Multiple chemical sensitivity
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Multiple chemical sensitivities, also known as environmental intolerances, is a poorly understood and often disputed syndrome which is described using the following criteria:
- The symptoms are reproducible with repeated chemical exposure;
- the condition is chronic;
- low levels of exposure (lower than previously tolerated) result in manifestations of the syndrome;
- the symptoms improve or resolve when the incitants are removed;
- responses occur to multiple chemically unrelated substances; and
- symptoms involve multiple organ systems.[1]
Epidemiology
(in progress)
Genetic basis
People diagnosed using the 1999 consensus statement criteria[1] have significant differences in some drug-metabolizing enzymes and other enzymes involved in detoxication.[2] These findings, which require replication, point to an unequivocal somatic and toxic basis to multiple chemical sensitivities.
Immunological basis
In a case control study involving 417 persons (223 cases, 194 controls), lymphocyte count was found to be consistent low in victims of MCS.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 (1999) "Multiple chemical sensitivity: a 1999 consensus". Arch. Environ. Health 54 (3): 147–9. PMID 10444033. [e]
- ↑ McKeown-Eyssen G, Baines C, Cole DE, et al (2004). "Case-control study of genotypes in multiple chemical sensitivity: CYP2D6, NAT1, NAT2, PON1, PON2 and MTHFR". International journal of epidemiology 33 (5): 971–8. DOI:10.1093/ije/dyh251. PMID 15256524. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Baines CJ, McKeown-Eyssen GE, Riley N, et al (2004). "Case-control study of multiple chemical sensitivity, comparing haematology, biochemistry, vitamins and serum volatile organic compound measures". Occupational medicine (Oxford, England) 54 (6): 408–18. DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqh083. PMID 15347780. Research Blogging.