Biology subjects

Kuehni, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Kuehni, C..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2019

Dietary intake and diet quality of Swiss adult survivors of childhood cancer compared to the general population

BackgroundChildhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, which may be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle including a good diet. ObjectivesThis study compared the dietary intake and quality of CCSs and the general population. DesignAs part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we sent a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to CCSs who had a median age of 34 years (IQR: 29-40 years) and a median of 26 years (20-31 years) postdiagnosis at the time of survey. We compared dietary intake and quality of CCSs and three comparison groups representing the general adult population using FFQ and 24h recall data (24HDR). We evaluated whether mean individual intake met national dietary recommendations and used the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) to estimate diet quality. ResultsThe 774 CCSs in our study were compared to 8964 participants in the Bus Sante study, 1276 participants in the CoLaus study, and 1134 participants in the Swiss National Nutrition Survey. Dietary intake was equally poor in CCSs and the general Swiss population. CCSs consumed inadequate amounts of vitamin D, fiber, carbohydrates, iron, vitamin A, and calcium (12%, 41%, 72%, 72%, 79%, and 89% of the recommended intakes, respectively), and excessive amounts of saturated fat, protein, cholesterol, and total fat (137%, 126%, 114%, and 107% of the recommended intakes). The mean AHEI score in CCSs was low at 48.0 (men: 45.0, women: 50.9) out of a maximum score of 100. The general population, assessed by 24HDR, scored lower overall than CCSs (41.5; men: 38.7, women: 43.8). Clinical characteristics were not associated with diet quality in CCSs. ConclusionLong-term CCSs and the general adult population have similarly poor dietary intake and quality in Switzerland, which suggests population-based interventions for everyone.

epidemiology↗

bioRxiv2018

Spirometric indices in primary ciliary dyskinesia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic, heterogeneous disease caused by dysfunction of cilia. Evidence is sparse and reports of lung function of PCD patients ranges from normal to severe impairment. This systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of lung function of PCD patients examines the spirometric indices of PCD patients and differences by age group and sex.\n\nWe searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for studies that described lung function in [≥]10 patients with PCD. We performed meta-analyses and metaregression to explain heterogeneity. We included 24 studies, ranging from 13-158 patients per study. The most commonly reported spirometric indices were forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) presented as mean and standard deviation of percent of predicted values. We found considerable heterogeneity for both parameters (I2 range 94-96%). The heterogeneity remained when we stratified the analysis by age; however, FEV1 in adult patients was lower. Even after taking into account explanatory factors, the largest part of the between-studies variance remained unexplained. Heterogeneity could be explained by genetic differences between study populations, methodological factors related to the variability of study inclusion criteria, or details on the performance and evaluation of lung function measurements that we could not account for. Prospective studies therefore need to use standardised protocols and international reference values. These results underline the possibility of distinct PCD phenotypes as in other chronic respiratory diseases. Detailed characterisation of these phenotypes and related genotypes is needed in order to better understand the natural history of PCD.

epidemiology↗

bioRxiv2018

Spatial epidemiology of gestational age and birth weight in Switzerland: Census-based linkage study

BackgroundGestational age and birth weight are strong predictors of infant morbidity and mortality. Understanding spatial variation can inform policies to reduce health inequalities. We examined small-area variation in gestational age and birth weight in Switzerland.\n\nMethodsAll singleton live births recorded in the Swiss Live Birth Register 2011 to 2014 were eligible. We deterministically linked the Live Birth Register with census and survey data to create datasets including neonatal and pregnancy-related variables, parental characteristics and geographical variables. We produced maps of 705 areas and fitted linear mixed-effect models to assess to what extent spatial variation was explained by these variables.\n\nResultsWe analysed all 315,177 eligible live births. Area-level averages of gestational age varied between 272-279 days, and between 3138-3467g for birth weight. The fully adjusted models explained 31% and 87% of spatial variation of gestational age and birth weight, respectively. Language region explained most of the variation, with shorter gestational age and lower birth weight in French- and Italian- than in German-speaking areas. Other variables explaining variation were, for gestational age, the level of urbanisation, the parents nationality and missing father. For birth weight, they were gestational age, altitude, born out of wedlock, and parental nationality. In a subset of 69,463 live births with data on parental education, levels of education were only weakly associated with gestational age or birth weight.\n\nConclusionsIn Switzerland, small area variation in birth weight is largely explained, and variation in gestational age partially explained by geocultural, socio-demographic and pregnancy factors.\n\nStrengths and limitations of this studyO_LIThis study was based on a large sample with national coverage, with data on neonatal and pregnancy-related predictors of gestational age and birth weight, and precise spatial data.\nC_LIO_LINo data were available on the mode of delivery, maternal smoking, mothers weight and height or gestational diabetes.\nC_LIO_LIThe fully adjusted model explained about 80% of the regional variation in birth weight and about 40% of the variation in gestational age.\nC_LIO_LILanguage region, a proxy for cultural, social and behavioural factors, was a strong explanatory factor, with lower birth weight and shorter gestation in the French and Italian compared to the German language region.\nC_LIO_LIUnknown father was associated with shorter gestation and lower birth weight, indicating that children not recognised by their fathers may be at higher risk of poor outcomes.\nC_LI

epidemiology↗

bioRxiv2018

The Swiss Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia registry: objectives, methods and first results

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare hereditary, multi-organ disease caused by defects in ciliary structure and function. It results in a wide range of clinical manifestations, most commonly in the upper and lower airways. Central data collection in national and international registries is essential to studying the epidemiology of rare diseases and filling in gaps in knowledge of diseases such as PCD. For this reason, the Swiss Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Registry (CH-PCD) was founded in 2013 as a collaborative project between epidemiologists and adult and paediatric pulmonologists.\n\nThe registry records patients of any age, suffering from PCD, who are treated and resident in Switzerland. It collects information from patients identified through physicians, diagnostic facilities, and patient organisations. The registry dataset contains data on diagnostic evaluations, lung function, microbiology and imaging, symptoms, treatments, and hospitalizations.\n\nBy May 2018, CH-PCD has contacted 566 physicians of different specialties and identified 134 patients with PCD. At present this number represents an overall 1 in 63,000 prevalence of people diagnosed with PCD in Switzerland. Prevalence differs by age and region; it is highest in children and adults younger than 30 years, and in Espace Mittelland. The median age of patients in the registry is 25 years (range 5-73), and 49 patients have a definite PCD diagnosis based on recent international guidelines. Data from CH-PCD are contributed to international collaborative studies and the registry facilitates patient identification for nested studies.\n\nCH-PCD has proven to be a valuable research tool that already has highlighted weaknesses in PCD clinical practice in Switzerland. Development of centralised diagnostic and management centres and adherence to international guidelines are needed to improve diagnosis and management--particularly for adult PCD patients.

epidemiology↗