RHEUMATISM IN MINING COMMUNITIES IN MARION COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

Lockshin, M. D. (Columbia Univ. College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, N.Y. 10032), I. T. T. Higgins, M. W. Higgins, H. J. Dodge and N. Canale. Rheumatism in mining communities in Marion County, West Virginia. Amer. J. Epid., 1969, 90; 17-29.-Rheumatic complaints were surveyed in over 1,100 men living in three mining communities to Marion County, northern West Virginia. Nine hundred and fifty-seven men aged 20-69, or 83% of those available, were examined clinically and radiologically. The examination included X-rays of the hands, cervical spine and chest; measurement of serum uric acid; and assessment of rheumatoid factor by latex fixation. No striking occupational differences were found. Miners and ex-miners had a slightly higher frequency of radto-graphic osteoarthritis grades 2-4 in the cervical spine at ages 60-69 than did non-miners. They also had a higher frequency of three or more disks showing degeneration. At all ages their mean serum uric acid was higher, and under age 40 their weight was also greater. The frequency of radiologic changes of osteoarthritis in the hands and cervical spine appeared similar to other surveys with which valid comparison was possible. The age-specific positivity of the latex fixation test was low. © 1969, by THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY.