Evolución de la virulencia de SARS-CoV-2 en Chile / Evolution of the virulence of SARS CoV-2 in Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: La evolución de la virulencia ha despertado el interés de la biología evolutiva por décadas. Se trata de co-evolución entre agentes patógenos y sus hospederos. Se han planteado diferentes hipótesis para la evolución de la virulencia, entre ellas la evolución con un compromiso virulencia-transmisión. OBJETIVO: Estudiar la evolución de la letalidad y la transmisión del SARS CoV-2 en Chile, con la hipótesis que ha existido un compromiso con disminución de la letalidad y aumento de la transmisión de esta durante la epidemia. RESULTADOS: La letalidad diaria en Chile disminuyó claramente. Aunque no se encontró correlación entre la letalidad diaria y el número reproductivo efectivo, el número reproductivo efectivo máximo asociado a cada variante viral, presentó un aumento claro desde la aparición de la variante γ en adelante (δ y O) en Chile. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio muestra una evolución de la virulencia con un compromiso virulenciatransmisión. Esto puede ser explicado en gran parte por la evolución viral, pero el cambio en letalidad también puede ser afectado por las intervenciones no farmacológicas y farmacológicas realizadas por la población humana.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of virulence has aroused the interest of evolutionary biology for decades. It is about co-evolution between pathogens and their hosts. Different hypotheses have been put forward for the evolution of virulence, including evolution with a virulence-transmission trade-off. AIM: To study the evolution of the fatality rate and transmission of SARS CoV-2 in Chile, with the hypothesis that there has been a trade-off to a decrease in lethality and an increase in its transmission during the epidemic. RESULTS: The daily fatality rate in Chile clearly decreased. Although no correlation was found between daily fatality rate and effective reproductive number, the maximum effective reproductive number associated with each viral variant showed a clear increase from the appearance of the γ variant onwards (δ and O) in Chile. CONCLUSION: This study shows an evolution of virulence with a virulence-transmission trade-off. This can be largely explained by viral evolution, but the change in lethality can also be affected by non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions carried out by the human population.

[Review of the concept of herd immunity, in the context of COVID-19 epidemic and the development of vaccines]. / Revisión del concepto de inmunidad poblacional, a propósito de la epidemia COVID-19 y del desarrollo de vacunas.

The concept of herd immunity is briefly reviewed, showing that some popularized ideas do not correspond to the original concept. The relationship with the basic and effective reproductive numbers is established. It is pointed out that the threshold for the herd effect does not indicate the number of individuals that will be infected in an epidemic. The relationship with the effective vaccination threshold and its relationship with the effectiveness of the vaccine are established. The reducing effect of the herd immunity threshold produced by the heterogeneity of transmission and mixing in the population and the existence of isolated subpopulations are analyzed, which could be important and could explain the low levels of post-epidemic seroprevalence in some places helping to mitigate new outbreaks.

Revisión del concepto de inmunidad poblacional, a propósito de la epidemia COVID-19 y del desarrollo de vacunas / Review of the concept of herd immunity, in the context of COVID-19 epidemic and the development of vaccines

Resumen Se revisa brevemente el concepto de inmunidad de grupo, poblacional o efecto "rebaño", mostrando que algunas ideas popularizadas no corresponden al concepto original. Se establece la relación con los números reproductivo básico y efectivo, enfatizándose que el umbral para el efecto rebaño no indica el número de individuos que se contagiarán en una epidemia. Se establece la relación con el umbral de vacunación efectiva y su relación con la efectividad de la vacuna. Se analiza el efecto reductor del umbral de inmunidad de rebaño producido por la heterogeneidad de transmisión y mezcla en la población y la existencia de subpoblaciones aisladas lo que podría llegar a ser importante y que podría explicar los bajos niveles de seroprevalencia post-epidemia de algunos lugares, ayudando a mitigar nuevos brotes.

Abstract The concept of herd immunity is briefly reviewed, showing that some popularized ideas do not correspond to the original concept. The relationship with the basic and effective reproductive numbers is established. It is pointed out that the threshold for the herd effect does not indicate the number of individuals that will be infected in an epidemic. The relationship with the effective vaccination threshold and its relationship with the effectiveness of the vaccine are established. The reducing effect of the herd immunity threshold produced by the heterogeneity of transmission and mixing in the population and the existence of isolated subpopulations are analyzed, which could be important and could explain the low levels of post-epidemic seroprevalence in some places helping to mitigate new outbreaks.

Multidisciplinary expert consensus on secondary fracture prevention in Spain.

The study aimed to achieve expert consensus to optimize secondary fracture prevention in Spain. Relevant gaps in current patient management were identified. However, some aspects were considered difficult to apply. Future efforts should focus on those items with greatest divergences between importance and feasibility. PURPOSE: To establish a Spanish multidisciplinary expert consensus on secondary fracture prevention. METHODS: A two-round Delphi consensus was conducted, guided by a Scientific Committee. The 43-item study questionnaire was designed from a literature review and a subsequent multidisciplinary expert group (n = 12) discussion. The first-round questionnaire, using a 7-point Likert scale, assessed the experts' opinion of the current situation, their wish for items to happen, and their prognosis that items would be implemented within 5 years. Items for which consensus was not achieved were included in the second round. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement or ≥ 75% disagreement. A total of 102 experts from 14 scientific societies were invited to participate. RESULTS: A total of 75 (response rate 73.5%) and 69 (92.0%) experts answered the first and second Delphi rounds, respectively. Participants mean age was 51.8 years [standard deviation (SD): 10.1 years]; being 24.0% rheumatologists, 21.3% primary care physicians, 14.7% geriatricians, 8.0% internal medicine specialists, 8.0% rehabilitation physicians, and 8.0% gynecologists. Consensus was achieved for 79.1% of items (wish, 100%; prognosis, 58.1%). Effective secondary prevention strategies identified as requiring improvement included: clinical report standardization, effective hospital primary care communication (telephone/mail and case managers), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires use, and treatment compliance monitoring (prognosis agreement 33.3%, 47.8%, 18.8%, and 55.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: A consensus was reached by health professionals in their wish to implement strategies to optimize secondary fracture prevention; however, they considered some difficult to apply. Efforts should focus on those items with currently low application and those with greatest divergence between wish and prognosis.

Severe Clostridium difficile colitis as potential late complication associated with COVID-19.

Spain has been one of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 outbreak. After the high impact of the pandemic, a wide clinical spectrum of late complications associated with COVID-19 are being observed. We report a case of a severe Clostridium difficile colitis in a post-treatment and recovered COVID-19 patient. A 64-year-woman with a one-month hospital admission for severe bilateral pneumonia associated with COVID-19 and 10 days after discharge presented with diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Severe C. difficile-associated colitis is diagnosed according to clinical features and CT findings. An urgent pancolectomy was performed due to her bad response to conservative treatment. Later evolution slowly improved to recovery. C. difficile-associated colitis is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. Significant patient-related risk factors for C. difficile infection are antibiotic exposure, older age, and hospitalisation. Initial therapeutic recommendations in our country included administration broad-spectrum antibiotics to all patients with bilateral pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV-2. These antibiotics are strongly associated with C. difficile infection. Our patient developed a serious complication of C. difficile due to the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The appearance of late digestive symptoms in patients diagnosed and treated for COVID-19 should alert clinicians to the possibility of C. difficile infection. The updated criteria for severe colitis and severe C. difficile infection should be considered to ensure an early effective treatment for the complication.

Best Practice Framework of Fracture Liaison Services in Spain and their coordination with Primary Care.

The coordination of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) with Primary Care (PC) is necessary for the continuity of care of patients with fragility fractures. This study proposes a Best Practice Framework (BPF) and performance indicators for the implementation and follow-up of FLS-PC coordination in clinical practice in Spain. PURPOSE: To develop a BPF for the coordination of FLS with PC in Spain and to improve the continuity of care for patients with fragility fractures. METHODS: A Steering Committee selected experts from seven Spanish FLS and related PC doctors and nurses to participate in a best practice workshop. Selection criteria were an active FLS with an identified champion and prior contact with PC centres linked to the hospital. The main aim of the workshop was to review current FLS practices in Spain and their integration with PC. A BPF document with processes, tools, roles, and metrics was then generated. RESULTS: Spanish FLS consists of a multidisciplinary team of physicians/nurses but with low participation of other professionals and PC staff. Evaluation and treatment strategies are widely variable. Four desired standards were agreed upon: (1) Effective channels for FLS-PC communication; (2) minimum contents of an FLS clinical report and its delivery to PC; (3) adherence monitoring 3 months after FLS baseline visit; and (4) follow-up by PC. Proposed key performance indicators are (a) number of FLS-PC communications, including consensus protocols; (b) confirmation FLS report received by PC; (c) medical/nursing PC appointment after FLS report received; and (d) number of training sessions in PC. CONCLUSIONS: The BPF provides a comprehensive approach for FLS-PC coordination in Spain, to promote the continuity of care in patients with fragility fractures and improve secondary prevention. The implementation of BPF recommendations and performance indicator tracking will benchmark best FLS practices in the future.

[Bayesian inference in clinical reasoning]. / Bases científicas del razonamiento clínico: inferencia Bayesiana.

A conceptual analysis of diagnostic reasoning in clinical practice is carried out. Using Bayesian inference as an alternative to frequentist inference usually used in science, clinical reasoning uses the scientific method step by step. The concepts of scientific method, probability, statistics and Bayesian inference are reviewed, highlighting their fundamental differences with the frequentist approach. This paper shows how the diagnostic approach proceeds in a Bayesian sense, ending with a basic example of application.

Bases científicas del razonamiento clínico: inferencia Bayesiana / Bayesian inference in clinical reasoning

A conceptual analysis of diagnostic reasoning in clinical practice is carried out. Using Bayesian inference as an alternative to frequentist inference usually used in science, clinical reasoning uses the scientific method step by step. The concepts of scientific method, probability, statistics and Bayesian inference are reviewed, highlighting their fundamental differences with the frequentist approach. This paper shows how the diagnostic approach proceeds in a Bayesian sense, ending with a basic example of application.

Cost of osteoporotic hip fracture in Spain per Autonomous Region. / Coste de la fractura de cadera osteoporótica en España por comunidad autónoma.

OBJECTIVE: We estimated the health resource utilization (HRU) and associated costs during the 12months after a first osteoporotic hip fracture (OHF) in six Spanish Regions. METHODS: Observational, prospective study including patients ≥65years-old hospitalized due to a first OHF in: Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Galicia, Madrid and the Basque Country. HRU related to OHF, quality of life and patient autonomy were collected, and HRU-associated costs were estimated. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-seven patients (mean age: 83.1years, 77% women) were included, with demographic characteristics that were similar across the Regions. Mean hospital stay was longest in Madrid and Galicia (women/men: 15.0/18.6 and 16.9/12.6days, respectively) and shortest in Andalusia and the Valencian Community (8.2/7.2 and 8.4/9.4days). There were more rehabilitation sessions and formal home care days in Catalonia and Madrid (women/men: 16/21 and 17/29 sessions; 19/20 and 30/27days) and fewer in Andalusia and Galicia (4/1 and 3/0 sessions; 3/1 and 1/0days). Mean HRU costs were higher in Madrid and lower in Andalusia (women/men: 12,321€/12,297€ and 7,031€/6,115€, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: OHF place a large burden on Spanish Regional Health Systems, including high economic costs. We found notable differences in mean costs across the Regions, mainly caused by the differential length of the first hospital stay and the outpatient care in subsequent months. These differences may be associated with differences in surgical delay. A national consensus on the management of OHF is desirable; moreover, agreeing common guidelines could have major socio-economic and healthcare benefits.

Spanish consensus on treat to target for osteoporosis.

To reach a Spanish expert consensus on a treat-to-target strategy in osteoporosis, a Delphi Consensus Study has been developed. Most of the experts (59.8%) were rheumatologist with a mean clinical experience of 21.3 years (SD 8.5). Consensus was achieved for 70% of the items. Therapeutic objectives, patient follow-up scheme, treatment failure criteria, and appropriate treatment choice for use in T2T strategy in Spain have been defined. INTRODUCTION: The paper aims to achieve a Spanish expert consensus on a treat-to-target (T2T) strategy in osteoporosis. METHODS: A scientific committee led the project and was involved in expert panel identification and Delphi questionnaire development. Two Delphi rounds were completed. The first-round questionnaire included 24 items and assessed, using a seven-point Likert scale, the experts' wish (W) and prognosis (P) in 5 years for each topic (applicability, therapeutic objectives, patient follow-up, and possible treatment to be prescribed). Items for which there was no consensus in the first round were included in the second round. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement (somewhat/mostly/entirely agree) or disagreement (somewhat/mostly/entirely disagree) responses. RESULTS: Of the experts, 112 and 106 completed the first and second rounds, respectively. 59.8% were rheumatologists with a mean clinical experience of 21.3 years (SD 8.5). Consensus was achieved for 70% of the items, and was established regarding the utility of a T2T strategy to define therapeutic objectives, optimal follow-up, and therapeutic algorithm. Participants agreed on the utility of the bone mineral density (BMD) value (T-score >-2.5 SD for spine and >-2.5/-2.0 SD for femoral neck), lack of fractures, and fracture risk (FRAX) as therapeutic objectives. For measuring BMD changes, consensus was achieved on the suitability of hip and femoral neck locations. Experts agreed to consider treatment failure as when a significant BMD gain could not be achieved, or when a new fracture occurs within 2-3 years. There was consensus that all proposed therapies should achieve a therapeutic target through T2T strategy (treatments with the highest consensus scores were denosumab and teriparatide). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic objectives, patient follow-up scheme, treatment failure criteria, and appropriate treatment choice for use in T2T strategy in Spain have been established by a panel of experts. Some aspects nevertheless still require further analysis.

Circuitos de atención médica de la paciente con osteoporosis postmenopáusica en España / Medical care circuits for postmenopausal patients in Spain

Objetivos: Alcanzar un consenso sobre los circuitos de atención médica de la paciente con osteoporosis postmenopáusica (OPM), incluyendo los circuitos de derivación y manejo (herramientas de evaluación y pruebas médicas), identificando perfiles de acuerdo con la opinión de expertos en metabolismo óseo pertenecientes al Sistema de Salud Español. Material y métodos: Se empleó la técnica Delphi con dos rondas de consulta sucesivas. Participaron 38 expertos en el manejo de OPM pertenecientes a 14 sociedades científicas. La revisión de la literatura y la opinión del comité científico nutrieron el cuestionario. Los expertos expresaron su "deseo" (1=rechazo total; 9=deseo más fuerte) y "pronóstico" (1=no ocurrirá en absoluto; 9=ocurrirá con máxima probabilidad) acerca de las cuestiones planteadas. Se alcanzó consenso cuando el 75% o más de los participantes puntuaron 1-3 (desacuerdo) o 7-9 (acuerdo). Adicionalmente, los expertos se dividieron en 3 grupos de discusión para complementar la información según los perfiles de pacientes previamente hallados en el método Delphi. Resultados: Se alcanzó consenso en el 75% de las preguntas. Los expertos establecieron tres perfiles de pacientes con OPM: sin fractura, con fractura vertebral y con fractura no vertebral, así como los recursos diagnósticos y terapéuticos que conviene emplear en estas pacientes. La paciente sin fractura debería ser manejada por Atención Primaria o Reumatología y se utilizarán escalas para valorar el riesgo de fractura en fases tempranas de la enfermedad. La paciente con fractura vertebral crónica debería referirse a Reumatología y Rehabilitación, y se derivará a Reumatología; mientras que la paciente con fractura vertebral aguda debería ser tratada por Cirugía Ortopédica, y así es como posiblemente ocurrirá. El diagnóstico de la paciente con fractura vertebral estará basado principalmente en la radiografía. Para la evaluación de la progresión se deberían utilizar cuestionarios sobre la capacidad funcional y escalas del dolor. Sin embargo, no se utilizarán en la práctica habitual debido a la falta de tiempo. La paciente con fractura no vertebral debería ser y será referida a Cirugía Ortopédica, recomendando realizar 3-4 radiografías anuales para asegurar la consolidación de la fractura. Conclusiones: Los resultados del método Delphi muestran los circuitos de derivación de la paciente con OPM, que se concentran en Atención Primaria y Reumatología, cuando no existe fractura, y Cirugía Ortopédica, en caso de fractura (AU)

Objectives: To reach a consensus on the medical care circuits of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), including derivation and management (assessment tools and medical tests), identifying profiles according to the opinion of bone metabolism experts, from Spain’s Health Service. Material and methods: The Delphi technique was used with two successive consultation rounds, with 38 experts in PMO management belonging to 14 scientific societies taking part in the study. Review of literature and the opinion of the scientific committee rounded out the questionnaire. The experts expressed their "desire" (1=total rejection, 9=stronger desire) and "forecast" (1=will absolutely not occur; 9=will occur with maximum probability) about the issues raised. A consensus was reached when 75% or more of the participants scored 1-3 (disagreement) or 7-9 (agreement). In addition, experts were divided up into 3 discussion groups to complement the information according to patient profiles found previously in the Delphi method. Results: Consensus was reached on 75% of the questions. The experts established three profiles of PMO patients: no fracture, vertebral fracture and non-vertebral fracture, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic resources recommended for these patients. The patient without a fracture should be managed in Primary Care or Rheumatology and scales will be used to evaluate fracture risk in early stages of the disease. The patient with chronic vertebral fracture should refer to Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, and will be Rheumatology, whereas the patient with acute vertebral fracture should be treated in Orthopedic Surgery, and this is how it will possibly happen. Diagnosis of vertebral fracture patients will be based mainly on x-rays. To assess progress, questionnaires on the functional capacity and pain scales are recommended. However, these will not be used due to the lack of time involved. The patient with non-vertebral fracture should be and will be referred to Orthopedic Surgery, with 3-4 radiographs recommended to ensure fracture consolidation. Conclusions: Delphi method results indicate that referral of PMO patients are concentrated in Primary Rheumatology, when there is no fracture, and Orthopedic Surgery, in the case of fracture (AU)

Resultados perinatales en gestantes mayores de 40 años / Perinatal outcomes in women older than 40 years

Objetivo: Evaluar la morbimortalidad obstétrica y neonatal en gestantes con gestaciones únicas de nuestro ámbito mayores de 40 años. Material y método Se seleccionaron los partos asistidos en el Hostipal Parc Taulí de Sabadell durante un periodo de 12 meses, excluyendo los partos múltiples. Se incluyeron un total de 3.308 gestantes, dividiéndolas en 2 grupos, de menos de 40 años (grupo 1), y mayores o igual a 40 años (grupo 2). Analizando la morbimortalidad materna y neonatal en ambos grupos de edad para determinar si hubo diferencias. Resultados: Solo 115 (3,5%) gestantes tenían > 40 años. Encontramos en el grupo de más de 40 años mayor número de técnicas de reproducción asistida, y mayor incidencia de estados hipertensivos del embarazo, diabetes y parto por cesárea con p < 0,05. Conclusiones: Las gestantes de edad avanzada ≥ 40 años presentan mayor morbilidad materna, sin que la edad avanzada tenga que repercutir directamente en la morbimortalidad neonatal

Objective: To evaluate obstetric and neonatal morbidity and mortality in pregnant women aged40 years or more with singleton pregnancies in our hospital. Material and methods: We selected deliveries occurring in Hospital Parc Taulí in Sabadell, Spain, in a 12-month period. Multiple deliveries were excluded. A total of 3308 pregnant women were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of women aged less than 40 years and group 2 consisted of women aged 40 years or more. Maternal and neonatal morbidity were analyzed in both groups to identify any differences. Results: Only 115 (3.5%) pregnant women were aged 40 years or more. Compared with group2, group 1 had undergone a higher number of assisted reproductive technologies and showed a higher incidence of hypertensive diseases, diabetes, and cesarean delivery (p <0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women aged 40 years more have higher morbidity but advanced age does not directly infuence neonatal morbidity and mortality

Tratamiento de la amigdalitis estreptocócica con amoxicilina una vez al día: metaanálisis / Treatment of streptococcal tonsillitis with once-a-day amoxicillin: a meta-analysis

Introducción: El objetivo de la presente revisión sistemática es determinar si el tratamiento antibiótico de la faringoamigdalitis estreptocócica con una dosis diaria de amoxicilina tiene una eficacia similar a otras posologías (cada 8 o 12h) del mismo antibiótico o de penicilina V. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos aleatorios (ECA), que compararan amoxicilina (1 dosis/día) frente a otras posologías de amoxicilina (cada 8-12h) o penicilina V (cada 6, 8 o 12h). Bases de datos y buscadores consultados: Medline, Central, EMBASE y Google Académico. Los resultados se combinaron estimándose la diferencia de riesgos ponderada (DR). Se midió la eficacia del tratamiento por la negativización de cultivo orofaríngeo previamente positivo a estreptococo del grupo A a los 14-21 días (bajo una hipótesis de no inferioridad, considerando como tal que el límite superior del intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC del 95%] de la DR no supere el 10%) y la recaída clínica a los 10-21 días. Los resultados se combinaron siguiendo un modelo de efectos fijos o aleatorios según existiera o no heterogeneidad. Resultados: Cumplieron los criterios de selección 4 ECA con 1.314 participantes (657 recibieron amoxicilina 1 vez/día y 657 otros antibióticos o posologías): a) cultivo positivo para cualquier estreptococo (14-21 días, 4 ECA): DR: –0,5% (IC del 95%, –5,1% a 4,2%; b) persistencia del mismo serotipo (14-21 días, 3 ECA): DR: 0,32% (IC del 95%, –3,1% a 3,7%; c) recaída clínica (10-21 días, 2 ECA): DR: 1,7% (IC del 95%, –1,9% a 5,4%); d) efectos adversos (4 ECA): DR: –0,39% (IC del 95%, –1,5% a 6,8%(. No existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en ninguna de las comparaciones realizadas. Conclusiones: La amoxicilina, administrada en una sola dosis diaria, no es inferior a otras posologías del mismo antibiótico o de penicilina V. Estos resultados son importantes ya que pueden facilitar el cumplimiento terapéutico (AU)

Introduction: The objective of this systematic review is to determine if the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis with a daily dose of amoxicillin is similar in effectiveness to other dosing schedules (every 6, 8 or 12hours) of the same antibiotic or penicillin V. Material and methods: Randomised clinical trials (RCT) comparing amoxicillin (one dose per day) compared to other dosages of amoxicillin (every 8-12hours) or penicillin V (every 6, 8 or 12hours). Search databases consulted: Medline, Central, EMBASE and Google Scholar. The results were combined using the risk difference (RD). We measured the effectiveness of each treatment with a negative throat culture on the 14-21th day, being previously positive to group A Streptococcus (under a non-inferiority hypothesis, where the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval [95% CI] of the DR does not exceed 10%) and clinical failure on days 10-21. The results were combined according to a fixed effects model or random depending on whether or not there was heterogeneity. Results: Four RCT met the selection criteria with 1,314 participants (657 received amoxicillin once per day, and 657 received other antibiotics or dosages): a) any positive culture for Streptococcus (14-21st day, 4 RCTs): DR: –0.5% (95% CI: –5.1% to 4.2%; b) persistence of the same serotype (14-21st day, 3 RCT): DR: 0.32% (95% CI: –3.1% to 3.7%; c) clinical failure (2 RCT): DR: 1.7% (95% CI: –1.9% to 5.4%; d) adverse effects (4 RCT): DR: –0.39% (95% CI: –1.5% to 6.8%). There were no statistically significant differences in any comparisons. Conclusions: Amoxicillin, administered once daily is not inferior to other dosages of the same antibiotic or penicillin V. These results are important because they may facilitate compliance (AU)

[Treatment of streptococcal tonsillitis with once-a-day amoxicillin: a meta-analysis]. / Tratamiento de la amigdalitis estreptocócica con amoxicilina una vez al día: metaanálisis.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this systematic review is to determine if the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis with a daily dose of amoxicillin is similar in effectiveness to other dosing schedules (every 6, 8 or 12 hours) of the same antibiotic or penicillin V. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomised clinical trials (RCT) comparing amoxicillin (one dose per day) compared to other dosages of amoxicillin (every 8-12 hours) or penicillin V (every 6, 8 or 12 hours). Search databases consulted: Medline, Central, EMBASE and Google Scholar. The results were combined using the risk difference (RD). We measured the effectiveness of each treatment with a negative throat culture on the 14-21th day, being previously positive to group A Streptococcus (under a non-inferiority hypothesis, where the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval [95% CI] of the DR does not exceed 10%) and clinical failure on days 10-21. The results were combined according to a fixed effects model or random depending on whether or not there was heterogeneity. RESULTS: Four RCT met the selection criteria with 1,314 participants (657 received amoxicillin once per day, and 657 received other antibiotics or dosages): a) any positive culture for Streptococcus (14-21st day, 4 RCTs): DR: -0.5% (95% CI: -5.1% to 4.2%; b) persistence of the same serotype (14-21st day, 3 RCT): DR: 0.32% (95% CI: -3.1% to 3.7%; c) clinical failure (2 RCT): DR: 1.7% (95% CI: -1.9% to 5.4%; d) adverse effects (4 RCT): DR: -0.39% (95% CI: -1.5% to 6.8%). There were no statistically significant differences in any comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Amoxicillin, administered once daily is not inferior to other dosages of the same antibiotic or penicillin V. These results are important because they may facilitate compliance.

El papel de la antibioterapia en la sinusitis aguda: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / The role of antibiotics in acute sinusitis: a systematic review and metaanalysis

Introducción: El objetivo fue determinar si los antibióticos son más eficaces que el placebo o ninguna intervención en el tratamiento de la sinusitis aguda. Pacientes y métodos: Se revisaron las bases de datos y buscadores: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials y Google Académico para identificar ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) realizados en niños que compararan antibiótico frente a placebo. Se consideró sinusitis, la persistencia de sintomatología clínica compatible durante al menos 10 días. La calidad metodológica se evaluó mediante la escala de Jadad. Fueron seleccionados 4 ECA. Se evaluaron las siguientes variables: curación-mejoría clínica (a día 10-14), recaídas-recurrencias (a día 14-60) y presencia de efectos adversos. Los resultados se combinaron mediante metaanálisis. Se adoptó un análisis según modelo de efectos fijos o aleatorios en función de si existía o no heterogeneidad. El parámetro combinado que se estimó fue el riesgo relativo (RR) y su intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Dos ECA tenían una puntuación en la escala de Jadad ≥ 3. Variable curación-mejoría (4 ECA): RR: 1,11 (IC 95%: 0,9 a 1,3). Variable recaída-recurrencia (3 ECA): RR: 0,9 (IC 95%: 0,6 a 1,5); efectos adversos (4 ECA): 2,01 (IC 95%: 1,1 a 3,8). Conclusiones: En niños con sinusitis aguda, el tratamiento antibiótico a las dosis estudiadas no parece aportar beneficio alguno en cuanto a la curación-mejoría evaluada al 10-14 día de seguimiento. El porcentaje de recaídas-recurrencias no fue inferior entre los niños que recibieron antibiótico. Los antibióticos se asocian con mayor probabilidad a efectos adversos (AU)

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review is to assess whether antibacterial agents are more effective than either placebo or no intervention at all in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis. Patients and methods: We reviewed the databases and search engines: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in children comparing antibiotics versus placebo. Sinusitis was considered as the persistence of clinically compatible symptoms for at least 10 days. The methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. Four RCTs were selected. We studied the following variables: cure, clinical improvement (on days 10 to 14), relapse-recurrence (from day 14 to day 60) and presence of adverse effects. The results were combined using meta-analysis. We used the fixed effects model or random model depending on whether or not there was heterogeneity. We estimated the combined relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval. Results: Only two RCTs had a Jadad scale score ≥3. Variable cure-improvement (4 RCTs): RR 1.11 (95% CI: 0.9 to 1.3). Variable relapse-recurrence (3 RCTs): RR 0.9 (95% CI: 0.6 to 1.5). Adverse effects (4 RCTs): 2.01 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.8). Conclusions: In children with acute sinusitis, antibacterial agents at the studied doses did not appear to provide benefit in terms of cure and improvement, assessed at 10 to 14 days of follow up. Similarly, the percentage of relapse-recurrence was not lower among children who received antibiotics. Antibiotics are associated more frequently with adverse effects( AU)

[The role of antibiotics in acute sinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis]. / El papel de la antibioterapia en la sinusitis aguda: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this systematic review is to assess whether antibacterial agents are more effective than either placebo or no intervention at all in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the databases and search engines: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in children comparing antibiotics versus placebo. Sinusitis was considered as the persistence of clinically compatible symptoms for at least 10 days. The methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. Four RCTs were selected. We studied the following variables: cure, clinical improvement (on days 10 to 14), relapse-recurrence (from day 14 to day 60) and presence of adverse effects. The results were combined using meta-analysis. We used the fixed effects model or random model depending on whether or not there was heterogeneity. We estimated the combined relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Only two RCTs had a Jadad scale score ≥3. Variable cure-improvement (4 RCTs): RR 1.11 (95% CI: 0.9 to 1.3). Variable relapse-recurrence (3 RCTs): RR 0.9 (95% CI: 0.6 to 1.5). Adverse effects (4 RCTs): 2.01 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.8). CONCLUSIONS: In children with acute sinusitis, antibacterial agents at the studied doses did not appear to provide benefit in terms of cure and improvement, assessed at 10 to 14 days of follow up. Similarly, the percentage of relapse-recurrence was not lower among children who received antibiotics. Antibiotics are associated more frequently with adverse effects.