Assessing the asthma-related burden of disease in Latin American and Caribbean countries: a sociodemographic perspective.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the burden of asthma-related issues in Latin American and Caribbean countries from 1990 to 2019 and to assess their relationship with the sociodemographic index (SDI). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis with an ecological approach was conducted. METHODS: The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the SDI data were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship of interest. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 41.7 million DALYs were accounted, with the highest rates observed in children aged under 5 years (651, uncertainty interval [UI]: 369 to 1037 per 100,000) and females (342, UI: 241 to 471 per 100,000). In the multiple regression model based on data from 2019, a significant negative association was observed between the log-transformed DALY rates and the SDI. Specifically, for each unit increase in the SDI, asthma-related DALY rates decreased by an average of 0.97 % (95 % confidence interval: 0.48-1.00 %). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights heterogeneous age, gender, and country-related variations in asthma rates across Latin American and Caribbean countries and emphasizes the influence of sociodemographic factors on its burden.

Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain / Gravedad de la psoriasis, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, productividad laboral y deterioro de la actividad en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave que reciben tratamiento sistémico: datos de la vida real de la práctica clínica en España

Background and objective The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. Material and methods This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. Results The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). Conclusions These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo El tratamiento de la psoriasis debe centrarse más allá de las afectaciones cutáneas, y valorar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS), abordando así el concepto de discapacidad acumulada en el transcurso vital y tratando al paciente desde una perspectiva holística. El estudio CRYSTAL tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la psoriasis con datos de la práctica clínica española en pacientes con enfermedad moderada a grave que recibieron tratamiento sistémico continuado durante al menos 24 semanas mediante la puntuación absoluta del Índice de la Severidad del área de Psoriasis (PASI) (medida del estado de la enfermedad en un momento dado y no por comparación con una puntuación basal) y su correlación con la CVRS. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio no intervencionista, transversal, realizado en 30 centros de España, con 301 pacientes de edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 75 años. Se recogieron datos relativos al tratamiento actual y al PASI absoluto y su relación con la CVRS mediante el Índice de Calidad de Vida en Dermatología (DLQI), con el deterioro de la actividad mediante el Cuestionario para el Deterioro de la Actividad y la Productividad Laboral (WPAI) y con la satisfacción con el tratamiento. Resultados La edad media (DE) fue de 50,5 (12,5) años, con una duración de la enfermedad de 14 (14,1) años. La media (DE) del PASI absoluto notificado fue de 2,3 (3,5), con 28,7% de pacientes que presentaban un PASI de > 1 a ≤ 3 y 22,6% con un PASI > 3. Las puntuaciones más altas del PASI se asociaron a puntuaciones más altas del DLQI (p < 0,001) y del WPAI y a niveles más bajos de satisfacción con el tratamiento (p < 0,001). Conclusiones Estos datos indican que alcanzar valores absolutos más bajos de PASI puede correlacionarse no solo con una mejor CVRS, sino también con una mejor productividad laboral y satisfacción con el tratamiento (AU)

[Artículo traducido] Gravedad de la psoriasis, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, productividad laboral y deterioro de la actividad en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave que reciben tratamiento sistémico: datos de la vida real de la práctica clínica en España / Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain

Antecedentes y objetivo El tratamiento de la psoriasis debe centrarse más allá de las afectaciones cutáneas, y valorar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS), abordando así el concepto de discapacidad acumulada en el transcurso vital y tratando al paciente desde una perspectiva holística. El estudio CRYSTAL tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la psoriasis con datos de la práctica clínica española en pacientes con enfermedad moderada a grave que recibieron tratamiento sistémico continuado durante al menos 24 semanas mediante la puntuación absoluta del Índice de la Severidad del área de Psoriasis (PASI) (medida del estado de la enfermedad en un momento dado y no por comparación con una puntuación basal) y su correlación con la CVRS. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio no intervencionista, transversal, realizado en 30 centros de España, con 301 pacientes de edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 75 años. Se recogieron datos relativos al tratamiento actual y al PASI absoluto y su relación con la CVRS mediante el Índice de Calidad de Vida en Dermatología (DLQI), con el deterioro de la actividad mediante el Cuestionario para el Deterioro de la Actividad y la Productividad Laboral (WPAI) y con la satisfacción con el tratamiento. Resultados La edad media (DE) fue de 50,5 (12,5) años, con una duración de la enfermedad de 14 (14,1) años. La media (DE) del PASI absoluto notificado fue de 2,3 (3,5), con 28,7% de pacientes que presentaban un PASI de > 1 a ≤ 3 y 22,6% con un PASI > 3. Las puntuaciones más altas del PASI se asociaron a puntuaciones más altas del DLQI (p < 0,001) y del WPAI y a niveles más bajos de satisfacción con el tratamiento (p < 0,001). Conclusiones Estos datos indican que alcanzar valores absolutos más bajos de PASI puede correlacionarse no solo con una mejor CVRS, sino también con una mejor productividad laboral y satisfacción con el tratamiento (AU)

Background and objective The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. Material and methods This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. Results The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). Conclusions These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction (AU)

Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain. / [Artículo traducido] Gravedad de la psoriasis, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, productividad laboral y deterioro de la actividad en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave que reciben tratamiento sistémico: datos de la vida real de la práctica clínica en España.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction.

Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction.

Evaluating the performance of WHO and CDC case definitions for influenza-like illness in diagnosing influenza during the 2022-2023 flu season in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definitions for influenza-like illness (ILI) in diagnosing influenza during the 2022-2023 flu season in Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of national epidemiological surveillance data in Mexico, focusing on respiratory viral pathogens. METHODS: We analyzed data from 6027 non-hospitalized patients between 5 and 65 years old who underwent molecular testing for respiratory viral pathogens. The performance of both case definitions was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. RESULTS: Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of the evaluated ILI definitions in identifying influenza patients was low, particularly among older patients. When compared to the CDC, the WHO definition had a lower sensitivity but a higher specificity, resulting in a higher AUROC (P = 0.031) for the WHO criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the WHO and CDC ILI case definitions have limited accuracy for diagnosing influenza in non-hospitalized patients and highlight the need for more specific diagnostic tools to improve the detection of influenza cases during the flu season.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection: survival experience in a cohort of children inpatients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the survival experience of children hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection due to bronchiolitis. STUDY DESIGN: This was a nationwide retrospective cohort study conducted in Mexico. METHODS: We analyzed data from 436 children aged 5 years and younger, with symptom onset between August 2021 and November 2022. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute survivor functions and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: High survival rates were observed, particularly within the first three weeks of hospital admission. The 3-day survival rate was 99.8% (CI 98.4-99.9%), which decreased to 98.9% (CI 96.5-99.7%), 97.5% (CI 91.9-99.3%), 86.7% (CI 48.2-97.2%), and 69.4% (CI 24.2-91.0%) on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of hospital stay, respectively. We documented a total of 5 fatal outcomes, resulting in a mortality rate of 2.1 (95% CI 0.9-5.1) per 1,000 person-days. CONCLUSIONS: Our study analyzed a large cohort of pediatric patients with bronchiolitis caused by RSV infection, providing valuable insights into the in-hospital progression of this disease.

'Chest gossypiboma after spinal surgery, not so easy to forget'.

During any surgical procedure, complications may arise, some of which are fortuitous, whereas others, unfortunately, occur because of errors of the surgical team. Fortunately, most are minor and do not affect the patient's recovery, but others can cause severe morbidity and even mortality. A retained cotton or gauze surgical sponge inadvertently left in the body during an operation is known as a gossypiboma. This dreadful oversight is a marked complication that can cause serious postoperative complications, a severe economic burden on the healthcare system, and many medicolegal implications. We report the case of a 30-year-old male, who suffered a spinal fracture which was repaired through an anterior fixation approach 12 years ago in a local state hospital without complications. Suddenly, he presented with chest pain and cough, and sought medical attention. An 8 × 5 × 8 cm low-density heterogeneous mass was discovered on his chest; after successful surgery, a gossypiboma formed by several gauzes without radiopaque markers was discovered.

Comparing the survival of adult inpatients with COVID-19 during the wild-type, Delta, and Omicron emergence.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the survival experience of adult inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 during the first three waves (wild type, Delta, and Omicron) of the pandemic in Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective and nationwide study was conducted. METHODS: Data from 229,311 participants were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and estimates per each pandemic wave were obtained. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 49.1 per 1000 person-days. Heterogeneous survival rates were observed during the analyzed emergences (log-rank test, P < 0.001), and the lowest survival functions were computed during the Omicron variant dominance. In multiple analyses and after adjusting by host characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination status, cases occurring during the Delta (vs wild type: HR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and Omicron emergence were at increased risk for a fatal in-hospital outcome (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.13-1.22). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest variant-related differences in the survival rates of hospitalized patients with laboratory-positive COVID-19. When compared with the wild-type virus, lower rates were observed during the Delta and Omicron emergence.

Incidental Primary Intrathoracic Goiter: Dual-Isotope Scintigraphy and Early-MIBI SPECT/CT.

Primary intrathoracic goiter is an uncommon congenital entity resulting from over decent ectopic thyroid tissue. As compared with secondary intrathoracic goiter, primary entities are discrete from orthotopic thyroid tissue and may lead to potentially serious complications such as malignancy and shortness of breath. Intrathoracic goiters have been described as showing mild or absent uptake of 99m Tc-pertechnetate on planar scintigraphy. We present an incidental primary intrathoracic goiter found in a patient undergoing evaluation with multimodal scintigraphy and early 99m Tc-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for localization of parathyroid adenomas. The mass was inconspicuous on TcO 4- scintigraphy but methoxyisobutylisonitrile-avid on early planar and SPECT/CT.

First-generation BNT162b2 and AZD1222 vaccines protect from COVID-19 pneumonia during the Omicron variant emergence.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify factors predicting pneumonia in adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) emergence. We also evaluated, in fully vaccinated (BNT162b2 or AZD1222) individuals, if the time (<6 or ≥6 months) elapsed since the last shot was received was associated with the risk of severe illness. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Mexico. METHODS: Data from 409,493 were analyzed, and risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed through generalized linear models. RESULTS: We documented a total of 3513 COVID-19 pneumonia cases (69.5 per 100,000 person-days). In multiple analyses, a protective effect was observed in vaccinated adults (RR = 0.996, 95% CI 0.995-0.997). Male gender, increasing age, and smoking were associated with a greater risk of pneumonia. Individuals with chronic comorbidities (pulmonary obstructive disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, kidney disease, and immunosuppression) were also at higher risk. Among fully vaccinated subjects (n = 166,869), those who had received the last shot at 6 more months were at increased risk for developing pneumonia (RR = 1.002, 95% CI 1.001-1.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the first-generation BNT162b2 and AZD1222 vaccines reduce the risk of COVID-19 pneumonia during the Omicron emergence. We also found that adults with longer interval from the administration of the second shot to illness onset were at increased risk of severe manifestations.

Decreased risk of COVID-19 pneumonia in children and adolescents during the Delta variant emergence.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with the risk of COVID-19 pneumonia in children (aged <10 years) and adolescents (aged 10-19 years) before (March 2020-April 2021) and during (May-July 2021) the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant emergence. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective and nationwide cohort study was conducted in Mexico. METHODS: Data from 26,961 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were analyzed. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association of the evaluated exposures with the risk of COVID-19 pneumonia. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of pneumonia was 23.0 per 10,000 person-days, and it was lower during the Delta variant emergence (30.3 vs. 9.4 person-days, p < 0.001). In multiple analysis, a decreased risk of pneumonia was observed among those cases occurring in May 2021 or later (vs. March 2020-April 2021, RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99) and among older patients (RRper year = 0.998, 95% CI 0.996-0.998). Other comorbidities (namely, obesity, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, or malignant tumors) were associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that during the Delta variant emergence, children and adolescent patients were at reduced risk of COVID-19 pneumonia in Mexico. Further research is needed to identify factors determining the observed scenario.

PIMA Study. Improvement of adherence and quality of life of obstructive sleep apnea under CPAP treatment through anintervention based on the stratifcation and personalization of care plans: a randomized controlled trial / Estudio pima. Mejora de la adherencia y de la calidad de vida de la apnea obstructiva del sueño en tratamiento con cpap a través de una intervención basada en la estratificación y personalización de los planes de atención: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado

Introducción. El tratamiento de primera línea para la apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) es la terapia de presión positiva continua en las vías respiratorias (CPAP). La falta de adherencia es el principal problema de la CPAP. Se necesita un paciente motivado. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la adherencia a la CPAP y los resultados relacionados con la salud en pacientes con AOS a través de un programa integral basado en estratificación y planes de atención individualizados, utilizando entrevista motivacional. Métodos. Ensayo controlado aleatorizado multicéntrico realizado en 3 hospitales. El grupo de control siguió el tratamiento habitual. El grupo de intervención (PIMA) siguió el tratamiento con un plan de cuidados adaptado basado en variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y psicológicas, utilizando entrevista motivacional. El resultado principal fue la adherencia (90 y 180 días de tratamiento) y los secundarios fueron la calidad de vida, el estado emocional, las actividades, las relaciones sociales, la competencia percibida y la motivación. Resultados. Se aleatorizaron 213 pacientes (grupo PIMA: 108; grupo de control: 105). Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el grupo PIMA versus el grupo control en la adherencia a los 90 y 180 días: 129.24 (IC95% 77.25-181.22) p < 0.0001 y 288.30 (IC95% 187.146-389.47) p < 0.0001. La adherencia (horas/día) fue mayor en el grupo PIMA comparado con el grupo control (90 días) con una diferencia de 1.74 horas/día (IC95% 1.18-2.30) p < 0.0001 y a los 180 días con una diferencia de 2.31 (IC95% 1.72-2.91) p < 0.001. Los resultados secundarios mostraron diferencias significativas a favor del grupo PIMA. Conclusiones. Se encontró evidencia de que un programa basado en estratificación y planes de atención personalizados, utilizando entrevistas motivacionales, mejora la adherencia a la CPAP y la calidad de vida (AU)

Introduction. The first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Lack of adherence is the main problem with CPAP. A motivated patient is needed. The objective of this study is to determine adherence to CPAP and health-related outcomes in patients with OSA through a comprehensive program based on stratification and individualized care plans, using motivational interviewing. Methods. Multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in 3 hospitals. Control group followed the usual treatment. Intervention group (PIMA) followed the treatment with an adapted care based on sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables, using motivational interview. The main outcome was adherence (90 and 180 days of treatment), and the secondary outcomes were quality of life, emotional state, activities, social relationships, perceived competence, and motivation. Results. 213 patients were randomized (intervention group: 108; control group: 105). A statistically significant difference was found in the intervention group versus the control group in adherence at 90 and 180 days: 129.24 (IC95% 77.25-181.22) p< 0.0001 and 288.30 (IC95% 187.146-389.47) p< 0.0001. Adherence (hours/day) was higher in the PIMA group compared to the control group at 90 days with a difference of 1.74 hours/day (IC95% 1.18-2.30) p< 0.0001 and at 180 days with a difference of 2.31 (IC95% 1.72-2.91) p< 0.001. The secondary results showed significant differences in favour of the PIMA group. Conclusions. Evidence was found that a program based on stratification and personalized care plans, using motivational interviewing, improves adherence to CPAP and quality of life (AU)

Desempeño de la definición de caso sospechoso de influenza antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Performance of the case definition of suspected influenza before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivos Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el desempeño, antes y durante la pandemia de la COVID-19, de la definición de caso de sospecha de influenza en la vigilancia comunitaria en México. Métodos Se llevó a cabo un análisis transversal de un estudio de cohorte y, con el fin de confirmar o descartar la infección por virus influenza, se analizaron los casos que cumplían con los criterios de caso sospechoso (n = 20.511) y con evidencia concluyente de laboratorio (reacción cuantitativa en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real). Resultados Se documentaron una alta sensibilidad y una discreta especificidad, que posteriormente disminuyó, así como su precisión diagnóstica, durante el brote de la COVID-19. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias en el área bajo la curva de características operativas del receptor entre los períodos analizados. Conclusión La definición de caso evaluada sigue siendo una alternativa rentable para identificar a los pacientes que pueden beneficiarse de los medicamentos antivirales específicos contra la influenza, incluso durante el brote mundial de COVID-19 (AU)

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the performance, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, of the case definition of suspected influenza used in community surveillance in Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study was perfomed and cases that met the suspected case criteria (n = 20,511) and that had laboratory-conclusive evidence (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) to confirm or discard influenza virus infection, were analysed. Results A high sensitivity and modest specificity were documented, which later decreased during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as its diagnostic accuracy. However, no significant differences were observed in the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve among the analysed periods. Conclusion The evaluated case definition remains to be a cost-effective alternative for identifying patients who may benefit from influenza-specific antiviral drugs, even during the global COVID-19 outbreak (AU)

Performance of the case definition of suspected influenza before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the performance, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, of the case definition of suspected influenza used in community surveillance in Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study was performed and cases that met the suspected case criteria (n = 20,511) and that had laboratory-conclusive evidence (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) to confirm or discard influenza virus infection were analysed. RESULTS: A high sensitivity and modest specificity were documented, which later decreased during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as its diagnostic accuracy. However, no significant differences were observed in the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve among the analysed periods. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated case definition remains to be a cost-effective alternative for identifying patients who may benefit from influenza-specific antiviral drugs, even during the global COVID-19 outbreak.