Chromosome Abnormalities and Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Children with Acute Intoxication Due to Inhalation of Volatile Substances

Abstract

Deliberate inhalation of volatile substances is a common and harmful practice among young persons worldwide. Recently, we described chromosome damage in children who chronically inhale volatile agents. Clinical and cytogenetic studies were performed for 15 "sniffing" children (13 boys and 2 girls), the purpose of which was to define the chromosomal effect of the acute intoxication. A significant increase in the rate of chromosome abnormalities and in the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) was found in sniffers vs. controls. The values were also higher in children who were acutely intoxicated than in those who chronically inhaled volatile agents. Clinical, socioeconomic, and cytogenetic findings are also discussed.

Las aportaciones de 40 años de investigación epidemiológica en México sobre consumo de solventes inhalables

“…90,91 Por otro lado, Ortiz y Caudillo (1985), 91 realizaron una evaluación cognitiva en un centro de readaptación social con niños que habían vivido en las calles e inhalado solventes, la media del coeficiente intelectual (CI) fue de 77, presentaron disminución de la memoria pasiva y receptiva, fallas en la formación de conceptos, abstracción y baja capacidad de juicio, análisis y síntesis. Sin embargo, los autores no atribuyeron de forma directa dichos problemas al uso de inhalables, ya que podrían deberse a carencias familiares, educativas y sociales o incluso a los efectos de la institucionalización.…”