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Biomedical subjects

J Walusiak

Publications and source records attributed to J Walusiak.

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

Allergy to animal fur and feathers among zoo workers.

OBJECTIVES: This study determined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and immediate hypersensitivity to feather and fur allergens and pulmonary function among zoological garden workers. METHODS: Skin-prick test (SPT) reactivity to common and epithelium (hair) animal fur and feather allergens were examined in 68 zoological garden workers. All subjects responded to a questionnaire and underwent spirometry. Total and antigen-specific IgE were estimated among subjects claiming respiratory symptoms. RESULTS: Forty-five subjects revealed positive SPTs with any inhalant allergen. Twelve reacted to feather extracts and 18 reacted to animal fur extracts. IgE specific for occupational allergens was seen in the serum of five subjects with SPTs positive to feather allergens and in the serum of 12 subjects with SPTs positive to fur allergens. Nose or eye symptoms were reported most frequently. Rhinitis and asthma were reported by atopic subjects more often than by non-atopic subjects. Occupational asthma due to feathers was diagnosed in 2% of zoo workers, and to fur in 10% of subjects working in contact with birds and furred animals. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that occupational asthma caused by feathers is very rare in contrast to asthma caused by animal fur. Atopy predisposes to the development of allergic diseases caused by animal fur and feathers.

Adult↗
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↗
PubMed2001

[Beryllium--underestimated occupational health hazard in Poland].

Beryllium is a metal used in different branches of industry. Inhalation is the most common way of exposure. Beryllium shows a high affinity to the lung tissue. It may act as toxic, carcinogenic and immunological agent. Chronic beryllium disease (CDB) is very difficult to diagnose because of its similarity to sarcoidosis. The lymphocyte proliferation assay is a very helpful test in CBD diagnosis. It seems reasonable to include this test into the body of the standard diagnostic procedures in workers exposed to beryllium. Early detection of hypersensitivity to beryllium, before CBD symptoms occur will allow to minimize adverse health effects.

Berylliosis↗
PubMed2000

Nasal provocation test in the diagnosis of natural rubber latex allergy.

BACKGROUND: Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy in workers using rubber gloves has been an occupational health problem for the last 10 years. In the case of the occupational agents, clinical history may be far from conclusive; hence, appropriate provocation should be carried out. The objective was to evaluate the usefulness of the nasal challenge test in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in subjects occupationally exposed to NRL. METHODS: A single-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 16 nurses with respiratory symptoms (bronchial asthma and/or rhinitis) related to NRL exposure as well as positive skin prick test (SPT) response to NRL. The controls were nine nurses with asthma and/or perennial rhinitis unrelated to NRL exposure; six atopic patients not occupationally exposed to NRL, with asthma and/or perennial rhinitis; and six healthy subjects. All the controls had negative results of SPT with NRL. Patients with a history of anaphylaxis or positive results of RAST to NRL were not considered in the study. The "nasal pool" technique was used to evaluate the cellular response and changes in protein level and ECP concentration in nasal washings after topical provocation with allergen or placebo. RESULTS: A significant increase was noted in eosinophil and basophil number, albumin/total protein ratio, and ECP level only in NRL SPT-positive patients subjected to nasal challenge with NRL. Neither bronchial nor systemic reactions were found after the nasal provocation with NRL. CONCLUSIONS: The nasal challenge test appears to be useful for diagnosing occupational rhinitis in NRL-sensitized patients.

Adult↗
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↗
PubMed2000

[Baker's asthma: what remains still unknown about it?].

In many countries baker's respiratory allergy is reported as one of the most common occupational diseases. The paper presents epidemiological data on and risk factors of sensitisation to bakery allergens. Different flour allergens, especially those of wheat and soya flour, and (alpha-amylase are also described, and problems occurring most frequently in diagnosing occupational allergy to flour discussed. It is stressed that skin prick tests should be included into the battery of preliminary examinations before starting vocational training.

Asthma↗
PubMed1999

Latex allergy in Polish nurses.

BACKGROUND: Reports on the studies conducted in Western Europe and North America revealed that from 2.8 to 16.9% of the health care personnel were allergic to latex. No respective data are available from Eastern European countries. METHODS: A postal questionnaire inquiring about the history of latex-induced allergic reactions was distributed among 3,750 nurses. The participation rate was 77.3%. To verify the results of the survey, in randomly selected nurses, skin prick tests with latex and tropical fruit allergens, evaluation of total IgE, and specific anti-latex IgE, skin and nasal provocation with latex were performed. RESULTS: Allergic symptoms in the workplace were reported by 1,016 subjects (35%); out of this group 847 (29.2%) persons associated the symptoms with latex exposure. The group of cases with self-reported latex allergy revealed a significantly increased frequency of history of atopy, allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics and tropical fruits. Allergy to latex was confirmed in 33.3% of randomly selected nurses with a positive history of occupational allergy. It was found that 18.6% of nurses working at hospital wards were allergic to latex. The 95% CI was estimated to be 13.5-23.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Latex allergy is an important health problem among nurses in Poland. Atopy, allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics and tropical fruits, are the risk factors for latex allergy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Nasal challenge test in the diagnosis of allergic respiratory diseases in subjects occupationally exposed to a high molecular allergen (flour).

The objective of this study was the evaluation of the usefulness of the nasal challenge test in the diagnosis of allergic respiratory diseases in subjects occupationally exposed to flour. A single-blind, placebo controlled study was conducted in 100 subjects with occupational atopic asthma with rhinitis. The control groups consisted of 20 atopic subjects not sensitized to investigated allergens and 20 healthy subjects. A 'nasal pool' technique was used to evaluate the changes of the cellular response and protein level in nasal washings after topical provocation with allergen or placebo. The concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein and mast cell-derived tryptase in nasal fluid were evaluated in 60 cases. There were significant increases in eosinophil and basophils number, albumin/total protein ratio, eosinophil cationic protein and tryptase levels in occupationally sensitized patients challenged with specific allergens. There were neither severe bronchial reactions or an increase of bronchial hyperreactivity in occupationally sensitized patients after the nasal provocation with flour. The nasal challenge test appears to be a very useful and safe tool for diagnosing occupational allergy.

Administration, Intranasal↗
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↗