ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the asthma control status of occupational sensitizer-induced asthma(OSIA) and explore the influencing factors. METHODS: A total of 50 OSIA patients were selected as study subjects by judgment sampling method. Asthma Control Test(ACT) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to investigate the asthma control status and the quality of life of patients. The fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO) level, pulmonary function, peripheral blood eosinophil ratio(EOS%)and serum total immunoglobulin E(IgE) level of the patients were measured. RESULTS: Among the 50 cases of OSIA patients, 27(54.0%) cases were well controlled, and 23(46.0%) cases were non-fully controlled. The patients with allergic rhinitis, with no inhaled corticosteroids treatment and with poor compliance were risk factors of the non-fully controlled OSIA(all P<0.05). The scores of ACT and the quality of life, and the percentage of the first second forced expiratory volume(FEV_1%) decreased(all P<0.05), while the level of FeNO increased(P<0.05) in the non-fully controlled group compare with the well-controlled group. There was no statistical significance in EOS% and serum total IgE level between the two groups(both P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Allergic rhinitis, lack of inhaled corticosteroids treatment and poor compliance are the influencing factors that affect the control of OSIA. The combinational scores of ACT and quality of life, FeNO, FEV_1% and other indicators can reflect the status of OSIA and assess the level of asthma control, and help guiding OSIA diagnosis and treatment plans.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy of mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF) in treating occupational hand-arm vibration disease (HAVD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-four patients with HAVD were equally and randomly divided into treatment group and control group. The control group was given Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and deproteinized extract of calf blood to improve circulation, and also given methylcobalamin tablets and vitamin B6 for neurotrophic treatment. In addition to the above treatments for the control group, the treatment group was also given 30 µg/d mNGF by intramuscular injection for two courses (4 weeks for each course) with a 15-day interval.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both the treatment group and the control group showed significant improvements in clinical symptoms and signs (hand numbness and pain, and reduced senses of touch, pain, and vibration), cold water loading test (CWLT), and electroneuromyography (ENMG) after treatments (P < 0.05). And the treatment group had significantly more improvements than the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>mNGF can significantly improve hand numbness and pain, reduced senses of touch, pain, and vibration, CWLT, and ENMG, so it has better clinical effect and safety in treating HAVD. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of patients with HAVD.</p>