INCREASED LUNG STIFFNESS IN PERSONS WITH PLEURAL PLAQUES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 62  (6) , 412-424
Abstract
Men (45) with asbestos-related pleural plaques detected at a health screening center were investigated with measurement of lung volumes, airways resistance, ventilatory capacity, transfer factor, gas distribution, closing volume and static recoil pressures of the lung. The men were subjectively healthy, had confirmed exposure to asbestos and had normal chest radiograms apart from the presence of pleural plaques. Most men had been exposed to small or moderate amounts of asbestos with a mean duration of 39 yr since 1st exposure; 67% were smokers or ex-smokers. The lung function was evaluated using regression formulas which included smoking variables. The presence of lung parenchymal involvement with increased stiffness of the lungs and decreased lung volumes was seen. The changes in elastic recoil pressure of the lungs, total lung capacity and residual volume showed significant correlation with measures of asbestos exposure and extent of pleural changes. No synergistic effects between tobacco smoking and asbestos exposure on lung function was demonstrated. Measurements of the static elastic lung recoil and total lung capacity were the most sensitive tests for separating pleural plaque carriers from controls.

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