Table 5
Multiple regression of annual lung function change over two years on laboratory animal sensitisation, recent exposure, and the presence of respiratory symptoms in subjects working with laboratory animals for more than four years (n=217)
| Parameter | n | ΔFEV1 (ml/y) β (SE) | ΔFVC (ml/y) β (SE) | ΔMMEF (ml/s/y) β (SE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *p<0.05; **p<0.01. | ||||
| Gender (female) | 60 | 25.4 (15.8) | 19.6 (19.1) | −2.6 (39.7) |
| Age (/10 y) | −6.9 (8.8) | −21.4 (10.5)* | −3.4 (21.9) | |
| Pack years (/y) | −1.5 (0.8) | −0.9 (0.9) | −2.4 (2.0) | |
| Former smoker | 78 | 10.1 (14.2) | 10.1 (17.1) | 18.7 (35.6) |
| Common atopy | 99 | −7.3 (15.5) | −17.5 (18.7) | 3.3 (38.8) |
| Recently exposed to laboratory animals | 203 | −42.7 (26.6) | −39.1 (32.1) | −5.7 (66.7) |
| Sensitised to laboratory animals | 62 | −21.5 (25.5) | −22.5 (30.7) | 8.2 (63.8) |
| Sensitised and exposed to the same laboratory animal | 44 | 3.9 (28.0) | 8.7 (33.7) | −87.3 (70.1) |
| Symptoms of respiratory allergy to laboratory animals | 33 | 39.8 (19.5)* | 72.5 (23.4)** | 17.9 (48.7) |
