Heavy Metals Flashcards
The toxicity profiles of metals differ, but most of their effects appear
to result from interaction with ___________ and ___________
- sulfhydryl groups of enzymes
- regulatory proteins.
are organic compounds with 2 or more electronegative groups that form stable bonds with
cationic metal atoms.
chelators
These stable complexes lack the toxicity of the free metals and often are excreted readily
chelators
which function as chemical antagonists, are used as antidotes
in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning
Chelators
Heavy metals:
- lead
- arsenic
- mercury
- iron
Chelators:
- Dimercaprol
- succimer
- penicillamine
- Deferoxamine, deferasirox
- EDTA
Lead
Lead serves no useful purpose in the body and can damage the:
- hematopoietic tissues
- liver
- nervous system
- kidneys
- gastrointestinal tract
- reproductive system
Lead
Lead is a major
environmental hazard because it is present in the _______ and _______
throughout the world.
air and water
Lead
Because of the ban on lead over
20 years ago in _______, and because of bans on other industrial
products that previously contained lead, acute inorganic lead poisoning is no longer common in the United States.
Acute lead poisoning
gasoline
Lead
It can occur rarely from ___________ and in children who have ingested large quantities of chips or flakes from surfaces in older houses covered with lead-containing ______.
Acute lead poisoning
- industrial exposures (usually via the inhalation of dust)
- paint
Lead
The primary signs of this syndrome are ______________, including, particularly in children, acute encephalopathy.
Acute lead poisoning
acute abdominal colic and central nervous system (CNS) changes
Lead
The mortality rate is high in those with ____________, and prompt ___________ is mandatory.
Acute lead poisoning
- lead encephalopathy
- chelation therapy
Lead
Chronic inorganic lead poisoning (plumbism) is much more _______ than the acute form.
Chronic lead poisoning
common
Lead
Signs include:
Chronic lead poisoning
- peripheral neuropathy (wrist-drop is characteristic)
- anorexia
- anemia
- tremor
- weight loss
- gastrointestinal symptoms.
Lead
Treatment involves removal from the source of exposure, and chelation therapy, usually with ____________ in outpatients and with _____________ in more severe cases
Chronic lead poisoning
- oral succimer
- parenteral agents (eg, EDTA with or without dimercaprol)
Lead
Chronic lead poisoning in children presents as:
Chronic lead poisoning
- growth retardation
- neurocognitive deficits
- developmental delay
Leadv
is generally used in such children.
Chronic lead poisoning
Succimer
Lead
Similarly, studies suggest that lead may accentuate an age-related
decline in ___________ in older adults.
Chronic lead poisoning
cognitive function
Lead
In workers exposed to lead, ____________ is contraindicated because some evidence suggests that lead absorption may be enhanced by the presence of chelators
Chronic lead poisoning
prophylaxis with oral chelating agents
Lead
In contrast, high dietary
_________ is indicated because it impedes lead absorption.
Chronic lead poisoning
calcium
Lead
Now rare, poisoning by organic
lead was usually due to _________________ or ___________contained in ________ gasoline additives, which are no longer
used.
Organic lead poisoning
- tetraethyl lead or tetramethyl lead
- “antiknock”
Lead
This form of lead is readily absorbed through the ________ and ___________.
Organic lead poisoning
skin and
lungs
Lead
The primary signs of intoxication include:
Organic lead poisoning
- hallucinations
- headache
- irritability
- convulsions
- coma
Lead
Treatment consists
of __________ and __________
Organic lead poisoning
- decontamination
- seizure control
Arsenic
Arsenic is widely used in industrial processes and is also present in certain soils and released during the __________
burning of coal
Arsenic
Acute arsenic poisoning results in:
Acute arsenic poisoning
- severe gastrointestinal discomfort
- vomiting
- “rice-water” stools
- capillary damage with dehydration and shock
Arsenic
. A _________,_____
odor may be detected in the breath and the stools.
Acute arsenic poisoning
sweet, garlicky
Arsenic
Treatment consists of __________ to replace water and electrolytes, and _______________ with ______.
Acute arsenic poisoning
- supportive therapy
- chelation therapy with dimercaprol
Arsenic
Chronic arsenic intoxication causes:
Chronic arsenic poisoning
- skin changes
- hair loss
- bone marrow depression
- anemia
- chronic nausea
- gastrointestinal disturbances.
Arsenic
________ appears to be of value
Chronic arsenic poisoning
Dimercaprol therapy
Arsenic
Arsenic is a known
human _________.
Chronic arsenic poisoning
carcinogen
Arsenic
Arsine gas (AsH3), an occupational hazard, is
formed during the ____________ and is used in the semiconductor industry
Arsine gas
refinement and processing of certain metals
Arsenic
Arsine causes a unique form
of toxicity characterized by massive _______.
Arsine gas
hemolysis
Arsenic
_________
from erythrocyte breakdown can cause renal failure
Arsine gas
Pigment overload
Arsenic
Treatment
is _______________
Arsine gas
supportive
Arsenic
Currently available _______ have not been demonstrated to be of clinical value in arsine poisoning.
Arsine gas
chelating agents
Mercury
The main source of ______ as a toxic hazard is through the use of mercury-containing materials in dental laboratories and in the manufacture of wood preservatives, insecticides, and batteries.
inorganic mercury
Mercury
________ compounds are used as seed dressings (treatments to prevent fungal and bacterial infection of seed and
to improve the seed’s dispersion and adhesiveness) and fungicides.
Organic mercury
Mercury
Acute mercury poisoning usually occurs through _____________
Acute mercury poisoning
inhalation of inorganic elemental mercury
Mercury
It causes:
Acute mercury poisoning
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- nausea and vomiting
- kidney damage
- gastroenteritis
- CNS damage.
Mercury
In addition to intensive supportive care, prompt chelation with __________ or ________ is essential
Acute mercury poisoning
- oral succimer
- intramuscular dimercaprol