A five-year followup of lung function among chemical workers using flow volume and impedance measurements

S. Keman, B. Willemse, G.J. Wesseling, E.F.M. Kusters, P.J.A. Borm

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Impedance of the respiratory system, measured using the forced oscillation technique (FOT), has repeatedly been proposed as a tool for occupational health screening. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of impedance measurements and flow-volume curves, and to study relationships between lung function decline and specific exposures and smoking. Both measurements were applied in 136 chemical workers from seven main production/personnel groups during a 5 year follow-up (1990-1995). The prevalence of airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 330 mL) was only accompanied by a significant decrease in the reactance at 8 Hz (X8) and an increase in the resonance frequency (f0). Interestingly, decline in FEV1 was significantly dependent on age, years of employment, pack-years, FEV1, and all impedance parameters at the start in 1990 (r=0.35; p=0.01). Similarly, the increase in f0 was significantly dependent on age, years of employment, pack-years, f0, FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) at the start (r=0.56; p
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2109-2115
JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1996

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