RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Since previous studies have provided conflicting results, we investigated the relationship between the risk of benign asbestos-related diseases and different aspects of asbestos exposure in previous asbestos workers who underwent low-dose computed tomography (CT). METHODS: CT scans were carried out in 772 subjects. A questionnaire was employed to collect data on smoking habits and duration, peak and cumulative exposure, and time since first exposure to asbestos. Multiple logistic regression models with stepwise selection of variables were used to evaluate the associations. RESULTS: Fourteen (1.8%) cases of asbestosis, 187 (24.2%) of pleural plaques (PP), and 50 (6.5%) of diffuse pleural thickening (DPT) were found. The significant risk factors were: cumulative exposure for asbestosis (P for trend = 0.004); time since first exposure (P for trend <0.001), and peak exposure (P for trend <0.001) for PP; and time since first exposure for DPT (P for trend = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Parenchymal asbestosis and PP are associated with different aspects of asbestos exposure. DPT appears to be less specific for asbestos exposure.
Assuntos
Amianto/toxicidade , Asbestose/epidemiologia , Relação Dose-Resposta Imunológica , Pneumopatias/epidemiologia , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Doenças Pleurais/epidemiologia , Asbestose/diagnóstico , Asbestose/etiologia , Intervalos de Confiança , Feminino , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Humanos , Itália/epidemiologia , Modelos Logísticos , Pneumopatias/diagnóstico , Pneumopatias/etiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Razão de Chances , Doenças Pleurais/etiologia , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Inquéritos e Questionários , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Hen's egg proteins are known sensitizers and may cause occupational respiratory diseases in exposed workers. The study was conducted in order to ascertain the prevalence of sensitization to work-related antigens in asymptomatic egg processing factory workers. METHODS: Clinical history, respiratory function, atopy and the presence of specific antibodies to environmental and occupational antigens were evaluated in 77 workers. A total of 116 unexposed and non-professionally exposed controls were also studied. The antigen concentration of the factory environment was measured. RESULTS: Specific IgE and precipitin positivity to egg components was more frequently present in workers than in the two control groups. The egg white protein concentration was higher in the egg breaking area. CONCLUSIONS: The avian proteins inhaled induced immune responses to occupational antigens in asymptomatic, professionally exposed subjects. Measures to decrease environmental antigen concentrations and thorough clinical monitoring of sensitized workers are advocated.