Health literacy in cancer care: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Health literacy (HL) is a set of knowledge and skills that enables individuals to interpret and act upon health information, which is essential for health equity. There is a growing body of evidence in the field of HL in cancer care but there is, to our knowledge, no systematic review that explores the association between sociodemographic factors and HL among patients with cancer. The aim of this study was therefore to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature that assesses HL levels and the relationship between HL and sociodemographic factors in an adult cancer population. METHODS: This is a systematic review and its protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021164071). The study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The literature search, from December 2009 to September 2023, was made in six databases, AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in the review. The included studies used nine different measurement tools for assessing HL. In the included studies between 11.9 % and 86 % had limited HL. We identified a relationship between limited HL and annual income, education level, ethnicity, living in rural areas and multiple comorbidities. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that limited HL is prevalent in the cancer population and should be acknowledge in everyday practice to meet health equity. Our awareness about sociodemographic factors and its association with HL, may enhance adherence to cancer treatment and quality of life, and lower physical and emotional distress.

Qualitative and quantitative comparison of allergen component-specific to birch and grass analyzed by ImmunoCAP assay and Euroline immunoblot test.

Summary: Background.In the diagnostic work up of allergy, determining allergen component-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) is important for diagnosis, prognosis and choice of treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the immunoblotting assay (Euroline) in detection of IgE antibodies against timothy grass and birch pollen allergen components compared to fluorescent enzyme assay (ImmunoCAP, Phadia 250). Methods. A total of 128 serum samples from patients allergic to timothy grass and birch pollen were analysed. The levels of IgE antibodies to timothy grass and birch pollen were measured using Euroline DPA-Dx pollen 1 and ImmunoCAP assay. The two methods were then compared on binary (positive vs negative), semi-quantitative (IgE classes) and quantitative (concentration) levels. The two methods were also compared to results from skin prick testing. Results. The Euroline method showed a positive percentage agreement of 93% and negative percentage agreement of 94% with an overall accuracy of 94% when compared to ImmunoCAP. Kappa analysis showed moderate strength of agreement between the methods in determining IgE classes for 7/11 components tested. All components showed a positive correlation when analysed using Spearman's rank correlation. Conclusions. Overall, we found that there is good correlation between the Euroline and ImmunoCAP methods in measuring IgE sensitization.

Pre-treatment allergen-specific IgE analysis and outcomes of allergen immunotherapy.

Summary: Background. Patients show varied results to allergen immunotherapy (AIT. The reason for this variability is unclear. Objective. To describe the relationship between AIT efficacy and demographic characteristics, as well as pre-treatment plasma levels of specific IgE-antibodies to grass and birch pollen. Methods. A retrospective study was performed based on medical records of 128 patients who received AIT. The patients completed a questionnaire and pre-AIT plasma levels of allergen-specific IgE to grass and birch pollen were measured using EUROLINE DPA-Dx pollen 1 method. Results. Seventy percent of patients classified their allergic symptoms as less severe after AIT. Twenty-seven percent had received AIT targeting only grass pollen, 19% targeting only birch pollen, and 55% targeting both grass and birch. A total of 35 different IgE profiles were found across our study population. On comparison of the demographic characteristics and concentration of allergen-specific IgE-antibodies, no statistically significant differences could be found.Conclusions. The majority of patients rated their allergic symptoms as less severe after AIT. No clear relationship could be demonstrated between pre-treatment allergen-specific IgE concentration, or demographic characteristics, and effect of AIT. There may be other factors underlying the different responses to AIT.

Phenotype standardization of angioedema in the head and neck region caused by agents acting on the angiotensin system.

Angioedema is a potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. To study the genetic etiology of this rare adverse event, international consortia and multicenter recruitment of patients are needed. To reduce patient heterogeneity, we have standardized the phenotype. In brief, it comprises swelling in the head and neck region that first occurs during treatment. It should not coincide with urticaria or have another likely cause such as hereditary angioedema.

Anterior rhinoscopy and middle meatal culture in acute rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of bacterial culture findings for middle meatal samples obtained via anterior rhinoscopy, in the diagnosis of adults with acute rhinosinusitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microbial cultures were prepared for 30 adult patients with acute rhinosinusitis and suspected bacterial involvement, using samples from the nasopharynx, and from the nasal middle meatus obtained via anterior rhinoscopy. Findings for the ipsilateral maxillary antrum were used as a reference. RESULTS: Seventeen patients had a bacterial infection as verified by a positive culture from the maxillary antrum. Middle meatal samples had a similar sensitivity but a better specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, compared with nasopharyngeal samples, although predictive values were not statistically significant at a 95 per cent confidence level. CONCLUSION: Anterior rhinoscopy with culture of middle meatal samples can be recommended as a diagnostic procedure for acute rhinosinusitis. The results can also guide the decision on antibiotic treatment.

Acute epiglottitis: epidemiology and Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype distribution in adults.

OBJECTIVES: We studied the incidence and bacterial epidemiology of acute epiglottitis presenting in the first 16 years following the introduction of general childhood vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b. Our main objectives were to analyse (1) the incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae epiglottitis in adults and (2) the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients with acute epiglottitis (International Classification of Disease code J05.1) were investigated. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotyping was performed using gel precipitation. RESULTS: The overall incidence of acute epiglottitis was 0.98 cases/100,000/year, compared with 4.5 cases/100,000/year before the vaccination programme. The incidence was reduced both in children and adults, compared with pre-vaccination values. However, the incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae epiglottitis in adults increased from 0.1 to 0.28 cases/100,000/year over the same time period. The causative agent was Streptococcus pneumoniae in 10 adults. Nine of 10 pneumococcal strains could be serotyped. All but one serotype is represented in the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) used in adults. CONCLUSION: In acute epiglottitis, now a disease of adults, the most important bacterial aetiology is Streptococcus pneumoniae. The serotype distribution found in this study indicates that the infection is preventable by PPV-23 vaccination with the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine.

Invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b during the first six years of general vaccination of Swedish children.

Since 1992-93 vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) has been included in the general Swedish childhood vaccination programme. The aim of the present study is to describe the epidemiology, identify and describe vaccine failures and calculate vaccine effectiveness during the first 6 y after introduction of vaccination against Hib. Laboratory reports of blood and cerebrospinal isolates to the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control were used as the source for identifying the patients. Additional information was subsequently obtained from physicians and parents of children who had developed the disease during the study period. Vaccine failures were identified and vaccine effectiveness calculated. During the study period, 152 cases of invasive H. influenzae were identified in the age group 0-14 y. During the 6-y period, 6 true vaccine failures, 6 apparent vaccine failures and 1 possible vaccine failure were found in nearly two million vaccinated child-years. The effectiveness of the Hib vaccination in the birth cohort of children 1993 to 1997 in Sweden was calculated to be 96.1% (95% confidence interval 94.2-97.5). The study supports earlier studies from several countries that conjugated Hib vaccination introduced in general childhood vaccination programs is effective and substantially decreases suffering from invasive Hib diseases.

Epiglottitis in Sweden before and after introduction of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b.

BACKGROUND: Acute epiglottitis is an important manifestation of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection. In 1992 and 1993 Hib vaccination was introduced in the general childhood vaccination program in Sweden. The aim of the present investigation was to study the impact of Hib vaccination on the diagnosis of epiglottitis in Sweden in children as well as adults. METHODS: A retrospective national population-based study on the incidence of epiglottitis in Sweden was performed for the 10-year period 1987 to 1996. The incidence calculations were based on figures from the national register of all patients treated at Swedish hospitals. The incidence (cases/100,000/year) for the prevaccination period 1987 to 1991 was compared with the incidence after Hib vaccination was introduced. RESULTS: In children a substantial decrease was found after introduction of large scale vaccination against Hib. Below 5 years of age the annual incidence decreased from 20.9 in 1987 to 0.9 in 1996. In adults a tendency toward a decrease in incidence was evident. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of Hib vaccination in a general childhood program was followed not only by a >90% reduction in the incidence in the youngest age group but also by a reduction in the incidence in the older age groups and among adults.

Glycosphingolipid binding specificities of Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae: detection, isolation, and characterization of a binding-active glycosphingolipid from human oropharyngeal epithelium.

The glycosphingolipid binding specificities of Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis were investigated as to the binding of radiolabeled bacteria to glycosphingolipids on thin-layer chromatograms. Thereby, similar binding profiles, for the binding of the two bacteria to lactosylceramide, isoglobotriaosylceramide, gangliotriaosylceramide, gangliotetraosylceramide, lactotetraosylceramide, neolactotetraosylceramide, and sialylneolactohexaosylceramide, were obtained. On a closer view the binding preferences of the bacteria could be differentiated into three groups. The first specificity is recognition of lactosylceramide. The second specificity is binding to gangliotriaosylceramide and gangliotetraosylceramide, since conversion of the acetamido group of the N-acetylgalactosamine of gangliotriaosylceramide and gangliotetraosylceramide to an amine prevented the binding of the bacteria, and thus the binding to these two glycosphingolipids represents a separate specificity from lactosylceramide recognition. Preincubation of H. influenzae with neolactotetraose inhibited the binding to neolactotetraosylceramide, while the binding to lactosylceramide, gangliotetraosylceramide, or lactotetraosylceramide was unaffected. Thus, the third binding specificity is represented by neolactotetraosylceramide, and involves recognition of other neolacto series glycosphingolipids with linear N-acetyllactosamine chains, such as sialyl-neolactohexaosylceramide. The relevance of the detected binding specificities for adhesion to target cells was addressed as to the binding of the bacteria to glycosphingolipids from human granulocytes, epithelial cells of human nasopharyngeal tonsils and human plexus choroideus. Binding-active neolactotetraosylceramide was thereby detected in human granulocytes and the oropharyngeal epithelium.

Aetiology of acute epiglottitis in adults.

In order to determine the aetiology of acute epiglottitis in adults, blood cultures, paired sera and a urine sample were obtained from 54 patients with fever and epiglottitis visualized by indirect laryngoscopy or by direct fibreoptic nasolaryngoscopy. Antibodies were determined against the capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), 3 pneumococcal antigens (a mixture of 23 capsular polysaccharides, C-polysaccharide and pneumolysin) and antistreptolysin O. Acute sera were examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA of Hib and pneumococci. The urine samples were examined for Hib capsular antigen. Blood cultures were positive in 15 patients. In another 16, serology and/or PCR verified the aetiology. Hib was the cause in 14, pneumococci in 12 and group A streptococci in 5 patients. The aetiology remained unknown in 23/54 patients (43%). In conclusion, the addition of serology and PCR to blood cultures doubled the possibilities of verifying the aetiology of acute epiglottitis in adults.

Protective effect of breastfeeding on invasive Haemophilus influenzae infection: a case-control study in Swedish preschool children.

BACKGROUND: In Orebro County a 2.5-fold increase in the incidence of Haemophilus influenzae (HI) meningitis was found between 1970 and 1980, an observation that initiated the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to search for associations between morbidity in invasive HI infection and possible risk factors, a case-control study was conducted over a 6-year period from 1987 to 1992, before general Hib vaccination was introduced in Sweden. Fifty-four cases with invasive HI infection 139 matched controls were studied for possible risk factors such as day-care outside the home, short duration of breastfeeding, passive smoking, low socioeconomic level of the household, many siblings in the family, allergy, frequent, infections, repeated antibiotic treatments and immunoglobulin deficiency. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between invasive HI infection and two independent factors, i.e. short duration (< 13 weeks) of exclusive breastfeeding, odds ratio (OR) 3.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-8.8) and history of frequent infections, OR 4.49 (95% CI : 1.0-21.0). For the age at onset 12 months or older, the associations were stronger, OR 7.79 (95% CI : 2.4-26.6) and 5.86 (95% CI : 1.1-30.6), respectively. When breastfeeding duration in weeks was analysed as a continuous variable the OR was 0.95 (95% CI : 0.92-0.99), indicating a decreased risk with each additional week. Increased OR were observed for other risk factors as well but not of the magnitude found for short duration of breastfeeding. DISCUSSION: The association of decreased risk for invasive HI infection and long duration of breastfeeding was persisting beyond the period of breastfeeding itself. This finding supports the hypothesis of a long-lasting protective effect of breastfeeding on the risk for invasive HI infection. CONCLUSION: A decreased risk for invasive HI infection with long duration of breastfeeding was found. Our results do have implications for strategies in breastfeeding promotion, especially in countries where Hib vaccination is too costly and not yet implemented.

Audiovestibular and neuropsychological outcome of adults who had recovered from childhood bacterial meningitis.

A sample of 22 subjects was studied from a population of adults who had suffered from bacterial meningitis in childhood. Audiovestibular, oculomotor and neuropsychological investigations were performed and quality of life was assessed. An age-matched control group of 20 subjects was recruited. In the meningitis group, nine subjects had abnormal pure tone audiograms. One was previously undiagnosed and a progression was found in four. There was an overrepresentation of subclinical vestibular pathology (6 out of 9 (67%)) in this group. Audiovestibular test results showed a peripheral pattern and oculomotor tests were normal. The quality of life scores of those with hearing loss were significantly higher than those in the control group. Neuropsychological tests of brain dysfunction were abnormal in six out of 22 (27%) who had recovered from meningitis. The prevalence of such dysfunctions was not related to audiovestibular disorder. The quality of life scores of those with brain dysfunctions were similar to those of the control group. The findings of reduced auditory memory and tone level perception in four out of 22 (18%), suggest that lesions of central auditory pathways may follow from bacterial meningitis. The results support the idea that inner ear damage is the major cause of hearing loss after bacterial meningitis. Despite the absence of brainstem involvement, central nervous system lesions with disturbed auditory processing and language functions can be of significance. The high frequency of discrete brain dysfunctions indicate that a thorough neuropsychological investigation is required after bacterial meningitis.

The impact of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination in Sweden.

The number of patients with meningitis and bacteremia due to Haemophilus influenzae was studied in Sweden over the period 1987-1994. Conjugated H. influenzae type b vaccines were introduced in Sweden in 1992, and all children born after December 31, 1992, were offered vaccination free of charge. A rapid decline of H. influenzae meningitis and bacteraemia was observed in the autumn of 1993, when the expected peak incidence failed to appear. In the prevaccination period 1987-1991, the average annual incidence (cases/100,000) was 34.4 in children aged 0-4 years. In 1994, the annual incidence fell to 3.5. No significant decline was observed in older children or adults. There was a 92% reduction in the number of meningitis cases and an 83% reduction in cases of bacteraemia. A similar decline was noted in 2 regions which followed different strategies for the introduction of the vaccination programme.

Incidence and prognosis of meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis in Sweden.

The incidence, concomitant conditions and case fatality rate of Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) and pneumococcal meningitis and of invasive meningococcal infections were studied retrospectively in Sweden (population 8.4 million) for the years 1987-89, the period before vaccination against Hi type b started. A total of 1,019 cases with culture-verified infection were found. The incidence rates per 100,000 per year were 1.8 for Hi meningitis, 1.2 for pneumococcal meningitis and 1.0 for invasive meningococcal infections. The age-specific incidence was highest in the 3-23 months age group for the 3 bacterial species. Pneumococcal meningitis was common in individuals > or = 60 years and meningococcal infections in the age-group 10-24 years. A serious concomitant condition was known in 57% of all patients with pneumococcal meningitis while this was uncommon for the other organisms. The case fatality rate was 2% for Hi meningitis, 24% for pneumococcal meningitis and 10% for meningococcal infections. All 81 pneumococcal isolates which had been serotyped belonged to serotypes in the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine. Of the meningococcal isolates, 65% belonged to serogroup B. In conclusion, the high incidence of Hib meningitis justifies general Hib vaccination. Development of a vaccine against N. meningitidis group B should have high priority. Furthermore, improved pneumococcal vaccines are needed for patients with predisposing conditions. The currently available pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine seems to be underused.

Incidence, aetiology, and prognosis of acute epiglottitis in children and adults in Sweden.

A retrospective study of the incidence, aetiology and case fatality rate of acute epiglottitis in children and adults was performed. The study covered the whole of Sweden (population 8.4 million) during the years 1987-89, before general vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) type b was started. Patients were included if it was documented that they fulfilled all 3 of the following criteria: (a) red and swollen epiglottis visualized by indirect laryngoscopy, (b) inspiratory stridor or difficulties in swallowing, and (c) a temperature > or = 38 degrees C. A total of 306 children and adolescents (0-19 years) and 502 adults (> or = 20 years) were found. The age-specific incidence was highest in children aged 0-4 years, (14.7/100,000 per year). The total incidence was 3.2/100,000 per year. In the age group 0-19 years, blood cultures had been obtained from 195 (64%) and Hi was isolated from 154 (79%). In adults (> or = 20 years), 114 of 298 blood cultures yielded Hi, while pneumococci were isolated from 5 and group A streptococci from 3 patients. A total of 220 children (72%) and 114 adults (23%) needed an artificial airway. Five children and 12 adults died. In conclusion, the incidence of acute epiglottis in Sweden is very high. Compared to a previous country-wide study covering the years 1981-83 that used the same methods for case finding and case definition, the incidence in children had decreased while the incidence in adults had increased.

Invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease: epidemiology and clinical spectrum before large-scale H. influenzae type b vaccination.

In a prospective study between January 1987 and December 1992, 103 patients with invasive Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) infection were identified in a well-defined population before large-scale Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination was introduced. The incidence (case/100,000/year) of invasive Hi infection was 5.9 for the whole population, 55 for children 0-4 years old and as high as 2.8 for adults. Hib was the predominant cause of the infection (83 cases) in children but, in adults, 13/39 (30%) cases were caused by non-typable Hi and 6/39 (19%) by Hi serotype f. Three patients (3%) died and 6 (5.8%) suffered a permanent sequel from the infection. All patients with such a sequel had invasive Hib infection. No significant difference between patients 0-6 years old and matched controls regarding the frequency of subnormal serum levels of immunoglobulins was found.

Acute epiglottitis--aetiology, epidemiology and outcome in a population before large-scale Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination.

Over a period of 18 years 219 consecutive cases of acute epiglottitis were diagnosed and subsequently investigated in order to elucidate the aetiology, epidemiology and outcome of this disease in a well-defined population in Sweden before general vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b infection was introduced. Compared with the results from other parts of the industrialized world, high incidence rates were found in both children (14/100,000/year) and adults (2.3/100,000/year). The annual trend showed a significant decline in incidence among children, whereas in adults it remained unchanged. In cases where the aetiological agent could be determined, infection with H. influenzae type b was the main cause of disease in all age groups. However, in adults 27% (6/22) had a disease caused by micro-organisms other than H. influenzae type b that were verified with a blood culture. Sixty-eight per cent had a negative blood culture. The mortality rate was 0.5% (1/219) and 6% (13/219) developed a significant complication of the disease.

Different seroprevalences of antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A and Haemophilus influenzae type b in Sudanese and Swedish children.

Sampling of sera from 202 Sudanese and 124 Swedish children 1-14 years of age was conducted at the end of the 1980s presenting an opportunity to compare the seroprevalence of anti-Neisseria meningitidis (MC) serogroup A antibodies in an area immediately before outbreak of an epidemic (Sudan 1988) with a low endemic area (Sweden). An ELISA antibody assay was developed for detection of antibodies against capsular polysaccharide of MC serogroup A and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Serum antibody against MC serogroup A was found significantly more frequently in Sudanese than in Swedish children. This indicates that factors other than herd immunity, as measured by serum antibodies against MC serogroup A polysaccharide, are important for avoidance of an MC serogroup A epidemic. The seroprevalence of Hib antibodies was, in contrast, significantly higher in Swedish than in Sudanese children, especially for 5-9-year-old children. A possible explanation may be the different systems of day-care of children in the two countries.