Associates' Presentations
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Lead toxicity: A problem for all physicians.
Dena A. Green, M.D., (Associate). Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin
Lead is one of the most ubiquitous environmental poisons encountered in everyday life yet is rarely thought to be a problem for physicians outside pediatric settings. Sources of lead in the environment include air, soil, and water, as well as paints. It is found commonly in the home and workplace, and especially in work settings, adults often have more opportunities for exposure than children. We report a case of an 18-year-old man who was exposed to significant lead levels while cleaning a gun shop. He presented with altered mental status, abdominal pain, and possible seizure activity. His serum lead level on admission was 104 mg/dL. He was treated successfully with chelation therapy, and recovered without complications or residual effects of the toxicity.
Discussion - This patient presented with classic signs and symptoms of acute lead toxicity, was transferred to a children's hospital for treatment, then presented to an Internal Medicine clinic for follow-up. This vignette discusses the common sources, modes of absorption, systemic signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing, and treatment of lead toxicity in the adult population.
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