RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Race and ethnicity are important drivers of health inequalities worldwide. However, the recording of race/ethnicity in data systems is frequently insufficient, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study is to descriptively analyse trends in data completeness in race/color records in hospital admissions and the rates of hospitalizations by various causes for Blacks and Whites individuals. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal analysis, examining hospital admission data from Brazil's Hospital Information System (SIH) between 2010 and 2022, and analysed trends in reporting completeness and racial inequalities. These hospitalization records were examined based on year, quarter, cause of admission (using International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes), and race/color (categorized as Black, White, or missing). We examined the patterns in hospitalization rates and the prevalence of missing data over a period of time. RESULTS: Over the study period, there was a notable improvement in data completeness regarding race/color in hospital admissions in Brazil. The proportion of missing values on race decreased from 34.7% in 2010 to 21.2% in 2020. As data completeness improved, racial inequalities in hospitalization rates became more evident - across several causes, including assaults, tuberculosis, hypertensive diseases, at-risk hospitalizations during pregnancy and motorcycle accidents. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the critical role of data quality in identifying and addressing racial health inequalities. Improved data completeness has revealed previously hidden inequalities in health records, emphasizing the need for comprehensive data collection to inform equitable health policies and interventions. Policymakers working in areas where socioeconomic data reporting (including on race and ethnicity) is suboptimal, should address data completeness to fully understand the scale of health inequalities.
Assuntos
Sistemas de Informação em Saúde , Disparidades nos Níveis de Saúde , Disparidades em Assistência à Saúde , Sistemas de Informação Hospitalar , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Brasil , Sistemas de Informação em Saúde/normas , Disparidades em Assistência à Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Sistemas de Informação Hospitalar/normas , Hospitalização/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Longitudinais , Grupos Raciais/estatística & dados numéricos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , População Branca/estatística & dados numéricos , População Negra/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chile rapidly implemented an extensive COVID-19 vaccination campaign, deploying a diversity of vaccines with a strategy that prioritized the elderly and individuals with comorbidities. This study aims to assess the direct impact of vaccination on the number of COVID-19 related cases, hospital admissions, ICU admissions and deaths averted during the first year and a half of the campaign. METHODS: Via Chile's transparency law, we obtained access to weekly event counts categorized by vaccination status and age. Integrating this data with publicly available census and vaccination coverage information, we conducted a comparative analysis of weekly incidence rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups from December 20, 2020 to July 2, 2022 to estimate the direct impact of vaccination in terms of the number of cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths averted, using an approach that avoids the need to explicitly specify the effectiveness of each vaccine deployed. RESULTS: We estimated that, from December 20, 2020 to July 2, 2022 the vaccination campaign directly prevented 1,030,648 (95% Confidence Interval: 1,016,975-1,044,321) cases, 268,784 (95% CI: 264,524-273,045) hospitalizations, 85,830 (95% CI: 83,466-88,194) ICU admissions and 75,968 (95% CI: 73,909-78,028) deaths related to COVID-19 among individuals aged 16 years and older. This corresponds to a reduction of 26% of cases, 66% of hospital admissions, 70% of ICU admissions and 67% of deaths compared to a scenario without vaccination. Individuals 55 years old or older represented 67% of hospitalizations, 73% of ICU admissions and 89% of deaths related to COVID-19 prevented. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the role of Chile's vaccination campaign in reducing COVID-19 disease burden, with the most substantial reductions observed in severe outcomes.
Assuntos
Vacinas contra COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Hospitalização , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva , Humanos , Chile/epidemiologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , COVID-19/mortalidade , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Vacinas contra COVID-19/administração & dosagem , Hospitalização/estatística & dados numéricos , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto , Idoso , Adolescente , SARS-CoV-2 , Vacinação/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto Jovem , Masculino , Feminino , Programas de Imunização/estatística & dados numéricos , Incidência , CriançaRESUMO
Introducción: La enfermedad de Parkinson es una afección neurológica progresiva caracterizada por la lentitud y la escasez de movimientos (bradicinesia), rigidez muscular, temblores en reposo y trastorno de la postura. Entre el período 1990-2016, las muertes atribuidas a enfermedad de Parkinson aumentaron en 16,5% y la prevalencia en 19,9%, situando a Chile como el país latinoamericano que registra el mayor aumento en la prevalencia de esta patología. Método: Se presenta estudio de carácter cuantitativo, observacional, descriptivo, ecológico y longitudinal retrospectivo relacionado a los ingresos de pacientes con un diagnóstico previo confirmado de enfermedad de Parkinson, con el objetivo general de describir los motivos de ingresos hospitalarios en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson en el Hospital Clínico Herminda Martín, Chillán, Chile, durante el período 2017-2021 a través de la descripción de esta población y sus complicaciones más frecuentes. Resultados y Conclusiones: La edad de presentación de complicaciones que requieren hospitalización más frecuente fue entre los 70 y 90 años, teniendo una distribución hombre: mujer de 3:2. La mediana de la duración de las hospitalizaciones fue de 8 días y el año en el que se presentaron mayor número de ingresos fue el 2019, con un 24% de los pacientes ingresados durante el período de estudio. En cuanto a los motivos de ingreso hospitalario más frecuente en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson fueron enfermedades cardiovasculares (30,2%), traumatismos (17,7%), descompensaciones de la enfermedad (10,4%), trastornos del tracto gastrointestinal (10,4%), neoplasias (8,3%), trastornos genitourinarios (8,3%), manifestaciones del sistema nervioso central no párkinson (7,3%), infecciones (3,1%) y Otros no clasificables (5%).
Introduction: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition characterized by slowness and scarcity of movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness, resting tremors, and postural impairment. Between 1990 and 2016, deaths attributed to Parkinson's increased by 16.5% and prevalence by 19.9%, making Chile the Latin American country with the highest increase in the prevalence of this pathology. Method: A quantitative, observational, descriptive, ecological, and retrospective longitudinal study is presented related to the admissions of patients with a previously confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, with the general objective of describing the reasons for hospital admissions in patients with Parkinson's disease at Herminda's Clinical Hospital, Martín, Chillán, Chile during the period 2017-2021 through the description of this population and its most frequent complications. Results and Conclusions: The age of presentation of complications requiring hospitalization was most frequent between 70 and 90 years, with a male:female distribution of 3:2. The average length of hospital stay was 9,8 days and the year with the highest number of admissions was 2019, with 24% of patients admitted during the study period. The most frequent reasons for hospital admission in patients with Parkinson's disease were cardiovascular diseases (30.2%), trauma (17,7%), disease decompensations (10.4%), gastrointestinal disorders (10.4%), neoplasms (8.3%), genitourinary disorders (8.3%), manifestations of the central nervous system not related to Parkinson's (7.3%), infections (3.1%) and others not classifiable (5%).
RESUMO
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provoked disruptions in healthcare delivery, leading to the cancellation and postponement of various health services, including surgery. Numerous countries closed their borders and established laws mandating the use of face masks and social distancing and enforced lockdowns, and various activities were constrained. Brazil, the largest and most populous country in Latin America, also experienced a rapid and sustained surge in infections and deaths. Brazil was the most severely impacted nation in Latin America. The impact of the pandemic on surgical services in Brazil has not been adequately studied since most studies only cover the early phases of the pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical services throughout the entire period. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional design was used to examine surgical cases from 2019 to 2022 and compared the following indicators: (1) number of hospital admissions, (2) length of hospital stay (LOS) (in days), and (3) volume of urgent and elective procedures. Data was divided into four time periods, pre-pandemic (March-December 2019), pandemic (March-December 2020), recovery (March-December 2021), and post-pandemic (March-December 2022), and was analyzed for the number of admissions and LOS based on surgical procedures performed by stratifying according to region, sex, age, and type of surgery (urgent versus elective). Results The number of admissions for surgical procedures ranged between 859,646 and 4,015,624 for 2019, 686,616 and 3,419,234 for 2020, 787,791 and 3,829,019 for 2021, and 760,512 and 3,857,817 for 2022 for the category of region; 4,260,900 and 5,991,775 for 2019, 3,594,117 and 4,984,710 for 2020, 4,182,640 and 5,590,808 for 2021, and 4,077,651 and 5,561,928 for 2022 for the category of sex; and 2,170,288 and 3,186,117 for 2019, 1,516,830 and 2,825,189 for 2020, 1,748,202 and 3,030,272 for 2021, and 1,900,023 and 2,859,179 for 2022 for the category of age. The variable age showed a comparable trend, albeit with an expressive decline for surgeries in the age range of 0-19 years. The LOS (in days) for surgical procedures ranged between 110,157 and 910,846 for 2019, 58,562 and 897,734 for 2020, 67,926 and 904,137 for 2021, and 100,467 and 823,545 for 2022. Thoracic surgery indicated no statistically significant difference in the number of admissions and LOS. Elective surgeries had a decline in the number of admissions and LOS, a 13% and 9.3% decline between 2019 and 2020, respectively. Urgent surgeries experienced a slight decrease in admissions and LOS, with a decline of 2.4% and 2.8% between 2019 and 2020, respectively. Conclusions Population characteristics, such as age, sex, and region, showed decreased hospital admissions during the pandemic, followed by a recovery toward pre-pandemic levels afterward. The number of surgical admissions and the length of hospital stays decreased during the pandemic but gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels in the recovery and post-pandemic phases. Notably, thoracic surgery remained statistically consistent across all periods, indicating its emergency nature compared to other surgeries. Thus, we conclude that the pandemic had minimal impact on thoracic surgery cases, contributing to a stable trend.
RESUMO
The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between air temperature data against hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases of children (under five years of age) and the elderly (over 65) in subtropical Porto Alegre, Brazil, comparing outcomes for 3 sequential years, 2018-2020, pre- and post-COVID 19 pandemic. Meteorological and hospital admission (HA) data for Porto Alegre, marked by a Koeppen-Geiger's Cfa climate type with well-defined seasons, were used in the analyses. HA was obtained for respiratory diseases (J00-99, according to the International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10) from the Brazilian DATASUS (Unified Health System database). We performed correlation analysis between variables (HA versus air temperature and heat stress) in order to identify existing relationships and lag effects (between meteorological condition and morbidity). Relative risk (RR) was also obtained for the two age groups during the three years. Results showed that the pandemic year disrupted observed patterns of association between analyzed variables, with either very low or non-existent correlations.
Assuntos
Poluição do Ar , COVID-19 , Doenças Respiratórias , Idoso , Pré-Escolar , Humanos , Poluição do Ar/análise , Brasil/epidemiologia , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Hospitalização , Morbidade , Pandemias , Doenças Respiratórias/epidemiologia , TemperaturaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To describe trends, age-specific patterns, and factors influencing hospitalizations for 5 rare craniofacial anomalies (CFAs). METHODS: Data on livebirths (1983-2010; n = 721â019) including rare CFA (craniofacial microsomia, mandibulofacial dysostosis, Pierre Robin sequence, Van der Woude syndrome, and frontonasal dysplasia), episodes of death, and demographic and perinatal factors were identified from the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, Death Registrations and Midwives Notification System. Information on incident craniofacial and noncraniofacial related admissions, length of hospital stay, and intensive care and emergency-related admissions were identified using principal diagnosis and procedural codes were extracted from the Hospital Morbidity Data Collection and linked to other data sources. Associations of hospitalizations by age groups as well as demographic and perinatal factors were expressed as incidence rate ratio (IRR). RESULTS: The incident hospitalizations were 3 times as high for rare CFA (IRR 3.22-3.72) throughout childhood into adolescence than those without. Children with rare CFA had 3-4 times as many potentially preventable hospitalizations until 18 years of age than those without. Specifically, respiratory infections (IRR 2.13-2.35), ear infections (IRR 7.92-26.28), and oral health-related conditions contributed for most noncraniofacial admissions until the adolescence period. A greater incidence of noncraniofacial related hospitalizations was observed among Indigenous children, births with intrauterine growth restrictions, and families with high socioeconomic disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS: Throughout childhood, individuals with rare CFA had greater hospital service use, specifically for potentially preventable conditions, than those without. These population-level findings can inform new preventive strategies and early disease management targeted toward reducing preventable hospitalizations.
Assuntos
Fissura Palatina , Hospitalização , Criança , Gravidez , Feminino , Adolescente , Humanos , Austrália Ocidental/epidemiologia , Austrália/epidemiologia , Tempo de InternaçãoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Triage by on-demand telemedicine is a strategy for healthcare surge control in the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the impact of a large-scale COVID-19 telemedicine system on emergency department (ED) visits and all-cause and cardiovascular hospital admissions in Brazil. METHODS: From March 18, 2020-May 18, 2020 we evaluated the database of a cooperative private health insurance, with 1.28 million clients. The COVID-19 telemedicine system consisted of: a) mobile app, which redirects to teleconsultations if indicated; b) telemonitoring system, with regular phone calls to suspected/confirmed COVID-19 cases to monitor progression; c) emergency ambulance system (EAS), with internet phone triage and counselling. ED visits and hospital admissions were recorded, with diagnoses assessed by the Diagnosis Related Groups method. COVID-19 diagnosis and deaths were identified from the patients' registries, and outcomes assessed until June 1st. RESULTS: In 60 days, 24,354 patients accessed one of the telemedicine systems. The most frequently utilized was telemonitoring (16,717, 69%), followed by teleconsultation (13,357, 55%) and EAS (687, 3%). The rates of ED and hospital admissions were: telemonitoring 19.7% (3,296) and 4.7% (782); teleconsultation 17.3% (2,313) and 2.4% (318) and EAS: 55.9% (384) and 56.5% (388) patients. At total 4.1% (1,010) had hospital admissions, 36% (363) with respiratory diseases (44 requiring mechanical ventilation) and 4.4% (44) with cardiovascular diagnoses. Overall, 277 (1.1%) patients had confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, and 160 (0.7%) died, 9 with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine resulted in low rates of ED visits and hospital admissions, suggesting positive impacts on healthcare utilization. Cardiovascular admissions were remarkably rare.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Telemedicina , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , Brasil/epidemiologia , Teste para COVID-19 , Telemedicina/métodos , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência , Hospitais , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
The established evidence associating air pollution with health is limited to populations from specific regions. Further large-scale studies in several regions worldwide are needed to support the literature to date and encourage national governments to act. Brazil is an example of these regions where little research has been performed on a large scale. To address this gap, we conducted a study looking at the relationship between daily PM2.5, NO2, and O3, and hospital admissions for circulatory and respiratory diseases across Brazil between 2008 and 2018. A time-series analytic approach was applied with a distributed lag modeling framework. We used a generalized conditional quasi-Poisson regression model to estimate relative risks (RRs) of the association of each air pollutant with the hospitalization for circulatory and respiratory diseases by sex, age group, and Brazilian regions. Our study population includes 23, 791, 093 hospital admissions for cardiorespiratory diseases in Brazil between 2008 and 2018. Among those, 53.1% are respiratory diseases, and 46.9% are circulatory diseases. Our findings suggest significant associations of ambient air pollution (PM2.5, NO2, and O3) with respiratory and circulatory hospital admissions in Brazil. The national meta-analysis for the whole population showed that for every increase of PM2.5 by 10 µg/m3, there is a 3.28% (95%CI: 2.61; 3.94) increase in the risk of hospital admission for respiratory diseases. For O3, we found positive associations only for some sub-group analyses by age and sex. For NO2, our findings suggest that a 10 ppb increase in this pollutant, there was a 35.26% (95%CI: 24.07; 46.44) increase in the risk of hospital admission for respiratory diseases. This study may better support policymakers to improve the air quality and public health in Brazil.
Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos , Poluição do Ar , Transtornos Respiratórios , Doenças Respiratórias , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiologia , Dióxido de Nitrogênio , Poluição do Ar/análise , Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , Hospitalização , Transtornos Respiratórios/induzido quimicamente , Transtornos Respiratórios/epidemiologia , Doenças Respiratórias/induzido quimicamente , Doenças Respiratórias/epidemiologia , Material Particulado/análise , Hospitais , Exposição Ambiental/análiseRESUMO
La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad constituye una de las afecciones respiratorias que provoca más demanda de asistencia médica, y es responsable del mayor número de fallecidos por enfermedades infecciosas en Cuba. El objetivo del estudio ha sido determinar el comportamiento de características seleccionadas en pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía y precisar la existencia de asociaciones entre algunas de estas características.Se realizó un estudio observacional, con diseño descriptivo, que incluyó 1,809 pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía entre enero de 2012 y febrero de 2020. Fueron analizadas características relacionadas con las condiciones de base, clínico-radiológicas, y relativas al manejo y la evolución, mediante análisis bivariante y multivariante (regresión logística). La serie estuvo constituida fundamentalmente por pacientes ancianos (79%), mientras que el 20% presentaba la condición de encamamiento. Esta condición se asoció significativamente con el estado de demencia avanzada (OR 7,6[5,5;10,4]), y fue determinante en la presentación "solapada" del proceso (OR 1,5[1,09;2]). La presentación "solapada" de la neumonía estuvo significativamente asociada al ingreso tardío (OR 1,6[1,2;2,2]). Como conclusiones se ratifica el lugar que ocupan varios elementos en las características de la morbilidad por neumonía: edad avanzada, presencia de comorbilidades, y presentación no clásica del proceso. Fueron constatadas interrelaciones de importancia práctica entre la presencia de comorbilidades particulares, las formas clínicas de presentación, el momento del ingreso, y la utilización de antimicrobianos durante la atención prehospitalaria del paciente. Se destaca el papel del encamamiento en la extensión radiológica del proceso neumónico y en la presencia de derrame pleural de mediana o gran cuantía al momento del ingreso.
Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the respiratory conditions that causes the greatest demand for medical care, and is responsible for the largest number of deaths from infectious diseases in Cuba. The objective of the study was to determine the behavior of selected characteristics in patients hospitalized for pneumonia and to specify the existence of associations between some of these characteristics. An observational study, with a descriptive design, was carried out, which included 1,809 patients hospitalized for pneumonia between January 2012 and February 2020. Characteristics related to the basic, clinical-radiological conditions, and relative to management and evolution were analyzed, through analysis bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression). The series consisted mainly of elderly patients (79%), while 20% were bedridden. This condition was significantly associated with the state of advanced dementia (OR 7.6[5.5;10.4]) and was decisive in the "overlapping" presentation of the process (OR 1.5[1.09;2]). The "overlapping" presentation of pneumonia was significantly associated with late admission (OR 1.6[1.2;2.2]). As conclusions, the place occupied by several elements in the characteristics of pneumonia morbidity is ratified: advanced age, presence of comorbidities, and non-classical presentation of the process. Interrelationships of practical importance were found between the presence of comorbidities, the clinical forms of presentation, the time of admission, and the use of antimicrobials during the patient's prehospital care. The role of bed rest in the radiological extension of the pneumonic process and in the presence of medium or large pleural effusion at the time of admission is highlighted.
Assuntos
Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Admissão do Paciente , Pneumonia/epidemiologia , Infecções Comunitárias Adquiridas/epidemiologia , Derrame Pleural/epidemiologia , Pneumonia/tratamento farmacológico , Fatores de Tempo , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Fumar/epidemiologia , Comorbidade , Modelos Logísticos , Análise de Variância , Infecções Comunitárias Adquiridas/tratamento farmacológico , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica/epidemiologia , Demência , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiologia , Pessoas Acamadas , Insuficiência Cardíaca/epidemiologia , Hospitalização , Antibacterianos/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Abstract Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a major concern in public health. We have used artificial intelligence to analyze information and improve patient outcomes. Method: An Observational, retrospective, and non-randomized study with patients enrolled in our telemonitoring program (May 2014-February 2018). We collected patients clinical data, telemonitoring transmissions, and HF decompensations. Results: A total of 240 patients were enrolled with a follow-up of 13.44 ± 8.65 months. During this interval, 527 HF decompensations in 148 different patients were detected. Significant weight increases, desaturation below 90% and perception of clinical worsening are good predictors of HF decompensation. We have built a predictive model applying machine learning (ML) techniques, obtaining the best results with the combination of "Weight + Ankle + well-being plus alerts of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate." Conclusions: ML techniques are useful tools for the analysis of HF datasets and the creation of predictive models that improve the accuracy of the actual remote patient telemonitoring programs.
Resumen Introducción: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es un motivo de gran preocupación en la salud pública. Hemos utilizado técnicas de aprendizaje automático para analizar información y mejorar los resultados. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y no aleatorizado, con los pacientes incluidos en el programa de telemonitorización de IC de nuestro centro desde mayo 2014 hasta febrero 2018. Se han analizado datos clínicos, transmisiones de telemonitorización y descompensaciones de IC. Resultados: 240 pacientes incluidos con un seguimiento de 13.44 ± 8.65 meses. En este intervalo se han detectado 527 descompensaciones de IC en 148 pacientes diferentes. Los aumentos significativos de peso, la desaturación inferior al 90% y la percepción de empeoramiento clínico, han resultado buenos predictores de la descompensación de IC. Hemos construido un modelo predictivo aplicando técnicas de aprendizaje automático obteniendo los mejores resultados con la combinación de "Peso + Edemas en EEII + empeoramiento clínico + alertas de tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica, saturación de oxígeno y frecuencia cardiaca". Conclusiones: Las técnicas de inteligencia artificial son herramientas útiles para el análisis de las bases de datos de IC y para la creación de modelos predictivos que mejoran la precisión de los programas de telemonitorización actuales.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The aging process places the elderly, a worldwide increasing age group, at an increased risk for trauma. This study aims to explore changes over time in admission rates, sociodemographical, clinical, and injury-related data in elderly patients (aged ≥65 y) admitted to the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital (PRTH) during 2000-2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A time-series analysis was conducted. Admission rates were analyzed by fitting an exponential growth curve model. Trends were assessed using the Cochrane-Armitage and Cuzick tests for categorical and continuous data, respectively. RESULTS: Elderly admission rates to the PRTH have shown growth over the past 2 decades, from 6.2 cases per 100 overall admissions in 2000 to 18.2 in 2019. This trend is projected to continue with estimated 24.8 (95% CI: 21.7-27.8) cases per 100 overall admissions in 2023. Trends for mechanisms of injury such as motor vehicle accidents and pedestrians showed a significant decrease, whereas falls presented a clear positive trend, showing an increase from 25.6% in 2000-2004 to 46.2% in 2015-2019. Both Injury Severity Score ≥25 and Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8 declined significantly through time. Finally, in-hospital mortality presented a decreasing trend from 31.7% in 2000-2004 to 21.5% in 2015-2019. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis demonstrates an increase over time in elderly admissions, especially fall-related trauma. Also, it projects this upward trend will continue. This imposes new challenges for PRTH and other healthcare services and is a gateway for the implementation of adapted clinical management.
Assuntos
Hospitalização , Ferimentos e Lesões , Idoso , Mortalidade Hospitalar , Hospitais , Humanos , Escala de Gravidade do Ferimento , Porto Rico/epidemiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Centros de Traumatologia , Ferimentos e Lesões/epidemiologia , Ferimentos e Lesões/terapiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Hurricane Maria is the most devastating natural phenomenon in the recent history of Puerto Rico. Due to its destructive path through the island, the Puerto Rico Trauma Center (PRTC) remained the only hospital managing orthopaedic trauma in the immediate post-disaster period. We investigated the impact of this hurricane on the orthopaedic trauma epidemiology in the PRTC. METHODS: We evaluated the admissions by the orthopaedic surgery service in terms of demographics, mechanisms of injury, and orthopaedic diagnoses for two months after the impact of Hurricane Maria (HM) on September 20, 2017. We compared our study group with the same two month period for two years prior (2015 and 2016) and after (2018 and 2019) as control periods. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We included 384 admissions from September 20 to November 20, 2017. The majority were males (63%) and had an average age of 54 years. The most-reported mechanism of injury was fall from standing height (FFSH), showing a significant increment compared with the control periods. Contrarily, motor vehicle accidents (MVA) showed a significant reduction. Among the orthopaedic diagnoses, the hip + pelvis category showed a significant decline within the study group. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the impact of HM on the orthopaedic trauma epidemiology at the PRTC. Our findings provide valuable evidence to healthcare institutions to better prepare to manage the potential changes in the orthopaedic trauma epidemiology after a major atmospheric event.
Assuntos
Tempestades Ciclônicas , Ortopedia , Feminino , Hospitais , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Porto Rico/epidemiologia , Centros de TraumatologiaRESUMO
Community-acquired pneumonia is recognized as one of the main infectious health problems worldwide. The objective was to determine the condition of predictors of death for a group of selected clinical conditions, and for laboratory variables frequently used in practice. Study with descriptive design, which included 967 patients with pneumonia hospitalized between 2016 and 2019, and whose information was obtained from clinical records. Statistical treatment included bivariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression); it was used the ratio of crossed products (odds ratio) and its 95% confidence interval. Several manifestations were significantly more frequent in older adults: dyspnea (OR 1.5[1.07,2.1]), absence of productive cough (OR 1.7 [1.3, 2.4]), neuropsychological manifestations (OR 2 [1.4,2.8]), tachypnea (OR 1.5 [1.1,2.1]), arterial hypotension (OR 2.1 [1.2,3.6]), anemia (OR 1.6[1.2,2.2]), elevated creatinine (OR 1.6[1.2,2.3]) and hypoproteinemia (OR 3.3[1.9,5.7]); showed a significant association with death: absence of productive cough, neuropsychological manifestations, temperature below 36 degrees Celsius, blood pressure below 110/70 mmHg, respiratory rate above 20 per minute, hemoglobin below 100 g/L, erythrosedimentation greater than 20 mm/L, leukopenia less than 5 x 109/L and serum creatinine above 130 micromol/L. As conclusions certain clinical and laboratory conditions present in the patient at the time of hospital admission, of routine exploration in the comprehensive assessment of the patient, were predictors of death. Additionally, the existence of evident differences in the number of conditions with a predictive nature of death between the population with pneumonia under 60 years of age and the elderly, as well as in the frequency of these conditions in both subgroups, is verified.
La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad está reconocida como uno de los principales problemas de salud de tipo infeccioso al nivel mundial. La investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el carácter de predictores de fallecimiento de un grupo de condiciones clínicas seleccionadas, y de variables de laboratorio de uso frecuente en la práctica. Se realizó un estudio con diseño descriptivo, que incluyó a 967 pacientes con neumonía hospitalizados entre 2016 y 2019, y cuya información se obtuvo de los expedientes clínicos. El tratamiento estadístico incluyó análisis bivariante y multivariado (regresión logística); como estadígrafo se utilizó la razón de productos cruzados (odds ratio) y su intervalo de confianza de 95%. Entre los resultados se destacan los siguientes: varias manifestaciones fueron significativamente más frecuentes en los adultos mayores: disnea (OR 1,5[1,07;2,1]), ausencia de tos productiva (OR 1,7[1,3;2,4]), manifestaciones neuropsicológicas (OR 2[1,4;2,8]), taquipnea (OR 1,5[1,1;2,1]), hipotensión arterial (OR 2,1[1,2;3,6]), anemia (OR 1,6[1,2;2,2]), creatinina elevada (OR 1,6[1,2;2,3]) e hipoproteinemia (OR 3,3[1,9;5,7]); mostraron asociación significativa con el fallecimiento: ausencia de tos productiva, manifestaciones neuropsicológicas, temperatura por debajo de 36 grados Celsius, tensión arterial inferior a 110/70 mmHg, frecuencia respiratoria por encima de 20 por minuto, hemoglobina inferior a 100 g/L, velocidad de sedimentación eritrocitaria superior a 20 mm/L, leucopenia inferior a 5 x 109/L y creatinina sérica por encima de 130 micromol/L. Se concluye que ciertas condiciones clínicas y de laboratorio presentes en el paciente al momento del ingreso hospitalario, de exploración habitual en la valoración integral del enfermo, constituyeron predictores de fallecimiento. Adicionalmente, se comprueba la existencia de evidentes diferencias en el número de condiciones con carácter predictor de muerte entre la población con neumonía menor de 60 años y los adultos mayores, así como en la frecuencia de estas condiciones en ambos subgrupos.
Assuntos
Humanos , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Pneumonia/mortalidade , Infecções Comunitárias Adquiridas/mortalidade , Pneumonia/sangue , Prognóstico , Temperatura Corporal , Análise Multivariada , Análise de Regressão , Fatores Etários , Infecções Comunitárias Adquiridas/sangue , Dispneia , Taxa Respiratória , Pressão Arterial , Frequência Cardíaca , Hospitalização , AnemiaRESUMO
Background: Robust evidence on the relationship between primary care and emergency admissions is lacking in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluates how the phased roll out of the family health strategy (FHS) to the urban poor in Rio de Janeiro Brazil affected emergency hospital admissions and readmissions from ambulatory-care sensitives conditions (ACSCs). Methods: A cohort of 1.2 million adults in Rio de Janeiro city were followed for five years (Jan 2012 to Dec 2016). The association between FHS use and the likelihood of emergency hospital admissions and 30-day readmissions were evaluated using multi-level Poisson regression models with inverse probability treatment weighting and regression adjustment (IPTW-RA) for socioeconomic and household characteristics. Inequalities in associations were examined across groups of causes and by key socioeconomic groups. Results: Records from 2,551,934 primary care consultations and 15,627 admissions were analysed. In IPTW-RA analyses, each additional FHS consultation was associated with a 3% lower rate of ACSC admission (RR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.95, 0.98), a 63% lower rate of 30-day readmissions from any non-birth cause (RR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.30, 0.46), and an 57% lower rate of 30-day readmissions from ACSCs (RR: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.33, 0.55). Individuals who were older, had the lowest educational attainment, were unemployed, and had higher incomes had larger reductions in ACSC admissions associated with FHS use. Interpretation: Investment in primary care is important for reducing emergency hospital admissions and their associated costs in LMICs. Funding: DFID/MRC/Wellcome Trust/ESRC.
RESUMO
Introducción: en enero de 2020 se identificó un nuevo coronavirus como etiología de un síndrome respiratorio agudo severo, que se denominó coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A la enfermedad asociada se conoce como enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). El SARS-CoV-2 se expandió rápidamente a nivel mundial, decretándose en marzo de 2020 estado de pandemia. La población pediátrica constituyó el 1%-2% del total de casos confirmados, con una tasa de mortalidad menor al 0,2%. En concordancia con lo que sucedía a nivel internacional, se registró en Uruguay un número de ingresos hospitalarios por COVID-19 en menores de 19 años muy inferior al resto de los grupos etarios, así como un menor número de ingresos a unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y de defunciones. El objetivo de esta revisión fue describir los ingresos pediátricos con infección por SARS-CoV-2 en un prestador de salud privado, de la ciudad de Montevideo. Metodología: se incluyeron todos los pacientes menores de 15 años con identificación de infección viral por COVID-19 que requirieron hospitalización en cuidados moderados en el período comprendido entre abril de 2020 a febrero de 2022. Se utilizó reacción en cadena de polimerasa y detección antigénica para COVID-19 para el diagnóstico de infección aguda. Serología para el diagnóstico de infección previa. Resultados: de los 1.164 pacientes ingresados en dicho periodo, en 2% se identificó infección por COVID-19. 80% tenían un nexo epidemiológico, 69% era intradomiciliario. 8% menor de 1 año, 69% entre 1-11 años, 23% mayores de 11 años. 27% presentaban comorbilidad: asma y encefalopatía, un 57% de ellos presentaban toracopatia concomitante. Los motivos de ingreso más frecuentes fueron síntomas respiratorios, con fiebre y lesiones en piel, patología quirúrgica, síntomas neurológicos. Dos requirieron ingreso a CTI. No se reportaron fallecimientos. La mediana de días de hospitalización fue 4 días (1-18 días). Conclusiones: si bien el porcentaje de niños ingresados con infección por SARS-CoV-2 fue pequeño la expresión clínica fue variada, mayoría presentó infección respiratoria leve. Los pacientes con comorbilidades presentaron mayor probabilidad de desarrollar enfermedad aguda moderada a grave. Se debe tener en cuenta la probabilidad de infección por SARS-CoV-2 ante la aparición de otros síntomas, en el curso de infecciones virales.
Summary: Introduction: in January 2020, a new coronavirus was identified as the etiology of a severe acute respiratory syndrome, which was called coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The associated illness is known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly worldwide, becoming a pandemic in March 2020. The pediatric population involved 1-2% of the total confirmed cases, with a mortality rate of less than 0.2%. In line with the global trend, children under 19 years of age showed a much lower number of hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Uruguay compared to the remaining age groups, as well as lower number of ICU admissions and deaths. The objective of this paper is to describe pediatric admissions with SARS-Cov-2 infection at a private health provider in Montevideo city. Methodology: we included all patients under 15 years of age with a diagnosis of viral infection by Covid-19 who required hospitalization in moderate care, between 04/20 and 02/22. We used polymerase chain reaction and antigen detection for Covid-19 for the diagnosis of acute infections and serology tests for the diagnosis of a previous infection. Results: of the 1,164 patients admitted in that period, 2% were diagnosed with Covid 19 infection. 80% had an epidemiological link, 69% had home infections. 8% under 1 year of age, 69% between 1-11, 23% over 11 years of age. 27% had comorbidities: asthma and encephalopathy, 57% of them had concomitant thorax pathologies. The most frequent reasons for admission were respiratory symptoms, with fever and skin lesions, surgical pathologies, and neurological symptoms. 2 required ICU admission. No deaths were reported. The median number hospitalization days was 4 days (1-18 days). Conclusions: although the percentage of children admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infections was low, the clinical manifestation was varied, most presented mild respiratory infections. Patients with comorbidities were more likely to develop moderate to severe acute illness. The probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection should be taken into account when other symptoms appear during the course of viral infections.
Introdução: em janeiro de 2020, um novo coronavírus foi identificado como a etiologia de uma síndrome respiratória aguda grave, que recebeu o nome de coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A doença associada é conhecida como doença de coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). O SARS-CoV-2 se espalhou rapidamente em todo o mundo, e virou-se pandemia em março de 2020. A população pediátrica constituiu 1-2% do total de casos confirmados, com uma taxa de mortalidade inferior a 0,2%. De acordo com as tendencias globais, registrou-se no Uruguai um número muito menor de internações por COVID-19 em menores de 19 anos do que no restante das faixas etárias, bem como um número menor de internações em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) e óbitos. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as internações pediátricas com infecção por SARS-Cov-2 numa Assistência Privada de saúde na cidade de Montevidéu. Metodologia: foram incluídos todos os pacientes menores de 15 anos com diagnóstico de infecção viral por Covid-19 que necessitaram de internação em cuidados moderados, entre 20/04 a 22/02. Utilizou-se a reação em cadeia da polimerase e a detecção de antígeno para Covid-19 para o diagnóstico de infecção aguda e estudo sorológico para o diagnóstico de infecção prévia. Resultados: dos 1.164 pacientes internados nesse período, 2% foram diagnosticados com infecção por Covid 19. 80% tinham vínculo epidemiológico, 69% tiveram infecção domiciliar. 8% tinham menos de 1 ano de idade, 69% entre 1-11, 23% com mais de 11 anos. 27% tinham comorbidades: asma e encefalopatia, 57% deles tinham patologias torácicas concomitantes. Os motivos de admissão mais frequentes foram sintomas respiratórios com febre e lesões cutâneas, patologias cirúrgicas e sintomas neurológicos. 2 necessitaram de internação na UTI. Nenhuma morte foi relatada. A mediana do número de dias de internação foi de 4 dias (1-18 dias). Conclusões: embora a porcentagem de crianças admitidas com infecção por SARS-CoV-2 fosse baixa, a manifestação clínica foi variada, a maioria apresentou infecção respiratória leve. Pacientes com comorbidades foram mais propensos a desenvolver doença aguda moderada a grave. A probabilidade de infecção por SARS-CoV-2 deve ser levada em consideração quando outros sintomas aparecem no curso de infecções virais.
Assuntos
Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Lactente , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Criança Hospitalizada/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente Hospitalizado/estatística & dados numéricos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Uruguai , Setor Privado , Distribuição por Idade , COVID-19/diagnósticoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Contrary to what happens in children and adults, the prevalence and the factors related to hospitalisation for asthma/wheezing in infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms are poorly known. METHODS: This study is part of the International Study of Wheezing in infants Phase 3; 2,079 infants (aged 12-18 months) with recurrent asthma-like symptoms, from 11 South American centres, were studied to determine the prevalence and the associated factors for wheezing exacerbation admission. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were employed for analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of admission for wheezing was 29.7% (95% CI 27.7-31.6) and was significantly associated to severe wheezing episodes (OR: 3.89; 95% CI: 2.93-5.18, p < 0.001), physician-diagnosed asthma (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.33-2.41, p < 0.0001), use of inhaled corticosteroids (OR: 1.78; 95%CI: 1.38-2.29, p < 0.0001), maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.19-2.39, p = 0.003) and onset of wheezing in the first trimester of life (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02-1.66, p = 0.038). Breast feeding ≥4 months (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.54-0.96, p = 0.004), maternal high educational level (>12 years) (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.51-0.85, p = 0.001) and total monthly household income ≥US$ 3,000 (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.18-0.67, p = 0.002), were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms have a high rate of admissions. Tobacco smoking in pregnancy, viral respiratory illness in the first trimester of life and severe progression were risks for admissions. Improving medical management to prevent severe exacerbations, prolonging the postnatal period at home longer than 3 months, favouring breastfeeding and avoiding smoking during pregnancy may have a preventive role for admissions in infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms.
Assuntos
Asma , Asma/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Hospitalização , Hospitais , Humanos , Lactente , Gravidez , Sons Respiratórios , Fatores de Risco , América do Sul/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Background: Population-attributable risk (PAR) may help estimate the potential contribution of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to serious clinical presentations of depression, characterized by suicidality, previous psychiatric admissions, and episode recurrence. Objective: To determine the PAR of ACEs for serious clinical presentations of depression (high suicide risk, previous psychiatric admissions, and recurrent depression) in outpatients with ICD-10 clinical depression. Method: Systematic chart review of 1,013 adults who were assessed and/or treated in a mental health clinic in Santiago, Chile for a major depressive episode. Data were collected on demographics and clinical characteristics of depression. Exposure to ACEs was determined with the Brief Physical and Sexual Abuse Questionnaire, assessing seven types of ACEs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between exposure to ACEs and suicidality, previous psychiatric admissions, and recurrence. Predicted probabilities were used for calculations of PAR. Results: Of the 1,001 study participants with complete data, 53.3% had recurrent depression, 13.5% had high suicide risk, and 5.0% had previous psychiatric admissions. Exposure to at least one ACE was recorded for 69.0% of the sample. Exposure to at least one ACE and specific types of ACEs (i.e. childhood sexual abuse and traumatic separation from caregiver) were associated with serious clinical presentations of depression. A dose-response relationship was observed between cumulative exposure to ACEs and the most serious clinical presentations of depression. ACEs were attributed to a significant proportion of disease: 61.6% of previous psychiatric admissions, 45.0% of high suicide risk, and 14.5% of recurrent depression. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of serious clinical presentations of depression among outpatients are associated with ACEs. Early detection of depressive episodes associated with ACEs, and tailored treatment for these patients, may potentially reduce the incidence of serious complications in this population.
Introducción: El riesgo atribuible poblacional (RAP) puede ayudar a estimar la potencial contribución de las experiencias adversas infantiles (EAIs) a las presentaciones clínicas serias de la depresión, caracterizadas por riesgo suicida, hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas previas y recurrencia de episodios.Objetivo: Determinar el RAP de las EAIs para las presentaciones clínicas serias de la depresión (alto riesgo suicida, hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas previas y depresión recurrente) en pacientes deprimidos ambulatorios.Método: Revisión sistemática de fichas clínicas de 1.013 adultos que fueron evaluados y/o tratados en una clínica de salud mental en Santiago, Chile por un episodio depresivo mayor. Se recolectaron datos demográficos y sobre características clínicas de la depresión. La exposición a EAIs se determinó con el Brief Physical and Sexual Abuse Questionnaire, evaluándose siete tipos de EAIs. Se usó análisis de regresión logística multivariada para evaluar la asociación entre exposición a EAIs y riesgo suicida, hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas previas y recurrencia. Las probabilidades predichas fueron utilizadas para los cálculos de los RAP.Resultados: De 1.001 participantes del estudio con datos completos, 53,3% tuvieron una depresión recurrente, 13,5% tuvieron alto riesgo suicida, y 5,0% tuvieron hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas previas. La exposición a al menos un EAI se registró en 69,0% de la muestra. La exposición a al menos un EAI y tipos específicos de EAIs (i.e. abuso sexual infantil y la separación traumática del cuidador), se asociaron con presentaciones clínicas serias de la depresión. Se observó una relación dosis-respuesta entre la exposición cumulativa a EAIs y las presentaciones clínicas más serias de la depresión. Las EAIs se atribuyeron una proporción significativa de la enfermedad: 61,6% de las hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas previas, 45,0% del alto riesgo suicida, y 14,5% de depresión recurrente.Conclusiones: Una proporción sustancial de presentaciones clínicas serias de la depresión en pacientes deprimidos ambulatorios se asocian con EAIs. La detección temprana de los episodios depresivos asociados con EAIs y el tratamiento a la medida para estos pacientes podrían potencialmente reducir la incidencia de complicaciones serias en esta población.
RESUMO
Data linking solar radiation with fractures are lacking. We found that lower solar radiation was associated with higher hip fracture admission rates in men from Chile. This supports the idea that solar radiation, a surrogate of vitamin D, may be involved in the development of fractures in older population. INTRODUCTION : To explore the associations between solar radiation and latitude with hip fracture admission rates in people aged 65 years or older in Chile, the country with the greatest variation in solar radiation in the world. METHODS: In this ecological study, we investigated the associations between regional solar radiation and latitude with hospitalizations due to hip fracture in population aged 65 years or older, by reviewing national records between 2013 and 2018. We also evaluated the role of sociodemographic factors such as poverty, education, indigenous ethnicity, and rurality rates. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2018, there were 44,328 admissions due to hip fracture in people aged 65 years or older; 77.5% were women and 65.1% were aged 80 years or older. The national admission rate was 389.3 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 382.4-396.2). The highest admission rate was registered in the Region IX (445.3 per 100,000, 95% CI: 398.3-492.4), which has the highest poverty rates, indigenous ethnicity rates, and rurality rates. We found a north-south increasing gradient of admission rates in men (ß=1.5 [95% CI: 0 to 3], p=0.044) and a significant association between solar radiation and admission rates in men (ß=-4.4 [95% CI: -8 to 0.8], p=0.02). Admission rates in men were also associated with sociodemographic variables such as poverty (ß=2.4 [95% CI: 0 to 4.8], p=0.048) and rurality rates (ß=1.2 [95% CI: 0.1 to 2.4], p=0.039). CONCLUSION: Regional solar radiation and latitude were associated with hip fracture admission rates in men aged 65 years or older in Chile, with highest admission rates at higher latitudes and lower solar radiation.
Assuntos
Fraturas do Quadril , Idoso , Chile/epidemiologia , Feminino , Fraturas do Quadril/epidemiologia , Fraturas do Quadril/etiologia , Hospitalização , Humanos , Masculino , Vitamina DRESUMO
Abstract INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the impact of the new coronavirus disease 2019 on coronary hospitalizations in the Brazilian private health system. METHODS: Data on coronary admissions in 2020 and a 2-year historical series were collected from the UNIMED-BH insurance system. RESULTS: Admission rates in 2020 reduced by 26% (95%CI, 22-30) in comparison with 2018/2019, markedly from March to May (37%) compared to the peak of the pandemic (June-September, 19%). Mortality was higher in 2020 (5.4%, 95%CI 4.5-6.4) than in 2018/2019 (3.6%, 95%CI 3.2-4.1). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant decrease in coronary admissions, with higher mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assuntos
Pandemias , COVID-19 , Brasil/epidemiologia , SARS-CoV-2 , Hospitalização , HospitaisRESUMO
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to measures of social isolation, labor restrictions, a strong information campaign and the suspension of scheduled medical activities. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of these measures on the number of hospitalizations in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units, with the hypothesis that the social behavior generated by this emergency promotes a decreased demand for medical care, even when severe cardiovascular disease is involved. We compared the number of admissions in March-April 2010-2019 versus March-April 2020, based on a prospective study including six institutions (three public and three private) that use Epi-Cardio® as a multicenter registry of cardiovascular care unit discharge. Altogether, we included 6839 patients discharged during the 11-year study period (2010-2020). The average number of patient admissions on March-April 2010-19 was 595 (CI 95%: 507-683) and decreased to 348 in 2020 (fall of 46.8%, p < 0.001). The reasons for hospitalization were classified into 11 groups and a statistically significant reduction was seen in 10 of these groups: cardiovascular surgery 72.3%, electrophysiological interventions 67.8%, non-ST acute coronary syndromes 52.6%, angioplasties 47.6%, arrhythmias 48.7%, heart failure 46%, atrial fibrillation 35.7%, ST elevation myocardial infarction 34.7%, non cardiac chest pain 31.8%, others 51.6%. Although with low prevalence, hypertensive crisis increased in 89%. The abrupt decrease observed in the number of admissions due to critical pathologies may be considered an "adverse effect" related to the measures adopted, with potentially severe consequences. This trend could be reversed by improving public communication and policy adjustment.
La pandemia de COVID-19 ha llevado a medidas de aislamiento social, restricciones laborales, fuerte campaña mediática y suspensión de las actividades médicas programadas. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue relevar el impacto de estas medidas sobre las internaciones en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiovasculares, con la hipótesis de que se ha generado un comportamiento social que puede disminuir la demanda de consultas, aun las de enfermedades graves. Comparamos las internaciones de marzo-abril de 2010-2019 con las del mismo bimestre de 2020 sobre la base del registro prospectivo multicéntrico Epi-Cardio® en seis instituciones, tres públicas y tres privadas, que utilizan la epicrisis computarizada para las altas. Fueron incluidos 6839 egresos de ese bimestre en los 11 años. El promedio del número de internaciones en ese bimestre del decenio 2010-19 fue 595 (intervalo de confianza 95%: 507-683) y se redujo a 348 en 2020 (caída del 46.8%, p < 0.001). En la agrupación por 11 causas de internación, la reducción observada fue: cirugía cardiovascular 72.3%, intervenciones electrofisiológicas 67.8%, síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST 52.6%, angioplastias 47.6%, arritmias 48.7%, insuficiencia cardíaca 46%, fibrilación auricular 35.7%, infarto con elevación del ST 34.7%, dolor no coronario 31.8% y otros 51.6%. Solo se incrementaron las consultas por crisis hipertensivas (89%), aunque la prevalencia fue baja. La caída observada en la internación de entidades clínicas críticas ha sido un "efecto adverso" de las medidas adoptadas ante la pandemia, con consecuencias potencialmente graves, que podrían revertirse con un ajuste de las políticas y la comunicación pública.