Evaluation of reported occupational white-finger induced by vibration
Nielsen, S.L.; Olsen, N.P.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 142(49): 3239-3243
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 7445237 Document Number: 158044
Persons (14) applying for health insurance for vibration-induced white fingers (Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin) were investigated with a medical interview, measurement of systolic blood pressure on arm and fingers, Allen's test, provocation of Raynaud's phenomenon after hand cooling with 10.degree. C water and observation of the phenomenon, and with provocation with finger cooling after moderate body cooling and measurement of reopening pressure of the finger arteries. Recordings were compared to the clinical diagnosis to demonstrate Raynaud's phenomenon and determine the severity of the condition and the relation to vibration exposure. Ten subjects had vibration as the only cause of white fingers, but 2 showed the phenomenon after hand cooling to 10.degree. C. Ten showed pathological reopening pressure of digital arteries after finger cooling and 6 showed complete closure, indicating Raynaud's phenomenon at 15.degree. or 10.degree. C. In seven a pathological pressure gradient from arm to diseased finger indicated severe obliterative changes in finger arteries or supplying branches. Finger cooling with pressure recording was only performed on 1 finger and at 2 temperatures, and the technique didn't evaluate the extent or severity of the condition. A method for this was under development.