Curative effect of large volume whole lung lavage with low co ncentration of poly-2-vinyl pyridine-n-oxide on the coal workers'pneumoconio sis after 6 years

Abstract

Objective To observe the curative effect of large volume whole lung lavage with low concentration of poly-2-vinyl pyridin e-n-oxide(P204) on the coal workers'pneumoconiosis. Methods 42 male patients were selected as research subjects.21 patients were selected to accept the treatment and another 21 as controls.A standard questionn aire investigation,lung function and chest X-ray examination were done in both groups of the patients. Results The mean amount of dust w ashed out from a patient's lung was 981.2 mg in the rapid-type patient group an d 386.2 mg in the slow-type patient group(P 0.05).6 years after treatment,the rate of stability and aggravation of X-ray examination of chest were 42.1% and 57.9% in treatment group and 57.9% and 42.1% in control group,respectively witho ut statistical difference(P>0.05). Conclusion The dust could be washed out from the lung by large volume whole lung lavage but there were no evidences of improvement of lu ng function and prevention from aggravation of pathological change 6 years after treatment.