Prevalence and clinical impact of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease in patients with silicosis / Prevalencia e impacto clínico de las enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunitarias sistémicas en pacientes con silicosis

Background: Silicosis is associated with an increased risk of developing systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). The prognostic implications of this association are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARD and autoimmune markers in a cohort of patients with exposure to silica and assess their impact on prognosis. Method: We performed a prospective observational study of all patients attending the dedicated silicosis clinic of our pulmonology unit between 2009 and December 2017. Diagnosis was confirmed by a rheumatologist according to Spanish Rheumatology Society criteria. Autoimmune markers, pulmonary function tests, radiological progression, visits to the emergency department and primary care center, and hospital admissions for respiratory causes, and mortality were analyzed. Results: Overall, 489 cases of silicosis and 95 cases of exposure were studied. In total, 54 (11.0%) patients with silicosis had SARD: 12 (2.4%) rheumatoid arthritis, 10 (2.0%) systemic lupus erythematosus, 10 (2.0%) systemic sclerosis, 3 (0.6%) Sjögren syndrome, 2 (0.4%) vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA +), 6 (1.2%) psoriatic arthritis, 3 (0.6%) ankylosing spondylitis, and 8 (1.6%) other autoimmune diseases with no special features. The patients with SARD visited the emergency room more often (63.0% vs. 42.5%; p = 0.004), and progressed more rapidly (22.2 vs. 11.7%; p = 0.030). Conclusions: The presence of systemic rheumatic autoimmune diseases involves radiological progression and a higher clinical impact. (AU)

Introducción: La silicosis se asocia a un aumento del riesgo de padecer una de las enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes sistémicas (ERAS), aunque no se conocen las implicaciones clínicas de esta asociación. El objetivo del estudio es determinar la prevalencia de ERAS y de marcadores de autoinmunidad en una cohorte de pacientes con exposición a inhalación de polvo de sílice y evaluar su impacto clínico. Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo en pacientes atendidos en una consulta monográfica de silicosis desde 2009 hasta diciembre 2017. El diagnóstico de ERAS se confirmó por un especialista en Reumatología según criterios de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología. Se analizaron marcadores de autoinmunidad, pruebas de función respiaratoria, progresión radiológica e impacto clínico medido por visitas a Atención Primaria, a Servicio de Urgencias, ingresos hospitalarios por causa respiratoria y mortalidad. Resultados: Se estudiaron 489 casos de silicosis y 95 de exposición a inhalación de polvo de sílice sin silicosis. De los pacientes con silicosis, 54 (11,0%) tenían ERAS: 12 (2,4%) artritis reumatoide, 10 (2,0%) lupus eritematoso sistémico, 10 (2,0%) esclerosis sistémica, 6 (1,2%) artritis psoriásica, 3 (0,6%) Síndrome de Sjögren, 2 (0,4%) vasculitis asociada a anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos, 3 (0,6%) espondiloartritis y 8 (1,6%) enfermedad autoinmune sin características específicas. Los pacientes con ERAS realizaron más visitas a urgencias (63,0% vs. 42,5%; p = 0,004), y experimentaron mayor progresión (22,2 vs. 11,7%; p = 0,030). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con silicosis presentan una prevalencia de ERAS elevada y su presencia se asocia a una mayor progresión radiológica y un mayor impacto clínico. (AU)

Serum levels of inflammatory mediators as prognostic biomarker in silica exposed workers.

Silicosis is a diffuse interstitial lung disease caused by sustained inhalation of silica and silicates. Several cytokines are activated by their inhalation and can mediate the process of pulmonary fibrosis. The identification of biomarkers could allow an early diagnosis before the development of radiological alterations and help monitor the evolution of patients. The objetive of this study was to determine the clinical significance of specific biomarkers, to estimate their association with the development, severity and/or progression of silicosis, and identify determinants of this evolution. We conducted a prospective observational study in patients attending the pulmonology clinic from 2009 to 2018. Serum levels of the following inflammatory mediators were assessed: interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 2 receptor subunit alpha (IL2R) interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1), alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ferritin in subjects exposed to silica, with and without silicosis. Association between those inflammatory mediators with lung function measurements and radiological severity of disease and their impact on prognosis were analysed. 337 exposed to silica (278 with silicosis) and 30 subjects in the control group were included. IL-8, α1AT, ferritin, CRP and LDH levels were higher in silicosis than in those exposed to silica without silicosis. IL-8, LDH and AAT levels were associated with progression of silicosis and IL-6, IL-8, LDH, AAT, ferritin, and CRP with vital status. The results of the ROC analysis indicated the potential of IL-8 as a biomarker in the presence of silicosis and for the prediction of mortality.

Prevalence and clinical impact of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease in patients with silicosis.

BACKGROUND: Silicosis is associated with an increased risk of developing systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). The prognostic implications of this association are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARD and autoimmune markers in a cohort of patients with exposure to silica and assess their impact on prognosis. METHOD: We performed a prospective observational study of all patients attending the dedicated silicosis clinic of our pulmonology unit between 2009 and December 2017. Diagnosis was confirmed by a rheumatologist according to Spanish Rheumatology Society criteria. Autoimmune markers, pulmonary function tests, radiological progression, visits to the emergency department and primary care center, and hospital admissions for respiratory causes, and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 489 cases of silicosis and 95 cases of exposure were studied. In total, 54 (11.0%) patients with silicosis had SARD: 12 (2.4%) rheumatoid arthritis, 10 (2.0%) systemic lupus erythematosus, 10 (2.0%) systemic sclerosis, 3 (0.6%) Sjögren syndrome, 2 (0.4%) vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA +), 6 (1.2%) psoriatic arthritis, 3 (0.6%) ankylosing spondylitis, and 8 (1.6%) other autoimmune diseases with no special features. The patients with SARD visited the emergency room more often (63.0% vs. 42.5%; p = 0.004), and progressed more rapidly (22.2 vs. 11.7%; p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of systemic rheumatic autoimmune diseases involves radiological progression and a higher clinical impact.

Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease in Patients with Silicosis. / Prevalencia e impacto clínico de las enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunitarias sistémicas en pacientes con silicosis.

BACKGROUND: Silicosis is associated with an increased risk of developing systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). The prognostic implications of this association are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARD and autoimmune markers in a cohort of patients with exposure to silica and assess their impact on prognosis. METHOD: We performed a prospective observational study of all patients attending the dedicated silicosis clinic of our pulmonology unit between 2009 and December 2017. Diagnosis was confirmed by a rheumatologist according to Spanish Rheumatology Society criteria. Autoimmune markers, pulmonary function tests, radiological progression, visits to the emergency department and primary care center, and hospital admissions for respiratory causes, and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 489 cases of silicosis and 95 cases of exposure were studied. In total, 54 (11.0%) patients with silicosis had SARD: 12 (2.4%) rheumatoid arthritis, 10 (2.0%) systemic lupus erythematosus, 10 (2.0%) systemic sclerosis, 3 (0.6%) Sjögren syndrome, 2 (0.4%) vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA +), 6 (1.2%) psoriatic arthritis, 3 (0.6%) ankylosing spondylitis, and 8 (1.6%) other autoimmune diseases with no special features. The patients with SARD visited the emergency room more often (63.0 vs. 42.5%; p = 0.004), and progressed more rapidly (22.2 vs. 11.7%; p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of systemic rheumatic autoimmune diseases involves radiological progression and a higher clinical impact.

La prueba de la marcha de 6 minutos como factor pronóstico y de capacidad de ejercicio en pacientes con silicosis / The 6-Minute Walk Test as a Tool for Determining Exercise Capacity and Prognosis in Patients with Silicosis

Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad de ejercicio, utilizando la prueba de la marcha de 6 minutos (6MWT), en pacientes con silicosis complicada, e identificar factores relacionados con dicho resultado, así como su valor pronóstico de hospitalización y mortalidad. Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo en 143 pacientes diagnosticados de silicosis complicada atendidos en consulta de neumología desde 2009 hasta diciembre 2016, sin limitación para hacer la 6MWT. Se evaluaron las pruebas de función pulmonar, los hallazgos de la tomografía computarizada y los parámetros de la 6MWT (distancia caminada y desaturación de oxígeno). Resultados: Los pacientes con silicosis complicada caminaban una media de 387 ± 92m. Los resultados fueron peores al aumentar la gravedad de la enfermedad; en silicosis A: 407 ± 97; B: 370 ± 88, y C: 357 ± 68 (p=0,022). La 6MWT mostraba una correlación positiva con la función pulmonar e inversa con la disnea (p < 0,001). Los pacientes con enfisema moderado/severo y un mayor tiempo con saturación nocturna de oxígeno por debajo del 90% presentaban resultados significativamente peores en la 6MWT. Los pacientes que caminaban < 350 m tenían más hospitalizaciones (3,7 ± 4,0) que los que caminaban>350 (1,1 ± 2,9). Los fallecidos al final del seguimiento caminaron 327,9 ± 73,0 frente a los que sobreviven, que caminaron 404,5 ± 89,7 m (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Los valores de la espirometría y la categoría de la silicosis se relacionan con el resultado de la 6MWT, que resultó ser factor pronóstico para hospitalización y mortalidad. La 6MWT se perfila como una herramienta útil en salud ocupacional para el seguimiento de pacientes con silicosis

Objective: To evaluate exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with complicated silicosis, and to determine how results shape the prognostic value of 6MWT for hospitalization and mortality. Method: Prospective observational study in 143 patients with complicated silicosis who performed the 6MWT in our outpatient pulmonology clinic between 2009 and the end of 2016. Lung function tests, computed tomography findings and 6MWT parameters (distance walked and oxygen desaturation) were evaluated. Results: Patients with complicated silicosis walked 387±92m. Results deteriorated as silicosis severity increased; category A: 407 ± 97m, B: 370±88m, and C: 357 ± 68m (P=.022). The 6MWT correlated positively with lung function and inversely with dyspnea determined by mMRC (P < .001). Patients with moderate/severe emphysema and greater CT90 presented a worse result on 6MWT. Patients who walked < 350m had more hospitalizations (3.7 ± 4.0) than those who walked > 350m (1.1 ± 2.9). There was an impact on survival: non-survivors walked 327.9 ± 73.0m, while survivors walked 404.5 ± 89.7m (P < .001). Conclusions: Spirometry values and category of complicated silicosis correlated with 6MWT and distance walked was a prognostic factor for hospitalization and mortality. The 6MWT is a useful tool in occupational health for monitoring patients with silicosis

The 6-Minute Walk Test as a Tool for Determining Exercise Capacity and Prognosis in Patients with Silicosis. / La prueba de la marcha de 6 minutos como factor pronóstico y de capacidad de ejercicio en pacientes con silicosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with complicated silicosis, and to determine how results shape the prognostic value of 6MWT for hospitalization and mortality. METHOD: Prospective observational study in 143 patients with complicated silicosis who performed the 6MWT in our outpatient pulmonology clinic between 2009 and the end of 2016. Lung function tests, computed tomography findings and 6MWT parameters (distance walked and oxygen desaturation) were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients with complicated silicosis walked 387±92m. Results deteriorated as silicosis severity increased; category A: 407±97m, B: 370±88m, and C: 357±68m (P=.022). The 6MWT correlated positively with lung function and inversely with dyspnea determined by mMRC (P<.001). Patients with moderate/severe emphysema and greater CT90 presented a worse result on 6MWT. Patients who walked<350m had more hospitalizations (3.7±4.0) than those who walked>350m (1.1±2.9). There was an impact on survival: non-survivors walked 327.9±73.0m, while survivors walked 404.5±89.7m (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Spirometry values and category of complicated silicosis correlated with 6MWT and distance walked was a prognostic factor for hospitalization and mortality. The 6MWT is a useful tool in occupational health for monitoring patients with silicosis.

Bronquitis plástica en un paciente con silicosis / Plastic bronchitis in a patient with silicosis

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Significado clínico de las micobacterias ambientales aisladas en muestras respiratorias en pacientes con silicosis y sin silicosis / Clinical Significance of Environmental Mycobacteria Isolated From Respiratory Specimens of Patients With and Without Silicosis

Objetivo: Describir las diferencias clínicas, funcionales y radiográficas de la enfermedad respiratoria por micobacterias ambientales (MA) en pacientes con silicosis y sin silicosis. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes a los que se les había aislado una micobacteria no tuberculosa en el laboratorio de Microbiología del hospital de O Meixoeiro (CHU de Vigo) desde enero 2007 hasta diciembre 2013. Se diferenció a los pacientes según presentaran o no silicosis y enfermedad pulmonar por MA utilizando los criterios de la American Thoracic Society. Resultados: Se identificaron 156 casos con aislamiento respiratorio de al menos una especie de MA. El 71% eran varones, de los cuales 40 (25,6%) tenían silicosis. En 60 pacientes (38,5%), el 62,5% del grupo de silicosis y el 30,2% del grupo sin silicosis, se cumplían los criterios microbiológicos recomendados por la American Thoracic Society siendo las especies más comunes Mycobacterium avium complex, Mycobacterium genavense y Mycobacterium chelonae. En 34 pacientes (22,7%), 14 del grupo de silicosis y 20 del grupo sin silicosis, se cumplían los criterios de la American Thoracic Society de enfermedad pulmonar por MA. Se realizó tratamiento en 24 casos, con mayores niveles de erradicación bacteriológica en el grupo sin silicosis. Conclusiones: En nuestros pacientes el antecedente de silicosis se relacionó con mayor incidencia de enfermedad por MA. La especie causante de la mayor parte de los casos de de enfermedad en nuestro medio por MA es Mycobacterium avium complex, seguido de Mycobacterium genavense. Los pacientes con silicosis presentaron menores niveles de curación tras el tratamiento

Objective: To describe the clinical, functional and radiographic differences of respiratory disease caused by environmental mycobacteria (EM) in patients with and without silicosis. Method: Retrospective, observational study in patients with nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated in the Hospital Meixoeiro (University Hospital of Vigo) microbiology laboratory between January 2007 and December 2013. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of silicosis and mycobacterial lung disease, using American Thoracic Society criteria. Results: In 156 cases, at least one species of EM had been isolated from the respiratory culture. A total of 71% were identified in men, 40 (25.6%) of whom had silicosis. Sixty patients (38.5%) met American Thoracic Society microbiological criteria: 62.5% of the silicosis group and 30.2% of the non-silicosis group. The most common species were Mycobacterium avium complex, Mycobacterium genavense and Mycobacterium chelonae. American Thoracic Society criteria for environmental mycobacterial disease were met in 34 (22.7%) patients: 14 in the silicosis group and 20 in the non-silicosis group. Treatment was administered in 24 cases, with better bacteriological eradication levels in the non-silicosis group. Conclusions: In our series, a history of silicosis was related with a higher incidence of environmental mycobacterial disease. The causative species in the majority of cases in our setting wasMycobacterium avium complex, followed by Mycobacterium genavense. Patients with silicosis showed lower cure rates after treatment

Clinical Significance of Environmental Mycobacteria Isolated From Respiratory Specimens of Patients With and Without Silicosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, functional and radiographic differences of respiratory disease caused by environmental mycobacteria (EM) in patients with and without silicosis. METHOD: Retrospective, observational study in patients with nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated in the Hospital Meixoeiro (University Hospital of Vigo) microbiology laboratory between January 2007 and December 2013. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of silicosis and mycobacterial lung disease, using American Thoracic Society criteria. RESULTS: In 156 cases, at least one species of EM had been isolated from the respiratory culture. A total of 71% were identified in men, 40 (25.6%) of whom had silicosis. Sixty patients (38.5%) met American Thoracic Society microbiological criteria: 62.5% of the silicosis group and 30.2% of the non-silicosis group. The most common species were Mycobacterium avium complex, Mycobacterium genavense and Mycobacterium chelonae. American Thoracic Society criteria for environmental mycobacterial disease were met in 34 (22.7%) patients: 14 in the silicosis group and 20 in the non-silicosis group. Treatment was administered in 24 cases, with better bacteriological eradication levels in the non-silicosis group. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, a history of silicosis was related with a higher incidence of environmental mycobacterial disease. The causative species in the majority of cases in our setting was Mycobacterium avium complex, followed by Mycobacterium genavense. Patients with silicosis showed lower cure rates after treatment.

Síndrome del pulmón encogido en el síndrome de Sjögren primario tratado con éxito con rituximab / Shrinking Lung in Primary Sjogrën Syndrome Successfully Treated with Rituximab

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Normativa para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la silicosis / Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Silicosis

La silicosis es una de las enfermedades respiratorias de origen ocupacional más frecuentes en nuestro entorno. Está ocasionada por inhalación de sílice cristalina que desencadena una respuesta fibrótica en el parénquima pulmonar. Se presenta como una enfermedad intersticial difusa y su expresión clínica es variable, existiendo desde formas asintomáticas hasta la insuficiencia respiratoria crónica. El diagnóstico está basado en la historia clínica y los hallazgos radiológicos; no tiene un tratamiento efectivo, y cuando se diagnostica precisa que el paciente sea apartado de toda fuente de exposición laboral. Esta normativa repasa aspectos clínicos, radiológicos y funcionales, sugiriendo también estrategias de diagnóstico y seguimiento para la clasificación de los pacientes, y recomendaciones para las implicaciones laborales de esta enfermedad

Silicosis is one of the occupational respiratory diseases most commonly encountered in our setting. It is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica that triggers a fibrotic response in the lung parenchyma. It presents as diffuse interstitial disease and clinical expression ranges from asymptomatic forms to chronic respiratory failure. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and radiological findings. There is no effective treatment, and once diagnosed, the patient must avoid all sources of occupational exposure. In these guidelines, the clinical, radiological and functional aspects of silicosis are reviewed, and strategies for diagnosis, monitoring and classification of patients are proposed, along with recommendations regarding the occupational implications of this disease

Guidelines for the diagnosis and monitoring of silicosis.

Silicosis is one of the occupational respiratory diseases most commonly encountered in our setting. It is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica that triggers a fibrotic response in the lung parenchyma. It presents as diffuse interstitial disease and clinical expression ranges from asymptomatic forms to chronic respiratory failure. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and radiological findings. There is no effective treatment, and once diagnosed, the patient must avoid all sources of occupational exposure. In these guidelines, the clinical, radiological and functional aspects of silicosis are reviewed, and strategies for diagnosis, monitoring and classification of patients are proposed, along with recommendations regarding the occupational implications of this disease.

Tuberculosis pulmonar en relación con adalimumab: estudio de 3 casos / Pulmonary Tuberculosis Associated to Adalimumab: a Study of 3 Cases

Los fármacos antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa representan un importante avance en el tratamiento de enfermedades inflamatorias como la artritis reumatoide, las espondiloartropatías y la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Se reconoce el incremento de tuberculosis con infliximab, pero disponemos de menos datos que relacionen la tuberculosis específicamente con adalimumab. Presentamos los casos de 2 pacientes con artritis reumatoide y un paciente con espondilitis anquilopoyética en tratamiento con adalimumab, que desarrollaron tuberculosis pulmonar y diseminada a pesar de seguir las medidas de cribado y profilaxis recomendadas por las guías, y revisamos la asociación entre el tratamiento con antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa y tuberculosis (AU)

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonist drugs represent a significant advance in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, and intestinal inflammatory disease. The increase in tuberculosis with infliximab is known, but there is less data available that specifically associates tuberculosis with adalimumab. We present the cases of 2 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and one patient with ankylopoietic spondylitis on treatment with adalimumab, who developed pulmonary and disseminated tuberculosis despite following the screening and prophylaxis measures recommended in guidelines. We also review the association between treatment with tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonists and tuberculosis (AU)

[Pulmonary tuberculosis associated to adalimumab: a study of 3 cases]. / Tuberculosis pulmonar en relación con adalimumab: estudio de 3 casos.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonist drugs represent a significant advance in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, and intestinal inflammatory disease. The increase in tuberculosis with infliximab is known, but there is less data available that specifically associates tuberculosis with adalimumab. We present the cases of 2 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and one patient with ankylopoietic spondylitis on treatment with adalimumab, who developed pulmonary and disseminated tuberculosis despite following the screening and prophylaxis measures recommended in guidelines. We also review the association between treatment with tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonists and tuberculosis.

Cáncer de pulmón y EPOC: una asociación frecuente / Lung Cancer and COPD: a Common Combination

Introducción y objetivoAnalizar la frecuencia, las características y la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón (CP) y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), comparándolas con las de pacientes sin EPOC.Material y métodosSe ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados de CP mediante citohistología. Se estimó la supervivencia por el método de Kaplan-Meier. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS 15.0.ResultadosSe diagnosticó de CP a 996 pacientes, el 39,8% con EPOC. La edad media (± desviación estándar) de estos últimos era de 70±9,19 años. En cuanto a los estadios GOLD, el 18,2% se encontraba en estadio I, el 53,6% en estadio II, el 24% en estadio III y el 4,2% en estadio IV. Según la citohistología, el 48,2% de los CP eran escamosos, el 22% adenocarcinomas y el 22,5% microcíticos. La supervivencia fue mayor en el grupo con EPOC.ConclusionesEl CP y la EPOC se asocian en un 39,8% de los casos. La estirpe más frecuente del CP es la escamosa y la supervivencia es mayor en el grupo con EPOC(AU)

Background and objectiveTo analyse frequency, characteristics and patient survival with lung cancer (LC) and COPD, comparing them with patients without COPD.Material and methodsA retrospective study, of patients diagnosed by means of cytohistology. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 15.0.ResultsA total of 996 patients were diagnosed, 39.8% COPD. Mean age70±9.19 years. GOLD stages: I 18.2%, II 53.6%, III 24%, IV 4.2%. The histological types: squamous cell carcinoma 48.2%, adenocarcinoma 22%, small cell carcinoma 22.5%. Survival was longer in the COPD group.ConclusionsLC and COPD are combined in 39.8%. Squamous cell type is more frequent and survival was longer in the COPD group(AU)