title: Increased variability in bronchial responsiveness in aluminum potroom workers with work-related asthma-like symptoms.
abstract: In a longitudinal study, we studied the variability in bronchial responsiveness (BR) to methacholine in aluminum potroom workers suffering from work-related asthma-like symptoms (WASTH) and in symptom-free workers. In the index group, 26 men suffering from WASTH were selected from a cross-sectional survey. The reference group comprised 45 symptom-free men recruited from the enrollment of new employees. Bronchial responsiveness was expressed as the dose-response slope (DRS) of the line through origin and the last data point. The standard deviation of the log-transformed DRS was positively associated with symptom score (P = .012) and the mean BR (P < .001). Our results indicate that the severity of respiratory symptoms in aluminum potroom workers with WASTH reflects the variability in BR.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Ardal Aluminum Plant, Norway.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Soyseth
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kongerud
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000535:Aluminum / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D000535:Aluminum