Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Patients Exposed to Moisture Damage at Work and in General Working-Age Population—The SAMDAW Study

Nynäs, Pia; Vilpas, Sarkku; Kankare, Elina; Karjalainen, Jussi; Lehtimäki, Lauri; Numminen, Jura; Tikkakoski, Antti; Kleemola, Leenamaija; Huhtala, Heini; Uitti, Jukka

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312296

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 56 publications

(76 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Earlier in comparison with the general population, MCS was found common in this patient group [ 35 ]. In this study when comparing with asymptomatic controls, this finding was confirmed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

Laboratory Test Results in Patients with Workplace Moisture Damage Associated Symptoms—The SAMDAW Study

et al. 2023

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The mechanisms of health effects of moisture damage (MD) are unclear, but inflammatory responses have been suspected. The usefulness of laboratory and allergy tests among patients in secondary healthcare with symptoms associated with workplace MD were examined. Full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and skin prick testing were assessed and analyzed in relation to multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and perceived stress in 99 patients and 48 controls. In analysis, t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and chi-squared tests were used. Minor clinically insignificant differences in blood counts were seen in patients and controls, but among patients with asthma an elevated neutrophil count was found in 19% with and only in 2% of patients without asthma (p = 0.003). CRP levels and ESR were low, and the study patients’ FeNO, total IgE, or allergic sensitization were not increased compared to controls. The level of stress was high among 26% of patients and 6% of controls (p = 0.005), and MCS was more common among patients (39% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). Stress or MCS were not significantly associated with laboratory test results. In conclusion, no basic laboratory or allergy test results were characteristic of this patient group, and neither inflammatory processes nor allergic sensitization were found to explain the symptoms among these patients. While the value of basic laboratory tests should not be ignored, the use of allergy tests does not seem necessary when symptoms are indicated to be workplace-related.

show abstract

“…Earlier in comparison with the general population, MCS was found common in this patient group [ 35 ]. In this study when comparing with asymptomatic controls, this finding was confirmed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

Laboratory Test Results in Patients with Workplace Moisture Damage Associated Symptoms—The SAMDAW Study

et al. 2023

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Application of questionnaires in studying the frequency of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome

Bolotova,

Dudnikova,

Onopriev

et al. 2024

Kazan Med J

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BACKGROUND: Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome is a set of adverse physiological reactions of the human body to exposure to common chemical agents in low doses, which are considered non-toxic to the population. AIM: To study the frequency and characteristics of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome manifestation using the Russified questionnaire Quick Environment Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the pilot study, 468 people undergoing a preventive medical examination were surveyed (232 men, average age 34.2±9.3 years, and 236 women, average age 42.9±13.8 years). To assess multiple chemical sensitivity, an analysis of three subscales of the Russified validated QEESI questionnaire (chemical intolerance, severity of symptoms, and impact on everyday life) was used. The statistical significance of differences in relative indicators was assessed using the Pearson χ2 criterion. Absolute indicators were presented as M (SD). Relationships and differences in indicators were considered statistically significant at p 0.05. RESULTS: The frequency of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome was 45.5%, 51.7% of patients had concomitant diseases. The frequency of comorbidities with and without multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome was comparable: allergic diseases — 25.6 vs 17.5%, χ2=3.84, p=0.069; irritable bowel syndrome — 8.1 vs 10.9%, χ2=3.648, p=0.057; migraine — 11 vs 10.5%, χ2=0.642, p=0.424. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome was more often detected in women (74.3 vs 25.6%, χ2=5.76, p=0.001) and patients with a sedentary lifestyle (58.3 vs 24.8% χ2=11.9; p=0.01). In patients with multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome, the most common central nervous system complaints were mood lability (26.5 vs 11.3%, χ2=18.936, p=0.003), headaches (27.4 vs 10.5%, χ2=7.555, p=0.006); in the gastrointestinal tract — nausea (13.7 vs 7.6%, χ2=4.826, p=0.029), abdominal pain (10.9 vs 5.5%, χ2=4.178, p=0.041). CONCLUSION: A high frequency of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (45.5%) was revealed, which was typical for women and patients with a sedentary lifestyle. Patients with this syndrome significantly more often reported complaints from the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

show abstract

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Clinical Perspective

Jacques

2024

Brain Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective: The etiology of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is still debated, which is an obstacle to assessing treatment options. An analysis of the scientific literature combined with the clinical experience can suggest some avenues. Methods: The etiology of MCS and its underlying mechanisms were reviewed from the scientific literature to identify the main factors contributing to its development. The results of the studies involving biomarkers and cerebral imaging techniques on MCS subjects were compared with those performed on subjects having the comorbidities of MCS. From the scientific literature and the experience in a clinical setting in occupational and environmental medicine, distinct types of MCS were looked for, with the application of the underlying mechanisms. The potential effectiveness of available treatments was also reviewed. Results: Among many factors, unresolved emotional traumas causing chronic and acute stress reactions play an important role in the development of MCS and can be the basis for effective treatment. We identified three types of clinical presentations, called the accidental type, following a toxic exposure causing an associated emotional trauma, the associative type, following a repeated innocuous exposure in a threatening context, and the developmental type, following a traumatic childhood/adolescence causing hypervigilance and chronic stress/trauma-related disorders. We presented real cases to illustrate these types and the mechanisms behind their development, as well as effective resolution. Conclusions: MCS and its comorbidities could be treated effectively when the underlying emotional trauma(s) are targeted using trauma-focused psychotherapy and other therapies. Diagnostic criteria, principles of treatment and prevention, and avenues for research were derived from this analysis.

show abstract

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Patients Exposed to Moisture Damage at Work and in General Working-Age Population—The SAMDAW Study

Cited by 6 publications

References 56 publications

Laboratory Test Results in Patients with Workplace Moisture Damage Associated Symptoms—The SAMDAW Study

Laboratory Test Results in Patients with Workplace Moisture Damage Associated Symptoms—The SAMDAW Study

Application of questionnaires in studying the frequency of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Clinical Perspective

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About