Adequacy of usual macronutrient intake and macronutrient distribution in children and adolescents in Spain: A National Dietary Survey on the Child and Adolescent Population, ENALIA 2013-2014.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the nutritional profile and assess the National Dietary Survey on the Child and Adolescent Population project in Spain (ENALIA) regarding usual total energy and macronutrient intake. METHODS: A cross-sectional nationally representative sample of 1862 children and adolescents (age 6 months to 17) was surveyed between 2013 and 2014 following European methodology recommendations. Dietary information was collected using two methods, dietary records (for children from age 6 months to 9 years) and 24-h dietary recall (participants age 10 and older). Usual intake was estimated by correcting for within-person intake variance using the Iowa State University (ISU) method. A probability analysis was used to assess compliance with dietary reference intakes in the target population. RESULTS: Protein consumption in the age 1-3 group as a percentage of total energy exceeded the upper limit of the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) by 4.7% for boys and 12.1% for girls. 42.9% of girls age 4-8 were under the lower limit of the AMDR for carbohydrates. 43.4% of boys and 46.9% of girls between 4 and 17 exceeded the AMDR in total fat intake, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) accounting for 12.3% of total energy. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that Spanish children and adolescents could improve macronutrient distribution by reducing fat and increasing carbohydrate intake across all age groups, and decreasing protein intake, especially in young children.

The relationship between hours of sleep, screen time and frequency of food and drink consumption in Spain in the 2011 and 2013 ALADINO: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of intake of food and beverages depends on a number of ill-defined behaviour patterns. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of screen time and sleep duration on food consumption frequency, and to describe frequencies and types of food consumption according to BMI category and parents' level of education. METHODS: We studied 6287 and 2806 children drawn from the 2011 and 2013 cross-sectional ALADINO studies respectively. Data were collected on number of hours of sleep, screen time, and weekly frequency of consumption of 17 food groups. Weight status was measured, and information was also collected on parents' educational level. Average food consumption frequencies were calculated by reference to hours of sleep and hours of screen time, and were defined as ≥4 times or <4 times per week (once per week for soft drinks and diet soft drinks). Differences in frequency were evaluated for screen times of more and less than 2 h per day, and for sleep durations longer or shorter than the daily average. We fitted logistic regression models to evaluate the independent association between screen exposure and hours of sleep on the one hand, and food consumption frequency on the other. RESULTS: Consumption of fruit and vegetables was lower among children who had parents with no formal or only primary school education. High levels of screen time were associated with a greater frequency of consumption of energy-dense, micronutrient-poor products and a lower frequency of consumption of fruit and vegetables. Sleeping a sufficient number of hours was associated with a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables. The results for 2011 were concordant with those for 2013. CONCLUSIONS: If efforts to ensure healthier eating habits among children are to be at all successful, they should focus on promoting a sufficient amount of sleep for children, limiting the time they spend watching television and/or playing with computers or video games, and educating parents accordingly.

Seminario sobre la eliminación del sarampión y la rubeola en España / Seminar on the elimination of measles and rubella in Spain

No disponible

Análisis de los casos graves confirmados de gripe en la primera temporada tras la pandemia / Analysis of confirmed severe cases of influenza in the first season after the pandemic

No disponible

Socio-economic modelling of rotavirus vaccination in Castilla y Leon, Spain.

Rotavirus is one of the main causes of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Furthermore, rotavirus is the leading cause of hospitalization and death from acute gastroenteritis among infants and young children worldwide. Although death due to rotavirus is rare in industrialized regions such as Spain, the rotavirus disease burden and its economic impact is severe. This study aims to assess systematic vaccination against rotavirus economically and socially in a Spanish region. Economic cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit assessment through a choice tree was designed. We estimated health provider costs, economic costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to rotavirus infections. The study includes a fictitious cohort of 100,000 children from Castilla y Leon who were also administered the rotavirus vaccine together with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) . The study adopted a society and health care system perspective. A sensitivity analysis was developed to assess the uncertainty of some variables. According to the estimated incidence rate for children in Castilla y Leon, rotavirus immunization is projected to prevent 45% of cases with RotaTeq and 57% with Rotarix. The respective cost per QALY is about Euro 75,000 and 50,000 from the perspective of the health care system. Routine infant vaccination in Castilla y Leon using either rotavirus vaccine is not profitable from the payer's perspective and is not cost-effective under basic case assumptions unless the vaccine is available at a lower cost.

Gripe (H1N1) 2009 en Castilla y León: estudio de casos dospitalizados y concordancia con los protocolos de actuación desarrollados / Influenza (H1N1) 2009 in Castilla y León: hospitalized care studies and match with the protocols of action developed

Fundamento: En abril del año 2009 la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró una Emergencia de Salud Pública de Importancia Internacional por la aparición de casos en humanos por un nuevo virus de la gripe A H1N1. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las características de los casos investigados y valorar la conformidad de los sujetos estudiados con las indicaciones y recomendaciones de la Consejería de Sanidad de Castilla y León. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico descriptivo del total de las peticiones de laboratorio solicitadas en Castilla y León, entre las semanas epidemiológicas 44 y 50, ambas inclusive y de los casos que resultaron positivos. Resultados: Se solicitaron 588 peticiones analíticas para gripe A H1N1 (58% hombres). La edad media fue de 34,8 años (27,1% entre 15 y 44 años) y la enfermedad respiratoria crónica el factor de riesgo más frecuente (18,9%). En el 19,1% se instauró tratamiento antiviral (54,5% en las primeras 48 horas). El 42% de las peticiones cumplían criterios de gravedad y el 27,4% de las peticiones fueron positivas (53,4% varones). La edad media en las peticiones positivas fue 34,52 años (33,1% entre 15 y 44 años). En el 26,7% el factor de riesgo más frecuente fue la enfermedad respiratoria crónica, el 6,8% tenía obesidad mórbida. El 28,9% de los sujetos que dieron positivo recibió tratamiento antiviral (61,4% en las primeras 48 horas) y el 47,8% cumplían criterios de gravedad. Conclusión: La mayoría de los casos estudiados no cumplían criterios de gravedad, lo que pone de manifiesto el bajo cumplimiento de los protocolos de vigilancia en el ámbito asistencial(AU)

Background: In April 2009, the World Health Organization declared the emergence of human cases by a new influenza virus H1N1 as a Public Health Emergency of International Importance. Our objective was to analyze the characteristics of the cases investigated and to assess the compliance of the subjects studied with the indications and recommendations of the Health Regional Ministry of Health Castilla y León. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study of all positive cases and every requests made to Castilla y León, from epidemiological weeks 44 to 50, both included. Results: 588 requests were made to test for influenza A H1N1 (58% males). The mean age was 34.8 years (27.1% between 15 and 44 years). 42% fulfilled criteria for severity. Chronic respiratory disease was the most common risk factor found (18.9%). Antiviral treatment was found in 19.1% (54.5% within the first 48 hours). 27.4% of the requests were positive (53.4% males). The mean age of the positive cases was 34.52 years was positive (33.1% between 15 and 44 years). 47.8% of them fulfilled criteria for severity and chronic respiratory disease was also the most common risk factor found also in the positive (26.7%). Only 6.8% were morbidly obese. 28.9% of positives received antiviral treatment (61.4% within the first 48 hours). Conclusion: Most cases did not fulfil severity criteria, which illustrates the low compliance of monitoring protocols in sanitary care system(AU)

[Evaluation of the influenza a H1N1 vaccination in Castilla and Leon regions, Spain]. / Evaluación de la vacunación frente al virus de la gripe A H1N1 en Castilla y León.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The recent approval of influenza A H1N1 monovalent vaccine has attracted considerable public health interest. The aim of this paper is to assess the development of vaccination campaign in Castilla y Leon. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We have performed a descriptive analysis of the number of vaccines given in Castilla y Leon from November 16, 2009 to January 17, 2010, inside the designed campaign for that purpose. RESULTS: The total number of vaccines administered has been 116,243, 86,810 of which were from Focetria(®) which were administered to 3286 children under 18 years; 28,439 were from Pandemrix(®) and 994 from Panenza(®). The estimated vaccination coverage for all of the target groups has reached a percentage of 26.3% while the coverage achieved in pregnant women has been 4.7%. Of all the vaccines administered during this period, 82.2% were applied in the first month of the vaccination campaign. CONCLUSION: The introduction of pandemic vaccine in target groups of Castilla y Leon has been lower than expected, with a mismatch between the different health areas.

Dislipidemias y riesgo cardiovascular en la población adulta de Castilla y León / Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk in the adult population of Castile-Leon (Spain)

ObjetivoLa hipercolesterolemia es uno de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más sensible a las medidas de prevención y control. Este estudio pretende conocer las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de las personas dislipidémicas en Castilla y León.MétodosSe realizó un muestreo bietápico-estratificado y se obtuvieron datos de 4.013 personas, representativas de la población de 15 o más años de edad en Castilla y León. Se recogieron las variables relacionadas con la enfermedad cardiovascular de la historia clínica, la anamnesis y la exploración. Se determinaron el colesterol total y las distintas fracciones lipídicas (c-HDL, c-LDL y triglicéridos).ResultadosEl colesterol total, el c-HDL, el c-LDL y los triglicéridos aumentan con la edad, y todos excepto el primero presentan diferencias según el sexo. El c-LDL y los triglicéridos están más elevados en los hombres que en las mujeres hasta los 60 años de edad, pero luego el patrón se invierte, mientras que el c-HDL siempre es más alto en las mujeres. El 14,6% de la población tiene un colesterol total ≥250mg/dl y un 56,3% lo tiene ≥200mg/dl. Sólo el 49,6% de las personas con ≥250mg/dl tenían antecedentes en su historia clínica, y únicamente un 15,2% recibían tratamiento. El colesterol total ajustado por la edad se correlacionaba positivamente con todos los demás factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Además, más del 70% de la población presenta al menos un factor de riesgo cardiovascular.ConclusionesDestacan los altos valores de colesterol total y c-LDL, así como los bajos de c-HDL en los hombres, y el infradiagnóstico en las historias clínicas. La asociación de hipercolesterolemia con otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular es similar a la observada en otros estudios (AU)

bjectiveHypercholesterolemia is one of the cardiovascular risk factors more sensitive to preventive and control interventions. This study aims to determine the epidemiological pattern of dyslipidemic people in Castilla y Leon.MethodsA representative stratified two-stage sample of the population resident in Castilla y León (Spain) was obtained. A total of 4,013 people age 15 years and older were interviewed. Cardiovascular disease related variables were gathered from clinical records and medical examination. Total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides were measured.ResultsTotal cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and triglycerides increase with age and, all but total cholesterol present gender differences. LDL-c and triglycerides are higher in men than in women under the age of 60, and lower from that age on, while HDL-c is always higher in women. Total cholesterol was ≥250mg/dl in 14.6% of the sample and ≥200mg/dl in the 56.3%. Only 49.6% of people with total cholesterol ≥250mg/dl had been diagnosed and only 15.2% were under treatment. Age-adjusted total cholesterol was positively correlated with all cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, over 70% of the population presented, at least, one cardiovascular risk factor.ConclusionsThe results above shows high levels of total cholesterol and LDL-c, low levels of HDL-c in males and the under diagnosis in clinical records. The association between hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular risk factors is similar to previous studies (AU)

[Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk in the adult population of Castile-Leon (Spain)]. / Dislipidemias y riesgo cardiovascular en la población adulta de Castilla y León.

OBJECTIVE: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the cardiovascular risk factors more sensitive to preventive and control interventions. This study aims to determine the epidemiological pattern of dyslipidemic people in Castilla y Leon. METHODS: A representative stratified two-stage sample of the population resident in Castilla y León (Spain) was obtained. A total of 4,013 people age 15 years and older were interviewed. Cardiovascular disease related variables were gathered from clinical records and medical examination. Total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides were measured. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and triglycerides increase with age and, all but total cholesterol present gender differences. LDL-c and triglycerides are higher in men than in women under the age of 60, and lower from that age on, while HDL-c is always higher in women. Total cholesterol was ≥250mg/dl in 14.6% of the sample and ≥200mg/dl in the 56.3%. Only 49.6% of people with total cholesterol ≥250mg/dl had been diagnosed and only 15.2% were under treatment. Age-adjusted total cholesterol was positively correlated with all cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, over 70% of the population presented, at least, one cardiovascular risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: The results above shows high levels of total cholesterol and LDL-c, low levels of HDL-c in males and the under diagnosis in clinical records. The association between hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular risk factors is similar to previous studies.

Association of selected ABC gene family single nucleotide polymorphisms with postprandial lipoproteins: results from the population-based Hortega study.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of twenty single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ABCA1, ABCG1, ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes on the plasmatic concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), HDL and LDL cholesterol (HDLc, LDLc) in the postprandial state with a representative Spanish Caucasian population (1473 individuals, 50.0% women, ages ranging 21-85 years). In men, subjects with the AA genotype of the ABCA1 rs2230806 (R219K) polymorphism were associated with increased plasma LDLc levels, while the ABCA1 haplotype, which included the rs2230806 A allele, was associated with higher TC and LDLc plasma concentrations. In women, significant relationships were found between rs1893590 polymorphisms (ABCG1 gene) and HDLc plasma concentrations (subjects with the AA genotype had lower HDLc levels). For the ABCG8 gene, the rs4148211 polymorphism was associated with higher plasma TC and LDLc concentrations in the total population. Moreover, an ABCG5-G8 haplotype, which included the rs6544718 T allele, was associated with higher HDLc plasma concentrations in women. In conclusion, different SNPs of the ABCA1, ABCG1 and ABCG5-ABCG8 genes were associated, some under gender-specific analysis, with variations in the plasma lipid levels under postprandial conditions in a representative Spanish population.

[Influenza (H1N1) 2009 in Castilla y Leon, Spain: hospitalized case studies and match with the protocols of action developed]. / Gripe (H1N1) 2009 en Castilla y León: estudio de casos hospitalizados y concordancia con los protocolos de actuación desarrollados.

BACKGROUND: In April 2009, the World Health Organization declared the emergence of human cases by a new influenza virus H1N1 as a Public Health Emergency of International Importance. Our objective was to analyze the characteristics of the cases investigated and to assess the compliance of the subjects studied with the indications and recommendations of the Health Regional Ministry of Health Castilla y León. METHODS: A descriptive epidemiological study of all positive cases and every requests made to Castilla y León, from epidemiological weeks 44 to 50, both included. RESULTS: 588 requests were made to test for influenza A H1N1 (58% males). The mean age was 34.8 years (27.1% between 15 and 44 years). 42% fulfilled criteria for severity. Chronic respiratory disease was the most common risk factor found (18.9%). Antiviral treatment was found in 19.1% (54.5% within the first 48 hours). 27.4% of the requests were positive (53.4% males). The mean age of the positive cases was 34.52 years was positive (33.1% between 15 and 44 years). 47.8% of them fulfilled criteria for severity and chronic respiratory disease was also the most common risk factor found also in the positive (26.7%). Only 6.8% were morbidly obese. 28.9% of positives received antiviral treatment (61.4% within the first 48 hours). CONCLUSION: Most cases did not fulfil severity criteria, which illustrates the low compliance of monitoring protocols in sanitary care system.

Gastroenteritis by rotavirus in Spanish children. Analysis of the disease burden.

Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. With the commercialisation of effective rotavirus vaccines in Europe in sight, it is necessary to provide studies which evaluate the disease burden. The aim of this study is two-fold, on one hand, to determine the burden of the rotavirus disease in Spanish children under the age of five, and on the other, to estimate the economic cost of these hospitalizations. The study was undertaken during a 5 year period (2000-2004). The rotavirus hospitalization rate was determined using the Minimum Basic Data Set of the national hospital discharge register. The observed data were compared with those expected by applying a model developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adapted for European Countries. The financial expense of these hospitalizations was estimated. Of all admissions coded as gastroenteritis, 31.6% were due to rotavirus. The hospitalization rate by rotavirus was 480 cases per 100,000 children under five. These data are within the confidence range proposed by the adapted CDC model. The financial expense due to hospitalizations reaches 123,262 euros yearly in a Spanish University Hospital. In conclusion, rotavirus contributes significantly to the hospitalization of acute gastroenteritis. The rate of hospitalization by rotavirus is higher compared to other studies carried out in Spain. In view of future commercialisation of rotavirus vaccines, more in-depth analysis considering direct and indirect costs are necessary.

[Trend and seasonal variations of Campylobacter gastroenteritis in Valladolid, Spain. A five-year series, 2000-2004]. / Tendencia y variaciones estacionales de las gastroenteritis por Campylobacter en Valladolid. Serie de cinco años: 2000-2004.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter is one of the main enteric pathogens, nevertheless many aspects of its epidemiology still are not well known. This study aims to analyze the trend and seasonal pattern in Valladolid. METHODS: A time series analysis was developed using an additive model. The information sources were the reports to the Microbiological Information System from the main hospitals in Valladolid. Patients who showed a positive coproculture to Campylobacter spp. in the period 2000-2004 were considered cases. Trend, seasonal coefficients, incidence rates by age, sex and year of notification and incidence rate ratios were calculated. RESULTS: A decreasing trend in reported cases was observed. A significant seasonal coefficient was obtained in the 6th four-week period (c=12,854, p = 0.023). The incidence rate was higher among those under five years of age and among males, rising up to 1841.9 cases (95% CI: 1797.2-1889.6) and 99.7 cases (95% CI: 96.9-102.4) per 100,000 inhabitants-year respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Campylobacter infections occurs to a greater extent in late springtime, affecting mainly children. It is necessary to delve deeper into the knowledge of the epidemiology of this microorganism at the local level with a multidisciplinary approach, taking both microbiological and epidemiological aspects into account.

Tendencia y variaciones estacionales de las gastroenteritis por Campylobacter en Valladolid: serie de cinco años: 2000-2004 / Trend and seasonal variations of Campylobacter gastroenteritis in Valladolid, Spain. A five-year series, 2000-2004

Fundamento: El Campylobacter es uno de los principales patógenos entéricos, sin embargo algunos aspectos de su epidemiología no se conocen con precisión. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar en la provincia de Valladolid la tendencia y variación estacional de las gastroenteritis que provoca. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis de series temporales mediante un modelo aditivo a partir de las declaraciones realizadas al Sistema de Información Microbiológico por los dos principales hospitales de la provincia de Valladolid. Se consideró como caso a los pacientes que presentaron un coprocultivo con un aislamiento de Campylobacter spp. en el período 2000- 2004. Se determinaron la tendencia, los coeficientes estacionales de la serie de casos, las tasas de incidencia en función de la edad, el sexo y el año de declaración y las razones de tasas. Resultados: Se observó una tendencia descendente en la declaración de casos durante el periodo de estudio y se detectó un coeficiente estacional significativo en la cuatrisemana seis (c=12,854, p=0,023). La tasa de incidencia fue mayor en los menores de cinco años y en los hombres, ascendiendo a 1841,9 casos (IC 95: 1797,2-1889,6) y 99,7 casos (IC 95% 96,9-102,4) por 100.000 habitantes-año respectivamente. Conclusiones: La infección por Campylobacter tiene lugar en mayor medida en la época del final de la primavera, afectando principalmente a los niños. Es necesario profundizar en el conocimiento de la epidemiología de este microorganismo a nivel local con un abordaje multidisciplinar que considere tanto aspectos microbiológicos como epidemiológicos

Background: Campylobacter is one of the main enteric pathogens, nevertheless many aspects of its epidemiology still are not well known. This study aims to analyze the trend and seasonal pattern in Valladolid. Methods: A time series analysis was developed using an additive model. The information sources were the reports to the Microbiological Information System from the main hospitals in Valladolid. Patients who showed a positive coproculture to Campylobacter spp. in the period 2000-2004 were considered cases. Trend, seasonal coefficients, incidence rates by age, sex and year of notification and incidence rate ratios were calculated. Results: A decreasing trend in reported cases was observed. A significant seasonal coefficient was obtained in the 6th four-week period (c=12,854, p=0,023). The incidence rate was higher among those under five years of age and among males, rising up to 1841.9 cases (95% CI: 1797.2- 1889.6) and 99.7 cases (95% CI: 96.9-102.4) per 100,000 inhabitants-year respectively. Conclusions: Campylobacter infections occurs to a greater extent in late springtime, affecting mainly children. It is necessary to delve deeper into the knowledge of the epidemiology of this microorganism at the local level with a multidisciplinary approach, taking both microbiological and epidemiological aspects into account

[Viral gastroenteritis. Application of a protocol for astrovirus detection in childhood gastroenteritis]. / Gastroenteritis de etiología vírica. Aplicación de un protocolo para el diagnóstico de astrovirus en casos de gastroenteritis infantil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis is an important subject in clinical virology which is mainly determined by the availability of reagents in laboratories, such as in the case of astrovirus. The aim of this study was to estimate the increase in the diagnostic performance achieved after the incorporation of astrovirus search in the diagnosis protocol of acute viral gastroenteritis. We also analyzed the trend of infections in other more commonly searched virus, such as rotavirus and enteric adenovirus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study during 20 years that included 12,980 stool samples processed for gastroenteritis virus diagnosis. Since 1997 an enzyme immunoassay for astrovirus has been applied to those samples that are negative for rotavirus and adenovirus. The study was divided in two periods (1986-1996 and 1997-2005, without and with astrovirus diagnosis) and the percentage of patients diagnosed in each period was compared. The trend of positive results as well as the percentage of positive results over all patients studied was modelled using the least squares method. RESULTS: The percentages of positive patients for rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus were 10.3%, 2.3% and 6.0% respectively, and there were uncommon co-infections by rotavirus and adenovirus (0.2%). The protocol applied to the astrovirus diagnosis increased the diagnosis rate up to 16.8% of the studied cases. Significant statistical differences were observed between the 2 study periods. A quadratic growth was observed in the results of positive diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The search of astrovirus in gastroenteritis cases by a selective protocol increased the diagnostic performance of gastrointestinal virus by 6%. In view of these results, it would be useful to implement astrovirus diagnosis in faeces with liquid or semi-liquid consistency when rotavirus and adenovirus detection is negative.

Gastroenteritis de etiología vírica. Aplicación de un protocolo para el diagnóstico de astrovirus en casos de gastroenteritis infantil / Viral gastroenteritis. Application of a protocol for astrovirus detection in childhood gastroenteritis

Fundamento y objetivo: El diagnóstico de gastroenteritis víricas es un importante capítulo en la virología clínica que está fundamentalmente condicionado por la disponibilidad de reactivos en los laboratorios, como en el caso del astrovirus. El objetivo de este estudio es estimar el incremento del rendimiento diagnóstico alcanzado tras la incorporación de la búsqueda de astrovirus en el protocolo de gastroenteritis víricas agudas y analizar la tendencia de la infección por otros virus de búsqueda más general, como son rotavirus y adenovirus entéricos. Material y método: Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de 20 años en el que se procesaron 12.980 muestras de heces para diagnóstico de virus de gastroenteritis. Desde 1997 se ha aplicado a las muestras negativas para rotavirus y adenovirus un enzimoinmunoanálisis para astrovirus. Se ha dividido el tiempo de estudio en 2 períodos (1986-1996 y 1997-2005, sin y con diagnóstico de astrovirus, respectivamente) y se ha comparado el porcentaje de pacientes en los que se obtiene un diagnóstico etiológico de virus de gastroenteritis. Se han modelizado el componente de tendencia de la serie de resultados positivos y el porcentaje que suponen del total de pacientes estudiados mediante mínimos cuadrados. Resultados: El porcentaje de pacientes positivos para rotavirus, adenovirus y astrovirus fue del 10,3, el 2,3 y el 6,0%, respectivamente, y fue infrecuente la aparición de coinfecciones entre rotavirus y adenovirus (0,2%). El protocolo aplicado para el diagnóstico de astrovirus permite aumentar el rendimiento diagnóstico hasta un 16,8% de los casos estudiados, existiendo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los 2 períodos. Se ha observado un crecimiento cuadrático en el diagnóstico de gastroenteritis víricas durante el período de estudio. Conclusiones: La búsqueda de astrovirus en casos de gastroenteritis mediante un protocolo selectivo ha demostrado aumentar la rentabilidad diagnóstica de los virus enteropatógenos en un 6%. A la vista de los resultados, sería de utilidad ampliar la búsqueda de astrovirus en pacientes con heces de consistencia líquida o semilíquida cuando la detección de rotavirus y adenovirus sea negativa

Background and objective: Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis is an important subject in clinical virology which is mainly determined by the availability of reagents in laboratories, such as in the case of astrovirus. The aim of this study was to estimate the increase in the diagnostic performance achieved after the incorporation of astrovirus search in the diagnosis protocol of acute viral gastroenteritis. We also analyzed the trend of infections in other more commonly searched virus, such as rotavirus and enteric adenovirus. Material and methods: Retrospective study during 20 years that included 12,980 stool samples processed for gastroenteritis virus diagnosis. Since 1997 an enzyme immunoassay for astrovirus has been applied to those samples that are negative for rotavirus and adenovirus. The study was divided in two periods (1986-1996 and 1997-2005, without and with astrovirus diagnosis) and the percentage of patients diagnosed in each period was compared. The trend of positive results as well as the percentage of positive results over all patients studied was modelled using the least squares method. Restults: The percentages of positive patients for rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus were 10.3%, 2.3% and 6.0% respectively, and there were uncommon co-infections by rotavirus and adenovirus (0.2%). The protocol applied to the astrovirus diagnosis increased the diagnosis rate up to 16.8% of the studied cases. Significant statistical differences were observed between the 2 study periods. A quadratic growth was observed in the results of positive diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis during the study period. Conclusions: The search of astrovirus in gastroenteritis cases by a selective protocol increased the diagnostic performance of gastrointestinal virus by 6%. In view of these results, it would be useful to implement astrovirus diagnosis in faeces with liquid or semi-liquid consistency when rotavirus and adenovirus detection is negative