Clinical, functional and biomarkers differences between subjects exposed to silica, with and without silicosis

Introduction: Silicosis is the most prevalent pneumoconiosis in Brazil. Aims: To compare clinical, functional and inflammatory blood markers on individuals exposed to silica, with and without silicosis. Methods: 235 subjects exposed to dust with silica, 82 with silicosis (GS) and 153 without silicosis (GNS), diagnosis by chest HRCT, without differences in smoking status and time of exposure to silica, were submitted to questionnaires, pulmonary function test, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and blood biomarker analysis. Results: GS was older in age (median:49x41 years), demonstrated higher prevalence of respiratory infections (34.2%x12.4%) and self-reported arterial hypertension (28%x9.2%). 19.5% of GS presented dyspnea score MRC≥ 2 versus 2% of GNS and higher values of blood pressure, measured at clinical examination (p value Conclusions: Beyond to predictable respiratory changes, individuals with silicosis have higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors- hypertension and blood inflammatory markers. Median and IIQ;*Mann-Whitney