| 1. |
- Hjalmarsson, Clara, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Neuronal and glia-related biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute ischemic stroke
- 2014
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In: Journal of Central Nervous System Disease. - 1179-5735. ; 19:6, s. 51-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Cerebral ischemia promotes morphological reactions of the neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in experimental studies. Our aim was to examine the profile of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) biomarkers and their relation to stroke severity and degree of white matter lesions (WML). METHODS: A total of 20 patients (mean age 76 years) were included within 5-10 days after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) onset. Stroke severity was assessed using NIHSS (National Institute of Health stroke scale). The age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) scale was used to evaluate the extent of WML on CT-scans. The concentrations of specific CSF biomarkers were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with AIS had significantly higher levels of NFL (neurofilament, light), T-tau, myelin basic protein (MBP), YKL-40, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) compared with controls; T-Tau, MBP, GFAP, and YKL-40 correlated with clinical stroke severity, whereas NFL correlated with severity of WML (tested by Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSIONS: Several CSF biomarkers increase in AIS, and they correlate to clinical stroke severity. However, only NFL was found to be a marker of degree of WML.
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| 2. |
- Allvin, Renée, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Confident but not theoretically grounded : experienced simulation educators’ perceptions of their own professional development
- 2017
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In: Advances in Medical Education and Practice. - Macclesfield : DOVE Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-7258. ; :8, s. 99-108
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Medical simulation enables the design of learning activities for competency areas (eg, communication and leadership) identi ed as crucial for future health care professionals. Simulation educators and medical teachers follow different career paths, and their education backgrounds and teaching contexts may be very different in a simulation setting. Although they have a key role in facilitating learning, information on the continuing professional development (pedagogical development) of simulation educators is not available in the literature. Objectives: To explore changes in experienced simulation educators’ perceptions of their own teaching skills, practices, and understanding of teaching over time.Methods: A qualitative exploratory study. Fourteen experienced simulation educators partici- pated in individual open-ended interviews focusing on their development as simulation educators. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. Results: Marked educator development was discerned over time, expressed mainly in an altered way of thinking and acting. Five themes were identi ed: shifting focus, from following to utilizing a structure, setting goals, application of technology, and alignment with profession. Being con dent in the role as an instructor seemed to constitute a foundation for the instructor’s pedagogical development.Conclusion: Experienced simulation educators’ pedagogical development was based on self- con dence in the educator role, and not on a deeper theoretical understanding of teaching and learning. This is the rst clue to gain increased understanding regarding educational level and possible education needs among simulation educators, and it might generate several lines of research for further studies.
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| 3. |
- Carlsson, Tomas, 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Optimal Formula V̇O 2max -to-mass ratio for performance among elite male cross-country skiers
- 2015
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In: Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine. - 1179-1543. ; 6, s. 353-360
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was 1) to validate the 0.5 body-mass exponent for maximal. oxygen uptake [Formula: see text] as the optimal predictor of performance in a 15 km classical-technique skiing competition among elite male cross-country skiers and 2) to evaluate the influence of distance covered on the body-mass exponent for [Formula: see text] among elite male skiers. Twenty-four elite male skiers (age: 21.4±3.3 years [mean ± standard deviation]) completed an incremental treadmill roller-skiing test to determine their [Formula: see text]. Performance data were collected from a 15 km classical-technique cross-country skiing competition performed on a 5 km course. Power-function modeling (ie, an allometric scaling approach) was used to establish the optimal body-mass exponent for [Formula: see text] to predict the skiing performance. The optimal power-function models were found to be [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which explained 69% and 81% of the variance in skiing speed, respectively. All the variables contributed to the models. Based on the validation results, it may be recommended that [Formula: see text] divided by the square root of body mass (mL · min(-1) · kg(-0.5)) should be used when elite male skiers' performance capability in 15 km classical-technique races is evaluated. Moreover, the body-mass exponent for [Formula: see text] was demonstrated to be influenced by the distance covered, indicating that heavier skiers have a more pronounced positive pacing profile (ie, race speed gradually decreasing throughout the race) compared to that of lighter skiers.
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| 4. |
- Dennhag, Inga, 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Exploring gender stereotypes about interpersonal behavior and personality factors using digital matched-guise techniques
- 2019
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In: Social behavior and personality. - : Scientific Journal Publishers. - 0301-2212 .- 1179-6391. ; 47:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The current study explores gender stereotypes among Swedish university students (n=101) studying a course in psychology, using a matched-guise experimental design. The gender identity of a speaker in a dialogue, manifested by voice, was digitally manipulated to sound male or female. Responses to the recordings indicated that an actor with a male voice was rated significantly less conscientious, agreeable, extraverted, and open to experience than the same actor with a female voice. On social behavior, there was a tendency for the actor with a male voice to be rated as more hostile than the same actor with a female voice. The study suggests that stereotype effects rather than real behavioral differences may have an impact on perceived gender differences.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Kozlowski, Piotr, 1969-, et al.
(author)
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The risk of renal disease is increased in lambda myeloma with bone marrow amyloid deposits
- 2017
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In: Journal of Blood Medicine. - : DOVE MEDICAL PRESS LTD. - 1179-2736. ; 8, s. 29-34
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a rare deposition disease and is present in 10-15% of patients with myeloma (MM). In contrast to symptomatic AL in MM, presence of bone marrow (BM) amyloid deposits (AD) in MM is not connected to kidney damage. Renal AD but not BM-AD occur mostly in MM with lambda paraprotein (lambda MM). Methods: We investigated amyloid presence in BM clots taken at diagnosis in 84 patients with symptomatic MM and compared disease characteristics in MM with kappa paraprotein (kappa MM)/lambda MM with and without BM-AD. Results: Lambda MM with BM-AD was compared with kappa MM without BM-AD, kappa MM with BM-AD, and lambda MM without BM-AD: lambda MM with BM-AD patients had a significantly higher mean creatinine level (4.23 mg/dL vs 1.69, 1.14, and 1.28 mg/dL, respectively) and a higher proportion presented with severe kidney failure (6/11 [55%] vs 6/32 [19%], 1/22 [5%], and 3/19 [16%], respectively). Proteinuria was more common in lambda MM with BM-AD patients compared with kappa MM without BM-AD patients (8/11 [73%] vs 5/32 [16%], respectively). Conclusion: Kidney damage was more common in lambda MM with BM-AD indicating presence of renal AD.
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| 8. |
- Ludvigsson, Jonas F., 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Adaptation of the Charlson Comorbidity Index for Register-Based Research in Sweden
- 2021
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : Dove Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 13, s. 21-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Comorbidity indices are often used to measure comorbidities in register-based research. We aimed to adapt the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) to a Swedish setting.Methods: Four versions of the CCI were compared and evaluated by disease-specific experts.Results: We created a cohesive coding system for CCI to 1) harmonize the content between different international classification of disease codes (ICD-7,8,9,10), 2) delete incorrect codes, 3) enhance the distinction between mild, moderate or severe disease (and between diabetes with and without end-organ damage), 4) minimize duplication of codes, and 5) briefly explain the meaning of individual codes in writing.Conclusion: This work may provide an integrated and efficient coding algorithm for CCI to be used in medical register-based research in Sweden.
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| 9. |
- Ludvigsson, Jonas F., 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Cohort profile : ESPRESSO (Epidemiology Strengthened by histoPathology Reports in Sweden)
- 2019
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : DOVE Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 11, s. 101-114
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ESPRESSO study constitutes a novel approach to examine the etiology and prognosis of gastrointestinal disease in which histopathology plays a prominent role. Between 2015 and 2017, all pathology departments (n=28) in Sweden were contacted and asked to procure histopathology record data from the gastrointestinal tract (pharynx to anus), liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. For each individual, local histopathology IT personnel retrieved data on personal identity number, date of histopathology, topography (where the biopsy is taken), morphology (biopsy appearance), and where available free text. In total, between 1965 and 2017, histopathology record data were available in 2.1 million unique individuals, but the number of data entries was 6.1 million because more than one biopsy was performed in many of the study participants. Index individuals with histopathology data were matched with up to five controls from the general population. We also identified all first-degree relatives (parents, children, full siblings), and the index individual's first spouse. The total study population consisted of 13.0 million individuals. Data from all the study participants have been linked to Swedish National Healthcare Registers allowing research not only on such aspects as fetal and perinatal conditions and the risk of future gastrointestinal disease but also on the risk of comorbidity and complications (including cancer and death). Furthermore, the ESPRESSO database allows researchers and practitioners to identify diagnoses and disease phenotypes not currently indexed in national registers (including disease precursors). The ESPRESSO database increases the sensitivity and specificity of already-recorded diseases in the national health registers. This paper is an overview of the ESPRESSO database.
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| 10. |
- Ludvigsson, Jonas F., 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Normal Gastrointestinal Mucosa at Biopsy and Overall Mortality : Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
- 2022
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : Dove Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 14, s. 889-900
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Normal gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa on endoscopy has been linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) but its association to overall death is unknown.Methods: We identified 466,987 individuals with a first GI biopsy 1965-2016 with normal mucosa (60.6% upper GI and 39.4% lower GI) through all Swedish pathology departments (n = 28). They were individually matched to 2,321,217 reference individuals without a GI biopsy and also compared to 505,076 full siblings. Flexible parametric models were applied to estimate hazard ratio (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for death.Results: During a median follow-up of ~11 years, 85,859 (18.39%) of individuals with normal mucosa and 377,653 (16.27%) of reference individuals died. This corresponded to incidence rates of 147.56/10,000 vs 127.90/10,000 person-years respectively (rate difference: 19.66/10,000 person-years), with the multivariable-adjusted HR of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.20-1.22). Excess mortality was seen for both upper and lower biopsy with normal mucosa. Particularly higher HRs for death were seen in males, individuals biopsied when aged <40 years, those without a prior record of GI disease, and those with high education. Mortality risk was most increased in the first five years after biopsy (HR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.32-1.36) but decreased thereafter. Having a GI biopsy with normal mucosa was associated with excess mortality from cardiovascular (CVD)disease (HR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03), cancer (HR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.56-1.61), GI disease (HR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.58-1.71), and other causes (HR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.08-1.11). Sibling comparisons yielded similar results.Conclusion: Compared with individuals without a GI biopsy, those with a normal GI biopsy due to clinical symptoms had a higher mortality particularly in the first five years after biopsy, and especially from GI disease and cancer.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Lebwohl, Benjamin, et al.
(author)
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Risk of Severe Covid-19 in Patients with Celiac Disease : A Population-Based Cohort Study
- 2021
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : Dove Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 13, s. 121-130
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Patients with celiac disease (CeD) are at increased risk of certain viral infections and of pneumococcal pneumonia, raising concerns that they may be susceptible to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). We aimed to quantify the association between CeD and severe outcomes related to Covid-19.Methods: We performed a population-based cohort study, identifying individuals with CeD in Sweden, as defined by small intestinal villus atrophy diagnosed at all (n=28) Swedish pathology departments during the years spanning 1969-2017, and alive on February 1, 2020. We compared these patients to controls matched by sex, age, county, and calendar period. We performed Cox proportional hazards with follow-up through July 31, 2020, assessing risk of 1) hospital admission with a primary diagnosis of laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 (co-primary outcome); and 2) severe disease as defined by admission to intensive care unit and/or death attributed to Covid-19 (co-primary outcome).Results: Among patients with CeD (n=40,963) and controls (n=183,892), the risk of hospital admission for Covid-19 was 2.9 and 2.2 per 1000 person-years respectively. After adjusting for comorbidities, the risk of hospitalization for Covid-19 was not significantly increased in patients with CeD (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.80-1.50), nor was the risk of severe Covid-19 increased (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.59-1.59). Results were similarly null when we compared CeD patients to their non-CeD siblings with regard to these outcomes. Among all patients with CeD and controls hospitalized with a diagnosis of Covid-19 (n=58 and n=202, respectively), there was no significant difference in mortality (HR for CeD compared to controls 0.96; 95% CI 0.46-2.02).Conclusion: In this population-based study, CeD was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for Covid-19 or intensive care unit and/or death attributed to Covid-19.
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| 13. |
- Axelrad, Jordan E., et al.
(author)
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A Novel Method for Quantifying Intestinal Inflammatory Burden in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Register Data
- 2020
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : Dove Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 12, s. 1059-1072
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The Swedish Quality Register for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SWIBREG) contains clinical data for the study of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Epidemiology Strengthened by histoPathology Reports in Sweden (ESPRESSO) cohort was recently established for the study of gastrointestinal histopathology. We aimed to develop and validate a histology score from ESPRESSO using clinical information from SWIBREG, and secondarily, to evaluate the association of the score on IBD-related hospitalization.Methods: In a nationwide, population-based cohort study of patients with IBD during 1969-2017, we linked endoscopic inflammation in SWIBREG with histologic inflammation in ESPRESSO. We established a clinically interpretable model for predicting the endoscopic score from histology using scalable Bayesian rule lists to define a SNOMED-based histology score applicable to the ESPRESSO cohort. We also assessed the impact of baseline endoscopic and histology scores on time to IBD-related hospitalization.Results: We identified 5225 individuals with IBD comprising 11,051 endoscopic assessments in SWIBREG linked to a histopathology record in ESPRESSO. We created predictive models to calculate a SNOMED-based histology score which predicted the endoscopic score. Split-sample validated areas under the ROC curves for the score predicting a non-zero endoscopic score were 0.80 (0.78-0.81) in UC, 0.70 (0.68-0.72) in CD, and 0.76 (0.73-0.78) in IBD-U. In a subset of 2741 individuals with an initial IBD diagnosis and a corresponding record in ESPRESSO with an endoscopic assessment in SWIBREG, the baseline endoscopic and histology scores were associated with time to IBD-related hospitalization (endoscopy log-rank UC p<0.001, CD p=0.020, IBD-U p<0.001; histology log-rank UC p=0.018, CD p=0.960, IBD-U p=0.034).Conclusion: Histopathology data in ESPRESSO accurately predict endoscopic scores in SWIBREG. Baseline endoscopic and histologic scores were associated with time to IBD-related hospitalization, particularly in UC. The SNOMED-based histology score can be used as a measure of disease activity in future register-based IBD studies.
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| 14. |
- Allard, K., et al.
(author)
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Implantation of toric intraocular lenses in patients with cataract and keratoconus: a case series
- 2018
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In: International Medical Case Reports Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1179-142X. ; 11, s. 185-191
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To describe the results of phacoemulsification and implantation of tonic intraocular lenses (IOLs) in patients with cataract and keratoconus. Patients and methods: Prospective study of 4 patients (4 eyes) with cataract and keratoconus who underwent phacoemulsification with implantation of a toric IOL. Two different toric IOLs were used: AcrySof IQ SN6AT9 and AT Torbi 709M(P). Corneal tomography was performed preoperatively using Scheimpflug technique with Pentacam. Astigmatism was regular or slightly irregular in all patients. Postoperatively, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), astigmatism, spherical equivalent, and complications were recorded for all patients. Follow-up time was between 4 weeks and 7 months. Results: BCVA increased and astigmatism decreased in all patients. BCVA increased from 20/50 to 20/40 in patient 1, from 20/63 to 20/20 in patient 2, from 20/40 to 20/32 in patient 3, and from hand motion to 20/40 in patient 4. Astigmatism decreased from -6.12 to -3.75 D in patient 1, from -4.62 to -1.75 Din patient 2, from -9.0 to -3.0 Din patient 3, and from -8.0 to -2.75 D in patient 4. One patient developed pseudophakic cystoid macular edema, but at last follow-up after 6 months the edema had resolved. Another patient developed posterior capsular opacification after 2 months. No misalignment of the axis of the IOL was observed. Conclusion: Correction of both astigmatism and cataract with phacoemulsification and implantation of a tonic IOL can be an effective and safe choice for patients with cataract and keratoconus. However, predicting the refractive outcome in cataract surgery is difficult in patients with keratoconus, and the surgeon should be aware of different sources of biometric errors and the possible consequences.
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| 15. |
- Bergman, David, et al.
(author)
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Incidence of ICD-based diagnoses of alcohol-related disorders and diseases from swedish nationwide registers and suggestions for coding
- 2020
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - Macclesfield, United Kingdom : Dove Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 12, s. 1433-1442
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To improve consistency between register studies in Sweden and ensure valid comparisons of possible changes in alcohol-related disorders and diseases (ARDDs) over time, we propose a definition of ARDDs. Based on this definition, we examined Sweden’s incidence rates of ARDDs from 1970 to 2018 in non-primary healthcare settings (inpatient and outpatient). Methods: Swedish Society of Epidemiology members were invited to give feedback on the International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes with a potential link to alcohol use. We then calculated age-standardised and age-specific incidence of ARDDs over time according to the National Patient Register, and the lifetime prevalence of ARDDs diagnosed in adults alive in Sweden on Dec 31, 2018. Results: Sweden’s estimated incidence of ARDDs increased substantially after introducing the new ICD-9 codes in 1987. In the past 10 years (2009–2018), the incidence of ARDDs has been stable (males: 110/100,000 person-years, females: 49/100,000 person-years). Requiring at least two ICD records for diagnosed ARDDs led to a somewhat lower incidence of ARDDs (males: 71 per 100,000 person-years, females: 29 per 100,000 person-years). In Sweden, the lifetime prevalence of diagnosed ARDDs in adults on Dec 31, 2018, was 1.9% (95% CI=1.9–1.9). Conclusion: In this nationwide study, we found an incidence of ARDDs of 50–100/ 100,000 person-years. In 2018, 1 in 52 adults in Sweden had been diagnosed with ARDDs in the National Patient Register.
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| 16. |
- Bergman, O., et al.
(author)
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Optic perineuritis: a retrospective case series
- 2017
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In: International Medical Case Reports Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1179-142X. ; 10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optic perineuritis (OPN) is a rare inflammatory disorder involving the optic nerve sheath characterized by visual loss. OPN may be isolated and idiopathic or part of an underlying disorder. This case series aimed to help clinicians investigate and manage this disorder. Presentation, clinical findings, and treatment of OPN are discussed. After review of medical records at the ophthalmology clinic at Sahlgrenska University hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, seven OPN patients (three men and four women) were identified and included in the present case series. These included idiopathic cases and patients with underlying disorders. Age at OPN diagnosis ranged from 26 to 64 years (mean age 55 years, median age 58 years). Five of the patients were treated with corticosteroids. This study suggests that a high-dose course of corticosteroids is important in the treatment of OPN in severely affected patients.
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| 17. |
- Bexe-Lindskog, Elinor, et al.
(author)
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Thymidine Phosphorylase Gene Expression in Stage III Colorectal Cancer.
- 2012
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In: Clinical Medicine Insights. Oncology. - 1179-5549. ; 6, s. 347-53
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The thymidine phosphorylase (TP) enzyme has several tumor-promoting functions. The aim of this study was to explore TP gene expression in relation to clinical and histopathological data obtained from patients with stage III colorectal cancer.
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| 18. |
- Everhov, ÅH., et al.
(author)
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Work loss in relation to pharmacological and surgical treatment for Crohn’s disease : A population-based cohort study
- 2020
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : Dove Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 12, s. 273-285
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Patients with Crohn’s disease have increased work loss. We aimed to describe changes in work ability in relation to pharmacological and surgical treatments. Patients and Methods: We linked data from the Swedish National Patient Register, The Swedish Quality Register for Inflammatory Bowel Disease SWIBREG, The Prescribed Drug Register, The Longitudinal Integrated Database for Health Insurance and Labour Market Studies, and the Social Insurance Database. We identified working-age (19–59 years) patients with incident Crohn’s disease 2006–2013 and population comparator subjects matched by sex, birth year, region, and education level. We assessed the number of lost workdays due to sick leave and disability pension before and after treatments.Results: Of 3956 patients (median age 34 years, 51% women), 39% were treated with aminosalicylates, 52% with immunomodulators, 22% with TNF inhibitors, and 18% with intestinal surgery during a median follow-up of 5.3 years. Most patients had no work loss during the study period (median=0 days). For all treatments, the mean number of lost workdays increased during the months before treatment initiation, peaked during the first month of treatment and decreased thereafter, and was heavily influenced by sociodemo-graphic factors and amount of work loss before first Crohn’s disease diagnosis. The mean increase in work loss days compared to pre-therapeutic level was ~3 days during the first month of treatment for all pharmacological therapies and 11 days for intestinal surgery. Three months after treatment initiation, 88% of patients treated surgically and 90–92% of patients treated pharmacologically had the same amount of work loss as before treatment start. Median time to return to work was 2 months for all treatments.Conclusion: In this regular clinical setting, patients treated surgically had more lost workdays than patients treated pharmacologically, but return to work was similar between all treatments.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Jarrick, Simon, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Clinical validation of immunoglobulin A nephropathy diagnosis in Swedish biopsy registers
- 2017
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : Dove Medical Press Ltd. - 1179-1349. ; 9, s. 67-73
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: The aims of this study were to validate the diagnosis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in Swedish biopsy registers against patient charts and to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with a biopsy indicating IgAN.Methods: This is a population-based cohort study. Out of 4,069 individuals with a renal biopsy consistent with IgAN (biopsies performed in 1974-2011), this study reviewed patient charts of a random subset of 127 individuals. Clinical and biopsy characteristics at the time of biopsy were evaluated, and positive predictive values (PPV) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: Out of 127 individuals with a renal biopsy consistent with IgAN, 121 had a likely or confirmed clinical diagnosis of IgAN, primary or secondary to Henoch-Schonlein purpura, yielding a PPV of 95% (95% CI =92%-99%). The median age at biopsy was 39 years (range: 4-79 years); seven patients (6%) were <16 years. The male to female ratio was 2.8:1. The most common causes for consultation were macroscopic hematuria (n=37; 29%), screening (n=33; 26%), and purpura (n=14, 11%). In patients with available data, the median creatinine level was 104 mu mol/L (range 26-986 mu mol/L, n=110) and glomerular filtration rate 75 mL/min/1.73m(2) (range 5-173 mL/min/1.73m(2), n=114). Hypertension was noted in 59 (46%) individuals. IgA deposits were reported in 97% of the biopsy records (n= 123), mesangial hypercellularity in 76% (n= 96), C3 deposits in 89% (n=113), and C1q deposits in 12% (n=15). Conclusion: A histologic diagnosis of IgAN has a high PPV for a diagnosis of IgAN confirmed by review of patient charts.
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| 21. |
- Kuja-Halkola, Ralf, et al.
(author)
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Birth weight, sex, and celiac disease : a nationwide twin study
- 2017
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : DOVE Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 9, s. 567-577
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Earlier research suggests that birth weight may be associated with celiac disease (CD), but the direction of association has been unclear potentially due to confounding effect from genetic and intrafamilial factors. Through within-twin analyses, we aimed to minimize confounding effects such as twins that share genetic and early environmental exposures.Materials and methods: Using the Swedish Twin Registry, we examined the birth weight of 146,830 twins according to the CD status. CD was defined as having villous atrophy according to a small intestinal biopsy reports.Results: The prevalence of diagnosed CD was 0.5% (n=669), and we included 407 discordant pairs of CD-non-CD twins. Comparing the 669 CD patients with non-CD twins, the association between birth weight and future CD was not statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] per 1000 g increase in birth weight: 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.97-1.38). In males, the association was positive and statistically significant (OR=1.50; 95% CI=1.11-2.02). However, the association was not significant in within-pair analyses for both dizygotic and monozygotic twins and for both sexes.Conclusion: This population-based study found that in male twins, higher birth weight was associated with higher risk of CD. However, when comparing discordant twin pairs in within-twin pair analyses, there was no statistically significant association between birth weight, intrauterine growth, and future risk of CD.
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| 22. |
- Laugesen, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Nordic Health Registry-Based Research : A Review of Health Care Systems and Key Registries
- 2021
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : Dove Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 13, s. 533-554
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Nordic countries are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden and comprise a total population of approximately 27 million. The countries provide unique oppor-tunities for joint health registry-based research in large populations with long and complete follow-up, facilitated by shared features, such as the tax-funded and public health care systems, the similar population-based registries, and the personal identity number as unique identifier of all citizens. In this review, we provide an introduction to the health care systems, key registries, and how to navigate the practical and ethical aspects of setting up such studies. For each country, we provide an overview of population statistics and health care expenditures, and describe the operational and administrative organization of the health care system. The Nordic registries provide population-based, routine, and prospective data on individuals lives and health with virtually complete follow-up and exact censoring information. We briefly describe the total population registries, birth registries, patient registries, cancer registries, prescription registries, and causes of death registries with a focus on period of coverage, selected key variables, and potential limitations. Lastly, we discuss some practical and legal perspectives. The potential of joint research is not fully exploited, mainly due to legal and practical difficulties in, for example, cross-border sharing of data. Future tasks include clear and transparent legal pathways and a framework by which practical aspects are facilitated.
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| 23. |
- Lebwohl, Benjamin, et al.
(author)
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Isotretinoin Use and Celiac Disease : A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
- 2014
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In: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. - : Springer. - 1175-0561 .- 1179-1888. ; 15:6, s. 537-542
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aim: Isotretinoin, a vitamin A analogue, can promote a pro-inflammatory milieu in the small intestine in response to dietary antigens. We hypothesized that oral isotretinoin exposure would increase the risk of celiac disease (CD).Methods: We contacted all 28 pathology departments in Sweden, and through biopsy reports identified 26,739 individuals with CD. We then compared the prevalence of ever using oral isotretinoin to the prevalence in 134,277 matched controls through conditional logistic regression. Data on isotretinoin exposure were obtained from the national Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry. As the only indication for isotretinoin use in Sweden is acne, we also examined its relationship to CD. Data on acne were obtained from the Swedish Patient Registry.Results: Ninety-three individuals with CD (0.35 %) and 378 matched controls (0.28 %) had a prescription of isotretinoin. This corresponded to an odds ratio (OR) of 1.22 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.97-1.54]. Risk estimates were similar in men and women, and when we restricted our data to individuals diagnosed after the start of the Prescribed Drug Registry. Restricting our analyses to individuals diagnosed aged 12-45 years did not influence the risk estimates (OR 1.38, 95 % CI 0.97-1.97). Meanwhile, having a diagnosis of acne was positively associated with CD (OR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.20-1.51).Conclusions: This study found no association between isotretinoin use and CD, but a small excess risk of CD in patients with a diagnosis of acne.
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| 24. |
- Lundberg, Frida E., et al.
(author)
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Mortality in 43,598 men with infertility - a Swedish nationwide population-based cohort study
- 2019
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : DOVE Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 11, s. 645-657
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Previous studies indicate a higher risk of comorbidity in men with infertility; however, research on mortality is scarce and the few studies that do exist have rarely differentiated between infertility and infertility-related diagnoses.Objective: To examine mortality in men with an infertility or infertility-related diagnosis.Design, setting, and participants: Population-based cohort study of men born in 1944-1992 in Sweden. We used Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for infertility while adjusting for number of children, education, year of birth, country of birth, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease and end-stage renal disease. In all, 43,598 men with a diagnosis of infertility and 57,733 men with an infertility-related diagnosis were compared with 2,762,254 men (reference group) without such diagnoses.Outcome measures: All-cause and cause-specific mortality at age 20 to 69 years.Results and limitations: The 2,863,585 men in the study were followed for a median time of 22.0 years. During follow-up, 439 men with a diagnosis of infertility died, corresponding to a crude incidence rate of 1.56 deaths per 1,000 person-years. These figures can be compared with 1,400 deaths in men with an infertility-related diagnosis (1.96 deaths/1,000 person-years) and 99,463 deaths in reference individuals (2.17 deaths/1,000 person-years). Overall, men with a diagnosis of infertility did not have a higher risk of death (adjusted [a] HR=0.98; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.89-1.08), but had a higher risk of death before age 30 (20-29 years) (aHR=3.26; 95% CI=2.42-4.41). This early excess mortality was largely explained by cancer diagnosed before infertility. Having an infertility-related diagnosis was associated with death (aHR=1.23; 95% CI=1.17-1.30). Limitations include the lack of general screening for infertility in Sweden and the lack of information on semen parameters.Conclusion: Men with a diagnosis of infertility are not at a higher risk of death than the general population, although having a diagnosis related to infertility may be linked to a higher risk of death.Patient summary: Men with a diagnosis of infertility do not seem to have a higher risk of death though an infertility-related diagnosis in men is associated with the risk of death.
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| 25. |
- Molero, Yasmina, et al.
(author)
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Parental nicotine replacement therapy and offspring bronchitis/bronchiolitis and asthma - a nationwide population-based cohort study
- 2018
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : DOVE Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 10, s. 1339-1347
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Prior evidence shows that environmental tobacco smoke is a risk factor for respiratory tract infections, wheeze, and asthma. Nicotine replacement therapy has been shown to increase smoking cessation. However, no prior studies have explored if parental use decreases the risk of bronchitis/bronchiolitis and asthma in the offspring.Objective: To examine whether nicotine replacement therapy varenicline, given to parents, was associated with a reduction in bronchitis/bronchiolitis and/or asthma in their children.Methods: This study is a population-based cohort study, linking data from nationwide registers, and using a within-individual design that minimizes selection effects and controls for time-invariant confounding factors. Participants included 37,420 parents with a collected prescription of varenicline with 72,392 offspring <18 years of age. Exposure was defined as collected prescriptions of varenicline among the parents. Primary outcomes were offspring hospital visits for bronchitis/bronchiolitis (ICD10: J20 or J21) and offspring hospital visits for asthma (ICD10: J45).Results: Parental varenicline treatment was associated with a lower rate of visits for bronchitis/bronchiolitis in their children (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=0.67; 95% CI=0.50-0.91), but no association was found for asthma (IRR=1.08; 95% CI=0.97-1.19). The rate reduction of bronchitis/bronchiolitis was similar when we restricted data to children aged 0-3 years (IRR=0.71; 95% CI=0.52-0.97) and to maternal varenicline treatment (IRR=0.64; 95% CI=0.43-0.96). When restricting the outcomes to unplanned visits only (ie, excluding booked appointments, followups, and referrals), no associations were found (IRR=0.72, 95% CI=0.51-1.02).Conclusion: In this cohort study, nicotine replacement treatment in parents was associated with reduced hospital visits for bronchitis/bronchiolitis in their children.
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| 26. |
- Mouratidou, Natalia, et al.
(author)
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Identification of Childhood-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Swedish Healthcare Registers : A Validation Study
- 2022
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : Dove Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 14, s. 591-600
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) is often used in observational studies of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (<18 years of age) and its subtypes, but the validity of previously used register-based algorithms for capturing childhood-onset IBD has never been examined.Methods: We identified a random sample of 233 individuals with at least two first ever diagnostic listings of IBD in the NPR between 2002 and 2014. We calculated the test characteristics for different register-based definitions of IBD and its subtypes using the Copenhagen criteria and the revised Porto criteria as gold standard, both based on medical chart review. We made assumptions of the occurrence of undiagnosed IBD in the general child population based on available literature.Results: Out of 233 individuals with at least two diagnostic listings of IBD, 216 had true IBD, resulting in a positive predictive value (PPV) = 93% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89-96), sensitivity = 88% (95% CI 83-92), specificity = 100% (95% CI 100-100), and negative predictive value (NPV) = 100% (95% CI 100-100). The PPV for the NPR-based definitions of IBD subtypes at time of first IBD diagnosis and at end of follow-up were 78% (95% CI 69-86) and 88% (95% CI 80-94), respectively, for Crohn's disease and 74% (95% CI 63-83) and 71% (95% CI 60-80), respectively, for ulcerative colitis.Conclusion: The validity of register-based definitions of childhood-onset IBD in the Swedish NPR is high and can be used to identify patients in observational research.
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| 27. |
- Störe, Siri Jakobsson, et al.
(author)
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Mind, Body and Machine : Preliminary Study to Explore Predictors of Treatment Response After a Sleep Robot Intervention for Adults with Insomnia
- 2023
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In: Nature and Science of Sleep. - : Dove Medical Press. - 1179-1608. ; 15, s. 567-577
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: The study aimed to explore characteristics of responders to a sleep robot intervention for adults with insomnia, and the likelihood that participants responded to the intervention. Methods: Data from the intervention and the control group in a randomized waitlist-controlled trial (n = 44) were pooled together after both had undergone the intervention. A repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman tests were used to explore changes over time. Differences in baseline characteristics between responders (n = 13), defined as a reduction of -5 on the Insomnia Severity Index from pre- to post-intervention, and non-responders (n = 31) were analyzed with t-tests and chi-square tests. Finally, logistic regression models were estimated.Results: Baseline anxiety was the only statistically significant difference between responders and non-responders (p = 0.03). A logistic regression model with anxiety and sleep quality as predictors was statistically significant, correctly classifying 83.3% of cases. Discussion: The results imply that people with lower anxiety and higher sleep quality at baseline are more likely to report clinically significant improvements in insomnia from the sleep robot intervention.
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| 28. |
- Sundelin, Heléne, et al.
(author)
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Pregnancy outcomes in women with autism : a nationwide population-based cohort study
- 2018
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In: Clinical Epidemiology. - : DOVE Medical Press Ltd.. - 1179-1349. ; 10, s. 1817-1826
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The consequences of autism in pregnancy outcomes have not been explored before, although it is of crucial importance because of the frequent comorbidities and medication in this group of women.Objectives: To estimate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women diagnosed with autism.Design: Nationwide population-based cohort study.Setting: Sweden.Participants: Singleton births identified in the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, 2006-2014. A total of 2,198 births to women diagnosed with autism registered in the Swedish National Patient Registry were compared to 877,742 singleton births to women without such a diagnosis.Main outcome and measures: Preterm delivery. Secondary measures were cesarean delivery (emergency and elective), Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, small for gestational age, large for gestational age, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. ORs were calculated through logistic regression, adjusted for maternal age at delivery, maternal country of birth, smoking, maternal body mass index, parity, calendar year of birth, and psychotropic and antiepileptic medication during pregnancy.Results: Women with autism were at increased risk of preterm birth (OR=1.30; 95% CI=1.10-1.54), especially medically indicated preterm birth (OR=1.41; 95% CI=1.08-1.82), but not with spontaneous preterm birth. Maternal autism was also associated with an increased risk of elective cesarean delivery (OR=1.44; 95% CI=1.25-1.66) and preeclampsia (OR=1.34; 95% CI=1.08-1.66), but not with emergency cesarean delivery, low Apgar score (<7), large for gestational age, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth. In women with medication during pregnancy, there was no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome except for induction of delivery (OR=1.33; 95% CI=1.14-1.55).Conclusion and relevance: Maternal autism is associated with preterm birth, likely due to an increased frequency of medically indicated preterm births, but also with other adverse pregnancy outcomes, suggesting a need for extra surveillance during prenatal care.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- von Hofsten, Joanna, 1976, et al.
(author)
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The use of autologous serum for the treatment of ocular surface disease at a Swedish tertiary referral center
- 2016
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In: International Medical Case Reports Journal. - 1179-142X. ; 9, s. 47-54
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: The study aims to describe an intact cohort with mixed ocular surface disease (OSD) treated with autologous serum (AS) eye drops in a tertiary eye center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All cases (n=32 eyes, 24 patients) treated with AS for OSD at the Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, between 2002 and 2013 were included and medical records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Mean duration of treatment with 20% AS was 28.3±56.1 (median: 12, range: 3-217) days. The most common indication for AS treatment was a persistent epithelial defect (PED), which was seen in 16 eyes of 14 patients. Mean duration of PED prior to treatment was 19.3±18.9 (median: 10, range: 5-68) days. Complete or partial epithelial healing occurred in nine eyes (56.2%). The remaining seven eyes (44%) did not respond to treatment or data were missing. The second group consisted of nine eyes of five patients with superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) secondary to dry eye syndrome. Complete or partial healing of the epithelium occurred in five eyes (56%), and the remaining four eyes (44%) were lost to follow-up. A third group included five eyes with AS as an adjuvant treatment after corneal perforation, whereas a fourth group consisted of one patient with dry eye after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, patients with PED or SPK responded well to treatment with AS. Standardized preparation protocols, defined optimal serum concentrations for various indications, and large randomized clinical trials are needed to fully comprehend the role of AS in the treatment of OSD.
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| 31. |
- Wintzell, Viktor, et al.
(author)
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Data Mining for Adverse Events of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibitors in Pediatric Patients : Tree-Based Scan Statistic Analyses of Danish Nationwide Health Data
- 2020
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In: Clinical drug investigation. - : Springer. - 1173-2563 .- 1179-1918. ; 40:12, s. 1147-1154
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are efficacious and considered generally safe in adults. However, pediatric-specific safety evidence is scarce. The aim of this study was to screen for signals of previously unknown adverse events of TNF-α inhibitors in pediatric patients.METHODS: We conducted a data-mining study based on routinely collected, nationwide Danish healthcare data for 2004-2016. Using tree-based scan statistics to identify events with unexpectedly high incidence during TNF-α inhibitor use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, two analyses were performed: comparison with episodes of no use and with other time periods from the same patient. Based on incident physician-assigned diagnosis codes from outpatient and inpatient visits in specialist care, we screened thousands of potential adverse events while adjusting for multiple testing.RESULTS: We identified 1310 episodes of new TNF-α inhibitor use that met the eligibility criteria. Two signals of adverse events of TNF-α inhibitors, as compared with no use, were detected. First, there were excess events of dermatologic complications (ICD-10: L00-L99, 87 vs. 44 events, risk difference [RD] 3.3%), which have been described previously in adults and children. Second, there were excess events of psychiatric diagnosis adjustment disorders (ICD-10: F432, 33 vs. 7 events, RD 2.0%), which was likely associated with the underlying disease and its severity, rather than with the treatment. The self-controlled analysis generated no signal.CONCLUSIONS: No signals of previously unknown adverse events of TNF-α inhibitors in pediatric patients were detected. The study showed that real-world data and newly developed methods for adverse events data mining can play a particularly important role in pediatrics where pre-approval drug safety data are scarce.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Beele, Hilde, et al.
(author)
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Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis : Pathogenesis, Contributing Factors, Prevention and Management Options
- 2018
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 35:1, s. 1-10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common type of irritant contact dermatitis, seen in patients with urinary or faecal incontinence. Mechanical factors such as traumata and friction may aggravate the lesions. The fragile skin in elderly patients is more prone to developing IAD. The clinical picture of IAD consists of persistent redness on the one hand and skin loss on the other. Both categories may be associated with clinical signs of major colonisation or infection. It is important to distinguish IAD from pressure ulcers and other dermatoses in the genital region. Due to the lack of well-established clinical trials, recommendations about prevention and treatment are based on expert opinion and best practice. Gentle cleansing, use of hydrating topical agents and application of barrier products are the main elements in the prevention and treatment of IAD. It is important to translate these recommendations and general guidelines into ready-to-use protocols that can be implemented for each specific clinical manifestation of IAD.
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| 36. |
- Bennett, Alexander, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence and Impact of Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs, Polypharmacy, and Drug-Drug Interactions in Robust Versus Frail Hospitalised Falls Patients : A Prospective Cohort Study
- 2014
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 31:3, s. 225-232
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Several measures of medication exposure are associated with adverse outcomes in older people. Exposure to and the clinical outcomes of these measures in robust versus frail older inpatients are not known. Objective In older robust and frail patients admitted to hospital after a fall, we investigated the prevalence and clinical impact of fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs), total number of medications, and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Methods Patients >= 60 years of age admitted with a fall to a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Sydney were recruited and frailty was assessed. Data were collected at admission, discharge, and 2 months after admission. Results A total of 204 patients were recruited (mean age 80.5 +/- 8.3 years), with 101 robust and 103 frail. On admission, compared with the robust, frail participants had significantly higher mean +/- SD number of FRIDs (frail 3.4 +/- 2.2 vs. robust 1.6 +/- 1.5, P < 0.0001), total number of medications (9.8 +/- 4.3 vs. 4.4 +/- 3.3, P < 0.0001), and DDI exposure (35 vs. 5 %, P = 0.001). Number of FRIDs on discharge was significantly associated with recurrent falls [odds ratio (OR) 1.7 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.3-2.1)], which were most likely to occur with 1.5 FRIDs in the frail and 2.5 FRIDs in the robust. Number of medications on discharge was also associated with recurrent falls [OR 1.2 (1.0-1.3)], but DDIs were not. Conclusion Exposure to FRIDs and other measures of high-risk medication exposures is common in older people admitted with falls, especially the frail. Number of FRIDs and to a lesser extent total number of medicines at discharge were associated with recurrent falls.
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| 37. |
- Bernsten, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Improving the well-being of elderly patients via community pharmacy-based provision of pharmaceutical care : a multicentre study in seven European countries
- 2001
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In: Drugs & Aging. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 18:1, s. 63-77
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: This study aimed to measure the outcomes of a harmonised, structured pharmaceutical care programme provided to elderly patients: (greater than or equal to 65 years of age) by community pharmacists in a multicentre international study performed in 7 European countries. Design and setting: The study was a randomised, controlled. longitudinal, clinical trial with repeated measures performed over an Is-month period. A total of 104 intervention and 86 control pharmacy sites participated in the research and 1290 intervention patients and 1164 control patients were recruited into the study. Main outcome measures and results: A general decline in health-related quality of lift: over time was observed in the pooled data; however, significant improvements were achieved in patients involved in the pharmaceutical care programme in some countries. Intervention patients reported better control of their medical conditions as a result of the study and cost savings associated with pharmaceutical care provision were observed in most countries. The new structured service was well accepted by intervention patients and patient satisfaction with the services improved during the study. The pharmacists involved in providing pharmaceutical care had a positive opinion on the new approach, as did the majority of general practitioners surveyed. The positive effects appear to have been achieved via social and psychosocial aspects of the intervention, such as the increased support provided by community pharmacists, rather than via biomedical mechanisms. Conclusions: This study is the first large-scale, multicentre study to investigate the effects of pharmaceutical care provision by community pharmacists to elderly patients. Future research methodology and implementation will be informed by the experience gained from this challenging trial.
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| 38. |
- Brännström, Jon, et al.
(author)
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Gender disparities in the pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in the very old : an epidemiological, cross-sectional survey
- 2011
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 28:12, s. 993-1005
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There are many reports of disparities in health and medical care both between women and men and between various age groups. In most cases, men receive better treatment than women and young and middle-aged people are privileged compared with the old and the very old. Cardiovascular morbidity and diabetes mellitus are common, increase with age and are often treated extensively with drugs, many of which are known to have significant adverse effects.OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse gender differences in the pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes among very old people.METHODS: The study took the form of an epidemiological, cross-sectional survey. A structured interview was administered during one or more home visits, and data were further retrieved from medical charts and interviews with relatives, healthcare staff and other carers. Home-dwelling people as well as people living in institutional care in six municipalities in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden, in 2005-7 were included in the study. Half of all people aged 85 years, all of those aged 90 years and all of those aged ≥95 years living in the selected municipalities were selected for inclusion in the study. In total, 467 people were included in the present analysis. The main study outcome measures were medical diagnoses and drug use.RESULTS: In total, women were prescribed a larger number of drugs than men (mean 7.2 vs 5.4, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for age and other background variables as well as relevant medical diagnoses (hypertension, heart failure) showed strong associations between female sex and prescriptions of thiazide diuretics (odds ratio [OR] 4.4; 95% CI 1.8, 10.8; p = 0.001), potassium-sparing diuretics (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.4, 8.7; p = 0.006) and diuretics as a whole (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1, 2.9; p = 0.021). A similar model, adjusted for angina pectoris, showed that female sex was associated with prescription of short-acting nitroglycerin (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.6, 8.9; p = 0.003). However, more men had been offered coronary artery surgery (p = 0.001). Of the participants diagnosed with diabetes, 55% of the women and 85% of the men used oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (p = 0.020), whereas no gender difference was seen in prescriptions of insulin.CONCLUSIONS: Significant gender disparities in the prescription of several drugs, such as diuretics, nitroglycerin and oral antihyperglycaemic drugs, were observed in this study of very old people. In most cases, women were prescribed more drugs than men. Men more often had undergone coronary artery surgery. These disparities could only in part be explained by differences in diagnoses and symptoms.
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Fastbom, Johan, et al.
(author)
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National Indicators for Quality of Drug Therapy in Older Persons : the Swedish Experience from the First 10 Years
- 2015
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 32:3, s. 189-199
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inappropriate drug use is an important health problem in elderly persons. Beginning with the Beers' criteria in the early 1990s, explicit criteria have been extensively used to measure and improve quality of drug use in older people. This article describes the Swedish indicators for quality of drug therapy in the elderly, introduced in 2004 and updated in 2010. These indicators were designed to be applied to people aged 75 years and over, regardless of residence and other characteristics. The indicators are divided into drug specific, covering choice, indication and dosage of drugs, polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions (DDIs), drug use in decreased renal function and in some symptoms; and diagnosis specific, covering the rational, irrational and hazardous drug use in common disorders in elderly people. During the 10 years since introduction, the Swedish indicators have several applications. They form the basis for recommendations for drug therapy in older people, are implemented in prescribing supports and drug utilisation reviews, are used in national benchmarking of the quality of Swedish healthcare and have contributed to initiatives from pensioner organisations. The indicators have also been used in several pharmacoepidemiological studies. Since 2005, there have been signs of improvement of the quality of drug prescribing to elderly persons in Sweden. For example, the prescribing of drugs that should be avoided in older persons decreased by 36 % between 2006 and 2012 in persons aged 80 years and older. Similarly, drug combinations that may cause DDIs decreased by 26 % and antipsychotics by 41 %. The indicators have likely contributed to this.
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| 42. |
- Fereshtehnejad, Seyed-Mohammad, et al.
(author)
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Anti-Dementia Drugs and Co-Medication Among Patients with Alzheimer's Disease Investigating Real-World Drug Use in Clinical Practice Using the Swedish Dementia Quality Registry (SveDem)
- 2014
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 31:3, s. 215-224
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background There is a substantial risk of drug-interactions, adverse events, and inappropriate drug use (IDU) among frail Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients; however, there are few studies about co-medication and IDU in clinical settings. Objectives To investigate anti-dementia drugs, associated characteristics of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and NMDA antagonists, co-medication, and IDU in a large population of outpatients with mild AD. Methods In this cross-sectional analysis of medication characteristics, we analyzed data from the Swedish Dementia Quality Registry (SveDem) on 5,907 newly diagnosed AD patients who were registered in memory clinics. SveDem is a national quality registry in Sweden, which was established in 2007 to evaluate and improve dementia healthcare. Comparisons were performed concerning co-medications, use of >= 3 psychotropic drugs (IDU) and polypharmacy (>= 5 drugs) based on anti-dementia treatment (ChEIs or NMDA antagonists). Information on baseline characteristics such as age, sex, living conditions, cognitive evaluation based on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and diagnostic work-up was also evaluated. Results The majority of the AD patients were in the mild stage of the disease. Overall, 4,342 (75.4 %) patients received any ChEI, 438 (7.6 %) used an NMDA antagonist and 74 (1.3 %) patients were treated with both. However, 907 (15.7 %) patients were not treated with any anti-dementia drug. While polypharmacy was seen in 33.5 % of patients, only 2.6 % concurrently used >= 3 psychotropic medications. Patients on ChEIs were significantly younger, had a higher MMSE score and were treated with a smaller number of medications (a proxy for overall co-morbidity). Co-medication with antipsychotics [3.3 vs. 7.6 %; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.55 (95 % CI 0.38-0.79)] and anxiolytics [5.8 vs. 10.9 %; adjusted OR 0.62 (95 % CI 0.46-0.84)] was significantly lower in the ChEI+ group than in those with no anti-dementia treatment. Conclusion Patients taking ChEIs were treated with less antipsychotics and anxiolytics than those not taking ChEIs. More research is warranted to elucidate whether use of ChEIs in clinical practice can reduce the need for psychotropic drugs in AD patients.
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| 43. |
- Franx, B. A. A., et al.
(author)
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Weight Loss in Patients with Dementia: Considering the Potential Impact of Pharmacotherapy
- 2017
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 34:6, s. 425-436
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Unintentional body weight loss is common in patients with dementia and is linked to cognitive impairment and poorer disease outcomes. It is proposed that some dementia medications with market approval, while aiming to improve cognitive and functional outcomes of a patient with dementia, are associated with reported body weight or body mass index loss. This review presents evidence in the published literature on body weight loss in dementia, describes selected theories behind body weight loss, evaluates the potential impact of approved dementia pharmacotherapies on body weight, considers the potential role for medical foods, understands the potential influence of treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms and signs, and finally, summarizes this important area.
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
- Galovic, Marian, et al.
(author)
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Seizures and Epilepsy After Stroke: Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Management.
- 2021
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In: Drugs & aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1179-1969 .- 1170-229X. ; 38, s. 285-299
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Stroke is the leading cause of seizures and epilepsy in older adults. Patients who have larger and more severe strokes involving the cortex, are younger, and have acute symptomatic seizures and intracerebral haemorrhage are at highest risk of developing post-stroke epilepsy. Prognostic models, including the SeLECT and CAVE scores, help gauge the risk of epileptogenesis. Early electroencephalogram and blood-based biomarkers can provide information additional to the clinical risk factors of post-stroke epilepsy. The management of acute versus remote symptomatic seizures after stroke is markedly different. The choice of an ideal antiseizure medication should not only rely on efficacy but also consider adverse effects, altered pharmacodynamics in older adults, and the influence on the underlying vascular co-morbidity. Drug-drug interactions, particularly those between antiseizure medications and anticoagulants or antiplatelets, also influence treatment decisions. In this review, we describe the epidemiology, risk factors, biomarkers, and management of seizures after an ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke. We discuss the special considerations required for the treatment of post-stroke epilepsy due to the age, co-morbidities, co-medication, and vulnerability of stroke survivors.
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| 46. |
- Giovannini, Silvia, et al.
(author)
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Polypharmacy in Home Care in Europe : Cross-Sectional Data from the IBenC Study
- 2018
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 35:2, s. 145-152
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Home care (HC) patients are characterized by a high level of complexity, which is reflected by the prevalence of multimorbidity and the correlated high drug consumption. This study assesses prevalence and factors associated with polypharmacy in a sample of HC patients in Europe. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis on 1873 HC patients from six European countries participating in the Identifying best practices for care-dependent elderly by Benchmarking Costs and outcomes of community care (IBenC) project. Data were collected using the interResident Assessment Instrument (interRAI) instrument for HC. Polypharmacy status was categorized into three groups: non-polypharmacy (0-4 drugs), polypharmacy (5-9 drugs), and excessive polypharmacy (C10 drugs). Multinomial logistic regressions were used to identify variables associated with polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy. Results Polypharmacy was observed in 730 (39.0%) HC patients and excessive polypharmacy in 433 (23.1%). As compared with non-polypharmacy, excessive polypharmacy was directly associated with chronic disease but also with female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-2.13), pain (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.15-1.98), dyspnea (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.01-1.89), and falls (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.01-2.40). An inverse association with excessive polypharmacy was shown for age (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.56-0.83). Conclusions Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy are common among HC patients in Europe. Factors associated with polypharmacy status include not only co-morbidity but also specific symptoms and age.
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| 47. |
- Grande, Giulia, et al.
(author)
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Drug Use in Older Adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Near the End of Life
- 2017
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 34:7, s. 529-533
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with its certain prognosis and swift progression, raises concerns regarding the adequacy of pharmacological treatment, including the risk-benefit profiles of prescribed drugs. Objective Our objective was to evaluate the use of prescription drugs over the course of the last year of life in older adults with ALS. Methods We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study of older adults who died with ALS in Sweden between 2007 and 2013. The primary outcome was the number of prescription drugs to which individuals were exposed during the last 12 months before death. Results The overall proportion of individuals receiving ten or more different prescription drugs increased from 19% at 12 months before death to 37% during the last month of life. Institutionalization was independently associated with polypharmacy near the end of life (odds ratio 1.84; 95% confidence interval 1.42-2.39). Conclusion Future research is needed to assess the time to benefit of treatments and to develop guidelines for medication discontinuation in advanced ALS.
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| 48. |
- Gustafsson, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Pharmacological Pain Treatment in 2012 and 2017 Among Older People with Major Neurocognitive Disorder
- 2021
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Adis. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 38, s. 1017-1023
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Objective: Pain is highly prevalent among older people, and treatment is complicated because of comorbidities and polypharmacy. Among people with major neurocognitive disorder additional difficulties might arise. The aim of this study was to describe analgesic drug use in 2012 and 2017 and associated factors among older people with major neurocognitive disorder.Methods: In this register-based study, the Swedish Dementia Registry and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register were combined in order to obtain data regarding analgesic drug use among older people with major neurocognitive disorder. One or more filled prescriptions during the timeframe of 6 months (1 July–31 December 2012 and 1 July–31 December 2017) defined drug use during the respective period. A comparison between 2012 and 2017 was made, including a total of 56,101 people (20,889 and 35,212 respectively) with a mean age of 81.9 and 82.7 years, respectively.Results: The overall use of analgesic drugs increased significantly from 41.6% of individuals to 46.0% between the years 2012 and 2017. Users of opioid analgesics (15.2% vs 17.3%) and paracetamol (37.0% vs 42.3%) increased, while the users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (4.9% vs 2.7%) declined between the two data collections. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed for different drugs and drug classes, and it was found that the use of opioids and paracetamol was associated with older age and a longer time since diagnosis. In contrast, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were associated with younger age and a shorter time since diagnosis.Conclusions: The results indicate that on a population level, pharmacological drug treatment has changed in line with guidelines between 2012 and 2017, with an increase in paracetamol and strong opioids and a decrease in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tramadol. The relatively high prevalence of opioids warrants concern given the significant risk of adverse effects among older people with major neurocognitive disorder.
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| 49. |
- Haasum, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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Pain Treatment in Elderly Persons With and Without Dementia : A population-Based Study of Institutionalized and Home-Dwelling Elderly
- 2011
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 28:4, s. 283-293
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Several previous studies have reported an undertreatment of pain in elderly persons with dementia. It has also been suggested that persons with dementia may be at risk for inappropriate treatment of pain with psychotropics.Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate if persons with dementia are as likely as persons without dementia to receive pharmacological pain treatment, after taking into account residential setting and pain-related disorders. We also aimed to investigate whether use of psychotropics is related to pain in persons with and without dementia.Methods: We used baseline data from the SNAC-K (Swedish National Study of Aging and Care – Kungsholmen). We analysed use of analgesics and psychotropics, prevalence of pain-related diagnoses, self-reported pain, dementia status and residential setting in 2610 participants aged >65 years.Results: Of the persons with dementia, 46% used at least one analgesic drug compared with 25% of those without dementia. Although persons with dementia reported pain less frequently than persons without dementia, the prevalence of pain-related diagnoses was similar. After adjustment for individual factors and residential setting (own home/institution), persons with dementia had a higher probability of use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and psychotropics, whereas there were no significant differences in use of any analgesic, opioids and NSAIDs. Furthermore, having a pain-related diagnosis was associated with use of psychotropics in persons with dementia.Conclusions: Persons with dementia had a higher probability of use of paracetamol and were about as likely as persons without dementia to use any analgesic, opioids and NSAIDs, after adjustment for confounders. This may reflect a recent increased awareness of pain and pain management in persons with dementia, compared with previous studies that have reported an underuse of analgesics in persons with dementia. However, further research is needed to analyse if persons with dementia are appropriately treated for pain with regard to type of analgesic drug, pain intensity, indication, dosage and regimen.
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| 50. |
- Helldén, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Adverse drug reactions and impaired renal function in elderly patients admitted to the emergency department : a retrospective study
- 2009
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 26:7, s. 595-606
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in elderly patients. There are various reasons for this, including age- and disease-related alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as the common practice of polypharmacy. The decline in renal function in elderly patients may also predispose them to pharmacological ADRs (type A, augmented). Patients receiving home healthcare may be at even higher risk.OBJECTIVES: To study ADRs as a cause of acute hospital admissions in a defined cohort of elderly patients (aged >or=65 years) registered to receive home healthcare services, with special reference to impaired renal function as a possible risk factor.METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 154 elderly patients aged >or=65 years admitted to the emergency department of a university hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, in October-November 2002. Estimated creatinine clearance (eCL(CR)) was calculated from the Cockcroft-Gault formula, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. ADRs were defined according to WHO criteria. All medications administered to patients at admission and at discharge were collated. These and other data were collected from computerized hospital records.RESULTS: ADRs were judged to contribute to or be the primary cause of hospitalization in 22 patients, i.e. 14% of 154 patients registered to receive home healthcare. Eleven of the 22 patients were women. All but one ADR were type A. Excessive doses or drugs unsuitable in renal insufficiency were present in seven patients in the ADR group compared with only four patients in the group without ADRs (p = 0.0001). Patients with ADRs did not differ significantly from those without ADRs in relation to age, plasma creatinine, eCL(CR), weight or number of drugs prescribed at admission. However, women with ADRs were significantly older than women without ADRs (mean +/- SD age 88.8 +/- 5.7 years vs 82.5 +/- 8.0 years, respectively; p = 0.014) and had significantly lower mean +/- SD eCL(CR) values (25.5 +/- 10.8 and 37.1 +/- 17.1 mL/min, respectively; p = 0.035). Median MDRD eGFR was significantly higher than median eCL(CR) (59 [range 6-172] mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 38 [range 5-117] mL/min, respectively; p = 0.0001).CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients registered to receive home healthcare, 14% of hospital admissions were primarily caused by ADRs. One-third of these ADRs were related to impaired renal function, generally in very old women. These ADRs may be avoided by close monitoring of renal function and adjustments to pharmacotherapy (drug selection and dose), particularly in very elderly women.
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