Comorbilidad, medicación concomitante, uso de recursos y costes sanitarios asociados a los pacientes portadores del virus de la hepatitis C crónica en España / Comorbidity, concomitant medication, use of resources and healthcare costs associated with chronic hepatitis C virus carriers in Spain

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la comorbilidad, los medicamentos concomitantes, el uso de los recursos y los costes sanitarios asociados a los pacientes portadores del virus de la hepatitis C crónica en población española. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, no intervencionista. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥ 18 años, que demandaron atención durante los años 2010-2013. Se dividieron en 2 grupos en función de la presencia/ausencia de cirrosis hepática. El período de seguimiento fue de 12 meses. Las principales mediciones fueron: comorbilidad general (banda de utilización de recursos) y específica, medicamentos concomitantes, uso de recursos y costes sanitarios. El análisis estadístico fue realizado utilizando modelos de regresión y ANCOVA, p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 1.055 pacientes con una edad media de 57,9 años, y el 55,5% eran varones. El 43,5% de los pacientes presentaron un grado de comorbilidad moderado (banda de utilización de recursos). El tiempo medio desde el diagnóstico fue de 18,1 años y el 7,5% de los pacientes fallecieron durante el período de seguimiento. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron: dislipidemia (40,3%), hipertensión (40,1%) y dolor generalizado (38,1%). La cirrosis se asoció con los eventos cardiovasculares (OR 3,8), los fallos orgánicos (OR 2,2), el alcoholismo (OR 2,1), la diabetes (OR 1,2) y la edad (OR 1,2); p < 0,05. Los medicamentos más utilizados fueron antiinfecciosos (67,8%) y fármacos para el sistema nervioso (66,8%). El coste total medio por paciente fue de 3.198euros (71,5% costes sanitarios, 28,5% costes indirectos/no sanitarios). En el modelo corregido, el coste total por paciente-año fue de 2.211 euros sin cirrosis y de 7.641 euros con cirrosis; p < 0,001. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con virus de la hepatitis C crónica se asocian a una elevada comorbilidad y uso de medicación concomitante, especialmente en los sujetos con cirrosis hepática. La infección por virus de la hepatitis C crónica supone una importante carga económica para el Sistema Nacional de Salud

OBJECTIVES: To assess the comorbidity, concomitant medications, healthcare resource use and healthcare costs of chronic hepatitis C virus patients in the Spanish population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational, non-interventional study. Patients included were ≥ 18 years of age who accessed medical care between 2010-2013. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of liver cirrhosis. The follow-up period was 12 months. Main assessment criteria included general comorbidity level (determined by the resource utilisation band score) and prevalence of specific comorbidities, concomitant medications, healthcare resource use and healthcare costs. Statistical analysis was performed using regression models and ANCOVA, P < .05. RESULTS: One thousand fifty-five patients were enrolled, the mean age was 57.9 years and 55.5% were male. A percentage of 43.5 of patients had a moderate level of comorbidity according to the resource utilisation band score. The mean time from diagnosis was 18.1 years and 7.5% of the patients died during the follow-up period. The most common comorbidities were dyslipidaemia (40.3%), hypertension (40.1%) and generalised pain (38.1%). Cirrhosis was associated with cardiovascular events (OR 3.8), organ failures (OR 2.2), alcoholism (OR 2.1), diabetes (OR 1.2) and age (OR 1.2); P < .05. The most commonly used medications were anti-infectives (67.8%) and nervous system medications (66.8%). The mean total cost per patient was 3,198 euros (71.5% healthcare costs, 28.5% indirect/non-healthcare costs). In the corrected model, the total costs per patient-year were 2,211 euros for those without cirrhosis and 7,641 euros for patients with cirrhosis; P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic hepatitis C virus patients are associated with a high level of comorbidity and the use of concomitant medications, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection represents a substantial economic burden on the Spanish National Health System

Comorbidity, concomitant medication, use of resources and healthcare costs associated with chronic hepatitis C virus carriers in Spain. / Comorbilidad, medicación concomitante, uso de recursos y costes sanitarios asociados a los pacientes portadores del virus de la hepatitis C crónica en España.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the comorbidity, concomitant medications, healthcare resource use and healthcare costs of chronic hepatitis C virus patients in the Spanish population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational, non-interventional study. Patients included were≥18 years of age who accessed medical care between 2010-2013. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of liver cirrhosis. The follow-up period was 12 months. Main assessment criteria included general comorbidity level (determined by the resource utilisation band score) and prevalence of specific comorbidities, concomitant medications, healthcare resource use and healthcare costs. Statistical analysis was performed using regression models and ANCOVA, P<.05. RESULTS: One thousand fifty-five patients were enrolled, the mean age was 57.9 years and 55.5% were male. A percentage of 43.5 of patients had a moderate level of comorbidity according to the resource utilisation band score. The mean time from diagnosis was 18.1 years and 7.5% of the patients died during the follow-up period. The most common comorbidities were dyslipidaemia (40.3%), hypertension (40.1%) and generalised pain (38.1%). Cirrhosis was associated with cardiovascular events (OR 3.8), organ failures (OR 2.2), alcoholism (OR 2.1), diabetes (OR 1.2) and age (OR 1.2); P<.05. The most commonly used medications were anti-infectives (67.8%) and nervous system medications (66.8%). The mean total cost per patient was 3,198€ (71.5% healthcare costs, 28.5% indirect/non-healthcare costs). In the corrected model, the total costs per patient-year were 2,211€ for those without cirrhosis and 7,641€ for patients with cirrhosis; P<.001. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic hepatitis C virus patients are associated with a high level of comorbidity and the use of concomitant medications, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection represents a substantial economic burden on the Spanish National Health System.

Colaboraciones interadministrativas en la gestión de la salud pública en municipios menores de 10.000 habitantes / Interadministrative collaboration for public health management in municipalities with less than 10, 000 residents

Este trabajo analiza cuál es el ente administrativo de referencia al que acuden los ayuntamientos para el desarrollo de sus competencias mínimas en salud pública. La muestra del estudio incorpora, creemos que por primera vez en los estudios académicos en España, datos de municipios de menos de 10.000 habitantes. Los datos provienen de un cuestionario administrado por personal entrenado y se obtuvo respuesta del 93,7% de los municipios de la provincia de Girona. El análisis muestra que la gestión municipal de las competencias de salud pública difiere de forma estadísticamente significativa, en cuanto al ente de referencia al que acuden los ayuntamientos, entre los municipios de más y de menos de 10.000 habitantes. Los resultados indican la necesidad de tener en cuenta la situación actual del desarrollo de las competencias municipales en salud pública en los municipios de menos de 10.000 habitantes en el debate sobre la racionalización de la Administración local (AU)

This study analyses which administrative body local councils use to carry out their basic public health responsibilities. The study sample includes data from municipalities with less than 10,000 residents, which we believe is a first for studies published in academic journals in Spain. The data used was obtained by means of a survey administered by trained personnel. 93.7% of all the municipalities in the province of Girona, the area under study, responded to the survey. The analysis shows that there is a statistically significant difference between municipalities with more and less than 10,000 residents with regards to which administrative body local councils use for managing public health responsibilities. The results of this study suggest that in the ongoing debate over the streamlining of local government, the current situation regarding public health responsibilities in municipalities with less than 10,000 residents needs to be taken into account (AU)

[Interadministrative collaboration for public health management in municipalities with less than 10,000 residents]. / Colaboraciones interadministrativas en la gestión de la salud pública en municipios menores de 10.000 habitantes.

This study analyses which administrative body local councils use to carry out their basic public health responsibilities. The study sample includes data from municipalities with less than 10,000 residents, which we believe is a first for studies published in academic journals in Spain. The data used was obtained by means of a survey administered by trained personnel. 93.7% of all the municipalities in the province of Girona, the area under study, responded to the survey. The analysis shows that there is a statistically significant difference between municipalities with more and less than 10,000 residents with regards to which administrative body local councils use for managing public health responsibilities. The results of this study suggest that in the ongoing debate over the streamlining of local government, the current situation regarding public health responsibilities in municipalities with less than 10,000 residents needs to be taken into account.

Impact of Loss of Work Productivity in Patients with Overactive Bladder Treated with Antimuscarinics in Spain: Study in Routine Clinical Practice Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a syndrome characterized by presenting symptoms of urgency, with or without urge incontinence, and normally accompanied by day and night frequency. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lost work productivity [number of days of sick leave] in patients treated with fesoterodine versus tolterodine and solifenacin to treat OAB in Spain. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was carried out using the records (digital databases) of actively working patients (2008-2013). The study population comprised of patients from two autonomous communities; 31 primary care centres agreed to participate. Patients who began first treatment with antimuscarinics (fesoterodine, solifenacin or tolterodine) and who met certain inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in the study. Follow-up lasted for 1 year. The main outcome measures were comorbidity, medication possession ratio (MPR), treatment persistence, and number of days of sick leave and associated costs. Indirect costs were considered to be those related to lost work productivity (number of days of sick leave, exclusively), (1) due to OAB and (2) overall total. The cost was expressed as the average cost per patient (cost/unit). Multivariate analyses (Cox, ANCOVA) were used to correct the models. RESULTS: A total of 3094 patients were recruited into the study; 43.0 % were treated with solifenacin, 29.2 % with tolterodine, and 27.8 % with fesoterodine. The average age of patients was 54 years (standard deviation 9.2), and 62.2 % were women. The comparison of fesoterodine versus solifenacin and tolterodine showed a higher MPR (90.0 vs. 87.0 and 86.1 %, respectively), higher treatment persistence (40.2 vs. 34.7 and 33.6 %), lower use of sick leave (22.8 vs. 52.9 and 36.7 %), total number of days of sick leave (5.1 vs. 9.7 and 9.3 days) and costs corrected for covariates (€371 vs. €703 and €683); p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the possible limitations of this study, active patients who began treatment with fesoterodine to treat OAB (compared with solifenacin or tolterodine) had fewer days of sick leave, resulting in lower costs due to lost productivity.

Effectiveness of a brief primary care intervention to reduce passive smoking in babies: a cluster randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoke pollution (TSP) has major negative effects on infant health. Our objectives were to determine the effectiveness of a brief primary care intervention directed at parents who smoke in reducing babies' TSP exposure, and to establish variables related to greater exposure. METHOD: A multicentre, open, cluster-randomised clinical trial in Catalonia. The 83 participating primary health paediatric teams of the Catalan Health Service recruited 1101 babies whose parents were smokers. The intervention group (IG) received a brief TSP intervention; the control group (CG) received the usual care. Outcomes were measured by parents' reported strategies to avoid TSP exposure. Baseline clinical data and characteristics of each baby's TSP exposure were collected, along with infant hair samples and parents' tobacco use and related attitudes/behaviours. At 3-month and 6-month follow-up, behavioural changes to avoid TSP exposure were recorded; the association between reported parental behaviours and nicotine concentration in infant hair samples was tested in a random sample of 253 babies at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: During follow-up, TSP-avoidance strategies improved more in the IG than in the CG: 35.4% and 26.9% ( p=0.006) at home, and 62.2% and 53.1% in cars (p=0.008). Logistic regression showed adjusted ORs for appropriate measures in the IG versus CG of 1.59 (95% CI 1.21 to 2.09) at home and 1.30 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.75) in cars. Hair samples showed that 78.7% of the babies tested were exposed. Reduced nicotine concentration was associated with improved implementation of effective strategies reported by parents at home (p=0.029) and in cars (p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention produced behavioural changes to avoid TSP exposure in babies. The proportion of babies with nicotine (>=1ng/mg) in hair samples at baseline is a concern. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT00788996.

Diagnóstico prenatal en la provincia de Girona en el período 1999-2009 / Prenatal diagnosis in the Girona area in the period 1999-2009

Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar una visión global del uso y evolución del diagnóstico citogenético prenatal en la provincia de Girona en el período 1999-2009 y relacionar el diagnóstico citogenético con el cribado prenatal de aneuploidías. A partir de los datos recogidos se obtuvieron diversos indicadores presentados básicamente en forma de gráficos y tablas descriptivas. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos indican lo siguiente: el uso del diagnóstico citogenético prenatal y posnatal aumentó a través del tiempo. El cribado prenatal de aneuploidías de procedencia pública en el período 1999-2009 mostró una tendencia creciente hasta el año 2005 y decreciente hasta el año 2009, cuando volvió a aumentar ligeramente. En pacientes del PASSIR Gironès-Pla de l’Estany la detección de la trisomía 21 fue del 88,9% en el cribado del primer trimestre y del 45% en el del segundo trimestre. La tasa media de detección de los cariotipos prenatales anómalos fue del 1,4% sin una tendencia temporal clara. Conclusiones. Las conclusiones principales son: - Se constata un aumento del uso del diagnóstico citogenético en el período 1999-2009. - La casuística de anomalías cromosómicas coincide con la bibliografía. - La sustitución del cribado del segundo trimestre por el del primer trimestre ha supuesto un incremento importante en la detección de aneuploidías. -La contribución de las pruebas de cribado prenatal es importante(AU)

Objective. The main goal of this research is to give a broad view of the use and evolution of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis in Girona province between 1999 and 2009 and linking prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis with aneuploidy prenatal screening. The information collected allowed several indicators to be extracted, primarily presented as descriptive tables and charts. Results. The results show as follows: The use of prenatal and postnatal cytogenetic diagnosis increased in the mentioned period. The evolution of demand for aneuploidy prenatal screening in public health services during 1999-2009 showed an upward trend until 2005. From then on, it varied following a downward path until 2009, when it had a slight increase. Among PASSIR Gironès-Pla de l’Estany patients, detection of trisomy 21 through first-trimester screening was 88.9%, and through second-trimester screening was 45%. The average detection rate of abnormal prenatal karyotyping was 1.4%, with no clear trend in the above mentioned period. Conclusions. The main conclusions of this work are the following: - A rise in the use of cytogenetic diagnosis has been detected in Girona province between 1999 and 2009. - Case studies of chromosome abnormalities match the literature consulted. - Moving from second-trimester to first-trimester screening has meant a significant increase in aneuploidy detections. - Prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis is seen as an interdisciplinary field in which the extent of prenatal screening tests is crucial(AU)

Desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad e incidencia por cáncer de laringe en varones: factores socioeconómicos y ambientales / Geographical inequalities in mortality and incidence in larynx cancer in men: socioeconomic and environmental factors

Fundamento: Diversos estudios sugieren la relación entre menor nivel socioeconómico y factores ambientales con mayor riesgo de cáncer. El objetivo del trabajo es identificar desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad e incidencia por cáncer de laringe (CL) en varones y su asociación con factores de privación y ambientales en el marco del proyecto MEDEA. Métodos: Estudio ecológico cuya población de referencia fueron los hombres residentes en el municipio de Zaragoza. El periodo de estudio fue 1996-2003. Las defunciones fueron obtenidas del Registro de Mortalidad de Aragón, los casos incidentes del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Zaragoza y los datos socioeconómicos del Censo de 2001. Se utilizó la base de datos del Registro Europeo de Emisiones Contaminantes en la localización de posibles industrias contaminantes. Para cada sección censal (SC) se obtuvo un índice de privación mediante análisis de componentes principales. Se obtuvieron las Razones de Mortalidad e Incidencia Estandarizadas suavizadas aplicando metodología bayesiana. Resultados: Se analizaron 211 defunciones y 569 casos incidentes, con SC conocida, que correspondieron al 95% del total de casos registrados de mortalidad y el 97,8% de incidencia. Las SC que se encontraban en el cuartil superior, mayor índice de privación, tuvieron significativamente mayor riesgo, tanto de mortalidad (2,74 veces) como de incidencia (1,66 veces). Sin embargo no se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa con los indicadores ambientales utilizados. Conclusiones: Las SC con menor nivel económico presentan mayor riesgo de mortalidad e incidencia por CL. La posible exposición a focos industriales contaminantes no explica la variabilidad geográfica observada(AU)

Background: Several studies suggest the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and environmental factors with increased risk of cancer. Within the framework of the MEDEA project, this work aims to identify geographic inequalities in larynx cancer (LC) mortality and incidence in men and its association with deprivation and environmental factors. Methods: Ecological study having as reference population men living in the city of Zaragoza. The study period was 1996-2003. The deaths were obtained from the Mortality Registry of Aragon, the incident cases from the Cancer Registry of Zaragoza and the socioeconomic data from the 2001 Census. We used the European Pollutant Emission Register database to locate possible polluting industries. For each census tract (CT) a deprivation index was obtained using principal components analysis. Smoothed Standardized Mortality and Incidence ratios were also calculated using Bayesian methods. Results: We analysed 211 deaths and 569 incident cases with CT, corresponding to 95% of the total registered mortality cases and 97.8% incidence. The CTs in the highest quartile, highest deprivation index, had significantly higuer risk of mortality (2.74 times) as well as incidence (1.66 times) by LC. However, the environmental indicators have not been shown a statistically significance association. Conclusions: The CTs with the lowest socioeconomic status have higher risk of LC mortality and incidence. Nevertheless, the possible exposition to the polluting industrial focus does not explain the observed geographic variability(AU)

[Geographical inequalities in mortality and incidence in larynx cancer in men: socioeconomic and environmental factors]. / Desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad e incidencia por cáncer de laringe en varones: factores socioeconómicos y ambientales.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and environmental factors with increased risk of cancer. Within the framework of the MEDEA project, this work aims to identify geographic inequalities in larynx cancer (LC) mortality and incidence in men and its association with deprivation and environmental factors. METHODS: Ecological study having as reference population men living in the city of Zaragoza. The study period was 1996-2003. The deaths were obtained from the Mortality Registry of Aragon, the incident cases from the Cancer Registry of Zaragoza and the socioeconomic data from the 2001 Census. We used the European Pollutant Emission Register database to locate possible polluting industries. For each census tract (CT) a deprivation index was obtained using principal components analysis. Smoothed Standardized Mortality and Incidence ratios were also calculated using Bayesian methods. RESULTS: We analysed 211 deaths and 569 incident cases with CT, corresponding to 95% of the total registered mortality cases and 97.8% incidence. The CTs in the highest quartile, highest deprivation index, had significantly higuer risk of mortality (2.74 times) as well as incidence (1.66 times) by LC. However, the environmental indicators have not been shown a statistically significance association. CONCLUSIONS: The CTs with the lowest socioeconomic status have higher risk of LC mortality and incidence. Nevertheless, the possible exposition to the polluting industrial focus does not explain the observed geographic variability.

[Immigration and health: needs and primary health care use by immigrant population in the Girona Health Region]. / Inmigración y salud: necesidades y utilización de los servicios de atención primaria por parte de la población inmigrante en la región sanitaria Girona.

BACKGROUND: At the end of 1998, foreign population in Spain supposed a 1.60% of the total population. Nowadays, this percentage rises at 13.01%. This change in the population socio-demographic structure means an alteration of the use of public services in our country. For this reason, this paper aims to analyze, for the Health Region Girona (RSG), the attended morbidity, the needs and the uses of primary health care services by immigrant population, compared with native users considering sex, age, ethnicity and sociodemographic conditions. METHODS: The data on morbidity and on health care services utilization comes from medical records of the Catalan Health Institute (ICS); socio-economic information comes from a questionnaire administered to a sample of 645 users of primary health care services selected, using a non proportional stratified sampling method, from a previous population identification process. Data was analyzed with complex samples module of SPSSv15, through non-parametric and parametric contrasts. RESULTS: The results show an immigrant population healthier than the native (50.1% of visits compared to 61.2%, 50% of drug consumption versus 66.7% and 29.6% of chronic disorders versus 51.4%) although they persist in worst socio-economic conditions (9.4% unemployed compared to 5.6%, 38% are illiterate compared to 17.4%, or 53.5% of homes in rent versus 15%). Adjusting by these variables, frequentation rates do not differ by patients origin. CONCLUSIONS: Realized contrasts allow affirming that are, mainly, these socio-demographic conditions, and not uniquely the origin of the patient, those that determine the population needs and the population uses of health care services.

Inmigración y salud: necesidades y utilización de los servicios de atención primaria por parte de la población inmigrante en la región sanitaria Girona / Immigration and health: needs and primary health care use by immigrant population in the Girona Health Region

Fundamentos: A finales del año 1998 el volumen de población extranjera en España suponía un 1,60% de la población total. En la actualidad este porcentaje asciende al 13,01%. Este cambio en la estructura demográfica poblacional supone una alteración del uso de los servicios públicos en nuestro país. El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo analizar la morbilidad atendida, las necesidades y la utilización de los servicios sanitarios de atención primaria por parte de la población inmigrante, comparándolo con los usuarios autóctonos teniendo en cuenta el sexo, la edad, el origen geográfico y los condicionantes sociodemográficos. Métodos: Los datos referentes a la morbilidad y utilización de los servicios sanitarios provienen de los registros médicos del Institut Català de la Salut (ICS). La información socioeconómica procede de un cuestionario administrado a una muestra de 645 usuarios de los servicios sanitarios de atención primaria, seleccionados mediante un muestreo estratificado no proporcional a partir de un proceso de identificación poblacional previo. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron con el módulo de muestras complejas de SPSSv15, a través de contrastes paramétricos y no paramétricos. Resultados: Los resultados fueron: 50,1% de visitas en población inmigrante frente a un 61,2%, 50% de consumo de fármacos en población inmigrante versus 66,7% y 29,6% de trastornos crónicos en población inmigrante frente a un 51,4%. Los resultados socioeconómicos muestran 9,4% de parados en población inmigrante frente a un 5,6%, 38% de analfabetos en población inmigrante frente a un 17,4%, o un 53,5% en viviendas de alquiler en población inmigrante frente a un 15%. Cuando se ajustan estas variables, las tasas de frecuentación no muestran divergencias en función del origen del paciente. Conclusiones: Los contrastes realizados permiten afirmar que son, principalmente, estos condicionantes sociodemográficos, y no únicamente el origen del paciente, los que determinan las necesidades y utilización de los servicios sanitarios de la población (AU)

Background: At the end of 1998, foreign population in Spain supposed a 1.60% of the total population. Nowadays, this percentage rises at 13.01%. This change in the population socio-demographic structure means an alteration of the use of public services in our country. For this reason, this paper aims to analyze, for the Health Region Girona (RSG), the attended morbidity, the needs and the uses of primary health care services by immigrant population, compared with native users considering sex, age, ethnicity and sociodemographic conditions. Methods: The data on morbidity and on health care services utilization comes from medical records of the Catalan Health Institute (ICS); socio-economic information comes from a questionnaire administered to a sample of 645 users of primary health care services selected, using a non proportional stratified sampling method, from a previous population identification process. Data was analyzed with complex samples module of SPSSv15, through non-parametric and parametric contrasts. Results: The results show an immigrant population healthier than the native (50.1% of visits compared to 61.2%, 50% of drug consumption versus 66.7% and 29.6% of chronic disorders versus 51.4%) although they persist in worst socio-economic conditions (9.4% unemployed compared to 5.6%, 38% are illiterate compared to 17.4%, or 53.5% of homes in rent versus 15%). Adjusting by these variables, frequentation rates do not differ by patient’s origin. Conclusions: Realized contrasts allow affirming that are, mainly, these socio-demographic conditions, and not uniquely the origin of the patient, those that determine the population needs and the population uses of health care services (AU)

[Normal values in self-blood pressure measurement in relation to the presence of target organ disease. Data from the VAMPAHICA study]. / Valores de normalidad de la automedida de la presión arterial en relación con la presencia de lesión en los órganos diana. Datos del estudio VAMPAHICA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: International guides of hypertension (HT) recommend self-blood -pressure-measurement (SBPM) values higher than 135/85 mmHg to determine isolated clinical hypertension (ICH). This paper suggests a lower cut-off. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This prospective, protocol-based study included 378 patients, 250 new hypertensive patients without previous treatment. Both SBPM and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were measured in all patients. Risk factors and target organ disease (TOD) were evaluated by electrocardiography, renal function, microalbuminuria and retinography. RESULTS: With a 135/85 mmHg ICH cut-off, only differences in serum creatinine levels (78.67 ICH vs 83.98 micromol/l sustained HT -SHT-; p = 0.03), grade I/II fundus oculi (FO) lesions (44.7 vs 62.8%; p = 0.009) and any FO lesions (48.2 vs 67.4%; p = 0.005) were found. With a ICH cut-off of 130/80 mmHg, a lower risk of grade III/IV FO lesions was found (RR = 0.59; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.96; p = 0.06). Any TOD risk was related to SHT with a 130/85 mmHg cut-off (RR = 12.04; 90% CI, 1.03-140.28; p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Taking a 135/85 mmHg ICH cut-off, no differences in TOD between ICH and SHT were found. Taking a 130 mmHg ICH systolic blood pressure (SBP) cut-off, those who are below 130 mmHg have a lower risk of grade III/IV FO lesions. Those who are above this value have a higher TOD risk. Looking at TOD risk, we should consider a < 130 mmHg SBP cut-off for ICH diagnosis.

Valores de normalidad de la automedida de la presión arterial en relación con la presencia de lesión en los órganos diana. Datos del estudio VAMPAHICA / Normal values in self-blood pressure measurement in relation to the presence of target organ disease. Data from the VAMPAHICA study

Fundamento y objetivo: Las guías internacionales de hipertensión arterial (HTA) recomiendan valores de automedida de la presión arterial (AMPA) con un punto de corte de 135/85 mmHg para diagnosticar hipertensión clínica aislada (HCA). En este artículo se defiende un punto de corte inferior. Pacientes y método: Estudio prospectivo protocolizado con 378 pacientes que incluyó a 250 hipertensos de nuevo diagnóstico sin tratamiento. Se efectuó AMPA y monitorización de la presión arterial a todos los pacientes. Se evaluaron los factores de riesgo y la lesión en órganos diana (LOD) mediante electrocardiograma, función renal, microalbuminuria y retinografía. Resultados: El punto de corte de 135/85 mmHg sólo muestra diferencias en los valores de creatinina sérica (78,67 en HCA frente a 83,98 mmol/l en HTA mantenida [HTAM]; p = 0,03), en las lesiones grado I/II del fondo de ojo (FO) (el 44,7 frente al 62,8%; p = 0,009) y en la presencia de cualquier lesión en el FO (el 48,2 frente al 67,4%; p = 0,005). Con menor significación estadística, el menor riesgo de lesiones grado III/IV en el FO se observó en los HCA, con un punto de corte de 130/80 mmHg (riesgo relativo [RR] = 0,59; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 90%, 0,36-0,96; p = 0,06). El mayor riesgo de cualquier LOD se observó en los pacientes con HTAM con un punto de corte de 130/85 mmHg (RR = 12,04; IC del 90%, 1,03-140,28; p = 0,09). Conclusiones: El punto de corte de 135/85 mmHg no muestra diferencias en la presencia de LOD entre pacientes con HCA y HTAM. Para un punto de corte de 130 mmHg de presión arterial sistólica, aquellos por debajo de 130 mmHg presentan menor riesgo de lesiones grado III/IV en el FO. Aquellos por encima de 130 mmHg presentan mayor riesgo de cualquier LOD. Si se define la HCA por la probabilidad de presentar LOD, cabe plantearse un punto de corte de AMPA inferior a 130 mmHg de presión arterial sistólica

Background and objective: International guides of hypertension (HT) recommend self-blood -pressure-measurement (SBPM) values higher than 135/85 mmHg to determine isolated clinical hypertension (ICH). This paper suggests a lower cut-off. Patients and method: This prospective, protocol-based study included 378 patients, 250 new hypertensive patients without previous treatment. Both SBPM and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were measured in all patients. Risk factors and target organ disease (TOD) were evaluated by electrocardiography, renal function, microalbuminuria and retinography. Results: With a 135/85 mmHg ICH cut-off, only differences in serum creatinine levels (78.67 ICH vs 83.98 mmol/l sustained HT ­SHT­; p = 0.03), grade I/II fundus oculi (FO) lesions (44.7 vs 62.8%; p = 0.009) and any FO lesions (48.2 vs 67.4%; p = 0.005) were found. With a ICH cut-off of 130/80 mmHg, a lower risk of grade III/IV FO lesions was found (RR = 0.59; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.96; p = 0.06). Any TOD risk was related to SHT with a 130/85 mmHg cut-off (RR = 12.04; 90% CI, 1.03-140.28; p = 0.09). Conclusions: Taking a 135/85 mmHg ICH cut-off, no differences in TOD between ICH and SHT were found. Taking a 130 mmHg ICH systolic blood pressure (SBP) cut-off, those who are below 130 mmHg have a lower risk of grade III/IV FO lesions. Those who are above this value have a higher TOD risk. Looking at TOD risk, we should consider a < 130 mmHg SBP cut-off for ICH diagnosis

Does blood pressure change in treated hypertensive patients depending on whether it is measured by a physician or a nurse?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there are differences between blood pressure (BP) measured by the nurse (NBP), BP measured by the physician (PBP) and self-measured BP in treated hypertensive patients and, if found, to evaluate their clinical importance. METHOD: An observational study is carried out with hypertensive patients recruited from two village-based community health centres in Catalonia (Spain) serving an area with a total population of 2800 inhabitants. All patients treated for hypertension visiting the health centre on a specific day of the week and during the same timetable between October 2000 and May 2001 were included. RESULTS: The difference between physician-systolic BP and nurse-systolic BP was 5.16 mmHg (95% CI 2.62-7.7; p<0.001). The difference between physician-systolic BP and self-measured systolic BP was 4.67 mmHg (95% CI 0.89-8.44; p=0.016). The differences between nurse-systolic BP and self-measured systolic BP were not significant (0.49 mmHg; 95% CI 3.71-2.71; p=0.758). With regards to diastolic BP, no significant differences were found between the different ways of measurement. NBP gave the following values: sensitivity (Sn) of 92% and specificity (Sp) of 60%; positive predictive value (PPV) of 65.7% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90% with a positive coefficient of probability (CP+) of 2.3 and a negative coefficient of probability (CP-) of 0.133. PBP gave the following results: Sn=72%; Sp=66.7%; PPV=64.3%; NPV=74.1%; CP+=2.16 and CP- = 0.420. CONCLUSION: Systolic BP measured by the nurse in treated hypertensive patients is significantly lower than the readings obtained by the physician, and are almost identical to ambulatory BP monitoring. Blood pressure determination by the nurse is desirable not only for diagnosis but also to evaluate the level of control of blood pressure during the follow-up of treated hypertensive patients.

The usefulness of ophthalmoscopy in risk evaluation of hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to assess whether systematic ophthalmoscopy in the baseline evaluation of hypertensive patients results in a change in the therapeutic attitude as a result of the discovery of target organ damage. A secondary objective was to find the relationship between fundus lesions and other target organ manifestations in patients with hypertension. RESULTS: 73.6% of the patients studied had damage to the optic fundus, 35% of the patients had fundus lesions attributable to hypertension, 21% of patients (p < 0.001) (JNC-VI) and 15.8% (p < 0.001) (WHO/ISH) changed group of risk. Patients who were more likely to change group of risk after ophthalmoscopy were those with moderate hypertension (Grade II). Patients with a level of creatinine <85 micromol/l (WHO/ISH and JNC-VI), female and middle-aged patients (WHO/ISH) and patients older than 63 (JNC-VI) were also more likely to change groups. Hypertension grades II/III, creatinine >85 micromol/l and body mass index increase the risk of fundus lesions. Females are less at risk and alcohol intake seems to have a protective effect. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmoscopy in the baseline evaluation of patients with hypertension permits a better stratification of risk.

Análisis de la mortlidad en una población rural catalana en el último tercio del siglo XIX:Canet d´adri, 1872-1900 / Analysis of the mortality of a Catalonian rural town in the last third of the nineteen century: Canet d'Adri, 1872-1900

Fundamento: Realizamos un análisis descriptivo de la mortalidad en una población rural catalana (Canet d'Adri, a 12 km de Girona) de 1872 a 1900. El conocimiento de las principales causas de muerte hace un siglo, principalmente la atribuida a enfermedades no trasmisibles, puede resultar bastante ilustrativo. El objetivo del trabajo fue mostrar el patrón de distribución de la mortalidad por edad y por causa de muerte, así como el de comparar la mortalidad por enfermedades infecciosas con la mortalidad por enfermedades no infecciosas en dicho ámbito geográfico y para el período analizado. Método: Se analizan tres aspectos: la distribución de las defunciones por edad y sexo; la evolución temporal y estacional; y la distribución por causas específicas. Resultados: El 49,3 por ciento de las defunciones correspondieron a mujeres y el 50,7 por ciento a hombres. La mortalidad más elevada correspondió a 'menores de un año', 35,6 por ciento del total, seguido de 'mayores de 65 años', 23,7 por ciento. El 33,4 por ciento de las defunciones se debió a enfermedades respiratorias, 31,1 por ciento enfermedades infecciosas, 13,4 por ciento enfermedades circulatorias y 2,6 por ciento enfermedades digestivas. En menores de 45 años la principal causa de muerte son las enfermedades infecciosas, sobre todo entre las mujeres. Las enfermedades respiratorias constituyeron la principal causa de mortalidad entre las mujeres mayores de 45 años y entre los hombres mayores de 65 años. Son muy importantes las defunciones por causas circulatorias, sobre todo entre los hombres mayores de 65.Conclusiones: Además de la conocida preponderancia de las enfermedades infecciosas como principal causa de mortalidad, es sorprendente la importancia de las enfermedades circulatorias (la tercera causa de muerte) (AU)

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