. Según los estratos de riesgo considerados, la población susceptible de vacunación antineumocócica se situaría entre 0,2-1,9 millones en Cataluña y 1,5-12,3 millones en España. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro ámbito, casi la mitad de la población ≥50 años tiene alguna condición de riesgo para padecer enfermedad neumocócica. El teórico tamaño de la población adulta susceptible de recibir la vacuna antineumocócica varía enormemente en función de los estratos de riesgo considerados como diana para la vacunación.

Pneumococcal vaccination coverages among low-, intermediate-, and high-risk adults in Catalonia.

There is scarce data about pneumococcal vaccination coverages among adults in recent years. We investigated current pneumococcal vaccination coverages in Catalonia, Spain, with a cross-sectional population-based study including 2,033,465 individuals aged 50 y or older assigned to the Catalonian Health Institute at 01/01/2015 (date of survey). A previously validated institutional research clinical Database was used to classify study subjects by their vaccination status for both 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), to identify comorbidities and underlying conditions, and establish the risk stratum of each individual: High risk stratum: functional or anatomic asplenia, cochlear implants, CSF leaks, or immunocompromising conditions; medium risk stratum: immunocompetent persons with history of chronic cardiac or respiratory disease, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism and/or smoking; low risk stratum: persons without high or medium risk conditions. Of the total 2,033,465 study population, an amount of 789,098 (38.8%) had received PPVS23, whereas 5031 (0.2%) had received PCV13. PPSV23 coverages increased largely with increasing age: 4.8% in 50-59 y vs 35.5% in 60-69 y vs 71.9% in 70-79 y vs 79.5% in 80 y or older; p < 0.001). PCV13 coverages also increased with age, although they were very low in all age groups. PPSV23 coverages were 59.2% in high risk stratum, 48.3% in medium risk stratum and 28.1% in low risk stratum (p < 0.001). For the PCV13, uptakes were 1.2%, 0.3% and 0.1% in high, medium and low stratum, respectively (p < 0.001). In conclusion, pneumococcal vaccination coverages in Catalonian adults are not optimal, being especially small for the PCV13 (even in high-risk subjects).

Pneumococcal pneumonia in adults 60 years or older: Incidence, mortality and prevention.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the burden (incidence, mortality and serotype distribution) of pneumococcal pneumonia among older adults in the region of Tarragona (Spain). METHODS: Population-based cohort study involving 27,204 individuals ≥60 years in Tarragonès county (Southern Catalonia), who were prospectively followed between 01/12/2008 and 30/11/2011. Bacteremic and nonbacteremic (positive sputum culture and/or urinary antigen test) pneumococcal pneumonias were recruited. RESULTS: A total of 125 pneumococcal pneumonias (16 bacteremic and 109 nonbacteremic) was observed. Incidence rates (per 1000 person-years) were 0.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.35) for bacteremic cases and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.20-1.75) for nonbacteremic cases. Case-fatality rate was 10.4% (12.5% in bacteremic and 10.1% in nonbacteremic cases). Five serotypes (types 3, 6C, 19A, 22F and 35B) were the most common serotypes, accounting for 64.3% of overall isolated serotypes. 73.1% of cases were due to the strains included in the 23-valent vaccine whereas 53.6% were due to the strains included in the 13-valent vaccine. CONCLUSION: The burden of pneumococcal pneumonia remains considerable (especially among oldest people and nursing-home residents) despite a publicly funded anti-pneumococcal vaccination program operative for several years.

Influence of chronic illnesses and underlying risk conditions on the incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate hospitalizations from pneumococcal pneumonia in older adults with specific underlying chronic conditions, evaluating the influence of these conditions in developing pneumonia. METHODS: Population-based cohort study involving 27,204 individuals ≥ 60 years old in Southern Catalonia, Spain. All cases of hospitalization from pneumococcal pneumonia (bacteremic and nonbacteremic) were collected since 01/12/2008 until 30/11/2011. Cox regression was used to calculate hazards ratio (HR) and estimate the association between baseline conditions and the risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia. RESULTS: Maximum incidences (per 1000 person-years) appeared among patients with history of prior pneumonia (14.6), nursing home residents (12.8), persons with immunodeficiency/asplenia (7.7) and patients with chronic pulmonary disease (7.6). In multivariable analysis, age (HR: 1.05), nursing home residence (HR: 4.59), history of prior pneumonia (HR: 3.58), stroke (HR: 2.50), chronic heart disease (HR: 1.53), chronic pulmonary disease (HR: 4.09), diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.66), smoking (HR: 1.69) and immunosuppressive medication (HR: 1.87) appeared significantly associated with an increased risk of pneumococcal pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Our data support that nursing home residence, chronic pulmonary disease and immunocompromising conditions are the underlying conditions most strongly associated with an increasing risk of pneumococcal pneumonia in older adults. This data underline the need for better prevention strategies among these persons.

[Prevalence of serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease in the region of Tarragona, Spain, 2006-2009: vaccine-serotype coverage for the distinct antipneumococcal vaccine formulations]. / Prevalencia de serotipos causantes de enfermedad neumocócica invasiva en el área de Tarragona, 2006-2009: cobertura de serotipos para las distintas formulaciones de vacuna antineumocócica.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal infections remain a major health problem worldwide. This study analysed the distribution of distinct Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among all-age population in the region of Tarragona (Spain) throughout 2006-2009. METHODS: An amount of 237 strains were evaluated, of which 203 (85.7%) were isolated from blood cultures, 14 (5.9%) from pleural fluids, 13 (5.5%) from CSF samples and 7 (3%) from other sterile sites. Forty-seven cases (19.8%) were children ≤ 14 years, 94 (39.7%) were patients 15-64 years and 96 (40.5%) were patients ≥ 65 years. RESULTS: Seven serotypes (1, 3, 6A, 7F, 12F, 14 and 19A) caused almost two thirds (63.3%) of cases among all-age patients. Serotype 1 was the most common serotype among children (44.7%) and among people 15-64 years (21.3%), whereas serotype 19A was the most common among people ≥ 65 years (12.5%).Among all-age population, serotype-vaccine coverage for the distinct pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) and conjugate vaccines (PCVs) were 17.3% for the PCV7, 49.8% for the PCV10, 73% for the PCV13 and 80.2% for the PPV23 (p < 0.001). Among children, vaccine-serotype coverage was 23.4% for the PCV7, 72.3% for the PCV10 and 83% for the PCV13. Among people ≥ 65 years, vaccine-serotype coverage was 62.5% for the PCV13 and 68.8% for the PPV23. CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of IPD cases among our population would not be covered by the current pneumococcal vaccines.

[Incidence and mortality of ischaemic stroke among people 60 years or older in the region of Tarragona, Spain]. / Incidencia y mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio en la población mayor de 60 años del área de Tarragona.

BACKGROUND: Population-based data available about the epidemiology of acute myocardial infarction is limited. This study investigated incidence and mortality from infarction among the general population over 60 years in Tarragona. METHODS: Cohort study that included 27,204 individuals ≥60 years assigned to nine Primary Care Centers in the Tarragones county (Catalonia, Spain), who were prospectively followed between 01/12/2008 and 30/11/2011. During follow-up, all presumptive episodes of infarction were recruited among cohort members, but only confirmed cases (electrocardiogram and biomarkers confirmation) were included. RESULTS: There were an amount of 359 confirmed episodes of infarction, which means a global incidence rate of 475 episodes per 100,000 person-years (95% CI: 428-527). Incidence was 681 in men and 311in women (p<0.001). According to age, incidence was 277 in 60-69, 632 in 70-79 and 690 per 100,000 in ≥80 years (p<0.001). Incidence was 2,844 cases per 100,000 person-years among those persons whom had history of prior coronary artery disease. Overall 30-day mortality rate was 15.3%, in male 14.9% and in female 16.0% (p=0.776). CONCLUSION: Incidence was 2.2 times higher in men than in woman and increased considerable by age. It was greater among patients with prior history of coronary artery disease. Mortality was slightly lower in men than in women.

Clinical effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination against acute myocardial infarction and stroke in people over 60 years: the CAPAMIS study, one-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been recently reported evaluating the relationship between pneumococcal vaccination and the risk of thrombotic vascular events. This study assessed the clinical effectiveness of the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV23) against acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke in older adults. METHODS: Population-based prospective cohort study conducted from December 1, 2008 until November 30, 2009, including all individuals ≥ 60 years-old assigned to nine Primary Care Centres in Tarragona, Spain (N = 27,204 individuals). Primary outcomes were hospitalisation for acute myocardial infarction and/or ischaemic stroke. All cases were validated by checking clinical records. The association between pneumococcal vaccination and the risk of each outcome was evaluated by Multivariable Cox proportional-hazard models (adjusted by age, sex, influenza vaccine status, presence of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors). RESULTS: Cohort members were followed for a total of 26,444 person-years, of which 34% were for vaccinated subjects. Overall incidence rates (per 1000 person-years) were 4.9 for myocardial infarction and 4.6 for ischaemic stroke. In the multivariable analysis, vaccination was associated with a marginally significant 35% lower risk of stroke (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-0.99; p = 0.046). We found no evidence for an association between pneumococcal vaccination and reduced risk of myocardial infarction (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.56-1.22; p = 0.347). CONCLUSIONS: Our data supports a benefit of PPV23 against ischaemic stroke among the general population over 60 years, suggesting a possible protective role of pneumococcal vaccination against some acute thrombotic events.

Relationship between annual influenza vaccination and winter mortality in diabetic people over 65 years.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in older people, especially in those with some high-risk conditions such as diabetes mellitus. This study assessed the relationship between influenza vaccination status and winter mortality among diabetics 65 y and over during four consecutive influenza seasons. METHODS: Population-based cohort study including 2,650 community-dwelling individuals 65 y or older with diabetes mellitus followed between January 2002 and April 2005 in Tarragona, Spain. Influenza vaccination status was evaluated every year of the study and the primary endpoint was considered all-cause death during the study period. Deaths were classified as occurring within influenza periods (January-April) or non-influenza periods. The relationship between vaccination and winter mortality was evaluated by multivariable discrete-time hazard models. RESULTS: Influenza immunization was associated with a reduction of 33% (95% confidence interval: 4-53) in the adjusted risk of all-cause mortality throughout the overall influenza periods 2002-2005. The attributable risk to vaccination in reducing mortality was 13.5 per 100,000 person-weeks within influenza periods, estimating that one death was prevented for every 435 annual vaccinations. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the benefit of influenza vaccination in reducing mortality and supports the strategy of annual vaccination in diabetics aged at least 65 y.

Rationale and design of the CAPAMIS study: effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination against community-acquired pneumonia, acute myocardial infarction and stroke.

BACKGROUND: The 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV-23) is recommended for elderly and high-risk people, although its effectiveness is controversial. Some studies have reported an increasing risk of acute vascular events among patients with pneumonia, and a recent case-control study has reported a reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction among patients vaccinated with PPV-23. Given that animal experiments have shown that pneumococcal vaccination reduces the extent of atherosclerotic lesions, it has been hypothesized that PPV-23 could protect against acute vascular events by an indirect effect preventing pneumonia or by a direct effect on oxidized low-density lipoproteins. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of PPV-23 in reducing the risk of pneumonia and acute vascular events (related or nonrelated with prior pneumonia) in the general population over 60 years. METHODS/DESIGN: Cohort study including 27,000 individuals 60 years or older assigned to nine Primary Care Centers in the region of Tarragona, Spain. According to the reception of PPV-23 before the start of the study, the study population will be divided into vaccinated and nonvaccinated groups, which will be followed during a consecutive 30-month period. Primary Care and Hospitals discharge databases will initially be used to identify study events (community-acquired pneumonia, hospitalisation for acute myocardial infarction and stroke), but all cases will be further validated by checking clinical records. Multivariable Cox regression analyses estimating hazard ratios (adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities) will be used to estimate vaccine effectiveness. DISCUSSION: The results of the study will contribute to clarify the controversial effect of the PPV-23 in preventing community-acquired pneumonia and they will be critical in determining the possible role of pneumococcal vaccination in cardiovascular prevention.

Drug-resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates among Spanish middle aged and older adults with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Updated data on drug-resistance from different populations may be important to recognize changes in disease patterns. This study assessed current levels of penicillin resistance among Streptococcus Pneumoniae causing pneumonia in Spanish middle age and older adults. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested for 104 consecutive isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae recovered from patients 50 years or older with radiographically confirmed pneumonia in the region of Tarragona (Spain) between 2002 and 2007. According to the minimum inhibitory concentration of tested antimicrobials (penicillin, erythromycin, cefotaxime and levofloxacin) strains were classified as susceptible or resistant. Antimicrobial resistance was determined for early cases (2002-2004) and contemporary cases (2005-2007). RESULTS: Twenty-seven (25.9%) were penicillin-resistant strains (19 strains with intermediate resistance and 8 strains with high resistance). Penicillin-resistance was higher in 2002-2004 than in 2005-2007 (39.5% vs 18.2%, p = 0.017).Of 27 penicillin-resistant strains, 10 (37%) were resistant to erythromycin, 8 (29.6%) to cefotaxime, 2 (7.4%) to levofloxacin, and 4 (14.8%) were identified as multidrug resistant. Case-fatality rate was higher among those patients who had an infection caused by any penicillin susceptible strain (16.9%) than in those with infections due to penicillin-resistant strains. CONCLUSION: Resistance to penicillin among Streptococcus pneumoniae remains high, but such resistance does not result in increased mortality in patients with pneumococcal pneumonia.

Clinical effectiveness of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine against pneumonia in middle-aged and older adults: a matched case-control study.

The 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine is currently recommended in elderly and high-risk adults. Its efficacy against invasive pneumococcal disease has been demonstrated, but its effectiveness in preventing pneumonia remains uncertain. This study assessed the clinical effectiveness of vaccination against pneumonia among middle-aged and older adults. We conducted a population-based case-control study including 304 case patients over 50 years old with radiographically confirmed pneumococcal pneumonia (94 bacteremic and 210 nonbacteremic cases) and 608 outpatient control subjects (matched by primary care centre, age, sex and risk stratum). Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for vaccination were calculated using conditional logistic regression, controlling for underlying conditions. Vaccine effectiveness against all pneumococcal pneumonia was 48% (OR: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.73). Vaccination was effective against bacteremic cases (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.27-0.66) as well as nonbacteremic cases (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.39-0.86). Vaccine effectiveness was highest against bacteremic infections caused by vaccine types (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.09-0.66). These findings confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine against invasive disease, but they also support the benefit of vaccination in preventing nonbacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia.

Effects of annual influenza vaccination on winter mortality in elderly people with chronic heart disease.

AIMS: Although there is general agreement for the recommendation of the influenza vaccine to elderly and high-risk adults, the magnitude of clinical effectiveness and benefit from the annual vaccination is controversial. In this study, we have assessed the effects of annual influenza vaccination on winter mortality in older adults with chronic heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cohort study that included 1340 Spanish community-dwelling individuals 65 years or older who had chronic heart disease (congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease) followed from January 2002 to April 2005. Annual influenza vaccine status was a time-varying condition and primary outcome was all-cause death during the study period. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazard models adjusted by age, sex, and comorbidity were used to evaluate vaccine effectiveness. Influenza vaccination was associated with a significant reduction of 37% in the adjusted risk of winter mortality during the overall period 2002-2005. The attributable mortality risk reduction in vaccinated people was 8.2 deaths per 1000 person-winters. We estimated that one death was prevented for every 122 annual vaccinations (ranging between 49 in Winter 2005 and 455 in Winter 2003). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a benefit from the influenza vaccination and support an annual vaccination strategy for elderly people with cardiac diseases.

The burden of community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly: the Spanish EVAN-65 study.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is generally considered a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. However, population-based data are very limited and its overall burden is unclear. This study assessed incidence and mortality from CAP among Spanish community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: Prospective cohort study that included 11,240 individuals aged 65 years or older, who were followed from January 2002 until April 2005. Primary endpoints were all-cause CAP (hospitalised and outpatient) and 30-day mortality after the diagnosis. All cases were radiographically proved and validated by checking clinical records. RESULTS: Incidence rate of overall CAP was 14 cases per 1,000 person-year (95% confidence interval: 12.7 to 15.3). Incidence increased dramatically by age (9.9 in people 65-74 years vs 29.4 in people 85 years or older), and it was almost double in men than in women (19.3 vs 10.1). Hospitalisation rate was 75.1%, with a mean length-stay of 10.4 days. Overall 30-days case-fatality rate was 13% (15% in hospitalised and 2% in outpatient cases). CONCLUSION: CAP remains as a major health problem in older adults. Incidence rates in this study are comparable with rates described in Northern Europe and America, but they largely doubled prior rates reported in other Southern European regions.

Effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination in older adults with chronic respiratory diseases: results of the EVAN-65 study.

A prospective cohort study evaluating the clinical effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine was conducted among 1298 Spanish older adults with chronic respiratory diseases (bronchitis, emphysema or asthma) who were followed between 2002 and 2005. Main outcomes were all-cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and 30 days mortality from CAP. The association between vaccination and the risk of each outcome was evaluated by multivariable Cox proportional-hazard models adjusted for age and comorbidity pneumococcal vaccination did not alter significantly the risk of overall CAP (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-1.07) and 30 days mortality from CAP (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.33-2.28). However, a borderline significant reduction of 30% in the risk of all-cause hospitalisation for CAP was observed among vaccinated subjects (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.48-1.00; p=0.052). The effectiveness of the vaccine on the combined endpoint of pneumococcal and unknown organism infections reached 34% (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.43-1.01; p=0.059). Although our findings suggest moderate benefits from the vaccination, the evidence of clinical effectiveness appears limited.