[Immunological changes in disease caused by vibrating instruments. Preliminary tests].

58 miners affected by VWF were studied by some immunological tests: electrophoresis, quantitantive immunoglobulin determination, latex test. C3c, C3PA and C4, cryoglobulin, ANA and ati-DNA antibody, L.E. cell. Slight hyperimmunoglobulinaemia G was observed in 31% of cases; this abnormality was significantly more frequent in patients also suffering for pulmonary silicosis. Authors indicate pneumoconiosis as an important confounding variable, which importance for epidemiological studies has not yet satisfactorily assessed.