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  • 1. 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.

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  • 2.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Eriksson, Berne
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Department of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Sovijärvi, Anssi
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Restrictive spirometric pattern in the general adult population: methods of defining the condition and consequences on prevalence2016In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 120, p. 116-123Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

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

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

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

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  • 3.
    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.

  • 4.
    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.

  • 5.
    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.

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  • 6.
    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.

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  • 7.
    Backman, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    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.

  • 8.
    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.

  • 9.
    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.

  • 10.
    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.

  • 11.
    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.

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  • 12.
    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)
  • 13.
    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.

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  • 14. Gerdtham, Ulf-Göran
    et al.
    Andersson, L Fredrik
    Ericsson, Asa
    Borg, Sixten
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    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.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Factors affecting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related costs: a multivariate analysis of a Swedish COPD cohort.2009In: European Journal of Health Economics, ISSN 1618-7598, E-ISSN 1618-7601, Vol. 10, no 2, p. 217-26Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing public health problem, generating considerable costs. The objective of this study was to identify factors affecting COPD-related costs. A cohort of 179 subjects with COPD was interviewed over the telephone on four occasions about their annual use of COPD-related resources. The data set and explanatory variables were analysed by means of multivariate regression techniques for six different types of cost: societal (or total), direct (health care) and indirect (productivity), and three subcomponents of direct costs-hospitalisation, outpatient and medication. Poor lung function, dyspnoea and asthma were independently associated with higher costs. Poor lung function (severity of COPD) significantly increased all six examined cost types. Dyspnoea (breathing problems) also increased costs, though to a varying extent. The presence of reported asthma increased total, direct, outpatient and medication costs. Poor lung function and, to a lesser extent, extent of dyspnoea and concomitant asthma, were all strongly associated with higher COPD-related costs. Strong efforts should be made to prevent the progression of COPD and its symptoms.

  • 15.
    Hedman, Linnea
    et al.
    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
    Department of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Andersson, Martin
    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.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    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.
    Population-based study shows that teenage girls with asthma had impaired health-related quality of life2017In: Acta Paediatrica, ISSN 0803-5253, E-ISSN 1651-2227, Vol. 106, no 7, p. 1128-1135Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM: This study examined the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of teenagers with and without asthma, including the impact of their sex, allergic conditions, smoking, living conditions and physical activity.

    METHODS: The Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies recruited a cohort of schoolchildren in 2006. The parents of all children aged 7-8 years in three municipalities were invited to complete a questionnaire and 2,585 (96%) participated. The cohort was followed up at the ages of 11-12 years and 14-15 years with high participation rates. At 14-15 years, the HRQoL questionnaire KIDSCREEN-10 and Asthma Control Test were added.

    RESULTS: Girls with current asthma at 14-15 years had a lower mean HRQoL score than girls without asthma (46.4 versus 49.3, p<0.001), but this was not seen among boys (53.8 versus 52.8, p=0.373). Poor HRQoL was related to current asthma, uncontrolled asthma and teenage onset of asthma. It was also related to eczema, living in a single parent household, maternal smoking, daily smoking and inversely related to physical activity.

    CONCLUSION: Teenage girls with asthma had lower HRQoL than girls without asthma. Possible interventions to improve HRQoL among teenagers with asthma were identified: increasing asthma control, preventing smoking and promoting physical activity. 

  • 16.
    Hedman, Linnea
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Strinnholm, Åsa
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Winberg, Anna
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Diagnostic intervention improved health-related quality of life among teenagers with food allergy2024In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 19, no 1 January, article id e0296664Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives:  The aim was to examine if a diagnostic intervention set up to assess current food allergy to cow’s milk, hen’s egg, fish, or wheat among teenagers had an impact on generic and disease specific health-related quality of life (HRQL). The study compared HRQL scoring before and two years after the intervention, and in relation to age matched controls without reported food allergy.

    Methods: The study was performed within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies where a cohort study on asthma and allergic diseases among 8-year-old schoolchildren was initiated in 2006. At age 12 years, the 125/2612 (5%) children who reported allergy to cow’s milk, hen’s egg, fish, or wheat were invited to a diagnostic intervention including clinical examination, blood tests and evaluation by a pediatric allergist. Of 94 participants, 79 completed generic and disease specific HRQL questionnaires. Additionally, a random sample of 200 (62% of invited) children without food allergy from the OLIN cohort answered the generic HRQL questionnaire. The respondents of the HRQL questionnaires were reexamined two years later and 57 teenagers with and 154 without reported allergy participated.

    Results: There were no significant differences in generic HRQL scores between teenagers with and without reported food allergy at study entry, or after the intervention. Among those with reported food allergy, we found a significant improvement in disease specific HRQL after the intervention (mean values: 3.41 vs 2.80, p<0.001). Teenagers with only food allergy had better disease specific HRQL compared to those with one, two or three concomitant allergic diseases, both before and after the intervention. Children with only food allergy significantly improved their HRQL after the intervention, 1.84 vs. 2.87 (p<0.001) but this association was not seen in children with one other allergic disorder (3.16 vs. 3.65, p = 0.121) or those with two or more allergic disorders (3.72 vs. 3.90, p = 0.148).

    Conclusion: The diagnostic intervention showed a long-term improvement of disease specific HRQL but not generic HRQL.

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  • 17. Hoogendoorn, Martine
    et al.
    Feenstra, Talitha L
    Asukai, Yumi
    Briggs, Andrew H
    Borg, Sixten
    Dal Negro, Roberto W
    Hansen, Ryan N
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Leidl, Reiner
    Risebrough, Nancy
    Samyshkin, Yevgeniy
    Wacker, Margarethe E
    Rutten-van Mölken, Maureen P M H
    Patient Heterogeneity in Health Economic Decision Models for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Are Current Models Suitable to Evaluate Personalized Medicine?2016In: Value in Health, ISSN 1098-3015, E-ISSN 1524-4733, Vol. 19, no 6, p. 800-810Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: To assess how suitable current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cost-effectiveness models are to evaluate personalized treatment options for COPD by exploring the type of heterogeneity included in current models and by validating outcomes for subgroups of patients.

    METHODS: A consortium of COPD modeling groups completed three tasks. First, they reported all patient characteristics included in the model and provided the level of detail in which the input parameters were specified. Second, groups simulated disease progression, mortality, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and costs for hypothetical subgroups of patients that differed in terms of sex, age, smoking status, and lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] % predicted). Finally, model outcomes for exacerbations and mortality for subgroups of patients were validated against published subgroup results of two large COPD trials.

    RESULTS: Nine COPD modeling groups participated. Most models included sex (seven), age (nine), smoking status (six), and FEV1% predicted (nine), mainly to specify disease progression and mortality. Trial results showed higher exacerbation rates for women (found in one model), higher mortality rates for men (two models), lower mortality for younger patients (four models), and higher exacerbation and mortality rates in patients with severe COPD (four models).

    CONCLUSIONS: Most currently available COPD cost-effectiveness models are able to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of personalized treatment on the basis of sex, age, smoking, and FEV1% predicted. Treatment in COPD is, however, more likely to be personalized on the basis of clinical parameters. Two models include several clinical patient characteristics and are therefore most suitable to evaluate personalized treatment, although some important clinical parameters are still missing.

  • 18. Hoogendoorn, Martine
    et al.
    Feenstra, Talitha L.
    Boland, Melinde
    Briggs, Andrew H.
    Borg, Sixten
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Risebrough, Nancy A.
    Slejko, Julia F.
    Rutten-van Mölken, Maureen P. M. H.
    Prediction models for exacerbations in different COPD patient populations: comparing results of five large data sources2017In: The International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, ISSN 1176-9106, E-ISSN 1178-2005, Vol. 12, p. 3183-3194Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and objectives: Exacerbations are important outcomes in COPD both from a clinical and an economic perspective. Most studies investigating predictors of exacerbations were performed in COPD patients participating in pharmacological clinical trials who usually have moderate to severe airflow obstruction. This study was aimed to investigate whether predictors of COPD exacerbations depend on the COPD population studied.

    Methods: A network of COPD health economic modelers used data from five COPD data sources - two population-based studies (COPDGene (R) and The Obstructive Lung Disease in Norrbotten), one primary care study (RECODE), and two studies in secondary care (Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoint and UPLIFT) - to estimate and validate several prediction models for total and severe exacerbations (= hospitalization). The models differed in terms of predictors (depending on availability) and type of model.

    Results: FEV1% predicted and previous exacerbations were significant predictors of total exacerbations in all five data sources. Disease-specific quality of life and gender were predictors in four out of four and three out of five data sources, respectively. Age was significant only in the two studies including secondary care patients. Other significant predictors of total exacerbations available in one database were: presence of cough and wheeze, pack-years, 6-min walking distance, inhaled corticosteroid use, and oxygen saturation. Predictors of severe exacerbations were in general the same as for total exacerbations, but in addition low body mass index, cardiovascular disease, and emphysema were significant predictors of hospitalization for an exacerbation in secondary care patients.

    Conclusions: FEV1% predicted, previous exacerbations, and disease-specific quality of life were predictors of exacerbations in patients regardless of their COPD severity, while age, low body mass index, cardiovascular disease, and emphysema seem to be predictors in secondary care patients only.

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  • 19. Jansson, S. A.
    et al.
    Stenling, A.
    AstraZeneca Nordic MC.
    Backman, H.
    Ronmark, E.
    Lindberg, A.
    Lundback, B.
    Health care costs of individuals with and without COPD in Sweden2010In: Value in Health, ISSN 1098-3015, E-ISSN 1524-4733, Vol. 13, no 7, p. A321-A321Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 20.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Arnlind, Marianne Heibert
    Dahlén, Sven-Erik
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Okänt hur mycket astma och allergier kostar samhället: kostnadsstudier kan ge bättre planering av vård och forskning2007In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 104, no 39, p. 2792-2796Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [sv]

    Få studier av kostnader för allergisjukdomar är genomförda nationellt och internationellt. I Sverige är det endast astma som är studerat, och för rinit och eksem finns endast ett fåtal internationella studier. Inom födoämnesöverkänslighet finns över huvud taget inga sjukdomskostnadsstudier publicerade. Det är svårt att jämföra olika studier, såväl nationellt som internationellt, på grund av olika studiedesign, hälso- och sjukvårdssystem och behandlingstraditioner. De svenska kostnaderna för de studerade allergisjukdomarna har skattats och uppgår sannolikt till över 10 miljarder kronor totalt per år, varav kostnaden för astma uppgår till cirka 7 miljarder kronor. Det är viktigt att studier kommer till stånd i Sverige för att få en uppfattning om de faktiska svenska kostnaderna för allergisjukdomarna. 

  • 21.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Axelsson, Malin
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Department of Health Science, Division of Nursing, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Leander, Mai
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Subjects with well-controlled asthma have similar health-related quality of life as subjects without asthma2016In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 120, p. 64-69Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

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

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

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

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

  • 22.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Andersson, M.
    Telg, G.
    Lundbäck, B.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Health care consumption and HRQOL in severe asthma in Sweden2017In: Value in Health, ISSN 1098-3015, E-ISSN 1524-4733, Vol. 20, no 9, p. A513-A513Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: Severe asthma is a disabling and costly disease, often poorly controlled despite high-dosage controller medications. The objectives of this analysis were to estimate health care consumption and to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a severe asthma cohort, derived from a large-scale population survey in northern Sweden. Methods: Severe asthma was defined by US SARP criteria; high-dosage inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) by GINA 2014 criteria. In total, 32 patients with severe asthma were invited to a clinical examination and structured interview. Retrospective data of all asthma-related direct and indirect resource consumption during the last year were collected following a defined protocol. HRQOL was assessed by four patient-reported outcome measures: two general measures (SF-36; EQ-5D) and two disease-specific measures (SGRQ; ACT). The cohort was divided into two groups —patients with (OCS) or without maintenance oral corticosteroid (non-OCS) treatment. Results: Health care resource utilization was greater in the OCS-group compared with the non-OCS group. Mean annual number of visits to specialist care was 2.0 in the OCS group vs. 0.5 visits in the non-OCS group. Four patients in the OCS group had early retirement vs. none in the non-OCS group. HRQOL was worse in the OCS group, both when measured with general and disease-specific instruments. The Mental and Physical Component Summary scores of the SF-36 in the OCS vs. non-OCS group were 50.1 vs. 40.7 and 55.8 vs. 44.4, respectively. Similarly, the total SGRQ scores indicated worse HRQOL for the OCS-group compared with the non-OCS group (37.0 vs. 27.0). Conclusions: In this severe asthma population, patients treated with maintenance OCS consumed more health care resources, were more frequently early retired, and had worse HRQOL compared with those not receiving maintenance OCS. The results indicate a need for improved treatment for patients with severe asthma on maintenance OCS. Sponsor: AstraZeneca.

  • 23.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Andersson, Maria
    Telg, Gunilla
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Eklund, Britt-Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Societal costs of severe asthma in Sweden2018In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 52Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Severe asthma is a disabling and costly disease, often poorly controlled despite high-dosage controller medications.

    Aims: We estimated societal costs from an adult severe asthma cohort, derived from a large-scale population survey in northern Sweden.

    Methods: Severe asthma was defined by US SARP criteria, and high-dosage inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were defined by GINA 2014 criteria. The study sample was identified from general population cohorts examined within the OLIN (Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden) studies (n=1,006). Patient reported asthma-related direct (outpatient care, medicines, hospitalisations) and indirect (sick leave, early retirement) resource consumption were collected by quarterly pre-defined telephone interviews during one year. Unit costs from 2017 were applied.

    Results: In total, 32 patients with severe asthma (mean age 60.7y, 13 patients >65) were included. The mean annual total cost per patient was approximately €6,300. Two thirds of the costs (63%) was indirect costs (approximately €4,000). The main cost drivers in direct costs were hospitalisations and drugs: approximately €1,000 and €700, respectively. The main cost driver of indirect costs was productivity loss due to early retirement: €3,400. Patients who had received regular oral corticosteroid (OCS) treatment had greater costs compared with those without regular OCS treatment. In comparison with a previous Swedish study based on a sample of all asthmatics from the general population, a greater mean annual total cost per patient was observed.

    Conclusions: In this severe asthma population in Sweden, societal costs were substantial. The results indicate a need for improved treatment regimens for patients with severe asthma.

  • 24.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Andersson, Maria
    Telg, Gunilla
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden..
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health.
    Severe asthma is related to high societal costs and decreased health related quality of life2020In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 162, article id 105860Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

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

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

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

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

  • 25.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Hospitalization Due to Co-Morbid Conditions is the Main Cost Driver Among Subjects With COPD - A Report From the Population-Based OLIN COPD Study2015In: COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, ISSN 1541-2555, E-ISSN 1541-2563, Vol. 12, no 4, p. 381-389Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Co-morbidities are common in COPD; however, there is a lack of population-based studies evaluating the health economic impact of co-morbid diseases for subjects with COPD. The main objective of this study was to estimate annual direct health-care costs, divided into costs due to non-respiratory and respiratory conditions, comparing subjects with and without COPD. Methods: Subjects with and without COPD derived from population-based cohorts in northern Sweden have been invited to annual examinations involving spirometry and structured interviews since 2005. This paper is based on data from 1472 subjects examined in 2006. COPD classification was based on spirometry. Results: Mean annual costs for both respiratory and non-respiratory conditions were significantly higher for subjects with COPD than non-COPD subjects, in total USD 2139 vs. USD 1276 (p = 0.026), and COPD remained significantly associated with higher costs also after adjustment for common confounders as age, smoking habits, BMI and sex. The mean total cost increased with COPD disease severity and was higher for all severity stages (GOLD) than for non-COPD subjects. Hospitalization due to non-respiratory diseases was the main cost driver in COPD, after adjustment for common confounders amounting to about 46% (unadjusted 62%) of the total COPD-costs. Conclusions: Costs were higher for COPD than non-COPD. In COPD, costs for co-morbid conditions were higher than those for respiratory conditions, and hospitalization due to co-morbid conditions was the main cost driver also when adjusted for common confounders.

  • 26. Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Backman, Helena
    Stenling, Anna
    AstraZeneca Nordic.
    Lindberg, Anne
    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.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Costs of COPD by disease severity2011In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 38, no Suppl 55Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic and disabling diseases worldwide, and the societal costs are high.

    Aim: To estimate the societal costs of COPD in Sweden and to examine the relationship between disease severity and costs.

    Methods: The study sample was identified in earlier clinical examinations of general population cohorts within the OLIN (Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden) studies. The cohort consisted initially of 993 subjects fulfilling COPD spirometric criteria (GOLD). In 2009-2010, telephone interviews on resource utilization were made to a sample of 244 subjects, stratified by disease severity. Interviews were performed quarterly to minimize the risk of recall bias. A non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test was used to test cost differences between groups; p-values adjusted by Bonferroni correction. Unit costs from 2010 were applied.

    Results: A highly significant relationship was found between disease severity and costs. The mean annual total cost per patient in relation to disease severity (GOLD) was: stage I €811; II €2,660; III €7,068; and IV €20,665. Indirect costs were higher than direct costs in all severity stages. For direct costs, main cost drivers were hospitalizations in stage III and IV, and drugs in stage I and II, respectively. The main cost driver in indirect costs was productivity loss due to early retirement, except in stage I where the driver was sick-leave. In comparison with a similar study performed in 1999 a numerical increase in mean annual total costs per patient was observed (ns).

    Conclusions: The results indicate that the societal costs of COPD in Sweden are substantial, and the costs increase considerably by disease severity.

  • 27.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Backman, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Stenling, Anna
    AstraZeneca Nordic-Baltic, Department of Health Economics, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Health economic costs of COPD in Sweden by disease severity: has it changed during a ten years period?2013In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 107, no 12, p. 1931-1938Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

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

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

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

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

  • 28.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    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.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Department of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Luleå University of Technology.
    Axelsson, Malin
    Kriit, Hedi Katre
    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.
    Lundback, Bo
    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.
    Life-years lost due to asthma2019In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 54Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 29.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    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.
    Stridsman, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Department of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
    Axelsson, Malin
    Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Science, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
    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 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.
    Life-years lost due to asthma and COPD2020In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 56Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 30.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    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, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Ericsson, Asa
    Borg, Sixten
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Andersson, Fredrik
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Cost differences for COPD with and without physician-diagnosis.2005In: COPD, ISSN 1541-2555, Vol. 2, no 4, p. 427-34Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Previous studies have presented divergent estimates of the cost of illness of COPD due to differences in methodology. The objective of this study was to examine differences between register-based estimates versus population-based estimates on the burden of COPD. This study therefore examined differences in costs of COPD among physician-diagnosed and un-diagnosed subjects. During a one-year period, four telephone interviews were made with 212 randomly selected subjects with COPD derived from the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies. Health care resource utilization and productivity losses were measured, and the costs were also transformed with the estimated COPD prevalence in Sweden. Average annual costs were SEK 18,252 (USD 2,207, EUR 2,072), and SEK 9,327 (USD 1,128, EUR 1,059) for subjects with and without a physician-diagnosis, respectively. Although lower per individual, the costs of undiagnosed subjects accounted for approximately 40% of the total costs in Sweden, since the majority of subjects with COPD in Sweden lack a physician-diagnosed disease. In conclusion, we found that the costs due to COPD differed considerably between those with and without physician-diagnosed disease. This study indicates that register-based studies result in underestimated costs of COPD.

  • 31.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Forsberg, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Löfgren, Curt
    Lindberg, Anne
    Lundbäck, Bo
    The economic consequences of asthma among adults in Sweden.2007In: Respiratory Medicine, ISSN 0954-6111, E-ISSN 1532-3064, Vol. 101, no 11, p. 2263-70Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

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

  • 32. Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Lindberg, Anne
    Bergelin, Anna
    AstraZeneca Sverige.
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Komorbiditet måste inkluderas vid beräkning av kostnader för KOL2009In: Svenska läkaresällskapets handlingar: Hygiea, ISSN 0349-1722, Vol. 118, no 1, p. 72-72Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    Bakgrund

    Kroniskt obstruktiv lungsjukdom (KOL) är en av de vanligast förekommande sjukdomarna i Sverige och medför stort lidande för de drabbade. De samhällsekonomiska kostnaderna till följd av sjukdomen är höga. Syftet med denna studie var att beräkna det totala antalet sjukhusinläggningar för både KOL och för andra sjukdomar i en kohort av individer med respektive utan sjukdomen KOL.

    Metod

    Studiepopulationen är identifierad sedan tidigare i genomförda kliniska undersökningar av populationsbaserade kohorter inom OLIN-studierna (Obstruktiv Lungsjukdom i Norra Sverige). Kohorten innehöll ursprungligen 993 individer, vilka alla uppfyllde kriterierna för KOL; samt en lika stor ålders- och könsmatchad kontrollgrupp utan sjukdomen KOL. Dessa individer har sedan 2005 intervjuats årligen om deras resurskonsumtion i sjukvårdssektorn samt genomgått en klinisk undersökning. Deltagandegraden har årligen varit cirka 90 %.

    Resultat

    Individer med KOL hade fler sjukhusinläggningar, både till följd av KOL och på grund av andra sjukdomar, jämfört med individer utan KOL (0.8 dagar respektive 1,1 dagar per individ och år). Trots att mer än 90% av individerna med KOL hade en mild eller medelsvår sjukdom visade studien att individer med KOL hade 25% fler dagar på sjukhus både för KOL och för andra sjukdomar jämfört med kontrollgruppen. Detta var oberoende av kön, men skillnaden var större bland män jämfört med kvinnor (0,4 dagar respektive 0,2 dagar per individ och år). Resultaten tyder på att komorbiditeten vid KOL är betydande.

    Sammanfattning

    Kostnader för KOL blir kraftigt underskattade om man inte tar hänsyn till kostnader för komorbiditiet. Beräkningar och analyser av resurskonsumtion och kostnader för komorbiditet måste därför genomföras för att erhålla den verkliga kostnaden för KOL.

  • 33.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    et al.
    Sunderby Sjukhus, Luleå .
    Stenling, Anna
    AstraZeneca Nordic.
    Backman, Helena
    Sunderbyns sjukhus .
    Rönmark, Eva
    Sunderbyns sjukhus .
    Lindberg, Anne
    Lung- och Allergimottagningen, Sunderby Sjukhus .
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Sjukvårdskostnader och läkemedelsanvändning hos individer med KOL i Sverige2010In: Svenska läkaresällskapets handlingar: Hygiea, ISSN 0349-1722, Vol. 119, no 1, p. 92-92Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    Bakgrund Kroniskt obstruktiv lungsjukdom (KOL) är en av de vanligast förekommande sjukdomarna i Sverige och medför stort lidande för de drabbade. De samhällsekonomiska kostnaderna till följd av sjukdomen är höga. Syftet var att studera sjukvårdskostnader (sjukhusinläggningar och öppenvårdsbesök) och läkemedelsanvändning hos individer med respektive utan KOL.

    Metod Studiepopulationen är identifierad sedan tidigare i kliniska undersökningar av populationsbaserade kohorter inom OLIN-studierna (Obstruktiv Lungsjukdom i Norrbotten). Kohorten innehöll ursprungligen 993 individer, vilka alla uppfyllde kriterierna (GOLD) för KOL; samt en lika stor ålders- och könsmatchad kontrollgrupp utan sjukdomen. Dessa individer har sedan 2005 kallats till årliga intervjuer och kliniska undersökningar. Deltagandegraden har varit >85% varje år. Analysen är baserad på data om resurskonsumtion insamlade år 2006 (n=772 KOL, n=802 icke-KOL). Enhetskostnader från Norra Sjukvårdsregionens prislista 2010 har använts.

    Resultat Bland individer med KOL uppgick genomsnittliga sjukvårdskostnaden för alla sjukdomar till 14 299 kr per individ och år jämfört med 11 312 kr för individer utan KOL (p=0,16). Uppdelat i svårighetsgrad var motsvarande kostnader: stadium 1 – 11 657 kr (p=0,92), 2 – 17 552 kr (p=0,12), 3+4 – 22 226 kr (p<0,01). En mindre del av kostnaderna hänfördes till luftvägssjukdomar; 10,5% bland individer med KOL och 6,2% bland individer utan KOL. Kostnader för luftvägssjukdomar var signifikant högre bland individer med KOL och ökade med sjukdomens svårighetsgrad. Individer med KOL uppvisade 20% högre kostnader för andra sjukdomar jämfört med individer utan KOL. Andelen individer med KOL som använde luftvägsmediciner ökade med sjukdomens svårighetsgrad (stadium 1 - 29,6%, 2 - 51,5% respektive 3+4 - 84,8%). Andelen individer som använde läkemedel mot andra sjukdomar än luftvägssjukdomar tenderade att vara högre bland individer med KOL jämfört med individer utan KOL, framförallt i svårare grader av sjukdomen.

    Sammanfattning Sjukvårdskostnader och andelen individer som använde läkemedel var högre bland individer med KOL och ökade med sjukdomens svårighetsgrad. Resultaten tyder på att utöver sjukdomen i sig, är även komorbiditet en bidragande orsak till de högre kostnaderna. Det är av stor vikt, både samhällsekonomiskt och för patientens bästa, att upptäcka och diagnostisera KOL i ett tidigt stadium för att förhindra att sjukdomen fortskrider till allvarligare stadier.

  • 34. Protudjer, J. L. P.
    et al.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Ostblom, E.
    Arnlind, M. Heibert
    Bengtsson, U.
    Dahlen, S-E
    Kallstrom-Bengtsson, I.
    Marklund, B.
    Middelveld, R. J. M.
    Rentzos, G.
    Sundqvist, A. C.
    Akerstrom, J.
    Ahlstedt, S.
    Health-related quality of life in children with objectively diagnosed staple food allergy assessed with a disease-specific questionnaire2015In: Acta Paediatrica, ISSN 0803-5253, E-ISSN 1651-2227, Vol. 104, no 10, p. 1047-1054Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim: Among Swedish children of 0-12 years old, we investigated various food allergy-related exposures associated with health-related quality of life using a food allergy-specific questionnaire among children allergic to the staple foods cow's milk, hen's egg and/or wheat, and contextualised worse food allergy-associated health-related quality of life using a generic questionnaire versus controls. Methods: In total, 85 children with objectively diagnosed allergy to the staple foods were included as cases, and 94 children matched for age and sex were included as controls. We administered a food allergy-specific parent-completed questionnaire originally developed by EuroPrevall to cases only, and a generic health-related quality of life questionnaire (EuroQol Health Questionnaire, 5 Dimensions; EQ 5-D); to both cases and controls. Results: Hen's egg was the most common offending staple food, affecting 76% of cases. Approximately 7% of cases were allergic to all three staple foods. Parent-reported respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms were associated with worse health-related quality of life. Elements of disease severity [previous anaphylaxis (p < 0.001); epinephrine autoinjector prescription (p < 0.003)] were negatively associated with health-related quality of life. Cases had worse health-related quality of life measured by the EQ-5D compared to controls (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The use of a disease-specific questionnaire revealed that disease severity in children with objectively diagnosed allergy to the staple foods cow's milk, hen's egg and/or wheat is associated with worse health-related quality of life. The use of a generic questionnaire confirmed that cases have worse health-related quality of life than controls.

  • 35. Protudjer, J. L. P.
    et al.
    Ostblom, E.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Karolinska Institutet,Centre for Allergy Research, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Middelveld, R.
    Dahlen, S-E
    Ahlstedt, S.
    Health-related quality of life in children with objectively-diagnosed allergies to staple foods assessed using a disease-specific questionnaire2015In: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, ISSN 0105-4538, E-ISSN 1398-9995, Vol. 70, p. 183-183Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 36. Protudjer, Jennifer L P
    et al.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Heibert Arnlind, Marianne
    Bengtsson, Ulf
    Kallström-Bengtsson, Ingrid
    Marklund, Birgitta
    Middelveld, Roelinde
    Rentzos, Georgios
    Sundqvist, Ann-Charlotte
    Åkerstrom, Johanna
    Östblom, Eva
    Dahlén, Sven-Erik
    Ahlstedt, Staffan
    Household costs associated with objectively diagnosed allergy to staple foods in children and adolescents2015In: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, ISSN 2213-2198, Vol. 3, no 1, p. 68-75Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: We previously reported that indirect and intangible costs burden households with a food allergic adult. We now extend our investigation to households with food allergic children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to estimate direct, indirect, and intangible costs of food allergy in households with a child and/or adolescent with objectively diagnosed allergy to staple foods (cow's milk, hen's egg, and/or wheat), and to compare these costs with age-and sex-matched controls. METHODS: Direct and indirect cost parent-reported data collected via the Food Allergy Socio-Economic Questionnaire of 84 children (0-12 years) and 60 adolescents (13-17 years) with objectively diagnosed allergy to staple foods ("cases") and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 94 children; n = 56 adolescents) were compared. Annual household costs were calculated. Total household costs included direct plus indirect costs. Intangible costs included parent-reported health of their child and/or adolescent, standard of living, and perceptions of well-being. RESULTS: Amongst cases, total household costs were higher by (sic)3961 for children and (sic)4792 for adolescents versus controls (P < .05), and were driven by direct (eg, medications) and indirect (eg, time with health care professionals) costs. For children only, a history of anaphylaxis was associated with higher direct costs than no anaphylaxis ((sic)13,016 vs (sic)10,044, P < .05). Intangible costs (eg, parent-reported health of a child and/or adolescent) were significantly impacted amongst cases versus controls (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Households with a child and/or adolescent with objectively diagnosed allergy to staple foods have higher total household costs than controls. Direct and indirect costs were significantly higher for cases versus controls amongst children only. Amongst both age groups, such allergy adversely impacted intangible costs.

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  • 37. Protudjer, Jennifer Lisa Penner
    et al.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, P.O. Box 287, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
    Middelveld, Roelinde
    Östblom, Eva
    Dahlén, Sven-Erik
    Heibert Arnlind, Marianne
    Bengtsson, Ulf
    Kallström-Bengtsson, Ingrid
    Marklund, Birgitta
    Rentzos, Georgios
    Sundqvist, Ann-Charlotte
    Åkerström, Johanna
    Ahlstedt, Staffan
    Impaired health-related quality of life in adolescents with allergy to staple foods2016In: Clinical and Translational Allergy, ISSN 2045-7022, E-ISSN 2045-7022, Vol. 6, article id 37Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Cow's milk, hen's egg and wheat are staple foods in a typical western diet. Despite the ubiquity of these foods, the impact of staple food allergy on health-related quality of life (HRQL) amongst adolescents is incompletely understood. The aims of this study were to make use of the Swedish version of EuroPrevall's disease-specific food allergy quality of life questionnaire-teenager form (FAQLQ-TF) and to investigate the association between objectively-diagnosed staple food allergy and HRQL amongst adolescents.

    METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 58 adolescents aged 13-17 years [n = 40 (69 %) boys] with objectively-diagnosed allergy to the staple foods cow's milk, hen's egg and/or wheat and living in Stockholm, Sweden were included. Adolescents completed the FAQLQ-TF, which has a corresponding scale of 1 = best HRQL, and 7 = worst HRQL. Overall HRQL and domain-specific HRQL were established. Adolescents also reported symptoms, adrenaline auto injector (AAI) prescription and presence of other food allergies. A history of anaphylaxis was defined among those reporting difficulty breathing, inability to stand/collapse, and/or loss of consciousness. Clinically different HRQL was set at a mean difference of ≥0.5.

    RESULTS: Overall mean HRQL was poorer than average [mean: 4.70/7.00 (95 % CI 4.30-5.01)]. The domain risk of accidental exposure was significantly associated with clinically better HRQL than the domain allergen avoidance and dietary restrictions (mean difference = 0.76; p < 0.001). Girls had clinically worse, but not statistically significantly different mean HRQL than boys (mean difference = 0.71; p < 0.07). HRQL tended to be worse amongst those with allergies to more than three foods or an AAI prescription. The number and types of symptoms, including a history of anaphylaxis were not associated with worse HRQL.

    CONCLUSIONS: As ascertained via a food allergy-specific questionnaire, adolescents with staple food allergy report poorer than average HRQL, specifically in relation to emerging independence and the need for support. Girls have clinically worse HRQL than boys. The number and type of previous symptoms and history of anaphylaxis were not associated with worse HRQL.

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  • 38.
    Räisänen, Petri
    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.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    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
    Lundback, Bo
    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.
    Male sex, younger age and smoking contribute to low participating rate in an epidemiological study of asthma and respiratory symptoms2018In: European Respiratory Journal, ISSN 0903-1936, E-ISSN 1399-3003, Vol. 52Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: High participation rate is warranted in order to ensure the validity in epidemiological study results. However, participation rates in population based studies have declined during the last decades.

    Aim: To evaluate the causes and potential effects of non-response in a large population based survey about asthma and respiratory symptoms in Northern Sweden.

    Methods: In 2016 a random sample of 12000 adults in ages 20-79 were invited to a postal questionnaire survey about asthma, rhinitis and respiratory symptoms. Three reminders were sent out. A random sample of 500 non-responders was identified for a telephone interview.

    Results: The participation rate in the initial mailing was 40.6%, and 9.0%, 4.9%, and 2.6% in the subsequent reminders; in total 57.1% (n=6854) participated. Of the 500 non-responders, 320 were possible to reach and 272 participated in the interviews. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms did not differ significantly between responders and non-responders. Male sex, younger age, and smoking were associated with both late and non-response. Even if more subjects with asthma or allergic rhinitis were late and non-responders the prevalence estimates of these conditions were not substantially affected. However, 11.7% of participants and 18.0% of non-responders were smokers (p <0.001). Reasons for non-participation were mainly lack of time and having forgotten to answer.

    Conclusion: With a response rate of 57.1%, our prevalence estimates of asthma and respiratory symptom were not biased while smoking was underestimated in this Swedish population.

  • 39. Selberg, Stina
    et al.
    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.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    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
    Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå..
    Asthma control and acute health care visits among young adults with asthma: A population-based study2019In: Journal of Advanced Nursing, ISSN 0309-2402, E-ISSN 1365-2648, Vol. 75, no 12, p. 3525-3534Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIMS: To study asthma control and acute health care visits among young adults with asthma.

    BACKGROUND: Despite the access to effective treatment and nursing interventions, poor asthma control is still common among individuals with asthma. However, studies describing clinical characteristics among young adults with asthma are rare.

    DESIGN: A population-based cohort study.

    METHODS: In 2015, as a part of the OLIN pediatric cohort I (recruited in 1996 at age 7-8yr), N=2291 young adults (27-28 yr) completed a postal questionnaire survey including questions on asthma and respiratory symptoms. Of these, N=280 (12%) were identified as having current asthma and were further studied.

    RESULTS: Of those with current asthma, women reported respiratory symptoms and smoking to a greater extent than men. Approximately one-fourth had uncontrolled asthma and acute health care visits due to asthma was reported by 15% of women and 8% of men. Uncontrolled asthma was associated with smoking, lower educational level, use of reliever treatment most days and acute health care visits. Acute health care visits due to asthma were associated with periodic use of regular controller treatment also after adjustment for uncontrolled asthma.

    CONCLUSION: The result indicate poor adherence to asthma treatment which may lead to decreased asthma control and acute health care visits.

    IMPACT: Most young adults with asthma are diagnosed and treated in primary care, ideally in a team with a nurse. The main findings highlight the need for evidenced-based nursing interventions, contributing to a more efficient asthma management in primary care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  • 40.
    Strinnholm, Åsa
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Hedman, Linnéa
    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.
    Winberg, Anna
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Lindh, Viveca
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Rönmark, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Health Related Quality of Life among schoolchildren aged 12-13 years in relation to food hypersensitivity phenotypes: a population-based study2017In: Clinical and Translational Allergy, ISSN 2045-7022, E-ISSN 2045-7022, Vol. 7, article id 20Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background:

    While Health Related Quality of Life has been investigated among children with IgE-mediated food allergy, less is known about quality of life among children with other types of hypersensitivity to food. The aim of this study was to investigate Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) in children with and without food hypersensitivity. Further, we compared HRQL between children with different phenotypes of food hypersensitivity.  

    Methods:

    In a large population-based cohort of schoolchildren in Northern Sweden, the parents of 2,612 (96% of invited) completed a questionnaire. All 125 (5%) children who reported complete elimination of milk, egg, fish or wheat due to food hypersensitivity were invited to a clinical examination and 94 children participated. Of these, 75 children also completed a generic (KIDSCREEN -52) and a disease-specific HRQL questionnaire (FAQLQ-TF). Thereafter, these children were categorised into the different phenotypes: current food allergy, outgrown food allergy, and lactose intolerance. Additionally, 209 children with unrestricted diets answered the generic questionnaire.

    Results:

    The median score of all KIDSCREEN -52 domains were above the population norm of 50 both in children with and without food hypersensitivity. No significant differences in distribution in generic or disease-specific HRQL were found between children with or without food hypersensitivity. There were no significant differences in HRQL between children with different phenotypes of food hypersensitivity. However, children with current food allergy tended to have the lowest HRQL. Further, poor HRQL defined as ≥75th percentile for the disease specific score was significantly more common in the current food allergy phenotype in the domain Emotional impact and the total FAQLQ, compared to the other phenotypes.

    Conclusions:  

    In this population-based study, 12-13 year old children reported good HRQL regardless of having food hypersensitivity or not. However, the children with the current phenotype reported lower HRQL than the other phenotypes. 

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  • 41. Ståhl, Elisabeth
    et al.
    Lindberg, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    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.
    Svensson, Klas
    Andersson, Fredrik
    Löfdahl, Claes-Göran
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Health-related quality of life is related to COPD disease severity.2005In: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, E-ISSN 1477-7525, Vol. 3, p. 56-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between health-related quality of life (HRQL) and disease severity using lung function measures. METHODS: A survey was performed in subjects with COPD in Sweden. 168 subjects (70 women, mean age 64.3 years) completed the generic HRQL questionnaire, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the disease-specific HRQL questionnaire; the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the utility measure, the EQ-5D. The subjects were divided into four severity groups according to FEV1 per cent of predicted normal using two clinical guidelines: GOLD and BTS. Age, gender, smoking status and socio-economic group were regarded as confounders. RESULTS: The COPD severity grades affected the SGRQ Total scores, varying from 25 to 53 (GOLD p = 0.0005) and from 25 to 45 (BTS p = 0.0023). The scores for SF-36 Physical were significantly associated with COPD severity (GOLD p = 0.0059, BTS p = 0.032). No significant association were noticed for the SF-36, Mental Component Summary scores and COPD severity. Scores for EQ-5D VAS varied from 73 to 37 (GOLD I-IV p = 0.0001) and from 73 to 50 (BTS 0-III p = 0.0007). The SGRQ Total score was significant between age groups (p = 0.0047). No significant differences in HRQL with regard to gender, smoking status or socio-economic group were noticed. CONCLUSION: The results show that HRQL in COPD deteriorates with disease severity and with age. These data show a relationship between HRQL and disease severity obtained by lung function.

  • 42. Sundblad, Britt-Marie
    et al.
    Jansson, Sven-Arne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Nyström, Lennarth
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Arvidsson, Peter
    Lundbäck, Bo
    Larsson, Kjell
    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) During the Two Last Years of Life: A Retrospective Study of Decedents2013In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 8, no 12, article id e84110Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Little is known about the management of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the last years of life. The aim of the study was to describe how management of COPD is performed in Sweden during the last two years of life.

    METHODS: From the nationwide Cause of Death register all individuals with COPD as the underlying cause of death during two years were identified in one sparsely and one densely populated area of Sweden. Data were collected from medical records using a pre-defined protocol, especially developed for this purpose.

    RESULTS: Of 822 individuals with COPD as underlying cause of death, medical records from 729 were available. The COPD diagnosis was based on lung function measurements in approximately half of the patients and median age at COPD diagnosis was 74 years (range 34-95). Women died at younger age, median 78 years (range 52-96) than did men (80 years (51-99)). The median survival time from diagnosis to death was 6 years in men and women in both areas. Among women and men 8.3% and 4.3% were never smokers, respectively. The structure of COPD management differed between the two areas, with utilization of physiotherapists, dieticians and working therapists being more used in the northern area, likely because of differences in accessibility to care institutions.

    CONCLUSIONS: In Sweden COPD is mostly diagnosed late in life and often not verified by lung function measurements. Opposite to the general population, women with COPD die at a lower age than men.

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