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J Lassen

Publications and source records attributed to J Lassen.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

[Infection problems in the leukopenia phase after autologous bone marrow transplantation].

Between 1986 and 1991, 29 patients with malignant lymphomas were treated with total body irradiation and high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation at the Norwegian Radium Hospital. Owing to treatment-induced bone marrow toxicity, the leucocyte count in peripheral blood rapidly fell to zero. The aplastic phase lasted for 25 days (median). All patients experienced fever in the posttransplant period and needed broad-spectrum antibiotics. 12 patients had documented bacteremia, mostly with Gram-positive isolates. There were seven cases of documented focal infections, and antibiotic-associated colitis was seen in two cases. Other complications included bleedings and skin rashes. Four patients died in the post-transplant period from complications related to the cytotoxic treatment. We discuss guidelines for antimicrobial treatment of suspected and confirmed infections in neutropenic patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Clinical features of sporadic Yersinia enterocolitica infections in Norway.

During October 1988 through January 1990, a study of sporadic Yersinia enterocolitica infections was done in the Oslo region to assess the clinical impact and risk factors for this disease. Sixty-seven case-patients (mean age, 23.4 years) and 132 population-based age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Among patients who were well when interviewed, illness lasted a mean of 20 days, but 10% of the others remained symptomatic a year later. Bloody diarrhea occurred only in persons less than 18 years old (P = .002); joint pain was more common in adults (P = .001). Prolonged carriage was found in 47% of patients after resolution of symptoms. Patients were less likely to shed the organism after antimicrobial treatment (relative risk, 0.3; P = .003). Case-patients were more likely than controls to have antecedent enteric illness (odds ratio, 8.2; P less than .001). Y. enterocolitica infection in Norway is notable for its severity and chronicity. Postsymptomatic shedding, which occurs commonly, may be reduced by antimicrobial treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Acute and chronic gastrointestinal manifestations associated with Yersinia enterocolitica infection. A Norwegian 10-year follow-up study on 458 hospitalized patients.

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the gastrointestinal manifestations of yersiniosis. During the period 1974 to 1983, Yersinia enterocolitica infection was diagnosed in 458 patients, by isolation from fecal samples or by antibody response. At first admission, 184 patients had abdominal pain; 200, diarrhea; 45, vomiting; and 36, weight loss. Ulcerative colitis was diagnosed in 7 patients, Crohn's disease in 2, and unspecific colitis in 11. Mesenteric lymphadenitis or ileitis were found in 43 of 56 patients at laparotomy. The patients were followed for 4 to 14 years (1987). Thirty-eight patients were readmitted with abdominal pain and 28 with diarrhea; these symptoms were significantly correlated with the corresponding symptoms at first admission. Chronic colitis was diagnosed in 4 patients, chronic weight loss in 12. A follow-up inquiry (380 patients) indicated that patients with right iliac fossa pain during the acute infection less frequently developed chronic abdominal complaints. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in both the acute and chronic states of yersiniosis. The correlations between acute and chronic symptoms indicate that yersiniosis is a chronic disease. Immunologically competent individuals may profit by fighting the infection in the right iliac fossa. The relationship between yersiniosis and inflammatory bowel diseases may still not be settled.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

Acute and chronic liver disease associated with Yersinia enterocolitica infection: a Norwegian 10-year follow-up study of 458 hospitalized patients.

During the period 1974-1983, Yersinia enterocolitica infection was diagnosed in 458 hospitalized patients by antibody response or isolation of the micro-organism. A total of 54 (11.9%) patients had acute liver infection, with significantly elevated serum levels (greater than or equal to 2-fold) of bilirubin and/or enzyme levels. Serious liver disease with cellular necrosis was observed in biopsy specimens from two of 12 patients examined; six had unspecific changes. The patients were followed up for 4-14 years (until 1987). A total of 22 (4.9%) patients were readmitted with chronic liver disease; in one case non-specific microscopic changes developed into granulomatous hepatitis over a period of 3 years. In both the acute and chronic stages of disease, liver involvement was associated with involvement of other organ systems, and some patients developed multi-organ disease. Chronic liver disease was associated with positive tests for antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor, and with a high mortality.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Acute and chronic pancreatic disease associated with Yersinia enterocolitica infection: a Norwegian 10-year follow-up study of 458 hospitalized patients.

During the period 1974-1983, Yersinia enterocolitica infection was diagnosed in 458 hospitalized patients by antibody response or isolation of the micro-organism. Eight (1.75%) patients showed signs of acute pancreatitis with elevated serum or urine levels of amylase; two patients had acute insulin-dependent diabetes. The patients were followed up for 4-14 years (until 1987). Four patients were readmitted with chronic pancreatitis, and one with acute pancreatitis. Diabetes developed in two males and nine females; in seven cases this was associated with chronic conditions of possible autoimmune aetiology. In 1987 a significantly higher than expected prevalence of diabetes was demonstrated among female subjects aged 30-54 years. Yersinia enterocolitica infection constitutes a differential diagnosis in acute pancreatitis, and might be related to the development of chronic pancreatitis and diabetes.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Risk factors for sporadic Campylobacter infections: results of a case-control study in southeastern Norway.

In 1989 and 1990, a case-control study designed to identify risk factors for sporadic infections with thermotolerant Campylobacter bacteria was conducted in three counties in southeastern Norway. The investigation was confined to infections which were acquired in Norway. A total of 52 bacteriologically confirmed cases and 103 controls matched by age, sex, and geographic region were interviewed. The following risk factors were found to be independently associated with illness in conditional logistic regression analysis: consumption of sausages at a barbecue (odds ratio [OR] = 7.64; P = 0.005), daily contact with a dog (OR = 4.26; P = 0.024), and eating of poultry which was brought into the house raw (frozen or refrigerated) (OR = 3.20; P = 0.024). The risk associated with consumption of sausages at a barbecue could not be attributed to cross-contamination from poultry products. By univariate analysis, consumption of poultry which was brought raw and frozen was associated with illness (OR = 2.42; P = 0.042), even though freezing substantially reduces the number of viable campylobacters. When poultry consumption was examined by country of origin, eating of poultry produced in Denmark or Sweden was strongly associated with illness (OR = 13.66; P = 0.014), whereas consumption of poultry produced in Norway was not (OR = 1.33; P = 0.41).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Survival and causes of death among patients with Yersinia enterocolitica infection. A Norwegian 10-year follow-up study on 458 hospitalized patients.

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the possible influence of the Yersinia enterocolitica infection on long-time survival, and to describe clinical conditions associated with a fatal issue. During the period 1974-83, Y. enterocolitica infection was diagnosed in 458 hospitalized patients by antibody response or isolation of the microorganism. The patients were followed for 4-14 years (until 1987). The observed cumulative survival rates for female patients, and for the whole material, deviated significantly from the expected rates for 10 and 8 years. Two patients died in association with the acute infection, and 2 died from malignant mesothelioma during the first year of observation. 4/42 other patients died during the follow-up period from chronic multiorgan disease, 9 from malignant disease, and 2 died from hematological disorders. A very high mortality (10/22) was observed among patients who had developed chronic liver disease subsequently to the infection. We conclude that chronic conditions associated with the Y. enterocolitica infection may exert a substantial impact on long-time survival.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Clinical features of sporadic Campylobacter infections in Norway.

To assess risk factors and clinical impact of campylobacteriosis in Norway, a case-control study of sporadic cases of infection with thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. was conducted. This report describes: (1) the frequency and duration of signs and symptoms, antimicrobial treatment, hospitalization, and faecal carriage among the study patients; (2) diarrhoeal illness and campylobacter carriage among their household members; and (3) antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among bacterial isolates. A total of 135 patients with bacteriologically confirmed campylobacter infection were enrolled in the study. Of these, 58 (43%) were domestically acquired while 77 (57%) were acquired abroad. If the study enrollees are representative of the cases reported to the national surveillance system, the reported infections led to an estimated annual average of at least 8590 days of illness, 78 admissions to hospital, 329 days of hospital stay, 2236 days lost at work or at school, 1000 physician consultations, and 96 antimicrobial prescriptions among the 4.2 million Norwegians. Convalescent carriage of campylobacter was detected in 16% of the patients who submitted follow-up stool specimens; the organism was carried for a mean of 37.6 days (median 31, range 15-69) after the onset of illness. Antimicrobial treatment appeared to have reduced the likelihood of carriage once symptoms had resolved. Diarrhoeal illness was more commonly reported in members of case households than control households (OR = 5.44, p < 0.0001). Cases were more likely than controls to report antecedent recurrent diarrhoea (OR = 6.00, p = 0.034). Two cases of neonatal infection, probably acquired from the mother at the time of delivery, were detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1991

A survey of acute and chronic disease associated with Yersinia enterocolitica infection. A Norwegian 10-year follow-up study on 458 hospitalized patients.

The aim of the present study was to further elucidate acute and chronic manifestations of Yersinia enterocolitica infection. During the period 1974-83, 458 hospitalized patients were diagnosed by antibody response and/or isolation of the microorganism. 64 patients had suffered from chronic conditions as rheumatic disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, nephritis or thyroid disease for some time. Acute hepatic, renal, cardiac, pulmonary, pancreatic or neurologic involvement were observed in a substantial portion of patients; several had multiorgan disease. Acute insulin-dependent diabetes was seen in 2 patients, malignant mesothelioma in 2, and specific lymph node inflammation in 1. The patients were followed for 4-14 years (1987). 36/160 readmitted patients had abdominal pain and 26 had diarrhea; chronic colitis was demonstrated in 4. Some patients developed rheumatic conditions; others developed chronic disease of liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, thyroid or nervous system. Chronic liver disease, in 22 patients, was correlated with positive tests for antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor; and might influence development of malignant disease, and mortality. A variety of acute and chronic clinical pictures may be associated with Y. enterocolitica infection, and further clinical research is required in this field.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

[Reactive arthritis following Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection].

A patient developed reactive arthritis due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Five months after the primary infection, the patient still suffered from severe oligoarthritis. The administration of steroids and sulphasalazine had very little effect upon the development of the disease.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1990

Outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium infection traced to contaminated chocolate and caused by a strain lacking the 60-megadalton virulence plasmid.

We describe an outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium infection, caused by contaminated chocolate produced by one Norwegian company, which occurred in Norway and Finland in 1987. A total of 349 bacteriologically verified cases were recorded in Norway, and 12 cases were recorded in Finland. There was a predominance of young children among the patients (median age, 6 years), many of whom developed acute hemorrhagic diarrhea. The outbreak strain exhibited a rare phage lysis pattern and a characteristic plasmid profile lacking the 60-MDa virulence-associated plasmid. DNA hybridization failed to demonstrate any DNA sequence homology between the outbreak strain and the virulence plasmid. The outbreak strain was nonlethal for orally infected mice. The finding of only less than or equal to 10 S. typhimurium cells per 100 g of chocolate in about 90% of the positive samples obtained from retail outlets suggested that an inoculum of fewer than 10 organisms may have been sufficient to cause symptomatic disease.

Cacao↗
PubMed1990

A unique plasmid profile characterizing Salmonella enteritidis isolates from patients and employees in a hospital.

Plasmid profiling was used as an epidemiological tool during a period of frequent Salmonella enteritidis infection in a hospital. S. enteritidis was isolated from 22 patients and employees. Isolates from 18 persons harbored one 29 and one 36 megadalton (MDa) plasmid. The 29 MDa plasmid has not been previously described in this species and was not found in 54 control strains of S. enteritidis from other sources. The respective restriction endonuclease digest fragments of the 36 and the 29 MDa plasmids were always identical. This plasmid pattern thus served as a marker for the isolates from the outbreak.

Humans↗
PubMed1989

[The contaminated chocolate epidemic of 1987].

The article describes a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium infection in 1987 caused by contaminated chocolate products from one particular factory. A total of 349 bacteriologically verified cases were recorded. It was estimated, however, that 20,000-40,000 persons became ill during the outbreak. We describe the epidemiological and bacteriological investigations which led to identification of the source of infection, and discuss two epidemiological models for investigation of food-borne outbreaks. The article emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the community health service and the local food inspection laboratories during investigation of foodborne outbreaks.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Comparison of epidemiological marker methods for identification of Salmonella typhimurium isolates from an outbreak caused by contaminated chocolate.

Plasmid profile analysis, restriction endonuclease analysis, and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis were used in conjunction with serotyping, bacteriophage typing, and biochemical fingerprinting to trace epidemiologically related isolates of Salmonella typhimurium from an outbreak caused by contaminated chocolate products in Norway and Finland. To evaluate the efficiency of the epidemiological marker methods, isolates from the outbreak were compared with five groups of control isolates not known to be associated with the outbreak. Both plasmid profile analysis and phage typing provided further discrimination over that produced by serotyping and biochemical fingerprinting. Plasmid profile analysis and phage typing were equally reliable in differentiating the outbreak isolates from the epidemiologically unrelated controls and were significantly more effective than multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and restriction enzyme analysis of total DNA. The greatest differentiation was achieved when plasmid profile analysis and phage typing were combined to complement serotyping and biochemical fingerprinting. However, none of the methods employed, including restriction enzyme analysis of plasmid DNA, were able to distinguish the outbreak isolates from five isolates recovered in Norway and Finland over a period of years from dead passerine birds and a calf.

Animals↗