Study of the health state in patients with occupational polyneuropathy of upper extremities

Introduction. Autonomous sensory polyneuropathy of upper extremities is one of the most common occupational diseases of the peripheral nervous system. 

Material and methods. Findings of the health state study in two major worker jobs in which occupational polyneuropathies of upper extremities are prevalent, namely: house-painters and plasterers, as well as mining job workers (underground miners, shaft miners, breakage face miners), are reported. The main harmful factor in both professional groups is the heaviness of the working process. 

Results. Physical overloads are a reason of the occupational pathology’s complex of “working hand”. At the same time, no systemic autoimmune or endocrine diseases with similar polyneuropathy were detected. Other harmful factors in the working process such as occupational dust, intensive noise can cause another occupational pathology (in respiratory or hearing organs). 

Discussion. In spite of obviously different working conditions, we detected the same professional diseases in both professional groups - “the working hand pathological complex”. Our findings indicated the importance of the regular periodic check-ups. Doctors should search actively the early signs of coexisting with the occupational polyneuropathy illnesses. The results of health state’s research should be taken into account in the patient’s treatment planning.