scholarly journals Smoking and the risk of COVID-19 in a large observational population study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel Israel ◽  
Elan Feldhamer ◽  
Amnon Lahad ◽  
Diane Levin-Zamir ◽  
Gil Lavie
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Current Smoking ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Infection Mechanisms ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Control Study

AbstractBACKGROUNDSmokers are generally more susceptible to infectious respiratory diseases and are at higher risk of developing severe complications from these infections. Conflicting reports exist regarding the impact of smoking on the risk of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).METHODSWe carried out a population-based study among over 3,000,000 adult members of Clalit Health Services, the largest health provider in Israel. Since the beginning of the disease outbreak, and until May 16, 2020, over 145,000 adults underwent RT-PCR testing for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and 3.3% had positive results. We performed a case-control study among patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing, to assess the impact of smoking on infection incidence and severity. Individuals with positive tests were matched in a 1:5 ratio to individuals tested negative, of the same sex, age, and ethnicity/religion. Conditional logistic regressions were performed to evaluate odds ratios for current and previous smoking on the risk of testing positive. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed among patients infected with COVID-19 to estimate the association between smoking and fatal or severe disease requiring ventilation. Regressions were performed with and without adjustment for preexisting medical conditions.RESULTSCurrent smokers (9.8%) were significantly less prevalent among members tested positive compared to the general population (19.4%, P<0.001), and to matched members tested negative (18.2%, P<0.001). Current smoking was associated with significantly reduced odds ratio (OR) for testing positive OR=0.447 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.400-0.501). Among patients tested positive, there was no evidence of significantly increased risk of developing severe or fatal disease.CONCLUSIONThe risk of infection by COVID-19 appears to be reduced by half among current smokers. This intriguing finding may reveal unique infection mechanisms present for COVID-19 which may be targeted to combat the disease and reduce its infection rate.

scholarly journals Environmental asbestos exposure and clustering of malignant mesothelioma in community: a spatial analysis in a population-based case–control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Airoldi ◽  
C. Magnani ◽  
F. Lazzarato ◽  
D. Mirabelli ◽  
S. Tunesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Malignant Mesothelioma ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Contour Plot ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background Neighborhood exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma (MM) in residents who live near asbestos mines and asbestos product plants. The area of Casale Monferrato (Northwest Italy) was impacted by several sources of asbestos environmental pollution, due to the presence of the largest Italian asbestos cement (AC) plant. In the present study, we examined the spatial variation of MM risk in an area with high levels of asbestos pollution and secondly, and we explored the pattern of clustering. Methods A population-based case–control study conducted between 2001 and 2006 included 200 cases and 348 controls. Demographic and occupational data along with residential information were recorded. Bivariate Kernel density estimation was used to map spatial variation in disease risk while an adjusted logistic model was applied to estimate the impact of residential distance from the AC plant. Kulldorf test and Cuzick Edward test were then performed. Results One hundred ninety-six cases and 322 controls were included in the analyses. The contour plot of the cases to controls ratio showed a well-defined peak of MM incidence near the AC factory, and the risk decreased monotonically in all directions when large bandwidths were used. However, considering narrower smoothing parameters, several peaks of increased risk were reported. A constant trend of decreasing OR with increasing distance was observed, with estimates of 10.9 (95% CI 5.32–22.38) and 10.48 (95%CI 4.54–24.2) for 0–5 km and 5–10 km, respectively (reference > 15 km). Finally, a significant (p < 0.0001) excess of cases near the pollution source was identified and cases are spatially clustered relative to the controls until 13 nearest neighbors. Conclusions In this study, we found an increasing pattern of mesothelioma risk in the area around a big AC factory and we detected secondary clusters of cases due to local exposure points, possibly associated to the use of asbestos materials.

scholarly journals Endogenous sex hormone levels in men are not associated with risk of venous thromboembolism: the Tromsø study

2009 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 833-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Svartberg ◽  
Sigrid K Brækkan ◽  
Gail A Laughlin ◽  
John-Bjarne Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Free Testosterone ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Sex Hormone ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesLow testosterone levels in men have been associated with cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis and lately also an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. As arterial CVDs and venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been shown to share common risk factors, the purpose of the present study was to determine the impact of endogenous sex hormone levels on the incidence of VTE in a cohort of men.DesignA prospective, population-based study.MethodsSex hormone measurements were available in 1350 men, aged 50–84, participating in the Tromsø study in 1994–1995. First, lifetime VTE-events during the follow-up were registered up to September 1 2007.ResultsThere were 63 incident VTE-events (4.5 per 1000 person-years) during a mean of 10.4 years of follow-up. Age was significantly associated with increased risk of VTE; men 70 years or older had a 2.5-fold higher risk of VTE (HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.19–5.12), compared with those between 50 and 60 years of age. In age-adjusted analyses, endogenous sex hormones levels were not associated with risk of VTE; for each s.d. increase, hazards ratios (95% CI) were 1.06 (0.83–1.35) for total testosterone, 1.02 (0.79–1.33) for free testosterone, and 1.27 (0.94–1.71) for ln-estradiol. In dichotomized analyses comparing men in the lowest total and free testosterone quartile with men in the higher quartiles, hypoandrogenemia was not associated with risk of VTE.ConclusionsIn this population-based study of middle-aged and older men, endogenous sex hormone levels were not associated with 10-year risk of VTE.

scholarly journals Clostridium difficileInfection Worsens the Prognosis of Ulcerative Colitis

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 373-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
María E Negrón ◽  
Herman W Barkema ◽  
Kevin Rioux ◽  
Jeroen De Buck ◽  
Sylvia Checkley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Infectious Complications ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Laboratory Services ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Zone ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Study

BACKGROUND: The impact ofClostridium difficileinfections among ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is well characterized. However, there is little knowledge regarding the association betweenC difficileinfections and postoperative complications among UC patients.OBJECTIVE: To determine whetherC difficileinfection is associated with undergoing an emergent colectomy and experiencing postoperative complications.METHODS: The present population-based case-control study identified UC patients admitted to Calgary Health Zone hospitals for a flare between 2000 and 2009.C difficiletoxin tests ordered in hospital or 90 days before hospital admission were provided by Calgary Laboratory Services (Calgary, Alberta). Hospital records were reviewed to confirm diagnoses and to extract clinical data. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed among individuals tested forC difficileto examine the association betweenC difficileinfection and emergent colectomy and diagnosis of any postoperative complications and, secondarily, an infectious postoperative complication. Estimates were presented as adjusted ORs with 95% CIs.RESULTS:C difficilewas tested in 278 (58%) UC patients and 6.1% were positive.C difficileinfection was associated with an increased risk for emergent colectomy (adjusted OR 3.39 [95% CI 1.02 to 11.23]). Additionally, a preoperative diagnosis ofC difficilewas significantly associated with the development of postoperative infectious complications (OR 4.76 [95% CI 1.10 to 20.63]).CONCLUSION:C difficilediagnosis worsened the prognosis of UC by increasing the risk of colectomy and postoperative infectious complications following colectomy. Future studies are needed to explore whether early detection and aggressive management ofC difficileinfection will improve UC outcomes.

scholarly journals Impact of changes to cervical screening guidelines on age and interval at which women are tested: Population-based study

2020 ◽  
pp. 096914132095344
Author(s):  
Alejandra Castanon ◽  
Shama Sheikh ◽  
Philippa Pearmain ◽  
Peter Sasieni
Keyword(s):  
Case Control Study ◽  
Screening Programme ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Screening Guidelines ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Study

Background English cervical screening programme guidelines changed between 2009 and 2012. We explore the impact on the age and intervals at which women receive a cytology test. Methods Eligible women were controls from a population-based case–control study in England. Tests taken between 1980 and 2017 were extracted from the call/recall database. Using the Kaplan–Meier estimator by birth cohort and age at (or time since) last test, we explore proportions tested since or prior to a given age, years since previous test, and interval following a negative test. Results Screening histories from 46,037 women were included. Proportion tested by age 26 has increased from 55% among birth cohorts 1978–1979 to 67% among those born 1990–1991, despite more recent cohorts only having received one invitation (instead of two) prior to age 26. The proportion of women tested at aged 28 with a test three years earlier increased by 20% (from 36% in 1997–2006 to 56% in 2012–2017) whereas the proportion tested at ages 23–27 without a prior test increased from 34% to 80%. The age at last test prior to exiting the programme has decreased: among those born 1928–1931 86% had a test aged 60–65, but only 71% of those born 1947–1951. Conclusion Clear programme guidance alongside quality assurance has improved the cervical screening programme by standardising the age and intervals at which women are screened.

scholarly journals The Impact of Fractures on Survival in Multiple Myeloma: Results from a Population-Based Study

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4490-4490
Author(s):  
Sigrun Thorsteinsdottir ◽  
Ingigerdur S Sverrisdottir ◽  
Gauti Gislason ◽  
Ola Landgren ◽  
Ingemar Turesson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) causes lytic bone lesions, osteopenia, and fractures, which increase the morbidity of MM patients. Results from small previous studies have indicated that fractures in MM have a negative effect on survival. Aims The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of fractures on survival in MM patients diagnosed in Sweden in the years 1990-2013. Furthermore, to analyze the effect of bone fractures at MM diagnosis on subsequent survival. Methods Patients diagnosed with MM in 1990-2013 were identified from the Swedish Cancer Registry. Information on date of birth, diagnosis, and death were collected from the Registry of Total Population. Information on all fractures were retrieved from the Swedish Patient Registry. Cox regression model was used with fractures as time-dependent variables. The effect of fractures on survival was assessed for any fracture or a subtype of fracture (a specific bone fracture or ICD-coded pathologic fracture). Either first fracture or the first subtype of fracture was used in the analysis. The effect of a fracture at MM diagnosis (within 30 days before or 30 days after MM diagnosis) on survival was also estimated using a Cox regression model. All models were adjusted for age, sex, time of diagnosis, and previous fractures. Results A total of 14,008 patients were diagnosed with MM in the study period. A total of 4,141 (29.6%) patients developed a fracture including fractures that occurred within a year before MM diagnosis and thereafter. Hereof 2,893 (20.7%) patients developed a fracture after MM diagnosis. The risk of death was significantly increased for patients that developed a fracture after the time of MM diagnosis with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-2.10) for all fractures combined. The risk of death was significantly increased for patients that developed all subtypes of fractures after MM diagnosis except ankle fractures. The risk of death was significantly increased for patients that developed pathologic fractures (HR=2.17; 95% CI 2.03-2.32), vertebral fractures (HR=1.73; 95% CI 1.61-1.87), hip fractures (HR=1.99; 95% CI 1.82-2.18), femoral fractures (HR=2.62; 95% CI 2.32-2.98), humerus fractures (HR=2.57; 95% CI 2.32-2.86), forearm fractures (HR=1.24; 95% CI 1.05-1.46), and rib fractures (HR=1.52; 95% CI 1.31-1.77), but not for ankle fractures (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.79-1.44). A total of 942 (6.7%) of all MM patients were diagnosed with a fracture within 30 days before or 30 days after MM diagnosis. The patients with a fracture at diagnosis were at a significantly increased risk of death compared to those without (HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.21-1.41; Figure) Conclusions Our large population-based study, including over 14,000 patients diagnosed with MM in Sweden in the years 1990-2013, showed that MM patients that developed a fracture after the time of diagnosis were at twofold increased risk of dying compared to MM patients without a fracture. Furthermore, MM patients with a fracture at diagnosis had a 30% higher risk of dying compared to patients without a fracture. Our results indicate that fractures in MM reflect a more advanced disease at diagnosis and stress the importance of managing MM bone disease in all MM patients. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Landgren: Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Aeroallergen Sensitization and Chronic Cough in School-Aged Children from General Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Myongsoon Sung ◽  
Dong Keon Yon ◽  
Seung Won Lee ◽  
Ju Hee Kim ◽  
Hey Sung Baek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Cough ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Current Smoking ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Skin Prick Tests ◽  
The Relationship

Objective. Determining sensitivity to allergens is an essential step in diagnosing children with allergic diseases. Chronic cough has remained poorly understood with causative triggers. The purpose of our study was to shed light on the relationship between sensitization to aeroallergens and chronic cough. Methods. This population-based study examined children (aged 7 years to 13 years) between June and July 2016. The 1,259 children, 72 of whom (5.7%) had a chronic cough, and 1,187 of whom (94.3%) did not (controls), completed the questionnaire, but 1,051 children completed skin prick tests (SPTs) with eight aeroallergens. Results. There were positive SPT results to at least 1 allergen in 549 children (52.2%). Sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) was most common (chronic cough = 46.9 % ; controls = 47.2 % ), followed by pollen (chronic cough = 21.9 % ; controls = 16.5 % ) in both groups, but there was no difference in allergic profile and sensitization to aeroallergen ( P > 0.05 for all comparisons). Multivariable analysis with adjustment for confounding indicated that children who were in sensitization to pollen had an increased risk of chronic cough ( aOR = 2.387 ; 95% CI: 1.115 to 5.111; P = 0.025 ). Multivariable analysis with adjustment for confounding indicated that children who were exposed to current smoking ( aOR = 4.442 ; 95% CI: 1.831 to 10.776; P = 0.001 ) and mold ( aOR = 1.988 ; 95% CI: 1.168 to 3.383; P = 0.011 ) were associated with chronic cough. Conclusion. Sensitization to pollen should be considered as a potential contributing factor to the development of chronic cough in school-aged children.

scholarly journals A Nationwide Population-Based Study on the Association between Land Transport Accident and Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6570
Author(s):  
Herng-Ching Lin ◽  
Sudha Xirasagar ◽  
Chia-Hui Wang ◽  
Yen-Fu Cheng ◽  
Tsai-Ching Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Index Date ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Vestibular Disorders ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
Control Study ◽  
Transport Accidents

This case–control study aimed to investigate the association of peripheral vestibular disorders (PVD) with subsequent land transport accidents. Data for this study were obtained from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) dataset. We retrieved 8704 subjects who were newly found to have land transport accidents as cases. Their diagnosis date was used as their index date. Controls were identified by propensity score matching (one per case, n = 8704 controls) from the NHI dataset with their index date being the date of their first health service claim in 2017. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to calculate the prior PVD odds ratio of cases vs. controls. We found that 2.36% of the sampled patients had been diagnosed with PVD before the index date, 3.37% among cases and 1.36% among controls. Chi-square test revealed that there was a significant association between land transport accident and PVD (p < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that cases were more likely to have had a prior PVD diagnosis when compared to controls (OR = 2.533; 95% CI = 2.041–3.143; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hyperlipidemia, cases had a greater tendency to have a prior diagnosis of PVD than controls (OR = 3.001, 95% CI = 2.410–3.741, p < 0.001). We conclude that patients with PVD are at twofold higher odds for land transport accidents.

scholarly journals Fluctuating renal function and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation: a nationwide population-based study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soonil Kwon ◽  
So-Ryoung Lee ◽  
Eue-Keun Choi ◽  
Kyung-Do Han ◽  
Seokhun Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Renal Function ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Multiple Variables ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAlthough chronic kidney disease is known to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), the impact of the variability of renal function on the risk of incident AF is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between variability of renal function and the risk of developing AF among the general population. We evaluated a total of 3,551,249 adults who had three annual health check-ups provided by the National Health Insurance Service. The variability of renal function was defined as GFR-VIM, which is variability independent of the mean (VIM) of creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The study population was divided into four groups (Q1-4) based on the quartiles of GFR-VIM, and the risks of incident AF by each group were compared. During a mean of 3.2 ± 0.5 years follow-up, incident AF occurred in 15,008 (0.42%) subjects. The incidence rates of AF increased from Q1 to Q4 (0.98, 1.42, 1.27, and 1.63 per 1,000 person-years, respectively). Adjusting with multiple variables, Q4 showed an increased risk of incident AF compared to Q1 (hazard ratio (HR) 1.125, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.071–1.181). Variability of serum creatinine or other definitions of variability showed consistent results. On subgroup analyses, Q4 in males or those with a decreasing trend of eGFR had significantly increased risks of incident AF compared to Q1 (HR 1.127, 95% CI 1.082–1.175; and HR 1.115, 95% CI 1.059–1.173, respectively). High variability of eGFR was associated with an increased risk of incident AF, particularly in males or those with decreasing trends of eGFR during follow-up.

scholarly journals Use of Anti-Epileptic Drugs During Adjuvant Chemo-Radiotherapy is Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients with Glioblastoma: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng-Yi Lee ◽  
KS Clifford Chao ◽  
Yu-Ting Wei ◽  
Chin-Nan Chu ◽  
Hao-Che Chuang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Prophylactic Use ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundThere are emerging but inconsistent evidences about anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) as radiosensitizers to improve survival in glioblastoma (GBM) patients. We conducted a population-based study to evaluate the impact of concurrent AED during post-operative chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) on outcome.Methods1057 GBM patients were identified by National Health Insurance Research Database and Cancer Registry in 2008-2015. Eligible criteria included those receiving surgery, adjuvant RT and temozolomide (TMZ), and without other cancer diagnoses. Survival between patients taking concurrent AED for 14 days or more during CCRT (AED group) and those who did not (non-AED group) were compared, and subgroup analyses for valproic acid (VPA), levetiracetam (LEV), and phenytoin were performed. Multivariate analyses were used to adjust for confounding factors. ResultsThere were 642 patients in the AED group while 415 in the non-AED group. The demographic data was balanced except trend of more patients in the AED group had previous drug history of AEDs. (22.6% vs 18%, p=0.078). Overall, the AED group had significantly increased risk of mortality (HR=1.18, p=0.016). In subgroup analyses, the significant detrimental effect was demonstrated in VPA (HR=1.29, p=0.0002), but not in LEV (HR=1.18, p=0.079) and phenytoin (HR = 0.98, p=0.862). When stratified by sex and age, this detrimental effect was seen in male and patients less than 65 years old in the VPA group.Conclusion:Survival was not improved and even worse in patients with AEDs during CCRT in this nationwide population-based study. Our real-world data did not support prophylactic use of AEDs for GBM.

Construction of a Biological Age Score to Predict Tooth Loss over 10 Years

2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (10) ◽  
pp. 1096-1102
Author(s):  
P. Meisel ◽  
C. Pink ◽  
M. Nauck ◽  
H. Völzke ◽  
T. Kocher
Keyword(s):  
Tooth Loss ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Biological Age ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

The aim of the present study was to construct a biological age score reflecting one’s physiologic capability and aging condition with respect to tooth loss over 10 y. From the follow-up to the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (i.e., SHIP-2), 2,049 participants were studied for their baseline biomarker measures 10 y before (i.e., in SHIP-0). Metabolic and periodontal data were regressed onto chronological age to construct a score designated as “biological age.” For either sex separately, the impact of this individualized score was used to predict tooth loss in the follow-up cohort in comparison with each participant’s chronological age. Outcome data after 10 y with respect to tooth loss, periodontitis, obesity, and inflammation were shown to be better for biologically younger subjects than as expected by their chronological age, whereas for the older subjects, data were worse. Especially for tooth loss, a striking increase was observed in subjects whose biological age at baseline appeared to be higher than their chronological age. Biological age produced significantly better tooth loss predictions than chronological age ( P < 0.001). Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves for tooth loss of ≥3 teeth in men during follow-up were 0.811 and 0.745 for biological and chronological age, respectively. For women, these figures were 0.788 and 0.724. For total tooth loss, areas under the curve were 0.890 and 0.749 in men and 0.872 and 0.752 in women. Biological age combines various measures into a single score and allows identifying individuals at increased risk of tooth loss.

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