Trends in urological emergencies in the Era of COVID-19

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate trends in emergency room (ER) urological conditions during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analyses of renal colic, hematuria, and urinary retention in ER's admissions of a tertiary hospital during the lockdown period (March 19 to May 4, 2020) in Israel. Patient's demographics and clinical characteristics were compared to those in corresponding periods during 2017-2019, with estimated changes in ER arrival and waiting times, utilization of imaging tests, numbers of hospitalizations, and urgent procedure rates. Results: The number of ER visits for renal colic, hematuria, and urinary retention decreased by 37%, from an average of 451 (2017-2019) to 261 patients (2020). Clinical severity was similar between groups, with no major differences in patient's age, vital signs, or laboratory results. The proportion of ER visits during night hours increased significantly during lockdown (44.8% vs. 34.2%, p=0.002). There was a decrease in renal colic admission rate from 19.8% to 8.4% (p=0.001) without differences in urgent procedures rates, while the 30-day revisit rate decreased from 15.8% to 10.3% during lockdown (p=0.02). Conclusions: General lockdown was accompanied by a significant decrease in common urological presentations to the ER. This change occurred across the clinical severity spectrum of renal colic, hematuria, and urinary retention. In the short term, it appears that patients who sought treatment did not suffer from complications that could be attributed to late arrival or delay in treatment. The long-term implications of abstinence from seeking emergent care are not known and require further investigation.

Mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in the Americas by region, 2000-2009 / Mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares nas Américas segundo região, 2000-2009

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The aim here was to evaluate trends in mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in three different regions of the Americas. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a time series study in which mortality data from three different regions in the Americas from 2000 to the latest year available were analyzed. METHODS: The source of data was the Mortality Information System of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). Data from 27 countries were included. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to analyze trends. RESULTS: During the study period, the age-adjusted mortality rates for men were higher than those of females in all regions. North America (NA) showed lower rates than Latin America countries (LAC) and the Non-Latin Caribbean (NLC). Premature deaths (30-69 years old) accounted for 22.8% of all deaths in NA, 38.0% in LAC and 41.8% in NLC. The trend analysis also showed a significant decline in the three regions. NA accumulated the largest decline. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) and 95% confidence interval was -3.9% [-4.2; -3.7] in NA; -1.8% [-2.2; -1.5] in LAC; and -1.8% [-2.7; -0.9] in NLC. CONCLUSION: Different mortality rates and reductions were observed among the three regions. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: As doenças cardiovasculares são as causas principais de morte em todo o mundo. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as tendências na mortalidade decorrente das doenças cardiovasculares em três diferentes regiões das Américas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Este é um estudo de série temporal que analisa dados de mortalidade em três diferentes regiões das Américas, de 2000 até o último ano disponível. MÉTODOS: A fonte de dados foi a Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS). Dados de 27 países foram incluídos. Utilizou-se joinpoint regression para analisar as tendências. RESULTADOS: Durante o período de estudo, as taxas ajustadas por idade padronizadas de mortalidade dos homens foram mais altas que a das mulheres em todas as regiões. As taxas da América do Norte (AN) foram inferiores que as dos países da América Latina (AL) e do Caribe Não Latino (CNL). As mortes prematuras (30-69 anos) foram 22,8% do total de mortes na AN, 38,0% na AL e 41,8% no CNL. A análise das tendências mostrou diminuição significativa nas três regiões. A AN acumulou a maior diminuição. A porcentagem média de mudança anual (AAPC) e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% foram -3,9% [-4,2; -3,7] na AN; na AL foi -1.8% [-2.2; -1.5]; e -1,8% [-2,7; -0,9] no CNL. CONCLUSÕES: Foram observadas diferentes taxas de mortalidade e diferentes reduções nas três regiões.