[Hair as a study object in case of poisoning with heavy metal salts].

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to analyse the results of morphological studies of hair taken from the children with suspected thallium poisoning. The findings obtained by isoelectrofocusing, spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were compared with the relevant literature data. Original investigations included a comparative microstructural study along the hair length and cross section. We failed to observe formation of black-purple structures in the hair bulb and root region of the shaft usually associated with thallium poisoning. It is concluded that thallium poisoning can not be diagnosed based on the presence of a black pigment, knob-like swellings, and spindle-shaped bulbs since they are normal elements of healthy hair. More sensitive methods for the determination of trace elements and their combination with morphological investigations are needed for the definitive diagnosis of thallium poisoning.

• Authors: A Z Pavlova, D V Bogomolov, Z V Larev, A Kh Amanmuradov
• Journal: Sudebno-meditsinskaia ekspertiza (Sud Med Ekspert) 2012 Nov-Dec Vol. 55 Issue 6 Pg. 25-9 ISSN: 0039-4521 [Print] Russia (Federation)
• PMID: 23405465 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Metals, Heavy
• Thallium

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Forensic Toxicology (methods)
• Hair (chemistry, metabolism, pathology)
• Heavy Metal Poisoning
• Humans
• Isoelectric Focusing (methods)
• Male
• Metals, Heavy (metabolism)
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning (methods)
• Poisoning (diagnosis, metabolism)
• Reproducibility of Results
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Spectrum Analysis (methods)
• Thallium (analysis, pharmacokinetics, poisoning)