| 1. |
- Danielsson Borssén, Åsa, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
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Histological improvement of liver fibrosis in well-treated patients with autoimmune hepatitis : A cohort study
- 2017
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Ingår i: Medicine. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 96:34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that if left untreated may lead to the development of cirrhosis. Previous studies on AIH patients have suggested that fibrosis and even cirrhosis can be reversed by medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of medical treatment for protection of developing fibrosis and cirrhosis.A total of 258 liver biopsies from 101 patients (72 women, 29 men) were analyzed by a single pathologist and classified according to the Ishak grading (inflammation) and staging (fibrosis) system. Liver histology was stratified according to the temporal changes of fibrosis stage (increased, decreased, or stable), and groups were compared.Complete or partial response to medical treatment was 94.9%. Reduction of fibrosis stage from the first to the last biopsy was seen in 63 patients (62.4%). We found an association between a reduction in the fibrosis stage and continuous glucocorticoid medication, as well as lowered scores of inflammation at last biopsy. Twenty-one patients had cirrhosis (Ishak stage 6) at least in one of the previous biopsies, but only 5 patients at the last biopsy.Histological improvement is common in AIH patients that respond to medical treatment, and a reduction or stabilization of fibrosis stage occurs in about 2/3 of such patients.
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| 2. |
- Gerdle, Björn, et al.
(författare)
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Signs of ongoing inflammation in female patients with chronic widespread pain A multivariate, explorative, cross-sectional study of blood samples
- 2017
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Ingår i: Medicine. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 96:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This cross-sectional study investigates the plasma inflammatory profile of chronic widespread pain CWP) patients compared to healthy controls CON). Rather than analyzing a relatively few substances at a time, we used a new multiplex proximity extension assay PEA) panel that enabled the simultaneous analysis of 92 inflammation-related proteins, mainly cytokines and chemokines. Seventeen women with CWP and 21 female CON participated and a venous blood sample was drawn from all subjects. Pain intensity and pain thresholds for pressure, heat, and cold were registered. A PEA panel 92 proteins) was used to analyze the blood samples. Multivariate data analysis by projection was used in the statistical analyses. Eleven proteins significantly differentiated the CON and CWP subjects R-2=0.58, Q(2)=0.37, analysis of variance of cross-validated predictive residuals P=0.006). It was not possible to significantly regress pain thresholds within each group CON or CWP). Positive significant correlations existed between several proteins and pain intensities in CWP, but the model reliability of the regression was poor. CWP was associated with systemic low-grade inflammation. Larger studies are needed to confirm the results and to investigate which alterations are condition-specific and which are common across chronic pain conditions. The presence of inflammation could promote the spreading of pain, a hallmark sign of CWP. As it has been suggested that prevalent comorbidities to pain (e.g., depression and anxiety, poor sleep, and tiredness) also are associated with inflammation, it will be important to determine whether inflammation may be a common mediator.
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| 3. |
- Gordon, Max, et al.
(författare)
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Increased Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Cohort Study.
- 2016
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Ingår i: Medicine. - 1536-5964 .- 0025-7974. ; 95:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Total hip arthroplasty is a common and important treatment for osteoarthritis patients. Long-term cardiovascular effects elicited by osteoarthritis or the implant itself remain unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine if there is an increased risk of late cardiovascular mortality and morbidity after total hip arthroplasty surgery.A nationwide matched cohort study with data on 91,527 osteoarthritis patients operated on, obtained from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. A control cohort (n=270,688) from the general Swedish population was matched 1:3 to each case by sex, age, and residence. Mean follow-up time was 10 years (range, 7-21).The exposure was presence of a hip replacement for more than 5 years. The primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality after 5 years. Secondary outcomes were total mortality and re-admissions due to cardiovascular events.During the first 5 to 9 years, the arthroplasty cohort had a lower cardiovascular mortality risk compared with the control cohort. However, the risk in the arthroplasty cohort increased over time and was higher than in controls after 8.8 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.0-10.5). Between 9 and 13 years postoperatively, the hazard ratio was 1.11 (95% CI 1.05-1.17). Arthroplasty patients were also more frequently admitted to hospital for cardiovascular reasons compared with controls, with a rate ratio of 1.08 (95% CI 1.06-1.11).Patients with surgically treated osteoarthritis of the hip have an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality many years after the operation when compared with controls.
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| 4. |
- Landén Ludvigsson, Maria, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Cost-effectiveness of neck-specific exercise with or without a behavioral approach versus physical activity prescription in the treatment of chronic whiplash-associated disorders : Analyses of a randomized clinical trial
- 2017
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Ingår i: Medicine. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 96:25
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Fifty percent of people injured by whiplash still report neck pain after 1 year and costs associated with whiplash associated disorders (WAD) are mostly attributed to health service and sick-leave costs in chronic conditions. With increasing health care expenditures the economic impact of interventions needs to be considered.Objective: To analyze the cost-effectiveness of physiotherapist-led neck-specific exercise without (NSE) or with a behavioral approach (NSEB), or prescription of physical activity (PPA) in chronic WAD, grade 2 to 3.Methods: This is a secondary cost-effectiveness analysis of a multicenter randomized clinical trial of 216 participants with chronic WAD grade 2 to 3. The interventions were physiotherapist-led neck-specific exercise without or with a behavioral approach, or prescription of physical activity for 12 weeks. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were determined after 1 year and bootstrapped cost-effectiveness planes and sensitivity analyses of physiotherapy visits were performed. Health care and production loss costs were included and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated, using the Euroqol-5D questionnaire. Comparisons with the Short Form-6D, and neck disability index (NDI) were also made.Results: The 1-year follow-up was completed by 170 participants (79%). Both physiotherapist-led groups improved in health related quality of life. The intervention cost alone, per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain in the NSE group was US$12,067. A trend for higher QALY gains were observed in the NSEB group but the costs were also higher. The ICERs varied depending on questionnaire used, but the addition of a behavioral approach to neck-specific exercise alone was not cost-effective from a societal perspective (ICER primary outcome $127,800 [95% confidence interval [CI], 37,816-711,302]). The sensitivity analyses confirmed the results. The prescription of physical activity did not result in any QALY gain and the societal costs were not lower.Conclusion: Neck-specific exercise was cost-effective from a societal perspective in the treatment of chronic WAD compared with the other exercise interventions. ICERS varied depending on health-related quality of life questionnaires used, but the addition of a behavioral approach was not cost-effective from a societal perspective. The prescription of physical activity did not result in any QALY gain and was thus not considered a relevant option.
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| 5. |
- Landén Ludvigsson, Maria, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Exercise, headache, and factors associated with headache in chronic whiplash : Analysis of a randomized clinical trial
- 2019
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Ingår i: Medicine. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 98:48
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Almost 40% of individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) report headache after 5 years, making it one of the most common persistent symptoms besides neck pain, but randomized treatment studies are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3 different exercise approaches on headache in chronic WAD grades 2 and 3, and to identify potential factors associated with such headache, and whether they differ depending on 3 different aspects of such headache (current headache, maximum headache, or headache bothersomeness).METHODS: This was an analysis of a randomized clinical trial of people with chronic WAD and headache (n = 188), who were randomized to either 12 weeks of neck-specific exercise without (NSE) or with a behavioral approach (NSEB) or physical activity prescription (PPA). Data were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Physical and psychosocial factors were tested for association with headache. Multivariate regression models and linear mixed models were used.RESULTS: The NSE/NSEB groups reported reduced headache both over time and compared to PPA. Up to 51% (NSE) and 61% (NSEB) reported at least 50% reduction in their headache at 12 months. The PPA group was not improved over time. Neck pain and dizziness were associated with headache regardless of aspect of headache. The only associated psychosocial factor was anxiety, which was associated with headache bothersomeness. Other factors were mainly physical, and up to 51% of the variance was explained.CONCLUSION: Headache in chronic WAD, may be reduced with neck-specific exercise with or without a behavioral approach. Chronic headache was associated with neck pain and dizziness regardless of aspect tested. Other factors associated with headache in chronic WAD were mainly physical rather than psychosocial.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials.gov, no: NCT015285.
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| 6. |
- Overmeer, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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The effect of neck-specific exercise with or without a behavioral approach on psychological factors in chronic whiplash-Associated disorders A randomized controlled trial with a 2-year follow-up
- 2016
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Ingår i: Medicine. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 95:34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: To investigate the effect of neck-specific exercise with (NSEB) or without (NSE) a behavioural approach and prescribed physical activity (PPA) on general pain disability and psychological factors in chronic whiplash-Associated disorders (WAD), grade 2 and 3, with a 2-year follow-up. Methods:A randomized controlled multi-centre study of 3 exercise interventions (NSE, NSEB or PPA) including a 2-year follow-up. A total of 216 volunteers with chronic WAD were recruited and 194 were analyzed, mean age 40.4 (Standard Deviation [SD] 11.4). Measures of general pain disability, pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression, and kinesiophobia were evaluated at baseline, and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months with linear mixed models. Results: General pain disability decreased by 28% in the NSEB group from baseline to 3 months (P<0.001) and the improvements in disability were maintained over time (6, 12 and 24 months P<0.01) compared to the NSE (P>0.42) and PPA groups (P>0.43). Pain catastrophizing decreased in the NSE group from baseline to 6 and 12 months (P<0.01) and in the NSEB group from baseline to 3 and 24 months (P<0.01) compared to the PPA group (P>0.82) that showed no change over time. The NSE group improved in kinesiophobia over time from baseline to12 months (P<0.01) compared to the NSEB (P=0.052) and the PPA groups (P>0.74). Anxiety decreased over time from baseline to 12 and 24 months in the NSE group (P>0.02), but not in the NSEB (P>0.25) or the PPA (P>0.50) groups. The PPA had no effect on general disability or any of the measured psychological factors. Conclusion: This randomised controlled trial with a 2-year follow-up shows that physiotherapist-led neck-specific exercise with or without the addition of a behavioural approach had superior outcome on general disability and most psychological factors compared to the mere prescription of physical activity.
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| 7. |
- Qvarnström, Miriam, et al.
(författare)
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Persistence to antihypertensive drug classes : A cohort study using the Swedish Primary Care Cardiovascular Database (SPCCD)
- 2016
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Ingår i: Medicine. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 95:40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim was to study persistence to, and switching between, antihypertensive drug classes and to determine factors associated with poor persistence.This was an observational cohort study. The Swedish Primary Care Cardiovascular Database includes data from medical records, socioeconomic data, filled prescriptions, and hospitalizations from national registries for 75,000 patients with hypertension. Patients included in the study were initiated on antihypertensive drug treatment in primary healthcare in 2006 to 2007. We defined class persistence as the proportion remaining on the initial drug class, including 30 days of gap. Patients with a filled prescription of another antihypertensive drug class after discontinuation of the initial drug, including 30 days of gap, were classified as switchers. Persistence to the various drug classes were compared with that for diuretics.We identified 4997 patients (mean age 60 ± 12 years in men and 63 ± 13 years in women). Out of these, 95 (2%) filled their first prescription for fixed combination therapy and 4902 (98%) for monotherapy, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (37%), angiotensin receptor blockers (4%), beta blockers (21%), calcium channel blockers (8%), and diuretics (28%). Persistence to the initial drug class was 57% after 1 year and 43% after 2 years. There were no differences in persistence between diuretics and any of the other antihypertensive drug classes, after adjustment for confounders. Discontinuation (all adjusted) was more common in men (P = 0.004), younger patients (P < 0.001), those with mild systolic blood pressure elevation (P < 0.001), and patients born outside the Nordic countries (P < 0.001). Among 1295 patients who switched drug class after their first prescription, only 21% had a blood pressure recorded before the switch occurred; and out them 69% still had high blood pressures.In conclusion, there appears to be no difference in drug class persistence between diuretics and other major antihypertensive drug classes, when factors known to be associated with poor persistence are taken into account.
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| 8. |
- Tominaga, Hiroyuki, et al.
(författare)
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Surgical treatment of the severely damaged atlantoaxial joint with C1-C2 facet spacers Three case reports
- 2019
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Ingår i: Medicine. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 98:22
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rationale: Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), caused by congenital factors, inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection, neoplasia, or trauma, is rare and severely erodes and subluxates atlantoaxial (AA) joints. For these patients, surgical reduction, and stabilization are difficult. Surgery, including anterior transoral decompression and posterior fixation, anterior endonasal decompression and fixation, and posterior decompression with AA or occipitocervical fixation, is often the only treatment available. However, there have only been 2 reports of C1-C2 facet spacer use in treating AAS. Here, we report the case histories of 3 patients with severely damaged and subluxated AA joints and symptomatic basilar invagination (BI), malalignment, or C2 root compression. Patient concerns: The cases included 2 women with rheumatoid arthritis and 1 man with spondyloarthropathy secondary to ulcerative colitis. Diagnosis: Radiographic imaging revealed severely damaged and subluxated AA joints. Their symptoms included worsening pain in the neck or occiput with or without myelopathy and neuralgia. Interventions: After realignment with C1-C2 spacers and posterior C1-C2 screw fixation, the patient symptoms were resolved. Outcomes: Of note, 2 of the 3 patients were healed without complications. One patient who underwent secondary revision surgery because of rod breakage and obvious nonunion at C0-C2 was determined to be healed at 1-year follow-up after the revision surgery. Lessons: We confirmed that C1-C2 facet spacers both reduced BI and occipitocervical coronal malalignment as well as releasing C2 root compression. Therefore, surgical restoration and fixation should be a required treatment in this very rare group of patients.
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| 9. |
- Weidung, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Systolic blood pressure decline in very old individuals is explained by deteriorating health : Longitudinal changes from Umea85+/GERDA
- 2017
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Ingår i: Medicine. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 96:51
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Declining systolic blood pressure (SBP) is common in very old age and is associated with adverse events, such as dementia. Knowledge of factors associated with SBP changes could explain the etiology of this decline in SBP. This study investigated longitudinal changes in socioeconomic factors, medical conditions, drug prescriptions, and assessments and their associations with SBP changes among very old followed individuals.The study was based on data from the Umea85+/Gerontological Regional Database (GERDA) cohort study, which provided cross-sectional and longitudinal data on participants aged 85, 90, and 95 years from 2000 to 2015. Follow-up assessments were conducted after 5 years. The main outcome was a change in SBP. Factors associated with SBP changes were assessed using multivariate linear regression models.In the Umea85+/GERDA study, 454 surviving individuals underwent follow-up assessment after 5 years. Of these, 297 had SBP measured at baseline and follow-up. The mean changestandard deviation in SBP was -12 +/- 25mm Hg. SBP decline was associated independently with later investigation year (P=.009), higher baseline SBP (P<.001), baseline antidepressant prescription (P=.011), incident acute myocardial infarction during follow-up (P=.003), new diuretic prescription during follow-up (P=.044), and a decline in the Barthel Activities of Daily Living index at follow-up (P<.001).In conclusion, SBP declines among very old individuals. This decline seems to be associated with initial SBP level, investigation year, and health-related factors.
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| 10. |
- Weigl, Wojciech, et al.
(författare)
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Analgesic efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl during the period of highest analgesic demand after cesarean section A randomized controlled study
- 2016
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Ingår i: Medicine. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 95:24
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cesarean section (CS) is one of the most common surgical procedures in female patients. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl during the period of greatest postoperative analgesic demand after CS. This period was defined by detailed analysis of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) usage. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized trial included 60 parturients who were scheduled for elective CS. Participants received spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine supplemented with normal saline (control group) or with fentanyl 25 mg (fentanyl group). To evaluate primary endpoints, we measured total pethidine consumption over the period of greatest PCA pethidine requirement. For verification of secondary endpoints, we recorded intravenous PCA requirement in other time windows, duration of effective analgesia, pain scores assessed by visual analog scale, opioid side effects, hemodynamic changes, neonatal Apgar scores, and intraoperative pain. Detailed analysis of hour-by-hour PCA opioid requirements showed that the greatest demand for analgesics among patients in the control group occurred during the first 12 hours after surgery. Patients in the fentanyl group had significantly reduced opioid consumption compared with the controls during this period and had a prolonged duration of effective analgesia. The groups were similar in visual analog scale, incidence of analgesia-related side effects (nausea/vomiting, pruritus, oversedation, and respiratory depression), and neonatal Apgar scores. Mild respiratory depression occurred in 1 patient in each group. Fewer patients experienced intraoperative pain in the fentanyl group (3% vs 23%; relative risk 6.8, 95% confidence interval 0.9-51.6). The requirement for postoperative analgesics is greatest during the first 12hours after induction of anesthesia in patients undergoing CS. The addition of intrathecal fentanyl to spinal anesthesia is effective for intraoperative analgesia and decreases opioid consumption during the period of the highest analgesic demand after CS, without an increase in maternal or neonatal side effects. We recommend using intrathecal fentanyl for CS in medical centers not using morphine or other opioids intrathecally at present.
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