Respiratory symptoms and quality of life in asbestos-related diffuse pleural thickening and pleural plaques

Introduction: Pleural plaques (PPs) and diffuse pleural thickening (DPT) are common manifestations of asbestos exposure. The impact of PPs and DPT on quality of life (QoL) and respiratory symptoms has not been well defined. Aims: To evaluate respiratory symptoms, QoL and lung function in subjects with DPT and PPs compared with healthy controls. Methods: Individuals with PPs or DPT (classified according to the ATS statement on non-malignant asbestos-related disorders) and controls completed full lung function, the St George9s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), SF-36 Health Survey and 6-minute walk test (MWT). Results: 73 subjects were recruited (24 PPs; 21 DPT; 28 controls). Results are shown in Table 1. In the DPT group, SGRQ symptoms score correlated inversely with FEV1(%)(r=-0.66, p Conclusions: Subjects with DPT and PPs have worse QoL compared with healthy individuals. However, the impact of PPs on QoL was smaller than DPT.