Pig-Slaughter Neuropathy: AAN Update

Follow-up data from 2 dozen pork-processing workers in Minnesota and Indiana who developed progressive inflammatory neuropathy (PIN) in late 2007 will be presented at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Seattle. PIN, in this case, is believed to be due to a distinctive autoantibody, developed as a result of exposure to aerosolized pig brains, which crossreacted with the patient's proximal and distal nerves. An abstract of the update (S27.003) was released in advance of the AAN meeting according to the latest issue of Neurology Today (for background at this blog, go here, here, here, and here).

Although all workers continue to experience symptoms, including neuropathic-type pain, more than 1 year later, clinical improvement was observed in 16 of 17 patients who received immunotherapy (eg, methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin). Six others, however, who did not receive treatment, spontaneously improved. Nerve conduction studies in 22 patients indicated a primarily demyelinating, mostly sensory, proximal and distal polyradiculoneuropathy. Autonomic dysfunction (eg, sweat abnormality) was also detected.

No additional cases of PIN have been observed since measures were taken to alter pork-processing techniques (namely, discontinuing the use of an air compressor to "blow" [essentially puree] pig brains housed in their pig crania) and to improve employees' protective gear.