Symptom screening in detection of occupational solvent-related encephalopathy

Abstract

Screening in active workforce for symptoms of cognitive dysfunction identifies highly solvent-exposed workers and also reveals occupational and non-occupational cases of encephalopathy. Evaluation of differential diagnostic conditions is essential in the detection of CSE. A stepwise model is proposed.

Occupational chronic solvent encephalopathy in Finland 1995–2007: incidence and exposure

“…Thus, it may underestimate individual exposure and exposure peaks. The four CSE cases in our study with OELY values beginning from four indicate that the lower limit six, usually considered prerequisite for the CSE diagnosis at FIOH (Kaukiainen et al 2009), should be taken merely as a guideline rather than a diagnostic criterion.…”

“…The rather constant number of referrals indicates improved awareness and eVective CSE-symptom screening of exposed workers by Euroquest in OHS (Chouaniere et al 1997;Kaukiainen et al 2009). The lowered threshold to recognise symptoms indicating CSE and to initiate investigations may have led, however, to a higher number of referred cases with also other aetiologies than solvent exposure.…”

“…Thus, the real number and incidence of CSE cases may be higher than now reported. This is supported by the detection of unrecognised CSE cases by symptom screening in solvent exposed populations (Kaukiainen et al 2009). The annual number of CSE cases in Finland during 1995-2007 has diminished which is congruent with the trend observed during 1997-2006 in the Netherlands (van der Laan 2007).…”

“…In 92 (72%) cases, the referrals were from occupational health care units, 10 (8%) from neurological outpatient clinics, 10 (8%) from rehabilitation investigation units, 4 (5%) from psychiatric outpatient clinics, 3 (4%) from some other outpatient clinic, and 2 (3%) from a research project where construction painters were screened for CSE-related symptoms (Kaukiainen et al 2009). …”

Psychosyndrome organique chez des salariés exposés aux solvants organiques

“…Dick[12] rapporte que l'exposition chronique aux SO, au minimum 10 ans, est responsable d'encéphalopathie toxique chronique. Dans une étude transversale par questionnaire, menée auprès de 2000 travailleurs dans le BTP (peintres et charpentiers), Kaukiainen et al[22] ont rapporté un effet cumulatif de l'exposition aux SO chez les patients aux scores élevés (p < 0,0001). Le risque de développer un PSO était, selon cette étude, plus important chez les salariés fortement ou moyennement exposés aux SO/La population d'étude était jeune, 77 % étaient âgés de moins de 40 ans.…”