1
|
Kujawski SA, Casey CS, Haas H, Patel A, Diomatari C, Holbrook T, Pawaskar M. Clinical and Economic Burden of Antibiotic Use Among Pediatric Patients With Varicella Infection in the Outpatient Setting: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Real-world Data in France. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:393-399. [PMID: 38456715 PMCID: PMC10919277 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella infects 90% of children before age 9. Though varicella is self-limiting, its complications may require antibiotics, though how antibiotics are utilized for varicella in France is not well known. This study assessed antibiotic use and costs associated with varicella and its complications in pediatric patients managed in the outpatient setting in France. METHODS A retrospective cohort study using the Cegedim Strategic Data-Longitudinal Patient Database, an electronic medical record database from general practitioners and office-based specialists in France, was conducted. Children <18 years old diagnosed with varicella between January 2014 and December 2018 with 3-month follow-up available were included. We used descriptive analysis to assess varicella-related complications, medication use, healthcare resource utilization and costs. RESULTS Overall, 48,027 patients were diagnosed with varicella; 15.3% (n = 7369) had ≥1 varicella-related complication. Antibiotics were prescribed in up to 25.1% (n = 12,045/48,027) of cases with greater use in patients with complications (68.1%, n = 5018/7369) compared with those without (17.3%, n = 7027/40,658). Mean medication and outpatient varicella-related costs were €32.82 per patient with medications costing a mean of €5.84 per patient; antibiotics contributed ~23% to total costs annually. CONCLUSION This study showed high antibiotic use for the management of varicella and its complications. A universal varicella vaccination program could be considered to alleviate complications and associated costs in France.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A. Kujawski
- From the Center for Observational and Real-world Evidence, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | | | - Hervé Haas
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatalogy, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Monaco
| | | | | | | | - Manjiri Pawaskar
- From the Center for Observational and Real-world Evidence, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Williame I, George M, Shah HA, Homer N, Alderson D, Jamet N. Healthcare resource use and costs of varicella and its complications: A systematic literature review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2266225. [PMID: 37885425 PMCID: PMC10760364 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2266225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). While the disease is usually mild, severe complications can occur requiring costly hospitalization. A thorough understanding of the healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs of varicella is needed to inform health-economic models of preventive strategies. A systematic literature review was carried out to retrieve relevant publications between 1999 and 2021, reporting HCRU and cost outcomes for varicella and its complications. Data were extracted and stratified according to pre-specified age groups and complication categories. Costs were re-based to a $US2020 footing using both purchasing power parity and the medical component of consumer price indexes. Data were summarized descriptively due to high heterogeneity in study design and outcome reporting. Forty-four publications fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of which 28 were conducted in Europe, 6 in Middle East and Asia, 5 in South America, 3 in North America, and 2 in multiple regions. Primary healthcare visits accounted for 30% to 85% of total direct costs. Hospitalization costs varied between $1,308 and $38,268 per episode depending on country, complication type, and length of stay, contributing between 2% and 60% to total direct costs. Indirect costs, mostly driven by workdays lost, accounted for approximately two-thirds of total costs due to varicella. The management of varicella and related complications can lead to substantial HCRU and costs for patients and the healthcare system. Additional research is needed to further characterize the varicella-associated economic burden and its broader impact from a societal standpoint.
Collapse
|
3
|
Pawaskar M, Méroc E, Samant S, Flem E, Bencina G, Riera-Montes M, Heininger U. Economic burden of varicella in Europe in the absence of universal varicella vaccination. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2312. [PMID: 34930179 PMCID: PMC8690977 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12343-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Though the disease burden of varicella in Europe has been reported previously, the economic burden is still unknown. This study estimated the economic burden of varicella in Europe in the absence of Universal Varicella Vaccination (UVV) in 2018 Euros from both payer (direct costs) and societal (direct and indirect costs) perspectives. Methods We estimated the country specific and overall annual costs of varicella in absence of UVV in 31 European countries (27 EU countries, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom). To obtain country specific unit costs and associated healthcare utilization, we conducted a systematic literature review, searching in PubMed, EMBASE, NEED, DARE, REPEC, Open Grey, and public heath websites (1/1/1999–10/15/2019). The number of annual varicella cases, deaths, outpatient visits and hospitalizations were calculated (without UVV) based on age-specific incidence rates (Riera-Montes et al. 2017) and 2018 population data by country. Unit cost per varicella case and disease burden data were combined using stochastic modeling to estimate 2018 costs stratified by country, age and healthcare resource. Results Overall annual total costs associated with varicella were estimated to be €662,592,061 (Range: €309,552,363 to €1,015,631,760) in Europe in absence of UVV. Direct and indirect costs were estimated at €229,076,206 (Range €144,809,557 to €313,342,856) and €433,515,855 (Range €164,742,806 to €702,288,904), respectively. Total cost per case was €121.45 (direct: €41.99; indirect: €79.46). Almost half of the costs were attributed to cases in children under 5 years, owing mainly to caregiver work loss. The distribution of costs by healthcare resource was similar across countries. France and Germany accounted for 49.28% of total annual costs, most likely due to a combination of high numbers of cases and unit costs in these countries. Conclusions The economic burden of varicella across Europe in the absence of UVV is substantial (over 600 M€), primarily driven by caregiver burden including work productivity losses. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12343-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manjiri Pawaskar
- Merck & Co., Inc. Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ, 07033, USA.
| | - Estelle Méroc
- P95 Epidemiology and Pharmacovigilance, Koning Leopold III laan 1, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Salome Samant
- Merck & Co., Inc. Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ, 07033, USA
| | - Elmira Flem
- MSD (Norge) AS, Postboks 458 Brakerøya, 3002, Drammen, Norway
| | - Goran Bencina
- MSD, Calle de Josefa Valcárcel, 38, 28027, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Riera-Montes
- P95 Epidemiology and Pharmacovigilance, Koning Leopold III laan 1, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ulrich Heininger
- University of Basel Children's Hospital (UKBB), Spitalstrasse 33, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van Lier A, de Gier B, McDonald SA, Mangen MJJ, van Wijhe M, Sanders EAM, Kretzschmar ME, van Vliet H, de Melker HE. Disease burden of varicella versus other vaccine-preventable diseases before introduction of vaccination into the national immunisation programme in the Netherlands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 31064637 PMCID: PMC6505181 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.18.1800363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Estimating burden of disease (BoD) is an essential first step in the decision-making process on introducing new vaccines into national immunisation programmes (NIPs). For varicella, a common vaccine-preventable disease, BoD in the Netherlands was unknown. Aim To assess national varicella BoD and compare it to BoD of other vaccine-preventable diseases before their introduction in the NIP. Methods In this health estimates reporting study, BoD was expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) using methodology from the Burden of Communicable Diseases in Europe (BCoDE)-project. As no parameters/disease model for varicella (including herpes zoster) were available in the BCoDE toolkit, incidence, disease progression model and parameters were derived from seroprevalence, healthcare registries and published data. For most other diseases, BoD was estimated with existing BCoDE-parameters, adapted to the Netherlands if needed. Results In 2017, the estimated BoD of varicella in the Netherlands was 1,800 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 1,800–1,900) DALYs. Herpes zoster mainly contributed to this BoD (1,600 DALYs; 91%), which was generally lower than the BoD of most current NIP diseases in the year before their introduction into the NIP. However, BoD for varicella was higher than for rotavirus gastroenteritis (1,100; 95%UI: 440–2,200 DALYs) and meningococcal B disease (620; 95%UI: 490–770 DALYs), two other potential NIP candidates. Conclusions When considering the introduction of a new vaccine in the NIP, BoD is usually estimated in isolation. The current approach assesses BoD in relation to other vaccine-preventable diseases’ BoD, which may help national advisory committees on immunisation and policymakers to set vaccination priorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alies van Lier
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Brechje de Gier
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Scott A McDonald
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Marie-Josée J Mangen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Maarten van Wijhe
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark.,Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth A M Sanders
- Department of Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina's Children Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, Netherlands.,Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam E Kretzschmar
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Hans van Vliet
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Hester E de Melker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rodriguez-Santana Y, Sanchez-Almeida E, Garcia-Vera C, Garcia-Ventura M, Martinez-Espligares L. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics and the approach to infant chickenpox in primary care. Eur J Pediatr 2019; 178:641-648. [PMID: 30767142 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-019-03332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chickenpox is not common in the first year of life (infant varicella) and there is a lack of data on its presentation, especially in primary care. A year-long observational study (July 2015-2016) carried out by a research network of primary care pediatricians throughout Spain.Two hundred and sixty-four pediatricians gathered data from 358 cases of clinically diagnosed chickenpox in infants. The illness was considered mild in 78% of infants < 7 months compared to 65% in those aged 7 to 12 months (p = 0.0144). Fever (46%) was present in 35% of children ≤ 6 months compared to 55% in older children (p = 0.0005). The number of skin lesions was > 50 in 35% of children ≤ 6 months old compared to 47% in > 7 months (p = 0.0273). From the 2% of hospitalized children 86% were younger than 7 months. Oral antiviral treatment was given in 33% of cases ≤ 6 months compared to 18% in older patients (p = 0.0023). Doubts about administering the chickenpox vaccine at a later date were expressed by 18% of pediatricians.Conclusion: Chickenpox is considered benign, having a mild effect on most infants. There is less clinical effect in infants ≤ 6 months although this age group is hospitalized more and is prescribed more antiviral treatment. There are doubts among pediatricians about the subsequent need for vaccination. What is Known: • Chickenpox is uncommon and of uncertain evolution in the first year of life • Hospital admissions for chickenpox are more frequent in the first year of life What is New: • The course of chickenpox in the first year of life is mild, especially in infants younger than 7 months despite the fact they are hospitalized more and are treated more frequently with antivirals. Antivirals are prescribed to 1 in 4 children with chickenpox under 12 months of age. • Almost 50% of pediatricians recommend a subsequent vaccination against chickenpox especially if it occurs in the first 6 months of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Sanchez-Almeida
- Primary health care La Guancha-San Juan de la Rambla, Servicio Canario de Salud, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Cesar Garcia-Vera
- Primary health care José Ramón Muñoz Fernández, Servicio Aragonés de Salud, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Varicella-related Primary Health-care Visits, Hospitalizations and Mortality in Norway, 2008-2014. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2017; 36:1032-1038. [PMID: 28657969 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000001656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norway does not currently implement universal varicella vaccination in childhood. We aimed to characterize health care burden of varicella in Norway in the prevaccine era. METHODS We linked individual patient data from different national registries to examine varicella vaccinations and varicella-coded primary care consultations, hospitalizations, outpatient hospital visits, deaths and viral infections of central nervous system in the whole population of Norway during 2008-2014. We estimated health care contact rates and described the epidemiology of medically attended varicella infection. RESULTS Each year approximately 14,600 varicella-related contacts occurred within primary health care and hospital sector in Norway. The annual contact rate was 221 cases per 100,000 population in primary health care and 7.3 cases per 100,000 in hospital care. Both in primary and hospital care, the highest incidences were observed among children 1 year of age: 2,654 and 78.1 cases per 100,000, respectively. The annual varicella mortality was estimated at 0.06 deaths per 100,000 and in-hospital case-fatality rate at 0.3%. Very few (0.2-0.5%) patients were vaccinated against varicella. Among hospitalized varicella patients, 22% had predisposing conditions, 9% had severe-to-very severe comorbidities and 5.5% were immunocompromised. Varicella-related complications were reported in 29.3% of hospitalized patients. Varicella zoster virus was the third most frequent virus found among 16% of patients with confirmed viral infections of central nervous system. CONCLUSIONS Varicella causes a considerable health care burden in Norway, especially among children. To inform the policy decision on the use of varicella vaccination, a health economic assessment of vaccination and mathematical modeling of vaccination impact are needed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Gentil ML, Cuggia M, Fiquet L, Hagenbourger C, Le Berre T, Banâtre A, Renault E, Bouzille G, Chapron A. Factors influencing the development of primary care data collection projects from electronic health records: a systematic review of the literature. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2017; 17:139. [PMID: 28946908 PMCID: PMC5613384 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-017-0538-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care data gathered from Electronic Health Records are of the utmost interest considering the essential role of general practitioners (GPs) as coordinators of patient care. These data represent the synthesis of the patient history and also give a comprehensive picture of the population health status. Nevertheless, discrepancies between countries exist concerning routine data collection projects. Therefore, we wanted to identify elements that influence the development and durability of such projects. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify worldwide current primary care data collection projects. The gray literature was also searched via official project websites and their contact person was emailed to obtain information on the project managers. Data were retrieved from the included studies using a standardized form, screening four aspects: projects features, technological infrastructure, GPs' roles, data collection network organization. RESULTS The literature search allowed identifying 36 routine data collection networks, mostly in English-speaking countries: CPRD and THIN in the United Kingdom, the Veterans Health Administration project in the United States, EMRALD and CPCSSN in Canada. These projects had in common the use of technical facilities that range from extraction tools to comprehensive computing platforms. Moreover, GPs initiated the extraction process and benefited from incentives for their participation. Finally, analysis of the literature data highlighted that governmental services, academic institutions, including departments of general practice, and software companies, are pivotal for the promotion and durability of primary care data collection projects. CONCLUSION Solid technical facilities and strong academic and governmental support are required for promoting and supporting long-term and wide-range primary care data collection projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Line Gentil
- Department of General Practice, University of Rennes 1, F-35000, Rennes, France.
- CIC (Clinical investigation center) INSERM 1414, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Marc Cuggia
- INSERM, U1099, F-35000, Rennes, France
- University of Rennes 1, LTSI (Laboratory for signal and image processing), F-35000, Rennes, France
- CHU Rennes, CIC Inserm 1414, F-35000, Rennes, France
- CHU Rennes, Centre de Données Cliniques, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Laure Fiquet
- Department of General Practice, University of Rennes 1, F-35000, Rennes, France
- CIC (Clinical investigation center) INSERM 1414, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | | | - Thomas Le Berre
- Department of General Practice, University of Rennes 1, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Agnès Banâtre
- Department of General Practice, University of Rennes 1, F-35000, Rennes, France
- CIC (Clinical investigation center) INSERM 1414, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Eric Renault
- University of Rennes 1, LTSI (Laboratory for signal and image processing), F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Guillaume Bouzille
- INSERM, U1099, F-35000, Rennes, France
- University of Rennes 1, LTSI (Laboratory for signal and image processing), F-35000, Rennes, France
- CHU Rennes, CIC Inserm 1414, F-35000, Rennes, France
- CHU Rennes, Centre de Données Cliniques, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Anthony Chapron
- Department of General Practice, University of Rennes 1, F-35000, Rennes, France
- CIC (Clinical investigation center) INSERM 1414, F-35000, Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Riera-Montes M, Bollaerts K, Heininger U, Hens N, Gabutti G, Gil A, Nozad B, Mirinaviciute G, Flem E, Souverain A, Verstraeten T, Hartwig S. Estimation of the burden of varicella in Europe before the introduction of universal childhood immunization. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:353. [PMID: 28521810 PMCID: PMC5437534 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella is generally considered a mild disease. Disease burden is not well known and country-level estimation is challenging. As varicella disease is not notifiable, notification criteria and rates vary between countries. In general, existing surveillance systems do not capture cases that do not seek medical care, and most are affected by underreporting and underascertainment. We aimed to estimate the overall varicella disease burden in Europe to provide critical information to support decision-making regarding varicella vaccination. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review to identify all available epidemiological data on varicella IgG antibody seroprevalence, primary care and hospitalisation incidence, and mortality. We then developed methods to estimate age-specific varicella incidence and annual number of cases by different levels of severity (cases in the community, health care seekers in primary care and hospitals, and deaths) for all countries belonging to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) region and Switzerland. RESULTS In the absence of universal varicella immunization, the burden of varicella would be substantial with a total of 5.5 million (95% CI: 4.7-6.4) varicella cases occurring annually across Europe. Variation exists between countries but overall the majority of cases (3 million; 95% CI: 2.7-3.3) would occur in children <5 years. Annually, 3-3.9 million patients would consult a primary care physician, 18,200-23,500 patients would be hospitalised, and 80 varicella-related deaths would occur (95% CI: 19-822). CONCLUSIONS Varicella disease burden is substantial. Most cases occur in children <5 years old but adults require hospitalisation more often and are at higher risk of death. This information should be considered when planning and evaluating varicella control strategies. A better understanding of the driving factors of country-specific differences in varicella transmission and health care utilization is needed. Improving and standardizing varicella surveillance in Europe, as initiated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), is important to improve data quality to facilitate inter-country comparison.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Riera-Montes
- P95 Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology Services, Koning Leopold III Laan 1, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kaatje Bollaerts
- P95 Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology Services, Koning Leopold III Laan 1, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ulrich Heininger
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, University of Basel Children's Hospital, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niel Hens
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Antwerp, Belgium.,Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases and Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Gabutti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angel Gil
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bayad Nozad
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Grazina Mirinaviciute
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Modelling, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elmira Flem
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Modelling, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Thomas Verstraeten
- P95 Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology Services, Koning Leopold III Laan 1, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susanne Hartwig
- Sanofi Pasteur MSD, 162 avenue Jean Jaurès, 69007, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Widgren K, Giesecke J, Lindquist L, Tegnell A. The burden of chickenpox disease in Sweden. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:666. [PMID: 27832745 PMCID: PMC5103480 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1957-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chickenpox vaccine is not included in the routine childhood vaccination programme in Sweden. The aim of this study was to estimate the baseline of national chickenpox disease burden, as comprehensive studies, required for an assessment regarding vaccine introduction, are lacking. Methods We used available health care registers and databases; the death register, hospitalisations register, communicable disease notifications database, Stockholm County registers on consultations in specialist and primary care, temporary parental benefit to care for a sick child, and searches on the health care system’s website. From each data source, records regarding chickenpox were identified and extracted, either using relevant diagnosis codes (ICD-10) or key words. A descriptive analysis with regards to number of cases and incidence, severity, and seasonality, was carried out covering the time period 2007 to 2013. Results There were on average 333 patients hospitalised annually due to chickenpox, yielding a hospitalisation rate of 3.56/100,000 person-years. We found a slight male predominance in hospitalised cases. The highest hospitalisation rate was seen in 1 year-olds, whereas the peak in primary care consultations was in 2 year-olds. Nearly a quarter of children had parents who reported absence from work to care for them when sick with chickenpox. The average yearly death rate from chickenpox was 0.034/100,000 person-years. The duration of hospital stay increased with age. The seasonality in number of searches on the health care website corresponded well with hospitalisations and primary care consultations with peaks in spring. Conclusions This study shows chickenpox death and hospitalisation rates in range with other European countries without routine vaccination. Swedish children fall ill with chickenpox at a very young age. The study provides essential input for future discussions on the introduction of routine chickenpox vaccination in Sweden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Widgren
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Johan Giesecke
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Lindquist
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Tegnell
- Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Helmuth IG, Poulsen A, Suppli CH, Mølbak K. Varicella in Europe-A review of the epidemiology and experience with vaccination. Vaccine 2015; 33:2406-13. [PMID: 25839105 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
There is no consensus as regards the European varicella immunisation policy; some countries have introduced varicella vaccination in their routine childhood immunisation programs whereas others have decided against or are debating. With the aim of providing an overview of the epidemiology of varicella in Europe and addressing the different strategies and the experiences so far, we performed a review of epidemiological studies done in Europe from 2004 to 2014. Varicella is mainly a disease of childhood, but sero-epidemiological studies show regional differences in the proportion of susceptible adults. Hospitalisation due to varicella is not common, but complications and hospitalisation mainly affect previously healthy children, which underlines the importance of not dismissing varicella as a disease of little importance. The experience with universal vaccination in Europe shows that vaccination leads to a rapid reduction of disease incidence. Vaccine effectiveness is high and a protective herd effect is obtained. Experience with vaccination in Europe has not been long enough, though, to draw conclusions on benefits and drawbacks with vaccination as well as the capacity for national programs in Europe to maintain a sufficiently high coverage to prevent a change in age group distribution to older children and young adults or on the impact that varicella immunisation may have on the epidemiology of shingles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Glode Helmuth
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| | - Anja Poulsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Camilla Hiul Suppli
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| | - Kåre Mølbak
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|