[Profile of paediatric admissions and emergencies during an epidemic period of rotavirus in Valladolid [Spain]. Utility of a predictive model].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the weeks of high rotavirus circulation in Valladolid (Spain) and to compare the characteristics of hospitalizations and emergencies in epidemic and nonepidemic periods.


METHODS
The information sources consisted of the weekly notifications to the Microbiological Information System, the Minimum Data Set, and the Emergency Registry. Expected cases for 2006 were calculated using a previously developed model. Weeks with observed cases over the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for expected cases were considered epidemic periods. Hospitalization and emergencies in epidemic and nonepidemic periods were compared.


RESULTS
The number of cases in 2006 was 42% less than the expected number. The mean number of daily admissions was higher in epidemic periods (d=1.49; p=0.01) and the length of admissions was longer.


CONCLUSIONS
The activity of the paediatric service increased during the epidemic period. Consequently, implementation of surveillance activities and prevention and control programs for rotavirus in hospitals would seem advisable.
Luquero
Francisco Javier
FJ
Servicio de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, España. luquero@gmail.com
Hernán García
Cristina
C
Eiros Bouza
José María
JM
Castrodeza Sanz
Javier
J
Sánchez-Padilla
Elisabeth
E
Simón Soria
Fernando
F
Ortiz de Lejarazu Leonardo
Raúl
R
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology