Analysis and prediction of readmissions for heart failure in the first year after discharge with INCA score

To determine the readmissions trends and the comorbidities of patients with heart failure that most influence hospital readmission rates. Heart failure (HF) is one of the most prevalent health problems as it causes loss of quality of life and increased health-care costs. Its prevalence increases with age and is a major cause of re-hospitalisation within 30 days after discharge. INCA study had observational and ambispective design, including 4,959 patients from 2000 to 2019, with main diagnosis of HF in Extremadura (Spain). The variables examined were collected from discharge reports. To develop the readmission index, capable of discriminating the population with higher probability of re-hospitalisation, a Competing-risk model was generated. Readmission rate have increased over the period under investigation. The main predictors of readmission were: age, diabetes mellitus, presence of neoplasia, HF without previous hospitalisation, atrial fibrillation, anaemia, previous myocardial infarction, obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These variables were assigned values with balanced weights, our INCA index showed that the population with values greater than 2 for men and women were more likely to be re-admitted. Previous HF without hospital admission, CKD, and COPD appear to have the greatest effect on readmission. Our index allowed us to identify patients with different risks of readmission.

[Research in public health services and its recognition in the professional careers in the regions of Spain]

Objetivo

La investigación es una actividad accesoria para la mayoría de los profesionales sanitarios del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Una forma de reconocimiento de su valor es mediante las carreras profesionales. Fue nuestro objetivo comparar la valoración de la actividad investigadora entre las carreras profesionales de los servicios de salud de las distintas comunidades autónomas.

Diseño

Revisión de los acuerdos, resoluciones y decretos que definen las carreras profesionales de cada comunidad recogidas de las webs corporativas de los servicios de salud y consejerías de sanidad.

Sitio

Comisión de investigación e innovación en salud del Servicio Extremeño de Salud.

Participantes

Miembros de la citada comisión.

Métodos

Se realizó una comparación atendiendo si la actividad investigadora se valora de forma aislada de otros conceptos, si se considera para avanzar en distintos niveles, si para alguno es requisito y el porcentaje de puntuación asignada al bloque al que pertenece.

Resultados

Casi todas las comunidades autónomas consideran la investigación como mérito en todos los niveles de carrera. La puntuación asignada al bloque que incorpora la investigación se sitúa entre 4 y 50%. Solo se considera de forma independiente en Canarias, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla-León, Cataluña, Madrid y Murcia. Son requisito para subir de determinado nivel en Canarias y Castilla-León.

Conclusiones

Existe una alta variabilidad en el reconocimiento de la actividad investigadora entre comunidades. Las carreras que mejor valoran la investigación serían las de Canarias y Castilla-León, que la consideran como actividad independiente y llega a ser un requisito. Con enfoques más negativos están aquellas en las que se pueden ascender, hasta el nivel más alto, sin realizar ninguna aportación en investigación.

Evolución del perfil clínico y pronóstico de pacientes con alta hospitalaria por insuficiencia cardíaca en las dos primeras décadas del sigloxxi. El Registro INCA-Ex

Objetivo

Estudiar la evolución del perfil clínico de una población dada de alta con diagnóstico principal de insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) en las dos primeras décadas del siglo y las variables predictoras de mortalidad y reingreso en el primer año de alta.

Diseño

Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, longitudinal.

Emplazamiento

Área de salud Don Benito-Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoz, España.

Participantes

Todos los pacientes dados de alta con diagnóstico principal de IC entre 2000 y 2019 en un complejo hospitalario general.

Mediciones principales

Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, y se realizó un seguimiento de un año; la variable resultado fue un compuesto de mortalidad y/o reingreso.

Resultados

Se incluyeron 4.107 altas, edad media 77,1 (DE 10,5) años, 53,1% de mujeres. El número de ingresos, la edad, los antecedentes de neoplasias, los ictus, la insuficiencia renal y la anemia fueron en aumento, así como los reingresos (p de tendencias < 0,001), mientras permaneció constante la mortalidad. Fueron variables predictoras de reingreso y/o muerte HR (IC 95%): edad (por año) 1,04 (1,03-1,04), diabetes: 1,11 (1,01-1,24), IC previa 1,41 (1,28-1,57), variable compuesta infarto, ictus y/o arteriopatía periférica 1,24 (1,11-1,38), enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) 1,29 (1,15-1,44), neoplasia 1,33 (1,16-1,53), anemia 1,63 (1,41-1,86), insuficiencia renal 1,42 (1,26-1,60).

Conclusiones

En los últimos 20 años se han incrementado los ingresos de pacientes por IC, su edad y la comorbilidad. Fueron variables predictoras de mortalidad y/o reingreso la edad, la diabetes, la enfermedad cardiovascular previa, las neoplasias, la EPOC, la insuficiencia renal y la anemia; sin embargo, la mortalidad al año se mantuvo constante.

Assessment of the Cost of the Mediterranean Diet in a Low-Income Region: Adherence and Relationship with Available Incomes

Background

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recognized as heart-healthy, but the economic cost associated with this type of diet has scarcely been studied.

The objective of the present study is to explore the cost and adherence of a low-income region population to the MD and its relationship with income.

Methods

A population-based study was carried out on 2,833 subjects between 25 and 79 years of age, 54% women, selected at random from the municipalities of Vegas Altas, La Siberia and La Serena in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura (Spain).

Average monthly cost of each product included in the MD was computed and related to adherence to the MD using the Panagiotakos Index and average disposable income.

Results

The monthly median cost was 203.6€ (IQR: 154.04-265.37). Food-related expenditure was higher for men (p<0.001), age cohort between 45 and 54 years (p<0.013) and those living in urban areas (p<0.001). A positive correlation between food-related expenditure and the MD adherence was found. Monthly median cost represents 15% of average disposable income, ranging between 11% for the group with low MD adherence and 17% for the group with high MD adherence.

Conclusions

The monthly cost of the MD was positively correlated with the degree of adherence to this dietary pattern. Given that the estimated monthly cost is similar to that of other Spanish regions with a higher income level, the economic effort required to be able to afford the Mediterranean diet is higher. This may represent a barrier to access, which should be analyzed in detail by public decision-makers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12433-w.

[Impact of cardiovascular risk factors in the Extremadura population: HERMEX cohort contributions for a preventive strategy]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the population attributable fraction (PAF) of the major risk factors (RF) for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in an Extremadura population cohort and therefore recommend priority preventive measures in health.

METHODS

Design, Cohort study.

LOCATION

Representative population sample of a health area of Extremadura (Spain) PARTICIPANTS: 2833 individuals, from 25 to 79 years old, randomly selected and recruited between 2007 and 2009. Antecedents and clinical parameters were recorded, a follow up until December 31, 2015 were done.

MEASUREMENTS

Explanatory variables: Age, sex, obesity, current smoking, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypercholesterolemia.

OUTCOME VARIABLE

First event of the combined variable of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and cardiovascular death. Fully adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were calculated by Cox regression. The PAFs were calculated using Levin's formula.

RESULTS

2669 subjects were included, 103 had history of cardiovascular disease and 61 were lost. The follow-up was 6.9 years (IR 6.5-7.5). 134 events were recorded. Incidence rate 7.42/1,000 people-year. Adjusted HR (95% CI) were: hypertension 2.26 (1.40-3.67), hypercholesterolemia 2.23 (1.56-3.18), DM 1.79 (1.24-2.58) and current smoking 1.72 (1.11-2.69). The PAF (95% CI) were: hypertension: 31.1 (12.4-48.8), hypercholesterolemia 27.0% (14.8-40.6), smoking 18.8% (3.3-35.0) and DM 7.9% (2.6-15.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension confers the greatest burden of cardiovascular disease in the population of Extremadura, followed by hypercholesterolemia and smoking. These RF are priority objectives for a population-based preventive strategy.

[Active Smoking and Coronary Risk in a Population of a Spanish Health-Care Centre: An Observational Cohort Study]

OBJECTIVE

Smoking is a major risk factor for multiple chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and an established risk factor for premature death .The objective was to analyze the association between smoking and total coronary risk (incidence of lethal and non-lethal coronary events) in a cohort of 35-74 years old patients followed for 10 years.

METHODS

Longitudinal, observational study of a retrospective cohort followed for ten years in primary care practices in Badajoz (Spain). 1011 patients (mean 55.7 year-old; 56.0% women) without evidence of cardiovascular disease was studied. Multivariate analysis was performed using a binary logistic regression model, introducing as the dependent variable the presence of total coronary events during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

29.1% of the patients were smokers. Smokers were younger (52.1 vs 57.2 years, p smaller than 0.001), with less prevalence of arterial hypertension (46.9% vs 61.5%, p smaller than 0.01), obesity (25.5% vs 31.8%, p=0,055) and lower HDL-cholesterol (45.7 vs 54.0 mg/dl, p smaller than 0.001). During the follow-up, they presented a higher mortality (11.2% vs 6.7%, p smaller than 0.05) and higher incidence of total coronary events (14.3% vs 9.2%, p smaller than 0.05). The final model of the logistic regression multivariate analysis revealed that only smoking and age are predictor variables of total coronary events, the greater odds ratio (OR) corresponding to smoking [OR: 2.33; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.31-4.16; p smaller than 0.01].

CONCLUSIONS

In patients aged 35-74 years followed during 10 years, smoking doubles the risk of total coronary events.

Risk factors and therapeutic coverage at 6 years in patients with previous myocardial infarction: the CASTUO study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the degree of risk factor control, the clinical symptoms and the therapeutic management of patients with a history of previous myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study at 6 years of a first episode of acute myocardial infarction between 2000 and 2009, admitted at a hospital in the region of Extremadura (Spain). Of 2177 patients with this diagnosis, 1365 remained alive and therefore were included in the study.

RESULTS

We conducted a person-to-person survey in 666 (48.8%) individuals and telephone survey in 437 (31.9%) individuals. The former are analysed. 130 were female (19.5%). The mean age was 67.4 years and the median time since the event was 5.8 (IQR 3.6-8.2) years. Active smokers made up 13.8%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was ≥70 mg/dL: 82%, blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg (≥140/85 in diabetics): 49.8%, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL: 26%, heart rate 50-59 bpm: 60.7%, and obesity: 45.9%. Patients reported presenting angina comprised 22.4% and those with dyspnoea, 29.3%. Drug coverage was: 88.0% antiplatelet drugs, 86.5% statins, 75.6% β-blockers and 65.8% blockers of the renin-angiotensin system. Patients receiving all four types of drugs made up 41.9%, with only 3.0% having jointly controlled cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate and glycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

LDL cholesterol, heart rate and blood pressure were risk factors with less control. More than 1/5 of patients had angina and more than 1/4, dyspnoea. Risk factor control and the clinical condition were far from optimal, as was drug coverage, although to a lesser degree.

Metabolic and inflammatory profiles of biomarkers in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes in a Mediterranean population. DARIOS Inflammatory study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of data regarding the differences in the biomarker profiles of patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus as compared to a healthy, normal weight population. We aimed to study the biomarker profile of the metabolic risk continuum defined by the transition from normal weight to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We performed a pooled analysis of data from 7 cross-sectional Spanish population-based surveys. An extensive panel comprising 20 biomarkers related to carbohydrate metabolism, lipids, inflammation, coagulation, oxidation, hemodynamics, and myocardial damage was analyzed. We employed age- and sex-adjusted multinomial logistic regression models for the identification of those biomarkers associated with the metabolic risk continuum phenotypes: obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

A total of 2851 subjects were included for analyses. The mean age was 57.4 (8.8) years, 1269 were men (44.5%), and 464 participants were obese, 443 had metabolic syndrome, 473 had diabetes mellitus, and 1471 had a normal weight (healthy individuals). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B100, leptin, and insulin were positively associated with at least one of the phenotypes of interest. Apolipoprotein A1 and adiponectin were negatively associated.

CONCLUSIONS

There are differences between the population with normal weight and that having metabolic syndrome or diabetes with respect to certain biomarkers related to the metabolic, inflammatory, and lipid profiles. The results of this study support the relevance of these mechanisms in the metabolic risk continuum. When metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus are compared, these differences are less marked.

Prevalence of obesity and associated cardiovascular risk: the DARIOS study

Background

To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Spanish population as measured with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) and to determine the associated cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

Pooled analysis with individual data from 11 studies conducted in the first decade of the 21st century. Participants aged 35–74 years were asked about the history of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Height, weight, WC, blood pressure, glycaemia, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary risk were measured. The prevalence of overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m²), general obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), suboptimal WC (≥ 80 cm and < 88 in women, ≥ 94 and < 102 in men), abdominal obesity (WC ≥88 cm ≥102 cm in women and men, respectively) and WHtR ≥0.5 was estimated, standardized for the European population.

Results

We included 28,743 individuals. The prevalence of overweight and suboptimal WC was 51% and 30% in men and 36% and 22% in women, respectively; general obesity was 28% in both sexes and abdominal obesity 36% in men and 55% in women. The prevalence of WHtR ≥0.5 was 89% and 77% in men and women, respectively. All cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with abnormal increased values of BMI, WC and WHtR. Hypertension showed the strongest association with overweight [OR = 1.99 (95% confidence interval 1.81-2.21) and OR = 2.10 (1.91-2.31)]; suboptimal WC [OR = 1.78 (1.60-1.97) and OR = 1.45 (1.26-1.66)], with general obesity [OR = 4.50 (4.02-5.04), and OR = 5.20 (4.70-5.75)] and with WHtR ≥0.5 [OR = 2.94 (2.52-3.43), and OR = 3.02 (2.66-3.42)] in men and women respectively, besides abdominal obesity in men only [OR = 3.51 (3.18-3.88)]. Diabetes showed the strongest association with abdominal obesity in women [OR = 3,86 (3,09-4,89).

Conclusions

The prevalence of obesity in Spain was high. Overweight, suboptimal WC, general, abdominal obesity and WHtR ≥0.5 was significantly associated with diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and coronary risk. The use of lower cut-off points for both BMI and particularly WC and could help to better identify the population at risk and therefore achieve more effective preventive measures.

Glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes switching from premixed insulin to long-acting basal insulin analogue plus oral antidiabetic drugs: an observational study

AIM

To evaluate whether administration of long-acting basal insulin analogue plus oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7% (53 mmol/mol) under premixed insulin therapy.

METHODS

This is a multicentre, observational, retrospective study performed in type 2 diabetic patients switching from premixed insulin to long-acting basal insulin analogue plus OADs. Data on patients' medical history and assessments were retrieved from patients' medical charts prior to switching the treatment and 6 months thereafter.

RESULTS

A total of 131 evaluable patients were enrolled (mean age, 68.2 ± 9.4 years; female, 65.6%; mean diabetes duration, 12.7 ± 6.9 years; mean time on insulin therapy, 53.2 ± 41.9 months). Patients were receiving premixed insulin (once-daily, 4.7%; twice-daily, 85.0%; thrice-daily, 10.2%), 82.4% of whom in combination with OADs (metformin, 79.4%). After the treatment was switched, only 14.5% required intensification of treatment with additional preprandial insulin. HbA1c decreased -1.4% [mean ± SD, 8.4 ± 1.0% (68.7 ± 11.4 mmol/mol) vs. 7.0 ± 1.0% (53.6 ± 10.9 mmol/mol), p < 0.001] and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7% (53 mmol/mol) increased to 52.7% (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients with hypoglycaemia decreased (19.2% vs. 10.8%, p < 0.05; symptomatic, 17.6% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.01) and body weight diminished by -1.9 kg (mean ± SD, 78.5 ± 14.7 kg vs. 76.6 ± 13.9 kg, p < 0.05). Basal insulin plus OADs was considered more convenient and flexibly adapted to patients' life in 98.4% and 99.2% of patients, respectively. Additionally, 96.9% of patients reported being more satisfied and 96.9% would recommend it.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching the treatment from premixed insulin to long-acting basal insulin analogue plus OADs is a feasible and convenient approach to improve glycaemic control of type 2 diabetic patients poorly controlled with premixed insulin under routine clinical practice conditions.

[Prevalence alcohol consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in an Extremadura health area. Hermex study]

OBJECTIVES

Alcohol has been associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It has been our objective to determine the prevalence of use of alcohol and its association with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Don Benito-Villanueva de la Serena health area (Badajoz).

PARTICIPANTS

We selected a random sample of 25 to 79 year olds, representative of the population.

METHODS

We collected a survey about the history of cardiovascular risk factors and alcohol consumption in the previous seven days. We measured blood pressure and a fasting blood sample was obtained. The association of alcohol consumption with the different CRF was studied by multivariate analysis, adjusting for different variables.

RESULTS

A total of 2833 subjects participated, with a mean age 51.2 (SD 14.7) years and 46.5% males. We detected 36.1% (95% CI 34.4 to 37.9) of alcohol consumers. The overall prevalence and consumption medium or high risk was 63.2% and 15.2% in men, and 12.6% and 1.5% in women, respectively. In men, consumption of medium-high risk was associated with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and smoking. In women, low-risk consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity and hypertension and higher smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a lower prevalence of alcohol use, especially in women, compared to the Spanish national average. The consumption of medium-high risk mainly affects men and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. In women at low risk consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of certain CRF and increased smoking.