[Needlestick injuries of healthcare workers]. / Nadelstichverletzungen bei medizinischem Personal.

Injuries of healthcare workers with sharp instruments are considered among the most frequent occupational accidents in hospitals. In at least half of the cases, the instruments are contaminated with blood and therefore bear an infection risk with bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlestick injuries require besides immediate medical intervention, such as rinsing and disinfection of the wound or skin contamination, a prompt clarification of the immune status and if necessary a postexposure prophylaxis. Furthermore, follow-up examinations are required for up to 6 months after the accident. Information about the infectious state of the index person considerably facilitates the procedure. All healthcare workers should know the management of needlestick injuries. Preventive measures refer to the reduction of the number of needlestick injuries by improving work organization and usage of needle devices with safety features as well as to the reduction of infection risk by hepatitis B vaccination and wearing safety gloves.

Clinical relevance of colonization with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (AMRB) and methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) for mothers during pregnancy.

PURPOSE: The impact of colonization with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (AMRB) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) of healthy pregnant women is not described in detail in Germany. In this study, we screened for MSSA and AMRB, especially for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) as well as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. Potential risk factors for colonization with AMRB/MSSA and the potential effects of colonization with these on the obstetric population were investigated. METHODS: From October 2013 until December 2015 pregnant women were screened before birth for colonization with AMRB/MSSA from the mammillae, nose, perianal and vaginal area. Before birth, the expectant mother was administered a standardized interview questionnaire by a trained interviewer. Data from the hospital admission records were also included. RESULTS: Samples from 651 pregnant women were analyzed. Colonization with MSSA was detected in 14.3% (n = 93), AMRB in 3.5% [(n = 23); MRSA: n = 3/ESBL: n = 20]. Significantly more colonization of AMRB/MSSA could be detected in women who had previously given birth compared to women who were nulliparous (p < 0.05). MSSA colonization was significantly associated with self-reported respiratory diseases during pregnancy (p < 0.05), but AMRB/MSSA colonization was not statistically associated with other types of infection. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate a low overall rate of colonization with AMRB/MSSA, as well as a low percentage of colonized pregnant women who developed infections. Multiparous women are at higher risk for colonization with MSSA/MRSA or ESBL. Because the prevalence of AMRB/MSSA is low, this study suggests that general screening of pregnant women without risk factors is not recommended.

[Needlestick injuries of healthcare workers]. / Nadelstichverletzungen bei medizinischem Personal.

Injuries of healthcare workers with sharp instruments are considered among the most frequent occupational accidents in hospitals. In at least half of the cases, the instruments are contaminated with blood and therefore bear an infection risk with bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlestick injuries require besides immediate medical intervention, such as rinsing and disinfection of the wound or skin contamination, a prompt clarification of the immune status and if necessary a postexposure prophylaxis. Furthermore, follow-up examinations are required for up to 6 months after the accident. Information about the infectious state of the index person considerably facilitates the procedure. All healthcare workers should know the management of needlestick injuries. Preventive measures refer to the reduction of the number of needlestick injuries by improving work organization and usage of needle devices with safety features as well as to the reduction of infection risk by hepatitis B vaccination and wearing safety gloves.

[Exercise Testing in Respiratory Medicine - DGP Recommendations]. / Belastungsuntersuchungen in der Pneumologie ­ Empfehlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin e. V.

This document replaces the DGP recommendations published in 1998 and 2013. Based on recent studies and a consensus conference, the indications, choice and performance of the adequate exercise testing method and its necessary technical and staffing setting are discussed. Detailed recommendations are provided: for blood gas analysis and right heart catheterization during exercise, walk tests, spiroergometry, and stress echocardiography. The correct use of different exercise tests is discussed for specific situations in respiratory medicine: exercise induced asthma, obesity, monitoring of rehabilitation or therapeutical interventions, preoperative risk stratification, and evaluation in occupational medicine.

Acute effects of hypertonic saline inhalation on nitric oxide pulmonary diffusing capacity in healthy adults.

We investigated acute effects of inhalation of hypertonic saline solution (HSS) and oxygen (O2, control exposure) on pulmonary diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO) and carbon monoxide (DLCO). In a randomized crossover study, 20 healthy, non-smoking subjects were allocated to short-term inhalation of HSS or O2. Spirometry [(forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] and combined single-breath DLNO-DLCO measurements were performed before and immediately after inhalation of either HSS or O2. Percent changes were presented as median values (interquartile range). After HSS inhalation, DLNO, FEV1 and FVC were decreased by -3.0% (-7.3, 0.5), -3.1% (-4.2, -1.6) and -1.2% (-3.3, 0.6), respectively (all P < 0.05), without significant effect on DLCO. No changes in spirometry and diffusing capacity were observed following O2 inhalation. Acute inhalation of HSS causes a slight decrease in membrane conductance, probably as a result of fluid imbalance at the alveolar surface and interstitial fluid accumulation, both of which could impair gas exchange.

[DGP Interstitial Lung Disease Patient Questionnaire]. / Patientenfragebogen zur Erfassung der Ursachen interstitieller und seltener Lungenerkrankungen ­ klinische Sektion der DGP.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) encompass different heterogeneous, mainly chronic diseases of the pulmonary interstitium and/or alveoli with known and unknown reasons. The diagnostic of ILD is challenging and should be performed interdisciplinary. The medical history is of major importance and therefore, in German-speaking countries the Frankfurter Bogen (published in 1985) was utilised to scrutinise the medical history of the patient. This by now more than 30-years-old questionnaire requires a revision with regard to content and language. METHOD: Under the auspices of the clinical section of the DGP the new Interstitial Lung Disease Patient Questionnaire was developed in collaboration amongst pulmonologist, occupational medicine physicians and psychologists and supported by patient support groups. The questionnaire was finally optimised linguistically with the help of patients. RESULTS: The newly developed patient questionnaire for interstitial and rare lung diseases encompasses different domains: initial and current symptoms, medical history questions including prior drug treatments, previous pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases, potential exposition at home, work and leisure time as well as family history and travelling. CONCLUSION: The newly developed questionnaire can facilitate the diagnosis in patients with suspicion on interstitial lung disease in clinical routine.

Evaluation of sampling locations in pregnant women and newborns for the detection of colonisation with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Up to now, little has been known about the prevalence and clinical relevance of colonisation of asymptomatic pregnant women with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. In this two-centre cross-sectional study, we evaluated the performance and importance of screening at different times and different locations for colonisation in pregnant women and newborns. Between October 2013 and December 2015, four samples were collected from pregnant women, two from newborns at birth and three from 3-day-old newborns. Samples were screened on culturing media and were confirmed with molecular methods. MSSA was used as a surrogate for MRSA, as the two share most microbiologic characteristics and colonisation patterns. Of 763 pregnant women, 14.5% (111) were colonised with MSSA, 0.4% (3) with MRSA and 2.6% (20) with ESBL-producing E. coli. Of 658 newborns, 0.9% (10) were colonised with MSSA at birth and 13.1% (70) at 3 days old, 0.5% (3) were colonised with MRSA and 2.6% (17) with ESBL-producing E. coli. Nasal sampling identified 91.0% of MSSA-colonised pregnant women and 60.0% of newborns. In newborns, nasal and umbilical sampling at 3 days after birth discovered 84.0% of colonised cases. For ESBL-producing E. coli, the perianal region was positive in all colonised pregnant women and in 88.2% of colonised newborns. Combining nasal and perianal swabs is optimal when screening for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in pregnant women. Nasal, perianal and umbilical sample collection from 3-day-old newborns significantly increased the sensitivity compared to screening immediately after birth.

[Standardization of spirometry: 2015 update. Published by German Atemwegsliga, German Respiratory Society and German Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine]. / Leitlinie zur Spirometrie. Leitlinie der Deutschen Atemwegsliga, der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin und Umweltmedizin zur Spirometrie.

Spirometry is a simple test and considered the gold standard in lung function. An obstructive ventilatory defect is a disproportionate reduction of maximal airflow from the lung in relation to the maximal volume that can be displaced from the lung. It implies airway narrowing and is defined by a reduced FEV1/FVC ratio below the 5th percentile of the predicted value (lower limit of normal, LLN). A restrictive disorder may be suspected when vital capacity (FVC) is reduced and FEV1/FVC is normal. It is definitely proven, however, only by a decrease in TLC below the 5th percentile of predicted value (LLN). The measurement of TLC by body plethysmography is necessary to confirm or exclude a restrictive defect or hyperinflation of the lung when FVC is below the LLN. 2012 a task force of the ERS published new reference values based on 74,187 records from healthy non-smoking males and females from 26 countries. The new reference equations for the 3-95 age range are now available that include appropriate age-dependent mean values and lower limits of normal (LLN). This presentation aims at providing the reader with recommendations dealing with standardization and interpretation of spirometry.

Evaluation of commercial skin prick test solutions for selected occupational allergens.

BACKGROUND: Skin prick testing (SPT) is an important step in the diagnosis of IgE-mediated occupational allergic diseases. The outcome of SPT is related to the quality of allergen extracts. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess different commercially available SPT solutions for selected occupational allergens. METHODS: SPT was performed in 116 bakers, 47 farmers and 33 subjects exposed to natural rubber latex (NRL), all with work-related allergic symptoms. The SPT solutions from different manufacturers (n = 3-5) for wheat flour, rye flour, soy, cow hair/dander, storage mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Acarus siro) and NRL were analysed with respect to their protein and antigen contents. SPT was carried out in 16 allergy centres in six European countries using standardized procedures. Specific IgE values were used as the gold standard to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of SPT solutions. The optimal cut-point for each SPT solution was determined by Youden Index. RESULTS: Protein and antigen contents and patterns of the SPT solutions varied remarkably depending on the manufacturer. While SPT solutions for wheat flour and soy reached overall low sensitivities, sensitivities of other tested SPT solutions depended on the manufacturer. As a rule, solutions with higher protein and antigen content showed higher sensitivities and test efficiencies. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide variability of SPT solutions for occupational allergens, and the sensitivity of several solutions is low. Thus, improvement and standardization of SPT solutions for occupational allergens is essential.

[Exercise testing in respiratory medicine]. / Belastungsuntersuchungen in der Pneumologie.

This document replaces the DGP recommendations published in 1998. Based on recent studies and a consensus conference, the indications, choice and performance of the adequate exercise testing method in its necessary technical and staffing setting are discussed. Detailed recommendations are provided: for arterial blood gas analysis and right heart catherterization during exercise, 6-minute walk test, spiroergometry, and stress echocardiography. The correct use of different exercise tests is discussed for specific situations in respiratory medicine: exercise induced asthma, monitoring of physical training or therapeutical interventions, preoperative risk stratification, and evaluation in occupational medicine.

[Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in occupational medical fitness examination and assessment]. / Die Spiroergometrie in der arbeitsmedizinischen Eignungsuntersuchung und Begutachtung.

Medical expert opinion by occupational physicians and pneumologists has two main objectives: making a diagnosis with probability bordering on certainty and clarifying a causal relationship to a present or former occupational exposure to irritant toxic, allergenic or fibrosing dusts, gases, welding fumes or mineral fibres. Especially for conditions that are associated with exertional dyspnea, the diagnosis at rest using spirometry, body plethysmography, pulmonary function test, blood gas analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiography is of limited use. This paper identifies the indications for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in occupational medicine, explains the related measurements and their differential diagnostic value with special consideration of the flow-volume curve under exercise as well as the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient. Diagnostic statements on the relevance of oxygen uptake measured at continuous and peak load compared to the wattage ascertained on the bicycle ergometer are presented. Characteristic CPET findings are explained in terms of their differential diagnostic significance. Furthermore, the importance of CPET for the assessment of occupational disease-related functional loss (clinical proportions in the reduction of working capacity) is shown.

[Long term effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD and interstitial lung disease--synopsis of databases since 1990]. / Langzeiteffekte der pneumologischen Rehabilitation bei COPD und interstitiellen Lungenerkrankungen--Synopse der Datenlage seit 1990.

The efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation with a multi-disciplinary approach has been demonstrated especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review focuses particularly on the long-term outcome of pulmonary rehabilitation. Significant improvements have been demonstrated with respect to quality of life and exercise capacity up to one year after rehabilitation. Further investigations are still required on other outcome measures such as effects on repeated hospitalization, different types of rehabilitation (in-patient, out-patient, combined), and on rehabilitation of patients with non-obstructive pulmonary diseases.

[Work and cancer]. / Verdacht auf berufsbedingte Krebserkrankung. Im Zweifelsfall immer melden!

A cancer that develops due to work-related noxae is usually first recognized only after decades. It is then very important for the patients that the treating doctor thinks of this possibility at all and consequently performs a comprehensive occupational medical history. Generally it is better to report one too many suspicions to the responsible insurance carrier than to overlook a work-related cause of cancer.

[Lung cancer screening -- state of the art]. / Screening des Lungenkarzinoms -- aktueller Stand.

Besides smoking as the main risk factor for lung cancer several occupational risk factors like exposure to asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, uranium and dust containing nickel or silica have to be considered. Due to lack of effort in smoking prevention and cessation, lung cancer screening is an important issue. A number of pitfalls has to be considered when evaluating the efficacy of screening procedures. In this paper, we summarize the results of the major studies including chest X-ray, sputum cytology and low dose computed tomography. Randomized controlled studies involving low dose CT in about 100 000 subjects are on the way. Around the year 2010 we will be able to define whether or not lung cancer screening including new techniques and standardized algorithms yields a decrease in mortality. If diagnostic algorithms are used which have been applied in published feasibility studies, the mean percentage of invasive diagnostic measures revealing benign lesions is about 34 % and thus below those obtained in, e. g., breast cancer screening trials.