SHASHI A AND MANISH KUMAR
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of fluorosis and impact of high fluoride ingestion on individuals in three fluoride affected areas of Sangrur District of Punjab state, India. The selected areas have high fluoride in (drinking water (2.3 to 22.5 mg/L). 103 patients of skeletal fluorosis and 42 age and sex matched controls were selected for study. Age range of the patients was from 20-80 years with the maximum number of cases in the age group of 20-30 years and 50-60 years. Blood samples were collected and serum was analyzed for various biochemical indexes. The level of total proteins, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio in the sera of patients of skeletal fluorosis exhibited significant (p<0.001) decrease as compared to control. However, levels of serum creatinine increased in fluorotic patients indicating disturbances in kidney functions. Serum calcium showed significant decrease in its concentration in fluorotic patients while phosphorus and uric acid revealed increased pattern.