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Continued increase in lung transplantation for coal workers’ pneumoconiosis in the United States
Author(s) -
Blackley David J.,
Halldin Cara N.,
Laney A. Scott
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.22856
Subject(s) - medicine , pneumoconiosis , lung transplantation , transplantation , occupational lung disease , environmental health , occupational disease , lung , lung disease , intensive care medicine , surgery , occupational exposure , pathology
Background Severe coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) is increasingly common, and sometimes requires lung transplantation. Methods Using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data, we updated the trend for CWP‐related lung transplants, described CWP patients who have been waitlisted but not transplanted, and characterized the primary payer of medical costs for CWP‐related and other occupational lung disease transplants. Results There have been at least 62 CWP‐related lung transplants; 49 (79%) occurred in the last decade. The rate of these procedures has also increased. Twenty‐seven patients were waitlisted but did not receive a transplant. Compared to other occupational lung diseases, transplants for CWP were more likely to be paid for by public insurance. Conclusions The increase in the frequency and rate of lung transplantation for CWP is consistent with the rising prevalence of severe CWP among U.S. coal miners. Effective exposure controls and identification of early stage CWP remain essential for protecting these workers.