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Review
. 2021 Apr 13;134(8):898-907.
doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000001461.

Pneumoconiosis: current status and future prospects

Xian-Mei Qi  1 , Ya Luo  1 , Mei-Yue Song  2 , Ying Liu  1 , Ting Shu  1 , Ying Liu  3 , Jun-Ling Pang  1 , Jing Wang  1 , Chen Wang  3
Affiliations
Review

Pneumoconiosis: current status and future prospects

Xian-Mei Qi et al. Chin Med J (Engl). .

Abstract

Pneumoconiosis refers to a spectrum of pulmonary diseases caused by inhalation of mineral dust, usually as the result of certain occupations. The main pathological features include chronic pulmonary inflammation and progressive pulmonary fibrosis, which can eventually lead to death caused by respiratory and/or heart failure. Pneumoconiosis is widespread globally, seriously threatening global public health. Its high incidence and mortality lie in improper occupational protection, and in the lack of early diagnostic methods and effective treatments. This article reviews the epidemiology, safeguard procedures, diagnosis, and treatment of pneumoconiosis, and summarizes recent research advances and future research prospects.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart for diagnosis of pneumoconiosis. ECG: Electrocardiogram; CT: Computed tomography.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Clinical treatment of pneumoconiosis. SI: Silica.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Application of new technologies in the research of pneumoconiosis. iPS cells: Induced pluripotent stem cells; mRNA: Messenger RNA.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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