Search results

1

The analysis of several patogenetic and clinical paramethers among patients hospitalized due to asthma

100%

Ziętkowski Z., Dolińska C., Ziętkowska E., Bodzenta-Łukaszyk A.

Progress in Health Sciences

|

2013

|

vol. 3

|

issue 1

19-27

EN

Introduction: Chronic diseases of the respiratory system are serious problem of modern medicine. Constant increase of occurrence of such diseases in the last few decades is particularly disturbing as it has a direct correlation to the rapid increase of costs intended for health care. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of the respiratory system. Purpose: The aim of this thesis was to evaluate chosen pathogenetic and clinical parameters among patients hospitalized because of asthma in the Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine between 2007 and 2009. Materials and methods: The data included in the medical documentation of 544 patients hospitalized because of asthma, was undergone a statistical analysis. Results: The analysis of the medical documentation shows that the presence of such symptoms as whizzing, dyspnea, intensifying of symptoms after exertion or contact with allergens and infections can indicate asthma. Appearance of whizzing, exertion of symptoms after contact with allergens as well as the presence of allergies and asthma in the family are crucial in diagnosing asthma. Additionally, the presence of a cough, shortness of breath and the connection of the symptoms with exertion and infections were characteristic of high sensitivity and moderate chance of a positive prognosis. The measurements of the concentration of nitric oxide in the exhaled air was more specific and sensitive in recognizing asthma in comparison to spirometric tests, eosinophilia and the total concentration of IgE. Conclusion: The results of the research conducted indicate a great demand for specialist care for asthmatic patients which include both diagnostic procedures and intensification of treatment during exacerbations.

2

« Un baromètre vivant ». Sur une métaphore proustienne

100%

Swoboda T.

Studia Romanica Posnaniensia

|

2021

|

vol. 48

|

issue 1

69-80

EN

The article offers a study of two Proustian metaphors: “a living barometer” and “the little barometric figure”. After a brief reminder of the role of time in The Search for Lost Time, we move on to an analysis, sometimes intratextual, sometimes psychoanalytic, of the two metaphors, which places it in the context of family relationships and illness. Indeed, the barometric figure triggers a whole series of imaginary mechanisms which refer to the sensitivity and the constitutive versatility of the Search on the one hand, and to the writing itself on the other hand, but above all root this image in a complex game of identity tensions.

3

The prevalence of asthma work relatedness: Preliminary data

100%

Dudek W., Kupryś-Lipińska I., Wittczak T., Świerczyńska-Machura D., Kupczyk M., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Kuna P., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2015

|

vol. 28

|

issue 6

1025-1029

EN

Objectives About 5–10% of asthmatics do not respond well to standard treatment plan. Occupational exposure may be one of the factors that can be linked with treatment failure. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of work-related asthma (WRA) among adult asthmatics under follow up in an outpatient allergy clinic and to create a useful tool for detecting individuals with possible WRA. Material and Methods Preliminary 5-question questionnaire designed to recognize WRA was presented to 300 asthmatics. All patients with positive preliminary verification along with 50 subjects from control group were asked to fill up a detailed questionnaire. The WRA was diagnosed by positive match for asthma symptoms in combination with workplace exposure indicated in the detailed WRA questionnaire followed by confirmation of each WRA case by detailed exposure analysis. Results Work-related asthma was recognized in 63 subjects (21% of study group). The preliminary questionnaire has 76.9% sensitivity and 94% specificity in recognition of WRA. Occupational exposure to irritants is a risk factor of WRA recognition (relative risk (RR) = 2.09 (1.44:3.03)). Working in exposure-free environment is a factor against WRA recognition (RR = 0.38 (0.24:0.61)). Among subjects with work-related asthma, the uncontrolled course of the disease is significantly more frequent (p = 0.012). Subjects with WRA more often report sickness absenteeism due to asthma than those without WRA (9.6% vs. 3.2%, respectively), but the observed differences did not reach the statistical significance. Conclusions Short 5-question questionnaire seems to be a promising tool to detect individuals with possible work-related asthma in the outpatient setting for further evaluation and additional attention.

4

Maternal waterpipe smoke exposure and the risk of asthma and allergic diseases in childhood: A post hoc analysis

100%

Waked M., Salameh P.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2015

|

vol. 28

|

issue 1

147-156

EN

Introduction This analysis was conducted with the objective of evaluating association between waterpipe passive smoking exposure and asthma, and allergies among Lebanese children. Material and methods Data were taken from a crosssectional study on children from public and private schools. A sample of 22 schools participated in the study, where standardized written core questionnaires were distributed. From 5 to 12-year-old students filled in the questionnaires at home, while 13–14-year-old students filled it in in the class. In total, 5522 children were evaluated for the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema, and their associated factors, including waterpipe exposure due to parents’ smoking. Results The descriptive results of parental smoking were, as follows: among mothers: 1609 (29%) mothers smoked cigarettes, 385 (7%) smoked waterpipe and 98 (1.8%) smoked both; among fathers: 2449 (44.2%) smoked cigarettes, 573 (10.3%) smoked waterpipe and 197 (3.5%) smoked both. Maternal waterpipe smoking was significantly and moderately associated with allergic diseases (p < 0.001; ORa = 1.71), including probable asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis (p < 0.001 for all). Quite on the opposite, father’s waterpipe smoking was not associated with any of the diseases. Parental cigarette smoking demonstrated some positive effects: father’s cigarette smoking did not show association with dermatitis or asthma diagnosed by a physician, while mother’s cigarette smoking showed a positive association only with probable asthma. Moreover, no interactions between cigarette and waterpipe smoking were observed. Conclusions Maternal waterpipe smoking should be regarded as a high risk behavior; however, additional studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

5

Underdiagnosis of childhood asthma: A comparison of survey estimates to clinical evaluation

100%

Brożek G. M., Farnik M., Lawson J., Zejda J. E.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2013

|

vol. 26

|

issue 6

900-909

EN

Objectives: Diagnostic patterns play a role in asthma prevalence estimates and could have implications for disease management. We sought to determine the extent to which questionnaire-derived estimates of childhood asthma reflect the disease's true occurrence. Materials and Methods: Children aged 6-12 years from Katowice, Poland, were recruited from a crosssectional survey (N = 1822) via primary schools. Students were categorized into three mutually exclusive groups based on survey responses: "Asthma" (previously diagnosed asthma); "Respiratory symptoms" (no previous diagnosis of asthma and one or more respiratory symptoms during last year), "No respiratory symptoms" (no previous diagnosis of asthma or respiratory symptoms). A sample of children from each group (total N = 456) completed clinical testing to determine asthma presence according to GINA recommendations. Results: Based on the survey, 5.4% of children were classified with asthma, 27.9% with respiratory symptoms, and 66.7% with no respiratory symptoms or asthma. All previously known 41 cases of asthma were confirmed. New diagnoses of asthma were made in 21 (10.9%) and 8 (3.6%) of subjects from the "Respiratory symptoms" (N = 192) and "No respiratory symptoms" (N = 223) groups, respectively. The overall prevalence of childhood asthma, incorporating the results of clinical examination, was 10.8% (95% CI: 9.4-12.2), compared to the questionnaire-derived figure of 5.4% (95% CI: 4.4-6.5%) and affected females more than males. Conclusions: Asthma prevalence was underestimated in this population possibly resulting from under-presentation or under-diagnosis. This could have potential implications for proper management and well-being of children. Questionnaire estimates of prevalence should be considered carefully in the context of regional diagnostic patterns.

6

Does Asthma Disturb Executive Functions and Self-regulation in Children?

100%

Fryt J., Pilecka W., Smolen T.

Polish Journal of Applied Psychology

|

2013

|

vol. 11

|

issue 2

55-74

EN

Due to possible psychosocial and neurocognitive factors, asthma may present a risk to children’s executive functions and self-regulation, especially when it is poorly controlled. One hundred and one 8-11 year-old children (patients with asthma, ADHD and healthy peers) and their parents participated in the study. Four cognitive tasks measuring different executive functions and parent and child versions of behavior regulation inventory were used. Children with asthma had more diffi culties shifting their attention between tasks and exhibited more problems in self-regulation than their healthy peers, but their scores were better than children with ADHD. Patients with more intensive treatment, poor symptom control, a history of acute asthma attacks and non-compliance had slightly more diffi culties in executive functions and self-regulation.

7

Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the FeNO biomarker in the diagnosis of asthma

100%

Marek Biesiadecki M., Sabina Galiniak S., Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher D., David Aebisher D.

European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine

|

2018

|

issue 4

253-258

EN

Introduction. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is used as a non-invasive biomarker that reflects inflammation in the airways. It is so versatile that it used to control asthma severity as well as to monitor response to treatment. However, the exact cut-off point of the nitric oxide level which allows one to make a precise diagnosis of asthma is unclear. Aim. To examine the possibility of using advanced statistical methods such as receiver operating characteristic for the analysis of FeNO concentrations for improving the diagnosis of asthma. Materials and methods. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used for analyzing results to determine levels of nitric oxide which may be a prognostic indicator of asthma. The studied group consisted of 111 children including 69 asthmatic patients, and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide was conducted in all subjects included in this study. Results. FeNO level was higher in asthmatic patients. The analysis of results showed that the cut-off point for the FeNO concentration is 11.5 ppb. Sensitivity and specificity with the FeNO level allowed us to determine a value of the diagnostic variable of FeNO concentration of 14.0 ppb. A comparison of FeNO level and sex of the subjects showed there is no correlation between these parameters of patients. Conclusions. Currently, the FeNO measurement provides complementary d

8

Analysis of the spirometry performed on asthmatic children and teenagers coming from rural communities, during the rehabilitation therapy

88%

Popecki P., Skrzyszewska K., Patyk M., Łukasik T., Gojny Ł., Grychowska N., Pawlas K., Pirogowicz I.

Family Medicine & Primary Care Review

|

2013

|

issue 3

372-374

9

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes): A poorly known allergen in Western countries responsible for severe work-related asthma

88%

Pravettoni V., Primavesi L., Piantanida M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2014

|

vol. 27

|

issue 5

871-874

EN

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the IgE-mediated pathogenesis of severe asthma presented by a patient only after handling shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms (SM). Material and Methods: Skin tests were performed using in-house extracts from mushrooms that the patient usually handled, i.e., shiitake, porcini, oyster and black fungus mushroom varieties. Specific IgE to champignons and various molds were determined. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) immunoblotting was performed to detect IgE-binding components. Four negative controls were included in the study. Results: Skin prick tests performed with in-house mushroom extracts from varieties other than shiitake were completely negative, in contrast to the positive test obtained for shiitake mushrooms. Serum specific IgE levels for common molds and champignons were all negative. SDS-PAGE revealed many protein bands in the four mushroom extracts. Immunoblotting using the patient’s serum showed allergenic bands at about 15 and 24 kDa exclusively for SM that were not shared with negative controls. Another faint band was detectable at approximately 37 kDa for SM and porcini varieties. Conclusions: Here, we present the first European case of SM-induced occupational asthma, a disease more frequently occurring in Asia. Asthma attacks stopped when the patient avoided contact with shiitake mushrooms. No skin reactions and no IgE-binding proteins by immunoblotting were detectable with the other mushrooms tested. The positive skin test with shiitake mushrooms and IgE-binding components in the shiitake extract confirmed the IgE-mediated etiology of the reaction.

10

Occupational diseases in Poland - An overview of current trends

88%

Szeszenia-Dąbrowska N., Wilczyńska U.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2013

|

vol. 26

|

issue 3

457-470

EN

Introduction: The number of occupational diseases (OD) recorded in Poland in the 1990's rapidly increased, and the numer of recognized cases has steadily decreased until now. Hence, it was decided to demonstrate the trends of selected pathologies which in Poland are "underestimated" in comparison to other countries. The presented data may constitute a basis for further research into the dependence of OD on socio-economic factors. Materials and Methods: Occupational Disease Reporting Forms, completed and sent obligatorily by the state health inspectors to the Central Register of Occupational Diseases were used as source documents for analysis. This work analyzes changes in the incidence of chronic poisonings, asbestosis, voice organ diseases, cancers, viral hepatitis, asthma and the musculoskeletal disorders over the years 1998-2011. Results: In 1998, the total number of registered diseases reached the maximum - 12,017 cases, which fell in the subsequent years to 2,562 cases in 2011. During that period, the incidence rate decreased by 6 cases per year per 100,000 employees. A considerable decrease, exceeding 90% of cases, was observed in voice organ disorders, hearing loss, chronic poisonings and viral hepatitis. The abovementioned changes, as well as improved detection of asbestos-related diseases through implementing a medical examination program of former asbestos processing plant workers, are advantages of the current situation in the epidemiology of OD. However, the disadvantages include underestimation, in comparison to other countries, of asthma, cancer and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Conclusion: The reported data indicates the need to assess the occupational fraction of the underestimated pathologies present in the work environment in Poland, as well as the need for studies aimed at clarifying the effect of systemic factors on identifying their occupational background.

11

Verbal and visual memory performances of children with moderate-into-severe asthma

75%

Taha H., Khalil M.

Polish Psychological Bulletin

|

2019

|

vol. 50

|

issue 1

12

Effect of residential proximity to traffic on respiratory disorders in school children in upper Silesian Industrial Zone, Poland

75%

Skrzypek M., Zejda J. E., Kowalska M., Czech E. M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2013

|

vol. 26

|

issue 1

83-91

EN

Objective: A number of studies show an association between traffi c-related air pollution and adverse respiratory health effects in children. However, most evidence relates to the regions with low or moderate levels of ambient air pollution. The study was undertaken to assess the impact of traffi c-related air pollution on respiratory health status in children living in the area of high levels of industrial and municipal ambient air pollution. Materials and Methods: Analyses involved data obtained from cross-sectional study on respiratory health in children (N = 5733), conducted between 2003–2004 in Bytom, one of the largest cities of Silesian Metropolis (Poland). Exposure to traffic-related air pollution was assessed by means of geographic information system and expressed as several measures of potential exposure to traffic-related air pollution, involving residential distance to major road and traffic density in the residential area. Logistic regression was used to examin association between reported respiratory health and traffic measures. Results: Statistically signifi cant association was found between doctor-diagnosed asthma and residential proximity to traffic. Results of multivariate logistic regression (logOR; 95%CI) confi rmed the effect of living in an area of a city with high-traffic-density on childhood asthma: 1.60 (1.07–2.39). Similar effects were found in case of allergic rhinitis and rhinitis symptoms, but the observed associations were not statistically signifi cant. Conclusion: The study fi ndings suggest that even in an area with poor regional ambient air quality, adverse respiratory health outcomes are more frequent in children living in a proximity to the high vehicle traffic flow

13

Badania epidemiologiczne jako podstawa informacyjna rozpoznania chorób alergicznych układu oddechowego i skóry u dzieci w wieku 6–7 i 13–14 lat w rejonie grodzieńskim

75%

Shpakou A.

Puls Uczelni

|

2015

|

issue 1

3-7

PL

Wstęp: Duże rozpowszechnienie, skutki medyczne i społeczne, wpływ na jakość życia oraz znaczący koszt chorób alergicznych uzasadniają liczne działania na rzecz ich profilaktyki. Nie ma wątpliwości, iż oficjalne statystyki mogą nie odpowiadać rzeczywistej częstotliwości występowania chorób alergicznych. Cel pracy: Celem pracy jest ocena częstotliwości występowania astmy i chorób alergicznych, głównych objawów alergicznych i oddechowych wśród miejskich i wiejskich dzieci w wieku 6–7 i 13–14 lat (w grupach wiekowych według badań ISAAC) w rejonie Grodna. Materiał i metody: W badaniu kwestionariuszowym (na podstawie ankiety ISAAC) wzięło udział 2187 rodziców dzieci w wieku 6–7 i 13–14 lat z Grodna i jego okolic (1091 dzieci z miasta i 1096 ze wsi). Wśród nich 955 dzieci było w wieku 6–7 lat, a 1232 w wieku 13–14 lat. Wiedząc o tym, że astmę oskrzelową można podejrzewać u osób, które odczuwają duszności z towarzyszącymi świstami, uciskiem w klatce piersiowej lub kaszlem i chorobami alergicznymi (alergiczny nieżyt nosa i atopowe zapalenie skóry), przeanalizowano częstotliwość występowania tych objawów i chorób wśród dzieci. Wyniki: Wykazano niską częstotliwość występowania astmy wśród dzieci w standaryzowanych grupach wiekowych. Rodzice 30 dzieci (1,37% badanych) potwierdzają istnienie choroby u dzieci na podstawie jej zdiagnozowania przez lekarza. Wskaźnik występowania astmy wyniósł wśród dzieci miejskich 1,74% (19 osób), a wiejskich – 1,0% (11 dzieci). Po głębszej analizie odpowiedzi ustalono, że 60 dzieci (2,74%) miało w ciągu ostatnich 12 miesięcy świsty w klatce piersiowej i napady kaszlu. Częstotliwość występowania alergicznego nieżytu nosa i atopowego zapalenia skóry wynosiła około 4% i 10%. Choroby te częściej spotykano u dzieci chorych na astmę. Wnioski: Ponieważ rozpoznawalność astmy u dzieci na podstawie diagnozy lekarskiej jest niewysoka, nie można wyklu- czyć, że odzwierciedla to stan niedorozpoznania choroby. Konieczne wydaje się ciągłe monitorowanie objawów chorób alergicznych i astmy poprzez kontynuację badań epidemiologicznych jako podstawy informacyjnej do opracowania oraz wdrożenia programów zapobiegania i oceniania skuteczności profilaktyki na szczeblu regionalnym i między- narodowym.

EN

Background: Widespread, medical and social consequences, impact on quality of life and the significant cost of allergic diseases justify a number of measures for the prevention of diseases. What is clear is that official statistics may not match the true prevalence of allergic diseases in general, especially asthma. Aim of the study: Estimate the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases, the main symptoms of allergic and respiratory among urban and rural children aged 6–7 years and 13–14 years in the Grodno region carried out in accordance with internationally recognized research methodology. Material and methods: The survey questionnaire (based on a survey ISAAC) 2187 was attended by parents of children 6–7 years and 13–14 years of Grodno and region (1091 children from the city, and in 1096 from the village). 955 children aged 6–7 years, 1232 at the age of 13–14 years. Knowing this with asthma may be suspected in patients, who feel shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing, tightness in the chest or cough and allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis and atopic der- matitis), analyzed the incidence of these symptoms and dis- eases among children. Results: Demonstrated a low incidence of asthma among chil- dren in the age group of standardized. Parents of 30 children (1.37% respondents) confirms the existence of disease in chil- dren under physician diagnose disease. Prevalence of asthma among urban children was 1.74% (19 people) and rural – 1.0% (11 children). With a deeper analysis of responses established with 60 children (2.74%) had in the last 12 months wheezing in the chest and coughing. The incidence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis is about 4% and 10%. These diseases often found only among children with asthma. Conclusions: Since the identification of asthma in children based on the diagnosis by the doctor is not high, can’t be excluded that this reflects a failure to recognize the disease. Noted marked differences in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, manifesting linking asthma and asthma with allergic diseases. It seems necessary to continuously monitor these phenomena through the continuation of epidemiological studies as a basis for the development of information and implementation of prevention programs and epidemiological evaluation of the effectiveness of prevention at regional and international.

14

The relationship between antibiotic therapy in early childhood and the symptoms of allergy in children aged 6–8 years - the questionnaire study results

75%

Raciborski F., Tomaszewska A., Komorowski J., Samel-Kowalik P., Białoszewski A. Z., Walkiewicz A., Lusawa A., Szymański J., Opoczyńska D., Drużba M., Borowicz J., Lipiec A., Kapalczynski W. J., Samoliński B.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2012

|

vol. 25

|

issue 4

470-480

EN

Introduction: Studies based on the ISAAC questionnaire suggest a correlation between the use of antibiotics and the prevalence of asthma and allergy in children aged 6-7 years. The number of courses of antibiotic therapy is an important factor. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the use of antibiotics during the fi rst years of life and the prevalence of allergy and asthma among children (aged 6-8 years) in the urban population of Poland. Materials and Methods: A survey-based study with a self-completed questionnaire. The respondents were parents of children aged 6-8 years living in Warszawa, Poland. 1461 completed questionnaires were collected. Results: Asthma was declared in 4.3% of the children. Wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi within 12 months before the study was observed in 13.5% of the cases. Asthma medication was taken by 21.8% of the children. Allergic rhinitis was declared in 18.7% of the children. Problems with sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion not associated with cold or fever were observed in 40.7% of the children. The a nalysis of the odds ratios between the use of antibiotics and the symptoms of allergic diseases revealed a clear correlation. The highest odds ratio was observed between the completion of over three courses of antibiotic therapy prior to the age of 12 months and the declaration of one of the following: asthma (OR = 5.59, 95% CI: 2.6-12.01), wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 3.01-7.27) and taking medicines for breathlessness (OR = 5.12, 95% CI: 3.42-7.68). Conclusions: There is a direct relationship between antibiotic use in the fi rst 3 years of life and asthma and allergy symptoms in children aged 6-8 years old.

15

Update on work-exacerbated asthma

75%

Tarlo S. M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2015

|

vol. 29

|

issue 3

369-374

EN

Work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) is the term used to describe the worsening of asthma related to work but not the causation of asthma by work. It is common and has been reported to occur for 21.5% of working asthmatics on average. The frequency and severity may range from a single mild exacerbation that may lead to no time lost at work up to daily or severe exacerbations that may require a permanent change in work. Reports from general population surveys and primary care settings include more patients with short-term or mild exacerbations while those from tertiary care settings reflect the more severe end of the spectrum of severity or frequency, with socioeconomic outcomes that are similar to those of occupational asthma. In the minority of patients with the WEA, whose asthma starts while working, the differential diagnosis includes sensitizer-induced or possible irritant-induced occupational asthma. Optimizing work exposures and asthma management may improve outcome and prevent exacerbations. Worker education and screening of working asthmatics by primary health care workers may also prevent morbidity.

16

Occupational exposure to diisocyanates in polyurethane foam factory workers

75%

Świerczyńska-Machura D., Brzeźnicki S., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Wittczak T., Dudek W., Bonczarowska M., Wesolowski W., Czerczak S., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2015

|

vol. 28

|

issue 6

985-998

EN

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate health effects of occupational exposure to diisocyanates (DIC) among polyurethane foam products factory workers. Material and Methods Thirty workers had a physical examination, skin prick tests with common allergens, allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to diisocyanates and pulmonary function tests. Concentrations of selected isocyanates in the workplace air samples as well as concentration of their metabolites in the urine samples collected from the workers of the plant were determined. Results The most frequent work-related symptoms reported by the examined subjects were rhinitis and skin symptoms. Sensitization to at least 1 common allergen was noted in 26.7% of the subjects. Spirometry changes of bronchial obstruction of a mild degree was observed in 5 workers. The specific IgE antibodies to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) were not detected in any of the patients’ serum. Cellular profiles of the collected induced sputum (ISP) did not reveal any abnormalities. Air concentrations of TDI isomers ranged 0.2–58.9 μg/m³ and in 7 cases they exceeded the Combined Exposure Index (CEI) value for those compounds. Concentrations of TDI metabolites in post-shift urine samples were significantly higher than in the case of pre-shift urine samples and in 6 cases they exceeded the British Biological Monitoring Guidance Value (BMGV – 1 μmol amine/mol creatinine). We didn’t find a correlation between urinary concentrations of TDI, concentrations in the air and concentrations of toluenediamine (TDA) in the post shift urine samples. Lack of such a correlation may be an effect of the respiratory protective equipment use. Conclusions Determination of specific IgE in serum is not sensitive enough to serve as a biomarker. Estimation of concentrations of diisocyanate metabolites in urine samples and the presence of work-related allergic symptoms seem to be an adequate method for occupational exposure monitoring of DIC, which may help to determine workers at risk as well as to recognize hazardous workplaces.

17

Prevalence of bronchial asthma and respiratory symptoms in a group of students from Grodno. An example of standardized epidemiological survey

75%

Ahiyevets O.

Puls Uczelni

|

2014

|

issue 3

4-10

EN

Introduction: Due to an insufcient knowledge of the real asthma prevalence rate among children and adults in Belarus, we conducted a population-based respiratory health survey. Aim of the study: The study aimed at estimating the prevalence rate of asthma and major respiratory symptoms among students of the Grodno Region (Western Belarus). Material and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 and included 833 students aged 20-40 (young adults). Physician-diagnosed respiratory diseases and symptoms were ascertained using electronic version of the ISAAC questionnaire (web LimeSurvey). Results: The prevalence of asthma was 2.88% (physician-diagnosed). The obstructive (asthmatic) bronchitis (without established diagnosis of asthma) was found in 5.04% of the respondents. A chronic respiratory symptom occurring in the past 12 months and suggestive of asthma included attacks of dyspnea at rest, cough (5.88%) or in previous periods (8.88%), and wheezing in the chest (one of the most characteristic symptoms of asthma) - 8.04%, which may indicate a higher prevalence of asthma among patients. Wheezing and wheeze without diagnosed asthma, colds or infections were reported in a small number of cases (about 1.0%). 32 respondents (3.84%) can be attributed to the group of risk for asthma due to the presence of specifc respiratory symptoms. Conclusions: The fndings show a low prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma among students of Western Belarus. Relatively low prevalence of allergic disorders among respondents of Belarus suggest underdiagnosis of allergic diseases, in particular of asthma. Presumably, cases of asthma might be diagnosed as spastic bronchitis, “obstructive bronchitis”, “asthmatic bronchitis”, a traditional label for clinical manifestation of asthma in medical practice in the region.

XX

Wprowadzenie: Wyniki badań epidemiologicznych przeprowadzonych na Białorusi wskazują na niedoszacowanie rozpoznania astmy wśród dzieci i dorosłych. Cel badania: Ocena częstości występowania astmy i objawów chorób układu oddechowego wśród studentów uczelni wyższej w Grodnie (Białoruś). Materiał i metody: Badanie przekrojowe przeprowadzono w 2014 roku i zawiera ono dane ankietowe uzyskane od 833 studentów w wieku 20-40 lat (młode dorośle). Choroby i objawy chorób układu oddechowego diagnozowane przez lekarza określane przy użyciu elektronicznej wersji kwestionariusza ISAAC (web LimeSurvey). Wyniki: Częstość występowania astmy, diagnozowanej przez lekarza wyniosła 2,88%. Obstrukcyjne (astmatyczne) zapalenie oskrzeli (bez ustalonego rozpoznania astmy) - 5,04% badanych. Przewlekłe objawy chorób układu oddechowego występujące w ciągu ostatnich 12 miesięcy oraz objawy astmy w postaci ataków duszności w spoczynku, kaszel nocny - 5,88%, świsty w klatce piersiowej (jeden z najbardziej charakterystycznych objawów astmy) - 8,04%. To może wskazywać na wyższą częstość występowania astmy wśród badanych. 32 badanych (3,84%) przypisane do grupy ryzyka dla astmy, spowodowanej obecnością specyficznych objawów oddechowych. Wnioski: Wyniki badań wskazują na niską częstość występowania astmy wśród studentów i stosunkowo wysoką częstość zaburzeń oddechowych. Dosyć niska częstość występowania chorób alergicznych wśród respondentów sugeruje niedodiagnozowanie chorób alergicznych, zwłaszcza astmy. Przypuszczalnie, przypadki astmy mogą być zdiagnozowane jako spastyczne zapalenie oskrzeli, obturacyjne zapalenie oskrzeli lub astmatyczne zapalenie oskrzeli czyli tradycyjnych etykiet dla objawów klinicznych astmy.

18

The association between air pollutions and emergency hospitalizations due to COPD and asthma across 16 Polish cities: population-based study

75%

Ścibor M., Leoszkiewicz K., Micek A., Chomoncik K., Dubas-Jakóbczyk K., Kocot E., Bąk A., Kucińska J., Dziurda D., Topór-Mądry R.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2024

|

vol. 37

|

issue 1

110-127

EN

Objectives In recent years numerous initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution have been undertaken in Poland. The general objective was to examine the correlation between air pollution measured by the level of particulate matter ≤10 μm in diameter (PM₁₀) and emergency hospitalizations due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in 16 Polish cities (capitals of the regions). Material and Methods The authors aimed to diagnose the situation across 16 cities over a 5‑year period (2014–2019). Data on the number of hospitalizations was retrieved from the national public insurance system, the National Health Fund. A total number of 22 600 emergency hospitalizations was analyzed (12 000 and 10 600 in 2014 and 2019, respectively). The data on air pollution was accessed via the public register of the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection air quality database. The authors of this article have used the data on PM₁₀ daily exposure in each of the 16 cities in 2014 and 2019. Statistical methods included: non-parametric tests, a 2-stage modelling approach for time-series data, and multivariate meta-analysis of the results. Results The results indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in PM₁₀ concentration in 2019 in comparison to 2014 in all cities, mainly in the autumn and winter season. However, the correlation between the improvement in the air quality and a decrease in emergency hospitalizations due to asthma and COPD turned out to not be as strong as expected. The authors observed a strong correlation between PM₁₀ concentrations and hospitalizations due to asthma and COPD, but only when air quality norms were significantly above acceptable levels. Conclusions Air pollution measured by PM₁₀ concentration might be used as one of the predictors of the asthma and COPD emergency hospitalization risk, yet other factors like respiratory tract infection, health care organizational aspect, patient self-control, compliance and comorbidities should also be taken into consideration.

19

Relationship between prenatal and postnatal exposure to BPA and its analogues (BPS, BPF) and allergic diseases

75%

Weteska M., Zwolińska A., Pisarska-Troczyńska K., Janc M., Polańska K., Jerzyńska J., Jankowska A.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2023

|

vol. 36

|

issue 5

575-586

EN

Bisphenols, endocrine disrupting chemicals, are widely used in daily life. Continued exposure during key developmental periods of life (pregnancy, infancy and early childhood) can contribute to adverse health consequences such as decreased lung function, wheezing/asthma, the occurrence of allergies or changes in immune system responses. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the effects of prenatal or postnatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) on the development of allergic diseases in childhood. A comprehensive and systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted. The review is restricted to studies published since 2015, in English in peer-reviewed journals. Based on keywords, 2648 studies were identified and reviewed for eligibility. Finally, 8 epidemiological studies were found to be appropriate for inclusion in this publication. The data collected in this review suggests that there is an association between maternal exposure during pregnancy or childhood to BPA and the development of allergic diseases. Most studies reported positive relationships between BPA exposure and at least one of the types of allergic disease. The paucity of studies and the observed differences in findings regarding the association between prenatal/postnatal exposure to BPS and/or BPF do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn. Further research is needed to identify the vulnerable population and the mechanisms responsible for the development of undesirable health consequences.

20

The indirect costs of allergic diseases

75%

Stróżek J., Samoliński B., Kłak A., Gawińska-Drużba E., Izdebski R., Krzych-Fałta E., Raciborski F.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2019

|

vol. 32

|

issue 3

281-290

EN

It is estimated that every third person living in Europe suffers from allergic diseases. Allergies are a growing health problem in Poland where 40% of the population have allergy symptoms, including 12% afflicted with asthma. The actual cost of allergic diseases is difficult to estimate due to the lack or incompleteness of the relevant data. The aim of this review is to present estimates of the indirect costs of allergic diseases in Poland and globally, using asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis as examples. The analysis also includes the impact of allergic diseases on the costs to the social welfare system and employers. The literature review of the indirect costs of allergic diseases shows that the indirect costs of a disease, which substantially exceed the direct costs, increase with the disease activity and severity. Interestingly, some studies have found that the indirect costs of lost productivity due to hours missed from work to take care of a sick child could be threefold higher than those of absence due to a worker’s own illness. The indirect costs of a disease can be significantly reduced by early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(3):281–90

Refine search results

The analysis of several patogenetic and clinical paramethers among patients hospitalized due to asthma

« Un baromètre vivant ». Sur une métaphore proustienne

The prevalence of asthma work relatedness: Preliminary data

Maternal waterpipe smoke exposure and the risk of asthma and allergic diseases in childhood: A post hoc analysis

Underdiagnosis of childhood asthma: A comparison of survey estimates to clinical evaluation

Does Asthma Disturb Executive Functions and Self-regulation in Children?

Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the FeNO biomarker in the diagnosis of asthma

Analysis of the spirometry performed on asthmatic children and teenagers coming from rural communities, during the rehabilitation therapy

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes): A poorly known allergen in Western countries responsible for severe work-related asthma

Occupational diseases in Poland - An overview of current trends

Verbal and visual memory performances of children with moderate-into-severe asthma

Effect of residential proximity to traffic on respiratory disorders in school children in upper Silesian Industrial Zone, Poland

Badania epidemiologiczne jako podstawa informacyjna rozpoznania chorób alergicznych układu oddechowego i skóry u dzieci w wieku 6–7 i 13–14 lat w rejonie grodzieńskim

The relationship between antibiotic therapy in early childhood and the symptoms of allergy in children aged 6–8 years - the questionnaire study results

Update on work-exacerbated asthma

Occupational exposure to diisocyanates in polyurethane foam factory workers

Prevalence of bronchial asthma and respiratory symptoms in a group of students from Grodno. An example of standardized epidemiological survey

The association between air pollutions and emergency hospitalizations due to COPD and asthma across 16 Polish cities: population-based study

Relationship between prenatal and postnatal exposure to BPA and its analogues (BPS, BPF) and allergic diseases

The indirect costs of allergic diseases