Genetic analyses of dopamine related genes in adult ADHD patients suggest an association with the DRD5-microsatellite repeat, but not with DRD4 or SLC6A3 VNTRs.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and highly heritable psychiatric disorder in children and adults. Recent meta-analyses have indicated an association between genes involved in dopaminergic signaling and childhood ADHD, but little is known about their possible role in adult ADHD. In this study of adults with ADHD, we evaluated the three most commonly studied ADHD candidate genetic polymorphisms; the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) exon 3 VNTR repeat, a microsatellite repeat 18.5 kb upstream of the DRD5 locus and the 3'UTR dopamine transporter SLC6A3 (DAT 1) VNTR. We examined 358 clinically diagnosed adult Norwegian ADHD patients (51% males) and 340 ethnically matched controls. We found a nominally significant overall association with adult ADHD for the DRD5 microsatellite marker (P = 0.04), and a trend toward increased risk associated with the 148-bp allele consistent with recent meta-analyses. The strongest overall association (P = 0.02) and increased risk for the 148-bp allele [odds ratio (OR) = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00-1.61)] were seen in the inattentive and combined inattentive/hyperactive group as previously reported for childhood ADHD. No association was found for the DRD4 or SLC6A3 polymorphisms in this patient sample. In conclusion, our results among adults with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD support an association between ADHD and the DRD5 locus, but not the DRD4 or SLC6A3 loci. It is possible that the latter polymorphisms are associated with a transient form of ADHD with better long-term clinical outcome.

[Routines for infection testing and vaccination against hepatitis B among applicants for asylum. A questionnaire study among health personnel responsible for reception of asylum applicants]. / Rutiner for infeksjonstesting og hepatitt B-vaksinering av asylsøkere. En spørreundersøkelse blant helsepersonell med ansvar for asylsøkermottak.

The authors performed a questionnaire survey to investigate the current routines for screening applicants for asylum for hepatitis B virus, HIV and intestinal parasites, and for vaccination against hepatitis B. The response rate was 82% (n = 80). Of the respondents, 58% were physicians, 23% public health nurses and 18% nurses. Without regard to country of origin of the applicant 71% of the health personnel usually offer an HIV-test and 77% an HBsAg-test. Few differentiated their testing routines according to country of origin. Many agreed that an HIV-test (49%) and an HBsAg-test (65%) ought to be made compulsory. 26% usually offer vaccination against hepatitis B, while 54% do so if the person concerned is an infant. Routine screening for intestinal parasites was reported by 27% of the health personnel, but more than half (54%) take only one sample from each patient. Health control of applicants for asylum provides a good opportunity to give information about the transmission of hepatitis B and HIV, preventive measures, and testing.