Occupational Interstitial Lung Diseases.

Objective: Evidence-based diagnostic and treatment guidelines for occupationally related interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) have been developed and are summarized herein.

Methods: Comprehensive literature reviews were conducted with article abstraction, critiquing, objective grading, and evidence table compilation. A multidisciplinary expert panel drafted evidence- and consensus-based guidance.

Neurologic presentation of Erdheim-Chester disease.

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare, systemic histiocytosis that involves multiple organ systems and causes symmetric sclerosis of the metaphysis and diaphysis of the long bones. We present 2 cases and reviewed 108 patients reported in the literature who had neurologic manifestations of Erdheim-Chester disease. After eye involvement or diabetes insipidus, cerebellar symptoms were most frequently encountered, followed by tumor, headaches, cord compression, mental status change, seizures, and change in libido.

Evidence for excess colorectal cancer incidence among asbestos-exposed men in the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial.

The relation between asbestos exposure and colorectal cancer remains controversial. The authors of this 1984-2004 US study examined the association among 3,897 occupationally exposed participants in the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET) for chemoprevention of lung cancer, followed prospectively for 10-18 years. When a Cox stratified proportional hazards model was used, risks of colorectal cancer were elevated among male heavy smokers exposed to asbestos.

Predictors of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed men in the {beta}-carotene and retinol efficacy trial.

Despite numerous published studies, debate continues regarding the risk of developing lung cancer among men exposed occupationally to asbestos, particularly those without radiographic or functional evidence of asbestosis. The beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), a study of vitamin supplementation for chemoprevention of lung cancer, has followed 4,060 heavily exposed US men for 9-17 years. Lung cancer incidence for 1989-2002 was analyzed using a stratified proportional hazards model.