Abstract

Objective: Explore the measurement of diagnosis indices significant for endemic fluorosis. Method: 600 patients with minor, medium, and severe degrees of fluorosis were selected, and 21 examinations were performed on their blood, urine, and biochemistry. Ion-selective electrodes were used for blood and urine fluoride, and RABA biochemical automatic analyzers were used for the biochemistry and enzymes; PEG radioimmunoassay was used to measure T3 and T4. Results: The number of people with anemia increased (P<0.05) as the illnesses of patients with endemic fluorosis increased in severity; blood and urine fluoride was significantly higher than the reference values; blood serum calcium decreased, and phosphorus was elevated; the discharge of urine calcium increased for those with serious conditions; alkaline phosphatase (AKP) became elevated as the degree of illness increased (P<0.05); blood serum total protein and albumin contents were normal, globulin was significantly elevated, average T3 and T4 levels were lower than reference values, and in particular they were significantly lower for patients with medium and severe conditions. Conclusion: Indicators such as RBC, Hb, blood serum calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, globulin, T3, T4, and urine calcium have reference significance for diagnosing endemic fluorosis.

(Translated by Alta Language Services in February 2014, courtesy of Fluoride Action Network)