The assessment of the condition of the liver in patients chronically exposed to mercury compounds in the place of settlement.

Problems with the assessment of organ damage caused by toxic substances in places of residence have recently appeared with increasing frequency. In spite of this there have been so far no uniform, objective research methods which could allow their accurate evaluation. This is why the attempt has been made to assess morphological and functional condition of the liver in patients chronically exposed to mercury compounds in the place of settlement. The research group consisted of 62 patients exposed to metallic mercury at a yearly rate exceeding 24 kg for average duration of 16 years. Patients with the liver or biliary tract diseases, symptoms of chronic circulatory insufficiency, Australia (HBs+) antigen carriers and alcoholics were excluded from the research group. The control group consisted of 29 males. AST and ALT activity, prothrombin level, bilirubin and protein concentration in blood serum were measured and scintigraphic and USG examinations of the liver were performed. Mercury concentrations were also established. Scintigraphic examination yielded an abnormal image of the liver in 52% of the exposed patients. The differences in frequency and intensity of scintigraphic changes in comparison with the control group were of statistical significance. No pathological changes were found in USG examination. Significantly higher ALT activity and bilirubin concentration and significantly lower total protein concentration were found in the exposed group. The correlation between the intensity of scintigraphic changes and mercury concentration were noted. Liver scintigraphic examination combined with biochemical analysis allows an assessment of the liver condition in chronic exposure to mercury compounds in the place of settlement.