The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mortality from Low Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and Urological Tumors in Spain: A Comparative Study

Viegas Madrid V1, Peláez Laderas A1, Soriano J1, Ancochea Bermúdez J1, Sánchez Ramírez A1, Velasco C1, San José Manso L1, Olivier Gómez C1, López-Fando L1

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Prevention and Public Health

Abstract 194
Personal and Social Dimensions of Incontinence
Scientific Podium Short Oral Session 24
Thursday 28th September 2023
16:37 - 16:45
Room 103
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Retrospective Study Prevention
1. H. Universitario La Princesa
Presenter
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mortality trends and health outcomes worldwide. In Spain, the pandemic has affected mortality rates and health statistics. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality from LUTS and urological tumors in Spain.
Study design, materials and methods
This retrospective cohort study used data provided by the National Institute of Statistics. Causes of death were recoded by LUTS and urological tumors, including upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma, renal cell cancer, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. Mortality rates for LUTS and urological tumors in 2019, 2020, and 2021 were analyzed using descriptive statistics to analyze the frequency and proportion of deaths by gender, age, and Autonomous Communities (AC). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the variables associated with mortality from LUTS and urological tumors.
Results
In 2019, 6.9% of 418,703 deaths were from LUTS and urological tumors; in 2020, 6.2% of 493,776 deaths, and in 2021, 7.0% of 450,744 deaths. During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, there was a 10.2% decrease (p<0.05) in mortality from LUTS and urological tumors compared to 2019. However, in 2021, mortality from LUTS and urological tumors increased and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels, particularly for LUTS. Logistic regression analysis showed that male gender, age, and certain AC (i.e. Canarias, Cantabria, Asturias, and Murcia) were associated with higher mortality rates from LUTS and urological tumors. The risk of mortality from LUTS and urological tumors increased with age, with the highest mortality rates observed in individuals over the age of 70. Patients of non-Spanish nationality had lower mortality rates from COVID-19 (p=0.007) and municipalities with less than 10,000 inhabitants also had lower mortality rates (p<0.001).
Interpretation of results
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mortality from LUTS and urological tumors in Spain. During the peak of the pandemic, mortality from LUTS and urological tumors decreased, likely due to underdiagnosis. However, in 2021, mortality from LUTS and urological tumors increased and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels, particularly for LUTS. Delayed diagnosis and treatment during the pandemic may have contributed to this increase. Our analysis also showed that male gender, age, and certain AC were associated with higher mortality rates from LUTS and urological tumors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve the diagnosis and treatment of LUTS and urological tumors, particularly for high-risk groups.
Concluding message
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mortality from LUTS and urological tumors in Spain. Our analysis showed that mortality rates from LUTS and urological tumors decreased during the peak of the pandemic, mortality rates increased in 2021 and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Our findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to improve the diagnosis and treatment of LUTS and urological tumors, with special attention given to high-risk groups. The identification of modifiable risk factors, such as nationality and municipality size, may inform future public health strategies aimed at reducing mortality rates from LUTS and urological tumors in the context of the ongoing pandemic.
Disclosures
Funding NONE Clinical Trial No Subjects None
Citation

Continence 7S1 (2023) 100912
DOI: 10.1016/j.cont.2023.100912

01/11/2024 12:25:39