Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and occupational risk

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in adults. The incidence of CLL is about 3-4/100 000 inhabitants in European countries (25% of all leukemia). About 163 new patients with CLL are diagnosed in Bulgaria every year. The exact causes of the disease are unknown, such as family history is extremely rare. The aim of this work was to investigate occupational risk in patients with CLL. Material and Methods: Available literature for a period of five years was analyzed. The influence of risk factors in the work environment and the incidence of CLL were examined. For the same period was made characteristic of patients with CLL according to demographics and occupation which were registered in the Department of Hematology at the University Hospital - Stara Zagora. Results: Epidemiological studies were focused on the chemical and physical factors of the working environment. It was found an increased risk for CLL in exposed to benzene, chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils, pesticides. Of all physical factors of the working environment, ionizing radiation and electro-magnetic fields were mostly studied. Data from our study showed that only 22 (42.3%) of registered patients with CLL (52) have noted occupation in their medical records. Work with pesticides were noted 40.9% of patients with CLL, while 18.2% - of exposure to toxic substances. Conclusion: The lack of data on occupational risk assessment for CLL in the country, showed the need for similar studies at regional and national level. The introduction of the electronic health record containing information about the occupation of patients and related conditions of employment is essential for occupational risk assessment and diseases.