Environmental risk factors for sporadic acoustic neuroma (Interphone Study Group, Germany).
The only known risk factor for sporadic acoustic neuroma is high-dose ionising radiation. Environmental exposures, such as radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and noise are under discussion, as well as an association with allergic diseases. We performed a population-based case-control study in Germany investigating these risk factors in 97 cases with acoustic neuroma, aged 30 to 69 years, and in 194 matched controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in multiple logistic regression models. Increased risks were found for exposure to persistent noise (OR=2.31; 95% CI 1.15-4.66), and for hay fever (OR=2.20; 95% CI 1.09-4.45), but not for ionising radiation (OR=0.91; 95 % CI 0.51-1.61) or regular mobile phone use (OR=0.67; 95% CI 0.38-1.19). The study confirms results of recently published studies, although the pathogenetic mechanisms are still unknown.
Schlehofer
B
B
Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Centre, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. b.schlehofer@dkfz-heidelberg.de
Schlaefer
K
K
Blettner
M
M
Berg
G
G
Böhler
E
E
Hettinger
I
I
Kunna-Grass
K
K
Wahrendorf
J
J
Schüz
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D040421:Cell Phone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D012307:Risk Factors