Biomedical subjects

H Isomäki

Publications and source records attributed to H Isomäki.

146 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Shift in the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis toward elderly patients in Finland during 1975-1990.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain information on changes in the age distribution of new cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Finland. METHODS: The present study covered those subjects entitled under the nationwide sickness insurance scheme to receive specially reimbursed medication for RA in 5/21 central hospital districts in Finland (population base about one million adults) in 1975, 1980, 1985, and 1990. RESULTS: During the four study years 1321 incident cases occurred, which satisfied the American Rheumatism Association 1987 classification criteria for RA. The mean age at diagnosis increased by 7.6 years from 1975 (50.2 years) to 1990 (57.8 years). No appreciable differences occurred between men and women. The incidence rates declined in the younger age groups. CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of RA is in a dynamic state. The trends may reflect marked changes in the host-environment relationship.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Low incidence of colorectal cancer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Aspirin (ASA) and also nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use has been associated with a low incidence of colorectal cancer. The incidence of colorectal cancer in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is reported here. METHODS: Cancer incidence was studied in a cohort of 9469 persons hospitalized for RA during 1970-1991 in Finland. The follow-up time was about 65,400 person-years. RESULTS: The incidence of colon cancer was significantly lower than in the general population [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.93], and the combined SIR for colorectal cancer was 0.62 (95% CI 0.42-0.88), while the combined incidence of all malignancies (SIR 1.16; 95% CI 1.07-1.26) was higher in RA patients than in the general population. CONCLUSION: Chronic use of NSAIDs or ASA, including antiinflammatory doses, is probably the main explanation for the low incidence of colorectal cancer in RA patients.

Adult↗