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Should systemic sclerosis be recognised as an occupational disease in Switzerland?
Mathilde Schmid1, Denise Grolimund Berset2, Peggy Krief2
1Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Switzerland / Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Swiss Medical Weekly
|February 22, 2020
Summary
Systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease, shows links to occupational exposures like silica and solvents. This study highlights potential occupational links, aiding recognition as a disease in Switzerland.
Area of Science:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Occupational pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune condition with complex genetic and environmental causes.
- Occupational exposure is increasingly linked to SSc, yet it's not recognized as an occupational disease in Switzerland.
- Recognition requires strong scientific evidence demonstrating a link between SSc and specific occupational exposures.
Observation:
- This article reviews five SSc cases evaluated for occupational causes at the Institute for Work and Health in Lausanne.
- All five patients reported exposure to silica, solvents, or both.
- Literature review focused on publications from the last 20 years to assess occupational links.
Findings:
- Epidemiological studies show strong associations (Odds Ratios >2) between SSc and occupational silica/solvent exposure.
- Weaker associations exist with epoxy resins and welding fumes; other exposures can cause SSc-like illnesses.
- Four of the five reviewed patients had their cases declared to insurance, with two recognized as occupational diseases.
Implications:
- The findings support the recognition of SSc as an occupational disease in Switzerland.
- A new questionnaire can help clinicians identify SSc patients with potential occupational links.
- This research aims to improve diagnostic pathways and legal recognition for SSc patients exposed occupationally.
