To assess the usefulness (sensitivity) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting TCP-induced changes in neurobiological markers induced by engine oil fumes.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Demyelinating disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Differences between both groups in: NPO (cognition, depression and anxiety).
MRI outcome: brain volume, neurometabolites (Cho/Cr, NAA/Cr), white matter
integrity (FA), brain perfusion (CBF), and difference in brain activation
during an executive functioning task measuring planning abilities (Tower of
London) and a paired associates task measuring episodic memory.
Secondary outcome
N.a.
Background summary
The outside air supplied to the cabin/flight deck on commercial aircraft
("bleed air") may sometimes be contaminated with tricresylphosphates (TCPs).
TCP is a neurotoxin, and a potent inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase,
resulting in accumulation of acetylcholine at synapses with overstimulation of
neurotransmission. Various air sampling cases have been conducted on single
flights and observed airborne TCPs and a wide range of aliphatic and aromatic
hydrocarbons. Medical record review of airline crew members who were examined
after exposure to contaminated bleed air found acute respiratory and/or central
nervous system symptoms among the most commonly reported. Pilot impairment or
incapacitation inflight has been attributed to exposure to oil fumes. The
potential contamination of aircraft cabin air by engine oil fumes is thus a
serious aviation safety concern for both aircrew and passengers. However, the
effects of engine oil fumes on neurobiological markers in flight attendants
have not been well studied.
Study objective
To assess the usefulness (sensitivity) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in
detecting TCP-induced changes in neurobiological markers induced by engine oil
fumes.
Study design
Cross-sectional pilot study
Study burden and risks
MRI itself is a non-invasive imaging modality. The nature of the burden is
classified as mild, considering that subjects will have to come to the AMC for
3 hours. The risks involved are negligible, as all the techniques employed are
registered for their use and/or routinely performed at the AMC.
Meibergdreef 9
1105 AZ
NL
Meibergdreef 9
1105 AZ
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Flight attendants with cognitive complaints as determined by Nederlands Centrum voor Beroepsziekten (NCvB), aged between 35 and 50 years (M/F).
Control group: healthy volunteers, aged between 35 and 50 years, who have attended less than 1-2 flights lifetime (M/V).
Exclusion criteria
A history of neuropsychiatric disease, alcohol abuse. Contraindications for MRI (e.g. osteosynthetic material, pacemaker, artificial cardiac valves); claustrophobia.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL34359.018.10 |