Heavy metals: Iron (Fe) Dr. Bergfelt

Question 1

what are 2 forms of iron found in body

Answer 1

ferrous (Fe2+)

ferric (Fe3+)

Question 2

how is Fe3+ stored in body? why?

Answer 2

stored as hemosiderin, ferritin & transferrin (protein bound) in liver, spleen & BM
Because in ferric form is a radical!

Question 3

exposure sources

Answer 3

oral - least toxic
IM - less toxic
IV - most toxic
Injectable iron
must consider Sows Vit E/selenium status, if she's deficient then any small amt of iron given to piglet may be toxic!

Question 4

What is the body’s defense vs incoming Fe

Answer 4

normally serum transferrin conc greatly exceed incoming iron

Question 5

Tx of iron toxicity

Answer 5

GIT decontamination: 
effective withing 4 hr of ingestion
induction of emesis or gastric lavage before onset of CS
Milk of magnesia to precipitate iron
Activated charcoal NOT effective
supportive tx

Question 6

summary of zinc & iron toxicosis

Answer 6

essential within diet
can be a toxicity with both if too much
but not very commonly
Lead toxicity more common

Question 7

True or False

Chelation with sodium EDTA can result in hypocalcemia

Answer 7

True