scholarly journals Are frequent dental x-ray examinations associated with increased risk of vestibular schwannoma?

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (Special_Suppl) ◽  
pp. 78-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yueh-Ying Han ◽  
Oren Berkowitz ◽  
Evelyn Talbott ◽  
Douglas Kondziolka ◽  
Maryann Donovan ◽  
...  

Object The authors evaluated the potential role of environmental risk factors, including exposure to diagnostic or therapeutic radiation and to wireless phones that emit nonionizing radiation, in the etiology of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Methods A total of 343 patients with VSs who underwent Gamma Knife surgery performed between 1997 and 2007 were age and sex matched to 343 control patients from the outpatient degenerative spinal disorders service at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The authors obtained information on previous exposure to medical radiation, use of wireless phone technologies, and other environmental factors thought to be associated with the development of a VS. Conditional multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results After adjusting for race, education, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, occupational exposure to noise, use of cell phones, and family history of cancer, the authors identified only a single factor that was associated with a higher risk of VS: individuals exposed to dental x-rays once a year (aOR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.01–5.09) or once every 2–5 years (aOR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.20–5.85), compared with those exposed less than once every 5 years. Of interest, a history of exposure to radiation related to head or head-and-neck computed tomography was associated with a reduced risk of VS (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30–0.90). No relationship was found between the use of cell phones or cordless phones and VS. Conclusions Patients with acoustic neuromas reported significantly more exposure to dental x-rays than a matched cohort control group. Reducing the frequency of dental x-ray examinations may decrease the potential risk of VS.

1994 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Flack ◽  
Kenneth W. Ryder ◽  
Daniel Strickland ◽  
Robert Whang

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship of serum theophylline concentration with electrolyte and glucose abnormalities across a broad range of theophylline concentrations. DESIGN: Retrospective review of a computerized laboratory database between June 1, 1984 and June 1, 1986. SETTING: A midwestern university medical center. PATIENTS: Eight hundred sixty-nine patients with serum theophylline concentrations of >5.5 μmol/L and a random unmatched sample (control group) of 350 in- and outpatient adults and children with no history of reactive airways disease or theophylline exposure. RESULTS: Patients with measurable theophylline had a higher risk of hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia compared with the unexposed control group. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were: (1) hypokalemia OR=4.2 (95 percent CI 2.2 to 7.9); (2) hyponatremia OR=5.4 (95 percent CI 2.0 to 12.9); (3) hypomagnesemia OR=1.6 (95 percent CI 1.0 to 2.5); (4) hyperglycemia OR=2.3 (95 percent CI 1.7 to 3.0); and (5) hypophosphatemia OR=2.7 (95 percent CI 1.2 to 5.3). A linear concentration—response relationship was documented between serum theophylline concentration and all metabolic disturbances. conclusions: Measurable theophylline was associated with increased risk for glucose and electrolyte abnormalities in a concentration-related fashion across a broad range of theophylline concentrations from 5.5 to ≥110 μmol/L.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen A. Griffith ◽  
Seon Yoon Chung ◽  
Shijun Zhu ◽  
Alice S. Ryan

<p class="Pa7"><strong>Objective: </strong>After chemotherapy for breast cancer, Black women gain more weight and have an increased mortality rate compared with White women. Our study objective was to compare biomarkers associated with obesity in Black women with and without a history of breast cancer.</p><p class="Pa7"><strong>Design: </strong>Case-control</p><p class="Pa7"><strong>Setting: </strong>Academic/federal institution</p><p class="Pa7"><strong>Participants: </strong>Black women with a history of breast cancer (cases) and age-matched controls.</p><p class="Pa7"><strong>Methods: </strong>We compared insulin resistance, inflammation, and lipids in overweight and obese Black women with a history of breast cancer (n=19), age similar controls (n=25), and older controls (n=32). Groups did not differ on mean body mass index (BMI), which was 35.4 kg/m2, 36.0 kg/m2, and 33.0 kg/m2, respectively.</p><p class="Default"><strong>Main Outcome Measures: </strong>Insulin resis­tance (HOMA-IR); inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, CRP); lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides).</p><p class="Pa7"><strong>Results: </strong>Cases had 1.6 and 1.38 times higher HOMA-IR values compared with age similar and older controls, respectively (P≤.001 for both). TNF-α and IL-1b were significantly higher in cases compared with both control groups (P&lt;.001 for both). IL-6 was also higher in cases compared with age-similar controls (P=.007), and IL-8 was lower in cases compared with older controls (P&lt;.05). Lipids did not differ between cases and either control group.</p><p class="Default"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Black women with breast cancer were significantly more insulin resis­tant with increased inflammation compared not only with age similar controls but with women who were, on average, a decade older. These biomarkers of insulin resistance and inflammation may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer recurrence and require ongoing evaluation, especially given the relatively abnormal findings com­pared with the controls in this underserved group. <em></em></p><p class="Default"><em>Ethn Dis. </em>2016;26(4):513-520; doi:10.18865/ed.26.4.513</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S501-S501
Author(s):  
O Lior ◽  
I Sergeev ◽  
N Ruhimovich ◽  
M Openheim ◽  
F Benjaminov ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Current inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapies are highly effective. However, compliance with treatment is influenced by patients’ perception of benefits versus risks. Understanding these perceptions and their influence on patients’ treatment decision-making is crucial for achieving compliance, especially during Covid-19 pandemic. Aim: to assess patients’ perception of risks of IBD exacerbation and SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their influence on patients’ decisions regarding biologic and immunosuppressive treatments during Covid-19 pandemic in Israel. Methods A prospective internet-based survey among Meir Medical Center, IBD clinic patients. Results 116 patients have responded. Mean age 42 (18–84), 44 (38%) males, 75 (64%) Crohn’s disease, 38 (32%) ulcerative colitis, 34 (29%) with history of abdominal surgery, 47 (40%) were in remission and 9(7.5%) with severe disease. 18 (15%) patients were on Immunosuppressive and 76 (66%) on biologic treatments. Concerns of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection: 56 (48%) patients considered their risk as equal to that of the general population whereas 53 (46%) considered it to be increased. 55% of the patients related the increase risk of COVID-19 infection to their IBD treatment, whereas 47% related it to having IBD. Patients treated with biologics were more concerned of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 then those who were not. There was also a significant association between depression and anxiety levels and the fear of becoming infected (r= 0.3 for depression and 0.4 for anxiety). Adherence to IBD treatment: Only 8 (7.5%) patients considered stopping their IBD treatment, and only 4 (3.7%) patients actually stopped their treatment. Patients with more severe disease were more inclined to stop their treatment compared to those with mild disease. Reasons for not stopping treatment were fear of disease exacerbation in 37 (32%) patients, and reassuring information received from medical providers, in 25 (21.5%) patients. When faced with a theoretical question of trading long-term remission versus risk of SARS-CoV-2infection, 34 (29%) patients were willing to accept a 10% infection risk for a 10-year remission Conclusion Significant portion of the patients with IBD believe that they are at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection, and more than half of them related the increase risk to their IBD treatment. However, despite their fear most patients felt safe enough to continue their treatment. Patients with more severe disease and treated with biologics experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression and fear of COVID-19 infection. Identifying and addressing these fears early might increase patient’s adherence to treatment and prevent the hazardous effects of discontinuation of treatment.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah A Alissa ◽  
Yuko Inoue ◽  
Jochen Cammin ◽  
Qiulin Tang ◽  
Elliot Fishman ◽  
...  

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic stroke. Previous studies demonstrate that the Left atrial appendage (LAA) is the most common site of intracardiac thrombus, and the LAA morphology alone may determine the risk of stroke. We aimed to determine the association between LAA regional dysfunction using novel, noninvasive, image-based motion-estimation CT (iME) and prior history of stroke in patients with AF. Methods: Among the patients with history of AF referred for ablation who underwent pre-ablation CT with retrospective ECG gating, we identified 18 patients with a prior history of stroke or TIA, and 18 age- and gender-matched controls. The patients in AF at the time of CT were excluded. Four-dimensional motion vector field was estimated from reconstructed CT images using iME at every 5% RR interval. To assess myocardial deformation, area change ratio and area change rate were calculated over the endocardial surface of the LA and LAA. Univariate and multivariate comparisons were made by using binary logistic regression model. Results: A total of 36 patients (mean age 67.6 ± 8.1 years, 66.7% male, 16.7% persistent AF) were included in the study. Univariate analysis showed that the LA pre-atrial contraction area change ratio and LAA maximum area change ratio were significantly lower (P= 0.02 and 0.04, respectively) in the stroke/TIA group compared to the control group. These changes remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis (P=0.03 and 0.04, respectively) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, LV ejection fraction, type of AF, and CHADS score. Conclusions: LAA regional dysfunction is associated with stroke/TIA in patients with AF. LAA regional dysfunction detected by iME could represent a marker for stroke and a possible therapeutic target.


2008 ◽  
Vol 132 (12) ◽  
pp. 1903-1906
Author(s):  
Amy C. Gruszecki ◽  
Gerald McGwin, Jr ◽  
C. Andrew Robinson, Jr ◽  
Gregory G. Davis

Abstract Context.—Forensic pathologists regularly investigate the deaths of individuals with a history of drug abuse. Autopsy, including toxicology testing, reveals no cause for death in a subset of this cohort. Objective.—To determine whether deaths with an undetermined cause and manner of death are associated with a history of drug abuse. Design.—Retrospective matched case-control study of 52 decedents whose cause of death remained undetermined following autopsy, matched 1:2 to a control group of living patients admitted for cholecystectomy according to age and date of death or procedure. Results.—Individuals whose cause of death was undetermined were 5.3 times (95% confidence interval, 1.9– 14.5) more likely to have a history of drug abuse than were patients with cholecystitis. Conclusions.—Decedents with a history of chronic drug abuse appear to be at an increased risk of dying by their chronic drug abuse, even in the absence of any anatomical or toxicologic finding at autopsy to account for death.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah A Theodore ◽  
Renee D Goodwin ◽  
Yuan (Vivian) Zhang ◽  
Nancy Schneider ◽  
Rachel J Gordon

Abstract Background Sternal wound infection (SWI) is a leading cause of postoperative disease and death; the risk factors for SWI remain incompletely understood. The goal of the current study was to investigate the relationship between a preoperative history of depression and the risk of SWI after cardiothoracic surgery. Methods Among patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in a major academic medical center between 2007 and 2012, those in whom SWI developed (n = 129) were matched, by date of surgery, with those in whom it did not (n = 258). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the strength of relationships between risk factors and development of infection. History of depression was defined as a composite variable to increase the sensitivity of detection. Results History of depression as defined by our composite variable was associated with increased risk of SWI (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–4.7; P = .01). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated. Conclusions History of depression was associated with increased risk of SWI. Future prospective studies are warranted to further investigate this relationship. Depression is highly treatable, and increased efforts to identify and treat depression preoperatively may be a critical step toward preventing infection-related disease and death.


2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim A. Yakasai ◽  
Imran O. Morhason-Bello

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is an important cause of maternal mortality. There have been several studies on risk factors assessment with conflicting reports across the globe on this disease; however, rigorous recent evaluation of these factors is uncommon in this region. The aim of the present study was to determine the risks factors in the early-onset PE in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano (Northern Nigeria). We conducted a case-control study in Nigeria between April 2009 and January 2010 to identify the risk factors associated with the early-onset PE in women attending antenatal clinic in AKTH. Information on socio-cultural characteristics, medical history, previous obstetrics history, level of stress at home, and type of family were obtained and recorded in a proforma designed for the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for PE at 95% confidence level. Pregnant women with early-onset PE (150 in each case and control group). Risk factors associated with increased risk of early-onset PE were: history of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) in a previous pregnancy [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.09]; exposure to passive smoking (AOR 1.34); inadequate antenatal supervision (AOR 15.21); family history of hypertension in one or more 1st-degree relative (AOR 8.92); living in a joint family (AOR 6.93); overweight (120% to 150% of pre-pregnancy ideal body weight, AOR 4.65). Risk factors among women in Northern Nigeria are similar to those reported from other studies. Good antenatal cares, early detection, reduction of stressful conditions at home are the most important preventive measures of early-onset severe PE among these women.


2009 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Ho Chung ◽  
Kyung Tae ◽  
Yong Seop Lee ◽  
Jin Hyeok Jeong ◽  
Seok Hyun Cho ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To determine the significance of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in benign vocal mucosal lesions. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A case-control study at the tertiary referral medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From April 2003 to December 2006, we studied 110 patients with benign vocal mucosal lesions who had undergone 24-hour ambulatory double pH monitoring. The control group included 200 patients who had undergone ambulatory 24-hour double-probe pH monitoring due to laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms without specific findings of benign vocal mucosal lesions. Reflux symptom index and reflux finding score were measured. We compared the prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux and various parameters of the pH monitoring such as total reflux number, fraction time of pH below 4 in various positions, and DeMeester scores. RESULTS: The prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux was 65 percent in the control group, 66 percent in vocal nodule group, 75 percent in the vocal polyp group, and 90 percent in the Reinke's edema group. Patients with Reinke's edema had a significantly higher prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux than controls ( P = 0.016). LPR was associated with a significantly increased risk of Reinke's edema (odds ratio: 4.846, 95% confidence interval 1.093∼21.492). Total reflux number and DeMeester scores in the Reinke's edema group and fraction time of pH below 4 in the supine position in the vocal polyp group were significantly higher than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux might play a role as an etiologic factor in Reinke's edema and vocal polyps.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
Anna Wiśniewska ◽  
Gabriela Chwalik ◽  
Sylwia Łagan

The evaluation of a degradation process of polyethylene (PE) in in vitro conditions under the influence of X-rays (X) and an in-cubation in two solutions simulating the environment of a living organism (SBF – simulated body fluid) was carried out. A dose corresponding to 10 standard X-ray pictures of the skeletal system as well as Ringer's and saline solutions at 40°C were used in the study. The paper presents the results of the influence of the 12-month studies on the selected surface properties of the material: surface wettability and abrasiveness. The value of surface free energy (SFE) was determined on the basis of the wetting angle measurements. The conductivity of the incubation fluids was also analyzed. The obtained results indicate that the adopted dose of X-ray radiation has no significant effect on the wettability of the surface of polyethylene. The nature of the surface layer of polyethylene did not change as a result of the 12-month incubation and remained hydrophilic. For the samples incubated in both immersion fluids, a decrease in surface free energy (SFE) was observed. For both the irradiated material and the control group, no significant changes in the mass of the samples and the conductivity of the incubation fluids were found, which indicates the stability of polyethylene. However, the abrasion value increased by approximately 26%. With the passage of the incubation time, a decrease in the value of this parameter was observed for the polyethylene subjected to radiation. No significant changes were found for the control group.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 3789-3789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin PM van Galen ◽  
Merel Timmer ◽  
Piet de Kleijn ◽  
Frank W.G. Leebeek ◽  
Roger E.G. Schutgens ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recurrent joint bleeds are the main cause of joint deterioration (hemophilic arthropathy) in patients with hemophilia. To what extent arthropathy occurs following joint bleeds in patients with Von Willebrand disease (VWD) compared to hemophilia has never been studied. Objectives The primary objective was to compare joint outcome by physical examination between adults with VWD and moderate and severe hemophilia A (HA). The main secondary objectives were to compare joint bleed frequency, radiological joint damage and self-reported functional limitations between VWD and moderate and severe HA. Methods We selected adult patients with VWD (VWF activity <30%) and moderate or severe HA, who had a medical history of treatment for joint bleeds, for this post hoc analysis. To compare joint outcome we used the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS range 0-124, obtained by physical examination), X-ray Pettersson scores of ankles, knees and elbows (PS range 0-13 per joint) and Hemophilia Activities List scores, a patient administered questionnaire measuring functional limitations (HAL range 0-100). Univariate analyses were performed using Mann Whitney U and Chi2. For multivariate analysis we used negative binomial regression analysis (HJHS) and logistic regression (dichotomized PS>3 and HAL<95) adjusted for age. We performed a subgroup analysis of the patients with type 3 VWD. Results We included 48 patients with VWD, 39 with moderate and 59 with severe HA. The mean age was 45, 38 and 26 years, respectively. Fewer patients with VWD than HA had a lifetime history of more than 5 joint bleeds (56% VWD vs. 77% moderate HA vs. 98% severe HA, p<0.001). Joint dysfunction at physical examination was comparable between the patients with VWD and moderate HA (median HJHS 5 vs. 5.5, p=0.65) but slightly better in VWD compared to severe HA (median HJHS 5 vs. 9, p=0.02). Apparent joint damage on X rays (PS>3 of one or more joints) occurred in 12/46 patients with VWD compared to 27/40 patients with severe HA (26% vs. 68%: OR 0.09; 95%CI 0.03-0.34, p<0.001). In moderate HA insufficient X rays were available for analyses. Functional limitations according to the HAL were comparable between patients with VWD and moderate and severe HA (VWD median HAL total score 88 vs. 95 in both moderate and severe HA, p=0.35). The subgroup analysis of joint dysfunction in patients with type 3 VWD (n=19, median age 40) showed clinical changes comparable to severe HA (median HJHS 14 vs. 9, p=0.83). We found a trend towards less radiological joint damage in type 3 VWD compared to severe HA (PS>3: 47% vs. 68%, OR 0.28; 95%CI 0.07-1.12, p=0.07). However, patients with type 3 VWD reported more functional limitations compared to those with moderate or severe HA (median HAL total score 77 vs. 95, p=0.01; adjusted for age OR 0.38; 95%CI 0.1-1.2, p=0.10). Conclusions Despite fewer joint bleeds, joint function according to the HJHS was comparable between adult patients with VWD and moderate HA with a history of treatment for joint bleeds. Apparent X ray joint damage occurred less often in patients with VWD compared to those with severe HA. The HJHS of patients with type 3 VWD was comparable to those with severe HA, but the patients with type 3 VWD reported more functional limitations, partly explained by their higher age. Knowledge of similarities and differences in joint outcome between VWD and hemophilia can be helpful to improve the awareness and treatment of joint bleeds in VWD to prevent arthropathy and functional limitations. Disclosures van Galen: Bayer: Research Funding; CSL Behring: Research Funding; Baxter: Research Funding. Leebeek:CSL Behring: Research Funding; Baxter: Research Funding. Schutgens:Sanquin: Research Funding; CSL Behring: Research Funding. Fischer:Baxalta/Baxter: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; CSL Behring: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; NovoNordisk: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Octapharma: Speakers Bureau; Baxter: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Wyeth: Research Funding; Biogen: Consultancy; Biotest: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Bayer: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Freeline: Consultancy. Mauser-Bunschoten:CSL Behring: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Baxter: Research Funding; Griffols: Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Biovitrum: Research Funding; Saquin: Research Funding.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document