Explaining sex differences in risk of bloodstream infections using mediation analysis in the population-based HUNT study in Norway.

Previous studies indicate sex differences in incidence and severity of bloodstream infections (BSI). We examined the effect of sex on risk of BSI, BSI mortality, and BSI caused by the most common infecting bacteria. Using causal mediation analyses, we assessed if this effect is mediated by health behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption), education, cardiovascular risk factors (systolic blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol, body mass index) and selected comorbidities.

Association of iron status with the risk of bloodstream infections: results from the prospective population-based HUNT Study in Norway.

Purpose: As iron is essential for both immune function and microbial growth, alterations in iron status could influence the risk of infections. We assessed the associations of iron status with risk of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and BSI mortality.

Methods: We measured serum iron, transferrin saturation (Tsat) and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in 61,852 participants in the population-based HUNT2 study (1995-97).

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in a General Population and Future Risk of Bloodstream Infection: The HUNT Study.

Objective: We examined whether anxiety and depression symptoms constitute increased risk of bloodstream infection (BSI), as a proxy for sepsis.

Methods: A general population with self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms was followed prospectively for hospital-verified BSI. Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, we estimated hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of BSI and BSI mortality, with and without statistical adjustment for comorbidities, BMI, and life-style factors that may confound or mediate the associations.

Associations of obesity and lifestyle with the risk and mortality of bloodstream infection in a general population: a 15-year follow-up of 64 027 individuals in the HUNT Study.

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) cause considerable morbidity and mortality, and primary prevention should be a priority. Lifestyle factors are of particular interest since they represent a modifiable target.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study among participants in the population-based Norwegian HUNT2 Survey, where 64 027 participants were followed from 1995-97 through 2011 by linkage to prospectively recorded information on BSI at local and regional hospitals.

Poor performance of quick-SOFA (qSOFA) score in predicting severe sepsis and mortality - a prospective study of patients admitted with infection to the emergency department.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of qSOFA as a risk stratification tool for patients admitted with infection compared to traditional SIRS criteria or our triage system; the Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS).

Methods: The study was an observational cohort study performed at one Emergency Department (ED) in an urban university teaching hospital in Norway, with approximately 20,000 visits per year. All patients >16 years presenting with symptoms or clinical signs suggesting an infection (n = 1535) were prospectively included in the study from January 1 to December 31, 2012.

Epidemiology and outcome of sepsis in adult patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in a Norwegian county 1993-2011: an observational study.

Background: Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is responsible for significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. There are however few longitudinal studies on the changes in case fatality rate of IPD in recent years. We carried out a prospective observational study of patients with IPD in Nord Trøndelag county in Norway from 1993 to 2011 to study the clinical variables and disease outcome.

Epidemiology and outcome of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection and sepsis in a Norwegian county 1996-2011: an observational study.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common and lethal causes of bloodstream infection and the incidence is increasing. We carried out a prospective observational study of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection and sepsis in Nord-Trøndelag county in Norway from 1996-2011. The main outcome of interest was all-cause mortality within 30 and 90 days.