Impairment of lung function in asbestos-exposed workers in relation to high-resolution computed tomography

Piirilä, P; Lindqvist, M; Huuskonen, O; Kaleva, S; Koskinen, H; Lehtola, H; Vehmas, T; Kivisaari, L; Sovijärvi, AR

HERO ID

2079011

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2005

Language

English

PMID

15751618

HERO ID 2079011
In Press No
Year 2005
Title Impairment of lung function in asbestos-exposed workers in relation to high-resolution computed tomography
Authors Piirilä, P; Lindqvist, M; Huuskonen, O; Kaleva, S; Koskinen, H; Lehtola, H; Vehmas, T; Kivisaari, L; Sovijärvi, AR
Journal Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health
Volume 31
Issue 1
Page Numbers 44-51
Abstract <strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>The aim of the study was to determine the causes of impairment of ventilatory function and diffusing capacity in smoking asbestos-exposed workers (N=590) showing radiological pleural thickenings or pulmonary fibrosis.<br /><br /><strong>METHODS: </strong>High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and spirometry were performed, and diffusing capacity was measured. The workers were divided into five groups based on the HRCT scoring: pleural disease (N=190), pulmonary fibrosis (N=68), emphysema (N=148), combined fibrosis and emphysema (N=74), and marked adhesions (N=110). The graded lung function impairment was compared between the groups.<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Moderate impairment of forced expiratory volume in 1 second [odds ratio (OR) 2.72, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.31-5.57] and forced vital capacity (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.05-6.89) was associated with the persons with combined fibrosis and emphysema. Marked impairment of diffusing capacity was associated with the combined fibrosis and emphysema (OR 4.94, 95% CI 2.48-9.77) but not with pleural disease (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.45) or pulmonary fibrosis (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.08-1.05). For the persons with combined fibrosis and emphysema, the mean fibrosis score did not differ between normal, slightly reduced, or markedly reduced diffusing capacity, but the emphysema score was significantly higher for the patients with marked impairment than for those with normal diffusing capacity (P < 0.01).<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Different profiles of asbestos- and smoking-induced pulmonary or pleural disease were found. The results indicate that the most important factor determining the degree of functional impairment in smoking asbestos-exposed workers is the presence of pulmonary emphysema.
Pmid 15751618
Wosid WOS:000227292200006
Url http://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=847
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword asbestosis; diffusing capacity; emphysema; lung function
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