Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “EPIDEMIOLOGY”

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 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Generalizability of the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results registry population: factors relevant to epidemiologic and health care research.

To assess the generalizability of the population included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) tumor registries to the overall United States population, we compared the population of the 198 SEER counties to the population of the 2882 non-SEER counties regarding sociodemographic factors, physician availability, and availability of pertinent hospital resources. The population residing within the SEER areas is more affluent, has lower unemployment, and is substantially more urban than the remainder of the U.S. population (p < 0.001 for each). The SEER areas have fewer general and family practice physicians, but more total nonfederal physicians, general internists, and specialists relevant to cancer care. SEER areas have fewer Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals accredited hospitals, hospital beds, and hospitals with CT scanners, but more hospitals with bone marrow transplantation. The differences between the SEER population and the remainder of the United States, especially SEER's higher socioeconomic status and more urban population, should be considered when generalizing from SEER to the entire country.

Health Services Research↗
PubMed2000

The sero-epidemiology of diphtheria in Western Europe. ESEN Project. European Sero-Epidemiology Network.

Seven countries in Western Europe collected large, representative serum banks across the entire age range and tested them for diphtheria anti-toxin (sample size ranged from 2991 to 7715). Although a variety of assays were used, the results were all standardized to those of a reference laboratory and expressed in international units. The standardization process, and the availability of similar, large data sets allowed comparative analyses to be performed in which a high degree of confidence could be ascribed to observed epidemiological differences. The results showed that there were large differences in the proportion of adults with insufficient levels of protection amongst different countries. For instance, roughly 35% of 50- to 60-year-olds were found to be seronegative (titre < or = 0.01 IU/ml) in Finland compared with 70-75% in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the proportion of seronegative adults would be expected to increase in some countries, notably Italy and the western part of Germany. In those countries with vaccination of military recruits there was a marked sex-related difference in the proportion of seropositive individuals. All countries have high levels of infant vaccine coverage (> 90%) but the accelerated schedule in the United Kingdom appears to result in lower anti-toxin titres than elsewhere. In Sweden, booster doses are not offered until 10 years of age which results in large numbers of children with inadequate levels of protection. Although the United Kingdom and Sweden both have higher proportions of seronegative children than elsewhere the likelihood of a resurgence of diphtheria in these countries seems remote.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in cystic fibrosis. A European epidemiological study. Epidemiologic Registry of Cystic Fibrosis.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease resulting from a hypersensitivity response to Aspergillus fumigatus, although the pathogenesis of the disease is unknown and its prevalence in cystic fibrosis (CF) is still poorly defined. Data from the Epidemiologic Registry of Cystic Fibrosis (ERCF) on 12,447 CF patients gathered from 224 CF centres in nine European countries were analysed. The ERCF definition of ABPA diagnosis is a positive skin test and serum precipitins to A. fumigatus, together with serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels >1,000 U x mL(-1) and additional clinical or laboratory parameters. The overall prevalence of ABPA in the ERCF population was 7.8% (range: 2.1% in Sweden to 13.6% in Belgium). Prevalence was low <6 yrs of age but was almost constant approximately 10% thereafter. No sex differences were observed. ABPA affected 8.0% of patients with a deltaF508/deltaF508 genotype and 5-6% with deltaF508/G551D, deltaF508/G542X and deltaF508/N1303K genotypes. ABPA patients presented a lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) than those without ABPA at any age and the prevalence ranged from 6.6% in patients with FEV1 > or =20-12.9% in those with FEV1 <40%. ABPA was associated with higher rates of microbial colonization, pneumothorax and massive haemoptysis, and with higher IgG serum levels and poorer nutritional status. A mixed model regression analysis of lung function showed that FEVI decline during the follow-up period was not substantially different in ABPA patients compared with non-ABPA patients for any subgroups based on age or disease severity at enrollment. To conclude, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is a frequent complication in cystic fibrosis patients, particularly after the age of 6 yrs, and it is generally associated with a poorer clinical condition. However, any clear independent influence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis on the rate of lung function decline in the short term was not shown.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Rapid epidemiologic assessment of cataract blindness. The Aravind Rapid Epidemiologic Assessment Staff.

A major constraint to obtaining reliable information about blindness and its causes in developing countries is the limited availability of ophthalmologists for diagnosis in population-based surveys. This study in rural south India assessed the feasibility of using non-ophthalmologists to make diagnoses in a population-based survey. Ten men in their early twenties with 12 years of schooling were recruited and trained as ophthalmic assistants through a six week course in basic ophthalmology. All people aged 40 and older in households in 24 villages were enumerated and invited to have an eye examination. At a central site, 1309 subjects were independently examined by an ophthalmologist and two different ophthalmic assistants. Ophthalmic assistant cataract diagnosis is both sensitive and specific relative to the ophthalmologist's diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity estimates were used to adjust prevalence estimates obtained from ophthalmic assistant examinations conducted at the central site as well as at the doorstep of sample households. The findings indicate that epidemiologic assessment of cataract blindness can be completed using non-ophthalmologists to diagnose cataract.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Epidemiology of pancreatic cancer in Japan: a nested case-control study from the Hospital-based Epidemiologic Research Program at Aichi Cancer Center (HERPACC).

BACKGROUND: To clarify lifestyle factors that affect the risk of pancreatic cancer among the Japanese population, a nested case-control study was conducted using data from the Hospital-based Epidemiologic Research Program at Aichi Cancer Center (HERPACC), Japan. METHODS: The study subjects included 200 incident cases of pancreatic cancer and 2000 age-class frequency-matched cancer-free outpatients attending the baseline questionnaire of HERPACC in the period 1988-1999. Associations between lifestyles and the risk of pancreatic cancer were evaluated using odds ratios estimated by the unconditional logistic regression model, adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: A positive family history of pancreatic cancer and a past or present history of diabetes significantly increased the risk of pancreatic cancer. In contrast, regular physical exercise, a regular bowel habit, and frequent consumption of raw vegetables appeared to be protective. Current alcohol drinkers showed decreased risk, but the opposite was the case for former drinkers. Current smoking did not affect the risk of pancreatic cancer, while former smokers showed a tendency for decreased risk. Compared with light smokers, heavy smokers showed a modest tendency for increase in risk, especially those who starting smoking at a younger age, but there were no clear tendencies for duration and pack-years of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: From these results it appears that smoking habit, which has long been considered a sole important determinant, has only a modest role, if any, in pancreatic cancer in Japanese.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Argentina: results of a nationwide epidemiologic study. Argentinean Hp Epidemiologic Study Group.

Our aim was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in Argentina, in the general population and by age groups, and to determine the value of various epidemiologic variables as predictors of Hp infection. The study comprised 754 subjects (443 women 158.7%], 311 men [41.3%]) from both genders, consecutively recruited from health centers where patients were undergoing routine medical analyses. Average age was 32 +/- 22 years. The pediatric group included subjects < or =18 years of age (n = 261). Stratification was based primarily on climatic factors and secondarily on sanitary and demographic considerations. Hp infection status was assessed through a quick serologic test. The overall Hp infection prevalence in Argentina was 35.7 +/- 3.8%. The age was statistically significant using a multiple regression test (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the socioeconomic (p < 0.05) and educational level (0 < 0.01) in the adults and the water sources (p < 0.01) in the pediatric group were all statistically significant according the multiple regression test. The overall Hp infection prevalence in Argentina was 35.7 +/- 3.8%. Age was a predictor of Hp infection status. There is evidence of low infection prevalence in children. a higher prevalence in adolescents, and a more noticeable increase at 40 years of age. Furthermore, the socioeconomic and educational level in adults and the water sources in the pediatric group explained, in part, the occurrence of Hp infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Epidemiological studies on the background of the endemic occurrence of tsutsugamushi disease in Toyama Prefecture. I. Epidemiology of infection with Rickettsia tsutsugamuchi among field rodents in endemic and nonendemic areas.

In order to clarify the epidemiological background of the endemic occurrence of tsutsugamushi disease in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, since 1978, comparative surveys have been carried out between endemic and nonendemic areas. Rickettsia tsutsugamushi (Rt) was isolated at a rate of about 36% (158/439) from field rodents in the endemic area while it was not isolated from any of 280 in nonendemic areas. In all of six stations in the endemic area, a significantly high proportion of rodents were found to be Rt carriers. However, no Rt was isolated from rodents captured from July to September. The organism was isolated from rodents captured in the other months, especially in a high proportion in November when infestation of rodents with Leptotrombidium pallidum was at its peak. When the rodents were examined by indirect immunofluorescence staining, the rate of anti-Rt antibody-positive animals was about 55% (157/287) and about 17% (62/368) in endemic and nonendemic areas, respectively. Larvae of mites collected from the rodents were found to belong to four genera and 11 species. Among them L. pallidum was the only mite that had been known to be a vector of Rt. L. pallidum was found most frequently and in abundance from rodents in the endemic area, whereas it was present in very small numbers in rodents in nonendemic areas. The infestation of rodents with L. pallidum showed a seasonal variation, i.e. two peaks per year, in spring and autumn, and the number of mites detected was markedly greater in November than in spring. Rt was isolated from L. pallidum on rodents captured in the endemic area.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Will new diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus change phenotype of patients with diabetes? Reanalysis of European epidemiological data. DECODE Study Group on behalf of the European Diabetes Epidemiology Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the revised diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus adopted by the American Diabetes Association on prevalence of diabetes and on classification of patients. For epidemiological purposes the American criteria use a fasting plasma glucose concentration >=7.0 mmol/l in contrast with the current World Health Organisation criteria of 2 hour glucose concentration >=11.1 mmol/l. DESIGN: Data were collected from 13 populations and three occupational based studies from eight European countries. All studies used a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test to measure fasting and 2 hour glucose concentrations. SUBJECTS: 17 881 men; 8309 women; age range 17-92 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Classification of diabetes according to both sets of criteria. RESULTS: The application of the American criteria on European populations induced changes in prevalence of diabetes ranging from a reduction of 4.0% to an increase of 13.2%. A total of 1517 previously undiagnosed individuals had diabetes according to either the WHO or the American criteria. Among 1044 with diabetes according to American criteria, only 45% had 2 hour values fulfilling the WHO criteria. The risk of disagreement of classification decreased with increasing body mass index (P<0.00001) and increasing age (P<0.0001); the impact of sex was not significant (P=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: This shift in strategy from using 2 hour to fasting plasma glucose will cause an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in some European populations. A high degree of disagreement in the classification was observed between the two recommendations. Prospective data are needed to evaluate whether the WHO or the American criteria best identify individuals at risk of developing microvascular complications and cardiovascular disease. Wider implementation of revised diagnostic criteria should await prospective data.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

An epidemiological and genetic study of facial clefting in France. I. Epidemiology and frequency in relatives.

The frequencies of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL(P)) and isolated cleft palate (CP) have been estimated in France to be 0.082% and 0.035%, respectively, after exclusion of malformation syndromes. A genetic and epidemiological study has been carried out on 468 patients with CL(P) and 163 with CP. The results are given in detail and some specific points are discussed: the apparently low incidence in France, the relationship between sex ratio and abortion rates, the maternal effects, and the possibility of an association between CL(P) and CP.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1986

Epidemiology of infection by nontuberculous mycobacteria. VI. Identification and use of epidemiologic markers for studies of Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. scrofulaceum.

A comparison of clinical and environmental (e.g., soil, dust, water, and aerosol) isolates of the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare and M. scrofulaceum (MAIS) group has been made. The frequency of M. avium-intracellulare clinical isolates able to grow without OADC enrichment, able to grow at 43 degrees C, or express resistance to streptomycin or cadmium was significantly higher than those among environmental isolates. Only the frequency of clinical M. scrofulaceum isolates able to grow at 43 degrees C and without OADC enrichment was significantly higher than that of environmental isolates. Because of the high frequency of clinical M. avium-intracellulare isolates able to grow without OADC, grow at 43 degrees C, and resistant to streptomycin, these 3 characteristics are suggested for use as epidemiologic markers for MAIS. There were no significant differences between clinical M. avium-intracellulare isolates from 3 widely separated geographic regions. Among M. avium-intracellulare environmental isolates, only those collected in droplets above bodies of water (i.e., aerosols) shared those characteristics unique to clinical MAIS. That observation suggests that these aerosols are a likely source of human MAIS infection. The ability of isolates to grow at 43 degrees C and without OADC enrichment was highly correlated. Gentamicin-, streptomycin-, and D-cycloserine-resistances were also frequently found together. Isolates carrying plasmids and either able to grow at 43 degrees C, without OADC enrichment, or mercury-resistant were found more frequently than expected as well. This suggests their genetic determinants are plasmid-encoded.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2006

Changing epidemiology of small-cell lung cancer in the United States over the last 30 years: analysis of the surveillance, epidemiologic, and end results database.

PURPOSE: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a histologic subtype of lung cancer with a distinct biology and clinical course. It has been observed that the incidence of SCLC has been decreasing over the last several years. METHODS: We used the Surveillance, Epidemiologic, and End Results (SEER) database to determine the incidence of SCLC over the last 30 years. In addition, we sought to determine sex- and stage-based differences in the incidence and survival of SCLC among a proportion of reported cases of lung cancer over the last 30 years (1973 to 2002). Joinpoint analyses were applied to test the trends in annual percentage change for statistical significance. RESULTS: The proportion of SCLC (among all lung cancer histologic types) decreased from 17.26% in 1986 to 12.95% in 2002. Of all patients with SCLC, the proportion of women with SCLC increased from 28% in 1973% to 50% in 2002. A modest but statistically significant improvement in 2- and 5-year survival was noted among both limited-stage SCLC and extensive-stage SCLC cohorts during the study period. CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates that the incidence of SCLC is decreasing in the United States, and only modest improvements have been seen in survival over the last 30 years. Possible explanations for the decreasing incidence include the decrease in the percentage of smokers and the change to low-tar filter cigarettes. Despite trends toward modest improvement in survival, the outcome remains very poor.

Carcinoma, Small Cell↗
PubMed2003

Prevalence and clinico-epidemiology of familial Graves' disease in Japan based on nationwide epidemiologic survey in 2001.

A nationwide epidemiologic survey of familial Graves' disease (GD) was conducted in 2001. "Familial GD" was defined as a patient who had at least one Graves' patient within the proband's first-degree relatives. The primary survey was performed for estimating the prevalence of patients among a random selection of 2367 departments/hospitals of internal medicine, endocrinology, thyroidology and pediatrics. Of those receiving the primary questionnaire, 1361 (57.5%) responded, and 902 familial GD patients who visited them in 2000 were reported. The total number of patients was estimated to be 2850 (95% confidence intervals: 2100-3600). Based on the nationwide survey concerning the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in 1999, 2.1-3.1% of hyperthyroidism appeared to be familial GD and the relative risk of familial GD was roughly estimated to be 19-42. Subsequently, a second survey was carried out for obtaining the clinicoepidemiologic features of those patients. Of 902 patients, 487 (54%) were reported. No significant differences between familial and non-familial GD were found in age and sex distributions, clinical features or laboratory findings. Familial GD possessed the highest association with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, approximately 8% within the first-degree relatives, suggesting a shared genetic predisposition. These findings confirm the familial clustering of GD in the Japanese population, indicating the importance of environmental factors, genetic factors or both in the development of the disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Epidemiological correlates of diabetic neuropathy. Report from Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study.

The natural history of diabetic neuropathy and its risk factors are not well understood, apart from the recognition that prevalence increases with duration and, in many studies, degree of glycemia. The role of potential risk factors was therefore evaluated in a cross-sectional analysis from the baseline examination of the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study. We present results from the first 400 subjects seen at baseline examination. Neuropathy was determined by a trained internist with a standardized examination and was defined as the presence of at least two of three criteria: abnormal sensory or motor signs, symptoms consistent with neuropathy, and decreased tendon reflexes. The prevalence of neuropathy in this cohort was 34% (18%, 18-29 yr old, 58% greater than or equal to 30 yr old) with no difference by sex. By focusing on subjects greater than or equal to 18 yr old, all significant univariate variables (e.g., duration, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1]) were analyzed in 3 multiple logistic regression models: all subjects greater than or equal to 18 yr old and separating the same subjects into two groups based on age (18-29 and greater than or equal to 30 yr). Duration, HbA1, smoking status, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were found to be associated with neuropathy in the models for the greater than or equal to 18-yr-old group and the greater than or equal to 30-yr-old group. In the 18- to 29-yr-old group, duration, HbA1, and hypertension status were found to be significantly associated with neuropathy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Effect of intensive diabetes treatment on carotid artery wall thickness in the epidemiology of diabetes interventions and complications. Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Research Group.

The Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) is a multicenter longitudinal observational study of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) cohort. One of the major objectives of EDIC is to study the development and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes. In this study, we evaluated the role of cardiovascular risk factors and antecedent therapy in the DCCT on carotid intima-media wall thickness (IMT) in type 1 diabetes. At approximately 18 months after the end of the DCCT, high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography was used to assess the carotid arteries of 1,325 patients with type 1 diabetes, 19-51 years of age, with duration of diabetes ranging from 6.3 to 26.1 years. An age- and sex-matched nondiabetic population (n = 153) was studied with the same protocol. The ultrasound protocol was carried out in 28 EDIC clinics by centrally trained and certified sonographers using one of three scanning systems. Determination of IMT from videotaped images was performed by a single reader at the Central Ultrasound Reading Unit. Univariate associations with greater IMT were strongest for older age and longer diabetes duration, greater waist-to-hip ratio (men only), higher blood pressure, higher LDL cholesterol, and smoking. The DCCT therapy group (intensive versus conventional) and HbA1c, measured at the time of the ultrasound or the mean HbA1c during the DCCT, were not significantly related to IMT. Multivariate analyses suggest that age, height, smoking, and BMI were the major predictors of common carotid IMT, whereas age, smoking, and LDL cholesterol predicted internal carotid IMT. There were significant differences between the IMT values of the internal carotid artery in the EDIC male cohort and similarly aged male nondiabetic control subjects. There were no significant differences between the IMT values in the EDIC female cohort and similarly aged female nondiabetic control subjects. At this point in the planned 10-year follow-up of the DCCT cohort, neither intensive therapy nor HbA1c level appears to influence the early signs of atherosclerosis. Traditional risk factors, including age, smoking, and LDL cholesterol, were related to IMT. As the cohort is only now entering the age interval during which rapid progression and clinical expression of atherosclerosis are expected, further follow-up will help to determine the role of hyperglycemia, and its interaction with other risk factors, on the development of atherosclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The epidemiology of social anxiety disorder in the United States: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To present nationally representative data on 12-month and lifetime prevalence, correlates and comorbidity of social anxiety disorder (SAD) among adults in the United States as determined by the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. DESIGN: Face-to-face survey. SETTING: The United States. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (aged 18 and over) residing in households and group quarters (N = 43,093). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence and associations of SAD with sociodemographic and psychiatric correlates and Axis I and II disorders. RESULTS: The prevalence of 12-month and lifetime DSM-IV SAD was 2.8% (95% CI = 2.5 to 3.1) and 5.0% (95% CI = 4.6 to 5.4), respectively. Being Native American, being young, or having low income increased risk, while being male, being of Asian, Hispanic, or black race/ethnicity, or living in urban or more populated regions reduced risk. Mean age at onset of SAD was 15.1 years, with a mean duration of 16.3 years. Over 80% of individuals with SAD received no treatment, and the mean age at first treatment was 27.2 years. Current and lifetime SAD were significantly related to other specific psychiatric disorders, most notably generalized anxiety, bipolar I, and avoidant and dependent personality disorders. The mean number of feared social situations among individuals with SAD was 7.0, with the majority reporting anxiety in performance situations. CONCLUSIONS: Social anxiety disorder was associated with substantial unremitting course and extremely early age at onset. Social anxiety disorder often goes untreated, underscoring the need for health care initiatives geared toward increasing recognition and treatment. Comprehensive evaluation of patients with SAD should include a systematic assessment of comorbid disorders, and novel approaches to the treatment of comorbid SAD are needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The epidemiology of DSM-IV panic disorder and agoraphobia in the United States: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To present nationally representative data on the prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity of DSM-IV panic disorder (PAN), including the differentiation between panic with agoraphobia (PDA) and without agoraphobia (PDWA) and agoraphobia without a history of panic disorder (AG). METHOD: The data were derived from the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (N = 43,093). Prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity of PAN, PDA, and PDWA with Axis I and II disorders were determined. RESULTS: Prevalences of 12-month and lifetime PAN were 2.1% and 5.1%. Rates of 12-month and lifetime PDWA were 1.6% and 4.0%, exceeding those of 12-month (0.6%) and lifetime (1.1%) PDA. Rates of 12-month and lifetime AG were extremely low, 0.05% and 0.17%. Being female, Native American, middle-aged, widowed/ separated/divorced, and of low income increased risk, while being Asian, Hispanic, or black decreased risk for PAN, PDA, and PDWA. Individuals with PDA were more likely to seek treatment and had earlier ages at onset and first treatment, longer episodes, and more severe disability, impairment, panic symptomatology, and Axis I and II comorbidity than those with PDWA. CONCLUSION: PDA may be a more severe variant of PAN. Overrepresentation of PDA in treatment settings reflects increased treatment seeking and the severity of PDA relative to PDWA. The very low prevalence of AG leaves open questions about the meaning of the disorder as a distinct clinical entity as defined in the DSM-IV.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Epidemiological and clinical features of Spanish patients with Crohn's disease. Spanish Epidemiological and Economic Study Group on Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To study the epidemiological features, clinical profile and drug utilization patterns of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 635 Spanish patients with CD included through a stratified and proportional random sampling. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 33 years (SD 11.9) (52% were women). Nine per cent of the patients had a family history of CD and 14% had a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Over half (54%) of the patients were smokers. The most frequent localization of CD was ileocolonic involvement (47%). Twelve per cent had peri-anal disease. Regarding symptom pattern, 23% of the patients had chronic active disease and 42% had experienced no relapses during the previous 12 months. Compared with the inflammatory pattern, fistulizing pattern was associated with a significantly higher proportion of patients with chronic active disease, a higher number of relapses per year, and a higher incidence of post-surgical relapses. Sixty-one per cent of the patients had complications and 35% were hospitalized. Acute relapse and bowel stricture were the most common complications. The need for hospitalization was higher in patients with fistulizing pattern. Regarding medication, 77% and 41 % of the patients were taking aminosalicylates and corticosteroids respectively, mainly on a long-term basis. Mean daily doses (MDD) were 2.2 g/day and 31.7 mg/day respectively. Twenty-one per cent had received immunosuppressors with a MDD of 1.6 mg/kg/day. Fifteen per cent of the patients had received metronidazole or ciprofloxacin while 5% were taking anti-diarrhoeal drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish patients with CD are young, have frequent hospitalization requirements, complications, and a high consumption of drugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Epidemiology of preeclampsia-eclampsia at the General Hospital O'Horán. (Epidemiology of preeclampsia-eclampsia of a sample, in Yucatan)].

The objective was to describe the epidemiology of preeclampsia-eclampsia (P-E) at the Hospital General O'Horán (HGOH) in Mérida, Yucatán, México, from 1995 to 1998. Patients with a discharge diagnosis of P-E were included. Their demographic and clinical data were ascertained. To analyze information, descriptive statistics were used. There were 143 patients. Preeclampsia was documented in 41% and eclampsia in 59%. The mean age of the group was 24.4 +/- 7.3 years. It was found that 76% came from rural area. In 79% schooling was no more than elementary education. Seventy five per cent were married. Sexual life began at a mean age of 18.8 +/- 4.3 years. There was no prenatal care in 27% of the cases. Fifty five per cent were primigravida and 43% multigravida. Nuliparity was documented in 52%. Two o more parities were documented in 48%. Complications were seen in 30%. Overall mortality rate was 5%, more frequent eclamptic patients. At the HGOH, P-E was frequently documented in women with both low socioeconomic status and fewer years of schooling. Prenatal care was also irregular. Clinical evolution was satisfactory in most of them, and the mortality rate was low, although it usually occurred in young eclamptic women.

Adolescent↗