Methods of diagnosis of thallium intoxication and its antidote therapy
Shabalina, L.P.; Krillov, V.F.; Spiridonova, V.S.; Poliakova, M.M.; Popova, O.L.; Shamshinova, A.M.
Meditsina Truda i Promyshlennaia Ekologiia 10: 25-30
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 1026-9428 PMID: 9064097 Document Number: 456571
Absence of early signs specific for thallium intoxication requires objective diagnostic methods. The studies covered 4 techniques: electroretinography (ERG), assessment of urine levels of thallium and delta-aminolevulinic acid, capillaroscopy. The authors supported their previous foundation concerning diagnostic value of ERG for early diagnosis of thallium effects (higher amplitude of b-wave in one and that of a-wave in 8 out of 10 examinees). Further experimental and clinical basis for grading the intoxication through amounts of urinary thallium were found promising. Capillaroscopy method appeared informative: 8 out of 12 examinees demonstrated spastic and atonic state of hand capillaries--that provided objective verification of vascular disorders in workers exposed to thallium and its derivatives.