Pneumoconiosis complicated

A major contribution of the free-radical scavenging activity in blood plasma is attributable to the macro-molecular proteins (Wayner et al., 1985) of which albumin is a primary component and trapping agertt (Holt et al., 1984). Serum sulphydryl levels, primarily albumin-related, are decreased in subjects with rheumatoid complicated coalworkers pneumoconiosis, indicative of exacerbated inflammatory R.OM production (Thomas and Evans, 1975). Experimental asbestos inhalation in rats leads to an adaptive but evidendy insufficient response by an increase in endogenous antioxidant enzymes (Janssen etal., 1990). Protection of the vascular endothelium against iron-mediated ROM generation and injury is afforded by the iron sequestiant protein ferritin (Balia et al., 1992). 

Any opacity greater than 1cm in a coal miner is classified as complicated pneumoconiosis or PMF unless there is evidence to suggest another disease such as tuberculosis. ... 

Complicated pneumoconiosis (PMF) is associated with a reduction in ventilatory capacity, low diffusing capacity, abnormalities of gas exchange, low arterial oxygen tension, pulmonary hypertension, and premature death ... 

The percentage of miners showing definite radiographic evidence of either simple or complicated pneumoconiosis has varied considerably in different geographic areas factors responsible for this difference include respirable dust levels, the number of years of exposure, and the physical and chemical composition of the coal. ... 

HEALTH SYMPTOMS inhalation (chronic bronchitis, decreased pulmonary function, emphysema, cough, blackish sputum, pneumoconiosis (simple and/or complicated), development of lung lesions, obliterated blood vessels in the lung, may cause failure of the right side of the heart, may obstruct airways). 

CHRONIC HEALTH RISKS chronic bronchitis emphysema simple pneumoconiosis slight cough blackish sputum decreased pulmonary function complicated pneumoconiosis reduction in ventilatory capacity low diffusing capacity low arterial oxygen tension pulmonary hypertension premature death. 

CHRONIC HEALTH RISKS prolonged inhalation of dust or fume may result in a benign pneumoconiosis distinctive lung changes with no apparent disability or complications. 

Fig. 2.1.8. Gough (1-mm paper) section of a lung from a worked with complicated coal worker s pneumoconiosis (progressive massive fibrosis). The arrows show two large lesions. The lesion in the apex has partially cavitated...

Complicated pneumoconiosis (massive fibrosis) Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis (Caplan s syndrome) Lung cancer ... 

Silicotic PMF or complicated pneumoconiosis consists of lesions with a diameter of 1 cm or more (International Labour Office 1980) (Fig. 2.1.9). As is true with CWP, PMF is usually bilateral and upper to mid-zonal. PMF lesions may undergo cavitation and are associated with destruction of the lung parenchyma and bronchovascular structures. Marked distortion of the adjacent lung is seen due to fibrotic contraction of the lesion. Microscopically, silicotic PMF lesions almost always form on a background of simple pneumoconiosis and, in fact, consist of agglomerated simple silicotic nodules (Fig. 2.1.9). 

Thin-section CT delineates the changes of the thorax in kaolinosis more than chest radiography. Small nodules distributed mainly in centrilobular regions. The appearance of large opacity resembles that of complicated coal workers pneumoconiosis or complicated silicosis (Fig. 12.10c). Peripheral emphysema typically occurs with such masses. Unlike with silicosis, hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement more than 1 cm in diameter is not usually seen. 

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