Influenza in older adults: Impact of vaccination of school children

The extent to which immunizing school children reduce the burden of influenza in adults is controversial. We enrolled a systematic sample of adults ≥50 years hospitalized with respiratory symptoms in two counties, one with and one without a school-based immunization program. We tested all subjects for influenza by polymerase chain reaction. Hospitalizations per 1000 adults aged ≥50 years were 1.28 (95% CI 0.59, 2.04) in the intervention county and 1.53 (95% CI 0.71, 2.34) in the control county. These rates did not differ significantly except in the subgroup aged 50–64 years where rates in the intervention county were significantly lower.     

Influenza control in the 21st century: Optimizing protection of older adults

Older adults (≥65 years of age) are particularly vulnerable to influenza illness. This is due to a waning immune system that reduces their ability to respond to infection, which leads to more severe cases of disease. The majority (∼90%) of influenza-related deaths occur in older adults and, in addition, catastrophic disability resulting from influenza-related hospitalization represents a significant burden in this vulnerable population. Current influenza vaccines provide benefits for older adults against influenza; however, vaccine effectiveness is lower than in younger adults. In addition, antigenic drift is also a concern, as it can impact on vaccine effectiveness due to a mismatch between the vaccine virus strain and the circulating virus strain. As such, vaccines that offer higher and broader protection against both homologous and heterologous virus strains are desirable. Approaches currently available in some countries to meet this medical need in older adults may include the use of adjuvanted vaccines. Future strategies under evaluation include the use of high-dose vaccines; novel or enhanced adjuvantation of current vaccines; use of live attenuated vaccines in combination with current vaccines; DNA vaccines; recombinant vaccines; as well as the use of different modes of delivery and alternative antigens. However, to truly evaluate the benefits that these solutions offer, further efficacy and effectiveness studies, and better correlates of protection, including a precise measurement of the T cell responses that are markers for protection, are needed. While it is clear that vaccines with greater immunogenicity are required for older adults, and that adjuvanted vaccines may offer a short-term solution, further research is required to exploit the many other new technologies.     

慢性肾脏病基础上出现急性肾损伤相关因素的临床分析

目的 探讨慢性肾脏病(CKD)基础上出现急性肾损伤(AKI)的相关危险因素,为早期干预、延缓CKD进程提供依据.方法 将127例CKD患者根据有无合并AKI分组,未合并AKI者60例(CKD组),合并AKI者67例(A/C组),再将MC组患者按年龄分组,其中＜60岁35例(非老年组),≥60岁32例(老年组).就其原发病、诱发因素等进行分析.结果 不同年龄组CKD患者诱发AKI的病因有不同特点;CKD基础上出现AKI相关危险因素如严重感染、血容量不足、心力衰竭、使用肾毒性药物的OR值分别为5.236、5.083、8.283、5.246,P＜0.05.结论 CKD患者易受多种因素影响,重视CKD基础上出现AKI的高危因素并及早发现,争取在短时间内纠正危险因素和保护肾功能,对延缓CKD的进程和改善患者的预后有重要意义.     

Social network and health-related quality of life in older adults: A population-based study in Spain

This study examined the association between social network and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older adults and compared this against the association between HRQL and a disabling disease such as osteoarthritis. A cross-sectional survey was done on 3600 subjects representative of the Spanish non-institutionalised population aged 60 years and over. Data were collected through home-based personal interview and physical examination. HRQL was measured with the SF-36 health questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with multiple linear regression models with adjustment for the main confounders. Of the total sample, 38.6 of subjects were unmarried, 17.6 were living alone, 4.7 saw their family seldom or never, and 2.9 saw their friends seldom or never. Unmarried status and living alone were associated with lower scores in the social and mental quality-of-life components, though statistical significance was not in general attained (p > 0.05). Seeing family members seldom or never was associated (p < 0.05) with worse scores in the following scales of SF-36 questionnaire role-physical, body pain, general health and mental health. HRQL was lower among those who saw friends seldom or never, and the reduction in HRQL proved similar to that associated with osteoarthritis, on the physical functioning (coefficients –8.4 vs. –8.1) and general health scales (–7.8 vs. –6.6); the reduction in HRQL was even greater than that associated with osteoarthritis for other scales, such as vitality (–9.6 vs. –6.7; p > 0.05) and social functioning (–14.5 vs. –3.7; p < 0.05). We conclude that only a small proportion of Spains elderly population lack frequent social relationships, yet low frequency of relationships with friends is associated with a decline in quality of life similar to or greater than that associated with osteoarthritis.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the safety of newly adjuvanted vaccines among older adults

IntroductionNew adjuvants have been developed to improve the efficacy of vaccines and for dose-sparing capacity and may overcome immuno senescence in the elderly. We reviewed the safety of newly-adjuvanted vaccines in older adults.MethodsWe searched Medline for clinical trials (CTs) including new adjuvant systems (AS01, AS02, AS03, or MF59), used in older adults, published between 01/1995 and 09/2017. Safety outcomes were: serious adverse events (SAEs); solicited local and general AEs (reactogenicity); unsolicited AEs; and potentially immune-mediated diseases (pIMDs). Standard random effects meta-analyses were conducted by type of safety event and adjuvant type, reporting Relative Risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsWe identified 1040 publications, from which we selected 7, 7, and 12 CTs on AS01/AS02, AS03 and MF59, respectively. 47,602 study participants received newly-adjuvanted vaccine and 44,521 control vaccine, or placebo. Rates of SAEs (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.96–1.02), deaths (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.92–1.06) and pIMDs (RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.79–1.1) were comparable in newly-adjuvanted and control groups. Vaccine-related SAEs occurred in <1% of the subjects in both groups. The reactogenicity of AS01/AS02 and AS03 adjuvanted vaccines was higher compared to control vaccines, whereas MF59-adjuvanted vaccines resulted only in more pain. Grade 3 reactogenicity was reported infrequently, with fatigue (RR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.69–3.64), headache (RR = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.24–6.95), and myalgia (RR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.86–3.80) occurring more frequently in newly-adjuvanted groups. Unsolicited AEs occurred slightly more frequently in newly-adjuvanted groups (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00–1.08).ConclusionsOur review suggests that, within the clinical trial setting, the use of new adjuvants in older adults has not led to any safety concerns, with no increase in SAEs or fatalities. Higher rates for solicited AEs were observed, especially for AS01/AS02 and AS03 adjuvanted vaccines, but AEs were mostly mild and transient. Further evidence will need to come from the use of new adjuvants in the real-world setting, where larger numbers can be studied to potentially detect rare reactions.     

Vaccine preferences and acceptance of older adults

BackgroundExpanding vaccination programs for the older population might be important as older adults are becoming a larger proportion of the general population. The aim of this study is to determine the relative importance of vaccine and disease specific characteristics and acceptance for Dutch older adults, including pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, pertussis vaccination, and influenza vaccination.MethodsA discrete choice experiment was conducted to generate choice data that was analyzed using a mixed multinomial logit statistical model.ResultsImportant factors that were associated with vaccination acceptance in older adults are high mortality risk of the infectious disease, high susceptibility of getting the infectious disease, and high vaccine effectiveness. Age, influenza vaccination in 2013 and self-perceived health score were identified as personal factors that affect vaccine preference. Potential vaccination rates of older adults were estimated at 68.1% for pneumococcal vaccination, 58.1% for herpes zoster vaccination, 53.9% for pertussis vaccination and 54.3% for influenza vaccination. For persons aged 50–65, potential vaccination rates were estimated at 58.1% for pneumococcal vaccination, 49.5% for herpes zoster vaccination, 43.9% for pertussis vaccination and 42.2% for influenza vaccination. For persons aged 65 and older, these were respectively 76.2%, 67.5%, 57.5% and 65.5%.DiscussionOur results suggest that older adults are most likely to accept pneumococcal vaccination of the four vaccines. Information provision accompanied with the implementation of a new vaccine has to be tailored for the individual and the vaccine it concerns. Special attention is needed to ensure high uptake among persons aged 50–65 years.     

Understanding immunosenescence and its impact on vaccination of older adults

Older adults are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infection, and experience higher incidence and severity of infectious diseases. Although vaccination is the most logical solution in preventing infectious diseases, primary vaccine responses in individuals aged ≥65 years-old fail to generate complete protection. This is presumably attributed to immunosenescence, a term that describes functional differences associated with the immune system and natural age advancement. Both the innate and adaptive immune systems experience age-related impairments that contribute to insufficient protection following vaccination. This review addresses current knowledge of age-related changes that affect vaccine responsiveness; including the deficits in innate cell functions, dampened humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, current vaccination schedules for older adults, and concludes with potential strategies for improving vaccine efficacy specifically for this age group. Due to an age-related decline in immunity and poor vaccine responses, infectious diseases remain a burden among the aged population.     

老年人肥胖指标与慢性病共病的关系

目的 探讨社区老年人肥胖指标与慢性病共病的关系。方法 采用随机整群抽样的方法调查深圳市南山区65岁及以上人群。采用多因素logistic回归分析肥胖指标与慢性病共病的相关性,并按各指标绘制ROC曲线,使用各指标绘制ROC曲线,包括体重指数(BMI)、腰围(WC)、内脏脂肪指数(VAI)、中国内脏脂肪指数(CVAI)和脂质堆积指数(LAP)。结果 共纳入研究对象4 016名,慢性病共病的发生率为70.6%(2 837人)。在对混杂因素进行调整后,男性和女性的BMI、WC、VAI、CVAI和LAP的增加都与慢性病共病的更大患病率显著相关。5个与肥胖相关人体测量指标的所有ROC曲线的AUC都大于0.5,所有这些指标对识别慢性病共病都有价值。在男性中,BMI、WC、VAI、CVAI和LAP的ROC曲线的AUC≥0.6,而CVAI的ROC曲线的AUC≥0.6,可以识别慢性病共病。结论 CVAI在识别男性慢性病方面比BMI好,CVAI和LAP在识别女性慢性病方面更好。     

郑州市农村老年人电子健康素养现状及影响因素分析

目的 对农村老年人电子健康素养现状进行调查,分析其影响因素。方法 2019年1 - 3月采用多阶段分层整群抽样抽取河南省郑州市农村抽取符合纳入标准的老年人的患者472例,采用一般资料问卷、电子健康素养量表对患者进行调查。采用单因素分析及多重线性回归分析农村老年人的影响因素。结果 农村老年人电子健康素养总得分为（13.76±7.30）分,单因素方差分析显示:男性（t = 8.940,P＜0.001）、60～69岁（t = 29.983,P＜0.001）、学历为高中,中专（t = 49.435,P＜0.001）、月收入＞2 000元（t = 40.342,P＜0.001）、已婚（t = 15.309,P＜0.001）、其他居住状况（t = 13.169,P = 0.002）、慢性疾病（t = - 5.453,P＜0.001）、上网方式（t = 94.633,P = ＜0.001）、使用网络的频率（t = 66.918,P＜0.001）共9个因素对农村老年人电子健康素养得分有影响,多重线性回归分析显示,性别（β = - 2.676）、年龄(β = - 0.910)、婚姻状况（β = - 0.508）、使用网络的频率(β = -2.222)是农村老年人电子健康素养的影响因素。结论 农村老年人电子健康水平素养较低,其影响因素较多,医务人员应该采取有效的辅助干预措施提高患者生活质量。     

胱抑素C和中性粒细胞明胶酶相关载脂蛋白对妊娠期高血压患者急性肾功能损伤早诊价值

目的 探讨胱抑素C（Cys-C）与中性粒细胞明胶酶相关载脂蛋白（NGAL）对妊娠期高血压患者急性肾功能损伤早诊价值。方法 以2015—2018年在自贡市某医院确诊或诊治的孕周为20~24周的妊娠期高血压患者为研究对象,在确诊或首次在本医院治疗时、4周后、8周后、产前1周内采集研究对象空腹静脉血5 mL用于Cys-C、血清肌酐（SCr）和NGAL检测。发生急性肾损伤妊娠期高血压患者为病例组,肾功能正常妊娠高血压患者为对照组,比较2组患者在不同时间血Cys-C、SCr和NGAL水平差异,并分别对Cys-C与SCr、NGAL与SCr相关性进行分析。结果 本研究共对488例妊娠期高血压患者进行研究,平均年龄（36.2 ± 3.8）岁,孕前BMI平均（22.45 ± 2.26）,44例（占9.0%）有过不良生育史。至妊娠结束共有39例发生急性肾损伤（病例组）,发病率为8.0%。病例组确诊妊娠期高血压时、妊娠期高血压患病4周时、妊娠期高血压患病8周时、妊娠结束前1周内的血SCr、Cys-C和NGAL水平差异均有统计学意义（均P<0.01）。妊娠期高血压患病4周时至妊娠期结束,病例组和对照组的血Cys-C、NGAL水平差异有统计学意义（P<0.05或P<0.01）,妊娠期高血压患病8周时至妊娠期结束,病例组和对照组的血SCr水平差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05或P<0.01）。病例组确诊妊娠期高血压时、妊娠期高血压患病4周时、妊娠期高血压患病8周时、妊娠结束前1周内的血Cys-C均与SCr水平呈正相关关系（r=0.075、0.145、0.256、0.365）,血NGAL均与SCr水平呈正相关关系（r=0.058、0.152、0.297、0.349）,随着急性肾损伤进程的发展相关系数显著增大。结论 血Cys-C和NGAL水平的检测对妊娠期高血压合并急性肾损伤具有较高的灵敏性,可对该人群的血Cys-C和NGAL水平作为常规检测项目以提高急性肾损伤早诊可能性。     

血清胱抑素C对早期肾损伤的诊断价值

目的:探讨血清胱抑素C对早期肾损伤的诊断价值.方法:采用免疫比浊法测定150例早期肾病患者的CysC浓度,并与血清尿素、肌酐进行比较,评价CysC反映肾功能早期损害的灵敏度,同时以150例健康人群为对照组.结果:早期肾病组患者的CysC明显高于健康人群对照组(P<0.05),且CysC的灵敏度优于尿素和肌酐.结论:CysC水平的检测有助于早期肾损伤的发现,是肾脏早期肾损害的敏感指标,且CysC的灵敏度优于尿素和肌酐.     

中国60岁及以上男性老年人参军经历与健康的关联研究

目的  分析中国男性老年人参军经历与其健康状况的关系,以期为今后政策的制定提供借鉴。方法  数据来源于中国家庭追踪调查(China Family Panel Studies, CFPS)2018年的调查数据。研究对象为3 706位≥60岁男性老年人。身体健康由是否患慢性病和自评健康测量,心理健康由流调中心抑郁量表(Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D)测量,认知能力由自评记忆测量。利用Logistic回归分析模型、线性回归分析模型和倾向得分加权方法来分析参军经历与男性老年人健康的关系。结果  调整混杂因素后,在身体健康上,相较于非退役军人,退役军人患慢性病风险增加27%(OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.01~1.59),自评健康较差的风险增加36%(OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.09~1.69);在心理健康上,退役军人比非退役军人CES-D总分低0.26分,但差异不具有统计学意义(P=0.244);在认知能力上,相较于非退役军人,退役军人自评记忆较差的风险降低39%(OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.45~0.82)。倾向得分加权后研究结果保持稳健。结论  男性老年人参军经历与其身体健康负相关而与认知能力正相关,与心理健康的关系不具有统计学意义。     

中国老年人多病共存情况下肥胖状态与死亡关系的队列研究

目的:探索不同多病共存状态下,中国老年人肥胖状态与死亡的关系。方法:采用2011-2018年中国老年人健康长寿影响因素调查数据,纳入基线≥65岁的老年人为研究对象,利用探索性因子分析探索多病共存模式,分别基于基线疾病数量和多病共存模式定义研究对象的多病共存状态。肥胖状态采用基线BMI和腰围进行定义分组。采用Cox比例风...     

Loneliness and depression among older European adults: The role of perceived neighborhood built environment

Depression and loneliness act in a synergistic way among older adults. We tested two indicators of the perceived neighborhood built environment (BE) as moderators of the association between these conditions in older European adults. Positive perceptions of neighborhood BE were related to lower levels of loneliness but not to major depressive disorder (MDD). Reporting low BE usability was significantly related to a higher likelihood of feeling lonely except for those suffering from MDD, whereas reporting low BE walkability was significantly related with a high likelihood of loneliness particularly among those with MDD. Therefore, improving neighborhood BE and, specifically, its walkability, might result in a reduction in the prevalence of loneliness.