PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Svanborg

Publications and source records attributed to A Svanborg.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Medical-social intervention in a 70-year-old Swedish population. A general presentation of methodological experience.

The possibilities of improving physical, mental and social functioning or retarding the development of handicap and reducing the need for medical and social services were investigated in an interdisciplinary intervention study in a representative population sample of 1206 70-year-olds. The assessments concerned cognitive function and mental health, earlier and current social interaction and living conditions, state of health including dental status, muscular strength and performance, pulmonary and cardiovascular function, bone mineral content, ADL and dietary habits. The intervention (response rate 76.8%) concerned social, psychological, environmental and medical aspects in 400 and medical aspects only in 406 probands. 400 register controls were sampled for comparison. The intervention period was 2 years, and a follow-up study will be performed at the age of 75. The interventions were guided by the life-style and the activity hypotheses within the resource perspective to promote everyday activities. The study allows comparisons with two previous 70-year-old cohorts investigated with similar methods in Gothenburg.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1987

Tobacco smoking--a major cause of sex differences in health.

Differences between men and women regarding morbidity have been investigated in relation to tobacco smoking, among 2,009 70-year-olds in the longitudinal gerontological study in Gothenburg, Sweden. Male smokers (44%) had started smoking earlier (age 18) than female (14%, age 30), consumed more tobacco and more often inhaled tobacco smoke. Peptic ulcer, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer were examples of diseases more common in males. ECG evidences of myocardial ischemia were more common in males, while anginal pain showed the same prevalence. Cholecystectomy and antihypertensive treatment were more common among females. When adjustments were made for duration of smoking, amount of tobacco consumed, significant sex differences were still observed for ECG evidence of myocardial ischemia (dominance in males), peptic ulcer (dominance in males), intermittent claudication (dominance in females) and treatment for hypertension (dominance in females). The majority of disorders predominant in males were found to be related to smoking, while those predominating among females showed the same sex difference when adjustments were made for smoking habits. Future increasing segments of females addicted to tobacco smoking will obviously markedly influence sex difference in morbidity.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Bacteriuria and mortality in an elderly population.

Bacteriuria detected in the screening of adult and elderly populations has been associated with an increased mortality rate, but it is not clear whether the increase is a result of the bacteriuria itself or of differences in age, concomitant disease, or both. We screened a representative sample of the elderly population of Göteborg, Sweden (n = 1966), for bacteriuria. The mean (+/- SD) age at the time of screening was 70 years +/- 2 months. The five-year mortality among women with bacteriuria was 13.4 percent, whereas that among women without bacteriuria was 9.4 percent. The nine-year mortality in the two groups of women was 23.9 and 23.3 percent, respectively (P not significant). When the women with indwelling catheters were excluded from the analysis, the five-year mortality was 9.0 and 9.2 percent, respectively. Men with bacteriuria had an increased frequency of cancer (27.3 vs. 5.8 percent at age 70; P less than 0.002) and a higher five-year mortality than the other men; however, among the men with bacteriuria but not cancer the mortality was not increased. We conclude that fatal diseases associated with bacteriuria may account for the increase in mortality among elderly patients with bacteriuria.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1986

Joint disorders at ages 70, 75 and 79 years--a cross-sectional comparison.

The prevalence of back and joint complaints and of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chondrocalcinosis (CC) and osteoarthritis (OA) was studied in three representative population subsamples aged 70, 75 and 79 years. The prevalence of back pain was 38% and of joint complaints 40%, both significantly higher in females. The prevalence of RA was not significantly different between the age groups. Chondrocalcinosis increased with age in females. Radiographic and clinical OA of knees was less prevalent with increasing age. Symptoms of wrist and finger OA occurred in 1-4% of females but not males. Enlargement of DIP joints occurred in 50% of females and 25% males. Radiographic OA of first MCP joints was more prevalent with age in males but not females. Obesity correlated with radiographic OA of knees in females. Clinical and radiographic OA of fingers and knees did not correlate with previous strenuous occupations.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1986

Age-related changes in blood pressure.

This report is based on three different representative population samples of a total of 1304 men (50-79 years old) and 1246 women (38-79 years old) observed for up to 12 years. Subjects' consumption of antihypertensive drugs and blood pressure levels in subjects with and without such treatment are presented. The prevalence of treatment with antihypertensive drugs (including beta-blockers and diuretics for other indications) increased from 2% at age 50 years to 37% at 79 years of age among the men and from 1% at 38 years to 61% at 79 years of age among the women. The mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure in untreated subjects increased from 138/91 mm Hg at age 50 years to 159/91 mm Hg at age 70 years in the men and from 123/79 mm Hg at age 38 years to 168/93 mm Hg at age 70 years in the women. At age 79 years the mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 155/83 mm Hg in the men and 161/85 mm Hg in the women. In a longitudinal follow-up of reexamined subjects, there was an increase in systolic blood pressure levels up to age 75 years and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure after age 75 years in both sexes.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chondrocalcinosis and gouty arthritis at age 79.

The prevalence of rheumatic diseases was studied in representative subsamples by interview (n = 134), and by physical (n = 89) and radiographic (n = 81) examination in a representative sample of 79-year-olds in Göteborg, Sweden. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (3-8 ARA criteria) was 10%. Radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) was diagnosed in wrists and/or finger joints of 65% of the probands and in knee joints of 14%. The first metacarpophalangeal (MCP I) joint was more frequently involved in males than in females (p less than 0.05). In females palpable enlargement of distal (DIP) and proximal interphalangeal finger joints correlated (p less than 0.01) to radiographic OA. The degree of heavy work in previous occupations was correlated to radiographic OA of DIP II-V in females (p less than 0.05 and of MCP I in males (p less than 0.05) but not to radiographic or clinical OA in knee joints. Symptoms of OA were reported by 6.1% in the knee and in 4.5% in hip joints. The prevalence of chondrocalcinosis averaged 15% (23% of females and 6% of males). Chondrocalcinosis of the hands occurred in 21% of females but in no males. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 15% (women 6%, men 29%), and gouty arthritis was found in one woman.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Occurrence, nature and treatment of urinary incontinence in a 70-year-old female population.

An intervention trial using oral oestriol to treat urinary incontinence was performed in a number of patients taken from a representative sample of 562 women aged 75 yr. The clinical series consisted of 34 patients who took part in a double-blind crossover study of the possible effects of oestriol, given in a single daily dose of 3 mg, and of a placebo over a period of 3 mth. The clinical examinations included bacteriological cultures and an assessment of the degree of atrophy of the surface membranes in the vagina. In most patients, oestriol was effective in reversing the atrophy. The clinical effect was excellent in urgency and mixed incontinence, but not in stress incontinence.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Prevalence of symptoms and signs of joint impairment at age 79.

The prevalence of back and joint impairments was studied in a representative subsample of 77 women and 57 men aged 79. Forty-six per cent of the subjects had no history of back or joint complaints. Thirty-two per cent reported current back pains while 50% stated they never experienced such pains. Back pains (past or present) were localized in the lumbar region predominantly (40%), and were almost constantly present in 8% of the subjects. The spinal mobility remained acceptable for function of the activities of daily living (ADL) in the majority of the subjects. Thirty-six per cent of the subjects had past or present complaints from the joints of the extremities, predominantly of the knee, shoulder or hip joints. Physical signs of joint disorders as deformities, swelling or tenderness were rare except for enlargement of distal interphalangeal joints (right hand: females 38%, males 14%). Restricted range of motion (ROM) in one or several joints was found in one fifth (i.e., knee joints) to two thirds (i.e., hip joints). No significant gender differences were observed with the exception of the thoracolumbar ROM that was more frequently restricted in males. Severe restriction of separate movements (to less than 50% of ROM) was, generally, infrequent (0-8% of the subjects) although advanced impairment of hip inward rotation was found in 14% of the subjects. Restricted ROM associated with joint complaints was found in 2-11% of the subjects (i.e., knee joints 2%, shoulder joints 9%, hip joints 11%). A considerable proportion of 79-year-olds, thus, had some--though usually limited--restriction of joint ROM.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Functional consequences of joint impairment at age 79.

A study of functional ability--in relation to joint impairment and disability--in 79-year-olds was performed on representative subsamples by interview (n = 134) and physical examination of joints (n = 89) as well as interview and functional tests regarding activities of daily living (ADL) (n = 84). Joint complaints of the lower extremities were more frequent than complaints of the upper extremities. Restricted knee motion had the highest correlation to disability of entering public transports. Previous sedentary workers were more disabled in ADL functions than those with a previous strenuous physical work. Correlation was found between low physical activity in the leisure time and impaired ADL functions. Low physical activity in the group with no definable disease was also correlated with greater social assistance. The reasons for commitment to institutional care were usually complex and, generally, not caused by joint impairment. Although disability had increased within the sample since age 70, at age 79 sixty per cent of the probands could still manage household tasks and personal care, and 69% did not require walking aids. The 79-year-olds thus display a high degree of musculoskeletal ability.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1984

Heart volume and the prevalence of certain common cardiovascular disorders at 70 and 75 years of age.

Heart volume and the prevalence of coronary heart disease, certain ECG-registered abnormalities, hypertension and congestive heart failure were studied in a representative sample of 70-year-olds, who were re-examined at the age of 75. Although previous and the present observations indicate that the heart volume increases with age earlier in adult life in apparently healthy individuals, no further volume change was observed between age 70 and 75. A significant correlation between heart volume and symptoms indicating congestive heart failure was only observed at volumes above 550-600 ml m-2 BSA in males and 500-550 ml m-2 BSA in females. 38% of the men and 26% of the women were without signs of heart disease or treatment for such disease at both 70 and 75 years of age. These figures are, however, obviously too low since a considerable overdiagnosis and overtreatment, mainly of hypertension in females and congestive heart failure exist in the sample. Anginal pain occurred in about 10% of males and females at both ages while ECG-abnormalities suggesting myocardial ischaemia increased in prevalence between age 70 and 75. The prevalence of congestive heart failure was 11% and 8% respectively in males and females of age 70, and had increased in both sexes by about 50% at age 75.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Personality and sexuality in relation to an index of gonadal steroid hormone balance in a 70-year old population.

Relationships between an index of gonadal steroid hormone function and personality as well as sexual activity were studied in a sample representative for 70-year-olds in Gotenburg, Sweden. Personality was described by means of inventories, sexual activity through a systematic interview and the balance between androgen and oestrogen activity by the quotient between lecithin and lysolecithin in plasma. Men with a relative dominance of oestrogen activity reported a lower frequency of sexual intercourse than other men. Women with a relative dominance of oestrogen activity described themselves as more resourceful, active, confident, unconcerned with the opinion of others, and able to take care of themselves than other women. There were no associations in women between the hormonal balance and the frequency of sexual intercourse.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Factors influencing serum free T4 in 70-year-old men. Implications for reference intervals in the elderly.

We tested a procedure to obtain reference values based on careful clinical analysis of a population sample with the background (a) that there are conflicting reports of age effects on thyroid function parameters, possibly reflecting differences in numbers of sick and drug-treated subjects in the studied populations, and (b) that recommended procedures for the selection of reference subjects in elderly populations may give unacceptably high exclusion rates. Serum free T4 was determined by a ligand-analogue technique in a representative population of 460 males at age 70. The determinations were performed 5 years after the clinical study, and the results were analysed in relation to information obtained at the study as well as during a 5-year follow-up. The free T4 concentration was significantly low in subjects with neoplastic disease and subjects with chronic bronchitis and significantly high in subjects taking non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers. Selective beta 1-blockers had no apparent effect. Information on death during the 5 years after the study proved to have no significance. The free T4 concentration was found to be negatively correlated to body mass and body mass index, a correlation which has previously not been shown. Smoking was associated with a significantly low body mass but had no apparent effect on mean free T4 concentration. A procedure with successive exclusions of clinically defined diagnostic groups with significantly low or high analyte concentration and/or body mass may be used to obtain reference values for thyroid function and may reveal previously unknown relationships.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1982

Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism studies in oophorectomized women: effects produced by the addition of norethisterone acetate to two estrogen preparations.

Norethisterone acetate (NET) was administered to 11 oophorectomized women, primed with either 17-C-alkylated ethinylestradiol (EE) or the non-alkylated estrogen, estradiol valerate (E2V), to evaluate the effects on lipid metabolism. Blood samples were drawn after a period without hormonal replacement therapy and after 6 weeks on each estrogen and estrogen-progestogen combination. Serum and lipoprotein lipids were followed and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed with blood glucose and plasma insulin determinations. NET reversed the increase in serum triglycerides induced by EE and, when added to either estrogen, increased low density lipoproteins and reversed the high density lipoprotein lipid increase induced by both estrogens. The NET + EE, but not the NET + E2V combination, imparied glucose tolerance.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Lipid metabolic studies in oophorectomised women: effects on serum lipids and lipoproteins of three synthetic progestogens.

Norethisterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and levonorgestrel were administered to oophorectomised women to evaluate the effects they have on lipid metabolism. Blood samples were drawn after a 3 wk period without hormone therapy and after 3 wk on each progestogen. Serum and lipoprotein lipids were followed and an oral glucose tolerance test with blood glucose and plasma insulin determinations were performed. The nortestosterone derivatives, norethisterone acetate and levonorgestrel, decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as alpha-lipoproteincholesterol, while the 17-hydroxyprogesterone derivative medroxyprogesterone acetate did not. Norethisterone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate impaired glucose tolerance. A difference between nortestosterone derivatives and 17-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives having an effect on high density lipoproteins is suggested.

Adult↗