Acute oral and inhalation thallium poisonings and their remote consequences (literature review and data from our own research)

Abstract

Aim of the Research. To generalize modern literature data on the toxicity of thallium compounds (Tl+), the mechanisms of their toxic effects and to analyze the prevalence of acute Tl+ poisonings in recent years abroad and in Ukraine. Compare the features of the clinical manifestations and outcome of Tl+ intoxications with the dose received and the content of Tl+ in biological media. Methods and Materials. A scientific analysis of literature data and our own observations on the prevalence, characteristics of clinical manifestations and outcomes of acute poisoning with thallium compounds was carried out. Results. An increase in the prevalence of single and group cases of acute Tl+ poisoning in recent years both abroad and in Ukraine has been revealed. It was established that among the clinical manifestations of Tl+ poisoning, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms predominate, the severity of which in most cases depends on the content of Tl+ in biological media, mainly in urine and nails. Conclusions. Diagnosis of acute Tl+ poisoning in most cases is delayed or posthumous. When combining previous gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders with painful paresthesias and ascending sensory and motor disorders of innervation in the lower and upper extremities, it is necessary to conduct a chemical-analytical determination of Tl in the patient’s biological media to exclude or confirm intoxication. Key Words: thallium, mechanisms of toxic effects, acute poisoning, diagnostics.