Sources and Overview of Lead Poisoning
- Common sources: Lead-based paints, contaminated dust or soil, batteries, gasoline additives (older formulations).
- Chronic exposure is more common, often due to:
- Occupational settings.
- Environmental contamination.
Clinical Symptoms
-
Neurological:
- Children: Developmental delay, learning difficulties, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, hearing loss.
- Adults: Peripheral neuropathy (e.g., wrist drop), encephalopathy (in severe cases).
-
Gastrointestinal:
- Abdominal pain (“lead colic”), constipation.
-
Hematological:
- Inhibits heme synthesis enzymes → microcytic hypochromic anemia.
- Basophilic stippling of red blood cells.
-
Other Signs:
- “Lead lines” on gingiva (Burton’s lines).
- “Lead lines” on metaphyses of long bones (visible on X-ray).
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Management of Lead Poisoning
- Remove source of exposure.
- Chelation Therapy:
- Calcium disodium EDTA – commonly used.
- Dimercaprol (BAL) – used with EDTA in acute cases.
- D-Penicillamine – less commonly used.
- Succimer (DMSA) – preferred for milder cases, especially in children.
- Supportive Measures:
- Treat anemia.
- Nutritional support (supplement calcium, iron, zinc).
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