[The cytokinetics of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from workers in silicosis-hazardous jobs].

Abstract

Cytogram of pulmonary lavage fluid was studied in 50 workers al risk of developing silicosis. Workers with long length of service showing no radiographic signs of silicosis had normal cytogram of pulmonary lavage fluid, except for slightly increased neutrophil counts. Cytogram of patients with first recognized silicosis were characterized by elevated lymphocyte count. Neutrophil level increased in chronic silicosis. Cytogram of pulmonary lavage fluid is considered valuable for the diagnosis and prognosis.