Cobalt blood levels after total hip replacement (THR): a new follow-up study in Trieste (Italy).
Cobalt and chromium release in patients undergone a metal-on-metal total hip replacement (THR) is a matter recently discussed and whose we do not have enough information about it yet. In literature there is little data and not completely indicative, in the biological fluids and organs the amounts of released metals are different. This is also due to the fact that cobalt and chromium blood levels can change depending on physical and working activity, individual feeding and metabolism. The results obtained confirm the presence of an increase of cobalt inthe blood of patients after total hip replacement, while the chromium levels are almost alike: average values in patients operated are 4.1 +/- 1.5 microg/L for cobalt (0.3 +/- 0.1 microg/L in the control group) and 4.5 +/- 2.9 microg/L for chromium (4.7 +/- 2.4 microg/L in the control group). In spite of the cobalt values stand below the concentration generally considered dangerous, the difference between the two examined groups points out that a risk exists for the health of these patients. These results must be confirmed by further studies, providing better information and more reliable and biocompatible materials.
Adami
Gianpiero
G
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy. adami@dsch.univ.trieste.it
Smarrelli
Davide
D
Martinelli
Bruno
B
Acquavita
Alessandro
A
Reisenhofer
Edoardo
E
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D002857:Chromium / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D003035:Cobalt / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment
D002857:Chromium; D003035:Cobalt