Clinical Toxicology (2013), 51, 1244 Copyright © 2013 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. ISSN: 1556-3650 print / 1556-9519 online DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2013.851388
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Assessment of serum S100B and neuron specific enolase levels to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of organic solvent exposure
simply the result of another work-related disease such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In conclusion, although the authors have put in significant efforts to find a method of monitoring the effects of exposure to organic solvents, their findings do not support these tests as likely to be clinically useful.
To the Editor: In the article by Züngün et al.,1 the authors postulate that S100B and neuron-specific enolase levels can be used as markers of subclinical nervous system dysfunction in patients exposed to organic solvents. We commend the authors for attempting to find objective markers of dysfunction after solvent exposure, however, we have some concerns regarding the study. The authors state that there is a statistically significant difference in S100B levels between a group of workers exposed to organic solvents and a control group. The control group was reported to have no exposure to organic solvents, but this was not verified through laboratory testing. Also, relevant baseline characteristics of the two groups, besides the age, creatinine and AST/ALT, are not provided. Additionally, although the difference in the median values of S100B is quoted as statistically significant (p ⫽ 0.036), it does not seem clinically relevant when the ranges are compared (0.03–0.19 vs. 0.03–0.14). Finally, the only objective differences reported in Table 3 include positive EMG findings in those exposed. As the population studied involves welders, it is quite possible that this finding is
Payal Sud North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset NY, USA Lewis S. Nelson NYCPCC, New York, NY, USA Emily Fleming and Stacy L. Fennell San Antonio Military Medical Center Emergency Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
Reference 1. Züngün C, Yilmaz FM, Tutkun E, Yilmaz H, Uysal S. Assessment of serum S100B and neuron specific enolase levels to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of organic solvent exposure. Clin Tox 2013; 51:748–751.
Received 6 September 2013; accepted 27 September 2013. Address correspondence to Dr Payal Sud, MD, North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA. Email: [email protected]
1244
Copyright of Clinical Toxicology (15563650) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Assessment of serum S100B and neuron specific enolase levels to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of organic solvent exposure
simply the result of another work-related disease such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In conclusion, although the authors have put in significant efforts to find a method of monitoring the effects of exposure to organic solvents, their findings do not support these tests as likely to be clinically useful.
To the Editor: In the article by Züngün et al.,1 the authors postulate that S100B and neuron-specific enolase levels can be used as markers of subclinical nervous system dysfunction in patients exposed to organic solvents. We commend the authors for attempting to find objective markers of dysfunction after solvent exposure, however, we have some concerns regarding the study. The authors state that there is a statistically significant difference in S100B levels between a group of workers exposed to organic solvents and a control group. The control group was reported to have no exposure to organic solvents, but this was not verified through laboratory testing. Also, relevant baseline characteristics of the two groups, besides the age, creatinine and AST/ALT, are not provided. Additionally, although the difference in the median values of S100B is quoted as statistically significant (p ⫽ 0.036), it does not seem clinically relevant when the ranges are compared (0.03–0.19 vs. 0.03–0.14). Finally, the only objective differences reported in Table 3 include positive EMG findings in those exposed. As the population studied involves welders, it is quite possible that this finding is
Payal Sud North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset NY, USA Lewis S. Nelson NYCPCC, New York, NY, USA Emily Fleming and Stacy L. Fennell San Antonio Military Medical Center Emergency Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
Reference 1. Züngün C, Yilmaz FM, Tutkun E, Yilmaz H, Uysal S. Assessment of serum S100B and neuron specific enolase levels to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of organic solvent exposure. Clin Tox 2013; 51:748–751.
Received 6 September 2013; accepted 27 September 2013. Address correspondence to Dr Payal Sud, MD, North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA. Email: [email protected]
1244
Copyright of Clinical Toxicology (15563650) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
