Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0085584 (encephalopathy)
 18,178 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

At two scientific conferences in 1985, one in Copenhagen sponsored by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the World Health Organization (WHO), the other in Raleigh, NC, it was concluded that chronic toxic encephalopathy may develop following long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents (1,2). The terms organic affective syndrome, mild and severe chronic toxic encephalopathy were suggested for this condition describing increasing severity. In May 1990, a conference on organic solvents and the nervous system was held in Copenhagen sponsored by the Commission of the European Communities and the Danish Ministry of the Environment (3). Scientists and representatives from the governments, industries, and labour organisations from the EEC and US participated.
 ...
PMID:Report on a conference on organic solvents and the nervous system. 135 Jun 57

This study addresses the prevalence of organic brain syndrome (OBS) among long-term toluene-exposed rotagravure workers who are still working. The prevalence of OBS in 22 workers exposed to toluene for a minimum of 12 years and 19 unexposed control subjects, matched for age and employment status, was assessed with a comprehensive clinical psychiatric interview. There was a significantly greater prevalence of mild chronic encephalopathy and organic affective syndrome in the toluene-exposed group.
 ...
PMID:Organic brain syndrome and long-term exposure to toluene: a clinical, psychiatric study of vocationally active printing workers. 323 Apr 35

Long-term exposure to organic solvents can result in damage of the central nervous system. The WHO recognises the following stages: organic affective syndrome, mild chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE), and severe CTE. There is no golden standard for the diagnosis of CTE. Mild CTE is characterised by fatigue, mood disturbances, memory and attention disorders. In the Netherlands, a so-called 'solvent team' consisting of an occupational physician, a neurologist, a neuropsychologist and an occupational hygienist, assesses patients suspected of having CTE. The diagnostic procedure consists of three steps: (a) interview and blood tests, (b) the computer-based Neurobehavioral Evaluation System, and (c) assessment of an exposure index, neuropsychological investigation, and clinical neurological examination. In the period 1997-1999 approximately 250 patients were assessed yearly in the Netherlands; resulting in 50 diagnoses of mild CTE a year. The real incidence is most likely higher at present, but will decline due to diminished exposure to organic solvents.
 ...
PMID:[Solvent-induced chronic encephalopathy; the 'solvent team' project]. 1123 71