Familial malignant blood disease in the country of Jämtland, Sweden

In a material of 942 patients with malignant hematological disease, encompassing all diagnosed cases in the country of Jämtland in Sweden during a 22-yr period, 36 families with multiple cases of such disease were found. Approximately 5% of the patients have at least one close relative who also suffers from a malignant hematological disease. An especially strong familial occurrence was found in the group of chronic lymphoproliferative diseases and it is concluded that this tendency comprises all diseases in the group, i.e. chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma and malignant lymphoma. In some families several cases of acute leukemia were present, and suggestions concerning immunological disturbances are made. In the group of chronic myeloproliferative diseases familial factors do not seem to play an important part, with the possible exception of polycythemia vera. Both heredity and common environmental agents must be considered as possible etiologic factors.

Studies of drug-treated diabetes in the county of Jämtland, Sweden, based on prescription of insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs

Epidemiological data on drug-treated diabetes mellitus was obtained by analyzing prescriptions of insulin and oral antidiabetics in the county of Jämtland Sweden. During a 12-year period, from 1971 to 1982, the prevalence of diabetes increased from 1.5% to 2.2%, while there was no significant change in the annual incidence of around 2.7/1000 inhabitants. Women displayed a considerable higher prevalence and incidence than men in the over 70 age-group, while in the 50 - 69 age-group there was a male dominance. A significant change in the prescription pattern with an increased use of insulin and decreased use of oral antidiabetics was observed during the period. More patients were started on oral antidiabetics during the first part of the year than during the latter.