Pulmonary manifestations of polyvinyl chloride exposure

There is currently no national data on the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exposure on pulmonary function. In this study we recruited workers and administrative staff from two PVC plants between July 2008 and July 2009. A questionnaire, pulmonary function tests, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, and peak flows were recorded. Particulate matter analyses were performed by the Adana Central Laboratory of the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety. Data were analyzed with SPSS 13.0 software. Nine of the 147 subjects were female. The incidence of a cough was more common in the administrative group. Of the study population, 59.1% were smokers. Tobacco addiction significantly increased cough and dyspnea [OR= 1.10 (1.00-1.20, 95% CI) p= 0.007 and OR= 1.08 (1.02-1.14, 95% CI), p= 0.008, respectively]. Dust exposure was correlated with the incidence of a cough [OR= 0.20 (0.04-0.80, 95% CI) p= 0.008]. The period of work correlated with sputum production [OR= 1.00 (1.00-1.02, 95% CI) p= 0.044]. The FVC% was significantly higher in the administrative group, and FEV1/FVC and DLCO were higher in the exposed group. Tobacco addiction increased the risk of airflow limitation, as evaluated by FEV1/FVC < 70% and FEF25-75 < 50% [OR= 1.15 (1.06-1.25, 95% CI) p= 0.001 and OR= 1.09 (1.02-1.17, 95% CI) p= 0.010, respectively]. Tobacco addiction and increasing duration of work had a negative influence on DLCO in the exposed group (r= -0.270, p= 0.025 and r= -0.210, p= 0.037). In the exposed group PEF variability was significantly greater on workdays, compared with rest days. This study shows that tobacco consumption has a greater affect on the airways than PVC dust exposure. A median of 36 months exposure to PVC dust had no significant impact on pulmonary function parameters, except for DLCO and PEF variability.     

Renal functions in obstructive sleep apnea patients

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate possible factors influencing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Data of OSA patients admitted to Gaziantep University sleep clinic from January 2005 to January 2010 were retrospectively evaluated. GFR is calculated with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Patients younger than 18 years old were excluded.

Results

The mean age of OSA (n?=?634) and control group (n?=?62) were 51.13?±?11.61 and 50.69?±?13.88 years, respectively (p?=?0.81). The mean estimated GFR (eGFR) was 90.73?±?19.59 ml/min/1.73 m² in OSA patients and 94.14?±?18.81 ml/min/1.73 m² in control subjects (p?=?0.19). GFR was 84.25?±?20.87 ml/min/1.73 m² in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) while it was 93.94?±?18.44 ml/min/1.73 m² in patients without LVH (p?=?0.00). GFR of male subjects was 92.1?±?19.23 in OSA and 95.84?±?20.08 ml/min/1.73 m² in controls (p?=?0.33). GFR of female and male patients in the OSA were 87.45?±?20.10 and 92.91?±?18.02 ml/min/1.73 m², respectively (p?=?0.13). Serum creatinine was higher in OSA patients compared to controls (p?=?0.01). GFR was 92.30?±?19.27 in male and 88.33?±?19.84 ml/min/1.73 m² in female subjects (p?=?0.01). GFR was 84.86?±?19.95 in hypertensive patients while it was 95.11?±?18.20 ml/min/1.73 m² in normotensive subjects (p?=?0.00). GFR was 89.30?±?19.96 in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and it was 93.46?±?18.68 ml/min/1.73 m² in patients without MetS (p?=?0.00).

Conclusions

GFR values were lower in sleep apneic patients with MetS as well as in patients with hypertension and LVH.