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Asbestos exposure as a risk factor for retroperitoneal fibrosis

Toomas Uibu1, Panu Oksa, Anssi Auvinen

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Finland. toomas.uibu@saunalahti.fi

Lancet (London, England)
|May 4, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Occupational asbestos exposure is a significant cause of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF). This finding suggests RPF should be recognized as an occupational disease in exposed individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Fibrotic Diseases

Background:

  • Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition of unknown cause, characterized by a fibrous mass around the aorta and ureters.
  • Asbestos is known to cause pulmonary and pleural fibrosis, prompting investigation into its role in RPF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential link between asbestos exposure and the development of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF).
  • To determine if occupational asbestos exposure is a causal factor in RPF.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 43 RPF patients and 179 matched population-based controls in Finland (1990-2001).
  • Asbestos exposure and medical history were assessed via postal questionnaires and personal interviews.

Main Results:

  • RPF showed a strong association with asbestos exposure, with odds ratios increasing with cumulative exposure.
  • Significant risk factors included asbestos exposure (OR 5.54-8.84), ergot derivative use (OR 9.92), abdominal aortic aneurysm (OR 6.73), and heavy smoking (OR 4.73).
  • Attributable fractions for asbestos exposure were high, reaching 82-89%.

Conclusions:

  • Occupational asbestos exposure is identified as a key causal factor for retroperitoneal fibrosis.
  • RPF in individuals with work-related asbestos exposure should be classified as an occupational disease.

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