Increased end-stage renal disease risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:A nationwide populationbased study

AIM To estimate the risk of end-stage renal disease(ESRD)in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS From January 2010 to December 2013, patients with Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC) were identified, based on both the International Classification of Diseases, 10 th revision(ICD-10) and the rare,intractable disease registration program codes from the National Health Insurance(NHI) database in South Korea. We compared 38812 patients with IBD to ageand sex-matched non-IBD controls with a ratio of 1:3.Patients newly diagnosed with ESRD were identified with the ICD-10 code.RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 4.9 years, ESRD was detected in 79(0.2%) patients with IBD and 166(0.1%)controls. The incidence of ESRD in patients with IBD was0.42 per 1000 person-years. Patients with IBD had a significantly higher risk of ESRD than controls [adjusted hazard ratio(HR) = 3.03; 95% confidence interval(CI):1.77-5.20; P 0.001]. The incidences(per 1000 personyears)of ESRD were 0.51 in patients with CD and 0.13 in controls, respectively(adjusted HR = 6.33; 95%CI:2.75-14.56; P 0.001). In contrast, the incidence of ESRD was similar between the UC and control groups(0.37 vs 0.37 per 1000 person-years; adjusted HR = 2.01;95%CI: 0.90-4.51; P = 0.089).CONCLUSION The risk of ESRD was elevated in patients with CD, but not UC. Patients with CD should be monitored carefully for signs of renal insufficiency.     

Trends and risk factors of elderly-onset Crohn's disease: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is increasing in Asia.Numerous risk factors associated with IBD development have been investigated.AIM To investigate trends and environmental risk factors of Crohn’s disease(CD)diagnosed in persons aged≥40 years in South Korea.METHODS Using the National Health Insurance Service database,a total of 14060821 persons aged>40 years who underwent national health screening in 2009 were followed up until December 2017.Patients with newly diagnosed CD were enrolled and compared with non-CD cohort.CD was identified according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision and the rare/intractable disease registration program codes from the National Health Insurance Service database.The mean follow-up periods was 7.39 years.Age,sex,diabetes,hypertension,smoking,alcohol consumption,regular exercise,body mass index,anemia,chronic kidney disease(CKD)and dyslipidemia were adjusted for in the multivariate analysis model.RESULTS During the follow-up,1337(1.33/100000)patients developed CD.Men in the middle-aged group(40-64 years)had a higher risk than women[adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)1.46,95%confidence interval(CI):1.29-1.66];however,this difference tended to disappear as the age of onset increases.In the middle-aged group,patients with a history of smoking[(aHR 1.46,95%CI:1.19-1.79)and anemia(aHR 1.85,95%CI:1.55-2.20)]had a significantly higher CD risk.In the elderly group(age,≥65 years),ex-smoking and anemia also increased the CD risk(aHR 1.68,95%CI:1.22-2.30)and 1.84(95%CI:1.47-2.30,respectively).Especially in the middle-aged group,those with CKD had a statistically elevated CD risk(aHR 1.37,95%CI:1.05-1.79).Alcohol consumption and higher body mass index showed negative association trend with CD incidence in both of the age groups.[Middle-aged:aHR 0.77(95%CI:0.66-0.89)and aHR 0.73(95% CI:0.63-0.84),respectively][Elderly-group:aHR 0.57(95% CI:0.42-0.78)and aHR 0.84(95%CI 0.67-1.04),respectively].For regular physical activity and dyslipidemia,negative correlation between CD incidences was proved only in the middle-aged group[aHR 0.88(95%CI:0.77-0.89)and aHR 0.81(95%CI:0.68-0.96),respectively].CONCLUSION History of cigarette smoking,anemia,underweight and CKD are possible risk factors for CD in Asians aged>40 years.     

青海地区阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征与外周气道阻力的相关性

目的 通过分析阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者的肺功能,探讨OSAHS与气道外周阻力的相关性.方法 收集2017年8月至2019年8月我院住院并确诊为OSAHS的青海地区成年患者184例.根据睡眠呼吸暂停/低通气指数(AHI)将OSAHS患者分为三组,即轻度组(5≤AHI≤15)、中度组(15相似文献   

COPD in the general population: prevalence, incidence and survival

Worldwide, COPD is a leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality. Although its prevalence is already well documented, very few studies have measured its incidence. We therefore investigated the prevalence, incidence and lifetime risk of COPD in the general population. In a population-based study including subjects ≥ 40, with 12 months of history available in the Dutch IPCI database, we identified COPD cases by a two-step validation algorithm. Among 185,325 participants with 601,283 years of follow-up, 7308 subjects with COPD were identified, and 1713 had incident COPD. The overall IR of physician-diagnosed COPD was 2.92/1000PY (95%CI 2.78-3.06). The incidence of COPD was higher in men (3.54; 95%CI 3.33-3.77) than in women (2.34; 95%CI 2.17-2.52), and the overall baseline prevalence of COPD was 3.02% (95%CI 2.94-3.10). For people who had entered the study free of COPD at the age of 40, the risk of developing COPD within the next 40 years was 12.7% for men and 8.3% for women. In patients with very severe COPD, 26% died after 1 year of follow-up, whereas 2.8% died among the non-COPD subjects. In the general population in the Netherlands, three on 1000 subjects were diagnosed with COPD per year. The incidence increased rapidly with age and was higher in men than in women. One in eight men and one in 12 women, being COPD free at the age of 40, will develop COPD during their further life. Mortality rates differed substantially between COPD patients and non-COPD subjects of the same age, underlining the burden of this disease.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期患者血糖血脂的表达特征

目的探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期(AECOPD)患者血糖、血脂的表达特征及其与病情的相关性。方法检测66例AECOPD患者,(其中34例为轻中度,32例为重度、极重度),及同期住院32例非COPD患者的空腹血清甘油三酯(TG)、胆固醇(CH)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、载脂蛋白A1(APoA1)、载脂蛋白B(APoB)、糖化血红蛋白(HbAlc)、空腹血糖(FBG)、餐后2h血糖(P2hBG)、空腹及餐后2h胰岛素(IRI)的水平。结果 COPD组中的HbAlc、FBG、P2hBG、空腹IRI、餐后2hIRI水平均较非COPD组明显升高(P<0.01),其中COPD患者中重度、极重度组餐后2hIRI水平又高于轻中度组(P<0.05);COPD患者的TG、ApoB水平均比非COPD组降低(P<0.05),COPD重度、极重度组LDL-C水平比非COPD组及轻中度组升高(P<0.05)。结论 AECOPD患者尤其是重度、极重度阶段存在血糖、血脂紊乱,主要表现为高血糖、胰岛素抵抗、血脂异常。COPD组中LDL-C升高,提示COPD与冠心病(CHD)可能存在一定的相关性。     

Nested case-control study on risk factors for opportunistic infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND When opportunistic infections occur, patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) commonly display a significantly increased rate of morbidity and mortality.With increasing use of immunosuppressive agents and biological agents,opportunistic infections are becoming a hot topic in the perspective of drug safety in IBD patients. Despite the well-established role of opportunistic infections in the prognosis of IBD patients, there are few epidemiological data investigating the incidence of opportunis-tic infections in IBD patients in China. Besides, the risk factors for opportunistic infection in Chinese IBD patients remain unclear.AIM To predict the incidence of opportunistic infections related to IBD in China, and explore the risk factors for opportunistic infections.METHODS A single-center, prospective study of IBD patients was conducted. The patients were followed for up to 12 mo to calculate the incidence of infections. For each infected IBD patient, two non-infected IBD patients were selected as controls. A conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between putative risk factors and opportunistic infections, which are represented as odds ratios(OR) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS Seventy(28.11%) out of 249 IBD patients developed opportunistic infections.Clostridium difficile infections and respiratory syncytial virus infections were found in 24 and 16 patients, respectively. In a univariate analysis, factors such as the severity of IBD, use of an immunosuppressant or immunosuppressants, high levels of fecal calprotectin, and C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate were individually related to a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection. Multivariate analysis indicated that the use of any immunosuppressant yielded an OR of 3.247(95%CI: 1.128-9.341), whereas the use of any two immunosuppressants yielded an OR of 6.457(95%CI: 1.726-24.152) for opportunistic infection. Interestingly, when immunosuppressants were used in combination with infliximab(IFX) or 5-aminosalicylic acid, a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection was also observed. The relative risk of opportunistic infection was greatest in IBD patients with severe disease activity(OR = 9.090; 95%CI: 1.532-53.941, relative to the remission stage). However, the use of IFX alone did not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.CONCLUSION Factors such as severe IBD, elevated levels of fecal calprotectin, and the use of immunosuppressive medications, especially when used in combination, are major risk factors for opportunistic infections in IBD patients. The use of IFX alone does not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.     

Inflammatory bowel disease in Tuzla Canton,Bosnia-Herzegovina: A prospective 10-year follow-up

BACKGROUNDThe incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vary between regions but have risen globally in recent decades. A lack of data from developing nations limits the understanding of IBD epidemiology.AIMTo perform a follow-up review of IBD epidemiology in the Tuzla Canton of Bosnia-Herzegovina during a 10-year period (2009-2019).METHODSWe prospectively evaluated the hospital records of both IBD inpatients and outpatients residing in Tuzla Canton for the specified period of time between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019. Since all our patients had undergone proximal and distal endoscopic evaluations at the hospital endoscopy unit, we used the hospital’s database as a primary data source, alongside an additional cross-relational search of the database. Both adult and pediatric patients were included in the study. Patients were grouped by IBD type, phenotype, age, and gender. Incidence rates were calculated with age standardization using the European standard population. Trends in incidence and prevalence were evaluated as a 3-year moving average and average annual percentage change rates.RESULTSDuring the 10-year follow-up period, 651 patients diagnosed with IBD were monitored (of whom 334, or 51.3%, were males, and 317, or 48.7%, were females). Of all the patients, 346 (53.1%) had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), 292 (44.9%) with Crohn’s disease (CD), and 13 (2%) with indeterminate colitis (IC). We observed 440 newly diagnosed patients with IBD: 240 (54.5%) with UC, 190 (43.2%) with CD, and 10 (2.3%) with IC. The mean annual crude incidence rates were found to be 9.01/100000 population for IBD [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.17-9.85], with 4.91/100000 (95%CI: 4.29-5.54) for UC and 3.89/100000 (95%CI: 3.34-4.44) for CD. Calculated IBD prevalence in 2019 was 146.64/100000 (95%CI: 128.09-165.19), with 77.94/100000 (95%CI: 68.08-87.70) for UC and 65.77/100000 (95%CI: 54.45-74.1) for CD. The average annual IBD percentage change was 0.79% (95%CI: 0.60-0.88), with -2.82% (95%CI: -2.67 to -2.97) for UC and 6.92% (95%CI: 6.64-7.20) for CD. During the study period, 24,509 distal endoscopic procedures were performed. The incidence of IBD was 3.16/100 examinations (95%CI: 2.86-3.45) or 1.72/100 examinations (95%CI: 1.5-1.94) for UC and 1.36/100 examinations (95%CI: 1.17-1.56) for CD.CONCLUSIONTrends in the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Tuzla Canton are similar to Eastern European averages, although there are significant epidemiological differences within geographically close and demographically similar areas.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期血清皮质醇的表达特征

目的探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期（AECOPD）血清皮质醇的表达特征。方法随机选取2011年10月至2012年10月在我院住院的AECOPD患者65例为COPD组,根据肺功能结果分为轻中度组33例及重度、极重度组32例,同期住院的非COPD患者33例为非COPD组。全部研究对象分别于人院后第二天的8am、4pm及0am三个时间段各抽取肘静脉血,分别检测血清皮质醇和促肾上腺皮质激素水平。结果三个不同时间段轻、中度组及重度、极重度组皮质醇水平明显低于非COPD组（P〈0．01）;8am时段轻、中度组明显低于重度、极重度组（P〈0．01）。三个不同时段轻、中度组及重度、极重度组促肾上腺皮质激素水平高于非COPD组（P〈0．05）。结论AECOPD患者存在肾上腺皮质代谢紊乱,表现为血清皮质醇水平降低,促肾上腺皮质激素水平升高。     

Increased Risk of Both Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease in a Population Suffering from COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways. In the majority of cases, the inflammation is triggered by tobacco smoke. Smoking also affects the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), protecting against ulcerative colitis (UC) and promoting development of Crohn's disease (CD). The present study was undertaken to investigate occurrence of IBD among COPD patients, indicating common inflammatory pathways and shared vulnerability on a genetic basis. The study was designed as a population-based cohort study. All individuals discharged with a diagnosis of COPD from 1987 to 2002 were identified in the Swedish Inpatient Register (n=180,239). Controls and first-degree relatives of both cases and controls were identified using the Multi-Generation Register. Finally, all individuals (n=1,174,557) were compared with the Inpatient Register, identifying discharges with a diagnosis of UC or CD. Hazard ratios (HR) for IBD were determined by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. COPD patients had a significantly higher risk of both UC (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.61-2.09) and CD (HR 2.72; 95% CI 2.33-3.18). Among first-degree relatives of COPD patients, there was also an overall increased risk of CD (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.09-1.43) but not of UC (HR 1.09; 95% CI 0.96-1.23). The kinship of first-degree relatives displayed an increased risk of both UC and CD among siblings (HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.15-1.91 and HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.12-1.89, respectively). The results suggest that COPD and IBD may have inflammatory pathways in common, including genetic variants of genes predisposing for disease.     

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with increased recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding risk

BackgroundThe association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the risk of recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) remains unclear. In this study, we compared the risk of recurrent PUB between patients with and those without COPD.MethodsUsing the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we first selected patients newly diagnosed with PUB in 2002–2009. Two groups comprising 13,732 COPD cases and 13,732 non-COPD matched controls were created using propensity score matching, thereby making the differences in basic demographics, medication use, and disease conditions between the two groups negligible. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate the risk of recurrent PUB during the follow-up period.ResultsThe cumulative recurrence rate of PUB was significantly higher in the patients with COPD than in the non-COPD matched controls (2 years: 10.8% vs 9.3%; 6 years: 18.3% vs 15.7%, P all < 0.05), with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.26, P < 0.001) and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.12–1.26, P < 0.001) within 2-year and 6-year follow-ups, respectively. Patients with COPD using steroids were at a marginally higher risk of recurrent PUB than those who did not use steroids. Multivariate stratified analysis revealed similar results in many subgroups.ConclusionsThe risk of recurrent PUB is higher in patients with COPD than in patients without COPD.     

Risk of Periodontal Diseases in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study

Several studies have reported an association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and periodontal diseases. However, a large-scale population-based cohort study was previously absent from the literature. Therefore, we evaluated the risk of periodontal diseases in patients with COPD in a nationwide population.From the National Health Insurance claims data of Taiwan, we identified 22,332 patients with COPD who were newly diagnosed during 2000 to 2010. For each case, two individuals without COPD were randomly selected and frequency matched by age, sex, and diagnosis year. Both groups were followed up till the end of 2011.The overall incidence of periodontal diseases was 1.19-fold greater in the COPD group than in the comparison group (32.2 vs 26.4 per 1000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.24). Compared with non-COPD patients, the adjusted hazard ratios of patients with COPD increased with the number of emergency room visits (from 1.14 [95% CI 1.10–1.19] to 5.09 [95% CI 4.53–5.72]) and admissions (from 1.15 [95% CI 1.10–1.20] to 3.17 [95% CI 2.81–3.57]). In addition, the adjusted hazard ratios of patients with COPD treated with inhaled corticosteroids (1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.34) and systemic corticosteroids (1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.23) were significantly higher than those of patients not treated with corticosteroids.Patient with COPD are at a higher risk of developing periodontal diseases than the general population. Our results also support that the risk of periodontal diseases is proportional to COPD control. In addition, patients who receive corticosteroid treatment are at a higher risk of developing periodontal diseases.     

Immunosuppressant medications and mortality in inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) with immunosuppressant medications was associated with an increased risk of death in the era prior to antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies.
DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study used data from the General Practice Research Database from 1987 to 1997. CD and UC patients were matched to controls on age, sex, and primary care practice. CD and UC patients were stratified according to whether they used immunosuppressant medications during follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for comorbidities were used to define the relative hazard of death. Additional models examined the relative hazard of death with current use of corticosteroids or thiopurines.
RESULTS: The cohort included 5,539 patients with CD, 8,910 patients with UC, and 41,624 controls. Patients with CD had an increased mortality (not immunosuppressant-treated CD hazard ratio [HR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.51; immunosuppressant-treated CD HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.84–3.25). Increased mortality was only observed among UC patients treated with immunosuppressant medications (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.34–2.09). In both CD and UC, current corticosteroid therapy was associated with increased mortality (CD HR 2.48, 95% CI 1.85–3.31; UC HR 2.81, 95% CI 2.26–3.50). Current use of thiopurines was not associated with increased mortality (CD HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.37–1.86; UC HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.29–1.70).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with corticosteroids, but not thiopurines, are at increased risk of death, although this study could not clarify whether this was as a result of the medication or the underlying disease severity.     

SAF score and mortality in NAFLD after up to 41 years of follow-up

Background and aims: A new score for the histological severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), called SAF (Steatosis, Activity and Fibrosis) has been developed. We aimed to evaluate the impact of this score on overall mortality.

Methods: We used data from 139 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. All biopsies were graded according to the SAF scoring system and disease severity was classified as mild, moderate or severe. Causes of death were extracted from a national, population-based register. A Cox regression model, adjusted for sex, body mass index (BMI) and diabetes mellitus type 2, was applied.

Results: At baseline 35 patients presented with mild or moderate disease respectively, and 69 patients with severe disease. During follow-up (median 25.3 years, range 1.7–40.8) 74 patients died, 11 in the mild group (31%), 18 in the moderate group (51%) and 45 in the severe group (65%), p?=?.002. Compared to patients with mild disease, patients with moderate disease did not have a significant increase in overall mortality (HR 1.83, 95%CI 0.89–3.77, p?=?.10). Patients with severe disease had a significant increase in mortality (HR 2.65, 95%CI 1.19–5.93, p?=?.017). However, when adjusting for fibrosis stage, significance was lost (HR 1.85, 95%CI 0.76–4.54, p?=?.18). NASH, defined as per the FLIP algorithm, was not associated with mortality compared to not having NASH (HR 1.46, 95%CI 0.74–2.90, p?=?.28).

Conclusions: After adjustment for fibrosis, the SAF score was not associated with increased mortality in NAFLD. This finding should be corroborated in larger cohorts with similar follow-up time.     

COPD患者合并贫血、低蛋白血症患病率及与年龄、性别的相关性分析

目的探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者合并贫血、低蛋白血症患病率及与年龄、性别的相关性。 方法采用回顾性、便利抽样研究方法,选择2013年1月至2017年10月在我院诊治的COPD患者76例作为观察组,选择同期在我院体检中心的健康体检者76例作为对照组,记录两组入选者的性别、年龄等临床资料,调查贫血、低蛋白血症患病率并进行相关性分析。 结果观察组的贫血与低蛋白血症为51.3%和40.8%,对照组为5.3%和3.9%,观察组显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组中轻度贫血30例,中度贫血6例,重度贫血3例;蛋白质轻度缺乏25例,蛋白质中度缺乏3例,蛋白质重度缺乏3例。男性患者的贫血患病率显著高于女性(P<0.05),低蛋白血症在不同性别患者患病率对比中差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);不同年龄段患者的贫血与低蛋白血症患病率对比都有显著差异(P<0.05)。logistic回归分析显示性别、年龄也是导致COPD患者贫血的危险因素,年龄为导致低蛋白血症的危险因素(P<0.05)。 结论COPD患者合并贫血、低蛋白血症患病率比较高,性别、年龄为导致贫血的危险因素,年龄为导致低蛋白血症的危险因素,应积极进行预防性管理。     

Acutely decompensated heart failure with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Clinical characteristics and long-term survival

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the most common comorbidities in patients hospitalized with heart failure and is generally associated with poor outcomes. However, the results of previous studies with regard to increased mortality and risk trajectories were not univocal. We sought to assess the prognostic impact of COPD in patients admitted for acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and investigate the association between use of β-blockers at discharge and mortality in patients with COPD.MethodsWe studied 1530 patients. The association of COPD with mortality was examined in adjusted Fine-Gray proportional hazard models where heart transplantation and ventricular assist device implantation were treated as competing risks. The primary outcome was 5-year all-cause mortality.ResultsAfter adjusting for establisked risk markers, the subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR) of 5-year mortality for COPD patients compared with non-COPD patients was 1.25 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.06–1.47; p = .007). The relative risk of death for COPD patients increased steeply from 30 to 180 days, and remained noticeably high throughout the entire follow-up. Among patients with comorbid COPD, the use of β-blockers at discharge was associated with a significantly reduced risk of 1-year post-discharge mortality (SHR 0.66, 95%CIs 0.53–0.83; p ≤.001).ConclusionsOur data indicate that ADHF patients with comorbid COPD have a worse long-term survival than those without comorbid COPD. Most of the excess mortality occurred in the first few months following hospitalization. Our data also suggest that the use of β-blockers at discharge is independently associated with improved survival in ADHF patients with COPD.     

A nationwide cohort study of the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in coeliac disease

Abstract. Ludvigsson JF, Inghammar M, Ekberg M, Egesten A (Örebro University Hospital, Örebro; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; and Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden). A nationwide cohort study of the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in coeliac disease. J Intern Med 2012; 271 : 481–489. Objective. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to be an important cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in the western world. Although smoking is an important trigger of COPD, other factors such as chronic inflammation and malnutrition are known to influence its development. Because coeliac disease (CD) is characterized both by dysregulated inflammation and malnutrition, the possibility of an association between CD and COPD was investigated. Methods. Through biopsy data from all Swedish pathology departments, we identified 10 990 individuals with CD who were biopsied between 1987 and 2008 (Marsh 3: villous atrophy). As controls, 54 129 reference individuals matched for age, sex, county and calendar year of first biopsy were selected. Cox regression analysis was then performed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for having a diagnosis of COPD according to the Swedish Patient Register. Results. During follow‐up, 380 individuals with CD (3.5%) and 1391 (2.6%) controls had an incident diagnosis of COPD, which corresponds to an HR of 1.24 (95% CI: 1.10–1.38) and an excess risk of COPD of 79/100 000 person‐years in CD. The risk increase remained 5 years after biopsy (HR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.00–1.37). Risk estimates did not change with adjustment for type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, country of birth or level of education. Men with CD were at a higher risk of COPD (HR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18–1.62) than women with CD (HR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.94–1.30). Of note, CD was also associated with COPD before CD diagnosis (odds ratio = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02–1.46). Conclusion. Patients with CD seem to be at a moderately increased risk of COPD both before and after CD diagnosis.     

Risk of infections in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Background and Aims

Previous literature suggests an association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and infections. We aimed to determine the rate and risk of severe infections in NAFLD compared to the general population.

Methods

In this population-based cohort study, we used national registers to identify all patients with a hospital-based diagnosis of NAFLD in Sweden 1987–2020 (n = 14 869). The patients were matched with ≤10 comparators from the general population for age, sex, municipality, and calendar year (n = 137 145). Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for infections in patients with NAFLD compared to comparators. Cumulative incidences were calculated while accounting for competing risks (non-infection death and liver transplantation).

Results

Severe infections leading to death or hospitalization occurred in 1990 (13.4%) patients with NAFLD and 9899 (7.2%) comparators during a median of 4.5 and 6.1 years of follow-up, respectively. The rate of severe infections per 1000 person-years was higher in patients with NAFLD (21.0) than comparators (9.1) independently of components related to the metabolic syndrome (adjusted HR 1.9, 95% CI = 1.8–2.0). Infection-related mortality was also higher in NAFLD compared to comparators (adjusted HR 1.8, 95% CI = 1.6–2.2). The 10-year cumulative incidence of severe infections was 16.6% (95% CI = 15.8–17.4) in NAFLD and 8.0% (95% CI = 7.8–8.2) in comparators.

Conclusion

NAFLD was associated with severe infections and infection-related mortality, independently of components associated with the metabolic syndrome. Increased clinical vigilance of severe infections in NAFLD may diminish the risk of premature death.     

Advanced chronic kidney disease,cardiovascular events and the effect of diabetes: data from the Atherosclerosis and Folic Acid Supplementation Trial

Background: End‐stage kidney disease registry data have reported increased mortality in patients with diabetes as compared with those without. Here we examine whether diabetes is independently associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events and death in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Data from 315 participants with CKD in the Atherosclerosis and Folic Acid Supplementation Trial (ASFAST) were assessed. Primary end‐points were fatal or non‐fatal cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, coronary revascularisation and peripheral vascular events assessed both jointly and separately using Cox‐proportional hazard models. Results: Twenty‐three per cent reported diabetes. Median follow up was 3.6 years. In those with diabetes, an increased risk for major cardiovascular events was observed, crude hazard ratio (HR) 2.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11–3.90). After adjustment for age, gender, smoking, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, past ischaemic heart disease and use of preventive therapies, diabetes was associated with an HR of 1.83 (1.28–2.61) for major cardiovascular events. The risk for peripheral vascular events was also increased, adjusted HR 6.31 (2.61–15.25). For all‐cause death, major coronary and stroke events, the risk in those with diabetes was not significantly increased (all‐cause death, adjusted HR 1.31 (95% CI 0.80–2.14); major coronary events, adjusted HR 1.26 (95% CI 0.64–2.49); and major stroke events, adjusted HR 1.28 (95% CI 0.55–2.99)). Conclusions: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of major cardiovascular events, especially peripheral vascular events in patients with advanced CKD. Trials of multifactorial management of cardiovascular risk factors are required to determine if outcomes for this population may be improved.     

Clinical Impact of Aortic Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights Into the Degree and Acuteness of Presentation

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of the degree of residual aortic regurgitation (AR) and acuteness of presentation of AR after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on outcomes.BackgroundThe degree of residual AR after TAVR leading to excess mortality remains controversial, and little evidence exists on the impact of the acuteness of presentation of AR.MethodsA total of 1,735 patients undergoing TAVR with balloon-expandable or self-expanding valves were included. The presence and degree of AR were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography; acute AR was defined as an increase in AR severity of ≥1 degree compared with pre-procedural echocardiography.ResultsResidual AR was classified as mild in 761 patients (43.9%) and moderate to severe in 247 patients (14.2%). The presence of moderate to severe AR was an independent predictor of mortality at a mean follow-up of 21 ± 17 months compared with none to trace (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32 to 2.48; p < 0.001) and mild AR (adjusted HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.24; p < 0.001) groups. There was no increased risk in patients with mild AR compared with those with none to trace AR (p = 0.393). In patients with moderate to severe AR, acute AR was observed in 161 patients (65%) and chronic AR in 86 patients (35%). Acute moderate to severe AR was independently associated with increased risk of mortality compared with none/trace/mild AR (adjusted HR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.53 to 3.66; p < 0.001) and chronic moderate to severe AR (adjusted HR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.17 to 4.30; p = 0.015). No differences in survival rate were observed between patients with chronic moderate to severe and none/trace/mild AR (p > 0.50).ConclusionsAR occurred very frequently after TAVR, but an increased risk of mortality at ∼2-year follow-up was observed only in patients with acute moderate to severe AR.