Assessment of neurophysiological parameters of the nervous system in non-ferrous foundry workers

A comprehensive assessment of the health status includes the functional exploration of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Results of the neurophysiological examination allow elaboration of effective personified therapeutic and preventive programs for the core personnel of non-ferrous metal industry. Our objective was to study functional disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems in smelter operators for further development of risk-based rehabilitation programs for workers engaged in production of non-ferrous metals. Two cohorts of male workers were examined. The case cohort included 60 smelter operators of a large metallurgical plant situated in the Sverdlovsk Region and the control cohort consisted of 50 unexposed employees. The cohorts were matched by age and years of work experience. The mean age of smelter operators was 37.8 ± 7.9 years and their mean length of current employment was 4.1 ± 4.6 years, while the total length of work under hazardous occupational conditions was 7.1 ± 6.0 years. The case cohort included 39 operators of refinery boilers (mean age: 35.6 ± 7.2 years, mean length of employment: 4.2 ± 4.7 years) and 21 operators of the ore thermal furnace (mean age: 41.9 ± 7.6 years, mean length of current employment: 3.9 ± 4.4 years). All subjects underwent a neurocognitive examination (higher brain function testing), electroneuromyography, the somatosensory evoked response test, and electroencephalography. The results of examining the higher brain function enabled us to form the neurocognitive profile of the workers. We revealed signs of mild cognitive impairment in 30 % and a decrease in the cognitive reserve in 35 % of the cases. The diagnosed peripheral nervous system disorders included distal sensory polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. The comprehensive neurophysiological examination helps detect early changes in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The findings should be taken into account when developing personal medical rehabilitation programs.