Occupational exposure to cobalt is not associated with incipient signs of dilated cardiomyopathy in a Belgian refinery
Lantin, AC; Vermeulen, J; Mallants, A; Vanoverschelde, JL; Speybroeck, N; Swennen, B; Hoet, P; Lison, D
HERO ID
2553847
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
2013
Language
English
PMID
| HERO ID | 2553847 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2013 |
| Title | Occupational exposure to cobalt is not associated with incipient signs of dilated cardiomyopathy in a Belgian refinery |
| Authors | Lantin, AC; Vermeulen, J; Mallants, A; Vanoverschelde, JL; Speybroeck, N; Swennen, B; Hoet, P; Lison, D |
| Journal | Occupational and Environmental Medicine |
| Volume | 70 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Page Numbers | 386-392 |
| Abstract | <strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Excessive absorption of cobalt has been associated with cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in the past, but it is unclear whether occupationally exposed populations are at risk.<br /><br /><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>To assess the possible relationship between occupational exposure to cobalt and incipient signs of dilated cardiomyopathy.<br /><br /><strong>METHODS: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a cobalt production facility in Belgium constituting one of the largest occupational populations worldwide (n=256 male workers). Exposure to cobalt was assessed by measuring urinary cobalt concentration (µg/gcreat), reflecting recent exposure, and by computing an integrated exposure index (µg/gcreat×years), reflecting long-term exposure. The effect on the myocardium was investigated by echocardiography and electrocardiography, and dose-effect relations with cobalt exposure were traced by multiple regression analysis.<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS: </strong>No dose-effect relationship between exposure to cobalt and parameters reflecting dilated cardiomyopathy was found in a population of workers characterised by a median recent cobalturia of 4 µg/gcreat and a median long-term cobalturia of 100 µg/gcreat×years. A reduction in the dimensions of the left ventricular internal cavity was associated with recent exposure to cobalt.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Occupational exposure to cobalt does not appear associated with incipient signs of dilated cardiomyopathy within the gradient of exposure recorded in this population. |
| Doi | 10.1136/oemed-2012-100930 |
| Pmid | 23503418 |
| Wosid | WOS:000318841500004 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |