Occupationally-induced scleroderma

J Occup Med. 1992 Jan;34(1):20-5.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / pathology
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / etiology*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / pathology
  • Silicon Dioxide / adverse effects
  • Vibration / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Silicon Dioxide