| 1. |
- Aasa, Mikael, et al.
(författare)
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Cost and health outcome of primary percutaneous coronary intervention versus thrombolysis in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction-Results of the Swedish Early Decision reperfusion Study (SWEDES) trial.
- 2010
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Ingår i: American heart journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1097-6744 .- 0002-8703. ; 160:2, s. 322-8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In ST-elevation myocardial infarction, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has a superior clinical outcome, but it may increase costs in comparison to thrombolysis. The aim of the study was to compare costs, clinical outcome, and quality-adjusted survival between primary PCI and thrombolysis. METHODS: Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction were randomized to primary PCI with adjunctive enoxaparin and abciximab (n = 101), or to enoxaparin followed by reteplase (n = 104). Data on the use of health care resources, work loss, and health-related quality of life were collected during a 1-year period. Cost-effectiveness was determined by comparing costs and quality-adjusted survival. The joint distribution of incremental costs and quality-adjusted survival was analyzed using a nonparametric bootstrap approach. RESULTS: Clinical outcome did not differ significantly between the groups. Compared with the group treated with thrombolysis, the cost of interventions was higher in the PCI-treated group ($4,602 vs $3,807; P = .047), as well as the cost of drugs ($1,309 vs $1,202; P = .001), whereas the cost of hospitalization was lower ($7,344 vs $9,278; P = .025). The cost of investigations, outpatient care, and loss of production did not differ significantly between the 2 treatment arms. Total cost and quality-adjusted survival were $25,315 and 0.759 vs $27,819 and 0.728 (both not significant) for the primary PCI and thrombolysis groups, respectively. Based on the 1-year follow-up, bootstrap analysis revealed that in 80%, 88%, and 89% of the replications, the cost per health outcome gained for PCI will be <$0, $50,000, and $100,000 respectively. CONCLUSION: In a 1-year perspective, there was a tendency toward lower costs and better health outcome after primary PCI, resulting in costs for PCI in comparison to thrombolysis that will be below the conventional threshold for cost-effectiveness in 88% of bootstrap replications.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Abbott, Allan, et al.
(författare)
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Leg pain and psychological variables predict outcome 2-3 years after lumber fusion surgery
- 2011
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Ingår i: European spine journal. - : Springer. - 0940-6719 .- 1432-0932. ; 20:10, s. 1626-1634
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Prediction studies testing a thorough range of psychological variables in addition to demographic, work-related and clinical variables are lacking in lumbar fusion surgery research. This prospective cohort study aimed at examining predictions of functional disability, back pain and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) 2-3 years after lumbar fusion by regressing nonlinear relations in a multivariate predictive model of pre-surgical variables. Before and 2-3 years after lumbar fusion surgery, patients completed measures investigating demographics, work-related variables, clinical variables, functional self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, fear of movement/(re)injury, mental health and pain coping. Categorical regression with optimal scaling transformation, elastic net regularization and bootstrapping were used to investigate predictor variables and address predictive model validity. The most parsimonious and stable subset of pre-surgical predictor variables explained 41.6, 36.0 and 25.6% of the variance in functional disability, back pain intensity and HRQOL 2-3 years after lumbar fusion. Pre-surgical control over pain significantly predicted functional disability and HRQOL. Pre-surgical catastrophizing and leg pain intensity significantly predicted functional disability and back pain while the pre-surgical straight leg raise significantly predicted back pain. Post-operative psychomotor therapy also significantly predicted functional disability while pre-surgical outcome expectations significantly predicted HRQOL. For the median dichotomised classification of functional disability, back pain intensity and HRQOL levels 2-3 years post-surgery, the discriminative ability of the prediction models was of good quality. The results demonstrate the importance of pre-surgical psychological factors, leg pain intensity, straight leg raise and post-operative psychomotor therapy in the predictions of functional disability, back pain and HRQOL-related outcomes.
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| 4. |
- Abbott, Allan, et al.
(författare)
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Patient’s experience post-lumbar fusion regarding back problems, recovery and expectations in terms of the international classification of functioning, disability and health.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. ; 33:15-16, s. 1399-1408
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE:To describe within the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), patient's experiences post-lumber fusion regarding back problems, recovery and expectations of rehabilitation and to contrast with the content of outcome measures and the ICF low back pain (LBP) core sets.METHODS:The study has a cross-sectional and retrospective design and involves 20 lumbar fusion patients. Using the ICF, qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews 3-6 months post-surgery was performed. This was compared with the ICF related content of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ5D) and the ICF LBP core sets.RESULTS:Patient's experiences were most frequently linked to psychological, sensory, neuromusculoskeletal and movement related body function chapters of the ICF. The most frequently linked categories of activity and participation were mobility, domestic activities, family relationships, work, recreation and leisure. Environmental factors frequently linked were the use of analgesics, walking aids, family support, social security systems, health care systems and labour market employment services.CONCLUSIONS:This study highlights important ICF related aspects of patient's experiences post-lumber fusion. The use of the comprehensive ICF core sets is recommended in conjunction with ODI, SF-36 and the EQ5D for a broader analysis of patient outcomes post-lumbar fusion.
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| 5. |
- Abtahi, Jahan, et al.
(författare)
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A bisphosphonate-coating improves the fixation of metal implants in human bone. A randomized trial of dental implants
- 2012
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Ingår i: Bone. - : Elsevier. - 8756-3282 .- 1873-2763. ; 50:5, s. 1148-1151
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Many surgical procedures use metal implants in bone. The clinical results depend on the strength of the bone holding these implants. Our objective was to show that a drug released from the implant surface can improve parameters reflecting the quality or amount of this bone. Sixteen patients received paired dental titanium implants in the maxilla, in a randomized, double-blinded fashion. One implant in each pair was coated with a thin fibrinogen layer containing 2 bisphosphonates. The other implant was untreated. Fixation was evaluated by measurement of resonance frequency (implant stability quotient; ISQ) serving as a proxy for stiffness of the implant-bone construct. Increase in ISQ at 6 months of follow-up was the primary variable. None of the patients had any complications. The resonance frequency increased 6.9 ISQ units more for the coated implants (p = 0.0001; Cohens d = 1.3). The average difference in increase in ISQ and the effect size, suggested a clinically relevant improvement. X-ray showed less bone resorption at the margin of the implant both at 2 months (p = 0.012) and at 6 months (p = 0.012). In conclusion, a thin, bisphosphonate-eluting fibrinogen coating might improve the fixation of metal implants in human bone. This might lead to new possibilities for orthopedic surgery in osteoporotic bone and for dental implants.
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| 6. |
- Abtahi, Jahan, et al.
(författare)
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Bisphosphonate coating might improve fixation of dental implants in the maxilla: A pilot study
- 2010
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Ingår i: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. - : Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. - 0901-5027 .- 1399-0020. ; 39:7, s. 673-677
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This pilot study evaluates the clinical stability of bisphosphonate-coated dental implants placed using a two-stage surgical procedure in five patients. Each patient received seven regular Brånemark implants, one of which was coated with bisphosphonate in a fibrinogen matrix. The coated implant was inserted where the bone was expected to have the least favourable quality. The level of the marginal bone around each implant was measured by intraoral periapical radiographs and implant stability was recorded using resonance frequency measurements. Frequency values (ISQ) were obtained peroperatively before flap closure and after 6 months at abutment connection. At abutment connection the bisphosphonate-coated implants were removed en bloc in two patients for histological examination. An animal experiment had previously confirmed that gamma-sterilization did not reduce bioactivity of the bisphosphonate coating. In each patient, the bisphosphonate-coated implant showed the largest improvement in ISQ level of all implants. Their values at the start tended to be lower, and the absolute value at 6 months did not differ. No complications occurred with the coated implants. Histology showed no abnormalities. Improvement in ISQ values was an expected effect of the bisphosphonate coating, but could be due to the choice of insertion site. This finding warrants a randomized, blinded study.
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| 7. |
- Agholme, Fredrik, et al.
(författare)
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Local bisphosphonate release versus hydroxyapatite coating for stainless steel screw fixation in rat tibiae
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine. - : Springer Verlag (Germany). - 0957-4530 .- 1573-4838. ; 23:3, s. 743-752
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Implant fixation in bone can be improved by a coating that delivers bisphosphonates locally, or by a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating. In this study, we compared these different types of coatings. For mechanical testing, 30 rats were assigned into three groups, and similar screws were implanted bilaterally in the proximal tibiae. The rats received screws that were either uncoated, coated with nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite or coated with a bisphosphonate releasing protein matrix. After 4 weeks, one screw was subjected to pull-out testing, and the contra-lateral one to torsion testing. For morphology, 30 rats were assigned to similar treatment groups, but received only one screw each. Bisphosphonates enhanced the pull-out force by 41% (P = 0.02) compared to controls, HA increased the pull-out force although not significantly. Conversely, HA increased the maximal torque by 64% (P = 0.02). Morphometry showed higher bone volume around bisphosphonate screws in comparison to HA-coated screws (P andlt; 0.001) and controls (P andlt; 0.001). The results suggest that bisphosphonates improve fixation by increasing the amount of surrounding bone, whereas HA mainly improves bone to implant attachment.
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| 8. |
- Ahlen, Gustaf, et al.
(författare)
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Limited effect on NS3-NS4A protein cleavage after alanine substitutions within the immunodominant HLA-A2-restricted epitope of the hepatitis C virus genotype 3a non-structural 3/4A protease.
- 2012
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Ingår i: The Journal of general virology. - : Microbiology Society. - 1465-2099 .- 0022-1317. ; 93:Pt 8, s. 1680-1686
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It has been well established that immunological escape mutations within the hepatitis C virus genotype (gt) 1a non-structural (NS) 3/4A protease is partly prevented by a reduction of the viral protease fitness. Surprisingly little is known whether similar mutations affect proteases from other genotypes. In the present study, we assessed both the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-restricted cytotoxic T cell response and gt3a NS3/4A protease fitness. Similar to gt1, the 1073-1081 epitope was also immunodominant within the gt3a-specific HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T cell response, despite a homology of only 56% between gt1a and gt3a genes. However, unlike the gt1a NS3/4A protease, all residues within the gt3a 1073-1081 epitope could sequentially be replaced by alanine with a, at least in part, retained protease activity.
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| 9. |
- Ahlsson, Anders, 1962-, et al.
(författare)
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A Swedish consensus on the surgical treatment of concomitant atrial fibrillation
- 2012
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - London, United Kingdom : Informa Healthcare. - 1401-7431 .- 1651-2006. ; 46:4, s. 212-218
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia among patients scheduled for open heart surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. According to international guidelines, symptomatic and selected asymptomatic patients should be offered concomitant surgical AF ablation in conjunction with valvular or coronary surgery. The gold standard in AF surgery is the Cox Maze III ("cut-and-sew") procedure, with surgical incisions in both atria according to a specified pattern, in order to prevent AF reentry circuits from developing. Over 90% of patients treated with the Cox Maze III procedure are free of AF after 1 year. Recent developments in ablation technology have introduced several energy sources capable of creating nonconducting atrial wall lesions. In addition, simplified lesion patterns have been suggested, but results with these techniques have been unsatisfactory. There is a clear need for standardization in AF surgery. The Swedish Arrhythmia Surgery Group, represented by surgeons from all Swedish units for cardiothoracic surgery, has therefore reached a consensus on surgical treatment of concomitant AF. This consensus emphasizes adherence to the lesion pattern in the Cox Maze III procedure and the use of biatrial lesions in nonparoxysmal AF.
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| 10. |
- Ahmadi, Ahmad, et al.
(författare)
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Association of a protective paraoxonase 1 (PON1) polymorphism in Parkinson's disease
- 2012
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Ingår i: Neuroscience Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3940 .- 1872-7972. ; 522:1, s. 30-35
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pesticide exposure has been suggested to increase the risk to develop Parkinson's disease (PD). The arylesterase paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is mainly expressed in the liver and hydrolyzes organophosphates such as pesticides. The polymorphism Leu54Met (rs854560) in PON1, impairing enzyme activity and leading to decreased PON1 expression levels, has been reported to be associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). PON1 is part of a cluster on chromosome 7q21.3 together with PON2 and PON3. We investigated the occurrence of four additional polymorphisms in PON1 and two in PON2 in a Swedish PD case-control material. We found a significant association (p = 0.007) with a PON1 promoter polymorphism, rs854571. The minor allele was more common among controls than PD cases which suggest a protective effect. This is strengthened by the fact that rs854571 is in strong linkage disequilibrium with another PON1 promoter polymorphism, rs854572, reported to increase PON1 gene expression. Our findings support the hypothesis that PON1 is involved in the etiology of PD and that higher PON1 levels are reducing the risk for PD. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
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