[Behavior of various biochemical indices of liver efficiency and of selected blood serum electrolytes in workers exposed to beryllium].

In 30 workers being occupationally exposed to beryllium, examinations of biochemical indicators of liver efficiency were carried out: activity of alanine and asparagine aminotraspherase and basic phosphatases, cholinesterase, content of total protein and its fraction. Levels of electrolytes were determined: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The above examinations were also carried out on 30 persons who have no contact with beryllium. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. In 10 persons from the group exposed to beryllium one found lowering of the level of magnesium in blood serum, whereas in the control group the level of this electrolyte was correct in all persons. As to the results on the level of magnesium, in both groups high statistical significance was found (p less than 0,01). A dependence was found between the amount of workers and the lowered level of magnesium in blood serum and the duration of occupational exposure to beryllium. The comparison of the remaining results of examinations of both groups did not reveal any statistically significant differences or the differences were at the point of statistical significance.