Functional Changes in Microcirculation in Miners in Relation to the Length of Underground Work

Abstract

Objective: to study microcirculation in miners in relation to the length of their underground work. Subjects and methods. Microcirculation was studied in 328 miners who were divided into three groups according to the length of their underground work. It was examined in the skin of the outer lower third of the shoulder, by applying skin laser Doppler flowme-try by means of a ЛАКК-01 laser capillary blood flow analyzer (Lazma RPA, Russian Federation). Results. The performed studies determined a relationship between microcirculatory changes and the length of underground work. Group 1 (length, 1—9 years) showed a decrease in the major indicator of microcirculation through various mechanisms aimed at reducing peripheral resistance. As the length of underground work was more, there was an increase in total peripheral resistance and blood flow bypass. Conclusion. Microcirculatory deterioration occurs in miners who have worked underground longer. The found changes are comparable with the stages of total adjustment syndrome. The stress stage developing in miners with an underground work length of 1 to 9 years is characterized by decreased peripheral resistance. The resistance stage of adjustment syndrome occurs when different compensatory mechanisms are activated in miners who have been working under harmful conditions for 10 to 19 years. Dysadjustment signs characterized by increases in peripheral resistance and blood flow bypass occur with exhaustion of compensatory systems in miners who have been working underground for 20 years or more. Key words: microcirculation, miners, length of underground work.