Anders Ekbom

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This study examined how well two blood-thinning medications, rivaroxaban and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), work for patients with cancer who are at risk for blood clots. Among 2,259 patients, those taking rivaroxaban experienced 10 recurrent blood clots and 20 significant bleeding events, while those on LMWH had 66 clots and 102 bleeding events over a year. This shows that rivaroxaban is just as effective and safe as LMWH for treating blood clots in cancer patients not at high risk of bleeding, making it a viable option for treatment. Who this helps: Cancer patients at risk for blood clots and their doctors.

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Researchers studied the use of snus (a type of smokeless tobacco) and smoking among the Swedish population by collecting data from dental records over nearly three decades. They found that, as of 2021, 12% of adults smoked and 13% used snus, with more men using snus than women. This information is important because it helps uncover the health impacts of both smoking and snus, contributing to better understanding and potential public health strategies. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials, patients, and healthcare providers by providing clearer insights into tobacco use in Sweden.

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This research examined why women tend to have fewer adenomas (a type of abnormal growth) found during colonoscopy compared to men. The study analyzed data from 16,551 people and found no link between the skill level of the endoscopists and the detection rates for adenomas in both men and women. This matters because finding adenomas is crucial for preventing colorectal cancer, and understanding detection differences can help improve screening practices. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly women undergoing colonoscopy.

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This study looked at how certain pregnancy-related factors affect the risk of rare types of uterine cancers, specifically uterine sarcomas and malignant mixed Müllerian tumors (MMMTs), using data from several Nordic countries. It found that having a very low birth weight infant (under 1500 grams) significantly increases the risk of uterine sarcoma, with an odds ratio of 2.83. In contrast, recent pregnancies seem to lower the risk of MMMTs and type I endometrial carcinomas but not uterine sarcomas, indicating that different factors may influence these cancers. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers in understanding the risk factors for specific uterine cancers, which can improve patient care and monitoring.

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This study looked at whether quitting smoking before oral surgery helps patients heal better. After reviewing 2,255 research articles, they found one study that had moderate quality but didn't provide clear answers on the benefits of quitting smoking before surgery. This lack of evidence shows that we need to learn more about how smoking cessation affects healing and the best ways to help smokers quit. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing oral surgery.

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This study looked at two blood thinners—rivaroxaban and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)—to see which is better for treating blood clots related to cancer. Researchers found that among 283 patients taking rivaroxaban and 5,181 on LMWH, rivaroxaban had a lower rate of major bleeding (23.5 vs. 49.2 per 1,000 patients) and a much lower risk of death overall (146.8 vs. 565.6 per 1,000 patients). This is important because it suggests that rivaroxaban may be safer and more effective for cancer patients with blood clots. Who this helps: This study benefits cancer patients who are at risk of blood clots.

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This study examined the effects of raising the cut-off level for a stool test used to detect colorectal cancer on the findings from subsequent colonoscopies. They found that as the cut-off level increased from 10 to 40 micrograms per gram of stool, the chances of correctly identifying advanced neoplasia (serious growths) increased significantly: the likelihood went from 23% to 33%. This matters because a higher cut-off can help reduce the number of unnecessary colonoscopies while still effectively identifying cancer risks. Who this helps: Patients undergoing screening for colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at the survival rates of people with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and how gastrointestinal problems might affect their health. Out of 51 patients studied, 47 had died by 2023, with an average age at death of about 54 years. The researchers found that while gastrointestinal symptoms are common and significant for patients, they do not actually affect how long someone with DM1 lives. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients and doctors managing myotonic dystrophy type 1.

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This study looked at how certain factors related to pregnancy and childbirth might affect a woman's risk of developing thyroid cancer later on. Researchers analyzed data from over 7,400 women with thyroid cancer and found that older age at first pregnancy, having excessive bleeding after birth, and benign thyroid conditions increased cancer risk, while being unmarried, smoking, and having a preterm birth appeared to lower the risk. Understanding these associations can help improve monitoring and preventative care for women during and after pregnancy. Who this helps: Patients, particularly new mothers and healthcare providers managing their health.

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This study looked at the relationship between major birth defects and the risk of childhood cancer in children from Nordic countries. Researchers found that 5.1% of children with cancer had birth defects, compared to only 2.2% of children without cancer. They discovered that female children were more affected, with a higher risk of cancer associated with birth defects (2.8) than males (2.1), but overall birth defects were not a significant factor explaining why more boys get cancer than girls. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and researchers studying childhood cancer and birth defects.

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This study looked at whether anticoagulant medications help reduce the risk of hospitalization, intensive care, and death in patients with COVID-19 who also have atrial fibrillation. Among 7,548 patients with COVID-19, those taking anticoagulants had a 21% lower risk of hospitalization and death during the first wave of COVID-19 compared to those who did not take these medications. This finding is important because it supports the use of anticoagulants for COVID-19 patients with heart rhythm issues, which could save lives and reduce hospital stays. Who this helps: This helps patients with atrial fibrillation who contract COVID-19.

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This study looked at colorectal cancer rates in patients with long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had surgery to remove part of their colon (colectomy) and later had a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Out of 33 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer within 36 months of their examination, 67% were cases considered postendoscopy colorectal cancer (PECRC). Younger patients (under 30 years) had a 3.1 times higher risk of developing PECRC compared to those over 70, while those who waited more than 10 years after their surgery to get their first examination had a lower risk. Who this helps: This research helps doctors in monitoring and managing cancer risks for patients with IBD after surgery.

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This study looked at the risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer, in patients with two inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Researchers followed 164,716 patients with IBD from 1969 to 2019 and found that 258 patients with Crohn's disease developed lymphoma, resulting in a risk that was 32% higher than the general population, while the risk for ulcerative colitis was only slightly elevated at 9%. This matters because it highlights that while both conditions carry an increased risk of lymphoma, Crohn's disease patients face a significantly higher risk, especially those receiving certain treatments. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors by providing insights into potential risks associated with treatment options.

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This study looked at how well rivaroxaban, a type of blood thinner, works compared to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for treating blood clots in cancer patients. Researchers analyzed data from 3,708 patients and found that after 3 months, those taking rivaroxaban had a 31% lower chance of having another blood clot compared to those on LMWH (4.2% vs 6.1%). Importantly, both treatments had similar rates of severe bleeding and deaths. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients who are at risk of blood clots but not at high risk of bleeding.

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This study compared two blood thinners, rivaroxaban and apixaban, to see if they are equally effective and safe for treating blood clots related to cancer in patients who’re at a lower risk of bleeding. They looked at data from over 2,400 patients, finding that both medications had similar risks for complications like repeat blood clots or serious bleeding at both three and six months. This matters because it means doctors can choose either medication based on what their patients prefer, rather than worrying about major differences in safety. Who this helps: Patients with cancer associated venous blood clots.

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This study looked at how well rivaroxaban works compared to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) for treating blood clots in cancer patients. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 5,000 patients and found that those taking rivaroxaban had a 22% lower risk of experiencing another blood clot within three months compared to those on LMWH. Importantly, there were no differences in serious bleeding or overall death rates between the two treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cancer who are at risk of blood clots.

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This study looked at whether the siblings of people with major birth defects are at a higher risk of developing cancer. Researchers analyzed health data from over 40,000 cancer cases and found that while the overall cancer risk for these siblings was similar to those without a sibling who had a birth defect, the risk for childhood cancers did increase, particularly for lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and kidney cancer. This information is important because it highlights potential shared genetic or environmental factors that may link birth defects and certain cancers. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families understand potential cancer risks for siblings of children with birth defects.

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This study looked at the occurrence of rectal cancer in Swedish patients with Crohn's disease who had undergone colonoscopy in the years 2001 to 2015. They found that out of 24 patients with both Crohn's disease and rectal cancer, 79% were men and the average age at diagnosis was 50 years. The researchers noted that in many cases, it appeared that the cancer might have been missed during earlier examinations, highlighting the need for better follow-up and stricter adherence to screening guidelines. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Crohn's disease and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at patients with Crohn's disease in Sweden between 2003 and 2019 to see how often they needed a stoma, which is a surgical opening created to help with waste elimination. Among 18,815 patients, 3.5% had a stoma created, and the chance of getting a stoma within five years was 2.5% with no overall decrease noticed over the years. It also found that older patients were more likely to need a stoma compared to younger ones and that less than half of the stomas were reversed. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors, as it highlights ongoing challenges in the management of the condition.

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This study looked at how the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), medications like adalimumab or infliximab, affects the need for bowel surgery in patients with Crohn's disease. The research found that patients who stayed on TNFi for at least 12 months had a lower surgery rate, with only 7% needing surgery in the first year, compared to those who stopped the medication earlier, who had a significantly higher surgery risk (26% more likely). This matters because keeping Crohn's disease patients on TNFi for longer can lead to fewer surgeries, which means better health outcomes and quality of life for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease.

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This study examined two methods for screening colorectal cancer: a one-time colonoscopy and two rounds of stool tests taken two years apart. Out of nearly 280,000 participants, 0.16% of those who had a colonoscopy were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, compared to 0.20% from the stool tests, showing similar effectiveness. The colonoscopy detected more advanced growths in the colon, but there were some minor risks involved, such as two cases of perforation and 15 serious bleeding incidents. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for colorectal cancer by evaluating effective screening options.

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This study looked at older adults diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to understand their risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to those without IBD. Among nearly 30,000 patients, 2.1% of those with Crohn's disease and 1.9% with ulcerative colitis were diagnosed with CRC, which was slightly lower than in the general population. The risk of CRC was highest in the first year after IBD diagnosis, but overall, the extra risk in elderly patients is likely not significant after this initial period, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and screenings for IBD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with IBD and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well colonoscopies detect abnormal growths in the colon, called lesions, and what factors affect these detection rates among over 16,500 participants in a Swedish cancer screening trial. It found that the detection rate for adenomas, a type of lesion, was 23.9% for standard colonoscopies and 37.8% for those who had a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). The study also discovered that spending at least 6 minutes withdrawing the colonoscope and using antispasmodics increased the detection rates of important lesions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing colonoscopies as it can lead to better detection of potentially harmful lesions.

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This study looked at patients in Denmark and Sweden diagnosed with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis before age 18 to see how many developed colorectal cancer later in life. Among the patients, 0.36% of those with Crohn's disease and 1.33% of those with ulcerative colitis were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, compared to much smaller percentages in the general population. The research found that younger age at diagnosis increases the risk of cancer, especially for those with severe forms of these diseases. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors by highlighting the need for closer monitoring for colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at the risk of small bowel cancer (SBC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on data from Denmark and Sweden between 1969 and 2017. Researchers found that patients with Crohn's disease faced a much higher risk of developing SBC (about 9 times greater) than those without IBD, while patients with ulcerative colitis had a lower but still significant increased risk. Overall, more cases of SBC were found in IBD patients compared to the general population, which highlights the importance of monitoring these patients for cancer despite the overall risks being low. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers by highlighting the need for vigilant cancer screening.

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This study looked at factors during pregnancy and early life that may increase the risk of thyroid cancer in children. Researchers found that certain maternal health issues, like diabetes and thyroid problems, raised the chances of a child developing thyroid cancer significantly; for example, having a mother with hypothyroidism increased the risk by over 18 times. This research is important because it highlights the need to monitor and manage these health conditions in pregnant women to potentially reduce cancer risks in their children. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by raising awareness about maternal health's impact on children's future cancer risks.

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This study looked at the risk of dying from liver and bile duct cancers in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over nearly five decades in Sweden and Denmark. Among nearly 100,000 patients with ulcerative colitis, the chance of dying from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was about 0.5% after ten years, while the risk was higher for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) at 0.6% and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) at 0.4%. The study found that patients with ulcerative colitis and a condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) had significantly higher mortality rates, with a 10-year death rate of 26.2% for ICC. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with IBD, particularly those with PSC, by highlighting the need for closer monitoring for specific cancers.

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This study looked at whether periodontitis (gum disease) is linked to the risk of having a first heart attack in Sweden. Researchers compared nearly 52,000 heart attack patients with over 246,000 healthy individuals. They found no clear link between gum treatment and heart attack risk, as only 19.2% of heart attack patients had received significant gum treatment compared to 19.8% of the controls. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients seeking to understand the connection between dental health and heart disease.

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This study looked at how factors related to pregnancy and childbirth might affect the risk of endometrial cancer, a type of cancer affecting the lining of the uterus. Researchers found that certain conditions, like high blood pressure during pregnancy, increased the risk of developing this cancer: for instance, women with preexisting hypertension faced nearly double the risk (1.88 times). On the other hand, having more than four pregnancies and a shorter time since the last birth were linked to lower risks of endometrial cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving understanding of cancer risks related to pregnancy and guiding future health practices.

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This study looked at two versions of a trauma survival prediction model from Norway (NORMIT 1 and NORMIT 2) to see how well they work for predicting if trauma patients in Sweden would survive for 30 days after their injuries. Researchers analyzed data from over 21,554 patients and found that while NORMIT 2 was effective at predicting survival for a specific group of patients in a trauma center, it did not perform as well for a larger, mixed group of trauma patients, where it often overestimated survival. This is important because using accurate models can help improve patient care and outcomes in emergency situations. Who this helps: This helps doctors and hospitals in making better decisions for trauma patient treatments.

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This study looked at whether using beta-blockers, a type of medication often prescribed for heart conditions, affects survival rates in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Researchers examined data from over 18,000 patients in Sweden and found that those who used beta-blockers at the time of their lung cancer diagnosis did not have lower death rates from the cancer compared to those who did not use them. Specifically, the study saw no significant difference in mortality rates, with a hazard ratio of 1.01, which suggests no clear benefit from the medication. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand that beta-blockers do not improve survival rates for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

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This study looked at dental problems in people with untreated primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) by comparing nearly 1,000 patients who had parathyroid surgery to about 2,900 people without the condition. It found that patients with higher calcium levels (above 1.51 mmol/L) were 85% more likely to have teeth extracted compared to others, and women were at an even higher risk. Understanding this connection can help identify and prevent dental issues earlier in patients with pHPT. Who this helps: This benefits patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and their dental care providers.

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This study looked at the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in people with ulcerative colitis (UC) over nearly 50 years. Researchers followed 96,447 UC patients in Denmark and Sweden and found that these individuals had a higher risk of developing CRC (1.29 cases per 1,000 people each year) compared to the general population (0.82 cases per 1,000), and they were also more likely to die from CRC, with 639 deaths among UC patients versus 4,451 in the general population. However, the study also noted that the risks have decreased over time and that patients with UC tend to be diagnosed at an earlier stage of CRC than those without UC. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with ulcerative colitis and their doctors by highlighting the importance of regular cancer screenings.

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This study looked at the effects of anti-TNF treatments (medications for certain inflammatory diseases) on pregnancy and birth outcomes in women from Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. It found that women treated with these medications had a 61% higher risk of preterm birth and a 57% higher chance of needing a caesarean section compared to those using other treatments. This is important because it highlights potential risks for mothers and babies when using these drugs during pregnancy. Who this helps: This information benefits pregnant women with inflammatory diseases and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how Crohn's disease affects the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) in a large group of people from Denmark and Sweden. Researchers found that Crohn's disease patients had a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with CRC and a higher risk of dying from it compared to people without Crohn's. Specifically, Crohn's patients had 1.4 times the risk of being diagnosed with CRC and 1.74 times the risk of dying from it. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors by highlighting the need for targeted cancer surveillance in this group.

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This study looked at how childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impacts adult height in patients. Researchers found that individuals with IBD ended up, on average, 0.9 cm shorter than healthy peers and 0.8 cm shorter than their healthy siblings. Those with Crohn's disease were generally 1.3 cm shorter than those with ulcerative colitis, and early disease onset before puberty was linked to a height reduction of 1.6 cm, while more severe cases showed a reduction of 1.9 cm. Who this helps: This research helps patients with IBD, their families, and healthcare providers understand the long-term growth effects of the disease.

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This study looked at how birthweight affects the chances of survival in children and adolescents with leukemia in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Washington State. Among 7,148 patients, only a small percentage had low birthweight (4.6%) or high birthweight (19%). It found that while low birthweight was linked to increased risk of death in infants, particularly with a 3.2 times greater risk for those diagnosed before one year old, overall, low and high birthweights didn’t show a strong connection to mortality in older children and those diagnosed with leukemia beyond infancy. Who this helps: This information primarily helps doctors and researchers understand the risk factors related to leukemia outcomes in children.

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This study looked at the number of people in Sweden who were hospitalized for their first episode of acute pancreatitis from 1990 to 2013. Researchers found that the annual rate of new cases more than doubled during this time, rising from 25.2 cases to 38.3 cases per 100,000 people. This increase is concerning because it indicates that more people are experiencing this painful condition, which can lead to serious health issues. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and healthcare providers to better understand and manage the rising cases of acute pancreatitis.

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This study looked at the risks of serious blood clots (venous thromboembolism) and lung clots (pulmonary embolism) during the first trimester in women who became pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using either fresh or frozen embryos. They found that women who had fresh embryo transfers were over eight times more likely to experience these complications compared to those who became pregnant naturally. However, women who used frozen-thawed embryos did not have an increased risk of these issues. Who this helps: This information benefits patients undergoing IVF, especially those considering their options.

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This study looked at the effects of a surgical procedure called vagotomy on the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Researchers examined 15,637 patients who had vagotomy and found that 0.8% developed IBD, compared to 0.5% in a similar group that did not have the surgery. The risk of developing Crohn's disease was notably higher in those who underwent truncal vagotomy, with a risk of 3.63 times higher after five years compared to those who didn't have the procedure. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients considering vagotomy understand the potential risks related to inflammatory bowel disease.

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This study looked at how pregnancy-related factors affect the risk of two types of ovarian cancer: sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) and germ cell tumors (GCTs) in women who have had children. Researchers found that women who had their last baby at age 40 or older had about half the risk of developing SCSTs compared to those who had their last baby before age 25. The risk of SCSTs also decreased for women who had their last birth more recently, but pregnancy factors like the number of births or preterm births did not seem to affect either type of tumor. Who this helps: This research helps women and healthcare providers understand how reproductive history may impact the risk of certain ovarian cancers.

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This study looked at the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to people without IBD between 1969 and 2017 in Denmark and Sweden. Of the 161,926 IBD patients followed, 442 were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which is slightly higher than the 3,386 cases found in 1.6 million people without IBD. Specifically, IBD patients had a 43% higher risk of pancreatic cancer, especially those with a related liver condition, which increased their risk nearly eightfold. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with IBD and their doctors by highlighting the importance of monitoring for pancreatic cancer in these patients.

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This study looked at whether using beta-blockers (medications commonly used for blood pressure) affects survival rates in patients with liver cancer. Researchers found that patients who used beta-blockers before their cancer diagnosis had a 18% lower chance of dying from liver cancer compared to those who didn't use them. This is particularly notable for non-selective beta-blockers, which showed an even stronger link to better outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with liver cancer and their doctors by highlighting a potential treatment option that could improve survival rates.

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This study looked at how the treatment of Crohn's disease has changed from 1990 to 2014 and its impact on the need for surgical procedures. Researchers found that the likelihood of needing first-time surgery dropped from 54.8% to 17.3% over the years, showing a significant improvement in treatment effectiveness. However, the rate of repeat surgeries remained steady at around 16-19%, meaning while fewer patients are needing surgery initially, those who do still require surgery tend not to see a reduction in needing it again. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors by highlighting improved initial treatment options.

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This study looked at cases of colorectal cancer that developed after patients had a colonoscopy in Sweden between 2003 and 2012. Out of nearly 460,000 colonoscopies, 1,384 (or 7.2%) of the colorectal cancer diagnoses were found to be cases that occurred after the procedure. The research showed that the rate of these cancers decreased from 9.4% in 2003 to 6.1% in 2012, but individuals with these cancers generally had shorter survival times compared to those whose cancers were detected during their initial colonoscopy, particularly women and those with tumors on the left side of the colon. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients, especially those at higher risk for colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at whether babies born to mothers who took anti-TNF medication during pregnancy were more likely to get infections in their first three years of life. Researchers found that these children had a 43% higher rate of hospital admissions for infections in their first year compared to those born to mothers on different treatments, and there was also a slight increase in antibiotic prescriptions by the second year. These findings are important because they help balance the risks and benefits for mothers with serious autoimmune diseases who need treatment during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps mothers with autoimmune diseases and their doctors make informed decisions about treatment during pregnancy.

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This study looked at the link between major birth defects and the risk of developing cancer from birth through adulthood, using health data from over 62,000 cancer patients and more than 724,000 healthy individuals across four Nordic countries. Researchers found that children and young adults with major birth defects had a significantly higher chance of getting cancer, with an overall risk nearly 1.74 times greater than those without birth defects. The risk was particularly high for those with chromosomal anomalies, which were linked to a cancer risk that was 5.53 times greater. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients with birth defects and their doctors, helping them to understand long-term health risks and improve monitoring for cancer.