symptoms
Weakness, dizziness, abdominal pain, generalized body ache, loss of appetite and anxiety
diagnosis
Personal Risk Questionnaire: residency in building built before 1960, or frequent visits to buildings built before 1960, contact with people who have lead poisoning, high-risk zip code of residence, high-risk job.
2 routine BLC-screening tests: First at the age of 1 and the second at 2 for those who are at high-risk. For children that were not screened at those ages it is required to be tested between the ages 3 and 6 to be tested.
2 routine BLC-screening tests: First at the age of 1 and the second at 2 for those who are at high-risk. For children that were not screened at those ages it is required to be tested between the ages 3 and 6 to be tested.
- If BLC results are between 10 -19 μg/dL, dietary and environmental changes and a second BLC within 1 month are recommended.
- If BLC increases or is between 15-19 μg/dL for 3 months OR first BLC results are 20-44 μg/dL, a complete history, physical examination and measurement of iron and hemoglobin are required.
treatment
1. Remove person from the site of exposure & eliminate any possible sources of lead poisoning.
2. Pharmacological treatment depends on the age, symptoms & BLC.
Approved chelation treatments for acute and chronic lead poisoning:
2. Pharmacological treatment depends on the age, symptoms & BLC.
- Standard treatment method is Chelation Therapy which binds the toxins in the blood stream by circulating the chelating solution.
- Adults with BLC of 80 or more μg/dL should get an immediate medical evaluation for probable chelation therapy.
- For children, chelating therapy should be used if BLC is 45 or more μg/dL for two samples taken with a 24-48 hour gap in between samples.
- For adults with 100 or more μg/dL and children with 70 or more μg/dL Hospitalization and parenteral treatment* should occur.
Approved chelation treatments for acute and chronic lead poisoning:
- dimercaprol or British AntiLewisite (BAL) - one of the oldest agents used. Side effects: Skin contact produces immediate pain and blistering., Eye contact can even result in blindness
- calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CaNa2EDTA) - the preferred agent during pregnancy. side effects are depletion of zinc and copper.
- Dpenicillamine - side effects: renal and bone dysfunction
- Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) - First choice for mild lead poisoning. side effects: can produce meternal toxicity by decreasing weight gain
- Vitamin C & E - reduce lead-induced oxidative stress.
- Garlic - effective in lowering BLC.