Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “AUSTRIA”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is rare but not absent in children under 15 years of age in Austria.

UNLABELLED: Until recently, most children with diabetes mellitus had type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is on the rise in North America, especially in risk populations such as the American Indians. Few epidemiological data on the incidence of the disease exist in Europe. In a prospective population-based epidemiological study, all newly diagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus in patients under 15 years of age were registered nation-wide in Austria between 1999 and 2001. Differential diagnosis (according to the American Diabetes Association diagnostic criteria) was based on clinical case definition. During the 3 years of the study period, 529 cases of DM <15 years were documented, of which 510 were clinically assigned to T1DM (271 boys, 239 girls) resulting in an incidence rate of 12.4/100,000. In the same network, eight cases were diagnosed as T2DM (one boy, seven girls) and two cases with an atypical form of T2DM (two girls). The age of onset of T2DM was 12-15 years and all patients were overweight (body mass index >90th percentile). The calculated incidence for T2DM <15 years in Austria was 0.25/100,000. CONCLUSION: at present, type 2 diabetes mellitus is rare but exists in children aged under 15 years in Austria. Follow-up of this registration will help to describe the secular trend.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Recent trend in overweight and obesity in male adolescents in Austria: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to provide current estimates of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in young Austrian men and to determine both the trend over the study period and regional differences. METHOD: Data extracted from the database containing the nation-wide compulsory conscription health examinations were analysed. Four cohorts of 18-year-old males (1986-1990: n=252,799; 1991-1995: n=209,266; 1996-2000: n=208,427; 2001-2005: n=209,168) were investigated. Measurements of height and weight were taken and, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Overweight was defined as a BMI >or=25.00 kg//m2 and obesity as a BMI >or=30.00 kg//m2. Information on place of residence of the young men was also collected. The t-test and Cochran-Armitage test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: During the study period, the prevalence of overweight among the study population increased from 12.9 to 15.5%, while that of obesity increased from 2.5 to 5.8%. A significant regional trend was found, with the highest proportion of overweight and obesity occurring among young male residents of the eastern part of Austria (p<0.001). Mean BMI was 22.38+/-3.05 kg/m2 in 1986-1990, increasing significantly (p<0.001) during the study period to 22.89+/-3.88 kg/m2. Overweight and obesity increased remarkably in young males in Austria between 1986 and 2005. The prevalence of obesity doubled during the whole study period. CONCLUSION: Even in a small country as Austria, significant regional differences with respect to overweight and obesity can be found. Although limited to just one gender and a single age group, data from the nation-wide compulsory conscription health examinations could be a useful tool for public health monitoring.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Trends in infant mortality in Austria between 1984 and 2002.

Infant mortality rate is an important medical indicator and is often used for comparing countries with respect to welfare and public health. Among other factors, effective medical technology, better access to pre- and postnatal care for all socioeconomic groups and better nutrition have decreased infant mortality in Austria from about 200 deaths per 1000 live births at the beginning of the 20th century to about 5 deaths per 1000 live births at the end. In this study we present the trends in infant mortality, based on 1,654,519 individual birth records, in Austria since 1984. The infant mortality rate dropped rapidly from about 12 per 1000 live births in 1985 to 4.6 per 1000 live births during the last two years of our study (2001/02). Infant mortality rates stratified by cause of death show somewhat differing trends. In particular, the number of deaths due to peripartal problems decreased as the result of improvements in obstetrics and neonatology, but in 1995 a change in the definition of live birth led to a rise of about 20% in the stillbirth rate. At present, Austria has one of the lowest infant mortality rates of all European countries; however, between 1999 and 2002 the mortality rate has been fairly static. A further reduction in mortality clearly cannot be achieved by advances in medicine alone. It remains a challenge for health politicians, physicians and society at large to reduce the prevalence of well-known risk factors such as alcohol abuse, heavy overweight and smoking during pregnancy.

Austria↗
PubMed2006

Seasonal variations in detecting Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in rodents from north eastern Austria.

Austria is well known as an endemic area of Lyme borreliosis. To assess the annual variation of rodent populations that may host agents of Lyme borreliosis we collected rodents in northeastern Austria. Life traps were set out every six weeks during a year consecutively in one each of the three different zones (Hohenau, Ernstbrunn, Vienna Woods) that cover the main habitat characteristics of small mammals in northeastern Austria. Rodents were collected and identified. Samples of heart, urine bladder and brain were removed under aseptic conditions for cultivation of borrelia. Samples of heart muscle were additionally used for molecular detection of borrelia by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction. PCR was performed with borrelia universal primers and with species-specific primers. 938 mice were caught, most frequently Apodemus flavicollis (44%), followed by Clethrionomys glareolus (35%), Microtus arvalis (9%), A. sylvaticus (7%) and Mus musculus (6%). Significant differences were seen in the total number of catch per area (Hohenau, Ernstbrunn, Vienna Woods equal 10:9:2) and in the distribution of the various rodent species in the respective areas. Borrelia strains were grown from only 65 (7%) animals, and more frequently isolated from bladder wall than from heart muscle, and only once from brain. Heart specimens of 223 animals were positive by borrelia PCR (24%), most frequently of the rodent species A. flavicollis (43%) and C. glareolus (38%). Borrelia afzelii was most frequently identified, followed by B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii and by mixed infection of B. afzelii with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. B. garinii was most frequently detected in heart samples of A. sylvaticus (about 20%). In about 3% of PCR positive samples the identification of one of the three mentioned genospecies of borrelia could not be ascertained with the test panel used. The results confirm the rodent species A. flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, M. arvalis and C. glareolus as reservoir animals for B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, agents of Lyme borreliosis. Notable is the salient presence of B. garinii in heart specimens of A. sylvaticus.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[Relevance of pharmacoeconomic analyses to price and reimbursement decisions in Austria].

Since the social sick funds have only limited amounts of money at their disposal, whereas the pharmaceutical market is constantly growing, thorough evaluations have to be undertaken how contributions are to be spent to get adequate value for money and especially to gain utmost benefit for the patients. When deciding on whether a pharmaceutical is listed in the Code of Reimbursement or not, pharmacoeconomic studies are obligatory in two cases: for real innovations with substantial therapeutic benefit and for applications for inclusion in the Yellow Box, when there are no alternatives listed in the Yellow Box. On the basis of the pharmacoeconomic study a comprehensible and justifiable cost/use relation of the pharmaceutical applied for should be proven in comparison with therapeutic alternatives in Austria. However, a pharmacoeconomic study is always only one aspect among others deciding on reimbursement and price. Even though the pharmaceutical applied for is not included in the Code of Reimbursement, reimbursement is possible in special cases if there is no adequate pharmaceutical listed in the Code of Reimbursement and the pharmaceutical is absolutely needed for therapeutic reasons. In these cases prior approval from a chief medical officer is required. Pharmacoeconomic studies for the purpose of section sign 25 of the Rules of Procedure for publishing the Code of Reimbursement (VO-EKO) must meet the following requirements: From a methodical point of view both cost-effectiveness analyses and--in justified cases--cost-utility analyses may be used. Due to required accuracy and traceability incremental analyses are preferred. Medical and economic data underlying the pharmacoeconomic study have to show a high degree of validity and evidence. The perspective to be taken is that of the Austrian Health Insurance. When determining the therapeutic alternatives, the most frequent indication, the most purposeful medical dosage and the main group of affected patients have to be considered. Hereby the order "Green Box-Yellow Box-Red Box" has to be taken into account. The direct costs of the obligatory benefits of the social insurance institutions of medical treatment (medical assistance, drugs, substitute assistance), institutional care (based on LKF points) and the medical measures of rehabilitation are to be set. Due to required transparency and traceability quantity and cost structure have to be listed separately. Prices of single items and resource usage in form of units of measurement have to be stated. Studies performed in other countries than Austria may be subject to different health care systems, general conditions, therapeutic alternatives and costs and have therefore to be adapted to Austrian conditions. It must not be disregarded that pharmacoeconomics as any other science comprises different opinions and basic approaches and that pharmacoeconomics is making progress all the time. However, considering their limitations with regard to the interpretation of the results, pharmacoeconomic studies are a key factor for assessing new pharmaceuticals and represent an important contribution to reimbursement and price decisions in Austria.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Long-term monitoring of the mortality trend of Huntington's disease in Austria.

Recent increasing incidence and prevalence rates of Huntington's disease (HD), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, prompted us to investigate the epidemiological dynamic of HD in Austria during the period 1970--2001. Our study demonstrated a stable HD mortality rate throughout Austria of 0.125 per 100,000 individuals during the investigated period. The median age at death from HD was 56.5 years for both sexes and remained stable during the entire period observed, indicating no prolonged survival. An above average mortality rate from HD was observed in the north-eastern parts of Austria. Our data reflect the epidemiology of HD prior to and after the availability of genetic testing and provide a solid baseline for future investigations on the epidemiology of HD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of swallowing disorders with videofluoroscopy in Austria: a survey.

AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the availability of videofluoroscopy to examine patients with swallowing disorders in Austria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to the department heads of the radiology departments of all hospitals (n=143) and to all non-hospital-based radiologic practices (n=226) throughout Austria. The survey focused on the availability of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and on the studies performed in patients with deglutition disorders. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed and returned by 134 of 143 radiology departments (94%) and 65 of 226 non-hospital-based radiologists (29%). Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were performed in 38 of 134 radiology departments (28%) and in 21 of 65 practices (32%). The method is available in all nine Austrian states (100%) and 27 of 99 districts (27%). The number of examinations performed in different states ranged from 0.7 to 19 studies/10,000 population per year. The number of videofluoroscopic examinations per department or practice in the year 2001 ranged between 5 and 690 (median, 100 examinations). To 85% of videofluoroscopy units patients were referred from otorhinolaryngology/phoniatrics-logopedics, to 69% of videofluoroscopy units referrals were also from internal medicine, from neurology in 54%, and from pediatrics in 20%. CONCLUSION: Despite the widespread availability of videofluoroscopy throughout Austria, its use still varies largely between different states. The data show that in general there is a wide-spread demand for videofluoroscopic swallowing studies.

Austria↗
PubMed2006

Incorporation of public hospitals: a "silver bullet" against overcapacity, managerial bottlenecks and resource constraints? Case studies from Austria and Estonia.

This paper presents a new approach for incorporating public hospitals by contrasting the experience from an "old" EU country (Austria) with a new EU member state (Estonia). In the EU (including the new member states) hospital overcapacity is a serious problem, from a technical, fiscal and political perspective. Few countries have succeeded in establishing an appropriate framework for resource management and for guaranteeing long-term financial viability of their hospital network. Many countries are in search of effective policies for improved hospital management and more cost-effective resource use in the health sector. Over the past decade, experiences in Austria and Estonia have emerged as innovative examples which may provide lessons for other EU countries and beyond. This paper describes the evolution of public hospitals from public budgetary units and public management to incorporated autonomous organizations under private corporate law, resulting in a contractual relationship between (public) owners and private hospital management. Outdated and inefficient public sector structures were replaced by more agile corporate management. The arrangement allows for investments, operating costs and budgeting according to strategic business goals as opposed to political "fiat". Shielding hospitals from local political influence is an important aspect of this concept. Horizontal integration through networking of public hospitals and introducing private management helps create a new corporate culture, allowing for more flexibility to achieve efficiencies through downsizing and economies of scale. Based on contracts the new balance between ownership and managerial functions create strong incentives for a more business-like, results-oriented and consumer-friendly management. This was achieved both in Austria and Estonia in a politically sensitive way, adopting a long-term vision and by protecting the interests of hospital owners and staff.

Austria↗
PubMed2003

Evaluations of health interventions in social insurance-based countries: Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria.

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in social insurance-based, or so-called 'Bismarck' health care systems (Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands) has taken a different course than in either taxed-based (Sweden, Norway, United Kingdom, and Spain) or private health care systems (such as the United States). The culture of informed decisions supported by transparent and evidence-based evaluations of health interventions was hindered by the strong professional autonomy and sectoral interests in Germany and Austria for a long time. On the other hand, HTA has a long-standing tradition in the Netherlands. In all three countries sickness funds play an important role in implementing evaluations-as a policy tool-by linking reimbursement to explicit proof of effectiveness in both new and established interventions. This article focuses on the obstacles and opportunities for HTA in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands as countries with insurance-based health care systems.

Austria↗
PubMed1999

Cost-effectiveness of mirtazapine compared to amitriptyline and fluoxetine in the treatment of moderate and severe depression in austria.

This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of mirtazapine, compared to amitriptyline and fluoxetine, in the management of moderate and severe depression in Austria, as well as the costs related to the discontinuation of antidepressant treatment from the perspective of the Austrian Sick Funds (Gebietskrankenkassen). The economic analyses were based on a meta-analysis of four randomised clinical trials comparing mirtazapine with amitriptyline, and on a six week comparative trial of mirtazapine and fluoxetine which was extrapolated to six months using assumptions derived from the literature. Decision models of the treatment paths and associated resource use attributable to managing moderate and severe depression in Austria were developed from clinical trial data, information on Austrian clinical practice obtained from interviews with an Austrian Delphi panel (comprising psychiatrists and GPs), and from published literature. The models were used to estimate the expected costs to the Gebietskrankenkassen of managing a patient with moderate or severe depression, and the indirect cost per patient to Austrian society due to lost productivity. The expected cost to the Gebietskrankenkassen of healthcare resource use attributable to managing a patient suffering from moderate or severe depression who discontinues antidepressant treatment was estimated to be ATS 4,088 over five months, of which hospitalisations accounted for nearly 69% of the cost. Using mirtazapine instead of amitriptyline for 28 weeks increases the proportion of successfully treated patients by 21% (from 19.2 to 23.2%), and reduces the expected cost to the Gebietskrankenkassen by ATS 1,112 per patient (from ATS 31,411 to ATS 30,299). Patients treated with mirtazapine and amitriptyline for 28 weeks are expected to miss 4.76 and 5.01 weeks of work respectively, due to their depression. Hence, the expected indirect cost to Austrian society over this period was estimated to be ATS 58, 787 and ATS 61,851 per patient respectively. Using mirtazapine instead of fluoxetine for six months increases the proportion of successfully treated patients by 22% (from 15.6 to 19.1%), albeit for a negligible additional cost to the Gebietskrankenkassen of ATS 408 per patient (from ATS 29,205 to ATS 29,613). Patients treated with mirtazapine and fluoxetine for six months are expected to miss 4.53 weeks of work, due to their depression. Hence, the expected indirect cost to Austrian society due to lost productivity was estimated to be ATS 55,900 per patient with either antidepressant. In conclusion, this study suggests that despite the differences in acquisition costs, mirtazapine is a cost-effective antidepressant compared to amitriptyline and fluoxetine, supporting the adoption of this treatment in the management of moderate and severe depression in Austria.

Amitriptyline↗
PubMed1997

Childhood cancer mortality in Austria, 1980-1992.

This paper is the first to describe trend analyses focusing on cancer mortality among children (aged 0-14) in Austria covering the period 1980-1992. The data used for analysis were abstracted from the official Austrian mortality statistics of the years 1980-1992. Because of the poor reliability of cancer registry data in Austria in the past, the study is based on mortality date only. The reliability of the mortality data is positively related to a high autopsy rate in Austria. Statistical standardization is based on the European standard population. In the period 1980-1992 cancer was the cause of death of 718 children. Leukaemia was responsible for 34.5% of all childhood cancer deaths and 1.5% of all childhood deaths. The mortality of all malignant neoplasms in children decreased significantly (p = 0.0004) from 54.8 per million in 1980 to 33.9 per million in 1992. This trend is mainly due to the reduction in mortality of leukaemia, which has decreased from 22.3 per million in 1980 to 13.1 per million in 1992 (p = 0.0003). The age group 0-4 years experienced the highest overall cancer mortality (46.7 per million). The decreasing trends are primarily caused by better diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and most probably not by decreasing incidence. Due to the small number of cases this positive effect can only be demonstrated in leukaemia mortality, but not for other cancer sites.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Some aspects of the reform of the health care systems in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

The health care systems in Austria, Germany and Switzerland owe their institutional structure to different historical developments. While Austria and Germany voted for the Bismarck-Model of social health insurance, Switzerland adopted a voluntary system of health insurance. In all three countries, until very recently, the different challenges which the health care sector faced were met by piecemeal approaches and by stop and go policies, which, in the long run were not very successful either in containing costs or in improving efficacy and efficiency. During the 1990 more fundamental reforms in the health care systems of all three countries took place. Germany and Switzerland chose the path of deregulation of the health insurance system, which consequently strengthened the competition between the insurance companies, and, to some extent between the suppliers of medical services. While this can be seen as an essential part of the reform process for these two countries. Austria favors a state-oriented and interventionist approach in order to meet the challenges.

Austria↗
PubMed2002

Under-reporting of direct and indirect obstetrical deaths in Austria, 1980-98.

BACKGROUND: Under-reporting and misclassification of maternal deaths are common, even in countries with a high quality of death statistics. The aims of this study were to determine to what extent maternal deaths are under-reported in Austria and to determine factors that might explain under-reporting. METHODS: Confidential enquiries on maternal deaths for the period 1980-98 were linked with the official mortality statistics from Statistics Austria. Maternal deaths were classified as direct and indirect obstetric deaths. RESULTS: Between 1980 and 1998 a total of 119 maternal deaths (112 direct and seven indirect obstetric deaths) were registered at Statistics Austria. Confidential inquiries into maternal deaths accumulated 191 maternal deaths (an additional 43 direct obstetric deaths and 29 indirect obstetric deaths). Total under-reporting was 38% (95% CI 31-45). Significantly more indirect obstetrical deaths were under-reported (81%; 95% CI 64-92) than direct obstetrical deaths (28%; 95% CI 21-36). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the shortcomings of official registration of maternal deaths. Thus, maternal mortality cannot be seen as a reliable basis for health policy decisions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Epidemiology and management of psychosomatic patients in Austria].

The problem of epidemiological surveys of psychosomatic patients particularly in view of their requirements and willingness for treatment is discussed. Since there are no data available for Austria data from FRG are presented. These data are compared with the provision of psychotherapeutic and psychosomatic care in Austria. In addition the provision of in-patient treatment for psychosomatic patients is presented. Whereas the outpatient provision of care for psychosomatic patients can be considered acceptable in the big cities, there is a big gap in the rural areas and smaller towns. The provision of in-patient treatment is at present well below of what is considered necessary by the ministry of social affairs. From these data a serious lack of provision of care for psychosomatic patients in Austria can be deduced.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The prevalence of IDDM in the first degree relatives of children newly diagnosed with IDDM in Austria--a population-based study. Austrian Diabetes Incidence Study Group.

Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus shows a strong familial predisposition and an unexplained geographical variation in incidence. It is not known whether the risk of IDDM in first degree relatives depends on the risk in the background population. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of IDDM in parents and siblings of newly diagnosed children with IDDM in Austria, a known area of low risk for IDDM. The family history data of all diabetic children (< 15 years) diagnosed between 1988-1994 in Austria were analysed. The cumulative incidence of IDDM in siblings of newly diagnosed diabetic children was 0.0026772 cases/year, this means 29.7 times increased risk compared to the background population. Of the diabetic children 5.8% had at least one parent with IDDM and the prevalence of IDDM in fathers (3.9%) was higher (p = 0.015) compared to mothers (1.9%). The risk of IDDM tended to be higher for offsprings of diabetic fathers (OR 3.8, p < 0.003) in families with 2 or more children than in single child families, where the prevalence was 4.2% both in fathers and mothers. In conclusion the prevalence of IDDM in parents of diabetic children in Austria was lower than reported in populations with high IDDM incidence. This may reflect a lesser degree of genetic predisposition of the Austrian population. The prevalence of IDDM in siblings was similar to that in high risk populations. We saw an interaction of gender of the diabetic parent and diabetic offspring and the family size.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[The treatment of severe head-brain injuries in Austria] .

INTRODUCTION: We performed this study in order to assess epidemiology and current practice of treatment of severe traumatic brain injury in Austria. Our survey followed the methods of a study published by J. Ghajar et al in the USA in 1995 and we compared the results to the Brain Trauma Foundation's "Guidelines For The Management Of Severe Head Injury". METHODS: The collected data represent answers to telephone interviews of 60 surgical intensive care units. We were able to evaluate data from all departments which treat severe brain traumas (Glasgow Coma Scale < or = 8) in Austria. RESULTS: At the time the treatment modalities of severe head injuries are not homogeneous and there are also big interdisciplinary management differences (trauma surgeons versus neurosurgeons). CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that there is a need for a brain trauma databank in Austria. We also recommend formation of an interdisciplinary brain trauma working group in order to control whether guidelines and standardized therapeutic modalities are being followed.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1987

[Assessment of eye damage in private accident insurance in Austria].

In Austria, eye damage is assessed by private accident insurance underwriters in accordance with the "General Rules for Private Accident Insurance" (AUVB 1965). According to these rules the degree of invalidity is determined on the basis of three types of findings: 100% in the case of total loss of vision, 30% in the case of total loss of vision in one eye, and 60% if vision in the other eye had already been lost. In the case of complete loss of vision in one eye and simultaneous partial loss in the other, or partial deterioration of vision in both eyes, the basis for calculating the degree of invalidity is 50% for each eye. The respective degrees of disability are expressed in thirtieths. The degrees of disability are adjusted to the levels of reduction in earning capacity in accordance with the proposals of the German Ophthalmological Society, which are also recommended in Austria. The difference in the degree of disability according to the AUVB in Austria and the AUB in the Federal Republic of Germany, resulting from different methods of calculation, is pointed out. The degrees of disability for accidental damage to one or both eyes (without previous damage) are presented in tabular form. As regards visual field defects, the degree of disability should be assessed on the basis of the total visual field, taking into account the fact that the eyes are paired sensory organs.

Austria↗
PubMed2004

The Austria-Czech Republic co-operation in the field of radiation-emergency preparedness.

An overview on the long-term information exchange and co-operation between Austria and the Czech Republic in the field of radiation emergency preparedness and evaluation of radiological consequences of NPP accidents is provided. Initiated by the 'Melk Protocol' between the Czech and Austrian governments in December 2000 and its follow-up activities, the information exchange and co-operation between the Czech Republic and Austria in the field of radiation-emergency preparedness have been extended. Among others, a Working Group to compare radiological consequences of Beyond Design Basis Accident with a detailed inter-comparison program concerning atmospheric dispersion models, dose assessment methods and counter- measures was established. Based on this experience, an area for future co-operation in the field of emergency preparedness and information exchange between the Czech Republic and Austria is discussed.

Austria↗