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Repeaters count: a sentinel method for asthma outbreaks. Barcelona Soybean-Asthma Group
J B Soriano1, J M Antó, A Plasencia
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, UAB, Barcelona, Spain.
Thorax
|October 1, 1995
Summary
A small cluster of asthma cases in Barcelona was linked to soybean dust from harbor unloading. Identifying asthma patients who had previous soybean-related asthma (repeaters) helped detect this non-epidemic event.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Allergology
Background:
- Asthma outbreaks were not observed in Barcelona since 1981-7.
- A cluster of acute asthma attacks occurred on October 29, 1994, involving patients with a history of soybean epidemic asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential soybean-related asthma episode in Barcelona.
- To assess the utility of monitoring 'repeaters' for detecting small increases in asthma during non-epidemic periods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of asthma admissions.
- Analysis of pollution filters for low molecular weight soybean allergen.
- Investigation of soybean unloading activities.
Main Results:
- No overall epidemic increase in asthma admissions, but a significant number of 'repeaters' were observed (7 vs. 0.483 expected).
- Elevated levels of low molecular weight soybean allergen were detected in air pollution filters.
- Two ships were unloading soybeans in the city harbor on the index day.
Conclusions:
- Soybean unloading in Barcelona released soybean dust, causing a localized increase in emergency room visits for asthma among previously sensitized individuals.
- Monitoring 'repeaters' can serve as a foundation for systematic epidemiological surveillance of susceptible populations.