Heavy Metal Toxicity Flashcards
Most common population to present with lead poisoning.
Children
How does lead poison the body?
Interferes with enzymes that use zinc and calcium.
- heme synthesis (anemia)
- DNA transcription (hematopoiesis)
- neurotransmitter release (paresthesia, paralysis)
Main reservoir in the body that contains the lead “burden” in lead poisoning.
Bones
Most common clinical manifestations of lead poisoning found on physical exam.
Foot and wrist drop
Why is penicillamine used as the major chelating treatment for all these metal toxicities?
It has an electronegative sulfhydryl group that forms an ionic bond with the positive charged metals. This complex is easily excreted thru the urine.
(Chelation = a particular way that ions and molecules bind metal ions)
Dangerous manifestation of arsenic toxicity.
Cancer: it’s a major human carcinogen
Clinical manifestation of arsenic poisoning seen on nails.
Mee’s Lines
Specific group of patients to keep away from fish due to mercury poisoning.
Pregnant patients. Mercury crosses the placenta and in small amounts is Teratogenic. Mother is usually symptomatic
