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HERO ID
2252658
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Diffusing capacity and forced vital capacity in 5,003 asbestos-exposed workers: Relationships to interstitial fibrosis (ILO profusion score) and pleural thickening
Author(s)
Miller, A; Warshaw, R; Nezamis, J
Year
2013
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
ISSN:
0271-3586
EISSN:
1097-0274
Volume
56
Issue
12
Page Numbers
1383-1393
Language
English
PMID
24038345
DOI
10.1002/ajim.22239
Web of Science Id
WOS:000330040200002
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease whose radiographic severity has long been graded by the International Labour Office (ILO) profusion score. Its effect on pulmonary function is further impacted by asbestos related pleural thickening.
OBJECTIVES:
This report aims to describe the relationships between radiographic grading of interstitial and pleural fibrosis and a key test of pulmonary function, the diffusing capacity, which measures gas exchange and has rarely been assessed in large groups, and to confirm the relationship to an independent test of pulmonary function, the vital capacity, which measures a mechanical property of the lungs.
METHODS:
The data were derived from a survey during the period 1997-2004 of 5,003 workers (all white males) exposed to asbestos in various trades. Tests included chest radiographs read by a certified expert ("B") reader, forced vital capacity (FVC), and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco). Cigarette smoking was adjusted for in the predictive equation for DLCO . Workers were evaluated at a mobile facility at work sites in four southern states.
RESULTS:
Both diffusing capacity and vital capacity were negatively correlated with profusion score over the full spectrum of radiographic severity. ILO profusion scores 0/1 (conventionally classified as normal) and 1/0 (conventionally classified as abnormal) were associated with similar diffusing capacity and vital capacity values. The highest profusion scores were associated with a greater proportionate decrease in diffusing capacity than in FVC. Both tests showed an effect of pleural fibrosis.
CONCLUSIONS:
Both radiographic severity graded by the profusion score and pleural thickening are correlated with two independent measures of pulmonary function. FVC (which had been reported in smaller work forces) and DLCO (which has not been reported). Both measures show a decrease from normal to intermediate (0/1, 1/0) scores and a further decrease with greater scores, demonstrating the consistency of radiographic and functional assessments. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1383-1393, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords
pulmonary function; asbestosis; pleural thickening; profusion score; International Labour Office; diffusing capacity; vital capacity
Tags
IRIS
•
Libby Amphibole Asbestos (Draft, 2011)
Pulmonary Function Search, Sept 2013
Database Search
Additional Search Strategies
Primary Source Study
OPPT REs
•
OPPT_Asbestos, Part I: Chrysotile_A. Summary
Suggested Literature: Public Comments
•
OPPT_Asbestos, Part I: Chrysotile_C. Engineering
Total – title/abstract screening
Off topic
•
OPPT_Asbestos, Part I: Chrysotile_D. Exposure
Total – title/abstract screening
Off topic
•
OPPT_Asbestos, Part I: Chrysotile_E. Fate
Total – title/abstract screening
Off topic
•
OPPT_Asbestos, Part I: Chrysotile_F. Human Health
Total – title/abstract screening
On topic
Peer review
Primary source
On topic - additional tags for titles/abstracts
Human hazard ID
Asbestosis
•
OPPT_Asbestos, Part I: Chrysotile_Supplemental Search
LitSearch: Sept 2020 (Undated)
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