| 1. |
- Abednazari, Hossin, et al.
(author)
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Hepatocyte growth factor is a reliable marker for efficient anti-bacterial therapy within the first day of treatment
- 2014
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In: Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology. - : Scientific Research Publishing. - 2156-8456 .- 2156-8502. ; 5:10, s. 823-830
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rapid diagnosis and choice of appropriate antibiotic treatment might be life-saving in serious infectious diseases. Still the available markers that can evaluate and monitor the diagnosis and treatment are few. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been studied as a potent regenerative factor produced and released during injuries such as infectious diseases. Monitoring of HGF levels might predict therapy results better than C-reactive protein (CRP) within the first day of treatment in pneumonia. For further investigation of previous observations we aimed to study HGF as a first-day marker in over-representing infectious diseases in comparison to procalcitonin (PCT), CRP and body temperature. Fifty-one patients with community acquired infectious diseases were included consequently at admittance and the serum samples were collected before and within 18 - 24 hours of treatment. HGF levels decreased significantly in case of efficient antibiotic therapy and HGF was shown to be better than PCT, CRP and body temperature to evaluate treatment. In patients with pneumonia, monitoring of HGF was most reasonable. HGF might be used as a therapeutic marker within the first day of empiric antibiotic treatment during infection.
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| 2. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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Acute glomerulonephritis associated with streptococcus pyogenes with concomitant spread of streptococcus constellatus in four rural families
- 2005
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In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 110:3, s. 217-231
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We studied history, renal histopathology and microbiology of an epidemic of acute glomerulonephritis associated with throat infections and uncommon culture results in four neighbour families. A 40-year-old man (index patient) was referred to a university hospital for dialysis and kidney biopsy due to a suspected acute glomerulonephritis. An acute tonsillitis had preceded the condition. Penicillin treatment had been started four days before the discovery of renal failure. Throat swabs were positive for β-hemolytic streptococci, group C (GCS). GCS were also found in throat cultures from his wife and two of their children. The bacteria were typed as Streptococcus constellatus. A third child had S. constellatus expressing Lancefield antigen group G. A neighbour and two of his children fell ill the following week with renal involvement. Throat swabs from both these children were positive for S. constellatus. His third child had erythema multiforme and S. constellatus in the throat while a fourth child had β-hemolytic streptococci group A, Streptococcus pyogenes. Kidney biopsies on the index patient and his neighbour showed an acute diffuse prolipherative glomerulonephritis compatible with acute post-streptococcal nephritis and microbiological analysis of renal tissue revealed in both cases S. pyogenes and S. constellatus. The families had had much contact and had consumed unpasteurized milk from our index patient's farm. In four of seven persons in two additional neighbouring families S. constellatus was found in throat swabs during the same month while two persons carried Streptococcus anginosus expressing the Lancefield C antigen. In conclusion spread of S. constellatus coincided with the occurrence of four cases of acute glomerulonephritis. The two biopsied patients had both S. pyogenes and S. constellatus present in renal tissue. The epidemic either suggested that the outbreak of glomerulonephritis was due to S. pyogenes but coincided with the transmission and colonization of S. constellatus or that the S. constellatus strains were highly pathogenic or nephritogenic and that this organism can be transmitted in such cases.
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| 3. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Autoantibodies to leucocyte antigens in hydralazine-associated nephritis
- 1992
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : Wiley. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 231:1, s. 37-42
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Clinical and laboratory findings and drug history were studied in 17 patients with suspected hydralazine-associated nephritis, five of whom only had renal disease, while twelve also had extrarenal manifestations. Renal biopsies revealed extracapillary proliferative or focal segmental proliferative glomerulonephritis in 10 patients, and tubulo-interstitial nephritis in five patients. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was found in 16 patients, but none of the 14 patients tested had antibodies to DNA. Tests for antibodies to myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO) and antibodies to neutrophil cytoplasm antigen (ANCA) were performed by ELISA. Twelve of the 14 patients tested had anti-MPO; five of these 14 patients had ANCA, while one had borderline levels. These findings suggest that hydralazine facilitates the induction of a systemic disease with multiple autoantibody production.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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Detection and prevention of hepatitis C in dialysis patients and renal transplant recipients : A long-term follow up (1989–January 1997)
- 2002
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : Wiley. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 251:2, s. 119-128
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Hepatitis C is frequent problem in dialysis wards.Design. A long time (1989–97) follow up of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a Swedish nephrology unit was performed with anti-HCV screening, confirmatory antibody tests, viral RNA detection and molecular characterization. Case histories were reviewed with focus, onset of infection, liver morbidity and mortality.Results. In October 1991, 10% (19 of 184) of the patients in the unit (haemodialysis-, peritoneal dialysis and transplanted patients) were verified or suspected HCV carriers, whilst the number at the end of 1996 was 8% (13 of 157). Most patients were infected before 1991 but only in one case from a known HCV-infected blood donor. No new HCV infections associated with haemodialysis occurred during the study period. A total of 13 of 24 viremic patients had HCV genotype 2b, a pattern suggesting nosocomial transmission. This was further supported by phylogenetic analysis of HCV viral isolates in seven. HCV viremia was also common in patients with an incomplete anti-HCV antibody pattern as 8 of the 12 indeterminant sera were HCV-RNA positive.Conclusions. Awareness, prevention, identification of infected patients and donor testing limited transmission. Indeterminant recombinant immunoblot assays (RIBA)-results should be regarded with caution as a result of the relative immunodeficiency in uremic patients. Our data indicate nosocomial transmission in several patients.
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| 7. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Fibroblast Growth Factor 23, Hepatocyte Growth Factor, Interleukin-6, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor. Inflammation Markers in Chronic Haemodialysis Patients?
- 2013
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0300-9475 .- 1365-3083. ; 78:3, s. 285-290
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sera from 84 haemodialysis (HD) patients and 68 healthy blood donors were analysed with commercially available ELISA techniques for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-6 (Il-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), to find a possible correlation of FGF-23 and HGF with the earlier recognized inflammatory markers Il-6 and hs-CRP or suPAR. All patients studied had significantly elevated levels of FGF-23, HGF, hs-CRP and suPAR as compared to the controls. Il-6 and hs-CRP correlated for patients (R=0.6) as well as for patients and controls altogether. Ln (natural logarithm) of HGF correlated weakly with Ln Il-6 and Ln CRP (R 0.28-0.37). Ln FGF-23 correlated only with Ln HGF (r=-0.25) in controls. Ln HGF correlated with ln suPAR (r=0.6) in both patients and controls. Although elevated as compared to controls, we found no correlation of FGF-23 with the recognized inflammatory markers Il-6, hs-CRP, nor HGF or the new marker suPAR in HD patients. Ln HGF correlated with Ln Il-6, Ln CRP and Ln suPAR. Although probably involved in vessel disease, FGF-23 and HGF may play other roles than acting in inflammatory vessel disease in HD patients. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the role of these immunological markers in chronic haemodialysis patients with atherosclerosis.
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| 8. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, 1953-
(author)
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Immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin subclass-distributions and serologic markers in some renal and systemic disorders
- 2000
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In this study we evaluated pathogenetic factors and possible mediators of renal and systemic disorders where immunologic mechanisms might be of importance.An abberant immunoglobulin and IgG-subclass distribution was detected in 103 patients with primary and secondary glomerulonephritis as well as in 38 patients with the systemic disease primary Sjögren 's syndrome or purpura hypergammaglobulinemica (elevated IgG1 and low IgG2 ).The drug hydralazine, an anti-hypertensive, was considered to cause renal disease on an immunologic base in 17 patients, with autoantibody production (mainly ANA and antibodies to myeloperoxidase).Dialysis-patients showed adequate antibody responses to vaccination against pneumococci but low responses against hepatitis B, while the IgG-subclass response of the hepatitis B antibody (anti-HBs) was low, but not shown to be significantly different from that of healthy adults.A therapeutical removal of igG-antibodies with immunoadsorption or plasmapheresis was considered to have a possible adjuvant effect to medical immunosuppressive treatment alone in 44 patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common in dialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. In 20 anti-HCV positive sera from 1988-91 recombinant immunoblott assay (RIBA) was positive in 8 cases and indeterminate in 7, while HCV RNA was present in 13/20 tested sera. In October 1991 17% of our hemodialysis patients were verified or suspected carriers while 11% were verified or suspected carriers in January 1997. Genotype 2b was found in 13/24 tested cases and in 7 amplifiable 2b sequences a strong phylogenetic relationship occurred. In 8 out of 12 RIBA-3 indeterminate sera HCV-RNA was still positive. Awareness and preventive measures limited transmission between patients.Indeterminate RlBA-results should, also with modem assays, be regarded with caution due to the relative immunodeficiency of uremic patients.In conclusion renal and systemic diseases may affect the serum immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin G-subclasses, while a study of the specific antibody subclass distributions (anti-HBs) showed no difference in renal (dialysis) patients and healthy adults. Medication (hydralazine) and infection may be triggering factors of various forms of glomerulonephritis. Uremia affects the antibody responses to hepatitis C in dialysis patients. The extent of renal disease as well as the possibility of therapeutic removal of antibodies is also important for the immunologic responses of such disorders.
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| 9. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Increased Prevalence of Anti-Gliadin IgA-Antibodies with Aberrant Duodenal Histopathological Findings in Patients with IgA-Nephropathy and Related Disorders
- 2006
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In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 111:3, s. 339-352
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Antibodies present in coeliac disease may occur in IgA-nephropathy. This raises the question of food intolerance in the disease. Evidence for a true correlation between the two disorders has however been scarce.Design: Sera from 89 patients with IgA-nephropathy and 13 other patients with IgA deposits in the glomeruli of kidney biopsies were analysed for IgA-antibodies to gliadin, endomysium and tissue transglutaminase (92/102 patients).Results: Eleven out of 89 (12.4%) of the patients with IgA-nephropathy and five of the 13 others (38%) had elevated titres of IgA-antibodies to gliadin but, in all cases but one, normal IgA-antibodies to endomysium. Patients with IgA-nephropathy and elevated IgA-antibodies to gliadin had elevated total serum IgA more frequently than patients who had not (p<0.01). Two patients with IgA-nephropathy and one with Hennoch Schönlein's purpura had elevated IgA-antibodies to tissue transglutaminase.Small bowel biopsy in 7 out of 11 IgA-antibodies to gliadin positive patients with IgA-nephropathy was pathologic in three cases (two with Marsh I). One patient with chronic glomerulnephritis also had Marsh I.Conclusions: We found no increased frequency of verified coeliac disease in 89 patients with IgA-nephropathy. Two patients with IgA-nephropathy and one patient with chronic glomerulonephritis with IgA deposits in the kidney biopsy had a Marsh I histopathology. The findings suggest a possible link of celiac disease to IgA-nephropathy and a role for antibodies to food antigens in this disorder.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Long-term treatment results and the immunoglobulin G subclass distribution patterns of proteinase-3-antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) and myeloperoxidase-ANCA in ANCA-associated vasculitis
- 2009
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5599 .- 1651-2065. ; 43:2, s. 160-170
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Small vessel vasculitis associated with antibodies to neutrophil cytoplasm antigens has been denominated antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).Material and methods: Ninety-eight patients with various forms of AAV with renal involvement were studied retrospectively with regard to treatment, side-effects and outcome. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass distribution patterns in serum were determined in 51 patients with nephelometry and those of anti-proteinase-3 (PR3) and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) in 44 patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Fifty-nine patients with a mean age of 63 years were given treatment with intermittent intravenous regimens of cyclophosphamide and continuous corticosteroids, whereas 39 patients with a mean age of 58 years were given continuous oral treatment. Malignancy, mainly due to skin tumours, was more common in AAV than in the general population. The total IgG subclass distribution pattern was asymmetric. The response to PR3 was of IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 isotypes, while IgG1 and IgG3 predominated in the response to MPO.Conclusion: The aberrant IgG subclass distribution pattern detected in the autoantibodies may be of importance in the pathogenesis of AAV.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Monitoring Hepatitis C Infection in a Major Swedish Nephrology Unit and Molecular Resolution of a New Case of Nosocomial Transmission
- 2010
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In: Journal of Medical Virology. - : Wiley. - 1096-9071 .- 0146-6615. ; 82:2, s. 249-256
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a frequent problem in hemodialysis units. The prevalence and incidence of HCV infection over a decade were studied in a nephrology unit affected by previous nosocomial HCV transmission. The HCV non-structural 5B protein gene was sequenced to achieve phylogenetic analysis of a new (incident) case of infection. Proportions of patients who were and were not infected with HCV remained similar over the period, as did the inflow and outflow of patients infected previously. In 1997, 12/157 (8%) of patients at the unit (treatment: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplant recipients) were positive in HCV RNA, whereas in 2007 the overall number was 9/239 (4%). One patient acquired an HCV infection, and the NS5B sequence in that case clustered with genotype 2b sequences found in patients from an earlier outbreak. Comparing the HCV from the incident patient with several stored longitudinal samples and cloned PCR products from the most likely source patient revealed close phylogenetic relationship with an HCV quasispecies member from the possible source. The source patient and the incident newly infected patient were not scheduled on the same dialysis shift, although the records showed that simultaneous treatment occurred on two occasions during the months preceding transmission. In conclusion, over the 10-year period, the proportion of HCV-infected patients at the unit was unchanged. Only one new infection occurred, which originated from a fellow patient's quasispecies. This establishes phylogenetic analysis as a valuable tool for tracing patient sources of HCV transmission. J. Med. Virol. 82:249-256, 2010. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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Perspectives on hepatitis B infections and the efficacy of vaccination (hepatitis B and pneumococci) in dialysis patients.
- 2003
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In: Upsala journal of medical sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 108:1, s. 61-74
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hepatitis B is a well known problem in dialysis units. We therefore examined the historical frequency of hepatitis B carriers in our unit, our vaccination program to hepatitis B virus (HBV), the response to hepatitis B vaccine, the IgG subclass response of anti-HBs and the response and IgG subclass response to pneumococcal vaccination (another vaccine) in dialysis patients. From 1970 and onwards 23 HBV carriers were found, but no new cases of hepatitis B occurred during the study period, i.e. from 1980 and onwards. Only one of the carriers was alive by the end of 2001. In four patients liver disease (in one of them liver cirrhosis) may have been a concomitant cause of death. The antibody response to hepatitis B vaccine was significantly lower in patients than in staff. In four patients a fourth injection was cancelled due to transplantation and bad health, while such data were lacking in 8 cases. In anti-HBs positive patients and controls a significant difference in the response of healthy adults was observed in anti-HBs IgG1 (p < 0.001) vs all other IgG subclasses. Dialysis patients had low levels, or negative findings, in all cases, with IgG1 as the highest proportion found (3/11 patients). An antibody response to pneumococcal vaccination was registered in 25 out of 29 dialysis patients (in all 86%). The IgG-subclass vaccination response to pneumococci in 28 dialysis patients was mainly IgG2 and IgG1 but also occurred in IgG3 and IgG4. Prevaccination antibody levels of the controls were higher in IgG1 and IgG2 (p < 0.01) (n = 21) than in dialysis patients (n = 28). Hepatitis B is nowadays a rare, but still dangerous disease in nephrology units. Dialysis patients have a reduced response to hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination schedules should be started early as some patients otherwise may not receive a fourth injection. The adequate antibody response to pneumococcal vaccination mainly due to IgG2 and IgG1 antibodies indicates that the antigen involved is important in vaccination responses in dialysis patients.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Recurrent thrombocytopenia, renal failure and thymitis of unknown cause. A case report
- 2017
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In: Vaskulär medicin. ; 33:3, s. 24-25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A 45-year old man was admitted to an intensive care unit with flank pain and thrombocytopenia. He was treated for a suspected septicaemia but turned out to have signs of an unknown collagenosis which responded to plasma exchange, thymectomi and corticosteroids. Kidney biopsy revealed an intense tubulointerstitial reaction with suspected microthrombotic lesions in the vessels. The condition reoccurred with thrombocytopenia a couple of months later but responded to plasma exchange, corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil. An unknown collagenosis with findings of autoimmune thymitis and tubulointerstitial nephritis is the most probable cause of the condition.
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| 18. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Sclerostin, TNF-alpha and Interleukin-18 Correlate and are Together with Klotho Related to Other Growth Factors and Cytokines in Haemodialysis Patients
- 2016
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0300-9475 .- 1365-3083. ; 83:1, s. 58-63
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients with chronic renal failure are known to have renal osteodystrophy (bone disease) and increased calcification of vessels. A new marker of bone disease, sclerostin, the two pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), and the fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) receptor-associated marker Klotho were tested in 84 haemodialysis (HD) patients and in healthy controls. The patients had significantly higher levels of the three former markers than of the controls while Klotho was significantly higher in the controls. Low level, but significant, correlations were observed in the patient group when the levels of these four markers were compared to each other and to those of 5 cytokines and growth factors tested earlier; high-sensitive CRP (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator (suPAR). Ln sclerostin correlated positively to Ln hsTNF-alpha, Ln HGF and Ln suPAR. Ln hsTNF-alpha correlated positively to Ln sclerostin, Ln hsCRP, Ln IL-6, Ln FGF-23, Ln suPAR and Ln IL-18. Ln IL-18 correlated positively to Ln suPAR and Ln TNF-alpha. Ln Klotho correlated negatively to Ln hsCRP but did not correlate to Ln FGF-23. The markers studied here may be involved in the calcification of vessels seen in HD patients due to a combination of inflammation and bone disease. The mechanisms are still not fully known but may be of importance for future therapeutic possibilities in this group of patients.
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| 19. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses in patients with glomerulonephritis
- 1989
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : Wiley. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 225:1, s. 3-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, IgM and of the four subclasses of IgG were determined by radial immunodiffusion in 103 patients, mean age 42 (range 16–72), with various types of glomerulonephritis. Forty-nine healthy blood donors, mean age 41 years (range 19–65), served as controls. Kidney biopsies were obtained from all the patients for examination by histopathology and by immunofluorescence. The glomerulopathies were classified according to WHO criteria.The serum immunoglobulin patterns were different for the various clinical groups of patients. Patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and SLE had a significant increase in total IgG and of IgG4 (P < 0.05–0.001). Patients with minimal change disease had low concentrations of IgG (P < 0.001) with a significant decrease in IgG1 and IgG2 (P < 0.001 and 0.01. respectively). Highly significant increases in IgA were noted for patients with IgA nephritis (P < 0.001) but high levels were also seen in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis. The findings might have diagnostic implications.
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| 20. |
- Almroth, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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The Immunoglobulin G Subclass Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine and the Antibody Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharides in Dialysis Patients
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- We examined the response to hepatitis B vaccination in dialysis patients, and evaluated our vaccination program to hepatitis B virus. No new cases of hepatitis B occurred during the study period, i.e. from 1980 and onwards. Sera were analyzed for anti-HBs in 25 dialysis patients vaccinated at least three times against hepatitis B and 53 health care staff vaccinated three times. The IgG subclass distribution of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) was determined in 11 dialysis patients and in 45 healthy controls. The antibody response to pneumococci was determined in 29 vaccinated patients.Results: Ten of 25 (40%) of the dialysis patients had anti-HBs when both tests after the third and/or fourth injections were considered. In four patients a fourth injection was cancelled due to transplantation or bad health, while such data were lacking in 8 cases. In staff 49/53 (93%) of the persons responded with anti-HBs production. In anti-HBs positive patients and controls a significant difference in the response of healthy adults was observed in anti-HBs IgG 1 (p<0.001) vs all other IgG subclasses. Dialysis patients had low levels, or negative findings, in all cases, with lgGI as the highest proportion found (3/11 patients). An antibody response to pneumococcal vaccination was registred in 25 out of 29 dialysis patients (in all 86 %).Dialysis patients respond poorly to hepatitis B vaccine. An anti-HBs subclass response mainly restricted to IgG I was observed in healthy adults, while dialysis patients had low or negative test results affecting all subclasses.The findings suggest a general deficit in the ability to produce anti-HBs rather than a deficit in the production of a specific subclass of this antibody. Moreover, RBV-vaccination schedules in renal transplant recipients should be started early, as some patients otherwise, due to transplantation or bad health, may not receive a fourth injection.The antibody response to pneumococcal vaccination indicates that the antigen involved is important in vaccination responses in dialysis patients.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Ekanem, Emmanuel, et al.
(author)
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Safety of pulsed field ablation in more than 17,000 patients with atrial fibrillation in the MANIFEST-17K study
- 2024
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In: Nature Medicine. - : NATURE PORTFOLIO. - 1078-8956 .- 1546-170X.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an emerging technology for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), for which pre-clinical and early-stage clinical data are suggestive of some degree of preferentiality to myocardial tissue ablation without damage to adjacent structures. Here in the MANIFEST-17K study we assessed the safety of PFA by studying the post-approval use of this treatment modality. Of the 116 centers performing post-approval PFA with a pentaspline catheter, data were received from 106 centers (91.4% participation) regarding 17,642 patients undergoing PFA (mean age 64, 34.7% female, 57.8% paroxysmal AF and 35.2% persistent AF). No esophageal complications, pulmonary vein stenosis or persistent phrenic palsy was reported (transient palsy was reported in 0.06% of patients; 11 of 17,642). Major complications, reported for similar to 1% of patients (173 of 17,642), were pericardial tamponade (0.36%; 63 of 17,642) and vascular events (0.30%; 53 of 17,642). Stroke was rare (0.12%; 22 of 17,642) and death was even rarer (0.03%; 5 of 17,642). Unexpected complications of PFA were coronary arterial spasm in 0.14% of patients (25 of 17,642) and hemolysis-related acute renal failure necessitating hemodialysis in 0.03% of patients (5 of 17,642). Taken together, these data indicate that PFA demonstrates a favorable safety profile by avoiding much of the collateral damage seen with conventional thermal ablation. PFA has the potential to be transformative for the management of patients with AF.
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| 23. |
- Eriksson, Per, et al.
(author)
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IgG2 deficiency in primary Sjögren's syndrome and hypergammaglobulinemic purpura
- 1994
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In: Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0090-1229 .- 1090-2341. ; 70:1, s. 60-65
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Total IgG and IgG subclasses were studied in 34 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome and 4 with hypergammaglobulinemic purpura. Total IgG was elevated in 30/34 patients with Sjogren's syndrome. IgG1 increase was responsible for the main part of total IgG increase, contrasting with low levels of IgG2. The difference in IgG1/IgG2 ratio between 38 patients as a group and 40 normal controls was statistically highly significant, but was not seen in all patients. Six patients had markedly low levels of IgG2, but only two had severe repeated respiratory infections. These observations probably reflect selective autoantibody restiction to the IgG1 subclass. We conclude that patients with Sjogren's syndrome may be IgG2 subclass deficient despite elevated levels of total IgG, but also that such deficiency in most instances does not cause a tendency to infections. IgG subclass analysis may be of value to characterize polyclonal IgG increase, since IgG1 subclass predominance often indicates autoimmune disease.
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| 24. |
- Hadimeri, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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A fixed protocol for outpatient clinic routines in the care of patients with severe renal failure
- 2013
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In: Renal failure. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0886-022X .- 1525-6049. ; 35:6, s. 845-854
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The primary aim of this study was to assess whether a fixed protocol, using a specially trained team, for intermediate follow-up to fulfillment of guideline targets is non-inferior to conventional follow-up in the care of uraemic patients. A secondary aim was to investigate possible impact on patient outcome.Methods: The cohort comprised 424 patients from seven centers. Inclusion criteria were either serum creatinine exceeding 200 mu mol/l or calculated clearance below 30 ml/min, representing CKD 4 or 5a. Six centers followed a standardized protocol (group 1). One center provided controls (group 2). The study design was prospective and interventional. The variables measured were blood hemoglobin, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone, albumin, renal function variables, blood pressure and RAAS blockade. The number of patients achieving the set goals was analyzed as a time trend to determine if the intervention resulted in an improvement.Results: At baseline, group 1 had significantly lower GFR and higher serum creatinine, calcium, phosphate, calcium x phosphate product and bicarbonate, lower mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressures and less use of RAAS. During the intervention, group 1 improved in the direction of guidelines for blood hemoglobin, albumin, bicarbonate and MAP. Outcome of secondary endpoints gave a risk of death of 30% in both groups, while the risk of renal replacement therapy was higher in group 1.Conclusions: However, the time to renal replacement therapy was significantly shorter in the intervention group, indicating that other variables than guideline achievements are important for the patient.
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| 25. |
- Hultgren, O, et al.
(author)
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Serum concentration of interleukin-18 is up-regulated in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis
- 2007
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In: Autoimmunity. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0891-6934 .- 1607-842X. ; 40:7, s. 529-531
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigated circulating interleukin-18 concentrations in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (ASV) and healthy control subjects, and included a group of hemodialysis patients, a patient group previously reported to show high IL-18 plasma levels. Anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) serum levels were also measured. Interestingly we found significantly increased serum IL-18 concentrations in ASV patients as compared to healthy controls, 437 vs. 185 pg/ml (p < 0.0001). The increase of IL-18 production was similar irrespective of presence of autoantibodies to PR3 or MPO. As expected the hemodialysis patients also showed significantly increased circulating IL-18 concentrations as compared to control subjects.
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| 26. |
- Lönn, Johanna, 1982-, et al.
(author)
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An Antithrombin III product containing biologically active hepatocyte growth factor may be beneficial in deep ulcer infections
- 2012
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In: Cytokine. - : Academic Press. - 1043-4666 .- 1096-0023. ; 60:2, s. 478-486
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Widely studied for the past 20 years, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been identified as a regenerative marker and an important factor in the development and healing of injuries. Antithrombin III (AT III) is a protein in the blood stream with anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as an adjuvant treatment along with antibiotics in severe sepsis.Objective: To study the content and properties of HGF in plasma-derived AT III products, and the regenerative effect in severe deep ulcer infections.Methods: Commercial AT III products were analyzed for the presence and biological activity of HGF. One AT III product containing biologically active HGF was used to treat 18 cases of critical, deep ulcer infections scheduled for major invasive intervention. The patients were followed up for 6-60 months.Results: The AT III products contained HGF with different biological activity. No adverse reactions were observed after local administration of AT III during the study or follow-up period. In 16 of 18 cases no surgical intervention was needed within the first 6 month of inclusion.Conclusion: AT III products containing biologically active HGF may contribute to regeneration and healing in severe deep ulcer infections which do not respond adequately to different combinations of antibiotics alone. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 27. |
- Lönn, Johanna, 1982-, et al.
(author)
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High concentration but low biological activity of hepatocyte growth factor in patients with chronic renal failure
- 2012
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In: Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology. - Irvine, USA : Scientific Research Publishing. - 2156-8456 .- 2156-8502. ; 3:4, s. 516-523
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a renotropic, antifibrotic and regenerative factor with cytoprotective effects that is produced by mesenchymal cells and shows high affinity to components of extra cellular matrix, such as heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HS-PG), in healthy. Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) suffer from a chronic inflammatory disorder. In order to assess the underlying mechanisms for development of CRF we aimed to assess the amounts and affinity of HGF in this patient group. Elisa, western blot and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were used to study HGF in blood samples, as well as in isolated neutrophils, in CRF patients compared to healthy controls. Patients with CRF showed higher HGF levels in serum (P < 0.0001), but decreased affinity to HSPG (P < 0.0001), compared to healthy controls. Addition of protease inhibitors decreased the difference between patients with CRF compared to healthy individuals. HGF with potent regenerative function during injury lacks affinity to HSPG in patients with CRF that may depend on production of proteases from activated immune cells. This information might be used to highlight underlying mechanisms for chronicity and leading to new strategies for treatment of chronic injuries.
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| 28. |
- Metry, G., et al.
(author)
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Swedish experience of the Dialock
- 2007
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5599 .- 1651-2065. ; 41:3, s. 249-253
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. To study the patency and complications associated with the Dialock, an access device for haemodialysis. Material and methods. The records of seven Swedish patients who were treated with the Dialock access device between 2000 and 2004 were studied retrospectively. Results. A total of 10 Dialock devices were used in seven patients. The mean period of patency was 16.3±13.8 months. Major complications observed were bleeding in the dose pocket in three patients and infection in four. Three patients experienced no complications. The 1-year patency was similar to that of a newly created arteriovenous fistula used in our unit. Conclusions. In spite of the associated complications, the Dialock is an acceptable access device for haemodialysis patients with vascular access problems. Although the Dialock is no longer available on the market, similar access devices may be of importance in the future. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Schäffer, Andreas, et al.
(author)
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Conflicts of Interest in the Assessment of Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution
- 2023
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In: Environmental Science and Technology. - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 57:48, s. 19066-19077
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pollution by chemicals and waste impacts human and ecosystem health on regional, national, and global scales, resulting, together with climate change and biodiversity loss, in a triple planetary crisis. Consequently, in 2022, countries agreed to establish an intergovernmental science-policy panel (SPP) on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention, complementary to the existing intergovernmental science-policy bodies on climate change and biodiversity. To ensure the SPP’s success, it is imperative to protect it from conflicts of interest (COI). Here, we (i) define and review the implications of COI, and its relevance for the management of chemicals, waste, and pollution; (ii) summarize established tactics to manufacture doubt in favor of vested interests, i.e., to counter scientific evidence and/or to promote misleading narratives favorable to financial interests; and (iii) illustrate these with selected examples. This analysis leads to a review of arguments for and against chemical industry representation in the SPP’s work. We further (iv) rebut an assertion voiced by some that the chemical industry should be directly involved in the panel’s work because it possesses data on chemicals essential for the panel’s activities. Finally, (v) we present steps that should be taken to prevent the detrimental impacts of COI in the work of the SPP. In particular, we propose to include an independent auditor’s role in the SPP to ensure that participation and processes follow clear COI rules. Among others, the auditor should evaluate the content of the assessments produced to ensure unbiased representation of information that underpins the SPP’s activities.
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| 31. |
- Stegmayr, B. G., et al.
(author)
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Plasma exchange or immunoadsorption in patients with rapidly progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis : A Swedish multi-center study
- 1999
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In: International Journal of Artificial Organs. - : SAGE Publications. - 0391-3988 .- 1724-6040. ; 22:2, s. 81-87
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A therapeutic removal of antibodies may be achieved by immunoadsorption (IA) or by plasma exchange (PE). The aim of this prospective randomised study was to compare the efficacy of these different techniques with regard to treatment of patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPG) having at least 50% crescents. Forty-four patients with a RPG were included for treatment either by IA or PE (with albumin as substitution for removed plasma). All patients were additionally treated with immunosuppression. A median of 6 sessions of PEs were performed in 23 patients compared with 6 IAs in 21 patients. Goodpasture's syndrome (GP) was present in 6 patients (PE 3, IA 3). All of them started and ended in dialysis, two died. Among the remaining 38 patients (26 men, 12 women) 87% had antibodies to ANCA. Creatinine clearance for PE versus IA were at a median at start 17.1 and 19.8 ml/min, and at 6 months 49 and 49 ml/min, respectively. At 6 months 7 of 10 patients did not need dialysis (remaining: IA 0/5 and PE 2/5, n.s.). The extent of improvement did not differ between the groups. Three patients died during the observation period of 6 months (IA 2; PE 1, on HD). Although no difference was found between the IA or the PE group this study shows that the protocol used was associated with an improved renal function in most patients (except for Goodpasture's syndrome) whereas 70% of them could leave the dialysis program.
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| 32. |
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