RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Application of a prediction model for work-related sensitisation in bakery workers
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 735
OP 742
DO 10.1183/09031936.00171609
VO 36
IS 4
A1 E. Meijer
A1 E. Suarthana
A1 J. Rooijackers
A1 D.E. Grobbee
A1 J.H. Jacobs
A1 T. Meijster
A1 J.G.R. de Monchy
A1 E. van Otterloo
A1 F.G.B.G.J. van Rooy
A1 J.J.G. Spithoven
A1 V.A.C. Zaat
A1 D.J.J. Heederik
YR 2010
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/36/4/735.abstract
AB Identification of work-related allergy, particularly work-related asthma, in a (nationwide) medical surveillance programme among bakery workers requires an effective and efficient strategy. Bakers at high risk of having work-related allergy were indentified by use of a questionnaire-based prediction model for work-related sensitisation. The questionnaire was applied among 5,325 participating bakers. Sequential diagnostic investigations were performed only in those with an elevated risk. Performance of the model was evaluated in 674 randomly selected bakers who participated in the medical surveillance programme and the validation study. Clinical investigations were evaluated in the first 73 bakers referred at high risk. Overall 90% of bakers at risk of having asthma could be identified. Individuals at low risk showed 0.3–3.8% work-related respiratory symptoms, medication use or absenteeism. Predicting flour sensitisation by a simple questionnaire and score chart seems more effective at detecting work-related allergy than serology testing followed by clinical investigation in all immunoglobulin E class II-positive individuals. This prediction based stratification procedure appeared effective in detecting work-related allergy among bakers and can accurately be used for periodic examination, especially in small enterprises where delivery of adequate care is difficult. This approach may contribute to cost reduction.