| 101. |
- Gustafson, Torbjörn, 1953-
(author)
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Causes and treatment of chronic respiratory failure : experience of a national register
- 2007
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) or home mechanical ventilation (HMV) can improve survival time in chronic respiratory failure. A national quality register could be an aid to identifying risk markers and optimizing therapy for respiratory failure. Aims: ▪To identify risk markers for chronic respiratory failure, especially when triggered by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). ▪To predict sex-related differences in the future need of LTOT for COPD and to study sex related survival rate in COPD patients starting LTOT. ▪To investigate if HMV is more effective than LTOT alone in treating chronic respiratory failure caused by kyphoscoliosis. ▪To evaluate the use of quality indicators in LTOT. Methods: Swedish national registers for LTOT and HMV were established in 1987 and 1996 respectively. They were reconstructed in 2004 to form the web-based register Swedevox. Indications for LTOT were based on the guidelines from the Swedish Society for Respiratory Medicine. The incidence and prevalence of LTOT for COPD were measured annually from 1987 to 2000, and the future need for LTOT was estimated on the basis of the frequency of ever smoking in Sweden in 2001 in different age groups. A postal questionnaire on occupational exposures was completed by 181 patients with severe pulmonary fibrosis who started LTOT between 1997 and 2000, and by 757 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Time to death was evaluated in kyphoscoliotic patients starting HMV or LTOT alone in 1996-2004. Ten quality indicators were defined and evaluated based on data from patients starting LTOT in 1987-2005. Results: The incidence each year of LTOT in COPD patients increased more rapidly in women than in men (from 2.0 and 2.8/100,000 in 1987 to 7.6 and 7.1/100,000 in 2000 respectively, (p < 0.001)). Women ran a 1.9 times higher risk than men to develop chronic hypoxemia from COPD and had a higher survival rate during LTOT. In men, IPF was associated with exposure to birch dust with an OR 2.7, (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–5.65) and with hardwood dust, OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.14–6.52). Patients with kyphoscoliosis showed a better survival rate with HMV than with LTOT alone with a hazard ratio of 0.30 (95%CI 0.18-0.51), adjusted for age, sex, concomitant respiratory diseases, and blood gas levels. There were improvements in the following eight quality indicators for LTOT: access to LTOT, PaO2 ≤ 7.3 kPa without oxygen, no current smoking, low number of thoracic deformity patients without concomitant HMV, LTOT > 16 hours of oxygen/day, mobile oxygen equipment, reassessment of hypoxemia when LTOT was not started in a stable state COPD, and avoidance of continuous oral steroids in COPD. There was a decline in the indicator PaO2 > 8 kPa on oxygen. First-year survival rate in COPD was unchanged. Conclusions: The incidence and prevalence of LTOT increase more rapidly in women than in men. Survival rate during LTOT in COPD is better in women than in men. Exposure to birch and hardwood dust may contribute to the risk of IPF in men. Survival rate in patients with kyphoscoliosis was three times better with HMV than with LTOT alone. The national quality register for LTOT showed improvements in eight out of ten quality indicators. Levels for excellent quality in the indicators are suggested.
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| 102. |
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| 103. |
- Hagnelius, Nils-Olof, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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Fibrinolysis and von Willebrand factor in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia : a case-referent study
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Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Introduction: The importance of vascular risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not settled. Our aim was to compare patients with AD or vascular dementia (VaD) with non-demented subjects with regard to endothelial derived fibrinolytic and hemostatic factors.Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional mono-center case-referent study in Örebro, Sweden, we consecutively included 95 patients with AD and 55 with VaD and 154 non-demented active seniors (AS). Plasma biomarkers including the endothelial derived fibrinolytic factors: mass concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tPA/PAI-1 complex and von Willebrand factor (vWF), as well as clinical data were analyzed.Results: None of the endothelial derived fibrinolytic markers or vWF differed between AD vs. VaD. In comparison with the AS group, tPA was higher in AD (p=0.001) and VaD (p=0.023) but its inhibitor, PAI-1 mass concentration did not differ significantly; tPA/PAI-1 complex was higher in both VaD (p=0.038) and AD (p=0.005). vWF concentration was lower in the AS group (p<0.001) than in both dementia groups.Conclusion: Thus, endothelial derived fibrinolytic factors, tPA/PAI-1 complex and vWF, discriminated between the reference group of non-demented elderly and the AD and VaD groups, but not between AD and VaD. This suggests similar disturbances for endothelial derived fibrinolytic and hemostatic factors among AD and VaD patients and may reflect shared vascular pathophysiological mechanisms in the dementias.
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| 104. |
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| 105. |
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| 106. |
- Hedman, Mante, et al.
(author)
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Clinical profile of rural community hospital inpatients in Sweden : a register study
- 2021
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0281-3432 .- 1502-7724. ; 39:1, s. 92-100
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Patients in Sweden's rural community hospitals have not been clinically characterised. We compared characteristics of patients in general practitioner-led community hospitals in northern Sweden with those admitted to general hospitals.DESIGN: Retrospective register study.SETTING: Community and general hospitals in Västerbotten and Norrbotten counties, Sweden.PATIENTS: Patients enrolled at community hospitals and hospitalised in community and general hospitals between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014.OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, sex, number of admissions, main, secondary and total number of diagnoses.RESULTS: We recorded 16,133 admissions to community hospitals and 60,704 admissions to general hospitals. Mean age was 76.8 and 61.2 years for community and general hospital patients (p < .001). Women were more likely than men to be admitted to a community hospital after age adjustment (odds ratio (OR): 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-1.17). The most common diagnoses in community hospital were heart failure (6%) and pneumonia (5%). Patients with these diagnoses were more likely to be admitted to a community than a general hospital (OR: 2.36; 95% CI: 2.15-2.59; vs. OR: 3.32: 95% CI: 2.77-3.98, respectively, adjusted for age and sex). In both community and general hospitals, doctors assigned more diagnoses to men than to women (both p<.001).CONCLUSIONS: Patients at community hospitals were predominantly older and women, while men were assigned more diagnoses. The most common diagnoses were heart failure and pneumonia. Our observed differences should be further explored to define the optimal care for patients in community and general hospitals.
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| 107. |
- Hedman, Mante, 1960-
(author)
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The community hospital model in northern Sweden
- 2024
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Rural community hospitals (CHs) are vital in delivering healthcare services in sparsely populated regions such as northern Sweden. In Sweden these facilities act as primary care units, staffed by general practitioners (GPs), nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They provide hospital beds, emergency care, and basic diagnostics. The CH model, with GPs responsible for hospital care has not been studied earlier in Sweden. Aims: This thesis aimed to examine the role and practices of the Swedish rural CH model within the healthcare system and the local community. Furthermore, to investigate the perspectives of rural doctors in Sweden and New Zealand (NZ) working within their respective hospital models. Specific aims: To characterise patients admitted to hospitals in Norrbotten and Västerbotten Regions and to compare hospitalisations at rural community hospitals and general hospitals (Study I)To describe registered care measures carried out in rural community hospitals during episodes of hospital care for patients with heart failure, in comparison with a general hospital (Study II)To explore rural hospital doctors’ experiences of providing care in rural hospitals in Southern New Zealand (Study III)To explore rural general practitioners’ experiences of providing care in rural community hospitals in northern Sweden (Study IV) Methods and results: Four original papers form the basis of this thesis. In study I, hospital register data from Norr- and Västerbotten Regions were analysed, focusing on hospital admissions of patients enrolled at CHs 2010-2014. We compared CH admissions with general hospital admissions, examining factors such as age, sex, and diagnoses. CH patients were older than those in general hospitals (median age 80 vs. 68 years), and women had a higher likelihood of admission to CHs compared to men. Common diagnoses in the elderly, such as heart failure and pneumonia were more likely admitted to CHs than to general hospitals. Study II utilized hospital register data from Region Västerbotten to describe registered care measures carried out in rural CHs during episodes of hospital care for patients with heart failure 2015-2019, in comparison with a general hospital. CHs showed documentations by fewer individual doctors, more frequent nursing documentation, and fewer blood tests compared to general hospitals. Radiology, including echocardiography, was performed in general hospitals only but in a minority of cases. Documentation by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians was limited in both hospital models.Studies III and IV involved interviews with rural hospital (RH) doctors in New Zealand (NZ), and rural GPs in northern Sweden, respectively, to explore the role of their RH/CH. In both countries, doctors emphasised advantages with proximity and holistic, patient-centred care for elderly, multimorbid, and end-of-life patients. Their RHs/CHs were described to play a central role in rural patients' healthcare journeys, utilizing small, multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with general hospitals and municipal caregivers. Reported challenges for doctors in RHs and CHs included limited resources and inexperience in handling life-threatening, rare cases, and ethical dilemmas unique to rural practice. Despite this, RH doctors considered RH patient safety similar or better than that in general hospitals. CH doctors prompted the idea of expanding the CH model to urban areas. Conclusion: We conclude that CHs admit elderly and multimorbid patients elsewhere common in general hospitals. Care for patients with heart failure at CHs showed more nursing notes, greater doctor continuity, and less biomedical examinations. Our results suggest potential for further development in the multidisciplinary care in both hospital models. Rural generalist doctors in Sweden and NZ emphasise the central role of CHs/RHs, their proximity to patients, and their holistic, generalist approach, and they suggest advantages in the RH/CH care for the elderly compared to general hospitals. In Sweden, the importance of relational continuity was stressed, as rural GPs are familiar with their CH patients from primary care.
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| 108. |
- Hellström Ängerud, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Areas for quality improvements in heart failure care : quality of care from the patient's perspective
- 2017
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 31:4, s. 830-838
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a serious condition with high mortality and a high symptom burden. Most patients with heart failure will be taken care of in primary care but the knowledge of how the quality of care is perceived by patients with heart failure is limited.OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore how patients with heart failure report quality of care, in an outpatient setting.METHODS: Seventy-one patients with a confirmed diagnosis of heart failure and who were cared for in an outpatient setting were included in this cross-sectional study. Quality of care was assessed with a short form of the Quality from the Patient's Perspective questionnaire. The items measured four dimensions, and each item consists of both perceived reality of the received care and its subjective importance.RESULTS: Inadequate quality was identified in three out of four dimensions and in items without dimension affiliation. In total, inadequate quality was identified in 19 out of 25 items. Patients reported the highest level of perceived reality in 'my family member was treated well' and the lowest perceived reality in 'effective treatment for loss of appetite'. Effective treatment for shortness of breath was of the highest subjective importance for the patients.CONCLUSION: Important areas for improvement in the quality of care for patients with heart failure in an outpatient setting were identified, such as symptom alleviation, information, participation and access to care.
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| 109. |
- Hellström Ängerud, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Areas for quality improvements in heart failure care: quality of care from the family members' perspective
- 2018
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - Hoboken : Wiley. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 32:1, s. 346-353
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundThe complex needs of people with chronic heart failure (HF) place great demands on their family members, and it is important to ask family members about their perspectives on the quality of HF care. ObjectiveTo describe family members' perceptions of quality of HF care in an outpatient setting. MethodsA cross-sectional study using a short form of the Quality from Patients' Perspective (QPP) questionnaire for data collection. The items in the questionnaire measure four dimensions of quality, and each item consists of both the perceived reality of the care and its subjective importance. The study included 57 family members of patients with severe HF in NYHA class III-IV. ResultsFamily members reported areas for quality improvements in three out of four dimensions and in dimensionless items. The lowest level of perceived reality was reported for treatment for confusion and loss of appetite. Treatment for shortness of breath, access to the apparatus and access to equipment necessary for medical care were the items with the highest subjective importance for the family members. ConclusionFamily members identified important areas for quality improvement in the care for patients with HF in an outpatient setting. In particular, symptom alleviation, information to patients, patient participation and access to care were identified as areas for improvements. Thus, measuring quality from the family members' perspective with the QPP might be a useful additional perspective when it comes to the planning and implementation of changes in the organisation of HF care.
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| 110. |
- Hodges, Gethin W., et al.
(author)
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Effect of simvastatin and ezetimibe on suPAR levels and outcomes
- 2018
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In: Atherosclerosis. - : ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 272, s. 129-136
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aims: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is an inflammatory marker associated with cardiovascular disease. Statins lower both low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP), resulting in improved outcomes. However, whether lipid-lowering therapy also lowers suPAR levels is unknown.& para;& para;Methods: We investigated whether treatment with Simvastatin 40 mg and Ezetimibe 10 mg lowered plasma suPAR levels in 1838 patients with mild-moderate, asymptomatic aortic stenosis, included in the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) study, using a pattern mixture model. A 1-year Cox analysis, adjusted for established cardiovascular risk factors, allocation to study treatment, peak aortic valve velocity and baseline suPAR, was performed to evaluate relationships between change in suPAR with all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of major cardiovascular events (MCE) composed of ischemic cardiovascular events (ICE) and aortic valve related events (AVE).& para;& para;Results: After 4.3 years of follow-up, suPAR levels had increased by 9.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.0%-11.5%) in the placebo group, but only by 4.1% (1.9%-6.2%) in the group with lipid-lowering treatment (p<0.001). In a multivariate 1-year analysis, 1-year suPAR was strongly associated with all-cause mortality, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.05 (1.17-3.61); MCE 1.40 (1.01-1.92); and AVE 1.42 (1.02-1.99) (all p<0.042) for each doubling of suPAR; but was not associated with ICE.& para;& para;Conclusions: Simvastatin and Ezetimibe treatment impeded the progression of the time-related increase in plasma suPAR levels. Year-1 suPAR was associated with all-cause mortality, MCE, and AVE irrespective of baseline levels (SEAS study: NCT00092677). (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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