Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R C Richie.
The major weakness of spirometry as an objective measurement is that the subject tested may fail to provide maximal effort in performing the test. Detection of less-than-optimal performance in spirometric testing is discussed.
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To assess clincial effects of precipitated amorphous silica (PAS), the authors reviewed serial spirograms, respiratory questionnaires, and chest radiographs of 165 workers exposed for a mean of 8.6 years. Monthly exposure was graded on a 1 to 4 scale and a "cumulative exposure index" (CEI) calculated for each worker from the sum of measured exposure. A "mean exposure index" (MEI) was calculated by dividing the CEI by total months exposed. Sputum production and dyspnea were inversely correlated with CEI, while cough and dyspnea correlated with mean pack-years of smoking but not PAS exposure. Linear regression analysis of yearly change of all pulmonary function variables (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75) showed no correlation with either the dose of PAS (CEI) or total years of exposure. Among 44 workers with a mean exposure time of 18 years (range 10-35 years), yearly decline of FVC and FEV1 were similar to the overall group. Of 143 workers with serial radiographs and exposure to only PAS, none had radiographic pneumoconiosis. Respiratory symptoms in PAS workers correlate with smoking but not with PAS exposure, while serial pulmonary function values and chest radiographs are not adversely affected by long-term exposure.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.