HEAVY METAL POISONING Flashcards
Arsenic poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Inhibits cellular respiration by binding to sulfhydryl groups and interfering with enzymes like pyruvate dehydrogenase.
Arsenic poisoning - Clinical features
Gastrointestinal symptoms, garlic odor on breath, hypotension, QT prolongation, and chronic exposure causing skin changes (hyperpigmentation, keratosis).
Arsenic poisoning - Antidote
Dimercaprol or succimer (DMSA).
Lead poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Interferes with heme synthesis and causes oxidative stress by replacing essential cations like calcium and zinc.
Lead poisoning - Clinical features
Abdominal pain, anemia (basophilic stippling), neurological symptoms (wrist/foot drop, cognitive decline), and lead lines on gums (Burton’s lines).
Lead poisoning - Antidote
Dimercaprol, EDTA, or succimer (DMSA) for chelation.
Mercury poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Binds sulfhydryl groups, disrupting proteins and enzymes, especially in the nervous and renal systems.
Mercury poisoning - Clinical features
Neurological symptoms (tremors, memory loss, erethism), acrodynia (painful extremities), and renal damage.
Mercury poisoning - Antidote
Dimercaprol or succimer (DMSA).
Iron poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Generates free radicals through Fenton reaction, leading to oxidative damage to cells and tissues.
Iron poisoning - Clinical features
Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hematemesis, metabolic acidosis, and multiorgan failure in severe cases.
Iron poisoning - Antidote
Deferoxamine (chelating agent).
Copper poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Promotes oxidative damage through free radical generation and disrupts cellular processes.
Copper poisoning - Clinical features
Nausea, vomiting, hemolysis, and hepatic or renal failure.
Copper poisoning - Antidote
Penicillamine or trientine; zinc for Wilson’s disease.
Thallium poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Disrupts cellular potassium uptake and causes mitochondrial dysfunction.
Thallium poisoning - Clinical features
Hair loss, neuropathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, and seizures.
Thallium poisoning - Antidote
Prussian blue (ferric hexacyanoferrate).
Cadmium poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Interferes with calcium metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and kidney damage.
Cadmium poisoning - Clinical features
Renal damage (proteinuria), lung disease (emphysema), and skeletal damage (Itai-itai disease).
Cadmium poisoning - Antidote
No specific antidote; supportive care and chelation with EDTA in severe cases.
Chromium poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Causes oxidative stress and DNA damage by generating free radicals.
Chromium poisoning - Clinical features
Respiratory symptoms (bronchitis, nasal septum perforation), and dermatitis upon chronic exposure.
Chromium poisoning - Antidote
No specific antidote; supportive care and decontamination.
Zinc poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Excess zinc disrupts copper absorption and enzyme function, leading to oxidative damage.
Zinc poisoning - Clinical features
Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and copper deficiency with chronic exposure.
Zinc poisoning - Antidote
No specific antidote; supportive care.
Aluminum poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Disrupts calcium metabolism and impairs neurological function.
Aluminum poisoning - Clinical features
Neurotoxicity, bone pain, and anemia, especially in dialysis patients.
Aluminum poisoning - Antidote
Deferoxamine (chelates aluminum).
Gold poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Interferes with immune function and cellular processes.
Gold poisoning - Clinical features
Dermatitis, stomatitis, bone marrow suppression, and renal damage.
Gold poisoning - Antidote
Dimercaprol or penicillamine.
Nickel poisoning - Mechanism of toxicity
Generates reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative damage and hypersensitivity.
Nickel poisoning - Clinical features
Dermatitis, respiratory symptoms, and carcinogenic effects with chronic exposure.
Nickel poisoning - Antidote
No specific antidote; supportive care.
