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Biomedical subjects

Anders Hovland

Publications and source records attributed to Anders Hovland.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[A new tool for retrieving clinical data from various sources].

BACKGROUND: A doctor's tool for extracting clinical data from various sources on groups of hospital patients into one file has been in demand. For this purpose we evaluated Qlikview. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on clinical information required by two cardiologists, an IT specialist with thorough knowledge of the hospital's data system (www.dips.no) used 30 days to assemble one Qlikview file. Data was also assembled from a pre-hospital ambulance system. RESULTS: The 13 Mb Qlikview file held various information on 12430 patients admitted to the cardiac unit 26,287 times over the last 21 years. Included were also 530,912 clinical laboratory analyses from these patients during the past five years. Some information required by the cardiologists was inaccessible due to lack of coding or data storage. Some databases could not export their data. Others were encrypted by the software company. A major part of the required data could be extracted to Qlikview. Searches went fast in spite of the huge amount of data. Qlikview could assemble clinical information to doctors from different data systems. Doctors from different hospitals could share and further refine empty Qlikview files for their own use. When the file is assembled, doctors can, on their own, search for answers to constantly changing clinical questions, also at odd hours.

Cardiology Service, Hospital↗
PubMed2005

EEG should be performed during induced hypothermia.

Induced hypothermia has improved neurological outcome after cardiac arrest. Even though anoxic insults to the brain often provoke epileptic activity, it is unclear whether EEG monitoring is necessary in these patients. We report the case of a 53-year-old female who suffered cardiac arrest. During induced hypothermia extensive shivering was managed by sedation and curare. After their discontinuation convulsions appeared and status epilepticus was disclosed on EEG recording, and was treated by thiopental infusion for 10 days. The patient recovered slowly and has now regained independent living (CPC 1). In induced hypothermia several factors including the use of curare, may conceal clinical signs of epileptic activity. We therefore suggest a broader use of EEG in these patients.

Curare↗
PubMed2004

[Apheresis in severe hypercholesterolaemia].

BACKGROUND: Hypercholesterolaemia is usually successfully treated with statins but in some cases the medication has insufficient cholesterol-lowering effect or is not well tolerated. In these instances LDL apheresis is an option. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We share some of our own experience with this treatment and then review the literature regarding LDL apheresis. RESULTS: LDL apheresis seems a safe and effective way of lowering LDL cholesterol. Mortality and morbidity is reduced in selected patient groups. Quite probably, too few Norwegian patients are offered this treatment. INTERPRETATION: LDL apheresis should be available in all health regions of Norway and the treatment should be known to all those who treat severe hypercholesterolaemia or coronary artery disease.

Blood Component Removal↗
PubMed2004

[Gitelman's syndrome--a differential diagnosis in hypokalemia].

BACKGROUND: Gitelman's syndrome is a rare disease characterised by low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter in the distal collecting duct. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present four patients (two brothers and two sisters) with Gitelman's syndrome and review the literature regarding the disease. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Gitelman's syndrome should be considered in patients with persistently low levels of potassium and magnesium. The diagnosis is confirmed by genetic testing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Pericardial effusion in a patient with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

A 60-y-old woman with known lymphangioleiomyomatosis presented with a pericardial effusion. Chylous fluid was drained by pericardiocentesis, and EBV was demonstrated in the pericardial effusion. Treatment with a systemic antiviral agent removed the virus from the effusion. The effusion itself was treated surgically.

Epstein-Barr Virus Infections↗
PubMed2003

[Coronary angiography in octogenarians].

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of heart disease increases with age, and the consequences of a more aggressive approach to heart disease among the elderly should be elucidated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study we examined the records of 277 patients above 80 years of age who have undergone coronary angiography at our institution. The records were systematically screened for all relevant information regarding complications and clinical consequences of the procedure. RESULTS: 97 % of the catheterisations were done because of coronary artery disease or aortic stenosis. Mortality following coronary angiography was 0.4 %. Severe complications were recorded in 3.6 %, minor complications in 1.8 %, which gives a total complication rate of 5.4 % in this group. 65 % of the patients were referred to invasive treatment (PCI, CABG, aortic valve replacements or combined procedures). INTERPRETATION: Coronary angiography can be done safely in patients above the age of 80. Also in this age group patients are often offered invasive treatment following coronary angiography.

Aged↗