Efecto del extracto de cresta de gallo, rico en ácido hialurónico, sobre los parámetros isocinéticos en personas con gonalgia leve / Effect of rooster comb extract, rich in hyaluronic acid, on isokinetic parameters in adults with mild knee pain

Introducción: La artrosis de rodilla se manifiesta en una primera fase como una gonalgia leve y produce una disminución de la fuerza muscular, que puede ser valorada objetivamente con la prueba isocinética. Dentro de su tratamiento se debe considerar el ácido hialurónico por vía oral. Objetivo: Valorar la evolución de los parámetros isocinéticos de fuerza muscular en la articulación de la rodilla con gonalgia leve antes y después del consumo de un extracto de cresta de gallo (ECG), rico en ácido hialurónico, por vía oral. Metodología: Ensayo de intervención nutricional, doble ciego, aleatorizado, controlado con placebo y en paralelo con dos grupos de tratamiento: grupo activo con ingesta de un yogur bajo en grasa con 80 mg de ECG rico en ácido hialurónico y grupo control con ingesta de un yogur bajo en grasa sin ECG. Se valoraron los parámetros isocinéticos de pico torque (PT), trabajo total (TT) y potencia media (PM) a las velocidades de 180º/seg y 240º/seg para los movimientos de flexión y extensión de la rodilla. Resultados: Después de 12 semanas del consumo del yogur, los hombres del grupo activo, en comparación con los del grupo control, obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05) y mejora clínica (>10%) a la velocidad de 180º/seg en el movimiento de extensión en la variable PT (p=0,048) (19,33%), TT (p=0,020) (37,97%) y PM (p=0,029) (47,25%), y en el movimiento de flexión en la variable PT (p=0,007) (25,41%), TT (p=0,014) (42,98%) y PM (p=0,022) (48,90%). Conclusión: La ingesta de un yogur bajo en graso con extracto de cresta de gallo rico en ácido hialurónico mejora la fuerza muscular de la rodilla en hombres con gonalgia leve

Background: Knee osteoarthritis manifests itself in a first phase as a mild gonalgia and produces a decrease in muscle strength, which can be objectively assessed with isokinetic testing. In the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, should be considered the hyaluronic acid orally. Objective: Assess the evolution of isokinetic parameters of muscle strength in the knee joint with mild gonalgia before and after the consumption of RCE, rich in hyaluronic acid, orally. Methodology: Nutritional intervention trial, double-blind, randomized, controlled with placebo and in parallel with two treatment groups: the active group with a low-fat yogurt with 80 mg of roster comb extract (RCE) and the control group with a low-fat yogurt without RCE. The main variables of the study were the peak torque, total work and mean power of the isokinetic valuation at the speed of 180 º/seg and 240 º/seg by the movements of flexion and extension of the knee joint. Results: After 12 weeks of consumption of yogurt, men of the active group, compared with those in the control group, obtained statistically significant differences (p <0.05) and clinical improvement (>10%) at the speed of 180º/seg in the movement extension in the PT variable (p=0.048) (19.33%), TT (p=0.020) (37.97%) and PM (p=0.029) (47.25%), and in the flexion movement in the variable PT (p=0.007) (25.41%), TT (p=0.014) (42.98%) and PM (p=0.022) (48.90%). Conclusions: The intake of a low-fat yogurt with RCE rich in hyaluronic acid improves the muscle strength of the knee in men with mild gonalgia

Effectiveness of a low-fat yoghurt supplemented with rooster comb extract on muscle strength in adults with mild knee pain and mechanisms of action on muscle regeneration.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of the intake of low-fat yoghurt supplemented with rooster comb extract (RCE) on muscle strength. METHODS AND RESULTS: 148 subjects, with mild knee pain, participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, and parallel study. Muscle strength, knee effusion, and pain perception were measured. C2C12 myoblasts were used to elucidate the mechanisms of action involved. RCE improved total work and mean power in men, and also peak torque in extension by 10%. RCE reduced synovial effusion by 11.8% and pain perception by 24.6%. Both RCE and HA increased myoblast proliferation by 29%, while RCE reduced myoblast differentiation by 36.2%, suggesting a beneficial role of RCE in muscle regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Low-fat yoghurt supplemented with RCE improved muscle strength. This effect is partially explained by muscle regeneration enhancement, reduced synovial effusion, and reduced pain perception, which could exert a beneficial clinical impact on men affected by mild knee pain.

[Confirmed Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika Cases during the Period 2014 to 2016 in Barcelona, Spain]. / Casos confirmados de Dengue, Chikungunya y Zika en Barcelona capital durante el período de 2014 al 2016.

OBJECTIVE: Arbovirus infections are a group of diseases whose incidence is increasing and that entail an important problem for public health. The aim of this study was to describe detected cases of arbovirosis in Barcelona, and surveillance and control actions performed in order to reduce the risk of transmission. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study of confirmed dengue, chikungunya and Zika cases in Barcelona during 2014-2016 (1st trimester). Suspected cases detected in the city were notified to the Epidemiology Department of the Barcelona Public Health Agency, where an epidemiological survey is undertaken and, if appropriate, Urban Pests Surveillance and Control Department is contacted. They perform an entomological inspection and implement control and monitoring actions. We collected sociodemographical, epidemiological, clinical and entomological variables. RESULTS: In 2014, 50 chikungunya and 20 dengue cases were detected; 25 entomological inspections were carried out in residences and 38 in the street. In 2015, 47 chikungunya, 51 dengue and 2 Zika cases were detected; 27 inspections were carried out in residences and 80 in the street. In 2016, 17 chikungunya, 52 dengue and 48 Zika cases were detected; 50 inspections were carried out in residences and 103 in the street. No autochtonous case was detected. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increasing incidence of arbovirosis cases during the 3-year study period. There was a progressive intensification of vector surveillance and control actions (inspections, sample collection…).

OBJETIVO: Las infecciones por arbovirus son un grupo de enfermedades cuya incidencia está aumentando y que suponen un problema importante para la salud pública. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los casos detectados de arbovirosis en la ciudad de Barcelona y las actuaciones de vigilancia y control realizadas para reducir el riesgo de transmisión. METODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal de casos confirmados de dengue, chikungunya y Zika en Barcelona durante el período de 2014 al 2016. Los casos sospechosos detectados en la ciudad se notificaron al Servicio de Epidemiología de la Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), donde se realizó una encuesta epidemiológica y, si procedía, se contactaba con el Servicio de Vigilancia y Control de Plagas Urbanas. Desde allí se realizó la inspección entomológica y se llevaron a cabo acciones de control y seguimiento. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas y entomológicas de los casos. RESULTADOS: En 2014 se detectaron 50 casos de virus chikungunya y 20 de dengue, realizándose 25 inspecciones entomológicas en domicilios y 38 en la vía pública. En 2015 se detectaron 47 casos de chikungunya, 51 de dengue y 2 de Zika, realizándose 27 inspecciones entomológicas en domicilios y 80 en vía pública. En 2016 se detectaron 17 casos de chikungunya, 52 de dengue y 48 de Zika, realizándose 50 inspecciones entomológicas en domicilio y 103 en vía pública. No se detectó ningún caso autóctono. CONCLUSIONES: Se observó un aumento creciente de los casos de arbovirosis durante los 3 años de estudio. Se intensificaron progresivamente las actuaciones de vigilancia y control vectorial (inspecciones, muestras recogidas…).

Casos confirmados de Dengue, Chikungunya y Zika en Barcelona capital durante el período de 2014 al 2016 / Confirmed Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika cases during the period 2014 to 2016 in Barcelona, Spain

Fundamentos: Las infecciones por arbovirus son un grupo de enfermedades cuya incidencia está aumentando y que suponen un problema importante para la salud pública. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los casos detectados de arbovirosis en la ciudad de Barcelona y las actuaciones de vigilancia y control realizadas para reducir el riesgo de transmisión. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal de casos confirmados de dengue, chikungunya y Zika en Barcelona durante el período de 2014 al 2016. Los casos sospechosos detectados en la ciudad se notificaron al Servicio de Epidemiología de la Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), donde se realizó una encuesta epidemiológica y, si procedía, se contactaba con el Servicio de Vigilancia y Control de Plagas Urbanas. Desde allí se realizó la inspección entomológica y se llevaron a cabo acciones de control y seguimiento. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas y entomológicas de los casos. Resultados: En 2014 se detectaron 50 casos de virus chikungunya y 20 de dengue, realizándose 25 inspecciones entomológicas en domicilios y 38 en la vía pública. En 2015 se detectaron 47 casos de chikungunya, 51 de dengue y 2 de Zika, realizándose 27 inspecciones entomológicas en domicilios y 80 en vía pública. En 2016 se detectaron 17 casos de chikungunya, 52 de dengue y 48 de Zika, realizándose 50 inspecciones entomológicas en domicilio y 103 en vía pública. No se detectó ningún caso autóctono. Conclusiones: Se observó un aumento creciente de los casos de arbovirosis durante los 3 años de estudio. Se intensificaron progresivamente las actuaciones de vigilancia y control vectorial (inspecciones, muestras recogidas…) (AU)

Background: Arbovirus infections are a group of diseases whose incidence is increasing and that entail an important problem for public health. The aim of this study was to describe detected cases of arbovirosis in Barcelona, and surveillance and control actions performed in order to reduce the risk of transmission. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of confirmed dengue, chikungunya and Zika cases in Barcelona during 2014-2016. Suspected cases detected in the city were notified to the Epidemiology Department of the Barcelona Public Health Agency, where an epidemiological survey is undertaken and, if appropriate, Urban Pests Surveillance and Control Department is contacted. They perform an entomological inspection and implement control and monitoring actions. We collected sociodemographical, epidemiological, clinical and entomological variables. Results: In 2014, 50 chikungunya and 20 dengue cases were detected; 25 entomological inspections were carried out in residences and 38 in the street. In 2015, 47 chikungunya, 51 dengue and 2 Zika cases were detected; 27 inspections were carried out in residences and 80 in the street. In 2016, 17 chikungunya, 52 dengue and 48 Zika cases were detected; 50 inspections were carried out in residences and 103 in the street. No autochtonous case was detected. Conclusions: We observed an increasing incidence of arbovirosis cases during the 3-year study period. There was a progressive intensification of vector surveillance and control actions (inspections, sample collection…) (AU)

Incidencia de hospitalizaciones por enfermedad neumocócica en niños con condiciones de riesgo en Cataluña (2005-2012) / Incidence of pneumococcal disease admissions in children with risk conditions in Catalonia (2005-2012)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Streptococcus pneumoniae es una causa importante de morbimortalidad. Los niños con ciertas patologías de base tienen más riesgo de presentar una enfermedad neumocócica, incluida la enfermedad neumocócica invasiva (ENI). El objetivo de este estudio es estimar las tasas de hospitalización por ENI en niños con condiciones de riesgo en Cataluña y describir sus características. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo de la incidencia de ingresos hospitalarios por ENI entre 2005 y 2012, en los niños menores de 16 años asignados a los centros de atención primaria del Institut Català de la Salut, con condiciones de riesgo para enfermedad neumocócica invasiva. La información se recogió a partir de la historia clínica electrónica de los equipos de atención primaria y del Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos de hospitalización de agudos. RESULTADOS: La tasa global de hospitalizaciones por ENI en niños con enfermedad de base fue de 43,1 casos por 100.000 personas-año (IC del 95%: 32,2-57,7). La tasa más alta se observó en los niños < 2 años (107,8 por 100.000 personas-año; IC del 95%: 69-168,3) y en aquellos con trastornos neuromusculares y/o fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo (141,6 por 100.000 personas-año) y síndrome de Down (133,5 por 100.000 personas-año). CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de ingresos por ENI en población pediátrica con condiciones de riesgo en Cataluña es similar a la observada en otras series y superior a la descrita en población general. Es necesario implementar estrategias de vacunación dirigidas específicamente a estos grupos de alto riesgo

INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Children with certain conditions are at risk of developing pneumococcal disease, including invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). The aim of this study is to estimate admission rates for IPD in children with risk conditions in Catalonia, and to describe their characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal study of admission rates due to IPD between 2005 and 2012 in children younger than 16 years referred by Primary Care Centres of the Catalan Institute of Health, with risk conditions for invasive pneumococcal disease. Information was obtained from electronic medical records in the Primary Care Centres and from the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) of acute hospital admissions. RESULTS: The overall IPD hospital admission rate in children with underlying conditions was 43.1 cases per 100,000 persons-year (95% CI: 32.2-57.7). The rate was higher in children <2 years old (107.8 per 100,000 persons-year; 95% CI: 69-168.3), and in those with neuromuscular disease and/or cerebrospinal fluid leak (141.6 per 100,000 persons-year), and Down's syndrome (133.5 per 100,000 persons-year). CONCLUSIONS: The hospital admission rate due to IPD in children with risk conditions in Catalonia is similar to that observed in other series, and higher than that described in the general population. It is necessary to implement immunisation strategies aimed directly at these risk groups

[Incidence of pneumococcal disease admissions in children with risk conditions in Catalonia (2005-2012)]. / Incidencia de hospitalizaciones por enfermedad neumocócica en niños con condiciones de riesgo en Cataluña (2005-2012).

INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Children with certain conditions are at risk of developing pneumococcal disease, including invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). The aim of this study is to estimate admission rates for IPD in children with risk conditions in Catalonia, and to describe their characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal study of admission rates due to IPD between 2005 and 2012 in children younger than 16 years referred by Primary Care Centres of the Catalan Institute of Health, with risk conditions for invasive pneumococcal disease. Information was obtained from electronic medical records in the Primary Care Centres and from the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) of acute hospital admissions. RESULTS: The overall IPD hospital admission rate in children with underlying conditions was 43.1 cases per 100,000 persons-year (95% CI: 32.2-57.7). The rate was higher in children <2 years old (107.8 per 100,000 persons-year; 95% CI: 69-168.3), and in those with neuromuscular disease and/or cerebrospinal fluid leak (141.6 per 100,000 persons-year), and Down's syndrome (133.5 per 100,000 persons-year). CONCLUSIONS: The hospital admission rate due to IPD in children with risk conditions in Catalonia is similar to that observed in other series, and higher than that described in the general population. It is necessary to implement immunisation strategies aimed directly at these risk groups.

Cobertura de vacunación antineumocócica en niños con condiciones de riesgo en Cataluña / Pneumococcal vaccination coverage in at-risk children in Catalonia

INTRODUCCIÓN: En Cataluña, el sistema público de sanidad solo financia la vacunación antineumocócica en pediatría a niños con condiciones de riesgo. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la cobertura de dicha vacunación y su asociación con la edad, factores sociodemográficos y otras variables. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo transversal de los niños de 2 meses a 15 años de edad, asignados a los centros de atención primaria de Cataluña, y con enfermedades para las que el programa oficial de vacunas indica la vacunación antineumocócica. La información sobre el estado vacunal y las variables en estudio se recogió a partir de los datos registrados en la historia clínica electrónica de los equipos de atención primaria. Se analizó la asociación de la vacunación antineumocócica con variables demográficas y médicas mediante un análisis bivariado y un modelo de regresión logística múltiple, utilizando como medida de asociación la odds ratio ajustada (ORa), con su intervalo de confianza al 95%. RESULTADOS: La cobertura vacunal fue del 47,7%. Las variables asociadas a la vacunación fueron: edad (ORa: 9,2 [7,9-10,7] en niños de 2 meses a 2 años; ORa: 8,1 [7,0-9,3] en ni˜nos de 3-5 a˜nos; ORa: 4,6 [4,0-5,2] en niños de 6-11 años), nacionalidad española (ORa: 3,9 [3,5-4,3]), inmunización correcta según el calendario de vacunación sistemática (ORa: 2,5 [2,1-3,0]), y número de condiciones de riesgo (ORa: 3,2 [2,5-4,1] en niños con 2 o más condiciones). CONCLUSIONES: La cobertura vacunal frente a neumococo en niños con condiciones de riesgo es baja en Cataluña. Es necesario implementar estrategias para aumentar la cobertura

INTRODUCTION: The public health system in Catalonia only funds pneumococcal vaccination in paediatrics for children at-risk. The aim of this study was to determine pneumococcal vaccination coverage and its association with age, sociodemographic factors and other variables. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study of children aged between 2 months and 15 years old assigned to primary care centres in Catalonia and with diseases that are included for pneumococcal vaccine in the official vaccination program. The information on vaccination status and study variables were obtained from data registered in the electronic medical records in the primary care centres. An analysis was made of the association between pneumococcal vaccination and demographic and medical variables using bivariate analysis and a multiple logistic regression model. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR), with a confidence interval of 95%, was used to measure the relationships. RESULTS: Pneumococcal vaccination coverage was 47.7%. Variables which predicted pneumococcal vaccination were: age (aOR: 9.2 [7.9-10.7] in children 2 months-2 years old; aOR 8.1 [7.0-9.3] in children 3-5 years; aOR: 4.6 [4.0-5.2] in children 6-10 years), Spanish nationality (aOR: 3.9 [3.5-4.3]), correct immunisation according to systematic immunisation schedule (aOR: 2.5 [2.1-3.0]), and number of risk conditions (aOR: 3.2 [2.5-4.1] in children with 2 or more conditions). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumococcal vaccination coverage in children with risk conditions is low in Catalonia. Strategies need to be implemented to increase coverage

A low-fat yoghurt supplemented with a rooster comb extract on muscle joint function in adults with mild knee pain: a randomized, double blind, parallel, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of efficacy.

Preliminary results suggested that oral-administration of rooster comb extract (RCE) rich in hyaluronic acid (HA) was associated with improved muscle strength. Following these promising results, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of low-fat yoghurt supplemented with RCE rich in HA on muscle function in adults with mild knee pain; a symptom of early osteoarthritis. Participants (n = 40) received low-fat yoghurt (125 mL d(-1)) supplemented with 80 mg d(-1) of RCE and the placebo group (n = 40) consumed the same yoghurt without the RCE, in a randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel trial over 12 weeks. Using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 4), RCE consumption, compared to control, increased the affected knee peak torque, total work and mean power at 180° s(-1), at least 11% in men (p < 0.05) with no differences in women. No dietary differences were noted. These results suggest that long-term consumption of low-fat yoghurt supplemented with RCE could be a dietary tool to improve muscle strength in men, associated with possible clinical significance. However, further studies are needed to elucidate reasons for these sex difference responses observed, and may provide further insight into muscle function.

[Pneumococcal vaccination coverage in at-risk children in Catalonia]. / Cobertura de vacunación antineumocócica en niños con condiciones de riesgo en Cataluña.

INTRODUCTION: The public health system in Catalonia only funds pneumococcal vaccination in paediatrics for children at-risk. The aim of this study was to determine pneumococcal vaccination coverage and its association with age, sociodemographic factors and other variables. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study of children aged between 2 months and 15 years old assigned to primary care centres in Catalonia and with diseases that are included for pneumococcal vaccine in the official vaccination program. The information on vaccination status and study variables were obtained from data registered in the electronic medical records in the primary care centres. An analysis was made of the association between pneumococcal vaccination and demographic and medical variables using bivariate analysis and a multiple logistic regression model. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR), with a confidence interval of 95%, was used to measure the relationships. RESULTS: Pneumococcal vaccination coverage was 47.7%. Variables which predicted pneumococcal vaccination were: age (aOR: 9.2 [7.9-10.7] in children 2 months-2 years old; aOR 8.1 [7.0-9.3] in children 3-5 years; aOR: 4.6 [4.0-5.2] in children 6-10 years), Spanish nationality (aOR: 3.9 [3.5-4.3]), correct immunisation according to systematic immunisation schedule (aOR: 2.5 [2.1-3.0]), and number of risk conditions (aOR: 3.2 [2.5-4.1] in children with 2 or more conditions). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumococcal vaccination coverage in children with risk conditions is low in Catalonia. Strategies need to be implemented to increase coverage.

Cobertura de vacunación antigripal en niños con condiciones de riesgo en Cataluña / Influenza vaccination coverage in children with risk conditions in Catalonia

INTRODUCTION: Influenza vaccination is recommended in Catalonia in children older than 6 months with risk conditions for developing flu-related complications. The aim of this study is to determine influenza vaccine coverage in children with risk conditions and their association with socio-demographic factors and medical variables. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study of children with risk conditions for developing influenza complications (aged between 6months and 15years old) assigned to Primary Health Care centers in Catalonia at the beginning of the 2011-2012 influenza vaccination campaign. The information on vaccination status and study variables were obtained from data registered on electronic health records by primary care teams. The relationship between influenza vaccination and demographic and medical variables was analyzed using bivariate analysis and a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS:Influenza vaccination coverage was 23.9%. Variables associated with influenza vaccination were: age 2years or older (aOR: 1.6 [1.4-1.7] in children 3-5years old; 1.8 [1.7-2.0] in those 6-10 years, and 2.2 [2.0 -2.4] in children ≥11years]); male sex (aOR: 1.1 [1.0-1.1]); foreign nationality (aOR: 1.2 [1.2-1.3]); age-appropriate immunization according to the systematic immunization schedule (aOR: 3.3 [2.8-3.8]); more than one visit to the primary care physician (5 or more visits) (aOR: 4.1 [3.8-4.4]), and more than one risk condition (3 or more conditions) (aOR: 2.5 [1.6-3.9]). DISCUSSION: Compared to other countries, influenza vaccination coverage among children with risk conditions is low in our study. Strategies to improve coverage should be implemented

Introduction Influenza vaccination is recommended in Catalonia in children older than 6 months with risk conditions for developing flu-related complications. The aim of this study is to determine influenza vaccine coverage in children with risk conditions and their association with socio-demographic factors and medical variables. Material and method Descriptive cross-sectional study of children with risk conditions for developing influenza complications (aged between 6 months and 15 years old) assigned to Primary Health Care centers in Catalonia at the beginning of the 2011-2012 influenza vaccination campaign. The information on vaccination status and study variables were obtained from data registered on electronic health records by primary care teams. The relationship between influenza vaccination and demographic and medical variables was analyzed using bivariate analysis and a multiple logistic regression model. Results Influenza vaccination coverage was 23.9%. Variables associated with influenza vaccination were: age 2 years or older (aOR: 1.6 [1.4-1.7] in children 3-5 years old; 1.8 [1.7-2.0] in those 6-10 years, and 2.2 [2.0 -2.4] in children ≥ 11 years]); male sex (aOR: 1.1 [1.0-1.1]); foreign nationality (aOR: 1.2 [1.2-1.3]); age-appropriate immunization according to the systematic immunization schedule (aOR: 3.3 [2.8-3.8]); more than one visit to the primary care physician (5 or more visits) (aOR: 4.1 [3.8-4.4]), and more than one risk condition (3 or more conditions) (aOR: 2.5 [1.6-3.9]).DiscussionCompared to other countries, influenza vaccination coverage among children with risk conditions is low in our study. Strategies to improve coverage should be implemented (AU)

[Influenza vaccination coverage in children with risk conditions in Catalonia]. / Cobertura de vacunación antigripal en niños con condiciones de riesgo en Cataluña.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza vaccination is recommended in Catalonia in children older than 6 months with risk conditions for developing flu-related complications. The aim of this study is to determine influenza vaccine coverage in children with risk conditions and their association with socio-demographic factors and medical variables. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study of children with risk conditions for developing influenza complications (aged between 6months and 15years old) assigned to Primary Health Care centers in Catalonia at the beginning of the 2011-2012 influenza vaccination campaign. The information on vaccination status and study variables were obtained from data registered on electronic health records by primary care teams. The relationship between influenza vaccination and demographic and medical variables was analyzed using bivariate analysis and a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: Influenza vaccination coverage was 23.9%. Variables associated with influenza vaccination were: age 2years or older (aOR: 1.6 [1.4-1.7] in children 3-5years old; 1.8 [1.7-2.0] in those 6-10 years, and 2.2 [2.0 -2.4] in children ≥11years]); male sex (aOR: 1.1 [1.0-1.1]); foreign nationality (aOR: 1.2 [1.2-1.3]); age-appropriate immunization according to the systematic immunization schedule (aOR: 3.3 [2.8-3.8]); more than one visit to the primary care physician (5 or more visits) (aOR: 4.1 [3.8-4.4]), and more than one risk condition (3 or more conditions) (aOR: 2.5 [1.6-3.9]). DISCUSSION: Compared to other countries, influenza vaccination coverage among children with risk conditions is low in our study. Strategies to improve coverage should be implemented.

Características de los pacientes y carga asistencial durante la pandemia de gripe A (H1N1) 2009 en el Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron de Barcelona / Patient characteristics and health care burden during the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic in the university Hospital Vall d’Hebron of Barcelona

La pandemia de gripe A (H1N1) 2009 repercutió inicialmente de forma leve en los hospitales de Cataluña, pero en el otoño se produjo una destacada onda pandémica. Se describen las principales características de los pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Universitaro Vall d’Hebron de Barcelona (HUVH) en el transcurso de la pandemia, la factores asociados a riesgo de hospitalización y la carga asistencial generada. Pacientes y métodos. Se incluyen todos los casos de gripe A (H1N1) 2009 con confirmación microbiológica, atendidos desde el 2 de julio de 2009 al 22 de enero de 2010. Se ha realizado un análisis descriptivo de los casos y un análisis multivariado para conocer las variables asociadas al riesgo de hospitalización. Resultados El diagnóstico se confirmó en 741 pacientes, de los que el 56,8% tenían menos de 16 años, mientras que los de 65 y más años representaron únicamente el 2,8%. Un 33% de los niños no presentaron ningún factor de riesgo de complicaciones, en cambio en los adultos fueron el 45%. Fueron hospitalizados 190 casos, de ellos 26 en UCI con 5 defunciones. La edad inferior a un año, la inmunodeficiencia y la patología neuromuscular fueron los factores asociados de forma significativa al riesgo de hospitalización en niños, y la patología crónica pulmonar en los adultos. El diagnóstico de neumonía en urgencias fue un factor determinante de hospitalización, tanto en niños como adultos. La máxima carga asistencial se registró el 19 de noviembre con 43 pacientes hospitalizados, 6 de ellos en UCI.(..) (AU)

Background and objective: The influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic initially had a mild impact in Catalonian hospitals, but in the autumn there was an important pandemic wave. We describe the main characteristics of patients seen in the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona (HUVH) during this pandemic, the risk factors associated with hospitalization and the health-care burden generated. Material and method: We included all cases of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 with laboratory confirmation seen in the HUVH from July 2, 2009 to January 22, 2010. We performed a descriptive analysis of the cases and a multivariate analysis to identify variables associated with the risk of hospitalization. Results: The diagnosis was confirmed in 741 patients; 56.8% were under 16 years, while only 2.8% were 65and over. Thirty three per cent of children had no risk factor for complications, whereas in adults itwas45%.One hundred and ninety cases were hospitalized, 26 of them in the intensive care unit (ICU) with 5 deaths. The factors associated with risk of hospitalization were, age less than one year, immunodeficiency, and neuromuscular disease in children; and chronic lung disease in adults. The diagnosis of pneumonia in the emergency department was an important predictor of hospitalization in both children and adults. The maximum caseload was recorded on November 19, with 43 hospital admissions, 6 of them in the ICU. Conclusions: Between July and September 2009 the pandemic had a low impact on hospital resources, but in autumn there was a marked increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Children had higher rates of confirmed cases, while adults had higher rates of hospitalizations. The risk of hospitalization was higher in patients with certain conditions especially in those with pneumonia. The pandemic wave was a moderate work load for HUVH, since it did not involve any modification of the usual healthcare programs (AU)

[Patient characteristics and health care burden during the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic in the university Hospital Vall d'Hebron of Barcelona]. / Características de los pacientes y carga asistencial durante la pandemia de gripe A (H1N1) 2009 en el Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron de Barcelona.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic initially had a mild impact in Catalonian hospitals, but in the autumn there was an important pandemic wave. We describe the main characteristics of patients seen in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona (HUVH) during this pandemic, the risk factors associated with hospitalization and the health-care burden generated. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We included all cases of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 with laboratory confirmation seen in the HUVH from July 2, 2009 to January 22, 2010. We performed a descriptive analysis of the cases and a multivariate analysis to identify variables associated with the risk of hospitalization. RESULTS: The diagnosis was confirmed in 741 patients; 56.8% were under 16 years, while only 2.8% were 65 and over. Thirty three per cent of children had no risk factor for complications, whereas in adults it was 45%. One hundred and ninety cases were hospitalized, 26 of them in the intensive care unit (ICU) with 5 deaths. The factors associated with risk of hospitalization were, age less than one year, immunodeficiency, and neuromuscular disease in children; and chronic lung disease in adults. The diagnosis of pneumonia in the emergency department was an important predictor of hospitalization in both children and adults. The maximum caseload was recorded on November 19, with 43 hospital admissions, 6 of them in the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: Between July and September 2009 the pandemic had a low impact on hospital resources, but in autumn there was a marked increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Children had higher rates of confirmed cases, while adults had higher rates of hospitalizations. The risk of hospitalization was higher in patients with certain conditions especially in those with pneumonia. The pandemic wave was a moderate work load for HUVH, since it did not involve any modification of the usual health care programs.