Pre-treatment magnetic resonance enterography findings predict the response to TNF-alpha inhibitors in Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Identifying predictors of therapeutic response is the cornerstone of personalised medicine. AIM: To identify predictors of long-term healing of severe inflammatory lesions based on magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) findings in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) treated with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal single-centre study included patients with clinically active CD requiring treatment with TNF-α inhibitors with at least one intestinal segment with a severe inflammatory lesion detected by MRE (segmental MaRIA ≥11). MRE data were obtained at baseline, and at weeks 14 and 46. The primary endpoint was healing of severe inflammatory lesions (MaRIA <11) in each segment. The secondary endpoint was healing of all severe inflammatory lesions on a per-patient analysis. RESULTS: We included 58 patients with 86 intestinal segments with severe inflammatory lesions. At week 46, healing of severe lesions was found in 51/86 (59.3%) segments, and complete healing of inflammatory lesions in all segments was found in 28/58 (48.6%) patients. Multivariable analysis found baseline-negative predictors of long-term healing of severe inflammation were ileal (as opposed to colonic) location (OR 0.00, [0.00-0.56] P = 0.002) and presence of creeping fat on MRE (OR 0.00 [0.00-0.57]; P = 0.001). Persistence of segmental MaRIA score >10.6 at week 14 was a negative predictor of healing at week 46 (OR 0.3 [0.04--0.38]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with CD, the absence of creeping fat detected at baseline MRE and location of severe inflammatory lesions are clinically relevant predictors of long-term healing of severe inflammation under treatment with TNF-α inhibitors.

The impact of initial antibiotic treatment failure: real-world insights in patients with complicated, health care-associated intra-abdominal infection.

PURPOSE: The RECOMMEND study (NCT02364284; D4280R00005) assessed the clinical management patterns and treatment outcomes associated with initial antibiotic therapy (IAT; antibiotics administered ≤48 hours post-initiation of antibiotic therapy) for health care-associated infections across five countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from a retrospective chart review of patients aged ≥18 years with health care-associated complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI). Potential risk factors for IAT failure were identified using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 385 patients with complete IAT data, bacterial pathogens were identified in 270 (70.1%), including Gram-negative isolates in 221 (81.9%) and Gram-positive isolates in 92 (34.1%). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens were identified in 112 patients (41.5% of patients with a pathogen identified). IAT failure rate was 68.3% and in-hospital mortality rate was 40.8%. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated three factors to be significantly associated with IAT failure: patients admitted/transferred to the intensive care unit during index hospitalization, isolation of an MDR pathogen and previous treatment with ß-lactam antibiotics. CONCLUSION: We reveal the real-world insights into the high rates of IAT failure and mortality observed among patients with cIAI. These data highlight the challenges associated with choosing IAT, the impact of MDR pathogens on IAT outcomes and the importance of tailoring IAT selection to account for local epidemiology and patient history.

The impact of initial antibiotic treatment failure: Real-world insights in healthcare-associated or nosocomial pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes associated with initial antibiotic therapy (IAT, antibiotics received ≤ 48 h post-initiation of antibiotic therapy), including level of IAT failure, and potential risk factors for IAT failure in healthcare-associated infections. METHODS: Data were obtained from medical records of adult patients hospitalized with healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) and nosocomial pneumonia (NP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia, from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 in Brazil, France, Italy, Russia and Spain during the retrospective, observational study, RECOMMEND (NCT02364284; D4280R00005). Potential risk factors for IAT failure were explored using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Mean (standard deviation) age and Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Score were 66.0 (16.2) years and 2.4 (2.4), respectively (N = 451). Most patients (62.5%) received monotherapy. Mean (standard deviation) duration of IAT was 8.8 (7.2) days. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens were identified in 52.4% of patients with ≥ 1 pathogen isolated (154/294). IAT failure was recorded in 72.5% of patients and was significantly associated with isolation of a MDR pathogen and country using multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Real-world data demonstrate the burden of HCAP/NP, with high rates of IAT failure. The association of IAT failure with MDR pathogens highlights the urgent need to understand and account for local prevalence of MDR pathogens when selecting IAT for the management of HCAP/NP.

The impact of initial antibiotic treatment failure: Real-world insights in patients with complicated urinary tract infection.

OBJECTIVES: RECOMMEND (NCT02364284; D4280R00005) assessed treatment patterns and outcomes associated with initial antibiotic therapy (IAT; antibiotics received <48 h post-initiation of antibiotic therapy) in healthcare-associated infections across five countries. METHODS: Data from medical records of hospitalized patients aged ≥18 years with healthcare-associated complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) are presented. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified potential risk factors associated with IAT failure. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 68.7 (17.4) years (n = 408). In patients with microbiological documentation (357/408), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were most common (47.1%, 21.6% and 11.8%, respectively); 46.1% of patients had a multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogen isolated. Most patients received monotherapy IAT (72.5%). Mean IAT duration was 7.8 days. IAT failure, in-hospital mortality, and mortality 30-day post-discharge were 54.4%, 35.0% and 37.3%, respectively. IAT failure was associated with age, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity score, country, MDR status and ICU admission in the univariate analysis; and country and age in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides real-world insights into the high rates of IAT failure and morbidity observed in patients with cUTI. Further study is imperative to understand the epidemiology of cUTI, support appropriate IAT selection and management, and reduce the burden of this disease.

Burden of disease and patient-reported outcomes in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in the last 12 months - Multicenter European cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is aimed at maintaining corticosteroid-free remission and improving quality of life (QoL). AIM: Assess patients' perception of disease burden and unmet clinical needs in moderate/severe UC patients. METHODS: Adults surgery-free conventionally treated patients with Mayo score ≥6 were enrolled in an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study in 11 European countries. Disease control was defined as Mayo score ≤2 with no sub-score >1. No corticosteroid was used the previous two months. Unmet clinical needs were defined as: non-controlled disease, self-perception of 'moderate'/'severe' disease, and dissatisfaction with treatments. Disease burden on QoL and work productivity were assessed (EuroQol-5D-5L, Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) in UC questionnaire). RESULTS: UC patients (n=253) with mean Mayo score at enrolment of 4.9, 44.3% of patients had Mayo score ≥6. Main treatment was 5-ASA (75%). Overall, 25% met the composite endpoint for unmet clinical needs. Mean (SD) questionnaire scores were: EQ-5D-5L-VAS, 71 (19.1), EQ-5D-5L utility, 0.77 (0.19), SIBDQ, 4.8 (1.3), and WPAI, 26% (32%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with moderate/severe UC in the last 12 months treated with conventional therapies felt that their disease was not controlled and 25% reported unmet clinical needs. QoL and work productivity were seriously impaired.

Treatment satisfaction, preferences and perception gaps between patients and physicians in the ulcerative colitis CARES study: A real world-based study.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a life time disease and issues with therapy may impact on patient satisfaction and treatment preferences. AIMS: To assess disease and treatment perception gaps from patients' and physicians' perspectives in UC patients. METHODS: Adult patients with moderate-to-severe UC (Mayo score ≥6) naïve to biologic therapy were enrolled in a European, observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study. Treatment satisfaction was assessed by the TSQM questionnaire and treatment preferences and patient's knowledge with pre-defined questions. Physicians' and patients' perceptions were compared through the level of agreement. RESULTS: 256 patients from 11 European countries were included. 48.0% of patients were dissatisfied with their current treatment. Effectiveness, long lasting action, rapid start of action, and fewer side effects were the attributes more frequently considered important or very important by patients (96.9%, 89.1%, 83.8%, and 81.8%, respectively). 26.2% patients rated their overall disease knowledge as very knowledgeable. The agreement between patients' and physicians on disease severity was good (kappa=0.62). CONCLUSION: Half patients with moderate-to-severe UC managed with conventional therapy, are dissatisfied with their treatments. Effectiveness, long lasting action and rapidity of action were the most frequently rated items in treatment preferences. There are major gaps between physicians and patients when evaluating disease burden.

Assessment of Transdermal Buprenorphine Patches for the Treatment of Chronic Pain in a UK Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Opioids provide effective analgesia for moderate-to-severe, chronic pain. Transdermal buprenorphine (TDB) is available in the UK as weekly, lower-dose (5-20 µg/h) patches and twice-weekly, higher dose (35-70 µg/h) patches. This prospective, observational, multicenter study of patients with various chronic pain conditions assessed the safety, perceptions, and discontinuation of treatment with TDB in a real-world, non-interventional setting (ClinicalTrials.gov study ID: NCT01225861). METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years who were already receiving or initiating treatment with TDB were recruited in the UK during routine clinical visits and were followed for 6 visits or 9 months (whichever came first). Self-reported treatment adherence, patient satisfaction, and safety data were collected at each study visit. RESULTS: Of 465 patients, 272 were already receiving 7-day TDB at the study start (TDB experienced), 146 were TDB naïve, and 47 were prescribed twice-weekly TDB. Most patients were female (72.9 %) and overweight/obese (body mass index ≥25: 75.3 %). The median age was 67 years, and the mean duration of pain was 11.1 years. Arthritis/other musculoskeletal disorders (39.6 %) were the most common causes of pain. Mild adverse events were commonly reported. Skin irritations, which were most frequent in 7-day TDB-experienced patients (45.6 %), rarely resulted in treatment discontinuation (8.8 %). Nearly all patients used TDB in accordance with treatment recommendations. Most patients reported that TDB was 'effective'/'very effective' at relieving pain and were 'satisfied'/'very satisfied' with TDB therapy. CONCLUSION: In everyday clinical practice, TDB was well tolerated and patients were satisfied with their therapy. Self-reported adherence to TDB was very high, and adverse events rarely resulted in treatment discontinuation. Opportunities were identified to limit common adverse events associated with TDB.

Family impact of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Taiwan and Vietnam: an Ethnographic Study.

BACKGROUND: Prior to the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, rotavirus was the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, and it continues to be the leading cause in countries without vaccination programs. Rotavirus gastroenteritis results in substantial economic burden and has a pronounced effect on the family of those who are ill. Both in Taiwan and in Vietnam, rotavirus illness is viewed as a priority disease. This study assessed, in Taiwan and Vietnam, the impact of rotavirus gastroenteritis on the family among a group of parents whose children had recently been hospitalized for this illness. METHODS: In the first half of 2013, parents of children who had been hospitalized due to rotavirus infection were recruited from hospitals in Taiwan (n = 12) and Vietnam (n = 22), and participated in focus group sessions or in-depth ethnographic interviews. RESULTS: In both countries, the results point to a substantial burden on the parents concerning emotions and logistics of daily tasks, and to considerable disruptions of the family routine. Taiwanese parents reported satisfaction with the health care system, a great deal of effort to suppress emotions, a fair amount of knowledge about rotavirus, and little extra costs related to the illness. On the other hand, parents in Vietnam expressed concern about the emotional well-being of and the health care treatments for their children, were less knowledgeable regarding rotavirus infection, and experienced a substantial financial burden due to indirect costs that were related to accessing treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Families in Taiwan and Vietnam suffer from a considerable economic and emotional burden related to rotavirus gastroenteritis. One way to substantially reduce this burden is to provide universal and affordable rotavirus vaccination to susceptible children, especially since cost-effectiveness studies have demonstrated that universal vaccination would be safe and efficacious against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in these countries.

ExtaviJect® 30G device for subcutaneous self-injection of interferon beta-1b for multiple sclerosis: a prospective European study.

BACKGROUND: The ExtaviJect® 30G autoinjector was developed to facilitate parenteral self-administration of interferon beta-1b (Extavia®), a first-line disease-modifying therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis. Our aim was to assess patient compliance with treatment when using the autoinjector, patients' and nurses' experiences of using the device, its tolerability, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: This was a 12-week, real-world, prospective, observational, noninterventional study conducted in nine European countries. Questionnaires were used to measure patient compliance and to assess patients' and nurses' experiences. All adverse events were recorded by severity, including injection site reactions or pain. Patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9 (TSQM-9) and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) instruments, respectively. RESULTS: Of 582 patients enrolled, 568 (98%) received at least one injection and attended the first follow-up visit at 6 weeks, and 542 (93%) attended the second follow-up visit at 12 weeks. For the whole study, 548 of 568 (97%) patients were compliant with treatment. Among the various questions assessing whether the device was easy and quick to use accurately, without fear of the needle, 56%-98% of patients and 59%-98% of nurses were in agreement. There were nine serious adverse events (four disease-related) reported among the 227 (39%) patients reporting adverse events. Scores increased in the TSQM-9 convenience domain between weeks 6 and 12 (P=0.0009), and in the EQ-5D visual analog scale between baseline and week 12 (P<0.0001), indicating improvement in health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: ExtaviJect 30G was convenient to use and was associated with high levels of compliance.

Diabetes mellitus: prevalence and effect of morbidities in the oldest old. The Octabaix study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in community-dwelling 85-year-olds and to study the factors associated. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Community-based survey study of seven primary healthcare centers. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred twenty-eight people born in 1924 and registered with primary healthcare centers. MEASUREMENTS: Information on sociodemographic variables, Barthel Index (BI), Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MEC), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Braden scale for risk of pressure ulcers, Charlson Comorbidity Index, chronic diseases, social risk, quality of life, chronic drug prescriptions, and blood tests was recorded. Participants were defined as having DM according to self-report, physician diagnosis, antidiabetic prescriptions, or plasma glucose concentration 7 mmol/L or more. A comparative analysis was performed between participants with and without DM. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM in 328 octogenarians studied was 25.9%. Logistic regression showed an association between DM and BI (odds ratio (OR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00-1.05, P = .007), Braden risk score (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.79-0.97, P = .01), thyroid disease (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.06-0.92, P = .04), chronic drug prescriptions (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.15-1.42, P < .001), white-cell count (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15-1.56, P < .001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.43-0.92, P = .02) and folic acid level (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07, P = .005). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of DM at 85 years old. The presence of DM was positively associated with disability, drug prescription, white blood cell count, and folic acid level, whereas there was an inverse relationship between DM and Braden scale score, thyroid disease, and LDL-C. The effect of morbidities on DM may require a multidisciplinary approach to manage its complexity.

Paciente anciano y medicación crónica inapropiada en la comunidad ¿somos conscientes de ello? / Inappropriate prescription in the community elderly, are we aware of?

Objetivos. Analizar la prescripción según criterios de idoneidad de STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions) y de Beer's y los factores asociados en personas de 85 años. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio transversal de prescripción inadecuada a los 85 años. Se registraron: variables sociodemográficas, factores de riesgo cardiovascular, enfermedades crónicas, polifarmacia (4 o más) y valoración geriátrica. La prescripción inadecuada (PI) se valoró según prescripción total y cardiovascular. Resultados. La media de fármacos en el total de 78 sujetos fue 6,1 (3,3). El 34,6% de pacientes tenían un fármaco de PI; el 19,2% tenían dos; el 15,4% tenían tres o más, y en total, el 69,2% de pacientes presentaban algún fármaco de PI; el 37,2% tenía uno o más fármacos de PI cardiovascular. Los grupos terapéuticos responsables del total de PI fueron benzodiazepinas (BZP) 23,1%, diuréticos del asa 17,9%, inhibidores de recaptación de la serotonina (ISRR) 16,7% y los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) representaron un 10,3% del total de criterios. El análisis bivariado halló asociación de número de fármacos y polifarmacia (p=0,030 en ambos) con PI total; no se halló significación en PI cardiovascular. El análisis multivariante mostró asociación de polifarmacia (OR: 1,22; IC 95% 1,02-1,47; p=0,031) para la PI total y de dislipemia (OR: 0,30; IC 95% 0,10-0,87; p=0,026) y de HTA (OR: 0,15; IC 95% 0,03-0,78; p=0,024) para la PI cardiovascular. Conclusiones. Más de la mitad de los pacientes de 85 años recibió una prescripción inapropiada. Dislipemia e HTA se asociaron a prescripción inapropiada cardiovascular y los grupos más frecuentes fueron BZP, diuréticos, ISRR y AINE(AU)

Objectives. To analyse the prescription according to the STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions) and Beer's suitability criteria, and associated factors in patients over 85 years-old. Patients and methods. Cross-sectional study of inappropriate prescribing to over 85 year-olds. The data recorded were: sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, chronic illnesses, multiple medication (or polypharmacy) (4 or more) and geriatric assessment. The inappropriate prescription (IP) was evaluated according to total and cardiovascular prescription. Results. The mean number of drugs in the total of 78 subjects was 6.1 (3.3). Of the total number, 34.6% patients had 1 IP drug; 19.2% had 2; 15.4% had 3 or more, and in total 69.2% of patients had at least one IP drug, and 37.2% had 1 or more IP cardiovascular drugs. The therapeutic groups involved in the overall IP were benzodiazepines (BZP) 23.1%, loop diuretics 17.9%, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 16.7%, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) made up 10.3% of the total criteria. The bivariate analyse found a relationship between the number of drugs and multiple medication (P=.030 in both) and total IP, with no significance found in cardiovascular IP. The multivariate analysis showed an association between multiple medication (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02-1.47; P=.031) and total IP, and dyslipaemia (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.10-0.87; P=.026) and AHT (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03-0.78; P=.024) for cardiovascular IP. Conclusions. More than half the over 85 year-old patients received an inappropriate prescription. Dyslipaemia and AHT are associated with an inappropriate cardiovascular prescription, and the most frequent drug groups were, BZP, diuretics, SSRIs, and NSAIDs(AU)

Relación entre presión arterial y mortalidad a los 4 años de seguimiento en una cohorte de individuos mayores de 80 años / Relationship between blood pressure and mortality at 4years of follow up in a cohort of individuals aged over 80 years

Fundamento y objetivos: Estudiar la asociación entre las cifras de presión arterial y la mortalidad en una cohorte de personas mayores de 80 años de la comunidad.Pacientes y métodos: Estudio analítico observacional de una cohorte de 323 individuos mayores de 80 años de la población de Martorell. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, comorbilidad, actividades básicas de la vida diaria y la media de la presión arterial. La mortalidad y sus causas fueron evaluadas después de 4 años de seguimiento. La asociación entre presión arterial y mortalidad se investigó mediante el análisis de supervivencia de Cox. Resultados:Ciento treinta y cinco (41,8%) individuos fallecieron, resultando una tasa de mortalidad de 14,5%/año. En el 60% de los casos la causa del fallecimiento fue cardiovascular. Los sujetos con presión arterial sistólica (PAS) < 130mmHg presentaron una mortalidad de 63,5%, frente a los situados en el intervalo de PAS=140-159mmHg con una mortalidad del 25,5% (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0,39; IC95%: 0,21-0,72; p=0,003). El género femenino (HR: 0,62; IC95%: 0,39-0,97; p < 0,036), la edad al inicio del estudio (HR: 1,11; IC95%: 1,04-1,18; p<0,001), cardiopatía isquémica (HR: 2,14; IC95%: 1,23-3,70; p<0,006), hipotensión ortostática (HR: 3,78; IC95%: 1,88-7,60; p<0,001) e Índice de Barthel (HR: 0,97; IC95%: 0,96-0,98; p<0,001) fueron factores independientes asociados a mortalidad a los 4 años. Conclusiones: Existe una elevada mortalidad cardiovascular en personas mayores de 80 años. Son factores de riesgo asociados a mayor mortalidad, la edad, ser mujer, cardiopatía isquémica, hipotensión ortostática y peor funcionalidad. Una PAS inferior a 130mmHg se asoció con mayor mortalidad (AU)

Background and objectives: To study the association between blood pressure and mortality in a cohort of over 80years olders of the community after four years of follow up. Patients and methods: An observational study cohort of 323 individuals aged over 80years the population of Martorell. We collected sociodemographic data, comorbidity, evaluation of the basic activities of daily living and the average blood pressure. The mortality and its causes were evaluated after four years of follow up. The association between blood pressure and mortality was investigated using Cox survival analysis. Results: One hundred and thirty-five (41.8%) patients died, resulting in a mortality rate of 14.5% for year. In 60% of cases the cause of death was of cardiovascular origin. Subjects with systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 130mmHg had a mortality of 63.5% compared to those in the range of SBP=140-159mmHg, who had a mortality of 25.5% (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21-0.72; p=0.003). Female gender (HR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.97, p<0.036), age (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.18, p<0.001), ischemic heart disease (HR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.23-3.70, p<0.006), orthostatic hypotension (HR: 3.78, 95% CI: 1.88-7.60, p<0.001), Barthel Index (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98, p<0.001), and SBP=140-159mmHg (HR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.72; p=0.007) were independent factors associated with mortality at 4years of follow up.Conclusions: There is a high cardiovascular mortality in people aged more than 80years. The risk factors associated with mortality are being female, older age, history of heart disease, presence of orthostatic hypotension and worse function. SBP below 130mmHg is associated with increased mortality (AU)

[Inappropriate prescription in the community elderly, are we aware of?]. / Paciente anciano y medicación crónica inapropiada en la comunidad ¿somos conscientes de ello?

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the prescription according to the STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions) and Beer's suitability criteria, and associated factors in patients over 85 years-old. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of inappropriate prescribing to over 85 year-olds. The data recorded were: sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, chronic illnesses, multiple medication (or polypharmacy) (4 or more) and geriatric assessment. The inappropriate prescription (IP) was evaluated according to total and cardiovascular prescription. RESULTS: The mean number of drugs in the total of 78 subjects was 6.1 (3.3). Of the total number, 34.6% patients had 1 IP drug; 19.2% had 2; 15.4% had 3 or more, and in total 69.2% of patients had at least one IP drug, and 37.2% had 1 or more IP cardiovascular drugs. The therapeutic groups involved in the overall IP were benzodiazepines (BZP) 23.1%, loop diuretics 17.9%, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 16.7%, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) made up 10.3% of the total criteria. The bivariate analyse found a relationship between the number of drugs and multiple medication (P=.030 in both) and total IP, with no significance found in cardiovascular IP. The multivariate analysis showed an association between multiple medication (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02-1.47; P=.031) and total IP, and dyslipaemia (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.10-0.87; P=.026) and AHT (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03-0.78; P=.024) for cardiovascular IP. CONCLUSIONS: More than half the over 85 year-old patients received an inappropriate prescription. Dyslipaemia and AHT are associated with an inappropriate cardiovascular prescription, and the most frequent drug groups were, BZP, diuretics, SSRIs, and NSAIDs.

[Relationship between blood pressure and mortality at 4 years of follow up in a cohort of individuals aged over 80 years]. / Relación entre presión arterial y mortalidad a los 4 años de seguimiento en una cohorte de individuos mayores de 80 años.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To study the association between blood pressure and mortality in a cohort of over 80 years olders of the community after four years of follow up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational study cohort of 323 individuals aged over 80 years the population of Martorell. We collected sociodemographic data, comorbidity, evaluation of the basic activities of daily living and the average blood pressure. The mortality and its causes were evaluated after four years of follow up. The association between blood pressure and mortality was investigated using Cox survival analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five (41.8%) patients died, resulting in a mortality rate of 14.5% for year. In 60% of cases the cause of death was of cardiovascular origin. Subjects with systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 130 mm Hg had a mortality of 63.5% compared to those in the range of SBP = 140-159 mm Hg, who had a mortality of 25.5% (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21-0.72; p = 0.003). Female gender (HR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.97, p < 0.036), age (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.18, p < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (HR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.23-3.70, p < 0.006), orthostatic hypotension (HR: 3.78, 95% CI: 1.88-7.60, p < 0.001), Barthel Index (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98, p < 0.001), and SBP = 140-159 mm Hg (HR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.72; p = 0.007) were independent factors associated with mortality at 4 years of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high cardiovascular mortality in people aged more than 80 years. The risk factors associated with mortality are being female, older age, history of heart disease, presence of orthostatic hypotension and worse function. SBP below 130 mm Hg is associated with increased mortality.

Use of primary and specialized mental health care for a major depressive episode in Spain by ESEMeD respondents.

OBJECTIVE: This study described use of services for a major depressive episode and determined factors associated with use in Spain, a country with universal access to care and a relatively low prevalence of depression. METHODS: Data were from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD). ESEMeD-Spain was a cross-sectional, general population survey conducted with a representative sample of noninstitutionalized adults (N=5,473). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used, and 12-month use of services for a major depressive episode, types of services used, and receipt of minimally adequate treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 247 respondents with a major depressive episode in the past 12 months, 59% reported any use of past-year services for their disorder; of this group, 76% reported receipt of any active treatment (from a health care or mental health professional). Among respondents with severe depression, 31% used no services. A higher likelihood of service use was found among those who were unemployed or too disabled to work (OR=4.9, CI=1.3-19), who had moderate depression symptoms (OR=3.2, CI=1.1-9.0), and who had one mental disorder comorbid with depression (OR=2.9, CI=1.2-7.0) or two or more such comorbid disorders (OR=4.1, CI=1.9-8.9). In the active treatment group, only 31.2% received treatment that was minimally adequate. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need in Spain to increase use of services for a major depressive episode, especially among certain population groups, such as women, and to improve adequacy of treatments. The role of specific factors, such as availability of services and of professionals, deserves further research.

Impact of recent life events on the health related quality of life of adolescents and youths: the role of gender and life events typologies in a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Most studies on the effect of life events (LEs) have been carried out in convenience samples which cannot be considered representative of the general population. In addition, recent studies have observed that gender differences in the health related quality of life (HRQoL) impact of LEs might be lower than believed. We assessed the relationship between LEs and HRQoL in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents/youths, focusing on gender differences. METHODS: Participants (n = 840) completed the KIDSCREEN-27 to measure HRQoL at baseline and again after 3 years (n = 454). Follow-up assessment included the Coddington Life Events Scales (CLES) to measure LEs experiences in the previous 12 months. Respondents were categorized according to the amount of stress suffered. We calculated both the number of LEs and the Life Change Unit (LCU) score, a summary of the amount of stress inherent to the event and the time elapsed since occurrence. LEs were classified as desirable or undesirable, and family-related or extra-family. Effect sizes were calculated to evaluate changes in HRQoL. To assess the impact of LEs typologies, multiple linear regression models were constructed to evaluate their effect on HRQoL. RESULTS: Girls reported a mean 5.7 LEs corresponding to 141 LCUs, and boys 5.3 and 129, respectively. The largest impact of LEs on HRQoL was observed in the group of boys that reported to have lived more stress (third tertil of LCUs distribution). The linear association between LEs and HRQoL tended to be stronger among boys than girls, but the difference was not statistically significant. The effect on HRQoL was deemed important when undesirable events had been experienced. To have an important impact on HRQoL, 200 LCUs due to undesirable events were necessary in boys. In girls, slightly higher scores were necessary for a similar impact. CONCLUSIONS: A moderate association was found between recent LEs and HRQoL, mainly among those who experienced several undesirable events that correspond to at least 200 LCUs. No gender differences were found in this association. Results may be useful for identifying adolescents with particular health risks, regardless of gender.

Epidemiology of major depressive episode in a southern European country: results from the ESEMeD-Spain project.

BACKGROUND: Information of the epidemiology of Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in Spain, one of the biggest southern European countries, is scarce and heterogeneous. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiology of the disorder in the Spanish sample of the ESEMeD project. METHODS: The ESEMED-Spain project is a cross-sectional, general population, household survey conducted with a representative sample of Spanish non-institutionalized adult population. The survey instrument was the CIDI 3.0, a structured diagnostic interview to assess disorders and treatment. RESULTS: Lifetime prevalence was 10.6% while 12-month prevalence was 4.0%. A monotonic increase in lifetime overall prevalence was found from the youngest to the 50-64 cohort, declining then in the oldest group. Median age of onset was 30.0. Being a woman (OR=2.7), previously married (OR=1.8), unemployed or disabled to work (OR=2.9) was associated to higher risk of 12-month-MDE. The highest comorbid associations were with dysthymia (OR=73.1) and panic disorder (OR=41.8). LIMITATIONS: 1. Psychiatric diagnoses were made by trained lay interviewers and this could have an imperfect sensitivity/specificity; 2. Individuals with mental illness could have more frequently rejected to participate in the survey; 3. Age-related recall bias could have affected the accuracy of age of onset estimates. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that prevalence MDE in Spain is lower than in other Western countries. Important findings are the early age of onset, the high proportion of chronicity, and the high female/male ratio. Taken together, results offer a complex picture of the epidemiology of MDE in Spain, when compared to other countries in Europe. The role of cultural factors is discussed.

Perceived stigma among individuals with common mental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Severe mental disorders are associated with social distance from the general population, but there is lack of data on the stigma reported by individuals with common mental disorders. AIMS: To identify the correlates and the impact of stigma among individuals with common mental disorders. METHODS: Cross-sectional, household interview survey of 8796 representing the non-institutionalized adults of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Two perceived stigma questions (embarrassment and discrimination) were asked to respondents with significant disability. Health-related quality of life measured by the SF-12, work and activity limitation and social limitation were also assessed. RESULTS: Among the 815 participants with a 12-month mental disorder and significant disability, 14.8% had perceived stigma. Stigma was significantly associated with low education, being married/living with someone and being unemployed. Perceived stigma was associated with decreased quality of life (SF-12 PCS score -4.65; p<0.05), higher work and role limitation and higher social limitation. CONCLUSION: Individuals with mental disorders are more likely to report stigma if they have lower education, are married, or are unemployed. Perceived stigma is associated with considerably decrease in quality of life and role functioning. Health professionals and society at large must be aware of these findings, which suggest that fighting stigma should be a public health priority.