Reference

Rosenberg N, Garnier R, Rousselin X et al, Clinical and socio-professional fate of isocyanate-induced asthma, Clin Allergy, 1987;17:55-61,

BOHRF Original Authors' Main Conclusions

The original authors' main conclusions are taken from Abstract, Results and Discussion. They are decided upon by the authors of the BOHRF occupational asthma guidelines and form part of the guidelines.

50% of those removed from exposure remained symptomatic 19 months after cessation of exposure versus all those who remained in same job with safer conditions/those relocated in same place of work. Of the 20 subjects removed from exposure, 10/20 were asymptomatic - appeared to be younger and to have shorter durations of total and symptomatic exposures. Even modest re-exposure allows the allergic process to continue. In those given new jobs in which the sensitising agent was nearly always absent, excellent clinical and functional improvement was observed. Therefore quality of new work site seems to play a role in evolution of isocyanate-induced asthma. Prognostic factors include duration of symptoms, length of exposure to the sensitiser and bronchial responsiveness at diagnosis.

BOHRF Associated Evidence Statements

The BOHRF occupational asthma guidelines state that this reference is associated with the following evidence statements

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2+

The symptoms and functional impairment of occupational asthma caused by various agents may persist for many years after avoidance of further exposure to the causative agent.

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2++

The likelihood of improvement or resolution of symptoms or of preventing deterioration is greater in workers who have no further exposure to the causative agent.

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2+

The likelihood of improvement or resolution of symptoms or of preventing deterioration is greater in workers who have relatively normal lung function at the time of diagnosis.

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2+

The likelihood of improvement or resolution of symptoms or of preventing deterioration is greater in workers who have shorter duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis.

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2+

The likelihood of improvement or resolution of symptoms or of preventing deterioration is greater in workers who have shorter duration of symptoms prior to avoidance of exposure.

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3

Redeployment to a low exposure area may lead to improvement or resolution of symptoms or prevent deterioration in some workers, but is not always effective.