Clinical studies of psychoorganic syndromes among workers with exposure to solvents

Abstract

Exposure to organic solvents is common in industry. In Sweden, patients being evaluated for suspected solvent-related diseases now constitute the largest group of patients seen at many clinics of occupational medicine, largely replacing classical occupational disorders. The findings in 128 consecutive patients with solvent exposure have been reviewed for the period 1978-1981. The duration of exposure was 9 years or more for those with a diagnosis of psychoorganic syndrome (POS). "Incipient" POS was seen after a minimum exposure of 3 years duration. Patients with POS also had an increased frequency of polyneuropathy in comparison to those without any signs of POS. It was not possible to link these abnormalities with particular solvent exposure. Clinical chemistry tests were normal except for liver function tests in a few patients.