Cellularità dell'escreato in soggetti esposti a rischio professionale per broncopneumopatia cronica ostruttiva

Occupational exposure to irritants is an important risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is characterized by pulmonary emphysema and increased inflammatory sputum cells. We studied 2 groups, only one of which was exposed to respiratory irritants, in order to quantify emphysema and cell counts in the induced sputum. The amount of emphysema did not differ in the 2 groups, whereas cell counts and neutrophils were greater in the induced sputum of subjects with occupational exposure. We conclude that the exposure to respiratory irritants in our subjects did not cause emphysema but it increased inflammatory sputum cells, in particular neutrophils.