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Maximal expiratory flow volume values evaluation among female quartz grinders
Rao NelloreMohan, Takiar Ramnath, Sharma YashwantK
Abstract
Background: A recent review in silica dust exposed workers focused on airway obstruction and the variables used were forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1 and FEV1%. The maximal expiratory flow volume (MEFV) values i.e., peak expiratory flow (PEF), FEF75, FEF50 and FEF25 are not only useful to differentiate obstructive and restrictive type of functional abnormalities, but also the site of airway obstruction i.e., larger airways by PEF, FEF75 or smaller airways by FEF50, FEF25. Hence, studies on MEFV values are needed.
Aims: To identify the site of airway obstruction among female quartz grinders.
Settings and Design: Quartz grinding industry workers in Chota Udepur (Gujarat) by cross sectional study.
Materials and Methods: The MEFV values were measured among 106 female quartz grinders using SP-10 computerized spirometer and predicted and percentage of predicted values were derived.The average MEF values were compared according to age (< 24; 25-34; 35-44 and> 45 yrs). The percentage predicted MEFV values were compared between normal and chest X-ray abnormal (silicosis and silico-tuberculosis) workers and between normal and abnormal spirometry (restrictive (R), obstructive (O) and R+O) workers.
Statistical Analysis: Summary statistics, ANOVA and χ2-test.
Results: Significantly high reduction in MEFV values in > 45 yr. Workers; significant loss in silicosis and silicotuberculosis pronouncing higher in silicotuberculosis workers; significantly higher impairment R+O type of functional abnormal than other type of abnormalities. These indicated that site of obstruction is both in larger and smaller airways.
Conclusions: The MEFV values indicated that the site of obstruction is in both in smaller and larger airways.
Keywords
Maximal expiratory flow volume, quartz grinding, silicosis, silicotuberculosis
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