Atrial fibrillation independently linked with depression in community-dwelling older population. Results from the nationwide PolSenior project.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a frequently observed comorbid condition in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In contrast to coronary heart disease and heart failure there is a limited amount of published data concerning the increased prevalence of depression among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, we decided to assess the prevalence of depression in Polish community-dwelling older patients with a history of AF. METHODS: The data were collected as part of the nationwide PolSenior project (2007-2012). Out of 4979 individuals (age range 65-104 years), data on self-reported history of AF were available for 4677 (93.9%). Finally, 4049 participants without suspected moderate or severe dementia in Mini Mental State Examination test were assessed with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and a score of 6 points and more was regarded as suspected depression. RESULTS: Mean age (±SD) of the study population was 78.1 (±8.3) years; 52% were males. The history of AF was reported by 788 (19.5%) subjects. In the univariate analysis a self-reported AF history was associated with 42% increase of suspected depression (41% vs 29%; P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression AF remained an independent predictor of depression (OR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.43-2.00), stronger than heart failure, diabetes or coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: In community-dwelling geriatric Polish population AF is associated with higher prevalence of depression. This association is independent from the demographic factors, disabilities and comorbidities (including history of stroke).

Design, recruitment, logistics, and data management of the GEHA (Genetics of Healthy Ageing) project.

In 2004, the integrated European project GEHA (Genetics of Healthy Ageing) was initiated with the aim of identifying genes involved in healthy ageing and longevity. The first step in the project was the recruitment of more than 2500 pairs of siblings aged 90 years or more together with one younger control person from 15 areas in 11 European countries through a coordinated and standardised effort. A biological sample, preferably a blood sample, was collected from each participant, and basic physical and cognitive measures were obtained together with information about health, life style, and family composition. From 2004 to 2008 a total of 2535 families comprising 5319 nonagenarian siblings were identified and included in the project. In addition, 2548 younger control persons aged 50-75 years were recruited. A total of 2249 complete trios with blood samples from at least two old siblings and the younger control were formed and are available for genetic analyses (e.g. linkage studies and genome-wide association studies). Mortality follow-up improves the possibility of identifying families with the most extreme longevity phenotypes. With a mean follow-up time of 3.7 years the number of families with all participating siblings aged 95 years or more has increased by a factor of 5 to 750 families compared to when interviews were conducted. Thus, the GEHA project represents a unique source in the search for genes related to healthy ageing and longevity.

Asthma, allergy, and respiratory symptoms in centenarians living in Poland.

According to National Census, there were 1541 people over the age of 100 years (centenarians) in Poland, in 2002, including 1215 females and 326 males. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of asthma, allergy, and respiratory symptoms in centenarians included in the Polish Centenarians Program, POLSTU 2001, conducted between 2001 and 2004. The study group consisted of 301 subjects including 258 females and 43 males. Research data were gathered in a questionnaire designed exclusively for the study, completed by the interviewer during meetings with the subjects and their families. According to the medical history reported by the subjects, 10 persons (3.3%) suffered from asthma and 41 (13.6%) from allergy. There were no subjects with childhood onset asthma. Allergy to food and medicinal products was the most prevalent. One in four centenarians reported dyspnea and one in eight complained of cough. When analyzed in relation to gender, cough was more prevalent in males, which might have been related to cigarette smoking. Respiratory disorders are frequent in elderly populations, but symptoms may be underreported, especially in the situation of coexisting medical problems. Moreover, it might be difficult to perform full diagnostic procedures in the very elderly due to disability, cognitive impairment, and technical problems. Thus, medical care for the aged should be based on thorough medical evaluation supported by the medical history and reliable information on physician-diagnosed diseases.

Socio-economic factors and prevalence of underweight and overweight among female students in Poland.

The aim of the work was to assess the prevalence of underweight among young women and to analyse factors contributing to this phenomenon. The study group consisted of 718 female students aged 18-24 years. Underweight, overweight and obesity was classified according to BMI and WHO criteria. To assess the socio-economic status (SES), place of residence before entering the university and education of parents were used. Variables characterising lifestyle such as sports activity, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking were also taken into account. In the studied group, the prevalence of underweight was much higher than the prevalence of overweight and obesity (15.3% and 3.5%, respectively). Low BMI was more frequent among persons with higher SES. Moreover, it was noted that 70% of women having normal weight (BMI=18.50-24.99 kg/m2) wanted to have slimmer figure. No correlation was found between prevalence of very low body mass and lifestyle variables.

Anthropometric chest structure of Polish centenarians.

The aim of the study was to analyze somatometric chest structure in persons aged over 100 years. The study group included 83 women and 13 men, aged 100-108 yr (median age -100.8 yr), who participated in the scientific project: 'Genetic and Environmental Factors of Longevity of Polish Centenarians' in 2002-2004. The Rohrer index of chest structure using acromion-acromion length and body height were compared with the results of pulse oximetry, spirometry, and the level of general physical activity. The majority of the centenarians had a pyknic structure of the chest, most likely as a result of a progressive reduction of body height and chest stooping. In comparison with the women who had marked alterations of chest structure, females with less profound changes had a lower respiratory rate, better tolerance of exercise, higher forced vital capacity, and a higher physical activity. A small number of male subjects studied made it impossible to analyze statistical correlations in this group. We conclude that there is a need to redefine anthropometric indices for a reliable assessment of chest structure in senescent subjects.

[Anatomic abnormalities within upper airways in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Nieprawidlowosci anatomiczne górnych dróg oddechowych u chorych z obturacyjnym bezdechem podczas snu.

In order to determine a proper method of the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) it is essential to demonstrate anatomical abnormalities of upper airways. In this study we would like to estimate how often these anatomical abnormalities occur and what is their influence on OSAS severity. 113 patients underwent laryngological examination, the nasal structure, palate and pharynx were evaluated. The anatomical abnormalities of upper airways were found in 86% patients. The most frequent abnormalities found were nasal disorders, however they were not correlated with OSAS severity. Anatomical abnormalities in more than one level of upper airways were found in 50% of the patients and in those patients OSAS symptoms were the most severe. This may explain why the most frequently performed operations in OSAS patients are not very effective.

[Drivers with obstructive sleep apnea as potential authors of car accidents]. / Kierowcy chorzy na obturacyjny bezdech podczas snu (OBPS) jako potencjalni sprawcy wypadków komunikacyjnych.

The aim of this work was to estimate excessive somnolence and frequency of episodes of dozing off during driving a car in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Result of questionnaire and polysomnographic investigations were analysed in a group of 503 patients. Mean age for the whole group was 49.2 +/- 9.7 of years, BMI 32.1 +/- 1.4 kg/m2 and the value for apnea and hypopnea index 45.4 +/- 24.8. Excessive somnolence during driving was reported by 49.1% of patients. 31.2% of the group notified at least one episode of falling asleep while driving a car. Sleepy drivers (group A) were significantly younger (46.5 +/- 9.2 vs 50 +/- 9.8 years) and had higher values of BMI (34.1 +/- 7 vs 31.1 +/- 5.5 kg/m2) than the others (group B) Results of polysomnographic investigation showed more severe sleep apnea in the group A. Mean value of AHI for this group was 52.5 +/- 26.1 vs 41.6 +/- 23.5 in the group B. Besides, somnolence in many other practical situations was more often considered as a serious problem in the group A.