Incidence and risk factors of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, mainly invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumococcal pneumonia (PP), are a major public health problem worldwide. This study investigated population-based incidence and risk of PP among Catalonian persons ≥ 50 years-old with and without specific underlying conditions/comorbidities, examining the influence of single and multi-comorbidities in the risk of suffering PP. METHODS: Population-based cohort study involving 2,059,645 persons ≥ 50 years-old in Catalonia, Spain, who were retrospectively followed between 01/01/2017-31/12/2018. The Catalonian information system for development of research in primary care (SIDIAP) was used to establish baseline characteristics of the cohort (comorbidities/underlying conditions), and PP cases were collected from discharge codes (ICD-10: J13) of the 68 referral Catalonian hospitals. RESULTS: Global incidence rate (IR) was 90.7 PP cases per 100,000 person-years, with a 7.6% (272/3592) case-fatality rate (CFR). Maximum IRs emerged among persons with history of previous IPD or all-cause pneumonia, followed by haematological neoplasia (475.0), HIV-infection (423.7), renal disease (384.9), chronic respiratory disease (314.7), liver disease (232.5), heart disease (221.4), alcoholism (204.8), solid cancer (186.2) and diabetes (159.6). IRs were 42.1, 89.9, 201.1, 350.9, 594.3 and 761.2 in persons with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and ≥ 5 comorbidities, respectively. In multivariable analyses, HIV-infection (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.16; 95% CI: 3.57-7.46), prior all-cause pneumonia (HR: 3.96; 95% CI: 3.45-4.55), haematological neoplasia (HR: 2.71; 95% CI: 2.06-3.57), chronic respiratory disease (HR: 2.66; 95% CI: 2.47-2.86) and prior IPD (HR: 2.56; 95% CI: 2.03-3.24) were major predictors for PP. CONCLUSION: Apart of increasing age and immunocompromising conditions (classically recognised as high-risk conditions), history of prior IPD/pneumonia, presence of chronic pulmonary/respiratory disease and/or co-existing multi-comorbidity (i.e., two or more underlying conditions) are major risk factors for PP in adults, with an excess risk near to immunocompromised subjects. Redefining risk categories for PP, including all the above-mentioned conditions into the high-risk category, could be necessary to improve prevention strategies in middle-aged and older adults.

Evaluating clinical effectiveness and impact of anti-pneumococcal vaccination in adults after universal childhood PCV13 implementation in Catalonia, 2017-2018.

Background: At present, because of indirect effects derived from routine childhood immunisation, clinical benefits vaccinating adults with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPsV23) and/or the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) are uncertain. This study investigated clinical effectiveness for both PPsV23/PCV13 in preventing pneumonia among Catalonian adults during an earlier 2-year period post-PCV13 free (publicly funded) approval for infants. Methods: We conducted a Population-based cohort study involving 2,059,645 adults ≥ 50 years in Catalonia, Spain, who were followed between 01/01/2017-31/12/2018. Primary outcomes were hospitalisation from pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) or all-cause pneumonia (ACP) and main explanatory variable was PCV13/PPsV23 vaccination status. Cox regression models were used to estimate vaccination effectiveness adjusted by age/sex and underlying-risk conditions. Results: Cohort members were followed for 3,958,528 person-years (32,328 PCV13-vaccinated, 1,532,186 PPsV23-vaccinated), observing 3592 PP (131 in PCV13-vaccinated vs 2476 in PPsV23-vaccinated) and 24,136 ACP (876 in PCV13-vaccinated vs 17,550 in PPsV23-vaccinated). Incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years) were 90.7 for PP (394.2 in PCV13-vaccinated vs 161.6 in PPsV23-vaccinated) and 609.7 for ACP (2636.3 in PCV13-vaccinated vs 1145.4 in PPsV23-vaccinated). The PCV13 was associated with an increased risk of PP (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.00-1.52; p = 0.046) and ACP (HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.28-1.49; p < 0.001) whereas the PPsV23 did not alter the risk of PP (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.98-1.18; p = 0.153) and slightly increased the risk of ACP (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.10-1.18; p < 0.001). In supplementary analyses focused on at-risk individuals (i.e., elderly persons, immunocompromissing and other chronic illnesses) protective effects of vaccination did not emerge either. Conclusions: Data does not support clinical benefits from pneumococcal vaccination (nor PCV13 neither PPsV23) against pneumonia among Catalonian middle-aged and older adults in the current era of universal PCV13 childhood immunisation in our setting. New extended valency PCVs are greatly needed.

Susceptibility and risk of SARS-COV-2 infection among middle-aged and older adults in Tarragona area, Spain.

Objective: To analyse susceptibility/risk of suffering COVID-19 among adults with distinct underlying medical conditions. Methods: Population-based cohort study involving 79,083 individuals ≥50 years old in Tarragona (Southern Catalonia, Spain). Baseline cohort characteristics (demographic, pre-existing comorbidities, chronic medications and vaccinations history) were established at study start (01/03/2020) and primary outcome was laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 occurred among cohort members throughout 01/03/2020-30/06/2020. Risk of suffering COVID-19 was evaluated by Cox regression, estimating multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for age/sex and pre-existing comorbidities. Results: Across study period, 536 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were observed (mean incidence: 39.5 cases per 100,000 persons-week). In multivariable-analysis, increasing age/years (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02), nursing-home (HR: 20.19; 95% CI: 15.98-25.51), neurological disease (HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03-1.77), taking diuretics (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.10-1.75), antiplatelet (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05-1.76) and benzodiazepines (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.00-1.53) increased risk; conversely, taking angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.61-1.00), angiotensin-receptor-blockers (HR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.51-0.96) and statins (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58-0.96) were associated with reduced risk. Among community-dwelling individuals, pre-existing cancer, renal and cardiac disease appeared also related with an increased risk, whereas influenza vaccination was associated with reduced risk. Conclusion: In a setting with relatively low incidence of COVID-19 across the first wave of pandemic period, increasing age, nursing-home residence and multiple comorbidities appear predisposing for COVID-19 among middle-aged/older adults. Conversely, statins, angiotensin-receptor blockers/inhibitors and influenza vaccination were related with decreased risk.

Objetivo: Analizar incidencia y riesgo/susceptibilidad de sufrir la COVID-19 en adultos según distintas condiciones médicas preexistentes. Métodos: Cohorte de base poblacional que incluyó 79.083 personas ≥50 años en Tarragona. Características basales de la cohorte (edad/sexo, comorbilidades, medicaciones crónicas) se establecieron a 01-03-2020 y se registraron todos los casos de COVID-19 confirmada ocurridos en miembros de la cohorte hasta el 30-06-2020. Para estimación de riesgos se realizó regresión de Cox, con cálculo de hazard ratio (HR) ajustados por edad, sexo y comorbilidad. Resultados: Se observaron 536 casos confirmados de COVID-19 (incidencia media: 39,5 casos por 100.000 personas-semana). En análisis multivariante, edad/años (HR: 1,01; IC el 95%: 1,00-1,02; p = 0,050), estar institucionalizado/residencia (HR: 20,19; IC 95%: 15,98-25,51; p<0,001), enfermedad neurológica (HR: 1,35; IC el 95%: 1,03-1,77), diuréticos (HR: 1,39; IC 95%: 1,10-1,75), antiagregantes plaquetarios (HR: 1,36; IC 95%: 1,05-1,76) y benzodiacepinas (HR: 1,24; IC 95%: 1,00-1,53) se asociaron con un riesgo aumentado de la COVID-19 analizando la totalidad de la cohorte; contrariamente, medicación IECA (HR: 0,78; IC el 95%: 0,61-1,00), ARA-II (HR: 0,70; IC el 95%: 0,51-0,96) y estatinas (HR: 0,75; IC el 95%: 0,58-0,96) se asociaron con menor riesgo. Entre personas no institucionalizadas, cáncer, nefropatía y cardiopatía se asociaron con mayor riesgo y vacunación antigripal con menor riesgo. Conclusión: En un área con relativamente baja incidencia de COVID-19, edad, institucionalización y múltiples comorbilidades aumentaron el riesgo/susceptibilidad de sufrir la COVID-19. Contrariamente, estatinas, inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina y vacunación antigripal se asociaron con menor riesgo.

Susceptibility and risk of SARS-COV-2 infection among middle-aged and older adults in Tarragona area, Spain / Susceptibilidad y riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en adultos mayores de 50 años en el área de Tarragona

Objective:To analyse susceptibility/risk of suffering COVID-19 among adults with distinct underlying medical conditions.Methods:Population-based cohort study involving 79,083 individuals ≥50 years old in Tarragona (Southern Catalonia, Spain). Baseline cohort characteristics (demographic, pre-existing comorbidities, chronic medications and vaccinations history) were established at study start (01/03/2020) and primary outcome was laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 occurred among cohort members throughout 01/03/2020–30/06/2020. Risk of suffering COVID-19 was evaluated by Cox regression, estimating multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for age/sex and pre-existing comorbidities. Results:Across study period, 536 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were observed (mean incidence: 39.5 cases per 100,000 persons-week). In multivariable-analysis, increasing age/years (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.02), nursing-home (HR: 20.19; 95% CI: 15.98–25.51), neurological disease (HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03–1.77), taking diuretics (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.10–1.75), antiplatelet (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05–1.76) and benzodiazepines (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.00–1.53) increased risk; conversely, taking angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.61–1.00), angiotensin-receptor-blockers (HR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.51–0.96) and statins (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58–0.96) were associated with reduced risk. Among community-dwelling individuals, pre-existing cancer, renal and cardiac disease appeared also related with an increased risk, whereas influenza vaccination was associated with reduced risk.Conclusion:In a setting with relatively low incidence of COVID-19 across the first wave of pandemic period, increasing age, nursing-home residence and multiple comorbidities appear predisposing for COVID-19 among middle-aged/older adults. Conversely, statins, angiotensin-receptor blockers/inhibitors and influenza vaccination were related with decreased risk.(AU)

Objetivo:Analizar incidencia y riesgo/susceptibilidad de sufrir la COVID-19 en adultos según distintas condiciones médicas preexistentes. Métodos:Cohorte de base poblacional que incluyó 79.083 personas ≥50 años en Tarragona. Características basales de la cohorte (edad/sexo, comorbilidades, medicaciones crónicas) se establecieron a 01-03-2020 y se registraron todos los casos de COVID-19 confirmada ocurridos en miembros de la cohorte hasta el 30-06-2020. Para estimación de riesgos se realizó regresión de Cox, con cálculo de hazard ratio (HR) ajustados por edad, sexo y comorbilidad.Resultados:Se observaron 536 casos confirmados de COVID-19 (incidencia media: 39,5 casos por 100.000 personas-semana). En análisis multivariante, edad/años (HR: 1,01; IC el 95%: 1,00-1,02; p=0,050), estar institucionalizado/residencia (HR: 20,19; IC 95%: 15,98-25,51; p<0,001), enfermedad neurológica (HR: 1,35; IC el 95%: 1,03-1,77), diuréticos (HR: 1,39; IC 95%: 1,10-1,75), antiagregantes plaquetarios (HR: 1,36; IC 95%: 1,05-1,76) y benzodiacepinas (HR: 1,24; IC 95%: 1,00-1,53) se asociaron con un riesgo aumentado de la COVID-19 analizando la totalidad de la cohorte; contrariamente, medicación IECA (HR: 0,78; IC el 95%: 0,61-1,00), ARA-II (HR: 0,70; IC el 95%: 0,51-0,96) y estatinas (HR: 0,75; IC el 95%: 0,58-0,96) se asociaron con menor riesgo. Entre personas no institucionalizadas, cáncer, nefropatía y cardiopatía se asociaron con mayor riesgo y vacunación antigripal con menor riesgo.Conclusión:En un área con relativamente baja incidencia de COVID-19, edad, institucionalización y múltiples comorbilidades aumentaron el riesgo/susceptibilidad de sufrir la COVID-19. Contrariamente, estatinas, inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina y vacunación antigripal se asociaron con menor riesgo. (AU)

Susceptibility and risk of SARS-COV-2 infection among middle-aged and older adults in Tarragona area, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse susceptibility/risk of suffering COVID-19 among adults with distinct underlying medical conditions. METHODS: Population-based cohort study involving 79,083 individuals ≥50 years old in Tarragona (Southern Catalonia, Spain). Baseline cohort characteristics (demographic, pre-existing comorbidities, chronic medications and vaccinations history) were established at study start (01/03/2020) and primary outcome was laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 occurred among cohort members throughout 01/03/2020-30/06/2020. Risk of suffering COVID-19 was evaluated by Cox regression, estimating multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for age/sex and pre-existing comorbidities. RESULTS: Across study period, 536 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were observed (mean incidence: 39.5 cases per 100,000 persons-week). In multivariable-analysis, increasing age/years (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02), nursing-home (HR: 20.19; 95% CI: 15.98-25.51), neurological disease (HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03-1.77), taking diuretics (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.10-1.75), antiplatelet (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05-1.76) and benzodiazepines (HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.00-1.53) increased risk; conversely, taking angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.61-1.00), angiotensin-receptor-blockers (HR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.51-0.96) and statins (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58-0.96) were associated with reduced risk. Among community-dwelling individuals, pre-existing cancer, renal and cardiac disease appeared also related with an increased risk, whereas influenza vaccination was associated with reduced risk. CONCLUSION: In a setting with relatively low incidence of COVID-19 across the first wave of pandemic period, increasing age, nursing-home residence and multiple comorbidities appear predisposing for COVID-19 among middle-aged/older adults. Conversely, statins, angiotensin-receptor blockers/inhibitors and influenza vaccination were related with decreased risk.

Analysis of Patient Safety Incidents in Primary Care Reported in an Electronic Registry Application.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe the epidemiology of patient safety (PS) incidents registered in an electronic notification system in primary care (PC) health centres; (2) to define a risk map; and (3) to identify the critical areas where intervention is needed. DESIGN: Descriptive analytical study of incidents reported from 1 January to 31 December 2018, on the TPSC Cloud™ platform (The Patient Safety Company) accessible from the corporate website (Intranet) of the regional public health service. SETTING: 24 Catalan Institute of Health PC health centres of the Tarragona region (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Professionals from the PC health centres and a Patient Safety Functional Unit. MEASUREMENTS: Data obtained from records voluntarily submitted to an electronic, standardised and anonymised form. Data recorded: healthcare unit, notifier, type of incident, risk matrix, causal and contributing factors, preventability, level of resolution and improvement actions. RESULTS: A total of 1544 reports were reviewed and 1129 PS incidents were analysed: 25.0% of incidents did not reach the patient; 66.5% reached the patient without causing harm, and 8.5% caused adverse events. Nurses provided half of the reports (48.5%), while doctors reported more adverse events (70.8%; p < 0.01). Of the 96 adverse events, 46.9% only required observation, 34.4% caused temporary damage that required treatment, 13.5% required (or prolonged) hospitalization, and 5.2% caused severe permanent damage and/or a situation close to death. Notably, 99.2% were considered preventable. The main critical areas were: communication (27.8%), clinical-administrative management (25.1%), care delivery (23.5%) and medicines (18.4%); few incidents were related to diagnosis (3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: PS incident notification applications are adequate for reporting incidents and adverse events associated with healthcare. Approximately 75% and 10% of incidents reach the patient and cause some damage, respectively, and most cases are considered preventable. Adequate and strengthened risk management of critical areas is required to improve PS.

Influence of prior comorbidities and chronic medications use on the risk of COVID-19 in adults: a population-based cohort study in Tarragona, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible relationships between pre-existing medical conditions (including common comorbidities and chronic medications) and risk for suffering COVID-19 disease in middle-aged and older adults. DESIGN: Population-based retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Twelve primary care centres (PCCs) in Tarragona (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: 79 083 people (77 676 community-dwelling and 1407 nursing-home residents), who were all individuals aged >50 years affiliated to the 12 participating PCCs. OUTCOMES: Baseline cohort characteristics (age, sex, vaccinations, comorbidities and chronic medications) were established at study start (1st. March 2020) and primary outcome was time to COVID-19 confirmed by PCR among cohort members throughout the epidemic period (from 1st. March 2020 to 23rd. May 2020). Risk for suffering COVID-19 was evaluated by Cox regression, estimating multivariable HRs adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities and medications use. RESULTS: During the study period, 2324 cohort members were PCR-tested, with 1944 negative and 380 positive results, which means an incidence of 480.5 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100 000 persons-period. Assessing the total study cohort, only age (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03; p=0.002), nursing-home residence (HR 21.83; 95% CI 16.66 to 28.61; p<0.001) and receiving diuretics (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.76; p=0.026) appeared independently associated with increased risk. Smoking (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.93; p=0.022), ACE inhibitors (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.99; p=0.046) and antihistamine (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.22 to 1.01; p=0.052) were associated with a lower risk. Among community-dwelling individuals, cancer (HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.24; p=0.035), chronic respiratory disease (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.08 to 3.07; p=0.025) and cardiac disease (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.19; p=0.021) emerged to be also associated with an increased risk. Receiving ACE inhibitors (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.99; p=0.046) and influenza vaccination (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.91; p=0.012) was associated with decreased risk. CONCLUSION: Age, nursing-home residence and multiple comorbidities appear predisposing for COVID-19. Conversely, receiving ACE inhibitors, antihistamine and influenza vaccination could be protective, which should be closely investigated in further studies specifically focused on these concerns.