Allergy and intolerance to food in an Icelandic urban population 20-44 years of age

Neðst á síðunni er hægt að nálgast greinina í heild sinni með því að smella á hlekkinn View/OpenObjective: Symptoms related to the intake of certain food items are common. In most of these cases food allergy/intolerance can not be confirmed. In the Icelandic part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey the prevalence of food-related symptoms was assessed among adult Icelanders. Material and methods: Three thousand and six hundred men and women, 20-44 years, were studied, among them 800 were randomly chosen for a more detailed investigation. Additionally, all those using asthma medication or having asthma symptoms were investigated. A questionnaire inquired about chest symptoms, symptoms related to food-intake and eating habits. In Iceland additional questions were asked concerning drug intolerance, urticaria, Quincke oedema, childhood eczema, migraine and psoriasis. All subjects underwent skin prick tests against 12 common allergens, spirometry and methacholine challenge. Specific IgE antibodies against five airborne allergens and six common food allergens were measured. Results: Among subjects with food-related symptoms, 68% reported complaints from the GI-tract, 22% had skin rash or pruritus, 15% severe headache, 11% breathlessness, 8% a running/stuffy nose and 4% fatique. Altogether 42 food items were considered likely causes of the reported symptoms. Twenty-two percent of the random sample had symptoms related to the intake of a particular food and 15% reported always having the same symptom after intake of this food. Women reported food-related symptoms somewhat more often that men (17% and 13% respectively (p=0.21)). In the random sample only 1.8% had antibodies to one or more of the foods measured. There was a significant relationship between food-related symptoms and reported migraine, urticaria and Quincke oedema and a particularily strong relationship with drug intolerance. Migraine, urticaria, Quincke oedema and drug intolerance were significantly more common among women (p<0.0001, p<0.01, p<0.05 and <0.002 respectively). No relationship was seen between food-related symptoms and positive methacholine tests. Conclusions: In conclusion this study reveales a large group of subjects reporting food-releated symptoms. This group also reported a big prevalence of unrelated symptoms such as drug intolerance and migraine. Type-1 allergy is unlikely to be the cause to more than a small part of these symptoms.Inngangur: Ýmis einkenni tengd neyslu ákveðinna fæðutegunda eru algeng umkvörtunarefni. Í fæstum tilvikum er þó hægt að staðfesta fæðuofnæmi/-óþol við prófanir. Í íslenska hluta European Community Respiratory Health Survey var kannað algengi fæðutengdra einkenna meðal fullorðinna Íslendinga. Efniviður og aðferðir: Rannsökuð voru 3600 karlar og konur 20-44 ára og úr þeim hópi voru 800 valin af handahófi og rannsökuð sérstaklega. Einnig voru skoðuð öll þau sem notuðu astmalyf, eða höfðu astmaeinkenni. Spurt var meðal annars um einkenni frá öndunarfærum, matarvenjur og einkenni tengd mat. Auk þess var hérlendis spurt um lyfjaóþol, ofsakláða, ofsabjúg, barnaeksem, mígreni og sóra. Öll gengust undir húðpróf fyrir 12 algengum ofnæmisvökum, blásturspróf og mælingu á berkjuauðreitni með metakólíni. Mæld voru sértæk IgE mótefni fyrir fimm loftbornum ofnæmisvökum og sex algengum fæðutegundum. Niðurstöður: Af einstaklingum með fæðutengd einkenni höfðu 68% einkenni frá meltingarvegi, 22% útbrot eða kláða, 15% slæman höfuðverk, 11% mæði, 8% nefrennsli/nefstíflur og 4% þreytu. Samtals voru 42 fæðuefni talin völd að þeim einkennum sem nefnd voru. Í slembiúrtakinu töldu 22% sér hafa orðið illt af ákveðinni fæðu, 15% töldu sig alltaf veikjast með sama hætti af þessari sérstöku fæðu. Konur lýstu oftar fæðuóþoli en karlar (17% á móti 13% (p=0,21)). Af slembiúrtakinu höfðu einungis 1,8% mótefni fyrir ákveðinni fæðutegund. Marktækt samband fæðutengdra einkenna var við einkenni um mígreni, ofsakláða og ofsabjúg en þó sérstaklega við ætlað lyfjaofnæmi. Konur voru í miklum meirihluta þeirra sem töldu sig hafa mígreni (p<0,0001), ofsakláða (p<0,01), ofsabjúg (p<0,05) og lyfjaofnæmi (p<0,002). Engin tengsl voru milli fæðutengdra einkenna og metakólínprófa. Ályktanir: Könnun þessi hefur sýnt fram á hóp einstaklinga sem hefur einkenni af neyslu ákveðinna fæðutegunda en jafnframt oftar en aðrir einkenni um lyfjaóþol og ætlað mígreni. Ólíklegt er að bráðaofnæmi skýri fæðutengd einkenni, nema að mjög litlu leyti

Atopy and allergic disorders among Icelandic medical students

Neðst á síðunni er hægt að nálgast greinina í heild sinni með því að smella á hlekkinn View/OpenObjective: To compare the prevalence of IgE-mediated sensitization, allergic disorders and possible risk factors for atopic sensitization among Icelandic medical students (n=113) to a randomly chosen age matched group previously investigated in the Icelandic part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Material and methods: Altogether 100 medical students participated and 102 in the control group. They were skin prick tested and they answered questions about respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, family history and home environment in childhood. Results: Only 4% of medical students reported daily smoking compared to 27% of the controls. The medical students also had a significantly lower number (mean +/- SD) of siblings (2.2+/-1.3) compared to the controls (3.9+/-1.7). The controls also shared bedrooms with older siblings in childhood three times as often. Atopic sensitization, defined as a positive (3 mm or more) reaction to at least one of nine common airborne allergens used in testing, was found in 41% of the medical students compared to 26.5% of the controls. The prevalence of asthma and urticaria was also significantly higher among the medical students. Conclusions: Medical students have more often IgE-mediated sensitization and allergy related diseases than a controlgroup of the same age. A possible explanation to this is a lower number of siblings among medical students and a different household situation in childhood.Markmið: Tilgangur könnunarinnar var að kanna algengi bráðaofnæmis og ofnæmissjúkdóma hjá læknanemum og bera niðurstöðurnar saman við samsvarandi niðurstöður hjá samanburðarhópi jafnaldra, sem valdir voru af handahófi. Einnig voru hugsanlegir áhættuþættir og verndandi þættir bornir saman milli hópanna. Efniviður og aðferðir: Í læknanemahópnum voru 100 þátttakendur en 102 í samanburðarhópi jafnaldra. Gerð voru húðpróf og var þátttakandi talinn með bráðaofnæmi ef hann hafði eina eða fleiri jákvæða húðsvörun. Einnig svöruðu þátttakendur spuringalistum þar sem spurt var um ofnæmi í ætt, einkenni frá öndunarfærum, fjölda systkina, heimilisaðstæður í æsku og reykingar. Niðurstöður: Húðpróf voru jákvæð hjá 41% læknanema og 26,5% viðmiðunarhópsins. Húðpróf voru oftast jákvæð fyrir grasfrjói, hjá 29% læknanema og 12% viðmiðunahópsins. Húðpróf voru oftar jákvæð hjá læknanemunum en viðmiðunarhópnum fyrir öllum ofnæmisvökunum nema rykmaur (D. pteronyssinus) þar sem jákvæðar svaranir voru jafn algengar í báðum hópunum. Reykingar daglega voru nær sjö sinnum algengari meðal samanburðarhópsins en hjá læknanemum. Astmi og ofsakláði voru marktækt algengari meðal læknanema. Læknanemar áttu nær helmingi færri systkini en viðmiðunarhópurinn og þeir deildu sjaldnar svefnherbergi með eldra systkini í æsku. Ályktanir: Læknanemar eru mun oftar með bráðaofnæmi og ofnæmistengda sjúkdóma en jafnaldrar þeirra. Þessi munur kann að skýrast af smærri systkinahópi læknanema og öðrum uppvaxtarskilyrðum

Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in 7-10 year old children in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Efst á síðunni er hægt að nálgast greinina í heild sinni með því að smella á hlekkinnInngangur: Astmi og nefbólgur eru algengir sjúkdómar sem orsakast oft af ofnæmi, en verða þó ekki nærri alltaf skýrðir með því. Vélindabakflæði er einnig algengt vandamál sem er stundum talið valda bæði bólgum í nefi og astma. Tilgangur rannsóknarinnar var að kanna hvert væri samband einkenna um vélindabakflæði og öndunarfæraeinkenna hjá 7-10 ára börnum í Reykjavík. Efniviður og aðferðir: Árin 2008-2009 voru sendir út 2895 stuttir spurningalistar til 7-10 ára barna í grunnskólum Reykjavíkur til þess að skima fyrir fæðuofnæmi, sem hluti af fjölþjóðarannsókn á fæðuofnæmi. Svör bárust fyrir 2346 börn (81%). Úr þeim hópi voru 176 börn (7,5%) valin sem svöruðu spurningu um óþægindi af mat játandi og 317 börn sem svöruðu spurningunni neitandi. Þessir hópar svöruðu ítarlegum spurningalista, meðal annars um einkenni frá nefi, berkjum og um bakflæði. Borin var saman fylgni einkenna frá nefi og berkjum annars vegar og bakflæði hins vegar. Niðurstöður: Sterk fylgni var milli surgs í brjósti á síðasta ári og uppkasta (p<0,001), ógleði (p<0,001) og brjóstsviða (p<0,001) á síðustu 6 mánuðum. Einnig var fylgni milli astma og ógleði (p<0,05), og astma og brjóstsviða (p<0,001) og milli nefeinkenna annars vegar og uppkasta (p<0,01), ógleði (p<0,01), brjóstsviða (p<0,01) og súrs bragðs í munni (p<0,001) hins vegar. Ályktun: Rannsóknin sýnir sterkt samband milli bakflæðiseinkenna annars vegar og nefeinkenna, surgs og astma hins vegar þó að enn sé óljóst hvers eðlis þetta samband er. Hafa ber bakflæðissjúkdóm í huga ef astmi og nefeinkenni skýrast ekki af öðrum ástæðum.Introduction: Asthma and rhinitis are common diseases in children often but not always caused by allergy. Gastroesophageal reflux is also prevalent in children and relationship with respiratory symptoms has been suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate this relationship in schoolchildren. Material and methods: As a part of multi-centre cross-sectional food allergy study (Europrevall), a short questionnaire was sent out to 2895 schoolchildren in Reykjavik 7-10 year old. Of the 2346 (81%) children we received answers from we selected those that answered positively to questions regarding common foods and a random sample of those who denied any symptoms related to food. The selected children were invited to further study where they answered an extensive questionnaire that included questions regarding respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Results: A significant correlation was found between a history of wheezing over the previous year and vomiting, (p<0.001) and feeling nauseous (p<0.001) in the past 6 months. There was also a correlation between asthma in the previous year and feeling nauseous (p<0.05), having a a burning or painful feeling in the middle of the chest (p<0.001) as well as nasal symptoms and vomiting (p<0.01), feeling nauseous (p<0.01), having a burning or painful feeling in the middle of the chest (p<0.01) and having a sour taste, like a taste of vomit in the mouth (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study shows a significant correlation between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and respiratory and nasal symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of this association though the nature and direction of this association is still unclear

Acceptance of Christianity in Iceland in the year 1000 (999)

No Christian mission was pursued among the Norse in Iceland before the latter part of the tenth century, and the ruling body of the Church took no part in this work. In the beginning, missionary activity was the private initiative of an Icelander, and the concluding chapter was supported by the Norwegian crown. Christian influence increased steadily then during this heathen period. The greatest hindrance to the propagation of Christianity among the Icelandic chieftains during the tenth century was undoubtedly the fact that Christians were denied seats in the legislative assembly; therefore it was not easy for the sons of the chieftains to be converted. Although pagans enjoyed a majority at the Althing in the year 1000, the Christians had increased their numbers. There was great danger of war in the land if agreement were not reached at the assembly. The choice consequently was either to reach an agreement or have a civil war, which would have led to the abrogation of the legal political and power structure. Older and peaceable chieftains wanted above all to protect the peace and they consequently accepted baptism and professed Christianity. This indicates that Christianity has had a great influence on Icelandic national life. The Christian conversion at the Althing in the year 1000 was, thus, both a religious and a political decision

European Community Respiratory Health Survey: The main results so far with special reference to Iceland

Neðst á síðunni er hægt að nálgast greinina í heild sinni með því að smella á hlekkinn View/OpenIntroduction: The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was the first project embarked on extensive study of geographical difference between countries with regards to asthma and atopy incidence in a young adult population. The same methodology and definitions were used at all study sites. The purpose of this article is to review the published results of the ECRHS with a special emphasis on the findings from the Icelandic population, and compare these results with those from the participants from the other nations and study sites. Methods: Compiled results from all study sites participating in the ECHRS hereto published were reviewed. The compiled data are derived from approximately 140.000 individuals aged 20-44 (birth-years 1946-71) from 22 nations and 48 study sites. The Icelandic population was chosen from the greater Reykjavik metropolitan area. Subjects responded to seven questions on respiratory symptoms, diagnosis of asthma and use of asthma medications. In the latter part of the investigation, 800 individuals were randomly selected from each study site. They were asked to respond to a detailed questionnaire. Subsequently spirometry, methacholine challange and skin prick testing to 11-12 common aeroallergens was performed. Additionally, allergen specific IgE and total IgE was measured. Somewhat fewer sites participated in this latter part: 17 nations and 37 study sites. Results: The findings are presented from two angles: the compiled data from all study sites and the results from the Icelandic population; specifically comparing the Icelandic data with the participants from the other nations. The study showed a geographical difference in the incidence of asthma, bronchial hyper- responsiveness and other respiratory symptoms. In the first part of the study, an eight-fold difference in wheezing, six-fold difference in asthma, ten-fold difference in physician- diagnosed asthma and a four-fold difference in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was found between the study sites. "English-speaking" nations had the highest prevalence of respiratory diseases and Iceland, Spain, Germany, Italy, Algeria and India had the lowest incidence. A three-fold difference in the prevalence of allergy and an eight-fold difference in bronchial responsiveness were found between study sites in the latter part of the study. The incidence of asthma was highest in the lower age groups. Atopy prevalence (defined as a positive specific IgE for at least one allergen) was highest in Australia. Other English speaking nations and Switzerland had prevalence over 40%. Iceland had the lowest prevalence of atopy (23.6%) and Greece, Norway and Italy all had a prevalence of atopy under 30%. Total IgE was highest in Greece, France, Ireland and Italy (>50kU/L), but was lowest in Iceland (13.2 kU/L). The article speculates on the possible effects of the environment on the prevalence of wheezing, bronchial reactivity and atopy in the different study sites. Summary: Results from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey demonstrate a substantial difference in the prevalence of asthma, bronchial responsiveness and atopy between study sites. The prevalence was highest in countries where English is the native language. Of all study sites, the prevalence was lowest in Iceland. In the articles, possible explanations for this discrepancy are reviewed.Inngangur: Evrópurannsóknin Lungu og heilsa (The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS)) var fyrsta stóra rannsóknin til að kanna landfræðilegan mun á asma og ofnæmi hjá ungu fullorðnu fólki þar sem nákvæmlega sama aðferðafræði og skilgreiningar voru notaðar á öllum rannsóknarsetrunum sem komu við sögu. Tilgangur þessarar yfirlitsgreinar er að rekja helstu niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar sem birtar hafa verið fram að þessu, með sérstöku tilliti til stöðu íslenska þýðisins í samanburði við hinar þátttökuþjóðirnar. Efniviður: Farið er yfir niðurstöður sem birtar hafa verið úr sameiginlegum rannsóknargögnum allra þátttökuþjóðanna. Niðurstöðurnar byggja á úrvinnslugögnum frá ~140.000 einstaklingum á aldrinum 20-44 ára (fæðingarár 1946-71) frá 22 þjóðum og 48 rannsóknarsetrum, þar sem þátttakendur komu meðal annars frá Reykjavíkursvæðinu. Þeir svöruðu póstsendum spurningalista með sjö spurningum um einkenni frá öndunarfærum, asma og lyfjanotkun við asma. Í seinni hluta rannsóknarinnar voru valdir 800 einstaklingar af handahófi á hverju rannsóknarsetri og þeir svöruðu ítarlegum spurningalistum, fóru í öndunarpróf, auðreitnipróf með metakólíni og pikkpróf með 11-12 ofnæmisvökum. Auk þess var dregið blóð fyrir sértækum IgE mótefnum og heildarmagni IgE. Í seinni hlutanum tóku þátt að einhverju eða öllu leyti 17 þjóðir og 37 rannsóknarsetur. Niðurstöður: Niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar eru skoðaðar út frá tveimur sjónarmiðum; hvernig þær voru í heildina tekið og hvernig íslenski rannsóknarhópurinn kom út gagnvart þátttakendum frá öðrum þjóðum. Rannsóknin sýndi mikinn landfræðilegan mun á algengi asma, annarra einkenna frá öndunarfærum og auðreitni í berkjum og ofnæmi. Þannig var í fyrri áfanga rannsóknarinnar áttfaldur munur á surg, sexfaldur munur á asma, meira en tífaldur munur á læknisgreindum asma og fjórfaldur munur á ofnæmiseinkennum í nefi milli rannsóknarsetranna. Enskumælandi lönd skáru sig úr með háar algengistölur fyrir öndunarfærasjúkdóma, en Ísland, hluti Spánar, Þýskaland, Ítalía, Alsír og Indland voru á neðri enda skalans. Í seinni hluta rannsóknarinnar kom fram nærri þrefaldur munur á ofnæmi og áttfaldur munur á auðreitni í berkjum. Nýgengi asma hækkaði með hækkandi fæðingarári (lækkandi aldri). Bráðaofnæmi (mælt sem jákvætt próf fyrir einu eða fleiri sértækum IgE mótefnum) var mest í Ástralíu en önnur enskumælandi lönd og Sviss voru með algengi yfir 40%, en Ísland var lægst (algengi 23,6%) og Grikkland, Noregur og Ítalía voru með algengi 50kU/L) en það mældist lægst á Íslandi (13,2 kU/L). Sagt er frá niðurstöðum úr Evrópurannsókninni sem fjalla um það hvernig aðstæður í umhverfinu hafa áhrif á algengi surgs, asma, auðreitni í berkjum og ofnæmis. Samantekt: Evrópurannsóknin Lungu og heilsa hefur sýnt fram á mikinn mun á algengi asma meðal þátttökuþjóðanna svo og annarra öndunarfærasjúkdóma, auðreitni í berkjum og ofnæmis. Þessir sjúkdómar eru algengastir meðal enskumælandi þjóða en sjaldgæfastir á Íslandi, þeirra þjóða sem þátt tóku í rannsókninni. Fjallað er um hugsanlega skýringu á sérstöðu Íslands að þessu leyti

Climateric symptoms and hormone replacement treatment among 50 years old Icelandic women

Neðst á síðunni er hægt að nálgast greinina í heild sinni með því að smella á hlekkinn View/OpenObjective: The objective of the research was to estimate the prevalence and treatment of climacteric symptoms among 50 years old women, including which doctors are prescribing the hormone replacement treatment (HRT) and what information is given about the risk and benefit of HRT. Material and methods: All (n=956) 50 years old women living in Reykjavík and neighbouring towns were included. A detailed questionnaire was posted to the women with two follow-up reminders. A non-response survey was conducted by phone among those not responding. Results: The response rate was 72.2% (n=690). Sleep disturbances were the most common climacteric complaint occurring every day, mainly difficulty in maintaining sleep (14.8%). Hot flushes occuring every day (3.6%) and every night (2.2%) were more common than palpitations occuring every day (0.5%) and every night (0.2%). One fourth of the women had been to a doctor because of anxiety and 17% because of depression. Women who had been oophorectomised, were suffering from insomnia, hypertension, had high body mass index (BMI) or were not on HRT were more likely to suffer from hot flushes and palpitations. More than every other woman was on HRT (54%). Combination of oestrogen and progesterone were most commonly used. Hot flushes were less common in women on HRT and one third reported better sleep after starting HRT. Women on HRT more frequently visited doctors, were more often suffering from anxiety, chronic tiredness, fibromyalgia and pain. They more often were heavy smokers and had chronic bronchitis. Most often the HRT was started by gynaecologists (67%) but continued by family doctors (56%). About one fifth claimed that they had not received information about the risk and benefit of HRT. Conclusions: More than every other 50 years old woman is on HRT. These women differ in various ways from women not receiving HRT, which underlines the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment of climacteric symptoms. Better patient information is needed.Tilgangur: Markmið rannsóknarinnar var að rannsaka meðal fimmtugra kvenna einkenni breytingaskeiðs, algengi þeirra og meðferð. Hvaða læknar sjá um þessa meðferð og hvernig fræðslu um breytingaskeið og hormónameðferð er háttað. Efniviður og aðferðir: Rannsóknin náði til allra (n=956) fimmtugra kvenna á Stór-Reykjavíkursvæðinu. Spurningalisti var sendur út ásamt tveimur ítrekunum og eftirleit með símhringingum. Niðurstöður: Alls tóku 690 konur þátt í rannsókninni (72,2%). Af einkennum sem gerðu vart við sig daglega voru svefntruflanir í einhverri mynd algengastar, oftast að konurnar vöknuðu upp að nóttu (14,8%). Hitakóf bæði að nóttu (2,2%) og degi (3,6%) voru algengari en hjartsláttarköst að nóttu (0,2%) og degi (0,5%). Konur með hitakóf og hjartsláttarköst voru líkegri til að hafa svefntruflanir, háþrýsting, vera of þungar, hafa gengist undir brottnám eggjastokka og þær voru síður á hormónameðferð. Þreyta (12,3%) og syfja (9,4%) voru algeng dagleg einkenni. Tæplega fjórðungur hafði leitað læknis vegna kvíða og spennu en 16,5% vegna þunglyndis. Rúmlega helmingur kvennanna var á hormónameðferð. Blöndur östrógens og prógesteróns voru algengastar. Hitakóf og hjartsláttarköst voru marktækt færri hjá konum á hormónameðferð og þriðjungur taldi sig sofa betur eftir að hormónameðferð hófst. Tengsl voru milli þess að vera á hormónameðferð og hafa oft verið hjá læknum undanfarið ár, vera stórreykingakona, með langvinna berkjubólgu, vera kvíðin og undir læknishendi vegna þreytu, vefjagigtar og verkja. Ekki var munur á tíðni kransæðasjúkdóma eða blóðtappa eftir því hvort konur voru á hormónameðferð eða ekki. Kvensjúkdómalæknar höfðu oftast (67%) hafið meðferðina en heimilislæknar haldið henni áfram (56%). Þriðjungur kvenna hafði ekki fengið fræðslu um hormónameðferð. Ályktanir: Rúmlega helmingur fimmtugra kvenna er á hormónameðferð. Þessi hópur kvenna er að ýmsu leyti ólíkur þeim sem ekki eru á hormónameðferð sem undirstrikar nauðsyn á markvissri greiningu og meðferð einkenna breytingaskeiðs. Ljóst er að fræðslu um áhrif og hugsanlega fylgikvilla hormónagjafar á heilsufar kvenna er ábótavant

Pulmonary arterial hypertension: new treatments and case report

Neðst á síðunni er hægt að nálgast greinina í heild sinni með því að smella á hlekkinn View/OpenPulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease with substantial morbidity and mortality. In the last few years significant progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis and course of the disease. New classification and drug treatment have emerged. The new drugs are expensive but can improve quality of life significantly. Given here is a brief review and two cases presented.Lungnaslagæðaháþrýstingur er sjaldgæfur en getur valdið áþján og dauða. Undanfarin ár hefur komið fram aukin þekking á meingerð og gangi sjúkdómsins, betri flokkun og ný lyfjameðferð. Nýju lyfin eru dýr en geta bætt verulega lífsgæði og lífslíkur. Hér er þessum atriðum lýst og tvö sjúkratilfelli kynnt

Results of macula hole surgery in Iceland 1996-2002

Neðst á síðunni er hægt að nálgast greinina í heild sinni með því að smella á hlekkinn View/OpenOBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the results of macular hole surgery in Iceland 1996-2002. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 25 patients underwent macular hole surgery in this time period. Data was obtained from hospital records of all those patients. Best corrected vision vas measured before and after surgery. The staging of the macular hole was evaluated before surgery and anatomical closure after surgery was recorded. Any adjuvants used during the operation were noted, and determined if there were any differences in outcomes depending on which adjuvants were used. RESULTS: After one operation the anatomical success was 72% and 79% after two surgeries. Visual acuity improved > or = 2 lines on the Snellen card in 11 of 29 eyes (38%); vision stayed the same (did not improve or get worse of more then > or = 2 lines) in 16 of 29 eyes (55%), and deteriorated > or = 2 lines in two of 29 eyes (7%). There were no significant clinical differences in which adjuvant therapy was used. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical success of macular hole surgery in Iceland was comparable with results in foreign studies. The visual outcome was significantly better after surgery, but those results were not as good as in foreign studies.Tilgangur: Að meta árangur af makúlugatsaðgerðum á Íslandi frá þær hófust 1996 til loka árs 2002. Efniviður og aðferðir: Farið var yfir sjúkraskrá allra þeirra 25 sjúklinga sem fóru í makúlugatsaðgerðir á Íslandi á áðurnefndu tímabili. Sjón var mæld fyrir og eftir aðgerð. Skráð var stigun gats fyrir aðgerð og hve stórt hlutfall þeirra greri eftir aðgerð og hvort einhver viðbótarmeðferð var notuð í aðgerðinni. Borinn var saman árangur þegar mismunandi viðbótarmeðferð var notuð. Niðurstöður: Anatómískur árangur (gat lokaðist) var 72% eftir eina aðgerð og 79% eftir tvær aðgerðir. Sjón batnaði um ?tvær línur í 11 augum af 29 (38%), sjón var sú sama (það er batnaði eða versn­aði minna en >2 línur) í 16 augum af 29 (55%) og sjón versnaði um >2 línur í tveimur augum af 29 (7%). Ekki var marktækur munur á því hvaða viðbótarmeðferð var notuð. Ályktun: Anatómískur árangur á makúlugatsað­gerð hér á landi er sambærilegur við árangur er­lend­is. Það varð marktækt betri sjón eftir að­­gerð, en þó var sjónbati hér á landi minni en í er­lend­um rannsóknum

Foodborne infections in Iceland. Relationship to allergy and lung function

Neðst á síðunni er hægt að nálgast greinina í heild sinni með því að smella á hlekkinn View/OpenBACKGROUND: Foodborne or orofecal transmitted infections can have influence on health by direct consequences of the infection and indirectly by modulating the immune system. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for T. gondii, H. pylori and HAV infection in the Icelandic population and their influence on atopy, allergy related lung symptoms and lung function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected in 1999-2001 from 505 subjects in age group 28-52, randomly selected from the Icelandic population. The presence of T. gondii, H. pylori and HAV IgG antibodies was determined by an ELISA method. Allergy related lung symptoms were assessed with questionnaire and IgE sensitization and lung function measured. X(2) test was used to test for trend but unadjusted logistic regression for comparison of IgG prevalence. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for different infections factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of antibodies was 9.8%, for T. gondii, 36.3% for H. pylori and 4.9% for HAV. Attending day care before the age of 3 years was a risk factor for having T. gondii antibodies. The prevalence of H. pylori increased with age and smoking. The infections were not associated with the prevalence of asthma or atopy. Having IgG antibodies against T. gondii was, however, associated with an increased risk of having FEV/FVC ratio below 70%. CONCLUSION: T. gondii, H. pylori and H AV infection does not influence the prevalence of atopy or asthma. The data indicated that infection with T. gondii might be associated with a diminished lung function