RESUMEN

A consolidação de uma base de dados é fundamental para a priorização de medidas de orientação, prevenção e controle das doenças em geral e para a elaboração de políticas públicas em saúde. Enquanto vários países possuem consistentes sistemas de vigilância epidemiológica, entre nós, ainda carecemos de uma estrutura adequada de coleta, processamento e divulgação de dados. Entendemos como imprescindível uma ação conjunta entre os profissionais da saúde afeitos ao tema para que, o mais breve possível, possamos construir uma base de dados que contemple satisfatoriamente a epidemiologia das doenças respiratórias ocupacionais.

For every communicable disease, the construction of a database is fundamental to prioritizing related measures (educational, prevention and control), as well as to the development of public health policies. Although various countries possess reliable systems of epidemiological surveillance, Brazil still lacks an adequate structure for the collection, processing and dissemination of data. We consider it imperative that the health professionals working in this area make a unified effort, as soon as possible, to compile a database that suitably addresses the epidemiology of occupational respiratory diseases.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

For every communicable disease, the construction of a database is fundamental to prioritizing related measures (educational, prevention and control), as well as to the development of public health policies. Although various countries possess reliable systems of epidemiological surveillance, Brazil still lacks an adequate structure for the collection, processing and dissemination of data. We consider it imperative that the health professionals working in this area make a unified effort, as soon as possible, to compile a database that suitably addresses the epidemiology of occupational respiratory diseases.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To assess high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in silicosis and to better define the role of HRCT in early detection of parenchymal abnormalities in silica-exposed workers. METHODS: Forty-one stone carvers were evaluated with chest radiographs (CR), HRCT, and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Inter-reader agreement was calculated using the kappa statistic (k). Correlation between radiographic and HRCT profusion scores and PFT was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The most common HRCT findings were branching centrilobular structures, seen in 28/41 workers (68.3%). Nodules consistent with silicosis were detected in 53.7% workers on CR and in 56.1% workers on HRCT. Inter-reader agreement for diagnosis of silicosis was better on HRCT (k = 0.84) than on CR (k = 0.54). Small opacity profusion on HRCT correlated inversely with total lung capacity and FVC%. CONCLUSION: Profusion of opacities on HRCT correlates with functional impairment. The presence of branching centrilobular structures may be helpful in early recognition of silicosis.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: In the city of Petrópolis, Brazil, artisans carve souvenirs from a variety of silica-containing minerals. The finding of pulmonary massive fibrosis in one of the workers motivated an investigation of the prevalence of silicosis in this group. METHODS: Between January 2000 and June 2002, a cross-sectional study was performed. We obtained clinical and occupational histories, spirometry, lung volumes, and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity measurements. Chest radiographs and high-resolution computed tomographies (HRCT) were evaluated. Personal air samples were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-two stone carvers were examined. The prevalence of silicosis was 53.7%. HRCT better characterized silicotic lesions compared to chest radiographs. Early coalescence of small opacities was associated with lung function impairment. The concentration of dust exceeded permissible limits in 91% of the workplaces. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to high levels of silica dust was associated with an increased prevalence of silicosis among stone carvers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:194-201, 2004.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

O achado de fibrose pulmonar maciça em um artesão de pedras ornamentais no Município de Petrópolis, RJ, motivou uma investigação sobre a prevalência de silicose naquela população. No período de janeiro de 2000 a junho de 2002, um estudo transversal foi conduzido, sendo os trabalhadores avaliados com história clínica e ocupacional, radiografias de tórax, tomografias computadorizadas de alta resolução, espirometria, medidas de volumes pulmonares e capacidade de difusão. Foram analisadas amostras do ar ambiente e implantado um programa educacional. A prevalência de silicose foi de 53,7 por cento, num total de 42 trabalhadores avaliados. Dois casos de silicotuberculose foram diagnosticados. Conclui-se que a exposição a altos níveis de sílica respirável estava associada a elevada prevalência de silicose / The finding of pulmonary massive fibrosis in a stone carver from the City of Petrópolis, motivated an investigation of the prevalence of silicosis in this group. IN the period between January 2000 and June 2002, a cross-sectional study was carried out. The workers were evaluated with clinical and occupational history, chest radiographs, high-resolution computed tomography, spirometry, and lung volumes and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity measurements. Air samples were analyzed and an educational program was implemented. The prevalence of silicosis was 53.7 per cent, in 42 workers. Two cases of silicotuberculosis were diagnosed. It is concluded that exposure to high levels of respirable silica was associated with an increased prevalence of silicosis...

Asunto(s)