The Association Between Small Airway Disfunction and Systematic Inflammatory Index Markers With Disease Stage in Pneumoconiosis: A Ten Year Multicentre Study

Introduction: Pneumoconiosis remains a significant occupational health concern and is increasing with the development of new industries. Therefore, identifying certain indicators is important for the surveillance of patients with pneumoconiosis, an irreversible disease.

Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, we used data from 14 centers that are authorized to diagnose occupational diseases by specialists. Ethical approval from the centers and consent from the patients were obtained. Silicosis was classified into three stages based on the ILO classification system.

Results: The total number of workers with pneumoconiosis was 237. Pneumoconiosis stages were as follows: 46.4% (110) stage 1, 38.8% (92) stage 2, and 14.8% (35) stage 3. Small airway dysfunction (SAD) was detected in 47.3% (112) of workers. The median systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) was 601 (60-8993). The frequency of SAD significantly increased (p=0.036), and a higher SII (p=0.01) was found with older age groups. The occurrence of SAD in stage 3 pneumoconiosis was notably higher than in the earlier stages (p<0.001). SII was significantly higher in workers with stage 3 pneumoconiosis compared to those with stage 1 or 2 (p<0.001) (Table 1-3 will be presented in the congress).

Conclusion: As pneumoconiosis progresses, a significant increase is observed in both SAD and SII, and thus may serve as important markers for potential airway obstruction and the need for early inhaler treatment in with pneumoconiosis. Early detection of the presence of SAD and higher SII may help to guide precautions and management of the disease.