The STOP Study: Silicosis Treatment Of Prednisolone

Silicosis is a serious and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust — a significant risk for tradespeople who work with engineered stone benchtops. Artificial stone-associated silicosis can progress rapidly and cause severe scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue. Currently there are very few effective treatments. This pilot study is testing whether prednisolone — a common anti-inflammatory steroid — can reduce lung inflammation in people with complicated silicosis from artificial stone who have already stopped working with silica. Participants will take 25mg of prednisolone daily for three months, with careful monitoring for side effects and markers of disease activity before and after treatment. You may be eligible if you are between 18 and 75 years old and have been diagnosed with complicated silicosis from artificial stone exposure and are no longer exposed to silica dust. People with diabetes, tuberculosis, a history of serious infections, autoimmune conditions, asthma, or those already taking steroids or immunosuppressants would not be eligible.