Top

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Published in:

Open Access 01-10-2018 | Original Article

Chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy: course and prognostic factors of neuropsychological functioning

Authors: Evelien van Valen, Ellie Wekking, Moniek van Hout, Gert van der Laan, Gerard Hageman, Frank van Dijk, Angela de Boer, Mirjam Sprangers

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 7/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Working in conditions with daily exposure to organic solvents for many years can result in a disease known as chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy (CSE). The aims for this study were to describe the neuropsychological course of CSE after first diagnosis and to detect prognostic factors for neuropsychological impairment after diagnosis.

Methods

This prospective study follows a Dutch cohort of CSE patients who were first diagnosed between 2001 and 2011 and underwent a second neuropsychological assessment 1.5–2 years later. Cognitive subdomains were assessed and an overall cognitive impairment score was calculated. Paired t tests and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to describe the neuropsychological course and to obtain prognostic factors for the neuropsychological functioning at follow-up.

Results

There was a significant improvement on neuropsychological subdomains at follow-up, with effect sizes between small and medium (Cohen’s d 0.27–0.54) and a significant overall improvement of neuropsychological impairment with a medium effect size (Cohen’s d 0.56). Prognostic variables for more neuropsychological impairment at follow-up were a higher level of neuropsychological impairment at diagnosis and having a comorbid diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Results are in line with previous research on the course of CSE, stating that CSE is a non-progressive disease after cessation of exposure. However, during follow-up the percentage patients with permanent work disability pension increased from 14 to 37%. Preventive action is needed in countries where exposure to organic solvents is still high to prevent new cases of CSE.

Available only for authorised users

Åbjörnsson G, Palsson B, Bergendorf U, Karlson B, Österberg K, Seger L, Ørbæk P (1998) Long-term follow-up of psychological distress, social functioning, and coping style in treated and untreated patients with solvent-induced chronic toxic encephalopathy. J Occup Environ Med 40(9):801–807CrossRef

Aerts L, Heffernan M, Kochan NA, Crawford JD, Draper B, Trollor JN, Sachdev PS, Brodaty H (2017) Effects of MCI subtype and reversion on progression to dementia in a community sample. Neurology 88:2225–2232CrossRef

Amieva H, Letenneur L, Dartigues JF, Rouch-Leroyer I, Sourgen C, D’Alchée-Birée F, Dib M, Barberger-Gateau P, Orgogozo JM, Fabrigoule C (2004) Annual rate and predictors of conversion to dementia in subjects presenting mild cognitive impairment criteria defined according to a population-based study. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 18:87–93CrossRef

Baker EL, Letz RE (1985) A computer-administered neurobehavioral evaluation system for occupational and environmental epidemiology. J Occup Med 27:206–212

Baker EL, Seppäläinen AM (1986) Human aspects of neurobehavioral effects. Report of the workshop session on clinical and epidemiological topics. Neurotoxicology 7:45–56

Bruhn P, Arlien-Soborg P, Gyldensted C, Christensen EL (1981) Prognosis in chronic toxic encephalopathy. A two-year follow-up study in 26 house painters with occupational encephalopathy. Acta Neurol Scand 64(4):259–272CrossRef

Bushnell PJ, Kavlock RJ, Crofton KM, Weiss B, Rice DC (2010) Behavioral toxicology in the 21st century: challenges and opportunities for behavioural scientists. Summary of a symposium presented at the annual meeting of the neurobehavioral teratology society. Neurotoxicol Teratol 32:313–328CrossRef

Canevelli M, Grande G, Lacorte E, Quarchioni E, Cesari M, Mariani C, Bruno G, Vanacore N (2016) Spontaneous reversion of mild cognitive impairment to normal cognition: a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 17:943–948CrossRef

Derogatis LR. SCL-90-R: administration, scoring and procedures manual, 3ed ed. Minneapolis, National Computer Systems, 1975

Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung (2007) Polyneuropathy or encephalopathy caused by organic solvents, in isolation or in mixtures. Occupational disease report 2/2007e occupational disease no. 1317

Dick FD, Bourne VJ, Semple SE, Fox HC, Miller BG, Deary IJ, Whalley LJ (2010) Solvent exposure and cognitive ability at age 67: a follow-up study of the 1947 Scottish Mental Survey. Occup Environ Med 67(6):401–407CrossRef

Dryson EW, Ogden JA (2000) Organic solvent induced chronic toxic encephalopathy: extent of recovery, and associated factors, following cessation of exposure. Neurotoxicology 21(5):659–65

Edling C, Ekberg K, Ahlborg G, Alexandersson JrR, Barregard L, Ekenvall L, Nilsson L, Svensson BG (1990) Long-term follow up of workers exposed to solvents. Br J Ind Med 47(2):75–82

Eshuis W (2010) Financial damage caused by organic psycho syndrome? Financial situation of OPS victims. [In Dutch. In: Financiële schade door OPS? Onderzoek naar de financiële situatie van slachtoffers van OPS.]. Hugo Sinzheimer Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam

Ettema JHM, Arrindell WA (2003) Symptom Check List-90; Manual for a multidimensional indicator of psychopathology [in Dutch: SCL-90; Handleiding bij een multidimensionele psychopathologie-indicator]. Pearson, Lisse

European Commission (2009) Directorate-general for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities F4 unit. Information notices on occupational diseases: a guide to diagnosis. https://doi.org/10.2767/3824 (ISBN 978-92-79-11483-0)

First MB, Gibbon M, Spitzer L, Williams JBW (1996) User guide for structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders. American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC

Fransman W, van der Laan G, Huy T, Kromhout H (2002) [In Dutch: Evaluatie van de methode voor beoordeling blootstelling door de Solvent Teams.] Evaluation of the method of exposure assessment as used by the Solvent Teams. Tijdschrift voor toegepaste arbowetenschap 15:24–31

Gerstenecker A, Mast B (2014) Mild cognitive impairment: a history and the state of current diagnostic criteria. Int Psychogeriatr 27:1–13

Godderis L, Maertens N, de Gelder V, De Lamper A, De Ruyck K, Vernimmen M, Bulterys S, Moens G, Thierens H, Viaene M (2010) Genetic susceptibility in solvent induced neurobehavioral effects. Neurotox Res 17:268–78CrossRef

Hamilton M (1959) The assessment of anxiety states by rating. Br J Med Psychol 32:50–55CrossRef

Hamilton M (1960) A rating scale for depression. J Neurol Neurosur Psychiatry 23:56–62CrossRef

Heaton RK, Grant I, Matthews CG (1986) Differences in neuropsychological test performance associated with age, education, and sex. In: Grant I, Adams KM (eds) Neuropsychological assessment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Oxford University Press, New York, NY, USA

International Labour Organization (2010) Identification and recognition of occupational diseases: criteria for incorporating diseases in the ILO list of occupational diseases, vol 74. Occupational safety and health series. International Labour Office, Geneva (ISBN 978-92-2-123795-2 ISSN 0078-3129, list of occupational diseases, revised)

Keski-Säntti P, Palmu K, Pitkonen M, Liljander S, Partanen JV, Akila R, Sainio M, Holm A (2012) Multimodal event-related potentials in occupational chronic solvent encephalopathy. Neurotoxicology 33:703–709CrossRef

Kezic S, Calkoen F, Wenker MA, Jacobs JJ, Verberk MM (2006 Aug) Genetic polymorphism of metabolic enzymes modifies the risk of chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy. Toxicol Ind Health 22(7):281–289CrossRef

Kootker JA, Rasquin SM, Lem FC, van Heugten CM, Fasotti L, Geurts AC (2017) Augmented cognitive behavioral therapy for poststroke depressive symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 98(4):687–694CrossRef

Lindström K, Antti-Poika M, Tola S, Hyytiainen A (1982) Psychological prognosis of diagnosed chronic organic solvent intoxication. Neurobehav Toxicol Teratol 4(5):581–588

Malek-Ahmadi M (2016) Reversion from mild cognitive impairment to normal cognition: a meta-analysis. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 30:324–330CrossRef

Morrow LA, Ryan CM, Hodgson MJ, Robin N (1991) Risk factors associated with persistence of neuropsychological deficits in persons with organic solvent exposure. J Nerv Ment Dis 179(9):540–545CrossRef

Mulder JL, Dekker R, Dekker PH (1996) Dutch adaptation of the California verbal learning test; manual [in Dutch: Verbale Leer en Geheugen Test]. Swets & Zeitlinger, Lisse

Nordling Nilson L, Sällsten G, Hagberg S, Bäckman L, Barregård L (2002) Influence of solvent exposure and aging on cognitive functioning: an 18 year follow-up of formerly exposed floor layers and their controls. Occup Environ Med 59:49–57CrossRef

Nordling Nilson LN, Bäckman L, Sällsten G, Hagberg S, Barregård L (2003) Dose-related cognitive deficits among floor layers with previous heavy exposure to solvents. Arch Environ Health 58:208–217CrossRef

Nordling Nilson L, Barregård L, Sällsten G, Hagberg S (2007) Self-reported symptoms and their effects on cognitive functioning in workers with past exposure to solvent-based glues: an 18-year follow-up. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 81:69–79CrossRef

Nordling Nilson L, Karlson B, Nise G, Malmberg B, Ørbæk P (2010) Delayed manifestations of CNS effects in formerly exposed printers—a 20-year follow-up. Neurotoxicol Teratol 32:620–626CrossRef

Ørbæk P, Lindgren M (1988) Prospective clinical and psychometric investigation of patients with chronic toxic encephalopathy induced by solvents. Scand J Work Environ Health 14(1):37–44CrossRef

Petersen RC (2016) Mild cognitive impairment. Continuum 22:404–418

Richards DA, Rhodes S, Ekers D, McMillan D, Taylor RS, Byford S, Barrett B, Finning K, Ganguli P, Warren F, Farrand P, Gilbody S, Kuyken W, O’Mahen H, Watkins E, Wright K, Reed N, Fletcher E, Hollon SD, Moore L, Backhouse A, Farrow C, Garry J, Kemp D, Plummer F, Warner F, Woodhouse R (2017) Cost and Outcome of BehaviouRal Activation (COBRA): a randomised controlled trial of behavioural activation versus cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression. Health Technol Assess 21(46):1–366CrossRef

Ridgway P, Nixon TE, Leach JP (2003) Occupational exposure to organic solvents and long-term nervous system damage detectable by brain imaging, neurophysiology or histopathology. Food Chem Toxicol 41:153–187CrossRef

Sabbath EL, Gutierrez LA, Okechukwu CA, Singh-Manoux A, Amieva H, Goldberg M, Zins M, Berr C (2014) Time may not fully attenuate solvent-associated cognitive deficits in highly exposed workers. Neurology 82(19):1716–1723CrossRef

Sainio MA (2015) Neurotoxicity of solvents. In: Lotti M, Bleecker ML (eds) Handbook of clinical neurology, vol 131. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 93–110

Schmand B, de Sterke S, Lindeboom J (1999) The Amsterdam short-term memory test, manual. Swets and Zeitlinger, Lisse

Schmand B, Houx P, de Koning I (2012) The Stroop Colour Word test, the Trail Making test, the Rivermead Behavioural Memory test, Verbal fluency test. Dutch norms. Netherlands Institute of Psychologists, Section of Neuropsychology, Amsterdam

Schmand B, Rienstra A, Tamminga H, Richard E, van Gool WA, Caan MW (2014) Majoie CB responsiveness of magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological assessment in memory clinic patients. J Alzheimers Dis 40:409–418CrossRef

Stern Y (2002) What is cognitive reserve? Theory and research application of the reserve concept. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 8:448–460CrossRef

Tang CY, Carpenter DM, Eaves EL, Ng J, Ganeshalingam N, Weisel C, Qian H, Lange G, Fiedler NL (2011) Occupational solvent exposure and brain function: an fMRI study. Environ Health Perspect 119:908–913CrossRef

Tedeschini E, Levkovitz Y, Iovieno N, Ameral VE, Nelson JC, Papakostas GI (2011) Efficacy of antidepressants for late-life depression: a meta-analysis and meta-regression of placebo-controlled randomized trials. J Clin Psychiatry 72:1660–1668CrossRef

Tombaugh TM (1996) TOMM test of memory malingering, manual. Multi Health Systems, Toronto

van Thriel C (2015) Toxicology of solvents (including alcohol). In: Reference module in biomedical research, 3rd edn. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801238-3.00210-5

van Groenestijn MAC, Akkerhuis GW, Kupka RW, Schneider N, Nolen W (1999) Structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders [in Dutch: Gestructureerd Klinisch Interview voor de vaststelling van DSM-IV As I Stoornissen]. Swets Test Publishers, Lisse

van Hout MSE, Schmand B, Wekkin EM, Hageman G, Deelman BG (2003) Suboptimal performance on neuropsychological tests in patients with suspected chronic toxic encephalopathy. Neurotoxicology 24:547–551CrossRef

van Hout MSE, Wekking EM, Berg IJ, Deelman BG (2008) Psychosocial and cognitive rehabilitation of patients with solvent-induced chronic toxic encephalopathy: a randomised controlled study. Psychother Psychosom 77:289–297CrossRef

van Valen E, Wekking E, van der Laan G, Sprangers M, van Dijk F (2009) The course of chronic solvent induced encephalopathy: a systematic review. Neurotoxicology 30:1172–1186CrossRef

van Valen E, van Thriel C, Akila R, Nilson LN, Bast-Pettersen R, Sainio M, van Dijk F, van der Laan G, Verberk M, Wekking E (2012) Chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy: European consensus of neuropsychological characteristics, assessment, and guidelines for diagnostics. Neurotoxicology 33:710–276CrossRef

van Valen E, van Hout MSE, Wekking EM, Lenderink AL, van der Laan G, Hageman G (2015) Brain damage caused by exposure to organic solvents; diagnostics and disease course of chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 159:A9431

van der Laan G, van Dun R, Roos Y, Huy T, Wekking E, Hooisma J, Kulig B, Emmen H, Monster A, de Wolf F (1995) [In Dutch: “Organisch Psycho Syndroom door oplosmiddelen? Een protocol voor de diagnostiek] Organic Psycho Syndrome caused by solvents? A protocol for diagnosis. Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, SWZ S186

Verhage F (1964) Intelligence and age (in Dutch). Van Gorcum, Assen

Visser RSH (1970) On the copying of the Rey complex figure; a neuropsychological study [in Dutch: Over het natekenen van de complexe figuur van Rey, een neuropsychologisch onderzoek]. Thesis, Swets en Zeitlinger, Amsterdam

Visser I, Lavini C, Booij J, Reneman L, Majoie C, de Boer AG, Wekking EM, de Joode EA, van der Laan G, van Dijk FJ, Schene AH, Den Heeten GJ (2008) Cerebral impairment in solvent-induced encephalopathy. Ann Neurol 63:572–580CrossRef

Warrington EK (1984) Recognition memory test: manual. NFER-Nelson, Windsor

Wechsler D (1981) Wechsler adult intelligence scale-revised: manual. The Psychological Corporation, Cleveland

Wechsler D (1987) Wechsler memory scale-revised. The Psychological Corporation, San Antonio

Wechsler D (2001) Wechsler adult intelligence scale-III: manual (Dutch version). Swets & Zeitlinger, Lisse

Wechsler D (2004) Wechsler adult intelligence scale, third edition: [In Dutch: Nederlandstalige bewerking afname en scoringshandleiding]. Harcourt Test Publishers, Amsterdam

White RF, Proctor SP (1997) Solvents and neurotoxicity. Lancet 349:1239–1243CrossRef

World Health Organization (WHO) (1985) Chronic effects of organic solvents on the central nervous system and diagnostic criteria, vol 5. Environmental health. WHO, Copenhagen

Title: Chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy: course and prognostic factors of neuropsychological functioning
Authors: Evelien van Valen
Ellie Wekking
Moniek van Hout
Gert van der Laan
Gerard Hageman
Frank van Dijk
Angela de Boer
Mirjam Sprangers
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 7/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1328-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy: course and prognostic factors of neuropsychological functioning

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 7/2018

Respiratory health of dust-exposed Congolese coltan miners

Stress of working abroad: a systematic review

Job strain, long work hours, and suicidal ideation in US workers: a longitudinal study

Impact of lifetime compared to adolescent-onset mental illness on psychosocial employment quality in adulthood: analysis of a nationally representative French cohort

Visual and psychological stress during computer work in healthy, young females—physiological responses

Cancer incidence in a cohort of asbestos-exposed workers undergoing health surveillance