Descriptive review of asbestosis and silicosis hospitalization trends in North Carolina, 2002-2011.

N C Med J

Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC 27609, USA.

Published: January 2014

Background: Asbestosis and silicosis are debilitating pulmonary conditions resulting from inhalation of asbestos fibers or silica dust.

Purpose: We provide a descriptive analysis of asbestosis and silicosis hospitalizations in North Carolina to assess trends over a 10-year period.

Methods: Events were defined as inpatient hospital discharges during the period 2002-2011 with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis code of 501 or 502. Using statewide discharge data for 2002-2011, we calculated asbestosis and silicosis hospitalization rates in North Carolina (by demographics, hospital length of stay, cost, and payment type) and compared them with national rates.

Results: In North Carolina, average annual age-standardized hospitalization rates for asbestosis and silicosis were 71.2 hospitalizations per 1 million residents and 6.2 hospitalizations per 1 million residents, respectively. Rates for asbestosis and silicosis decreased significantly (less than .01 for both conditions) between 2002 and 2011, by 46% and 67%, respectively. Men had significantly higher rates than women (less than .01), more than half of hospitalizations were among persons aged 65-84 years, and Medicare was the predominant payment source. The highest silicosis rates by county were clustered in Western North Carolina; no geographic patterns were observed for asbestosis. The estimated average annual cost statewide for these hospitalizations was $10,170,417 for asbestosis and $886,143 for silicosis.

Limitations: ICD-9-CM misclassification and duplicate hospitalization records may have biased the observed rates of asbestosis and silicosis.

Conclusions: Decreases in hospitalization rates in North Carolina may be due to misdiagnosis, underreporting, or the declining use of asbestos in industries. Obtaining complete exposure histories at diagnosis is useful for continued public health surveillance.

Download full-text PDF

Source

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

asbestosis silicosis
24
north carolina
24
hospitalization rates
12
rates asbestosis
12
asbestosis
9
silicosis hospitalization
8
rates north
8
average annual
8
hospitalizations residents
8
silicosis
7

Similar Publications

Computed Tomography of Contemporary Occupational Lung Disease: A Pictorial Review.

Diagnostics (Basel)

August 2024

Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada.

Occupational lung disease remains one of the most common work-related illnesses and accounts for most deaths from occupational illness. Occupational lung diseases often have delayed manifestation over decades and nonspecific clinical presentations, making it challenging for clinicians to promptly identify the disease and implement preventive measures. Radiologists play a crucial role in identifying and diagnosing occupational lung diseases, allowing for removal of the exposure and early medical intervention.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent and burdensome condition worldwide, characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Ideally, instead of treating CRS, we would identify ways to prevent the development of this chronic condition. Occupational exposures may be an excellent target for prevention.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

[Occupational interstitial lung diseases].

Radiologie (Heidelb)

August 2024

, Frankenstraße 24, 91096, Möhrendorf, Deutschland.

A variety of workplace exposures (organic or inorganic dusts as well as gases, fumes, or vapors) can cause diffuse interstitial lung disease. The latency period until onset of the disease can exceed 30 years. The disease course varies greatly and depends on the quantity of the inhaled substance and its fibrogenic effect.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The text discusses how workplace exposures lead to various respiratory diseases, citing a joint statement by the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society in 2019 that highlights this issue.
  • Recent publications have confirmed the significant role of work-related factors in diseases like asthma and chronic bronchitis, although research on some conditions has been limited.
  • Understanding the impact of occupational exposures is vital for developing public health strategies and improving patient care, emphasizing the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals and policymakers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) describes a broad group of pulmonary inflammatory and fibrosis disorders. Asbestosis and silicosis are the main causes linked to occupational exposure. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of cases with possible occupational origin and describe their exposure, clinical, and occupational status.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!