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A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors for Respiratory Failure in Silicosis Patients Exposed to Granite Dust
Elisabetta Zinellu1, Barbara Piras, Biagio Di Lorenzo
1From the Clinical and Interventional Respiratory Unit, University Hospital of Sassari (AOU), Sassari, Italy (E.Z., B.P., M.C.P., C.S., S.S.F., A.G.F., and P.P.); Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy (B.D.L., S.Z., C.C., and A.Z.); Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy (E.A., A.G.F., and P.P.); Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia (A.A.M.); and Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital (AOU) of Sassari, Sassari, Italy (C.C.).
Background:
Silicosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust that, despite safety advances, remains widespread, especially in developing countries. Respirable silica particles reach the alveoli, triggering inflammation and fibrosis development. Severe cases may progress to respiratory failure, underscoring the importance of identifying risk factors.
Methods:
We retrospectively assessed male patients diagnosed with pulmonary silicosis, with or without respiratory failure. All data were obtained at the time of diagnosis.
Results:
Respiratory failure was present in 19 out of 75 patients. In multivariate analysis, respiratory failure was significantly associated with longer occupational exposure, the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary hypertension.
Conclusions:
This study investigated factors linked to respiratory failure in workers with silicosis. The described findings might optimize the prevention, early detection, and management of this patient group.
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