Skeletal flourosis and chronic renal failure

Flourosis has a world wide occurence posing a serious health problems. Approximately 25 to 30 million people are exposed to water polluted with flouride. Half to one million people are suffering from severe forms of flouride intoxication in our country. In Telengana,Flourosis was detected as early as in 1937, the problem being acute in Nalgonda District. It is observed that hidden renal disease is one of the main factors for development of skeletal flourosis early. Individuals suffering from latent renal disease develop skeletal flourosis early,even while consuming low levels of flouride. In this study, 52 cases of skeletal flourosis with chronic renal failure were described between 1983 to 1998. A detailed clinical evaluation and skeletal survey were carried out for flourosis. Renal function tests were carried out to assess renal function. Ultra sound examination of abdomen was carried out to assess the size of the kidneys. The results and pathophysiology were also discussed.