[Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the population: Study in primary care]. / Impacto de la COVID-19 en la salud mental de la población: estudio en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 and the characteristics of infected patients, as well as the prevalence of mental disorders associated with the infection and the associated risk factors. Secondary: to know the prevalence of the long COVID syndrome and the characteristics of this cohort. DESIGN: Incidence study of mental disorder in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and case-control study of long COVID syndrome in the subsample of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 without a history of mental disorder. SITE: Primary care setting in Lleida. PARTICIPANTS: The 46,258 patients diagnosed of COVID-19 without a history of mental disorder were followed for 2 years. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The dependent variable was the mental disorder in the period 03/11/2020 to 03/11/2022; and the independent variables were clinical and social variables. Its association with mental disorder was analyzed by calculating the adjusted hazard ratio using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The average age of 46,258 patients at the beginning of the study was 43±17.9 years. 47% were women. The mental disorder rate for all period was 3.46% (59.20% anxiety). A predictive score was elaborated. The long COVID syndrome was more common in older women, without toxic habits, with obesity and associated comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has had an impact on the mental health of patients. Knowing the risk factors for developing these mental disorders and the long COVID syndrome would allow the clinician to be able to identify patients at risk in order to establish preventive measures and avoid their appearance.

Incidencia de exacerbación grave en pacientes codiagnosticados de diabetes y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: estudio de cohorte / Incidence of severe exacerbation in patients diagnosed with diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Cohort study

Objetivo: Estimar en una cohorte de pacientes diagnosticados de EPOC y diabetes la incidencia de hospitalizaciones por exacerbación grave de la EPOC y sus factores asociados. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo de cohorte. Emplazamiento: Centros de Atención Primaria de Lleida ciudad (en total 7 centros). Participantes: Se estudiaron 761 pacientes codiagnosticados de EPOC y diabetes. Los criterios de inclusión fueron pacientes de ambos sexos, igual o mayores de 40 años, residentes en el área geográfica de Lleida ciudad, con el diagnóstico de EPOC según los criterios de la guía GOLD, con espirometría reciente y una fracción FEV1/FVC <0,7; diagnosticados de DM2 según la guía de la International Diabetes Federation. Los criterios de exclusión fueron padecer alguna enfermedad física o psíquica grave. Mediciones principales: Las variables del estudio fueron: el sexo, la edad, su área básica de salud en Lleida, índice de masa corporal, perímetro de cintura, hábito tabáquico y enólico, hipertensión arterial, insuficiencia cardiaca, insuficiencia renal crónica, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, categorización GOLD, HbA1c. Se registró la vacuna antigripal y antineumocócica. La variable dependiente fue la exacerbación grave. En el análisis estadístico la asociación de la variable dependiente con las variables independientes se determinó mediante el cálculo de la hazard ratio (HR) con el intervalo de confianza del 95%. La HR se estimó de forma ajustada mediante modelos de regresión de Cox no condicional. Resultados: La incidencia de hospitalización por exacerbación grave de la EPOC fue del 9,98%; se objetivó un aumento del riesgo de exacerbación grave en pacientes diagnosticados de insuficiencia cardiaca (HR=2,27; p=0,002), y con una menor fracción de FEV1/FVC. La vacuna antigripal y antineumocócica presentaron un papel protector débil sin ser estadísticamente significativa.(AU)

Objective: To estimate the incidence of hospitalizations for severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its associated factors in a cohort of patients diagnosed with COPD and diabetes type 2. Design: Prospective cohort study. Site: Primary care centres of Lleida city (7 centres totally). Participants: Based on a sample of 716 patients diagnosed by COPD and diabetes. The inclusion criteria was carried out by patients of both genders, equal to or older than 40 years, ordinarily residents in the geographical area of Lleida city, with the diagnosis of COPD according to GOLD guideline, with recent spirometry and FEV1/FVC ratio <0.7; diagnosed with diabetes type 2 according to the guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation. The exclusion criteria were suffering from a serious physical or mental illness. Main measurements: The study variables were comprised by gender, age, primary care centre of Lleida, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking and enolic habit, blood pressure, heart failure, chronic renal failure, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, GOLD categorization, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). There were registered by influenza and pneumococcal vaccine. The dependent variable was severe exacerbation. In statistical analysis, the association of the dependent variable with the independent variables was determined by calculating the Hazard ratio (HR) with the 95% confidence interval. HR was estimated in an adjusted way by using unconditional Cox regression model. Results: The incidence for severe exacerbation of COPD was 9.98%; that means that an increased risk of severe exacerbation was registered in patients diagnosed with heart failure (HR=2.27; p=.002), and with lower FEV1/FVC ratio. The influenza and pneumococcal vaccines provided weak protection to prevent exacerbations, however it was not statistically significant.(AU)

[Incidence of severe exacerbation in patients diagnosed with diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Cohort study]. / Incidencia de exacerbación grave en pacientes codiagnosticados de diabetes y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: estudio de cohorte.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of hospitalizations for severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its associated factors in a cohort of patients diagnosed with COPD and diabetes type 2. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SITE: Primary care centres of Lleida city (7 centres totally). PARTICIPANTS: Based on a sample of 716 patients diagnosed by COPD and diabetes. The inclusion criteria was carried out by patients of both genders, equal to or older than 40 years, ordinarily residents in the geographical area of Lleida city, with the diagnosis of COPD according to GOLD guideline, with recent spirometry and FEV1/FVC ratio <0.7; diagnosed with diabetes type 2 according to the guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation. The exclusion criteria were suffering from a serious physical or mental illness. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The study variables were comprised by gender, age, primary care centre of Lleida, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking and enolic habit, blood pressure, heart failure, chronic renal failure, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, GOLD categorization, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). There were registered by influenza and pneumococcal vaccine. The dependent variable was severe exacerbation. In statistical analysis, the association of the dependent variable with the independent variables was determined by calculating the Hazard ratio (HR) with the 95% confidence interval. HR was estimated in an adjusted way by using unconditional Cox regression model. RESULTS: The incidence for severe exacerbation of COPD was 9.98%; that means that an increased risk of severe exacerbation was registered in patients diagnosed with heart failure (HR=2.27; p=.002), and with lower FEV1/FVC ratio. The influenza and pneumococcal vaccines provided weak protection to prevent exacerbations, however it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: It documents a significant incidence of exacerbation in patients diagnosed with DM2 and COPD. Heart failure and a lower FEV1/FVC could increase the exacerbation risk.

Clinico-epidemiological characteristics of men and women with a new diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a database (SIDIAP) study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the associated comorbidities and response to bronchodilators might differ in men and women. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of COPD and the clinic-epidemiological characteristics of primary care patients with COPD according to gender. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using electronic healthcare records Catalonia (Spain), during the 01/01/2012-31/12/2017 period. Patients from the SIDIAP database (System for the Development of Research in Primary Care) were included (5,800,000 patients registered in 279 primary care health centres). Clinic-demographic characteristics, comorbidities and blood tests results were collected for each patient. Adjusted OR (ORa) with logistic regression methods were used to determine variables associated with men and women. RESULTS: From an initial sample of 800,899 people, 24,135 (3%) were considered COPD patients, and 22.9%were women. The most common risk factors in women were bronchiectasis (ORa = 20.5, SD = 19.5-21.6), age > 71 years (ORa = 18.8; SD = 17.3-20.5), cor pulmonale (ORa = 5.2; SD = 4.3-6.7) and lung cancer (ORa = 3.6, SD = 3.2-4.0). Men and women presented the same comorbidities, though the strength of association was different for each gender. CONCLUSIONS: Patients suffering high comorbidity rates. Comorbidities are similar in men and women, although the strength of association varies according to gender. Women are more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoking and present a higher proportion of bronchiectasis and OSAS.

Diabetes as a risk factor for severe exacerbation and death in patients with COPD: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes comorbidity is common in patients with COPD. One of the most frequent causes of hospital admission in patients with COPD are exacerbations. METHODS: Prospective cohort study, which included 512 patients with COPD recruited in a primary care centre in Mollerussa (Lleida, Spain). Inclusion criteria were: patients >40 years of age with COPD according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Variables collected were as follows: age, gender, civil status, education level, smoking habit, severity (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), comorbidities (Charlson), history of severe exacerbations, dyspnoea (mMRC), BODEx, EuroQol 5 D and depression (HAD). Logistic regression was used to determine the association of diabetes with risk of hospital admission and death. RESULTS: Prevalence of diabetes was 25.8%. During the second year of follow up, 18.2% of patients with COPD and diabetes were admitted for exacerbation, in comparison with 8.9% non-diabetic COPD patients. The variables associated with hospital admission were diabetes (ORa=1.54); gender (men, ORa=1.93); age (ORa=1.02); number of hospital admissions during the previous year: 1 (ORa=2.83) or more than one admission (ORa=4.08); EuroQol 5 D (ORa=0.76) and BODEx (ORa=1.24). With the exclusion of BODEx, all these variables were associated with a higher risk of death. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of diabetes is high in patients suffering from COPD. COPD patients with diabetes are at higher risk of severe exacerbation and death. The suggested predictive model could identify patients at higher risk so that adequate preventive and therapeutic measures can be implemented.

Prevalencia y características de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en no fumadores / Prevalence and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in non-smokers

Objetivo: Conocer el perfil y las características de los enfermos diagnosticados de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y que nunca han sido fumadores. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Emplazamiento: Área Básica de Salud del Pla d’Urgell (Atención Primaria de Lleida, España). Participantes: Se incluyeron los 512 pacientes mayores de 40 años diagnosticados de EPOC del Área Básica de Salud con una espirometría compatible al inicio del estudio [cociente < 0,7 entre el volumen de espiración forzada en el primer segundo (FEV1) y la capacidad vital forzada (FVC)]. Mediciones principales: La variable dependiente fue la EPOC en no fumadores y las independientes fueron variables recogidas a partir de la información sobre la historia clínica respiratoria, los factores de riesgo del enfermo y sobre calidad vida. Se diseñó un modelo predictor de padecer EPOC en no fumadores en comparación con los fumadores. Resultados: El 33,2% de los pacientes EPOC nunca habían sido fumadores y de estos, el 59,4% eran mujeres. La media del FEV1 de los no fumadores fue de 70,5 (DE = 17,1), superior a los 62,6 (DE = 18,5) en los fumadores/exfumadores (p < 0,001). La cobertura de la vacunación antineumocócica 23V era mejor en los no fumadores (75,3%), p<0,001. Los EPOC en no fumadores (respecto a los fumadores/exfumadores) eran: mayormente mujeres (OR = 16,46), de mayor edad (OR = 1,1), con mejor FEV1 (OR = 1,1), mejor percepción de calidad de vida, EuroQoL-5D (OR = 0,8), con menor prevalencia de diabetes (OR = 0,5), menor nivel de estudios (OR = 0,2), y con menos hospitalizaciones previas (OR = 0,3). Conclusiones: El estudio evidencia una alta proporción de no fumadores en enfermos EPOC. Nuestro trabajo objetiva que las mujeres de mayor edad y con menor gravedad se asociarían a un mayor riesgo de EPOC en no fumadores. Parece indicar que la EPOC en no fumadores aparecería en edades más tardías y sería más leve que la EPOC relacionada con el tabaquismo

Objective: The objective of the study was to know the profile of patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and who have never been smokers. Design: A transversal study. Location: Primary Care Centre of Pla d’Urgell (Primary care setting in Lleida, Spain). Participants: 512 patients older than 40 years with COPD from Primary Care Centre of Pla d’Urgell with a compatible spirometry [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio < 0.7) to the beginning of the study. Main measurements: The dependent variable was de COPD in non-smokers and the independents were variables collected from the information on the respiratory clinical history, the risk factors of the patients and on quality of life. We designed a predictor model of COPD in non-smokers compared to smokers. Results: 33.2% of COPD patients had never been smokers, 59.4% of whom were women. The average FEV1 for non-smokers was 70.5 (SD = 17.1), higher than 62.6 (SD = 18.5) for smokers/former smokers (p < 0.001). The coverage of pneumococcal vaccination 23V was better in non-smokers (75.3%), p < 0.001. COPD in non-smokers (compared to smokers/former smokers) were: mostly women (OR = 16.46), older (OR = 1.1), with better FEV1 (OR = 1.1), better perception of quality, EuroQoL-5D (OR = 0.8), with lower prevalence of diabetes (OR = 0.5), lower level of studies (OR = 0.2), and with fewer previous hospitalizations (OR = 0.3). Conclusions: The study evidences a high proportion of non-smokers in COPD patients. Our study aims that older women with less severity would be associated with an increased risk of COPD in non-smokers. It seems to indicate that COPD in non-smokers would appear at later ages and would be milder than smoking-related COPD

Prevalencia y características de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en no fumadores / Prevalence and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in non-smokers

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[Prevalence and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in non-smokers]. / Prevalencia y características de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en no fumadores.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to know the profile of patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and who have never been smokers. DESIGN: A transversal study. LOCATION: Primary Care Centre of Pla d'Urgell (Primary care setting in Lleida, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: 512 patients older than 40 years with COPD from Primary Care Centre of Pla d'Urgell with a compatible spirometry [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.7) to the beginning of the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The dependent variable was de COPD in non-smokers and the independents were variables collected from the information on the respiratory clinical history, the risk factors of the patients and on quality of life. We designed a predictor model of COPD in non-smokers compared to smokers. RESULTS: 33.2% of COPD patients had never been smokers, 59.4% of whom were women. The average FEV1 for non-smokers was 70.5 (SD=17.1), higher than 62.6 (SD=18.5) for smokers/former smokers (p<0.001). The coverage of pneumococcal vaccination 23V was better in non-smokers (75.3%), p<0.001. COPD in non-smokers (compared to smokers/former smokers) were: mostly women (OR=16.46), older (OR=1.1), with better FEV1 (OR=1.1), better perception of quality, EuroQoL-5D (OR=0.8), with lower prevalence of diabetes (OR=0.5), lower level of studies (OR=0.2), and with fewer previous hospitalizations (OR=0.3). CONCLUSIONS: The study evidences a high proportion of non-smokers in COPD patients. Our study aims that older women with less severity would be associated with an increased risk of COPD in non-smokers. It seems to indicate that COPD in non-smokers would appear at later ages and would be milder than smoking-related COPD.

Prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica no diagnosticada en una población con factores de riesgo cardiovascular / Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) not diagnosed in a population with cardiovascular risk factors

Antecedentes y objetivo: Se desconoce cuál es la magnitud de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) no diagnosticada en nuestro medio en población con factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV). El objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia de EPOC no diagnosticada y sus características en una población con FRCV. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de prevalencia de EPOC en una población con FRCV seleccionada de forma aleatoria. Se les practicó una espirometría entre el 01/01/2015 y el 31/12/2016 y se determinó el porcentaje de pacientes con EPOC que no estaban diagnosticados previamente. Para cada paciente se registraron variables de interés y, en los enfermos con espirometría compatible con EPOC, si tenían o no registrado el diagnóstico en su historia clínica informatizada. La asociación de la EPOC no diagnosticada con las diferentes variables independientes se determinó con las odds ratio ajustadas (ORa) mediante modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: Se estudiaron 2.295 pacientes con FRCV. La prevalencia global de EPOC fue del 14,5%. Se objetivó un infradiagnóstico del 73,3%. Los nuevos diagnosticados de EPOC respecto a los ya diagnosticados con anterioridad presentaron un mayor porcentaje de mujeres (74,1% vs. 36,0%; p=0,081), de nunca fumadores (21,3% vs. 12,4%; p=0,577), de casos leves (GOLD1) (42,6% vs. 32,4%, p=0,008) y con una media inferior de HbA1c (5,5% vs. 5,6%; p=0,008) y de ácido úrico (5,1mg/dl vs. 5,6mg/dl; p=0,011). Las variables asociadas a la EPOC no diagnosticada fueron: el sexo femenino (ORa=1,27; IC95%: 0,74-2,17; p=0,383); la edad (ORa=0,94; IC95%: 0,87-0,99; p=0,018); el tabaquismo (fumador/exfumador) (ORa=0,47; IC95%: 0,22-1,01; p=0,054) y HbA1c (%) (ORa=0,45; IC95%: 0,23-0,88; p=0,019). Conclusiones: El infradiagnóstico de EPOC es muy elevado. Se tendría que valorar el contacto con el sistema sanitario de los enfermos entre 50 y 65 años y con algún FRCV para solicitarles una espirometría

Background and objective: The magnitude of undiagnosed COPD in our population with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed COPD and its specific characteristics in a population with CVRF. Materials and methods: Study the prevalence of COPD in patients with CVRF. Spirometry was performed between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2016 and the percentage of patients with COPD, who had not previously been diagnosed, was determined. Each patient's variables of interest were recorded; the records of patients who had spirometry showing COPD were checked to confirm whether a diagnosis had been recorded or not. The association of undiagnosed COPD with different independent variables was determined with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) by non conditional logistic regression models. Results: 2,295 patients with CVRF were studied. The overall prevalence of COPD was 14.5%. An underdiagnosis of 73.3% was observed. Newly diagnosed COPD vs. undiagnosed COPD showed to be higher in women (74.1% vs. 36.0%; P=.081), non-smokers (21.3% vs. 12.4%; P=.577), mild cases (GOLD1) (42.6% vs. 32.4%, P=.008) and cases with lower than average HbA1c (5.5% vs. 5.6%; P=.008) and uric acid (5.1mg/dL vs. 5.6mg/dL; P=.011). The variables associated with undiagnosed COPD were: women (aOR=1.27; 95%CI: 0.74-2.17; P=.383); age (aOR=0.94; 95%CI: 0.87-0.99; P=.018); smokers (smoker/non-smoker) (aOR=0.47; 95%CI: 0.22-1.01; P=.054) and HbA1c (%) (aOR=0.45; 95%CI: 0.23-0.88; P=.019). Conclusions: The under-diagnosis of COPD is very high. The contact patients aged between 50 and 65 years-old who have CVRF with their health system should be reassessed, and they need to ask for a spirometry

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) not diagnosed in a population with cardiovascular risk factors. / Prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica no diagnosticada en una población con factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The magnitude of undiagnosed COPD in our population with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed COPD and its specific characteristics in a population with CVRF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study the prevalence of COPD in patients with CVRF. Spirometry was performed between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2016 and the percentage of patients with COPD, who had not previously been diagnosed, was determined. Each patient's variables of interest were recorded; the records of patients who had spirometry showing COPD were checked to confirm whether a diagnosis had been recorded or not. The association of undiagnosed COPD with different independent variables was determined with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) by non conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: 2,295 patients with CVRF were studied. The overall prevalence of COPD was 14.5%. An underdiagnosis of 73.3% was observed. Newly diagnosed COPD vs. undiagnosed COPD showed to be higher in women (74.1% vs. 36.0%; P=.081), non-smokers (21.3% vs. 12.4%; P=.577), mild cases (GOLD1) (42.6% vs. 32.4%, P=.008) and cases with lower than average HbA1c (5.5% vs. 5.6%; P=.008) and uric acid (5.1mg/dL vs. 5.6mg/dL; P=.011). The variables associated with undiagnosed COPD were: women (aOR=1.27; 95%CI: 0.74-2.17; P=.383); age (aOR=0.94; 95%CI: 0.87-0.99; P=.018); smokers (smoker/non-smoker) (aOR=0.47; 95%CI: 0.22-1.01; P=.054) and HbA1c (%) (aOR=0.45; 95%CI: 0.23-0.88; P=.019). CONCLUSIONS: The under-diagnosis of COPD is very high. The contact patients aged between 50 and 65 years-old who have CVRF with their health system should be reassessed, and they need to ask for a spirometry.

Mental disorders in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

PURPOSE: Anxiety and depression are underdiagnosed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Few studies have tried to identify their association with hospitalization (severe exacerbation). The objective of this study was to determine whether the anxiety/depression was associated with severe exacerbation. DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study, based on a sample of 512 patients diagnosed with COPD originating from primary care in a rural area in Lleida (Spain) and monitored between November 1, 2012 and October 31, 2014. For each patient, variables of interest were recorded; they were administered the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) test to determine the possible presence of anxiety/depression, and its association with severe exacerbation was analyzed using a logistic regression model. FINDINGS: Initially, the prevalence of anxiety/depression was 15.6%. The incidence of global hospitalization in the first year was 8.2% and 11.3% in the second year. In patients with anxiety/depression, it increased to 17.5% in the first year and 18.8% in the second year. In the multivariate regression model, the diagnosis of anxiety/depression almost doubled the risk of hospitalization (OR = 1.94) (p < .041). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Anxiety and depression are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization. Intervention studies are needed to evaluate the effects of anxiety/depression in the hospitalization.

Overview of the Impact of Depression and Anxiety in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are common entities in patients diagnosed with COPD. However, the impact that they have on the exacerbation of illness is scarcely studied. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the presence of anxiety and depression is associated with a greater risk of frequent exacerbation (≥2 per year) in patients diagnosed with COPD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort study that analysed frequent exacerbation and associated factors in 512 patients monitored during 2 years. Exacerbations were defined as events that required antibiotic/s and/or systemic corticosteroids (moderate) or hospitalization (serious). Variables of interest were recorded for each patient, including anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and we analysed their association with frequent exacerbation through the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) by means of a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of anxiety/depression at the start of the study was of 15.6%. During the 2 years of monitoring, 77.9% of the patients suffered at least moderate-to-severe exacerbation. 54.1% were frequent exacerbators. Anxiety/depression were strongly associated with moderate-severe frequent exacerbation in the crude analysis (ORc = 2.28). In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors also associated with frequent exacerbation were being overweight (aOR 2.78); obesity (aOR 3.02); diabetes (aOR 2.56) and the associated comorbidity (BODEx) (ORa = 1.45). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anxiety/depression in COPD patients is high, and they are relevant risk factors in frequent exacerbation although the effect is lower in the multivariate analysis when adjusting for different variables strongly associated with exacerbation.

Risk of exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a primary care retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) depends on the severity of disease and other less well known factors. Predictive models of exacerbation are more accurate than the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). The objective was to design a model that predicts the risk of exacerbation in COPD. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with data from the electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with COPD in the province of Lleida (Spain). A total of 2501 patients were followed during 3 years. The dependent variable was acute exacerbation; independent variables were: clinical parameters, spirometry results, severity of disease, influenza and 23-valent pneumococcal immunisation, comorbidities, smoking and history of exacerbation. The association of these variables with disease exacerbation was measured by the adjusted odds ratio using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Mean age at the start of the study was 68.38 years (SD = 11.60) and 74.97% patients were men; severity of disease was considered mild in 50.82% of patients, moderate in 35.31%, severe in 9.44% and very severe in 4.44%. During the three year study period up to 83.17% of patients experienced at least one exacerbation. Predictive factors in the model were age, gender, previous exacerbations, influenza and 23-valent pneumococcal immunisations, number of previous visits to the General Practice and severity (GOLD), with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.70. CONCLUSIONS: This model can identify patients at high risk of acute exacerbation. Preventive measures and modification of treatment in these high-risk patients would improve survival.

Factores asociados a la mortalidad global en los pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Risk factors for mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores predictores de mortalidad en los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). DISEÑO: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivas. Emplazamiento: Atención Primaria de Lleida, España. PARTICIPANTES: Se incluyó a los 2.501 pacientes mayores de 40 años diagnosticados de EPOC seguidos en Atención Primaria y con al menos una espirometría compatible con EPOC en los 24 meses previos al inicio del estudio (2010). MEDICIONES PRINCIPALES: La variable dependiente fue la mortalidad global en el periodo 01/11/2010-31/10/2013 (por todas las causas) y las independientes: parámetros espirométricos, gravedad (GOLD) y variables clínicas. Se analizó su asociación con la mortalidad mediante el cálculo de las odds ratio ajustadas mediante un modelo de regresión logística no condicional. RESULTADOS: La edad media ± desviación estándar de los 2.501 pacientes al inicio del estudio fue de 68,4 ± 11,6 años. El 75,0% eran varones. El 50,8% presentaba un nivel de gravedad leve, seguido por el moderado (35,3%), grave (9,4%) y muy grave (4,4%). La mortalidad a los 3 años fue del 12,55%. Los factores asociados a la mortalidad en la EPOC fueron: edad, género masculino, exacerbaciones previas, comorbilidad asociada, tabaquismo, gravedad (GOLD) y no haber recibido la vacunación antigripal estacional, con un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,76. CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de estas variables, fáciles y factibles de recoger en la práctica clínica, permitiría identificar a aquellos pacientes con mayor riesgo de mortalidad y que podrían beneficiarse de estrategias preventivas/terapéuticas para conseguir aumentar la supervivencia

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. LOCATION: Primary care setting in Lleida, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: 2.501 patients older than 40 years with at least a spirometry in the 24 months prior to the beginning of the study were followed for 3 years. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The dependent variable was the overall mortality in the period 11/01/2010-10/31/2013; and the independents: spirometric parameters, severity (GOLD) and clinical variables. Their association with mortality was analyzed by calculating the adjusted odds ratio using a non-conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: The average age of 2.501 patients at the beginning of the study was 68.4 years (SD = 11.6).75.0% were males.50.8% had a mild severity COPD, followed by moderate (35.3%), severe (9.4%) and very severe (4.4%). Mortality rate for the all period was 12.55%. The variables of the predictive model were: age, male sex, previous exacerbations, number of visits to primary care, comorbidity, smoking, severity of COPD (GOLD) and not receiving influenza vaccination, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.76. CONCLUSIONS: This model, easy and quick to apply, would identify those patients at increased risk of mortality and who could benefit from preventive strategies to improve their survival

Factores asociados a recibir la vacunación antigripal en profesionales de atención primaria / Factors associated with influenza immunization in primary care health workers

Objetivo: Conocer la cobertura vacunal antigripal en profesionales de atención primaria y determinar los factores asociados a la vacunación (temporada 2013-2014). Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado a 287 profesionales que cumplimentaron un cuestionario que incluía preguntas sobre conocimientos, creencias y actitudes frente la gripe y la vacunación. Se determinó la cobertura y aquellas variables asociadas a recibir la vacunación, utilizando modelos de regresión logística no condicional. Resultados: La participación fue del 47,2%. La cobertura vacunal fue del 60,3%; fue mayor en los profesionales > 55 años de edad, mujeres y pediatras. Factores asociados a recibirla fueron la percepción de que la vacunación protege la propia salud (odds ratio ajustada [ORa]: 11,1; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 3,41-35,9) y de que es efectiva (ORa: 7,5; IC95%: 0,9-59,3). No se halló asociación entre la vacunación y el conocimiento sobre la gripe y la vacunación, pero sí para prescribirla en gestantes, en > 65 años y en inmunodeprimidos. Conclusiones: Se recomienda diseñar estrategias para aumentar la cobertura, basadas en cambiar actitudes negativas frente a la vacunación (AU)

Objective: To identify the influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers in primary care and to determine the factors associated with vaccination (2013-2014 season). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 287 healthcare workers who completed a questionnaire that included questions about knowledge, beliefs and attitudes to influenza and vaccination. We estimated the vaccine coverage and identified the variables associated with vaccination of healthcare workers by using non-conditional logistic regression models. Results: The participation rate was 47.2%. Vaccination coverage was 60.3% and was higher in workers older than 55 years, women and pediatricians. The factors associated with healthcare worker vaccination were the perception that vaccination confers protection (aOR: 11.1; 95%CI: 3.41-35.9) and the perception that it is effective (aOR: 7.5; 95%CI: 0.9-59.3). No association was found between receiving the vaccine and knowledge of influenza or vaccination. However, an association was found with prescribing vaccination to pregnant women, to persons older than 65 years, and to immunosuppressed individuals. Conclusions: Strategies should be designed to increase coverage, based on changing negative attitudes of healthcare workers to vaccination (AU)

Predictive Model of Hospital Admission for COPD Exacerbation.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this work was to determine predictive factors of hospital admission for exacerbation during primary care visits in patients with COPD. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to assess risk of hospital admission for COPD exacerbation in primary care patients from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2013. Data sources were primary care electronic medical records and the hospital discharge minimum data set. A total of 2,501 subjects >40 y of age with a spirometry-based COPD diagnosis were included and followed up for 3 y. The dependent variable was hospital admission for exacerbation; independent variables were: clinical parameters, spirometry results, and severity of disease (according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria). The association of these variables with hospital admission was analyzed with the adjusted odds ratio using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects at the beginning of the study was 68.4 y (SD = 11.6), and 75% were men. Severity was mild in 50.8% of subjects, moderate in 35.3%, severe in 9.4%, and very severe in 4.4%. After 3 y, 32.5% of subjects had been admitted for exacerbation. Predictive values for hospital admission were: age, sex, previous exacerbations, number of visits to the primary care center, comorbidities, smoking, severity (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), and influenza immunization. The area under the receiving operator characteristic curve was 0.72. CONCLUSIONS: This model can identify patients at high risk of hospital admission for COPD exacerbation in our setting. Further studies are needed to validate the model in different populations and settings.

[Risk factors for mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Factores asociados a la mortalidad global en los pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. LOCATION: Primary care setting in Lleida, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: 2.501 patients older than 40 years with at least a spirometry in the 24 months prior to the beginning of the study were followed for 3 years. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The dependent variable was the overall mortality in the period 11/01/2010-10/31/2013; and the independents: spirometric parameters, severity (GOLD) and clinical variables. Their association with mortality was analyzed by calculating the adjusted odds ratio using a non-conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: The average age of 2.501 patients at the beginning of the study was 68.4 years (SD=11.6). 75.0% were males. 50.8% had a mild severity COPD, followed by moderate (35.3%), severe (9.4%) and very severe (4.4%). Mortality rate for the all period was 12.55%. The variables of the predictive model were: age, male sex, previous exacerbations, number of visits to primary care, comorbidity, smoking, severity of COPD (GOLD) and not receiving influenza vaccination, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.76. CONCLUSIONS: This model, easy and quick to apply, would identify those patients at increased risk of mortality and who could benefit from preventive strategies to improve their survival.

[Factors associated with influenza immunization in primary care health workers]. / Factores asociados a recibir la vacunación antigripal en profesionales de atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers in primary care and to determine the factors associated with vaccination (2013-2014 season). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 287 healthcare workers who completed a questionnaire that included questions about knowledge, beliefs and attitudes to influenza and vaccination. We estimated the vaccine coverage and identified the variables associated with vaccination of healthcare workers by using non-conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: The participation rate was 47.2%. Vaccination coverage was 60.3% and was higher in workers older than 55 years, women and pediatricians. The factors associated with healthcare worker vaccination were the perception that vaccination confers protection (aOR: 11.1; 95%CI: 3.41-35.9) and the perception that it is effective (aOR: 7.5; 95%CI: 0.9-59.3). No association was found between receiving the vaccine and knowledge of influenza or vaccination. However, an association was found with prescribing vaccination to pregnant women, to persons older than 65 years, and to immunosuppressed individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies should be designed to increase coverage, based on changing negative attitudes of healthcare workers to vaccination.

Efectividad de la vacunación antigripal para evitar el ingreso hospitalario por agudización de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing hospital admission due to exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo principal fue determinar la efectividad de la vacunación antigripal para evitar la hospitalización por agudización de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). Como objetivos secundarios se estimó la prevalencia de vacunación y sus factores asociados. Métodos Se realizó un estudio de cohortes retrospectivas que incluyó a los 1.323 pacientes diagnosticados de EPOC del Área Básica de Salud del Pla d'Urgell (Lleida) y se clasificaron en 2 cohortes: cohorte 1, pacientes vacunados contra la gripe estacional (campaña 2011/2012), y cohorte 2, no vacunados. Se cuantificaron los pacientes que requirieron ingreso hospitalario por exacerbación de la enfermedad entre el 1 de diciembre de 2011 y el 15 de marzo de 2012. Para cada paciente se registró información sobre las variables de interés. Se efectuó un análisis univariado y multivariado. La efectividad de la vacunación se calculó con la fórmula: E = (1 - OR) × 100. La OR y su intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%) se determinaron a través de modelos de regresión logística multivariante. Resultados El 55,3% habían sido vacunados. Los pacientes vacunados eran de mayor edad y presentaban mayor comorbilidad asociada. A la vez, estos ingresaron menos (3,0% versus 8,9%, p < 0,001). Las efectividades cruda y ajustada de la vacunación antigripal fueron del 68,4% (IC 95%: 47,5-81,0) y del 90,8 (IC 95%: 96,8-88,2), respectivamente. Conclusión La vacunación antigripal es efectiva para evitar el ingreso por agudización. Sin embargo, la cobertura vacunal no es la deseada. Los programas para incrementar la tasa de vacunación en esta población reducirían el número de ingresos por agudización

INTRODUCTION: The main objective was to determine the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing hospitalization due to exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One secondary objective was to estimate the prevalence of vaccination, and to describe the factors that were associated with being vaccinated. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included 1,323 patients diagnosed with COPD in the Health Centre of the Pla d'Urgell (Lleida, Spain). They were classified into two cohorts: cohort1, patients vaccinated against seasonal influenza (campaign 2011/12), and cohort2, non-vaccinated. The number of patients in both cohorts requiring hospital admission for exacerbation of the disease between the 12/01/2011 and the 03/15/2012 was quantified. Information about the variables of interest was recorded for each patient. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. The effectiveness of vaccination was calculated with the formula: E=(1-OR) ×100. The ORs and their 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were determined by multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Just over half (55.3%) of the patients had been vaccinated. Vaccinated patients were older and had more associated comorbidity. At the same time, they were less hospitalized (3.0% versus 8.9%; P=.001). The crude and adjusted effectiveness of influenza vaccination in this population subgroup was 68.4% (95%CI: 47.5-81.0) and 90.8 (95%CI: 96.8-88.2), respectively. CONCLUSIÓN: Influenza vaccination is effective in preventing hospitalization due to acute exacerbations in COPD patients. However, immunization coverage is not as high as desired. Designing programs to increase the rate of vaccination in this population would reduce the number of hospital admissions for COPD exacerbation