Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2007 October 30
Villa L, Morote S, Bernal O, Bulla D, Albajar Viñas P
Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2007 October 30
In this article, Médicos Sin Fronteras (MSF) Spain faces the challenge of selecting, piecing together, and conveying in the clearest possible way, the main lessons learnt over the course of the last seven years in the world of medical care for Chagas disease. More than two thousand children under the age of 14 have been treated; the majority of whom come from rural Latin American areas with difficult access. It is based on these lessons learnt, through mistakes and successes, that MSF advocates that medical care for patients with Chagas disease be a reality, in a manner which is inclusive (not exclusive), integrated (with medical, psychological, social, and educational components), and in which the patient is actively followed. This must be a multi-disease approach with permanent quality controls in place based on primary health care (PHC). Rapid diagnostic tests and new medications should be available, as well as therapeutic plans and patient management (including side effects) with standardised flows for medical care for patients within PHC in relation to secondary and tertiary level, inclusive of epidemiological surveillance systems.
Journal Article > Meta-AnalysisFull Text
PLOS Med. 2012 August 28; Volume 9 (Issue 8); DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001300
Ahuja SD, Ashkin D, Avendano M, Banerjee R, Bayona J, et al.
PLOS Med. 2012 August 28; Volume 9 (Issue 8); DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001300
Treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is lengthy, toxic, expensive, and has generally poor outcomes. We undertook an individual patient data meta-analysis to assess the impact on outcomes of the type, number, and duration of drugs used to treat MDR-TB.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Malar J. 2015 September 17; Volume 14; 356.; DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0891-0
Fernandez Lopez M, Ruiz Giardin JM, San Martin Lopez JV, Jaquetti J, Arata IG, et al.
Malar J. 2015 September 17; Volume 14; 356.; DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0891-0
BACKGROUND
Arrival of immigrants from malaria endemic areas has led to a emergence of cases of this parasitic disease in Spain. The objective of this study was to analyse the high incidence rate of imported malaria in Fuenlabrada, a city in the south of Madrid, together with the frequent the lack of chemoprophylaxis, for the period between 2004 and 2014. Both pregnant women and HIV risk groups have been considered.
METHODS
Retrospective descriptive study of laboratory-confirmed malaria at the Fuenlabrada University Hospital, in Madrid, during a 10-year period (2004-2014). These data were obtained reviewing medical histories of the cases. Relevant epidemiological, clinical and laboratory results were analysed, with focus on the following risk groups: pregnant women and individuals with HIV.
RESULTS
A total of 185 cases were diagnosed (90.3 % Plasmodium falciparum). The annual incidence rate was 11.9/100,000 inhabitants/year. The average age was 30.8 years (SD: 14.3). Infections originating in sub-Saharan Africa comprised the 97.6 % of the cases. A total of 85.9 % were Visiting Friends and Relatives. Only a 4.3 % completed adequate prophylaxis. A total of 14.28 % of the fertile women were pregnant, and 8 cases (4.3 %) had HIV. None of them in these special groups completed prophylaxis.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence rate in Fuenlabrada is higher than in the rest of Spain, due to the large number of immigrants from endemic areas living in the municipality. However, the results are not representative of all the country. It seems to be reasonable to implement prevention and pre-travel assessment programs to increase chemoprophylaxis. Pregnancy tests and HIV serology should be completed for all patients to improve prophylactic methods.
Arrival of immigrants from malaria endemic areas has led to a emergence of cases of this parasitic disease in Spain. The objective of this study was to analyse the high incidence rate of imported malaria in Fuenlabrada, a city in the south of Madrid, together with the frequent the lack of chemoprophylaxis, for the period between 2004 and 2014. Both pregnant women and HIV risk groups have been considered.
METHODS
Retrospective descriptive study of laboratory-confirmed malaria at the Fuenlabrada University Hospital, in Madrid, during a 10-year period (2004-2014). These data were obtained reviewing medical histories of the cases. Relevant epidemiological, clinical and laboratory results were analysed, with focus on the following risk groups: pregnant women and individuals with HIV.
RESULTS
A total of 185 cases were diagnosed (90.3 % Plasmodium falciparum). The annual incidence rate was 11.9/100,000 inhabitants/year. The average age was 30.8 years (SD: 14.3). Infections originating in sub-Saharan Africa comprised the 97.6 % of the cases. A total of 85.9 % were Visiting Friends and Relatives. Only a 4.3 % completed adequate prophylaxis. A total of 14.28 % of the fertile women were pregnant, and 8 cases (4.3 %) had HIV. None of them in these special groups completed prophylaxis.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence rate in Fuenlabrada is higher than in the rest of Spain, due to the large number of immigrants from endemic areas living in the municipality. However, the results are not representative of all the country. It seems to be reasonable to implement prevention and pre-travel assessment programs to increase chemoprophylaxis. Pregnancy tests and HIV serology should be completed for all patients to improve prophylactic methods.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Clin Med. 2024 June 2; Volume 13 (Issue 11); 3282.; DOI:10.3390/jcm13113282
Lightowler MS, Sander JV, García de Casasola Sánchez G, Mateos González M, Güerri-Fernández R, et al.
J Clin Med. 2024 June 2; Volume 13 (Issue 11); 3282.; DOI:10.3390/jcm13113282
BACKGROUND
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the burden on hospital resources, the rapid categorization of high-risk COVID-19 patients became essential, and lung ultrasound (LUS) emerged as an alternative to chest computed tomography, offering speed, non-ionizing, repeatable, and bedside assessments. Various LUS score systems have been used, yet there is no consensus on an optimal severity cut-off. We assessed the performance of a 12-zone LUS score to identify adult COVID-19 patients with severe lung involvement using oxygen saturation (SpO2)/fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio as a reference standard to define the best cut-off for predicting adverse outcomes.
METHODS
We conducted a single-centre prospective study (August 2020–April 2021) at Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain. Upon admission to the general ward or intensive care unit (ICU), clinicians performed LUS in adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. Severe lung involvement was defined as a SpO2/FiO2 ratio <315. The LUS score ranged from 0 to 36 based on the aeration patterns. Results: 248 patients were included. The admission LUS score showed moderate performance in identifying a SpO2/FiO2 ratio <315 (area under the ROC curve: 0.71; 95%CI 0.64–0.77). After adjustment for COVID-19 risk factors, an admission LUS score ≥17 was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death (OR 5.31; 95%CI: 1.38–20.4), ICU admission (OR 3.50; 95%CI: 1.37–8.94) and need for IMV (OR 3.31; 95%CI: 1.19–9.13).
CONCLUSIONS
Although the admission LUS score had limited performance in identifying severe lung involvement, a cut-off ≥17 score was associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. and could play a role in the rapid categorization of COVID-19 pneumonia patients, anticipating the need for advanced care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the burden on hospital resources, the rapid categorization of high-risk COVID-19 patients became essential, and lung ultrasound (LUS) emerged as an alternative to chest computed tomography, offering speed, non-ionizing, repeatable, and bedside assessments. Various LUS score systems have been used, yet there is no consensus on an optimal severity cut-off. We assessed the performance of a 12-zone LUS score to identify adult COVID-19 patients with severe lung involvement using oxygen saturation (SpO2)/fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio as a reference standard to define the best cut-off for predicting adverse outcomes.
METHODS
We conducted a single-centre prospective study (August 2020–April 2021) at Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain. Upon admission to the general ward or intensive care unit (ICU), clinicians performed LUS in adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. Severe lung involvement was defined as a SpO2/FiO2 ratio <315. The LUS score ranged from 0 to 36 based on the aeration patterns. Results: 248 patients were included. The admission LUS score showed moderate performance in identifying a SpO2/FiO2 ratio <315 (area under the ROC curve: 0.71; 95%CI 0.64–0.77). After adjustment for COVID-19 risk factors, an admission LUS score ≥17 was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death (OR 5.31; 95%CI: 1.38–20.4), ICU admission (OR 3.50; 95%CI: 1.37–8.94) and need for IMV (OR 3.31; 95%CI: 1.19–9.13).
CONCLUSIONS
Although the admission LUS score had limited performance in identifying severe lung involvement, a cut-off ≥17 score was associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. and could play a role in the rapid categorization of COVID-19 pneumonia patients, anticipating the need for advanced care.
Journal Article > Meta-AnalysisFull Text
Lancet Infect Dis. 2012 February 27; Volume 12 (Issue 6); DOI:10.1016/S1473-3099(12)70033-6
Ettehad D, Schaaf HS, Seddon JA, Cooke GS, Ford NP
Lancet Infect Dis. 2012 February 27; Volume 12 (Issue 6); DOI:10.1016/S1473-3099(12)70033-6
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2015 March 10; Volume 9 (Issue 3); e0003594.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0003594
Herrador Z, Gherasim A, Jimenez BC, Granados M, San Martin JV, et al.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2015 March 10; Volume 9 (Issue 3); e0003594.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0003594
In Spain, Leishmania infantum is endemic, human visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis cases occurring both in the Peninsula, as well as in the Balearic Islands. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of leishmaniasis patients and the changes in the disease evolution after the introduction of antiretroviral therapy in 1997. In this descriptive study, we used Spanish Centralized Hospital Discharge Database for the hospitalized leishmaniasis cases between 1997 and 2011. We included in the analysis only the records having leishmaniasis as the first registered diagnosis and calculated the hospitalization rates. Disease trend was described taking into account the HIV status. Adjusted odds-ratio was used to estimate the association between clinical and socio-demographic factors and HIV co-infection. Of the total 8010 Leishmaniasis hospitalizations records, 3442 had leishmaniasis as first diagnosis; 2545/3442 (75.6%) were males and 2240/3442 (65.1%) aged between 14-65 years. Regarding disease forms, 2844/3442 (82.6%) of hospitalizations were due to visceral leishmaniasis (VL), while 118/3442 (3.4%) hospitalizations were cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Overall, 1737/2844 of VL (61.1%) were HIV negatives. An overall increasing trend was observed for the records with leishmaniasis as first diagnosis (p=0.113). Non-HIV leishmaniasis increased during this time period (p=0.021) while leishmaniasis-HIV co-infection hospitalization revealed a slight descending trend (p=0.717). Leishmaniasis-HIV co-infection was significantly associated with male sex (aOR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.25-2.04), 16-64 years age group (aOR=17.4; 95%CI: 2.1-143.3), visceral leishmaniasis aOR=6.1 (95%CI: 3.27-11.28) and solid neoplasms 4.5 (95% CI: 1.65-12.04). The absence of HIV co-infection was associated with lymph/hematopoietic neoplasms (aOR=0.3; 95%CI:0.14-0.57), other immunodeficiency (aOR=0.04; 95% CI:0.01-0.32) and transplant (aOR=0.01; 95%CI:0.00-0.07). Our findings suggest a significant increase of hospitalization in the absence of HIV co-infection, with a predomination of VL. We consider that clinicians in Spain should be aware of leishmaniasis not only in the HIV population but also in non HIV patients, especially for those having immunosuppression as an associate condition.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Journal of Humanitarian Affairs. 2021 December 22; Volume 3 (Issue 3); 25-31.; DOI:10.7227/JHA.071
Di Lollo MX, Cocina EE, Gisbert FdB, Juarez RG, García-Mingo A
Journal of Humanitarian Affairs. 2021 December 22; Volume 3 (Issue 3); 25-31.; DOI:10.7227/JHA.071
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, it rapidly became apparent that older individuals were at greater risk of serious illness and death. The risk was even greater for residents in care homes, who live in close proximity and may be suffering other comorbidities. Such facilities also saw a high turnover of staff and visitors, meaning an increased risk of transmission. Data has suggested that care home residents may account for up to a half of all COVID-related deaths in Spain.
As morbidity and mortality for COVID-19 was increasing in March 2020, MSF offered support to Spanish care homes during the first wave of infections. Our intervention included different axes: advocacy, knowledge sharing, training and implementation of measures for a reduction in transmission and for infection prevention and control (IPC).
The situation for care home residents was dire, with many people dying alone, away from loved ones and without access to palliative care. Staff were overwhelmed and ill-equipped to deal with the scale and complexity of this tragedy.
Although technical interventions to reduce transmission were crucial, it became clear that other people-centred activities that supported residents, their families and staff, were of equal importance, including facilitating contact between families, providing emotional support and offering adequate pain management and palliative care.
Residents in care homes have the same rights as everyone else. In the event of future crises, the most vulnerable should not be neglected.
As morbidity and mortality for COVID-19 was increasing in March 2020, MSF offered support to Spanish care homes during the first wave of infections. Our intervention included different axes: advocacy, knowledge sharing, training and implementation of measures for a reduction in transmission and for infection prevention and control (IPC).
The situation for care home residents was dire, with many people dying alone, away from loved ones and without access to palliative care. Staff were overwhelmed and ill-equipped to deal with the scale and complexity of this tragedy.
Although technical interventions to reduce transmission were crucial, it became clear that other people-centred activities that supported residents, their families and staff, were of equal importance, including facilitating contact between families, providing emotional support and offering adequate pain management and palliative care.
Residents in care homes have the same rights as everyone else. In the event of future crises, the most vulnerable should not be neglected.
Journal Article > Meta-AnalysisFull Text
AIDS. 2010 June 19; Volume 24 (Issue 10); DOI:10.1097/QAD.0b013e32833a2a14
Ford NP, Mofenson L, Kranzer K, Medu L, Frigati L, et al.
AIDS. 2010 June 19; Volume 24 (Issue 10); DOI:10.1097/QAD.0b013e32833a2a14
INTRODUCTION
Primate studies and some observational human data have raised concern regarding an association of first-trimester efavirenz exposure with central nervous system congenital anomalies. The objective of this review is to update evidence on efavirenz safety in HIV-infected pregnant women to inform revision of the 2013 WHO guidelines for antiretroviral therapy in low and middle-income countries.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched for studies reporting birth outcomes among women exposed to efavirenz during the first trimester of pregnancy up to 10 January 2014. Relative risks of congenital anomalies comparing women exposed to efavirenz and nonefavirenz-based antiretroviral regimens were pooled using random effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were included in this review, among which 21 reported the birth outcomes of 2026 live births among women exposed to efavirenz during the first trimester of pregnancy. Forty-four congenital anomalies were reported, giving a pooled proportion of 1.63% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.78-2.48], with only one neural tube defect. Twelve studies reported birth outcomes of women exposed to efavirenz or nonefavirenz-containing regimens during the first trimester of pregnancy. Pooled analysis found no differences in overall risks congenital anomalies between these two groups (relative risk 0.78, 95% CI 0.56-1.08). The incidence of neural tube defects was low, 0.05% (95% CI <0.01-0.28), and similar to incidence in the general population.
DISCUSSION
This updated analysis found no evidence of an increased risk of overall or central nervous system congenital anomalies associated with first-trimester exposure to efavirenz, similar to previous systematic reviews. This review contributed to the evidence base for the revised 2013 WHO guidelines on antiretroviral therapy, which recommend that efavirenz can be included as part of first-line therapy in adults regardless of sex, and that it can be used throughout pregnancy, including during the first trimester. However, because of the low incidence of central nervous system anomalies in the overall population and relatively small number of exposures in the current literature, continued birth outcomes prospective surveillance is warranted.
Primate studies and some observational human data have raised concern regarding an association of first-trimester efavirenz exposure with central nervous system congenital anomalies. The objective of this review is to update evidence on efavirenz safety in HIV-infected pregnant women to inform revision of the 2013 WHO guidelines for antiretroviral therapy in low and middle-income countries.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched for studies reporting birth outcomes among women exposed to efavirenz during the first trimester of pregnancy up to 10 January 2014. Relative risks of congenital anomalies comparing women exposed to efavirenz and nonefavirenz-based antiretroviral regimens were pooled using random effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were included in this review, among which 21 reported the birth outcomes of 2026 live births among women exposed to efavirenz during the first trimester of pregnancy. Forty-four congenital anomalies were reported, giving a pooled proportion of 1.63% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.78-2.48], with only one neural tube defect. Twelve studies reported birth outcomes of women exposed to efavirenz or nonefavirenz-containing regimens during the first trimester of pregnancy. Pooled analysis found no differences in overall risks congenital anomalies between these two groups (relative risk 0.78, 95% CI 0.56-1.08). The incidence of neural tube defects was low, 0.05% (95% CI <0.01-0.28), and similar to incidence in the general population.
DISCUSSION
This updated analysis found no evidence of an increased risk of overall or central nervous system congenital anomalies associated with first-trimester exposure to efavirenz, similar to previous systematic reviews. This review contributed to the evidence base for the revised 2013 WHO guidelines on antiretroviral therapy, which recommend that efavirenz can be included as part of first-line therapy in adults regardless of sex, and that it can be used throughout pregnancy, including during the first trimester. However, because of the low incidence of central nervous system anomalies in the overall population and relatively small number of exposures in the current literature, continued birth outcomes prospective surveillance is warranted.
Journal Article > Meta-AnalysisFull Text
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2012 December 4; Volume 17 (Issue 3); DOI:10.5588/ijtld.12.0537
Toczek A, Cox HS, du Cros PAK, Cooke GS, Ford NP
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2012 December 4; Volume 17 (Issue 3); DOI:10.5588/ijtld.12.0537
BACKGROUND: Scaling up treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a global health priority. However, current treatment regimens are long and associated with side effects, and default rates are consequently high. This systematic review aimed to identify strategies for reducing treatment default.METHODS: We conducted a systematic search up to May 2012 to identify studies describing interventions to support patients receiving treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The potential influence of study interventions were explored through subgroup analyses.RESULTS: A total of 75 studies provided outcomes for 18 294 patients across 31 countries. Default rates ranged from 0.5% to 56%, with a pooled proportion of 14.8% (95%CI 12.4-17.4). Strategies identified to be associated with lower default rates included the engagement of community health workers as directly observed treatment (DOT) providers, the provision of DOT throughout treatment, smaller cohort sizes and the provision of patient education.CONCLUSION: Current interventions to support adherence and retention are poorly described and based on weak evidence. This review was able to identify a number of promising, inexpensive interventions feasible for implementation and scale-up in MDR-TB programmes. The high default rates reported from many programmes underscore the pressing need to further refine and evaluate simple intervention packages to support patients.
Journal Article > Meta-AnalysisFull Text
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2012 February 8; Volume 16 (Issue 4); DOI:10.5588/ijtld.11.0451
Cox HS, Ford NP
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2012 February 8; Volume 16 (Issue 4); DOI:10.5588/ijtld.11.0451
BACKGROUND: Current treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is inadequate, and outcomes are significantly poorer than for drug-susceptible TB, particularly for patients previously treated with second-line drugs, treatment failures or extensively drug-resistant (XDR-) TB patients (complicated DR-TB). Linezolid is not recommended for routine DR-TB treatment due to the lack of efficacy data, but is suggested for patients where adequate second-line regimens are difficult to design.OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and metaanalysis to assess existing evidence of efficacy and safety of linezolid for DR-TB treatment.METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase and abstracts from World Conferences of The Union for studies published through February 2011. We included all studies in which linezolid was given systematically to DR-TB patients and where treatment outcomes were reported.RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included in our review, representing 148 patients. The pooled proportion for treatment success was 67.99% (95%CI 58.00-78.99, τ2 129.42). There were no significant differences in success comparing daily linezolid dose (≤600 vs. >600 mg) and mean linezolid duration (≤7 vs. >7 months). The pooled estimate for the frequency of any adverse events was 61.48% (95%CI 40.15-82.80), with 36.23% (95%CI 20.67-51.79) discontinuing linezolid due to adverse events.CONCLUSION: Treatment success with linezolid was equal to or better than that commonly achieved for uncomplicated DR-TB, and better than previous reports for previously treated patients and those with XDR-TB. While data are limited, linezolid appears be a useful drug, albeit associated with significant adverse events, and should be considered in the treatment of complicated DR-TB.