What are the recommended follow-up protocols for patients diagnosed with asbestosis to monitor disease progression?

There are no specific UK guidelines explicitly detailing follow-up protocols for patients diagnosed with asbestosis in the provided context. However, asbestosis is a form of interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive pulmonary fibrosis, follow-up protocols can be inferred from guidelines on similar fibrotic lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Recommended follow-up for monitoring disease progression in asbestosis may include:

• Regular clinical assessment including symptom review and physical examination.
• Periodic lung function tests (spirometry, gas transfer) to assess for decline in lung capacity and gas exchange.
• Chest imaging (such as chest X-rays or high-resolution CT scans) as clinically indicated to monitor radiological progression.
• Follow-up intervals tailored to disease stability: every 3 months if rapid progression or symptom deterioration is observed; every 6 months if disease is steadily progressing; and annually if stable after one year, similar to IPF follow-up recommendations.
• Assessment for oxygen therapy needs and pulmonary rehabilitation referral as appropriate.
• Consideration of comorbidities and psychosocial needs, with referral to palliative care services if indicated.

These recommendations align with the NICE guideline for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is the closest comparable condition in terms of disease behavior and management, suggesting follow-up every 3 to 6 months depending on progression, with comprehensive clinical and functional assessment ¹.