ILO Home
Go to the home page
Site map | Contact us Français | Español
view in a printer-friendly format »

Liver diseases - 277 entries found

Your search criteria are

  • Liver diseases

1982

CIS 83-1065 Holdener F., Grob P.J., Joller-Jemelka H.I.
Hepatitis virus infection in flying airline personnel
Sera of 1126 flying personnel were tested for present or past infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or A virus (HAV). The prevalence of anti-HA antibodies was similar to that of controls. HBV immunity was similar in pilots, flight engineers, and female flight attendants, but more prevalent in male flight attendants. Within 1 year, 13 of 2624 personnel had acute hepatitis, mainly due to hepatitis B among male flight attendants. It is suggested that life style may be responsible for these findings.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, June 1982, Vol.53, No.6, p.587-590. Illus. 6 ref.

CIS 82-1971 Trelat J.
Viral hepatitis in hospitals
Hépatites virales en milieu hospitalier [in French]
Investigation in a hospital where the staff medical service physician made regular check-ups on the personnel over a period of 13 years: study of trends in hepatitis cases (distribution chronologically, and by hospital department); in-depth research on the types of hepatitis which occurred and immunity acquired by intensive-care unit personnel. The results of the investigation and available statistics show that the present-day practitioner is better acquainted with the helath status of hospital staff and is therefore more efficient as regards preventive medicine. Analysis of general hepatitis prevention in hospital services: systematic medical surveillance and individual prevention (medical examinations, laboratory tests, consultations, return to work). Review of immunological aspects of viral hepatitis.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2nd quarter 1982, Vol.22, No.86, p.21-30.

CIS 82-1379 Machet de la Martinière N.
Hepatic fibrosis and development of angiosarcoma following exposure to vinyl chloride
Fibrose hépatique et évolution vers l'angiosarcome après exposition au chlorure de vinyle [in French]
This medical thesis attempts to determine whether there is a sequential link between hepatic fibrosis and angiosarcoma. Description of a case of hepatic angiosarcoma in a worker with 16 years exposure to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Review of the literature. It seems, although without any scientific certitude, that hepatic fibrosis alone without any changes in adjacent sinusoidal cells, is not precancerous condition but merely one of the VCM-induced lesions. Technical and medical safety measures (review of French legislation). Importance of the occupational physician's role, and the facilities he should have available for detecting early signs and symptoms (biological or other) of hepatic fibrosis (periodic medical examinations, special procedures such as hepatic and splenic echotomography).
Université de Paris V, Faculté de médecine Necker-Enfants-Malades, Paris, France, 1982. 163p. 85 ref.

1981

CIS 82-1699 Ogata M., Hasegawa T., Takahara K., Ohguma K., Ogino Y., Mori T., Watanabe S., Meguro T.
Oxidative phosphorylation of liver mitochondria from polychlorinated naphthalene administered rats
Respiration and oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver mitochondria were investigated, using the oxygen electrode method, in the livers of rats fed 500 and 1000mg/kg polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) for 90 days and exposed to an acute dose of 7g PCN/1kg body weight by intraperitoneal injection. The acute dose resulted in a significant decrease in the respiratory control index and in adenosine diphosphatase (ATP) level, but no significant change in adenosine diphosphatase/oxygen (ADP/O) ratio in the liver. PCN was detected by gas chromatography/mass-spectrometry; the shortest retention time component in the mitochondrial fraction was detected 1h after injection. In rats fed (PCN) no significant change in the respiratory control index or ADP/O ratio was found, but a significant decrease ocurred in ATP level and an increase in triglyceride levels.
Industrial Health, 1981, Vol.19, No.4, p.235-240. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 82-1661 Bossi M.C., Arcabasso G.D., Annoni P.L., Mainardi M.
Hepatic lesions in perchloroethylene poisoning
Lesioni epatiche nella intossicazione da percloroetilene [in Italian]
The literature on hepatic involvement in perchloroethylene poisoning is briefly reviewed, and a report is given of the case of acute perchloroethylene poisoning diagnosed in a woman who had worked for 22 years in a drycleaning shop. The hepatomegaly, which initially prompted a diagnosis of hepatic neoplasm, had a benign course and was finally diagnosed, on the basis of scintigraphy, laparoscopy and biopsy, as acute hepatic lesion due to perchloroethylene.
Rivista degli infortuni e delle malattie professionali, July-Aug. 1981, Vol.48, No.4, p.421-424. 21 ref.

CIS 82-1083 Chakrabarti S., Brodeur J.
Plasma disappearance and biliary excretion of bromosylfophthalein in styrene-treated and styrene oxide-treated rats
Intraperitoneal administration of a single 908mg/kg dose of styrene 5h before intravenous injection of 50mg/kg bromosulfophthalein (BSP) in rats resulted in a 30% decrease in biliary flow during 10-25min but an increase in such flow 60-90min after the BSP dose; a 50% delay in cumulative excretion of BSP in bile after 5-60min; no change in plasma disappearance of BSP. The first two effects were dependent on the styrene dose. 2h after pretreatment with 375mg/kg styrene oxide, ip., a 50% diminution of bile flow and of cumulative excretion of BSP was observed during the entire 5-90min of bile collection after BSP administration, but the plasma disappearance of BSP was unaffected. The intrahepatic metabolism of BSP and its transport from liver to bile appeared to be impaired after liver injury induced by styrene or styrene oxide.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Oct. 1981, Vol.8, No.4, p.609-617. Illus. 15 réf.

CIS 82-862 Erhardt H.P., Zinsser E., Bartsch R., Bretschneider M.
Hepatobioptic surveillance and medical consequences for workers exposed to pesticides
Leberbioptische Verlaufskontrolle und arbeitsmedizinische Konsequenzen bei Werktätigen in Pflanzenschutz und Schädlingsbekämpfung [in German]
The findings of a hepatic biopsy performed on 27 workers exposed to pesticides and repeated 2 years after the initial examination are reported. The statistical analysis shows that improvements were confined to people whose change of occupation was accompanied by a reduction of alcohol intake and body weight. Consequences for occupational medicine: consultation of a specialist; ban on alcohol consumption and reduction of overweight, screening of transaminase and cholinesterase levels, change of workplace in accordance with bioptic findings, registration and certification of occupational disease.
Das deutsche Gesundheitswesen, 1981, Vol.36, No.6, p.265-269. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 82-476 Curtès J.P., Cantineau A.
Occuptional hepatic and renal diseases
Affections hépatiques et rénales d'origine professionnelle [in French]
Aspects considered: physio-pathology, clinical and biological aspects, aetiology (toxic substances, infection, physical injury), prevention, compensation.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale. Intoxications, 18 rue Séguier, 75006 Paris, France, 10 Oct. 1981. 10p.

CIS 82-455 Ivanovich E., Antov G., Kazakova B.
Liver changes under combined effect of working environmental factors
In contrast to the extensive research on the separate physical and toxic effects of environmental factors, their combined effects have received less attention. Liver changes were studied after separate and combined action of vibration (whole body, 100Hz, 0,1mm amplitude), noise (white noise 105dB(A)), heat (35°C), humidity (45-55%) and air velocity (0.2-0.3ms-1) and lead (lead acetate, 20mg/kg, oral, 2h daily for 10 days). The activity of enzymes and the quantity of soluble proteins were determined. Liver samples were studied by light and electron-microscopy. Vibration alone did not produce marked changes, but when the other factors acted simultaneously, more expressed alterations in the liver were found. The most pronounced changes were obtained after the combined effects of vibration and exposure to lead.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 1981, Vol.48, No.1, p.41-47. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 82-186 Skinhøj P., Hollinger F.B., Hovind-Hougen K., Lous P.
Infectious liver diseases in three groups of Copenhagen workers: Correlation of hepatitis A infection to sewage exposure
3 groups of municipal workers, matched for age and duration of employment, and consisting of 77 sewer workers, 81 gardeners and 79 clerks were studied for clinical and serological evidence of infection with viral hepatitis types A and B and pathogenic leptospires. Antibody against hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) was found in 80.5% sewer workers compared with 60.5% gardeners and 48.1% clerks. The anti-HAV prevalence rates correlated with age rather than duration of employment. In 11 reported cases of jaundice only 3 occurred amongst sewer workers. Hepatitis B serological markers were similar in each group. Exposure to metropolitan sewage appears to impose a limited risk of hepatitis A infection while the hepatitis B virus is not successfully transmitted by this route.
Archives of Environmental Health, May-June 1981, Vol.36, No.3, p.139-143. 20 ref.

CIS 81-1409 Pazderová-Vejlupková J., Němcová M., Pícková J., Jirásek L., Lukáš E.
Development and prognosis of chronic intoxication by tetrachlordibenzo-p-dioxin in men.
A 10 year follow-up on 55 men exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in 1968-69 has yielded the following results: The majority of patients developed chloracne and 11 manifested porphyria cutanea tarda; about 50% of the subjects experienced metabolic disturbances such as pathologically elevated lipids with abnormalities in the lipoprotein spectrum; 40% had pathological changes in the glucose tolerance test; one third exhibited biochemical deviations indicative of a mild liver lesion which was histologically revealed to be light steatosis, periportal fibrosis or activation of Kuppfer cells; liver tissues fluoresced in ultraviolet light. 17 persons showed evidence of nervous system focal damage with predominance of peripheral neuron lesion of the lower extremities; most patients suffered from psychological disorders which diminished with time. The first patient to die was the one who had exhibited the most severe signs of intoxication; the cause of death was a rare form of cerebral atherosclerosis.
Archives of Environmental Health, Jan.-Feb. 1981, Vol.36, No.1, p.5-11. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 81-1401 Hansen J.P., Falconer J.A., Hamilton J.D., Herpok F.J.
Hepatitis B in a medical center.
Over a 40-month period, there were 1,235 cases of exposure to blood product or body fluids. Of the 155 workers exposed to HBsAg-positive blood, 101 were not immune to hepatitis B. 3 of them developed clinical hepatitis, as did 24 other employees. The cumulative incidence was 106 per 100,000 employee-years.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, May 1981, Vol.23, No.5, p.338-342. Illus. 34 ref.

1980

CIS 82-768 Krasnov A.V.
The relation between length of service and the course and sequelae of viral hepatitis in workers in the chemical industry
O vlijanii professional'nogo staža na tečenie i posledstvija virusnogo gepatita u rabočih himičeskih predprijatij [in Russian]
Viral hepatitis occurs in a more severe and protracted form in workers who have been occupationally exposed to toxic chemicals for long periods. Liver functions are more extensively impaired. Where the disease remits, biochemical levels are slow to normalise. Greater length of service correlates with more harmful sequelae.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Dec. 1980, No.12, p.33-36. 7 ref.

CIS 81-1025 Szeberényi S., Ungváry G., Kadar I., Tátrai E.
On the liver effect of benzene and its methyl derivatives.
Exposure of male and female rats to benzene, toluene, o-, m- and p-xylene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene resulted in increased hepatic cytochrome P-450 content and increased activity of NADPH:cytochrome-c-reductase. Toluene, p-xylene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene also caused an increase in hepatic cytochrome b5 concentration. Benzene, toluene and the xylenes were administered at 20.4mmol/kg and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene at 13.7mmol/kg daily for 4 days. There was no mortality in male animals but 20% of the females died by the 4th day. All solvents caused reduced body weight gains or weight decreases. Liver weight increased except on benzene exposure and on toluene exposure in females. Relative adrenal weights increased and zona fasciculata were enlarged. Relative thymus weight decreased, and benzene exposure caused the cortex of the thymus to become thin.
Research Institute for Labour Safety, National Institute of Occupational Health, Budapest, Hungary, 22-25 Sep. 1980, p.181-192. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 81-494 Monooxygenase activity and ultrastructural changes of liver in the course of chronic exposure of rats to vinyl chloride.
Microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activity and the ultrastructure of the liver were studied in rats exposed dynamically to 50, 500 and 20,000ppm vinyl chloride (VC) over 10 months. After 1 and 3 months of exposure to 500 and 20,000ppm VC, the level of cytochrome P-450 was depressed, and upon continuation of exposure was restored to the initial level. Liver enlargement was accompanied by ultrastructural alterations (hypertrophy of smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, swelling of mitochondria, accumulation of lipid droplets, focal cytoplasmic degradation) beginning in the 3rd month of exposure to all concentrations. It is suggested that the decrease of cytochrome P-450 during the early stages of exposure may affect the rate of formation of toxic metabolites and thus delay the development of liver injury.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1980, Vol.46, No.3, p.241-249. Illus. 22 ref.

CIS 81-489 Giannini M., Ferioli A., Castoldi M.R.
Liver porphyria in a subject occupationally exposed to inorganic lead
Porfiria epatica in un soggetto con esposizione professionale a piombo inorganico [in Italian]
The biological indicators of exposure, internal dose, and effect revealed a higher total excretion of urinary porphyrins than could be predicted by the indicators of internal dose. The pattern of urinary porphyrins (number of carboxylic groups) showed an identical picture to that of chronic liver porphyria, quite different from lead poisoning. The importance of this test for correct differential diagnosis is stressed.
Medicina del lavoro, July-Aug. 1980, Vol.71, No.4, p.353-356. 15 ref.

CIS 81-169 Hotz P., Guillemin M.P., Lob M.
Study of some hepatic effects (induction and toxicity) caused by occupational exposure to styrene in the polyester industry.
57 exposed workers and 2 control groups underwent medical examinations. Styrene did not give rise to measurable autoinduction. With regard to hepatic tests, styrene exposure caused an increase in the plasma enzyme activities, illustrating a possible damaging effect on liver cells, at exposure levels below 100ppm (the TLV).
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Sep. 1980, Vol.6, No.3, p.206-215. Illus. 30 ref.

CIS 81-137 Pialat J., Pasquier B., Pahn M., Kopp N.
Liver damage due to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)
Pathologie hépatique due au chlorure de vinyle monomère (CVM). [in French]
Review of industrial processes (synthetisation of VCM), mechanisms of poisoning, roundup of the state of the art; 8 case studies (6 angiosarcomas, one hepatoma, and one case of "fibrosis" of the liver with portal hypertension) with detailed commentary. Considerations on the histogenesis and pathogenesis of fibrotic damage and angiosarcoma of the liver.
Semaine des hôpitaux, 18-25 June 1980, Vol.56, No.25-26-27-28, p.1188-1202. Illus. 111 ref.

1979

CIS 80-452 Schneider W.J.
Hepatitis B: An occupational hazard of health care facilities.
During a 4 year period, 30 cases of hepatitis B attributed to work occurred at an urban medical centre. Only 5 of the workers affected described a relevant incident before onset of the disease. Early symptoms were non-specific, and routine monitoring and clinical awareness are necessary for early diagnosis. More effective control measures are needed. It is unlikely that post-exposure immune globulin prophylaxis will reduce the incidence of hepatitis B.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Dec. 1979, Vol.21, No.12, p.807-810. 31 ref.

CIS 79-797
National Joint Technical Committee for the Activities of the Intertrade Group, National Health Insurance Fund (Comité technique national des activités du groupe interprofessionnel, Caisse nationale de l'assurance-maladie), Paris, 14 Nov. 1978.
Viral hepatitis of occupational origin
Hépatite virale d'origine profesionnelle. [in French]
This recommendation, which concerns more particularly antigen-B type hepatitis, prescribes measures to be adopted with regard to medical supervision, personal hygiene and personal protection, information and training of staff exposed to viral hepatitis contagion, and with regard to technical measures to be adopted concerning premises, furnishings and equipment, bedding and linen to avoid all risk of contamination. A commentary on the recommendation follows.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Sécurité et hygiène du travail, 1st quarter 1979, No.94, Note No.1173-94-79 (Recommendation No.151), p.163-166.

1978

CIS 79-1102 Furon D.
Recommendations for prophylaxis of viral hepatitis
Recommandations concernant la prophylaxie de l'hépatite virale. [in French]
Paper communicated to the Technical Regional Committee for Food Wholesale and Retail Trades (Comité technique régional "alimentation-interprofessionnelle", Lille, France). The recommended prophylaxis consists essentially of general hygiene measures for hospital nursing, laboratory and haemodialysis unit personnel. These measures, designed to avoid contact with contaminated matter or linen, are listed. Screening for Australia antigen plays an important part in the prevention of this disease. The article mentions the role of passive immunisation by preventive injection of gamma globulin.
Regional Health Insurance Fund for Northern France (Caisse régionale d'assurance maladie du Nord de la France), 11 boulevard Vauban, 59024 Lille Cedex, France, 14 Sep. 1978. 7p. Gratis.

CIS 79-855 Record of proceedings of the VIIIth National Congress of Preventive Medicine for Hospital Staff, Marseille, 12-14 October 1977
Compte rendu des travaux des VIIIes Journées nationales de médecine préventive du personnel hospitalier, Marseille, 12-14 octobre 1977. [in French]
Papers presented are grouped under 3 main topics. 1st topic (ergonomics in the hospital): ergonomics and nursing work; global study of the workload of an orthopaedics nurse. 2nd topic (work schedules): work schedules in the hospital and their repercussions on staff health; effects of night shift working on a feminine population; suggestions for night schedules; survey in a surgery service; considerations on hospital work schedules. 3rd topic (viral hepatitis, an occupational disease of hospital staff): viruses of hepatitis and their antigens; protocol of systematic prevention of antigen B hepatitis in haemodialysis centres; statistics concerning the hazard of viral hepatitis B in hospitals in the Rhône-Alps region; informational training in the prevention of viral hepatitis; medico-legal settlements for viral hepatitis in hospital employees; prevention of hepatitis B by vaccination. Non-scheduled papers presented: working conditions of assistant-nurses in hospitals; mental stress in hospital staff; medical supervision of hospital staff, etc.
Archives des maladies professionnelles, Sep. 1978, Vol.39, No.9, p.511-584. Illus. 35 ref.

CIS 79-177 Saint-Jacques M.
Viral hepatitis: statistics and detailed analysis of 60 cases reported in 1976
L'hépatite virale: résultats statistiques et analyse détaillée des 60 cas déclarés en 1976. [in French]
Communication submitted to the Regional Joint Technical Inter-Occupational Committee for the Food Industry (Lille, France). According to statistics available, infectious hepatitis seems limited to hospital staff. Contents: detailed study of 57 cases reported in 1976 in the milieu covered by the above Committee (breakdown by sex, age, profession or activity); places where hospital employees are particularly exposed to the hazard (laboratories; general medical wards and services; open-heart surgery; haemodialysis and bood transfusion services); preventive measures (protection of medical, nursing and laboratory staff (personal and general hygiene, sterilisation, disinfection); mass immunisation).
Regional Health Insurance Fund for Northern France (Caisse régionale d'assurance maladie du Nord de France), 11 boulevard Vauban, 59024 Lille Cedex, France, 8 June 1978. 6p. Gratis.

CIS 78-1997 Berris B., Feinman S.V., Richardson B., Wrobel D.W., Sinclair J.C.
Hepatitis in undertakers.
106 undertakers were studied. The percentage who gave a past history of hepatitis was no greater than that of controls. There was a non-significant difference in the number with blood that was positive for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen. While undertakers appear to be in a low-risk occupation as regards hepatitis, it is suggested that there may be an increased risk of exposure in undertakers who do not wear gloves, and this practice is therefore recommended.
Journal of the American Medical Association, July 1978, Vol.240, No.2, p.138-139. 11 ref.

CIS 78-1254 Cortez Pimentel J., Peixoto Menezes A.
Pulmonary and hepatic granulomatous disorders due to the inhalation of cement and mica dusts.
Case reports are presented of 2 workers, one exposed to Portland cement (case 1) and the other to muscovite dust (case 2). Pulmonary lesions in case 1 were histiocytic granulomas and irregular fibrohyaline scars, and in case 2 diffuse thickening of all interalveolar septa due to new formation of reticulin and collagen fibres and proliferation of fibroblasts and histiocytes. Pathological findings in the liver were: focal or diffuse swelling of sinusoidal lining cells, sarcoid-type granulomas, and, in case 2, perisinusoidal and portal tract fibrosis. Abundant inclusions of the inhaled material were identified in the pulmonary and hepatic lesions by histochemical and X-ray diffraction techniques.
Thorax, Apr. 1978, Vol.33, No.2, p.219-227. Illus. 28 ref.

1977

CIS 78-1078 Klejner A.I., Getmanec I.Ja., Smoljaninova N.S., Krylova E.V., Rezenkina L.D., Galas' G.S.
Immunological reactivity in toxic hepatitis
Immunologičeskaja reaktivnost' u bol'nyh toksičeskim gepatitom [in Russian]
Results of multiple tests in 48 female workers with hepatitis due to prolonged exposure to nitrotoluenes. Natural immunity (immunoglobulin levels, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, serum complement and lysozyme titre) and autosensitisation were studied. There was a reduction in non-specific resistance and appearance of serum and cellular autoantibodies, above all against the tissue of organs of the digestive system, especially the liver. The severity of hepatitis symptoms parallels the degree of autoimmune changes.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, July 1977, No.7, p.15-18. 16 ref.

CIS 78-803 Puech A.M., Fournet A., Laulhère L., Faure J., Cau G., Mallion J.M.
Hepatic lesions in 5 subjects exposed to vinyl chloride, 3 with liver angiosarcoma
Etude des lésions hépatiques observées chez 5 sujets exposés au chlorure de vinyle dont 3 cas d'angiosarcome hépatique. [in French]
This article takes stock of epidemiological and clinical aspects on the basis of 3 cases of angiosarcoma, 1 of portal sclerosis and 1 of adenosarcoma with cirrhosis, laying stress on ancillary examinations with a view to diagnosis. Findings confirm the hepatic affinity and toxicity of vinyl chloride.
Archives des maladies professionnelles, Sep. 1977, Vol.38, No.9, p.787-795. 8 ref.

CIS 77-1965 Lee F.I., Harry D.S., Adams W.G.F., Litchfield M.
Screening for liver disease in vinyl chloride workers.
There was no significant difference in liver function tests between 422 exposed workers (autoclave and vinyl chloride monomer plant with more than 5 years' service) and non-exposed controls. 4 of the exposed workers (0 controls) had enlarged spleens. Liver biopsies showed no significant pathological changes.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 1977, Vol.34, No.2, p.142-147. 21 ref.

CIS 77-1690 14th National Symposium on Occupational Medicine (Lyon, France), 1976 - Round table meeting on toxic hepatitis
XIVe Journées nationales de médecine du travail - Lyon, 9-12 juin 1976 - Table ronde consacrée aux hépatites toxiques. [in French]
The various communications deal with: anatomopathological aspects of toxic hepatic lesions; table of liver toxins, with commentary, classified as constant, inconstant, and very doubtful; practical consequences of the discovery of the hepatic microsomal system for the diagnosis and prevention of occupational hepatitis; role of the liver in the metabolism of exogenous substances; physiopathology of the enzyme systems responsible for biotransformation of exogenous substances; clinical and biological aspects of toxic hepatitis (description of biological tests and pathological syndromes); a case of hydrazine hydrate poisoning; experimental early detection of liver toxicity of certain chlorinated solvents by studies of hepatic DNA synthesis; experimental study of hepatotoxicity of trichloroethylene.
Archives des maladies professionnelles, Jan.-Feb. 1977, Vol.38, No.1-2, p.199-265. Illus. 250 ref.

CIS 77-1040 Bonneton G., Champetier J., Fournet J., Guidicelli H., Legrand J., Dupré A., Hostein M., Marty F., Pahn M.
Angiosarcoma of the liver and portal fibrosis in vinyl chloride workers - 2 cases
Angiosarcome hépatique et fibrose portale chez les travailleurs du chlorure de vinyle - Deux observations. [in French]
Detailed description of a case of angiosarcoma of the liver and one of isolated portal fibrosis in workers operating polymerisation autoclaves, occurring after 12 and 22 years' exposure respectively. Comparison with other reported cases.
Nouvelle presse médicale, Mar. 1977, Vol.6, No.9, p.735-736; 741-742. Illus. 13 ref.

1976

CIS 77-806 Cohen S.R., Butler G.J., Shmunes E., Holmes A.W.
Hepatitis among plasma fractionation workers - An industry-wide study.
This questionnaire and field study covered 14 plasma-processing plants. Inspection revealed many instances of employee-product contact throughout the process (reception, pooling, centrifugation, leophilisation, recovery of the powder (harvesting), filtration, bottling). Awareness of the hazards was very poor. Epidemiological data on 86 clinical cases of viral hepatitis are given and discussed. Plasma fractionation is a high-risk vocation, and several questions as to protection remain unanswered.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Oct. 1976, Vol.18, No.10, p.685-689. 17 ref.

CIS 77-749 Dent J.G., Netter K.J., Gibson J.E.
The induction of hepatic microsomal metabolism in rats following acute administration of a mixture of polybrominated biphenyls.
Single doses of 25 or 150mg/kg of Firemaster BP6, a mixture of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) were injected intraperitoneally to rats. The time course of enzyme induction was followed and compared to induction produced by phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene. After 150mg/kg PBB, cytochrome P450 concentrations reached a maximum after 48h (225% of control), then remained elevated through 336h. A similar pattern of induction was observed for epoxide hydratase and aniline hydroxylase activities. In contrast, ethylmorphine-N-demethylase and ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activities initially increased to 256 and 1379% of control, respectively, at 48h, then continued to increase to 583 and 3197% of control at 336h. No significant increases were observed in any parameters until 192h after treatment with 25mg/kg PBB. The enzyme activities and the wavelength of maximum absorption for the cytochrome P450-CO complex from microsomes of animals treated with PBB indicated that the PBB produced a "mixed" type of hepatic microsomal enzyme induction.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Nov. 1976, Vol.38, No.2, p.237-249. 45 ref.

CIS 77-490 Goubran G.F., Cullens H., Zuckerman A.J., Eddleston A.L.W.F., Williams R.
Hepatitis B virus infection in dental surgical practice.
61 dental surgeons were interviewed. 6 had a history of hepatitis. The results of serological studies are given and discussed. Dental surgeons may be more at risk from hepatitis B infection than the general population: use of sharp instruments in a field contamined with saliva and possibly blood, potentially infectious aerosol projected by ultrasonic rotary instruments and air and water sprays. While hospital dental surgeons may be particularly vulnerable, they can take appropriate precautions if the HBsAg status of the patients is known. In the present study the infection rate in hospital dentists was low. Measures recommended: medical history, emphasising hepatitis, blood transfusion or drug abuse; referral of suspected cases for blood testing; use of mask and gloves when treating HBsAg-positive patients; injection of hepatitis B immunoglobulin if the skin is punctured and contaminated with potentially HBsAg-positive material.
British Medical Journal, 4 Sep. 1976, Vol.2, No.6035, p.559-560. 14 ref.

CIS 77-192 Grady G.F.
Relation of e antigen to infectivity of HBsAg-positive inoculations among medical personnel.
Accidental inoculation of blood containing hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg) resulted in hepatitis B or an anti-HBs response in 60% of cases when e antigen was present, as against 31% when it was not. A soluble protein identified by Magnium and Espmark in sera containing HBsAg, e antigen appears to be a marker of infectivity in maternal-foetal transmission of hepatitis B. The high prevalence of e antigen in patients on renal dialysis units where staff acquired hepatitis B most frequently suggests a comparable association. e antigen was detected in 74% of inocula from chronic renal dialysis and transplantation units, compared with 28% from other services, and the incidence of hepatitis B varied accordingly (22% and 6%, respectively). The validity of linking e antigen with infectivity is briefly discussed.
Lancet, 4 Sep. 1976, Vol.2, No.7984, p.492-494. 12 ref.

CIS 76-1675 Williams D.M.J., Smith P.M., Taylor K.J.W., Crossley I.R., Duck B.W.
Monitoring liver disorders in vinyl chloride monomer workers using greyscale ultrasonography.
487 vinyl chloride workers were monitored to compare the value of liver function tests and greyscale ultrasonography. Routine screening showed biochemical or haematological abnormalities in 102, but only 2 had portal hypertension, liver function tests being normal. Of 19 of these workers examined by greyscale ultrasonography, 12 with moderate or high exposure had abnormalities (enlarged portal vein, splenomegaly, hepatic texture changes) which in 5 of them had not been shown by routine screening. Greyscale ultrasonography has many advantages over standard screening techniques: better patient acceptability, savings in time and effort, earlier and more definite indication of pathological changes.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 1976, Vol.33, No.3, p.152-157. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 76-1688 Maupas P., Goudeau A., Coursaget P., Drucker J., Bagros P.
Immunisation against hepatitis B in man.
An inactivated vaccine against hepatitis B (serum hepatitis) was administered to 96 people at a hospital in Tours (France). Results in 46 of them (mainly members of the ward staff or relatives of dialysis patients) are reported. A positive response - production of anti-HBs antibodies - was elicited in 35. The vaccine appears to protect against hepatitis B. A general outline of some of the difficulties encountered in developing a vaccine are published in the same issue of Lancet (Zuckerman A.J., p.1396-1397, 20 ref.), together with a general commentary of the question (p.1391).
Lancet, 26 June 1976, Vol.1, No.7974, p.1367-1370. 24 ref.

CIS 76-1453 Harrington J.M., Shannon H.S.
Incidence of tuberculosis, hepatitis, brucellosis, and shigellosis in British medical laboratory workers.
A retrospective questionnaire survey of 21,000 medical laboratory workers in England and Wales in 1971, and of 3,000 in Scotland in 1973, showed: 21 new cases of tuberculosis (5 times the rate in the general population), 38 cases of hepatitis, 45 cases of shigellosis (microbiology staff were twice as vulnerable as that of other pathology divisions), and one case of brucellosis. Tuberculosis definitely, and hepatitis and shigellosis possible, are still occupational hazards of British medical laboratory workers.
British Medical Journal, 27 Mar. 1976, Vol.1, no.6012, p.759-762. 19 ref.

1975

CIS 77-109 Duraković S., Duraković Z., Pospišil O.
Aflatoxins and the liver
Aflatoksini i jetra [in Serbocroatian]
After some considerations on moulds that gave rise to aflatoxins, and the structure, chemical properties, isolation and identification of the latter, this literature survey deals with the liver lesions to which they may give rise: toxic hepatitis following acute exposure (haemorrhage, necrosis and fatty infiltration of the liver); cirrhosis of the liver following long-term exposure; liver cancer.
Arhiv za higijenu rada i toksikologiju, 1975, Vol.26, No.4, p.283-295. 50 ref.

CIS 76-1939 Kaskevič L.M.
Use of liver rheography in diagnosing liver damage due to poisoning in persons occupationally exposed to tetramethylthiuram disulfide
Primenenie reogepatografii v diagnostike toksiko-himičeskih poraženij pečeni u lic, rabotajuščih s tetrametiltiuramdisul'fidom [in Russian]
Article describing experience acquired in the use of rheography for diagnosis of liver damage due to occupational exposure to tetramethylthiuram disulfide (a vulcanisation accelerator). Most of these cases show considerable congestion of hepatic blood flow. Rheographic changes are very pronounced in persons with clinical symptoms of toxic hepatitis and cholecystitis. Any reduction in the ratio between the duration of the systolic and diastolic waves, observed in the case of severe liver or biliary tract diseases, is a sign of significant changes in the liver parenchyma and blood vessels. As blood flow changes are discernible even in cases where there are no clinical symptoms or positive laboratory tests, liver rheography seems indicated for early diagnosis of toxic liver damage.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, June 1975, No.6, p.16-19. 14 ref.

CIS 76-1684 Rodermund O.E., Wieland H.
Vitiligo-like depigmentation, hepatosplenomegaly and goitre caused by occupational contact with p-tert-butylphenol - A new systemic occupational disease
Vitiligoartige Depigmentierungen, Leber-, Milz-Veränderungen und Struma durch beruflichen Kontakt mit paratertiärem Butylphenol - eine neue systemische Berufskrankheit [in German]
Vitiligoid depigmentation and, for the first time, hepatosplenopathy and goitre with disturbed thyroid hormone synthesis were observed in 3 workers employed in p-tert-butylphenol production. The authors put forward the hypothesis of a systemic action of p-tert-butylphenol affecting various organ systems, as a result of ingestion or inhalation of the substance. The findings are confirmed by observations of other authors.
Berufs-Dermatosen, Dec. 1975, Vol.23, No.6, p.193-195. 6 ref.

CIS 76-1458 Mosley J.W., Edwards V.M., Casey G., Redeker A.G., White E.
Hepatitis B virus infection in dentists.
Of 1,245 dentists, 0.9% were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, and 12.7% were antibody positive. The frequency of evidence for infection increased with increasing years of professional experience. Dentists appear to have a risk of hepatitis B virus infection about 2-3 times that of the general population. Frequencies did not vary with geographic region in the USA, nor with size of community.
New England Journal of Medicine, 9 Oct. 1975, Vol.293, No.15, p.729-734. 28 ref.

CIS 76-1092 Lévy A., Jourdan R., Mouret A., Malby M.R.
Occupational viral hepatitis - An acute problem of hospital hygiene
L'hépatite virale professionnelle - Problème aigu d'hygiène hospitalière. [in French]
Statistical data illustrating the magnitude of this problem. Hazards presented by healthy chronic virus carriers, who are more numerous in the hospital environment than in the general population. Economic data (in France, viral hepatitis accounts for 11.6% of occupational diseases). Epidemiological analysis of occupational viral hepatitis at the university hospital of Montpellier, France. Prevention: technical aspects (routine screening for HB antigen, isolation of antigen carriers, observance of hygiene rules); educational aspects (information and education of personnel, teaching of strict rules of hygiene and disinfection); administrative aspects (diagnostic criteria, obligatory notification).
Archives des maladies professionnelles, Sep.1975, Vol.36, No.9, p.465-475. 16 ref.

CIS 76-1078 Magid E., Hilden M.
Elevated levels of blood lead in alcoholic liver disease.
In order to investigate the effect of alcohol intake on erythrocyte δ-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) activity, serum alcohol concentration and ALA-D activity were determined in 4 groups of patients: chronic active and inactive alcoholics, chronic alcoholics and non-alcoholics with liver cirrhosis. It appears that patients with liver cirrhosis may accumulate lead at an increased rate and that alcohol intake may cause release of lead from the liver into the blood and thereby depress ALA-D activity. Persons with chronic liver disease therefore constitute a special risk group with respect to subclinical lead poisoning, and the determination of ALA-D as an indicator for lead exposure might be falsified.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 11 July 1975, Vol.35, No.1, p.61-65. 8 ref.

CIS 76-1056 Thomson S., Inwood M.J.
Laboratory-acquired hepatitis B.
Letter to the editor proposing a method to overcome the high risk of hepatitis when Coombs test material is transferred from test tubes to slides for microscopic reading. An inversion microscope equipped with a viewing holder for 10x75mm tubes is used, allowing agglutination patterns to be directly assessed in the tube, so avoiding transfer of hazardous material. Visual assessment is considered as accurate as the traditional slide and pipette method, and the cost of the microscope is quickly recovered in savings due to the fact that additional slides and pipettes are not required.
Lancet, 28 Feb. 1976, Vol.1, No.7957, p.489.

CIS 76-1016 Caudarella R., Gennari P., D'Antuono G.
Histological patterns of liver damage in chronic poisoning from triorthocresyl phosphate
Aspetti istologici del danno epatico nelle intossicazioni croniche da triortocresilfosfato [in Italian]
Clinical studies on the extraneurological effects of triorthocresyl phosphate (TOCP) are relatively rare. Liver biopsies were performed in 6 of 32 motor-car-accessory workers handling polyurethane sheets. All suffered from TOCP poisoning and the 6 were selected on account of the severity of the neurological symptoms and neuroelectrical and electromyographical changes they presented. The hepatocytes showed cloudy vacuolar swelling of the cytoplasm, nuclear membrane abnormalities and accumulation of lipofuscin pigments. It is recommended that subjects presenting liver damage, however slight, should not work with materials containing TOCP, and that workers exposed to this substance undergo periodical liver function tests and, if necessary, liver biopsy.
Lavoro umano, Nov. 1975, Vol.27, No.6, p.161-174. Illus. 32 ref.

CIS 76-555 Grady D.F., Lee V.A.
Hepatitis B immune globulin - Prevention of hepatitis from accidental exposure among medical personnel.
Less than 1% of medical workers who were anti-HBs-positive developed hepatitis, against 11% of anti-HBs-negative subjects. Trials were performed with immune-serum globulin preparations of varying titres. The incidence of hepatitis in groups passively immunised with globulin having a titre of 1:50, 1:5,000 and 1:500,000, respectively, was 7, 5, and 2%. The significantly lower incidence in the last group (p<0.25) was offset by additional cases found at follow-up after 9 months. Various psssible explanations of this delayed onset are put forward.
New England Journal of Medicine, 20 Nov. 1975, Vol.293, No.21, p.1067-1070. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 76-554 Redeker A.G.
Hepatitis B - Risk of infection from antigen-positive medical personnel and patients.
The greater the physical contact between medical personnel and patients, the frequency of antigenaemia among patients, the number of blood transfusions given, and the number of blood specimens handled, the higher will be the attack rate for hepatitis among medical personnel. The extent of the risk for health-care personnel can ony be defined by testing for hepatitis antigen and antibody on a voluntary basis. However, caution must be exercised in recommending job changes to personnel found repeatedly to be chronic asymptomatic antigen carriers. Antigen positivity is not necessarily life-long.
Journal of the American Medical Association, 8 Sep. 1975, Vol.233, No.10, p.1061-1062. 14 ref.

CIS 76-481 Gaydos J.C., Morrison A.S.
Study of abnormal laboratory findings in workers exposed to diazo developer chemicals.
Report on studies in 9 men at an Armed Forces Station in whom signs of liver disease (elevated serum bilirubin and relative eosinophilia, dark urine) were found on medical examination. The only common factor appeared to be work near a copying machine which used a diazo developing process involving phenolic compounds (hydroquinone and resorcinol had been reported to cause liver abnormalities) and several other substances. Study was extended to 4 further centres: the strongest association observed was between mixing the diazo developer powder and relative eosinophilia. The relationship appears to be confined to laboratory results as distinct from clinical illness, but its nature is unclear.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1975, Vol.17, No.8, p.502-505. 4 ref.

CIS 75-1986 Farina G., Morselli G., Stangalini A.
Testing 782 employees of a pharmaceutical establishment for Australia antigen
Ricerca dell'antigene Australia in 782 lavoratori di uno stabilimento farmaceutico [in Italian]
Results of serological reactions in 782 workers in the pharmaceutical sector. The radioimmunological method, which was found to be the most sensitive, gave positive reactions in 4.3% of the cases. Those who reacted positively were then subjected to clinical tests and haematological analysis for liver disease. The following practical suggestions are made: periodic examination of all subjects exposed to possible virus contagion; exclusion of workers with positive reactions from industrial processes involving the risk of contagion; prevention of risks of contagion at the workpost or from industrial products.
Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1975, Vol.6, No.2, p.137-146. 21 ref.

CIS 75-1979 Thomas L.B., Popper H., Berk P.D., Selikoff I., Falk H.
Vinyl-chloride-induced liver disease - From idiopathic portal hypertension (Banti's syndrome) to angiosarcomas.
This paper presents a case for the concept that splenomegaly with portal hypertension associated with hepatic fibrosis (Banti's syndrome) may be the result of exposure to known or unknown chemical agents. Autopsy and biopsy liver specimens from 20 workers exposed to vinyl chloride for 2-18 years, 15 of whom had angiosarcoma and 5 hepatic fibrosis, were studied. Spleens were examined in 5 cases. The histological characteristics of angiosarcoma found, classified into 3 basic patterns (sinusoidal, papillary, cavernous), are described. A peculiar pattern of progressive portal-tract, inconspicuous intralobular and conspicuous capsular fibrosis was seen in the 5 workes without angiosarcoma, and in tumour-free portions of the liver in angiosarcoma cases. The relations between the hepatic fibrosis found and angiosarcoma are discussed. The histological similarity to inorganic arsenic poisoning and idiopathic portal tension suggests that the latter may be caused by chemical agents.
New England Journal of Medicine, 2 Jan. 1975, Vol.292, No.1, p.17-22. Illus. 32 ref.

CIS 75-1765 Rudolph J., Codino R.S.
Environmental hazards of hepatitis.
The ways in which medical and paramedical personnel may contract viral hepatitis are briefly described. Accidental puncture and non-parenteral spread, during blood handling, are the predominant modes of transmission of the disease. Health-care facilities handling blood should develop precautions and enforce internal regulations to minimise human exposure to the infective antigen. Detailed laboratory safety guidelines cover sample collection, handling materials in the laboratory, disposal of contamination, accidents, and general hygiene precautions.
Journal of Environmental Health, Jan.-Feb. 1975, Vol.37, No.4, p.359-362. 23 ref.

< previous | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | next >