Thallium poisoning and emergency care: Research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

ABSTRACT

As a result of a series of thallium poisoning events, the rare element thallium has attracted wide attention. For nearly a decade, the mechanisms of thallium poisoning and treatment measures have become hot research topics. Preliminary results showed that thallium was absorbed by gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and skin, then distributed in the body widely. The thalium concentration in kidneys was the highest, folowed by salivary glands. Thallium ions can replace potassium ion in body and influence the activity of several enzymes. Moreover, thallium can antagonize calcium ions and affect heart function. Clinically, thallium induces peripheral nerve poisoning, gastrointestinal symptoms, mucosal inflammation, hair loss and visual damage. Examination of 24-hour urine thallium concentration is the most accurate way to assess thallium poisoning. If urine thallium concentration is higher than 5 μg/L, it is of diagnostic significance. The clinical treatment measures include reducing the absorption, accelerating elimination and practicing symptomatic treatment. Hemoperfusion has been reported to be effective in eliminating absorbed thallium.