Beryllium hypersensitivity and chronic beryllium lung disease. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2009 Mar;15(2):165-9
Date
06/18/2009Pubmed ID
19532033DOI
10.1097/MCP.0b013e3283218341Scopus ID
2-s2.0-62349097227 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 16 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to present the clinician with a synthesis of recent studies that have enhanced our understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of beryllium hypersensitivity (BeH) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD).
RECENT FINDINGS: Lower occupational limit levels to beryllium exposure and more stringent preventive measures can decrease the risk for development of BeH and CBD. Beryllium sensitization is determined by a positive beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT). Longitudinal data suggest that BeH progresses to CBD. Together with a comprehensive history the BeLPT may help identify berylliosis in patients erroneously diagnosed to have sarcoidosis. HLA-DPB1-Glu69 marker is associated with increased susceptibility to development of BeH and CBD but poor positive predictive value limits its use; other genetic markers are being investigated. Recent investigations augment our understanding on the role of T-lymphocytes and chemokines in the pathogenesis of beryllium-associated disease. However, the basis for treatment strategies remains scarce.
SUMMARY: Our enhanced understanding of beryllium-associated lung disease potentially provides a window to unraveling other granulomatous diseases. However, even more questions beg to be elucidated and additional efforts are needed to translate this body of knowledge into better prevention and treatment.
Author List
Santo Tomas LHAuthor
Linus John H Santo Tomas MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Air Pollutants, OccupationalBerylliosis
Beryllium
Chronic Disease
Disease Progression
Humans
Respiratory Hypersensitivity
Risk Factors
