Efecto de la variante Ómicron sobre la incidencia y la letalidad durante la 6 onda epidémica COVID-19 en España / Effect of the Omicron variant on cumulative incidence of infection and lethality during the sixth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Spain

La pandemia COVID-19 ha puesto a prueba los sistemas sanitarios a nivel mundial. Las sucesivas ondas epidémicas han mostrado características diferentes. La variante Ómicron del SARS-CoV-2 modificó el comportamiento epidémico que habían seguido las variantes previas. El objetivo de este análisis fue determinar las características epidemiológicas de la COVID-19 durante la 6.ª onda epidémica y sus diferencias según predominara las variantes Delta u Ómicron. Se analizaron los datos epidemiológicos correspondientes a la 6.ª onda epidémica publicados por los organismos oficiales, y se analizaron la incidencia acumulada de infección (IA-I) y las tasas de letalidad (TL), tanto del conjunto de España como de las diferentes Comunidades Autónomas, en el conjunto de la población y por grupos etarios. Los resultados mostraron que la IA-I era mayor con la variante Ómicron (10,89 vs. 0,75% con Delta) mientras que la TL lo era con la variante Delta (4,2 vs. 1,3‰ con Ómicron), así como una mayor tasa de hospitalización e ingreso en UCI con la variante Delta.(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained healthcare systems globally. The successive epidemic waves have shown different characteristics. The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 modified the epidemic behavior that previous variants had followed. The aim of this analysis was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 during the sixth epidemic wave and its differences according to the predominance of the Delta or Omicron variants. The epidemiological data corresponding to the sixth wave of the epidemic published by official organizations were analyzed, and the cumulative incidence of infection (CI-I) and case fatality rates (CFR) were calculated, both for Spain as a whole and for the different Autonomous Communities, in the population as a whole and by age groups. The results showed that the CI-I was higher with the Ómicron variant (10.89% vs 0.75% with Delta) while the CFR was higher with the Delta variant (4.2‰ vs 1.3‰ with Ómicron), as well as a higher rate of hospitalization and ICU admission with the Delta variant.(AU)

[Effect of the Omicron variant on cumulative incidence of infection and lethality during the sixth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Spain]. / Efecto de la variante Ómicron sobre la incidencia y la letalidad durante la 6.ª onda epidémica COVID-19 en España.

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained healthcare systems globally. The successive epidemic waves have shown different characteristics. The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 modified the epidemic behavior that previous variants had followed. The aim of this analysis was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 during the sixth epidemic wave and its differences according to the predominance of the Delta or Omicron variants. The epidemiological data corresponding to the sixth wave of the epidemic published by official organizations were analyzed, and the cumulative incidence of infection (CI-I) and case fatality rates (CFR) were calculated, both for Spain as a whole and for the different Autonomous Communities, in the population as a whole and by age groups. The results showed that the CI-I was higher with the Ómicron variant (10.89% vs 0.75% with Delta) while the CFR was higher with the Delta variant (4.2‰ vs 1.3‰ with Ómicron), as well as a higher rate of hospitalization and ICU admission with the Delta variant.

Case-fatality rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third and fifth epidemic waves in Spain: Impact of vaccination / Tasa de letalidad de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 durante la tercera y quinta oleadas epidémicas en España: impacto de la vacunación

Introduction During the first and second epidemic waves in Spain, the SARS-CoV-2 case-fatality rates (CFRs) showed significant differences between Autonomous Communities (ACs). Comparing CFRs in the third and fifth epidemic waves can provide information on the impact of the different vaccination coverages in the ACs. Objective To evaluate the impact of vaccination on COVID-19 CFRs in the third and fifth epidemic waves in Spain, according to sex, age, and AC. Methods This work is an observational, descriptive study which uses data on COVID-19 infections, deaths, and vaccinees published by the Spanish Ministry of Health and the regional Health Departments of the ACs. The third epidemic wave was defined as the period from 26th December 2020 to 19th April 2021, and the fifth wave, from 19th July to 19th September 2021. The CFRs (deaths per 1000 infected [‰]) were calculated according to sex, age group, and AC. The standardized case-fatality ratio (SCFR) was adjusted for age and sex for each wave. We estimated the correlation between CFRs and their change between the two epidemic waves with the vaccination coverages reached at the beginning of the fifth wave. Results The CFR in the fifth wave (5.7‰) was lower than in the third wave (16.5‰). In addition, the CFR in both waves was significantly higher in men than in women, and in older people than in younger ones. A decrease in the CFR between both waves was only observed in those older than 49. A strong direct and positive correlation (R2a=0.8399) was found between vaccination coverage by age group and decrease in CFR between both epidemic waves. Significant differences were seen between ACs in the two waves, as regards both CFRs and SCFRs. When comparing ACs, a direct correlation was observed between vaccination coverage and CFRs in the fifth wave, and also – although weak – between vaccination coverage and decrease in CFR between both waves (AU)

Introducción Durante la primera y segunda oleadas epidémicas en España, las tasas de letalidad (TL) por SARS-CoV-2 mostraron diferencias significativas entre comunidades autónomas (CC. AA.). La comparación de las TL en la tercera y quinta oleadas epidémicas puede aportar información sobre el impacto de las diferentes coberturas vacunales en las CC. AA. Objetivo Evaluar el impacto de la vacunación sobre las TL de COVID-19 en la tercera y quinta onda epidémica en España, según sexo, edad y CC. AA. Métodos Este trabajo es un estudio observacional, descriptivo, que utiliza los datos de infectados, fallecidos y vacunados por COVID-19 publicados por el Ministerio de Sanidad y las Consejerías de Sanidad de las CC. AA. La tercera onda epidémica se definió como el periodo comprendido entre el 26 de diciembre de 2020 y el 19 de abril de 2021, y la quinta onda, entre el 19 de julio y el 19 de septiembre de 2021. Las TL (muertes por cada 1.000 infectados [‰]) se calcularon en función del sexo, el grupo de edad y la CC. AA. La razón estandarizada de letalidad (REL) se ajustó por edad y sexo para cada oleada. Se estimó la correlación entre las TL y su cambio entre las 2 oleadas epidémicas con las coberturas de vacunación alcanzadas al inicio de la quinta oleada. Resultados La TL en la quinta onda (5,7‰) fue inferior a la de la tercera onda (16,5‰). Además, la TL en ambas oleadas fue significativamente mayor en varones que en mujeres, y en personas mayores que en jóvenes. Solo se observó una disminución de la TL entre ambas oleadas en los mayores de 49 años. Se encontró una fuerte correlación directa y positiva (R2a=0,8399) entre la cobertura de vacunación por grupo de edad y la disminución de la TL entre ambas oleadas epidémicas (AU)

Case-fatality rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third and fifth epidemic waves in Spain: Impact of vaccination.

INTRODUCTION: During the first and second epidemic waves in Spain, the SARS-CoV-2 case-fatality rates (CFRs) showed significant differences between Autonomous Communities (ACs). Comparing CFRs in the third and fifth epidemic waves can provide information on the impact of the different vaccination coverages in the ACs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of vaccination on COVID-19 CFRs in the third and fifth epidemic waves in Spain, according to sex, age, and AC. METHODS: This work is an observational, descriptive study which uses data on COVID-19 infections, deaths, and vaccinees published by the Spanish Ministry of Health and the regional Health Departments of the ACs. The third epidemic wave was defined as the period from 26th December 2020 to 19th April 2021, and the fifth wave, from 19th July to 19th September 2021. The CFRs (deaths per 1000 infected [‰]) were calculated according to sex, age group, and AC. The standardized case-fatality ratio (SCFR) was adjusted for age and sex for each wave. We estimated the correlation between CFRs and their change between the two epidemic waves with the vaccination coverages reached at the beginning of the fifth wave. RESULTS: The CFR in the fifth wave (5.7‰) was lower than in the third wave (16.5‰). In addition, the CFR in both waves was significantly higher in men than in women, and in older people than in younger ones. A decrease in the CFR between both waves was only observed in those older than 49. A strong direct and positive correlation (R2a=0.8399) was found between vaccination coverage by age group and decrease in CFR between both epidemic waves. Significant differences were seen between ACs in the two waves, as regards both CFRs and SCFRs. When comparing ACs, a direct correlation was observed between vaccination coverage and CFRs in the fifth wave, and also - although weak - between vaccination coverage and decrease in CFR between both waves. CONCLUSION: The CFR significantly decreased in Spain between the third and the fifth epidemic waves in population aged 50 or older, probably due to the high vaccination coverage in that age group. Differences were observed between CFRs and SCFRs between ACs that are not explained by the differences in vaccination coverage, suggesting the need for further research and evaluation.

El eje cardiopulmonar y la mortalidad cardiovascular en el paciente EPOC / Cardiopulmonary axis and cardiovascular mortality in patients with COPD

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es la cuarta causa de mortalidad en nuestro medio y habitualmente se consideraba circunscrita al territorio pulmonar. Los estudios más novedosos sugieren que se trata de una enfermedad sistémica cuya etiopatogenia más probable es un estado de inflamación crónica de baja intensidad que se reagudiza durante las exacerbaciones. La evidencia científica reciente ha puesto de relieve que las enfermedades cardiovasculares son una de las principales causas de hospitalización y mortalidad en estos pacientes. Esta relación debe comprenderse considerando que ambos sistemas, el pulmonar y el cardiovascular, se encuentran íntimamente relacionados constituyendo el eje cardiopulmonar. Por lo tanto, el abordaje terapéutico de la EPOC no debe comprender solo el tratamiento de las complicaciones respiratorias, sino también la prevención y tratamiento de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, muy frecuentes en estos pacientes. En este sentido, en los últimos años se han desarrollado estudios que analizan el efecto de los diferentes tipos de terapia inhalada sobre la mortalidad por todas las causas y la mortalidad cardiovascular en particular (AU)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of mortality in our environment and was usually considered to be confined to the lung territory. The latest studies suggest that it is a systemic disease whose most probable etiopathogenesis is a state of low-intensity chronic inflammation that worsens during exacerbations. And recent scientific evidence has highlighted that cardiovascular diseases are one of the main causes of hospitalization and mortality in these patients. This relationship must be understood considering that both systems, the pulmonary and the cardiovascular, are closely related constituting the cardiopulmonary axis. Therefore, the therapeutic approach to COPD should not only include the treatment of respiratory complications, but also the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which are very common in these patients. In this sense, in the last years, studies have been carried out that analyze the effect of the different types of inhaled therapy on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in particular (AU)

[Cardiopulmonary axis and cardiovascular mortality in patients with COPD]. / El eje cardiopulmonar y la mortalidad cardiovascular en el paciente EPOC.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of mortality in our environment and was usually considered to be confined to the lung territory. The latest studies suggest that it is a systemic disease whose most probable etiopathogenesis is a state of low-intensity chronic inflammation that worsens during exacerbations. And recent scientific evidence has highlighted that cardiovascular diseases are one of the main causes of hospitalization and mortality in these patients. This relationship must be understood considering that both systems, the pulmonary and the cardiovascular, are closely related constituting the cardiopulmonary axis. Therefore, the therapeutic approach to COPD should not only include the treatment of respiratory complications, but also the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which are very common in these patients. In this sense, in the last years, studies have been carried out that analyze the effect of the different types of inhaled therapy on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in particular.

Tasas de letalidad por SARS-CoV-2 según Comunidades Autónomas durante la segunda onda epidémica en España / Case-fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection according to Autonomous Communities during the second epidemic wave in Spain

Introducción: En España, los sistemas sanitarios están transferidos a las Comunidades Autónomas (CC.AA.), constituyendo 19 sistemas sanitarios con gestión y recursos diferenciados. Durante la primera onda epidémica de la COVID-19 se objetivaron diferencias en los sistemas de declaración y en las tasas de letalidad (TL) entre las CC.AA. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las TL por CC.AA. durante la segunda onda epidémica (del 20 de julio al 25 de diciembre de 2020) y su relación con la prevalencia de la infección. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo con la información disponible sobre el número de fallecidos por COVID-19 registrados en el Ministerio de Sanidad, Consejerías de Salud y los Departamentos de Salud Pública de las CC.AA. y según el exceso de mortalidad informado por el Sistema de Monitorización de Mortalidad Diaria (MoMo). La prevalencia de la infección se estimó a partir de las diferencias entre la segunda y cuarta ronda del estudio ENE-COVID y sus intervalos de confianza del 95%. Se calcularon las TL (fallecidos por cada mil infectados) globales, por sexo, grupos de edad (< 65 y ≥ 65 años) y CC.AA. Se calculó la razón estandarizada de letalidad por edad (REL) de las CC.AA. utilizando las TL de España para cada grupo de etario. Estas estimaciones se realizaron con las defunciones declaradas oficialmente (TLo) y el exceso de defunciones estimadas por MoMo (TLMo). Se estimaron las correlaciones entre las prevalencias de infección y las TLo y TLMo, ponderando por población. Resultados: Para el conjunto de España, la TLo durante la segunda onda epidémica fue del 7,6%, oscilando entre 3,8% de Baleares y 16,4% de Asturias, y la TLMo fue de 10,1%, oscilando entre el 4,8% de Madrid y el 21,7% en Asturias. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre la TLo y la TLMo en Canarias, Castilla la Mancha, Extremadura, Comunidad Valenciana, Andalucía y las Ciudades Autónomas de Ceuta y Melilla (AU)

Introduction: In Spain, health systems are transferred to the Autonomous Communities (AC), constituting 19 health systems with differentiated management and resources. During the first epidemic wave of COVID-19, differences were observed in reporting systems and in case-fatality rates (FR) between the AC. The objective of this study was to analyze the FR according to AC. during the 2 nd epidemic wave (from July 20 to December 25, 2020), and its relationship with the prevalence of infection. Material and methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out, extracting the information available on the number of deaths from COVID-19 registered in the Ministry of Health, the Health Councils and the Public Health Departments of the AC, and according to the excess mortality reported by the System Monitoring of Daily Mortality (MoMo). The prevalence of infection was estimated from the differences between the second and fourth rounds of the ENE-COVID study and their 95% confidence intervals. The global FR (deaths per thousand infected) were calculated according to sex, age groups (< 65 and ≥ 65 years) and AC. The age-Standardized Fatality Rates (SFR) of the AC were calculated using the FR of Spain for each age group. These estimates were made with officially declared deaths (FRo) and excess deaths estimated by MoMo (FRMo). The correlations between the prevalences of infection and the FRo and FRMo were estimated, weighting by population. Results: For the whole of Spain, the FRo during the second epidemic wave was 7.6%, oscillating between 3.8% in the Balearic Islands and 16.4% in Asturias, and the TLMo was 10.1%, oscillating between 4.8% from Madrid and 21.7% in Asturias. Significant differences were observed between the FRo and the FRMo in the Canary Islands, Castilla la Mancha, Extremadura, the Valencian Community, Andalusia and the Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The FRo was significantly higher in men (8.2%) than in women (7.1%) (AU)

[Case-fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection according to Autonomous Communities during the second epidemic wave in Spain]. / Tasas de letalidad por SARS-CoV-2 según Comunidades Autónomas durante la segunda onda epidémica en España.

INTRODUCTION: In Spain, health systems are transferred to the Autonomous Communities (AC), constituting 19 health systems with differentiated management and resources. During the first epidemic wave of COVID-19, differences were observed in reporting systems and in case-fatality rates (FR) between the AC. The objective of this study was to analyze the FR according to AC. during the 2 nd epidemic wave (from July 20 to December 25, 2020), and its relationship with the prevalence of infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive observational study was carried out, extracting the information available on the number of deaths from COVID-19 registered in the Ministry of Health, the Health Councils and the Public Health Departments of the AC, and according to the excess mortality reported by the System Monitoring of Daily Mortality (MoMo). The prevalence of infection was estimated from the differences between the second and fourth rounds of the ENE-COVID study and their 95% confidence intervals. The global FR (deaths per thousand infected) were calculated according to sex, age groups (< 65 and ≥ 65 years) and AC. The age-Standardized Fatality Rates (SFR) of the AC were calculated using the FR of Spain for each age group. These estimates were made with officially declared deaths (FRo) and excess deaths estimated by MoMo (FRMo). The correlations between the prevalences of infection and the FRo and FRMo were estimated, weighting by population. RESULTS: For the whole of Spain, the FRo during the second epidemic wave was 7.6%, oscillating between 3.8% in the Balearic Islands and 16.4% in Asturias, and the TLMo was 10.1%, oscillating between 4.8% from Madrid and 21.7% in Asturias. Significant differences were observed between the FRo and the FRMo in the Canary Islands, Castilla la Mancha, Extremadura, the Valencian Community, Andalusia and the Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The FRo was significantly higher in men (8.2%) than in women (7.1%). The FRo and FRMo were significantly higher in the age group ≥ 65 years (55.4% and 72.2% respectively) than in the group <65 years (0.5% and 1.4% respectively). The Basque Country, Aragon, Andalusia and Castilla la Mancha presented SFR significantly higher than the global FR of Spain. The correlations between the prevalence of infection and the FRo were inverse. CONCLUSIONS: The case-fatality from COVID-19 during the second epidemic wave in Spain improved compared to the first wave. The case-fatality rates were higher in men and the elderly people, and varied significantly between AC. It is necessary to delve into the analysis of the causes of these differences.

Análisis de las tasas de letalidad de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en las comunidades autónomas de España / Analysis of fatality rates case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Autonomous Communities of Spain

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 ha supuesto un auténtico reto para los sistemas sanitarios. En España, la distribución heterogénea del virus y las diferentes estrategias sanitarias han condicionado la morbilidad y la letalidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la letalidad de la infección por sexo y rangos de edad en las comunidades autónomas (CC.AA.) de España. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Para realizar el análisis, los datos se extrajeron del Ministerio de Sanidad, Consejerías y Departamentos de Salud Pública de las diferentes CC.AA. Se estimó la población infectada a partir de los resultados del ENE-COVID19 y de la población censada a 1 de enero de 2020 (INE) para una validez del test de anticuerpos IgG con 80% de sensibilidad y 100% de especificidad. La tasa de letalidad (TL) (fallecidos/1.000 infectados estimados) por sexo y edad (< 20 años, 20-64 y ≥ 65 años) se calculó para cada CC.AA. Se calculó la razón estandarizada de letalidad (REL) por el método exacto (EPIDAT). RESULTADOS: La prevalencia estimada de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en España fue del 6% (rango, 1,4% [Ceuta] - 14,1% [Comunidad de Madrid]). La TL para el conjunto de España fue del 9,6/1.000, oscilando entre el 1/1.000 en Melilla y el 26,6/1.000 en La Rioja, sin que se encontrara correlación entre letalidad y prevalencia de la infección. La TL fue mayor en hombres (10,2/1.000, razón 1,17 respecto de mujeres), excepto en Cataluña (razón 0,92), y especialmente elevada en los mayores de 64 años en La Rioja (143,5/1.000), Asturias (69,2/1.000) y País Vasco (46,6/1.000). Se encontró un exceso de letalidad (REL) global superior al 30% en La Rioja (2,91; IC 95%: 2,36-3,57), Asturias (1,51; IC 95%: 1,27-1,80), País Vasco (1,42; IC 95%: 1,31-1,54) y Extremadura (1,37; IC 95%: 1,20-1,57) y en los mayores de 64 años en Madrid y Canarias. CONCLUSIONES: La infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2 se ha distribuido de forma muy irregular en las diferentes CCAA, existiendo una gran diferencia en la tasa de letalidad entre comunidades, siendo especialmente elevada en La Rioja, Asturias y País Vasco. Es relevante el exceso de letalidad respecto a la media nacional en la población mayor de 64 años en las CC.AA. de Madrid y Canarias

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed a real challenge to health systems. In Spain, the heterogeneous distribution of the virus infection and the different health strategies have conditioned the morbidity and fatality rate. The aim of this study was to analyse the lethality of the infection by sex and age range in the Autonomous Communities (AC) of Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To perform the analysis, data were extracted from the Ministry of Health, Regional and Public Health Departments of the different AC. The infected population was estimated from the results of the ENE-COVID19 and the population registered on 1 January 2020 (INE) for the validity of the IgG antibody test with 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The case fatality rate (TL) (deaths/1000 estimated infected) by sex and age (< 20 years, 20-64 and ≥ 65 years) was calculated for each AC. The standardized case fatality ratio (REL) was calculated by the exact method (EPIDAT). RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain was 6% (range, 1.4% [Ceuta] - 14.1% [Community of Madrid]). The TL in Spain was 9,6/1000, ranged per AC from 1/1000 in Melilla to 26.6/1000 in La Rioja, with no correlation between case fatality and prevalence of infection. The TL was higher in men (10.2/1000, ratio 1.17 with respect to women), except in Cataluña (ratio 0.92), and especially high in those over 64 years of age in La Rioja (143.5/1000), Asturias (69.2/1000) and Basque Country (46.6/1000). Overall excess REL was found to be over 30% in La Rioja (2.91; 95% CI: 2.36-3.57), Asturias (1.51; 95% CI: 1.27-1.80), Basque Country (1.42; 95% CI: 1.31-1.54) and Extremadura (1.37; 95% CI: 1.20-1.57) and in those over 64 years in Madrid and the Canary Islands. CONCLUSIONS: SARs-CoV-2 virus infection has been very unevenly distributed in the different ACs, with notably differences in TL between ACs, particularly high in La Rioja, Asturias and the Basque Country. Is important to study the excess in TL the population over 64 years of age in the ACs of Madrid and the Canary Islands

[Analysis of fatality rates case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Autonomous Communities of Spain]. / Análisis de las tasas de letalidad de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en las comunidades autónomas de España.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed a real challenge to health systems. In Spain, the heterogeneous distribution of the virus infection and the different health strategies have conditioned the morbidity and fatality rate. The aim of this study was to analyse the lethality of the infection by sex and age range in the Autonomous Communities (AC) of Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To perform the analysis, data were extracted from the Ministry of Health, Regional and Public Health Departments of the different AC. The infected population was estimated from the results of the ENE-COVID19 and the population registered on 1 January 2020 (INE) for the validity of the IgG antibody test with 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The case fatality rate (TL) (deaths/1000 estimated infected) by sex and age (<20years, 20-64 and ≥65years) was calculated for each AC. The standardized case fatality ratio (REL) was calculated by the exact method (EPIDAT). RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain was 6% (range, 1.4% [Ceuta] -14.1% [Community of Madrid]). The TL in Spain was 9,6/1000, ranged per AC from 1/1000 in Melilla to 26.6/1000 in La Rioja, with no correlation between case fatality and prevalence of infection. The TL was higher in men (10.2/1000, ratio 1.17 with respect to women), except in Cataluña (ratio 0.92), and especially high in those over 64years of age in La Rioja (143.5/1000), Asturias (69.2/1000) and Basque Country (46.6/1000). Overall excess REL was found to be over 30% in La Rioja (2.91; 95%CI: 2.36-3.57), Asturias (1.51; 95%CI: 1.27-1.80), Basque Country (1.42; 95%CI: 1.31-1.54) and Extremadura (1.37; 95%CI: 1.20-1.57) and in those over 64 years in Madrid and the Canary Islands. CONCLUSIONS: SARs-CoV-2 virus infection has been very unevenly distributed in the different ACs, with notably differences in TL between ACs, particularly high in La Rioja, Asturias and the Basque Country. Is important to study the excess in TL the population over 64years of age in the ACs of Madrid and the Canary Islands.

[Agreements and disagreements among the main clinical practice guidelines]. / Acuerdos y desacuerdos de las principales guías de práctica clínica.

Diabetes mellitus has an enormous health and social impact and its incidence is rising exponentially in the industrialized world as a result of unhealthy lifestyles. In the last few years, research in this field has increased, leading to the development of new drugs and new indications. Consequently, numerous updates of clinical practice guidelines for diabetes have been published in the last 12 months, which provide health professionals with an up-to-date view of therapeutic possibilities. The present article reviews the guidelines with the greatest scientific impact and discusses areas of agreement and disagreement among these documents.

Acuerdos y desacuerdos de las principales guías de práctica clínica / Agreements and disagreements among the main clinical practice guidelines

La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad con un extraordinario impacto sociosanitario y cuya incidencia va aumentando exponencialmente en el mundo industrializado a consecuencia de los estilos de vida poco saludables. En los últimos años ha aumentado la investigación en este campo, de forma que están apareciendo nuevos fármacos y nuevas indicaciones. Por esta razón, en los últimos 12 meses se han publicado numerosas actualizaciones de las guías de práctica clínica para la diabetes, que proporcionan al profesional sanitario una visión actualizada de las posibilidades terapéuticas. Por esta razón se realiza una revisión de las guías con mayor impacto científico, poniendo de relieve tanto sus coincidencias como sus divergencias (AU)

Diabetes mellitus has an enormous health and social impact and its incidence is rising exponentially in the industrialized world as a result of unhealthy lifestyles. In the last few years, research in this field has increased, leading to the development of new drugs and new indications. Consequently, numerous updates of clinical practice guidelines for diabetes have been published in the last 12 months, which provide health professionals with an up-to-date view of therapeutic possibilities. The present article reviews the guidelines with the greatest scientific impact and discusses areas of agreement and disagreement among these documents (AU)

Anticoagulación y fibrilación auricular no valvular. Introducción / No disponible

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¿Qué dicen las guías sobre la anticoagulación en la fibrilación auricular no valvular? / Anticoagulation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: what do the clinical practice guidelines say?

El desarrollo de los nuevos anticoagulantes ha modificado el tratamiento antitrombótico en la fibrilación auricular no valvular. Como consecuencia, las principales guías de práctica clínica han recogido e incorporado las nuevas evidencias. Para establecer la decisión terapéutica más adecuada, es imprescindible realizar una estratificación correcta del riesgo de ictus y de hemorragia. Las escalas CHADS2 y HAS-BLED son las más recomendadas. El auténtico papel de los nuevos anticoagulantes en la profilaxis tromboembólica está aún por definir. En el momento actual se deben considerar como una opción más junto a los antagonistas de la vitamina K, si bien para algunas sociedades científicas podrían ser de elección (AU)

The development of new anticoagulants has modified antithrombotic therapy in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. As a result, the main clinical practice guidelines have incorporated the new evidence. To reach the most appropriate therapeutic decision, it is essential to accurately identify the risks of stroke and hemorrhage. The most widely recommended scales for risk stratification are CHADS2 and HAS-BLED. The definitive role of the new anticoagulants in thromboembolic prophylaxis remains to be established. Currently, these drugs should be considered as one more option, together with vitamin K antagonists, although some scientific societies consider them to be the drug of choice (AU)

La hipertensión arterial, ¿un estado de hipercoagulabilidad latente? / Arterial hypertension: is this a latent hypercoagulability condition?

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Aplicación práctica de la lectura computarizada del electrocardiograma / Practical application of electrocardiogram computerization

El electrocardiograma (ECG) continúa siendo en el momento actual la exploración complementaria inicial e imprescindible en el paciente hipertenso. Es especialmente trascendente para el diagnóstico de la cardiopatía hipertensiva en todas sus vertientes, como son la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, la cardiopatía isquémica y los trastornos del ritmo. Sin embargo, la correcta lectura del ECG del paciente hipertenso, a pesar de ser una actividad diaria, sigue siendo un reto para la mayoría de los médicos. Por ello desde finales del siglo pasado se han desarrollado programas informáticos que incorporados a los equipos de electrocardiografía puedan ayudar al médico en la interpretación del ECG. El rendimiento y la precisión de los diferentes programas han demostrado ser muy aceptables y en muchas ocasiones con una exactitud equivalente a la lectura realizada por expertos. La digitalización del ECG es especialmente interesante cuando, como en la mayoría de los casos, no se dispone de la opinión del experto en electrocardiografía, porque disminuye la carga de trabajo, reduce la variabilidad interintraobservador y, lo que es más importante, contribuye a mejorar la precisión diagnóstica. Además se ha mostrado extraordinariamente útil para poder aplicar en la práctica clínica los nuevos criterios electrocardiográficos descritos en los últimos años, y en especial los referidos a hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. Por ello, la lectura computarizada del ECG se presenta como una herramienta con un gran potencial presente y futuro porque, además de las ventajas que aporta su aplicación a la práctica diaria, puede desde el campo de la investigación aportar nueva información de gran importancia para el pronóstico y tratamiento del paciente hipertenso

The electrocardiogram (ECG) continues to be the initial and essential complementary examinations in the patient with high blood pressure. It is especially relevant in the diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease in all its varieties, such as left ventricle hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease and rhythm disorders. Although the ECG is a daily routine in the study of the patient with high blood pressure, it is still a matter of concern for most doctors. This is the reason why different computer programs have been developed to be adapted to the electrocardiographic monitors in order to help the doctor interpret the results. The results and accuracy of the different programs has been shown to be quite acceptable, often with an accuracy equals to that of the lecture made by experts. The computerization of the ECG is very interesting when, as occurs in many cases, there is no expert on ECG available, because it decreases the work load, reduces variability between different observers, and what is more important, helps to make the diagnostic accuracy higher. It has become very useful in the application of the new ECG criteria in the last years especially when it comes to left ventricle hypertrophy. This is the reason why ECG computerization becomes a major tool with great present and future potential, because it not only has the advantages from its application to the daily practice, but can supply new information of great importance in the prognosis and treatment of the patient with a high blood pressure in the research field (AU)

[Cardiac protection as priority strategy of cardiovascular prevention in high blood pressure]. / La protección cardíaca como estrategia prioritaria de prevención cardiovascular en hipertensión arterial.

Cardiac complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality related with HBP in our setting and entail first magnitude human and social-health care consequences. Although the incidence of ACVA has decreased in recent decades, this has not occurred with the same intensity for cardiac complications, probably due to their multifactorial origin. Left ventricular hypertrophy, main etiologic responsible factor of hypertensive heart disease that includes heart failure, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias and sudden death are found as nuclear element of the cardiac disease. Consequently, the magnitude, etiological diversity, vulnerability and social-health care implications grant the intervention on cardiac protection a priority role in the management of HBP and its complications.

[ARB II in chronic heart failure. Coincidences and divergences. Class effect?]. / ARA II en insuficiencia cardíaca crónica. Coincidencias y divergencias. Efecto de clase?

Although it is possible to suggest that the ACE inhibitor may have a certain class effect in regards to the benefits observed in the treatment of chronic heart failure, it does not seem reasonable that the same can be assumed in the case of ARB II. Morbidity-mortality studies in chronic heart failure have only been conducted with three of the seven ARB II presently commercialized in our country. These are losartan (ELITE II), valsartan (Val-HeFT) and candesartan (CHARM). The three studies have demonstrated the utility of these drugs, although with different nuances. In these clinical comments, we review the evidence available, stressing what effects could be common to all the ARB II, such as the prevention of diabetes or atrial fibrillation and what effects may only be attributable to some of these, at least up to now. However, new information of the already finished studies and some still on-going clinical trials may help us to know the effects of the ARB II in this disease more and better.

ARA II en insuficiencia cardíaca crónica. Coincidencias y divergencias. ¿Efecto de clase? / ARB II in chronic heart failure. Concidences and divergencies. Class effect?

Si bien se puede sugerir que los inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina (IECA) quizás presentan un cierto efecto de clase en cuanto a los beneficios observados en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica, no parece razonable que se pueda asumir lo mismo en el caso de los antagonistas de los receptores de angiotensina II (ARA II). Sólo con tres de los 7 ARA II comercializados actualmente en nuestro país se han realizado hasta la fecha estudios de morbimortalidad en insuficiencia cardíaca crónica: losartán (ELITE II), valsartán (Val-HeFT) y candesartán (CHARM). Los tres estudios han demostrado la utilidad de estos fármacos, aunque con diferentes matices. En este comentario clínico revisamos las evidencias disponibles, resaltando qué efectos podrían ser comunes a todos los ARA II, como la prevención de diabetes o de fibrilación auricular y qué efectos pueden ser atribuidos solo a algunos de éstos, al menos hasta ahora. No obstante, nueva información de los estudios ya finalizados y algunos ensayos clínicos aún en marcha pueden ayudarnos a conocer más y mejor sobre los efectos de los ARA II en esta patología

Although it is possible to suggest that the ACE inhibitor may have a certain class effect in regards to the benefits observed in the treatment of chronic heart failure, it does not seem reasonable that the same can be assumed in the case of ARB II. Morbidity-mortality studies in chronic heart failure have only been conducted with three of the seven ARB II presently commercialized in our country. These are losartan (ELITE II), valsartan (Val-HeFT) and candesartan (CHARM). The three studies have demonstrated the utility of these drugs, although with different nuances. In these clinical comments, we review the evidence available, stressing what effects could be common to all the ARB II, such as the prevention of diabetes or atrial fibrillation and what effects may only be attributable to some of these, at least up to now. However, new information of the already finished studies and some still on-going clinical trials may help us to know the effects of the ARB II in this disease more and betterAlthough it is possible to suggest that the ACE inhibitor may have a certain class effect in regards to the benefits observed in the treatment of chronic heart failure, it does not seem reasonable that the same can be assumed in the case of ARB II. Morbidity-mortality studies in chronic heart failure have only been conducted with three of the seven ARB II presently commercialized in our country. These are losartan (ELITE II), valsartan (Val-HeFT) and candesartan (CHARM). The three studies have demonstrated the utility of these drugs, although with different nuances. In these clinical comments, we review the evidence available, stressing what effects could be common to all the ARB II, such as the prevention of diabetes or atrial fibrillation and what effects may only be attributable to some of these, at least up to now. However, new information of the already finished studies and some still on-going clinical trials may help us to know the effects of the ARB II in this disease more and better

La protección cardíaca como estrategia prioritaria de prevención cardiovascular en hipertensión arterial / Cardiac protection as priority strategy of cardiovascular prevention in high blood pressure

Las complicaciones cardíacas son la principal causa de morbilidad y mortalidad relacionada con la hipertensión arterial (HTA) en nuestro medio y conllevan unas consecuencias humanas y sociosanitarias de primera magnitud. Si bien en las últimas décadas ha disminuido la incidencia del accidente cerebrovascular agudo (ACVA), no ha ocurrido con la misma intensidad para las complicaciones cardíacas, probablemente debido a su origen multifactorial. Y como elemento nuclear de la afección cardíaca se encuentra la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, principal responsable etiológico de la cardiopatía hipertensiva, que incluye la insuficiencia cardíaca, la cardiopatía isquémica, las arritmias y la muerte súbita. En consecuencia, la magnitud, la diversidad etiológica, la vulnerabilidad y las implicaciones sociosanitarias otorgan a la intervención sobre la protección cardíaca un papel prioritario en el manejo de la HTA y sus complicaciones (AU)

Cardiac complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality related with HBP in our setting and entail first magnitude human and social-health care consequences. Although the incidence of ACVA has decreased in recent decades, this has not occurred with the same intensity for cardiac complications, probably due to their multifactorial origin. Left ventricular hypertrophy, main etiologic responsible factor of hypertensive heart disease that includes heart failure, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias and sudden death are found as nuclear element of the cardiac disease. Consequently, the magnitude, etiological diversity, vulnerability and social- health care implications grant the intervention on cardiac protection a priority role in the management of HBP and its complications (AU)