Upsala journal of medical sciences
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This research study aimed at assessing the electrocardiographic (ECG) changes caused by ageing in a cohort of healthy subjects with normal echocardiographic examinations. ⋯ Although most ECG changes found at baseline could be considered as a normal variation, they may progress to more severe heart complications as the subject ages. The results of this study also validate ECG findings of previous studies and underline that diagnostic criteria should be based on gender and age.
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Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two age-related neurodegenerative diseases of significant public health importance. Epidemiological studies have indicated that there might be an association between the disorders. ⋯ In this long-term follow-up study of subjects aged 65-74 years old in Sweden, OAG was not associated with AD.
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Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients have a good prognosis after adequate treatment. Previous treatment with mantle field irradiation has been accompanied by an increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study identified co-morbidity factors for the development of cardiovascular side effects and initiated an intervention study aimed to decrease morbidity and mortality of CVD in HL survivors. ⋯ Radiotherapy towards mediastinum was an independent risk factor for CVD as well as hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. A reasonable approach as intervention for this cohort of patients is regular monitoring of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and referral to adequate investigation when cardiac symptoms appear. Broad knowledge about the side effects from radiotherapy in the medical community and well-structured information regarding late side effects to the patients are all reasonable approaches as late effects can occur even 40 years after cancer treatment.
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During more than five decades, the author has kept a critical eye on how statistical methods are (mis-)used in medical research. Some areas are presented where serious statistical mistakes are prevalent. ⋯ The authors own efforts to improve the use of statistical methods and the current situation with easily accessible statistical program packages are described. Finally, the importance of continued 'statistical cleansing' is stressed.