Biomedical subjects

I E Steffensen

Publications and source records attributed to I E Steffensen.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Risk factors for asthma in young adults: a co-twin control study.

BACKGROUND: The liability to asthma is influenced both by genetic and environmental factors. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for asthma in young adult twin pairs during an 8-year period. METHODS: From the birth cohorts 1953-1982 of the Danish Twin Registry, 6,090 twin pairs who were initially unaffected with respect to asthma at a nationwide questionnaire-based study in 1994 participated in a similar follow-up study in 2002. Subjects were regarded incident asthma cases when responding affirmatively to the question 'Do you have, or have you ever had asthma'? in 2002. Pairs in which only one twin developed asthma -- discordant pairs -- were identified and conditional logistic regression was applied to detect effects of risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 126 monozygotic (MZ) and 273 dizygotic (DZ) discordant twin pairs were identified. In MZ twins hay fever (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.29-7.73, P = 0.007) and exercise (OR for inactivity = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13-0.91, P = 0.023) were significantly associated with asthma, whereas in DZ twins, hay fever (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.44-4.13, P = 0.001), eczema (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.78, P = 0.040), female sex (OR between males and females = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80, P = 0.002), and increasing levels of body mass index (BMI; OR per unit = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02-1.20, P = 0.009) were significant predictors of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Hay fever, eczema, female sex, exercise and increasing levels of BMI were risk factors for asthma in young adults. The different risk profile observed in MZ twins compared with DZ twins may reflect an underlying genetic vulnerability shared between those risk factors and asthma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Formoterol as inhalation powder in the treatment of patients with reversible obstructive lung diseases. A 3-month placebo-controlled comparison of the effects of formoterol and salbutamol, followed by a 12-month period with formoterol alone].

This article is based on a study first published in Allergy. The bronchodilating effect of the long acting beta 2-agonist formoterol dey powder (dp) 12 micrograms twice daily was compared to salbutamol 400 micrograms four times daily and placebo in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease. The study design consisted of a closed 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial followed by an open noncomparative, multicentre 12-month follow-up trial, in which tolerability of formoterol dp was assessed. A total of 304 patients aged 18-79 years were randomized. The bronchodilating effect of formoterol, assessed by morning premedication peak flow rate, was significantly superior to placebo (p < 0.0001) and salbutamol (p < 0.001). Efficacy was maintained during the open follow-up study. Formoterol 12 micrograms twice daily significantly reduced morning and evening asthma symptoms and sleep disturbances, and significantly reduced the need for rescue medication. In conclusion, formoterol 12 micrograms dp twice daily was significantly superior to both salbutamol 400 micrograms dp four times daily and placebo, and reduced asthma symptoms significantly. Overall, formoterol showed a tolerability profile comparable to that of salbutamol, and no tachyphylaxis was observed during one year of treatment.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1994

[Lung cancer in 1993].

The incidence of lung cancer is increasing in Denmark, especially among women. Today, smoking is the most important risk factor for developing this disease. A review of the literature shows that the prognosis is still very poor regardless of histologic findings. Chemotherapy prolongs life moderately among patients with small cell carcinoma (SCLC). Furthermore, total resection of non small cell cancer (NSCLC) may improve survival over several years. In patients investigated for surgery, cancer dissemination should be determined, using radiologic and invasive investigations. A detailed spirometric investigation should also be performed, as lung function is a predictor of postoperative survival. Other kinds of treatment are available, and good coordination regarding information, supportive arrangements and symptomatic treatment is important.

Denmark↗

PubMed1993

[Idiopathic bilateral paralysis of the diaphragm].

The case of a 38-year old Caucasian man with acute irreversible idiopathic bilateral paralysis of the diaphragm is presented. The relevant diagnostic procedures are discussed. Paralysis of diaphragm during fluoroscopy in the supine position, observation of paradoxical movement of the anterior abdominal wall and upright position during sleep are the major characteristics of this condition. Elevation of both hemidiaphragms on thoracic X-ray during maximal inspiration, lack of phrenic nerve conduction, gradually increasing dyspnoea without ongoing infection or simultaneous vaccination and decreased functional status may further confirm the diagnosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

[Epilepsy/cardiac arrhythmia? Differential diagnostic problems].

In cases of suspected epilepsy the possibility of cardiac arrhythmias should be considered. Two case histories are presented. One patient had grand mal epilepsy combined with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. In the other patient, epilepsy was suspected. However, the final diagnosis proved out to be third degree atrioventricular block. Examination must include an electrocardiogram and in case of doubt, Holter monitoring.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1992

[Idiopathic interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis].

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was found to have a higher incidence than previously assumed and the population involved was younger. These findings were made in a retrospective investigation during the period 1986-1990. The condition should be suspected on the basis of the radiographic characteristics, reduced lung volume (TLC), decreased DLco during testing of pulmonary function, hypoxemia at rest and also the symptoms revealed in the medical history. It is of importance for planning of treatment that the diagnosis of IPF is confirmed early by excision biopsy of pulmonary tissue. Patients with IPF were treated successfully by intravenous administration of a solution of 500 mg methylprednisolone in 500 ml isotonic glucose. This regime is administered for three consecutive days and supplemented by azathioprine as required. In order to prevent further progression of this chronic disease, patients with IPF should be followed-up at frequent intervals.

Adult↗