| 1. |
- Edvardsson, Maria, 1972-
(författare)
-
Circulating levels and assessment of clinical laboratory analytes, in >80-year-old, apparently healthy, moderately healthy, and frail individuals
- 2019
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Blood samples are often used to investigate the possible presence of disease and to make treatment decisions. In the interpretation of the results, comparison either with previous values from the same individual or with a set of appropriate group-based reference intervals are used. Current reference intervals for common laboratory analytes are often based on measurements from apparently healthy persons aged 18–65 years. Age is accompanied by a general decline in organ functions and it is difficult to determine whether a change in levels of laboratory analytes in an elderly individual can be attributed to age alone, independent of environmental or disease processes. Frailty can be seen as a consequence of age-related multifactorial deterioration – physical, cognitive and sensory – resulting in vulnerability and lack of adaptability to internal stressors such as infection or new medication and/or external stressors such as fall at home. Consensus about the definition of “frail” and “frailty” is missing, both nationally and internationally, the question arises whether different definitions of “frailty” affect the interpretation of analytes when comparing different groups of elderly.The overarching aim of the thesis was to interpret and assess circulating levels of some clinical laboratory analytes in relation to conventional reference values in ≥80-year-old, “apparently healthy”, “moderately healthy”, and “frail” individuals. Data originated from other studies, in which blood samples were collected from individuals ≥80-year-old. Comparisons in Paper I of levels of some laboratory analytes, from 138 nursing home residents (NHRs), was made with blood from reference populations, both blood donor and the NORIP study. The results indicated differences for some immunological (complement factor 3 and 4, immunoglobulin G and M) and chemical analytes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), phosphate, albumin, sodium, creatinine and urea), but no differences in levels occurred for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). It was unclear whether the differences were due to differences in age between the elderly and the reference populations or whether the elderly individuals had chronic diseases and were on medication. In Paper II, 569 individuals elderly individuals ≥80 years old were classified as “healthy”, “moderately healthy”, and “frail”, based on diseases, medications and physical and cognitive abilities. Statistical differences between the groups were found for the investigated analytes; albumin, ALT, AST, creatinine and γ-GT. In Paper IV, individuals from Paper II (n=569) were divided into two groups and thereafter divided into “apparently healthy”, “moderately healthy”, and “frail”. One group was subdivided into “apparently healthy”, “moderately healthy” and “frail” based on physical and cognitive abilities and the other group was divided based on the frailty index (FI). There was no statistical difference found between “apparently healthy” and “moderately healthy" groups, regardless of classification model used. Among “frail” individuals, differences in levels occurred for three out of the five investigated analytes: ALT, creatinine and g-GT, with lower levels occurring when the FI classification model was used. No differences in levels occurred for albumin or AST in “frail” individuals, regardless of classification model used. The aim of Paper III was to study whether 1-year changes in complete blood count (CBC) (including haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), erythrocyte volume fraction (EVF), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet count (PLT)), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 are associated with survival in elderly NHRs aged >80 years. Elevated levels of CRP and IL-8 during 1-year follow-up were associated with reduced length of survival in elderly NHRs. Based on the present thesis it is clear that there is need for reference intervals that consider both age and health status in elderly individuals. A reasonable conclusion when interpreting levels of analytes in elderly individuals with disease or frailty is that individual evaluation based on the individual’s previous levels, is recommended.
|
|
| 2. |
- Edvardsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Clinical use of conventional reference intervals in the frail elderly
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Journal of Evaluation In Clinical Practice. - : Wiley. - 1356-1294 .- 1365-2753. ; 21:2, s. 229-235
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rationale, aims and objectivesReference intervals provided by the laboratory are commonly established by measuring samples from apparently healthy subjects in the ages 18–65 years, excluding elderly individuals with chronic diseases and medication. The aim of our study was to establish whether current reference intervals for immune parameters and chemical biomarkers are valid for older individuals including those with chronic diseases, so-called frail elderly.MethodsData from our cohort of 138 non-infected nursing home residents (NHR), mean age 86.8 years, range 80–98, were compared with raw data, as basis for the development of reference intervals, obtained from reference populations, like blood donors (IgA, IgG, IgM, C3 and C4) and from the Nordic Reference Interval Project (NORIP) (alanine aminotransferase, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphate, sodium and urea). Immune parameters were measured by nephelometry and in NORIP the measurements were performed by means of different routine methods, in more than 100 laboratories.ResultsOnly nine individuals (7%) of NHR were found to be free from chronic disease. C3, C4 (P < 0.001) and IgG levels (P < 0.05) were higher, while IgM levels (P < 0.001) were lower in NHR compared with reference blood donors. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, phosphate (P < 0.001), albumin (P < 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.01) were lower while creatinine and urea levels were higher (P < 0.001) in NHR compared with NORIP subjects.ConclusionComparing laboratory results from elderly people with conventional reference intervals can be misleading or even dangerous, as normal conditions may appear pathological, or vice versa and thus lead to unnecessary or even harmful treatment.
|
|
| 3. |
- Edvardsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Differences in levels of albumin, ALT, AST, gamma-GT and creatinine in frail, moderately healthy and healthy elderly individuals
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. - : WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH. - 1434-6621 .- 1437-4331. ; 56:3, s. 471-478
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Reference intervals are widely used as decision tools, providing the physician with information about whether the analyte values indicate ongoing disease process. Reference intervals are generally based on individuals without diagnosed diseases or use of medication, which often excludes elderly. The aim of the study was to assess levels of albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) in frail, moderately healthy and healthy elderly indivuduals. Methods: Blood samples were collected from individuals amp;gt; 80 years old, nursing home residents, in the Elderly in Linkoping Screening Assessment and Nordic Reference Interval Project, a total of 569 individuals. They were divided into three cohorts: frail, moderately healthy and healthy, depending on cognitive and physical function. Albumin, ALT, AST, creatinine and gamma-GT were analyzed using routine methods. Results: Linear regression predicted factors for 34% of the variance in albumin were activities of daily living (ADL), gender, stroke and cancer. ADLs, gender and weight explained 15% of changes in ALT. For AST levels, ADLs, cancer and analgesics explained 5% of changes. Kidney disease, gender, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease explained 25% of the variation in creatinine levels and MMSE explained three per cent of gamma-GT variation. Conclusions: Because a group of people are at the same age, they should not be assessed the same way. To interpret results of laboratory tests in elderly is a complex task, where reference intervals are one part, but far from the only one, to take into consideration.
|
|
| 4. |
- Edvardsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Elevated levels of CRP and IL-8 are related to reduce survival time: 1-year follow-up measurements of different analytes in frail elderly nursing home residents
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 0036-5513 .- 1502-7686. ; 79:5, s. 288-292
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There are only few studies with specific focus on predictors of survival in nursing home residents (NHRs). The aim was to study whether 1-year changes in complete blood count (including hemoglobin, red blood cells, erythrocyte volume fraction, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cells count and platelet count), C-reactive protein and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10, are associated with 8-year survival in elderly NHRs, aged amp;gt;= 80 years. Complete blood count, C-reactive protein and interleukins were measured at baseline, after 6 and 12 months from 167 NHRs aged 80-101 years, mean age 88 +/- 4.5 years, 75% of whom were women. Dates of death were collected from the National Death Register 8 years after baseline. Levels of hemoglobin, red blood cells and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were lower after 1-year, but higher for mean corpuscular volume and IL-1 beta, compared to baseline or 6 month follow-up. In the Cox regression model with a time-dependent covariate, raised levels of C-reactive protein and IL-8 were associated with reduced survival time. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein and IL-8 during 1-year follow-up were related to reduce lengths of survival in elderly NHRs.
|
|
| 5. |
|
|
| 6. |
- Hellqvist, Carina, et al.
(författare)
-
Improving self-management for persons with Parkinson's disease through education focusing on management of daily life : patients' and relatives' experience of the Swedish National Parkinson School.
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd. - 0962-1067 .- 1365-2702. ; 27:19-20, s. 3719-3728
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The two folded aim of this study was firstly to identify and describe experiences valuable for managing daily life after participation in the NPS self-management intervention. The second part was to explore the applicability of the Self- and family management framework by Grey and colleagues for persons with Parkinson's Disease and their relatives. BACKGROUND: The impact of PD is evident on the lives of both patients and relatives. The National Parkinson School (NPS) is a Swedish self-management program designed for patients and relatives, aiming at teaching strategies helpful for the ability of self-management, in order to promote life satisfaction. DESIGN: Qualitative explorative with inductive and deductive analysis. METHODS: Five group discussions with NPS participants were audio-recorded. Verbatim transcriptions were analysed inductively with thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke, and the findings were then applied deductively to the existing model for patients with chronic disease. RESULTS: Through the first step of inductive analysis three themes capturing the meaning, value and experience of being a participant at the NPS were identified: Exchanging experiences and feeling support, Adjustment and acceptance of PD for managing daily life, and Promoting life satisfaction. The deductive analysis applied the inductive findings to the Self-and family management framework of chronically ill to explore the fit to persons with PD and relatives attending the NPS program. CONCLUSIONS: The NPS program is a promising approach for helping persons with PD and their relatives to achieve better self-management of disease and improved life satisfaction. Further evaluations of program outcomes in clinical practice are warranted. RELEVANCE OF CLINICAL PRACTICE: Self-management programs like the NPS is a promising approach in facilitating a positive mind-set and outlook on life and gain knowledge to understand, adapt and handle chronic disease, such as PD, better. This article is protectedby copyright. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 7. |
- Kidd, Tara, et al.
(författare)
-
What are the most effective interventions to improve physical performance in pre-frail and frail adults? A systematic review of randomised control trials
- 2019
-
Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : BMC. - 1471-2318. ; 19
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundWith life expectancy continuing to rise in the United Kingdom there is an increasing public health focus on the maintenance of physical independence among all older adults. Identifying interventions that improve physical outcomes in pre-frail and frail older adults is imperative.MethodsA systematic review of the literature 2000 to 2017 following PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42016045325).ResultsTen RCT trials fulfilled selection criteria and quality appraisal. The study quality was moderate to good. Interventions included physical activity; nutrition, physical activity combined with nutrition. Interventions that incorporated one or more physical activity components significantly improved physical outcomes in pre-frail and/or frail older adults.ConclusionsPhysical activity interventions are key to maintaining independence in pre-frail and frail older adults. A lack of consensus regarding the definition of frailty, and an absence of core measures to assess this means any attempt to create an optimal intervention will be impeded. This absence may ultimately impact on the ability of older and frail adults to live well and for longer in the community.
|
|
| 8. |
- Sund-Levander, Märtha, et al.
(författare)
-
Differences in predictors of 5-year survival over a 10-year period in two cohorts of elderly nursing home residents in Sweden
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : Wiley. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 30:4, s. 714-720
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: The aim was to compare 5-year survival in two included cohorts (from year 2000 and year 2007) of 249 nursing home residents (NHR) in this retrospective, comparative study. Methods: The cohorts were compared regarding chronic diseases, medication, physical/cognitive/nutritional status, body mass index, body temperature and 5-year mortality. Factors correlated with 5-year survival were determined using Cox regression analysis. Results: In average, cohort 2007 survived 31 +/- 16 months and cohort 2000, 38 +/- 13 months, p < 0.001. Dementia, ageing and circulatory failure were more common as cause of death 2007, while stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia were less common, compared with 2000. NHR belonging to cohort 2007 were significantly older when admitted to nursing homes (NH), more dependent in activities of daily living (ADL), had dementia, stroke, autoimmune disease and treatment with antidepressants, while malnutrition and treatment with paracetamol were more common 2000. In 2000, medication with antidepressants, the presence of stroke and diabetes, irrespective of gender, and in women cardiovascular disease, two to threefold significantly increased survival, while autoimmune disease, influenza vaccination and dependency in ADL decreased survival. In 2007, maintaining BMI, irrespective of gender, and autoimmune disease and COPD in women significantly increased survival, while malnutrition, influenza vaccination, dependency in ADL and medication with sedatives/tranquillisers or paracetamol severely reduced survival. Conclusions: The present results indicate a trend that individuals are older and frailer when admitted to NH and that survival time after admission has been shortened. Hence, the need of daily support and care has increased, irrespective of housing. Also, predictors of survival, possible to influence, have changed.
|
|
| 9. |
- Sund-Levander, Märtha, et al.
(författare)
-
Variation in Normal Ear Temperature
- 2017
-
Ingår i: The American journal of surgery. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0002-9629 .- 1538-2990. ; 354:4, s. 370-378
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Variation in baseline ear temperature, taken in the unadjusted mode, has yet to be established in different age groups. Because normal body temperatures show large variations, the same may be expected for increased temperatures in fever. The aims were to study variations in normothermic body temperatures measured with an ear thermometer and to determine differences between actual and perceived body temperature during a febrile episode (referred to as difftemp) in apparently healthy children and adults. Methods: Ear temperature was measured once in 2,006 individuals (61.7% females): 683 children aged 2 and 4 years, 492 adolescents aged 10-18 years, 685 adults aged 19-65 years and 146 elderly aged 66-89 years. Difftemp was estimated as the difference between the individuals ear body temperature, measured in the present study, and the respondents reported temperature when feverish. Results: Mean ear temperature was 36.4 +/- 0.6 degrees C overall and in the child and adult groups. In adolescents, it was 36.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C, and in elderly, 36.1 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Temperature in men was 36.3 +/- 0.6 degrees C, and in women, 36.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Difftemp was 1.1 +/- 0.7 degrees C in adolescents, 1.5 +/- 0.7 degrees C in children and adults, and 1.6 +/- 0.7 degrees C in those amp;gt; 65 years. Conclusions: Ear body temperature is lower than traditionally reported and differs with age and sex. An individual difftemp of 1.0-1.5 degrees C along with malaise might indicate fever.
|
|
| 10. |
- Tingström, Pia, et al.
(författare)
-
Nursing assistants : "He seems to be ill" - a reason for nurses to take action: validation of the Early Detection Scale of Infection (EDIS)
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2318. ; 15
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Signs and symptoms of infection in frail elderly are atypical, causing delay in diagnosis and treatment. To improve communication between healthcare staff of signs and symptoms of infection we developed an instrument, using qualitative data from observations by nursing assistants when they suspected infection. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of nursing assistants observations by developing and testing the instrument for early detection of infection in elderly nursing home residents. Methods: The early detection of infection (EDIS) instrument was based on data from focus interviews with nursing assistants. Over one year the nursing assistants used EDIS to document episodes of suspected early signs and symptoms of infection in 204 nursing home residents. Two physicians classified documented episodes as "no infection", "possible infection", and "infection". The content validity of the 13 items of the EDIS was established to explore the relationships between the items. The construct validity was used to explore the relationship between the items and the presence or absence of infection. The predictive value of the developed model was evaluated by the percentage of correct classifications of the observed cases. Generalized linear model (ordinal multinomial distribution and logit link) was used. Results: Of the 388 events of suspected infection, 20 % were assessed as no infection, 31 % as possible infection and 49 % as infection. Content validity analysis showed that 12/13 of the items correlated significantly with at least one other statement. The range in number of significant inter-correlations was from 0 ("pain") to 8 ("general signs and symptoms of illness"). The construct validity showed that the items "temperature", "respiratory symptoms" and "general signs and symptoms of illness" were significantly related to "infection", and these were also selected in the model-building. These items predicted correct alternative responses in 61 % of the cases. Conclusion: The validation of EDIS suggests that the observation of "general signs and symptoms of illness", made by nursing assistants should be taken seriously in detecting early infection in frail elderly. Also, the statement "He/She is not as usual" should lead to follow-up.
|
|
