Respiratory Disorders Among Workers in Slaughterhouses

BACKGROUND: Workers in slaughterhouses are exposed to a wide range of biological contaminants, such as bacteria and fungi, due to their working environment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory disorders among workers in slaughterhouses. METHODS: This study was conducted on 81 workers in slaughterhouses and 81 healthy office workers as a reference group. The American Thoracic Society standard respiratory symptoms questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of respiratory disorders. Besides, lung function tests were conducted using a calibrated spirometer at the beginning (preshift) and at the end (postshift) of the 1st working day. Single-stage Anderson sampler was used to measure the concentration of bioaerosols in different parts of slaughterhouses. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory disorders, such as cough, productive cough, breathlessness, phlegm, and wheezing, was 3.17, 4.02, 3.07, 4.66, and 3.94 times, respectively, higher among workers in slaughterhouses compared with the reference group. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of respiratory disorders was significantly higher among workers in slaughterhouses. Thus, the significant reduction in the percentage predicted lung function among workers in slaughterhouses might be associated with exposure to bioaerosols in their work environment.

PEFR, FEF25-75 and MVV In Type-1 Diabetic Male And Their Relationships With HbA1c.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and debilitating disease. Its complications give rise to microvascular, macrovascular and neuropathic diseases which affect eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels and also lungs. So, there may be a relationship between type-1 diabetes and reduced lung function. Objectives: To observe PEFR, FEF25-75 and MVV and their relationship with HbA1c in type- 1 diabetic male in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka between 1st January and 31st December 2009. A total 30 type-1 diabetic male subjects, age 18-30 years were taken as study group. Another 30 apparently healthy age, sex, BMI and socioeconomic status matched non-diabetic persons were also included as control. For assessment of lung function PEFR, FEF25-75 and MVV of all the subjects were measured by a digital spirometer. Again, to observe glycemic control serum blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of diabetic patients were also measured by usual laboratory technique. Data were analyzed by unpaired‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Results: PEFR (p<0.001), FEF25-75 (p<0.001), and MVV (p <0.001) were significantly lower in type-1 diabetic patients in comparison to those of apparently healthy non-diabetic male. Again, their PEFR (p < 0.05), FEF25-75 (p>0.05), and MVV (p<0.05) were negatively correlated with HbA1c. Conclusion: The lung functions were lower in type-1 diabetic male in comparison to those of non-diabetic counterpart and this reduction is mainly due to poor glycemic control.

FVC, FEV1 And FEV1/FVC% In Type-1 Diabetic Male And Their Relationships With HbA1c.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and debilitating disease. Its complications give rise to micro and macrovascular diseases which affect eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves and also lungs. There may be a relationship between type-1 diabetes and reduced lung function. Objectives: To observe FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC % and their relationship with HbA1C in type-1 diabetic male in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka from January to December 2009. A total number of 60 male subjects, from 18-30 years of age was taken and was divided into control and study groups. Among them study group was consisted of 30 type-1 diabetic male patients. Control group was consisted of 30 apparently healthy age, sex, BMI and socioeconomic status matched non-diabetic subjects. All the subjects belonged to lower socio-economic status. For assessment of lung function, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC % of all the subjects were measured. All of theses tests were done by spirometric method by using a digital Spirometer. Again, to observe glycemic control of blood, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of diabetic patients were also measured by usual laboratory technique. Data were analyzed by Independent-Samples ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test as applicable. Results: FVC (p <0.001), FEV1 (p < 0.001), and FEV1/FVC% (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in type- 1 diabetic patients in comparison to those of apparently healthy non-diabetic male. Again FVC and FEV1 had significant (p < 0.001) negative correlation but FEV1/FVC% had non-significant positive correlation with HbA1c. Conclusion: Impairment of some lung functions may be found in type-1 diabetic male which may be due to poor glycemic control.