Prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis in Spain: EPISER2016 Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Spain.Method: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study of people aged 20 years or older in Spain. Randomly selected individuals were contacted by telephone and rheumatic disease screening was performed. If the first screening was positive, medical records were then reviewed and/or a telephone questionnaire was conducted by a rheumatologist, followed by an appointment if necessary. Cases had to fulfil the modified New York (mNY) criteria.Results: In total, 4916 individuals were included, of whom 355 had a positive screening result for AS. Of these, 11 were classified as AS. An additional individual who reported a prior diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis had a diagnosis of AS confirmed on review of the medical records. Estimated prevalence was 0.26% (95% CI 0.14-0.49).Conclusion: EPISER2016 is the first population-based study to estimate the prevalence of AS in Spain, which has been estimated as being similar to that in other European countries.

[Use of hepatitis B AS04C adjuvanted vaccine in HIV patients]. / Uso de vacuna frente a hepatitis B adyuvada con AS04C en pacientes VIH.

OBJECTIVE: Co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases associated morbidity and mortality. Vaccination against HBV has been shown to be the most effective method to prevent this situation. Standard vaccination schemes used in this population do not appear to be effective enough. The objective is to identify the response rate following the use of AS04C-adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine in HIV patients as well as the possible associated adverse reactions. METHODS: An observational, analytical study with a retrospective cohort of HIV positive patients discharged in 2016 from the Vaccines Unit of a Preventive Medicine and Public Health Service. Patients with antiHBs (-), antiHBcActot (-) and HBsAg (-) at baseline were included, none of them had received prior HBV vaccination. HBV adjuvanted vaccine was used in a 4-dose regimen (0-1-2-6 months). When antiHBs was <10 IU/mL after primovaccination, two additional doses of the same vaccine were applied with an interval of 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients were included. Of them, 74.4% were men. The mean age was 47.26 years. The response rate after primary vaccination was higher than 92% and up to 100% with the two subsequent doses. No adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of AS04C-adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine in HIV patients showed a 100% response rate, showing an excellent safety profile.