[Sleep-disordered breathing and occupational medicine: considerations on three clinical cases]

G Ital Med Lav Ergon. 2004 Jan-Mar;26(1):33-8.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Three subjects suffering from sleep-disordered breathing are described. Two of them (a 37-year-old lorry driver with obstructive sleep apnea, and a 47-year-old bricklayer with upper airway resistance syndrome) had suffered several accidents at work in few months, due to daytime sleepiness. The third patient (45-year-old) had developed (central and obstructive) sleep apnea after having been exposed to organic solvents for 15 years as a painter. In all the three subjects, polysomnography led to correct diagnosis, and nocturnal ventilotherapy with nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) considerably improved the clinical picture. The cases presented illustrate the twofold interest of sleep-disordered breathing for Occupational Medicine: on the one hand, these syndromes may reduce job performance and increase the accident risk; on the other hand, they may recognize as a risk factor the occupational exposure to solvents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational*
  • Adult
  • Airway Resistance
  • Automobile Driving
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Occupational Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases* / etiology
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Occupations
  • Polysomnography
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes* / chemically induced
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes* / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes* / etiology
  • Sleep Apnea, Central / chemically induced
  • Sleep Apnea, Central / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / chemically induced
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / diagnosis
  • Solvents / adverse effects
  • Syndrome
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Solvents