Cardiovascular and Respiratory Risk Factors and Symptoms among General Practice Patients with Long-Term Mental Illness

BackgroundIn the past psychiatric in-patients suffered increased cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. The present study investigated whether increased risks persist among patients in the community and are being addressed in general practice.MethodA survey of 101 long-term mentally ill adults in 16 general practices in the South Thames (West) Region.ResultsTwenty-six patients were found to be obese (body mass index > 30 kg/m2), 53 were current smokers and 11 were hypertensive (mean systolic blood pressure > 160 mmHg or mean diastolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg, or both). Twenty-one reported daily cough and sputum, 24 shortness of breath, 11 wheezing and seven chest pain on exertion. These rates were significantly higher than population rates in a contemporary national survey. Nearly all the risk factors were recorded in the general practice records but few attempts to intervene were apparent.ConclusionsLong-term mentally ill patients remain at increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems in the community. Primary care teams should make special efforts to tackle risk factors among this group.

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Long-term effects (>24 months) of multiple lifestyle intervention on major cardiovascular risk factors among high risk subjects: a meta-analysis

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.253 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

H Bergum ◽

I Sandven ◽

TO Klemsdal

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Total Cholesterol ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Lifestyle Intervention ◽

Small Study ◽

Long Term Effects

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Norwegian health department Background The evidence of the long-term effects of multiple lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular risk is uncertain. We aimed to summarize the evidence from randomized clinical trials examining the efficacy of lifestyle intervention on major cardiovascular risk factors in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. Methods Eligible trials investigated the impact of lifestyle intervention versus usual care with minimum 24 months follow-up, reporting more than one major cardiovascular risk factor. A literature search updated April 15, 2020 identified 12 eligible studies. The results from individual trials were combined using fixed and random effect models, using the standardized mean difference (SMD) to estimate effect sizes. Small-study effect was evaluated, and heterogeneity between studies examined by subgroup and meta-regression analyses considering patient- and study-level variables. Results Small-study effect was not identified. Lifestyle intervention reduced systolic blood pressure modestly with an estimated SMD of -0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.21 to -0.04, with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 59%), corresponding to a mean difference of approximately 2 mmHg (MD = -1.86, 95% CI: -3.14 to -0.57, p = 0.0046). This effect disappeared in the subgroup of trials judged at low risk of bias (SMD = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.11). For the outcome total cholesterol SMD was -0.06, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.00, with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%), indicating no effect of the intervention. Conclusion Lifestyle intervention resulted in only a modest effect on systolic blood pressure and no effect on total cholesterol after 24 months. Further lifestyle trials should consider the challenge of maintaining larger long-term benefits to ensure impact on cardiovascular outcomes.

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Association of inflammatory disease and long-term outcomes among young adults with myocardial infarction: the Partners YOUNG-MI registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1305 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

B Weber ◽

D.W Biery ◽

A Singh ◽

S Divakaran ◽

A.N Berman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Inflammatory Disease ◽

Inflammatory Arthritis ◽

Young Age ◽

Funding Source ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Systemic Inflammatory Disease ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background Autoimmune systemic inflammatory diseases are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly myocardial infarction (MI). However, there are limited data on the prevalence and effects of inflammatory disease among U.S. adults who experience an MI at a young age. Purpose We sought to determine the prevalence and prognostic value of inflammatory disease in U.S. adults who experience an MI at a young age. Methods The YOUNG-MI registry is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who experienced a Type 1 MI at or below the age of 50 years from 2000 to 2016 at two large medical centers. A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis (PsO), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or inflammatory arthritis was determined through physician review of electronic medical records (EMR). Demographic information, presence of cardiovascular (CV) risk-factors, medical procedures, and medications upon discharge were also ascertained from the EMR. Incidence of death was determined using a combination of EMR and national databases. Cox proportional hazard modeling was performed on a sub-sample following Mahalanobis Distance matching on age, sex, and CV risk factors. Results The cohort consisted of 2097 individuals (median age 45 years, 19% female, 53% ST-elevation MI). Among these, 53 (2.5%) individuals possessed a diagnosis of systemic inflammatory disease at or before their index MI (23% SLE, 9% RA, 64% PsO, 4% inflammatory arthritis). When compared to the remainder of the cohort, patients with a diagnosis of systemic inflammatory disease were more likely to be female (36% vs 19%, p=0.004) and be diagnosed with hypertension (62% vs 46%, p=0.025). There was, however, no significant difference in the prevalence of other CV risk factors – diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia – or a family history of premature coronary artery disease. Despite these similarities, patients with inflammatory disease were less likely to be prescribed aspirin (88% vs 95%, p=0.049) or a statin (76% vs 89%, p=0.008) upon discharge. Over a median follow-up of 11.2 years, patients with inflammatory disease experienced an increased risk of all-cause mortality when compared with the full-cohort (Figure). Compared to the matched sample (n=138), patients with systemic inflammatory disease exhibited an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=2.68, CI [1.18 to 6.07], p=0.018), which remained significant after multivariable adjustment for length of stay and GFR (HR=2.38, CI [1.02 to 5.54], p=0.045). Conclusions Among individuals who experienced an MI at a young age, approximately 2.5% had evidence of a systemic inflammatory disease at or before their MI. When compared with a population of individuals with similar cardiovascular risk profiles, those with inflammatory disease had higher rates of all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest that the presence of a systemic inflammatory disorder is independently associated with worse long-term outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): 1. 5T32 HL094301 NIH T32 Training Grant, “Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging Research Training Program”

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Cumulative incidence and risk factors for radiation induced leukoencephalopathy in high grade glioma long term survivors

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89216-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Robert Terziev ◽

Dimitri Psimaras ◽

Yannick Marie ◽

Loic Feuvret ◽

Giulia Berzero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cumulative Incidence ◽

High Grade Glioma ◽

High Grade ◽

Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Radiation Induced ◽

Long Term Survivors

AbstractThe incidence and risk factors associated with radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy (RIL) in long-term survivors of high-grade glioma (HGG) are still poorly investigated. We performed a retrospective research in our institutional database for patients with supratentorial HGG treated with focal radiotherapy, having a progression-free overall survival > 30 months and available germline DNA. We reviewed MRI scans for signs of leukoencephalopathy on T2/FLAIR sequences, and medical records for information on cerebrovascular risk factors and neurological symptoms. We investigated a panel of candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess genetic risk. Eighty-one HGG patients (18 grade IV and 63 grade III, 50M/31F) were included in the study. The median age at the time of radiotherapy was 48 years old (range 18–69). The median follow-up after the completion of radiotherapy was 79 months. A total of 44 patients (44/81, 54.3%) developed RIL during follow-up. Twenty-nine of the 44 patients developed consistent symptoms such as subcortical dementia (n = 28), gait disturbances (n = 12), and urinary incontinence (n = 9). The cumulative incidence of RIL was 21% at 12 months, 42% at 36 months, and 48% at 60 months. Age > 60 years, smoking, and the germline SNP rs2120825 (PPARg locus) were associated with an increased risk of RIL. Our study identified potential risk factors for the development of RIL (age, smoking, and the germline SNP rs2120825) and established the rationale for testing PPARg agonists in the prevention and management of late-delayed radiation-induced neurotoxicity.

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OP0133 THE PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF RETINAL TOXICITY ASSOCIATED WITH LONG-TERM HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE USE

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.328 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 77-78

Author(s):

S. Do ◽

J. H. Du ◽

J. X. An ◽

J. Wang ◽

A. Lin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cumulative Dose ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Retinal Toxicity ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Duration Of Therapy ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy ◽

Risk Of Retinopathy

Background:Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is commonly used for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. The medication is generally well-tolerated. However, long-term use after 5 years may increase the risk of retinopathy. One study in 2014 has demonstrated the risk can be as high as 7.5%. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has become a major modality in screening retinopathy.Objectives:To evaluate the prevalence of retinal toxicity among patients using hydroxychloroquine and to determine various risk factors associated with hydroxychloroquine-associated retinal toxicity.Methods:We performed a retrospective chart review on a cohort of adult patients with long-term use (≥ 5 years cumulative) of HCQ between January 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2018 from the Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County and Riverside medical center areas in Southern California, USA. Patients were excluded if they had previously been diagnosed with retinopathy prior to hydroxychloroquine use, were deceased, or had incomplete OCT exam. Our primary endpoint was the prevalence of patients who developed retinal toxicity detected by OCT, and later confirmed by retinal specialist. Potential risk factors (age, duration of therapy, daily consumption per actual body weight, cumulative dose, confounding diseases and medication) for developing retinopathy were also evaluated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors associated with retinal toxicity.Results:Among 676 patients exposed to more than 5 years of HCQ, the overall prevalence of retinal toxicity was 6.8%, and ranged from 2.5% to 22.2% depending on the age, weight-based dosing, duration of use and cumulative dose. Duration of therapy for 10 years or more increased risk of retinopathy by approximately 5 to 19 folds. Similarly, weight-based dose of 7 mg/kg/day or greater was assciated with increased risk of retinopathy by approximately 5 times. Patients with cumulative dose of 2000 grams or more had greater than 15 times higher risk of developing retinopathy. Duration of use for10 years or more (odd ratio 4.32, 95% CI 1.99 – 12.49), age (odd ratio 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 - 1.08), cumulative dose of more than 1500 g (odd ratio 7.4; 95% CI 1.40 – 39.04) and atherosclerosis of the aorta (odd ratio 2.59; 95% CI, 1.24 – 5.41) correlated with higher risk of retinal toxicity.Conclusion:The overall prevalence of retinopathy was 6.8%. Regular OCT screening, especially in patients with hydroxychloroquine use for more than 10 years, daily intake > 7 mg/kg, or cumulative dose > 1500 grams is important in detecting hydroxychloroquine-associated retinal toxicityReferences:[1]Hobbs HE. Sorsby A, & Freedman A. Retinopathy Following Chloroquine Therapy. The Lancet. 1959; 2(7101): 478-480.[2]Levy, G. D., Munz, S. J., Paschal, J., Cohen, H. B., Pince, K. J., & Peterson, T. Incidence of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy in 1,207 patients in a large multicenter outpatient practice. Arthritis & Rheumatism: 1997; 40(8): 1482-1486.[3]Ding, H. J., Denniston, A. K., Rao, V. K., & Gordon, C. Hydroxychloroquine-related retinal toxicity. Rheumatology. 2016; 55(6): 957-967.[4]Stelton, C. R., Connors, D. B., Walia, S. S., & Walia, H. S. Hydrochloroquine retinopathy: characteristic presentation with review of screening. Clinical rheumatology. 2013; 32(6): 895-898.[5]Marmor, M. F., Kellner, U., Lai, T. Y., Melles, R. B., & Mieler, W. F. Recommendations on screening for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine retinopathy (2016 revision). Ophthalmology. 2016; 123(6): 1386-1394.[6]Melles, R. B., & Marmor, M. F. The risk of toxic retinopathy in patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine therapy. JAMA ophthalmology. 2014; 132(12): 1453-1460.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Age dependence of brachial cuff-based ambulatory PWV in end-stage kidney disease patients undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis International ◽

10.1177/0896860821996927 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089686082199692

Author(s):

Vasilios Vaios ◽

Panagiotis I Georgianos ◽

Georgia Vareta ◽

Dimitrios Divanis ◽

Evangelia Dounousi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Peritoneal Dialysis ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Age Dependence ◽

End Stage Kidney Disease ◽

End Stage

Background: The newly introduced device Mobil-O-Graph (IEM, Stolberg, Germany) combines brachial cuff oscillometry and pulse wave analysis, enabling the determination of pulse wave velocity (PWV) via complex mathematic algorithms during 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). However, the determinants of oscillometric PWV in the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) population remain poorly understood. Methods: In this study, 81 ESKD patients undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis underwent 24-h ABPM with the Mobil-O-Graph device. The association of 24-h oscillometric PWV with several demographic, clinical and haemodynamic parameters was explored using linear regression analysis. Results: In univariate analysis, among 21 risk factors, 24-h PWV exhibited a positive relationship with age, body mass index, overhydration assessed via bioimpedance spectroscopy, diabetic status, history of dyslipidaemia and coronary heart disease, and it had a negative relationship with female sex and 24-h heart rate. In stepwise multivariate analysis, age ( β: 0.883), 24-h systolic blood pressure (BP) ( β: 0.217) and 24-h heart rate ( β: −0.083) were the only three factors that remained as independent determinants of 24-h PWV (adjusted R 2 = 0.929). These associations were not modified when all 21 risk factors were analysed conjointly or when the model included only variables shown to be significant in univariate comparisons. Conclusion: The present study shows that age together with simultaneously assessed oscillometric BP and heart rate are the major determinants of Mobil-O-Graph-derived PWV, explaining >90% of the total variation of this marker. This age dependence of oscillometric PWV limits the validity of this marker to detect the premature vascular ageing, a unique characteristic of vascular remodelling in ESKD.

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Influence of methyltestosterone postmenopausal therapy on plasma lipids, inflammatory factors, glucose metabolism and visceral fat: a randomized study

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje.1.02065 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 154 (1) ◽

pp. 131-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Lenora M Camarate S M Leão ◽

Mônica Peres C Duarte ◽

Dalva Margareth B Silva ◽

Paulo Roberto V Bahia ◽

Cláudia Medina Coeli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Insulin Resistance ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Visceral Fat ◽

Increased Risk

Background: There has been a growing interest in treating postmenopausal women with androgens. However, hyperandrogenemia in females has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: We aimed to assess the effects of androgen replacement on cardiovascular risk factors. Design: Thirty-seven postmenopausal women aged 42–62 years that had undergone hysterectomy were prospectively enrolled in a double-blind protocol to receive, for 12 months, percutaneous estradiol (E2) (1 mg/day) combined with either methyltestosterone (MT) (1.25 mg/day) or placebo. Methods: Along with treatment, we evaluated serum E2, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, lipids, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein; glucose tolerance; insulin resistance; blood pressure; body-mass index; and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat mass as assessed by computed tomography. Results: A significant reduction in SHBG (P < 0.001) and increase in free testosterone index (P < 0.05; Repeated measures analysis of variance) were seen in the MT group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered to a similar extent by both regimens, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased only in the androgen group. MT-treated women showed a modest rise in body weight and gained visceral fat mass relative to the other group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant detrimental effects on fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance. Conclusion: This study suggests that the combination of low-dose oral MT and percutaneous E2, for 1 year, does not result in expressive increase of cardiovascular risk factors. This regimen can be recommended for symptomatic postmenopausal women, although it seems prudent to perform baseline and follow-up lipid profile and assessment of body composition, especially in those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Abstract T P231: Does Intraventricular Hemorrhage Lead to a Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus-Like Syndrome?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.tp231 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrew J Kruger ◽

Matthew Flaherty ◽

Padmini Sekar ◽

Mary Haverbusch ◽

Charles J Moomaw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus ◽

Barthel Index ◽

Intraventricular Hemorrhage ◽

Normal Pressure ◽

Stroke Study ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Independent Risk Factors ◽

Poor Outcomes

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has the highest short and long-term morbidity and mortality rates of stroke subtypes. While increased intracranial pressure due to the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) may relate to early poor outcomes, the mechanism of reduced 3-month outcome with IVH is unclear. We hypothesized that IVH may cause symptoms similar to normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), specifically urinary incontinence and gait disturbance. Methods: We used interviewed cases from the Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Hemorrhagic Stroke Study (7/1/08-12/31/12) that had 3-month follow-ups available. CT images were analyzed for ICH volume and location, and IVH presence and volume. Incontinence and dysmobility were defined by Barthel Index at 3 months. We chose a Barthel Index score of bladder less than 10 and mobility less than 15 to define incontinence and dysmobility, respectively. Multivariate analysis was used to assess independent risk factors for incontinence and dysmobility. ICH and IVH volumes were log transformed because of non-normal distributions. Results: Barthel Index was recorded for 308 ICH subjects, of whom 106 (34.4%) had IVH. Presence of IVH was independently associated with both incontinence (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.4-5.2; p=.003) and dysmobility (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4-4.8; p=.003). The Table shows that increasing IVH volume was also independently associated with both incontinence and dysmobility after controlling for ICH location, ICH volume, age, baseline mRS, and admission GCS. Conclusion: Our data show that patients with IVH after ICH are at an increased risk for developing the NPH-like symptoms of incontinence and dysmobility. This may explain the worse long-term outcomes of patients who survive ICH with IVH than those who had ICH alone. Future studies are needed to confirm this finding, and to determine the effect of IVH interventions such as shunt or intraventricular thrombolysis.

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Long-term risk of second malignancy and cardiovascular disease after Hodgkin lymphoma treatment

Hematology ◽

10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.323 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 (1) ◽

pp. 323-330 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Flora E. van Leeuwen ◽

Andrea K. Ng

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Premature Menopause ◽

Malignant Neoplasms ◽

Cardiovascular Toxicity ◽

Solid Malignancies ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) experience several late adverse effects of treatment, with second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) being the leading causes of death in these patients. Other late effects have also been identified, such as pulmonary dysfunction, endocrinopathies (thyroid dysfunction, infertility), neck muscle atrophy, and persistent fatigue. HL survivors have two- to fourfold increased risks to develop SMNs and CVD compared with the general population. With respect to SMNs, radiotherapy is associated with 1.5- to 15-fold increased risk of solid malignancies. The relative risk (RR) of solid tumors increases steadily with increasing follow-up time from 5 to 15 years since radiotherapy, and remains elevated for at least 40 years. The RR of solid SMNs increases strongly with younger age at first treatment. Risks of lung, breast, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers increase with higher radiation dose. Alkylating agent chemotherapy, especially procarbazine, does not only increase risk of leukemia but also of solid malignancies, in particular, cancers of the lung and GI tract. In contrast, gonadotoxic chemotherapy decreases the risk of radiation-associated breast cancer, through induction of premature menopause. Smoking appears to multiply the radiation- and chemotherapy-associated risks of lung cancer. Both radiotherapy and chemotherapy for HL may cause cardiovascular toxicity. Radiotherapy increases the risk of coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure (HF), and pericarditis, whereas anthracycline-containing chemotherapy increases the risks of HF and valvular heart disease. Cardiovascular toxicity following radiotherapy is usually observed from 5 to at least 35 years after therapy, whereas anthracycline-related toxicity is already observed during treatment, up to at least 25 years. The joint effects of anthracyclines, radiotherapy, and conventional cardiovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, smoking, and physical inactivity) appear to be additive rather than multiplicative. HL survivors need lifelong risk-based screening for selected SMNs and CVDs. Furthermore, preventive strategies should include lifestyle and drug-based interventions to minimize exposure to conventional risk factors for cancer and CVD.

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Workload-indexed blood pressure response is superior to peak systolic blood pressure in predicting all-cause mortality

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1177/2047487319877268 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (9) ◽

pp. 978-987 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kristofer Hedman ◽

Nicholas Cauwenberghs ◽

Jeffrey W Christle ◽

Tatiana Kuznetsova ◽

Francois Haddad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Exercise Testing ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Metabolic Equivalents ◽

Risk Of Mortality ◽

Increased Risk ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Clinical Exercise Testing

Aims The association between peak systolic blood pressure (SBP) during exercise testing and outcome remains controversial, possibly due to the confounding effect of external workload (metabolic equivalents of task (METs)) on peak SBP as well as on survival. Indexing the increase in SBP to the increase in workload (SBP/MET-slope) could provide a more clinically relevant measure of the SBP response to exercise. We aimed to characterize the SBP/MET-slope in a large cohort referred for clinical exercise testing and to determine its relation to all-cause mortality. Methods and results Survival status for male Veterans who underwent a maximal treadmill exercise test between the years 1987 and 2007 were retrieved in 2018. We defined a subgroup of non-smoking 10-year survivors with fewer risk factors as a lower-risk reference group. Survival analyses for all-cause mortality were performed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs (95% confidence interval)) adjusted for baseline age, test year, cardiovascular risk factors, medications and comorbidities. A total of 7542 subjects were followed over 18.4 (interquartile range 16.3) years. In lower-risk subjects ( n = 709), the median (95th percentile) of the SBP/MET-slope was 4.9 (10.0) mmHg/MET. Lower peak SBP (<210 mmHg) and higher SBP/MET-slope (>10 mmHg/MET) were both associated with 20% higher mortality (adjusted HRs 1.20 (1.08–1.32) and 1.20 (1.10–1.31), respectively). In subjects with high fitness, a SBP/MET-slope > 6.2 mmHg/MET was associated with a 27% higher risk of mortality (adjusted HR 1.27 (1.12–1.45)). Conclusion In contrast to peak SBP, having a higher SBP/MET-slope was associated with increased risk of mortality. This simple, novel metric can be considered in clinical exercise testing reports.

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Primary CNS tumors in adults and environmental factors: an update

Health Risk Analysis ◽

10.21668/health.risk/2020.3.21 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 176-181

Author(s):

S.G. Berntsson ◽

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Brain Tumor ◽

Mobile Phone ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cns Tumors ◽

Acoustic Neurinoma ◽

Low Grade ◽

Mobile Phone Use ◽

Increased Risk

The incidence of adult primary brain tumors is increasing in some European countries. High-dose ionizing irradiation, rare genetic syndromes, and genetic predisposition in 5 % of families are a few established environmental risk factors for brain tumor. Mobile phone use that causes near brain exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic waves and thus creates risks of CNS tumors has been the focus of many studies. Nine meta-analyses were available on this subject. The Interphone multi-center case-control study is the largest one to date; it included 2.708 glioma and 2.409 meningioma cases and matched controls in 13 countries. Studies exploring metals (cadmium, lead), pesticides, outdoor pollution, virus, and risk of glioma created by exposure to them were reviewed. Interphone study did not show increased risk of glioma or meningioma in mobile-phone users. One recent meta-analysis in 2017 found that prolonged exposure i.e.,> 10 years of all phone types was associated with increased risk of ipsilateral CNS tumor locations. In another meta-analysis, long-term use of mobile-phones was found to be a risk factor for low-grade glioma. In case of all durations regarding mobile phone use and both sides of the head, the results of pooling data were more discordant. A large prospective study in 2014 showed that long term use vs never use increased risks of acoustic neurinoma (10+ years: RR = 2.46, 95 % CI = 1.07–5.64, P = 0.03), but not of glioma or meningioma. Studies of other risk factors showed no/weak/contradictory association with brain tumor risk. In the absence of robust and consistent evidence, a causal relation between radiofrequency exposure and CNS tumors was not found. Large prospective studies of this kind regarding a disease with low incidence require a high number of participants and a long follow-up period.

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