Asymptomatic Renal Function Abnormalities in Patients having Silicosis - Video

Published On 2022-11-12T09:00:31+05:30 | Updated On 12 Nov 2022 9:00 AM IST

Overview

Silicosis is one among the oldest occupational lung diseases known that is caused by inhalation, retention, and pulmonary reaction to the crystalline form of silica. A variety of occupational exposures are associated with the occurrence of silicosis, that is, mining, quarrying, cement, glass construction, ceramic, foundries, shipbuilding, rubber, cosmetic industries, jewelry, arts, crafts, sculpture, dental material, and many others.

Several studies for many years have drawn attention to renal dysfunction and nephrotoxicity among workers exposed to silica. This present study was conducted to evaluate renal dysfunction, if any, among Indian patients having silicosis and its correlation with the duration of exposure to silica dust.

This study included 52 eligible patients with a history of silica dust exposure and silicosis confirm on radiological examination. Investigations like serum creatinine, urinary albumin creatinine ratio, etc. were done. The "modification of diet in renal disease" (MDRD) formula was used to calculate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

This study showed 53.84% of patients having albuminuria and a mean "urinary albumin to creatinine ratio" (UACR) was also calculated. Isolated macroalbuminuria was detected in 11.5% of patients while 42.3% of patients presented with microalbuminuria.. They also identified a significant association between the duration of exposure to silica dust and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio and glomerular filtration rate.

Hence, the researchers concluded that albuminuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with silica dust exposure is not uncommon and it reflects early underlying renal dysfunctions. This study suggests a simple and cost-effective screening strategy for early detection of renal dysfunction among silicosis patients that may be considered as a tool to prevent further renal damage in such patients.

Reference:

Dixit R, Jalutharia J, Goyal M. Asymptomatic Renal Function Abnormalities in Patients having Silicosis. J Assoc Physicians India 2022;70(11):49–52.

Speakers

Dr. Nandita Mohan

Dr. Nandita Mohan is a practicing pediatric dentist with more than 5 years of clinical work experience. Along with this, she is equally interested in keeping herself up to date about the latest developments in the field of medicine and dentistry which is the driving force for her to be in association with Medical Dialogues. She also has her name attached with many publications; both national and international. She has pursued her BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore and later went to enter her dream specialty (MDS) in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. Through all the years of experience, her core interest in learning something new has never stopped. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751