Asthma and COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers from a Mexican Hospital: Is There an Association?

ABSTRACT Background: Asthma does not appear to be a risk factor for developing COVID-19. Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the role of asthma as a factor associated with COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HW). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in HW from a Mexican hospital. Data were obtained through an epidemiological survey that included age, sex, and history of COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with COVID-19. Results: In total, 2295 HW were included (63.1% women; mean age 39.1 years); and 1550 (67.5%) were medical personnel. The prevalence of asthma in HW with COVID-19 was 8.3%; for the group without COVID-19, the prevalence was 5.3% (p = 0.011). The multivariate analyses suggested that asthma was associated with COVID-19 (OR 1.59, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Our study suggests that asthma could be a factor associated with COVID-19 in HW.

Prevalence of allergic diseases and their symptoms in schoolchildren according to the birth mode / Prevalencia de enfermedades alérgicas y síntomas en escolares de acuerdo con la vía de nacimiento

Abstract Background: The relationship between birth by cesarean section (CS) and allergic diseases’ prevalence continues to be controversial. We aimed to investigate if being born by CS is associated with the prevalence of allergic diseases and their symptoms in schoolchildren. Methods: This study included children between 6 and 7 years of age, selected by population-based sampling. We investigated the presence of allergic diseases and their symptoms, family history of asthma, smoking in parents, breastfeeding, exposure to pets, the season of birth, number of siblings, consumption of unpasteurized cow’s milk, and mode of birth. Results: We included 1003 subjects (526 girls), of which 44.2% were born through CS. The prevalence of allergic diseases did not differ according to birth mode. Asthma in either parent, current smoking by the mother, breastfeeding, and unpasteurized cow’s milk consumption were associated with wheezing at some time in life. Conclusions: No association between CS birth mode and allergic diseases and their symptoms was found.

Resumen Introducción: La relación entre el nacimiento por operación cesárea y las enfermedades alérgicas es controversial. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar si el nacimiento por cesárea se asocia con la prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas y sus síntomas en escolares. Métodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó una muestra probabilística de niños de 6 a 7 años. Se registraron la presencia de enfermedades alérgicas y sus síntomas, la historia familiar de asma, el tabaquismo en los padres, la alimentación al seno materno, la exposición a mascotas, la estación de nacimiento, el número de hermanos, el consumo de leche no pasteurizada de vaca y la vía de nacimiento. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1003 sujetos (526 niñas), de los cuales el 44.2% nacieron por cesárea. La prevalencia de enfermedades alérgicas no difirió según la vía de nacimiento. El antecedente de asma en alguno de los progenitores, el tabaquismo actual en la madre, la lactancia materna y el consumo de leche no pasteurizada de vaca se asociaron con sibilancias presentes alguna vez en la vida. Conclusiones: No se demostró asociación entre el nacimiento por cesárea y las enfermedades alérgicas y sus síntomas.

Enfermedad periodontal como factor de riesgo adicional asociado con nacimiento pretérmino en México: un estudio de casos y controles / Periodontal disease as an additional risk factor associated with preterm birth in Mexico: a case-control study

Resumen Introducción: Las sustancias relacionadas con los microorganismos involucrados en la enfermedad periodontal puedan llegar a la interfaz materno-fetal por vía hematógena y estimular la contractilidad uterina. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre enfermedad periodontal con nacimiento pretérmino. Método: Estudio de casos y controles de 343 embarazadas pretérmino y 686 de término. Se calculó la edad gestacional por fecha de último periodo menstrual y se confirmó con los métodos de Capurro y Ballard. La enfermedad periodontal se diagnosticó por la profundidad del espacio entre la raíz dental y la encía. La asociación fue medida con regresión logística. Resultados: La edad de las madres en los casos fue de 23.8 ± 6.7 años y en los controles de 23.2 ± 6.7 años. La enfermedad periodontal estuvo presente en 66.8 % de los casos y 40.5 % de los controles. Los factores asociados con nacimiento pretérmino fueron enfermedad periodontal (RM = 2.26), antecedente de nacimiento pretérmino (RM = 4.96), embarazo no planeado (RM = 2.15), control prenatal deficiente (RM = 2.53), infección de vías urinarias (RM = 2.22), preeclampsia (RM = 4.49), ruptura prematura de membranas amnióticas (RM = 2.59) y nacer por cesárea (RM = 9.15). Conclusión: La enfermedad periodontal en el embarazo constituyó un factor de riesgo independiente para nacimiento pretérmino.

Abstract Introduction: Substances related to microorganisms involved in periodontal disease can reach the maternal-fetal interface via the hematogenous route and stimulate uterine contractility. Objective: To determine the association between periodontal disease and preterm birth. Method: Case-control study in 343 preterm and 686 full-term pregnant women. Gestational age was calculated based on the date of the last menstrual period and confirmed with Capurro and Ballard methods. Periodontal disease was diagnosed according to the depth of the space between the tooth root and the gum. The association was measured with logistic regression. Results: Maternal age of the cases was 23.8 ± 6.7 years, and 23.2 ± 6.7 in the controls. Periodontal disease was present in 66.8% of cases and 40.5% of controls. The factors associated with preterm birth were periodontal disease (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.26), history of preterm birth (OR = 4.96), unplanned pregnancy (OR = 2.15) poor prenatal control (OR = 2.53), urinary tract infection (OR = 2.22), preeclampsia (OR = 4.49), premature rupture of membranes (OR = 2.59) and caesarean section delivery (OR = 9.15). Conclusion: Periodontal disease in pregnancy was an independent risk factor for preterm birth.

Is suicidal ideation associated with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis? / Ideação suicida apresenta associação com asma e rinite alérgicas?

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate whether there is an association between suicidal ideation (SI) and allergic diseases in adults. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study involving individuals ranging from 20 to 50 years of age recruited from a university hospital in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. We included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic asthma, those with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, and healthy controls. All subjects completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), which includes an item that evaluates the presence of suicidal thoughts or desires within the last two weeks, in order to identify SI. Results: The sample comprised 115 patients with allergic asthma, 111 patients with allergic rhinitis, and 96 healthy controls. The number of individuals identified with SI in the three groups were, respectively, 17 (14.8%), 13 (11.7%), and 8 (8.3%). Regarding the presence of SI, no statistically significant association was found in the allergic asthma group (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 0.78-4.64; p = 0.154) or in the allergic rhinitis group (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.58-3.68; p = 0.424) when they were compared with the control group. However, the presence of depression was associated with SI in the three groups: allergic asthma (OR = 12.36; 95% CI: 2.67-57.15; p = 0.001); allergic rhinitis (OR = 6.20; 95% CI: 1.66-23.14; p = 0.006); and control (OR = 21.0; 95% CI: 3.75-117.36; p < 0,001). Conclusions: In comparison with the control group, no association was found between SI and the groups with allergic diseases. In contrast, there was association between SI and depression in the three groups.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar se existe associação entre ideação suicida (IS) e doenças alérgicas em adultos. Métodos: Estudo transversal comparativo envolvendo indivíduos com idade entre 20 e 50 anos recrutados em um hospital universitário da cidade de Guadalajara, México. Foram incluídos pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de asma alérgica, aqueles com diagnóstico confirmado de rinite alérgica e controles saudáveis. Todos os sujeitos preencheram o Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), que inclui um item que avalia a presença de pensamentos ou desejos suicidas nas últimas duas semanas, a fim de identificar IS. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 115 pacientes com asma alérgica, 111 pacientes com rinite alérgica e 96 controles saudáveis. O número de indivíduos identificados com IS nos três grupos foi de 17 (14,8%), 13 (11,7%) e 8 (8,3%), respectivamente. Quanto à presença de IS, não foi encontrada associação estatisticamente significativa no grupo asma alérgica (OR = 1,98; IC95%: 0,78-4,64; p = 0,154) ou no grupo rinite alérgica (OR = 1,46; IC95%: 0,58-3,68; p = 0,424) quando os mesmos foram comparados com o grupo controle. No entanto, a presença de depressão apresentou associação com IS nos três grupos: asma alérgica (OR = 12,36; IC95%: 2,67-57,15; p = 0,001); rinite alérgica (OR = 6,20; IC95%: 1,66-23,14; p = 0,006); e controle (OR = 21,0; IC95%: 3,75-117,36; p < 0,001). Conclusões: Em comparação com o grupo controle, não foi encontrada associação entre IS e os grupos com doenças alérgicas. Por outro lado, houve associação entre IS e depressão nos três grupos.

Rhinitis as an associated factor for anxiety and depression amongst adults / Rinite como fator associado para ansiedade e depressão entre adultos

Abstract Introduction: Anxiety and depression are frequent disorders of chronic diseases, yet there is no conclusive information to their association with rhinitis. Objective: The objective is to determine the frequency of anxiety and depression and its possible association to allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which procured subjects with AR (n = 111), NAR (n = 34) and a control group (n = 96) from the university hospital. The presence of anxiety and depression was considered when it reached a score > 13 based on The Beck Anxiety Inventory Test and The Beck Depression Inventory II Test, respectively. The association between AR and NAR with anxiety and depression was adjusted with the Mantel-Haenszel Method and logistic regression. Results: The frequency for anxiety in AR, NAR and the control group was 45.9%, 52.9%, 10.4%, respectively (p < 0.001); depression frequency was 38.7%, 47.1%, 16.6% (p = 0.0003), respectively. Both AR and NAR were associated to anxiety and depression in women, but not to men. After adjusting the sex: AR was associated to anxiety (OR = 5.7, p < 0.001) and depression (OR = 2.5, p = 0.015), while NAR was also associated to anxiety (OR = 7.8, p < 0.001) and depression (OR = 3.3, p < 0.014). In multivariate analysis it was identified that AR, NAR and the individual's sex (women) were factors associated to anxiety and depression. Results showed that age was only associated to anxiety. Conclusion: AR and NAR are diseases associated to anxiety and depression, at least in women.

Resumo Introdução: Ansiedade e depressão são distúrbios frequentes em doenças crônicas, embora não haja informação conclusiva sobre sua associação com a rinite alérgica. Objetivo: Determinar a frequência de ansiedade e depressão e sua possível associação a rinite alérgica (RA) e rinite não alérgica (NRA). Método: Estudo transversal, no qual indivíduos com RA (n = 111), NRA (n = 34) e um grupo controle (n = 96) foram recrutados a partir do hospital universitário. A presença de ansiedade e depressão foi considerada quando atingiu uma pontuação > 13 no Teste do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck e no Teste II do Inventário de Depressão de Beck, respectivamente. A associação entre a RA e RNA com ansiedade e depressão foi ajustada com o Método de Mantel-Haenszel e regressão logística. Resultados: A frequência de ansiedade na RA, RNA e grupo controle foi de 45,9%, 52,9%, 10,4%, respectivamente (p < 0,001); a frequência de depressão foi de 38,7%, 47,1%, 16,6% (p = 0,0003), respectivamente. Tanto a RA como a RNA foram associadas a ansiedade e depressão em mulheres, mas não para os homens. Depois de ajustar o sexo: RA foi associada à ansiedade (OR = 5,7, p < 0,001) e depressão (OR = 2,5, p = 0,015), enquanto a RNA foi associada a ansiedade (OR = 7,8, p < 0,001) e depressão (OR = 3,3, p < 0,014). Na análise multivariada identificou-se que a RA, RNA e o sexo do indivíduo (mulheres) foram fatores associados a ansiedade e depressão. Os resultados mostraram que a idade só foi associada à ansiedade. Conclusão: RA e RNA são doenças associadas a ansiedade e depressão, pelo menos em mulheres.

Prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas y su asociación con la lactancia materna y el inicio de la alimentación complementaria en niños de edad escolar de Ciudad Guzmán, México / Prevalence of allergic diseases and their association with breastfeeding and initiation of complementary feeding in school-age children of Ciudad Guzmán, Mexico

Introducción. El efecto que tiene la lactancia materna y la alimentación complementaria sobre la prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas ha mostrado resultados inconsistentes. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la lactancia materna y el momento de inicio de la alimentación complementaria en la prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico con base poblacional realizado en niños de 6 a 12 años de edad inscriptos en escuelas primarias, seleccionados mediante muestreo polietápico. Se aplicó a sus padres o tutores un cuestionario estructurado para identificar enfermedades alérgicas (asma, rinitis alérgica o dermatitis atópica), antecedente de lactancia materna prolongada y edad de inicio de la alimentación complementaria. La búsqueda de asociaciones entre variables se realizó mediante regresión logística. Resultados. Se incluyeron 740 niños. La frecuencia de lactancia e" 6 meses fue 73,4% y de alimentación complementaria con d" 4 meses fue 31,9%. La lactancia materna prolongada no tuvo efecto sobre la prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas. Se observó un efecto protector en la frecuencia de la dermatitis atópica cuando el inicio de la alimentación complementaria era tardío, OR ajustado= 0,36; IC95%: 0,1-0,8 (p 0,019). Conclusiones. El efecto protector de la lactancia materna sobre la prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas no pudo ser comprobado. La prevalencia de dermatitis atópica es menor con un comienzo tardío de la alimentación complementaria.

Introduction. The effect that breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices have on the prevalence of allergic diseases has shown inconsistent results. Objective. To assess the effect of breastfeeding and the initiation of complementary feeding on the prevalence of allergic disease. Population and Methods. Analytical, crosssectional population-based study conducted in 6-12 year old children attending primary school and selected through a multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was administered to parents or tutors to identify allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis), a history of prolonged breastfeeding and age at initiation of complementary feeding. A logistic regression analysis was used to establish associations among variables. Results. A total of 740 children were included. The frequency of breastfeeding for >6 months was 73.4%, and of complementary feeding at <4 months old was 31.9%. Prolonged breastfeeding showed no effect on the prevalence of allergic diseases. A protective effect was observed on the frequency of atopic dermatitis when complementary feeding was initiated late, adjusted OR= 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1-0.8 (p 0.019). Conclusions. The protective effect ofbreastfeeding against the prevalence of allergic diseases has not been demonstrated. There is a reduction in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis when complementary feeding is started late.

Asma bronquial, contaminación atmosférica y condicones climatológicas. Guadalajara, Jal / Asthmatic crisis and the air pollution or weather conditions. Guadalajara, Jal

Antecedentes. En los últimos años se ha observado un incremento en la prevalencia de asma, así como en la contaminación atmosférica. El impacto de dicha contaminación sobre las vías respiratorias es aún motivo de discusión. Objetivo. Determinar la existencia de alguna relación entre el número de ingresos por crisis asmáticas a urgencias con la contaminación atmosférica y las condiciones climatológicas. Material y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo con niños y adultos que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias del Hospital Regional Dr. Valentín Gómez Farías, ISSSTE, por crisis asmática durante el año de 1994 que fueron relacionados con las concentraciones de ozono, dióxido de nitrógeno, dióxido de azufe, monóxico de carbono y material particulado, así como con algunas condiciones climatológicas. Se relacionaron mediante técnicas de autorregresión usando el sistema de computación Epi Info S. Resultados. Se registro un total de 406 ingresos a urgencias, observándose una elevación de dichos ingresos durante los meses de septiembre a noviembre. Al compararse en una base semanal, el número de visitas y las concentraciones de contaminantes, se encontró una relación moderada entre el dióxico de nitrógeno y éstas (r=0.50), siendo éste el valor más alto encontrado. Conclusiones. La contaminación atmosférica y las condiciones climatológicas por sí solas parecen tener una influencia mínima a moderada en el número de ingresos a urgencias por crisis asmática