Clinical Characteristics of Disability in Patients with Indoor Air–Related Environmental Intolerance

BACKGROUND: Chronic nonspecific symptoms attributed to indoor nonindustrial work environments are common and may cause disability, but the medical nature of this disability is unclear. The aim was to medically characterize the disability manifested by chronic, recurrent symptoms and restrictions to work participation attributed to low-level indoor pollutants at workplace and whether the condition shares features with idiopathic environmental intolerance. METHODS: We investigated 12 patients with indoor air–related work disability. The examinations included somatic, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations as well as investigations of the autonomic nervous system, cortisol measurements, lung function, and allergy tests. We evaluated well-being, health, disability, insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, and burnout via questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean symptom history was 10.5 years; for disabling symptoms, 2.7 years. Eleven patients reported reactions triggered mainly by indoor molds, one by fragrances only. Ten reported sensitivity to odorous chemicals, and three, electric devices. Nearly all had co-occurrent somatic and psychiatric diagnoses and signs of pain, insomnia, burnout, and/or elevated sympathetic responses. Avoiding certain environments had led to restrictions in several life areas. On self-assessment scales, disability showed higher severity and anxiety showed lower severity than in physician assessments. CONCLUSION: No medical cause was found to explain the disability. Findings support that the condition is a form of idiopathic environmental intolerance and belongs to functional somatic syndromes. Instead of endless avoidance, rehabilitation approaches of functional somatic syndromes are applicable.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Chemical Laboratory Workers

BACKGROUND: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is an acquired disease which etiology remains unknown. It is characterized by the development of sensitivity to certain chemical products. Most of the hypotheses formulated to explain the syndrome associate it to a previous exposition to some kind of volatile chemical. University researchers in chemical laboratories suffer a phenomenon of multi-exposition to chemical agents at low concentration during long periods of time although in an irregular form. Many of these chemical agents have similar properties to those suspicious of causing MCS. This article studies the prevalence of MCS in laboratory researchers. METHODS: The study group is university researchers in chemical laboratories. The control group was obtained from administrative personnel who work in the same universities and therefore, are not exposed to chemical products from the laboratories, but have the same exposition to the rest of environmental polluting agents from the area and from the buildings of the university. In this study, it is used the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) (sensitivity of 92%/specificity of 95%). RESULTS: The results showed that the prevalence of MCS for the university researchers is not related to exposition by inhalation to multiple chemical agents, at low concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The results disagree with one of the main etiological hypotheses of MCS, which is based on the existence of hypersensitive people, who presents a response after prolonged expositions to very low concentrations during a long period of time.

Background factors of chemical intolerance and parent-child relationships

BACKGROUND@#Chemical intolerance is a widespread public health problem characterized by symptoms that reportedly result from low-level exposure to chemicals. Although several studies have reported factors related to chemical intolerance in adults, the impact of family members has not been reported. In the present study, we investigated the background factors related to chemical intolerance in family members and parent-child relationships.@*METHODS@#We distributed a self-reported questionnaire to 4325 mothers who were invited to visit the Kishiwada Health Center in Kishiwada City, Osaka, between January 2006 and December 2007 for the regular health checkup of their three-and-a-half-year-old children.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of chemical intolerance in the 3-year-old children was almost one eighteenth of that reported by their mothers. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that cold sensitivity [odds ratio (OR), 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-3.44], past bronchial asthma (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.46-5.53), and any past allergies (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.36-3.60) were significantly associated with chemical intolerance in the mother. The presence of indoor cat during childhood (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.08-3.69) was significantly associated with chemical intolerance in the mother; however, the association was weak compared with cold sensitivity and past asthma and allergies. The current chemical intolerance of the mother was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.19-4.53), bronchial asthma (OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 2.00-6.69), and chronic bronchitis (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.04-13.03) in her 3-year-old child.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results suggest that inherent physical constitution and childhood housing environment are associated with a risk of acquiring chemical intolerance. Children of mothers with chemical intolerance have a possible risk of respiratory hypersensitivity or inflammation. Further investigation is recommended to determine the inherent physical constitution and background environmental factors associated with the risk of acquiring chemical intolerance. The impact of having mothers with chemical intolerance on the health of children also requires further study.

Perfil de sensibilidad a los antibióticos de las bacterias en infecciones del tracto urinario / Antibiotic sensitivity profile of bacteria in urinary tract infections

ResumenAntecedentes:las infecciones del tracto urinario representan motivo de consulta médica ambulatoria frecuentemente. Los altos y crecientes índices de resistencia antibiótica implican un reto para el médico tratante.Objetivo:obtener información epidemiológica del perfil de sensibilidad de las bacterias aisladas en los urocultivos.Metodología:entre febrero y junio de 2014, se recolectaron 602 resultados de urocultivos en diferentes laboratorios de las ciudades de San Pedro Sula y El Progreso, en Honduras. Las variables analizadas fueron sexo, edad y bacteria, y los antibióticos que presentaban mayor porcentaje de sensibilidad y resistencia en los urocultivos. Se utilizó el método de Kirby Bauer para valorar los perfiles de resistencia y sensibilidad en todos los laboratorios. Se elaboró una lista de 47 antibióticos de todos los laboratorios. Se correlacionaron las variables para describir los perfiles de resistencia y sensibilidad de la lista de antibióticos.Resultados:las bacterias aisladas fueron E. Coli (70,4%), Enterobacter spp (7,8%), Klebsiella spp (6,3%), Citrobacter spp (6,1%), Proteus spp (2,8%), Staphylococcus s spp (2,7%), Pseudomona aeruginosa (1,8%), Streptococcus spp (1,2%), Hafnia alveii (0,3%), Morganella morgagni (0,2%), Serratia marcenscens (0,2%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (0,2%). De 602 muestras, la sensibilidad general reportada fue: fosfomicina (n=415, 68,9%), amikacina (n=412, 68,4%), nitrofurantoína (n=376, 62,4%), gentamicina (n=364, 60,4%) y ceftriaxona (n=307, 50%). Se reportó una resistência general a trimetoprim sulfametoxazol (n=302, 50,1%), ciprofloxacina (n=230, 38,2%), levofloxacina (n=221, 36,7%), norfloxacina (n=220, 36,5%) y amoxicilina+ácido clavulánico (n=204, 33,8%).Conclusiones:los resultados de este estudio revelan que por su buen perfil de sensibilidad, antibióticos como la fosfomicina y la nitrofurantoína pueden ser una opción terapéutica empírica viable en pacientes con infecciones del tracto urinario bajo no complicadas, previo a utilizar antibióticos de amplio espectro, evitando así el desarrollo de resistencia antibiótica.

AbstractBackground:Urinary Tract Infections represent a frequent reason of ambulatory medical consult.The high and increasing percentages of antibiotic resistance represent a challenge for the physician treating them.Aim:To obtain epidemiological information of the sensibility profile from bacteria isolated in urine cultures.Methods:Between February and June of 2014, 602 urine culture samples were collected from different laboratories in the cities of San Pedro Sula and El Progreso, Honduras. The variables analyzed were sex, age and bacteria, antibiotics with higher sensibility and with higher resistance in urine culture. The Kirby Bauer method was used to determine the sensitivity and resistance profiles of each urine culture. A total of 47 antibiotics were used in all the laboratories. The variables were correlated to describe the resistance and sensibility profiles of the list of antibiotics.Results:The bacteria isolated were E. Coli (70.4%), Enterobacter spp (7.8%), Klebsiella spp (6.3%), Citrobacter spp (6.1%), Proteus spp (2.8%), Staphylococcus s spp (2.7%), Pseudomona aeruginosa (1.8%), Streptococcus spp (1.2%), Hafnia alveii (0.3%), Morganella morgagni (0.2%), Serratia marcenscens (0.2%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (0.2%). From 602 samples, the general sensitivity reported was: fosfomycin (n=415, 68.9%), amikacin (n=412, 68.4%), nitrofurantoin (n=376, 62.4%), gentamicin (n=364, 60.4%) y ceftriaxone (n=307, 50%). The resistance for all the samples reported was as follows trimetoprim sulfametoxazole (n=302, 50.2%), ciprofloxacin (n=230, 38.2%), levofloxacin (n=221, 36.7%), norfloxacin (n=220, 36.5%) y amoxicilin+clavulanic acid (n=204, 33.9%).Conclusions:The results in this research reveal that due to their good sensitivity profile, antibiotics like fosfomycin and nitrufurantoin can be a viable empiric therapy in patients with low urinary, or not complicated tract infection before using wide spectrum antibiotics, always personalizing according to the clinical state of the patient and trying to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance.

Sensibilidad química múltiple: un desafío para la salud ocupacional / Multiple chemical sensitivity: a challenge for occupational health

La sensibilidad química múltiple (SQM) es una afección adquirida de evolución crónica caracterizada por la presencia de síntomas de variada intensidad que aparecen aun ante la exposición a bajos niveles de sustancias químicas e involucran a varios órganos o sistemas. El desencadenante puede involucrar una simple exposición a altas dosis o la exposición múltiple y repetida a una o más sustancias. En el inicio de la afección las exposiciones que se describen con mayor frecuencia incluyen plaguicidas y solventes orgánicos. Se presentan dos casos clínicos con diagnóstico de SQM vinculada a exposiciones ocupacionales. Se describen las comorbilidades y la evolución crónica con afectación de la calidad de vida que se evidencia con la aplicación del cuestionario QEESI (Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory). Tal como ocurre en la mayoría de los casos resulta difícil controlar la exposición en los centros de trabajo incluso logrando la reubicación laboral, ya que manifiestan síntomas aun con bajos niveles de contaminación que son tolerados por otros trabajadores. Por último, si la SQM es resultante de una exposición laboral, se cumple la definición de enfermedad profesional establecida en la legislación nacional. Uno de los desafíos actuales es generar ámbitos para difundir el conocimiento de esta afección que facilite su diagnóstico y su reconocimiento como enfermedad profesional...

Allergic Diseases and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Korean Adults

PURPOSE: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a clinical syndrome representing multi-organ and psychological symptoms caused by chronic exposure to various chemicals in low concentrations. We evaluated the prevalence and related factors of MCS targeting Korean adults using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI(c)). METHODS: A total of 446 participants were recruited from Severance Hospital. Participants underwent a questionnaire interview including questions on sociodemographic factors, occupational and environmental factors, allergic diseases, and the QEESI(c). Among them, 379 participants completed the questionnaire and the QEESI(c). According to the QEESI(c) interpretation results, participants were divided into very suggestive (VS) group and less suggestive (LS) group. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of MCS was higher in allergic patients than non-allergic participants (19.7% and 11.3%, respectively, P=0.04). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, ages of 30-39 (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.25-6.95) and those of 40-49 (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.02-6.21) were significantly related to MCS compared to those aged less than 30 years. Female sex (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.11-4.18), experience of dwelling in a new house (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.04-4.03), and atopic dermatitis (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04-3.69) were also significantly related to MCS. However, only age of 30-39 in the allergic group was significant in the stratified analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated prevalence of MCS was higher among allergic patients than non-allergic participants. People with experience of dwelling in a new house and atopic dermatitis were more at risk of being intolerant to chemicals. Further studies to provide the nationally representative prevalence data and clarify risk factors and mechanisms of MCS are required.

Condiciones, controversias y contradicciones entre el síndrome sensitivo central y la depresión / [Conditions, controversies and contradictions between Central Sensitivity Syndrome and Depressive Disorders].

We present a description of the Central Sensitivity Syndrome (CSS) and some of its main components such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. We review the changes in pain perception, describing the physiology and pathophysiology of the painful experience from the medulla horn to the CNS. We explain the theory of central sensitization as the basis to the syndrome. We refer to the differences between fibromyalgia and depressive disorders, is spite of their frequent presentation in comorbidity. We state the main clinical and neurobiological differences. We point out the main psychoneuroimmunoendocrinologic differences such as adrenal activity (hypoactivity vs. hyperactivity, DST hypersuppressive response vs. DST non suppression, hypersensitivity of central glucocorticoid receptors vs. desensitization of these, among others), thyroid (probable reverse T3 vs. flat stimuli TSH response curve) and growth hormone secretion (probable increase vs. disruption of normal circadian rhythm) that makes CSS resemble PTSD. We describe differential changes in sleep patterns (alpha-delta intrusion vs. altered sleep time, REM latency, and stage 3/4) and immunological disturbances almost opposite in each pathological entity. We finally argue which medical specialty should treat these complex syndromes.

Multiple chemical sensitivity caused by exposure to ignition coal fumes: a case report

BACKGROUND: Although multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a well-known disorder caused by environmental exposures, MCS caused by occupational exposure has been reported in Korea. Therefore, we report a MCS case caused by environmental exposure to ignition coal after a differential diagnosis to exclude other diseases. CASE REPORT: Since 2011, a 55-year-old woman had experienced edema, myalgia, and other symptoms when she smelled ignition coal near her workplace. She had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome(FMS) and was treated, with no improvement of symptoms. Since then, she showed the same symptoms after exposure to city gas, the smell of burning, and exhaust gas. To avoid triggering substances, she moved to a new house and used an air purifier. She quit her job in November 2012. After visiting our hospital, she underwent a differential diagnosis for FMS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and somatization disorder. She was diagnosed with MCS by the Korean version of the Quick Environment Exposure Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). She was educated about the disease and to avoid triggering substances. She received ongoing treatment for her symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case showed that symptoms began after smelling ignition coal. After that, her triggers was increased such as the smell of city gas, burning, and exhaust gas. This case is the first reported in Korea of MCS due to environmental exposure after ruling out other diseases.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / 대한산업의학회지

This article reviews newly available knowledge on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a chronic medical condition characterized by symptoms in multiple organ and caused by exposure to low levels of common chemicals. Although various pathophysiological models have been proposed (including toxicological, immunological or behavioral models), the causes and underlying mechanisms of MCS are still not fully understood. Most patients with MCS were women between the ages of 30 and 50 years. The most frequently reported trigger was a newly constructed home or job site. The common symptoms are vague, non-specific complaints: fatigue, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, sneezing/runny nose, headache, and muscle pain. There are no laboratory markers or specific investigative findings for MCS. The Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI)(c) has been used as a screening questionnaire. Treatment focuses on assisting patients at the earliest possible opportunity to reduce their exposure to unique symptom triggers and known hazardous chemicals. Early comprehensive assessment, medical management, and social and financial support might avoid the deterioration of functions associated with prolonged illness.

A Validation of the Korean Version of QEESI(c) (The Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory) / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: A standardized questionnaire is not available for use as a screening tool to assess individuals with MCS/IEI in Korea. The QEESI(c), originally developed by Miller & Prihoda in 1998, helps researchers, doctors, and their patients identify individuals with MCS/IEI. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to create a Korean version of the QEESI(c) and evaluate whether this Korean version could be used as an effective MCS/IEI screening tool in Korea. METHODS: The Korean version of the QEESI(c) was developed using a six-step approach: permission, forward translation, the first quality control, backward translation, cognitive debriefing and the second quality control, final proof reading. In order to collect data, we have done a sample survey in certain parts of Korea. A household was used as the sampling unit; we extracted random samples in each survey cluster and then interviewed two adults over 19 years of age living in each sampled household. A total of 300 subjects were recruited from the general population in local community. The factor structure in the Korean version of the QEESI was analyzed with 40 items on four sub-scales except for the 10 items in masking index using principal components analysis with Varimax rotation. A convergent validity test two sub-scales: chemical intolerance and symptom severity. We carefully compared the chemical intolerance with Nordin's chemical sensitivity scale and the symptom severity with Cho's subjective symptom score. RESULTS: The results showed that the 40 items on the four sub-scales,' chemical intolerances',' symptom severity', 'life impact', and 'other intolerances', were consistent with those reported for the US population by Miller and Prihoda. The convergent validity wes very good (r=0.4; p<0.001, r=0.5; p<0.001, respectively). A good internal consistency (Cronbach' alpha=0.86~0.96) and test-retest reliability (r=0.87~0.90) were found in all scales, except for the internal consistency in the masking index. CONCLUSIONS: The Korean version QEESI(c) showed a good reliability and validity. It should be necessary to conduct a MCS/IEI study adopting Korean version QEESI(c).

Enfermedad intersticial difusa de pulmón-neumonías intersticiales idiopáticas / Diffuse interstitial lung disease and idiopathic interstitial pneumonias

The author presents an approach to the understanding, diagnosis and management of diffuse interstitial lung disease and the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, prevailing and evolving hypothese about its pathogenesis and implications for therapy...

Volatile Organic Compounds Contribute to Airway Hyperresponsiveness

BACKGROUND: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in concentrations found in both the work and home environments may influence lung function. We investigated the prevalence of airway responsiveness in workers exposed to VOCs. METHODS: We used allergic skin tests, nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness testing and questionnaires to study twenty exposed workers and twenty-seven control subjects. Atopy was defined as a reactor who showed >3+ response to one or more allergens on the skin prick tests. Airway hyperresponsiveness (BRindex) was defined as log [% fall of FEV1/ log (last concentration of methacholine) +10]. RESULTS: The VOC exposed workers, in comparison with the control subjects, tended to have a higher BRindex (1.19+/-0.07 vs. 1.15+/-0.08, respectively). Workers exposed to VOCs with atopy or smoker, as compared with the workers exposed to VOCs with non-atopy and who were non-smokers and the control subjects with non-atopy and who were non-smokers, had a significantly higher BRindex (1.20+/-0.05 vs. 1.14+/-0.06 vs. 1.10+/-0.03, respectively p<0.05). The BRindex was not correlated with atopy, the smoking status or the duration of VOC exposure. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that VOCs may act as a contributing factor of airway hyperresponsiveness in workers exposed to VOCs.

Nuevas enfermedades ¿del alma?: reflexiones psicosomáticas a propósito de algunas analogías estructurales entre síndrome de fatiga crónica, fibromialgia y sensitividad química múltiple / New maladies - of the soul?: reflections concerning some structural analogies among chronic fatigue syndrome fibromyalgie and multiple chemical sensitivities

Introducción. En los últimos años se ha observado la expansión de una serie de cuadros clínicos situados en la frontera entre el soma y la psique. Entre ellos cabe destacar el síndrome de fatiga crónica (CFS), la fibromialgia (FM) y la enfermedad medioambiental sensitividad química múltiple (MCS). En la actualidad, no hay un consenso científico a propósito de etiología, patogénesis y tratamiento de las afecciones nombradas, lo que ha impedido que se formula una respuesta clínica adecuada a dichas molestias. Dada la mencionada falta de homogeneización de criterios los autores proponen someter a dichas enfermedades a un análisis crítico desde un punto de vista comparativo. CFS, FM y MCS, pensadas desde una perspectiva interdisciplinaria, más que genuinas enfermedades orgánicas parecen ser el resultado sobredeterminado de la confluencia simultánea de múltiples factores psicosociales. Recuperando el concepto de somatización, por un lado, y el de angustia, por el otro, los autores proponen un enfoque psicosomático de CFS, FM y MCS, basado en sus respectivas analogías estructurales.

Introduction. Recent years have seen an increase in several illnesses located on the border between body and mind. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM) and multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) are particularly prominent members of this group. There is currently no scientific consensus on the etiology, pathogenesis and medical treatment of these maladies, and, consequently, no adequate clinical response has been formulated. Considering the lack of homogeneous criteria, the authors carry out a critical analysis from a comparative point of view. CFS, FM and CFS, seen from an interdisciplinary perspective, seem to be more the result of the simultaneous confluence of multiple psychosocial factors than genuine organic diseases. Using the concepts of somatization and anxiety, the authors propose a complementary psychosomatic approach based on the structural analogies of CFS, FM and MCS.

Sensibilidade química múltipla e suas implicações em medicina do trabalho / Multiple chemical sensitivity and its implications on occupational medicine

A sensibilidade química múltipla [MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity)], ainda é uma condição pouco conhecida no Brasil. Todavia, pode estar sob outras denominações como "alergia" ou "hipersensibilidade cruzada" em processos trabalhistas. A polêmica em relação à MCS ocorre por dois fatores: a dificuldade em estabelecer a extensão na qual mecanismos psicológicos ou toxicológicos seriam capazes de causar a sintomatologia; e a controvérsia sobre a existência como uma entidade nosológica distinta. Atualmente, considera-se que MCS seja uma enfermidade: crônica; multissistêmica; recorrente; com quadro clínico similar às primeiras exposições sintomáticas; deflagrada por níveis ínfimos de um número crescente de substâncias químicas, as quais podem não ter relação molecular entre si; e com melhora após a remoção dos agentes desencadeantes. A ausência de alterações clínicas ou laboratoriais que justifiquem o quadro é um critério diagnóstico polêmico, pois alguns pacientes as apresentam. As várias hipóteses fisipatológicas descritivas causaram a criação de inúmeras denominações para MCS. Dentre as hipóteses etiológicas podem-se citar: condicionamento, transtornos fóbico-ansiosos e somatoformes, cacosmia, distúrbio do metabolismo energético, disfunção na transmissão GABAérgica, kindling límbico, reatividade imumológica, inflamação neurogênica, produção de radicais livres, e sensibilização neural.Recentemente uma terceira corrente de autores propôs uma alternativa à dicotomização. Sugerem a possibilidade de uma natureza multifatorial para a MCS, considerando a influência de fatores psicossociais e as interações entre os sistemas nervoso, endócrino e imunológico; além de novas áreas de conhecimento como Ecogenética, Farmacogenética, Epigenética e Neuroimunotoxicologia. Os litígios judiciais em casos de exposição ocupacional a agentes químicos remetem a discussões sobre: a questão mente-corpo; a relação médico-paciente; a extrapolação da toxicidade em animais para humanos; os conflitos de interesse entre governo, indústria e ciência; os fenômenos de histeria de massa; a iatrogenia atribuída à realização de testes psicométricos; o sistema econômico e suas conseqüências na saúde coletiva; e o possível uso ideológico das hipóteses fisiopatológicas. São fatores que podem dificultar a prática do médico do trabalho a escassez de evidências científicas em toxicologia humana e a baixa disponibilidade de treinamento em Neurotoxicologia Ocupacional...

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (Part One)

Multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance (MCS/IEI) is a commonly used diagnostic term for a group of symptoms. These symptoms have been described and commented on for more than 15 years in the USA. Recently, it has also been observed in Japan. The main features of this syndrome are multiple symptoms involving in multiple organ systems that are precipitated by a variety of chemical substances with relapses and exacerbation under certain conditions when exposed to very low levels which do not affect the population at large. There are no laboratory markers or specific investigative findings. Although traditional medical organizations have not agreed on a definition for this syndrome due to the lack of obvious evidence to demonstrate the existence of these symptoms, it is being increasingly recognized. It constitutes an increasing percentage of the caseload at occupational/environmental medical clinics. Part one of this review article discusses pathophysiological theories, substances which cause symptoms, prevalence in the general and specific populations, past history and family history, and clinical symptoms of MCS/IEI patients.

Organochlorine pesticides and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents in the blood of chemically sensitive patients [corrected]. A statistical comparison with therapeutic medication and natural hormones.

The blood levels of organochlorine pesticides and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents were measured in 200 and 114 chemically sensitive patients respectively, and compared with blood concentrations of standard medication (non- chlorinated substances. Clonidine, Haloperidol) of comparable toxicity after therapeutically effective dosage, and with reference levels of highly potent chemicals in the blood such as hormones. It was shown that the average blood levels of the most toxic environmental pollutants are comparable with the therapeutic steady state average blood levels of medications which have similar toxicities in the animal model. In addition the toxicity levels of xenoestrogens are at least an order of magnitude higher than normal plasma estrogen or progesterone levels. These findings suggest the possibility of additive or synergistic effects of these chlorinated compounds and the aforementioned medications. Also, these findings suggest the possibility of hormone deregulation from exposure to the aforementioned toxic chlorinated compounds.

Niño con coloración verdosa del cabello / Boy with green hair

Presentamos un niño de 18 meses de edad, con pelo verde, debido a su exposición a polvillo o nube con trazas de cobre, desde una industria hogareña. Revisamos las posibles causas de pelo verde, un problema dermatológico muy inusual

Estudio multicentrico sobre sensibilidad in-vitro a cefalosporinas de tercera generación y cefepine / Multicentric study on densibility in-vitro to cephalosporins of third generation and cefepime preliminary report

Se presenta un estudio multicéntrico efectuado en nueve hospitales de Caracas entre julio de 1995 y marzo de 1996. En este trabajo se comparó la sensibilidad a cefalosporinas de tercera (cefotaxima, ceftazidima, ceftriaxona y cefoperazona) y cuarta generación (cefepime) en diferentes cepas de bacterias mantenidas in-vitro. Para tal efecto se obtuvieron un total de 1 717 microorganismos, de los cuales 1 369 (80 por ciento) eran Gram negativos y 342 (20 por ciento) Gram positivos. En los Gram negativos se encontró resistencia considerable a cefalosporinas de tercera generación en algunos centros de estudio, no así a cefepime. Las bacterias Gram positivas, Staphylococcus aureus y Streptococcus pneumoniae, fueron más sensibles a cefepine que a todas las cefalosporinas de tercera generación. Se concluye que las bacterias tienen a ser resistentes a cefalosporinas de tercera generación. Por tal razón, cefepime representa una alternativa importante en el tratamiento de infecciones causadas por germenes Gram negativos multiresistentes y mixtas por bacterias tanto Gram positivas como Gram negativos.