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Silicosis and end-stage renal disease
Kyle Steenland1, Ken Rosenman, Ed Socie
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. nsteenl@sph.emory.edu
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|January 24, 2003
Summary
This study investigated kidney disease in silicosis patients. While overall end-stage renal disease risk was not elevated, there was a suggestion of increased glomerular end-stage renal disease incidence.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Nephrology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by silica dust inhalation.
- Potential links between occupational lung diseases and kidney dysfunction require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of renal disease in workers diagnosed with silicosis.
- To assess the association between silicosis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1,328 workers with silicosis was identified from three states.
- Renal disease status was determined by linking the cohort to the US ESRD registry.
- Two analyses were performed, varying the start date for risk assessment.
Main Results:
- The first analysis, assuming risk began at silica exposure, showed a rate ratio of 0.77 for ESRD (12 observed vs. 15.6 expected).
- Four cases of glomerular ESRD were observed, with a standardized incidence ratio of 2.65 (95% CI 0.56-5.25).
- The second analysis, starting risk at silicosis register entry, yielded a rate ratio of 1.67 (95% CI 0.76-3.17) for ESRD (9 observed).
Conclusions:
- The study did not definitively establish an excess risk of overall ESRD among silicosis patients.
- A potential excess risk of glomerular ESRD was suggested, but findings were limited by small sample sizes and potential biases.