Lectures and seminars Faculty event: David Bergman, Carole Marxer, Soran Bozorg Rabin

Title 1

David Bergman: Menopausal hormone therapy is a risk factor for microscopic colitis

Abstract

This study investigates the association between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and microscopic colitis (MC) in postmenopausal women. Conducted as a nationwide, matched case-control study using the ESPRESSO cohort in Sweden, the study explores previous use of MHT among MC patients compared to controls and examines potential dose-response relationships. The findings suggest a significant association between MHT and MC, highlighting the need for further mechanistic studies to clarify the role of estrogen in MC pathogenesis. Physicians prescribing MHT should be aware of this association and consider MC when gastrointestinal symptoms arise in women receiving MHT.

About the speaker

David Bergman is a postdoctoral researcher at MEB, working  with  Jonas Ludvigsson and Kristina Johnell. In addition to his academic role, he is an (intermittently) practicing general practitioner. His research has primarily focused on epidemiological aspects of microscopic colitis. Recently, he has expanded his work to also include pharmacoepidemiology, with a particular emphasis on the elderly.

Title 2

Carole Marxer: Adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes in women with biopsy-proven MASLD 

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been linked to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This nationwide case-control study in Sweden examines the impact of maternal MASLD on pregnancy and birth outcomes, comparing women with biopsy-proven MASLD to matched reference births. The study investigates the prevalence of preterm birth, cesarean section, and other adverse outcomes, considering the roles of obesity, familial factors, and material disease severity. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing MASLD in pregnant women to mitigate risks and improve maternal and neonatal health.

About the speaker

Carole Marxer is a postdoctoral researcher at MEB, working with Jonas Ludvigsson. Her current research focuses on epidemiological aspects of MASLD in pregnant women and their offspring.  Carole Marxer is further trained as Pharmacist and Pharmacoepidemiologist and obtained her PhD degree in Epidemiology at the University of Basel, Switzerland. 

Title 3

Soran Rabin Bozorg: Economic Burden and Disease Activity in Microscopic Colitis 

Abstract

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic disease associated with watery diarrhea, urgency, and fecal incontinence. This study aims to investigate the economic impact of MC, focusing on healthcare costs and work loss. Utilizing nationwide real-world data from Sweden, the study categorizes MC patients based on disease activity and compares societal costs, including outpatient visits, hospitalizations, medications, and work loss, to general-population comparators. The findings reveal significant differences in costs driven by disease activity, emphasizing the need for improved treatment and symptom control to reduce the economic burden and enhance patient wellbeing.

About the speaker

Soran R. Bozorg is a postdoctoral researcher affiliated to Jonas Ludvigsson's group. He is also a resident physician in gastroenterology and hepatology at the Karolinska University Hospital, and holds a previous degree in economics from the Stockholm School of Economics. He defended his PhD thesis on epidemiological and health economic outcomes in gastrointestinal diseases at MEB in December 2024, and plans to maintain a similar line of research but with a particular focus on eosinophilic esophagitis.

Faculty lunch

Join the faculty event in Wargentin! After the seminar, the faculty lunch will be served in Ljusgården. The faculty lunches are intended for employees at MEB, and a monthly net salary deduction of 260 SEK will be made for those who work here 20% or more. If you have any questions about the lunch or specific dietary needs due to allergies, etc., please contact internservice@meb.ki.se. If you won’t be participating in the lunches for all or part of the spring term, our new routine is that you need to contact hr-support@meb.ki.se at the start of a new term, to be removed from the list. Retroactive adjustments will not be possible.  

Please, check the labeling on the salads not to take special diet foods that were pre-ordered by your colleagues.