Biomedical subjects

C Pałczyński

Publications and source records attributed to C Pałczyński.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Respiratory allergy in apprentice bakers: do occupational allergies follow the allergic march?

BACKGROUND: This prospective study describes the incidence, risk factors and natural history of occupational respiratory allergy in apprentice bakers. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-seven apprentice bakers were examined using a questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPTs) to common and occupational allergens, evaluation of total serum IgE level and specific anti-flour and alpha-amylase IgE, before, 1 year and 2 years after the onset of vocational training. To diagnose occupational respiratory disease, spirometry, histamine and allergen-specific inhalation challenge tests were performed. RESULTS: The incidence of work-related chest symptoms was 4.2% in the first year and 8.6% in the second year of exposure. Hypersensitivity to occupational allergens developed in 4.6 and 8.2% of subjects, respectively. The incidence of occupational allergic rhinitis was 8.4% after 1 year and 12.5% after 2 years, and that of occupational asthma/cough-variant asthma 6.1 and 8.7%, respectively. The latency period of work-related rhinitis symptoms was 11.6 +/- 7.1 months and chest symptoms 12.9 +/- 5.5 months. Only in 20% of occupational asthmatics could allergic rhinitis be diagnosed a stage earlier. In 21 out of 25 subjects with occupational asthma, chronic cough was the sole clinical manifestation of the disease. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that positive SPT to common allergens was a significant risk factor of hypersensitivity to occupational allergens (OR = 10.6, 95% CI 5.27; 21.45), occupational rhinitis (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.71; 9.14) and occupational asthma (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 3.01; 18.04). Moreover, positive SPT to occupational allergens on entry to the training was a significant risk factor of asthma (OR = 6.9, 95% CI 0.93; 51.38). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of occupational asthma and rhinitis in apprentice bakers is high and increases z with the duration of exposure. Skin reactivity to common and occupational allergens is the main risk factor of bakers' asthma. Most cases of work-related respiratory symptoms among apprentice bakers are related to a specific sensitization. In most subjects who developed occupational asthma, rhinitis occurred at the same time as the chest symptoms did.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Small nonspecialized farming as a protective factor against immediate-type occupational respiratory allergy?

BACKGROUND: In Poland small, nonspecialized farms, growing different crops and raising usually a few animals of various species constitute the majority. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the case-control study was to evaluate the risk factors of work-related respiratory symptoms and occupational asthma and/or rhinitis in Polish farmers and investigate whether the farming characteristics may have influence on the prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases. METHODS: The study groups comprised 100 cases who were farmers reporting work-related asthmatic and/or rhinitis symptoms from randomly selected family doctors practices (80 of 353) and 102 healthy controls. All subjects were examined by means of a questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPT) to common and occupational allergens, total serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E level and the presence of specific IgE and allergen-specific inhalation challenge tests were performed. The provocation tests were monitored with the spirometry, histamine challenge test and evaluation of nasal symptoms score and nasal washings. RESULTS: Respiratory allergic disease was recognized in 68 symptomatic patients, including 41 cases because of occupational allergens (asthma n=38, rhinitis n=41). Step-wise logistic regression analysis confirmed the protective role of small farms against the development of work-related symptoms (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.11, 0.47) as well as the significance of positive SPT to cereals (OR 5.55; 95% CI 1.6, 19.21) and storage mites (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.27, 10.96) as a risk factor of these symptoms. Cereal farming (OR 13.75; 95% CI 2.39, 78.83) and positive SPT to cereals (OR 26.92; 95% CI 5.33, 135.9) and storage mites (OR 44.07; 95% CI 8.40, 231.1) were found to be significant risk factors of occupational asthma and/or rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Cereal farming and hypersensitivity to cereals plays the significant role in the development of occupational asthma among Polish farmers. It also seems that working on small farms may protect farmers against work-related respiratory symptoms that are mostly because of allergy.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed2002

Eotaxin but not MCP-3 induces eosinophil influx into nasal fluid in allergic patients.

BACKGROUND: Eotaxin and MCP-3 (CC chemokines), owing to their preferential action on eosinophils, seem to be the very importance in the patophysiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of intranasally administered eotaxin and MCP-3 after specific allergen priming on the influx of inflammatory cells and their soluble mediators into the nasal mucosa. METHODS: Eotaxin and MCP-3 have been applied intranasally at the increasing doses of 1, 5 and 10 microg to allergic patients after allergen priming. The 'nasal pool' technique was used. The cell count and biochemical parameters in nasal lavage were evaluated before 30 min, and 4 and 24 h after the challenge with chemokines. RESULTS: Both eotaxin and MCP-3 induced the increase in clinical 'score' lasting till 24 h. Eosinophil influx into nasal mucosa after provocation with eotaxin was also observed. The challenge with MCP-3 did not induce any significant changes in nasal lavage fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Eotaxin is likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic conditions in humans. MCP-3 did not induce inflammatory cell influx into nasal mucosa. The role of this chemokine in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation is difficult to assess and requires further studies.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Occupational asthma and rhinitis due to glutaraldehyde: changes in nasal lavage fluid after specific inhalatory challenge test.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUNDd: Glutaraldehyde (GA) is a known respiratory sensitizers, and some studies have reported occupational asthma in exposed workers. Specific changes in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) induced by high-molecular-weight allergen provocation in sensitized subjects were described previously. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in cytogram, protein content, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and mast-cell tryptase concentrations in NLF after GA inhalation challenge in patients with a positive history of GA-induced asthma and late or dual asthmatic response due to exposure to low-level GA. METHODS: A single-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed on 11 health workers with occupational asthma and rhinitis due to GA. The control groups comprised 10 atopic subjects with perennial asthma and rhinitis and 10 healthy ones. A "nasal pool" technique was used to evaluate the examined parameters in nasal washings before and 30 min, 4 h, and 24 h after the inhalatory provocation with GA and placebo. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in eosinophil number and percentage, and albumin, ECP, and tryptase concentrations in NLF from patients with occupational asthma and rhinitis when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the immunologic mechanism of GA-induced asthma and the applicability of the "nasal pool" technique as the diagnostic procedure in GA-induced airway allergy.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Rules for prevention and certification of occupational diseases in workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs].

The risk of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs is related to cancerogenesis and reproductive dysfunction, including fertility disorders, congenital defects and toxic effects inter alia on the liver, kidneys, skin and bone marrow. The authors review current legal regulations of antineoplastic drug administration, the present state of the patients' care and guidelines for prophylactic examinations in this occupational group.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2001

[Natural history of occupational allergy to latex in health care workers].

The analysis of natural history of allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) in health care workers, including the influence of exposure cessation on the clinical status and objective allergy markers was the objective of the study. The study covered 58 patients with recognised allergy to NRL. Of this number, 26 were followed up for 2 years after diagnosing NRL allergy. Medical examination, skin prick tests for common allergens and NRL, determination of total serum IgE and NRL-specific IgE antibodies, rest spirometry and non-specific bronchial hyperactivity test with histamine were performed. The retrospective analysis of clinical manifestation of NRL allergy revealed in 36% of patients progression of symptoms from local urticaria and rhinitis to systemic reactions. Two years after the cessation of exposure to NRL, symptoms became less severe in the majority of patients and even a clearance of allergic symptoms was observed, as well as the decrease in doses of inhalative glicocorticosteroids was noted. This was accompanied by the decline in non-specific bronchial hyperactivity. Although the skin prick tests showed the tendency to remain positive, the decrease in the level of specific anti-NRL IgE was found in 10 patients (including the RAST negativisation in one case). In conclusion, clinical progress from NRL-induced contact urticaria and allergic rhinitis to systemic reactions was observed only in part of patients with NRL allergy, which cannot be taken as a rule. Significant reduction of clinical symptoms or even total remission of NRL-allergic symptoms could be observed after exposure cessation.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

["Sick building syndrome"--a new problem of occupational medicine].

"Sick building syndrome" (SBS) is a group of symptoms experienced by people working in various buildings. This term or another one "building-related illness" (BRI) is used to define illnesses related to non-industrial and non-residential buildings, mainly modern offices, in which people spend many working hours. Specific BRI applies to a group of illnesses with a fairy homogeneous clinical picture and known etiology (infectious, immunological or allergic). Non-specific BRI applies to a group of heterogeneous and non-specific, work-related symptoms, including irritation of skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat, headache, fatigue and concentration difficulties. BRI seems to be related to inadequate ventilation, humidity and temperature changes, chemical and biological contaminants from indoor and outdoor sources. Sick building syndrome is considered as an important problem of occupational medicine, bearing in mind that 50% of the entire workforce in industrialized countries work in this type of buildings, and nearly 20-30% of this group of workers report symptoms suggesting the prevalence of sick building syndrome.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed2000

Problems in diagnosing occupational allergy to flour: results of allergologic screening in apprentice bakers.

Baker's respiratory allergy is reported as one of the most common forms of occupational allergy in many countries. At the first stage of a three-year study of risk factors of occupational allergy we investigated the symptoms reported, and the results of skin prick tests (SPT) to common and flour allergens in 461 current apprentice bakers from three different regions of Poland before starting occupational exposure. The occurrence of cough was reported by 14 subjects (3%), dyspnoea by 4 (0.87%), rhinitis by 18 (3.9%), conjunctivitis by 12 (2.6%) and skin symptoms by 12 subjects (2.6%). Generally, 48 subjects (10.41%) reported at least one symptom, which might suggest the existence of allergic disease. Positive SPT to at least one allergen was found in 99 subjects (21.5%), including 82 subjects (17.78%) with positive SPT to common allergens, 13 subjects (2.81%) to flour allergens and 4 subjects (0.88%) sensitised only to Dermatophagoides farinae. The statistical analysis revealed significant correlation between positive SPT to common allergens and reported rhinitis and conjunctivitis, and between positive SPT to occupational allergens and reported dyspnoea. Moreover, a significant correlation between positive SPT to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae was found. In our opinion, the results of SPT should be very carefully examined, when diagnosing occupational allergy, as in some apprentice bakers positive results of SPT to flour allergens are found before vocational training. In all apprentice bakers, SPT to common and occupational allergens should be performed before starting occupational exposure. It would ensure the exclusion of subjects already sensitised to occupational allergens. Positive SPT to Dermatophagoides farinae has a very limited value in recognising baker's allergy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Comparison of cardiac response to managerial workload between men and women.

The aim of the study, was to estimate the reaction of selected circulatory system parameters to psychic workload in industrial managers and to answer the question whether may affect this reaction. The study was performed in 23 men (mean 46 +/- 6 years of age) and 16 women (mean 42 +/- 6 years of age), employed as executives in a large industrial plant. The subjects had their 24-h ECG recorded using Medilog 3000 (Oxford). The ECG recordings were classified as pathological according to the standards of Bjerregaard. Heart rate was calculated for working time, leisure time and sleep. The subjects were also asked to estimate the perceived psychic load according to a method involving subjective estimation of work-demands and of an ability to cope with them. Generally, the subjects reported high work demands, but coping abilities were higher than work demands. Both in the men and women, a relationship was found between the intensity of subjective estimation of psychic load and heart rate response. However, the reaction of the circulatory system to the psychic workload in men was long-lasting (its effects continued until late at night); in women it was more direct (only during work). The frequency of abnormalities in 24-h Holter ECG recordings for both test groups was not very high, a little higher in men (30%) than in women (25%), and was comparable with the frequencies in selected general population groups. Our results may indicate that mental workload of the managerial staff, does not cause increased frequency of ECG abnormalities. However, in view of the fact that cardiovascular diseases are more frequent among men than among women, different reaction of the circulatory system to workload should also be accounted for in an attempt to explain the sources of that phenomenon.

Administrative Personnel↗

PubMed1997

[Evaluation of selected functional circulation parameters of workers from various occupational groups exposed to electromagnetic fields of high frequency. III. 24-h monitoring of arterial blood pressure (ABP)].

The problem of blood pressure regulation in persons occupationally exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has not as yet been elucidated, and most data come from studies carried out long time ago (1960-70) in the former Soviet Union. Our study was aimed at verifying the Soviet data by means of modern methods. Together with traditional methods, a 24-h monitoring of arterial blood pressure (ABP) using a Medilog ABP kit (Oxford) were employed. Measurements were taken automatically every 0.5 h during daily activities and every 1 h during the night rest (about 41 measurements/day). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were calculated over day (BPSDOver, BPDOver, HROver), during daily activities (HPDD, BPSD, HRD) and during the night rest (BPSN, BPDN, HRN). The subjective and objective examinations were carried out as well as resting ECG and a 24-h Holter were performed (the results have been published earlier). The study covered male workers of middlewave broadcast stations (71), radioservice (40) and radio line stations (42). The subjects were aged 21-60 years and the duration of their work with devices generating high frequency EMF ranged between 1 and 42 years. The first group of workers was exposed to EFM at the frequency of 1 Mhz, the second at about 150 Mhz and the third group, not exposed, served as the control group. The study revealed that the mean arterial blood pressure and the day/night blood pressure variability indicator showed no significant differences between the groups, whereas the daily heart rate was significantly lower in the workers of middlewave broadcast stations in comparison with the controls despite similar type of work as far as physical effort and psychic burden are concerned, and similar non-occupational activities. The day/night heart rate variability indicator was significantly lower in the groups exposed. The decreased value of this indicator may suggest the occurrence of disorders in the neurovegetative regulation. In persons employed at radioservice stations a higher incidence of the increased arterial blood pressure, in comparison with the control group, was observed.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Occupational immediate allergy to latex. I. Introduction, epidemiology and clinical findings].

For the 10 recent years the incidence of natural rubber latex (NRL) immediate allergy has dramatically increased. Allergy to latex is observed mostly among persons who regularly use rubber devices (particularly rubber gloves) or their mucous membrane is exposed to frequent contact with rubber products. The health service and the rubber industry workers are at the highest risk of latex allergy (10%). Urticaria, angioedema, bronchial asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and anaphylactic shock are most common symptoms of allergy to latex. Severe systemic reactions are frequently first clinical manifestations of latex hypersensitivity.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Occupational immediate allergy to latex. II. Diagnosis and prevention].

In vitro methods play an extremely important role in the diagnosis of natural rubber allergy (NRL). In vivo diagnostic procedures may be life-threatening and clinical history is usually of low sensitivity and specificity. CAP-RAST and AlaSTAT--laboratory methods for detection of specific IgE--display most likely the highest clinical value in NRL diagnosis. Skin prick tests, the test with a piece of glove, bronchial and nasal challenge tests are also used in the diagnosis of natural rubber allergy. The most essential preventive issues of NRL are as follows: the drawing up guidelines on labelling of latex containing medical devices, high risk group screening, and the development of facilities in health institutions for taking care of patients sensitized to latex.

Humans↗

PubMed1997

Occupational allergy to latex--life threatening reactions in health care workers. Report of three cases.

During the last decade natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy has been acknowledged as a major problem among rubber glove-wearing medical personnel. Epidemiological studies carried out in the European Union member states as well as in the United States reveal that 2% to 15% of health care workers are allergic to latex. Latex allergy symptoms range from mild contact urticaria to severe systemic reactions. Serious, generalised reactions occur in 6-8% of patients allergic to latex. The risk factors for latex-induced anaphylaxis have not as yet been identified. NRL allergy symptoms may occur in the workplace as well as outside the occupational environment. The authors present clinical cases of 2 nurses and 1 laboratory worker, who developed severe allergic reactions to latex: case 1--during prophylactic gynaecologic examination, case 2--in the course of inhalative bronchial challenge test with latex aqueous extract and case 3--while blowing up balloon at home.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Occupational rhinitis and bronchial asthma due to morphine: evidence from inhalational and nasal challenges.

A case of occupational bronchial asthma due to morphine in a nonatopic 46-year-old woman is presented. The following diagnostic tests were used: a workplace trial with bronchodilator and placebo, and single-blind, placebo-controlled nasal and bronchial challenge with 0.5% morphine HCl. For the nasal challenge, four asthmatic patients were selected as a control group. The nasal washings were done before and 30 min, 3 h, 24 h, and 48 h after all challenges. In the nasal lavage fluid, the total numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils, and mast cells were counted, and, after the nasal challenge, total protein and albumin levels were measured. During the workplace trial, the PEF variability ratio increased from 5% to 38%. After the challenges, a decrease in the spirometric parameters (VC and FEV1) of about 30-40% was observed, with minimums at 24 and 48 h. An influx of granulocytes with an increase in the relative number of eosinophils and basophils from 3 h until 48 h after the challenge was observed in the nasal lavage fluid. The protein level in the nasal lavage fluid increased from 190 to 1275 microg/ml 24 h after the challenge with an increase of relative albumin level from 24% to 40% at 24 h. In the control group, no changes in relative number of basophils and eosinophils and albumin/total protein ratio in the nasal lavage fluid or in the spirometric parameters were observed after the challenge.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1996

[Bronchial asthma with inflammation of the nose mucous membrane induced by occupational exposure to methyl methacrylate in a dental technician ].

A case report of a 40-year-old female dental technician with a 13-year history of methyl methacrylate exposure is presented. Symptoms of dyspnea, wheezing, coughing and rhinorrhea occurred 6-8 months after the first occupational contact with methyl-methacrylate containing substances. Skin tests performed with a battery of common allergens produced negative results. While performing a provocation test with methyl-methacrylate, the patient developed severe stridor and dyspnea with concomitant decrease in I second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and peak respiratory flow (PEF). The increase in leukocytes, eosinophils, basophils, albumin, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and mast cell tryptase occurred in nasal lavage fluid after bronchial provocation test. The authors conclude that methyl-methacrylate may cause asthma (probably non-atopic) in persons occupationally exposed to its effect.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Laboratory animals as a cause of occupational allergy].

Animal allergens are the strongest occupational allergens which sensitize the respiratory tract. Allergy to the animal is the most important occupational health hazard among people working with experimental animals in university and other research laboratories. The most common manifestations of allergy to laboratory animals are: bronchial asthma, rhinitis, contact urticaria, angioedema and contact dermatitis. The major source of allergen is the excreta and secreta of such animals as: rat, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, cow and horse. Among risk factors responsible for the development of animal allergy are: atopy, tobacco smoking and allergy to domestic pets. The diagnosis of laboratory animal allergy is usually based on a medical history. The objective evidence to support the diagnosis can be obtained from skin testing, a specific immunologic response and work related changes in peak flow rate. Reduction in the airborne levels of animal allergens not only at home, but also at work (proper ventilation, filter masks, elimination of domestic animals) and reduction of factors responsible for the development of bronchial hyperreactivity (avoidance of smoking), can contribute to decreasing the incidence of diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Cardiac arrhythmia in women performing heavy physical work.

The objective of this work was to determine the response of the circulatory system to heavy physical work (the average energy expenditure was about 5000 kJ/shift). The tests were performed on a group of 35 women aged between 24 and 50 years, employed at a printing office as printing machine operators. The average length of employment for the group was 17 years (3-28 years). A 24-hour Holter ECG recording was taken on these women with the aid of an Oxford Medilog 3000 system. Before and after each recording, the arterial blood pressure was measured. Based on the ECG recordings, the heart rates during work, leisure time and sleep were calculated and the morphologies of the recordings were evaluated. In the group investigated, the abnormality in 24-hour ECG recordings classified as pathology, were found in 9 women within this group. Frequent ventricular premature beats (ExV) occurred in 3 women, ventricular bigeminy in 1 women, and single R/T excitations in 1 women. Frequent premature supraventricular extrasystols (ExSV) were found in 4 women, and within this number, in 1 woman both those heart rhythm disturbances were found. The heart rhythm disturbances occurred in connection with the performed physical task. Sinusal pauses were found in 2 women and A-V Mobitz II block was found in 1 women within the group investigated. Those changes occurred at night. No resting ECG changes were observed. The high frequency of occurrence of pathological changes in the group investigated indicates that the careful control of the state of the circulatory system in people performing heavy physical work is required.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome.

Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is an asthma-like bronchoconstriction state which develops after a short-term exposure to highly irritating volatile substances. Although some of the clinical manifestations can be considered as very similar to those of asthma (e. g. inflammation, hyperresponsiveness and reversibility of the bronchial constriction) the most essential difference lies in the absence of asthma attacks after exposure to small amounts of causative agents few weeks after onset. Thus, the mechanism of RADS cannot be considered to be of an allergic origin. This is supported by the results of the pathomorphologic biopsies taken from bronchi which usually show neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltrations as well as frequent and severe destruction of the bronchial epithelium. Eosinophilic infiltrations and basement membrane thickness have never been found. The therapy of severe dyspnoea attacks is similar to that of bronchial asthma. Factors that cause RADS comprise a wide range of volatile irritant substances, provided that they occur in high concentrations. Exposure to isocyanates in plumbers heating polyurethane pipes seems to be the major cause of RADS in Poland.

Bronchial Diseases↗