Norwegian Cohort Of Patients Research Articles

Mortality in a cohort of Norwegian patients with rheumatoid arthritis followed from 1977 to 1992

This study aimed to describe the mortality pattern of Norwegian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The subjects were 149 patients (52 males(M)) who were discharged from a Norwegian rheumatology hospital in 1977 after their first admission for RA. 126 patients (85%) met the 1958 criteria for definite or classical RA. By the end of 1992, 2 patients, both with definite/classical RA, were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 147 patients (51M), 68 (25M) had died. The overall standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was 149 (95% CI: 115-188). The mortality was significantly raised for females with SMR=168 (120-223). The moderate increase in the male SMR of 126 (81-181) was restricted to the early years of follow up. Patients with definite/classical RA had a somewhat higher SMR (159 (120-202)). Excess deaths were due to malignant disease in males and cardiovascular disease in females. RA was mentioned on one third of the death certificates. This study supports previous findings that patients with RA have a reduced long term survival, most prominent in females.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: multiprofessional follow-up in the mid-term following palliative procedures

AbstractOf the 12 children who represent the complete cohort of Norwegian patients surviving the complete palliative operative programme for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 10 were studied by a pediatric cardiologist, a pediatric neurologist, a neuropsychologist and a child psychiatrist. We found significant morbidity. Hemodynamic function was relatively uncompromised in eight of the patients, but one had significant cyanosis due to use of an operative technique subsequently abandoned and one had obstruction of the flow of blood from the left to the right atrium. Five children had disturbances of rhythm, with one requiring insertion of a pacemaker. One child had epilepsy. Delayed motor development, most often to mild degree, was found in seven children, while six had attention problems. Mental retardation was found in two children and autistic traits in one. Despite these various problems, the parents were seemingly satisfied with their own lives, and the quality of life of their children.