Marta Wiszniewska

Publications of Marta Wiszniewska

• Contact blepharoconjunctivitis due to black henna - A case report.

  Authors: Alicja Pas-Wyroślak, Marta Wiszniewska, Beata Kręcisz, Dominika Swierczyńska-Machura, Cezary Pałczyński, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 04/2012;

  Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) can induce immediate or - more often - delayed hypersensitivity. We report the case of 48-year old female admitted to the out-patient allergy clinic a day after her visitPara-phenylenediamine (PPD) can induce immediate or - more often - delayed hypersensitivity. We report the case of 48-year old female admitted to the out-patient allergy clinic a day after her visit in a beauty parlour, where she had her eyelashes and eyebrows dyed with henna. Physical examination revealed prominent edema of the upper part of the face including forehead, cheeks and eyes causing severe narrowing of the palpebral chink. Skin prick tests (SPT) with common allergens were positive for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and moulds, while the SPT with PPD was negative. Patch test to PPD was positive. Further investigations revealed eosinophilia in the tear fluid. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PPD-induced contact blepharoconjunctivitis (CB) with concomitant increased eosinophilia in the tear fluid.

• Eosinophilia in conjunctival tear fluid among patients with pollen allergy.

  Authors: Marta Wiszniewska, Alicja Pas-Wyroslak, Cezary Palczynski, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

  Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. 09/2011; 107(3):281-2.

• Occupational allergy to birds within the population of Polish bird keepers employed in zoo gardens.

  Authors: Sylwia Swiderska-Kiełbik, Anna Krakowiak, Marta Wiszniewska, Ewa Nowakowska-Świrta, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa, Konrad Sliwkiewicz, Cezary Pałczyński

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 09/2011; 24(3):292-303.

  To evaluate the risk factors for the development of occupational allergy to birds among Polish zoo garden keepers. A total of 200 bird zookeepers employed in the Polish zoo gardens in KLódź, Warsaw,To evaluate the risk factors for the development of occupational allergy to birds among Polish zoo garden keepers. A total of 200 bird zookeepers employed in the Polish zoo gardens in KLódź, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Chorzów and Płock and exposed occupationally to bird allergens were examined using a questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPTs) to common allergens and bird allergens, spirometry and cytograms of nasal swab. The level of total IgE in serum and serum-specific IgE to parrot, canary, pigeon feathers and serum were also evaluated. Eight percent of bird zookeepers were sensitized to at least one of the bird allergens. The most frequent allergens yielding positive SPT results were D. farinae - 32 cases (16%), D. pteronyssinus - 30 cases (15%) and grass pollens (16.5%). In the studied group, allergen-specific IgE against bird allergens occurred with the following frequency: 87 (43.5%) against canary feathers and/or serum, 80 (40%) against parrot feathers and/or serum and 82 (41%) against pigeon feathers and/or serum. Occupational allergy was diagnosed in 39 (26.5%) cases, occupational rhinitis was present in 22 (15%) cases, occupational asthma in 20 (13.6%) subjects, occupational conjunctivitis in 18 (12.2%) cases, whereas occupational skin diseases in 11 (7.5%) cases. More eosinophils were found in nose swab cytograms among bird zookeepers with occupational airway allergy. The findings indicate that occupational allergy to birds is an important health problem among zoo bird keepers in Poland.

• Occupational allergy to Limonium sinuatum: a case report.

  Authors: Marta Wiszniewska, Cezary Pałczyński, Patrycja Krawczyk-Szulc, Tomasz Wittczak, Aleksandra Cyran, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 09/2011; 24(3):304-7.

  Decorative flowers are known to be a cause of occupational allergy in the floral industry. The allergic manifestations induced by flowers include asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. We presentDecorative flowers are known to be a cause of occupational allergy in the floral industry. The allergic manifestations induced by flowers include asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman, who has been working for the last 30 years as a gardener with various kinds of flowers, e.g., Limonium sinuatum (LS), chrysanthemum, sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) and Lilium. During the last 10 years she has developed nasal and eyes symptoms, dry cough, dyspnoea, chest tightness and wheezing. Clinical examination, routine laboratory testing, chest radiography, skin prick tests (SPT) involving common allergens, native plants pollens and leaves by the prick-prick technique, rest spirometry, methacholine challenge test and specific inhalation challenge test (SICT) were conducted. SPT results to common allergens were positive for grass pollens. SPT with native plants pollens and leaves showed a positive reaction only for LS. SICT induced an isolated early asthmatic reaction and significant increase in the number of eosinophils in the nasal lavage fluid. Additionally, significant increase in non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity was observed after SICT. To our knowledge, the presently described report is the first one of Limonium sinuatum induced occupational asthma and rhinitis in a Polish gardener.

• Diagnosing of bakers' respiratory allergy: is specific inhalation challenge test essential?

  Authors: Marta Wiszniewska, Ewa Nowakowska-Świrta, Cezary Pałczyński, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

  Allergy and asthma proceedings : the official journal of regional and state allergy societies. 03/2011; 32(2):111-8.

  The diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA) and/or rhinitis needs to be confirmed by means of objective methods, because it is followed by important social and financial consequences. The aim of theThe diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA) and/or rhinitis needs to be confirmed by means of objective methods, because it is followed by important social and financial consequences. The aim of the study was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic methods as skin-prick tests (SPTs) to occupational allergens, evaluation of allergen-specific serum IgE, and nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity with reference to a specific inhalation challenge test in diagnosing bakers' respiratory allergy due to wheat flour. The study group included 358 bakers suspected of having OA due to wheat flour. They underwent physical examination, SPTs to common and occupational allergens, allergen-specific IgE determination, spirometry, nonspecific bronchial challenge, and specific inhalation test. The sensitivity of SPTs to occupational allergens in recognition of baker's rhinitis was low (47.9%) unlike the estimation of allergen-specific IgE (76.4%), with relatively high specificity (77.4 and 68.3%, respectively). Bronchial hyperreactivity (PC(20) < 8 mg/mL) was the most sensitive method, whereas high degree of bronchial hyperreactivity (PC(20) < 1 mg/m(3)) alone or bronchial hyperreactivity (PC(20) < 8 mg/m(3)) combined with the skin reactivity to wheat flour was the most specific method of recognizing OA. Neither SPTs to occupational allergens nor evaluation of serum allergen-specific IgE alone or combined with nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity are characterized by sufficient diagnostic accuracy to replace the specific inhalation challenge test. For the establishment of a definite diagnosis of baker's asthma, specific challenge testing with occupational allergens should be performed.

• [The real value of diagnostic methods in case of long time of cessation of occupational exposure to diisocyanates among patients diagnosed in the nofer institute of occupational medicine in Łodź].

  Authors: Dominika Swierczyńska-Machura, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa, Marta Wiszniewska, Agnieszka Lipińska-Ojrzanowska, Tomasz Wittczak, Wojciech Dudek, Cezary Pałczyński

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(6):567-77.

  The aim of the study was to analyze the data obtained during the diagnostic process and their real values in the final diagnosis of patients exposed to diisocyanates amd suspected of occupationalThe aim of the study was to analyze the data obtained during the diagnostic process and their real values in the final diagnosis of patients exposed to diisocyanates amd suspected of occupational allergic disease of the respiratory system The patients have been hospitalized in the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine over recent 11 years. In 1999-2009 we hospitalized 37 patients exposed to diisocyanates and suspected of occupational asthma. Test results of 37 patients were analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups of those with diagnosed occupational asthma, with diagnosed non-occupational asthma and those without any allergic airway disease. 40.0% of patients with occupational asthma, 64.3% of patients with non-occupational asthma and 15.4% of patients without any allergic disease were sensitized to at least one of common allergens. We did not find any specific IgE to diisocyanates. Specific challenge tests were performed in all the 37 subjects. We observed positive results of SIT with diisocyanates in 10 patients. Only specific challenge test with diisocyanates showed the real diagnostic value in case of a 7.5-year cessation of exposure. Determination of serum specific IgE to diisocyanates does not seem to be of clinical value in the diagnosis of diisocyanate-induced asthma in case of a 7.5 year cessation of exposure. Atopy is not the risk factor in diisocyanate-induced asthma.

• [Prophylactic care of apprentices occupationally exposed to allergens].

  Authors: Agnieszka Lipińska-Ojrzanowska, Marcin Rybacki, Marta Wiszniewska, Cezary Pałczyński, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(4):403-13.

  An increase in the frequency of allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma, in the children population has been observed over several last decades. This trend is reflected in the increasing numberAn increase in the frequency of allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma, in the children population has been observed over several last decades. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of young workers who suffer from allergy and asthma. The problem determines a new challenge to physicians responsible for medical prophylactic care of this group of patients. Active occupational counseling should be performed especially by general practitioners and occupational medicine specialists in in cooperation with allergologists. Apprenticeship is a period of increased risk of work-related respiratory allergic diseases, particularly in the case of occupational exposure to high molecular weight agents. An adequate prophylactic care of apprentices exposed to aeroallergens at workplace may help to reduce work-related allergic health problems, mainly by supporting adolescents in choosing their jobs.

• [Prophylactic care of workers with disabilities--the problem of contemporary occupational health service?].

  Authors: Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa, Marta Wiszniewska, Patrycja Krawczyk-Szulc, Marcin Rybacki, Ewa Wagrowska-Koski

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(2):175-86.

  According to the 2002 data there are in Poland 14.3% of people with disabilities. On the other hand, an employment level of people with disabilities in Poland is one of the lowest in Europe with itsAccording to the 2002 data there are in Poland 14.3% of people with disabilities. On the other hand, an employment level of people with disabilities in Poland is one of the lowest in Europe with its percentage rate of 13% in the year 2004. Therefore, the improvement in certification system and its efficacy is needed. Occupational health service (OHS) plays an important role in the process of occupational elicitation of this group of people. Barriers at the level of OHS mainly result from the lack of guidelines in this field, so now it is essential to implement those that have been proposed. The improvement in occupational medicine physicians training is also essential. Difficulties in certification of ability to work is also the result of unavailable data on patient's health. Psychiatric problems, epilepsy and diabetes cause the major problems in the certification of capacity to work.

• [Health hazards associated with occupational exposure to birds].

  Authors: Sylwia Swiderska-Kiełbik, Anna Krakowiak, Marta Wiszniewska, Wojciech Dudek, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa, Patrycja Krawczyk-Szulc, Aleksandra Michowicz, Cezary Pałczyński

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2010; 61(2):213-22.

  The occupational group particularly exposed to contact with birds are zoo keepers, animal shop workers, individual bird's keepers and food industry workers. Work associated with contact with birdsThe occupational group particularly exposed to contact with birds are zoo keepers, animal shop workers, individual bird's keepers and food industry workers. Work associated with contact with birds may contribute to the development of different symptoms and diseases, including allergic and contagious ones. This paper reviews the most common allergens occurring in the environment of bird's keepers, namely: feathers, egg proteins, allergens of plant origin, acarinae, allergens from latex and disinfectants. The most common health effects associated with occupational exposure to birds are also presented. Taking account of not fully understood pathogenesis of allergy to these allergens, complexity of occupational exposure and a possible coincidence of non-specific irritant effects of factors present in work environment, the diagnostic and certification procedures for occupational allergic diseases require highly specialized investigations. Objective and subjective medical examinations, taken medical history and physical examination also play a significant role in diagnostics of contagious diseases, whereas different laboratory tests are used in searching for their etiologic factors. The prevention of diseases associated with occupational exposure to birds comprises educational work, technical actions (hygiene prophylaxis) and medical prophylaxis.

• [Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants in diagnostics of occupational allergy].

  Authors: Joanna Zgorzelska-Kowalik, Marta Wiszniewska, Damian Kowalik, Patrycja Krawczyk-Szulc, Ewa Nowakowska-Swirta, Cezary Pałczyński, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2010; 61(1):79-89.

  In most cases diagnosis of immediate-type occupational allergy is very complex. Mainly it is caused by diversity of occupational allergens and lack of standardized diagnostic methods. The content ofIn most cases diagnosis of immediate-type occupational allergy is very complex. Mainly it is caused by diversity of occupational allergens and lack of standardized diagnostic methods. The content of allergic proteins in commercially available skin prick test reagents differs between companies and in some the most important allergens are not named. Also the evaluation of serum specific IgE (asIgE) is characterized by different diagnostic accuracy. In some cases, false-positive results of asIgE detection are the consequence of cross-reaction to common environmental allergens. In those cases it is helpful to determine asIgE for cross-reacting carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) to exclude cross-hypersensitivity. The presented paper reviews the structure of carbohydrate determinants, their prevalence and possible impact on laboratory in vitro tests used in allergy diagnostics, as well as the methods of their identification. Possible applications of CCDs in occupational allergy diagnostics are also discussed.

• [Fungal allergy among art conservators: prevalence, risk factors and clinical symptoms].

  Authors: Marta Wiszniewska, Dominika Swierczyńska-Machura, Pałczyński Cezary, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2010; 61(2):133-41.

  The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypersensitivity to fungi among art conservators and museum workers. 200 art conservators and museum workers were examined using aThe aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypersensitivity to fungi among art conservators and museum workers. 200 art conservators and museum workers were examined using a questionnaire, skin prick tests to common mite and fungal allergens. Moreover, the level of serum specific IgE to fungi were evaluated, and rest spirometry was performed in all subjects. The most frequent symptoms reported by the examined subjects were: rhinitis (N=132, 66%), conjunctivitis (N=137, 68.5%), skin symptoms (N=108, 54%), chronic cough (N=52, 26%) and dyspnoea (N=56, 28%). 69 subjects (34.5%) developed symptoms during work with objects contaminated by biological agents. 90 art conservators and museum workers (46.2%) were sensitized to at least one of common allergens, and 47 (23.5%) to fungal allergens. Specific IgE to fungi were found in 14 (7%) cases, most frequently to Candida albicans and Penicillium notatum, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata. 85% of art conservators and museum workers reported allergic symptoms. Cladosporium, Alternaria and Yeats were the species that played the most important role in the development of fungal hypersensitivity among art conservators and museum workers. Duration of occupational exposure of more than 5 years, presence of domestic animals especially a cat at home, elevated total IgE level, allergic rhinitis and skin hyperreactivity to common allergens (grass pollens and mites) are significant risk factors for the development of hypersensitivity to fungi among art conservators and museum workers.

• Occupational exposure and sensitization to fungi among museum workers.

  Authors: Marta Wiszniewska, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa, Iwona Pannenko, Marcin Draniak, Cezary Palczynski

  Occupational medicine (Oxford, England). 04/2009;

  BACKGROUND: Museum employees are exposed to fungi and storage mites in the workplace. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of sensitization to moulds, as well as clinical symptomsBACKGROUND: Museum employees are exposed to fungi and storage mites in the workplace. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of sensitization to moulds, as well as clinical symptoms associated with allergy in museum workers. METHODS: A total of 103 employees of the Polish National Museum (NM) in Warsaw, potentially exposed to fungi during their work, were assessed using a questionnaire and skin prick tests to common allergens and fungal extracts. The level of total and serum-specific IgE to moulds was evaluated, and spirometry was performed in all subjects. Mycological analysis of the workplace was also performed. RESULT: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Trichoderma, Acremonium and Paecilomyces were the most frequent species isolated from investigated exhibits of NM. Thirty per cent of museum employees were sensitized to at least one of the fungal allergens. Logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of occupational exposure lasting >5 years, family history of atopy, presence of a cat at home, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and a history of frequent respiratory infections were risk factors for the development of sensitization to fungi in this working group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an important role of fungi as occupational allergens for museum workers. The prevalence of allergic symptoms among employees of NM was relatively high. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the importance of particular fungal species in the development of occupational allergy.

• Is the risk of allergic hypersensitivity to fungi increased by indoor exposure to moulds?

  Authors: Marta Wiszniewska, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa, Beata Gutarowska, Anna Krakowiak, Cezary Pałczyński

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2009; 22(4):343-54.

  Moulds are frequently found in the indoor environment of residential houses. An association between domestic mould contamination and respiratory symptoms has been reported, but mould exposure as aMoulds are frequently found in the indoor environment of residential houses. An association between domestic mould contamination and respiratory symptoms has been reported, but mould exposure as a risk factor for allergy to moulds is not well documented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of allergic hypersensitivity to moulds. A group of 243 participants was examined. Of these 118 lived in dwellings with evident signs of fungal contamination (study group) and 125 in non-contaminated sites (controls). An interview, skin prick tests to common and fungal allergens, evaluation of total serum IgE and specific IgE to moulds, resting spirometry as well as mycological analysis in building were performed for each participant. 19.8% subjects were sensitized to at least one mould allergen. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the history of respiratory and skin symptoms, smoking cigarettes in the past and positive skin prick tests (SPT) to common allergens (dust mite and grass pollens) or the presence of a cat as a pet animal were the significant associated factors of hypersensitivity to moulds. The association between indoor fungal exposure and the development of fungal allergy was not confirmed in our study.

• Work-related respiratory symptoms in bird zoo keepers--questionnaire data.

  Authors: Sylwia Swiderska-Kiełbik, Anna Krakowiak, Marta Wiszniewska, Wojciech Dudek, Monika Kowalczyk, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa, Konrad Sliwkiewicz, Cezary Pałczyński

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2009; 22(4):393-9.

  To investigate the risk factors for the development of airway diseases from occupational exposure to birds' allergens among Polish zoo garden keepers caring for birds. Two hundred workers respondedTo investigate the risk factors for the development of airway diseases from occupational exposure to birds' allergens among Polish zoo garden keepers caring for birds. Two hundred workers responded to the questionnaire including the history of work-related symptoms, job characteristics, description of occupational exposure, information on smoking habit, contact with birds and animals at home and family history of allergic diseases. General work-related symptoms were reported by 58 subjects (29%), whereas work-related respiratory symptoms were found in 40 workers (20%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the significant role of positive family history of atopy and occupational contact with parrots either in the development of work-related symptoms or work-related respiratory allergic symptoms. The findings may confirm that work-related respiratory symptoms are an important health problem among zoo bird keepers in Poland.

• Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels After Specific Inahalatory Challenge Test in Subjects with Diagnosed Occupational Asthma.

  Authors: Dominika Swierczyńska-Machura, Anna Krakowiak, Marta Wiszniewska, Wojciech Dudek, Jolanta Walusiak, Cezary Pałczyński

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 11/2008;

  Objectives: Measuring exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a useful method for the assessment of bronchial inflammation in asthmatic subjects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in eNO levelObjectives: Measuring exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a useful method for the assessment of bronchial inflammation in asthmatic subjects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in eNO level in the subjects with suspected occupational asthma (OA) after a specific inhalation test (SIT) with occupational agents. Materials and Methods: Forty two patients, including 17 farmers, 15 bakers and 10 health care workers had a physical examination, skin prick tests with common and occupational allergens, total serum IgE level, specific anti-allergen IgE determinations, spirometry and SIT. Also, morphological changes in induced sputum (ISP) and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were analysed and eNO measurements were performed. Results: SIT revealed a significant increase in the proportion of eosinophils in NLF and in ISP in the cases with diagnosed OA. Moreover, these cases showed significantly increased eNO levels only 24 h after SIT, compared to the measurements before SIT. We also found a significant correlation between eNO level at 24 h after SIT and the percentage of eosinophils in NLF before, and 4 and 24 h after SIT, as well as in ISP before and 24 h after SIT in all subjects with diagnosed OA. Conclusion: The findings may confirm the usefulness of exhaled nitric oxide measurements for diagnosing OA.

• IL-18 Levels in Nasal Lavage After Inhalatory Challenge Test with Flour in Bakers Diagnosed with Occupational Asthma.

  Authors: Anna Krakowiak, Jolanta Walusiak, Patrycja Krawczyk, Marta Wiszniewska, Wojciech Dudek, Tomasz Wittczak, Cezary Pałczynski

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 08/2008;

  Objectives: The authors discuss the outcomes of a study on IL-18 concentration in nasal washings after the inhalatory challenge test with flour allergens (ICHT-F) in bakers with flour-inducedObjectives: The authors discuss the outcomes of a study on IL-18 concentration in nasal washings after the inhalatory challenge test with flour allergens (ICHT-F) in bakers with flour-induced occupational airway allergy (OAA) Methods: We measured IL-18 concentration using ELISA kit and assessed morphological changes in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) before, and 4 h and 24 h after ICHT-F in three groups of subjects: Group A - 9 patients with diagnosed OAA (occupational asthma and rhinitis), Group B - 10 patients with atopic asthma and rhinitis, and Group C - 9 healthy volunteers. Results: In Group A, significant differences in the basophil proportion in NLF were noted only 24 h after ICHT-F. Both the basophil proportion and total eosinophil count were higher in Group A than in Group C at this time-point. Group A also showed a statistically significant increase in IL-18 levels 4 h after the challenge. A significant relationship was noted between the proportion of basophils 4 h after ICHT-F and IL-18 level at 24 h after the test. Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating an increased expression of IL-18 in nasal washings of subjects diagnosed with OAA to flour allergens. The observed higher concentrations of IL-18 in nasal washings after ICHT as well as the increase in the proportion of basophils provide evidence for the important role of IL-18 in persistent allergic inflammation.

• Risk factors associated with airway allergic diseases from exposure to laboratory animal allergens among veterinarians.

  Authors: Anna Krakowiak, Marta Wiszniewska, Patrycja Krawczyk, Bogdan Szulc, Tomasz Wittczak, Jolanta Walusiak, Cezary Pałczynski

  International archives of occupational and environmental health. 06/2007; 80(6):465-75.

  OBJECTIVES: Investigate the risk factors for the development of occupational airway allergy (OAA) from exposure to laboratory animal allergens (LAA) among Polish veterinarians. METHODS: Two hundredOBJECTIVES: Investigate the risk factors for the development of occupational airway allergy (OAA) from exposure to laboratory animal allergens (LAA) among Polish veterinarians. METHODS: Two hundred veterinarians responded to the questionnaire and were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) to common allergens and LAA (rat, mouse, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit). Evaluation of total serum IgE level and specific IgE against occupational allergens was performed. In addition, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured before and after specific challenge testing (SCT) only in the subjects with work-related symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma (OA). RESULTS: The prevalence of asthmatic and ocular symptoms was statistically more prevalent in the group of veterinarians sensitised to LAA versus non-sensitised subjects. The most frequent occupational allergens of skin and serum reactivity were LAA (44.5 and 31.5%, respectively). In 41 (20.5%) and in 22 (11%) subjects out of 200 veterinarians, serum specific IgE to natural rubber latex (NRL) allergens and disinfectants was also found. Serum sensitisation to cat allergens and daily contact with laboratory animals (LA) increased the risk for developing isolated occupational rhinitis. Furthermore, working time of more than 10 years and daily contact with LA were also significant risk factors for the development of OAA. Measuring PEFR and BHR before and after SCT is a useful method to confirm the presence of OA. CONCLUSIONS: Allergy to LAA is an important health problem among veterinary medicine practitioners in Poland.

• Prevalence and host determinants of occupational bronchial asthma in animal shelter workers.

  Authors: Anna Krakowiak, Patrycja Krawczyk, Bogdan Szulc, Marta Wiszniewska, Monika Kowalczyk, Jolanta Walusiak, Cezary Pałczyński

  International archives of occupational and environmental health. 05/2007; 80(5):423-32.

  OBJECTIVE: We examined the risk factors for the development of airway allergy in animal shelter workers. METHODS: The study population comprised 88 animal shelter workers occupationally exposed toOBJECTIVE: We examined the risk factors for the development of airway allergy in animal shelter workers. METHODS: The study population comprised 88 animal shelter workers occupationally exposed to cats and dogs. They responded to a questionnaire concerning the history of exposure to animal allergens and job characteristics and were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) to common and occupational allergens (cat and dog), and determination of total serum IgE level and specific IgE. In addition, SPT with rat and mouse allergens were performed. Bronchial hyperreactivity and peak expiratory flow rate were measured at work and off work only in workers with work-related symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma (OA). RESULTS: The prevalence of OA was 9.1%. Sensitization to dog allergens was higher than to cats. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant role of positive family history of atopy and having a dog as pet in the past for the development of occupational airway allergy (OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.76, 20.00; P = 0.003; OR 6.47; 95% CI 1.90, 22.02; P = 0.002, respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk for developing OA was most clearly associated with growing up in the country (OR 7.59; 95% CI 1.25, 45.9; P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Allergic disease is a serious occupational health concern for subjects who have occupational contact with cats and dogs.

• Outbreak of lead poisoning in high voltage tower conservators.

  Authors: Patrycja Krawczyk, Jolanta Walusiak, Bogdan Szulc, Anna Krakowiak, Marta Wiszniewska, Tomasz Wittczak, Cezary Pałczyński

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 02/2006; 19(3):181-4.

  OBJECTIVES: A changing character of lead exposure has been observed over many years. However, construction workers involved in the renovation of painted steel structures are still severely exposed toOBJECTIVES: A changing character of lead exposure has been observed over many years. However, construction workers involved in the renovation of painted steel structures are still severely exposed to lead and its compounds. In 2004, we observed an outbreak of lead poisoning in high voltage tower conservators working abroad. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As many as 27 male workers with suspected lead poisoning were hospitalized in the Department of Occupational Disease, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lódź, Poland. They were involved in removing an old lead-containing paint from high voltage towers. RESULTS: On admission to the department, 70% of treated workers showed laboratory signs of anemia in their blood count. After treatment the signs persisted in 25% of patients. Also alkaline dotting in erythrocytes was present in 13 subjects. Sub-acute lead poisoning manifested by abdominal cramps with coexisting anemia and increased lead absorption symptoms was most frequently diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: The high lead exposure of the examined high voltage tower cleaners was due to specific working conditions. In such cases overprotection of the environment may lead to severe health effects in humans.

• [Chronic fatigue syndrome: its importance in occupational medicine]

  Authors: Marta Wiszniewska, Jolanta Walusiak, Tomasz Wittczak, Cezary Pałczyński

  Medycyna pracy. 02/2005; 56(5):387-94.

  The paper reviews the etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), its clinical symptoms and diagnostic procedures. Forasmuch the fatigue is the main symptom of CFS and it may appear in many somaticThe paper reviews the etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), its clinical symptoms and diagnostic procedures. Forasmuch the fatigue is the main symptom of CFS and it may appear in many somatic and mental disorders. The principles of differential diagnostics are reviewed and the methods of management and treatment are presented. The knowledge of CFS is needed among occupational medicine physicians, especially from the point of view of health protection.