Toxic Elements in Children with Congenital Malformations of the Heart and Great Vessels
Aim. To determine the level of toxic and potentially toxic trace elements in children with congenital malformations of the heart and great vessels (CMHaGV), including in intraoperative biopsysamples. Results. 83.9 ± ± 6.6 % of patients with CMHaGV had toxic elements, that was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than in healthy children (14.3 ± 5.9 %). Patients with cardiovascular malformations had higher levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, aluminum, barium; barium was detected in heart tissues of 56.3 % of patients. 35.5 ± 8.6 % of children with CMHaGV had potentially toxic elements — arsenic and nickel, their presence documented both in the hair and in heart tissue. Conclusion. The findings indicate an increased content of toxic elements in children with CMHaGV compared with healthy peers living in similar environmental conditions.