Clinical and biochemical features among subjects exposed to arsenic through drinking water

摘要

The aim of this study was to determine the association between the chronic exposure to arsenic (As) through drinking water and the clinical and biochemical alterations in the rural population of Tucuman. The sampling included 188 exposed individuals to high As values in drinking water (EG) and 207 individuals no exposed (CG). A physical examination was performed and serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose and sialic acid were determined. The 38.4% and the 0% of the studied patients for the EG and CG presented dermatological lesions. The sialic acid was significantly elevated in the EG (mean ± SD) 856.7 ± 232.1 compared to 725.6 ± 134.0 mg L~(-1) in the CG. Our study suggests an association between drinking water with higher arsenic contents and skin lesions. A positive association in the EG with hypertension was found, but not with diabetes or dyslipidemia. Serum sialic acid could serve as an estimate of exposition to high As levels.