| 1. |
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
- Wahlin, Rurik, et al.
(författare)
-
Carbon stars in the Bulge -- or beyond it?
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Why Galaxies Care About AGB Stars: Their Importance as Actors and Probes.. - 9781583813188 ; , s. 410-415
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
|
|
| 6. |
- Fonad, Edit, et al.
(författare)
-
Falls and fall risk among nursing home residents
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - Oxford : Wiley. - 0962-1067 .- 1365-2702. ; 17:1, s. 126-134
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim and objectives. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for falls in older people living in nursing homes. Background. Impaired cognitive function and a poor sense of orientation could lead to an increase in falls among those with impaired freedom of movement. Many accidents occur while an older person is walking or being moved. Method. The study was carried out over four years (2000-2003) and 21 nursing home units in five municipal homes for older people in Stockholm, Sweden, participated. A questionnaire was sent to staff nurses, including questions on fall risk assessments, falls, fractures, medication and freedom-restricting measures, such as wheelchairs with belts and bed rails. The data were aggregated and not patient-bound. The study covered 2343 reported incidents. Results. There was a significant correlation between falls and fractures (r = 0.365, p = 0.004), fall risk and use of wheelchairs (r = 0.406, p = 0.001, safety belts (r = 0.403, p = 0.001 and bed rails (r = 0.446, p = 0.000) and between the occurrence of fractures and the use of sleeping pills with benzodiazepines (r = 0.352, p = 0.005). Associations were also found between fall risk and the use of anti-depressants (r = 0.412, p = 0.001). Conclusions. In clinical practice, patient safety is very important. Preventative measures should focus on risk factors associated with individuals, including their environment. Wheelchairs with safety belts and bed rails did not eliminate falls but our results support the hypothesis that they might be protective when used selectively with less anti-depressants and sleeping pills, especially benzodiazepines.
|
|
| 7. |
- Fonad, Edit, et al.
(författare)
-
Falls in somatic and dementia wards at Community Care Units
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - Oxford : Wiley. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 23:1, s. 2-10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Falls and fall injuries are common problems for patients at nursing homes in Sweden. Impaired cognitive function, a poor sense of orientation and a high intake of medicine, can lead to an increase in falls among older people. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between falls and: fall risks, fractures, the use of physical restraints and the use of certain medications in somatic and dementia wards, respectively. The study design is ecological, and aggregated data regarding falls, fall risk assessments, fractures, the use of physical restraints and medication were collected between 2000 and 2003. The Pearson correlation analysis and regression analyses were used to investigate associations between fall risks, medication, fractures, wheelchair-bound situations, bed rails and falls. The total number of reported fall incidents was 2651; of these, 737 incidents were registered in dementia wards and 1914 in somatic wards. Dementia wards and somatic wards differed regarding falls and fractures, as it was only in dementia wards that falls were associated with fractures. There was also a significant correlation between falls and assessed risk of falling, the use of certain medication, and physical restraints such as wheelchairs and bed rails in dementia wards. Falls at somatic wards were associated with the use of sleeping pills with benzodiazepines. For dementia wards there were associations between falls and fractures, physical restraints and the use of certain medications. Fractures were associated with the use of neuroleptics, sleeping pills and sleeping pills with benzodiazepines. At somatic wards, falls correlated with the use of sleeping pills with benzodiazepines, and with the use of wheelchairs and bed rails.
|
|
| 8. |
- Gilg, Stefan, et al.
(författare)
-
The Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System in Posthepatectomy Liver Failure : Results From a Prospective Phase I Study
- 2018
-
Ingår i: HEPATOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS. - : JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD. - 2471-254X. ; 2:4, s. 445-454
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) represents the single most important cause of postoperative mortality after major liver resection, yet no effective treatment option is available. Extracorporeal liver support devices might be helpful, but systematic studies are lacking. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) in patients with PHLF. Between December 2012 and May 2015, a total of 206 patients underwent major or extended hepatectomy, and 10 consecutive patients with PHLF (according to the Balzan 50: 50 criteria) were enrolled into the study. MARS treatment was initiated on postoperative day 5-7, and five to seven consecutive treatment sessions were completed for each patient. In total, 59 MARS cycles were implemented, and MARS was initiated and completed without major complications in any patient. However, 1 patient developed an immense asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia (without encephalopathy), 1 had repeated clotting problems in the MARS filter, and 2 patients experienced access problems with the central venous line. Otherwise, no adverse events were observed. In 9 patients, the bilirubin level and international normalized ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during MARS treatment. The 60- and 90-day mortality was 0% and 10%, respectively. Among the 9 survivors, 4 still had liver dysfunction at 90 days postoperatively. Five patients were alive 1 year postoperatively without any signs of liver dysfunction or disease recurrence. Conclusion: The use of MARS in PHLF is feasible and safe and improves liver function in patients with PHLF. In the present study, 60- and 90-day mortality rates were unexpectedly low compared to a historical control group. The impact of MARS treatment on mortality in PHLF should be further evaluated in a randomized controlled clinical trial.
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
- Hallböök, Helene, et al.
(författare)
-
Autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adult ALL : The Swedish Adult ALL Group experience
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Bone Marrow Transplantation. - London : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0268-3369 .- 1476-5365. ; 35:12, s. 1141-1148
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) have been treated according to national protocols in Sweden since 1986. Stem cell transplantation (SCT) has been recommended in first remission for patients with risk factors for relapse, and for standard risk patients only after relapse. In this retrospective study, the results of autologous and allogeneic SCT in these populations were evaluated. In total, 187 patients with a median age of 34 years (17-66 years) underwent SCT. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), for all patients, was 26% (Confidence intervals (CI) 20-32%). The 5-year DFS was higher for patients transplanted in first remission 32% (CI 24-40%) compared to 14% (CI 5-23%; P<0.0001) in patients transplanted beyond first remission. No significant differences in DFS (P=0.06) were determined between autologous, related donor and unrelated donor SCT in the whole cohort. A lower relapse rate was counterbalanced by higher treatment-related mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic SCT. In Philadelphia-positive ALL, allogeneic SCT was superior to autologous SCT, with a 5-year DFS of 30% (CI 12-47%) vs 0% (P=0.04). Limited chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) was associated with an improved DFS of 53% (CI 38-69%) compared to no chronic GVHD of 22% (CI 10-36%; P=0.0008), indicating a clinically important graft-versus-leukaemia effect.
|
|
| 11. |
|
|
| 12. |
- Hofstedt, Oscar E., et al.
(författare)
-
Associations between serological biomarkers and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after 11 years of follow-up
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - : Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - 0392-856X .- 1593-098X. ; 42:5, s. 967-973
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between biomarkers known to be involved in both chronic inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis, as measured by carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), in patients with RA compared to controls.METHODS: Between 2000 and 2004, all patients under 60 years of age with newly diagnosed RA in the northern region of Sweden were invited to participate in this study. Measurements of cIMT were undertaken at inclusion (T0), after five years of follow-up (T5) and after eleven years of follow-up (T11). Patients were clinically assessed and blood was drawn for analysis of biomarkers.RESULTS: In patients with RA (n=54), linear regression models showed that cIMT at T11 was associated with levels of GDF-15 at T5 and T11, but not with baseline levels. GDF-15 was strongly associated with age. At T11, mean level of GDF-15 was elevated compared to controls. Levels of adiponectin, MCP-1, cathepsin S, endoglin and IL-6 were higher in patients with RA compared to controls, but showed no association with cIMT. In multivariable linear regression models with cIMT at T11 as dependent variable, change in GDF-15 from T0 to T11 was associated to an increase in cIMT at T11. Adjusting for systolic blood pressure and age respectively rendered this association statistically non-significant,CONCLUSIONS: Among these patients with RA GDF-15 was associated to cIMT after 11 years of follow-up. GDF-15 should be a biomarker of interest in future research, to further understand its role in the accelerated atherogenesis in patients with RA.
|
|
| 13. |
- Josefsson, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Work situation of registered nurses in municipal elderly care in Sweden : a questionnaire survey
- 2007
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Nursing Studies. - : Elsevier BV. - 0020-7489 .- 1873-491X. ; 44:1, s. 71-82
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Organizational changes have occurred in municipal elderly care in Sweden during the past decades. The 'Adel' reform transferred responsibility for the care of older persons from the county councils to the municipalities. Furthermore, the specialisation in dementia care divided elderly care into two groups: dementia and general care. This change has had a significant impact on the work situation of registered nurses (RNs). Aim: The main focus was to describe RNs' work situation and their characteristics in municipal elderly care. Another aim was to compare RNs working solely in dementia care with those working in general care of older persons with diverse diagnoses. Design: A non-experimental, descriptive design with a survey research approach was used. Settings: Sixty special housing units with underlying units including those offering daytime activities in a large city in the middle of Sweden. Participants: The number of participating RNs was a total of 213, with a response rate of 62.3%. Of the 213 RNs, 95 (44.6%) worked in dementia care, and 118 (55.4%) in general care. Method: A questionnaire survey. Results: The results indicated high levels of time pressure in both groups. Greater knowledge and greater emotional and conflicting demands were found in dementia care. The majority perceived a greater opportunity to plan and perform daily work tasks than to influence the work situation in a wider context. Support at work was perceived as generally high from management and fellow workers and higher in dementia care. Conclusion: It is important to decrease RNs' time pressure and increase their influence on decisions made at work. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 14. |
- Jönsson, Daniel, et al.
(författare)
-
Differential effects of estrogen on DNA synthesis in human periodontal ligament and breast cancer cells.
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Journal of Periodontal Research. - : Wiley. - 1600-0765 .- 0022-3484. ; 40:5, s. 401-406
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: It is important to clarify the biological function of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone in periodontal ligament cells, as these hormones may affect periodontal health. We have previously shown that human periodontal ligament cells express estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) but not ERalpha, whereas human breast cancer cells (MCF7) express both ERalpha and ERbeta. Data on progesterone receptor (PgR) expression in human periodontal ligament cells have not been reported. OBJECTIVES: Determine PgR expression in human periodontal ligament and MCF7 cells and to investigate how estrogen affects DNA and collagen synthesis in these two cell types showing different pattern of expression for ERalpha and beta. METHODS: Periodontal ligament cells were obtained from the periodontal ligament of premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons and MCF7 cells from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). PgR expression was determined by immunocytochemistry. DNA and collagen synthesis was determined by [(3)H]thymidine and L-[(3)H]proline incorporation, respectively. RESULTS: PgR immunoreactivity was observed in nuclei of MCF7 but not periodontal ligament cells. Treatment with estrogen (17beta-estradiol, E(2)) at physiological concentrations for 24 h stimulated DNA synthesis by more than two times in MCF7 cells, whereas there was no effect on periodontal ligament cell DNA synthesis. The ER blocker ICI 182780 fully reversed the stimulatory effect of E(2). Not only short-term (24 h) but also long-term (5 days) treatment with E(2) lacked effect on DNA synthesis in periodontal ligament cells. Neither periodontal ligament cell viability nor collagen synthesis was affected by E(2) treatment. Identical results were observed in periodontal ligament cells from male and female subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Human MCF7 but not periodontal ligament cells express PgR, suggesting that progesterone via PgR affects MCF7 but not periodontal ligament cells. Further, estrogen stimulates breast cancer MCF7 cell proliferation, whereas it has no effect on proliferation of periodontal ligament cells, probably reflecting cell type specific ER expression pattern in these two cell types.
|
|
| 15. |
|
|
| 16. |
- Mjörndal, Tom, et al.
(författare)
-
Adverse drug reactions as a cause for admissions to a department of internal medicine.
- 2002
-
Ingår i: Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety. - : Wiley. - 1053-8569 .- 1099-1557. ; 11:1, s. 65-72
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: To assess the occurrence and pattern of adverse drug reactions as a cause for acute hospital admission.METHODS: In 681 randomly selected patients, acutely admitted to a clinic of internal medicine at a Swedish university hospital, information was collected from their medical records about current symptoms and use of drugs, previous diseases and the results of medical investigations and tests. In addition, a standardized interview according to a questionnaire was carried out. A group of experts in clinical pharmacology assessed the data obtained from the patients' case records and the results of the interviews, and then, according to WHO criteria, judged the probability that an adverse drug reaction could have caused or contributed to the actual admission to hospital.RESULTS: Out of the 681 cases included, 94 (13.8%) had symptoms and signs that were judged as drug-related and that had caused or contributed to the admission. Eighty-two patients (12.0%) had altogether 99 symptoms that were classified as adverse drug reactions. Of these, 91% were type A reactions. The relationship between the medication and the reaction was judged certain in eight, probable in 17, and possible in 74 cases. The most common adverse drug reactions were cardiovascular (36.3%). Twelve patients (1.8%) had symptoms indicating intoxications.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of drug-related problems causing or contributing to admission to a clinic of internal medicine is high and is dominated by type A reactions, i.e. reactions in principle predictable and preventable. This implies a possibility to increase drug safety by preventive measures.
|
|
| 17. |
- Olsson-Strömberg, Ulla, et al.
(författare)
-
Successful mobilization of Ph-negative blood stem cells with intensive chemotherapy + G-CSF in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in first chronic phase
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Leukemia and Lymphoma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 47:9, s. 1768-73
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility of mobilizing Philadelphia chromosome negative (Ph-) blood stem cells (BSC) with intensive chemotherapy and lenograstim (G-CSF) in patients with CML in first chronic phase (CP1). During 1994-1999 12 centers included 37 patients <56 years. All patients received 6 months' IFN, stopping at median 36 (1-290) days prior to the mobilization chemotherapy. All received one cycle of daunorubicin 50 mg/m2 and 1 hour infusion on days 1-3, and cytarabine (ara-C) 200 mg/m2 24 hours' i.v. infusion on days 1-7 (DA) followed by G-CSF 526 microg s.c. once daily from day 8 after the start of chemotherapy. Leukaphereses were initiated when the number of CD 34+ cells was >5/microl blood. Patients mobilizing poorly could receive a 4-day cycle of chemotherapy with mitoxantrone 12 mg/m2/day and 1 hour i.v infusion, etoposide 100 mg/m2/day and 1 hour i.v. infusion and ara-C 1 g/m2/twice a day with 2 hours' i.v infusion (MEA) or a second DA, followed by G-CSF 526 microg s.c once daily from day 8 after the start of chemotherapy. Twenty-seven patients received one cycle of chemotherapy and G-CSF, whereas 10 were mobilized twice. Twenty-three patients (62%) were successfully (MNC >3.5 x 10(8)/kg, CFU-GM >1.0 x 10(4)/kg, CD34+ cells >2.0 x 10(6)/kg and no Ph+ cells in the apheresis product) [n = 16] or partially successfully (as defined above but 1-34% Ph+ cells in the apheresis product) [n = 7] mobilized. There was no mortality during the mobilization procedure. Twenty-one/23 patients subsequently underwent auto-SCT. The time with PMN <0.5 x 10(9)/l was 10 (range 7-49) and with platelets <20 x 10(9)/l was also 10 (2-173) days. There was no transplant related mortality. The estimated 5-year overall survival after auto-SCT was 68% (95% CI 47 - 90%), with a median follow-up time of 5.2 years.We conclude that in a significant proportion of patients with CML in CP 1, intensive chemotherapy combined with G-CSF mobilizes Ph- BSC sufficient for use in auto-SCT.
|
|
| 18. |
|
|
| 19. |
- Simonsson, Bengt, et al.
(författare)
-
Intensive treatment and stem cell transplantation in chronic myelogenous leukemia : long-term follow-up
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Acta Haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 0001-5792 .- 1421-9662. ; 113:3, s. 155-162
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the present study we combined interferon (IFN) and hydroxyurea (HU) treatment, intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) in newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia patients aged below 56 years, not eligible for allogeneic SCT. Patients who had an HLA-identical sibling donor and no contraindication went for an allogeneic SCT (related donor, RD). After diagnosis, patients not allotransplanted received HU and IFN to keep WBC and platelet counts low. After 6 months patients with Ph-positive cells still present in the bone marrow received 1–3 courses of intensive chemotherapy. Those who became Ph-negative after IFN + HU or after 1–3 chemotherapy courses underwent autologous SCT. Some patients with poor cytogenetic response were allotransplanted with an unrelated donor (URD). IFN + HU reduced the percentage of Ph-positive metaphases in 56% of patients, and 1 patient became Ph-negative. After one or two intensive cytotherapies 86 and 88% had a Ph reduction, and 34 and 40% became Ph-negative, respectively. In patients receiving a third intensive chemotherapy 92% achieved a Ph reduction and 8% became Ph-negative. The median survival after auto-SCT (n = 46) was 7.5 years. The chance of remaining Ph-negative for up to 10 years after autologous SCT was around 20%. The overall survival for allo-SCT RD (n = 91) and URD (n = 28) was almost the same, i.e. ≈60% at 10 years. The median survival for all 251 patients registered was 8 years (historical controls 3.5 years). The role of the treatment schedule presented in the imatinib era is discussed.
|
|
| 20. |
- Wahlin, Anders, et al.
(författare)
-
Results of risk-adapted therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia. A long-term population-based follow-up study
- 2009
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0902-4441 .- 1600-0609. ; 83:2, s. 99-107
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In 1997-2003, a protocol for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (except promyelocytic leukaemia) was activated in four Swedish health care regions covering 50% of the national population. Based on cytogenetics and clinical findings, patients aged 18-60 yr were assigned to one of three risk groups. In this report we account for the long-term clinical outcome of enrolled patients. Patients received idarubicin and cytarabine in standard doses as induction therapy and consolidation courses included high-dose cytarabine. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) from an human leucocyte antigen-identical sibling was recommended in standard and poor-risk patients, whereas unrelated donor transplant was reserved for poor-risk patients. Autologous (auto-SCT) was optional for standard or poor risk patients not eligible for allo-SCT. Two hundred seventy-nine patients with de novo or secondary (9%) AML, median age 51 (18-60) yr, corresponding to 77% of all patients in the population, were included. Twenty (7%) patients were assigned to the good risk group, whereas 150 (54%) and 109 patients (39%) were assigned to standard- and poor-risk groups, respectively. Induction failures accounted for 55 patients; 16 early deaths eight of whom had white blood cell (WBC) >100 at diagnosis, and 39 refractory disease. Thus, complete remission (CR) rate was 80%. At study closure, the median follow-up time of living patients was 90 months. Median survival time from diagnosis in the whole group was 27 months and 4-yr overall survival (OS) rate was 44%. In good, standard, and poor risk groups, 4-yr OS rates were 60, 57 and 24%, respectively. Median relapse-free survival (RFS) time in CR1 was 25 months and RFS at 4 yr was 44%. Four-year RFS rates were significantly (P < 0.001) different between the three risk groups; 64% in good risk, 51% in standard risk and 27% in poor risk patients. One hundred-ten transplantations were performed in CR1; 74 allo-SCT (50 sibling, 24 unrelated donor), and 36 auto-SCT. Non-relapse mortality was 16% for allo-SCT patients. Outcome after relapse was poor with median time to death 163 d and 4-yr survival rate 17%. Three conclusions were: (i) these data reflect treatment results in a minimally selected population-based cohort of adult AML patients <60 yr old; (ii) a risk-adapted therapy aiming at early allogeneic SCT in patients with a high risk of relapse is hampered by induction deaths, refractory disease, and early relapses; and (iii) high WBC count at diagnosis is confirmed as a strong risk factor for early death but not for relapse.
|
|
| 21. |
- Wahlin, Bengt, et al.
(författare)
-
Atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis : associations between anti-cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies, CD4+CD28null T-cells, CD8+CD28null T-cells and intima-media thickness
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - : Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology S.A.S.. - 0392-856X .- 1593-098X. ; 39:3, s. 578-586
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an accelerated progression of atherosclerosis. The aims of this study were to study the associations between subsets of T-cells, subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by intima-media thickness (IMT) and serological status for CMV in patients with RA.Methods: Patients with new-onset RA (n=79), aged ≤60 years at diagnosis, were included in a prospective study of atherosclerosis. Controls matched for age and sex were also included (n=44). Ultrasound measurement of IMT in the common carotid artery was undertaken at inclusion (T0), after 1.5 years (T1.5) and after 11 years (T11). At T11, flow-cytometry analysis was undertaken to investigate subsets of T-cells. Serological analysis for CMV was undertaken from samples collected at T0.Results: At T0, 66% of the patients and controls were CMV immunoglobulin G-positive. CMV-IgG positive patients had a significantly more rapid increase in IMT at T1.5, compared with controls and CMV-IgG negative patients. CMV-IgG positive patients had a significantly higher percentage of T-cells lacking CD28 (both CD4+CD28null and CD8+CD28null T-cells) than CMV-IgG negative patients. Increased levels of CD4+CD28null and CD8+CD28null T-cells were significantly associated with IMT at T11, adjusted for systolic blood pressure. CX3CR1 was expressed in CD4+ and CD8+ CD28null T-cells, but CX3CR1 per se was not associated with increased IMT.Conclusions: Presence of CMV IgG-antibodies in patients with RA is associated with altered T-cell-populations and an increased burden of atherosclerosis. A possible protective effect of antiviral treatment in CMV-positive patients with new-onset RA should be considered.
|
|
| 22. |
- Wahlin, Bengt, 1977-
(författare)
-
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis : aspects of pathogenesis and risk
- 2019
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased prevalence and severity of atherosclerosis, and a corresponding increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms causing this are not well elucidated, but both traditional cardiovascular risk factors and RA-associated factors have been associated with atherosclerosis and increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with RA. Cardiovascular risk estimation based on traditional cardiovascular risk factors, often underestimates the risk in patients with RA. The aims of this thesis were to examine factors and biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis in patients with RA, and to evaluate an algorithm for cardiovascular risk estimation in patients with RA.Methods Patients with early RA in the four northernmost counties of Sweden have since 1995 been included in a prospective study of both the progress of RA and comorbidities. Besides clinical data, radiographs, genetic markers and autoantibodies are registered. Paper I includes 665 patients aged 40-80 years from that cohort, in whom the 10-year risk of a first cardiovascular event was estimated with both Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERS-RA), and the general population based ACC/AHA algorithm. The estimations were then compared to the actual outcomes. Paper II examines factors associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in 22 patients with long-standing RA. Papers III and IV use data from a cohort of patients <60 years of age at diagnosis of RA (n=79), in whom development of atherosclerosis has been prospectively followed since diagnosis of RA. This is a subset of patients from the larger cohort in paper I. Controls matched for age and sex (n=44) are examined as well. In paper III, phenotypes of T-cells and IgG-antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) are analysed in relation to carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). In paper IV, bone mineral density and markers and regulators of bone metabolism are analysed in relation to IMT.Results Cardiovascular risk estimation with the RA-specific algorithm ERS-RA is not superior to estimation with the ACC/AHA algorithm. Both algorithms underestimate the risk in patients with a high grade of inflammation and in patients with an estimated moderate risk. In patients with long-standing RA, presence of CAC is associated with inflammatory activity, both at time of examination and in earlier stages of RA. Presence of anti-CMV IgG antibodies and altered T-cells (both CD4+ and CD8+) lacking the co-stimulatory molecule CD28 (CD28null) are associated with a higher IMT, and patients IgG-positive for CMV have a rapid increase in IMT after onset of RA. Regulators of bone metabolism (sclerostin, osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin) are associated with a higher IMT in patients with RA.Conclusion Cardiovascular risk estimation in patients with RA still needs to be improved. The fact that CMV-positivity, altered populations of T-cells and IMT all are associated, and that also regulators of bone metabolism reflect IMT, suggests that the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with RA is multifactorial. This thesis provides knowledge of the accelerated development of atherosclerosis in RA and could possibly be relevant also in other chronic inflammatory diseases, where markers of accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk are lacking.
|
|
| 23. |
|
|
| 24. |
- Wahlin, Bengt, et al.
(författare)
-
Coronary Artery Calcification Is Related to Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis : A Long-Term Follow-Up Study
- 2016
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. A long-term follow-up of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to evaluate factors related to coronary artery calcification (CAC). Methods. All 22 eligible patients (4 males/18 females, mean age 65 years, and RA-duration 30-36 years) from the original (baseline; n = 39) study of atherosclerosis were included. Inflammation, cardiovascular risk factors, and biomarkers were measured at baseline. At follow-up 13 years later, CAC was assessed by computed tomography (CT) and the grade of inflammation was measured. Multivariate analysis of differences between patients with low (0-10) and high CAC (>10) was done by orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS). Results. Ten patients had CAC 0-10 and 12 had >10 (range 18-1700). Patients with high CAC had significantly higher ESR (24.3 versus 9.9 mm/h) and swollen joint count (2 versus 0). The OPLS models discriminated between patients having high or low CAC. With only baseline variables, the sensitivity was 73% and the specificity 82%. The model that also included inflammatory variables from follow-up had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 85%. Exclusion of baseline intima media thickness and plaque from the latter model modestly reduced the accuracy (sensitivity 80% and specificity 83%). Conclusions. CAC is related to inflammation in patients with RA.
|
|
| 25. |
- Wahlin, Bengt, et al.
(författare)
-
Osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin are associated with atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis : a prospective cohort study
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - 0392-856X .- 1593-098X. ; 39:6, s. 1402-1409
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES:Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an accelerated progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between subclinical atherosclerosis, assessed by intima-media thickness (IMT), and regulators of bone formation, markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with RA.METHODS:Patients with new-onset RA (n=79), aged ≤60 years at diagnosis, were consecutively included in a study of development of atherosclerosis. Ultrasound measurement of IMT of the common carotid artery was undertaken at inclusion (T0) and after 11 years (T11) (n=54). Bone turnover biomarkers were examined in samples collected at T0 and T11. BMD was assessed at T11.RESULTS:In patients with RA, osteocalcin (OCN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) measured at T11 were significantly associated with IMT at T11, adjusted for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and age. BMD at T11 and the bone turnover markers procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and carboxy-terminal crosslinked C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) were not associated with IMT. OPG, OCN and sclerostin at T0 were significantly associated with IMT at T11, and OPG and OCN at T0 were associated with change in IMT from T0 to T11. The associations between IMT and bone biomarkers were stronger in patients with joint erosions at onset of RA, than in patients with non-erosive disease.CONCLUSIONS:Atherosclerosis in patients with RA is associated with OPG and OCN, but not with BMD or markers reflecting ongoing bone turnover, indicating that atherosclerosis is not associated with bone turnover per se.
|
|
| 26. |
- Wahlin, Bengt, et al.
(författare)
-
Performance of the Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Not Superior to the ACC/AHA Risk Calculator
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Journal of Rheumatology. - : Journal of Rheumatology. - 0315-162X .- 1499-2752. ; , s. 130-137
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular (CV) risk estimation calculators for the general population do not perform well in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An RA-specific risk calculator has been developed, but did not perform better than a risk calculator for the general population when validated in a heterogeneous multinational cohort.METHODS: In a cohort of patients with new-onset RA from northern Sweden (n = 665), the risk of CV disease was estimated by the Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERS-RA) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association algorithm (ACC/AHA). The ACC/AHA estimation was analyzed, both as crude data and when adjusted according to the recommendations by the European League Against Rheumatism (ACC/AHA × 1.5). ERS-RA was calculated using 2 variants: 1 from patient and physician reports of hypertension (HTN) and hyperlipidemia [ERS-RA (reported)] and 1 from assessments of blood pressure (BP) and blood lipids [ERS-RA (measured)]. The estimations were compared with observed CV events.RESULTS: All variants of risk calculators underestimated the CV risk. Discrimination was good for all risk calculators studied. Performance of all risk calculators was poorer in patients with a high grade of inflammation, whereas ACC/AHA × 1.5 performed best in the high-inflammatory patients. In those patients with an estimated risk of 5-15%, no risk calculator performed well.CONCLUSION: ERS-RA underestimated the risk of a CV event in our cohort of patients, especially when risk estimations were based on patient or physician reports of HTN and hyperlipidemia instead of assessment of BP and blood lipids. The performance of ERS-RA was no better than that of ACC/AHA × 1.5, and neither performed well in high-inflammatory patients.
|
|
| 27. |
|
|
| 28. |
- Wahlin, Ulla, et al.
(författare)
-
Loving care in the ambulance service
- 1995
-
Ingår i: Intensive & Critical Care Nursing. - London : Churchill Livingstone. - 0964-3397 .- 1532-4036. ; 11:6, s. 306-313
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The ambulance service should offer good care signified by humane and individual treatment of the patients, based on love to our fellow man. The aim of this study was to find out how loving care was practised in one ambulance service. The method for the study was the critical incident technique. Twelve paramedics, the majority of whom are qualified nurses, took part in the study; they were asked to describe, in writing, critical incidents in which they had acted with loving care. The paramedics’ writings disclosed their ability to do their job with loving care, bearing on their cognizance, solicitude and empathy. On the whole, subject cognizance, the ability to judge and treat based upon the monitored symptoms of the patients, was apparent. In the main, subject solicitude loving care was shown through humbleness, consideration, closeness and being in rapport, and generally subject empathy, the paramedic’s empathic capacity and his knowledge about man’s behaviour in a crisis, became evident. From a clinical standpoint the study shows the importance of the paramedics possessing professional skill. As a contribution to science the study adds to continued research based upon descriptions made by other groups of personnel about the phenomenon to be studied; namely, loving care. © 1995 Pearson Professional Ltd.
|
|
