Immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases among pregnant employees in Germany. A situation analysis before the introduction of the Measles Protection Act.

BACKGROUND: Immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases prior to pregnancy is an important measure of primary prevention both for the mother and the unborn child. We analyzed immunity rates against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and pertussis in pregnant employees in Germany prior to significant changes in legal conditions in 2020, to provide a basis of comparison for future research. METHODS: We analyzed occupational-medical routine data in three collectives of pregnant women with an occupational risk of infection in the years 2018 and 2019: 1: hospital staff with regular access to an in-house company physician (n = 148); 2: employees in childcare with regular access to external occupational-health services (n = 139); 3: teachers with no regular access to occupational healthcare (n = 285). Immune status was assessed by a physician based on vaccination certificates, laboratory results, and medical documentation on prior infections. We compared immunity rates against measles, rubella, varicella, and pertussis as well as full immunity against all targeted vaccine-preventable diseases. RESULTS: Altogether, n = 572 pregnant women were included in our study. Of these women, 96.5 % were immune to rubella, 95.8 % to varicella, 88.3 % to measles, 82.7 % to mumps, and 67.8 % to pertussis. Only 56.2 % of the women had full immunity against all targeted vaccine-preventable diseases. Collective 1 showed the highest immunity rates against measles and pertussis as well as the highest rate of full immunity against all targeted vaccine-preventable diseases. The immunity rates against rubella and varicella did not differ significantly between the collectives. With the exception of rubella, the lowest immunity rates during pregnancy were found in Collective 3. CONCLUSION: We found pregnancy-relevant immunity gaps in all our study groups with significant differences between the collectives. Considering the potentially devastating consequences of infections during pregnancy, all medical professionals and health-policy makers should be involved in an increased effort to improve vaccination rates prior to pregnancy.

[Economic Relevance of Preventable Prohibitions of Employment in Bavarian Schools]. / Ökonomische Relevanz vermeidbarer Beschäftigungsverbote an Schulen in Bayern.

INTRODUCTION: According to the Maternity Protection Act, an occupational risk of infection (e. g. in childcare) - combined with individual immunity gaps - can result in an irresponsible risk for pregnant women in the workplace. If this risk cannot be eliminated by any other means, the employer must impose a prohibition of employment (PE) for the pregnant woman concerned. We classified PE as preventable if the underlying immunity gaps could have been closed by immunisation prior to pregnancy. METHODS: From 01.09.2016 to 25.03.2020, 1922 pregnant employees of Bavarian state schools obtained medical counselling on their occupational risk of infection as part of a research project. If the individual combination of occupational-risk profile and immunity status resulted in an irresponsible risk for the pregnancy, a PE was recommended by the attending physician. We determined the proportion of PE that would have theoretically been preventable by full immunisation prior to pregnancy and approximated the resulting - theoretically preventable - loss of working hours and personnel costs. RESULTS: In 425 cases (22%), a PE was deemed necessary by the attending physician, whereby 193 (45%) were retrospectively classified as theoretically preventable. Of these cases, 53 PE (27%) were temporary (valid until the 20th week of pregnancy) and 140 were long-term (valid for the complete duration of the pregnancy). Based on these results, we approximated a loss of 2,746 working weeks for our collective, which entails theoretically preventable personnel costs totalling 5,763,305 € for the observation period of our study (3.6 years). We then extrapolated estimates for all employees of Bavarian state schools and found a loss of 4,260 working weeks and theoretically preventable personnel costs amounting to almost 8,941,000 € per year during our observation period. CONCLUSION: Theoretically preventable PE caused by immunity gaps can entail a considerable loss of working hours and high personnel costs. Therefore, we should step up measures aimed at improving vaccination rates in women and increasing their willingness to be vaccinated. In view of the changes in legal and regulatory conditions in Germany since 2020, new investigations should be made as soon as there is sufficient data after the general employment prohibitions due to the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic have been lifted.

[Prevention of progression of allergic bronchial asthma as an occupational disease]. / Prävention eines Progresses des allergischen Asthma bronchiale als Berufskrankheit.

Since January 1st, 2021, termination of a harmful activity as a requirement for its recognition as an occupational disease (OD) has been abolished in Germany. This also includes the OD No. 4301 in accordance with Appendix 1 of the Occupational Diseases Ordinance (ODO) (obstructive respiratory diseases caused by allergenic substances). There has already been a significant increase in the number of diseases recognized under this OD. In this article, we present two patients with allergic (in the second case report mixed-form) bronchial asthma, in whom a medically easily preventable disease progression occurred as a result of continued occupational exposure to allergens as a farmer. According to § 3 (1) ODO, if there is a "risk that an occupational disease will develop, recur or worsen", the statutory accident insurance institutions are obliged to "counteract this danger with all suitable means". These individual preventive measures are compulsory by law and medically sensible, even under circumstances where only the risk of the genesis of an OD is given. Nonetheless, they are likely to be indicated and offered more frequently in the future due to an increased recognition of ODs. Unfavorable clinical courses such as those described in the two case reports presented here should therefore occur less frequently in the future.

[Patient Care in German Outpatient Clinics for Environmental Medicine Illustrated by the Examples of Hamburg and Munich University Hospitals]. / Versorgung von Patient*innen an umweltmedizinischen Ambulanzen in Deutschland am Beispiel der Universitätskliniken in Hamburg und München.

People can be affected by various environmental factors (e. g., odor, noise) which can lead to medical complaints or illnesses. Few adequate contact points are available for patients with suspected environmental complaints in Germany. Illustrated by the outpatient clinics for environmental medicine in Hamburg and Munich, this report shows how patients with suspected environmental medical diseases are cared for in Germany. For the exemplary presentation, the data of the environmental medicine outpatient clinics of both the university hospitals from 01.01.2019 to 31.03.2021 are presented and compared. Overall, more female than male patients were treated at both facilities. Suspected exposure to "heavy metals" was most frequently mentioned by patients as the assumed reason for their complaints. Nonetheless, the suspected exposure or "intoxication" could be ruled out in the majority of cases by appropriate examination methods in accordance to current medical guidelines. The data provided by the environmental medicine outpatient clinics show that there is a continuous demand for environmental medical care. A close cooperation between the private practice sector and the outpatient clinics for environmental medicine providing medical care to patients should therefore be sought.

Cumulative occupational exposure to gases and fumes is associated with impairment in lung function and disease-related quality of life in a German COPD patient cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of occupational exposures on lung function impairments and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was analysed and compared with that of smoking. METHODS: Data from 1283 men and 759 women (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grades 1-4 or former grade 0, without alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency) of the COPD and Systemic Consequences Comorbidities Network cohort were analysed. Cumulative exposure to gases/fumes, biological dust, mineral dust or the combination vapours/gases/dusts/fumes was assessed using the ALOHA job exposure matrix. The effect of both occupational and smoking exposure on lung function and disease-specific QoL (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire) was analysed using linear regression analysis adjusting for age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease, stratified by sex. RESULTS: In men, exposure to gases/fumes showed the strongest effects among occupational exposures, being significantly associated with all lung function parameters and QoL; the effects were partially stronger than of smoking. Smoking had a larger effect than occupational exposure on lung diffusing capacity (transfer factor for carbon monoxide) but not on air trapping (residual volume/total lung capacity). In women, occupational exposures were not significantly associated with QoL or lung function, while the relationships between lung function parameters and smoking were comparable to men. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COPD, cumulative occupational exposure, particularly to gases/fumes, showed effects on airway obstruction, air trapping, gas uptake capacity and disease-related QoL, some of which were larger than those of smoking. These findings suggest that lung air trapping and QoL should be considered as outcomes of occupational exposure to gases and fumes in patients with COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01245933.

A new approach for the detection of obesity-related airway obstruction in lung-healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Subjects with obesity show an increased prevalence of airway obstruction but it is not clear in each case whether this reflects genuine lung disease. Via intentional increase in end-expiratory lung volume we studied the detection of obesity-induced airway obstruction in lung-healthy obese subjects. METHODS: The primary study population comprised 66 lung-healthy obese subjects and 23 normal weight subjects. Measurements were performed in a body plethysmograph allowing for recording and quantification of breathing loops in terms of specific airway resistance at both normal and intentionally elevated end-expiratory lung volume. The change in volume was documented by a shutter maneuver. RESULTS: The voluntary increase of lung volume led to a significant reduction of expiratory airway resistance in 11 of the 66 obese subjects. This reduction could be quantified by a change of total expiratory resistance (sRtEX) of >1 kPa*s but was also clearly visible in the breathing loops. sRtEX showed the largest change among all resistance parameters. The loops of normal weight subjects remained virtually unaffected by the change in lung volume. Moreover, those of 5 obese patients with COPD who were measured for comparison partially showed a reduction of resistance but airway obstruction remained. CONCLUSION: The proposed breathing maneuver was simple to perform and allowed for a quantitative and qualitative detection of obesity-induced airway obstruction. This might help in reducing the likelihood of misdiagnosis and overtreatment of obese patients.

Prevalence of methicillin-sensitive, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in newborns: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in healthy newborns and the role of maternal transmission are scarcely discussed. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MSSA, MRSA, and ESBL among healthy newborns. Additionally, mother-to-newborn transmission rates were investigated as well as antibiotic susceptibility of MSSA, MRSA, and ESBL isolates. METHODS: Swabs of 658 newborns and their mothers were collected to investigate the presence of MSSA, MRSA, and ESBL. Swabs were taken from the nose and umbilicus immediately after birth. Additional swabs were taken from the nose, perianal area, and umbilicus 3 days after birth. Samples were screened and further characterized using culture and molecular methods. RESULTS: Prevalence of MSSA, MRSA, and ESBL colonization was 10.9, 0.5, and 2.6%, respectively. There was no association between the colonization status of the newborn and infections at any time point. Mother-to-newborn transmission rates (confirmed by PFGE) were 53.6% for MSSA/MRSA and 100% for ESBL. Maternal carriage of MSSA, MRSA, or ESBL was a risk factor for colonization of the newborn. Some isolates were resistant to the antibiotics recommended for therapy, including clindamycin and daptomycin for MSSA/MRSA isolates and ertapenem, fosfomycin, and tigecyclin for ESBL isolates. CONCLUSION: No association between infections and the newborns' colonization status could be detected. Maternal colonization played an important role in newborn colonization, but not every case of colonization could be explained by mother-to-newborn transmission. General screening of pregnant women and healthy newborns in the absence of other risk factors is not necessary. To prevent the possibility of transmission in the healthcare setting, professionals, pregnant women, parents, hospital visitors, and obstetricians should receive regular training on appropriate hygiene measures. With regard to the emergence of resistance to recommended antibiotics, an antibiogram should be conducted before treating MSSA/MRSA/ESBL infections to ensure the efficacy of the antibiotics.

[Occupational diseases of the airways and the lungs]. / Berufskrankheiten der Atemwege und der Lunge.

The attributable proportion of occupation-related influences on airway and lung diseases is 10-30%. In patients with obstructive airway diseases it is extremely important to sufficiently document findings during the period of activities burdening the airway as compared to periods off work. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can have a work-related (partial) cause even in smokers. Regarding occupational infectious diseases, the main cause up to 2019 was tuberculosis but the corona pandemic has led to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) being the most frequent occupational disease. For the occupational medical assessment of interstitial and malignant pulmonary diseases, checklists can be helpful to support the medical history.

[COVID-19 as an occupational disease or work-related accident: Considerations regarding insurance cover and reporting obligation in the statutory accident insurance]. / COVID-19 als Berufskrankheit oder Arbeitsunfall: Überlegungen zu Versicherungsschutz und Meldepflicht in der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung.

The COVID-19 illness can occur as an occupational disease or work-related accident. According to the German list of occupational diseases, recognition as an occupational disease 3101 requires occupational exposure of an insured person who has been exposed to an increased risk of infection compared to the general population as a result of their occupational activity in one of the four areas: (1) health service or (2) social welfare sector, (3) laboratory or (4) during activities with increased risk of infection comparable to (1) to (3). The insurance cover covers employees, self-employed people - if not exempted from insurance cover - and honorary workers. The COVID-19 disease is subject to legal notification, mostly in conjunction with a contemporary SARS-CoV-2 virus detection. Regarding insured people who are not included within the aforementioned areas (1) to (4), the COVID-19 illness can be acknowledged as an occupational accident if the intense and direct contact with infected people - not intended as in the case of occupational disease 3101 - but otherwise situationally results from the insured activity itself.

[Possibilities of employment of pregnant women in the health care system in association with SARS-CoV-2]. / Möglichkeiten der Beschäftigung von schwangeren Mitarbeiterinnen im Gesundheitssystem in Zusammenhang mit SARS-CoV-2.

Continued employment of pregnant women related to COVID (Corona Virus Disease) should only be considered if the risk of infection in the workplace is not higher than that of the general population. This option should therefore be carried out after an individual risk assessment with a precise description of the patient clientele and definition of the activities to be performed.

[Maternity protection-also during the corona crisis]. / Mutterschutz ­ auch im Zeitalter der Coronakrise.

Pregnant employees should be protected, particularly in crisis situations. The Maternity Protection Act states that employees are not allowed to have contact with infectious people, including people with SARS-CoV-2 infections; no new regulation is required here.

Hospitalization cost at childbirth: Health parameters and colonization with antimicrobial resistant bacteria and methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVE: Antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMR) are of public health and economic relevance. However, there is a lack of data regarding AMR colonization in pregnant women and in newborns. Furthermore, there are few studies analyzing hospital's net income (revenues and costs). STUDY DESIGN: The cross-sectional study took place in two Bavarian clinics. Available data regarding women and newborns were collected using a standardized questionnaire, personal IDs and medical records in addition to AMR/MSSA screening. Economic data consisted of estimated hospitalization costs, calculated using a billing system called G-DRG (German-Diagnosis Related Groups) as well as real hospitalization costs (e.g. staff, medical and non-medical infrastructure costs). RESULTS: Data from 635 pregnant women and 566 newborns were included. While AMR colonization has shown no significant association with clinical complications, or net hospital income; primipara status and medical condition during pregnancy did. AMR colonization did not have a significant influence on the health status of pregnant women or of the newborns. Net hospital income for pregnant women was mostly negative in 2014. In 2014 and 2015 the majority of the cases had a net income between ±€ 1000. Newborns with clinical complications differed significantly in Apgar score at 1min, weight, body length and AMR colonization of the pregnant woman and/or the newborn (p<=0.05). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that colonization does not lead to increased costs during hospitalization considering real hospitalization costs as well as G-DRG estimated costs. Both DRG groups had similar MSSA and AMR prevalence and health status. In future studies, a Centralized Cost Accounting as billing method and an improved possibility of AMR coding in G-DRG catalog would be desirable.

Is an individual prediction of maximal work rate by 6-minute walk distance and further measurements reliable in male patients with different lung diseases?

BACKGROUND: In patients with chronic lung diseases, the work rate for endurance training is calculated by the maximal work rate (Wmax). Because the assessment bears side effects, a prediction by easier accessible tests would be of practical use. OBJECTIVE: We addressed the reliability of predicting Wmax on the basis of the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) test and a set of further parameters in patients with different lung diseases. METHODS: Baseline data of a longitudinal study including 6MWD, Wmax, peripheral muscle force, lung function, fat-free mass and dyspnea (Modified Medical Research Council score) of 255 men with occupational lung diseases (104 asthma, 69 asbestosis, 42 silicosis, 40 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were evaluated. RESULTS: 6MWD correlated with Wmax (r = 0.51, p < 0.05). The product of 6MWD and body weight, in particular fat-free mass, led to an improvement in the correlation of Wmax with 6MWD. Muscle force, lung function and Modified Medical Research Council score correlated moderately but significantly with Wmax (p < 0.05 each). The maximum correlation gained by including 6MWD and further parameters in the prediction equations was r = 0.76 in patients with obstructive lung function impairment and r = 0.61 in asbestosis patients. The residual standard deviations of Wmax predicted by the calculated equations ranged between 20 and 28 W, and the 95% prediction intervals of Wmax ranged between ±47 and ±65 W. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable prediction of individual Wmax by 6MWD or related measures and therefore a replacement by other tests is not possible. Nevertheless, it may be useful for the comparison of average values in epidemiological and clinical studies.