| 1. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of serum antibodies to hantaviruses in northern Sweden as measured by recombinant nucleocapsid proteins.
- 1997
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5548 .- 1651-1980. ; 29:4, s. 349-54
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on recombinant nucleocapsid protein (rN delta) (aa 1-117) of Hantaan, Seoul, Dobrava, Sin Nombre and Puumala hantaviruses was used to determine the prevalence of antibodies among randomized and stratified individuals from northern Sweden. In total, 137/1533 individuals (8.9%) had specific serum IgG antibodies to Puumala virus, the only hantavirus known to occur in the region. The prevalence of antibodies to Puumala virus (8.9%) was determined to be higher than previously reported (5.4%) in the same serum material, by use of immunofluorescence assay. As expected, sera reactive to Puumala virus rN delta did frequently cross-react with Sin Nombre virus protein. Unexpectedly, 21/1533 (1.4%) individuals recognized the Sin Nombre virus rN delta exclusively. Another 8 subjects showed reactivity in the ELISA to Hantaan, Seoul, or Dobrava virus-derived rN delta but not Puumala virus or Sin Nombre virus rN delta. The present demonstration in some individuals of antibodies specifically recognizing the Sin Nombre, Dobrava, Hantaan and Seoul virus protein justifies an awareness of the possibility that hantaviruses antigenically different from Puumala virus might occur in the region.
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| 2. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of serum IgG antibodies to Puumala virus (haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome) in northern Sweden.
- 1994
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In: Epidemiology and Infection. - 0950-2688 .- 1469-4409. ; 113:1, s. 129-36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A stratified and randomly-selected population sample was identified in 1990 in order to study the seroprevalence of nephropathia epidemica (haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome) in Northern Sweden. Sera from 1538 subjects (750 men, 788 women), 25-64 years of age, were analysed for the presence of Puumala virus (PUV) specific-IgG by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Specific IgG was detected in sera from 83 subjects (5.4%). Men and women had similar seroprevalence rates. The highest seroprevalences were found in subjects 55 years or older (8.0%) and among farmers and forestry workers (15.9%). The geographic distribution of seropositive individuals was uneven and there were significantly more seropositive persons in rural than in urban areas (P < 0.05).
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| 3. |
- Andersson, Jonas, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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C-reactive protein is a determinant of first-ever stroke: prospective nested case-referent study.
- 2009
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In: Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland). - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 27:6, s. 544-51
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a determinant of stroke, but there are no prospective studies on CRP and first ischemic stroke divided into etiologic subtypes. Our primary aim was to study CRP as a determinant of ischemic stroke, classified according to Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in a prospective study. A secondary aim was to study the relationship between the 1444C>T polymorphism, plasma levels of CRP and stroke. METHODS: The study was a prospective population-based case-referent study nested within the Northern Sweden Cohorts. We defined 308 cases of ischemic stroke and 61 ICH. Two controls for each case were defined from the same cohort. RESULTS: The OR for the highest (>3 mg/l) versus lowest group (<1 mg/l) of CRP was 2.58 (95% CI 1.74-3.84) for ischemic stroke and 1.63 (95% CI 0.67-3.93) for ICH. In a multivariate model including traditional risk factors, CRP remained associated with ischemic stroke (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.29-3.29). Small-vessel disease was associated with CRP in the multivariate model (OR 3.88; 95% CI 1.10-13.7). The CRP 1444 (CC/CT vs. TT) polymorphism was associated with plasma levels of CRP but neither with ischemic stroke nor with ICH. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective population-based study shows that CRP is significantly associated with the risk of having a first ischemic stroke, especially for small-vessel disease. No significant associations were found between the CRP 1444C>T polymorphism and any stroke subtype.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Appelros, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Sex differences in stroke epidemiology : a systematic review
- 2009
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In: Stroke. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 40:4, s. 1082-1090
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epidemiological studies, mainly based on Western European surveys, have shown that stroke is more common in men than in women. In recent years, sex-specific data on stroke incidence, prevalence, subtypes, severity and case-fatality have become available from other parts of the world. The purpose of this article is to give a worldwide review on sex differences in stroke epidemiology. METHODS: We searched PubMed, tables-of-contents, review articles, and reference lists for community-based studies including information on sex differences. In some areas, such as secular trends, ischemic subtypes and stroke severity, noncommunity-based studies were also reviewed. Male/female ratios were calculated. RESULTS: We found 98 articles that contained relevant sex-specific information, including 59 incidence studies from 19 countries and 5 continents. The mean age at first-ever stroke was 68.6 years among men, and 72.9 years among women. Male stroke incidence rate was 33% higher and stroke prevalence was 41% higher than the female, with large variations between age bands and between populations. The incidence rates of brain infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage were higher among men, whereas the rate of subarachnoidal hemorrhage was higher among women, although this difference was not statistically significant. Stroke tended to be more severe in women, with a 1-month case fatality of 24.7% compared with 19.7% for men. CONCLUSIONS: Worldwide, stroke is more common among men, but women are more severely ill. The mismatch between the sexes is larger than previously described.
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| 6. |
- Appelros, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Trends in baseline patient characteristics during the years 1995-2008 : observations from Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register.
- 2010
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In: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 30:2, s. 114-119
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Reported improvements in outcome in stroke patients treated in hospital are often attributed to advances in stroke care. However, secular trends in patient characteristics that are present already on admission to hospital may also contribute to improved outcome. METHODS: Time trends for baseline data (289,854 stroke admittances) in Riks-Stroke, the Swedish national quality register for stroke care, were analyzed for the years 1995 through 2008. The following data were included: number of strokes for each year, age, sex, risk factors, stroke subtype, stroke severity, functional status and need of external home service before the stroke. RESULTS: The number of annually reported strokes increased until 2005. The proportion of recurrent strokes decreased from 28.0 to 25.9%. The mean age at first-ever stroke increased in women, but not in men. The proportion of smokers dropped, and the proportion of patients who had treated hypertension increased. The stroke severity decreased in men. The prestroke functional status (walking, dressing, toileting) improved in both sexes over these years. More patients lived alone in 2008 than in 1995, and more had home help service. CONCLUSIONS: Many baseline parameters in Riks-Stroke have changed over the years. This has consequences for the interpretation of outcome data. Some changes may be due to inclusion bias, others due to alterations in general health, evolution of vascular risk factors or demographics.
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| 7. |
- Appelros, Peter, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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Trends in Stroke Treatment and Outcome between 1995 and 2010 : Observations from Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register
- 2014
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In: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 37:1, s. 22-29
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Continuous changes in stroke treatment and care, as well as changes in stroke characteristics, may alter stroke outcome over time. The aim of this paper is to describe time trends for treatment and outcome data, and to discuss if any such changes could be attributed to quality changes in stroke care. Methods: Data from Riks-Stroke, the Swedish stroke register, were analyzed for the time period of 1995 through 2010. The total number of patients included was 320,181. The following parameters were included: use of computed tomography (CT), stroke unit care, thrombolysis, medication before and after the stroke, length of stay in hospital, and discharge destination. Three months after stroke, data regarding walking, toileting and dressing ability, as well social situation, were gathered. Survival status after 7, 27 and 90 days was registered. Results: In 1995, 53.9% of stroke patients were treated in stroke units. In 2010 this proportion had increased to 87.5%. Fewer patients were discharged to geriatric or rehabilitation departments in later years (23.6% in 2001 compared with 13.4% in 2010), but more were discharged directly home (44.2 vs. 52.4%) or home with home rehabilitation (0 vs. 10.7%). The need for home help service increased from 18.2% in 1995 to 22.1% in 2010. Regarding prevention, more patients were on warfarin, antihypertensives and statins both before and after the stroke. The functional outcome measures after 3 months did improve from 2001 to 2010. In 2001, 83.8% of patients were walking independently, while 85.6% were independent in 2010. For toileting, independence increased from 81.2 to 84.1%, and for dressing from 78.0 to 80.4%. Case fatality (CF) rates after 3 months increased from 18.7% (2001) to 20.0% (2010). This trend is driven by patients with severe strokes. Conclusions: Stroke outcomes may change over a relatively short time period. In some ways, the quality of care has improved. More stroke patients have CT, more patients are treated in stroke units and more have secondary prevention. Patients with milder strokes may have benefited more from these measures than patients with severe strokes. Increased CF rates for patients with severe stroke may be caused by shorter hospital stays, shorter in-hospital rehabilitation periods and lack of suitable care after discharge from hospital.
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| 8. |
- Asplund, Kjell, et al.
(author)
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Diagnostic procedures, treatments, and outcomes in stroke patients admitted to different types of hospitals
- 2015
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In: Stroke. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 46:3, s. 806-812
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Purpose: In many countries, including Sweden, initiatives have been taken to reduce between-hospital differences in the quality of stroke services. We have explored to what extent hospital type (university, specialized nonuniversity, or community hospital) influences hospital performance. Methods: Riksstroke collects clinical data during hospital stay (national coverage 94%). Follow-up data at 3 months were collected using administrative registers and a questionnaire completed by surviving patients (response rate 88%). Structural data were collected from a questionnaire completed by hospital staff (response rate 100%). Multivariate analyses with adjustment for clustering were used to test differences between types of hospitals. Results: The proportion of patients admitted directly to a stroke unit was highest in community hospitals and lowest in university hospitals. Magnetic resonance, carotid imaging, and thrombectomy were more frequently performed in university hospitals, and the door-to-needle time for thrombolysis was shorter. Secondary prevention with antihypertensive drugs was used less often, and outpatient follow-up was less frequent in university hospitals. Fewer patients in community hospitals were dissatisfied with their rehabilitation. After adjusting for possible confounders, poor outcome (dead or activities of daily living dependency 3 months after stroke) was not significantly different between the 3 types of hospital. Conclusions: In a setting with national stroke guidelines, stroke units in all hospitals, and measurement of hospital performance and benchmarking, outcome (after case-mix adjustment) is similar in university, specialized nonuniversity, and community hospitals. There seems to be fewer barriers to organizing well-functioning stroke services in community hospitals compared with university hospitals.
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| 9. |
- Asplund, Kjell, et al.
(author)
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End of life after stroke : a nationwide study of 42,502 deaths occurring within a year after stroke
- 2018
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In: European Stroke Journal. - : Sage Publications. - 2396-9873 .- 2396-9881. ; 3:1, s. 74-81
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: In the scientific literature, there is very limited empirical information on end-of-life issues after stroke in the scientific literature. The present nationwide study describes the circumstances surrounding deaths that occur within a year after a stroke. Patients and methods: Datasets from three nationwide Swedish registers (on stroke, palliative care and cause of death) were linked. Basic information was available for 42,502 unselected cases of death that occurred within a year after a stroke and more detailed information was available for 16,408 deaths. Odds ratios for characteristics of end-of-life care were calculated by logistic regression. Results: In the late phase after stroke (three months to one year), 46% of patients died in a nursing home, whereas 37% of patients died in a hospital after readmission and 10% of patients died at home. Eleven per cent of deaths were reported as being unexpected. A next of kin was present at 49% of deaths. The frequency of unattended deaths (neither next of kin nor staff were present at the time of death) ranged from 5% at home with specialised home care to 25% in hospitals. Discussion: This is, by far, the largest study published on end-of-life issues after stroke. Major differences between countries in healthcare, community services, family structure and culture may limit direct transfer of the present results to other settings. Conclusion: There is considerable discordance between presumed good death' late after stroke (dying at home surrounded by family members) and the actual circumstances at the end of life.
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| 10. |
- Asplund, Kjell, et al.
(author)
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Patient dissatisfaction with acute stroke care
- 2009
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In: Stroke. - : American Heart Association, Inc.. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 40:12, s. 3851-3856
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register, was used to explore patient characteristics and stroke services as determinants of patient dissatisfaction with acute in-hospital care. METHODS: All 79 hospitals in Sweden admitting acute stroke patients participate in Riks-Stroke. During 2001 to 2007, 104,876 patients (87% of survivors) responded to a follow-up questionnaire 3 months after acute stroke; this included questions on satisfaction with various aspects of stroke care. RESULTS: The majority (>90%) were satisfied with acute in-hospital stroke care. Dissatisfaction was closely associated with outcome at 3 months. Patient who were dependent regarding activities of daily living, felt depressed, or had poor self-perceived general health were more likely to be dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction with global acute stroke care was linked to dissatisfaction with other aspects of care, including rehabilitation and support by community services. Patients treated in stroke units were less often dissatisfied than patients in general wards, as were patients who had been treated in a small hospital (vs medium or large hospitals) and patient who had participated in discharge planning. In multivariate analyses, the strongest predictor of dissatisfaction with acute care was poor outcome (dependency regarding activities of daily living, depressed mood, poor self-perceived health). CONCLUSIONS: Dissatisfaction with in-hospital acute stroke care is part of a more extensive complex comprising poor functional outcome, depressive mood, poor self-perceived general health, and dissatisfaction not only with acute care but also with health care and social services at large. Several aspects of stroke care organization are associated with a lower risk of dissatisfaction.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Asplund, Kjell, et al.
(author)
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The Riks-Stroke story : building a sustainable national register for quality assessment of stroke care
- 2011
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In: International Journal of Stroke. - : SAGE Publications. - 1747-4930 .- 1747-4949. ; 6:2, s. 99-108
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register, is the world's longest-running national stroke quality register (established in 1994) and includes all 76 hospitals in Sweden admitting acute stroke patients. The development and maintenance of this sustainable national register is described. Methods Riks-Stroke includes information on the quality of care during the acute phase, rehabilitation and secondary prevention of stroke, as well as data on community support. Riks-Stroke is unique among stroke quality registers in that patients are followed during the first year after stroke. The data collected describe processes, and medical and patient-reported outcome measurements. The register embraces most of the dimensions of health-care quality (evidence-based, safe, provided in time, distributed fairly and patient oriented). Result Annually, approximately 25 000 patients are included. In 2009, approximately 320 000 patients had been accumulated (mean age 76-years). The register is estimated to cover 82% of all stroke patients treated in Swedish hospitals. Among critical issues when building a national stroke quality register, the delicate balance between simplicity and comprehensiveness is emphasised. Future developments include direct transfer of data from digital medical records to Riks-Stroke and comprehensive strategies to use the information collected to rapidly implement new evidence-based techniques and to eliminate outdated methods in stroke care. Conclusions It is possible to establish a sustainable quality register for stroke at the national level covering all hospitals admitting acute stroke patients. Riks-Stroke is fulfilling its main goals to support continuous quality improvement of Swedish stroke services and serve as an instrument for following up national stroke guidelines.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Cvetkovic, Jasmina Trifunovic, et al.
(author)
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Susceptibility for and clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis are associated with polymorphisms of the TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-lRa genes
- 2002
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In: Journal of Rheumatology. - 0315-162X .- 1499-2752. ; 29:2, s. 212-219
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. To analyze the association of genetic polymorphisms of pro-inflammatory cytokines with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in comparison with healthy controls from Northern Sweden and the potential contribution of these genetic variants for disease severity and development of cardiovascular complications. Methods. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was used for analysis of TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), variable tandem repeat polymorphism of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene and NcoI RFLP at position -308 of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene, One hundred and fifty-four patients with RA, 42 men and 112 women, were consecutively recruited into the study through the Department of Rheumatology. Results. The allele A1 of TNF-alpha was more common in the patient group (p < 0.01 OR = 1.62). Patients having the genotype A1A2 seemed to develop more severe disease compared with patients with A1A1 genotype: they were younger at disease onset (p < 0.05), had a higher accumulated disease activity (p < 0.05) and worse functional class (p < 0.05), Patients with genotype A2A2 of IL-1beta had higher accumulated disease activity score than patients with A1A1 and A1A2 (p < 0.05). The allelic combination A1 IL-1beta/A2 IL-1Ra was less prevalent in RA patients who developed cardiovascular complications (p < 0.005 OR = 0.20). Conclusions. The A1 allele of TNF-alpha associates with RA. Genotypes A1A2 of TNF-alpha and A2A2 of IL-1beta are associated with more severe disease. The allelic combination A1 IL-1beta/A2 IL-1Ra is less often present in RA patients who developed cardiovascular complications.
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| 17. |
- Darehed, David, et al.
(author)
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Patients with acute stroke are less likely to be admitted directly to a stroke unit when hospital beds are scarce : a Swedish multicenter register study
- 2017
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In: European Stroke Journal. - : Sage Publications. - 2396-9873 .- 2396-9881. ; 2:2, s. 178-186
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: It is well established that managing patients with acute stroke in dedicated stroke units is associated with improved functioning and survival. The objectives of this study are to investigate whether patients with acute stroke are less likely to be directly admitted to a stroke unit from the Emergency Department when hospital beds are scarce and to measure variation across hospitals in terms of this outcome.Patients and methods: This register study comprised data on patients with acute stroke admitted to 14 out of 72 Swedish hospitals in 2011-2014. Data from the Swedish stroke register were linked to administrative daily data on hospital bed occupancy (measured at 6 a.m.). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between bed occupancy and direct stroke unit admission.Results: A total of 13,955 hospital admissions were included; 79.6% were directly admitted to a stroke unit from the Emergency Department. Each percentage increase in hospital bed occupancy was associated with a 1.5% decrease in odds of direct admission to a stroke unit (odds ratio = 0.985, 95% confidence interval = 0.978-0.992). The best-performing hospital exhibited an odds ratio of 3.8 (95% confidence interval = 2.6-5.5) for direct admission to a stroke unit versus the reference hospital.Discussion and conclusion: We found an association between hospital crowding and reduced quality of care in acute stroke, portrayed by a lower likelihood of patients being directly admitted to a stroke unit from the Emergency Department. The magnitude of the effect varied considerably across hospitals.
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| 18. |
- Ekblom, Kim, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Iron stores and HFE genotypes are not related to increased risk of ischemic stroke. : a prospective nested case-referent study
- 2007
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In: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 24:5, s. 405-411
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: High iron levels can increase the formation of noxious oxygen radicals, which are thought to contribute to cerebrovascular disease. The aim of this prospective study was to determine if iron status and HFE genotypes constitute risk factors for stroke. Methods: First-ever stroke cases (231 ischemic and 42 hemorrhagic) and matched double referents from the population-based Northern Sweden cohorts were studied in a nested case-referent setting. Results: For total iron binding capacity, an increased risk of ischemic stroke was seen in the highest quartile (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.14-2.83; p for trend 0.012). The highest quartile of transferrin iron saturation showed a decreased risk of ischemic stroke in men (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.22-0.87; p for trend 0.028), but not in women. There was an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in the second (OR 4.07; 95% CI 1.09-15.20) and third quartile (OR 4.22; 95% CI 1.08-16.42) of ferritin. Neither quartiles of plasma iron concentrations nor the HFE C282Y and H63D genotypes were associated with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions: Iron stores were not positively related to increased risk of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, HFE genotypes did not influence the risk of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Emmelin, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Self-rated ill-health strengthens the effect of biomedical risk factors in predicting stroke especially for men : An incident case referent study
- 2003
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In: Journal of Hypertension. - 0263-6352 .- 1473-5598. ; 21:5, s. 887-896
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To examine how self-rated ill-health interacts with biomedical stroke risk factors in predicting stroke and to explore differences between men and women and educational groups. DESIGN: An incident case-referent study where the study subjects had participated in a prior health survey. SETTING: Nested within the Västerbotten Intervention Program (VIP) and the Northern Sweden MONICA cohorts. SUBJECTS: The 473 stroke cases had two referents per case, matched for age, sex and residence, from the same study cohorts. RESULTS: Self-rated ill-health independently increased the risk of stroke, specifically for men. The interaction effect between self-rated health and biomedical risk factor load was greater for men than for women. The attributable proportion due to interaction between having a risk factor load of 2+ and self-rated ill-health was 42% for men and 15% for women. Better-educated individuals with self-rated ill-health and two or more of the biomedical risk factors had a higher risk of stroke than the less educated. Calculations of the respective contribution to the stroke cases of self-rated health, hypertension and smoking showed that self-rated ill-health had a role in 20% of the cases and could alone explain more than one-third of the cases among those who rated their health as bad, more so for men than for women. CONCLUSIONS: The results underscore the importance of including both a gender and a social perspective in discussing the role of self-rated health as a predictor of disease outcome. Physicians must be more gender sensitive when discussing their patient's own evaluation of health in relation to biomedical risk factors.
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| 21. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(author)
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Acute stroke alert activation, emergency service use, and reperfusion therapy in Sweden
- 2017
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In: Brain and Behavior. - : Wiley. - 2162-3279. ; 7:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Ambulance services and stroke alerts reduce the time from stroke onset to acute stroke diagnosis. We describe the use of stroke alerts and ambulance services in different hospitals and patient groups and their relationship with reperfusion therapy. Methods: This nationwide study included 49,907 patients admitted with acute stroke who were registered in The Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) in 2011-2012. Results: The proportions of patients admitted as stroke alerts out of all acute stroke admissions varied from 12.2% to 45.7% in university hospitals (n = 9), 0.5% to 38.7% in specialized nonuniversity hospitals (n = 22), and 4.2% to 40.3% in community hospitals (n = 41). Younger age, atrial fibrillation (AF), living in an institution, reduced consciousness upon admission, and hemorrhagic stroke were factors associated with a higher probability of stroke alerts. Living alone, primary school education, non-European origin, previous stroke, diabetes, smoking, and dependency in activities of daily living (ADL) were associated with a lower probability of stroke alert. The proportion of patients arriving at the hospital by ambulance varied from 60.3% to 94.5%. Older age, living alone, primary school education, being born in a European country, previous stroke, AF, dependency in ADL, living in an institution, reduced consciousness upon admission, and hemorrhagic stroke were associated with ambulance services. Hospital stroke alert frequencies correlated strongly with reperfusion rates (r = .75). Conclusion: Acute stroke alerts have a significant potential to improve stroke reperfusion rates. Prehospital stroke management varies conspicuously between hospitals and patient groups, and the elderly and patients living alone have a markedly reduced likelihood of stroke alerts.
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| 22. |
- Eriksson, Marie, 1970-
(author)
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Aspects on stroke outcome : survival, functional status, depression and sex differences in Riks-Stroke, the National Quality Register for Stroke Care
- 2008
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. In Sweden, about 30 000 strokes occur each year. The aim of this thesis was to analyse survival, functional outcome and self-reported depression after stroke, and to explore possible differences between men and women in stroke care and outcome. These studies were based on Riks-Stroke, the Swedish national quality register for stroke care. Information on background variables and treatment were collected during the hospital stay. The patient’s situation and outcome after stroke were followed-up after 3 months. Long term survival was retrieved from the Swedish Population Register (Folkbokföringen). Possible sex-differences in stroke care and outcome 3 months after stroke were explored in 24 633 strokes, registered during 2006. In conscious patients, the proportions treated at stroke units were similar for men and women. Men and women had equal chance to receive thrombolytic therapy or secondary prevention with oral anticoagulants. Compared to men, women were less likely to develop pneumonia, but more likely to experience deep venous thromboses and fractures during hospital stay. Women had worse 3-month survival and functional outcome, differences that were explained by their higher age and impaired level of consciousness on admission. Women felt more depressed and perceived their health as worse than men did. Women were also less satisfied with the care they had received in the hospital. The agreement between self-reported functional outcome 3 months after stroke and the commonly used modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was explored in 555 stroke survivors from 4 hospitals during May-September 2005. Riks-Stroke’s self-reported questions classified 76% of the patients into correct mRS grade. The association between functional outcome 3 months after stroke and 3-year survival was assessed in 15 959 men and women who had had a stroke during 2001-2002. Patients with estimated mRS grades 3, 4 and 5 had hazard ratios for death of 1.7, 2.5 and 3.8, respectively, as compared with patients with lower grades, 0-2. Depressed mood, male sex, high age, diabetes, smoking, antihypertensive therapy at onset and atrial fibrillation were also identified as predictors of poor survival. Self-reported depression 3 months after stroke and use of antidepressants were analysed in 15 747 stroke survivors from 2002. Fourteen percent felt depressed 3 months after stroke. Female sex, age <65, previous stroke, living alone or in institution, or being dependent in activities of daily living (ADL) were factors associated with self-reported depression. At the follow-up, 22% of the men and 28% of the women were using antidepressant medication, which were approximately twice as many as in the general population. Still, 8% of all patients in Riks-Stroke reported depressive mood but no treatment with antidepressants. In conclusion, men and women with stroke in Sweden experience similar treatment and outcome in most aspects. Patient-reported functional outcome can be reliably transformed to a standard disability scale. Impaired functional outcome three months after stroke is an independent predictor of poor long-term survival. Depressive mood is common after stroke and is associated with poor survival and impaired functional outcome.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(author)
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Discarding Heparins as Treatment for Progressive Stroke in Sweden 2001 to 2008
- 2010
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In: Stroke. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 41:11, s. 2552-2558
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Purpose - High-dose heparin has been used extensively to treat patients with progressive ischemic stroke, but the scientific support is poor and the current stroke guidelines advise against its use. We studied how heparin treatment for progressive stroke has been discarded in Sweden. Methods - All 78 hospitals in Sweden that admit acute stroke patients participate in Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register. During 2001 to 2008, information on the use of high-dose heparin was available for 155 344 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The determinants as to region, patient characteristics, and stroke service settings were analyzed. Results - Use of heparin for progressive stroke declined from 7.5% (2001) to 1.6% (2008) of all patients with ischemic stroke. The marked regional differences present in 2001 were reduced over time. The use of heparin declined at a similar rate in all types of hospital settings, in stroke units vs nonstroke units, and in neurological vs medical wards. Independent predictors of use of heparin included younger age, first-ever stroke, independence in activities of daily living before stroke, atrial fibrillation, no aspirin treatment, and lowered consciousness on admission. Conclusions - There is no immediate, stepwise effect of new scientific information and national guidelines on clinical practice. Rather, the phasing out of heparin has followed a linear course over several years, with less variation between hospitals. We speculate that open comparisons between hospitals in a national stroke register may have helped to reduce the variations in clinical practice.
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| 25. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(author)
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Dissemination of thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke across a nation : experiences from the Swedish stroke register, 2003 to 2008
- 2010
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In: Stroke. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 41:6, s. 1115-1122
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We used Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register, to explore how thrombolysis has been disseminated in Swedish hospitals since it was approved in 2003. METHODS: All 78 hospitals in Sweden admitting patients with acute stroke participate in Riks-Stroke. Between 2003 and 2008, 72 033 adult patients were hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke. We analyzed thrombolysis use by region, patient characteristics, and stroke service settings. RESULTS: Nationwide, the use of thrombolysis increased from 0.9% in 2003 to 6.6% in 2008. There were marked regional differences in the dissemination of thrombolysis, but these gaps narrowed over time. Nonuniversity hospitals reached treatment levels similar to university settings, although with a 2- to 3-year delay. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage remained at the 3% to 9% level without an apparent time trend during dissemination. Independent predictors of higher thrombolysis use included younger age, male sex, not living alone, and no history of stroke or diabetes. In 2008, patients admitted to a stroke unit were 5 times more likely to receive thrombolysis than those admitted to general wards. CONCLUSIONS: Nationwide implementation of thrombolysis has been slow but has accelerated mainly due to increased access outside university hospitals. The increased use has been achieved safely, but access has been unequal.
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| 26. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(author)
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Functional outcome 3 months after stroke predicts long-term survival
- 2008
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In: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9786 .- 1015-9770. ; 25:5, s. 423-429
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: When reporting stroke survival and prognostic factors with a possible effect on outcome, the starting point for the observation of a clinical cohort usually is the onset of stroke or the acute admission of a patient. Thus, acute and early mortality inflict prognosis on long-term outcome. In order to give a more robust analysis of long-term survival after the acute period we chose to start our observation with 3-month survivors. Methods: We used data from Riks-Stroke, the Swedish quality register for stroke care, together with survival information from the Swedish population register to explore the influence of disability level 3 months after stroke on long-term survival. The main analysis included 15,959 stroke patients, registered during 2001-2002, who had been independent in primary activities of daily living before stroke, had suffered an ischaemic or a haemorrhagic stroke and reported no previous stroke. Results: Impaired functional outcome after stroke was an independent predictor of poor survival. Patients with modified Rankin scale (mRS) grades 3, 4 and 5 had hazard ratios of 1.7, 2.5 and 3.8, respectively, as compared with patients with lower mRS grades. In addition to high mRS, male sex, high age, diabetes, smoking, hypertension therapy at stroke onset, atrial fibrillation and depressed mood were also recognized as significant predictors of poor survival using a multiple Cox regression model. Conclusion: The influence of disability on survival is stronger than that of several other well-known prognostic factors. This finding indicates that any intervention in the acute phase that may improve functional status at 3 months will also have favourable secondary effects on survival in the long term.
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| 27. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(author)
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Large improvements in major cardiovascular risk factors in the population of northern Sweden : the MONICA study 1986–2009
- 2011
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : Wiley. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 269:2, s. 219-231
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives. The incidence of cardiovascular disease has declined rapidly in Sweden since the 1980s. We explored changes in major cardiovascular risk factors in northern Sweden between 1986 and 2009.Design. Since 1986, six population surveys have been carried out in northern Sweden using procedures of the World Health Organization MONICA project. The population age range was 25–64 years in 1986 and 1990, and 25–74 years from 1994. Trends were analysed using generalized linear models.Results. A total of 10 586 subjects were included in the surveys. Blood pressure decreased by 4.9/3.9 mmHg in women and 1.8/1.5 mmHg in men aged 25–64 years between 1986 and 2009. In men and women aged 65–74 years, the decrease was 12.6/6.1 mmHg between 1994 and 2009. From 1994, the use of blood pressure‐lowering drugs increased, particularly among the older subgroup. The prevalence of smoking halved between 1986 and 2009; 11% of women and 9% of men were smokers in 2009. Cholesterol levels decreased by 0.9 mmol L−1 in the younger age group (25–64 years), and the use of lipid‐lowering agents increased from 1994. Among subjects aged 25–64 years, one in five was obese in 2009, which was twice as many as in 1986, and body mass index (BMI) increased by 1.5 kg m−2, corresponding to an increase in weight of 4 kg. There was no further increase in BMI from 2004. The prevalence of diabetes did not change between 1986 and 2009. The proportion that received a university education increased markedly in all age groups, especially in women, during the study period.Conclusions. Significant improvements were observed in major cardiovascular risk factors in northern Sweden between 1986 and 2009.
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| 28. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(author)
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MONICA quality assessments.
- 2003
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In: Scandinavian journal of public health. Supplement. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4956 .- 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 61, s. 25-30
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The authors give an overview of the quality assessments in the WHO MONICA project and compare the quality of the data from Northern Sweden with other reporting units. METHODS AND RESULTS: Standardized measurement procedures and routine checks were used to ensure good quality of the data. The quality has been evaluated by a scoring system. The results show that the data from Northern Sweden have good quality for all variables except total cholesterol in the initial survey. In the subsequent surveys, the quality of cholesterol data was good. CONCLUSIONS: Great effort was put in to ensure good data quality and Northern Sweden is one of the MONICA units with very good quality of data.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Eriksson, Marie, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Sex differences in stroke care and outcome in the Swedish national quality register for stroke care
- 2009
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In: Stroke. - New York : American Heart Association. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 40:3, s. 909-914
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and purpose: Previous reports concerning sex-related differences in stroke management and outcome are inconsistent and are sometimes difficult to interpret. We used data from a national stroke register to further explore possible differences between men and women in baseline characteristics, stroke treatment, and outcome.Methods: This study included 24633 stroke events registered in Riks-Stroke, the Swedish national quality register for stroke care, during 2006. Information on background variables and treatment was collected during the hospital stay. After 3 months, the patients' living situation and outcome were assessed.Results: Women were older than men when they had their stroke (mean age, 78.4 versus 73.6 years; P<0.001). On admission to the hospital, women were more often unconscious. Among conscious patients, there was no sex-related difference in the use of stroke unit care. Men and women had equal probability to receive thrombolysis and oral anticoagulants. Women were more likely to develop deep venous thromboses and fractures, whereas men were more likely to develop pneumonia during their hospital stay. Women had a lower 3-month survival, a difference that was associated with higher age and impaired level of consciousness on admission. Women were less often living at home at the 3-month follow-up. However, the difference in residency was not present in patients <85 years who were living at home without community support before the stroke.Conclusions: Reported sex differences in stroke care and outcome were mainly explained by the women's higher age and lower level of consciousness on admission.
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| 32. |
- Eriksson, Marie, et al.
(author)
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Trombolys som akutbehandling vid ischemisk stroke sprids över landet : Men regionala variationer är ännu stora, visar Riks-Stroke-analys
- 2011
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In: Läkartidningen. - 0023-7205 .- 1652-7518. ; 108:1-2, s. 21-25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Spridningen av trombolys som akutbehandling vid ischemisk stroke har analyserats hos patienter registrerade i Riks-Stroke under 2003–2009. Implementeringen har varit långsam, även om den varit snabbare än i många andra länder. De regionala variationerna i införandet av trombolys är stora. Trombolys har införts med 2–3 års fördröjning vid icke-universitetssjukhus jämfört med universitetssjukhus. Andra oberoende prediktorer för trombolysbehandling har varit bl a låg ålder, sammanboende, intagning på strokeenhet och intagning på neurologklinik i stället för medicinklinik. Andelen trombolyslarm i målgruppen har nära samband med behandlingsfrekvensen. Spridningen till mindre sjukhus har kunnat genomföras med bevarad patientsäkerhet.
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Feigin, Valery L., et al.
(author)
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Geomagnetic Storms Can Trigger Stroke Evidence From 6 Large Population-Based Studies in Europe and Australasia
- 2014
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In: Stroke. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 45:6, s. 1639-1645
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Purpose-Although the research linking cardiovascular disorders to geomagnetic activity is accumulating, robust evidence for the impact of geomagnetic activity on stroke occurrence is limited and controversial. Methods-We used a time-stratified case-crossover study design to analyze individual participant and daily geomagnetic activity (as measured by Ap Index) data from several large population-based stroke incidence studies (with information on 11 453 patients with stroke collected during 16 031 764 person-years of observation) in New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, France, and Sweden conducted between 1981 and 2004. Hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results-Overall, geomagnetic storms (Ap Index 60+) were associated with 19% increase in the risk of stroke occurrence (95% CI, 11%-27%). The triggering effect of geomagnetic storms was most evident across the combined group of all strokes in those aged <65 years, increasing stroke risk by >50%: moderate geomagnetic storms (60-99 Ap Index) were associated with a 27% (95% CI, 8%-48%) increased risk of stroke occurrence, strong geomagnetic storms (100-149 Ap Index) with a 52% (95% CI, 19%-92%) increased risk, and severe/extreme geomagnetic storms (Ap Index 150+) with a 52% (95% CI, 19%-94%) increased risk (test for trend, P<2x10(-16)). Conclusions-Geomagnetic storms are associated with increased risk of stroke and should be considered along with other established risk factors. Our findings provide a framework to advance stroke prevention through future investigation of the contribution of geomagnetic factors to the risk of stroke occurrence and pathogenesis.
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| 35. |
- Fiskesund, Roland, et al.
(author)
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Low levels of antibodies against phosphorylcholine predict development of stroke in a population-based study from northern Sweden
- 2010
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In: Stroke. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 41:4, s. 607-612
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Natural immunoglobulin M antibodies specific for phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) have been implicated in atherosclerosis. We have shown previously that high levels of anti-PC predict a slower progression of atherosclerosis in humans and that low levels of anti-PC are associated with higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Here we determine the association between anti-PC and the incidence of stroke. METHODS: Using a nested case control study design, we examined 227 incident cases (125 men and 102 women) of first-time stroke and 455 age- and sex-matched controls identified during a 13-year time period (1985 to 1999) within the population-based cohorts of the Västerbotten Intervention Project (VIP) and the World Health Organization Monitoring Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease (WHO MONICA) project in Northern Sweden. Odds ratios of stroke with 95% CIs with adjustments for age, gender, smoking, serum cholesterol, diabetes, body mass index, and blood pressure were determined. Anti-PC levels were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: A significant association between low levels of anti-PC at baseline and incident stroke was seen for the whole group of anti-PC levels below the 30th percentile (multivariately adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; CI, 1.11 to 2.35). Analyses of gender-specific associations indicated fairly strong associations for females, especially at the lowest 30th percentile (multivariately adjusted odds ratio, 2.65; CI, 1.41 to 4.95). No associations were noted for men. CONCLUSION: Low anti-PC is a novel independent risk marker for development of stroke. Measurements of anti-PC could be used to identify immunodeficient subjects at an increased risk for stroke. The possibility that such subjects might be targets for novel modes of treatment such as immunotherapies deserves further investigation.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
- Giampaoli, Simona, et al.
(author)
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Foreword.
- 2007
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In: Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. - 1741-8267. ; 14 Suppl 3, s. S1-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 38. |
- Glader, Eva-Lotta, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Differences in Long-Term Outcome Between Patients Treated in Stroke Units and in General Wards : A 2-Year Follow-Up of Stroke Patients in Sweden
- 2001
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In: Stroke. - : American Heart Association, Inc.. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 32, s. 2124-2130
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Purpose— The long-term beneficial effects of stroke unit care have been proved in several randomized trials. However, there is a question of large-scale applicability in routine clinical practice of interventions used by dedicated investigators in small randomized trials. The objective of this study was to compare, 21/2 years after stroke, patients who had been treated in stroke units and those treated in general wards in routine clinical practice.Methods— This is a prospective cohort study based on 8194 patients who were included, during the first 6 months in 1997, in Riks-Stroke, the Swedish National Register for quality assessment of acute stroke. Two years after the event, 5189 patients were still alive and 5104 were followed up with a postal questionnaire to which 4038 responded.Results— Among the group of patients who were independent in activities of daily living (ADL) functions before the stroke, patients who were treated in stroke units were less often dependent in ADL functions, after adjustment for case mix (OR, 0.79; CI, 0.66 to 0.94). If they also lived at home before the stroke, then they had a lower case-fatality rate 2 years after the stroke (OR, 0.81; CI, 0.72 to 0.92).Conclusions— Long-term beneficial effects of treatment in stroke units were shown for patients who were independent in ADL functions before the stroke. No benefits were shown for patients who were dependent on help for primary ADL before the stroke. Further studies on this group of patients with more detailed outcome measures are needed.
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| 39. |
- Glader, Eva-Lotta, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Large variations in the use of oral anticoagulants in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation : A Swedish national perspective
- 2004
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 255:1, s. 22-32
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives. To explore nation-wide use of anticoagulation in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, in routine clinical practice in Sweden.Design. Cross-sectional cohort study.Setting. Patients included in Riks-Stroke, the Swedish national quality register for stroke care, during 2001.Subjects. Hospitals with incomplete coverage were excluded, leaving 4538 stroke patients with atrial fibrillation amongst 18 276 stroke patients from 75 hospitals in six health care regions.Main outcome measure. Treatment with oral anticoagulants.Results. At stroke onset, the proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation and first-ever stroke, receiving oral anticoagulants as primary prevention was 11.0% (range 8.4–13.5% between regions and 2.5–24.4% between hospitals). Younger age, male sex and diabetes at stroke onset independently predicted primary prevention with oral anticoagulants. The proportion of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulants as secondary prevention at discharge was 33.5% (range 29.9–40.6% between regions and 16.4–61.9% between hospitals). Independent predictors for secondary prevention were younger age, male sex and independent activities of daily life (ADL) function before the stroke, being discharged to home, being fully conscious on admission and health care region.Conclusion. There were variations between hospitals and regions that differences in age, sex, functional impairments and comorbidities could not fully explain. This indicates that evidence-based primary and secondary prevention of embolic stroke is insufficiently practised. Local factors seem to determine whether patients with atrial fibrillation gain access to optimal prevention of stroke or not.
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| 40. |
- Glader, Eva-Lotta, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Poststroke Fatigue : A 2-Year Follow-Up Study of Stroke Patients in Sweden
- 2002
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In: Stroke. - : American Heart Association, Inc.. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 33, s. 1327-1333
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Purpose— Fatigue is common among stroke patients. This study determined the prevalence of fatigue among long-term survivors after stroke and what impact fatigue had on various aspects of daily life and on survival.Methods— This study was based on Riks-Stroke, a hospital-based national register for quality assessment of acute stroke events in Sweden. During the first 6 months of 1997, 8194 patients were registered in Riks-Stroke, and 5189 were still alive 2 years after the stroke. They were followed up by a mail questionnaire, to which 4023 (79%) responded. Patients who reported that they always felt depressed were excluded.Results— To the question, “Do you feel tired?” 366 (10.0%) of the patients answered that they always felt tired, and an additional 1070 (29.2%) were often tired. Patients who always felt tired were on average older than the rest of the study population (74.5 versus 71.5 years, P<0.001); therefore, all subsequent analyses were age adjusted. Fatigue was an independent predictor for having to move into an institutional setting after stroke. Fatigue was also an independent predictor for being dependent in primary activities of daily living functions. Three years after stroke, patients with fatigue also had a higher case fatality rate.Conclusions— Fatigue is frequent and often severe, even late after stroke. It is associated with profound deterioration of several aspects of everyday life and with higher case fatality, but it usually receives little attention by healthcare professionals. Intervention studies are needed.
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
- Grisoni, Marie-Lise, et al.
(author)
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Haplotypic analysis of tag SNPs of the interleukin-18 gene in relation to cardiovascular disease events : the MORGAM Project.
- 2008
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In: European Journal of Human Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1018-4813 .- 1476-5438. ; 16:12, s. 1512-20
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a key inflammatory molecule suspected of being involved in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) capturing the common genetic variation of the IL-18 gene (tag SNPs) were genotyped in five European prospective CVD cohorts including 1933 cases and 1938 non-cases as part of the MORGAM Project. Not a single SNP was found associated with CVD. However, a significant (P=0.002) gene-smoking interaction was observed. In smokers, the -105T allele was more frequent in cases than in non-cases (0.29 vs 0.25) and associated with an increased risk of disease (odds ratio (OR)=1.25 (1.07-1.45), P=0.005), whereas the inverse relationship tended to be observed in non-smokers (OR=0.90 (0.78-1.02), P=0.131). The gene-smoking interaction was broadly homogenous across the cohorts and was also observed through haplotype analyses. In conclusion, using the concerted effort of several European prospective CVD cohorts, we are able to show that one IL-18 tag SNP interacts with smoking to modulate the risk of developing CVD.
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| 44. |
- Hallmans, Göran, et al.
(author)
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Cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study Cohort : evaluation of risk factors and their interactions.
- 2003
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. Supplement Links. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4956 .- 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 61, s. 18-24
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this paper is, first, to describe the organization, sampling procedures, availability of samples/database, ethical considerations, and quality control program of the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study Cohort. Secondly, some examples are given of studies on cardiovascular disease and diabetes with a focus on the biomarker programme. The cohort has been positioned as a national and international resource for scientific research.
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| 45. |
- Hermansson, Jonas, et al.
(author)
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Ischemic stroke and shift work.
- 2007
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In: Scand J Work Environ Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; 33:6, s. 435-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 46. |
- Hultdin, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Prospective study of first stroke in relation to plasma homocysteine and MTHFR 677C > T and 1298A > C genotypes and haplotypes : evidence for an association with hemorrhagic stroke
- 2011
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In: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. - Berlin : Walter de Gruyter. - 1434-6621 .- 1437-4331. ; 49:9, s. 1555-1562
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Abnormalities in homocysteine metabolism have been suggested as risk factors for stroke. The aim of this prospective study was to examine whether total plasma homocysteine concentration (tHcy) and its main genetic determinant, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms, were associated with first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.Methods: This was a nested case-referent study of 321 ischemic and 60 hemorrhagic stroke cases, defined by WHO MONICA criteria and each matched with two event-free referents for sex, age, cohort, recruitment date and geographical area. All subjects were from the population-based Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study cohorts. Odds ratios were determined by conditional logistic regression.Results: The mean follow-up time was 4.2 years. Both tHcy and MTHFR were independent predictors of hemorrhagic stroke in multivariate models including body mass index, hypertension and, for MTHFR, tHcy [OR for the highest vs. lowest tHcy quartile 8.13 (95% CI 1.83-36.1), p(trend)=0.002; OR for MTHFR 677TT vs. 677CC genotype 3.62 (95% CI 0.77-17.0), p(trend)=0.040]. Haplotype analyses confirmed that the MTHFR 677T-1298A haplotype was positively associated with hemorrhagic stroke [OR 1.81 (95% CI 1.09-3.00), p=0.022], whereas the MTHFR 677C-1298C haplotype was not significantly related to either hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke. Neither tHcy nor the MTHFR polymorphisms were significant predictors of ischemic stroke.Conclusion: Both elevated plasma homocysteine levels and the MTHFR 677T allele are indicators of increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in the northern Swedish population.
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| 47. |
- Hyvärinen, Marjukka, et al.
(author)
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Hyperglycemia and stroke mortality : comparison between fasting and 2-h glucose criteria
- 2009
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In: Diabetes Care. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0149-5992 .- 1935-5548. ; 32:2, s. 348-354
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: We investigated stroke mortality in individuals in different categories of glycemia and compared hazard ratios (HRs) corresponding to a 1-SD increase in 2-h plasma glucose and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) criteria. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined data from 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests taken from 13 European cohorts comprising 11,844 (55%) men and 9,862 (45%) women who were followed up for a median of 10.5 years. A multivariate adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate HRs for stroke mortality. RESULTS: In men and women without a prior history of diabetes, multivariate adjusted HRs for stroke mortality corresponding to a 1-SD increase in FPG were 1.02 (95% CI 0.83-1.25) and 1.52 (1.22-1.88) and those in 2-h plasma glucose 1.21 (1.06-1.38) and 1.31 (1.06-1.61), respectively. Addition of 2-h plasma glucose to the model with FPG significantly improved prediction of stroke mortality in men (chi2 = 10.12; P = 0.001) but not in women (chi2 = 0.01; P = 0.94), whereas addition of FPG to 2-h plasma glucose improved stroke mortality in women (chi2 = 4.08; P = 0.04) but not in men (chi2 = 3.29; P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes defined by either FPG or 2-h plasma glucose increases the risk of stroke mortality. In individuals without a history of diabetes, elevated 2-h postchallenge glucose is a better predictor than elevated fasting glucose in men, whereas the latter is better than the former in women.
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| 48. |
- Janunger, Tomas, et al.
(author)
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A novel stroke locus identified in a northern Sweden pedigree : linkage to chromosome 9q31-33.
- 2009
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In: Neurology. - 0028-3878 .- 1526-632X. ; 73:21, s. 1767-1773
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: The population of northern Sweden is characterized by reduced genetic diversity and a high incidence of stroke. We sought to reduce genetic variation further, using genealogic analysis in a set of nuclear families affected by stroke, and we subsequently performed a genome-wide scan to identify novel stroke susceptibility loci. METHODS: Through genealogy, 7 nuclear families with a common ancestor, connected over 8 generations, were identified. A genome-wide scan using 449 microsatellite markers was performed with subsequent haplotype analyses. RESULTS: A maximum allele-sharing lod score of 4.81 on chromosome 9q31-q33 was detected. Haplotype analysis identified a common 2.2-megabase interval in the chromosomal region in 4 of the nuclear families, where an overrepresentation of intracerebral hemorrhage was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a novel susceptibility locus for stroke. Haplotype analysis suggests that a shared genetic factor is of particular importance for intracerebral hemorrhage.
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
- Johansson, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Systemic antibodies to the leukotoxin of the oral pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans correlate negatively with stroke in women
- 2005
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In: Cerebrovascular Diseases. - Basel : Karger. - 1015-9770 .- 1421-9786. ; 20:4, s. 226-232
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Chronic infections and associated inflammatory markers are suggested risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and stroke. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β is suggested to play a role in the regulation of local inflammatory responses in both CVD and periodontitis. The leukotoxin from the periodontal pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has recently been shown to cause abundant secretion of IL-1β from macrophages. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of systemic antibodies to A. actinomycetemcomitansleukotoxin in stroke cases (n = 273) and matched controls (n = 546) in an incident case-control study nested within the Northern Sweden MONICA and Västerbotten Intervention cohorts. Methods: Antibodies to A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin were analyzed in a bioassay with HL-60 cells (leukocytes), purified A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin, and plasma. Plasma samples which inhibited lactate dehydrogenase release from leukotoxin-lysed cells by ≥50% were classified as antibody positive. Results: Antibodies to A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin were detected in 18.8% of the women and 15.2% of the men. Women with those antibodies had a significantly decreased risk for stroke (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13–0.59), but not men (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.52–1.51). Conclusion: The immunoreactivity to A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin correlates negatively with a future stroke in woman, but not in men. Further studies are needed to explain the underlying mechanisms, as well as the biological relevance of this finding.
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