| 1. |
- Andersson, Cecilia K, et al.
(författare)
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Novel Site-Specific Mast Cell Subpopulations in the Human Lung.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 64, s. 297-305
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Lung mast cells are stereotypically divided into connective tissue (MCTC) and mucosal (MCT) mast cells. This study tests the hypothesis that each of these subtypes can be divided further into site-specific populations created by the microenvironment within each anatomic lung compartment. METHODS: To study mast cells under non-inflamed conditions surgical resections and bronchial and transbronchial biopsies from non-smoking individuals were obtained to investigate morphometric and molecular characteristics of mast cell populations in multiple lung structures by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. RESULTS: MCT and MCTC coexisted at all compartments with MCT being the prevailing type in bronchi, bronchioles and the alveolar parenchyma. MCTC were more abundant in pulmonary vessels and the pleura. Each of the MCTC and MCT phenotypes could be further differentiated into site-specific populations. MCTC was of significantly larger size in pulmonary vessels than in small airway walls (p<0.001) while a reversed pattern was observed for MCT (p<0.001). Within each MCTC and MCT population there was also distinct site-specific expression pattern of the IgE-receptor, IL-9 receptor, renin, histidine decarboxylase, VEGF, FGF, 5-Lipoxygense, and LTC4-synthase; e.g. bronchial MCT consistently expressed more histidine decarboxylase than alveolar MCT (p<0.004). Renin content was high among vascular MCTC but markedly reduced among MCTC in other compartments (p<0.0002). Notably, for both MCTC and MCT IgE-receptor was highly expressed in conducting airways but virtually absent in alveolar parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate novel site-specific sub-populations of lung MCTC and MCT. This observation is suggested to have important implications in unravelling the recently proposed role of mast cells in a variety of pulmonary diseases.
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| 2. |
- Cerveri, Isa, et al.
(författare)
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Underestimation of airflow obstruction among young adults using FEV1/FVC<70% as a fixed cut-off : a longitudinal evaluation of clinical and functional outcomes
- 2008
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 63:12, s. 1040-1045
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Early detection of airflow obstruction is particularly important among young adults because they are more likely to benefit from intervention. Using the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEV1/FVC) <70% fixed ratio, airflow obstruction may be underdiagnosed. The lower limit of normal (LLN), which is statistically defined by the lower fifth percentile of a reference population, is physiologically appropriate but it still needs a clinical validation.Methods: To evaluate the characteristics and longitudinal outcomes of subjects misidentified as normal by the fixed ratio with respect to the LLN, 6249 participants (aged 20-44 years) in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey were examined and divided into three groups (absence of airflow obstruction by the LLN and the fixed ratio; presence of airflow obstruction only by the LLN; presence of airflow obstruction by the two criteria) for 1991-1993. LLN equations were obtained from normal non-smoking participants. A set of clinical and functional outcomes was evaluated in 1999-2002.Results: The misidentified subjects were 318 (5.1%); only 45.6% of the subjects with airflow obstruction by the LLN were also identified by the fixed cut-off. At baseline, FEV1 (107%, 97%, 85%) progressively decreased and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (slope 7.84, 6.32, 5.57) progressively increased across the three groups. During follow-up, misidentified subjects had a significantly higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a significantly higher use of health resources (medicines, emergency department visits/hospital admissions) because of breathing problems than subjects without airflow obstruction (p<0.001).Conclusions: Our findings show the importance of using statistically derived spirometric criteria to identify airflow obstruction.
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| 3. |
- Decramer, M, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of treatments on the progression of COPD: report of a workshop held in Leuven, 11-12 March 2004
- 2005
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 60:4, s. 343-349
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- During the last decade several long term studies of interventions in patients with COPD have been published. This review analyses the potential of these interventions to alter the progression of the condition. The only treatment that has unequivocally been shown to reduce the rate of decline in FEV(1) is smoking cessation. Active psychological intervention in combination with pharmacotherapy is required. Other treatments may have an effect on the rate of decline in FEV(1) but this appears to be very small, at most. Several treatments affect the exacerbation rate and therefore might affect the progression of the disease. Further studies are warranted to examine this effect.
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| 4. |
- Engström, Gunnar, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma markers of inflammation and incidence of hospitalisations for COPD: results from a population-based cohort study
- 2009
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 64:3, s. 211-215
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The relationship between plasma markers of inflammation and the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still unclear. This population-based study explored whether raised levels of five inflammation-sensitive plasma proteins (ISPs) predicted hospital admissions for COPD during 25 years of follow-up. Methods: Spirometric tests and measurements of five ISPs (fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, alpha(1)-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, orosomucoid) were performed in 5247 apparently healthy men from the city of Malmo(mean age 46 years). The incidence of hospitalisations for COPD was studied in relation to the number of ISPs in the fourth quartile. Results: During the follow-up period, 258 men were admitted to hospital with COPD, 211 of whom were smokers at baseline. The incidence of hospital admissions for COPD was significantly associated with the number of raised ISPs. Adjusted for risk factors, the hazards ratio (95% CI) was 1.00 (reference), 1.28 (0.9 to 1.9), 1.29 (0.8 to 2.0) and 2.30 (1.6 to 3.2), respectively, for men with 0, 1, 2 and >= 3 ISPs in the top quartile (p for trend <0.001). This relationship was consistent in men with high and low lung function at baseline. The relationship with the incidence of hospital admissions for COPD was largely the same for all individual ISPs. Conclusion: Raised plasma ISP levels are associated with an increased incidence of COPD requiring hospitalisation.
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| 5. |
- Gaber, Flora, et al.
(författare)
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Increased levels of cysteinyl-leukotrienes in saliva, induced sputum, urine and blood from patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma
- 2008
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 63:12, s. 1076-82
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of aspirin-intolerant asthma requires aspirin provocation in specialist clinics. Urinary leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)) is increased in aspirin-intolerant asthma. A study was undertaken to investigate new biomarkers of aspirin intolerance by comparing basal levels of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLTs) and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) in saliva, sputum and ex vivo stimulated blood in subjects with aspirin-intolerant and aspirin-tolerant asthma. The effects of aspirin- and allergen-induced bronchoconstriction on leukotriene levels in saliva and ex vivo stimulated blood were also compared with the effects of the provocations on urinary mediators. METHODS: Induced sputum, saliva, urine and blood were obtained at baseline from 21 subjects with asthma. At a separate visit, 11 subjects showed a positive response to lysine-aspirin inhalation and 10 were aspirin tolerant. Saliva, blood and urine were also collected on the provocation day. Analyses of CysLTs and LTB(4) and the prostaglandin D(2) metabolite 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F(2) were performed and the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide was measured. RESULTS: Subjects with aspirin-intolerant asthma had higher exhaled nitric oxide levels and higher baseline levels of CysLTs in saliva, sputum, blood ex vivo and urine than subjects with aspirin-tolerant asthma. There were no differences in LTB(4) levels between the groups. Levels of urinary LTE(4) and 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F(2) increased after aspirin provocation whereas leukotriene levels in saliva and ex vivo stimulated blood did not increase. CONCLUSION: These findings support a global and specific increase in CysLT production in aspirin-intolerant asthma. Measurement of CysLTs in saliva has the potential to be a new and convenient non-invasive biomarker of aspirin-intolerant asthma.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Gustafsson, Per M., 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Multiple-breath inert gas washout and spirometry versus structural lung disease in cystic fibrosis.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 63:2, s. 129-34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: A sensitive and valid non-invasive marker of early cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is sought. The lung clearance index (LCI) from multiple-breath washout (MBW) is known to detect abnormal lung function more readily than spirometry in children and teenagers with CF, but its relationship to structural lung abnormalities is unknown. A study was undertaken to determine the agreements between LCI and spirometry, respectively, with structural lung disease as measured by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in children and teenagers with CF. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 44 consecutive patients with CF aged 5-19 years (mean 12 years). At an annual check-up inspiratory and expiratory HRCT scans, LCI and spirometric parameters (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and maximal expiratory flow when 75% of forced vital capacity was expired (FEF75)) were recorded. Abnormal structure was defined as a composite HRCT score of >5%, the presence of bronchiectasis or air trapping >30%. Abnormal lung function was defined as LCI above the predicted mean +1.96 residual standard deviations (RSD), or FEV1 or FEF75 below the predicted mean -1.96 RSD. Sensitivity/specificity assessments and correlation analyses were done. RESULTS: The sensitivity to detect abnormal lung structure was 85-94% for LCI, 19-26% for FEV1 and 62-75% for FEF75. Specificity was 43-65% for LCI, 89-100% for FEV1 and 75-88% for FEF75. LCI correlated better with HRCT scores (Rs +0.85) than FEV1 (-0.62) or FEF75 (-0.66). CONCLUSIONS: LCI is a more sensitive indicator than FEV1 or FEF75 for detecting structural lung disease in CF, and a normal LCI almost excludes HRCT abnormalities. The finding of an abnormal LCI in some patients with normal HRCT scans suggests that LCI may be even more sensitive than HRCT scanning for detecting lung involvement in CF.
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| 8. |
- Gyllfors, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Relation between bronchial responsiveness to inhaled leukotriene D4 and markers of leukotriene biosynthesis
- 2005
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 60:11, s. 902-8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: While clinical trials with antileukotrienes have shown overall beneficial effects in asthma, the factors that determine leukotriene dependent asthma are still unclear. A study was undertaken to determine whether or not leukotriene responsiveness in the airways correlates with endogenous leukotriene biosynthesis. METHODS: Bronchial responsiveness to leukotriene (LT) D4 was assessed as PD20FEV1 in 20 subjects with mild asthma and 10 healthy controls, and compared with bronchial responsiveness to methacholine and two global measures of leukotriene production-urinary LTE4 and ex vivo production of LTB4 in whole blood. RESULTS: In patients with asthma the bronchoconstrictor activity of LTD4 was about 1300 times greater than methacholine (geometric mean PD20 0.69 nmol v 887 nmol). Those who were most responsive to LTD4 were relatively less responsive to methacholine (p<0.01). There was, however, no correlation between bronchial responsiveness to LTD4 and urinary LTE4 or blood ex vivo LTB4 levels in asthmatic subjects or healthy controls. Subjects with asthma treated with inhaled corticosteroids produced higher levels of LTB4 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: General measures of leukotriene production cannot predict bronchial responsiveness to LTD4. The unique bronchoconstrictive potency of LTD4 on human airways may relate to the locally regulated expression of the cysteinyl LT1 receptor.
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| 9. |
- Hind, M, et al.
(författare)
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Retinoid induction of alveolar regeneration : from mice to man?
- 2009
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 64:5, s. 451-457
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The use of retinoids to induce human lung regeneration is under investigation in a number of studies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Retinoic acid (RA) has complex pleiotropic functions during vertebrate patterning and development and can induce regeneration in a number of different organ systems. Studies of retinoid signalling during lung development might provide a molecular basis to explain pharmacological induction of alveolar regeneration in adult models of lung disease. In this review the role of endogenous RA signalling during alveologenesis is explored and data suggesting that a number of exogenous retinoids can induce regeneration in the adult lung are discussed. Current controversies in this area are highlighted and a hypothesis of lung regeneration is put forward. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of induction of regeneration will be central for effective translation into patients with lung disease and may reveal novel insights into the pathogenesis of alveolar disease and senescence.
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| 10. |
- Horsley, A R, et al.
(författare)
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Lung clearance index is a sensitive, repeatable and practical measure of airways disease in adults with cystic fibrosis.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 63:2, s. 135-40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Lung clearance index (LCI) is a sensitive marker of early lung disease in children but has not been assessed in adults. Measurement is hindered by the complexity of the equipment required. The aims of this study were to assess performance of a novel gas analyser (Innocor) and to use it as a clinical tool for the measurement of LCI in cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: LCI was measured in 48 healthy adults, 12 healthy school-age children and 33 adults with CF by performing an inert gas washout from 0.2% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). SF6 signal:noise ratio and 10-90% rise time of Innocor were compared with a mass spectrometer used in similar studies in children. RESULTS: Compared with the mass spectrometer, Innocor had a superior signal:noise ratio but a slower rise time (150 ms vs 60 ms) which may limit its use in very young children. Mean (SD) LCI in healthy adults was significantly different from that in patients with CF: 6.7 (0.4) vs 13.1 (3.8), p<0.001. Ten of the patients with CF had forced expiratory volume in 1 s > or = 80% predicted but only one had a normal LCI. LCI repeats were reproducible in all three groups of subjects (mean intra-visit coefficient of variation ranged from 3.6% to 5.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Innocor can be adapted to measure LCI and affords a simpler alternative to a mass spectrometer. LCI is raised in adults with CF with normal spirometry, and may prove to be a more sensitive marker of the effects of treatment in this group.
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| 11. |
- Lannerö, E, et al.
(författare)
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Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and sensitisation in children.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 63:2, s. 172-176
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) increases the risk of respiratory illness in children but data are inconclusive regarding the risk of IgE sensitisation. Objective: To elucidate whether exposure to smoking prenatally and/or postnatally is related to IgE sensitisation in children at 4 years of age. Methods: As part of a prospective birth cohort study (BAMSE), a total of 4089 families with children answered questionnaires when the child was 2 months, 1, 2 and 4 years old on environmental factors and symptoms of allergic disease. Blood collected at age 4 years from 2614 children was analysed for IgE antibodies to common inhalant and food allergens. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression with adjustments for potential confounders. Results: There was no evident association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and risk of IgE sensitisation. In contrast, a dose-response effect was found for exposure to ETS from parental smoking during the first few months of life and IgE sensitisation. There was an increased risk of sensitisation to inhalant and/or food allergens (ORadj 1.28 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.62)) among children exposed to ETS at 2 months of age. The risk appeared particularly elevated for indoor inhalant allergens, such as cat (ORadj 1.96 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.99)) and for food allergens (ORadj 1.46 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.93)). The IgE sensitising effect of ETS seemed to be confined to infants of parents without allergic diseases and to ETS exposure during early infancy. Conclusions: Our data indicate that exposure in early infancy to ETS increases the risk of IgE sensitisation to indoor inhalant and food allergens.
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| 12. |
- Ludvigsson, Jonas F., et al.
(författare)
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Coeliac disease and risk of tuberculosis : a population based cohort study
- 2007
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Ingår i: Thorax. - London : BMJ Publ. Group. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 62:1, s. 23-28
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease often characterised by malnutrition and linked to a number of complications such as an increased risk of lymphoma, adverse pregnancy outcome, and other autoimmune diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) affects a large proportion of the world population and is more common in individuals with malnutrition. We investigated the risk of TB in 14 335 individuals with CD and 69 888 matched reference individuals in a general population based cohort study.Methods: Cox proportional hazards method was used to calculate the risk of subsequent TB in individuals with CD. In a separate analysis, the risk of CD in individuals with prior TB was calculated using conditional logistic regression.Results: CD was associated with an increased risk of subsequent TB (hazard ratio (HR) 3.74, 95% CI 2.14 to 6.53; p<0.001). Similar risk estimates were seen when the population was stratified for sex and age at CD diagnosis. Individuals with CD were also at increased risk of TB diagnosed in departments of pulmonary medicine, infectious diseases, paediatrics, or thoracic medicine (HR 4.76, 95% CI 2.23 to 10.16; p<0.001). The odds ratio for CD in individuals with prior TB was 2.50 (95% CI 1.75 to 3.55; p<0.001).Conclusions: CD is associated with TB. This may be due to malabsorption and lack of vitamin D in persons with CD. Individuals with TB and gastrointestinal symptoms should be investigated for CD.
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| 13. |
- Normann, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Association between Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies and wheezing in young children and the influence of sex
- 2006
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 61:12, s. 1054-1058
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The proposed association between Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) infection and wheezing needs further clarification. METHODS: Serum samples obtained from 1581 children aged 4 years in a population based cohort were tested for antibodies to Cpn and IgE antibodies to common allergens. Data on environmental factors and disease were collected prospectively from birth. RESULTS: The occurrence of IgG antibodies to Cpn at 4 years of age was associated with reported wheezing at different ages; however, these findings were most often not significant. In girls, the occurrence of anti-Cpn IgG was associated with wheezing at the ages of 1, 2, and 4 years (odds ratios (ORs) 3.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46 to 7.96), 2.13 (95% CI 1.02 to 4.44), and 2.01 (95% CI 1.14 to 3.54), respectively), and even higher ORs were observed for each age category when only high level antibody responses to Cpn were analysed. At the time of blood sampling the association between anti-Cpn IgG and wheezing was restricted to girls without atopic sensitisation (OR 2.39 (95% CI 1.25 to 4.57). No associations with wheezing were detected in boys, in whom IgE sensitisation was inversely associated with the presence of anti-Cpn IgG (OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.90)). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an association between evidence of earlier Cpn infection and a history of wheezing in young girls. Infection with Cpn may be an important risk factor for wheezing and possibly for non-atopic asthma, predominantly in girls.
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| 14. |
- Purdue, Mark P, et al.
(författare)
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Impaired lung function and lung cancer incidence in a cohort of Swedish construction workers.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 62:1, s. 51-6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Although impaired lung function in general has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, past studies typically have not attempted to investigate separately the obstructive and restrictive components of respiratory impairment. To deal with this question further, data from a large (n = 176 997) cohort of male Swedish construction workers, for whom spirometry measurements before follow-up were available, were analysed. METHODS: Cancer incidence for 1971-2001 was obtained through linkage with the national cancer registry. Using a modification of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), subjects were classified into five categories of lung function: normal, mild COPD, moderate COPD, severe COPD and restrictive lung disease (RLD). Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for lung cancer across lung function categories were calculated using Poisson regression, adjusted for age and smoking. Other end points (histological types of lung cancer, non-lung tobacco-related cancers, other cancers, total mortality) were also investigated. RESULTS: 834 incident cases of lung cancer were identified. Increased rates of lung cancer were observed for both COPD (mild: RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.9; moderate/severe: RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.7) and RLD (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.5) relative to normal lung function. These associations did not meaningfully change on applying follow-up lag times of 5, 10 and 15 years after spirometry. When analysed by histological type, associations with both COPD and RLD were stronger for squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, and weaker for adenocarcinoma. Both COPD and RLD were associated with increased rates of total mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive and restrictive impairments in lung function are associated with increased lung cancer risk.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Shaaban, Rafea, et al.
(författare)
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Physical activity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness : European Community Respiratory Health Survey II
- 2007
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 62:5, s. 403-410
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Identification of the risk factors for bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) would increase the understanding of the causes of asthma. The relationship between physical activity and BHR in men and women aged 28.0-56.5 years randomly selected from 24 centres in 11 countries participating in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II was investigated. Methods: 5158 subjects answered questionnaires about physical activity and performed BHR tests. Participants were asked about the frequency and duration of usual weekly exercise resulting in breathlessness or sweating. BHR was defined as a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s of at least 20% of its post-saline value for a maximum methacholine dose of 2 mg. Results: Both frequency and duration of physical activity were inversely related to BHR. The prevalence of BHR in subjects exercising ≤ 1, 2-3 and ≥4 times a week was 14.5%, 11.6% and 10.9%, respectively (p<0.001). The corresponding odds ratios were 1.00, 0.78 (95% Cl 0.62 to 0.99) and 0.69 (95% Cl 0.50 to 0.94) after controlling for potential confounding factors. The frequency of BHR in subjects exercising <1 h, 1-3 h and ≥4 h a week was 15.9%, 10.9% and 10.7%, respectively (p<0.001). The corresponding adjusted odds ratios were 1.00, 0.70 (95% Cl 0.57 to 0.87) and 0.67 (95% Cl 0.50 to 0.90). Physical activity was associated with BHR in all studied subgroups. Conclusions: These results suggest that BHR is strongly and independently associated with decreased physical activity. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying this association.
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| 17. |
- Svanes, Cecilie, et al.
(författare)
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Association of asthma and hay fever with irregular menstruation
- 2005
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 60:6, s. 445-450
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There is some evidence that asthmatic women are more likely to have abnormal sex hormone levels. A study was undertaken to determine whether asthma and allergy were associated with irregular menstruation in a general population, and the potential role of asthma medication for this association. METHODS: A total of 8588 women (response rate 77%) participated in an 8 year follow up postal questionnaire study of participants of the ECRHS stage I in Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Only non-pregnant women not taking exogenous sex hormones were included in the analyses (n = 6137). RESULTS: Irregular menstruation was associated with asthma (OR 1.54 (95% CI 1.11 to 2.13)), asthma symptoms (OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.86)), hay fever (OR 1.29 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.57)), and asthma preceded by hay fever (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.30 to 2.96)) among women aged 26-42 years. This was also observed in women not taking asthma medication (asthma symptoms: OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.91); hay fever: OR 1.27 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.58); wheeze preceded by hay fever: OR 1.76 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.64)). Irregular menstruation was associated with new onset asthma in younger women (OR 1.58 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.42)) but not in women aged 42-54 years (OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.32 to 1.18)). The results were consistent across centres. CONCLUSIONS: Younger women with asthma and allergy were more likely to have irregular menstruation. This could not be attributed to current use of asthma medication. The association could possibly be explained by common underlying metabolic or developmental factors. The authors hypothesise that insulin resistance may play a role in asthma and allergy.
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| 18. |
- Tanash, Hanan, et al.
(författare)
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Clinical course and prognosis of never-smokers with severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (PiZZ).
- 2008
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 63, s. 1091-1095
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Previous studies of non-smoking individuals with severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (PiZZ) have been sparse and included only a limited number of individuals, mostly identified by respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to estimate the prognosis of non-smoking PiZZ individuals and to analyze the most common causes of death by including a large number of individuals who had been identified due to reasons other than respiratory symptoms. METHODS: The study included 568 non-smoking PiZZ subjects who were selected from the Swedish National AAT Deficiency Registry and followed-up from 1991 to September 2007. Of these, 156 (27%) were identified by respiratory symptoms (respiratory cases) and 412 were identified by extra pulmonary symptoms or screening (non-respiratory cases). RESULTS: Ninety-three subjects (16%) died during the follow-up time. The specific Standardized Mortality Rate (SMR) for the whole study population was 2.32 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.87-2.83) with no significant difference between men and women. The SMR was 2.55 (95% CI 1.91-2.83) for the respiratory cases and 2.07 (95% CI 1.49-2.81) for the non-respiratory cases. Further calculation of SMR for subgroups in the non-respiratory cases showed that the SMR was 0.70 (95% CI 0.14-2.04) for individuals identified by family/population screening. Emphysema and liver cirrhosis were the most common causes of death (45% and 28%, respectively). Malignant transformation was found in 38% of the cirrhotic cases. CONCLUSION: Non-smoking PiZZ individuals identified by screening do not have an increased mortality risk compared with the Swedish general population.
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| 19. |
- Torén, Kjell, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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An international prospective general population-based study of respiratory work disability.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 1468-3296 .- 0040-6376. ; 64:4, s. 339-44
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that job change due to breathing problems at the workplace (respiratory work disability) is common among adults of working age. That research indicated that occupational exposure to gases, dust and fumes was associated with job change due to breathing problems, although causal inferences have been tempered by the cross-sectional nature of previously available data. There is a need for general population-based prospective studies to assess the incidence of respiratory work disability and to delineate better the roles of potential predictors of respiratory work disability. METHODS: A prospective general population cohort study was performed in 25 centres in 11 European countries and one centre in the USA. A longitudinal analysis was undertaken of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey including all participants employed at any point since the baseline survey, 6659 subjects randomly sampled and 779 subjects comprising all subjects reporting physician-diagnosed asthma. The main outcome measure was new-onset respiratory work disability, defined as a reported job change during follow-up attributed to breathing problems. Exposure to dusts (biological or mineral), gases or fumes during follow-up was recorded using a job-exposure matrix. Cox proportional hazard regression modelling was used to analyse such exposure as a predictor of time until job change due to breathing problems. RESULTS: The incidence rate of respiratory work disability was 1.2/1000 person-years of observation in the random sample (95% CI 1.0 to 1.5) and 5.7/1000 person-years in the asthma cohort (95% CI 4.1 to 7.8). In the random population sample, as well as in the asthma cohort, high occupational exposure to biological dust, mineral dust or gases or fumes predicted increased risk of respiratory work disability. In the random sample, sex was not associated with increased risk of work disability while, in the asthma cohort, female sex was associated with an increased disability risk (hazard ratio 2.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.9). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory work disability is common overall. It is associated with workplace exposures that could be controlled through preventive measures.
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| 20. |
- Toro-Troconis, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Game-based learning in respiratory medicine via Second Life
- 2008
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Ingår i: Thorax. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 63:Suppl. 7, s. A157-
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Opportunities for learning from real patients have decreased. Self-directed learning at times suitable for shift patterns are increasingly likely to become important. This study reports on the design and evaluation of game-based learning activities for virtual respiratory patients in Second Life. Methods: A virtual teaching hospital was created in Second Life (http://www.elearningimperial.com/index.php?option = com_content&task = view&id = 37&Itemid = 58). A respiratory ward has been designed with a pneumothorax patient focussing upon game-based learning activities (requesting investigations and planning management). Similar material was available as part of a respiratory emergencies e-learning module embedded in the year 3 medical undergraduate curriculum. Initial data about gaming competence was obtained from 118 full-time undergraduate medical students (mean age 22 years) who volunteered for the study. A stratified sample of 50 students was selected according to gender and high and low gamer categories and was randomly assigned into two groups. One group (23/25 attended) was given access to the game-based learning activities in Second Life and the second group (19/25 attended) was given access to the same content delivered as an interactive e-module. After use of the modules students in both groups completed a questionnaire involving 21 statements related to affective components, perceived control, perceived usefulness and behavioural components (scored on a 5-point Likert scale). 2 or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables between both groups. The questions were combined into groups 1-3 (disagree) and 4-5 (agree). Results: There was no evidence of a difference in general attitude for Second Life (p = 0.66) or the e-module (p = 0.86) between gender. There was some evidence of an association between gaming competence and gender for Second Life (p = 0.03) or e-module (p = 1.00). Conclusions: The results suggest some evidence of an association between previous gaming experience and gender in favour of Second Life, but the pilot study shows that significant previous experience of Second Life is necessary for this learning activity. The current technology limits the number of learners that can attend the virtual patient in the same way as physical space limits the number around a bed in an existing hospital ward.
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- de Jong, P. A., et al.
(författare)
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Progression of lung disease on computed tomography and pulmonary function tests in children and adults with cystic fibrosis
- 2006
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Ingår i: Thorax. - 0040-6376. ; 61:1, s. 80-5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to compare the ability of computed tomographic (CT) scores and pulmonary function tests to detect changes in lung disease in children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: CT scans and pulmonary function tests were retrospectively studied in a cohort of patients with CF aged 5-52 years for whom two or three CT scans at 3 year intervals were available, together with pulmonary function test results. All CT scans were scored by two observers. Pulmonary function results were expressed as percentage predicted and Z scores. RESULTS: Of 119 patients studied, two CT scans were available in 92 patients and three in 24. CT (composite and component) scores and lung function both deteriorated significantly (p<0.02). Peripheral bronchiectasis worsened by 1.7% per year in children (p<0.0001) and by 1.5% per year in adults (p<0.0001). Bronchiectasis worsened in 68 of 92 patients while forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) worsened in 54 of 92 patients; bronchiectasis also deteriorated in 27 patients with stable or improving FEV1. The CT score (and its components) and pulmonary function tests showed similar rates of deterioration in adults and children (p>0.09). CONCLUSION: The peripheral bronchiectasis CT score deteriorates faster and more frequently than lung function parameters in children and adults with CF, which indicates that pulmonary function tests and CT scans measure different aspects of CF lung disease. Our data support previous findings that the peripheral bronchiectasis CT score has an added value to pulmonary function tests in monitoring CF lung disease.
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- Lum, S., et al.
(författare)
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Early detection of cystic fibrosis lung disease: multiple-breath washout versus raised volume tests
- 2007
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376. ; 62:4, s. 341-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Lung clearance index (LCI), a measure of ventilation inhomogeneity derived from the multiple-breath inert gas washout (MBW) technique, has been shown to detect abnormal lung function more readily than spirometry in preschool children with cystic fibrosis, but whether this holds true during infancy is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To compare the extent to which parameters derived from the MBW and the raised lung volume rapid thoraco-abdominal compression (RVRTC) techniques identify diminished airway function in infants with cystic fibrosis when compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Measurements were performed during quiet sleep, with the tidal breathing MBW technique being performed before the forced expiratory manoeuvres. RESULTS: Measurements were obtained in 39 infants with cystic fibrosis (mean (SD) age 41.4 (22.0) weeks) and 21 controls (37.0 (15.1) weeks). Infants with cystic fibrosis had a significantly higher respiratory rate (38 (10) vs 32 (5) bpm) and LCI (8.4 (1.5) vs 7.2 (0.3)), and significantly lower values for all forced expiratory flow-volume parameters compared with controls. Girls with cystic fibrosis had significantly lower forced expiratory volume (FEV(0.5) and FEF(25-75 )) than boys (mean (95% CI girls-boys): -1.2 (-2.1 to -0.3) for FEV(0.5) Z score; FEF(25-75): -1.2 (-2.2 to -0.15)). When using both the MBW and RVRTC techniques, abnormalities were detected in 72% of the infants with cystic fibrosis, with abnormalities detected in 41% using both techniques and a further 15% by each of the two tests performed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the view that inflammatory and/or structural changes in the airways of children with cystic fibrosis start early in life, and have important implications regarding early detection and interventions. Monitoring of early lung disease and functional status in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis may be enhanced by using both MBW and the RVRTC.
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