Gender differences in occupational exposure patterns

Objectives: The authors conducted a population-based survey to examine gender differences in occupational exposure patterns and to investigate whether any observed differences are due to: (a) gender differences in occupational distribution; and/or (b) gender differences in tasks within occupations. Methods: Men and women aged 20e64 years were randomly selected from the Electoral Roll and invited to take part in a telephone interview, which collected information on self-reported occupational exposure to specific dusts and chemicals, physical exposures and organisational factors. The authors used logistic regression to calculate prevalence ORs and 95% CIs comparing the exposure prevalence of males (n¼1431) and females (n¼1572), adjusting for age. To investigate whether men and women in the same occupation were equally exposed, the authors also matched males to females on current occupation using the five-digit code (n¼1208) and conducted conditional logistic regression adjusting for age. Results: Overall, male workers were two to four times more likely to report exposure to dust and chemical substances, loud noise, irregular hours, night shifts and vibrating tools. Women were 30% more likely to report repetitive tasks and working at high speed, and more likely to report exposure to disinfectants, hair dyes and textile dust. When men were compared with women with the same occupation, gender differences were attenuated. However, males remained significantly more likely to report exposure to welding fumes, herbicides, wood dust, solvents, tools that vibrate, irregular hours and night-shift work. Women remained more likely to report repetitive tasks and working at high speed, and in addition were more likely to report awkward or tiring positions compared with men with the same occupation. Conclusion: This population-based study showed substantial differences in occupational exposure patterns between men and women, even within the same occupation. Thus, the influence of gender should not be overlooked in occupational health research

Midterm Results After Abandoning Routine Preemptive Coil Embolization of the Internal Iliac Artery During Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Purpose: To analyze the results of endovascular repair of common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms without preemptive coil embolization of the internal iliac artery (IIA). Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and July 2016, 79 patients (mean age 74.3±8.4 years; 76 men) underwent endovascular repair extending into the external iliac artery owing to a CIA aneurysm. The procedure was performed for a ruptured aneurysm in 22 (28%) patients. Eighty-one IIAs were intentionally covered. The median CIA diameter was 37 mm (range 20–90). The primary outcomes were the occurrence of type II endoleaks and the incidence of buttock claudication. Results: Five (6%) patients died within 30 days (4 with ruptured aneurysms and 1 elective case). Two type II endoleaks originating from a covered IIA were recorded; one required an endovascular intervention because of aneurysm growth. The other patient died of a rupture based on an additional type III endoleak. Mean follow-up was 37.6±26.3 months. Nineteen (26%) patients required a secondary intervention. Buttock claudication was reported in 21 (28%) of 74 patients and persisted after 1 year in 7. No severe ischemic complications as a result of IIA coverage were recorded, and no revascularization was required during follow-up. Conclusion: Treatment of CIA aneurysms by overstenting the IIA without preemptive coil embolization is safe and has a low risk of type II endoleak and aneurysm growth. Persisting buttock claudication is rare

Occupational risk of multiple myeloma: Results from the epllymph study [Rischio occupazionale di mieloma multiplo: Risultati dello studio epilymph]

This multicentre European case-control study evaluates occupational risk of multiple myeloma (MM) in 277 MM cases and 1108 matched controls, using logistic regression analysis and adjusting by age, gender, study centre and education. An increase in MM risk was observed for general farmers, cleaners, telephone and radio operators, and printers. Pesticide exposure lasting ten years or more, but not exposure to solvents, was also associated with an elevated MM risk (OR=I.62; 95% CI 1.01 - 2.58). Our results confirm an association of multiple myeloma with farm work, and particularly with prolonged exposure to pesticides. © PI-ME. Pavia 2011