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In 2001, an increase of HIV-1 diagnoses among intravenous drug users (IVDU) was reported in Sweden. In nearby countries, Finland, Russia and the Baltic states, recent outbreaks had been described. Since there was a concern that these outbreaks would carry over to Sweden a study was initiated to determine the factors leading to the Swedish increase of HIV-1 diagnosed IVDUs. HIV-1 env V3 sequences were obtained from 97 patients enrolled in ongoing epidemiological studies encompassing the years 1987--2004 with a focus on 2001--2002. The sequences were used for maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference of the molecular epidemiology. Among the virus spreading in 2001--2002, we found that four different subtypes/CRFs were present in the Swedish IVDU population (A, B, CRF01_AE and CRF06_cpx). Subtype B constituted 85% of the infections, established by 12 independent introductions into the IVDU population. The worrisome increase in 2001 was mainly not a result of import of the outbreaks in nearby countries, but rather a higher detection rate of secondary cases due to efficient epidemiological tracing of the generally slow spread of established forms of subtype B in the IVDU community. However, a few of the non-subtype B cases were linked to the outbreaks in Finland, Estonia and Latvia. Because HIV-1 outbreaks can easily be exported from one country to another amongst IVDUs, this prompts continued surveillance in the Baltic Sea Region.

Objective: To investigate the relevance of bladder tumour screening using haematuria dipsticks and a bladder tumour marker in a random selection of men, age 60-70 years, from a well-defined geographical area using both fluorescence and white-light cystoscopy., Material and Methods: A total of 2000 randomly selected men, age 60-70 years, were invited by mail to participate in a screening for bladder tumours by having their urine tested with a dipstick for haematuria and a bladder tumour marker (UBC). Men with 5-10 red blood cells (RBC)/microl and an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of >10 and all men with =25 RBC/microl and/or elevated UBC levels underwent both white-light and fluorescence cystoscopy., Results: A total of 1096 men (55%) responded and were included in the study. The incidence of 5-10 RBC/microl was high: 14%. A tumour was detected in one of the 62 men with 5-10 RBC/microl and an IPSS of >10. Among the 10% of men (n=112) with =25 RBC/microl, four bladder tumours were detected. Another two tumours were detected in men without haematuria (positive UBC test). No tumours were observed using only fluorescence cystoscopy., Conclusions: Fluorescence cystoscopy and the UBC test were of no use in this screening situation. The incidence of haematuria (=5-10 RBC/microl) was so high (1:4) that this borderline for bladder tumour screening appears unrealistic. The incidence of =25 RBC/microl was 1:10 and one of 28 cystoscopies revealed a bladder tumour. All seven tumours were detected in men who were or had been smokers. A haematuria-based screening among older male smokers with =25 RBC/microl on dipstick testing is thus an option that should be considered.

In-line skating injuries have increased in recent years. Hospital based data from Umeå concerning 135 persons injured in in line skating collisions were analyzed. The highest yearly incidence of injury was found in males 10-19 years of age, at 1.7 per 1,000 inhabitants; the corresponding figure for females was 0.5. Two-thirds of incidents were caused by falls due to balance problems without the influence of any "external factor" such as rough road surfaces. No collisions with motor vehicles or other road users were registered. Nearly half of the injuries were fractures or dislocation injuries, most frequently of the upper extremities. Non-minor head injuries were rare. Protective gear for wrist and elbow may have the potential to reduce these injuries.

Objective: To describe causes of death and other characteristics of "avoidable" deaths in patients admitted to hospital after trauma, and estimate and analyse changes in the avoidable death rate during the years studied., Design: Retrospective analysis of medico legal autopsy material., Setting: One northern and one western area in Sweden 1988-1996., Subjects: 335 cases who died in hospital after trauma., Main Outcome Measures: Avoidable death, defined as an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 35 or less and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) head of 4 or less and cause of death., Results: We found 70 avoidable deaths (21%). Among these, 15 (21%) died of head injuries, 17 (24%) of thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic injuries, and 38 (54%) of medical complications. The number of deaths after trauma decreased considerably from 1988-90 to 1994-96, but the proportion who died in hospital remained almost constant. The proportion of avoidable deaths decreased from 22% to 17%, mainly because the proportion of deaths from medical complications was halved., Conclusion: The standard of Swedish in-hospital trauma care has improved, particularly with a reduction in post-traumatic complications. However, there is still room for improvement in the treatment of complications among elderly people.