Applications of Capillary Zone Electrophoresis in the Analysis of Metal Ions of Clinical Significance

Abstract

For centuries, many metals, specifically metals such as aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, lead, selenium, and chromium, have been recognized as toxic. Although toxic exposures to large numbers of people are not common, chronic low-level exposure does occur. This happens more frequently to individuals than to large population groups. In a study conducted in 1994 (1) on a large general medical population, 0.6% of the patients were identified has having some physical finding or exposure concern, suggesting a need to check for an underlying heavy-metal toxicity. Interestingly, the incidence of heavy-metal poisoning appears to be approximately the same as the more common in-born errors of metabolism. Similar to many of the in-born errors of metabolism, when identified early the problems caused by heavy-metal exposure is readily treatable. Conversely, if exposure is not identified, reduced, and treated, serious, sometimes irreparable, damage occurs to nervous, renal, and cardiovascular systems. Because metal toxicity is readily treatable if identified early enough, the determination of metal concentrations in the body fluids or body tissues is of considerable importance in health care.