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Murgia N, Akgun M, Blanc PD, Costa JT, Moitra S, Muñoz X, Toren K, Ferreira AJ. Issue 3-The occupational burden of respiratory diseases, an update. Pulmonology 2024:S2531-0437(24)00045-X. [PMID: 38704309 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Workplace exposures are widely known to cause specific occupational diseases such as silicosis and asbestosis, but they also can contribute substantially to causation of common respiratory diseases. In 2019, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) published a joint statement on the occupational burden of respiratory diseases. Our aim on this narrative review is to summarise the most recent evidence published after the ATS/ERS statement as well as to provide information on traditional occupational lung diseases that can be useful for clinicians and researchers. RESULTS Newer publications confirm the findings of the ATS/ERS statement on the role of workplace exposure in contributing to the aetiology of the respiratory diseases considered in this review (asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, infectious pneumonia). Except for COPD, chronic bronchitis and infectious pneumonia, the number of publications in the last 5 years for the other diseases is limited. For traditional occupational lung diseases such as silicosis and asbestosis, there are old as well as novel sources of exposure and their burden continues to be relevant, especially in developing countries. CONCLUSIONS Occupational exposure remains an important risk factor for airways and interstitial lung diseases, causing occupational lung diseases and contributing substantially in the aetiology of common respiratory diseases. This information is critical for public health professionals formulating effective preventive strategies but also for clinicians in patient care. Effective action requires shared knowledge among clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Murgia
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - M Akgun
- Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Ağrı, Turkey
| | - P D Blanc
- Division of Occupational, Environmental, and Climate Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, California, USA
| | - J T Costa
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal
| | - S Moitra
- Alberta Respiratory Centre and Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - X Muñoz
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - K Toren
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A J Ferreira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra. Coimbra, Portugal
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Althobiani MA, Russell AM, Jacob J, Ranjan Y, Folarin AA, Hurst JR, Porter JC. Interstitial lung disease: a review of classification, etiology, epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1296890. [PMID: 38698783 PMCID: PMC11063378 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1296890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) refer to a heterogeneous and complex group of conditions characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, or both, in the interstitium of the lungs. This results in impaired gas exchange, leading to a worsening of respiratory symptoms and a decline in lung function. While the etiology of some ILDs is unclear, most cases can be traced back to factors such as genetic predispositions, environmental exposures (including allergens, toxins, and air pollution), underlying autoimmune diseases, or the use of certain medications. There has been an increase in research and evidence aimed at identifying etiology, understanding epidemiology, improving clinical diagnosis, and developing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in the field of interstitial lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik A. Althobiani
- Royal Free Campus, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anne-Marie Russell
- School of Health and Care Professions, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Jacob
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Satsuma Lab, Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London Respiratory, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yatharth Ranjan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amos A. Folarin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at University College London Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - John R. Hurst
- Royal Free Campus, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna C. Porter
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Bermudo G, Roman-Rodriguez M, Molina-Molina M. Interstitial lung diseases: never forget to think about it in primary care. Expert Rev Respir Med 2024; 18:9-15. [PMID: 38486433 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2331763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Bermudo
- ILD Unit, Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge, IDIBELL, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Network Research Consortium (CIBERES), Spain
| | - Miguel Roman-Rodriguez
- Primary Care Respiratory Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Baleares (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Son Pisa Primary Care health centre, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Maria Molina-Molina
- ILD Unit, Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge, IDIBELL, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Network Research Consortium (CIBERES), Spain
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Lin IF, Shen HC, Lin SF, Chang HC, Chen TT. Interstitial lung disease related to occupational hard metal exposure: two case reports. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:312. [PMID: 37468982 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04043-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hard metal lung disease (HMLD) is a relatively less known occupational interstitial lung disease, and instances of HMLD resulting from para-occupational exposure are rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION This paper presents two cases of interstitial lung disease caused by exposure to hard metal. The first case involves a 37-year-old Taiwanese man who had worked at a grinder station for hard metal materials for 12 years without respiratory protective equipment. He experienced a dry cough and exertional dyspnea, and his chest imaging and pathology findings were consistent with the features of usual interstitial pneumonia. Analysis of his lung tissue revealed the presence of tungsten and cobalt. The second case involves a 68-year-old Taiwanese woman, the mother of the first patient, who had hand-washed her son's workwear. She experienced a dry cough and had similar imaging findings to her son. After her son left his job, they both exhibited improved symptoms and lung functions with nintedanib treatment. These findings suggest a diagnosis of HMLD and interstitial lung disease resulting from para-occupational exposure to hard metal dust. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of HMLD relies on obtaining a detailed occupational exposure history. If HMLD is diagnosed, discontinuing exposing to hard metal dusts can lead to improved lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Fan Lin
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chin Shen
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Fu Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Chuen Chang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Tao Chen
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Cohen RA, Go LHT, Rose CS. Global Trends in Occupational Lung Disease. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44:317-326. [PMID: 37072021 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1766117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Lung diseases caused by workplace exposure are too often mis- or underdiagnosed due in part to nonexistent or inadequate health surveillance programs for workers. Many of these diseases are indistinguishable from those that occur in the general population and are not recognized as being caused at least in part by occupational exposures. More than 10% of all lung diseases are estimated to result from workplace exposures. This study reviews recent estimates of the burden of the most important occupational lung diseases using data published by United Nations specialized agencies as well as the Global Burden of Disease studies. We focus on occupational chronic respiratory disease of which chronic obstructive lung disease and asthma are the most significant. Among occupational cancers, lung cancer is the most common, and is associated with more than 10 important workplace carcinogens. Classic occupational interstitial lung diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, and coal workers' pneumoconiosis still comprise a substantial burden of disease in modern industrial societies, while other occupational causes of pulmonary fibrosis and granulomatous inflammation are frequently misclassified as idiopathic. Occupational respiratory infections gained prominence during the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, eclipsing influenza and tuberculosis and other less common workplace infectious agents. The most significant risks are workplace exposures to particulate matter, gases, and fumes as well as occupational carcinogens and asthmagens. We present data on the burden of disease measured by deaths attributable to occupational respiratory disease as well as disability-adjusted years of life lost. Where available, prevalence and incidence data are also presented. These diseases are unique in that they are theoretically 100% preventable if appropriate exposure controls and workplace medical surveillance are implemented. This remains a continuing challenge globally and requires steadfast commitment on the part of government, industry, organized labor, and the medical profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Cohen
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leonard H T Go
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Cecile S Rose
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
- Division of Pulmonary Science and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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Perečinský S, Murínová L, Tomčová J, Poľanová M, Legáth Ľ. Machine operator's lung outbreak due to Eikenella corrodens. Occup Med (Lond) 2022; 72:522-526. [PMID: 35932246 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) are not uncommon in workplaces where metalworking fluids (MWFs) are used. The recirculation of MWFs leads to microbiological contamination, which is responsible for outbreaks. Most outbreak reports come from USA and the UK; however, no similar reports have been published from Central Europe. AIMS To describe an outbreak of MWF-associated HP in workers from a compressor assembly manufacturing facility in Slovak Republic and to identify the potential antigens responsible for the outbreak. METHODS We investigated the history of worker's symptoms, physical examinations, lung function tests, radiographic scans and lung biopsies. The MWF samples were analysed for different strains of bacteria and fungi. Antigen extracts were produced from the microorganisms isolated from MWFs, and positive precipitin reactions were evaluated. RESULTS MWF-associated HP was diagnosed in 21 men and 6 women. All workers had work-related dyspnoea and cough with abnormal pulmonary diffusing capacity. Twenty-four cases had evidence of interstitial lung disease. Four cases were classified as having fibrotic HP. Nineteen microbial isolates (12 bacteria and 7 fungi) were cultured from the MWFs. Twenty-five cases had a positive response to at least one isolate. Eikenella corrodens and Bacillus subtilis were the most frequently reacting antigens (in 15 and 12 workers, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Despite decreasing reports of MWF-associated HP outbreaks over the past several decades, we describe one of the largest outbreaks in Europe. While the bacterium E. corrodens was found in the MWF samples, its relationship to the disease should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Perečinský
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University and the L. Pasteur University Hospital, Rastislavova, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - L Murínová
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University and the L. Pasteur University Hospital, Rastislavova, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - J Tomčová
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University and the L. Pasteur University Hospital, Rastislavova, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - M Poľanová
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The National Institute of Tuberculosis, Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Vyšné Hágy, Vysoké Tatry, Slovak Republic
| | - Ľ Legáth
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University and the L. Pasteur University Hospital, Rastislavova, Kosice, Slovak Republic
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Kawano-Dourado L, Glassberg MK, Assayag D, Borie R, Johannson KA. Sex and gender in interstitial lung diseases. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/210105. [PMID: 34789464 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0105-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender differences influence key domains of research, lung health, healthcare access and healthcare delivery. In interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis are clearly influenced by sex hormones. Additionally, short telomeres, a biomarker of telomere regulation gene mutations, are impacted by sex, while heritability unexplained by genetic variation may be attributable to gendered environmental factors that drive epigenetic control. Diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, occupational ILDs, connective tissue-associated ILDs and lymphangioleiomyomatosis have different prevalence and prognosis between men and women. These differences arise from a complex interplay between biological sex and sociocultural gender influencing genetics, epigenomic modifiers, hormones, immune function, response to treatment and interaction with healthcare systems. Much work remains to be done to systematically integrate sex and gender analysis into relevant domains of science and clinical care in ILD, from strategic considerations for establishing research priorities to guidelines for establishing best clinical practices. Accounting for sex and gender in ILD is essential to the practice of individualised, patient-centred medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Kawano-Dourado
- HCor Research Institute, Hospital do Coracao, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,INSERM 1152, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marilyn K Glassberg
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Division, Dept of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Raphaël Borie
- Pulmonary Division, Hospital Bichat, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Kerri A Johannson
- Depts of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada .,Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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James E, Linde B, Redlich CA. Master Clinician and Public Health Practitioner: Selected Occupational and Environmental Pulmonary Cases. Clin Chest Med 2021; 41:567-580. [PMID: 33153680 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Occupational and environmental exposures contribute to the development and progression of most lung diseases, yet their impact is greatly under-recognized in clinical practice. Clinicians caring for patients with respiratory diseases should maintain a high index of suspicion for occupational and environmental contributing factors. Mastering occupational and environmental medicine clinical decision making requires specialized clinical skills. These skills include obtaining an appropriate work and exposure history; making an assessment of the magnitude and relevance of exposures and their contribution to a patient's respiratory disease; utilizing appropriate resources for evaluation and management of exposure-related disease; and considering socioeconomic and public health factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efia James
- Department of Medicine, Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, ESHA 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Brian Linde
- Department of Medicine, Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, ESHA 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Carrie A Redlich
- Department of Medicine, Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, ESHA 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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