Recent epidemiological trends in tuberculous pleural effusion in Galicia, Spain

OBJECTIVE

Knowledge on the distribution and determinants of tuberculous pleural effusions (TBPE) is incomplete. We aimed to describe the epidemiological trends and individual characteristics of TBPE in Galicia, Spain, over a 10-year period (2000-2009).

DESIGN

A retrospective, observational study based on epidemiological data obtained from the Galician Tuberculosis Register.

RESULTS

There were 1835 cases of TBPE (16.3% of the total 11,241 TB cases reported). The number and incidence of TBPE decreased significantly during the study period, from (262 and 9.6/100,000 inhabitants in 2000, to 133 and 4.8 in 2009, respectively; P<.001 for both). The mean annual decrease in TBPE incidence was 6.9%, and 50% overall. TBPE mainly affected males (63.5%), precisely 61.2% young males between 15 and 44 years. Twenty-five percent had lung involvement (chest X-ray), and 41.7% had a positive sputum culture. A significant increase (P<.001) was observed during the study in the percentage of patients who had more TB risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of TBPE decreased significantly during the study period, with no changes in epidemiological characteristics, and with trends similar to the total number of TB cases. The introduction of the Galician Prevention and Control Plan (GPCP) for tuberculosis appears to be effective for better control of TB.

Prevalence of sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea in 50- to 70-year-old individuals. A survey

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in a general population aged from 50 to 70 years.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We recruited 76 individuals aged between 50 and 70 years, chosen at random from the electoral census. They were invited to the clinic where a detailed medical history was taken and physical examination, ENT examination, pulmonary function tests and night time recording of respiratory variables performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of SDB (apnea-hypopnea index >/= 5) was 28.9%, and there were no differences between men (28%) and women (30%). However, the prevalence of SAS was 6.8%, and there were differences between men (5 cases) and women (0 cases) (p = 0.0521). Subjects in the SDB group had higher systolic blood pressure than in the non-SDB group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SDB and SAS are common among 50- to 70-year olds. The prevalence of SDB was 28.9% and the prevalence of SAS was 6.8%.

[Symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome in the general population]

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features of patients with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in the general population. One hundred ten individuals were selected randomly from the census and given hospital appointments. Case histories were taken and complete physical examinations were made. Nighttime respiratory polysomnograms were performed. Twenty-two (20%) of the 110 subjects presented SAS. In the SAS group, 59.1% were habitual snorers and 22.7% reported daytime hypersomnolence. The SAS patients has a mean age of 59.6 +/- 8.8 years and 45.4% showed alterations of the pharynx. No differences in spirometric variables were observed. Only age and daytime hypersomnolence predicted SAS in the multivariate analysis. We conclude that the prevalence of snoring, daytime hypersomnolence, pharyngeal alterations are higher in patients with SAS. The patients are also older. Only age and daytime hypersomnolence predicted of SAS.