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  • 1.
    Almqvist, Linnea
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Andersson, Martin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    No remission in 60% of those with childhood-onset asthma: a population-based cohort followed from 8 to 28 years of age2024In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 224, article id 107581Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Although remission occur, childhood-onset asthma may persist until adulthood. Since few longitudinal population-based studies have followed a cohort from childhood until adulthood, the knowledge on predictors of persistence of asthma is sparse.

    Aim: To estimate persistence of asthma from 8 to 28 years and its associated factors. Methods: Within the OLIN (Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden) studies, a cohort was recruited in 1996 (age 8y, n = 3430) and followed annually with questionnaires about asthma and risk factors until 19y. Clinical examinations included skin prick tests (at 8, 12 and 19y) and lung function tests (17 and 19y) whereof a subsample performed bronchial hyperreactivity test. We identified n = 248 with asthma at 8y whereof 170 (69%) participated in a follow-up at 28y (73% of possible to invite).

    Results: Of the 170 participants at 28y, 105 (61.8%) had persistent asthma (women: 49/76, 64.5%; men: 56/94, 59.6%, p = 0.513). Factors collected at recruitment: allergic sensitization (OR7.8, 95%CI 3.0–20.2), severe respiratory infection (OR2.6, 95%CI 1.1–6.3) and higher asthma severity score (OR1.6, 95%CI 1.1–2.4) were associated with asthma at 28y after adjustment for sex, family history of asthma, breastfeeding <3 months and eczema. Replacing allergic sensitization with rhinoconjunctivitis in the model yielded OR3.4 (95%CI 1.5–8.0). Bronchial hyperreactivity at age 17y associated with asthma at 28y (OR9.0, 95%CI 1.7–47.0).

    Conclusions: Among children with asthma onset by 8y, 62% still had asthma at age 28 years. Persistent asthma was associated with allergic sensitization, rhinoconjunctivitis, severe respiratory infection, a more severe asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity.

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  • 2.
    An, Qingfan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation.
    Sandlund, Marlene
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation.
    Agnello, Danielle
    School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK.
    McCaffrey, Lauren
    School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK.
    Chastin, Sebastien
    School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK; Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
    Helleday, Ragnberth
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Wadell, Karin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation.
    A scoping review of co-creation practice in the development of non-pharmacological interventions for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a health CASCADE study2023In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 211, article id 107193Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Incorporating co-creation processes may improve the quality of outcome interventions. However, there is a lack of synthesis of co-creation practices in the development of Non-Pharmacological Interventions (NPIs) for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), that could inform future co-creation practice and research for rigorously improving the quality of care.

    Objective: This scoping review aimed to examine the co-creation practice used when developing NPIs for people with COPD.

    Methods: This review followed Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework and was reported according to the PRISMA-ScR framework. The search included PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science Core Collection. Studies reporting on the process and/or analysis of applying co-creation practice in developing NPIs for people with COPD were included.

    Results: 13 articles complied with the inclusion criteria. Limited creative methods were reported in the studies. Facilitators described in the co-creation practices included administrative preparations, diversity of stakeholders, cultural considerations, employment of creative methods, creation of an appreciative environment, and digital assistance. Challenges around the physical limitations of patients, the absence of key stakeholder opinions, a prolonged process, recruitment, and digital illiteracy of co-creators were listed. Most of the studies did not report including implementation considerations as a discussion point in their co-creation workshops.

    Conclusion: Evidence-based co-creation in COPD care is critical for guiding future practice and improving the quality of care delivered by NPIs. This review provides evidence for improving systematic and reproducible co-creation. Future research should focus on systematically planning, conducting, evaluating, and reporting co-creation practices in COPD care.

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  • 3.
    Andersen, Grethe Neumann
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Reumatology.
    Nilsson, Kenneth
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Pourazar, Jamshid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Hackett, Tillie-Louise
    Kazzam, Elsadig
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Warner, Jane
    Rantapää-Dahlqvist, Solbritt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Reumatology.
    Mincheva-Nilsson, Lucia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Immunology.
    Sandström, Thomas
    Bronchoalveolar matrix metalloproteinase 9 relates to restrictive lung function impairment in systemic sclerosis.2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 10, p. 2199-2206Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is frequently associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) often leading to lung fibrosis. In this study we investigated whether matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and its natural inhibitor; the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), would be associated with remodelling in ILD in SSc. Levels of total MMP-9, pro-MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from nine SSc patients with ILD, seven SSc patients without ILD and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Total MMP-9 and pro-MMP-9 levels were significantly elevated in SSc patients with ILD, compared to levels in SSc patients without ILD and healthy controls. In SSc patients with ILD calculated active MMP-9 levels were significantly higher than in SSc patients without ILD and tended to be higher than in healthy controls. TIMP-1 levels were elevated in both patient groups compared to healthy controls. Total-, pro- and active MMP-9 levels as well as pro-MMP-TIMP-1 and active MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios were inversely associated with total lung capacity. The present study suggests that MMP-9 plays a pathophysiological role in the remodelling in ILD and lung fibrosis associated with SSc, and may represent a new therapeutic target in this condition.

  • 4. Andersson, Mikael
    et al.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Emtner, Margareta
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Physical activity and fatigue in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - A population based study2015In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 109, no 8, p. 1048-1057Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: In subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), symptoms of fatigue, concomitant heart disease and low physical activity levels are more frequently described than in subjects without COPD. However, there are no population-based studies addressing the relationship between physical activity, fatigue and heart disease in COPD. The aim was to compare physical activity levels among subjects with and without COPD in a population based study, and to evaluate if concomitant heart disease and fatigue was associated to physical activity.

    METHODS: In this, 470 subjects with COPD and 659 subjects without COPD (non-COPD) participated in examinations including structured interview and spirometry. A ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/best of forced vital capacity (FVC) and vital capacity (VC) < 0.7 was used to define COPD. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and fatigue with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue scale (FACIT-F).

    RESULTS: The prevalence of low physical activity was higher among subjects with FEV1 < 80% predicted compared to non-COPD subjects (22.4% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.041). The factors most strongly associated with low physical activity in subjects with COPD were older age, OR 1.52, (95% CI 1.12-2.06), a history of heart disease, OR 2.11 (1.10-4.08), and clinically significant fatigue, OR 2.33 (1.31-4.13); while obesity was the only significant factor among non-COPD subjects, OR 2.26 (1.17-4.35).

    CONCLUSION: Physical activity levels are reduced when lung function is decreased below 80% of predicted, and the factors associated with low physical activity are different among subject with and without COPD. We propose that the presence of fatigue and heart disease are useful to evaluate when identifying subjects for pulmonary rehabilitation.

  • 5.
    Andersén, Heidi
    et al.
    Vaasa Central Hospital, Oncology Unit, Cancer Center, Vaasa, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
    Bhatta, Laxmi
    K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
    Bashir, Muwada
    Krefting Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Nwaru, Bright
    Krefting Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Langhammer, Arnulf
    Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway; HUNT Research Center, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
    Krokstad, Steinar
    Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway; HUNT Research Center, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
    Piirilä, Päivi
    Unit of Clinical Physiology, Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, HUS Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland; University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Hisinger-Mölkänen, Hanna
    University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Krefting Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Is there still a social gradient in respiratory symptoms? A population-based nordic EpiLung-study2024In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 223, article id 107561Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Respiratory symptoms are a common public health issue that can partly be attributed to preventable risk factors, such as tobacco smoking and occupational exposure, which are more common in individuals with lower socioeconomic status.

    Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the social gradient in respiratory symptoms in Nordic countries.

    Methods: This study included participants aged 30–65 years from five cross-sectional population-based questionnaire surveys in 2016 in Finland and Sweden (N = 25,423) and in 2017–2019 in Norway (N = 27,107). Occupational skill levels 1 and 2 (occupations requiring compulsory education) were combined and compared to skill levels 3 and 4 (occupations requiring upper secondary and tertiary education). Meta-analysis was conducted to obtain pooled age- and sex adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of associations between occupational skill and the respiratory symptoms including recurrent wheeze, dyspnoea, and productive cough.

    Results: In the meta-analysis, recurrent wheeze, dyspnoea, and productive cough showed a social gradient. The participants with occupational skill 1 and 2 had higher risk for recurrent wheeze (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.34–2.22) and dyspnoea (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.29–1.90) compared to occupational skill 3 and 4 in Sweden and Finland. Similarly increased risk was observed for combined assessment of dyspnoea and wheeze (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07) in Norway. In a meta-analysis including all three countries, the aOR for productive cough was 1.31 95% CI 1.07–1.56.

    Conclusions: Occupations with lower, compared to higher, skill levels were associated with an increased risk of recurrent wheeze, dyspnoea, and productive cough.

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  • 6.
    Axelsson, Malin
    et al.
    Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Nwaru, Bright I.
    Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Vanfleteren, Lowie
    Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; COPD Center, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Piirilä, Päivi
    Unit of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, University Central Hospital, Finland and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Jalasto, Juuso
    Unit of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, University Central Hospital, Finland and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Langhammer, Arnulf
    HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway; Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Seinäjoki, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
    Rådinger, Madeleine
    Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Krefting Research Centre, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Underdiagnosis and misclassification of COPD in Sweden: a Nordic Epilung study2023In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 217, article id 107347Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: The prevalence of COPD tends to level off in populations with decreasing prevalence of smoking but the extent of underdiagnosis in such populations needs further investigation. Aim: To investigate underdiagnosis and misclassification of COPD with a focus on socio-economy, lifestyle determinants and healthcare utilization.

    Method: The 1839 participants were selected from two ongoing large-scale epidemiological research programs: The Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies and the West Sweden Asthma Study. COPDGOLD was defined according to the fixed post-bronchodilator spirometric criteria FEV1/FVC<0.70 in combination with respiratory symptoms.

    Results: Among the 128 participants who fulfilled the criteria for COPDGOLD, the underdiagnosis was 83.6% (n = 107) of which 57.9% were men. The undiagnosed participants were younger, had higher FEV1% of predicted and less frequently a family history of bronchitis. One in four of the undiagnosed had utilized healthcare and had more frequently utilized healthcare due to a burden of respiratory symptoms than the general population without COPD. Underdiagnosis was not related to educational level. Misclassification of COPD was characterized by being a woman with low education, ever smoker, having respiratory symptoms and having a previous asthma diagnosis.

    Conclusion: In the high income country Sweden, the underdiagnosis of COPD was highly prevalent. Reduced underdiagnosis can contribute to risk factor modification, medical treatment and self-management strategies in early stages of the disease, which may prevent disease progression and improve the quality of life among those affected. Therefore, there is a need to increase the use of spirometry in primary care to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

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  • 7.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Eriksson, Berne
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Department of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Sovijärvi, Anssi
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Restrictive spirometric pattern in the general adult population: methods of defining the condition and consequences on prevalence2016In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 120, p. 116-123Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Attempts have been made to use dynamic spirometry to define restrictive lung function, but the definition of a restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP) varies between studies such as BOLD and NHANES. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of RSP among adults in northern Sweden based on different definitions.

    METHODS: In 2008-2009 a general population sample aged 21-86y within the obstructive lung disease in northern Sweden (OLIN) studies was examined by structured interview and spirometry, and 726 subjects participated (71% of invited). The prevalence of RSP was calculated according to three different definitions based on pre-as well as post-bronchodilator spirometry: 1) FVC < 80% & FEV1/FVC > 0.7 2) FVC < 80% & FEV1/FVC > LLN 3) FVC < LLN & FEV1/FVC > LLN RESULTS: The three definitions yielded RSP prevalence estimates of 10.5%, 11.2% and 9.4% respectively, when based on pre-bronchodilator values. The prevalence was lower when based on post-bronchodilator values, i.e. 7.3%, 7.9% and 6.6%. According to definition 1 and 2, the RSP prevalence increased by age, but not according to definition 3. The overlap between the definitions was substantial. When corrected for confounding factors, manual work in industry and diabetes with obesity were independently associated with an increased risk for RSP regardless of definition.

    CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of RSP was 7-11%. The prevalence estimates differed more depending on the choice of pre- compared to post-bronchodilator values than on the choice of RSP definition. RSP was, regardless of definition, independently associated with manual work in industry and diabetes with obesity.

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  • 8.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden..
    Eriksson, Berne
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden..
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden..
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Dept of Health Sciences, Luleå University, Luleå, Sweden..
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden..
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden..
    Decreased prevalence of moderate to severe COPD over 15 years in northern Sweden2016In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 114, p. 103-110Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: The burden of COPD in terms of mortality, morbidity, costs and prevalence has increased worldwide. Recent results on prevalence in Western Europe are conflicting. In Sweden smoking prevalence has steadily decreased over the past 30 years.

    AIM: The aim was to study changes in prevalence and risk factor patterns of COPD in the same area and within the same age-span 15 years apart.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two population-based cross-sectional samples in ages 23-72 years participating at examinations in 1994 and 2009, respectively, were compared in terms of COPD prevalence, severity and risk factor patterns. Two different definitions of COPD were used; FEV1/FVC < LLN and FEV1/FVC < 0.7. The severity of COPD was assessed by FEV1, both as % of predicted and in relation to the LLN.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of COPD decreased significantly from 9.5% to 6.3% (p = 0.030) according to the FEV1/FVC < LLN criterion, while the decrease based on the FEV1/FVC < 0.7 criterion from 10.5% to 8.5% was non-significant. The prevalence of moderate to severe COPD decreased substantially and significantly, and the risk factor pattern was altered in 2009 when, beside age and smoking, also socio-economic status based on occupation was significantly associated with COPD.

    CONCLUSIONS: Changes in both prevalence and risk factor patterns of COPD were observed between surveys. Following a continuing decrease in smoking habits over several decades, a decrease in the prevalence of moderate to severe COPD was observed from 1994 to 2009 in northern Sweden.

  • 9.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University, Luleå, Sweden.
    Muellerova, Hana
    Real-World Evidence&Epidemiology, GSK R&D, Uxbridge, UK.
    Wurst, Keele
    Real-World Evidence&Epidemiology, GSK R&D, Uxbridge, UK.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University, Luleå, Sweden.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Chronic airway obstruction in a population-based adult asthma cohort: Prevalence, incidence and prognostic factors2018In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 138, p. 115-122Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Asthma and COPD may overlap (ACO) but information about incidence and risk factors are lacking. This study aimed to estimate prevalence, incidence and risk factors of chronic airway obstruction (CAO) in a population-based adult asthma cohort.

    METHODS: /FVC<0.7.

    RESULTS: decline and higher levels of neutrophils than asthma only. Smoking, older age and male sex were independently associated with increased risk for both prevalent and incident CAO, while obesity had a protective effect.

    CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective adult asthma cohort, the majority did not develop CAO. Smoking, older age and male sex were risk factors for prevalent and incident CAO, similar to risk factors described for COPD in the general population.

  • 10.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Virchow, Johann Christian
    Depts. of Pneumology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Rostock, Germany.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
    COPD in women – new results presented2021In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 176, article id 106238Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 11.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Winsa-Lindmark, Sofia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of South Ostrobothnia, Seinäjoki, Finland; Tampere University Respiratory Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Krefting Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Warm, Katja
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Bossios, Apostolos
    Karolinska Severe Asthma Center, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    The interplay between obesity and blood neutrophils in adult-onset asthma2024In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 222, article id 107529Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Highlights:

    • Severe obesity strongly associates to blood neutrophils in adult-onset asthma.
    • B-neutrophils may partly mediate associations between obesity and asthma control.
    • Clinical evaluation of adult-onset asthma should include assessing B-neutrophils.
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  • 12.
    Bashir, Muwada Bashir Awad
    et al.
    Krefting Research Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Basna, Rani
    Krefting Research Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Krefting Research Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Andersén, Heidi
    Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University Respiratory Research Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Oncology Unit, Vaasa Keskussairaala, Vaasa, Finland.
    Wennergren, Göran
    Department of Paediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Bhatta, Laxmi
    K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Research Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Krefting Research Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland; Tampere University Respiratory Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Nwaru, Bright I.
    Krefting Research Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Interaction of smoking and social status on the risk of respiratory outcomes in a Swedish adult population: A Nordic Epilung study2023In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 211, article id 107192Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Evidence abounds on the independent roles of social class and smoking in relation to obstructive airway diseases, but data are sparse on the impact of their interaction. We evaluated whether and to what extent social class and smoking interact in relation to risk of respiratory diseases in adults.

    Methods: Data from the population-based studies, West Sweden Asthma Study (WSAS, n = 23,753) and Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden studies (OLIN, n = 6519), were used, constituting randomly selected adults aged 20–75 years. Bayesian network analysis was used to estimate the probability for the interaction between smoking and socioeconomic status in relation to respiratory outcomes.

    Results: Occupational and educational SES modified the association between smoking and the probability of allergic and non-allergic asthma. Former smokers who were at intermediate non manual employees and manual workers in service had higher probability of allergic asthma compared to professionals and executives. Furthermore, former smokers with primary education had higher probability of non-allergic asthma than those with secondary and tertiary education. Similarly, former smokers among professionals and executives had higher probability of non-allergic asthma than manual and home workers and primary educated. Likewise, allergic asthma due to former smoking was higher among highly educated compared to low educated.

    Conclusions: Beyond their independent roles, socioeconomic status and smoking interact in defining the risk of respiratory diseases. Clearer understanding of this interaction can help to identify population subgroups at most need of public health interventions.

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  • 13. Bjerg, Anders
    et al.
    Eriksson, Jonas
    Ólafsdóttir, Inga Sif
    Middelveld, Roelinde
    Franklin, Karl
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Forsberg, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Larsson, Kjell
    Torén, Kjell
    Dahlén, Sven-Erik
    Janson, Christer
    The association between asthma and rhinitis is stable over time despite diverging trends in prevalence2015In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 109, no 3, p. 312-319Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Despite the well-known association between asthma and rhinitis, in Swedish adults the prevalence of rhinitis rose from 22% to 31% between 1990 and 2008 while asthma prevalence was unchanged. We tested whether the association of rhinitis with asthma was stable over time using the same population-based databases.

    METHODS: Two surveys of adults (20-44 years) living in three regions of Sweden, carried out in 1990 (n = 8982) and 2008 (n = 9156) were compared. Identical questions regarding respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis were used. Asthmatic wheeze: Wheeze with breathlessness apart from colds. Current asthma: Asthma attacks and/or asthma medication use.

    RESULTS: Subjects with rhinitis had level time trends in asthmatic wheeze, current asthma and most nocturnal respiratory symptoms between 1990 and 2008, adjusted for age, sex, area and smoking. Any wheeze however decreased slightly. In never-smokers asthma symptoms were similarly associated with rhinitis in 1990 and 2008: any wheeze OR 4.0 vs. 4.4 (p = 0.339); asthmatic wheeze OR 6.0 vs. 5.9 (p = 0.937); and current asthma OR 9.6 vs. 7.7 (p = 0.213). In the whole population there were decreases in the asthma symptoms most closely associated to smoking, which decreased by half 1990-2008. Conversely current asthma, which was strongly associated with rhinitis and not with smoking, increased (p < 0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS: The association of rhinitis with asthma was stable between 1990 and 2008. The pattern in the time trends of asthma outcomes strongly suggests that decreased smoking counterbalanced the driving effect of increased rhinitis on asthma prevalence. The findings illustrate the public health benefits of decreased smoking.

  • 14.
    Björklund, Filip
    et al.
    Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Lund, Sweden.
    Palm, Andreas
    Uppsala University, Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Gorani, Jwan Abdulrazak
    Department of Medicine, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden.
    Ahmadi, Zainab
    Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Lund, Sweden.
    Sundh, Josefin
    Örebro University, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Örebro, Sweden.
    Theorell-Haglöw, Jenny
    Uppsala University, Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Ljunggren, Mirjam
    Uppsala University, Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Grote, Ludger
    Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden; Sahlgrenska Academy, Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Wadell, Karin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Section of Physiotherapy.
    Ekström, Magnus
    Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology, and Palliative Medicine, Lund, Sweden.
    Breathlessness and exercise performance to predict mortality in long-term oxygen therapy – The population-based DISCOVERY study2023In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 216, article id 107306Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Patients with chronic respiratory failure treated with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) often have severe breathlessness, impaired exercise performance, and high but variable mortality that is difficult to predict. We aimed to evaluate breathlessness and exercise performance upon starting LTOT as predictors of overall and short-term mortality.

    Methods: This was a longitudinal, population-based study of patients who initiated LTOT between 2015 and 2018 in Sweden. Breathlessness was measured using the Dyspnea Exertion Scale, and exercise performance using the 30s-Sit-To-Stand test. Associations with overall and three-month mortality were analyzed using Cox-regression. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) respectively. The predictive capacity of models was assessed using a C-statistic.

    Results: A total of 441 patients (57.6% female, aged 75.4 ± 8.3 years) were analyzed, of whom 141 (32%) died during a median follow-up of 260 (IQR 75–460) days. Both breathlessness and exercise performance were independently associated with overall mortality in the crude models, but only exercise performance remained independently associated with overall mortality when models were adjusted for other predictors, when short-term mortality was analyzed, or when breathlessness and exercise capacity were analyzed concurrently. The multivariable model including exercise performance but not breathlessness provided a relatively high predictive capacity for overall mortality, C-statistic 0.756 (95% CI 0.702–0.810). Similar results were seen in the COPD and ILD subgroups.

    Conclusion: Exercise performance as measured by the 30s-STS may be useful to identify patients with higher mortality on LTOT for optimized management and follow-up.

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  • 15.
    Bosson, Jenny
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Pourazar, Jamshid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Forsberg, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Ädelroth, Ellinor
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Sandström, Thomas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Ozone enhances the airway inflammation initiated by diesel exhaust.2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 6, p. 1140-1146Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse health effects, with particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O(3)) both indicated to be of considerable importance. Diesel engine exhaust (DE) and O(3) generate substantial inflammatory effects in the airways. However, as yet it has not been determined whether a subsequent O(3) exposure would add to the diesel-induced airway inflammatory effects. Healthy subjects underwent two separate exposure series: A 1-h DE exposure at a PM-concentration of 300 microg/m(3), followed after 5h by a 2-h exposure to filtered air and 0.2 ppm O(3), respectively. Induced sputum was collected 18 h after the second exposure. A significant increase in the percentage of neutrophils (PMN) and concentration of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was seen in sputum post DE+O(3) vs. DE+air (p<0.05 and <0.05, respectively). Significant associations were observed between the responses in MPO concentration and total PMN cells (p=0.001), and also between MPO and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) (p<0.001). The significant increase of PMN and MPO after the DE+O(3) exposures, compared to DE+air, denotes an O(3)-induced magnification of the DE-induced inflammation. Furthermore, the correlation between responses in MPO and number of PMNs and MMP-9 illustrate that the PMNs are activated, resulting in a more potent inflammatory response. The present study indicates that O(3) exposure adds significantly to the inflammatory response that is established by diesel exhaust. This interaction between exposure to particulate pollution and O(3) in sequence should be taken into consideration when health effects of air pollution are considered.

  • 16. Carsin, Anne-Elie
    et al.
    Fuertes, Elaine
    Schaffner, Emmanuel
    Jarvis, Debbie
    Antó, Josep M.
    Heinrich, Joachim
    Bellisario, Valeria
    Svanes, Cecilie
    Keidel, Dirk
    Imboden, Medea
    Weyler, Joost
    Nowak, Dennis
    Martinez-Moratalla, Jesus
    Gullón, José-Antonio
    Sanchez Ramos, José Luis
    Caviezel, Seraina
    Beckmeyer-Borowko, Anna
    Raherison, Chantal
    Pin, Isabelle
    Demoly, Pascal
    Cerveri, Isa
    Accordini, Simone
    Gislason, Thorarinn
    Toren, Kjell
    Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Goteburg, Sweden..
    Forsberg, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Janson, Christer
    Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden..
    Jogi, Rain
    Emtner, Margareta
    Gómez Real, Francisco
    Raza, Wasif
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Leynaert, Bénédicte
    Pascual, Silvia
    Guerra, Stefano
    Dharmage, Shyamali C.
    Probst-Hensch, Nicole
    Garcia-Aymerich, Judith
    Restrictive spirometry pattern is associated with low physical activity levels: A population based international study2019In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 146, p. 116-123Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: Restrictive spirometry pattern is an under-recognised disorder with a poor morbidity and mortality prognosis. We compared physical activity levels between adults with a restrictive spirometry pattern and with normal spirometry.

    Methods: Restrictive spirometry pattern was defined as a having post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ≥ Lower Limit of Normal and a FVC<80% predicted in two population-based studies (ECRHS-III and SAPALDIA3). Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The odds of having low physical activity (<1st study-specific tertile) was evaluated using adjusted logistic regression models.

    Results: Subjects with a restrictive spirometry pattern (n = 280/4721 in ECRHS, n = 143/3570 in SAPALDIA) reported lower levels of physical activity than those with normal spirometry (median of 1770 vs 2253 MET·min/week in ECRHS, and 3519 vs 3945 MET·min/week in SAPALDIA). Subjects with a restrictive spirometry pattern were more likely to report low physical activity (meta-analysis odds ratio: 1.41 [95%CI 1.07–1.86]) than those with a normal spirometry. Obesity, respiratory symptoms, co-morbidities and previous physical activity levels did not fully explain this finding.

    Conclusion: Adults with a restrictive spirometry pattern were more likely to report low levels of physical activity than those with normal spirometry. These results highlight the need to identify and act on this understudied but prevalent condition.

  • 17. Ekerljung, Linda
    et al.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Obstructive Lung Disease In Northern Sweden (OLIN) Studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden.
    Larsson, Kjell
    Sundblad, Britt-Marie
    Bjerg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Obstructive Lung Disease In Northern Sweden (OLIN) Studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden.
    Ahlstedt, Staffan
    Dahlén, Sven-Erik
    Lundbäck, Bo
    No further increase of incidence of asthma: incidence, remission and relapse of adult asthma in Sweden2008In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 102, no 12, p. 1730-1736Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Knowledge about time trends of disease patterns in society is essential for planning and prioritizing health care resources. Longitudinal population-based studies on asthma are scarce but provide an opportunity to assess incidence, remission and relapse of asthma, and their determinants, which were the objectives of the present study.

    METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent on two occasions, 1996 and 2006, to a randomly selected sample of subjects aged 20-69 years in 1996. The response rates were 72% and 83%, respectively, and in total 4479 subjects participated in both surveys. The questionnaire included questions on asthma, respiratory symptoms and possible determinants. Logistic regression was used to assess determinants.

    RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of asthma was 2.4% (men 1.9%; women 2.8%, p=0.06). Family histories of asthma (OR 2.31, CI 95% 1.42-3.76), rhinitis (OR 2.25, CI 95% 1.43-3.53) and being an ex-smoker (OR 2.17, CI 95% 1.27-3.71) were determinants for incident asthma. The 10-year remission of asthma was 14.6% and inversely associated with rhinitis. Relapse was found in 38% of eligible subjects.

    CONCLUSIONS: The current study with high participation rates concludes that the incidence of asthma among adults has been stable in Sweden for the past two decades. Remission was associated with mild disease at study start. Relapse in adults has rarely been reported previously and provide new insight in the course of asthma. Low remission and high relapse further support the view of asthma as a chronic disease; possibly representing fluctuations of the disease over time.

  • 18. Eriksson, Berne
    et al.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Muellerova, Hana
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundback, Bo
    Association of heart diseases with COPD and restrictive lung function - Results from a population survey2013In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 107, no 1, p. 98-106Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: Few studies have explored the association of COPD, based on GOLD definition, with heart diseases. The relationship between restrictive lung function impairment and heart diseases is still poorly studied on a population level. Objectives: To explore the association of COPD and restrictive lung function impairment, respectively, with heart diseases in the general population. Design: This is a cross-sectional study of 642 randomly selected 22- to 72-year-old subjects in northern Sweden. COPD was defined according to GOLD. Restrictive lung function was defined as pre-bronchodilator FVC <80% of predicted value and FEV1/FVC >= 0.7. Results: The prevalence of ischemic heart disease was 4% in subjects with normal spirometry, 13% in subjects with COPD, and 21% in those with restrictive lung function. The prevalence of heart diseases increased with COPD severity. On the other hand, the prevalence of COPD was particularly high in the group reporting myocardial infarction. In subjects reporting different heart diseases, the prevalence of restrictive lung function was high. In multivariate analyses including age, sex, smoking habits, family history of obstructive airway disease, body mass index, and socio-economic status as independent variables, COPD was associated with ischemic heart disease (odds ratio [OR] 2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-6.08) and ischemic heart disease with COPD (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.03-5.61). Conclusion: The study shows a strong association between COPD and cardiovascular diseases and indicates a strong association between restrictive lung function and heart diseases. Both obstructive and restrictive lung function impairments were common among subjects with heart diseases and vice versa.

  • 19. Eriksson, Jonas
    et al.
    Bjerg, Anders
    Lotvall, Jan
    Wennergren, Goran
    Rönnmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Toren, Kjell
    Lundback, Bo
    Rhinitis phenotypes correlate with different symptom presentation and risk factor patterns of asthma2011In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 105, no 11, p. 1611-1621Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Asthma and rhinitis frequently coexist, but no population study has previously determined the relationship between nasal comorbidities and symptom expression and risk factors of asthma.

    Methods: In 2008, a postal questionnaire on respiratory health was sent to 30 000 randomly selected subjects aged 16-75 years in West Sweden; 29218 could be traced and 18 087 (62%) responded. The questionnaire included questions on asthma, rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, respiratory symptoms and possible determinants.

    Results: Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in asthma was 63.9% and of asthma in allergic rhinitis 19.8%. Prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis in asthma was 8.4% and of asthma in chronic rhinosinusitis 24.4%. Asthma subjects with chronic rhinitis, or chronic rhinosinusitis, had more symptoms of asthma and bronchitis than those without rhinitis (p < 0.001). There was an obvious trend of higher ORs for various environmental exposures including occupational exposure to dust, gases and fumes (OR 2.32 vs. OR 1.44), visible mould at home (OR 1.72 vs. OR 1.27) and water damage at home (OR 1.82 vs. OR 1.06) for asthma with chronic rhinosinusitis than for asthma with allergic rhinitis. Family history of allergy yielded a higher OR for asthma with allergic rhinitis than with asthma with chronic rhinosinusitis (OR 7.15 vs. OR 4.48).

    Conclusion: Considerable overlap between asthma and nasal comorbidities was documented, confirming a close relationship between nasal disease and asthma. Allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis were associated with different risk factor patterns and symptom expression of asthma. Thus, different nasal comorbidities may reflect different phenotypes of asthma. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  • 20.
    Franklin, Karl
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine. Lungmedicin.
    Gustafson, Torbjörn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine. Lungmedicin.
    Ranstam, Jonas
    Ström, Kerstin
    Survival and future need of long-term oxygen therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease--gender differences.2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 7, p. 1506-1511Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We aimed to study trends in gender-related differences in incidence, and prevalence for tong-term oxygen therapy due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Another aim was to study survival after onset of oxygen therapy.

    Prospectively followed were 5689 Swedish patients, who were prescribed oxygen therapy because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from 1987 to 2000.

    The annual incidence of women starting oxygen therapy increased more rapidly than that in men. In 2000, 7.6 per 100,000 women started treatment compared with 7.1 in men. The frequency of ever smoking in Sweden in the age group receiving oxygen, i.e. age 65-84 years, was 36.4% in women and 65.0% in men, indicating that women ran a higher risk of developing an oxygen-requiring chronic hypoxaemia. An increase in women requiring oxygen therapy is predicted due to the increase in smoking frequency in young and middle-aged women and it is estimated that about 70% of Swedish patients on oxygen in 2026 will be women, with an estimated prevalence of 61 per 100,000.

    In conclusion, the incidence and prevalence for tong-term oxygen therapy increases more rapidly among women than in men. This is probably due to the increased frequency of smoking in women compared with men and a higher susceptibility to develop severe hypoxaemia in women. The survival is better in women with long-term oxygen therapy than in men.

  • 21.
    Gustafson, Torbjörn
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine. Lungmedicin.
    Dahlman-Höglund, Anna
    Nilsson, Kenneth
    Ström, Kerstin
    Tornling, Göran
    Torén, Kjell
    Occupational exposure and severe pulmonary fibrosis2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 10, p. 2207-2212Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BackgroundExternal agents, especially metal and wood dust, are believed to be risk factors for development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The aim of this case–control study was to investigate which occupational exposure types are associated with development of severe pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and especially IPF.MethodsAn extensive postal questionnaire including 30 specific items regarding occupational exposure was completed by 181 patients with severe PF and respiratory failure reported to the Swedish Oxygen Register, among whom 140 were judged as having IPF. The questionnaire was also completed by 757 control subjects. We stratified data for age, sex and smoking and calculated odds ratios (ORs).ResultsWe found increased risk for IPF in men with exposure to birch dust (OR 2.7, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.30–5.65) and hardwood dust (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.14–6.52). Men also had slightly increased ORs associated with birds. We did not find any increased risk in association with metal dust exposure.ConclusionExposure for birch and hardwood dust may contribute to the risk for IPF in men.

  • 22.
    Gustafson, Torbjörn
    et al.
    Department of Medicine, Skellefteå Hospital, SE-931 86 Skellefteå, Sweden.
    Löfdahl, Kerstin
    Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden.
    Ström, Kerstin
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Blekinge Hospital, SE-371 85 Karlskrona, Sweden.
    A model of quality assessment in patients on long-term oxygen therapy2009In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 103, no 2, p. 209-215Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 23. Hagg, Shadi Amid
    et al.
    Ljunggren, Mirjam
    Janson, Christer
    Holm, Mathias
    Franklin, Karl A.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Gislason, Thorarinn
    Johannessen, Ane
    Jogi, Rain
    Olin, Anna-Carin
    Schluenssen, Vivi
    Lindberg, Eva
    Smokers with insomnia symptoms are less likely to stop smoking2020In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 170, article id 106069Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: Smoking is associated with sleep disturbances. The aim of this study was to analyze whether sleep disturbances are predictors of smoking cessation and whether continued smoking is associated with the development of sleep disturbances.

    Methods: A questionnaire was sent to randomly selected men and women in Northern Europe in 1999-2001 (RHINE II) and was followed up by a questionnaire in 2010-2012 (RHINE III). The study population consisted of 2568 participants who were smokers at baseline and provided data on smoking at follow-up. Insomnia symptoms were defined as having difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep and/or early morning awakening >= 3 nights/week. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (OR).

    Results: Subjects with difficulty initiating sleep (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 0.6; 0.4-0.8), difficulty maintaining sleep (0.7; 0.5-0.9), early morning awakening (0.6; 0.4-0.8), any insomnia symptom (0.6; 0.5-0.8) or excessive daytime sleepiness (0.7; 0.5-0.8) were less likely to achieve long-term smoking cessation after adjustment for age, BMI, pack-years, hypertension, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, asthma, gender and BMI difference. There was no significant association between snoring and smoking cessation. In subjects without sleep disturbance at baseline, continued smoking increased the risk of developing difficulty initiating sleep during the follow-up period compared with those that had quit smoking (adj. OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.3).

    Conclusions: Insomnia symptoms and excessive daytime sleepiness negatively predict smoking cessation. Smoking is a risk factor for the development of difficulty initiating sleep. Treatment for sleep disturbances should be included in smoking-cessation programs.

  • 24. Hagstad, Stig
    et al.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Obstructive Lung Disease In Northern Sweden (OLIN) Studies, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå, Sweden.
    Bjerg, Anders
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Ye, Xiong
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Obstructive Lung Disease In Northern Sweden (OLIN) Studies, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå, Sweden.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine. Unit of Research , Education and Development - Luleå, Umeå University .
    Torén, Kjell
    Lötvall, Jan
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Obstructive Lung Disease In Northern Sweden (OLIN) Studies, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå, Sweden.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Prevalence and risk factors of COPD among never-smokers in two areas of Sweden: Occupational exposure to gas, dust or fumes is an important risk factor2015In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 109, no 11, p. 1439-1445Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Although active tobacco smoking is the main risk factor for COPD, COPD is not uncommon also among never-smokers. Different study locations along with different spirometric definitions of COPD have historically yielded different prevalence estimates of the disease.

    AIM: To study current prevalence and risk factors of COPD among never-smokers in two areas of Sweden.

    METHODS: Data collected in 2008-2012 within the West Sweden Asthma Study and Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies was pooled. The study population consisted of 1839 subjects who participated in spirometry and interviews. COPD was defined as post-bronchodilator a) FEV1/(F)VC < 0.7, b) FEV1/FVC < 0.7 and c) FEV1/FVC < lower limit of normal.

    RESULTS: Of the 1839 subjects, 967 (52.6%) were never-smokers. Among the never-smoking subjects, the prevalence of COPD according to definitions a-c was 7.7%, 4.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The corresponding prevalence of GOLD grade ≥2 was 2.0%, 1.4% and 1.3%. No significant difference in prevalence between the two study areas was observed. In never-smokers, occupational exposure to gas, dust or fumes (GDF) was significantly associated with both COPD (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.03-3.33), and GOLD ≥2 (OR 4.51, 1.72-11.9) according to definition a), after adjusting for age, educational level and exposure to passive smoking at work.

    CONCLUSION: Depending on definition, prevalence of COPD among never-smokers was 3.0-7.7%, whereas GOLD ≥2 was present in 1.3-2.0%. Occupational exposure to GDF remained independently and significantly associated with COPD regardless of spirometric definition of the disease.

  • 25. Hagstad, Stig
    et al.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundback, Bo
    COPD among non-smokers: Report from the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies2012In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 106, no 7, p. 980-988Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: In westernized countries smoking and increasing age are the most important risk factors for COPD. Prevalence and risk factors of COPD among non-smokers are not well studied. Aim: To study the prevalence and risk factors of COPD among non-smokers and to determine the proportion of non-smokers among subjects with COPD. Methods: A random sample of 2470 subjects drawn from a population-based postal survey of 10,040 (85-88% participation) adults (aged 20-77) in Norrbotten, Sweden, were invited to structured interviews and lung function tests, and 1897 participated. COPD was classified using the fixed ratio (GOLD) definition and for comparison the lower limit of normal (LLN). Results: The prevalence of airway obstruction was 6.9% among non-smokers and strongly age related. The prevalence of GOLD stage >= II among non-smokers was 15%. Both among subjects with airway obstruction and among subjects with GOLD stage >= II, the proportions of nonsmokers were 20%. Of men with airway obstruction, 14.1% were non-smokers versus 26.8% among women. Non-smokers with GOLD stage >= II had significantly more symptoms and higher co-morbidity than non-smokers without airway obstruction. Sex, area of domicile and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke was not significantly associated to airway obstruction among non-smokers. Using LLN for defining airway obstruction yielded a similar prevalence. Conclusion: The prevalence of airway obstruction among non-smokers was close to 7% and was associated with increasing age. One out of seven men with airway obstruction, defined using the fixed ratio, versus one out of four women had never smoked. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  • 26.
    Hedman, Linnéa
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Bjerg Bäcklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Perzanowski, Matthew
    Sundberg, Sigrid
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Factors related to tobacco use among teenagers2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 3, p. 496-502Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM: To examine tobacco use among teenagers, identify factors related to tobacco use, as well as evaluate the outcome of a smoking prevention program.

    METHODS: From age 7/8 to 14/15, annual questionnaires about asthma and allergy have been completed in the OLIN paediatric study in Northern Sweden. From 12/13 years, questions about tobacco use, i.e. smoking and snuff, were added. A smoking prevention program was performed during 2 years.

    RESULTS: Any tobacco use increased from 5.0% at age 12/13 years, to 14.4% at age 14/15. At age 14/15 years, the prevalence of tobacco use was significantly higher among boys than girls (16.7 and 12.0%, respectively). More girls than boys smoked (8.9 and 2.8%, respectively), while use of snuff was more common among the boys (15.6 and 4.2%, respectively). Significant risk factors for smoking were any of the family members currently smoking, OR 6.1 (95% CI 4.0-9.3) and a physician-diagnosed asthma at the age of 14/15 years, OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-3.0). A protective factor against tobacco use was participation in sports, OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.2-0.4). The prevention program did not result in less tobacco use, although it may have delayed smoking initiation.

    CONCLUSION: The patterns of tobacco use differed significantly between boys and girls. Though any tobacco use was more common among boys, girls were more likely to smoke, and boys were more likely to use snuff. Having asthma did not prevent the teenagers from smoking. Since having a smoking family member was the major risk factor for tobacco use, prevention programs should be directed at smoking families in addition to the individuals.

  • 27. Hellgren, Johan
    et al.
    Omenaas, Ernst
    Gíslason, Thórarinn
    Jögi, Rain
    Franklin, Karl
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Lindberg, Eva
    Janson, Christer
    Torén, Kjell
    Perennial non-infectious rhinitis--an independent risk factor for sleep disturbances in Asthma.2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 5, p. 1015-20Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim of the studyTo evaluate if perennial non-infectious rhinitis is associated with sleep disturbances in asthma.Materials and methodsThis is a questionnaire based study in a random population sample from Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Norway and Sweden aged 30–54 yr. A total of 1127 individuals reporting asthma from an original random population sample of 16,191 were analysed regarding their quality of sleep in relation to perennial non-infectious rhinitis. Perennial non-infectious rhinitis was defined as having nasal symptoms such as nasal blockage and secretion in the absence of common cold, always. Asthma was defined as both ever having had asthma and having physician diagnosed asthma. Odds ratios (OR) for difficulties inducing sleep, difficulties maintaining sleep, early morning awakenings and daytime sleepiness were calculated in a multiple logistic regression controlling for other risk factors for sleep disturbances such as snoring, wheeze, obesity and smoking.ResultsThe response rate was 74%. A total of 189 (17%) of the subjects with asthma reported perennial non-infectious rhinitis. Perennial non-infectious rhinitis was associated with an increased OR for difficulties maintaining sleep (1.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.3)), early morning awakenings (1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.2)) and daytime sleepiness (1.8 (95% CI 1.2–2.9)). The result show that perennial non-infectious rhinitis is an independant risk factor for sleep disturbances in asthma.

  • 28. Holm, Mathias
    et al.
    Schiöler, Linus
    Andersson, Eva
    Forsberg, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Gislason, Thorarinn
    Janson, Christer
    Jogi, Rain
    Schlünssen, Vivi
    Svanes, Cecilie
    Torén, Kjell
    Predictors of smoking cessation: a longitudinal study in a large cohort of smokers2017In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 132, p. 164-169Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: There are few studies on predictors of smoking cessation in general populations. We studied the smoking cessation rate in relation to several potential predictors, with special focus on respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

    Methods: Smokers (n = 4636) from seven centres in Northern Europe, born between 1945 and 1973, who answered a questionnaire in 1999–2001 (the RHINE study) were followed up with a new questionnaire in 2010–2012. Altogether 2564 answered the questionnaire and provided complete data on smoking. Cox regression analyses were performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs).

    Results: A total of 999 subjects (39%) stopped smoking during the study period. The smoking cessation rate was 44.9/1000 person-years. Smoking cessation was more common with increasing age, higher education and fewer years of smoking. Asthma, wheeze, hay fever, chronic bronchitis, diabetes and hypertension did not significantly predict smoking cessation, but smokers hospitalized for ischaemic heart disease during the study period were more prone to stopping smoking (HR 3.75 [2.62–5.37]).

    Conclusions: Successful smoking cessation is common in middle-aged smokers, and is associated with few smoking years and higher education. A diagnosis of respiratory disease does not appear to motivate people to quit smoking, nor do known cardiovascular risk factors; however, an acute episode of ischaemic heart disease encouraged smoking cessation in our study population.

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  • 29. Honkamaki, Jasmin
    et al.
    Hisinger-Molkanen, Hanna
    Ilmarinen, Pinja
    Piirila, Paivi
    Tuomisto, Leena E.
    Andersen, Heidi
    Huhtala, Heini
    Sovijarvi, Anssi
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lehtimaki, Lauri
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Age- and gender-specific incidence of new asthma diagnosis from childhood to late adulthood2019In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 154, p. 56-62Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Asthma is currently divided into different phenotypes, with age at onset as a relevant differentiating factor. In addition, asthma with onset in adulthood seems to have a poorer prognosis, but studies investigating age-specific incidence of asthma with a wide age span are scarce.

    Objective: To evaluate incidence of asthma diagnosis at different ages and differences between child- and adult-diagnosed asthma in a large population-based study, with gender-specific analyzes included.

    Methods: In 2016, a respiratory questionnaire was sent to 8000 randomly selected subjects aged 20-69 years in western Finland. After two reminders, 4173 (52.3%) subjects responded. Incidence rate of asthma was retrospectively estimated based on the reported age of asthma onset. Adult-diagnosed asthma was defined as a physician-diagnosis of asthma made at >= 18 years of age.

    Results: Among those with physician-diagnosed asthma, altogether, 63.7% of subjects, 58.4% of men and 67.8% of women, reported adult-diagnosed asthma. Incidence of asthma diagnosis was calculated in 10-year age groups and it peaked in young boys (0-9 years) and middle-aged women (40-49 years) and the average incidence rate during the examined period between 1946 and 2015 was 2.2/1000/year. Adult-diagnosed asthma became the dominant phenotype among those with physician-diagnosed asthma by age of 50 years and 38 years in men and women, respectively.

    Conclusions: Asthma is mainly diagnosed during adulthood and the incidence of asthma diagnosis peaks in middle-aged women. Asthma diagnosed in adulthood should be considered more in clinical practice and management guidelines.

  • 30.
    Jalasto, Juuso
    et al.
    Department of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Lassmann-Klee, Paul
    Department of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Schyllert, Christian
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Luukkonen, Ritva
    Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
    Meren, Mari
    National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia and North Estonia Medical Centre Foundation, Tallinn, Estonia.
    Larsson, Matz
    Clinical Health Promotion Centre, University of Lund, and Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    Põlluste, Jaak
    National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia and North Estonia Medical Centre Foundation, Tallinn, Estonia.
    Sundblad, Britt-Marie
    Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Lindqvist, Ari
    Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland.
    Krokstad, Steinar
    HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland; Tampere University Respiratory Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
    Kauppi, Paula
    Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland.
    Sovijärvi, Anssi
    Department of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Haahtela, Tari
    Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health. Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Piirilä, Päivi
    Department of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Occupation, socioeconomic status and chronic obstructive respiratory diseases: The EpiLung study in Finland, Estonia and Sweden2022In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 191, article id 106403Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: To study occupational groups and occupational exposure in association with chronic obstructive respiratory diseases.

    Methods: In early 2000s, structured interviews on chronic respiratory diseases and measurements of lung function as well as fractional expiratory nitric oxide (FENO) were performed in adult random population samples of Finland, Sweden and Estonia. Occupations were categorized according to three classification systems. Occupational exposure to vapours, gases, dusts and fumes (VGDF) was assessed by a Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM). The data from the countries were combined.

    Results: COPD, smoking and occupational exposure were most common in Estonia, while asthma and occupations requiring higher educational levels in Sweden and Finland. In an adjusted regression model, non-manual workers had a three-fold risk for physician-diagnosed asthma (OR 3.18, 95%CI 1.07–9.47) compared to professionals and executives, and the risk was two-fold for healthcare & social workers (OR 2.28, 95%CI 1.14–4.59) compared to administration and sales. An increased risk for physician-diagnosed COPD was seen in manual workers, regardless of classification system, but in contrast to asthma, the risk was mostly explained by smoking and less by occupational exposure to VGDF. For FENO, no associations with occupation were observed.

    Conclusions: In this multicenter study from Finland, Sweden and Estonia, COPD was consistently associated with manual occupations with high smoking prevalence, highlighting the need to control for tobacco smoking in studies on occupational associations. In contrast, asthma tended to associate with non-manual occupations requiring higher educational levels. The occupational associations with asthma were not driven by eosinophilic inflammation presented by increased FENO.

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  • 31.
    Janaudis-Ferreira, Tania
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
    Wadell, Karin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
    Sundelin, Gunnevi
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
    Lindström, Britta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
    Thigh muscle strength and endurance in patients with COPD compared with healthy controls.2006In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 100, no 8, p. 1451-1457Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 32.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Axelsson, Malin
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Department of Health Science, Division of Nursing, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Leander, Mai
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Subjects with well-controlled asthma have similar health-related quality of life as subjects without asthma2016In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 120, p. 64-69Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: The burden of asthma and rhinitis on health-related quality of life (HRQL) among adults has been assessed mainly in studies of patients seeking health-care, while population-based studies are relatively scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate HRQL among subjects with asthma and rhinitis derived from a random population sample and to identify factors related to impairment of HRQL.

    METHODS: A randomly selected cohort was invited to participate in a postal questionnaire survey. Of those who responded, a stratified sample of 1016 subjects was invited to clinical examinations and interviews, and 737 subjects in ages 21-86 years participated. Of these, 646 completed HRQL questions. HRQL was assessed with the generic SF-36 Health Survey.

    RESULTS: The physical score was lower among subjects with asthma vs. subjects without asthma (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the mental score. Subjects with well-controlled asthma had higher physical score compared to subjects with partly and un-controlled asthma (p = 0.002). Actually, subjects with well-controlled asthma had similar physical HRQL as subjects without asthma. Asthmatics who were current smokers had lower physical score compared to those who were non-smokers (p = 0.021). No significant differences in physical or mental scores were found between subjects with and without rhinitis. Subjects with both asthma and rhinitis had lower physical score compared to subjects without these conditions (p < 0.001), but subjects with asthma alone had even worse physical score.

    CONCLUSIONS: The physical score was significantly lower in asthmatics compared to subjects without asthma. Importantly, non-smoking and well-controlled asthmatics have similar HRQL compared to subjects without asthma. Thus, subjects with asthma should be supported to achieve and maintain good asthma control and if they smoke, be offered smoking cessation as means to improve their HRQL.

  • 33.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Andersson, Maria
    Telg, Gunilla
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden..
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Severe asthma is related to high societal costs and decreased health related quality of life2020In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 162, article id 105860Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to estimate the societal costs and the key cost drivers for patients with severe asthma in Sweden. In addition, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and morbidity of patients with severe asthma is described.

    METHODS: The study population comprised adults with severe asthma recruited from a large asthma cohort within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies. During 2017, patients were interviewed quarterly over telephone regarding their resource utilization and productivity losses.

    RESULTS: Estimated mean annual asthma-related costs per patient with severe asthma amounted to €6,500, of which approximately €2400 and €4100 were direct and indirect costs, respectively. The main cost drivers for direct costs were hospitalizations followed by drugs: approximately €1000 and €800, respectively. Patients on treatment with regular oral corticosteroids (OCS) had greater direct costs compared with those without regular OCS treatment. Co-morbid conditions were common and the costs were substantial also for co-morbid conditions, with a total cost of approximately €4200. The OCS group had significantly lower HRQOL compared to the non-OCS group.

    CONCLUSIONS: The societal costs due to severe asthma were substantial. Costs for co-morbid conditions contributed substantially to both direct and indirect costs. The direct costs were significantly higher in the maintenance OCS-group compared to the non-maintenance OCS-group. These results indicate a need for improved management and treatment regimens for patients with severe asthma.

  • 34.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Stenling, Anna
    AstraZeneca Nordic-Baltic, Department of Health Economics, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Health economic costs of COPD in Sweden by disease severity: has it changed during a ten years period?2013In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 107, no 12, p. 1931-1938Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the presented study were to estimate societal costs of COPD in Sweden, the relationship between costs and disease severity, and possible changes in the costs during the last decade.

    METHODS: Subjects with COPD derived from the general population in Northern Sweden were interviewed by telephone regarding their resource utilisation and productivity losses four times quarterly during 2009-10. Mean annual costs were estimated for each severity stage of COPD.

    RESULTS: A strong relationship was found between disease severity and costs. Estimated mean annual costs per subject of mild, moderate, severe and very severe COPD amounted to 596 (SEK 5686), 3245 (SEK 30,957), 5686 (SEK 54,242), and 17,355 euros (SEK 165,569), respectively. The main cost drivers for direct costs were hospitalisations (for very severe COPD) and drugs (all other severity stages). The main cost driver for indirect costs was productivity loss due to sick-leave (for mild COPD) and early retirement (all other severity stages). Costs appeared to be lower in 2010 than in 1999 for subjects with severe and very severe COPD, but higher for those with mild and moderate COPD.

    CONCLUSION: Our results show that costs of COPD are strongly related to disease severity, and scaling the data to the whole Swedish population indicates that the total costs in Sweden amounted to 1.5 billion euros (SEK 13.9 bn) in 2010. In addition, costs have decreased since 1999 for subjects with severe and very severe COPD, but increased for those with mild and moderate COPD.

  • 35.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Forsberg, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Löfgren, Curt
    Lindberg, Anne
    Lundbäck, Bo
    The economic consequences of asthma among adults in Sweden.2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 11, p. 2263-70Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: Asthma is a common disease in most countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the societal costs for subjects with asthma. METHODS: Telephone interviews regarding resource utilization were made in a representative sample of 115 randomly selected subjects with asthma derived from a large population study of obstructive airway diseases. Direct and indirect costs were measured, and the costs were also transformed with the estimated prevalence of asthma in Sweden. RESULTS: Average annual costs were SEK 15919 (USD 1592; EUR 1768) per subject with asthma in the ages between 25 and 56 years. The direct and indirect costs were SEK 4931 (31.0%) and SEK 10988 (69.0%), respectively, and were highly dependent of age and disease severity. Assuming that the prevalence is representative for Sweden as a whole, the asthmatics would amount to 226000 in the ages between 25 and 56 years, corresponding to an overall prevalence in Sweden of 6-7%. The total costs of asthma for the society amounted thus to SEK 3.7 billion in these ages. CONCLUSIONS: The total costs of asthma for the society could be estimated at 3.7 billion SEK in the age range of 25-56 years, and thus approximately twice as high in the whole population of Sweden. The costs were strongly dependent on disease severity and increasing age.

  • 36. Jerning, Camilla
    et al.
    Martinander, Emma
    Bjerg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Franklin, Karl
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Järvholm, Bengt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Larsson, Kjell
    Malinovschi, Andrei
    Middelveld, Roelinde
    Emtner, Margareta
    Janson, Christer
    Asthma and physical activity: a population based study results from the Swedish GA(2)LEN survey2013In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 107, no 11, p. 1651-1658Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Having asthma has in previous reports been related to a lower physical activity level. At the same time the prevalence of asthma among elite athletes is high. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity level and asthma.

    METHODS: A postal questionnaire was completed by 25,610 individuals in Sweden. Current asthma was defined as having had an asthma attack during the last 12 months or current use of asthma medication. The participants were asked how often and for how many hours a week they were physically active.

    RESULTS: In the population 1830 subjects (7.1%) had current asthma. There was no significant difference in the proportion of subjects that reported being inactive or slightly physically active between asthmatic and non-asthmatics (57 vs. 58%) while the proportion of subjects that were vigorously physically active (≥2 times a week and ≥7 h per week) was higher among the subjects with asthma (6.7 vs. 4.8%, p < 0.0001). Being vigorously physically active was independently related to current asthma (OR (95% CI)) 1.40 (1.11-1.77)), wheeze (1.39 (1.17-1.65)), wheeze and breathlessness (1.68 (1.38-2.04)), and wheezing without having a cold (1.39 (1.13-1.71)). The association between being vigorously physically active and wheeze was significantly stronger in women compared to men.

    CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the proportion of subjects with a reported low level of physical activity between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Health care professionals should, however, be aware of the increased prevalence of asthma and asthma-related symptoms in vigorously physically active subjects.

  • 37.
    Kisiel, Marta A.
    et al.
    Department of Medical Sciences: Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Arnfelt, Oscar
    Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Lindberg, Eva
    Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Jogi, Oscar
    Lung Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
    Malinovschi, Andrei
    Department of Medical Sciences: Clinical Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Johannessen, Ane
    Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
    Benediktsdottir, Bryndis
    The Medical Faculty, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Sleep, Landspitali University Hospital Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland.
    Franklin, Karl A.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences.
    Holm, Mathias
    Section of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Real, Francisco Gomez
    Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
    Sigsgaard, Torben
    Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Gislason, Thorarinn
    The Medical Faculty, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Sleep, Landspitali University Hospital Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland.
    Modig, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Janson, Christer
    Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Association between abdominal and general obesity and respiratory symptoms, asthma and COPD: Results from the RHINE study2023In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 211, article id 107213Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: Previous studies on the association between abdominal and general obesity and respiratory disease have provided conflicting results. Aims and objectives: We aimed to explore the associations of abdominal obesity with respiratory symptoms, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease independently from general obesity in women and men.

    Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) III questionnaire (n = 12 290) conducted in 2010–2012. Abdominal obesity was self-measured waist circumference using a sex-specific standard cut-off point: ≥102 cm in males and ≥88 cm in females. General obesity was defined as self-reported BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2.

    Results: There were 4261 subjects (63% women) with abdominal obesity and 1837 subjects (50% women) with general obesity. Both abdominal and general obesity was independent of each other and associated with respiratory symptoms (odds ratio (OR) from 1.25 to 2.00)). Asthma was significantly associated with abdominal and general obesity in women, OR (95% CI) 1.56 (1.30–1.87) and 1.95 (1.56–2.43), respectively, but not in men, OR 1.22 (0.97–3.17) and 1.28 (0.97–1.68) respectively. A similar sex difference was found for self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    Conclusions: General and abdominal obesity were independent factors associated with respiratory symptoms in adults. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independently linked to abdominal and general obesity in women but not men.

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  • 38.
    Kisiel, Marta A.
    et al.
    Department of Medical Sciences: Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Sedvall, Martin
    Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Malinovschi, Andrei
    Department of Medical Sciences: Clinical Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Franklin, Karl A.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences.
    Gislason, Thorarinn
    The Medical Faculty, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Sleep, Landspitali University Hospital Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland.
    Shlunssen, Vivi
    Dept of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University and the National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
    Johansson, Ane
    Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
    Modig, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Jogi, Rain
    The Lung Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
    Holm, Mathias
    Section of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Svanes, Cecilia
    Dept of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
    Lindholdt, Louise
    Dept of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University and the National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
    Carlson, Marie
    Department of Medical Sciences, Gastroenterology Research Group, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Janson, Christer
    Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Inflammatory bowel disease and asthma: results from the RHINE study2023In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 216, article id 107307Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are common inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of IBD with asthma and respiratory symptoms.

    Methods: This study is based on 13,499 participants from seven northern European countries that filled in a postal questionnaire on asthma, respiratory symptoms, IBD including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and various lifestyle variables.

    Results: There were 195 participants with IBD. The prevalence of asthma (14.5 vs 8.1%, p = 0.001), different respiratory symptoms (range 11.9–36.8% vs range 6.0–18.6%, p < 0.005), non-infectious rhinitis (52.1 vs. 41.6%, p = 0.004) and chronic rhinosinusitis (11.6 vs 6.0%, p = 0.001) were higher in subjects with IBD than in those without IBD. In multivariable regression analysis, the association between IBD and asthma was statistically significant (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.28–2.96)) after adjusting for confounders such as sex, BMI, smoking history, educational level and physical activity. There was a significant association between asthma and ulcerative colitis (adjusted OR 2.02 (95% CI 1.27–2.19)), and asthma but not Crohn's disease (adjusted OR 1.66 (95% CI 0.69–3.95)). A significant gender interaction was found with a significant association between IBD and asthma in women but not in men ((OR 2.72 (95% CI 1.67–4.46) vs OR 0.87 (95% CI 0.35–2.19), p = 0.038).

    Conclusions: Patients with IBD, particularly those with ulcerative colitis and female, have a higher prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms. Our findings indicate that it is important to consider respiratory symptoms and disorders when examining patients with manifest or suspected IBD.

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  • 39. Laerum, Birger N
    et al.
    Svanes, Cecilie
    Wentzel-Larsen, Tore
    Gulsvik, Amund
    Torén, Kjell
    Norrman, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Gíslason, Thorarinn
    Janson, Christer
    Omenaas, Ernst
    Young maternal age at delivery is associated with asthma in adult offspring.2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 7, p. 1431-8Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: Some studies have shown an association between tower maternal age at delivery and increased asthma in children and young adults. It is unclear whether this represents an effect of maternal ageing or a protective effect of siblings. In a North-European population based study, we investigated whether mother's age at delivery was associated with risk for asthma and hay fever in adult offspring, taking into account relevant confounders.

    Methods: A total of 16,190 subjects (74%) aged 23-54 yr answered a postal questionnaire in a follow-up of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS I).

    Results: The associations of maternal age at delivery with hay fever, respiratory symptoms and diagnosed asthma were analysed using logistic regression, adjusting for household size, dwelling, parental education, centre, gender, adult hay fever, smoking, age and body mass index (BMI). The adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for wheeze with breathlessness, wheeze without a cold and asthma in the offspring were 0.94 (0.90-0.99), 0.89 (0.86-0.94) and 0.92 (0.88-0.97), respectively, per 5 yr increase in maternal age. No heterogeneity between centres was found (p = 0.84). The estimates remained similar in sub-sample analyses when adjusting for siblings, maternal smoking (n = 3109) and for birth weight (n = 1686). Hay fever was more common among those with the youngest and oldest mothers.

    Conclusions: In this large North-European multi-centre study, asthma was less common with increasing maternal age. This effect was consistent between centres and persisted with adjustment for several potential confounders, suggesting that the association may possibly be explained by biological changes related to maternal ageing. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  • 40. Larsson, Britt-Marie
    et al.
    Grunewald, Johan
    Sköld, C Magnus
    Lundin, Anders
    Sandström, Thomas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Eklund, Anders
    Svartengren, Magnus
    Limited airway effects in mild asthmatics after exposure to air pollution in a road tunnel2010In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 104, no 12, p. 1912-1918Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Ambient air pollution is a contributing factor to respiratory morbidity and mortality and asthmatics are a particularly vulnerable population. The aim of the study was to investigate whether acute exposure to traffic related air pollution in a road tunnel would increase bronchial responsiveness in mild asthmatics, and if this would be accompanied by increased measures of inflammatory markers in the airways assessed by nasal lavage (NAL) and induced sputum. Fourteen mild asthmatics (7 treated with inhaled corticosteroids) were exposed for 2 h in a road tunnel and a control environment, respectively, separated by at least 3 weeks. Symptoms and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were recorded. Seven hours following exposure sessions, subjects underwent measurements of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), spirometry, and a bronchial provocation test. NAL, induced sputum and blood samples were collected. The median PM(2.5) and PM(10) levels during the exposure occasions in the road tunnel were 80 (range 41-93) μg/m(3) and 183 (72-213) μg/m(3) respectively. Irritative symptoms from the airways increased and PEF decreased after road tunnel exposure. Increased levels of IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-α were observed in NAL fluid from subjects without ongoing inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) and the degree of bronchial responsiveness in asthmatics did not change significantly after tunnel exposure. We conclude that asthmatics exhibit increased symptoms, decreased PEF and signs of inflammatory response in the upper airways, after a 2 h road tunnel exposure. Our findings may further emphasize asthmatics as a vulnerable group to common air pollutants.

  • 41. Lassmann-Klee, Paul G.
    et al.
    Piirillä, Päivi L.
    Brumpton, Ben
    Larsson, Martz
    Sundblad, Britt-Marie
    Polluste, Jaak
    Juusela, Maria
    Routious, Annamari
    Mere, Mari
    Lindqvist, Ari
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health. Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Langhammer, Arnulf
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Sovijärvi, Anssi R. A.
    Parallel gradients in F-ENO and in the prevalences of asthma and atopy in adult general populations of Sweden, Finland and Estonia - A Nordic EpiLung study2020In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 173, article id 106160Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The prevalence of asthma is higher in Sweden and Finland than in neighbouring eastern countries including Estonia. Corresponding difference in bronchial eosinophilic inflammation could be studied by FENO measurements. We aimed to compare FENO in adult general populations of Sweden, Finland, and Estonia, to test the plausibility of the west-east disparity hypothesis of allergic diseases.

    We conducted clinical interviews (N = 2658) with participants randomly selected from the general populations in Sweden (Stockholm and Örebro), Finland (Helsinki), and Estonia (Narva and Saaremaa), and performed FENO (n = 1498) and skin prick tests (SPT) in 1997–2003.

    The median (interquartile range) of FENO (ppb) was 15.5 (9.3) in Sweden, 15.4 (13.6) in Finland and 12.5 (9.6) in Estonia. We found the lowest median FENO values in the Estonian centres Saaremaa 13.1 (9.5) and Narva 11.8 (8.6). In the pooled population, asthma was associated with FENO ≥25 ppb, odds ratio (OR) 3.91 (95% confidence intervals: 2.29–6.32) after adjusting for SPT result, smoking, gender and study centre. A positive SPT test increased the likelihood of asthma OR 3.19 (2.02–5.11). Compared to Saaremaa, the likelihood of having asthma was higher in Helsinki OR 2.40 (1.04–6.02), Narva OR 2.45 (1.05–6.19), Örebro OR 3.38 (1.59–8.09), and Stockholm OR 5.54 (2.18–14.79).

    There was a higher prevalence of asthma and allergic airway inflammation in adult general populations of Sweden and Finland compared to those of Estonia. Atopy and elevated FENO level were independently associated with an increased risk of asthma. In conclusion, the findings support the earlier west-east disparity hypothesis of allergic diseases.

  • 42.
    Leander, Mai
    et al.
    Uppsala Univ, Dept Med Sci Occupat & Environm Med, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
    Lampa, Erik
    Uppsala Univ, Dept Med Sci Occupat & Environm Med, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
    Rask-Andersen, Anna
    Uppsala Univ, Dept Med Sci Occupat & Environm Med, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
    Franklin, Karl
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Gislason, Thorarinn
    Landspitali, Dept Resp Med & Sleep, Reykjavik, Iceland.
    Oudin, Anna
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Svanes, Cecilie
    Univ Bergen, Inst Med, Bergen Resp Res Grp, Bergen, Norway.
    Toren, Kjell
    Med Univ Gothenburg, Sect Occupat & Environm Med, S-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Janson, Christer
    Uppsala Univ, Dept Med Sci Resp Med & Allergol, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
    Impact of anxiety and depression on respiratory symptoms2014In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 108, no 11, p. 1594-1600Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression are prevalent in patients with asthma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between respiratory symptoms and psychological status and to estimate the importance of psychological status in comparison with other factors that are known to be associated with respiratory symptoms. This study included 2270 subjects aged 20-44 (52% female) from Sweden, Iceland, and Norway. Each participant underwent a clinical interview including questions on respiratory symptoms. Spirometry and methacholine challenge were performed. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Eighty-two percent of the subjects reported no anxiety or depression whatsoever, 11% reported anxiety, 2.5% depression and 4% reported both anxiety and depression. All respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, breathlessness and nightly symptoms, were more common, at a statistically significant level, in participants who had depression and anxiety, even after adjusting for confounders (ORs 1.33-1.94). The HADS score was the most important determinant for nightly symptoms and attacks of breathlessness when at rest whereas bronchial responsiveness was the most important determinant for wheezing, and breathlessness when wheezing. The probability of respiratory symptoms related to HADS score increased with increasing HADS score for all respiratory symptoms. In conclusion, there is a strong association between respiratory symptoms and psychological status. There is therefore a need for interventional studies designed to improve depression and anxiety in patients with respiratory symptoms.

  • 43. Liaaen, Erik Dyb
    et al.
    Henriksen, Anne H
    Stenfors, Nikolai
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    A Scandinavian audit of hospitalizations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease2010In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 104, no 9, p. 1304-1309Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In Scandinavia no large audits of hospitalizations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been performed, and data on adherence to national guidelines are scarce. The aims of the present study were to audit hospitalizations for COPD exacerbations in three Scandinavian hospitals with respect to incidence, patient population and standards of hospital care. Retrospectively all hospitalizations in the Departments of Internal and Respiratory Medicine in Ostersund Hospital (Sweden), Aalesund Hospital (Norway) and Trondheim University Hospital (Norway) from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2005, with discharge ICD-10 diagnoses J43-J44, J96 + J44 or J13-18 + j44 were registered. A total of 1144 admissions (731 patients) were identified from patient administrative systems and medical charts. Among the admitted patients 27% were >80 years old, >50% had COPD stage III or IV, and 14% had respiratory acidosis at admittance. Patients with 3 or more admissions (13%) during 2005 accounted for 36% of all hospitalizations. One third of the patients were current smokers. Non-invasive ventilation was used in 14% of the admissions, with large variation between centres. In-hospital mortality was 3.7%. In this first large Scandinavian audit of COPD-hospitalizations, all centres had low in-hospital mortality. We consider this as an indication of good clinical practice in the three studied centres and possibly due to the frequent use of non-invasive ventilation.

  • 44.
    Lindberg, Anne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Bakke, Per S.
    Virchow, Johann Christian
    Lundback, Bo
    The impact of exacerbations among subjects with COPD, what can we learn from 'big data'?2018In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 145, p. 226-227Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 45.
    Lindberg, Anne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Bjerg Bäcklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Larsson, Lars-Gunnar
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Prevalence and underdiagnosis of COPD by disease severity and the attributable fraction of smoking Report from the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies.2006In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 100, no 2, p. 264-272Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: There is a lack of epidemiological data on COPD by disease severity. We have estimated the prevalence and underdiagnosis of COPD by disease severity defined by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. The impact of smoking was evaluated by the population attributable fraction of smoking in COPD. METHODS: A random sample of 1500 responders of the third postal survey performed in 1996 of the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) Studies' first cohort (6610 subjects recruited in 1985) were invited to structured interview and spirometry. One thousand two hundred and thirty-seven subjects (82%) performed spirometry. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild BTS-COPD was 5.3%, moderate 2.2%, and severe 0.6% (GOLD-COPD: mild 8.2%, moderate 5.3%, severe 0.7%, and very severe 0.1%). All subjects with severe COPD were symptomatic, corresponding figures among mild COPD were 88% and 70% (BTS and GOLD), Subjects with severe BTS-COPD reported a physician-diagnosis consistent with COPD in 50% of cases, in mild BTS-COPD 19%, while in mild GOLD-COPD only 5% of cases. The major risk factors, age and smoking, had a synergistic effect on the COPD-prevalence. The Odds Ratio (OR) for having COPD among smokers aged 76-77 years was 59 and 34 (BTS and GOLD) when non-smokers aged 46-47 was used as reference population. CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects with COPD have a mild disease. The underdiagnosis is related to disease-severity. Though being symptomatic, only a half of the subjects with severe COPD are properly labelled. Smoking and increasing age were the major risk factors and acted synergistic.

  • 46.
    Lindberg, Anne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindberg, Lina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Sawalha, Sami
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Nilsson, Ulf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Large underreporting of COPD as cause of death-results from a population-based cohort study2021In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 186, article id 106518Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: In 2019, WHO estimated COPD to be the third leading cause of death in the world. However, COPD is probably underestimated as cause of death due to the well-known under-diagnosis.

    Aim: To evaluate the proportion of and factors associated with COPD recorded as cause of death in a long-term follow-up of a population-based COPD cohort.

    Methods: The study population includes all individuals (n = 551) with COPD defined as chronic airway obstruction (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.70) + respiratory symptoms identified after re-examinations of four population-based cohorts. Mortality and underlying or contributing cause of death following ICD-10 classification were collected from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfares register from date of examination in 2002–04 until 2016.

    Results: The study sample consisted of 32.3% GOLD 1, 55.9% GOLD 2, and 11.8% GOLD 3–4. The mean follow-up time was 10.3 (SD3.77) years and the cumulative mortality 45.0%. COPD (ICD-10 J43-J44) was recorded on 28.2% (n = 70) of the death certificates (11.1%, 25.7% and 57.1% by GOLD stage), whereof n = 35 had COPD recorded as underlying and n = 35 as contributing cause of death. To have COPD recorded as cause of death was independently associated with ex- and current smoking and a self-reported physician diagnosis of COPD, while male sex, overweight/obesity and higher FEV1% of predicted associated with the absence.

    Conclusions: COPD was largely underreported cause of death. Even among those with severe/very severe disease, COPD was only mentioned on 57.1% of the death certificates.

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  • 47.
    Lindberg, Anne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Sawalha, Sami
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Larsson, Lars-Gunnar
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lundback, Bo
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Subjects with COPD and productive cough have an increased risk for exacerbations and death2015In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 109, no 1, p. 88-95Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Chronic bronchitis is related to worse general health status, exacerbations and mortality among subjects with COPD. Also less longstanding cough and phlegm may be related to worse prognosis in COPD but this has rarely been evaluated in population-based studies. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between productive cough, exacerbations and mortality among subjects with and without COPD. Method: All subjects with COPD (n = 993) were identified together with sex-and age matched reference subjects without obstructive lung function impairment from four population-based cohorts in 2002-04. Baseline spirometry and structured interview including data on exacerbations last 12 months were used in this study (n = 1986) together with mortality data collected until February 2012. Results: Productive cough was more common in COPD than non-COPD (42.8 vs. 23.5%, p < 0.001), more common in men than women, but associated to exacerbations in both sexes. COPD-subjects with productive cough had the highest risk for exacerbations in both sexes and they had a significantly increased risk for death (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.13-1.94) also when adjusted for sex, age, BMI, smoking habits and heart disease. Conclusion: Productive cough was common and increased the risk for exacerbations in both sexes, in both COPD and non-COPD. COPD-subjects with productive cough had the highest risk for exacerbations and a significantly higher risk for death also after adjustment for common risk factors.

  • 48. Lundbäck, Bo
    et al.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Virchow, Johann Christian
    Inhaled corticosteroids and pneumonia risk: revised knowledge2017In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 131, p. 247-248Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 49. Lundbäck, Bo
    et al.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindström, Maj
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Jonsson, Ann-Christin
    Jönsson, Elsy
    Larsson, Lars-Gunnar
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Andersson, Staffan
    Sandström, Thomas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Larsson, Kjell
    Not 15 but 50 percent of smokers develop COPD?: Report from the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies2003In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 97, no 2, p. 114-122Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to guidelines of today seems considerably higher than has been reported also in recent literature. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of COPD as defined by British Thoracic Society (BTS) criteria and the recent global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) criteria. Further aims were to assess the proportion of underdiagnosis and of symptoms in subjects with COPD, and to study risk factors for COPD. METHODS: In 1996, 5892 of the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) Study's first cohort could be traced to a third follow-up survey, and 5189 completed responses (88%) were received corresponding to 79% of the original cohort from December 1985. Of the responders, a random sample of 1500 subjects were invited to a structured interview and a lung function test, and 1237 of the invited completed a lung function test with acceptable quality. RESULTS: In ages >45 years, the prevalence of COPD according to the BTS guidelines was 8%, while it was 14% according to the GOLD criteria. The absolutely dominating risk factors were increasing age and smoking, and approximately a half of elderly smokers fulfilled the criteria for COPD according to both the BTS and the GOLD criteria. Family history of obstructive airway disease was also a risk factor, while gender was not. Of those fulfilling the BTS criteria for COPD, 94% were symptomatics, 69% had chronic productive cough, but only 31% had prior to the study been diagnosed as having either chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD. The corresponding figures for COPD according GOLD were 88, 51, and 18%. CONCLUSIONS: In ages >45 years, the prevalence of COPD according to the BTS guidelines was 8%, and it was 14% according to the GOLD criteria. Fifty percent of elderly smokers had developed COPD. The large majority of subjects having COPD were symptomatic, while the proportion of those diagnosed as having COPD or similar diagnoses was small.

  • 50. Lundbäck, Bo
    et al.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Jonsson, Ann-Christin
    Larsson, Lars-Gunnar
    James, Mark
    Asthma control over 3 years in a real-life study2009In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 103, no 3, p. 348-355Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This was a 3-year "real-life" study, during which patients' medication was increased and decreased to achieve sustained asthma control. Patients (282) were randomised to receive treatment with SAL 50microg, FP 250microg, or SFC 50/250microg via a Diskustrade mark inhaler, bid. A 12-month double-blind period was followed by a 2-year open phase. The physician increased or decreased patients' medication to achieve and maintain asthma control at regular clinical assessments using criteria based on the asthma treatment guidelines. On completion 73% (168/229) of the subjects were receiving SFC to maintain control of their asthma, compared with 21% (49/229) receiving FP and 5% (12/229) receiving SAL. Odds ratio for requiring increased treatment were 2.66 (p=0.002) for patients initially randomised to FP and 9.38 (p<0.0001) SAL, compared with SFC. Time until 25% of patients first required an increase in study medication was 6months for patients initially treated with SAL compared to 12months for FP and 21months for SFC. Symptoms and use of rescue medication improved first, followed rapidly by PEF with the greatest improvements occurring over the first year. Airway hyperresponsiveness continued to improve throughout the study. The majority of patients achieved and maintained control of asthma over a 3-year period with physician-driven medication changes. Patients treated with SFC were more likely to achieve control than patients treated with FP or SAL alone. Continuing improvements in airway hyperresponsiveness indicate the importance of maintaining treatment after clinical control of symptoms and lung function are achieved.

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