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Haraldur Briem

Publications and source records attributed to Haraldur Briem.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Viral hepatitis B and C among immigrants in Iceland].

BACKGROUND: Viral hepatitis B and C are a major health problem worldwide. The prevalence of these diseases varies throughout the world. In Iceland, the incidence of hepatitis B and C has increased in recent years. At the same time, the number of immigrants from countries where viral hepatitis is endemic, has also increased. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B and C among immigrants in Iceland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immigrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) were screened for hepatitis B and C. Medical records for the years 2000-2002 were reviewed for country of origin, viral serology and liver transaminases. Information was gathered from the State Epidemiologist's central registry of notifiable diseases and from the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration on the number of residence permits issued. RESULTS: 70% of all immigrants from countries outside the EEA during the study period were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from 2946 immigrants. 83 (2.8%) had hepatitis B and 24 (0.8%) had hepatitis C. Prevalence of hepatitis B was highest among immigrants from Africa,11/171 (6.4%; 95% CI: 3.3-11.2%) and hepatitis C among immigrants from Eastern Europe, 16/1502 (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.6-1.7%). 482 (16%) had serological markers of previous hepatitis B infection. Of all registered cases of hepatitis B, immigrants were 56% and of hepatitis C 10%. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Majority of those diagnosed with hepatitis B during the study period were immigrants. 2. Among immigrants, hepatitis B was more prevalent than hepatitis C. 3) The high prevalence of hepatitis B justifies screening for the disease in this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Cost-effectiveness analysis on meningococca serogroup C vaccination.].

Meningococci C are bacteria that can cause meningitis and severe bacteremia. In Iceland 8-15 cases of meningococcal disease can be expected annually. The case fatality ratio is approximately 10%. After the approval of the Icelandic government The State Epidemiologist started a vaccination campaign for all individuals from 6 months to 19 years of age in the country. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the vaccination programme. The cost effectiveness is made from the viewpoint of the Icelandic state. The cost per year saved is used as a marker for success. The cost effectiveness analysis reveals that the cost per case avoided is 618.000 Icelandic kronas and the cost per life year saved is 101.000 Icelandic kronas. In comparison the cost per case avoided is 2.481.334 Icelandic kronas and the cost per life saved is 857.483 Icelandic kronas in England and Wales. We conclude that vaccination against meningococci C is very cost effective but lower cost in Iceland can mainly be explained by lower cost of distributing and administering the vaccine to the vaccinees in Iceland compared to England and Wales.

English Abstract↗
PubMed2003

Eligibility and willingness of young Icelandic women to participate in a HPV vaccination trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cervical cancer is an important health problem worldwide, and the incidence of preinvasive cervical cancer is increasing among young sexually active women. The causal association between human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer makes it theoretically possible to eradicate the disease through vaccination. The aim of this study was to analyze the eligibility and willingness of 18-23-year-old Icelandic women to participate in a vaccination trial to prevent HPV infection and to assess knowledge of HPV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was formulated with questions on demographics, HPV knowledge, sexual behavior, attitude towards HPV vaccination, and other health-related issues. The questionnaire was tested on a subgroup of women before being mailed to 300 women aged 18-23 years, randomly selected by date of birth from the total population living in the Capital area of Reykjavík. RESULTS: The response rate of the mailed questionnaire was 54%. Of respondents, 96% reported having had sexual debut and 39% were aged 15 years or younger at first intercourse. Knowledge of HPV infections and associated diseases was limited, indicating the need for an educational campaign. Although 60% of the respondents were willing to participate in a HPV vaccination trial, the eligibility rate for the invited women was estimated to be approximately 13% (95% CI: 9-17%) after accounting for various exclusion criteria such as number of sexual partners, abnormal Pap smears, planning a pregnancy, or travelling abroad for more than 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Icelandic women between 18 and 23 years of age have a sexual behavior profile and lifestyle that may decrease their eligibility in future prophylactic HPV vaccine trials. Improved education about HPV infection and its consequences is needed. Future trials may need to include younger women to improve recruitment.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Henoch-Schönlein purpura, patients admitted to Landspítali-University Hospital 1984-2000.].

OBJECTIVE: Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a disease of small vessels which primarily affects children. The epidemiology of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in Iceland is not known. The main purpose of the study was to find out the incidence of the disease in Iceland and gather further epidemiological information. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura during the years 1984-2000 and were admitted to the Children's Hospital Iceland, Landspítali Hringbraut as well as the paediatric department at the Landspítali Fossvogi were included in the study cohort. Information was gathered from medical records. The temporal relationship between the incidende of Henoch-Schönlein purpura and epidemics of three common infectious diseases was explored. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were found to have Henoch-Schönlein purpura, 51 females and 50 males. The incidence of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in Iceland is therefore approximately six cases annually. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.4 years. In addition to the rash, 72.3% had arthralgia and 45.5% abdominalia, 36.6% had hematuria or proteinuria during the hospitalization and 5.9% had severe renal involvement. The disease was more common in the winter months (Nov. - April) compared to the summer months (May - Oct.) (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in Iceland is comparable to other countries. The disease was most common in children aged 2-5 years, which could reflect a common infection in the community as a part of the pathogenesis. Older children may have antibodies against these infections resulting in a decreased incidence of the disease. Our results support the theory that infection may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. However, some abnormalities or variations in the immune response are probably also involved.

English Abstract↗