An outbreak of 400 cases of lipoatrophia semicircularis in Barcelona: Effectiveness of control measures

Anna Pérez, Manel Nebot, Montse MacIá, Rafael Panadés

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: From February 2007 to October 2008, 1137 cases of lipoatrophia semicircularis were registered in distinct workplaces (WPs) in Barcelona. A protocol to establish control measures was designed. This study pretends to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures. Methods: In this case study, the outbreak course in relation to the implemented measures (relative humidity >50%, ground-mass electrical discharge, and avoidance of sharp-ended table edges) was analyzed. The study population consisted of 417 workers from four different WPs diagnosed between February 2007 and October 2008. Results: Cumulative incidences were 61.6% (WP1), 24.1% (WP2), 8.8% (WP4), and 5.5% (WP3). Based on discharges confirmed by medical services, healing rate was highest in WP1 (93%), followed by WP2 (82%), WP4 (62%), and WP3 (22%). Conclusions: When the three basic measures were promptly and jointly applied, 90% of the cases were resolved within 6 months.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)751-757
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume52
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Medicine(all)

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