Continued progression of asbestos-related respiratory disease after more than 15 years of non-exposure
Bar-Shai, A; Tiran, B; Topilsky, M; Greif, J; Fomin, I; Schwarz, Y
HERO ID
2078962
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Abstract
Year
2012
Language
English
PMID
| HERO ID | 2078962 |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Abstract |
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2012 |
| Title | Continued progression of asbestos-related respiratory disease after more than 15 years of non-exposure |
| Authors | Bar-Shai, A; Tiran, B; Topilsky, M; Greif, J; Fomin, I; Schwarz, Y |
| Journal | IMAJ |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 9 |
| Page Numbers | 560-565 |
| Abstract | <strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Most studies on asbestos-related diseases describe the associations between exposure and disease and the factors influencing that association. It is recognized that there is a long latency period between exposure and disease, but the health status of affected individuals after long-term non-exposure is uncertain.<br /><br /><strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>To describe the changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and computed tomographic imaging of the thorax over a 15 year period after cessation of exposure to asbestos in a cohort of Israeli power plant workers.<br /><br /><strong>METHODS: </strong>Israeli power plant workers whose PFTs and thoracic CT imaging between 1993 and 1998 revealed asbestos-related disease underwent a second clinical, functional and imaging evaluation up to 15 years later. The two sets of results were compared.<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Of the original cohort of 59 males, 35 were still alive and 18 of them agreed to take part in the current study. The mean length of their exposure was 30 +/- 10.06 years (range 7-43 years). Comparison of the initial and follow-up examination findings revealed a significant increase in calcification of the pleural plaques (from 37% to 66%, P = 0.008) and a deterioration in PFT results (P= 0.04). Of the 24 men who died, malignant disease was the cause of death in 53%, mostly in sites other than the respiratory system.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>PFTs declined and CT findings worsened in subjects who were formerly exposed to asbestos and had not been exposed to it for over a decade. Continued monitoring of individuals exposed to asbestos, even decades after the cessation of exposure, is recommended. |
| Pmid | 23101420 |
| Wosid | WOS:000309624900010 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | asbestos; pleural diseases; pulmonary function test (PFT); occupational lung disease; power plant workers |