Reversible beryllium sensitization in a prospective study of beryllium workers.
Arch Environ Health
; 38(5): 302-7, 1983.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-6651355
ABSTRACT
Chronic beryllium disease is a granulomatous and fibrotic pulmonary disorder with increased numbers and percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid similar to that found in hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Blastogenic lymphocyte transformation (LT) to beryllium salts has been described in lavage and blood lymphocytes in patients with chronic beryllium disease. We conducted a 3-yr prospective study to evaluate the relationship between LT and beryllium exposure and pulmonary changes consistent with chronic beryllium disease. There were 15.9% (13/82) positive LTs in 1979 and 8.2% (5/61) in 1982. Of 11 positive LTs in 1979, 8 were negative in 1982, concomitant with a significant reduction in exposure. A positive LT was not associated with reduced pulmonary function, and no radiographic changes consistent with beryllium disease were identified. We propose that LT in beryllium workers is related to exposure and is reversible when exposure levels are reduced through diligent industrial hygiene measures.
Buscar no Google
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Beriliose
/
Ativação Linfocitária
/
Mineração
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
1983
Tipo de documento:
Article