Dengue Fever in Italy: The “Eternal Return” of an Emerging Arboviral Disease

Enhanced surveillance for dengue virus (DENV) infections in Italy has been implemented since 2012, with annual reports from the National Health Institute. In this study, we summarize available evidence on the epidemiology of officially notified DENV infections from 2010–2021. In total, 1043 DENV infection cases were diagnosed, and most of them occurred in travelers, with only 11 autochthonous cases. The annual incidence rates of DENV infections peaked during 2019 with 0.277 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.187–0.267), (age-adjusted incidence rate: 0.328, 95% CI 0.314–0.314). Cases of DENV were clustered during the summer months of July (11.4%), August (19.3%), and September (12.7%). The areas characterized by higher notification rates were north-western (29.0%), and mostly north-eastern Italy (41.3%). The risk for DENV infection in travelers increased in the time period 2015–2019 (risk ratio [RR] 1.808, 95% CI 1.594–2.051) and even during 2020–2021 (RR 1.771, 95% CI 1.238–2.543). Higher risk for DENV was additionally reported in male subjects compared with females subjects, and aged 25 to 44 years, and in individuals from northern and central Italy compared to southern regions and islands. In a multivariable Poisson regression model, the increased number of travelers per 100 inhabitants (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.065, 95% CI 1.036–1.096), the incidence in other countries (IRR 1.323, 95% CI 1.165–1.481), the share of individuals aged 25 to 44 years (IRR 1.622, 95% CI 1.338–1.968), and foreign-born residents (IRR 2.717, 95% CI 1.555–3.881), were identified as effectors of annual incidence. In summary, although the circulation of DENV remains clustered among travelers, enhanced surveillance is vital for the early detection of human cases and the prompt implementation of response measures.

Increasing Incidence of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Trend Over 31 Years in Southern Sweden

Background The reported incidence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) varies from studies around the world, depending on patient collection techniques, geographic region, and time. Our aim was to study the mean annual incidence of juvenile arthritis in a population-based setting using two regional cohorts of children diagnosed with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) and JIA over a period of 31 years.Findings The study population was 651 children diagnosed 1980-2010. The mean annual incidence over the period was 9.9 per 100,000 children, with a range from 4.2 per 100,000 in 1980 to 17.1 per 100,000 children in 2010. When comparing incidence rate between the decade of diagnosis using rate ratios, there is a significant difference with diagnosis 1980-1989 as comparator.Conclusions We show a statistically significant increase in the incidence of JIA over three decades in a population-based cohort of children with juvenile arthritis.

Incidence Estimates of Acute Q Fever and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, from 2007 to 2008 and from 2012 to 2014

Q fever and spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR) are common causes of severe febrile illness in northern Tanzania. Incidence estimates are needed to characterize the disease burden. Using hybrid surveillance—coupling case-finding at two referral hospitals and healthcare utilization data—we estimated the incidences of acute Q fever and SFGR in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, from 2007 to 2008 and from 2012 to 2014. Cases were defined as fever and a four-fold or greater increase in antibody titers of acute and convalescent paired sera according to the indirect immunofluorescence assay of Coxiella burnetii phase II antigen for acute Q fever and Rickettsia conorii (2007–2008) or Rickettsia africae (2012–2014) antigens for SFGR. Healthcare utilization data were used to adjust for underascertainment of cases by sentinel surveillance. For 2007 to 2008, among 589 febrile participants, 16 (4.7%) of 344 and 27 (8.8%) of 307 participants with paired serology had Q fever and SFGR, respectively. Adjusted annual incidence estimates of Q fever and SFGR were 80 (uncertainty range, 20–454) and 147 (uncertainty range, 52–645) per 100,000 persons, respectively. For 2012 to 2014, among 1,114 febrile participants, 52 (8.1%) and 57 (8.9%) of 641 participants with paired serology had Q fever and SFGR, respectively. Adjusted annual incidence estimates of Q fever and SFGR were 56 (uncertainty range, 24–163) and 75 (uncertainty range, 34–176) per 100,000 persons, respectively. We found substantial incidences of acute Q fever and SFGR in northern Tanzania during both study periods. To our knowledge, these are the first incidence estimates of either disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings suggest that control measures for these infections warrant consideration.

Incidence of Hypoglycemia and Hospitalization Related to Chronic Diabetes Complications and Its Effect on Quality of Life Among Patients Initiating Second Line Therapy: DISCOVER Study

The management of patients with type 2 diabetes is a complex process that must be individualized and be patient centered. The aim of this study was to assess the metabolic control, the annual incidence and crude prevalence of hypoglycemia, hospitalization, and complications among patients with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line therapy. This study is an observational, longitudinal, prospective study as a part of the multinational DISCOVERing Treatment Reality of Type 2 Diabetes in Real World Settings (DISCOVER) study, that recruited 519 patients with type 2 diabetes who were non-insulin users, aged ≥18 years, and switching to second-line therapy. The cohort was clinically evaluated over three years of follow up. Fear of hypoglycemia was assessed using the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey (HFS II), while the quality of life was assessed using SF36v2 questionnaire. Using second-line therapy improved metabolic control but the annual incidence of microangiopathies were at 61/1000 patient-years, 47/1000 patient-years, and 4/1000 patient-years for neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, respectively. The incidence of hypoglycemia was 57/1000 patient-years, where 50% were recurrent during the three-years period. The HFS II showed a significant increase in patients’ worries related to hypoglycemia. The incidence of hospitalization was 31/1000 patient-years, out of which 8/1000 patient-years were related to cardiovascular events, mainly myocardial infarction. Moderate metabolic control was associated with lower incidence of macro angiopathy and an increased incidence and fear of hypoglycemia, while it was associated with improved mental component score when assessing the patients’ quality of life. The treating physician’s decision of treatment intensification should be individualized with consideration of befits of good glycemic control versus the risk of hypoglycemia, especially in elderly patients.

Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Prescribing Patterns of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Taiwan

Background: Understanding the prescribing patterns could better inform irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management and health policy. However, there is no study on prescribing patterns of IBS in Taiwan. This study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features, and prescribing patterns of IBS in Taiwan.Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was performed by retrieving claim data from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) between 2011 and 2018 in Taiwan. Patients who were diagnosed with IBS during 2012–2018 and more than 20 years old were included. The annual incidence and prevalence of IBS were estimated. The characteristics and prescribing pattern were evaluated among IBS population. The population with IBS were followed from index date until 1 year after or death.Results: A total of 1691596 patients diagnosed with IBS were identified from 2012 to 2018. The average annual incidence and prevalence of IBS in Taiwan were calculated as 106.54 and 181.75 per 10,000 population. The incidence and prevalence showed a decreasing trend from 2012 to 2018. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic liver disease, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), anxiety, and sleep disorder were the prevalent comorbidities in IBS population. At 1 year after IBS diagnosis, the rates of peptic ulcer and GERD; the utilizations of abdominal ultrasonography, upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, and lower GI endoscopy; the prescribing rate of propulsives, simethicone, antacids, H2-blockers, and proton pump inhibitors significantly increased. Approximately 70% of participants received IBS-related treatment. Antispasmodics was the most frequently prescribed medication class, followed by laxatives and antidiarrheals. Only 48.58% of patients made return visit for IBS at 1 year after IBS diagnosis. Consequently, the proportion of consultation for IBS and the prescribing rates of all medications were decreased considerably after IBS diagnosis.Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence of IBS showed a decreasing trend from 2012 to 2018. More than two-third of patients received treatment for IBS. Antispasmodics was widely used for IBS management. However, patients may have a short symptom duration or receive a short course of IBS-related treatment in Taiwan. These findings provided the whole picture of the epidemiology and prescribing pattern of the IBS population in Taiwan.

Incidence, prevalence and risk of stroke in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a nationwide population-based study in South Korea

BackgroundTakayasu arteritis (TAK) is a disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications. We aimed to evaluate the incidence, prevalence and risk of stroke in patients with TAK.MethodsData from 1065 patients were obtained from a national database (2010–2018). The annual incidence and prevalence per 100 000 persons were estimated using the registration population in the midst of every year, and the standardised incidence ratio (SIR) of stroke was compared with the general population based on the data from the 2006 national report for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Age-adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) of stroke based on the time interval after diagnosis was also calculated. A time-dependent Cox regression was conducted to investigate predictive factors of stroke.ResultsThe overall incidence rate of TAK ranged between 0.2 and 0.3/100 000 person-years annually; the prevalence of TAK gradually increased, reaching 3.25/100 000 person-years in 2018. Seventy-three (6.9%) patients experienced stroke during follow-up, and the risk of developing stroke was higher than the general population (overall SIR 7.39, 95% CI 5.79 to 9.29; men: SIR 5.70, 95% CI 2.84 to 10.20; women: SIR 7.06, 95% CI 5.41 to 9.05). Most stroke events (90.9%) were cerebral infarction for men, whereas the proportion of cerebral infarction was lower (62.9%) in women. Over half of stroke events occurred within 6 months after diagnosis, and stroke was more common within 6 months of diagnosis compared with after 3 years in women (IRR 13.46, 95% CI 6.86 to 26.40). In Cox regression analysis, age was the sole predictor of stroke (adjusted HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.04, p=0.043).ConclusionsThe annual incidence of TAK was similar to the previous studies from Asia, and the risk of stroke increased in TAK. Different patterns of subtype and incidence of stroke were found according to sex, although age was the only predictor.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome – Early Pregnancy Loss

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is an acquired is auto immune disorder that is defined by the presence of antibodies known as antiphospholipid antibodies in addition to clinical thrombosis and/ or poor obstetric outcome. Although the incidence remains unknown, 10% to 15% of women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss will meet the criteria for APLS. In these Patients, the annual incidence of deep vein thrombosis and stroke is 1.46% and 0.32% respectively. Compared with the annual incidence in the general population of 0.1% for deep vein thrombosis and 0.1% for stroke.1

394 Incidence and prevalence of acute myocarditis and pericarditis prior to and during COVID-19 pandemic

Aims Myocarditis and pericarditis have been proposed to account for a proportion of cardiac injury during SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reasonable to expect an increasing trend in incidence of this acute inflammatory cardiac diseases. To examine the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory heart disorders prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and results This is a retrospective cohort study examining the incidence and prevalence of acute inflammatory heart diseases (myocarditis, pericarditis) in provinces of Pisa, Lucca and Livorno (total population of 11421285 inhabitants) in two time-intervals: (i) prior to (PRECOVID, from 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019) and (ii) during the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID, from 1 June 2020 to May 2021). Overall 259 cases of inflammatory heart disease (myocarditis and/or pericarditis) occurred in the areas of interest. The annual incidence was of 11.3 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. Particularly, 138 cases occurred in the PRECOVID, and 121 in the COVID period. The annual incidence of inflammatory heart disease was not significantly different (12.1/100 000 in PRECOVID vs. 10.3/100 000 in COVID; P = 0.22). The annual incidence of acute myocarditis was significantly higher in PRECOVID than in the COVID: respectively, 8.1/100 000/year vs. 5.9/100 000 year (P = 0.047), consisting in a net reduction of 27% of cases. Particularly the incidence of myocarditis was significantly lower in COVID than in PRECOVID in the class of age 18–24 (P = 0.048) (Figure). The annual incidence of pericarditis was not significantly different (4.03/100 000 vs. 4.47/100 000; P = 0.61). Conclusions Despite a possible etiologic role of SARS-CoV-2 and an expectable increased incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis, data suggest a decrease of acute myocarditis and a stable incidence pericarditis and both diseases.

Annual incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Osteoporosis (OP) is progressively becoming a global concern with the aging of the world’s populations. Osteoporotic fractures are associated with significantly increased mortality rates and a financial burden to health systems. This Meta-analysis aims to estimate the annual incidence of osteoporotic fractures in Iran. Methods A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed through Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies which contain an investigation of the incidence of osteoporotic fractures in Iran up to December 3rd 2020, with no time and language restriction. For the risk of bias assessments of studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data was used. The pooled estimation of the incidence of osteoporotic fractures in population aged≥50 years was calculated using random-effects meta-analysis, and the heterogeneity of included studies was quantified with the I2 statistic. Results In all, 6708 papers were initially retrieved from the electronic databases, among which seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled standardized annual cumulative incidence of hip fractures was estimated as 138.26 (95% CI: 98.71–193.65) per 100,000 population and 157.52 (95% CI: 124.29–199.64) per 100,000 population in men and women, respectively. Conclusion This study showed a high incidence rate of osteoporotic hip fractures in Iran. Early detection and treatment of individuals with higher risks of primary fragility fractures at primary health care as well as implementing fracture liaison services to prevent secondary fractures are highly recommended. The results suffer from the following limitations: first, a low number of studies that were eligible for inclusion; second, the lack of population-based studies; and presence of highly heterogeneous studies despite the use of a random effect model.