Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of risk factors related to insulin r... more Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of risk factors related to insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome is a strong risk factor for chronic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and is related to nutritional factors, sleep patterns, work-related stress, fatigue, and physical activity -all of which are critical issues at sea. We have previously demonstrated a MS prevalence of 24.2% in Danish seafarers. This study aimed to follow the trend of MS after 2 years' intervention. Materials and methods: Out of 524 Danish seafarers (mean age 37.7 years) who underwent medical fit-for-duty examination by seamen's doctors at baseline, 141 seafarers (mean age 41.3 years) were tracked and re-examined after 2 years. At baseline all participants received general advice regarding lifestyle issues. Seafarers with MS were additionally given specific advice regarding treatment. The seafarers provided questionnaire information about their workplace on board, about treatment of hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, and about previously diagnosed type 2-diabetes. In order to define MS, we collected data about waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose. Results: Out of 35 (26.5%) seafarers who fulfilled the criteria for MS at follow-up, 18 had MS at baseline while 9 were incident cases. Two seafarers with MS at baseline ceased to qualify for this condition at follow-up. The prevalence of seafarers with MS at follow-up represents a minimal estimate because a proportion could not be assessed due to missing fasting blood tests. Smoking and alcohol consumption was not reduced. Conclusions: In spite of the intervention, the prevalence of MS increased in this group of seafarers. This study indicates the limitations of individual health promotion and the need for corporate actions. (Int Marit Health 2016; 67, 3: 129-136)
In 2006 we published our first review based on the available literature on occupational asthma in... more In 2006 we published our first review based on the available literature on occupational asthma in maritime environments in the "International Maritime Health" journal. Since then, we have obtained a great deal of new knowledge on asthma in seafood workers and fishermen and on the impact of exposures from sulphites preservatives, container fumigants etc. in maritime workers. This review aims to provide an update of the current knowledge base about occupational asthma in a maritime context and to provide recommendations regarding medical surveillance of workers at risk. (Int Marit Health 2016; 67, 3: 144-152)
OBJECTIVE: Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon is a frequent condition related to occupational exposur... more OBJECTIVE: Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon is a frequent condition related to occupational exposure to local vibration but has not been described in musicians. This study aims to describe cold-induced blanching of the right second and (in particular) third digits in a 67-year-old double bass player following decades of cumulative repetitive blunt trauma to the fingers from slapping the strings. METHODS: A physical examination was undertaken and systolic blood pressure measured before and after cold provocation. RESULTS: At 10ÅãC the brachial systolic blood pressure was 156 mm Hg while blood pressure was immeasurable at the finger level, corresponding to a finger/brachial index of 0% of the second and third fingers. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of objectively verified, playing-related Raynaud’s phenomenon in a musician.
Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of risk factors related to insulin r... more Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of risk factors related to insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome is a strong risk factor for chronic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and is related to nutritional factors, sleep patterns, work-related stress, fatigue, and physical activity -all of which are critical issues at sea. We have previously demonstrated a MS prevalence of 24.2% in Danish seafarers. This study aimed to follow the trend of MS after 2 years' intervention. Materials and methods: Out of 524 Danish seafarers (mean age 37.7 years) who underwent medical fit-for-duty examination by seamen's doctors at baseline, 141 seafarers (mean age 41.3 years) were tracked and re-examined after 2 years. At baseline all participants received general advice regarding lifestyle issues. Seafarers with MS were additionally given specific advice regarding treatment. The seafarers provided questionnaire information about their workplace on board, about treatment of hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, and about previously diagnosed type 2-diabetes. In order to define MS, we collected data about waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose. Results: Out of 35 (26.5%) seafarers who fulfilled the criteria for MS at follow-up, 18 had MS at baseline while 9 were incident cases. Two seafarers with MS at baseline ceased to qualify for this condition at follow-up. The prevalence of seafarers with MS at follow-up represents a minimal estimate because a proportion could not be assessed due to missing fasting blood tests. Smoking and alcohol consumption was not reduced. Conclusions: In spite of the intervention, the prevalence of MS increased in this group of seafarers. This study indicates the limitations of individual health promotion and the need for corporate actions. (Int Marit Health 2016; 67, 3: 129-136)
In 2006 we published our first review based on the available literature on occupational asthma in... more In 2006 we published our first review based on the available literature on occupational asthma in maritime environments in the "International Maritime Health" journal. Since then, we have obtained a great deal of new knowledge on asthma in seafood workers and fishermen and on the impact of exposures from sulphites preservatives, container fumigants etc. in maritime workers. This review aims to provide an update of the current knowledge base about occupational asthma in a maritime context and to provide recommendations regarding medical surveillance of workers at risk. (Int Marit Health 2016; 67, 3: 144-152)
OBJECTIVE: Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon is a frequent condition related to occupational exposur... more OBJECTIVE: Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon is a frequent condition related to occupational exposure to local vibration but has not been described in musicians. This study aims to describe cold-induced blanching of the right second and (in particular) third digits in a 67-year-old double bass player following decades of cumulative repetitive blunt trauma to the fingers from slapping the strings. METHODS: A physical examination was undertaken and systolic blood pressure measured before and after cold provocation. RESULTS: At 10ÅãC the brachial systolic blood pressure was 156 mm Hg while blood pressure was immeasurable at the finger level, corresponding to a finger/brachial index of 0% of the second and third fingers. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of objectively verified, playing-related Raynaud’s phenomenon in a musician.
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Papers by Jørgen Jepsen