Metal toxicity notes Flashcards
What are the chronic toxicities of the nervous system?
altered mental status, peripheral neuropathy
What are the chronic toxicities of the renal system?
renal insufficiency
What are the chronic toxicities of the hematologic system?
Anemia and cytopenia
What are the chronic toxicities of the dermatologic system?
Rashes
What are the acute toxicities of the nervous system?
Altered mental status, peripheral neuropathy
What are the acute toxicities of the cardio system?
tachycardia, hypotension
What are the acute toxicities of the renal system?
Proteinuria, acute tubular necrosis
What are the acute toxicities of the GI system?
N/V/D
What are the acute toxicities of the derm system?
Skin hair nail changes days to weeks post exposure
What labs need to be checked for suspected toxicities?
• CBC with diff: check for hemolysis or basophilic stippling
• Renal fxn: BUN, Cr
• UA – proteinuria
• LFT’s
• KUB – may show evidence of metal ingestion
• ECG: abnormalities suggest specific metals
• Metal specific testing:
o Whole blood levels
o Urine excretion levels
o Hair analysis
o Chelator mobilization tests NOT considered reliable
What are the potential sources of arsenic poisoning?
- Inhalation of dust residues (occupational)
- Pesticide sprays
- Arsenic Trioxide (antineoplastic) for leukemia
- Alternative medicines/remedies
- Well water
What are the acute effects of arsenic poisoning?
- GI – n/v/d/bleeding
- CV – shock, dysrhythmia, prolonged QT (Torsades)
- CNS – coma, seizures, agitation
- Renal – acute tubular necrosis, hematuria/proteinuria
- Bone marrow suppression
- Peripheral neuropathy
What are the chronic effects of arsenic poisoning?
- Skin: dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, malignancy
- Neurologic: Stocking glove parathesias
- Hepatotoxicity
What are the specific dx tests for suspected arsenic poisoning?
- Urine arsenic lead
- Blood arsenic level
- Levels do not correlate with severe clinical findings
What are the treatment options for arsenic poisoning?
- ABC’s
- Activated charcoal to absorb arsenic in GI tract
- Whole bowel irrigation is KUB positive
- Chelation Rx – BAL and succimer and/or DMPS