Antibody Response 3 Months after 2 Doses of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities.

BACKGROUND: Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 and were identified as a priority group in COVID-19 vaccination strategies. Emerging evidence suggests vaccine effectiveness in LTCF populations, but data about median and long-term durability of immune response after vaccination are still limited. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the humoral response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 3 months after the second dose, in a cohort of 495 residents aged ≥65 years from 11 LTCF in Granada, Spain. METHOD: Between April 19 and April 30, 2021, we measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG to evaluate the humoral vaccination response. Antibody titers were reported in binding antibody units (BAU/mL). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to investigate the impact of age, sex, underlying health conditions, and prior COVID-19 infection on the antibody levels. RESULTS: Over 96% of the participants developed an adequate humoral response. We detected higher antibody titers in previously infected individuals, compared with those previously uninfected (B: 1,150.059 BAU/mL, p < 0.001). Moreover, we found a significant inverse association between age and antibody levels (B: -7.943 BAU/mL, p < 0.05). This negative age-dependent response was more noticeable among residents over 85 years old. In contrast, baseline health conditions and cognitive status were not associated with different antibody levels. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support monitoring COVID-19 vaccination response trend in older adults, in order to optimize future disease prevention and control strategies in this vulnerable population.

Evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad de un nuevo equipo desechable para lavado de oídos / Evaluation and safety of the effectiveness of a new disposable kit for ear washing

Objetivo principal: Evaluar el rendimiento de un nuevo dispositivo desechable para el lavado de oídos por tapón de cerumen, en comparación con el método tradicional (jeringa metálica). Metodología: ensayo clínico aleatorizado, doble ciego, de grupos paralelos, con asignación cuasi-aleatoria y análisis por intención de tratar. Resultados principales: Participaron 273 pacientes. Los resultados se muestran comparando jeringa metálica (JM) vs nuevo dispositivo (ND). Extracción del tapón: 86,10 % vs 94,52 %; efectos adversos: 9.55 % vs 3.64%; eritema en el CAE: 34.32 % vs 22.62 %; erosión: 5.97 % vs 2.91 %. Respecto a los profesionales que utilizaron ambos métodos de lavado, el 90 % señaló que el ND representaba una mejoría en el manejo del lavado de oídos. Conclusión principal: El ND desechable para el lavado de oído, mejora el manejo, tiempo de utilización, eficacia y seguridad en comparación con la JM. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the performance of a new disposable device for ear washing by ear wax, in comparison with the traditional method of the metal syringe. Methods: randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial, with Quasi-random assignment and intention to treat analysis. Results: 273 patients participated. Results are showed comparing metal syringe (JM) vs the new device (ND). Extraction of the cap: 86.10% vs 94.52%; adverse effects: 9.55% vs 3.64%; erythema in the EAC: 34.32% vs 22.62%; erosion in 5.97% vs 2.91%. Regarding to the professionals who used both methods, 90% indicated that the ND represented an improvement in the management of ear washing. Conclusions: The new disposable device for ear washing, improves handling, time of use, efficacy and safety to the traditional method with the metal syringe. (AU)