Persistent neuropathy and hyperkeratosis from distant arsenic exposure.
The purpose of this case series is to assess long-term sequelae of arsenic exposure in a cohort acutely exposed to arsenic in drinking water from a well dug into a landfill containing arsenical pesticides. Ten of the 13 individuals (or next of kin) in the initial study agreed to participate in the follow-up study. Next of kin provided questionnaire data and released medical information on the three individuals who had died. The remaining seven cohort members were assessed by an interview, questionnaire, detailed physical examination and sensory nerve testing. Available medical records were obtained and reviewed. Sensory testing was performed using an automated electrodiagnostic sensory Nerve Conduction Threshold (sNCT) evaluation. Sensory complaints and electrodiagnostic findings consistent with polyneuropathy were found in a minority (3/7) of subjects 28 years after an acute toxic arsenic exposure. Two of the seven patients examined (1 of 3 with neuropathic findings) also had hyperkeratotic lesions consistent with arsenic toxicity and one of the patients had hyperpigmentation on their lower extremities possibly consistent with arsenic toxicity.
Baker
Beth A
BA
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Regions Medical Center, 640 Jackson St, St. Paul, MN 55101, USA. beth.a.baker@healthpartners.com
Topliff
Andrew R
AR
Messing
Rita B
RB
Durkin
Deborah
D
Johnson
Jean Small
JS
D000328:Adult; D001151:Arsenic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D014881:Water Supply
D001151:Arsenic