Lead Poisoning Flashcards by Stephen Wellington

Q

What are some signs of lead poisoning?

A

Think Abdo pain and neurological signs.

Abdominal pain
Peripheral neuropathy (mainly motor)
Fatigue
Constipation
Blue lines on gum margin (only in 20% of adults, rare in children)

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Q

How do you investigate for lead poisoning?

A

Blood lead levels.
Blood serum raised delta aminolaevulinic acid
Full blood count - microcytic anaemia
Urine -
- Raised delta aminolaevulinic acid
- Raised coproporphyrin

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Q

How do you manage lead poisoning?

A

Use a chelating agent. (e.g. D-Penicillamine, EDTA, Dimercaptosuccinic acid [DMSA])

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