A Paradox: α-Klotho Levels and Smoking Intensity.

Reports regarding smoking differences in α-klotho expression have provided conflicting results. In the current study we focused on the influence of smoking intensity to serum levels of the aging molecule α-klotho in healthy smokers. 40 middle aged healthy smokers without airway obstruction or restriction were selected for the analysis. Serum levels of soluble α-klotho were significantly higher in heavy smokers (P < 0.001). These results are in agreement with the possibility that α-klotho acts as anti-inflammatory molecule and strengthen the hypothesis that an increase of serum levels of α-klotho might be a compensatory response to smoking stress in healthy population.

The Effect of Polymorphisms in DNA Repair Genes and Carcinogen Metabolizers on Leukocyte Telomere Length: A Cohort of Healthy Spanish Smokers.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking implies exposure to carcinogenic agents that causes DNA damage, which could be suspected to enhance telomere attrition. To protect and deal with DNA damage, cells possess mechanisms that repair and neutralize harmful substances. Polymorphisms altering DNA repair capacity or carcinogen metabolism may lead to synergistic effects with tobacco carcinogen-induced shorter telomere length independently of cancer interaction. The aim of this study was to explore the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and several genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and carcinogen metabolizers in a cohort of healthy smokers. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of six genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P1A1 (Ile462Val), XRCC1 (Arg399Gln), APEX1 (Asp148Glu), XRCC3 (Thr241Met), and XPD (Asp312Asn; Lys751Gln) on LTL in a cohort of 145 healthy smokers in addition to smoking habits. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed an association between XRCC1 399Gln allele and shorter telomere length (OR = 5.03, 95% CI = 1.08% to 23.36%). There were not association between the rest of polymorphisms analyzed and LTL. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous exposure to tobacco could overwhelm the DNA repair machinery, making the effect of the polymorphisms that reduce repair capacity more pronounced. Analyzing the function of smoking-induced DNA-repair genes and LTL is an important goal in order to identify therapeutic targets to treat smoking-induced diseases.

Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms and Long-Term Tobacco Exposure on the Risk of Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoke contains many potentially harmful compounds that may act differently and at different stages in breast cancer development. The focus of this work was to assess the possible role of cigarette smoking (status, dose, duration or age at initiation) and polymorphisms in genes coding for enzymes involved in tobacco carcinogen metabolism (CYP1A1, CYP2A6) or in DNA repair (XRCC1, APEX1, XRCC3 and XPD) in breast cancer development. METHODS: We designed a case control study with 297 patients, 217 histologically verified breast cancers (141 smokers and 76 non-smokers) and 80 healthy smokers in a cohort of Spanish women. RESULTS: We found an association between smoking status and early age at diagnosis of breast cancer. Among smokers, invasive carcinoma subtype incidence increased with intensity and duration of smoking (all Ptrend < 0.05). When smokers were stratified by smoking duration, we only observed differences in long-term smokers, and the CYP1A1 Ile462Ile genotype was associated with increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 7.12 (1.98-25.59)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the main effect of CYP1A1 in estrogenic metabolism rather than in tobacco carcinogen activation in breast cancer patients and also confirmed the hypothesis that CYP1A1 Ile462Val, in association with long periods of active smoking, could be a breast cancer risk factor.

Effects of cigarette smoking and nicotine metabolite ratio on leukocyte telomere length.

Studies of the effects of smoking on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) using cigarettes smoked per day or pack years smoked (PYS) present limitations. Reported high levels of smoking may not increase toxin exposure levels proportionally. Nicotine metabolism ratio (NMR) predicts total cigarette puff volume and overall exposure based on total N-nitrosamines, is highly reproducible and independent of time since the last cigarette. We hypothesized that smokers with higher NMRs will exhibit increased total puff volume, reflecting efforts to extract more nicotine from their cigarettes and increasing toxin exposure. In addition, higher levels of smoking could cause a gross damage in LTL. The urinary cotinine, 3-OH cotinine and nicotine levels of 147 smokers were analyzed using a LC/MS system Triple-Q6410. LTL and CYP2A6 genotype was determined by PCR in blood samples. We found a significant association between NMR and CYP2A6 genotype. Reduction in LTL was seen in relation to accumulated tobacco consumption and years smoking when we adjusted for age and gender. However, there were no significant differences between NMR values and LTL. In our study the higher exposure was associated with lower number of PYS. Smokers with reduced cigarette consumption may exhibit compensatory smoking behavior that results in no reduced tobacco toxin exposure. Our results suggest that lifetime accumulated smoking exposure could cause a gross damage in LTL rather than NMR or PYS. Nevertheless, a combination of smoking topography (NMR) and consumption (PYS) measures may provide useful information about smoking effects on health outcomes.

Successful pandemic management through computer science: a case study of a financial corporation with workers on premises.

Background: In November 2019, an infectious agent that caused a severe acute respiratory illness was first detected in China. Its rapid spread resulted in a global lockdown with negative economic impacts. In this regard, we expose the solutions proposed by a multinational financial institution that maintained their workers on premises, so this methodology can be applied to possible future health crisis. Objectives: To ensure a secure workplace for the personnel on premises employing biomedical prevention measures and computational tools. Methods: Professionals were subjected to recurrent COVID-19 diagnostic tests during the pandemic. The sanitary team implemented an individual following to all personnel and introduced the information in databases. The data collected were used for clustering algorithms, decision trees, and networking diagrams to predict outbreaks in the workplace. Individualized control panels assisted the decision-making process to increase, maintain, or relax restrictive measures. Results: 55,789 diagnostic tests were performed. A positive correlation was observed between the cumulative incidence reported by Madrid's Ministry of Health and the headcount. No correlation was observed for occupational infections, representing 1.9% of the total positives. An overall 1.7% of the cases continued testing positive for COVID-19 after 14 days of quarantine. Conclusion: Based on a combined approach of medical and computational science tools, we propose a management model that can be extended to other industries that can be applied to possible future health crises. This work shows that this model resulted in a safe workplace with a low probability of infection among workers during the pandemic.

Association Between the "COVID-19 Occupational Vulnerability Index" and COVID-19 Severity and Sequelae Among Hospital Employees.

OBJECTIVES: In addition to personal and health related factors, healthcare workers have an increased risk due to their work. We assessed the association of the score of the Occupational Vulnerability Index with the risk of suffering a severe COVID-19 and sequelae. METHODS: Retrospective observational study carried out in healthcare workers. Among 119 employees infected, the COVID-19 Occupational Vulnerability Index (composed of 29 items regarding personal health, working conditions, and ability to comply with preventive measures) was calculated and correlated with COVID-19 severity/sequelae. RESULTS: Workers with higher scores (six to seven points) had a significantly increased risk of developing severe disease (OR = 9.73; 95% CI, 1.53 to 35.56) and clinical sequelae (OR = 5.22; 95% CI, 1.80 to 15.16) than those with lower scores (0 to 3). CONCLUSION: The "COVID-19 Occupational Vulnerability Index" may predict the risk of severe COVID-19 disease and clinical sequelae among healthcare workers.

[Preventive Aspects for Migraine and the Workplace: A European Survey]. / Aspectos preventivos en migraña y trabajo. Encuesta europea.

INTRODUCTION: Workplace health promotion integrates initiatives in health and safety in the occupational field, with personal improvements, increased productivity and lower risks and social cost, especially with respect to migraine headaches, a neurological disorder affecting approximately 11% of the population. The objective of this study was to know the preventive resources available to workers with migraine headaches and the preventive management options in their companies. METHOD: Cross-sectional observational study of 3,342 patients from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany and other European Union countries, conducted through an anonymous survey on the web of the European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA-web), from September 2018 to January 2019. RESULTS: Occupational stress (77.65%) and use of computer monitors (63.87%) are the most common risks described by workers with migraine. About. 43.71% of workers are not familiar with the type of occupational health service present in their company, 49.06% do not have a medical service; 67.67% reported no work-related limitations due to migraine, neither dismissal nor non-renewal of their contract (88.29%), but 42.14% had experienced some conflict due to decreased productivity; 26.54% were unaware of the concept of vulnerable workers or had not requested this status because of their migraine (63.8%), nor had.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La promoción de la salud en el trabajo integra las iniciativas en salud y seguridad en ámbito ocupacional, con mejoras personales, incremento de productividad y menores riesgos y gastos sociales, especialmente en migraña, como enfermedad neurológica con prevalencia estimada en el 11% de la población. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer las condiciones preventivas de los trabajadores con migraña y las opciones de gestión preventiva en sus empresas. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional transversal realizado en 3.342 pacientes de España, Italia, Francia, Portugal, Irlanda, Reino Unido, Alemania y otros países de la UE mediante encuesta anónima en la web de la European Migraine & Headache Alliance(EMHA-web), entre septiembre de 2018 y enero de 2019.RESULTADOS: Estrés laboral (77.65%) y uso de PVD (63.87%) son los riesgos más referidos por los trabajadores con migraña. El 43.71% de trabajadores desconoce el tipo de Servicio de Prevención de su empresa, 49.06% no dispone de servicio médico; el 67.67% no ha tenido impedimentos de acceso laboral por migraña, ni despido o no renovación del contrato (88,29%), pero el 42,14% tuvo algún conflicto por pérdida de productividad; el 26,54% desconoce el concepto de especial sensibilidad o no lo ha solicitado por migraña (63,8%), ni ha demandado modificaciones laborales (67,64%) o cambio de puesto de trabajo (80,89%); un 55,42% no se ha sentido comprendido ni apoyado por su empresa en sus limitaciones por migraña, pero sí por los compañeros (63,07%). CONCLUSIÓN:Se observa una deficiente información preventiva y escaso uso de las opciones de gestión adaptativa en las empresas para personas con migraña.

Stratification and management of cardiovascular risk in cancer patients. A consensus document of the SEC, FEC, SEOM, SEOR, SEHH, SEMG, AEEMT, AEEC, and AECC.

Both cancer treatment and survival have significantly improved, but these advances have highlighted the deleterious effects of vascular complications associated with anticancer therapy. This consensus document aims to provide a coordinated, multidisciplinary and practical approach to the stratification, monitoring and treatment of cardiovascular risk in cancer patients. The document is promoted by the Working Group on Cardio Oncology of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) and was drafted in collaboration with experts from distinct areas of expertise of the SEC and the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH), the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR), the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians (SEMG), the Spanish Association of Specialists in Occupational Medicine (AEEMT), the Spanish Association of Cardiovascular Nursing (AEEC), the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC), and the Spanish Cancer Association (AECC).

Improving cardiovascular health in Spanish seafarers.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is a high prevalence in the Spanish general population of some cardiovascular risk factors like overweight, obesity and hypercholesterolaemia. But there is lack of research on Spanish seafarers. On the other hand, there is strong evidence of the cardiovascular risk predictive value of some biomarkers. The purpose of this work was to study the convenience of the introduction of detailed diet questionnaires and the measurement of some biomarkers in the pre-embarkation medical examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seafarers undergoing medical checkup during 2011 in Madrid, Spain (n = 334). Overweight and obese subjects received general advice on healthy diet and physical activity. Seventy-four of them were followed up in 2012 and 2013. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), thyrotropin (TSH) and microalbuminuria were measured in two selected groups of patients in 2011. RESULTS: Overweight and obesity were present in 207 (62%) individuals of the studied population. Those followed up in 2012 and 2013 showed a reduction of body mass index, waist circumference and total cholesterol values. We observed risk value of HbA1c in 60 (35.5%) individuals with significant association to other cardiovascular risk factors. Microalbuminuria appeared in subjects with high blood pressure. High TSH and hs-CRP were not significantly present in our population. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Measurement of HbA1c during medical checkups improves early detection of cardiovascular risk in seafarers. 2. Individuals with overweight and obesity responded positively to medical advice and diminished their risk factors, thus it may be more effective to introduce detailed questionnaires on this issue.

[Cardiovascular risk among Spanish seafarers]. / Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en una población de trabajadores del mar de España.

OBJECTIVE: Working at sea makes it difficult to receive proper medical attention. Moreover, the prognosis of an acute cardiovascular event often depends on the measures taken in the first few hours after the onset of symptoms, but are often delayed in seamen. Thus, it is very important to detect cardiovascular risk factors in these workers as early as possible. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among sailors. METHODS: Data were on a sample of 334 individuals in the Madrid Maritime Health Service in 2011. We examined the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors, by age and sex, together withthe presence of various risk factors in the same subject and we calculated the global SCORE risk of each individual. RESULTS: Most cardiovascular risk factors were highly prevalent, more frequent among men and individuals older than 45 years, especially risk blood pressure values (40,1%), hypercholesterolemia (49,7%), tobacco use (33,5%), overweight (44,6%) and obesity (17,4%). CONCLUSIONS: Since the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among this group of seafarers was high, we consider that pre-voyage medical exams must be very detailed in order to detect cardiovascular risk factors in this population.

El trabajo a bordo de un buque a menudo se realiza lejos de tierra, lo que dificulta el acceso al tratamiento médico adecuado en caso necesario. Si se produce un evento cardiovascular en un tripulante embarcado, la demora en la atención médica puede dar lugar a graves consecuencias para su salud. Por ello se es importante detectar los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) en estos trabajadores. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar la frecuencia de los FRCV en los trabajadores del mar en el Servicio de Sanidad Marítima de Madrid. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo realizado en una población de 334 trabajadores en 2011, analizando la frecuencia de los FRCV, por sexo y por edad, la presencia simultánea de FRCV en un mismo sujeto y el riesgo SCORE total de cada individuo.

Terapias complementarias en migraña y variables relacionadas. Encuesta Europea / Complementary therapies in migraine and related variables. European Survey

Objetivo: valorar el uso de terapias alternativas no farmacológicas en migraña y variables relacionadas. La migraña afecta a una de cada diez personas en el mundo, con aumento creciente y mayor prevalencia entre mujeres de zonas urbanas. Aunque los tratamientos habituales son farmacológicos, se ha incrementado el uso de terapias alternativas no farmacológicas en migraña y variables relacionadas. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional transversal mediante encuesta anónima vía web a 3.342 pacientes de países europeos sobre el uso de terapias alternativas para tratamiento de migraña. Variables de estudio: edad, género, país, tipo de localidad, nivel de estudios, ámbito rural o urbano y respuesta al tratamiento. Resultados: la utilización de terapias alternativas en migraña es un fenómeno creciente, con mayor uso en pacientes entre 41-60 años y estudios superiores. Conclusiones: en migraña se observan diferencias por edad, género, nivel cultural y país de procedencia. El uso de la medicina complementaria como alternativa terapéutica en la migraña es poco habitual y se debería indagar con mayor profundidad estableciendo relaciones que permitan apoyar al paciente afectado y priorizar las de mayor evidencia científica..(Au)

Objective: to evaluate the use of alternative non-pharmacological therapies in migraine and related variables. Migraine affects one in ten people worldwide, with a growing increase and a higher prevalence among women in urban areas. Although the usual treatments are pharmacological, the use of alternative techniques is increasing. Materials and methods: cross-sectional observational study by anonymous web survey of 3,342 patients from European countries on the use of alternative therapies. Study variables: age, gender, country, type of locality, educational level, rural or urban setting and treatment response. Results: the use of alternative therapies in migraine treatment is a growing phenomenon, with greater use in patients between 41-60 years of age and higher education. Conclusions: in Migraine, differences are observed by age, gender, cultural level and country of origin. The use of complementary medicine as an therapeutic alternative in migraine is uncommon and should be investigated in greater depth, establishing relationships that allow supporting the affected patient and prioritizing, if possible, some over others with scientific evidence..(Au)

Aspectos preventivos en migraña y trabajo. Encuesta europea / Preventive Aspects for Migraine and the workplace: A European Survey

INTRODUCCIÓN: La promoción de la salud en el trabajo integra las iniciativas en salud y seguridad en ámbito ocupacional, con mejoras personales, incremento de productividad y menores riesgos y gastos sociales, especialmente en migraña, como enfermedad neurológica con prevalencia estimada en el 11% de la población. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer las condiciones preventivas de los trabajadores con migraña y las opciones de gestión preventiva en sus empresas. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional transversal realizado en 3.342 pacientes de España, Italia, Francia, Portugal, Irlanda, Reino Unido, Alemania y otros países de la UE mediante encuesta anónima en la web de la European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA-web), entre septiembre de 2018 y enero de 2019. RESULTADOS: Estrés laboral y uso de PVD son los riesgos más referidos por los trabajadores con migraña. El 43.71% de trabajadores desconoce el tipo de Servicio de Prevención de su empresa, 49.06% no dispone de servicio médico; el 67.67% no ha tenido impedimentos de acceso laboral por migraña, ni despido o no renovación del contrato, pero el 42,14% tuvo algún conflicto por pérdida de productividad; el 26,54% desconoce el concepto de especial sensibilidad o no lo ha solicitado por migraña; un 55,42% no se ha sentido comprendido ni apoyado por su empresa en sus limitaciones por migraña, pero sí por los compañeros. CONCLUSIÓN: Se observa una deficiente información preventiva y escaso uso de las opciones de gestión adaptativa en las empresas para personas con migraña

INTRODUCTION: Workplace health promotion integrates initiatives in health and safety in the occupational field, with personal improvements, increased productivity and lower risks and social cost, especially with respect to migraine headaches, a neurological disorder affecting approximately 11% of the population. The objective of this study was to know the preventive resources available to workers with migraine headaches and the preventive management options in their companies. METHOD: Cross-sectional observational study of 3,342 patients from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany and other European Union countries, conducted through an anonymous survey on the web of the European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA-web), from September 2018 to January 2019. RESULTS: Occupational stress (77.65%) and use of computer monitors (63.87%) are the most common risks described by workers with migraine. About. 43.71% of workers are not familiar with the type of occupational health service present in their company, 49.06% do not have a medical service; 67.67% reported no work-related limitations due to migraine, neither dismissal nor non-renewal of their contract (88.29%), but 42.14% had experienced some conflict due to decreased productivity; 26.54% were unaware of the concept of vulnerable workers or had not requested this status because of their migraine (63.8%), nor had they demanded job accommodations (67.64%) or job change (80.89%); 55.42% did not feel understood or supported by their company in their limitations due to migraine, although they did feel they were supported by their colleagues (63.07%). CONCLUSION: We found that preventive resources and information were deficient, and that there was little use of adaptive management options for workers with migraine in their companies

Pandemia COVID-19 y Medicina del Trabajo / COVID-19 Pandemia and Occupational Medicina

No disponible

[Non work-related sickness absence in 2013 in a Spanish banking sector company]. / Incapacidad temporal por contingencia común en 2013 en una empresa del sector bancario.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence and duration of episodes of non work-related temporary sickness absence (SA) between January and December of 2013, by diagnostic groups, in a banking sector company. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 3.193 episodes of SA (≥ day), excluding work-related injuries and illnesses. The distribution of the duration of SA episodes by medical diagnosis was analyzed by calculating the median duration, 25th and 75th percentiles, mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: The median duration of SA was 9 days for cases where there was a medical diagnosis (n=2.931, 91.8%); the 25th and 75th percentiles were 4 and 32 days, respectively. The most frequent pathologies were respiratory (19.9%), followed by musculoskeletal (19.1%) and pregnancy-related disorders (17.3%). Neoplasms had the longest median duration (49 days), followed by pregnancy-related disorders (39 days) and psychiatric disorders (23 days). CONCLUSIONS: Overall sickness absence incidence in our study population was lower, but had a longer duration, as compared to similar studies. The incidence and duration by diagnostic groups were very similar to that reported in the literature, except for pregnancy-related disorders, where both were clearly higher (incidence 4 to 11 times and duration 0.4 times larger) in our company (<0.001). This analysis is useful from a prevention perspective, and suggests the need to prioritize the study to the control of potential workplace exposures that might be affecting pregnant workers' health.

OBJETIVOS: Describir la distribución de la incidencia y duración de la incapacidad temporal por contingencia común (ITcc), en el periodo comprendido entre enero y diciembre de 2013, por grupo diagnóstico, en una empresa del sector bancario. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal descriptivo sobre una población que mostró 3.193 eventos que han conllevado ITcc de ≥1 día por motivo médico, distinto al accidente de trabajo o enfermedad profesional. Se examinó la distribución de los episodios por el diagnóstico médico, según la duración mediana, los percentiles 25 y 75, la media y la desviación estándar. RESULTADOS: La duración mediana fue de 9 días para aquellos casos en los que se obtuvo un diagnóstico clínico (n=2.931, 91,8%); los percentiles 25 y 75 fueron de 4 y 32 días, respectivamente. Las patologías más frecuentes fueron las respiratorias (19,9%), las traumatológicas (19,1%), y las relacionadas con el embarazo (17,3%). Las neoplasias presentaron la mayor duración mediana (49 días), seguidas por las relacionadas con el embarazo (39 días) y las psiquiátricas (23 días). CONCLUSIONES: La incidencia acumulada anual de ITcc en la muestra estudiada fue menor que la observada en estudios similares, pero la duración de los episodios en nuestra muestra fue mayor. Incidencia y duración por grupos diagnósticos son muy similares a la descrita en la bibliografía, excepto las relacionadas con el embarazo que son claramente superiores (incidencia de 4 a 11 veces y duración 0,4 veces) en la empresa estudiada (<0,001). El seguimiento de la ITcc es útil desde el punto de vista preventivo, en la empresa estudiada sugieren la necesidad de priorizar el estudio de las exposiciones laborales que puedan repercutir en la salud de las trabajadoras embarazadas.

[Pulmonary thromboembolism in Occupational Medicine]. / Tromboembolismo pulmonar en Medicina del Trabajo.

Occupational physicians should be familiar with the risk factors and clinical presentation of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). PTE belongs to the group ofis a cardiovascular diseases, which are the main cause (40%) of death in Spanish workplaces; at present, they may be considered a work-related injury because of the doctrinal evolution in the legal interpretation of the presumption of iuris tantum. We present the case of a hypertensive and obese adult male who suffered a PTE at his workplace. The availability of a portable pulse oximeter (room air SpO2, 92%) was critical in guiding the decision to refer him urgently to the hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed. We can conclude that, independently of whether this event is later deemed to be work-related (in this case it was not), occupational physicians must know how to correctly manage and refer affected workers.

El médico del trabajo debe conocer los factores de riesgo y sospechar la presencia de un tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) ante un cuadro clínico compatible. El TEP pertenece a las enfermedades cardiovasculares que son la primera causa (40%) de mortalidad en el lugar de trabajo en España, y actualmente pueden considerarse accidente de trabajo por la evolución doctrinal en la interpretación jurisprudencial de la presunción iuris tantum. Presentamos un varón hipertenso y obeso que tras un periodo de reposo relativo, por un esguince de tobillo, presentó un TEP en su puesto de trabajo. La información que nos facilitó un pulsioxímetro portátil (92% SpO2) nos fue de gran ayuda para derivarlo urgentemente al medio hospitalario donde se confirmó el diagnóstico de presunción. Ya sea considerado posteriormente accidente de trabajo o no (en este caso no lo fue), el médico del trabajo está obligado a atender y derivar adecuadamente al trabajador afectado.

[Work-related motor vehicle injuries among workers at a banking institution (2007-2013)]. / Lesiones por accidentes de trabajo relacionados con el tráfico ocurridas en los trabajadores de una entidad bancaria (2007-2013).

OBJECTIVE: To study physical harm caused by road accidents (LATT in Spanish) among employees of a Spanish financial institution from 2007 to 2013. Additionally, we tried to define damage features in each sex and at different ages in hurt patients, as well as work disability caused by this type of injury. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of labor injuries verified by the occupational medical service of the bank. Absolute (n) and relative (%) frequencies related to interesting variables were described. Chi-square test was used to assess correlation. RESULTS: Along the mentioned period of time, 1.517 traumatic occupational injuries were recorded on a population of 14.541 workers. 27% of them were LATT. 1,3% of these were fatal or seriously harmful, significantly associated to sex and age (p < 0,05). Co-driver damage, LATT in itinere and twist or sprain were more common in women. LATT at work and closed fractures were more frequent in men.Work disability caused by LATT was higher than other traumatic occupational injuries. CONCLUSIONS: LATT in the studied sample were almost three times higher than LATT are among general Spanish population, but serious lesions in our group were less common.We observed differences in LATT distribution by sexes and ages in workers included in this study, and also a higher incidence of work disability compared to the whole traumatic occupational injuries. Public health and occupational health authorities must find efficient strategies in order to diminish the incidence of these LATT-associated injuries.

OBJETIVOS: Describir las lesiones por accidentes de trabajo (LAT) relacionados con el tráfico (LATT) ocurridas en los trabajadores de una entidad bancaria desde 2007 a 2013 en España. Adicionalmente, describir las características de las LATT en función de sexo y edad de los accidentados, así como la ocurrencia de bajas médicas en relación con este tipo de lesiones. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal descriptivo del registro de LAT mantenido por el servicio de prevención de la empresa estudiada. Se describen las frecuencias absolutas (n) y relativas (%) en relación con las características de interés. Para las comparaciones se utiliza el test chi cuadrado. RESULTADOS: En una plantilla total de 14.541 trabajadores, en el periodo de estudio se registraron 1.517 LAT. El 27% de estas LAT fueron LATT. El 1,3% de las LATT fueron considerados graves o mortales. Se observan relaciones significativas(p <0,05) con el sexo y la edad. Las lesiones en copilotos, las LATT "in itinere" y el diagnóstico "esguinces/torceduras" son más frecuentes en las mujeres. Las LATT "en desplazamiento" y el diagnóstico "fracturas cerradas" son más frecuentes en los hombres. También es más frecuente la situación de baja médica en caso de LATT en comparación con las LAT. CONCLUSIONES: La frecuencia de LATT sobre el total de LAT en la muestra estudiada es casi tres veces mayor que en la población laboral general española, aunque en nuestro estudio las LATT graves son menos frecuentes. Las LATT presentan diferencias en su distribución según edad y sexo de los trabajadores, y también se asocian con mayor frecuencia a baja médica en comparación con el conjunto de las LAT. La salud pública y la medicina del trabajo deben buscar estrategias para controlar este tipo de lesiones.

[Occupational semicircular lipoatrophy associated with serum adipokine abnormalities]. / Lipoatrofia semicircular de etiología laboral asociada a alteraciones séricas de adipocinas.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between semicircular lipoatrophy (SL), inflammation marker (high sensibility C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]), adipokines (leptine, chemerine and vaspine) and autoimmune markers (rheumatoid factor [RF], C3 and C4 complement fractions, antinuclear antibodies [ANA], HLA DR3, and DR4). Chemerine is an adipokine, but also is an immunity marker. METHODS: A case-control study was performed in May 2013; 21 cases were included. The closest healthy coworker to each case was used as a control. We calculated Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. RESULTS: We found statistical significance (P<.05) between SL and raised hs-CRP, raised leptine and low chemerine. CONCLUSIONS: i) There seems to be an underlying inflammatory component (raised hs-CRP) in SL; ii) adipokine alteration (raised leptine and low chemerine) supports the idea that adipocytic differentiation is affected in SL, and iii) we have not found any immune marker associated with SL, except chemerine itself, which could explain a possible association between SL and immunity.

[Anorexia nervosa in a worker: a case report]. / Anorexia nerviosa en una trabajadora.

We describe the management of a case of anorexia nervosa (body mass index, -BMI-, 13,6 Kg/m2) in a bank teller. The case was detected through routine occupational health surveillance. After being evaluated by different specialists (general practitioner, psychiatrist and endocrinologist) and being closely monitored (by psychology, nursing, and occupational medicine), the worker regained weight to a near normal BMI (17 Kg/m2) in less than a year and a half. Eating disorders are a common pathology (non-occupationally related), but their high prevalence (5% of the population over a lifetime) and social and job-related impact (affecting more than 20% of cases), make them a necessary focus of attention for health promotion in the workplace. Health prevention, promotion and surveillance may be also reinforced at the workplace.

Se describe la gestión de un caso de anorexia nerviosa (índice de masa corporal IMC 13,6 kg/m2) en una cajera de una oficina bancaria. El caso se detectó durante un reconocimiento rutinario de vigilancia de la salud. Tras ser valorada por distintos especialistas (medicina de familia, psiquiatría y endocrinología) y de un estrecho seguimiento (por psicología, enfermería y medicina del trabajo) recupera peso hasta casi la normalidad (IMC 17 kg/m2) en menos de año y medio. Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria son considerados patología común (no laboral), pero su alta prevalencia (5% de la población a lo largo de la vida) y su repercusión laboral y social (afectando a más del 20% de los casos), los convierten en foco potencial de atención desde la promoción de la salud en el trabajo. La prevención, promoción y vigilancia de la salud de la población pueden ser reforzadas desde la empresa.

[Cardiovascular risk prediction and its relationship with metabolic syndrome and emerging serum makers in occupational health surveillance]. / Predicción del riesgo cardiovascular y su relación con el síndrome metabólico y los niveles de marcadores serológicos emergentes en vigilancia de la salud de los trabajadores.

OBJECTIVES: To calculate cardiovascular risk according to the American Framingham Coronary Risk Score (FCRS) and the European Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) methods. To correlate the results with the presence of meta-bolic syndrome (glycemia, triglyceridemia, cholesterolemia, abdominal circumference and blood pressure) and with serum levels of three emerging biomarkers [ultrasensitive reactive C protein (PCRus), homocysteine (Hcy) and lipoproteín (a) (lp (a)]. METHODS: Data were gathered during routine medical surveillance of mostly white collar workers in FREMAP Alcobendas from 2004 to 2006 (n=248).We followed standardized health surveillance protocols as established by the Spanish Health Ministry, along with inclusion of an additional blood sample and measurement of the abdominal circumference. RESULTS: None of the 248 workers included in our sample was classified as having high or very high risk according to FCRS in contrast to 44.8 % according to SCORE.We observed a strong correlation (r=0.78, p<0.001) between both predictive methods.We also found associations between both methods and metabolic syndrome (p=0.043), and between the FCRS and PCRus (p=0.021) and Hcy (p=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the inclusion of risk predictions based on FCRS and/or SCORE could be recommended for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, because of their excellent cost-benefit relationship. However, we do not recommend routine measurement of the biological markers included in this study.

OBJETIVOS: Calcular el riesgo cardiovascular según los métodos americano Framingham Coronary Risk Score (FCRS), y europeo Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) en una población laboral. Comparar los resultados con la presencia de síndrome metabólico (según niveles de glucemia, trigliceridemia, colesterolemia, perímetro abdominal y tensión arterial) y con los niveles de tres marcadores séricos emergentes: proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCRus), homocisteina (Hhcy) y lipoproteína (a) (lp(a)). MÉTODOS: Los datos fueron recogidos en los exámenes de salud rutinarios de trabajadores mayoritariamente del sector servicios en FREMAP Prevención Alcobendas entre 2004 y 2006 (n=248). Se siguieron los protocolos de Vigilancia de la Salud del Ministerio de Sanidad, añadiendo a la práctica habitual la obtención de una muestra sérica adicional y la medición del perímetro abdominal. RESULTADOS: Ninguno de los 248 empleados fue considerado de riesgo alto según FCRS, frente al 44,8% según SCORE. Se observó asociación alta (r=0,78, p<0,001) entre los dos métodos predictivos. También entre ambos métodos y la presencia de síndrome metabólico (p=0,043), y solo de FCRS con la PCRus (p=0,021) y la Hhcy séricas (p=0,036). CONCLUSIONES: Según nuestra experiencia, para la prevención de patología cardiovascular en la rutina de la vigilancia de la salud laboral creemos justificada la estimación del riesgo según métodos FCRS y/o SCORE y la medición del perímetro abdominal para evaluar la presencia de síndrome metabólico, por su óptima relación coste-beneficio. Sin embargo, no consideramos justificada la determinación de ninguno de los marcadores biológicos emergentes analizados en este estudio.