Deprived areas and community water fluoridation in Brazil: a multilevel approach for refocusing public policy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether geographic location, socioeconomic status, infant mortality, and mortality from diarrheal disease in health regions are associated with the provision of community water fluoridation (CWF) in Brazilian municipalities. METHODS: A multilevel ecological study was conducted based on data from the National Survey of Basic Sanitation and Human Development Atlas. A multilevel analysis was carried out considering Brazilian municipalities as the first level and health regions as the second level, comprising sanitation, demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics. RESULTS: The observation units comprised 5,565 municipalities clustered in 438 health regions in Brazil. The lack of CWF provision was positively associated with the following municipal characteristics: a below-median proportion of inhabitants covered by the sewage network, medium to very low human development index, below-median per capita gross domestic product, and an above-median percentage of expenditures on sanitation. In relation to the health regions, the likelihood of a lack of CWF provision was greater in the municipalities belonging to the health regions located in the Northern and Northeastern areas of Brazil and in those where child mortality due to acute diarrheal disease and the proportion of people with low income were higher when adjusted by municipal indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Information on the characteristics associated with CWF provision constitutes important input for refocusing public policy to reduce inequalities among Brazilian municipalities and health regions. These findings may help policy-makers to understand the challenges facing CWF expansion in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

Causes of neonatal calf diarrhea and mortality in pasture-based dairy herds in Uruguay: a farm-matched case-control study.

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) and mortality cause significant losses to the dairy industry. The preweaning dairy calf mortality risk in Uruguay is high (15.2%); however, causes for these losses are largely unknown. This study aimed to assess whether various pathogens were associated with NCD and death in Uruguayan dairy calves and whether these infections, diarrhea, or deaths were associated with the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). Contemporary diarrheic (n = 264,) and non-diarrheic (n = 271) 1- to 30-day-old calves from 27 farms were sampled. Feces were analyzed by antigen-capture ELISA for Cryptosporidium spp., rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and Escherichia coli F5+, RT-PCR for bovine astrovirus (BoAstV), and bacterial cultures for Salmonella enterica. Blood/serum was analyzed by RT-PCR or antigen-capture ELISA for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Serum of ≤ 8-day-old calves (n = 95) was assessed by refractometry to determine the concention of serum total proteins (STP) as an indicator of FTPI. Whether the sampled calves died before weaning was recorded. At least one pathogen was detected in 65.4% of the calves, and this percentage was significantly higher in diarrheic (83.7%) versus non-diarrheic (47.6%) calves. Unlike the other pathogens, Cryptosporidium spp. and rotavirus were associated with NCD. Diarrheic calves, calves infected with any of the pathogens, and calves infected with rotavirus had significantly lower concentrations of STP. Diarrheic calves had higher chances of dying before weaning than non-diarrheic calves. Diarrheic calves infected with S. enterica were at increased risk of mortality. Controlling NCD, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, and rotavirus infections, and improving colostrum management practices would help to reduce calf morbi-mortality in dairy farms in Uruguay.

Impact of a twelve-year rotavirus vaccine program on acute diarrhea mortality and hospitalization in Brazil: 2006-2018.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring the impact of vaccine programs is necessary to identify changes in vaccine efficacy. We report the impact of the 12-year rotavirus vaccine program on diarrhea mortality and hospitalizations and their correlation to socioeconomic indicators. METHODS: this ecological study describes diarrhea hospitalizations and deaths from 2006 to 2018 in Brazil and correlates rotavirus vaccine coverage, hospitalizations and deaths to socioeconomic indicators and social vulnerability index (SVI) by state and region. Hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccine coverage trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression models. Associations between hospitalizations, mortality and rotavirus vaccination coverage and socioeconomic and SVI indicators were established using Ordinary Least Square regressions. RESULTS: Rotavirus vaccine coverage remained stable between 2006 and 2018 (annual percentage changes (APC) [95%CI]: 4.4% [-0.3%, 9.2%]). Diarrhea hospitalization rates decreased 52.5% (-5.7% [-7.5%, -3.8%]), from 68.4 to 32.5 hospitalizations per 10,000 children <5 years-old between 2006 and 2018, with significant decreases in diarrhea mortality (-9.8% [-11.2%, -8.5%]). The Northeast region experienced the largest reductions (-13.9% [-15.7%, -12.2%]). Vaccination coverage and diarrhea-mortality were inversely correlated with the SVI. CONCLUSION: The burden of childhood diarrhea has decreased over an extended period. States with high SVI, but high vaccination coverage had the largest reductions in hospitalizations and deaths.

Impacto poblacional a 10 años de la vacunación contra rotavirus en México / Population impact of rotavirus vaccination in Mexico after 10 years

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la vacunación contra rotavirus (RV) a 10 años de su universalización sobre la morbimortalidad por enfermedad diarreica aguda (EDA) en niños mexicanos menores de cinco años. Material y métodos: Se compararon las medianas anuales de casos nuevos, defunciones y hospitalizaciones por EDA del periodo pre y posuniversalización; se calcularon reducciones absolutas y relativas, considerando significativos valores de p<0.05. Resultados: La mortalidad, hospitalizaciones y casos nuevos por EDA en menores de cinco años disminuyeron 52.6, 46 y 15.5% respectivamente, en el periodo posuniversalización. Durante la temporada de RV las reducciones en la mortalidad, hospitalizaciones y casos nuevos fueron de 66.9, 64.7 y 28.7%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: A partir de la universalización de la vacuna de RV en México, se aprecian reducciones importantes y sostenidas en la mortalidad, hospitalizaciones e incidencia por EDA, con menor impacto en esta última. El mayor impacto se observa durante la temporada de RV.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the impact of rotavirus (RV) vaccination after 10 years of it´s universalization on morbidity and mortality from Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) in mexican children under five years of age. Materials and methods: Annual median numbers for ADD new cases, hospitalizations and deaths were compared between pre and post universalization periods; absolute and relative reductions were calculated, considering p<0.05 values as significant. Results: Mortality, hospitalizations and new cases from ADD in children under five decreased 52.6, 46, and 15.5% respectively, in the posuniversalization period. During rotavirus seasons, reduction in mortality, hospitalizations and new cases was 66.9, 64.7, and 28.7% respectively. Conclusions: As of the universal introduction of RV vaccination in Mexico, significant and sustained reductions are appreciated for mortality and hospitalizations from ADD, less so for incidence. A most prominent effect is observed during the winter season.

Overview of acute diarrheal disease at the dawn of the 21st century: The case of Mexico / Panorama de la enfermedad diarreica aguda en los albores del siglo XXI: el caso de México

Abstract: Objective: To provide an overview of morbidity and mortality due to acute diarrheal disease in Mexico in order to understand its magnitude, distribution, and evolution from 2000 to 2016. Materials and methods: We carried out a longitudinal ecological study with secondary sources of information. We used data from epidemiological surveillance, health services, and vital statistics. We calculated and mapped measures of utilization of health services rates and mortality due to diarrheal diseases. Results: Diarrhea morbidity decreased by 42.1% across the period. However, emergency department attendances increased by 50.7% in the Ministry of Health. The hospitalization rate and mortality among the general population decreased by 37.6 and 39.7%, respectively, and the infant mortality rate decreased by 72.3% among children under five years of age. Chiapas and Oaxaca had the highest mortality among the states of Mexico. Conclusions: Cases of diarrhea, including rotavirus, have decreased in Mexico. However, in 2016, 3.4 per 100 000 people died due to diarrhea, which could have been avoided with health promotion.

Resumen: Objetivo: Ofrecer un panorama de la morbimortalidad por enfermedad diarreica aguda (EDA) entre 2000 y 2016 en México, para entender su magnitud, distribución y evolución. Material y métodos: Estudio ecológico longitudinal, con fuentes de información secundarias. Se analizaron datos de vigilancia epidemiológica, prestación de servicios y estadísticas vitales. Se calcularon tasas de utilización de servicios y mortalidad. Resultados: La morbilidad por EDA disminuyó 42.1% en el periodo, sin embargo, la atención por urgencias aumentó 50.7% en SS. La tasa de hospitalización descendió 37.6% y la mortalidad 39.7% en población general y 72.3% en menores de cinco años. Chiapas y Oaxaca fueron los estados con mayor tasa de mortalidad. Conclusiones: Los casos de diarrea, incluyendo los de rotavirus, han disminuido en el país. Sin embargo, en 2016 se encontró una tasa de 3.4 por 100 000 personas que mueren por EDA, lo cual podría evitarse con promoción de la salud.

Overview of acute diarrheal disease at the dawn of the 21st century: The case of Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of morbidity and mortality due to acute diarrheal disease in Mexico in order to understand its magnitude, distribution, and evolution from 2000 to 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a longitudinal ecological study with secondary sources of information. We used data from epidemiological surveillance, health services, and vital statistics. We calculated and mapped measures of utilization of health services rates and mortality due to diarrheal diseases. RESULTS: Diarrhea morbidity decreased by 42.1% across the period. However, emergency department attendances increased by 50.7% in the Ministry of Health. The hospitalization rate and mortality among the general population decreased by 37.6 and 39.7%, respectively, and the infant mortality rate decreased by 72.3% among children under five years of age. Chiapas and Oaxaca had the highest mortality among the states of Mexico. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of diarrhea, including rotavirus, have decreased in Mexico. However, in 2016, 3.4 per 100 000 people died due to diarrhea, which could have been avoided with health promotion.

OBJETIVO: Ofrecer un panorama de la morbimortalidad por enfermedad diarreica aguda (EDA) entre 2000 y 2016 en México, para entender su magnitud, distribución y evolución. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio ecológico longitudinal, con fuentes de información secundarias. Se analizaron datos de vigilancia epidemiológica, prestación de servicios y estadísticas vitales. Se calcularon tasas de utilización de servicios y mortalidad. RESULTADOS: La morbilidad por EDA disminuyó 42.1% en el periodo, sin embargo, la atención por urgencias aumentó 50.7% en SS. La tasa de hospitalización descendió 37.6% y la mortalidad 39.7% en población general y 72.3% en menores de cinco años. Chiapas y Oaxaca fueron los estados con mayor tasa de mortalidad. CONCLUSIONES: Los casos de diarrea, incluyendo los de rotavirus, han disminuido en el país. Sin embargo, en 2016 se encontró una tasa de 3.4 por 100 000 personas que mueren por EDA, lo cual podría evitarse con promoción de la salud.

[Population impact of rotavirus vaccination in Mexico after 10 years]. / Impacto poblacional a 10 años de la vacunación contra rotavirus en México.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of rotavirus (RV) vaccination after 10 years of it´s universalization on morbidity and mortality from Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) in mexican children under five years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Annual median numbers for ADD new cases, hospitalizations and deaths were compared between pre and post universalization periods; absolute and relative reductions were calculated, considering p<0.05 values as significant. RESULTS: Mortality, hospitalizations and new cases from ADD in children under five decreased 52.6, 46, and 15.5% respectively, in the posuniversalization period. During rotavirus seasons, reduction in mortality, hospitalizations and new cases was 66.9, 64.7, and 28.7% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As of the universal introduction of RV vaccination in Mexico, significant and sustained reductions are appreciated for mortality and hospitalizations from ADD, less so for incidence. A most prominent effect is observed during the winter season.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de la vacunación contra rotavirus (RV) a 10 años de su universalización sobre la morbimortalidad por enfermedad diarreica aguda (EDA) en niños mexicanos menores de cinco años. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se compararon las medianas anuales de casos nuevos, defunciones y hospitalizaciones por EDA del periodo pre y posuniversalización; se calcularon reducciones absolutas y relativas, considerando significativos valores de p<0.05. RESULTADOS: La mortalidad, hospitalizaciones y casos nuevos por EDA en menores de cinco años disminuyeron 52.6, 46 y 15.5% respectivamente, en el periodo posuniversalización. Durante la temporada de RV las reducciones en la mortalidad, hospitalizaciones y casos nuevos fueron de 66.9, 64.7 y 28.7%, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: A partir de la universaliza- ción de la vacuna de RV en México, se aprecian reducciones importantes y sostenidas en la mortalidad, hospitalizaciones e incidencia por EDA, con menor impacto en esta última. El mayor impacto se observa durante la temporada de RV.

Drivers of the progress achieved by Peru in reducing childhood diarrhoea mortality: a country case study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood diarrhoea mortality has declined substantially in Peru in recent decades. We documented trends in childhood diarrhoea mortality from 1980 to 2015, along with trends in coverage of diarrhoea-related interventions and risk factors, to identify the main drivers of mortality reduction. METHODS: We conducted desk reviews on social determinants, policies and programmes, and diarrhoea-related interventions implemented during the study period. We reviewed different datasets on child mortality, and on coverage of diarrhoea-related interventions. We received input from individuals familiar with implementation of diarrhoea-related policies and programmes. We used the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) to help explain the reasons for the decline in diarrhoea mortality from 1980 to 2015 and to predict additional reduction with further scale up of diarrhoea-related interventions by 2030. RESULTS: In Peru under-five diarrhoea mortality declined from 23.3 in 1980 to 0.8 per 1000 livebirths in 2015. The percentage of under-five diarrhoea deaths as related to total under-five deaths was reduced from 17.8% in 1980 to 4.9% in 2015. Gross domestic product increased and poverty declined from 1990 to 2015. Access to improved water increased from 56% in 1986 to 79.3% in 2015. Oral rehydrating salts (ORS) use during an episode of diarrhoea increased from 3.6% in 1986 to 32% in 2015. Vertical programmes focused on diarrhoea management with ORS were implemented successfully in the 1980s and 1990s, and were replaced by integrated crosscutting interventions since the early 2000s. LiST analyses showed that about half (53.9%) of the reduction in diarrhoea mortality could be attributed to improved water, sanitation and hygiene, 25.0% to direct diarrhoea interventions and 21.1% to nutrition. The remaining mortality could be reduced by three-quarters by 2030 with improved diarrhoea treatment and further with enhanced breastfeeding practices and reduction in stunting. LiST does not take into account the role of social determinants. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of diarrhoeal under-five mortality in Peru can be explained by a combination of factors, including improvement of social determinants, child nutrition, diarrhoea treatment with ORS and prevention with rotavirus vaccine and increased access to water and sanitation. The already low rate of diarrhoea mortality could be further reduced by a number of interventions, especially additional use of ORS and zinc for diarrhoea treatment. Peru is a remarkable example of a country that was able to reduce childhood diarrhoea mortality by implementing interventions through vertical programmes initially, and afterwards through implementation of integrated multisectoral packages targeting prevalent illnesses and multi-causal problems like stunting.

Strong effect of Ecuador's conditional cash transfer program on childhood mortality from poverty-related diseases: a nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: The mortality rate in children under 5 years old (U5MR) has decreased considerably in Ecuador in the last decade; however, thousands of children continue to die from causes related to poverty. A social program known as Bono de Desarrollo Humano (BDH) was created to guarantee a minimum level of consumption for families and to reduce chronic malnutrition and preventable childhood diseases. We sought to evaluate the effect of the BDH program on mortality of children younger than 5 years, particularly from malnutrition, diarrheal diseases, and lower respiratory tract infections. METHODS: Mortality rates and BDH coverage from 2009 to 2014 were evaluated from the 144 (of 222) Ecuadorian counties with intermediate and high quality of vital information. A multivariable regression analyses for panel data was conducted by using a negative binomial regression model with fixed effects, adjusted for all relevant demographic and socioeconomic covariates. RESULTS: Our research shows that for each 1% increase in BDH county coverage there would be a decrease in U5MR from malnutrition of 3% (RR 0.971, 95% CI 0.953-0.989). An effect of BDH county coverage on mortality resulting from respiratory infections was also observed (RR 0.992, 95% CI 0.984-0.999). The BDH also reduced hospitalization rates in children younger than 5 years, overall and for diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: A conditional cash transfer program such as BDH could contribute to the reduction of mortality due to causes related to poverty, such as malnutrition and respiratory infections. The coverage should be maintained -or increased in a period of economic crisis- and its implementation strengthened.

Diarrhea, Dehydration, and the Associated Mortality in Children with Complicated Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Prospective Cohort Study in Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: To assess predictors of diarrhea and dehydration and to investigate the role of diarrhea in mortality among children with complicated severe acute malnutrition. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study, nested in a probiotic trial, was conducted in children with complicated severe acute malnutrition. Children were treated according to World Health Organization and national guidelines, and diarrhea and dehydration were assessed daily. Multiple linear and log-linear Poisson regression models were used to identify predictors of days with diarrhea and dehydration, respectively, and multiple logistic regression was used to assess their role in mortality. RESULTS: Among 400 children enrolled, the median (IQR) age was 15.0 months (11.2-19.2 months), 58% were boys, and 61% had caregiver-reported diarrhea at admission. During hospitalization, the median (range) number of days with diarrhea was 5 (0-31), the median duration of hospitalization was 17 days (1-69 days), and 39 (10%) died. Of 592 diarrhea episodes monitored, 237 were admission episodes and 355 were hospital acquired. During hospitalization, young age was associated with days with diarrhea, and young age and HIV infection were associated with dehydration. Both days with diarrhea and dehydration predicted duration of hospitalization as well as mortality. The odds of mortality increased by a factor of 1.4 (95% CI, 1.2-1.6) per day of diarrhea and 3.5 (95% CI, 2.2-6.0) per unit increase in dehydration score. CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhea is a strong predictor of mortality among children with complicated severe acute malnutrition. Improved management of diarrhea and prevention of hospital-acquired diarrhea may be critical to decreasing mortality.

The epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection in Brazil: A systematic review covering thirty years.

Clostridioides difficile is considered one of the main etiological agents of bacterial diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics. It is an important nosocomial pathogen and the main cause of morbidity and mortality. In recent years, infections associated with C. difficile have led to numerous investigations. It is well known that C. difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) is favored by the suppression or imbalance of the intestinal microbiome during or after antibiotic therapy. Other risk factors are, for instance, advanced age, long periods of hospitalization, chemotherapy, and other gastrointestinal infections. In the 2000's, the number of CDAD cases largely increased due to the emergence of the epidemic clone named BI/NAP1 ribotype 027, responsible for causing several outbreaks in developed countries, such as Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The presence of the epidemic clone has been reported in Asia, Latin America and Australia, however, infections associated with C. difficile (CDI) in these geographic regions are usually caused by other ribotypes. In Brazil, for instance, epidemiological data on the incidence of CDI are still limited, especially regarding the spread of C. difficile within hospital units, the spectrum of toxigenic genes and the antimicrobial resistance profile. Some studies have demonstrated the importance of notifying cases related to CDI and taking special care measures in order to minimize the spread of epidemic strains in Brazil. Finally, epidemiological analysis of the prevalent and/or exclusive ribotypes circulating in Brazil can contribute to understand and to correlate characteristics associated with the biology of this pathogen with other globally circulating ribotypes. This review aimed to summarize all published work related to the isolation of C. difficile from human patients in Brazil, being the main focus, the methodologies used for identification of prevalent ribotypes, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and the diseases associated with the acquisition of CDI.

Clinical Indicators of Fatal Dengue in Two Endemic Areas of Colombia: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study.

According to the World Health Organization, 98% of fatal dengue cases can be prevented; however, endemic countries such as Colombia have recorded higher case fatality rates during recent epidemics. We aimed to identify the predictors of mortality that allow risk stratification and timely intervention in patients with dengue. We conducted a hospital-based, case-control (1:2) study in two endemic areas of Colombia (2009-2015). Fatal cases were defined as having either 1) positive serological test (IgM or NS1), 2) positive virological test (RT-PCR or viral isolation), or 3) autopsy findings compatible with death from dengue. Controls (matched by state and year) were hospitalized nonfatal patients and had a positive serological or virological dengue test. Exposure data were extracted from medical records by trained staff. We used conditional logistic regression (adjusting for age, gender, disease's duration, and health-care provider) in the context of multiple imputation to estimate exposure to case-control associations. We evaluated 110 cases and 217 controls (mean age: 35.0 versus 18.9; disease's duration pre-admission: 4.9 versus 5.0 days). In multivariable analysis, retro-ocular pain (odds ratios [OR] = 0.23), nausea (OR = 0.29), and diarrhea (OR = 0.19) were less prevalent among fatal than nonfatal cases, whereas increased age (OR = 2.46 per 10 years), respiratory distress (OR = 16.3), impaired consciousness (OR = 15.9), jaundice (OR = 32.2), and increased heart rate (OR = 2.01 per 10 beats per minute) increased the likelihood of death (AUC: 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.96, 0.99). These results provide evidence that features of severe dengue are associated with higher mortality, which strengthens the recommendations related to triaging patients in dengue-endemic areas.

Clinical epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection among hospitalized patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea in a university hospital of Brazil.

A cohort of 110 adult individuals was analyzed to compare clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients who received antibiotics and developed Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) with those who received antibiotics and did not develop the disease in a university Hospital in Brazil. CDI was diagnosed by toxigenic culture and C. difficile isolates were characterized by PCR ribotyping. Stool samples were also screened for Clostridium perfringens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella oxytoca. The prevalence of CDI among patients with AAD was 31.8%. C. difficile diarrhea was significantly associated with the severity of underlying comorbidities at admission (OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.40) and with the number of antibiotics used during hospitalization (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.07-1.92). Diabetes mellitus was markedly associated with a higher risk of death in patients with AAD (OR = 6.38; 95% CI, 1.33-30.7). PCR ribotypes 014/020 and 106 (20.6% each) were the most common among the isolates. Binary toxin-encoding gene (cdtB) was detected in six samples, but previously described hypervirulent ribotypes 027 and 078 were not found. K. oxytoca and enterotoxigenic C. perfringens were not detected, while only one patient (0.9%) was positive for MRSA. Our results indicate that comorbidity severity and the number of antibiotics used during hospitalization are strong independent predictors of nosocomial C. difficile diarrhea. Diabetes was associated with a higher mortality among patients with AAD. A huge diversity of C. difficile ribotypes was observed in our study, although classical hypervirulent strains were not observed.

Rotavirus vaccination takes seasonal signature of childhood diarrhea back to pre-sanitation era in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the previously unknown long-term spatio-temporal patterns in diarrheal morbidity and mortality across age groups and geography in Brazil under the light of evolving socioeconomic factors and interventions. METHODS: Nationwide mortality (1979-2014) and hospitalization (1998-2014) data were obtained from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Analyses of long-term secular trends and seasonality of diarrheal morbidity and mortality were performed in EPIPOI (www.epipoi.info). RESULTS: For most states, the primary peak in mortality risk among children under 5 years occurred from December-April (summer/early autumn) from 1979-1988. From 2000-2005 (before the 2006 implementation of rotavirus vaccination), the pattern switched to June-October (winter/early spring). By 2007-2014, the peak in mortality shifted back towards summer/early autumn. A similar pattern was observed for hospitalizations. These patterns were particularly apparent in non-equatorial regions of the country. In contrast, the risk of diarrhea-related death among older children (5-19 years) did not demonstrate well-defined seasonality or spatial patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus vaccination policies were associated with a shift in the timing of seasonal peaks in children under 5, reminiscent of the summer diarrhea period common decades prior. Additionally, young children were shown to have distinct disease patterns compared to other age groups, suggesting different etiologies.

Sustained Reduction of Childhood Diarrhea-Related Mortality and Hospitalizations in Mexico After Rotavirus Vaccine Universalization.

BACKGROUND: Mexico implemented routine childhood vaccination against rotavirus in 2007. We describe trends in hospitalization and deaths from diarrhea among children aged <5 years in Mexico before and 7 years after implementation of rotavirus vaccination. METHODS: We obtained data on deaths and hospitalizations from diarrhea, from January 2003 through December 2014, in Mexican children <5 years of age. We compared diarrhea-related mortality and hospitalizations in the postvaccine era with the prevaccine baseline from 2003 to 2006. RESULTS: Compared with the prevaccine baseline, we observed a 53% reduction (95% confidence interval [CI], 47%-58%) in diarrhea-related mortality and a 47% reduction (95% CI, 45%-48%) in diarrhea-related hospitalizations in postvaccine years, translating to 959 deaths and 5831 hospitalizations averted every year in Mexican children aged <5 years. Prevaccine peaks in diarrhea-related mortality and hospitalizations during the rotavirus season months were considerably diminished in postvaccine years, with greater declines observed during the rotavirus season compared with non-rotavirus season months. CONCLUSIONS: We document a substantial and sustained decline in diarrhea-related hospitalizations and deaths in Mexican children associated with implementation of rotavirus vaccination. These results highlight the public health benefits that could result in countries that adopt rotavirus vaccination into their national immunization programs.

Hospitalizations and Deaths Because of Respiratory and Diarrheal Diseases Among Haitian Children Under Five Years of Age, 2011-2013.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory and diarrheal diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children younger than 5 years in developing countries. Data on the burden of these diseases in Haiti are scarce. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of hospital admission registries during January 1, 2011-December 31, 2013 for children younger than 5 years in 6 hospitals in Haiti. We recorded the number of all-cause, respiratory and diarrheal disease admissions and deaths by epidemiologic week and age. RESULTS: A total of 31,565 hospital admissions and 1763 deaths were recorded among children aged <5 years during the study period. Respiratory diseases accounted for 9183 (29%) hospitalizations and 301 (17%) deaths. Children aged 6-23 months had the highest percentage of hospitalizations attributable to respiratory diseases (38%), whereas children aged 36-47 months had the highest proportion of deaths attributable to respiratory diseases (37%). Respiratory disease hospitalizations followed a bimodal seasonal pattern, with peaks during May-June and October-December. Diarrheal diseases accounted for 8063 (26%) hospitalizations and 224 (13%) deaths. Children aged 6-11 months had the highest percentage of diarrhea-associated hospitalizations (39%) and deaths (29%). Diarrheal disease admissions peaked in January-April before the rainy season. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory and diarrheal diseases contributed to more than half of hospitalizations and almost a third of deaths in children younger than 5 years in Haiti. These data are essential to assess the impact of pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines and other interventions in Haiti.

The effectiveness of a rotavirus vaccine in preventing hospitalizations and deaths presumably due to acute infectious diarrhea in Brazilian children: a quasi-experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Rotavirus is the main etiologic agent of acute infectious diarrhea in children worldwide. Considering that a rotavirus vaccine (G1P8, strain RIX4414) was added to the Brazilian vaccination schedule in 2006, we aimed to study its effectiveness and safety regarding intestinal intussusception. METHODS: A quasi-experimental trial was performed in which the primary outcome was the number of hospitalizations that were presumably due to acute infectious diarrhea per 100,000 children at risk (0-4 years old). The secondary outcomes included mortality due to acute infectious diarrhea and the intestinal intussusception rates in children in the same age range. We analyzed three scenarios: Health Division XIII of the State of São Paulo (DRS XIII) from 2002 to 2008, the State of São Paulo, and Brazil from 2002 to 2012. RESULTS: The averages of the hospitalization rates for 100,000 children in the pre- and post-vaccination periods were 1,413 and 959, respectively, for DRS XIII (RR=0.67), 312 and 249, respectively, for the State of São Paulo (RR=0.79), and 718 and 576, respectively, for Brazil (RR=0.8). The mortality rate per 100,000 children in the pre- and post-vaccination periods was 2.0 and 1.3, respectively, for DRS XIII (RR=0.66), 5.5 and 2.5, respectively, for the State of São Paulo (RR=0.47), and 15.0 and 8.0, respectively, for Brazil (RR=0.53). The average annual rates of intussusception for 100,000 children in DRS XIII were 28.0 and 22.0 (RR=0.77) in the pre- and post-vaccination periods, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A monovalent rotavirus vaccine was demonstrated to be effective in preventing the hospitalizations and deaths of children that were presumably due to acute infectious diarrhea, without increasing the risk of intestinal intussusception.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of rotavirus vaccination in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in children under 5. In Argentina, the most affected regions are the Northeast and Northwest, where hospitalizations and deaths are more frequent. This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of adding either of the two licensed rotavirus vaccines to the routine immunization schedule. METHODS: The integrated TRIVAC vaccine cost-effectiveness model from the Pan American Health Organization's ProVac Initiative (Version 2.0) was used to assess health benefits, costs savings, life-years gained (LYGs), DALYs averted, and cost/DALY averted of vaccinating 10 successive cohorts, from the health care system and societal perspectives. Two doses of monovalent (RV1) rotavirus vaccine and three doses of pentavalent (RV5) rotavirus vaccine were each compared to a scenario assuming no vaccination. The price/dose was US$ 7.50 and US$ 5.15 for RV1 and RV5, respectively. We ran both a national and sub-national analysis, discounting all costs and benefits 3% annually. Our base case results were compared to a range of alternative univariate and multivariate scenarios. RESULTS: The number of LYGs was 5962 and 6440 for RV1 and RV5, respectively. The cost/DALY averted when compared to no vaccination from the health care system and societal perspective was: US$ 3870 and US$ 1802 for RV1, and US$ 2414 and US$ 358 for RV5, respectively. Equivalent figures for the Northeast were US$ 1470 and US$ 636 for RV1, and US$ 913 and US$ 80 for RV5. Therefore, rotavirus vaccination was more cost-effective in the Northeast compared to the whole country; and, in the Northwest, health service's costs saved outweighed the cost of introducing the vaccine. Vaccination with either vaccine compared to no vaccination was highly cost-effective based on WHO guidelines and Argentina's 2011 per capita GDP of US$ 9090. Key variables influencing results were vaccine efficacy, annual loss of efficacy, relative coverage of deaths, vaccine price, and discount rate. CONCLUSION: Compared to no vaccination, routine vaccination against rotavirus in Argentina would be highly cost-effective with either vaccine. Health and economic benefits would be higher in the Northeast and Northwest regions, where the intervention would even be cost-saving.

The effectiveness of a rotavirus vaccine in preventing hospitalizations and deaths presumably due to acute infectious diarrhea in Brazilian children: a quasi-experimental study

INTRODUCTION: Rotavirus is the main etiologic agent of acute infectious diarrhea in children worldwide. Considering that a rotavirus vaccine (G1P8, strain RIX4414) was added to the Brazilian vaccination schedule in 2006, we aimed to study its effectiveness and safety regarding intestinal intussusception. METHODS: A quasi-experimental trial was performed in which the primary outcome was the number of hospitalizations that were presumably due to acute infectious diarrhea per 100,000 children at risk (0-4 years old). The secondary outcomes included mortality due to acute infectious diarrhea and the intestinal intussusception rates in children in the same age range. We analyzed three scenarios: Health Division XIII of the State of São Paulo (DRS XIII) from 2002 to 2008, the State of São Paulo, and Brazil from 2002 to 2012. RESULTS: The averages of the hospitalization rates for 100,000 children in the pre- and post-vaccination periods were 1,413 and 959, respectively, for DRS XIII (RR=0.67), 312 and 249, respectively, for the State of São Paulo (RR=0.79), and 718 and 576, respectively, for Brazil (RR=0.8). The mortality rate per 100,000 children in the pre- and post-vaccination periods was 2.0 and 1.3, respectively, for DRS XIII (RR=0.66), 5.5 and 2.5, respectively, for the State of São Paulo (RR=0.47), and 15.0 and 8.0, respectively, for Brazil (RR=0.53). The average annual rates of intussusception for 100,000 children in DRS XIII were 28.0 and 22.0 (RR=0.77) in the pre- and post-vaccination periods, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A monovalent rotavirus vaccine was demonstrated to be effective in preventing the hospitalizations and deaths of children that were presumably due to acute infectious diarrhea, without increasing the risk of intestinal intussusception. .

[Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) regarding vitamin A in children aged less than 5 years-old in Colombia]. / Análisis de costo efectividad de la vitamina A en niños menores de 5 años en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the relative cost-effectiveness of using vitamin A in children aged less than 5-years-old regarding the reduction of events involving diarrhoea, malaria and mortality from the Colombian health-related social security system (CHSSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A decision tree was constructed, using deaths averted as outcome. Probabilities were taken from the pertinent literature and costs from official sources. The cost-effectiveness threshold was three times greater than the per capita Colombian gross domestic product (GDP) in 2012. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were made and cost effectiveness acceptability curves were drawn. RESULTS: Providing a cohort of 100,000 children with vitamin A (as opposed to not doing so) would represent a saving regarding medical attention costs of $ 340,306,917 due to the number of events involving diarrhea (4,268) and malaria (76), having become reduced, as well as cases requiring hospitalization. A saving for the CHSSS was consistently obtained in sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: Providing vitamin supplements for children aged less than 5 years-old would seem to be the least costly and most effective (dominant) strategy for the CHSSS, i.e. compared to not doing so).