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Methyltin intoxication in six men; toxicologic and clinical aspects
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Methyltin chloride intoxication causes severe neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. Long-term prognosis is poor, with significant hippocampus damage, underscoring the need for worker safety and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neurology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Organometallic compounds, like methyltin chloride, pose significant health risks.
- Neurologic and psychiatric manifestations are key indicators of methyltin chloride exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical and laboratory findings of methyltin chloride intoxication.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of plasma separation and d-penicillamine therapy.
- To highlight the long-term prognosis and neurohistopathologic findings.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of patients with methyltin chloride intoxication.
- Laboratory analysis of serum electrolytes, white blood cell counts, and liver enzymes.
- Urine tin concentration measurements.
- Neurohistopathologic examination of affected brain tissue.
Main Results:
- Initial symptoms include headache, tinnitus, hearing loss, disorientation, and aggressiveness.
- Elevated transaminases, leucocytosis, and hypokalemia were observed.
- Urine tin excretion correlated with intoxication severity.
- Plasma separation and d-penicillamine showed no significant impact on tin excretion or clinical outcomes.
- Neurohistopathology revealed severe hippocampal damage and cell necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Methyltin chloride intoxication has severe, potentially irreversible neurologic consequences.
- Current therapeutic interventions are ineffective in mitigating tin excretion or clinical symptoms.
- Strict adherence to safety protocols, including protective gear and regular monitoring of tin levels in exposed workers, is crucial for prevention.
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