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- Elvstam, O., et al.
(författare)
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Is low-level HIV-1 viraemia associated with elevated levels of markers of immune activation, coagulation and cardiovascular disease?
- 2019
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Ingår i: HIV Medicine. - : Wiley. - 1464-2662 .- 1468-1293. ; 20:9, s. 571-580
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The clinical significance of low-level viraemia (LLV) during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is debated. We retrospectively investigated longitudinal levels of plasma markers associated with inflammation, altered coagulation and cardiovascular disease in Swedish HIV-positive adults in relation to LLV or permanent virological suppression during long-term ART. Methods: Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), soluble CD14 (sCD14), soluble CD163 (sCD163), interferon-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10) and β-2-microglobulin were measured in 34 individuals with LLV (viral load 50–999 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL) and in matched controls with persistent virological suppression. Biomarker levels were analysed in samples obtained during episodes of LLV and follow-up samples obtained 1year later (with similar timing for controls). All biomarkers were analysed using an independent sample t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) after logarithmic transformation. Log-rank analysis was applied for markers with concentration values out of range. Results: Compared with controls, patients with LLV had significantly higher levels of GDF-15 [geometric mean 3416 (95% confidence interval (CI) 804–14516) pg/mL versus 2002 (95% CI 355–11295) pg/mL in controls; P=0.026] and D-dimer [mean 1114 (95% CI 125–9917) ng/mL versus 756 (95% CI 157–3626) ng/mL; P=0.038] after adjustment for age, CD4 count nadir and type of ART. In the unadjusted t-test, only GDF-15 was significantly higher and in the log-rank test, both GDF-15 and D-dimer were significantly elevated. No significant differences were observed for the other biomarkers analysed. Conclusions: Although levels of inflammation markers were similar in ART recipients with and without LLV, persons with LLV had significantly higher levels of GDF-15 and D-dimer. These findings suggest a potential link between LLV and cardiovascular outcomes. © 2019 British HIV Association
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| 2. |
- Wigsten, Emma, 1984, et al.
(författare)
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Comparative analysis of general dental practitioners' fees and scheduled fees for root canal treatment and coronal restorations in the adult population of Sweden: a 5-year follow-up of data from the Swedish Dental Register
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Endodontic Journal. - : Wiley. - 0143-2885. ; 51:2, s. 141-147
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim To investigate the fees charged by Swedish dentists for root fillings, coronal restorations and further dental interventions during a follow-up period of 5-6 years. Methodology A total of 248299 root fillings were linked with the tooth, the patient and the provider and entered into the Swedish Social Insurance Agency register in 2009. The data register also recorded the subsidy-based (scheduled) fee and the fee actually charged for the root fillings. Fees charged for direct or indirect coronal restorations and additional interventions during the follow-up period were also recorded. One-way anova and t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results The mean overall fee charged for a root filling was approximately 332 Euro and differed only marginally (13 Euro) from the scheduled fee. The total mean fee for preservation of a root filled tooth was 717 Euro, which included the root canal treatment, the coronal restoration and any additional interventions during the follow-up period. The fees for indirectly restored root filled teeth were significantly higher (1105 Euro) than for directly restored teeth (610 Euro), despite further additional treatment (P < 0.001). The mean fee for teeth which were subsequently extracted was higher (769 Euro) than for the retained teeth (711 Euro) (P < 0.001). Conclusions Fees charged by Swedish dentists for root canal treatment were in accordance with the scheduled fees. The overall mean fee was significantly higher for root filled teeth with indirect restorations than for teeth with direct coronal restorations. However, prospective clinical cost-effectiveness studies are needed to analyse the total costs.
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