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PubMed2005

[Silicosis].

Silicosis, which acquired great significance during the period of increase in mining and construction, continues to be a pathology with a high morbidity and mortality within pneumoconiosis. Exposure to silica produces pathological, clinical and radiological alterations that together with compatible personal antecedents suggests its diagnosis in a simple way. The associated complications as well as its differential diagnosis from other types of pneumopathy mean that a review of this entity is needed.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed2005

[Asbestos: characteristics, properties, pathogenesis and sources of exposure].

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has been known since ancient times. It is widely used in industry due to its physical and chemical properties which make it highly suitable for this end. Asbestos is classified in two groups--serpentine and amphibole--depending on the curved or straight configuration of their fibres. Outstanding amongst its properties are its resistance to heat, wear, alkalis and acids, and its flexibility, amongst other characteristics, which make it a suitable material for use as insulation, in industrial textiles and in many other fields. The pathogenic risk of asbestos remaining for a long time in the pulmonary tissue has been known for many years; studies attribute it with alteration of the mucociliary activity of the host, macrophage activation and the freeing of inflammatory mediators as well as an increase in their oncogenic strength on association with tobacco and even some viruses.

Asbestosis↗

PubMed2005

[Registry of occupational respiratory diseases in Navarre].

BACKGROUND: In January 2002 an occupational respiratory diseases record was established in Navarre so that the number and characteristics of the occupational respiratory pathology could be analysed. METHODS: The cases reported by doctors who collaborated in 2002, 2003 and 2004, were entered in a database for subsequently analysis. This database has several variables: gender, age, tobacco habit, hospital department and notifying doctor, diagnosis, job and causal agent. RESULTS: 125 cases were reported. 97 males (77.6%) and 28 females (22.4%). Average age was 55,4 years old. Eighty-eight were non-smokers (70.4%) and 37 were smokers (29.6%). Pneumology reported 84 cases (67.2%) and Allergology 41 (32.8%). The diagnoses were: 50 bronchial asthma (40%), 31 benign pleural disease (24.8%), 8 extrinsic allergic alveolitis (6.4%), 8 mesothelioma (6.4%), 7 bronchopulmonary cancer (5.6%), 5 acute inhalations (4%), 3 amianthinopsy (2.4%), 2 rhinitis (1.6%), 1 RADS (0.8%) and 1 COPD (0.8%). The most reported jobs were: 13 painting and varnishing (10.4%), 12 spinning asbestos yarn (9.6%) and 8 bakery and confectionery (6.4%). The main causal agents were: 49 cases of asbestos (39.2%), 15 isocyanates (12%) and 8 silica (6.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent pathology was bronchial asthma, followed by benign pleural disease. The most reported job was painting and varnishing and secondly spinning asbestos yarn. Asbestos was the first substance involved and the second was isocyanates. Most of the patients were males and non-smokers. The Pneumology Service of the Virgen del Camino Hospital reported most of the cases. Ratio contrast analysis showed a certain tendency towards a statistical significance in rhinitis, occupational asthma and amianthinopsy.

Adult↗