Could whole lung lavage help in artificial-stone silicosis?
A small Australian case series demonstrates significant radiological improvement with the intervention, clinicians say
Whole lung lavage for patients with artificial-stone silicosis results in radiological improvement, Queensland respiratory physicians say after conducting a proof-of-concept study.
The group has published a case series of six men who had worked in the artificial stone industry with neither PPE nor adequate dust suppression, ranging in age between 25 and 56.
All six had either worsening symptoms, worsening lung function or both and had predominant ground glass opacification. Men with extensive fibrosis were excluded.
Median lung function measurements prior to lavage were: FEV1 3.9L, FVC 4.8L, FEV1/FVC 0.82 and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide of 26mL/min/mmHg.
