[Review of the data on incidence of invasive disease and meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae in children under 5 years of age in Spain].
OBJECTIVE
The object of this study was to summarize the available information on the incidence of invasive disease and meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae in Spain from 1985 to 1995, evaluating potential geographic differences.


METHODS
Systematic and exhaustive literature searches of computerized databases, manual review of obtained references, revision of relevant Spanish journals and proceedings of congresses and direct consultation with experts were carried out. Yearly incidence rates were estimated per 100,000 children less than 5 years of age, by year and geographical region.


RESULTS
We encountered 16 studies, one covering the entire Spanish population and the rest limited to Catalonia, the Basque Country, the Valencian Community, Andalucia, Navarra or the Community of Madrid. In 1994, the incidence of invasive H. influenzae disease varied from 8.4 cases per 100,000 children under 5 years of age in Navarra to 26.3 cases per 100,000 children under 5 years of age in the Basque Country.


CONCLUSIONS
Available data do not permit the nationwide estimation of the incidence rate, although it is possible to appreciate that important geographic differences exist. It is remarkable the lack of specific information for the majority of Spanish regions, as well as the lack of data to assess temporal trends.
Guallar-Castillón
P
P
Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
Jiménez
F J
FJ
Rubio Terrés
C
C
Guallar
E
E
D002675:Child, Preschool; D019992:Databases as Topic; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008583:Meningitis, Haemophilus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
Revisión de los datos de incidencia de enfermedad invasiva y de meningitis por Haemophilus influenzae en niños menores de 5 años en España.