[Clinical analysis and follow-up observation of nine cases of occupational chronic fluorosis in an aluminum factory].

Objective

To observe the clinical characteristics of occupational chronic fluorosis cases and follow up patients＇condition changes after they have been transferred from fluoride work.

Methods

In January 2020, the clinical data of occupational chronic fluorosis cases diagnosed in our hospital and their corresponding two-year follow-up data were collected and analyzed. These cases happened in an aluminum factory between January 2010 to January 2020.

Results

Nine patients were diagnosed as occupational chronic mild fluorosis because of long bones and joints pain. Skeletal X-ray examination showed a result of skeletal fluorosis and increased urine fluoride. Among the six patients who have been followed up for two years, two of them showed improvements in both symptoms and skeletal X-ray examination results. Three patients＇symptoms were alleviated, but their skeletal X-ray examination results showed no significant change. Besides them, the last patient＇s symptoms and skeletal X-ray examination results were aggravated, which was considered related to still exposed to hydrogen fluoride in new position.

Conclusion

Changes of skeletal X-ray examination are the characteristics of occupational chronic fluorosis. By leaving the fluoride position, patients＇clinical symptoms can be alleviated, and their bone lesions are not aggravated or even show a trend of alleviating in some cases.