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BACKGROUND AND AIMS Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases with more than 230 million people being affected worldwide. As highlighted by the recent European Society of Cardiology guidelines, data on the epidemiology of PAD is urgently needed. METHODS AND RESULTS We accessed the vital registration data of the Veneto region (Northern Italy, approximately five millions inhabitants) covering the period 2008-2019. We computed annual age-standardized rates for PAD reported as the underlying cause of death (UCOD) or as one of multiple causes of death (MCOD). Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) served to study the association between PAD and cardiovascular comorbidities. The age-standardized mortality rate for PAD as MCOD slightly declined from 19.6 to 17.8 in men and from 10.8 to 9.1 deaths per 100,000 population-years in women. The age-standardized PAD-specific mortality rate (UCOD) remained stable: 3.1 to 3.7 per 100,000 person-years in women (Average Annual Percent Change 1.3, 95% CI -0.8; 3.4%) and 4.4 to 4.3 per 100,000 person-years (Average Annual Percent Change -0.2, 95% CI -3.6; 3.4%) in men. PAD contributed to 1.6% of all deaths recorded in the region. Ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and neoplasms were the most prevalent UCOD among PAD patients. PAD was associated with diabetes mellitus (OR 3.79, 95%CI 3.55-4.06) and chronic kidney diseases (OR 2.73, 95%CI 2.51-2.97) in men, and with atrial fibrillation (OR 2.26, 95%CI 2.10-2.44) in women. CONCLUSION PAD remains a substantial cause of death in the general population of this high-income region of Western Europe with marked sex-specific differences.

Background Older individuals with dementia have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a lack of in-depth evaluation of mortality trends using both the underlying cause of death (UCOD) and the multiple causes of death (MCOD) approaches. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dementia-related deaths considering comorbidities and the place of death. Methods This retrospective, population-based study was conducted in Veneto, Italy. All the death certificates of individuals aged ≥65 years issued from 2008 to 2020 were analyzed for dementia-related mortality using age-standardized sex-stratified rates of dementia as UCOD and MCOD. Excess in monthly dementia-related mortality in 2020 was estimated by applying Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model. Results Overall, 70 301 death certificates reported dementia (MCOD proportional mortality: 12.9%), and 37 604 cases identified it as UCOD (proportional mortality: 6.9%). In 2020, the MCOD proportional mortality increased to 14.3% whereas that of UCOD remained static (7.0%). Compared to the SARIMA prediction, MCOD increased by 15.5% in males and 18.3% in females in 2020. Compared to the 2018–19 average, deaths in nursing homes increased by 32% in 2020, at home by 26% and in hospitals by 12%. Conclusions An increase in dementia-related mortality during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic could only be detected using the MCOD approach. MCOD proved to be more robust, and hence, should be included in future analyses. Nursing homes appeared to be the most critical setting which should guide establishing protective measures for similar situations.

To investigate the extent to which frailty is associated with infection-related hospitalizations in older men and women, and to explore whether, among women, previous exposure to endogenous estrogens in terms of age at menopause and number of pregnancies modify such a relationship.The sample comprised 2784 participants in the Progetto Veneto Anziani aged ≥65 years. At baseline and after 4.4 years, frailty was identified according to the presence of three or more of the following: weakness, exhaustion, weight loss, low physical activity, and low walking speed. A passive follow-up on infection-related hospitalizations and mortality was performed for 10 years of observation through linkage with regional registers.The association between frailty and infection-related hospitalizations was assessed through mixed-effects Cox regressions.Frailty was significantly associated with a 78 % higher risk of infection-related hospitalization, with stronger results in men (hazard ratio = 2.32, 95 % confidence interval 1.63-3.30) than in women (hazard ratio = 1.54, 95 % confidence interval 1.18-2.02). Focusing on women, we found a possible modifying effect for the number of pregnancies but not menopausal age. Women who had experienced one or no pregnancy demonstrated a higher hazard of infection-related hospitalization as a function of frailty (hazard ratio = 3.00, 95 % confidence interval 1.58-5.71) than women who had experienced two or more pregnancies (hazard ratio = 1.68, 95 % confidence interval 1.18-2.39).Frailty in older age increases the risk of infection-related hospitalizations, especially in men. The "immunologic advantage" of the female sex in younger age seems to persist also after menopause as a function of the number of pregnancies a woman has experienced.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, excess mortality has been reported worldwide, but its magnitude has varied depending on methodological differences that hinder between-study comparability. Our aim was to estimate variability attributable to different methods, focusing on specific causes of death with different pre-pandemic trends. Monthly mortality figures observed in 2020 in the Veneto Region (Italy) were compared with those forecasted using: (1) 2018–2019 monthly average number of deaths; (2) 2015–2019 monthly average age-standardized mortality rates; (3) Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models; (4) Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models. We analyzed deaths due to all-causes, circulatory diseases, cancer, and neurologic/mental disorders. Excess all-cause mortality estimates in 2020 across the four approaches were: +17.2% (2018–2019 average number of deaths), +9.5% (five-year average age-standardized rates), +15.2% (SARIMA), and +15.7% (GEE). For circulatory diseases (strong pre-pandemic decreasing trend), estimates were +7.1%, −4.4%, +8.4%, and +7.2%, respectively. Cancer mortality showed no relevant variations (ranging from −1.6% to −0.1%), except for the simple comparison of age-standardized mortality rates (−5.5%). The neurologic/mental disorders (with a pre-pandemic growing trend) estimated excess corresponded to +4.0%/+5.1% based on the first two approaches, while no major change could be detected based on the SARIMA and GEE models (−1.3%/+0.3%). The magnitude of excess mortality varied largely based on the methods applied to forecast mortality figures. The comparison with average age-standardized mortality rates in the previous five years diverged from the other approaches due to the lack of control over pre-existing trends. Differences across other methods were more limited, with GEE models probably representing the most versatile option.

Objective: A decrease in the use of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for thyroid cancer has been described in the last decade in the US following subsequent updates of the American Thyroid Association guidelines. By contrast, population-based data from European countries are lacking. The study aims to assess the frequency and long-term trends in the use of RAI in Italy. Methods: From the Italian national hospital discharge database, the proportion of RAI treatment after total thyroidectomy with thyroid cancer diagnosis has been assessed by sex and age class during 2001-2018. Results: Throughout the whole study period, RAI was performed after 58% of 149,419 TT. The use of RAI was higher for men and younger patients; it peaked in 2007 (64% in women and 68% in men) and declined thereafter (2018: 46% in women and 53% in men), with a similar pattern observed across all ages and areas. Conclusion: National data show that in Italy trends in RAI treatment paralleled those observed in the US. Further monitoring of the use of RAI is warranted in Italy, as elsewhere, to assess the impact of international guidelines on real-life clinical management of thyroid cancer.

Background Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an uncommon manifestation of venous thromboembolism. Historical epidemiological data on SVT-related mortality rate is not available to date. Methods We investigated time trends in SVT-related mortality, 2008–2019, in Veneto, an Italian high-income region of approximatively 5,000,000 inhabitants. SVT-related deaths were identified by the following ICD-10 codes: I81 (portal vein thrombosis), K75.1 (phlebitis of portal vein), K76.3 (liver infarction), K76.5 (hepatic veno-occlusive disease) or I82.0 (Budd-Chiari syndrome). Results During the study period, a total of 557,932 deaths were recorded. SVT was reported in 823 cases; 776 (94%) consisted of portal vein thrombosis. The age-standardized SVT-related mortality rate varied from 1.47 (year 2008) to 1.52 (year 2019) per 100,000 person-years. An increase in the cause-specific annual mortality rate was observed in women (0.56 in 2008 to 1.04 per 100,000 person-years in 2019; average annual percent change +5.7%, 95%CI +3.1; +8.3%). In men, the cause-specific mortality rate moved from 2.53 in 2008 to 2.03 per 100,000 person-years in 2019 (average annual percent change −1.2%, 95%CI -4.0; +1.6%). After conditioning for age and sex, the odds of having a concomitant liver disease were higher for SVT-related deaths (OR 31.6; 95%CI 17.1–37.0) compared with non-SVT-related deaths. This also applies to gastrointestinal cancers (OR 1.28; 95%CI 1.07–1.55), although to a lesser extent. Conclusions We report first epidemiological estimates of SVT-related mortality in a Western country. These values will serve as a reference to weight novel potential factors associated with SVT-related death, putting them into an epidemiological perspective. Summary box What is already known about this subject? Splanchnic vein thrombosis is a rare manifestation of venous thromboembolism, often related to liver diseases. Currently, there is no available data on its impact on the general population in terms of mortality rates. What are the new findings? Splanchnic vein thrombosis-related mortality rate was higher in men than in women and was strongly associated with the presence of liver diseases. In women, the age-standardized splanchnic vein thrombosis-related mortality rate has been increasing since 2008. How might it impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future? We report first epidemiological estimates of splanchnic vein thrombosis-related mortality rates in a Western country. These values will serve as a reference to weight novel factors or pathologies potentially associated with splanchnic vein thrombosis and interpret them in an epidemiological perspective.

Purpose Diabetes is a growing health problem. The aim of this study was to capture time trends in mortality associated with diabetes. Methods The mortality database of the Veneto region (Italy) includes both the underlying causes of death, and all the diseases mentioned in the death certificate. The annual percent change (APC) in age-standardized rates from 2008 to 2017 was computed by the Joinpoint Regression Program. Results Overall 453,972 deaths (56,074 with mention of diabetes) were observed among subjects aged ≥ 40 years. Mortality rates declined for diabetes as the underlying cause of death and from diabetes-related circulatory diseases. The latter declined especially in females − 4.4 (CI 95% − 5.3/− 3.4), while in males the APC was − 2.8 (CI 95% − 4.0/− 1.6). Conclusion We observed a significant reduction in mortality during the period 2008–2017 in diabetes either as underlying cause of death or when all mentions of diabetes in the death certificate were considered.

Objectives We aimed at estimating the incidence and prevalence of SLE in northeastern Italy over the period 2012–20. Methods A retrospective population-based study was conducted in Veneto Region (4.9 million people) using the population registry, an administrative health database where all residents are recorded. Between 2012 and 2020, SLE prevalence was defined by a healthcare co-payment exemption for SLE (national registry code 028) or any hospital diagnosis of SLE (International Classification of Disease , Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification 710.0), whichever came first. Incident SLE was defined from 2013 to 2020 to exclude prevalent cases. Standardized incidence and prevalence rates were reported by age and sex. Results During the study period, we identified 4283 SLE patients (85% female), with 1092 incident cases. Across the study period, SLE standardized point prevalence increased from 63.5 (95% CI 61.2, 65.8) to 70.6 (95% CI 68.3, 73.0) per 100 000 residents, corresponding to an annual increment of 1.14% (P Conclusions Over the last decade, SLE prevalence has increased, while incidence has stably declined. In view of the introduction of new high-cost drugs, a clear definition of the epidemiology of SLE is crucial for all healthcare stakeholders.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has strikingly high mortality rate with hypercoagulability state being part of the imputed mechanisms. We aimed to compare the rates of in hospital mortality in propensity score matched cohorts of COVID-19 patients in chronic anticoagulation versus those that were not. Methods In this population-based study in the Veneto Region, we retrospectively reviewed all patients aged 65 years or older, with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. We compared, after propensity score matching, those who received chronic anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation with those who did not. Results Overall, 4697 COVID-19 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria, and the propensity score matching yielded 559 patients per arm. All-cause mortality rate ratio was significantly higher among non-anticoagulated patients (32.2% vs 26.5%, p = 0.036). On time to event analysis, all-cause mortality was found lower among anticoagulated patients, although the estimate was not statistically significant. (HR 0.81, 95%CI 0.65–1.01, p = 0.054). Conclusion Among elderly patients with COVID-19, those on chronic oral anticoagulant treatment for atrial fibrillation seem to be at lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to their propensity score matched non-anticoagulated counterpart. This finding needs to be confirmed in further studies., Highlights • COVID-19 infection has strikingly high mortality rate. • Hypercoagulability has been imputed as one of the pathological mechanisms. • Anticoagulation may improve outcomes in COVID-19 infection. • We found chronic anticoagulation to be related to lower mortality in COVID-19 patients.

The World Health Organization considers excess morbidity and mortality among people with mental disorders as a high public health priority. This study aims to estimate the mortality risk and causes of death among a large population-based cohort of psychiatric patients. All residents in Veneto (Northeastern Italy) aged between 18 and 84 years with a contact with Community Mental Health Centers in 2008 and a psychiatric diagnosis (n = 54,350) were followed-up for 10 years. Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR) and excess mortality were computed, with the general regional population as a reference. Mortality was more than doubled (males SMR = 2.4; females SMR = 2.2) and the relative increase in mortality was much larger in young and middle-aged adults (18–44 and 45–64 years) across all diagnostic groups. The most frequent causes were circulatory diseases (27%) and neoplasms (26%). Although the risk was increased by about tenfold, deaths from suicide were limited to 6% and 4% of all decedents in males and females, respectively. Patients with schizophrenia showed a very high risk for mortality for diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. A large excess was found also for respiratory diseases and a two-fold increase for lung cancer in males and breast cancer in females. Although chronic physical disorders are known to be the main causes of mortality in such patients, they receive far less attention than suicide or accidents. Our results suggest that there is still a need to plan actions to prevent excess mortality and to improve the quality of life of patients with mental disorders.

Background Despite evidence of ongoing epidemiological changes in deaths from venous thromboembolism in high-income countries, little recent information is available on the time trends in mortality related to pulmonary embolism (PE) as underlying or concomitant cause of death in Europe. Methods We accessed the regional database of death certificates of Veneto Region (Northern Italy, population 4,900,000) from 2008 to 2019. We analyzed the trends in crude and age-adjusted annual rates of mortality related to PE (reported either as underlying cause or in any position in the death certificate) using Joinpoint regression; in the contribution of PE to mortality (proportionate mortality); and, using logistic regression, in the association between PE and cancer at death. Results Between 2008 and 2019, the annual age-standardized mortality rate related to PE in Veneto decreased from 20.7 to 12.6 deaths per 100,000 population for PE in any position of the death certificate, and from 4.6 to 2.2 deaths per 100,000 population for PE as underlying cause of death. PE-related proportionate mortality remained up to twice as high in women. The age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio for cancer in deaths with versus without PE constantly increased from 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–1.16) in 2008 to 1.58 (95% CI: 1.35–1.83) in 2019. Conclusion The descending trends in PE-related mortality reported for Europe up to 2015 for both sexes continued thereafter in this high-income region of Northern Italy. However, sex differences in proportionate mortality persist. The increasing strength in the association between cancer and PE may indicate a change in risk factor distribution, calling for tailored management practices in this patient group.

BackgroundAlthough a high prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) has been reported in association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in critically ill patients, nationwide data on the outcome of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and PE are still limited. Thus, we investigated seasonal trends and predictors of in-hospital death in patients with COVID-19 and PE in Germany.MethodsWe used a German nationwide inpatient sample to analyse data on hospitalisations among COVID-19 patients with and without PE during 2020, and to detect changes in PE prevalence and case fatality in comparison with 2019.ResultsWe analysed 176 137 COVID-19 hospitalisations in 2020; PE was recorded in 1.9% (n=3362) of discharge certificates. Almost one-third of patients with COVID-19 and PE died during the in-hospital course (28.7%) compared with COVID-19 patients without PE (17.7%). Between 2019 and 2020, numbers of PE-related hospitalisations were largely unchanged (98 485versus97 718), whereas the case fatality rate of PE increased slightly in 2020 (from 12.7% to 13.1%; pversus12.5%; pConclusionsIn Germany, the prevalence of PE events during hospitalisations was similar in 2019 and 2020. However, the fatality rate among patients with both COVID-19 and PE was substantially higher than that in those with only one of these diseases, suggesting a life-threatening additive prognostic impact of the COVID-19–PE combination.

Although the predominant occupation origin of mesothelioma is well known, determinant factors involved in filing compensation are scarcely investigated. A linkage between incident mesothelioma cases collected by Italian mesothelioma register (ReNaM) and compensation claims and assignment by Italian national insurance Institute (INAIL) has been conducted for cases diagnosed in the period 2010-2015 and occupational exposure to asbestos. Logistic regression models and decision tree models have been used to identify demographic, diagnostic and anamnestic factors significant for filing and receiving compensation. We have included in the analyses 5019 mesothelioma cases, and among them, 3321 (66.2 %) were found in INAIL archives as mesothelioma cases who fil claims for compensation. The modalities of asbestos exposure, sector of working activities and job type are crucial factors. Furthermore, gender, age at diagnosis, area of residence have been found to be significant predictors of probability to fil claims. Relative risks to fil claims were obtained for the above determinants and conditions to maximize the probability to obtain compensation identified. Our findings demonstrate that there is a need to enforce policies for improving awareness of the occupational origin for mesothelioma cases. Stakeholders, occupational health and safety institutions can play an important role for improving the sensitization regarding the rights of compensation benefits, ensuring the equity and the effectiveness of insurance, welfare and public health systems.

Background An abnormal ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) is a marker of the risk for increased total and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. However, it is not clear whether it is associated with an even worse prognosis in patients with previous CV events or with cancer mortality. Materials and Methods Consecutive subjects undergoing ABI assessment for suspected peripheral artery disease or for stratification of CV risk in ten centers in the Veneto Region (northeast Italy), between 2011 and 2014 were enrolled. The ABI was expressed as normal ≥0.9 to ≤1.3, and abnormal 1.3. All-cause mortality and CV or cancer mortality and hospitalizations for CV disease were collected from administrative databases up to December 2018. Results The study enrolled 1,177 patients. ABI was abnormal in 57.2%. Median follow-up was 61.6 months (53.4–70.1). All-cause, CV and cancer mortality were higher in patients with abnormal than normal ABI, with hazard ratios (HR) respectively 2.0 (95% CI 1.48–2.69), 1.98 (95% CI 1.24–3.17) and 1.85 (95% CI 1.09–3.15). Among subjects with abnormal ABI, the risk of overall mortality, HR 1.57 (95% CI 1.17–2.12), and CV mortality, HR 2.39 (95% CI 1.43–3.99), was higher in those with previous CV events. These latter also had a higher risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction and stroke: HR 1.85 (95% CI 1.023.37) and 2.17 (95% CI 1.10–4.28). Conclusions The co-existence of abnormal ABI and a history of CV events identifies subjects at higher risk, who call for a more aggressive approach. Abnormal ABI is also a predictor of cancer mortality.

AIMS To compare mortality between anticoagulated atrial fibrillation patients and general population and among anticoagulation specific categories [direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs. vitamin K antagonists(VKA)]. METHODS This was a population-based study including all residents in the Veneto Region aged 18 years or older. Administrative claims from July 2013 to September 2017 were used to identify anticoagulation-naive atrial fibrillation patients. Propensity score matching was employed to compare patients on new and old anticoagulants. RESULTS Overall, 17 225 patients on direct anticoagulants were 1 : 1 matched to patients on VKA (49% males, median age 77 years). Mortality was higher with respect to the general population by 22 and 39% among patients on direct anticoagulants and VKA, respectively. Mortality from intracranial hemorrhage in the direct anticoagulant group was similar to that in the general population [standardized mortality ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.76-1.48], whereas it almost doubled in VKA group (1.92, 95% CI 1.49-2.46). When directly compared with the VKA cohort, the risk of death from intracranial hemorrhage halved with DOACs (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.37-0.84). CONCLUSION The mortality rate of anticoagulated atrial fibrillation patients is increased with respect to the general population, particularly among patients treated with VKAs. The mortality rate for intracranial bleeding with DOACs is similar to that observed in the general population.

Pulmonary embolism is a known complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Epidemiological population data focusing on pulmonary embolism-related mortality is limited.Veneto is a region in Northern Italy counting 4,879,133 inhabitants in 2020. All ICD-10 codes from death certificates (1st January 2018 to 31st December 2020) were examined. Comparisons were made between 2020 (COVID-19 outbreak) and the average of the two-year period 2018-2019. All-cause, COVID-19-related and the following cardiovascular deaths have been studied: pulmonary embolism, hypertensive disease, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and cerebrovascular diseases.In 2020, a total of 56,412 deaths were recorded, corresponding to a 16% (n = 7806) increase compared to the period 2018-2019. The relative percentage increase during the so-called first and second waves was 19% and 44%, respectively. Of 7806 excess deaths, COVID-19 codes were reported in 90% of death certificates. The percentage increase in pulmonary embolism-related deaths was 27% (95%CI 19-35%), 1018 deaths during the year 2020, compared to 804 mean annual deaths in the period 2018-2019. This was more evident among men, who experience an absolute increase of 147 deaths (+45%), than in women (+67 deaths; +14%). The increase was primarily driven by deaths recorded during the second wave (+91% in October-December). An excess of deaths, particularly among men and during the second wave, was also observed for other cardiovascular diseases, notably hypertensive disease, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease.We observed a considerable increase of all-cause mortality during the year 2020. This was mainly driven by COVID-19 and its complications. The relative increase in the number of pulmonary embolism-related deaths was more prominent during the second wave, suggesting a possible underdiagnosis during the first wave.

IntroductionCardiovascular benefits deriving from physical activity are well known, but it is unclear whether physical activity trajectories in late life are associated with different risks of cardiovascular diseases.MethodsProgetto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A.) is a cohort study of 3099 Italians aged ≥65 years with baseline assessment in 1995–1997 and follow-up visits at 4 and 7 years. Surveillance was extended to 2018 by linkage with hospital and mortality records. Prevalent and incident cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke) were identified through clinical examination, questionnaire, or hospital records. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was considered as a time-varying variable. Physical activity trajectories were categorised as: stable-low, high-decreasing, low-increasing and stable-high. Exposure was also assessed at 70, 75, 80 and 85 years.ResultsOverall, physical activity was associated with lower rates of incident cardiovascular diseases. A significant risk reduction was present among men and was stronger earlier in late life (70–75 years). Trajectories of stable-high physical activity were associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular outcomes among men (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.86) compared with those with stable-low trajectories (p for trend 0.002). No significant association was found with stroke. The greatest cardiovascular risk reduction was observed for >20 min/day of physical activity, and was more marked at 70 years.ConclusionIncreasingly active trajectories of physical activity were associated with lower rates of cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality. Promoting at least 20 min/day of physical activity early in late life seems to provide the greatest cardiovascular benefits.

The aim of this study is to assess the role of diabetes as a cause of death through different epidemic waves of COVID-19.The annual percentage change in age-standardized rates (APC) was estimated for diabetes as the underlying (UCOD) and as multiple causes of death (MCOD) in 2008-2019. Diabetes-related deaths in 2020 were compared to the 2018-2019 average. SARIMA models were applied to monthly excess in mortality considering seasonality and long-term trends.2018-2019-Age-standardized mortality rates decreased, especially among females (MCOD: APC -2.49, 95%CI -3.01/-1.97%). In 2020, deaths increased by 19% (95%CI 13-25%) for UCOD, and by 27% (95%CI 24-30%) for MCOD. Diabetes and COVID-19 accounted for 74% of such excess. During the first epidemic wave, the increase in observed rates vs predicted by the model was larger in males (March +39%, April +46%) than in females (+30% and +32%). In the second wave, a huge excess of similar magnitude was observed in the two sexes; rates in December exceeded those predicted by more than 100%.The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly interrupted a long-term declining trend in mortality associated to diabetes. MCOD analyses are warranted to fully estimate the impact of epidemic waves on diabetes-related mortality.

AimsThe present study investigated the relationship between suicide mortality and contact with a community mental health centre (CMHC) among the adult population in the Veneto Region (northeast Italy, population 4.9 million). Specifically, it estimated the effects of age, gender, time elapsed since the first contact with a CMHC, calendar year of diagnosis and diagnostic category on suicide mortality and modality.MethodsThe regional mortality archive was linked to electronic medical records for all residents aged 18–84 years who had been admitted to a CMHC in the Veneto Region in 2008. In total, 54 350 subjects diagnosed with a mental disorder were included in the cohort and followed up for a period of 10 years, ending in 2018. Years of life lost (YLL) were computed and suicide mortality was estimated as a mortality rate ratio (MRR).ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 4.4% of all registered deaths were from suicide, but, given the premature age of death (mean 52.2 years), suicide death accounted for 8.7% of YLL; this percentage was particularly high among patients with borderline personality disorder (27.2%), substance use disorder (12.1%) and bipolar disorder (11.5%) who also presented the highest suicide mortality rates. Suicide mortality rates were halved in female patients (MRR 0.45; 95% CI 0.37–0.55), highest in patients aged 45–54 years (MRR 1.56; 95% CI 1.09–2.23), and particularly elevated in the 2 months following first contact with CMHCs (MRR 10.4; 95% CI 5.30–20.3). A sensitivity analysis restricted to patients first diagnosed in 2008 confirmed the results. The most common modalities of suicide were hanging (47%), jumping (18%), poisoning (13%) and drowning (10%), whereas suicide from firearm was rare (4%). Gender, age at death and time since first contact with CMHCs influenced suicide modality.ConclusionsSuicide prevention strategies must be promptly initiated after patients’ first contact with CMHCs. Patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, substance use disorder and bipolar disorder may be at particularly high risk for suicide.

Vinyl-chloride monomer (VCM) is classified as a known carcinogen of the liver; for lung cancer, some results suggest a potential association with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dust. We evaluated the relationship between lung cancer mortality and exposure as PVC baggers in a cohort of workers involved in VCM production and polymerization in Porto Marghera (Venice, Italy) considering both employment status and smoking habits. The workers were studied between 1973 and 2017. A subset of them (848 over 1658) was interviewed in the 2000s to collect information about smoking habits and alcohol consumption. Missing values were imputed by the Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) algorithm. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using regional reference rates by task (never, ever, and exclusively baggers) and by smoking habits. Mortality rate ratios (MRR), adjusted for age, calendar time, time since first exposure, and smoking habits, were obtained via Poisson regression using Rubin’s rule to combine results from imputed datasets calculating the fraction of information due to non-response. Lung cancer mortality was lower than the regional reference in the whole cohort (lung cancer SMR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.75–1.11). PVC baggers showed a 50% increase in lung cancer mortality compared to regional rates (SMR = 1.48; 95% CI 0.82–2.68). In the cohort analyses, a doubled risk of lung cancer mortality among PVC baggers was confirmed after adjustment for smoking and time-dependent covariates (MRR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.04–3.81). Exposure to PVC dust resulting from activity as bagger in a polymerization PVC plant was associated with an increase in lung cancer mortality risk after adjustment for smoking habits.

Parkinson's disease (PD) mortality burden is increasing worldwide, but accurate estimates on the magnitude of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are missing. Mortality rates vary largely when considering PD as underlying cause of death (UCOD), or as one among multiple causes reported in death certificates (MCOD). The aim of this study is to assess COVID-19 impact on PD-related mortality trends using the UCOD and MCOD approach.Mortality records between 01/2008-12/2020 of residents aged ≥45 years in Veneto Region (Northeastern Italy) with any mention of PD were collected. Age-standardized sex-specific mortality rates were estimated for PD-related deaths as UCOD and MCOD to assess time trends. The average annual percentage change in age-standardized rates (AAPC) was estimated by linear regression models. Monthly mortality in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, was plotted against the 2018-2019 average.Overall, 13,746 PD-related deaths (2.3% of all deaths) were identified, 52% males, median age 84 years. Proportional mortality increased from 1.9% (2008) to 2.8% (2020). AAPC through 2008-2019 was +5.2% for males and +5.3% for females in analyses of the UCOD, and +1.4% in both genders based on MCOD. Excess in PD-related mortality during 2020 corresponded to 19% for UCOD and 28% for MCOD, with the latter showing two peaks corresponding to the first (28%) and second (59%) pandemic waves.Age-standardized PD-related mortality rates have steeply increased during COVID-19 pandemic, amplifying a pre-existing long-term trend. Hence, surveillance of mortality associated to PD is warranted in the forthcoming pandemic and post-pandemic years.

to assess the burden of epilepsy as the underlying or contributory cause of death, to investigate time trends in mortality with epilepsy, and to examine the main associated comorbidities.All deaths from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2019 with any mention of epilepsy were retrieved from the mortality register of the Veneto Region (Italy). The average annual percent change (AAPC) in age-standardized mortality rates was estimated by log-linear models. The association between mention of epilepsy and of selected disease categories in death certificates was assessed by conditional logistic regression.Any mention of epilepsy was reported in 5,907 death certificates; of these, epilepsy was selected as the underlying cause in 1,020 decedents. Deaths with epilepsy represented 0.8% of total mortality in 2008-2011, increasing to 1.3% in 2016-2019. The AAPC was 4.7% for males (95% CI 3.0-6.4, p0.001) and 6.2% for females (95% CI 4.5-7.9, p0.001). A strong association was found between mention of epilepsy and meningitis/encephalitis, congenital anomalies/cerebral palsy and other paralytic syndromes, central nervous system tumours, cerebrovascular diseases, and dementia/Alzheimer.The present analysis from Southern Europe confirms recent reports limited to the UK and the US on increasing epilepsy-related mortality rates. aging of the population and the growing prevalence of neurological disorders are among long-term causes of this unfavorable trend; further studies on mortality data and other health archives are warranted.

Background In the Veneto Region, 421,000 coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) cases and 11,000 deaths have been reported since 21 February 2020. The pandemic spread particularly in nursing homes (NH). Objective This study estimated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection among NH residents, focusing on the risk of hospitalisation and death due to COVID-19 compared with the general older population. It also provided evidence of risk changes over time. Methods Older people, resident in Veneto, were enrolled from the regional registry of the population. We collected also information about demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, COVID-19 positivity, NH institutionalization, hospitalisation and date of death. Patients were assigned to NH or non-NH residents groups through a propensity score 1:1 matching. The follow-up period was defined as 21 February 2020 – 3 May 2021 and then divided into three waves. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence interval were estimated by using Poisson models with robust estimation of variance. Results NH residents showed a higher risk of COVID-19 infection (RR = 6.28; 6.03–6.54), hospitalisation for COVID-19 (RR = 2.20; 2.05–2.36) and death with COVID-19 (RR = 6.07; 5.58–6.61). Conclusion NH residents shared common spaces with other patients and healthcare professionals and were more exposed to infections. Nonetheless, in Italy from late December 2020 to May 2021, 95% of NH residents and their healthcare professionals received at least one vaccine dose and RRs for all outcomes decreased in NH.

Background and aimsSouth Asian (SA) ethnicity is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the implications of considering SA ethnicity as a "risk-enhancing factor" per recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines are not fully understood.MethodsWe used data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study, a community-based cohort study of individuals of SA ancestry living in the US. The Pooled Cohort Equations were used to estimate 10-year ASCVD risk. Metabolic risk factors and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores were assessed.ResultsAmong 1114 MASALA participants included (median age 56 years, 48% women), 28% were already using a statin at baseline, 25% had prevalent diabetes, and 59% qualified for 10-year ASCVD risk assessment for statin allocation purposes. The prevalence of low, borderline, intermediate, and high estimated ASCVD risk was 65%, 11%, 20% and 5%, respectively. Among participants at intermediate risk, 30% had CAC=0 and 37% had CAC>100, while among participants at borderline risk, 54% had CAC=0 and 13% had CAC>100. Systematic consideration of intermediate and, particularly, of borderline risk individuals as statin candidates would enrich the statin-consideration group with CAC=0 participants up to 35%. Prediabetes and abdominal obesity were highly prevalent across all estimated risk strata, including among those with CAC=0.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that systematic consideration of borderline risk SAs as statin candidates might result in considerable overtreatment, and further risk assessment with CAC may help better personalize statin allocation in these individuals. Early, aggressive lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing the risk of incident diabetes should be strongly recommended in US SAs, particularly among those considered candidates for statin therapy for primary prevention. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the favorable prognosis of CAC=0 in SAs.

Mortality from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is increasing in most European countries, but there are no data for Italy. We analysed the registry data from a region in northeastern Italy to assess the trends in IPF-related mortality during 2008–2019, to compare results of underlying vs. multiple cause of death analyses, and to describe the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. We identified IPF (ICD-10 code J84.1) among the causes of death registered in 557,932 certificates in the Veneto region. We assessed time trends in annual age-standardized mortality rates by gender and age (40–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years). IPF was the underlying cause of 1310 deaths in the 2251 certificates mentioning IPF. For all age groups combined, the age-standardized mortality rate from IPF identified as the underlying cause of death was close to the European median (males and females: 3.1 and 1.3 per 100,000/year, respectively). During 2008–2019, mortality rates increased in men aged ≥85 years (annual percent change of 6.5%, 95% CI: 2.0, 11.2%), but not among women or for the younger age groups. A 72% excess of IPF-related deaths was registered in March–April 2020 (mortality ratio 1.72, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.24). IPF mortality was increasing among older men in northeastern Italy. The burden of IPF was heavier than assessed by routine statistics, since less than two out of three IPF-related deaths were directly attributed to this condition. COVID-19 was accompanied by a remarkable increase in IPF-related mortality.

Portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and angiosarcoma of the liver (ASL) have been reported among workers exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) since the 1970s. In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer established the association of VCM with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), though only on the basis of the few cases available. Thereafter, recent reports from the United States cohort and a European sub-cohort of vinyl chloride workers provided compelling evidence of a strong association between cumulative VCM exposure and HCC risk. Further areas of research include the risk of liver cancer at lower levels of exposure and different patterns of risk of ASL and HCC with the time since exposure. The evidence of interaction between VCM exposure and other known liver carcinogens such as alcohol and chronic viral infection provides clues for the health surveillance of exposed workers. Notably, also the risk of VCM-associated chronic liver disease is modulated by alcohol consumption, viral infection, and genetic polymorphism. A counter-intuitive finding from cohort studies of exposed workers is the lower mortality from liver cirrhosis with respect to the general population; this can be attributed to the healthy worker effect and to the selection of liver cancer as the cause of death in the presence of concomitant chronic liver disease. Studies designed to overcome these intricacies confirmed an association between cumulative VCM exposure and the risk of liver cirrhosis.

Anticoagulation therapy is central for the management of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Persistence with oral anticoagulation is essential to prevent thromboembolic complications.We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study in the Veneto Region (north-eastern Italy, about 5 million inhabitants) using the regional health system databases. Naïve patients initiating direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention in NVAF from July 2013 to September 2017 were included in the study. Patients were identified using Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes, excluding other indications for anticoagulation therapy using ICD-9CM codes. Treatment persistence was defined as the time from initiation to discontinuation of the therapy, including any therapeutic switching among DOACs. Baseline characteristics and comorbidities associated to the persistence of therapy with DOACs were explored by means of Kaplan-Meier curves and assessed through Cox regression.Naïve patients initiating direct oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in NVAF identified in a 4.25-year period are 17,920. After one year, the persistence to the DOACs is 72.9%. Approximately 9.8% of the discontinuations are due to switch to vitamin k antagonists (VKAs). On multivariate analysis, factors negatively affecting persistence were female gender, age65 years, renal disease and history of bleeding. On the other hand, persistence was better in patients with hypertension, previous cerebral ischemic events, and previous acute myocardial infarction.In this study of real world data, one out four naive patients stopped treatment with DOACs within 12 months. Some characteristics may identify patients with poor persistence.

South Asian (SA) individuals represent a large, growing population in a number of European countries. These individuals, particularly first-generation SA immigrants, are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, atherogenic dyslipidaemia, and coronary heart disease than most other racial/ethnic groups living in Europe. SAs also have an increased risk of stroke compared to European-born individuals. Despite a large body of conclusive evidence, SA-specific cardiovascular health promotion and preventive interventions are currently scarce in most European countries, as well as at the European Union level. In this narrative review, we aim to increase awareness among clinicians and healthcare authorities of the public health importance of cardiovascular disease among SAs living in Europe, as well as the need for tailored interventions targeting this group - particularly, in countries where SA immigration is a recent phenomenon. To this purpose, we review key studies on the epidemiology and risk factors of cardiovascular disease in SAs living in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and other European countries. Building on these, we discuss potential opportunities for multi-level, targeted, tailored cardiovascular prevention strategies. Because lifestyle interventions often face important cultural barriers in SAs, particularly for first-generation immigrants; we also discuss features that may help maximise the effectiveness of those interventions. Finally, we evaluate knowledge gaps, currently available risk stratification tools such as QRISK-3, and future directions in this important field.

The true burden of sepsis is largely unknown. Conventional underlying cause of death (UCoD) statistics largely underestimates sepsis-related mortality. This study aims to analyze all the conditions mentioned in the death certificates (multiple causes of death-MCoD) to estimate the nationwide burden of sepsis-related mortality in Italy, to investigate time trends and main comorbidities in sepsis-related deaths. All death certificates mentioning sepsis from 2003 to 2015 were analyzed. Age-standardized mortality rates were calculated for sepsis as both UCoD and MCoD, by gender and broad age groups. The ratio of the age-standardized proportions of any mention of sepsis in the presence/absence of associated chronic diseases (ASPR) was computed. The number of certificates reporting sepsis increased from 18,939 in 2003 to 49,010 in 2015 (from 3 to 8% of all deaths). The increase in sepsis mortality rates was larger for UCoD (males, + 200%; females, + 175%) than for MCoD-based figures (+ 100%; + 90%); MCoD rates remained noticeably higher than UCoD rates (2015, 87.3 per 100,000 vs. 16.3 for males; 54.9 vs. 11.8 for females). The largest increase was observed among the very elderly. The association between sepsis and chronic diseases was stronger for subjects aged less than 75 years. The increased awareness within the medical community in addition to the growing susceptible elderly population and the spread of antimicrobial resistance could have contributed to the sepsis-related mortality increase. MCoD statistics could help in recognizing sepsis not only as a clinical challenge, but also as a major public health issue.

The rapidly growing population of elderly subjects with multimorbidity is at risk of receiving fragmented and uncoordinated care, and have frequent hospitalizations and emergency room (ER) visits. The study aims to describe the impact of a care management program (CMP) developed in the Veneto region (Northeastern Italy) for patients affected by chronic heart failure (CHF) and multimorbidity. The CMP was provided to 330 patients > 65 years suffering from CHF and multimorbidity. They were compared to a propensity score matched reference group who received usual care. The intervention was provided by care manager nurses and General Practitioners working in the community. The quality of care from the patients’ perspective was assessed by means of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC). The effectiveness of the CMP has been evaluated comparing time changes in hospital admissions in the medical area and ER visits between the intervention and the reference group. The median PACIC overall score was 4 out of 5. The intervention group showed a reduction over time by 39% in hospitalization rates and by 33% in ER visits. The recourse to hospital care and ER did not change in the reference group. The current results indicate that a CMP can reduce Emergency Room visits and hospital admissions for elderly patients with CHF and multimorbidity. The CMP by emphasizing prevention, self-management, continuity and coordination of care, is beneficial among older community-dwelling multimorbid persons as compared to usual care.

to assess the impact of a cement plant emissions on mortality, hospitalizations, and cancer incidence in the residents of the municipality of Pederobba (Veneto Region, Northern Italy).retrospective residential cohort study.the study was conducted in Pederobba and in 7 neighbouring municipalities (Cavaso Del Tomba, Cornuda, Crocetta del Montello, Monfumo, Segusino, Valdobbiadene, Vidor). The cohort included 12,116 residents in Pederobba (151,784 person-years) and 49,004 residents in the neighbouring municipalities (660,268 person-years) in the period 1996-2017. On the basis of the model estimate of the annual average concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the municipality of Pederobba was divided into an area with higher exposure of NO2 and another one at lower exposure of NO2. Two comparisons were made: the first between the residents in Pederobba and residents in the neighbouring municipalities; the second between people residing in Pederobba in the higher and in the lower exposure areas.analysis of cause-specific mortality and hospitalization and cancer incidence, with particular attention to the diseases for which there is evidence of association with exposure to air-pollutants. For cancer incidence, available data were limited to the municipalities of Pederobba, Cavaso Del Tomba, Cornuda, Crocetta del Montello, and Monfumo for the period 1996-2015.the comparison among Pederobba and the 7 neighbouring municipalities showed that within Pederobba residents there was: • a slight increase in the risk of death from all causes in women, due to circulatory diseases (HR 1.29; 95%CI 1.15-1.45), in particular ischaemic heart disease (HR 1.55; 1.27-1.89) and cerebrovascular diseases (HR 1.35; 1.06-1.72); • a moderate increase in hospitalizations for circulatory diseases, such as heart failure (HR 1.17; 1.00-1.37) and cerebrovascular diseases (HR 1.41; 1.17 -1.70), especially in elderly women; • a slight increase in hospitalizations for respiratory diseases, especially in older women (HR 1.19; 1.04-1.37); • no difference were observed in cancer incidence, neither for all nor for single cancer sites, in both genders.The comparison between residents in the higher exposure area and those in the lower exposure area showed no difference in mortality, hospitalizations, and cancer incidence.higher mortality and hospitalization rates from circulatory and respiratory causes detected in Pederobba compared to the neighbouring municipalities were not confirmed by the comparison between residents in the higher and in the lower exposure area. Overall, data did not show a clear, well-characterized relationship between the exposure to pollutants emitted by the cement plant and the onset of chronic diseases. The excess of mortality and hospitalization for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, reported especially in older women, deserves further investigation, because of the complex cause-effect relations of these diseases.