Thallium Poisoning and Emergency Care: Research Advances
January 2010
in “
Guoji yaoxue yanjiu zazhi
”
TLDR Thallium poisoning is serious, affecting nerves and organs, and is treated by reducing absorption and removing it from the body.
Thallium poisoning became a significant concern due to its absorption through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and skin, leading to widespread distribution in the body, with the highest concentrations found in the kidneys. Thallium ions could replace potassium ions, affecting enzyme activity and heart function, and could also antagonize calcium ions. Clinically, thallium poisoning resulted in peripheral nerve damage, gastrointestinal symptoms, mucosal inflammation, hair loss, and visual impairment. The most accurate diagnostic method was measuring 24-hour urine thallium concentration, with levels above 5 μg/L being significant. Treatment focused on reducing absorption, accelerating elimination, and symptomatic care, with hemoperfusion being effective in removing absorbed thallium.