The incidence, prevalence, and severity of sarcoidosis in New York City firefighters

Objective: The etiology of sarcoidosis is unknown, but epidemiology suggest s that environmental agents are a factor. Because firefighters are exposed to numerous toxins, we questioned whether sarcoidosis was increased in this cohort. Setting: The New York City Fire Department (FDNY), employing > 11,000 firef ighters and nearly 3,000 emergency medical services (EMS) health-care worke rs (HCWs). Design: In 1985, FDNY initiated a surveillance program to determine the inc idence, prevalence, and severity of biopsy-proven sarcoidosis in firefighte rs. In 1995, EMS HCWs were added as control subjects. Results: Between 1985 and 1998, 4 prior cases and 21 new cases of sarcoidos is were found in FDNY firefighters. Annual incidence proportions ranged fro m 0 to 43.6/100,000, and averaged 12.9/100,000. On July 1, 1998, the point prevalence was 222/100,000. For EMS HCWs, annual incidence proportions were zero. Radiographic stage 0 or stage 1 sarcoidosis was found in 19 firefigh ters (76%), and stage 3 was found in 1 firefighter (4%). Pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide) was normal in 1? f irefighters (68%), and reduced to less than or equal to 65% predicted in 2 firefighters (8%). Maximum oxygen consumption (M(V)over dot (O)2),was norma l in 10 of 17 firefighters (59%), and reduced to 65% predicted in 3 firefig hters (12%). Five of seven firefighters (71%) with abnormal M(V)over dot O- 2, had gas exchange abnormalities, and none had O-2 desaturation. AU return ed to fire fighting. Conclusions: Annual incidence proportions and point prevalence were increas ed in FDNY firefighters as compared to EMS HCWs and historical controls. Ra diographs and physiologic measurements demonstrated only minimal impairment .