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Questions and Answers
What are the primary routes through which thallium can be absorbed into the body?
What are the primary routes through which thallium can be absorbed into the body?
Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which thallium exerts its toxicity?
Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which thallium exerts its toxicity?
What symptom associated with thallium toxicity typically appears 3 to 4 hours after exposure?
What symptom associated with thallium toxicity typically appears 3 to 4 hours after exposure?
How does thallium affect the balance of apoptosis-related genes?
How does thallium affect the balance of apoptosis-related genes?
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What is a common effect of thallium toxicity on the hair after a period of exposure?
What is a common effect of thallium toxicity on the hair after a period of exposure?
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What cardiovascular symptoms are associated with thallium toxicity?
What cardiovascular symptoms are associated with thallium toxicity?
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What distinct nail manifestation can occur approximately one month after thallium poisoning?
What distinct nail manifestation can occur approximately one month after thallium poisoning?
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Which function does thallium NOT perform in the body according to its mechanisms of toxicity?
Which function does thallium NOT perform in the body according to its mechanisms of toxicity?
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Study Notes
Thallium Toxicity
- Thallium is a tasteless, odorless, water-soluble heavy metal.
- It causes both accidental and intentional poisoning.
- Thallium is used as insecticide, rodenticide, to treat malaria and ringworm, in glass lens industries, and in cosmetics used for hair removal.
Mechanisms of Toxicity
- Thallium enters cells similarly to potassium due to ionic radius and charge.
- Thallium affects cell/mitochondria
- altering cell membrane permeability
- activating apoptosis
- inhibiting electron transport chain
- reducing ATP synthesis
- inducing oxidative stress and damaging DNA/proteins
Patterns of Spread
- Absorption through the skin (dermal contact)
- Respiratory inhalation in cases of insecticide/rodenticide
- Absorption via the gastrointestinal tract (ingestion)
- Can cross the placental barrier and have effects on the developing fetus
- Deposits in hair and nails after exposure.
Manifestations
- Gastroenteritis: severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after 3-4 hours of exposure
- Peripheral Neuropathy: painful, rapidly progressive, numbness, prickling, and tingling sensation, especially on soles and palms (pins and needles)
- Hair loss: progressing to alopecia after 3-4 weeks of exposure
- Mee's lines: transverse white lines in nails appearing approximately 1 month after poisoning
- Skin rash: redness and scaling of palms and soles
- Cardiovascular symptoms: hypotension and tachycardia
- CNS effects: dementia and convulsions
Management of Toxicity
- Remove source of exposure and contaminated clothing
- Initial stabilization (assess ABC – airway, breathing, cardiovascular)
- Provide oxygen if necessary
- Decontamination (if ingested within 30 minutes): gastric lavage with activated charcoal and Prussian blue (potassium ferric hexacyanoferrate).
- Skin exposure: wash exposed skin with soap and water
- Eye exposure: irrigate exposed eyes with room temperature water for 15 minutes.
- Forced diuresis with potassium is NOT advisable nowadays due to potential hyperkalemia and arrhythmias as a result.
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Description
This quiz examines the toxicity of thallium, a heavy metal known for its use in various industries and potential for poisoning. It covers the mechanisms of toxicity, patterns of spread, and clinical manifestations associated with exposure. Test your knowledge on this important topic related to toxicology.
