Lower limit of normal based spirometric abnormalities associated with radiographic abnormality in an elderly cohort at low risk for exposure.

BACKGROUND

Although the relation between radiographic abnormalities and spirometric impairment in people with asbestosis has been studied extensively, the extent of spirometric impairment associated with milder radiographic abnormalities is not established.

OBJECTIVE

To test associations between mild radiographic abnormalities and Lower Limit of Normal (LLN)-based spirometry interpretation.

METHODS

Spirometry and CXRs were collected for 1,026 at low risk of exposure to pneumoconiotic agents participants in a medical screening program.

RESULTS

Individuals with each type of isolated or combined International Labour Organization (ILO) abnormalities had up to over sixfold statistically significant increase in odds of LLN-based restrictive pattern physiology (OR = 1.96, 95%CI 1.03-3.73 for parenchymal to OR = 6.09, 95%CI 1.94-19.10 for parenchymal and pleural) compared to those with normal films.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study confirm the association of mild profusion abnormalities with clinically relevant, LLN-based lung function abnormalities.