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Pleșca VȘ, Streinu-Cercel A, Săndulescu O, Drăgănescu AC, Hainăroșie R, Pleșca AD. Incidence and Characteristics of Pediatric Patients with Acute Otitis Hospitalized in a Romanian Infectious Diseases Hospital. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:832. [PMID: 39062281 PMCID: PMC11274892 DOI: 10.3390/children11070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Otic involvement is common in children during acute infectious diseases, and is an important cause of morbidity and health service utilization. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric cases hospitalized in the largest infectious disease hospital in Romania between 2018 and 2023, with the aim of quantifying the incidence and impact of acute otitis (AO) according to pediatric age subgroups. RESULTS A total of 1118 cases diagnosed with AO were eligible and included in the analysis. Acute congestive otitis media was the most common subtype, identified in 53.3% of cases, followed by acute purulent otitis media (APOM) in 26.7% of children. The majority of AO cases (69.9%) were diagnosed in the pre-pandemic period (2018-2019), and infants (10.6%), toddlers (49.4%), and preschoolers (29.2%) were the most affected age groups. A viral infection associated with the AO episode was documented in 49.6% of cases. Influenza viruses were most commonly reported (20.5%), followed by SARS-CoV-2 (5.8%), and adenovirus (4.9%). A total of 38 cases of AO were identified in children with measles. In 15.9% of APOM cases, Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated by culture from otic secretions. The duration of hospitalization was longer in children with APOM and acute otitis externa compared to the other subtypes of AO (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the importance of ENT (ear, nose, and throat) monitoring in children hospitalized for acute infectious diseases, as the majority of AO cases occur in the context of a viral infection. These findings emphasize the necessity for tailored assessment and intervention in suspected cases of AO, especially in young children under 5 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Ștefan Pleșca
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Streinu-Cercel
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists (AOSR), 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Săndulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists (AOSR), 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Cristina Drăgănescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Răzvan Hainăroșie
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Doina Pleșca
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Cheng M, Lan T, Geater A, Deng QY, Lin YD, Jiang LY, Chen N, Zhu MT, Li Q, Tang XY. Health system barriers to timely routine measles vaccinations in rural southwest China: a qualitative study on the perspectives of township vaccination professionals and village doctors. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072990. [PMID: 37993157 PMCID: PMC10668328 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072990] [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] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A well-functioning health system ensures timely routine measles vaccinations for age-appropriate children, minimising measles risk. However, there is limited knowledge about the impact of the performance of immunisation programmes in health systems on the timeliness of measles vaccination. This study aimed to identify health system barriers to timely routine measles vaccination in rural southwest China, integrating the perspectives of township vaccination professionals and village doctors. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Qualitative study among township vaccination professionals and village doctors in rural Guangxi, southwest China. METHODS 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) at township level and 120 in-depth interviews (IDIs) at village level, based on a four-theme framework. We used convenience sampling to recruit 60 township vaccination professionals and 120 village doctors in 2015. Instruments used were a semistructured questionnaire and interview outlines. We collected township and village-level data focusing on themes of health resources allocation, pattern of vaccination services, management and supervision of vaccination services, and perceptions of vaccination policy. The FGDs and IDIs were audio-recorded and transcribed. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach was adopted to synthesise findings into meaningful subthemes, narrative text and illustrative quotations. RESULTS The health system barriers to timely routine vaccinations were explored across four themes. Barriers in the health resources allocation theme comprised (1) inadequacy of vaccination-related human resources (eg, lack of township vaccination professionals and lack of young village doctors), and (2) incompatible and non-identical information system of vaccination services across regions. Barriers in the pattern of vaccination services theme included inflexible vaccination services models, for example, routine vaccination services being offered monthly on fixed vaccination days, limited numbers of vaccination days per month, vaccination days being set on non-local market days, vaccination days being clustered into a specific period and absence of formal vaccination appointments. Ineffective economic incentive mechanism was identified as a barrier in the management and supervision of vaccination services theme. Low-degree participation of village doctors in routine vaccination services was identified as a barrier in the perceptions of vaccination policy theme. CONCLUSIONS We encourage policymakers and stakeholders to apply these findings to improve the timeliness of routine vaccination. Barriers to timely routine vaccination include inadequate allocation of vaccination-related resources and inflexible vaccination service delivery models. Financial and non-financial incentives should be used to retain and recruit vaccination professionals and village doctors. Strengthening information systems with unified data standards enables cross-regional data exchange. Optimising immunisation services and rationalising vaccination days could eliminate health system barriers and improve vaccination timeliness in rural China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Tao Lan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Alan Geater
- Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Qiu-Yun Deng
- Institute of Vaccination, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yue-Dong Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Long-Yan Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ning Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Man-Tong Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xian-Yan Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Turaiche M, Feciche B, Gluhovschi A, Bratosin F, Bogdan I, Bota AV, Grigoras ML, Gurban CV, Cerbu B, Toma AO, Gurumurthy S, Wulandari PH, Marincu I. Biological Profile and Clinical Features as Determinants for Prolonged Hospitalization in Adult Patients with Measles: A Monocentric Study in Western Romania. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091018. [PMID: 36145449 PMCID: PMC9505879 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Measles is a highly infectious and sometimes deadly illness that is preventable with vaccination. The present research aims to analyze the most recent measles epidemic from Romania that occurred in a population with a falling desire to receive immunizations, by detailing the clinical picture and biological profile of hospitalized patients. A secondary goal of the present research is to identify characteristics that increase the likelihood of a longer hospitalization and the development of measles-related pneumonia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to follow the course and effects of measles virus infection in adult hospitalized patients who were divided into two groups based on whether they had been in the hospital for more than 6 days or fewer than 6 days. A total of 114 adult patients with measles were eligible to participate in the trial if they had a positive measles-specific IgM antibody test resulting from the study. The average age in the short hospital stay group was 28.1 years, while the average age in the long hospital stay group was 31.9 years. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of Roma persons in the research groups, with 17.4 percent of them having a lengthy hospital stay compared to 5.9 percent in the group with a short hospital stay, according to the findings. It was observed that many patients had a long hospitalization associated with chronic lung disease (OR = 1.07), liver damage (OR = 1.66), Roma ethnicity (OR = 1.79), a long duration elapsed from the last MMR dose (OR = 2.02), elevated c-reactive protein (OR = 2.17), the presence of bilateral pulmonary condensations on X-ray (OR = 3.13), and elevated procalcitonin (OR = 3.49). The same significant independent risk factors were also associated with the development of pneumonia. It is of imperative need to address these risk factors in a patient with measles, moreover in association with an unknown status of vaccination. Vaccination awareness against measles must be pushed in Romania to determine a higher than 95% coverage. Significant efforts are still needed to ensure improved protection against measles epidemics within a specific region or population and, more importantly, in patients with significant risk factors for complications, as described in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Turaiche
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Bogdan Feciche
- Department of Urology, Satu-Mare County Emergency Hospital, Strada Ravensburg 2, 440192 Satu-Mare, Romania
| | - Adrian Gluhovschi
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Bogdan
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Vasile Bota
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mirela Loredana Grigoras
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Camelia Vidita Gurban
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Bianca Cerbu
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana-Olivia Toma
- Department of Microbiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Srivathsava Gurumurthy
- Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Irwin Road, Mysuru 570001, India
| | | | - Iosif Marincu
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Miron VD, Toma AR, Filimon C, Bar G, Craiu M. Optional Vaccines in Children—Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Romanian Parents. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10030404. [PMID: 35335036 PMCID: PMC8955643 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most useful medical interventions for controlling certain infectious diseases. The aim of current research is to identify some of the drivers of vaccine hesitancy or acceptance in a rather skeptical European population by addressing parental perception on optional vaccination (OV) perception. Novel tools, delivered by social media, were used in our research attempt. A validated questionnaire was distributed online among parents. Parental knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of OV were analyzed. The majority of parent respondents (55.1%) showed very good knowledge about vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases, and 76.0% stated that they had given at least one optional vaccine to at least one of their children. The most common optional vaccine administered was the rotavirus vaccine. The level of knowledge appeared to be related to compliance with OV. Concurrently, the rate of vaccine acceptance in the NIP (National Immunization Program) was not correlated with the level of parental knowledge. In total, a high percentage of parents (77.6%) believed that OV can bring an additional health safety benefit to their children. This study shows the need to involve the medical community in a steady dialogue with parents about OV. Raising awareness by presenting clear and understandable information could be a game-changing intervention in mitigating the public health impact of OV-preventable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Daniel Miron
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.F.); (M.C.)
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 020395 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrei Răzvan Toma
- Central Military Emergency Hospital Dr. Carol Davila, 010825 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Claudiu Filimon
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Gabriela Bar
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 020395 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihai Craiu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.F.); (M.C.)
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 020395 Bucharest, Romania;
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Vojtek I, Larson H, Plotkin S, Van Damme P. Evolving measles status and immunization policy development in six European countries. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2031776. [PMID: 35180372 PMCID: PMC9009904 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2031776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing and implementing new immunization policies in response to shifting epidemiology is a critical public health component. We adopted a mixed-methods approach (via narrative literature review [101 articles] and 9 semi-structured interviews) to evaluate policy development in response to shifting measles epidemiology in six European countries (Italy, Belgium, Germany, Romania, UK, and Ukraine); where policies and strategies have evolved in response to country-specific disease and vaccination patterns. Periodic outbreaks have occurred in all countries against a background of declining measles-containing-vaccine (MCV) uptake and increasing public vaccine hesitancy (with substantial regional or social differences in measles burden and vaccine uptake). Health-care worker (HCW) vaccine skepticism is also seen. While many outbreaks arise or involve specific susceptible populations (e.g., minority/migrant communities), the broader pattern is spread to the wider (and generally older) population; often among incompletely/non-vaccinated individuals as a legacy of previous low uptake. Immunization policy and strategic responses are influenced by political and social factors, where public mistrust contributes to vaccine hesitancy. A strong centralized immunization framework (allied with effective regional implementation and coherent political commitment) can effectively increase uptake. Mandatory vaccination has increased childhood MCV uptake in Italy, and similar benefits could be anticipated for other countries considering vaccine mandates. Although possible elsewhere, socio-political considerations render mandating impractical in other countries, where targeted immunization activities to bolster routine uptake are more important. Addressing HCW skepticism, knowledge gaps, improving access and increasing public/community engagement and education to address vaccine hesitancy/mistrust (especially in communities with specific unmet needs) is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Larson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stanley Plotkin
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Doylestown, PA, USA.,Vaxconsult, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Zhuzzhasarova A, Baesheva D, Turdalina B, Seidullaeva A, Altynbekova A, Nurgaziev M, Abdullaev B, Kushugulova A. Epidemiology Survey of Measles in Kazakhstan. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Measles (rubella) is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus in the Paramyxoviridae family. The measles virus is directly responsible for more than 100,000 deaths each year. Epidemiological studies have linked measles to increased morbidity and mortality many years after infection, but the reasons underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. The virus attacks immune cells, causing acute suppression of the immune system. The World Health Organization recommends a two-dose vaccination policy, with the first dose administered during the 1st year of life, and coverage should be maintained in at least 90–95% of the population to halt transmission. In many countries, the measles vaccine is included in the immunization program and is freely available to all. Today, despite active immunization of the population, measles still occurs in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
AIM: The objective of our study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of measles in the Republic of Kazakhstan during the rise of the disease.
METHODS: Statistical data were obtained from the Committee on Public Health Protection on the incidence of measles in The Republic of Kazakhstan for the period from November 1, 2018 to December 30, 2019.
STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiology survey.
RESULTS: The article contains epidemiological data on the incidence of measles in the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan among children, age, and gender characteristics.
CONCLUSION: In the period from November 2018 to December 2019, there was a tendency to increase the incidence of measles in the republic. In terms of morbidity, Nur-Sultan was the leader, where the number of cases was 22.9% (n = 3181). The largest number of registered cases, 58.2% (n = 5745), occurred in children aged 1–14 years. Measles remains an unresolved global problem and groups of undervaccinated and unvaccinated populations remain vulnerable during epidemics.
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