Registry of patients with thallic intoxication in Tucumán after its prohibition as rodenticide in Argentina

Introduction: Thallium is a heavy metal prohibited since 1979 for rodenticide use in Argentina. However, this substance is still producing several toxic syndromes. The aim of this study is to make a registry of patients with thallic intoxication in Tucumán, summarize the clinical features, to search what kind of medical specialist consultation and determine if the clinical toxicology derivation was made. Methods: 118 patients whose main reason for consultation was alopecia were evaluated in the Public Health Department of Toxicology (Facultad de Medicina) of San Miguel de Tucumán University (1980-2007). In all cases the patients received treatment without toxicological orientation. A clinical examination and dosage of thallium in urine were made. Results: The 76 %( n= 89) had thallium in urine. The 5,6% of patients appeared between 2000-2007. In addition to the alopecia, we found the following clinical manifestations: gastrointestinal symptoms (92%), polyneuropathy (88%), nail dystrophy (76%), headaches (34%) and renal damage (22%). Conclusions: After the prohibition of thallium as rodenticide in 1979 in Argentina, a low incidence of intoxication was observed. Nowaday, it is possible to find some patients due to chronic clinical manifestations and their clandestine use.