| 1. |
- Arnardottir, Erna Sif, et al.
(author)
-
Nocturnal sweating - a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea : the Icelandic sleep apnoea cohort
- 2013
-
In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 3:5, s. e002795-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of frequent nocturnal sweating in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients compared with the general population and evaluate the possible changes with positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment. Nocturnal sweating can be very bothersome to the patient and bed partner. Design: Case-control and longitudinal cohort study. Setting: Landspitali-The National University Hospital, Iceland. Participants: The Icelandic Sleep Apnea Cohort consisted of 822 untreated patients with OSA, referred for treatment with PAP. Of these, 700 patients were also assessed at a 2-year follow-up. The control group consisted of 703 randomly selected subjects from the general population. Intervention: PAP therapy in the OSA cohort. Main outcome measures: Subjective reporting of nocturnal sweating on a frequency scale of 1-5: (1) never or very seldom, (2) less than once a week, (3) once to twice a week, (4) 3-5 times a week and (5) every night or almost every night. Full PAP treatment was defined objectively as the use for = 4 h/day and = 5 days/week. Results: Frequent nocturnal sweating (= 3x a week) was reported by 30.6% of male and 33.3% of female OSA patients compared with 9.3% of men and 12.4% of women in the general population (p<0.001). This difference remained significant after adjustment for demographic factors. Nocturnal sweating was related to younger age, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleepiness and insomnia symptoms. The prevalence of frequent nocturnal sweating decreased with full PAP treatment (from 33.2% to 11.5%, p<0.003 compared with the change in non-users). Conclusions: The prevalence of frequent nocturnal sweating was threefold higher in untreated OSA patients than in the general population and decreased to general population levels with successful PAP therapy. Practitioners should consider the possibility of OSA in their patients who complain of nocturnal sweating.
|
|
| 2. |
- Benediktsdottir, Bryndis, et al.
(author)
-
Prevalence of restless legs syndrome among adults in Iceland and Sweden : Lung function, comorbidity, ferritin, biomarkers and quality of life
- 2010
-
In: Sleep Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1389-9457 .- 1878-5506. ; 11:10, s. 1043-1048
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and the association between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and a large variety of health variables in two well-characterized random samples from the general population in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Uppsala, Sweden. Methods: Using the national registries of inhabitants, a random sample from adults aged 40 and over living in Reykjavík, Iceland (n= 939), and Uppsala, Sweden (n= 998), were invited to participate in a study on the prevalence of COPD (response rate 81.1% and 62.2%). In addition, the participants were asked to answer the following questionnaires: International RLS Rating Scale, Short Form-12, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and questions about sleep, gastroeosophageal reflux, diabetes and hypertension, as well as pharmacological treatment. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin were measured in serum. Results: RLS was more commonly reported in Reykjavik (18.3%) than in Uppsala (11.5%). Icelandic women reported RLS almost twice as often as Swedish women (24.4 vs. 13.9% p= 0.001), but there was no difference in prevalence of RLS between Icelandic and Swedish men. RLS was strongly associated with sleep disturbances and excessive daytime sleepiness. Subjects with RLS were more likely to be ex- and current smokers than subjects without RLS (p< 0.001). Respiratory symptoms and airway obstruction were more prevalent among those reporting RLS and they also estimated their physical quality of life lower than those without RLS (p< 0.001). RLS was not associated with symptoms of the metabolic syndrome like hypertension, obesity, markers of systemic inflammation (IL-6 and CRP) or cardiovascular diseases. Ferritin levels were significantly lower in RLS participants (p= 0.0002), but not (p= 0.07) after adjustment for center, age, sex and smoking history. Conclusion: Restless legs syndrome was twice as common among Icelandic women compared to Swedish women. No such difference was seen for men. RLS was strongly associated with smoking and respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, sleep disturbances, excessive daytime sleepiness, and physical aspects of life quality. RLS was not associated with markers of the metabolic syndrome like hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases or biomarkers of systemic inflammation.
|
|
| 3. |
- Bjornsdottir, Erla, et al.
(author)
-
Symptoms of Insomnia among Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Before and After Two Years of Positive Airway Pressure Treatment
- 2013
-
In: Sleep. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0161-8105 .- 1550-9109. ; 36:12, s. 1901-1909
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Study Objectives: To assess the changes of insomnia symptoms among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) from starting treatment with positive airway pressure (PAP) to a 2-y follow-up. Design: Longitudinal cohort study. Setting: Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland. Participants: There were 705 adults with OSA who were assessed prior to and 2 y after starting PAP treatment. Intervention: PAP treatment for OSA. Measurements and Results: All patients underwent a medical examination along with a type 3 sleep study and answered questionnaires on health and sleep before and 2 y after starting PAP treatment. The change in prevalence of insomnia symptoms by subtype was assessed by questionnaire and compared between individuals who were using or not using PAP at follow-up. Symptoms of middle insomnia were most common at baseline and improved significantly among patients using PAP (from 59.4% to 30.7%, P < 0.001). Symptoms of initial insomnia tended to persist regardless of PAP treatment, and symptoms of late insomnia were more likely to improve among patients not using PAP. Patients with symptoms of initial and late insomnia at baseline were less likely to adhere to PAP (odds ratio [OR] 0.56, P = 0.007, and OR 0.53, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Positive airway pressure treatment significantly reduced symptoms of middle insomnia. Symptoms of initial and late insomnia, however, tended to persist regardless of positive airway pressure treatment and had a negative effect on adherence. Targeted treatment for insomnia may be beneficial for patients with obstructive sleep apnea comorbid with insomnia and has the potential to positively affect adherence to positive airway pressure.
|
|
| 4. |
- Björnsdóttir, Erla, et al.
(author)
-
Insomnia in untreated sleep apnea patients compared to controls
- 2012
-
In: Journal of Sleep Research. - : Wiley. - 0962-1105 .- 1365-2869. ; 21:2, s. 131-138
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often coexist, but the nature of their relationship is unclear. The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of initial and middle insomnia between OSA patients and controls from the general population as well as to study the influence of insomnia on sleepiness and quality of life in OSA patients. Two groups were compared, untreated OSA patients (n = 824) and controls ≥ 40 years from the general population in Iceland (n = 762). All subjects answered the same questionnaires on health and sleep and OSA patients underwent a sleep study. Altogether, 53% of controls were males compared to 81% of OSA patients. Difficulties maintaining sleep (DMS) were more common among men and women with OSA compared to the general population (52 versus 31% and 62 versus 31%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Difficulties initiating sleep (DIS) and DIS + DMS were more common among women with OSA compared to women without OSA. OSA patients with DMS were sleepier than patients without DMS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale: 12.2 versus 10.9, P < 0.001), while both DMS and DIS were related to lower quality of life in OSA patients as measured by the Short Form 12 (physical score 39 versus 42 and mental score 36 versus 41, P < 0.001). DIS and DMS were not related to OSA severity. Insomnia is common among OSA patients and has a negative influence on quality of life and sleepiness in this patient group. It is relevant to screen for insomnia among OSA patients and treat both conditions when they co-occur.
|
|
| 5. |
- Carlsen, Hanne Krage, et al.
(author)
-
A survey of early health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption in Iceland: A population-based study
- 2012
-
In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To estimate physical and mental health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption on nearby residents. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted on 14 April 2010. The eruption lasted for about 6 weeks and was explosive, ejecting some 8 million tons of fine particles into the atmosphere. Due to prevailing winds, the ash spread mostly to the south and south-east, first over the rural region to the south, later over the Atlantic Ocean and Europe, closing European air space for several days. Participants: Residents (n=207) of the most ash-exposed rural area south and east of the volcano. Methods: The study period was from 31 May to 11 June 2010. Participants were examined by a physician. To ascertain respiratory health, standardised spirometry was performed before and after the use of a bronchodilator. All adult participants answered questionnaires about mental and physical health, their children's health and the use of protective equipment. Results: Every other adult participant reported irritation in eyes and upper airway when exposed to volcanic ash. Adults (n=26) and children (n=5) with pre-existing asthma frequently reported worsening of their symptoms. No serious health problems requiring hospitalisation could be attributed to the eruption. The majority of the participants reported no abnormal physical or mental symptoms to the examining physician. Compared to an age- and gender-matched reference group, the ash-exposed participants reported lower smoking rates and were less likely to have ventilation impairment. Less than 10% of the participants reported symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. Conclusions: Short-term ash exposure was associated with upper airway irritation symptoms and exacerbation of pre-existing asthma but did not contribute to serious health problems. The exposure did not impair respiratory function compared to controls. Outdoor use of protective glasses and face masks was considered protective against irritation in eyes and upper airway.
|
|
| 6. |
- Danielsson, Patrik, et al.
(author)
-
The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Uppsala, Sweden - the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study : cross-sectional population-based study
- 2012
-
In: Clinical Respiratory Journal. - 1752-6981 .- 1752-699X. ; 6:2, s. 120-127
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To estimate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence in Uppsala and the impact of risk factors on disease prevalence using the standardised methods of the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study initiative. Methods: Randomly selected participants, aged 40 years or more (n = 548) responded to a questionnaire regarding smoking habits, respiratory symptoms, medical history, and exposure to airway irritants. Spirometry, with a post-bronchodilator test, was performed and COPD defined as post-bronchodilatory forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1) )/forced vital capacity (FVC) < 0.70 or FEV(1) /FVC < lower limit of normality (LLN). Circulatory inflammatory markers were measured. Results: COPD prevalence was 16.2%, which was the fourth lowest prevalence of COPD, compared with 12 other BOLD centres. Main risk factors for COPD were increasing age [odds ratio (OR) = 2.08 per 10 years] and smoking (OR = 1.33 per 10 pack years). Higher education was protective (OR = 0.70 per 5 years). Previous tuberculosis was an almost significant risk factor for COPD (P = 0.08). Subjects with COPD reported more respiratory symptoms but only 29% had previous doctor diagnosed COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Participants with COPD had higher levels of C-reactive protein (P = 0.01), but no difference was observed in interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. Using LLN instead of the fixed FEV(1) /FVC ratio reduced the prevalence of COPD to 10%. Conclusion: COPD prevalence in Uppsala was similar to other BOLD centres in high-income countries. Apart from known COPD risk factors (age, smoking, lower educational level), a history of tuberculosis may be associated with COPD even in high-income countries. COPD remains under-diagnosed, as only 29% of subjects with COPD had a previously diagnosed lung disorder.
|
|
| 7. |
- Emilsson, Ossur I., et al.
(author)
-
Nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux, asthma and symptoms of OSA : a longitudinal, general population study
- 2013
-
In: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 41:6, s. 1347-1354
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux (nGOR) is associated with asthma and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Our aim was to investigate whether nGOR is a risk factor for onset of asthma and onset of respiratory and OSA symptoms in a prospective population-based study. We invited 2640 subjects from Iceland, Sweden and Belgium for two evaluations over a 9-year interval. They participated in structured interviews, answered questionnaires, and underwent spirometries and methacholine challenge testing. nGOR was defined by reported symptoms. Subjects with persistent nGOR (n=123) had an independent increased risk of new asthma at follow-up (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.9). Persistent nGOR was independently related to onset of respiratory symptoms (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.6-5.6). The risk of developing symptoms of OSA was increased in subjects with new and persistent nGOR (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-1.6, and OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-3.7, respectively). No significant association was found between nGOR and lung function or bronchial responsiveness. Persistent symptoms of nGOR contribute to the development of asthma and respiratory symptoms. New onset of OSA symptoms is higher among subjects with symptoms of nGOR. These findings provide evidence that nGOR may play a role in the genesis of respiratory symptoms and diseases.
|
|
| 8. |
- Emilsson, Ossur Ingi, et al.
(author)
-
Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux, lung function and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea : Results from an epidemiological survey
- 2012
-
In: Respiratory Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0954-6111 .- 1532-3064. ; 106:3, s. 459-466
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux (nGER) has received increasing interest as a predisposing factor for respiratory diseases and sleep disturbances. The possible role of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contributing to nGER is of special interest. The aim of this study was to explore the association between nGER and respiratory diseases, lung function and symptoms of OSA. Methods: Participants in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) initiative in Iceland and Sweden, a random sample from the general population of 1325 adults aged 40+ (>70% response rate), were compared by pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, answers to questionnaires about OSA and respiratory symptoms, health, and symptoms of GER. Results: Altogether 102 (7.7%) reported nGER and 249 had used medication against GER. The participants were divided into three groups: 1) No nGER (n = 1040), 2) treated GER without nGER (n = 183) and 3) nGER (n = 102). The nGER group had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory and OSA symptoms than subjects without nGER. The nGER group also had a higher prevalence of COPD (GOLD stage 1+), (25.0% vs. 15.6%) (p = 0.02) and lower FEV1/FVC ratio (95.9% vs. 98.9% of the predicted, p = 0.01). These associations remained significant after adjusting for smoking, weight and other possible confounders. No independent association was found between having treated GER and lung function, respiratory or OSA symptoms. Conclusions: In our cross-sectional epidemiological study, untreated nGER is strongly associated with both respiratory and OSA symptoms as well as airflow obstruction.
|
|
| 9. |
- Fjalldal, Sigridur B., et al.
(author)
-
Smoking, stages of change and decisional balance in Iceland and Sweden
- 2011
-
In: The Clinical Respiratory Journal. - 1752-6981. ; 5:2, s. 76-83
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Smoking remains a significant health problem. Smoking interventions are important but selection of successful quitters can be difficult. Objective: To characterise smokers with emphasis on two constructs of the transtheoretical model, the stages of change and decisional balance. Methods: A random sample from adults aged 40 and over in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Uppsala, Sweden. Smokers were defined as being in the stage of pre-contemplation (not thinking of quitting within the next 6 months), contemplation (thinking of quitting within the next 6 months) or preparation (thinking of quitting within the next 30 days, having managed to quit for at least 24 h within the last 12 months). Results: A total of 226 participants were smokers: 72 (32%) were in the pre-contemplation stage, 126 (56%) in the contemplation stage and 28 (12%) in the preparation stage. A younger age, higher body mass index (BMI) and higher educational level were significantly related to being in a more advanced stage. A significant association was observed between decisional balance and stages of change such that decreased importance of the positive aspects of smoking and increased importance of the negative aspects of smoking were independently associated with an increased readiness to quit. Conclusion: The motivated smoker is likely to be young and educated with an above average BMI. A smoker in the contemplation stage is likely to maintain the negative aspects of smoking at a high level. Decreasing the value of the pros of smoking may facilitate the shift towards the stage of preparation.
|
|
| 10. |
- Gislason, Thorarinn, et al.
(author)
-
Persistent Chlamydia pneumonia serology is related to a more rapid decline in lung function in women but not in men
- 2010
-
In: BMC Pulmonary Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2466. ; 10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Chlamydia pneumoniae (C pn) infection causes an acute inflammation in the respiratory system that may become persistent, but little is known about the long-term respiratory effects of C pn infections. Aim: To estimate the long term respiratory effects of C pn with change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) as a main outcome variable.Methods The study comprised of 1109 subjects (500 men and 609 women, mean age 28 ± 6 years) that participated in the Reykjavik Heart Study of the Young. Spirometry and blood samples for measurements of IgG antibodies for C pn were done at inclusion and at the end of the follow-up period (mean follow-up time 27 ± 4 years).Results Having IgG against C pn at both examinations was significantly associated to a larger decrease in FEV1 (6 mL/year) and FVC (7 mL/year) in women but not in men. In women the association between C pn and larger FEV1 decline was only found in women that smoked at baseline where having C pn IgG was associated with 10 mL/year decline compared to smokers without C pn IgG. These results were still significant after adjustment for age, smoking and change in body weight.Conclusion Our results indicate that persistent C pn serology is related to increased decline in lung function in women but not in men. This effect was, however, primarily found in smoking women. This study is a further indication that the pathophysiological process leading to lung impairment may differ between men and women.
|
|
