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Biomedical subjects

T B Henriksen

Publications and source records attributed to T B Henriksen.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Job strain and time to pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: The association between fertility and job strain defined as high job demands and low job control has not previously been studied. A follow-up study was conducted with prospective collection of information on job strain among women, achievement of pregnancy, and potential confounding variables. METHODS: A total of 297 Danish couples without previous reproductive experience was followed for a maximum of 6 menstrual cycles from termination of birth control until pregnancy. Job demand and job control were measured by a questionnaire developed by Karasek and his co-workers. RESULTS: The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for conception per menstrual cycle for women with high job strain was 0.9 (95% CI 0.5-1.5) when compared with that of women in low-strain jobs. Only in secondary analyses restricted to couples with no suspected competitive causes of reduced fertility was a statistically significant reduced odds found for women with high-strain jobs compared with all other jobs. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of this study did not corroborate a hypothesis of a substantial detrimental effect of job strain on fecundability.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Smoking during pregnancy and babbling abilities of the 8-month-old infant.

Animal experiments suggest that the fetal brain is sensitive to nicotine. Although much attention has been given to the relation between cigarette smoking during pregnancy and neurodevelopment in children, this remains controversial. Our study describes the relationship between maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and babbling abilities of the 8-month-old infant. In a longitudinal cohort, information was collected at the 16th week of gestation, at delivery and when the infant was about 8 months old. At this age babbling abilities of the infant were evaluated by a health visitor during a home visit. Singleton infants without any disability born at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, 1991-92 and still living in the Community of Aarhus at the age of 8 months were eligible (n = 2302). Complete follow-up was obtained for 1871 children (81.3%). A dose-response-like relationship between number of cigarettes smoked per day during pregnancy and babbling abilities was found after controlling for potential confounders. Smoking 10 or more cigarettes per day during pregnancy almost doubled the risk (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.6) of the infant being a non-babbler at the examination at 8 months. Among children who were breast fed for less than 4 months this risk was even higher (OR = 2.7, CI 1.3-5.8).

Bias↗
PubMed1998

Smoking habits among Danish pregnant women from 1989 to 1996 in relation to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to describe changes in smoking habits among Danish pregnant women during an eight-year period in relation to changes in sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: From 1989 to 1996 all pregnant women attending routine antenatal care at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Aarhus University Hospital who completed an inclusion questionnaire were invited to participate in the present study (n=27,194). They were asked to complete two additional questionnaires during pregnancy. Apart from smoking habits. these questionnaires provided information on medical and obstetric history together with information on sociodemographic and other lifestyle variables. RESULTS: The proportion of pregnant smokers decreased from 34% (95% CI: 32%/36%) in 1989 to 21% (95% CI: 19%-22%) in 1996 (p<0.001). The mean number of cigarettes per day remained almost constant during the study period. Stratified and multivariate analyses showed that the results were not confounded by changes in sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSIONS: From 1989 to 1996 a significant reduction in the proportion of pregnant smokers was found. There were no specific campaigns against smoking in pregnancy during this period and the reduction was not associated with changes in sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Caffeine↗
PubMed1997

[Lyme neuro-borreliosis in a 66-year old women. Differential diagnosis of cerebral metastases and cerebral infarction].

A 66-year-old woman with medically treated hypertension and a recent operation for breast cancer was admitted because of burning pain localized between her shoulder blades and a paretic, dysaesthetic right arm. CSF examination revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis and specific IgM Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies. CT was normal. The patient was treated intravenously with high doses of penicillin for 14 days, and within one month of admission she had recovered completely neurologically. During the first days of treatment a drop in blood pressure, ECG changes, and further neurological changes were observed, but disappeared spontaneously within three days. The patient did not recall a tick bite, and the case illustrates that neuroborreliosis may be a differential diagnosis to stroke or cerebral neoplasms in elderly patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Time to pregnancy and preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether subfertile women may be at higher risk of preterm delivery. METHODS: We used data from two population-based cohort studies on risk factors and pregnancy outcome for approximately 20,000 deliveries in three major Danish obstetric departments. The Aalborg-Odense study comprised all pregnant women attending routine antenatal care at two obstetric departments from 1984 to 1987. In all, 11,850 women (86%) filled in a questionnaire at about 36 weeks' gestation. The Aarhus study addressed women at the routine visit near 16 weeks' gestation from 1989 to 1991; a study questionnaire was returned by 6857 (80%). Both studies excluded women with chronic illnesses, multiple fetuses, and inability to speak Danish. Only women with planned pregnancies were included in the analysis. In all, 8855 and 3985 women from Aalborg-Odense and Aarhus, respectively, were eligible for the analyses. In both cohorts, women were categorized according to their waiting time to pregnancy (0-6 months, 7-12 months, and greater than 1 year) and according to examination or treatment for infertility (yes, no). Preterm delivery was defined as birth before 37 completed weeks. RESULTS: Compared with women who tried for 6 months or less before they conceived, women who tried for 7-12 months had 1.3 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8, 2.1) the adjusted risk of preterm delivery in both cohorts, and women with a time to pregnancy of greater than 12 months had adjusted relative risks for preterm delivery of 1.6 (95% CI 1.1, 2.2) for Aalborg-Odense and 1.7 (95% CI 1.1, 2.6) for Aarhus. The results remained similar after excluding women with infertility treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women with subfertility and clinically defined infertility are more prone to preterm delivery, even in the absence of infertility treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Inhibin B as a serum marker of spermatogenesis: correlation to differences in sperm concentration and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. A study of 349 Danish men.

Recent studies have focused on reproductive health of men in the general population. However, semen samples are difficult to obtain within sampling frames that allow comparisons. Blood samples are easier to obtain than ejaculates. Therefore, serum biomarkers of spermatogenesis are of major interest for population studies. FSH has previously been used as a marker of spermatogenesis, although it is also influenced by the hypothalamus. Serum inhibin B was recently suggested as a possible, more direct serum marker of spermatogenesis in men with testicular disorders. In a Danish nationwide collaborative study, we found an unexpected difference in semen concentration between two groups of men recruited from two different centres. We, therefore, analyzed reproductive hormones in blood, including inhibin B, to test whether the observed difference in semen concentration was reflected in the reproductive hormones. From 1992 to 1995, a total of 430 men, 20-35 yr old, who lived with a partner and who had not previously attempted to achieve a pregnancy, were recruited. The couples were enrolled into the study in one of two centres (centre A, n = 231; and centre B, n = 199) when they discontinued birth control. At enrollment, they provided a semen sample (n = 419), and a blood sample was drawn (n = 349). The semen analysis was performed in accordance with the WHO 1992 guidelines, and interlaboratory differences were tested. Inhibin B was measured in an enzyme immunometric assay, which has previously been described. All blood samples were analyzed in the same laboratory. Median sperm concentration and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher among men from centre A (56.0 mill/mL and 42.5%), compared with men from centre B (44.8 mill/mL and 39%). Men from centre B had a significantly higher median FSH (3.42 IU/L) and a lower inhibin B (186 pg/mL) than men from centre A (3.21 IU/L and 209 pg/mL). The differences persisted after control for potentially confounding variables. A significant correlation was found between the cubic root-transformed serum FSH and inhibin B levels (r = -0.61, P < 0.001), between the cubic root-transformed serum FSH and sperm concentration (r = -0.40, P < 0.001), and between the cubic root-transformed inhibin B and sperm concentration (r = 0.38, P < 0.001). The predictive power of detecting sperm counts below 20 mill/mL among men who's inhibin B and FSH both were below 80 pg/mL and above 10 IU/L, respectively, was 100%. The unexpected significant difference in semen concentration between two groups of normal Danish men was probably caused by differences in sampling procedures in the two centres where the men were recruited, rather than geographical differences. However, similar differences in serum levels of inhibin B and FSH between centres were found. These findings suggest that a real difference in spermatogenic potential between the two groups of men existed. We suggest that serum inhibin B, in future population studies on male reproductive health, may serve as a new marker of spermatogenesis, in addition to sperm concentration and serum FSH.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Smoking among pregnant women and the significance of sociodemographic factors on smoking cessation].

In order to describe smoking habits among pregnant women and predictors of smoking cessation all pregnant women attending routine antenatal care from 1989 to 1991 at the Department of Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, were asked to fill in questionnaires. Information about smoking habits from 8806 women revealed that 44% smoked prior to pregnancy. One fifth of the smokers stopped smoking early in pregnancy, leaving 33% women smoking during pregnancy. The strongest predictor of smoking cessation was the number of cigarettes smoked prior to pregnancy, where those that smoked the least were most likely to give up smoking. Caffeine intake, parity, years of education, and partner's smoking habits were also associated with smoking cessation whereas social status, alcohol intake, marital status, and age of the women had no influence on smoking cessation. Thus, a strategy for a smoking cessation campaign among pregnant women could be directed towards women who smoke heavily prior to pregnancy and women with a high daily intake of caffeine.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Do stressful life events affect duration of gestation and risk of preterm delivery?

The present study was designed to test the relation between stressful life events experienced during pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery and shortened duration of pregnancy. We collected data prospectively in a general population sample, including repeated questionnaire measures of exposure to stressful life events during pregnancy. Between August 1989 and September 1991, 8,719 Danish-speaking women with singleton pregnancies attended antenatal care. Of these women, 5,873 (67%) completed all questionnaires. When indicating an event, the woman was asked to rate the amount of stress induced by this event. Measurement of gestational duration was primarily based on early ultrasound scan. When we evaluated life events independently of the individual's appraisal, we found no association with duration of gestation or risk of preterm delivery. In contrast, life events assessed by the subject as highly stressful were associated with shorter mean duration of gestation and increased risk of preterm delivery. This association was observed primarily with events experienced between the 16th and 30th week of gestation. Women who had one or more highly stressful life events had a risk of preterm delivery 1.76 times greater than those without stressful events (95% confidence interval = 1.15-2.71). We found no evidence for a buffering effect of social support.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Smoking during pregnancy and preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between smoking during pregnancy and preterm birth. DESIGN: A follow up study. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand one hundred and eleven nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies who returned questionnaires about smoking habits at 16 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: The overall rate of preterm delivery was 4.3%. Smokers had a 40% higher risk of preterm birth compared with nonsmokers. A dose response relationship was found between smoking and risk of preterm birth. Adjustment for women's height, prepregnancy weight, age of the mother, marital status, education, occupational status, and alcohol intake did not change the results. Among women with an intake of less than 400 mg of caffeine per day no difference in the risk of preterm birth between smokers and nonsmokers was found. However, among women with an intake of more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, the risk of preterm birth was increased almost threefold among smokers compared with nonsmokers. Furthermore, among women with a high intake of caffeine a dose-response relationship was found; women smoking one to five cigarettes per day had no increased risk of preterm birth compared with nonsmokers with the same intake of caffeine, women smoking six to ten cigarettes per day had almost three times higher risk of preterm birth, and women smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day had almost five times higher risk of preterm birth compared with nonsmokers with the same intake of caffeine. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking increases the risk of preterm birth. The association between smoking and preterm birth was only present among women with a high intake of caffeine. However, whether smoking alone influences the risk of preterm birth among heavy consumers of caffeine needs further investigation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

The relationship between psychological distress during pregnancy and birth weight for gestational age.

BACKGROUND: Fetal growth may be determined by genetic as well as environmental factors. Whether psychological distress during pregnancy influences fetal growth is a matter of debate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective population-based study with repeated measures of psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire) during pregnancy, based on the use of questionnaires. Danish speaking women with singleton pregnancies attending antenatal care between August 1, 1989 and September 30, 1991 were eligible to the study (n = 8719). Of these women 5868 women (67%) completed all questionnaires. The main outcome measure was fetal growth (assessed as birth weight for gestational age (continuous)) and birth weight below the 10th percentile of birth weight for gestational age (light for gestational age (LGA) (dichotomous). Gestational age was calculated primarily from an early ultrasound scan. Confounders were controlled using multivariate statistical methods. RESULTS: Birth weight for gestational age and risk of delivering a LGA baby were not associated with psychological distress, neither distress in 16th week nor in 30th week of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: To the extent that fetal growth can be explored at birth, the results indicate that psychological distress does not influence fetal growth.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Is smoking during pregnancy a cause of premature delivery?].

Preterm birth is an important determinant of perinatal mortality and morbidity. During the last ten years the rate of preterm birth has remained unchanged, and even though advances in neonatal intensive care have improved the chances of survival of the preterm child, the mortality remains high. In most cases the etiology is unknown, but several factors have been associated with preterm birth. However, most of these factors are not accessible for prevention. The search for preventable causes of preterm birth is therefore important. We reviewed English publications concerning smoking during pregnancy and preterm birth. We conclude that smokers have about a 50% higher risk of preterm birth compared to non-smokers. Furthermore, a dose response relationship seems to be present; the more the pregnant women smoke the higher the risk of preterm birth. If all pregnant women stopped smoking it can be estimated that between 5% and 20% of all preterm births could be avoided.

Female↗
PubMed1995

[Changes in the use of episiotomy--methods and consequences].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of feedback by graphical profiles of rates of episiotomy and the impact on clinical practice and perineal state after spontaneous vaginal deliveries assisted by midwives with different attitudes towards episiotomy. We defined an observation period in our labour ward followed by feedback to the midwives concerning their own and the other midwives' use of episiotomies. The periods prior to and following the intervention were compared. All women (n = 3919) delivering during the two periods assisted by one of 30 midwives with at least 20 deliveries during each period were included. The overall rate of episiotomy during the observation period was 37.1%. During the second period the rate was 6.6% lower (95% confidence interval (CI):3.6-9.6%) corresponding to a relative decrease of 17.8% (CI:10.1-24.7%). Higher rates of episiotomy during the observation period were associated with larger reductions in the second period. The decrease could be explained by the less frequent use of episiotomy in deliveries with rigid perineum or impending perineal tear. Compared with the observation period, 3.2% more women (CI:0.3-6.3%) had an intact perineum after delivery in the second period, and 3.4% more women (CI:0.4-6.2%) experienced perineal tears. The overall frequency of tears of the anal sphincter remained unchanged. However, women had slightly reduced frequency of tears of the anal sphincter if they were delivered by midwives who reduced a medium or high initial rate of episiotomy; and a tendency towards increased frequency of tears if they were assisted by midwives who reduced low initial rates (around 20%) of episiotomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Characteristics of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe vaginal bleeding and associated pain in pregnancies terminated by childbirth. DESIGN: A descriptive study based on information obtained by questionnaires administered during pregnancy. SETTING: Antenatal care clinic at the Obstetrical Department, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. SUBJECTS: Women (n = 8714) with singleton pregnancies attending routine antenatal care at the Department during a 2-year period from 1989 to 1991. Three questionnaires were administered during pregnancy and 5868 (67%) women completed all questionnaires. MAIN MEASURES: Bleeding was characterized by frequency, gestational age at first occurrence, duration, and amount. Hemorrhage associated with abdominal pain and hospitalization was also described. RESULTS: The overall frequency of bleeding was 19% (n = 1091). The median week of first occurrence was 8 gestational weeks. The median duration of bleeding was 2 days, and the median number of episodes was one. An association between the amount and duration of bleeding was found. Two thirds of the women had no abdominal pain associated with bleeding. Women with pain experienced heavier bleeding and bled for more days than women without pain. Bleeding resulted in hospitalization in one out of five women. In particular, women with second trimester bleeding, with heavy bleeding, long duration, and associated pain were hospitalized. CONCLUSION: By the use of self-administered questionnaires a higher frequency of bleeding was found than in previous studies in which information has been based on medical records. Thus, the source of information in studies of pregnancy and bleeding-associated pregnancy complications must be carefully considered and described.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1995

Bias in studies of preterm and postterm delivery due to ultrasound assessment of gestational age.

Ultrasound measurement of fetal dimensions is widely used for estimating gestational age. A little-discussed limitation of this method is that variations in fetal size at a given stage of pregnancy are converted to differences in gestational age. Factors that affect pregnancy duration often affect fetal size also. We explore how the effect of such factors may be biased when gestational age is determined by ultrasound. We selected 3,606 women with singleton pregnancies (1989-1991) who had an early ultrasound measurement of fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) and a good-quality history of last menstrual period (LMP). Using the two measures of gestational age, we estimated risk of preterm and postterm delivery for female babies vs males and for smoking women vs nonsmoking women. There was a 13% excess of preterm delivery among female babies when gestational age was determined by ultrasound, but no excess when gestational age was defined by LMP. For postterm delivery, female babies had a 19% lower risk with ultrasound-defined age, but no deficit with LMP-defined age. We found a similar bias with ultrasound in the analysis of maternal smoking. Thus, factors that reduce fetal size inflate the risk of preterm delivery and deflate the risk of postterm delivery when gestational age is based on ultrasound measurement of the fetus. This bias can distort the relative risk of preterm or postterm delivery by 10-20%.

Adult↗