Association of the Shared Epitope, Smoking and the Interaction Between the Two With the Presence of Autoantibodies (Anti-CCP and RF) in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Hospital in Seville, Spain

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association of shared epitope, smoking and their interaction on the presence of autoantibodies (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [CCP] antibodies and rheumatoid factor) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in our geographical area.

METHODS

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in a cohort of 106 patients diagnosed with RA. Odds ratios (OR) for antibody development were calculated for shared epitope, tobacco exposure and smoking dose. Statistical analysis was performed with univariate and multivariate statistics using ordinal logistic regression. Odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and a value of P<.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, shared epitope (OR=2.68; 95% CI: 1.11-6.46), tobacco exposure (OR=2.79; 95% CI: 1.12-6.97) and heavy smoker (>20 packs/year) (OR=8.93; 95% CI: 1.95-40.82) were associated with the presence of anti-CCP antibodies. For rheumatoid factor, the association was only significant for tobacco exposure (OR=3.89; 95% CI: 1.06-14.28) and smoking dose (OR=8.33; 95% CI: 1.05-66.22). By ordinal logistic regression analysis, an association with high titers of anti-CCP (>200U/mL) was identified with South American mestizos, patients with homozygous shared epitope, positive FR and heavy smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Being a South American mestizo, having a shared epitope, rheumatoid factor positivity and a smoking dose>20 packs/year are independent risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis with a high titer of anti-CCP (>200U/mL). In shared epitope-positive rheumatoid arthritis patients, the intensity of smoking is more strongly associated than tobacco exposure with an increased risk of positive anti-CCP.

Standards for global cardiovascular risk management arteriosclerosis

One of the main goals of the Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis is to contribute to a wider and greater knowledge of vascular disease, its prevention and treatment. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in our country and also lead to a high degree of disability and health expenditure. Arteriosclerosis is a multifactorial disease, this is why its prevention requires a global approach that takes into account the different risk factors with which it is associated. Thus, this document summarizes the current level of knowledge and integrates recommendations and procedures to be followed for patients with established cardiovascular disease or high vascular risk. Specifically, this document reviews the main symptoms and signs to be evaluated during the clinical visit, the laboratory and imaging procedures to be routinely requested or those in special situations. It also includes the estimation of vascular risk, the diagnostic criteria of the different entities that are cardiovascular risk factors, and presents general and specific recommendations for the treatment of the different cardiovascular risk factors and their final objectives. Finally, the document includes aspects that are not often mentioned in the literature, such as the organisation of a vascular risk consultation.

Adherence to Long-Term Oxygen Therapy. Influence of Tobacco Use

INTRODUCTION

Domiciliary oxygen therapy (DOT) is a treatment that requires a high level of cooperation from patients due to the time it takes every day. A high level of non-compliance has been determined among patients receiving DOT. The aim of our study was to assess the level of non-compliance and the influence of active tobacco consumption on compliance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients were monitored in the home using direct and indirect methods, to assess both compliance and tobacco consumption.

RESULTS

The level of non-compliance detected by indirect methods was 22.6%, and 66.3% by direct methods. Tobacco consumption determined by indirect methods was 5.8%-8%, depending on the method used, and 16.2% when CO in exhaled air ≥10ppm was established as an indicator of tobacco use. The group of smokers complied with oxygen therapy for a significantly fewer number of hours per day (P<.001) than non-smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high level of therapeutic non-compliance and a significant percentage of patients receiving DOT continue to smoke. Compliance must be monitored, and the correct use of DOT must be emphasized. Additional efforts should also be made to help smokers with DOT to stop smoking, since continued smoking impacts negatively on therapeutic non-compliance.

[Why and how keep in mind cannabis in our smoking outpatients?]

El Proyecto ÉVICT (Evictproject.org), a raíz del aumento de consumo de cannabis en población juvenil española, ha estudiado su asociación con el tabaco, concluyendo que el consumo conjunto de tabaco y cannabis: tiene una influencia en el proceso de aprender a fumar, pues el inicio puede ser conjunto y con influencia bidireccional; tiene una influencia en el desarrollo de dependencia pues su interacción es relevante para el desarrollo de este trastorno, y tiene una influencia en la toxicidad, pues probablemente, el fumar tabaco y cannabis genera mayores problemas que fumar solo una de las 2.

Y, por tanto, el equipo EVICT emite unas consideraciones en prevención: diferenciar uso medicinal y recreativo; comunicar que fumar cannabis no es terapéutico ni inocuo, y puede ayudar a generar dependencia de nicotina o, menos frecuentemente, al propio cannabis.

Consideraciones en abordaje y tratamiento: en personas que consumen tabaco/cannabis debemos plantear como primera opción el cese de las 2 sustancias.

Consideraciones en reducción de daños: a quienes solo consumen productos de tabaco/cannabis, los programas serían más aplicables a aquella cuyo consumo se considere más problemático.

[Smoking Prevalence in High School Students in the Barcelona Region (De Osona District)]

The socio-cultural setting influences youth smoking and its prevalence presumibly has decreased.

OBJECTIVES

To assess smoking prevalence in high school students, as well as the environmental influence on its onset in the Osona Disrtict of Barcelona (ODB), and to determine whether it has decreased.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on high school students in the ODB. In the anonymous questionnaire it was sked asked about smoking and the influence of the social and cultural setting on its onset.

RESULTS

A total of 842 students participated, with 714 questionnaires completed, of which 705 were included as valid. A total of 203 (93.5%) students lived in an urban setting. There were 159 smoker students and 62% were women. The smokers were 70 (44%) christians, 3 (1.9%) muslims, 14 (8.%) students with other religions, and 72 (45.3%) non-denominational students. It was detected that 529 (76.3%) of the students consumed alcohol consumers, and 308 (46.5%) consumed other substances. There were 40 (61%) students that suffered a disease, and also 334 students who had ill relatives. There were 207 (29.4%) fathers and 152 (22%) mothers who smoked and 214 (59%) students declared family smoking. Finally 582 (82.6%) had smoker friends. Among fathers, 212 (30.1%), had high level studies, 331 (48.7%) had mid- level studies, and 137 (20.1%) fathers had primary studies. Among mothers, it was 279 (39.6%), 294 (41.7%), and 116 (16.5%). respectively. Being a smoker was associated with alcohol (P=.000) and other substances consumption (P=.000), being non-denominational (P=.000), did not to suffer any disease (P=.043), with having mother (P=.001), father (P=.005), brother or sister (P=.006), and family members (P=.016) who smoked, and smoker friends (P=.000).

CONCLUSIONS

smoking prevalence in high school students in the ODB is high, but has decreased. Smoking was associated with alcohol and consumption of other substances, being non-denominational, and with friends, parents, and relatives who smoked. It is necessary to establish prevention programs addressed to teenagers, parents and teachers.

Is There an Association Between the Degree of Nicotine Dependence and the Motivation to Stop Smoking?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between degrees of nicotine dependence measured by the Fagerström test (FTCD) and different tests of motivation to stop smoking.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Observational study, multicenter conducted in smoking clinics in daily clinical practice. Demographics, smoking status, FTCD scores, and motivation test results were collected: Richmond test (TR), Henri Mondor Paris motivation test (HMP), Khimji-Watts test (KW), and the visual analog scale of motivation to stop smoking. The statistical analysis was descriptive, and correlation and analysis tests and regression models were used.

RESULTS

A total of 314 subjects were included [162 women (51.59%)]. Males smoked an average of 3.3 cigarettes/day more than women (95% CI: 0.9-5.6 cigarettes/day, p=0.006) and their cumulative consumption was 7.8 pack-years higher than in women (95% CI: 2.1 to 13.5 pack-years). We found no association between FTCD and the motivation tests to stop smoking used in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no association between the degree of dependence and the motivation to quit smoking measured by the aforementioned instruments.

[Autonomy and heteronomy, a necessary alliance to address smoking cessation. Views of professionals and patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the perception of professionals and patients with regard to ethical issues involved in addressing the habit of smoking in primary care consultations.

METHOD

A qualitative study was designed, consisting of 12 semi-structured interviews with professionals, 7 interviews with patients and 2 focus groups with 6 professionals and 7 primary care patients (a total of 32 participants). An intentional sampling was conducted, including profiles of professionals and patients of both sexes, different ages and experience in relation to smoking. A content analysis was performed with an inductive analytical approach from data to the creation of theoretical categories.

RESULTS

Four main categories were identified: 1) ethical issues related to the responsibility of the professional when treating patients who smoke; 2) issues related to attitude to patients who smoke; 3) issues related to fair and equitable distribution of resources and to the role of the different levels of government in relation to the control of smoking; and 4) issues related to smokers' autonomy regarding their habit and smoking cessation.

CONCLUSIONS

An alliance is needed between the ethics that support the autonomy of patients who smoke and the regulation of tobacco consumption. This approach should be included in clinical training programmes dealing with tobacco use, dependence and cessation.

[Factors associated with the anxiety level and knowledge about childcare and lactation in first-time pregnant women]

OBJECTIVE

To know the level of anxiety and knowledge of childcare and lactation of the current pregnant women, and the clinical-demographic variables with which they are related.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Seven health centers of Area V (Asturias).

PARTICIPANTS

First-time pregnant women who completed preparatory courses from 01.06.2015 to 31.10.2015, excluding multiple gestation, risk pregnancy, contraindicated breastfeeding and language problems.

INTERVENTIONS

Sociodemographic variables questionnaire, STAI state anxiety questionnaire and 23 questions about childcare and lactation.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

We performed descriptive and multivariate analysis (program R) of the variables of the questionnaire.

RESULTS

We captured 104 pregnant women; average age 34.2(SD: 4.5), 94.2% Spanish, 61.5% university, 17.3% smokers in pregnancy, 23.1% with psychopathological antecedents; 88.4% planned to give breastfeeding. The mean STAI-S was 18.1(SD: 7.4) and scored 4.5(SD: 2.3) mean errors. The most faulty ones were on causes of fever (56.7%), fever measurement (54.8%) and physiological stools (55.7%). The multivariate analysis between knowledge and profile showed statistically significant associations with: being foreign, university, pregnancy planning and matron. In relation to the STAI-S was significant for being a smoker, receiving breastfeeding, psychopathological antecedents and matron.

CONCLUSIONS

The current pregnant women who complete preparatory courses are mainly mature, university and Spanish. They have good concepts about breastfeeding but many are unaware of basic concepts of fever and stool of the infant. Foreign mothers with unwanted pregnancy and primary education seem to have more confusing concepts. Smoking mothers with psychopathological antecedents and who have not received breastfeeding present more anxiety. The matron significantly influences anxiety and acquired concepts.

Prevalence of COPD in 6 Urban Clusters in Argentina: The EPOC.AR Study

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been studied in Argentina.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and relevant clinical characteristics of COPD in a representative sample.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study in a population of adults aged ≥ 40 years randomly selected by cluster sampling in 6 urban locations. Subjects answered a structured survey and performed pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry (PBD). COPD was defined as FEV₁/FVC ratio < 0.7 predicted value. The total prevalence was estimated for each cluster with its 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Of 4,599 surveys and 3,999 spirometries, 3,469 were considered of adequate quality (86.8%) for our study. The prevalence of COPD was 14.5% (CI: 13.4-15.7). The distribution of COPD cases according to FEV1 (GOLD 2017) was stage 1: 38% (CI: 34-43); stage 2: 52% (CI: 47-56); stage 3: 10% (CI: 7-13); and stage 4: 1% (CI: 0-2), and according to the refined ABCD (GOLD 2017) assessment: A: 52% (CI: 47-56); B: 43% (CI: 39-48); C: 1% (CI: 0-2); D: 4% (CI: 2-6). The rate of underdiagnosis was 77.4% (CI 73.7-81.1%) and diagnostic error 60.7% (CI 55.1-66.3%). A significant association was found between COPD and age (OR 3.77 in individuals 50-59 years of age and 19.23 in those > 80 years), male gender (OR 1.62; CI 1.31-2), smoking (OR 1.95; CI 1.49-2.54), low socioeconomic status (OR 1.33; CI 1.02-1.73), and previous tuberculosis (OR 3.3; CI 1.43-7.62).

CONCLUSIONS

We estimate that more than 2.3 million Argentineans have COPD, with high rates of underdiagnosis and diagnostic error.

[Recurrent wheezing: prevalence and associated factors in infants from Buenos Aires City, Argentina]

BACKGROUND

The episodes of bronchial obstruction at early age constitute a frequent problem in Pediatrics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of recurrent wheezing in infants in Buenos Aires City, as well as to identify any associated factors.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study performed from 2011 to 2012 in the Children Hospital Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires City, as part of the International Study of Wheezing in Infants. A validated questionnaire was applied to parents of infants aged between 12 and 15 months. The prevalence of wheezing, mostly the recurrent episodes (three or more), and their probable associated factors were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed with χ², Fisher's test, binary and logistics multiple regression analysis. The significance level was 0.05.

RESULTS

Over 1063 infants, 58.9% (confidence interval (CI) 95% 55.9-61.9) presented at least one episode of wheezing and 26.3% (CI95% 23.8-29.9) three or more episodes (recurrent wheezing). Risk factors associated to wheezing were male gender (p=0.001), six or more episodes of cold during the first year of life (p <0.0001), age at first cold <4 months (p <0.0001); pneumonia (p <0.0001) and smoking during pregnancy (tobacco) (p=0.01). For recurrent wheezing, risk factors we considered as six or more episodes of cold during the first year of life (p <0.0001), early (< 4 month of age) onset wheezing (p <0.0001) and nocturnal wheezing (p <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of recurrent wheezing among infants in Buenos Aires Ciy was high (26.3%). Some identified associated factors can be preventable.

[Analysis of quality of life in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) who give up smoking]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the impact in COPD patients' quality of life who stop smoking.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied a group of COPD patients who received smoking cessation treatment. All patients were treated with bronchodilators according to the severity of their disorder. This treatment was not changed during the process of smoking cessation. Patients received a smoking cessation programme that consisted of a combination of pharmacological treatment plus cognitive-behavioural treatment. All subjects fill in CAT questionnaire before starting smoking cessation programme and after 6 months of abstinence. All subjects included had stop smoking.

RESULTS

The study included 59 patients, with 27 (45.8%) males, and a mean age of 61.8 (7.5) years. Mean CAT score before quitting was 18.9 (7.3) points, and after 6 months of abstinence was 8.1 (6.1) points, P=.038. Multiple regression analysis showed: a) the higher the baseline CAT score the greater is the difference after quitting, at 6 months, at same age, gender, and grade of severity of COPD, and b) the older the age, the lower is the difference between baseline CAT score and the 6 months CAT score.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking cessation is associated with improvement in the quality of life in COPD patients. Those with worse quality of life get the biggest benefit from quitting, although this difference can be diminished in ageing patients.

[Comparative analysis: Effectiveness of nicotine addiction treatment in people with psychiatric comorbidity]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether or not nicotine addiction treatment was less effective in psychiatric than in the healthy population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive and comparative cohort study was conducted in Albacete University Hospital during years 2008-2012 on all patients that attended the Tobacco Cessation Unit. The statistical tests used were Chi-squared, likelihood ratio, and the Student t test. Statistical significance P≤.05.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 1,484 patients, of which 48.6% were female. The mean age was 46.8 years, and the mean age of starting smoking was 17.6 years. The mean number of previous attempts to quit was 1.48, and mean number of cigarettes smoked was 25.39. They had a mean Fagerström score of 6.04, a Richmond score of 8.13, and a mean carbon monoxide level of 16.65ppm. Most patients were referred from Primary Care (38.7%) and Chest Diseases department (33%), and the type of tobacco smoked was "light" in 75.8%. There was 15% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 8% with asthma, and 9.4% with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Furthermore, there was respiratory disease in 28.7%, cardiovascular disease in 4.6%, and both in 3.5%. Hiatus hernia was present in 7.2%, thyroid disease in 3.8%, hypertension in 19%, diabetes in 10.7%, and dyslipidaemia in 29.4%, Drugs were used by 7.1%, and 12.6% consumed alcohol. There was 39.3% psychiatric comorbidity (PC), and were comparable except in gender, age of onset, Fagerström, Richmond, source of referral, asthma, hiatus hernia, thyroid disease, hypertension, as well as drugs and treatment. Drug treatment was completed by 22.3% in the PC group, with no significant difference. There were differences in success (P=.008), but not in failure and relapse rates.

CONCLUSION

Anti-smoking treatment in psychiatric patients is effective. An increase in the probability of treatment success is observed in patients without psychiatric comorbidity.

Tobacco and diabetes: clinical relevance and approach to smoking cessation in diabetic smokers

Smoking is, together with diabetes mellitus, one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diabetic patients have unique features and characteristics, some of which are not well known, that cause smoking to aggravate the effects of diabetes and impose difficulties in the smoking cessation process, for which a specificand more intensive approach with stricter controls is required. This review details all aspects with a known influence on the interaction between smoking and diabetes, both as regards the increased risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes and the factors with an impact on the results of smoking cessation programs. The treatment guidelines for these smokers, including the algorithms and drug treatment patterns which have proved most useful based on scientific evidence, are also discussed.

["Do not do" also as regards tobacco]

We do have very effective and efficient interventions to help our patients to stop smoking. The strategy that has more evidence and consensus in primary care is the 5 A's, that is, ask, advise, assess willingness to try to quit smoking, helping those who want to try and make follow-up visits. However, we intervene lot less than we should. The available protocols oversized interventions, and propose elements without scientific evidence or therapeutic effect. It is therefore necessary to develop more simple, useful and evidence-based interventions to assist us in carrying out our work interventions, and stop doing those that dońt contribute. In this article we will use as an example a critical review of Smoker Care Service Portfolio of Madrid Health Service, and we will propose a number of alternatives to allow a simple, effective and evidence-based intervention.

[ETAP: A smoking scale for Primary Health Care]

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a scale of tobacco exposure to address smoking cessation.

DESIGN

Follow-up of a cohort. Scale validation.

SETTING

Primary Care Research Unit. Tenerife.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 6729 participants from the "CDC de Canarias" cohort.

METHODS

A scale was constructed under the assumption that the time of exposure to tobacco is the key factor to express accumulated risk. Discriminant validity was tested on prevalent cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n=171), and its best cut-off for preventive screening was obtained. Its predictive validity was tested with incident cases of AMI (n=46), comparing the predictive power with markers (age, sex) and classic risk factors of AMI (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia), including the pack-years index (PYI).

RESULTS

The scale obtained was the sum of three times the years that they had smoked plus years exposed to smoking at home and at work. The frequency of AMI increased with the values of the scale, with the value 20 years of exposure being the most appropriate cut-off for preventive action, as it provided adequate predictive values for incident AMI. The scale surpassed PYI in predicting AMI, and competed with the known markers and risk factors.

CONCLUSION

The proposed scale allows a valid measurement of exposure to smoking and provides a useful and simple approach that can help promote a willingness to change, as well as prevention. It still needs to demonstrate its validity, taking as reference other problems associated with smoking.

Prevalence, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Smoking Among SEPAR Members

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of smoking among SEPAR members, and their approach to smoking cessation in their patients. An online survey was completed by 640 members (496 pulmonologists, 45 nurses, 34 thoracic surgeons, 37 physiotherapists, and 28 other specialists). Of the members interviewed, 5% confessed that they were smokers: 3.5% pulmonologists; 8.9% nurses; 8.8% thoracic surgeons, and 13.5% physiotherapists. A total of 96% of members assign a lot or quite a lot of importance to setting an example; 98% of members always or often ask their patients about their smoking habit. The most effective anti-smoking intervention, according to 77% of members, is a combination of drugs and psychological support. These results are an indicator of the awareness and commitment of SEPAR members to smoking and its cessation.

[Prevalence and factors associated with clinical counselling on drug use among internal specialists residents of Andalusia (Spain)]

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency of offering clinical counseling against the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs by internal specialist residents (EIR) of Andalusia, and the factors related to such advice.

DESIGN

Multicenter cross-sectional study by self-administered questionnaire sent by mail.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

EIR of Andalusia.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

The questionnaire collected the frequency of counseling against the use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs (dependent variable).

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

age/gender, specialty, drug consumption and Fagerström test.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 4245 participants, 66% responded, 29% did not respond, and 5% poorly completed questionnaires. The mean age was 29.1(±SD 5.1) years, 69% female, 89% Spanish nationality, 84% in medical training (73% hospital, 27% family medicine). The frequency of counseling against tobacco (85%) and alcohol (82%) is higher than illegal drugs (56%, p<.001, χ(2) test). Counseling against alcohol consumption is related to family medicine (OR=2.8; 95% CI [1.4-4.6]) and nursing (OR=2.5 [1.7-4.4]), and the age of first alcohol consumption (OR=1.07 [1.03-1.1]). Counseling against smoking is related to family medicine (OR=12.9;[7.6-21.9]) and nursing (OR=8.4;[4.3-16.5]), personal consumption of tobacco (OR=1.5 [1.2-2.0]), and wine (OR=1.1 [1.04-1.3]), and age of first alcohol consumption (OR=1.06 [1.01-1.1]). Counseling against illegal drugs is related to the age of first alcohol consumption (OR=1.09 [1.05-1.1]) and smoking (OR=.58 [.4-.7]).

CONCLUSION

There is a high frequency of counseling against consumption of tobacco and alcohol by EIR, although remarkably smaller for illegal drugs. The influencing factors are both formative elements of their own specialty such as personal consumption of alcohol and tobacco, which should be considered for improvement of this preventive activity.

[Health-related quality-of-life in the smoking general population of Spain: An approach from the National Health Survey]

INTRODUCTION

Smoking has been associated with an important health risk. The aim was to analyze the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) status of the adult Spanish general population included in the National Health Survey according to its smoking status.

METHODS

Data were included from National Health Survey for the year 2011-2012 with information of HRQoL status in general population over 15 years of age. Adult male and female, 18 years of age or above, were categorized into 3 exclusive groups according to their current smoking status: smokers (daily smokers of any form of tobacco, at least the previous 12 months), ex-smokers of one or more years since quitting smoking and people who have never smoked (non smokers). HRQoL was assessed with the Spanish version of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire included into the National Health Survey.

RESULTS

A total of 19,604 records were analyzed: 4,723 (24.09%) smokers, 3,797 (19.37%) ex-smokers, and 11,084 (56.54%) non smokers, male and female with 18 years of age or above. Smokers showed significantly adjusted mean scores (95% CI) in utility of 0.903 (0.899-0.908) and 75.36 (74.06-76.69) in the visual analogue scale of current state of health, ex-smokers 0.924 (0.919-0.929) and 76.85 (76.67-78.07), and non smokers 0.902 (0.899-0.905) and 76.25 (75.02-77.51), P<.01 between groups in both variables.

CONCLUSIONS

In the Spanish general population, subjects who are ex-smokers showed better utility values and state health scores, supporting the hypothesis that quitting smoking could be associated with a discreet improvement of HRQoL.

Health care costs and work absenteeism in smokers: study in an urban community

INTRODUCTION

Higher morbidity caused by smoking-related diseases could increase health costs. We analyzed differences in the use of healthcare resources, healthcare costs and days of work absenteeism among smokers and non-smokers.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study in smokers and non-smokers, aged between 45 and 74 years, from one urban health area. The variables studied were: age, sex, alcohol intake, physical activity, obesity, diseases, attendance at primary care clinics and hospital emergency rooms, days of hospitalization, prescription drug consumption and work absenteeism (in days). Annual cost according to the unit cost of each service (direct costs), and indirect costs according to the number of days missed from work was calculated. Crude and adjusted risks were calculated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Five hundred patients were included: 50% were smokers, 74% (372) men and 26% (128) women. Smokers used more healthcare resources, consumed more prescription drugs and had more days off work than non-smokers. Respective direct and indirect costs in smokers were 848.64 euros (IQ 25-75: 332.65-1517.10) and 2253.90 euros (IQ 25-75: 1024.50-13113.60), and in non-smokers were 474.71 euros (IQ 25-75: 172.88-979.59) and 1434.30 euros (IQ 25-75: 614.70-4712.70). The likelihood of generating high healthcare costs was more than double for smokers (OR=2.14; 95% CI: 1.44-3.19).

CONCLUSION

More investment in programs for the prevention and treatment of smoking, as a health policy priority, could help to reduce the health and social costs of smoking.

SEPAR-ALAT Consensus Document on Antipneumoccal Vaccination in Smokers

Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for several clinical syndromes, such as community-acquired pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, and others. The most severe clinical entity caused by this bacteria is undoubtedly invasive pneumococcal disease. Certain factors are known to increase the risk of presenting invasive pneumococcal disease, the most important being smoking habit and underlying concomitant diseases. This article comprises a consensus document on antipneumococcal vaccination in smokers, drawn up by a Smoking Expert Group from the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery and the Latin American Chest Association.

[Characteristics of smoking, nicotine dependence and motivation for change in specialists training in health sciences (residents) in Andalusia (Spain)]

OBJECTIVE

As there are few studies on the smoking habits of specialists training in health sciences (residents), it is of interest to determine the prevalence of smoking, nicotine dependence and motivation for change, and their relationship with other variables (personal, work and consumption of other drugs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicentre, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted in 2012. All the residents who were studying in Teaching Health Centres in Andalusia (Spain) completed a questionnaire, which was sent by e-mail, collecting: age, sex, specialty, country of origin, qualitative-quantitative consumption of tobacco, age of onset/cessation, Fagerström test and stage of change (Proschaka).

RESULTS

A total of 2667 residents (63% of total) completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 29.1 years (± 5.2), 69% female, 89% Spanish, and 86% physicians. Of the 17% who smoked (daily pattern-47%, intermittently-41%, related to leisure-3%), starting at 17.4 years (±3.5) and mean of 7.5 cigarettes per day (±7.1), higher medical specialties (P=.067 ANOVA), and in men (P=.074, Student-t). More than three-quarters (82%) had a low nicotine dependence, being higher in hospital medical specialties (P=.078 χ(2)). Of the total, 7% were former smokers, and 48% wanted to quit smoking (contemplation 38%, preparation 10%). In the multivariate analysis there was a link between smoking and alcohol consumption (OR 2.84) and illegal drugs (OR 3.57). There were no differences by age or country.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of tobacco in residents is less than the general population, with a low dependence and better willingness to change. The period of specialised training is a good time to offer tobacco interventions.

[Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations in chronic respiratory diseases]

Community-acquired pneumonia is an acute respiratory infectious disease which has an incidence of 3-8 cases/1,000 inhabitants, and increases with age and comorbidities. The pneumococcus is the organism most frequently involved in community-acquired pneumonia in the adult (30-35%). Around 40% of patients with community-acquired pneumonia require hospital admission, and around 10% need to be admitted to an intensive care unit. The most serious forms of pneumococcal infection include invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), which covers cases of bacteremia (associated or not to pneumonia), meningitis, pleuritis, arthritis, primary peritonitis and pericarditis. Currently, the biggest problem with the pneumococcus is the emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents, and its high morbimortality, despite the use of appropriate antibiotics and proper medical treatment. Certain underlying medical conditions increase the risk of IPD and its complications, especially, from the respiratory diseases point of view, smoking and chronic respiratory diseases. Pneumococcal disease, according to the WHO, is the first preventable cause of death worldwide in children and adults. Among the strategies to prevent IPD is vaccination. WHO considers that its universal introduction and implementation against pneumococcus is essential and a priority in all countries. There are currently 2 pneumococcal vaccines for adults: the 23 serotypes polysaccharide and conjugate 13 serotypes. The scientific societies represented here have worked to develop some recommendations, based on the current scientific evidence, regarding the pneumococcal vaccination in the immunocompetent adult with chronic respiratory disease and smokers at risk of suffering from IPD.

Changes in clinical presentation and staging of lung cancer over two decades

INTRODUCTION

Important clinical and epidemiological changes have been observed in lung cancer (LC) in our healthcare area compared to the previous decade. In the last 10 years, specific LC care circuits have been implemented and the active search for cases has been stepped up. The aim of this study was to analyze the progress of these changes over the last 20 years.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study comparing clinical and epidemiological changes between 2 historical cohorts of LC patients (1992-1994 [group 1, 164 patients] and 2004-2006 [group 2, 250 patients]) and a current group from the period 2011-2012 (group 3, 209 patients)

RESULTS

Two hundred and nine (209) LC patients were included in group 3 (2011-2012 period). After comparing groups 3 and 2, a non-significant rise in smoking was observed in women (59% vs 41%, p=.25), while the prevalence of adenocarcinoma was unchanged (45% vs 44%, p=.9). The main changes observed were the increase in cases with previous malignancies (23% vs 16%, p=.04), the rise in patients with no associated LC symptoms (33% vs 16%, p<.001), and an increased number of localized NSCLC (non-small cell LC) diagnoses (42% vs 24% in series 2, p<.001 and 14.2% in series 1, p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of LC patients diagnosed in localized stages has increased significantly. Furthermore, the number of patients with no symptoms associated with LC and with a history of previous malignancy were significantly increased.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Canary Islands

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) varies significantly among the different geographical areas reported. In Spain, two epidemiological studies have shown a prevalence of 9-10% in the population aged over 40. However, neither of these studies included the Canary Islands, which are of interest due to their climatic conditions and high incidence of smoking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A random group of 1,353 subjects aged between 40 and 70years was selected from a sample population of 596,478 individuals. Participants completed a questionnaire and then performed spirometry with bronchodilator testing if obstruction was observed. COPD was diagnosed when the post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio was less than 0.70.

RESULTS

The prevalence of COPD was 7.3% (95%CI: 5.5-9.5) and was higher in males than in females (8.7% vs. 6.3%, P=.134). The incidence of smoking was 29.4% (95%CI: 25.4-33.1) and was also higher in males than in females (35.1% vs 25.4%, P<.001). The prevalence of COPD stratified by severity of obstruction, according to the GOLD criteria, was 16% in groupi, 69.9% in groupii, 10.4% in groupiii and 3.3% in groupiv. 71.6% of the subjects were underdiagnosed and 63.5% undertreated.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite having one of the highest rates of smoking in Spain, the prevalence of COPD in the Canary Islands is lower than in most of the Spanish regions studied.

Community-acquired pneumonia among smokers

Recent studies have left absolutely no doubt that tobacco increases susceptibility to bacterial lung infection, even in passive smokers. This relationship also shows a dose-response effect, since the risk reduces spectacularly 10 years after giving up smoking, returning to the level of non-smokers. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the causative microorganism responsible for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) most frequently associated with smoking, particularly in invasive pneumococcal disease and septic shock. It is not clear how it acts on the progress of pneumonia, but there is evidence to suggest that the prognosis for pneumococcal pneumonia is worse. In CAP caused by Legionella pneumophila, it has also been observed that smoking is the most important risk factor, with the risk rising 121% for each pack of cigarettes smoked a day. Tobacco use may also favor diseases that are also known risk factors for CAP, such as periodontal disease and upper respiratory viral infections. By way of prevention, while giving up smoking should always be proposed, the use of the pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended, regardless of the presence of other comorbidities.