Abstract
Raynaud's phenomenon was described in 22 workers engaged in vinyl chloride polymerization. Within this group, prodromal signs have been seen in 6 persons, typical Raynaud's syndrome in 10 persons. In the remaining 6 persons in addition to Raynaud's phenomenon slerodermalike changes in upper extremities and acro-osteolysis of distal phalanges of fingers were observed. Immunoelectrophoretic findings displayed increase in the levels of orosomucoid, ceruloplasmin, total lipids, and lipoproteins. Latent cryoglobulinemia, detectable after Sephadex G-200 filtration, was found in 18 sera (81,6%). The majority of precipitates was polyclonal, chiefly composed of immunoglobulin A and G. In 5 cases including 3 with acroosteolysis a substantial increase in serum IgG level was seen. The authors express the opinion that Raynaud's phenomenon due to the toxic effect of vinyl chloride is conditioned by cryoglobulinemia. It is assumed that the toxic mechanism of vinyl chloride is due to disturbances in humoral resistance of the organism.
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