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Biomedical subjects

S Zedda

Publications and source records attributed to S Zedda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Outcome of occupational asthma due to cobalt hypersensitivity.

We performed a follow-up study on nine subjects with occupational asthma due to cobalt hypersensitivity confirmed by a specific bronchial provocation test. Both at diagnosis and at the two follow-up visits (1 and 3 years after the diagnosis, respectively), we graded the severity of asthmatic symptoms and the need for antiasthma treatment and performed lung function tests, measurement of airways responsiveness to methacholine (PD15) and skin tests. The evolution of the disease was established on the basis of the increase or decrease in asthmatic symptoms and the requirements for medication, FEV1 and PD15. After cessation of exposure, two subjects recovered, five improved and one remained stable; the subject who carried on working in the same environment deteriorated. The improvement in symptoms, medication need and lung function occurred earlier and in a larger number of patients than the improvement in methacholine hyperreactivity. At follow-up, the inhalation test with cobalt was repeated on three subjects who had stopped exposure and were asymptomatic and again they had bronchoconstriction. Our data show that early diagnosis and early removal from exposure after the onset of asthma are important factors for a favourable evolution of the disease and that specific and non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness can persist even in asymptomatic subjects no longer exposed to the sensitizing agent.

Asthma↗
PubMed1993

Toluene diisocyanate induced asthma: outcome according to persistence or cessation of exposure.

Sixty patients with occupational asthma due to exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) were re-evaluated, five years after the initial diagnosis had been confirmed by a specific bronchial provocation challenge. During both examinations the severity of asthmatic symptoms and the need for antiasthma treatment were graded and lung function tests, measurement of airway responsiveness to methacholine (PD15), and skin tests with common inhalant allergens were carried out. The evolution of the disease was established on the basis of the increase or decrease in asthmatic symptoms, requirements for medication, and FEV1 and PD15 methacholine between the two examinations. At follow up 17 patients (group A, 28.3%) had carried on working in the same environment after relocation to jobs with only occasional exposure to TDI; 15 of them used protective respiratory devices. The remaining 43 (group B, 71.7%) avoided further inhalation of TDI by moving to another sector. Group A showed a significant decrease in FEV1 and PD15 methacholine and significant increases in the severity of symptom score and requirement for medication; 13 subjects (76.5%) were worse, four (23.5%) were stable, and no one had recovered or improved. Group B showed significantly less severe symptoms and a threefold increase in PD15 methacholine; 12 subjects (28.2%) totally recovered, 10 (23.2%) improved, 16 (37.2%) were stable, and five (11.6%) were worse. In group B the duration of exposure to TDI and of symptoms before the initial diagnosis delineated the patients who recovered from those who did not improve; intermediate values in these features characterised the subjects who improved but did not recover. It is inferred that complete removal from exposure is the only effective way of preventing deterioration in patients with occupational asthma due to TDI. Early diagnosis and early removal from exposure after the onset of asthma are important factors for a favourable outcome of the disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Subclinical inorganic mercury neuropathy: neurophysiological investigations in 17 occupationally exposed subjects.

17 workers in a thermometer factory exposed to mercury for periods ranging from 1 to 40 years all had high urine and blood mercury levels on undergoing electromyographic examination. All were clinically free from central and peripheral nervous symptoms. 88% had subclinical neuropathy, mainly distal and axonal. There was no correlation between severity of the neuropathy and blood and urine mercury levels or between severity of neuropathy and duration of exposure to mercury. The presence of a subclinical neuropathy in symptomless workers exposed to mercury is perhaps the most reliable index for the detection of the early toxic effects of mercury on the peripheral nerve fiber when it is probably still reversible.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Toxicity in man due to stain removers containing 1,2-dichloropropane.

There are reports that 1,2-dichloropropane, a constituent of many commercial solvents and stain removers in Italy, has caused severe liver damage and, sometimes, acute renal failure. Between 1980 and 1983 three cases of 1,2-dichloropropane intoxication (1 by ingestion, 2 by inhalation) were observed. Clinical features included severe liver damage, acute renal failure (2 patients), haemolytic anaemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The most surprising features were haemolytic anaemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation which have not been reported before. The clinical picture was similar despite different modes of exposure.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1985

AK and ADA polymorphisms in South Sardinia.

A sample of the South Sardinia population was studied with respect to adenylate kinase (AK) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzymes. The gene frequencies were: AK1 0.975 and ADA1 = 0.933. The results were compared with those of other Italian populations.

Adenosine Deaminase↗
PubMed1976

Occupational type test for the etiological diagnosis of asthma due to toluene di-isocyanate.

An occupational type exposure-test to toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) for the diagnosis of specific respiratory sensitization is proposed. The subjects were tested by exposure to a two-pot polyurethane varnish with and without TDI activator, using a paint-spraying system under standard and controlled conditions, so as not to exceed the threshold limit value of TDI. Forced expiratory volume per second and specific airway resistance (plethysmographic method) were measured before each exposure and during the following 24 h. 47 subjects with clinical symptoms of asthma were examined during their hospital care. For the purpose of this study they were divided into two groups: 42 workers exposed to TDI and 5 not exposed. The preliminary control test, using polyurethane varnish without TDI activator, was always negative and no significant changes in ventilatory parameters were recorded. The spray-painting test, with the same varnish and TDI activator, gave positive responses in 35 out of the 42 exposed workers and negative findings in the group not exposed. This method permits to formulate an accurate diagnosis of TDI respiratory sensitization in the majority of cases (83%). Immediate asthmatic reactions were frequently observed in the exposed subjects with high acetylcholine reactivity. Ten subjects showed a late bronchial reaction (3 h or more after TDI exposure).

Acetylcholine↗