The diagnosis of dioxin-associated illness

Abstract

The clinical recognition of dioxin-associated illness can be extremely difficult for the physician. After analyzing the relative sensitivity and specificity of reported manifestations of exposure to 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), we suggest criteria for the diagnosis of dioxin toxicity. Exposure to higher doses of 2,3,7,8-TCDD may lead to the appearance of chloracne and the increased excretion of porphyrins and porphyria cutanea tarda. Liver function abnormalities, peripheral neuropathy, hyperlipidemia, and evidence of weakness and depression may occur following exposure; however, these findings are less specific since diseases such as diabetes or alcoholism could cause several of these problems. The long-term effects of exposure to low-dose TCDD are currently uncertain.