Fitness for work assessment in primary thrombocytosis: A review article

Nejatifar F; Attarchi MS; Sohrabi MM; Seyed mehdi SM

doi:10.18502/tkj.v15i4.14589

Nejatifar F Associate Professor of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Attarchi MS Professor of Occupational Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Sohrabi MM Occupational medicine specialist in ASA Occupational Medicine Center, unit 1, fifth floor, Valiasr street, No 1802, Tehran, Iran
Seyed mehdi SM Associate Professor of Occupational Medicine,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v15i4.14589

Keywords: Primary thrombocytosis, Fitness for work, Risk assessment

Abstract

Introduction: Primary thrombocytosis is a chronic disease that can increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. According to the common age of onset of the disease, this study was conducted to evaluate fitness for work in people with this disease.

Materials and Methods: This article reviewed relevant evidence from 12 studies conducted between 1930 and 2023 obtained from authoritative databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc.

Results: The review of these studies showed that to evaluate fitness for work, especially in safety-sensitive jobs, it is necessary to assess the risk of major complications related to this disorder, especially thrombotic and bleeding events. Factors such as age, family history of disorders, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, history of thrombotic events, and duration of thrombocytosis should be considered. In addition, when evaluating fitness for work in these patients, the possibility of exacerbation of symptoms in working conditions, the risk of thrombotic events and bleeding, and the impact of these disorders on the individual's work and life and injury to colleagues should be considered.

Conclusion: In people with primary thrombocytosis, related symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tinnitus, weight loss, night sweats, or fever should be investigated and preliminary tests should be requested. It is recommended to evaluate the working conditions in terms of the possibility of aggravation of symptoms, the occurrence of complications related to the disease, access to medical services, and finally making a decision about fitness for work based on the level of risk and the conditions of the work environment.