Elevated serum IgE, eosinophilia, and lung function in rubber workers

Non-malignant respiratory disease among workers in the rubber manufacturing industry: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-malignant respiratory disease (NMRD) cases have occurred among rubber manufacturing workers. We examined exposure to rubber manufacturing emissions as a risk factor for NMRD.

METHODS

From a systematic literature review, we identified case reports and assessed cross-sectional and mortality studies for strength of evidence of positive association (strong, intermediate, non-significant positive association, none) between exposure to rubber manufacturing emissions and NMRD-related morbidity and mortality, and conducted two meta-analyses.

RESULTS

We analyzed 62 articles. We identified 11 cases of NMRD. Nine (30%) of 30 cross-sectional studies and one (4%) of 26 mortality studies had strong evidence. The summary odds ratio and SMR for the cross-sectional and mortality meta-analyses were 3.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.28-6.51) and 0.90 (95%CI, 0.82-0.99), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Available evidence supports rubber manufacturing emissions as a potential risk factor for NMRD-related morbidity. Further investigations with longer follow-up periods and inclusion of short-tenured workers could further define risks for NMRD and identify prevention strategies.

Anaphylaxis: Drug Allergy, Insect Stings, and Latex

The highest rates of anaphylaxis in humans occur in early childhood associated with food allergy. Latex allergy, pharmaceutical drugs, and stinging insect reactions are important later in childhood, with drug allergy peaking in adult populations. Knowledge about diagnosis and therapy of anaphylaxis is critical, because a large percentage of subjects are not previously known to be at risk at the time of initial reactions. This article summarizes the basic clinical knowledge of anaphylaxis in childhood.

Endomyocardial disease and eosinophilia

The authors discuss the hypereosinophilic syndrome:incidence, terminology, cytotoxicity, clinical presentation and diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, and they provide a literature review.