Matched Odds Ratio Research Articles

Interaction between GSTT1 and GSTP1 allele variants as a risk modulating-factor for autism spectrum disorders

We investigated the role of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We used data from 111 pairs of age- and sex-matched ASD cases and typically developing (TD) controls between 2 and 8 years of age from Jamaica to investigate the role of GST pi 1 (GSTP1), GST theta 1 (GSTT1), and GST mu 1 (GSTM1) polymorphisms in susceptibility to ASD. In univariable conditional logistic regression models we did not observe significant associations between ASD status and GSTT1, GSTM1, or GSTP1 genotype (all P>0.15). However, in multivariable conditional logistic regression models, we identified a significant interaction between GSTP1 and GSTT1 in relation to ASD. Specifically, in children heterozygous for the GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism, the odds of ASD was significantly higher in those with the null GSTT1 genotype than those with the other genotypes [matched odds ratio (MOR)=2.97, 95% CI (1.09, 8.01), P=0.03]. Replication in other populations is warranted.

Quality of Preventive Care Before and After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

To examine if the use of general preventive services were diminished in a cohort of men following their diagnosis of prostate cancer. 16,604 men enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Southern California who were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2009 were passively followed through electronic medical records to determine the use of preventive services, including screening for colorectal cancer (colonoscopy and/or fecal occult blood tests (FOBT)), tests for diabetes (glucose and hemoglobin A1c) and heart disease (serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides) and vaccinations (influenza and pneumococcal). Preventive service use was compared in the two years prior to and following prostate cancer diagnosis using matched odds ratios (MOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in 2013. Men were more likely to receive a flu vaccine (MOR: 2.70, 95% CI: 2.52-2.90), lipid tests (MOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.42-1.61), diabetes tests (MOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 2.00-2.26) and screening for colorectal cancer (MOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.71-1.89) in the two years after prostate cancer diagnosis compared to before. Men with advanced disease at diagnosis were more likely to receive all types of preventive services after diagnosis when compared to men with localized disease. Once diagnosed with prostate cancer in this setting, no less attention was paid to general preventive care, although there remains room for improvement in pneumococcal vaccination and colon cancer screening rates. The delivery of high-quality continuing care after diagnosis is critical for aging cancer patients.

Outbreak of hepatitis A infection associated with the consumption of frozen berries, Ireland, 2013--linked to an international outbreak.

In May 2013, a European alert was issued regarding a hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreak in Italy. In June 2013, HAV subgenotype IA with an identical sequence was identified in Ireland in three cases who had not travelled to Italy. The investigation consisted of descriptive epidemiology, a case-control study, microbiological testing of human and food specimens, molecular typing of positive specimens and food traceback. We identified 21 outbreak cases (14 confirmed primary cases) with symptom onset between 31 January and 11 October 2013. For the case-control study, we recruited 11 confirmed primary cases and 42 matched controls. Cases were more likely than controls to have eaten berry cheesecake (matched odds ratio (mOR): 12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-114), whole frozen berries (mOR: 9.5; 95% CI: 1.0-89), yoghurt containing frozen berries (mOR: 6.6, 95% CI: 1.2-37) or raw celery (mOR: 4; 95% CI: 1.2-16). Among cases, 91% had consumed at least one of four products containing frozen berries (mOR: 12; 95% CI: 1.5-94). Sixteen food samples tested were all negative for HAV. As products containing frozen berries were implicated in the outbreak, the public were advised to heat-treat frozen berries before consumption.

Safety of inactivated monovalent pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination during pregnancy: A population-based study in Taiwan

BackgroundPregnant women were prioritized for H1N1 vaccination during the 2009–2010 pandemic. Safety concerns exist with vaccinating pregnant women, particularly in their first trimesters. MethodsWe linked computerized data on H1N1 vaccination, National Health Insurance, and Taiwan Birth Registry and identified events of spontaneous abortions (SABs) and all singleton births that occurred/delivered during November 1, 2009–September 30, 2010. The observation period for each case of SAB (6–19 weeks gestation) was divided into period at risk (1–28 days after vaccination) and control periods (the remaining person-days until SAB). The self-controlled case series method for truncated observational periods assessed the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of SAB during the 1–28 days compared with those in the control period. The case-control design matched each case of adverse fetal outcomes to up to 10 controls on fetal sex and year/month of pregnancy onset, and calculated matched odds ratio (OR) on H1N1 vaccination at <14 or ≥14 weeks gestation. ResultsSixty-five women with SAB had received H1N1 vaccination at 6–19 weeks gestation. The IRR of SAB for the risk period 1–28 days was 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–1.93). Among the 147,294 live births and 1354 stillbirths, maternal H1N1 vaccine receipt at <14 weeks gestation was associated with significantly reduced likelihood of small for gestational age (SGA) birth (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.61–0.84) and birth defect (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22–1.00), whereas receipt at ≥14 weeks gestation was associated with significantly reduced likelihood of stillbirth (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86), prematurity (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83–0.97), low birth weight (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74–0.88), and SGA birth (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97). ConclusionsH1N1 vaccination during pregnancy did not increase risk of SAB or adverse fetal outcomes.

An outbreak of food-borne salmonellosis linked to a bread takeaway shop in Ben Tre City, Vietnam

To identify the vehicle, source, and causative agent of a community-wide food-borne outbreak of gastroenteritis. We conducted a case-control study. Cases were city residents diagnosed with gastroenteritis and hospitalized in Ben Tre City from 22 to 25 May 2013; 41 cases were selected randomly from a list of hospitalized patients. Controls were age- and gender-matched healthy neighbours of cases. Participants were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Samples from patients and food were tested at reference laboratories. We used conditional logistic regression to calculate matched odds ratios (mORs) for the association of gastroenteritis with food items consumed. Of the 41 cases enrolled in the study, 61% were males and the median age was 33 years; cases resided in 12 wards of the City. Of 13 food items consumed by the cases, only stuffed bread was significantly associated with gastroenteritis (mOR 21.3, 95% confidence interval 6.3-71.8). Among the 29 cases who ate stuffed bread, the median time to illness onset was 9h. Patient stool samples and bread samples were positive for Salmonella species. Stuffed bread was the likely vehicle of the outbreak. The laboratory testing capacity for serotypes of Salmonella should be strengthened in Vietnam. Food-handler training in basic food safety measures should be improved.

Is Case-Chaos Methodology an Appropriate Alternative to Conventional Case-Control Studies for Investigating Outbreaks?

Case-chaos methodology is a proposed alternative to case-control studies that simulates controls by randomly reshuffling the exposures of cases. We evaluated the method using data on outbreaks in Sweden. We identified 5 case-control studies from foodborne illness outbreaks that occurred between 2005 and 2012. Using case-chaos methodology, we calculated odds ratios 1,000 times for each exposure. We used the median as the point estimate and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles as the confidence interval. We compared case-chaos matched odds ratios with their respective case-control odds ratios in terms of statistical significance. Using Spearman's correlation, we estimated the correlation between matched odds ratios and the proportion of cases exposed to each exposure and quantified the relationship between the 2 using a normal linear mixed model. Each case-control study identified an outbreak vehicle (odds ratios = 4.9-45). Case-chaos methodology identified the outbreak vehicle 3 out of 5 times. It identified significant associations in 22 of 113 exposures that were not associated with outcome and 5 of 18 exposures that were significantly associated with outcome. Log matched odds ratios correlated with their respective proportion of cases exposed (Spearman ρ = 0.91) and increased significantly with the proportion of cases exposed (b = 0.054). Case-chaos methodology missed the outbreak source 2 of 5 times and identified spurious associations between a number of exposures and outcome. Measures of association correlated with the proportion of cases exposed. We recommended against using case-chaos analysis during outbreak investigations.

A tradition and an epidemic: determinants of the campylobacteriosis winter peak in Switzerland.

Campylobacteriosis is the most frequently reported food borne infection in Switzerland. We investigated determinants of infections and illness experience in wintertime. A case–control study was conducted in Switzerland between December 2012 and February 2013. Cases were recruited among laboratory-confirmed campylobacteriosis patients. Population-based controls were matched according to age group, sex and canton of residence. We determined risk factors associated with campylobacteriosis, and help seeking behaviour and illness perception. The multivariable analysis identified two factors associated with an increased risk for campylobacteriosis: consumption of meat fondue (matched odds ratio [mOR] 4.0, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.3–7.1) and travelling abroad (mOR 2.7, 95 % CI 1.1–6.4). Univariable analysis among meat fondue consumers revealed chicken as the type of meat with the highest risk of disease (mOR 3.8, 95 % CI 1.1–13.5). Most frequently reported signs and symptoms among patients were diarrhoea (98 %), abdominal pain (81 %), fever (66 %), nausea (44 %) and vomiting (34 %). The median perceived disease severity was 8 on a 1-to-10 rating scale. Patients reported a median duration of illness of 7 days and 14 % were hospitalised. Meat fondues, mostly “Fondue chinoise”, traditionally consumed during the festive season in Switzerland, are the major driver of the epidemic campylobacteriosis peak in wintertime. At these meals, individual handling and consumption of chicken meat may play an important role in disease transmission. Laboratory-confirmed patients are severely ill and hospitalisation rate is considerable. Public health measures such as decontamination of chicken meat and improved food handling behaviour at the individual level are urgently needed.

Situation-specific factors predicting nonadherence to methadone maintenance treatment: a cross-sectional study using the case-crossover design in Guangzhou, China

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a key risk reduction measure for controlling HIV transmission among drug users. Studies using traditional methods exist to distinguish between drop outs and nondrop outs. However, many nondrop outs use MMT discontinuously and no study has identified situation-specific factors predicting their showing or not showing up. This study used a case-crossover design comparing situation-specific factors appearing on the last episode of attendance versus those of the last episode of nonattendance. A total of 133 participants were recruited from two MMT clinics in Guangzhou, China. Participants were asked separately whether various situation-specific factors existed in the last episodes of nonattendance and attendance of MMT. Matched odds ratios (ORs) based on conditional logistic regression analysis were presented. The results showed that the participants attended the MMT clinics on average for 25 days in the last month. Situation-specific factors significantly predicting nonattendance included: (1) physical and mental health status: in illness (OR = 33.0, P < 0.001), in a bad mood (OR = 7.5, P < 0.001), and occurrence of an unhappy event (OR = 18.0, P < 0.001); (2) other engagement: work engagement (OR = 40.0, P < 0.001), trip to other places (OR = 83.0, P < 0.001), and social activities (OR = 10.0, P = 0.012); (3) interpersonal relationship: conflicts with family (OR = 19.0, P = 0.004); and (4) structural situational factors: financial difficulty (OR = 19.0, P = 0.004) and worrying about police arrest (OR = 12.0, P = 0.003). Other factors such as interaction with drug users and heroin use were marginally significant, while reduced methadone dosage was nonsignificant. Interventions to improve MMT adherence need to consider situation-specific factors. Ancillary psychosocial services should be integrated with current MMT; MMT should also provide more flexible services to the clients. Furthermore, efforts should be taken to build up interdisciplinary teams and to connect with MMT in order to provide holistic harm reduction, rehabilitation, and health care.

Effectiveness of ten-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against invasive pneumococcal disease in Brazil: a matched case-control study

In March 2010, Brazil introduced the ten-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10), which was licensed based on non-inferiority of immunological correlates of protection compared with the seven-valent vaccine. The schedule comprised three primary doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months, and a booster dose at age 12 months. A single catch-up dose was offered for children aged 12-23 months at the time of introduction. We assessed PCV10 effectiveness against invasive pneumococcal disease in Brazilian children. Invasive pneumococcal disease, defined as isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or another normally sterile site, was identified in children age-eligible for at least one PCV10 dose through laboratory-based and hospital-based surveillance in ten states in Brazil from March 1, 2010, until Dec 31, 2012. We aimed to identify four age-matched and neighbourhood-matched controls for each case. We used conditional logistic regression and calculated PCV10 effectiveness as (1-adjusted matched odds ratio) × 100% for vaccine-type and vaccine-related serotypes (ie, in the same serogroup as a vaccine serotype). In 316 cases (median age 13·2 months, range 2·6-53·1) and 1219 controls (13·3 months, 2·6-53·1), the adjusted effectiveness of an age-appropriate PCV10 schedule was 83·8% (95% CI 65·9-92·3) against vaccine serotypes, and 77·9% (41·0-91·7) against vaccine-related serotypes. Serotype-specific effectiveness was shown for the two most common vaccine serotypes-14 (87·7%, 60·8-96·1) and 6B (82·8%, 23·8-96·1)-and serotype 19A (82·2%, 10·7-96·4), a serotype related to vaccine serotype 19F. A single catch-up dose in children aged 12-23 months was effective against vaccine-type disease (68·0%, 17·6-87·6). No significant effectiveness was shown against non-vaccine serotypes for age-appropriate or catch-up schedules. In the routine immunisation programme in Brazil, PCV10 prevents invasive disease caused by vaccine serotypes. PCV10 might provide cross-protection against some vaccine-related serotypes. Brazilian Ministry of Health, Pan-American Health Organization, and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Acute myeloid leukemia risk by industry and occupation

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of leukemia found in adults. Identifying jobs that pose a risk for AML may be useful for identifying new risk factors. A matched case–control analysis was conducted using California Cancer Registry data from 1988 to 2007. This study included 8999 cases of AML and 24 822 controls. Industries with a statistically significant increased AML risk were construction (matched odds ratio [mOR] = 1.13); crop production (mOR = 1.41); support activities for agriculture and forestry (mOR = 2.05); and animal slaughtering and processing (mOR = 2.09). Among occupations with a statistically significant increased AML risk were miscellaneous agricultural workers (mOR = 1.76); fishers and related fishing workers (mOR = 2.02); nursing, psychiatric and home health aides (mOR = 1.65); and janitors and building cleaners (mOR = 1.54). Further investigation is needed to confirm study findings and to identify specific exposures responsible for the increased risks.

A nationwide nested case-control study indicates an increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis with proton pump inhibitor use

The magnitude of the suspected increase in risk of acute interstitial nephritis among proton pump inhibitor users is uncertain. Here, we conducted a nested case-control study using routinely collected national health and drug dispensing data in New Zealand to estimate the relative and absolute risks of acute interstitial nephritis resulting in hospitalization or death in users of proton pump inhibitors. The cohort included 572,661 patients without a history of interstitial nephritis or other renal diseases who started a new episode of proton pump inhibitor use between 2005 and 2009. Cases had a first diagnosis after cohort entry of acute interstitial nephritis confirmed by hospital discharge letter or death record, and renal histology (definite, 46 patients), or discharge letter or death record only (probable, 26 patients). Ten controls, matched by birth year and sex, were randomly selected for each case. In the case-control analysis based on definite cases and their controls, the unadjusted matched odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for current versus past use of proton pump inhibitors was 5.16 (2.21–12.05). The estimate was similar when all cases (definite and probable) and their corresponding controls were analyzed, and when potential confounders were added to the models. The crude incidence rates and confidence intervals per 100,000 person-years were 11.98 (9.11–15.47) and 1.68 (0.91–2.86) for current and past use, respectively. Thus, current use of a proton pump inhibitor was associated with a significantly increased risk of acute interstitial nephritis, relative to past use.

Cholera epidemic associated with consumption of unsafe drinking water and street-vended water--Eastern Freetown, Sierra Leone, 2012.

During 2012, Sierra Leone experienced a cholera epidemic with 22,815 reported cases and 296 deaths. We conducted a matched case-control study to assess risk factors, enrolling 49 cases and 98 controls. Stool specimens were analyzed by culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Conditional logistic regression found that consuming unsafe water (matched odds ratio [mOR]: 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 11.0), street-vended water (mOR: 9.4; 95% CI: 2.0, 43.7), and crab (mOR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.03, 10.6) were significant risk factors for cholera infection. Of 30 stool specimens, 13 (43%) showed PCR evidence of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1. Six specimens yielded isolates of V. cholerae O1, El Tor; PFGE identified a pattern previously observed in seven countries. We recommended ensuring the quality of improved water sources, promoting household chlorination, and educating street vendors on water handling practices.

Proton-pump inhibitor use and hip fractures in men: a population-based case-control study

PurposeTo estimate the association between proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use and hip fracture. MethodsWe conducted a case-control study of 6774 pairs of men aged 45 years or older, matched on age, race, and medical center. Cases sustained incident hip fractures in 1997–2006. Fracture date was index date for each case-control pair. PPI exposure was identified from electronic pharmacy records, 1991–2006. PPI use was measured as (1) ever versus never; (2) adherence; (3) duration; and (4) recentness. Omeprazole and pantoprazole were analyzed separately using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for comorbidities. Nonusers were the referent group. ResultsEight hundred ninety-six (13.2%) cases and 713 (10.5%) controls used omeprazole before index date (matched odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.27). Greatest adherence (medication possession ratio > 80%) (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.09–1.62), highest tertile of duration (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.48), and recent use (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02–1.47) were associated with hip fracture. Six hundred ninety-four (10.2%) cases and 576 (8.5%) controls had used pantoprazole (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.97–1.24). Longest duration (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02–1.53) and most recent use (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.12–1.71) were associated with hip fracture. Our study suggests that PPI use and hip fractures are associated, with risk increasing with longer duration and more recent use.

Triggers of spontaneous preterm delivery--why today?

Our goal is to study the triggers of spontaneous preterm delivery using a case-crossover design. In a pilot study, we enrolled 50 women with spontaneous preterm labour (PTL) and 50 with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 2011 and 2012. To assess non-transient risk factors, we also enrolled a control group of 158 pregnant women at their regular prenatal care visits matched to cases by gestational age and calendar time. The index time was defined as the onset of PTL/PPROM (for cases) or interview (for controls). Detailed data were collected through structured interviews regarding factors of interest during the 72 h that preceded the index time. Within case subjects, we compared the frequency of transient factors from 0 to 24 h before index time with that from 48 to 72 h before index time, and estimated matched odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Previously hypothesised chronic risk factors for spontaneous preterm delivery, including mood disorders and stressful events, were more common among cases than among controls. Within cases, skipped meals [OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.2, 15.2], disturbed sleep [OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.5, 13.3], sexual activity [OR 6.0, 95% CI 0.7, 69.8], and intake of spicy foods [OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.6, 30.8] were associated with an increased risk for PTL/PPROM within the subsequent 24 h. For physical exertion and other potential risk factors evaluated, the OR was close to the null. Skipping meals and disturbed sleep may be associated with imminent PTL/PPROM; sexual activity and spicy food may trigger PTL/PPROM in susceptible women. Larger case-crossover studies will be able to evaluate the impact of modifiable risk factors and acute predictors of PTL/PPROM, and might help guide obstetrical management.

Calf-Level Factors Associated with Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia – A Multi-Country Case-Control Study

Bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP), a high fatality condition causing haemorrhages in calves aged less than 4 weeks, was first reported in 2007 in Germany and subsequently observed at low incidence in other European countries and New Zealand. A multi-country matched case-control study was conducted in 2011 to identify calf-level risk factors for BNP. 405 BNP cases were recruited from 330 farms in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands by laboratory confirmation of farmer-reported cases. Up to four calves of similar age from the same farm were selected as controls (1154 calves). Risk factor data were collected by questionnaire. Multivariable modelling using conditional logistic regression indicated that PregSure®BVD (PregSure, Pfizer Animal Health) vaccination of the dam was strongly associated with BNP cases (adjusted matched Odds Ratio - amOR 17.8 first lactation dams; 95% confidence interval – ci 2.4, 134.4; p = 0.005), and second or more lactation PregSure-vaccinated dams were more likely to have a case than first lactation vaccinated dams (amOR 2.2 second lactation; ci 1.1, 4.3; p = 0.024; amOR 5.3 third or more lactation; ci 2.9, 9.8; p = <0.001). Feeding colostrum from other cows was strongly associated with BNP if the dam was not PregSure-vaccinated (amOR 30.5; ci 2.1, 440.5; p = 0.012), but the effect was less if the dam was PregSure-vaccinated (amOR 2.1; ci 1.1, 4.0; p = 0.024). Feeding exclusively dam’s milk was a higher risk than other types of milk (amOR 3.4; ci 1.6, 7.5; p = 0.002). The population attributable fractions were 0.84 (ci 0.68, 0.92) for PregSure vaccination, 0.13 (ci 0.06, 0.19) for feeding other cows’ colostrum, and 0.15 (ci 0.08, 0.22) for feeding dam’s milk. No other calf-level factors were identified, suggesting that there are other important factors that are outside the scope of this study, such as genetics, which explain why BNP develops in some PregSure-colostrum-exposed calves but not in others.

Preadmission Oral Anticoagulant Treatment and Clinical Outcome Among Patients Hospitalized With Acute Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation

Preadmission oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT) has been linked with less severe stroke and a better outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, the existing studies have methodological limitations and have, with one exception, not included hemorrhagic strokes. We performed a nationwide historic follow-up study using data from population-based healthcare registries to assess the effect of preadmission OAT on stroke outcomes further. We identified 11 356 patients with atrial fibrillation admitted to hospital with acute stroke (including ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage) between 2003 and 2009. Propensity score-matched analyses were used to compare stroke severity (Scandinavian Stroke Scale score) and mortality among 2175 patients with preadmission OAT and 2175 patients without preadmission OAT. A total of 2492 (21.9%) patients received OAT at the time of their stroke. Preadmission OAT was associated with a lower risk of severe stroke (Scandinavian Stroke Scale score at time of admission, <30 point; propensity score-matched odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.86) and lower 30-day mortality rate (propensity score-matched adjusted odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.98). Only a minority of hospitalized patients with acute stroke with atrial fibrillation received OAT at the time of stroke. Preadmission OAT was associated with less severe stroke and lower 30-day mortality rate in a propensity score-matched analysis.

Risk factors of late-onset neonatal sepsis in Taiwan: A matched case-control study

Infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have a higher incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) than any other pediatric or adult population. The predisposing factors have not been comprehensively evaluated in this population in Taiwan. A retrospective matched case-control study was conducted in the NICUs of a teaching hospital in Taiwan. The case patients were identified from a staff-maintained electronic database containing the records of BSIs from July 2003 to June 2006. The case patients and the control patients (who did not develop BSI during their NICU stay) were 1:1 matched by birth weight, gestational age, gender, Apgar score, and date of birth. A total of 164 infants with culture-proven BSI were identified. Of these, 74 (45.1%) infants were female. The mean gestational age and birth weight were 30.7±0.7 weeks and 1512±804g, respectively. The common etiologic pathogens included coagulase-negative staphylococci (28.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (16.5%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.6%). Candida spp. accounted for 11 (6.7%) episodes. Two independent factors associated with BSIs in the neonates, as identified by multivariate analysis using conditional logistic regression, were the use of parenteral nutrition (matched odds ratio [mOR], 6.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-32.32; p=0.034) and intraventricular hemorrhage (mOR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.20-5.99; p=0.017). Parenteral nutrition was a significant and independent risk of late-onset neonatal sepsis. This risk should be considered when implementing early parenteral nutrition in NICUs.

Reduced Serum Concentrations of Carboxylated and Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin Are Associated With Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a High Cardiovascular Risk Population: A Nested Case-Control Study

Because it has been suggested that osteocalcin (OC), an osteoblast-derived hormone, is a new link between bone and glucose metabolism, we tested whether serum carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) levels are independently associated with the development of type 2 diabetes in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. A prospective, nested case-control study was conducted using data from the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) study. We included 153 case subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes and 306 individually matched control subjects free of diabetes identified during a mean 5-year follow-up. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate matched odds ratios for incident diabetes according to categories of both forms of OC measured by ELISAs. Baseline serum concentrations of both forms of OC were significantly lower in case subjects than in control subjects. In subjects with incident cases of diabetes, concentrations of cOC, but not of ucOC, were inversely and significantly associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels (β = -0.335) and with fasting glucose concentrations (β = -0.044) in control subjects, independent of other relevant confounders. In the conditional logistic model that took into account the matching factors, the odds ratios for diabetes incidence in the lowest vs the highest tertile of cOC and ucOC were 2.03 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-3.13) and 1.88 (1.23-2.85), respectively. Further adjustment for family history of diabetes, lifestyle, and other confounding factors did not appreciably change the magnitude of these associations. In a population at high cardiovascular risk, low concentrations of serum cOC and ucOC were strongly associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes.

Simultaneous reversal of risk factors for cardiac death and intensified therapy in long-term survivors of paediatric end-stage renal disease over the last 10 years

In an extended long-term follow-up of patients on chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT) since childhood (LERIC study), we observed a substantial reduction in cardiovascular (CV) death over the last decade. In this study, we investigated the contemporaneous changes in risk factors for CV death and cardioprotective therapy. The cohort consisted of 140 Dutch patients, who were born before 1979 and started RRT before 15 years of age between 1972 and 1992. We compared the prevalence of various factors in 2000 and 2010 by calculating matched odds ratios (OR(matched)). Median age of patients was 38.5 years (range 23.2-50.8) in 2010, after a median time on RRT of 28 years. The prevalence of CV risk factors decreased from 41.3% in 2000 to 18.8% in 2010. The OR(matched) in 2010 compared with 2000 for left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia were 0.26 (95% CI 0.09-0.66), 0.22 (95% CI 0.01-0.59) and 0.04 (95% CI 0.01-0.25), respectively. The rate of nonfatal CV events dropped, although not significantly, from 1.75/100 (95% CI 1.3-2.4) per patient year (py) in 1972-2000 to 0.95/100 (95% CI 0.5-1.7) py in 2000-2010. ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and cholesterol lowering medication were prescribed significantly more often in the period 2000-10 [OR(matched) = 7.40 (95% CI 2.90-24.10) and 11.5 (95% CI 4.20-43.90)]. Trends were similar among those who survived and those who did not survive the last decade. We observed a decrease in clinical CV disease synchronous to intensified antihypertensive and antidyslipidaemic therapy in long-term survivors of paediatric renal failure. This advocates a vigorous cardioprotective management in these patients.

Binational outbreak of Guillain–Barré syndrome associated withCampylobacter jejuniinfection, Mexico and USA, 2011

In June 2011, a cluster of suspected cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), which can follow Campylobacter jejuni infection, was identified in San Luis Río Colorado (SLRC), Sonora, Mexico and Yuma County, Arizona, USA. An outbreak investigation identified 26 patients (18 from Sonora, eight from Arizona) with onset of GBS 4 May-21 July 2011, exceeding the expected number of cases (n = 1-2). Twenty-one (81%) patients reported antecedent diarrhoea, and 61% of 18 patients tested were seropositive for C. jejuni IgM antibodies. In a case-control study matched on age group, sex, ethnicity, and neighbourhood of residence, all Arizona GBS patients travelled to SLRC during the exposure period vs. 45% of matched controls (matched odds ratio 8·1, 95% confidence interval 1·5-∞). Exposure information and an environmental assessment suggested that GBS cases resulted from a large outbreak of C. jejuni infection from inadequately disinfected tap water in SLRC. Binational collaboration was essential in investigating this cross-border GBS outbreak, the first in mainland North America since 1976.