Occupationally-induced scleroderma.
Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma is an uncommon multisystem disease with a reported incidence of 2 to 12 cases per million people per year. The clinical and pathological features can be grouped into three main categories: those related to fibrosis, to vascular abnormalities, and to immunological abnormalities. Cutaneous features dominate the patients' appearance, and Raynaud's phenomenon is an early symptom. A possible association between scleroderma and workers exposed to hand-arm vibration and/or silica has been suggested by reports in the literature since the turn of the century. A further four patients with collagen disease are reported here. Three were occupationally exposed to both hand-arm vibration and silica, the fourth to hand-arm vibration alone. In conjunction with previously reported cases, this supports the hypothesis that collagen disease may be work attributable in hypersusceptible persons.
Pelmear
P L
PL
Occupational Health and Safety Branch Chest Clinic, Ministry of Labour, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Roos
J O
JO
Maehle
W M
WM
D000328:Adult; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*
D012822:Silicon Dioxide