Biomedical subjects

Holger Mosbech

Publications and source records attributed to Holger Mosbech.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Cost-effectiveness of the Danish smoking cessation interventions: subgroup analysis based on the Danish Smoking Cessation Database.

The cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions is well documented. However, most studies are based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and provide little information on the differences between subgroups. This study assessed the relative cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions offered to various subgroups of smokers, based on real-life data. Regression analyses provided information on the factors determining abstinence and costs and led to the formation of relevant subgroups of smokers. Probabilistic Markov modeling was then used to estimate the relative cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for the entire database population and for the subgroups compared to a no-intervention case. The ICER for the base case population was estimated at 1,358 euro. This is consistent with results from the existing literature. Group simulations showed lower ICERs for men, hospitals, and light smokers and falling ICERs with increasing age. Despite differences in the cost-effectiveness ratios between subgroups our results do not justify any kind of subgroup differentiation in a smoking prevention policy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

The capsaicin cough reflex in eczema patients with respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume.

Respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume are common in the population but have unclear pathophysiology. Increased capsaicin cough responsiveness has been associated with the symptoms, but it is unknown whether the site of the symptoms in the airways influences this association. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the site of airway symptoms elicited by perfume and cough responsiveness to bronchial challenge with capsaicin. 21 eczema patients with respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume were compared with 21 healthy volunteers in a sex- and age-matched case control study. The participants completed a symptom questionnaire and underwent a bronchial challenge with capsaicin. Lower, but not upper, respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume were associated with increased capsaicin cough responsiveness. Having severe symptoms to perfume (n=11) did not relate to the site of the symptoms in the airways and was not associated with increased capsaicin cough responsiveness. In conclusion, respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume may reflect local hyperreactivity related to defensive reflexes in the airways, and measurements of the capsaicin cough reflex are relevant when patients with lower respiratory symptoms related to environmental perfume exposures are investigated.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Anaphylaxis to insect venom.

Systemic reactions to insect stings have a prevalence of about 1% in the adult population. The majority presents with urticaria and angioedema, and the number of deaths per year registered as due to insect stings is 0.1-0.5 per million in the general population. The venom contains peptides and low molecular weight substances such as histamine with an effect on blood vessels, smooth muscles and nerves. High molecular weight components in the venom often have enzyme activity and in addition can act as allergens. It can be difficult to separate allergic from vasovagal or psychogenic reactions based on the clinical history alone. Skin test reaction to venom and/or venom specific IgE in the blood indicate an allergy although a high proportion of people in the general population (up to 20%) with no previous reactions are positive in such tests. Test results can be used to identify the responsible insect species, since allergic reactions can occur against species-specific as well as common allergens in the venom. Following a systemic allergic reaction only about half of the patients will react systemically to a future sting. Immunotherapy with insect venom is effective but the duration of the treatment is still under debate.

Anaphylaxis↗

PubMed2002

Decay of house-dust mite allergen Der f 1 at indoor climatic conditions.

BACKGROUND: The decay of house-dust mite allergens is important for the outcome of avoidance measures for house-dust mite-allergic patients. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the stability of Der f 1 from mattress dust when exposed to domestic conditions. METHODS: Three samples of mattress dust were individually homogenized and divided into 64 subsamples. Mites were killed by freezing for 48 hours at -30 degrees C. The subsamples were exposed in eight homes, three storerooms, and one greenhouse, where temperature and relative humidity were recorded. Der f 1 was determined in extracts of subsamples (enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay) at 0, 3, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: In the three samples of mattress dust, the initial concentrations of Der f 1 (mean +/- standard deviation; STD) were: 169 (12), 3.9 (0.4), and 31 (2.6) microg/g, respectively. Median half-life of Der f 1 in the mattress dust samples was 10 years in the exposure homes, 18 years in the store rooms, and 1.0 year in the greenhouse. No correlations among preserved Der f 1 and temperature, relative humidity, and absolute humidity in homes were found (Spearman rank correlation test). CONCLUSION: Natural decay of Der f 1, with an estimated half-life of 10 years at housing conditions, has no practical consequence in reducing allergen exposure. Therefore, avoidance measures should include an active removal of the allergens.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed2002

House dust mites and their allergens in Danish mattresses -- results from a population based study.

The purpose of this study was to identify the level of house dust mites (HDMs) and their allergens in mattresses, not selected on their owners atopic status, and to find associated factors. Dust was collected from 68 mattresses. The recruitment was population-based and conducted during the screening phase of a HDM intervention study. The visited persons declared to have had a "cold" bedroom the previous winter. HDMs were counted and dust was analysed by ELISA for Der 1 (= Der f 1+ Der p 1+ Der m 1). Multiple regression analysis was carried out to find housing conditions associated with high HDM levels. Type of housing, mattress age and self-assessed winter bedroom-temperature explained 47% of Der 1. Median concentrations were 3.77 microg Der 1/g and 1 HDM/0.1 g dust. Both immunochemically and microscopically Dermatophagoides farinae was dominant; D. pteronyssinus less frequent but important; and D. microceras insignificant. In 62% of these suburban homes the mattress dust exceeded 2 microg Der 1/g; and measurement of both Der f 1 and Der p 1 was necessary and sufficient to evaluate HDM allergen exposure. The association with a high HDM level was highest and most consistent for one-family houses.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

A controlled intervention study concerning the effect of intended temperature rise on house dust mite load.

In epidemiological studies, increased indoor temperature--producing a lower relative humidity--is associated with low house dust mite (HDM) load. Twenty-eight dwellings were allocated for either intervention (12/15 completed) or control (11/13 completed). In the intervention group, participants were asked to increase the bedroom temperature by at least 3 degrees C compared to the self-assessed temperature of the previous winter. Dust samples were repeatedly collected from mattress and floor, and bedroom temperature and relative humidity were recorded hourly throughout one year. Dust was analysed for allergen (Der f 1 + Der p 1 + Der m 1 = Der 1) by ELISA and HDMs were counted. Changes in mite and in mite allergen concentration were the same in the control and intervention groups, and measured temperatures did not differ during intervention period in the groups (18 degrees C and 19 degrees C). Groups turned out not to be comparable with respect to initial (self-assessed) bedroom temperature (lowest in the intervention group). There was a significant seasonal variation, with doubled Der 1 concentrations in dust collected in July-November compared to January-May samples. No effect was obtained on mites or mite allergens, but this may be due either to a general lack of effect of increase in bedroom temperature, or to an insufficient increase in temperature in our intervention group. Seasonal variations in HDM and HDM allergens must be accounted for when data on exposure are interpreted.

Adolescent↗