Can elevated chromium induce somatopsychic responses?

The possible somatopsychological effects of chromium (Cr) was investigated in a population of patients, from a surgical ward of our hospital, who required total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions, and who became exposed to various amounts of this metal from this treatment. The study involved a questionnaire as well as biochemical tests which included serum Cr and other selected trace metals. The renal status for all eligible patients was within normal parameters. The patient population varied in age, pathology, surgical treatment, and duration on TPN. The results showed that every patient who received TPN had an increased serum Cr level; some increases were up to 50-fold above the normal reference level for serum Cr. Although statistical analysis failed to show any significant statistical relationship between an increased serum Cr and the investigated somatopsychological disturbances, this effect cannot be ruled out since one case did show all the dream disturbances. Considering these cases, the action of sedative medications that may suppress the effects of Cr, cannot be ruled out. As Cr(III) may be potentially genotoxic at high concentrations, infusion of this metal over long time periods should be avoided. Supplementation of Cr in TPN solutions appears to be unnecessary for short-term TPN because this metal is a known contaminant of these solutions. Efforts are required to find TPN nutrients with low or no Cr contamination.