Prevalence estimation and follow-up of aortic regurgitation subjects in a Norwegian Sami population.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of aortic regurgitation (AR) in the Sami population and its association with ankylosing spondylitis and HLA-B27.

DESIGN

A random sample from two Norwegian Sami communities was invited to participate in a health survey. Echocardiography was carried out for 84% of the 416 invited. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR). The AR persons entered a clinical follow-up programme.

RESULTS

Altogether 28 subjects had AR. Weighted overall prevalence of AI was 8.8%. OR of AR for ankylosing spondylitis, age and HLA-B27 were 7.4 (95% CI: 1, 1-49, 0), 1.08 (95% CI, 1, 03-2, 14) and 1.8 (95% CI: 0, 6-5, 4), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of AR was 8.8% in the Sami populations in Northern Norway, which is comparable to that reported in other populations; however, data from other populations are sparse. AR was strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis, but not with HLA-B27 antigen. The progress rate of AR seems to be low; no clinically significant hemodynamic changes were noted during the 14-to-17-year follow-up programme.