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After the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 Omicron lineage in Portugal, we developed a seroepidemiologic survey based on a sample of 3,825 residents. Results indicated that from April 27 through June 8, 2022, the estimated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid or spike IgG was 95.8%, which indicates a high level of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • One out of four acute SICH survivors die within the first 2-years after stroke onset. • There are manageable factors from the acute to the post-acute phase that increase the risk of long-term death. • Stroke unit admission reduces the risk of long-term death. • A large proportion of causes of long-term death are potentially preventable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Following a COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign, it is important to evaluate the population level of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence rate of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies acquired due to infection or vaccination in the Portuguese population., Material and Methods: The National Serological Survey (third wave - ISN3COVID-19) is a cross-sectional nationwide epidemiological study developed on a sample of 4545 Portuguese residents aged one year or older, between the 28th September 2021 and the 19th November 2021. The SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleoprotein and anti-spike IgG antibody levels were determined in serum samples using Abbott Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassays. Seroprevalence estimates were stratified by age group, sex, administrative region and self-reported chronic conditions. Medians and respective 95% confidence intervals were used to describe the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in specific population subgroups., Results: The total seroprevalence rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 86.4% (95% CI: 85.2% to 87.6%). A higher seroprevalence rate was estimated for women (88.3%), 50 to 59 years-old (96.5%) and in those with two or more self-reported chronic conditions (90.8%). A higher IgG (anti-Spike) concentration was observed in individuals vaccinated with the booster dose (median = 1 2601.3 AU/mL; 95% CI: 4127.5 to 19 089.1)., Conclusion: There was a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence following the mass vaccination campaign in Portugal. It is important to continue to monitor the distribution of specific SARS-COV-2 antibody at the population level to further inform public health policies.

Objectives: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) survivors are at risk of hospital readmissions. Data on readmissions after SICH is scarce. We aimed to study the frequency and predictors of readmissions after SICH in Algarve, Portugal., Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of a community representative cohort of SICH survivors (2009-2015). The first unplanned readmission in the first year after discharge was the outcome. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of 1-year readmission., Results: Of the 357 SICH survivors followed, 116 (32.5%) were readmitted within the first-year. Sixty-seven (18.8%) of the survivors were early readmitted (<90 days), corresponding to 57.8% or all readmissions. Common causes were pneumonia, endocrine/nutritional/metabolic and cardiovascular complications. The risk of readmission was increased by prior to index SICH history of ≥ 3 previous emergency department visits (hazards ratio (HR) = 2.663 (1.770-4.007); P < 0.001), pneumonia during index hospitalization (HR = 2.910 (1.844-4.592); P < 0.001) and reduced in patients discharge home (HR = 0.681 (0.366-0.976); P = 0.048)., Conclusions: The rate of readmissions after SICH is high, predictors are identifiable and causes are potentially preventable. Improvement of care can potentially reduce this burden., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)