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Some pathophysiological aspects of vibration-induced white finger
Summary
Workers exposed to vibration show higher sympathetic nervous activity, potentially contributing to vibration white finger (VWF) symptoms. This increased activity, combined with cold sensitivity, may cause finger blanching attacks in VWF patients.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System
Background:
- Vibration exposure is common in certain occupations.
- Vibration white finger (VWF) is a condition affecting workers exposed to vibrating tools.
- The role of sympathetic nervous system activity in VWF pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess sympathetic nervous system activity in vibration-exposed workers.
- To compare activity levels between workers with and without VWF and healthy controls.
- To investigate the relationship between sympathetic activity, cold response, and VWF.
Main Methods:
- Cardiovascular responses to a cold test were monitored in 63 vibration-exposed workers and 41 controls.
- Measurements included blood pressure, heart rate, systolic time intervals (e.g., QS2I, LVETI), and finger skin temperature.
- Basal urinary free catecholamines and platelet aggregation were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Vibration-exposed workers, with or without VWF, exhibited shorter systolic time intervals than controls.
- A slower recovery of finger skin temperature after cooling was observed in workers with VWF.
- Higher levels of sympathetic nervous activity were indicated in vibration-exposed workers.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic nervous system activity is elevated in vibration-exposed workers.
- In VWF patients, sympathetic hyperactivity and cold-induced digital vessel hyperresponsiveness may cause blanching attacks.
- Findings suggest a link between autonomic dysfunction and VWF development.