engleski

Early detection of risk persons for developing of occupational allergic diseases

Preemployment allergological examination was provieded in a random sample of 351 subjects, 166 women (mean age 28.0 ą 6.4 years) and 185 men (mean age 26.3 ą 5.4 years). In akk subjects medical history was recorded by questionnaire, skin test was performed by prick (PT) method, serum level of total IgE, serum level of total IgE was determined by PRIST test (Pharmacia Diagnostic, Uppsala) and nonspecific bronchial reactivity (NBR) by histamine challenge. PT was done with common inhalatory allergens (Institute of Immunology, Zagreb) and urtica mean diameter (D+d/2) 3 mm or more was considered a positive reaction (PT+). IgE levels &#61619; 125 kU/L were considered increased and PC20 FEV1&#61603; 8 mg/ml of histamine was considered a bronchial hypereactivity. Prevalence of PT+ was hhigher in men than in women (38.4%:25.3% ; P<0.01). Respiratory symptoms were more frequent in PT+ than in PT- women (50.0%, 20.3% ; P<0, 001). Such difference was found in men. In all PT+ subjects, the upper respiratory symptoms were more frequent than the lower respiratory symptoms. In men with increased IgE respiratory symptoms were more frequent than in men with normal IgE (52.3%, 31.2% ; P<0, 05). Such difference was not found in women. Bronchial hyperreactivity was found in 10/351 (2.8%) subjects, and 9/10 had PT+ to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Our results suggest that PT+ is a better indicator of respiratory symptoms in women and can be a predicitve marker for developing allergic rhinitis in a symptomatic women. Increased IgE is a better indicator of respiratory symptoms in men and can be a predictive marker for developing allergic rhinitis in asymptomatic men. Preemployment allergological examination is a valuable method for detecting asymptomatic and symptomatic persons with sensitization of respiratory system and is the important measure in primary prevention of occupational allergic diseases.

prick test; total IgE; nonspecific bronchial hypereactivity; respiratory symptoms; allergic rhinitis; prevention of sensitization

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