Umeå University's logo

umu.sePublications
Change search
Refine search result
1234 1 - 50 of 160
CiteExportLink to result list
Permanent link
Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf
Rows per page
  • 5
  • 10
  • 20
  • 50
  • 100
  • 250
Sort
  • Standard (Relevance)
  • Author A-Ö
  • Author Ö-A
  • Title A-Ö
  • Title Ö-A
  • Publication type A-Ö
  • Publication type Ö-A
  • Issued (Oldest first)
  • Issued (Newest first)
  • Created (Oldest first)
  • Created (Newest first)
  • Last updated (Oldest first)
  • Last updated (Newest first)
  • Disputation date (earliest first)
  • Disputation date (latest first)
  • Standard (Relevance)
  • Author A-Ö
  • Author Ö-A
  • Title A-Ö
  • Title Ö-A
  • Publication type A-Ö
  • Publication type Ö-A
  • Issued (Oldest first)
  • Issued (Newest first)
  • Created (Oldest first)
  • Created (Newest first)
  • Last updated (Oldest first)
  • Last updated (Newest first)
  • Disputation date (earliest first)
  • Disputation date (latest first)
Select
The maximal number of hits you can export is 250. When you want to export more records please use the Create feeds function.
  • 1.
    Almqvist, Linnéa
    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.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundback, Bo
    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. Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Umeå, Sweden.
    Clinical outcome of adult onset asthma in a 15 year follow-up2020In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 56Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 2.
    Almqvist, Linnéa
    et al.
    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.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    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.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Hedman, Linnéa
    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.
    Remission of adult-onset asthma is rare: a 15-year follow-up study2020In: ERJ Open Research, E-ISSN 2312-0541, Vol. 6, no 4, article id 00620-2020Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: There are few long-term clinical follow-up studies of adult-onset asthma. The aim of this article was to study clinical characteristics of adult-onset asthma in relation to remission and persistence of the disease in a 15-year follow-up.

    Methods: A cohort of 309 adults aged 20-60 years with asthma onset during the last 12 months verified by bronchial variability, was recruited between 1995 and 1999 from the general population in northern Sweden. The cohort was followed-up in 2003 (n=250) and between 2012 and 2014 (n=205). Structured interviews and spirometry were performed at recruitment and the follow-ups. Bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) and skin-prick tests were performed at recruitment and blood samples were collected at the last follow-up. Remission of asthma was defined as no asthma symptoms and no use of asthma medication during the last 12 months.

    Results: Of eight individuals in remission in 2003, five had relapsed between 2012 and 2014 and in total, 23 (11%) were in remission, while 182 had persistent asthma. Those in remission had higher mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted at recruitment than those with persistent asthma (94.6 versus 88.3, p=0.034), fewer had severe BHR (27.3% versus 50.9%, p=0.037) and they had less body mass index increase (+1.6 versus +3.0, p=0.054). Of those with persistent asthma, 13% had uncontrolled asthma and they had higher levels of blood neutrophils than those with partly controlled or controlled asthma.

    Conclusion: Higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted and less-severe BHR was associated with remission of adult-onset asthma, but still, the proportion in remission in this 15-year follow-up was low.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 3. 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.

  • 4.
    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.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 5.
    Axelsson, Malin
    et al.
    Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö; 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. Dept of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Vanfleteren, Lowie
    Centre for COPD Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Dept of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Eriksson, Berne
    Research and Development, Region of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Nwaru, Bright
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Underdiagnosis and misclassification of COPD in Sweden2020In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 56Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 6.
    Axelsson, Malin
    et al.
    Faculty of Health and Society, Department of Care Science, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
    Ilmarinen, Pinja
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, 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.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Hedman, Linnea
    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
    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.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Ari
    Clinical Research Unit of Pulmonary Diseases, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University and Clinical Research Institute HUCH Ltd, Helsinki, Finland.
    Nwaru, Bright, I
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Pallasaho, Paula
    Espoo City Primary Health Care Services, Finland.
    Sovijärvi, Anssi
    Unit of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Vähätalo, Lida
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland; Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
    Hisinger-Mölkänen, Hanna
    University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Piirilä, Päivi
    Unit of Clinical Physiology, HUS Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Differences in diagnostic patterns of obstructive airway disease between areas and sex in Sweden and Finland: the Nordic EpiLung study2021In: Journal of Asthma, ISSN 0277-0903, E-ISSN 1532-4303, Vol. 58, no 9, p. 1196-1207Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: To investigate the current prevalence of physician-diagnosed obstructive airway diseases by respiratory symptoms and by sex in Sweden and Finland.

    Method: In 2016, a postal questionnaire was answered by 34,072 randomly selected adults in four study areas: Västra Götaland and Norrbotten in Sweden, and Seinäjoki-Vaasa and Helsinki in Finland.

    Results: The prevalence of asthma symptoms was higher in Norrbotten (13.2%), Seinäjoki-Vaasa (14.8%) and Helsinki (14.4%) than in Västra Götaland (10.7%), and physician-diagnosed asthma was highest in Norrbotten (13.0%) and least in Västra Götaland (10.1%). Chronic productive cough was most common in the Finnish areas (7.7–8.2% versus 6.3–6.7%) while the prevalence of physician-diagnosed chronic bronchitis (CB) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) varied between 1.7 and 2.7% in the four areas. Among individuals with respiratory symptoms, the prevalence of asthma was most common in Norrbotten, while a diagnosis of COPD or CB was most common in Västra Götaland and Seinäjoki-Vaasa. More women than men with respiratory symptoms reported a diagnosis of asthma in Sweden and Seinäjoki-Vaasa but there were no sex differences in Helsinki. In Sweden, more women than men with symptoms of cough or phlegm reported a diagnosis of CB or COPD, while in Finland the opposite was found.

    Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and corresponding diagnoses varied between and within the countries. The proportion reporting a diagnosis of obstructive airway disease among individuals with respiratory symptoms varied, indicating differences in diagnostic patterns both between areas and by sex.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 7. Axelsson, Malin
    et al.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Kainu, Annette
    Rönmark, Eva
    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.
    Respiratory symptoms increase health care consumption and affect everyday life: a cross-sectional population-based study from Finland, Estonia, and Sweden2016In: European Clinical Respiratory Journal, ISSN 2001-8525, Vol. 3, article id 31024Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Even though respiratory symptoms are common in the adult population, there is limited research describing their impact on everyday life and association with health care consumption.

    AIM: The main objective of this population-based study was to estimate and compare the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among adults in Finland, Estonia, and Sweden in relation to health care consumption and to identify factors influencing health care consumption. A secondary aim was to assess to which extent the presence of respiratory symptoms affect everyday life.

    METHOD: In the population-based FinEsS studies consisting of random samples of subjects aged 20 to 69 years from Finland (n=1,337), Estonia (n=1,346), and Sweden (n=1,953), data on demographics, respiratory health, and health care consumption were collected by structured interviews. Prevalence was compared and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

    RESULTS: Respiratory symptoms were significantly more common in Finland (66.0%) and Estonia (65.2%) than in Sweden (54.1%). Among subjects with respiratory symptoms, the proportion reporting outpatient care during the past year was fairly similar in the three countries, while specialist consultations were more common in Finland (19.1%), and hospitalisations more common in Estonia (15.0%). Finnish and Estonian residency, female sex, and BMI>25 increased the risk for outpatient care consumption. Wheeze and attacks of shortness of breath in the past 12 months, recurrent sputum production, and cough were associated with an increased risk for health care consumption. Increasing number of respiratory symptoms increased the risk for consuming health care. A larger proportion of subjects in Estonia and Sweden experienced their everyday life being affected by respiratory symptoms compared with subjects in Finland.

    CONCLUSION: Respiratory symptoms are common in Finland, Estonia, and Sweden and contribute to a negative impact on everyday life as well as increased health care consumption. The observed differences in health care consumption between countries are probably related to national differences in health care structure.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 8.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology , Lulea, Sweden.
    Bhatta, Laxmi
    Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology , Lulea, Sweden.
    Brumpton, Ben
    Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Clinic of Thoracic and Occupational Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
    Vähätalo, Iida
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland.
    Lassman-Klee, Paul G.
    Unit of Clinical Physiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Nwaru, Bright
    Krefting Research center, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Mai, Xiao-Mei
    Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
    Vikjord, Sigrid Anna
    HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Research center, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Langhammer, Arnulf
    HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway.
    Respiratory symptoms as risk factors for mortality - the Nordic EpiLung Study2020In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 56, no Suppl. 64Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 9.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Lundquist, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå School of Business and Economics (USBE), Statistics.
    Strandkvist, Viktor
    Department of Health and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Sawalha, Sami
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Nilsson, Ulf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Eriksson Ström, Jonas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Hedman, Linnea
    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.
    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.
    Lung function trajectories and associated mortality among adults with and without airway obstruction2023In: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, ISSN 1073-449X, E-ISSN 1535-4970, Vol. 208, no 10, p. 1063-1074Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Rationale: Spirometry is essential for diagnosis and assessment of prognosis in COPD.

    Objectives: To identify FEV1 trajectories and their determinants, based on annual spirometry measurements among individuals with and without airway obstruction. Furthermore, to assess mortality in relation to trajectories.

    Methods: In 2002-04, individuals with airway obstruction (AO) (FEV1/VC<0.70, n=993) and age- and sex-matched non-obstructive (NO) referents were recruited from population-based cohorts. Annual spirometries until 2014 were utilized in joint-survival Latent Class Mixed Models to identify lung function trajectories. Mortality data were collected during 15 years of follow-up.

    Results: Three trajectories were identified among the AO-cases and two among the NO referents. Trajectory membership was driven by baseline FEV1%predicted (%pred) in both groups and additionaly, pack-years in AO and current smoking in NO. Longitudinal FEV1%pred level depended on baseline FEV1%pred, pack-years and obesity. The trajectories were distributed: 79.6% T1AO FEV1-high with normal decline, 12.8% T2AO FEV1-high with rapid decline, and 7.7% T3AO FEV1-low with normal decline (mean 27, 72 and 26 mL/year) among AO-individuals, and 96.7% T1NO FEV1-high with normal decline and 3.3% T2NO FEV1-high with rapid decline (mean 34 and 173 mL/year) among referents. Hazard for death was increased for T2AO (HR1.56) and T3AO (HR3.45) vs. T1AO, and for T2NO (HR2.99) vs. T1NO.

    Conclusions: Three different FEV1 trajectories were identified among those with airway obstruction and two among the referents, with different outcomes in terms of FEV1-decline and mortality. The FEV1 trajectories among airway obstructive and the relationship between low FVC and trajectory outcome are of particular clinical interest.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 10.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Eriksson, Berne
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Mincheva, Roxana
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Hagstad, Stig
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Ullman, Anders
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundback, Bo
    Decrease in prevalence of COPD in Sweden after decades of decrease in smoking2018In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 52Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The smoking prevalence in Sweden has steadily decreased during three decades. The prevalence of COPD in Sweden in the 1990s and around the millennium shift was similar to neighboring European countries, i.e. estimated at 11-17%, and of moderate to severe COPD to 7-11%, in ages over 40y.

    Aim: Has the prevalence of chronic airway obstruction (CAO) and of COPD in Sweden decreased after decades of decreasing smoking prevalence?

    Methods: Within two large scale population studies in progress, the West Sweden Asthma Study (WSAS) and the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies (OLIN), the prevalence of COPD in ages 41-72y was calculated among randomly selected subjects from the general population in 2009-2012. The following post-bronchodilator definitions were used; CAO: FEV1/FVC<LLN and FEV1/FVC<0.7; moderate to severe CAO: FEV1/FVC<LLN with FEV1<LLN, and FEV1/FVC<0.7 with FEV1<80% of predicted. In line with the GOLD 2017 guidelines, both CAO and respiratory symptoms were required for the diagnosis of COPD.

    Results: The prevalence of CAO based on the FEV1/FVC<LLN and FEV1/FVC<0.7 criteria, respectively, was 6.4% and 10.3%, while the corresponding prevalence of COPD was 5.6% and 8.4%. The prevalence of moderate to severe CAO was 4.0% (LLN-criterion) and 5.0% (fixed ratio-criterion) and of moderate to severe COPD 3.8% and 4.4%, respectively. Main risk factors for both CAO and COPD were smoking, male sex and increasing age.

    Conclusion: As prevalence of COPD defined as chronic airway obstruction before and around the millennium shift was estimated at 11-17% in ages >40 years, the prevalence of COPD has decreased in Sweden, and the decrease in smoking over decades is probably the main causal factor.

  • 11.
    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.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 12.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Eriksson, Berne
    Halmstad, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Luleå, Sweden.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    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, 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.
    Decreased prevalence of moderate to severe COPD over 15 years in northern SwedenManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
    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.

  • 13.
    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.

  • 14.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Studies, Department of Research and Development, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Studies, Department of Research and Development, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Studies, Department of Research and Development, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå,.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. The OLIN Studies, Department of Research and Development, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå, Sweden.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    The OLIN Studies, Department of Research and Development, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå, Sweden ; Krefting Research Centre/Department of Internal Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The OLIN Studies, Department of Research and Development, Norrbotten County Council, Luleå.
    Prevalence trends in respiratory symptoms and asthma in relation to smoking: two cross-sectional studies ten years apart among adults in northern Sweden2014In: World Allergy Organization Journal, E-ISSN 1939-4551, Vol. 7, no 1, p. 1-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Smoking is considered to be the single most important preventable risk factor for respiratory symptoms. Estimating prevalence of respiratory symptoms is important since they most often precede a diagnosis of an obstructive airway disease, which places a major burden on the society. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence trends of respiratory symptoms and asthma among Swedish adults, in relation to smoking habits. A further aim was to estimate the proportion of respiratory symptom and asthma prevalence attributable to smoking.

    METHODS: Data from two large-scale cross-sectional surveys among adults performed in northern Sweden in 1996 and 2006 were analysed. Identical methods and the same questionnaire were used in both surveys. The association between smoking, respiratory symptoms and asthma was analysed with multiple logistic regression analyses. Changes in prevalence of respiratory symptoms and asthma from 1996 to 2006 were expressed as odds ratios. Additionally, the population attributable risks of smoking were estimated.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of most respiratory symptoms decreased significantly from 1996 to 2006. Longstanding cough decreased from 12.4 to 10.1%, sputum production from 19.0 to 15.0%, chronic productive cough from 7.3 to 6.2%, and recurrent wheeze from 13.4 to 12.0%. Any wheeze and asthmatic wheeze remained unchanged. This parallels to a decrease in smoking from 27.4 to 19.1%. In contrast, physician-diagnosed asthma increased from 9.4 to 11.6%. The patterns were similar after correction for confounders. All respiratory symptoms were highly associated with smoking, and the proportion of respiratory symptoms in the population attributed to smoking (PAR) ranged from 9.8 to 25.5%. In 2006, PAR of smoking was highest for recurrent wheeze (20.6%).

    CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we found that respiratory symptoms, in particular symptoms common in bronchitis, decreased among adults in northern Sweden, parallel to a decrease in smoking from 1996 to 2006. In contrast, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma increased during the same time-period. Up to one fourth of the respiratory symptom prevalence in the population was attributable to smoking.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 15.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    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.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Department 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.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    A population-based cohort of adults with asthma: mortality and participation in a long-term follow-up2017In: European Clinical Respiratory Journal, ISSN 2001-8525, Vol. 4, article id 1334508Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and objective: Asthma is a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to characterize a large population-based cohort of adults with asthma, and to study factors associated with all-cause mortality and non-participation in a long-term follow-up. Design: Random and stratified samples from five population-based cohorts were clinically examined during 1986-2001, and all subjects with asthma were included in the study (n = 2055, age 19-72 years, 55% women). Independent associations between different risk factors and (i) mortality and (ii) non-participation in a clinical follow-up in 2012-2014 were estimated. Results: In 1986-2001, 95% reported any wheeze and/or attacks of shortness of breath in the past 12 months, and/or asthma medication use. Over the up to 28 years of follow-up time, the cumulative mortality was 22.7%. Male gender, current smoking, and lower forced expiratory volume in 1 sec of predicted (FEV1% of predicted) were independent risk factors for mortality, while obesity was associated with non-participation in the follow-up. Older ages, ischemic heart disease, and low socioeconomic status were associated with both mortality and non-participation. Conclusions: The risk factors associated with mortality in this adult population-based asthma cohort were similar to those commonly identified in general population samples, i.e. male gender, current smoking, and lower FEV1% of predicted, while obesity was associated with non-participation in a long-term follow-up. Ischemic heart disease, low socioeconomic status, and older ages were associated with both mortality and non-participation.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 16.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Sandström, Thomas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    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.
    Eosinophilic inflammation and lung function decline in a long-term follow-up of a large population-based asthma cohort2018In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 52Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    The relationship between lung function decline and airway inflammation among asthmatics has important therapeutic implications, but has rarely been studied in large samples or in population-based asthma cohorts.

    A population-based adult asthma cohort (n=2055) was recruited during 1986-2001 and clinically examined including spirometry. In 2012-2014, all still eligible subjects (n=1425) were invited to a clinical follow-up including spirometry, blood sampling, and a structured interview, and n=1006 participated (55% women, mean age 59y, 32-92y). Linear regression was performed with age, sex, smoking habits, year of first examination, family history of asthma, socioeconomic status, eosinophils (EOS)>=0.3x109/L, and neutrophils (NEUT)>=5.0x109/L as independent variables and pre-bronchodilator FEV1 decline/year (ml and % of predicted [pp], respectively) as dependent. In secondary models, both ICS use at baseline and ICS use at follow-up were also included.

    The mean annual FEV1 decline in ml (pp) among asthmatics with EOS<0.3, 0.4>EOS>=0.3 and EOS>=0.4x109/L, respectively, was 26ml (0.03pp), 29ml (0.10pp) and 34ml (0.27pp) (p<0.001). In adjusted analyses, EOS>=0.3 was significantly associated with FEV1 decline, both in terms of ml (4ml excess annual decline vs EOS<0.3) and pp. The association between EOS and FEV1 decline in pp, but not ml, remained when additionally adjusted for ICS use. The association with NEUT>=5.0x109/L was less clear.

    On group level, adult asthmatics with higher levels of eosinophils in blood have a history of excess FEV1 decline compared to asthmatics with lower levels of eosinophil inflammation, independent of other factors such as ICS use.

  • 17.
    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
    Eriksson, Berne
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Eklund, Britt-Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Sandström, Thomas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    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.
    Severe asthma among adults: Prevalence and clinical characteristics2018In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 52Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Severe asthma is a considerable challenge for patients, health care professionals and society. Few studies have estimated the prevalence of severe asthma according to modern definitions of which none based on a population study.

    Methods: We estimated the prevalence and studied characteristics of severe asthma in a large adult population-based asthma cohort followed for 10-28 years in northern Sweden: 1006 subjects participated in a follow-up during 2012-14, when 830 (82.5%) still had current asthma (mean age 59y, 32-92y, 56% women). Severe asthma was defined according to three internationally well-known criteria: the US SARP, ATS/ERS and GINA. All subjects with severe asthma were undergoing respiratory specialist care, and were also contacted by telephone to verify adherence to treatment.

    Results: The prevalence of severe asthma according to the three definitions was 3.6% (US SARP), 4.8% (ERS/ATS), and 6.1% (GINA) among subjects with current asthma. Although all were using high ICS doses and other maintenance treatment, >40% had uncontrolled asthma and <10% had controlled asthma according to the ACT. Severe asthma was related to age >50 years, nasal polyposis, decreased FEV1, not fully reversible airway obstruction, sensitization to aspergillus, elevated neutrophils and partly to eosinophils, and tended to be more common in women.

    Conclusion: The prevalence of severe asthma in this asthma cohort was 4-6%, corresponding to approximately 0.5% of the population in northern Sweden. A substantial proportion of those with severe asthma had uncontrolled disease, and severe asthma differed significantly from other asthma in terms of both clinical and inflammatory characteristics.

  • 18.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden..
    Eriksson, Berne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Eklund, Britt-Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Sandström, Thomas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health. Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Severe asthma: A population study perspective2019In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy, ISSN 0954-7894, E-ISSN 1365-2222, Vol. 49, no 6, p. 819-828Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Severe asthma is a considerable challenge for patients, health care professionals and society. Few studies have estimated the prevalence of severe asthma according to modern definitions of which none based on a population study.

    OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics and estimate the prevalence of severe asthma in a large adult population-based asthma cohort followed for 10-28 years.

    METHODS: N=1006 subjects with asthma participated in a follow-up during 2012-14, when 830 (mean age 59y, 56% women) still had current asthma. Severe asthma was defined according to three internationally well-known criteria: the ATS workshop definition from 2000 used in the US Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP), the 2014 ATS/ERS Task force definition and the GINA 2017. All subjects with severe asthma according to any of these criteria were undergoing respiratory specialist care, and were also contacted by telephone to verify treatment adherence.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of severe asthma according to the three definitions was 3.6% (US SARP), 4.8% (ERS/ATS Taskforce), and 6.1% (GINA) among subjects with current asthma. Although all were using high ICS doses and other maintenance treatment, >40% had uncontrolled asthma according to the asthma control test. Severe asthma was related to age >50 years, nasal polyposis, impaired lung function, sensitization to aspergillus, and tended to be more common in women. Further, neutrophils in blood significantly discriminated severe asthma from other asthma.

    CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Severe asthma differed significantly from other asthma in terms of demographic, clinical and inflammatory characteristics, results suggesting possibilities for improved treatment regimens of severe asthma. The prevalence of severe asthma in this asthma cohort was 4-6%, corresponding to approximately 0.5% of the general population.

  • 19.
    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.

  • 20.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Dept of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden..
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health. Dept of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden..
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Dept of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden..
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Sandström, Thomas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    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.
    FEV1 decline in relation to blood eosinophils and neutrophils in a population-based asthma cohort2020In: World Allergy Organization Journal, E-ISSN 1939-4551, Vol. 13, no 3, article id 100110Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The relationship between lung function decline and eosinophils and neutrophils has important therapeutic implications among asthmatics, but it has rarely been studied in large cohort studies.

    Objective: The aim is to study the relationship between blood eosinophils and neutrophils and FEV1 decline in a long-term follow-up of a population-based adult asthma cohort.

    Methods: In 2012-2014, an adult asthma cohort was invited to a follow-up including spirometry, blood sampling, and structured interviews, and n = 892 participated (55% women, mean age 59 y, 32-92 y). Blood eosinophils, neutrophils and FEV 1 decline were analyzed both as continuous variables and divided into categories with different cut-offs. Regression models adjusted for smoking, exposure to vapors, gas, dust, or fumes (VGDF), use of inhaled and oral corticosteroids, and other possible confounders were utilized to analyze the relationship between eosinophils and neutrophils at follow-up and FEV1 decline.

    Results: The mean follow-up time was 18 years, and the mean FEV 1 decline was 27 ml/year. The annual FEV1 decline was related to higher levels of both blood eosinophils and neutrophils at follow-up, but only the association with eosinophils remained when adjusted for confounders. Further, the association between FEV1 decline and eosinophils was stronger among those using ICS. With EOS <0.3 × 109/L as reference, a more rapid decline in FEV1 was independently related to EOS ≥0.4 × 109/L in adjusted analyses.

    Conclusions and clinical relevance: Besides emphasizing the importance of smoking cessation and reduction of other harmful exposures, our real-world results indicate that there is an independent relationship between blood eosinophils and FEV1 decline among adults with asthma.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 21.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    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, Medicine.
    Oden, Anders
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Hedman, Linnéa
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Kainu, Annette
    Sovijärvi, Anssi
    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.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Reference values for spirometry - report from the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden studies2015In: European Clinical Respiratory Journal, ISSN 2001-8525, Vol. 2, article id 26375Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Abnormal lung function is commonly identified by comparing observed spirometric values to corresponding reference values. It is recommended that such reference values for spirometry are evaluated and updated frequently. The aim of this study was to estimate new reference values for Swedish adults by fitting a multivariable regression model to a healthy non-smoking general population sample from northern Sweden. Further aims were to evaluate the external validity of the obtained reference values on a contemporary sample from south-western Sweden, and to compare them to the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) reference values.

    Method: Sex-specific multivariable linear regression models were fitted to the spirometric data of n=501 healthy non-smoking adults aged 22–91 years, with age and height as predictors. The models were extended to allow the scatter around the outcome variable to depend on age, and age-dependent spline functions were incorporated into the models to provide a smooth fit over the entire age range. Mean values and lower limits of normal, defined as the lower 5th percentiles, were derived.

    Result: This modelling approach resulted in unbiased estimates of the spirometric outcomes, and the obtained estimates were appropriate not only for the northern Sweden sample but also for the south-western Sweden sample. On average, the GLI reference values for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and, in particular, forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC) were lower than both the observed values and the new reference values, but higher for the FEV1/FVC ratio.

    Conclusion: The evaluation based on the sample of healthy non-smokers from northern Sweden show that the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden reference values are valid. Furthermore, the evaluation based on the south-western Sweden sample indicates a high external validity. The comparison with GLI brought further evidence to the consensus that, when available, appropriate local population-specific reference values may be preferred.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 22.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    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, Medicine.
    Sovijarvi, Anssi
    Larsson, Kjell
    Lundbäck, Bo
    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.
    Evaluation of the global lung function initiative 2012 reference values for spirometry in a Swedish population sample2015In: BMC Pulmonary Medicine, E-ISSN 1471-2466, Vol. 15, article id 26Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 (GLI) reference values are currently endorsed by several respiratory societies but evaluations of applicability for adults resident in European countries are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the GLI reference values are appropriate for an adult Caucasian Swedish population.

    Methods: During 2008-2013, clinical examinations including spirometry were performed on general population samples in northern Sweden, in which 501 healthy Caucasian non-smokers were identified. Predicted GLI reference values and Z-scores were calculated for each healthy non-smoking subject and the distributions and mean values for FEV1, FVC and the FEV1/FVC ratio were examined. The prevalence of airway obstruction among these healthy non-smokers was calculated based on the Lower Limit of normal (LLN) criterion (lower fifth percentile) for the FEV1/FVC ratio. Thus, by definition, a prevalence of 5% was expected.

    Results: The Z-scores for FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC were reasonably, although not perfectly, normally distributed, but not centred on zero. Both predicted FEV1 and, in particular, FVC were lower compared to the observed values in the sample. The deviations were greater among women compared to men. The prevalence of airway obstruction based on the LLN criterion for the FEV1/FVC ratio was 9.4% among women and 2.7% among men.

    Conclusions: The use of the GLI reference values may produce biased prevalence estimates of airway obstruction in Sweden, especially among women. These results demonstrate the importance of validating the GLI reference values in different countries.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 23.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Räisänen, Petri
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    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.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University, Luleå, Sweden.
    Andersson, Martin
    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, Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Increased prevalence of allergic asthma from 1996 to 2006 and further to 2016: results from three population surveys2017In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy, ISSN 0954-7894, E-ISSN 1365-2222, Vol. 47, no 11, p. 1426-1435Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: During the latter half of the 20th century, the prevalence of asthma and many other allergic diseases has increased. Information on asthma prevalence trends among adults after 2010, especially regarding studies separating allergic asthma from non-allergic asthma, is lacking.

    Objective: The aim was to estimate prevalence trends of current asthma among adults, both allergic and non-allergic, from 1996 to 2016.

    Methods: Three cross-sectional samples from the same area of Sweden, 20-69 years, participated in surveys with the same questionnaire in 1996 (n=7104 participants, 85% response rate), 2006 (n=6165, 77%) and 2016 (n=5466, 53%), respectively. Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (ARC) was used as a marker for allergic sensitization to define allergic asthma.

    Results: The prevalence of current asthma increased from 8.4% (95% CI: 7.8-9.0) in 1996 to 9.9% (95% CI: 9.2-10.6) in 2006 and 10.9% (95% CI: 10.1-11.7) in 2016 (P<.001). Allergic asthma increased from 5.0% (95% CI: 4.5-5.5) in 1996 to 6.0% (95% CI: 5.4-6.6) in 2006 and further to 7.3% (95% CI: 6.6-8.0) in 2016 (P<.001), while the prevalence of non-allergic asthma remained stable around 3.4%-3.8%. The increase in current asthma was most pronounced among women and among the middle-aged. Physician-diagnosed asthma, asthma medication use and ARC also increased significantly, while the prevalence of symptoms common in asthma such as wheeze and attacks of shortness of breath decreased slightly or was stable. The prevalence of current smoking decreased from 27.4% in 1996 to 12.3% in 2016.

    Conclusions and clinical relevance: The prevalence of allergic asthma increased from 1996 to 2006 and further to 2016, while the prevalence of non-allergic asthma remained on a stable prevalence level. The prevalence of symptoms common in asthma decreased slightly or was stable despite a substantial decrease in the prevalence of current smoking. Clinicians should be aware that the previously observed increase in prevalence of allergic asthma is still ongoing.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 24.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    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.
    Hedman, Linnea
    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, Section of Medicine.
    Vanfleteren, Lowie E. G. W.
    Nwaru, Bright I.
    Stenfors, Nikolai
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    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, Section of Medicine.
    Cause-specific Death in Chronic Airway Obstruction and Restrictive Spirometric Pattern2022In: Annals of the American Thoracic Society, ISSN 2329-6933, E-ISSN 2325-6621, Vol. 19, no 10, p. 1783-1787Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 25.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Hedman, Linnea
    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.
    Andersson, Martin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Lundback, Bo
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Characterization of adults with asthma per GINA treatment steps2019In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 54Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 26.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    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, Section of Medicine.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Rönnebjerg, Lina
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Nwaru, Bright I.
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Sandström, Thomas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Determinants of severe asthma: a long-term cohort study in northern Sweden2022In: Journal of Asthma and Allergy, ISSN 1178-6965, Vol. 15, p. 1429-1439Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Risk factors for severe asthma are not well described. The aim was to identify clinical characteristics and risk factors at study entry that are associated with severe asthma at follow-up in a long-term prospective population-based cohort study of adults with asthma.

    Methods: Between 1986 and 2001, 2055 adults with asthma were identified by clinical examinations of population-based samples in northern Sweden. During 2012–2014, n = 1006 (71% of invited) were still alive, residing in the study area and participated in a follow-up, of which 40 were identified as having severe asthma according to ERS/ATS, 131 according to GINA, while 875 had other asthma. The mean follow-up time was 18.7 years.

    Results: Obesity at study entry and adult-onset asthma were associated with severe asthma at follow-up. While severe asthma was more common in those with adult-onset asthma in both men and women, the association with obesity was observed in women only. Sensitization to mites and moulds, but not to other allergens, as well as NSAID-related respiratory symptoms was more common in severe asthma than in other asthma. Participants with severe asthma at follow-up had lower FEV1, more pronounced FEV1 reversibility, and more wheeze, dyspnea and nighttime awakenings already at study entry than those with other asthma.

    Conclusion: Adult-onset asthma is an important risk factor for development of severe asthma in adults, and obesity increased the risk among women. The high burden of respiratory symptoms already at study entry also indicate long-term associations with development of severe asthma.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 27.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health. Luleå University of Technology, Health Sciences, Luleå, Sweden.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    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, and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, Seinäjoki, Finland.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Risk factors for severe asthma among adults with asthma2020In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 56Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 28.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Vanfleteren, Lowie
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Axelsson, Malin
    Nilsson, Ulf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Nwaru, Bright I.
    Sawalha, Sami
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Eriksson, Berne
    Hedman, Linnea
    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.
    Radinger, Madeleine
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Ullman, Anders
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Lotvall, Jan
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Decreased COPD prevalence in Sweden after decades of decrease in smoking2020In: Respiratory Research, ISSN 1465-9921, E-ISSN 1465-993X, Vol. 21, no 1, article id 283Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: COPD has increased in prevalence worldwide over several decades until the first decade after the millennium shift. Evidence from a few recent population studies indicate that the prevalence may be levelling or even decreasing in some areas in Europe. Since the 1970s, a substantial and ongoing decrease in smoking prevalence has been observed in several European countries including Sweden. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors for COPD in the Swedish general population. A further aim was to estimate the prevalence trend of COPD in Northern Sweden from 1994 to 2009.

    Methods: Two large random population samples were invited to spirometry with bronchodilator testing and structured interviews in 2009-2012, one in south-western and one in northern Sweden, n = 1839 participants in total. The results from northern Sweden were compared to a study performed 15 years earlier in the same area and age-span. The diagnosis of COPD required both chronic airway obstruction (CAO) and the presence of respiratory symptoms, in line with the GOLD documents since 2017. CAO was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70, with sensitivity analyses based on the FEV1/FVC < lower limit of normal (LLN) criterion.

    Results: Based on the fixed ratio definition, the prevalence of COPD was 7.0% (men 8.3%; women 5.8%) in 2009-2012. The prevalence of moderate to severe (GOLD >= 2) COPD was 3.5%. The LLN based results were about 30% lower. Smoking, occupational exposures, and older age were risk factors for COPD, whereof smoking was the most dominating risk factor. In northern Sweden the prevalence of COPD, particularly moderate to severe COPD, decreased significantly from 1994 to 2009, and the decrease followed a decrease in smoking.

    Conclusions: The prevalence of COPD has decreased in Sweden, and the prevalence of moderate to severe COPD was particularly low. The decrease follows a major decrease in smoking prevalence over several decades, but smoking remained the dominating risk factor for COPD.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 29.
    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.
    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 30. Bals, Robert
    et al.
    Boyd, Jeanette
    Esposito, Susanna
    Foronjy, Robert
    Hiemstra, Pieter S.
    Jimenez-Ruiz, Carlos A.
    Katsaounou, Paraskevi
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Metz, Carlos
    Schober, Wolfgang
    Spira, Avrum
    Blasi, Francesco
    Electronic cigarettes: a task force report from the European Respiratory Society2019In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 53, no 2, article id 1801151Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    There is a marked increase in the development and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems or electronic cigarettes (ECIGs). This statement covers electronic cigarettes (ECIGs), defined as "electrical devices that generate an aerosol from a liquid" and thus excludes devices that contain tobacco. Database searches identified published articles that were used to summarise the current knowledge on the epidemiology of ECIG use; their ingredients and accompanied health effects; second-hand exposure; use of ECIGs for smoking cessation; behavioural aspects of ECIGs and social impact; in vitro and animal studies; and user perspectives. ECIG aerosol contains potentially toxic chemicals. As compared to conventional cigarettes, these are fewer and generally in lower concentrations. Second-hand exposures to ECIG chemicals may represent a potential risk, especially to vulnerable populations. There is not enough scientific evidence to support ECIGs as an aid to smoking cessation due to a lack of controlled trials, including those that compare ECIGs with licenced stop-smoking treatments. So far, there are conflicting data that use of ECIGs results in a renormalisation of smoking behaviour or for the gateway hypothesis. Experiments in cell cultures and animal studies show that ECIGs can have multiple negative effects. The long-term effects of ECIG use are unknown, and there is therefore no evidence that ECIGs are safer than tobacco in the long term. Based on current knowledge, negative health effects cannot be ruled out.

  • 31.
    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.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 32.
    Bashir, Muwada Bashir Awad
    et al.
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Basna, Rani
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Zhang, Guo-Qiang
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Backman, Helena
    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, Section of Medicine.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Axelsson, Malin
    Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Vanfleteren, Lowie
    COPD Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Nwaru, Bright I.
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Computational phenotyping of obstructive airway diseases: protocol for a systematic review2022In: Systematic Reviews, E-ISSN 2046-4053, Vol. 11, no 1, article id 216Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, computational sciences have contributed immensely to characterization of phenotypes of airway diseases, but it is difficult to compare derived phenotypes across studies, perhaps as a result of the different decisions that fed into these phenotyping exercises. We aim to perform a systematic review of studies using computational approaches to phenotype obstructive airway diseases in children and adults.

    METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for papers published between 2010 and 2020. Conferences proceedings, reference list of included papers, and experts will form additional sources of literature. We will include observational epidemiological studies that used a computational approach to derive phenotypes of chronic airway diseases, whether in a general population or in a clinical setting. Two reviewers will independently screen the retrieved studies for eligibility, extract relevant data, and perform quality appraisal of included studies. A third reviewer will arbitrate any disagreements in these processes. Quality appraisal of the studies will be undertaken using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool. We will use summary tables to describe the included studies. We will narratively synthesize the generated evidence, providing critical assessment of the populations, variables, and computational approaches used in deriving the phenotypes across studies

    CONCLUSION: As progress continues to be made in the area of computational phenotyping of chronic obstructive airway diseases, this systematic review, the first on this topic, will provide the state of the art on the field and highlight important perspectives for future works.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval is needed for this work is based only on the published literature and does not involve collection of any primary or human data.

    REGISTRATION AND REPORTING: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020164898.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 33.
    Basil, Nawfal
    et al.
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
    Ekström, Magnus
    Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Piitulainen, Eeva
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Jehpsson, Lars
    Department of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Tanash, Hanan
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
    Severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency increases the risk of venous thromboembolism2021In: Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, ISSN 1538-7933, E-ISSN 1538-7836, Vol. 19, no 6, p. 1519-1525Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), phenotype PiZZ, is associated with increased risk of liver disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of VTE in individuals with severe AATD compared with control subjects from the general population.

    Methods: Individuals with severe AATD (n = 1577) were recruited from the Swedish national AATD register. Control subjects (n = 5969) were selected from the OLIN (Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden) studies, that include a random general population sample. Longitudinal data on VTE and diagnoses were obtained from the Swedish National Patient Registry. Associations were analyzed using multivariable Cox regression.

    Results: At inclusion, 46% of the AATD individuals and 53% of the controls were never-smokers. COPD was present in 46% of the AATD individuals compared with 4% of the controls. During a median follow-up of 18 years, 116 (7%) of the AATD individuals and 89 (1%) of the control subjects developed VTE, unadjusted hazard ratio 6.5 (95% confidence interval 4.9–8.6). Risk factors for incident VTE were male gender, age, COPD, cancer, and liver disease. Adjusting for these factors, the AATD individuals had a significantly higher risk of incident VTE, adjusted hazard ratio 4.2 (95% confidence interval 2.9–6.2) as compared with the controls.

    Conclusion: Subjects with severe AATD have considerably increased risk of developing VTE compared with the general population, even after accounting for risk factors. This calls for optimized risk factor management and clinical follow-up of this patient group.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 34.
    Behndig, Annelie F.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Linder, Robert
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Pourazar, Jamshid
    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.
    Inflammatory Markers In Different COPD Subgroups Compared To Smokers And Healthy Controls2015In: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, ISSN 1073-449X, E-ISSN 1535-4970, Vol. 191, article id A2884Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 35.
    Bergstedt Oscarsson, Kristina
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases.
    Brorstad, Alette
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases.
    Baudin, Maria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Forssén, Annika
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine.
    Evander, Magnus
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology.
    Eriksson, Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå School of Business and Economics (USBE), Statistics.
    Ahlm, Clas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases.
    Human Puumala hantavirus infection in northern Sweden: increased seroprevalence and association to risk and health factors2016In: BMC Infectious Diseases, E-ISSN 1471-2334, Vol. 16, article id 566Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: The rodent borne Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) causes haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in central and northern Europe. The number of cases has increased and northern Sweden has experienced large outbreaks in 1998 and 2006-2007 which raised questions regarding the level of immunity in the human population.

    METHODS: A randomly selected population aged between 25 and 74 years from northern Sweden were invited during 2009 to participate in a WHO project for monitoring of trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease. Health and risk factors were evaluated and sera from 1,600 participants were available for analysis for specific PUUV IgG antibodies using a recombinant PUUV nucleocapsid protein ELISA.

    RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence in the investigated population was 13.4 %, which is a 50 % increase compared to a similar study only two decades previously. The prevalence of PUUV IgG increased with age, and among 65-75 years it was 22 %. More men (15.3 %) than women (11.4 %) were seropositive (p < 0.05). The identified risk factors were smoking (OR = 1.67), living in rural areas (OR = 1.92), and owning farmland or forest (OR = 2.44). No associations were found between previous PUUV exposure and chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, renal dysfunction, stroke or myocardial infarction.

    CONCLUSIONS: PUUV is a common infection in northern Sweden and there is a high life time risk to acquire PUUV infection in endemic areas. Certain risk factors as living in rural areas and smoking were identified. Groups with increased risk should be targeted for future vaccination when available, and should also be informed about appropriate protection from rodent secreta.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 36.
    Bermúdez Barón, Nicolás
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Dept of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Krefting Research Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Respiratory Research Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland.
    Hedman, Linnea
    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.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    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.
    Body mass index increase: a risk factor for forced expiratory volume in 1 s decline for overweight and obese adults with asthma2022In: ERJ Open Research, E-ISSN 2312-0541, Vol. 8, no 4, article id 00110-2022Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: With increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, it is important to study how body mass index (BMI) change may affect lung function among subjects with asthma. There are few prospective studies on this topic, especially with separate analyses of those with normal and high BMI. The aim of the present study was to prospectively study the association between annual BMI change and annual lung function decline, separately among those with normal initial BMI and overweight/obesity, in an adult asthma cohort.

    Methods: A population-based adult asthma cohort was examined at study entry between 1986 and 2001 and at follow-up between 2012 and 2014 (n=945). Annual BMI change was analysed in association with annual decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1 /FVC separately in those with normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) and overweight/obese subjects (BMI ⩾25) at study entry. Regression models were used to adjust for sex, age, smoking, inhaled corticosteroids use and occupational exposure to gas, dust or fumes.

    Results: Overweight/obese subjects had lower FEV1 and FVC but slower annual FEV1 and FVC decline compared to those with normal weight. After adjustment through regression modelling, the association between BMI change with FEV1 and FVC decline remained significant for both BMI groups, but with stronger associations among the overweight/obese (FEV1 B[Overweight/obese] =−25 mL versus B[normal weight] = −15 mL). However, when including only those with BMI increase during follow-up, the associations remained significant among those with overweight/obesity, but not in the normal-weight group. No associations were seen for FEV1 /FVC.

    Conclusions: BMI increase is associated with faster FEV1 and FVC decline among overweight and obese adults with asthma in comparison with their normal-weight counterparts.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 37.
    Bermúdez Barón, Nicolás
    et al.
    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, Section of Medicine.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Andersson, Martin
    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. Department of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Vikjord, Sigrid Anna
    Hunt Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
    Kankaanranta, Hannu
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Krefting Research Centre, University of Gothenburg Institute of Medicine, Goteborg, Sweden.
    Rönmark, Eva
    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.
    Among respiratory symptoms, wheeze associates most strongly with impaired lung function in adults with asthma: A long-term prospective cohort study2021In: BMJ Open Respiratory Research, E-ISSN 2052-4439, Vol. 8, no 1, article id e000981Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Asthma is a common disease and a major public health concern. Respiratory symptoms are related to its prognosis, which in turn associates with lung function. Still this association on a long-term basis is not entirely understood.

    Aim: To study the association of the type and number of respiratory symptoms with FEV 1 and FEV 1 decline in women and men with asthma.

    Method: A population-based cohort of adults with asthma was examined at study entry between 1986 and 2001 and at follow-up between 2012 and 2014, and n=977 had valid measurements of FEV 1 on both occasions. Data regarding respiratory symptoms at study entry (recurrent wheeze, dyspnoea, longstanding cough and productive cough) were analysed in relation to FEV 1 and annual decline in FEV 1, both unadjusted and adjusted for other potentially associated factors by linear regression.

    Results: For both sexes recurrent wheeze and dyspnoea were associated with lower FEV 1 at study entry and follow-up, while productive cough was associated with lower FEV 1 only at follow-up. No associations were found between the type of symptoms and annual decline in FEV 1. In adjusted analyses, the association between recurrent wheeze and lower FEV 1 both at study entry and follow-up remained significant among women. Also, the association between a higher number of symptoms with lower FEV 1 both at study entry and follow-up were present for both sexes and remained after adjustment.

    Conclusions: Particularly recurrent wheeze and a higher number of respiratory symptoms may predict lower lung function also in the long run among women and men with asthma.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 38.
    Bertels, Xander
    et al.
    Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
    Edris, Ahmed
    Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
    Garcia-Aymerich, Judith
    Non-Communicable Diseases and Environment Programme, ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Centro Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
    Faner, Rosa
    Centro Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
    Meteran, Howraman
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital-Amager and Hvidovre, Denmark; Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Sigsgaard, Torben
    Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Alter, Peter
    Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
    Vogelmeier, Claus
    Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for COPD and Respiratory Epidemiology, Otto Wagner Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
    Olvera, Nuria
    Centro Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
    Kermani, Nazanin Zounemat
    National Heart and Lung Institute & Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
    Agusti, Alvar
    Centro Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Respiratory Institute, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
    Donaldson, Gavin C.
    National Heart and Lung Institute & Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
    Wedzicha, Jadwiga A.
    National Heart and Lung Institute & Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
    Brusselle, Guy G.
    Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    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.
    Vonk, Judith M.
    Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
    Chung, Kian Fan
    National Heart and Lung Institute & Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
    Adcock, Ian M.
    National Heart and Lung Institute & Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
    van den Berge, Maarten
    Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
    Lahousse, Lies
    Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
    Phenotyping asthma with airflow obstruction in middle-aged and older adults: a CADSET clinical research collaboration2023In: BMJ open respiratory research, E-ISSN 2052-4439, Vol. 10, no 1, article id e001760Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: The prevalence and clinical profile of asthma with airflow obstruction (AO) remain uncertain. We aimed to phenotype AO in population- and clinic-based cohorts.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional multicohort study included adults ≥50 years from nine CADSET cohorts with spirometry data (N=69 789). AO was defined as ever diagnosed asthma with pre-BD or post-BD FEV1/FVC <0.7 in population-based and clinic-based cohorts, respectively. Clinical characteristics and comorbidities of AO were compared with asthma without airflow obstruction (asthma-only) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without asthma history (COPD-only). ORs for comorbidities adjusted for age, sex, smoking status and body mass index (BMI) were meta-analysed using a random effects model.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of AO was 2.1% (95% CI 2.0% to 2.2%) in population-based, 21.1% (95% CI 18.6% to 23.8%) in asthma-based and 16.9% (95% CI 15.8% to 17.9%) in COPD-based cohorts. AO patients had more often clinically relevant dyspnoea (modified Medical Research Council score ≥2) than asthma-only (+14.4 and +14.7 percentage points) and COPD-only (+24.0 and +5.0 percentage points) in population-based and clinic-based cohorts, respectively. AO patients had more often elevated blood eosinophil counts (>300 cells/µL), although only significant in population-based cohorts. Compared with asthma-only, AO patients were more often men, current smokers, with a lower BMI, had less often obesity and had more often chronic bronchitis. Compared with COPD-only, AO patients were younger, less often current smokers and had less pack-years. In the general population, AO patients had a higher risk of coronary artery disease than asthma-only and COPD-only (OR=2.09 (95% CI 1.26 to 3.47) and OR=1.89 (95% CI 1.10 to 3.24), respectively) and of depression (OR=1.41 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.67)), osteoporosis (OR=2.30 (95% CI 1.43 to 3.72)) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (OR=1.68 (95% CI 1.06 to 2.68)) than COPD-only, independent of age, sex, smoking status and BMI.

    CONCLUSIONS: AO is a relatively prevalent respiratory phenotype associated with more dyspnoea and a higher risk of coronary artery disease and elevated blood eosinophil counts in the general population compared with both asthma-only and COPD-only.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 39. Eriksson, Berne
    et al.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Bossios, Apostolos
    Bjerg, Anders
    Hedman, Linnea
    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, 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, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Only severe COPD is associated with being underweight: results from a population survey.2016In: ERJ open research, E-ISSN 2312-0541, Vol. 2, no 3Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Low body mass index (BMI) and malnutrition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with a poor prognosis. The prevalence of underweight, as well as overweight, in severity grades of COPD is sparsely investigated in studies of the general population and the associated patterns of risk factors are not well established. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between severity grades of airflow limitation in COPD, and both underweight and obesity when corrected for possible confounding factors. The study is based on pooled data from the OLIN (Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden) studies. Complete records with lung function, BMI and structured interview data were available from 3942 subjects (50.7% women and 49.3% men). COPD and severity grading were defined using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. In sensitivity analyses, the lower limit of normal was used. The prevalence of underweight was 7.3% in severe COPD (grades 3 and 4) versus 2.0% in those with normal spirometry. The prevalence of obesity increased from 9.7% in grade 1, to 16.3% in grade 2 and 20.0% in severe COPD, versus 17.7% in those with normal spirometry. In adjusted analysis, of the COPD severity grades, only severe COPD was associated with underweight (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.0004-10.5), while the COPD severity grades tended to be inversely associated with overweight.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 40.
    Eriksson, Berne
    et al.
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Internal Medicine, Central County Hospital of Halmstad, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Axelsson, Malin
    Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, 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
    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.
    Pattern of Cardiovascular Comorbidity in COPD in a Country with Low-smoking Prevalence: Results from Two-population-based Cohorts from Sweden2018In: COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, ISSN 1541-2555, E-ISSN 1541-2563, Vol. 15, no 5, p. 454-463Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Cardiovascular diseases are the most common comorbidities in COPD, due to common risk factors such as smoking. The prevalence of current smokers in Sweden has decreased over four decades to around 10%. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, distribution and associations of cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD by disease severity in two large areas of Sweden, both with low-smoking prevalence. Data from clinical examinations in 2009-2012, including spirometry and structured interview, from two large-scale population studies, the West Sweden Asthma Study (WSAS) and the OLIN Studies in Northern Sweden, were pooled. COPD was defined using post-bronchodilator spirometry according to the fixed ratio FEV1/FVC <0.70 and the lower limit of normal (LLN5th percentile) of the ratio of FEV1/FVC. Of the 1839 subjects included, 8.7% and 5.7% had COPD according to the fixed ratio and the LLN criterion. Medication for heart disease or hypertension among those with moderate-to-severe COPD was more common than among those without COPD (fixed ratio definition of COPD: 51% vs. 23%, p < 0.001; LLN definition: 42% vs. 24%, p = 0.002). After adjusting for known risk factors for COPD, including smoking, age, socio-economic status, and occupational exposure for gas, dust and fumes, only heart failure remained significantly, and independently, associated with COPD, irrespective of the definitions of COPD. Though a major decrease in smoking prevalence, the pattern of cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD still remains similar with previously performed studies in Sweden and in other Westernized countries as well.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 41. 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.

  • 42.
    Eriksson, Linda M.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Irewall, Tommie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Stenfors, Nikolai
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Prevalence, age at onset, and risk factors of self-reported asthma among Swedish adolescent elite cross-country skiers2018In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, ISSN 0905-7188, E-ISSN 1600-0838, Vol. 28, no 1, p. 180-186Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The objective of the study was to compare the prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma and age at asthma onset between Swedish adolescent elite skiers and a reference group and to assess risk factors associated with asthma. Postal questionnaires were sent to 253 pupils at the Swedish National Elite Sport Schools for cross-country skiing, biathlon, and ski-orienteering (skiers) and a random sample of 500 adolescents aged 16-20, matched for sport school municipalities (reference). The response rate was 96% among the skiers and 48% in the reference group. The proportion of participants with self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma was higher among skiers than in the reference group (27 vs 19%, P=.046). Female skiers reported a higher prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma compared to male skiers (34 vs 20%, P=.021). The median age at asthma onset was higher among skiers (12.0 vs 8.0years; P<.001). Female sex, family history of asthma, nasal allergy, and being a skier were risk factors associated with self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma. Swedish adolescent elite cross-country skiers have a higher asthma prevalence and later age at asthma onset compared to a reference population. Being an adolescent, elite skier is an independent risk factor associated with asthma.

  • 43.
    Eriksson Ström, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Kebede Merid, Simon
    Department of Clinical Sciences and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Pourazar, Jamshid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Ringh, Mikael V.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, 5Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Hagemann-Jensen, Michael
    Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Ekström, Tomas J.
    Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Behndig, Annelie F.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Melén, Erik
    Department of Clinical Sciences and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Sachs Children’s Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with epigenome-wide differential methylation in BAL lung cells2022In: American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, ISSN 1044-1549, E-ISSN 1535-4989, Vol. 66, no 6, p. 638-647Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    DNA methylation patterns in chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) might offer new insights into disease pathogenesis. To assess methylation profiles in the main COPD target organ, we performed an epigenome-wide association study on BAL cells. Bronchoscopies were performed in 18 subjects with COPD and 15 control subjects (ex- and current smokers). DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip Kit, covering more than 850,000 CpGs. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were examined for 1) enrichment in pathways and functional gene relationships using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology, 2) accelerated aging using Horvath's epigenetic clock, 3) correlation with gene expression, and 4) colocalization with genetic variation. We found 1,155 Bonferroni-significant (P < 6.74 × 10-8) DMPs associated with COPD, many with large effect sizes. Functional analysis identified biologically plausible pathways and gene relationships, including enrichment for transcription factor activity. Strong correlation was found between DNA methylation and chronological age but not between COPD and accelerated aging. For 79 unique DMPs, DNA methylation correlated significantly with gene expression in BAL cells. Thirty-nine percent of DMPs were colocalized with COPD-associated SNPs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epigenome-wide association study of COPD on BAL cells, and our analyses revealed many differential methylation sites. Integration with mRNA data showed a strong functional readout for relevant genes, identifying sites where DNA methylation might directly affect expression. Almost half of DMPs were colocated with SNPs identified in previous genome-wide association studies of COPD, suggesting joint genetic and epigenetic pathways related to disease.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 44.
    Eriksson Ström, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Pourazar, Jamshid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Linder, Robert
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Bucht, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Behndig, Annelie F.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Airway regulatory T cells are decreased in COPD with a rapid decline in lung function2020In: Respiratory Research, ISSN 1465-9921, E-ISSN 1465-993X, Vol. 21, no 1, article id 330Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Differences in the expression of regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been suggested to explain why some smokers develop COPD and some do not. Upregulation of Tregs in response to smoking would restrain airway inflammation and thus the development of COPD; while the absense of such upregulation would over time lead to chronic inflammation and COPD. We hypothesized that—among COPD patients—the same mechanism would affect rate of decline in lung function; specifically, that a decreased expression of Tregs would be associated with a more rapid decline in FEV1.

    Methods: Bronchoscopy with BAL was performed in 52 subjects recruited from the longitudinal OLIN COPD study; 12 with COPD and a rapid decline in lung function (loss of FEV1 ≥ 60 ml/year), 10 with COPD and a non-rapid decline in lung function (loss of FEV1 ≤ 30 ml/year), 15 current and ex-smokers and 15 non-smokers with normal lung function. BAL lymphocyte subsets were determined using flow cytometry.

    Results: The proportions of Tregs with regulatory function (FoxP3+/CD4+CD25bright) were significantly lower in COPD subjects with a rapid decline in lung function compared to those with a non-rapid decline (p = 0.019). This result was confirmed in a mixed model regression analysis in which adjustments for inhaled corticosteroid usage, smoking, sex and age were evaluated. No significant difference was found between COPD subjects and smokers or non-smokers with normal lung function.

    Conclusions: COPD subjects with a rapid decline in lung function had lower proportions of T cells with regulatory function in BAL fluid, suggesting that an inability to suppress the inflammatory response following smoking might lead to a more rapid decline in FEV1.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 45.
    Eriksson Ström, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Pourazar, Jamshid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Linder, Robert
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Bucht, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Behndig, Annelie F.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Cytotoxic lymphocytes in COPD airways: increased NK cells associated with disease, iNKT and NKT-like cells with current smoking2018In: Respiratory Research, ISSN 1465-9921, E-ISSN 1465-993X, Vol. 19, article id 244Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Cytotoxic lymphocytes are increased in the airways of COPD patients. Whether this increase is driven primarily by the disease or by smoking is not clear, nor whether it correlates with the rate of decline in lung function.

    Methods: Bronchoscopy with BAL was performed in 52 subjects recruited from the longitudinal OLIN COPD study according to pre-determined criteria; 12 with COPD and a rapid decline in lung function (loss of FEV1 ≥ 60 ml/year), 10 with COPD and a non-rapid decline in lung function (loss of FEV1 ≤ 30 ml/year), 15 current and ex-smokers and 15 non-smokers with normal lung function. BAL lymphocyte subsets were determined using flow cytometry.

    Results: In BAL fluid, the proportions of NK, iNKT and NKT-like cells all increased with pack-years. Within the COPD group, NK cells – but not iNKT or NKT-like cells – were significantly elevated also in subjects that had quit smoking. In contrast, current smoking was associated with a marked increase in iNKT and NKT-like cells but not in NK cells. Rate of lung function decline did not significantly affect any of the results.

    Conclusions: In summary, increased proportions of NK cells in BAL fluid were associated with COPD; iNKT and NKT-like cells with current smoking but not with COPD. Interestingly, NK cell percentages did not normalize in COPD subjects that had quit smoking, indicating that these cells might play a role in the continued disease progression seen in COPD even after smoking cessation.

    Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02729220.

    Download full text (pdf)
    fulltext
  • 46.
    Eriksson Ström, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Pourazar, Jamshid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Linder, Robert
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Blomberg, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Bucht, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden.
    Behndig, Annelie F.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Rapid decline in lung function in COPD is associated with decreased CD25brightFoxP3 regulatory T cells in BAL2019In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 54Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 47. 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.

  • 48. Hagstad, Stig
    et al.
    Bjerg, Anders
    Ekerljung, Linda
    Backman, Helena
    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, Medicine. Obstructive Lung Disease In Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, Department of Medicine, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, Luleå.
    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.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Passive smoking exposure is associated with increased risk of COPD in never-smokers2014In: Chest, ISSN 0012-3692, E-ISSN 1931-3543, Vol. 145, no 6, p. 1298-1304Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND Passive smoking, or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a risk factor for lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and childhood asthma, but a relationship with COPD has not been fully established.

    AIM To study ETS as a risk factor for COPD in never-smokers.

    METHODS Data from three cross-sectional studies within the Obstructive Lung Disesease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) database were pooled. Of the 2182 lifelong never-smokers 2118 completed structured interviews and spirometry of acceptable quality. COPD was defined according to the GOLD criteria using post-bronchodilator spirometry. The association of COPD with ETS in single and multiple settings was calculated by multivariate logistic regression adjusting for known risk factors for COPD.

    RESULTS COPD prevalence was associated with increased ETS exposure: 4.2% (no ETS), 8.0% (ETS ever at home), 8.3% (ETS at previous work) and 14.7% (ETS ever at home and at both previous and current work), test for trend p=0.003. Exclusion of subjects aged ≥65 years and subjects reporting asthma yielded similar results. ETS in multiple settings, such as ever at home and at both previous and current work was strongly associated to COPD, OR 3.80 (95% CI 1.29-11.2).

    CONCLUSIONS In this population-based sample of never-smokers, ETS was independently associated with COPD. The association was stronger for ETS in multiple settings. ETS in multiple settings was, after age, the strongest risk factor for COPD and comparable to personal smoking of up to 14 cigarettes/day in comparable materials. The findings strongly advocate measures against smoking in public places.

  • 49. 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.

  • 50.
    Hedman, Linnea
    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.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Andersson, Martin
    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, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Late Breaking Abstract - E-cigarette use among Swedish teenagers2018In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 52Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Electronic (e) cigarettes are portrayed as a substitute for conventional cigarettes and as a means for smoking cessation. In contradiction, much of the marketing is designed to appeal to teenagers and nonsmokers. Aim: to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use in relation to smoking habits and demographic factors in teenagers. Within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies a cohort study of schoolchildren (n=2430) was initiated at age 7-8y, with follow-ups at age 11-12y, 14-15y and 19y by completion of an extended ISAAC questionnaire. Questions on smoking and snus use were included from age 14-15y and use of e-cigarettes at 19y. At age 19y, 22.0% (95%CI 20.3-23.7) had ever tried e-cigarettes, with higher proportion in boys than girls, 28.3 vs 15.2% p<.001. The prevalence of current use was 4.4% (95%CI 3.6-5.2), also higher among boys, 5.4 vs 3.4% p=.01. Current smoking (10.3%) was slightly higher in girls than boys, 11.1 vs 9.0% p=.20. Of current e-cigarette users, 39% were smokers, 22% ex-smokers and 39% nonsmokers. ‘Ever tried’ e-cigarettes was related to tobacco use at age 14-15y: 60.9% in smokers and 50.8% in snus users, however 19.6% of nonsmokers had tried e-cigarettes. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, current e-cigarette use was related to male sex (OR 2.1 95%CI 1.7-2.7), former smoking (OR 3.6 95%CI 2.5-5.3), current smoking (OR 5.3 95%CI 3.9-7.4), use of snus (OR 1.6 95%CI 1.3-2.1) and inversely related to eating healthy diet (OR 0.9 95%CI 0.8-0.9). There were no significant associations with parental smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity or having asthma. In summary, e-cigarette use was common among smokers but alarmingly almost 40% of e-cigarette users at age 19y were nonsmokers.

1234 1 - 50 of 160
CiteExportLink to result list
Permanent link
Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf