[Multiple chemical sensitivity: study of 52 cases]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Clinical Medicine

Context:

• Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) involves a loss of tolerance to diverse environmental chemicals.
• Understanding the patient profile and triggers of MCS is crucial for effective management.

Purpose:

• To characterize patients diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) presenting at a hospital setting.
• To describe the demographic, etiological, and clinical features of MCS patients.

Summary:

• Fifty-two patients (88% female, average age 47.2) with MCS were studied.
• Occupational chemical exposure, particularly insecticides, triggered MCS in 59.6% of cases; 38.5% were linked to chronic fatigue syndrome.
• The Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) revealed significant impacts on symptom severity and life quality.

Impact:

• MCS predominantly affects middle-aged women and is often initiated by chemical exposure.
• A significant association exists between MCS and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Despite a good prognosis, MCS substantially diminishes patients' quality of life, necessitating targeted interventions.