Risk Factors for Mortality in Denim Sandblasters Silicosis: Selecting Candidate for Lung Transplantation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to review the risk factors for silicosis together with survival analysis and a perspective for lung transplantation with data from a single center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

We reviewed the medical records of denim sandblasters who were referred to our center between January 2006 and December 2011 and evaluated 219 patients with a history of denim sandblasting with a minimum follow-up period of 5 years until 2016. We analyzed several personal and occupational features, together with functional and radiologic data.

RESULTS:

Of the 219 denim sandblasters, 107 (49%) had been diagnosed with silicosis. In the logistic regression analysis, the duration of exposure was the only independent risk factor for the development of silicosis, indicating a 9% increased risk of silicosis for every month of exposure (p<0.001; odds ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval 1.050-1.132). Of the patients, 7 (3%) died. A forced expiratory volume in the first second of <44% and a forced vital capacity of <47% were associated with an increased risk of mortality. Mortality was significantly higher in the international labor office category 3 patients, and 5-year survival rates of patients with A, B, and C lung opacities were 88%, 67%, and 25%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Silicosis still kills young workers. Severe radiologic involvement and decreased lung volumes are related to mortality, and lung transplantation is the only therapeutic option.

• Authors: Türkan Nadir Öziş, Nur Şafak Alıcı, İbrahim Onur Alıcı, Dilek Ergün, Emine Avcı, Nevin Taci Hoca, Ömer Hınç Yılmaz
• Journal: Turkish thoracic journal (Turk Thorac J) Vol. 22 Issue 1 Pg. 50-56 (Jan 2021) ISSN: 2149-2530 [Electronic] Turkey
• PMID: 33646104 (Publication Type: Journal Article)