Lead poisoning

Pt was likely in an old home. Occasionally eating paint chips because why not.

Lead Toxicity

Microcytic anemia Abdominal Pain Peripheral Neuropathy

Dx: test VENOUS blood lead

Tx: Kids- succimer Adults - EDTA

• Young patient who renovates old houses who presents with abdominal pain, wrist drop, sensory defects and a microcytic hypochromic anemia, most consistent with lead poisoning
• Symptoms for lead poisoning: LEAD (Lead lines on gingivae and metaphyses of long bones, Encephalopathy and Erythrocyte basophilic stippling, Abdominal pain and sideroblastic Anemia and wrist Drop (with other neuro symptoms)
• Lead poisoning treatments: Dimercaprol, EDTA (calcium sodium edetate = calcium sodium EDTA), succimer
• Key idea: Potential buzzwords that should trigger thought of lead poisoning include battery factory, homemade whiskey, renovating old house, etc.

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