Indium lung

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Indium lung
SpecialtyPulmonology

Indium lung is a rare occupational lung disease caused by exposure to respirable indium in the form of indium tin oxide. It is classified as an interstitial lung disease (diffuse parenchymal lung disease).[1]

Signs and symptoms

The major signs of indium lung are

forced expiratory volume. Emphysema has been associated with indium lung, but may not be part of the syndrome.[2]

Complications

Lung cancer may be related to indium lung disease, though indium is not a known carcinogen.[1]

Causes

Indium lung is caused by exposure to

indium oxide
.

Mechanism

The exact mechanism of pathogenesis is unknown, but it is hypothesized that indium may exacerbate existing autoimmune disorders or that phagocytosis of indium by alveolar macrophages may cause dysfunction in the macrophages.[2]

Diagnosis

bronchiectasis.[1][2]

Laboratory findings

Multiple abnormal laboratory findings have been noted in indium lung. High levels of serum indium have been found in all cases of indium lung. Other abnormal laboratory values that have been found include elevated

Prevention

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan (JNIOSH) set limits for acceptable exposure at 0.0003 mg/m3 after the discovery of indium lung.[2][3] Methods for reducing indium exposure are thought to be the best mode of protection. Medical surveillance of indium workers is also a method of prevention.[2]

Treatment

There is no standardized treatment for indium lung disease. Treatment options include

pulmonary lavage and corticosteroid therapy.[1][2]

Prognosis

Prognostic factors were a matter of research as of 2012, but preliminary evidence suggests that duration of employment and reported use of respiratory protection are not prognostic factors, but the serum level of indium may be a prognostic factor - higher levels of serum indium have been associated with worse prognoses. Indium lung disease has been fatal in several cases.[2]

History

It was first described by a group of Japanese researchers in 2003.[1][4]

Epidemiology

Cases have been reported in Japan, the United States, and China.[1][2][5] The indium industry is mainly based in Japan, where the bulk of cases have occurred; indium industry is also present in the US, China, Taiwan, and South Korea.[4] As of 2010, 10 cases had been described, though more than 100 indium workers had documented respiratory abnormalities.[1]

References

Further reading