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M Pietikäinen

Publications and source records attributed to M Pietikäinen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

The 21-year follow-up of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study: risk factor levels, secular trends and east-west difference.

OBJECTIVES: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study is an on-going multicentre study of atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and young adults. We have collected risk factor data in the 21-year follow-up performed in 2001. The aims of this analysis were to examine the levels, secular trends and east-west difference in risk factors amongst young adults. DESIGN: Population based follow-up study. SUBJECTS: A total of 2283 participants aged 24-39 years in 2001 (63.5% of the original cohort). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Levels of serum lipids, apolipoproteins, blood pressure and smoking. RESULTS: The mean serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in 24-39-year-old adults were 5.16, 3.27, 1.29 and 1.34 mmol L(-1), respectively. Total cholesterol (5.21 vs. 5.12 mmol L(-1), P = 0.046), HDL cholesterol (1.31 vs. 1.28 mmol L(-1), P = 0.027), systolic blood pressure (118 vs. 115 mmHg, P < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (72 vs. 70 mmHg, P < 0.0001) were higher in subjects originating from eastern Finland compared with those from western Finland. Significant secular trends between 1986 and 2001 in 24-year-old subjects (n = 783) included an increase in serum triglycerides and body mass index (BMI), a decrease in blood pressure and HDL cholesterol and a modest 5% decrease in total cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: During the past 15 years, BMI and triglyceride levels have increased in young adults in Finland. At the same time, the reduction in cholesterol concentration has been slow. Consistent with persistent regional differences in cardiovascular morbidity within Finland, our data demonstrate significant differences in the levels of cardiovascular risk factors between subjects originating from eastern and western Finland.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Development of tuberculin reactivity and sensitization to M. scrofulaceum and M. fortuitum in children BCG-vaccinated at birth.

Since the incidence of tuberculosis is steadily declining in Finland and infections by environmental mycobacteria may be increasing, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the development of tuberculin reactivity and sensitization to environmental mycobacteria. Healthy Finnish schoolchildren aged 10.4-12.4 yrs (n=201) were tested with tuberculin purified protein derivative RT23, Mycobacterium scrofulaceum RS95 and M. fortuitum RS20 sensitins. The same children had been previously tested with the same antigens and methods at the age of 4-6 yrs in 1989. Rapid waning of tuberculin reactivity and decrease in sensitization to environmental mycobacteria were observed between 4-6 yrs. Both tuberculin and sensitin skin reaction sizes decreased significantly over the 6-yrs period. The mean tuberculin skin reaction size was 3.2 mm in diameter, which was significantly (p<0.001) smaller than the mean induration size (4.8 mm) at the age of 4-6 yrs. Similarly, the mean skin reaction sizes to M. scrofulaceum and M. fortuitum sensitins were 3.4 and 1.7 mm, respectively, which were significantly (p<0.001) smaller than 6 yrs earlier (mean 4.5 and 3.1 mm). The number of zero reactions to all antigens increased significantly during the follow-up period. Contacts with pets or farm animals were associated with larger reactions. In contrast, children suffering from allergic symptoms had smaller reactions. Contacts with mycobacteria, either with Mycobacterium tuberculosis or environmental mycobacteria, seem to be too rare to maintain tuberculin responsiveness and a high sensitivity to other mycobacteria. Different bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine products and dosages used, the declining incidence of tuberculosis and geographical factors, which can influence environmental mycobacterial exposure, may explain the disparity between the present and previous Finnish studies.

BCG Vaccine↗
PubMed1992

Skin test reactivity to atypical mycobacteria among healthy Finnish preschool children vaccinated with BCG vaccine at birth.

Skin test reactivity to three mycobacterial sensitins (M. avium, M. fortuitum and M. scrofulaceum) was studied in 353 healthy children vaccinated with the BCG vaccine at birth. A significant waning of reactivity to all of the three sensitins was found to occur with increasing age. Revaccination against measles, parotitis and rubella had been given to 31 (9%) of the children, all aged > 5.5 years. They had significantly larger reactions sizes, which was contrary to what was expected. Children with atopic dermatitis (n = 19) had significantly smaller reaction sizes to the M. fortuitum sensitin. Neither respiratory viral infections during the preceding six months nor contact with pets or farm animals had any influence on reaction sizes. The variation of sensitin reactions was large in preschool children vaccinated with the BCG vaccine at birth. The diagnostic value of sensitin reactions in preschool children needs to be elaborated in clinical studies in children with clinically demonstrable mycobacteriosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Rapid decrease in tuberculin skin test reactivity at preschool age after newborn vaccination.

A study of tuberculin sensitivity was performed in 353 children aged 4-6 years, all vaccinated at birth with British BCG vaccine. Significant waning of tuberculin reactions with increasing age was found (p < 0.05). In the age group < 4.5 years, the mean tuberculin reaction was 6.6 mm, in the age group 4.5-5.5 years 5.2 mm and in the age group of > 5.5 years 3.5 mm. The number of children with positive reactions (> or = 5 mm) was 165 (40%) and those with strong reactions (> or = 10 mm) 49 (14%). None of the latter children had active tuberculosis during a follow-up period of 12 months. Eighty-three (24%) of the children had no reaction. The children who had been revaccinated with the MPR vaccine against measles, rubella and parotitis (n = 31) had significantly larger tuberculin reactions than the non-revaccinated children. Atopic dermatitis or infections during the preceding six months did not have any significant influence on reaction sizes. Our results demonstrate that the variation in size of tuberculin reactions after BCG vaccination at birth is large. We conclude that tuberculin sensitivity wanes rapidly by the age of 4.0-6.3 years.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

Type A behavior and its determinants in children, adolescents and young adults with and without parental coronary heart disease: a case-control study.

Healthy children, adolescents and young adults with parental coronary heart disease (CHD) (N = 78) were compared with their one-to-one matched controls without a parental CHD (N = 78) in terms of their psychological and behavioral characteristics. The variables adopted were Type A behavior, self-esteem, achievement striving, hyperactivity and social maladjustment. The results indicate a tendency for boys with parental CHD to be characterized by higher scores on Type A behavior, lower self-esteem and more intense striving for achievement compared to their matched controls. Girls with parental CHD differed from their matched controls in the predicted direction only in one respect: a higher level of hyperactivity was characteristic for cases.

Achievement↗
PubMed1991

Asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema in Finnish children and adolescents.

The parents of 3649 Finnish children and adolescents were interviewed in 1980 to evaluate the prevalence of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. The same group was interviewed 6 years later to determine the incidence of new cases of bronchial asthma in the 1980s. Age- and sex-matched samples were taken from three areas, southern, eastern and northern Finland to allow assessment of possible regional differences in prevalences and incidences. The prevalences of atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma were 1.7%, 6.0% and 4.3%, respectively. These figures are similar to those found in previous studies in Scandinavia and Finland over 10 years ago. The prevalence of atopy was highest (6.4%) in southern Finland, which is the most urbanized area of our country. The prevalence of asthma was highest (3.3%) in northern Finland. This is still low when compared with the incidences in other European countries. THe prevalences of asthma and atopy were lowest in eastern Finland which is the most agrarian area. The incidence of asthma was 1.5 cases/1000 individuals/year, but regional differences were shown.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Cardiovascular risk in young Finns.

This report describes the general outline and progress of a multicentre study on risk factors of coronary heart disease and their determinants in children and adolescents. "Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns" comprises a cross-sectional study of 3 to 18-year old subjects in 1980, and follow-up studies in 1983 and 1986 in various parts of Finland, and in 1989 in one of the study areas (Turku). The number of participants in 1980 was 3596 (83.1%) of those invited. In 1983 and 1986 83.2% and 77.8% of them, respectively, participated. The study programme has comprised questionnaire data on, for example, general health and living conditions, physical activity, eating habits, smoking, and psychological variables. The physical examination covered height, weight, skinfold thickness, pubertal stages and blood pressure. Blood specimens were obtained to assess concentrations of serum lipids and insulin, and in 1986 also for possible genetic markers of hypercholesterolemia. A 48 hour recall on nutrient intake was obtained from some of the subjects. The follow-up studies have enabled a study of the tracking phenomenon. Other important questions under study include, for example, the possible clustering of risk factors and their determinants. The cohorts studied provide a valuable research basis for the future, with emphasis on enabling a long-term follow-up of the subjects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Blood pressure in children, adolescents and young adults.

The question of whether blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in childhood has been evaluated in a Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns. In the second follow-up study, carried out in 1986, blood pressure was successfully measured in 2500 individuals aged nine to 24 years using a random zero sphygmomanometer. The mean systolic blood pressure in girls rose from 102 mmHg (95th percentile 119 mmHg) at age nine to 116 mmHg (138 mmHg) at age 24 and that in boys from 102 mmHg (95th percentile 121 mmHg) to 128 mmHg (148 mmHg). Diastolic blood pressure was more often measurable using Korotkoff's 5th than the 4th phase. The values observed were similar to those reported by the Second Task Force on Blood Pressure Control in Children, but owing to differences in the methods used to measure blood pressure it cannot be reliably concluded that the blood pressures were similar in the two series. Even in childhood blood pressure measurement is important, and since it changes with the physical size of the child, observations should be compared with normal values such as those reported here. No data are yet available to suggest that children with blood pressure values in the high normal range would benefit from interventions. Thus normal blood pressure value curves should be applied with caution when assessing children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Predictive validity of preadolescent type A determinants for type A dimensions in young adulthood--a 6-year follow-up.

This study examined the predictive validity of preadolescent Type A determinants for Type A dimensions in young adulthood (n = 375). Predictive variables, i.e. hyperactivity, aggression, social maladjustment and self-esteem were measured when the subjects were aged 12. Type A dimensions, i.e. hard-driving, competitiveness plus aggression and impatience were measured in the same subjects when they were aged 18. "Impatience" was predicted by means of preadolescent hyperactivity, and "competitiveness-aggression" by social maladjustment. "Hard-driving", which was most strongly related to CHD risk factor levels in young adulthood, was anteceded by the subject's feeling that he or she could not cope with life. This supports the hypothesis that Type A behaviour is a coping mechanism: a person tries to cope with stress by increasing his or her level of achievement.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1985

Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. I. General description of the cross-sectional study of 1980, and an account of the children's and families' state of health.

The paper describes the general outline of a multicentre study on the risk factors of coronary heart disease (CHD) and their determinants in children of various ages in different parts of Finland. The study was a cross-sectional one, and was carried out in 1980 in five university cities of Finland with medical schools and in 12 rural communities in their vicinity. The randomized sample included an equal number of boys and girls, aged 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 years, and an equal number of urban and rural population in each area. The total sample size was 4,320 subjects, and of these 3,596 participated (83.1%). The families received before the medical examination of the child, questionnaires on the socioeconomic background the child's general health and development, the parents' and grandparents' health status, and the child's food and exercise habits. At the physical examination also a fasting blood sample (lipids, insulin, trace elements) was taken, a bundle of hair was cut for trace element analysis, and a 48-hour recall on food intake was obtained from every second subject. 19.5% of the children had in their history some long-term disease, allergic diseases being the most common. CHD and other cardiovascular diseases were significantly more frequent among the grandparents and parents in eastern than in western Finland. The study is meant to be a basis for a longitudinal study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. II. Height, weight, body mass index, and skinfolds, and their correlation to metabolic variables.

In a Finnish Multicentre Study, height, weight and skinfold thicknesses were measured in 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, and 18-year-old children (N = 3,596). Height and weight percentiles superimposed on the current Finnish growth charts were above the standards in 6-15-year-old boys and 3-12-year-old girls. Triceps skinfold thickness percentiles (10% and 90%) appeared to be closest to British values and below American values. Weight, body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thicknesses showed good intercorrelations (up to .90) except in young boys. Height had a low positive correlation with BMI (.28 to .36) and with skinfold thickness (.23 to .36) in the age groups 6-12 years. BMI and subscapular skinfold seem to be useful obesity indicators. No consistent correlations were seen between physical variables and serum LDL- or total cholesterol and apoprotein B concentrations. There was a slight negative correlation between the physical variables and serum HDL-cholesterol. Apoprotein A1 correlated negatively to all obesity indicators in 12-year-old girls. Serum triglycerides showed slight positive correlation to physical variables. BMI and skinfolds had a low to moderate correlation with insulin (.21-.51) mainly in the three oldest age groups. On the ground of BMI and skinfold measurements we have reason to believe that the prevalence of obesity at 3-18 years of age is similar in Finland as in other countries in Europe.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. III. Blood pressure.

In connection with the Finnish Multicentre Study on the precursors of atherosclerosis in 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15- and 18-year-old children and adolescents, blood pressure was measured in 3,596 subjects in the five university hospital areas. Blood pressure was measured with an ultrasound device (Arteriosonde 1020, Roche) in the 3-year-old children, and an ordinary mercury sphygmomanometer was used in the rest of the subjects. The systolic and diastolic values increased with age as has been shown earlier. There were no significant differences in the values between boys and girls except that the 15- and 18-year-old boys had values a little higher than girls of the same age. Weight and height correlated well to both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Physical maturation also correlated to blood pressure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. IV. Serum lipids in newborns, children and adolescents.

A multicentre study on atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents was carried out in five urban and 12 rural areas in the autumn of 1980 and spring of 1981. Serum lipids, i.e. cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations were determined and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated in 630 newborns and 3,596 children aged 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 years. In the newborns the mean serum TC concentration was 1.50 mmol/l, and the ratio of HDL-C to TC was 0.44. Newborn boys had lower mean TC, HDL-C and LDL-C values than the girls. In 3 to 18-year-old children the mean TC, LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations were 4.83 mmol/l, 3.09 mmol/l and 1.38 mmol/l, respectively. During puberty, TC mean values decreased, more so in boys. The serum levels of HDL-C also decreased, especially in boys, and after passing puberty boys had lower mean HDL-C levels than girls (1.26 vs. 1.39 mmol/l, p less than 0.001). The HDL-C/TC ratio was similar in all age groups (0.29). The mean TG value increased with age, being 0.88 mmol/l at the age of 18 yr. During sexual maturation, TG levels increased, more clearly in boys. There were no regional differences in serum lipid concentrations in the newborns, but in 3- to 18-year-old children the mean TC, LDL-C and TG values were lower in western than in eastern Finland. Mean TC and LDL-C values were lower in urban than in rural areas, but there was no difference in TG concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. V. Fatty acid composition of serum cholesteryl esters: regional differences in Finland.

Fatty acid compositions of serum cholesteryl esters (CE) were analysed with gas chromatography from a total of 1,348 Finnish children. The study was a part of a comprehensive survey of atherosclerosis precursors among children, and included 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, and 18-year-old children and adolescents from five urban and twelve rural communities in Finland. In all age groups and both sexes, the mean percentages of linoleate (CE-18:2) were lower and those of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids higher in eastern rural areas than elsewhere. Eastern rural children also had significantly higher proportions of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in their serum CE's. The percentage of serum CE-18:2 parallels the P/S values obtained by a dietary survey from the same populations. The reason for higher percentages of the omega 3 fatty acids in rural communities cannot be explained by diet, and remains unclear.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. VI. Serum apolipoproteins A-I and B.

The concentrations of apolipoproteins A-I and B were determined in 1,341 3- to 18-year-old children and adolescents from five urban and 12 rural communities. The analyses were made with radial immunodiffusion. The mean concentrations (+/- S.D.) of apo A-I and apo B were 152 +/- 25 and 94 +/- 22 mg/100 ml, respectively. 3-year-old children had the highest apo B levels which then decreased with advancing age in both sexes. Boys tended to have lower levels of apo B than girls. Apo A-I concentration was significantly higher in the 9- and 12-year-old boys than in the other age groups but showed no age-bound trend in girls. The apo A-I to apo B ratio increased with age in both sexes. The concentration of apo A-I was significantly lower, and that of apo B higher, in children living in eastern Finland in comparison with those from the western part of the country. This difference and a higher HDL-cholesterol to apo A-I ratio in both sexes in eastern Finland may be associated with the regional differences in the prevalence of coronary heart disease in this country.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Atherosclerosis precursors in Finnish children and adolescents. VII. Serum immunoreactive insulin.

In the Finnish Multicentre Study of the risk factors of coronary heart disease serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) was measured in 3,486 children and adolescents aged 3-18 years. Serum IRI increased with age till the age of 15 years in both sexes. The increase in serum IRI levelled off with the progression of pubertal development. Serum IRI levels were higher in girls than in boys from the age of 6 years onwards. Comparison of serum IRI gave identical results from eastern and western parts of the country. Serum IRI correlated positively with skinfold thickness, weight, relative weight and body mass index in all age groups except the 3-year-old children.

Adolescent↗