Abstracts, Systematic Reviews, Info Bites, And Furthermore...

Abstracts

LONG-TERM RESULTS OF SURGERYCOMPARED WITH NONOPERATIVETREATMENT FOR LUMBARDEGENERATIVE SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Experts compared the 8-year outcomes between surgery and nonoperative care and among different fusion techniques for symptomatic lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). They enrolled the surgical candidates with DS from 13 centers with at least 12 weeks of symptoms and confirmatory imaging in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or observational cohort study (OBS). Significantly greater improvements in pain and function for patients with symptomatic DS were seen in the patients who received surgery compared with nonoperative treatment through 8 years of follow-up. The outcomes were not affected by the fusion technique. Similar outcomes were noted among patients treated with uninstrumented posterolateral fusion, instrumented posterolateral fusion, and 360° fusion.

Abdu WA, et al. Long-term results of surgery compared with nonoperative treatment for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis in the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT). Spine,November 16, 2018

A LIFETIME OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES PAYS DIVIDENDS

In this cross-sectional study, investigators assessed 1,826 community-dwelling men and women in southern California aged 60–99 years who attended a research visit in 1988–1992 to identify associations between physical activity throughout the lifespan and cognitive function in older age. They observed improved cognitive function in those who had partook in regular physical activity regardless of intensity. They also observed that physical activity in teenage years had a positive, protective benefit against age-related decline in executive function.

Reas ET, et al. Lifetime physical activity and late-life cognitive function: TheRancho Bernardo study. Age and Aging,January 09, 2019

MANIPULATION-INDUCEDHYPOALGESIA IN MUSCULOSKELETALPAIN POPULATIONS

Background: Manipulation-induced hypoalgesia (MIH) represents reduced pain sensitivity following joint manipulation, and has been documented in various populations. It is unknown, however, whether MIH following high-velocity low-amplitude spinal manipulative therapy is a specific and clinically relevant treatment effect.

Methods: Our objectives were to compare changes in quantitative sensory testing outcomes after spinal manipulative therapy vs. sham, control and active interventions, to estimate the magnitude of change over time, and to determine whether changes are systemic or not.

Results: Fifteen studies were included. Thirteen measured pressure pain threshold, and four of these were sham-controlled. Change in pressure pain threshold after spinal manipulative therapy compared to sham revealed no significant difference. Pressure pain threshold increased significantly over time after spinal manipulative therapy (0.32 kg/cm2, CI 0.22– 0.42), which occurred systemically. There were too few studies comparing to other interventions or for other types of quantitative sensory testing to make robust conclusions about these.

Conclusions: We found that systemic MIH (for pressure pain threshold) does occur in musculoskeletal pain populations, though there was low quality evidence of no significant difference compared to sham manipulation. Future research should focus on the clinical relevance of MIH, and different types of quantitative sensory tests.

Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde, Sarah J. Etheringtonand Bruce F. Walker. Manipulation-induced hypoalgesia in musculoskeletal pain populations: a systematic critical reviewand meta-analysis. Sasha L. Aspinall Email author View ORCID ID profile, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 201927:7

Systematic Reviews

EFFECTIVENESS OF KINESIO TAPING IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NS LBP. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS

This study sought to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) in patients with nonspecific low back pain as KT is widely used in patients with low back pain. The authors included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain that compared KT to no intervention or placebo as well as RCTs that compared KT combined with exercise against exercise alone. They considered pain intensity and disability as the primary outcomes. Whenever possible, the data were pooled through meta-analysis. They identified 11 RCTs for this systematic review (pooled n = 743) and concluded that there was very low to moderate quality evidence shows that KT was no better than any other intervention for most the outcomes assessed in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. We found no evidence to support the use of KT in clinical practice for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Luz Júnior, et al., Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain - ASystematic Review With Meta-analysis. Spine: January 1, 2019 - Volume 44 - Issue1 - p 68-78

PREDICTIVE FACTORS FOR BRACE TREATMENT OUTCOME IN ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS.

Investigators analyzed cases diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) of age ≤ 18 years and treated with a thoracolumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO) to assess the forbidden factors of brace treatment consequences ie, failure and/or success. They recorded a sum of 19 radiographic and 8 clinical predictive factors with multiple types of TLSO braces like Boston, Wilmington, Cheneau, Osaka Medical College, Dresdner Scoliosis Orthosis and SPoRT. They observed an association of lack of initial in-brace correction with treatment failure. They suggested a link of brace wear time with failure and success with the moderate evidence.

van den Bogaart M, et al. Predictive factors for brace treatment outcome in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Abest-evidence synthesis. European SpineJournal, January 07, 2019

ASSOCIATION OF ASPIRIN USEFOR PRIMARY PREVENTION WITH CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS AND BLEEDING EVENTS.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers evaluated data from 13 trials with 164,225 participants without cardiovascular disease to see how aspirin use for primary prevention relates with cardiovascular events and bleeding. Findings revealed that aspirin use in those without cardiovascular disease correlated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events and a higher risk of major bleeding.

Zheng SL, et al. Association of aspirin use for primary prevention with cardiovascular events and bleeding events: A systematic review and metaanalysis.JAMA, January 23, 2019

THE RELATIVE WEIGHT OF SCHOOLBAGS IS SIGNIFICANTLY ASSOCIATEDWITH LBP

A total of 950 public high school students (aged, 14 to 19 years) from all governorates were estimated to assess the prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) in Kuwait and also to examine the relationship between LBP and the weight of school bags. Authors observed a resemblance between the prevalence of LBP amongst high school students in Kuwait and that of high-income countries. They also noted a significantly higher prevalence among females as compared to males. The relative weight of school bag (as a percentage of the body weight) was noticed significantly in association with LBP in univariable analysis

Akbar F, et al. Prevalence of low Back pain among adolescents in relation to the weight of school bags. BMCMusculoskeletal Disorders, January 25, 2019

Info Bites

THE WORSE THE LOWER LIMB PAIN THE BETTER THE OUTCOME OF SPINAL STENOSIS SURGERY.

Data from the Norwegian Registry for SpineSurgery (NORspine) was assessed for the comparative study of the clinical outcomes after decompressive surgery in lumbar spinal stenosis between cases with in significant lower extremity pain and those with more severe pain. Four groups were meant as per pain intensity: group 1 (insignificant pain),group 2 (mild or moderate pain), group3 (severe pain) and group 4 (extremely severe pain). Researchers observed 154cases in group 1; 753 in group 2; 1766 in group 3; and 528 in group 4. They noted less improvement in primary and secondary outcome parameters from baseline to followup among subjects with lower extremity pain as compared to those with more severe lower extremity pain.

Hermansen E, et al. Clinical outcome after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis in patients with insignificant lower extremity pain: A prospective cohort study fromthe Norwegian registry for spine surgery. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, January 25,2019

GENERALIZED HYPERMOBILITYIS RELATED TO HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH THE KNEES?

In this cross-sectional population-based survey that included 2,056 Danish adults,researchers assessed the prevalence of self-reported generalized joint hypermobility(GJHk) and knee joint hypermobility (KJH),as well as the association of these conditions to knee joint symptoms, severity and duration of symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The total response rate was49%, and the prevalence of self-reportedGJHk and KJH was 13% and 23%. They noted that > 50% of respondents with GJHk and KJH had knee joint symptoms. They observed two times higher presentation of knee joint-related symptoms like pain,reduced performance of usual activity, and lower HRQoL among respondents with GJHk and KJH.

Junge T, et al. Generalized joint hypermobility and knee joint hypermobility: Prevalence, knee joint symptoms and health-related qualityof life in a Danish adult population. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases,February 01, 2019

DAIRY AND SUPPLEMENT-BASED CALCIUM INTAKE IN ADULTHOOD AND VERTEBRAL DIMENSIONS IN MIDLIFE.

Researchers assessed the association of dairy and supplement-based calcium in takein adulthood with vertebral size in midlife.Study participants included 1,064 individuals from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966who had undergone lumbar MRI at 46 years of age, and had provided self-reported data on diet and calcium intake at ages 31 and46. After adjusting for body mass index,diet, vitamin D intake, education, leisure time physical activity, and smoking, the investigators used a generalized estimating equation and linear regression models to evaluate the link between calcium intake and vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA). They found that women with insufficient calcium intake over the follow-up period had 3.8%smaller midlife vertebral CSA vs women with sufficient calcium intake. Overall,inadequate calcium consumption from ages31-46 predicted small vertebral size and consequential decreased spine resilience among middle-aged women.

Oura P, et al. Dairy and supplement-based calcium intake in adulthood and vertebral dimensions in midlife: The NorthernFinland Birth Cohort 1966 Study.Osteoporosis International, January 18, 2019

DOES TIMING OF PRIMARY TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY PRIOR TO OR AFTER LUMBAR SPINE FUSION HAVEAN EFFECT ON DISLOCATION AND REVISION RATES?

Data from 2005 to 2015 was assessed to compare dislocation and revision risks in subjects with primary total hip arthroplasty(THA) with pre-existing lumbar spine fusion(LSF) vs THA with LSF within 1, 2 and 5 years after the index THA. After adjusting for age,socioeconomic status, race, census region,gender, Charls on score, preexisting conditions,discharge status, length of stay and hospital characteristics, multivariate cox regression analysis was performed. They observed an increased risk of 106% of dislocation in cases with prior LSF undergoing THA as compared to those with LSF done 5 years after THA. At1, 2 and 5 years post THA, the risk of revisionTHA was higher in the preexisting LSF group by 43%, 41%, and 49% as compared to THA done first with subsequent LSF. Dislocation was the most common cause for revision THA especially in the prior LSF group with incidence of 26.6%.

Malkani A, et al. Does timing of primary total hip arthroplasty prior to or after lumbar spine fusion have an effect ondislocation and revision rates? Journal ofArthroplasty, January 17, 2019

AGE AT ONSET OF WALKING IN INFANCY IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIP SHAPE IN EARLY OLD AGE.

In 1423 individuals (740 women) from theMedical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development, a nationally representative British birth cohort, researchers examined associations between walking age and hip shape at age 60 to 64 years.Age of walking in months was obtained from a maternal interview at 2 years of age.In a relatively large nationally representative cohort, age at onset of walking in infancy was correlated with variations in hip shape in older age. Early walkers have a larger femoral head and neck and a smaller neck-shaft angle,which is associated with a reduced risk of hip fracture, but also an osteoarthritic-like phenotype. Findings revealed that hip features identified in later walkers described a shape associated with increased fracture risk.

Ireland A, et al. Age at onset of walking in infancy is associated with hip shape inearly old age. Journal of Bone and MineralResearch, January 17, 2019

SLEEP APNEA PREDISPOSES TOGOUT?

Authors of this analysis assessed if people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more likely to develop gout, in the short and long term, compared with those withoutOSA. For this purpose, they conducted a matched retrospective cohort study using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.They collected and analyzed data from15,879 adults with OSA and 63,296 adults without, with a median follow-time time of 5.8years. Gout developed in 4.9% of patients with OSA and 2.6% of patients without the disorder. They found that there was a higher risk of developing gout beyond the first year following diagnosis in the patients with OSA.Moreover, peak incidences of gout were noted to vary according to body mass index.

Blagojevic-Bucknall M, et al. The risk of gout among patients with sleep apnea:A matched cohort study. Arthritis &Rheumatology, December 07, 2018

6-WEEK COMBINED EXERCISE PROGRAM ON FASTING INSULIN AND FITNESS LEVELS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY.

Investigators assessed 19 candidates to examine the influence of combined exercise program (aerobic and resistance exercises for 60 min per day) on the fasting insulin and fitness levels of people with spinal cord injury(SCI). They noticed a reduction in average fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in the exercise group after the 6-week exercise program.A significant improvement was noted in the muscle strength of shoulder flexors,extensors, abductors, adductors, and elbow flexors in the exercise group as compared tothe controls.

Kim DI, et al. A pilot randomized controlled trial of 6-week combined exercise program on fasting insulin and fitness levels in individuals with spinalcord injury. European Spine Journal, January25, 2019

LOWER LEVELS OF ACTIVITY LEADS TO SCOLIOSIS?

Researchers performed the first prospective population-based study reporting the association between physical activity and scoliosis. Self-reported measures of physical ability/activity at ages 18 months and 10 years were obtained in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and by means of accelerometry, objective measures of physical activity were collected at age 11 years. They used the dxa scoliosis Method at age 15 years to detect scoliosis. In this study, they did not include participants with scoliosis at age 10 years.According to findings, reduced physical ability and activity were observed as early as age 18 months in those who go on to develop scoliosis by age 15 years.

Tobias JH, et al. Association between physical activity and scoliosis: A prospective cohort study. InternationalJournal of Epidemiology, December 10, 2018

THE ASSOCIATION OF BACK MUSCLE STRENGTH AND SARCOPENIA-RELATED PARAMETERS IN THE PATIENTS WITH SPINAL DISORDERS.

Researchers performed this cross-sectional observational study including 230 consecutive patients with spinal disorders who visited their outpatient clinic (age range 65–92years) to evaluate the association between back muscle strength, trunk muscle mass,and sarcopenia-related parameters in these patients. Significant correlation of back muscle strength was noted with trunk muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Sarcopenia, dynapenia, and normal stages were noted in 16.4%, 26.7%, and56.9% for males, and 23.7%, 50.9%, and25.4% for females, respectively. Females displayed a significantly higher prevalence of dynapenia than males. The normal group had back muscle strength significantly greater than that observed in the sarcopenic and dynapenic groups.

Toyoda H, et al. The association of back muscle strength and sarcopeniarelated parameters in the patients withspinal disorders. European Spine Journal,December 13, 2018

THE RISK FACTORS FOR CERVICALSPINE LISTHESIS PROGRESSION.

In this study the authors sought to determine the risk factors for progression of degenerative listhesis by comparing patients with and without progression at greater than 5-yearfollow-up.

They identified 218 patients with greater than 5-year follow-up without surgery.The participants were categorized as either having or not having cervical spondylolisthesis. They defined spondylolisthesis as the presence of greater than 2 mm of translation in standing neutral lateral radiographs of the cervical spine at the initial evaluation. The control group at baseline was those without spondylolisthesis. Progression of translation was defined as greater than 2 mm of additional translation on the final standing neutral radiograph.

They found that the progression of translation was found in 20 patients (9.2%),including 4 patients in the spondylolisthesis group and 16 patients in the control group.Progression of translation was not related to the presence of spondylolisthesis or the severity of translation at the initial evaluation,but was more common in the elderly and in the patients with anterior translation than those with posterior translation at the initial evaluation. In addition, progression of spondylolisthesis was not correlated with any change of symptoms.

Park, Moon Soo, et al., Natural History of Cervical Degenerative Spondylolisthesis. Spine: January 1, 2019 - Volume 44 - Issue1 - p E7-E12

RISK FACTORS FOR PROLONGED POSTOPERATIVE OPIOID USE AFTER SPINE SURGERY.

Researchers categorized adult subjects who had spine surgery in 3 groups and studied to evaluate the risk factors for prolonged postoperative opioid use after spine surgery by using statistical analysis including multivariate modified Poisson regression,linear regression, and chi-squared testing. They recognized the use of opioid medications at 6 months preoperatively as a risk factor for continued usage and at higher doses 6 months postoperatively after excluding determinants like psychiatric history, smoking status, and alcohol use.

Rosenthal BD, et al. Risk factors for prolonged postoperative opioid use after spine surgery: A review of dispensation trends from a state-run prescriptionmonitoring program. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons,January 02, 2019

SUPRASCAPULAR NERVE BLOCKWORKS BETTER THAN SUBACROMIALIN JECTION IN PATIENTS WITH ROTATOR CUFF TEARS.

In a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial using sealed-envelope randomization,authors assessed the clinical efficiency of a suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) vssubacromial injection (SA) for outpatient treatment of 42 subjects with symptomatic rotator cuff tears. The symptomatic partial-and full-thickness rotator cuff tears were quantified by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging received either an ultrasound-guided SSNB or SA. They observed 51.2% of shoulders underwent SAs and 48.8% underwent SSNBs. The mean change from the baseline Constant-Murley(CM) score was recorded higher in theSSNB group as compared to the SA group,at 6 weeks and at 12 weeks too. They also noticed better visual analog scale score in the SSNB group at 12 weeks. At 6 and 12weeks for symptomatic rotator cuff tears,SSNB appeared better in pain and functional results than SA.

Coory JA, et al. Efficacy of suprascapular nerve block compared with subacromial injection: A randomized controlled trialin patients with rotator cuff tears. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, January 17,2019

And Furthermore...

HOW DOES BEING A MIGRANT IMPACTON YOUR HEALTH?

Via performing this systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers reviewed and synthesized available mortality data on international migrants. Studies that reported on mortality outcomes for international migrants of any age residing outside their country of birth were included in the analysis. Studies that enrolled individuals solely from intensive care or high dependency hospital units, with an existing health condition or status, or a particular health exposure were excluded. Studies limited to maternal or perinatal outcomes were also deemed ineligible. Outcomes revealed that, compared with general populations, international migrants have a mortality advantage, which persists across the majority of International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision (ICD-10)disease categories. The identified mortality advantage will be illustrative of international migrants in high-income countries who are studying, working, or have joined family members in these countries. As little data were available for marginalized groups in low- and middle-income countries,these results might not indicate the health outcomes of these groups, highlighting an important gap in existing research.

Aldridge RW, et al. Global patterns of mortality in international migrants: Asystematic review and meta-analysis.The Lancet, December 07, 2018

EATING AT NIGHT AND PRONENESS TODIABETES

In a large Japanese cohort including40–54 years old 8,153 adults with specific medical checkups done in an Okayama facility from 2009 to 2010 and from 2013 to2014, researchers evaluated age-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted odds ratios of metabolic syndrome and its components for an average of 3.9 years in relation to night eating habits including dinner immediately before bed, snacks after dinner,or combinations of both. In subjects with both eating habits vs in those with neither habit, the estimated multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for obesity was 2.11 for men and 3.02 for women. Albeit insignificant, a supra-additive interaction influence of both habits on obesity development was seen in women. Women, not men, showed a link between eating habits at night and metabolic syndrome. Men and women both showed an association of both night eating habits with dyslipidemia. Findings call for intervention and awareness among individuals with night eating habits.

Yoshida J, et al. Association of night eating habits with metabolic syndromeand its components: A longitudinal study.BMC Public Health, December 12, 2018

DOES VITAMIN K PROTECT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER?

In this study involving participants in theProstate, Lung, Colorectal, and OvarianCancer (PLCO) Screening Trial, researchers assessed the associations of dietary intake of phylloquinone (vitamin K-1),menaquinones (vitamin K-2), and total vitamin K with the development of prostate cancer via Cox proportional hazards regression. The participants were followed-up for a median duration of 11.8 years. From a total of 28,356 men who completed theDietary Questionnaire (DQX) and 48,090men who completed the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), 2,978 cases (including490 advanced cases) and 2,973 cases of prostate cancer (including 647 advanced cases) were identified, respectively. The investigators found that there was no significant association between dietary intakes of phylloquinone, menaquinones,and total vitamin K, assessed with either the DQX or DHQ, and the risk of advanced,non advanced, and total prostate cancer,after adjustment for confounders. Overall,in this general US population, there was no influence of vitamin K intake on the occurrence of total and advanced prostate cancer.

Hoyt M, et al. Vitamin K intake and prostate cancer risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer(PLCO) Screening Trial. American Journalof Clinical Nutrition, January 11, 2019

THE ASSOCIATIONS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INTAKES WITH BURDEN OF DISEASES

Researchers summarized the associations of fruit and vegetable intakes with global burden of diseases reported in published meta-analyses, and reported on the best relative risk estimates. For each 100-g/day increase in fruit intakes, the highest identified linear dose responses were 0.56for esophageal cancer and 0.72 for mouth,pharynx, and larynx cancer. For the first 100g/day of fruit intake, the identified nonlinear dose responses were 0.86 for stroke and0.89 for all-cause mortality. For each 100-g/day increase in vegetable intake, the highest identified linear dose responses were 0.88 for renal cell cancer and 0.89for non-Hodgkin lymphoma; nonlinear dose responses for the first 100 g/day of vegetable intake were 0.86 for coronary heart disease, followed by 0.87 for all-cause mortality. The investigators also noted positive associations of canned fruit intake with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality; pickled vegetable intake was positively associated with stomach cancer as well. Overall, existing recommendations for fruit and vegetable intakes were supported

Yip CSC, et al. The associations of fruit and vegetable intakes with burden of diseases: A systematic review of metaanalyses.Journal of the Academy of Nutritionand Dietetics, January 14, 2019

CARBOHYDRATE QUALITY AND HUMANHEALTH

In this series of systematic reviews andmeta-analyses on the link between carbohydrate quality and health, researchers quantified the predictive potential of several markers more precisely, identified which markers are most useful, and established a basis for quantitative recommendations for dietary fiber intakes. This investigation involved prospective studies published from the beginning of the database toApril 30, 2017, and randomized controlled trials published from the beginning of the database to February 28, 2018, which reported on indicators of carbohydrate quality and non-communicable disease incidence, mortality, and risk factors.Findings from prospective studies and clinical trials correlated with relatively high intakes of dietary fiber and whole grains were complementary, and striking dose-response evidence shows that the connections to several non-communicable diseases could be causal. It is expected that the implementation of recommendations to increase intake of dietary fibers and replace refined grains with whole grains will benefit human health. The ability to examine key indicators of carbohydrate quality in relation to a range of non-communicable disease outcomes from cohort studies and randomized trials in a single study was a major strength of the study. The results of the study are limited to the overall risk reduction in the population rather than those with chronic disease. When daily intake of dietary fiber was between 25 g and 29 g, risk reduction associated with a range of critical outcomes was greatest.

Reynolds A, et al. Carbohydrate quality and human health: A series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The Lancet,January 14, 2019

EFFECT OF LOW-SODIUM SALTSUBSTITUTES ON BLOOD PRESSURE,DETECTED HYPERTENSION, STROKEAND MORTALITY

Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS)as a potential intervention to reduce cardiovascular (CV) diseases by analyzing 21 randomized controlled trials (15 in hypertensive [n=2,016], 2 in normotensive[n=163], and 4 in mixed populations [n=5,224]) that compared detected hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP), overall mortality, stroke and other CV risk factors in those receiving LSSS vs regular salt. These studies were identified from five engines andClinicalTrials.gov, which were searched from inception to May 2018. LSSS formulations were heterogeneous. Similar effects were noted across hypertensive, normotensive,and mixed populations. Significantly reducedSBP and DBP levels were noted with LSSS vs control, while no effect was evident for detected hypertension, overall mortality, and intermediate outcomes.

Hernandez AV, et al. Effect of low-sodium salt substitutes on blood pressure, detected hypertension, stroke andmortality. Heart, January 23, 2019

AN INVERSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEENALLERGIES AND CANCERS

In this case-control study, researchers examined how allergic rhinitis, asthma,and eczema correlated with cancer risk among elderly Americans by analyzing Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results(SEER)-Medicare linked data. Subjects with first cancer diagnosed in SEER registries between 1992-2013 (ages 66-99;N=1,744,575) were included as cases and controls who were cancer-free (N=100,000)were selected randomly from Medicare,matched on sex, age and selection year. Using Medicare claims, allergic conditions were identified. For cancers of the hypopharynx, esophagus (squamous cell), cervix, tonsil/oropharynx, and vagina/vulva, strong inverse correlations were observed with allergic rhinitis. For cancers of the esophagus (adenocarcinoma),stomach, colon, recto sigmoid/rectum,liver, gallbladder, lung, uterus, bladder,and miscellaneous sites, lesser but still significant inverse correlations were observed. Reduced risk of liver cancer was noted in association with asthma, while eczema was related to higher risk of T-celllymphoma.

D’Arcy M, et al. Allergies and the subsequent risk of cancer among elderly adults in the United States. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention,February 01, 2019