Assessment of risk-adjusted mortality ratio (RAMR) in bloodstream infections using all-patient refined diagnosis-related groups (APR-DRGs).

OBJECTIVES: To calculate a risk-adjusted mortality ratio (RAMR) for bloodstream infections (BSIs) using all-patient refined diagnosis-related groups (APR-DRGs) and compare it with the crude mortality rate (CMR). METHODS: Retrospective observational study of prevalent BSI at our institution from January 2019 to December 2022. In-hospital mortality was adjusted with a binary logistic regression model adjusting for sex, age, admission type and mortality risk for the hospitalization episode according to the four severity levels of APR DRGs. The RAMR was calculated as the ratio of observed to expected in-hospital mortality, and the CMR was calculated as the proportion of deaths among all bacteraemia episodes. RESULTS: Of 2939 BSIs, 2541 were included: Escherichia coli (n = 1310), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 428), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 209), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 498) and candidaemia (n = 96). A total of 436 (17.2%) patients died during hospitalization and 279 died within the first 14 days after the onset of BSI. Throughout the period, all BSI cases had a mortality rate above the expected adjusted mortality (RAMR value greater than 1), except for Escherichia coli (1.03; 95% CI 0.86-1.21). The highest overall RAMR values were observed for P. aeruginosa, Candida and S. aureus with 2.06 (95% CI 1.57-2.62), 1.99 (95% CI 1.3-2.81) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.47-2.16), respectively. The temporal evolution of CMR may differ from RAMR, especially in E. coli, where it was reversed. CONCLUSIONS: RAMR showed higher than expected mortality for all BSIs studied except E. coli and provides complementary to and more clinically comprehensive information than CMR, the currently recommended antibiotic stewardship programme mortality indicator.

Sex differences in population versus in-hospital use of aortic valve replacement procedures in Spain.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is not well known if sex differences in the use and results of aortic valve replacement (AVR) are changing. The aim of the study is to assess the time trends in the differences by sex in the utilisation of AVR procedures in hospitals and in the community. METHODS: Retrospective observational analysis using data from the Spanish National Hospitalizations Administrative Database. All hospitalisations between 2016 and 2021 with a main diagnosis of aortic stenosis (ICD-10 codes: I35.0 and I35.2) were included. Time trends in hospitalisation, AVRs and hospital outcomes were analysed. Crude utilisation and population-standardised rates were calculated. RESULTS: During the study period, 64 384 hospitalisations in 55 983 patients (55.5% men) with 36 915 (65,9%) AVR were recorded. Of these, 15 563 (42.2%) were transcatheter and 21 432 (58.0%) surgical. At hospital level, transcatheter procedures were more frequently performed in women (32.3% vs 24.2%, p < 0.001) and surgical in men (42.9% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.001) but at the population level, surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacements were used more frequently in men (12.6 surgical and 8.0 transcatheter per 100 000 population) vs women (6.4 and 5.8, respectively; p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Transcatheter procedures shifted from 17.3% in 2016 to 38.0% in 2021, overtaking surgical procedures in 2018 for women and 2021 for men. CONCLUSIONS: TAVR has displaced SAVR as the most frequent AVR procedure in Spain by 2020. This occurred earlier in women, who despite the greater weight of their age group in the older population, receive fewer AVRs, both SAVR and TAVR.

Regional differences in infective endocarditis epidemiology and outcomes in Spain. A contemporary population-based study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to describe the contemporary epidemiological profile of infective endocarditis (IE) in Spain, and to evaluate variations in IE incidence, characteristics, and outcomes among the different Spanish regions (autonomous communities [AC]). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, population-based study, using data obtained from national in-patient hospital activity of all patients discharged with a diagnosis of IE from hospitals included in the Spanish National Health System, from January 2016 to December 2019. Differences in the IE profile between the 17 Spanish AC were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 9008 hospitalization episodes were identified during the study period. Standardized incidence of IE was 5.77 (95%CI, 5.12-6.41) cases per 100 000 population. Regarding predisposing conditions, 26.8% of episodes occurred in prosthetic valve carriers, 36.8% had some kind of valve heart disease, and 10.6% had a cardiac implantable electronic device. Significant differences were found between AC in terms of incidence, predisposing conditions, and microbiological profile. Cardiac surgery was performed in 19.3% of episodes in the total cohort, and in 33.4% of the episodes treated in high-volume referral centers, with wide variations among AC. Overall in-hospital mortality was 27.2%. Risk-adjusted mortality rates also varied significantly among regions. CONCLUSIONS: We found wide heterogeneity among Spanish AC in terms of incidence rates and the clinical and microbiological characteristics of IE episodes. The proportion of patients undergoing surgery was low and in-hospital mortality rates were high, with wide differences among regions. The development of regional networks with referral centers for IE could facilitate early surgery and improve outcomes.

Clinical profile, management and outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing transfer between centers in Spain.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical profile, management, and prognosis of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS) requiring interhospital transfer, as well as the prognostic impact of structural variables of the treating centers in this setting. METHODS: This study included patients with STEMI-CS treated at revascularization-capable centers from 2016 to 2020. The patients were divided into the following groups: group A: patients attended throughout their admission at hospitals with interventional cardiology without cardiac surgery; group B: patients treated at hospitals with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery; and group C: patients transferred to centers with interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. We analyzed the association between the volume of STEMI-CS cases treated, the availability of cardiac intensive care units (CICU), and heart transplant with hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4189 episodes were included: 1389 (33.2%) from group A, 2627 from group B (62.7%), and 173 from group C (4.1%). Transferred patients were younger, had a higher cardiovascular risk, and more commonly underwent revascularization, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplant during hospitalization (P<.001). The crude mortality rate was lower in transferred patients (46.2% vs 60.3% in group A and 54.4% in group B, (P<.001)). Lower mortality was associated with a higher volume of care and CICU availability (OR, 0.75, P=.009; and 0.80, P=.047). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of transfers in patients with STEMI-CS in our setting is low. Transferred patients were younger and underwent more invasive procedures. Mortality was lower among patients transferred to centers with a higher volume of STEMI-CS cases and CICU.

Weekend and holiday admissions for decompensated heart failure and in-hospital mortality. A cumulative effect of "nonworking" days?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze whether nonelective admissions in patients with heart failure (HF) on nonworking days (NWD) are associated with higher in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective (2018-2019) observational study of episodes of nonelective admissions in patients aged 18 years and older discharged with a principal diagnosis of HF in acute general hospitals of the Spanish National Health System. NWD at admission were defined as Fridays after 14:00hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and national and regional holidays. In-hospital mortality was analyzed with logistic regression models. The length of NWD was considered as an independent continuous variable. Propensity score matching was used as a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: We selected 235 281 episodes of nonelective HF admissions. When the NWD periods were included in the in-hospital mortality model, the increases in in-hospital mortality compared with weekday admission were as follows: 1 NWD day (OR, 1.11; 95%CI, 1.07-1.16); 2 days (OR, 1.13; 95%CI, 1.09-1.17); 3 (OR, 1.16; 95%CI, 1.05-1.27); and ≥4 days (OR, 1.20; 95%CI, 1.09-1.32). There was a statistically significant association between a linear increase in NWD and higher risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality (chi-square trend P=.0002). After propensity score matching, patients with HF admitted on NWD had higher in-hospital mortality than those admitted on weekdays (OR, 1.11; average treatment effect, 12.2% vs 11.1%; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between admissions for decompensated HF on an NWD and higher in-hospital mortality. The excess mortality is likely not explained by differences in severity. In this study, the "weekend effect" tended to increase as the NWD period became longer.

Sex differences in patterns of referral and resource utilization in the cardiology clinic: an outpatient analysis.

Aims: Women may have different management patterns than men in specialised care. Our aim was to assess potential sex differences in referral, management and outcomes of patients attending outpatient cardiac consultations. Methods and results: Retrospective observational analysis of patients ≥18 years referred for the first time from primary care to a tertiary hospital cardiology clinic in 2017-2018, comparing reasons for referral, decisions and post-visit outcomes by sex.A total of 5,974 patients, 2,452 (41.0%) men aged 59.2 ± 18.6 years and 3,522 (59.0%) women aged 64.5 ± 17.9 years (P < 0.001) were referred for a first cardiology consultation. The age-related referral rates were higher in women. The most common reasons for consultation were palpitations in women (n = 676; 19.2%) and ECG abnormalities in men (n = 570; 23.2%). Delays to cardiology visits and additional tests were similar. During 24 months of follow-up, women had fewer cardiology hospitalisations (204; 5.8% vs. 229; 9.3%; P = 0.003) and lower mortality (65; 1.8% vs. 66; 2.7%; P = 0.028), but those aged <65 years had more emergency department visits (756; 48.5% vs. 560; 39.9%, P < 0.001) than men. Conclusion: There are substantial sex differences in primary care cardiology referral patterns, including causes, rates, decisions and outcomes, which are only partially explained by age differences. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for these differences.

Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection vs Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction. Revascularization in SCAD remains very challenging and therefore is not recommended as the initial management strategy in stable SCAD without high-risk features. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates between patients with SCAD with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and patients with STEMI without SCAD undergoing PPCI. METHODS: This study was conducted using the administrative minimum dataset of the Spanish National Health System (2016-2020). Risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratios and readmission ratios were calculated, and results were adjusted using propensity score (PS) analyses. RESULTS: A total of 65,957 episodes of PPCI were identified after exclusions. The crude in-hospital mortality rate was 4.8%. Of these, 315 (0.5%) were SCAD PPCI and 65,642 were non-SCAD PPCI. SCAD PPCI patients were younger and more frequently women than non-SCAD PPCI patients. Crude mortality (5.7% vs 4.8%), risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio (5.3% vs 5.3%), and PS-adjusted (315 pairs) mortality (5.7% vs 5.7%) were similar in SCAD PPCI and non-SCAD PPCI patients. In addition, crude (3% vs 3.3%) and PS-adjusted (297 pairs) 30-day readmission rates (3% vs 4%) were also similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: PPCI, when indicated in patients with STEMI and SCAD, has similar in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates compared with PPCI for atherothrombotic STEMI. These findings support the value of PPCI in selected patients with SCAD.

Resultados intrahospitalarios tras tratamiento percutáneo frente a quirúrgico en pacientes con estenosis aórtica y enfermedad arterial coronaria concomitante / In-hospital outcomes following percutaneous versus surgical intervention in the treatment of aortic stenosis and concomitant coronary artery disease

Introducción y objetivos: La enfermedad coronaria (EC) es frecuente en pacientes con estenosis aórtica; sin embargo, la estrategia terapéutica óptima sigue siendo objeto de debate. Investigamos los resultados periprocedimiento en pacientes sometidos a implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica con intervención coronaria percutánea (TAVI/ICP) frente al recambio valvular aórtico con injerto de derivación de arteria coronaria (RVAo/CABG) en pacientes con estenosis aórtica con EC.Métodos: Con los datos de alta del Sistema Nacional de Salud Español, se identificaron 6.194 pacientes (5.217 RVAo/CABG y 977 TAVI/ICP) entre 2016 y 2019. Se realizó un análisis emparejado por puntuación de propensión ajustado por características basales. El objetivo primario fue la mortalidad hospitalaria, Los objetivos secundarios fueron las complicaciones hospitalarias y rehospitalización cardiovascular a 30 días.Resultados: Tras el emparejamiento, se seleccionaron 774 parejas de pacientes. La mortalidad total hospitalaria fue más frecuente en el grupo quirúrgico (3,4 frente a 9,4%, p <0,001), al igual que el ictus periprocedimiento (0,9 frente a 2,2%, p=0,004), fallo renal agudo (4,3 frente a 16,0%, p <0,002), transfusión (9,6 frente a 21,1%, p <0,001) y neumonía intrahospitalaria (0,1 frente a 1,7%, p=0,001). La implantación de marcapasos permanente fue más frecuente en el tratamiento percutáneo (12,0 frente a 5,7%, p <0,001). Los centros de menor volumen (< 130 procedimientos por año) tuvieron mayor mortalidad hospitalaria para ambos procedimientos: TAVI/ICP (3,6 frente a 2,9%, p <0,001) y RVAo/CABG (9,3 frente a 6,8%, p <0,001). La rehospitalización cardiovascular a 30 días no difirió entre los grupos.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) is prevalent among aortic stenosis patients; however the optimal therapeutic strategy remains debated. We investigated periprocedural outcomes among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with percutaneous coronary intervention (TAVI/PCI) vs surgical aortic valve replacement with coronary artery bypass grafting (SAVR/CABG) for aortic stenosis with CAD.Methods: Using discharge data from the Spanish National Health System, we identified 6194 patients (5217 SAVR/CABG and 977 TAVI/PCI) between 2016 and 2019. Propensity score matching was adjusted for baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications and 30-day cardiovascular readmission.Results: Matching resulted in 774 pairs. In-hospital all-cause mortality was more common in the SAVR/CABG group (3.4% vs 9.4%, P <.001) as was periprocedural stroke (0.9% vs 2.2%; P=.004), acute kidney injury (4.3% vs 16.0%, P <.001), blood transfusion (9.6% vs 21.1%, P <.001), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (0.1% vs 1.7%, P=.001). Permanent pacemaker implantation was higher for matched TAVI/PCI (12.0% vs 5.7%, P <.001). Lower volume centers (< 130 procedures/y) had higher in-hospital all-cause mortality for both procedures: TAVI/PCI (3.6% vs 2.9%, P <.001) and SAVR/CABG (8.3 vs 6.8%, P <.001). Thirty-day cardiovascular readmission did not differ between groups.Conclusions: In this large contemporary nationwide study, percutaneous management of aortic stenosis and CAD with TAVI/PCI had lower in-hospital mortality and morbidity than surgical intervention. Higher volume centers had less in-hospital mortality in both groups. Dedicated national high-volume heart centers warrant further investigation.(AU)

Impact of annual volume of cases and intensive cardiac care unit availability on mortality of patients with acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock treated at revascularization capable centres.

AIMS: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with high mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of hospital structure-related variables on mortality in patients with CS treated at percutaneous and surgical revascularization capable centres (psRCC) from a large nationwide registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: Retrospective observational study including consecutive patients with main or secondary diagnosis of CS and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients discharged from Spanish National Healthcare System psRCC were included (2016-20). The association between the volume of CS cases attended by each centre, availability of intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) and heart transplantation (HT) programmes, and in-hospital mortality was assessed by multilevel logistic regression models. The study population consisted of 3074 CS-STEMI episodes, of whom 1759 (57.2%) occurred in 26 centres with ICCU. A total of 17/44 hospitals (38.6%) were high-volume centres, and 19/44 (43%) centres had HT programmes availability. Treatment at HT centres was not associated with a lower mortality (P = 0.121). Both high volume of cases and ICCU showed a trend to an association with lower mortality in the adjusted model [odds ratio (OR): 0.87 and 0.88, respectively]. The interaction between both variables was significantly protective (OR 0.72; P = 0.024). After propensity score matching, mortality was lower in high-volume hospitals with ICCU (OR 0.79; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Most CS-STEMI patients were attended at psRCC with high volume of cases and ICCU available. The combination of high volume and ICCU availability showed the lowest mortality. These data should be taken into account when designing regional networks for CS management.

Characteristics and in-hospital mortality of elderly patients with heart failure in Spanish hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of heart failure (HF) increases with age, and it is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in older patients. However, there are little data on in-hospital mortality in patients with HF ≥ 75 years in Spain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Spanish Minimum Basic Data Set was performed, including all HF episodes discharged from public hospitals in Spain between 2016 and 2019. Coding was performed using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Patients ≥ 75 years with HF as the principal diagnosis were selected. We calculated: (1) the crude in-hospital mortality rate and its distribution according to age and sex; (2) the risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio; and (3) the association between in-hospital mortality and the availability of an intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) in the hospital. RESULTS: We included 354,792 HF episodes of patients over 75 years. The mean age was 85.2 ± 5.5 years, and 59.2% of patients were women. The most frequent comorbidities were renal failure (46.1%), diabetes mellitus (35.5%), valvular disease (33.9%), cardiorespiratory failure (29.8%), and hypertension (26.9%). In-hospital mortality was 12.7%, and increased with age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.07-1.07, P < 0.001] and was lower in women (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-0.97, P < 0.001). The main predictors of mortality were the presence of cardiogenic shock (OR = 19.5, 95% CI: 16.8-22.7, P < 0.001), stroke (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 3.0-4.0, P < 0.001) and advanced cancer (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 2.5-2.8, P < 0.001). In hospitals with ICCU, the in-hospital risk-adjusted mortality tended to be lower (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-1.00, P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital mortality in patients with HF ≥ 75 years between 2016 and 2019 was 12.7%, higher in males and elderly patients. The main predictors of mortality were cardiogenic shock, stroke, and advanced cancer. There was a trend toward lower mortality in centers with an ICCU.

One-year readmissions for circulatory diseases and in-hospital mortality after an index episode of heart failure in elderly patients. A nationwide data from public hospitals in Spain between 2016 and 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in elderly patients. However, there is limited evidence on readmission and mortality 1-year after discharge for HF. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the Minimum Basic Data Set, including HF episodes, discharged from Spanish hospitals between 2016 and 2018 in ≥ 75 years. We calculated: (a) the rate of readmissions due to circulatory system diseases (CSD) 365 days after index episode; (b) in-hospital mortality in readmissions; and (c) predictors of mortality and readmission. RESULTS: We included 178,523 patients (59.2% women) aged 85.1 ± 5.5 years. The most frequent comorbidities were arrhythmias (56.0%) and renal failure (39.5%). During the follow-up, 48,932 patients (27.4%) had at least one readmission for CSD and a crude rate of 40.2%, the most frequent one HF (52.8%). The median between the date of readmission and discharge from the last admission was 70 days [IQI 24; 171] for the first readmission. The most relevant predictors of the number of readmissions were valvular heart disease and myocardial ischemia. During the readmissions, 26,757 patients (79.1%) died, representing a cumulative in-hospital mortality of 47,945 (26.9%). The factors in the index episode predictors of mortality during readmissions were cardio-respiratory failure and stroke. The number of readmissions was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.11-1.14). CONCLUSIONS: The readmission rate for CSD 1-year after the index episode of HF in patients ≥ 75 years was 28.4%. The cumulative in-hospital mortality rate during the readmissions was 26.9%, and the number of rehospitalizations was identified as one of the main predictors of mortality.

Validez y utilidad del RAE-CMBD en el estudio de los pacientes hospitalizados con gripe / Validity and usefulness of the RAE-CMBD studying patients hospitalised with influenza

Background: Understanding the hospital impact of influenza requires enriching epidemiological surveillance registries with other sources of information. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of the Hospital Care Activity Record – Minimum Basic Data Set (RAE-CMBD) in the analysis of the outcomes of patients hospitalised with this infection. Methods: Observational and retrospective study of adults admitted with influenza in a tertiary hospital during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons. We calculated the concordance of the RAE-CMBD with the influenza epidemiological surveillance registry (gold standard), as well as the main parameters of internal and external validity. Logistic regression models were used for risk adjustment of in-hospital mortality and length of stay. Results: A total of 907 (97.74%) unique matches were achieved, with high inter-observer agreement (ƙ=0.828). The RAE-CMBD showed a 79.87% sensitivity, 99.72% specificity, 86.71% positive predictive value and 99.54% negative predictive value. The risk-adjusted mortality ratio of patients with influenza was lower than that of patients without influenza: 0.667 (0.53-0.82) vs. 1.008 (0.98-1.04) and the risk-adjusted length of stay ratio was higher: 1.15 (1.12-1.18) vs. 1.00 (0.996-1.001). Conclusion: The RAE-CMBD is a valid source of information for the study of the impact of influenza on hospital care. The lower risk-adjusted mortality of patients admitted with influenza compared to other inpatients seems to point to the effectiveness of the main clinical and organisational measures adopted. (AU)

Objetivos: Conocer el impacto hospitalario de la gripe requiere enriquecer los registros de vigilancia epidemiológicos con otras fuentes de información. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la validez del Registro de Actividad de Atención Especializada – Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos (RAE-CMBD) en el análisis de los resultados asistenciales de los pacientes hospitalizados con esta infección. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de los adultos ingresados con gripe en un hospital terciario durante las temporadas 2017/2018 y 2018/2019. Se calculó la concor-dancia del RAE-CMBD con el registro de vigilancia epidemiológica de gripe (estándar de referencia), así como los principales parámetros de validez interna y externa. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística para el ajuste por riesgo de la mortalidad intrahospitalaria y duración de la estancia. Resultados: Se lograron 907 (97,74%) emparejamientos únicos, con una concordancia interobservadores elevada (ƙ=0,828). El RAE-CMBD mostró una sensibilidad del 79,87%, especificidad del 99,72%, valor predictivo positivo del 86,71% y negativo del 99,54%. La razón de mortalidad ajustada por riesgo de los pacientes con gripe fue menor que la de los pacientes sin gripe: 0,667 (0,53–0,82) vs. 1,008 (0,98–1,04) y la razón de duración de la estancia ajustada por riesgo, mayor: 1,15 (1,12–1,18) vs. 1,00 (0,996–1,001). Conclusiones: El RAE-CMBD es una fuente de información válida para el estudio del impacto de la gripe en la atención hospitalaria. La menor mortalidad ajustada por riesgo de los pacientes ingresados con gripe respecto de los demás ingresados, parece apuntar a la efectividad de las principales medidas clínicas y organizativas adoptadas. (AU)

Healthcare outcomes in patients with HIV infection at a tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of patients with other diseases. Difficulty in access to healthcare during these months has been especially relevant for persons with HIV infection (PWH). This study therefore sought to ascertain the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the measures implemented among PWH in a region with one of the highest incidence rates in Europe. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, pre-post intervention study to compare the outcomes of PWH attended at a high-complexity healthcare hospital from March to October 2020 and during the same months across the period 2016-2019. The intervention consisted of home drug deliveries and preferential use of non face-to-face consultations. The effectiveness of the measures implemented was determined by reference to the number of emergency visits, hospitalisations, mortality rate, and percentage of PWH with viral load >50copies, before and after the two pandemic waves. RESULTS: A total of 2760 PWH were attended from January 2016 to October 2020. During the pandemic, there was a monthly mean of 106.87 telephone consultations and 2075 home deliveries of medical drugs dispensed to ambulatory patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the rate of admission of patients with COVID-HIV co-infection and that of the remaining patients (1172.76 admissions/100,000 population vs. 1424.29, p=0.401) or in mortality (11.54% vs. 12.96%, p=0.939). The percentage of PWH with viral load >50copies was similar before and after the pandemic (1.20% pre-pandemic vs. 0.51% in 2020, p=0.078). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the strategies implemented during the first 8 months of the pandemic prevented any deterioration in the control and follow-up parameters routinely used on PWH. Furthermore, they contribute to the debate about how telemedicine and telepharmacy can fit into future healthcare models.

In-hospital outcomes following percutaneous versus surgical intervention in the treatment of aortic stenosis and concomitant coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) is prevalent among aortic stenosis patients; however the optimal therapeutic strategy remains debated. We investigated periprocedural outcomes among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with percutaneous coronary intervention (TAVI/PCI) vs surgical aortic valve replacement with coronary artery bypass grafting (SAVR/CABG) for aortic stenosis with CAD. METHODS: Using discharge data from the Spanish National Health System, we identified 6194 patients (5217 SAVR/CABG and 977 TAVI/PCI) between 2016 and 2019. Propensity score matching was adjusted for baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications and 30-day cardiovascular readmission. RESULTS: Matching resulted in 774 pairs. In-hospital all-cause mortality was more common in the SAVR/CABG group (3.4% vs 9.4%, P <.001) as was periprocedural stroke (0.9% vs 2.2%; P=.004), acute kidney injury (4.3% vs 16.0%, P <.001), blood transfusion (9.6% vs 21.1%, P <.001), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (0.1% vs 1.7%, P=.001). Permanent pacemaker implantation was higher for matched TAVI/PCI (12.0% vs 5.7%, P <.001). Lower volume centers (< 130 procedures/y) had higher in-hospital all-cause mortality for both procedures: TAVI/PCI (3.6% vs 2.9%, P <.001) and SAVR/CABG (8.3 vs 6.8%, P <.001). Thirty-day cardiovascular readmission did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this large contemporary nationwide study, percutaneous management of aortic stenosis and CAD with TAVI/PCI had lower in-hospital mortality and morbidity than surgical intervention. Higher volume centers had less in-hospital mortality in both groups. Dedicated national high-volume heart centers warrant further investigation.

Healthcare outcomes in patients with HIV infection at a tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of patients with other diseases. Difficulty in access to healthcare during these months has been especially relevant for persons with HIV infection (PWH). This study therefore sought to ascertain the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the measures implemented among PWH in a region with one of the highest incidence rates in Europe. Methods: Retrospective, observational, pre-post intervention study to compare the outcomes of PWH attended at a high-complexity healthcare hospital from March to October 2020 and during the same months across the period 2016-2019. The intervention consisted of home drug deliveries and preferential use of non face-to-face consultations. The effectiveness of the measures implemented was determined by reference to the number of emergency visits, hospitalisations, mortality rate, and percentage of PWH with viral load >50 copies, before and after the two pandemic waves. Results: A total of 2760 PWH were attended from January 2016 to October 2020. During the pandemic, there was a monthly mean of 106.87 telephone consultations and 2075 home deliveries of medical drugs dispensed to ambulatory patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the rate of admission of patients with COVID-HIV co-infection and that of the remaining patients (1172.76 admissions/100,000 population vs. 1424.29, p = 0.401) or in mortality (11.54% vs. 12.96%, p = 0.939). The percentage of PWH with viral load >50 copies was similar before and after the pandemic (1.20% pre-pandemic vs. 0.51% in 2020, p = 0.078). Conclusion: Our results show that the strategies implemented during the first 8 months of the pandemic prevented any deterioration in the control and follow-up parameters routinely used on PWH. Furthermore, they contribute to the debate about how telemedicine and telepharmacy can fit into future healthcare models.

Introducción: La pandemia causada por el SARS-CoV-2 ha afectado a la atención de pacientes con otras enfermedades. La dificultad en el acceso a la asistencia sanitaria durante estos meses es especialmente relevante en las personas con infección por VIH (PCV). El objetivo del estudio fue conocer los resultados clínicos y la efectividad de las medidas implementadas en PCV en una de las regiones con mayor incidencia de Europa. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, pre-postintervención, comparando los resultados de PCV atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad entre marzo-octubre de 2020 y el mismo periodo de 2016 a 2019. La intervención consistió en el envío a domicilio de medicamentos y la realización preferente de consultas no presenciales. La efectividad de las medidas implementadas se determinó por el número de visitas a urgencias, hospitalizaciones, mortalidad y porcentaje de PCV con carga viral > 50 copias antes y después de 2 olas pandémicas. Resultados: Se atendieron 2.760 PCV entre enero de 2016 y octubre de 2020. Durante la pandemia se realizaron una media mensual de 106,87 consultas telefónicas y 2.075 envíos a domicilio de medicamentos de dispensación ambulatoria. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuentación de pacientes con coinfección COVID-VIH respecto al resto (1.172,76 ingresos/100.000 habitantes vs. 1.424,29, p = 0,401), ni en su mortalidad (11,54 vs. 12,96%, p = 0,939). El porcentaje de PCV con carga viral > 50 copias fue similar antes y después de la pandemia (1,20% prepandemia vs. 0,51% en 2020, p = 0,078). Conclusión: Nuestros resultados revelan que las estrategias implementadas durante los 8 primeros meses de pandemia han evitado el deterioro en parámetros de control y seguimiento empleados habitualmente en PCV. Además, contribuyen a la reflexión sobre el encaje de la telemedicina y telefarmacia en modelos asistenciales futuros.