Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101549
Carolina Ortiz-Cortés , Leticia Fernández-Friera , José M. Gámez , Ángel Cequier Fillat , Clara Bonanad Lozano , Antonia Sambola , Lorenzo Fácila Rubio , Luis Rodríguez Padial , Raquel Campuzano Ruíz , Milagros Pedreira Pérez , José M. de la Torre Hernández , Nicolás Rosillo , Sofía Sánchez Fernández , Náyade del Prado , José Luis Bernal , Cristina Fernández Pérez , Diego Alvaredo , Sergio Rico-Martín , Francisco Javier Elola-Somoza
Background
Heart failure remains one of the leading causes of hospital admissions and mortality worldwide, with substantial regional disparities in clinical outcomes. These variations have been linked to differences in socioeconomic conditions, health determinants, and health-care system organisation. The aim of this study was to analyse regional differences in hospitalisation rates and in-hospital mortality for heart failure across Spain’s autonomous communities, and to examine their associations with hospital characteristics and regional health determinants.
Methods
We conducted a nationwide, retrospective, population-based study using Spain’s national hospital discharge database (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos, CMBD) to identify adults (≥18 years) discharged from public general hospitals within the Spanish National Health System (SNS) with a primary diagnosis of heart failure from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022. Differences in hospitalisation rates and risk-standardised in-hospital mortality between autonomous communities were analysed, along with associations with hospital characteristics and regional health determinants.
Findings
A total of 764,083 hospitalisations for heart failure were analysed. The mean age of participants was 80.8 ± 10.6 years. The age- and sex-standardised hospitalisation rate was 255 per 100,000 inhabitants, with significant differences between autonomous communities. Crude in-hospital mortality rate was 11.3% (86,426 episodes), with substantial regional variation in risk-standardised mortality rate (ranged from 7.7% to 16.4%) No associations were found between hospital characteristics and risk-standardised mortality rate at the regional level. Regional health determinants were highly collinear; among all determinants assessed, per-capita gross domestic product was independently associated with lower risk-standardised mortality (βGDPpc = −0.77; 95% CI: −1.04 to −0.49; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.77).
Interpretation
Significant regional differences in hospitalisation rates and risk-standardised mortality rates were observed among patients hospitalised for heart failure. Regional disparities in gross domestic product per capita may partly explain these differences. These results have clinical and policy implications, underscoring the need to consider socioeconomic determinants when analysing health outcomes and designing public policies aimed at reducing health inequalities. Our findings might be relevant to other European countries with similar public health systems.
Funding
This work was supported by the Spanish Society of Cardiology (Sociedad Española de Cardiología, SEC).
背景心力衰竭仍然是世界范围内住院和死亡的主要原因之一,在临床结果方面存在很大的地区差异。这些差异与社会经济条件、健康决定因素和卫生保健系统组织的差异有关。本研究的目的是分析西班牙各自治区心力衰竭住院率和住院死亡率的地区差异,并研究其与医院特征和地区健康决定因素的关系。方法:我们利用西班牙国家医院出院数据库(Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos, CMBD)开展了一项全国性的、回顾性的、基于人群的研究,以确定2016年1月1日至2022年12月31日期间从西班牙国家卫生系统(SNS)公立综合医院出院、初步诊断为心力衰竭的成年人(≥18岁)。分析了自治区之间住院率和风险标准化住院死亡率的差异,以及与医院特征和区域健康决定因素的关系。研究结果共分析了764,083例心力衰竭住院病例。参与者的平均年龄为80.8±10.6岁。按年龄和性别标准化的住院率为每10万居民255人,各自治区之间存在显著差异。粗住院死亡率为11.3%(86,426例),风险标准化死亡率存在很大的区域差异(范围从7.7%到16.4%)。在区域层面上,医院特征与风险标准化死亡率之间未发现关联。区域健康决定因素高度共线性;在评估的所有决定因素中,人均国内生产总值与较低的风险标准化死亡率独立相关(βGDPpc = - 0.77; 95% CI: - 1.04至- 0.49;p < 0.001; R2 = 0.77)。在因心力衰竭住院的患者中,住院率和风险标准化死亡率存在显著的地区差异。人均国内生产总值(gdp)的地区差异可能在一定程度上解释了这些差异。这些结果具有临床和政策意义,强调在分析健康结果和设计旨在减少健康不平等的公共政策时需要考虑社会经济决定因素。我们的发现可能与其他拥有类似公共卫生系统的欧洲国家有关。这项工作得到了西班牙心脏病学会(Sociedad Española de Cardiología, SEC)的支持。
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Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101543
Background
Detailed knowledge about the disease burden from unhealthy diet in Nordic and Baltic countries is lacking. This study quantifies and compares deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from dietary risks in these countries.
Methods
Data from the Global Burden of Disease study 2023 (GBD 2023) was used. Attributable disease burden from 15 dietary risks was analysed using the comparative risk assessment framework. Steps included: (1) estimating dietary intake; (2) assessing relative risks of dietary factors on disease endpoints; (3) determining theoretical minimum risk exposure levels (TMREL); and (4) estimating dietary risk-attributable disease burden as numbers and age-standardised rates (ASR) of deaths and DALYs.
Findings
Across the Nordic and Baltic countries (total population = 34,064,020), dietary risks resulted in 38,450 attributed deaths (95% uncertainty interval 10,749–59,386) and 735,284 DALYs (242,417–1,06,638) in 2023. Leading dietary risks included high intake of processed meat and low intake of fruits and whole grains. Dietary risks accounted for 24.9% of cardiovascular disease burden (5.0–37.6), 29.6% of diabetes and kidney disease burden (18.6–40.0), and 7.8% of neoplasm burden (2.9–12.1), with higher burden in the Baltic countries and Greenland than in the Nordic countries.
Interpretation
A substantial disease burden can be attributed to dietary risks in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Knowledge about the impact from unhealthy diet can inform targeted public health policies.
Funding
Gates Foundation and Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
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Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101589
Markus Frischhut , Barbara Prainsack , Tamara Hervey , Anniek de Ruijter , Tomislav Sokol , Nick Guldemond , Joaquin Cayon-De las Cuevas , André den Exter , Nick Fahy , Guerino Massimo Oscar Fares
{"title":"20 Years of EU health values (2006–2026): four proposals for the future","authors":"Markus Frischhut , Barbara Prainsack , Tamara Hervey , Anniek de Ruijter , Tomislav Sokol , Nick Guldemond , Joaquin Cayon-De las Cuevas , André den Exter , Nick Fahy , Guerino Massimo Oscar Fares","doi":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101589","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101589","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":53223,"journal":{"name":"Lancet Regional Health-Europe","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 101589"},"PeriodicalIF":13.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101533
Agata Łaszewska , Timea Helter , Ashley Baldwin , Anthony J. Cleare , Philip J. Cowen , Jonathan Evans , Quentin J.M. Huys , Micheal Kurkar , Alexander C. Lewis , Neil Nixon , Abhinav Rastogi , Stuart Watson , John R. Geddes , Michael Browning , Judit Simon
Background
Pramipexole augmentation of antidepressant treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) has been shown to improve symptom burden over 12 weeks but with some adverse effects compared to placebo augmentation. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pramipexole augmentation for TRD.
Methods
We conducted an economic evaluation as part of the PAX-D trial over 12 and 48 weeks. Two costing perspectives, National Health Service and Personal Social Services (NHS + PSS) and societal, were adopted. The primary outcome was quality-adjusted life year (QALY) based on the EQ-5D-5L. Secondary outcomes included year of full capability (YFC) based on the ICECAP-A, and capability-weighted life year (CWLY) based on the OxCAP-MH. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were reported alongside sensitivity analyses. The trial was registered with ISCTRN (ISRCTN84666271) and EudraCT (2019-001023-13) and is complete.
Findings
From the NHS + PSS perspective, mean incremental cost of pramipexole was £60 (95% CI: −£55, £176) over 12 weeks and £811 (95% CI: £110, £1513) over 48 weeks. The difference in QALY gained was 0.012 (95% CI: 0.003, 0.021) over 12 weeks and 0.090 (95% CI: 0.036, 0.144) over 48 weeks, equivalent to 4 (95% CI: 1, 8) and 33 (95% CI: 13, 52) days in perfect health. The ICER was £5069/QALY (95% CI: −£3642, £35,608) over 12 weeks and £9007/QALY (95% CI: £2,219, £27,258) over 48 weeks, representing over 90% probability of cost-effectiveness at £20,000/QALY threshold. From the societal perspective, pramipexole was on average cost saving and more effective over 48 weeks. Alternative analyses provided consistent conclusions.
Interpretation
Pramipexole augmentation for TRD has demonstrated both clinical and cost-effectiveness. Further trials, directly comparing pramipexole to other augmentation strategies, will be useful in determining the position of this repurposed medication in the treatment pathway of depression.
Funding
National Institute for Health and Care Research, Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme.
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Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101550
Ruth Kipping , Sharon Anne Simpson , Kim Hannam , Peter S. Blair , Russell Jago , Corby K. Martin , Zoi Toumpakari , Laura Johnson , James Garbutt , Rachel Maishman , James White , Rebecca Langford , William Hollingworth , Madeleine Cochrane , Laurence Moore , Chris Metcalfe , Anne Martin , Stephanie Chambers , Thomas Reid , Megan Pardoe , Miranda Pallan
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provision is widespread. NAPSACC UK is an intervention in ECECs designed to improve nutrition and physical activity policies, practice and provision through ECEC staff workshops, self-assessment and assistance over one year. It was adapted for the UK from the USA and we tested whether it reduced energy consumption and increased physical activity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Repeated cross-sectional, multicentre, two-arm, single-blind, parallel-group, cluster-randomised controlled trial including ECEC providers in the UK. The randomisation was conducted by a statistician who was blinded to ECEC provider identity, with allocation within each local authority area and by ECEC Index of Multiple Deprivation scores to minimise differences between arms. Participants were not blind to allocation. Co-primary outcomes after 12-months were child average total energy consumed per eating occasion in the ECEC (lunch or snack) and child accelerometer-assessed total physical activity on ECEC days. Secondary outcomes were moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sedentary time, energy served and consumed at lunch and snacks, diet quality, and Body Mass Index z-score. The senior statistician and majority of co-investigators were blinded. Analysis was intention-to-treat. Trial registration is ISRCTN33134697 and is completed.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Between 14 March 2022 and 25 March 2024 we enrolled 52 ECEC providers (25 intervention; 27 control) and 835 2-5 year-olds (401 intervention, 434 control). The co-primary outcomes were assessed 12 months after baseline with data provided by 382 children for nutrition and 244 children for physical activity. There was no evidence of a difference in the co-primary outcomes compared to control of average kcal per eating occasion in ECEC (adjusted geometric mean ratio 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.03; p = 0.09)) or total physical activity (adjusted mean difference (aMD) −2.13 min (95% CI −10.96 to 6.70; p = 0.64)). There was evidence of lower lunch energy served (aMD −69.1 kcal per occasion (95% CI −116 to −22.2; p = 0.004)) and consumed (aMD −67.7 kcal per occasion (95% CI −118.6 to −18.7, p = 0.009)) with the intervention. There was no evidence of differences in other secondary outcomes. No adverse events were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>NAPSACC UK did not improve average kcal per eating occasion in ECEC or physical activity. Lower lunch energy servings and consumption closer to recommendations were observed as secondary outcomes. The lower fidelity to the intervention than intended and staffing pressures give insight into interpretation of the null result. Therefore, we recommend that policy-level and statutory changes, which require low agency by individual ECEC settings are research and policy priorities for nutrition and physical activity in ECEC.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div><span>National Institute for He
背景:幼儿教育和护理(ECEC)的提供是广泛的。NAPSACC UK是ECEC的一项干预措施,旨在通过ECEC员工研讨会、自我评估和援助,在一年多的时间里改善营养和体育活动政策、实践和提供。我们测试了它是否减少了能量消耗和增加了体力活动。方法:重复横断面、多中心、双臂、单盲、平行组、集群随机对照试验,包括英国的ECEC提供者。随机化是由一名统计学家进行的,他对ECEC提供者身份不知情,在每个地方当局区域内进行分配,并通过ECEC多重剥夺指数得分来尽量减少两组之间的差异。参与者并非对分配视而不见。12个月后的共同主要结果是儿童在ECEC中每次进食(午餐或零食)的平均总能量消耗和儿童在ECEC日加速计评估的总身体活动。次要结果为中高强度体力活动、久坐时间、午餐和零食时提供和消耗的能量、饮食质量和身体质量指数z-得分。高级统计学家和大多数共同调查者采用盲法。分析是意向治疗。试验注册号为ISRCTN33134697,已完成。研究结果:在2022年3月14日至2024年3月25日期间,我们招募了52名ECEC提供者(25名干预,27名对照)和835名2-5岁儿童(401名干预,434名对照)。根据382名儿童提供的营养数据和244名儿童提供的身体活动数据,在基线后12个月评估了共同主要结果。与ECEC中每次进食的平均千卡(校正几何平均比0.86 (95% CI 0.72-1.03; p = 0.09)或总体力活动(校正平均差(aMD) -2.13分钟(95% CI -10.96 - 6.70; p = 0.64))相比,没有证据表明共同主要结局有差异。有证据表明,干预组的午餐能量较低(aMD -69.1千卡/次(95% CI -116至-22.2;p = 0.004)),消耗(aMD -67.7千卡/次(95% CI -118.6至-18.7,p = 0.009))。在其他次要结果方面没有证据表明存在差异。无不良事件报告。解释:NAPSACC UK并没有改善ECEC或身体活动的每次进食的平均卡路里。较低的午餐能量量和更接近建议的摄入量被视为次要结果。较低的保真度干预比预期和人员配备的压力提供了对无效结果的解释的见解。因此,我们建议政策层面和法律的改变,这需要个体ECEC设置的低机构,是ECEC营养和身体活动的研究和政策重点。资助:国家卫生和保健研究所(NIHR):127551。
{"title":"Effectiveness of an environmental nutrition and physical activity intervention in early childhood education and care settings (NAPSACC UK): a multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial","authors":"Ruth Kipping , Sharon Anne Simpson , Kim Hannam , Peter S. Blair , Russell Jago , Corby K. Martin , Zoi Toumpakari , Laura Johnson , James Garbutt , Rachel Maishman , James White , Rebecca Langford , William Hollingworth , Madeleine Cochrane , Laurence Moore , Chris Metcalfe , Anne Martin , Stephanie Chambers , Thomas Reid , Megan Pardoe , Miranda Pallan","doi":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101550","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101550","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provision is widespread. NAPSACC UK is an intervention in ECECs designed to improve nutrition and physical activity policies, practice and provision through ECEC staff workshops, self-assessment and assistance over one year. It was adapted for the UK from the USA and we tested whether it reduced energy consumption and increased physical activity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Repeated cross-sectional, multicentre, two-arm, single-blind, parallel-group, cluster-randomised controlled trial including ECEC providers in the UK. The randomisation was conducted by a statistician who was blinded to ECEC provider identity, with allocation within each local authority area and by ECEC Index of Multiple Deprivation scores to minimise differences between arms. Participants were not blind to allocation. Co-primary outcomes after 12-months were child average total energy consumed per eating occasion in the ECEC (lunch or snack) and child accelerometer-assessed total physical activity on ECEC days. Secondary outcomes were moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sedentary time, energy served and consumed at lunch and snacks, diet quality, and Body Mass Index z-score. The senior statistician and majority of co-investigators were blinded. Analysis was intention-to-treat. Trial registration is ISRCTN33134697 and is completed.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Between 14 March 2022 and 25 March 2024 we enrolled 52 ECEC providers (25 intervention; 27 control) and 835 2-5 year-olds (401 intervention, 434 control). The co-primary outcomes were assessed 12 months after baseline with data provided by 382 children for nutrition and 244 children for physical activity. There was no evidence of a difference in the co-primary outcomes compared to control of average kcal per eating occasion in ECEC (adjusted geometric mean ratio 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.03; p = 0.09)) or total physical activity (adjusted mean difference (aMD) −2.13 min (95% CI −10.96 to 6.70; p = 0.64)). There was evidence of lower lunch energy served (aMD −69.1 kcal per occasion (95% CI −116 to −22.2; p = 0.004)) and consumed (aMD −67.7 kcal per occasion (95% CI −118.6 to −18.7, p = 0.009)) with the intervention. There was no evidence of differences in other secondary outcomes. No adverse events were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>NAPSACC UK did not improve average kcal per eating occasion in ECEC or physical activity. Lower lunch energy servings and consumption closer to recommendations were observed as secondary outcomes. The lower fidelity to the intervention than intended and staffing pressures give insight into interpretation of the null result. Therefore, we recommend that policy-level and statutory changes, which require low agency by individual ECEC settings are research and policy priorities for nutrition and physical activity in ECEC.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div><span>National Institute for He","PeriodicalId":53223,"journal":{"name":"Lancet Regional Health-Europe","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 101550"},"PeriodicalIF":13.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146144557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101577
Charalabos-Markos Dintsios
{"title":"Primary endpoint acceptance is strongly associated with a positive benefit assessment: a self-fulfilling prophecy","authors":"Charalabos-Markos Dintsios","doi":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101577","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101577","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":53223,"journal":{"name":"Lancet Regional Health-Europe","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 101577"},"PeriodicalIF":13.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101536
Tala Ballouz, Philipp Kerksieck, Sarah R. Haile, Holger Dressel, Oliver Hämmig, Georg F. Bauer, Jan S. Fehr, Milo A. Puhan, Dominik Menges
Background
Data on the longer-term impact of post COVID-19 condition (PCC) on work-related functioning is limited, despite evidence on the persistence of PCC for years after infection. This study aimed to describe changes in work ability and sick leave associated with PCC up to three years post-infection.
Methods
We used data from 667 working-age individuals within a prospective population-based cohort following individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 between August 2020 and January 2021. PCC was determined at 12 months and work ability was assessed biannually. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on participants’ physical and mental work performance and COVID-19 related sick leave were assessed at three years.
Findings
Participants with protracted COVID-19 related symptoms at 12 months after infection reported persistently lower work ability scores than those without symptoms, with no evidence of a difference in change over time (−0.12 points per year, 95% CI −0.29 to 0.07). Compared to recovered individuals, work ability scores among those with moderate health impairment improved by +0.72 points per year (95% CI −0.04 to 1.46), while trends were similar among those with mild or severe impairment. A higher proportion of participants with PCC reported worsening in physical and mental performance at work than those without PCC. Among those with PCC, 11.5% (9/78) reported taking COVID-19 related sick leave for one month or more, in contrast to 4.0% (13/327) among those without PCC.
Interpretation
The study highlights the prolonged impact of PCC on work-related functioning and underscores the need for targeted occupational, clinical and social measures for those affected.
Funding
Federal Office of Public Health, Department of Health of the Canton of Zurich, University of Zurich Foundation, Switzerland; Horizon Europe.
背景:关于COVID-19后病情(PCC)对工作功能的长期影响的数据有限,尽管有证据表明PCC在感染后持续数年。本研究旨在描述PCC感染后长达三年的工作能力和病假的变化。方法:我们使用了2020年8月至2021年1月期间感染SARS-CoV-2的前瞻性人群队列中的667名工作年龄个体的数据。12个月时测定PCC,每半年评估一次工作能力。每三年评估新冠肺炎对参与者身心工作表现和新冠肺炎相关病假的影响。在感染后12个月,持续出现COVID-19相关症状的参与者报告的工作能力得分持续低于没有症状的参与者,没有证据表明随时间的变化存在差异(每年- 0.12点,95% CI - 0.29至0.07)。与康复个体相比,中度健康障碍患者的工作能力得分每年提高+0.72分(95% CI为- 0.04至1.46),而轻度或重度健康障碍患者的趋势相似。与没有患前列腺癌的人相比,患前列腺癌的人在工作时身心表现恶化的比例更高。在患有PCC的人中,11.5%(9/78)报告请了一个月或更长时间的与COVID-19相关的病假,而在没有PCC的人中,这一比例为4.0%(13/327)。该研究强调了PCC对工作功能的长期影响,并强调了对受影响者采取有针对性的职业、临床和社会措施的必要性。资助:苏黎世州卫生部联邦公共卫生局,苏黎世大学基金会,瑞士;欧洲地平线。
{"title":"Work ability trajectories and sick leave in individuals with post COVID-19 condition: 3-year follow-up of a population-based cohort","authors":"Tala Ballouz, Philipp Kerksieck, Sarah R. Haile, Holger Dressel, Oliver Hämmig, Georg F. Bauer, Jan S. Fehr, Milo A. Puhan, Dominik Menges","doi":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101536","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101536","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Data on the longer-term impact of post COVID-19 condition (PCC) on work-related functioning is limited, despite evidence on the persistence of PCC for years after infection. This study aimed to describe changes in work ability and sick leave associated with PCC up to three years post-infection.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used data from 667 working-age individuals within a prospective population-based cohort following individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 between August 2020 and January 2021. PCC was determined at 12 months and work ability was assessed biannually. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on participants’ physical and mental work performance and COVID-19 related sick leave were assessed at three years.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Participants with protracted COVID-19 related symptoms at 12 months after infection reported persistently lower work ability scores than those without symptoms, with no evidence of a difference in change over time (−0.12 points per year, 95% CI −0.29 to 0.07). Compared to recovered individuals, work ability scores among those with moderate health impairment improved by +0.72 points per year (95% CI −0.04 to 1.46), while trends were similar among those with mild or severe impairment. A higher proportion of participants with PCC reported worsening in physical and mental performance at work than those without PCC. Among those with PCC, 11.5% (9/78) reported taking COVID-19 related sick leave for one month or more, in contrast to 4.0% (13/327) among those without PCC.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>The study highlights the prolonged impact of PCC on work-related functioning and underscores the need for targeted occupational, clinical and social measures for those affected.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div><span>Federal Office of Public Health</span>, <span>Department of Health of the Canton of Zurich</span>, <span>University of Zurich Foundation</span>, Switzerland; <span>Horizon Europe</span>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53223,"journal":{"name":"Lancet Regional Health-Europe","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 101536"},"PeriodicalIF":13.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145580504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite the lack of evidence, the Stroke Action Plan for Europe recommends coordinated support after initial rehabilitation. This trial investigated if a coordinator-led multimodal intervention was superior to standard care in preventing dependency and functional decline after stroke.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this single blinded randomised controlled multi-centre trial, patients were consecutively screened, included and randomised (1:1) by a web-based randomization system to an intervention or a control group at the out-patient clinics at four Norwegian hospitals three months post-stroke. Blinded assessments were performed at inclusion and at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up. The inclusion criteria were; age ≥18 years, life expectancy ≥12 months (assessed by the physician), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score <5, vulnerable to functional decline (defined by other measures). The control group received standard care, while the intervention group additionally received monthly follow-up by a community-based stroke coordinator who applied a study specific checklist to identify the patients’ risk profile within multiple domains. Individual goals and action points were defined accordingly. The intervention lasted for 18 months. Mixed models were used to evaluate differences between the groups for the primary endpoint (mRS at 18-month follow-up) and secondary endpoints (activities of daily living, cognitive function, physical function, patient reported outcomes, physical activity, blood pressure, body mass index and blood tests) at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03859063. The trial has been completed.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The LAST-long trial was conducted from April 11, 2019 to August 28, 2024. In total, 301 participants (48% women); mean age 71·3 (SD 12·3) years, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale admission score 3·38 (SD 4·21), and mRS at inclusion 1·6 (SD 0·9), were randomised to the intervention (n = 152) or control (n = 149) group 108.0 (SD 18·5) days post stroke. The number of serious adverse events (deaths, hospitalisation due to cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events or fall with or without fracture) was 32 (21·1%) in the intervention group and 33 (22·1%) in the control group. At 18 months, the estimated difference between the groups was 0·03 (95% CI: −0·16 to 0·22), p = 0·79 for mRS.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>The 18-month multimodal intervention was not superior to standard care received by the control group in people with mild stroke. An even longer follow-up period might be needed to investigate the effect of the intervention on hard outcomes like death or recurrent vascular events.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>The Research Council of Norway, The Joint Research Committee between St. Olavs Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU (FFU), Foundation Dam.</div></d
{"title":"A multimodal individualized long-term intervention to prevent functional decline after stroke (LAST-long): a single blinded randomised controlled trial","authors":"Torunn Askim , Sara Rise Langlo , Elin Bergh , Øystein Døhl , Hanne Ellekjær , Anne Hokstad , Håkon Ihle-Hansen , Bent Indredavik , Stian Lydersen , Geske Luzum , Yngve Seljeseth , Toril Skandsen , Ingvild Saltvedt , Bente Thommessen","doi":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite the lack of evidence, the Stroke Action Plan for Europe recommends coordinated support after initial rehabilitation. This trial investigated if a coordinator-led multimodal intervention was superior to standard care in preventing dependency and functional decline after stroke.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this single blinded randomised controlled multi-centre trial, patients were consecutively screened, included and randomised (1:1) by a web-based randomization system to an intervention or a control group at the out-patient clinics at four Norwegian hospitals three months post-stroke. Blinded assessments were performed at inclusion and at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up. The inclusion criteria were; age ≥18 years, life expectancy ≥12 months (assessed by the physician), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score <5, vulnerable to functional decline (defined by other measures). The control group received standard care, while the intervention group additionally received monthly follow-up by a community-based stroke coordinator who applied a study specific checklist to identify the patients’ risk profile within multiple domains. Individual goals and action points were defined accordingly. The intervention lasted for 18 months. Mixed models were used to evaluate differences between the groups for the primary endpoint (mRS at 18-month follow-up) and secondary endpoints (activities of daily living, cognitive function, physical function, patient reported outcomes, physical activity, blood pressure, body mass index and blood tests) at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03859063. The trial has been completed.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The LAST-long trial was conducted from April 11, 2019 to August 28, 2024. In total, 301 participants (48% women); mean age 71·3 (SD 12·3) years, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale admission score 3·38 (SD 4·21), and mRS at inclusion 1·6 (SD 0·9), were randomised to the intervention (n = 152) or control (n = 149) group 108.0 (SD 18·5) days post stroke. The number of serious adverse events (deaths, hospitalisation due to cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events or fall with or without fracture) was 32 (21·1%) in the intervention group and 33 (22·1%) in the control group. At 18 months, the estimated difference between the groups was 0·03 (95% CI: −0·16 to 0·22), p = 0·79 for mRS.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>The 18-month multimodal intervention was not superior to standard care received by the control group in people with mild stroke. An even longer follow-up period might be needed to investigate the effect of the intervention on hard outcomes like death or recurrent vascular events.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>The Research Council of Norway, The Joint Research Committee between St. Olavs Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU (FFU), Foundation Dam.</div></d","PeriodicalId":53223,"journal":{"name":"Lancet Regional Health-Europe","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 101531"},"PeriodicalIF":13.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145499917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101608
Pooja Jha, Ivana Nedic, Stephanie Becker, Anna Johnson
{"title":"Thank you to The Lancet Regional Health – Europe's clinical and statistical peer reviewers in 2025","authors":"Pooja Jha, Ivana Nedic, Stephanie Becker, Anna Johnson","doi":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101608","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":53223,"journal":{"name":"Lancet Regional Health-Europe","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 101608"},"PeriodicalIF":13.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}