The serum level of endothelin in patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome.

The authors discuss the relationship of serum concentrations of endothelin in patients with vascular disease due to vibration and the severity of the disease; the highest concentrations were found in the most advanced forms of disease. Combination of the vascular disease due to vibration with complicating cardiovascular diseases is also discussed. The authors prepared methodical norms for the elaboration and evaluation of the results of serum concentrations of endothelin. These norms are useful for comparing studies in various regions and for international cooperation. The paper presents preliminary results so far of small group of patients. The examination could be a useful additional method for the classification and assessment of severity and prognosis of the disease.