On the diagnostic value of 'thyroid autoantibodies'.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
C Bengtsson
Publications and source records attributed to C Bengtsson.
Changes in bone mineral content of the axial skeleton in relation to aging and the menopause. Results from a longitudinal population study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Patterns of bone loss in the axial skeleton have been studied in a sample of Swedish women participating in a longitudinal population study which was started in 1968. In 1976, the mineral content of the lumbar spine (predominantly trabecular bone) was measured in vivo in 130 women by dual photon absorptiometry. Premenopausal or recently postmenopausal women were compared with women of identical age who had been postmenopausal for a long time. The first group was found to have significantly higher values of bone mineral content. Five years later, in 1981, the same women were re-examined with identical techniques. A slight decrease in bone mineral content with age was found in postmenopausal women. The findings were mostly in agreement with those of the first cross-sectional study, with bigger differences in bone mineral content between women of different menstrual status than between women of different age. In addition, the lower values in women with early menopause compared to those with late menopause remained in spite of increasing age.
Aged↗
Prevalence of secondary hypertension in a population sample of Swedish women.
In a comprehensive population study of 1462 women aged 38--60 in Göteborg, Sweden, the prevalence of secondary hypertension was estimated to be 0.8% of the total population sample and 4.6% of those who were hypertensive (defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 95 mmHg or both or antihypertensive treatment irrespective of blood pressure levels). These figures were based on thorough clinical and laboratory investigations and a follow-up period of 12 years. Women with arterial hypertension reported a history of toxaemia of pregnancy and a family history of hypertension more often than non-hypertensive women. In comparison with non-hypertensive women, in both untreated and treated hypertensive women, serum uric acid, urinary methoxycatecholamine excretion, body weight and the prevalence of albuminuria were increased and serum potassium decreased (statistically significant differences).
Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
Abnormal dexamethasone suppression test in normal females.
Eighty women taking part in a population study were subjected to a dexamethasone suppression test (DST) intended as a diagnostic aid for melancholia. The women were selected systematically from two age strata, 38 and 50 years. Fifteen subjects (19 per cent) were found to be non-suppressors. High post-dexamethasone serum cortisol concentrations were not the result of elevated concentrations of the main cortisol binder, transcortin. There were no differences between suppressors and non-suppressors as regards depressive symptoms, strain experience, body mass, gynaecological history, drug use, smoking, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, number of leucocytes, activity of serum aminotransferases and gamma-glutamyltransferase, serum iron, bilirubin, ferritin content, serum growth hormone or serum prolactin. However, the nonsuppressors reported a significantly lower (P less than 0.01) orgasmic capacity in a questionnaire inquiry about two weeks before the DST. The outcome of the study indicates that DST as the presently recommended procedure for out-patients has a lower specificity for melancholia than has been reported previously.
Adult↗
Symptoms and signs in relation to blood pressure and antihypertensive treatment. A cross-sectional and longitudinal population study of middle-aged Swedish women.
Altogether 1462 middle-aged women aged 38-60 participated in a population study which was carried out in Göteborg, Sweden in 1968-69. Of these women, 1302 were re-investigated six years later in a follow-up study. Studied cross-sectionally, headache and nycturia were found to be more common in both untreated and treated hypertensives than in a non-hypertensive reference group. The prevalences of headache seemed to be U-shaped when related to the BP levels, with the highest prevalences in the lowest and highest quintiles of BP levels. In the longitudinal study, headache did not occur more often in those women who had started antihypertensive treatment than in the others. Dizziness as a new symptom occurred more often in women who had started to take antihypertensive drugs than in those who had not, and was more common in those who had started taking diuretics than in those starting on beta-blockers. The prevalences of eyeground phenomena and ECG changes seemed to increase linearly with increasing BP levels. It is concluded that some symptoms and signs are related to BP levels, and some of the symptoms in hypertensive women may also be related to antihypertensive treatment as such and to the type of antihypertensive treatment given.
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
Free thyroxin by radioimmunoassay: evaluation of a new direct method involving a radiolabeled thyroxin analog.
We present here the first performance evaluation of a new direct method for free thyroxin (T4) in serum by radioimmunoassay, with use of coated tubes and a radiolabeled T4 analog (Diagnostic Products Corp.). The assay is precise and robust: within-run imprecision (CV), 3.1-6.6%; between-run imprecision, 4.0-7.9%; no demonstrable variation between technologists irrespective of experience with the method. No outliers were observed when we compared the free T4 results with serum total T4. Reference values are reported for a total of 1243 euthyroid subjects; there was no significant age effect on serum free T4 in women 26 to 72 years old. The biological variation was about +/- 35% of the mean (2 SD). Free T4 results are the same for serum and plasma. The assay performs well in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and distinguishes individuals with thyroid disease from normal individuals. Free T4 values in women taking oral contraceptives are normal. Depressed results were often observed in acute nonthyroidal illness and continuing pregnancy. These results were directly comparable with those of another commercial direct radiolabeled-T4 analog kit for free T4.
Adult↗
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and cardiovascular disease. Results from a population study of women in Göteborg, Sweden.
In a prospective study of a population sample of women, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was studied in relation to the incidence of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke and intermittent claudication. ESR could not be proved to be predictive of these manifestations of cardiovascular disease. Similar results were obtained when the population was studied cross-sectionally. The ESR was higher in women with hyperlipidaemia (serum triglyceride greater than or equal to 2.0 mmol/l or serum cholesterol greater than or equal to 9 mmol/l), in women with arterial hypertension (treated or untreated, with systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 95 mm Hg or both) and in overweight women (women within the upper 10 centiles of weight index) compared to women of the same age in the population sample who did not fulfill the criteria according to the above definitions. ESR was similar in hyperuricaemic women (upper 5 centiles of serum uric acid) and in those who were not hyperuricaemic. No association was found between smoking habits and ESR. Weak correlations were found between ESR and serum triglycerides, serum cholesterol and serum uric acid, respectively. Although some correlations were found, ESR cannot replace other examinations in the search for risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Adult↗
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in women with different manifestations of joint disease.
A comprehensive population study of women aged 44-46 was carried out in Göteborg, Sweden in 1974-75. The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the rate of high ESR values (defined as ESR greater than or equal to 30 mm) were higher in women with manifestations of joint diseases than in other women, the differences being statistically significant for women with swollen or deformed finger joints and symptoms from the wrists. Women with manifestations of active joint disease at the time of the examination had even higher ESR values, the differences being statistically significant also for women with symptoms from the finger joints. High ESR values were more common in women with a positive serological test for rheumatoid factor and joint manifestations indicating arthritis and osteoarthrosis. The "arthritis" and "osteoarthrosis" groups each included about one-third of the subjects with rheumatoid factor. It is concluded that although ESR values are moderately increased in subjects with different manifestations of joint disease, the vast majority of such subjects have ESR values less than 30 mm.
Adult↗
On metabolic effects of diuretics and beta-blockers. Results from a cross-sectional and longitudinal population study of women.
A population sample of women in Göteborg, Sweden, was studied in 1968-69 and restudied in 1974-75. A number of metabolic variables could be studied cross-sectionally (in 1974-75) and longitudinally (intraindividual changes between 1968-69 and 1974-75). When studied cross-sectionally, increased serum urate concentrations were observed in women on diuretics and increased serum triglycerides in women on beta-blockers, compared to other women, while no obvious differences were found in blood glucose and serum cholesterol concentrations or in packed red cell volume (PCV). When studied longitudinally, a slight decrease in serum triglyceride concentration was found in women who started to take diuretics and an increase in women who started to beta-blockers compared to other women. Serum urate concentration tended to increase in women who started to take diuretics and PCV tended to decrease in women who started to take beta-blockers. Blood glucose was unimpaired. In conclusion, the differences observed were rather small and seemed to be rather unimportant compared to the threat presented by the arterial hypertension itself.
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
[New weight and height tables for Swedish middle aged and elderly men and women].
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Age Factors↗
Effect of beta-adrenoceptor blockade on exercise performance and metabolism.
1. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and the capacity to perform prolonged submaximal physical exercise were studied in six young healthy subjects treated in a randomized double-blind fashion for 2 days with either placebo, the non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (80 mg b.i.d.) or the cardioselective agent metoprolol (100 mg b.i.d.). On day 3, 1 h after the last dose, the subjects exercised for 30 min periods followed up 10 min rest up to the point of exhaustion. 2. The capacity to perform exercise was decreased with both beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. However, at an equal degree of beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade, all subjects could exercise for a longer period of time on the cardioselective agent as compared with the non-selective drug. 3. Blood glucose levels decreased during exercise irrespective of the type of treatment, but the attenuation occurred most rapidly on propranolol. At exhaustion the average non-esterified fatty acid levels had increased 256% on placebo, 148% on metoprolol and 65% on propranolol. A significant positive correlation was found between changes in non-esterified fatty acid levels during exercise and total working time. It is concluded that beta-adrenoceptor blockade diminishes the capacity for prolonged sub-maximal exercise at least in part by reducing the availability of substrates to the working muscles.
Adult↗
Haemodynamic effects of withdrawal of long-term treatment with beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents in subjects with essential hypertension.
1. After 10 years of beta-adrenoceptor blockade in five female patients with essential hypertension, the beta-adrenoceptor-blocking agent was withdrawn, and the women were then followed up for 1 year, with measurements of cardiac output and peripheral resistance. 2. Blood pressure remained low during the first year after withdrawal in spite of the fact that the heart rate increased within the first few days. 3. Cardiac output was found to increase during the first year after withdrawal, although total peripheral resistance was essentially unchanged. 4. The maintenance of low blood pressure after withdrawal of the antihypertensive drug might indicate a regression of structural changes in the resistance vessels during successful long-term antihypertensive treatment. 5. Minimal resistance in hands and calves did not increase during the year after withdrawal.
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
Urinary findings and renal function in hypertensive and normotensive women.
As found from a population study of women, those with arterial hypertension reported more often a history of toxaemia in pregnancy and had more often proteinuria, bacteriuria and impaired renal concentrating capacity than normotensive women. Serum potassium was found to be lower in treated as well as in untreated hypertensive women than in normotensive women.
Adult↗
Thyroid disease and high concentration of serum thyrotrophin in a population sample of women. A 4-year follow-up.
In a population study in Göteborg, Sweden, comprising women in the age strata 44, 52, 56, 60 and 66 years, serum thyrotrophin (S-TSH) was determined in 283 women representative of the general population of women of these ages. No women with previously unknown hypothyroidism were found at the clinical examination; 47 (3.7%) were on thyroxine treatment, 9 (0.7%) because of spontaneous hypothyroidism. Sixteen women (1.2%) had markedly elevated S-TSH concentration (less than 14 mU/l). They were studied further by determination of thyroid hormones and circulating antithyroid microsomal and thyroglobulin antibodies, and those with goiter were subjected to fine-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland. They were furthermore followed for four years. Four euthyroid women were given thyroxine because of goiter and abnormal laboratory test results. Of nine individuals with high S-TSH concentration as well as high titers of thyroid antibodies and/or biopsy evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis, seven became hypothyroid within the four years of follow-up. The other two women had consistently elevated basal S-TSH concentration and exaggerated S-TSH response after thyroliberin administration. We conclude that the majority of individuals without previously recognized thyroid disease who have S-TSH concentration above 14 mU/l with the assay used will require thyroxine therapy within a few years. In one woman, however, with multinodular colloid goiter and high titer of antimicrosomal antibodies, the basal S-TSH concentration decreased during follow-up to a high normal value; the S-TSH response to thyroliberin was high borderline. She remained euthyroid during follow-up. The results suggest an annual incidence of spontaneous hypothyroidism of 1-2 cases per 1000 middle-aged females in Swedish west-coast population.
Adult↗
Prognosis of women with exercise-induced ECG changes--results from a longitudinal population study.
A comprehensive population study of women aged 38-60 was carried out in Göteborg, Sweden in 1968-1969. A subsample comprising 194 women were submitted to a maximal work performance test using a bicycle ergometer. Exercise-induced ECG changes were common and as common in women as in men in Göteborg who had been studied in the same way. ST depressions (Minnesota Code items 4:1-2) were observed 4 min after maximal exercise in 30 women. All these women were still alive when a follow-up was made 6 years later, none had had myocardial infarction, and only 2 of them reported symptoms of angina pectoris. 1 woman later on had a fatal myocardial infarction as was found in a 12-year-follow-up study. It is concluded that exercise-induced ECG changes are of limited value for predicting myocardial infarction or death from ischaemic heart disease in women.
Adult↗
Prevalence and management of arterial hypertension in a population sample of Swedish women.
Blood pressure measurements were performed in a comprehensive population study of women in Göteborg, Sweden, which was carried out in 1968-69. Altogether 1 462 women were studied in five age strata between 38 and 60 years of age. They were representative for the ages studied. The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 18%, if those with systolic blood pressure greater than 160 mmHg or diastobolic blood pressure greater than 95 mmHg or both and all on antihypertensive treatment are defined as hypertensives. The percentages increased from 5% of women aged 38, to 49% of women aged 60. Out of those defined as hypertensives, 74% were not receiving antihypertensive treatment, and among those on treatment 61% had systolic blood pressures greater than 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressures greater than 95 mmHg, or both.
Adult↗
Menstrual status and menopausal age of middle-aged Swedish women. A population study of women in Göteborg 1968--69 and 1974--75.
A population study of women in Göteborg, Sweden, was carried out in 1968--69. Altogether 1 462 women participated (participation rate 90.1 per cent). Five age strata were studied: 38, 46, 50, 54 and 60 (women born in 1930, 1922, 1918, 1914 and 1908, respectively). The same women were re-studied in 1974--75. At this time 1 302 women participated, corresponding to 89.1 per cent of those studied in 1968--69 and 80.3 per cent of those initially sampled. The vast majority of the women had a natural menopause. The median age at the menopause was found to be about 50. The criteria for definition of menopause are discussed. No support was found for the theory of increased menopausal age with time. Estrogen therapy of postmenopausal women was found to be much more common in 1974--75 than in 1968--69.
Adult↗