摘要:

Negative studies are more frequently being reported in the literature. However, in many instances such reports lack adequate information to enable the reader to make an informed decision as to the validity of the negative results.

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110504

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

For anencephaly and spina bifida aperta during the period 1968–1977, Los Angeles County was a stable low-risk area, while other areas in the United States experienced declining rates and now approach the rates observed in Los Angeles. The weak seasonal trend observed in rates of spina bifida aperta (conception of infants having this defect greatest during late spring and early summer) was in general agreement with that observed in other studies reporting seasonal variations. No geographic concentration was detecte

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110505

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

The prevalence of epilepsy among a sample of children born in 1966 and investigated when they were 9 years old, was studied in Tlalpan, a sector of Mexico City. The prevalence ratios for epilepsy per 1,000 population were: minimum 18.3, average 42.2 and maximum 44.3. The results are compared with those of three studies in other parts of the Americas, using the same methods. The positive predictive value of the test used to identify epileptics was nearly 20% and its possible use in mass screening programs is discussed. Prevalence ratios for simple febrile convulsions and minimal brain dysfunction are also reported.

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110506

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

Among a population of 4,436 Bassa, Kpelle, and Mano people in the Gbawein and Wroughbarh Clan region of Grand Bassa County, Liberia, 123 cases of epilepsy, ''See-ee'' in the local Bassa language, were identified. In 47% of the cases etiologic factors could be documented, and in 38% of all epilepsy cases infections involving the central nervous system precipitated the onset of the seizures. Positive family histories were obtained in 53% of the 123 epilepsy cases. The sex ratio was close to 1:1. Most frequently the seizure disorders occurred in siblings born to healthy parents. None of the language groups living in the area of investigation was preferentially affected by epilepsy. Bassa, Kpelle, and Mano patients were encountered proportional to the tribal distribution in the general population of Grand Bassa County. Seizure disorders appeared to be introduced in the area approximately 30 years ago as computed from the years of onset and retrospective information from elders in the local community. The epidemiologic data indicate that an environmental factor possibly interacting with genes determining the susceptibility of the host is involved in the etiology of highly prevalent seizure disorders in this county.

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110507

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

In a native population of 4,436 in the Gbawein and Wroughbarh Clan region of Grand Bassa County, Liberia, West Africa, 123 cases of epilepsy were identified (prevalence 28 per 1,000). Among the 123 patients, 46 cases (37%) were classified as generalized seizures, 16 cases (13%) as simple partial seizures, and 61 cases (50%) as complex partial seizures. The male:female ratio was close to 1:1 (59/64). The mean age of onset (± standard error) in patients with generalized seizures was 12.87 ± 0.81 years, in patients with simple partial seizures (all of which had secondary generalization) 12.50 ± 1.73 years, and in patients with complex partial seizures 9.18 ± 0.48 years. Psychological changes and intellectual deficits, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs, and burns were observed in approximately 30% of all epilepsy cases and appeared to be linked to the duration of the illness and the attack frequency. However, 32% of the 22 patients with complex partial seizures without secondary generalization exhibited extrapyramidal signs early in the course of their illness. An antecedent febrile illness could be identified in 47 patients (38% of all cases). This illness was characterized by fever, headache, and skin rash, in some cases accompanied by meningism and hematuria. Accidents (4 cases) or birth trauma (3 cases) were rarely encountered as precipitating factors. Anemia, enlarged spleen, or enlarged liver were found in a majority of both patients and nonepileptics of the same

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110508

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

To determine whether the multiple sclerosis susceptibility (MSS) gene has an effect on serum immune complex (IC) levels, we used the solid-phase Clq binding assay to test for the presence of IC in sera of MS patients and their unaffected siblings. Using HLA markers, the siblings were classified on the probability of sharing the MSS gene with the proband. Although we found that familial membership exerts a strong effect on circulating IC levels, no other significant differences were seen. Investigation of serum and spinal fluid during exacerbations should be done before concluding that ICs have no role in the pathopoiesis of MS.

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110509

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

A significantly higher proportion of Los Angeles County (State of California, USA) multiple sclerosis patient than of King-Pierce Counties (State of Washington, USA) patients, interviewed as part of a prevalence survey, reported adverse perceived effects to heat exposure indicators and beneficial effects from cold exposure indicators. The differences might be at least partially due to the greater awareness of this suspected relationship in Los Angeles. The authors speculate, however, that the more frequent exposure to heat in the Los Angeles area patients may accelerate the pathologic process resulting in the earlier onset and possibly more rapid course observed in Los Angeles area patients.

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110510

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

Based on the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 10 Japanese cities, as studied by the MS Research Committee of Japan since 1972, the relationship between the prevalence ratio and latitude was tested using Armitage''s tests for linear trends in proportions and frequencies. Crude prevalence ratios were 0.8–4.0 per 100,000 population. With respect to both crude and age- and sex-adjusted prevalence ratios, a statistically significant north-to-south gradient for MS was found in Japan. This result may be explained by the existence of environmental factor(s), although it does not exclude the participation of immunologic processes as an additional causative or endogenous modifying facto

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110511

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

The epidemiology of head injury was studied in the Bronx, N.Y., for the period March 1980 through February 1981. Using a ratio estimation sampling scheme the annual incidence rate, age-adjusted to the 1980 US population was estimated to be 249/100,000. Rates for males were more than twice those for females. Incidences were highest for blacks and Hispanics; this was primarily attributable to high rates of injuries caused by violence in young adult males. Violence and falls were the most frequent causes of injuries, and only 27% of all head injuries were associated with traffic accidents. The annual age-adjusted mortality rate was 27.9/100,000. Over half the mortality was associated with head injuries due to violence.

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110512

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

The epidemiology of head injury was studied in the Bronx, N.Y., for the period March 1980 through February 1981. Using a ratio estimation sampling scheme the annual incidence rate, age-adjusted to the 1980 US population was estimated to be 249/100,000. Rates for males were more than twice those for females. Incidences were highest for blacks and Hispanics; this was primarily attributable to high rates of injuries caused by violence in young adult males. Violence and falls were the most frequent causes of injuries, and only 27% of all head injuries were associated with traffic accidents. The annual age-adjusted mortality rate was 27.9/100,000. Over half the mortality was associated with head injuries due to violence.

ISSN:0251-5350    

DOI:10.1159/000110513

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1983

数据来源: Karger