Hyperglycaemia has emerged as an important risk factor for death in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between blood glucose (BG) levels and ...in-hospital mortality in non-critically patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
This is a retrospective multi-centre study involving patients hospitalized in Spain. Patients were categorized into three groups according to admission BG levels: <140 mg/dL, 140-180 mg/dL and >180 mg/dL. The primary endpoint was all-cause in-hospital mortality.
Of the 11,312 patients, only 2128 (18.9%) had diabetes and 2289 (20.4%) died during hospitalization. The in-hospital mortality rates were 15.7% (<140 mg/dL), 33.7% (140-180 mg) and 41.1% (>180 mg/dL), p<.001. The cumulative probability of mortality was significantly higher in patients with hyperglycaemia compared to patients with normoglycaemia (log rank, p<.001), independently of pre-existing diabetes. Hyperglycaemia (after adjusting for age, diabetes, hypertension and other confounding factors) was an independent risk factor of mortality (BG >180 mg/dL: HR 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-1.73) (BG 140-180 mg/dL; HR 1.48; 95%CI: 1.29-1.70). Hyperglycaemia was also associated with requirement for mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality.
Admission hyperglycaemia is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality in non-critically hospitalized COVID-19 patients regardless of prior history of diabetes.
KEY MESSAGE
Admission hyperglycaemia is a stronger and independent risk factor for mortality in COVID-19.
Screening for hyperglycaemia, in patients without diabetes, and early treatment of hyperglycaemia should be mandatory in the management of patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Admission hyperglycaemia should not be overlooked in all patients regardless prior history of diabetes.
Monoclonal antibodies (mABs) have become available to treat more efficiently patients with severe uncontrolled asthma (SUA). However, the use of mABs is lower than expected given the prevalence of ...SUA, with significant disparities in the use of these treatments.
To evaluate the proportion of patients with SUA treated with mABs in Spain, and to analyze some of the factors that could determine these prescription patterns.
An analysis was performed on the data provided from the Hospitals National Health System (NHS) 2018 catalogue where Chest Diseases Department and a Hospital Pharmacy were available. Random sampling was performed to determine the sample size, stratifying proportionally by geographic area and hospital level. Characteristics of the participating sites, as well as the prescribing of mABs were collected, which included geographic area, hospital levels, prescribing medical specialities, types of clinics, and mABs prescribed.
Data from 90 hospitals were analyzed (Response rate 64.3%). Level 4 hospitals, the Canary Islands geographical area, and the presence of a high complexity Asthma Healthcare Unit (ACU) were associated with a higher probability that the SUA was treated with mABs.
The map of the prescribing of mABs for SUA in Spain shows a significant variation by geographic area, hospital level, type of clinic, and the accreditation level of the ACUs. At the current time, there appears to be significant under-prescribing of these treatments.
Satisfaction with the inhaler is an important determinant of treatment adherence in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few studies have compared these 2 ...groups to identify the factors associated with satisfaction with the inhaler.
To assess and compare satisfaction with the inhaler in patients with asthma or COPD and to determine the variables associated with high inhaler satisfaction.
A multicenter, cross-sectional study of 816 patients (406 with asthma and 410 with COPD) was conducted. Satisfaction was assessed with the Feeling of Satisfaction with Inhaler (FSI-10) questionnaire. All participants completed the Test of Adherence to Inhalers and either the Asthma Control Test (ACT) or the COPD Assessment Test (CAT).
Overall, the asthma group was significantly more satisfied with the inhaler (mean standard deviation FSI-10 scores: 44.1 6.5 vs 42.0 7.7; P < .001) and more satisfied on most (7 of 10; 70%) items. Patients with asthma were significantly more satisfied with the inhaler regardless of the adherence level or the type of nonadherence pattern. Younger age, good disease control (ACT ≥20 or CAT ≤10), previous inhaler training, and absence of unwitting nonadherence were all independently and significantly associated with high inhaler satisfaction.
Age, disease control, and training in inhalation technique all play a more significant role than the specific diagnosis in explaining satisfaction with the device in patients with asthma and COPD. These findings underscore the need to provide better training and more active monitoring of the inhalation technique to improve patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes.
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