The frequency of photosensitizing drug dispensings in Austria and Germany: a correlation with their photosensitizing potential based on published literature.

BACKGROUND: Drug-induced photosensitivity refers to the development of cutaneous adverse events due to interaction between a pharmaceutical compound and sunlight. Although photosensitivity is a very commonly listed side-effect of systemic drugs, reliable data on its actual incidence are lacking so far. OBJECTIVES: A possible approach to evaluate the real-life extent of drug-induced photosensitivity would be an analysis of the frequency of exposure to a given photosensitizing drug combined with an indicator of its photosensitizing potential. This could serve as a basis for developing a pharmaceutical 'heatmap' of photosensitivity. METHODS: The present study investigated the number of reimbursed dispensed packages of potentially photosensitizing drugs in Germany (DE) and Austria (AT) between 2010 and 2017 based on nationwide health insurance-based databases. In addition, an indicator for the photosensitizing potential was established for each drug based on the number of reports on photosensitivity in the literature. RESULTS: This analysis includes means of 632 826 944 (+/-14 894 918) drug dispensings per year in DE and 113 270 754 (+/-1 964 690) in AT. Out of these, the mean percentage of drugs that enlist photosensitivity as a potential side-effect was 49.5% (±0.7) in DE and 48.2% (±1.2) in AT. When plotting the number of reimbursed dispensed packages vs. the number of reports on photosensitivity, two categories of drugs show high numbers for both parameters, that is diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). CONCLUSIONS: Diuretics and NSAIDs appear to be responsible for the greatest part of exposure to photosensitizing drugs with potential implication on public health.

Intake of a resveratrol-containing dietary supplement has no impact on DNA stability in healthy subjects.

It has been postulated that the beneficial health effects of dietary supplements and of red wines which contain resveratrol (RES) are due to the anti-oxidative properties of this phenolic compound, but evidence for protection against reactive oxygen species is mainly based on results of in vitro experiments and high-dose animal experiments. Aim of this study was to find out if intake of a RES-containing supplement protects healthy humans against oxidative DNA-damage and alters their redox status. Therefore, an intervention trial was conducted in which the participants (n=12) consumed a RES-containing supplement over a period of five days. At the start, after one day and after five days of consumption, and after a washout period DNA stability was measured in single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assays with peripheral blood lymphocytes. These tests were conducted (a) under standard conditions, which reflect single- and double-strand DNA breaks, (b) after treatment of the cells with hydrogen peroxide, which enables detection of alterations of the ROS sensitivity, and (c) by use of formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase (FPG), which provides information on formation of oxidatively damaged bases (pyrimidines). Furthermore, the biochemical parameters TAC (total antioxidant capacity) and oxLDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein), which reflect the redox status, and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, were monitored. The intake of the supplement had no significant impact on the DNA stability parameters and on the different biomarkers of the redox status. Our results indicate that intake of 6mg RES per day via the supplement does not cause DNA-protective or antioxidant effects. This amount is equivalent to or lower than that reached after intake of many (ca. 50%) of the RES-containing preparations which are currently on the market in Middle Europe, and is contained in 0.3-2L red wine.

Time trends of the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in Austrian children.

After a substantial increase in the prevalence of atopic disease in Europe, recent studies indicate that a plateau has been reached. However, variation across countries and age groups exists. We studied the prevalence and time trends of asthma and allergic disease among schoolchildren in Austria, a country with traditionally low rates of asthma, hay fever, and eczema. As part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), symptoms and physician diagnoses of asthma and allergic disease of 13,399 Austrian children aged 6-7 yr and 1516 children aged 12-14 yr were surveyed between 1995 and 1997. A similar survey was conducted between 2001 and 2003. Among children aged 6-7 yr, significant increases were seen in the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma (+16%; p = 0.013), hay fever (+22%; p < 0.001), and eczema (+37%; p < 0.001) between 1995 and 2003. These changes were paralleled by an increase in the prevalence of symptoms typical for hay fever (itchy eyes and runny nose), but not by an increase in wheeze. Among children aged 12-14 yr, the lifetime prevalence of diagnosed asthma increased by 32%, of hay fever by 19%, and of eczema by 28% (all, p < 0.001). These changes were paralleled by increases in the prevalence of wheezing as documented by both questions before and after a video showing wheezing children but not by symptoms typical for hay fever such as itchy eyes and runny nose. In conclusion, in Austria, contrary to other European countries, the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease increased among schoolchildren. Additional studies are needed to continue monitoring the dynamics of the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in Austria and to explore trends in their risk factors.

Coffee consumption protects human lymphocytes against oxidative and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole acetate (Trp-P-2) induced DNA-damage: results of an experimental study with human volunteers.

Aim of the study was to investigate the impact of coffee on DNA-stability in humans. DNA-damage was monitored in lymphocytes of eight individuals with single cell gel electrophoresis assays before and after consumption of 600 ml coffee (400 ml paper filtered and 200 ml metal filtered/d) for five days. Under standard conditions, no alteration of DNA-migration was seen, but a strong reduction of DNA-migration attributable to endogenous formation of oxidised purines and pyrimidines was detected with restriction enzymes; furthermore DNA-damage caused by reactive oxygen radicals (H2O2 treatment) and by the heterocyclic aromatic amine 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-acetate was significantly reduced after coffee consumption by 17% and 35%, respectively. Also in in vitro experiments, inhibition of H2O2 induced DNA-damage was observed with coffee at low concentrations (

Rates of postmortem examination in Austria: the effect of distance between location of death and site of examination.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the importance of autopsies for diagnosing disease and determining cause of death, autopsy rates are decreasing in many countries. Furthermore, autopsy rates are often not distributed randomly between different regions within countries. In this study we analyzed an apparent nonrandom spatial distribution of autopsy rates in Austria for the period 1991-2000. We tested the new hypothesis that the rate of autopsies performed on people who die at home depends on the distance from the residence to the hospital or forensic institute where autopsies are performed. METHODS: Data were extracted from the official mortality records for the years 1991-2000. Only persons who deceased in private residences were included. A logistic regression model was used. RESULTS: Even controlling for variability in sex, age, date of death, and family status, the effect of distance significantly implied lower autopsy rates in the alpine parts of Austria. CONCLUSIONS: This effect of distance may lead to artificially nonrandom mortality patterns in disease maps. As a consequence, the possibility of hypothesizing incorrect health risks to explain nonrandom mortality patterns increases.

Cross-sectional study of nocturia in both sexes: analysis of a voluntary health screening project.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of nocturia and its impact on the quality of life in both sexes by analyzing almost 2500 individuals participating in a health survey. METHODS: During a 12-month period, we included an incontinence questionnaire, which was largely based on the Bristol female lower urinary tract symptoms questionnaire, in the voluntary health examinations in the area of Vienna. In parallel, we recorded the medical history, concurrent medical therapy, physical examination findings, sociodemographic parameters, and blood laboratory study results. RESULTS: The data of 1247 women (age 49.8 +/- 13.5 years) and 1221 men (age 48.5 +/- 11.9 years) were analyzed. The percentage of individuals with nocturia of two or more times increased constantly with age: less than 30 years, 3.1% of women and 3.4% of men; 30 to 59 years, 7.2% of women and 5. 7% of men; and 60 years old or older, 26.7% of women and 32.4% of men. Age-adjusted extrapolation to the general population (older than 20 years) currently living in Austria yielded that 10.8% of men and 11.8% of women have nocturia of two or more times. Overall, 66. 9% of women and 62.2% of men reported a negative impact of nocturia on their quality of life. The correlation was close between the degree of nocturia with the quality-of-life impairment in both sexes. Several voiding symptoms correlated significantly (P <0.001) with nocturia. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia is almost equally present in both sexes, and the incidence and severity increase constantly from early adolescence to senescence. Approximately 10% of the general population (older than 20 years) have nocturia of two or more times, which impairs the quality of life in two thirds.

Prostate cancer in Austria: impact of prostate-specific antigen test on incidence and mortality.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing on prostate cancer mortality in Austria. A join-point regression model and permutation tests were used to identify changes in the slope of age-specific trends respectively calculating the annual percentage change (APC). Age-adjusted incidence increased (P < 0.01) between 1983 and 1997 by 79% from 52.2 to 93.6 cases per 100 000 men/year. Incidence in localized/regional stage disease increased in all ages by 143% from 25.7 to 62.4 cases per 100 000 men/year. Incidence in distant disease decreased (P < 0.01) between 1983 and 1997 in all ages by 38% from 9.5 to 5.9 cases per 100 000 men/year. Incidence in unstaged disease increased (P < 0.01) between 1983 and 1997 in all ages by 300% from 4.5 to 18 cases per 100 000 men/year. Age-adjusted mortality increased (P < 0.05) by 13% from 26.8 in 1983 to 30.3 deaths per 100 000 men/year in 1999. No significant changes of trends in mortality rates were detected in the age groups 50-59 years. In the age group 70-79 years the trend changed (P < 0.05) direction in 1991 and in 1994; 1983 through 1991 APC = 3.52 (95% CI 1.37, 5.72), 1991 through 1994 APC = -10.27 (95% CI -26.20, 9.1) and 1994 through 1999 APC = -0.25 (95% CI -4.55, 4.24). PSA testing increased incidence but no impact on mortality in the target population can be observed so far.

The burden of cancer in Austria.

The aim of this study was to assess the overall progress against cancer in Austria by analysing changes in age-adjusted mortality rates from 1970 to 1996. For the years 1970 to 1996, age-adjusted rates for all malignant neoplasms and for selected sites were calculated for men and women, according to year, age and sex. The number of cancer deaths were obtained from the Austrian Central Statistical Office--age-adjusted mortality rates of all malignant neoplasms decreased in men between 1971 and 1996 by 13% (from 289.1 to 251.4 deaths per 100,000), and in women between 1970 and 1996 by 19.1% (from 276.6 to 223.7 deaths per 100,000). Among older people (> or = 55 years) the mortality decreased by 13% in men and by 17% in women; among younger people (< 55 years) by 12% and 30%, respectively. The decrease in total cancer mortality is promoted by three tumour sites (the leading causes of cancer deaths in 1970). In both sexes, the decrease of stomach cancer mortality had the major impact, followed by colorectal cancer in women and by lung cancer in men. The observed changes in mortality are primarily related to changing incidence and early detection, rather than improvements in treatment. Unfortunately, there is evidence that prevention is losing ground in Austria. The implementation of the well-established knowledge of cancer prevention and the strengthening of preventative research is urgently needed.

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 and lung cancer risk.

Susceptibility to lung cancer may, in part, be determined by interindividual differences in the cytochrome P450-catalysed bioactivation and the glutathione S-transferase-catalysed detoxification of procarcinogens. Therefore a lung cancer case-control study was set up to investigate the association of three polymorphisms of the CYP1A1 gene (CYP1A1*2A, CYP1A1*2B, CYP1A1*4) and GSTM1*0 genotype with lung cancer risk in Austrian Caucasians. Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 134 male lung cancer patients and 134 age-matched controls with nonmalignant conditions and PCR-based analyses were performed. There was no significant difference in risk between cases and controls, either for the CYP1A1*2A (OR=1.09, 95%CI=0.46-2.58), CYP1A1*2B (OR=1.09, 95%CL=0.46-2.58) or for the CYP1A1*4 polymorphism (OR=0.49, 95%CL=0.20-1.16). The prevalence of the GSTM1*0 genotype in the lung cancer group (47.8%) was comparable to that found in the control group (49.3%) and also had no effect on lung cancer risk (OR=0.94, 95%CL=0.54-1.57). Further, in a subgroup of male ever-smokers (n=126), no significant influence on the relative risk was found for these polymorphisms. Our results suggest that these investigated polymorphisms can not be considered as genetic susceptibility markers for lung cancer within the Austrian Caucasian population.

[Cholesterol screening in schools--initial results]. / Cholesterinscreening in Schulen--erste Ergebnisse.

Screening for cardiovascular risk factors was performed in November 1988 among 236 school children in Sölden (Tyrol/Austria). 77.5 per cent of the children had a raised blood cholesterol (greater than or equal to 160 mg/dl = 4.14 mmol/l), and 36.4 per cent a high cardiovascular risk (cholesterol greater than 190 mg/dl = 4.91 mmol/l). The mean cholesterol level for boys was 175.4 mg/dl (4.54 mmol/l), and for girls 186.9 mg/dl (4.83 mmol/l). All children with cholesterol greater than or equal to 160 mg/dl were sent to their general practitioner for follow up.