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Chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy: course and prognostic factors of neuropsychological functioning.
- Source :
- International Archives of Occupational & Environmental Health; Oct2018, Vol. 91 Issue 7, p843-858, 16p, 1 Diagram, 6 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Purpose: Working in conditions with daily exposure to organic solvents for many years can result in a disease known as chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy (CSE). The aims for this study were to describe the neuropsychological course of CSE after first diagnosis and to detect prognostic factors for neuropsychological impairment after diagnosis.Methods: This prospective study follows a Dutch cohort of CSE patients who were first diagnosed between 2001 and 2011 and underwent a second neuropsychological assessment 1.5-2 years later. Cognitive subdomains were assessed and an overall cognitive impairment score was calculated. Paired t tests and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to describe the neuropsychological course and to obtain prognostic factors for the neuropsychological functioning at follow-up.Results: There was a significant improvement on neuropsychological subdomains at follow-up, with effect sizes between small and medium (Cohen’s d 0.27-0.54) and a significant overall improvement of neuropsychological impairment with a medium effect size (Cohen’s d 0.56). Prognostic variables for more neuropsychological impairment at follow-up were a higher level of neuropsychological impairment at diagnosis and having a comorbid diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder at diagnosis.Conclusions: Results are in line with previous research on the course of CSE, stating that CSE is a non-progressive disease after cessation of exposure. However, during follow-up the percentage patients with permanent work disability pension increased from 14 to 37%. Preventive action is needed in countries where exposure to organic solvents is still high to prevent new cases of CSE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03400131
- Volume :
- 91
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- International Archives of Occupational & Environmental Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 131533068
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1328-1