Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

M. R. Suchitra ¹, S. Parthasarathy ², Mohamed Hanifa ³

Affiliations
1 Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Biosciences, Sastra University, Thanjavur, IN
2 Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, IN
3 Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute., Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, IN

Abstract

Automobile mechanics are constantly exposed to dust from the exhausts of petrol and diesel. We recruited 50 petrol two wheeler mechanics and subjected them to lung function tests. All were non-smokers without any respiratory symptoms. All mechanics were regular workers with a minimum of three years and at least an exposure of 5 hours of more per day. They were explained about the methodology and asked to attempt three times and the best of three were selected. The incidence of obstructive lung disease (FEV1/FVC<70%) was only 2%. But the incidence of reduction of effort independent MEF 25-75 in a significant manner is around 38% which coincided with reduction in PEFR values. ⁅FEV1 = Forced expiratory volume in 1 second. PEFR = peak expiratory flow rate. MEF ( 25-75) = mean forced expiratory flow between the 25% and 75% of the FVC.] We did not find any correlation with body mass index. We did not resort to analyses of deterioration of lung function with differing exposure years with a low sample size. We suggest that a regular PEFR with practice of established preventive measures may prevent the progress from asymptomatic illness to a symptomatic stage in such health workers.

Keywords

Spirometry, Lung Function, Automobile, Mechanics.

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M. R. Suchitra ¹, T. S. Shanthi ², S. Parthasarathy ³

Affiliations
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition,, SASTRA University, IN
2 Consultant Obstetrician, ST Hospital, Kumbakonam, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, IN
3 Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, IN

Abstract

Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are non-specific, yet common and hence screening for abnormalities becomes a necessity. To identify subclinical thyroid dysfunction and offer them the correct medical treatment especially in adolescent female children is an excellent option as a public health prophylactic measure. Hence in this study, we sampled 264 asymptomatic school female children for TSH and found an incidence of 3.4% of high TSH (>5). On the other side, the lower values were found in six (if TSH <0.5) or only two children (if TSH < 0.4). The mean with standard error of TSH values were 2.99 ± 0.567. The fasting status was not complied with, and all were random blood samples. All children with abnormal results were counselled with parents and necessary medical advice given. This prevalence is the lowest among similar studies done in any Asian country which is a new finding in our study. Only one child showed a value of 150 who was given drugs and followed up. We theorize that this lesser incidence may be partly due to the study being done in a delta area of a semiurban town.

Keywords

Children, Female, TSH, Hypothyroidism, Subclinical,

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