Lead Poisoning

Question 1

What are some signs of lead poisoning?

Answer 1

Think Abdo pain and neurological signs.

1. Abdominal pain
2. Peripheral neuropathy (mainly motor)
3. Fatigue
4. Constipation
5. Blue lines on gum margin (only in 20% of adults, rare in children)

Question 2

How do you investigate for lead poisoning?

Answer 2

1. Blood lead levels.
2. Blood serum raised delta aminolaevulinic acid
3. Full blood count - microcytic anaemia
4. Urine -
   
   • Raised delta aminolaevulinic acid
   • Raised coproporphyrin

Question 3

How do you manage lead poisoning?

Answer 3

Use a chelating agent. (e.g. D-Penicillamine, EDTA, Dimercaptosuccinic acid [DMSA])