ABSTRACT
Se estudiaron siete trabajadores estacionales foráneos que presentaron golpe de calor (GDC) en campos agrícolas de Sinaloa en septiembre de 1994. Fueron recolectadas notas clínicas, y resultados de autopsia forense en los cinco pacientes que fallecieron. Se analizaron características toxicológicas de muestras biológicas, de agua, suelo y plantas; se indagó microclima durante la ocurrencia de los casos. Los trabajadores iniciaron a 24 horas del arribo a Sinaloa y la sintomatología inició entre 5-24 horas después, con pérdida súbita de conciencia e hipertermia mayor de 40ºC; el análisis toxicológico no indicó posible intoxicación por plaguicidas agroquímicos. Microclima: temperaturas máximas de 36-40.5ºC, temperaturas mínimas de 22.5-26.5ºC, humedad relativa: 77-86 por ciento; en el diagnóstico post mortem de cuatro casos prevaleció falla orgánica múltiple. GDC debe prevenirse en trabajadores estacionales que se expondrán a carga térmica ambiental
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Temperature , Rural Workers , Heat Exhaustion/complications , Heat Exhaustion/physiopathology , Heat Exhaustion/prevention & control , Agricultural Workers' Diseases/classification , Agricultural Workers' Diseases/physiopathology , Agricultural Workers' Diseases/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Sudden death related to exercise activity is a well-recognised clinical syndrome. Although the incidence is low, it is always an agonizing experience to all concerned when a young, relatively healthy individual dies suddenly. Over the last four years, we have had six proven cases of sudden death in athletics. The cause varied from congenital to acquired pathology of the heart, and there was one case of heat stroke. From this study, we were able to analyse some of the risk factors and, from a review of the literature, we are able to determine (1) the feasibility of a screening programme, and (2) the design of such a programme as would be suitable for our environment.
Subject(s)
Humans , Adolescent , Adult , Male , Sports , Exercise , Death, Sudden/etiology , Heart Diseases/complications , Sinus of Valsalva/abnormalities , Risk Factors , Heat Exhaustion/complicationsABSTRACT
In January and February 1987 an epidemic of a strange illness involving 31 members of the staff in the Calcutta Telephone Exchange occurred. It commenced in the "operator services" on the 4th floor and after involving 21 members of the staff, progressed to the 6th floor where a further 10 members of the staff were involved. The symptoms varied and included a burning feeling on the face, weakness of the limbs, noises in the ear and heaviness of the head. In most cases no physical injury was found and a psychological disorder occurred subsequently in a few cases. Extensive investigation of the network did not reveal any specific electronic causes although some defects were found. The likely causative factors were poor ventilation causing a mild excess of CO2 as well as a mild heat load, overlaid on a background of work stress. The epidemic was exacerbated by erroneous reports in the media and by rumour that the members of the staff admitted to hospital were permanently injured. The epidemic abated in conjunction with steps to improve the work environment and to improve medical communication. The epidemic is discussed with regard to mass sociogenic illness.