Significance of finger clubbing in asbestosis.

The prognostic significance of finger clubbing in asbestosis has been assessed in 167 cases certified by the London Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel from 1968 to 1974. Finger clubbing developed early in the clinical course of the disease and was associated with a lower gas transfer, a higher mortality and a greater likelihood of progression in intrapulmonary fibrosis than was found among cases without finger clubbing. Finger clubbing was not associated with heavier asbestos exposure. Its presence appears to be associated with a more severe form of disease.