Nitrogen dioxide-induced pulmonary disease: five new cases and a review of the leterature.

Abstract

Twenty-three patients exposed to nitrogen dioxide in agriculture or industry were referred to the University of Wisconsin Medical Center. Eighteen experienced a transient upper respiratory tract syndrome; five developed pulmonary edema or bronchiolitis obliterans. This latter group responded to steroid therapy but all demonstrated evidence of persistent pulmonary dysfunction on follow-up studies. Combining our findings with those in the literature we concluded: (1) exposure to NO2 is more common than generally appreciated; (2) case fatality is high--29% for silo-filler's disease; (3) steroids are effective therapy and should be continued for at least eight weeks; (4) although the majority recover without significant sequelae, some individuals may develop persistent functional abnormalities; (5) there is no evidence that long-term exposure to low concentrations of NO2 leads to chronic airway obstruction; and, (6) NO2-induced pulmonary disease could be elminated with appropriate preventive measures.

• Authors: E P Horvath, G A doPico, R A Barbee, H A Dickie
• Journal: Journal of occupational medicine. : official publication of the Industrial Medical Association (J Occup Med) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 103-10 (Feb 1978) ISSN: 0096-1736 [Print] United States
• PMID: 627925 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Nitrogen Dioxide
• Prednisone

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Lung Diseases (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nitrogen Dioxide (adverse effects)
• Occupational Diseases (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Pneumonia (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Prednisone (therapeutic use)
• Pulmonary Edema (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Radiography
• Syndrome