Wireless communication fields and non-specific symptoms of ill health: a literature review

Zusammenfassung: Dieser Artikel aktualisiert eine frühere systematische Literaturübersicht (1) zu den Auswirkungen hochfrequenter elektromagnetischer Felder (RF-EMF) auf die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität. Zwischen August 2007 und November 2010 sind zur Exposition gegenüber Nahfeldquellen wie Mobil- und Schnurlostelefonen neun randomisierte experimentelle Studien und zwei beobachtende Studien erschienen. Die Fernfeldexposition, wie sie beispielsweise in der Umgebung von Mobilfunkbasisstationen auftritt, wurde in sechs experimentellen und acht beobachtenden Studien untersucht. Die meisten Experimente zeigten keinen Zusammenhang zwischen der Hochfrequenzbelastung und dem Auftreten von unspezifischen Symptomen wie Kopfschmerzen, Schwindel oder Konzentrationsstörungen. Die sporadisch beobachteten Assoziationen ergaben kein einheitliches Muster, weder bezüglich der Symptomform noch bezüglich der Effektrichtung (Zu- oder Abnahme). Auch in den beobachtenden Studien bestanden grösstenteils keine Zusammenhänge zwischen der RF-EMF-Belastung und dem Auftreten von Beschwerden. Die Aussagekraft dieser Studien wird allerdings dadurch eingeschränkt, dass die Expositionskontraste in den Kollektiven gering waren und Fehler in der Expositionsabschätzung nicht ausgeschlossen werden können. Ausserdem fehlen Studien über einen längeren Beobachtungszeitraum, und es gibt noch kaum Untersuchungen an Kindern und Jugendlichen. Insgesamt weisen die aktuellen Studien nicht auf einen Zusammenhang zwischen der alltäglichen Hochfrequenzbelastung und dem Auftreten von unspezifischen Symptomen hin. Sie zeigen auch nicht, dass Personen, die sich selbst als hypersensibel bezeichnen, empfindlicher auf RF-EMF reagieren als der Rest der Bevölkerung. Da sich die Technik der Mobilkommunikation rasch weiter entwickelt und die alltägliche Exposition in Zukunft voraussichtlich ansteigen wird, sind aber longitudinale Studien zur Untersuchung eventueller Langzeiteffekte erforderlich. Wegen der weiten Verbreitung der drahtlosen Kommunikationstechnik hätten schädliche Auswirkungen eine grosse Public Health-Relevan

Magnetic field exposure and neurodegenerative diseases - recent epidemiological studies

Summary.: Objectives: To analyse the results of recent studies not yet included in a 2003 report of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) on occupational exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields as potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the online databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, DIMDI and COCHRANE, as well as in specialised databases and journals. Eight studies published between January 2000 and July 2005 were included in the review. Results: The fi ndings of these studies contribute to the evidence of an association between occupational magnetic field exposure and the risk of dementia. Regarding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the recent results confirm earlier observations of an association with electric and electronic work and welding. Its relationship with magnetic field exposure remains unsolved. There are only few findings pointing towards an association between magnetic field exposure and Parkinson's disease. Conclusions: The epidemiological evidence for an association between occupational exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields and the risk of dementia has increased during the last five years. The impact of potential confounders should be evaluated in further studie

Long-term subcutaneous morphine administration after surgery in newborns

Aim: To analyze the management of newborns after major surgery receiving morphine subcutaneously and to identify possible side effects. Methods: Morphine was administered via a subcutaneous catheter (Insuflon®) in 20 newborns after major surgery. Side effects like hypotension, pain during morphine administration and local infection were noted. Morphine dose was adjusted according to the hospital guidelines with the Neonatal Infant Pain Score (NIPS) and the Finnegan withdrawal score. Results: Surgery was performed at the median age of 38 5/7weeks (range: 32 1/7-49 5/7weeks). Before starting subcutaneous morphine administration, patients received intravenous morphine for a median of two weeks (range sixdays to sevenweeks). All patients showed good pain relief with no severe side effects. Three patients reacted with crying to the first dose of subcutaneous morphine. No other side effects occurred. Conclusion: Subcutaneous application of morphine with the Insuflon® catheter is an alternative to intravenous treatment of postoperative pain in neonates. In this small group pain relief was good and side effects were harmles

Life-Threatening Laryngeal Edema and Hyponatremia during Hysteroscopy

We report on a 43-year-old patient undergoing a hysteroscopic myomectomy. After 80 minutes of operation, the patient developed laryngeal edema, requiring emergency tracheostomy. Hyponatremia (serum sodium 78 mmoL/L) indicated an irrigation fluid absorption. The patient developed shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure, and diffuse intravascular coagulopathy. Resuscitation including continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration was required. Finally, the patient made a full clinical recovery. Hysteroscopy usually has low risks. However, absorption of the irrigation fluid can result in life-threatening fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances. Accurate fluid balancing and limiting the operation time may prevent these complications

Excess burden of a chronic disabling condition: life lost due to traumatic spinal cord injury in a Swiss population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES To estimate excess mortality and life years lost in a Swiss cohort of individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). METHODS This study uses population-based data collected in the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort (SwiSCI) study, which covers all specialized rehabilitation centres. Flexible parametric survival models were used to model life years remaining (LYR), potential years life lost (PYLL), relative survival and excess hazard ratios. RESULTS Men and women with TSCI and an attained age of 30 were estimated to have 42 LYR (95% CI = 37.9-45.5) and 43 LYR (95% CI = 40.1-45.5), respectively; this equates to a life expectancy (LE) of 80.6 and 76.9% of that of the Swiss general population. With respect to lesion level and completeness, persons with incomplete paraplegia had 45.1 LYR at an attained age of 30, whereas individuals with complete tetraplegia only had 28.7 LYR. This pattern was similar for PYLL. CONCLUSIONS The extended LE following TSCI, even for the most severe lesions, underscores the need for sustained follow-up to support functioning and health for individuals ageing with SCI