[Dynamics of the loss of pulmonary function in patients with silicosis--a retrospective analysis by experts].

In a longitudinal study involving 109 patients suffering from silicosis, the development of lung function impairment was investigated. As a rule, functional disorders were found to develop only after the age of 50. Obstructive ventilation disturbances are by far the most common and are followed by restrictive disorders. Residual volume and arterial PO2 on physical exercise showed the highest rates of functional impairment and deterioration. The changeover to the more severely impaired groups occurred most quickly in the case of PO2--within a period of 4.3 +/- 2.2 years.