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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Shift of usage of medical psychiatric and psychosocial services in Upper Austria (whole territory of Austria) in the period 1965-2005].

Psychiatric reforms in Upper Austria have considerably improved the quality of life of psychiatric patients. Modernizing the status of acute psychiatric departments based on a bio- psycho-, social concept implemented multidimensional approach in diagnostics and therapeutic methods applied by multiprofessional teams. Prophylactic procedures and rehabilitation programs have minimized chronification of psychiatric diseases. By "late rehabilitation programs" increased autonomy, more individualized planning of life processes could be achieved even with "chronic" patients. We do not see any need to confine "chronic" psychiatric patients in psychiatric hospitals. These patients are cared for, socially integrated by special rehabilitation measures and professional rehabilitation in community-based services and units of Pro Mente Upper Austria--a non-profit organization. Problems decreased the duration of stay in psychiatric hospitals, and increased admission rates when the number of beds in psychiatric departments was considerably decreased in the course of psychiatric reforms in Austria. In our province--Upper Austria--these problems are of lesser importance because private non-profit organizations like Pro Mente Upper Austria have provided a variety of community-based services (mental health centres, day clinics, housing facilities and special services for drug addicts and geriatric patients) in ever increasing numbers. Still there is the need for further development of community-based services provided by specially trained professionals. These services are financed mainly by the state, the provincial government, the labour market services and to a small degree by funds of the European Union. In these days of reduced social budgets of the state and social departments of provincial governments it is not easy to keep our standards and meet the increased needs of our clients.

Austria↗

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis in Austria: epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings in five consecutive patients from Tyrol, Austria.

We report five consecutive cases of Anaplasma (A.) phagocytophilum infection (the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA)) from western Austria. All infections were acquired between June and August in 2003 and 2004 in the Inn valley (Tyrol, Austria). Four patients required hospitalisation, one patient was treated as an outpatient. During the acute stage of illness, laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia (5/5), elevated C-reactive protein (5/5), elevated neopterin (5/5), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (4/5), and elevation of liver enzymes (4/5). Leukopenia (3/5) and elevated procalcitonin (2/5) were less frequently observed. All patients were treated with tetracyclines, which led to prompt improvement of the clinical conditions. Anti-platelet antibodies were observed in one of four patients, but remained unchanged after complete covalescence.

Adult↗

Detection of bovine torovirus in neonatal calf diarrhoea in Lower Austria and Styria (Austria).

Faeces of 230 calves with and without diarrhoea collected during the winter period 2004/2005 in 100 Austrian farms (Styria and Lower Austria) were examined for viral, bacterial and parasitic enteropathogens. Torovirus-specific nucleic acid confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was found in 12 of 230 calves (5.2%). Ten of these calves were clinically ill, several of them showing signs of dehydration and abnormal faecal consistency at the time of sampling. Computer assisted analysis of two nucleotide sequences obtained from Austrian bovine samples revealed 93% similarity to Breda strain, but only 71% or 52% similarity to Equine Berne or Porcine Markelo torovirus strains respectively. Phylogenetic analysis grouped Austrian torovirus samples into the Bovine torovirus cluster indicating the first detection of Bovine torovirus in Austria. In addition, the following agents were detected in bovine faecal samples: Bovine coronavirus, 25.7%; Escherichia coli, 17%; Cryptosporidium spp., 11.7%; Eimeria spp., 10.4%; Rotavirus, 9.1%; Clostridium perfringens, 9.1% and Giardia spp., 6.1%. Salmonella spp. was not detected.

Animals↗

Hepatitis C in Austria 1993-2000: reporting bias distort HCV epidemiology in Austria.

From 1993 to 2000 in Austria, the notification system registered 2232 cases of hepatitis C whereas 10 607 hospital cases were reported in the hospital discharge register (HDR). These differences can be explained by under-reporting due to lax reporting behaviour and stigma associated with this disease. The distribution of HCV infection varied geographically. The notification data showed the highest incidence rates in Tyrol, while HDR data showed highest hospitalisation rates in Vienna and Lower Austria. This study highlights the urgent need for a clear case definition at the national level and an electronic reporting system.

Austria↗

[The state of development of interventional cardiology in Austria].

3,157 PTCA were performed in Austria in 1991, this is 27% more compared to 1990. Prognosis for 1992 is another 27 to 30% more. Frequency of PTCA exceeded bypass surgery in 1990 for the first time in Austria. WHO-guidelines of 1,000 interventions per year and 1 million inhabitants will be achieved in Austria by 50% in 1992. In this context it is worth while to state, that installation of further cathlabs is recommended preferably within established centers including established heart surgery. The following NON-POBA-PTCA-techniques ("New devices") were used in Austria for the first time: Atherectomy, stent, lasers, TEC, ROTABLATOR, ROTACS, magnum wire and angioscopy accounted for 11.3% of all PTCA cases in Austria recently. A total of 447 valvuloplasties were performed in Austria until now, frequency of pulmonary and mitral valvuloplasties is increasing, that of aortic valve interventions decreasing. High frequency, Radiofrequency and Direct current Ablations of supraventricular- and ventricular- or WPW-arrhythmias were performed in 184 patients in Austria until now. In 247 patients with rare conditions, interventions like atrioseptostomy, implantation of umbrellas, etc. were performed. State of interventional cardiology in Austria is appropriate, compared to other European countries.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Widespread circulation of Alongshan virus in Austria and serological evidence for infection in humans: a nationwide molecular and serological observational study.

BACKGROUND: Alongshan virus, a segmented RNA virus in the Jingmenvirus group of flaviviruses, was first identified in 2017 in China in patients with tick-borne encephalitis-like illness. Alongshan virus has since been detected in ticks and mammals in several European countries. In this study, we aimed to characterise the temporal and geographical distribution of Alongshan virus in Austria through nationwide tick surveillance combined with serological and molecular screening in individuals with suspected tick-borne encephalitis or tick exposure. METHODS: In this nationwide molecular and serological observational study, we conducted a PCR-based screening of ticks collected across Austria in 2024, using flagging, animal hosts, and citizen submissions. We also collated genomic data from stored nucleic acid extracts from ticks collected in Austria in 2005 and 2013 in previous surveillance studies and stored extracts of paired tick-human samples collected between 2015 and 2018. Alongshan virus-positive tick samples were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In addition to tick samples, blood samples from Austrian patients with reported tick bite or suspected tick-borne encephalitis, submitted to the National Reference Center for Human Arbovirus Infections, Austria, were screened for Alongshan virus infection and subjected to serological and molecular testing. FINDINGS: 2952 ticks were collected between Feb 1, 2024, and Dec 6, 2024, from 29 (83%) of 35 NUTS-3 regions in Austria; the median detection rate for Alongshan virus was 1·2% (IQR 0·4-3·5). In addition, 1816 archived tick samples were analysed, with three testing positive for Alongshan virus. For the virus-positive samples, phylogenetic analysis showed that sequences from Austria grouped within the European clade, with Austrian sequences from the same region showing high sequence similarity. 1361 human serum samples collected between March 1, 2023, and May 16, 2025, were assessed for anti-Alongshan virus IgG antibodies. Two individuals had high antibody titres against Alongshan virus proteins VP1a and VP2. INTERPRETATION: Our study shows detection of Alongshan virus in archived tick samples dating back to 2005, representing the earliest documented occurrence of the virus to date and suggesting that Alongshan virus has been circulating in Austria for at least two decades. The detection of Alongshan virus-specific antibody titres in two individuals suggests past infection and previously unrecognised exposure. These results highlight the need for continued molecular surveillance of tick populations and serological monitoring in humans to define the epidemiology and public health relevance of Alongshan virus in Europe. FUNDING: One Health surveillance and Vector monitoring for cross-border pathogens (OH SURVector) and UNITED4Surveillance.

Adolescent↗

Breast cancer trends: opportunistic screening in Austria versus controlled screening in Finland and Sweden.

The objective of the study was to compare the trends of incidence and of mortality of breast cancer in Austria, Finland and Sweden, where different mammography screening strategies (opportunistic versus controlled) are applied. Furthermore, to find out whether a change in screening strategies would be feasible for Austria. Age-standardized incidence rates (1983-2000) and mortality rates (1980-2001/2) were analysed. Furthermore, the annual per cent change and the annual rate change (annual rate change=+/-n/100,000 per year) and the 95% confidence interval were calculated. In all three countries, incidence rates increased significantly (Austria +26.4%, Finland +86.7%, Sweden +38.8%) during the period analysed (P<0.01). The annual per cent change and the annual rate change in Austria (1.57 and 1.56, respectively) are below the annual per cent change and the annual rate change in Finland (3.38 and 3.49, respectively) and in Sweden (1.80 and 2.19, respectively) for the period analysed. Total breast cancer mortality decreased significantly in Sweden since 1980 (-20.5%, P<0.01), in Finland since 1988 (-18.3%, P<0.05) and in Austria since 1990 (-19.8%, P<0.01). The annual per cent change and the annual rate change in Austria (-1.81 and -0.59, respectively) are below the annual per cent change and the annual rate change in Finland (-0.57 and -0.16, respectively) and in Sweden (-1.02 and -0.28, respectively) for the period analysed. In conclusion, despite its unsophisticated opportunistic screening, Austria does well in comparison with countries operating organized breast cancer screenings.

Adult↗

[Endemic goiter in Austria's youth?].

After 17 years the efficiency of iodine prophylaxis of endemic goiter (1 : 100000) in Austria was checked by control field studies in 3 Tyrolean towns n Austria. The data obtained there were compared with those of 123 school age children from the iodine deficient endemic goiter area of the province of Bolzano (Italy). The results show a reduction in goiter incidence from 50 to 35% in the total population in Austria, where goiter incidence in schoolchildren dropped from 45.9% to 12%. Urinary iodine/g creatinine was 65 micrograms in Austria, the 24 hr radioiodine uptake with 41.8% was normal. In comparison the ethnologically and geographically similar endemic goiter zone in the province of Bolzano showed a goiter incidence in schoolchildren of up to 46%, while urinary iodine/g creatinine was 35.9 micrograms and radioiodine uptake after 24 hr about 50%. Extensive studies of peripheral hormone parameters (T4, TBG, T3, TSH, rT3, FT3, FT4) revealed a significantly higher rT3 concentration of 24.7 ng/dl in Austria compared with a value of only 19.8 ng/dl in the province of Bolzano. These facts suggest an increased conversion of T4 to real T3 in iodine deficiency, which might contribute to the adaptation of the organism to this condition. No statement, however, can be presented regarding the regulation of this phenomenon. Even as endemic goiter is decreasing in Austria, an increase of salt iodization to 1 : 50000 according to the swiss procedure might eliminate definitely endemic goiter in Austria.

Austria↗

Prostate cancer and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in Austria.

The possible effect of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing on prostate cancer mortality has remained controversial, despite the test's widespread application. We examined age-specific mortality trends for prostate cancer in Austria before and after the introduction of (opportunistic) PSA testing, to ask whether PSA screening reduces prostate cancer mortality in a uniform cohort of men with equal access to health care. Prostate cancer mortality data covering all 9 federal states of Austria were analysed from 1970 to 2002. PSA testing became widely available in Austria not before 1989. Tyrol, one of the nine federal states of Austria, independently launched a mass prostate cancer prevention project in 1993. We applied join-point regression models to identify changes in the slope of age-specific mortality trends in selected age groups (50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years) and calculated the annual percent change (APC) in mortality between 1970 and 2002 for Tyrol and the rest of Austria separately. After 12 years of follow-up, we were not able to observe a significant reduction in prostate cancer mortality since the introduction of the PSA test in the age groups of 50-59, 60-69, and 80-89 years. A significant decrease was found in the age group of 70-79 (Austria without Tyrol 1989 through 2002: APC, -2.36; 95% CI, -3.38 to -1.34; Tyrol 1991 through 2002: APC, -6.42; 95% CI, -8.92 to -3.86). In this age group the join points 1989 and 1991 cannot be related to PSA testing. PSA screening does not appear to reduce prostate cancer mortality in a uniform cohort of men with equal access to health care. However, given the long lead-time for prostate cancer, even longer follow-up may still be needed to detect any important trends.

Age Distribution↗

Distribution of patients with Wilson disease carrying the H1069Q mutation in Austria.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: More than 100 different mutations of the Wilson disease (WD) gene have been reported so far, but only the H1069Q mutation is frequently found in patients of North and East European origin. We wanted to know if there is a connection between the migration pattern in Central Europe and the geographical distribution of this mutation in Austria. METHODS: One hundred and nine patients (91 index patients and 18 asymptomatic siblings) with WD diagnosed in Austria were included in this study. Eighty-one of the 91 index patients were born in Austria. Evaluation criteria included the place of birth of each member of the study group, as well as of his parents and grandparents. RESULTS: Out of the 81 index patients born in Austria, 72 were tested for the H1069Q mutation. Twelve (16.7%) were homozygous carriers of the H1069Q mutation, 29 (40.3%) were compound heterozygous and 31 (43.0%) had an unknown mutation on both chromosomes. Eight of the twelve H1069Q homozygotes were born close to the northeastern border of Austria (neighboring the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary). Compound heterozygous patients showed a more variable geographical distribution with respect to their birthplace. The patients with unknown mutation were scattered all over Austria. CONCLUSION: These data provide further evidence that the H1069Q mutation originates from Eastern Europe. In patients from these countries the PCR-based testing for this mutation may be useful for differential diagnosis and family studies.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Incidence, prevalence and geographic distribution of human alveolar echinococcosis in Austria from 1854 to 1990.

Since the second half of the last century it has been known that Austria--like southern Germany, eastern France and Switzerland--is a part of the Central European area of distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis (Em), the causative organism of alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Up until October 1990, 128 human AE cases were documented in Austria; personal, anamnestic and clinical data on the majority of these patients are available. Based on these data, epidemiological parameters (incidence, prevalence, geographic distribution, sex and age distribution, occupation) were evaluated so as to obtain information on the past and recent history of alveolar echinococcosis in Austria. The (retrospective) study led to the following results and conclusions: (a) the (documented) incidence (presently two cases/year) of AE in Austria is rather low; (b) the main endemic Em areas are situated in the western (Tyrol, Vorarlberg) and southern (Carinthia) provinces; (c) a new focus could be detected in Lower Austria (outside the Alps); (d) the sex ratio (M:F) of AE patients was 1.3:1; (e) the average age of men and women at the time of diagnosis was 44 and 47 years, respectively; (f) 98% of Austrian AE patients exhibited Em lesions in the liver; and (g) greater than 50% of AE patients were (or had been) farmers.

Adolescent↗

[Cardiac rehabilitation in Austria. A need to treat analysis].

The aim of this analysis is to survey the general demand and current supply of cardiac rehabilitation in Austria on the basis of best evidence practice and to produce recommendations for a cost-effective structure of the entire cardiac rehabilitation system. Following the standards of indication of the Austrian Society of Cardiology an analysis of demand of cardiac rehabilitation has been carried out and juxtaposed with the current supply of facilities for cardiac rehabilitation. According to hospitalizations in the year 2000, 11,630 patients per annum would require inpatient phase II rehabilitation, 6,270 patients institutional based outpatient phase II rehabilitation and 14,319 patients institutional based phase III rehabilitation. In the year 2000, 14,746 patients received treatment in the 9 Austrian inpatient cardiac rehabilitation centres. This number is compared with an annual demand of 11,630 admissions for phase-II treatment. It follows that an equilibrium can be argued for the supply of and demand for inpatient cardiac rehabilitation in Austria. At present, 10 approved institutions in Austria offer outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services. The maximum number of positions for treatment per institution is currently 200-250. Consequently, maximally 2,000-2,500 patients per annum can be treated. In comparison, there exists a calculated demand for 6,270 patients in institutional based outpatient phase II rehabilitation and 14,319 patients in institutional based phase III rehabilitation. Altogether this amounts to a demand for 20,588 positions for treatment per annum. In Austria, the expenditures for inpatient phase II rehabilitation of a patient given an average duration of stay of 28 days, are [symbol: see text] 4,774.-. Presuming 100% compliance, the institutional based outpatient phase II rehabilitation program costs [symbol: see text] 2,760.- per patient. The costs for institutional based phase III rehabilitation services are [symbol: see text] 2,990.- per patient. This number is accompanied by a potential effective reduction of risks for the patients and a potential effective reduction of costs for the carrier as the number of rehospitalizations and recurrent procedures would decrease significantly. At present, the supply of cardiac rehabilitation in Austria is sufficient for inpatient phase II, but insufficient for the institutional based outpatient phase II and mainly phase III. Thus, a striking asymmetry exists between supply and demand. In view of the enduring effects of institutional based phase III rehabilitation, the individual and social use and finally the expected efficiency in terms of costs, this program should at least be offered without limits to all eligible patients.

Aged↗

Non-random geographical distribution of infant mortality in Austria 1984-2002.

Over the last 20 years in Austria infant mortality has declined from 11.2/1,000 life births (1985) to 4.7/100,000 (1997) but has remained constant since then. This stagnation is in contrast to the trend in Finland, where the infant mortality rate is both lower than in Austria and continues to decline. In attempting to understand this difference we concentrated on the spatial distribution of infant mortality in Austria in addition to the trend over time. We describe the regional distribution of infant mortality adjusted by risk factors over the period from 1984 to 2002 based on data from 1.6 million birth certificates. All variables we examined were significant due to the large number of observations. We calculated an R-squared measure to assess the ability of our regression model to predict the survival status of newborns. Only the variables birth weight, gestational age, infant's length at birth and to a lesser extent year of birth had relevant impacts in terms of predictive ability. All remaining variables did not notably contribute to the prediction of survival status of the newborn despite their significance. In the greater area of Styria, infant mortality is significantly lower than in the rest of Austria even when the mortality rates are adjusted for variables such as birth weight, gestational age, sex of the newborn and sociodemographic status of the mother. In the period from 1984 to 2002 about 1500 more infants would have survived the first year of life if the mortality rate in the rest of Austria had been the same as in this area. In our regression model many important risk factors were included. Nevertheless, we can not explain the observed spatial pattern in infant morality. Further analytic studies are needed to explore the impact of variables other than those contained in the birth certificates.

Austria↗