Papers by Ingrid B Helland
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 2020
Purpose: The EU COST Action 15111 collaboration on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue synd... more Purpose: The EU COST Action 15111 collaboration on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) aims to assess current research and identify knowledge gaps in Europe. Presently, our purpose is to map the effects of non-pharmacological therapies (NPTs) for ME/CFS, and what patients find important in the treatment process. Methods: A scoping mixed methods literature review of European studies identified 16 papers fulfiling our inclusion criteria. The quantitative and qualitative studies were synthesized separately in tables. Additionally, extracts from the qualitative studies were subjected to translational analysis. Results: Effect studies addressed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT, n = 4), multimodal rehabilitation (n = 2) and activity-pacing (n = 2). CBT reduced fatigue scores more than usual care or waiting list controls. The effects of rehabilitation and activity-pacing were inconsistent. The contents, assessment methods and effects of rehabilitation and activity pacing studies varied. For patients, health professionals' recognition of ME/CFS and support were crucial, but they expressed ambiguous experiences of what the NPTs entail. Conclusions: Methodological differences make comparisons across NPTs impossible, and from a patient perspective the relevance of the specific contents of NPTs are unclear. Future well-designed studies should focus on developing NPTs tailored to patients' concerns and evaluation tools reflecting what is essential for patients.
European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, 2017
characteristic imaging findings in cases of CO poisoning in the literature almost always appear t... more characteristic imaging findings in cases of CO poisoning in the literature almost always appear to involve the globus pallidus bilaterally, with very occasionally some involvement of the caudate and/or putamen. This case highlights that pallidal involvement is not a prerequisite imaging feature.
Tidsskrift for Norsk psykologforening, 2021
Background: Clinical practice and recent research indicate that dissociative symptoms and disorde... more Background: Clinical practice and recent research indicate that dissociative symptoms and disorders are left unidentified and undiagnosed by health professionals. Based on a clinical case from our work setting, this article describes relevant literature regarding dissociation and dissociative disorders to add to the knowledge of the theoretical and phenomenological features of complex dissociative disorders. Further, we describe differential diagnostic challenges that may arise in clinical practice. Methods: The authors work in specialized health care and have extensive clinical expertise in complex dissociative symptomatology in children. Both systematic and non-systematic literature searches were performed. Findings: Recent research shows the Trauma model to be central to understanding dissociative disorders. Symptoms can be mistaken for cognitive difficulties, oppositional issues or other somatic symptoms. Quantitative measures, systematic observations and clinical evaluations ar...
Clinical Medicine Insights: Psychiatry, 2020
Objectives: Lasting, unexplained and high levels of pain may cause anxiety in patients with chron... more Objectives: Lasting, unexplained and high levels of pain may cause anxiety in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The objectives of the current study were to test assumptions of the association between pain and anxiety in patients diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and to clarify the role of depression in this relationship. Methods: Data were collected from 664 participants (age 18-65 years) with 133 ME/CFS patients and 201 healthy controls from Norway and 330 CFS patients from Spain. Binary logistic regression model was applied to test relationships between the included variables in the samples. Results: Both pain and depression made significant direct contributions to the level of anxiety. The strongest risk for higher levels of anxiety was the combination of high levels of depression and high levels of pain in the overall sample (OR = 49.70; P < 0.001), not so much in the Spanish cohort (OR = 11.99; P < 0.0001) and most of all in ...
Additional file 1: Supplemental Table 1. HRQoL as measured by generic PedsQL4.0 versus selected f... more Additional file 1: Supplemental Table 1. HRQoL as measured by generic PedsQL4.0 versus selected factors before, at or after diagnosis Supplemental Table 2. Physical functioning versus selected factors before, at or after diagnosis. Supplemental Table 3. Emotional functioning versus selcted factors before, at or after diagnosis. Supplemental Table 4. Social functioning versus selected factors before, at or after diagnosis. Supplemental Table 5. School functioning versus selected factors before, at or after diagnosis. Supplemental Table 6. Psychosocial functioning versus selected factors before, at or after diagnosis.
Purpose The primary aim was to measure health related quality of life (HRQoL) in a Norwegian coho... more Purpose The primary aim was to measure health related quality of life (HRQoL) in a Norwegian cohort of adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME). A secondary aim was to identify factors initial to diagnosis, at time of diagnosis and at follow-up that were associated with HRQoL. Methods In this cross-sectional population-based study, HRQoL was measured by PedsQL Generic Core scale (PedsQL4.0) in 63 adolescents with CFS/ME. In addition, fatigue was measured by PedsQL Multidimentional Fatigue scale (PedsQL-MFS), depressive symptoms were measured by the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), and disruption in school activities was measured by The De Paul Pediatric Health Questionnaire (DPHQ-N). Data were also collected from patient journals and patient interviews.Results Age at diagnosis was 15 (2) years (mean (SD)), and four out of five participants were female. Time from diagnosis to reply was 39 (22) months. Adolescents with CFS/ME reported PedsQL4.0 score 50 (17), an...
ABSTRACT. Objectives. Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA; 22:6 n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4 n-6) are... more ABSTRACT. Objectives. Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA; 22:6 n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4 n-6) areimportant for development of the central nervous systemin mammals. There is a growth spurt in the human brainduring the last trimester of pregnancy and the first post-natal months, with a large increase in the cerebral contentof AA and DHA. The fetus and the newborn infantdepend on maternal supply of DHA and AA. Our hy-pothesis was that maternal intake of DHA during preg-nancy and lactation is marginal and that high intake ofthis fatty acid would benefit the child. We examined theeffect of supplementing pregnant and lactating womenwith very-long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs; cod liver oil) on mental development of thechildren, compared with maternal supplementation withlong-chain n-6 PUFAs (corn oil). Methods. The study was randomized and double-blinded. Pregnant women were recruited in week 18 ofpregnancy to take 10 mL of cod liver oil or corn oil until3 months after deli...
BMJ Open
ObjectivesTo explore factors perceived as positive or negative among young people with chronic fa... more ObjectivesTo explore factors perceived as positive or negative among young people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in relation to school and everyday life.DesignA qualitative study with semistructured individual interviews performed at the local hospital or at the informants’ homes between September 2017 and January 2018, with an additional telephone interview to collect data on experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted in September 2020. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach.SettingThe informants were recruited from two university hospitals that offer interdisciplinary assessments of young people with CFS/ME from various parts of Norway.ParticipantsFive males and 13 females aged 13–21 years with CFS/ME diagnosed 3–56 months prior to the interviews participated.ResultsThe informants were concerned about a lack of educational adaptations and missed social life at school. Educational and social adaptations could improve schooling a...
Journal of Clinical Medicine
There is a lack of research regarding blood tests within individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelit... more There is a lack of research regarding blood tests within individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and between patients and healthy controls. We aimed to compare results of routine blood tests between patients and healthy controls. Data from 149 patients diagnosed with ME/CFS based on clinical and psychiatric evaluation as well as on the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire, and data from 264 healthy controls recruited from blood donors were compared. One-way ANCOVA was conducted to examine differences between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls, adjusting for age and gender. Patients had higher sedimentation rate (mean difference: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.045 to 2.714), leukocytes (mean difference: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.248 to 0.932), lymphocytes (mean difference: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.145 to 0.395), neutrophils (mean difference: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.0 89 to 0.591), monocytes (mean difference: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.309 to 0.371), ferritin (mean difference: 28.13, 95% CI: −1.41 to 57.67...
Medicina
Designed by a group of ME/CFS researchers and health professionals, the European Network on Myalg... more Designed by a group of ME/CFS researchers and health professionals, the European Network on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (EUROMENE) has received funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)—COST action 15111—from 2016 to 2020. The main goal of the Cost Action was to assess the existing knowledge and experience on health care delivery for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in European countries, and to enhance coordinated research and health care provision in this field. We report our findings and make recommendations for clinical diagnosis, health services and care for people with ME/CFS in Europe, as prepared by the group of clinicians and researchers from 22 countries and 55 European health professionals and researchers, who have been informed by people with ME/CFS.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
Purpose The primary aim was to measure health related quality of life (HRQoL) in a Norwegian coho... more Purpose The primary aim was to measure health related quality of life (HRQoL) in a Norwegian cohort of adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME). A secondary aim was to identify factors before diagnosis, at time of diagnosis and after diagnosis that were associated with HRQoL. Methods In this cross-sectional population-based study, HRQoL was measured by Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Generic Core scale version 4.0 (PedsQL4.0) in 63 adolescents with CFS/ME. In addition, fatigue was measured by PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue scale (PedsQL-MFS), depressive symptoms were measured by the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), and disruption in school activities was measured by The De Paul Pediatric Health Questionnaire (DPHQ-N). Data were also collected from medical records and patient interviews. Results Age at diagnosis was 15 (2) years (mean (SD)), and four out of five participants were female. Time from diagnosis to reply was 39 (22) months. Adolescents with CF...
The Journal of Pediatrics
OBJECTIVES To examine factors that may affect nutritional status in adolescents with esophageal a... more OBJECTIVES To examine factors that may affect nutritional status in adolescents with esophageal atresia. STUDY DESIGN Anthropometric measurements, blood samples, pH measuring, mapping of dysphagia with a modified Easting Assessment Test questionnaire, 4-day dietary record, and a semistructured interview about eating habits and nutrition counseling were performed in a cross-sectional cohort of adolescents with esophageal atresia. RESULTS Out of 102 eligible patients, 68 (67%) participated. The median height-for-age Z score was -0.6 (-4.6 to 1.8). Ten (15%) were classified as stunted (height-for-age Z score <-2). Fourteen (21%) were overweight. More than two-thirds reported symptoms of dysphagia (Easting Assessment Test score ≥3) and avoided specific foods. Forty-eight (71%) completed the 4-day dietary record, which showed daily intake of energy below age-appropriate recommendations. One-third reported an energy intake below their estimated basal metabolic rate. Only 24% had received counselling from a dietitian. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents with a history of esophageal atresia have growth below reference values and energy intake below recommendations. Energy intake and its relation to stunting needs to be further studied in patients with esophageal atresia.
PLOS ONE
ME/CFS is a chronic, complex, multisystem disease that often limits the health and functioning of... more ME/CFS is a chronic, complex, multisystem disease that often limits the health and functioning of the affected patients. Diagnosing patients with ME/CFS is a challenge, and many different case definitions exist and are used in clinical practice and research. Even after diagnosis, medical treatment is very challenging. Symptom relief and coping may affect how patients live with their disease and their quality of life. There is no consensus on which diagnostic criteria should be used and which treatment strategies can be recommended for patients. The purpose of the current project was to map the landscape of the Euromene countries in respect of national guidelines and recommendations for case definition, diagnosis and clinical approaches for ME/CFS patients. A 23 items questionnaire was sent out by email to the members of Euromene. The form contained questions on existing guidelines for case definitions, treatment/management of the disease, tests and questionnaires applied, and the prioritization of information for data sampling in research. We obtained information from 17 countries. Five countries reported having national guidelines for diagnosis, and five countries reported having guidelines for clinical approaches. For diagnostic purposes, the
Epilepsy & Behavior
Purpose: Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CLN3 disease) is the most common neurodegenerat... more Purpose: Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CLN3 disease) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in childhood with survival until young adult age. Visual loss is followed by epilepsy, cognitive, neuropsychiatric and motor symptoms. We have studied the evolution of EEG and seizure characteristics. Methods: 24 patients were recruited via the Norwegian CLN3 disease parent association. Parents were interviewed. Medical records and EEG reports/recordings were collected. EEG elements were classified according to SCORE. The evolution of EEG features along with seizure types was assessed by testing difference in proportions with standardized normal deviate comparing findings below and above 15 years of age. Results: Mean age at study or death (n=12) was 21.2 (10-39) years. 22 patients had experienced seizures; the first was usually bilateral tonic-clonic (TC). Later, focal motor seizures frequently occurred, often with increasing multifocal and polymorphic features. Paroxysmal non-epileptic motor and autonomous symptoms were also suspected in several patients. Distinct myoclonic seizures were uncommon. In four patients, we identified episodes of bradycardia/sinus arrest. EEG showed progressive slowing of the background activity (p=0.029). Focal epileptiform discharges were rare and mainly seen at age <10. Combined multifocal and bilateral epileptiform discharges increased in adolescence (p=0.002). Conclusion: Seizure and EEG characteristics change with time in CLN3 disease. TC are common at onset, and multifocal motor seizures increase with age. In contrast, focal epileptiform abnormalities are more common in childhood, compared to later multifocal and bilateral discharges. This seizure disorder belongs to the combined generalized and focal epilepsies. Paucity of myoclonic seizures does not warrant classification as a classic progressive myoclonic epilepsy. When attacks with only behavior arrest occur, cardiac conduction abnormalities should be considered.
Scandinavian journal of pain, Jan 16, 2018
Background and aims Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is challenging to... more Background and aims Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is challenging to live with, often accompanied by pervasive fatigue and pain, accompanied by decreased quality of life (QoL) as well as anxiety and/or depression. Associations between higher pain, lower QoL and higher anxiety and depression have been shown in patients with various chronic pain disorders. Few studies have however examined such associations in a sample of patients with ME/CFS. The aims of the current study were to examine the impact of pain levels and compare levels of pain, health related QoL, anxiety and depression between patients with ME/CFS and healthy controls. In addition, the study aimed and to examine these relationships within the patient group only. Methods This is a cross-sectional questionnaire based study comparing 87 well-diagnosed patients with ME/CFS with 94 healthy controls. The De Paul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ), the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Surveys (SF-36) and...
Designed by a group of ME/CFS researchers and health professionals, the European Network on Myalg... more Designed by a group of ME/CFS researchers and health professionals, the European Network on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (EUROMENE) has received funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) (https://www.cost.eu/cost-actions/what-are-costactions/ ) COST action 15111 from 2016 to 2020. The main goal of the Cost Action was to assess the existing fragmented knowledge and experience on health care delivery for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in European countries, and to enhance coordinated research and health care provision in this field. We report on the recommendations for clinical diagnosis, heath services and care for people with ME/CFS in Europe, as prepared by the group of clinicians and researchers from 22 countries and 55 European health professionals and researchers, who have been informed by people with ME/CFS (https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15111/#tabs|Name:overview).
Acta Paediatrica, 2007
Helland IB, Reseland JE, Saugstad OD, Drevon CA. Smoking related to plasma leptin concentration i... more Helland IB, Reseland JE, Saugstad OD, Drevon CA. Smoking related to plasma leptin concentration in pregnant women and their newborn infants. Acta Paediatr 2001; 90: 282-287. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-5253
Objectives. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4 n-6) are importan... more Objectives. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4 n-6) are important for development of the central nervous system in mammals. There is a growth spurt in the human brain during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first postnatal months, with a large increase in the cerebral content of AA and DHA. The fetus and the newborn infant depend on maternal supply of DHA and AA. Our hypothesis was that maternal intake of DHA during pregnancy and lactation is marginal and that high intake of this fatty acid would benefit the child. We examined the effect of supplementing pregnant and lactating women with very-long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; cod liver oil) on mental development of the children, compared with maternal supplementation with long-chain n-6 PUFAs (corn oil).
Objective. Leptin is a highly hydrophilic protein that circulates in plasma as a 16-kDa protein. ... more Objective. Leptin is a highly hydrophilic protein that circulates in plasma as a 16-kDa protein. It is produced in adipose tissue and also recently described to be synthesized by placental tissue. Plasma concentration of leptin is positively correlated to body fat mass, and administration of recombinant leptin to mice indicates that leptin participates in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Leptin may have a role during initiation of human pubertal development. Gender differences have been reported among adults as well as among children, even after correction for body fat content. Little is known about variation in leptin levels during pregnancy or the level or function of leptin in the growing fetus and infants. The aim of the present study was to examine plasma concentration of leptin in pregnant women and their newborn infants during the first 3 months of life, and to relate plasma leptin concentration to body weight and gender during this period.
Food Additives and Contaminants, May 1, 2001
Individual and geographical variations in ochratoxin A (OA) levels in human blood and milk sample... more Individual and geographical variations in ochratoxin A (OA) levels in human blood and milk samples may be due to differences in dietary habits. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between OA contamination of human milk and dietary intake. Human milk samples were collected from 80 Norwegian women. The usual food intake during the last year was recorded using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The concentration of OA in the human milk was determined by HPLC (detection limit 10 ng/l). Seventeen (21%) out of 80 human milk samples contained OA in the range 10-182 ng/l. The women with a high dietary intake of liver paste (liverwurst, liver pâté) and cakes (cookies, fruitcakes, chocolate cakes, etc.) were more likely to have OA-contaminated milk. The risk of OA contamination was also increased by the intake of juice (all kinds). In addition, the results indicate that breakfast cereals, processed meat products, and cheese could be important contributors to dietary OA intake. OA contamination of the milk was unrelated to smoking, age, parity, and anthropometric data other than body weight.
Uploads
Papers by Ingrid B Helland