Retrospective analysis of radiological pneumoconiosis category and functional impairment in underground coal miners referred to our hospital for diagnosis and disability confirmation

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated pulmonary function test results and their correlation with the radiological pneumoconiosis category in underground coal miners referred to Bulent Ecevit University Hospital between 2015 and 2017 for pneumoconosis confirmation and disability compensation purposes. In our institution there is a pneumoconiosis team comprised of three pulmonologists who are also certified ILO pneuoconiosis readers. We retrospectively evaluated 613 patient files initially, The ones who were lacking full set of pulmonary function results in the electronic files for any reason (unaccessible or unable to perform any part of the pulmonary function tests (spirometry, diffusion or body plethsmography)) and those diagnosed with cancer or tuberculosis were excluded from the study. 144 coal miners were included in the study eventually. Of them 124 were confirmed as coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) and 20 were not. These non-CWP cases were designated as control group. There were no signifant difference between CWP and non-CWP groups with respect to demographic factors and pulmonary function parameters. We found significant differences between pulmonary function parameters and radiological pneumoconiosis category. The most significant difference was reported between simple CWP category 1 and complicated CWP ( categories B and C combined). Pulmonary function test results did not differ significantly between smoker and nonsmoker CWP cases. Although smoking increased CWP risk by 2.15 times according to regression analysis, there were no significant difference for all other demographic factors. In conclusion, although there were insignifant differences between CWP and non-CWP groups with respect to pulmonary function parameters, we found with worsening CWP category there was a worsening in all parameters especially in FEV1/FVC and %MMEF, excluding %TLC. We suggest spirometry should be included in periodic exams and surveillance of coal miners in addition to roentgenograms and smoking cessation programs should be initiated for coal miners. Keywords: Pneumoconiosis, spirometry, obstruction