Juntunen J
Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 1982;92:89-108.
Clinical syndromes caused by chronic exposure to organic solvents and by chronic abuse of alcohol share several common features. In practice, both develop insidiously usually through repeated episodes of acute intoxications. It is difficult to diagnose them at their early stages. Careful history taking which includes the occupational history and tests for possible non-neurologic signs of alcoholism are necessary for the correct diagnosis. Regular absenteeism, lack of efficiency at work and changing jobs often are typical features of alcohol abuse. Difficulties in obtaining an adequate history of the patient's drinking habits are readily apparent, and considerable efforts are required. One should remember that alcohol abuse by no means rules out the possible concomitant effects of chronic exposure to organic solvents. The inadequacy and insufficiency of human data on exposure to various solvents and the consumption of alcohol make it imperative that epidemiologic studies focus on these problems. Special emphasis should be paid to the proper selection of sensitive techniques for the early detection of health impairments due to the consumption of alcohol and exposure to organic solvents.
长期接触有机溶剂和长期酗酒所致的临床综合征有若干共同特征。实际上，两者通常都隐匿起病，往往是通过反复的急性中毒发作。在疾病早期很难对它们作出诊断。要作出正确诊断，仔细询问病史（包括职业史）以及对可能存在的酒精中毒非神经学体征进行检查是必要的。经常旷工、工作效率低下和频繁更换工作往往是酗酒的典型特征。获取患者饮酒习惯的充分病史存在明显困难，需要付出相当大的努力。应当记住，酗酒绝不能排除长期接触有机溶剂可能产生的协同效应。关于接触各种溶剂和饮酒的人体数据不足且不充分，这使得流行病学研究必须关注这些问题。应特别重视正确选择敏感技术，以便早期发现因饮酒和接触有机溶剂而导致的健康损害。
