Prevalence and Factors Related to High Risk of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity among Japanese High School Students.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) onset in minors can greatly impact learning and future employment. This study investigated the prevalence of MCS and related factors in high school students to determine whether it was the same as in adults. A comprehensive survey was conducted on 80 high schools in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The survey incorporated the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, as well as items related to allergies, the living environment, and lifestyle. Of the 4630 students analyzed, according to Hojo's cut-off value, 9.0% were classified as high-risk for MCS and 77.9% reported some allergy-like symptoms. Significant factors associated with elevated MCS risk included female sex, having various allergic conditions, having experienced living in a new home or home renovations or extensions, proximity to environmental stressors (freeways, national highway, factories, rubbish dumps, or sources of offensive odors), insufficient physical activity (exercising less than once a week outside of physical education classes), having cold hands and feet, being fatigued, having a bedtime earlier than 11 p.m., and having moderate-frequent subjective stress. Overall, 9.0% of high school students in Japan are at high risk for MCS. Enhancing awareness of MCS-like symptoms and addressing allergies, living environments, and lifestyle habits may mitigate these symptoms.

Metagenomic gut microbiome analysis of Japanese patients with multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance.

BACKGROUND: Although the pathology of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is unknown, the central nervous system is reportedly involved. The gut microbiota is important in modifying central nervous system diseases. However, the relationship　between the gut microbiota and MCS remains unclear. This study aimed to identify gut microbiota variations associated with MCS using shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 30 consecutive Japanese female patients with MCS and analyzed their gut microbiomes using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The data were compared with metagenomic data obtained from 24 age- and sex-matched Japanese healthy controls (HC). RESULTS: We observed no significant difference in alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota between the MCS patients and HC. Focusing on the important changes in the literatures, at the genus level, Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Akkermansia were significantly more abundant in MCS patients than in HC (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively, fold change = 4.03, 1.53, 2.86, respectively). At the species level, Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly more abundant (p = 0.02, fold change = 3.3) and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii significantly less abundant in MCS patients than in HC (p = 0.03, fold change = 0.53). Functional analysis revealed that xylene and dioxin degradation pathways were significantly enriched (p < 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively, fold change = 1.54, 1.46, respectively), whereas pathways involved in amino acid metabolism and synthesis were significantly depleted in MCS (p < 0.01, fold change = 0.96). Pathways related to antimicrobial resistance, including the two-component system and cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance, were also significantly enriched in MCS (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively, fold change = 1.1, 1.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The gut microbiota of patients with MCS shows dysbiosis and alterations in bacterial functions related to exogenous chemicals and amino acid metabolism and synthesis. These findings may contribute to the further development of treatment for MCS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000031031. The date of first trial registration: 28/01/2018.

Do somatic symptom distress and attribution predict symptoms associated with environmental factors?

OBJECTIVE: Not much is known on the development of symptoms associated with environmental factors (SAEF), also known as (idiopathic) environmental intolerances. Findings from qualitative studies suggest that appearance of symptoms might be the first step, followed by the acquisition of a specific attribution. The current study investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal (three years) associations between attribution and symptoms with respect to symptoms associated with chemical substances, certain indoor environments (buildings), sounds, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). METHODS: We used data from the first two waves of the population-based Västerbotten Environmental Health Study (n = 2336). Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic Symptom Scale (PHQ-15), the Environmental Symptom-Attribution Scale, and answered single questions on the four aforementioned SAEFs. RESULTS: Using binary logistic regression analyses, all four SAEFs showed significant cross-sectional associations with somatic symptom distress and the respective attribution. In the longitudinal analysis, development of SAEF-Sound and SAEF-Chemicals were predicted by both somatic symptom distress and attribution. SAEF-EMFs was predicted only by attribution, whereas neither somatic symptom distress nor attribution forecasted SAEF-Buildings. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings suggest that attribution (i.e., a specific expectation) plays a substantial role in the development and maintenance of many SAEFs.

Sensibilidad química múltiple en una niña de 8 años. Seguimiento durante 6 años / Multiple chemical sensitivity in an 8-year-old girl. A 6-year follow-up

La sensibilidad química múltiple (SQM) es una entidad escasamente comprendida y controvertida. La SQM es un síndrome polisintomático y multisistémico. Los sujetos con SQM muestran una sintomatología compleja debido a la intolerancia a los agentes químicos. Los síntomas incluyen malestar general, inestabilidad cardiovascular, irritación de órganos de los sentidos, desórdenes respiratorios, con hipersensibilidad que afecta a piel, recubrimiento epitelial de intestino, garganta y pulmones. Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 8 años, valorada por sensibilización química con síntomas inhalatorios y faríngeos, conjuntivitis, disfonía y accesos de tos con sensación de dificultad respiratoria. El seguimiento se ha realizado durante 6 años, durante los cuales se ha repetido el test inhalatorio en dos ocasiones con los mismos resultados concluyentes para el diagnóstico de SQM. El caso comunicado reúne los criterios de SQM, siendo excepcional el inicio de los síntomas a una edad tan temprana. (AU)

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a controversial little understood entity. MCS is a multisystem and poly-symptomatic syndrome. MCS subjects display a complex symptomatology due to the intolerance of chemical agents. Symptoms include general discomfort, cardiovascular instability, sensory organs irritation, breath disorders, hypersensitivity affecting the skin and epithelial lining of the gut, throat and lungs. We report the case of an 8 years old female, assessed in medical consultation for chemical sensitization when presenting inhalation and pharyngeal symptoms, conjunctivitis, dysphonia, coughing spells and respiratory distress. A 6-year follow-up was carried out and the provocation inhaler test which was performed twice among that period obtained the same conclusive results for the diagnosis of MCS. The case submitted meets the criterion of MCS, being exceptional a debut of the symptons at such an early age. (AU)

A First Urological Approach to the Genitourinary Manifestations of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Systematic Review

Introduction and Objectives: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex disease with multiorgan manifestations, some of which are still poorly understood, such as genitourinary manifestations. The objective of this article is to review these genitourinary manifestations. Material and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study on the genitourinary manifestations described in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity is performed, based on a systematic review of the literature between February 1956 and December 2020, consulting the Medline/PubMed database and the Google search engine. Descriptive statistics of the variables studied were performed with frequency and percentage for qualitative variables and median and range (minimum-maximum value) for quantitative variables. Results: We reviewed the originals or abstracts of 3450 articles on MCS, including 461 on symptoms (13.3%) and selecting 40 (1.1%) that referred to genitourinary pathologies or symptoms and corresponded to 19 reviews, 14 articles on case reports (11 clinical cases and 3 series), 5 books with case reports, 1 consensus document and 1 update. The number of patients with MCS studied in these 40 articles was 4556 of whom 303 presented genitourinary symptoms (6.6%), and corresponded to 277 women (91.4%) and 27 men (8.6%) with a mean age of 39.4 years, range (7-82 years). There were 119 different genitourinary symptoms or pathologies with 170 citations which in frequency were 77 for gynecological symptoms (45.3%) in 28 publications (70%), 62 for urological symptoms (36.5%) in 29 publications (72.5%), 18 for sexological symptoms (10.6%) in 8 publications (20%) and 13 for andrological symptoms (7.6%) in 5 publications (12.5%). Conclusions: Genitourinary manifestations of MCS are rare and predominantly in women (AU)

Los síntomas genitourinarios de la sensibilidad química múltiple en las publicaciones españolas / Genitourinary symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity in Spanish publications

Introdcción y objetivos: La sensibilidad química múltiple (SQM) es una enfermedadsistémica plurisintomática cuyos síntomas genitourinariosson poco conocidos. El objetivo de este artículo es estudiar estos síntomas en las publicaciones españolas. Material y métodos: Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de tipo descriptivo sobre los síntomas genitourinarios de la SQM en las publicaciones españolas entrelos años 2000 y 2019. La búsqueda en Medline serealizó con términos MeSH “multiple chemical sensitivity Spanish” y en Google con términos libres “sensibilidad química multiple España”. En las publicacionesencontradas se ha seleccionado únicamente aquellasque hacen referencia a síntomas genitourinarios, en lasque se ha estudiado año, autores, tipo de artículo (casoclínico, revisión, casuística), síntomas genitales, síntomas urinarios, especialidad, hospital o centro y ciudad.Los resultados de estas variables se han analizado conestadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: Se ha encontrado 45 publicacionesespañolas sobre SQM de las que 20 (44,4%) hacenmención a síntomas genitourinarios. Los 20 artículos correspondían a 7 casos clínicos, 6 revisiones, 2 seriesde casuística, 2 actualizaciones, 1 capitulo de libro,1 articulo especial y 1 documento de consenso. Seencontraron 12 publicaciones sobre síntomas genitalesfemeninos (60%), 12 sobre síntomas urinarios (60%) y 4sobre síntomas genitales masculinos (20%). Las especialidades con mayor número de publicaciones correspon-dían a Medicina de Familia y Psiquiatría con 3 (15%) yNeumología, Toxicología y Anestesia Reanimación con2 (10%). Hay publicaciones de 13 hospitales y 7 centros nacionales, agencias de salud o fundaciones. Laspublicaciones correspondían a 10 ciudades siendo las2 con más publicaciones Madrid con 6 (30%) y Barcelona con 6 (30%).CONCLUSIONES: Los síntomas genitourinarios de laSQM se mencionan en cerca de la mitad de las publicaciones españolas...AU)

Intrduction y objetives: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multi-symptomatic systemic disease whose genitourinary symptoms arepoorly known. The aim of this article is to study thesesymptoms in Spanish publications. Material and methods: years 2000 and 2019. The search in Medline was performed with MeSH terms “multiple chemical sensitivitySpanish” and in Google with free terms “sensibilidadquímica multiple España”. In the publications found,only those referring to genitourinary symptoms were selected, in which year, authors, type of article (clinicalcase, review, casuistry), genital symptoms, urinary symptoms, specialty, hospital or centre and city were studied. The results of these variables have been analyzed withdescriptive statistics.Results: We found 45 Spanish publications on MCSof which 20 (44,4%) mentioned genitourinary symptoms. The 20 articles corresponded to 7 clinical cases,6 reviews, 2 case series, 2 updates, 1 book chapter,1 special article and 1 consensus document. We found12 publications on female genital symptoms (60%), 12on urinary symptoms (60%) and 4 on male genital symptoms (20%). The specialties with the highest number ofpublications were Family Medicine and Psychiatry with3 (15%) and Neumology, Toxicology and Anesthesiaand Resuscitation with 2 (10%). There are publicationsfrom 13 hospitals and 7 national centers, health agencies or foundations. The publications corresponded to10 cities, the 2 with the most publications being Madridwith 6 (30%) and Barcelona with 6 (30%).Conclusions: The genitourinary symptoms of MCSare mentioned in about half of the Spanish publications.There is a clear predominance of these symptoms inwomen. This “genitourinary syndrome” should be takeninto account in urological and gynecological patientswith MCS.(AU)

Síndrome de sensibilidad química múltiple y gestación: cómo actuar / Management of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome in pregnancy

El síndrome de sensibilidad química múltiple es un trastorno crónico poco conocido que ocasiona múltiples síntomas en diversos aparatos y sistemas del organismo tras la exposición a agentes químicos a muy bajas concentraciones consideradas no perjudiciales para la población. Se trata de un proceso de instauración solapada y progresiva que afecta de forma mayoritaria a mujeres de mediana edad. En 1987 Cullen propone el término de SQM, no siendo hasta 1999 cuando se llega a un consenso para su diagnóstico basado en los criterios de Nethercott, los cuales son publicados por Bartha. En España se reconoce la enfermedad en el año 2014 incluyéndose en el CIE-9-MC con el código 995, dentro del acápite de alergias no especificadas. Una actualización posterior en el año 2016 del CIE-10-MC la clasifica con el código T78.40. Su etiopatogenia a día de hoy es desconocida, por lo que la OMS no la ha reconocido como enfermedad, pero se cree que podrían participar factores genéticos, alergénicos, químicos y anatómicos. Se trata de una enfermedad neurológica, con factores de predisposición claros, que empeora al hacer sobreesfuerzos físicos o ante estresores psicológicos mínimos, así como por exposición a factores químicos y ambientales. Su diagnóstico es fundamentalmente clínico y a día de hoy no tiene un tratamiento específico. Exponemos el caso de una gestante afecta de esta patología, así como las medidas llevadas a cabo de forma multidisciplinar en el manejo del parto y puerperio inmediato

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome is a poorly understood chronic disorder that causes multiple symptoms in various body systems and organs following exposure to chemicals at very low concentrations that are not considered to be harmful to the population. It is an overlapping and progressive process that mostly affects middle-aged women. In 1987 Cullen proposed the term MCS, but it was not until 1999 that a consensus was reached for its diagnosis based on Nethercott's criteria, which were published by Bartha. In Spain, the disease was recognized in 2014 and was included in the ICD-9-MC with the code 995, under the heading of Unspecified Allergies. A later update in 2016 of the ICD-10-MC classifies it as code T78.40. Its aetiopathogenesis is currently unknown, thus it has not been recognised by the WHO as a disease, but it is believed that genetic, allergenic, chemical, and anatomical factors may be involved. It is a neurological disease, with clear predisposing factors, which is made worse by physical overexertion or minimal psychological stress, as well as by exposure to chemical and environmental factors. Its diagnosis is fundamentally clinical, and it currently does not have a specific treatment. The case is presented of a pregnant woman affected by this disorder, who was cared for by a multidisciplinary team in the management of the childbirth and immediate puerperium

¿Qué evidencia científica tienen los métodos propuestos para valorar la discapacidad laboral de los pacientes con síndrome de sensibilización central? / What scientific evidence do the current classifications have in order to assess occupational disability in patients with central sensitisation syndrome?

El síndrome de sensibilización central engloba enfermedades como la fibromialgia, el síndrome de fatiga crónica, la sensibilidad química múltiple y el síndrome de sensibilidad electromagnética. Estas afecciones han ido adquiriendo relevancia tanto médica como social por el aumento de la prevalencia, la ausencia de un tratamiento curativo, las limitaciones que provocan y los altos costes sanitarios que suponen. Además, todas ellas comparten una etiología desconocida y la ausencia de parámetros objetivos para establecer su diagnóstico y su gravedad. Se han propuesto múltiples métodos y clasificaciones para graduar la discapacidad de estos pacientes, pero en la actualidad ninguno de ellos ha conseguido una evidencia científica suficiente

Central sensitisation syndrome includes disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, and electromagnetic sensitivity syndrome. These disorders have been acquiring both medical and social relevance due to the increase in prevalence, the absence of a curative treatment, the limitations they cause, and the high healthcare costs they involve. Furthermore, all of them share an unknown aetiology and the absence of objective parameters to establish their diagnosis and severity. Multiple methods and classifications have been proposed to graduate the disability of these patients, but currently none of them have obtained sufficient evidence

Dietary factors and endocrine consequences of multiple chemical sensitivity / Factores dietéticos y consecuencias endocrinas de la sensibilidad química múltiple

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La enfermedad "burbuja" y labelle indifference / Bubble disease and "la belle indifference"

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Manejo anestésico de histerectomía más doble anexectomía por tumor borderline de ovario izquierdo en paciente con síndrome de sensibilidad química múltiple / Anesthetic management of hysterectomy and double adnexectomy for borderline left ovarian tumor in a patient with multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome

El síndrome de sensibilidad química múltiple (SQM), también conocido como intolerancia ambiental idiopática (IAI), entre otros, es un desorden complejo y mal definido que produce diversos síntomas en respuesta a diferentes estímulos. No hay estudios válidos que establezcan la patogénesis de este síndrome. El manejo anestésico de estos pacientes es un reto para los anestesiólogos, dado que no hay unas pautas de actuación establecidas. Se presenta un caso de cirugía exitosa en una paciente afecta de SQM realizándose una anestesia total intravenosa (TIVA) convencional a la que se añadió una premedicación exhaustiva y la aplicación del protocolo de alergia al látex

The multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS), also known as idiopathic environmental intolerance (IAI), among others, is a complex and poorly defi ned disorder that produces various symptoms in response to various stimuli. There is a lack of valid studies that establish the pathogenesis of this syndrome. The anesthetic management of these patients is a challenge for anesthesiologists, due to the fact that there are no established guidelines. We present a case of successful surgery in a patient that suffers from MCS by performing a conventional TIVA enhanced with a thorough premedication and the latex allergy protocol

Clinical Characteristics of Disability in Patients with Indoor Air–Related Environmental Intolerance

BACKGROUND: Chronic nonspecific symptoms attributed to indoor nonindustrial work environments are common and may cause disability, but the medical nature of this disability is unclear. The aim was to medically characterize the disability manifested by chronic, recurrent symptoms and restrictions to work participation attributed to low-level indoor pollutants at workplace and whether the condition shares features with idiopathic environmental intolerance. METHODS: We investigated 12 patients with indoor air–related work disability. The examinations included somatic, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations as well as investigations of the autonomic nervous system, cortisol measurements, lung function, and allergy tests. We evaluated well-being, health, disability, insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, and burnout via questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean symptom history was 10.5 years; for disabling symptoms, 2.7 years. Eleven patients reported reactions triggered mainly by indoor molds, one by fragrances only. Ten reported sensitivity to odorous chemicals, and three, electric devices. Nearly all had co-occurrent somatic and psychiatric diagnoses and signs of pain, insomnia, burnout, and/or elevated sympathetic responses. Avoiding certain environments had led to restrictions in several life areas. On self-assessment scales, disability showed higher severity and anxiety showed lower severity than in physician assessments. CONCLUSION: No medical cause was found to explain the disability. Findings support that the condition is a form of idiopathic environmental intolerance and belongs to functional somatic syndromes. Instead of endless avoidance, rehabilitation approaches of functional somatic syndromes are applicable.