RESUMO
(1) Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a disease caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Clinical reactivation, herpes zoster, takes place in 10-20% of subjects who contracted the primary infection, with a higher risk of developing zoster increasing proportionally with age, especially after 50 years of age. HZ is a common clinical problem, particularly among patients aged over 50 years and immunocompromised patients. Immunocompromised patients and adults could present an atypical and more severe course. In addition, they are at greater risk of complications. For this reason, it is important to understand the real burden of the disease and to identify the subjects who are at higher risk of HZ and its complications, also to direct preventive strategies at the right targets. The aim of the present study is to analyze HZ-related hospitalization trends in Abruzzo in the period of 2015-2021. (2) Methods: Data related to hospital admissions were extracted from the hospital discharge records (HDRs) of the whole region, considering all admissions during the years of 2015-2021. The trends in hospital admissions and length of stay were evaluated and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 768 hospital discharges with a diagnosis of herpes zoster were registered in Abruzzo during the 7-year study period. During the study period, an increasing trend was observed from the year 2015 to the year 2017, ranging from 8.19 cases/100,000 to 11.5 cases/100,000 (APC (Annual percentage change) +20.8%; 95%CI -2.3; 47.6). After the year 2017, a significantly decreasing trend was observed, reaching 5.46 cases/100,000 in the year 2021 (APC -18.4%; 95%CI -31.5; -12.0). Across the entire study period, an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -7.0% (95%CI -13.0; -1.3) was observed. (4) Conclusions: Despite the trend of a reduction in hospitalizations, this study highlights that HZ continues to have a great impact on public health. So, it is important to update recommendations for the use of the already available HZ vaccine and to implement new strategies to increase awareness of the prevention of the disease.
RESUMO
(1) Background: Rotavirus is one of the leading causes of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children worldwide. The economic and social burden of rotavirus-related hospitalizations, particularly among children, remains a pressing concern for healthcare systems across the globe. Healthcare infrastructure and access to medical care can vary significantly within the region. Differences in the availability of healthcare facilities and the quality of care may influence the management and outcomes of rotavirus cases. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective study performed in the Abruzzo region, Italy. The study considered all hospitalization due to rotavirus gastroenteritis that occurred in the Abruzzo region from the year 2015 to 2021. Data were extracted from the hospital discharge records. The trend in hospital admissions, hospitalization costs and length of stay were evaluated and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 664 admissions were reported during the study period. The incident rate grew till year 2019 with an annual percentage change of +13.9% (95%CI 12.6-15.2, p < 0.001). During the pandemic years, the incident rate showed a significant decrease with an annual percentage change of 12.5% (95%CI 15.5-9.3, p = 0.004). The length of stay of admissions was significantly higher among patients aged less than 1 year. (4) Conclusions: Rotavirus admission represents a heavy burden even in a high-income country such as Italy. These findings have the potential to inform targeted public health interventions, including vaccination strategies, and improve the overall well-being of children.