Petroleum distillate solvents as risk factors for Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD)

Occupational solvent exposure may increase the risk of connective tissue di sease (CTD). The objective of this case-control study was to investigate th e relation between undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and so lvent exposure in Michigan and Ohio. Women were considered to have UCTD if they did not meet the American College of Rheumatology classification crite ria for any CTD but had at least two documented signs, symptoms, or laborat ory abnormalities suggestive of a CTD. Detailed information on solvent expo sure was ascertained from 205 cases, diagnosed between 1980 and 1992, and 2 ,095 population-based controls. Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95 percen t confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for all exposures. Among 16 sel f-reported occupational activities with potential solvent exposure, furnitu re refinishing (OR = 9.73, 95 percent CI 1.48-63.90), perfume, cosmetic, or drug manufacturing (OR = 7.71, 95 percent CI 2.24-26.56), rubber product m anufacturing (OR = 4.70, 95 percent CI 1.75-12.61), work in a medical diagn ostic or pathology laboratory (OR = 4.52, 95 percent CI 2.27-8.97), and pai nting or paint manufacturing (OR = 2.87, 95 percent CI 1.06-7.76) were sign ificantly associated with UCTD. After expert review of self-reported exposu re to ten specific solvents, paint thinners or removers (OR = 2.73, 95 perc ent CI 1.80-4.16) and mineral spirits (OR = 1.81, 95 percent CI 1.09-3.02) were associated with UCTD. These results suggest that exposure to petroleum distillates increases the risk of developing UCTD.