[Beta-n-acetylglucosaminidase in urine as a sign of kidney damage in workers exposed to metallic mercury].

The activity of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (beta-NAG) was determined in 41 workers of a chemical plant, exposed to metallic mercury, and in 10 controls. In addition, a routine urine examination was performed and the level of creatinine was measured in serum. The mercury excretion in urine in the exposed workers exceeded admissible biological concentrations three times, on average. In the group exposed to mercury the beta-NAG activity in urine was significantly higher than in the a control group. Several cases of trace proteinuria and microscopic haematuria were found in the exposed group. A mean beta-NAG activity in urine was significantly higher in those cases than in other persons. The study proved the usefulness of determinations of the beta-NAG activity in urine in assessing nephrotoxicity in workers exposed to metallic mercury.